New kits are being “dropped” every day at the moment by the sides who’ll make up Serie A this season. There’s the new home kit, the away kit, the third kit, the special celebration third kit, the European away kit and the goalkeeper kit and at over €100 a time, it’s clear why teams do this.
And yet, what is wrong with them all? There’s very few I look at and think, “My word, take my money please”. As an Interista I’m very disappointed by this seasons crayon drawing away kit and the bizarre home stripes. Annoyingly, Milan’s away kit is a thing of beauty too.
But there was a time when Serie A kits were true works of art that were reminiscent of the renaissance artists of yesteryear. There’s a reason you’re more likely to see a classic retro effort in the Curva than the latest “effort”.
So what’s the best Italian kit of all time? I’ve made my choices, they’re below. Let me know what you think…
Inter Milan – 1989/90
I was always starting with Inter wasn’t I? This effort from the late 80s is a true masterpiece and puts the last few efforts to real shame. Inter finished third this season, but consistently win best kit compilations with this effort. Clean, simple and worn by the famous German trio of Brehme, Klinsmann and Matthaus it’s a lovely way to start…
Juventus – 1995/96
My word, this is a pure classic! They should’ve stopped designing Juventus kits here and just used this one consistently. And not just because they won the European Cup for the first time in 11 years. The Kappa creation, with the thinner stripes than we see today was complimented by the Sony sponsorship. Everything about this shirt works, give me this every season please!
Genoa – 1991/92
Genoa barely avoided relegation in 1992, but they should have been awarded an extra 5 points for this shirt alone. They did, however, reach the UEFA Cup Semi Final, narrowly avoiding an all Italian final by missing out to eventual winners Ajax. Torino knocked out Real Madrid, but that achievement means nothing when Genoa were rocking this simple classic.
Milan – 1988/89
Gullit. Van Basten. Rijkaard. Do you need any more than this? Ok fine, simple thin stripes, white shorts, total football – oh and a European Cup win. Just enjoy the kit.
Fiorentina – 1998/99
This might be my favourite shirt of all time. Not just in Italy. You don’t see many purple shirts in football but this just works. The Nintendo sponsorship is pure classic and the fact that it’s synonymous with Batigol just completes it. Great kit – 12/10
Perugia – 1999/00
Ok stick with me here. The dragon detailing on this kit is a fine addition. But let’s be honest, this is a slightly more English looking design than you’d get in Italy, almost reminds me of Charlton Athletic in these times. But Nakata running around in this shirt bring back fond memories. The kit makes it for that alone.
Roma – 2000/01
Any Scudetto kit is special for the team who won it, but this is a really smart kit. The classic collar, the orange trim, the Scudetto season, Francesco Totti and the start of the skin tight shirt era all made by Kappa. Pure. Italian. Gold.
Napoli – 1986/87
Diego Maradona won Napoli’s first Scudetto in this kit. I’m not saying anything else because that’s enough reason why this kit is great nostalgia. The Mars kit might be the more well known, but come on, look at that kit.
Torino – 1948/49
One of the greatest tragedies in Italian sport, the end of Grande Torino. It’s something to read about separately, this is a kit post. And that great team was characterised by this absolutely clean classic shirt. One colour, no sponsor, Scudetto on the chest, white colour. Perfection.
Lazio – 1999/00
Sven. Inzaghi. Salas. Scudetto. Lazio won the league with this kit, they also won the UEFA Super Cup and reached the Champions League Quarter Finals. Some utterly fantastic players wore this kit and the basic design along with classic Cirio sponsor make this an all time Serie A classic.
Honourable Mentions
So there were some efforts that were fantastic but didn’t quite make it. Rounds of applause to Parma in 1999, Sampdoria in 1992, Bologna in 1997 and any 90s effort from Bari please.
What do you think then? Are these the greatest kits of all time in Italy or have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments or comment on the X thread @EnglishCalcio.
Ok, it isn’t strictly week one, since there was a window pre- Club World Cup, but the main summer window is now open and Italian clubs have wasted no time getting to work.
It’s been a week, just, and what’s going on? Who’s signed, who’s leaving and who’s rumoured to be doing what? We’ve rounded up the latest news and rumours below!
✅ Confirmed Signings (Incoming)
🔵 Inter Milan
Ange‑Yoan Bonny (Parma → Inter) – €23 million + €2 million in add‑ons.
⚪ Juventus
Jonathan David (Lille → Juve) – Free Transfer
Pierre Kalulu (Milan → Juve) – €14.3 m(after loan)
🔴 AC Milan
Samuele Ricci (Torino → Milan) – €23 m + €1.5 m add‑ons
🔵 Napoli
Luca Marianucci (Empoli → Napoli) – €9 m
🔵 Pisa
Isak Vural & Mateus Lusuardi (Frosinone → Pisa) – €4.5 m & €0.5 m
🔄 Rumoured Incoming Transfers
🔵 Inter Milan
Giovanni Leoni (Parma → Inter) – Rumoured buy
Richard Rios (Palmeiras → Inter) €30m rumour
⚪ Juventus
Jadon Sancho (Man Utd → Juve) – ≈ €25 m in talks
Dusan Vlahović – Rumoured sale (~€70 m)
🔴 AC Milan
Luka Modrić (Real → Milan) – Free; arrival confirmed August, on a one‑year deal worth net €3–3.5 m .
Lorenzo Lucca (Udinese → Milan) – Interest growing
🔵 Napoli
Jayden Addai (AZ → Napoli) – ≈ €14 m, close deal
Jens Cajuste (Besiktas → Napoli) – Loan with €6.5 m option
🔵 Lazio
Lorenzo Insigne – Free agent, potential September arrival
📤 Outgoing Transfers
🔴 AC Milan
Tijjani Reijnders → Man City – €55 m + €15 m add‑ons
Theo Hernández → Al Hilal – €25 m
Marco Pellegrino → Boca Juniors – €4 m
Davide Calabria, Alessandro Florenzi, Luka Jović – Left on free transfers
⚪ Juventus
Timothy Weah → Marseille – ≈ €15 m, deal in progress
👑 Spotlight: Ange‑Yoan Bonny → Inter Milan
Fee: ~€23m + €2m in add‑ons; plus a 20% sell‑on clause per Calcio e Finanza
Contract: 5‑year deal until June 2030 earning €2m net/year
Why It Matters: Inter have secured a young, powerful striker and are now prioritizing midfield and defence reinforcements
⚽ Final Thoughts
Serie A’s transfer window is in full swing. Transfers like Bonny, Modrić, and major departures have reshaped several squads. Expect more dramatic moves as clubs await preseason preparations.
