Serie A - Cassano makes permanent switch

Eurosport - Fri, 30 May 13:04:00 2008

Striker Antonio Cassano has moved from Real Madrid to Sampdoria on a permanent basis after a successful loan deal with the Blucerchiati.

FOOTBALL 2007-2008 Serie A Sampdoria Cassano - 0

Real did not disclose any further details, but reports in Spain said the temperamental 25-year-old had been given a free transfer.

Cassano joined Real on a 4-1/2-year deal from Roma for 5.5 million euros in January 2006, but never settled at the Bernabeu and had several run-ins with then coach Fabio Capello during the following season.

He made it clear he did not want to remain at Real and went on loan to Sampdoria in August last year.

He had a superb campaign with the Serie A club but also hit the headlines for being given a five-match ban for verbally abusing a referee and throwing his shirt at him.

Eyebrows were raised last week when Roberto Donadoni named him in the Italy squad for Euro 2008, having not been called up since 2006.

Reuters