Most people who follow world soccer, Italian in particular, would agree that Roberto Baggio was the best player to ever wear the coveted Azzurri jersey. His style and grace on the pitch had people referring to him as “Michelangelo” comparing his style of play to a work of art. Baggio was a player who could create danger for his opponents at any moment in the game.
Although many would argue that Italy didn’t bring home any trophies with Baggio in their lineup, it would be wrong to judge his value to the team based on the lack of team success. Did Maldini ever win a trophy with the national team ? Maldini was the best defenceman during his years and maybe even of all time, and his greatness should never be judged on what he won with Milan or didn’t win with the Italian national team. He should have only been judged on what he did on the pitch.
The best teams in the world have consistantly had that special player that could excite fans as soon as the ball touched his feet. The man that gets the ball and you know something great is going to happen. He makes that pass that all the other players are also able to make, but his is just better. This player has appeared on many of history’s greatest sides. For instance, Argentina had Maradona, Brazil had Ronaldo, France had Zidane, Italy had Baggio.
Today these “Maestro’s” are harder to come by, but they do exist. Argentina has Lionel Messi, Brazil has Riccardo Kaka, Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo, and Italy has ??? You can probably speculate a few names, but really think about it before you say them out loud. Since the days of Baggio, Italian coaches have been confused on this particular role. The current world champions won the last World Cup due to a wonderful collective effort. Not one player really took charge of the team and carried the load on his back. They only allowed one goal against, during live play in the tournament, and it was an own goal against the USA. Italy struggled greatly that day and although they played one man short for most of the game, they didn’t have a player who could snap them out of it and have that special moment of brilliance that would have bagged the win for them. Yes they had Andrea Pirlo, DelPiero, Luca Toni, Gilardino and the list
goes on… Where was the classic #10 ? The creator, the man who would solve the problem with that special through ball, or unpredictable heel flick ? In Italy many would argue that Francesco Totti is just that player. I partially agree with that sentiment, but there is another man who is custom made for that role.The man they really need is Antonio Cassano.
Words cannot describe the abilities of this man, who has made a 180 degree turn in his life since joining Sampdoria from Real Madrid. He used to slack off in training, because he doesnt like to train. He would sleep in until noon while his teamates would be on the practice pitch. These were problems that made Cassano Italy’s biggest waste of talent. Until a coach named Walter Mazzarri figured him out. The Sampdoria coach decided that Cassano could sleep in as late as he wants. Cassano was given the freedom to be himself, as long as the job was done on Sunday. Has it worked ? Sampdoria have started the season with a bang. Although he hasnt scored much at all, Cassano has single handedly turned Sampdoria from a mediocre team to one of the most feared teams in Italy. Creating almost every goal scoring opportunity for his team this year. Although his name doesnt seem to appear on the score-sheet, the Sampdoria faithful know that “Sant’ Antonio” is to be thanked.He creates plays from situations that would not normally worry opponents if it were someone else. He scares opponents with his unpredictability and wows the crowds with his finesse. Watch him play !!! His Prima Donna attitude is getting better, and at the end of the day who cares what he does when hes not on the field.
Many years ago, Inter striker Giuseppe Meazza showed up to the stadium late, hung over, and with a cigarette in his mouth after the kick off had already started. The Inter-Milan coaches were in desperate need of him so they decided that they would put him on the field and would discipline him after the game was over. Well, Giuseppe Meazza scored 3 goals that day, and his coaches decided to never mention anything about his partying.
In conclusion, there is a jewel named Cassano available to Italy’s national team. Marcello Lippi is a great coach and brought home the greatest trophy in all of sports in 2006. But should he be stuck one day, in a 0-0 game , Cassano will surely save him. We’ve waited long enough. Bring Cassano to South Africa.
