Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Victor Osimhen To PSG, Romelu Lukaku Close To Napoli, Matias Soule Picks Roma, The Como 1907 Story & More (Ep. 439)
2.2k Plays1 year ago
From Victor Osimhen to PSG leading to Napoli signing Romelu Lukaku, Matias Soulé choosing Roma over the Premier League as Juventus looking to raise cash to sign Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta, to a deep-dive on Como 1907 returning to Serie A with Cesc Fabregas as head coach signing Raphael Varane as part of many big names, and Mats Hummels close to Bologna, as well as Baggio, Premface and Serie Ass of the week and much, much more when Nima and Carlo break down all the main talking points from the last week in the crazy world of Italian football.
Every Monday episode of The Italian Football Podcast is free for all. To NEVER miss an episode of The Italian Football Podcast (as well as support the show), go to Patreon.com/TIFP or on Spotify to become a Patron for only $2.99 USD per month (excluding VAT).
Recommended
Transcript
Summer Transfer Market in Serie A
00:00:02
Speaker
Welcome to the Italian Football Podcast. Hello everybody and welcome to the Italian Football Podcast, the official podcast of Football Italia. I'm Carlo Garganetti joined as always by Nima Tavalli. The summer transfer market is really hotting up in Serie A so we will be discussing some of the biggest transfer stories today. Victor Osseman is getting closer to PSG and could according to the italian media complete that move potentially as early as this week, which will free up money and space for Romelu Lukaku to join Napoli. Juventus star Mathias Soule has agreed to join Roma
00:00:43
Speaker
And that deal also could, if they can agree on the price, they're getting close, be completed this week as well.
Osimhen's Transfer Saga
00:00:51
Speaker
Is that the right move for him, for Roma? Are Juventus making a mistake by selling him? We will also tell the story of newly promoted Colmar who are having an incredible transfer market and are on the brink of signing France's legend Raphael Varan. We'll be talking about a few other little transfer talking points. We'll also have our usual Badjo, Premface and Celia asks of the week. For all our first time listeners this is our free weekly episode that we do every Monday reviewing the weekend Celia action and all the biggest talking points in Italian football. If you want to support the Italian football podcast and receive all of our content that we do throughout the week including a weekly Q and&A episode every Tuesday where we answer all of the questions from our patrons plus the weekly
00:01:32
Speaker
Thursday midweek review show plus interviews post-match reaction and much much more then go to patreon dot.com slash TIP and become a subscriber for just $2.99 a month plus VAT you can also sign up to be a paid subscriber on Spotify we'll provide the link in the description same price same terms for all of you that do listen on Spotify Apple and iTunes podcasts would really appreciate if you give us a five star rating give us a follow and a like and we're also on YouTube as well subscribe to us there we are approaching 3,000 subscribers now and all of that really helps us to grow and do more quality content for you guys. So let's get into today's show. So Victor Ossiman has agreed personal terms with PSG, five year contract worth 14 million euros a season.
00:02:20
Speaker
To complete the deal, PSG and Napoli need to agree on a transfer fee. PSG have made it clear that they won't match Ossiman's €130 million euros release clause in his Napoli contract. It seems like PSG are more willing to pay around €100 million. euros Possibly players could be involved in that. um Actually, as we were recording, and there has been a report from Lekip from Loic Tanzi, who is their main transfer reporter there, who has reported that Osterman is now considering staying at Napoli and that PSG interest is is cooling.
00:03:04
Speaker
um I can, I used to work with Loic Tanzi at goal, I can can call complete bullshit on that, um take it from me. Loic is unofficial PR chief for PSG, and he's reporting that to do a favour for PSG to try and get the price down. um I can say that almost certainly, and if I'm wrong I'll put my hands up. and I used to work for him at goal and I once called him out as being head of pi PR at PSG. But never reporting anything negative on psg. He went absolute berserk at me. He unfollowed me Um, we basically didn't talk after that even though I said it. I said it jokingly to him as well I didn't say it in a serious way. I just said, you know, it was ah it I think it was when virati virati was about to move to um Barcelona that one summer when boston were going big on virati and psg basically uh imprisoned him basically and
00:03:58
Speaker
Louis was putting out all kinds of bullshit about it, right the variety wanted to stay and it wasn't true and all these other stuff and and Anyway, lots of others negative stuff that's been going on at PSG over the years and he never reported it here once I just said joking tomorrow Well, everybody knows you're the the unofficial PR chief for PSG and he went absolutely berserk So I can guarantee you he's been PSG have asked him to do this as a favor because they'd negotiate in the transfer fee at the moment and and PSG are obviously trying to get that price down. It's a very, very high price. um And so i'm I'm pretty certain that's the have that will that is what has happened here and they will willll continue talks. We'll see if they can come to an agreement on the price. But what I can say for sure is Osseman wants to leave Napoli and Napoli cannot afford to keep Osseman because he's on 10 million a year and they gave him that contract last year to
00:04:55
Speaker
to basically promise him that we'll pay you this to the end of the season to keep you to stay with us for another season and and then you can go. And Napoli cannot afford to pay him that that amount of that amount of money. So they'll have more talks this week. Napoli are hoping to sell Ossemane to PSG this week because then it will allow them to finally bring in Romelu Lukaku. nimma so Yeah, let's see. This week could could be the big week, I think for that. But um yeah, if he does leave, he will leave as an Appleley legend, won't he? Oh, there's no doubt about that. um You think of what, when he joined and where an Appleley were and
00:05:34
Speaker
how he developed under a Spaletti, particularly under Spaletti, during that, you know, culminating in that magical season, the historic Scoredetto 23-23-23 season, 90 points, blowing everyone out of the water, his link-up with Flica, Flica Calatrelia, and the way that the football they played, which I, in my opinion, was the best football scene in Europe that year that season. I think they played the most beautiful attacking football of you in all of Europe that season. um The way that they dismantled sides. um Liverpool, particularly at the Maradona, was was fantastic.
00:06:18
Speaker
Um, and they were a little bit unlucky in the quarterfinals of, uh, of the quarter against Milan. Um, but they had already achieved something historic, um, for Napoli to, to win the scoreto is, is, is unbelievable. If you look at their history and where they are and as a club and what they can do, it's, he will be to remember fondly. I mean, Capo Canoneira. Um, he should have been MVP that season as well. Um, I don't think Richard was the best player that season. I think Richard was the best under 21 player that season. And, uh, and also him and was the, but was the MVP that season as well as being kappa kamunyere. Um, but you know, he would, he sc scored, I think it was a 76 goals and just over 130 games. And I think he would have scored much more if it weren't for a number of injuries.
00:07:08
Speaker
um and you know he it was obvious he was going to leave Napoli he was he was never going to stay there forever and I think you know we all know he wanted to go to he wants to go to the Premier League I think he himself is the reason he's not getting that Premier League move for many a meltdown, embarrassing meltdowns, um not just on social media, but, and you know, lots of things, you know, those the image of him celebrating his birthday in Nigeria, throwing money at a woman during Covid when everyone was locked down and then contracting Covid.
00:07:49
Speaker
Um, he obviously grew and developed from that became professional, but since then he's arguing with people on social media, attacking them, his, his Instagram lives where he yells into the camera, like an unhinged, um, you know, crazy, like a crazy person. Uh, uh, whether it's the Nigerian national team captain, whether it's a journalist, whether it's whoever it is, he's a loose cannon. And I think that's the main reason Premier League clubs together with the injuries feel, yes, fantastic player, fantastic talent, not many strikers at his level about, but is it worth the hassle? And going to PSG is not, you know, he's played in the French league before, you know, remember he came from France before he joined Napoli.
00:08:35
Speaker
um So I think this is this is where he ends up because of the nonsense of the pitch. ah It is time for him to leave. um I think it's good for Napoli as well because it was clear he was unhappy. Last season we saw a bunch of times when when he was sulking. ah Some of that, you know, of course I think Aurelia de la Rente said not handle that very well, not appointing a real sporting director. to replace Giuntoli thinking he could do it himself. you know those Those infamous words but that he's hes he see reportedly have would have told Thiago Mota that...
00:09:08
Speaker
when Thiago Mota asked Aurelio who the sporting director is going to be, he said, what do you need a sporting director for her? I'm here. um Lots of nonsense like that became kind of um kind of just made his tenure at Napoli. ah It was clear was finished ah that that relationship, but he will leave as an Napoli legend. He will forever be loved at an Napoli. And he's he's got that kind of crazy streak to him, which I think really speaks to Napoli fans as well because they know that their city and their club is a little bit insane too.