How often can one man unite the whole of Italy? How often does a player play for Juventus, Milan and Inter and become universally admired by their fans? How often does a man miss a crucial penalty in a World Cup final and have his legend grow? How often can one man be told his career is over due to injury and still continue?
Welcome to the crazy world of Roberto Baggio, Il Divin Codino (the divine ponytail). The sale of Roberto from Fiorentina to Juventus in 1990 was so poorly received that it led to rioting, looting and 50 people being hospitalised. A fall out with Marcelo Lippi at Inter would lead to the manager being sacked. A man who was the idol of Zinedine Zidane.
Baggio was born in Caldogno in 1967 and made his debut in Calcio at the tender age of 15 for Vicenza. He would stay with Vicenza for three years, playing in 47 games and bagging 15 times in that time.
A move to Florence followed and he would impress so much there in his 5 years that his transfer to Juventus inspired rioting and looting, with the move seen as a betrayal by the player and the club. After 55 goals in 136 appearances there, it’s easy to see why the fans were so upset to lose Baggio.
He truly announced himself to World football when in 1989 while playing for Fiorentina against Napoli, he outshone Maradona with a dazzling solo goal. This all came after his first career ending injury, too. During a game in 1985 at the age of only 18, Baggio experienced a major ACL and meniscus tear so brutal that doctors said he’d never play again.
Baggio takes on Maradona
It was his determination and will to come back and succeed that endeared him to La Viola fans, and would lead to their outrage at his sale. Baggio would later tell JuveFC.com that he “didn’t want to leave Florence. I felt indebted to this city, these people, these fans”.
When Baggio returned to Florence with Juventus in a Coppa Italia match, the anger over his move only intensified when he refused to take a penalty and his replacement subsequently missed.
However, his time at Juventus wasn’t all controversy, it was mainly illuminating moments. Il Divin Codino scored 115 goals in 200 matches for the Old Lady and would win the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup during a spell that also saw him win the Ballon D’Or.
Roberto Baggio scored 115 times for Juventus
In that 1993 UEFA Cup final against Borussia Dortmund he would score two goals and assist his namesake Dino in a 3-1 first leg win away to the German side. Dino would say of Roberto after the game, “Roberto could change the game in an instant, he is our leader without shouting”.
Roberto Baggio would truly make his name a year later, however, with a virtuoso performance in the 1994 World Cup in USA. Italy would start the tournament very slowly, with a 1-0 loss to Ireland in their first game before a narrow 1-0 win against Norway (in which Sacchi was criticised for subbing off Roberto) followed by a 1-1 draw with Mexico that saw Italy scrape through to the second round.
It was in the second round that Il Divin Codino burst into life. With Italy trailing Nigeria 1-0 in the Round of 16 game, Baggio stole an equaliser in the 88th minute, before scoring the winning penalty in Extra Time.
Again, in the 88th minute of the Quarter Final against Spain, Baggio took control of the game, slaloming through defenders to score a sensational winner that put Italy through to the Semi Final against surprise package Bulgaria. Baggio scored twice in the first half to secure a 2-1 win for the Azzurri, the second being a classic Baggio run and finish – poetry in motion.
Unsurprisingly playing on an injury, Baggio had carried Italy to the final with one leg. Arrigo Sacchi said after this game, “He played like an angel with the knees of an old man”.
All that was left to complete the legend of Baggio was for the Ballon D’Or holder to carry Italy to World Cup triumph in the final against Brazil.
A cagey affair, the final went the distance, going to a penalty shoot out after a 0-0 draw. It was the first ever World Cup final to be decided on penalties and with Brazil having missed one and Italy having failed twice, it all rested on Roberto Baggio to keep the dream alive.
In truth, even if he had scored, Brazil would’ve won by scoring the next kick, but it never got there. Roberto skied his penalty high above the goal and into the stand behind the goal. Later Baggio would say, “I failed. But only those who have the courage to take a penalty can miss them”.
Italy’s Roberto Baggio hangs his head after missing the decisive penalty during the 1994 World Cup Final
Despite the miss, Baggio had garnered global admiration for dragging Italy to that final almost single handedly. Lothar Matthaus of Germany and Inter said afterwards, “He was magical, like Maradona in 86, but with worse luck”. World Cups aren’t just about who wins them, they’re about the players who light them up, and Baggio had certainly done that. Baresi said, “Roberto was the World Cup, without him we were half the team”.
Baggio returned to Italy and would play for Milan between 1995-1997, winning the Scudetto again. After notching 19 goals in 67 games for them, he moved to Bologna to improve his chances of appearing in France 98. Scoring 22 goals in 33 appearances there succeeded in getting him on the plane to France where he would score his last goal for Italy in a 2-1 win over Austria.
Roberto Baggio for Inter Milan
That form earned him a transfer to Inter Milan, where he would score 17 times in 59 games, including two on the last day of the season against Parma to secure a 2-0 win and Champions League football for Inter. This all came after a fall out with coach Marcello Lippi who was sacked after the game, showing the influence of the Divine Ponytail in club decisions.
Baggio’s final career move was to Brescia where he spent 4 seasons until retiring in 2004. He had scored 45 goals in 101 appearances by this point including a sublime lob from outside the area against Juventus at the age of 34. He helped Brescia to qualify for Europe and mentored a young Andrea Pirlo during his time there, cementing his cult status among Calcio fans.
