Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Atalanta Make Surprise Move for Milan Midfielder, Still Tracking AZ Star

June 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Atalanta intend to acquire another midfielder and have short-listed Tommaso Pobega and Teun Koopmeiners. The former is back at Milan after a loan spell at Spezia, while the latter could leave AZ for €15/20M. The Rossoneri have yet to decide what to do with their youngster. Pobega bagged 6 goals in 20 matches with the Aquilotti last season, while the Dutch midfielders has shined in Eredivisie. Still, they plan to hold onto Pessina.

Ronaldo Comments on Elimination, No Offers to Leave Juventus Yet

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Euro 2020, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Cristiano Ronaldo took it to Instagram to address the elimination from Euro 2020. “We did not get the result we wanted and we were eliminated from the competition earlier than anticipated. We are proud of our journey, we gave everything." The focus shifts on his future with Juventus, which reportedly have yet to receive an offer for its ace. The clubs that could afford his salary are very numbered and currently focused on other matters.

Sampdoria have parted ways with Danish talent Mikkel Damsgaard, with Premier League outfit Brentford snapping up his services on a five-year deal.

Strong Euro Land Sampdoria Starlet on Barcelona and Milan Radar

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Sampdoria, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

After a fine season with Sampdoria, Mikkel Damsgaard is using the Euro as a further showcase. He took on a bigger role when Denmark lost Christian Eriksen. He bagged a great goal against Russia and participated in the romp of Wales with an assist. His quality performances have drawn interest from Barcelona and Milan. The Blucerchiati want €30M to cash in on him after just one season, where he posted 2 goals and 4 assists.

Juventus to Meet Sassuolo Again to Get Closer to Coveted Midfielder

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Juventus have scheduled a second summit with Sassuolo to negotiate the transfer of Manuel Locatelli. The two sides laid the groundwork last week but have not examined the details of the deal in depth. The meeting could happen early not to distract him from the upcoming match versus Belgium. The two sides are discussing the formula of the transfer and the evaluation of the youngsters that could be included in the package.

Two Belgium Stars Could Miss Quarterfinals, Italy Mull Lineup Tweaks

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Belgium, Euro 2020, Italy

Belgium dug deep to defeat Portugal Sunday, and they could be severely depleted for the Italy clash. Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard subbed off due to injuries. The Manchester City ace tried to play through an ankle problem but bowed out two minutes into the second half. The Real Madrid attacker left the match late clutching the back of his thigh. In the meantime, Roberto Mancini is thinking about changing his standard formation.

Fiorentina intend to boost their attack line with a talented striker, and Real Madrd outcast Luka Jovic is their primary target, on a potential loan deal.

Milan Include Out-of-Favor Striker in Extensive Talks with Real Madrid

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan are discussing multiple players with Real Madrid, and Luka Jovic has emerged as an alternative to Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman is their top target for the attack, but they want him only on a free transfer, while Chelsea recently picked up an option to extend his contract. The Rossoneri are looking to make a cheap but quality addition to the front-line in order to manage Zlatan Ibrahimovic's minutes and have more depth.

Inter Prioritizing Arsenal Fullback in Search for Hakimi Replacement

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Serie A, Transfer Market

Finding a new starter on the right wing will be the first order of business for Inter. While they are working on multiple options, Hector Bellerin is their preferred target at this stage. They had some talks with Arsenal late in the week. They would like to add him on loan with an option or obligation to buy to delay the payment to 2022, when the budget could be higher. The alternatives are Davide Zappacosta and Manuel Lazzari.

Lukaku Teases Ronaldo: “I Think He Envies My Aim and Our Team Play”

June 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Belgium, Euro 2020, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Portugal, Serie A

Romelu Lukaku talked to the press today from the camp in Tubize. Belgium will face Portugal Sunday, and the Inter star did not shy away from the duel with Cristiano Ronaldo. “He was the capocannoniere, but we won the Scudetto. I crave his dribbling and his shooting ability. On the other hand, I think he envies a little my strength and aim, and our team play. We are more mature compared to the 2018 World Cup, we were too romantic."

Fiorentina did not want to sell Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus, and they reached out to Real Madrid before accepting their offer.

Fiorentina Striker on Tottenham Shortlist Should Harry Kane Be Sold

June 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Serie A, Tottenham, Transfer Market

Tottenham have identified Dusan Vlahovic as a possible heir to Harry Kane. The money coming in from the sale to Manchester City could be partially re-invested in the Fiorentina starlet. However, Viola consider him untouchable, although they have unsuccessfully negotiated his extension for months. A €60M evaluation floated around when Juventus and other teams inevitably showed interest. He scored 21 goals in Serie A last year.

Arnautovic on Italy Clash: “I Am Not Scared of Bonucci and Chiellini”

June 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Austria, Bologna, Calciomercato, Euro 2020, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, The Azzurri, Transfer Market

Austria striker Marko Arnautovic had some bold remarks ahead of the game versus Italy. “Everybody thinks it will end poorly against the Azzurri. They have not conceded in 11 games, but we must not focus on that. We will not go to London on vacation: we want to advance. What Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci accomplished playing together is incredible, but I am not scared of them. We must not fear italy in this bout."

Santos Starlet Offered to Serie A Clubs, Including Juventus and Milan

June 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Some intermediaries have proposed Santos forward Kaio Jorge to Milan, Juventus, and Napoli. The Brazilian starlet has a low price tag because his current contract expires in six months. The three sides, and Lazio, could be interested under the right circumstances. He could move for €10/15M given his contractual situation, although his side is hopeful on the extension. The Rossoneri and the Old Lady would not mind adding a youngster.

Alba is clearly not impressed with how Barcelona contacted Inter without his knowledge for a loan move, only for it to crash down hours before deadline.

Inter Unlikely to Do Business with Barcelona Despite Recent Reports

June 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Inter have been linked to Jordi Alba in the Spanish press, but other targets are more realistic for the flanks. Moreover, they turned down the trades proposed by Barcelona, especially those including their top defenders. Their interest in the Spanish fullback is not particularly high due to his price tag and wages. They have short-listed Manuel Lazzarri, Denzel Dumfries and Davide Zappacosta to replace Achraf Hakimi on the right flank.

Author: Enrico Passarella