Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT will have to do without their star attacker, Milan’s Christian Pulisic, who has been ruled out of Friday evening’s 2026 World Cup group stage match against Australia. 

Pulisic was substituted off at half-time during the USA’s 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay last week, and though both the player and his head coach insisted that this was only on precautionary grounds, the issue is severe enough to rule ‘Captain America’ out of the squad altogether for the Australia clash. 

There is still some Serie A representation in the USA side in the form of versatile Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Former Milan full-back Sergino Dest also keeps his place in Pochettino’s XI. 

Parma’s Alessandro Circati is included in the Australia XI, but former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato is named among the substitutes. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

USA vs. Australia: Confirmed line-ups as Pulisic ruled out

USA (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, A.Robinson; Adams, McKennie; Dest, Tillman, Balogun; Pepi. 

Subs: Turner, Brady, Trusty, M.Robinson, Afrsten, McKenzie, Scally, Reyna, Berhalter, Roldan, Aaronson, Wright, Weah, Zendejas. 

Australia (5-4-1): Beach; Italiano, Souttar, Burgess, Bos, Circati; Leckie, O’Neill, Okon-Enstler, Velupillay; Toure. 

Subs: Ryan, Izzo, Degenek, Geria, Trewin, Behich, Herrington, Metcalfe, Devlin, Irvine, Hrustic, Mabil, Irankunda, Volpato, Yengi.

Friday’s reports claim that Juventus have been in contact with the agent of Paulo Dybala regarding a sensational return to Turin in 2026-27 despite the ongoing negotiations over a new contract with Roma. 

Report: Juventus request information on Dybala

Dybala spent seven trophy-laden careers with the Bianconeri, winning the Serie A title five times, the Coppa Italia four times, the Supercoppa Italiana twice and reaching the final of the 2016-17 Champions League before joining Roma on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Dybala’s current contract with Roma expires at the end of the month, but the Giallorossi have long been discussing a renewal with ‘La Joya’, who will have to accept a cut in wages from the reported €7m base salary he has been earning for the last two seasons. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are currently offering Dybala, who will turn 33 in November, a net salary of €2.5m per season, while the player and his entourage are reportedly holding out for €3m per season plus bonuses. This would be for a one-year contract with an option to extend for a further season. 

However, Dybala and his agents have not fully closed the doors to opportunities elsewhere, and according to Friday’s updates, Juventus are among the clubs who have been in contact with the player’s representatives to discuss the financial details of a potential deal. 

For now, this has been described as an ‘exploratory’ call, and it remains to be seen whether or not Juventus will follow up on this initial sign of interest.

Get today’s transfer updates with the Football Italia Transfer Show on YouTube with fresh news on Paulo Dybala, Nico Paz, Curtis Jones and much more.

The new episode of the Football Italia Transfer Show has dropped on our YouTube channel.

Football Italia Transfer Show: July 19, 2026

It’s been another day with plenty of juicy updates from Serie A, starting with Corriere dello Sport’s report that Nico Paz’s decision to stay at Como for one more season has upset Real Madrid, who still want to bring the Argentine back to the Bernabeu and have warned Cesc Fabregas’ side that they’ll need to pay €60m to remove Madrid’s buy-back option.

According to Gazzetta, Juventus have sounded out Paulo Dybala’s availability to return to Turin as contract extension talks between La Joya and the Giallorossi are still stalling and the striker’s contract expires on June 30, 2026.

Inter are keen on Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, but the Reds are reluctant to let the Englishman leave for less than €30m.

Get the most relevant updates on the Football Italia Transfer Show. Watch the full episode below.

Reports in Italy claim that Milan are not giving up in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche, despite claims in Germany that the Bundesliga side are unwilling to let the executive leave so close to the start of the summer transfer window. 

Report: Milan still holding out hope for Krösche and Hardung 

Milan’s hunt for a new set of sporting and technical directors continues following the departures of Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani back in May. 

Over the last week, reports in Italy have indicated that Eintracht Frankfurt’s Krösche was at the top of the Rossoneri wishlist to take over as technical director or ‘head of football’, and that he would bring his Eintracht Frankfurt colleague Timmo Hardung with him if he were to make the switch to San Siro this summer. 

News outlets in Italy had even claimed that Krösche and Hardung had reached agreements to join the senior management structure in Milan.

However, reports in Germany have made it clear that Eintracht Frankfurt are unwilling to let go of their directors as it would have an obvious impact on the club’s plans for the 2026-27 season. 

Reports on Thursday criticised Milan for their ‘amateurish’ handling of negotiations with Krösche and Frankfurt and argued that Krösche had been left ‘annoyed’ by the reports that he had reached an agreement to join Milan when nothing had been arranged between the two clubs. 

• Read more: Who is Milan-linked Krösche and who are his best signings?

There are conflicting reports in Germany and Italy, as La Gazzetta dello Sport have reported on Friday that Milan are not giving up on their pursuit of Krösche and Hardung, despite the reports in Germany that the directors will not leave their current positions in Frankfurt. 

The Pink Paper claims that despite their initial rejection earlier this week, Milan continued to discuss a potential set of deals for Krösche and Hardung on Thursday. The Rossoneri are reportedly hoping that Frankfurt will ‘soften’ their current stance if the potential compensation fee is raised. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport confesses that the signs are still not particularly encouraging for Milan. 

Other names that have been linked with the technical director role include Devin Ozek and Simon Rolfes.

Meanwhile, reports from Gianluca Di Marzio claim that former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Al-Shabab director Domenico Teti is a potential option in the role of sporting director. 

Former Italy star Marco Materazzi taunts his former Inter teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic: ‘With what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.’

Safe to say it hasn’t been an easy summer for ex-Milan and Inter star Ibrahimovic, who is currently leading the Rossoneri’s rebuild as a senior advisor to Gerry Cardinale.

Materazzi jokes: Ibrahimovic is the biggest Inter fan

Milan sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and directors Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada and Igli Tare at the end of the 2025-26 campaign without having a clear plan B.

They did hire Ruben Amorim as their new coach on a three-year deal, but missed out first on Ralf Rangnick and then on Markus Kroche as Football Directors, meaning the Serie A giants are still without a leading figure deciding on the sporting project and new signings.

Questioned about his rivalry with Ibrahimovic during their playing career, ex-Inter defender Materazzi told Gazzetta: “For me, it was just an on-the-field matter. I don’t know about him. I can’t really say anything about him because, with what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.”

The dispute between Ibra and Materazzi began in 2009, when the Swede pushed to join Barcelona and ultimately completed the move in a swap deal involving Samuel Eto’o.

“Eto’o knew he was strong; he had an incredible ego, but he put himself at the team’s disposal with humility,” Materazzi said.

“Even if, in footballing terms, he’s not the most humble I’ve ever met, he always gave his all for the team.

“He didn’t care whether Milito, Materazzi or Zanetti would score. What mattered was to lift the trophies. For this reason, I’ll forever be grateful to Ibrahimovic, as he left Barcelona and let us get Eto’o.”

Italy are at a crossroads and need to rebuild again after missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time. In this new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni and Richard Hall discuss who should remain in the Azzurri squad and who should be cut.

New day and new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show on YouTube.

Keep or drop? Assessing the future of the Italy national team

In our very first episode alongside TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton earlier this week, we discussed Roberto Mancini’s potential return as the Azzurri national team coach.

Today, we examine the options for the incoming Nazionale boss.

Starting from Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy squad for the World Cup play-off in March, Richard Hall and Lorenzo Bettoni named the Italy players who should be given a second chance and those who should not be part of the new project.

Check out our YouTube page for all the episodes of the Football Italia Summer Show and our daily transfer updates.

If you haven’t done it yet, subscribe to the channel and join the conversation with your questions and thoughts!

Italy’s rebuild: Who stays and who goes?

Watch the full episode below

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Liverpool refuse to lower their €30m asking price for Curtis Jones, but Inter are still confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds as the Englishman wants to move to San Siro.

Inter continue to push to sign Liverpool midfielder Jones and are confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds in the coming days.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Jones and Solet

Gazzetta reports that Inter sent an opening €20m offer for the 25-year-old earlier this week, but Liverpool continue to ask for €30m and a sell-on clause.

The Nerazzurri are reportedly working to finalise a deal in the coming days as they hope Jones can start the pre-season under Cristian Chivu in less than a month.

Jones’ contract expires in a year, boosting Inter’s confidence that Liverpool will ultimately lower their asking price.

Gazzetta claims that Jones wants to move to Inter this summer.

The pink paper adds that the Nerazzurri have continued talks with Udinese over Oumar Solet and aim to bring the 26-year-old to San Siro in time for the start of the pre-season.

Inter have practically completed their first summer signing as they are finalising negotiations with Atalanta for Marco Palestra in a deal exceeding €50m.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Nico Paz’s decision to remain at Como in 2026-27 has upset Real Madrid, which still want the Argentine to return to the Bernabeu unless the Serie A club pay €60m.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Real Madrid are unhappy with Nico Paz’s decision to remain at Como in 2026-27.

Nico Paz’s transfer decision upsets Real Madrid

AS.com in Spain reported earlier this week that Paz had opted to stay at the Stadio Sinigaglia for one more year, given that Real Madrid are bringing in several experienced players, including Bernardo Silva, which will raise the competition for a starting spot in attack next season.

Italian sources such as Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano had been more cautious, saying that Como were confident of retaining Paz, but adding that the Serie A side and Real Madrid were in talks to determine the best transfer formula.

Technically, Nico Paz is a Como player, having completed a permanent transfer from Real Madrid two years ago.

Real Madrid, however, have an option to bring him back until 2027.

If they sign him this summer, they’ll need to pay €10m, while the fee for the next campaign is €11m.

Corriere dello Sport adds that Como will be entitled to a 50% sell-on clause if Paz remains with the club beyond the summer.

The Italian newspaper claims that Real Madrid still want to bring the Argentine back to the club this summer by activating their clause and have warned Como that the only way to retain him permanently is by paying €60m.

Juventus striker Jonathan David has made history for Canada, becoming the country’s first player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup, but Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Koné suffered a serious injury in a 6-0 win over Qatar.

Canada secured a comfortable 6-0 win over Qatar in their second group stage game at the 2026 World Cup last night.

Juventus striker David makes Canada history at World Cup

Juventus striker David took centre stage by scoring a hat-trick, becoming the first-ever Canadian player to score three goals in a World Cup match.

There was, however, also bad news for one of the World Cup’s host countries as Sassuolo midfielder Koné suffered a broken leg eight minutes into the second half with Canada leading 3-0.

Assim Madibo’s reckless challenge led to Koné’s injury. The player from Qatar initially received a yellow card, but this was quickly upgraded to a red card after a VAR review.

 “Ismael is such a great kid – he’s so imperfect, but that’s part of why you love him,” said Canada coach Jesse Marsch via The Sun.

“Because he can do great things that nobody else can do, then the next moment he loses concentration. He embodies us as a team, it’s a huge loss for us. He’ll be fine; we’ll get him good doctors and get him back, but that kid is a big part of our future and everything we do.”

Both Koné and David have just terminated their first season in Serie A.

David scored eight goals in 46 appearances across all competitions with Juventus, while Koné netted six times in 36 matches with Sassuolo.

David is now the World Cup’s top-goal scorer, but according to recent reports in Italy, Juventus are open to offers for the Canada international this summer.

According to Gazzetta, however, David wants to remain at Juventus and fight for a starting spot in 2026-27.

Catch our latest Transfer Show on YouTube, where we break down the latest updates on David and the newest transfer news from Serie A.

You can watch the full episode below.

Igor Protti’s family has announced the death of the former Italian striker at the age of 58 and, in accordance with his wishes, shared his final message: ‘This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle.’

Former Italian striker Protti died last night, aged 58.

Ex-Italian striker Protti dies at 58

His family confirmed the news in a statement published on his official Instagram page: “With immense sorrow, the family announces that Igor passed away during the night,” the statement reads.

In accordance with Protti’s wishes, the family also published a farewell message from the ex-striker: “This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle. It is difficult to find words that can explain it, the only thing I can do is thank my great and wonderful family, whom I have loved dearly.

“I also want to thank all the people who cared for me and stood by my side, and all the supporters of the teams I played for, for the affection and love they always showed me, which I wholeheartedly returned. Hoping this is a see you again rather than a farewell.”

Protti revealed in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which, by September, had spread to his vertebrae. At the end of last month, he walked his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

A former striker for Livorno, Messina, Bari, Napoli and Lazio, among others, Protti was, along with Dario Hubner, the only player to become the Capocannoniere in each of the top-three Italian leagues: Serie A, Serie B and Serie C.

To date, he’s also the only player to finish as the Serie A leading scorer while playing for a team that was relegated in the same season (Bari).

During his playing career, Protti scored 48 goals in 144 Serie A matches.

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La Gazzetta dello Sport

Big coup: here’s Palestra

Meeting with Atalanta: agreement close for a 50m deal. Chivu signs until 2028

Carletto changes everything: Brazil with four strikers

Ancelotti with a super attack for a push against Haiti

Messi beats Ronaldo, duel (almost) over

Corriere dello Sport

Ancelotti changes, Montella risks

Watch Out for Paz

In Madrid, the Argentine feels blocked by Bellingham and Bernardo Silva

Real Madrid and Nico at odds: ‘Bring us €60 million.’

The talent has asked to play the Champions League with Como. Florentino picks the hard line: he doesn’t want to renew the loan. Cesc stunned. Premier League looming.

Inter, now there’s Jones. Chivu until 2028

Ausilio calls Liverpool: breakthrough for the full-back, 50m to La Dea

Kolo, Juve prepare the offer

New contacts with the entourage. Vicario advances in goal

Milan, now Leao is a burden

The Portuguese is disappointing at the World Cup too: Cardinale worried

Tuttosport

Lucumì, Juventus push

The Colombian centre-back is convincing in terms of leadership and versatility: contacts with the Rossoblu have resumed. Working on the 28m clause, the good relationship can ease the deal. Kolo Muani: Carnevali in talks with PSG. Attacking midfield: idea Zaniolo as an alternative to Brahim Diaz. Milan in the race too.

Toro and Abate: project Cacciamani

Montella risks flopping, asks for Yildiz’s help

Ancelotti remakes Brazil, but there’s the Neymar affair

Malagò is eligible, green light to Mancini

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Fabio Capello is celebrating his 80th birthday on Thursday and has named the best players he has worked with in his career to date, the best ‘pupil’ that he has taught and has looked back on his most memorable highlights from a career that spanned over 50 years. 

Capello’s 80th birthday interview: ‘Herrera lightyears ahead, Cassano made me too angry’

As a player, Capello was a four-time Scudetto winner and lifted trophies with Roma, Juventus and Milan, before embarking on a managerial career that would take him back to Milan, Roma, Juve but also to Real Madrid, and the England and Russia national teams. 

Capello won nine trophies while in charge of Milan, including the 1993-94 Champions League, two league titles with Real Madrid, two trophies with Roma and two league titles with Juventus that were later revoked. 

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello says that there are three main coaches that have given him the most inspiration. 

“I tried to take something from all of their methods. I copied a lot from (Helenio) Herrera, a great motivator, lightyears ahead of the rest. I won my first trophy with him, the Coppa Italia in 1969, beating Cagliari with Riva, the greatest striker around by some distance. 

“(Nils) Liedholm, on the other hand, made you believe that you wanted to do something, even if it was actually just him who wanted you to do it. 

“(Nereo) Rocco understood football brilliantly. He was very direct, no beating around the bush.” 

And what are Capello’s favourite memories from his playing career?

“The early days,” he replied. “The first trophies: The first Coppa Italia, the first Scudetto with Juve, putting the star on the shirt with Rivera’s Milan, the strongest team I played in. 

“As a coach, the best feeling of all was the 1994 Champions League which we won against all odds, so that was even more beautiful.” 

Capello says that De Rossi was his best ‘student’, i.e. players that he has coached that have gone on to have their own coaching career. 

“If I have to name one, I would say De Rossi. I gave him his debut at Roma, I invested a lot in him, so out of affection, I would say Daniele.” 

And who is the best player that Capello has had the honour of coaching?

“Ronaldo, o Fenomeno. He was an absolute champion. It’s a shame he didn’t want to make any more sacrifices. And in Madrid, they forced me to sell him. 

“Another out-of-this-world talent was Cassano, but he made me too angry: A talent that was lost.” 

Inter have officially announced that head coach Cristian Chivu has put pen to paper on a new contract extension, which will tie the Romanian to the club until the summer of 2028. 

Chivu’s contract extension comes as a reward after a remarkable first season in charge, guiding the Nerazzurri to a Serie A and Coppa Italia double in what was the 45-year-old’s first full season as a head coach. 

Chivu spent the final seven years of his playing career in San Siro and held coaching roles with Inter’s U14s, U17s, U18s and the Primavera side before taking charge of Parma in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign. 

Chivu was then brought back to Inter following the departure of Simone Inzaghi at the end of the 2024-25 season and ended up guiding the Nerazzurri to both the Coppa Italia trophy and the Scudetto in 2025-26. 

Chivu’s previous contract had been due to expire next year, in the summer of 2027.

What Inter said about Chivu’s contract extension

“FC Internazionale Milano is delighted to confirm the contract extension of head coach Cristian Chivu. Thanks to the contract renewal, Coach Chivu will stay in charge of the Nerazzurri until 2028,” read a statement on the club website.

“Cristian Chivu’s story is truly unique: it’s a story defined by passion and sacrifice, it’s a tale of memorable and defining moments. It’s a story entrenched in Nerazzurri colours, with the Club there at every stage of the coach’s life, as was the case when Chivu was appointed Inter head coach on 9 June 2025.

“Since then, Cristian has been on the touchlines for Inter for 58 matches in an intense and demanding season that proved unforgettable as the months went by. The coach won a historic double featuring Inter’s 21st Scudetto, the Club’s tenth Coppa Italia. These were victories from a special team built under the Romanian coach, who was also recognised as Serie A Coach of the Season for 2025/26.

“Pride, loyalty, and passion for Inter: these were Chivu’s words to introduce himself to the Nerazzurri family at the start of his third stint with Inter. Words that served as a mantra, guiding his daily work with the squad and building the foundations for a triumphant season. 

“They are also values he recognised in his players, the core of a special team that went on to achieve remarkable success. Chivu has always allowed his team to be recognised for their merits, stepping back to let them have their moments to shine, even in the most celebratory moments. 

“These include the Coppa Italia ceremony in Rome, when he left the stage to the players, and at San Siro during the Serie A trophy celebration, when his players had to encourage him to lift the trophy with captain Lautaro Martinez. Perhaps the most special recognition of all: a group that truly views Chivu as their leader and guide.

“He’s a coach who can read every moment, a master who has passed on the values of Inter passion, a tradition long carried forward by a group that has consistently raised the profile of the Nerazzurri colours over the years. 

“This has been a key part of Inter’s journey, a factor that has given the players self-belief and allowed them to pick themselves back up after they were knocked down, a driving force ready to propel the team towards new challenges and new goals: from the Champions League to the league title, via the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup.

“This season has also seen the Romanian coach set several records: Chivu won the Scudetto as a coach after winning three league titles as a player, a feat achieved only by Armando Castellazzi in 1937/38, after winning in midfield for Inter’s 1929/30 Scudetto, while the legendary Virgilio Fossati had won as player-manager of the first championship in Nerazzurri history. 

“That’s not all, Chivu is also the fifth Inter coach in history to win Serie A in his first season, after Árpad Weisz (1929/30), Alfredo Foni (1952/53), Giovanni Invernizzi (1970/71), and Jose Mourinho (2008/09). Chivu’s records extent to more than this as he is the second coach to win Serie A with both the first team and the Primavera side, having previously won with Inter’s youth squad in 2022. 

“Alongside him, only Invernizzi had accomplished this, who, as well as the 1971 title, also won three Primavera tournaments in 1964, 1966, and 1969. Chivu is therefore the first to win the Scudetto across all three of his Nerazzurri ‘lives’. With the addition of the Coppa Italia, he has once again rewritten the record books, becoming the only figure in Inter history to win both competitions in the same season as both player and coach.

“Triumphs and spectacular achievements, possible only for those who truly know what it means to have passion for Inter, a value that has defined the entire season and will once again guide Cristian Chivu until 2028.”

The latest Football Italia Transfer Show is out on YouTube. Check out today’s most relevant updates from Italy.

Italy international Marco Palestra is expected to join Inter by next week, as the newly crowned Serie A champions had a positive meeting with Atalanta on Thursday and are close to reaching an agreement over the full-back’s transfer fee.

Inter have moved quickly to replace Denzel Dumfries, who will move to Real Madrid for €20m.

Serie A transfer round-up June 18

Inter’s city rivals Milan are still looking for a director of football and a sporting director, and the uncertainty regarding the club’s management has unsettled some key members of the team, such as Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, according to Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport.

Both Frenchmen are reportedly considering leaving Milan this summer, even though they have not yet made any public statement about their intentions, unlike their teammate Rafael Leao.

Jonathan David, on the other hand, wants to stay at Juventus to prove his worth in 2026-27, and according to Gazzetta, the Canadian’s stance complicates the Bianconeri’s search for a new centre-forward.

Roma remain keen on Mason Greenwood, and it is cheaper for the Giallorossi to sign the Englishman by the end of the month than from July 1.

As reported by Gazzetta, Marseille might be forced by financial difficulties to accept a €50m fee, including add-ons, to sell Greenwood before June 30, while, from July 1, a €60m clause will activate for the ex-Manchester United winger.

Find out today’s transfer updates in the Football Italia Transfer Show

Five Serie A stars are involved in the starting line-ups as Switzerland and Bosnia meet in the second round of group stage fixtures at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday evening. 

Group B at the 2026 World Cup is at a complete deadlock after the first round of group stage fixtures as the opening matches between Switzerland and Qatar ended level at 1-1, as did the match between Bosnia and co-hosts Canada.

Switzerland have made two changes for Thursday’s match, dropping Denis Zakaria and Ruben Vargas in favour of Silvan Widmer and Fabian Rieder. 

The Swiss side will feature three Italian representatives in the form of Inter center-back Manuel Akanji, Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler and Pisa’s Michel Aebischer. Milan’s Ardon Jashari is named among the substitutes. 

Bosnia, who defeated Italy in the World Cup play-off final in order to qualify, will have two Serie A representatives in Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic and Atalanta’s Sead Kolasinac. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

Switzerland vs. Bosnia: Confirmed line-ups

Switzerland (4-3-3): Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Rieder, Embolo, Ndoye. 

Subs: Mvogo, Keller, Coemert, Amenda, Jaquez, Zakaria, Manzambi, Jashari, Sow, Fassnacht, Vargas, Okafor, Amdouni, Itten.

