Cassano choice shocks some in Italy

Soccerway - 23 May 2008 19:52

Antonio Cassano of Sampdoria in Serie A

Antonio Cassano is a surprise inclusion in the 24-man draft Italy squad for EURO 2008, on the day coach Roberto Donadoni announced he has signed a new contract.

Striker Cassano has had an excellent season with UC Sampdoria but has not played for Italy since a September 2006 qualifier against France. "I'm not taking any chances with Cassano," explained Donadoni. "He is not a youngster any more and knows what it means to be a member of a group. I know perfectly well what he can give in technical terms." The 25-year-old, on loan from Real Madrid CF, scored ten goals in 22 Serie A games for sixth-placed Sampdoria.

Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero, 33, is also included after scoring 21 goals this term – his best tally since 1997/98 – to finish as the top flight's leading scorer. However, there is no place for AC Milan forward Filippo Inzaghi or for Massimo Oddo and Vincenzo Iaquinta, who are struggling with injuries. "I have called up 24 players and they will compete for the 23 places," said Donadoni.

The Azzurri play their opening Group C game against the Netherlands in Berne on 9 June. They then meet Romania on 13 June and France four days later.

Italy squad

Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia (AS Livorno Calcio), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla FC).

Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (US Città di Palermo), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid CF), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Fabio Grosso (Olympique Lyonnais), Marco Materazzi (FC Internazionale Milano), Christian Panucci (AS Roma), Gianluca Zambrotta (FC Barcelona).

Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (AC Milan), Alberto Aquilani (AS Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Riccardo Montolivo (ACF Fiorentina), Simone Perrotta (AS Roma), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan).

Forwards: Marco Borriello (Genoa CFC), Antonio Cassano (UC Sampdoria), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese Calcio), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese Calcio), Luca Toni (FC Bayern München).