The Cult of Calcio - Italian Football and Serie A News in English

On April 12, 1981, Gaetano Musella scored the only goal of the day in a key battle at Torino that sent Napoli top of the Serie A table with five games left

Torino vs Napoli Throwback: Musella Strikes for a Scudetto Illusion

November 29, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

Before Diego Maradona, the Neapolitan fan hearts beat for a young lad raised just a few meters away from the San Paolo Stadium. His name was Gaetano Musella and, on April 12, 1981, he scored the only goal of the day in a key battle at Torino that sent Napoli top of the Serie A table with just five matchdays left. Continue reading

On February 12, 2012, Luis Enrique's Roma annihilated the remains of Inter’s Triplete-winning squad at the Stadio Olimpico by a 4-0 score

Roma vs Inter Throwback: A Fleeting Glimpse of Luis Enrique Brilliancy

October 20, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

Luis Enrique endured a torrid maiden campaign as a coach, ending a disappointing 7th with Roma in Serie A and resigning at the end of the season. Still, he did manage to show glimpses of the good things to come in his career, especially on February 12, 2012, when Roma annihilated Inter’s Triplete-winning squad. Continue reading

During the 1997/98 Serie A season, Juventus won at Empoli as the Azzurri were disallowed a goal despite Peruzzi saving the ball past the goal line

Empoli vs Juventus Throwback: The Best “Save” by Angelo Peruzzi

September 14, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

“Gianni Agnelli called me,” goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi recalled in an interview. “He told me that that save from Empoli's Bianconi was the best I had made since joining Juventus.” Only that it was not. The ball had clearly crossed the goal line, but the referee didn't see that, a mistake that took Juve closer to the 1997/98 title. Continue reading

Napoli vs Frosinone Throwback: Higuain’s Season Scoring Record

April 14, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

Records are set to be broken, even the oldest ones. In the last round of the 2015/16 season, Gonzalo Higuain of Napoli delivered a hat-trick to poor Frosinone to bring his seasonal tally to an astonishing 36 goals – one more than Gunnar Nordahl, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a Serie A season. Continue reading

On October 15, 1972, Milan beat Atalanta 9-3 as the match at the San Siro went down in history as the Serie A match with the most goals scored ever

Milan vs Atalanta Throwback: The Match With the Most Goals Ever

February 25, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

People present at the San Siro Stadium on that day claim that the electronic scorecard went in tilt and lost track of the scorers. Others report that the referee Giunti run out of space in his notebook to list them. While such claims may fade into legend, one thing is for sure and it’s the score of the Serie A match with the most goals ever: On October 15, 1972, Milan beat Atalanta 9-3! Continue reading

Roma vs Inter Throwback: Nine-Goal Thriller with Baggio and Ronaldo

February 10, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

What happens when you put against each other a star-studded Roma side, coached by an ultra-offensive manager in the name of Zdenek Zeman, and one of the most impressive Inter lineups ever seen – where Roberto Baggio had just joined the Fenomeno Ronaldo Nazario da Lima? That's easy: You get one of the craziest games in the history of Serie A. Continue reading

The Dennis Law and Torino transfer was a strange combination. In an era where few Brits moved to Serie A, Law's move was never destined for greatness

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: Denis Didn’t Lay Down the Law in Torino

August 7, 2024 Alex Waite

Although Denis Law's time with Torino was washed with struggles and adaptation issues, his experience was not a complete disaster either. He finished as Il Toro’s top scorer in the 1961/62 campaign and won Best Foreign Player of the Year in Serie A that season. Continue reading

Paul Gascoigne and Lazio's partnership showed plenty of promise. But the unpredictability of the Englishman's form brought a turbulent spell to Rome

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: Gascoigne’s Erratic Spell at Lazio

July 26, 2024 Alex Waite

Paul Gascoigne and Lazio proved to be an interesting experiment. It was a bond that showed glimpses of potential to suit both parties. Although, this potential only surfaced on occasion during a rollercoaster three-year spell in Rome. Continue reading

The Hidetoshi Nakata and Perugia transfer was a step into the unknown for both parties. It was a shock move in 1998 but one that paid off

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: Nakata, a Leap of Faith in Perugia

July 23, 2024 Alex Waite

Hidetoshi Nakata was the player capable of bucking the trend of a few East Asian footballers making it in Europe. His elegant control, expert vision, and ability to dictate the play was a perfect match for the European way of playing football. Continue reading

Sócrates and Fiorentina had the potential to be a match made in heaven. But how did the eccentric Brazilian falter in Florence?