Lukaku's Move to Napoli
00:09:39
Speaker
Yeah. um So I think he will leave as a legend. Maybe the greatest African player in Serie A ever. Certainly the the best goal scorer. Yeah, I still hope George Villar, for me George Villar is at another level.
00:09:53
Speaker
will always be um as far as African players go in Serie A. I think George Real was just you know something was is just surreal how good he was but he's not you know Samuel Lettore I mean you know what he did as well like it's there's quite a few to pick from but um He's a top scorer, top scorer in Africa anyway, by by quite some distance as well, I think. so he's he's yeah he's ah he's had ah He's had a great time. I think it is the time to to move on now. Napoli will we'll make a profit as well, even though like one of the most shadiest transfers ever when they bought him, ah he gets his move to PSG, he gets the biggest salary, so everyone wins really, and financially.
00:10:39
Speaker
and and well I say everyone wins. ah That brings us on nicely to who will be the replacement because this Once this move goes through, if it does go through, Romelu Lukaku will be signed as his replacement, as Osterman's replacement from Chelsea. and Napoli will pay Chelsea, it seems, around 25 million euros, quite a lot of money for a 31-year-old, including add-ons. And he he's already agreed personal terms, three-year contract worth around 10 million gross.
00:11:13
Speaker
per season, um which will take advantage of the of the growth decree. um He will be, of course, reunited with Antonio Conte again. But the growth decree, I think it's it's just so people understand, it's it's it's no longer valid. But this is because the growth decree, you have to remember, he was a inter not like when they started using it it's for a certain period of time. So that we people don't think I thought that they're, you know, the the the the creto crescendo was cancelled. It is, it it has been cancelled. But since he, when he joined Inter, it's for a certain fixed period of time you can use it for, so so they're kind of using it from that point. Just so we don't have people, you know. Yeah. Oh, how can they use that? No, no, no, they can't. Yeah. Very strange, isn't it? That he, that he, that he left and then, and then. Well, look, the growth decree was very simply put, you can't, you have to stay in Italy for at least three years, two or three years continuously in order to take advantage of it.
00:12:08
Speaker
um But then if you come back to Italy, it it kind of it continued for like, I think of a period of five years or six years or something like that. it's It's a little bit more complicated than that. But basically saying this is not a new application. It is it goes back to his time when he was at Inter. Like because, you know, retroactively, you can't cancel it because it would, you know, in a in a stroke of a penny would lots of people would have to pay a ridiculous amount of money over over over overnight and you can't do that so new growth decree relief won't be given if you know what I mean so he's using the old like before the law change just to just to clarify that um so so that people wondering how that is possible but that's how it is but
00:12:54
Speaker
the biggest winner after a four well i wanted to ask you let me put the question to you what what do you think nimer newka thirty one now not been the same player since leaving into the first time which three years ago And that's yeah, like I said 31 quite a big fee that 25 million for a 31 year old big salary. um What do you think of this deal for Napoli? Can Conte bring the Lukaku magic work? Is it worth it? Is this the right replacement for Osseman? What do you think? I think after having made
00:13:28
Speaker
an endless stream of absolutely stupid career choices, Romelu Lukaku has just essentially won the lottery with Antonio Conte going to Napoli. Let's talk, let's remember who we're talking about, a player who looked completely finished for large parts of his tenure at Roma last season, like an ex-player. um It's a gamble by Napoli, it's a gamble by Antonio Conte, but he's only 31.
00:14:01
Speaker
um he the only play the only manager who has ever managed to get something that resembles or is or is world-class or world-class adjacent out of Romelu Lukaku is Antonio Conte. They know each other inside out. Antonio Conte knows exactly how to push him, knows exactly how to motivate him, knows exactly how to use him, more importantly, um And he will be fundamental for Napoli in how they attack, even if he doesn't score that many goals, even if he's not as quick as he used to be. He's still quick. He's not as quick as he used to be. His physique will not be a problem because Kante will take care of that.
00:14:46
Speaker
and he's already taught him how to play with his back against the goal in fact it was after Antonio Conte that he continued to play to to play like that and it's probably the only aspect of his game where he's the best in the world at now because even the penalties he's not very good at either anymore but playing with his back against the goal holding at play you don't go past Romelu Lukaku nobody can stop him And we know how Antonio Conte's culture where Ticale plays, he needs that guy. He needs that. And I look at Ficca, I look at Raspadori, and I look at an attack that together with Lukaku, even if Lukaku won't score as many goals, but the others will, that's a very potent Serie A attack.
00:15:34
Speaker
um because the point will be to use Lukaku as the all-important person to hold up the ball when that all-important first long ballball is played up to, which is imperative in how Antonio Conte breaks press when under pressure, his team's under pressure. um The question is, who will be his Brozovic? I think Lobotka can shoulder that. uh even though he's not exactly Brozovic but he's that a midfielder in that kind of a mold I don't think I'm not sure about that I'll be honest but that's a that's a that's a debate for another but I'm not saying that he is Brozovic I'm saying he's a he can't run that navoka you can't cover up any ground he's too slow so I But that's an interest. We'll discuss that. Let yeah let me finish. um what um I didn't say he was Brozovic in terms of covering ground. No one can cover a ground like Marcelo Brozovic. He literally has the world record for covering the most ground in football games twice. He can't cover any ground at all. Well, I mean, that's Brozovic. Now I'm talking about in terms of build-up play and passing and creativity and and and being a spider in the web kind of midfielder. Lobotka is a player in that mall.
00:16:37
Speaker
But he will need midfielders around him who do the running for him, like what happened when Vidal and Pirlo play together, Juventus under Antonio Conte. He has Anguissa there. So there there's there's a pattern, there's there's there's a skeleton emerging here of the Antonio Contes Napoli. And it's an interesting pattern. It's not at all typical to anything Aurelio De Laurentiis usually does. If you look at the key players, Barring Vica and Raspadori, they're all north of 25, 26 years old, which is not usually how how things have looked under Aurelio.
00:17:14
Speaker
But it is a statement. it is This is Aurelio de la Rente's having to do things this way after the disaster that was last season. I think i don't think Lukaku will become Capo Canonere, but I do think that Lukaku will be able to create all form all sorts of problems for Serie A defences. He did still score 21 goals last season. Despite his his, you know, at times, he didn't look the same Lukaku. There's no doubt about that, especially the second half of the season. I thought he was he was probably one of the only ones after De Rossi came that actually didn't look big didn't look as good. um But, you know, many of those goals, I guess, were in their Euro belief as well. I think it was like 13 in Serie A, so when you look at it that way,
00:18:02
Speaker
But it's still 21 goals. Not many people get above 20 goals for a season or compositions. He doesn't have that explosive speed and he will be used more as a wall. Like you said, but Kavara and Lukaku will be interesting, do they? Definitely. I think from because of Lobotka's limitations physically in terms of running, I think it's a mistake by a content of player 3-4-2-1. Because I think that's what he will want to do, player 3-4-2-1 with Raspadori. and clarara el luka I think that's a mistake. I think he should focus on a 3-5-2. I know that means Raspadori, one of Raspadori and Kvara will be on the bench but I think that's that's that's more preferable in terms of balance and I think he will realize that when he plays there because
00:18:50
Speaker
because of the fact that if you play a 3-5-2, then you can use Lobotka more similarly to how he used Peter Loyt Juve with two midfielders doing the running for him. And I think Kant is smart enough to realise that. I agree with that. I agree with that because I think Lobotka is the most anti-conce player ever, but then he would have said the same about PLO. And somehow but he had somehow made it work. Yeah, he made it work because he had two players to run for him. Yeah. He did his running for him. And I think that's how I think that's how he's going to to use La Botica. I think he will understand pretty quickly that, yes, 3421 is that's the latest Conte 3.0 update.
