Antonio Cassano

Cassano was born in Bari{{cite news|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=570880.html|title=Sampdoria complete Cassano swoop|publisher=UEFA|date=14 August 2007|access-date=2 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=570880.html|archive-date=7 January 2016|url-status=dead}} and his father left the family shortly thereafter.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportspundit.com/soccer/players/92-antonio-cassano|title=Antonio Cassano|publisher=sportspundit.com|access-date=23 December 2013|archive-date=24 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224104438/http://www.sportspundit.com/soccer/players/92-antonio-cassano|url-status=live}} He was raised in poverty by his mother in the San Nicola district of the Bari Vecchia neighbourhood, and began playing football on the streets at an early age.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/9321545/Euro-2012-whole-hearted-Antonio-Cassano-no-longer-Italys-rebel.html|title=Euro 2012: whole-hearted Antonio Cassano no longer Italy's rebel|work=The Telegraph|author1=Duncan White|date=10 June 2012|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/9321545/Euro-2012-whole-hearted-Antonio-Cassano-no-longer-Italys-rebel.html|url-status=live}} Cassano was spotted by a Bari scout and brought up through the team's youth system, and he made his Serie A debut for Bari against local rivals Lecce on 11 December 1999.{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/135415|title=BARI IN THE BLOOD|publisher=A.C. Milan|date=9 August 2011|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/135415|url-status=live}} During his time with Bari, he soon emerged as one of Serie A's most promising young Italian players, drawing particular attention to himself after scoring a notable, individual, match-winning goal (his first ever Serie A goal) in a 2–1 home win over Italian giants Inter Milan, on 18 December 1999, at the age of 17: in the 88th minute, after controlling a 40-yard lobbed pass on the run with his backheel, he subsequently dribbled past veteran defenders Christian Panucci and Laurent Blanc, wrong-footing goalkeeper Fabrizio Ferron with a dummy, before finishing at the near post.{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/199912/21/385fdf8a031ec/|title=Le nuove stelle|trans-title=The new stars|publisher=Rai Sport.it|language=it|access-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222092120/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/199912/21/385fdf8a031ec/|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=dead}} Cassano's technical skill, precocious talent and impressive performances earned him the nicknames "Fantantonio", due to his flair and creativity,{{cite web|url=http://www.serieaddicted.com/article/fantantonio-cassano-the-best-italian-player-that-never-was.php|title=Fantantonio Cassano, the best Italian player that never was|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206101228/http://www.serieaddicted.com/article/fantantonio-cassano-the-best-italian-player-that-never-was.php|archive-date=6 February 2015|url-status=dead}} and "El Pibe de Bari" ("The Kid from Bari"), a reference to the legendary Diego Maradona's nickname, "El Pibe de Oro".{{cite web|url=http://www.canalemilan.it/news-it/numeri-dagli-inferi-99-el-pibe-de-bari-27374 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150203053407/http://www.canalemilan.it/news-it/numeri-dagli-inferi-99-el-pibe-de-bari-27374 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2015 |title=99, "El Pibe de Bari" |publisher=Canale Milan.it |language=it |access-date=2 February 2015 }} During his two seasons with Bari, he scored a total of 6 goals in 48 Serie A matches, scoring 3 goals in 21 appearances during his first season, and 3 goals in 27 league matches during his second season with the club.

In 2001, at the age of 19, Cassano signed with reigning Serie A champions Roma for a transfer fee of 60 billion Italian lire (about €30 million); at the time, this was the most expensive teenage signing ever.{{cite news|url=http://www.borsaitaliana.it/bitApp/view.bit?lang=it&target=DocViewerDownload&filename=db/pdf/1095.pdf|title=RELAZIIONE SEMESTRALE AL 31 DIICEMBRE 2000|access-date=24 March 2015|work=AS Roma|publisher=Borsa Italiana Archive|language=it|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202031159/http://www.borsaitaliana.it/bitApp/view.bit?lang=it&target=DocViewerDownload&filename=db%2Fpdf%2F1095.pdf|url-status=live}} His first season produced five goals, as well as a 2001 Supercoppa Italiana victory, and he attracted media attention after openly clashing with coach Fabio Capello after he was left out of a practice match a few days after his international debut.{{cite web|url= http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2003/11/22/cassano-in-new-bustup-with-capello/|title= Cassano in new bust-up with Capello|author= |date= 22 November 2003|website= The Star|access-date= 13 September 2017|archive-date= 13 September 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170913065304/http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2003/11/22/cassano-in-new-bustup-with-capello/|url-status= live}} In the 2003 Italian Cup final against Milan, Cassano was sent off after protesting an official's decision, and he flashed the sign of the horns at the referee while leaving the pitch. During his time with Roma, he won the Serie A Young Footballer of the Year Award in 2001 and in 2003.

He was omitted from the squad during Roma's tumultuous 2004–05 campaign while Luigi Delneri, Roma's third coach of the season (after Cesare Prandelli and Rudi Völler), was in charge. After Delneri himself resigned during the season, his replacement, Bruno Conti, returned Cassano to the starting lineup, with Cassano captaining the team in the absence of incumbent Francesco Totti, who was serving a five-match suspension.

During the 2005–06 pre-season, Cassano was in constant conflict with club management over the renewal of his contract, which was due to expire on 30 June 2006.[http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=352685.html Training accident keeps Cassano out] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051014130531/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/news/Kind=1/newsId=352685.html |date=14 October 2005 }}; UEFA.com 14 October 2005 In January 2006, he acrimoniously parted ways with Roma and signed with Real Madrid{{cite news|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=382259.html |title=Madrid unveil Cassano |date=4 January 2006 |access-date=2 November 2010 |publisher=UEFA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind%3D1/newsid%3D382259.html |archive-date=7 January 2016 }} for just €5M.http://bo.asroma.it/UserFiles/755.pdf{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Cassano became the second ever Italian player to sign for Real Madrid after former Roma teammate Christian Panucci. His debut came on 18 January 2006 in a Spanish Cup match against Real Betis, and scored his first goal just three minutes after entering the match in the second half. Just four months into his tenure with the club, however, he began gaining weight due to poor eating habits, which resulted in Madrid fining him for every gram he remained over his playing weight,{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/11174673/24-of-footballs-fattest-professionals.html?frame=3079159|title=Antonio Cassano|work=The Telegraph|date=21 October 2014 |access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/11174673/24-of-footballs-fattest-professionals.html?frame=3079159|url-status=live}} and earned him the nickname "Gordito".{{cite web|url=http://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/bari/notizie/sport/2011/7-gennaio-2011/cassano-peter-pan-cappellaio-mattopellegatti-sdogana-nuovo-soprannome-181209750070.shtml|title=Cassano, da Peter Pan a Cappellaio matto Pellegatti sdogana il nuovo soprannome|publisher=Il Corriere del Mezzogiorno|language=it|author1=Angelo Alfonso Centrone|date=7 January 2011|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019111748/https://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/bari/notizie/sport/2011/7-gennaio-2011/cassano-peter-pan-cappellaio-mattopellegatti-sdogana-nuovo-soprannome-181209750070.shtml|url-status=live}}

On 30 October, Real Madrid's official website announced that Cassano had been suspended due to his "disrespect" of Capello, who had joined the club at the beginning of 2006–07 season, following a dressing room argument arising from his omission from the team after a game against Gimnàstic de Tarragona,{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=472880.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20071224030846/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=472880.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2007|title=Cassano cast out at Madrid|publisher=UEFA|date=30 October 2006|access-date=6 January 2016}} and was subsequently benched along with David Beckham and Ronaldo. In an interview with a Roman radio station, Cassano said he would "walk all the way back" to rejoin Roma, and indicated his eagerness to make peace with Totti, with whom Cassano had conflicted with before his departure from Roma. Cassano, however, remained with Madrid after the January 2007 transfer window had closed, and the rest of his season was cut short by an ankle injury. Despite winning the 2006–07 La Liga title with Real Madrid, Cassano only made seven league appearances, scoring just a single goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.sampdoria.it/es/news/la-lunga-storia-di-un-fuoriclasse-di-nome-cassano.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150209110313/http://www.sampdoria.it/es/news/la-lunga-storia-di-un-fuoriclasse-di-nome-cassano.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 February 2015 |title=La lunga storia di un fuoriclasse di nome Cassano |trans-title=The long history of a champion named Cassano |publisher=Sampdoria.it |language=it |access-date=6 February 2015 }}

