FantAntanio

Antonio Cassano

Berlusconi is in the mood of gifting his fans. It appears that he has decided to put on the Santa costume this season. His latest gift to the Milanistas goes by the name of Antonio Cassano. He is after all the most talented Italian footballer in the peninsula. Why would we complain? Especially when he arrives as a replacement for Ronaldinho, of whom we are expected to make a profit! Whoever said that ideal worlds are only in novels?

True, we have the craziest line of loons in our attack. Some journalists call the Milanello a mad house, perhaps with good reason. Robinho, Ibrahimovic and Cassano have explosive pasts and now they are under one roof. Fireworks will be expected. But I choose to look at the fireworks on the pitch instead. Cassano's combination with Ibrahimovic seems like a lip smacking delight that would have defenders wetting their pants. Milan's attack has not looked this strong in the last 5-6 years. Arguably, with Cassano in our ranks, we possess the strongest attack in club football. We will win in Italy, no doubt about that. How this shapes our destiny in Europe, only time will tell.

Casano's versatility will be key for us. He can play behind the two strikers or as a second striker. He brings creativity to the team and also could replace Robinho when the Brazilian begins his misfiring bouts. He is also decent with the dead ball and has an imaginative vision at long range passing. He will add a lot to the team than the threat of lunacy which most conservative purists are fearing. He comes at a meager fee, somewhere around 2 million euros. A steal if one can put it that way. An honorable mention must go to Galliani for picking up scraps like no other director in Europe. He has mastered the act. First Ibrahimovic and now Cassano; true genius.

On a wayward note, Milan did travel to Dubai and played Al Ahli in a friendly beating the Arab side 2-1. Seedorf was splendid and so was Beretta. The young forward showed glimpses of being the missing piece in the forward puzzle and could be called up to replace Ibrahimovic when the Swede tires. Is he the one to don the No. 9 that Inzaghi has left hanging at the locker? Now that Toni is gone to Juventus, what other options do we have?