You’ve heard the story of Milan, but what does a Rossoneri expert have to say about the potential rise of the Diavolo? Rossella Marrai-Ricco spoke to Pasquale Campopiano, the leading journalist in Milan’s Chinese takeover, and author of #nerosurosso – a book which details how the sale of Milan to Rossoneri Sport Lux took place – to find out his thoughts on the matter...
 
Rossella Marrai-Ricco:  Hi Pasquale, thank you for your time. You are regarded as a Milan expert in media circles. What have you made of the Rossoneri’s transfer market so far?
Pasquale Campopiano: Hello. I think AC Milan had a great market in the first weeks of this season. Marco Fassone and Massimiliano Mirabelli were capable of reaching the right players for Vincenzo Montella’s project. They closed agreements before anyone else, because they had the time during the delays for the closing of the Chinese sale. Once they signed it, they had already agreed to finalise some negotiations – MateoMusacchio, Franck Kessie and Hakan Calhanoglu, for example, were in their mirror in the previous months. I think it was the right way to do it –the best way they could do it.
 
RMR: With 10 players having already signed, do you think Milan fans can expect more transfers?
PC: Yes, it’s not finished yet. I suppose Milan will do a couple of transfers – a great striker and another one in the same department… Maybe someone like Nikola Kalinic of Fiorentina, and one player between (Andrea) Belotti, (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, Diego Costa or (Karim) Benzema. But there’s no hurry right now. They have the time to study the best deal.
 
RMR: You were very much involved in breaking the news regarding the closing of the Chinese takeover. What was your experience from a journalist’s perspective to see the sale happen, especially when you were breaking most of the news?
PC: It was a great voyage for me. I was lucky to get involved in this transaction; life told me it was the right moment for my work. But when I found out about the news of the greatest takeover in football, it was difficult not to follow the entire never-ending story. I was involved in secret meetings between mysterious buyers. I knew a great financial advisor like Sal Galatioto, the king of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in America; I found a lot of friends, and AC Milan fans. My work was a social investigation, and I tried to involve them with Twitter and Facebook. In the most hidden places of the negotiation, I tried to explain to them everything, and they were so grateful for my work. That was when my book #nerosurosso was published. They bought it before it went out in libraries. I sold 700 copies in few days and I have had requests for my book to be translated into English, Arabic and Chinese – it’s proof that I made it in the right way. I’m very proud of the work done.
 
RMR: You were one of the few that believed the closing could happen. Why were you always so positive about it happening despite all the delays?
PC: Each journalist has its source. I trusted in mine, from the first time. I was involved in a crazy transaction – I’m aware of it – but I’m sure that I did my work as best as possible. Of course, it was not easy, and by myself I had a lot of doubts during this story. But I was confident with my sources, and at the end, the facts gave me the right angle. I knew that Silvio Berlusconi was forced to sell, from the first day.
 
RMR: In brief, what was the reason behind all the delays in the finalization of the sale?
PC: The main reason for all delays is represented by the measures taken by the Chinese government on the export of foreign capital. The tightening of debt operations conditioned the whole takeover, and Yonghong Li was forced to recreate it all offshore. Obviously, the Chinese people had a lot of problems reaching $740 million – the highest paid figure to buy a soccer team. The great ability of Marco Fassone to involve the Elliott American hedge fund was the winning move to finalise the closing deal.
 
RMR: Do you believe that Yonghong Li and management have exceeded expectations already?
PC: I’m sure that nobody – me neither – could imagine the financial power the Chinese have shown these past few days. I think they were perfect in their work, and they had fine and clear ideas. All Rossoneri fans appreciated it, and the way they communicate with them. AC Milan is one of the most powerful clubs in the world, and in few weeks, they have demonstrated that means and ideas can make the difference. Not only money…
 
RMR: Looking at the new owners and management, the changed and leadership they have implemented, do you think Milan can return to being a European great again?
PC: I’m certain. AC Milan is a top club even if their recent story doesn’t read that way, but the aim of new ownership is to reach the top in European football again. With an industrial plan full of great purposes, they will do it, I’m sure! If they will not do, Elliot fund is capable of bringing the team to the top again. The Rossoneri fans must be confident.
 
