++ [ originally posted by DelpieroForLife ] ++
Will Cassano feature in the game ???
I doubt that. Though anything can happen.
Spalletti: I’ll play Cassano
Monday 7 November, 2005
Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti has not given up on controversial striker Antonio Cassano remaining at the club and has vowed to play him again.
Cassano, who has had numerous run-ins with the Giallorossi over his contract situation, seems destined to leave Rome for either Juventus or Inter in January after barely featuring in the side this term.
But Spalletti, speaking at Italy’s national training headquarters in Coverciano where he was awarded the Golden Bench award for best Coach of 2004-05, insisted on Monday that Cassano is not a lost cause.
"I think we can resolve the Cassano problem," he said. "We are evaluating every possible solution every day.
"I am thinking about playing him," added the former Udinese tactician. "A player like Cassano is a prize asset to any side, even Roma.
"We remember what it was like with Cassano in the side and there are still a few weeks to go and a few matches to play (before the January transfer window).
"Obviously, much depends on what sort of form he is in."
These comments come in stark contrast to those of the club, who said only last week that Cassano had burnt his bridges with Roma once and for all.
"The Cassano case is closed," said club secretary Rosella Sensi, reiterating her stance of October 19 when she went so far as to launch a personal attack on the Bari-born 23-year-old.
"He is a liar and I refuse to talk to somebody that changes his story from one day to the next," she had declared.
Cassano’s current contract expires in June 2006 and the £20m signing could leave on a free transfer if no renewal is agreed.
Meanwhile, Mantova boss Mimmo Di Carlo was rewarded for his efforts with the promoted Serie B club over the last year with the Silver Bench award.