00:19:31
Speaker
But at the same time, it's you know, he doesn't need to worry about that because he's only got one game a week. He's only got the Serie A and Copa Italia to contest. He doesn't need to worry about European football. If he stays past this season at Napoli, then he can talk about, OK, I need a new midfielder. to partner Anguissa because Labotka can't do it and then he wants to play a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-2-1 but for now it has to be a 3-5-2 in my opinion because you get the most out of the squad that's available to you and also frankly put I think you you you develop
00:20:08
Speaker
as well to to learn to play more centrally. I think one of the biggest winners of in all of this will be Kvara if he understands and is willing to take in what Contes says because Kvara is ah a natural raw talent. There's no doubt about that. But I've always felt that he somehow lacks in tactical discipline. I know Spalletti likes to use him and give you know you know likes to give his players attacking you know freedom and to express themselves and and tries to accommodate the system where that it flourishes. but some But that's kind of, I think, has led to Kuara being so easily easily read, and that's why he struggled. With Kante comes a system man. And if Kuara can incorporate that into his game and and ah develop his intelligence in tactically and discipline tactically,
00:21:00
Speaker
Then we're talking about a player who who who who who can start to express fully the incredible talent that he has. And I know we both agree on that. yeah So I think... what I thought he was excellent at the Euros. I thought he was really, really good at the Euros, Clara. And Conte, yeah, maybe Conte sees him as his kind of... no go His son, maybe. Yeah, son, Lautaro, something like that. yeah I mean, he wanted Raspadori when he was at Inter already. Bongiorno in the middle of that defense is unbelievably smart. It's such an intelligent signing. um I still have question marks around the goalkeeper, but then again, I've seen Kontewin titles with Handano, which was semi-retired in goal.
00:21:45
Speaker
um and you know he he can make it work it's he's a system guy and he's he will provide defensive solidity and stability i'm a little bit surprised that jesper lindstrom and austig or austig or are being are are in talks to be sold too because if anything lindstrom is a counter-attacking player i thought he would suit perfectly in the contest system and austig or is very good in in the air and i thought he could be a good rotation i mean i'd rather keep austig gordon get rid of juan jesus
Napoli's Prospects under Conte
00:22:14
Speaker
I'll tell you that much. But, you know, we'll see. Again, Juan Jesus has never worked under Antonio Conte. So maybe they maybe he can have one last, you know, one last renaissance in his career as well. All I will say is that with Lukaku coming in with Oseman leaving, giving Quara a contract extension, which is what they absolutely have to do.
00:22:37
Speaker
Raspador is saying what will happen with Politano, you know, the wing back, Spinazzola coming in, you know, we've seen him do wonders with Ashley Young and Victor Moses in the past. They still need one or two more, I think, on those flanks. The defense right, left, center back, who plays there, the goalkeeper. What I'm saying is there are there is still work to be done, but there is a skeleton here that at Seria level is absolutely more than good enough to finish top 4, and not only that, with one game a week, using what we've seen with Konta before,
00:23:15
Speaker
They are a dark horse to win the Serie A. Benucci and Bufon have both seen them say that they think Napoli are top two. this this young I'm with them. um'm with them i I agree 100% with that. one Look, Antonio Conte's problem is that there aren't enough hours in the day to prepare for three games a week. That's the problem. is I think it's more physical. as I think it's physical as well. I think it's both. I think it's both. I think physical is the is the is the biggest one because he can't... The players... He's never learnt that. He's never learnt how to... He can't learn that. He's never been able to learn it, unfortunately. house And and this is it's going to be a fascinating season to follow.
00:23:58
Speaker
because I think Napoli will be probably concede the least amount of goals in the Serie A. I think up with if Inter's defence, who I think is is weakened this season ah with Acherbi and Defray, who are just a year older and they haven't replaced anyone, and Buchanan's injury really threw a spanner in the works, um I think Inter will concede more goals, but so i but i do think so I think that as things are looking right now, I think the most clean sheets, the least conceded amount of goals will be between Inter and Napoli for sure. The question then becomes, in attack, um and can we will we've seen what Quara can do, he's not exactly old by any stretch of the imaginations,
00:24:47
Speaker
So to get Lukaku and Kvara to working in that Konta system, the culture of Erticale, that becomes imperative and Konta will have a week to prepare. I have no doubts about Kvara. We saw Giorgia playing counter-tech when he was he was electric. Kvara can play in any system. So I have no no doubts about it in terms of counter-sacking or pro or or or front foot football he can he can do both so i've known look we have to we have to move on though no matter let's yeah have just one just one final point yeah chelsea finished 10th or 9th that season before konta came and he won this title with it yeah well you've just finished 7th as well yeah no i mean he's so the i know this was in the past but if the past is anything to go by just by virtue of what's happening now
00:25:32
Speaker
It's only July 22nd, and he's got two of his most important pieces. If he gets Lukaku and Buongiorno in, um then then he you know it's going to be they're going to finish top two. Can they win it? Well, that would cement Konta as one of the greatest Serie A coaches of all time. Because to win it with three different clubs, the way you know taking two of through all three of them coming from horrible seasons horrible eras where they've been nowhere near titles for a couple of for at least five six years in in in in Yuba's case and now with Napoli okay only two years but the preced previous season they finished 10th like that's
00:26:17
Speaker
If he were to do that, then he would cement himself as one of the greatest, the greatest Serie A coaches of all time. How many coaches have won with more than two teams in the Scudetto? And then the arguing will begin, then then you know he he will ruin the Scudetto party, as he always does, because he can't get out of his way, because he then looks at the Champions League and will start moaning and pissing. and But let's not get
Mathias Soule's Transfer to Roma
00:26:42
Speaker
ahead of our ourselves. Let's enjoy this telenovela that we've been served for the next twelve manacord and to louis tanszi the osstoman deal' is not even goingnna go through anyway so so what we even talking about right let's move on lets move on to a deal that should go through
00:26:56
Speaker
but certain ah is ah mattia sule roma are are now getting closer to signing Soule from Juventus. They've increased their offer. They already had one offer rejected already. Their latest offer is 28 million euros plus bonuses. Leicester City have made a ah much, much higher bid than Roma but Soule has made it clear that he only wants to join Roma. He doesn't want to move to the Premier League, Leicester and West Ham and another team I'm forgetting.
00:27:27
Speaker
have are interested in signing in for the Premier League but he's made it clear. He wants to join Roma, he wants to play with his Argentine teammates, Di Bala, Paredes and Juventus have had to accept that and they're probably going to have to allow him to join a Serie A rival, maybe get less money than they would have got ah from a Premier League team. Juventus did want originally 40 million at first but it now seems they're going to have to accept more kind of 30 to 35. Personal terms have been agreed. Sule has agreed personal terms, 2029 contract, 2 million a year plus bonuses,
00:28:07
Speaker
Roma are confident that a deal can be completed this this week and they're probably going to make a new bid ah imminently in which they're hopeful that will be the bid to to to finalize the deal. So, I mean, this is this is a trumpeter that i I think we can confidently say is is is going to happen now. So let's start off from Roma's point of view, Nima. Is this a good signing for Roma? Is this the right signing for them? It is a fantastic signing by Roma. It is exactly the kind of transfer. I mean, if I put my Roma glasses on, I am elated with this. This is the kind of thing that kick-starts the Daniele de Rossi era for real. It allows Roma to bring in a young player with immense talent.
00:28:56
Speaker
that allows the Roma fanbase, the Roma Piazza, to start to dream and look forward as opposed to, you know, and they think of, when they think of Di Bala, when they think of Soule, they see a future, they see they see a very exciting season, they see they see lots of quality, they see goals, they, you know, it's it's it's a very exciting move and, he ah you know, and the fact that Daniela de Rossi has been able to infatuate Soule to the point where he's denying going to the Premier League, even though they pay him more money, is is very interesting because that again shows what a tali what a talismanic coach he is just in terms of character-wise de Rossi. Without having accomplished anything at coaching level really, he's winning players and because the players all talk,
00:29:48
Speaker
um amongst themselves. And that means that De Rossi has fantastic as a fantastic reputation amongst players. Yeah, um yeah I think it's a coop for Roma. My question is tactically less about Soulay, more about Di Bala, like how do you fit these two players in together? You play Di Bala as a false wine. Well, that's the question. like cat I mean, it's an interesting one. I want to see how it works because, you know, we've seen it like even if you take Spain, the Spain national team, um you know, in the second half of that final when they took off Morata, they brought on Ayazabal and played him as a false nine.
00:30:25
Speaker
um and and they didn't have that kind of depth in behind, but and they had two flying wingers that provided that that that that direct threat. So, are Roma going to try something similar? Maybe. I think so. But but it's always yeah me thinking of Di Barra as a false nine. very slow I don't know we'll see we'll see that that's the that's the question for me kind of tactically how it all ties together um and you know that's up to De Rossi to work out if we're looking at it singularly from the player it's a coupe for Roma I think it's a good move for Soulay I like the fact that he stayed obviously for Serie A it's good but I like the fact that he stayed
00:31:06
Speaker
in an environment that he already knows, make it easier for him to settle, then taking that risk, going to the Premier League, different type of football, going to a newly promoted team that have obviously issues of but financial issues off the pitch and everything. and So, you know, there's always that risk there of your of your career, you know, whittling away. Whereas we i think I think it's a good move for Soulay. I think he's made the right move staying stayin in Serie A for sure. um As for Juventus, it's a difficult one for Juventus because I think that he's...
