Antonio Cassano

Who is Antonio Cassano?

Antonio Cassano is an Italian professional footballer who plays for Serie A club Parma as a forward who can also play as an attacking midfielder. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia, he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November 2002. The word is regularly used by Italian journalists as a euphemism for any behavior incompatible with team spirit in football. Cassano is described as a player who is "skilful and intelligent on the ball" who possesses "excellent vision and also impresses with his eye for goal". His best qualities are his trapping skills, dribbling and short passing accuracy.