Juventus can catch Milan in third place as they host Kieron Bowie’s already-relegated Verona, as Kenan Yildiz returns to the starting XI with Jonathan David and Francisco Conceicao.

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It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Bianconeri have a big opportunity to lock down that Champions League spot after Como were held to a 0-0 draw by Napoli, with Roma facing Fiorentina on Monday evening.

Above all, Milan’s 2-0 defeat at Sassuolo means a victory will put Juve in joint third place.

Dusan Vlahovic is in the squad again after a calf injury during a warm-up last month, while Kenan Yildiz has shaken off that recurring inflammation to start after two games as a substitute.

David and Conceicao complete the attack, sending Jeremie Boga to the bench.

Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso are on the flanks of a 3-4-3 formation.

Verona and Pisa were already doomed to relegation this weekend, so have nothing more to play for other than pride.

Gift Orban is again frozen out after his physical altercation with a fan in the car park a couple of weeks ago, and is unlikely to play for Hellas again.

Nicolas Valentini is suspended, with Armel Bella-Kotchap joining Cheikh Niasse, Daniel Oyegoke, Suat Serdar and Daniel Mosquera on the treatment table.

Toma Suslov partners Scotland international Bowie upfront.

Juventus vs. Verona line-ups

Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; David

Verona: Montipò; Nelsson, Edmundsson, Frese; Belghali, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Bernede, Bradaric; Suslov; Bowie

03-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 35

Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium)

Juventus

Verona

vs

Season Analytics

Juventus

Positions

Verona

SEASON TOTAL

JUV HOME

10

6

1

18

10

6

Last matches

26-04-2026		Milan	D	0 - 0
19-04-2026		Bologna	W	2 - 0
11-04-2026		Atalanta	W	0 - 1
06-04-2026		Genoa	W	2 - 0
21-03-2026		Sassuolo	D	1 - 1

19-04-2026		Bologna	W	2 - 0
06-04-2026		Genoa	W	2 - 0
21-03-2026		Sassuolo	D	1 - 1
07-03-2026		Pisa	W	4 - 0
21-02-2026		Como	L	0 - 2

4

19

Position

SEASON TOTAL

VER AWAY

2

5

10

3

10

21

Last matches

	0 - 0	D	Lecce		25-04-2026
	0 - 1	L	Milan		19-04-2026
	2 - 1	L	Torino		11-04-2026
	0 - 1	L	Fiorentina		04-04-2026
	1 - 0	L	Atalanta		22-03-2026

	2 - 1	L	Torino		11-04-2026
	1 - 0	L	Atalanta		22-03-2026
	1 - 2	W	Bologna		08-03-2026
	3 - 0	L	Sassuolo		20-02-2026
	2 - 1	L	Parma		15-02-2026

Milan crumbled in a 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo when down to 10 men for over an hour due to Fikayo Tomori’s red card, as Domenico Berardi and Armand Laurienté scored.

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The Rossoneri could catch Napoli in second place with a victory and consolidate the Champions League spot, but Luka Modric’s season was over after surgery for a fractured cheekbone. Ardon Jashari stepped in, with Christopher Nkunku pushing off-form Christian Pulisic to the bench. Domenico Berardi was back after a two-match ban for the Neroverdi, though Darryl Bakola, Fali Cande, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo were injured.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It took under five minutes for Berardi to confirm his extraordinary record against Milan, as this was his 12^th career goal past them. Kristian Thorstvedt robbed Jashari in midfield and it was quickly moved left to right, for Berardi to bend a first-time finish into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left foot.

Moments later, Mike Maignan made a one-handed save on the M’Bala Nzola counter-attack, while both teams had penalty appeals waved away as Berardi had his arm behind his back, then Armand Laurienté went down too easily under pressure from Matteo Gabbia, the same with Christopher Nkunku at the other end.

Rafael Leao wasted a golden opportunity when blasting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat after a defensive error sent him clear on goal.

Things went from bad to worse for Milan, as Fikayo Tomori brought down Laurienté on the counter for his second yellow card, leaving his team down to 10 for over an hour.

Strahinja Pavlovic made a decisive block on Thorstvedt and Jay Idzes limped off injured, while Alexis Saelemaekers drilled wide.

Sassuolo doubled their lead within 90 seconds of the restart, as Laurienté completed a give and go with Thorstvedt just inside the area, the finish thumped low and hard into the near bottom corner.

Zachary Athekame fired over, while Nzola and Thorstvedt failed to keep their efforts on target, while both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alieu Fadera were booked for simulation in the box.

This result means that with a victory over Verona today, Juventus could catch Milan in joint third place, while they have failed to score in six of the last 10 games.

Sassuolo 2-0 Milan

Berardi 5 (S), Laurienté 47 (S)

Sent off: Tomori 24 (M)

03-05-2026 14:00

MatchDay 35

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Milan

Live

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Domenico Berardi (Assist: Armand Lauriente)		5'
		9'		Fikayo Tomori
		24'		Fikayo Tomori
Nemanja Matic		38'

2nd half

Armand Lauriente (Assist: Kristian Thorstvedt)		47'
Ulisses Garcia		57'
		71'		Samuele Ricci
		77'		Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Cristian Volpato		89'

Sassuolo

Milan

Starting lineups

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

40'

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

80

Tarik Muharemovic

Defender

23

Ulisses Garcia

Defender

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

46'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

85'

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

59'

8

M’Bala Nzola

Attacker

84'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

12

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

59'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

66'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

59'

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

46'

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

59'

Substitutes

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

3

Josh Doig

Defender

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

66

Pedro Felipe

Defender

33

Christian Frangella

Midfielder

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

40'

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

46'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

59'

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

84'

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

85'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

37

Matteo Pittarella

Goalkeeper

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

46'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

59'

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

59'

7

Santiago Giménez

Attacker

59'

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

66'

Gian Piero Gasperini has provided a positive update on the fitness of key players Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone and says that if Roma are still in the fight for a Champions League spot, it is entirely down to the work that the players have put in: ‘The squad has been special, I thank them’. 

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Gasperini sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Sunday ahead of Monday evening’s clash against a Fiorentina side that are unbeaten across their last seven Serie A matches. 

Roma find themselves in sixth place ahead of kick-off. They will have an opportunity to move clear of Como, who are one point better off than the Giallorossi having played one game more than them. The big target, however, is Juventus in fourth place, who have three points more than Roma having played the same number of matches. 

Gasperini on Roma pride, visit from the owners, Dybala, Kone and Wesley

Heading into the final four matches of the 2025-26 season, Gasperini has confirmed that both Dybala and Kone are back and available for selection again. 

“Kone has recovered, Dybala had already recovered. This week has gone better. They’re available,” Gasperini said (via TMW).

Gasperini is also expected to meet with Roma’s owners in the near future: “The presence of the ownership is a signal,” he said. “Maybe they will start making moves not just for the end of the season, but also in view of the future.” 

Gasperini was asked if he considers this season to have been a ‘transitional’ year for the Giallorossi. 

He replied: “There are two tracks: The current season, which is still alive and tomorrow we’ll play against a Fiorentina side that is coming in off the back of a lot of positive results. We’re fully focused on that since we’re still in the race. The team’s behaviour has been excellent, we will try to kick on in these four games. 

“Then, we will start talking about the future, however, right now is not the time. Afterwards, I will try to be clear because the fans need to understand what we’re doing.” 

With Claudio Ranieri having recently left the club and with the future of sporting director Ricky Massara looking uncertain, Gasperini was asked if there are any concerns that Roma could fall behind their Serie A rivals in terms of planning for next season and the upcoming transfer window. 

“Of course, there has already been a bit of development. We have recalibrated after suffering a big, unexpected disappointment. However, I don’t think that the other teams have already started planning. The ownership will have plenty of time and clarity to deal with these things, but when they do, they will do it in the best possible way.” 

Gasperini avoided answering questions about his relationship with Massara, though: “I’m going back to Fiorentina, that’s very important. As for the rest, we’ll talk about it when the time comes. The club will speak. There is no need to go into detail now.” 

The Roma boss hopes to take inspiration from the club’s women’s team, who have recently claimed the  Scudetto for the third time in four years. 

“The women’s Scudetto was fantastic, we want to imitate them, even if the Scudetto is a little too far ahead for us,” Gasperini laughed. 

Gasp was also asked for his opinion on the recent 5-4 thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final. 

“I enjoyed it, I liked it a lot. There were some mistakes, but there were also some wonderful technical moments. The game was enjoyable for everyone. 

“This is not the best moment for the Italians in the cups, but we need to react and not give up. Maybe we’re not doing the right things. We find it difficult against them all. Maybe it’s about how teams are built here. Replicating that style of football is difficult, it depends on the quality of the players.” 

Gasp was then asked for his assessment of his team’s performance so far in 2025-26. 

He said: “The squad has been a bit special this year, it’s not easy. We’re still in the race and I give the credit to the team. Extraordinary professionalism and togetherness. The response in Bologna was fantastic.” 

It was then pointed out to Gasperini that his side tends to underperform in the final stages of matches, especially compared to their direct rivals in the league. 

“Probably, however, we’re ahead in other numbers. We’re fifth in the standings. It’s true, we don’t often manage to get points in the final moments, which many other teams do obtain. However, we will work to improve on that.” 

The Roma gaffer was also asked if he has any plans to swap Wesley back to the right flank at any stage, having featured on the left for the majority of the 2025-26 campaign. 

“He’s a player who’s gone through an important evolution. He can play both on the right and on the left, although he is of course a right-footer. When you have strong players, you can put them on the pitch and then find their most suitable position. 

“It also depends on the situation. In this period, we’ve had Celik available, but we’ve practically never had Angelino and that was a big loss. Wesley is a valuable player and that’s the main thing.” 

Is Gasperini ‘satisfied’ with his squad’s results so far this campaign? 

“Everyone has room for improvement. You acquire value at all ages. I’m satisfied. Everyone has played, everyone has given their contribution. There’s not been a problem of behaviour, ever. I thank them. If we’re still in it, it’s thanks to them.” 

Life became more difficult for Milan in their Serie A match away against Sassuolo after the  24th-minute red card shown to centre-back Fikayo Tomori. Here is how the England international managed to get himself sent off midway through the first half at the Mapei Stadium. 

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Tomori sees red after 24 minutes of Sassuolo vs. Milan

With his side trailing 1-0 after Domenico Berardi’s early opener for Sassuolo, Tomori was sent off for two separate yellow card offences on Sunday afternoon. 

The first booking came in the ninth minute for a trip on Kristian Thorstvedt just inside the Sassuolo half, which led referee Fabio Maresca to immediately reach for his yellow card. 

Tomori’s afternoon was over a quarter of an hour later after tripping up Armand Lauriente right on the halfway line in a very similar position to his first booking 15 minutes earlier. 

There were few complaints from the Milan camp after the decision to send off Tomori, who took himself straight down the tunnel in the 24th minute. 

Despite being a centre-back down, Allegri decided against making any personnel changes before the end of the first half. 

You can follow the action from Sassuolo vs. Milan and from all of Sunday’s Serie A matches on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori returned to action after nearly a month for Arsenal on Saturday, prompting reactions from some of his teammates, including Declan Rice, on Instagram.

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Calafiori played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, making his first appearance since April 7 when he had played the full match in a 1-0 away victory over Sporting CP in the Champions League.

Since then, the ex-Roma and Bologna defender had not featured for the Gunners until yesterday due to an unspecified injury.

Calafiori’s celebrated Arsenal’s latest victory on social media, sharing a series of photos on Instagram, accompanied by a caption in both English and Spanish.

“No pares, sigues, sigues,” wrote the Italian defender. A Spanish message that means “Don’t stop, continue, continue.”

Calafiori’s social media post after Arsenal win and return from injury

Calafiori’s post received nearly 2,000 comments in less than 24 hours, including those of his teammates Leandro Trossard, Rice and Jurrien Timber as well as Calafiori’s agents at World Soccer Agency.

Rice used what appears to be a Calafiori nickname: “Calafiorio,” while Trossard used a heart face emonji to celebrate the Italian’s return to action.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Riccardo Calafiori (@richycala)

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Milan director Igli Tare insists the club is ‘in sync’ with coach Max Allegri when planning for next season, and admits he is watching Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone.

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It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium at 14.00 UK time (15.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri know a victory here would put them in joint second with Napoli, but above all take another significant step towards locking down that Champions League qualification.

Tare planning Milan future

There was a three-hour summit today at the club headquarters involving directors and coach Allegri to plan the transfer strategy for the summer, so are they on the same page?

