Roma between Jack and the former Bologna, Lazio welcoming the striker back, Juve thinking of getting Federico back from the Reds: Italian football loves returns from abroad, which however do not always give the desired results
Sometimes time doesn’t seem to stop. Or maybe we are hoping for it. Will be. In any case, the transfer reports of the last few days deliver famous, perhaps important, names: certainly those who want to bring them back to Serie A are aiming for maximum returns with minimum risk (and cost). So Milan is working to dress the former Neapolitan Kim in red and black. But it’s not enough. Roma dances between Raspadori and Zirkzee, two talents still in their prime. Instead, Lazio has finally closed the circle for Lorenzo Insigne, returning to Italy after his experience in Toronto. The one who has resisted nostalgia so far is Federico Chiesa, determined to establish himself in Liverpool. In the last few hours, the courtship of Juventus seems to have produced the first positive effects, but the game is still to be played. More or less the plot is already done, but don’t be surprised if other suggestive candidates emerge between now and the end of January.
Last summer
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The temptation to turn to the usual suspects is now increasingly widespread. You only need to go back to last summer to realize that Bologna has placed its trust in two successful over-30s: Immobile and Bernardeschi. Napoli also brought Elmas home. While in Florence Dzeko’s repechage did not have the desired effects. Even Pisa is not finding particular help from Albiol, long a pillar of Napoli. The Serbian Matić, an old acquaintance on the Roma side, also met again in Sassuolo: a great start to the season for him. He is evidently doing well at Milan with Rabiot after his escape to Marseille. Zaniolo is also finding himself in Udinese and hopes to put Galatasaray behind him. Alvaro Morata’s experience at Como was opaque, however, following the recent Milan disappointments that had led the Spaniard to take refuge in Türkiye. The overview of the most recent operations allows us to understand how, in reality, the players tested in our championship do not always come back as good as new. In short, unknowns abound.
the different cases of ibra and lukaku
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And in any case the waves of return are no longer as convenient as in previous years. In 2019, in fact, the Growth Decree extended the benefits for the so-called “impatriates” also to professional footballers. Therefore, bringing a footballer who had emigrated at least two years earlier back to Serie A made it possible to obtain a considerable discount on his salary, given that taxes were practically halved. Politics then decided to correct the situation, considering that the benefit also involved foreign footballers and it was decided, with this embargo, to help local talents. Two exemplary, particularly successful events date back to this period. We are referring to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku (the duelists par excellence): both enjoyed the tax break, but above all they left their mark from a technical point of view. In particular, the Swede landed at Milanello at the end of 2019 and in a few months proved that he is stronger than his age (just like Modrić is now doing). A choice, then, strongly supported by Maldini and Massara to give the group a leader, as well as a champion. Right now, his role as a consultant to Red Bird has fatally blurred the strong colors of that relationship. But that return to base remains a masterpiece. In absolutely different ways, Romelu Lukaku has left his mark in our area with a truly particular coming and going. He landed at Inter in the summer of 2019 at the explicit request of Antonio Conte and did everything well. The championship also arrives in the second year. Then, the manager gave up and Chelsea called the Belgian with a purchase worth 115 million euros. So the beautiful story appears to be over. But no. He didn’t feel good in London and the following year Mourinho called him to Roma, thanks also to the facilitations of the famous Growth Decree. The curiosity is that the Belgian retains the tax discount because it comes and goes but always within a year: therefore he remains an Italian taxpayer. And it is the same reason why in 2023 Conte wants him back at Napoli and De Laurentiis satisfies him. The second scudetto arrives and Big Rom also enters Neapolitan history.
dreams for the summer
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Two beautiful stories, no doubt about it. Obviously there was no shortage of failures. We choose one among many: Alexis Sanchez, who enchanted in Udine. When Inter gave him the chance in 2023 the Chilean did not respond as expected. And even more disappointing was the following season in “his” Friuli. Going back a little further, for example, Milan certainly failed to return Sheva, Kakà and Boateng to the base. It’s not always worth trying. But let’s get to the highlights for next summer. Sandro Tonali always remains at the top of the wishes, with Juve in the front row to get his yes. In the Premier League, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also shows signs of impatience. For him there is a duel between Inter and Juve, in search of a starter in the role. And in any case Federico Chiesa remains a target even if the major maneuvers underway do not lead to favorable outcomes. Juve winks at him, Napoli has flattered him for months. Sooner or later something will happen.
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