Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

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.

After some tumultuous months, Lazio and Maurizio Sarri have come to terms to stick together for a few more seasons thanks to an extension.

Lazio and Maurizio Sarri Desperate to Find Solutions to Road Woes

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

Lazio will go on retreat until Wednesday’s game versus Fiorentina. The decision was taken during a prolonged confrontation between Maurizio Sarri and the players after the loss to Verona. Nobody emerged from the locker room for over an hour after the final whistle.

Coordinator Rocchi Praises Referees of Roma-Napoli and Inter-Juventus

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

As usual, the referees faced criticism following Round 9, in particular for the episodes in Roma-Napoli and Inter-Juventus. Coordinator Gianluca Rocchi saw no issues: “I am really satisfied with yesterday’s matchday. The officials were excellent."

Allegri Reveals Content of Mysterious Note Given to Bonucci

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

After the final subs by Juventus yesterday, Leonardo Bonucci was pictured reading a piece of paper that Kajo Jorge handed to him. Massimiliano Allegri had just drastically changed the formation with less than ten minutes to go. The coach had inserted the Brazilian starlet and Arthur for Locatelli and McKennie.

Inter are inching closer to bringing back Romelu Lukaku, but Giuseppe Marotta stated it will not happen today. The executive discussed several topics.

Inter CEO Marotta Denies Rumors of an Imminent Arab Takeover

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

After acquiring Newcastle, the Public Investment Fund has been heavily rumored to have set their eyes on Inter. CEO Giuseppe Marotta addressed the matter before the clash with Juventus, indicating that an ownership change does not appear to be in the cards at the moment.

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 9 Expected Lineups: Non-Crosstown Derby Time

October 24, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Cagliari, Empoli, Fiorentina, Genoa, Hellas Verona, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Roma, Salernitana, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, Serie A, Spezia, Torino, Udinese, Venezia

The Round 9 of Serie A will get an early start, with two Friday games because of the upcoming midweek matchday, and will culminate in two great clashes on Sunday. Napoli will face Roma eyeing the best start in their history and Inter and Juventus will rekindle their rivalry.

Torino vs Genoa 3-2: The Granata Hold On and Return to Winning Ways

October 22, 2021 Enrico Passarella Genoa, Italian Football, Serie A, Torino

Torino outlasted Genoa in the opening match of Round 9. The fixture ended with a high score despite the slow rhythm due to the sloppiness of the two defenses. The Granata earned a two-goal lead twice, but the guests kept coming back. However, they could not finish the job.

José Mourinho will have very few men at his disposal against Verona. On top of the suspension and previous injuries, Roma announced four COVID-19 cases.

Mourinho Sent a Message to Roma Ownership with Bodo/Glimt Lineup

October 22, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A

José Mourinho took full responsibility for the romp against Bodo/Glimt. But it was clear he did not put the team in a position to succeed, likely intentionally, by trotting out a lineup filled with rarely utilized players. By doing so, he exposed the weaknesses of the Roma roster.

Pioli Announces More Troubles for Milan ahead of Bologna Fixture

October 22, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Bologna, Italian Football, Serie A

Stefano Pioli previewed the Bologna match earlier today, ruling out Franck Kessié, Ante Rebic and Pietro Pellegri and providing an update on Zlatan Ibrahimovic: "We understood what did not work against Porto and we prepared some adjustments."

At 36, Dzeko is by far the oldest of the four candidates for the Dortmund role but could ‘very well compensate for Haller’s place in the short term.

Dzeko Gives Credence to Juventus Links, Discusses Duel with Chiellini

October 22, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Edin Dzeko confirmed the rumors he could have joined Juventus and not Inter in the recent past: "Roma had initiated the talks and set up the deal with the Bianconeri. I was not even aware of the negotiation at first. Then it collapsed because the Giallorossi could not find my replacement."

Pisa forward Lorenzo Lucca, despite undergoing a dry goalscoring streak, is in the crosshairs of several top clubs for a summer move, including Ajax.

Milan Receive Strong Reports on Multiple Youngsters in Italy and Abroad

October 22, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

River Plate’s Julian Alvarez is not the only youngster on Milan’s radar. The head scout Geoffrey Moncada has cast a wide net to look for new pieces to add to the team. He is high on Pisa's Lorenzo Lucca and has identified various potential targets in the Portuguese league.

Author: Enrico Passarella