I have heard a lot about Antonio Cassano’s brilliant play for Sampdoria this season. I’ve read a lot about it, too. I have seen the choppy, blurry YouTube highlights of his many goals, his many near goals, and his many set-ups. But due to my reliance on TLN for Italian soccer coverage, I had not seen Cassano play an entire game until this morning, when I watched Samp take on their derby rivals Genoa.
The jewel of Old Bari was by far the best player on the pitch in the Blucerchiati’s 1-0 win, delivering several magnificent through balls, including one that followed a wicked spin deke in midfield. He set up the game-winning goal by dribbling around two defenders and curling a perfect back-post cross to goalscorer Christian Maggio. When the ref blew the final whistle to end the match, Cassano, who was substituted in the final minutes, dumped a bottle of water onto the head of Samp manager and Dustin Hoffman lookalike Walter Mazzarri to celebrate.
Cassano is occasionally known by the nickname Peter Pan, due to his seeming inability to grow up. (A nickname less commonly used in the media but probably more commonly used among fans is “Whiny Bitch.”) Though his immaculate skills shone in today’s Derby della Lanterna, the immaturity and petulance that makes him one of the most despised players in the game today was also on full display. He yapped at the official incessantly, drawing a yellow card for arguing in the 26th minute. On several occasions, he went to ground without provocation, clutching his face like he’d taken a punch from Joe Frazier.
Despite all this, Cassano seems to have found a home with his new club (although it should be remembered he’s still on load from Real Madrid). The club, including Mazzarri, seems willing to put up with Peter Pan’s antics so long as he leads them to victory, and hopefully, a UEFA Cup spot. Cassano, for his part, is at his best when he doesn’t have to share the spotlight. Unfortunately, like a child, sometimes he doesn’t seem to care whether the attention he gets is good or bad.
Match Highlights:
2 comments:
Here's a question.
Cassano is on fire at the moment and Italian fans are pressuring national team coach, Roberto Donadoni, to involve him in the squad for Euro '08. Based on his recent form it would be a questionable move to not take him.
Cassano's reputation as being a 'cancer' in the locker room holds a lot of merit as it is well-documented. He has even admitted it to some degree; though he always refers to himself as the victim.
If you're Donadoni, do you risk brining someone who has the ability to disassemble a team's chemistry? Or do you 'hope' that the essence of the national team itself is enough to subdue Cassano's ego.
Tough call for Cassano.
Personally, I would call him up. If he is disruptive, you can always send him back. That way, you are covered by the media who would attack you for not bringing one of the most inform players in Serie A.
But at the same time, the backup plan of sending him back reduces your roster by one and leaves another talented striker back home.
Your thoughts?
I'm tempted to say I would leave him behind, but with his recent form that'd be damn near impossible.
Here's the thing: I think the best fit for Cassano on the national side is in a "super sub" role. He doesn't deserve to start over Toni. He's not going to play the Camoranesi part of the "three" in 4-3-3 and the "four" in 4-4-2. And he's not going to sink into the second striker spot like Di Natale or Del Piero (or Quagliarella).
He would, however, be deadly coming off the bench when Toni's big body gets tired out. But can he handle that kind of role? It's doubtful. Most likely he would whine, bitch, and complain.
I'm torn on this. He might be a "cancer" but he's also extremely passionate. In big tournaments, passion can go a long way.
Ask me again in three months.
Post a Comment