Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Inter Tipped to Lure Simone Inzaghi Despite Early Agreement with Lazio

May 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Inter have found their next coach, as they reportedly convinced Simone Inzaghi to change his mind on the extension with Lazio. The gaffer met with president Claudio Lotito yesterday night and came to terms on his new deal. However, CEO Giuseppe Marotta, after missing out on Massimiliano Allegri, wooed him with a much higher offer. He is expected to sign a two-year contract shortly.

Roma Open Talks to Sign Arsenal Midfielder Coveted by José Mourinho

May 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

José Mourinho wants to bolster the Roma midfield with at least one more piece, and the management is trying to acquire Grant Xhaka from Arsenal. The two teams are still far apart in the negotiation: the Gunners have put a €25M price tag on the Swiss international, while the Giallorossi are offering €10/12M plus add-ons.

Milan Finalize Acquisition of Goalkeeper Mike Maignan from Lille

May 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Mike Maignan is officially the new Milan starter, as the club made the signing official Wednesday. The 25-year-old goalkeeper took the medicals Tuesday and signed a five-year contract. He will replace Gianluigi Donnarumma, who will leave the club at the end of his deal. The Rossoneri acquired him for €13M, plus €2M add-ons, giving him a €3M salary.

Juventus Beat Competition to Bring Back Massimiliano Allegri

May 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Juventus seem to have come out on top in the battle to appoint Massimiliano Allegri. According to multiple sources, the Bianconeri have convinced their former coach to return to Turin. The official announcement is expected to arrive later today or tomorrow at the latest. He will sign a long-term contract and earn €9M per year.

Atletico Madrid Pursuing Two Juventus Stars, Offer Swaps to Get Them

May 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atletico Madrid, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Atletico Madrid are interested in Paulo Dybala and Rodrigo Bentancur, who could leave Juventus in the summer. Diego Simeone is a long-time admirer of the Argentinian forward and previously tried to sign him to replace Antoine Griezmann. The two clubs could orchestrate some swaps to make the deals happen and there are multiple options on the table.

Inter Duelling with Juventus and Real Madrid for Massimiliano Allegri

May 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Inter have joined the race to appoint Massimiliano Allegri, but Juventus and Real Madrid are in the lead. The Nerazzurri are ready to make an effort to sign a top-notch coach after the sudden departure of Antonio Conte. However, it will not be easy to beat out the competition. Zinedine Zidane will leave the Merengues, while the Bianconeri are discussing Allegri's contract.

Antonio Conte Officially Leaves Inter, Club Starts Hunt for New Coach

May 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Antonio Conte has officially parted ways with Inter, as he has come to terms with the club to rescind his contract a year early. Suning is planning significant budget cuts because of economic difficulties; instead, the coach wanted more ambitious prospects. He reportedly received about half of his remaining wages as a severance package.

Donnarumma Leaves Milan but Has No Agreement with Other Clubs

May 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, PSG, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Gianluigi Donnarumma is leaving Milan as a free agent, as confirmed by club director Paolo Maldini. However, he has not come to terms with any other team so far. The Rossoneri made their call as they were tired of waiting for an answer on the extension. Barcelona and PSG are possible options for the Italian goalkeeper.

The Turin prosecutors suspect that Juventus established relationships with other Serie A teams that could endanger the fairness of the competition.

Juventus Officially Moving on from Long-Tenured Director Fabio Paratici

May 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Juventus have announced their first decision in what could be a summer filled with changes. Fabio Paratici, the managing director of the football area, will leave the club at the end of his contract on June 30th. He first joined the club from Sampdoria in 2010. He is expected to be replaced by his right-hand man Federico Cherubini and has been linked to some foreign teams.

Juventus Actively Challenging Real Madrid to Hire Massimiliano Allegri

May 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Juventus want to beat out the fierce competition to appoint Massimiliano Allegri. The return of the former boss is their top choice to replace Andrea Pirlo on the bench. The Bianconeri do not want to wait much longer and are willing to match any contract offered to him. Real Madrid is their biggest competitor, but also Inter and PSG are eyeing Allegri.

Antonio Conte and Inter Now Headed Towards a Parting of the Ways

May 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

Antonio Conte could leave Inter in short order because of irreconcilable disagreements with Suning over the future of the team. Ownership is looking to make a profit in the upcoming transfer market window, while the coach would like to strengthen the squad to compete in Europe. Two completely opposite positions that are likely to lead to a divorce.

Fiorentina Officially Appoint Gennaro Gattuso as Their New Coach

May 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Fiorentina, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Fiorentina have won the Gennaro Gattuso sweepstakes and announced the hiring Tuesday. The Viola had been pursuing him for weeks, but Lazio and Juventus recently joined the race. The 2006 World Cup winner met with directors Joe Barone and Daniele Pradè today and quickly put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract. Meanwhile, Napoli are no longer appointing Sergio Conceiçao.

Author: Enrico Passarella