“We are all in sync and almost every week we have a meal together with the coach and director Furlani, so we are united on what we need to do for next season and what this team is missing,” Tare told DAZN Italia.

“We have some very good players in the youth team who have trained with the senior squad, so we are keeping a close eye on them too.”

Christopher Nkunku is drafted in to partner Rafael Leao, sending misfiring Christian Pulisic to the bench after he matched his career record longest negative streak of 16 games without a goal.

Considering the difficulty pushing players like Leao into the 3-5-2 formation, are they evaluating other tactical systems too?

“Looking at some of the characteristics of the players that allow us to play a different way, we will try to be prepared with not just a team that has quality, but can also play in different systems.”

There have been reports that Milan are among the clubs ready to bid for Canada international midfielder Ismael Kone this summer.

“He had a very good season with Sassuolo, he has important characteristics and played at a high level in France too, so he can attract a lot of attention on the transfer market for Sassuolo,” confirmed Tare.

Luka Modric is out for the rest of the season after surgery on a fractured cheekbone, which he sustained during an accidental clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in last week’s 0-0 draw.

The midfielder is expected to extend his contract beyond June 30 and hopes to make a full recovery in time to feature for Croatia in the 2026 World Cup next month.

The upcoming Serie A match between Sassuolo and Milan on Sunday afternoon will be available to watch live on TikTok in the UK and Ireland, the first time that an Italian league match has been broadcast on the social media platform. 

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Sassuolo vs. Milan available to watch on DAZN, TikTok and YouTube

You can follow the action from Sassuolo vs. Milan and from all of Sunday’s Serie A fixtures on the Football Italia Liveblog. 

Broadcaster DAZN have partnered with the social media platform TikTok to livestream a Serie A match in the UK and Ireland for the first time. 

The idea is for the game to introduce Serie A football to new audiences through TikTok’s discovery and community features, with the aim of turning casual viewers into regular fans of Italian football. 

The Sassuolo vs. Milan match will still be available to watch on DAZN’s regular platform, as well as through the @DAZNFootball account on TikTok, and on DAZN’s YouTube channel. 

Kick-off is due at 14.00 BST.

Bologna were held to an underwhelming 0-0 draw at home against Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, the third consecutive Italian top-flight match to end goalless.

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Bologna came into Sunday’s clash ranked ninth in Serie A, while the 16th-placed Cagliari came in needing a victory to ensure mathematical safety with three games to spare. Vincenzo Italiano’s side were without goalkeeper Lukasz Skorpuski, Joao Mario, Nicolo Cambiaghi and Thijs Dallinga, and Cagliari travelled without Riyad Idrissi, Luca Mazzitelli, Mattia Felici, Leonardo Pavoletti and Gennaro Borrelli. 

Click here to read more about how today’s teams lined up.

Federico Bernardeschi registered the game’s first shot on target after 25 minutes, coming in off the right flank and attempting to bend his left-footed shot into the far corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area. Nothing that Elia Caprile couldn’t handle, though. 

Teenage goalkeeper Massimo Pessina was called into action in the 45th minute, improvising well to deny Sebastiano Esposito at his near post. 

Benja Dominguez thought he had a shout for a penalty immediately afterwards after feeling a hand on the back from Yerry Mina down at the other end, but this was waved away with no further reviews. 

Caprile had to get down low and get a strong hand out to deny Nikola Moro’s dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area 10 minutes after the re-start. 

Substitute Santiago Castro struck the ball well from a tight angle 66 minutes in, but Caprile was again well positioned at his near post and got his full body behind the shot. 

Ze Pedro had a glorious opportunity to send Cagliari 1-0 up 10 minutes from time: Michael Folorunsho had done well to send a cross back into a busy Bologna penalty area, which fell kindly for Ze Pedro, who managed to blast his first-time finish over the crossbar from the edge of the six-yard box. 

After 0-0 draws between Como and Napoli and between Atalanta and Genoa on Saturday evening, this was the third consecutive Serie A match to end goalless. Bologna are now four games without a win across all competitions, while Cagliari are not quite safe from relegation just yet. 

Bologna 0-0 Cagliari

03-05-2026 11:30

MatchDay 35

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Cagliari

0 - 0

Player statistic

2nd half

		52'		Michel Adopo
Eivind Helland		68'
Santiago Castro		90+5'

Match statistic

65

Possession %

35

13

Total shots

8

4

Shots on target

2

5

Shots off target

3

4

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

2

3

Offsides

5

13

Fouls

12

Bologna

Cagliari

Starting lineups

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

5

Eivind Helland

Defender

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

29

Lorenzo De Silvestri

Defender

85'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

23

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

46'

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

63'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

78'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

63'

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

89'

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

72

Ukko Happonen

Goalkeeper

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

46'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

63'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

63'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

78'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

85'

19

Andrea Belotti

Attacker

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

73'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

89'

Milan look to Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku in attack, while Domenico Berardi returns to Sassuolo’s starting XI after serving a two-game ban.

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It kicks off at 15:00 CET (14:00 BST) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.

You can follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the Football Italia liveblog.

Milan must cope without Luka Modric, who has been forced to finish the season early due to a cheekbone injury that required surgery earlier this week.

Ardon Jashari replaces the Croatian star in central midfield for the Rossoneri, while Christian Pulisic starts on the bench.

The USMNT star hasn’t yet scored a goal in 2026, so Massimiliano Allegri picks Leao and Nkunku up front.

Fali Candè, Edoardo Pieragnolo, Daniel Boloca and Darryl Bakola, but their star winger Berardi returns to action after serving a two-game ban.

Milan have a five-point lead over fifth-placed Como with a game in hand, but the Rossoneri have only won two of their last five league games.

Sassuolo vs. Milan – official line-ups

Sassuolo: Turati; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Garcia; Thorstvedt, Matic, Koné; Berardi, Nzola, Laurienté

Milan: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Jashari, Rabiot, Estupinan; Leao, Nkunku

According to multiple reports in Italy, former Referee Designator Gianluca Rocchi was allegedly caught on wiretap telling VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni that ‘they’ no longer wanted to see a particular referee. Yet, exactly who Rocchi was referring to remains unclear.

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A probe into alleged sports fraud in Italy remains ongoing, with five individuals connected to the refereeing profession currently under investigation.

Among them is Serie A and Serie B Designator Rocchi, who suspended himself earlier this week.

Gazzetta and Corriere della Sera report provide the latest updates on the matter on Sunday.

According to both sources, Rocchi was caught on wiretap in April 2025 telling Gervasoni, who is also under investigation: “They don’t want to see him anymore.”

During the same conversation, Rocchi also mentioned the name “Giorgio”, leading investigators to believe that the ex-Referee Designator referred to Inter’s Referee Manager Giorgio Schenone.

• Read more – Report Rocchi didn’t meet Inter directors in investigated case

The Milan Prosecutors did try to precisely identify who “they” referred to, obtaining authorisation from the investigating judge for additional weeks of wiretaps on certain targets.

However, in early summer 2025, the judge brought the surveillance to an end, rejecting a request for a further extension after the additional wiretaps failed to produce any new evidence.

Currently, there are five people under investigation, but none from clubs.

Fresh off securing automatic promotion to the Premier League by capping a stunning 95-point Championship campaign with a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Watford, Coventry City are back in the big time.

Manager Frank Lampard has completely revitalised the Sky Blues, but the champagne celebrations will quickly have to make way for serious boardroom planning.

To survive in the Premier League, a newly promoted squad desperately needs proven pedigree.

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Frank Lampard is keen on Aston Villa’s Barkley

According to the latest scoop from journalist Alan Nixon, Coventry are already plotting a highly audacious summer move to bring Aston Villa’s Ross Barkley to the club.

Barkley’s current situation at Villa Park is incredibly complicated. After a brilliant, career-reviving spell at Luton Town a couple of seasons ago, his move to a heavily stacked Aston Villa squad hasn’t quite gone to plan this year.

Plagued by nagging knee injuries, the veteran midfielder has found regular minutes almost impossible to come by under Unai Emery.

With his contract officially expiring at the end of the current 2025/26 campaign, the writing appears to be firmly on the wall.

While Villa do hold a one-year extension option, it seems highly unlikely they will trigger it given their elite midfield depth, effectively making Barkley one of the most intriguing free agents on the upcoming summer market.

Coventry City are looking to add more experience

This is exactly where Frank Lampard comes in. The Coventry boss knows what it takes to navigate the Premier League, and he recognises that his current squad, while wildly talented and full of momentum, is slightly struggling when it comes to top-flight experience.

Adding a player of Barkley’s profile completely changes the dressing room dynamic.

When fully fit, Barkley offers that combination blend of physical power, ball-carrying ability, and final-third creativity.

He could seamlessly slot in as a central attacking midfielder, providing intense competition for players like Josh Eccles and elevating the technical standards of the entire squad.

Aston Villa eye ambitious move for Paris-Saint-Germain youngster as summer plans begin

The post Frank Lampard set to sign playmaker from Aston Villa appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Exactly ten years after pulling off the most miraculous Premier League title win in football history, Leicester City have officially hit rock bottom.

The contrast is absolutely staggering as the Foxes prepare for the harsh, unforgiving realities of League One football next season.

Following a disastrous campaign marred by defensive frailties and dressing room unrest, with big-name players like Harry Winks drawing massive criticism for their performances, the club is in desperate need of a total reset.

With current boss Gary Rowett fully expected to pack his bags and leave the King Power Stadium following their relegation, the search for a new leader is heavily underway.

Leicester City have identified manager target

According to SportsBoom, Leicester City have already made formal contact with Darren Ferguson.

The Foxes board are said to be incredibly keen on the 54-year-old as they begin aggressively mapping out their strategy for the upcoming season.

While he undeniably carries the massive weight of being Sir Alex Ferguson’s son, Darren has carved out a highly respected, gritty reputation of his own down in the lower divisions.

During his playing days, he spent a massive chunk of his career with Wrexham, racking up around 300 appearances for the Welsh club.

That extensive playing experience has given him a deep, foundational understanding of the lower leagues, which translates directly into his pragmatic managerial style.

Ferguson is widely recognised across the English game as a legitimate promotion specialist at this level.

More Stories / Latest News

Frank Lampard set to sign playmaker from Aston Villa

May 3 2026, 14:04

Leicester City want 54-year-old to replace Gary Rowett

May 3 2026, 13:17

‘Might leave..’ – Ex-player names Arsenal star destined for summer exit

May 3 2026, 12:39

Ferguson is known for bringing clubs out of crisis

During his various stints managing Peterborough United, he successfully dragged the club out of League One and up to the Championship on three separate occasions.

Furthermore, Leicester’s relegation means they will be facing severe financial constraints and tightening budgets.

Ferguson has a proven track record of working effectively without needing a massive transfer war chest.

The fanbase might be utterly heartbroken by their descent, but navigating the League One minefield requires a manager who genuinely knows the territory.

If the Foxes want an immediate bounce-back, hiring a battle-tested EFL veteran like Ferguson might just be the exact, no-nonsense appointment they need.

Report: Leicester City prepared to sanction sale of their best player this summer amid financial crisis

The post Leicester City want 54-year-old to replace Gary Rowett appeared first on CaughtOffside.

As the season approaches its dramatic conclusion this May, the tension around North London isn’t just about the Premier League title race.

While Mikel Arteta remains hyper-focused on the pitch, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has dropped a massive truth bomb about the makeup of the squad heading into next season.

The “Romford Pele” has publicly predicted that Gabriel Jesus is edging incredibly close to the exit door, perfectly coinciding with wild reports that the Gunners could sensationally transfer-list four other first-team players.

Jesus’ time at Arsenal has been a bit of a rollercoaster. When he first arrived, he completely transformed the Gunners’ frontline with his relentless pressing and chaotic energy.

However, fast forward to today, and his starting spot is no longer fully guaranteed.

Parlour tips Jesus to leave Arsenal

According to Parlour’s comments, as reported by Metro, the Brazilian striker’s sheer desire for guaranteed minutes will likely push him away this summer.

“I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season, he is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out,” Parlour explained.

The Arsenal icon pointed out that modern squads need serious depth, recalling his own playing days: “We had four strikers when I played. That is what I don’t understand. [Regardless of Jesus leaving], bring in another one anyway”.

Parlour firmly believes that fresh attacking blood would raise the competitive standards across the entire dressing room.

But Jesus might not be the only massive name clearing out his locker. To fund their highly ambitious summer targets, specifically, making a permanent swoop for standout defender Piero Hincapie, Arsenal reportedly need to generate serious cash.

