Italy's Cassano back in EURO reckoning
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
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Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said "we are waiting for him" after learning that AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has been allowed to resume training following minor heart surgery.
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AC Milan and Italy forward Antonio Cassano has been given the green light to resume playing, having undergone minor heart surgery last year.
Following a stroke while returning from a Serie A game at AS Roma in late October, Cassano was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect – a congenital heart problem which means the septum, the muscular wall separating the heart's left and right ventricles, does not close properly. The 29-year-old subsequently underwent a "small heart operation" to solve the problem.
Milan immediately insisted there was "no risk to his career", but Cassano looked likely to be unavailable for the season and UEFA EURO 2012. However, a ten-man commission from the Institute of Italian Sport Medicine ruled on Monday that his condition was "favourable", with Milan announcing he will therefore resume regular training.
"We are waiting for him," said Italy coach Cesare Prandelli. "As soon as he gets the green light he will have great energy to make it in time for EURO, he will be very motivated." Cassano scored six goals in ten qualifying games for Italy, who will face Spain, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland in Group C this summer.
