Gerry Cardinale is stepping up his involvement in AC Milan’s affairs, with the RedBird owner set to travel to Rome on Monday to represent the club at the FIGC’s electoral assembly, a deliberate signal of his intention to be more present in Italian football following a turbulent season that ended without Champions League qualification.

According to SportMediaset, via CalcioMercato, Cardinale will attend the assembly at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel on June 22, where the two candidates for the FIGC presidency, Giancarlo Abete and Giovanni Malagò, will go head to head, with new federal councillors also elected on the same day.

Cardinale accelerates sporting director search as Milan rebuild gathers momentum

The Rome trip is part of a broader shift in approach from the American owner, who attended Milan’s final two matches of the season, the away game at Genoa and the home defeat to Cagliari, in a show of solidarity following the club’s disappointing campaign.

Having already confirmed Ruben Amorim as head coach, Cardinale is now accelerating the search for a sporting director and technical director to complete the new leadership structure at Via Aldo Rossi.

Milan are considering bringing in external transfer consultant George Gardi to help navigate the club’s summer recruitment amid the ongoing leadership vacuum at San Siro, with the Florence-based fixer’s extensive network and track record making him an attractive bridge solution while the search for a permanent sporting director continues.

According to MilanNews.it, Gardi would not function as a conventional agent or intermediary but as a special external consultant, someone who facilitates complex transfer operations that might otherwise prove impossible to structure.

With internal figures Bobby Gardiner and Jovan Kirovski expected to take on greater responsibility in the short term while working alongside Amorim on squad planning, Gardi would complement rather than replace that setup.

Gardi’s Galatasaray connections and top-level network make him ideal Milan problem-solver

Gardi’s CV speaks for itself.

In recent years he has been the architect behind some of Turkish football’s most ambitious signings: facilitating Victor Osimhen’s move from Napoli to Galatasaray, Mauro Icardi’s arrival from PSG, Lucas Torreira from Arsenal, Dries Mertens after his Napoli years, Alvaro Morata from Milan, Nicolò Zaniolo from Roma, Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea and Leroy Sanè from Bayern Munich, among others.

The Osimhen deal in particular, which required navigating Aurelio De Laurentiis’s complex banking guarantee demands, demonstrated his ability to operate effectively even in the most difficult negotiating environments.

For a Milan side that currently lacks experience, contacts and reputation at the highest transfer market level, Gardi’s involvement could prove invaluable in a summer where time is already running short.

Giorgio Chiellini has paid an emotional tribute to former Livorno striker Igor Protti, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 58 following a long fight against cancer, describing the Italian football legend as a formative figure in his life and career.

The former Juventus captain and current Juventus director of football strategy took to social media to express his grief, drawing on a bond that began when the two shared time together at Livorno, where Chiellini took his first steps in professional football and Protti was a celebrated goalscorer and captain.

Chiellini to Protti: ‘I owe you so much’

“Hello Igor, it is not easy to find the words, because what you meant to me goes beyond what one can write,” Chiellini said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“I met you when I was a child and you were my idol and captain. For many years you were in that group truly like an older brother. One of those who make you grow without you realising it, who give you so much not with long speeches but with daily example.”

Chiellini also spoke of Protti’s continued presence in his life long after their playing paths diverged.

“You never stopped being close to me, more in the difficult moments than the joyful ones, because you could sense even from a distance when I needed you,” he said.

“I owe you so much. In many choices, in many attitudes, there is something inside that you left me. It hurts to say goodbye, because certain people you would always want by your side. But at the same time I know that what you gave me remains, and it is something I carry inside me every day. Thank you truly for everything, Igor – for what you were and for what you will continue to be for me

Napoli are exploring a creative solution to sign Lazio defender Mario Gila, with the club considering offering Lorenzo Lucca as part of any deal to bridge the gap between their valuation and Lazio’s asking price of €30 million.

According to Sky Sport’s Manuele Baiocchini, via LaLazioSiamoNoi, Gila has emerged as one of the summer’s most coveted centre-backs, attracting interest from both Milan and Bournemouth in recent weeks.

However, Napoli and incoming coach Massimiliano Allegri hold pole position, with the Spanish defender understood to be pushing for the move himself.

The sticking point is financial, Lotito values Gila at €30 million, a figure Napoli consider excessive given that his contract expires in June 2027.

Lazio striker need makes Lucca exchange formula an attractive proposition

The Lucca angle could prove decisive in the Partenopei’s pursuits.

Lazio are actively seeking attacking reinforcements ahead of Gennaro Gattuso’s first season, and the striker, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, is considered surplus to requirements by Napoli.

