Football-italia
Ranieri: ‘Italian football on the up’
Ranieri: ‘Italian football on the up’
Claudio Ranieri believes “the climb has begun” for Italian football, and his Nantes are “a team to be discovered”. The former Juventus, Roma and Inter Coach is now working in France, so he gave something of an outsider’s perspective on Serie A in his interview with Gazzett dello Sport. “It’s regaining prestige,” Ranieri insisted. “It’s […]
Napoli agree new Ghoulam deal?
Napoli agree new Ghoulam deal?
According to Sportitalia, Napoli have agreed a new contract with Faouzi Ghoulam worth €4m per year with €45m release clause. The Algeria international’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season. Negotiations had been at an advanced stage when he sustained a serious knee injury, as the torn anterior cruciate ligament […]
Cagni: ‘Sarri system 30 years old’
Cagni: ‘Sarri system 30 years old’
Pep Guardiola said Napoli are the best opponents he’s ever faced, but Gigi Cagni claims “these systems were used 30 years ago in Holland.” Maurizio Sarri earned plaudits from all over the world for his style of football and 4-3-3 formation, including admiration from Manchester City boss Guardiola. However, not everyone is a fan of […]
Napoli test Ounas in Mertens role
Napoli test Ounas in Mertens role
Napoli are using the break for international duty to test Adam Ounas as a centre-forward as an alternative to Dries Mertens. The Partenopei have been left with no other strikers for that role, as Arkadiusz Milik was ruled out in September with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Ounas is technically a winger, but so was […]
Napoli told to forget Vrsaljko
Napoli told to forget Vrsaljko
Atletico Madrid rejected a proposal from Napoli to sign Sime Vrsaljko in January, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Partenopei require a left-back after Faouzi Ghoulam sustained a serious knee injury that will keep him out for around four months. Sky Sport Italia and Tuttomercatoweb report that Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis personally called up […]
Criscito ‘would love Napoli, but…’
Criscito ‘would love Napoli, but…’
Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito “would be very happy to come to Napoli, but it’s unlikely,” said his agent. The 30-year-old is from Naples, but has never played for his hometown club, and can work as a centre-back or left-back. He has been mentioned as an ideal January replacement for injured Faouzi Ghoulam. “His […]
Brazil planned Jorginho call
Brazil planned Jorginho call
Brazil “intended to call Jorginho in March,” reveals his agent, but the Napoli midfielder is committed to Italy, especially for the future. The Brazil-born talent is still eligible for both nations, as he has so far only played for the Azzurri in friendlies, but has been called up for the World Cup play-off against Sweden. […]
Eder or Zaza start Sweden-Italy?
Eder or Zaza start Sweden-Italy?
Italy tested the 3-5-2 formation again, as Eder and Simone Zaza battle to partner Ciro Immobile against Sweden, dropping Lorenzo Insigne. The first leg of the World Cup play-off is in Stockholm on Friday, with the decider at San Siro in Milan on Monday. Coach Giampiero Ventura has hinted he’s leaving aside the 4-2-4 formation […]
Skriniar: ‘Spalletti tough but good’
Skriniar: ‘Spalletti tough but good’
Milan Skriniar says Inter Coach Luciano Spalletti is “tough, but very good”, and jokes fans wanted him to change his first name. The centre-back joined the Nerazzurri from Sampdoria this summer, and has been widely praised for his performances, not least from the Coach. “Of course I’m not going to read what they say about […]
Mancini ‘ready’ for Italy job
Mancini ‘ready’ for Italy job
Roberto Mancini says “I’d be ready” if the Italy job became available and is backing Inter for the Scudetto. Italy must beat Sweden over two legs in the playoffs to qualify for the World Cup next summer, while Mancini’s former club remain unbeaten in Serie A after 12 games, just two points behind leaders Napoli. […]