Upon his retirement, Roberto Baggio had scored 288 goals in 643 Serie A matches, along with 27 goals in 56 games for the Azzurri. He had played for the three biggest teams in Italy who were also the biggest enemies. He had cost Italy a World Cup that he nearly won them. And yet everyone loved him. Baggio was a symbol of the beauty of football above all else. He was a symbol of the decadent days of Calcio in the 90s. He was a symbol of artistry, humility and perseverance. He inspired a generation of fantasisti with Totti, Del Piero and Cassano all citing him as an influence.
The San Siro, a fitting venue for Roberto Baggio’s last ever game
Perhaps the best way to sum up Roberto Baggio is with the words of Italian journalist Gianni Mura, “Roberto Baggio is not a footballer. He is an idea”.
The blog took a short break this week as I took a little holiday, but we’re back at the end of the Group Stage of the Club World Cup. In fact, that’s where my holiday was, Seattle to catch the Inter v River Plate match – but more on that later.
The game against River Plate signalled the end of Inter’s group stage matches, while Juventus completed their run in Group G against Man City. So how did the Italians fare? What does the press think? And what’s next for both? Well the Calcio Blog has it covered.
Inter Milan
Inter came into the back of the tournament off the back of a disappointing season where a potential Quadruple resulted in zero trophies, culminating in that 5-0 schellacking in Munich against PSG.
They didn’t exactly bounce into the tournament full of beans, with the loss of Simone Inzaghi and the failed pursuit of Fabregas. But the announcement of club legend Christian Chivu as manager lifted spirits somewhat in the approach to the tournament.
Their first match against CF Monterrey was a chance to put all that behind them and get on the pitch and show everyone that Inter still had it. And it got off to a terrible start, going 1-0 down to a Sergio Ramos header. Unmarked and definitely saveable for Sommer, it appeared the weak underbelly of Inter hadn’t gone anywhere.
Sergio Ramos’ free header opener against Inter Milan.
But they steeled themselves, and ultimately dominated the game, equalising through a well worked Asllani free kick that led to Lautaro slotting in at the back post. Inter showed high energy in the game, the press would have been pleasing for Inter fans and their mental toughness and resilience to fight back from 1-0 down also pleasing.
Chivu said before the game of their recovery from Munich, “sometimes you have to eat a bit of shit… accept that you have to do it” and they did so in both of their first matches. They fell behind against the run of play to Urawa Red Diamonds who then sat in as deep as they possibly could and demanded Inter break them down.
Something, they struggled to do for most of a first half which they dominated and the second appeared to be petering out to nowhere despite a dominance that saw Inter enjoy nearly 90% possession. They were out of the competition until their captain stepped up.
Lautaro scored a fairly spectacular bicycle kick to drag them back into the game before Valentin Carboni sealed the win in stoppage time. There wouldn’t have been many more popular scorers than Carboni, a young prodigious talent who suffered a terrible ACL injury at the start of last season.
In fact possible the only more popular scorer than Carboni would’ve been one of the Esposito brothers. Sebastian had been starting games in the absence of Marcus Thuram but in the final group game with River Plate, younger brother Pio was in from the start and caused all kinds of issues for the South Americans.
Pio was only 19 at the time of the game and the younger brother is somehow much taller and stronger than Sebastian. Pio bullied an Argentinian back line famous for their resilience and strength themselves.
Inter were too strong for River, in what should’ve been their toughest test of the Group Stage, they dominated River and Pio’s opening goal assisted by new signing Petar Sucic. One of the criticisms of Inter last season was the age of their squad, and the need to bring that down.
Lautaro congratulates Pio Esposito after his opener against River Plate.
Sucic was the first step made this summer towards that, the Esposito brothers introduction to the team is a chance for them to stake their claim with the departure of Correa and Arnautovic (although Bonny appears to be coming in from Parma). Bastoni put the gloss on this win before the game ended in fairly ugly scenes as Dumfries and Acuna continued their dispute from the 2022 World Cup.
So what are we to make of Inter’s matches in Group E? Chivu was quick to praise his new team’s mentality and the Italian media celebrated Chivu’s “relaxed yet strategic” approach and their higher intensity.
Young talent has certainly been stepping up, Pio Esposito’s goal was well taken and rounded off a stellar performance from him against River Plater, while Valentin Carboni’s winner in match 2 was pleasing for everyone involved at Inter.
AS.com noted that Inter have made positive steps in rotation, with Thuram and Frattesi recovering from injuries and the club’s pursuit of Parma’s Bonny and Nico Paz from Como. Chivu is consciously building depth, aware of the fatigue that comes with a congested season and these games have seen deep rotation.
A scouting report from Goal.com noted Inter’s shift to a “great” level from “very good”, proving they can hold their own on a global stage.
Next up, Inter will face Fluminense on Monday evening. They’ll need to maintain a deep and compact shape, the Brazilian side are quick in the transition and high in energy. Inter’s early rotation has balanced the energy of the Squad well and with Thuram and Frattesi now fit, it’ll be interesting to see what Chivu does up front.
Inter stumbled into the tournament off the back off an embarrassing end to the season, losing their manager and a swiftly handled replacement, but they’re bouncing into the Round of 16 thanks to improving performances and a solid win over River Plate. They’ll fancy their chances against Fluminense and setting up a Quarter Final tie against either Man City or their old manager at Al-Hilal.
Bigger tests are to come for Inter, but Juventus have already faced one of the tournament favourites in their group…
Juventus
If you follow the X account, you’ll know that it’s no secret I’m an Inter fan, but I’m probably equally as big a Kenan Yildiz fan. In the Juventus opener he dazzled. Granted Al Ain weren’t going to represent the biggest challenge, but Yildiz bagged in the opener which set him on his way to being currently tied for top scorer.
Kolo Muani celebrates with Conceicao after scoring against Al Ain.
Conceicao and Kolo Muani both netted twice in what was a routine win for Juventus. In the second match, Juventus faced Wydad Casablanca, and recorded a second routine win. This was the game that Kenan Yildiz used to announced himself to the World bagging a hat trick. Well, ok, he only got two apparently, with the first going down as an own goal, but a virtuoso performance sealed a 4-1 with outgoing striker Dusan Vlahovic also on the scoresheet.
