The phrase heard throughout Antonio Cassano's career is: "We must not judge him, but rather understand him." Now we understand him all too well – the kid's got serious problems. There's another thing, he's no kid anymore. Has anyone noticed the boy from Bari Vecchia, the child prodigy of the Roma and Italy squad, will turn 26 in four months? This is an age where you take responsibility for your life, your career and especially your actions.
He had a tough childhood, but so did a lot of people and what's more they can hold their temper, without the added bonus of a job they love that pays millions and provides endless adoring crowds ready to boost self-esteem at a moment's notice.
It was always said Cassano needed the right environment to flourish, one that supported him and treated him as a 'special one' rather than part of the pack of stars. He has that exact situation at Sampdoria and it has done wonders for his football, but last weekend's shameful scenes prove it'll never be enough. He could have an entire squad built around him and win the Ballon d'Or, yet he'd still burst into a tantrum at the slightest setback. Football has done all it can for Cassano, it's time for a professional mental health expert to salvage what remains of this pure talent.
As for calling him up for the Nazionale in time for Euro 2008, that would be utterly suicidal for Roberto Donadoni and even the biggest FantAntonio fans know it. On Sunday he had to be dragged off the pitch by teammates and opponents alike, as everyone fought to keep the Italian starlet under control for his own good. In Serie A everyone knows Cassano is liable to lose it, so opposition teams do everything possible to avoid infuriating him.
Would other nations be so understanding in the pressure cooker situation of a European Championship? It'd be the easiest way to defeat Italy in one simple move – provoke Cassano and get him sent off. We know it wouldn't take much to set him off, just a funny look could probably do it.
At least he has taken the first step in realising rather quicker than usual that he was wrong to react that way. Sampdoria must also be commended for clamping down on his behaviour rather than the customary mollycoddling. Maybe this final blow-out will be a turning point for Cassano, but it's surely the end of his Euro 2008 ambitions too.
|
Well said, Susy Campanale. It is about time that we stopped cosseting this man. Undoubtedly he has a great talent, possibly only surpassed by his enormous ego; this, the man who boasted that he would be European Footballer of the Year within two years of signing for Roma. Football has witnessed too many players who have caused themselves and others great damage because no one recognised their problems - Paul Gascoigne being a prime example.
Cassano has a responsibility to his fans, his club and football for giving him a setting to display his talent and earn a great deal of money while doing so, he has a responsibility to all those youngsters who hero worship him and who will try to emulate his behaviour, but he has a greater responsibility to himself to make the most of that talent and not just squander it. In any other job if you are in need of assistance due to behavioural problems then the employer provides it. Why do football clubs appear to put up with anything so long as he delivers on the field of play?
Brian La Piazza
Sampdoria should send Cassano to karate training to develop self-discipline. Even if that doesn't work out, it would make for a entertaining television reality show. If the the TV idea flies, I won't take money, just give me the credit.
Saverio |
