SERIE A – Page 10 – Football Flame

Atalanta reject PSG’s €30m bid for Lookman

19Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Atalanta reject PSG’s €30m bid for Lookman

Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) attempt to sign Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has hit a roadblock. PSG’s initial offer of €30 million fell short of Atalanta’s valuation for the 2024 African Player of the Year frontrunner, according to reports. Atalanta are demanding a significantly higher price tag, with estimates ranging from €45-50 million. a sharp increase driven by his stellar performances in the latter part of the season, including a match-winning hat-trick that clinched Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League cup. According to Tutto Atalanta, PSG’s initial offer of €30 million was swiftly dismissed by the Serie A club. “Atalanta does not have a figure to sell Ademola Lookman,” noted the Italian publication. “The Nigerian striker, who scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against...

Inter Milan pegged back late on as they start their Serie A defence

18Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter Milan pegged back late on as they start their Serie A defence

Reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Genoa in their first match of the new season. Marcus Thuram netted a brace but goals from Alessandro Vogliacco and a finish by Junior Messias, who scored the rebound from his saved stoppage-time penalty by Yann Sommer, saw the points shared at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. City rivals AC Milan were also frustrated as they failed to take advantage of Inter’s draw in a similar 2-2 affair with Torino at San Siro. Malick Thiaw diverted the ball into his own net before Duvan Zapata doubled Torino’s lead. Alvaro Morata came off the bench to score on debut before Noah Okafor volleyed in a second half added-time equaliser. Parma managed a point against 10-man Fiorentina in their first match back in the top flight. Dennis Man scored fi...

17Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Conte: ‘I expected better from Napoli, you all know Osimhen situation’

Antonio Conte warns he ‘expected better’ from Napoli and isn’t sure if it will take ‘6 months or 2 years’ to make them competitive again, including a Victor Osimhen situation that he inherited on his arrival. Their Serie A opener against Hellas Verona kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT). The Partenopei already began their campaign in less than sparkling form, held 0-0 by Serie B side Modena in the Coppa Italia First Round and qualifying only through a penalty shoot-out.“Our mantra is to give 200 per cent, we must go beyond our limitations, because this is a critical moment for Napoli,” said Conte in his press conference. “The President talked about a reconstruction. I evaluated the squad and agree fully, we need to rebuild from the foundations....

17Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Official: Lazio announce Dia signing from Salernitana

Lazio have officially announced the signing of Senegal international Boulaye Dia on a what is likely to be a permanent deal from recently-relegated Salernitana. The 27-year-old striker joins in a deal reported to be worth €12m, while Lazio are also set to send teenage defender Fabio Ruggeri in the other direction to sweeten the deal. Dia has technically joined on a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy if certain sporting conditions are met. The club have confirmed that he has agreed to a four-year-contract at the Stadio Olimpico, which means he will be tied to the Biancocelesti until the summer of 2028. He has signed in time for Lazio’s Serie A season opener at home against Venezia, which kicks off at 19.45 on Sunday evening. Dia will wear the no.19 shirt during his first...

16Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Report: Juventus again raise their offer to Atalanta for Teun Koopmeiners

As the beginning of the 2024-25 season seems to fast approaching, it’s not exactly the same when it comes to Juventus’ final steps to sign Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. Things have been at what feels like a crawl all summer, with a multitude of reasons — available money, Atalanta’s demands, a Koopmeiners replacement being secured — causing Juve’s No. 1 transfer target still not on the roster just a couple of days before the new year kicks off. Inching forward. Slowly but hopefully surely. That essentially translates to getting closer to and closer to Atalanta’s asking price for Koopmeiners, which looks like it’s about to be one of the most expensive deals Juventus will have ever made. According to Fabrizio Romano on Thursday, Juventus submitted their latest bid for Koopmeiner...

15Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Milan offered hope to land their top target from Monaco

Paulo Fonseca was clear about whom Milan want to bolster their midfield, Youssouf Fofana, and Monaco are starting to be more open about his departure. Recent reports suggested the Rossoneri could wait until 2025 to scoop him up for free. That’d be highly detrimental for the Ligue 1 side. His director Thiago Scuro, who was very stern in recent weeks, spoke with L’Equipe (via Fantacalcio). “Fofana wasn’t called up for the last friendly because, if he has no intention of staying, it makes no sense for him to be involved in the preparation. We discussed it internally and backed this choice. I’ve had many conversations with him last season. He clearly voiced his desire to leave this summer. "In his opinion, his cycle has ended. We must respect it. It wouldn’t be logical to keep ahold of som...

14Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Szczesny Bids Farewell to Juventus and Might Join MLS

Wojciech Szczesny, who once stood as the rock-solid guardian of Juventus' goal, is now on the brink of moving to the United States. Szczesny, a name that once echoed with security between the posts of the 'Old Lady,' now finds himself at a crossroads, with the allure of MLS shining in the distance. It’s undeniable that the arrival of Thiago Motta, the new conductor of the Turin team, brought a fresh symphony to Juventus, but one that left Szczesny without a solo. With the signing of Michele Di Gregorio, the Polish keeper saw his space shrink, like a shadow fading at sunset. It was inevitable, then, that a contract termination would be the final note in this partnership. However, it wasn’t a bitter farewell. The separation was dignified, accompanied by compensation that, although not...

14Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Atlanta United Goes All-In with Shomurodov from AS Roma

The news that Atlanta United is negotiating the signing of Eldor Shomurodov, a forward from AS Roma, is one of those moments that makes the most attentive fans scratch their heads and wonder if the team is betting too high or if they've found the missing piece to dominate the league.Shomurodov, at 29, isn't just any name. His journey through Europe, with stints at Roma and a loan to Cagliari, shows he's a player who knows how to adapt to different environments and styles of play. Plus, his stats with the Uzbekistan national team—27 goals in 55 appearances—paint the picture of a striker who can make a difference wherever he plays. What stands out most in this deal is the potential impact Shomurodov could have on Atlanta United and, by extension, MLS as a whole. Atlanta United has alr...

13Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Why Genoa could delay Nico Gonzalez Juventus move despite agreement

Juventus and Fiorentina have agreed a fee for the transfer of Nico Gonzalez, but La Viola do not want to let the Argentine go before securing a deal for Albert Gudmundsson, who Genoa do not want to lose until they find a suitable replacement themselves. Nico Gonzalez part of Serie A transfer merry-go-round Reports on Monday morning confirmed that Juventus have agreed to pay a fee of €30m to sign Nico Gonzalez from Fiorentina. The player has informed his current employers of his desire to leave the club in order to play Champions League football. Sky Sport Italia add that Fiorentina ‘promised’ they would allow Gonzalez to leave the club in the right circumstances after turning down offers from Brentford and Leicester City in the past. However, despite the fact that Juventus have got the...

12Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Alexis Sanchez completes move back to former club

Udinese confirmed this weekend that they’ve completed the signing of former Gunner Alexis Sanchez, with the forward leaving Inter Milan as a free agent this summer. Sanchez has signed a two-year contract to return to the club after 13 years away. Gianluca Di Marzio had reported earlier this week that Sanchez was close to the Udinese move, after he called them on Monday morning to let them know he wants to play for them, and he’s effectively closed the deal on his own. Sanchez had also previously been linked with a move back to Marseille, but that deal was always going to be difficult financially. The Chilean had initially left Marseille for Inter Milan due to the fact the club couldn’t afford both his and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wages. Aubameyang has since left, but he’s being rep...

10Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Coppa Italia: Genoa and Udinese progress, Monza need penalties

A wonderful Junior Messias chip allowed Genoa to beat Reggiana, Udinese crushed Avellino 4-0, Sassuolo saw off Cittadella and Monza needed a penalty shoot-out to defeat Sudtirol in the first round of the Coppa Italia. The tournament proper kicked off this evening with four fixtures, while the rest will be played on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. In a change to the rules from this season, if the score is tied after 90 minutes, they go straight to a penalty shoot-out without the added fatigue of playing extra time. That only applies up to and including the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Genoa found it tougher than expected to defeat Serie B team Reggiana, but did it in style thanks to a sensational Messias chip, set up by Ruslan Malinovskyi’s dummy. They will go on to face ...

9Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

David de Gea reaches ‘verbal agreement’ with Serie A club

David de Gea is at last set to return to professional football after reaching what is described as a "verbal agreement" with Serie A side Fiorentina. De Gea's last game was the 2023 FA Cup final for Manchester United, leaving the club as a free agent just weeks later following the withdrawal of a contract offer and failure to agree alternative terms. At 33, De Gea is by no means old for a goalkeeper, but his departure from Old Trafford after 11 seasons left him without a team. The Spaniard wasn't short of offers last summer but resisted the lure of the Saudi Pro League in the hope of landing a competitive project in Europe. It turned into a whole season out of the professional game, one in which De Gea used the time to rest, engage in hobbies and outside business interests, as well as k...

7Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Genoa, SERIE A

Fiorentina Present Improved Offer for Genoa Stalwart

Back-to-back Europa Conference League runners-up Fiorentina are reportedly on the cusp of signing Albert Gudmundsson from Genoa. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Tuscan outfit’s latest offer misses the Griffins’ valuation of their most prized asset by the slightest of margins. After seeing their opening bid rejected, Fiorentina have contacted Alberto Gilardino’s side with an improved proposal. La Viola offered the Luigi Ferraris side a €7 million fee for an initial loan, with a mandatory buyout clause set at €18m. That’s narrowly off Genoa’s requests, increasing the likelihood of Gudmundsson’s switch to Artemio Franchi. Genoa will take some time to re-evaluate the second bid. There’s a good chance they’ll say ‘yes‘ to Fiorentina. But they’ll more likely return with a counter-prop...

7Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A, Udinese

Ekkelenkamp departs Belgium for Udinese

Udinese has confirmed the signing of Dutch midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp from Royal Antwerp. Follow Football-Oranje on X The midfielder joined Antwerp in the summer of 2022 after leaving Hertha Berlin and the 24-year-old still had a contract in Belgium until 2027. However, Udinese have swooped to bring the midfielder to Italy with the fee currently undisclosed. He becomes a teammate of former Sparta goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and ex-Ajax striker Lorenzo Lucca. Ekkelenkamp made 92 appearances for Royal Antwerp, scoring 11 times and adding 11 assists.

1Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Milan could use Calabria to get Abraham from Roma

Davide Calabria of AC Milan in action during the AC Milan training session at Milanello on July 10, 2024 in Cairate, Italy. Milan could use captain Davide Calabria in a part-exchange deal with Roma to bring in Tammy Abraham, as Emerson Royal from Tottenham can be their new right-back.The Rossoneri are still working on reinforcements for the summer after bringing in Alvaro Morata and defender Strahinja Pavlovic.Multiple sources have stated that their first choice for the attack is Abraham, requested by new coach Paulo Fonseca and pushed down the pecking order at Roma by Artem Dovbyk.Calabria key for AbrahamAccording to Sport Mediaset and Tuttomercatoweb, a key to the deal could be including Calabria in exchange, as Daniele De Rossi would prefer him to Luka Jovic.Although the Ital...

1Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter lose new signing Taremi to muscular injury

Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale reacts during the Pre-season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and las Palmas at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. Inter are expected to be without new signing Mehdi Taremi for at least a couple of weeks after he sustained a muscular injury during training.The centre-forward arrived on a free transfer from FC Porto this summer and impressed in pre-season friendlies, scoring five goals in three games.However, he skipped training on Wednesday as a precaution and today the club announced that tests showed a muscular issue in the femoral bicep of the left thigh.The situation will be re-evaluated next week, but initial reports suggest Taremi will be out of action for at least two weeks.Taremi out and Lautaro Martinez away...

26Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Milan Agree Deal to Sell Daniel Maldini Permanently

Daniel Maldini of AC Monza celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between US Salernitana and AC Monza at Stadio Arechi on February 24, 2024 in Salerno, Italy.Milan and Monza have reportedly agreed on a deal for Daniel Maldini to join the Biancorossi on a permanent transfer this summer. According to Sky Sport Italia, the two teams have made an accord for the 22-year-old to return to the Brianteo Stadium permanently.Though Sky’s update fails to mention figures, several domestic sources report a fee of around €5 million. Milan loaned Maldini out to Monza last January to help their unsettled forward secure regular first-team football and gain a much-needed Serie A experience.Maldini fared reasonably well under Raffaele Palladino in the second half of ...

19Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Juventus leave Chiesa, McKennie and others behind for pre-season camp

Federico Chiesa of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Juventus at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 03, 2024 in Naples, Italy. Juventus fly out for their pre-season training retreat in Germany tomorrow, but coach Thiago Motta leaves behind some players, including Federico Chiesa.The Bianconeri will be staying for a week at the World of Sports complex in Herzogenaurach, the same venue that was Germany’s base for the EURO 2024 tournament this summer.Not all the players will be making the trip to Germany, though, as Thiago Motta is whittling down the squad for various reasons.Some are transfer-listed and trying to find new clubs, others are not in great physical shape and need to work more closely with the Juve...

19Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

AC Milan wrap up signing of Spain captain Morata

Alvaro Morata of Spain celebrates after Dani Olmo of Spain (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany at Stuttgart Arena on July 05, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. AC Milan have completed the signing of Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid. The 31-year-old, who captained Spain to Euro 2024 glory this summer, was tipped to move to the Saudi Pro League but Italian side AC Milan have won the race to secure his services. "AC Milan is proud to announce the signing of Álvaro Borja Morata Martín from Club Atlético de Madrid. Captain of the Spanish national team, with which he recently won the European Championship, Morata has signed with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028, with an option to extend for an additi...

17Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Roma Keep Tussling with Two Other Teams for En-Nesyri

Yousseff En-Nesyri of Sevilla FC celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Celta Vigo at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on March 17, 2024 in Seville, Spain.Roma are going all-in on Youssef En-Nesyri to replenish their attack. They have lost Romelu Lukaku and plot to offload Tammy Abraham. The player would gladly accept the destination, but the competition to sign him is rather fierce, Il Messaggero reports.The marksman makes about €1.4M in Spain. An agreement on the salary isn’t hard to find. He’d set for a small pay bump should he move to the Italian capital. On the other hand, Fenerbahce and Al-Qadsiah are outbidding the Giallorossi both on the fee and the wages.Roma will need help from En-Nesyri to fend off the other suitors. ...