Category Archives: Serie A

Serie A: The League’s Top 9 Best Young Talents to Watch this Season

  By O-Posts Team | July 22, 2024 - 21:15 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Juventus signed the Argentine forward for 32 million euros (£23.4 million) from Sicilian outfit Palermo this summer.

Last season, the 21-year-old scored 13 times for Palermo and provided ten assists - very impressive considering it was his first season in Serie A and was with a relegation-battling side.

Dybala is versatile, athletic and agile, with good technique and an ability to fit into different tactical systems in attack.

I don’t like to make player comparisons but I can understand why many have likened him to his international compatriot, Sergio Aguero.

It will be intriguing to see if Paulo can make that step up with the reigning champions.

With Carlos Tevez departing last season’s Champions League runners-up, he will need to be able to provide spark up front as well as goals.

 

Daniele Rugani (Juventus)

Having initially brought him to Turin on loan in 2012, Juventus took full ownership of the 20-year-old in February for 3.5 million euros to terminate the co-ownership deal that had previously been in effect with Empoli.

Rugani spent 12 years with Empoli, joining them at the age of six and progressing through the youth ranks.

He enjoyed similar success with the Italy age group teams along the way and is regarded as the future of Italy’s defence.

Rugani is more Fabio Cannavaro than Giorgio Chiellini in the fact that he’s not very physical. He’s a classy and elegant defender.

He was the only Empoli outfield player to play every minute of the last campaign and he did so without receiving a single yellow card!

It’s difficult to see him breaking into Juve’s defence next season with Leonardo Bonucci, Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres ahead of him in the pecking order.

Rugani was brought in to replace Angelo Ogbonna, who moved to West Ham United, as back-up.

I just hope that Juve coach Max Allegri gives him an opportunity to shine.

 

Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan)

One of the more known players on this list, mainly due to his transfer links away from Inter - with the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona showing an interest in the Croatian.

The likelihood is that the 21-year-old will remain at Inter after his comments to the Italian media.

“I’ll stay here [Inter], I won’t move,” he said. “That’s what I wanted, that’s what my renewal until 2019 shows. There will be a long relationship between Inter and myself.

“I want to show that I deserve Inter. I want to win with this shirt. Inter is like Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

Kovacic is a modern, attacking midfielder. He doesn’t just stand in a ten-yard zone of space and wait for the ball, he often drops deep to collect it.

He moves wide to create overloads and is willing to get back behind the line of the ball in the defensive phase.

He is a wonderfully creative hub and is very calm and confident on the ball.

His distribution and defence-splitting through balls are what make him one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

 

Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)

Berardi is a forward who is co-owned by Juventus and Sassuolo. He’s been a Sassuolo player since 2012.

He’s now spent two full seasons in Serie A. He netted 14 goals and provided nine assists last season; in 2013-14, he scored 16, with six assists.

Quite an achievement, at 20, to have 30 Serie A goals under your belt in just two seasons.

Berardi is a pacy and versatile forward. It’s been a joy to watch him in the past couple of seasons in Italy and he could prove to be a gem for the Italy national team for many years to come.

A drawback? Probably his disciplinary record. He’s received 23 yellow cards and two red in 60 Serie A appearances.

This is something he must work on and I’m sure he’ll improve with experience.

 

Mattia Perin (Genoa)

Any upcoming young Italian goalkeeper who shows glimpses of promise will probably be hailed as the next “Gigi Buffon”.

Many young keepers find this a huge label and many collapse under this sort of pressure. Thankfully for Italy, this 22-year-old Genoa stopper is not one of them.

I’m not suggesting he is the answer to Italy’s prayers once Buffon eventually retires but there is no doubt Mattia is talented.

He was the third-choice keeper behind Buffon and Salvatore Sirigu in Italy’s disastrous World Cup finals campaign in Brazil last year. He has one senior cap.

Light on his feet and blessed with exceptional reflexes, Perin is a brilliant shot-stopper with a bright future ahead of him.

