Antonio Cassano flopped at Real Madrid, but the Spanish Press is worried he’ll take revenge in Sunday’s quarter-final.
The notoriously fiery forward failed to live up to expectations during his 18 months in Madrid, piling on weight and entering into a series of rows with Coach Fabio Capello.
However, since returning to Serie A for Sampdoria last summer, he has been reborn and earned a place in the Euro 2008 squad.
“Talentino, who left Real Madrid from the back door, reappears on the Spanish scene like a clone of Roberto Baggio – the Azzurri star who knocked us out of USA ’94,” mused newspaper As.
Earlier this month Sampdoria completed the transfer on a permanent basis after his success in a year-long loan spell.
“He has recovered,” said Real Madrid director general Predrag Mijatovic. “Nobody ever doubted his football qualities, the problem was his character.”
Cassano has always had massive bust-ups in every team he has played for and was handed a five-match ban in Serie A this season for hurling abuse at a referee.
After that incident he seemed to realise his mistake and has calmed down considerably, enough for Roberto Donadoni to risk the Bari Vecchia hero in a major tournament.
It is not just psychologically that Cassano has changed since his move to Sampdoria, though.
“He has lost at least 10kg and I’ve gained them,” joked Carlos Latre, who would do impressions of the player.
“As a Spaniard, I am worried. As a comedian and fan of football I am super happy, because I get very fond of the characters I create.
“To see Antonio recovered, in great shape and with so much enthusiasm makes me very happy. And it also frightens me. He could damage us.”