RMR: You have written a book about the sale to Rossoneri Sport Lux. Can you tell us a little bit about it and the insights you attained?
PC: #nerosurosso, published by Ultra, is my first book. The book tells the story of Milan and the year of negotiations, delays and the dramatic turn of events, all narrated via social media. #nerosurosso is the “backstage” or the whole spy story – it’s a story within a story! It’s the narrating of my hardest and most exciting days alike, while I embarked on a long journey on my quest for the final ratification of the deal... Berlusconi's doubts, the huge mystery behind Yonghong Li (new chairman of AC Milan), the media attacks on the Chinese, the rift with advisor Sal Galatioto and the hedge fund Elliot. But first and foremost, the Rossoneri supporters who held their breath for so long… I take with me millions of fans to the  “inferno”, the Devil’s house. With 122 million views on my Twitter account, I tried to show the full potential of journalism 3.0, at the time of social media. #nerosurosso is a true story that ends with the final approval of the deal on 13 April 2017 – the date that marks the end of the 30-year Berlusconi-Galliani rule, as well as the beginning of the new Chinese ownership and of the men that have been chosen to helm (steer) the club, Marco Fassone and Massimiliano Mirabelli. It was a true, powerful and dramatic story. I’m proud to have written it.
 
RMR: Grazie (Thank you), Pask! We appreciate your insight.
CP: Prego (Pleasure).
 
This interview was originally published in Wednesday’s issue of Soccer Laduma – Africa’s biggest football publication - as part of a feature on AC Milan. 
​

It’s been a while since 1982 World Cup winner and Azzurri hero Claudio Gentile was in the spotlight, and after reports emerged that he applied for a coaching job in Cape Town, South Africa, Rossella Marrai-Ricco got in contact with the former Juventus defender to chat football. Below is his exclusive question and answer session that has originally been translated from Italian.

Rossella Marrai-Ricco: Hello Mister Gentile. Thank you for your time. You were described as an intimidating player during your day, but your name suggests otherwise. How would you describe yourself?
Claudio Gentile: This is the biggest lie that was written by sports papers. In fact, I played 560 official games and I was only sent off once for touching the ball during the Champions League semi-final against Bruges. This is in contrast to the other eight out of 10 dismissals for violent play that were not mentioned.

RMR: During the 1982 World Cup, you famously man-marked Diego Maradona out of the game against Argentina. Many regard it as the defining moment of your career, would you say so?
CG: Perhaps yes, because to win a World Cup as a player is the highest success one can achieve as a professional.

RMR: How did you prepare to face the toughest players in the world, such as Maradona?
CG: Through film analysis, you find the merits and defects of a player in order to know how to counter them.

RMR: Was he the toughest player you ever faced?
CG: Without a doubt…

RMR: Much like Italy’s triumph in 2006, the Azzurri won the World Cup in 1982 in the midst of a betting and match-fixing scandal. How does one prepare for a tournament when there is something going on off the field?
CG: During the preparations, we never thought about what happened or what was happening. We only ever thought about training.

RMR: During the 80s and 90s, Italian football was at its pinnacle point and regarded the best league in the world. Now, Serie A has fallen behind the other European leagues…
CG: It is true. Italian football is no longer at the top of the table for reasons of improper politics, and structural choices.

RMR: Your former club Juventus is one of the best teams in Europe right now. What have you made of their transition from Serie B until now?
CG: The policy undertaken by the company, in my view, was to reconstruct its image... The technical choices they've undergone have made it possible to regain primary positions at a European level.

RMR: During your playing days, Italian football was known for its Catenaccio, but now it has progressed. How does one break this stereotype?
CG: Changing doesn’t always mean it’s improving…

RMR: You were known as a tough player, and now there are few “hard men” out there. One could say Gennaro Gattuso was one of the last. Why haven’t there been many tough players like yourself?
CG: When football changes from man marking to zonal defending, the defenders lost their capacity/ability to neutralise their adversary directly.

RMR: What would be your ideal team or starting XI?
CG: All the members of the ’82 World Cup… For me, that is still the most ideal team because we defeated the elites of world football: Argentina were the next World Cup winners, the best Brazilians of all-time, Poland were an emerging team, and Germany were always amongst the top teams in European football.

