Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Rafael Leao won’t put pen to paper on his extension with Milan Friday as anticipated. He and the club have decided to delay the event by a few days.

Talks Between Milan and Star Taking Turn for the Worse

November 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, Manchester City, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Director Paolo Maldini voiced his confidence about coming to terms with Rafael Leao prior to the World Cup. However, the lone meeting with his entourage didn’t lead to meaningful progress. The parties haven’t scheduled a new one yet. Chelsea and Manchester City are waiting in the wings with hefty bids.

Edin Dzeko dropped a hint about his future and commented on the title race and a few Inter topics in an interview: "We must accelerate."

Lukaku Injury Woes Might Impact Inter Offensive Plans

November 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Edin Dzeko has been the main beneficiary of the extended absence of Romelu Lukaku, as the veteran striker has featured way more than expected. His contract runs out in June. An extension seemed a long shot in the summer, but things have changed and he could end up sticking around.

Roma won’t be busy in January, but they will be ready to pounce on the opportunities that present themselves, which could be the case for Houssem Aouar.

Roma Considered Frontrunners to Sign Lyon Playmaker

November 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Atletico Madrid, Italian Football, Lyon, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Sevilla, Transfer Market

Roma won’t be overly busy in January, but they will be ready to pounce on the opportunities that present themselves, which could be the case for Houssem Aouar. The Lyon star is on an expiring contract and highly unlikely to prolong it. They are in advanced talks on personal terms.

Milan will have one big piece back in short order, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on the verge of returning, while the reports about Mike Maignan are mixed.

Ibrahimovic Throws Grenades at Guardiola and Mbappé

November 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Manchester City, PSG, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Zlatan Ibrahimovic previously updated on his recovery and mocked Ligue 1 in previous excerpts of an interview, while he dished on Manchester City and Kylian Mbappé in the latest installment: "I like Erling Haaland a lot, he’s intelligent and never does things that are beyond his reach."

Atalanta have enjoyed a great start to the season, but not all their summer purchases have paid off, as Ederson hasn't found his footing yet.

Inter and Juventus Eyeing Atalanta Struggling Newcomer

November 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Atalanta have enjoyed a great start to the season, but not all their summer purchases have paid off. While Ademola Lookman has quickly become a weapon, Ederson hasn’t found his footing at his new club. The Bergamaschi invested €25M to sign him from Salernitana, a €15M fee plus Matteo Lovato.

An unusual choice by José Mourinho played a big role in Roma nipping Juventus in the past round. The Portuguese gaffer decided to bench his strikers.

Mourinho Takes a Jab at Lazio for European Demotion

November 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Lazio, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

José Mourinho didn’t miss the opportunity to tease Lazio after Roma advanced in Europa League by besting Ludogorets, while the crosstown rivals were relegated to third continental competition following a stunning loss to Feyenoord in the final matchday of the group stage: "They are the favorites, but they don't like it."

Napoli in Driver’s Seat to Keep Their New Ace for Years

November 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has taken Serie A and Champions League by storm, which has inevitably attracted suitors, especially from the Premier League, but Napoli are in full control of his future. The Georgia star inked a five-year contract, thus until 2027, with an option for one further season.

Calhanoglu once donned the red and black colors, but now a favorite among the Nerazzurri faithul, and playing a key role in eliminating Milan from the UCL.

Inter and Calhanoglu Set to Stick Together for a While

November 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Inter will move on to less pressing extensions once they have taken care of the most urgent ones, and Hakan Calhanoglu falls into such category. Both parties are keen on prolonging his stay. In the meantime, coach Simone Inzaghi faces a tactical conundrum with the return of Marcelo Brozovic.

Pau Torres was reportedly an option for Juventus and Napoli, but he won’t transfer to Italy, as he’s on the brink of joining Aston Villa.

Villarreal and Arsenal Defenders Too Pricey for Juventus

November 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market, Villarreal

Juventus plan to bolster their defense with a lefty in one of the next two windows, and while they are very interested in Pau Torres and Gabriel Magalhaes, their respective price tags are probably too hefty to have a real shot at landing them in the next couple of windows.

Romelu Lukaku has flown to Belgium to assess his setback, which appears to be minor on the surface but might be hiding a bigger problem.

Lukaku Presence in the World Cup Hangs in the Balance

November 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Belgium, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Romelu Lukaku has flown to Belgium to assess his setback, which appears to be minor on the surface but might be hiding a bigger problem. It’s more than likely that he has already played his final game for Inter in 2023. The striker took some tests, but the issue will be clearer next week.

Torino reinvested part of the money they got from Juventus for Gleison Bremer to acquire Perr Schuurs, and the decision has paid off.

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid Tracking Torino Defender

November 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Atletico Madrid, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Liverpool, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Torino, Transfer Market

Torino reinvested part of the money they got from Juventus for Gleison Bremer to acquire Perr Schuurs, and the decision has paid off. The Dutchman quickly adapted to Serie A and became the leader of their defense, drawing the attention of a few European powerhouses.

Allegri Talks PSG Game, Calls Inter Best Team in Italy

November 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Massimiliano Allegri was moderately content with how Juventus fared versus PSG, as Maccabi Haifa losing to Benfica allowed them to finish third anyway. The coach commented: "The performance was good. We must turn the page and focus on Serie A. We must be angry and get back to work."

Author: Enrico Passarella