Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Christian Eriksen Set to Be Fitted with IFD, Playing Career in Jeopardy

June 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Denmark, Euro 2020, Inter Milan, Serie A

Christian Eriksen will soon have a heart starter (ICD) installed due to his recent cardiac attack. The device corrects the rhythm of the heartbeat if it notices a potentially dangerous pattern by sending electric shocks. It can serve as a defibrillator in extreme cases. While it is not impossible for him to resume playing, he may not be able to play in Italy as he would not be able to pass a medical. But it is still too early to tell for sure.

Ukraine Hold Onto Lead and Eliminate North Macedonia from Euro 2020

June 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, North Macedonia, Serie A, Ukraine

Ukraine had to sweat it out, but they successfully defended their lead versus North Macedonia. They took home the three points mostly thanks to a commanding first half. They will now play their chances in the final game versus Austria. Goran Pandev and teammates are out. Andryi Yarmolenk and Artem Yaremchuk decided th contest with two good-looking goals near the end of the first half. Egzjan Alioski only partly re-opened the bout.

The entourage of Fikayo Tomori visited Casa Milan and a reunion with his former Chelsea teammate Hakim Ziyech isn’t totally out of the question.

Milan Perfect Acquisition of Fikayo Tomori from Chelsea Following Loan

June 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Fikayo Tomori is now fully a Milan player after a successful six-month loan spell. The Rossoneri officially activated the €28.5M option to buy him permanently from Chelsea. The 23-year-old defender has signed a contract till 2025. He joined in January after playing sparingly with the Blues in the first half of the season. He quickly proved to be a starting-caliber defender in Peninsula and effectively supplanted Alessio Romagnoli.

UPDATED: Juventus Legend Gianluigi Buffon Officially Returns to Parma

June 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Parma, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Serie B, Transfer Market

Gianluigi Buffon will not leave Italy after all but still avoid facing Juventus next season, as he desires. The goalkeeper has joined Parma on a two-year deal. He turned proposals from Barcelona and Besiktas. The 43-year-old goalkeeper made his Serie A debut with the Ducali in 1995, when he was 17. He collected 168 appearances over five years, contributing to the historic 1998/1999 campaign when they won three trophies.

Gennaro Gattuso Officially Leaves Fiorentina After Just Three Weeks

June 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Fiorentina are back in the hunt for a new coach as they parted ways with Gennaro Gattuso after 22 days. The club and the gaffer reportedly did not see eye-to-eye in the transfer market strategies. Moreover, the front office considered the role of his agent Jorge Mendes excessive. Fiorentina were trying to get off to a strong start in the summer window but could not close the deal for their early targets Oliveira, Guedes and Gonzalez.

Roma to Target Aston Villa Midfielder If They Could Not Sign Xhaka

June 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Roma do not want to raise their offer for Granit Xhaka and are canvassing the market for possible alternatives. Douglas Luiz is at the top of their short-list, and they have been tracking him for weeks. They would start bidding for the Aston Villa midfielder if they could not reach agreement with Arsenal. They would consider spending a little more for the Brazilian midfielder since he is six years younger than the Swiss international.

Milan will probably have to pick a new captain ahead of next season, and Sandro Tonali is the early favorite in the clubhouse.

Milan Negotiating with Brescia Past Deadline to Buy Out Sandro Tonali

June 17, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Brescia, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Milan did not pick their option to acquire Sandro Tonali permanently before the June 16th’s deadline. However, they still plan to keep him and are actively negotiating with Brescia. The Rossoneri are looking to change the previous terms of the deal. The two sides are reportedly collaborating to find the right solution, and there is optimism. Milan want to shave off around €10M from the total package and will likely include a youngster.

Sassuolo Officially Appoint Alessio Dionisi to Replace Roberto De Zerbi

June 16, 2021 Enrico Passarella Empoli, Italian Football, Sassuolo, Serie A

As they have often done in their recent history, Sassuolo are hiring an up-and-coming coach. They have poached Alessio Dionisi from Empoli, beating the competition coming from Sampdoria. He replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who signed with Shakhtar Donetsk at the end of his contract.

Russia Get Back on Track, Topple Finland One-Nil in Second Euro Game

June 16, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, Finland, Russia

Russia successfully bounced back after the rough opener versus Belgium. They nipped Finland in St. Petersburg, remaining in the running to advance to the next stage. A gem by Aleksey Miranchuk proved enough to decide a hard-fought contest. The Atalanta forward hit the net in the stoppage time of the first half by curling it home after a great interplay with Artem Dzyuba. The home team easily managed the lead in the second half.

Barcelona to Edge Out Juventus in Race for Free Agent Dutchman

June 16, 2021 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Juventus tried to hijack Barcelona’s pursuit of Memphis Depay but will most likely come up short. The Dutch forward has reportedly accepted the Blaugrana’s offer. The club and the lawyers are working on the final details. The official announcement could be a matter of days, if not hours. The Bianconeri swooped in late with a richer contract, but they did not win over the striker. In the meantime, they have confirmed Alvaro Morata.

Milan Open Negotiation to Acquire Highly-Touted Toulouse Youngster

June 16, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan are attempting to purchase Amine Adli to bolster their front-line. The Rossoneri offered €5M plus add-ons to Toulouse for the 21-year-old prospect and are waiting for an answer. The French club turned down a similar bid from Olympique Marseille in January, but their request should not be far superior to the initial proposal. Adli was named the best Ligue 2 player for the 2020/2021 season and possesses intriguing versatility.

Chris Smalling is entering the final months of his contract with Roma. There’s a clause to prolong it if he reaches a quota of appearances.

Everton Inquire About Roma Defender Who Could Be on His Way Out

June 16, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, everton, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Chris Smalling is not a lock to stay at Roma next season. Everton asked for information about the center-back, and he could be let go for the right offer. New coach José Mourinho is looking for a defender with different characteristics. The Giallorossi have been linked to high-profile names such as Sergio Ramos and Jerome Boateng, but they need to sell one of their players to open up a spot in their defense before making an addition.

Author: Enrico Passarella