Tag Archives: Hellas Verona

Hellas Verona 0-2 AC Milan: Three things we learned as Rossoneri win despite injury crisis

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Milan bounced back in style with a dominating 2-0 win over Hellas Verona this afternoon, adding three important points to their tally. Juventus remain four points behind the Rossoneri, therefore, who keep putting pressure on the league leaders Inter to continue their good form. 

The injury crisis didn’t seem to bother Stefano Pioli’s men at all as they performed very well this afternoon. The players on the pitch certainly stepped up and in addition to two wonderful goals scored, they managed to keep a clean sheet after conceding just one shot on target in the game.  Continue reading →

Three Players Outside of Italy’s Top Six That Could Be on The Move

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Italian football has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, threatening the very livelihood of many of calcio’s sides. In most cases, the lack of revenue from ticket sales has meant subdued transfer windows. Nowadays, the very best players command a premium – prices most Italian clubs simply can’t afford.

As a result, sporting directors are forced to look within Italy to bolster their sides with a number of budding talents catching the eye.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at three players Italy’s giants should be taking a look at.

Gaetano Castrovilli (Fiorentina): The 24-year-old broke onto the scene last year as a relatively unproven talent and has since established himself as a regular for la Viola. Fiorentina’s instability has not helped Castrovilli, but the midfielder has still managed to stand out with five goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

Despite his side’s struggles, Castrovilli continues to dominate play and take his game to the next level. While he has impressed this season, it may be time for the Italian international to reconsider his future and leave his boyhood club. Federico Chiesa did so this summer and is benefitting as a result of it, thriving at Juventus.

Fiorentina’s pursuit of Maurizio Sarri can tilt the balances in their favour, but as of right now, Castrovilli should weigh all his options. If la Viola’s top brass are not serious about making wholesale changes, he might just be available come the summertime.

Rodrigo De Paul (Udinese):  Where would Udinese be without Rodrigo De Paul? It feels as if the Argentine maestro has singlehandedly saved the Zebrette from the drop zone in recent seasons. An all-action midfielder by nature, any club in Italy would be lucky to have De Paul in the middle of the park. The Udinese midfielder is versatile enough to play as the side’s regista, shielding the back four, or as the side’s number 10.

Juventus and Inter have both been heavily linked with a move over the years, with the former emerging as favourites. Inter’s midfield trio of Christian Eriksen, Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella is among the very best in Italy, making it difficult for De Paul to breakthrough. At Juventus, by contrast, the 26-year-old would slot in directly into the starting 11 and offer some much-needed creativity and industry in the middle of the park.

Italian clubs will have to act fast, however, as recent reports have suggested both Liverpool and Leeds United are keeping tabs on him. Both sides are expected to ramp up their pursuit in the coming weeks.

Mattia Zaccagni (Hellas Verona): Hellas Verona continues to surprise in Italy and punch above their weight. When looking at their starting 11, it is difficult to pinpoint one big name that consistently makes the difference. Upon closer inspection, however, that player just happens to be Mattia Zaccagni.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation under Ivan Juric, making a name for himself cutting in from the left-hand side of Hellas Verona’s 3-4-3. Operating in a free-roam role, Zaccagni combines to devastating effect with Verona’s frontline, drifting between the lines dangerously. The Verona man has shown no signs of slowing down this season, registering five goals and five assists in 20 appearances.

Napoli has been linked with a move for Zaccagni in January, but never pulled the trigger. Milan has reportedly kept tabs on the 25-year-old as well, given his ability to slot in anywhere across the frontline. Zaccagni has proven he can play on the left or through the middle, making him a great fit for either side. Given Hellas Verona’s low-profile, Zaccagni’s price should be modest.

Anywhere between 10-15 million euros should be enough to secure him, making him an intriguing fit for any side looking for some help in the final third.

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Hellas Verona continues to surprise under Ivan Juric

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Since returning to the top flight in 2019, Hellas Verona has established itself as one of Italy’s most compact sides, surprising Italy’s giants at every turn. Ivan Juric has done a wonderful job in Verona, leading the side to unprecedented heights. Just last season, Hellas Verona was in an unlikely race for Europa League football, up until the latter stages of the year. They still managed to finish in the top half of the table in their first season back in the top flight – an impressive feat on its own.

Many expected them to take a step back this season after the departures of key men, but Juric’s side has shown no signs of slowing down. After all, Marash Kumbulla joined Roma while Sofyan Amrabat returned to Fiorentina – two of the side’s most important players last season.

Despite their departures, Hellas Verona has picked up from where exactly they left off last year, attempting to consolidate itself in the top half of the table. What is perhaps most remarkable is their record against Italy’s top six. Hellas Verona has demonstrated they can compete with Italy’s best clubs, holding Roma, Milan, and Juventus to a draw, all-while beating Atalanta and Lazio.

