Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Yildiz scored his maiden international goal goal with Turkey, celebrating with his tongue sticking out as Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Juventus Start Considering Loaning Out Budding Starlet

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Kenan Yildiz scored his maiden international goal in his first start with Turkey, celebrating with his tongue sticking out as Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero did in recent years, mimicking Micheal Jordan. He did it versus Germany, which had tried to convince him to pick them while he was at Bayern Munich.

Milan have been tipped to go after a few strikers to have a more credible Olivier Giroud deputy. Their plans for the position aren’t yet set in stone.

Milan Not a Lock to Acquire a New Striker in January

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Newcastle United, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Stuttgart, Transfer Market

Milan have been tipped to go after a few strikers to have a more credible Olivier Giroud deputy. While they have shortlisted multiple options, their plans for the position aren’t yet set in stone. They might put pedal to the medal only if they advanced in the Champions League.

Lazio wish to add a winger in January and are assessing how much it would take to onboard Lorenzo Insigne without necessarily selling anybody.

Agent Change Intensifies Ties Between Lazio and Insigne

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, MLS, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Toronto FC, Transfer Market

Lazio wish to add a winger in January and are assessing how much it would take to onboard Lorenzo Insigne. The addition isn’t necessarily tied to a departure. They had tried to onboard Mason Greenwood with a late flash deal in the summer but weren't successful.

Roma are about to see Marcos Leonardo, whom they chased until the last moment in the summer, join another team, as Benfica are very close to acquiring him.

Roma Now Lagging Behind in Race to Sign Marcos Leonardo

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, La Liga, Newcastle United, Premier League, Real Madrid, Roma, Santos, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Roma came within a hair’s width from acquiring Marcos Leonardo last summer. Santos ultimately decided to keep him as they had already sold other talents and were struggling in league play. The Giallorossi were very confident about the purchase being simply postponed after deadline day, but their optimism has progressively waned.

Inter will likely bid farewell to another midfielder after partying ways with Lucien Agoumé, as Stefano Sensi is very close to Leicester City.

Minnows Lining Up to Lure Inter Outcast in January

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Cagliari, Calciomercato, Genoa, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Monza, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter elected to keep Stefano Sensi in the squad following an encouraging season at Monza, especially health-wise, as he managed to avoid injuries for the most part. However, he has played very little so far. He could be on the move in January. A few smaller teams are interested in his services.

Serie A Powerhouses Eyeing Up Italiano for the Future

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Serie A

Vincenzo Italiano showed his loyalty toward Fiorentina last summer, electing to stay despite Napoli’s courtship. The Partenopei plot to try again, as they see Walter Mazzarri as a stopgap. But a few other top sides are intrigued by the gaffer, who could indeed leave teh Viola.

Matteo Politano mulled a proposal from Saudi team Al Shabab, but he’s poised to reject it and stay at Napoli. He and the club have rekindled their talks.

Italy Have Few Options in Case There’s a Penalty Kick

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Euro 2024, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, The Azzurri

Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that Italy will indeed move on from Jorginho as a PK taker following his latest error against North Macedonia. Italy didn’t pay the price for it last Friday, unlike in other instances, most notably in both World Cup qualifiers versus Switzerland in 2021.

Denzel Dumfries is being eyed by Real Madrid ahead of a chase next summer. However, they’ll target only if the Dutchman doesn’t extend his contract.

Real Madrid Waiting in the Wings for Inter Ace Dumfries

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, La Liga, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Denzel Dumfries is reportedly being eyed by Real Madrid ahead of a possible chase next summer. However, they’ll target him only if the Dutchman doesn’t extend his contract beforehand. He’s currently tied to Inter until 2025. The Nerazzurri have been in talks with his camp in recent weeks.

Roma have had some contacts with Monza to ask for Pablo Marí to address their well-known issues in the back and general lack of depth.

Roma Initiate Challenging Talks to Sign Monza Defender

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Monza, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Roma have had some contacts with Monza to ask for Pablo Marí to address their well-known issues in the back and general lack of depth. José Mourinho was complimentary after the recent bout between the two sides, calling him a ‘tree.’ Their first attemp came up empty-handed.

Luciano Spalletti has issued the final squad list for the Ukraine game, where Italy will need to avoid losing to finish second and qualify for Euro 2024.

Spalletti Cuts Starter in Italy Call-Ups Versus Ukraine

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Euro 2024, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A

Luciano Spalletti has issued the final squad list for the Ukraine game, where Italy will need to avoid losing to finish second and qualify for Euro 2024 directly without going through the playoff. The most notable exclusion is Domenico Berardi, who started against North Macedonia but had an underwhelming performance.

A few Italian elite teams have taken notice of Valencia’s latest revelation Javi Guerra. However, they will easily be priced out next summer.

Valencia Talent Unlikely to Move to Italy Despite Links

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, La Liga, Premier League, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market, Valencia

A few Italian elite teams have taken notice of Valencia’s latest revelation Javi Guerra. However, they will easily be priced out next summer if he keeps going. His valuation is rapidly increasing thanks to his stellar performances. He has bagged 3 goals and assisted once in 13 matches so far.

Juventus are following Mattia Zaccagni attentively, as Lazio are struggling to find an agreement to extend his contract, which runs out in 2025.

Zaccagni Voices Desire to Extend His Deal with Lazio

November 20, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Transfer Market

Mattia Zaccagni has stated his intention amid rumors of a stalling negotiation to renew his contract with Lazio, potentially forcing the team to seek a way out in January or next summer with no progress. “At 28 years old, I can’t let myself be destabilized by what others say."

Author: Enrico Passarella