Cassano Sees His Chance From Mancini as a Dream Come True

Como's 17-year-old Riccardo Cassano thanked Italy head coach Roberto Mancini for the opportunity he has been given. Cassano described his call-up to the senior national team squad as a dream come true.

Cassano was one of the most surprising names in Mancini's latest Italy squad. The player's first call-up came before Como's official professional match. All of the young footballer's club matches this season have been played in the Primavera League or the UEFA Youth League.

During the first few days of the international break, Cassano will have the chance to train with the Italy senior squad and show what he can do in front of Mancini and the coaching staff. After that, the young player will return to the age-group teams ahead of the U17 World Cup, which starts in Qatar next week.

In a statement to Como's website, Cassano thanked the coaches at his club and from his past. Naming Primavera head coach Gianluca Falsini and first-team head coach Cesc Fàbregas, the young player said he was looking forward to the tournament in Qatar with great hope.