[Forza_Roma]

Don addresses Cassano and Inzaghi

Don addresses striking questions
Sunday 25 May, 2008

Roberto Donadoni stresses his faith in Antonio Cassano and responds to Pippo Inzaghi’s anger as Italy’s Euro 2008 squad get down to work.

The 24-men provisionally selected to travel to Austria and Switzerland will be training in Coverciano ahead of flying to the European Championship.

Inter’s players arrived later and Roma’s representatives are due to join the group at 11pm this evening after yesterday’s Coppa Italia Final.

But all eyes were on Cassano, who was the wild card in Donadoni’s selection and is battling to avoid being relegated to stand-by when one man has to leave on Thursday.

“Cassano has told me that he won’t disappoint,” Don revealed at today’s Press conference.

“The decision to choose him came after a long discussion with my staff. I listened to my advisors and in the end I opted to bring him.

“I also did it because I believe in my own abilities and that I can help him on a personal level.

“However, the relationship that I have with Antonio is the same as the one I have with the rest of the players.

“Cassano is not an extraterrestrial, but we want the right behaviour from him on and off the pitch and especially in training.

“Can he play alongside Alessandro Del Piero? I can tell you that everything is possible, it’s just about balance and the belief of the players. I say that Del Piero and Cassano can play together.”

Donadoni had to snub Milan veteran Inzaghi in spite of his phenomenal end to the season in order to pick Cassano and the Diavolo marksman hit out angrily at the decision.

“I respect him and he must respect me,” the Azzurri boss explained.

“He has an enthusiasm that belies his years and that’s how he lives his football – it’s a strength.

“But what happened between us stays between us and the discussion is closed.

“I never said that he wasn’t on form because that would have been stupid on my part given his recent performances, but I have no reason to apologise for my choices.”