No Serie A this week, so Internationals it is!

Here we go, International fixtures this weekend. International selections have been made, Pazzini, Foggia, Motta, Bocchetti have been added to an already exciting squad but once again there is no Antonio Cassano. I have to say this is in the long term is a real mistake. Cassano brings creativity, flare and the element of the unexpected in his play. In effect, players like this who can keep the ball and play it effectively take the pressure of the defence. France have this in Ribery, Brazil have Kaka, Argentina have Messi. I look at the Italy squad as it stands and to be frank I do not see a great deal of creativity there. There are world class defenders such as Chielini and Cannavaro. There is the deep lying playmaker in Pirlo and the attacking wing backs in Zambrotta and Grosso. There is an array of hitmen upfront in Toni, Gilardino, Rossi, Pazzini, Iaquinta. There are also promising additions. Foggia is a player of great promise. He attacks from either flank on the wing and can dribble all night long and this is a positive move from Lippi. Yet, really there is a player in Genoa tonight who knows he should be there, but probably never will be.

What is the factor?
We all know about Cassano's attitude, but it has improved dramatically at Sampdoria. But is this because of him, or because the team their plays for him. He is Sampdoria right know. His play during the Coppa Italia semi final against Inter was scintillating. However, put him in an environment where he is a smaller fish in a bigger pond then the tantrums may return again. Perhaps this is why Lippi has in recent times suggest a move away from the Luigi Ferraras, something that is likely this summer, to see whether in reality Cassano really can adapt to playing amongst world class players in every department without feeling the need to be the centre of attention.

Is Cassano Crucial to Italy's success?
Lets be serious here, there is no reason why Italy cannot retain their title in South Africa next summer. But in their recent friendly against Brazil they were stagnent. The backline of Zambrotta, Chielini, Cannavaro and Grosso is still rock solid with Buffon in goal, but unless they attack more as opposed to sitting back then they will invite more pressure on the back line. Yes, they have great forwards but unless they are serviced then they will not get many opportunites. Cassano's creative flare would remedy this.