Cassano delighted with call-up

Cassano: Impressive season

Antonio Cassano has expressed his relief at earning a recall to the Italian national squad in time for Euro 2008.

The striker has not featured for his country since September 2006, but has been included in Roberto Donadoni's 24-man training squad ahead of this summer's tournament.

His return to the fold is based on a successful season back in Italy with Sampdoria, where he has helped the club secure a Uefa Cup spot and broke into double figures for goals scored.

It remains to be seen whether he makes the final 23-man cut, but for now Cassano is just delighted to be back in the frame.

Proud

"This call has given me great satisfaction," he told Italian media.

"Last August when I joined Sampdoria I underlined that returning to the national team ahead of the European Championship would be one of my aims.

"Having achieved it at the end of a sensational season like the one I had makes me very happy and proud."