Cassano's time to shine

The oft ignored number ten of Italian football is belatedly making his mark for the Azzurri 

Baggio, Totti, Del Piero: The Holy Trinity of Italian Number Tens

Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti. Three 'number tens' whose presence dominated the landscape of the Italian National team from the early 1990s until the late 2000s. Three much celebrated, mercurial talents who were fundamental to their country for the best part of those two decades. Three men who bore the weight of their nation on the shoulders and often carried the teams hopes of success almost single handedly. Three men who scaled the heights for the Azzurri. Baggio dragged Italy through to the 1994 World cup final on his own before his heart breaking penalty miss Pasadena. His was the most glorious failure international football has seen in a major tournament. Del Piero and Totti ultimately went one step further by being involved in the 2006 World cup winning squad and both having significant personal moments of triumph in that tournament on their route to victory. But, over the past decade, one other gifted number ten has always intrigued and promised much over in Italy without ever really convincing or being noticed outside of his homeland. His name is Antonio Cassano. 


Despite the wonderful technical ability Cassano possesses, he has never truly become a star of the footballing world outside his own island. Sure, he was good at Roma, he got a move to the worlds most famous club Real Madrid (where his penchant for cake and women took precedent over actually, you know, playing football) and his performances were often majestic at little Sampdoria, but none of this has ever reached the levels of media coverage that his predecessors who wore the famous Italian number ten shirt achieved. Baggio, Totti and Del Piero were mega stars of the footballing world but Cassano has never really threatened to break into their stratosphere.  


One main reason for this relative anonymity is that the peak years of his career have not yielded nearly enough caps for his national team, thus restricting his opportunities to demonstrate his talents to a global audience. Even when Cassano has had his fleeting moments of success for the Azzurri, they have been largely forgotten due to circumstances out of his control. On the night of Italy's final group game at Euro 2004, he was his country's outstanding player and scored what seemed like a dramatic last minute goal that everyone thought had earned his team a place in the quarter finals  only for Sweden and Denmark to knock the Italians out with a convenient draw in the other group match that took place at the same time. Cassano's celebrations at his late winner against Bulgaria that night turned into dismay as he realised that his efforts had been in vain. Italy went home and his heroics had been rendered irrelevant to the wider world. Later in his career, after his dismal spell in Madrid, Cassano should have been his country's most important player at the 2010 World cup. He had performed splendidly for Sampdoria and was the best attacking player in Italy. However, the then national team manager Marcello Lippi ignored public opinion and refused to even select him in his squad for the tournament. It was not a decision made for 'footballing reasons' as Roy Hodgson would say. Cassano made no secret of his disdain for Lippi while the World cup unfolded, even saying that he wanted the team to win but 'not for Lippi. I say what I think'. While Italy surrendered their World cup crown in the worst possible manner in South Africa, their best player sat at home and probably ate the pastries that he is so fond of with a wry grin on his face as Lippi's team ended the tournament disgraced and embarrassed without a single victory to their name. Cassano's reputation for volatility and instability is cited as the reason for his exclusion from La Nazionale under Lippi and his reputation as a bad boy has cost him an awful lot.

Cassano's form during Euro 2012 has been impressive

With Cassano it has never been a question of talent. His footballing ability is, and always has, been obvious. His temperament however has always been in question. The bust ups with managers, the media outbursts, the lack of application to his trade and his fluctuating weight have all held him back, but now it seems that he has matured enough to finally let his feet do the talking. Italy's current manager Cesare Prandelli has put his trust in the Bari native. Cassano has fought back to fitness in miraculous fashion following his health problems (he underwent heart surgery after a minor stroke earlier in the season) to get himself fit for the Euros, and his manager's faith is currently being repaid in droves. This tournament has allowed Cassano to showcase his talents on the big stage and now, for the first time, he has the chance to perform in the latter stages of an international tournament. After Lippi ignored the in form striker for years because of his attitude, Prandelli has now not only selected Cassano but made him the focal point of his new Italy and given him the opportunity to indelibly stamp his mark on these Championships. Despite some preposterous cries for him to dropped recently after some frankly, very silly comments at a press conference about homosexuals (he obviously still has some maturing to do), Cassano has taken his place in the starting line up in all three of Italy's group games wearing the blue number ten shirt. His performances have merited it. Perhaps he hasn't stood out as much as other flashy forward players like Mesut Ozil or Andres Iniesta, but he has been one of the top performers thus far in Euro 2012. If you've watched all of Italy's games you will know how indispensable he is to their play. If you haven't paid much attention to Italy yet then you probably weren't even that aware of his presence until he scored against the Republic of Ireland last night. Such is Cassano's lot. The BBC and ITV aren't likely to pick him out as a star name while they have the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney to focus on (and lets face it, Alan Shearer probably doesn't even know he exists, such is his knowledge of the world game).