Bosnia (4-4-2): Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Alajbegovic, Tahirovic, Sunjic, Memic; Dzeko, Demirovic. 

Subs: Jurkas, Zlomislic, Mujakic, Hadzikadunic, Radeljic, Malic, Gigovic, Basic, Hadziahmetovic, Burnic, Mahmic, Bazdar, Bajraktaervic, Tabakovic, Lukic.

Reports in Germany claim that Milan offered Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche a staggering salary of €10m per season for four years and a transfer budget of €700m in order to transform the Rossoneri, but this was still not enough to convince the German to move to San Siro. 

BILD: Milan’s handling of Krösche negotiations were ‘amateurish’

Milan have recently learned that Krösche will not be joining the club in the role of ‘head of football’. The Eintracht Frankfurt director had been linked with a move to take over the sporting sector of the club but seems set to stay on in his current role with the Bundesliga outfit. 

• Read more: Who is Milan-linked Krösche and who are his best signings?

That is despite the fact that Milan were willing to offer Krösche €40m in salary over a four-year period, equating to €10m net per season according to reports from German outlet BILD. 

A €10m-per-season salary would have been significantly higher than any of the current players in the Rossoneri squad: The likes of Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan believed to be earning somewhere in the region of €7m net per season. 

BILD also claims that Milan were willing to give Krösche a budget of €700m over a four-year period to completely transform the playing staff, coaching staff and the general sporting side of the club.  

Thursday’s report points out that there was a release clause in Krösche’s contract with Eintracht Frankfurt, believed to be worth €7m, but this would have only been valid during the winter, not the summer. 

That means that Milan would have had to negotiate with Frankfurt, who reportedly set their price at €10m to free Krösche from his current contract. 

In the end, the German executive decided to stay where he is, and BILD claims that part of his decision was due to the fact that he did not want to ‘let down’ a club that has treated him so well so close to the beginning of the transfer window, nor did he want to disappoint the 600 staff that work under him at the Deutsche Bank Park. 

BILD also claims that Krösche was ‘annoyed’ at the reports that came out in the Italian press regarding his talks with Milan when an agreement had not been reached. The German outlet claims that the handling of the situation was ‘amateurish’ from such a respected and world-renowned club.

Czechia and South Africa are hoping to get off the mark at the 2026 World Cup when they face each other in Atlanta as the second round of group stage fixtures gets underway on Thursday evening. 

Both nations fell to defeats in their first matches in Group A: South Africa fell to a 3-1 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup while Czechia were defeated 2-1 by South Korea shortly afterwards. 

South Africa’s defeat was particularly costly as they had two players sent off in the process and will therefore be without Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane against Czechia on Thursday. 

The Czech outfit has made a handful of changes, most notably leaving West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek among the substitutes. 

There are no Serie A representatives involved in today’s game

Kick-off is due at 17.00 BST.

Czechia vs. South Africa: Confirmed line-ups 

Czechia (5-3-2): Kovar; Coufal, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Sojka; Sadilek, Darida, Cerv; Hlozek, Schick.

Subs: Stanek, Hornicek, Zima, Chaloupek, Zeleny, Doudera, Provod, Soucek, Sochurek, Kuchta, Chytil, Sulc, Chory, Visinsky.

South Africa (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams; Maseko, Rayners, Appollis.

Subs: Chaine, Goss, Matuludi, Ndamane, Kabini, Sibisi, Makhanya, Cross, Moremi, Foster, Mofokeng, Makgopa, Sebelebele.

Suspended: Sithole, Zwane

Fabio Paratici refuses to rule out Moise Kean’s summer exit, but insists Fiorentina want to retain Cher Ndour and are interested in Luca Koleosho.

Paratici held a press conference at the Viola Park on Thursday to discuss the Tuscans’ plans for the summer transfer window.

“The ownership is very strong; it wants to build a competitive and lasting Fiorentina over the years. I want to emphasise these two words: competitive and lasting,” he said via LaViola.it.

“The ownership, I add, needs time. Things don’t happen in two weeks. It takes time to build lasting and competitive things.”

Paratici had met with Kean’s agent on Wednesday.

“We are in a transfer window. There are discussions with the footballers and their entourages. It’s a normal thing. I’m definitely not here to tell you the whole truth of what we say to each other with players and their entourage during this transfer window, to be honest,” Paratici said.

“As for Kean, he is absolutely a heritage of Italian football and Fiorentina. Everyone knows how fond I am of him; I watched him grow from when he was nine years old until the Champions League.

“I’ve also already sold him once under my management. I am as fond of him as I am of all the footballers I have had. But we are in a market period. We hope and want him to be our No.9. But all football clubs are not masters of their fate on the market, apart from the top five or six in the world.

“I believe it is a sincere and realistic response for our fans. First of all, because it takes respect, but also to educate people about what’s happening in the world of the market and football in general.”

Fiorentina parted ways with coach Paolo Vanoli a few weeks ago and hired Fabio Grosso.

“Grosso was the only candidate. We liked the profile and everything that follows,” Paratici said.

Fiorentina have not won a trophy in over 20 years.

“You always need a minimum correlation between dream and goal. They should be as closely related as possible,” noted Paratici.

“Yesterday my son, who plays football, told me his dream is to play in the World Cup. I told him that if his goal is to play in the World Cup, we risk getting disappointed. It’s best if we set a realistic goal and a dream that’s close to it. That’s not to say you don’t want to try to win. But the dream remains a dream and a goal becomes a goal.”

Fiorentina failed to qualify for European competitions in 2025-26, does Paratici fear the club has lost appeal?

“No, Fiorentina have not lost appeal. The clubs have not lost appeal. Liverpool didn’t win for 20 years, and all the footballers wanted to go there. Manchester United haven’t won in so many years, but ask any footballer if they don’t want to go play for them.

“The clubs are historic; they have their own historic relevance regardless of the sporting result. Then it’s clear that if you play the Champions League, you’re more attractive.”

U21 Italy international Ndour has been linked with Juventus, but Paratici is not considering selling him, contrary to Dodo.

“Ndour is at the heart of Fiorentina’s project, absolutely,” Paratici said.

“He’s just getting started; he needs to confirm himself. This is another point I would like to emphasise, not only for Fiorentina but for Italian football. We cannot beatify players after twelve matches. We can have a positive or negative impression. We don’t even have to crucify them.

“We need to find a balance. Ndour had a very good second half of the season. He’s growing. We expect him to improve even further next season.

“Dodo is 28 years old and has legitimate ambitions. Like Fiorentina have them. We’ll see what happens in the next few days or months.”

During an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Paratici also confirmed interest in Burnley-owned Koleosho: “Everyone likes good players. Koleosho is a good player, like others in the U21 team,” Paratici concluded.

Paratici took charge of Fiorentina in February 2026 so this is the first transfer window he’ll oversee at the Stadio Franchi.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Marco Palestra is closing in on a move to Inter after the latest meeting between the Serie A champions and Atalanta today.

Inter are close to reaching a full agreement with Atalanta for Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Latest meeting brings Palestra closer to Inter

The Italian broadcasters claim that a meeting between the two clubs took place on Thursday morning, helping the newly crowned Serie A champions move closer to Atalanta’s demands.

According to the report, the two parties hope to shake hands by the end of next week.

Currently, the two parties are discussing the bonus structure and a potential sell-on clause for Atalanta, so an agreement is not too far away.

Palestra has also attracted interest from the Premier League, especially Chelsea and Manchester City.

Sky Sport, however, already reported a few days ago that the promising Italian defender was willing to wait for Inter and Atalanta to reach an agreement, having prioritised a move to San Siro.

Inter have planned to make Palestra their replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who is set to move to Real Madrid in a €20m deal.

The latest episode of the Football Italia summer show is not live on YouTube. Giancarlo Rinaldi joined us to discuss the next Juventus moves, including the future of Andrea Cambiaso and the Bianconeri’s search for a new striker.

Both Chelsea and Barcelona have shown interest in Juventus defender Cambiaso, and according to Gazzetta, both sides are eager to discuss swap deals with the Bianconeri, who need to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month.

Football Italia Summer Show, June 18: Juventus, Cambiaso, Kean and more

Chelsea have reportedly offered Nicolas Jackson as part of a swap deal, while Barcelona want to include Ronald Araujo in negotiations with the Bianconeri.

“From a selfish Italian national team point of view, I’d like to see him where he plays regularly and not another kind of Chiesa, making a big move and not playing any football at all,” Gincarlo Rinaldi said during the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube.

Juventus are also chasing a new centre forward and, aside from Jackson, the most concrete options on the table are Alexander Sorloth and Randal Kolo Muani. The latter already played for Juventus in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring ten goals in 22 appearances in Turin.

Giancarlo, however, feels that Sorloth would be the best option for the Old Lady.

Check out the full show below.

Having failed to match Juventus’ asking price for Andrea Cambiaso, Chelsea have asked the Bianconeri to consider including Nicolas Jackson in a swap deal, according to Gazzetta.

Juventus defender Cambiaso is attracting interest from several European clubs, especially Barcelona and Chelsea, with the Bianconeri forced to sell one of their players by the end of June to make a capital gain and comply with FFP regulations.

Cambiaso transfer: latest updates as Chelsea explore swap deal

Gazzetta reported on Wednesday that Barcelona were eager to include Ronald Araujo in a player-plus cash swap deal, while, still according to Gazzetta, Chelsea are open to including Senegal international Jackson in negotiations with the Old Lady.

Cambiaso has a low amortised cost in Juventus’ balance sheet, so he’s practically the most sellable player in the team right now.

The Bianconeri value the Italy international at €40m, but Chelsea’s opening offer is only around € 27m- €28m, according to Gazzetta.

Therefore, the Blues have asked Juventus to consider the potential inclusion of Jackson in the deal, given that the Bianconeri are looking for a new centre-forward for next season.

Jackson has returned to Stamford Bridge after a one-season loan spell at Bayern Munich.

Juventus keep their eyes open for a new centre-forward and have also opened talks for Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid) and Randal Kolo Muani (PSG).

Rafael Leao has opened up about his future at Milan for the first time since his compatriot Ruben Amorim was appointed as the Rossoneri boss.

Leao’s time at Milan might be over following a disappointing 2025-26 season at San Siro under Massimiliano Allegri.

Leao comments on Milan future after Amorim’s appointment

The Portuguese winger struggled with injuries and played for the whole campaign out of position. Over the last few weeks, he repeatedly said he would be looking for a new challenge during the summer transfer window, and it’s unclear whether his plans will change following Amorim’s appointment as the new Diavoli boss.

“Now I only think about the World Cup and helping my national team. When the World Cup is over, I’ll think about my future,” Leao said on Wednesday, following Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo at the World Cup.

Leao started on the bench and was introduced in the second half.

“I tried to give my best. Sometimes there are games when you don’t score or assist, but that doesn’t mean you were sloppy,” he added, via Sky Sport.

They defended well, with two or three defenders close to me, but I still tried to go one-v-one and do well. The team is the most important thing. We have to raise our heads and work. We must win the next game.

Milan have appointed Amorim on a three-year deal, but have yet to rebuild the club’s management after failing to bring in both Ralf Rangnick and Markus Kroche as Football Director.

Leao remains under contract with Milan until June 2028 and has a €175m release clause.

Sky Sport Italia reports that both Juventus and Napoli have shown interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after Inter opted for Lazio’s Ivan Provedel instead.

Napoli and Juventus have set their sights on Tottenham keeper Vicario, according to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.

Vicario transfer news: latest updates with interest from Serie A

Inter had chased the Italy international for several weeks in the past, but the Nerazzurri eventually decided to pick Provedel from Lazio and promote Josep Martinez to a starting role for 2026-27 following Yann Sommer’s exit as a free agent.

The Serie A interest in Vicario, however, remains very much alive, with both Juventus and Napoli tracking the ex-Empoli and Cagliari keeper.

Juventus have made Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez their primary target for a goalkeeper, but they have not yet reached an agreement with the Premier League club and would consider Vicario if he were less expensive than the Argentine.

Napoli, on the other hand, would only open formal talks for Vicario’s return to Serie A if one of their goalkeepers, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic or Alex Meret, were to leave this summer.

Paolo Maldini reacts to Lionel Messi’s hat-trick with a social media message: ‘No words needed, simply the best.’

Argentine legend Messi scored three goals in the Albiceleste’s 2026 World Cup debut against Algeria on Wednesday, leaving ex-Milan and Italy star Maldini impressed.

The legendary defender reacted to Messi’s latest World Cup display with an Instagram story: “No words needed, simply the best,” Maldini wrote, posting a picture of the Argentine superstar’s goal celebration.

Maldini participated in four World Cups, finishing 3rd in 1990 and second in 1994, when Italy lost the final on penalties to Brazil.

Maldini’s reaction to Messi’s hat-trick

Follow Football Italia on YouTube: watch our latest show below

La Gazzetta dello Sport

The king is always Leo

Messi wants the double that only Pelé could make; this is how he can overtake Maradona as well. ‘We are a marvellous group.’ Cristiano doesn’t work; Kane yes: scores twice.

Cardinale’s choices

Double setback, what a blow: Krosche and Hardung are no longer coming

FFP: Inter and Milan ok, Roma fined

Corriere dello Sport

Messi impresses, Ronaldo fails

If this is Milan: Krosche and Hardung deals collapse, Maignan and Leão to break away

Krosche and Hardung deals collapse, Maignan and Leao to break away

Amorim has signed for three years, but there’s a lack of management structure to plan ahead. The arrival of the two Eintracht managers falls apart. Modric won’t renew, Mike and Rafa want to leave.

Exclusive Gravina: ‘I’ll bring the bill.’

Inter done deal: Provedel arrives

Napoli, Lukaku perfect for Max

Roma, effort needed for Greenwood

Reggina to Lotito: signatures arrive

Tuttosport

Dibu, Kolo and Sorloth wait for Juve

The Bianconeri are confident that the requests for the goalkeeper and the strikers will decrease. There’s always Vicario as an alternative. Carnevali is waiting for signals from Brahim Diaz and studies the youth sector in Vinovo. Cambiaso between Chelsea and Barça (swap deal with Araujo?)

Messiah

Messiah: hat-trick and tears to rewrite history

Ravaglia rivals Falcone

Chivu signs, three gifts for Inter

Cardinale, a mess after the other

Portugal and Ronaldo, double disappointment

Super Kane, Bellingham and Rashford: Come on England

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Thomas Tuchel will have to do without Bukayo Saka as England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against a Croatia side that will be led by Milan star Luka Modric, Inter’s Petar Sucic and an entire midfield of players currently plying their trade in Italy.

There are no Serie A representatives among the England squad: Milan’s Fikayo Tomori still not selected despite the recent withdrawal of Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. Former Genoa full-back Djed Spence is named among the Three Lions substitutes. 

Croatia, meanwhile, have plenty of Serie A representation among their 26-man squad: Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic, Bologna’s Nikola Moro, Milan’s Modric, Inter’s Sucic, Torino’s Nikola Vlasic, Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic and Como’s Martin Baturina are all available for selection. 

The entirety of the Croatia midfield will be made up of Serie A representatives, with Modric, Pasalic, Baturina and Sucic all selected to start. 

Kick-off is due at 21.00 BST.

England vs. Croatia: Confirmed line-ups 

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Subs: Henderson, Trafford, Guehi, Burn, Spence, Quansah, Henderson, Mainoo, Rogers, Eze, Saka, Rashford, Watkins, Toney.

Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Sutalo; Modric, Mario Pasalic, P.Sucic; Perisic, Musa, Baturina.

Subs: Pandur, Kotarski, Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Jakic, Erlic, Moro, Kovacic, Vlasic, Fruk, L.Sucic, Kramaric, Budimir, Matanovic, Marco Pasalic.

Catch up on today’s biggest transfer stories from Italy with the latest Football Italia Transfer Show on YouTube.

Leading the headlines is the news that Markus Krösche will not be taking over as Milan’s new Football Director, but that’s just one of the key developments covered in today’s episode.

June 17 Transfer News – Latest Football Italia Show

Cristian Chivu will sign a contract extension with Inter until 2028 after the coach’s agent visited the club’s headquarters today.

Juventus and Roma must make a capital gain by the end of the month to comply with Financial Fair Play, and according to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri have been offered Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo in a swap deal for Andrea Cambiaso.

According to Tuttosport, Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin has also been offered to the Old Lady by the defender’s agents, who are on good terms with Marco Ottolini, Juventus’ sporting director.

Tune in for all the latest transfer updates, rumours, and insights from across Italian football.

Watch the full episode below:

Serie A stars Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao have to settle for spots among the substitutes as Portugal open their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday evening. 

Both of the Serie A representatives in the Portugal vs. DR Congo match in Group K will start among the substitutes in Houston on Wednesday. 

Roberto Martinez has opted to field departing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva on the right of his attack and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto on the left, instead of Juventus’s Conceicao and Milan’s Leao, who are best suited on the right and left respectively.

The Portugal attack will be completed by Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo at centre-forward. PSG pair Vitinha and Joao Neves start in midfield. 

DR Congo appear to have gone with a back-five in Houston, featuring West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe and captain Chancel Mbemba.  The attack will be led by Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa.

Gedeon Kalulu, brother of Juventus defender Pierre, is named among the DR Congo substitutes. 

Kick-off is due at 18.00 BST.

Portugal vs. DR Congo: Confirmed line-ups 

Portugal (4-2-3-1): D.Costa; Cancelo, T.Araujo, R.Veiga, N.Mendes; J.Neves, Vitinha; B.Silva, B.Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo. 

Subs: Sa, R.Silva, N.Semedo, R.Dias, Dalot, Inacio, S.Costa, M.Nunes, R.Neves, G.Ramos, J.Felix, Trincao, Leao, Guedes, Conceicao.

DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, E.Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.

Subs: Fayulu, Epolo, Batubinska, Bakeyme, J.Kayembe, Kalulu, Mbuku, Bongonda, Sadiki, Tshibola, Pickel, Cipenga, Kakuta, Elia, Mayele, Banza.

Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly unwilling to sell Juventus targets Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie this summer, but another Spurs defender, Radu Dragusin, has been offered to the Old Lady.

Juventus are expected to reshape their defence this summer as the Bianconeri will be forced to listen to offers for some of their stars, including Gleison Bremer and Andrea Cambiaso, for financial reasons.

With the latter attracting interest from Chelsea and Barcelona in recent days, Italian media outlets, including Gazzetta dello Sport, have reported that the Bianconeri set their sights on Tottenham’s Spence and Udogie as potential replacements.

According to TEAMTalk, however, De Zerbi is unwilling to let either full-back leave, so Juventus will have to look elsewhere if Cambiaso leaves.

Tottenham defender Dragusin offered to Juventus

Tuttosport has linked a third Tottenham defender with a move to Juventus. It’s not a full-back, like Spence or Udogie, but a centre-back: Dragusin.

Dragusin’s agents reportedly offered the Tottenham defender to Juventus director Marco Ottolini, who first brought Dragusin to Genoa from Juventus in 2022 and then sold him to Spurs two years later.

According to the report, Tottenham are ready to sell Dragusin for a fee between €20m and €25m, as Spurs are ready to welcome Marcos Senesi as a free agent and are in talks with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke after reaching an agreement with the 26-year-old.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is uninterested in joining Galatasaray this summer, but would consider a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Newcastle and Aston Villa among the interested clubs.

Juventus will have to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month and, inevitably, the Old Lady will be forced to listen to offers for some of their stars in the coming days.

Among them are Andrea Cambiaso, wanted by Barcelona and Chelsea, and French midfielder Thuram.

Tuttosport reports that Thuram, son of French legend Lilian, was scouted by Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa during the season.

More recently, Galatasaray made an approach to secure his signature, but the Frenchman is unwilling to join the Turkish club.

According to the report, Thuram would like to remain at Juventus, but if he’s forced to leave, he’d consider a move to the Premier League.

Tuttosport adds that Juventus value Thuram at €40m. The Bianconeri will also listen to offers for Fabio Miretti and Federico Gatti.

The latter has also attracted interest from Premier League clubs, especially Everton, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, but plans to reshape the club’s management structure have stalled, with Markus Krösche and Timmo Hardung set to remain at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Milan’s search for a new director of football and sporting director has to start from scratch, as Eintracht Frankfurt pair Krösche and Hardung are not expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer.

Krösche and Hardung won’t join Milan

According to sources in Germany, quoted by Gazzetta, Eintracht are unwilling to release their directors, as doing so would affect their planning for the 2026-27 campaign.

Both Krösche and Hardung had reached an agreement with Milan over the last few days, giving the green light to appointing Amorim as their new coach.

Eintracht, however, have refused to release the pair, especially as the Rossoneri are reportedly unwilling to pay a fee to secure their release.

Krösche was set to become Milan’s new Football Director, with Hardung joining as a sporting director, but Milan’s search will have to start from scratch now.

Richard Hall joins us to talk about all things Inter in the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show on YouTube.

The Nerazzurri have already sold Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid for a €20m fee and are preparing to replace the Netherlands international with Marco Palestra of Atalanta.

Latest Inter transfer news: Jones, Bastoni, Palestra and more

La Dea’s asking price exceeds €50m, but the Italian defender is eager to move to San Siro despite recent enquiries from Chelsea and Manchester City.

Inter have also made Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones their priority in the middle of the park and have reportedly made an opening €20m offer to the Reds.

Technically, Jones would fight with Piotr Zielinski for a starting spot in the middle of the park at San Siro in 2026-27, but Inter have yet to reach an agreement with Liverpool.

The latest transfer rumour about the Nerazzurri concerns Alessandro Bastoni, who, according to Gazzetta, has now attracted interest from Real Madrid.

Richard Hall, however, insists that the Italian is happy at San Siro.

Watch the full episode below.

Croatia legend Davor Suker reveals Milan midfielder Luka Modric will return to Real Madrid this summer: ‘Let’s see what happens after the World Cup…’

Croatia international Modric will return to Real Madrid after just one season at Milan, according to the midfielder’s compatriot Suker, a former striker for the La Liga giants.

Suker: Modric will return to Real Madrid from Milan

Talking to Radio Marca on Wednesday, Suker said: “Now you’ll ask me whether he’ll continue at Milan or return to Madrid. I think something will happen with Real Madrid.

“Surely, he will return, but I don’t know how. Let’s wait for the end of the World Cup and see what happens.”

Modric signed a one-year deal with Milan last summer, and the agreement with the Rossoneri included an option to extend for a further campaign.

Milan are technically ready to activate their option but only if Modric agrees to remain at San Siro for one more season.

However, following Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League and Massimiliano Allegri’s sacking, the latest rumours suggest that Modric will retire at the end of the season.

Therefore, Suker was asked whether Modric would return to Real Madrid as a member of the club’s management or as a member of José Mourinho’s backroom staff.

The ex-Croatia international, however, was reluctant to release further details: “I can’t say more, I can’t say more. Leave something a bit in the air; I can’t say it all,” he concluded.