 

M’Baye Niang (AC Milan)

Niang is a versatile 20-year-old French forward.

He made his debut with Milan in 2012, making 33 league appearances but failing to register any goals.

The following season he was sent out on loan to French side Montpellier and he spent the back end of last term on loan at Genoa, where he impressed with five league goals in 12 games.

Now back at Milan for next season, he’s got a great opportunity to shine under new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Should he get the chance, he must take it because the Rossoneri have signed experienced forwards Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano.

 

Andrea Bertolacci (AC Milan)

Milan signed the 24-year-old midfielder from AS Roma this summer for a hefty 20 million euros.

Bertolacci impressed during his loan stint at Genoa last season, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists.

Signing Bertolacci should inject much-needed creativity into Milan’s midfield. He can play from a central or advanced position, a deeper playmaker or No.10.

He is versatile. He can be more withdrawn, more of a veiled threat, and is not afraid to shoot from afar.

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter Milan)

Kondogbia is up there with the biggest transfers in Europe this summer. The Frenchman signed for Inter from AS Monaco for around 35 million euros.

Arsenal fans may remember his solid performances for Monaco in the Champions league last season, when the French club knocked out the North London team on away goals in the Round of 16.

Kondogbia provides great protection in front of his defenders, looking to hunt down any attackers threatening to get beyond them.

A little further up the pitch, he has a good eye for stepping in and dispossessing any opponents looking to break from midfield.

As well as being strong, Kondogbia is skilful and has fine ball control. He is able to manoeuvre himself out of danger.

And while capable of taking on players, he understands the merit of a simple pass to keep his team ticking over.

A player of his type was much needed at Inter. The side conceded 48 league goals last campaign … dreadful.

 

Alessio Romagnoli (AS Roma)

Twenty-year-old Romagnoli had a tremendous campaign last season on loan at Sampdoria.

It’s uncertain where the central defender will play this upcoming season, with Milan submitting a bid of 25 million euros, which was rejected.

Arsenal are reported to be interested. Or he may well stay with Roma. Wherever he plays, watch out for him next season.

 

Worthy mentions:-

Juventus: Alvaro Morata, Paul Pogba, Kingsley Coman

Inter Milan: Mauro Icardi

AC Milan: Jose Mauri

Lazio: Ravel Morrison

Udinese: Simone Scuffet

Torino: Daniele Baselli

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Carlos Bacca: Highly-rated Sevilla star on his way to AC Milan

  By O-Posts Team | July 13, 2024 - 16:45 | , , , , , , , ,
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AC Milan announced last month that they have reached an agreement to sign Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca, subject to a medical.

The Italian giants met the buyout clause in his contract that is reported to be set at €30 million.

Let’s take a closer look at the 28-year-old Colombian.

 

 

Background

  • When he was 20 years old, Carlos was in his hometown of Puerto Colombia on the Caribbean coast. He played football for the local team and had to juggle two jobs to help with the family income – he sold fish and worked as a bus conductor.
  • He turned professional when he was 22, joining Colombian side Atletico Junior.
  • Bacca moved to Europe in 2012 with Belgian side Club Brugge, putting pen to paper on a 3 year contract worth €1.5 million for his services.
  • Sevilla liked what they saw and bought him for €7 million. He was originally purchased as a squad filler, but soon solidified himself as a recognized threat up top, helping the Spanish outfit to back-to-back Europa League trophies.
  • Bacca scored 49 in 108 games for Sevilla, including 28 in all competitions last season- including 2 goals in the Europa League final versus Dnipro.

 

 

What can he offer AC Milan?

The Rossoneri’s physical presence up front has been lacking, probably ever since the departure Mario Balotelli last summer. The defences in Serie A had nothing to be frightened of - apart from Jeremy Menez who managed to bag 16 league goals.

Bacca has a robust nature about him, an element AC Milan certainly missed last year. A key strength is his movement, his ability to draw defenders then exploit the space in behind has become one of his signature moves.

