Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

The declining trajectory of Juventus in recent years has been manifest on the stands of the Stadium, which have been less and less populated.

Juventus Stadium Increasingly Empty During Downturn

October 5, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

The declining trajectory of Juventus in recent years has been manifest not only on the pitch but also on the stands of the Stadium, which have been less and less populated. The Bianconeri tried to take it to the next level by acquiring Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, but it didn't work out.

Mourinho called Taylor a ‘f**king disgrace’ and swore at him, before Roma supporters displayed similar discontent at Budapest Airport the following day.

Roma to Try Agreeing to an Extension with Mourinho

October 5, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

José Mourinho is under contract with Roma for two more years, until 2024, but the club wants to lock him down for longer. The partnership has yielded strong results in a hurry. The Giallorossi wish to ensure the Special One stays at the helm for a while.

New Chelsea coach Graham Potter showered Rafael Leao with praise ahead of the clash with Milan, but Christopher Nkunku is a more feasible target.

Chelsea Way Closer to RB Leipzig Star than to Milan Ace

October 5, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, RB Leipzig, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

New Chelsea coach Graham Potter showered Rafael Leao with praise ahead of today’s Champions League clash with Milan. The Blues tried to sign him last summer, and they are keeping close tabs on his negotiation with Milan for a contract renewal, but they are significantly closer to landing Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.

Simone Inzaghi alleviated the pressure with a precious win over Barcelona Tuesday, but he had already received a vote of confidence from Giuseppe Marotta.

Marotta Offers Unconditioned Backing of Coach Inzaghi

October 5, 2022 Enrico Passarella Chelsea, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Simone Inzaghi alleviated the pressure with a precious win over Barcelona Tuesday, but he had already received a vote of confidence from CEO Giuseppe Marotta before the Champions League clash: "The coach is confirmed notwithstanding the next results. We must rediscover our certainties, which are key."

Juventus are plotting to bolster their management at the end of the season, and they have shown interest in Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.

Juventus Touted to Attempt Poaching Napoli Mastermind

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Juventus are plotting to bolster their management at the end of the season, and they have shown interest in Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli. He’s under contract with the Azzurri until 2024. However, his relationship with president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not as rosy as in the past.

Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi made history as the first female referee in Serie A history in Sassuolo-Salernitana over the weekend.

Referee Ferrieri Caputi Discusses First Serie A Game

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi made history as the first female referee in Serie A history in Sassuolo-Salernitana. She commented on his top league debut: "It was fantastic, and I didn’t truly believe it until I got on the pitch. I haven’t had the opportunity to catch my breath and enjoy it yet."

With Alexis Saelemaekers going down with a serious knee injury in the Empoli game, Milan have started to revisit the possibility of adding a right winger in January.

Milan Take Interest in Midtjylland Latest Revelation

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

With Alexis Saelemaekers going down with a serious knee injury in the Empoli game, Milan have started to revisit the possibility of adding a right winger in January. They thought about it last summer but ultimately preferred investing in other positions. They are eyeing Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech and Gustav Isaksen.

Former Inter owner Massimo Moratti addressed the rumors linking José Mourinho to a potential Nerazzurri comeback and their season in general.

Massimo Moratti Voices His All-Around Concern for Inter

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Former Inter owner Massimo Moratti is worried about the direction of the team both on and off the pitch. However, he’s not in favor of making rash decisions to try righting the ship: "We can certainly call it a crisis, but we aren’t very distant from the other top sides."

Italian entrepreneur Raffaello Follieri attempted to orchestrate a negotiation to take over Roma backed by some Saudi investors.

Roma Formally Commence Procedure to Build New Stadium

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

Roma have begun the process to build their new stadium in the Pietralata neighborhood after the new ownership nixed the previous project due to a host of bureaucratic issues. The goal is to have it ready for 2027 when the club celebrates its centenary. The new site is less problematic.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin participated in a pair of conventions in Italy after announcing that he would run again for the position.

Ceferin Responds to Napoli Chief, Snubs Super League

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella AFCON, Champions League, Europa League, Italian Football, Napoli, Roma, Serie A, Super League

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin participated in a pair of conventions in Italy after announcing that he would run again for the position. He spoke about a few topics, including Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis previously stating that teams should be able to block players from participating in the African Cup of Nations.

The switch from Napoli to Chelsea hasn’t gone well for Kalidou Koulibaly. The Blues finished in the middle of the table following a confusing season.

Chelsea Star Discusses Start and Departure from Napoli

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Chelsea, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Kalidou Koulibaly hasn’t had an impressive start at Chelsea after joining from Napoli. Freshly appointed Graham Potter benched him in his first two matches at the helm. The gaffer motivated it by saying he preferred relying on players who knew the environment better. The Senegalese star revisited the situation and his transfer.

José Mourinho once again surprised with his selection and tactics in Inter-Roma, and his gamble fully paid off, benching Abraham and using Dybala instead.

Mourinho Keeps Opponents Guessing with Surprising Moves

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

José Mourinho once again surprised with his selection and tactics in Inter-Roma, and his gamble fully paid off. While everybody was wondering whether Paulo Dybala would be available after missing the previous game and the two Argentina friendlies due to a small injury, he never had any doubt and benched Tammy Abraham.

Author: Enrico Passarella