Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Napoli and Insigne Mulling Alternatives amid Stalemate

November 8, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Sassuolo, Serie A, Transfer Market

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis poured gasoline onto the talks with Lorenzo Insigne over the weekend. The club is unlikely is modify its stance on the extension, while the attacker is willing to wait until the spring to make a decision about his future.

Juventus had almost given up hopes to part ways with Aaron Ramsey, but he finally accepted to leave on deadline day and he is headed to Glasgow Rangers.

Juventus Identify Cheap Replacement for Out-of-Favor Ramsey

November 8, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Aaron Ramsey continues to see very few minutes, and Juventus are looking forward to getting his lofty salary off the books. If they did not find a buyer in January, they would attempt to come to terms to rescind his contract. His replacement could come from Borussia Dortmund in January.

Juventus are putting the finishing touches on the Dusan Vlahovic deal, but they will not be able to make it official him right away.

Vlahovic Reportedly Not Keen on Joining Arsenal in January

November 8, 2021 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Tottenham, Transfer Market

Fiorentina would like to sell Dusan Vlahovic in January to end the saga and start building toward the future. On the other hand, his price tag remains sky-high, and the player is in no rush to move. The Viola have held concrete talks with Arsenal, which have put a sizeable sum on the table.

Serie A teams will not sign players from Ukraine and Russia after all. The Italian Football Association had quickly adopted FIFA's special ruling.

Serie A Round 12 Expected Lineups – Absences Piling Up All Around

November 7, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Cagliari, Empoli, Fiorentina, Genoa, Hellas Verona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Roma, Salernitana, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, Serie A, Spezia, Torino, Udinese, Venezia

With another international break approaching, the Round 12 will start Friday night and terminate Sunday with a thoroughly enthralling edition of the Derby della Madonnina. Napoli will host the plucky Verona, while Juventus and Fiorentina will rekindle their rivalry Saturday.

Mancini Names Italy Squad for Final World Cup Qualifiers

November 5, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, The Azzurri

Roberto Mancini has called up 28 players for the pivotal matches against Switzerland and Northern Ireland. Sandro Tonali and Nicolò will make their Italy return after extended absences, while Tommaso Pobega could make his Azzurri debut. Marco Verratti and others miss out due to injury.

Milan Watching Young Greek Midfielder amid Kessié Saga

November 5, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Given the uncertainty related to Franck Kessié’s future, Milan continue to do their homework and monitor some young midfielders that could eventually replace him. Their emissaries were recently spotted at a Panathinaikos game to observe Sotiris Alexandropoulos.

Nicolò Barella Officially Pens New Contract with Inter

November 5, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

After Lautaro Martinez, Inter have reached a long-term agreement with another of their stars. Nicolò Barella has added two more years to his deal, and he is now under contract until 2026. The midfielder has received a sizeable pay bump.

Ivan Perisic Rumored to Have Decided His Inter Future

November 5, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

The contract of Ivan Perisic expires in June, but he has never been mentioned among the Inter players in line to get an extension. The winger is most likely to be on his way out at the end of the season. He has communicated that he does not plan to negotiate a new deal.

Roma and Mourinho Booed by Fans for First Time in Season

November 5, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A

Roma salvaged a point against Bodo/Glimt thanks to a late goal by Ibanez. However, they did not produce the expected reaction after the 1-6 loss in Norway. The fans made their feelings known and serenaded the squad with boos and whistles. The honeymoon for Mourinho appears to be over.

Olivier Giroud has been reportedly on the verge of extending his contract with Milan multiple times in recent weeks, but the parties need more time to put the finishing touches on their agreement. The Frenchman remains highly likely to stay, but there's a small gap between the request and the offer.

Giroud Wants Milan to Take Advantage of Opportunity to Distance Inter

November 5, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

Olivier Giroud will play in his first Derby della Madonnina over the weekend: “It is an important match because it would be nice to send Inter to minus ten points, even though the season is still long. It will be a fundamental but not decisive game."

Legia Warsaw vs Napoli 1-4: Partenopei Come from Behind

November 4, 2021 Enrico Passarella Europa League, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Despite dealing with several absences and conceding an early goal, Napoli still managed to earn a large victory over Legia Warsaw thanks to a superb second half. The Azzurri returned to winning ways in Europa League after two missteps and gained control of their group.

Inter will be among the contenders to capture Paulo Dybala, but their pursuit will not be easy. His entourage will open talks with multiple teams.

Mauro Pumps the Brakes: “Dybala Not Comparable with Platini”

November 4, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

Paulo Dybala surpassed Michel Platini in the list of the all-time scorers for Juventus. However, he still has ways to go to be in the same echelon as Le Roi according to his former teammate and pundit Massimo Mauro. “It is impossible to compare to them. The Frenchman is just much more accomplished.”

Author: Enrico Passarella