More Stories / Latest News

Frank Lampard set to sign playmaker from Aston Villa

May 3 2026, 14:04

Leicester City want 54-year-old to replace Gary Rowett

May 3 2026, 13:17

‘Might leave..’ – Ex-player names Arsenal star destined for summer exit

May 3 2026, 12:39

Gunners could make major changes in the summer

Reports have emerged suggesting that four massive players have been incredibly placed on the chopping block, Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Selling established superstars like Martinelli or White feels utterly unthinkable given their immense contributions under Arteta.

Throwing generational academy talents like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly into the mix does not make sense either.

However, the harsh financial reality of the Premier League means that no player is truly untouchable if a massive bid arrives to help fund defensive reinforcements.

If Parlour’s instincts are right, Arsenal are staring down the barrel of a wildly transformative summer transfer window.

English defender is convinced he is joining Arsenal in the summer – report 

The post ‘Might leave..’ – Ex-player names Arsenal star destined for summer exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With 19 assists in the Premier League this season, Manchester United captain has come very close the record of 20 jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Bruno Fernandes has his say on the Premier League assist record as he sits just one off matching Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry for top […]

The post Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on being close to breaking Premier League assists record (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on being close to breaking Premier League assists record (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

Match Overview

One of the most intense rivalries in world soccer reignites as Manchester United hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford in a crucial Premier League showdown. The hosts, enjoying a significant resurgence under manager Michael Carrick, aim to solidify their third-place standing and make a statement against their historic rivals. Having turned their home ground back into a fortress, United enters this clash with momentum and confidence, viewing this match as a critical test of their progress.

For Liverpool, the stakes are equally high. While a top-five finish and Champions League qualification seem likely, a victory at Old Trafford is about more than just points; it’s about pride and rectifying a season marked by inconsistency. Arne Slot‘s squad has struggled on the road, and overcoming a confident United side will require a massive performance. With both teams possessing potent attacks and defensive vulnerabilities, this North West Derby promises high drama and urgency from the first whistle.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This season has seen contrasting fortunes for these two giants. Manchester United has transformed under Michael Carrick, evolving from a team in disarray to a disciplined and effective unit. Their climb to third in the table is built on tactical clarity and newfound stability. In contrast, Liverpool‘s campaign has been a story of adaptation and inconsistency. While they remain in fourth, their performance has fallen short of the high standards set in previous years, particularly away from Anfield.

The tactical battle will likely be decided in the midfield and during transitional phases. Manchester United thrives in open games, utilizing quick counter-attacks where Bruno Fernandes can orchestrate play. The Portuguese midfielder, who leads the league in assists, will be the central figure for the home side. Liverpool is not a team that sits back, which should play into United‘s hands, but also presents a threat. Even without the injured Mohamed Salah, Liverpool possesses the quality to exploit any defensive gaps United leaves open.

Motivation for both squads extends beyond the three points. For United, a win would be a powerful endorsement of Carrick‘s leadership and a step closer to securing a top-three finish. For Liverpool, winning at Old Trafford would be a massive morale boost and a way to salvage a challenging season. With both teams almost certain of Champions League football next season, the lack of jeopardy could lead to an open, attacking spectacle where both sides push for a decisive victory.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

The historical rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is legendary, but recent encounters have been remarkably balanced. Over the last five meetings in all competitions, both clubs have secured just one victory each, with the other three matches ending in a draw during regular time. This equilibrium underscores how tightly contested this fixture has become, with neither side able to establish clear dominance.

Looking at the most recent results, Manchester United claimed a significant 2-1 victory at Anfield earlier this season, a rare win at Liverpool‘s home ground. Prior to that, the teams played out three consecutive draws at Old Trafford in 2024, including a thrilling 4-3 FA Cup victory for United after extra time. The only clean sheet in the last five clashes came in a 3-0 win for Liverpool at Old Trafford in September 2024, highlighting the defensive challenges both teams often face in this matchup.

Statistically, this fixture consistently produces goals. Each of the last five head-to-head duels has featured over 2.5 goals, with both teams finding the net in four of those games. The average goals per game across these encounters is a staggering 4.2, signaling a high probability of another action-packed, high-scoring affair. Bettors and fans should anticipate an open game where both attacks are likely to shine.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are contending with significant roster issues, as Manchester United faces defensive shortages while Liverpool‘s attacking firepower has been seriously depleted.

For the home side, Michael Carrick will be without two key central defenders. Lisandro Martinez is serving a suspension, and Matthijs De Ligt is sidelined with a back injury, forcing a reshuffle at the back. Furthermore, both Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw are questionable after picking up knocks in the recent win against Brentford. Their availability will likely be a match-day decision, adding another layer of uncertainty to United‘s defensive and attacking setup.

Liverpool‘s concerns are primarily at the other end of the pitch. The devastating loss of both Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike to injury strips the team of its most reliable goal threats. While goalkeeper Alisson is expected to return after missing the last match, the absence of his star forwards puts immense pressure on Alexander Isak to lead the line. Arne Slot will need his midfield creators to step up and provide the necessary service to a makeshift front three.

Manchester United Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
This lineup relies heavily on the creative genius of Bruno Fernandes in the number ten role. With Casemiro and Mainoo providing a solid midfield base, United will look to get the ball to their wide players quickly and exploit Liverpool‘s defensive frailties, especially on the counter-attack.

Liverpool Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
In the absence of Salah, the creative burden falls on the midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Mac Allister. Alexander Isak will be the focal point of the attack, and his ability to hold up play and link with the runners from deep will be crucial to Liverpool’s chances of breaking down the United defense.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Manchester United vs Liverpool live stream on DirecTV Stream. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and smart TVs.

A subscription to DirecTV Stream gives you access to more than just the Premier League. You can also watch other top European soccer leagues, such as La Liga, Serie A, and Liga MX, along with extensive coverage of other major tournaments.

The service is available for $69.99 per month or as part of a larger bundle. This plan gives you access to a massive library of live and on-demand content, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.

SEE MORE: For a complete schedule of Premier League games, visit our Premier League TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

The 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus on April 26, 2026, has drawn criticism in Italy for the defensive playing styles of both teams, resulting in an inevitable stalemate.

Milan’s recent meeting with Juventus at San Siro has been the subject of severe criticism from fans and the media alike, as the Rossoneri and the Bianconeri produced too little in a match once regarded as a Serie A classic.

Milan and Juventus criticised after 0-0 draw

The draw allowed Milan and Juventus to keep Como and Roma at a safe distance with just four games remaining in the 2025-26 Serie A campaign.

Inter and Napoli have practically secured Champions League qualification, and betting odds sports indicate that the race for the remaining two places will go down to the wire over the final four matches of the season.

bCasino New Zealand online casino bonuses suggest that Milan and Juventus remain favourites to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, yet their recent display at San Siro was far from pleasing.

Juventus had the best chance in the first half when Khephren Thuram had a goal disallowed for offside, while the Rossoneri hit the crossbar with Alexis Saelemaekers after the break.

Former Serie A defender Daniele Adani, who has now become one of the most prominent pundits in Italy, didn’t hold back when analysing the match during TV show Domenica Sportiva.

“In my opinion, half of Italy is happy with this kind of match,” he said via Milannews.

“How many people do you hear saying that the best defence is simply not conceding? But how many tomorrow will be celebrating with phrases like ‘We didn’t allow the opposition a single shot on target,’ or ‘The objective is Champions League qualification?’

“I’ve been saying for 10 years that, if we want to align ourselves with the rest of the football world, we need to play with intensity, tempo, and attacking intent. Yet, I’m dismissed as a philosopher or a theorist whenever I argue that this style of football is not exportable,” he continued.

“And then we’re told that European competitions should be played abroad to help export the product.

“But the truth is that we’re a laughing stock. We don’t excite anymore. Anyone who watched Milan vs. Juventus switched off after 15 minutes. I have the perfect quote for that first half: ‘Nothing left to do, but cry.”

Juventus coach Spalletti was also unhappy with his team’s performance, arguing that his players are still not mature enough.

“We do well in possession, but we lose something in the duels,” he said at a post-match press conference.

“Sometimes we produce a great surge, only to make simple mistakes on easy passes. We need to consistently maintain a high level of balance. Today, under no circumstances could we afford to lose this match. It seemed to me that more than winning, they were absolutely determined not to lose it.”

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Aston Villa and Fenerbahce are interested in Juventus striker Jonathan David.

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Canada international David is facing an uncertain future at Juventus after an up-and-down first season at the Allianz Stadium.

David has scored six goals and provided four assists in 32 Serie A games and earns €6m net per season plus €2m add-ons.

According to Tuttosport, Turkish side Fenerbahce are interested in the 26-year-old, and so are Premier League side Aston Villa.

Unai Emery is a long-time admirer of the Canadian forward and was already interested in signing him last summer, before Juventus eventually secured a deal on a free transfer.

According to the report, David is not entirely convinced about leaving Juventus at the end of the season, and the Serie A giants won’t necessarily sell him unless they receive a convincing offer.

David has a few games left to convince Juventus to keep him, starting with today’s Serie A match against Hellas Verona at the Allianz Stadium, where he’s expected to start as the lone striker.

Bologna look to Jens Odgaard as a false nine and Federico Bernardeschi in attack, while Cagliari pick Sebastiano Esposito up front.

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It kicks off at 12:30 CET (11:30 BST) at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

The stadium will be sold out even if Vincenzo Italiano’s side has little chance of qualifying for Europe and players were booed after the previous match against Roma.

Bologna sit ninth in the standings, seven points below seventh-placed Atalanta, while Cagliari need a final push to secure survival, being eight points above Cremonese in 18th.

Skorupski, Dallinga, Joao Mario, Cambiaghi and Casale are unavailable for Bologna, while Cagliari have travelled to Emilia Romagna without the likes of Idrissi, Mazzitelli, Felici, Pavoletti, Borrelli, and Liteta.

Bologna vs. Cagliari – Confirmed line-ups

BOLOGNA (4-3-3): Pessina; De Silvestri, Helland, Lucumí, Miranda; Freuler, Moro, Sohm; Bernardeschi, Dominguez, Odgaard.

CAGLIARI (4-4-1-1): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, Dossena, Obert; Palestra, Adopo, Deiola, Folorunsho; Gaetano; Esposito.

Bologna vs. Cagliari – Live updates

03-05-2026 11:30

MatchDay 35

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Cagliari

0 - 0

Player statistic

2nd half

		52'		Michel Adopo
Eivind Helland		68'
Santiago Castro		90+5'

Match statistic

65

Possession %

35

13

Total shots

8

4

Shots on target

2

5

Shots off target

3

4

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

2

3

Offsides

5

13

Fouls

12

Bologna

Cagliari

Starting lineups

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

5

Eivind Helland

Defender

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

29

Lorenzo De Silvestri

Defender

85'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

23

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

46'

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

63'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

78'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

63'

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

89'

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

72

Ukko Happonen

Goalkeeper

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

46'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

63'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

63'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

78'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

85'

19

Andrea Belotti

Attacker

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

73'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

89'

Manchester United are gearing up for a colossal Sunday afternoon clash against their absolute fiercest rivals, Liverpool.

The stakes simply couldn’t be higher, just a single point against the Merseyside outfit is needed to officially lock down a spot in next season’s Champions League.

But right before the whistle blows, club captain Bruno Fernandes has dropped a stunning, heart-on-his-sleeve interview with Sky Sports that has completely electrified the fanbase.

Let’s be completely honest, the last few years in Manchester haven’t exactly been a smooth, bump-free ride.

Man United star Fernandes reveals his intentions

Through the various managerial changes, boardroom drama, and agonising tactical rebuilds, Fernandes has undeniably been the creative glue holding the squad together. Unsurprisingly, that elite level of individual brilliance attracts heavy European interest.

Speaking openly to Sky Sports, the Portuguese maestro didn’t shy away from the reality of his situation over the past few transfer windows.

“I could have left Manchester United two years ago, or three years ago, I could’ve gone last season,” he confessed, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

For a player of his immense caliber, walking away to a ready-made, title-winning project elsewhere would have been the easy way out. But instead of chasing guaranteed silverware across the continent, he chose the grueling path.

It all comes down to the unique pressure of wearing the famous red shirt. Fernandes made it abundantly clear that lifting a trophy anywhere else simply wouldn’t mean as much.

“I really like to be at the club and I really think that being successful at this club is something that I would NEVER get being in ANY other club,” he passionately declared.

