Donadoni: Del Piero, Cassano still in

In an interview with Spanish sports paper Don Balon, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni talked about the players he is considering for his Euro 2008 squad, and revealed that the doors are open for every player who deserves to come along.

So even Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano, who were both excluded in the Azzurri's most recent matches, should not feel left out already.

"Everyone still has a chance, so [Del Piero and Cassano] do as well," said Donadoni. "It depends only on them. I assure you that if until the Euros a player plays frequently and trains with his team, the doors of the national team are open."

That will sound like great news to Cassano, who was recently sent off during Sampdoria's match against Torino for some petulant protesting against the referee and suspended for five matches. It was said that this umpteenth controversial episode was the last nail in the coffin for Cassano's chances to take part in the Euro 2008 squad, but it now seems that was exaggerated.

The coach then revealed his sensations three months before the start of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"I've been thinking about the Euros since we qualified, and especially since the draw was made," he continued. "From the moment I knew who our opponents would be, I only think about analysing their squads, and of course about my own players as well, but that's the life of a national team coach."