Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Milan center-back Simon Kjaer appeared against Sassuolo in his first competitive match for the Rossoneri since last year following a knee injury.

Milan Defender Avoids Serious Problems, plus More Injury Updates

September 20, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Serie A

Simon Kjaer subbed off in the first half of the Juventus game due to a muscular problem. However, he escaped without severe injuries, and he will not be sidelined for long. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud are also progressing and could be back soon. The other players on the mend will need more time.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking forward to the beginning of the new season, especially Serie A. He thinks Roma have strengthened leaps and bounds under Mourinho.

Ancelotti Details Napoli Ousting, Weighs In On Serie A Title Race

September 20, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Real Madrid, Roma, Serie A

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti commented the start of Serie A: “It is very balanced, and I do no see a frontrunner. Few teams are emerging since Juventus are having some troubles." The coach also touched on Inter, Milan and Roma and discussed his Napoli exit two years ago.

Juventus in the Midst of All-Time Poor Start and Negative Goal Streak

September 20, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

Juventus are in third-to-last place after four matches, having collected just two points. It is the fourth time in their history they do not manage to win in any of the first four Serie A games. Moreover, they have conceded at least a goal in 18 straight Serie A matches

Napoli are closing in on a resolution after weeks of uncertainty and have picked their next starting goalkeeper, as Meret is nearing an extension.

Napoli Recover Two Players ahead of Monday Night Game with Udinese

September 20, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Napoli will have two key members of the squad back against Udinese Alex Meret and Mario Rui have been called up after missing time because of injury. The goalkeeper returned sooner than expected. Instead, the fullback sat out the Leicester tilt due to muscle fatigue.

Serie A Round 4 Preview and Expected Lineups – Undermanned Milan

September 19, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Cagliari, Empoli, Fiorentina, Genoa, Hellas Verona, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Roma, Sassuolo, Serie A, Spezia, Torino, Udinese, Venezia

The extra-long Round 4 of Serie A will develop in four days, and will culminate in Sunday’s clash between Juventus and Milan. New Cagliari and Verona coaches Walter Mazzarri and Igor Tudor will make their debuts against the two Rome-based teams. Inter will host Bologna.

Roma Trail Only Two English Clubs among Biggest Summer Spenders

September 18, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Serie A endured a rough summer window from an economic standpoint. Four of the biggest stars in the League moved abroad. But not every team was cash-strapped, as Roma were one of the biggest spenders in Europe. Only Arsenal and Manchester United were more lavish than the Giallorossi on the transfer market.

Inter Preparing Multiple Lineups Changes for Bologna Game

September 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Bologna, Inter Milan, Serie A

The loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League left a bitter taste, as Inter had multiple chances to get the lead. Coach Simone Inzaghi rallied the troops in the immediate aftermath. The manager is expected to significantly rotate the squad in Saturday's game versus Bologna.

Gasperini Still Bitter about Referee’s Decisions in Atalanta-Fiorentina

September 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Italian Football, Salernitana, Serie A

Atalanta gaffer Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the upcoming Salernitana game: “Every match is difficult. t is a nice test to see what we could do in Serie A. We will face a hot environment, and we will have everything to lose.” He also looked back at what happened against Fiorentina, where they lost because of two penalty kicks.

Mihajlovic Very Confident about Bologna Chances against Inter

September 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Bologna, Inter Milan, Serie A

Bologna will look to keep up their good form versus Inter. Sinisa Mihajlovic previewed the bout: “You have to switch jobs if you can not maintain a high level of focus in San Siro. It will be a tough game, but we have proved in the past that we can come out on top if we play like we are capable of. It will not be easy for them either."

Roma are unlikely to react to Inter bidding for Gianluca Scamacca. They can’t improve their offer until they rake in more cash, which might not happen soon.

Roma Exec Serene on Pellegrini, Downplays Requests by Mourinho

September 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Roma CEO Tiago Pinto sensed that a lot has changed for the better around Roma since the Friendkin family took over and José Mourinho was appointed. “The whole environment bounced back, as it is always the case when the results are good, but our project still needs time."

Ibrahimovic Slows Down in Rehab from Injury ahead of Juventus Match

September 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not rush the return from his latest injury. The Swedish star is dealing with a sore Achilles tendon and vowed to be more cautious than in other past instances. “I do not want to risk more serious consequences. I will listen to my body without thinking to be Superman this time."

Galatasaray vs Lazio 1-0: The Eagles Fumble it Away in Europa League Debut

September 16, 2021 Enrico Passarella Europa League, International Football, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A

After falling to Milan, Lazio suffered their second defeat in a row in Europa League. Galatasaray topped them one-nil thanks to a shocking blunder by Thomas Strakosha, who was filling in for the day. The Biancocelesti never managed to kick it into high gear and created very few chances.

Author: Enrico Passarella