Adept at leading the line, or dropping deep to receive the ball before driving deep into the heart of enemy territory, Bacca keeps defences on their toes for the full 90 minutes.

AC Milan didn’t splash the cash just for his work rate, the Colombian should offer plenty of goals to Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men too.

Bacca scored his 20 goals from just 59 shots last season, meaning he maintained a conversion rate of nearly 34% - scoring with more than one in every three shots. That rate was the best of all attackers in La Liga last season – significantly better than Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar.

With this work rate and intelligence along with a deadly eye for goal, he is certainly a striker to be feared and could be an instant hit in Serie A.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Lucas Biglia: Could the Lazio star add some steel to Man United or Real Madrid’s midfield?

  By O-Posts Team | July 10, 2024 - 12:50 | , , , , , , ,
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It is easy to notice some players whether it be as a result of a spectacular goal, a dazzling display of skill, a defence-splitting pass or a goal-saving challenge but Argentina and Lazio’s midfield engine Lucas Biglia is known for none of these things.

Unassuming and quiet, Biglia may never steal the headlines, but he has proven his qualities time and time again and after playing an integral role in Lazio’s return to the Champions League and cementing a place in the Argentina national side.

A gradual development since his early playing days with Argentinos Juniors now has Biglia linked with two of the biggest clubs in world football but why are both reportedly ready to open their cheque books?

 

Who is Lucas Biglia?

Hailing from the town of Mercedes, 100 Km west of Buenos Aires capital, Lucas Biglia was quickly spotted playing for his local side and incorporated into the renowned academy of Argentinos Juniors. Before making his debut in La Paternal, Biglia had already tasted success with Argentina’s under-17s when he was part of the squad that won the South American Championships in 2003 and he later captained the side to a third place finish in the under-17 World Championship, scoring in the 3-2 semi-final defeat to Spain.

Biglia’s professional debut for Argentinos followed shortly as they gained promotion back to the Primera but at the end of the following campaign, Biglia made the switch to one of the so-called ‘Big Five’ in Independiente. In the same year, Biglia avenged the 2003 under-17 semi-final defeat by helping Argentina under-20s to world glory alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay in the Netherlands.

Eventually after continuing to impress with Independiente, Biglia made the step up to European football with Belgian side Anderlecht paying around €3 million for the 20-year-old ahead of Spanish clubs, Valencia and Villarreal.

It did not take long for Biglia to establish himself at the heart of the Anderlecht midfield and after helping the club to the title in his debut season, the number five was also named Young Professional Footballer of the Year. The club was unable to defend the title the following season but it did not prevent Biglia from being linked with a host of big clubs across Europe.

In spite of the continued speculation, Biglia remained in Belgium for seven seasons, notching close to 300 appearances and lifting four league titles. That is not to say that the continued rumours didn’t affect Biglia with his relation with supporters at times strained over his desire to leave and test himself in another league.

That opportunity finally arose in July 2013 fresh off winning another Belgian title, when Lazio provided a route out and a step up to Serie A. The switch to one of Europe’s top leagues did not faze the defensive midfielder and the Rome based club have steadily improved, culminating in them finishing third last season and returning to the Champions League.

Making the most of the opportunity to replace Fernando Gago in Argentina’s midfield has only enhanced Biglia’s reputation but whether it is for La Albiceleste or for Lazio, his understated work often goes unnoticed surrounded by more highlight-reel-friendly attacking players.

Every side, however, needs someone to do the less glamorous jobs and so this summer might just see Biglia take another step in his career progression.

 

Could Madrid or Man Utd turn to Biglia in midfield?

Biglia is no stranger to transfer rumours, but at 29 years of age he is now perhaps running out of time if he is to represent one of Europe’s biggest clubs and as such it is unsurprising to find him at the centre of such speculation again this summer.

Unlike the dazzling displays of Brazilian Felipe Anderson or Italian international Antonio Candreva, Biglia went somewhat under the radar during Lazio’s very positive 2014/15 season but it has not prevented Manchester United and Real Madrid being strongly linked with the Argentine defensive midfielder. It is little wonder with a Champions League campaign to prepare for that Lazio are keen to retain the services of their number five.