Yildiz scored a screamer against Wydad Casablanca.
Analysts rightly were falling over themselves to laud the attacking verve and their technical proficiency in these opening two matches, but the big test was to follow in game three.
Early tournament favourites Manchester City were next but Juventus were confident heading into the match after two proficient wins.
However, a humbling was to follow, with City rolling 5 past Juventus. Doku opened the scoring after 9 minutes, but Koopmeiners equalised almost immediately. However, a Kalulu own goal followed by Haaland, Foden and Savinho strikes meant that it was game over by the time Vlahovic netted a consolation.
Punditry scorn followed, with Juve’s defensive frailties being exposed too easily by City. Prominent pundit Giuseppe Rossi commented on the lack of midfield depth and called for urgent reinforcements if Juventus are going to compete at the top level.
One recurring critique was a lack of defensive compactness and their midfield control, which failed to withstand high-intensity pressing. While their were undoubtedly moments of brilliance in Juventus’ group stage matches – even the City one – journalists noted the “midfield being overrun, defensive lines stretched”.
Igor Tudor was happy to take responsibility for the City result, saying his decision to rotate had backfired. Tudor still wants the team to progress, however, stating “Juve always plays to win, we are not at the Club World Cup just to participate”.
Tudor wasn’t happy against City, but took the blame himself.
Errors under pressure cost Juve in the City game, the own goal by Kalulu and the Ederson error underline recurring lapses in concentration. The attempted high pressure press against City was an admirable tactic, City have been vulnerable in the Premier League this season, but Rodri and Reijnders exposed the breaks in the lines.
It isn’t all doom and gloom though, Vlahovic looked to be on the way out of the team he and Koopmeiners showed sparks in the City game and the consolation at the end showed a resilience and goal threat under great pressure.
It doesn’t get much easier either, Real Madrid await on Tuesday evening…
Juventus’ Club World Cup journey has shown both potential and vulnerability. They can craft intricate play and score—but under elite pressure and demanding conditions, their defensive frailty and tactical inexperience at this level emerge starkly. With Tudor at the helm, the tone is optimistic—yet results now hinge on whether tactical lessons are swiftly converted into tighter, sharper performances.
We English have a habit of laying claim things that aren’t ours. Like half the World at one point… But one thing we do have a pretty firm claim on is that we invented the beautiful game.
In the 1920s and 30s Benito Mussolini would have Italians believe that Calcio descended from Calcio Storico Fiorentino, the medieval football of Florence. This game was mostly played by noblemen (including Popes) and dates back to 1530 where it was first referenced in Piazza Santa Croce. The game combined elements of football, rugby, wrestling and street fighting, which I guess is where the great Italian defenders of the 70s and 80s were drawing inspritation.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino in the modern day
Benito Mussolini promoted the game as the “true origin” of Calcio in direct contrast to the foreign game of football. He used the game in fascist propaganda to reinforce the idea of Italy’s deep cultural and martial heritage, distancing itself from British influence. The game was even revived in the 1930s in Florence with choreographed pageantry to tie it in with Renaissance and Roman virtues.
But Calcio does owe a lot to British football, including one of its biggest clubs and one of the most iconic kits in the game.
James Richardson Spensley in Genoa
Dr James Richardson Spensley was an English physician and football enthusiast who worked on boats that came through the port in Genoa. During his time in Italy, Dr James would organise football matches with local dockers and as a result, is largely considered to be the first person to bring football to the masses in Italy.
James Richardson Spensley – Apparently…
By 1897 he had founded the Genoa Cricket and Football Club. Not only did he found the club, but he managed it, organised their games and was their goalkeeper. He helped to shape Genoa into the first dominant team of Italian football, winning the first championship in 1898, going on to win another 5 titles with him at the helm. He retired from playing when he was nearly 40 and would go on to manage the side for a few more years before his death in World War One at the Fortress of Mainz.
Had it not been for the four clubs in Turin founded by Edoardo Bosio then Dr James would’ve founded the first club in Italy. The two of them are rightly considered as the Grandfathers of Italian football.
Herbert Kilpin and the Milan cricket club
129 Mansfield Road in Nottingham is an unassuming terraced property that could be any other in England. However, on the 24th January 1870 at this property, a man was born who would go on to shape Italian – and World – football for years to come.
Herbert Kilpin was a lace maker who lived most of his life in Nottingham playing as a Midfielder and Defender for local part time teams. In 1891, he moved to Turin to work for Edoardo Bosio who was an Italian-Swiss textile merchant. Bosio had founded the first ever Italian side, Internazionale Torino, and Kilpin would represent the team in his time with Bosio.
In 1898, however, while living in Milan with Samuel Richard Davies, Kilpin would found AC Milan, then known as the Milan Cricket and Football Club. To this day Milan still uses the English spelling of the city’s name to pay homage to their founder.
He chose the famous red and black stripes after being quoted as saying, “We’re going to be a team of devils. Our colours will be red like fire and black to invoke fear in our opponents”.
Herbert Kilpin striking fear into his opponents in Red and Black
The first elected president of AC Milan was Alfred Edwards with Kilpin acting as player-manager. Milan were, unsurprisingly, immediately successful, winning the championship in 1901 in only their second season. Kilpin spent 9 years with the Milan side and won two more titles in 1906 and 1907.
Herbert Kilpin died in Milan in 1916 aged 46, apparently due to his smoking and drinking habits – another English trait. Little was known, or acknowledged, of his influence over Milan’s early history until the 1990s when Luigi La Rocca tracked down Kilpin’s grave in the Municipal Cemetary in Milan. In 1999 the club paid for a new tombstone acknowledging his role in Milan’s history and in 2010 he was moved into the Famedio in the main building where Milan’s most illustrious personalities are interred.
