Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

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

Giuntoli Mum on Possible Strategy After Cash Infusion

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli commented on the January window in the aftermath of a meeting of the board that issued a €200M capital increase: “It’s premature to talk about the transfer market. We’ll have to make some evaluations and weigh whether there could be some opportunities."

Milan won’t have two of his aces against Juventus in the first game after the break, as Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez will be unavailable.

Milan Elite Duo to Be Suspended for Juventus Clash

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Milan won’t have two of his aces against Juventus in the first game after the break, as Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez will be unavailable due to disqualification. The goalkeeper was sent off in the final minutes of the Genoa game for kneeing an opponent in the upper body.

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

Thuram Reveals Why He Picked Inter Over Other Suitors

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market One comment

Marcus Thuram has quickly become an indispensable starter for Inter following a Bosman move last summer. He dished about the transfer and more in an interview: "It wasn’t an easy choice because it was career-defining. I know I made the right one given what this team represents."

Italy and Turkey will be formalized as the joint Euro 2032 hosts shortly. Evelina Christillin, who’s a UEFA executive and sits on the FIFA board, announced.

UEFA and FIFA Exec Comments on Italy-Turkey Euro 2032

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella Euro 2032, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, Turkey, UEFA

Italy and Turkey will be formalized as the joint Euro 2032 hosts shortly. Evelina Christillin, who’s a UEFA executive and sits on the FIFA board, announced: “There won’t be any surprises tomorrow. The competition will take palce in Italy and Turkey. It’s a fait accompli."

Matteo Politano visibly showed his frustration for getting replaced in the second half of the Fiorentina game, becoming the third Napoli player to do that.

Another Napoli Player Takes Umbrage with the Coach

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Matteo Politano visibly showed his frustration for getting replaced in the second half of the Fiorentina game, becoming the third Napoli player to do that in the early portion of the season. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen had similar minor incidents beforehand.

This week will be crucial for the future of Paulo Dybala, as Al-Qadsiah keep making strides, and Roma are tempted to take the offer.

Dybala and Roma Breath Sigh of Relief After Knee Exams

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Paulo Dybala left Cagliari’s game in the first half after getting tangled up with an opponent on a tackle, fueling fears of a long-term injury. The early tests ruled out serious problems, even though he’ll have to miss some time. La Joya didn’t tear a meniscus nor the anterior cruciate ligament.

Milan prevailed in a hard-fought match against Genoa thanks to a late goal by Christian Pulisic, which was confirmed after a long VAR review.

Head Referee Elaborates on Controversial Milan Goal

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Genoa, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Milan prevailed in a hard-fought match against Genoa thanks to a late goal by Christian Pulisic, which was confirmed after a long VAR review couldn’t find conclusive evidence of a handball. Head referee Gianluca Rocchi explained the decision: "We have always treated this infraction in the same way."

While the second sample of Paul Pogba was still positive, the substance found in it wasn’t synthetic testosterone but rather Dhea.

Second Test Hands Pogba Hope of Limiting the Damage

October 9, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

While the second sample of Paul Pogba was still positive, the substance found in it wasn’t synthetic testosterone but rather Dhea. While still banned, it might help his case. The development didn’t stem from an error on the first test but from the procedure.

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 Wish to Expedite Talks with Essential Veteran

October 6, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, MLS, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

While Olivier Giroud recently voiced his intention to wait to decide on his future, Milan are more in a rush to make sure he’s still with them next season since his contract runs out in June 2024. The Rossoneri plot to tender a renewal sooner rather than later.

Milan are monitoring a pair of budding right-backs, Kiliann Sildillia and Joe Scally after the recent Champions League game exposed their lack of depth.

Milan Reportedly Earmark Two Up-and-Coming Right-Backs

October 6, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Milan are monitoring a pair of budding right-backs, Kiliann Sildillia and Joe Scally after the recent Champions League game exposed their lack of depth at the position. Moreover, Davide Calabria hasn’t gotten off to a good start this campaign. The Rossoneri could address the opposite flank too.

Lazio patron Claudio Lotito took a jab at Roma and did it again after the rivals signed a sponsorship deal with Saudi festival Riyadh Season.

Lazio Owner Lotito Exploits Opportunity to Needle Roma

October 6, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Lazio, Roma, Serie A

Lazio patron Claudio Lotito rarely misses a chance to take a jab at Roma and did it again after the rivals signed a sponsorship deal with Saudi festival Riyadh Season just as the Italian capital is competing to host Expo 2030. The local administration would have preferred Roma to wait.

Serie A left something on the table in the second round of the group stage of the various continental competitions but didn’t lose any game.

Serie A Fuels Strong UEFA Ranking with Early Displays

October 6, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Champions League, Europa League, European Conference League, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Italian Football, La Liga, Lazio, Ligue 1, Napoli, Premier League, Roma, Serie A

Serie A left something on the table in the second round of the group stage of the various continental competitions but didn’t lose any game. Its clubs have collectively logged four wins, two draws, and one defeat so far. The good results are boosting its UEFA ranking.

Author: Enrico Passarella