Antonio Cassano is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a forward. A talented and technically gifted player, he was usually deployed in a creative role, as a supporting forward throughout his career, although he was also capable of playing in more of a playmaking role, as an attacking midfielder, as well as on the wing, or as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia ("the jewel of Old Bari"), and Fantantonio ("fantastic Antonio"), he was known for his short temper as much as his skill and ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former Roma and Real Madrid coach, Fabio Capello, in November 2002, due to their disputes over his actions. The word is regularly used by Italian journalists as a euphemism for any behavior incompatible with team spirit in football.