The Curva Sud pay homage to their founder
John Savage and the spare kits
Nottingham’s influence over Calcio doesn’t finish there though, a few years later in 1903 an Englishman John Savage would help one of Italy’s most iconic clubs gain their iconic kit design.
John Savage was a footballer who had played with Kilpin at Internazionale Torino before joining Juventus in 1900. He was the first foreign player to represent the Old Lady, who at the time wore pink shirts. Savage wasn’t impressed with the quality of them though and likened them to being similar to a “gang of war survivors”. Whatever that means.
He wrote a letter to Nottingham based tailoring company Shaw and Shrewsbury requesting new kits and nearly a month later received a spare set of Notts County kits, in the famous black and white stripes.
Juventus in their new colours alongside some of the old kits
At first, Juventus were not impressed with the change, Domenico Donna – a founder of Juventus – compared them to funeral attire. However, thanks to a remarkable upturn in form in the new kits, Donna labelled the kits as “a symbol of old fashioned Piedmontese elegance”.
Juventus would keep the Notts County kits and the retain the black and white to this day, the link remained so close that when Juventus opened their new stadium in September 2011, Notts County were invited over to play in the first ever game here.
John Savage would go on to referee the 1902 Italian Football Championship final between the other two English influenced clubs, AC Milan and Genoa.
More general influences
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) was inspired by the structure of the English FA when it was formed in 1898. Not much of a surprise given the English influence of the game in those early years, rules and club structures were based on the English game and most of the clubs were started as cricket and football clubs.
In fact, one of the Italian terms still used today, Il Mister, used to describe a coach is attributed to an affectionate term given to William Garbutt during his time managing Genoa between 1912-27. He won three championships with Genoa and introduced structured training and tactics to Italian football.
Inter and Roma are two clubs that have had English ownership stakes or partnerships in the past and Serie A was brought into British homes in the 90s thanks to James Richardson and his Sunday show Football Italia on Channel 4. That programme, in fact, was responsible for this Calcio fan’s own obsession!
Much like everything else though, England introduced the sport to Italy but Italy took it and ran with it, made it their own and subsequently has won 4 World Cups to England’s one. They even beat England in their own back yard in the Euro 2020 final after a penalty shootout to really assert their dominance over the English game.
While English domestic football has surpassed Italian domestic football for quality and finances, Calcio had some great days in the 80s and 90s and Italian clubs still have joy against Premier League teams in England.
England and Italy will always be inseparable for their love of the game and their passion for it, and we’ll always be linked thanks to those English pioneers back in the day.
It’s a new week, Monday comes and brings with it more from the soap opera that is Calcio. Football in Italy isn’t even being played at the moment but it’s still all going on…
1. Club World Cup Kicks Off in America
Ok so it actually kicked off yesterday, but this week is the turn of the Italians. Inter kick off against CF Monterrey on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning depending on where you’re reading this. Juventus get going on Wednesday night/Thursday morning against Al-Ain.
Inter will be hoping for a little better than their last outing, that Champions League humiliation. Juventus happy to be there without a European final since 2017. So far interest is very low, FIFA will be hoping it increases as time goes on. I’ll be out in Seattle at the end of the Group Stage so look out for some content on that!
2. Will there be anyone left at Milan?
Mike Maignan’s move to Chelsea may have broken down but that doesn’t mean he isn’t looking to move on. Chelsea will come back when the CWC slows down for them and with one year left he looks set to be sold this summer.
Theo Hernandez and Rafa Leao are also rumoured to be on the way out, with Bayern Munich a possible destination for both. That or Saudi Arabia anyway.
Luka Jovic is going at the end of his contract next month, looking likely to join Torino. That other Turin club, Juventus, are sniffing around Pierre Kalulu and Yunus Musah is in discussion with Napoli.
Calabria will also leave when his contract expires and the club confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is surplus to requirements. Along with fellow Englishmen Tammy Abraham and Kyle Walker departing at the end of their loan spells.
Can the last person to leave Milan turn off the lights?
3. The tug of war for Giovanni Leoni
The highly rated 18 year old is in high demand and it’ll be a miracle if the centre-back starts next season at Parma. Juventus are interested, as are Milan, Napoli, Torino and Inter. A move to Inter would probably appeal most, the shift in focus from Oaktree to younger players and his former manager Christian Chivu being in place will be a big pull.
Giovanni Leoni is a target for most of Serie A
But a bigger pull may be the Premier League. Thomas Frank might not be the newest face at Tottenham Hotspur for long, and the option for Parma to loan him back might sway them to accept this offer. Maybe he prefers the French Riviera? Monaco are also interested, and the chance to live a life of luxury in the millionaires playground has been a big pull in the past for players.
Watch this space, this race could go on a while, but needless to say it’ll develop significantly this week…
4. Sometimes maybe good, Sometimes maybe shit
Had to jump on and edit this part of the post this morning. The FIGC were telling us all that they had aaaaages to make this decision as there were no internationals until September.
Then out of nowhere they appointed Gennaro Gattuso. The former Milan player left his job at Hajduk Split earlier this summer and won the World Cup as a player with the Azzurri in 2006. He’s fiery, he divides opinion and he’s a strict disciplinarian. This will be one to watch through the World Cup qualifiers!
5. Josh Doig to Juventus?
Sassuolo’s 23 year old Scottish Full Back Josh Doig could soon be making a move to Juventus according to rumours. The Scottish Sun are reporting that around €13m would secure his signature for the Bianconeri. The Scottish revolution in Italy is certainly getting out of hand now, has no one watched any Scotland matches???
Italy has fallen in love with Scotland, and Juventus have eyes on Josh Doig
6. Chivu starts life with Inter
Ok, so we alluded to the FIFA Club World Cup earlier in the blog, but with the tournament kicking off, so too is Christian Chivu’s Inter Milan career 2.0.
The young coach, fresh from a spell with their youth team and then rescuing Parma was a very public second choice, but he’s a popular figure at the San Siro so he’ll get a chance to prove himself.
