Antonio Cassano (Italian pronunciation: ; born 12 July 1982) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a forward; he is currently a free agent, having last played for Sampdoria. A talented and technically gifted player, he is usually deployed in a creative role, as a supporting forward, although he can also play in more of a playmaking role, as an attacking midfielder, as well as on the wing, or as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia ("the jewel of Old Bari"), and Fantantonio ("fantastic Antonio"), he is known for his short temper as much as his skill and ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former Roma and Real Madrid coach, Fabio Capello, in November 2002, due to their disputes over his actions. The word is regularly used by Italian journalists as a euphemism for any behavior incompatible with team spirit in football.