Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

UPDATED: De Paul Officially Leaves Udinese to Join Atletico Madrid

July 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market, Udinese

Rodrigo De Paul has departed from Italy and Udinese and to move to Atletico Madrid. The parties waited for the end of Copa America, but the move had been finalized weeks ago. The Friulani accepted a €35M bid plus add-ons, close to their €40M request. Instead, the Serie A clubs did not seriously push to acquire him this summer because of his price tag. De Paul has accumulated over 184 appearances with the Zebrette.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been the talk of a great deal of transfer reports and rumors over the past couple of seasons, which his agent Kezman addressed.

Lazio Powerhouse Once Again Rebuffs Interest from European Giants

July 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Lazio, Serie A, Transfer Market

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been on the radar on the radar of the top European clubs for years. However, nobody has ever matched the price tag slapped on him by Lazio. It looks like it will not happen this summer either, as the midfielder hopes to stay long-term. “I feel like I am a leader now. This is my sixth season at Lazio, and I wish to have many more". While he is poised to remain with the club, Luis Alberto is still away from the team.

Arsenal Fullback Asks to Leave, Gives Inter His Priority in Transfer Talks

July 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Serie A, Transfer Market

Hector Bellerin recently visited the Arsenal headquarters to hand over a transfer request. He would like to join Inter, which are atop his list of destinations. The two clubs have been in talks for a while, but they have not agreed on the formula of the transfer. The Gunners have opened to the possibility of letting the Spanish defender leave on loan, but they want to insert an obligation to acquire him, while Inter prefer a simple option.

Belotti will be returning to Stadio Olimpico di Torino for the first time since his departure to Roma, as they prepare to welcome the Giallorossi at home.

Roma First in Line for Torino Star Facing Major Decision This Summer

July 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

After the successful Euro, albeit in a limited role, it will be a pivotal summer for Andrea Belotti. He has just a year left on his contract with Torino, and the negotiation has been challenging. He has to decide between staying and extending it or pushing to leave. Among Serie A clubs, Roma showed the most interest in signing him thus far. However, their first bid has been deemed too low by the Granata, who want at least €30M.

Milan Eyeing Two Cheap Options to Serve as Theo Hernandez Backup

July 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan are looking to add a left-back with a limited investment. In the last few days, they have begun tracking Monaco’s Fodé Ballo-Touré and Parma’s Giuseppe Pezzella. The talks are more advanced with the former. However, the two sides have different ideas about the terms of the deal. The Rossoneri want to add him on loan with a €4M option to buy. The French club would rather insert an obligation to acquire him for at least €6M.

Donnarumma MVP, Juventus Leader in Scoring and Few Euro Records

July 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Euro 2020, Italy, Juventus, Serie A

Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the best player of the Euro right after the game. Juventus got another goal in the final and they were the most prolific team of the Euro with 12 collective goals. The Bianconeri and Atalanta were the only teams in history to have five different scorers during the course of the competition. Cristiano Ronaldo took home the Golden Shoe and broke away from Michel Platini in the all-time scoring chart.

Juventus Poised for Key Meetings for the Future of Their Biggest Stars

July 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

The Juventus management will try to find a solution for their two biggest dominos in the next few days. Jorge Mendes, the agent of Cristiano Ronaldo, is currently in Italy to negotiate the transfer of Rui Patricio. Jorge Antun, the representative of Paulo Dybala, will fly to the Peninsula next week. La Joya and the front office will re-start the extension talks. The Portuguese ace has yet to openly state that he will stay in Turin next season.

Bonucci: “Winning the Euro Seemed Like a Utopia Three Years Ago”

July 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella England, Euro 2020, Italian Football, Italy

Leonardo Bonucci addressed the Euro final against England from the Italy camp. “Winning Sunday would be important for our movement, for every single player, and for the Federation. It would erase few difficult years. It would be an injection of joy and confidence for the people. England will be at home, but we are not scared of them. Playing in Wembley Stadium pushes you to try doing something historical."

Romero Atalanta Paratici Tottenham Hotspur

Atalanta Want to Keep Defender Despite Man United and Other Interest

July 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Manchester United, Serie A, Transfer Market

Cristian Romero was set to be one of the protagonists of the summer. However, an injury has limited him in Copa America, and Atalanta rejected a bid for him from Manchester United. The Red Devils so far have decided not to raise it. The English club proposed €45M for the Argentinian defender in early June, but they quickly rejected it. The two sides have a strong relationship thanks to last season’s quick deal for Amad Diallo.

Lazio Playmaker Does Not Show up for Medicals, Fueling Speculations

July 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A

Luis Alberto was not present among the first group of players that took the medicals yesterday. While there may have been a misunderstanding about his return date, the Lazio management is fuming. They expect him to head back to Italy in short order; otherwise, there will be consequences. The talks about his departure or some malcontent on his part are premature, and his price tag would be massive if the club decided to sell him.

Mourinho to Get His Wish on Goal, Roma Freeze Out Eight Players

July 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Roma have raised their bid for Rui Patricio and are optimistic they will indeed purchase him shortly. The 33-year-old Portuguese international has always been José Mourinho’s top choice for the role. Roma have issued the call-ups for the pre-season camp, with few high-profile exclusion. Pedro, Justin Kluivert, Federico Fazio, Davide Santon, Javier Pastore, Steven Nzonzi, Ante Coric and William Bianda did not make the cut.

Milan Set to Welcome Their First-Choice Offensive Target from Chelsea

July 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan have reached an agreement with Chelsea to acquire Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman is likely to travel to Italy to take the medicals and finalize the transfer Monday. The Rossoneri will pay a €1M fee, plus €1M add-ons that will be hard to achieve. The striker had long come to terms on his contract. He will sign a two-year deal, making €3.5M per season. He will back up and partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the upcoming campaign.

Author: Enrico Passarella