Recent silly remarks to the press haven't affected Cassano's performances

Cassano's performance against the Republic of Ireland was particularly outstanding. For twenty minutes the Italians looked sluggish and startled by the Irish's high pressing game, but it was Cassano who tilted the contest in Italy's favour. He began to retain the ball in the final third for his team and offered a threat to the Irish defenders whenever he got the ball. His eye for a pass was evident as he released Antonio De Natale with a sumptuous through ball moments before he himself gave Italy their crucial lead with a header from a corner that he had won. He again played Di Natale in on goal after a flowing counter attack that he was the key man in during the second half only for Di Natale to be foiled by Shay Given. Despite obviously lacking match fitness and not yet being ready to play a full 90 minutes, Cassano has still been Italy's attacking lynch pin. His clever movement into space off the front man (be it Balotelli or Di Natale) marries up perfectly with his inventiveness. He makes the game look simple and in a lot of ways he is not your typical flamboyant Italian trequartista. He does not quite posses the dribbling skills of Baggio, the goal scoring touch and free kick mastery of Totti or Del Piero but, in Prandelli's side Cassano fits, as Morrissey and Marr once so melodically put it, hand in glove. A through ball here, a flick there, a clever trick to gain a yard of space...none of these things are ever done at break neck speed or with the flair of an Iniesta or the extravagance of a Ronaldo but they are still wonderful to behold due to their effectiveness. Without Cassano knitting their play together in the final third, Italy look slightly ragged and unrefined, but with him they look potent and dangerous.  


With a crucial goal now behind him in this tournament to add to three impressive performances, it finally feels like Antonio Cassano is catching fire at the right time for La Nazionale. Italy stand a decent chance of progressing beyond the quarter finals in this tournament and Cassano's form at this time is their main hope of doing so. Cassano is on the verge of becoming an icon on a world wide stage. Given his outrageous talent, it's about bloody time.

The Euro Awards Week 1

Here is a collection of highlights and lowlights from the opening round of matches at these European Championships. Enjoy.

Worst commentary so far: Clive Tyldesley at full time of the England vs France match on ITV. 'England threatened to win the game just muich as France'.....1 shot on target from just 5 during the entire game and just 35% possession would suggest otherwise Clive.

Best Defensive display: Denmark vs Holland. The full backs Jacobsen and Poulsen nullified the wing threats of Robben and Afellay constantly throughout the game, funnelling them into the crowded centre of the pitch time and again where they ran into the imperious pairing of Agger and Kjaer who managed an off colour Robin Van Persie Robben expertly throughout. The centre backs also built Denmark's forays forward from deep with calm distribution and they were only undone by a ludicrously good through ball from Sneijder which dissected them late in the second half.  No matter, the Danish keeper Andersen then came to their aid by smothering Klass-Jan Huntelaar to preserve their precious three points.

