Akhil Fisher, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Romelu Lukaku has clear ideas about where he’ll play next even though no team seems particularly close to agreeing to a deal with Chelsea.

Reunited with Mourinho, Lukaku Chalks Up ’30-Minute Call’

September 1, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

After bitterly ending his ties with Inter, Romelu Lukaku is ready to start a new journey in the Italian capital. The Belgian center-forward leaves parent club Chelsea on yet another loan this time and can’t wait to start playing for Roma under José Mourinho, who he termed as decisive in the saga.

Manchester United’s decision to give up on Mason Greenwood has opened up the avenue for capital giants Lazio, but much depends on Maurizio Sarri's ruling.

Sarri Approval Lacking as Lazio Probe Greenwood Transfer

September 1, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Manchester United, Serie A, Transfer Market

Manchester United academy graduate Mason Greenwood has undergone a tumultuous couple of years on accusations of domestic abuse. However, having announced that the 21-year-old will leave the club despite the dropped charges, Greenwood could find a new lease of life in the Italian capital, as contact with Lazio have been established.

Inter CEO Marotta offered his thoughts on the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage campaign, and also shed light on the transfer market

Inter CEO Marotta on UCL Draw, Transfer Market and Lukaku

September 1, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Champions League, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has offered his thoughts on the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage campaign. Benfica, RB Salzburg, and Real Sociedad await Simone Inzaghi’s men in the next couple of months, and Marotta believes the overall draw is balanced: "Destiny is in our hands."

Hien is contracted to Verona until 2026, taking advantage of which the Venetians have increased their asking price by €5M as the window comes to a close.

Verona Forestall Atalanta Advances for Center-Back Hien

September 1, 2023 Akhil Fisher Atalanta, Calciomercato, Hellas Verona, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Sweden-born Ghanian defender Isak Hien was tracked by Atalanta at the start of the window, but La Dea failed to come to an agreement with Hellas Verona on a transfer fee and instead chose to focus their attention on Torino’s Alessandro Buongiorno, but their pursuit collapsed.

All four Italian teams have released their respective squad lists for the upcoming UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage campaign.

UCL Draw: Milan in Group of Death, Napoli to Tackle Real Madrid

August 31, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Lazio, Napoli, Serie A

Milan, Lazio, Napoli and Inter now know the group opponents they will face in the 2023/24 campaign, with some mouthwatering clashes to look forward to in the coming months.

Ex-Inter striker Lukaku parted ways on bitter terms with the Nerazzurri faithful, as links emerged with Derby d’Italia rivals Juventus over a summer move.

Nainggolan Backs Fellow Belgian Lukaku to Shine at Roma

August 31, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Ex-Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has backed fellow Belgian Romelu Lukaku to shine in the Giallorossi colors in the 2023/24 season. The former Inter striker parted ways on bitter terms with the Nerazzurri faithful as links emerged with Derby d’Italia rivals Juventus over a summer move.

Just one day after Genoa were reported to be interested in Diego Demme, Fiorentina have also emerged as a viable destination for the German midfielder.

Fiorentina Earmark Napoli Outcast and Genoa Target Demme

August 31, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Genoa, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Just one day after Genoa were reported to be interested in Diego Demme, Fiorentina have also emerged as a viable destination for the German midfielder, despite the prospect of a swap already existing between Napoli and the Viola. Fiorentina will conduct extensive talks with the Partenopei.

Transfer deadline day is here, and Sofyan Amrabat is still without a concrete agreement with Manchester United or any other suitor for that matter.

Fiorentina Stand Strong to Deny Amrabat Loan Proposals

August 31, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Juventus, Manchester United, Premier League, Serie A, Transfer Market

Deadline day is almost here, and Sofyan Amrabat is still without an agreement with Manchester United or any other suitor for that matter. Despite having agreed terms on a personal note with the Premier League giants, Amrabat is yet to see Fiorentina receive a bid for a permanent transfer set in stone.

Pots for the Champions League have been set in stone after six sides secured their respective places in the 2023/24 UCL season after play-off victories.

Pots Set as Four Italian Giants Await UCL Group Stage Draw

August 31, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Lazio, Napoli, Serie A

The pots for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) draw have been set in stone after Royal Antwerp, PSV Eindhoven, SC Braga, BSC Young Boys, Galatasaray, and FC Copenhagen all secured their respective places in the 2023/24 season of Europe’s top continental tournament after aggregate victories in the UCL play-off stages.

Laurienté has been backed to make a big money move soon, with a number of clubs, including Napoli, interested in the services of the Sassuolo star forward.

Details Behind Failed Napoli Talks for Sassuolo’s Laurienté Revealed

August 30, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Sassuolo, Serie A, Transfer Market

Sassuolo forward Armand Laurienté has been backed by his agent Roberto Meloni to make a big money move soon. The French winger was linked with a move to a number of big outfits, including Scudetto title holders Napoli, but nothing came to fruition.

Amrabat is ready to leave Fiorentina, with United still the favorites to sign him on an outright deal. However, a temporary loan looks seemingly realistic.

Amrabat the Subject of Loan Talk as Deadline Day Nears

August 30, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Italian Football, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester United, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

While Sofyan Amrabat has given his yes to Manchester United, the Premier League giants themselves are in a hunch with regards to a concrete bid, which could very well arrive on deadline day. Several sides, including Liverpool, Al-Ahli, and Napoli, have expressed interest in the Fiorentina ace.

Milan have set a robust valuation for Alexis Saelemaekers since he’s in demand following a solid loan spell at Bologna. It’s not certain he'll leave.

Bologna Hit Jackpot to Sign Milan Winger Saelemaekers

August 30, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Bologna, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan outcast Alexis Saelemaekers has made the switch to join Thiago Motta’s Bologna on a temporary deal after the player and the respective clubs green-lighted the transfer. The Belgian moves from the Rossoneri on a loan deal with the option to buy at the end of the season.

Author: Akhil Fisher