RMR: You were famously dubbed “Gheddafi”, due to being born in Libya. Did this ever offend you?
CG: Yes, a lot, but I had to accept it because Gheddafi was a shareholder in Fiat and Juventus, and for this reason, I could not express my disappointment. This is because I could never forget the discomfort he caused the Italians, who were expelled from Libya – among them, were my relatives.

RMR: Let’s finish off by touching on your coaching career. The last team you coached was the Italian U21 side back in 2006. Why haven’t you coached since?
CG: Because I did not compromise my way of being, and I did not align myself with the Italian “football system”.

RMR: Was it not your dream to coach Juventus – the team of your heart?
CG: Of course! It was my dream, and it did not happen because of the FIGC (Federazione Italiana Gioco Calcio).

RMR: Thank you for your time.
CG: A Pleasure.

*Note: This interview was done via email; therefore, there was no space for follow up questions.
​

​In the midst of the never-ending Gigio-saga, Milan management impressively found the time to open up negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over the services of Turkish international Hakan Calhanoglu. The 23-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga for the last four seasons now, but what can the fans expect from him? Rossella Marrai-Ricco spoke to Turkish coach and analyst Muhsin Ertugral about the rising star.
 
Yesterday saw the return of the famous #MirabelliMonday hashtag – a term used when Rossoneri management confirm news on the happenings in the transfer market, and to no surprise, it was trending…
 
Calhanoglu is said to have already agreed a move to the club, and all that remains is to finalise talks with the German club. A reported figure between €20-30 million has been bandied about, and if he does pen in a deal with Milan; it would make him the fifth signing under the new Chinese owners.
 
Born in the German city of Mannheim, Calhanoglu has largely drawn comparisons to Germany’s World Cup winner Mesut Ozil for the way he commands the midfield through his passing ability. However, it is his skills on set-pieces, which has caught the attention of many suitors.
 
Since the 2013/14 campaign, the youngster has netted an impressive tally of free-kicks, 11 to be exact – the most scored by any player in the Europe’s Big-Five leagues. Ertugral, though, feels there is much for to his game than striking a dead ball.
 
“Hakan has become more a complete player in recent years. He has developed his defensive approach to the game better,” reveals Ertugral.
 
“His set-piece ability is a big specialty of his. His major strength for me is the deep passes behind the lines, where he can connect the striking department.
 
“Looking deeper into today’s type of game, and analysing it properly, it is a major weapon to have players they can execute. Italian teams are very organised, so to score from set pieces during a complete season will come to high margin. For any team today it’s a must to have such a player.”
 
One of Milan’s biggest flaws in recent years was their ability to find a midfielder, who can feed the strikers with consistently well-executed balls – an area where Calhanoglu can help bridge the gap, having created seven assists in just 15 Bundesliga games for Leverkusen.
 
Vincenzo Montella will certainly be pleased should Massimiliano Mirabelli and Marco Fassone pull off another excellent coup in the transfer market, adding to the list of new arrivals: Andre Silva, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mateo Musacchio and Franck Kessie. All these players were reportedly sort after by other clubs too. 
 
Ertugral admits that he is happy to see more top-end talents joining Serie A clubs, and feels that Calhanoglu will only but gain crucial experience should he pull on the red and black jersey.
 
“Most of the players in recent years wanted to go to the Premiere League or to La Liga, but Italy has gained interest of top players once again. The quality is rising again, and I think he will gain great experience,” adds the former coach.
 
“Milan is a huge club and a big step for him. It’s important that his defensive approach, as mentioned, has developed to a better degree, which is very imperative to play in Italy.
 
“For sure, his age is on his side, and playing in very competitive leagues will help the Turkish National Team.”

​Even three weeks after Gianluigi Donnrumma’s refusal to renew his contract with Milan, the 18-year-old continues to be a hot, and controversial topic, in the football fraternity. His decision has put him on the receiving end of many upset remarks, but the protest that got everyone talking, was when fake dollar bills were thrown at him during Italy’s opening game against Denmark in the U21 European Championships. Behind the remonstration was a group of Polish Rossoneri fans, who head up the group Milan Club Polonia. Rossella Marrai-Ricco spoke exclusively to MCP’s club president, Roman Sidorowicz. 
 
