Italy striker Cassano signs for Real Madrid
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-04 09:15

However, Cassano will hardly be able to present himself as a unique talent needing special attention in a Real dressing room featuring Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham.

Former Italy forward Gianfranco Zola, one of the few Italian players to have enjoyed the best years of his career outside of Serie A, while with England's Chelsea, is confident that Cassano will rise to the challenge.

"In Madrid he will have the chance to mature. From a footballing point of view he has nothing to worry about and being in a side with so many big name players can only stimulate him and bring out his class," he said.

"A talent will always emerge whether in Italy or abroad".

Factbox

Born in Bari, July 12, 1982, the day after Italy won the World Cup.

As a schoolboy turns down moves to Inter Milan, reportedly following an intervention by his mother.

December 1999 -- Makes Serie A debut for Bari in 1-0 defeat by Lecce. A week later hits the headlines with a brilliant debut solo goal against Inter Milan.

May 2001 -- After two full seasons with Bari, in which he scored six goals, moves to AS Roma for a fee of $28.5 million.

June 2003 -- Is sent off for dissent in Roma's Italian Cup final defeat to AC Milan.

Nov, 2003 -- Despite refusing to play for Italy's Under-21s, he wins his first call-up to Giovanni Trapattoni's national side and scores on his debut in the 3-1 defeat to Poland.

June 2004 -- Features in all three of Italy's matches at Euro 2004 but his goal in the 2-1 win over Bulgaria is not enough to stop an early elimination for the Azzurri.

2004-05: After coach Fabio Capello's departure from Roma to Juventus, Cassano clashes with his replacement, German coach Rudi Voeller and then the next coach Luigi Del Neri.

Oct 2005 -- Cassano and Roma fail to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Jan 2006 -- After being linked with Juventus and Inter Milan, Cassano agrees to sign for Real Madrid.