AC Milan director Leonardo has hailed the form of Sampdoria's on-loan Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano this season.

Reflecting on Cassano's performance in the Genoa derby, Brazil World Cup winner Leonardo said: "He has this absolute spontaneity in his game, like a child playing soccer. This is a beautiful thing and should remain as such.

"It is wonderful to see him play, he does it entirely on instinct. There is a phrase from a Brazilian poet who says that anyone who acts with instinct is always faster than others. He, when he enters into this dimension is wonderful to watch.

"He is an absolute talent. In important moments he grows. He feels that today people expect something from him, he feels responsible for Sampdoria - and both he and the club are improving."