And so the exodus at Milan continues. Having witnessed the club part with a generation of icons and its two most gifted individuals this summer, Antonio Cassano has decided his time with the Rossoneri has come to an end. As ‘Fantantonio’ swaps the red half of Milan to join rivals Inter, we’re left to wonder as to the existence of a file at Via Turati labelled ‘Galliani’s Gaffes’, as this deal would certainly be neatly tucked away inside.

Speculation has long suggested the former Sampdoria ace has been unhappy with the direction the club has taken since the end of last season. His desire to leave was confirmed by Adriano Galliani after the defeat in the Trofeo Berlusconi meeting with Juventus on Sunday:

“I will not deny something is stirring. It was Cassano who requested a transfer” - Galliani

Cassano would undoubtedly have been the most creative and effective individual at Massimiliano Allegri’s disposal this season, yet essentially, little good can come from keeping an unhappy player at the club. In such a case, the club must then protect its own interests, and gain the best deal possible in the circumstances. Offering Antonio Cassano and 7.5m euros in exchange for Inter striker Giampaolo Pazzini would not be at the forefront of my mind. While Pazzini is by no means a bad signing, having proven himself with Sampdoria and in the early stages of his time at Inter, the money aspect of the deal has left many baffled.

The loss of Zlatan Ibrahimovic was negated by the hope that this would finally be Alexandre Pato’s opportunity to shine, but the injury-prone Brazilian has suffered a new frustrating setback ahead of the season opener against Sampdoria. In contrast, it is difficult to process the loss of Cassano considering his potential importance to the team, a factor which clearly wasn’t enough for the 30 year-old to stay. Despite his critics, Robinho must now become an integral component of this Milan. Spurned chances aside, his work-rate and ability to provide assists and score goals will have added importance this season, as will the emergence of Stephan El Shaarawy. Undeniably he is an exceptional talent, one which the club has placed great faith in, but is ‘Il Piccolo Faraone’ ready to fill that void so soon? One can only hope the answer to that question is yes. Pazzini will provide a viable alternative to Pato, and perhaps a system could be tinkered with to accommodate both.

And what of Cassano? Will Milanisti remember him with fondness? Having been part of the Scudetto winning side two years ago, he will be etched in the history of the club. In contrast, this is the same Cassano who was aided in his recovery from heart surgery, helped back to fitness in order to live out his dream and play for Italy at Euro 2012. The same Cassano who six months on now joins the club’s bitter city rivals.

"It doesn’t get better than joining the club which you are a fan of. I have re-found my smile." - Cassano

In a week when Daniele De Rossi committed his future to Roma, it would have been nice for a little of the same from his Azzurri team-mate. However, no player is bigger than the club, and Milan will no doubt welcome Pazzini with open arms.

What are your thoughts on Cassano’s departure? Can Pazzini and Pato play alongside each other, and what is your preferred attacking line-up? Leave your comments below.

For all the latest Milan and Serie A news, you can follow me on Twitter @italiafooty

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email