Michel Sakr, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Who Are The 37 Italy Players Called-up by Roberto Mancini?

August 30, 2020 Michel Sakr FIGC, Italian Football, Italy, Nations League, Serie A, Uncategorized

Italy CT Mancini revealed the names of the 37 players called up for the national team's upcoming fixtures against Bosnia and the Netherlands on September 4 and 7 as part of the second version of UEFA's Nation League competition. With EURO 2021 set to take place next summer, the Nations League will present an opportunity for the coach to test different ideas.

The Three Positions Fiorentina Must Address This Summer

August 28, 2020 Michel Sakr Fiorentina, Italian Football, Serie A, Uncategorized

Few were the Fiorentina supporters who mourned the departure of former club owners the Della Valle Brothers last summer, as they finally sold Tuscany's biggest football club to Rocco Commisso. The change in ownership injected some much-needed cash and enthusiasm as the new president quickly became a fan favorite around Florence.

The Three Positions That Milan Should Address This Summer

August 28, 2020 Michel Sakr AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

After the disappointing start to the 2019-20 season, newly-appointed Milan manager Giampaolo was sacked by the club. His replacement Stefano Pioli was only able to bag a series of mixed results throughout the "normal" part of the season. Luckily for Pioli, his team's late charge was enough to save his job and that of the club's director Maldini.

The Reasons Behind The Antonio Conte Turnaround At Inter

August 26, 2020 Michel Sakr Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

After a crunch meeting with Inter president Steven Zhang, the expected departure of Antonio Conte from the club was suddenly canceled (or at least delayed), as the former Juventus and Chelsea boss will remain at the helm of Inter's technical staff for the 2020-2021 season. So what are the reasons behind this unexpected turnaround?

Allegri Tipped To Replace Conte – How Would He Make Inter Play?

August 25, 2020 Michel Sakr Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Stickers Swapping, Transfer Market

One of the hottest topics of the summer in Italy is Antonio Conte's probable departure from Inter after just one season from joining the black-and-blue side of Milan. Former Milan and Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has been tipped as the bookies favorite to replace him once again. So what should the Serie A fans around the globe expect from "Allegri's Inter"?

Transfer Market: Three Positions Lazio Must Address This Summer

August 23, 2020 Michel Sakr Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Stickers Swapping, Transfer Market

For quite some time last season, Lazio appeared a serious contender for the Scudetto, before ultimately drifting away from the race due to lack of squad depth. Thus, President Lotito will need to work hard in this transfer market session to improve the quality of a side which will also play the Champions League this coming season.

It’s Pirlo’s Juventus Again: Will Agnelli’s Personal Gamble Pay Off?

August 19, 2020 Michel Sakr Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A

President Andrea Agnelli is taking a personal gamble in handing Andrea Pirlo the job of Juventus head coach. But can the inexperienced young coach excel in his first managerial gig and succeed where a number of elite managers failed? What should the Bianconeri fans expect from this surprising appointment and how will Pirlo make Juventus play?

Who Is Sergio Reguilon and Why May Napoli Need Him?

August 17, 2020 Michel Sakr Calciomercato, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2019-2020, Stickers Swapping, Transfer Market

Napoli have reportedly set their eyes on Sevilla's left-back Sergio Reguilon. But who is this Real Madrid home-grown left back who has been recently stealing the international stage with his excellent Europa League performances and what good could he do to Gennaro Gattuso's Partenopei? Napoli must act quick as Reguilon seems to be on many clubs' radar.

Author: Michel Sakr