Antonio Cassano is desperate to play at the 2010 World Cup and wants Marcello Lippi to consider him.

The former AS Roma and Real Madrid forward has been a revelation since joining Sampdoria but his ill-tempered past has seen Lippi leaving him out of the national team.

Cassano knows his fate lies in the hands of Lippi but will continue to produce his best football in his push for a recall.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: "The national team? We have touched upon this many times, but Lippi is the coach, and he has to decide,

"I will always give my availability for selection, but I cannot hold a gun to his head."

Italy's next World Cup qualification match will be on September 5 against Georgia.