He started as the central defender in a three-man backline completed by Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni.
It was only the second time he played in such a position this season.
“I always want to play, it doesn’t matter where. I know we want to play with a high line. I think we all played a great game, and we are all happy,” Bisseck told DAZN.
The German defender came close to scoring in the second half, but was denied by a superb save from David De Gea.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Michal Sadilek of SK Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We all want to score, but the defence is very important, and I think today we played a great game, in attack and in defence, we are very happy,” said Bisseck.
Lastly, the Nerazzurri centre-back was asked whether Cristian Chivu is almost like a teammate for some Inter players, but he replied: “No, he’s the coach. He’s very kind, also off the pitch, it’s always possible to talk to him, also about matters that are not necessarily related to football. If we put all he wants on the pitch, we can have a great season.”
Hakan Calhanoglu says he’s only focused on himself and the ball before taking penalty kicks and thanks Cristian Chivu, who has given Inter ‘something extra from a mental standpoint.’
The Turkey international broke the deadlock with a shot from outside the box at minute 66 and killed off the game from the spot in the dying minutes.
Calhanoglu reacts to Inter 3-0 Fiorentina
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It is what I always do. When the penalty comes, I’m always focused. Honestly, I don’t care about who is in goal. I just focus on myself and the ball, so I’m happy,” Calhanoglu told DAZN.
Inter reacted strongly to a 3-1 loss against Napoli last weekend.
“We made an immediate switch. We left it aside, and today we put in a great performance,” said Calhanoglu.
“Thanks to the coach who gives something extra from a mental standpoint and in terms of being hungry to win the game.”
The Turkish midfielder added to Sky: “Everyone knows that if you play for Inter, you have to aim for the highest objectives. The team deserves that. It was difficult with the Club World Cup, but the coach really helped us mentally, so the important thing was not so much the motivation, but the discipline.”
Petar Sucic scored the other goal for Inter, his first one in Serie A and for the Nerazzurri.
Sucic scored first Inter goal
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Petar Sucic of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Inter are a big club, and there are many great players. I’m happy when I play, when I don’t, I train hard. I think it’s the right way. I’m happy with today’s performance,” he said.
Several fans followed Sucic and Calhanoglu’s post-match interview from the stands of the Stadio Meazza, asking for their shirts, but the young Croat opted to retain such a special jersey for himself.
“I only have another one that I’ll swap with my national teammate, Pongracic,” he said.
During his post-match interview with Sky Italia, Sucic added: “It’s nice to score my first goal and I’m really happy. I worked really hard for it, but of course, the most important thing is that we played a good match and won the match. I’m happy for the goal, but the result is the most important thing.”
Stefano Pioli admits Fiorentina ‘clearly have some problems’ after the 3-0 defeat to Inter, but assures he is ‘not thinking about my future’ in the job.
The Viola are still without a single Serie A victory so far this season, having scraped four draws in nine rounds.
David De Gea kept them in the game at San Siro with some big saves, but ultimately had to surrender to a Hakan Calhanoglu daisy-cutter, then Petar Sucic danced through the defence to double the lead.
Late on, Mattia Viti received a second yellow card for bringing down Ange-Yoan Bonny, allowing Calhanoglu to complete his brace from the penalty spot.
Pioli cannot hide from Fiorentina results
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: ACF Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli issues instructions to his player Mattia Viti during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We were unable to do more. Inter raised the tempo after the restart and we struggled to keep the ball,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“Clearly, we were up against a very strong opponent, we could’ve done better on the first goal, and after that it all became more difficult.”
Fiorentina have won all three matches in the Conference League, but are stranded at the foot of the Serie A table without a win. Is Pioli worried about his position on the bench?
“I am not thinking about my future, I am thinking about our position in the table, and the games against Lecce and Genoa will be very important. We want our first victory of the season in Serie A.”
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Mattia Viti of ACF Fiorentina competes for the ball with Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Robin Gosens went off with a muscular injury, adding to the problems that the Viola are dealing with.
“We know how much Inter push down the flanks and therefore can leave gaps we could make the most of, but they pressed throughout, and we didn’t find those spaces enough. When you are up against opponents of such quality, you will run risks.