If the two clubs can agree on the financial structure of an exchange formula, a deal could develop quickly in the coming days, despite increased interest from abroad.

Denzel Dumfries has offered a candid insight into the contrasting dynamics of the Inter dressing room and the Netherlands national team setup, suggesting Koeman’s side need to develop the same edge and directness that characterises life at the Nerazzurri.

Speaking to Voetbal International ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, the outgoing Inter right-back, whose move to Real Madrid is imminent, was frank about what he believes his country’s squad is currently lacking.

“We need to demand more from each other,” he said, with quotes via FCInter1908.

“This is the lesson we learned from the last European Championship, as a group we can tell each other the truth more often and more openly. And I will do that, because I am someone who takes responsibility in that sense. A little fire in the team is important.”

Dumfries calls for Netherlands to replicate Inter directness after Euro disappointment

The comparison with Inter was illuminating.

“There we can clash hard with each other, but there are so many strong personalities and firm opinions that you are practically forced to assert yourself,” Dumfries said.

“In the Dutch national team we have a very pleasant group, with a lot of spontaneity and positivity, but every now and then we could shake each other up a little more. Always with the intention of improving.”

On a more positive note, Dumfries acknowledged that communication within the Netherlands squad is developing.

“More and more players are aware that the first ball must be played well and to the right foot,” he said. “That is a positive development.”

Inter defender Manuel Akanji insists Kevin De Bruyne can still have a ‘significant impact’ in Italian football as the Belgian was ‘unlucky’ in his first season at Napoli.

Inter centre-back Akanji spoke about his former Manchester City teammate De Bruyne during his latest interview with Gazzetta.

Akanji: De Bruyne can still have an impact in Serie A in 2026-27

“I think he can still have a significant impact in Italian football, absolutely,” Akanji said.

“Kevin is an extraordinary player and also a great friend of mine. This season, he was unlucky because an injury kept him out for a long time. When he returned, the title race was already decided. I would like to face Belgium and play against him, as it hasn’t happened often so far.”

Just a few weeks ago, De Bruyne caused outrage in Italy when saying that he was happy Antonio Conte had left Napoli.

The Italian tactician’s assistant Cristian Stellini hit back, saying that the Belgian had never shown enthusiasm during his first season at the Stadio Maradona.

Napoli are now waiting for Massimiliano Allegri to be released from Milan. Technically, the Italian is still under contract with the Rossoneri following his sacking at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Napoli have reached an agreement with an experienced Italian coach and are waiting for him to terminate his contract with the Rossoneri before starting his tenure at the Stadio Maradona.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus are keeping a close eye on USMNT and PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, as well as Egypt and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.

Juventus are working to reshape their attack in the 2026-27 campaign, with their primary targets being Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth and PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani.

Two new targets in attack for Juventus

According to Tuttosport, however, the Serie A giants are also considering alternatives, including PSV forward Pepi and Manchester City’s attacker Marmoush.

Both players are featuring at the World Cup for the USMNT and Egypt, respectively, and Juventus are keeping a close eye on the pair during the tournament.

The Turin-based paper reports that PSV are open to discussing Pepi’s transfer for a fee between €25m and €30m, while Marmoush’s future at Manchester City will depend on Enzo Maresca’s verdict on him.

Juventus have already opened talks with Atletico Madrid over Sorloth and with PSG over Kolo Muani, but haven’t yet contacted either PSV or Man City.

Furthermore, according to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri still hope to extend Dusan Vlahovic’s contract, having sent a final contract offer to the Serbia international.

Inter and Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji admits he’s ‘not a big fan’ of hydration breaks at the World Cup, but says the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the best he’s ever played in.

Inter defender Akanji, a former Manchester City star, gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on international duty with the Switzerland national team at the 2026 World Cup.

Akanji’s side secured one win and one draw in the opening two group stage games.

Akanji opens up about Inter, Chivu, hydration breaks and more

The Swiss defender has just completed his first season at Inter, winning the domestic double at San Siro, lifting the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.

“Inter is a great school, a university that helps you grow in various aspects. I am very grateful to those who wanted me here, and I am happy to stay and win more with this coach,” he said.

Safe to say Akanji has enjoyed working with Cristian Chivu in 2025-26.

“I hadn’t often experienced playing in a back three at club level; it had only happened with the national team. But at Inter, I had to get to know the position much better and work with new teammates,” he said.

“Now I think differently in various game situations. If we were to switch to a back five in the future, I would know exactly what to do.

“Chivu understands players very well because he himself was a top-level footballer and experienced the same situations we are going through now,” Akanji continued.

