Alex Waite, Author at The Cult of Calcio

The Dennis Law and Torino transfer was a strange combination. In an era where few Brits moved to Serie A, Law's move was never destined for greatness

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: Denis Didn’t Lay Down the Law in Torino

August 7, 2024 Alex Waite Manchester City, Manchester United, Premier League, Scotland, Serie A, Torino, Transfer Market, Transfer Market Stories

Although Denis Law's time with Torino was washed with struggles and adaptation issues, his experience was not a complete disaster either. He finished as Il Toro’s top scorer in the 1961/62 campaign and won Best Foreign Player of the Year in Serie A that season.

Paul Gascoigne and Lazio's partnership showed plenty of promise. But the unpredictability of the Englishman's form brought a turbulent spell to Rome

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: Gascoigne’s Erratic Spell at Lazio

July 26, 2024 Alex Waite Lazio, Newcastle United, Premier League, Serie A, Tottenham, Transfer Market Stories

Paul Gascoigne and Lazio proved to be an interesting experiment. It was a bond that showed glimpses of potential to suit both parties. Although, this potential only surfaced on occasion during a rollercoaster three-year spell in Rome.

The Hidetoshi Nakata and Perugia transfer was a step into the unknown for both parties. It was a shock move in 1998 but one that paid off

Serie A Transfer Market Stories: Nakata, a Leap of Faith in Perugia

July 23, 2024 Alex Waite Bologna, Fiorentina, Parma, Perugia, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market Stories

Hidetoshi Nakata was the player capable of bucking the trend of a few East Asian footballers making it in Europe. His elegant control, expert vision, and ability to dictate the play was a perfect match for the European way of playing football.

Sócrates and Fiorentina had the potential to be a match made in heaven. But how did the eccentric Brazilian falter in Florence?

Serie A Tranfer Market Stories: The Socrates Struggles in Florence

December 4, 2023 Alex Waite Brazil, Brazilian Football, Fiorentina, Serie A, Transfer Market, Transfer Market Stories

Sócrates and Fiorentina was a relationship that made sense on many levels. The iconic Brazilian had a fascination with culture and philosophy off the pitch, which was well-suited to a life in Florence. But on the pitch, things never clicked for the offbeat midfielder.

Milan expedited the negotiation to prolong the contract of Rafael Leao by taking the matter into their own hands as far as his legal troubles are concerned.

Lecce vs Milan 2-2: Rossoneri Relinquish Two Goal Lead as Winless Run Continues

November 11, 2023 Alex Waite AC Milan, Lecce, Serie A

Milan gave up a 2-0 leave and eventually drew 2-2 at Lecce. The stalemate means the Rossoneri are now winless in their last four Serie A matches and remain five points behind Inter.

Inter and Lautaro Martinez expressed their desire to reach an agreement on a contract extension in the last few weeks.

RB Salzburg vs Inter 0-1: Super Sub Martinez Sends Nerazzurri Through

November 8, 2023 Alex Waite Champions League, Inter, Inter Milan, International Football

Lautaro Martínez came off the bench and scored a late penalty to help Inter beat Salzburg 1-0. I Nerazzurri reached the Champions League knockout rounds for a third successive season following the victory. Inter were made to work hard for their victory in Austria and faced tricky spells throughout.

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.

Napoli vs Union Berlin 1-1: Azzurri Stunned by Union Comeback

November 8, 2023 Alex Waite Champions League, International Football, Napoli, Serie A

Napoli were unable to close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of Champions League Group C. Gil Azzurri gave up a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 at home against Union Berlin.

Matteo Politano gave Napoli an early lead …

Napoli will try to touch up and prolong the contract of Khvicha Kvaratshkelia right after the end of the window despite some new difficulties.

Salernitana v Napoli 0-2: Napoli on the Rise as Strong Away Form Continues

November 4, 2023 Alex Waite Napoli, Salernitana, Serie A

Napoli extended their unbeaten run in Serie A to three matches after a 2-0 Campania Derby win over Salernitana. Goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Eljif Elmas proved decisive and helped Gil Azzurri to a fourth successive away win.

The visitors …

Alessandro Del Piero has praised Inter for their development over the past season, pointing out the presence of newcomer Marcus Thuram as pivotal.

Inter vs Roma 1-0: Thuram Takes the Plaudits to Rock Roma Rearguard

October 29, 2023 Alex Waite Inter Milan, Roma, Serie A

Marcus Thuram’s late goal led Inter Milan to a first Serie A home win in three matches. I Nerazzurri had several quality chances in both halves but were generally frustrated by Roma’s low block. However, with ten minutes remaining, Thuram …

Roma have had a less than an ideal start to the 2023/24 season. Jose Mourinho’s defense has not operated to the optimum levels they are capable of.

Roma vs Slavia Prague 2-0: Giallorossi Gain Control in Group G

October 26, 2023 Alex Waite Europa League, Roma

Roma cruised to a 2-0 win against Slavia Prague at the Stadio Stadio Olimpico to maintain their 100% winning streak in UEFA Europa League Group G. Two goals within the opening 16 minutes helped I Giallorossi on their way to …

Hakan Calhanoglu and Alessandro Bastoni left the Atalanta game early due to minor muscular problems, but there’s not much worry at Inter.

Inter vs RB Salzburg 2-1: Çalhanoğlu Carries Inter Top of Group D

October 24, 2023 Alex Waite Champions League, Inter Milan

Inter Milan edged RB Salzburg to a hard-fought 2-1 victory, which helped Nerazzurri to leapfrog Real Sociedad to the top of Champions League Group D.

The Inter performance was far from dominant and the hosts had to get through tricky …

As it was rumored recently, Milan have finalized the extension of Theo Hernandez. The fullback officially put pen-to-paper earlier today.

Borussia Dortmund vs Milan 0-0: Rossoneri Settle for Point in Even Contest

October 4, 2023 Alex Waite AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, International Football, Serie A

Milan recorded a second consecutive 0-0 Champions League draw as Rossoneri held Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. The visitors had plenty of opportunities to take the lead in both halves, with Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulišić wasting glorious chances either side of the break.

Author: Alex Waite