“Our intention was to be solid and not allow spaces, I think we did it well in the first half, but we lost our way when they raised the tempo after the break. They took the initiative then and we were unable to close the gaps,” explained Pioli.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale competes with Pietro Comuzzo of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It was put to the coach by Paolo Di Canio that Fiorentina were not particularly creative, nor aggressive, so they were in no man’s land.
“I trust my players. I chose a more solid midfield because I knew it would be a more physical game today, as Inter would press high. I don’t believe it is true that we weren’t aggressive or physical today, we just didn’t have the necessary reaction after going behind and when Inter raised the intensity level,” replied Pioli.
If we didn’t win any of our Serie A games in the first nine rounds, then clearly we have some problems. We’re trying to solve them, it is not an excuse, but our fixture list so far has been very tough.
“Now we must prove that we are superior to the teams in the bottom half of the table and that we belong higher up.”
Inter: Sommer 6; Akanji 6.5, Bisseck 6.5, Bastoni 7; Dumfries 6 (77′ Carlos Augusto N/A), Barella 7, Calhanoglu 8, Sucic 7.5, Dimarco 6.5; Lautaro Martinez 6.5, Pio Esposito 6 (77′ Bonny 6.5). Coach: Chivu 7.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Best Inter player: Calhanoglu 8 – Broke the deadlock with a shot from distance after some unreal saves from David De Gea. Converted a spot kick to make it three for the Nerazzurri. But his performance went beyond the goals: three key passes, 85% accurate passes in the opposition half (via Sofascore) and seven duels won. An all-round performance.
Lowest Inter rating: Pio Esposito 6 – No Inter player was actually below par. Esposito fought hard and would have deserved to be awarded a penalty kick in the second half. It’s the lowest Inter rating, but still a good performance.
Inter coach: Chivu 7 – The second-half performance was enough to claim all three points. The Nerazzurri were ruthless in every corner of the pitch after the break and continued to attack even after scoring the opener through Calhanoglu.
PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Best Fiorentina player: De Gea 7.5 – Four key saves which kept Fiorentina in the game until Calhanoglu opened the scoring from the edge of the box. The best one was probably the one with which he denied Bisseck in the second half.
Lowest Fiorentina ratings: Comuzzo, Viti and Fazzini 5 – The defence was shaking, to say the least. Comuzzo took a few too many risks inside the box and was lucky not to cause any penalty. Viti did it instead and even received a second yellow card. Fazzini was soft in every tackle.
Fiorentina coach: Pioli 4.5 – Fiorentina are still winless in the opening nine games. It was already meant to be a tough game, and Pioli’s substitution didn’t really help matters.
Cremonese achieved a real coup with this win at Marassi to leave Genoa at the foot of the table, with two spectacular Federico Bonazzoli goals.
The Grifone were without a single victory all season, fresh off fumbling an early lead to lose 2-1 at Torino, but Nicolae Stanciu was the only remaining absentee. The Grigiorossi had five draws in the last six rounds, and Jamie Vardy got his first Serie A goal in a 1-1 draw with Atalanta at the weekend. Alberto Grassi, Giuseppe Pezzella, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo were still on the treatment table.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Federico Bonazzoli of Cremonese (right) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal with a bycicle kick during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Cremonese took under four minutes to break through with an absolutely spectacular goal. A corner was flicked on, the wayward scuffed Bianchetti finish turned into an accidental assist for Federico Bonazzoli’s acrobatic bicycle kick from six yards.
Jeff Ekhator’s angled drive flashed wide, then he was offside when forcing an Emil Audero save from point-blank range.
A free kick ricocheted into the path of Aaron Martin, whose finish was deflected for a Genoa corner by brave Federico Baschirotto defending.
Cremonese doubled their lead after the restart when a deep corner found Bonazzoli at the back post for a volley, and while Nicola Leali made a reaction save, he could not stop it crossing the line completely.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Federico Bonazzoli of Cremonese (left) scores his second goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Vitinha had the ball in the net for Genoa on 56 minutes, but he was offside when meeting the Aaron Martin assist at the far stick.
