Will Presnell, Author at The Cult of Calcio

At 30-years-old, Messias is not a young prospect, but at Milan he could last longer than most his age

Analyzing the Tactical Role of Junior Messias at Milan

December 6, 2021 Will Presnell AC Milan, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Tactical Trends

At 30-years-old, Messias is not a young prospect, but he could last longer than most his age. He has played in just 191 career matches and could easily have another three seasons left in his prime. In his brief time playing for the Rossoneri, the midfielder has already proven to be a tactical fit in Stefano Pioli's system.

Al Nassr have set sights on Juan Cuadrado, who’s on an expiring contract and destined to leave Juventus on a free at the end of the season.

Juventus vs Genoa 2-0 – Cuadrado Scores Corner Kick

December 5, 2021 Will Presnell Genoa, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

Juventus overwhelmed its opponents, not allowing a shot against in the first half. Juan Cuadrado was in top form for his club, scoring the winning goal and creating several chances from the wing. Genoa's play improved after halftime, but Salvatore Sirigu's impressive performance was the only reason the club did not concede more.

How Shevchenko’s Experience at Genoa Is Going So Far

December 2, 2021 Will Presnell AC Milan, Genoa, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Tactical Trends, Ukraine

Andriy Shevchenko comes to Genoa with the reputation of an up-and-coming coach. The 45-year-old led his country to its best ever Euro finish in 2021, taking the Blue and Yellow to the Quarterfinals against England.

Elite performances from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mike Maignan and Junior Messias were on display as Milan dominated Genoa 3-0

Genoa vs Milan Player Ratings: Messias Scores Brace

December 1, 2021 Will Presnell AC Milan, Genoa, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

Junior Messias scored a brace as Milan returned to its winning ways. Despite dropping its two previous matches, the Rossoneri overcame Genoa and new manager Andriy Shevchenko thanks to the Brazilian and a free kick strike from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Milan dominated the match and reclaimed second place in the league table, one point behind Napoli.

Italy vs Switzerland Player Ratings: Jorginho Misses Again

November 12, 2021 Will Presnell International Football, Italy, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Switzerland, World Cup 2022 Qualifiers

The two countries entered the matchup tied on 14 points in Group C with two games remaining. Italy dominated possession for much of the match, but Switzerland created its chances with dangerous counter attacks. In particular, the Rossocrociati were able to exploit Italy's right flank against Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Jorginho.

Milan and Inter faced off in a tactical battle at the San Siro, with Stefano Pioli's 4-2-3-1 countering Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2

Milan vs Inter Tactical Analysis: An Entertaining Draw

November 8, 2021 Will Presnell AC Milan, Inter, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Tactical Analysis

On Sunday, Milan and Inter faced off in a highly anticipated edition of the Derby della Madonnina. The tactical battle pitted Stefano Pioli's 4-2-3-1 against Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2. The match was a spectacle, with Milan winning the first half and Inter responding well in second.

Sampdoria have struggled mightily through their first 11 matches as manager Roberto D'Aversa's tactics are failing, and the club desperately needs change

Sampdoria and Roberto D’Aversa Must Win Now, or Else

November 2, 2021 Will Presnell Sampdoria, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Tactical Trends

Sampdoria have had a disappointing start to the Serie A season, earning nine points in eleven matches, sitting just outside of the relegation zone. Coach Roberto D’Aversa's start to the season has been underwhelming, most recently falling 0-3 to a Torino club with a comparable level of talent.

Roma vs Milan Player Ratings – Zlatan Scores 400th Domestic Goal

November 1, 2021 Will Presnell AC Milan, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

Milan extended its historic start to the campaign on Sunday, beating Roma 1-2 in an entertaining match. The Rossoneri dominated the first 60 minutes of the match, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Davide Calabria leading an inspired attack. Theo Hernandez's pair of yellow cards nearly turned the tide for the Romans, who scored a late goal, but the club's comeback attempt ultimately fell short.

Napoli vs Bologna 3-0 – Napoli Overwhelm Bologna, Retake First Place

October 28, 2021 Will Presnell Bologna, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

Napoli continued its unbeaten run and moved back into first place on Thursday night, defeating a lifeless Bologna squad. The Azzurri were dominant, largely keeping the ball out of the visitors' possession. Bologna's attack, despite flashing in the first half, was unable to generate many chances as Napoli's defense shut down Musa Barrow.

Atalanta vs Udinese 1-1: Exceptional Malinovskyi Strike Not Enough

October 24, 2021 Will Presnell Atalanta, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Udinese

Atalanta drew a scrappy match with Udinese in Bergamo on Sunday, with Ruslan Malinovskyi's second half goal not enough to win the match for La Dea. Beto's dramatic added time header stunned La Dea late from a corner kick, earning a deserved split points for the two clubs.

Juventus sent a clear warning to those who wish to break their Serie A domination as their crushed Sampdoria in their seasonal debut

Juventus Player Ratings – Kulusevski Goal Beats Zenit in Russia

October 20, 2021 Will Presnell Champions League, International Football, Juventus, Russia, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

Juventus' strong form continued on Wednesday night when the club beat Zenit 1-0. The Bianconeri defense turned in a fine performance even as its offense struggled, and the match seemed destined to end in a goalless draw. However, Dejan Kulusevski's 87th-minute goal rescued the visitors, turning an ugly match into a stunning victory.

Juventus vs Roma 1-0 – Early Kean Goal Earns Fourth Straight Win

October 17, 2021 Will Presnell Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

An early header from Moise Kean led Juventus to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Roma on Sunday. Despite losing Nicolo Zaniolo to a leg injury soon after, Roma responded well, creating several chances in both halves. Jordan Veretout crucially missed a penalty, and several other Roma chances failed to challenge Wojciech Szczęsny.

Author: Will Presnell