Prandelli buoyed by Cassano news

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is delighted that Antonio Cassano is poised to make his return to first-team action with AC Milan.

The Milan striker, who played an integral role in his country’s qualification for Euro 2012, has not played since having an emergency heart procedure last November after falling ill following his club’s Serie A clash with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

It was initially feared that Cassano would not feature again this season but he could play some part in Milan’s meeting with Fiorentina this weekend.

“I’ve very happy,” Prandelli told reporters on Monday.

“I cannot say anything other than I’m just very happy.”

Prandelli also had grounds to smile after learning that league officials have agreed to his request for a training camp at the end of the month.

The Azzurri boss had been hoping to hold several sessions in March and April but Serie A’s finest rejected that idea.

However, a compromise agreement has been reached which will see clubs release their players for a two-day training camp on April 23-24.

Italy have been drawn in a group with Spain, Republic of Ireland and Croatia for Euro 2012.