James Horncastle

In this engaging discussion, experts Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús, James Horncastle, and Seb Stafford-Bloor dissect the early action in European football. PSG starts strong but face rising competition from Marseille and Monaco. They explore La Liga's dynamics, with Barcelona poised as favorites over a revamped Real Madrid. In Serie A, injury woes for Romelu Lukaku present opportunities for challengers to Napoli's title. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, boosted by Harry Kane, looks to solidify its Supercup triumph amid a competitive Bundesliga landscape.

Tom Williams, a French football specialist for The Athletic, and James Horncastle, the Italian football correspondent, dive into the upcoming Champions League final. They discuss PSG's cultural shift under Luis Enrique, stepping away from star dependence, and debate whether youth or experience will triumph. The duo also highlights Inter's tactical resilience and their quest for respect after strong performances in Europe. Key players like Gianluigi Donnarumma and the implications of each team's identity add depth to this thrilling preview.

Julien Laurens, a renowned French football journalist, Seb Stafford-Bloor, an insightful football writer, and James Horncastle, an expert on Italian football, share their thoughts on the latest European matches. They discuss Barcelona's thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2, while highlighting McTominay's strong performance leading Napoli. Bayern Munich's dominance in Germany is illustrated with Harry Kane's spectacular hat-trick, and the chaotic but spirited atmosphere of Ligue 1 is examined, particularly Marseille's resurgence against PSG.

Join James Horncastle, an expert in Italian football, Adam Crafton, a savvy correspondent on football culture and business, and Liam Tharme, a tactical analyst, as they explore PSG's remarkable Champions League triumph. They dive into the emotional weight of their victory and the impact on Inter Milan. Discover PSG's strategic evolution, aggressive playing style, and the influence of U.S. capital on their growth. The conversation also covers the challenges ahead for both PSG and European football, making it a fascinating listen for football fans!

Football experts James Horncastle, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Pol Ballús, and Julien Laurens dive into the chaos of European football after a busy transfer deadline. Jamie Vardy's new adventure at Cremonense steals the spotlight, alongside thrilling discussions about Napoli's title chances with their latest signing. The Bundesliga faces upheaval with Erik ten Hag's abrupt exit from Bayer Leverkusen. In Ligue 1, a record-setting match for Lille and standout performances, including a hat-trick from Joao Neves, keep the excitement high. VAR drama also unfolds in La Liga.

James Horncastle, a renowned football writer and commentator, shares his poignant experiences from covering the Club World Cup in the U.S. Duncan Alexander, a savvy football data analyst, discusses insights from the quarter-finals. The guests pay heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, reflecting on his legacy at Liverpool and Wolves, and the emotional impact of his sudden passing. They also delve into international tournaments, contrasting the Gold Cup and Club World Cup popularity in the U.S., and touch on intriguing transfer rumors and team dynamics.

Archie Rhind-Tutt, a European football journalist, joins Julien Laurens, a French expert, and James Horncastle, an authority on Italian football. They dive into Erik ten Hag's surprising sacking from Bayer Leverkusen after just two matches. The trio discusses the implications of Samuel Chukwueze's transfer to Fulham and Newcastle's promising signing of Nick Valtemada. They also anticipate Gennaro Gattuso's colorful leadership of Italy amid World Cup qualification tension, along with thrilling moments like a sensational hat-trick from Joao Neves.

Join Matt Slater, a business of football writer, and James Horncastle, an Italian football expert, as they explore the Premier League's record-breaking spending and its impact on European football. They discuss the widening financial gap with other leagues, the potential challenges of maintaining global dominance, and the intrigue of introducing a '39th game' abroad. The conversation also touches on how esports could redefine audience engagement and the complexities of soccer media rights in an evolving landscape.

Sasha Goryunov, a football journalist who witnessed the 2005 Champions League final, and James Horncastle, an expert on Italian football, dive deep into Liverpool's historic triumph over AC Milan in the 2004/05 season. They recount the emotional rollercoaster of the iconic match in Istanbul, where Liverpool staged a legendary comeback, and reflect on AC Milan's defensive prowess and the tension-filled rivalry with Chelsea. Prepare for a thrilling exploration of footballing glory, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments.

James Horncastle, The Athletic’s Italian football correspondent, dives into Napoli's thrilling Serie A title win, even without their star players. He discusses Antonio Conte's coaching genius and his role in elevating players like Scott McTominay. The talk also touches on Inter Milan's struggles with their Champions League ambitions and the cultural integration of Scottish players in Serie A, celebrating the rich football heritage and gastronomy of Italy, including those delightful local tomatoes.