In an interview with Spanish radio in July 2007, Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón described Cassano's attitude as "unsustainable in the last couple of months" and indicated that he would be leaving the club.{{cite web |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/articulo/ramon_calderon_larguero_40816.htm |title="Después de este primer año en la presidencia, mantengo la ilusión del primer día" ("After this first year as president, i have the illusion of the first day") |publisher=Real Madrid CF |access-date=30 July 2007 |date=3 July 2007 |language=es |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070715015632/http://www.realmadrid.com/articulo/ramon_calderon_larguero_40816.htm |archive-date=15 July 2007 |url-status=dead }}

On 13 August 2007, Sampdoria took Cassano on a one-year loan, agreeing to pay €1.2 million of his €4.2 million salary. He was presented to approximately 2,500 fans five days later.{{citation needed|date=November 2010}} In his first press conference, Cassano said that he had chosen to wear the shirt number 99 for several reasons: firstly, as his first-choice, the number 18, was already taken by teammate Vladimir Koman, and because 9 plus 9 equals 18, secondly, because his other teammate Francesco Flachi was already wearing the number 10 shirt, which was his second choice, and thirdly, as he intended the number to be an homage to Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who was wearing the same number at Milan.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2007/08_Agosto/18/cassano.shtml|title=Cassano si prende la Samp|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Filippo Grimaldi|date=18 August 2007|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2007/08_Agosto/18/cassano.shtml|url-status=live}}

He made his Sampdoria début that season in the Derby della Lanterna against Genoa on 23 September, in which he was substituted by former Roma teammate Vincenzo Montella in the final minutes of the match. Cassano scored his first league goal upon his return against Atalanta a week later, in a 3–0 victory. He scored in three consecutive games in January, and helped end league leaders Inter's winning league run with a goal in a 1–1 draw. Cassano, however, was sent off in a 2–2 draw with Torino on 2 March 2008, which he compounded by hurling his shirt at the referee as he left the pitch,[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7HPkPuhgf4 Cassano red card, 3/2/08] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510174050/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7HPkPuhgf4 |date=10 May 2017 }}; YouTube and was punished with a five-match ban. Sampdoria ended the season with an UEFA Cup berth, while Cassano was acquired on a permanent basis by the club on free transfer (plus bonus) from Madrid.{{cite news|url=http://www.sampdoria.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3370&Itemid=38|title=Ufficiale: Antonio Cassano è tutto della Sampdoria|date=30 May 2008|access-date=2 November 2010|work=UC Sampdoria|language=it|archive-date=14 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614221604/http://www.sampdoria.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3370&Itemid=38|url-status=live}}

File:Antonio Cassano.jpg

In his second season, Cassano confirmed to have temperamentally improved, also becoming vice-captain for the team behind Angelo Palombo.{{cite web|url=http://www.squawka.com/news/former-sampdoria-xi-can-cassano-find-a-place-in-the-lineup/437081|title=Former Sampdoria XI: Can Cassano find a place in the lineup?|author1=Harrison Mead|date=12 August 2015|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.squawka.com/news/former-sampdoria-xi-can-cassano-find-a-place-in-the-lineup/437081|archive-date=7 January 2016|url-status=dead}} After the January signing of Giampaolo Pazzini from Fiorentina, Cassano managed to form a fruitful striking partnership with the former Viola forward, that was praised by both media and Sampdoria supporters, and led club chairman Riccardo Garrone to compare it with striking duo of Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini that led Sampdoria to win their only Scudetto to date,{{cite news |url=http://www.sampdorianews.net/index.php?action=read&idnotizia=2464|title=Garrone: "Cassano e Pazzini come Mancini e Vialli"|trans-title=Garrone: "Cassano and Pazzini like Mancini and Vialli"|publisher=SampdoriaNews|language=it|date=24 February 2009|access-date=29 March 2009}} an opinion that was later shared also by both Vialli and Mancini.{{cite news|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/sampdoria-legend-vialli-big-fan-cassano-pazzini-231551 |title=Sampdoria legend Vialli big fan of Cassano, Pazzini |publisher=tribalfootball.com |date=9 March 2009 |access-date=29 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903130415/http://www.tribalfootball.com/sampdoria-legend-vialli-big-fan-cassano-pazzini-231551 |archive-date=3 September 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/index.php?action=read&id=145425|language=it|access-date=29 March 2009|date=28 March 2009 |publisher=TuttoMercatoWeb|title=Mancini: "Pazzini e Cassano come me e Vialli? Ci può stare" (Mancini: "Pazzini and Cassano like me and Vialli? It can be"}} Cassano scored 12 goals in Serie A and helped Sampdoria to reach the Coppa Italia final that season, scoring a goal in the semi-final against the Serie A Champions, Inter.{{cite web|url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2009/03/04/samp_inter_andata_semifinale_coppa_italia.html|title=Coppa Italia, la Samp stende l'Inter. Paura per Balotelli|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=4 March 2009|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206094230/http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2009/03/04/samp_inter_andata_semifinale_coppa_italia.html|archive-date=6 February 2015|url-status=dead}} In the final, Sampdoria were defeated by Lazio in a penalty shoot-out, with Cassano missing the first penalty.{{cite web|title=La Lazio conquista la Coppa Italia Sampdoria piegata ai calci di rigore|date=13 May 2009 |url=http://qn.quotidiano.net/sport/2009/05/13/176857-coppa_italia_della_lazio.shtml|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206094130/http://qn.quotidiano.net/sport/2009/05/13/176857-coppa_italia_della_lazio.shtml|url-status=live}}

His third season with Sampdoria again began very well, as he continued his prolific partnership with Pazzini, and was instrumental in the club's impressive seasonal start, that led them up to first place after a 1–0 home win to Inter. However, a result crisis, including a 3–0 defeat in the local derby against crosstown rivals Genoa, left Sampdoria down to mid-table on January, leading head coach Luigi Delneri to put Cassano off the team for "technical and tactical reasons", casting doubts about the player's future at the club.

