Rome - The absence of controversial talent Antonio Cassano from Italy's line-up is the talking point this week among football buffs as the world champions gear up for two qualifying games to the 2010 World Cup.
Coach Marcello Lippi resorted to his trademark tough-guy attitude saying that he doesn't have to give reasons for his choices - one of the benefits of having won Italy's fourth world title in 2006.
"I have my convictions and I don't owe explanations," he said. "And not because I'm arrogant, but because I want to work with who is present."