Former Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano has offered a scathing assessment of Vinicius Junior, claiming team-mate Rodrygo is a superior player. Madrid continue their Champions League campaign on Wednesday as they visit the Stadio Olimpico to take on Roma in a meeting of two sides for whom Cassano played in his 18-year professional career.Speaking to AS ahead of the game, Cassano was asked for his opinion on Vinicius, who continues to be a polarising figure in Madrid despite him scoring 129 goals in his time at the club and helping Los Blancos to three LaLiga titles and two Champions League crowns.And Cassano is among those unimpressed by the Brazil forward.Vinicius is just a good player. I think Rodrygo is much better, Cassano said in a wide-ranging interview.I dont know why people talk about Vinicius so much more than his team-mate. If Vinicius isnt physically right, he doesnt have much else to fall back on, and hes not particularly clinical in front of goal. He scores goals, but hes not a star. I think Rodrygo, if hes healthy, should start ahead of him. I like him much more and Im looking forward to having him back.Cassano was also highly critical of Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who returned for a second spell in charge this summer.Madrid have made an unconvincing start under Mourinho, and sit six points behind unbeaten Barcelona in LaLiga.Asked about the clash between Mourinhos Madrid and a Roma side led by Gian Piero Gasperini, Cassano made it clear he has very contrasting views on the two coaches.Roma and Real Madrid are two very different teams. For starters,Roma has a fantastic coach and Real Madrid doesntbecauseMourinho doesnt like to play football, he only likes to talk, said Cassano.Its incredible that Real Madrid, the greatest team in history, signed Mourinho. I dont understand how Florentino [Perez] chose him. It drives me crazy.If we switched the coaches andGasperiniwere on Real Madrids bench, Madrid would win 10-0.Gasperini has only won one Europa League, but I dont care about trophies, I care about what I see on the field. Mourinho shouldnt be coaching anymore.Hes been very lucky because none of his teams played well.His style of football expired 10 years ago. His career has leftno legacy, only fights with everyone. He likes to talk about other things, but not football. One of his great advantages is havingJorge Mendesas his agent, because healways finds him good teams. Topics AS Roma Champions League LaLiga Real Madrid CF If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Preview, team news, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 14th October, 2026 Roma v Real Madrid: Preview, team news, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 14th October, 2026 Aston Villa v Fenerbahce: Preview, team news, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 14th October, 2026 LASK Linz v Liverpool: Preview, team news, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 14th October, 2026 Manchester United Champions League fixtures, results, squad and standings Ben Miller 13th October, 2026 Champions League round-up: Kane scores twice but Bayern held Tom Rostance 13th October, 2026