In the final days of the January transfer window, he was linked with a move on loan to Fiorentina, that was however denied with an official statement from the club,{{cite news |url=http://www.sampdoria.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5827&Itemid=38 |publisher=UC Sampdoria |language=it |access-date=31 January 2010 |date=31 January 2010 |title=Comunicato Stampa: nota ufficiale società| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100203205356/http://www.sampdoria.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5827&Itemid=38| archive-date= 3 February 2010 | url-status= live}} but was described by the media as Cassano's own refusal to leave Sampdoria.{{cite news |url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/Notizie/Calcio/95651/Cassano+niente+Fiorentina%2C+resta+alla+Sampdoria |publisher=Corriere dello Sport – Stadio |language=it |access-date=31 January 2010 |date=31 January 2010 |title=Cassano niente Fiorentina, resta alla Sampdoria}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} This was confirmed by Cassano himself through an official statement published on Sampdoria's website, citing his relationship with club chairman Riccardo Garrone, his teammates and the team supporters as the main reason for his choice.{{cite news |url=http://www.sampdoria.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5828&Itemid=38|publisher=UC Sampdoria |language=it |access-date=31 January 2010 |date=31 January 2010 |title=Parla Antonio: "Ecco perché resto alla Sampdoria"| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100203202730/http://www.sampdoria.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5828&Itemid=38| archive-date= 3 February 2010 | url-status= live}} He soon came back into the starting line-up, and eventually helped Sampdoria to a fourth-place finish UEFA Champions League qualifying spot in Serie A. Sampdoria were defeated by Werder Bremen in the play-off round, however, and were to enter into the Europa League that season.{{cite web|title=Sampdoria – Werder Brema 3-2|url=http://www.ilsecoloxix.it/p/sport/2010/08/24/AM4cjLzD-sampdoria_werder_brema.shtml|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708092830/http://www.ilsecoloxix.it/p/sport/2010/08/24/AM4cjLzD-sampdoria_werder_brema.shtml|archive-date=8 July 2017|url-status=dead}} Del Neri left Sampdoria at the end of the season.{{cite web|title=Sampdoria: Comunicato Stampa |url=http://www.sampdoria.it/images/stories/comunicati_pdf/170510_comunicato_del%20neri.pdf |access-date=6 February 2015 }}{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Cassano's final season with the club was more difficult. In October 2010, Cassano was excluded from the first team squad with immediate effect after he had a heated row with chairman Riccardo Garrone following the player's refusal to attend an award ceremony.{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=837249&sec=europe&cc=5739&cc=5739 |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |access-date=5 November 2010 |date=30 October 2010 |title=Cassano set for Samp exit after president row? |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023200902/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=837249&sec=europe&cc=5739&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }} Following such events, Sampdoria formally applied for a contract termination to a league arbitration panel, a position that was confirmed even after Cassano apologised to Garrone and the club.{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=838199&sec=europe&cc=5739&campaign=rss&source=soccernet |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |access-date=5 November 2010 |date=2 November 2010 |title=Sampdoria wait for review of Cassano case |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023200949/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=838199&sec=europe&cc=5739&campaign=rss&source=soccernet |url-status=dead }} On 16 December, the arbitration panel ordered Sampdoria to reinclude Cassano into the first team from 1 January 2011, rejecting the Blucerchiati's request for a contract termination, but also concluding Cassano will be paid only 50% of his salary for the remainder of his contract.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_6582224,00.html |publisher=SKY Sport |access-date=16 December 2010 |date=16 December 2010 |title=Cassano dispute resolved |archive-date=19 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219020427/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_6582224,00.html |url-status=live }}

On 20 December 2010, it was reported that Milan, Sampdoria and the player agreed the installment plan to pay a €5 million to Real Madrid which was indicated in Cassano's buy-out clause when he left the Spanish club. Eventually Sampdoria paid €5 million to Real Madrid;Relazione sulla Gestione of UC Sampdoria Report and Accounts on 31 December 2010 Milan paid €3.33 million to Sampdoria, while Cassano had a wage cut with Milan. Cassano then signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Milan,{{cite news|url=http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/20-12-2010/cassano-at-milan-until-2014-he-goes-to-team-training-camp-on-the-27th-712215478890.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222121838/http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/20-12-2010/cassano-at-milan-until-2014-he-goes-to-team-training-camp-on-the-27th-712215478890.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 December 2010 |title=Cassano at Milan until 2014; He goes to team training camp on the 27th |date=20 December 2010 |access-date=27 December 2010 |work=La Gazzeta dello Sport |first=Carlo |last=Laudisa }} which was later confirmed by Milan's owner Silvio Berlusconi,{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_6605702,00.html|title=Milan confirm Cassano capture|date=21 December 2010|access-date=27 December 2010|publisher=Sky Sports|archive-date=24 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224063545/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_6605702,00.html|url-status=live}} replacing the gap left by Ronaldinho's departure. His former strike partner at Sampdoria, Giampaolo Pazzini, also left the club in January to move to Milan's city rivals, Inter. Cassano made his debut for his new club in a 1–0 win against Cagliari where he came on as a substitute for Alexander Merkel in the latter stages of the game. He scored his first goal for Milan in a 4–0 win against Parma. He went on to score three more goals that season, as Milan claimed the 2010–11 Serie A title that season, Cassano's first Scudetto of his career; two of these goals came against former clubs Bari and Sampdoria, and the other one from a penalty against fierce rivals Inter on 2 April 2011, after coming on as a substitute; he was later sent off during the same match after being booked twice.{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/04/02/football.ac.milan.inter.pato/|title=Pato's derby double gives Milan title edge over 10-man Inter|publisher=CNN|date=2 April 2011|access-date=30 November 2015|archive-date=9 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209161704/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/04/02/football.ac.milan.inter.pato/|url-status=live}} In the meantime, Sampdoria struggled without Cassano and Pazzini, and were relegated to Serie B at the end of the season.

As Cassano faced competition for a spot in the Milan starting XI from the likes of forwards Zlatan Ibrahimović, Alexandre Pato and Robinho, a lot of speculation formed over his future for the following season, as Cassano wanted to gain more playing time, due to his wish to keep his spot in the Italian national side. Although he was initially linked to other clubs, he stayed with Milan, and after a good pre-season, he won the 2011 Supercoppa Italiana with Milan over Inter, and he scored in the first Serie A game of the 2011–12 season against Lazio. On 29 October 2011, following Milan's match against Roma in Rome, Cassano was hospitalised after suffering a stroke upon arriving in Milan, and was operated on 4 November.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/antonio-cassano-relives-stroke-that-almost-killed-907087|title=I've already won: 'Blessed' Cassano relives his brush with death|work=The Mirror|date=22 June 2012 |access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=27 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227205550/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/antonio-cassano-relives-stroke-that-almost-killed-907087|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/16359|title=A.C. MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=it|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206094810/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/16359|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/16509|title=ANTONIO CASSANO: A.C. MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=it|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206093853/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/16509|url-status=live}} He returned to the first team on 7 April 2012, after almost six months on the side-lines, featuring as a substitute in Milan's 2–1 home defeat to Fiorentina in Serie A, and received a standing ovation from the crowd as he entered the pitch for Gianluca Zambrotta in the 79th minute.{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/140304|title=CASSANO: IL GRANDE RITORNO|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=it|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=29 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129014917/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/140304|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/live-ac-milan-fiorentina_mtc467369/live.shtml |title=Milan 1-2 Fiorentina |publisher=eurosport.com |date=7 April 2012 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172334/https://www.eurosport.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/live-ac-milan-fiorentina_mtc467369/live.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Milan/07-04-2012/milan-ora-sono-dolori-amauri-apre-strada-juve-91852626089.shtml |title=Amauri fa un regalo alla Juve Il Milan crolla con la Fiorentina |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |author1=Gaetano De Stefano |date=7 April 2012 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172458/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Milan/07-04-2012/milan-ora-sono-dolori-amauri-apre-strada-juve-91852626089.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/live-scores/nationalleagues/nationalleague=italy-serie-a-2000000026/news/newsid/162/183/8/index.html |title=Cassano and Gattuso, partners in bravery |publisher=FIFA |date=28 April 2012 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172349/https://www.fifa.com/live-scores/nationalleagues/nationalleague=italy-serie-a-2000000026/news/newsid/162/183/8/index.html |url-status=dead }} He also appeared as a substitute in a 1–0 home win against Genoa on 25 April,{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/live-ac-milan-genoa_mtc467386/live.shtml |title=AC Milan 1-0 Genoa |publisher=eurosport.com |date=25 April 2012 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172443/https://www.eurosport.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/live-ac-milan-genoa_mtc467386/live.shtml |url-status=live }} and on 29 April, he scored his first goal since his operation, in a 4–1 win over Siena, also setting up both of Ibrahimović's goals during the match.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2012/04/29/news/siena_milan-34157666/|title=Il Milan non molla Poker al Siena|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=29 April 2012|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206100936/http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2012/04/29/news/siena_milan-34157666/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/cassano-torna-al-gol-dopo-206-giorni-79348 |title=Cassano torna al gol dopo 206 giorni |publisher=milannews.it |language=it |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206105544/http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/cassano-torna-al-gol-dopo-206-giorni-79348 |archive-date=6 February 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://sport.ilmessaggero.it/calcio/la_rinascita_di_cassano_torna_al_gol_sei_mesi_dopo_l_intervento_al_cuore/193235.shtml|title=La rinascita di Cassano, torna al gol sei mesi dopo l'intervento al cuore|publisher=Il Messaggero|language=it|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206113031/http://sport.ilmessaggero.it/calcio/la_rinascita_di_cassano_torna_al_gol_sei_mesi_dopo_l_intervento_al_cuore/193235.shtml|url-status=live}} Milan finished the Serie A season in second place behind Juventus, also reaching the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, and the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

