Parma release Cassano

Milan - SSerie A strugglers Parma have announced the immediate departure of Italy international striker Antonio Cassano.

"Parma FC announces that it has reached agreement for the voluntary early termination of Antonio Cassano's contract," said a statement on the club's website.

The news comes a day after Parma's 16th reverse of the campaign, at home to fellow strugglers Cesena.

After the game Cassano, formerly of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Sampdoria, was summoned to the sidelines by a so-called boss of the club's hardline 'ultra' supporters' group.

The irate supporter in question climbed over the barriers and on to the sidelines of the pitch where he took Cassano to task over his and the team's performances.

Parma are propping up the bottom of the table with only nine points from 20 games.