Allegri doubts Cassano Euro chance

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has cast doubt over striker Antonio Cassano's availability for Italy at next summer's European Championship.

Cassano is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing heart surgery last month.

However, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli had recently said he hopes to have the striker back fit for the national team as they look to progress from a tough looking Group C at Euro 2012.

Italy were drawn against reigning World and European champions Spain, as well as Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.

Allegri is not as optimistic though and believes the 29-year-old will not play for Milan again this season and as a result would be unfit for the Azzurri in time for the start of Euro 2012 in June.

"He is on the road to recovery after the heart surgery, though I don't know if he'll manage to be fit in time for Euro 2012," Allegri told Verissimo.

"Now he needs to focus only on recovering."

Italy will head into the tournament a little short of quality up front with Giuseppe Rossi also sidelined along with Cassano for the considerable future.
 
In the absence of Rossi and Cassano, Prandelli has turned to Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and Inter Milan hitman Giampaolo Pazzini in recent matches.