Rossella Marrai-RIcco: Hello Roman, thank you for the chance to interview you. Tell me, what were your thoughts when you and Milan Club Polonia heard about the news of Donnarumma’s decision to not renew his contract?
Roman Sidorowicz: Hello Rossella. We were really disappointed and we felt big sorrow... Not because Donnarumma didn't renew his contract, but this player was a guy who kissed our shirt and promised big love just few months ago. He said on several occasions that he dreamed of playing for Milan when he was young, and right now, he refused a new millionaire contract.
 
RMR: Understandably, the Milan fans were hurt by this decision, and you and the club members reacted with a demonstration that went viral across the globe. Why did the club decide to throw the fake money at Donnarumma?
RS: We decided to throw the fake money because we have considered that his love to Milan, which he promised, was fake. You cannot promise love, and after few months, not renew a big contract. It's obvious that you will become a traitor, especially when you refuse a €5 million contract. Everyone knows that Mino Raiola is only looking for money, and that's why we threw the fake money at him.
 
RMR: The Club didn’t stop there, as another banner went up during the defeat to Czech Republic, which read: “If you have Milan in your heart, change your agent.” Will there be another banner in the final group game against Germany?
RS: We put another banner against Raiola during the game against Czech Republic, but I cannot tell you if we will make another banner. We will see how the situation will change, but till now I can say that our protest was profitable, because we put a pressure on both sides. After that, everyone started to write about this contract and both sides have since started to negotiate once again.
 
RMR: Indeed, these protests have had a massive impact. Why do you think it’s important for the fans’ opinions to be heard?
RS: Fans, with their protests, always put pressure on another side. We have put big pressure on Donnarumma and Raiola. I think Gigio, during this protest, wasn't feeling very good, and he proved to have a bit of regret because he refused this contract - at least I hope so! Raiola has created an image/perception of a guy, who thinks only about money, and he is not grateful to Milan for everything what Milan gave him. With this dollar rain, we have shown this to everybody in the whole world. After this protest, even normal people who don't care about football have started to be interested in this Donnarumma story.
 
RMR: A lot has happened over the course of the past few days, and it seems like Raiola has now been put under a lot of pressure, including his relationship with Donnarumma. What are your thoughts on this?
RS: I think that Raiola is the main guilty party of this story. He cares only about his pocket, and every time he wants to sell a player, it’s for the highest possible money to get big commission for himself. Paul Pogba's story can be one of examples; when he get €27 million of commission only. He looks only for money and not for what is good for the player. Also Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s story is a good example… I think that Ibra has never won a Champions League title just because he had Raiola as a manager. Such good players don't need an agent like Raiola. I think that Raiola influenced Donnarumma’s decisions too much… He refused a €5 million contract from Milan because he is sure that he can get much more from others clubs, and then he will also get some commission, which the new Milan don't want to pay him.
 
RMR: There are talks that Donnarumma could change his mind and renew. Do you think the fans will warmly welcome him back? Or does he have to dismiss Raiola first?
RS: The main thing is that he needs to change manager and cut all ties with Raiola. If he will do this, then all fans will forgive him. If he will stay with Raiola, and renew with Milan, I think that it will not change too much. Everybody knows that if he will stay with Raiola then he will sell him in the next year or two.
 
RMR: On a lighter note, there have been plenty of positives in Milan’s transfer market, despite the Gigio-saga. What have you made of the transfer window so far?
RS: So far, we have made really good transfers. We have bought the players for the positions, which were needed. Right now, I also think that we don't need to buy an expensive attacker. It will be better to spend this money for a good midfielder who will make a good passes to the attackers. If our current attackers like Bacca or Lapadula receive good passes, then now I think that they can also score a lot of goals.
 
RMR: Thank you again, Roman.
RS: You’re welcome. 

Gianluca Lapadula was one of the most sought after players during last year’s summer transfer window, with the likes of Juventus, Milan and Napoli reportedly chasing after his services. However, his career path hasn’t been all about the Serie A giants; instead, he has gone through many obstacles during the course of his profession. Rossella Marrai-Ricco spoke exclusively to the striker about the interesting route his career has taken him.

