Inter Milan defender Joao Miranda has made the starling claim that Real Madrid and Barcelona superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi would struggle in Serie A. The Brazilian competed against the duo in his spell at Atletico Madrid, and felt that the organized defences of Italian side would prevent the superstar duo from finding the net with regularity.
Speaking to Brazilian news outlet GloboEsporte, Miranda revealed his reasoning for thinking Ronaldo and Messi would struggle, saying “They are both fantastic players and would score a lot of goals in every league. However, here in Italy, they would not arrive in front of the net as often as they do in Spain because teams are a lot more organised tactically.”
Ronaldo leads the race for the Pichichi, having scored 31 times for Real Madrid in La Liga, while Leo Messi has scored 22 times this season, with the Argentine maestro plagued by a goal-drought currently, although his two-month absence in the midst of the season also speaks to his relatively reduced numbers.
Miranda clarified, saying “Here it is more difficult to win a game. In Spain, when you're a great team, you are sure that you will win that game. Here is more complicated, because the ‘weaker’ an Italian is, the harder it is to win. Tactically they are very obedient, very well organized.”
However, Miranda is in a place to know if Ronaldo or Messi would struggle, having competed against them in a four year spell.
Miranda talks up Atletico and Brazil
Miranda spent 4 years in Atletico Madrid in a trophy laden spell, winning the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and the Copa del Rey while also claiming La Liga and a Champions League runners-up medal under the guidance of Diego Simeone.
With Simeone fresh off dumping UEFA Champions League favourites Barcelona out of the competition, there are multiple clubs interested in luring the Argentinian manager to foreign shores, although Miranda feels Cholo Simeone is best set at Atletico.
“I can only see him as the Atletico coach. He is happy in Madrid and I think he will stay there for a long time to come. Just as Atletico though, we have a great coach [Roberto Mancini] at Inter as well.”
Miranda is fresh off Inter Milan’s pivotal win over Napoli, which effectively ended the Naples club title challenge, while also strengthening Inter’s push for the Champions League spots.
