This weekend, calcio fans were ecstatic as Serie A returned to their screens. But besides watching their favorite league, Italian football fanatics tend to keep an eye on the action in the rest of the Old Continent, especially when it involves an Azzurri star or even an Italian manager. Therefore, the Cult of Calcio will be delivering a weekly roundup containing the latest from the Italians across Europe.
Magnificent Grifo Freekick Stuns Dortmund
Despite being relatively unknown in Italy, Vincenzo Grifo received regular callups from Roberto Mancini’s national team. The Italo-German eventually missed out on a spot in the final 26-man squad that went out to win the Euro 2020, but he remains an important member of the Freiburg squad.
The black and white club hosted Borussia Dortmund, and managed to produce the shocker of the weekend in the Bundesliga with a 2-1 win over their visitors, in part thanks to the Italian’s marvelous opener.
Grifo took his freekick brilliantly, sending an absolute scorcher to the top corner, leaving no chance for the hapless goalkeeper.
Verratti Delivers for PSG Amidst Messi and Neymar Absence
Despite the arrivals of five top world class players, Marco Verratti still holds an elusive presence within Paris Saint-Germain’s star-studded squad.
Leo Messi and Neymar were both absent from the starting lineup against Brest, but the capital club still won their third match in a row with a 4-2 result.
As for the Italian, he managed to complete the most dribbles in the match (5), as well as the most tackles (3), even though the left the pitch on the 72nd minute.
As for Gianluigi Donnarumma, the giant goalkeeper is yet to feature of the Ligue 1, but he made his intentions known by stating that although he respect his competitor for the starting spot Keylor Navas, he came to Paris to play on as regular basis.
Jorginho Wins London Derby
From one midfield maestro to another. Whilst Emerson Palmieri was packing his bags in preparation for his Lyon transfer, Jorginho led the midfield for Thomas Tuchel, as Chelsea emerged victorious against Arsenal in a predictable fashion.
The former Napoli man maintained his side’s composure in the absence of N’Golo Kanté, whilst his midfielder partner Mateo Kovacic burst forward to support the attacks.
Romelu Lukaku enjoyed a debut goal on his return to the Stamford Bridge, and Reece James added the second, as the Blues comfortably won the London Derby.
Ancelotti Draws in Thrilling Encounter
On Sunday, Real Madrid travelled to meet Levante in the second round of La Liga. But few expected Carlo Ancelotti’s men to face so much adversity from their foes.
Gareth Bale gave Los Blancos an early lead, but the hosts turned the tie upside down with two goals in the second half. A swift counter attack allowed Vinicius Jr. to equalize, but Levante quickly took the lead again.
Nonetheless, the young Brazilian equalized the scoring for the second time with a breath-taking touch with the outside of his foot, sparring Ancelotti’s blushes as he avoided a first defeat at this very early stage of the season.