After reportedly being upset over the sale of Milan's key players, particularly Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thiago Silva, Cassano requested a transfer.{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/transfer-zone/2012/08/22/3323214/official-inter-and-ac-milan-finalize-cassano-pazzini-swap |title=Official: Inter and AC Milan finalize Cassano-Pazzini swap |date=22 August 2012 |access-date=2 September 2012 |archive-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914130641/http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/transfer-zone/2012/08/22/3323214/official-inter-and-ac-milan-finalize-cassano-pazzini-swap |url-status=live }} On 21 August 2012, Milan and Inter reached an agreement over an exchange deal involving Giampaolo Pazzini and Cassano, with a compensatory sum of €7.5 million in favor of the Nerazzurri. (Pazzini tagged for €13 million and Cassano for €5.5 million.){{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/08/21/3321385/ac-milan-and-inter-agree-terms-over-pazzini-cassano-swap |title=AC Milan and Inter agree terms over Pazzini-Cassano swap |date=21 August 2012 |access-date=22 August 2012 |archive-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802050507/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/08/21/3321385/ac-milan-and-inter-agree-terms-over-pazzini-cassano-swap |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2012/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_12.pdf |title=RELAZIONE E BILANCIO AL 31 DICEMBRE 2012 |date=5 June 2013 |access-date=29 April 2014 |publisher=AC Milan |language=it |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501041522/http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2012/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_12.pdf |archive-date=1 May 2015 }} He officially joined the team the next day.{{cite news |url=http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=40597&L=en |title=Transfers: Antonio Cassano signs for Inter |date=22 August 2012 |access-date=23 August 2012 |archive-date=9 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309185735/https://www.inter.it/en/news/2012/08/22/transfers-antonio-cassano-signs-for-inter.html |url-status=live }} Cassano signed a two-year contract with the club. Cassano's season at Inter was negative, as the club struggled in the league, while Cassano only scored five league goals and often argued with manager Andrea Stramaccioni, although he provided nine assists in Serie A.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/31460/strama-1-cassano-0|title=Strama 1 Cassano 0|publisher=Football Italia|author1=Giancarlo Rinaldi|date=4 March 2013|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804074258/http://www.football-italia.net/31460/strama-1-cassano-0|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/stats/assists?league=ita.1&year=2012|title=Italian Serie A Assists Leaders – 2012–13|work=ESPN|publisher=Entertainment and Sports Programming Network|access-date=25 August 2012|archive-date=23 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423110053/http://espnfc.com/stats/assists?league=ita.1&year=2012|url-status=live}} The club finished the 2012–13 Serie A season in ninth place. In total, he scored 9 goals in 39 games for Inter in all competitions, providing 15 assists.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/62003/cassano-inter-reports-intensify|title=Cassano-Inter reports intensify|publisher=Football Italia|date=31 January 2015|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804075846/http://www.football-italia.net/62003/cassano-inter-reports-intensify|url-status=live}}

After only one season at Inter, Cassano joined Parma on 4 July 2013 on a temporary deal, and was given the number 99 shirt that he had also worn at previous clubs.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2013/07/03/4092132/cassano-leaves-inter-for-parma|title=Cassano leaves Inter for Parma|date=4 July 2013|access-date=3 July 2013|publisher=Goal.com|archive-date=6 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706220545/http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2013/07/03/4092132/cassano-leaves-inter-for-parma|url-status=live}} Cassano's work-rate, fitness and discipline improved at Parma, as he managed to keep control of his weight through a stricter diet and training regime, losing 10 kg.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/26611648|title=World Cup 2014: Antonio Cassano wants Italy recall after losing 10kg|publisher=BBC|date=17 March 2014|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822230302/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/26611648|url-status=live}} On 30 November, he scored his 100th Serie A goal in a 1–1 home draw against Bologna.{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/foto-gallery/sport/calcio/serie-a/2013-2014/cassano-100-gol-serie-a_7e0a04cc-59ea-11e3-9117-a8a2b0420a9e.shtml|title=Cassano, il suo gol numero 100 in serie A|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=30 November 2013|access-date=22 November 2016|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122220442/http://www.corriere.it/foto-gallery/sport/calcio/serie-a/2013-2014/cassano-100-gol-serie-a_7e0a04cc-59ea-11e3-9117-a8a2b0420a9e.shtml|url-status=live}} He refound his form with the club and had a successful 2013–14 season at Parma, as he helped the club to a sixth-place finish in the league, achieving a Europa League qualifying spot, also scoring 13 goals and managing 8 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, with 12 goals and 7 assists coming in Serie A.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/giuseppe-rossi-named-in-italy-s-preliminary-world-cup-squad-051314|title=Giuseppe Rossi named in Italy's preliminary World Cup squad|work=Fox Sports|date=13 May 2014|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630233640/http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/giuseppe-rossi-named-in-italy-s-preliminary-world-cup-squad-051314|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/19/serie-a-season-battle-europa-league|title=Serie A season signs off with ding-dong battle for Europa League berth|work=The Guardian|first=Nicky|last=Bandini|date=19 May 2014|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811221650/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/19/serie-a-season-battle-europa-league|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/49189|title=From laborious to victorious|publisher=Football Italia|author1=Lorenzo Vicini|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804075255/http://www.football-italia.net/node/49189|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://sport.ilmessaggero.it/calcio/serie_a/parma-sampdoria-cassano/666215.shtml|title=Parma-Samp 2-0 nel segno di Cassano: un gol e tanti assist nel suo derby del cuore|publisher=Il Messaggero|author1=Vanni Zagnoli|language=it|date=4 May 2014|access-date=22 November 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120633/http://sport.ilmessaggero.it/calcio/serie_a/parma-sampdoria-cassano/666215.shtml|url-status=live}} In February 2014, he signed a pre-contract agreement with Parma for the 2014–15 season.

In the first half of the 2014–15 season, Cassano managed 5 goals in 20 appearances as Parma were rooted to the bottom of the table and battling serious financial difficulties. On 26 January 2015, Parma allowed Cassano to terminate his contract with the club in advance, which made him a free agent; due to the club's financial struggles, he had reportedly not been paid his wages since June 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/parma/story/2266387/antonio-cassano-out-at-parma-after-rescinding-his-contract|title=Antonio Cassano leaves Parma, could sign with Bari|publisher=ESPN FC|date=26 January 2015|access-date=11 January 2016|archive-date=10 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210130655/http://www.espnfc.us/parma/story/2266387/antonio-cassano-out-at-parma-after-rescinding-his-contract|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/story/2531279/antonio-cassano-could-still-seal-sampdoria-return|title=Antonio Cassano could still seal Sampdoria return – sporting director|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Ben Gladwell|date=22 July 2015|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-date=11 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611143446/http://www.espnfc.us/story/2531279/antonio-cassano-could-still-seal-sampdoria-return|url-status=live}} Following the termination of his contract, he was initially linked with a return to Inter.

