Last week Italy triumphed in impressive fashion over reigning European and World Champions Spain. The match was played in Bari and amongst the stars for the Azzurri, two players stood out. Riccardo Montolivo enjoyed his best evening in blue as he displayed his creative instincts throughout the contest in addition to scoring a delightful goal. Playing at his home ground and proudly wearing the captain’s armband, Antonio Cassano also shone as he showcased merely glimpses of his genius.

While an international friendly normally serves to educate the respective coaches of certain aspects of their own team, this game also should have taught two things to the hierarchy at Milan. The first is that Riccardo Montolivo is ready to play for a big club.

The current la Viola man could either play in the midfield trio alongside MVB, or, as he did great effect against la Furia Roja, as a trequartista. This flexibility would afford Max Allegri alternative options in midfield that may come in handy when the team needs to change things tactically during a game.

Monty’s great performance against Spain also showed that he is ready to cut it at a big club, like Milan. Indeed, a move to the Milanello may be just what he needs in order to show his once touted immense potential.

There has been much talk that either Monty will arrive, or Liverpool’s Alberto Aquilani. Either would be a great acquisition and signing both would be even better. However, based on last week’s showing Montolivo would now be the preferred choice if we had to decide on one. His superior defensive qualities also augur better with Allegri who expects every one of his players to defend when the team is not in possession.

As the summer has unfolded, it has increasingly appeared that Antonio Cassano would be leaving the club and he still might. However, the former Bari prodigy showed what many already know. He is a rare talent albeit a capricious one who, when in form, can be a great asset.

In saying so, Cassano has become a much more settled player and man since his fallout with his last club Sampdoria that led him to Milan. In fact, Cassano has displayed much maturity at San Siro highlighted by how he remained content last season to accept his bench role and try his best when called upon.

Allegri, however, seems to be concerned with his weight still and his failure to light up pitch during Milan’s preseason have led many to believe that it is merely a matter of time before he is shown the door.

But, Cassano’s ability to change a match with one moment of brilliance whether it be by scoring himself or setting up a team mate is one the team could miss if he were to depart. If he is happy to accept that he needs to fight to be in the starting team, than there is no reason to let him leave unless there is some great financial need to do so.

Despite Allegri’s concerns about his weight, it was clear against Spain that Cassano looked in much better shape. The Italian team doctor even reported that he had lost four kilograms, which is something. If Cassano is willing to work harder, and especially if injuries or poor form hits Ibra or Pato, he could become a key player for Milan still.

Further, Milan are still without a trequartista. Some have argued that the team does not necessarily need one. But, it does and if Cassano can improve his fitness sufficiently, than perhaps not on every occasion could he be deployed in this role.

When it comes to the business end of the season, especially in the Champions League, having a player like Cassano could be just the tonic to completely change the course of a match. Milan will not enter the competition with one of the stronger squads, so just like in 2007 with Kaka, having a player with ability to win matches single-handedly is of the utmost importance. Ibra may be the player to do this in the league, however, it would be foolish to count on him doing on the European stage where he has repeatedly failed.

Cassano may still yet have much to offer Milan and keeping him may be a better idea than selling him. As for Montolivo he has not yet played for a top level club but it seems he is ready to take this step and hopefully it will be at Milan.