Latest news with #AntonioCassano
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pisa Coach Pippo Inzaghi Defends Simone & Inter Milan: ‘The Criticism I Read Is Absurd'
Pisa coach Pippo Inzaghi feels that the criticism of his brother Simone Inzaghi at Inter Milan is 'absurd.' The coach and legendary former striker gave his thoughts in the Sportweek insert in today's print edition of the Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has certainly won plenty of praise for the job he's done in recent years. However, at the same time, there has also been plenty of criticism for the Nerazzurri coach. Prominent figures in Italian football such as Arrigo Sacchi and Antonio Cassano, for example, have criticized Inzaghi, for example. Whilst Inter have soared in the Champions League, their performances in Serie A have not always been up to par. Particularly in the last couple campaigns, Inter have been many people's heavy favourites for the league title. Therefore, failure to win it in Inzaghi's first two seasons in charge were the source of criticism. Advertisement And that would certainly be the case if Inter lose out to Napoli this time around. Meanwhile, Inter have drawn criticism for their performances in recent derbies against AC Milan. They have failed to beat the Rossoneri in five separate matches this season. And then, there have been criticisms of Inter's style of play. Particularly the relatively defensive displays they have put in in Europe frequently. Pippo Inzaghi: 'The Criticisms I Read Of Simone & Inter Milan Are Absurd' BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 20: Simone Inzaghi head coach of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by) However, for his part, Simone Inzaghi's brother Pippo Inzaghi doesn't take these criticisms very seriously. Pippo argued that 'Simone is the best coach around.' Advertisement 'And not just now,' he continued. 'He's managed a gruelling season brilliantly.' 'And sometimes I have to read criticisms that are absurd.' 'Inter's progressive growth is a manifesto of Simone's work,' argued Pippo. 'A superlative coach in technical terms, but also a man who's very good at reading the minds and hearts of 25 different guys.' 'The dressing room is a special place,' Pippo commented. 'You have to know how to get inside of it, and handle it carefully.' 'My brother never makes a mistake,' added the former AC Milan and Juventus striker and current Pisa coach.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cassano Attacks Inter Milan After Champions League Heroics Vs Barcelona: ‘They Didn't Deserve To Go Through'
Cassano Attacks Inter Milan After Champions League Heroics Vs Barcelona: 'They Didn't Deserve To Go Through' Antonio Cassano feels that Inter Milan 'didn't deserve to go through' from their Champions League semifinal tie against Barcelona. The always outspoken former striker gave his thoughts on the match on the Viva el Futbol podcast, via FCInterNews. Advertisement Inter Milan and Barcelona played out an all-time classic in the Champions League on Tuesday. The first leg of the tie had ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. It seemed nearly impossible to top. But after the ninety minutes had elapsed at the San Siro, it was once again 3-3. Inter had gotten themselves a 2-0 lead as they had in the first leg. Then Barcelona came back to make it 2-3. Francesco Acerbi equalized for the Nerazzurri in stoppage time, however. Then, in extra time, it was Davide Frattesi who scored the decisive goal to book Inter's place in the final. Cassano Argues 'Inter Milan Didn't Deserve To Go Through' Vs Barcelona GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 20: Antonio Cassano of UC Sampdoria reacts during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and AC Chievo Verona at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on March 20, 2016 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by) Former striker Antonio Cassano admitted that 'I rarely get emotional watching a match.' Advertisement 'I can only remember three other matches like this,' he went on. 'Being an Inter fan, the joy was double. As an athlete and a fan, I was emotional when I watched Acerbi's goal.' 'I know him,' Cassano said. 'I was emotional thinking about what he's gone through.' 'He scored a sensational goal. It was like a Harry Kane finish. Then, Cassano gave his thoughts on the scorer of Inter's winning goal, Davide Frattesi. 'Why don't we talk about him more?' he asked. 'Nobody gives a sh*t about him. But in Munich he came on and scored. Against Barcelona, he scored.' And as far as whether he thought Inter deserved to go through over two legs, Cassano said 'I don't think so.' Advertisement 'On Tuesday, we saw a very one-sided match. Even with Inter going 2-0 up, Barcelona were the only team with the ball, they created a lot.' Cassano argued that Barcelona 'could have made it 4-2.' 'Sommer made the kinds of saves that he'll remember for the rest of his life,' the former striker added.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Antonio Cassano With Unhinged Attack: 'Even If Inter Milan Win The Champions League It Would Be A S*** Season'
