Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Stadio Olimpico Finally Confirmed by UEFA as Euro 2021 Host

April 14, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, Italian Football, Serie A, The Azzurri

After some back-and-forth, Rome has officially been confirmed as one of the venues for the 2021 European Championship. UEFA announced earlier today to have received from the Italian Football Association the guarantee that matches at the Stadio Olimpico will take place with spectators. At least 25 percent of the capacity will be allowed.

Juventus Still Tracking Chelsea Unhappy Fullback Emerson Palmieri

April 14, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Emerson Palmieri would like to return to Italy and Juventus in particular are monitoring him ahead of the next window. The left-back has fallen out of favor at Chelsea after Ben Chilwell's arrival and Marcos Alonso has seen more playing time than him.

Mattia Zaccagni Waiting for Milan Despite Napoli’s Intense Courtship

April 14, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Hellas Verona, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Napoli have virtually closed the deal to sign Mattia Zaccagni from Hellas Verona, but the player is biding his time to see if Milan will make a move too. The midfielder has fully flourished this season, tallying 5 goals and 7 assists in 29 appearances and earning a call-up by Italy’s coach Roberto Mancini.

Juventus Stepping up the Pressure for Return of Kean from Everton

April 14, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, everton, Italian Football, Juventus, Paris Saint Germain, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Juventus have put Moise Kean on top of the list of targets for the attack and want to bring him back regardless of what will happen to the other strikers. His price tag has spiked compared to a year ago, but the Bianconeri can propose few swap deals that might entice the Toffees.

Gasperini Facing Possible Suspension for Anti-Doping Incident

April 13, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Italian Football, Serie A

Gian Piero Gasperini has been referred by the anti-doping prosecutor Pierfilippo Laviani and could be slapped with a 20-day suspension. The coach is accused of insulting an inspector, lashing out against the whole system and interrupting the test on a player to send him back to practice.

Milan have probed some options to add depth to their defense, but they might already have one in-house, Mattia Caldara, who played at Spezia last season.

Mattia Caldara Set to Return at Milan after Underwhelming Atalanta Spell

April 13, 2021 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Matteo Caldara will head back to Milan in the summer as Atalanta will not retain him. The Orobici have a €16M option to permanently acquire him following an 18-month loan spell, but they will not pick it up. The 26-year-old center-back will be back at Stefano Pioli’s disposal in the pre-season.

Ronaldo Could Be Enticed to Stay at Juventus by Fiscal Advantages

April 13, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Cristiano Ronaldo would benefit financially if he did not leave Juventus this summer. After joining, he adhered to a very favorable tax break for reserved to foreigners related to earnings generated outside of Italy, saving massively on the profits coming from image rights and sponsorships.

Milan Short-List Three Touted Strikers to Rejuvenate the Attack

April 13, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Torino

Milan will continue to count on Zlatan Ibrahimovic next season but plan to pair him up with a younger striker. The management are primarily working on three targets: Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, Torino’s Andrea Belotti and PSV’s Donyell Malen.

Inter Eyeing Betis Defender Aissa Mandi to Add Depth to the Backline

April 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Inter are considering making a cheap addition to the back-line and are keeping tabs on Aissa Mandi. The center-back will meet with Betis Sevilla next week but is expected to tell the club that he will not extend his expiring contract. The Nerazzurri have offered him a four-year deal worth €2M per season and are reportedly nearing an agreement.

Italy Asking for More Time to Decide on Fans at Olimpico for Euro 2021

April 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella Euro 2020, Italian Football, Italy

Rome was one of the four locations on which UEFA withheld judgment regarding their viability for Euro 2021, alongside Munich, Bilbao, and Dublin. While the Italian government has given its green light to allow fans on the stands, the technical-scientifical committee stated that it is impossible to set a percentage now. On the other hand, the international federation wants a firm answer by April 19th.

Cristiano Ronaldo Slammed for Throwing Juve Jersey to the Ground

April 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly nervous throughout Sunday’s game versus Genoa, where he failed to score and missed a pair of easy opportunities. After the final whistle, he was pictured tossing the jersey to the ground, which a ball boy quickly scooped up.

Milan Making Progress in Pursuit of Olympique Marseille Ace Thauvin

April 12, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Transfer Market

Milan have long chased after Florian Thauvin, who is poised to leave Olympique Marseille at the end of his contract. However, the negotiation has not advanced in a while due to his lofty demands on wages. Recently, though, the player and his entourage have seemed willing to decrease them.

Author: Enrico Passarella