00:31:44
Speaker
Financially, he could be worth double in the future. I've said this hook a long time. I could see him, you know, if he's 30 million, 35 million now, he could easily be 50, 60 million in a couple of years. um So, you know, Juventus could have taken the long road there. um You know, also the question is if they are going to sell Sule, Well, they're going to have to replace him. Who are they going to sign as the the right, let's say the right winger to replace him? Well, you know, Sancho, if it's Sancho, maybe be fair enough. um But then some of the other names that I've seen mentioned, I'm not sure if they're upgrades on Sue late, to be honest. So that is the the key thing is going to be whether it's whether it's a good move for you. events It's like the player they get into replace him has to be.
00:32:29
Speaker
you know, has to be better than him and not cost more than than them than really than what they're paying for him. Obviously, the reason why they're selling him is they need that money to complete the kook miners deal. And they're looking to make around 60 million for the sales of Sulay and Hoisin. So they're making that sacrifice to bring in kook miners. So I think it's a guarantee. And that's why they're doing it. Motta apparently, from what I'm hearing, wanted to keep Sulei. He likes him, he thinks he can do really great things with him, but he's accepted that Koop Miners is a bigger priority and that they need to sell him. So it's it's kind of for Juventus fans, I think it's is' a bit...
Roma's Tactical Changes under De Rossi
00:33:10
Speaker
Juventus fans are a bit torn by this one and for for a number of reasons, and if you if you know where I'm coming from.
00:33:17
Speaker
No, I understand that. But just just before we move to the Uwe thing, I mean, I'm looking at the Brahma squad now. And for me, when I analyze it, I feel like it light lacks a little bite. That was prior to Sule coming, because I think Sule is an attacking goal threat. um I think, you know, we'll see what happens, you know, Tammy Abraham, if he stays or goes. But it's it's kind of It's an interesting squad. It's a very interesting squad and Baldansi will have to be integrated more. What happens with Pellegrini? I think he's a goner. Baldansi is a goner, I think, completely. How the hell is he going to play with Di Paolo and Sule? he's He's got no chance. He's done. He's done for me. Unless he's happy to play a few minutes in the Europa League and he's not going to ever get a game. When's he ever going to play?
00:34:05
Speaker
He's not going to play in the same team as those two, so at best he's gonna be he's going to be a sub at best. I think this is ah this is a this is a ah knife to the heart for for for for Bal Dansi. I'm not sure. i'm not sure i think I think when you look at you look at those positions, if if you're going to play a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, there's four attacking positions. um You have Pellegrini, you have Baldansi, you have ah Tami, you have Sula, you have Dibala. I see quite an interesting merry-go-round here. I think there's a way to too for Derossi to integrate all of them into this in some way or another, and I'm really keen to see how he does it. I don't think
00:34:49
Speaker
automatically Bal Dansi is a goner. um I think it's more a case of creating an environment where excuse me where all the players have to earn their spot in which in to start. um and And no one's guaranteed anything, which is a situation that Roma have not really been in for for quite some time. But it's interesting. and and And that kind of also brings what we had on our Q and&A pod, a question about Pellegrini as a regista. because Pellegrini sure as hell won't be playing in in in in in the number 10 or any of the wide areas, I think.
00:35:24
Speaker
And we've seen the best out him as a Metzala so far. And even there, some would argue that he's too slow. So what is De Rossi thinking here? Depends what system he plays, what formation he plays as well. Exactly. And and that's what makes this so exciting and so interesting to follow. Because i you know how I feel about De Rossi. He blew me away last season, tactically. um Not just because of the results, but the fact that because of the man I saw at Spaal and what he tried to do there, looked he looked abysmal, he looked pathetic. And when we interviewed joel when I interviewed Joe Takopina, he said, listen, the football he wants to play is too advanced for the players and the levels that we have in Serie B. But he was adamant that he's a great coach and will be a great coach because of the way he said he called him a tactical genius, if I remember correctly.
00:36:14
Speaker
And then we see him at Roma and the football he played for large parts. And because he had a high quality of players to play that football, they expressed it and it looked absolutely brilliant. This is his first preseason. This is his first mercato. I am very, very intrigued and excited to see what they can do, because I really think he is one of those future coaches in Italian football that has potentially a mega future ahead of him. I think he wants to play, ideally wants to play with wingers. um and I think so too. and I think that's all we know. he's he's He's kind of intimated that last season in a kind of indirect criticism of Di Bali, you know, he didn't mean it where he kind of said, having Di Bali means I can't play with the way that I want to play. and But that was when Lukaku was around. Lukaku was the number nine. So this season, you know, I'm thinking maybe he tries to 4-3-3 with Di Bali on a false nine.
00:37:08
Speaker
Again, I just not sure if that can work. I don't know. I don't know. With the lack of depth behind in the the central position, it would require two flying wingers. So they're probably going to need to then then they need need a left wing as well because who's going to play on the left wing with pace? Well, do they though? Do they though? Who plays them? Well, that's the thing. I mean, if you play, you could play Bal Dansi there as an inverted. He's got, he's slower than Pellegrini. He's the slowest plays ever. Yeah, but he doesn't need to play as a winger per se. Well, then you haven't, but then you don't create, then you have no depth at all. That's the problem. That's the problem. That depends on who the full back is. You see, this is what I'm saying. It depends on who the full back is now. You need depth from your wingers. You need depth from your attackers. You can't have zero pace in attack. It just, it's just not going to work. Depends on how you build play.
00:37:51
Speaker
there's no it's it's But then you have a slow build-up, you don't have a direct fast build-up. ah that's what so joe shara we um tell shara we definite work well i'm sorryri won't freak that that's thought de rossu That's what De Rossi wants. He he wants depth in his attack. that For me, that's the biggest issue. i mean Sule will provide that um on the right. and to an extent and he can dribble and he can beat his man and that's great um but you know who does it from the left? Did they play a 4-3-3 or do they go for 3-2-1? Possibly they they they go for that maybe and but then for me that's the biggest question mark for me. there's but I think there's lots of question marks. I think it depends on how you
00:38:33
Speaker
you can You can formulate you can form it you can form your your your your troops on the pitch in many different ways. and you can it's It's about making it balanced and work. You don't need to always have pacey wingers on every side. like you You can mitigate for that. You can get the most out of certain players by playing them in certain positions and then mitigate that by having someone cover that side. Do you know what I mean? It becomes a bit tricky. But if you are if you're not if you're if you're not a set if you're not if you're not a Premier League club, this is these are the choices you're left to do. And that's why it's it's a very challenging job, a Serie A club, for most coaches because you don't have an and infinite amount of money and you have to show your tactical level of you know your your tactical knowledge and understanding of the game too to mitigate for weaknesses because
00:39:22
Speaker
that every team has weaknesses in in the Serie A, which they can't throw money at, unfortunately. That's the reality we live in. So it's um'm I'm very excited to see what Roma do, what De Rossi does, and and how we formulate you know how we how we form what what more business they do. and i think they'll I think they will try and sell Tammy Abraham. um They will try and sign the number attacker with with a bit of
Juventus' Transfer Strategy
00:39:44
Speaker
pace. and because I just don't see anyone. I force i foresee, i force is as much as I think it's a great sign, I foresee if they stick with their current attackers, including Sulay, I think they're going to have a real big tactical problem with a lack of depth and and pace in in the attack. It's going to be a problem.
00:40:00
Speaker
Corona that's that's what I foresee no I think that there's no doubt that there's a problem with lack of depth because it's there's not enough players no depth as in depth tactically depth on the pitch as in getting in behind that that kind of depth not not depth as in depth in the squad I think there's there's a depth in in the squad problem as well just by looking at that squad as it looks now my issue is I don't think anyone is going to buy time Abraham I think that's, that's, that's the problem. So I think you they're going, I in off at any acl yeah i mean, see who's going to pay for that? It's not going to happen. So they're going to have to, I think they've we've come to accept that he's going to stay at least another season. And and next summer is when they'll try to sell him. So I think they're looking, they're building with a season with Tammy, um which is good because that, for you know, you know, good in the sense that, well, that's a player, that's, that's a striker.
