Antonio Cassano (born 12 July 1982) is an Italian professional footballer who plays for Serie A club Internazionale as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia ("the jewel of Old Bari"), he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November 2002. The word is regularly used by Italian journalists as a euphemism for any behavior incompatible with team spirit in football. Cassano is described as a player who is "skilful and intelligent on the ball" who possesses "excellent vision and also impresses with his eye for goal".

An Italian football enigma, Antonio Cassano has not really been on the international scene since UEFA EURO 2004™, where he was arguably Italy's best player, but the gifted striker is back for another UEFA European Championship final tournament thanks to a season of consistent excellence with UC Sampdoria.

Dramatic introduction to Serie A, scoring wonderful winning goal for hometown club AS Bari against FC Internazionale Milano in his second match. Relegated with Bari in 2001, joined AS Roma for €28m; made steady progress at Stadio Olimpico, scoring five top-flight goals in first season, nine in second, 14 in third (as Roma finished runners-up to AC Milan).

Struck on Azzurri debut v Poland in November 2003 friendly; scored two of Italy's three goals at UEFA EURO 2004 (v Sweden and Bulgaria), having replaced suspended club colleague Francesco Totti. Unsuccessful move to Real Madrid CF despite working under ex-Roma coach Fabio Capello.

Major return to form after joining Sampdoria on loan for 2007/08; despite early injury problems and a five-match ban, scored ten goals in 22 matches. Selected for Italy's opening two UEFA EURO 2008 qualifiers but none thereafter.