Following his release from Parma back in January of the same year, Cassano re-joined former club Sampdoria for a third time on 9 August 2015. He agreed a two-year deal with the club, lasting until 30 June 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.sampdoria.it/cassano-e-blucerchiato-sono-felice-sempre-forza-samp|title=CASSANO È BLUCERCHIATO: "SONO FELICE, SEMPRE FORZA SAMP!"|publisher=U.C. Sampdoria|language=it|access-date=9 August 2015|date=9 August 2015|archive-date=13 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813040004/http://www.sampdoria.it/cassano-e-blucerchiato-sono-felice-sempre-forza-samp/|url-status=live}} He scored his first goal since his return to the club on 10 January 2016, in the 64th minute of a 2–1 home defeat to Juventus.{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/sampdoria-1-juventus-2-pogba-khedira-target-champions-march#:Wu9nR703sFKCPA|title=Sampdoria 1 Juventus 2: Pogba, Khedira on target as champions march on|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=10 January 2016|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=8 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408062858/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/sampdoria-1-juventus-2-pogba-khedira-target-champions-march#:Wu9nR703sFKCPA|url-status=live}}

During the 2016–17 pre-season, the club's president Massimo Ferrero communicated that Cassano was not a part of his plans, and was excluded from the Sampdoria first team. Cassano rejected offers from several clubs and obtained permission to train with the Sampdoria youth side, in particular with the Primavera team's goalkeeper.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/94321/ferrero-shelves-cassano|title=Ferrero shelves Cassano|publisher=Football Italia|date=13 November 2016|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114233349/http://www.football-italia.net/94321/ferrero-shelves-cassano|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/sampdoria-cassano-56477|title=Sampdoria: Cassano granted shooting practice despite uncertain future.|publisher=CalcioMercato.com|author1=Lorenzo Montaldo|author2=Steve Mitchell|date=2 November 2016|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-date=15 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115071038/http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/sampdoria-cassano-56477|url-status=live}}

On 25 January 2017, Cassano terminated his contract with Sampdoria by mutual consent.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/97415/official-cassano-samp-contract-terminated|title=Official: Cassano-Sampdoria contract terminated|publisher=Football Italia|date=25 January 2017|access-date=25 January 2017|archive-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126171824/http://www.football-italia.net/97415/official-cassano-samp-contract-terminated|url-status=live}}

On 10 July 2017, Cassano was signed by Verona.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/105556/official-cassano-joins-verona|title=Official: Cassano joins Verona|publisher=Football Italia|date=10 July 2017|access-date=10 July 2017|archive-date=10 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710233123/http://www.football-italia.net/105556/official-cassano-joins-verona|url-status=live}} He appeared in two summer friendlies for the club the next week; however, on 18 July, he was involved in a curious incident, which gained much publicity in the media: he initially communicated that he would be retiring from football, as he missed his family too much, before holding a press conference later the same day, in which he announced that he had reversed his decision, and stated that he was looking forward to "having a fun season" with Verona.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/18/antonio-cassano-retire-from-football-verona|title=Antonio Cassano retires, then un-retires and vows to 'have fun' with Verona|work=The Guardian|author1=Marcus Christenson|date=18 July 2017|access-date=18 July 2017|archive-date=18 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718141011/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/18/antonio-cassano-retire-from-football-verona|url-status=live}} However, on 24 July, he overturned his decision once again, stating that he would be leaving the club and retiring from football, commenting: "As opposed to what appeared on my wife’s official social profiles, I would like to clarify the following. Carolina was wrong, after thinking and reflecting in the end I decided. Antonio Cassano will not play football anymore. I apologise to the city of Verona, to all the fans, to the president. For a 35-year-old man I need to be motivated and at this moment I feel that my priority is represented by being close to my children and my wife."{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/24/antonio-cassano-leaves-verona-play-on|title='His head isn't right': Antonio Cassano retires (again) after leaving Verona|work=The Guardian|date=24 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724223848/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/24/antonio-cassano-leaves-verona-play-on|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Verona/24-07-2017/cassano-ci-ripensa-smetto-col-calcio-mia-moglie-non-aveva-capito-210521566224.shtml|title=Cassano ci ripensa: "Smetto col calcio. Mia moglie non aveva capito"|date=24 July 2017|language=it|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724182244/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Verona/24-07-2017/cassano-ci-ripensa-smetto-col-calcio-mia-moglie-non-aveva-capito-210521566224.shtml|url-status=live}} On 27 July, Cassano's contract with Verona was officially terminated by mutual consent,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/106772/official-cassano-contract-terminated|title=Official: Cassano contract terminated|publisher=Football Italia|date=27 July 2017|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729204848/http://www.football-italia.net/106772/official-cassano-contract-terminated|url-status=live}} before he had played any official matches for the club; regarding his reasons for parting ways with Verona so suddenly, he later stated in an interview with Tiki Taka that "[t]here was no spark there", adding: "It's like when you’re seeing a woman and she no longer attracts you, so you leave. I took a big risk 12 years ago leaving Real Madrid for Sampdoria. I didn't feel like making a similar choice this time. I knew this would be a season of suffering for Verona, but I didn't know if I could give 100 per cent to avoid relegation. I gave up a lot of money, which not everyone would do. I left things on good terms with them, we have a good rapport."{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/110088/cassano-%E2%80%98inter-will-win-scudetto%E2%80%99|title=Cassano: 'Inter will win the Scudetto'|publisher=Football Italia|date=19 September 2017|access-date=27 September 2017|archive-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922093800/http://www.football-italia.net/110088/cassano-%E2%80%98inter-will-win-scudetto%E2%80%99|url-status=live}} In spite of his previous comments, on 31 July, however, he stated that he would not be retiring, and that he was looking for a new club closer to home,{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/31-07-2017/cassano-non-mi-ritiro-cercatemi-entro-settembre-verona-verita-210672885386.shtml|title=Cassano: "Non mi ritiro, cercatemi entro settembre. Verona? La verità è..."|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=31 July 2017|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=18 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818155857/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/31-07-2017/cassano-non-mi-ritiro-cercatemi-entro-settembre-verona-verita-210672885386.shtml|url-status=live}} but added that he would retire if he did not sign with a club by September.{{cite web|url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2017/07/31/antonio-cassano-intervista-ritiro-continua-verona.amp.html|title=Cassano: "Non smetto, chi mi vuole mi chiami"|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=31 July 2017|access-date=17 December 2017|archive-date=27 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027143246/https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2017/07/31/antonio-cassano-intervista-ritiro-continua-verona.amp.html|url-status=live}} Although he received no other offers from Italian clubs, and was ultimately unable to sign for a team prior to the end of the summer transfer window, in September Cassano stated that he would be following a fitness training schedule given to him by his former Sampdoria fitness coach Agostino Tibaudi, and that he was hoping to sign for a club in the January transfer window.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/109945/cassano-zero-italian-offers|title=Cassano: 'Zero Italian offers'|publisher=Football Italia|date=16 September 2017|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-date=19 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234239/http://www.football-italia.net/109945/cassano-zero-italian-offers|url-status=live}} In spite of rumours in the media of Cassano being linked with several clubs for January, towards the end of September, he once again stated that he was "done" with football.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/27-09-2017/cassano-fa-calare-sipario-con-calcio-ho-finito-ho-finito-220896944265.shtml|title=Cassano fa calare il sipario: "Con il calcio ho finito, ho finito"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=27 September 2017|access-date=27 September 2017|archive-date=27 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927160056/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/27-09-2017/cassano-fa-calare-sipario-con-calcio-ho-finito-ho-finito-220896944265.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/110483/cassano-done-football|title=Cassano: Done with football|publisher=Football Italia|date=27 September 2017|access-date=27 September 2017|archive-date=27 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927160419/https://www.football-italia.net/110483/cassano-done-football|url-status=live}}

