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Riva gives hope to Azzurri outcasts

Tue 25 Mar, 10:45 AM


Italy national team manager and all-time record goalscorer Luigi Riva insists Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano could yet win recalls.Riva says the door may yet open for Del Piero, Cassano and others not selected for Wednesday's international friendly in Spain.

On Saturday, Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni named a 21-man squad which did not include Del Piero, who immediately responded by guiding Juventus to a 2-1 victory over Serie A leaders Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Real Madrid forward Cassano, on loan at Sampdoria, is currently serving a five-match ban after being sent off against Torino on March 2 but has impressed on his return to Italy.

"I do not think that two months before Euro 2008 begins we can know the definite choices," Riva told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Cassano, Del Piero and others will have their chances based on their performances."

Genoa forward Marco Borriello retained his place in Donadoni's squad after earning his first cap against Portugal.

The 25-year-old is Serie A top scorer this season with 17 goals in 26 appearances, and told the FIGC website: "I would like to thank the coach for his confidence, this is the prize for what I am doing (at Genoa).

"I will try to continue to do well in the league."

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