Antonio Cassano With Unhinged Attack: 'Even If Inter Milan Win The Champions League It Would Be A S*** Season' Antonio Cassano delivered a brutal verdict on Inter Milan's season ahead of a heavyweight Champions League (UCL) showdown against Barcelona. Speaking on the latest episode of Viva Futbol via FCInterNews, the former AC Milan and Inter striker had no mercy for the Nerazzurri. Advertisement Despite vying for a second treble in 15 years until not long ago, Inter could finish the season empty-handed. Indeed, in addition to a dismal Coppa Italia semi-final loss to Milan, Simone Inzaghi's men have slipped to second in Serie A. Last weekend's 1-0 home defeat to Roma saw Napoli steer three points clear at the table's summit. Therefore, the pressure is at an all-time high ahead of tomorrow's trip to the Iberian Peninsula. Unlike Inter, Barcelona are on cloud nine after beating Real Madrid to Copa del Rey glory over the weekend. Hansi Flick's high-flying charges are firmly in contention for a treble as they also lead the way in La Liga. Advertisement Unfortunately, Barcelona's scintillating form paints a grim picture for the reigning Scudetto holders. Antonio Cassano Delivers Brutal Verdict on Inter Milan Season Ahead of UCL Semi-Finals FROSINONE, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Antonio Cassano of UC Sampdoria reacts during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Matusa on October 18, 2015 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by) Despite Inzaghi's impressive results in the dugout, Antonio Cassano is seemingly not a fan of the 49-year-old. 'When everyone was hailing Inzaghi as the new Guardiola, I always said he's not a top manager,' he stated. 'He has no Plan B, he hasn't improved the players. 'There's no organization. Inter are so much stronger than the rest. They should've run away with the league: they should be 15 points clear. 'Now we're looking at something unexpected even for me. Inzaghi is making the same mistakes again after already throwing two league titles in the trash. Advertisement 'Now we're at the third. 'Even if they win the Champions League, it's still a sh*t season. Di Matteo won it too, and then never coached again. 'Whether he wins or not doesn't change anything for me. 'What's been happening in the last few weeks is exactly what I've been saying for a long time. 'What bothers me the most are his post-match comments. 'I lose it when I hear certain things. I'm reminded of Mazzarri talking about throw-ins taken a few meters further up the pitch.' Meanwhile, Cassano hailed Inter's strength in depth. 'Besides the starting XI, they've got players like Bisseck, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto, Darmian, and Martinez as backups. Advertisement 'What other Serie A team has better alternatives? None. 'Even when you take out the three starting midfielders, they have Asllani, Zielinski, and Frattesi on the bench – no one else has that. Same up front. 'They have 21 players who are far superior to the rest of the league. 'I still don't see a single player who has improved under Inzaghi. 'Inter don't play good football, even though I keep hearing that this is the best football in the club's history. 'I see something completely different.'
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Antonio Cassano Heaps Praise On Inter Milan Veteran Striker: 'A Little Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Prefer Him To Marcus Thuram'
Antonio Cassano Heaps Praise On Inter Milan Veteran Striker: 'A Little Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Prefer Him To Marcus Thuram' Antonio Cassano Heaps Praise On Inter Milan Veteran Striker: 'A Little Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Prefer Him To Marcus Thuram' Antonio Cassano sees Inter Milan veteran striker Marko Arnautovic as a 'little Zlatan Ibrahimovic' and 'prefers him over Marcus Thuram.' Speaking on Viva El Futbol via FCInterNews, the former striker shared his view on the Austria captain's overall quality. Advertisement Marko Arnautovic may have never reached his full potential. However, he remains one of the fiercest strikers, even though his career could've oared even higher with more consistency and discipline. Indeed, the 35-year-old's unique blend of strength, technique, and creativity makes him a rare breed. Arnautovic's recent showings only reaffirmed that, when trusted, he can still make a significant impact at the top level. Despite his scintillating form, he's still a backup option in Simone Inzaghi's eyes. Unfortunately, the ex-Bologna star has to live in the shadow of Lautaro Martinez and Thuram. Yet, Cassano believes Arnautovic trumps the Frenchman on a good day. Antonio Cassano Names Inter Milan Star Marko Arnautovic 'Little Zlatan Ibrahimovic' MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Marko Arnautovic of FC Internazionale shows appreciation to the fans following 3-2 victory after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 08, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) 'Some time ago I said he was much better than Kean,' Cassano stated. 'I've always had a soft spot for this guy. Advertisement 'He's brilliant and has only expressed 50% of his talent during his career. He reminds me of a small version of Ibra. 'Just look at that incredible assist he gave Lautaro the other day – for the 1-0 goal, he combined quality with power. 'I'm convinced that with real confidence, he becomes a fantastic player.' Then, Cassano admitted he holds Arnautovic in higher esteem than Juventus superstar Dusan Vlahovic. 'For me, against Vlahovic, he wins 10-0,' he added. 'At his full potential, I like him way more than Thuram. I've been saying this forever, even back when he was playing in the Netherlands. 'Physically, he's a beast, he shoots with both feet, and he can play as a lone striker or in a pair.