“Furthermore, he has won many trophies with Inter and knows exactly what the club needs. He is also a very communicative and empathetic coach: he often talks to us players and, importantly, he is willing to listen to us. This is precisely what creates an excellent relationship with all of us.”

Italy were supposed in the same group as Switzerland at the World Cup, but the Azzurri were knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.

Bosnia lost 4-1 to Switzerland just a few days ago, in a match played at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“Well, it’s truly fantastic. I told my friends that if we’re talking about the overall experience, this is the best stadium I’ve ever played in,” Akanji said.

“I’ve seen many, but SoFi is incredible. When you enter and look at everything around you, you are impressed and understand why it cost so much. I’m even an NFL enthusiast, but I’m neither a Rams nor a Chargers fan, the teams that play here.

“I support the Atlanta Falcons, and I’ve already been to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia, which is very nice, but it doesn’t reach these levels. However, when it comes to football alone, playing at San Siro is simply unparalleled; it remains an incredible feeling.”

Regarding the World Cup, Akanji was asked for his thoughts on the controversial hydration breaks, which seem aimed more at boosting sponsorship revenue than at ensuring players’ health.

“No, I’m not a big fan. I understand the organisational and commercial reasons; I understand that advertising and other activities can be inserted during those breaks,” Akanji said.

“But as a footballer, I think they take away from the match’s rhythm. If a team is struggling, a break can help them by allowing tactical adjustments, and conversely, it can interrupt a favourable moment.”

Multiple sources in Italy claim that Inter have resumed their interest in Nico Paz, given that Real Madrid are eager to bring the Argentine back from Como and put him on the market for €60m.

Inter still hope to sign Nico Paz this summer, as the Argentine’s future at either Como or Real Madrid is uncertain.

Inter resume interest in Nico Paz

Corriere dello Sport reported on Friday that Real Madrid were upset by Nico Paz’s decision to force his stay at Como for 2026-27, with the Merengues warning Cesc Fabregas’ side that they’d need €60m to retain Paz for a further campaign.

Football Italia discussed the transfer situation of Nico Paz in our latest transfer show on YouTube, which you can watch below.

Today’s update from Corriere della Sera, Tuttosport, and Corriere dello Sport is that Paz’s situation has once again sparked Inter’s interest.

The Nerazzurri are longtime admirers of the Argentine, and their vice-president, Javier Zanetti, is a good friend and former Argentina teammate of Nico Paz’s father, Pablo.

Zanetti and Pablo Paz were even part of the Argentina World Cup squad at the 1998 World Cup.

All three Italian sources report that Real Madrid still want to activate their €10m buy-back clause on Paz, then sell him for €60m.

Como can technically afford this move, but it may raise issues with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Inter, on the other hand, are in advanced talks with Atalanta to sign Marco Palestra for over €50m, so signing Nico Paz would require an extra budget from club owners Oaktree or the sale of some players such as Aleksandar Stankovic, Carlos Augusto, Andy Diouf, Luis Henrique, Davide Frattesi and Ange-Yoan Bonny.

Italy 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi insists Roberto Mancini’s return as Italy’s head coach ‘could be an important solution’ and feels José Mourinho will ‘put pressure on Barcelona’ as the new Real Madrid coach.

Former Inter and Italy defender Materazzi gave an interview to Corriere dello Sport, speaking about Mancini’s potential return as Italy’s head coach, among other things.

Materazzi: Mancini ‘an important solution’ for Italy

“He left the national team a few years ago,” said the ex-defender, who played under Mancini at Inter.

“If he has the desire to return and take on a big responsibility, he could be an important part of the solution.”

Another ex-Materazzi coach, Mourinho, is making headlines this summer after returning to Real Madrid for a second stint.

“He is the right coach for Real Madrid. Perhaps his playing style is not aesthetically exciting, but it brings results. He’ll break the balance and put some pressure on Barcelona,” Materazzi said.

Inter’s city rivals Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and are still in talks to appoint new football directors after sacking Giorgio Furlani, Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Materazzi already taunted RedBird’s advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, calling him the “biggest Inter fan in history”, and when asked for a solution to solve the Rossoneri’s issues, he replied: “Even if I had it, as an Inter fan, I wouldn’t say it.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Ronaldinho signs with Ravenna at 46

Amorim calls Rabiot and Maignan

Trust Milan

The coach calls the French camp to convince the two top players to stay. His pupil Hjulmand dreams of the Devil

Aknji and Inter: ‘We’ll win again with Chivu.’

