Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Ronaldo Hit with Staggering Request for Damage in Mayorga Case

April 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Former model Kathryn Mayorga is asking €65M in damages to Cristiano Ronaldo for an alleged sexual assault that happened in Las Vegas in 2009. The star striker has denied the incident on multiple occasions. The Clark County District Attorney’s Office looked into the matter in 2018 and declined to prosecute him because of insufficient evidence.

Despite the tribulations over the years, the Zhang family is fully committed to Inter. They demonstrated it again by turning down an offer to sell the club.

Inter President Steven Zhang Facing Big Challenges in Return to Italy

April 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Inter president Steven Zhang has landed in Milan yesterday after a seven-month absence caused by the COVID-19 traveling restrictions. He will have his hands full during his stay as he will try to provide some direction on multiple fronts, both financially and on the sporting side. The Chinese ownership plans to keep up their winning ways despite the uncertainty.

Having scored a goal and put on a great performance at the back, Fikayo Tomori is our man of the match for the Top Serie A clash between Juventus and Milan - player ratings

Milan Met with Fikayo Tomori as They Mull Acquisition from Chelsea

April 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

The Milan brass met with Fikayo Tomori at the club’s headquarters yesterday. It was a routine summit that the management hold with every player to take stock of how they are doing. In his case, it had transfer market-related meaning because the club will have to make the call on the €28M option to buy him from Chelsea.

Massimiliano Allegri Rumored to Be Already Bracing for Juventus Return

April 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Despite the recent statements of the executive, the future of Andrea Pirlo on the Juventus bench might have already been sealed, regardless of what will happen down the stretch. Massimiliano Allegri is the clear frontrunner to take his place with or without a Champions League berth. The stint of the rookie coach could end as soon as this Sunday.

Milan Boss Pioli in Trouble Without Champions League Qualification

April 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Milan's late slide could cost Stefano Pioli the confirmation on the Milan bench for next season. He was the architect of their quick start, but he has not been able to find remedies to their recent difficulties. His future seemed certain up until a month ago, but missing out on Champions League would force the club to re-evaluate his position.

Juventus Not Concerned About Barcelona’s Interest in Matthijs De Ligt

April 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Juventus bested Barcelona in the race to sign Matthijs De Ligt from Ajax two years ago, but the Spanish side has not stopped monitoring him afterward. The Blaugrana have put the star defender on their shopping list for the summer, but the Bianconeri are not worried about their pursuit. His €125M release clause will come into effect only in 2022.

Lautaro Martinez, Inter, Atletico Madrid

Agent Reassures About Lautaro Martinez and Hakimi’s Future at Inter

April 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez recently changed his agent while the negotiation for his new contract was ongoing. He is now represented by Martin Camaro, who also assists Achraf Hakimi. The forward is currently tied to the club until 2023 with a low salary given his level of performance. The switch is not expected to alter the positive outcome of the talks.

Strong Finish Might Change the Faith of Gennaro Gattuso at Napoli

April 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

The blistering pace kept by Napoli in the second half of the season might convince Aurelio De Laurentiis to keep Gennaro Gattuso on the bench. The two have been at loggerheads since a disappointing stretch during the Winter, but the team has been on a roll lately. While the president and the coach have rarely spoken in recent months, neither has definitely shut the door on reconciling and continuing together.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Under Investigation for Involvement in Betting Site

April 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

UEFA have launched a probe on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to look into a possible breach of the rules against betting. The Milan striker might have violated the ethical code because he co-owns a site that is registered in Malta. The situation could lead to a fine, while a suspension is considered unlikely.

Juventus Coach Andrea Pirlo Could Be Sacked with Another Poor Result

April 27, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

The Juventus management was deeply disappointed with the performance of the team in Florence. While the rumors of an immediate firing of rookie coach Andrea Pirlo have been dismissed, he could indeed get the ax if the team struggles again versus Udinese. Lead assistant Igor Tudor would take over to try to salvage the situation.

PSG Pull Out of the Race to Sign Gianluigi Donnarumma on a Free

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

PSG have the extended the contract of Keylor Navas and therefore are no longer in the running for the services of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The French side was previously linked to Donnarumma, whose contract expires in June. At the moment, only Juventus are challenging Milan, but neither have met the demands of his agent Mino Raiola.

Maurizio Sarri is discontent with how Lazio operated in the January window. They signed just Jovane Cabral and Dimitrije Kamenovic.

Roma Making Strong Run at Maurizio Sarri to Anticipate Tottenham

April 26, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Tottenham

Maurizio Sarri is Roma’s top option to replace Paulo Fonseca, who is bound to leave no matter what will happen in Europa League. Tiago Pinto, the CEO of the Giallorossi, will meet Fali Ramadami, the gaffer’s representative, in the next few days to try securing an early agreement. He has previously been linked to Tottenham.

Author: Enrico Passarella