AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano was delighted with his double for Italy in victory over Northern Ireland.

Cassano thanked Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli for rescuing him during his many problems with Sampdoria and then the Rossoneri.

"I must above all thank Prandelli, as in my moment of difficulty before Spain, I talked to him for half an hour. He gave me his faith and was close to me. It was what I needed to get a strong start with Milan, too. Aside from football, we have a wonderful rapport and I want to thank him, as when everyone criticised me, he stood by my side.

"As for journalists, I'm entirely sure 70 per cent of the problem is me, but when I get it right 30 per cent of the time, the media still say I'm wrong.

"Besides, after me you'll have Mario Balotelli to talk about for the next 10 years! He's another good character for you."