Tuesday 10 June, 2008

Former Bari boss Eugenio Fascetti thinks there’s only one way for Italy to recover from their “disastrous” debut – play Antonio Cassano.

“The Azzurri were disastrous,” he said of their 3-0 defeat to Holland.

“Antonio should have played and needs to play in the future. The events on the field confirm it, as he came off the bench and immediately changed the game.

“He set up a great chance with Luca Toni clear on goal in front of Edwin Van Der Sar.”

Fascetti was a father figure for Cassano and took him to Serie A through the Bari youth system in 2000-01.

“Today’s players all seem to come from the same mould, but he can turn everything around with his class and creativity.”

Roberto Donadoni has been lambasted for his tactical choices and Fascetti added to the chorus of disapproval.

“Andrea Barzagli? If Palermo have conceded about three goals a game over the last two years, there must be a few problems in their defence.

“The midfield did not convince me, either. Milan arrived fifth in Serie A, but last night their entire midfield was lined up and on the bench watching were Simone Perrotta, Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Aquilani.

“The initial line-up was wrong and we handed the first half to Holland.”