The defender: ‘Happy to stay here.’ After Palestra, also Jones and Solet

The American dream: the USMNT beats Australia, Morocco crush Scotland

Corriere dello Sport

The Argentine doesn’t want to be a substitute at Real Madrid

Inter to Paz

Budget for Nico: from Frattesi to Diouf

It’s a complicated deal; the threat is the Premier League. Perez asks for 60m. Luis Henrique departing too. Stankovic and Bonny on hold. Palestra incoming, then Solet and Jones.

Italian football mourns Protti

Farewell, sweet Tzar

He was 58, elegant and strong, an example to everyone. Moving testament: ‘This wonderful journey has reached the final whistle.’

David wakes up: now Juventus do the counting

Tottenham and Lyon move. Carnevali sets the price: 30m

DeLa’s mission to De Bruyne and Lukaku

Aurelio the special fan in Los Angeles. Meret’s future is decided: he stays in Napoli

Roma-Greenwood: ball in D’Amico’s court

The director has the green light to operate: immediately in action. Friedkin calls McCourt, owner of OM.

‘Fans ask for more young players, stadiums and football free to watch.’

Incredible Ronaldinho: on the field with Ravenna.

Tuttosport

Protti’s death, loved by everyone, moves the world of football

Igor, a world of love

‘This wonderful journey has reached the final whistle,’ his farewell message. Diagnosed with cancer, he was 58. He was the Serie A top-goal scorer (the only one in history with a relegated team, Bari), B and C. The last farewell at the Livorno stadium.

Juve, World Cup deals

David’s awakening makes Carnevali happy on the market: eyes on Pepi of PSG and Marmoush of Man City.

Canada’s hat-trick against Qatar makes Juventus breathe a sigh of relief about a sale. In the plan for the attack, the alternatives to Sorloth and Kolo Muani (with the potential Vlahovic renewal in the background) are the American and the Egyptian, moving to pole position. Miretti is involved in negotiations with Bologna over Lucumì. Udinese ask for 15m for Zaniolo.

Obrador and Toro, it’s not over!

Inter try a Paz coup

Real: buy-back and then sale

The Spaniards want to put the Argentine on the market for 60m. Como is surprised; Oaktree thinks about it.

Koné, what a shock: ‘We heard the bone breaking.’

Dreams and marketing: Ronaldinho signs with Ravenna in Serie C!

Reports in Italy claim that Bologna are keen to discuss the futures of three players with Juventus, including midfielder Fabio Miretti, who could potentially be allowed to leave the Allianz Stadium this summer. 

Report Bologna interested in Miretti and Joao Mario return from Juventus

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Miretti is among the list of midfielders of interest to Bologna ahead of the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old is reportedly of interest to several Serie A sides, including the likes of Como, Fiorentina and Lazio as well. 

However, according to Friday’s updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna have re-established contact with Juventus over the last few hours and Miretti is said to be interested in the move. 

Reports back in May suggested that Juventus would listen to offers in the region of €20m for the homegrown Bianconeri midfielder. 

Meanwhile, Bologna are said to be keen on bringing Joao Mario back from Juventus for 2026-27 after spending the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan with the Rossoblu. 

As it was during the January transfer window, Bologna are also keen to offload Emil Holm to the Bianconeri if Joao Mario is to come back. Luciano Spalletti is also said to be keen on the idea of keeping hold of the Swede.

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.

Milan’s hunt for a senior management team continues and the latest reports claim that Domenico Teti is the latest name under consideration for the role of sporting director in San Siro. 

Teti the latest name on Milan’s list of potential sporting directors

Milan have recently appointed a new head coach in Ruben Amorim, but remain without a sporting director, technical director or CEO following the dismissals of Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani at the end of the 2025-26 season. 

Several names have been linked with a move to take over the sporting sector of Milan: First it was Ralf Rangnick, who has since made it clear that he will be continuing in his role as head coach of the Austria national team. Then came Markus Krösche, for whom the Rossoneri are still negotiating despite an initial rejection from Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Now, according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, a new name has emerged on Milan’s list of potential new sporting directors. 

The Rossoneri are reportedly studying potential Italian candidates for the sporting director role and Teti, formerly of Wolves and Al-Shabab is an option. 

The 49-year-old has been out of work since leaving his position as director of football at Wolves back in November. His reign lasted just 141 days. 

Teti was previously the sporting director for Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League between 2023 and 2024 and has also previously held directorship roles with APOEL Nicosia, Novara, Sampdoria and FC Lugano.

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. 

Genoa have officially announced the return of Tommaso Baldanzi in a permanent deal from Roma following a successful loan spell under Daniele De Rossi in the second half of the 2025-26 season. 