Most impressive team performance so far: Italy vs Spain. Tactically the Italians were within touching distance of perfection against the world champions who showed off their artistic 4-6-0 formation.  In deploying Daniele De Rossi in a retro sweeper role seldom seen these days they managed to deal with the Spaniards sublime interchanging of positions and accurate tiki-taka football. De Rossi's cover allowed Bonucci and Chiellini to press the Spanish midfielders without fear of exposure in behind and until Fernando Torres entered the fray the Italians' system worked a charm. Andrea Pirlo prompted from his deep lying midfield position as well as he ever has and Marchisio and Maggio's energy and drive to get forward gave Spain problems on the counter attack. Italy also left two men up front throughout the game starting with the enigmatic yet enthralling pairing of Balotelli and Cassano before they were replaced by the inventive Giovinco and the veteran poacher Di Natale. To keep Spain so quiet and remain a constant and very obvious threat yourself is not easy these days but Italy managed it as well as anyone else might over the next week or two.

Most infuriating team performance: Portugal vs Germany. The Portuguese squad is so filled with talented footballers that it was almost criminal to see their exclusively defensive approach in their group opener against the Germans. After finally falling behind in the 72nd minute of a turgid game and belatedly accepting that they needed to actually attack their opponents, Portugal they looked a real threat and should have equalised late on which made their ultra defensive approach at 0-0 all the more baffling. When a team boasts the likes of Nani, Meireles, Moutinho and Coentrao in its ranks alongside the best player in the tournament in Cristiano Ronaldo it really is hard to stomach such a lack of ambition and it was duly and rightfully punished by Mario Gomez' winner.

Best Goal: Cesc Fabregas Spain vs Italy. Outstanding team goal when the Spaniards needed it most. The run inside Giaccherini from Fabregas was timed to perfection and after Xavi and Iniesta moved the ball quickly in midfield to find Silva, the Manchester City man's through ball was delivered with such subtlety, disguise and optimum weight that Fabregas' finish was a mere formality.  It was a timely reminder of why Spain are the best team in the world. The move completely cut open an Italian defence that had hitherto looked impenetrable. Honourable mention to Roman Pavlyuchenko for his fine effort against the Czech Republic on the opening night.

Most predictable moment thus far: Two moments that are hard to split here. We all knew they were coming at some point in this tournament. First, Mark Van Bommel becoming frustrated as Holland trailed Denmark 1-0 and picking up a yellow card for a nasty looking foul. Second, we have the consistently entertaining Mario Balotelli who after robbing Sergio Ramos of the ball with great endeavour and creating a golden opportunity for himself against Spain managed to sleepily squander the chance by deciding to walk with the ball before he decided whether to shoot or pass. Alas, Ramos chased him down to make a tackle that should never have been possible.  Super Mario was substituted soon after.

Best Pundit: Clarence Seedorf (BBC). The Dutchman oozes class, calmness and talks with a knowledge of the game that shames domestic pundits such as Shearer and Southgate. Most competent exponent of the English language on the BBC's panel as well which gets him extra brownie points.

Fans must support Rodgers and FSG

Fenway Sports Group are altering the landscape at Anfield and while change is always daunting, hope abounds.  

FSG have been extremely busy over the past couple of months. Liverpool and it's owners have been in the headlines day in day out as the foundations of the club have been been uprooted. FSG have recently sacked the long serving communications director (Ian Cotton), the Director of Football that they appointed themselves just 18 months ago (Damien Comolli), the head of Sports Science (Peter Bruckner) and removed the beloved figure of Kenny Dalglish in a flurry of cold, calculated activity that has resembled the Corleone family's killing spree at the climax of the Godfather. For Michael Corleone and Tom Hagen read John W. Henry and Tom Werner.

All this change and the time that FSG are taking to amend the situation has left many Liverpool fans suspicious, angry and sceptical of their owners. The supporters did not appreciate the way that their eternal idol Kenny Dalglish was made to fly to the other side of the globe and back for a meeting before being relieved of his duties just hours later. They do not like not knowing what the desired managerial structure of the club is and they haven't enjoyed the two week merry go round of managerial interviews to replace Dalglish. However, for FSG, as the saying goes 'it's nothing personal, just business'.

