Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Things are heating up ahead of the weekend, with the capital derby. Sarri had claimed Roma would be playing a ‘friendly’ in their encounter against Praha.

Roma and Mourinho to Decide on Contract Relatively Soon

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

José Mourinho started the season as a lame duck, as his contract with Roma runs out in June 2024. He and the club aren’t planning to decide his future only down to the wire. The call will likely come in the next three or four months.

Yunus Musah has played little so far because he joined Milan later relative to other newcomers and due to the level of performance of their midfielders.

Milan Newcomer Tested in New Role By His National Team

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Yunus Musah has played little so far because he joined Milan later relative to other newcomers and due to the level of performance of their midfielders so far. He has starred in a host of positions at Valencia before transferring to Italy. A recent one could help him and the Rossoneri.

Leonardo Bonucci is inching closer to his Serie A return, as Roma are advancing in the negotiations to add him from Union Berlin.

Bonucci Attacks Juventus: “They Said False Things”

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella Bundesliga, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Union Berlin

Leonardo Bonucci opened up about his messy exit from Juventus, openly criticizing Massimiliano Allegri and the management for how they handled it. He recently sued the team for damages: “I’ve heard and read things that aren’t true from the club and the coach."

Yerry Mina suffered a muscular injury in a recent match against Chile and risks missing a lot of time. The defender joined Fiorentina on a free move.

Fiorentina Assessing Options After Heavy Defensive Loss

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Yerry Mina suffered a muscular injury in a recent match against Chile and risks missing a lot of time. The defender joined Fiorentina on a free move last summer. He had yet to debut in Serie A due to subpar conditioning. He might not be ready before two months

PSG will face the daunting task of replacing Kylian Mbappé in the summer and have shown interest in two Serie A stars, Victor Osimhen and Marcus Thuram.

Real Madrid Waiting in the Wings for Napoli Marksman

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Liga, Napoli, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Florentino Perez wishes to bring an elite striker to Real Madrid in 2024, and, if Kylian Mbappé doesn’t join, Victor Osimhen is next on the list. His nose for the goal is considered functional to their technical project. Los Galacticos lost Karim Benzema last summer but didn't replace him.

Paul Pogba has formally asked for the counter-analysis by the 72-hour deadline. The sample that tested positive for testosterone will be looked at again.

Pogba Files Request for More Tests on Positive Sample

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Paul Pogba has formally asked for the counter-analysis by the 72-hour deadline. He won’t take new exams. The sample that tested positive for testosterone will be looked at again. It’ll happen in the next five days. The results should come within a week.

Lazio will bid adieu to Felipe Anderson but not to Mattia Zaccagni despite the malcontent voiced by his agent in recent weeks.

Lazio Star Agent Torches Brass over Delay on Renewal

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Mattia Zaccagni has been tipped to prolong his Lazio contract for a while following a glorious season, but the parties have yet to come to an understanding. His agent Mario Giuffredi fired a warning shot at Claudio Lotito: "We talked for eight monts."

The future of Paulo Dybala is in doubt due to the affordable €12M release clause present in his contract, but he’s in no rush to leave Roma.

Dybala Drops Hint on His Future, Dishes on Roma Start

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Paulo Dybala once again professed his love for Roma during an event. He hailed the warmth of their fans in particular: "“After such an important year and a big change for me, receiving all this affection provided me with incredible support. I didn’t expect it."

USMNT Star Hails Milan Fans, Sets His Sights on Inter

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Christian Pulisic has had a great impact with Milan and Serie A and is looking forward to his first Derby della Madonnina on Saturday: "“It was love at first sight between me and the supporters. I had never experienced this much passion. San Siro is one of the most impressive stadiums."

Inter director Marotta has praised Inzaghi for his management and coaching tactics, as the Nerazzurri continue their fantastic start to the new season.

Marotta on Derby, Scudetto Race, and Dimarco Contract

September 14, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta discussed the upcoming Derby and a few more topics related to his team after receiving a fair play award: “It must be a historic and enjoyable match. We hope the clash with Milan will be a good game and a positive commercial for football."

Juventus will likely be in the hunt for a midfielder in January, considering the Paul Pogba situation, which will be clearer at that point.

Juventus Begin Shortlisting Midfielders for January

September 13, 2023 Enrico Passarella Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Ligue 1, Nice, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market, Udinese

Juventus will likely be in the hunt for a midfielder in January, considering the Paul Pogba situation. At that point, it could be clearer how long he will be suspended and if he still has a future at the club. The Bianconeri will revisit some familiar names should they make an addition.

Napoli should finally field their new rearguard in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sporting Braga. Natan was slated to debut against Genoa.

New Napoli Defender Debut Date Still Up in the Air

September 13, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Natan has been purchased to replace Kim Min-Jae but has yet to debut with Napoli. Veteran Juan Jesus teamed up with Amir Rrahmani in the first three rounds. He’ll get his opportunity in the upcoming busy stretch, but perhaps not against Genoa.

Author: Enrico Passarella