Former Italy striker Antonio Cassano is not an admirer of Brazil star Richarlison and blames the Tottenham forward despite a wonder goal against Serbia: ‘The first touch was bad…’
The 25-year-old inspired Brazil’s win against Serbia in their debut at Qatar 2022 on Thursday with a superb brace, including a stunning bicycle kick goal.
Cassano, who had said before the match that Richarlison was not good enough for Brazil, confirmed his verdict while speaking to Rai Sport.
“I’ll repeat it. Brazil have 25 great players, they are only missing one thing and I confirm that Richarlison is not that good,” the ex-striker said, as quoted by Corriere.it.
Cassano used the Italian word ‘pippa’ to describe Richarlison, which is way more offensive than just ‘not good enough.’
“The truth is that Richarlison had a bad first touch which is why he made the bicycle kick. He has nothing in common with Brazilian strikers. He scored the other goal in an empty net,” continued Cassano.
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Lele Adani, another Rai Sport pundit and former Serie A player, tried to defend Richarlison, but Cassano insisted that Brazil coach Tite keeps the Tottenham striker ‘as a bodyguard.’
The ex-Bari, Roma, Inter and Milan striker has made other debatable predictions during Qatar 2022, saying that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran would not win a game even if playing 33 vs. 11. Saudi Arabia and Iran have won one match each with Qatar losing two from two.