Filippo Terracciano couldn’t keep his header down on a promising Vandeputte free kick, while Emil Audero needed a big save when Brooke Norton-Cuffy sent Morten Frendrup one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Johan Vasquez of Genoa removes some smoke-bombs thrown onto the pitch by Genoa fans during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Jeff Ekhator’s header was over from a Ruslan Malinovskyi cross and Patrizio Masini couldn’t find the net either, as Genoa were booed off the field by their home fans, who began to throw fireworks onto the pitch in protest.
Bologna dominated possession, but it was Torino who had the best chance to win with Che Adams hitting the crossbar.
The Rossoblu were unbeaten in five, but fumbled a 2-0 lead to draw with Fiorentina at the weekend. Emil Holm was sent off in that game and therefore suspended today, with Ciro Immobile injured, but Jens Odgaard returned to the squad. Coach Vincenzo Italiano was released from hospital, but not ready for the touchline yet after treatment for pneumonia. Toro had found form with seven points in three rounds, as Alberto Paleari took the gloves following sensational saves against Genoa. Niels Nkounkou, Zanos Savva and Perr Schuurs remained on the treatment table.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Jens Odgaard of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Torino FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Che Adams thought he had opened the scoring for Torino when he pounced on the Martin Vitik error to go clear, but the powerful finish cracked against the crossbar.
Moments later, the hosts replied with a Charalampos Lykogiannis curler that was arrowing into the far top corner until Paleari’s save at full stretch. On the resulting corner, Federico Bernardeschi fired inches wide.
Santiago Castro came on for the second half and Bologna seemed far more aggressive, having dominated possession with little to show for it.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Torino FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Immediately, a Bernardeschi half-volley was looping into the far top corner until the acrobatic Paleari fingertip save.
Lykogiannis again skimmed the upright, then had to help in defence with a crucial block on Cesare Casadei.
Nadir Zortea’s angled drive whistled past the far post, but Bologna were unable to find a way through.
It took two moments of individual brilliance from Hakan Calhanoglu and Petar Sucic for Inter to finally break Fiorentina after David De Gea heroics.
The Nerazzurri were still feeling the tension of their controversial 3-1 defeat to Napoli, also as Henrikh Mkhitaryan was ruled out for a month by an injury sustained in that match, which ended their run of seven straight victories in all competition. Marcus Thuram and Matteo Darmian were also still out, so Petar Sucic and Francesco Pio Esposito stepped in. The Viola didn’t have a single Serie A win this season, but fought back from 2-0 down to grab a point against Bologna at the weekend, with Tariq Lamptey and Christian Kouame long-term absentees.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale competes with Pietro Comuzzo of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The hosts came out fighting, Rolando Mandragora throwing himself in the path of a Sucic strike.
Alessandro Bastoni intercepted a pass out from the back and surged into the penalty area, but David De Gea stood his ground to deny the Inter defender one-on-one.
The Fiorentina goalkeeper made an extraordinary reaction save using his foot when Federico Dimarco was allowed to meet the Bastoni cross totally unmarked from 12 yards through the centre.
After the restart, Denzel Dumfries shrugged off Mattia Viti only to see his shot blocked by a desperate Robin Gosens lunge. As the move continued, Fiorentina risked an own goal with a double ricochet, but it fell kindly for De Gea.
Dimarco also saw his angled drive flash inches wide with a deflection after Pablo Mari tackled Lautaro Martinez in the penalty area.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Pablo Mari’ of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
On the resulting corner, Pietro Comuzzo and Pio Esposito got into a tangle with the Fiorentina defender’s arm across his neck, but Inter penalty appeals were rejected by VAR.
The Nerazzurri were pouring forward and running into the De Gea brick wall, as the veteran goalkeeper used his body to parry the Dumfries volley at the back post, then on the corner flew to fingertip the Yann Bisseck strike out from under the bar.
Inter finally found a way through when Calhanoglu gathered outside the area, took a touch to cut inside Jacopo Fazzini, and drilled into the far bottom corner with the right boot.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Sucic doubled their lead with a sensational bit of skill, as he combined with Lautaro Martinez to then dribble into the area, slalom between four defenders, and sweep in with the inside of the right boot.
Bisseck tracked back for a decisive sliding tackle on the Kean counter-attack, but things went from bad to worse for Fiorentina, who lost Robin Gosens to a muscular problem.