Italian newspaper Il Messaggero claims that a lucrative new deal has already been tabled but Biglia’s agent, Enzo Montepaone has so far kept his cards close to his chest: “Soon I will be in Italy to speak to (Lazio president Claudio) Lotito. I am not giving too much space to the rumours (of a new contract). I will shortly speak with the club’s leadership and then we will see.”

Lazio may well need a bumper new deal to keep hold of Biglia if the rumoured offers from Manchester and Madrid are anything to go by. The values vary but United have been credited with an £18.6 million bid and Rafa Benitez almost immediately made Biglia a Real Madrid target after taking over this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Lazio are holding out for in excess of £21 million (€30 million) but Real are confident of striking a deal for less than this amount. Biglia may not be the most obvious Real Madrid signing given his lack of flair but just as he would in Manchester, he could provide an excellent ball-playing shield in front of the defence.

 

What would Biglia bring to either side?

Solidity and efficiency would be two words that Lucas Biglia would bring to any side and perhaps these are not the most eye-catching of terms and somewhat downplay his role but nonetheless they are crucial.

Since partnering Javier Mascherano for Argentina, the national side has looked far more compact and Gerardo Martino admitted during the Copa America that with Biglia, as opposed to Ever Banega or a more forward thinking midfielder, Argentina are a more solid outfit. At club level, it is very much the same with Biglia allowing those more attacking midfielders to enjoy the freedom while he sits deeper.

The statistics back this up too, with only Udinese’s Brazilian midfielder Allan averaging more tackles per match in Serie A last season. However, Biglia is not the destroyer type of defensive midfielder and although his timely interceptions and tackles are a feature of his game so too is his passing. Only three players averaged more passes per match than Biglia and yet he still maintained a pass completion rate of 88%.

Despite having a good range of passing, Biglia focuses more on efficiency and protecting possession of the ball. Knowing when and who to give the ball to but also when to hold is a vital part of the central midfield and Biglia not only excels in this department but is also comfortable when asked to push further forward.

Madrid have a wealth of attacking options available and perhaps could benefit from a player willing to sit and do the ‘simpler’ tasks while Manchester United are continuing to build a side that could mount a serious title challenge. With Michael Carrick’s career slowing down and injuries taking a toll, Biglia could provide an important role in front of Louis van Gaal’s defence.

Will either actually come back to Lazio with a firm offer? Who knows, but both could do a lot worse than signing Lucas Biglia.

 

Written by Peter Coates

Follow Peter on Twitter @golazoargentino

You can check out more of his excellent work on Argentinian football through his website, Golazo Argentino

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Paul Pogba: Barcelona move on hold — or is it?

  By O-Posts Team | July 9, 2024 - 13:54 | , , , , ,
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The proposed move of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to Spanish giants Barcelona looks set to be the on-off transfer saga of the summer.

After confirming that he was a “leading target” only three weeks ago, Barca President Josep Bartomeu has now claimed that the player will not be joining the club - at least for the time being.

The Catalan club has been active in the transfer market despite operating under a FIFA-imposed embargo that prevents them from fielding any new signings until January of next year. Arda Turan is the latest player to have joined the Blaugrana ranks after making the €34m switch from Atletico. However, the deal still needs to be ratified by the incoming President once the ongoing elections have been concluded at the Camp Nou.

It was thought that the €80m offered by the Catalonians to the Italian league champions and Champions League finalists would be enough to convince them to sell Pogba, but the team from Turin has so far rejected any advances. The French international player would certainly make a formidable addition to a midfield that will be without the services of Xavi Hernandez for the first time since 1998.

Presidential candidate, Joan Laporta has criticised the current incumbent’s failure to land the player with the French international looking set to become a pawn in the club’s imminent election campaign. Laporta has wisely fallen short of promising the 22-year-old to the fans - a mistake he made in his 2003 campaign when he falsely declared that he would bring David Beckham to the Camp Nou - however, he has taken the opportunity to use the failed negotiations as a stick with which to beat his rival.

