Sampdoria supremo Beppe Marotta has stressed that Antonio Cassano’s statements about leaving the club have been wildly exaggerated.

The Samp chief has said that the outburst was 'understandable' and that it was not a 'cassanta', a term used to describe the hitman's many tantrums.

"I think that his remarks must be accepted," Marotta told Radio Anch'io Lo Sport.

"It is an outburst that comes at the end of a bad game and was aimed at a minority of the Marassi crowd.

"And I also reckon that he did it to protect the entire group. His comments have nothing to do with the 'cassanate' of his past.

"Cassano is a world-class player. Should he decide to leave one day, we should only be grateful to him for what he did for Samp. He deserves respect only because of this."

Despite Cassano's rich vein of form this season which has propelled Sampdoria to the top echelon of the Serie A, Italy manager Marchello Lippi has continually left the former Roma striker out in the cold.

"Antonio seemed disappointed and referred to the insults he received at Marassi," explained Marotta.

"But it is possible that he is still bitter over the exclusion from the Nazionale. He really craves to wear the Italy shirt. As a result, he is not at ease at the moment.

"Nonetheless, we must respect the choices of the coach."