Stramaccioni set to rest Cassano at Roma

Stramaccioni set to be without 'influential' Cassano for Roma clash

20-Jan-2013 12:30:00 AM

The 30-year-old may not be risked for Sunday's Serie A clash over fears of losing the striker for a prolonged period of time

Inter striker Antonio Cassano is likely to miss his side's game against Roma as worries continue linger over his fitness.

The 30-year-old faces a late examination to determine whether he will be fit for Sunday's game, and though Andrea Stramaccioni is desperate for his star man to be available, he admits he must think about the player's long-term health.

"We all hope to have him on the pitch, not only for his ability but also for the influence he has on the group. We do have to be very careful with him though," he told Inter.it.

I'll make the final decision after speaking to the medical staff because we certainly can't afford to lose Antonio."

The Nerazzurri travel to Rome fourth in the Serie A standings and seven points adrift of pace-setters Juventus and the 37-year-old expects an entertaining contest.

"It's going to be a special and exciting match because both teams like to attack," he continued.

"I think we are over our worst moment, the league is very balanced and every game needs to be approached with great attention."