Will he stick with Inzaghi’s 3-5-2? Will he freshen up the side with some younger players? Just how many Parma players is he trying to sign? All of these answers will be a bit clearer by this time next week…
7. Edin Dzeko to get one last Calcio outing?
Rumours were starting late last week that potentially we will see Edin Dzeko in Italy one more time… The former Roma and Inter striker has just left Fenerbahce and the 39 year old is now linked with a move to Florence.
Edin Dzeko scoring for Roma twenty years ago probably…
Yes, that’s right, Fiorentina are apparently lining up a move for the veteran striker. He does guarantee goals, but at 39 does he guarantee games? A deal until 2027 is rumoured to have been offered which would see him play at the top level of Italian football until he’s 41. I’m sceptical, but Calcio constantly surprises you.
Italy’s second team in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup is Juventus. The Bianconeri players set off for Miami this week all decked out in some rather fantastic baseball style shirts – if you haven’t seen them, head to Juventus’ Instagram page now!
Will the Allianz Stadium become the trophy’s permanent home?
Like Inter, Juventus are coming to the tournament off the back of a trophy-less season although not straight off the back of a humiliating Champions League final. Juve qualified for the CWC thanks to their ranking of 8th in the UEFA’s 4 year ranking, despite not appearing in a Champions League final in that time.
Igor Tudor was appointed in late March and they only lost one game after that, qualifying for next years Champions League in 4th place – something that secured him the job for a further two years.
But you already know all this, you know all this about Juventus. What about their opponents? What do we know about the rest of Group F? Well, you’re in the right place, check out the lowdown below.
Manchester City
I’m not sure they need a lot of introduction. By far the favourites to win the group and one of the favourites for the entire tournament, City are the team everyone wanted to avoid. Hurt from a poor trophyless season themselves, they’ve been spending big – nearly €400m since January – and they’re refreshed and ready to go.
New arrivals Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki will add threat behind Erling Haaland. The 2023 Champions League winners are Juve’s last opponents in the group, which looks likely to be the decider for who tops the group and avoids a probable tie with Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
It’s hard to pick just one player to watch for Man City and there’s some obvious choices but I’m eager to see how they deal with the lack of Kevin de Bruyne after his move to Napoli. There are a number of players who could step into this role and the potential three man attacking midfield of Reijnders, Cherki and Marmoush should have more than enough skill and firepower to replace one man.
Tijjani Reijnders signed for Man City early to join them in America
Some of the lesser known younger talents at City have travelled and will certainly not be out of place based on their finish to the season with the likes of Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly flourishing late this campaign. City are widely expected to top this group and it’ll take a special performance from Juve in Orlando to stop that happening.
Al-Ain FC
Juve’s first opponents are the UAE’s most successful club. They are 14 time champions, 7 times cup winners and hold two AFC Champions Leagues. The Abu Dhabi based club won the competition in 2024 with star striker Soufiane Rahimi the top scorer and best player.
The forward has scored 5 times in 14 appearances for Morocco and is known for his clinical finishing, direct running and explosiveness in transition. The pacey striker is more than capable of causing problems for Gatti and co.
Soufiane Rahimi, or “Mr Clutch” is a threat to Juventus
Rahimi is nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” in the UAE media, given his propensity to turn up in the big matches, scoring 5 times in two matches against Al-Hilal in the 2024 AFC Champions League Semi Final. For comparisons in Europe, think Luis Diaz or Rafa Leao. If he’s not marked tightly, he has the potential to cause some real problems for Juventus.
Alongisde Rahimi, look out for Kodjo Laba, the forward has scored 20 goals in 21 games this season. Behind them, will be Kaku. Better known as Alejandro Romero, the Paraguay international is considered a set piece expert and has contributed to 15 goals this season.
Al-Ain have actually had a disappointing campaign this time out and despite coming into the tournament on the back of 4 wins in their last 6, they finished the season in 5th position – a whole 19 points behind eventual winners Shabab Al-Ahli.
Wydad AC
Much like Juventus this season, draws have cost Wydad dearly. Nearly half of their results were draws, with 12 stalemates in their 30 games in the Moroccan League. They did win 14 games, however, which meant they finished a strong 3rd postiion, despite being 16 points behind the champions.
Defensively sound, but with a lack of real firepower, they could be an Italian team and the 2022 African Champions League winners are here to prove a point. They are 22 times champions of Morocco and are even nicknamed the “Club of the Nation” because of their dominance in the country.
Expect veteran winger Nordin Amrabat to cause issues, the older brother of former Fiorentina player Sofyan, his big game experience will be key if Wydad don’t want to finish bottom of this group as is expected of them.
Wydad could be a dark horse in this tournament, Juventus won’t underestimate them.
The Italian theme continues with their defensive stalwart Amine Farhane. The 31 year old centre back is a no-nonsense, old school defender who relies on his positioning, strength and aerial dominance. Very Leonardo Bonucci.
Forward Mohamed Rayhi is going to be a headache for the likes of Alberto Costa or Savona. Playing off the left, the Dutchman is a direct forward who will constantly look to run in behind, especially when Wydad win the ball and transition to forward areas.
Look out for his quick release, he won’t dribble very often and he won’t hold the ball. He’s a limited dribbler who relies on time and space to receive the ball in positive areas, where he’ll then get snap shots away. The instinctive finisher can use both feet but is stronger off the left foot.
What Next?
Well, Juventus are expected to make it through the group stage fairly comfortably, but the battle for first with Man City will be key. The reason for this? Real Madrid. First place in Group G will get to play second place in Group H next and vice versa. When you see that Group H contains, Real Madrid, Al Hilal, CF Pachuca and RB Salzburg, you’ll understand the importance of winning Group G.
Topping the group will be key to avoid a meeting with Real Madrid in Round 2
With Real likely to top Group H, second in Group G provides a stern test very early in the tournament. If Juve were to top the group, it looks like it’ll be Al Hilal in Round 2 and a chance to take on old foe Simone Inzaghi, unless Pachuca or Salzburg can pull a surprise out of the bag.