Serie A Tranfer Market Stories: The Socrates Struggles in Florence

December 4, 2023 Alex Waite

Sócrates and Fiorentina was a relationship that made sense on many levels. The iconic Brazilian had a fascination with culture and philosophy off the pitch, which was well-suited to a life in Florence. But on the pitch, things never clicked for the offbeat midfielder. Continue reading

As Dunga and Pisa teamed up in 1987, the two releatively unknown forces had plenty to prove. This is how the Brazilian earned a name for himself in Serie A

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: The Opposing Paths of Dunga and Pisa

August 10, 2023 Alex Waite

The transfer of Brazilian Dunga and Pisa is a tale of a player trying to make his name in Europe alongside a team fighting for a consistent place in Serie A. Dunga’s need for regular first-team football in Europe coincided perfectly with a budding Pisa side in desperate need of expertise. Continue reading

The link-up between Trevor Francis and Sampdoria was perfectly timed. Francis' move helped to propel the Blucerchiati's status in Serie A

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: Trailblazing Trevor Francis at Samp

July 25, 2023 Alex Waite

Before Trevor Francis and Sampdoria linked up in 1982, very few English players had broken into Serie A football. Francis’ move to the Italian top flight marked an unusual occurrence in European football. But, the Englishman was known for breaking new ground throughout his career. Continue reading

Only those old enough to remember Italia 90 can truly understand what Totò Schillaci's eyes wide open as run to celebrate his goal really meant

Serie A Heroes: Totò Schillaci, an Italian Midsummer Night’s Dream

September 18, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

Only those old enough to remember the magic nights of “Italia 90” can truly understand what that gaped mouth, what those eyes wide open in disbelief, meant. Totò Schillaci looked like a boy living his childhood dream as he led Italy’s march towards the World Cup trophy, one goal after another. His underdog story has been an example for a generation of Italians. Continue reading

Gigi Riva, better known as Rombo di Tuono ("Roar of Thunder"), passed away on Monday night in Cagliari, aged 79, due to complications of a stroke

Serie A Heroes: “Roar of Thunder” Gigi Riva, the Pride of Cagliari

January 23, 2024 Matteo Carnevale

Gigi Riva was really a player like we won’t ever see again, if only because he still holds the record for the most goals scored for Italy. But he is also the man who took Cagliari, a quasi-unknown team that was fumbling in Serie B and led them to winning the Scudetto – the first club from the South of Italy to beat the traditional powerhouses from the industrial North! Continue reading

To remember Gianluca Vialli is to talk about a player who was truly out of the box. The word that best sums up his life and career is “unpredictable”

Serie A Heroes: Gianluca Vialli, an Ode to Unpredictability

January 9, 2023 Matteo Carnevale

To remember Gianluca Vialli is to talk about a player who was truly out of the box. Fuori dagli schemi, as we say in Italy. He was not the strongest of his generation, nor the most controversial. But he had a share of talent and rebelliousness big enough to make him a cult figure in the Belpaese of the 1980s. Perhaps the word that best sums up his life and career is “unpredictable”. Continue reading

Serie A Heroes: “Batigol” Batistuta, Firenze’s Legendary Marksman

April 9, 2021 Akhil Fisher

Gabriel Omar Batistuta graced Italian football from 1991 to 2003, becoming a Fiorentina legend and winning a Scudetto with Roma. Tactically gifted, industriously astute and strikingly prolific, Batistuta was a force to be reckoned with when in full flow. A once-in-a-lifetime player who relentlessly terrorized defenses without a second thought. He also remained Argentina's top-scorer until Lionel Messi took over the record. Continue reading

Northern Ireland vs Italy 0-0: Azzurri Forced to Playoff

November 15, 2021 Matteo Carnevale International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, World Cup 2022, World Cup 2022 Qualifiers

The Azzurri's poorest showing since Roberto Mancini is in charge costed much to Italy, who failed to break the Northern Ireland wall on Monday night and failed to qualify directly to World Cup 2022.

The recent antics by Theo Hernandez risk jeopardizing the negotiation to extend his contract with Milan, which was already challenging.

Milan Player Ratings vs Atalanta: Theo Unrecognizable

December 6, 2024 Marko Vrakela AC Milan, Atalanta, Player Ratings, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025 Leave a comment

Milan may have effectively given up their Serie A title hopes with a disheartening 2-1 defeat at high-flying Atalanta on Friday night. Another disappointing result leaves the Rossoneri a whopping ten points adrift of table-topping Napoli, who will take on Lazio on Sunday.

Inter have been wrapped up the negotiations with Federico Dimarco and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and their extensions could be announced as soon as Friday.