Hellas Verona’s success largely lies in their tactical discipline and overall commitment to Juric’s system. The Croatian tactician deploys his men in a 3-4-2-1 of sorts, with both wingbacks playing a crucial role both in and out of possession. Hellas Verona has proven to be incredibly difficult to break down thus far, conceding a mere 14 goals on the season.

Marco Silvestri plays a large part in this, organizing Hellas Verona’s rearguard from between the posts. The Italian shot-stopper remains one of Italy’s most underrated goalkeepers, offering Juric a safe pair of hands. Silvestri has often proved to be the difference for Hellas Verona in tight games, making sensational saves to keep them in it.

Koray Gunter is another integral piece to Juric’s puzzle, occupying the central position of the back three. The German has stepped up since Kumbulla’s departure, excelling at the heart of the defense. Summer arrival Mert Cetin has also impressed in his four appearances this season, but it is Matteo Lovato that has established himself as a starter.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with Padova and has made the step up to the top flight look a seamless one. Lovato has since been linked with a number of Italy’s giants, including Juventus and Inter. Despite his inexperience, the former Padova man exudes calmness in possession and can go toe-to-toe with imposing strikers. Between Gunter, Lovato, and Silvestri, Hellas Verona’s defense is as resolute as they come.

In many ways, however, it is Juric’s ability to keep them motivated week in, week out, that makes the difference. The Croatian international is Hellas Verona’s X Factor and will be eager to continue leading them into new territory. Atalanta and Sassuolo may steal the headlines and acclaim from calcio’s neutrals, but make no mistake about it, Hellas Verona’s rise has been just as compelling.

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Game on in the battle for the gloves at Lazio as Pepe Reina provides rare challenge to Thomas Strakosha

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Lazio’s priority in the summer transfer window was clear: to strengthen the overall depth of the squad. 

With the additions of Andreas Pereira, Vedat Muriqi, Mohamed Fares, Gonzalo Escalante, Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro and Wesley Hoedt, coach Simone Inzaghi was handed new options across the park.

But few expected that the signing to make arguably the biggest impact of all come December would be Pepe Reina.

The veteran’s arrival was low key, as you might expect for a 38-year-old reserve goalkeeper. Continue reading →

AC Milan 2-2 Hellas Verona: Three things we learned as Rossoneri squander golden opportunity

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As most of the big teams failed to win this weekend, Milan had a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the standings. Although they technically did this, the Rossoneri should have come away with more than one point this evening. Instead, they squandered several clear-cut chances. 

Stefano Pioli won’t be pleased with his players after that performance, especially in the attacking phase. The goals that Hellas Verona scored were a bit lucky but unlike Milan, they took their chances and that’s how you win games. Therefore, the Rossoneri have no one else to blame but themselves for the result.  Continue reading →

AC Milan vs. Hellas Verona: Serie A Round 7 – Team news, stats and prediction

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Following the heavy loss against Lille on Thursday, Milan are no longer on what was a very impressing unbeaten run, reaching 24 games in the end. Sunday’s clash against Hellas Verona will, therefore, be a big test of the Rossoneri’s mentality and determination, as bouncing back is crucial. 

Milan were certainly humbled on Thursday evening, losing their first game since March (1-2 against Genoa) and also failing to score for the first time since June (0-0 against Juventus). However, as many Rossoneri fans have pointed out, it was bound to happen at some point, although losing by such a big margin is never good.  Continue reading →

Europa League Race: Contenders, Pretenders and Dark-Horses

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As the season draws to a close, the race for European places intensifies. If the season were to end today, Juventus, Inter, Lazio, and Atalanta would represent Italy in the Champions League while Roma and Napoli would have to content themselves with Europa League football.

Currently, the table could not be tighter as just four points separate sixth-place from eleventh. Let’s now take a look at the main contenders, pretenders and dark-horses for the Europa League.

Contenders: 

Roma and Atalanta: As it stands right now, one of Atalanta and Roma are pretty much guaranteed to occupy one of Italy’s two Europa League spots. Gasperini’s men are six-points ahead of the giallorossi in the fourth and final Champions League place and will be eager to maintain their advantage to qualify for Europe’s elite competition. Given Roma’s recent form, they may slide further down the table, but it’s difficult to see them finish outside the top six. As a result, expect Roma to make the Europa league leaving one last spot for the rest of the pack.

Napoli and Milan: After rough starts to the season, Napoli and Milan sacked their managers and almost immediately witnessed an upturn in their fortunes. Napoli have now won four of their last five and seem primed for a strong finish while Milan are finally playing with an identity. With Roma almost surely occupying the first Europa League spot, Napoli and Milan will likely duke it out for the remaining place. Napoli, however, will need to be better against sides under them as they have demonstrated complacency in those clashes. Milan, on the other hand, have taken care of Italy’s provinciali, but struggle against Italy’s elite.

