Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Giorgio Chiellini updated on his status and weighed in on a few topics during a charity event: "Things are moving in the right direction."

Chiellini Says He Is Feeling Better, Dishes on Scudetto Hopes

March 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

Giorgio Chiellini updated on his status and weighed in on a few topics during a charity event: “Things are moving in the right direction. I have been out for a month, as I have taken it easy. I am practicing on the pitch, and I should re-join the rest of the team shortly. I am hoping to play before the World Cup playoffs.”

As long anticipated, Lazio have completed their first signing of the summer transfer market window, as Marcos Antonio landed in Italy yesterday.

Juventus Recommended Signing Marcos Antonio from Shakhtar

March 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

Juventus could technically take advantage of the possibility to bring in players from Ukraine and Russia. Shakhtar Donetsk's deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini suggested they put Marcos Antonio under contract. The Bianconeri have not filled their extra-EU quota for the season and lost Weston McKennie in the role to an injury.

Hellas Verona youth product Nicolo Casale recently moved to Lazio on a permanent deal. His move was heavily influenced by Maurizio Sarri.

Agent Confirms Napoli Interest in Verona Standout Defender

March 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Hellas Verona, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Napoli are one of the teams chasing after Nicolò Casale, who will be in high demand in the summer. Milan are also eyeing the Verona center-back, while Lazio came very close to signing him in January. The 24-year-old has had an excellent rookie season in Serie A, and his price tag is still reasonable.

Marcelo Brozovic and Stefan De Vrij both bowed out of the Liverpool game due to calf problems, but neither injury is too concerning.

Inter Receive Mixed News from Tests on Brozovic and De Vrij

March 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Torino

Marcelo Brozovic and Stefan De Vrij both bowed out of the Liverpool game due to calf problems. The defender left at half-time, while the midfielder subbed off in the second half. They underwent some exams in the last couple of days, and neither sustained particularly worrying injuries, but the center-back will likely miss some time.

Juventus legend Del Piero revealed his surprise at the fact that Argentine playmaker Dybala hasn’t found a team yet despite being a free agent.

Juventus Postpone Meeting with Dybala to Discuss Extension

March 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

The much-anticipated meeting between Juventus and the agents of Paulo Dybala will not take place today. The club has decided to move it to a later date, likely during the next international break. The official reason is that the management prefers to focus on the upcoming matches, especially the Villarreal one.

Multiple Serie A sides have been tracking Andreas Christensen and Boubacar Kamara, but neither is likely to transfer to Italy.

Christensen and Kamara Rumored to Snub Serie A for La Liga

March 9, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Multiple Serie A sides have been tracking Andreas Christensen and Boubacar Kamara, but neither is likely to transfer to Italy. Barcelona are one step away from capturing the Chelsea defender. Instead, Atletico Madrid are clear frontrunners for the Olympique Marseille starlet. Milan, Juventus, Inter and Roma were said to be in the mix.

Napoli came within an inch to signing Mathias Olivera in January, but Getafe did not let him go, and Juventus have joined the fray.

Juventus Join Race with Napoli to Purchase Getafe Left-Back

March 9, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Napoli came within an inch to signing Mathias Olivera in January, but Getafe did not let him go, and Juventus have joined the fray. The Bianconeri are scouting multiple options for the position as they are eager to move on from Alex Sandro. The Uruguayan left-back has a €20M release clause in his contract with Los Azulones.

Juventus have acted swiftly to replace Matthijs De Ligt, as they struck a deal with Torino for Gleison Bremer. The defender seemed destined to Inter.

Milan Have Potential Bargaining Chip to Help Signing Bremer

March 9, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Torino, Transfer Market, Venezia

Mattia Caldara is experiencing a bounce-back season at Venezia, but he will likely head back to Milan in the summer. The Lagunari do not plan to pick up their €4M option to keep him. The Rossoneri might wind up keeping him, but they are already receiving some inquiries for the future, in particular from Torino.

Napoli are in the market for new defenders as they are unlikely to keep Axel Tuanzebe, and they have set their sights toward Southampton.

Napoli Express Early Interest in Two Southampton Defenders

March 9, 2022 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Manchester United, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

Napoli are in the market for new defenders as they are unlikely to keep Axel Tuanzebe, and they have set their sights toward Southampton. The Partenopei are gearing up for a busy summer where they will bid farewell to multiple staples. They are looking to bring in fairly young players that could grow in the next few years.

The future of Paulo Dybala remains largely undetermined, which leaves an opening for all suitors, including Roma, which are not among the favorites.

Dybala Keen on Staying but Juventus Will Table Lower Offer

March 9, 2022 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

Barring a late scheduling change, Juventus and Jorge Antun, the agent of Paulo Dybala, will meet tomorrow to discuss the extension for the first time in months. The atmosphere between the parties is rather tense. It is unlikely that a resolution will come right away Thursday, but the next few days will be crucial for his future.

Roma signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal in January to address their depth problems on the flanks, but he has not lived up to expectations.

Roma Likely to Move On from Arsenal Loanee After the Season

March 9, 2022 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

Roma signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal in January to address their depth problems on the flanks. However, he has not had the impact they were hoping for. The Englishman has logged just six appearances for a total of 433 minutes. His playing time has dwindled after getting a few starts right off the bat.

PSG continue to eye Serie A to find a defender, as they are tracking Pierre Kalulu as a possible alternative to Milan Skriniar.

Milan Pleased with Kalulu Growth, New Contract Forthcoming

March 8, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

Pierre Kalulu has been the main beneficiary from the fact that Milan did not sign a new defender in January. The Rossoneri insistently pursued Sven Botman and other options but opted to stand pat. The youngster has repaid their trust and had an impressive outing while going mano-a-mano with Victor Osimhen in Sunday’s clash.

Author: Enrico Passarella