The 23-year-old has returned to Genoa on another initial loan, although this time for the whole of the 2026-27 season, in a deal that also includes an obligation to buy. 

Reports earlier this week indicated that Genoa’s obligation to buy clause will be in the region of €9.5m. It is believed that Baldanzi will sign a contract until the end of the 2029/30 season once his obligation to buy clause has been triggered. 

This is the third time that De Rossi has signed Baldanzi: Initially bringing him to Roma from Empoli almost immediately after his appointment as Giallorossi head coach in 2024. De Rossi also brought Baldanzi to Genoa on loan in January and he is now back for a third stint for the 2026-27 season onwards. 

He will continue to wear the no.8 shirt for Genoa heading into the 2026-27 campaign. 

Baldanzi returns to Genoa on a permanent deal from Roma: Club statement 

“Genoa CFC announces the completed return of Tommaso Baldanzi from AS Roma,” read a statement. 

“The transfer will consist of a loan and an obligation to buy. The 2003-born midfielder, who arrived on loan with an option to buy from the Giallorossi during the January transfer window, proved to be an important figure in the team’s attacking play during the second half of the season, racking up eight appearances and two assists for the Rossoblu. 

“Tommaso will be a big player for the Grifone in the 2026-27 season.” 

Baldanzi himself added: “I’m thrilled to be able to continue this adventure in the Grifone shirt. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch in these colours. 

“I feel like I have a lot to give, and I know that I still have a lot to prove in front of the Rossoblu fans, who made me feel right at home from my first day here in Genoa.”

Hellas Verona have officially announced that Marco Baroni has returned as head coach as the club look to earn promotion back to Serie A at the first time of asking in 2026-27. 

Baroni is back at Verona for a third stint, having spent three years with the Gialloblu towards the end of his playing career, returning in the position of head coach for the 2023-24 season. 

The Tuscan-born tactician led Verona to a 13th-place finish in Serie A in 2023-24, the club’s highest finish across the last four seasons, before joining Lazio in 2024-25 and then Torino in 2025-26. 

He will be tasked with steering Verona back to Serie A at the first time of asking following the team’s 19th-place finish in the top flight last term. 

Verona have confirmed that Baroni has signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months, tying him to the club until the summer of 2028, potentially 2029. He will officially begin work in his new role on July 1. 

Baroni returns to Verona: Club statement

“Hellas Verona FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Marco Baroni as the new head coach of the first team, effective from July 1. Baroni has signed a contract with the club until June 30, 2028 with an option to extend for a further season until 2029,” read a statement on the Verona website.

“Born in Florence on September 11, 1963, Baroni returns to the Gialloblu dugout following his spell in charge during the 2023-24 season, which ended with the team securing Serie A survival with a 13th-place finish in the league table. Earlier in his career, he was also part of Verona’s coaching staff in the 2002-03 season, serving as an assistant coach under Alberto Malesani. 

“His connection with Hellas Verona began as a player: He wore the Gialloblu shirt from 1995 to 1998, making 93 appearances and scoring nine goals across Serie A, Serie B and the Coppa Italia. 

“During his managerial career, he has achieved two promotions to Serie A, leading Benevento to the top flight in 2016/17 and Lecce in 2021/22. He has also successfully secured Serie A survival with both Lecce and Hellas Verona.

“Hellas Verona FC warmly welcomes Coach Marco Baroni and all members of his staff back to the Club and wishes them every success in their work.”

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.”

Sassuolo and Lega Serie A reacted to Ismael Koné’s horrific injury with the Canada national team, wishing him a speedy recovery: ‘We will get through this difficult time together,’ his club said.

Sassuolo midfielder Koné suffered a broken leg during Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar in their second 2026 World Cup group stage game on Thursday.

Koné immediately underwent surgery in Vancouver, where he was visited by his teammate Moïse Bombito.

Koné scored six goals in 36 matches with Sassuolo during the 2025-26 season. He played a significant role for the Neroverdi in his first year in Serie A, and the Italian club sent him a message on social media following his injury.

“Get well soon, Isma,” Sassuolo wrote on X.

“We are close to you, and together we will get through this difficult time.”

Get well soon, Isma!

Ti siamo vicini e insieme supereremo questo momento difficile #ForzaSasol pic.twitter.com/KdTjlx5YNF

— U.S. Sassuolo (@SassuoloUS) June 19, 2026

Lega Serie A joined Sassuolo in wishing Koné a speedy recovery with a message posted on Facebook: “We’re gonna wait to see you again like this! Get well soon.”

The Serie A message came with a picture of Koné celebrating one of Canada’s goals against Qatar before his injury in the second half.

