Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

With an upcoming meeting looming, Inter will restart from the same three key figures under the Oaktree ownership, the two CEOs and Simone Inzaghi.

Inter Risk an Operational Stoppage Due to Debt Deal

May 17, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Steven Zhang is unlikely to put pen to paper with Pimco or Oaktree by end of day despite the looming deadline to repay a massive loan to the former. There could be a technical extension of the terms. The affair might spill over to the courtrooms.

Aurelio De Laurentiis is ready to bring several changes to Napoli following a woeful season. As widely reported, the Azzurri will poach exec Giovanni Manna.

De Laurentiis Dishes on Kvaratshkelia, Conte, and More

May 17, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Aurelio De Laurentiis is ready to bring several changes to Napoli following a woeful season. As widely reported, the Azzurri will poach Juventus exec Giovanni Manna, although the president didn’t mention him directly talking to the press.

While Milan have yet to truly zero in on a new coach, their future roster is starting to take shape. Olivier Giroud has already announced his departure.

Milan Identify Multiple Cornerstones to Build Around

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

While Milan have yet to truly zero in on a new coach, their future roster is starting to take shape. Olivier Giroud has announced his departure, and Simon Kjaer is on his way out as well. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic will stay put.

Inter have clearly identified Bento as their top target to join and eventually take over from Yann Sommer between the sticks.

Inter List Serie A Pair as Prospective Bento Fallbacks

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Genoa, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Monza, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter have clearly identified Bento as their top target to join and eventually take over from Yann Sommer between the sticks. On the other hand, they aren’t the only side chasing after him, and his price tag is substantial.

Napoli have long started searching for a quality Victor Osimhen heir, but they’ll have to spend big for two options, Artem Dovbyk and Samu Omorodion.

Napoli Face Major Obstacles for Two La Liga Targets

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, La Liga, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Napoli have long started searching for a quality Victor Osimhen replacemenent, but they’ll have to spend big for two of their options, Artem Dovbyk and Samu Omorodion. The latter bloomed while on loan from Atletico Madrid to Alaves.

Lille Coach Fonseca Continues to Linger in Milan Search

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Ligue 1, Lille, Marseille, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025

Paulo Fonseca has been a constant presence on the Milan shortlist to replace Stefano Pioli and gained traction in the last couple of days amid the obstacles for other candidates. The Rossoneri wouldn’t need to negotiate with his side, Lille.

Roma have more question marks than certainties on their defensive wings and set sights on Lecce, earmarking Valentin Gendrey and Patrick Dorgu.

Roma Reportedly Monitor Two Promising Lecce Fullbacks

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lecce, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Roma have more question marks than certainties on their defensive wings and set sights on Lecce to restock them, earmarking Valentin Gendrey and Patrick Dorgu. Angelino might be their only current fullback still on the squad next season.

Milan have put out feelers about other strikers but continue to be focused on trying to sign Joshua Zirkzee. He has long been their preferred option.

New Twist in Zirkzee Saga Greatly Favors His Suitors

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bologna, Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Manchester United, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Joshua Zirkzee has been linked to most Serie A powerhouses and a few foreign teams, and Bologna might have lost some of their negotiating power. His agent Kia Joorabchian obtained to extend his €40M release clause to every team.

While Steven Zhang is in advanced talks with Pimco to replace the loan from Oaktree, the process won’t be resolved until very late.

Financial Maneuvers by Inter Owner Down to the Wire

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

While Steven Zhang is in advanced talks with Pimco to replace the loan from Oaktree, the process won’t be resolved until very late. The conversations are still ongoing, and some obstacles have emerged. The deadline is May 20th.

Federico Chiesa addressed his future during the festivities following Wednesday’s Coppa Italia victory: “The cup and the UCL were our goals."

Chiesa Expresses Desire to Stay Amid Contract Talks

May 16, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Coppa Italia, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Federico Chiesa addressed his future during the festivities following Wednesday’s Coppa Italia victory: “Winning the cup and qualifying for the Champions League were our goals. I’ve talked about the renewal with the director."

The entourage of Nahitan Nandez has once again proposed the player to Inter like in previous windows. He's about to be out of contract.

Cagliari Staple Nandez to Be Offered to Inter Again

May 15, 2024 Enrico Passarella Cagliari, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

The entourage of Nahitan Nandez has once again proposed the player to Inter like in previous windows. The situation of the Cagliari linchpin will be different this time. He’ll be out of contract in a couple of months.

Juventus continue to keep tabs on Khephren Thuram, who’s likely to depart Nice at the end of the season since his contract runs out in 2025.

Juventus Rekindle Interest in Affordable Nice Stalwart

May 15, 2024 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Nice, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Juventus continue to keep tabs on Khephren Thuram, who’s likely to depart Nice at the end of the season since his contract runs out in 2025. His extension talks haven’t gained traction so far, also because director Florent Ghisolfi is on his way out.

Author: Enrico Passarella