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Fernandes has been a brilliant servant for the club

He completely understands the sheer desperation and hunger of the United supporters, noting that he is navigating the “same ship” as the fans.

Rather than abandoning them, the captain wants to be the one steering it directly forward to reach their ultimate destination.

As United prepare to walk out onto the pitch today to battle Liverpool, these words serve as the ultimate rallying cry.

If Fernandes and his teammates can secure that crucial Champions League point this afternoon, it will be one massive step closer to delivering the exact kind of glory he is sacrificing everything to achieve.

Sources: Chelsea & Man United in the race to sign “big stage player” who impressed against Arsenal 

The post “I could have left..” – Man United ace drops transfer bombshell fans weren’t expecting appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Several players are being linked with a move to Arsenal with Mikel Arteta determined to strengthen his squad in the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old Newcastle United defender is actively telling people he is entirely convinced he will be pulling on the famous red and white shirt of Arsenal next season, according to a source on X.

To fully understand exactly why Livramento is so confident about a move to the capital, you have to look closely at Arteta’s defensive puzzle.

Arsenal currently have Jurrien Timber, who is reportedly close to putting pen to paper on a long-term contract extension and Ben White holding down the right flank.

However, sporting director Andrea Berta is running a broad, relentless recruitment process when it comes to squad depth.

Tino Livramento wants to join Arsenal this summer

Livramento’s explosive pace and versatility to seamlessly operate on both the right and left sides of the defense make him an incredibly appealing target for Arteta’s fluid system.

Prying him away from St. James’ Park won’t be cheap, though. Reports indicate Newcastle are prepared to hold out for a massive £70 million valuation for the young England international.

Dropping that kind of astronomical cash on a player is a massive gamble, especially considering Livramento has endured a highly frustrating season plagued by tricky groin injuries that have sidelined him for over 30 games.

Furthermore, Manchester City are also reportedly hovering in the background, fully prepared to launch an offer of their own and spark a potential bidding war.

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Would Newcastle consider selling Livramento?

From Newcastle’s perspective, this potential mega-deal is heavily driven by pure financial pragmatism.

Just like the ongoing transfer rumors surrounding his teammate Anthony Gordon, the Magpies are feeling the suffocating pressure of the Premier League’s financial regulations.

While they desperately want to keep their prize assets, selling a highly-rated star like Livramento for a premium fee could give Eddie Howe the crucial financial flexibility needed to bring in necessary defensive reinforcements and properly balance the books.

As for the Gunners, it could give them a versatile full-back who is known for his attacking contributions as well.

Bayern Munich in contact to sign Arsenal & Liverpool target tipped by Romano for summer move

The post English defender is convinced he is joining Arsenal in the summer – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The much-anticipated summer clear-out at Old Trafford is officially underway, and it looks like the cameras are already rolling on the very first departure.

While Manchester United fans have been desperately refreshing their timelines for news on blockbuster midfield targets or marquee defensive reinforcements, the first player to firmly pack his bags has been sitting quietly on the bench all season.

According to a surprising report from The Sun, backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is currently filming his official farewell video ahead of a guaranteed summer exit.

Man United goalkeeper wants more playing time

To fully understand exactly why the Turkish international is sprinting toward the exit door, you just have to look at his incredibly frustrating, isolated stint in Manchester.

Arriving from Fenerbahçe with a highly respectable pedigree, Bayindir was billed as the perfect, competitive understudy to new number one Andre Onana. However, the reality of his time in England has been brutally disappointing.

Even when Onana jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations mid-season, or when the Cameroonian shot-stopper suffered through a highly publicised, rocky patch of form early in the campaign, the managerial staff stubbornly refused to rotate the squad.

Bayindir has been entirely starved of meaningful Premier League minutes, effectively becoming a very expensive spectator.

For a 28-year-old goalkeeper entering the absolute prime of his career, sitting in the shadows simply isn’t an option if he wants to maintain his spot in the national team set-up.

From the club’s perspective, pulling the plug on this experiment makes total, ruthless sense.

More Stories / Latest News

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May 3 2026, 12:39

Red Devils are expected to make major changes

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS sporting structure are currently conducting a massive, ruthless audit of the squad.

They are aggressively looking to trim the wage bill and clear out fringe players who aren’t actively contributing to the starting eleven.

Cashing in on Bayindir not only frees up valuable squad funds but also streamlines a squad that has felt heavily bloated for years.

It allows the recruitment team to either promote a promising academy prospect to the number two spot or dip into the market for a cheaper, homegrown veteran to fill the necessary squad quotas.

Ultimately, this impending transfer is the absolute best-case scenario for everyone involved.

Romano names ‘clear favourite’ for Man United job, issues latest update on Carrick

The post Lights, camera, exit: Man United star spotted filming farewell video ahead of summer departure appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Michael Carrick has quickly gone from interim solution to leading contender as Manchester United consider their long-term managerial future.

Since stepping into the role during a challenging period, the former United midfielder has delivered steady improvements that have not gone unnoticed by the club’s leadership.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Carrick is currently viewed as the “clear favourite” to take the job on a permanent basis.

His calm leadership style, tactical discipline, and ability to reconnect the squad with its identity have made a strong impression on decision-makers, particularly Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, who are overseeing football operations at the club.

Carrick has revived a struggling Man United

When Carrick first took charge, expectations were cautious. Many viewed him as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution.

However, results on the pitch and changes behind the scenes have steadily shifted that perception.

The team’s improved structure and renewed confidence have been widely credited to Carrick’s measured approach and deep understanding of the club’s culture.

One of the most noticeable changes has been his ability to bring the best out of players who had previously struggled for form or minutes.

Players like Kobbie Mainoo have performed exceptionally well under Carrick, having struggled previously under Ruben Amorim.

INEOS officials have been especially impressed by Carrick’s leadership qualities off the pitch.

Rebuilding morale within the dressing room has been just as important as tactical adjustments, particularly after a turbulent stretch that saw confidence dip across the squad.

More Stories / Latest News

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Race for the United manager job is not over yet

As things stand, Carrick appears to be in the strongest position to secure the Man United job on a permanent basis.

His influence on team morale, tactical organization, and overall results has strengthened his case significantly in recent weeks.

However, the final decision has yet to be made, and the club’s leadership is expected to conduct a thorough review before committing.

If Carrick ultimately secures the role, it would mark a remarkable progression from interim coach to long-term leader and potentially signal the beginning of a new chapter built on familiarity, stability, and renewed ambition at Old Trafford.

Man United lead Arsenal in the race for €50m-rated midfield general

The post Romano names ‘clear favourite’ for Man United job, issues latest update on Carrick appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Away win Best odds: 49/100 Bookmaker: Olympusbet After almost a two‑week pause in Premier League action, Manchester City return to the title race on Monday night with a historic first visit to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Sky Blues arrive fresh from booking their place in the FA Cup final, while the Toffees are […]

The post Prediction: Everton vs Manchester City appeared first on Soccer News.

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Arne Slot admits Champions League qualification should not be viewed as a “step forward” for Liverpool, but he is under no illusions as to the importance of sealing a top-five Premier League finish. Liverpool face rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, when they could, depending on Saturday’s results, confirm their spot in UEFA’s […]

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Ousmane Dembele may have been a winger for most of his career so far, but under Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, he has firmly established himself as a central attacker in an extremely fluid front line, with the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola vying for the wide positions. The role of […]

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Match Overview

Expect a high-intensity showdown as Pachuca and Toluca square off after nearly identical regular-season runs, separated by just a single point. Pachuca secured fourth place with 31 points but stumbled late, dropping their final two matches after spending much of the campaign in the hunt for the top spot.

Toluca followed a similar script, also closing the regular season on a two-game skid, leaving both sides eager for a reset. With momentum up for grabs and a semifinal berth on the line, this clash sets the stage for one team to flip the narrative and make a statement when it matters most.

Inter need just one point against Parma to win the 2025-26 Scudetto tonight, but they’ll have to wait until the final round to lift the trophy.

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When will Inter lift the 2025-26 Scudetto trophy?

Cristian Chivu’s Inter are just one point away from winning the 2025-26 Serie A title as the Nerazzurri only need a draw in tonight’s home game against Parma to secure the Scudetto with three games to spare.

Inter are practically certain of winning the 21st domestic title in their history, but will have to wait until the final round to lift the trophy.

Inter will play the final game of the season at home against Hellas Verona on the weekend of May 17. The exact date and kick-off time have yet to be confirmed, but the Nerazzurri will certainly lift the trophy after that match.

As reported by several Italian media outlets, Inter’s title celebrations will likely include an open-top bus parade as well.

In the meantime, the Nerazzurri will also play the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13, so Chivu’s men might end up celebrating a domestic double in barely two weeks.

Inter star Alessandro Bastoni is expected to start against Parma, while Lautaro Martinez will go on the bench with the Nerazzurri needing just one point to win the 2025-26 Scudetto.

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It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Meazza in Milan, San Siro.

Football Italia will be among the accredited media.

Inter must cope without Hakan Calhanoglu and Luis Henrique, but Lautaro Martinez has recovered from an injury and will go on the bench.

Bastoni’s fitness is also improving, so the Italian defender is expected to start in a three-man defence, according to Sky Sport, Gazzetta, and other reputable Italian media outlets.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is favourite over Petar Sucic in central midfield.

Following Napoli’s 0-0 draw against Como on Saturday, a draw will be enough for Inter to win the Scudetto tonight with three games to spare.

Parma have travelled to Milan without the injured Frigan and Cremaschi.

Carlos Cuesta will look to his ideal XI with Adrian Bernabé in central midfield and Mateo Pellegrino in attack.

Inter vs. Parma – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2, DAZN and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates with a liveblog from San Siro.

Inter vs. Parma – probable line-ups

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.

Parma (3-5-2): Suzuki; Circati, Troilo, Valenti; Delprato, Bernabé, Nicolussi Caviglia, Keita, Valeri; Strefezza, Pellegrino. 

Kenan Yildiz is expected to return to the Juventus starting XI for a must-win Serie A match against already-relegated Hellas Verona.

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It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

The Bianconeri have a two-point lead over fifth-placed Como, but with a game in hand, while Verona were mathematically relegated on Friday following Lecce’s away victory at Pisa.

Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik are unavailable for Juventus, while Verona have once again dropped Gift Orban after the Nigeria international fought with a fan in the street last month.

Multiple sources, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport Italia, report that Juventus star Yildiz is fit to start, making his return to the Juventus line-up for the first time in three weeks.

Bianconeri coach Luciano Spalletti will likely pick Jonathan David as a sole striker, with Francisco Conceiçao completing the Old Lady’s three-man attack.

Juventus are unbeaten in the last eight Serie A games, collecting five wins and three draws since the start of March.

Juventus vs. Verona – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Juventus vs. Verona – probable line-ups

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; David. 

Verona (3-5-2): Montipò; Nelsson, Edmundsson, Frese; Belghali, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Bernede, Bradaric; Suslov; Bowie.

Aston Villa are continuing to shape their long-term recruitment strategy, and Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye has reportedly emerged as one of the young talents on their radar.

According to the Daily Mail, as reported by Sky Sports, Villa are closely monitoring the 18-year-old attacker as they prepare for a summer transfer window expected to focus heavily on signing emerging prospects rather than established stars.

Villa’s recent progress in domestic and European competitions has encouraged the club to think strategically about the future.

Instead of relying solely on experienced names, the plan appears to revolve around identifying young players with high ceilings and Mbaye fits that profile perfectly.

Ibrahim Mbaye has caught the attention of top clubs

As per our recent exclusive, the biggest Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring the PSG youngster ahead of the summer transfer window.

This season, the teenager has made 21 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, contributing one goal and two assists despite limited opportunities in a star-studded squad.

Breaking into PSG’s first team is never straightforward, especially with the club’s attacking depth featuring experienced international stars.

nder manager Luis Enrique, competition for attacking roles has been intense, meaning younger players often struggle to secure consistent minutes.

That reality has led several clubs across Europe to monitor Mbaye’s development closely, sensing that he could benefit from a move where playing opportunities are more accessible.

More Stories / Latest News

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‘Might leave..’ – Ex-player names Arsenal star destined for summer exit

May 3 2026, 12:39

Aston Villa ready to provide the youngster a platform

Under their current project, Aston Villa have placed greater emphasis on recruitment that balances short-term competitiveness with long-term development.

Signing younger players allows Villa to build value within the squad while maintaining financial sustainability, something many Premier League clubs now prioritise.

