Serie A coaching legend Zdenek Zeman says Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano deserves an Azzurri recall.

Cassano has been inspirational for Sampdoria this season, making them unlikely title challengers with six wins from their opening nine games.

Zeman said: "Every Coach relates his choices to the objectives that he wants to realise with the group.

"Cassano's talent is not up for discussion, and now his characteristics can actually work in function with the team."