Naples, two names and recommendations. Milan, now is the time to renew Leao. Cheddira, that time at Sangiustese…
Finally we are about to say goodbye to the World Cup. It wasn’t terribly bad, as they want to tell us. Sure, for us, it was hell to see from the sofa but something good has been seen. Germany and Spain have confirmed that they are in bad shape, almost as bad as we are. England hasn’t shown much progress since the European Championship. It is right that Portugal went home because if you don’t play with Cancelo, Ronaldo and Leao it means that you are bored with Qatar. A madman on the bench who wants to be a phenomenon and please part of the rebel country does not deserve to be called a coach. In the semifinal there is the quality of Argentina, the constancy of the Croatians, the heart of Morocco and the strength of France. I read this statistic and report it: only 6 Croatians play in Croatia, only 6 Frenchmen in France, only 3 Moroccans in Morocco (and there are too many) and only one Argentinian in Argentina. This is to respond to the nonsense invented by the FIGC when it attacks the Lega Calcio on foreigners in Serie A. Let’s go to the transfer market. We look forward to it on January 2nd. We will turn the lights back on Sportitalia with the transfer market and the championship will finally return from the 4th. How much we missed.
Napoli, this winter, must do nothing. And it won’t do anything. Giuntoli and his team know how to program. They are working for the summer. They are not incompetent and they have shown it in these last few sessions. Clear ideas and programming. Even against popular consensus. He doesn’t have to run anyway and when the ball starts rolling the criticisms turn into applause. How happened this estate. Napoli is following two players that I know well. And even in this, Napoli confirms their great ability. A defender and a midfielder. Both from Udinese: Becao for defense and Samardzic for midfield. Becao is worth half a Friulian defense. Sottil said it. Quality footballer, thickness and charisma. What Napoli needs. When Udinese don’t have Becao in defense they dance. In midfield, on the other hand, Napoli will have to do something in their uniforms and aiming for Lazar Samardzic is a sign of competence. He can be the point guard but also the midfielder. He can play with his foot reversed in the middle of the field as he often does with Sottil. He has game vision and also shooting. In the summer the moment of the definitive consecration could arrive. Relations between Pozzo and De Laurentiis have always been good even if, at times, the donuts have not come out with the hole.
The elimination of Portugal and Leao’s limited playing time are perfect assists for Paolo Maldini. If Milan want to renew, I have to do it now. Not tomorrow. A protagonist World Cup would have blown up the Rossoneri’s plans. This is the right opportunity and Milan, with someone, has to make compromises every now and then. All right Donnarumma but you already lost Kessie and you didn’t replace him. If Milan wants to grow in Europe as well, they cannot lose all their aces to zero.
In closing, a reflection on Cheddira, striker for Morocco and owned by Bari. Fantastic stories. In praise of meritocracy. His agent, Bruno Di Napoli, is also good in management. I remember one detail and I still have the preserved messages that I forwarded to some friends on Saturday evening. When I was President of Folgore Caratese, in Serie D, Giulio Spadoni, former DS of Maceratese, pointed out this Sangiustese striker to me. “Take him, he’s strong.” Let’s get information, see the matches and I’m ready to register him. I had followed him for a month. Strong footballer. Two years later, it was 2019, having virtually shut down Messias. Cheddira was ready to accept Carate Brianza but two days before the match that cursed Daniele Faggiano who was director of Parma at the time connected. The ducal club took many boys from C and D, enrolled them and then loaned them. Well, Cheddira went to Parma and Faggiano (due to the absurd regulation) couldn’t loan him to D but only to C. Morocco was pure utopia. Meanwhile Bari is waiting for him because he needs his bomber jacket.