After a year of inactivity, in August 2018, Cassano announced that he was looking to return to football.{{cite news |url=https://en.as.com/en/2018/08/03/football/1533309827_300201.html |title=Cassano looking for a new club after a year out of the game |publisher=AS.com English |date=3 August 2018 |access-date=6 October 2018 |archive-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006195237/https://en.as.com/en/2018/08/03/football/1533309827_300201.html |url-status=live }} In October 2018, it was confirmed he was about to start training with Serie C team Virtus Entella, a club he was already linked to in the past.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45772698 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=6 October 2018 |date=6 October 2018 |title=Antonio Cassano: Former Italy international to train with Serie C side |archive-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006234815/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45772698 |url-status=live }} In a prior interview a few days earlier, he had rejected reports linking him to Monza after Berlusconi's acquisition of the club, stating Virtus Entella would be the only club from outside of Serie A he would be willing to join.{{cite news |url=https://it.eurosport.com/calcio/cassano-rifiuta-il-monza-posso-ancora-giocare-in-serie-a-in-categorie-piu-basse-solo-all-entella_sto6955274/story.shtml |title=Cassano rifiuta il Monza: "Posso ancora giocare in Serie A, in categorie più basse solo all'Entella" |publisher=Eurosport |language=it |date=1 October 2018 |access-date=6 October 2018 |archive-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006195114/https://it.eurosport.com/calcio/cassano-rifiuta-il-monza-posso-ancora-giocare-in-serie-a-in-categorie-piu-basse-solo-all-entella_sto6955274/story.shtml |url-status=live }} A few days later, however, he confirmed that he had officially retired from football.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/129271/cassano-time-its-really-over |title=Cassano: 'This time it's really over' |publisher=Football Italia |date=13 October 2018 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013211535/https://www.football-italia.net/129271/cassano-time-its-really-over |url-status=live }}

File:Cassano in Nazionale.jpg

Cassano made 39 appearances for the Italy national team, scoring ten goals.{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1960&squadra=1|title=Cassano, Antonio|publisher=FIGC|language=it|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316122657/http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1960&squadra=1|archive-date=16 March 2016|url-status=dead}} He made his senior international debut on 12 November 2003, aged 21, in a 3–1 friendly defeat against Poland in Warsaw, in which he also scored his first goal.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2003/novembre/13/Cassano_non_evita_naufragio_degli_co_0_031113101.shtml|title=Cassano non evita il naufragio degli azzurri|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=13 November 2003|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101000000/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2003/novembre/13/Cassano_non_evita_naufragio_degli_co_0_031113101.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/primi_piani/calcio/2003/pp_1.0.217761512.shtml|title=Trap k.o., ma trova Cassano|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=12 November 2003|access-date=20 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202083014/http://www.gazzetta.it/primi_piani/calcio/2003/pp_1.0.217761512.shtml|url-status=live}}

Cassano was included in Italy's UEFA Euro 2004 squad by manager Giovanni Trapattoni. He was initially thought to serve as a reserve, but after Francesco Totti was suspended following a spitting incident with Christian Poulsen in Italy's opening group match against Denmark, which ended in a 0–0 draw, Cassano was inserted into the starting lineup for a 1–1 draw with Sweden, in which he scored the opening goal.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787519.stm|title=Italy 1-1 Sweden|date=18 June 2004 |publisher=BBC|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915115059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787519.stm|url-status=live}} In Italy's final group match, which ended in a 2–1 victory over Bulgaria, he was named man of the match, as he was involved in Simone Perrotta's equaliser, and also netted the last-minute winner, but Italy were eliminated in the group stage on direct encounters after a three-way, five-point tie with Denmark and Sweden.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/23/euro2004.sport12|title=Cassano's last-gasp winner all for nought as Trapattoni pays price for early exit|work=The Guardian|date=23 June 2004|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206210217/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/23/euro2004.sport12|url-status=live}}

After a poor season with Real Madrid, Cassano was left off coach Marcello Lippi's final roster for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26611648|title=World Cup 2014: Antonio Cassano wants Italy recall after losing 10kg|date=17 March 2014|access-date=21 June 2014|publisher=BBC|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517235058/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26611648|url-status=live}} The Azzurri went on to lift the trophy in Berlin, beating France in a penalty shootout.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/worldcup2006/minbymin/0,,1788448,00.html|title=Italy 1 – 1 France (5–3 pens)|work=The Guardian|access-date=27 June 2014|archive-date=6 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106174651/https://www.theguardian.com/football/worldcup2006/minbymin/0,,1788448,00.html|url-status=live}}

In September 2006, Cassano was called up by new manager Roberto Donadoni for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Lithuania and France. However, he was not selected again until surprisingly being included in the Euro 2008 squad.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bdcf7e7c7-a2e5cd0378ea-1000--cassano-choice-shocks-some-in-italy/|title=Cassano choice shocks some in Italy|publisher=UEFA|date=20 May 2008|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019111749/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0254-0d7bdcf7e7c7-a2e5cd0378ea-1000--cassano-choice-shocks-some-in-italy/?referrer=%2fnews%2fnewsid%3d698376|url-status=live}} He went scoreless in the tournament as Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Spain after a penalty shootout.{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO|title=Spain 0 – 0 Italy|date=22 June 2008|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN|access-date=15 June 2010|archive-date=28 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628205252/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO|url-status=dead}}

File:Antonio Cassano and Scott Parker England-Italy Euro 2012.jpg.]]

Lippi returned as coach for the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign and did not select Cassano during the qualifying matches or the 2010 World Cup finals.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/7634478/World-Cup-2010-Italys-Antonio-Cassano-refuses-to-postpone-June-wedding.html|title=World Cup 2010: Italy's Antonio Cassano refuses to postpone June wedding|date=26 April 2010|access-date=21 June 2014|work=The Telegraph|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/7634478/World-Cup-2010-Italys-Antonio-Cassano-refuses-to-postpone-June-wedding.html|url-status=live}} After a two-year absence from the Azzurri, and following widespread criticism from the media towards Lippi about his exclusion from the World Cup squad, Cassano was readmitted into the squad on 6 August 2010 by new head coach Cesare Prandelli for his first game in charge of the team, a friendly match against the Ivory Coast played on 10 August at Upton Park, London.{{cite news|publisher=FIFA |access-date=6 August 2010 |date=6 August 2010 |title=Italy turn to Balotelli, Cassano |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1282049.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823131241/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid%3D1282049.html |archive-date=23 August 2010 |url-status=dead }} Almost a month later, in Italy's Euro 2012 qualifier played in Estonia, Cassano scored the tying goal in a 1–2 away victory and also assisted Leonardo Bonucci's second goal with a back-heel. Cassano scored a long-range goal from just outside the box in Italy's 5–0 qualifying win over the Faroe Islands. He scored again against Estonia helping Italy secure a 3–0 win.

Cassano played in all six of Italy's matches and scored one goal against the Republic of Ireland during Euro 2012,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/18/euro-2012-italy-republic-ireland-group-c|title=Euro 2012: Mario Balotelli secures Italy's passage against Ireland|work=The Guardian|date=18 June 2012|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206204416/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/18/euro-2012-italy-republic-ireland-group-c|url-status=live}} where the Italians reached the final, losing 4–0 against Spain.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18355496|title=Spain 4–0 Italy|publisher=BBC Sport|author1=Phil McNulty|date=1 July 2012|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=25 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325002852/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18355496|url-status=live}} In the semi-final against Germany, Cassano set up Mario Balotelli's first goal of the match.{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/06/28/euro-2012-mario-balotelli-scores-twice-as-italy-stuns-germany/|title=Euro 2012: Mario Balotelli scores twice as Italy stuns Germany|work=National Post|date=28 June 2012|access-date=6 February 2015}} Cassano wore the number 10 shirt for Italy throughout the tournament.{{cite web |url=https://www.90min.com/it/posts/tutti-i-numeri-10-dell-italia-agli-europei-dal-2000-ad-oggi |title=Tutti i numeri 10 dell'Italia agli Europei dal 2000 ad oggi |publisher=90min.com |language=it-IT |date=9 June 2024 |access-date=10 June 2024 }} In July 2012, he was fined by UEFA for making a homophobic comment at a press conference during Euro 2012. At the conference, when asked if he thought there were any homosexual players in the Italian team, he replied, "I hope there are none." He later issued a statement saying he had been misinterpreted.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18419309 | title=Antonio Cassano fined for Euro 2012 homosexual remark | work=BBC Sport | date=12 June 2012 | access-date=21 July 2012 | archive-date=20 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720164920/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18419309 | url-status=live }}