However, securing Mbaye’s signature will not be straightforward. The forward still has two years remaining on his PSG contract, giving the French champions a strong position in negotiations.

Mbaye’s involvement with the Senegal national team has further boosted his reputation. He is expected to feature at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, which could significantly increase his market value if he performs well on the global stage.

Several European clubs are believed to be monitoring Mbaye’s situation, which could drive competition and push transfer fees higher.

For Aston Villa, that means timing will be crucial if they decide to move forward with a formal offer.

Aston Villa plot summer move for €25m La Liga star with “energy and technique”

The post Aston Villa eye ambitious move for Paris-Saint-Germain youngster as summer plans begin appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot had urged the Anfield hierarchy to make a swift, bargain swoop for a Napoli star. Now, the identity of that target has finally been revealed.

With the Reds looking to strengthen their squad in all the positions, particularly the defensive positions, they have already identified their targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite heavy financial spending in the summer last year, this season’s performances have shown that the Merseyside club need a rebuild.

Liverpool place offer for Napoli star Buekema

According to a fresh report from Italian outlet AreaNapoli, Liverpool have placed a €28 million (£24.2m) offer on the table to secure the services of 27-year-old Dutch centre-back Sam Beukema.

It doesn’t take a tactical genius to see exactly why Slot is heavily pushing for this specific signing.

Slot is naturally intimately familiar with the Dutch talent pool, and bringing in a compatriot who inherently understands his demanding, possession-based footballing philosophy makes total sense for his first transfer window.

More importantly, Liverpool are actively looking toward the future of their backline. While club captain Virgil van Dijk remains an absolute colossus at the heart of the defense, he isn’t getting any younger.

Beukema, who has quietly developed into a seriously commanding presence in Serie A, perfectly fits the profile of what the Reds are looking for.

At 27 years old, he is entering the absolute prime of his career, boasting the physical maturity and tactical intelligence required to handle the brutal, unforgiving pace of the Premier League.

Liverpool boss relies heavily on center-backs who are incredibly composed under intense pressing and capable of breaking opposition lines with crisp, progressive passing.

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Dutchman could be a bargain signing for the Reds

Beukema has built a stellar reputation in Italy for his ball-playing abilities, as well as his aggressive, front-foot defending style.

Furthermore, the reported £24.2m fee is absolute music to the ears of the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) recruitment team.

In an outrageously inflated modern market where starting-caliber Premier League center-backs routinely command upwards of £60 million, snagging a proven, top-flight defender for under £25 million would be the ultimate “Moneyball” transfer.

The ball is now firmly in Napoli’s court. While the Italian club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is notoriously one of the toughest negotiators in world football, Liverpool’s opening €28m bid is a highly respectable starting point.

Liverpool in advanced talks for “incredible” Real Madrid target who could cost a fortune

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Verdict: Nottingham Forest over 0.5 goals Best Odds: 3/5 Bookmaker: Dachbet Desperate to find a route back into the European spots on Monday afternoon, Chelsea will welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Starting with the hosts, sacking Liam Rosenior last week following what has been a nightmare rut over the past few months, Chelsea […]

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Viktor Gyokeres scored twice and Bukayo Saka was also on target as Arsenal went six points clear at the top of the Premier League with an easy 3-0 win over Fulham. The Gunners showed no signs of title nerves as they scored all three goals in a one-sided first half, allowing Mikel Arteta to rest […]

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Milan star Christian Pulisic is expected to start on the bench, but the Rossoneri need a win against Sassuolo to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.

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It kicks off at 15:00 CET (14:00 BST) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.

The Rossoneri sit third in the standings with a five-point lead over Como, who already played on Saturday, drawing 0-0 against Napoli. On the other hand, Sassuolo have already secured survival, having earned 46 points in 34 games.

Luka Modric is unavailable for Milan, and according to multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia, the Croatian star will be replaced by Ardon Jashari in central midfield.

USMNT international Pulisic is expected to start on the bench, being replaced by Christopher Nkunku. Pulisic hasn’t yet scored a goal in 2026.

Italy international Domenico Berardi will return to Sassuolo’s starting XI after serving a two-game ban. Second-choice keeper Stefano Turati is expected to start the third game in a row, leaving Arijanet Muric on the bench.

Sassuolo vs. Milan – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and TikTok in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Sassuolo vs. Milan – probable line-ups

Sassuolo (4-3-3): Turati; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Garcia; Thorstvedt, Matic, Koné; Berardi, Pinamonti, Laurienté. 

Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Jashari, Rabiot, Estupinan; Leao, Nkunku. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Superhero

Farewell to the man of impossible feats

A driver living life always on the edge. The crash and his legs were amputated, then he won the gold medals at the Paralympic Games. The accident with a truck. He died on May 1, like Senna. All of Italy is moved.

Allegri: ‘The Champions League moves 100m.’ Spalletti, Yildiz right away.

Inter, Scudetto one point away.

Corriere dello Sport

Farewell giant

Alex lives

Zanardi has died: an extraordinary man who taught us to redraw our lives.

Born in Bologna, 59, the strength of ideals and smiles. The farewell on the same day as Senna’s. F1, kart, 16 surgeries, four Paralympic Gold medals in handbike, and the shocking crash with a truck. Matteralla moved: ‘A great pain.’

Tuttosport

Alex Zanardi (1966-2026)

Your lesson forever

The champion of the impossible died on the same day as his idol, Senna. Terrible Formula Car accident in 2001. The second life, the Paralympics triumphs, and the crash with a handbike in 2020. The biggest lesson: ‘When you can’t take it anymore, hold on, more opportunities will come.’

Inter: Scudetto Day amid controversy

Chivu to be crowned champion if he draws with Parma, but the Milanese investigation looms over the celebration.

The wiretap in which Rocchi allegedly mentioned the referee coordinator Schenone opens new scenarios. In the meantime, Napoli’s 0-0 against Como means a point will be enough tonight. For the first time since 1989, the title can be won at San Siro. Lautaro on the bench, Bastoni returns, but nothing organised…

‘Vlahovic? I think he wants to stay.’

The coach pushes to confirm the Serbian and enjoys Yildiz. ‘He has the sun in his face, he makes me feel lucky to coach.’ Kenan on the pitch today with Verona. Aston Villa on David.

Toro, nice way to honour the invincibles…

Ehizibue-Kristensen: easy 2-0. D’Aversa: ‘Wrong spirit, I got angry.’ And the fans protest.

Nick Woltemade’s future at Newcastle United is suddenly becoming a talking point, with reports suggesting the German striker could leave the club just a year after arriving in England.

According to journalist Christian Falk, there is growing uncertainty surrounding the 24-year-old’s long-term place in the squad, despite Newcastle investing heavily to bring him to St James’ Park last summer.

The Magpies paid around £65 million to sign Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart, viewing him as a key piece in their attacking rebuild, particularly after the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

At the time, the transfer was seen as a bold move that signaled Newcastle’s ambition to remain competitive at the highest level.

However, football can change quickly, and recent developments suggest that the club may now be reassessing their options.

Woltemade started brightly but struggles followed

Woltemade’s time at Newcastle began with plenty of optimism. He made an immediate impression in the Premier League, scoring four goals in his first five appearances.

His early form suggested Newcastle had found a reliable attacking option capable of adapting quickly to English football.

However, momentum has slowed significantly in recent months. The striker has struggled to maintain his scoring touch, particularly during the early stages of 2026, where he has yet to find the net in league competition.

That dip in form has raised questions about his confidence and role within the team, especially as Newcastle continue to push for consistency in front of goal.

Newcastle’s attacking system relies heavily on movement, pressing, and finishing efficiency, areas where Woltemade initially looked promising but has since found more challenging.

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Could the Newcastle United star move to Bayern Munich?

The German giants were interested in signing Woltemade last summer before his move to Newcastle United.

It remains to be seen whether they will be interested in bringing him back to the Bundesliga if he becomes available for transfer.

Bayern are known for monitoring Bundesliga-developed talent, and their past interest suggests they recognise the striker’s potential despite his recent struggles in England.

If a substantial offer were to arrive, particularly from European clubs familiar with Woltemade’s earlier performances in Germany, Newcastle might consider evaluating the situation carefully.

Newcastle’s initial investment in Woltemade means they would likely seek to recover a significant portion of the transfer fee if he were to leave. That makes any potential move dependent on whether clubs are willing to match a high valuation.

Newcastle United plotting £17m move for Brazilian wonderkid as Bruno Guimaraes replacement

The post Newcastle United could bring early end to expensive flop’s Premier League career appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mohamed Salah’s future is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about stories of the summer transfer window, with the Liverpool superstar reportedly giving serious thought to his next destination.

According to TEAMtalk, the Egyptian forward is strongly considering a move to Major League Soccer once his Liverpool contract expires, allowing him to leave Anfield on a free transfer.

At 33, Salah finds himself at a crossroads in his career. After years of dominating English football and rewriting records at Liverpool, he now faces a decision that could define the final chapter of his playing days.

While a switch to the United States is being explored, interest from the Saudi Pro League remains strong, meaning Salah has several lucrative and high-profile options on the table.

MLS Dream vs Saudi Ambition – What could shape Salah’s choice?

Salah’s impact at Liverpool has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since arriving from Roma in 2017, he has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most consistent goal-scorers and a key figure in Liverpool’s modern success.

Under Jürgen Klopp, Salah helped the club secure major honors, including the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League, while breaking numerous individual scoring records along the way.

Major League Soccer presents an intriguing opportunity. The league has increasingly attracted high-profile players in recent years, particularly those seeking a new lifestyle experience while still competing at a strong level.

Salah’s global popularity would make him a major commercial and sporting asset for any MLS club, potentially elevating the league’s international visibility even further.

However, the Saudi Pro League remains one of the strongest contenders for his signature. Saudi clubs have tracked Salah for several years, with interest dating back to earlier transfer windows when substantial offers were rumored.

The financial packages available in Saudi Arabia are believed to be among the most attractive in world football, making it difficult for other leagues to compete purely on economic terms.

Massive moment approaches for Salah

One key factor influencing Salah’s decision appears to be family considerations. Reports indicate that he is holding extensive discussions with his family about lifestyle, long-term plans, and career ambitions.

Moving to the United States could offer cultural familiarity and a different pace of life, while Saudi Arabia provides proximity to his home region and potentially record-breaking earnings.

There is also the possibility that interest from European clubs could surface if Salah decides he still wants to compete at the highest level in continental football.

Though less widely reported, some analysts believe his fitness levels and consistency suggest he could still perform at an elite level for several more seasons.

Whether he chooses MLS, accepts a lucrative Saudi offer, or surprises the football world with another option, his decision will carry enormous significance.

For Liverpool supporters, the prospect of losing a club icon on a free transfer is bittersweet. Salah’s achievements have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, and his eventual departure will mark the closing of a remarkable chapter.

Liverpool in advanced talks for “incredible” Real Madrid target who could cost a fortune

The post Mo Salah firmly in talks with family over next move, he’s considersing a shock destination appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bayern Munich appear to be stepping up their pursuit of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, with manager Vincent Kompany reportedly giving his approval for the club to move forward with plans to sign the England international this summer.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, communication between Gordon’s representatives and Bayern has been ongoing for several months, suggesting that this potential move has been quietly developing behind the scenes.

With Bayern expected to reshape parts of their attacking unit ahead of the new season, Gordon has emerged as one of the standout options under consideration.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could be open to significant offers as they look to refresh their squad and balance finances in preparation for the next stage of their project.

Gordon has been impressive for Newastle United

Gordon has enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career, featuring 46 times across all competitions, scoring 17 goals, and providing five assists.

Those numbers highlight his growing influence at Newcastle, where he has developed into a key attacking threat capable of stretching defenses and delivering decisive moments.

Gordon’s style of play makes him an attractive option for Bayern Munich. He is known for his pace, relentless pressing and ability to attack defenders directly.

Kompany, who favors dynamic wide players capable of contributing both offensively and defensively, is believed to see Gordon as a player who could bring energy and unpredictability to Bayern’s forward line.

Newcastle are evaluating ways to reshape their squad, and selling a high-value player like Gordon could generate the kind of funds needed to strengthen multiple positions.

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Bayern Munich face competition to sign the attacker

Bayern are not the only club monitoring Gordon’s availability. Interest from other Premier League sides remains strong, with several teams reportedly exploring attacking reinforcements.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool and have been constantly linked with a move for the Newcastle United attacker as both Premier League clubs are expected to invest heavily in their attack this summer.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that there are ‘serious chances’ for Gordon to leave Newcastle this summer which is a major boost to the clubs targeting the England international.