Modric scored two goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances with Milan in 2025-26.

Juventus need to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month, boosting Chelsea and Barcelona’s hopes of signing Andrea Cambiaso, according to reports in Italy.

Juventus must complete the sale of at least one player by the end of June to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Why Juventus might be forced to sell Chelsea target Cambiaso this month

According to Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Giovanni Albanese, the capital gain Juventus need to make is around €20m and currently one of the few players who can bring this money to the club is Cambiaso.

The Italian full-back has attracted interest from Barcelona and Chelsea in recent days, and Juventus are inevitably open to offers for the ex-Bologna and Genoa defender.

As we explained in our latest transfer show on YouTube, Cambiaso has a low amortised cost on Juventus’s balance sheet, around €5m, and if the Bianconeri manage to sell the defender for €40m, the club’s capital gain will be even higher.

Tuttosport confirms that Cambiaso is the most likely player to leave Juventus by the end of the month, due to his financial situation and the size of the clubs that have set their sights on him.

Genoa centre-back Leo Ostigard became the first Serie A player to score a goal at the 2026 World Cup, contributing to Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq.

There’s finally a Serie A goal at the World Cup, scored by Genoa defender Ostigard.

The 26-year-old netted Norway’s third goal with a towering header from a corner kick routine in a 4-1 win over Iraq last night.

It was Norway’s 2026 World Cup debut and marked Ostigard’s second goal in 39 appearances with his national team.

Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning their qualification group ahead of Italy, with the Azzurri later eliminated in the play-off.

Video: Ostigard is the first Serie A player to score at the 2026 World Cup

Leo Ostigard heads home

Norway have a third against Iraq! pic.twitter.com/0W26W8wqUd

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2026

Reports in Italy claim that new Milan coach Ruben Amorim has made PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos his priority target as the Rossoneri chase a new centre-forward for 2026-27.

Milan confirmed the appointment of ex-Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim on a three-year deal on Tuesday.

Amorim’s priority target for Milan’s attack

The Rossoneri will be looking for a new centre-forward this summer, and according to Gazzetta and Tuttosport, PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos is Amorim’s top choice.

According to Gazzetta newspaper, PSG value their centre-forward at €40m, a sum that Milan could match even if the Rossoneri are eager to discuss a loan deal with an obligation to buy in 2027.

Both Gazzetta and Tuttosport report that Milan and Amorim will rely on Jorge Mendes’ negotiating ability to persuade PSG to offload Ramos on favourable terms for the Rossoneri.

Mendes, Ramos, and Amorim are all Portuguese. However, Mendes is the agent of the PSG forward, not of the new Rossoneri boss.

According to Tuttosport, another option for the Milan attack is ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, currently under contract with Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi.

Football Italia has discussed the pros and cons of Amorim’s appointment as Milan coach in our latest YouTube video, which you can watch below.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Real Madrid directors have informed Inter that they are keeping a close eye on Alessandro Bastoni, but the Merengues are waiting for the green light from José Mourinho before starting negotiations.

La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Inter and Italy centre-back Bastoni, according to Gazzetta.

The report claims that Real Madrid executives informed Inter about their interest during a recent charity event held in Madrid between the Merengues’ and the Nerazzurri legends.

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti and President Beppe Marotta learned of Real Madrid’s interest but confirmed that their asking price for Bastoni is €70m, the same fee they had demanded from Barcelona a few weeks ago.

According to the report, Real Madrid are now waiting for their new coach, Mourinho, to complete internal assessments before entering formal discussions with the Nerazzurri.

Bastoni’s agent spoke about the defender’s future last week: “In football, anything can happen. A player like Bastoni attracts interest from all the top clubs, but that’s not the issue. He is happy where he is. You never know what life may bring, but right now, he is extremely happy where he is.”

Real Madrid already signed a player from Inter this summer, Denzel Dumfries, who will formally join the Merengues in July as the La Liga giants will activate his €20m release clause.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Music Mbappé

Haaland scores a brace too, Norway go

Bastoni, there’s Real

The defender on the Galacticos’ list: Mou decides

Inter ask for 70m: the same fee demanded from Barcelona. The coach, not arrived yet, has the last word.

Amorim restarts from the No.9

The dream is Ramos from PSG. Cardinale: ‘Attacking Milan.’

Corriere dello Sport

Master Mbappé, CR7 for history

Palestra booked

Inter advance: after City, the full-back stops the Premier League again

No to Chelsea: he has chosen Chivu

Enquiry from London: the Italian is liked by Xabi Alonso, but insists that his priority are the Italian champions. Maresca has given up too, turning to Malo Gusto. Marotta and Ausilio are looking for an agreement with Atalanta.

Exclusive Capello: ‘I offered myself to Sensi.’

Gila puts Napoli in pole

The agent will ask for a sale: Lotito likes Lucca, Beukema and Rafa Marin

Amorim: ‘Milan, a great honour.’

‘Coaching here has always been my ambition.’ Cardinale: ‘He has a strong identity.’

Juve, Vicario in the race with Dibu

Spalletti plans the first three coups: the goalkeeper right away, then Lucumì and one between Sorloth and Kolo.

Tuttosport

Milan confirm the appointment of the Portuguese coach: the super agent Mendes will help him

Ramos or Nunez for Amorim

The first target is a hitman, who can arrive from PSG or Saudi Arabia. Three-year deal for the new coach. ‘I’ve always had the ambition to lead this club.’ Cardinale: ‘His modern and attacking football fits our philosophy. ‘

Carnevali: fewer virtual data, more scouting

Juve, no more algorithms!

The new CEO turns Comolli’s method on its head to restore an old-style transfer market that prioritises scouting reports and human relationships. The scouting area gets amplified: Cangini arriving from Sassuolo. Arthur issue. Dragusin returns?

Mbappé suddenly comes out, like the sun.

Zapata ’28: agreement with Torino

Frosinone become American too?

The group that controls Ipswich is in action: developments expected soon

England, Cannavaro, CR7: thrilling debuts

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Argentina vs Algeria features a wealth of Serie A connections, headlined by Inter captain Lautaro Martínez, who starts alongside Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada in a formidable attacking trio for the Albiceleste.

Como’s Nico Paz, one of Serie A’s breakout stars this season with six goals and nine assists, is among the substitutes for their World Cup opener, while Juventus’s Nicolás González, who spent last season on loan Atletico Madrid, is also in the squad.

The Serie A history runs deep across the entire Albiceleste party, Cristian Romero was Serie A’s Best Defender at Atalanta, Rodrigo De Paul spent five seasons at Udinese, Nahuel Molina was De Paul’s Udinese teammate, and Leandro Paredes had extensive time at Roma across multiple spells.

Molina features on the bench while Romero stars alongside Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez in central defence.

Juventus linked Emiliano Martinez starts in goal.

For Algeria, former Roma midfielder Houssem Aouar starts on the bench, having made 16 Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi in 2023-24.

Relegated Hellas Verona’s Rafik Belghali, however, is in the starting eleven.

Argentina vs Algeria – World Cup Lineups

Argentina: E.Martinez; Montiel, Romero, L.Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro, Almada.

Algeria: Zidane; Bensebaini, Mandi, Belghali, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Chaibi, Bentaleb, Maza, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa.

Iraq vs Norway sees both sides kick off their World Cup campaigns, with three points on the line in Boston.

Genoa’s Leo Østigård starts from the bench, with Bologna’s Torbjørn Heggem taking his place in central defence alongside Ajer.

Torino right-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen is also among the substitutes, while Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt and Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby, the most experienced Serie A player in the squad, are both named among the replacements.

Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, heavily linked with Juventus this summer, starts on the right of the attack.

For Iraq, Como’s Ali Jassim, who spent last season on loan at Al-Najma in Saudi Arabia, is named among the starters, while Venezia’s Marko Farji starts on the bench.

Iraq vs Norway – World Cup 2026 – Official Lineups

Iraq XI (4-4-2): Hassan; H.Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Jasim, Ismael, Al Ammari, Bayesh; Hussein, M.Ali.

Norway XI (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.

Milan have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach, announcing the move on their website.

The former Manchester United and Sporting coach joins the Rossoneri following Massimiliano Allegri’s departure, after the veteran coach failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Allegri is off to join Napoli, whilst Amorim takes over in Lombardy, on a reported 2-year deal until 2028.

After Man Utd difficulties, Amorim hoping to lead Milan rebuild

Following his dismissal from the Red Devils at the start of this year, the Portuguese coach will be hoping to help rebuild at a Rossoneri who have been inconsistent in recent seasons.

He is a proven coach, having demonstrated his abilities in his native Portugal, and his 3-4-2-1 formation could suit Serie A well.

On their website, Milan highlight that ‘throughout his career, Amorim has developed a modern dominant tactical approach with clear player profiles and strong organizational design that develops young players and maximizes their potential.’

‘AC Milan extends a warm welcome to Rúben and his staff,’ the statement concludes.

France get their World Cup campaign underway this afternoon when they face off against Senegal in New York, in the opening match of Group I before Iraq faces Norway later.

Didier Deschamps has started two Serie A teammates in Milan duo Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, as he looks to get off to a flying start.

Former Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly starts in defence for the African side, whilst former teammate of Maignan in Theo Hernandez starts at left-back for France.

Como’s Assane Diao is on the bench for Senegal whilst Inter’s Marcus Thuram and Roma’s Manu Koné start on the bench for the European giants.

2026 World Cup – France vs Senegal – Official Lineups

France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Doue, Olise, Dembele, Mbappe

Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Gueye, Camara, Gueye; Mane, Jackson, Sarr

Nico Paz has reportedly informed Real Madrid that he’s happy to stay at Como for one more season, while Tottenham have joined the race for Sandro Tonali and Chelsea have set their sights on two Serie A defenders.

Even with the World Cup in full swing, Serie A clubs are making their initial moves to bring in reinforcements for the 2026-27 campaign, and some big decisions have already been made.

Today’s Transfer news: June 16, 2026

One comes from Como star Nico Paz, who, according to AS.com and Nico Schira, has decided to stay at Como for one more season.

Real Madrid still have an option to re-sign him in the summer of 2027.

The other big news of the day is Tottenham’s strong interest in Sandro Tonali, with Roberto De Zerbi strongly pushing to sign the ex-Milan star.

According to Gazzetta and The Times, Newcastle’s asking price for Tonali this summer is €150m.

Chelsea have been linked with both Marco Palestra (Atalanta) and Andrea Cambiaso (Chelsea) after selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

Check out the latest transfer updates in our YouTube video below:

Udinese have made Nicolo Zaniolo’s move from Galatasaray permanent, but the striker is ‘disappointed and frustrated’ amid an ongoing dispute over his salary, his agent has revealed.

Udinese have activated a clause to sign Zaniolo on a permanent transfer from Galatasaray after the striker’s one-season loan spell in 2025-26.

Udinese make Zaniolo’s move permanent

According to Fabrizio Romano, it’s a deal worth €5m with a 50% sell-on clause for Galatasaray.

Zaniolo, 26, scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 34 appearances across all competitions with Udinese, convincing the Bianconeri to retain him on a permanent transfer.

During an exclusive interview with Football Italia just a few weeks ago, Udinese director Gokhan Inler praised Zaniolo for his performances in the 2025-26 campaign, arguing that the Italian deserved a spot in the Azzurri squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

The Italian striker, however, is dissatisfied with recent negotiation discussions with Udinese and has expressed his concerns through his agent.

“We are certainly pleased with the impact Nicolò has had at Udinese, but it will now be necessary to reach an agreement regarding his salary for his stay at the club to truly rest on solid foundations,” Claudio Vigorelli told Italian media, including Gazzetta.

“The circumstances that brought Nicolò to Udinese last summer were shaped by a race against time in the final minutes of the [summer] transfer window. As a result, the contractual salary terms agreed for Nicolò in the event of a permanent transfer did not reflect his true value.

“Together with Udinese, we decided to sign and complete the deal based on the understanding that, before the purchase option was exercised, we would sit down and negotiate new terms.

“Today, Nicolò feels bitterly disappointed and frustrated by the circumstances that have led to this permanent transfer. Nevertheless, we remain open to discussion with Udinese in order to clarify our respective positions, in the hope of reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties.”

Kevin De Bruyne admits Romelu Lukaku was ‘vital’ for Belgium in a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their World Cup debut, but Rudi Garcia insists that the Napoli striker is ‘still not ready’ to start a game.

Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in the World Cup opener on Monday.

Lukaku, who started on the bench, had an immediate impact when he was substituted on at minute 65, contributing to Mohamed Hany’s own goal just 28 seconds later.

Decisive Lukaku in Belgium 1-1 Egypt

“We were not at our best in the first half, but we found different ways to hurt them after the break,” Lukaku’s Napoli and Belgium teammate said at full time via FIFA.com.

“Even if it went down as an own goal, Romelu’s presence was vital. We know how dangerous he can be for our opponent’s defence. If we look at the other matches at this World Cup, though, nothing can be taken for granted, and no game is easy.”

Lukaku played only 64 minutes at club level with Napoli, mostly due to injuries, but still earned a call-up to the World Cup.

“He is not ready yet to start a game,” said Belgium coach Garcia, a former Napoli and Roma boss.

“We did not even expect to have him with us at this tournament. Sixty-four minutes over an entire season is hardly ideal preparation for a World Cup. It is fantastic to have him back, but his body still needs to adapt to the demands of competition.

“He could even have ended up with a brace with that header, but I am delighted for him, and the whole squad feels the same way. Lukaku is hugely important to us.”

Multiple reports suggest that Nico Paz will remain at Como for the 2026–27 season, with Real Madrid reportedly following José Mourinho’s advice to prioritise experience in their squad planning.

Como will continue to rely on Nico Paz in the 2026-27 campaign when Cesdc Fabregas’ side will be playing in the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Nico Paz set to stay at Como

AS.com first reported that Nico Paz had informed Real Madrid of his desire to continue at Como following a meeting with the club’s directors and coach Mourinho.

Both Real Madrid and Mourinho have faith in the Argentine talent, but are already building a team with mostly experienced players, such as Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva.

Nico Paz is a Como player, having completed a permanent transfer from Real Madrid in 2024.

However, Real Madrid have an option to bring him back to the club, valid until 2027.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Como are increasingly confident of retaining Nico Paz for 2026-27, but club-to-club talks are now ongoing to determine an appropriate transfer formula that would allow Nico Paz to remain at Como for the third consecutive season.

Milan are set to announce Ruben Amorim as their new coach: Ben Dixon of SempreMilan joins Lorenzo Bettoni to analyse the risks and opportunities under the Portuguese tactician.

Former Manchester United coach Amorim has signed a two-year contract with Milan and will soon be confirmed as the Rossoneri’s new head coach.

Breaking down Amorim’s appointment as Milan coach

Amorim was sacked by Manchester United last January after just 14 months in charge of the Red Devils, but he had emerged as one of the most promising young coaches during his time at Sporting CP, leading the Portuguese club to win the domestic trophy for the first time in 19 years.

Milan also have an agreement in place with Eintracht Frankfurt directors Markus Krösche and Timmo Hardung, who are now in talks to release themselves from the German club.

Our editor Lorenzo Bettoni examines Milan’s latest transfer news with Milan expert and SempreMilan writer Ben Dixon in the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show on YouTube.

Check out the full episode below:

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus will make contact with Brahim Diaz’s representatives during the World Cup, while new director Giovanni Carnevali is eager to restore a high-level scouting department following the brief tenure of Damien Comolli.

Juventus are eager to begin informal talks with Real Madrid attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz during the World Cup, according to Gazzetta.

Brahim Diaz a priority for Spalletti

New Bianconeri director Carnevali will send club representatives and scouts to the USA, Canada and Mexico to monitor transfer targets and potential rising stars during the World Cup.

Among them is surely Brahim Diaz, who faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid, but is in no hurry to decide his next steps.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has made the Morocco international one of his priority targets for the summer as the Tuscan tactician aims to add unpredictability in the final third.

It’s reported that Juventus will open informal talks with Brahim Diaz’s camp during the World Cup.

Juventus set to change scouting system

Gazzetta notes that the first major change Carnevali will make is to reorganise the scouting department.

Under Comolli, in fact, Juventus’ scouting system was built around algorithms, with scouting operations partially outsourced to an external consulting service.

Carnevali aims to bring Matteo Tognozzi back to the club and hopes to bring Davide Cangini from Sassuolo as the Head of Scouting.

Milan are set to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new coach, as the Portuguese has signed a two-year contract with the Rossoneri.

Former Manchester United boss Amorim has signed his contract with Milan, according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta.

Ruben Amorim signs two-year contract with Milan

The Portuguese hasn’t physically arrived in Milan, so he signed the documents remotely.

He has signed a two-year contract until June 2028 with an option for a further campaign.

Amorim will earn €3.5m per season at San Siro with a further €500,000 bonus if he leads Milan to Champions League qualification.

Milan have also reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche, who has backed Amorim’s appointment.

The Rossoneri, however, have yet to reach an agreement with the German club but are confident that both Krösche and Timmo Hardung, Milan’s designated sporting director, will leave Eintracht in the coming days.

Milan sacked their coach, Massimiliano Allegri, and their prominent executives, Geoffrey Moncada, Igli Tare, and Giorgio Furlani, after finishing fifth in the 2025-26 campaign and failing to qualify for the Champions League.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inter are determined to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and have made an opening offer worth €20m.

Serie A giants Inter have made an opening €20m bid for Liverpool midfielder Jones, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Jones’ Inter transfer: latest updates

Jones is a long-time Inter target, and the Nerazzurri already tried to sign him this past January.

His contract at Anfield expires in June 2027, but the English midfielder, a product of the Liverpool Academy, seems keen to move to Milan, as his teammate Federico Chiesa appeared to suggest just a few days ago.

According to Gazzetta, Inter’s initial offer still falls short of Liverpool’s asking price, as the Reds require €30m for the 25-year-old this summer.

Inter are aware that they might need to raise their offer to secure the signature of the English midfielder, but according to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri are keen to continue talks with the Reds over the next few days to beat competition and give Cristian Chivu his first summer reinforcement.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Chelsea have joined the race to sign Marco Palestra by opening preliminary talks with the defender’s agent.

Chelsea are among the clubs interested in Atalanta-owned right-back Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Palestra spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Cagliari, resulting in one of the most promising defenders in Italy’s top flight, and attracting interest from other top clubs such as Inter and Manchester City.

Chelsea open talks with Palestra

It is believed that Atalanta’s asking price exceeds €50m, and according to Sky, Chelsea have now made contact with the defender’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, who is also the representative of Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori.

According to Sky, Palestra is keen to remain in Serie A, so his priority remains to wait for Inter and Atalanta to reach an agreement over his transfer fee.

Palestra made his senior Italy debut in March 2026 and has two international appearances to his name.

Atalanta are prepared to sell him, but Inter still haven’t reached an agreement with La Dea.

Matteo Moretto reports that Tottenham Hotspur wants to give Sandro Tonali the ‘keys to their project’, so Spurs have entered the race to sign the Italian midfielder, with Roberto De Zerbi pushing for a summer move.

Premier League side Tottenham have “strongly” joined the race to sign Tonali, according to Italian transfer expert Matteo Moretto.

According to the report, the North Londoners want to make Tonali the cornerstone of their project and are already working to finalise a deal with Newcastle.

Tonali transfer latest: Tottenham join the race

Moretto claims that Manchester City and Manchester United have also shown interest, while Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Arsenal had resumed talks for the ex-Milan star.

Tonali would reunite with De Zerbi at Tottenham, with the Italian tactician very keen to welcome his compatriot in North London.

Both De Zerbi and Tonali are from Lombardy; Tonali was born in Lodi but was raised in Brescia, where he made his Serie A debut in 2019. De Zerbi was born in Brescia and played in the Milan Youth Sector.

Moretto reports that De Zerbi is pushing for Tonali’s transfer and that the 26-year-old midfielder is open to joining Spurs this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

The New Devil

It’s Up to Amorim to Revive Milan

The Portuguese coach is hired. Three-man defence and attacking playing style to return to the Champions League. Capello: ‘An hazard.’ Now Cardinale wants the Eintracht directors

An island chain and a hero goalkeeper hold Yamal

Cape Verde celebrate, 0-0 against Spain. Vozinha’s fairytale (40 years)

The challenge of 10s: Messi and a double for Maradona

France and Senegal’s trap, Mbappé aims for the record of goals

Corriere dello Sport

Spain, bitter cape. Belgium: blessed Lukaku

Big Roma enters and contributes to Hany’s own goal against Egypt: 1-1. De Bruyne hits the post. At 21:00, France against Senegal. Argentina debut with Algeria at 3 am

Milan: Doing Things Differently

Cardinale and Ibra

A Portuguese coach, a German sporting director, in a club shaped by American and Swedish leadership.

Amorim Plus Krosche: A Club Without Borders

The former Manchester United coach is Allegri’s heir. Total agreement until 2028 for 3.2m per season. From Germany the sporting director Hardung. The English Gardiner as Chief Scout.

Carnevali, Sorloth right away

First day of work at Continassa for the Bianconeri CEO who wants to gift Spalletti the Norwegian of Atletico Madrid. The key is Nico Gonzalez. Boga’s move permanent: 5m to OGC Nice.

Ciak, Gila: Napoli in action

Roma open the auction for Soulé

Lotito has decided: he’ll buy Reggina

Tuttosport

One Portuguese, Two Germans… The New Milan

The coach and the new directors incoming: what a bedlam with Cardinale, the American and Ibra the Swedish

Cairo confident that Simeone will return and stay at Toro

The President is certain that the Argentine won’t push to leave. Abate will open the Fila to the fans before the pre-season

Interview with Dino Zoff:

Juventus and Berardi — it’s not too late.

“The Sassuolo attacker can still have his say. Martinez excites me. Eccentric? As long as he saves decently, it doesn’t matter whether he’s Italian or a foreigner.’ Aston Villa target Suzuki and release Dibu. First Carnevali move: Boga’s move permanent. Now the Comolli signings will leave. Waiting for Vlahovic.

Stunning Cape Verde, Spain controversy

What an impact Lukaku! But the Belgium of big players disappoint

Here are France and Argentina, the 2022 Finalists

Incredible! Tunisia flop, Lamouchi sacked already

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Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay takes place in Miami this evening, with two sides who will be eager to pick up the three points, given the shocking draw earlier today between tournament favourites Spain and debutants Cape Verde.

Either side can move top of Group H today with a win.

Saudi Arabia only have one Serie A connections in their team, with right-back Saud Abdulhamid, formerly of Roma, in the lineup.

Uruguay, meanwhile, have more connections than their opposition.

Defender Mathías Olivera currently plays for Napoli, whilst Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vina and Fernando Muslera also spent time in Italy’s top flight.

