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," he said.

"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."