AC Milan and Italy striker Antonio Cassano given go-ahead to play following heart surgery

Antonio Cassano is expected to be out for a few months (GETTY IMAGES)

Antonio Cassano, the Italy and AC Milan forward who underwent heart surgery last year, has been given the go-ahead to start playing again following a scientific legal evaluation.

Cassano was passed fit following an examination at the Institute of Sports Medicine in Milan today, the club said in a statement.

"Cassano can immediately and legally line up with the team again," the Serie A champions said.

The 29-year-old underwent minor heart surgery in November after falling ill on the plane back from a match Roma, sidelining him just as he had hit one of the best spells of his career.

Reuters