Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Considering the difficulties for other targets, Milan have come to the conclusion that the easiest way to fix their defense is to bring back Matteo Gabbia.

Milan Make Up Their Mind About Defensive Additions

December 6, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, La Liga, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market, Villarreal

Considering the difficulties for other targets, Milan have come to the conclusion that the easiest way to fix their defense is to bring back Matteo Gabbia from Villarreal. He’s currently on loan to Villarreal. The Spanish side doesn’t have an option to buy and didn’t pay a fee to have him.

Roma came close to signing Duvan Zapata midway through last summer, but Atalanta never signed off on the deal, and he eventually joined Torino.

Atalanta Blocked Zapata Move to Roma Due to Formula

December 6, 2023 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Torino, Transfer Market One comment

Roma came close to signing Duvan Zapata midway through last summer, but Atalanta never signed off on the deal, and he eventually joined Torino. He’s coming off his best performance of the season, as he took down his former side with a brace.

Roma have been able to make hay in easier matches in recent months, although not without drama, and they are set for a gauntlet to close out the year.

Rome to Have Opportunities to Right Ship vs Top Sides

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Roma have been able to make hay in easier matches in recent months, although not without drama, and they are set for a gauntlet to close out the year and start 2024 that will likely determine whether they are headed this season. The Giallorossi are currently level with Napoli in fourth place.

Inter exec Piero Ausilio stated that they didn’t like the January window but they’ll only pay attention to the potential opportunities that could emerge.

Inter Contemplating Just a Pair of Moves for January

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Ligue 1, Lille, Porto, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter exec Piero Ausilio stated that they didn’t like the January window but they’ll only pay attention to the potential opportunities that could emerge and perhaps loan out a couple of players. The Nerazzurri won’t spend much but are open to a pair of additions.

Matias Vecino has been omitted from the Lazio squad list for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia clash against Genoa, even though he would have probably started.

Lazio Veteran Faces Discipline in Coppa Italia Fixture

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Coppa Italia, Galatasaray, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Matias Vecino has been omitted from the squad list for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia clash against Genoa, even though he would have probably started since Lazio are set to rotate heavily and rest a few starters. The club let it known it happened due to disciplinary reasons.

Roma announced to have fired José Mourinho and appointed Daniele De Rossi on Tuesday in a sudden move but not completely out of the blue.

Momentum Building Toward Mourinho Staying at Roma

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, La Liga, River Plate, Roma, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 One comment

José Mourinho has publicly thanked the brass for their support following the Sassuolo game amid an ongoing investigation after his preventive comments about the referee. The hierarchy had rarely joined the Special One in his battles in his two years at the helm.

Arsenal and Liverpool Keeping Tabs on Juventus Talent

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Italian Football, Juventus, Liverpool, Premier League, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Juventus could resort to selling some youngsters to raise money, and they have received a few injuries for Kenan Yildiz. Matias Soulé and Samuel Iling-Junior have also drawn interest from foreign clubs. The Bianconeri could decide to cash in on one or two talents to foot their additions

Inter have been trying to come to terms with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and they are making progress in the conversations with his agent Rafaela Pimenta.

Inter in Homestretch of Negotiation with Mkhitaryan

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter have been trying to come to terms with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and they are making progress in the conversations with his agent Rafaela Pimenta. The contract of the Armenian midfielder runs out at the end of the season. There’ll be a new in-person meeting soon.

Napoli met again with the entourage of Lazar Samardzic in Milan at the beginning of the week, but the negotiation is not yet in its final stages.

Napoli Earmark Juventus and Milan Targets for January

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, La Liga, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market, Udinese

The subpar start of the season could entice Napoli to look for reinforcements in January, and they have circled a pair of names who are being chased by other Serie A powerhouses, Lazar Samardzic and Juan Miranda. The Partenopei have been keen on the Serb for a couple of campaigns.

Rafael Leao unveiled his book on Tuesday night and discussed some of the topics included in it, including his decision to sign a new contract with Milan.

Leao and Bastoni Update on Their Return from Injury

December 5, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Milan and Inter stars Rafael Leao and Alessandro Bastoni aren’t far off from returning from their muscular problems, but the former remains in doubt for the next Serie A round. The Rossoneri attacker has missed the past three matches due to a calf problem.

Lazio have slowed down in the talks with Felipe Anderson, which seemed destined for a positive resolution and fear Juventus could be behind the impasse.

Lazio Wary of Possible Juventus Interest in Winger

December 4, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Lazio have slowed down in the talks with Felipe Anderson, which seemed destined for a positive resolution in the last couple of weeks, and fear Juventus could be behind the impasse. The Biancocelesti have put the negotiations on hold while they sort their issues on the pitch.

Napoli and Chelsea will be back on the negotiating table to discuss a trade between Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku after a pause.

Osimhen Closer to Extension but Sale Chatter Lingers

December 4, 2023 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, La Liga, Napoli, Premier League, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis made a surprise announcement over the weekend, stating that the renewal of Victor Osimhen was in its final stages and that only the signature was missing. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the striker will stay put for the long haul.

Author: Enrico Passarella