Lippi refuses to be drawn on Cassano

(New Press/Getty Images)

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has refused to comment on his decision to leave Sampdoria midfielder Antonio Cassano out of his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and the Republic of Ireland.

The 26-year-old has been overlooked despite being in outstanding form for his club.

"You know I only talk about players that are here," Lippi insisted. "I don't have to give reasons for my decisions. I have my convictions and I don't have to give explanations and that's not because I'm arrogant."

Elsewhere, Livorno president Aldo Spinelli has revealed that Torino are about to sack their coach Walter Novellino. Spinelli has confirmed that current Livorno boss Giancarlo Camolese will be Novellino's successor.

Camolese coached Torino between 2000 and 2002 and has been chosen as the man to guide the club away from the relegation zone.

"We want to leave him free because Torino is in his heart, and we have agreed to let him go at the end of March," said Spinelli. "We had a phone call from Torino's general secretary, asking us about Camolese, and I am sure when he gets down to work, he will pull Torino out of their slump."

Torino have won only five of their 29 Serie A games so far this season.