It could be that Bartomeu and Juventus are calling each other’s bluff over the deal, with each hoping that the other will blink first in negotiations. Or perhaps the Barca chief will make an improved offer once the heat of the election campaign starts to build.

In the meantime, other interested parties will be monitoring the situation with a keen eye.

 

Written by Neil Morris

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Aymen Abdennour: Why are major European sides eyeing AS Monaco’s quality center-back

  By O-Posts Team | July 8, 2024 - 20:57 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Silly season always brings to the fore some players that are very vigorously in the news throughout. It’s almost traditional. There are of course, the high profile cases of David de Gea, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Ramos but another player has been linked with a move away from his club pretty vehemently, and that is AS Monaco’s Aymen Abdennour. Barcelona, AC Milan, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Juventus, Tottenham and most seriously West Ham have been linked with the player.

The 25 year old was born in Tunisia and started his career at Etoile Sportive du Sahel in 2008. He quickly became a fan favourite despite being pretty young and inexperienced. In Jan 2010, the Tunisian signed a six month loan deal with SV Werder Bremen. The German club did have the option to sign the player permanently but they did not exercise it and the defender returned to his native country.

But a European call wasn’t too far away and just the next year (July 2011), Abdennour signed a long term contract with Ligue 1 side Toulouse. In January 2014, he was snapped up on loan by AS Monaco and his impressive performances for the side meant this club didn’t waste the opportunity and made his signature permanent the following summer.

Last season, he made 24 appearances for Monaco in all competitions and caught the eye of most in an especially impressive performance against Arsenal in the Champions League.

The Tunisian used to play on the wings and in an attacking role in his younger days but has established himself as a central defender now. Because he played on the flanks, he can also be operated in the full-back position if required.

The 25 year-old has been noted for his passing ability. He likes to play short passes and ensures the ball stays with his team, which can be seen by the fact that he has a pass success rate 82.8% in all competitions last season. He can also hold on to the ball with composure, a beneficial trade for any player. He is a strong reader of the game and can help build the game from the back.

The fact that he can maintain his concentration for the entirety of the game also helps matters. He boasts an impressive stature standing over 6 feet 2 inches tall and can bring his physicality into play both in defence and occasionally in offence. His leadership skills along with the fact that he can effectively organize the back-line add to his game.

Combining pace and power, the Tunisian is an impressive defender and it isn’t a surprise so many teams are interested in him although it will be slightly surprising if West Ham land him, given the interest of more elite teams.

Monaco are in no rush to sell and rightly so. West Ham have reportedly been the only team to formalise their offer with a €20m bid. The French side should wait to see if other teams come in and raise the offer for the defender.

If they are willing to sell a solid player, they should at least get good amount for him.

 

Written by Aakriti Mehrotra

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Matteo Darmian: What can the Italian full-back offer Manchester United?

  By O-Posts Team | July 8, 2024 - 15:07 | , , , , , ,
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Earlier this week, Manchester United and Torino agreed a fee for Italy full back Matteo Darmian. It’s reported that the Serie A side Torino agreed to sell their prized defender for £12.7million (€18m). So let’s take a closer look at the Italian.

 

Background

Darmian was born in 1989 in Legnano, North West of Milan. He joined Milan’s youth ranks after breaking through with non-league side, Carcor.

His senior-team debut with Milan came in the Coppa Italia match against Brescia in November 2006. The 16-year-old, at the time, was introduced as a substitute for Kakha Kaladze.

Half a year later, Matteo got his first league start for the Rossoneri in the match against Udinese. He went on to feature one more time in the Coppa Italia in the 2007/2008 season. That year the young talent took the captain`s armband in the youth team.

In the summer of 2009, the Serie B side Padova loaned the youngster. Matteo enjoyed an excellent loan stint and played plenty of games that season – making 20 appearances and scoring the once.

