Classy finish: Antonio Di Natale outwits Iker Casillas

'I honestly didn't think I would play at the European Championship,' Cassano said. 'I was scared. 'When you arrive to a certain point where it is a case of live or die, everything else becomes secondary.

'I saw the future as grey, very grey, but fortunately I am here. I have been blessed, and even if I am not a believer I do feel I have been blessed.'

While the player himself had doubts, Prandelli never gave up hope of getting the striker back in time for the tournament.

The 29-year-old Cassano had led the Azzurri in scoring with six goals in qualifying. Moreover, Italy had already lost Villarreal forward Giuseppe Rossi to a serious knee injury.

'If there is one thing that saddens me about this European Championship it is that Giuseppe Rossi is not here,' Cassano said. 'He was very important to us.'

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