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Cassano begins Italy training camp

ROME: Bringing temperamental forward Antonio Cassano to the European football Championship is a risk and Italy coach Roberto Donadoni knows it.

With the World Cup champion opening its training camp on Sunday, Donadoni recounted his conversation with Cassano when he informed the player he had been selected.

“He asked me, ‘coach, do you trust me? I won’t disappoint.’ I responded that rather than talking, he’s got to listen,” Donadoni said.

“There’s no more time to justify yourself with words. He’s only a 25-year-old kid, but I think that after that heavy ban in the league he understands what type of situation he’s in.”

In March, Cassano was banned for five Serie ‘A’ matches for throwing his jersey at the referee and threatening him. Cassano yelled obscenities and indicated with his hands that he would be waiting in the locker room after the game to get revenge on the referee.

That incident only renewed his reputation as a troublemaker after numerous run-ins with Fabio Capello, his former coach at AS Roma and Real Madrid.

Cassano has drifted in relative obscurity the past few seasons, having left Roma for Madrid following a dispute with captain Francesco Totti. He found little playing time at Madrid and did not make Italy’s squad for the 2006 World Cup.

A turn around

Until his five-game ban, this season had marked a turnaround for Cassano, who has 10 goals in 22 appearances with Sampdoria while on loan from Madrid. He has only three goals in 10 appearances for Italy, but was the team’s top player at Euro 2004.

“It doesn’t surprise me to see Cassano on the National team,” defender Gianluca Zambrotta said at the training centre in Florence.

“He had a good season and I don’t think he needs any special advice. He’s matured since Euro 2004. He’s four years older. We’re not talking about a 16-year-old kid.

“Antonio has more experience now and let’s hope he gives us a boost in quality and makes us win. We veterans welcome him with affection, without problems,” he added.

Cassano hasn’t played for Italy in nearly two years, but could still challenge Antonio Di Natale for a starting spot on the left wing. Donadoni has to cut one player from his 24-man roster by Wednesday, but — barring any behavioural problems — it’s not expected to be Cassano. Midfielders Riccardo Montolivo and Alberto Aquilani appear in greater danger. “Don’t put any pressure on Cassano, he’s going to do great things,” goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said. — AP

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