Italy striker Antonio Cassano is set to undergo minor heart surgery after being taken ill on AC Milan's flight home from their 3-2 win over Roma. The 29-year-old was reportedly joking with teammates before suddenly experiencing difficulties with his vision, speech and movement.
Milan confirmed that Cassano has been diagnosed with a cardiac anomaly, which impaired blood flow to his brain. The procedure to close the opening will take place in the coming days. Vice-president Adriano Galliani stated that recovery is expected to take four to six months before Cassano can return to play.
Cassano has received visits from teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Galliani, coach Massimiliano Allegri, and Italian federation president Giancarlo Abete at the Policlinico di Milano. Abete emphasised that health comes first, while Galliani assured that Cassano's career is not at risk.
The setback leaves Italy without their two starting forwards for next year's European Championship, as Giuseppe Rossi is also sidelined following knee surgery. Former Argentina star Diego Maradona wrote a letter of support to Cassano, published in Corriere dello Sport.
Cassano's hospitalisation comes less than a week after Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso revealed a nerve problem affecting his left eye, which could keep him out for months or the rest of the season.