John W. Henry: Doing things his way

The imminent arrival of Brendan Rodgers to Anfield shows one thing in particular: FSG have balls. To replace an Anfield God like Dalglish with a young manager whose C.V pales in comparison and who has never once been charged with such a high pressured situation as the one he is about to enter into on Merseyside is extremely risky. Not only have FSG annoyed a huge section of the Anfield faithful with the decision to sack Dalglish as well as the manner in which they chose to do so, they have also inflamed the anger of a portion of the Kop who have been longing for the return of former manager Rafael Benitez by ignoring the Spaniard when seeking Dalglish's successor. They have even managed to alienate some of the fans who didn't relish the idea of rehiring Benitez as those people are upset at the lack of the arrival of a new messianic figure of worldwide repute such as Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp. In short, Liverpool fans wanted Dalglish's replacement to be a sure thing; a manager with a glowing C.V filled with experience who has succeeded in similar circumstances as those at Anfield. Instead, they are about to receive a young, relatively unproven manager who was sacked by Reading less than three years ago.

If FSG wanted to get the Kop on their side and pander to the masses then they have gone about it in totally the wrong way. However, a crumb of comfort remains with the very fact that this is not what they have tried to do. Popular or not, Henry, Werner et al are doing things that they believe are in the best interests of the club. That is all anyone can really ask for. They will stand or fall on their own decisions and will not simply meander along taking the easy way out at every turn. That is encouraging.

Dalglish and Rodgers: The past and the future

For all their unpopular decisions over the past few months, FSG have proven that they mean business. They have ignored the clamour for Benitez and are willing to pay Swansea a hefty amount of compensation for the manager that they deem the best fit for their club. And therein lies the salient point that all Liverpool fans must now accept. This is FSG's football club. They will run it how they see fit. If they decide they need to bring in a director or football and managerial candidates don't approve (as has been suggested was the case with Roberto Martinez, the man who was initially expected to replace Dalglish) then they will find another man who does. If the supporters long for the return of an icon like Benitez but they don't see themselves being able to work with the Spaniard then they won't even make contact with him to discuss the situation. If they want to spend weeks interviewing managers who are deemed too inexperienced by many people to manage Liverpool Football Club then they will. If they want to sack Kenny Dalglish when most supporters would like to see him get another shot at the job then Dalglish is history. If Damien Comolli isn't doing his job well enough in their estimation then they will get rid of him. It may seem callous and hard-headed to Liverpool fans who exhibit unparalleled levels of sentimentality when it comes to their club but for FSG this is just about getting things done and dragging Liverpool out of their current malaise. They wanted a young, dynamic and progressive manager and they have seemingly got the one they most desire much to the disappointment of Swansea City and some Liverpool fans.

While many supporters of the club may disagree with some or all of the key decisions that FSG have taken recently, they must acknowledge that the American owners are doing what they truly believe to be the best thing for everyone concerned with Liverpool Football Club. Time will tell on whether Rodgers will be a success at Anfield and whether or not a new director of football will be working above him. Time will also tell on whether Anfield is to be redeveloped or pastures new are required. But while Liverpool fans are waiting for the answers they must do so while supporting the club, it's owners and it's new manager unequivocally. Liverpool need to become a force again and the chances of that happening are greatly diminished if the clubs fan base are pulling in several different directions against those at the helm. Benitez is not coming back, Dalglish is gone and FSG are here to stay. It's time for Liverpool Football Club to get back on track and showing some faith in the group who saved it from the brink of oblivion back in October 2010 is the least it's supporters can do.

For too long Liverpool have lived in the shadows of the past, trying endlessly to recapture former glories with the same old methods that succeeded in times now long gone. The club has needed to be altered for a long time and now, finally, it has owners that wish to implement such change. A new hierarchy with new ideas and a new manager completely detached from the past are now taking charge at Anfield. It's time for the fans to get on board and embrace the new culture that is upon them. Liverpool Football Club isn't where it used to be but with the right leadership and unity it might just get back there even if the ride is going to be bumpy and the route ahead is unfamiliar.

FSG's Most Wanted (Hopefully)

The King is dead. Long live the king....

