Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

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.

Roma Interested in Juventus Defender, Who Would Not Come Cheap

June 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Roma are looking to add a defender and inquired about Merih Demiral, whom Juventus may sell. However, the Bianconeri have slapped a €40M price tag on the center-back, which is too high for the Giallorossi. His agents met with the Old Lady to discuss his future. Roma will likely have an opening in the back as they plan to move on from Chris Smalling. Atalanta are also interested in the Turkish international but go the same answer.

Verratti: “Italy Must Think Big, I Thank Coach Mancini for Waiting for Me”

June 24, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, Italy, The Azzurri

Italy midfielder Marco Verratti talked to UEFA about his return from injury and other Italy-related topics ahead of the Round of 16 match versus Austria. "It was surely thrilling. I am happy to be back doing what I love, playing football." He dished on the midfield of the Azzurri, the work of coach Mancini, the vital role played by Jorginho, the next opponents, and the return of the Pescara trio with Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne.

PSG Set to Outbid Roma and Milan for Former Real Madrid Defender

June 24, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Milan and Roma are likely to miss out on Sergio Ramos as PSG are the clear frontrunners to sign him. They were long-shot destinations considering the money involved. The two Italian clubs had exploratory talks for the defender, but his salary was a problem. Roma tried to exploit the connection with José Mourinho to bring him in, but it does not look like it will be enough. He will ink a three-year contract, earning €15M per year.

Ronaldo Sale Easiest Way for Juventus to Finance Further Midfield Coup

June 24, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Lazio, Manchester United, Serie A, Transfer Market

The arrival of Manuel Locatelli could be just the first step to rebuild the Juventus midfield. On top of a playmaker, coach Massimiliano Allegri would like to add a physically imposing star player. However, it will be hard to pull off a large investment considering the current club’s finances. There would be significantly better chances if Cristiano Ronaldo left. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Paul Pogba remain atop of the list of targets for the role.

Italian Cabinet Asks to Move Euro, Hidden Motives Behind Confirmation?

June 24, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, Italy, The Azzurri

UEFA and the British government announced that the Euro final and semi-finals would have 75% attendance. Therefore, 65k fans will be present at Wembley Stadium. The decision came after Italian PM Mario Draghi and Germany chancellor Angela Merkel called to move the venue over COVID-related concerns. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin may want to repay his ally Boris Johnson, who contributed to the Super League collapse.

Milan Seeking Calhanoglu’s Replacement, Everton and Lille Stars Linked

June 24, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, everton, Inter Milan, Serie A, Transfer Market

The list of candidates to become the new Milan no.10 grows by the day. The club is canvassing the market to find the right player for the role but has not concretely moved for any option so far. The most recent names to emerge are James Rodriguez and Yusuf Yazici. However, the Colombian attacker has a very high salary, even though the fee would not been too high. The Rossoneri could be helped by their strong relationship with Lille.

Juventus Make Small Progress in Attempt to Sign Sassuolo Starlet

June 24, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Juventus, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Juventus had their first in-person meeting with Sassuolo to discuss Manuel Locatelli yesterday. The negotiation has officially begun as the Neroverdi okayed the sale of their midfielder. However, the sides will convene again next week to iron out the monetary part and other aspects. The Emilian team has confirmed the €40M price tag and opened to the possibility of getting a player in return. The Bianconeri are clearly in the lead.

PSG Back in Front of Chelsea for Hakimi, Tipped to Seal the Deal Soon

June 23, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Italian Football, PSG, Serie A, Transfer Market

PSG are closing in on the acquisition of Achraf Hakimi from Inter, as they preparing an improved bid. The French runner-ups were the first club to target the fullback, but their first offers came up short. Chelsea joined the race by proposing multiple players. However, the Nerazzurri have always intended to cash in as much as possible from their ace. The French club is ready to spend €70M for the fullback and give him a giant contract.

Insigne Complimentary About Italy, Delays Napoli Matters to After Euro

June 23, 2021 Enrico Passarella Austria, Calciomercato, Euro 2020, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, The Azzurri, Transfer Market

Lorenzo Insigne discussed the upcoming match versus Austria from Coverciano earlier today, praising the work of Roberto Mancini and the quality of his teammates, especially the midfield, and assessing the strength of the next opponents. On the other hand, he refused to comment on his future with Napoli, simply stating: "I have no regrets about my career; I have always wanted to play for Napoli and their captain. I am super happy."

Author: Enrico Passarella