Italian national team manager Cesare Prandelli has said that AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano is almost certain to be included in the squad for the Euro 2012. Antonio Cassano had to undergo a heart surgery during the middle of the campaign, which almost ruled him out of the Euro 2012. It was a massive disappointment for Italy considering that he is their best striker. However, the striker returned to the AC Milan first-team in the match against Siena recently. Many were expecting an ordinary performance from the striker, who has been out of the game for quite some time.

However, he surprised a lot of people by putting in a scintillating performance against Siena. Cassano not only scored a goal against Siena, but also set up two other goals for Zlatan Ibrahimovic as well. Following the match, Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has said that Cassano is almost certain for inclusion into the Euro 2012 squad. Only a few weeks ago, the 54-year-old manager said that he might look at the possibility of including troublesome Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli as a replacement for Cassano. However, following the recovery of the Bari-born striker, it is highly unlikely that Balotelli will be part of the Italian squad.

“I’m so glad he’s back. I didn’t expect him to be back so soon. For Euro 2012, I will make my assessments. But if he is ready for [Milan coach Massimiliano] Allegri then he is probably ready for us. He has a contagious energy, although I do not think he has the fitness required to play 90 minutes consistently yet,” Prandelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport after the Siena match. Italy have been drawn in the same group consisting of World Cup Champions Spain. Croatia and the Republic of Ireland are the other group members.