Antonio Cassano makes AC Milan return

Antonio Cassano made his return to football during AC Milan's 2-1 loss to Fiorentina this afternoon after his ill health had ruled him out of action for six months.

The Italian striker had been absent from the Rossoneri squad since October following minor heart surgery to treat an ischemic-based cerebral problem.

The illness means that Cassano missed almost the entirety of Milan's Champions League campaign and the majority of the domestic season, in which they are topping the Serie A table.

However, he returned today after half a year out by coming off the bench and playing eight minutes in Milan's surprise defeat at the San Siro.

Cassano joined the Italian giants from Sampdoria in 2011.