Donadoni Confirms: Cassano is of this Earth

Everyone has their own opinions about Antonio Cassano. Some say he is just too temperamental, and that a silly red card from the emotional striker could cost Italy the title at Euro 2008. Others see only his amazing talent, and say that if he keeps his temper under control, he could give Italy a title, not cost them one. But today, Italy manager Roberto Donadoni made one thing clear. Antonio Cassano is not an alien.

“Antonio Cassano is just a lad, don’t make him into an alien” said the Don. “I believe after that heavy suspension in the league he has understood what it means to be in a group.”

All eyes will certainly be on Cassano as he joins Luca Toni, Marco Borrellio and others in an Italian strike force with high expectations. Toni in particular has had a stellar year, but only time will tell if the good form of players like Tonigol and Cassano will be enough to get Italy through the group of death, through the knockouts, and into the final. The same can be said of Cassano’s performance – hard to predict, but one way or the other, either with dazzling goals or a Zidane-like on-the-pitch explosion, there’s little question that he will entertain.