Akhil Fisher, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Boca Juniors talent Valentin Barco is the left-back who has regularly impressed Juventus scouts and shined again versus Deportivo Pereira.

Juventus Target Steals the Show in Copa Libertadores

April 20, 2023 Akhil Fisher Boca Juniors, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Juventus have been shaky on the wings for a long time, and with just three pure fullbacks – Alex Sandro, Danilo, and Mattia De Sciglio, it is time for reinforcements to arrive in that position. Unsurprisingly, the Bianconeri management has already identified the player they wish to lure to Turin, Valentin Barco.

Lazio continue to make inroads, both on and off the pitch, as they prepare to star in UCL and challenge for the Scudetto title next season.

Sarri and Tare Identify Two Lazio Midfield Reinforcements

April 20, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Empoli, Italian Football, Lazio, Porto, Serie A, Transfer Market

Maurizio Sarri is evidently on the verge of creating a legacy at Lazio, having professed his love for the Biancocelesti recently. Despite the disappoint of crashing out of the UEFA Europa Conference League, his side are enroute to play in the Champions League next season.

Juventus have already tested the waters with Giuntoli, but the Napoli executive has hardly budged, despite Bianconeri chief John Elkann’s personal efforts.

Juve Look Away from Napoli for New Sporting Director

April 20, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

As Juventus prepare for time in the courtroom to hear their appeal against the 15-point deduction, the club management is simultaneously are seeking a new sporting director. Napoli’s Cristiano Giuntoli has been reported as the top target, but Partenopei chief Aurelio De Laurentiis seemingly has long-term plans for his executive.

Mike Maignan returned to form in the Napoli clash in Round 24 after some subpar performances for his standard. Milan have never doubted him.

Capello Takes his Pick Between Maignan and Courtois

April 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Italian Football, Napoli, Real Madrid, Serie A

Italian football icon Fabio Capello has given his say on what he thinks makes Mike Maignan a more effective goalkeeper than Thibaut Courtois.

Feyenoord snuck a narrow win last week thanks to Mats Wieffer's strike, and Dutch coach Arne Slot is aware of the tie remaining wide open despite the lead.

Slot Previews Roma Tie: “I Won’t Lose Sleep if We Don’t Win”

April 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher Europa League, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A

Feyenoord snuck a narrow win in Rotterdam last week thanks to Mats Wieffer’s solitary strike, and Dutch coach Arne Slot is aware of the tie still remaining wide open despite the lead. The 44-year-old manager believes the return leg at Stadio Olimpico will kick off on a new slate.

Following the potential acquisition of Aouar, Roma and Mourinho are keen on adding to their list of arrivals, and Nelson serves as a realistic target.

Roma Target Arsenal Academy Product for Summer Move

April 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Following the potential acquisition of Houssem Aouar from Lyon, Roma are keen on adding to their list of arrivals. Arsenal youth product Reiss Nelson has been turning heads not only in England but also in Europe, and several top teams have been keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old winger.

Simon Kjaer played a key role in containing the Napoli attackers, with Victor Osimhen in particular kept largely quiet until he popped up with a header.

Kjaer Reveals Secret Behind Keeping Osimhen at Bay

April 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Simon Kjaer played a key role in containing the Napoli attackers, with Victor Osimhen in particular kept largely quiet until he popped up with a header in stoppage time to make it 1-1. Despite conceding at the death, Milan valiantly held strong throughout the two legs, thanks to their defensive prowess.

Leao put up yet another grandstand performance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, helping Milan beat Napoli 2-1 on aggregate in the UCL quarter-finals.

Leao Rallies Milan: “We Want to Win Champions League”

April 19, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Rafael Leao put up yet another grandstand performance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Victor Osimhen’s stoppage-time equalizer was of little help, as the Rossoneri mustered a 2-1 aggregate win in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals to seal a first last-four appearance in over 15 years.

Simone Inzaghi officially put pen to paper on his new Inter contract on Tuesday, enjoying a sizeable pay bump as a reward for his success so far.

Inzaghi Hopeful but Wary of Benfica Threat at Meazza

April 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher Benfica, Calciomercato, Champions League, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Inter have cruise control of the tie against Benfica, having beaten them 2-0 at the Estadio Da Luz last week. Despite the fact that the Nerazzurri will kick off with an advantage, coach Simone Inzaghi knows exactly what awaits his side in the return leg at home.

The departure of Ola Solbakken will most likely be the only deal Roma complete on deadline day. They’ll be on high alert after the end of the window too.

Inter Test the Waters for Three Barcelona Defenders

April 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher Barcelona, Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Recent meetings have taken place between the executives of Inter and Barcelona regarding the transfer of players. Both sides have been involved in talks for a long time now, with Franck Kessié, Marcelo Brozovic, Joaquin Correa, and Memphis Depay all at the forefront of talks.

Time is running out for Sampdoria ahead of next season, as patron Ferrero hampers to salvage himself and the club from a potential insolvent situation.

Sampdoria Risk Major Collapse if Debts Remain Unpaid

April 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher Italian Football, Sampdoria, Serie A

Well enroute to Serie B, Sampdoria are struggling off the pitch as well, as their precarious financial standing now looks edgy enough to deem them insolvent. Owner Massimo Ferrero is in dire need of patrons who can rescue the Blucerchiati as the deadline to register for the next season nears.

Earlier in the year, Materazzi echoed how difficult it will be in Paris for Skriniar to feel the same affection and passion the Interista show him.

Inter Icon Materazzi Echoes Messi Example to Skriniar

April 18, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Paris Saint Germain, PSG, Serie A, Transfer Market

Inter icon Marco Materazzi has once again commented on the free transfer of Milan Skriniar to Paris Saint-Germain. Earlier in the year, Materazzi echoed how difficult it would be in Paris for the Slovak stopper to feel the same affection and passion the Interisti show him.

Author: Akhil Fisher