This column usually focuses on exciting plays, results, coaching decisions, and everything that captures the hearts of fans and football enthusiasts. However, this time the focus shifts away from the pitch to express deep sorrow for the passing of two footballers, but more importantly, two young men. The death of Diogo Jota and his brother André has broken everyone`s hearts. I won`t discuss Diogo Jota as a player; we`ve all seen and known his talent, there`s nothing more to add. Days pass, and the only thing I can think about are the parents of these two young men who lost both their sons on one tragic night. An immense, profound grief that can never be truly healed.
Then I go on social media and often pause to look at pictures of Diogo and his wife. Just a few days prior, they had married. Having met as teenagers, they had fulfilled a dream, becoming husband and wife and parents to three adorable children. Tragedy has swept away all their life plans. The images of them smiling on their wedding day, followed by her weeping over her husband`s coffin, are a punch to the gut that takes your breath away. Life can hit you hard, and at times like these, staying on your feet is incredibly difficult. I only hope that God assists these people in their immense sorrow.
Another shocking moment was the news of the illness that struck Igor Protti. The photo of him in a hospital bed is a pang in my heart. Come on, Bomber, fight! You always gave everything on the pitch, and this time you must fight even harder to score the most important goal. We are all rooting for you.
The Club World Cup was meant to be a test to measure the true international standing of Juventus and Inter. Instead, it exposed structural limitations, technical shortcomings, and above all, a widespread certainty: the two historic Italian powers are currently struggling to keep pace with the world`s top teams.
Chivu`s Inter team was halted by an organized but certainly not irresistible Fluminense. Overall, the Nerazzurri didn`t shine. The only spark came from young Pio Esposito, a boy who doesn`t lack technique and personality. The rest was very little, and the worst came after the match. Lautaro Martinez`s bitter words about the lack of commitment and Calhanoglu`s response via social media highlighted an internal rift that will be difficult to heal. The group has crumbled; restarting won`t be easy. This will require significant work from the club, led by Marotta.
Tudor`s Juventus fell to Real Madrid, which, on paper, isn`t a scandal. A few individual flashes aren`t enough to mask the problems. The Juve seen in this Club World Cup is a reflection of its current phase: a work in progress where it`s unclear if something new is emerging or if it`s something already seen before. The Club World Cup leaves Juventus and Inter with more doubts than certainties.
The game-changer for the next season is Osimhen. Am I exaggerating? No, it`s the truth. If Juve gets this game-changer, the Bianconeri team could take a triple leap forward and aim for the Scudetto, provided Tudor allows it – he is the real unknown variable in the Bianconeri project. In the league, where many aging players are arriving or returning, signing Osi makes a crucial difference.
It might be fascinating to see Modric and romantic to bring back Immobile and so on, but Serie A cannot afford to lose a devastating striker like Osimhen. Juve and Napoli, make it happen: bring Osi back to Serie A, and the league will be more credible.
