Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has hinted at an immediate recall to the Azzurri squad for Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano once he returns to club duty.

Former Real Madrid star Cassano has missed Samp's last four games after a much-publicised row with club president Riccardo Garrone and his lack of playing time meant he was not considered for the squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Romania.

Prandelli said: "I do not condone what he did, he has made my job more difficult. But when he returns to playing - for Sampdoria or anyone else - I am ready to call on him again.

"It seemed that all the problems (between Cassano and Garrone) were solved, I do not know what happened. As I have said many times, he's a young man who needs help.

"I have the utmost respect for Sampdoria and the club's president and we didn't want to enter the controversy so I decided not to call him up. Cassano realised immediately he had caused problems for our project as I cannot have any continuity to my attack. We are hoping to review the project in the spring."

Cassano's absence could mean a start for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli. "Balotelli is doing well in England and I expect another important performance for the Azzurri," Prandelli commented. "I have found him to have a smile on his face at the moment and the desire to play. We all know this is a big time in his career."