00:40:48
Speaker
um I think that, I think they will sign them. I mean, they just, they've just lost out on Nesri to, to Fennebachi's chosen Marines. I think that does show that they are trying to sign them. I think they will sign more players, um absolutely, and and attacking players for sure. But I still don't see them selling time in Abraham. I just don't see anyone buying them. well But on the, yeah on the Juventus point though, was it the right call for Juventus to sell? um I think the biggest winner in this is Federico Chiesa. because I think now he's going to stay and he's been handed a new lifeline to his career. I think Juventus would have rather have sold Chiesa than Soulet and they've actually been forced, to eat also been forced to sell Soulet, again maybe partly against their will because
00:41:37
Speaker
i don't think I think there's just no no one that's prepared to pay for Chiesa. Exactly. i think na that I think it's more that than Chiesa wanting to stay. Well, but that's what I'm saying. That's why he's a winner because he didn't he wasn't convinced by the Roma move. We know that. um and he will play at a club that plays in the Champions League. He's on his last year, remember? this Now now he can he can really showcase himself as and he will be important for Juva because out of necessity, not out of choice. So he will be a player that starts for Juva and he has been handed a golden opportunity here um to make it work um on his last year of his contract, which is the best shopping in a window
00:42:23
Speaker
ah you can imagine and there's no excuses now this is this is this is really this is this is it this is this is his last life now no it really is his last life um and it'll be interesting to follow to see i i have to be honest i want to go on the record and continue to say that i don't think i think he can still play as a winger but he can't be the winger that he was before the acl because i don't think he's got that explosive you know string term anymore um He has to use his football IQ more now to beat his his his players, to beat his opponents. But it's going to be interesting. There's lots of fascinating talking points. like I look at you and I see
00:43:02
Speaker
Okay, this this the the central midfield is is really is so interesting with Luis and Turam and Koopmein is coming in. um The defence is his question mark as well. look Does he go with Gatti to the right? I mean, what happens there? Bremen is going to stay, but can he play in a bank four? Can he make it work? um ah Mota? There's lots of interesting questions. Well Todibo I think will probably come in as is the alternative to Califiori. That deal could be done this week as well potentially they can agree on a price. um Cabal which they piejacked off into I think would probably be more of a backup I would imagine. i have I have to praise that move.
00:43:43
Speaker
I have to praise, that is an intelligent Juntoli move. He is a very strong, he's he's ah he's a mean SOB in terms of defenders. There aren't very many mean SOB defenders ah around, let alone at Juvo Rinta. I was annoyed that Inter lost out on that. because But he was never going to be a first team player for either club. But its but yeah you have well you'll be surprised because that is a player who I think it's about different roles and balance in it. Mozart can develop him. Mozart can develop him and what he's already getting a player who is a
00:44:20
Speaker
mean, vicious, like he's a pain in the
Como's Ambitious Transfers and Challenges
00:44:24
Speaker
butt. Like the way that he is on opponents and attackers winning the ball high up the pitch, which Mota likes. You know, I saw Stat saying he's almost the three best per 90 minutes last season in Serie A for winning the ball high up the pitch. Ariel is a beast, I think it was first. Yeah, Ariel is great. um And so, look, yes, he will start. He's not coming as a marquee signing, but I think it's it's an intelligent signing. I think that's a player with lots of potential that can really explode under Tiago Mota. So don't, you know, watch out for that. That's a clever signing. um So, no, they're not, they you know, it's it's, there's lots of interesting things happening at Juve as well, for sure.
00:45:03
Speaker
But one is, of course, you know, Kiesa's last last chance saloon for Federico Kiesa, not just at Juve, but at top level football. And it's going to be the biggest talking point. I mean, think about it. If he does well, what do you do? Do they extend this contract? give him what he wants or do they just let him run it out? Well they do that bridge contract that they were discussing as well give him a year extension for now which is what they were discussing and then which would make it to 2026 and then that gives him time to buy his time to do a proper contract.
00:45:38
Speaker
um We have to talk about KOMO, NIMA. and They are maybe the story of the Serie A summer transfer market. The whole KOMO project is is really a fascinating one. They were promoted from Serie B. last season. um This will be their first time in Serie A since the 2002-2003 season when they were relegated with one of the worst ever performances in Serie A. They won four matches and
00:46:10
Speaker
They then completely fell away, fell apart, the club did. Religation after relegation, they went all the way down to the city of D. and They went bankrupt twice. and But then, in 2019, they were bought by the Indonesian tobacco giants, Jaram Group, who are the It makes Como the wealthiest ah club, the richest club in Serie A, the well wealthiest ownership group in Serie A, the Robert Boudy and Michael Hartono brothers who are the owners of Jarrum Group. And together these brothers boast a combined net worth of $48 billion. dollars It's absolutely insane the money that they have.
00:46:56
Speaker
and they have big plans for for Colmo and we're already starting to see the the Colmo project take shape. I mean they've got some some really high profile figures within Colmo. Chess Fabregas is the coach. He's just taken over from a saying Roberts after getting his coaching badges. ah Roberts has moved to become head of development. They've got some high profile shareholders including tierri onri and in the transfer market they're really making a ah big splash they've already made some notable sign-ins area bellotti andrea dosena pepe rena ah alberto morena ah they're going to sign paul lopez the goalkeeper if he hasn't already i'm not sure if that's official yet but they're signing paul lopez ah the former Roma goalkeeper and they are this week about to sign Raphael Varan on a free transfer the France World Cup winning legend former Real Madrid legend and former Manchester United player they're also looking at they're also in negotiations right now for archimello on loan from Juventus they're looking at Anthony Martial they were linked with Mats Hummels before before they went to for Varan so they they have some really really big plans don't they yeah
00:48:04
Speaker
andma They certainly do. um they it's it's yeah I mean, on the one hand, it's one of those things where, yeah, cool little tiny Kormor get all these big names um when they return to the city. But on the other hand, I'm not too happy about it because this is exactly what we've spoken about. The smaller teams investing in experienced older players with large but with large salaries instead of giving Italian youth a chance. If they're not going to get a chance at Como, they're sure as hell aren't going to get a chance at Juve Inter Mila Napoli Roma.
00:48:42
Speaker
And I don't like that. I think this, this is, um, this is a, this is an aspect of Italian football. And it's not, it's not just common. This has always been the case in Italian football that when new clubs come up, when I went to the CER, they try to bring in one or two or three more experienced players to offer some stability to the project in order to avoid relegation. So for Italian and football, this isn't good. I, or. it's long-term it isn't good because it's another club that looks away from youth but for KOMO it's fun for KOMO fans it's really really fun I mean they
00:49:18
Speaker
They bring in lots of big names to this tiny little beautiful place, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you've ever been lucky to be there, you know what I'm talking about. It's it's an absolutely stunning place. I mean, I know many of many of the Inter Milan players and stars through the years live in Cornwall. Well, Lake Cornwall, I mean, George Clooney, I mean, you can go on and on with the with the number of celebrities and and the the rich and the famous who go there. I mean, it's it's a beautiful location, isn't it? The stadium is just just ah right right by the lake. Yeah, right by the lake, isn't it? Yeah, Giuseppe Sinigaglia. It was refurbished in 2002. It first opened in 1927. It's right by the lake. No, who built the stadium?
00:50:08
Speaker
Sorry? Do you know who built that that stadium? mu Benito Mussolini. It was built on the request of Benito Mussolini and it was named after an Italian rower and war hero Giuseppe Sinigaglia who is from, who was a native of Como. and They might not play there, though. What's going on with the stadium? It's bit unclear at the moment whether they're actually going to play there, isn't it? Because it doesn't meet the it doesn't meet the minimum capacity requirements set up by the CER. And so there's work required in order to upgrade and play there. Because that's why I said it's it's a very old stadium in 1927.
00:50:45
Speaker
The current capacity is 13,602. Is it good? I mean, you've you've said there about the youth there and and and you're right. um Having said that though, when you've got $48 billion ah dollars ah among your ownership group, then it doesn't surprise you that you're going to try and go for instant success, ah really. um But then maybe, you know I guess time will tell, maybe maybe that that that's a mistake. Maybe they should be looking also to build more from the bottom in terms of younger players. And I know Chess Fabregas has talked about that and said that there is a plan to to create the infrastructure.
00:51:23
Speaker
um but it doesn't seem like that based on their silence so far this summer they're going very I'm looking at the squad squad now they've signed Belotti he's not exactly a teenager. Cutrona is 26 now but he's you know if if he if he counts at you as youth that's part of pepper rainers 41 yeah Simone Verdi who's had a very weird career you know they've got what's his name um Daniela Baselli, they've got, I think they just bought Alberto Dossena. I mean, it's it's like, it's ah it it reads like a 30 plus all stars of Seria of the last 10 years. And it's like, I get again, while they're doing it, but this is what we keep saying. If the, if youth can't even get a chance at a place like Cuomo, then what are we doing here?
