Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini is happy with the partnership he is developing with Antonio Cassano.

Both men found themselves on the scoresheet during the 3-1 victory over Udinese on Sunday and afterwards Pazzini outlined the reasons for the Blucerchiati's bright start to the campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sports the former Viola star commented "I've started where I finished off last year, both in the league and cup I have scored and it could not have gone better.

"We have achieved a victory against a great team, we played well and got a positive result."

Team-mate Antonio Cassano was also heavily involved in the win - scoring, assisting and missing a penalty and Pazzini was full of plaudits for the former Real Madrid man.

"Playing with Cassano is really nice. I feel lucky to play by his side, everyone wants to do it," he continued.

Despite the duo's impressive domestic form they have both been left out of Italy boss Marcello Lippi's squad for the forthcoming internationals.

When asked about this ommission Pazzini replied "Lippi has not called me or Antonio, it's too bad. We work everyday and give our best. Today, being selected [by Lippi] would be a dream, but that's OK."