Despite not featuring during the qualification campaign, Cassano was selected in Italy's squad for the 2014 World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27402363|title=World Cup 2014: Italy omit Giuseppe Rossi from final squad|date=1 June 2014|access-date=15 June 2014|publisher=BBC|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606010537/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27402363|url-status=live}} On 20 June 2014, at the age of 31, Cassano made his World Cup debut as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Costa Rica.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285190|title=Italy 0-1 Costa Rica|date=20 June 2014|access-date=21 June 2014|publisher=BBC|archive-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620095909/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285190|url-status=live}} He also appeared as a substitute in Italy's 1–0 defeat to Uruguay, in their final group match on 24 June, which resulted in Italy's elimination in the first round of the tournament for the second consecutive time.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/world-cup-2014/2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil-italy-uruguay-pirlo-suarez-group-d/|title=Godin, Uruguay dump Italy out of World Cup|publisher=Sportsnet.ca|date=24 June 2014|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/world-cup-2014/2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil-italy-uruguay-pirlo-suarez-group-d/|url-status=live}} Cassano was criticised by the press for his poor performances and lack of fitness, as he failed to improve his team's results and did not provide pace and creativity to the team's attacking plays.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/team/italy/162/blog/post/1899345/italy-disappointed-by-new-antonio-cassano|title=Italy disappointed by new Antonio Cassano|publisher=ESPN FC|date=21 June 2014|first=Paolo|last=Bandini|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://www.espnfc.us/team/italy/162/blog/post/1899345/italy-disappointed-by-new-antonio-cassano|url-status=live}} This would be his final appearance for Italy, as he was no longer called up by Italy's new manager, Antonio Conte, after the tournament.

A creative forward, or fantasista, in Italian,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/24689/end-cassano?page=1|title=The end for Cassano?|publisher=Football Italia|date=4 September 2012|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.football-italia.net/24689/end-cassano?page=1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2015/08/12/tridente-o-fantasista-zenga-adesso-studia-la-samp-per-cassanoGenova12.html|title=Tridente o fantasista Zenga adesso studia la Samp per Cassano|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Marco Lignana|date=12 August 2015|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2015/08/12/tridente-o-fantasista-zenga-adesso-studia-la-samp-per-cassanoGenova12.html|url-status=live}} who usually functioned as an assist provider in his teams, due to his ability to create chances for teammates{{cite web |url=http://www.fcinter1908.it/in-evidenza/cassano-vs-coutinho-la-fantasia-al-potere/ |title=Cassano vs Coutinho: la fantasia al potere |publisher=fcinter1908.it |language=it |date=25 October 2010 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172351/http://www.fcinter1908.it/in-evidenza/cassano-vs-coutinho-la-fantasia-al-potere/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.parmatoday.it/sport/parma-bologna-formazioni-cassano-diamanti.html |title=Parma, è derby fantasia: Cassano contro Diamanti, un duello da favola |publisher=parmatoday.it |language=it |author1=Guglielmo Trupo |date=28 November 2013 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172322/http://www.parmatoday.it/sport/parma-bologna-formazioni-cassano-diamanti.html |url-status=live }} (Cassano himself once stated that he preferred creating goals to scoring them),{{cite web |url=https://www.calcionews24.com/inter-cassano-venire-qui-era-il-mio-sogno-gol-preferisco-l-assist-269718/ |title=Inter, Cassano: "Venire qui era il mio sogno. Gol? Preferisco l'assist" |publisher=calcionews24.com |language=it |date=1 October 2012 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172349/https://www.calcionews24.com/inter-cassano-venire-qui-era-il-mio-sogno-gol-preferisco-l-assist-269718/ |url-status=live }} Cassano was capable of playing anywhere along or behind the front-line, on either flank or through the centre of the pitch; in addition to his usual role as a second striker, he was able to act as an advanced playmaker, and was also deployed in a central role as a main striker, as a false-9, or even as a winger on occasion.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2087567-world-cup-bound-antonio-cassano-never-more-important-to-the-azzurri|title=World Cup-Bound Antonio Cassano Never More Important to the Azzurri|publisher=Bleacher Report|author1=Anthony Lopopolo|date=5 June 2014|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2087567-world-cup-bound-antonio-cassano-never-more-important-to-the-azzurri|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/15530463|title=AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has heart surgery|publisher=BBC|date=4 November 2011|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/15530463|url-status=live}} Cassano has been described as a player who was "skillful and intelligent on the ball" who possessed "excellent vision and also impresses with his eye for goal".{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/12040/antonio-cassano?cc=5901|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102201833/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/12040/antonio-cassano?cc=5901|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|title=Player Profile|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=6 June 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/06/euro2004.sport4|title=The future of Italian football|work=The Guardian|author1=James Eve|date=6 June 2004|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/06/euro2004.sport4|url-status=live}} His best technical qualities were his trapping skills, control, dribbling, crossing ability and passing accuracy;{{cite web|url=http://m.espn.com/soccer/story?storyId=257738&lang=EN&wjb=&pg=1|title=Roma – Squad profiles|publisher=ESPN|date=13 February 2003|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104100728/http://m.espn.com/soccer/story?storyId=257738&lang=EN&wjb=&pg=1|url-status=live}} although naturally right-footed, he could also strike well with either foot. In addition to his skills, touch and excellent technique, Cassano also possessed considerable upper-body strength and balance, which aided him in defending the ball with his back to goal despite his diminutive stature, and allowed him to retain possession in tight spaces, while his technical ability and acceleration enabled him to beat defenders in one on one situations, or when dribbling at speed.{{cite web|url=http://sport.virgilio.it/calcio/euro-2008/giocatori/200806040958_antonio_cassano.html |title=Antonio Cassano |language=it |access-date=6 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225012359/http://sport.virgilio.it/calcio/euro-2008/giocatori/200806040958_antonio_cassano.html |archive-date=25 December 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/cassano-qualcuno-vuole-male.html|title=Cassano? Qualcuno gli vuole male...|publisher=Il Giornale|language=it|author1=Filippo Grassia|date=20 August 2009|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/cassano-qualcuno-vuole-male.html|url-status=live}} He was also effective from set-pieces and penalties.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo28501.shtml|title=Dinho-Cassano, chi è il migliore?|publisher=Mediaset|language=it|author1=Maurizio Mosca|date=4 December 2009|access-date=21 July 2016|archive-date=9 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509104001/http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo28501.shtml|url-status=live}}

Despite his flair, ability and talent, throughout his career, Cassano was also criticised for his behaviour and lack of discipline, both on and off the pitch, which often led him to pick up unnecessary cards;{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2013/03/02/news/dalle_corna_a_rosetti_alla_lite_con_stramaccioni_ecco_tutte_le_cassante_-53723962/|title=Dalle corna a Rosetti alla lite con Stramaccioni, ecco tutte le 'cassanate'|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=2 March 2013|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2013/03/02/news/dalle_corna_a_rosetti_alla_lite_con_stramaccioni_ecco_tutte_le_cassante_-53723962/|url-status=live}} he was also condemned for his poor work-rate and lack of fitness throughout different intervals of his career,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26372846|title=World Cup 100 days: England's Group D opponents assessed|publisher=BBC|author1=James Horncastle|date=4 March 2014|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26372846|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2011/01/15/cassano-my-last-chance|title=Cassano: This is my last chance|work=The World Game |date=15 January 2011|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2011/01/15/cassano-my-last-chance|url-status=live}} which led him to gain weight,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/1639|title=Cassano needs to cut down|publisher=Football Italia|date=28 December 2010|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.football-italia.net/node/1639|url-status=live}} and lose some of his speed, stamina, and agility.{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-cassano-idUKBREA2G0P620140317|title=Slimline Cassano still hoping for World Cup call up|work=Reuters|author1=Brian Homewood|date=17 March 2014|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232557/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-cassano-idUKBREA2G0P620140317|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2013/11/03/barzagli-inappuntabile-cassano-lento.html|title=Barzagli inappuntabile, Cassano lento|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Emanuele Gamba|date=3 November 2013|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2013/11/03/barzagli-inappuntabile-cassano-lento.html|url-status=live}} Although he was initially regarded as one of the most promising young players of his generation, even being described as Roberto Baggio's heir,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2007/dec/18/sampdoriaspeterpanrefusest|title=Sampdoria's Peter Pan refuses to grow up|work=The Guardian|author=Paolo Bandini|date=18 December 2007|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707040100/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2007/dec/18/sampdoriaspeterpanrefusest|url-status=live}} due to his inconsistency, difficult character, and unpredictability, many in the sport, including his former manager Fabio Capello, have argued that he did not live up to the potential he demonstrated in his youth, and that his personality affected his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/31464/capello-cassano-and-totti|title=Capello on Cassano and Totti|publisher=Football Italia|date=4 March 2013|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118090708/http://www.football-italia.net/31464/capello-cassano-and-totti|url-status=live}}

