When the Azzurri face off against Turkey, Switzerland and Wales in next year’s Euro 2020/2021, it will mark a grand return to international competition for the Italy national team. In 2018, Italy were absent from the sparkling Russian World Cup. It was the first time since 1958 Italy failed to
Tag: Italy
At a Crossroads – Where Does Maurizio Sarri Go From Here?
For two seasons in a row, Maurizio Sarri has been replaced by a managerial novice. First at Chelsea, where Sarri was forced out in favour of Frank Lampard, and now, following last week’s Champions League elimination to Lyon, Juventus took the bold decision to replace the Italian with Andrea Pirlo. The
Iván de la Peña – The misunderstood genius with a revered status in Barcelona
Ronaldo – The story of a starry-eyed boy from Madeira
In 2004, a devastating Tsunami destroyed millions of homes and killed innumerable people all-over South-East Asia. World Television footage of the tsunami focused on the image of a seven-year-old survivor named Martunis wearing 'Rui Costa' 'Number 10' Portuguese football jersey. He had been stranded for 19 days after watching his
Gianluigi Buffon – The history of the most expensive goalkeeper in the world
Arthur at Barça: A Moment’s Beginning Ends in a Moment
Sitting in the backseat of a car with an interviewer after signing for FC Barcelona, a starry-eyed Arthur Melo carries a beaming smile. Amid a long list of pre-prepared questions, came one that endeared the new boy to almost every cule around the world. The interviewer asks Arthur his biggest wish. He
A closer look at Monchi’s disappoitning stint at AS Roma
The famed sporting director of Sevilla - Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo, commonly known as Monchi, was one of the most in-demand figures in football a few years back. He had overseen transfers, youth promotion and managerial choices in Seville for 17 years, after being appointed as the Director of Football in
The under-appreciated versatility of full-backs
[EADF Shorts] Catenaccio – Rappan, Herrera and the birth of a revolutionary philosophy
Only on rare occasions do managers get more famous than their players. Pep Guardiola is recognised globally for his use of positional play or Juego de Posición at Barcelona but the recognition his players received was consistent with the attention he garnered. On the other hand, the famous 'Catenaccio' defensive style of
Sarri’s last chance; The return of Serie A
From a mining village in Chile to conquering South America and beyond – The Alexis Sánchez story
The psychological challenges of recovering from long term injuries
Sport is a canvas for mankind’s imagination. A most beautiful painting where we see mental thought and creativity combine with wonderful, mind-bending feats of physical prowess. Different sports provide different things for fans to enjoy. Yet football stirs up intense passions, often far more powerful and emotive than any other
Juventus and Inter prepare for tense Derby d’Italia
The Sleeping Giants Awaken – Conte’s Inter
Napoli crisis shows intolerant Italians must buck up or risk further damage to Serie A perception
The downfall of a European giant – AC Milan
Gianluigi Buffon – The Man who oversaw a new dawn at Juventus
Antonio Di Natale – An oasis in football’s desert
Breaking down the tactical nuances of Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta B.C
Atalanta B.C have graduated from being relegation candidates to regulars in European competitions. Their acclaimed academy has served them well, but it is Gian Piero Gasperini who has helped them break out of their cocoon. After making some smart investments here and there, they are now borderline outside contenders in
Gentleman First, Then Champion – A Memoir to Javier Zanetti
Marek Hamšík – The Prince of Naples
Paolo Maldini – Il Capitano
Francesco Totti – A Timeless Romance in Rome
Antonio Conte and Inter’s next step
Ebbs & Flows – The life and career of Mario Balotelli
The Phenomenon called El Niño – Looking back at Fernando Torres’ memorable journey from Madrid to Tosu
By Bhargav Joglekar A couple of weeks ago, Fernando Torres announced that he would be retiring from football at a press conference he called in Tokyo. He had informed his fans about the press conference a couple of days in advance via an Instagram post. Immediately, speculation started circling about what
Lautaro Martínez: Inter’s New Raging Bull
Lautaro Martinez feature Image designed by AS Argentina - Diario AS Inter Milan’s ties with Argentine strikers are nothing short of inseverable. From Diego Milito’s masterful brace to sweep aside Bayern Munich in the 2009-10 Champions League final to current skipper Mauro Icardi notching up the highest goal tally (29) in a
Jorginho: A Regista On A Rainy English Afternoon
World Cup Matches that Shook the World in the 21st Century
The wait is almost over. Sports fans across the world are preparing themselves for the grandest sporting event in the world. The “beautiful game” takes center stage as countries from around the world attempt to become world beaters. In one month’s time, a country will become World Champions, and they
