All eyes on Cassano
Wednesday 12 November, 2003
Antonio Cassano and Marco Marchionni will both start in tonight’s friendly against Poland.
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed that both men will make their debut in an experimental Azzurri line-up.
All eyes will be on the 21-year-old Roma sensation after he was surprisingly included in the squad.
He’s undoubtedly one of the most talented youngsters in the Italian game but there are still massive question marks over his maturity.
Cassano has had numerous off the field problems in recent years and was frozen out of the Under-21 set-up after clashing with boss Claudio Gentile.
However, the former Bari youngster has started the season in style and has a real opportunity to impress Trap.
"Will I be picked for Euro 2004? One never knows," responded Cassano. "I think I’ll be playing against Fabrizio Miccoli for a place.
"For now I’m just concentrating on this game and the one against Romania on Sunday. I’ll think about the future after those matches."
The Azzurri will be without numerous first team regulars such as Totti, Del Piero, Inzaghi, Buffon and Zambrotta but Trap has still selected a competitive side.
Francesco Toldo will play in goal, behind a defence of Panucci, Cannavaro, Nesta and Pancaro or Oddo.
Perrotta and Zanetti will again be the central midfield pairing, with Marchionni, Cassano and Di Vaio all supporting Christian Vieri.
Italy: Toldo; Panucci, Cannavaro, Nesta, Oddo (Pancaro); Perrotta, Zanetti; Marchionni, Cassano, Di Vaio; Vieri