During 2019, Cassano was a pundit for Italia 1 football show Tiki Taka.{{cite web |language=it |publisher=Il Messaggero |title=Antonio Cassano cacciato da Tiki Taka. Ecco i motivi della decisione di Mediaset |url=https://www.ilmessaggero.it/televisione/antonio_cassano_perche_cacciato_tiki_taka_oggi_ultime_notizie-4944604.html |date=23 December 2019 |accessdate=19 December 2022}}

In December 2019, Cassano successfully completed a director of football course at Coverciano.{{cite web |language=it |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |title=Cassano si diploma: adesso è ufficialmente un direttore sportivo |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/09-12-2019/cassano-direttore-sportivo-diploma-3501747751529.shtml |date=9 December 2019 |accessdate=19 December 2022}}

He successively joined fellow friends and former Serie A footballers Christian Vieri, Daniele Adani and Nicola Ventola in a regular Twitch show named Bobo TV, which started in 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy.{{cite web |url=https://www.ilbianconero.com/a/vieri-vi-svelo-com-e-nata-la-bobo-tv-31568|publisher=Ilbianconero.com |language=it |date=9 October 2021 |accessdate=19 December 2022 |title=Vieri: 'Vi svelo com'è nata la Bobo Tv!'}}

Cassano got engaged to water polo player Carolina Marcialis in 2008, then married on 19 June 2010 at a church, Chiesa di San Martino, in Portofino.{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/mondiali_2010/girone_f/italia/2010/06/19-116892/Cassano+si+%C3%A8+sposato+con+Carolina+a+Portofino|title=Cassano si è sposato (Cassano has been married)|publisher=Corriere dello Sport|language=it|access-date=21 June 2010|date=19 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229181344/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/mondiali_2010/girone_f/italia/2010/06/19-116892/Cassano+si+%C3%A8+sposato+con+Carolina+a+Portofino|archive-date=29 February 2012}} The couple have two sons.{{cite news |url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2013/03/20/cassano-names-son-after-messi |title=Cassano names son after Messi |website=theworldgame.sbs.com.au |agency=Agence France Presse |date=20 March 2013 |access-date=29 August 2014 |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903115944/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2013/03/20/cassano-names-son-after-messi |url-status=live }}

On 30 October 2011, it was reported that Cassano complained of finding it difficult to speak or move on the team plane when the team returned to Milan.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15530463.stm | publisher=BBC News | title=Milan's Cassano has heart surgery | date=4 November 2011 | access-date=1 November 2011 | archive-date=2 November 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102001157/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15530463.stm | url-status=live }} Three days later, his club Milan announced and confirmed that he was suffering from ischemic-based cerebral damage, though it was thought to be only temporary.[http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/champions-league-milan-cassano-out-months-have-surgery/20111103.htm Milan's Cassano out for months, to have surgery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113202137/http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/champions-league-milan-cassano-out-months-have-surgery/20111103.htm |date=13 November 2011 }}. Rediff.com. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011. Cassano underwent minor heart surgery soon after.

In addition to his skill, Cassano is known for his temper, poor behaviour and lack of discipline; these have led to several controversial incidents both on and off the pitch throughout his career, which have thus been dubbed Cassanate by the press and his former manager Capello.

During a Euro 2012 press conference, Cassano stated his preference for there to be no gay players on the squad and used a derogatory descriptor; he was subsequently fined by UEFA for making homophobic comments.{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/06/12/italy.antonio.cassano.comments.ap/index.html?eref=sircrc|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119201116/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/06/12/italy.antonio.cassano.comments.ap/index.html?eref=sircrc|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2013|title=Italy's Cassano hopes there are no gay players on Euro team|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=12 June 2012|access-date=20 June 2014}}

On 1 February 2013, Cassano had a locker room brawl with his then coach at Inter, Andrea Stramaccioni. It occurred following Friday's training session and had started off as a relatively normal discussion before the pair got into a heated slanging match, then degenerated into pushing and shoving before the other players intervened to pull them apart.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/31384/strama-cassano-locker-room-brawl|title=Strama-Cassano in locker room brawl!|publisher=Football Italia|last=Staff|first=Football Italia|date=1 February 2013|access-date=2 February 2013|archive-date=5 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305021727/http://www.football-italia.net/31384/strama-cassano-locker-room-brawl|url-status=live}}

Cassano was a brand ambassador for Diadora, and wore their Evoluzione K Pro GX 14 football boots in black and fluorescent yellow throughout his career.{{cite news | url = http://www.footballboots.co.uk/5635-cassano-in-the-diadora-evoluzione-k-pro-gx-14.html | title = Cassano in the Diadora Evoluzione K Pro GX 14 | publisher = FootballBoots.co.uk | access-date = 1 May 2012 | archive-date = 7 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160107232556/http://www.footballboots.co.uk/5635-cassano-in-the-diadora-evoluzione-k-pro-gx-14.html | url-status = live }}

:Source:{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/speciali/risultati_classifiche/calcio/giocatori/giocatore_antonio_cassano_19820712.shtml|title=Antonio Cassano|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918201745/http://www.gazzetta.it/speciali/risultati_classifiche/calcio/giocatori/giocatore_antonio_cassano_19820712.shtml|url-status=live}}

{{notelist}}

:Source:{{NFT player|id=3354|name=Antonio Cassano – Goals in International Matches| accessdate =12 October 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1960&squadra=1|title=Cassano, Antonio|publisher=FIGC|language=it|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316122657/http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1960&squadra=1|archive-date=16 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

:Scores list Italy's tally first.{{cite web | url = http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/12040/antonio-cassano?cc=5739 | title = Antonio Cassano – Goals | publisher = ESPN FC | access-date = 12 October 2011 | archive-date = 28 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120428051416/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/12040/antonio-cassano?cc=5739 | url-status = dead }}

AS Roma{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/antonio-cassano/3006/|title=A. Cassano|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=20 December 2015|archive-date=10 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210153445/http://int.soccerway.com/players/antonio-cassano/3006/|url-status=live}}

• Supercoppa Italiana: 2001

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2006–07

AC Milan

• Serie A: 2010–11
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2011

Individual

• Serie A Young Footballer of the Year: 2001, 2003{{cite web|url=http://vivoazzurro.it/en/soccer-player/antonio-cassano/|title=Antonio Cassano|publisher=Vivo Azzurro|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=25 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325092420/http://vivoazzurro.it/en/soccer-player/antonio-cassano/|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://aic.football.it/scheda/92/cassano-antonio.htm Profile at AIC] {{in lang|it}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160316122657/http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1960&squadra=1 National team data] {{in lang|it}}
• {{Soccerbase}} {{in lang|en}}

{{Serie A Young Footballer of the Year}}

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