AC MILAN and Italy forward Antonio Cassano has shown a “marked improvement” in hospital after being struck down with an undiagnosed illness after Saturday’s Serie A clash against Roma. The club denied reports that the player, who was taken ill on the flight back from the 3-2 win, had suffered a stroke.

“AC Milan inform that the news in circulation containing a hypothetical diagnosis on Antonio Cassano’s state of health cannot be considered true as it does not come from an accredited medical source,” Milan said in a statement.

“Antonio Cassano is in a phase of marked improvement and in the next few days will undergo further medical examinations.