Asprilla: ‘Embarrassing’ Italy but Ronaldo’s tears the best EURO 2024 thing | OneFootball

Serie A legend Faustino Asprilla, a former Parma striker, says Italy were ’embarrassing’ at EURO 2024 but admits Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears were the best thing: ‘He has everything, but…’

The EURO 2024 quarter-finals start today with Spain-Germany, but unfortunately, Italy won’t be there as the Azzurri were eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 16 last week.

“You can’t play that way. The problem is that Italy no longer have good players,” ex-Parma striker Asprilla told Gazzetta.

“They all look like robots. They move as the coach wants. They have lost the joy of dribbling, and it seems they no longer have creativity. I was sorry to see my friend Buffon with a sad face.”

Asprilla and Buffon played together at Parma, winning one Coppa Italia and one UEFA Cup.

Asprilla: ‘Embarrassing’ Italy at EURO 2024, but Ronaldo’s tears the best thing

“Gigi was a top player and he didn’t deserve to be involved in such an embarrassing thing,” said Asprilla.

“If Italy players had a gram of Gigi’s passion, I am sure they’d still be at the Euros.”

Has Asprilla enjoyed watching any player during the Euros?

“Honestly, nobody. Actually, there is one, even if he’s not at the peak of form. Jude Bellingham is great,” he replied.

“His bicycle kick goal against Slovakia was splendid. I expected great moves from Kylian Mbappé, but he hurt his nose, and you can tell he is afraid. Spain are entertaining. The wingers are so strong. Nico and Yamal play the brand of football that excites me.”

The former Colombia international praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his honest reaction after missing a penalty against Slovenia saying that it was the best thing he’s seen at the Euros so far.

“Can you believe it? He is a superstar; he is almost 40 years old, and he has everything. Money, glory and success. Yet a missed penalty still makes him cry like a baby.”

Asprilla also played with Lilian Thuram at Parma and his sons will be among the Serie A stars next season.

Marcus already won the Scudetto with Inetr, while his brother Khephren will soon join Juventus.

“I am happy for Marcus. I met him at Parma when he was a kid and I taught him some dribbling skills,” said Asprilla.

“He won the title with Inter, which is the best thing, but now he has to confirm himself. He is a settled player now. I don’t know Khephren much, but if Juventus signed him, it means he’s strong. Juventus make no mistakes.”

What about his Parma side? They’ve returned to Serie A, so what does Asprilla expect from the Ducali?

“The title for us would be to secure survival,” he said.

“We can make it because we have a good coach and players who have fun on the pitch. This is the secret to go far. In today’s football, all players look sad. Nobody smiles. Can they understand that this is just a game and that the rules do not forbid dribbles?”