After that, it’s anyone’s guess who’s in the Quarter Final, it could potentially mean a meeting with Inter which would certainly bring the CWC into the living rooms of everyone in Italy. Maybe it would even be 4-4 again…
In the first of a series, we look back at the Bianconeri’s season last year and assess where they were strong and where they need to improve heading into 2025/26.
Season Overview
Last season Juventus finished 4th in Serie A after a bizarre start to the season in which they were unbeaten after 20 games, somehow drawing 13 of them. Thiago Motta was wishing for draws, however, when consecutive defeats to Atalanta (4-0) and Fiorentina (3-0) led to the end of his short reign in late-March.
Thiago Motta applauding something in his short reign
Igor Tudor took over and in 9 matches managed to win 5 and lose just one of them. Overall, however, Juventus will be disappointed with their season, 4th is too low for a club the size of theirs. Add to this a semi-final exit in the Supercoppa, a quarter-final Coppa Italia defeat on penalties to Empoli and exiting the Champions League in the play-off round against PSV and it was a disappointing campaign.
Strengths and Weaknesses
So where did it all go right, and wrong, for Juve this year? In a league campaign in which they lost only 4 games, they were clearly still hard to beat. High numbers of draws takes the shine off this consistency, however.
A balanced, consistent and disciplined defence helped them on their way, conceding an xGA of only 1.17/game and receiving no red cards.
However, it was in front of goal that the problems are stark for Juventus. They have a high shot volume but with remarkably low efficiency. Juventus converted only 8.3% of shots to goals in Serie A last season, and their top scorer only hitting 10 goals is a consequence (or cause) of this.
Juventus’ shot conversion ration lagged behind everyone except Roma and Milan
Vlahovic with 10 was too far ahead of the next highest scorer Yildiz, who managed 7 goals all season. Two of these coming in that barmy 4-4 draw (yes, draw) with Inter. Don’t just blame the strikers though, no midfield player for Juventus managed double-digit assists in Serie A.
Where should they improve then?
It’s easy to say “everywhere”, but that’s probably the correct, if short, answer. Juventus desperately need a striker when you look at the above, but they also need a capable playmaker. A number 10 to get the fans off their feet, someone like, I don’t know… Zidane, Del Piero? Wishful thinking.
With Igor Tudor preferring a 3-4-2-1 formation, wing backs wouldn’t go a miss and there’s always room for a back up centre back. But really, they look fairly well set at the back. In front of goal has to be the priority.
Transfer Rumours
It’s usually always a busy summer in Turin. Juventus are rightly considered the biggest club in Italy and they will want to get back to the top level as quickly as possible, having not won a Scudetto since 2019.
With their poor record in front of goal, it’s no wonder that along with the rest of the big European clubs they’re maintaining an interest in Viktor Gyokeres. His value of €70m may be a stumbling block for an Italian team, especially with Arsenal and Manchester United also interested.
Sporting Lisbon striker (for now) Viktor Gyokeres
Any sale of Dusan Vlahovic would be welcome funds towards Gyokeres, however, and talks are rumoured to be ongoing over a move to Fenerbahce for the big Serb.
One player potentially on their way out would be Nicolas Gonzalez who has failed to impress after his big move from Fiorentina last summer. Another, who Juve fans would be more reluctant to lose would be Andrea Cambiaso, reportedly on the shopping lists of Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool and Milan.
As ever, Juve are linked with all the big names looking to move in the summer and rumours persist around Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David and Sandro Tonali. Tonali looks the longer shot given Newcastle also qualified for the Champions League, but at least he’s used to wearing black and white.
Josh Doig, Scottish full back at Sassuolo is a versatile player who would offer good back up coverage. He would fit the profile of young players to develop given he’s only 23. Another player who would work in that respect is Giovanni Leoni, 18 year old centre-back from Parma. Roughly €15m would be needed to pry him away from the Tardini, and Juve would face stiff competition from his former manager at Inter.
So how will Juve do next season?
Who the hell knows? Not a great answer for a blog about Juventus, accepted, but they have been notoriously up and down in recent years and this current spell looks no different. One thing for sure though, if they can add goals to a solid defence they’ll do well.
Juventus tend to be that team that if they start well, they’ll sweep all before them, but if they start poorly – write off the season in October and enjoy either one of Inter or Milan collapsing in on themselves.
A lot will depend on their transfer window, and that all depends on the Club World Cup. A strong run in that competition would add much needed lira to the club coffers and enable them to be more aggressive before Serie A returns in mid-August.
One thing is for sure with Juve, don’t you dare write them off. Watch this space…
We’re only a month on from the end of the 2024/25 season in Italy and already there’s more talking points that throughout most of the actual season. And the main one seems to be, who on Earth is going to be managing in Serie A next season?
Axes have been wielded, resignations have been handed in and managers have been caught flirting with rival clubs. So what’s going on? And what’s still to come? Hopefully I’ve made sense of it below for you…
Fiorentina
After being appointed in June last year to replace Vincenzo Italiano, Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino has left the club “by mutual consent”. There’s no replacement as yet, although Stefan Pioli is being heavily linked with the role according to Viola Nation. Seen by some as a stabilising influence, he’ll need to use all his experience to turn around a gradual decline in Firenze.
Atalanta
After 9 very successful years at the club, Gian Piero Gasperini has left Atalanta. During his time in Bergamo, Gasperini led Atalanta into the Champions League five times and his tenure was characterised by swashbuckling attacking play. He famously led the team to the 2024 Europa League title.
His replacement at Atalanta? It’s a baffling one… Ivan Juric has been handed the reigns in Northern Italy. That’s the same Ivan Juric that oversaw a disastrous spell in Rome last season before heading to England to somehow make Southampton worse than they already were – avoiding being the worst team in Premier League history by 1 point.
Roma
Gasperini comes through the door at Roma replacing firm fan favourite Claudio Ranieri. His move “upstairs” may be put on hold, however, with the news that Spalletti is leaving the national team job. Ranieri is the favourite to take the Azzurri through the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign. Watch this space!
