Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Juventus have another rival for Antonio Rudiger, as Barcelona met with his agents last week. The center-back is on an expiring contract.

Juventus and Inter Not Favorites for Two Coveted Defenders

January 11, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid, Serie A, Transfer Market

Juventus and Inter have been linked to Antonio Rudiger and Matthias Ginter, as the two defenders are on expiring contracts. But the Italian sides are not leading the races because of the competition and the demands of the two players, who have multiple rich suitors.

Napoli received mixed news from the infirmary as Lorenzo Insigne will sit out a few games, and Victor Osimhen might not return right away.

Insigne to Miss Time, Osimhen Receives Initial Clearance

January 11, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Napoli received mixed news from the infirmary as Lorenzo Insigne will sit out a few games, and Victor Osimhen might not return right away. The attacker has been diagnosed with a thigh injury and will be back after the late January break. Hirving Lozano is heading back to Italy.

Juventus landed Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria down the stretch in January, but they played on multiple tables in the last week of the window.

Juventus Inquired About Touted Olympique Lyonnais Star

January 11, 2022 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Juventus have tested the waters for Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Given its cost, they are more likely to pursue the deal next summer. They are busier searching for a new striker in January. The French club could be open to a loan plus obligation to buy, but his price tag is hefty.

Massimiliano Allegri and Simone Inzaghi sat down with the press to preview Wednesday's Supercoppa, updating on the fitness of their sides.

Allegri and Inzaghi Gear Up for Upcoming Supercoppa

January 11, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

Massimiliano Allegri and Simone Inzaghi sat down with the press to address the Supercoppa. The Juventus coach updated on the fitness of his squad and indicated that they plan to stand pat despite losing Federico Chiesa. The Inter gaffer commented return of president Steven Zhang to Italy.

Leeds have reportedly set sights on two Serie A players, Lazio’s Vedat Muriqi and Torino’s Ola Aina. Both could be on the move in January.

Leeds Show Interest in Lazio Striker and Torino Fullback

January 11, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Leeds United, Serie A, Torino, Transfer Market

Leeds have reportedly set sights on two Serie A players, Lazio’s Vedat Muriqi and Torino’s Ola Aina. Both could be on the move in January. The Biancocelesti, in particular, are eager to offload the out-of-favor striker, while Torino are searching for a new option on the wings.

Despite losing Federico Chiesa, Juventus are keener on adding a striker rather than a winger. Gianluca Scamacca is their top target, but he is too pricey.

Juventus Eye Zenit Striker as Sassuolo Hold On to Scamacca

January 11, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Sassuolo, Serie A, Transfer Market

Despite losing Federico Chiesa, Juventus are keener on adding a pure striker rather than a winger. Gianluca Scamacca is their top target, but Sassuolo are highly unlikely to sell him in January. They have opened talks with Zenit for Sardar Azmoun as a possible cheaper alternative.

Milan want to lock up Theo Hernandez, and the management is on the cusp of coming to terms with the star, as Maldini and the player confirmed.

Milan Nearing Agreement on New Contract with Star Defender

January 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A

Milan want to lock up Theo Hernandez, and the management is on the cusp of coming to terms with the star. After a lengthy drought, the French international has scored three times in the last three matches. He wore the captain’s armband in the last two with Romagnoli and Kessié missing.

Fiorentina did not show up Monday, and Torino manhandled them. The Granata picked up the seventh positive result at home, with six wins.

Torino vs Fiorentina 4-0: The Granata Rout Listless Viola

January 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Torino

Fiorentina did not show up Monday, and Torino manhandled them. The Granata picked up the seventh positive result at home, with six wins. The Viola had not lost in five rounds. They stayed at the sixth spot in the standings on a par with Lazio and Roma. Josip Brekalo bagged a deciding brace.

The Rossoneri are not the only Milan club in the hunt to sign Japhet Tanganga, as Inter are also said to have made advances for the Spurs stopper.

Milan and Juventus Linked to Tottenham Backup Defender

January 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Tottenham, Transfer Market

Milan and Juventus have been offered Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga. The player is likely to be on the move in January, but the two Italian sides do not seem to be too interested at this stage. The Rossoneri are on the hunt for a new center-back and are facing obstacles for their primary targets.

Federico Chiesa is headed for surgery and a lengthy rehab. Juventus confirmed today that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Federico Chiesa Out for the Season Due to Major Knee Injury

January 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

Federico Chiesa is headed for surgery and a lengthy rehab. Juventus confirmed today that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Considering the standard five-to-six-month timetable and the club’s cautious approach to injuries, he will most likely sit out the remainder of the campaign.

Napoli Join Race to Sign In-Demand River Plate Starlet

January 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Napoli have expressed interest in acquiring Julian Alvarez from River Plate. His agents have traveled to Italy to talk with multiple sides. The Partenopei will be among them, although his price tag and the competition do not make things easy. They are searching for Lorenzo Insigne's heir.

Milan have Sven Botman atop their shortlist of defensive options, but he might not move in January. Director Frederic Massara talked about their search.

Milan Pessimistic on Signing Top Target Botman in January

January 10, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan have Sven Botman atop their shortlist of defensive options, but he might not move in January. Director Frederic Massara talked about him Sunday: “He is an excellent player, but I do not think Lille want to sell him right now. A center-back might be our priority now given Simon Kjaer’s injury.”

Author: Enrico Passarella