Antonio Cassano Has Other Plans This Summer

April 28th, 2010 | by: Daryl | Comments Off

Sampdoria’s Antonio Cassano never looked likely to play for Italy at the World Cup this summer. Though Cassano made the squad for Euro 2008, and has been in decent form for Sampdoria, the 27 year old’s international career has been on hiatus ever since World Cup winner Marcello Lippi was reinstated as Azzurri boss. No call ups in two years makes it clear that Lippi doesn’t want Cassano, even though he’s never publicly stated why.

So Cassano went ahead and booked his wedding to 18 year old water polo player Carolina Marcialis for June 19th, 2010. Smack bang in the middle of the World Cup. Very subtle. Asked if he’d consider changing the date should he get a surprise call, Cassano made his feelings pretty clear:

“No way,” Cassano said. “I’ve thought about the blue shirt since I was born but it’s not my problem,” added the former AS Roma and Real Madrid man.”

“I do it my way,” Cassano said. “Maybe prima donnas are not accepted by a group but I have always been one and will continue to be.”

I love Cassano the player, but I think it’s safe to assume that things like that above quote are one of the reasons Lippi isn’t keen. I would have loved to see him play this summer, but looks like this little story – player not going to World Cup makes plans during World Cup – will be El Pibe de Bari’s sole contribution to South Africa 2010.

In related news, I’ve made plans to do a lot of blogging from June 11th to July 11th, but am willing to change them should Fabio Capello need cover at right back.

- More Azzurri stories on the Italy blog.