A dispute without winners

On the opening day of the 2005/06 season, it was strange and sad to see such a talented player as Antonio Cassano sitting on the Roma substitutes' bench while his team-mates outclassed minnows Reggina at the Oreste Granillo Stadium.

Last season's Coppa Italia runners-up were in commanding form against Reggina - a team that had beaten them twice last season.

On a positive note, Roma seemed to be a transformed side from last term. New coach Luciano Spalletti's hand was evident in their opening-day success.

Roma were strong in all departments and, more importantly, captain Francesco Totti was back to his best. Equally important was the contribution of Rodrigo Taddei, Samuel Kuffour and Nonda - Roma's three close-season signings. Everything seemed to fall in place for the capital club after a turbulent close season.

Their convincing victory over Reggina gained further significance not just because it was an away fixture, but for their lively performance. And it will not have escaped the Roma owners that Cassano's absence did not affect the team's display.

But, is it correct and ethical on Roma's part to omit Cassano because he is refusing to extend his contract?

When discussing the Cassano saga, one has to remember that Roma paid a fee reportedly in the region of 34 million euros to sign him from Bari when he was only 18Roma invested heavily in the Bari-born striker but what did they get in return?

Cassano was not a regular starter for Roma in the first two seasons. His best campaign was 2003/04 when Roma, then under the leadership of Fabio Capello, finished runners-up in the Serie A behind Milan.

His impressive contribution that season was even rewarded with a place in Italy's squad for Euro 2004. Cassano, scorer of Italy's winning goal against Bulgaria in the final group game, did not disappoint as he was one of very few Italian players to return home with his head held high after the Azzurri's early exit.

By contrast, last season was a massive disappointment both for Roma and Cassano. For a time, Roma were in danger of being relegated and only made sure of extending their stay in Serie A on the penultimate day of the season.

Cassano's feeling and rapport with the Roma diehards deteriorated after early negotiations over the extension of his contract proved futile. From the outset, it seemed crystal-clear that Cassano's sole objective was to join Capello at Juventus.

Roma, whose financial state is said to be in dire straits, improved their first offer to Cassano but to no avail.

In the meantime, team-mates Vincenzo Montella and Totti pledged their future to the club.

Cassano continued to play a waiting game, safe in the knowledge that come next June, he will be a free agent. According to FIFA rules, Cassano will be free to negotiate with any other club as from next January.

Roma's latest proposal to Cassano was a kind of compromise... a four-year extension to his present contract at a basic annual salary in the region of 3.9 million euros. It was also reported to include a buy-out clause, effective from June 2006, of 10 million.

Sensi pressure

Rossella Sensi, the daughter of club owner Franco Sensi, is trying to force Cassano's hand by ordering Spalletti not to play him.

In view of Cassano's exclusion from Roma's first team, Italy national team coach Marcello Lippi is reluctant to select a player who is not playing regularly for his club.

It is a known fact that Lippi has a vast array of strikers at his disposal. Whereas some are virtually assured of a first-team place, there are still a number of spots up for grabs. Cassano is one of those strikers who has not been an automatic selection since Lippi assumed the reigns of the national team from Giovanni Trapattoni last year.

Roma's tough stance is only hindering Cassano's cause to force his way into the Italy squad for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

Cassano's behaviour throughout this difficult period in his career has created a lose-lose situation for all involved, not least himself.

As things stand at the moment, Cassano is unlikely to turn out for Roma and more unlikely to make Italy's squad for the World Cup.

Roma have no other option but to fulfil their contractual commitments with Cassano for the entire season without getting nothing in return from the player.

Will Cassano be the same player if he spends a year away from competitive football? Will Cassano's present suitors retain their interest in him next year?

Only time will tell if anyone will benefit from the Cassano dilemma.