Former Milan forward defends Gimenez: ‘He makes mistakes but he is very good’ | OneFootball

Former Serie A and Italy forward Antonio Cassano has defended Milan forward Santiago Gimenez, describing him as “phenomenal in my opinion,” but added “he makes mistakes and he’s struggling.”

The Mexican forward was the source of much speculation over the summer, suggesting his spell with Milan could be ended prematurely. However, despite all the noise, the striker stayed in Lombardy but has yet to score his first goal for this season.

GENOA, ITALY – MAY 30: Former Roma’s football player Antonio Cassano during the ‘Partita Del Cuore’ Charity Match at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 30, 2018 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Rattini/Getty Images)

Speaking on Twitch show Viva el Futbol, with quotes via MilanNews24, Cassano said “Gimenez is phenomenal in my opinion but he makes mistakes and he’s struggling. What do you expect if you wanted to sell him at all costs? It’s normal that he’s not happy but for me he’s very good.”

Cassano defends Milan forward Gimenez

Cassano spent a year and a half at Milan during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. The Italian scored eight goals in 40 games in all competitions for the Rossoneri.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 09: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Therefore, the Italian knows what it takes to have the pressure and responsibility of leading the line for a club like Milan.

Cassano blames this pressure for its effect on Gimenez, who has yet to rediscover his goalscoring form from his Feyenoord days at Milan.