Cassano aims for Azzurri start

Antonio Cassano is hoping his sparkling debut will force coach Giovanni Trapattoni into giving him a second start when Italy take on Romania in a friendly in Ancona on Sunday.

The short but powerful striker was handed his first cap against Poland on Wednesday following an injury to Roma team-mate Francesco Totti and his performance was one of only a few plus points the Italians took from a shock 3-1 defeat.

Cassano capped a mature display with a fine goal but his tireless running and intelligent passing failed to yield further rewards as the Azzurri's 10-match unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt in icy Warsaw.

Now the ambitious 21-year-old wants to play against the Romanians alongside his close friend and mentor Totti, who is currently having treatment for back pain.

"I don't know if Totti will be there in Ancona but it would be great to play together with him," Cassano said.

"I have to say that I was really fortunate as the number 10 shirt is normally his, but his absence in Warsaw allowed me to wear it."

Trapattoni hinted Cassano would be part of Italy's Euro 2004 squad next summer now that he has learned to keep his often quick temper under control.

"Too much has been said about his past, so let's let him grow in peace because he is the future of the national team," he said.