Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Dusan Vlahovic had a colorful celebration after scoring against Inter on Sunday, bagging his first goal in two months after a back issue.

Juventus Hopeful for Breakthrough in Key Extension Talks

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Dusan Vlahovic had a colorful celebration after scoring against Inter on Sunday, bagging his first goal in two months after losing minutes primarily because of a back problem. The striker showed his jersey number and silenced the critics following his successful strike.

Napoli were successful in a difficult road game in the first game with Walter Mazzarri on the bench, as they eked it out versus Atalanta.

Mazzarri Touted to Have Found Fast Chemistry with Squad

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Napoli were successful in a difficult road game in the first game with Walter Mazzarri on the bench, as they eked it out versus Atalanta thanks to a late misplaced pass by Marco Carnesecchi and Elijf Elmas’ finish on a feed by Victor Osimhen.

Bologna might add a striker in January, and they are interested in Roma’s Sardar Azmoun, who hasn’t played much so far at Roma.

Bologna Inquire About the Availability of Roma Attacker

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Bologna, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Bologna might add a striker in January, and they are interested in Roma’s Sardar Azmoun, who hasn’t played much so far at Roma. While they plot to keep Joshua Zirkzee, they could move on from his backup Sidney Van Hooijdonk. The two forwards would also be able to team up.

The Lazio brass hasn’t come out to publicly defend Maurizio Sarri after his latest outburst, but they have done it behind the scenes.

Lazio Brass Angrier with the Players than with Sarri

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

The Lazio brass hasn’t come out to publicly defend Maurizio Sarri after his latest outburst, but they have done it behind the scenes. Director Angelo Fabiani spoke with the squad on Sunday after the dismal loss to Salernitana. Claudio Lotito was more incendiary in some private remarks.

Several teams, including Juventus, Milan, and Inter, have taken notice of Claudio Echeverri, who turned heads during the recent U-17 World Cup.

Top Serie A Sides Join Fray for River Plate Prodigy

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, La Liga, Ligue 1, Manchester City, PSG, Real Madrid, River Plate, Serie A, Transfer Market

Several teams, including Juventus, Milan, and Inter, have taken notice of Claudio Echeverri, who turned heads during the recent U-17 World Cup. He had a hat-trick versus Brazil. A host of suitors have already lined up ahead of the next transfer windows, with Real Madrid leading the race.

Paulo Dybala is more seriously considering a move to Saudi Arabia after rejecting an opening offer last week. He's thinking about it.

Roma Need to Step Up in Talks to Modify Dybala Contract

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Transfer Market

Paulo Dybala had one of his best performances of the season against Udinese, scoring his first goal since mid-September. He missed a few games with a knee injury and needed time round into shape afterward. His camp and Roma have been in talks to extend his contract, but there’s no agreement yet.

The strong performances have quieted the chatter around Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, but that doesn’t mean he’ll remain at the helm long-term.

Juventus Rumored to Be Preparing Summer Coaching Change

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 One comment

The strong performances have quieted the chatter and the criticism around Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll remain at the helm long-term. Corriere dello Sport’s director Ivan Zazzaroni stated that the gaffer would leave at the end of the season.

Lautaro Martinez delivered again in the Derby d’Italia, scoring his 13th Serie A goal of the season. He’s running away in the capocannoniere chart.

Lautaro Martinez on the Verge of Smashing a Club Record

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Lautaro Martinez delivered again in the Derby d’Italia, scoring his 13th Serie A goal of the season. He’s running away in the capocannoniere chart. His haul in this calendar year is equally impressive. He has hit the net 27 times in 2023 and is eyeing an Inter record.

Al-Hilal continue to court Rafael Leao, but it appears that nothing will come out of it, as the forward prefers staying at Milan.

Milan Star Set to Stay out for Borussia Dortmund Game

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Italian Football, Serie A

After squeaking past Fiorentina, Milan have started preparing for the pivotal Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, where they’ll have to make do without Rafael Leao again. The star winger has remained sidelined in practice to open the week. There’s some hope he’ll return versus Frosinone during the weekend.

Juventus failed to beat Torino in the Derby but their recent four points still allow Giuntoli to start focusing on the transfer market more.

Juventus Exec Giuntoli Plays Coy on January Signings

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Juventus have been attached to a litany of midfielders, but CEO Cristiano Giuntoli admitted that they might not necessarily add a new one if they don’t find the right kind of deal. "“I don’t think an addition would to a whole lot. We’re all giving our best."

Even though Maurizio Sarri threatened to quit following the loss against Salernitana, it doesn’t look like there’ll be quick changes on the Lazio bench.

Lazio Mull Stunning Reunion with High-Profile Coach

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Argentina, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Even though Maurizio Sarri threatened to quit following the latest loss against Salernitana, it doesn’t look like there’ll be changes on the Lazio bench in the near future. But it’s possible the coach and the club will part ways at the end of the season if the results aren’t satisfactory.

Napoli has lost another left-back to injury, Mathias Olivera, but they remain unlikely to turn to the free-agent pool to replenish the position.

Napoli Unlikely to Add Free Agent After Olivera Injury

November 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Napoli has lost another left-back to injury, Mathias Olivera, but they remain unlikely to turn to the free-agent pool to replenish the position. They had thought about it after Mario Rui went down, ultimately opting against it. That will be the case again.

Author: Enrico Passarella