00:52:15
Speaker
you know But is it good for Serie A? I mean, it's not good maybe for the Italy national team, that's for sure. But is it good for the Serie A to have that yeah have a new club with all this money that can go out and, and you know, we'll see. We'll see what they're and how just how ambitious. We'll see whether in a year or two years such time, whether they are challenging Juventus, Milan and Interfer when it comes to the transfer market too, because they can certainly afford it. and yeah but Yeah, I just don't see that happening. I think it's a little, it'll at most be two, three seasons of A Flash in the Pan and it's a nice acquaintance, but when there's not very many people living in Cornwall and they don't exactly have a huge fan base. um So no, look, for me, it's, um I mean, when I think of Cornwall, I think of
00:53:07
Speaker
Stefano Borgenovo, and, you know, Don Connell, your son, and the Milan
00:53:19
Speaker
Claudio Borg, the the Brazilian Milan striker, who played for Milan as well. Argentine, yeah. Yes, sorry, Argentine. I mean, I look at those guys, i think of them, and and it's like that but iconic era they had back then. In the 80s, yes. The my guy, the Brazilian. He was amazing. Yeah, and of course Stefano Borgonovo, you know, the sad story of him and how he passed away. and No, so it's it's it's it is it is a club with with history, it's a club with with with pedigree and some interesting, you know, so but I'm happy they're back um because it's nice to have these, you know, it it gets boring if you have the same clubs over and over just coming up and going down. You want that kind of freshness because there's such a depth of historical clubs and piazza in in Italy that it's nice for them to show off at the biggest Italian football stage.
00:54:14
Speaker
um but But there is, look, it's it's it's it's a b it's's I think it's a very attractive place to come to live to. um You know, ah because of very expensive. Well, it's the most luxurious, one of the most exclusive places in all of Europe. um Property there is very expensive, but it's a beautiful place to live. It's very calm. It's it's I genuinely can't recommend enough visiting it if you go there. It is absolutely, the the place is tiny. It's got this kind of like village feel to it.
00:54:53
Speaker
very calm very clean very beautiful um and and just just a nice nice all-round nice vibe around it um there's lots of things you know it's right close to the house do you imagine if como like got into europe and then they started playing like i don't know chelsea or something the fans would put us the fans all flock over to como Like, just like, smash up the place. No, no, no, they move that to the San Siro. There's no way they can play them there. Could you imagine? There's no way they would allow that. There's no way they' out there they'd go to the San Siro. They just, you know, rent the San Siro. The lake all gets polluted. and just want You just want English football hooligans to to trash up places. I'm trying to picture it, you know.
00:55:41
Speaker
Well, it's not just the English. I mean, they're the words, probably the Dutch. I mean, like, fire notes. Imagine fire notes, comma. I mean, they smashed up right. No, I don't see it. I'd see UEFA putting a stop to that before we even can get to that far. But no, it's's it's a fun it's a fun club. And it's going to be interesting to see what Fabregas now, now that he's the head coach taking over from Ocean Roberts. who's now become head of development, I think. That's right. Yeah. Yeah. And he's he's got a great history of that. And Fabrikas is, I'm interested to see Fabrikas, he's very, as a pundit, he's he's he's fantastic. He's very, very intelligent. um His thinking, the way he thinks about the game, but doesn't always, obviously doesn't always translate as a manager. It's very different.
00:56:23
Speaker
you know, being knowledgeable and and having a good understanding and conceptually being good. You've got to be able to get your ideas across and there's lots more to manage it than just ideas. So it is interesting. It'd be very interesting to see how Fabricus does. In the first game of the season for Carmoids against Juventus. Away, isn't it? I believe so, yeah. I mean, it's against Thiago Motta's Juventus, and obviously Fabregas Motta, they played against each other and in the Euro 2012 final. So it's, yeah, it's a great storyline to start the season. It's a beautiful storyline and it's it's a beautiful, it's a tiny little club. um I have a friend who we've interviewed who is from Como, he used to play for Como's youth team as a goalkeeper, Francesco Fontana, who is now
00:57:06
Speaker
Bordeaux Campo Giornalista at the zone for Serie A so he was very very happy and excited to
Inter Milan's Strategic Approach
00:57:14
Speaker
see his his Cuomo go back up to the Serie A so yeah it's it's an interesting one Yeah, it certainly is. um Right, we'll just race through. First of all, if you haven't listened to it, Lazio, we did a transfer, Nima did a transfer deep dive last week with um Valerio Marcangli, who's one of the top Lazio transfer experts, talking all about, post part of our series, talking all about the transfer plans for Lazio, who's coming in, who's going out.
00:57:49
Speaker
the manager, everything about them. We will be having, we're planning to have this week a Milan transfer deep dive and later this week. So look out for that. Milan are are working on a number of transfers right now, Yusuf Fufana, Strahini and Pavlovic, Nicholas Fulkrug, they're also looking for a right back. So there's players that could be leaving and so Milan are definitely one of the teams ah to to watch. So we don't want to talk about them now. We will talk about them um this later this week in the transfer deep. It's going to be a full transfer deep. Yeah. So look out for that. Another transfer deep bug we haven't done so far is Inter. We will hopefully do them later in the summer because it has been very, very quiet Inter. So very quickly now, just so everybody knows, like what is going on at Inter this summer? Why is it so so quiet?
00:58:42
Speaker
because they feel they've done their revolution last summer. They did they they did their clean out last summer and the players that have left Sanchez, Senzi, Klassen aren't players that were going to, they weren't counting on anyway. So they've already, you know, made up for that. They did Zielinski and Tarim equally pretty early. So that addressed those issues. um And the rest was about the contracts, Inzaghi, Barilla, Lautaro, You know, that those were the main ones. The others have already been tied up to long. the The important players have been tied up um to long term contracts. You know, they the only prop the only thing that threw a spanner in the works. I mean, they they brought in Martinez as a backup to Sommer, who's they're going to try to alternate between the two and kind of do a kind of Toldo Giulio Cesar situation. Do you like him, Martinez?
00:59:36
Speaker
i like I think it's it's it it shows to me that Simone is not a manager who likes to sit back but is proactive. I think what he learnt from the Onana season was that he wants ah if if he can have a goalkeeper that can play the ball like that, it it helps him in both phases. It makes the team so much more press resistant. and it creates so much more problems for the opposition and there is no one better than then Pep Guardiola who completely changed his tactics to adapt to Inter in the final of the Champions League because of one another and I think he looks at that and he goes hmm
01:00:15
Speaker
that's the future and so he I think Martin is in terms of shot stopping is decent but so was Jan Sombre he's not world-class by any stretch of the imagination yet again in that system it worked really really well and I think they brought him on to kind of do like I said the Giulio Cesar Toldo thing where you bring in a goalkeeper and you slowly ease him in and then you have Jan Sombre who as he's getting gradually older become the backup goalkeeper for so so that you know he stays for two three years and he's the backup goalkeeper you know slowly changing of the guards which i am very happy with given what happened with handana which before it became an actual problem um the only problem is that they do have a central defense problem
01:00:58
Speaker
Francesco Acherbi, 37, just came back from a groin injury. Stefan Defrayi has shown consistently that he has passed his best. um And, you know, with Tejon Buchanan getting injured, this was supposed to be his season, um that serious injury. um And I don't even consider this, I don't think we'll see him at all this season until maybe April, May, at most. I really am not counting on pu gap Buchanan this season. So, what we're what we're looking at is, okay, well, they need to they need to sort out some sort of a defender to to to shore up a backup defender. and they and And Oaktree have made it clear that they'd rather have young players for low fees and low wages who are promising, who can explode under Inzaghi, whilst Inzaghi wants someone who's ready now.
01:01:48
Speaker
uh... to just do a backup role for a year until Buchanan comes back and that's kind of where they are but the big thing that the most of the moves have already been done uh... you know last summer and and we thought it means illinski coming in that that that that makes inter even stronger from compared to last season in terms of death which was the issue last season but there is a problem and the problem is in central defense and how they handle it. Do they survive another year with Acherbi Defray? Can Jan Bizek be molded into playing centrally? Do they play Bastoni there? Do they play Bizek to the left, Bastoni in the middle, and Pavard to the right? What do they do?
