The Tuesday Calcio Wrap-Up #17 🇮🇹⚽️: Kevin De Bruyne's Italian adventure, Gennaro Gattuso for the Azzurri and Pippo Inzaghi's Palermo
Welcome to this week's wrap-up, where I give my thoughts on all the ups, downs and round and rounds from a weekend of Calcio fun.
First things first - I am writing this on Friday 13th June. I fly to Majorca for a few days soon, meaning I physically can’t write the newsletter on Tuesday. And in the name of consistency and in sheer dedication to my dear readers, I wanted to get something out in the form of a newsletter this week. So, if it’s out of date, then just imagine you’re reading this on Friday night instead.
Kevin De Bruyne has signed for Napoli - something I didn’t expect ever to write. A huge signing for the team, that’s for sure. Away from Napoli, the Azzurri are gunning for Gennaro Gattuso as their manager, with many of the 2006 World Cup squad linked to joining him. And in more Inzaghi family news, Pippo has now left his post at Pisa and will, reportedly, join Palermo. All that and more in this week’s Tuesday Calcio Wrap-Up. Tuck in…
🌊 Welcome to Napoli, Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has turned down some very, very big cash deals (apparently/probably - hello, Saudi offers) to sign for Antonio Conte’s side. He’s very much still committed to sporting success in his career and rather than take an easy Saudi payday, he’s joined Napoli to win titles. And with the trajectory Conte and co are on, he could very well deliver another Scudetto or two within his contract term. Reunited on club level with fellow Belgian Romelu Lukaku, Napoli are cooking something up and we should all strap ourselves in because it’s going to be wonderful to watch…
🤔 Gennaro Gattuso - the Azzurri’s saviour?
Absolutely not. Sorry. He is just not the man to be leading the Italian national team, especially if they want to get back to where they were under Roberto Mancini (albeit World Cup qualification wasn’t for them). Recently sacked from Hadjuk Split and with some pretty unsuccessful stints elsewhere, the ex-Italian midfielder is most definitely not the man Italy need. Motivator? Yes. But tactically, to get the best out of this current cohort? No. Not for me, unfortunately. Roberto Mancini has been flirting with the FIGC as well, saying leaving was a mistake. If it is Gattuso, then time will tell. Regardless, the FIGC needs an overhaul because the current direction of Italian football is been steered by incapable dinosaurs. There, I said it!
🍋 Inzaghi out here, Inzaghi out there - Pippo, it’s your turn
The Pisa manager has now officially departed the club where he spent one year, delivering promotion to Serie A. A monumental moment in Pisa’s history, taking them back to the top flight for the first time in 34 years. And just like that, he’s gone. Reportedly, he will be taking over at Palermo as the City Group team missed out on promotion and need someone to get them over the line next season. Inzaghi can clearly do it, as demonstrated. And despite their City Group status, I am here for their promotion. More Southern Italian representation, especially from Sicily, is good for the league. Can he do it? Tune in to next season to find out…