How Inter Milan's Gamble on Antonio Cassano Is Paying off in Spades
During the summer, Inter Milan managed to offload an out-of-form Giampaolo Pazzini for Antonio Cassano plus €7 million. The transfer was widely praised.
The question was, could Cassano live up to the billing?
Inter's gamble on Cassano is currently paying off in spades.
This article will look into Cassano's production as an Inter player and assess the risks he carries.
What Antonio Cassano Brings to Inter Milan
1 of 4Who has produced the most goal-scoring opportunities for Inter Milan in league play this season?
Antonio Cassano with 18, followed by Wesley Sneijder with 14.
As opposed to having no backup plan if Sneijder is out injured, which was the case for parts of last season, Inter can now rely on Cassano to produce something out of nothing when the Dutchman's body is betraying him.
Antonio Cassano's Shooting Efficiency
2 of 4One aspect of Antonio Cassano's game that has stood out is his finishing, which has been world-class this season.
He's already equaled the amount of goals he netted for AC Milan last season.
| League Only | Goals | Shots Per Game |
| Cassano | 4 | 1.5 |
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | 9 | 3.2 |
| Lionel Messi | 8 | 4.9 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 8 | 5.6 |
| Miroslav Klose | 5 | 2.8 |
| Kevin-Prince Boateng | 0 | -* |
* averages 4.7 shots per game, the highest in Europe's elite leagues without a goal.
Antonio Cassano's Role Under Andrea Stramaccioni
3 of 4Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni has given Antonio Cassano leeway to roam. The 30-year-old operates in the space between the opposing club's right-back and centre-back.
At times, there are flashbacks to the Sampdoria Cassano as he drifts from the left.
It's good man-management from Stramaccioni. Rather than dictate to Cassano, the young manager has allowed Cassano's creativity to run wild.
The unpredictability of Cassano is what makes him such a potent and unique footballer.
The Risks with Antonio Cassano
4 of 4So, you're probably thinking Inter Milan have struck gold with Antonio Cassano. Right now, they have, but there are some big risks attached to the Italian.
- Health: Having undergone successful minor heart surgery, a relapse could prematurely end his career or—God forbid—take his life. The glass half-full perspective is that Gerald Asamoah has had a lengthy career with a heart condition.
- Loyalty: Cassano forced transfers away from Roma, Real Madrid, Sampdoria and AC Milan—history suggests that he will make a run for it if the situation at Inter deteriorates.
- Persona: They say geniuses are often mad. That certainly applies to Cassano. This is a guy that deliberately sabotaged his own career at Real Madrid by gaining weight, lost the plot at Sampdoria and kicked AC Milan when they were down after they supported him through his biggest hurdle. When will Cassanata start to trouble Inter management?
Follow @allanjiangLIVE
Connect with +allanjiang
.jpg?w=600 "Post-Lawrence Trade Mock Draft 📝")
.jpg?w=600 "Bengals Extending Lawrence")
