Cassano: Arnautovic ‘a genius’, much better than Thuram and Vlahovic | OneFootball

Antonio Cassano was impressed by Marko Arnautovic’s recent performances for Inter, suggesting the Austrian has shown only half of his true potential over the course of his career.

After struggling with a string of injuries last season, the Austria international is now making the most of the limited playing time granted by coach Simone Inzaghi, having scored four goals in his last five Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 12: Marko Arnautovic of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 12, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The 35-year-old opened the scoring in Inter’s latest outing against Cagliari before setting up a goal for Lautaro Martinez — a display of quality that, according to Cassano, puts him ahead of some of Serie A’s more established strikers.

Cassano: Arnautovic is ‘phenomenal’, reminds me of a young Ibrahimovic

“Some time ago I said he was much better than Kean,” Cassano told Viva El Futbol.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for this guy. He’s a genius, and he’s only shown 50% of his talent in his career. He reminds me of a young Ibra in a way.

“Just look at that incredible assist he gave to Lautaro the other day — for the opening goal, he combined quality with power. I’m convinced that with real trust, he becomes a fantastic player.

“For me, against Vlahovic it’s 10–0. At his full potential, I like him way more than Thuram. I’ve been saying it forever, even when he was playing in the Netherlands.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 12: Marko Arnautovic of FC Internazionale scores his team’s first goal under pressure from Jose Luis Palomino of Cagliari during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 12, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Physically he’s a beast, he shoots with both right and left, and he can play as a lone striker or in a duo. He’s phenomenal.”

Arnautovic has registered seven goals and two assists in 22 appearances across all competitions, despite starting only seven matches.

He’s also one of the few Inter players to have scored in every competition he’s featured in this season, finding the net in Serie A, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia.