Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Atletico Madrid Propose Contract to Milan Playmaker in Possible Intrigue

June 14, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market, Udinese

Hakan Calhanoglu has received an offer from Atletico Madrid, although it is not richer than the one previously placed by Milan. The Turkish midfielder, who will be out of contract in two weeks, is open to listening to new bids but is considering re-upping with the Rossoneri. Calhanoglu represents an alternative to Rodrigo De Paul for the Colchoneros. Milan would also target the Udinese ace if they were to lose their current starter.

Juventus Legend Poised for Stunning Return Despite Barcelona Link

June 14, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Parma, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Serie B, Transfer Market

Gianluigi Buffon may not leave Italy after all but still avoid facing Juventus next season, as he desires. The goalkeeper is in advanced talks to join Parma in Serie B on a two-year deal. He has received proposals from Barcelona, where he would the backup, and Besiktas. He is fascinated by the idea of returning to the Ducali. Buffon made his debut in Emilia in 1995 and contributed to three trophies during his time with the Gialloblù.

Christian Eriksen in Good Spirits After Scare, Causes Still Unknown

June 14, 2021 Enrico Passarella Denmark, Euro 2020, Inter Milan, Serie A

Christian Eriksen spent Monday doing a series of tests and answering the people that reached out to him. As revealed by his coach, he joked around in a video conference with his teammates: “How are you doing? You are in worse shape than I am. I would be ready to practice right now.” All the exams have come back negative thus far, fueling doubts about the incident. He will remain hospitalized likely for a couple more days.

Foden: “England Have an Opportunity to Re-Write History in the Euro”

June 11, 2021 Enrico Passarella England, Euro 2020

Phil Foden will look to carry his momentum into the Euro. The Manchester City star gave an interview, where he addressed England's chances and showered coach Gareth Southgate with praise. He also commented on his mentality. "I am looking forward to playing in my first major tournament with England. Southgate is different from Pep Guardiola, but he is a fantastic coach. We have a lot of quality and we can win the competition."

It is the defense that Inter need to replenish, and their transfer market shortcomings have forced them to aim at Fiorentina stopper Nikola Milenkovic.

Juventus Tracking Fiorentina Man as Cheap Addition to the Defense

June 11, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Nikola Milenkovic is likely to leave Fiorentina in the upcoming transfer market window and Juventus are on the lookout. The contract of the Serbian defender expires in 2022, and the Viola would rather sell him for a low price than lose him for nothing. The Bianconeri have shown some considerable interest in recent days and would ramp it up if they decided to sell Merih Demiral, who has some suitors in the Premier League.

Lazio have long set their sights on Alessio Romagnoli, but they have not come to terms with him just yet. His contract with Milan expires in June.

Milan and Barcelona to Look Into Swap Between Out-of-Favor Defenders

June 11, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

The Milan management want to avoid losing further players for free, as happened with Gianluigi Donnarumma. Alessio Romagnoli has a year left on his contract and would like to stay, but he will need to pen an extension in the next few weeks. If he did not, he could be shipped to Barcelona in a swap with Junior Firpo, as the deal would fit the technical needs of both sides. The Spanish left-back is keen on leaving to get more playing time.

Ronaldo Eyeing All-Time Record in the Euro, Pogba Denies France Rift

June 11, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, France, Germany, Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is ready for the Euro, where Portugal will try to replicate their surprising win of 2016. He will try to break the all-time record as the top scorer for a national team, which currently belongs to Ali Daei, who is five goals away. In the meantime, Paul Pogba denied tensions inside the group after a reported spat between Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud caused by a pointed remark by the Chelsea striker after a recent friendly.

Inter Start Lining Up Replacements for Hakimi and Perisic on the Wings

June 11, 2021 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Italian Football, PSG, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Inter have yet to accept any offer for Achraf Hakimi and Ivan Perisic, but they are already looking at possible options to fill the voids on the flanks. The agents of Emerson Royal were spotted at their headquarters, and they have been linked to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic and Real Madrid’s Alvaro Odriozola. The first two options could move for €20/25M. Hakimi is being pursued by PSG and Chelsea, which have not met the asking price.

Juventus Give Lukewarm Response After Being Offered Barcelona Star

June 11, 2021 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Antoine Griezmann has not fully lived to expectations since moving to Barcelona and could be on his way out after the addition of Sergio Aguero. President Joan Laporta recently proposed the striker to Juventus, which took note and tabled the discussion for a later time. Considering his giant salary, he would likely be taken in consideration only if Cristiano Ronaldo and/or Paulo Dybala leave the Bianconeri this summer.

Roberto Mancini: “We Want to Entertain the People and Reach London”

June 10, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, Italy, The Azzurri

Roberto Mancini held a presser earlier today ahead of Friday’s debut against Turkey. He started off by addressing the loss of Lorenzo Pellegrini, commented on the form and the aspirations of the Azzurri and dished on the return of the fans on the stands: "After everything that happened, now that the situation is getting better, it is time to give the people some satisfaction. I am very confident about our chances, we want to have fun."

Milan Working to Retain Two Loanees from Real Madrid and Man United

June 10, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Milan want to keep both Diogo Dalot and Brahim Diaz after their productive loan spells in the 2020/21 season. The two players are on the same page, and the management is looking to find the right formulas with Manchester United and Real Madrid. They are unlikely to return with the same methods, but further temporary stints with an option or an obligation to buy are possible. The Rossoneri remain keen on Olivier Giroud.

Italy Lose Another Regular Midfielder as Lorenzo Pellegrini Bows Out

June 10, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, France, Spain

Italy coach Roberto Mancini is forced to make a second change to his initial midfield. Lorenzo Pellegrini picked up a thigh problem in practice and has been ruled out for the Euro. Gaetano Castrovilli will take his place on the roster. On the other hand, Marco Verratti is improving and could be ready for the second match. Elsewhere, Spain's Diego Llorente has been deemed a false positive, while Karim Benzema avoided serious injuries.

Author: Enrico Passarella