And ‘Zambro’ hopes Cassano will be on the plane too…

Milan full-back Gianluca Zambrotta has openly pleaded with Marcello Lippi to be named in Italy’s squad for the World Cup finals this summer.

“Dear Marcello…” he laughed during a guest appearance on La7 show ‘Victor Victoria’.

“No, scratch that, it’s too friendly. Dear gaffer, I am ready! Take me to the World Cup.”

Zambrotta missed out through injury on the Azzurri’s friendly international with Cameroon last month but is widely expected to be on the flight to South Africa.

Then the 33-year-old, who played a crucial role in Italy’s triumph in 2006, went on to make a compelling case for Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano, who looks likely to be overlooked despite his superb season.

“Lippi, if he nets 20 more goals, you could take Cassano too...” concluded Zambrotta.