01:02:31
Speaker
um Those are the discussions being had. um They need to get rid of Correa. They need to get rid of all these other players that are not part of their plans. um And then, you know, because Nzagi wants two players in every position. And and he has that, except for in central defense, where there is some sort of a problem. They're in to see that. And usually the way Marotta handles these situations is by stop gapping it. um stopgap until next summer when next summer that's when they'll buy that's when they'll buy their main central central defender if Inzaghi stays because you know he signed a one-year contract extension until 2026 they're gonna have to go through this discussion once more with him again next summer if he if he has a successful season and wants to stay so
01:03:16
Speaker
they basically kicked the can down the road. I don't expect them to do, I mean, this notion of kiwi or coming in um only on loan, Arsenal, not too keen on that. And they did try to sign Cabal, didn't they? Yeah, but they didn't want, they didn't have that kind of money that, that, that Helas wanted and that kind of, that kind of allowed you to come in. with Yeah. So it's, it's the same old story. ah You know, people expecting Oaktree to magically pour in money, don't know what a hedge fund is, and live in Cloud Cuckoo Land. This is just a continuation but with Canadian-American owners as opposed to Chinese owners of before. One in, one out. It's financial stability, all of that. ah The main focus of Oaktree, of course, is to protect their investment and make a profit when they sell. And how do they do that? By balancing the books, by sorting out the stadium project,
01:04:09
Speaker
Whether it's at San Siro where they own it and refurbish it or if they build a new one remains to be seen. I personally think that with everything that's happened, um this could be a situation where the city of Milan lese lease out the San Siro to Inter or Milan or together. um We'll see who stays, but it could be a situation where they lease it for one euro for 99 years, and then the club pays for the refurbishment, um and then they run it and build you know develop that land and and and can able to and are able to monetize it because this this company in Rome, we build, I think they're called, who are specialized in working with
01:04:53
Speaker
build development of of areas that have been given this this the then you know this have been designated buildings of special historic and cultural significance. they've They've been involved in many projects in Rome, which is essentially just an open-air museum, um respecting those laws and not ruining those sites. And they've handed in their project. to Inter and Milan saying, look, we can actually refurbish the San Siro if you're willing to stay. We can do it and we can meet your demands. We'll see what the clubs say. But I mean, that's the priority here. um It's been a very quiet summer because Inter again did everything they needed to do last summer. Now it's about tweaking. The revolution was last year. This is now about tweaking um and and finding the right balance. and And that's why they're so calm and quiet.
01:05:43
Speaker
because everything is just going according to plan, knock on wood from an intro perspective. So there's really not much to talk about.
Bologna's Transfer Market Struggles
01:05:50
Speaker
Fair enough. Fair enough. Okay. Well, in that case, we will actually just before we move on, Spadio prim face and serious of the week Bologna, this should be the week. that Riccardo Calafurri completes his transfer to two Arsenal. um So, yeah, that is ah ah another big, big loss for Bologna, having already lost Joshua Zipsi to so Man United and Thiago Motta, to Juventus as the manager, and now to lose Calafurri as well to to to Arsenal. um Yeah, they're in the Champions League next season.
01:06:25
Speaker
huge huge huge huge losses. ah is is I think everybody knows it's going to be extremely difficult for them next season but um they are potentially going to sign Matt's Hummels as the replacements of Callifield put in an offer for him ah contract until 20, well actually a one-year contract ah only. um They're waiting for an answer this week. We'll find out this week whether Hummels accepts that offer. What would you make of Hummels to Bologna? I thought it was a bad joke when I saw it. Vincenzo Italiano playing with a high line and Matt Thomas in the middle of that. have we Has everyone lost their minds?
01:07:07
Speaker
Like what are we doing here? It just, it reads like a joke. i mean ah i don't even know I mean to me that just screams desperation um and that they just need someone to make up the numbers and and it's it's just it's it's insanity to me. I think we had a question on our Q and&A pod about you know we've praised Sartori for being brilliant and and as he should be but this summer has been a disaster by him and Bologna. They should have known that Mota was leaving and Lazirx and Calafari were leaving and they seemed and okay if you want to go after Vincenzo Italiano I understand that it's a good get but to not have anything prepared seems very reactive doesn't it? It just seems like oh shit what do we do?
01:07:53
Speaker
and it And then Hummelz of all people who Nagelsmann left out of the Germany squad, not because he wasn't good enough, but because he was too slow, because he likes to play with a high defensive line. Yeah, it's because he wants to play with a high defensive line. And then you don't play with Matt Hummelz. He's never been a quick. He's never been fast. So what do you do now? it's To me, it's just madness, absolute madness. and And it just, you know, I think it's just a waste of a Champions League spot now. Just a complete waste of a Champions League spot.
01:08:27
Speaker
the way it seems now. even having effort doesn't It definitely does. It definitely feels very reactive, their transfer market. I said it as well, maybe a couple of weeks ago, like Italiano, they've actually worked out, like it's actually worked out for them in theory, to get the Hummels deal. It's actually worked out in theory, getting yeah Italiano, but they it wasn't by design. It was by no luck that they got Italiano. It was it was ah like, you know, oh What is going on with this? Who can we get? You know, and they managed to get it. It wasn't something that they planned months ago, you know, and it feels like that with the market as well. Like, you know, who's the who's the replay, which is very strange, the replacement for ZXC, you know, where is the where is he? Where's the replacement for California? Oh, let's just rush around and and and go for hummus. Who like you said,
01:09:11
Speaker
doesn't, definitely doesn't suit Italiano style of football. It's very unsartory like, to be the surprise, because anyone, everyone knew that Mota was leaving. Everyone knew Zirksi and Calafiori were leaving. Because of the, not because of of money in stature, but because of the fact that they, the the deals, the ownership of structure of the Zirksi and Calafiori. We knew they were leaving. It was just a matter of when and who, where they go. but they are woefully unprepared to go to a to the next Serie A season in terms of the transfer market, at least, and and and to play in the Champions League. They're woefully unprepared. So i'm i'm not happy i'm I'm really upset about this, but look, it's... It's still a month ago. It's still a month and a half. It's still a month to go on, as valer Valerio said last week on Orlazio deep dive, repeatedly said, look, Nima, at the end of the day,
01:10:11
Speaker
The Mercato is the Mercato, but it's the football on the pitch and the results of the pitch that decide the winners are losers. And we can think what we want and we can all criticize and theoretically criticize. You know, he was talking about Lazio and Lottito and so on. So we can theoretically criticize them all we want. At the end of the day, if it works on the pitch, it works on the pitch. And he's right about that, but this is not exactly confidence inducing from Bologna. Let me put it to you that way. I think, I still think Italiano is, Bologna Italiano is ideal for both club and manager. I think that's where he should be, but you also have to give him players that he can play his football, right? And who knows? I mean, Italiano is known as a coach to give young players a chance. So maybe he'll just go to the primavera squad and promote a couple of kids and then you'll be happy.
01:11:01
Speaker
I think you're the one that's moaned the most about youngsters today, Nimr, not me. Well, no, I'm not moaning about it. I just think that it's a problem that we've spoken about and I think it's a valid point where Cormor can't even play any youngsters.
Italian Youth Development and Successes
01:11:14
Speaker
Well, on that note, actually, we should probably say that we will hopefully be able to to answer some of those questions because this week, Nimr, on the pod, we have We have Andrea Loyacono who is a was a scout.
01:11:34
Speaker
I'm just trying to find his bio if so I don't say say wrong. what they travel let's know He's a match analyst for the Italy under 17 national team that won the euros earlier this summer. So we have him on the pod and we're going to talk about Youth development and how data is used and and all that stuff. So we'll be doing a proper really long discussion and deep dive on youth development and also and we are gonna ask him just so everybody knows what we are gonna ask him and how
01:12:08
Speaker
they feel within the the youth set up in Italy, the under-17s, the under-19s, about these youngsters that they are developing. And and as I was speaking now, you know, Italy doing really well again in the Euro under-19s, and that they these players never get a chance ah in senior football, like how they feel about that. Do they feel let down? We're going to ask him. I mean, we'll see what answer we get, because he works for the you know for the Federation, obviously. and But so yeah, we will we will delve into that. because it certainly is a problem. especially And that's been also one of the ah one of the most noticeable things from this the transfer market in Syria so far this this summer is where are the Italians? like where What Italians are moving? you know Where are the young where the youngsters moving to Italian clubs, the top Italian clubs? We've not seen any. Who are they? Where are the Italians that are moving this summer in Syria? so ah to start What Italians are being bought by Syria clubs this summer?