Pretenders: 

Parma and Cagliari: Both sides got off to the season in fine form, but have recently struggled for results. Rolando Maran’s Cagliari haven’t won any of their last five clashes while Parma have proven to be far too inconsistent. In addition to their goal-scoring woes, Parma lack creative depth across the midfield, which will come back to haunt them in their hunt for European football. Cagliari, by contrast, benefitted by some incredible finishing earlier in the year; exploits that cannot be sustained throughout a full season. Expect both sides to slide further down the table as the season wears on.

Dark-Horses: 

Bologna-Hellas Verona: These two are here for vastly different reasons. On one hand, Hellas Verona have one of the league’s best defences propelling them into the race for European football while Bologna have scored freely all season and have shown no signs of slowing down. While Mihajlovic’s men have struggled in their last two games, they possess more quality in the final third than their counterparts and could go toe-to-toe with anyone in Italy. The same applies to Verona, who recently overcame Juventus in a game where they largely dominated. Milan and Napoli may be favourites for the last European spot, but Verona and Bologna will make it interesting over the next 12 match-days.

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Juventus-Hellas Verona: Team news, stats, and prediction

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After a tough defeat against Napoli, Juventus bounced back with a commanding win against Fiorentina and reinstated their three-point lead atop the table over fierce rivals Inter. Hellas Verona, by contrast, are unbeaten in their last seven and most recently recorded a clean sheet against Simone Inzaghi’s high-flying Lazio.

While the bianconeri are going into Verona as favourites, the hosts have proven tough to break down and can go toe-to-toe with any side. In their first game against each other, Juventus came out narrow winners, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo spot-kick. With the return game taking place in Verona, expect it to be a tight affair.

Since making the leap to Serie A, Ivan Juric has implemented an extremely solid 3-4-1-2 formation and has relied on his water-tight defence to get results. Kumbulla, Gunter and Rrahmani have formed an incredible partnership at the back and have led Verona to an unlikely push for European football.

In fact, only Italy’s top three have conceded less goals than Verona this season. Goalkeeper Marco Silvestri deserves his fair share of credit as well, and has been one of the league’s better shot-stoppers this season. With Juventus coming into town, Juric’s resolute defence will have every chance to prove themselves.

TEAM NEWS

Sarri will have to do without Giorgio Chiellini and Merih Demiral at the back while Federico Bernardeschi is a doubt going into Saturday’s affair. Brazilian international Danilo is also expected to miss the clash against Verona.

According to recent reports, Sarri will deploy Douglas Costa alongside Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the only certainty in attack is their Portuguese superstar as Higuain and Ramsey could also get the nod, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

Otherwise, Sarri appears to be sticking with the midfield trio of Rabiot, Pjanic and Bentancur, with Matuidi making way for his fellow compatriot.

As for Verona, their classic back three of Gunter, Rrahmani and Kumbulla will get the nod. In the midfield, Juric is not looking to shake things up and will likely field Veloso, Lazovic and Amrabat. In attack, it’s currently a toss-up between Zaccagni and Borini while the former is currently rumoured to start.

Probable XI’s

Juventus: 4-3-3 Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Rabiot; Costa, Dybala, Ronaldo.

3-4-2-1 Silvestri; Rrahmani, Gunter, Kumbulla; Faraoni, Veloso, Amrabat, Lazovic; Pessina, Zaccagni; Verre.

STATS 

- In their last six clashes against each other, Juventus have emerged victorious four times while Verona won once.

- There have been over 2.5 goals in Juve’s last ten Serie A games.

- Ronaldo has fourteen goals in his last nine Serie A games.

- Verona’s leading goalscorer has three goals on the season. Defence.

PREDICTION

While Verona have been resolute at the back all season, they’re coming off a tiring game away from home against Lazio and now have to host an in-form Ronaldo. Considering this, I expect Juventus to extend their lead at the top with a narrow win over Verona. It may not be pretty, but the bianconeri will get it done.

Juventus-Verona: 1-0.

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Hellas Verona Vs. Fiorentina: Preview

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With the last international break of the year in the rearview mirror, Fiorentina return to action against Hellas Verona on Sunday looking to bounce back from a string of poor results. A win over Sassuolo is the only victory Vincenzo Montella’s men have recorded in their last five outings, held to draws by Brescia and Parma while suffering defeats to Lazio and Cagliari.

Continue reading →

Serie A Fantasy Recap – Round 38

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The final round was a fitting end to a very entertaining season.

Standings implications. Inter won the battle of Olimpico and qualified to Champions League over Lazio thanks to the head-to-head record. Milan battered Fiorentina and held onto the sixth-spot, so Atalanta will have to go through the lengthy Europa League playoffs this summer. Crotone are the third relegated team after Benevento and Hellas Verona: SPAL, Cagliari, Chievo and Udinese all ended up winning, so they would not have avoided the drop even if they had prevailed against Napoli.  Continue reading →