Badboy Ant no longer a raging fool

Jun 22 2008 By Mark Guidi In Zurich

HOTHEAD Antonio Cassano was bombed out of Italy's squad three months ago and told he needed to get his act together to land a place in Roberto Donadoni's Euro 2008 squad.

The Sampdoria star - whose nicknames include Raging Bull and Madman - could have stormed off in one his sulks. Instead he knuckled down and helped his team qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Donadoni admired the way Cassano responded to the ultimatum and picked him for the finals ahead of Milan star Pippo Inzaghi. It has proved to be a good call and the 25-year-old will have an important role today in Italy's quarter-final tie against Spain.

Cassano's tough upbringing in Bari helped mould his career. His dad abandoned the family and young Antonio could easily have turned to a life of crime.

But he chose to work hard at his game and his reward will be a starring role in Vienna tonight.

Cassano said: "We have a big chance to do well at the Euros after a disappointing start.

"The last game with France was important and we won it convincingly. But we can't forget the contribution of Gigi Buffon. He has made big saves."

Keeper Buffon, 30, has taken Cassano under his wing after fearing the striker was in danger of losing the plot again.

The Juve star said: "Cassano should count to five before saying or doing something.

"He has talent but he needed someone to guide him. I took it upon myself to do this.

"I was also a little crazy 10 years ago and I knew that he needed some words."

Buffon may well have been crazy but his behaviour was near perfect compared to Cassano who copped a five-game ban after being sent off against Torino earlier this season.

He started to cry on the pitch after shouting and swearing at the ref then stood in the tunnel and challenged the whistler to meet himfor a fight at full-time.

It was thought Fabio Capello could tame that fire when he coached Cassano both at Roma then Real Madrid.

But their relationship turned sour when the cheeky striker was caught doing an impression of his gaffer to Real team-mates Fabio Cannavaro and Ronaldo.

Capello didn't see the funny side and it sparked the end of his Bernabeu career.

Antonio said: "I'm not going into specific incidents but there are things I wish I did not do.

"But I always try to smile. I do not want to be miserable."

Cassano will hope he is still smiling come full-time tonight.