Allegri: Cassano in career-best form

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says Antonio Cassano was having the best season of his career before he underwent heart surgery this week.

The Italian international striker fell ill after the club’s 3-2 win against Roma last weekend and Milan announced on Wednesday that Cassano had suffered cerebral trauma which required surgery.

Cassano is likely to be out of action for up to six months, and his coach was keen to praise the striker ahead of Sunday’s Serie A clash with Catania at San Siro.

“The important thing is that the operation went well and the medics are confident that he can return in four to six months,” Allegri said.

“We hope to have him back as soon as possible. He was in my view having the best season of his career.”

Allegri lamented his selection headaches ahead of the Catania match, with his team without the suspended Kevin-Prince Boateng and Antonio Nocerino, while Alexandre Pato, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Philippe Mexes miss out through injury.

“It is going to be a very difficult game as Catania are in excellent form. A team that picks up points against almost all the top clubs has to be respected,” Allegri said.

“Over the past month we have been able to qualify for the Champions League knock-out stages and climb back up the Serie A table. Tomorrow is the last push before the break for international duty.”

“The most important thing is understand just how difficult this match is. What counts is the victory and to achieve it we need everyone to work hard against a side that is very dangerous on the counter.”

Milan sit in fourth place in Serie A heading into the weekend’s fixtures, two points behind leaders Juventus who face Napoli on Sunday.