Marko Vrakela, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Napoli have managed to add yet another defensive reinforcement after agreeing the fee for Norwegian defender Leo Ostigard from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Napoli Defender Ostigard Enthusiastic About Partnership with Natan

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Napoli, Serie A Leave a comment

Leo Ostigard has delivered his verdict on his defensive partnership with Brazilian center-back Nathan following a 4-0 thumping of Lecce. The Norwegian defender got off the mark in the Partenopei colors with a towering header to open the scoring.

Victor Osimhen hit the net as Napoli breezed to a healthy 4-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday, but he wasn’t exactly the picture of happiness.

Napoli Player Ratings vs Lecce: Subs Going Nuclear in Puglia

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Napoli, Player Ratings, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

High-flying Napoli put on another convincing performance following a 4-1 demolition of Udinese on Wednesday. This time, Lecce felt the wrath of the reigning Serie A champions' bid to silence their critics, finishing on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline at Stadio Via del Mare.

Mattia Zaccagni has been tipped to prolong his Lazio contract for a while following a glorious season, but the parties have yet to come to an understanding.

Lazio Facing Risk of Losing Zaccagni to Bitter Serie A Rivals

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Juventus, Lazio, Serie A, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Lazio could potentially face the risk of losing out headline winger Mattia Zaccagni to fierce rivals Juventus amid a contractual standstill. As per Gazzetta dello Sport via LazioNews24, Bianconeri sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is monitoring the Italian's situation at the Stadio Olimpico with bated breath.

Lazio are targeting Domenico Berardi but, as has happened in previous windows, the price tag established by Sassuolo is lofty.

Juventus Plot Unexpected Sale to Fund Berardi Deal

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Juventus haven't given up the ambitious idea of bringing Sassuolo marquee winger Domenico Berardi back to the Allianz Stadium. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has devised a strategy to raise funds for the Italian's return.

Atalanta face Raków in their UEFA Europa League opener after a year’s absence from Europe, but Gasperini will have to make do without their star striker.

Atalanta Only Think of Juventus Clash Insists Gasperini

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Atalanta, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists his men are focused on the upcoming Serie A clash against Juventus despite a tricky Europa League contest against Sporting Lisbon awaiting them in a few days. During a pre-game conference, the experienced tactician hailed Bianconeri as one of the best teams in the division.

Dusan Vlahovic scored a brace with his right foot against Lazio. Until that day, he had netted just 8 eight goals in that manner.

Juventus to Take On Atalanta Without Vlahovic Says Allegri

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed star striker Dusan Vlahovic won't be available for selection this weekend. The record-time Serie A champions travel to the Gewiss Stadium to encounter Atalanta in Sunday's mouth-watering league contest without their standout forward.

Inter won’t sign Lazar Samardzic, as there have been no advancements in the talks with his agents. The Nerazzurri are leaving the negotiation.

Udinese Ace Opens Up on Busted Inter Move

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Inter, Serie A, Udinese Leave a comment

Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic has opened up on his busted move to Inter in the transfer window recently completed. In an interview with Sportweek, the Serbia international insisted money had nothing to do with a breakdown in talks between him and Nerazzurri.

Rafael Leao left Saturday’s clash with Lazio in the early going due to a muscular problem. The injury isn’t severe, but he could miss Wednesday's game.

Milan to Make 5 Changes to Starting Lineup for Lazio Game

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela AC Milan, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

Milan coach Stefano Pioli could make up to five changes to his starting lineup for Saturday's mouth-watering clash against Lazio. The Italian manager fielded a mixed XI in a come-from-behind 3-1 at Cagliari in midweek Serie A action.

Salernitana vs Inter: Serie A Preview, Potential Lineups & Prediction

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela Inter, Salernitana, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

Saturday's Serie A action caps off with a lopsided encounter at Stadio Arechi as Salernitana and Inter lock horns in contrasting circumstances. Let’s look at our match preview for this contest.

Milan vs Lazio: Serie A Preview, Potential Lineups & Prediction

September 30, 2023 Marko Vrakela AC Milan, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

Scudetto-bidding Milan and out-of-sorts Lazio renew hostilities in a mouth-watering Serie A fixture at San Siro on Saturday evening. Let’s look at our match preview for this contest.

Portugal tried to convince José Mourinho, but they will probably come up empty-handed. The Special One is leaning toward refusing the proposal.

Roma Player Ratings vs Genoa: Giallorossi Trounced by Newcomers

September 28, 2023 Marko Vrakela Genoa, Player Ratings, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

If Roma thought their disastrous start to the new Serie A campaign couldn't go more wrong, a rampant Genoa side convinced them otherwise. The Griffins wiped the floor with Giallorossi at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, steamrolling to an overwhelming 4-1 victory.

Denzel Dumfries could have left Inter last summer as he drew offers from the Premier League. Simone Inzaghi convinced him to stay.

Inter Player Ratings vs Sassuolo: Imploding Nerazzurri No Longer Perfect

September 27, 2023 Marko Vrakela Inter, Player Ratings, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024 Leave a comment

Sassuolo pulled off another massive upset in less than seven days as they fought back from a narrow deficit to beat Inter 2-1 at Giuseppe Meazza. Only four days after dismantling Juventus 4-2 on home turf, Alessio Dionisi's men knocked Nerazzurri down from a perfect Serie A start.

Author: Marko Vrakela