The race to sign Gordon is going to be intense this summer.

Arsenal and Liverpool ready to pounce on 24-year-old defender with six goal contributions 

The post Bayern Munich in contact to sign Arsenal & Liverpool target tipped by Romano for summer move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Maximiliano Araújo is attracting attention from some of the top clubs in the world ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old Uruguayan, who joined Sporting from Mexican side Toluca in 2024, has developed into one of the most dependable and versatile players in Portugal.

His ability to operate both as a traditional left-back and an advanced wing-back has made him an increasingly valuable asset in modern football, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are showing interest in signing the attacking full-back this summer.

With the game evolving toward full-backs who can contribute heavily in attack as well as defense, Araújo fits the profile of a player capable of making an immediate impact in one of Europe’s top leagues.

The defender has made 36 appearances for the Portuguese club in all competitions this season.

Araújo has shown consistency and versatility

During the 2025-26 campaign, Araújo has been a central figure in Sporting’s tactical system.

Whether pushing forward to create width or dropping back to defend against elite attackers.

Several standout displays, including energetic showings in Champions League fixtures, such as the high-intensity clash against Arsenal, have strengthened his reputation as a “big stage player”.

Statistically, Araújo has also impressed. For a player operating primarily in defensive areas, his contributions in terms of assists and attacking involvement have been notable.

His pace down the flank, ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, and precise delivery into the box have made him one of Sporting’s most dangerous wide outlets.

Sporting, however, are not in a rush to sell. The club have made it clear that they would prefer to keep Araújo for at least another season, especially given his importance to their tactical structure.

His contract runs until 2029, and it includes a substantial €80 million release clause, designed to protect the club’s position during negotiations.

That said, Sporting’s transfer model has historically involved selling players at the right time for significant profit. Reports from Portuguese media suggest that offers in the region of €40–50 million could tempt the club into serious discussions, particularly if multiple clubs enter the bidding process.

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Chelsea and Man United are showing interest

Interest from the Premier League appears to be strongest. Man United have tracked Araújo for several months, viewing him as a potential solution to recurring issues at left-back.

Injuries and inconsistency in that position have forced United to explore versatile alternatives, and Araújo’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an appealing option.

Chelsea are also believed to admire the Uruguayan, seeing him as a flexible addition who could compete with, or provide cover for, existing options on the left side.

Among Sporting supporters, Araújo has earned a reputation as a tireless performer, often described in Portuguese media as a “flying wing” due to his relentless energy.

Yet there is also an understanding that a major offer could be difficult to refuse, particularly if it aligns with the club’s financial strategy.

Man United lead Arsenal in the race for €50m-rated midfield general

The post Sources: Chelsea & Man United in the race to sign “big stage player” who impressed against Arsenal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hansi Flick claimed he does not care about how Barcelona retain their LaLiga title, insisting his side “have done our job”. Barca defeated Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday, with quickfire goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres sealing a crucial away win. La Blaugrana have now won 10 consecutive LaLiga matches, reaching that figure in a […]

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Diego Simeone credited Atletico Madrid B team head coach Fernando Torres for his work with the younger players in the first team. Atleti defeated Valencia 2-0 on Saturday, with 20-year-old Iker Luque and 18-year-old Miguel Cubo scoring at Estadio de Mestalla. Atleti have now beaten Valencia in five consecutive LaLiga matches, the first time they […]

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Inter Miami fell 4-3 to Orlando City in a match that will go down in Major League Soccer history. Lionel Messi had scored one of the goals in the first half, during which the Herons built a three-goal lead. Martin Ojeda was the standout performer of the night with a hat trick for the visitors.

The hosts showed their dominance from the opening minutes of the first half. It took them just three minutes to take the lead, when Telasco Segovia delivered a cross that Micael headed home.

At the 25-minute mark, Guillermo Hoyos’ side doubled their advantage after a combination between Luis Suarez and Messi ended with Segovia finishing the move. Leo himself added the third shortly after with a beautiful long-range strike. Orlando City managed to pull one back before halftime through Martin Ojeda.

Everything changed in the second half. Inter Miami ceded control and opted to exploit the spaces left by their opponents on the counterattack in an attempt to extend their lead, but they lacked precision and were punished by Orlando City’s pressure.

In that context, Ojeda became the most decisive player of the match. The Argentine attacking midfielder took control and led his team brilliantly, scoring two more goals to bring the Lions level at 3-3. In stoppage time, Tyrese Spicer scored the winner.

As a result, Inter Miami let a huge opportunity slip away to win the derby, while also extending their winless run at Nu Stadium to four matches since its opening in early April.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s stories continue to evolve, even as both icons carve out new chapters far from Europe. This weekend brings another landmark moment, as Inter Miami prepares for a crucial derby clash with Orlando City, with history quietly waiting in the background.

The Florida Derby arrives with momentum on one side and urgency on the other. Miami enters the contest unbeaten in recent weeks, while Orlando looks to defy form and disrupt a rival chasing the top of the Eastern Conference. Beneath that competitive tension, however, a deeper narrative is beginning to take shape.

There is more than just three points at stake as Messi enters the pitch once again. The Argentine forward has now reached a historic milestone of 100 appearances for Inter Miami, a moment that reflects both longevity and extraordinary consistency since his arrival in summer 2023.

The numbers already tell a remarkable story. Messi has registered 86 goals and 44 assists in 100 appearances, along with dozens of match-winning moments that have reshaped the club’s identity. His influence extends beyond statistics alone, but the figures underline his dominance. With 130 total goal contributions in just 100 games, he has operated at a level rarely seen in MLS history.

Comparing Messi and Ronaldo at 100 games

The achievement also places Miami alongside other key chapters in his career. Barcelona remains the only other club where he surpassed 100 matches, making this moment another symbol of his lasting legacy.

With the milestone established, the natural comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo begins to emerge. When examining the first 100 games of both legends at their respective clubs, the contrast is striking.

Messi has produced 86 goals and 44 assists (130 goal contributions) in his first 100 Inter Miami matches. In comparison, Ronaldo recorded 89 goals and 19 assists (108 goal contributions) in his first 100 appearances for Al-Nassr.

Legacy beyond the numbers

The difference lies not just in totals, but in style. The Argentine’s numbers reflect a more balanced creative and scoring role, while the Portuguese’s output leans heavily toward finishing, maintaining his reputation as one of the game’s most prolific goal scorers.

While statistics provide a framework for comparison, they only tell part of the story. Messi’s influence at Inter Miami has extended into playmaking, leadership, and the overall rhythm of the team’s attack. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has continued to define himself through goalscoring consistency and physical presence, adapting his game to maintain elite output.

Match Overview

A compelling postseason showdown is on deck as Cruz Azul and Atlas collide in a matchup shaped by contrasting paths to the playoffs. Cruz Azul enter with momentum after a strong regular season that saw them secure third place with 33 points, positioning them as the clear favorite heading into the series.

Meanwhile, Atlas arrive with something to prove after an inconsistent campaign, but the stakes reset in knockout play, where form can shift quickly and underdogs often thrive. With Cruz Azul aiming to validate its status and Atlas hunting a statement upset, this clash promises high drama—don’t miss it.

Neymar’s return to Santos was met with great joy by the fans, who imagined it could lead to another glorious run. However, the team has only been able to focus on avoiding relegation. In an interview with Globoesporte, former Santos and Manchester City player Elano talked about him.

Elano said: “We should take care of Neymar a bit more because he isn’t happy. I speak for myself, I look at him and I know how much I appreciate him. It makes me sad. I know how wonderful this kid is. Fans have to look after him no matter what. He doesn’t deserve to get booed or insulted.”

The physical issues the talented player has endured in recent years have clearly reduced his impact. This has made his contributions on the field less frequent at a struggling Santos, as Neymar has played 39 matches and scored 15 goals.

Neymar has played injured

The explosiveness Neymar once had may be the most obvious thing missing from his game lately. A player who has had to absorb so many hits, especially early in his career, is now feeling the consequences.

What Elano emphasized when speaking about why the fans should be more supportive was Neymar’s willingness to play when his team needed him most, like last year when they were near relegation, even when he was not fully fit.

Elano said: “The relegation that could have happened last year was obvious and, even with an injury, he played at 50% of his potential and was a big help. We can’t criticize him too harshly. I know we live in an unstable era with political problems in the middle, but he’s an asset for Santos.”

Neymar’s criticism impact

The former player currently works in Santos’ youth system, so he has watched everything closely. He said the criticism Neymar receives is affecting him badly, considering the effort he makes.

Elano said: “He’s being criticized too much. I think in every aspect. We know he has huge visibility. Everything becomes a phenomenon, but in the end he’s a human being. Nobody can survive getting so many hits every day. It gets to a point where he becomes depressed.”

Italian coach Francesco Farioli has officially taken FC Porto to victory in the Primeira Liga at the age of 37, beating Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.

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This evening’s 1-0 victory over Alverca was enough to open up the nine-point gap at the top of the table, after Benfica were held to a 2-2 draw by Famalicao.

O 𝑻𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒂𝒄 acabou assim #ConseguimosJuntos pic.twitter.com/SE3h153JjA

— FC Porto (@FCPorto) May 2, 2026

With only two rounds to go, it means they are impossible to catch and FC Porto can celebrate the title four years after their most recent success.

Benfica had won, followed by back-to-back Sporting successes, but this is FC Porto’s 31^st victory.

First trophy for Farioli

Farioli is an Italian coach who started out as a goalkeeping trainer and assistant manager, working closely with Roberto De Zerbi for Benevento and Sassuolo.

He branched out on his own in Turkish football with Fatih Karagumruk in 2021 and Alanyaspor, then had spells with OGC Nice and Ajax.

FC Porto hired him in July 2025 and he oversaw 38 victories, eight draws and five defeats in all competition this season, also reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.

This is the first trophy of Farioli’s coaching career and he celebrated his 37^th birthday last month.

Bukayo Saka returned to the Arsenal starting lineup with a point to prove, and it took less than ten minutes for the England star to remind the Premier League exactly what it has been missing.

Following an Achilles injury that sidelined him for over a month, Saka’s performance in the 3-0 demolition of Fulham was a masterclass in wing play, headlined by a sensational assist for Viktor Gyokeres, who had his best game in an Arsenal shirt.

While the television cameras captured the brilliance of the goal, a fan footage circulating on social media has provided a breathtaking angle of the build-up.

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Bukayo Saka’s assist from the stands

The video, filmed from the North Stand, shows Saka isolated on the right wing against Raul Jiménez, who was covering an unfamiliar left-back role.

The footage captures the moment Saka completely wrong foot Jimenez with a signature drop of the shoulder, dropping the Fulham striker on his backside before exploding toward the byline.

The roar of the Emirates crowd is audible as Saka then played in the perfect cross through a sea of white shirts, putting the ball on a plate for Gyokeres, who tapped it into an empty net.

The fan footage shows the sheer speed and skill of Saka and the perfectly weighted pass, which bypassed three Fulham defenders to find the Swedish striker.

Bukayo Saka’s performance vs Fulham

Despite being withdrawn at halftime to rest for the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid, Saka’s impact was undeniable.

In just 45 minutes of football, he dismantled Fulham’s left flank and reminded fans why he remains the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s attacking system.

Bukayo Saka – 45-Minute Masterclass vs Fulham via Squawka Football

Saka’s goal in the 40th minute was equally impressive, as he played a neat one-two with Gyökeres before firing a low finish inside Bernd Leno’s near post.

Arteta took him off in the 46th minute with one eye on the Champions League clash mid-week.

With Arsenal now six points clear at the top of the table and Saka back to his scintillating best, the Gunners look primed for the final run-in of the 2025/26 campaign.

The post Watch: Fan angle of Bukayo Saka assist vs Fulham is even better than the TV broadcast appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Barcelona took a huge step towards retaining their LaLiga crown after a 2-1 victory over Osasuna. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored in the final 10 minutes at Estadio El Sadar, meaning Barca will be champions if they avoid defeat against Real Madrid next week, or if Los Blancos fail to beat Espanyol on Sunday. […]

The post Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona: Flick´s side move within touching distance of LaLiga title appeared first on Soccer News.

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Viktor Gyokeres insisted Arsenal’s belief in their Premier League title chances had never wavered, after a 3-0 win over Fulham moved them six points clear at the summit. Gyokeres scored twice and supplied an assist for Bukayo Saka as the Gunners cruised to victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, piling pressure on second-placed Manchester […]

The post Gyokeres insists Arsenal´s title belief has not wavered following Fulham heroics appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Gyokeres insists Arsenal´s title belief has not wavered following Fulham heroics appeared first on Soccer News.

