June 29, 2022
The brief from today:
Toronto FC at it again
After the recent unveiling of Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto FC have added more European experience to the side in the form of Domenico Criscito. The Italian joins his compatriot, Insigne, as Toronto’s second signing this summer. While Criscito, 35, isn’t quite at the peak of his powers, he does bring valuable experience having captained Genoa in two spells at the club. The defender also played for Juventus and Zenit St. Petersburg, the latter which lasted from 2011-18, saw him win the Russian league title and domestic cup. Criscito has also represented Italy 26 times, and was one of the starters in the 2010 World Cup side. Head coach Bob Bradley is aware of the history, and is clearly expecting some leadership from Criscito saying, “[he] should be and excellent role model for our young players.”
Milan and Puma extend partnership
AC Milan announced today that their partnership with Puma, which began in 2018, has been extended and will earn the Italian champions €30million/year. In addition to sponsoring the men’s, women’s, and youth team’s kit, Puma will also be the main sponsor for non-match apparel. The German company will also get naming rights at the Vismara Youth Development Center, now called Puma House of Football, where youth talent for AC Milan is nurtured. While €30million/year is no small figure, it still lags behind league leaders Juventus, who Adidas currently pay €51million/year. Milan still have some catching up to do as a brand after 10 years of mediocre results despite last season’s league win. This new deal, however, is an indicator that they are trending in the right direction.
Lille appoint Fonseca
Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca will be Lille’s new manager after they sacked Jocelyn Gourvennec. Fonseca previously coached Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Roma. He left Ukrainian side Shakhtar in 2019 to join Roma, but his wife is Ukrainian, and he recently had to endure a challenging escape from Kyiv after the Russian invasion earlier this year. Fonseca spent one night in a bunker, and then drove 30 hours to reach safety in Romania. Fast forward a few months, and he now joins a side that finished 10th last season, only one year after winning Ligue 1. To make the task a bit more challenging, key defender, Sven Botman, recently left for Newcastle, while Fonseca’s compatriot, Renato Sanches, is rumored to be on the move as well. Eventful few months indeed.
Fonseca will be tasked with challenging PSG at the top of Ligue 1