01:13:04
Speaker
Where are they? Where are they? You know? So it's a concern right now. And meanwhile, thee was it the under 19 zone, in the semifinal of the Euros? Yeah, which brings us on nicely to Baggio, Premface and Seria as of the week. So my Baggio of the week is Francesco Camarda from Italy's under 19s. He becomes the youngest scorer in the history of the under 19 euros. Having won the under 17 euros and being the the star, the player of the tournament and
01:13:37
Speaker
top goal score as well in that tournament, if I'm not mistaken, when when Italy's under 17th won the at the start of the summer. He was also chosen to be in the Italy under 19 squad as well and they're playing the the the Euro 2024 under 19 Euros right now ah in Northern Ireland. um Italy have ah topped their group, they're in the semi-finals, they're in a group with um Northern Ireland, the hosts, Ukraine ah and Norway. and They won their first two games against Norway and Northern Ireland. They lost their last game to Ukraine. It was a dead rubber. dead rubber They played all their reserves and because they were already top of the group. Kamada started as a sub in the first game, came on, and then he started the the the second game against Northern Ireland and he scored and he scored both goals to become, as I said, the youngest scorer in the history.
01:14:36
Speaker
of the under 19 euros, two fantastic finishers, clinical finishers and he's 16, remember he's 16 years old and he's playing with with players who are two to three years older than him. um So once again, kind of shows the the the the potential of the of this of this youngster. So let's hope that he he can actually develop, unlike all these other young talents that that we have. But yeah, Italy under 19's look good. now i hope they go to I hope they win it under 19's. I mean, i it would be pretty cool for Camardo in one summer to win the under 17 and under 19 European Championships. I'm not sure that's ever been done before. Yeah, no, not not not in Italy, not by Italy. Definitely I can't ever think of that. and And then you would have a situation where Italy would have won the two last under 17's.
01:15:27
Speaker
and ah your euros and then and under and vice world champions at under 20 and under 19 champions. Yeah. I mean, if that's not youth Italian youth showing the, you know, doing delivering results, I don't know what is. Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. is It looks like, again, I've watched all three games um and they look, yeah, they look very, they look like and another very talented team and they've got some, they look like they've got some good players. Fabio Quiarrordio has really impressed me, the the left centre-back. We're producing a lot of really good left centre-backs at the moment, ah Italian football. It would be nice to produce a right-sided centre-back, but he's looked really, really good. ah He plays in in Germany, the munch and glabe im mean as we've seen so many Italian youngsters are leaving Italy because they're not getting chances. and he's ah He looks really, really good. He's a ball-playing centre-back, really good distribution, some really good
01:16:25
Speaker
long crossfield passes, ah very good break in the press, under pressure. um Yeah, definitely a ball player. I want to see more of him in terms of the defensive side of of things. He'll get tested more in the semis. He's definitely, he's the one that that stood out for me. DiMaggio sent him his field, that's got a couple of really nice goals as well. um the The two full backs are both from Milan. They've looked they've looked pretty good um as well. ah Kevin Seroli, who i think he scored two goals, he's from Milan, very Milan heavy. ah very millan heavyavy so that is That is certainly ah because we've spoken a lot about Milan probably going to have no senior players in their starting 11 that will be Italian next season if they if they buy that right back that they're going for as planned.
01:17:16
Speaker
collaborative drops out of the team. they have They'll have zero Italians in their starting 11 next season. They do seem to have some some really talented young youngsters playing. They will play for the new Milan Furturo team next season. We'll see whether Celia Chi is a high enough level to develop them, which is obviously the concern. But they do they are producing some some young talents that are playing for the Italy um under 19 team. So so that that's good so they they look good. They look good. They're probably going to play um
01:17:47
Speaker
Probably Spain, in the semis, is France the top of the group and the other the other the other group ah with six points. Spain have got four points. Turkey have got one. But France plays Spain in the last game. So if Spain win, then Italy will play France in the semis. If France and Spain draw, it will be Spain. If France win, and then Turkey win heavily in their in their last game, they could potentially overtake Spain. in which case it's he will play Turkey and so I think that came from Thursday I believe so yeah we'll see we'll see if what Italy can do and see what commander can do but he's definitely ah made history again this week. Prem face though of the week ah I've got a cracker here so it's a daily mail doing a story on on Califuri and on how he's gonna probably complete his transfer this week and they call him the new Paola Maldimi
01:18:48
Speaker
The new Paola Maldini, yeah. Not Paola, Paola, Paola.
Controversies in Italian Football
01:18:57
Speaker
Seria asks of the week, Nimr, do you want to take this one? Yeah, it's got to be Como. I mean, I don't even, I'm just going to read what they said. They put it this out, this but they put this tweet out. Official statement regarding yesterday's incident during our friendly versus Wolverhampton. quote Our club does not tolerate racism and condemns all forms of it in the strongest possible way. We spoke to the defender in question to understand what was said. He told us the comment he made to his co-defender was, ignore him, he thinks he's Jackie Chan. Having spoken to our player at length, we're confident this was in reference to the player's name.
01:19:36
Speaker
and to the constant references of Chani made by his own teammates on the pitch. As far as our club is concerned, our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner. We're disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen the incident blown out of proportion." End quote. Mirvan Subarso, official representative of the ownership group.
01:19:58
Speaker
Jesus Christ. They're just so people know this is in reference to accusations of racism against against a KOMO defender who was accused of calling the Wolves his South Korean attacker, Hwang Hee Chan, Jackie Chan, during the game. And that led to a bit of a, I don't know if it was a brawl or it was definitely a fracker on the pitch. Daniel Podents punched the KOMO player and got sent off.
01:20:32
Speaker
And yeah, wolves are complaining. I think South Korea put in an official complaint with FIFA over this as well. so So yeah, I mean, this is just another example of Italian clubs not having a clue when it comes to PR, listen not knowing how to deal with these situations. Listen, I'm not yeah i'm not i'm not even going to go. into the discussion of what happened or what what didn't happen, what was said, what didn't what wasn't said. That's not that's not the point. It's really not the point because that but yeah I don't know what happened. I didn't watch the game.
01:21:08
Speaker
This is what, like, i I literally took me three minutes going into the show. i I wrote what they should have said without going into this ridiculous lapse of detail, talking about Jackie Chan. It was just madness. This is what you say. During yesterday's friendly match with Wolverhampton, one of our players was ah physically attacked after an allegation of having used racist language. We've spoken with a player in question who categorically denies having used racist language. We have opened an internal investigation to determine what took place. Como are against all forms of discrimination as well as physical violence. We will not be making any more official comments regarding this matter until after our internal investigation has been concluded. That's how you handle it. You do not go into some ridiculous, he said, she said, that she said, that he said, that he said, Jackie, chuck are you insane? Like what, what the hell? like He reads like a, like a, like a, like a, like a skit, like a comedy script.
01:22:05
Speaker
Just stop it. Too much information. Too much information. Like, what is it? It reads like a schoolyard recollection like, oh, but Jimmy said that John said that mike Michael said, no, stop it. Be professional, for goodness sakes. And just handle it like like a professional football club. And it's just the, you know, and and you know, people say they're Indonesian, but look, look yes, they are Indonesian. I get that. But it's not exactly like Juve and the other in clubs in in the city have handled racist allegations really well, have they? I mean, it's just been or the league itself with the monkey poster, which will never leave my mind, by the way, the chimpanzees colored in every club's colors.
01:22:49
Speaker
I mean, it's just, they they it's just, it's just, I don't even know what to say. It reaches, it's it's a parody of itself now. It literally is. CDR fans are just waiting for the next stupid racist scandal now and see how their club how the club whether their or or any anyone involved in Italian football handles this mismanages it and fumbles it worse. Like you don't need to just be professional and calm. you know you can defend You can defend your club, your players, you can do it, but you can do it. There's a right way of handling things and a wrong way of handling it. And and this is, again, just embarrassing. We've not even we've even begun the season. We've already got one of these instances.
01:23:31
Speaker
No, I just haven't got a clue. Simple as that. I have not got a clue. clue Okay, um let's
Upcoming Episodes Preview
01:23:38
Speaker
leave it at that. um As I said, we'll be back later this week. We have a a couple of interview episodes lined up. One, as we said, um with the the the under 17, Italy under 17 match analyst, data analyst, for the Italy under 17 national team. And then also we will we're planning to have a Milan deep dive on there and their transfer market. So plenty for you guys coming up. Have a great week, everyone. Until next time, ciao, ciao.