Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Danilo Likens Juventus Coach Andrea Pirlo to Pep Guardiola

March 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Juventus defender Danilo stated in an interview with Marca that the philosophy of his current manager Andrea Pirlo is comparable to Pep Guardiola’s one, who coached him at Manchester City. The defender indicated that the squad is fully behind the gaffer, whose ideas have been clear since the get-go.

Milan Looking to Give Franck Kessié New Long-Term Contract

March 9, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

Franck Kessie is having his finest year at Milan yet and his value has skyrocketed, but the club plans to give him a long-term extension to keep away the top teams, starting with Real Madrid, that are interested in him. His new deal will last until 2026.

“Ronaldo Would Play Only in Champions League,” Says Bonucci

March 8, 2021 Enrico Passarella Champions League, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

After partially getting the day off against Lazio, Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Juventus’ attack in Tuesday’s return leg of the Champions League bout with Porto. Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Pirlo discussed the Portuguese ace ahead of the pivotal clash.

Andrea Agnelli Wants to Reduce Noncompetitive League Games

March 8, 2021 Enrico Passarella Champions League, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

As president of the European Club Association, Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli reiterated his push to change the setup of the continental competitions in the opening speech of the 25th assembly of the teams’ body, which will examine the rumored new Champions League format with a super-sized first stage.

Atalanta Tipped to Beat Milan and Chelsea to Sign Defensive Prospect

March 8, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Atalanta are poised to come out on top in the race to acquire Malmoe defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, as the player himself confirmed in an interview. Milan, Chelsea and PSV were said to be also after 21-year-old center-back. The Goddess are rumored to be paying €8M for the acquisition.

Barcelona Strongly Pursuing Juventus Star Defender Matthijs De Ligt

March 8, 2021 Enrico Passarella Barcelona, Calciomercato, Juventus, Transfer Market

Matthijs De Ligt is the main target for Barcelona to bolster the defense and the Blaugrana will try to use their Dutch connections to convince him to join. However Juventus, despite the losses announced recently, have no plans of selling their young center-back.

Inter veteran Arturo Vidal has received transfer interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray, who are now one among the four suitors interested in the Chilean.

Jorge Sampaoli Would Welcome Reunion with Inter Star Arturo Vidal

March 4, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Uncategorized

Jorge Sampaoli would like to coach Arturo Vidal again and will ask Olympique Marseille to try to make it happen in the summer. His departure, especially after he lost the starting job to Christian Eriksen, can not be ruled out, but there are some issues working against it.

Manchester United Loanee Unlikely to Stay at Lazio Past Current Season

March 4, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Manchester United, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market, Uncategorized

Andreas Pereira has not seen consistent playing time since he joined Lazio on a loan from Manchester United and therefore it is highly unlikely that the Biancocelesti will pick up the €25M to acquire him at the end of the season. He has featured in just 458 minutes thus far.

Napoli Star Lorenzo Insigne Pictured Insulting His Squad for Late Penalty

March 4, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A

Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne was caught on camera as he lashed out at his teammates in the final moments of the match against Sassuolo. The striker mouthed off at the defenders after the referee awarded a very late penalty kick to the Neroverdi.

Director Fabio Paratici Set to Stay at Juventus Despite Expiring Contract

March 4, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Uncategorized

The Agnelli family is not planning any shake-up of the Juventus management and therefore Fabio Paratici is poised to have his expiring contract extended. Vicepresident Pavel Nedved and Federico Cherubini are also slated to be remain in their current positions.

Serie A Risks Being Thrown into Disarray if COVID Strikes Again

March 3, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

The decision not to postpone Tuesday’s game between Lazio and Torino could have significant ramifications on the remaining portion of the Serie A schedule, especially should other teams be hit by COVID later in the season, to the point that playoffs could become a concrete option if the situation spirals out of control.

Ronaldo on Track to Be All-Time Top Scorer and Other Juventus News

March 3, 2021 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

After scoring yesterday against Spezia, Cristiano Ronaldo is now on a par with Pelé for goals scored in official matches at 767 and he has set his eyes on Romario (772) and Josef Bican (805). Juventus have redeemed Weston McKennie, while Matthijs De Ligt escaped without significant injuries.

Author: Enrico Passarella