Italian TV controversy erupts over World Cup coverage in Argentina
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Italian TV coverage of the World Cup has sparked controversy over pundit Lele Adani’s passionate support for Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
The Azzurri are not at the tournament in Qatar so there can be no accusations of bias towards their own nation.
A survey before the start of the competition revealed that most Italians are cheering on Argentina for 2022 as many Italian immigrants have moved on and put down roots, while several of the team’s players are also familiar with Serie A.
However, some believe Adani is going too far in his commentary on Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico, following a shock 2-1 first loss to Saudi Arabia.
When Messi broke the deadlock with a shot from outside the box, former Brescia midfielder Adani went wild in the commentary box.
“Leo Messi! The best left foot in the world! From Di Maria to Messi, always Rosario! The city of football, one for the other, the impasse is lifted! All represent the best player in the world! Respect for number one!
Adani took over, practically drowning out commentator Stefano Bizzotto with his screams.
The comments began on social media and have since multiplied to culminate in a formal complaint from the Association of Radio and Television Users.
« Not just football fans, but viewers in general are protesting the excessive and inappropriate behavior of the commentator.
« The comment is more like a live broadcast from a sports bar than a public service like RAI which is supposed to provide guarantees to its license payers. »
Adani has never disguised his fondness for South American football, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, but a video of him holding the Argentine flag during his commentary has been described as ‘disrespectful’ to Mexico.
Adani is best known in Italy for clashing very publicly with Juventus manager Max Allegri, as they have fundamental differences over whether beautiful football is important or just an afterthought on the outcome.
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