Another Kean counter saw him scuff the weak finish into the arms of Sommer, but Mattia Viti lunged into a mistimed tackle on Ange-Yoan Bonny and was already on a yellow card, so Fiorentina went down to 10 men and Calhanoglu converted the penalty.
Dusan Vlahovic thanks Igor Tudor and insists Juventus must ‘look at ourselves in the mirror, talk less and do more’ after a 3-1 win over Udinese.
Juventus beat Udinese 3-1 on Wednesday, ending an eight-game winless streak that cost Tudor the job.
Vlahovic scored his fifth goal this season by converting a penalty kick in the first half. The focus of today’s post-match press conference, however, was almost entirely on recent results and Tudor’s dismissal.
“We’ve changed three coaches in one and a half years. We need to look at ourselves in the mirror and see what we are doing wrong,” Vlahovic told reporters, via Ilbianconero.com.
“I don’t think it’s right to only blame one person. The responsibility lies with everyone.
“Today we needed to send a signal and we did, but if we don’t keep doing it in the next matches, it means nothing. We need to talk less and do more,” he continued.
Vlahovic thanks Tudor
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“I want to take this opportunity to thank coach Tudor for what he’s done, for what he represents for Juventus, and to wish him the best of luck.”
Vlahovic’s contract with Juventus expires at the end of the season, and even if he’s unlikely to extend with the Old Lady, the striker kept a door open for his stay in Turin.
“I don’t know what might happen, never say never, but I really don’t know,” he said.
Vlahovic comments on Juventus future
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“I’m focused on the present. Talking about it now doesn’t make sense given the situation we’re in. We need to talk less and do more; we need to get back to performing better and winning. That’s where my focus is.
“It’s been a tough few days, but we stayed focused,” Vlahovic added.
“After the Lazio match, we thought about what we needed to do tonight. We’re happy with the win, but have to keep going like this.”
Nicolò Zaniolo scored the equaliser for Udinese right before the break today, but Juventus reacted strongly in the second half.
“It’s part of the game. It’s hard to keep intensity high for 90 minutes, but we have to try,” Vlahovic concluded.
“In the second half, we came out with aggression and earned a win against a tough team.”
Gian Piero Gasperini jokes about Roma’s title dreams but expects more ‘clarity’ from referees after seeing a Matias Soulé goal disallowed.
Gasperini’s Roma returned to the top of the table on Wednesday, beating Parma 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in a mid-week Serie A fixture.
“Three important and good points. We struggled, especially in the opening 30 minutes, because we always take some time to take the appropriate measurements,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“We need to work on this, but when we fixed things, we played well, we didn’t concede much and created opportunities.”
Gasperini hints that Roma’s objective has not changed
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Evan Ferguson started the game, but picked up an ankle injury after just seven minutes. He was replaced by Leon Bailey, but the Jamaica international was also subbed off during the break.
Roma’s main target is to qualify for the Champions League this season, but now that they have caught Napoli at the top of the table again, have they changed their objectives?
“Yes, we were supposed to train tomorrow afternoon, but we’ll train in the morning instead,” joked Gasperini.
“Then we train again on Friday morning, Saturday afternoon and then on Sunday we go to Milan. If we win, we’ll remain at the top; if not, we have to hope for the others,” he added, smiling.
DAZN pundits noted that Roma look so in control of games that they can turn things in their favour quite easily, but Gasp didn’t quite agree.
Gasperini wants clarity from referees
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Yes, even if what happened at the end of the first half was not exactly in our favour,” he said.
“There was a disallowed goal, and we have to understand the rules. They’ll have to explain to us, because we saw exactly the same thing in the past. So either this was a mistake, which is acceptable, or the others were mistakes. There can’t be different interpretations. We expect clarity.”
Soulé had scored a goal in the first half, but it was disallowed as Zeki was offside and considered involved in active play in front of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Mario Hermoso and Artem Dovbyk scored the goals for Roma today.
“Hermoso came from a long injury; he made the pre-season with us and had a positive impact with me, in the way he trains and behaves,” said Gasperini.
“He had been playing at the highest levels with Atletico Madrid for years; he has knowledge and great determination. Surely, he is not only valuable from a defensive standpoint, but also technically. We are lucky to have him in the team.
