LEAVING IT LATE

A number of players are looking to get into the national team squads at the final moment in order to play at World Cup 2014. Parma striker Antonio Cassano is one of them and he has stated in a recent interview that he has lost as much as 10 kg in weight in order to make it into the Italian squad for the World Cup. Italy will go into the competition as one of the teams with a great opportunity to win the tournament. They have done exceedingly well in recent finals due to the leadership from Cesare Prandelli, but now, there is a feeling that the nation is ready to reclaim the glory days.

They come into the World Cup with the right mixture of youth and experience. The presence of striker Mario Balotelli upfront has provided a new dimension to Italy’s attack, which has boasted in the past the likes of Alessandro del Piero and Totti. Even though these players are still playing, they are unlikely to return to the international fold. One striker, however, is capable of doing just that and it is 31-year-old Cassano. The former AC Milan striker has been in fine form for his club this season, but he has stated that his diet over the last few months has helped him lose 10 kgs.

“I can’t do better than this. I’ve lost 10kg to go to Brazil. I’m on a diet and I’ve stopped eating focaccine, except for once a week. I don’t know if there’s still a chance but I’m doing everything to give Prandelli something to think about. I have never played at a World Cup and it’s something I’d love to do. I would be the happiest man in the world if it happened,” said the striker in a reference to national team manager Prandelli.