Milan in shock after Cassano suffers 'mini stroke'

Italian news agency ANSA reported on Monday that AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano suffered a mini stroke on his return from Rome this weekend.

Cassano has remained at the Policlinico facility where he was taken for tests after falling ill on Milan’s plane following the team’s 3-2 victory over Roma on Saturday.
Milan has not disclosed the nature of Cassano’s illness, but ANSA on Monday said it was a mini stroke, without citing a source.

The club denied reports that the famously temperamental 29-year-old player, who was taken ill on the flight back from the 3-2 win at AS Roma on Saturday, had suffered a stroke. 

“AC Milan inform that the news in circulation containing a hypothetical diagnosis on Antonio Cassano’s state of health cannot be considered true as it does not come from an accredited medical source,” Milan said in a statement. 

“AC Milan underline that Antonio Cassano is in a phase of marked improvement and in the next few days will undergo further medical examinations.” 

Cassano was reportedly joking with teammates on the plane, before suddenly developing problems with his vision, speech and movement.

The club’s vice president, Adriano Galliani, said earlier he is confident Cassano will make a full recovery.

“I’ve just spoken to Antonio,” Galliani said. “I’m convinced he’ll get better, he’s already feeling better now. He’s in a good mood and he seems calm.

“Problems of this kind are part of life. Unfortunately, life is made up of so many things and footballers are human beings like the rest of us and can have the problems just like everyone else.”

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is hopeful Cassano will be back in action after the international break, when the Serie A champion visits Fiorentina.

“We hope to have him back as soon as possible, maybe after the break,” Allegri said. “I talked to him yesterday and he seems calm and is recovering well.

“All the squad is in shock and very upset by what has happened.”

It is the second serious ailment to hit Milan this season, with midfielder Gennaro Gattuso battling a nerve problem affecting his left eye.

“What happened was completely unexpected,” Galliani said. “Something that’s a bit similar to what happened with Gattuso — it had never happened in his life.

“However, Cassano is strong, as is Gattuso. Everything will be fine. But I’m not a doctor and I’m not able to make a prognosis.”

Bari-born Cassano has previously played for AS Roma and Real Madrid in a career marked by tantrums and personality clashes. 

Later, in Belarus, Allegri told the pre-match media conference: “We will play for Antonio. There are so many other aspects apart from the sporting ones and we’re all saddened.” 
 

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