Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Lecce midfielder Morten Hjulmand leaves Italy to pursue his development in Portugal, as country giants Sporting Lisbon have signed him on a five-year deal.

Lecce and Sassuolo Starlets on Roma Midfield Shortlist

November 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Borussia Dortmund, Brighton, Italian Football, Lecce, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Roma might adjust their midfield in January, especially because of the uncertainty related to Georginio Wijnaldum’s return, and are tracking two Serie A specialists, Morten Hjulmand and Davide Frattesi. But neither would come cheap. José Mourinho wishes to finally sign a pure passer, as he has long been asking for.

Inter will have a few months to prepare for life after Milan Skriniar and following a deadline-day attempt, Benjamin Pavard remains on their radar.

Pavard Hints at Interest in Surprising Move to Milan

November 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, France, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market, World Cup

Benjamin Pavard discussed the upcoming World Cup, where France will attempt to repeat, and alluded to potentially transferring to Serie A, more precisely to Milan: "I would have never imagined to win it. It was my boyhood dream. Olivier Giroud always talks to me fondly about Italy."

Adrien Rabiot has bounce back, but his Juventus future hangs in the balance, and the Bianconeri are eyeing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to replace him.

Juventus Sketch Out Grand Transition in the Midfield

November 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Adrien Rabiot has put together his best stretch joining Juventus, but he’s on an expiring contract and might leave at the end of the season, and Juventus have had some contacts to onboard Sergej Milinkovic-Savic down the line. The Bianconeri talked with the camp of the Serbian ace over the weekend.

A week after his release from Napoli, Juventus have formally announced the appointment of Cristiano Giuntoli as their new football director.

Napoli Exec Discloses Haaland Regret, Talks Kim Clause

November 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli voiced his satisfaction with how the season was going and shared some backstories about the transfer market in an interview: "We had already prepared the contract to acquire Haaland from RB Salzburg, but he preferred going to Borussia Dortmund, and we signed Osimhen."

Despite their position in the standings, Cremonese, Sampdoria, and Verona might not change their coaches during the World Cup break.

Sampdoria and Cremonese to Stick with Their Coaches

November 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Cremonese, Hellas Verona, Italian Football, Sampdoria, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

The World Cup stoppage offers Serie A teams an opportunity to usher in a new coach, but there may not be any changes. Alvini, Stankovic, and Bocchetti are on the hot seat, but they could all still be at the helm of Cremonese, Sampdoria, and Verona once the League resumes.

Coach Stefano Pioli didn’t speak to the media following the Fiorentina win due to a sudden personal matter, but he talk to the press Monday.

Pioli Takes Stock of Milan Season, Shields De Ketelaere

November 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Coach Stefano Pioli didn’t speak to the media following the Fiorentina win due to a sudden personal matter, but he weighed in on the first half of the season after receiving the ‘Sport e Civiltà’ award in Parma: "The team has grown mentally. The performance in Cremona was our worst so far."

Juventus are making strides in their attempt to lure Franck Kessié, although some meaningful hurdles remain to be cleared.

Barcelona Weigh Premier League Bids for Ex-Milan Star

November 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Aston Villa, Barcelona, Calciomercato, Fulham, Italian Football, Premier League, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Franck Kessié hasn’t been able to establish himself at Barcelona following a Bosman move from Milan. The Catalans are entertaining offers from Premier League sides. They are considering selling him to turn in a decent profit since they got him for free. Aston Villa and Fulham are keen on the Ivorian powerhouse.

Despite the delay in the proceedings, Inter will bag both Piotr Zielinski and Mehdi Taremi for free at the end of the season.

Marotta Wishes to Keep Dzeko, Talks Lukaku and January

November 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta was pleased with how Inter concluded the first half of their campaign, as they bounced back from the loss to Juventus by topping Bologna and Atalanta. He expounded in an interview: "We will be among the protagonists until the end. It's a unique season."

Roma and Milan are both interested in Hakim Ziyech, but it’ll be tough to onboard him in January. The Giallorossi are on the hunt for an attacker.

Milan to Re-Examine Deal for Chelsea Misfit in January

November 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, Premier League, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Milan tracked Hakim Ziyech in the summer, but they preferred sealing the deal for Charles De Ketelaere. With the Belgian prodigy having trouble getting accustomed to Serie A football, they could target the Chelsea outcast again in January. The Moroccan playmaker continues to be an afterthought for the Blues.

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini took a big-picture approach, raising doubts about the strategy of the club commenting Sunday’s defeat against Inter.

Gasperini Questions Atalanta Direction After Inter Loss

November 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Atalanta ended the first half of the season on a sour note, losing four of the last five matches, marring what had been a splendid start. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini took a big-picture approach, raising doubts about the strategy of the club while commenting Sunday’s defeat against Inter.

Inter will likely have to sign a wing-back in January since Robin Gosens could be on his way out, and they are keen on Valencia youngster Jesus Vazquez.

Inter Take an Interest in Budding Valencia Fullback

November 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Benfica, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market, Valencia

Inter will likely have to sign a wing-back in January since they are listening to the offers for Robin Gosens. They are keen on Valencia youngster Jesus Vazquez as a potential cheap option to replace him. The fullback could potentially join on loan, making such signing easier than other rumored ones.

Roma are in advanced talks to sign Rasmus Kristensen from Leeds United, but Rick Karsdorp has no intention of leaving and is blocking a new arrival.

Karsdorp Likely to Depart Roma After Mourinho Outburst

November 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Rick Karsdorp wasn’t part of the match-day squad for Sunday’s match versus Torino after José Mourinho targeted him in a rant last week. The fullback practiced regularly afterward, but he wasn’t available. He left Italy with his family early, moving up his vacation. CEO Tiago Pinto addressed the controversy Sunday.

Author: Enrico Passarella