UEFA Champions League Archives - The Cult of Calcio

Politano and Di Lorenzo Regret Napoli Draw with Union Berlin

November 9, 2023 Akhil Fisher Champions League, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Union Berlin

Union Berlin claimed their first ever point in the UEFA Champions League in the 1-1 draw vs Napoli, who failed to close the gap to group leaders Real Madrid. Partenopei stalwart Matteo Politano and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo shared their regret over the failed chance to win a first UCL home game in three outings.

Leonardo Bonucci is inching closer to his Serie A return, as Roma are advancing in the negotiations to add him from Union Berlin.

Bonucci Reviews Significant Point vs Napoli, Praises Raspadori

November 9, 2023 Akhil Fisher Champions League, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Union Berlin

Leonardo Bonucci was key in keeping Napoli at bay, with Union avoiding a defeat for the first time in 13 games across all competitions, having lost 12 games in a row since beating Darmstadt in August: "We knew that we had to do something more. And something had already changed in training."

Things are heating up ahead of the weekend, with the capital derby. Sarri had claimed Roma would be playing a ‘friendly’ in their encounter against Praha.

Mourinho Strikes Back at Sarri Ahead of UEL Clash vs Slavia

November 9, 2023 Akhil Fisher Champions League, Europa League, Italian Football, Lazio, Roma, Serie A

Things are heating up ahead of the weekend, with the Derby della Capitale mounting pressure on both managers. Maurizio Sarri had earlier claimed that while Lazio faced ‘war’ against Feyenoord, Roma would be playing a ‘friendly’ in their encounter against Slavia Praha. José Mourinho has now hit back at Sarri.

Ciro Immobile came off the bench late against Fiorentina but took center stage following a rough stretch with a clutch PK.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Feyenoord: Immobile Keeps the Dream Alive

November 8, 2023 Davide Kociu Champions League, European Cups, International Football, Lazio, Player Ratings

Lazio’s Champions League fate hung in the balance tonight as group leaders Feyenoord travelled to the eternal city. Here's how Maurizio Sarri's men got on in their first big game of the week.

Milan considered firing Stefano Pioli after their latest stumble against Salernitana, but he’ll stay on the bench for the Sassuolo game.

Milan Eager to Turn Things Around vs PSG, Says Pioli

November 7, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Italian Football, Paris Saint Germain, PSG, Serie A

Milan’s four-match winless run has set in doubts regarding the managerial prowess of Stefano Pioli ahead of the Rossoneri’s showdown against Paris Saint-Germain at San Siro. However, the experienced manager is still confident his team can turn things around following a poor start to the UEFA Champions League group stages.

Brazil icon Ronaldinho expects the UEFA Champions League clash between two of his former teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, to be a magnificent match.

Ronaldinho Expects ‘Magnificent’ PSG and Milan Clash

October 25, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Italian Football, Paris Saint Germain, PSG, Serie A

Brazil icon Ronaldinho expects the clash between two of his former teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, to be a magnificent match. Quite aptly nicknamed as the Wizard, Ronaldinho mesmerized fans at both Parc Des Princes and San Siro at the start of the century and in the late 2000’s respectively.

Despite the emotions at play, Mbappé will be eager to score against Milan, the club he idolized as a youngster and inflict perhaps a third winless UCL game.

Milan UCL Encounter Set to Snowball Mbappé Emotions

October 25, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Italian Football, Paris Saint Germain, PSG, Serie A

Despite the emotions at play, Mbappé will be eager to score against Milan, the club he idolized as a youngster and inflict perhaps a third winless UCL game on the trot for the visitors. PSG themselves are looking to bounce back from their heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Davide Frattesi managed to establish his presence in Simone Inzaghi’s five-man midfield, and revealed what it takes for Inter to play to their strengths.

Frattesi Commends Inzaghi’s Tactical Exploits in Inter Training

October 25, 2023 Akhil Fisher Champions League, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

Despite the Nerazzurri’s inefficiency, Davide Frattesi managed to establish his presence in Simone Inzaghi’s five-man midfield, winning the penalty that led to the winner. The MOTM revealed what it takes for Inter to play to the best of their strengths. He took stock of the team performance afterward.

Luis Enrique is aware of Milan’s stature on the European level, with PSG set to take on the seven-time UCL winners in a highly-anticipated clash in Paris.

PSG Coach Luis Enrique Previews UCL Encounter vs Milan

October 24, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Italian Football, Paris Saint Germain, PSG, Serie A

Luis Enrique is aware of Milan’s stature on the European level, with Paris Saint-Germain set to take on the seven-time UEFA Champions League title holders in a highly-anticipated encounter at Parc des Princes. The Rossoneri are yet to taste a victory after consecutive stalemates, while PSG will look to bounce back

Milan have been tipped to go after a few strikers to have a more credible Olivier Giroud deputy. Their plans for the position aren’t yet set in stone.

Giroud Warns Milan of Mbappé Threat Ahead of PSG Showdown

October 24, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Champions League, Italian Football, Paris Saint Germain, PSG, Serie A

Milan travel to Paris seeking a first win this UEFA Champions League campaign after consecutive stalemates against Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United. Rossoneri striker Olivier Giroud believes it will be a special match for French players, with the likes of Mike Maignan, Pierre Kalulu and Theo Hernandez in the team.

Ancelotti has taken account of the illegal betting case that has rocked calcio, with Tonali, Fagioli and Zaniolo all in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Ancelotti Takes Stock of Betting Scandal: “Gambling is a Disease”

October 17, 2023 Akhil Fisher Italian Football, Italy, Real Madrid, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, The Azzurri

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has taken account of the illegal betting case that has rocked calcio, with several Italian stars such as Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Fagioli and Nicolo Zaniolo all in the spotlight for the wrong reasons: "It was a serious negligence on the part of these kids."

Kaka and Shevchenko's Serie A returns to Milan didn't work out well

Shevchenko Rolls Back Decades to Reveal Most Important Strike

October 13, 2023 Akhil Fisher AC Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Ukraine

Ukraine icon Andriy Shevchenko has revealed the most significant goal of his playing career, going back twenty years when Milan won their sixth European cup. The 2003 UEFA Champions League went the Rossoneri’s way after Shevchenko netted the final penalty of the game past Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon in the shootouts following a goalless scoreline in normal time.

Tag: UEFA Champions League