2026 World Cup, Backlash Against Daniele Adani: “Someone tell him…”

Daniele Adani is once again in the crosshairs of fans and soccer enthusiasts for his over-the-top commentary during the 2026 World Cup match between France and Senegal. The RAI commentator, paired with play-by-play announcer Giuseppe Galati, let loose with shouts and cheers during the match in response to the exploits of Mbappé, Olise, and the French national team.

The former defender called referee Alireza Faghani “the worst referee in World Cup history” after a penalty was not awarded to Deschamps’ team: “Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, in a week, in a month, in a year—penalty for life.”

In the second half, he let off steam after the spectacular performance by the Bleus’ forwards, who ultimately prevailed 3-1: “If you don’t get excited by these plays, by these champions, by these gems that make us love soccer so much, you’re a bit weak-spirited, and we’re sorry to hear that. In the first half, we were asleep; we were putting on sunscreen and soaking up the sun that’s beating down on us here.”

Comments against Adani exploded on social media: “Can someone explain to me how I can cancel my @RaiUno subscription so I don’t run the risk of listening to a commentary by #Adani?”, “Don’t you guys at @RaiSport realize that almost all viewers find him annoying?”, “What did we ever do to deserve having to listen to Adani on public TV?”, “Someone tell Adani he’s not commentating on games with friends at his house. Rai is providing an unprofessional service,” “The commentary with Lele Adani and the show *Notti Mondiali* are sleazy, mediocre trash,” “Doesn’t @RaiUno feel ashamed to have someone like Adani yelling as if he were the one who scored the goal?”, “Lele Adani is simply unbearable—I’m physically sick; I’ve never felt such intense annoyance.”