Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Chiellini Dishes on De Ligt, Ronaldo, Dybala and Bonucci to Milan

October 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

On top of his words on Cristiano Ronaldo’s late departure, Giorgio Chiellini weighed in on multiple topics in his interview. He said that he seriously contemplated retiring and shared his thoughts on Matthijs De Ligt, Paulo Dybala, the most influential coaches he had and the teammate's move to Milan.

Amid the ongoing investigations, Juventus will likely continue to clean house at the management level at the end of the season.

Juventus and Napoli Facing Scrutiny for Shady Transfer Market Moves

October 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

The authority Covisoc has concluded a lengthy probe on the transfer market deals from 2019 to 2021. They flagged 62 moves, especially swaps, due to bloated evaluations to benefit the balance sheets. In particular, it signaled a few operations by Juventus and the acquisition of Victor Osimhen by Napoli.

Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis praised the fans ahead of the final home game against Atalanta: “We are all looking forward to this great match."

Milan CEO Issues Warning on Extensions after Balance Sheet Approval

October 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

The Milan board of directors approved the balance sheets for the 2020-2021 season yesterday. It registered a €98M loss, although it was cut in half compared to the previous campaign. CEO Ivan Gazidis announced that the could would continue to be disciplined with the payroll.

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 10 Expected Lineups – Milan and Napoli Battle from Afar

October 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Cagliari, Empoli, Fiorentina, Genoa, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Roma, Salernitana, Sassuolo, Serie A, Spezia, Torino, Udinese, Venezia

There is no time to digest what happened over the last weekend because the Round 10 of Serie A is already here. Milan will host Torino Tuesday, while Napoli will cap things off Thursday in a home game against Bologna. Juventus and Inter will face Sassuolo and Empoli respectively.

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.

Inter Concerned about Dumfries, Could Seek Alternative in January

October 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Cagliari, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Sampdoria, Serie A, Transfer Market

Denzel Dumfries has been unable to fill the void opened up by the departure of Achraf Hakimi. Coming off a strong Euro, the Dutchman has had troubles adapting to Serie A. Inter might be forced to look for another reliable option on the right flank in January to solve the issue.

Round 10 Openers: Spezia vs Genoa 1-1 and Venezia vs Salernitana 1-2

October 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Genoa, Italian Football, Salernitana, Serie A, Spezia, Venezia

The Round 10 of Serie A began Tuesday afternoon with two key clashes in the relegation struggle. Both delivered from the intensity standpoint and featured late-game drama. Spezia left something on the table against Genoa, while Salernitana exploited Venezia’s troubles to earn a previous win.

Maurizio Sarri Highlights Biggest Issues Currently Hindering Lazio

October 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Fiorentina, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A

After a few difficult days, Maurizio Sarri sat down in front of the press ahead of the Fiorentina game: “We hope Lazio are ready to re-start. I have seen the right kind of attitude in practice. The retreat was a moment of reflection. We dug deep with the players on the up-and-downs."

Milan to Challenge Manchester City in Race for Touted Brazilian Starlet

October 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Manchester City, Serie A, Torino, Transfer Market

Milan are preparing for a future without Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The contract of the 40-year-old striker expires next June. The Rossoneri are keeping tabs on Internacional's prodigy Yori Alberto and Andrea Belotti. The Torino coach provided an updated on his future in the pre-game presser.

Roma Mulling Over Future of Young Defender Dismissed by Mourinho

October 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A

Marash Kumbulla has been one of the Roma players that had more difficulties to open the season. He struggled mightily in the shocking loss to Bodo/Glimt, with opposing strikers slipping behind him at will. However, the Giallorossi have invested too much to move on from him.

Milan and Inter Resume Making Progress on Project for New Stadium

October 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

The topic of a new stadium in Milan had been put on hold for months due to the local election. Incumbent mayor Giuseppe Sala was confirmed two weeks ago. He met with both sides to reprise the project yesterday: “We are willing to carry on with the project, but we must consider the interests of the collectivity."

Napoli Stunningly Snubbed for Diego Armando Maradona Memorial

October 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Napoli have not been selected to take part in a prestigious friendly to celebrate Diego Armando Maradona a year after his passing. Barcelona and Boca Juniors will square off on December 14th. Boca Juniors and Barcelona will instead square off in Riyadh in mid-December.

Napoli have inquired about Federico Bernardeschi. His agent Federico Pastorello also represents Alex Meret. The front office has been in talks with him.

Juventus and Inter Receive Positive Updates on the Injury Front

October 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

Juventus and Inter will not be without their injured players for a long time. Federico Bernardeschi did not sustain a significant shoulder issue, and Moise Kean escaped without a thigh strain. As for the Nerazzurri, Joaquin Correa returned to full practice today.

Author: Enrico Passarella