Match Overview

Despite a gap in regular-season momentum, Tigres UANL and Chivas Guadalajara enter the Liga MX quarterfinals as legitimate title threats, each bringing a different path—and plenty of pressure—into this high-stakes showdown.

Tigres, long known for their composure and experience in elimination rounds, will look to lean on that pedigree, while Chivas arrive riding a strong campaign that saw them finish just one goal shy of Pumas UNAM for the top spot in the standings.

The manager may be in his final days at Real Madrid. In a nearly unprecedented run without a title at such a massive club, his future looks uncertain. In the press conference before the Espanyol match, Álvaro Arbeloa was asked about rumors linking José Mourinho, the Portuguese coach, as his successor.

Arbeloa said: “I understand every question you ask, but my only answer will always be that the future is tomorrow. Every match at Real Madrid means everything because that is how I understand and live it.”

Real Madrid face the huge task of making up a considerable gap on Barcelona in the La Liga title race. With Espanyol as their challenge on Sunday, Arbeloa also has to keep an eye on the following weekend, when they see Barcelona in El Clásico.

Arbeloa avoids the polemic with Dani Ceballos

The main topic of the week for Real Madrid was a Marca report about a discussion involving Dani Ceballos. The report suggested that the player told the manager he did not want to hear from him again.

Ceballos wasn’t a regular presence in the team before the incident, with very little involvement in the biggest matches. That exchange could be one of several that have been attributed to the manager and some of the players.

Arbeloa said: “I do not start public debates about situations I have with players. The first thing I learned 20 years ago was that what happens in Real Madrid’s dressing room stays in Real Madrid’s dressing room.”

Arbeloa on a potential Franco Mastantuono loan

Among the topics the manager discussed was Franco Mastantuono. The young Argentine midfielder was never able to adapt to Real Madrid in his first years after a 60 million euros move that put too much pressure on him. A loan to get more minutes may be the next step, and he was asked about that possibility.

Arbeloa said: “He is a really young kid who could be playing for the club’s youth teams, but you see his talent and maturity. He does not look 18 years old in the way he speaks and behaves. I think he has a great future. He is a worthy player because of his talent, his ability and his commitment.”

The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Merih Demiral spilled far beyond the pitch in a heated Saudi Pro League clash that left both camps talking long after the final whistle. As Al-Nassr celebrated another crucial step toward the title, Al-Ahli was left frustrated, with emotions boiling over dramatically.

The match itself ended in a 2-0 victory for Al-Nassr, a result that tightened its grip on the top of the table and pushed it closer to domestic glory. Ronaldo once again stood at the center of the narrative, reaching 970 career goals and reinforcing his influence in decisive moments.

However, what followed the final whistle quickly overshadowed the result. Demiral, visibly frustrated, confronted opponents and made gestures toward the crowd that intensified an already charged atmosphere.

The defender even paraded his AFC Champions League medal in front of the home supporters, later doubling down on social media with a pointed message. “For the first time, there is a Champions League medal in their stadium,” he wrote, a remark that only fueled the rivalry further.

His frustration had been building throughout the match, particularly over refereeing decisions that he believed had gone against his team. “It looks clear referees help Al-Nassr, they want them to win,” the experienced defender said, making his stance unmistakably clear.

Social media provocation and growing rivalry

Demiral’s comments did not stop there, as he questioned the integrity of officiating in strong terms. “I swear to God, the refereeing is just unbelievable… they are constantly trying to help Al-Nassr win titles,” he added, reflecting the growing tension surrounding the fixture.

These claims echoed previous frustrations from within Al-Ahli, where players and officials had already raised concerns about decisions in recent weeks. The narrative of perceived bias has lingered, and this latest episode pushed it firmly into the spotlight again.

Meanwhile, Al-Nassr’s camp remained focused on the result. The club’s consistent performances and commanding lead in the standings have placed it in a dominant position, regardless of the external noise.

Demiral’s harsh punishment revealed

The fallout from the derby did not take long to arrive, as Saudi soccer authorities issued a series of punishments directed at Demiral. The disciplinary committee handed down multiple sanctions linked to his behavior during and after the match. Thus, Demiral has been hit with four separate penalties, confirming that his actions had crossed disciplinary lines.

The sanctions included a one-match suspension and a total fine of 175,000 riyals ($46,666), broken down across multiple violations. These ranged from media misconduct (100,000 riyals – $26,666) and inciting public opinion to provoking opposing fans (50,000 riyals – $13,333) and causing damage to stadium property (15,000 riyals – $4,000).

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho have recently found themselves linked in the same narrative, with fresh speculation suggesting a possible reunion at international level. With Portugal potentially entering a new era after the 2026 World Cup, speculation has begun to grow around a reunion that once defined an era at Real Madrid.

Earlier reports have suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with Mourinho more than a decade after their time together at Santiago Bernabeu. The possibility centers around the Portugal national team, with current manager Roberto Martinez approaching the end of his contract after the 2026 World Cup.

According to ESPN’s February report, Mourinho is seen as a leading candidate to take over the national team once that transition occurs. The scenario has added weight due to the boss’ long-standing connection with Portuguese soccer and his previously expressed desire to coach at international tournaments.

The 63-year-old has usually openly spoken about his ambition to lead a national team on the biggest stage. In a previous statement, he made his intentions clear about wanting to experience international competition at the highest level. “I want to play a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team, as I have already done many times with the clubs,” he said, via Corriere Dello Sport.

Mourinho’s response to Portugal speculation

Despite the growing rumors, the current Benfica manager has recently addressed the possibility of taking over a national team role, offering a measured response that reflects his current priorities. While he did not shut the door completely, he made it clear that the timing is not right for such a move.

“It’s not the right time yet to coach a national team,” Mourinho said when asked about the speculation. He expanded on his reasoning with a glimpse into his mindset. “I do think about it, but I also think about my life without club football… I can’t imagine my life without all of that,” he explained, emphasizing his attachment to the rhythm of club management.

Those comments suggest that while the idea of managing Portugal remains appealing, his immediate focus stays with day-to-day coaching responsibilities.

Real Madrid links add another twist

Adding further complexity to the situation are reports linking Mourinho with a return to Real Madrid. The Spanish giant is searching for stability, and his name has emerged as a serious option to lead a new project.

Mourinho has publicly played down those rumors, stating that no direct contact has been made. Still, the interest highlights how his profile continues to command attention at the highest level of the game.

For Portugal, this creates uncertainty. If club opportunities arise, Mourinho may choose to delay any move into international management, even if the role appeals to him in the long run.

What was already a very bad season for Dani Carvajal could get even worse after the latest injury news. This all but rules out the right back from playing again for Real Madrid, which also makes his World Cup participation with Spain look even less likely.

Real Madrid confirmed the injury in an official statement: “After the tests carried out on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe on his right foot. Pending evolution.”

This injury likely ends his season, as the expected recovery time is two to four weeks. Even if he could return sooner, he was already a backup in Álvaro Arbeloa’s team. Not being able to get on the field also raises even more doubts about his World Cup participation with Spain.

Carvajal likely played his last match for Real Madrid

The sporting side of this news could be softened by saying he might return next season at full strength to compete for a spot. However, there was a decision made by the club’s higher-ups not to keep Carvajal once his contract expires at the end of June, according to Marca.

His role had already been reduced because of the injuries he has dealt with recently. The torn ACL that ended the previous season also brought more issues than are normally expected when a player recovers from that type of injury.

What is unfortunate about Carvajal’s situation is that he may say goodbye to the fans without being able to be with the team, even though he has worn the captain’s armband for many matches. It feels unfair that a player who scored the winning goal in a Champions League final has to leave this way.

Carvajal’s season with Real Madrid

The numbers show how much his role was reduced with Arbeloa as manager, with reports also saying the two were not in the best relationship. Carvajal has played just 20 matches this season, with no goals, 14 in La Liga, one in the Copa del Rey, and five in the Champions League.

This is going to be the worst full Serie A season of Antonio Conte’s coaching career, as for the first time he will fail to reach 80 points after Napoli stumbled.

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The Partenopei won the title last term with 82 points, beating Inter to the Scudetto by a single point after 38 rounds.

They were held 0-0 by Como this evening, putting them on 70 points with three games left to play.

That means the maximum tally that Napoli could achieve at the end of the season is 79 points, a record low for the tactician.

Conte never earned fewer than 80 points

The only time he ever managed fewer points was with Atalanta in 2009-10, but that was not a full campaign, as he was only on the bench for 13 matches.

His record remains 102 points with Juventus in the 2013-14 campaign, also getting 87 and 84 during his Bianconeri experience.

When at Inter, Conte had 82 points in 2019-20, then 91 to win the Scudetto in 2020-21.

Italy international and Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma jokingly announced he got married as if it was a transfer. ‘Long-term contract signed.’

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He published photographs of them together in their wedding outfits surrounded by flowers, complete with the comment: ‘Long-term contract signed.’

To keep the transfer theme going, even pundit Fabrizio Romano popped up in their comments with his trademark: ‘Here we go’

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A post shared by GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA (@donnarumma)

The shot-stopper and his partner Alessia Elefante had been childhood sweethearts when going to school together in Castellammare di Stabia.

They have officially been together since 2016, when he was already playing for Milan and she moved to the city to join him, working as an interior designer.

Although this relationship has been solid for many years, and they were engaged since 2024 in Paris when he was playing for Paris Saint-Germain, they only tied the knot this week.

The couple also welcomed son Leo to the world in September 2024.

Atalanta had the best chances, rattling the woodwork with Giacomo Raspadori, but were unable to get more than a 0-0 draw, as Genoa are now mathematically safe.

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La Dea were eager to get back on track after a dismal run of one point from three rounds, plus Coppa Italia semi-final elimination to Lazio. Lorenzo Bernasconi’s season was over after a knee ligament injury, but Gianluca Scamacca started with Nikola Krstovic after a brace in the 3-2 defeat to Cagliari. The Grifone were almost sure of Serie A safety, despite a loss to Como. Tommaso Baldanzi was still out, but Brooke Norton-Cuffy returned to the bench and Justin Bijlow shook off a muscular twinge.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Vitinha and Krstovic tested the goalkeepers early on, while Vitinha on the counter saw his attempt deflected over the bar from a Lorenzo Colombo counter-attack.

Ederson’s first touch let him down in a very promising position on the Davide Zappacosta pull-back, while Bijlow almost let the Charles De Ketelaere angled drive squirm under him after a give and go with Giorgio Scalvini.

Scalvini was decisive at the other end with a crucial block on Jeff Ekhator’s first-time strike, and Krstovic’s flick did not surprise Bijlow at the near post.

Atalanta really should’ve scored when Bijlow spilled a powerful Ederson effort from outside the box and Giacomo Raspadori only prodded the rebound straight at the goalkeeper.

Bijlow fingertipped a Krstovic attempt round the near post, but Raspadori came closest on 79 minutes when his fierce strike thumped the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.

Genoa had to play the final minutes practically down to 10 men, as Junior Messias suffered a thigh strain after all the substitutions had been completed.

Deep into stoppages, a corner was cleared as far as Ederson, whose right-foot curler skimmed the crossbar.

Atalanta 0-0 Genoa

02-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Genoa

0 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

19'

Amorim

2nd half

Éderson		64'
Nikola Krstovic		78'

Match statistic

60

Possession %

40

21

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

2

8

Shots off target

3

6

Blocked shots

2

6

Corners

2

1

Offsides

0

14

Fouls

10

Atalanta

Genoa

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

57'

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

85'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

76'

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

76'

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

57'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

86'

4

Amorim

Midfielder

69'

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

70'

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

56'

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

9

Vitinha

Attacker

86'

Substitutes

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

5

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

18

Giacomo Raspadori

Attacker

57'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

57'

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

76'

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

76'

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

85'

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

99

Latif Ouedraogo

Defender

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

56'

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

69'

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

70'

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

86'

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

86'

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are reportedly among a host of clubs strongly interested in securing the services of Rangers prospect Bailey Rice.

According to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, the 19-year-old midfielder is set to leave Ibrox this summer upon the expiry of his contract, sparking a high-profile pursuit from several Premier League sides.

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Aston Villa looking to land Bailey Rice on free transfer

Aston Villa, alongside European semi-finalists Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, are pushing to sign the Scottish teenager as a free agent.

The report indicates that multiple English clubs have already entered formal discussions with Rice’s representatives, presenting detailed pathways designed to accelerate his transition into senior first-team football.