Liverpool F.C and their owners FSG need a new leader and one that is up to the task of rebuilding their Kingdom before it goes into a state of permanent disrepair. The sacking of Kenny Dalglish was a painful moment for Liverpool and it's fans but if FSG's replacement isn't up to the frankly daunting task that awaits him at Anfield, then the pain will only increase. Liverpool need to show signs of life in the Premier League and get back into the Champions League post haste. The domestic names being banded around to succeed Dalglish aren't exactly inspiring faith in that outcome becoming a reality.

Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rogers and Paul Lambert have all been touted for the job and while they are fine young managers, surely Dalglish's replacement must have previous experience of high expectation levels at a truly big club. Gambling on relatively inexperienced but talented managers who could be at Liverpool for a long time is a nice idea but FSG need a man who can give the club as much of a guarantee of success as possible. Pinning your hopes on men who have only managed at clubs like Wigan, Norwich or Swansea is extremely risky. Below are four candidates that I believe should be at the top of FSG's short list.

AVB: Chelsea experience shouldn't count against him

Andre Villas Boas - Highly rated, young, studious and tactically astute, he has also worked in the pressure cooker environments of F.C Porto and Chelsea. He may have failed during his 6 months in London but the job he inherited at Stamford Bridge was undoubtedly a poisoned chalice. Ageing stars who were never going to appreciate his ideas to move the club on from the 'Mourinho generation', little opportunity to bring in players to fit his system and a chairman who gives you less time to get things correct than the countdown clock all helped to facilitate his downfall. At just 34 he would apparently fit FSG's desire for a young manager who could remain at the helm for the long term. On a personal level, joining Liverpool would give him the opportunity to have another crack at Premier League management in a less volatile environment than the one he experienced at Chelsea. Unlike his short lived tenure on the Kings Road he would surely be afforded sufficient time and patience to forge a team in his own identity. He is currently unemployed and was previously under consideration to replace Roy Hodgson before Kenny Dalglish returned to his throne at Anfield. Nine bad months at Chelsea should not count too much against him given his previous excellence at Porto. If anything it would have helped prepare him for a second stint in England.

Rafa Benitez: Could he adapt to FSG's vision for LFC?

Rafa Benitez - European Cup winner? Check. Won a major League title in Europe? Check. Led Liverpool to their highest position and accrued more points than any other manager at the club since the Premier League era began? Check. Loved by a significant portion of the Anfield faithful? Check. Benitez must be considered for the post by FSG based on his C.V alone. Forget the idea of 'never going back', the only prohibitive aspects of Benitez' returning to his former club are whether he would be comfortable not having full control (FSG want a Director of Football to oversee things) and whether he would be able to recreate his previous success at a club that now bares little resemblance to the one he took charge of in 2004. The Anfield he would walk into now is vastly different from the one he once called home. He would likely not be given carte blanche by FSG to run the club from top to bottom and in the past his refusal to accept this has led to his downfall, most notably at Valencia and Liverpool. Certain senior players would not approve of his appointment and a section of the fan base would positively hate the move given the way his previous reign descended into a political farce but Benitez remains a top class manager and Liverpool cannot afford to ignore the out of work Spaniard whose heart still resides within the Shankly Gates. If he is willing to adapt his style to fit FSG's vision for the club then he has to be a serious contender give his experience and past successes.

Jurgen Klopp: Could he be made to part with Dortmund?

Jurgen Klopp - At just 44 years old Klopp is one of the most highly rated managers in the game. He has turned Borussia Dortmund in Germany's dominant side despite the financial power of Bayern Munich and he has done so in an efficient and frugal manner. He seemingly fits the bill perfectly for Liverpool Football Club and FSG will surely be casting envious glances towards Dortmund this very moment. The question is whether he would be willing to sacrifice his opportunity to create a dynasty at Borussia to chance his arm in the Premier League. Dortmund and the Bundesliga are on the rise and Liverpool cannot offer Champions League football unlike his current employers. He would be a popular choice on the Kop but he remains an outside bet to ply his trade on Merseyside given Liverpool's desperate current state when compared to his own club.

