Nuno Moreira set for Diniz reunion as Corinthians face Vasco | OneFootball

Nuno Moreira reunites with former boss Diniz on Sunday when Corinthians host Vasco at 16:00 at Neo Química Arena, a meeting coloured by career highs and a viral scolding.

According to Globo.com, the Portuguese midfielder joined Vasco in February 2025 from Casa Pia, initially under Fábio Carille, then flourished once Diniz took charge mid-season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 56 games.

With Coutinho, Vegetti and Rayan departing, there was hope he would anchor the attack in 2026. Instead he has endured his toughest spell in Brazil, and an incident with Diniz has framed that downturn.

In January’s league opener against Mirassol, Diniz berated the lack of movement during a hydration break, pointing at Nuno and Johan Rojas and noting Coutinho was not dropping to help build. Nuno replied he had done nothing wrong, prompting a sharper rebuke demanding he play and questioning their will to win. Vasco lost 2-1.

Afterwards Diniz told the press he is demanding but affectionate, that players accept his standards and improved following the dressing down, and that he respects them. He said his energetic style is spontaneous and some seek a circus, referencing a previous Rayan episode against Corinthians.

The clip spreading beyond the Vasco bubble annoyed Nuno, though relations with Diniz were positive and he felt his career had benefited. Internally there was no complaint and he kept working. In the next game staff stopped filming the hydration huddle.

Under Renato Gaúcho, Nuno has since lost his starting place to Colombian Rojas. His 2026 return stands at one goal and no assists in 20 appearances.

Source: Globo.com