Sampdoria fail in bid to get rid of Cassano
The big news from Italy on Thursday lunchtime is that Sampdoria's attempts to have Antonio Cassano's contract terminated following his row with president Riccardo Garrone have reportedly proven unsuccessful.
The arbitration process wasn't entirely without success for the Blucerchiati though despite failing to achieve their main aim as the tribunal is believed to have ruled that while the forward must be reinstated at the start of January, his salary will be halved.
National newspaper La Repubblica expect Sampdoria to still try to get shot of the Italy international in the January transfer window, however given the desire of fans and several players to see him return, it wouldn't be a huge shock if Garrone eventually relented, content that the 28-year-old had been punished for his actions.
Earlier in the day, talk of AC Milan being frontrunners to land the former Roma and Real Madrid star next month intensified after Pippo Inzaghi gave the move the thumbs up and La Repubblica anticipate a battle with Inter Milan for Fantantonio should Sampdoria sustain their hard-line stance.
When quizzed about the possibility of signing Cassano in January following Inter Milan's 3-0 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final victory over Seongnam Ilhwa, Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti was rather non-committal, saying: "At the moment, this isn't off the ground simply because we aren't looking for anyone up front."
Should Sampdoria let Cassano stay following today's decision? Could he do a job for any of the Serie A title contenders? Share your thoughts below...
Published: 16 Dec 2010
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