The following season, the defender moved to Sicilian outfit Palermo. The size of the transfer fee the club had paid to secure Matteo Darmian was €800k.

He made a good contribution at Palermo, displaying solid defensive capabilities. The centre-half registered a total of 16 matches for Palermo in all competitions.

In the summer of 2011, Torino completed the loan of the player. A year later, Palermo sold 50 percent of Darmian’s contract to the Torino.

Coming through the ranks at International level with Italy U19 and U21’s Darmian made his senior debut in 2014. He travelled to the World Cup to Brazil and was probably the only Italian player to come out of that tournament with their head held high – he has 13 caps.

 

What can he offer Manchester United?

Matteo can offer his new club versatility; he is able to play on the left and right back positions and even central defence.

Manager Louis van Gaal is a big admirer of players able to play in various positions - this is highlighted by last summer’s acquisitions Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo. United’s squad already includes a handful of players who can play across various roles, allowing the Dutch coach to change the formation/tactic with ease.

The Italian’s arrival could lend itself to Van Gaal utilising a back three. He tried this during the early stages of last term but switched to four after United struggled to adapt. Darmian can slot into the gut-busting full-back role easily, supporting midfield from deep but also dropping to make a five-man defence when possession breaks down.

His attacking ability is just a good as his defensive. At Torino, he was the man who would be first to receive the ball as the opposition move broke down, his dynamism and creativity after this proved essential for the team.

It must be noted that the £12.7m fee is very cheap. Had Darmian been English or Spanish, I think he would have gone for at least double that figure.

With right back options Rafael and Antonio Valencia not working out for Manchester United, the fans will hope Darmian’s Torino form continues at Old Trafford – if it does, he will turn out to be an excellent signing.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Mario Mandzukic: What can the Croatian star offer Juventus?

  By O-Posts Team | July 2, 2024 - 16:49 | , , ,
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Juventus completed the signing of experienced Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic last month from Atletico Madrid.

The striker signed a four-year contract with the club, according to most reports - Juve agreed to pay Atletico a fee of worth around €18m.

This looks like a brilliant coup for last year’s Champions League finalists. Mario has scored a bundle of goals for Atletico and particularly Bayern Munich in recent years. In today’s market, the Italian champions have captured him fairly cheaply.

Let’s take a closer look at the 29 year-old attacker.

Background

Mandzukic first made a name for himself in his home country Croatia, playing for Dinamo Zagreb. At the capital he managed to net 42 times in 81 appearances.

With that record he earnt a move to a top league in Europe, Wolfsburg brought him to the Bundesliga for approximately €7m. A mixed couple of years followed at the Volkswagen Arena - the Croat scored 20 goals. At that time, he was aplauded more for his team play and dyanmism over his finishing.

German giants Bayern Munich saw something they liked in the 6ft 1 centre forward, they acquired him for approximetely €13 million. It turned out to be a fantastic move for both club and player - Mario excelled at Bayern.

He helped them lift the Bundesliga title twice and win the Champions League as part of their memorable treble in 2013. Adding the German and UEFA Super Cups, as well as the FIFA World Club Cup. He netted 48 times in just 88 appearances for the Bavarians.

With Pep Guardiola replacing manager Jupp Heynckes at the end of that fantastic season, the Spanish coach did not consider Mario in his plans. Hardly surprising with Pep’s tika taka style unsuited to big target men. Therefore, Mandzukic was allowed to be sold to La Liga holders (at the time) Atletico Madrid for around €22 million.

After a solitary season in Spain with the Rojiblancos, Mario bagging 20 goals and helped the side to Champions League qualification. A good return considering in the last few months he suffered with minor injuries.

Interstingly, it is the third time in four years Mandzukic has joined a side straight after they lost the Champions League final, following his 2012 move to Bayern and last summer’s switch to Atletico.

The forward is now seeking to challenge himself in the Italian league.

What can he offer Juventus?

With Carlos Tevez moving back home to Boca Juniors, many fans and pundits believe that Mandzukic was his replacement. In a way they are correct, but he isn’t a direct replacement.

