Temperamental striker Antonio Cassano should not be treated like he is from another planet, Italian national coach Roberto Donadoni said.

To the surprise of the Italian supporters, Donadoni names Cassano for the provisional team, having not been called up for a while.

The Sampdoria forward, on loan from Real Madrid, has had a superb season but also served a five-match ban for verbal abuse against a referee and throwing his shirt towards him.

“Antonio Cassano is just a lad, don’t make him into an alien,” Donadoni told a news conference.

“I believe after that suspension in the league he has understood what it means to be in a group.”

Team mates, including full back Gianluca Zambrotta have also backed the talented front man.

“I am not surprised to see Cassano with the national team,” Zambrotta said. “He’s had a good season and I don’t believe he needs particular advice.”

But Cassano’s inclusion in the squad meant that there was no place for Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi.

In fact, Inzaghi has criticised Donadoni for not calling him to inform him that he had been left out, but the coach was unrepentant.

“I respect him but he must respect me," said Donadoni.