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'I want AC Milan's Antonio Cassano at Euro 2012, even if he is our 24th man' - Italy's Cesare Prandelli
The Rossoneri striker may not be able to play in Poland and Ukraine, but the Azzurri boss is keen to reward the 29-year-old for his importance during the qualifying campaign
13 Feb 2012 22:47:00
By Luis Mira
Getty Images
Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli has insisted that he wants AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano to be part of the Azzurri squad for the Euro 2012 finals - even if he is unable to play.
Cassano was told he would miss the rest of the 2011-12 season after he underwent heart surgery in November, with the 29-year-old's neurosurgeon stating the striker may only be able to play in June.
Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi is also in a race against time to recover from a knee ligament injury, but Prandelli does not rule out including the duo in his squad plans for Poland and Ukraine.
"I have told them that I am willing to wait until the last minute of the day before the final list is announced," Prandelli told Sky Sport Italia.
"I will go to Spain to check on Rossi's recovery. I talked to Antonio for a long time and we exchanged promises.
"We do not rule out the possibility of him being our 24th man, considering how decisive he was for our qualification."
Italy have been drawn in the Euro 2012 Group C, along with Spain, Croatia and Ireland.
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Cassano was told he would miss the rest of the 2011-12 season after he underwent heart surgery in November, with the 29-year-old's neurosurgeon stating the striker may only be able to play in June.
Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi is also in a race against time to recover from a knee ligament injury, but Prandelli does not rule out including the duo in his squad plans for Poland and Ukraine.
"I have told them that I am willing to wait until the last minute of the day before the final list is announced," Prandelli told Sky Sport Italia.
"I will go to Spain to check on Rossi's recovery. I talked to Antonio for a long time and we exchanged promises.
"We do not rule out the possibility of him being our 24th man, considering how decisive he was for our qualification."
Italy have been drawn in the Euro 2012 Group C, along with Spain, Croatia and Ireland.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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