Despite having grown up just around the corner from Torino’s Filadelfia Stadium, Lapadula was a fan of the black and white half of Turin, and it was nothing short of a dream come true when he joined Juventus’ youth system as a kid.

It was with the Bianconeri where he learned the tricks of the trade, and largely developed into the player he is today. However, at the age of 14, his time at the club was cut short. After failing to produce the required school marks – Juventus are strong believers in education first, then football – the Old Lady’s youth management opted to release the young Lapadula.

Rivoli, a team from a town on the outskirts of Turin, not too far from home and close enough to be with his family, signed the promising forward, and it was there that he got his first taste of real victory.

“For me, Juventus was very important because I had played in the youth section for eight years and I was happy there – it was a bit like home,” he reveals. 

“When they didn’t keep me on that year, it was a proper knock for me, but when I went to Rivoli, it was also another stimulating avenue, where in two years, we won almost everything. We were one of the strongest teams in Piemonte.”

In 2007, Lapadula signed his first professional contract with Pro Vercelli, making just four appearances and failing to score any goals, but that wasn’t the biggest disappointment… the Piemonte outfit was in financial arrears and was later liquidated, forcing the then 20-year-old to move on to Ivrea.

Little did “Lapa” know that it would be his second of four successive teams he joined that would be declared bankrupt, with Atletico Roma and Ravenna both joining the list. It was a situation that saw many of his teammates and colleagues quit their pursuit of making it to the top flight, but one he believes was a catalyst in making him the man he is today.

“I saw many people who, for many reasons, decided not to go forward – also because of the club. Maybe they weren’t all great players, but regardless, there were a number of conditions to not pursue [football] further,” he adds.  

“I did think about it [quitting], because at one point the situation became unsustainable. There were definitely signs that came to me, but I continued to have something inside of me that I didn’t understand or know. However, it was there… inside... 

“That thing always gave me the motivation and hunger to play football, and to train – that made the difference. Those situations were only managed in the sense that I could not stop, I did not choose, but I had to continue to do what I was doing with lots of passion. We also had faith in those moments even when it was truly difficult to believe.

“Fortunately, my family was with me the whole way, and in that moment, I can say it was fundamental for me. Those moments are the ones that formed me.”

True to his hardworking Italo-Peruviano (Italian-Peruvian) nature, Lapadula stuck it out and pushed through the obstacles, and in 2011, he enjoyed his first real campaign with San Marino, notching up two dozen goals in 35 appearances. 

“My first good year was with San Marino, where I scored 24 goals – we won the league, and I won the Golden Boot award,” he continues.

Spells with limited game time followed at Cesena and Frosinone, before his nomadic nature kicked in and he found himself moving to Slovenia to join ND Gorica for 12 months, and then Teramo for a full season. This all whilst being owned by Parma – a team who never truly looked after him.

“After that, I scored 14 goals in Slovenia [with ND Gorica] and 24 goals with Teramo. Even if Parma failed in the act of solidity, and I couldn’t have peace of mind, they were beautiful years. However, on the field, things went great, which I warmly recall together with my family.”

Lapadula’s hard work had paid off and his solid performances with Teramo earned him a move to Pescara, who were coached by Massimo Oddo. It was with the Delfini that “Lapagol” enjoyed his best ever campaign – scoring 30 goals to help Pescara earn immediate promotion back to Serie A.

“Oddo was at a very high level, in the sense that he let me train with a lot of tranquility and in his own methods. The team was very happy and enthusiastic, and you felt this on the field,” reflects the 27-year-old.

“I have always said that I enjoyed my stay in Abruzzo – as a region and the rapport with the Abruzzesi people, etc., they were truly beautiful. I spent two years in that region with Teramo and Pescara, where we won the league with both sides. 

“Well, that was unforgettable…”

Having featured in all but two games for Pescara over the course of the 2015/16 season, it came as no surprise that Lapadula was considered the most prized Italian on the transfer market. Scudetto champions Juventus were reportedly eager to bring him back “home”, while Napoli were in potential need of a striker with the possibility of Gonzalo Higuain leaving the club. 

