Italy coach Marcello Lippi has decided against taking Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano to the World Cup finals as he finalises his 23-man squad for South Africa 2010.

Speculation has been mounting about a possible return to the internationla scene for the Sampdoria maverick, who has been majestic this season as the Blucerchiati have made terrific start to the new campaign.

Luigi Del Neri's men currently sit fourth in Serie A on 24 points, eight behind runaway leaders Inter Milan, and Cassano's performances have won him many plaudits as calls for a return to the Azzurri continue to grow.

The Bari-born star, who has a history of disciplinary troubles, was last summoned for international duty at Euro 2008, although the 27-year-old did not feature as Italy were dumped out in the quarter-finals by Spain on penalties.

Despite a poor showing at this summer's Confederations Cup and clamours for his recall in the Azzurri’s 23-man squad for South Africa, coach Marcello Lippi has buried Fantantonio’s chances of selection once and for all.

"I am very sorry for Cassano as he is a very good guy, but I have my own ideas, even though an incredible situation has been created," Lippi told Italian magazine L'Espresso.

"Everyone says I am a hard head and arrogant, but my real defect is being coherent. Fans and the papers are always like political parties. Everyone has his own candidate for the national team.

"The reason I don't give explanations regarding my selections is because it would create other situations. I have my own ideas," he added.