Fabio Capello: Almost guarantees improvement

Fabio Capello - Forget the crap that the English media peddled in their successful attempt to oust him from his post as England manager, Capelllo will go down in history as one of the greatest managers of all time. He has delivered numerous league titles in Spain and Italy, won the European Cup and gets results wherever he goes (Even as England manager his win percentage was phenomenal). His age will probably count against him and whether he would feel the need to take on such a demanding challenge of rebuilding Liverpool at this stage in his career remains to be seen but John Henry and co could do a lot worse than appointing one of the best managers in the world, regardless of how fluent his English is or what bile the tabloid press would come out with. If you want a C.V that screams success then Fabio Capello is your ideal candidate.

Dalglish decision can't be rushed

At this moment, FSG are apparently mulling over whether or not Kenny Dalglish will still be the man in the hot seat at Anfield next season. A lot of people are uneasy about the uncertainty and believe that Dalglish deserves an answer immediately. I disagree. Indecision is never as fatal as wrong decision.

No one connected with Liverpool Football Clubs takes pleasure in seeing Kenny Dalglish left in limbo. No one likes the uncertainty engulfing Anfield at the moment. It isn't fitting that a legend of the game like Dalglish should be publicly suspended in mid air waiting to be either cut loose or reeled back in to safety. Having said that, John W. Henry and Tom Werner have a crucial decision to make and cannot afford to rush into it.

Dalglish has been left to wait in limbo

If replacing Roy Hodgson with Kenny Dalglish was a no brainer for FSG then this decision is the exact opposite. The management situation at Liverpool Football Club right now is as complex as it is emotive. Compelling cases can be made for Dalglish to remain as the leader of his beloved club and also to be replaced. Dalglish's supporters will point to the two excellent runs in the domestic cups and the fact that this Liverpool team certainly haven't gained the results that many of their performances have merited. From their point of view, the team requires little more than some fine tuning and a bit of luck. Conversely, those in favour of Dalglish's potential dismissal will point to the awful run of league form since the turn of the year, the chronic lack of a consistent tactical approach and argue that the club need to look at a more long term appointment than the 61 year old Scot.

The club is lacking leadership right now and high ranking employees are falling by the way side. A huge change will take place at Liverpool this summer regardless of who the manager is. A new Director of Football, a new CEO and a new medical team will all be put in place (as well as other appointments) in the coming days, weeks and months. FSG are seeking to implement a structure within the club that fits their style. That is all well and good, but they cannot afford to underestimate the importance of the managerial position. No matter how much faith they wish to place in a Director of Football or how important it is to have a smoothly functioning club with clear leadership (and God knows Liverpool do need that right now), the most important man at Liverpool Football Club has always been and always will be the manager. You can have the most well structured club in the world but if the manager isn't up to the task then the whole house of cards comes down. Results matter most in football and that is the manager's responsibility.

Henry and Werner have a tough decision to make

Liverpool is a club in danger of becoming mediocre. If the owners make the wrong decision regarding Dalglish's position and it subsequently impacts negatively on the team's performances next season then Liverpool will fall further and further behind the financial powerhouses in the Premier League and struggle to regain their coveted place in the Champions League for the foreseeable future. Proven world class players will not be attracted to Liverpool this summer and without a huge upturn in their league form and the carrot of Champions League football, they never will be. FSG must decide whether Kenny Dalglish is the man to take Liverpool back into Europe's premier club competition next season and if the answer is not immediately forthcoming then they should not be criticised. It is not an easy decision to make and it deserves due care and attention.

For 18 months, Liverpool's American owners have had a relatively easy ride. They can no longer remain silent in the background. They have proven themselves to be winners and excellent businessmen in other fields but now is the time to demonstrate that they can successfully translate their previous triumphs into the world of football. If it takes them a little more time to make the correct decision and it puts some noses out of joint for a while, so be it. Ultimately, no matter how long this decision takes, they cannot afford to get it wrong. The future success of one of England's greatest sporting institutions depends on it.