Koné’s recovery time remains unclear, but he’ll obviously miss several months of action with his club.

Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup, but many Serie A stars will feature in this summer’s tournament, and some of them will be looking for redemption after a disappointing season at a club level.

The World Cup can feel like jackpots slots sometimes: one lucky bounce, one perfect strike, and everything changes in an instant on football’s biggest stage.

Serie A stars looking for redemption at 2026 World Cup

Players who have failed to impress during the season might end up playing a vital role for their countries, scoring crucial goals or making crucial saves that football fans will remember for years.

Sixty-six Serie A players will feature at the 2026 World Cup, and Genoa centre-back Leo Ostigard recently became the first player from Italy’s top flight to score in the tournament.

Ostigard had a positive season with Genoa as the Rossoblu secured survival under the guidance of Azzurri legend Daniele De Rossi, but some of his Serie A colleagues are looking for a fresh start in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Among them is Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku, who has only played 64 minutes for Napoli in 2026-27.

The Belgium international suffered a severe injury during the pre-season and then had a fallout with the club in March, when he refused to return from Belgium, where he remained during the international break to train individually.

Napoli first fined him, but then approved him to continue preparations after the World Cup break.

Lukaku played a key role in Belgium’s 1-1 draw against Egypt in their 2026 World Cup opener earlier this week, contributing to Egypt’s own goal just 30 minutes after being subbed on.

“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,” said his teammate Kevin De Bruyne.

“If we look at the other matches at this World Cup, though, nothing can be taken for granted, and no game is easy.”

Rudi Garcia, a former Napoli coach, added: “Lukaku 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.”

Other Serie A stars looking for redemption at the World Cup include Milan wingers Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic.

The latter hasn’t yet scored a goal at a club level in 2026, while Leao already confirmed that he feels his time at the club is over and that he’ll be looking for a new challenge at the end of the World Cup.

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.

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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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

Francesco Camarda is now officially a Milan player again as the Rossoneri have exercised their buy-back option to bring the teenager home from Lecce just two days after his loan deal was made permanent. 

Official: Lecce confirm Milan have activated Camarda buy-back clause

Camarda spent the 2025-26 season on loan with Lecce in order to experience a full season playing regularly in the Italian top flight. Curiously, that loan deal included a low-cost option to buy for Lecce and another low-cost buy-back option in favour of the Rossoneri. 

Lecce confirmed on Tuesday that they had activated their option to buy to sign Camarda on a permanent basis. 

However, Lecce have since confirmed on Thursday that Milan have exercised their buy-back option, which means that the 18-year-old spent less than two days as a full-time Lecce player. 

Milan have since confirmed the deal in a statement of their own, which reads: “Milan announces that it has exercised the buy-back option relating to the ownership of Francesco Camarda. The striker will return to the Rossoneri starting from July 1, 2026.”

Reports on Wednesday indicated that Milan’s buy-back option was set at just above €500,000 and that they only had a brief period between June 18 and June 20 to activate the clause.

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.

Reports in Italy claim that Jonathan David does not want to give up on his Juventus career after one disappointing season in Serie A, but the Canada international’s stance could complicate the club’s chances of bringing in a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window. 

Juventus could struggle to sign a new striker if both David and Openda stay

David joined Juventus on a free transfer during the 2025 summer transfer window, signing on a five-year contract running until the summer of 2030. The 26-year-old earns a reported wage of €6m per season plus up to €2m in bonuses in Turin. 

Despite delivering a consistent return during his time in Ligue 1 with Lille, averaging above 17 league goals per season during his time in France, David struggled to hit the ground running in Serie A and for the first time in his professional career, ended a season without hitting double figures (six goals from 35 Serie A appearances, eight goals from 46 appearances across all competitions). 

With Juventus missing out on qualification to the Champions League and with Dusan Vlahovic’s contract expiring at the end of June, Juventus have been keen to bring in a new centre-forward to add to Luciano Spalletti’s ranks. 

Given that David arrived on a free transfer, any sale would be recorded as a capital gain for Juventus if they were to sell the Canadian this summer. 

However, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, David is unwilling to give up on his Bianconeri career after just one season and is determined to prove his worth at the Allianz Stadium. 

However, this could complicate Juventus’s search to bring in another centre-forward, given that David still earns a significant salary and selling Lois Openda outright this summer seems like an impossible task. 

And, with an expected drop in budget of around €50m-€60m without access to the Champions League, stumping up the cash to sign a new, starting centre-forward while keeping both David and Openda on board is a difficult task to say the least.

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.

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.

