Akhil Fisher, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Provedel has earned plaudits from far and wide following his historic equalizer against Atleti, with a decent premium in store for the Lazio shotstopper.

History Maker Provedel in Disbelief After Last-Minute Equalizer

September 20, 2023 Akhil Fisher Atletico Madrid, Champions League, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A

Provedel, who played as a striker until he was 15, becomes only the fourth different goalkeeper to score a UCL goal, after Jorg Butt, Sinan Bolat and Vincent Enyeama, and only the second to do it from open play. The goal is the second in his professional career.

Both Empoli and Udinese have experienced their worst respective starts to a league season, and the former's coach wants to soon turn the tide in his favour.

Empoli Make First Sacking of the Season to Hire Familiar Face

September 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Empoli, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Andreazzoli will return to Empoli for a fourth time in his career, having coached them across three spells before, towards the end of the previous decade. During his first spell in charge of the club, he helped them lift the Serie B title and gained promotion to the top flight in 2019.

Lazio gaffer Maurizio Sarri wants his side to bounce back in a hurry after a woeful display in the latest Champions League game versus Feyenoord.

Sarri Examines Lazio UCL Return Ahead of Atletico Clash

September 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher Atletico Madrid, Calciomercato, Champions League, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Transfer Market

Maurizio Sarri is wary of the threat Atletico Madrid are capable of producing, as the two sides prepare to meet in their maiden UCL head-to-head clash. "We have to get a result against Atletico. I don't know if this is the best time to face them."

Michelangelo Minieri, the representative of Christian Kouamé, was recently spotted at the Inter HQ. He's out of contract in June 2024.

Fiorentina Set to Remove Kouamé Off Market Amid Renewal Talk

September 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

His contract in Firenze expires at the end of the current season, and the Viola are understood to have changed their stance on Kouamé, with Rocco Commisso ready to remove him from the transfer market. Vincenzo Italiano is said to have increased his confidence in Kouamé this season.

Powerlessness. As Sandro Tonali prepares to pack his bags and board a plane to Newcaste , that’s the feeling most calcio lovers are left with

Emotional Tonali Previews San Siro Return with Newcastle

September 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Champions League, Italian Football, Newcastle United, Serie A, Transfer Market

Sandro Tonali returns to Milan for the first time since moving away from the Rossoneri, as Newcastle United prepare to visit San Siro in the UEFA Champions League Group F opener: "I feel strong emotions because Milan is the team I support and gave me the opportunity to grow."

Sneijder, who lifted the treble with Inter under Mourinho, believes the current side has ability to match what the Nerazzurri achieved 13 years ago.

Wesley Sneijder Unsurprised at Inter Growth Under Inzaghi

September 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Wesley Sneijder, who lifted the treble with Inter under Jose Mourinho, believes the current side has ability to match what the Nerazzurri achieved more than a decade ago. The Dutch icon thinks Inter would have been deserved winners if they edged Manchester City in last season’s UEFA Champions League final.

Milan have had a nightmare restart following the recent international break, losing two out of their three games. Their injury list just keeps on growing.

Pioli Replies to Tifosi Criticism Ahead of UCL Opener vs Newcastle

September 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Champions League, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Stefano Pioli has replied to comments made by the Banditi Curva Sud on the eve of the crucial UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle United at San Siro: ""I have had good moments, but also difficult ones. I feel the weight of the failures in the Derby."

Montella has already been contacted by Turkey in view of his two-season spell at Demirspor, and given his familiarity to the language and the culture.

Vincenzo Montella in Pole Position to Lead Turkey to EURO 2024

September 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher Euro 2024, Italian Football, Italy, Turkey

Montella has already been contacted by the Turkey FA in view of his impressive two-season spell at Demirspor, and given his familiarity to the language and the culture. He is currently evaluating the terms of the deal, which is unknown as of the moment.

Prandelli has no doubt in his mind as to who the Scudetto favorites are, as Inter thrashed Milan 5-1 in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season.

Ex-Italy Coach Prandelli: “Difficult to Argue Inter are Scudetto Favorites”

September 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has no doubt in his mind as to who the Scudetto favorites this season are, as Inter thrashed Milan 5-1 in the first Derby della Madonnina: "They have a deep squad with 20 starters. Inzaghi combines the youth of some players with experience of others."

Gian Piero Gasperini was pleased with what he saw from his side in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Rakow but also attacked Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso.

Gasperini Admits to Carelessness in Fiorentina Defeat

September 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher Atalanta, Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Despite admitting that his squad are going through a physical decline, Gasperini hopes the upcoming continental clash will help his side take the edge off: "There were the conditions to win, and we ruined them due to carelessness especially on the first and third goals."

The Banditi Curva Sud, one of the arms of the Milan fans, sent out a warning aimed at Pioli for not training his side adequately as they fell 5-1 to Inter.

Banditi Curva Sud Fire Warning at Pioli Post Derby Thumping

September 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

The Banditi Curva Sud, one of the arms of the Milan fans, sent out a warning, most likely aimed at Pioli for not training his side adequately as they succumbed by a four-goal margin. The Rossoneri faithful pointed fingers at the ex-Lazio and Fiorentina tactician for under-preparing his side.

With back-to-back games in the space of four weeks, Napoli prepare to get back into shape after tasting their first defeat of the season to Sarri's Lazio.

Garcia Previews Napoli ‘Marathon’ Ahead of Genoa Showdown

September 15, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Genoa, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

With back-to-back games - almost ten - in the space of four weeks, Napoli prepare to get back into shape after tasting their first defeat of the season at the hands of Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio. Rudi Garcia has picked out details necessary for his team to excel going into the new season.

Author: Akhil Fisher