Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano was involved in a furious row with Reggina coach Renzo Ulivieri during yesterday's 3-0 victory.

Ulivieri was sent to the stands for the bust-up and Cassano explained: "There was a penalty kick on me and he started shouting at me from the sidelines. He was sent off quite correctly.

"He wanted me sent off as well? What for, I didn't say anything!"

The television footage seems to suggest otherwise, as Cassano was spotted hurling abuse at the veteran Coach for at least 20 seconds.

Ulivieri said of the incident: "I reacted because Cassano swore at me.

"The referee should have intervened immediately to prevent the situation, not that I want to make any evaluations on the officials."

Sampdoria dominated the match at Marassi and Cassano was inspirational, setting up the opener and earning a series of free kicks with his mazy runs.

"I am not even at 40 per cent fitness!" smiled the former Roma and Real Madrid starlet.

"It was a long time since I played an hour at a good level and I need to train hard over the week, so I hope I'm on the right road.

"A goal was not important. The key thing is that the team played well and we got three points."