Rohit Rajeev

Rohit Rajeev

European football writer

Bio: A member of the team covering Serie A, Bundesliga and La Liga, Rohit hails from Kerala, where football is nothing short of a cult. Having followed the sport for nearly 25 years, from being dazzled by Ronaldo Nazario’s brilliance to admiring Italy’s legendary defensive walls, football has been an integral part of his life since childhood. A devoted AC Milan supporter for two decades, the Italian game introduced him to the technical and tactical nuances that deepened his curiosity for the finer details of football. This passion eventually led him to writing tactical analysis for SempreMilan, while also contributing to GIFN and The Bridge. While Milan remains close to his heart, his analysis extends far beyond the Rossoneri, exploring teams and tactical trends across Europe’s top leagues, as reflected in his work and social media presence.

My Footballing Story: My passion for football was ignited during the 2002 World Cup when I witnessed Brazil’s thrilling triumph over Germany in the final. Soon after, exposure to the Champions League drew me to AC Milan, where I admired the elegance and discipline of Italian legends Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta. Yet it was on the other end of the pitch that my heart found its true hero, Andriy Shevchenko. Watching him dismantle defences, including his unforgettable four-goal haul against Fenerbahce in the Champions League, made me a lifelong admirer of Sheva. Though Milan’s lean years in the 2010s tested my devotion, their resurgence in recent times has been both inspiring and rewarding for a fan who has stayed loyal through every high and low.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Tactical principles of the game
  • Data & metrics such as expected goals
  • AC Milan and their rich history of players and coaches
  • Transfer market dynamics and the impact of Financial Fair Play

Favorite Footballing Memory: When Milan defeated Manchester United 3-0 in the Champions League semi-final at San Siro, the match was dubbed La Partita Perfetta for the flawless performance the Rossoneri produced. Kaka’s brilliance, combined with the dominance of a midfield featuring Seedorf, Gattuso, Pirlo and Ambrosini, completely overwhelmed United. That night remains my favourite Milan memory.

Articles by Rohit Rajeev
  1. Pulisic score as AC Milan rest USMNT absentee's condition

    AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic scored in a 3-2 defeat to Virtus Entella in a club-organised friendly on Friday. Pulisic, who was injured during the October break, was not called up for international duty after Milan reached an agreement with the United States national team to support his recovery, giving the Rossoneri the chance to gauge his condition ahead of their next Serie A clash.

  2. Another setback! Camavinga returns to Madrid training camp with injury

    Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has returned to the club after a muscle injury sustained in the match against Rayo Vallecano prevented him from training with the France national team. The midfielder was unavailable for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, and the national team have now confirmed that he will also miss the match against Azerbaijan. With Camavinga unable to take part in training throughout the week, coach Didier Deschamps called up Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram as his replacement.

  3. Roque admits Barca move was 'too early' amid resurgence at Palmeiras

    Former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque feels he moved to Europe too early in his career as he reflected on his disappointing period with the Catalan club. Now back in Brazil with Palmeiras, Roque believes the return was an important step that will help him move forward professionally. His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as the Brazilian forward has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies.

  4. 'It's a disgrace'- Gattuso blasts Italy fans after win

    Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has refused to accept criticism after his team left it late to win their World Cup qualifying match against Moldova. The World Cup winning former midfielder insists his side dominated the game despite what the scoreline suggested as he hit out at the fans for the reaction at the full-time whistle.

  5. Atalanta confirm new coach after Juric sacking

    Atalanta have confirmed the appointment of Raffaele Palladino as the club’s new head coach. The announcement follows the dismissal of Ivan Juric, who was relieved of his duties just months after taking charge. The former Roma and Southampton coach was sacked after a disappointing run of six Serie A matches without a win.

  6. Tottenham and Bayern in talks to make Palhinha move permanent

    Tottenham and Bayern Munich are in talks to activate the Premier League team's option to buy Joao Palhinha amid the midfielder's bright start since joining on loan from the Bundesliga side. The English side are negotiating to lower the purchase clause in his contract, which is currently set at around €30 million. Palhinha had moved to Bayern from English club Fulham in the summer of 2024 for a fee of €56m, but failed to get up and running in his solitary season in Germany.

  7. Frustrated Schlotterbeck could head to Bayern or Liverpool in the summer

    Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is reportedly refusing to extend his contract with the club due to disagreements with coach Niko Kovac. The German centre-back is said to be unhappy with the overly pragmatic and unattractive style of football implemented by Kovac. This situation has alerted several top clubs, with Bayern Munich and Liverpool both showing interest in securing his signature.

  8. PSG Lyon red card 2025-26

    Lyon shut down over referee protests after PSG defeat

    Ligue 1 referee chief Amaury Delerue has defended the controversial decisions made by both the on-field and VAR officials during Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-2 win over Lyon. The last-minute defeat left Lyon players furious but Delerue has explained the process behind the officials' decisions and insisted that each call was made correctly.

  1. 'Real man' Conte not leaving Napoli as president blasts 'fairy tale' reports

    Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has pledged his support for Antonio Conte as he dismissed suggestions the coach will leave the club amid the team's recent struggles. Conte sparked reports of a possible exit by declaring he's not doing "a good job" after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bologna, leaving them fourth in Serie A, but the Napoli chief has suggested he will remain in charge.

  2. Milan given boost with 'physically fit' Pulisic

    Massimiliano Allegri has provided an update on AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, confirming that the USMNT star has recovered from his injury. Pulisic has taken part in two full training sessions with the squad and is physically fit, but Allegri admitted he is unsure how many minutes the forward will be able to play against Parma on Saturday.

  3. Germany return 'very likely' for Neuer

    Former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that Manuel Neuer could come out of retirement and return to the national team if he continues his current form for Bayern Munich. With current first choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen struggling at Barcelona, the national team hero suggested Neuer is the natural choice to fill in should his compatriot fail to find a new club in January.

  4. Nagelsmann under fire for El Mala inclusion in Germany squad

    Former German legends Dietmar Hamann and Oliver Kahn have criticised the inclusion of Said El Mala in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. Kahn argued that players should not be selected based on just two or three good performances, while Hamann felt that Nagelsmann should have waited until March next year to give El Mala his first opportunity with the national team.

  5. Spalletti Juventus Serie A

    Spalletti's 'pure passion' will make Juve title contenders

    Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso has praised newly appointed coach Luciano Spalletti for the passion he has brought to the the club since his appointment. The defender praised Spalletti's ability to communicate his ideas clearly to the group and believe the ex-Italy manager's passion and clear communication it can propel Juventus to the Scudetto.

  6. Dayot Upamecano

    Bayern criticised for 'extremely expensive' Upamecano contract debacle

    Germany legend Oliver Kahn has criticised Bayern Munich for allowing defender Dayot Upamecano to enter the final year of his contract. The former Bayern goalkeeper believes that Upamecano now holds the upper hand and that the club may have to pay a high price to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Premier League side Liverpool are both reportedly interested in signing the French defender.

  7. Erling Haaland

    Madrid interested in Haaland should Vini Jr leave

    Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is reportedly interested in a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Norwegian forward is seen as a potential replacement for Brazilian star Vinicius Jr if he is sold at the end of the season. Madrid are understood to be open to offers of around €200 million should Vinicius decide against extending his contract with the club.

  8. Juventus back in for Sporting CP star

    Juventus are eyeing a move for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand in the upcoming winter transfer window. The Bianconeri had shown interest in the Danish midfielder during the summer, but Sporting rejected their approach, as well as a reported offer from Manchester United. Juventus are also monitoring Sandro Tonali and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as alternative options.