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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Reports in Italy confirm that Milan are set to activate their buy-back option for teenage centre-forward Francesco Camarda, who was loaned and then later sold to Lecce during the 2025-26 campaign. 

Milan to pay circa €500,000 to bring Camarda back from Lecce

Camarda netted an almost unbelievable 485 goals from 89 matches for Milan’s youth teams and has already racked up 33 appearances in Serie A having only turned 18 in March. 

As part of his development, a 17-year-old Camarda was sent out on loan to Lecce at the beginning of the 2025-26 season in order to bring a full season’s-worth of experience playing in the Italian top flight. 

Curiously, that deal also included an option to buy and a buy-back option in favour of the Rossoneri. Lecce confirmed on Tuesday that they have activated their option to buy clause. Lecce’s announcement confirmed that Milan have a buy-back option that will be valid from June 18 until June 20. 

According to the latest updates from Matteo Moretto, Milan intend to activate their buy-back clause and will have to pay Lecce a fee slightly above €500,000 in order to do so.

Wednesday’s reports indicate that Tommaso Baldanzi is all set to join Genoa on a permanent basis after spending the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan from Roma. 

Genoa set to sign Baldanzi on loan with obligation to buy from Roma

Baldanzi joined Genoa on loan with an option to buy during the January transfer window, and despite making just eight appearances under Daniele De Rossi in the second half of the 2025-26 season, the Grifone have renegotiated with Roma and are set to sign the 23-year-old in a permanent deal. 

According to reports from TMW, Baldanzi will rejoin Genoa on another loan deal, but this time with an obligation to buy for a fee of €9.5m. 

This is a slightly lower figure than the option to buy that Genoa negotiated during the January transfer window. 

Wednesday’s reports claim that Baldanzi will sign a contract that will keep him with Genoa until the summer of 2030. 

Baldanzi was originally brought to Roma from Empoli by Genoa head coach De Rossi during the winter transfer window in 2024 in a deal reported to be worth €10m plus bonuses. 

The agent of Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has confirmed that his client is closing in on a move to join Inter during the summer transfer window: ‘We’re very close, he’s always been an Inter fan’. 

Inter ‘very close’ to finalising low-cost Provedel deal

According to reports from various sources in Italy, the Nerazzurri are down to the final details of a deal to sign Provedel from Lazio and are hoping to exchange documents with the Biancocelesti within the next few days. 

According to the latest updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Provedel has agreed to a three-year contract, which would see him through until the age of 35, with wages reported to be worth around €1.5m per season. 

The two clubs reportedly have a verbal agreement over a fee of just €3m for Provedel, who will otherwise be heading into the final year of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico. 

“We’re very close, we’ve been working in the right direction,” said Provedel’s agent Gianni Rava. “I hope that we’ll soon be able to close this transfer. Let’s hope for the best.” 

Rava later added: “Provedel has always been an Inter fan and I think it would be the closing of a full circle for him in terms of his career. He’s a great player and will come here to put his cards on the table, we’ll see. We’re confident.” 

Inter are bringing in Provedel to replace the departing Yann Sommer, who has served as the club’s no.1 for the last three seasons. The 37-year-old is leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June. 

The Nerazzurri had been linked with a series of more expensive first-choice options, such as Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, but have since decided to promote their recent understudy Josep Martinez and bring in an experienced, Serie A-proven back-up option in Provedel instead.

UEFA have confirmed that Roma will be fined for a breach of FFP rules during the financial year ending in 2025, but Milan and Inter have met the terms of their agreements with European football’s governing body and will not be punished. 

Roma fined €6m by UEFA

UEFA imposed a series of restrictions upon Roma for the years spanning from 2022 and 2026 following a breach of financial fair play regulations during the 2021-22 season. The exact terms of the settlement agreement can be read on the UEFA website. 

UEFA have confirmed that in the financial year ending in 2025, Roma ‘slightly exceeded’ their interim financial targets and as a result, have been handed a €2m fine. 

Additionally, Roma broke UEFA’s squad cost ratio in the financial year ending in 2025, exceeding the required 70% limit, and for that breach, the Giallorossi have been fined a further €4m. 

Inter and Milan have also been operating under settlement agreements with UEFA, but according to Sky Sport Italia, they have fully complied with the regulations set out to them and will not face any further punishments.

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:

Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim saw his credit take a hit after a difficult spell at Old Trafford, in which he never truly managed to connect with the fans, and couldn’t find a balance between his intentions on the tactics board and the players he had on the pitch. Amorim will be landing on his feet though, with his next spot coming at one of Europe’s most vaunted clubs.