World Cup 2026 – Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Lineups

Saudi Arabia: Alowais; Alamri, Altambakti, Alharbi, Abu Alshamat, Abdulhamid; Ajuwayr, Alkhaibari, Kanno; Albrikan, Al Dawsari

Uruguay: Fernando Muslera; Caceres, Valera, Olivera, Vina; Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde, Araujo; Nunez, Vinas

Massimiliano Allegri’s appointment as Napoli head coach is expected to be confirmed this week, with all parties working to resolve the final contractual obstacle standing between the coach and his official unveiling at the Maradona.

The agreement between Allegri and Napoli has been in place for some time.

The delay, as has been well documented, stems entirely from the situation between Allegri and Milan; financial and contractual details from his dismissal that must be formally resolved before a clean break can be confirmed.

According to Il Roma, via NapoliCalcioLive, the coming days should finally bring those negotiations to a conclusion.

Allegri confirmation key to unlocking Napoli’s summer transfer plans

The announcement carries significance well beyond the symbolic.

Once Allegri is officially in place, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna can accelerate transfer planning with far greater precision, identifying the specific profiles the new coach requires and finalising preparations for pre-season. Every day of delay costs the club time in a competitive window.

For the Napoli fanbase, the atmosphere is described as one of quiet anticipation.

The outcome feels inevitable, it is simply a matter of when the paperwork catches up with what everyone already knows.

Ruben Amorim will be the new Milan head coach, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal is effectively done as lawyers from both parties exchange documents ahead of a formal announcement. The contract will run for two years with an option to extend until 2029.

The Portuguese coach, according to the reports via MilanNews.it, turned down an approach from Benfica to pursue the Milan project, a decision that underlines the genuine conviction with which he has approached this opportunity.

“Amorim is very convinced,” Romano said. “He said no to other offers such as the one from Benfica and strongly wanted Milan.”

Glasner and Jaissle left in the dark as Milan moved decisively for Amorim

Romano also clarified that reports of an agreement with Oliver Glasner were wide of the mark.

“Glasner has not spoken with Milan since the famous meeting in Munich, Milan disappeared and never made contact again,” he said.

Matthias Jaissle found himself in a similarly uncomfortable position, having received no update from the club as recently as this morning before the Amorim deal was concluded.

Amorim’s availability proved a decisive factor. Sacked by Manchester United in January, he required no compensation, whereas freeing Jaissle from Al-Ahli would have cost Milan a release clause of €10-11 million.

Belgium vs Egypt takes place this evening in the opening World Cup Group G fixture, with two of Serie A’s most recognisable names expected to start for the Red Devils.

Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli last summer, lines up alongside Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere in what is a formidable Belgian attacking unit.

Romelu Lukaku, Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers all start on the bench for Belgium.

Former Atalanta full-back Timothy Castagne also starts, having spent three seasons in Bergamo between 2017 and 2020 before departing for the Premier League.

For Egypt, Mohamed Salah, who had two separate Serie A spells with Fiorentina and Roma between 2014 and 2017 before his famous move to Liverpool, leads the line as his nation’s talisman and one of the tournament’s most anticipated individual performers.

Belgium vs Egypt – World Cup 2026 Lineups

Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne, Onana, Tielemans, Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku, De Ketelaere
Egypt: Shobeir, Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh, Lashin, Attia, Ashour, Zico, Salah, Marmoush

Spain open their World Cup Group H campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta, with former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz lining up in midfield for the reigning European champions.

For Cape Verde, former Lazio and Salernitana winger Jovane Cabral starts, giving the Blue Sharks a familiar face for Serie A followers as they look to cause an upset against one of the tournament favourites.

Hellas Verona forward Dailon Livramento starts, after spending the last season on loan with Casa Pia in Portugal.

Spain vs Cape Verde – 2026 World Cup Official Lineups

Spain: Simon; Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz, Gavi, Pedri; Torres, Oyarzabal
Cape Verde: Vozinha; Borges, Lopes, Cabral, Moreira; Pina, Monteiro, Duarte; Cabral, Livramento, Mendes

Maurizio Sarri has been officially appointed as Atalanta head coach, bringing one of Italian football’s most distinctive tactical minds to Bergamo as the club prepare for their first Conference League campaign.

The club welcomed the Italian with a statement published on their official website.

The 67-year-old arrives with a storied CV: over 800 professional matches managed, a UEFA Europa League title with Chelsea, a Serie A Scudetto with Juventus and three consecutive seasons of breaking Napoli’s points record under his belt.

Most recently he led Lazio to the Coppa Italia final, having previously guided the Biancocelesti to the Champions League Round of 16 in 2023/24, described in the statement as the second-best European result in the Roman club’s history.

Sarri reunites with Giuntoli at Atalanta after transformative Napoli partnership

The appointment also represents a reunion with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, with whom Sarri worked closely during his transformative years at Napoli between 2015 and 2018.

That partnership produced some of the most thrilling football Italian football has seen in the modern era, and Atalanta will be hoping lightning strikes twice.

Born in Naples but raised in Tuscany, with a childhood spell in the Bergamo area, Sarri’s connection to the region adds a personal dimension to one of the most intriguing coaching appointments of the summer.

Monday’s reports claim that Markus Krösche has ‘said yes’ to the idea of taking over as the new technical director of Milan, but who is the 45-year-old executive and who are his most notable signings to date? 

Krösche is a former holding midfielder who came through the youth and reserve ranks at Werder Bremen before joining SC Padderborn in 2001, where he would go on to spend the rest of his playing career. His 356 league outings for the German outfit makes him the club’s all-time record appearance holder.   

Upon his retirement in 2014, Krösche has a brief stint in charge of SC Padderborn II, the club’s reserve side before going on to serve as an assistant coach to Roger Schmidt at Bayer Leverkusen between 2015 and 2017. 

Krösche left Leverkusen when Schmidt was sacked towards the end of the 2016-17 season and decided to return to Padderborn in the role of managing director. 

While in charge of Padderborn, Krösche oversaw back-to-back promotions from the third tier of German football to the top flight, which was only the second time in the club’s history that the club had featured in the Bundesliga. 

This success earned Krösche a move to RB Leipzig to take over as sporting director, where he would serve for two seasons between 2019 and 2021. 

Since 2021, he has been with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he remains under contract until 2028, and is currently a member of the club’s board under the title ‘board member for sport’. 

Krösche has overseen the transfers of a number of high-profile players across his time with Leipzig and Frankfurt, including the likes of Dani Olmo, Josko Gvardiol, Randal Kolo Muani and Hugo Ekitike. 

Below is a list of his most prominent and most profitable signings to date. 

Krösche’s most prominent signings with RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt

Ademola Lookman: Everton → RB Leipzig (€18m)

Christopher Nkunku: PSG → RB Leipzig (€19.5m, later sold to Chelsea for €60m)

Dani Olmo: Dinamo Zagreb → RB Leipzig (€34m, later sold to Barcelona for €61m)

Josko Gvardiol: Dinamo Zagreb → RB Leipzig (€36m, later sold to Manchester City for €90m)

Lazar Samardzic: Hertha BSC → RB Leipzig (€500,000)

Josep Martinez: Las Palmas → RB Leipzig (€2.5m)

Randal Kolo Muani: FC Nantes → Eintracht Frankfurt (free, later sold to PSG for €95m)

Mario Götze: PSV → Eintracht Frankfurt (€4.5m)

Omar Marmoush: Wolfsbury → Eintracht Frankfurt (free, later sold to Manchester City for €75m)

Willian Pacho: Royal Antwerp → Eintracht Frankfurt (€13.5m, later sold to PSG for €40m)

Nathaniel Brown: 1.FC Nuremberg → Eintracht Frankfurt (€5.5m)

Hugo Ekitike: PSG → Eintracht Frankfurt (€31.5m, later sold to Liverpool for €95m)

The debut episode of the Football Italia Summer Show is now live on YouTube, featuring TNT Sports and SiriusXM commentator and presenter Adam Summerton.

Together, we discuss the future of the Italy national team and the possibility of Roberto Mancini returning as head coach, a prospect that raises an important question: Are the Azzurri looking in the wrong places?

Mancini back as Italy coach: yes or no?

Should Italy bring Roberto Mancini back as the head coach? We asked our readers this question a few days ago, and the answer confirmed how split opinions are regarding the 2020 Euro winner, who, at the same time, failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup before stepping down a year later.

Mancini has just left Al-Sadd, and according to various sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia, he’s the favourite to take over the Azzurri after June 22, 2026, when the FIGC Presidential elections take place.

Football Italia editor Lorenzo Bettoni has discussed Mancini’s potential return and the tasks ahead for the new coach in our first summer show.

Watch the full episode below:

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport criticised the new World Cup format, suggesting that it has affected the overall quality of the play and that ‘Europe has come out disadvantaged.’

The new World Cup format, which has been expanded to include 48 teams for the first time, does not appear to have generated much enthusiasm among the Italian media, not because the Azzurri will be absent from the tournament for the third consecutive time.

‘Europe has come out disadvantaged’ with new World Cup format

“With the expansion of the tournament to 48 nations, some matchups have become noticeably unbalanced. Bigger is not always better. In the allocation of participating teams by confederation, Europe has come out disadvantaged, and we are not saying this out of resentment over Italy’s absence,” wrote Gazzetta.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino already drew criticism from Italian media and politicians last week when he joked that the World Cup could be expanded to 208 teams to allow Italy to qualify.

“Beyond the FIFA president’s jokes, the Italian national team had a duty to qualify and be here,” Gazzetta wrote.

“But it is clear that the competition’s XXL size increases the number of modest teams and lowers the overall quality of play.”

There’s one more reason for concern coming from the World Cup, according to the most popular Italian sports paper: “The time-outs, or hydration breaks, have already been exposed for what they are by observers around the world: a way to split matches into four quarters and allow for lucrative advertising slots for broadcasters who have paid equally lucrative sums for the television rights, rather than genuine support for coaches and teams except in exceptional circumstances.”

Giovanni Carnevali officially started in his role as the new CEO of Juventus on Monday morning, and the latest updates claim that he has already decided to place all but one of his predecessor’s signings up for sale. 

Only one of Comolli’s Juventus signings ‘guaranteed’ to stay in 2026-27

Carnevalli took over from Damien Comolli at the top of the Juventus hierarchy. Comolli had only been in the role for one season, but left amidst reports of a falling-out with head coach Luciano Spalletti due to failed transfer approaches and a disagreement over their future visions for the club. 

While supporters eagerly anticipate the arrivals of new signings in the summer transfer market, Carnevali must first get to the bottom of the club’s budget and will have to move a few players on first in order to accommodate new acquisitions, especially without access to the Champions League in 2026-27. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Jeremie Boga is the only player that Comolli brought to the club that is currently considered ‘safe’ from being sold during the summer transfer window. 

The French-born Ivory Coast international joined the club on loan with a low-cost option to buy for just €4.8m during the January transfer window and has since gone on to prove himself as a solid option to rotate with Kenan Yildiz and has enonugh versatility to cover a number of roles across the Bianconeri attack when required. 

As for the rest of the signings that Comolli made at Juventus, nobody is guaranteed to stay. 

Juventus will listen to offers for both Jonathan David and Lois Openda. David joined on a free transfer, which means that Juventus are guaranteed to make a capital gain if they sell him this summer, but a significant salary of €6m and after an underwhelming first campaign in Italy, finding a willing buyer could still be relatively complicated. 

Selling Openda might be even more tricky given that Juventus signed him on loan with an obligation to buy clause in excess of €44m.  

Edon Zhegrova is also considered surplus to requirements after failing to make a single appearance in the Bianconeri starting line-up in Serie A this season. There have been reports that Turkish outfit Trabzonspor could be interested. 

There is also Joao Mario, who was bought permanently in the summer but was then sent out on loan to Bologna in a sort-of exchange deal involving Emil Holm moving in the opposite direction. The Portuguese is also not expected to play a major role in the Juve first team next season as things stand.

Multiple sources confirm that Ruben Amorim is set to take over from Massimiliano Allegri as the new head coach of Milan, and we want to know: Is the former Manchester United gaffer the right choice for the Rossoneri in the circumstances?

Is Amorim the right candidate to take over as Milan head coach?

Amorim is expected to join Milan on an initial two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months, with wages reported to be in the region of €3.5m-€4m per season. 

There have also been suggestions that the Rossoneri are moving closer to agreements with Eintracht Frankfurt duo Markus Krösche and Timmo Hardung to take over as the club’s new technical and sporting directors. 

Milan had originally been in talks with another former Manchester United manager in Ralf Rangnick, who had been poised to take over as technical director. However, Rangnick did not receive the assurances he wanted before the start of the 2026 World Cup, and he has since decided to extend his contract with the Austria national team instead. 

Before the breakdown in talks with Rangnick, it had been reported that departing Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner would have been the most likely candidate to take over as head coach given his pre-existing relationship with the former Manchester United and Red Bull executive. 

Ultimately, with no Rangnick, there will be no Glasner for Milan either. 

Other coaches that have been linked with a move to Milan over the last few weeks include current USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle and recently-dismissed Liverpool tactician Arne Slot. 

So, we want to know: Who do you think would have been the best coach for Milan in the current circumstances? Have your say in the poll below and let us know more in the comments. 

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Monday’s reports claim that it is now a ‘done deal’ for former Manchester United head coach to replace Massimiliano Allegri at the helm of Milan. 

Report: Amorim to Milan is a done deal

According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, transfer expert Matteo Moretto and various other outlets, Amorim will sign an initial two-year contract with Milan, running until the summer of 2028, with an option to extend for a further 12 months until the summer of 2029.

Moretto adds that the documents will be formalised within the next few hours. 

Reports earlier on Monday claimed that Milan had offered Amorim a salary of €3.5m per season plus bonuses linked to Champions League qualification. 

Milan have been without a head coach since parting ways with Allegri the day after the 2025-26 season came to an end. The Rossoneri are also without a sporting director, technical director and CEO after dismissing Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani on the same day as Allegri. 

Milan had originally been in discussions with another former Manchester United head coach in Ralf Rangnick, who had looked poised to take over as sporting director. There were also reports from various outlets in Italy that Rangnick would look to appoint Oliver Glasner as head coach. 

However, talks between Milan and Rangnick have since broken down and the German has gone on to extend his contract with the Austria national team instead, which means that the Glasner option for Milan faded away as well. 

With just a few weeks remaining until the start of pre-season, it appears that Milan have finally settled on a new head coach to take over for the 2026-27 campaign. 

Mauricio Pochettino and Arne Slot had also been mentioned as possible candidates for the Rossoneri before the deal with Amorim came to fruition.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero was the man behind the idea to change the walk-outs at the World Cup to involve all 26 members of the squad rather than just the starting 11. 

How Del Piero convinced Infantino to change in World Cup walk-outs

A number of changes to the laws of the game have been implemented at the 2026 World Cup in North America, some of which have been well received, others less so. 

One of the changes that has gone down fairly well across the board is the decision for all 26 squad members to walk out onto the pitch before matches and take part in the singing of the national anthems, rather than just the starting 11. 

This is a change that allows all members of the squad to ‘have their moment’, to feel part of the team, especially for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play. 

Infantino, speaking at a recent press conference, has revealed that this change in procedure was originally suggested to him by former Juventus and Italy star Del Piero. 

“For the first time, all of the players, a total of 26 players, will be on the pitch. There will be huge flags and the national anthems will be heard with enormous flags and with the whole team out on the pitch,” Infantino began.  

“Where did that come from? Well, as you know, we always want to do new things, and we thought it had to be something American, business, I don’t know, showtime. No. This was born out of a conversation I had with Alessandro Del Piero. 

“Alessandro Del Piero a few months ago told me: ‘Why don’t you start bringing all of the players out onto the pitch during the anthem?’. I said ‘Why?’. ‘Because we’re all part of the same team’.” 

Infantino continued: “I don’t know if it’s because the goal he scored, one of the most beautiful World Cup goals, Italy’s goal for 2-0 against Germany in Dortmund in the 2006 World Cup, he came off the bench and scored this incredible goal. I don’t know if that’s the reason why he said it, but he said we’re all part of the same team. 

“I thought he was right, so we started to discuss it all together and during a World Cup, all the players might not play, so it’s about making them feel part of this very emotional moment during the national anthems. I believe this is something positive for all of the players, for the supporters.” 

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Monday’s reports claim that Gian Piero Gasperini is in direct contact with Marseille forward Mason Greenwood and that he has asked the Englishman ‘to wait’ while Roma prepare to formally open negotiations with the Ligue 1 side. 

Gasperini in direct contact with Greenwood, Roma expected to open negotiations with Marseille

Gasperini is hoping to reconstruct his attacking department ahead of the 2026-27 season, an area of the pitch he often complained about during the 2025-26 campaign, and Marseille’s Greenwood has emerged as the first choice for the Giallorossi. 

The Manchester United academy graduate is expected to be available for transfer this summer as Marseille are expected to sell a big-name star in order to comply with FFP regulations. This means that Roma are hoping to secure a deal within the coming weeks. 

While Roma remain confident of striking a deal for Greenwood, they have not yet tabled a formal offer for Marseille, who value their attacker in the region of €55m. Manchester United will also be entitled to a significant sell-on clause if their former player is to move this summer. 

And so, according to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, Gasperini has been on the phone to Greenwood to ask him to wait while the clubs conduct their negotiations. 

Monday’s report claims that Ryan Friedkin is also in direct contact with the player’s agent and that he has already mapped out the club’s plans and the role that Greenwood would have within the Giallorossi set-up. 

Despite Marseille’s €55m valuation, the Corriere dello Sport suggests that Roma’s opening offer will be worth €40m including bonuses, as well as a significant sell-on clause that will be higher than 10%. 

In an ideal world, Roma would like to sign Greenwood on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy, but it remains to be seen whether Marseille will be willing to accept this formula.

It is set to be a crucial few days for Milan, who remain in talks with several candidates over their vacant head coach, sporting and technical director roles, but owner Gerry Cardinale and advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic were all smiles as they attended the ‘UFC Freedom 250’ event on the White House lawn over the weekend. 

Where Milan stand in search for new head coach and directors

Milan need to appoint a brand new senior management team after dismissing head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 season ended. 

Several candidates have been linked with various management positions at San Siro, but midway through June, no appointments have yet been made. 

Milan had been in talks with Ralf Rangnick to take over as the club’s technical director, and it was reported that if the German did take over, he would seek to appoint departing Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner to replace Allegri. 

Rangnick, however, wanted full control over decision making and wanted to bring in his own staff across the club. Importantly, Rangnick also wanted his deal with Milan to be wrapped up before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which did not happen, and now, the former Red Bull and Manchester United chief has extended his contract with the Austria national team instead. 

With Rangnick now out of the equation for Milan, Glasner is also considered to be out of the running for the Rossoneri head coach position. 

Instead, the new leading candidate to take over the Rossoneri dugout is former Manchester United and Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim. 

According to Monday’s reports, Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has directly offered a two-year contract worth €3.5m per season in wages to the Portuguese tactician. That offer would also include bonuses linked to Champions League qualification. 

Meanwhile, Milan are also seeking to appoint Markus Krösche as the club’s new technical director. The German is currently employed by Eintracht Frankfurt, who are not expected to make life easy for the Rossoneri if they do attempt to lure the 45-year-old away from the Deutsche Bank Park. 

If Krösche is appointed, he is expected to bring Frankfurt’s sporting director Timmo Hardung with him. 

It is a busy time for the Rossoneri, who have very few representatives left on the ground back in Italy. Meanwhile, owner Gerry Cardinale remains in the USA, as does prominent senior advisor Ibrahimovic. 

There has often been confusion over the extent of Ibrahimovic’s powers at Milan, given his close relationship with the owner while not being directly employed by the club itself. Much has also been made about the Swede’s decision to take on a punditry role with Fox Sports for the duration of the 2026 World Cup while also continuing on a number of personal endeavours at such a crucial time for Milan. 

The latest outing for Ibrahimovic and Cardinale was at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn on Sunday, organised ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States declaration of independence. 

All smiles Stateside, but work to be done back home in Milan. 

Gerry Cardinale e Zlatan Ibrahimovic presenti all’evento UFC della notte italiana alla Casa Bianca.

Qualche fila dietro di loro il Presidente degli Stati Uniti Donald Trump.

DAZN#milanpress pic.twitter.com/iahPLi9rKo

— MilanPress.it (@MilanPress_it) June 15, 2026

Giovanni Carnevali officially begins his journey as the new CEO of Juventus on Monday and will immediately hold meetings with the club’s accounting team in order to establish the club’s budget and potential for summer transfers according to reports in Italy. 

What’s on the agenda for Carnevali on his first day at Juventus?

Carnevali has spent the last 12 years as CEO of Sassuolo, but has made the move to Turin following the departure of Damien Comolli, who has recently left his position at the top of the Juventus hierarchy after one year in charge. 

Carnevali officially begins his new job today and it is understood that he will immediately hold a series of meetings to get a full understanding of the club’s accounts. 

According to Tuttosport, one of the immediate priorities for Carnevali is to get a full understanding of the club’s settlement agreement with UEFA, which will determine exactly how much Juventus are able to spend, and more importantly, how much they will need to bring in from outgoing transfers this summer. 

It is anticipated that Juventus will have to sell players in order to comply with UEFA’s financial rules, and in order to make up for the expected drop in revenues from the club’s failure to qualify for the 2026-27 edition of the Champions League. 

There have been suggestions that Juventus may have to sell a big-name first-team star in order to settle the budgets, such as defender Gleison Bremer who has a €58m release clause in his contract. However, Tuttosport claims that Carnevali is determined to study all potential solutions and that keeping hold of the Brazilian could still be a possibility. 

Sunday’s reports also suggest that Carnevali will attempt to reignite talks with striker Dusan Vlahovic over a potential new contract upon the request of head coach Luciano Spalletti.

The feeling is that keeping hold of the Serbian will make life easier from a financial point of view, especially if the club can avoid going into the market to sign one, potentially two new centre-forwards this summer. 