Instead, it was Milan who secured Lapadula’s signature in the most quiet of manners, and when he heard the news of the Diavoli’s interest in him, there was only one answer he could give. 

“We were considering our options until we heard about Milan. When I heard that Milan wanted me, it was an immediate yes! There was no need to reflect on it. One simply does not refuse a club like Milan,” adds the No. 9 who was scouted by former president Silvio Berlusconi, despite Vincenzo Montella having yet been appointed.

“I found out that it was the president who was the first to want me, and then the club, and also the coaches, who were in pole position [for the job], because there was no coach at the time. For me, it is a moment of great pride to be chosen by someone who has not only selected great players, but champions.”

Lapadula’s switch to Milan meant the Rossoneri were the 12th club in his 10 years as a professional footballer, and one that also saw him go from limited resources to the elite training grounds of Milanello. 

“You realise that you never had these things before. But look,” he turns and points to the field and clubhouse. “Here you find everything! It is a paradise for our team. Nothing is missing at this club. It is beautiful to see.”

As he looks back at the pristine green fields and trees that encompass the interview spot, Lapadula comes across as calm and content after working his way to a starting berth under Vincenzo Montella. 

It wasn’t until Week 33 – against Empoli – that he was afforded the chance to be present in the starting line-up consistently. 

Up until the game against the Tuscan minnows, the striker had been afforded mainly limited cameo appearances off the bench, seeing him score five goals and bag three assists in that time. But regardless of how much game time he was given, Lapadula always handled himself as a professional, playing with motivation, hunger and grit. 

“This is one of the fixtures of my work, but this isn’t work – it is fun to live these emotions,” he smiles. “There is a lot of passion in what we do. I don’t only live like this only on a Sunday, but during all the training sessions too – it is a beautiful stimulant. I am happy to have found more space in the team.”

In fact, his colourful emotions were well on display during the Derby della Madonnina against Inter, when he was granted 16 minutes to try to change the scoreline. And whilst it may have been Cristian Zapata who bagged the late equaliser, Lapadula released some of the most picturesque of reactions when the scoreline changed to 2-2. 

Reflecting on the dramatic encounter, the former Teramo man pauses and describes the game as, “Bella! (Beautiful!),” before warmly adding: “It was beautiful because it was greatly satisfying to secure an equalising goal late in the game with great desire and force. I believe it will remain in Milan’s history...” 

One game that will remain in the club’s history books is the 3-0 triumph over Bologna on the penultimate match day of the Serie A season. It was a game that ensured Milan’s return to European football after three years, and, rather fittingly, Lapagol got on the scoresheet that day too.

“I should have scored all the goals!” he says while laughing. “Firstly, because they ruled out my first goal, which was regular, secondly, because I missed an easy goal, but I was happy with how I was playing. My performance still wanted another goal. Above all, I knew how important and fundamental the game was to Milan – I am very happy with my contribution.

“I believe that this team is capable of doing very important things for Milan. For a club like this, we can certainly bring back the Milan of a few years ago.” 

Whilst this season has allowed him to go from Serie B to European football, Lapadula continues to remain humble and remember the source of his inspiration, in particular his brother Davide and his sister Anna, who he often dedicates his strikes to. 

“My whole family is very important. In the difficult times, they were always there with me, while in the more beautiful moments they were by my side. They allowed me to experience success first-hand.

“Today, I can tell you that I am very happy with my first year at Milan. We were able to win a cup [SuperCoppa Italiana] and we qualified for the Europa League after several years of failing to do so. With Milan, it was a great satisfaction. Personally, I am happy even if I can always improve.”

The dream doesn’t stop there for Lapadula, though... In fact, whilst many of his colleagues went on holiday, he reported for national team duty in a friendly against San Marino on 31 May, where he walked away with an impressive hat-trick.

From there, he will be looking to continue to impress Italy head coach Giampiero Ventura ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia – a dream he is desperate to turn into a reality, even if it means having to compete against the likes of Andrea Belotti and Ciro Immobile for a call-up.

“When you speak of the national team, you speak about the best Italian players in the world. It is normal that there is this duality, but for me it is an objective to go to the World Cup, above all, a dream! I will give my all to go there…” he concludes. 

-Ends-

This interview was exclusive to Football Italia