Updates from Verona and Cagliari: Between Market Rumors and Crucial Injuries
Verona`s Interest in Baldanzi and Team Performance
Paolo Zanetti, coach of Verona, expressed his appreciation for Baldanzi, while specifying that the young talent is currently focused on Roma. Zanetti stated after the recent match that, despite a friendly conversation with the player, market issues were not discussed. The coach also emphasized his team`s need to be more decisive in attack to achieve better results.
Andrea Belotti`s Severe Injury at Cagliari
Already at the end of yesterday evening`s match against Inter, concerns regarding Andrea Belotti`s condition were palpable. The Cagliari striker had sustained an injury during an offensive play, and diagnostic tests performed this morning unfortunately confirmed initial fears: a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee. This injury will keep him off the field for several months.
Cagliari`s Official Statement:
“Following the injury sustained yesterday during the match, Andrea Belotti underwent diagnostic tests and instrumental assessments today, which highlighted a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee. The player will undergo further checks and specialist visits in the coming days.”
This news represents a harsh blow for “il Gallo” (The Rooster), who had begun his experience in Sardinia with convincing performances. The severity of the injury, pending further examinations, will certainly sideline him for a long period. Already yesterday evening, coach Fabio Pisacane had expressed concern, stating: “Little by little, by talking with the lad, we understood that the feelings are not positive.” This sad prediction has now been confirmed, and it is expected that Cagliari will have to enter the transfer market in January to find a replacement.
Sassuolo`s Victory: Coach Grosso Praises Key Players
Turning to other fields, Fabio Grosso, coach of Sassuolo, held a press conference after his team`s convincing 3-1 victory over Udinese, achieved in the “lunch match” of Serie A`s fifth round.
The Sassuolo coach focused attention on two of the main architects of the success, midfielders Kone and Iannoni, both scoring their first goal in Serie A. Grosso praised Ismael Kone for his “immense potential,” highlighting his technical and physical qualities that make him valuable in linking attack and midfield. He also mentioned Josh`s good performance, emphasizing the defensive commitment of the three offensive players and their ability to sacrifice for the team.
Regarding Iannoni and the concept of “doing the hard work” (fare legna) the coach was referring to, Grosso clarified that, although he doesn`t personally use that expression, he understands its deep meaning in football. He explained that it is fundamental to “know how to stay in the game,” be solid defensively, but also show personality and know how to play football. A complete performance, according to him, requires recognizing the various moments of the game and applying the right strategy in each of them.
Zaniolo`s Enthusiasm for Udinese Despite Defeat
After Udinese`s defeat against Sassuolo, attacking midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo released statements to DAZN, expressing his enthusiasm for his new jersey. “I am very happy, enthusiastic to wear this shirt. Udinese is a team that I believe can do very well,” he said. He also thanked the fans present despite the team`s not-so- brilliant performance, promising redemption in the next match against Cagliari.
International Market: Al Ittihad Seeks New Coach, Emotions for Odriozola
Al Ittihad`s Coaching Search: Spalletti and Xavi Among Targets
The 2-0 defeat against Al Nassr marked the end of Laurent Blanc`s tenure with Al Ittihad. The Saudi club dismissed the coach, temporarily entrusting the technical guidance to Hassan Khalifah, but is already seeking a high-profile successor for the bench.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al Ittihad has already made contact with prominent names like Luciano Spalletti, former Italian National Team coach, and Sergio Conceicao. In addition to these, former Barcelona coach Xavi is also among the options being considered by the Saudi club, which is carefully evaluating various profiles to identify the most suitable candidate to take the reins of the team.
Luciano Spalletti, speaking at a festival in Arezzo a few days ago, had expressed his state of mind regarding his experience with the Italian National Team. He confessed that “the Italy experience is still strongly hammering in my head,” accepting the pain of the unwanted conclusion, but acknowledging the total commitment given. He added that he needs time to process it, without rushing the recovery, and that at the moment he is still in the “acute pain” phase, awaiting a natural restart.
Alvaro Odriozola`s Emotional Comeback Goal
Great emotions for Alvaro Odriozola last night. The former Fiorentina full-back, who returned to Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 before moving to Real Sociedad, experienced a moment of glory. He scored a goal in the 31st minute that briefly gave the “Txuri-urdin” hope of an upset against the Catalan giant, before goals from Koundé and Lewandowski dampened the celebrations.
For Odriozola, this goal holds crucial importance both personally and professionally, being his first score since his time at Fiorentina, a full four years ago. He stated with pride: “So much pride, I won`t lie. I`m coming from a very difficult period, I really had a bad time. I couldn`t help the team of my life. I am very hard on myself, I wasn`t able to defend the crest as much as I wanted. My body didn`t respond, it wasn`t in tune with my head.”
The 29-year-old defender then elaborated on his journey: “A month ago I had a turning point. I was close to leaving, I wanted to play, I wanted to go back to being myself. Playing today and scoring… I was in hell. Nothing worked out for me. You suffer so much. I am privileged to be at the club of my life. I am a father of two girls, the goal is for them and for my girlfriend. But I`m not leaving happy because we didn`t win.” This return to the field, after an eight-month absence, is particularly significant, considering that the player, born in 1995, had been deemed transferable due to persistent physical problems and found himself without a squad number before being able to choose the number 20.
Gianmarco Ferrari Joins Andrea Pirlo`s United FC
Gianmarco Ferrari, former Sassuolo defender, has officially found a new team: United FC, a club in the second division of the United Arab Emirates, coached by Andrea Pirlo.
Dubai`s United FC, founded three years ago, includes another figure known to Italian football, Haris Seferovic, in its squad.
The 33-year-old Ferrari, coming off a season with Salernitana, was a free agent. He is primarily remembered for his 194 appearances with Sassuolo. He also has one cap for the senior national team, under Roberto Mancini, in a 7-0 friendly win against San Marino in May 2021, a match in which the defender also found the back of the net.
