June 28, 2022
The brief from today:
MLS adds another big name
Fresh off LAFC’s recent announcement that they are adding Gareth Bale to their squad, Toronto FC’s new signing, Lorenzo Insigne, was unveiled. The ex-Napoli star, still only 31, is far from finished as a player, and the decision to move to Toronto came as a bit of a surprise. Of course the news was originally announced in January of this year when Insigne signed the pre-contract agreement. Struggling to agree terms on a long term extension with boyhood club, Napoli, Insigne opted for the project presented to him by Toronto. He said he didn’t have any other offers at the time he signed, but despite knowing he can still play at the European level, he wanted a fresh challenge in MLS also adding, “I made the decision … for a new life for my family and my kids, and for their wellbeing ... I would like to be part of winning the championship.” Insigne is now reported to be the the highest paid player in the league after sealing his four year contract with the Canadian side.
Scudetto playoff announced
The FIGC, who oversees Italy’s Serie A, approved some big changes to the league format beginning with the upcoming 2022/23 season. Chief amongst those is the Scudetto playoff that was announced today. Previously, if the first and second placed teams were tie on points at the end of the season, the victor would be the side that had the better head-to-head over the two meetings during the season. The new format, as of today, is that the top two will now play a one match playoff to determine who is awarded the Scudetto. If the match is a draw after 90 minutes there will be no extra time, and it will go straight to penalties. It’s quite rare for teams to finish on exactly the same number of points at the end of a season, but should that take place going forward, then there will certainly be some added drama after today’s announcement. As for the European qualification places, those will continue to be decided with the head-to-head rule.
Blackberry back in the news
South African football entertainer, Xolani “Blackberry” Nkala, is back in transfer news. Today he officially signed for GladAfrica Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), after a recent opportunity to join Free State Stars fell through. Blackberry leaves amateur side, Mambas, to now display his skills at the second division side. He had previously played at the professional level for fellow GladAfrica side Mbombela United, but after a few years out, the 26-year old has returned.