Tag: torino

The Three Serie A Matches You Should Watch This Weekend and Why…

Serie A returns this weekend and for a full preview of all the games going ahead, you should probably just get a Gazzetta subscription or head over to Football Italia. However, on this blog we’re going to zoom in on three standout fixtures on the opening weekend and why we think you should be watching these games…

Game 1: Roma v Bologna

When: Saturday 23rd August – 20:45 (IT), 19:45 (UK), 14:45 (NYC)

Gasperini is the new man in charge at a Roma side that finished last season under Claudio Ranieri losing just once in the last 25 matches. An extraordinary run that if they can repeat will see them as Scudetto outsiders.

Roma have done some smart business over the summer, bolstering their defence with Italian prospect Daniele Gilhardi and Brazilian Wesley from Flamengo after an impressive Club World Cup. Up top they’ve added Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson – initially on loan – and he’s hit the ground running in pre-season. Gasperini’s tactics are not quite “Gung-Ho” but they are positively reckless in a league famed for defensive stability.

They open their campaign against Coppa Italia champions Bologna, who defeated Milan 1-0 in last years Rome showpiece. A strong post-Christmas run was negated by a stumbling over the finish line at the end of the Serie A season, but they did have a cup final on their minds then.

Bologna’s summer business has been a little tamer than Roma’s, but they have brought Bernardeschi and Immobile back to Italy. However, it’s in defence where they’ve made the biggest moves splashing €11m on 22 year old Martin Vitik from Sparta Prague as well as two other centre backs – Torbjorn Heggem from West Brom and Nicolo Casale from Lazio.

The match sees renewed defensive pragmatism going up against Roma’s revamped forward line. It looks like Leon Bailey has also been added at Roma from Aston Villa although this game might come too early for him. I would expect to see goals in this match which is why on Saturday night after I’ve finished my dinner, I’ll be finding a bar in Bergamo to tune into this.

Fancy a Bet? – Roma to win and both teams to score is currently at 16/5 with Coral in the UK.

Game 2: Milan v Cremonese

This should present a fairly straightforward start to the season for Max Allegri in his second spell at Milan. I’ve already tipped Milan to surprise a few people this season and the additions of Ricci and Modric to their midfield as well as Brighton’s Pervis Estupinian going forward are the main reasons why.

Milan have done smart business and while the changes haven’t quite been wholesale, there should be enough change to wipe away the memories of a mess of a season in Serie A last time out. Milan finished 8th to miss out on European football and lost the Coppa Italia final, going through two underwhelming Portuguese coaches on the way.

They actually outscored the champions but conceded far too many and this is where they’ll hope to tighten up, keeping hold of Maignan despite Chelsea’s advances will go a long way to making them happy in this respect.

Cremonese on the other hand, finished 4th in Serie B – 15 points off automatic promotion – and were promoted by beating Spezia 3-2 in the play off final. This despite being 3-0 up with ten minutes to play. Their preparation for life in Serie A was to add 12 new players this window with none of those players costing as much as €3.5m.

Most notable is Romano Mussolini on loan from Lazio. The right sided player (of course) is actually fairly highly rated but unfortunately is more well known for his family history at this moment. That shirt sales of his name have spiked is an indictment of the World we’re living in. But this isn’t a political blog, it’s a football one…

So why should you watch this game? One reason, goals. While Milan will be fairly pragmatic under Allegri, he’ll want a good start in his first competitive game and smashing a promoted side will go a long way to doing that. I fancy Cremonese to make a fair battle of staying up under Davide Nicola, but opening day won’t be where they lay down their marker. Tune in for goals, goals and more goals.

Fancy a Bet? – Milan to win and over 3.5 goals in the game is 2/1 with Coral

Game 3: Inter v Torino

A fairly fascinating affair as far as I’m concerned. History isn’t on my side with this, but hear me out (Inter have won 29/45 against Torino).

Inter are a wounded animal, their season ended disastrously losing 3-0 in the Coppa Italia semi final to Milan, losing the Scudetto at their own cost with silly mistakes against Lazio and then getting truly embarrassed in the Champions League final. They had a chance to make amends fairly quickly though in the Club World Cup – which they exited in the Round of 16 against Fluminense sparking an internal soap opera between Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Calha stayed and everything was swept under the rug, but since then the Mercato has been a nightmare. Public pursuits of Leoni, Lookman and Kone have all so far ended in failure and despite the early additions of Sucic and Bonny looking like smart business they’ve done nothing to raise hopes in Milan. The obvious need to strengthen in defence has been largely ignored and for a third season you can easily predict their starting line up…

Torino finished 11th last season, losing 4 of their last 5 matches. Their answer? 8 new signings. Giovanni Simeone from Napoli up front looks a smart addition, as does Zakaria Aboukhlal on the wing. The Moroccan scored 7 and set up 4 in 26 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse last time out.