Lazio
Across the city and Roma’s great rivals Lazio have also had a change in the dugout after a rather underwhelming end to the season. A comeback draw at the San Siro to hand Napoli the Scudetto was a brief highlight in an otherwise forgettable season under Marco Baroni. He was dismissed and Maurizio Sarri is back after a 15 month hiatus. Sarri was announced in spectacular fashion by the media team at Lazio and the former banker will be chain smoking his way through next season with the hopes he can restore the Lazio empire.
AC Milan
In Italy’s second city, change is also afoot. For the second time in a season Milan sacked their manager after Fonseca didn’t see in 2025, Conceicao is now also gone. An underwhelming season all round, Conceicao paid the price for an 8th place finish and no European football next season after a Coppa Italia final defeat. However, brief respite was offered in the shape of a 3-2 defeat of city rivals Inter in the Supercoppa final.
Allegri returns to Milan for next season after a break from the game following a trophy-laden spell at Juventus. In his first spell at Milan, he won the Serie A title and Supercoppa, Milan certainly hope he can repeat that next season.
Inter Milan
So near, yet so far to a treble. Dumped out of the Coppa Italia in the semi finals by Milan, beaten in the Supercoppa final, trounced in the Champions League final and second to Napoli by a point. Inter’s season could broadly be viewed as fairly successful until April. Simone Inzaghi was in demand from Al-Hilal and the news breaking in the run up to the final didn’t help their preparation.
A mutual parting followed a 5-0 defeat from PSG. Inter acted swiftly to woo Cesc Fabregas who promptly turned them down in a rather embarrassing episode. Christian Chivu is the man to take them forward. Their former centre back was manager of the Under 19 team who won the Primavera before being installed at Parma to secure Serie A survival. It’s a gamble, but Inter weren’t left with much choice with the Club World Cup on the horizon.
Torino
Further down the table, Torino parted company with Paolo Vanoli and replaced him almost immediately with Marco Baroni following his sacking by Lazio.
Parma
Parma only confirmed today that Christian Chivu had left the club after only a few short months. He replaced Fabio Pecchia in February and had the brief to save the club from an immediate return to Serie B. He did it, and then left for Inter. Rumours about a replacement are few and far between, but they’ll need to act fast to avoid losing out in the summer transfer window.
Italy National Team
In true bizarre fashion, national team manager Luciano Spalletti announced his own sacking in a press conference after a 3-0 defeat in Norway. But he’s not going anywhere yet… He’s managing the team tonight against Moldova before finally leaving. Clear? Thought not. Ranieri is the favourite to replace him since Calcio has some clear agenda on letting the poor guy retire in peace.
And there you have it. It’s been a matter of weeks since Serie A finished and the soap opera continues. Honourable mention to Juventus who look set to appoint Igor Tudor permanently after he finished off the season Thiago Motta started. Who do you think is the best appointment? Who’s undersold themselves and Who just got it plain wrong?
It’s Monday, so there’s a whole week of the soap opera about to begin. Below is our top ten list of things to look out for happening this week.
1. Serie A Fixture Release – Friday, June 6
Grab your espresso and mark the date—this Friday, the 2025/26 Serie A calendar drops. Fans are praying for a soft opening fixture. Clubs are crossing fingers to avoid an away trip to Bergamo in Week 1. And somewhere in Milan, Allegri is plotting a 1-0 already.
2. Serie C Play-Offs – Semi-Final Stage
It’s chaos, it’s passion, it’s Serie C. Ternana and Pescara will fight it out in the final for a golden ticket to Serie B. Expect drama, flares, debates, and at least one 90th-minute winner to shake things up over the two legs tonight and Saturday.
3. Maurizio Sarri Back at Lazio
Yes, you read that right—he’s back. Maurizio Sarri returns to Lazio just 15 months after quitting. Apparently, absence does make the heart grow fonder (or the board ran out of options). Two-year deal, one big reset button. Get the cigarettes and 4-3-3s ready.
4. Allegri Returns to Milan
AC Milan have turned back the clock and hired Max Allegri. He’s promised structure, pragmatism, and probably a very annoyed Rafael Leão being told to track back more. Milan want trophies. Allegri wants another coat. Let’s see who gets what first.
5. Gasperini Leaves Atalanta
After nine iconic years, Gian Piero Gasperini has waved goodbye to Atalanta and is set to join Roma. One Europa League trophy, countless 3-4-2-1s, and more underdog wins than a Rocky film series. Replacing him? Not so easy. The next coach better love wingbacks.
6. Special Serie A Transfer Window (June 1–10)
A unique transfer window opened on June 1 for clubs preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup. Deals can be registered until June 10. It’s like Black Friday for sporting directors—but with more agents and fewer refunds.
7. Davide Frattesi Transfer Rumours Heat Up
After a Champions League final cameo that never materialised, Frattesi is being linked with a move away from Inter. Juventus, Roma, and even some cheeky Premier League clubs are sniffing around. Inter might sell—but only if the price makes Oaktree raise an eyebrow. Watch this space—and Frattesi’s Instagram stories.
8. AC Milan Push for Samuele Ricci
With Allegri back and reportedly craving a Ricci-type in midfield, Milan are stepping up talks with Torino for the Italian starlet. At this point, Ricci may just walk to Milanello himself to get it over with.
9. Napoli Trademark “McFratm”
In what might be the most Napoli move ever, the club has filed a trademark on Scott McTominay’s nickname “McFratm.” He’s the city’s new cult hero, and merchandising execs are already dreaming up beach towels. All that’s missing is a line of limited edition Limoncello.
10. Juventus’ New Tudor Era Maybe Begins
With Thiago Motta drama behind them (for now), Juventus moved forward under Igor Tudor. The Croatian is a disciplinarian who doesn’t mind upsetting a few stars. Think of him as the anti-Allegri—except with just as much tactical tinkering and slightly better hair, and they look set to make his temporary stay a permanent one.
That’s your Italian football week ahead: part soap opera, part tactical chess, part transfer market circus. And it’s only Monday.
The Calcio Blog 