Author Archives: skasiewicz

In a summer window which progressed like a tortoise with a limp Napoli made just three significant additions. Despite being associated with a list of names which resembled the end credits of a blockbuster movie only Brazilian defender Natan, Swedish midfielder Jens Cajuste and Danish winger Jesper Lindstrom joined the reigning Serie A champions. TheContinue reading “Napoli summer transfer window 2023: no big name arrivals as stars stay”

Beside the established constellation of Serie A stars there are others that have yet to shine in the Italian top flight. From Capocannoniere Victor Osimhen at Napoli to Milan left-back Theo Hernandez and Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella there are plenty of big names that excelled under the spotlight last season.  New leading performers will undoubtedlyContinue reading “Serie A 2023-2024: Five potential breakout stars”

In a summer of unsettling Serie A departures Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis bucked the trend by refusing to sell his prize attacking duo. Sensational tales involving eye watering sums had striker Victor Osimhen and winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia following the money trail to cash laden destinations. De Laurentiis is one of the shrewdest operators inContinue reading “Napoli KO combination back for another Scudetto charge”

Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson made a stunning impact in a breakthrough first season in Serie A. The Scottish international scored seven times in 32 appearances for the Rossoblu as he adapted seamlessly to the Italian top flight after four years at Aberdeen. Yet rather than sit back and reflect on a campaign to remember theContinue reading “A season in Bologna: Lewis Ferguson interview”

Juventus emerged victorious after prevailing on penalties over Milan in their first pre-season friendly in the USA. The Soccer Champions Tour match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes as Bianconeri defenders Danilo and replacement Daniele Rugani cancelled out goals from Malick Thiaw and Olivier Giroud. Matias Soule struck the winning spot kick as Juve won 4-3Continue reading “Three things we learned as Juventus defeat Milan in friendly win”

It wasn’t quite the World Cup winner many expected when Andrea Pirlo was confirmed as the coach to manage the Sampdoria rebuild in Serie B. Fabio Grosso had been widely touted as the man to oversee the Blucerchiati revival in the second tier. Yet the new Doria era will begin with the peerless former ItalyContinue reading “Pirlo to lead the Sampdoria revival”

The undeviating rhythm of the waves almost drowns out the undesired audio buzz.  While the orange globe in the distance bestows warmth as the towering palm trees soak in the coastal breeze. The rippling strands of Pacific blue roll on in synchronized bursts.  It’s a glorious landscape that invigorates the senses. Observing and listening isContinue reading “Crisscrossing California: Oceanside surf”

Season overview Sampdoria were saved from the brink of bankruptcy and the lower leagues after being relegated in their worst ever top flight campaign. A group of investors led by Andrea Radrizzani and Matteo Manfredi sealed a late takeover as divisive owner Massimo Ferrero finally agreed to sell the Blucerchiati. The timing of the dealContinue reading “Sampdoria season review 2022-2023”

Season overview Napoli steamrollered through everyone in their path to claim an entirely unexpected and dominant third Scudetto. Weakened by the departures of captain Lorenzo Insigne, defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly and iconic forward Dries Mertens the Partenopei were written off before the season began. Yet coach Luciano Spalletti seamlessly integrated new additions Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, KimContinue reading “Napoli season review 2022-2023”