Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Pioli Addresses Porto Game: “This Is the Final Crossroads for Us”

November 2, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Champions League, Italian Football, Serie A

Stefano Pioli previewed the clash with Porto: “Unfortunately, we have not been able to give our fans the satisfaction they deserve in Champions League. We must not think about other matches. This game will be the final crossroads. We have the quality to turn things around."

Antonio Conte Returns to the Premier League as Tottenham Coach

November 2, 2021 Enrico Passarella International Football, Italian Football, Premier League, Serie A, Tottenham

Tottenham have officially appointed Antonio Conte as their new coach. Things moved quickly between the Spurs and the Italian gaffer after the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday morning. The parties agreed to a short-term contract until June 2023, with a one-year option.

Juventus Gaining Confidence in Chase of Manchester United Star

November 2, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Serie A, Transfer Market

The return of Paul Pogba to Juventus is starting to become a real possibility, despite the fierce competition and the mammoth figures involved. The contract of the midfielder expires in June 2022. The player is rumored to prefer a return to Turin to other destinations.

French Cabinet Bans “Violent and Fascist” Lazio Fans from OM Game

November 2, 2021 Enrico Passarella Europa League, Lazio, Serie A

The upcoming Europa League match between Olympique Marseille and Lazio has turned into a diplomatic incident. The French government has decided not only to deny Lazio fans access to the Velodrome but to prohibit them from entering the country altogether.

Milan and Napoli Keep Putting Up Record Numbers in Scintillating Start

November 1, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

With the win over Roma, Milan registered their best start ever in Serie A. They had never collected 10 wins in the first 11 rounds. They are just the third team that managed in the history of the League. Juventus have done it twice, and so have Napoli, which are top of the table alongside the Rossoneri.

Leonardo Downplays PSG Pursuit of Milan Duo and Defends His Side

November 1, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, PSG, Serie A, Transfer Market

PSG has long been considered the biggest threat to sign Franck Kessié in a Bosman move, however Leonardo denied opening talks with and Theo Hernandez. Milan are currently negotiating an extension with both. The executive also came to the defense of his coach.

Allegri: “Juventus Wasted Work of a Month in Five Days”

November 1, 2021 Enrico Passarella Champions League, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media on the first day of the retreat: “We could reach the first objective of the season with two games to go with a win over Zenit. It would allow us to focus on Serie A more. We had mounted a comeback, but we fell again. That should make us work harder."

Gasperini: “Man United Still a Work in Progress Despite Potential”

November 1, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Champions League, Italian Football, Manchester United, Serie A

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini previewed the clash with Manchester United: “It would be key for us only we won. Other results would leave things open. The math says we need six points to advance. The Red Devils still look like a work in progress to me."

Maresca Slammed by Mourinho and Referee Head After Roma vs Milan

November 1, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A

Gianluca Rocchi, the coordinator of the referees, rarely gives public remarks, but he often leaks his opinions to the press. Like José Mourinho, he was hugely disappointed with Fabio Maresca in Roma-Milan. The official will sit out a matchday or two as a punishment.

Tottenham Mulling Coaching Change, Show Interest in Conte

November 1, 2021 Enrico Passarella International Football, Italian Football, Manchester United, Serie A, Tottenham

Manchester United are not the only Premier League club eyeing Antonio Conte. Tottenham are now considering making a coaching change and have reached out to the Italian gaffer. The Italian gaffer has already worked with director Fabio Paratici at Juventus.

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 11 Expected Lineups – Can Roma Halt Milan Too?

October 31, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Cagliari, Empoli, Fiorentina, Genoa, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Roma, Salernitana, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, Serie A, Spezia, Torino, Udinese, Venezia

The Round 11 will cap off a busy Serie A week with a pair of doozies. It will be opened by a potentially explosive clash between Atalanta and Lazio, as the Biancocelesti seek to get out of a road slump. The most anticipated match is certainly Sunday night's Roma-Milan.

Serie A to Test Innovative Offside Technology Later This Season

October 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Serie A

Serie A will continue to be on the forefront of technology, as it happened with VAR a few years back. The semiautomatic offside will be tested in the second half of the season. It will happen offline, therefore it will have no impact on matches at first. It will be a dry run to see whether it is viable.

Author: Enrico Passarella