While Rice’s time at Rangers was once viewed as a major coup when he was signed from Motherwell in 2022, his development has seemingly slowed due to a lack of consistent opportunities.

Although he has made over a dozen first-team appearances for the Glasgow giants, including a cameo during the current 2025/26 campaign, the report states that the player has grown frustrated with the current playing time.

With his contract set to expire on May 31, 2026, a move south of the border appears increasingly inevitable as Villa and Palace look to beat continental competition from the likes of Ajax and Stuttgart and Schalke.

Who is Bailey Rice: Rangers’ young star?

Bailey Rice is a technically gifted, left-footed midfielder known primarily for his composure in a deep-lying playmaker role.

At just 19, he has already been capped by Scotland at various youth levels and is highly regarded for his tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

Rice is versatile enough to operate as a defensive midfielder or even drop into a central defensive role if required.

Despite his high ceiling, a injury in November 2025 sidelined him for several months, missing 22 games.

As he nears a return to full fitness this May, the race for his signature is intensifying, with Premier League scouts viewing him as an excellent long-term investment.

The post Report: Aston Villa plotting move to sign highly-rated midfielder for free appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a raid on West Ham for defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, as they look to capitalise on the instability currently surrounding the East London club.

According to a report from Sports Boom, the Magpies are ready to pounce on the 28-year-old Greek international as they begin a comprehensive summer rebuild.

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Newcastle want Konstantinos Mavropanos

According to the report, the interest from St James’ Park comes at a time of significant upheaval for West Ham.

Following the recent resignation of long-serving vice-chair Karren Brady, several high-level board roles remain vacant.

This off-field uncertainty is mirrored by a precarious situation on the pitch, with the Hammers currently embroiled in a tense relegation battle that has left them just two points above the drop zone.

The report claims that West Ham will be willing to sell Greek international this summer and Newcastle who are expected to undergo a summer rebuild are prepared to make a move for him.

The report further adds that any move will not be dependent on the future of Eddie Howe, with the Newcastle hierarchy already convinced by the 28-year-old’s credentials.

Konstantinos Mavropanos’ mixed time at West Ham so far

Since joining from Stuttgart in 2023, Mavropanos has experienced a rollercoaster tenure at the London Stadium.

While he has often been a standout performer, particularly during a recent revival under Nuno Espírito Santo, his start to life at West Ham was not the best.

In the 2025/26 campaign, the Greek center-back has shown his aerial prowess and goal-scoring threat, notably netting twice in a dominant 4-0 win over Wolves in April and an equaliser against Manchester City in March.

With contract talks reportedly stalling earlier this season, the defender is said to be interested in a fresh challenge.

For Newcastle, he represents a high-upside target who could finally provide a consistent partner for Malick Thiaw in the heart of their defense.

The post Report: Newcastle plotting raid on West Ham for their star defender appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Match Overview

A heated Florida derby takes center stage this MLS weekend, with Orlando City SC looking to climb out of a slow start as they host a red-hot Inter Miami side that has surged to second place in the Eastern Conference with 19 points, trailing only Nashville SC.

Despite sitting near the bottom of the standings with just seven points, Orlando will lean on the intensity of this rivalry to try to flip the script, while Lionel Messi and Miami aim to keep the pressure on the conference leaders and continue their strong run of form.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to shape soccer narratives even as they move deeper into the later stages of their careers, with both Al-Nassr and Inter Miami still heavily influenced by their presence. The latter’s set-piece output has drawn particular attention, prompting comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in the Saudi Pro League.

The Argentine has now scored eight direct free-kick goals for Inter Miami, a figure that underlines his continued precision from set pieces in MLS. The milestone includes goals in high-pressure matches such as the late strike against Philadelphia Union and decisive contributions during the club’s strong 2024 campaign.

According to Messivsronaldo.app, Messi’s total reflects sustained accuracy since joining the club, while outlets like ESPN and BBC Sport have highlighted several of his most memorable efforts, including a curling free kick against Nashville. One report described a “vintage” strike in a key match, emphasizing how even in North America, he remains a specialist in decisive moments.

BBC Sport noted the quality of one of his set-piece goals, describing it as “vintage” in execution. That level of consistency has made him a constant threat whenever the Herons earn a set-piece opportunity.

Ronaldo’s free-kick record in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has scored five direct free-kick goals for Al-Nassr, showcasing his continued effectiveness from distance even after moving to the Saudi Pro League. His goals include memorable strikes against Abha, Damac, Al-Fayha , and Al-Tai, with some arriving in dominant team performances, as per Messivsronaldo.app.

One of his standout moments came in April 2024 when he scored two free kicks in a single match against Abha, highlighting his ability to dictate games from set pieces. Earlier efforts included a long-range free kick against Damac and another powerful strike against Al-Feiha in a convincing win.

Ronaldo’s consistency in these moments has been widely documented, with analysts pointing out his continued threat from distance even as his role at Al-Nassr evolves. His technique remains a major weapon whenever the team is awarded a set piece in dangerous areas.

Eternal comparison between two icons

With Messi at eight and Ronaldo at five direct free-kick goals for their current clubs, the comparison naturally becomes part of the broader debate around their late-career output. Both players continue to influence matches through moments that require precision rather than volume.

Messi’s free-kick success has often come in tighter, more controlled game states, while Ronaldo’s goals have frequently arrived in matches where Al-Nassr dominates possession and territory. The difference reflects not only style but also tactical environments at Inter Miami and Al-Nassr. Still, both players maintain elite standards when given opportunities, reinforcing why they remain central figures for their clubs.

Real Madrid have not stopped competing with Álvaro Arbeloa as manager, but rumors about his replacement started a few weeks ago. One candidate who was speculated about was Jürgen Klopp, an idea Oliver Kahn disagreed with on Sky Germany.

Kahn said: “I don’t know if I would do that if I were Klopp. Do Real Madrid and he fit with each other? If we make a deep analysis, he is one of the managers who likes to develop and build. He works with a clear system.”

The former goalkeeper was critical of the players: “Real Madrid are something completely different. They are a group of individuals, a group of superstars that strongly reject being imposed on by any concept.”

Kahn recalls Alonso’s firing

The goalkeeper’s vast experience as a player includes nearly 1,000 matches in his career for Karlsruher SC, Bayern Munich and Germany. He knows that country better than most, so he saw Xabi Alonso’s rise as a manager up close.

His time at Bayer Leverkusen was historic to the point where they became the first undefeated Bundesliga champions in a competition where there is usually a dominant team, which led Kahn to use him as an example for Klopp if Real Madrid tempts him.

Kahn said: “We saw it with Alonso. It is about whether, as a manager, you have respect, can connect with the players, can manage the biggest stars and convince them of the system you are trying to implement.”

Alonso’s numbers with Real Madrid

Alonso’s stint in Madrid was short, largely because he could not get the players to follow his idea. The outcome was clear, as he managed just 34 matches, with 24 victories, 4 draws and 6 losses. Even if that record does not look bad on paper, it was mainly the type of defeats that led the club to end his contract in January of this year.

Antonio Conte insists Napoli put in ‘a good performance’ for the 0-0 draw with Como and took ‘another step forward’ towards Champions League qualification.

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Just like back in November at the Stadio Maradona, the game ended 0-0 between these two teams, while Como emerged victorious on penalties in the Coppa Italia quarter-final after another stalemate.

The hosts had the best chances with Amir Rrahmani’s goal-line clearance denying Tasos Douvikas and a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic save on Martin Baturina, but late on Matteo Politano thumped the woodwork and Scott McTominay drilled wide on the counter-attack.

Conte pleased with Napoli stalemate

“It was certainly a good performance, as without that you don’t emerge unscathed from a game where both Napoli and Como had a lot at stake. Como probably had more at stake with Champions League qualification,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“We were a little too timid in the first half and didn’t put the right pressure on. Let us not forget they have a goalkeeper who makes it very difficult, because with the slightest wrong movement, he can get away and then force you to sprint back to cover the space.

“We improved in terms of quality after the restart, had chances to score goals, but there are three games to go. We made another step forward, not just for a Champions League place, but also to try and finish as high up the table as possible.

“The lads did well, we must congratulate them for the performance against a tough opponent.”

There were some potential counter-attack situations for the Partenopei, but Kevin De Bruyne was substituted early and looked a little rusty.

“Como created some opportunities when we lost the ball, so we weren’t as clean in our passing, the central midfielders were too stretched out and not close enough to each other. The playmakers need to be more co-ordinated,” continued Conte.

“We lost the ball stupidly a couple of times and that created some tension. We improved a lot after the break, with two big scoring opportunities, but even in the first we had some situations with Hojlund where we could’ve made better choices.

“De Bruyne is in the same condition he was last week, not much has changed in seven days. He had done very well against Cremonese and scored a goal, but some games you can do better than others, he played his part today. I decided to bring on Anguissa and move McTominay into a more advanced role.”

This result means that Napoli feel more secure in second place, but Inter will be able to celebrate the Scudetto tomorrow evening with as little as a point against Parma at San Siro.

Cesc Fabregas cannot decide if he is proud or angry after Como’s 0-0 draw with Napoli, but reveals the advice he gave to Nico Paz about learning from Ousmane Dembele.

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Fabregas continues to frustrate his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, because they met three times this season and all of them were draws, with Como winning the penalty shoot-out in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.

His side had the best earlier chances today with Amir Rrahmani clearing a Tasos Douvikas effort off the line, but late on Matteo Politano was denied by the upright in a goalless stalemate.

Fabregas unsure of Como reaction

Was the coach more happy with the performance or irritated at the result today?

“It depends. In my head, considering who we were a year and a half ago, I can say I am very proud. But then we tried to win today, we didn’t manage it, so in that sense I am angry,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.

“We tried to be very aggressive, to press Napoli, I saw the team I wanted to see, trying to win the game. Nico Paz, Da Cunha, Perrone were fighting it out in midfield against Lobotka, De Bruyne and McTominay, so that’s something I cannot forget either.”

The other meeting back in November 2025 also ended 0-0, but in that game Vanja Milinkovic-Savic had parried an Alvaro Morata penalty.

This result means that Como could be left further behind Juventus and Roma tomorrow in the race for the top four, as the Bianconeri could go five points clear.

“I sense the constant growth of my players, I am very demanding with them, and when I see performances against Sassuolo, Udinese, Parma, Fiorentina where they don’t give me what I want to see, I don’t forget those.

“Having said that, 95 per cent of the time, they do give me what I want to see. I know where they were a couple of years ago and how they are constantly stepping up, so as a coach it is not just about analysing victory or defeat, there are hours and hours of invisible work.

“In that sense, we should be happy that Como are challenging for important positions the year after returning to Serie A, having been out of the top flight for 21 years.”

Nico Paz is widely expected to return to Real Madrid, who have a buy-back clause, but Fabregas seemed far from certain the Argentina international would leave Como this summer.

“Are you so sure? This is not the moment to talk about the future. We are building something here, we’ve seen so much progress and want to keep working together.”

It was noted that Nico Paz showed improvement in his work rate today, tracking back to help the defence.

“In modern football, it is total football, you must be able to do everything,” noted Fabregas.

“I had the opportunity to be in Paris the other day for the Champions League semi-final and I saw that Dembele was man-marking Pavlovic, a Ballon d’Or player was doing that. If a Ballon d’Or can do that, so can everyone.

“I think this style of football can be adapted to my squad and what we want to do with a very young squad.”

That incredible game saw PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4, so have Como also picked up some tricks like kicking the ball straight into touch to start building from the back?

“If you’ve been following Como, you will know we’ve done that before, even if it is a little different,” smiled Fabregas.

“You want to create a situation where they can be forced into errors. We don’t do it exactly like them, but we might do in future.”

Inter can no longer win the Scudetto without setting foot on the field tomorrow, but they only need a draw against Parma to secure the Serie A title.

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There was the opportunity going into the Week 35 fixtures that they could pop the champagne corks while watching the other games.

They needed Napoli to suffer a defeat to Como at the Stadio Sinigaglia, and for Sassuolo to be unbeaten against Milan on Sunday afternoon.

Inter Scudetto scenario has changed

Seeing as Napoli were held to a 0-0 draw by Como today, it means that scenario can no longer play out.

However, it does change the situation in that now Inter can clinch the Scudetto with as little as a draw against Parma at San Siro on Sunday evening.

The Nerazzurri are currently nine points clear at the top of the table, so going up to 10 points with only three rounds left to play would put them beyond reach.