He's been in good form for italy since he's been called up

Cassano is reborn! He is the leader we have been looking for...

Cassano is brilliant, one of the best players in the world over the last 2-3 years

I think Cassano is one of the most underrated players. He has played amazing his whole career other then his stint with Real Madrid which was his only time in international football spotlight thus people underrate him based solely on that one period in Madrid. If you follow the Serie A you would see Cassano is a real star he has had amazing performances like this one with Samp since leaving Madrid. It was a shame not bringing him to the WC and all of Italy will agree with that

Yes I know how good he is in serie a and has been very good for the national team since being recalled, scoring a few good goals already. But I honestly don't believe the serie a provides the best of competition for attackers (give me a second to explain) and italy hasn't really faced any quality opposition just yet with cassano on the pitch.

Now about serie a and cassano. We all know that the league is known world wide for being one of the best especially in terms of defence. Even the smaller teams seem to know how to defend as a unit just as well as or even better than some bigger teams from other leagues. Serie a is known for having some of the hardest tackling, and some of the smartest defending, a deadly combination for most attackers. However individually I don't think the quality of defenders in the league is as high as it once was. However again, they still know how to tackle strongly and cleanly. So this means that a palyer with alot of technical ability is not likely to succeed in taking on defenders. I don't believe players like robin van persie or angel di maria would be great in serie a. They wouldnt be able to take the physical aspect. But cassano is fairly skilled technically, and strong at the same time. Thus defenders can't use that physical aspect to their advantage on him. However against say an english side where athletisism (don't get this type of defending confused with the hard tackling kind found in italy) is the key to their defending he wouldnt be able to cope. He doesn't have quite enough strength or skill to win one on one battles. And in la liga he doesn't have the skill to take on defenders. Just wait till he faces a stronger international side and you will see. He is a fantastic player for serie a, but I wouldnt say he is a fantastic player overall

Hahaha Cassano is fairly skilled and over rated? LOL your funny

He must've forgot how Cassano destroyed Arsenal. Cassano is not your typical Italian who doesn't play too well against English clubs. Put him in the same category as Maldini or Gattuso. He plays equally well against Italian, English, Spanish or Germany clubs.

He did have a terrible spell at Madrid but that's because of a rift with Capello. He was great in his first couple of matches for Madrid before the rift.

Btw, let's see how England compete against this Prandelli-Italy. I'm sure Cassano and Pirlo will run over England

@Blueskiesahead: Very intriguing argument. Not having watched much Italian football (other than the big clubs), you've inspired me to look further into it

Its true that in overall, serie A seems lacking of high talented strikers right now, different than the past. Even inter who won the champions league is world widely rated as pragmatic team. There are not much goals in serie A, too. But you see, this is the best quality of italy. Their identity. One goal and defend it to the end. That's how italy works, their philosophy. One of the best philosophy in soccer, I must say

In the Serie A he has also been consistent, its not only a few games where he has flashes of brilliance, its every game.
If you play Sampdoria you must prepare for Cassano or your team will suffer.

As for the Serie A I think its harder on a striker were the defenses are stronger then the Liga and more strategy is involved (Premiership I think is the best league right now) Maybe it wasnt when he played in Mardid but I think the Serie A is back on track even if the national team isn't. The big teams may be struggling in Europe but look at the teams offensive players that are battling it out for the European spots these guys would be a factor on any premiership team playing for Europa League:
Palermo: Pastore Miccoli, with Cavani, and Amauri in past.
Udinese: Alexi Sanchez, DiNatale and Pepe until now
Fiorentina: Jovetic, Mutu, Gilardino and Toni in past
Sampdoria: Cassano and Pazzini
Roma: Vucinic and Totti
Genoa: Miguel Veloso and Milito in the past
Napoli: Lavezzi, Hamsik and Quagliarella until now
Others in smaller teams: Diamanti, Maxi Lopez, Zarate, Di Vaio and Baretto

Let me try La Liga:
Kanoute, Luis Fabiano, Mata, Forlan, Aguero, Llorente, Soldado, Nilmar, Rossi and Silva and Villa last year with Valencia

All very good points.... Cassano will continue to play at this high level all year and in any and all international contests as well. His checkered past is over and he realizes his worth to the sport now. The best thing that happened to him was being left off the Nat Team.... I see a different Cassano now, , , not in style but in attitude.... He wants respect but is asking for it through his play and leadership instead of acting as if he should be crowned just for showing up. He is one tough cookie on the pitch and can play in any league.... In fact I will say he is very similar to Gattuso and Maldini in physical play and stamina.... You are right about that. He is right now the best player on the Nat Team.... And is showing what impact he has. I wouldn't count him out of any contest with any team from any league...

A few great games in a row. Looks like he is back to his vintage best this season!

What a monster. He should get more credit for his shot bending skills

True, but when was the last time they scored 5 in a game (even against "weak" opposition)? The mood is slowly changing. I'm excited

Yeah.... It's rare to see an offensive italy like that.... Hope the game can boost their confidence, something they lack in world cup.... Anyway, I think its best to put italy as underdog.... Playing as reigning champion just gave them too many pressure...

No more world cup talking dude.... Lets hope they do their best in Euro 2012.... But its true that we need to see italy against some high reputation team, to see their true qualities

The new Toni or the new Totti?

Toni!?  Let say totti, del piero or maybe baggio, but toni is a garbage my man

That doesn't really matter actually. They have proved time and time again not to be underestimated, but this time Italy played great

The only garbage here is you

Hahahaha, du scheiss fotzä. Vafanculo a mammata

And you stop shitting on here the pizza's you ate last night