Fernando Diniz hails Raniele’s display at centre-back in Corinthians’ 0-0 with Athletico-PR | OneFootball

Corinthians drew 0-0 with Athletico-PR in the 21st round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, as Fernando Diniz praised makeshift centre-back Raniele. According to Meu Timao, Diniz rotated to cover absences, including injured Matheus Bidu, and to rest players before Sunday’s Copa do Brasil tie with Internacional.

The back four featured Pedro Milans, André Ramalho, Raniele and Matheuzinho. Diniz deemed Raniele’s display at the heart of defence exemplary, curbing the threat of Viveros and aiding the build-up.

He felt it ranked among the player’s best for Corinthians, comparable to his emergency shift at right-back against Vasco. The coach also highlighted André Ramalho and lauded Raniele’s long passing and line-breaking distribution.

Between April and May, Raniele covered at right-back against Vasco and Mirassol, impressing especially versus the Rio club. Matheuzinho served a two-match ban for an act of aggression against Flaco López in the first derby with Palmeiras in this Campeonato Brasileiro.

Signed from Cuiabá at the start of 2024, Raniele has made 143 appearances with five goals and two assists. He has been a pillar in title-winning squads, lifting the Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year.

Corinthians visit Internacional on Sunday at 19:30 at Beira Rio for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil last 16.

Source: Meu Timao