Real Madrid delighted as Cassano drops 4kgs

Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano has lost four kilograms since his arrival from Roma last month.
 
The Italy international joined Real weighing in at a sturdy 84kgs, but is now closer to his ideal weight of 78-79kgs.

Cassano has been given the thumbs up by Real's medical staff, whom have been impressed by his willingness to put in double shifts at training to get himself back into shape.

There is still concern with Cassano's body fat/muscle ratio and like Robinho, the Italian is undergoing a weights program as well as fitness work.

At yesterday's open session, Real coach Juan Roman Lopez Caro took Cassano for his final sprint drills of the day - which left the striker exhausted and gasping for air. "Great work, Antonio," said Lopez Caro. "Tomorrow we'll go even harder!"

Real assistant coach Juanjo Maqueda later said: "He has done everything we've asked. He has great personality and he says things to your face. He wants to succeed here."