Marcelo Lippi has urged striker Antonio Cassano to keep up his good form in order to be a part of the Italy national team.

Cassano who has been in sensational form for Sampdoria in the Serie A all season long has been left out of the Azzurri side since Lippi took charge.

Speaking to Sky Sport 24, Lippi said: "Cassano? He should check his ID - if he is between 18 and 40, then he must continue to play well and when I make my choices there is a chance he will be there [in the squad],"

The Azzurri boss also went on to clarify that he has nothing against the former Real Madrid ace and unlike what media speculations have made up, he is taking notice of the Sampdoria striker.

"I have nothing in particular against him, nor anyone else. My decisions are simply based on my technical ideas."

Cassano's last appearance for Italy was at Euro 2008.