Akhil Fisher, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti weighed in on several topics in a presser from Antalya, where the Partenopei are preparing ahead of the League's resumption.

Spalletti Warns Napoli of Juventus Threat in Scudetto Race

January 9, 2023 Akhil Fisher Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A

The 2-0 win over Sampdoria marks a 14th win for Napoli in the race for the Scudetto, and coach Luciano Spalletti believes it is only going to get tougher for his team especially in light of the game against Juventus next.

Milan will have to take care of multiple contract extensions in the next few months, and the talks with Ismael Bennacer haven’t been smooth so far.

Milan Inch Closer to Sealing Ismael Bennacer Extension

January 6, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

Bennacer, being a fundamental player for Stefano Pioli, has received a three-year offer adding to his existing contract that expires in June 2024. He has appeared 127 times for Milan since moving from Empoli in 2019.

Arkadiusz Milik will miss time due to a thigh injury he suffered in the Monza game. The Polish striker was diagnosed with a medium grade thigh strain.

Marseille Loanee Milik Convinces Juventus for Permanent Move

January 6, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Ligue 1, Marseille, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milik has convinced Juventus for an extended stay as they look to activate the option to buy him from Marseille on a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

Milan and Napoli Keep Tabs on Brazilian Starlet Angelo

January 6, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Brazil, Brazilian Football, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan and Napoli are on the hunt to bolster their youth ranks with an up and coming Brazilian talent - Angelo - from Santos, the same club Neymar, Felipe Anderson and Rodrygo graduated from.

Napoli are making progress in their chase of Azzedine Ounahi, but they have to fend off multiple other suitors. He'd join them in the summer.

Napoli Close to Ounahi Deal But Not Before Demme Departure

January 6, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

While Ounahi has experienced an upward trajectory since the World Cup, Demme has fallen out of sorts with Napoli this season largely due to the explosion of Stanislav Lobotka in the middle of the park.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri and PSG director Luis Campos were pictured together outside a hotel in Monte Carlo, leading to speculations.

Allegri Pitches Napoli as ‘Clear Favorites’ Despite Inter Loss

January 6, 2023 Akhil Fisher Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A

Despite the loss to Inter, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is not ruling Napoli out of the championship, labeling them ‘clear favorites’ for the Scudetto title.

Maignan has seamlessly integrated as Milan’s numero uno, replacing Donnarumma between the sticks, despite being restricted to just 17 caps this season.

Milan Icon Dida Backs Maignan to Return Stronger than Before

January 5, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

Maignan has been restricted to just 9 appearances for the club this season. He has not appeared for Milan since playing in the 2-1 defeat to Napoli in September 2022.

Milan Eye Porto Striker with €100M Release Clause

January 5, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Brazil, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Porto, Serie A, Transfer Market

Evanilson has a contract valid until June 2027 with Porto, having recently extended his stay in October 2022. They do not intend to part ways with him anytime soon, especially after having lost Luiz Diaz to Liverpool earlier.

Joan Gonzalez has been one of the early revelations of the season and has started to draw the attention of bigger clubs, in particular Napoli.

Milan Garner Transfer Interest in Budding Lecce Talent

January 5, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lecce, Serie A, Transfer Market

Newly-promoted Serie A outfit Lecce took a chance at Joan Gonzalez in the summer of 2021, and he hasn’t disappointed since – now being pushed onto the first team.

Milan Chief Scout Pitches France Ahead of Italy for Budding Talents

January 5, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Calciomercato, France, French Football, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan chief scout Geoffrey Moncada believes the football market in France is relatively more open-minded and driven than the one in Italy, Spain or Germany.

Napoli have sealed the deal for Kim Min-Jae, who will arrive in Italy Tuesday morning to take the medicals and finalize the deal.

South Korea Stopper Kim Min-jae Reveals Napoli Ambition

January 4, 2023 Akhil Fisher Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

With added reinforcements, Napoli have gone on to upset the status duo with great finesse – registering themselves unbeaten atop Serie A standings enroute a potential third Scudetto title. One of those has been South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, who arrived earlier in the summer of Fenerbahce.

After concluding the past season on a low note, Stefan De Vrij has continued struggling in the current one, and he hasn’t been alone in the Inter defense.

Inter Table Two-Year Extension for Dutchman De Vrij

January 4, 2023 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

The Nerazzurri will face a big blow if they lose De Vrij, with Milan Skriniar also approaching his contract expiry in June 2023. To be on the safer side, Inter have begun shortlisting names to add to their defense while renewal negotiations are underway

Author: Akhil Fisher