Cultured Football #110
Welcome to Cultured Football where the best football writing of the past seven days is carefully curated, just for you.
Why Napoli's first Serie A title since 1989-90 means so much to the city and its fans
By Gab Marcotti for ESPN
Napoli's triumphant march on the Serie A title has to be the most refreshing football story for a long, long time. There are so many great stories in there: the signing of an unknown Georgian winger who turned out to be an immediate star, confirmation of Luciano Spalletti as a coaching great, Victor Oshimen finally finding the consistency that had previously eluded him. All stories that inspire hope in others; something that modern football is desperately in need of.
Tragedy chanting: ‘Vile’ soccer songs about deaths fueled by ‘need to hurt’ opposing fans
By Matias Grez for CNN
It is astounding that there are people who are willing to chant about others who passed away at football related tragedies. Yet that’s the sad reality. That and the fact that something has to be done to stop this.
The Irish Market: Brexit, England and Europe
By Andy Watson for Analytics FC
English football is taking a step back into its past by looking to Ireland for new talent with a combination of post-Brexit restrictions and improving standards at League of Ireland being key factors. The gold rush is unlikely to slow down now that everyone is searching for the next Evan Ferguson.
How do you build a team to win the Champions League? We attempt to figure it out
By Ryan O'Hanlon for ESPN
The most successful teams in European soccer tend to be the ones who spend the most money. In the Champions League, however, that in itself isn't enough; it takes more to shape a winner.
The 11 biggest breakout stars of the 2022/23 LaLiga season
By Kevin Parvizi for The Trivela Effect
Apart from being close to signing Jude Bellingham (if rumours are to be believed), Real Madrid have already snapped up left-back Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano. Yet, promising though the 23 year-old undoubtedly is, he does not make it on to this list of those for whom the 2022-23 La Liga season was the one that truly made their name.
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Something Else We Loved This Week
This is a bit old but too good not to share: Yle News, a Finnish broadcaster, created this map of World Cup teams' playing styles and it is simply wonderful. I mean, bus stop of endless waiting just off the Fortress of Catenaccio is pure genius!
Last Week’s Most Read: The Definitive Guide to Premier League Time-Wasting
By Oliver Hopkins for The Analyst
A fascinating look into which Premier League club wastes most time.