Akhil Fisher, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Buffon, who is still punching above his weight at 45, has criticized Italian media for not understanding the footballing landscape.

Buffon Slams Italian Media, Cites Thiago Motta as Example

March 21, 2023 Akhil Fisher Italian Football, Italy

Parma shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon, who is still punching above his weight at 45, has criticized the Italian media for not understanding the footballing landscape. Buffon gave the example of Thiago Motta, who was denounced by the press earlier in his career for being handed the number 10 jersey,

Ex-Napoli Striker Alerts European Clubs of ‘Next Mertens’

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

Former Napoli marksman Roberto ‘El Pampa’ Sosa has revealed an Argentine prospect who, according to him, could become the next Dries Mertens.

Juventus Breath Sigh of Relief After Chiesa Injury Scare

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

Cheisa came on for Matias Soule in the 66th minute, but just a quarter-hour later started limping due to discomfort. He was substituted off by Max Allegri in the 83rd for Leandro Paredes.

Former Milan and Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso has reportedly reached an agreement with Spanish side Valencia over the managerial role.

Gattuso on Future Managerial Role, Potential Move to Salernitana

March 20, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Salernitana, Serie A, Transfer Market

Gennaro Gattuso left Valencia earlier this year following the termination of his contract with the club by mutual consent, and the ex-Milan midfielder is still in the dark regarding his next club.

The advances from Saudi Arabia haven’t broken through, as Massimiliano Allegri had a meeting with the Juventus hierarchy to discuss the transfer market.

Max Allegri Praises Juventus Display in Narrow Inter Victory

March 20, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Juventus’ 15-point deduction seems like a thing of the past, as they rise back up the Serie A standings following a 1-0 victory over Inter. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted it wasn’t easy for the Bianconeri to muster a victory, as they edged the Nerazzurri by a single Filip Kostic goal.

Despite Torino inching closer to securing Samuele Ricci on an extension deal, there is threat from the neighboring city of Milan for the Empoli product.

Milan and Inter Continue to Stalk Torino Talent Ricci

March 16, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Torino, Transfer Market

Despite Torino inching closer to securing Samuele Ricci on a long-term deal, there is lingering threat from the neighboring city of Milan, where Inter and Milan continue to keep close tabs on the Empoli youth product. 21-year-old Ricci has been gaining prominence under coach Juric.

Barcelona took advantage of Inter’s visit to Porto midweek in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie to hold a transfer market summit.

Barcelona Delegates in Porto to Assess Deal with Inter

March 16, 2023 Akhil Fisher Barcelona, Calciomercato, Champions League, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Barcelona took advantage of Inter’s visit to Porto midweek in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie to hold a summit with Inter executives, with the transfer market in mind. Blaugrana officials Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany spoke with Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio.

Despite the ties with Juventus' director Cristiano Giuntoli, Inter would be in the lead should Piotr Zielinski decide not to re-up his expiring contract with Napoli.

Zielinski: “Other UCL Teams Must Be Afraid to Meet Napoli”

March 16, 2023 Akhil Fisher Champions League, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Napoli cruised to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League thanks to a 5-0 aggregate win over Eintracht Frankfurt, and Partenopei midfielder Piotr Zielinski believes his side can go all the way given they play to their strengths: "We are happy for our fans, as they are always with us. The club deserves it."

Ancelotti on Potential Clashes with Inter, Napoli and Milan

March 16, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has given his assessment of potential meetings with the Italian teams, with Inter, Milan, and Napoli all progressing to the last eight of the UEFA Champions League. The ex-Rossoneri coach believes there are no favorites for the title but pointed out one team to be wary of.

Inter are inching closer to bringing back Romelu Lukaku, but Giuseppe Marotta stated it will not happen today. The executive discussed several topics.

Inter Chief Marotta Eager to Face Milan in the Champions League

March 16, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

With three Italian teams progressing to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, there is a real chance for a high-profile Derby di Milano clash or even an all-Italian meeting with Napoli.

Napoli are hard at work to lock down the center-pieces of their team, and Stanislav Lobotka is next in line to get an extension.

Napoli Nail Lobotka to Long-Term Contract Extension Deal

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

Stanislav Lobotka is one short of 100 appearances for Napoli since joining from Celta Vigo in January 2020, as the Partenopei prepare to take on Torino next.

Austrian winger Michael Gregoritsch believes Freiburg can upset the odds and make a comeback against Juventus in the return leg at home in Germany.

Gregoritsch Backs Freiburg to Come Back Versus Juventus

March 15, 2023 Akhil Fisher Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Euro Cup History, Europa League, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Freiburg will host Juventus in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 return leg following a narrow 1-0 defeat – in what will be the Bundesliga club’s first home match against any Italian side in Europe. Austrian winger Michael Gregoritsch believes Freiburg can upset the odds and stage a comeback.

Author: Akhil Fisher