From there, Juventus will continue to look at potential incoming transfers: Talks with Atletico’s Alexander Sorloth and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez have already been established and updates on both of those fronts are expected in due course.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

‘I’m back’ 

Hamilton and the Ferrari dream 

His first victory and tears in red at the age of 41: ‘See? I’m still the best Lewis’. Mercedes betray Antonelli in Barcelona. The champion challenges the kid in the World Championship race

Curacao take 7, Italy aren’t there 

Infantino’s formula under attack 

Too many games, squads not at the level, little spectacle and Germany are having fun

Ancelotti, Montella and the tough lives of our CTs

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Criticism in Brazil and Turkiye

Corriere dello Sport 

Mondialewis 

Ferrari triumph | Hamilton wins in Barcelona, his first victory with La Rossa

‘A dream fulfilled, thank you’

‘Forever grateful, I hope it’s only the beginning’. Antonelli let down by Mercedes, 41 points in the lead, but the race for the title is now open: ‘Our problem is reliability’. Another zero from Leclerc: ‘Now we need to reset’

Enter the prince 

Yamal, World Cup attraction: Could become the heir to Messi and CR7 

Spain, Champions of Europe, against Cape Verde at 18.00. Lamine dreams of the Ballon d’Or. Cucurella to Mou’s Real Madrid. The Belgium of KDB and Lukaku take on Salah’s Egypt (20.00). Germany beat Curacao 7-1: Havertz double 

Tuttosport 

LEWIS: Rosso delirium 

Fabulous Hamilton: Dominates in Barcelona and Ferrari return to World Championship dreams 

First triumph with Ferrari after almost two years of nothing for both: ‘Winning in this car and with these fans is something else, I almost fainted. You made me remember who I am’. Tears and 41 points behind Antonelli, who retires after the duel with Russell (second, ahead of Norris’. Mercedes fury. Leclerc nightmare 

Juve, did you see Diaz? 

Carnevali’s first day today: Meeting to settle the accounts 

The attacking midfielder, Spalletti’s favourite for that role, shines against Brazil: The Bianconeri still putting the pressure on Real Madrid for the Moroccan. The sporting director search: Tognozzi takes a step forwards. Vlahovic yes, Vlahovic no: All the reasons why. Juve-Inter for the U16 Scudetto

Stadium nerves: The Turin council urges Cairo 

‘We’re still waiting for the partnership proposal’

The councillor for sport: ‘Respond to us as soon as possible, the future of the Granata is at stake’. The links with the club’s potential sale is unsettling the fans. Auction for Esposito

Ancelotti’s Brazil immediately in a storm, How about Morocco!

Selecao, just a draw (1-1). Bouaddi impresses everyone 

Turkey flop, Yildiz sad and Calhanoglu shoots for 0

Australia surprise: 2-0 

Curacao go home happy even after conceding seven: Historic first goal 

Germany dominate after the initial fears

Sweden face Tunisia in their World Cup Group F opener in Monterrey, Mexico, with the group already underway after Netherlands and Japan played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.

Sweden vs Tunisia is the final kick-off in a day that was packed full of games; with the competition in full swing now.

The match takes place in a spectacular arena, with mountain views in the background, setting the stage for a must-win game for both sides in a tricky group.

Atalanta defender Isak Hien starts in central defence for Sweden, while Udinese midfielder Jesper Karlstrom lines up in the middle of the park.

Tunisia, meanwhile, field no players with current Serie A connections in their starting eleven, but benched centre-back Dylan Bronn spent several years with Salernitana in Serie A and B, meaning there is, overall, only a modest amount of Calcio involvement this evening.

Sweden vs Tunisia – World Cup Lineups

Sweden: Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Lindelof, Hien, Bernhardsson, Gudmundsson, Nygren, Karlstrom, Ayari, Isak, Gyokeres
Tunisia: Chamakh, Abdi, Talbi, Rekik, Valery, Ben Hmida, Hannibal, Khedira, Skhiri, Slimane, Saad

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador meet in their World Cup Group E opener in Philadelphia, with Germany having already set the early pace in the group by thrashing Curacao 7-1 earlier today.

Atalanta defender Odilon Kossounou is named among the Ivory Coast substitutes, while Roma’s Evan Ndicka features on the bench also due to a fitness concern.

Inter’s Ange-Yoan Bonny, who switched international allegiances from France ahead of the tournament, is also among the substitutes.

Former Milan midfielder Franck Kessie starts in midfield alongside Seko Fofana, with Elye Wahi and Nicolas Pepe in attack.

Ex Atalanta forward Amad Diallo is also among the substitutes for the African side.

For Ecuador, Venezia forward John Yeboah starts up front, while Milan full-back Pervis Estupinan is named among the substitutes. Juventus and Inter defensive target Joel Ordonez starts in central defence.

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador – Official Lineups

Ivory Coast: Fofana; Konan, Singo, Doue, Agbadou; S.Fofana, Kessie; Diomande, Wahi, Pepe; Toure.

Ecuador: Galindez; Hincapie, Ordonez, Pacho; Minda, Vite, Franco, Caicedo; Yeboah, Valencia, Plata.

The Netherlands face Japan with a strong Serie A contingent in their starting eleven for their World Cup opener.

Roma striker Donyell Malen leads the line, Inter’s Denzel Dumfries, whose Real Madrid move is imminent, starts at right back, and former Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders lines up in the middle of the park.

Juventus’ Teun Koopmeiners, Atalanta’s Marten De Roon and Napoli’s Noa Lang, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Galatasaray, are all among the substitutes.

For Japan, Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki starts in goal, while former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada lines up in the centre of midfield.

Ex-Inter full-back Yuto Nagatomo is named among the substitutes at 39 years old, alongside former Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Netherlands vs Japan – World Cup 2026 Lineups

Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen.

Japan: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H.Ito; Doan, Kamada, Sano, Nakamura; Maeda, Kubo; Ueda.

Reports in Italy claim that Markus Krösche is back among the frontrunners to take over as the new technical director of Milan, but the German and his current employers at Eintracht Frankfurt have significant demands according to the latest updates. 

Reports Eintracht Frankfurt want €10m to release Krösche for Milan

Milan are still without a senior management team after parting ways with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 season came to an end. 

For several weeks, it had been reported that former Red Bull executive Ralf Rangnick was poised to take over as the new technical director in San Siro, but the German has since made it clear that he will not be joining the Rossoneri and has instead put pen to paper on a new contract with the Austria national team instead. 

It is believed that Milan’s failure to make a final decision on the appointment of Rangnick before the start of the 2026 World Cup was the final nail in the coffin that led to the definitive breakdown in negotiations between the two parties. 

Now, according to reports from various outlets, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Krösche, who had been linked with a move to Milan earlier this season as well, is back among the frontrunners to take the sporting sector in San Siro. 

However, according to reports from Calciomercato.com, Krösche wants full control in Milan, including the power to bring in his own staff, which is also what Rangnick had demanded from the Rossoneri. 

If Krösche were to take over in Milan, he would like to bring Frankfurt’s Timmo Hardung along with him to take over as sporting director. 

Eintracht Frankfurt may make life difficult for Milan as well, as Calciomercato reports that they want a fee in the region of €7.5m-€10m if they are to part company with their current technical director.

Reports in Italy claim that Massimiliano Allegri could give up on the severance pay he is owed from Milan in order to take up the vacant head coach position at Napoli. 

Milan night not have to pay any severance pay to Allegri

Allegri was dismissed as head coach of Milan the day after the 2025-26 season came to an end. 

He is widely expected to take over as head coach of Napoli, replacing Antonio Conte on a two-year contract, however, he must first come to an agreement to terminate his contract with Milan before starting work in Naples. 

Despite discussions over the last few weeks, Allegri and Milan have not yet come to a mutual agreement. 

Allegri would have been due to earn €5m on the second year of his Milan contract, expiring next summer, and he is reportedly set to earn €4.5m per year on his new deal with Napoli. According to reports on Sunday, Milan have offered to pay €500,000 in severance, i.e. the difference between the coach’s Milan and Napoli salaries. 

Calciomercato.com claims that Allegri’s initial request was for €2m and a further €3m for his staff. 

However, with the start of pre-season quickly approaching and with no agreement in place between the coach and club, the latest reports claim that Allegri is considering walking away from Milan without severance pay, so that he can get to work with Napoli within the coming weeks, if not days.

Weston McKennie believes that hosting the 2026 World Cup will ‘change football in the United States’, says that Milan’s Christian Pulisic will always be ready in decisive moments, but says that he has not heard much from the developments taking place at Juventus. 

McKennie on a flying start to the 2026 World Cup with the USA

McKennie and his USMNT colleagues got their home World Cup campaign off to a flyer with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Though it was Folarin Balogun who provided a brace, McKennie and Pulisic were widely praised for their individual performances on the night. 

“A victory like this was exactly what I was hoping for,” said McKennie in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

“Obviously, you never know what’s going to happen on the pitch because there are so many different expectations. But we know what we’re capable of, and the world has taken notice. 

“Winning 4-1 in the opening match is great, of course, but it’s just the beginning. That’s why we don’t want to overdo the celebrations; this needs to become the norm for us. Now we still have two group stage matches: let’s continue with performances like this and try to improve even further.” 

A moment of individual brilliance from Pulisic led to Damian Bobadilla turning the ball into his own net for the USA’s opener against Paraguay. That was the moment that McKennie thought his nation would get off to a winning start. 

“Probably after the own goal. I thought: ‘Okay, luck is a bit on our side today…’ But the moment that truly gave me goosebumps was when we walked onto the pitch: we listened to the anthem and sang it all together, us and the fans. It’s hard to describe a feeling like that unless you experience it firsthand. 

“In that moment, I thought back to all the hard work put in by the team, the staff, the coach, and the life journeys everyone had taken to get there, all together.”

McKennie praises head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the mindset that he has been able to bring to his squad. 

“For now, let’s take the positives from this match and not get ahead of ourselves. It was fantastic, and do you know why? We wanted to go out there and play like childhood friends, and we succeeded. That’s the secret. 

“The coach often tells us that the hard work is what we do before the match. The sacrifices, the time invested, the commitment: that’s the real graft. Then you go out there and the fun begins, because opportunities like these don’t come around often in a career. 

“And if you make a mistake, never mind, there’s always a teammate ready to cover for you. I’ve never seen the kind of unity we have, both on and off the pitch, in any other team I’ve been a part of.”

It has only been one game, but McKennie is confident that the 2026 World Cup campaign will change the way that football is viewed in the United States. 

“There are many people who, perhaps, had never come to support us before: we hope that, thanks to this performance, they can get to know us and feel closer to us. We want to be a team that people can identify with. We want them to see the joy with which we play, the electricity in the stadium. 

“And for those who say football is boring, well, there were five goals in the first game, so maybe they’ll change their minds! Hosting this World Cup will definitely change football in the United States, it’s impossible not to be moved by this amount of passion.” 

Pulisic has not hit the back of the net for Milan in 2026, but McKennie feels that his compatriot is always ready to step up in the big moments. 

“Christian is always ready when it truly matters. In recent months, many people have criticised him, wondering if he would be fit for the World Cup, if he would be able to make a difference. 

“But I’ve always said it, and I’ll continue to say it: I’ll support him indefinitely, as will the whole team. Christian is one of those players who never falters in decisive moments, and now I hope he continues.”

McKennie was also full of praise for the performance that centre-forward Balogun put in against Paraguay. 

“Balogun did his job, what we expect from him and what he expects from himself. He’s decisive in important moments and an extremely clinical finisher. If someone didn’t know what kind of player he is, I think they’ll have understood now. But I also think Folarin showed another side of himself that perhaps many hadn’t noticed before. 

“Against Paraguay, he got stuck into tackles, put his body on the line, and sacrificed himself for the team. In the past, perhaps some didn’t consider him a player willing to do the dirty work, but he’s shown everyone he’s ready to do it.”

McKennie was also asked for his thoughts about the change of CEO at Juventus, with Damien Comolli having been replaced by Giovanni Carnevali earlier this week. The Bianconeri midfielder says that he has no time to focus on anything other than the World Cup campaign at this point, though. 

“I haven’t heard anything about what’s happening in Turin, but I always have faith in Juve. I haven’t even spoken to my teammates about it. Right now, I’m focused on this tournament, which is too important for all of us. Once it’s over, then I can think about the rest and deal with Juve.” 

Linked with Inter and Arsenal in recent days, Roma and France midfielder Manu Koné insists that he will ‘talk’ about his future at the Stadio Olimpico only after the World Cup.

France and Roma midfielder Koné briefly spoke about his future with the Giallorossi in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

Koné ‘only thinking about the World Cup’ amid Inter and Arsenal rumours

“Honestly, right now I’m only thinking about the World Cup. It’s my first major international competition, a tournament I’ve always dreamed of playing in,” Koné said.

“I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We’ll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens.”

Koné is a long-time Inter target as the Nerazzurri already tried to sign him last summer. A recent report from the French newspaper L’Equipe has also linked the Roma midfielder to Arsenal.

“My goal is always to be ready for the coach and the team. It’s true I played a lot in qualification, but today we have a squad full of great players,” continued the Roma midfielder.

“There will be many matches, and I naturally hope to play as much as possible, but the priority is to be useful.”

Koné has been a regular starter under Gian Piero Gasperini, playing a key role in Roma’s return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018.

However, he also had a couple of fitness issues during the 2026-27 campaign, which made him fear he could miss out on the World Cup.

“Yes, I had two hamstring problems that slowed down the end of my season with Roma, and when a competition like the World Cup approaches, it’s normal to worry,” he admitted.

“However, I maintained faith in myself and the work I was doing. I told myself that if I did everything correctly, I would be back in time. Fortunately, it all worked out in the end.”

Koné also answered a question on France superstar Kylian Mbappé and whether the Real Madrid ace might feel more pressure than his teammates in this season’s World Cup.

“I don’t think so. He’s a champion who has always delivered in the most important moments, both for the national team and his clubs,” Koné concluded.

“We know he’ll be ready. It’s a competition he loves and wants to win. We have full confidence in him. He’s our captain, and we are convinced he will do great things. I do not doubt that.”

Fabrizio Romano reports that Ruben Amorim is keen to become the new Milan coach and is ready to accept the offer from the Serie A giants, waiting for the club’s ‘final green light.’

Former Manchester United coach Amorim is ready to sign a contract with Milan, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Amorim ready to accept Milan’s offer

A Bola and Corriere dello Sport already reported that the Rossoneri had offered Amorim a two-year deal worth over €3m per season.

Multiple sources, including The Athletic, report that the 41-year-old is now the leading candidate for the Rossoneri job.

“Rúben Amorim, ready to accept all conditions discussed with Milan to become the new manager,” Romano wrote on X.

“He wants the job and is waiting for the final green light from Milan.”

The Diavoli already held talks with Oliver Glasner and Mauricio Pochettino after sacking Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the 2025-26 campaign in which Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January 2026 after 14 months in charge of the Red Devils.

Milan remain in the looking for a new CEO, technical director and sporting director after Ralf Rangnick decided to extend his contract as the Austria national team coach.

Nottingham Forest are expected to send an offer for Inter’s Davide Frattesi, but the Italian midfielder has also attracted interest from Serie A clubs, so he must decide whether to move to England or wait for other proposals from Italy.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest are expected to send an offer worth €25m, including add-ons, for Davide Frattesi.

Frattesi waits for Nottingham Forest’s offer

Sky Sport Italia broke the news on Saturday, and Tuttosport confirmed it on Sunday.

Both media outlets claim that Inter value Frattesi at €30m, so it’s not guaranteed that the Nerazzurri would immediately accept the offer from England.

The same is true of the player, who also has admirers in Italy, especially at Roma, Napoli and Juventus.

This is why, according to Tuttosport, Frattesi has a big decision to make in the coming days: accept the upcoming proposal from Forest and move to England – if Inter accept the offer – or wait for a different proposal from Italy, knowing that he’s not part of the Nerazzurri’s plans for the future.

Frattesi only started six games under Cristian Chivu in 2026-27, providing three assists and scoring no goals.

He played 1133 minutes across all competitions with the Nerzzurri last season, making 47 appearances mostly as a substitute.

Corriere dello Sport reports that Roma directors want to secure Mason Greenwood’s signature by the end of June, so they’ll send a formal proposal to Marseille next week, while Milan star Christian Pulisic has been offered to the Giallorossi.

Roma are eager to strengthen their attacking department for 2026-27 regardless of Paulo Dybala’s future at the Stadio Olimpico.

Greenwood’s potential Roma tranasfer: latest news

According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma are determined to send an offer to Marseille for Greenwood next week.

The English winger is valued at €55m, but the French side need to make a big-money sale by the end of the month to comply with FFP regulations, so Roma will push for an agreement in the coming weeks.

According to the report, the opening Giallorossi offer will be worth €40m, including add-ons, plus a substantial sell-on clause.

Corriere dello Sport claims that Roma want to initially sign Greenwood on a €5m deal plus an obligation to buy for €25m and €10m in guaranteed add-ons.

The Giallorossi have already held talks with Greenwood’s father and agent and the ex-Manchester United winger is very much open to moving to the Stadio Olimpico.

Another option for Roma is Milan star Pulisic who has reportedly been offered to the Giallorossi.

Ralf Rangnick extends his contract with the Austria national team and explains why he rejected the opportunity to move to Milan: ‘No clarity.’

The Austrian Football Federation has confirmed Rangnick’s contract extension until the end of 2027, with the agreement extended until 2028 if the Austria national team qualifies for the next European Championship.

Rangnick explains Milan snub: ‘No clarity’

Milan had contacted Rangnick to become the Rossoneri’s new technical director, but his extension as the Austria national team coach means he won’t be going to San Siro.

“We were contacted [by Milan] three weeks ago, and there were discussions,” Rangnick told Krone.at.

“I made it very clear from the start that I wanted clarity by the beginning of the World Cup, for me, the team, the country, the ÖFB, and my players. That was clearly communicated from the very beginning.”

Rangnick, a former Manchester United coach, insisted he saw “no clarity” from the Rossoneri, which contributed to his decision to remain in charge of the Austria national team.

“Those were very good and trusting discussions with the ÖFB [The Austrian FA],” Rangnick added.

“It was important to me that my staff remain on board. I only found out recently that everything is settled with my staff, which is why the decision was only made now.”

Milan are still looking for a new CEO, technical director, sporting director and coach after sacking Massimiliano Allegri, Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada and Igli Tare at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

The leading candidate for the coaching role is now ex-Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim who has reportedly been offered a two-year deal. 

Italy’s World Cup frustrations deepened after the opening rounds, with the Azzurri absent from the tournament and both Carlo Ancelotti and Vincenzo Montella failing to secure victories in their debut matches.

The 2026 World Cup was always going to be a bitter event for all Italian fans, given that La Nazionale failed to qualify for the competition, missing out on the most important football tournament for the third consecutive time.

Disappointing results for Italian coaches at the 2026 World Cup

The Azzurri were meant to be in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland and Qatar, who have all played their opening matches, both ending in a 1-1 draw: Canada vs Bosnia and Qatar vs Switzerland.

The World Cup frustration for Italian fans has continued even without the Azzurri’s involvement.

Both Ancelotti and Montella, in fact, didn’t win their opening matches in the tournament.

Ancelotti’s Brazil picked up a 1-1 draw against Morocco, prompting the Italian tactician to say that his players looked too “anxious”, while Montella’s Turkey surprisingly suffered a 2-0 loss against Australia.

Zeki Celik and Hakan Calhanoglu started for Turkey, while Juventus star Kenan Yildiz was introduced from the bench in the second half as he’s still not fully fit after the end of the season with the Old Lady.

Ancelotti and Montella still have a chance to redeem themselves in the next two games, especially considering that even the eight best third-place teams qualify for the next round alongside the group winners and runners-up.

There’s a third Italian coach at the World Cup: 2006 Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, who will lead Uzbekistan in Group K, making his debut against Colombia on Thursday, June 18.

Roberto Mancini has left Al Sadd, fueling speculation about his return as the Italy national team coach.

Italian coach Mancini has left Al Sadd after just eight months in charge.

Official: Mancini leaves Al Sadd

The Italian tactician posted a video message for Al Sadd fans on X on Saturday night.

Mancini secured the Qatari league title this past April, celebrating on the field with a nod to Italy’s Euro 2020 victory.

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 , 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 . 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐢 , 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 .
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞… pic.twitter.com/cHK4lCvxjy

— #83 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) June 13, 2026

Multiple sources claim that Mancini is now the leading candidate for the Italy job.

He already served as the Italy boss from 2018 to 2023, winning Euro 2020 but also failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Mancini suddenly left the Azzurri in August 2023, becoming the Saudi Arabia national team coach just a few weeks later.

This is why his potential return as the Italy coach has been welcomed by mixed reactions among fans, pundits and Italy legends.

Mancini is said to be on very good terms with Giovanni Malagò, the favourite to win the FIGC Presidential election on June 22, 2026, after which the Italian Federation will name a new head coach for La Nazionale.

During their first meeting in Forte dei Marmi on Saturday, new Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali informed coach Luciano Spalletti that the club’s plan is to strengthen their finances through player sales, with just four team members deemed untouchable.

New Juventus director Carnevali met coach Spalletti for the first time in Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscany, on Saturday, according to Gazzetta and Tuttosport.

First meeting between Spalletti and Comolli

Inevitably, Spalletti and Carnevali mostly discussed the club’s transfer strategy for the summer.

According to the Turin-based paper (via JuventusNews24), the new General Manager and CEO confirmed that the priority will be to sell a few players, including some big names, to strengthen the club’s financial position after the team failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Spalletti was informed that the only four players who are not for sale at any price are Kenan Yilidz, Manuel Locatelli, Pierre Kalulu and Weston McKennie.

The club will need to listen to offers for all other players, including Andrea Cambiaso, Khephren Thuram and Gleison Bremer, to boost their finances and increase their transfer budget for new signings.

It is believed that Carnevali will also meet Dusan Vlahovic to resume contract extension talks.

The Serbia international failed to reach an agreement with Carnevali’s predecessor Damien Comolli and is currently expected to leave the Allianz Stadium as a free agent at the end of the month.

Football Italia understands that Carnevali and Spalletti will meet again on Monday in the first, formal, operative meeting in Turin, involving all other Juventus directors as well.

Multiple sources claim that ex-Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim is the leading candidate for the Milan job, with the Rossoneri offering the Portuguese a two-year deal.

Portuguese coach Amorim is close to becoming the new Milan coach, according to multiple sources.

Milan offer Amorim a two-year deal

Gazzetta and The Athletic reported on Saturday that Amorim had become the leading candidate for the job at San Siro, and A Bola in Portugal confirms that talks between the Rossoneri and the 41-year-old are at an advanced stage.

The Portuguese newspaper and Corriere dello Sport claim that Milan have offered Amorim a two-year deal worth from €3m to €4m per season.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the sum is €3.5m, while A Bola adds that the Milan offer includes an option to extend for a further campaign.

Amorim was appointed by Manchester United in November 2024, but was sacked on January 5, 2026 after just 14 months in charge.

Milan had previously held talks with ex-Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, but Amorim is now believed to be the leading candidate to replace Massimiliano Allegri and lead the Serie A giants in 2026-27.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Brazil, Vinicius is not enough

A magic move of the Real Madrid champion saves Ancelotti

The race for the Milan bench

Amorim’s time

Cardinale’s breakthrough: the Portuguese, ex-United, is now at the top of the list. In the meantime, Rangnick renews with Austria.

