Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

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."

Atalanta playmaker Pessina is the subject of transfer interest from Torino and Monza. However, a clause added by Milan could hinder the suitors' efforts.

Inter Eyeing Italian Duo, Suggested as Landing Spot for Barcelona Star

June 23, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Barcelona, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Despite the financial difficulties, Inter will not stop at Hakan Calhanoglu in the transfer market. Agent Beppe Riso visited their headquarters and proposed Gianluca Mancini and Matteo Pessina, who will become options in case of some departures in their roles. Moreover, they have held preliminary talks with Barcelona for Jordi Alba, although a deal is very complicated considering the costs and the likely competition, should he leave.

Italy Likely Down Two Starters vs Austria, Serie A Leading Euro in Goals

June 23, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, Inter Milan, Italy, Juventus, Serie A, The Azzurri

Italy may play the Round of 16 of the Euro against Austria without Giorgio Chiellini and Alessandro Florenzi. With three days to go, there is pessimism about their recoveries from injury. The two defenders are dealing with a thigh and a calf problem. In the meantime, three Serie A teams have accounted for the most goals in the Euro. Inter are atop of the standings with six goals and are closely followed by Juventus and Atalanta.

Return of Allegri Set to Impact the Future of Multiple Juventus Players

June 23, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Coach Massimiliano Allegri is already making his presence felt in Juventus plans. Few contributors that were previously believed to be on their way out have better chances to stay in Turin. Extending the contract of Paulo Dybala is now one of the top priorities for the club. Moreover, Alex Sandro and Federico Bernardeschi may not leave after all. The coach demanded to have major influence on the transfer market to return to Turin.

Hakim Ziyech kept things close to the vest on his future after being quizzed about it following the World Cup opener against Croatia.

Milan Trying to Orchestrate Blockbuster Deal for Three Chelsea Players

June 23, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan are operating on multiple international tables to add quality pieces. On top of Olivier Giroud, two more Chelsea players fit their needs: Hakim Ziyech and Tiemoué Bakayoko. However, the Blues are looking to monetize their sales adequately. The Rossoneri have long come to terms with the French striker on a two-year deal, but they want him only on a free. The Moroccan attacker is the top choice to replace Calhanoglu.

Hakan Calhanoglu Finalizes Crosstown Transfer from Milan to Inter

June 22, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

Inter have officially completed the signing of Hakan Calhanoglu on a free transfer. They showed interest in the midfielder after Christian Eriksen’s health scare and quickly reached an agreement. He has inked a three-year contract with an optional fourth season. He will make €5M per year plus bonuses, at least €1M more than what the Milan were offering. He is the eighth player in history to move directly from the Rossoneri to Inter.

Author: Enrico Passarella