Dan Ndoye, Gennaro Gattuso, and Edin Dzeko (Photos: Alessandro Sabattin, Bryn Lennon, Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
It’s Reno Gattuso’s Day, which was officially announced at a press conference as the new head coach of the Italian national team, aiming to turn a new page. Gatuso needs to remain faithful to himself, and to his “Linjio” nickname without compromising who he is.
That alone would already be a good starting point for a team that lost a drive under Luciano Spalletti. That’s why it’s great to restore a sense of belonging to a player who has lost his way. On average, those who missed the World Cup twice in a row in Italy, with justified exceptions. Italy must start anew without embarrassment and overcome problems that have not been solved for years.
We agree with Minister Abode. Abode said: I fully support him, the Azzurri shirt and anyone who praises wearing it.
Meanwhile, we continue to monitor the transfer market and keep an eye on the movements of various teams.
Naples stands out because they have clear ideas. They aim to build the highest tier teams that can compete in both Serie A and the Champions League. After signing Kevin de Bruin and Luca Marianucci, their best defensive target (after March) is Bologna’s Sam Bekema, despite resistance from Rossobre.
On the wing, Sevilla’s Sanchez is still under surveillance, but Naples is not going to raise their offer and will not close the deal.
The same applies to Yunus Musa, who remains on their radar. They are waiting for Milan to accept the terms they discussed last week. Otherwise, negotiations are pending.
There is no update on Frank Anguissa or Stan Lobotka yet. They are considered uncontrollable by Naples unless important offers are made.
The real focus is on the last third. Two attacking wingers on the left and one center. Dan Ndoye is still a hot name, and now it’s the first choice for around 40 days, Darwin Nunez as the main option and Lorenzo Lucca as a backup. Naples works through priorities and alternatives.
In another memo, Lazio has not planned to overhaul the team, but he only plans target adjustments to make him more competitive. Timing is especially important when offloading surplus players like Cancellieri, Basic, Fares, etc.
As for Chauna, despite linking him with Burnley and early negotiations with PSV, Lazio is not going to push him further. Maurizio Sari’s wish list is already known: Emerson Palmeli (high wages), Ben Chilwell, or Aaron Martin on his left flank. Midfielder Ruben Loftus Cheek and Giovanni Fabian. Giacomo raspadori for attack.
Raspadori looks like Dries Mertens as Sarri can play forward or as a winger for centers.
Important note: these are like the player Lazio. The rest still needs to be developed. There’s no point in being engrossed. Unless surprises occur, expect slow progress.
Regarding Nicolo Robera, the clause is 50 million euros. He must agree, despite him always expressing his desire to stay in Lazio, as someone has to pay that amount. It is pointless to guess until both conditions are met.
Also worth noting: Sarri has dreams. If he can move one market, he’ll all in for the striker he’s hooked on: Mikel Oyarzabal. Born in 1997, he is an important player on the Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team. Just a few days ago, he stood out in the final of the national league where Spain lost, but Oyarzabal was shining in goals and assists.
Intel is moving full speed forward towards Angelioan’s Bonnie. He is the most preferred profile of their forward options, but the second signature for the attack has not been ruled out. Parma Value Bonny will exceed 20 million euros, but players’ swap deals could be played.
Parmas like Sebastiano Esposito returned from a loan at Empoli a few hours ago and started with Inter’s Club World Cup Opener. Esposito may be the key to bringing Bonnie to Chive’s team. Parma is on board and negotiations are scheduled to finalise the deal.
Milan continues to pursue midfielder Granite Zaca, who is grateful to Massimiliano Allegri for his divisional revamp. Recently, sports director Igli Tare traveled to Germany to meet with Xhaka’s agents and tried to find the right formula to persuade Bayer Leverkusen. The German club, which already sold several players this summer, is hoping to resist and want to raise prices, but Milan is pushing and won’t retreat.
Finally, a reflection. Always create a room for young people. As PSG shows, with the right young talent, you can win the Champions League and start a long cycle. However, there is one condition. If you’re investing in younger players, they must be really talented, even if it’s expensive. It’s pointless to spend more money on players that aren’t that worthy later.
That being said, the team looking to the future always keeps not 37 years old, but several veterans who can control Serie A, which brings great value to Naples. Or someone like Luka Modric, who is approaching 40, but can compete at the highest level if he has a tactical system that allows him to shine.
Then there’s Edin Zeko, 39, who won’t miss the season. He still scores goals at 45 and deserves a blank check every 12 months. There’s a striker out there who is still 25 years old and still can’t score a consistent goal, but it costs 50 million euros. Others never fade, and you always want them on your side. Edin is one of them, paired with another forward. If you know how to score, age is just a number.