Like Tevez, Mandzukic will bring non-stop running and an incredible work ethic to Juventus, but the two men are very different players.

The Argentinian is a much more creative player, he will come back to collect the ball and make something happen - dribble through a number of player or play brilliant passes into the running midfielders or his strike partner.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri commented on this last month;

“We don’t have to replace him (Tevez). What we have to do is sign players and study the way they play. Mandzukic is on his way and we have Simone Zaza, Kingsley Coman, Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala, young players with a lot of quality.”

The Croatian will rely on those around him to give him opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net - displaying his clinical finishing ability. For Juve fans, they hope someone like recently signed forward Paulo Dybala can do just that.

I beleive Juventus will have to slightly change the way they have been playing, they need to make sure there will be plenty of service provided to Mandzukic, particularly from wide positions, because he his lethal in the air. In the 2012/13 season with Bayern Munich, Mario scored 7 headed goals!

Mandzukic a dynamic talent and his hold-up play is a tremendous foil for surging players. There is no doubt that his awesome work rate will also help compensate for the void left by Carlos Tevez.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Geoffrey Kondogbia: Is the Frenchman the right signing for Inter Milan?

  By O-Posts Team | June 22, 2024 - 17:34 | , , , , , , ,
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This week, Internazionale announced the signing of France’s defensive midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco. The fee is believed to be in the region of £25m (€35m).

Inter won the race to sign the highly rated Frenchman. It was Roberto Mancini’s side that managed to beat the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and city rivals, AC Milan.

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani was adamant he’d won his signature:

“Monaco had given us the all-clear for the sale at €40m with payment spread over two years, €20m and €20m. The agreement with Geoffrey had already been sorted and was confirmed by him and his father.

After we exchanged the documentation, everyone disappeared. Evidently they changed their minds or the others offered more.”

This signing makes it even more bittersweet for the Interisti.

So, let’s take a look at the man bought in to boost this Inter side following a poor campaign last season – finishing 8th.

 

Background

At the age of 20, Kondogbia made a move from French outfit Lens to Sevilla for approximately €3m.

It was in Spain where the Frenchman began to make a name for himself. He quickly settled into the side, demonstrating incredible defensive abilities.

His understanding of the game makes him seem much older than he really is. But it is his fearlessness that makes him such a strong defensive-minded performer.

Many pundits were comparing him to Sergio Busquets when he first broke out in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side. I see him as a cross between Patrick Vieira and Claudio Makelele.

At this stage, a host of top European clubs were eyeing him up, including, Barcelona and PSG. But it was Monaco who put in a concrete offer of approximately €25m.

 

What can he offer Inter Milan?

Kondogbia provides great protection in front of his defenders, looking to hunt down any attackers threatening to get beyond them. A little further up the pitch, he has a good eye for stepping in and dispossessing any opponents looking to break from midfield.

As well as being strong, Kondogbia is skillful and has fine ball control. He is able to maneuver himself out of danger, and while capable of taking players on, he knows the merit of a simple pass in keeping his team ticking.

He isn’t known for setting up or scoring goals, the young Frenchman scored just the two league goals for Monaco since 2013.

A player of his type was much needed at Inter. The side conceded 48 league goals last campaign, dreadful.

The club is laying down a marker by signing Kondogbia, it’s a real statement of intent - showing they aren’t afraid to open up the check book.

Regardless of this signing, Inter need to make some more major splashes in the transfer market this summer if they’re to get back into the Champions League.

They need to strengthen the defensive department, because the likes of Andrea Ranocchia and Juan Jesus just aren’t good enough.

Between Kondogbia’s potential, a few more signings and having a full season of head coach Roberto Mancini, the club should be much better positioned to compete for the top three in Serie A.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Kostas Manolas: Greece’s defensive star adapting seamlessly to the rigours of Serie A

  By O-Posts Team | June 19, 2024 - 19:11 | , , , , , , , ,
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Name: Kostas Manolas

Position: Centre-back

Age: 24

Country: Greece

Club: AS Roma

 

A rising star of European football, Manolas made his name in Greece with AEK Athens before a controversial move to their city rivals Olympiacos (his uncle Stelios Manolas was an AEK legend).

