2026 World Cup: Lele Adani Divides Even Industry Insiders, but RAI Presses On

Soccer fans across Italy and industry insiders remain divided over Lele Adani, even in the wake of his commentary on the England-Argentina match, during which the former defender literally lost his voice, screaming at the top of his lungs after Enzo Fernández’s equalizer and Lautaro Martínez’s game-winning goal—both set up by Leo Messi.

In addition to complaints from fans, especially on social media, the media has also been sharply divided over the 52-year-old from San Martino in Rio’s behavior, wondering whether he should be brought back as a commentator for the final between Spain and Argentina. In an editorial by Maurizio Crosetti, *La Repubblica* accuses Adani of turning public broadcasting into “Tele Buenos Aires,” while *Il Fatto Quotidiano* refers to “Adani out of control.”

When asked by Fanpage, former RAI commentator Carlo Nesti stated: “During the broadcast, he becomes a distraction. And above all, he doesn’t just shout—he screams. At school, I was taught the difference between shouting and screaming. And the way he screams is annoying.” Nesti himself, however, called Adani “an asset” for state television, not wishing to call his core competencies into question.

Rai, however, is pressing ahead: Argentina’s goals, with Adani’s commentary in the background, were posted as clips on social media, and Sunday’s schedule remains unchanged: Alberto Rimedio and the former defender himself will be providing commentary on what unfolds between Spain and Argentina in this unprecedented World Cup final.