Antonio Cassano

Antonio Cassano (born 12 July 1982) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a forward. He is currently a free agent, after having been released from his contract with Serie A club Parma. Although he is usually deployed as a creative supporting forward, he can also play in more of a playmaking role, as an attacking midfielder, as well as on the wing, or as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia ("the jewel of Old Bari"), 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 "skillful and intelligent on the ball" who possesses "excellent vision and also impresses with his eye for goal". His best technical qualities are his trapping skills, control, dribbling, and passing accuracy.