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FLORENCE, Italy (AP) -Striker Antonio Cassano's return to Italy's team was nearly cut short when he hurt his right foot Monday, although the injury was not declared serious.
Cassano hurt himself when he connected awkwardly with a shot on goal a few minutes before the end of his first training session with the Azzurri in more than a year.
"He hurt his right foot a month ago and today he simply felt a little pain," team physician Andrea Ferretti said, adding that no medical exams were necessary and Cassano could return to training Tuesday.
Italy hosts Lithuania in Naples on Saturday in its first official match since winning the World Cup last month. Four days later, the Azzurri visit France for a rematch of the World Cup final.
Cassano was Italy's top scorer at the 2004 European Championship with two goals, although Italy failed to advance from the group stage. He has not played for the national team since a 0-0 draw against Norway in a World Cup qualifier in June 2005 but is regaining his form under coach Fabio Capello at Real Madrid.
