Former Italy forward Antonio Cassano did not hold back in his criticism of Inter Milan following their 1-0 Champions League loss to Liverpool.

Speaking on Viva el Futbol, via FCInter1908, he described the penalty awarded to the Reds as “a scandal and a disgrace” and argued that both referee and VAR deserved censure.

“If VAR calls it, it just signals the referee made a mistake. But don’t call it!” Cassano said, before dissecting the match itself.

“The Inter performance? I didn’t like it. I give more excuses to Liverpool, who are struggling in the league, had Salah issues, Kerkez, Gakpo, Frimpong out, played with two horrible strikers, and their most expensive player was on the bench. They came to play with humility and respect.”

Inter 0-1 Liverpool – Cassano Blasts Inter Approach And Expects More From Thuram & Bastoni

Marcus Thuram Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s forth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He was equally harsh on Inter’s approach.

“The Inter match didn’t please me at all. Zero. Few ideas, little personality to attack with numbers. Inter had to take risks. Liverpool defended on the third line, standing still. Inter was slow, low quality, low personality. You had to start fast, attack them and scare them.”

The former forward also singled out a key moment in the game: “The penalty is a scandal, an absolute nonsense. If something falls in Inter’s area, it falls on Bastoni. But leave him alone! What kind of naive mistake is this? Never a penalty. The referee and VAR should get two years’ vacation.”

Cassano didn’t spare the players either, noting Thuram’s potential impact. “Thuram can make a difference because he’s marked by those who are asleep. But when you face these teams, it’s complicated. I’m more disappointed with Inter than Liverpool.”