Inter Player Ratings vs Parma: Mkhitaryan Architects Another Win

December 6, 2024 Marko Vrakela Inter, Inter Milan, Parma, Player Ratings, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025 Leave a comment

Inter comfortably dispatched top-flight newcomers Parma 3-1 at Giuseppe Meazza in the opening game of Serie A Gameweek 15. Despite taking 40 minutes to open the scoring, there was never a shred of doubt Simone Inzaghi's side would claim three points.

Warren Bondo has drawn the attention of big teams, especially Milan, Atalanta, and Inter, and, despite his essential role at Monza, he’s not untouchable.

Milan, Atalanta, and Inter Tracking Monza Midfielder

December 6, 2024 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Monza, Premier League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Warren Bondo has drawn the attention of big teams, especially Milan, Atalanta, and Inter, and, despite his essential role at Monza, he’s not untouchable. The Brianzoli, which are already thin in the midfield, have earmarked Cesare Casadei.

Inter and Juventus are falling behind in the fray to sign Jonathan Tah on a free transfer, while Barcelona are making strides thanks to a recent meeting.

Barcelona Lead Race for Inter and Juventus Target Tah

December 6, 2024 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, La Liga, Serie A, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Inter and Juventus are falling behind in the fray to sign Jonathan Tah on a free transfer, while Barcelona are making strides thanks to a recent meeting with his agent. Bayern Munich are squarely in contention as well, as they have been after him for years.

Serie A Preview: Napoli vs Lazio – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

December 6, 2024 Marko Vrakela Lazio, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025 Leave a comment

Sunday's Serie A action draws to a close at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with a revenge-poised showdown between familiar foes Napoli and Lazio. There's more than just bragging rights at stake as the home players seek vengeance for a humiliating result in midweek Coppa Italia action.

Serie A Preview: Juventus vs Bologna – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

December 6, 2024 Marko Vrakela Bologna, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025 Leave a comment

New Juventus manager Thiago Motta faces former employers Bologna in one of the standout fixtures of Serie A Matchday 15. Saturday's encounter at the Allianz Stadium has all the makings of a must-win clash for the home side amid their faltering Scudetto pursuit.

Enzo Le Fée has had a tough time adjusting to Serie A, also because of a knee injury, and could head back to Ligue 1 on loan.

Roma Midfielder Details Switch, Could Transfer Again

December 6, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Ligue 1, Rennes, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Enzo Le Fée has had a tough time adjusting to Serie A, also because of a knee injury, and could head back to Ligue 1 on loan, which would allow Roma to protect their €23M investment. He wouldn’t necessarily be replaced.

Gianluigi Donnarumma might switch sides in the next couple of years, as PSG have decided to halt the negotiation to renew his contract.

Donnarumma Facing Uncertain Future, Inter Move Unlikely

December 6, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Ligue 1, PSG, Serie A, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Gianluigi Donnarumma might switch sides in the next couple of years, as PSG have decided to halt the negotiation to renew his contract, which runs until 2026. He hasn’t had a great season so far. The French side spent for a new goalie last summer.

Juventus have tried to cut down the losses in the last couple of years after hiring Cristiano Giuntoli, but their long-term strategy is to invest.

Juventus Plot to Be Big Spenders in the New Few Years

December 6, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, FIFA Club World Cup, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market One comment

Juventus have tried to cut down the losses in the last couple of years after hiring Cristiano Giuntoli, but their long-term strategy is to invest, as CEO Maurizio Scanavino announced: "We are working together to have strong players."

Napoli director Giovanni Manna provided an update on the ongoing negotiations at Napoli before his team was eliminated by Lazio in the Coppa Italia.

Napoli Official Talks Renewals and Osimhen Joining PSG

December 6, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Coppa Italia, Italian Football, Ligue 1, Napoli, PSG, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Napoli director Giovanni Manna provided an update on the ongoing negotiations at Napoli before his team was eliminated by Lazio in the Coppa Italia: “We’re in a work in progress because we changed a lot, including the coach."

Juventus have no more doubts about Francisco Conceiçao and are ready to acquire him permanently, removing any uncertainty about his future.

Juventus Prepare Cheque to Redeem Stellar Loanee Early

December 5, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Porto, Serie A, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Juventus have no more doubts about Francisco Conceiçao and are ready to acquire him permanently, removing any uncertainty about his future. The winger joined on loan as the Bianconeri didn’t have the budget to purchase him last summer.

Serie A Preview: Atalanta vs Milan – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

December 5, 2024 Marko Vrakela AC Milan, Atalanta, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025 Leave a comment

Friday's mouth-watering Serie A trip to Bergamo to face off against Atalanta could be a turning point for a notoriously inconsistent Milan side. Unable to gather momentum since Paulo Fonseca's arrival in the summer, last season's runners-up head to the Gewiss Stadium, hoping to derail high-flying La Dea's Scudetto hopes.

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