Premier League fans will be intrigued to see Cesare Casadei lining up having joined Torino from Chelsea this summer – proving he does exist and is a real player. A fairly underwhelming season last year can’t be entirely pinned on his shoulders, his loan to Leicester couldn’t have come at a worst time, since they were beyond awful.

So why watch this one? Call it professional curiosity. Chivu’s Inter didn’t overwhelm at the Club World Cup, but he’d only been in the job 9 days. He’s had a full pre-season to stamp his mark on a team who are another year older without any solid reinforcements added. Torino have refreshed a side that threatened Europe briefly before absolutely tanking last time out. I still fancy Inter to just about get through this one with three points, but it could easily be the upset of the weekend…

Fancy a Bet? – Torino or Draw Double Chance is 9/5 with Coral

20th Aug 2025
Shining Stars: The Under 23 prospects to look out for this season in Serie A
When I was growing up, Serie A was all about the biggest names, the biggest price tags and the biggest reputations. Now, that mantle has passed to the Premier League and as a cynical 30-something year old, I’m bored of all that. What gets me interested in football now is seeing academy graduates make it through. Watching them tentatively replace a bigger name in the 80th minute and then remembering that moment 4 years later when Liverpool pay €80m for him to sit on their bench.

So I’ve done a deep dive, with the help of some Googling and some podcast listening – and here’s who to look out for this season breaking through into Serie A, and some Serie A players who broke through last season who I expect to make an impact this time around…

Francesco Camarda (CF, Lecce on loan from AC Milan)
- Age: 17
- Nationality: Italian
- Height: 1.89m
Profile: A prodigious striker who became the youngest player in Serie A history when he debuted for Milan aged just 15 years and 260 days. Camarda is a generational youth prospect, having scored over 400 goals at youth level and drawing comparisons to a young Erling Haaland due to his size, finishing instinct, and movement.

Tactical Analysis: Camarda excels in the box, using intelligent movement to escape defenders and make runs across the front line. He’s composed in 1v1 situations and has an advanced sense of space. He can operate as a lone striker in a 4-3-3 or as part of a front two in a 3-5-2, where his ability to combine and occupy centre-backs becomes even more dangerous.

Outlook 2025/26: Loaned to Lecce to gain first-team experience. Expect him to be eased in gradually but could finish the season as a starter. Key focus will be on how he adapts to the physicality of senior defenders.

Francesco Pio Esposito (CF, Inter)
- Age: 19
- Nationality: Italian
- Height: 1.88m
Profile: The younger brother of Salvatore Esposito, Francesco Pio is carving out a name for himself as one of Italy’s most promising centre-forwards. Developed in Inter’s academy, he spent last season on loan at Spezia in Serie B, showing flashes of maturity, aggression, and technical development. He has represented Italy at every youth level and was impressive in Inter’s short Club World Cup campaign this summer.

Tactical Analysis: Esposito is a physically robust striker who plays with his back to goal exceptionally well. He’s strong in the air, holds up play to bring others in, and presses defenders with real intensity — making him a natural fit for teams playing a high-energy, vertical style. Technically tidy, with solid link-up play, he thrives when partnered with a more mobile or creative second striker.

Outlook 2025/26:
Inter have opted to retain Esposito rather than loan him out again, despite interest from Serie A clubs and even Premier League teams. Signed to a new contract through 30 June 2030, he’s expected to be part of the senior squad in Chivu’s rotation system. While he may not start every match, Esposito is almost certain to feature as an impact sub or rotational starter, particularly in Coppa Italia and midweek fixtures.

Nicolò Savona (RB/FB, Juventus)
- Age: 22
- Nationality: Italian
- Height: 1.92m
Profile: A tall, elegant full-back who rose through the Juventus ranks and began earning minutes under Thiago Motta. He is known for his intelligent positioning, clean tackling, and comfort on the ball.

Tactical Analysis: Savona operates primarily as a right-back but has the tactical intelligence to play in an inverted full-back role. He contributes to build-up by stepping into midfield, offering an outlet in possession, and helping to compress space in transitions. His aerial ability also provides an asset in defending set-pieces.

Outlook 2025/26: May not be around much longer in Serie A with the Premier League circling. I would fancy him to get plenty of minutes if he stays. Unfortunately with English clubs already interested, any stay would be very brief.

