Claudio Ranieri believes Brazil have the tools to replace Neymar in Qatar and sees the ‘Italian lesson’ behind their solidity in defence.

The Seleçao have begun the World Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Serbia which however left concerns regarding injuries to Neymar and Danilo whose return to action remains uncertain.

Former Roma and Inter boss Claudio Ranieri was impressed by Brazil’s performance in their debut at Qatar 2022 and believes their coach Tite can somehow replace the PSG superstar.

“Even if a player like Neymar makes the difference, I am convinced that Tite can rely on a squad that will allow him to replace his most shining star,” the Italian tactician wrote in his column for La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“Richarlison is not always a starter for Tottenham but began the World Cup making the difference and this makes you understand the level of the Premier League,” Ranieri continued.

“There is another detail that catches the eye. Brazil look really solid even if they only play with a defensive midfielder, Casemiro.

“Their desire to help each other in every part of the pitch allowed Alisson to run risks only from set pieces. Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Alex Sandro have proved that the Italian lessons have been useful.”

Danilo and Alex Sandro currently play for Juventus, while both Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, not at PSG and Chelsea respectively, have a past in Serie A.

Marquinhos, 28, played 26 games for Roma in 2012-13 before a €31m move to PSG. Thiago Silva played for Milan from 2009 until 2012. He also joined PSG in 2012 after winning one Serie A title and one Italian Supercup with the Rossoneri.

3 thought on “Ranieri: ‘Brazil’s defence has learned Italian lesson, how Tite can replace Neymar’”
  1. I am an Italy fan but this is so ridiculous.

    Right. Because they learned to play great defense in Italy. Not because they didn’t in Brazil. So great is Italy at Defense that they’ve missed the last 2 tournaments and had First Round exits the previous two.

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