Spalletti, pressing on Vlahovic

Inter need a relaunch for Jones. Napoli, Lucca to unlock Gila

Corriere dello Sport

Havertz and Malen, it’s your turn

Germany face Curaçao (19): Musiala and Wirtz behind the Arsenal ace. The Netherlands rely on the Roma star against Japan (22). Qatar hold Switzerland (1-1).

Save Milan!

After Rangnick’s refusal, they are still without a coach and a director. Fans are confused by Cardinale’s club.

Glasner slowdown, Ruben Amorim advances

The Portuguese offered a two-year deal worth €3.5m per season. The alternative is Jaissle. Krosche and Ozek are liked to lead the technical area.

Norton-Cuffy, Napoli temptation

Genoa’s full-back on the list with Dodo and Khalaili

Greenwood: Roma relaunch

Friedkin waits for Marseille’s yes, while Dybala pushes for renewal

David agitates Juve

Carnevali begins his tenure tomorrow: chasing a new No.9. Jonathan is a mystery

Inter, Chivu’s hand

Cristian directs every strategy. Waiting for Palestra, Marotta sees Perez

Lazio: An endless crisis

Lotito at zero

A year ago there was a transfer embargo due to a poor balance sheet. Now another nightmare summer: they must sell before signing. Gila risks leaving: Fans’ protest.

Tuttosport

‘Let’s talk about Vlahovic too’

Carnevali-Spalletti: Meeting in Forte dei Marmi to build the new Juve

The first meeting yesterday: the director has confirmed the need to sell to boost the finances, but the coach trusts him. They can reopen talks with Dusan, but only on certain conditions set by the club. Marotta’s blessing for Comolli’s heir. Inter on Cambiaso: Frattesi in the frame. The World Cup debut complicates David’s sale. Interview with Braida: ‘Giovanni, joined by Chiellini, will bring Juventus back to the top. Finally, there’s a clear command chain.’

Abate to Toro turns Vlahovic on

Milan: now Amorim is in pole

Two-horse race with Jaissle, but the Portuguese is free and plays with a three-man defence: Glasner goes downward.

Will it be real Germany? Curaçao to be discovered

It’s not Malen, there’s Depay with the ‘Dutch’ Japan

England, that lucky steal

Pulisic like Hollywood for the American dream.

Turkey field two Serie A starters in their opening World Cup match against Australia, with Inter’s talismanic regista Hakan Calhanoglu captaining the side in midfield and Roma’s Zeki Celik starting at right back.

Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is rested among the substitutes due to a fitness concern, while former Bianconeri defender Merih Demiral lines up in central defence.

For Australia, Parma centre-back Alessandro Circati starts in defence, with Sassuolo’s Cristian Volpato among the substitutes after a late change in national allegiance from Italian ahead of the World Cup.

Australia vs Turkey – Lineups – 2026 World Cup

Australia: Beach; Circati, Italiano, Bos, Souttar, Burgess; Metcalfe, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler; Touré, Irankunda.

Turkey: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Kokcu, Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akturkoglu, Guler, Yilmaz.

Scotland face Haiti in their World Cup opener with a strong Serie A presence throughout the starting eleven.

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay leads the line from midfield, flanked by Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson, while Torino striker Che Adams starts up front alongside Lawrence Shankland.

Haiti field no players with Serie A connections in their starting eleven.

World Cup 2026 – Haiti vs Scotland Lineups

Haiti: Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience; Casimir, Bellegarde, Jacques, Providence; Isidor, Pierrot.

Scotland: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, Christie; Adams, Shankland.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil get their World Cup campaign underway, as one of the only Italians in attendance at this summer’s competition looks to get off to a winning start.

The South American giants, who are among the favourites for the competition, face a tough opener against a Morocco side who are, albeit somewhat controversially, AFCON champions.

There are no current Serie A players in Brazil’s starting XI for Brazil vs Morocco.

However, ex-Roma defender Ibañez plays at right-back.

Meanwhile, former Juventus full-backs Alex Sandro and Danilo occupy the bench for Brazil and Alisson features in goal, not long after turning down a move to the Bianconeri in favour of another season at Liverpool.

Juventus defender Bremer is also on the bench for Ancelotti.

On the Morocco side, Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui stars in midfield, whilst Inter and Juventus linked Brahim Diaz plays on the right side of attack.

Anass Salah Eddine, who spent the season on loan at PSV from Roma, came on as a second half substitute.

Former Inter right-back Hakimi captains the North African nation.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE Head Coach of Brazil Carlo Ancelotti speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil vs Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 12, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

World Cup 2026: Brazil vs Morocco Lineups

Brazil: Alisson; D. Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Ibáñez; B. Guimarães, Casemiro, Paquetá; Raphinha, Igor Thiago, Vinicius

Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Brahim Díaz, Saibari; El Khannouss

Switzerland kick off their World Cup campaign against Qatar with a strong Serie A presence in their starting eleven.

Manuel Akanji plays in the heart of defence, while Bologna’s Remo Freuler and Pisa’s Fabian Aebischer both start in midfield.

Former Bologna winger Dan Ndoye starts in attack, fresh after reports of a return to Serie A with Inter, with ex-Milan and Torino defender Ricardo Rodriguez completing the back line.

Qatar field no players with Serie A connections in their starting eleven.

World Cup 2026 – Switzerland vs Qatar

Qatar: Abunada; Al-Oui, Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Ahmed, Laye; Gaber, Madibo, Abdurisag; Edmilson, Afif.

Switzerland: Kobel; Akanji, Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Aebischer, Zakaria, Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo.

Milan’s leadership picture is beginning to take shape, with Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Marcus Krosche emerging as the leading candidate for a senior role at the club, while Ruben Amorim and Matthias Jaissle have overtaken Oliver Glasner in the race for the head coach position.

According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, via MilanNews, Krosche represents an ideal fit for RedBird’s vision and is genuinely attracted by the prospect of joining Milan.

“Krosche is fascinated by Milan, there are negotiations ongoing,” Moretto said. “He is the first name to take charge of the sporting side of Milan, to the point that he could enter the club as technical director and not only as sporting director. There are advanced discussions between the parties.”

Glasner loses significant ground as Amorim emerges as most feasible option for Milan

On the coaching front, Moretto identified Amorim and Jaissle as the two strongest candidates, with the former Sporting and Manchester United coach emerging as the most realistic option both financially and practically.

“From an economic and feasibility point of view, the Portuguese is the most accessible,” Moretto said. “Oliver Glasner has lost ground, and a lot of it.”

The developments suggest the Rossoneri’s restructuring is finally gathering momentum after weeks of inactivity, with the appointment of a sporting figure potentially preceding, and shaping, the final decision on who takes charge of the first team.

Juventus have already agreed personal terms with Emiliano Martinez on a three-year contract worth €5 million net per season, with Luciano Spalletti keen to welcome the Argentine goalkeeper once the World Cup concludes. However, formal talks with Aston Villa have yet to properly begin.

According to Tuttosport, outgoing CEO Damien Comolli never directly contacted Villa, instead attempting to fast-track an agreement solely with the player.

New CEO Giovanni Carnevali will now take charge of negotiations from this point.

Aston Villa open to Martinez sale but compensation fee remains key sticking point

Villa have privately accepted that Martinez’s time at the club has run its course, they have already approached Parma over Zion Suzuki as a replacement.

The two clubs’ ownership groups enjoy a good relationship, but neither wants to lose out financially.
Juventus know a compensation fee will be required, while Villa are aware that demanding €20 million for a goalkeeper turning 34 in three months is unrealistic.

A middle ground is expected once the two boards formally reconnect, with Carnevali due to begin work imminently.

Martinez himself is relaxed about the timeline, focused on the World Cup rather than the negotiations.

Alberto Aquilani has given his first interview as Sassuolo head coach, describing his return to the club where he spent six months as a player in 2017 as both an honour and an emotional moment, ahead of his Serie A managerial debut.

The former Roma and Liverpool midfielder left Catanzaro to take up the role, and was reflective about what the club represents to him personally.

“It is a pleasure and an honour to be back here,” Aquilani said, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport.

“There is emotion, because it is a place where I was happy. It is a place that gave me important values, and today I have confirmation that those values are part of this great family, so I am very happy.”

Aquilani relishes Berardi reunion ahead of Serie A managerial debut

On working with Domenico Berardi, a former teammate during his playing days at the club, Aquilani admitted the dynamic would take some adjustment.

“Meeting him again in this role feels a little strange, because I had the chance to play with him and appreciate his incredible qualities,” he said. “He has been here for many years and has always driven this team towards important targets. For me it will be an honour to coach him.”

On the challenge of Serie A itself, Aquilani was candid about what the opportunity means.

“It is the ambition of all of us who try to do this job, as it was as a player,” he said.

“I know it is a difficult league, but I feel ready to face it with this team and this club. To the fans, it is a pleasure to see them again, I wish them all the best and I assure them that from me and my staff we will give everything within our power so that Sassuolo can have the satisfactions they deserve.”

Paulo Dybala has cast fresh doubt over his Roma future, speaking to ESPN upon his arrival in Cordoba with comments that contradicted the widely held belief that his contract renewal was close to being finalised.

The Argentine has been one of Roma’s most influential players since arriving on a free transfer, and a new deal had appeared to be little more than a formality in recent weeks.

His comments to the Argentine press, via Gazzetta, however, suggest the situation may be considerably more complicated than previously understood, and will not have gone unnoticed at Trigoria just as Roma finalise their squad planning for a Champions League return.

Dybala refuses to rule out Boca Juniors return amid contract uncertainty

“We will see what happens,” Dybala said.

“These days every team is an option, even Instituto, so that people don’t get angry. I am still a Roma player until the end of the month, so out of respect for the club I will not talk about my future.”

He continued:

“However, I have not yet decided. I don’t know if something will happen, so I cannot say anything that might not happen. Everything is possible, in football you never know.”

Asked specifically about a return to Boca Juniors, Dybala did not close the door. “We will see,” he said.

Juventus striker Jonathan David was rated 5/10 by Gazzetta dello Sport after Canada’s World Cup opener, but Serie A pair Sead Kolasinac and Ismael Koné were among the best players on the field.

Canada, one of the host countries of the 2026 World Cup, were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first game in the tournament on Friday.

Gazzetta reacts to David’s display in Canada 1-1 Bosnia

It was a match that left the Italy national team with plenty of regrets, as they were knocked out of the World Cup play-off final by Bosnia this past March.

Juventus striker David started the game, but was subbed off around the hour mark. David had a big chance at minute 16, but his shot from inside the box was too weak and easily saved by Bosnia keeper Nikola Vasilj.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport rated David 5/10, writing: “Tell Carnevali that he [David] wasted a chance with his left foot.”

Carnevali is the new Juventus General Manager and CEO, appointed on Friday to replace Damien Comolli.

On the other hand, another Canadian Serie A player, Sassuolo’s Koné, was praised by Gazzetta, called the “Midfield Prime Minister” and rated 6.5/10.

Atalanta defender Kolasinac was the best player on the field for Bosnia, according to the pink paper, and was also rated 6.5/10.

Kolasinac’s compatriot Tarik Muharemovic, a teammate of Koné at Sassuolo, was rated 5.5/10 after losing the duel that led to Canada’s equaliser.

Multiple sources have reported this week that Roberto Mancini is the leading candidate for the Italy job, but the decision has already sparked debate due to the coach’s controversial exit in 2023. Therefore, we ask you: should he be appointed for a second stint?

Roberto Mancini could return to the Italy bench after the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22, 2026.

Mancio already led the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023, guiding them to Euro 2020 glory but also missing out on World Cup qualification in 2022.

During his tenure as the Azzurri boss, Mancini established the record for the longest unbeaten streak in international football, with the Nazionale going unbeaten for 37 matches during which they scored 93 goals and conceded just 12.

His exit in August 2023, however, caused outrage in Italy, as the Sampdoria legend was appointed coach of the Saudi Arabia national team just a few weeks later.

Mancini stepped down in the middle of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, paving the way for Luciano Spalletti’s era, which lasted less than two years.

Over the last few years, Mancini openly admitted that leaving the Italy national team was a mistake, but many have not forgiven him.

Among them is Italy legend Gianni Rivera, who said in April: “I’m sorry for Roberto, really. But when he ran away in Saudi Arabia, he made a decision and forced all of us not to want him as the Italy coach. He has made himself available again, but he was one of the first ones to hurt the national team. I hope he doesn’t return to our bench.”

Mancini is said to be on very good terms with Giovanni Malagò, the favourite to win the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22, 2026. Therefore, many sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia, report that Mancini is the favourite for the Italy job. But would you bring him back to the national team?

Have your say below.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Nottingham Forest are ready to bid €25m plus bonuses for Inter’s Davide Frattesi, nearing the Nerazzurri’s €30m asking price.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest are preparing an offer worth €25m plus add-ons for Italy international Frattesi, reports Sky Sport Italia.

Nottingham Forest ready to send first offer for Frattesi

The midfielder’s agent Beppe Riso and Inter director Piero Ausilio met with Forest’s executives earlier this week, and the English club are now ready to make their opening proposal.

Frattesi was not a regular starter for Inter under Cristian Chivu in the 2025-26 campaign, collecting just three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. Last season, Frattesi only played 1133 minutes with Inter, who are open to offers for the 26-year-old.

According to Sky Sport, the Nerazzurri’s asking price is €30m, so Forest’s opening proposal would not be too far from the Serie A champions’ demands.

Frattesi joined Inter from Sassuolo in 2023, and his contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2028.

Milan have reportedly held talks with Fenerbahce sporting director Devin Ozek, but have three more candidates on their list, including Milan Futuro’s executive Jovan Kirovski.

Serie A giants Milan are still working to rebuild the club management after sacking Igli Tare, Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Who will be the new Milan sporting director?

Ralf Rangnick, Austria’s coach, was the primary candidate for the technical director position. However, the German tactician insisted on having full control over the club’s project, including selecting the new coach and directors, and Milan were not prepared to grant him this level of authority.

According to Tuttosport, RedBird Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic is backing the promotion of Jovan Kirovski from Milan Futuro to the first team’s sporting director.

Sky Sport and Gazzetta, on the other hand, claim that one of the main candidates for the sporting director role is Fenerbahce’s Devin Ozek, who has already met with Ibrahimovic and Gerry Cardinale twice.

According to Gazzetta, Ramon Planes, who has just left Al Ittihad, is another option for Milan, as is Markus Krösche of Eintracht Frankfurt.

As for the coaching role, Matthias Jaissle and Ruben Amorim have gained significant traction in recent days, while ex-Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner is still awaiting a final response from the Rossoneri after agreeing to a two-year contract.

Reports in Italy claim that new Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali intends to build a solid core of Italian players at the Allianz Stadium, so he’s targeted Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni as well as Fiorentina’s Cher Ndour.

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport report that one of the targets of new Juventus director Carnevali will be to sign more Italian players than in the past to help coach Luciano Spalletti build a strong identity next season.

Juventus target Liverpool’s Chiesa and Leoni

According to Gazzetta, two of the Bianconeri’s targets for the summer play at Liverpool, as Carnevali has set his sights on both Chiesa and Leoni.

Chiesa has already admitted he did not want to leave Juventus in 2024 and said he’s open to returning to the Allianz Stadium.

Leoni, on the other hand, had an unfortunate debut season at Liverpool, suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his first game, which sidelined him for the entire campaign.

According to Gazzetta, Juventus are also keeping a close eye on Fiorentina’s Ndour, who has recently made his senior Italy debut under Silvio Baldini, and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi, who might reunite with Carnevali after spending his entire career at Sassuolo.

Gazzetta notes that Fiorentina see Ndour as a key player for their future, while Juventus could offer Fabio Miretti in a player-plus-cash swap.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic insists he was subbed off against Paraguay as a precaution, and even if coach Mauricio Pochettino hopes ‘it’s not a big issue’, he also admits the Milan winger ‘could not walk when the first half finished.’

Pulisic’s USMNT beat Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 World Cup opener on Friday, but the Milan star had to be subbed off at half-time after picking up a knock.

Pulisic injured during USMNT 4-1 Paraguay

“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half; I’m hoping that it’s nothing, taking precaution,” Pulisic said at full time, via The Athletic.

“I’m staying positive; I don’t think it’s anything.”

USMNT coach Pochettino added: “He [Pulisic] received a kick before today (too) in a training session; we hope it’s not a big issue. When he finished the first half, he could not walk. We’re hopeful the next game he’ll be available.”

The USMNT were 3-0 up at half-time when Pulisic was subbed off.

The Milan star had a tough second half of the season at Milan, scoring no goals at the club level in 2026.

Pulisic will have time to rest and recover as the USMNT will play their next World Cup game in one week, on Friday, June 19 at 21:00 CET, against Australia.

One of the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup, USA are in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Rangnick no, Milan be quick!

A more Italian Juve: Ndour and Chiesa on target

One, two, three Lautaro

From the trophies with Inter to the cup of dreams

A never-seen form, the chemistry with Messi and Argentina believes. Kempes: ‘He and Leo are the perfect partnership.’

Samba Italy

Vinicius launches Carletto’s Brazil

The breakthrough of the young Toro: Abate is the new coach

Corriere dello Sport

Carnevali changes Juve: first message to the fans

‘Let’s return to winning.’

‘Sense of responsibility and daily commitment to build a lasting path of growth and a future of successes. We’ll work to make the club more and more protagonist in Italy and abroad.’

Italy pride

World Cup emotion: The Seleçao debuts against Morocco

Carlo, you are all of us

Brazil play at midnight: Vinicius with Raphina and Cunha

From Alisson to Marquinhos: many ex-Serie A friends on the field

Solet to Inter, here we are

Pushing for a loan with an obligation to buy: only the transfer fee has to be decided.

The Dutch Roma is being created

Contacts between the Friedkins and West Ham: Summerville pushes to play with Malen

Napoli, the hands on Kovar

Milinkovic departing: DeLa’s club can partner the Czech international with Meret.

Rangnick turns Milan down

Ralf rejects Cardinale’s proposal: he’ll renew with the Austria national team

‘Lotito, make yourself help.’

Tuttosport

Three manifestations of interest from the USA, Cairo studies the price

Toro, 210m and it can be done

More Italian, stronger, more Juve

The mission that Elkann has given to Carnevali

The new course starts on Monday: besides closing transfer operations quickly, the new CEO must grant the club more political power. ‘We’ll be protagonists again.’ From Frattesi to Liberali, from Ruggeri to Berardi and Kayode: where the ‘Azzurri line’ can bring.

Ancelotti, debut with trap

The Seleçao wants to redeem themselves after the flops in the last three World Cups, but the champions of Africa, fourth in the last edition and 7th in the FIFA Ranking, think big.

Ahi David, Canada saved by Larin

Ibra wins: Rangnick runs away

Milan in disarray: Glasner reflects, the Austria coach is fed up

The Swede didn’t want the German tactician with full powers and now tries to promote the friend Kirovski to the first team’s sporting director. Cardinale takes time for the new coach: he meets Jaissle and expands the casting to Amorim.

Serie A duo Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic helped get the USA off to a flying start in their 2026 World Cup opener, combining in a neat piece of play that saw São Paulo defender Damian Bobadilla deflect the ball into his own net.

Milan forward Pulisic did fantastically well in the build-up with an impressive burst of pace into the box, before laying the ball back to Juventus’ McKennie, whose attempt to flick across the face of goal saw the ball ricochet off Bobadilla’s foot into the Paraguay goal.

Pulisic has shown a statement of intent in front of a home crowd, as the USA look to get their home campaign off to a winning start.

Video: McKennie and Pulisic involved in USA opener

THE FIRST GOAL FOR THE #USMNT IN THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 pic.twitter.com/pvMAukJCou

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026

GOAL!

The deadlock is broken, and it comes from an own goal by Bobadilla.

USA 1-0 Paraguay #FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 pic.twitter.com/QzIMUnmzMn

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 13, 2026

The United States face Paraguay in a massive FIFA World Cup 2026 opener for the hosts, with two Serie A stars in the host nation’s starting eleven.

Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie both start for the USA, while relegated Cremonese forward Antonio Sanabria leads the line for Paraguay.

Former Juventus winger Timothy Weah is on the bench for the US, as they look to get off to a winning start in front of a home crowd.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are favourites to pick up a vital early three points.

Pulisic and McKennie were both involved as the USA took an early lead through an own goal from Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla.

World Cup 2026: USA vs Paraguay Line-ups

United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Robinson, Ream, Richards, Freeman; Adams, Tillman; Pulisic, McKennie, Dest; Balogun.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Alonso, Alderete, Gómez, José Cáceres; Almirón, Bobadilla, Cubas, Enciso; Gómez, Sanabria.

Four Serie A stars are included in the starting line-ups as co-hosts Canada get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign underway against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday evening.

This may be a painful one for Italy supporters to watch, as this would have been the opening game of the tournament for the Azzurri had they not lost on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final back in March.

There will still be representatives from Serie A involved in Toronto on Friday, as Canada have named Juventus forward Jonathan David in their attack and Sassuolo’s Ismael Kone in their midfield.

Bosnia have named a slightly surprising starting line-up, with no room for Edin Dzeko or teenage talent Kerim Alajbegovic, but two members of their back four are currently playing in the Italian top flight: Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic and Atalanta’s Sead Kolasinac.

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

Canada vs. Bosnia: Confirmed line-ups 

Canada (4-3-3): Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; J. David, Oluwaseyi, Buchanan.

Subs: St. Clair, Goodman, Jones, Waterman, Bombito, Davies, Sigur, Choiniere, Shaffelburg, Osorio, Saliba, Larin, Ahmed, P. David, Nelson. 

Bosnia (4-3-3): Vasilj; Muharemovic, Kolasinac, Dedic, Katic; Tahirovic, Basic, Memic, Demirovic, Bajraktarevic, Lukic.

Subs: Jurkas, Zlomislic, Mujakic, Hadzikadunic, Radeljic, Malic, Gigovic, Sunjic, Hadziahmetovic, Burnic, Mahmic, Bazdar, Dzeko, Alajbegovic, Tabakovic. 

The latest reports claim that Ralf Rangnick has grown tired of waiting for a response from Milan, and that he is increasingly less likely to join the Rossoneri as their new technical director. 

Rangnick increasingly likely to say ‘no’ to Milan

Rangnick is currently serving as head coach of the Austria national team and is preparing his players to take on Jordan in San Francisco in the early hours of Wednesday morning in their first game of the 2026 World Cup. 

Despite his World Cup preparations, Rangnick has also been the subject of an approach from Milan, who have lined up the former Red Bull executive as a potential option to take over the role of technical director in San Siro. 

Milan are currently without a head coach, sporting director, technical director or CEO after the club decided to dismiss Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 ended. 

Milan’s spectacular collapse from second to fifth place in the final weeks of the season, missing out on Champions League qualification in the process, is the main reason behind the mass exodus of the senior management team. 