Aaron Ciammaglichella (CM, Torino)
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Italian
Profile: A product of Torino’s youth academy, Ciammaglichella is a highly rated central midfielder who has been compared stylistically to Lorenzo Pellegrini. He is part of Italy’s U20 setup and has been identified as a future national team player.

Tactical Analysis: A box-to-box midfielder who thrives in high-tempo matches. He presses aggressively, tracks back reliably, and has the passing range to play progressive balls. Capable of operating in a double pivot or as the advanced midfielder in a 4-2-3-1.

Outlook 2025/26: Torino are expected to hand him more consistent minutes off the bench, with the potential to become a starter in the second half of the season depending on injuries or tactical changes.

Giovanni Leoni (CB, Parma)
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Italian
Profile: A highly mature centre-back for his age, Leoni impressed with Parma and has seamlessly stepped up to Serie A level. Juventus and Inter have shown interest.

Tactical Analysis: Leoni is a modern centre-back: aggressive in duels, confident in possession, and adept at playing line-breaking passes. He reads danger early and positions himself smartly in a high defensive line. Particularly effective in a three-man defence where he can cover wide spaces.

Outlook 2025/26: Expected to start regularly for Parma if he’s still there come 23rd August. If Inter can offload some players it’s widely expected he’ll be playing there next season. Expect to see an Azzurri call up for friendly squads.

Simone Pafundi (AM/Winger, Udinese)
- Age: 19
- Nationality: Italian
Profile: Once dubbed the “Italian Messi” in youth circles, Pafundi has been a regular fixture in Italy’s youth teams and is slowly being integrated into Udinese’s first team. Despite his small stature, he boasts incredible flair and agility.

Tactical Analysis: Pafundi thrives in the left half-space, where he can drive at defenders and pick out passes between the lines. He’s best used as a roaming attacking midfielder or wide playmaker. Relies on quick feet, vision, and anticipation rather than physicality.

Outlook 2025/26: A make-or-break season. Needs consistent playing time and end-product to secure a long-term role in Udinese’s project or attract interest from bigger Serie A sides.

Lorenzo Venturino (RW, Genoa)

Screenshot
- Age: 19
- Nationality: Italian
Profile: Emerged at the back end of the 2024/25 season, scoring twice in Genoa’s final game. Fast-tracked through the academy, Venturino is one of Italy’s most explosive young wingers.

Tactical Analysis: Direct and pacey, Venturino is dangerous in 1v1s. He hugs the touchline and beats defenders with acceleration before cutting inside to shoot. Can also play off the left to utilise his stronger right foot.

Outlook 2025/26: Expected to be a regular feature off the bench, with growing responsibilities depending on his ability to deliver goals and assists in limited minutes.

Lorenzo Anghelè (CF, Juventus Next Gen)
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Italian
Profile: A sharp and mobile striker with a knack for finding space in the box. He scored regularly in Serie C and was rewarded with a senior debut last season.

Tactical Analysis: Anghelè is a classic poacher with intelligent positioning. He’s quick across short distances and capable of linking play with one-touch combinations. Best suited to a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 alongside a physical partner.

Outlook 2025/26: Likely to split time between Juventus Next Gen and sporadic first-team appearances. Could push for more minutes if injuries or squad rotation open a window, especially if they can’t get Kolo Muani over the line

As Serie A enters the 2025/26 season, the spotlight won’t just be on the usual title contenders or big-name signings — it will shine just as brightly on the emerging talents poised to shape the league’s future. From Camarda’s goal-scoring instincts to Leoni’s composure at the back, this new wave of Italian prospects reflects a league rediscovering its identity through youth development. Keep a close eye on these players — they might not just break through, but break out in a big way. The future of Calcio is already here — and it’s looking brighter than ever.
7th Aug 2025
Grande Torino: The Glory, The Tragedy, The Legacy
In the grand tapestry of football history, few teams have left a mark as deep and as enduring as the Grande Torino. They were more than a club — they were an idea, a movement, and, tragically, a legend forged not only through triumph, but through heartbreak.

A Team Reborn: Post-War Ambition

Torino FC had tasted success before — winning their first Scudetto in 1928 — but it was in the 1940s, under the presidency of Ferruccio Novo, that the club’s destiny changed forever. Novo was not your typical football president – visionary and methodical, he approached the game with a modern sensibility. He studied the systems used in England and brought a scientific, professional approach to Torino.

Ferruccio Novo

He appointed a backroom staff that included tactical specialists, fitness trainers, and scouts. Most crucially, he built a team not just of stars, but of perfectly complementary talents. Between 1942 and 1949, he assembled what would become the most dominant team in Italian history — Grande Torino.

