Cassano on Italy call-up

Italian striker Antonio Cassano has expressed his delight at being included in the provisional squad named by Italy coach Roberto Donadoni for the Euro 2008 finals.

Donodoni declared the provisional 24-man squad for the finals to be staged in Austria and Switzerland nex month. Cassano was a surprise choice really since no one quite expected the fall-out boy of Real Madrid to make it to the final squad.

Cassano is on loan from Real Madrid to Sampdoria but has have had a phenomenal season in the Italian Serie A and seems to have got rid of his temperament demons.

Cassano had this to say after being included by Donadoni in his plans:

"This call-up gives me great satisfaction.

“In August last year, on the day of my presentation at Sampdoria, I pointed out that a return to the national team for the Euros was one of my goals.

“To have reached the end of a beautiful and exhilarating season, it makes me even more happy and proud.

"In such a beautiful moment my thanks must go to Sampdoria of course, to the club, President and head director, to the staff, to my coach, team-mates and to the supporters who since my first day in Genoa made me feel really at home.



“And of course I must thank Donadoni, who has always maintained with me a rapport of esteem and fairness.

“I very much hope they I can be useful to his cause and to that of all Italians."

Antonio Cassano is just 25 years old and has loads of talent. The main problem lies in his temperament and in his attitude but Donadoni seems to have given Cassano the benefit of the doubt. Cassano hasn't played for Italy since September 2006.

Roberto Donadoni shall name his final 23 next week.