Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

José Mourinho wishes to add a pure deep-lying playmaker in the summer and is eyeing two London-based midfielders, Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Mourinho Set Sights on Pair of Premier League Midfielders

February 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Tottenham, Transfer Market

José Mourinho wishes to add a pure deep-lying playmaker in the summer and is eyeing two London-based midfielders. Roma already pursued Granit Xhaka in the past and will make another attempt. Moreover, the Portuguese gaffer would like to reunite with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The negotiation between Milan and Ismael Bennacer was reportedly at a good point. However, he decided to change his agent, which will reset it.

Milan Line Up Bennacer Extension amid Kessié Uncertainty

February 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

Milan continue to take care of their own players and are finalizing the new contract of Ismael Bennacer. They put pen-to-paper with Theo Hernandez last week. They plan to do the same with the midfielder shortly. Rafael Leao and Pierre Kalulu are next on the schedule. His new deal will run through 2026.

Becir Omeragic was among the alternative targets for Milan in January, but they ended up standing pat in the back in January.

Agent of Milan-Linked Defender Corroborates Transfer Rumors

February 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

Becir Omeragic was among the alternative targets for Milan in January, but they ended up standing pat in the back in January. His agent confirmed that they touched base with some Serie A teams recently. The defender could be on the move next summer. He visited San Siro for a Coppa Italia match last month.

Inter could make history by becoming the team with the longest draw-less streak if they hold out for three more games, matching a record set in the 1940's.

Inzaghi Confident About His Team Chances in Liverpool Clash

February 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Liverpool, Serie A

Simone Inzaghi previewed the first leg against Liverpool: “The English teams are all strong, and the Reds are one of the best. We deserve to be in this match. We had not made it to the Round of 16 in years, and we will try to play our cards. The Reds are the favorites, but anything can happen in the game."

Roma are setting the table for a few extensions and recently had a meeting with the agent of Bryan Cristante. His contract runs through 2024.

Roma Begin Talking New Deal with Midfielder Eyed by Sevilla

February 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Roma are setting the table for a few extensions and recently had a meeting with the agent of Bryan Cristante. The contract of the midfielder runs through 2024. The parties had preliminary talks about the future. Sevilla have expressed some interest in signing him lately. The Giallorossi will soon announce Gianluca Mancini's new deal.

Chelsea are in the hunt for Dutch wingback Denzel Dumfries. Inter are prepared to lose him with a proper offer, and have already shortlisted three names.

Denzel Dumfries Hails Inter: “We Play Fantastic Football”

February 15, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

Denzel Dumfries heaped praise on Inter for the recent performances: “We play fantastic football, and we are having a lot of fun. When the club reached out to me, and I realized they were serious, I quickly made up my mind about joining them. They are focused on winning. We are on the right path and must stay on it."

Lazio are looking for a new starting goalkeeper for next season, and David Ospina is among the leading options. He is on an expiring contract.

Napoli Goalkeeper Ospina Among Top Summer Targets for Lazio

February 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Napoli, Serie A, Tottenham, Transfer Market

Lazio are looking for a new starting goalkeeper for next season, and David Ospina is among the leading options. He is on an expiring contract, like Thomas Strakosha and Pepe Reina. The Albanian international is highly likely to leave despite having taken over between the sticks. The Biancocelesti are mulling a few options.

Juventus, Napoli and Barcelona Tracking Lyon Defender

February 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Newcastle United, Serie A, Transfer Market

Juventus will probably add another defender, preferably for cheap, next summer. They have laid their eyes on Alessio Romagnoli, but Lazio recently made a good offer for him. In addition, they have been linked to Olympique Lyonnais' Jason Denayer, who is in the same contractual situation. They are not alone, though.

Inter plan to make Gianluca Scamacca their prestige signing of the 2022 summer and are continuing to work on Sassuolo’s flanks.

Inter Staying in Touch with Sassuolo to Acquire Scamacca

February 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Sassuolo, Serie A, Transfer Market

Inter plan to make Gianluca Scamacca their prestige signing of the 2022 summer and are continuing to work on Sassuolo’s flanks. The top executives of the teams, Giuseppe Marotta and Giovanni Carnevali met multiple times after the end of the previous window. The Nerazzurri are willing to spend up to €40M.

Although Napoli will look to get back to winning ways once the campaign resumes following the break, Politano admitted to his side’s inefficiency vs Lazio.

Napoli Lose Two More Players Due to Injury After Inter Game

February 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

The injury bug continues to hit Napoli as two more players went down in the Inter clash. Matteo Politano could not finish the first half due to a muscular problem, and Stanislav Lobotka bowed out with 20 minutes to go. The team announced their diagnosis and they are both set to miss multiple matches.

The Football Association wants Serie A to postpone a round to help Italy in the upcoming World Cup playoffs, but they are facing some opposition.

Gravina Calls for Rescheduling of Serie A Round to Aid Italy

February 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, The Azzurri, World Cup

The Football Association wants Serie A to postpone a round to help Italy in the upcoming World Cup playoffs. The clubs had previously rejected such proposal because the schedule was too crowded. President Gabriele Gravina reiterated the request in the midst of a feud with the League on different matters.

Kaio Jorge, now recovered from knee surgery, played a key role in Juventus’ 8-0 win against the Next Gen side, where he scored an impressive hattrick.

Juventus Youngster Receives Request for Immediate Transfer

February 14, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Transfer Market

The Winter transfer market window has closed in most countries, but not everywhere. There are a couple of days left in Switzerland. Basel are trying to take advantage of them and asked Juventus for Kaio Jorge on loan. The striker is considering the proposal, but he recently turned down the opportunity to join Sassuolo.

Author: Enrico Passarella