Though Milan have reportedly been in talks with Rangnick to take over as technical director for the last few weeks, the latest updates on Friday claim that the German has grown tired of waiting for a final decision from Milan and that he is increasingly likely to turn down the approach from the Rossoneri. 

The Rossoneri have had several meetings with Rangnick, who made it clear that he would want full control of the sporting sector at Milan, with the ability to bring in his own staff, particularly in the scouting department. 

However, according to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport and various other outlets in Italy, claim that Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic have not yet agreed to those terms, and now, Rangnick has grown frustrated and is likely to walk away from the negotiating table. 

The Austria national team, meanwhile, have been attempting to lock Rangnick down with a new contract extension, and Friday’s reports claim that he is now more inclined to listen to that proposal. 

Some outlets in Italy claim that Rangnick will inform Milan of his decision within the next few hours, while La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that those in Rossoneri are already aware of his decision.

Reports in Italy claim that Roma and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini want to bring USA starboy Christian Pulisic to the Stadio Olimpico and hope that Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could be a major boost to their chances of securing a deal. 

Reports in Italy claim Roma want to steal Pulisic from Milan

Pulisic is currently away on national team duty, preparing to take on Paraguay as the USA open their home World Cup campaign at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. 

Back in Italy, however, there are growing reports that Pulisic is unsettled by the current situation at Milan and that he, along with several other Rossoneri stars, could be minded to leave following the team’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League. 

Milan are currently without a head coach, sporting director, technical director or CEO after the club decided to dismiss Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 season ended as a result of the Champions League disaster. 

Aside from the senior management team, there have also been reports that a string of key first team players, including Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan could say farewell to Milan this summer as well. 

Pulisic is the latest player to be added to that list, and Friday’s reports claim that Roma are particularly keen to add the former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund attacker to their ranks. 

This is a story that was originally reported by Radio Mana Mana, and updates from Calciomercato.com claim that the rumours are increasingly viable. 

Roma are actively seeking a new attacker to add to their squad for 2026-27 and recent reports claimed that they have been in discussions over a potential deal for former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. 

However, Friday’s reports claim that Gasperini is a big fan of Pulisic’s and that the coach has specifically requested the signing of the American. 

As Milan do not have a senior management team in place, no formal talks have taken place yet. 

Milan have been attempting to tie Pulisic down to a new long-term contract extension, but that has not yet materialised and it may now be a tougher task to convince the 27-year-old to commit his future to Milan given the current instability across the club. 

Pulisic’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but Milan have an option to extend that agreement by a further 12 months until 2028.

Politicians in Italy have hit back at FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the ‘belittling’ comments he made about the Italy national team and their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup: ‘Nobody is more ashamed about the decline of the national team than us’. 

Infantino has ruffled feathers in Italy after claiming that FIFA could seek to expand the next World Cup to ‘208 teams’ in order to guarantee that the Azzurri qualify for the next tournament. 

Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final at the end of March, which meant that they would not be going to the final tournament for the third time in a row. 

Italy’s shortcoming led to the immediate departures of head coach Gennaro Gattuso, delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Replacements for all three are yet to be appointed. 

Infantino mocks Italy: ‘We could go up to 208 teams to make sure they participate’

For Azzurri supporters, these facts did not need explaining, which is why many feel that Infantino was rubbing salt into the wounds when joking that FIFA should increase the number of participating nations in order to make sure that Italy qualifies for the next World Cup. 

“We’ve already evaluated the possibility of expanding the tournament to 64 teams to involve even more of the world. 

“That matter has been submitted to the FIFA council, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy this first edition with 48 teams. Maybe Italy could qualify with 64 teams, or we could even go up to 208 teams to make sure they participate,” Infantino joked with CazéTV (via Corriere dello Sport). 

It’s fair to say that these remarks have not gone down well in Italy. Gaetano Amato, Movimento 5 Stelle MP, has since hit back at the ‘belittling’ comments made by the FIFA President. 

“Does Gianni Infantino think he’s being funny about Italy not qualifying for the World Cup? We should remember that he isn’t speaking as a fan at a bar, but as the President of FIFA. A role that he also has thanks to the support of the Italian federation and which should bring balance and respect.

“Nobody is more ashamed than us about the decline of the national team and the current disaster that Italian football finds itself in. We don’t need his cheap jokes to recognise that. 

“Mocking Italy is a belittling exercise, especially from someone who should represent football across the world, including Italy. The embarrassment around the Azzurri is serious. The comments from the FIFA President even more so. Abodi, please make your voice heard.” 

Sky Sport Italia reports that new Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali still sees Emiliano Martinez as Juventus’ priority target in goal, so the Bianconeri will continue to push for the Argentine, who is already looking for a home in Turin.

Juventus continue to chase Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even after Damien Comolli’s resignation and Carnevali’s appointment as General Manager and CEO.

Martinez’s potential Juventus transfer: latest updates

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez remains Juventus’ primary target in goal even with Carnevali in charge.

The new Juventus director is aware that coach Luciano Spalletti wants an experienced goalkeeper, and Carnevali’s appointment could even facilitate the negotiations.

The Italian director, in fact, is on very good terms with Martinez’s agents, who are the same ones as Nemanja Matic, whom Carnevali brought to Sassuolo last summer.

Juventus have already reached a principle of agreement with Martinez and are now in talks with Aston Villa.

Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini has stepped up talks in recent days and, according to Di Marzio, Martínez is so eager to join the Bianconeri that he has already begun searching for a house in Turin.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Nottingham Forest directors have met with Inter and Davide Frattesi’s agent to discuss the midfielder’s availability for a summer transfer.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest have resumed their interest in Italy and Inter midfielder Frattesi.

Nottingham Forest meeting for Frattesi

Sky Sport Italia already reported on Thursday that Forest had put the Italian back on their radar, but transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio provides further updates, saying that a meeting took place on Wednesday, June 10.

It involved Nottingham Forest representatives as well as Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio and Frattesi’s agent Beppe Riso, the same as Sandro Tonali.

Frattesi struggled for playing time under Cristian Chivu in the 2025-26 campaign, and it is believed that Inter will be listening to offers for the 26-year-old.

Serie A clubs Juventus, Napoli and Roma have also been linked with the ex-Sassuolo star who joined Inter from Sassuolo in the 2023 summer transfer window.

According to Di Marzio, it’s still unclear whether Forest will make a formal offer for Frattesi.

The midfielder’s contract at San Siro runs out in June 2028.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Oliver Glasner has reached an agreement with Milan, but the Rossoneri’s search for a new coach continues and includes ex-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who is backed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Milan are still looking for a replacement for Massimiliano Allegri, and even if ex-Crystal Palace boss Glasner remains their primary option, talks have also been held with other candidates.

According to Gazzetta, Glasner has agreed to sign a two-year contract with a salary between €3m and €4m and an option for a further campaign.

Glasner has rejected an offer from Feyenoord and has prioritised Milan, but the Rossoneri have yet to make a final decision.

Milan already met with Matthias Jaissle, coach of Al Ahli, who has a €6m release clause, and Ruben Amorim, who, according to Gazzetta, is backed by RedBird Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has also met with Milan in the past weeks.

The Pink Paper reports that Milan owner Gerry Cardinale wants to be much more involved in the decision-making process than in the past, so he’ll personally pick the new coach after more rounds of talks in the coming days.

Cardinale’s priority, however, is to appoint a new technical director before hiring a new coach, and Ralf Rangnick remains Milan’s top choice.

Rangnick is the Austria national team coach and has reportedly put contract extension talks with the Austrian federation on hold.

The German, a former Manchester United boss, has already identified Jaissle and Glasner as ideal coaches for Milan, but it will be Cardinale who has the last word.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic is confident that his club, Milan, will ‘sort everything out’ as the Rossoneri are still looking for a new coach and directors, but refuses to compare Mauricio Pochettino to Max Allegri: ‘I know what he asks of me.’

Pulisic is preparing for the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup debut against Paraguay on Saturday.

The American star has not scored a goal at a club level in 2026 and was part of a Milan team that finished the 2025-26 campaign outside a Champions League placement.

The Rossoneri sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and all their prominent directors the day after the end of the season and are still looking for replacements.

“I can only say that Milan is a big club, and I think they’ll sort everything out,” Pulisic told Gazzetta.

“Ultimately, I’m sure everything will be fine, and the team will get back to where it belongs. Right now, though, my focus is here in America.”

Pulisic has remained in contact with many of his teammates, including those playing at the World Cup.

“I’m in touch with some of the lads,” he said.

“We’ve spoken, and they’ve also simply wished me good luck for the World Cup. In general, I have many close friends in Italy whom I speak to daily.

“There are many Rossoneri here [at the World Cup].

“I’m not thinking about the possibility of facing each other, but I wish everyone the best. For example, I spoke to Santi [Gimenez], who was the first to play for Mexico. He was the one who broke through the emotional barrier.”

USMNT coach Pochettino has been linked with the Milan job, and according to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri already have a principle of agreement with the Argentine.

“I only see him as my national team coach, here and now. Our relationship is good, definitely good,” insisted Pulisic.

“We’ve had some good conversations over the past few days: I know what he asks of me and what I can give him. I think with him, we’re preparing as best as possible for the tournament.”

What’s the difference between Pochettino and his previous Milan coaches, especially Paulo Fonseca and Allegri?

“I don’t make comparisons, but I believe he’s the first South American coach I’ve had in my career,” Pulisic replied.

“It’s been a great experience, a big discovery. I like his passion, I like the footballing ideas he brings with his style. He demands great energy and continuous intensity on the pitch.”

Pulisic and Juventus midfielder McKennie are among the stars of the USMNT.

“We really did grow up together; now we’re both at the top in Italy, me at Milan and him at Juve, but most importantly, we’re still defending our national team together,” Pulisic concluded.

“When you face such an important match, with the pressure of a World Cup debut, it helps to look around and see lads you’ve known since you were 13 or 14. You want to fight like them, not let them down, cover their backs. It’s with this spirit that we arrive at our home World Cup.” 

France star Kylian Mbappé admits he would not like to see Didier Deschamps become the Italy coach: ‘He belongs to us.’

France and Real Madrid star Mbappé spoke about the future of Les Blues coach Deschamps in an interview with French media M6.

Deschamps, a former Juventus midfielder and coach, has been serving as the France national team coach since 2012 and won the World Cup in 2018.

It’s already been confirmed that Deschamps will leave the French national team after the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Mbappé: Deschamps belongs to France

“I see him smiling, and he’s also more flexible. In the past, I knew him as being tougher, but his strength lies in his ability to adapt to new generations,” Mbappé said via Gazzetta.

“That’s not easy. Yet he has never changed his message. We’re trying to make the most of his presence and pay tribute to him by winning the way he likes.

“However, I hope he doesn’t coach any other national teams,” continued Mbappé.

“I’ve seen the reports linking him with Italy. That would be unfortunate. Didier is French; he belongs to us.”

This past May, Deschamps refused to rule out being appointed as the Azzurri head coach, insisting that he’d be “available” after the World Cup.

Italy will appoint a new head coach after June 22, 2026, when the FIGC Presidential elections will take place.

According to several sources in Italy, Roberto Mancini remains the leading candidate for the role, despite his resignation in 2023 to become the coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.

Juventus confirm that Damien Comolli has left the club by mutual consent and will be replaced by ex-Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the club.

Juventus have made another big change to their management by replacing French director Comolli with Carnevali.

• Read more – Juventus could resume Vlahovic contract talks with Carnevali

Comolli was appointed by the Bianconeri a year ago, first as the club’s General Manager, then as CEO in November 2025.

Tensions with Luciano Spalletti have been growing over the last few months despite the coach being handed a new contract until 2028 this past April.

Disagreements over transfer decisions led to Comolli’s departure, which was confirmed during an extraordinary board of directors meeting on Friday morning.

Juventus confirmed with a statement that Comolli had left the club by mutual consent.

Comolli is being replaced by ex-Sassuolo director Carnevali, who has served as Sassuolo’s CEO since 2014.

Carnevali will serve as Juventus’ Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.

Juventus finished the 2025-26 campaign in sixth and will be playing in the Europa League next season.

Official Juventus statement: Comolli and Carnevali

“In particular, throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in the growth and consolidation of U.S. Sassuolo Calcio, which has become a recognised benchmark for sustainability, innovation, talent development, and value creation, both on and off the pitch. As a Board Member of Lega Serie A, he has also contributed to key strategic discussions aimed at the development and advancement of Italian professional football.

Napoli star Scott McTominay was not on the Scotland team bus when they arrived in Boston on Thursday and missed a training session with his national team due to an upset stomach, while Billy Gilmour visited his teammates.

Scotland make their 2026 World Cup debut on June 14 at 3:00 AM (CET) against Haiti, but are preparing for the match with some concern over Napoli star McTominay.

Scotland team news: McTominay latest updates

As reported by the BBC and other media outlets in the UK, the Napoli star travelled separately from the rest of the Scottish team when they arrived at their Boston hotel on Thursday, missing a training session as well.

McTominay travelled to the team’s hotel with the doctors, and according to the BBC, this is believed to be a precautionary measure.

Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean spoke about McTominay’s condition at a press conference: “Hopefully that doesn’t spread. Fingers crossed Scott will be fine. I’m sure he will be,” he said.

“I don’t need to speak too much on him; everyone knows how big he is.

“It’s a team effort and always will be, but when you have special, special players like that, you want them to be available. I’m sure he will be.”

McTominay’s Napoli teammate Gilmour, on the other hand, was spotted at the team hotel on Thursday, visiting his teammates ahead of their World Cup debut over the weekend.

Gilmour visits Scotland team

Gilmour was meant to be part of the Scottish team for the World Cup, but was forced to pull out due to an injury suffered during a pre-tournament friendly against Curacao.

“He obviously wants to experience things around the lads and also in and around the city with the fans and soak in the atmosphere,” McLean said via The Independent.

“He deserves so much more, but there is going to be so much more opportunity for Billy. I know it’s not what he wants to hear right now, but there will be.

“What an amazing talent, what an amazing young man and it will be good to see him.”

With Giovanni Carnevali replacing Damien Comolli as Juventus’ CEO, Gazzetta reports that the Bianconeri could resume contract talks with Dusan Vlahovic.

Juventus are ready for a new revolution, as Comolli is expected to resign today at an extraordinary board of directors meeting.

Juventus to make new Vlahovic attempt?

The French director has only spent one season at the Allianz Stadium and will be replaced by Giovanni Carnevali.

According to Gazzetta, the new director could resume contract talks with Vlahovic, whose deal in Turin expires at the end of June.

Comolli failed to reach an agreement with Vlahovic, who was offered €6m per season plus bonuses.

Vlahovic earned €12m including add-ons in his final season in Turin, and Kenan Yildiz will be the highest earner at the Allianz Stadium next season with a €7m-a-year salary if Vlahovic leaves.

According to Gazzetta, Juventus remain interested in Alexander Sorloth, Randal Kolo Muani and Emiliano Martinez, while Tarik Muharemovic, a Juventus Academy product now at Sassuolo, might return to the Allianz Stadium and reunite with Carnevali.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Pulisic interview

My America and my Milan

‘It’s the USA’s moment. The Devil will return to greatness.’

Juve turned upside down

Comolli resigns, Carnevali new CEO. Vlahovic emerges again

Another revolution after the market refusals. Elkann now relies on the Sassuolo director. Muharemovic close.

Corriere dello Sport

World Cup regret

Bosnia, who sent us home, debut with Canada (21). Mexico beat South Africa in the opener (2-0).

Elkann’s breakthrough

Juve, what a Carnival!

Comolli resigns, a new CEO arrives

Another big change for John: board of directors today and announcement

The French manager resigns after a meeting with the owner: his heir is chosen for his experience, knowledge, and managerial ability.

Palestra has decided: he wants Inter

He won’t consider other destinations. There’s distance with Atalanta; the request is 55m.

Lotito, enough

The club owner has further pushed away the fans with a letter aimed at them

Napoli, now Anguissa can stay

Option to extend to 2027 activated: Allegri’s arrival changes everything.

Roma, three coups worth 100m

The budget for Gasp: Greenwood, another striker and a full-back on target

Tuttosport

Toro, three offers from the USA

Funds and holdings active in the sports sector want the stadium too. Club valued slightly less than 200m. Cairo reflects. In the meantime, Gazzi returns as team manager and Petrachi changes the medical sector. Transfer: here’s Strefezza again.

Carnevali rebuilds Juventus

Elkann’s revolution: Comolli leaves; the CEO, arriving from Sassuolo, wants to change many things.

Extraordinary board meeting today: resignation of the French director expected after just one year, with poor results and a lot of tension. His successor calls Spalletti, who wins the internal ‘political game.’ Big changes on the horizon in terms of men, methods and on the market. Modesto and Burgess are leaving too, but Kolo, Sorloth and Martinez remain priority targets.

Exclusive Cannavaro: ‘There’s magic here also with Uzbekistan.’

Mexico and tears: Jimenez party

Claudio Lotito has emphatically rejected suggestions that Lazio are up for sale, intercepted in the corridors of the Italian Senate to reinforce an official club statement released earlier in the day that categorically denied any ongoing negotiations over a potential takeover.

The Lazio president was characteristically unrepentant, dismissing the growing supporter revolt and the Curva Nord’s announced boycott of season tickets and home matches with a defiant shrug.

“Fear? No,” Lotito said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb. “Because I do not do things in material terms. For me Lazio is an emotion and I want to build emotions. They do not want to come to the stadium? It is legitimate. I work with responsibility, without material interests.”

Lotito dismisses Lazio fan accusations and claims his football legacy is unmatched in Italian history

On the criticism that he has robbed supporters of the right to dream, Lotito was equally forthright.

“I also want to dream, but I want to dream for the future, not only the present,” he said.

“I wrote an open letter to report things as they are, without exaggerating what I have done. What I have done for football has never been done before in history. I took Salernitana from the Eccellenza and brought them to Serie A.”

On his open letter to Il Messaggero, Lotito said: “I sleep three hours a night. I wrote this letter at night and sent it, then I did not sit and watch the reactions.”

Rumoured interest in Reggina was also swiftly dismissed: “Those are just talk.”

Damien Comolli is set to leave Juventus after just one year, with a extraordinary board meeting called for Friday 12 June to officially confirm his departure, and the botched pursuit of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson identified as the moment that fatally undermined his relationship with Luciano Spalletti.

According to Alfredo Pedullà, the Alisson saga proved decisive. Spalletti had been guaranteed the Brazilian would arrive and personally invested time in convincing the goalkeeper to make the move, only for the approach to be made too late and without the necessary groundwork having been laid with Liverpool.

From that point, trust between coach and CEO broke down irreparably, with a series of subsequent transfer pursuits also ending in failure.

Carnevali to replace Comolli as Exor install Sassuolo CEO as new Juventus chief

Comolli had joined Juventus in June 2025 as Director General before being elevated to CEO, replacing Maurizio Scanavino.

His tenure ends after a season in which the club failed to qualify for the Champions League, a financial and sporting blow that made his position untenable.

Exor have moved swiftly, appointing Giovanni Carnevali as his successor.

The Sassuolo CEO, who has held that role since 2014, brings considerable experience of building competitive squads on modest budgets.

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus have already taken the decision to part company with CEO Damien Comolli after just one year in the job, before the Frenchman reported for a meeting with the club on Thursday. 

Moretto: Juventus have already decided to part ways with Comolli

Comolli’s future as CEO of Juventus is in major doubt, and according to some reports, the decision has already been taken for him to step down from his position at the top of the Bianconeri hierarchy. 

The Juve executive was called in for a meeting on Thursday amidst speculation that his future is under question again. 

Comolli and head coach Luciano Spalletti spoke to club owner John Elkann after the disappointing 2025-26 season came to an end, and reports at the time indicated that there would be no major changes to the Juventus senior management, just that Spalletti would be given more of a say in the club’s transfer decisions. 

However, according to reports from several outlets, including Sky, Comolli’s position is not as secure as first thought. 

Some outlets even claim that the decision has already been taken for Comolli to step down: Matteo Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, claims that there is a ‘99.9% chance’ that Comolli leaves his position as CEO. 

There have also been suggestions that technical director Francois Modesto’s future is in doubt as well, given that he was appointed by Comolli, has not convinced in the year that he has been in his job and may no longer fit with the club’s visions for the future. 

Thursday’s latest update claims that Juventus could turn to Sassuolo’s Giovanni Carnevali to take over and that Giorgio Chiellini could be given a more prominent role. 

Reports from various sources in Italy claim that Damien Comolli’s position as CEO of Juventus is under review after just one season in the Bianconeri hot seat, and meetings to discuss the Frenchman’s position are reportedly underway.

Juventus discussing Comolli future, meetings underway 

According to reports from Sky Sport Italia and various others, meetings are underway in Turin to discuss Comolli’s position as CEO of Juventus. 

This comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Comolli and head coach Luciano Spalletti both spoke with owner John Elkann after the 2025-26 ended, and reports at the time indicated that Juventus were not expected to make any personnel changes to their senior management structure, despite the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League. 

According to reports towards the end of May, Spalletti asked for more of a say in Juve’s transfer decisions and the club were inclined to give him those guarantees. That didn’t necessarily mean that Comolli would leave, though, only that he would have to collaborate with Spalletti more regularly. 

However, the latest reports from Sky indicate that Comolli’s position is now under review again. 

Sky adds that it has been a busy few days for Comolli, sporting director Marco Ottolini and technical director Francois Modesto, who have been plotting potential summer transfers and planning for potential departures, as they have all been expecting to continue into the 2026-27 season. 

Further updates are expected in due course.

Recent reports claim that Nottingham Forest have reignited their interest in Italy international Davide Frattesi, who is considered surplus to requirements at Inter, but there are still potential options for the 26-year-old in Serie A, including with Napoli. 

Frattesi back on Nottingham Forest radar

Frattesi had to settle for a role as a back-up option during Inter’s Scudetto and Coppa Italia-winning campaign in 2025-26, starting just three times in the league and three times in the Champions League. 

The former Sassuolo midfielder had been strongly linked with a move away from Inter during the January transfer window in order to increase his average game time, but a permanent exit never materialised. 

Nottingham Forest were among the sides linked with a move for Frattesi in January, and according to recent updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Evangelos Marinakis’s side could be poised to make another attempt to lure the Italian away from San Siro again this summer. 

There have also been claims that Frattesi could be a potential option for Napoli under the leadership of Massimiliano Allegri, who had reportedly sought to bring him to Milan last summer. 

The 34-time Italy international would be an even stronger option for Napoli if Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were to leave this summer, which remains a possibility.

Reports in Italy claim that England international John Stones is among the defenders that are under consideration at Juventus, as Luciano Spalletti and his staff look to strengthen on a reduced budget with no access to Champions League funds. 