Building the Machine

At the heart of it all was Valentino Mazzola, signed from Venezia in 1942. Mazzola was not only a footballer of rare technical skill and intelligence, he was also a natural leader — the type of captain who could inspire, intimidate, and elevate those around him. Whether playing as a mezzala or inside forward, his impact was immense.

Mazzola’s iconic gesture — rolling up his sleeves during a match — became a symbol that the team was about to turn up the intensity. Fans knew what came next: movement, power and a storm of goals.

Surrounding Mazzola was an ensemble cast of brilliant players:
- Ezio Loik, his partner from Venezia, brought dynamism and strength in midfield.
- Guglielmo Gabetto, a former Juventus striker, added flair and finishing.
- Romeo Menti, Franco Ossola, and Pietro Ferraris contributed relentless pace and creativity on the flanks.
- At the back, defenders like Aldo Ballarin, Mario Rigamonti, and the elegant Virgilio Maroso held firm.
- And in goal, the reliable and acrobatic Valerio Bacigalupo.
Each player had a specific role within a meticulously drilled system. The team played a WM formation with flexibility, pressing high, rotating positions, and attacking in waves. Their short passing, positional awareness, and relentless tempo overwhelmed opponents. They didn’t just win matches — they dictated the way football was played.

The early representatives of Grande Torino

An Era of Total Domination

From 1943 to 1949, Torino won five consecutive Serie A titles (excluding the 1944 wartime championship, which was played under unique conditions). Their dominance bordered on the ridiculous:
- In the 1947–48 season, they scored 125 goals in 40 matches.
- They went unbeaten at home for nearly six years at the Stadio Filadelfia.
- Their average margin of victory was often three or four goals.
- In 1947, 10 of the 11 starters for Italy’s national team were Torino players.
No club before or since has exerted such influence on the national side. Italy played like Torino. Their style became the blueprint for modern Italian football: disciplined yet daring, structured yet expressive.

Grande Torino were admired, feared, and loved — not only in Turin, but across Italy. After years of fascism, war, and suffering, this team offered a vision of something pure, joyful, and aspirational.

Torino in 1948-49. before tragedy would strike the team

Lisbon, Benfica, and the Final Flight

In early May 1949, Grande Torino travelled to Lisbon to play a friendly match against Benfica, a testimonial for Portuguese captain Francisco Ferreira. Despite fatigue and injuries, the players insisted on going — honouring both friendship and the game they loved so much.

They flew back home on May 4, 1949, aboard a Fiat G.212 aircraft. As the plane approached Turin, it encountered thick fog and poor visibility. The pilots, believing they were on the correct approach path, tragically miscalculated.

At 5:05 PM, the aircraft crashed into the rear wall of the Basilica of Superga, perched on a hilltop just outside the city.

All 31 passengers on board died instantly — including 18 players, all of the coaching staff, club officials, three journalists, and the flight crew.

The Memorial at Superga

Italy Mourns

The aftermath of the Superga air disaster was a national tragedy, over half a million people filled the streets of Turin for the funeral procession. Men wept openly, newspapers halted regular coverage, radio stations played only classical music. Even fierce rivals paid tribute – Juventus, Inter and Milan all stood united in mourning.

Torino’s youth team, made up of reserves and Primavera players, completed the final four matches of the season. Out of respect, their opponents also fielded youth squads. Torino won the league and were awarded the title — their fifth consecutive Scudetto.

A Legacy That Endures

The loss of Grande Torino deeply affected Italian football. The national team, which had been built almost entirely around Torino’s players, suffered a sharp decline. When Italy travelled to Brazil for the 1950 World Cup, they did so by ship, so traumatised were they by the idea of flying.

It would take decades for Torino to recover as a club. They would win a Scudetto again in 1976, and sporadically challenge for trophies but Grande Torino was unrepeatable.

Yet their legacy remains immortal. Each year, on May 4, Torino players, staff, and supporters climb the hill to Superga Basilica. There, overlooking the city they once thrilled, they remember — not just the tragedy, but the glory.

The plaque reads:
“Gli eroi sono sempre immortali agli occhi di chi in essi crede.”
“Heroes are always immortal in the eyes of those who believe in them.”

Why Grande Torino Still Matters

Grande Torino were not only the best football team of their era — they represented something greater. In a country emerging from dictatorship and war, they were symbols of unity, modernity, and belief. Their style of play laid the foundation for future generations. Their professionalism, spirit, and sacrifice continue to inspire.

In the end, they were not defined by how their story ended — but by how brightly they shone while they lived.
6th Aug 2025
The best ever kits from Serie A!!!

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.

11th Jul 2025
The Calcio Managerial Merry Go Round: Who, When and Why

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?

9th Jun 2025