The Athletic FC Podcast

James Horncastle joins Ian Irving to talk through the biggest headlines in Italian football.We go through the story of Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 and how they were able to succeed.We explain the Juventus scandal that's left the Italian courts remain indecisive on their points deduction and their rivals unsure of their place in the Serie A table.And we discuss the Derby della Madonnina that will guarantee a Milan club a place in the Champions League semi final.Italy - It’s chaotic, it’s romantic… but above all you can’t take your eyes off it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Allardyce has just three games to keep Leeds United in the Premier League..Coming up, we’ll look at the impact that 'Big Sam' has had already and his blueprint for survival - will it be enough? Joining Ian Irving from The Athletic is Adam Crafton and also our Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Premier League welcomes back Big Sam, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to this weekend's action.Up first for Big Sam at Leeds United is a trip to champions Manchester City while Arsenal head to Newcastle United. Manchester United's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion perhaps offers a chance to Liverpool in their pursuit for Champions League qualification.Meanwhile, in the scrap to avoid relegation, Nottingham Forest take on Southampton while Everton and Leicester City look to kick-on following their pulsating draw at the King Power Stadium.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So this week Lionel Messi was suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain and will be fined after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia…Coming up we’ll discuss the events that surely signal the end of Project Messi in Paris & where he might play next.. Is Messi now more of a very expensive PR tool than a footballer?Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's we have Adam Crafton and also our Paris Saint-Germain writer Peter Rutzler in Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have had a very good season - Champions or not. And with Champions League football back, the future is certainly bright.So, what do Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal need to do to get to the ‘next level’ and how will the way they operate need to change? Joining Mark Chapman it's David Ornstein and Adrian ClarkeProduced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has made history scoring his 50th goal of the season on Sunday - the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years.How has manager Pep Guardiola got the best out of him? How can City look to ensure he stays for as long as possible? Where does this season rank him in terms of the greatest of Premier League strikers? Joining Ian Irving to discuss the goalscoring heroics of Erling Haaland we have The Athletic’s Man City writer Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"This isn't about the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, it's about the decisions they've made since..." The Athletic's Leeds writer Phil Hay joins senior news reporter Matt Slater and host Ian Irving, to reflect on how Leeds got themselves into another relegation scrap this season.The vote of no confidence from the Supporters Advisory Board, the viral video, if Javi Gracia will see out the last four games of the season, what being in the Championship would mean for the takeover and a cautionary tale in how to sink a Premier League football club.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth following a decisive week at the top and bottom of the Premier League.With Arsenal not in action until Tuesday, Man City will look to take top spot when they head to Fulham. In the battle for European qualification Aston Villa head to Old Trafford and Liverpool take on Tottenham while Newcastle play Southampton.Plus, at the bottom, have Nottingham Forest begun their great escape and is there any hope left for Everton after they were smashed at home by Newcastle.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writers Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey and Jack Pitt-Brooke, our Tottenham correspondent.The panel discussed how Mauricio Pochettino has become firm favourite to be that man as the new permanent Chelsea manager & why the timing couldn’t be better for all parties involved.Also how Chelsea's dismal form puts Pochettino in a position of strength, why the state of the squad could suit his skills and how his Spurs links will be a hindrance if things don't start well.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, Wrexham reached their cliched Hollywood ending with promotion back to promised land of the English Football League. And as emotions poured out of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as much as the fans on the pitch, the questions began about this club’s future. So then EFL, Welcome to Wrexham. Can anyone stop them? And is the Premier League a realistic goal?Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Richard Sutcliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.