Juventus defenders: Stones and Muharemovic under consideration, Kim or Lucumi if Bremer leaves

Juventus are hoping to provide Spalletti with a competitive squad capable of challenging for the Serie A title in 2026-27, but this task was made all the more difficult when the Bianconeri missed out on Champions League qualification in the final weeks of the 2025-26 season. 

The defence is an area that may need addressing. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Juventus are considering a deal to bring back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, hoping to use their 50% sell-on clause to their advantage. 

Thursday’s reports claim that England defender Stones is also a potential option for Juventus given that he is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season. 

The 32-year-old spent 10 seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the 2022-23 Champions League while making 295 appearances in the English top flight and 62 in the Champions League. He also has 88 England caps to his name and is part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. 

The biggest concern with Stones is his injury record, especially after a season where he was only available for nine Premier League appearances and 18 across all competitions. 

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Gleison Bremer will stick or twist for the 2026-27 season. Much depends on his performances at the 2026 World Cup and whether there might be offers for the Brazil international once the tournament comes to an end. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests, however, that Juve’s interest in Stones and Muharemovic is not dependent on a sale of Bremer. 

If the Brazilian were to be sold, Juventus would likely need another proven, starting option that is ready for the immediate-to-long-term future. La Gazzetta dello Sport has suggested Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi. 

Inter are negotiating the final details of a potential deal for Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet and reports on Thursday indicate that the Frenchman could complete the Nerazzurri defensive unit as both Alessandro Bastoni and Yann Bisseck look set to stay for 2026-27. 

Inter close to completing defensive line-up for 2026-27

Yesterday’s reports claimed that Inter have an agreement in principle on personal terms with Solet, who is willing to join Cristian Chivu’s double-winning squad on a four-year contract worth around €2.5m per season in wages. 

The Nerazzurri are yet to match Udinese’s asking price of €25m, but La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that they are now ‘around €3m shy’ of satisfying the Bianconeri demands. 

There is a possibility that Solet ends up moving on an initial loan deal with an option, or more likely an obligation to buy. 

It is little secret that Inter have been looking to add to their defensive department, even just from a numerical standpoint with Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian leaving at the end of their contracts later this month. 

There had also been reports that Bastoni was a target for Barcelona during the second half of the 2025-26 season, but the Catalans have since signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for a package of around €80m, which makes the signing of a new marquee centre-back unlikely this summer. 

Bastoni’s agent met with Inter directors on Wednesday and has since made it clear that his client is happy in San Siro and that he is not currently expecting to leave: “Players like Bastoni attract the interest of many clubs, but he’s happy where he is. You never know in life, but this is a moment where Bastoni wants to stay at Inter.”  

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bisseck’s agent also reported to Inter’s headquarters on Wednesday. The German centre-back has plenty of interest across Europe and it had been reported that Bayern Munich was a potential option for the ambitious German, who has been left out of his nation’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. 

However, like Bastoni’s agent, Bisseck’s representative has also expressed that his client is happy at Inter, and according to Thursday’s update, there is even a possibility that the 25-year-old signs a new contract extension, despite the fact that he already has one that runs until the summer of 2029.

Reports in Italy claim that Ruben Amorim, formerly of Manchester United, is the latest coach that Milan have spoken to on their hunt to find a replacement for Massimiliano Allegri, but the combination of Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner remains the most likely set-up for the Rossoneri. 

Milan still meeting with head coaches while waiting for Rangnick and Glasner

Milan are still waiting to appoint a new coach and senior management team following the departures of Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 season ended. 

Recent reports from various outlets claim that Milan’s preferred option is to appoint Rangnick as technical director and to appoint Glasner, a ‘disciple’ of the former Red Bull revolutionary, as head coach. 

Glasner is available following his departure from Crystal Palace, but Milan wish to appoint a new technical director first. Rangnick, meanwhile, is under contract with the Austria national team, who are trying to tie the German down with a new contract, which is why an appointment has not yet been made. 

Meanwhile, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Calciomercato.com), Milan continue to meet with prospective head coaches while waiting to hear the outcome from the Rangnick-Glasner situation. 

It has been reported that Gerry Cardinale has spoken with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, and Thursday’s updates claim that former Manchester United and Sporting CP boss Amorim is the latest coach that the Rossoneri have spoken with. 

Calciomercato claims that Amorim’s candidacy is similar to Pochettino’s. They are not considered ‘leading’ candidate for the job: That status is reserved for Glasner, but anything could happen in the event that the Austrian ends up saying ‘no’ to the Rossoneri.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

The whole world is there (apart from us) 

At 20.00: The maxi American World Cup gets underway 

Mexico-South Africa opens it at the legendary Azteca. Messi to defend the trophy: ‘It will be tough to beat us’. But, there is Yamal, Mbappe and our Carletto

Rodri: ‘The level has been raised, my Spain side are favourites’

The interview 

France, so many stars (perhaps too many) 

An attack to be feared 

Corriere dello Sport 

The last dance 

World Cup underway 

Edition no.23 is also the last for two icons 

France and Argentina at the top, but the algorithm says Spain 

The first of three opening ceremonies takes place tonight, followed by Mexico-South Africa at the Azteca at 20.00. 48 participants, the final on July 19. Italy represented by three coaches: Ancelotti, Cannavaro and Montella

Tuttosport 

DIBU: Discount for Juve 

Three years and 4.2 million less per seasons: The goalkeeper accepts 

Agreement with Martinez, work underway with Aston Villa: Request of 15 million, Comolli is set at five. Meanwhile, Besiktas step forwards for Di Gregorio. Close Nico to get Sorloth: Ruggeri is also liked at Atletico. Premier League for Thuram: More money for Kolo. Contact with Lucumi. Cagliari proposes Gaetano

‘My Argentina remains the strongest’ 

Mexico-South Africa opens the World Cup at 20.00: Exclusive with reigning champion Mac Allister

The Liverpool ace explains why the Seleccion can repeat their success from Qatar: 

‘We know how to do it and we still have Messi, the greatest of all time. I didn’t get a tattoo of the cup in 2022, but in a month’s time, I might get two. In the semi-finals, it will be us, France, Spain and Portugal’. 

Toro goalkeeper, Abate backs Falcone 

Montipo the alternative 

Negotiations will begin as soon as Lecce appoint a new sporting director. Ugresic on the cards. River Plate: 9 million offer for Simeone: Rejected

Provedel after Solet, it’s two for Inter 

Agreement with the Laziale 

Meeting okay with the goalkeeper’s agent. Bastoni’s representative: ‘Ale is happy at Inter’. Reggiani idea

Modric, it’s not finished with Milan 

Talks with Glasner 

Real offer him a role as director, but the Croatian wants to speak to the new coach first.

Matteo Ruggeri’s agents confirm Juventus and Roma’s interest in the Atlético Madrid defender: ‘There are requests from Italy and abroad.’

Juventus and Roma are among the clubs interested in Atlético Madrid left-back Ruggeri.

Agents admit Juventus and Roma want Ruggeri

The defender’s agents Manuel Montipò and Tullio Tinti spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a meeting with Inter directors on Wednesday morning.

The two parties are not thought to have discussed Ruggeri’s potential move to Inter. Tinti, in fact, is also the representative of Nerazzurri defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Matteo Darmian.

“Ruggeri provided seven assists in 48 games with Atlético Madrid, playing almost every game as a starter,” Montipò said.

“The club is very happy with the player and wants to retain him. As of today, he’s an Atlético Madrid starter. The market is open, and anything can happen. There are requests from Italy and abroad, but as of today, there’s nothing concrete.”

Gazzetta had claimed on Wednesday morning that Roma were interested in Ruggeri, and the Sky Sport reporter specifically asked the defender’s agent about the links with the Giallorossi and even Juventus.

“He is in a top club, and all top clubs look for strong players, but I don’t know,” Montipò said.

At that point, Tinti stepped in, confirming both clubs’ interest: “I know, and there are many more,” he said before leaving with a smile on his face.

Ruggeri joined Atléticoé Madrid from Atalanta in a €17m deal last summer. The 23-year-old has yet to make his senior Italy debut and is under contract at the Wanda Metropolitano until June 2030.

Juventus expert Romeo Agresti reports that Aston Villa are open to selling Emiliano Martinez, and talks between the Premier League side and the Old Lady are ongoing ‘to reduce the gap between the asking price and the offer.’

Juventus are in talks with Aston Villa over Argentine goalkeeper Martinez.

Aston Villa prepared to sell Dibu Martinez

Multiple sources in Italy claim that the Bianconeri have reached an agreement in principle with the 33-year-old, who is ready to sign a three-year contract in Turin.

Juventus expert Romeo Agresti confirms the player and the Bianconeri have already shaken hands, yet the Serie A giants must now convince Aston Villa to sell the Argentine keeper.

Agresti claims on X that Aston Villa are open to selling Martinez, but have yet to reach an agreement with the Serie A giants.

“Negotiations are needed to reduce the gap between the asking price and the offer,” wrote Agresti.

Sky Sport Italia previously reported that Juventus are pushing for a free transfer, but it’s unlikely that Aston Villa will release Martinez for nothing, as the Argentine international is under contract until 2029.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Aston Villa’s asking price is €10m, while Gazzetta claims that the Premier League side have demanded €15m.

Juventus fans seem to be excited by the potential arrival of Martinez, as thousands of them have commented on the goalkeeper’s latest Instagram post begging him to move to the Allianz Stadium.

Arsenal have enquired about Kenan Yildiz, but Juventus don’t want to sell their star at any price, and the Turkishman is happy to remain in Turin, according to Tuttosport.

Juventus star Yildiz is not expected to push to leave the Allianz Stadium this summer, according to Tuttosport.

Yildiz and Juventus not listening to Arsenal

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Arsenal had enquired about the availability of the Juventus star, yet the Bianconeri informed the Gunners that they would not sell the 21-year-old at any price.

Tuttosport also reports that Arsenal have made contact to sign Yildiz and confirms Juventus’ stance on the Turkey international.

The Turin-based paper adds that even Yildiz is uninterested in leaving Turin this summer, especially after signing a new contract until 2030 just a few months ago.

Tuttosport reports that Yildiz is happy at Juventus and wants to repay the club’s faith in him.

The 21-year-old contributed to 21 Juventus goals in 47 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26, scoring ten goals and providing 11 assists.

Yildiz is the third-highest-valued Serie A player at the 2026 World Cup, after Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz.

Alessandro Bastoni’s agent Tullio Tinti insists the Italian defender doesn’t want to leave Inter despite interest from top European clubs.

Bastoni’s agent, Tinti, was spotted at Inter’s headquarters on Wednesday morning and spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a meeting with the Nerazzurri directors.

Agent confirms Bastoni’s transfer stance

Tinti is the agent of both Bastoni and Matteo Darmian. The latter is expected to leave the Nerazzurri at the end of his contract on June 30.

“We didn’t go to Inter to discuss Bastoni,” Tinti said.

“He is an Inter player in every respect and still has two years left on his contract. He is wearing the Inter shirt, he wants to honour his contract, and he is happy at Inter. There has never been an issue.”

There have been reports in recent weeks that Barcelona had set their sights on Bastoni, but the defender’s agent insisted that his client would not leave in the summer.

“Bastoni is an Inter player, and he will certainly remain at Inter,” Tinti said.

“In football, anything can happen. A player like Bastoni attracts interest from all the top clubs, but that’s not the issue. He is happy where he is. You never know what life may bring, but right now, he is extremely happy where he is.”

Bastoni, 27, remains under contract at the Stadio Meazza until June 2028.

He has scored two goals and provided six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions with Inter this term.

He joined Inter from Atalanta in a €40m deal in 2018 and played for Parma on loan in the 2018-19 campaign.

Bastoni has scored three goals in 43 appearances with the Italy national team.

Argentina pair Lautaro Martínez and Nico Paz are the highest-valued Serie A stars at the World Cup, while Rafael Leao doesn’t make the top three.

The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11 and, unfortunately, Italy will once again watch the most important football tournament from home.

Italian football fans can still enjoy Serie A stars in the competition, and Football Italia has listed the ten most valuable players from Italy’s top flight who will be at the World Cup this summer.

The highest-valued is Inter’s Lautaro Martinez, a fresh Serie A title winner with the Nerazzurri and the league’s leading scorer in 2025-26. Lautaro already won the World Cup with Argentina four years ago and is valued at €85m.

This year, Lautaro is joined in the Argentina team by 21-year-old Nico Paz, valued at €80m. Paz spent the last two seasons at Como, but seems destined to return to Real Madrid in the summer.

The third-ranked is Juventus and Turkish star Kenan Yildiz, also 21, who is valued at €75m by Transfermarkt.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal recently enquired about Yildiz’s availability, but the Bianconeri are unwilling to listen to offers for the Turkish star.

Milan star Rafael Leao, a Portuguese winger, ranks fourth.

Top most expensive Serie A stars at the 2026 World Cup

Lautaro Martínez (Inter) 85m

Nico Paz (Como) 80m

Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) 75m

Rafael Leao (Milan) 50m

Manu Koné (Roma) 50m

Marcus Thuram (Inter) 50m

Donyell Malen (Roma) 45m

Ederson (Atalanta) 45m

Christian Pulisic (Milan) 40m

Scott McTominay (Napoli) 40m

Fabrizio Romano confirms that Arsenal have resumed talks for Sandro Tonali in recent days, while Manchester United directors feel the Italian midfielder is too expensive.

Italy international Tonali is expected to leave Newcastle in the summer, even if the Magpies have reportedly set his asking price at € 115m, according to Italian sources.

Tonali transfer latest: Romano confirms Arsenal calls

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provides the latest updates on the Italian midfielder’s situation, reporting, after TMW, that Arsenal have recently resumed talks to sign the ex-Milan star.

The Gunners have sounded out Tonali’s availability through some calls in recent days, Romano confirms, after the fresh Premier League champions already showed their interest during the January transfer window.

Tonali reportedly remains an option for Manchester City as well, even if their priority is currently Elliot Anderson.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Tonali, but according to Romano, the Red Devils have now cooled their interest in the 26-year-old, as they believe the overall cost of the deal, including salary and transfer fee, would be too high.

The Red Devils have already secured midfield reinforcement for next season as they are preparing to welcome Atalanta midfielder Ederson for €45m including add-ons.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s latest Instagram post has sparked reactions from several Juventus fans who are begging him to move to the Allianz Stadium this summer.

Emiliano Martinez’s latest Instagram post has sparked reactions among Juventus fans, with many Bianconeri eager to welcome the Argentine to the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus fans send social media messages to Dibu Martinez

Martinez posted a one-word message while on international duty with Argentina before the World Cup, simply writing ‘Feliz,’ ‘Happy’ in Spanish.

It was enough to receive 2,500 comments in just a few hours, including many from Juventus fans.

Some wrote “See you soon in Turin”, others “Come to Juventus” or “We are waiting for you”, accompanying their messages with black-and-white heart emojis.

The reaction from Juventus fans came after several media outlets, including Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport, claimed that the 33-year-old has reached a principle of agreement with the Old Lady.

According to reports, Juventus hope to persuade Aston Villa to sell the experienced goalkeeper for a low transfer fee, possibly even on a free transfer, despite Martinez being under contract with the Premier League side until June 2029.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Curtis Jones is waiting to discuss his future with new Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola, while Inter continue talks to sign the English midfielder with a gap of €10m between their proposal and the Reds’ asking price.

Inter continue to push to sign Liverpool midfielder Jones, according to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday.

Jones transfer: latest updates as Inter talks ongoing

According to the newspaper, Jones has now become the Nerazzurri’s top target in central midfield, followed by Udinese’s Arthur Atta.

Jones’ Liverpool contract runs out in June 2027, and just a few weeks ago he was pushing to leave Anfield due to his strained relationship with Arne Slot.

However, with Iraola arriving in Liverpool to replace Slot, Jones is now waiting to meet his new coach to discuss his future plans at Anfield.

According to Gazzetta, Inter remain in talks with Liverpool over the English midfielder, but there’s currently a €10m gap between the Nerazzurri’s offer and the Reds’ asking price.

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa recently dropped a transfer hint on Jones, saying that his teammate has asked for tips about life in Italy.

Roberto Baggio and other Italian legends, including Christian Vieri, have visited New York and Toronto in recent days, meeting several Azzurri fans living abroad and taking part in various activities, including watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Italy might not have qualified for the World Cup, but Italians living in the USA and Canada still had a chance to meet their idols of the past, as Baggio, Vieri, and Alessandro Nesta, among others, travelled all the way to Toronto and New York to meet their compatriots living abroad.

Why did Baggio visit Italian fans in New York and Toronto?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino organised the Italian legends’ trip, which started in Toronto last week, when some ex-Italy players took part in a five-a-side match.

Baggio shared his activities on his Instagram account, including a meeting with the Italian community in New York on Monday.

“Seeing so many Italian Americans with tears in their eyes, moved by the chance to see us again, touched my heart deeply and is a memory I will carry with me forever,” wrote the Divin Codino.

Baggio also attended the Steve Nash Showdown in NYC on Tuesday, joining other football legends such as ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, former Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids and more.

Watch all Baggio’s videos from the USA below.

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Reports in Italy claim that Milan have offered ex-Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner a two-year deal.

Former Palace coach Glasner is Milan’s top target to replace Massimiliano Allegri as their coach, and according to Gazzetta and SportMediaset, the Rossoneri have now sent a formal offer to the Austrian tactician.

Milan offer Glasner two-year contract

Both sources claim that the Rossoneri have offered Glasner a two-year deal.

According to SportMediaset, Milan’s salary offer is around €5m per season, while Gazzetta claims wages are between €3m and €4m.

SportMediaset reports that Glasner is willing to join Milan, and it is expected that he’ll accept the offer even if the two parties have yet to sign the deal.

Gazzetta notes that Milan owner Gerry Cardinale wants to hire a technical director before appointing a new coach, with Ralf Rangnick still seen as the top option for the role at San Siro.

Rangnick has already identified Glasner as an ideal candidate for the coaching position, but the Rossoneri remain interested in the Austrian tactician regardless of Rangnick’s advice.

According to Gazzetta, Glasner has turned down an offer from Fenerbahce, having prioritised a move to Milan.

Multiple sources in Italy, including Sky Sport Italia, claim that Juventus have reached an agreement with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and are now trying to strike a deal with the Premier League side.

Juventus have reached a principle of agreement with Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, reports in Italy claim.

• Read more – Martinez’ one-word message sparks Juventus fans’ reaction

Details behind Juventus agreement with Dibu Martinez

Tuttosport, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport report that the experienced shot-stopper has agreed to sign a three-year deal at the Allianz Stadium.

Martinez has reportedly accepted a €5m-a-year salary, lower than his current wages at Aston Villa, which suggests the 33-year-old is ready for a new challenge.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is looking for an experienced goalkeeper, but the Bianconeri have yet to shake hands with Aston Villa.

Corriere dello Sport claims that Villa’s asking price is around €10m, but Sky Sport suggests the Bianconeri are pushing to sign the player for practically free, given his age and desire to move to Turin.

Martinez is under contract with Aston Villa until 2029, so it remains to be seen whether the Premier League side will agree to release their goalkeeper for free.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus hope for a ‘favourable solution from an economic point of view, hoping that Aston Villa agree to a transfer on particularly advantageous terms.’

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Here we are; tomorrow we start

World Cup: weight of gold

Players valued at over 13 billion on the pitch. Yamal the most valuable star: 292m. Real offer 150m for the Argentine Alvarez; Atletico reject the offer.

Inter put muscles on: there’s Atta with Solet

Juve, Dibu saves: agreement done, discount needed.

Milan offer Glasner a two-year deal

Corriere dello Sport

World Cup revolution

It starts tomorrow with Mexico-South Africa: many new rules

Palestra, assist for Chivu

New meeting: the Percassi prefer to sell him in Italy

Inter, Atalanta are open. Blitz for Solet and Atta

There’s still a gap for the full-back’s value, but La Dea picks Oaktree as their first interlocutor. Double operation with Udinese: there’s the box-to-box midfielder along with the defender.

Napoli, Khalaili blocked

Roma, Gasp is in a hurry

Pulisic: Milan at stake

Julian, shock offer

Juve, Dibu saves

Principle of agreement with the Argentine: three-year contract worth 5m per season. He’s Spalletti’s first target. Now Aston Villa must be convinced; they ask for 10m. Palmisani (Frosinone) is being followed. Sorloth promised himself.

Tuttosport

De Biasi launches the new coach, one of his ex-players, with a message for the club

‘Toro if you have Abate’s ambition…’

‘Hand off Yildiz.’

Arsenal move for Kenan. Juve: ‘He’s not for sale.’

The Gunners can offer up to 100m, but the Bianconeri’s refusal follows Comolli’s promise: ‘Kenan is not for sale.’ The player is happy to stay. The algorithm says Kessié, Spalletti would like something different in midfield. Wait for Brahim. Goal: Dibu Martinez advances.

Sorloth & Co. ‘Us World Cup.’

Juventus relaunch with Atletico for the hitman who has big dreams in the USA alongside Haaland.

Atletico-Real: Alvarez controversy

Glasner says yes to Milan, so many insults for Ibra!

The new coach is incoming from Crystal Palace. Zlatan ‘reporting’ from the World Cup infuriates the fans.

Solet, Inter push: 20m plus add-ons

Atta is the alternative to Jones. Palestra too expensive? There’s Ndoye of Nottingham.

Massimiliano Allegri is yet to officially begin his Napoli tenure, still awaiting resolution of his Milan contract, but the issues awaiting him in the Campanian capital are already piling up.

From a striker in open conflict with the club to a midfielder who has lost his way and a goalkeeper situation without a clear answer, Allegri’s work is cut out before he has even walked through the door.

According to reports from Goal, the most pressing question surrounds Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian caused significant friction at the end of last season by choosing to remain in Belgium to recover from injury rather than return to Naples as instructed, a decision that angered both Conte and the club hierarchy.

Despite the bad blood, Allegri is known to admire Lukaku and reportedly attempted to sign him from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. With one year remaining on his contract, a resolution is unlikely before the World Cup concludes.

Zambo Anguissa revival a priority as Napoli goalkeeping battle remains unresolved

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa‘s rehabilitation is another immediate priority.

The Cameroonian was sensational in Napoli’s title-winning campaigns but has been a shadow of himself since returning from a serious injury, finishing the season on the bench for four of the final five matches.

Allegri will need to assess whether Anguissa can rediscover his best form, or whether reinforcements in the form of Richard Rios or Adrien Rabiot become necessary with his contract expiring in 12 months.

The goalkeeping situation is equally unresolved.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic made 27 league appearances to Alex Meret’s 11, yet the Italian, a Scudetto winner under Spalletti, kept clean sheets in both of his late-season starts. Allegri will need to end the rotation and name a clear number one from the outset, a decision that could determine Meret’s future at the club.