Captain Cassano justifies Italy honour

Beating the world champions is always special, regardless of whether the game is a friendly.

Even better if you do it in your home town and are captaining your country for the first time. No surprise that Antonio Cassano was all smiles after Italy's 2-1 win against Spain in Bari on Wednesday night.

The Azzurri took an early lead through Riccardo Montolivo and created several chances to score in the first half before and after Xabi Alonso's penalty equaliser. Spain played better in the second half but a deflected shot by Alberto Aquilani six minutes from time gave Cesare Prandelli's side victory at the Stadio San Nicola, where Cassano started his career.

"I returned to the dressing room from the warm-up and I found the armband in my locker," the AC Milan forward said. "I thought there was something wrong but then Gigi [Gianluigi Buffon] told me he wanted me to be the captain tonight. I didn't expect it – it was a great gift, I was touched. I thank Gigi for this gesture, he is a great goalkeeper and a great person. I spend most of my time with him whenever I'm with the national team – unlucky for him that he has to put up with me!"

"I had this idea yesterday," Buffon explained . "I think Cassano doesn't really know how important he is for us on the pitch and in the dressing room. He can make the difference for us. This is a very good group and there are many players who could be captain, I'm happy to share that honour with them sometimes."

Cassano did not score in front of his former fans but combined well for the entire first half with Giuseppe Rossi in a diminutive Italy attack, prompting Prandelli to say that it was the 29-year-old striker's best performance for Italy. "If Prandelli said that, I agree," Cassano said.

"Both me and Rossi played well, we had a good performance against the world champions," added the attacker, whose side will attempt to bolster their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group C lead in the Faroe Islands on 2 September. "Personally I still have to lose a bit of weight but once again I proved I'm not finished as many people say."

Italy's attacking pair received plaudits even from Spain coach Vicente del Bosque: "Italy started the game with a lot more intensity," he said. "Rossi and Cassano were fantastic, they unbalanced us." Del Bosque, whose side could be in a position to clinch a place in the EURO finals when they aim for a sixth straight Group I win at home to Liechtenstein on 6 September, added: "The fans were on form while Cassano played well, which made the locals even happier.

"We were far too timid in the first half but I am quite content with what we did after the break. In general I thought it was a good game. My players put in a good effort. In the second half we improved but went behind and lost the game. I have no complaints about my players, especially considering what stage of the season we are at."