After a series of eye-catching performances with the Greek giants saw him linked with a number of big-name European suitors, Manolas made the 23-man Greece squad for the 2014 World Cup.

It was in Brazil where the centre-back really caught the attention of the watching world, with a string of imperious displays that carried Greece into the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in its history.

AS Roma promptly snapped up the towering defender for a reported €15 million fee and Manolas has adjusted well during his first season in Serie A, making 30 starts for the Giallorossi in the league and starting all six of their UEFA Champions League matches.

The most impressive feature of Manolas’ development as a footballer is arguably off the field, where he has developed into a natural leader at his new club despite being only 24.

An uncompromising central defender who blends physicality with an increasingly effective passing game, Manolas’ speciality remains in one-on-one situations, where his physique and aggression serve him particularly well.

He is also a deceptively quick footballer, given his size, able to sweep up behind a high-line but also having the versatility and discipline to play deeper.

In a way, Manolas is a blend of the old-fashioned centre-half and the new-age ball-playing defender, which should make him an appealing prospect to bigger clubs ahead of the 2015-16 season.

Having made a seamless transition from the Greek domestic scene to a Champions League club, the Greece international has a bright future ahead of him.

 

Written by Chris Paraskevas

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Jackson Martinez: What can the highly-rated goal-getter offer to AC Milan

  By O-Posts Team | June 15, 2024 - 16:16 | , , , , , ,
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Porto’s Colombian striker Jackson Martínez has agreed to join AC Milan, FC Porto’s president, Pinto da Costa confirmed last week.

“I learned just now that Jackson has chosen Milan. This is what he wants, the destination is irrelevant as far as I am concerned. I want him to be happy.”

The Rossoneri look set to beat a host of potential suitors, which included the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Here is a deeper look at the 28 year old who will cost the Italian giants €35m.

 

Background

Jackson Martinez, full name - Jackson Arley Martinez Valencia was born in Quibdo, Colombia. His career began with first division side Independiente Medellín.

The year 2009 was his standout season when he became the top goalscorer for the season, netting 18 times. That form earned him a move to a Mexico to compete in a better league - He joined Liga MX side Chiapas.

Jackson had a successful 3 year stay in Mexico, he scored 28 goals in 58 games and was named captain in 2012. His performances were noticed across Europe and FC Porto signed him for US $11 million.

Martinez has scored an impressive 92 goals in 133 appearances for the Portuguese side, winning the title in 2012-13 and a couple of domestic cups since.

He netted an impressive total of 28 goals in league and Champions League matches last season.

 

What can he offer AC Milan?

For Milan, it’s a purchase that represents a major statement of intent. The Italian giants have fallen in recent years, dropping out of contention for league titles and failing to qualify for Europe in consecutive seasons - mainly due to their financial constraints. With investment due to arrive from China, the side need to show Italy and the world that they are serious to compete once again.

The capture of a player with the calibre of Martinez represents a timely dose of renewed ambition. Milan have been lacking attacking presence since the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Martinez should give this team a physical presence at the point of the attack, he is a wonderful target man and a brilliant technician. His physical characteristics are the typical features of a “classic” center-forward in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, but he’s much more than this kind of player.

He has a great feel for the game and he’s a better passer than he’d seem at first sight (14 assists in 3 years), so that makes him a great fit as a second striker - or even CAM - in a 4-3-1-2 or 4-4-2 formation.

Last season in Serie A, Milan’s forwards (Menez, Pazzini, Cerci and El Shaarawy) registered a combined 24 goals. Martinez alone scored 21 league goals and a further 7 in the Champions League.

He is approaching his 29th birthday, therefore with his high fee, he will be expected to perform well at the San Siro. Should he bring his goal scoring form to Milan, the forward is the kind of character who will quickly be adored by the fans.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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