Giovanni Trapattoni gives Antonio Cassano his second consecutive cap and admits he is ready to be part of the Euro 2004 squad.
“Cassano did enough in his debut to earn a test alongside Francesco Totti,” confirmed the Coach ahead of tonight’s friendly match with Romania.
The young Roma man scored Italy’s only goal in Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Poland and impressed on his debut.
“Of course I can call him up for the Championship squad. I watch Serie A and keep a close eye on the new talent – as proved by Cristiano Doni’s participation in the 2002 World Cup.”
The competition for players in forward positions is particularly tough this year and there are reports Cassano could edge of Juventus player Fabrizio Miccoli.
“The two players are on level terms,” noted Trapattoni, “but take on different roles and characteristics. Both are among the potential Euro 2004 participants.”
Cassano was frozen out of the Under-21 squad following a series of rows with Coach Claudio Gentile and retains a streak of youthful arrogance.
“Many people will be looking at my career now and suffering at the sight of me doing so well,” said the ex-Bari starlet.
“I am a lad who likes to have fun and joke around,” he insisted, “but I believe my best features are honesty and loyalty.”
“I grew up without a great deal to rely on, but that early struggle helped create character and was a blessing in disguise. My mother is the most important person to me and was able to raise me single-handed.”
Another important figure in his newly discovered maturity is Roma Coach Fabio Capello.
“He knows when to give me a cuddle and when I need to be taken down a peg or two,” concluded Cassano. “Thank the Lord and Capello I managed to get through those difficult years.”
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