Hull City midfielder Kevin Kilbane has been slaughtered by Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano.

Cassano steamed into Italy coach Marcello Lippi after being overlooked for their World Cup qualifier against Kilbane's Republic of Ireland.

Cassano also hit out at the selection of Udinese winger Simone Pepe, who kept his place in the squad despite some dire performances for both club-and-country.

He said: "Lippi says that this guy is a great dribbler down the wing, who beats opponents for fun. Man, Pepe couldn't even tie up his own shoelaces.

"When I was at Roma with Pepe, he was struggling to get in the reserves. He used to shine my football boots, and I would send him down to the shop to get me snacks.

"I am going to laugh when Italy play against Ireland, and Pepe makes Kevin Kilbane look like a peak Paolo Maldini."