The Portuguese manager has been out of work since being relieved of his duties in January, when he was replaced by Michael Carrick on an interim basis. Amorim was tipped to be one of the coaches that Benfica pursued this summer in their bid to replace Jose Mourinho, but he will instead be heading to Serie A.

Ruben Amorim to become new AC Milan coach

As reported by Matteo Moretto, Amorim will become the new coach of AC Milan this summer. The Rossoneri decided not to continue with Max Allegri after missing out on Champions League football this season, and have plumped for the 41-year-old to freshen things up at San Siro. The deal will run for two years with an option for a third.

È fatta per Rúben Amorim al Milan.

L’allenatore portoghese firmerà un contratto fino al 2028.

All’interno dell’accordo è presente anche l’opzione per un terzo anno aggiuntivo.

Nelle prossime ore si completerà tutta la documentazione. pic.twitter.com/BqiqNRTm5K

— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) June 15, 2026

Amorim move could save Manchester United millions

The move will be welcomed at Old Trafford, and not just out of good grace. The Telegraph say that United had budgeted a £15.9m compensation package for Amorim and his staff. Yet the fact that Amorim will be taking on a new job will significantly reduce the amount they have to pay. 

Amorim seems like a distant memory at Old Trafford this summer, but it will be interesting to see if he can prove that it was a bad fit at United.

The post Manchester United to save millions as former manager Ruben Amorim finds next job appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal want to sign Juventus attacking mainstay Kenan Yildiz, as he seeks an upgrade on the left flank.

Kenan Yildiz is widely regarded as one of the best young wingers in the game, and there is no shortage of interest in the services of the Juventus forward. Arsenal are among the clubs after the Turkish gem, who will be looking to further enhance his reputation with impressive performances at the World Cup.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Mikel Arteta considers Kenan Yildiz a dream target to reinforce his attack ahead of next season. While they are yet to make a move for him, they do have a plan in place. The Gunners would be willing to spend around €100 million to sign the Juventus winger.

Kenan Yildiz’s rise to the top

While things didn’t quite work out for him at Bayern Munich, the move to Juventus in the summer of 2022 has worked wonders for him. He started with their Under-19 team but was already playing first-team football within a year.

Despite being just 22, he is already one of the leaders of their attack. Yildiz finished the 2025/26 season with 11 goals and 10 assists in his 47 outings. His impressive performances and massive potential have put him on the wish lists of several top clubs.

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Juventus will struggle to keep hold of Yildiz

Aware of the increasing interest in his services, Juventus secured his long-term future with a new deal at the start of the year. However, they will still find it difficult to keep hold of him, as top clubs are ready to break the bank for his signature.

Arsenal consider him a dream target for the summer as they look to conquer Europe, after having won the Premier League last season. Mikel Arteta is looking for an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left, and Yildiz could be the perfect fit. He will help them both in the short and the long run.

They are ready to fork out around €100 million for the 21-year-old, which suggests they are quite serious about their pursuit. While Juvetus will be reluctant to sell, the massive financial offer will certainly make them rethink their stance.

The post Arsenal ready to spend €100m on Arteta’s dream summer signing appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Inter Milan have renewed their interest in Liverpool’s Curtis Jones as they work on strengthening their midfield section for 2026-27, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old is open to the move and the two clubs are in contact, but their is still a significant gap in valuation as Liverpool consider the €20million proposed by Inter […]

The post Inter continue Curtis Jones pursuit appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Inter continue Curtis Jones pursuit appeared first on Soccer News.

Inter Milan have renewed their interest in Liverpool’s Curtis Jones as they work on strengthening their midfield section for 2026-27, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old is open to the move and the two clubs are in contact, but their is still a significant gap in valuation as Liverpool consider the €20million proposed by Inter […]

The post Inter continue Curtis Jones pursuit appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Inter continue Curtis Jones pursuit appeared first on Soccer News.

Juventus have been heavily linked with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and while fresh reports in Italy suggest a deal is close, Fabrizio Romano says otherwise. According to Romano, Alisson, whose contract at Liverpool has a year left to run, is open to joining Juventus this summer, but he will respect the wishes of his current […]

The post Contrasting reports regarding Alisson Becker appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Contrasting reports regarding Alisson Becker appeared first on Soccer News.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan winger Rafael Leao might be available this summer for a cut-price fee of £43million, and such a deal would be of interest for Manchester United. The Portugal international played well for Milan in the first half of the season, but fitness issues largely contributed to what has been […]

The post Manchester United interested in Leao cut-price deal appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Manchester United interested in Leao cut-price deal appeared first on Soccer News.