Italy's Cassano worried about World Cup prospects

MADRID, Apr 24 (Reuters) Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano is worried about his chances of making the Italy squad for the World Cup finals in Germany.

''I haven't lost hope but I think it is going to be very difficult,'' Cassano told reporters after yesterday's 2-1 win over Malaga in the Bernabeu.

''I am not playing very much with my club and usually it is only those who are playing regularly who go.'' The 23-year-old was given a rare start with Ronaldo out injured on Sunday, but was guilty of squandering some of his side's best chances as they laboured to overhaul a 1-0 deficit against the Primera Liga's bottom club.

It was only after he was withdrawn in the second half that Zinedine Zidane and Sergio Ramos scrambled a last minute win.

''I had some good chances today but luck wasn't with me. I played an hour and need to continue playing. I am convinced I will improve,'' he added.

Cassano joined Real from AS Roma at the beginning of January for a fee of 5.5 million euros (.64 million).

Real are third in the league two points behind second-placed Valencia and 10 behind Barcelona who have a game in hand.

REUTERS PM VC1800