“It seems to me that Dovbyk has been improving physically in recent weeks,” continued the Roma coach.
“If he had scored those penalties and some other big chances against Inter and Fiorentina, he would have already netted a few goals. He scored a beautiful one today. He was more involved against Sassuolo. We work with him and give him all the necessary trust. I’m happy with all these lads. We are working on all of them. Daniele Ghilardi also made his debut today. We have many players, but all can find space.”
Juventus interim coach Massimo Brambilla says he decided the starting line-up for a game against Udinese with staff members after Igor Tudor was sacked and feels Kenan Yildiz must be left ‘free’ to find the space he needs in attack.
Brambilla led Juventus to a 3-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday in the first match since Igor Tudor’s dismissal.
The Croatian tactician was sacked on Monday after a 1-0 defeat against Lazio, and Brambilla, the Juventus NextGen coach, worked with the senior team on the same day.
Brambilla comments on Juventus 3-1 Udinese
“I took charge of a training session, and I spent two days with the team. On Monday morning, I worked with the U23, and then I came here in the afternoon,” Brambilla told DAZN.
“I had to understand the physical shape of the players, then I spoke to the remaining staff, and we picked this formation. We put down a strategy we had to adopt, and the early goal surely helped us. The team showed strength in the reaction to the goal they conceded, which could have been dangerous for us.”
Juventus took an early lead in the first half thanks to a Dusan Vlahovic goal from the spot, but Nicolò Zaniolo levelled the score right before the break.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JUNE 26: Massimo Brambilla head coach of Atalanta U19 looks on during the Primavera 1 TIM Playoffs Semi-Final match between UC Sampdoria U19 and Atalanta BC U19 at Enzo Ricci Stadium on June 26, 2021 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I tried to convey trust and reassure the lads. They are strong and experienced players,” Brambilla explained.
“They know what they have to do. I think they deserved to win with a great performance today. That equaliser could have ruined the game, but we entered the field with courage in the second half.”
Federico Gatti and Kenan Yildiz scored one goal each in the second half to give Juventus all three points. The Turkey international also converted a spot kick.
“Kenan is a talented player, and every talented player must be left free to find the space they want,” noted Brambilla.
“I trained him for a period in the U23 [NextGen], and I think the ideal position for him is starting on the left to cut inside and move behind to the centre-forward. He finds the space by himself; he’s an extraordinary player and a great lad.”
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC is tackled by Arthur Atta of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
This is the third consecutive season that Juventus have sacked their coach. So, what was the mood in the dressing room?
“This team was going through a difficult period, where they didn’t get results, and the morale surely wasn’t good,” said Brambilla.
“But I repeat, these are strong lads, with experience. I told them to focus on the game and do things well on the pitch because they have quality, and they only had to take it out.
“Surely, there’s great satisfaction in the dressing room. I’m happy to see happiness in the lads’ eyes,” concluded Brambilla.
“We prepared for this game in two days. The work we did was similar to the one in the NextGen; what changed was the whole context in which we lived tonight, an atmosphere that was not one of enthusiasm, but when the fans warmed up, it was a nice emotion for me.”
Juventus are expected to appoint Luciano Spalletti as their new coach in the coming hours.
Gian Piero Gasperini says Evan Ferguson suffered a suspected ankle sprain against Parma, while Leon Bailey ‘struggled’ after making three consecutive appearances in Serie A: ‘Perhaps it was too early.’
Ferguson started in Roma’s home game against Parma on Wednesday, but was subbed off after just seven minutes with an ankle injury.
Suspected ankle injury for Ferguson
PISA, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma in action against Idrissa Touré’ of Pisa Sporting Club during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AS Roma at Arena Garibaldi on August 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Evan had an issue with his ankle. He had had pain for the last few weeks,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“It was a big knock, perhaps a sprain, so he was no longer able to stay on the pitch.”
Bailey replaced the Brighton loanee, but the Jamaica international was then substituted during the break.
“Bailey was struggling. He’s a guy coming from a long injury. Perhaps, we threw him into the field too early against Inter and Sassuolo,” Gasperini admitted.
“Today, he practically started, but we didn’t want to run risks. Perhaps he had not recovered from the Sassuolo game.”
Roma eventually secured a 2-1 win which allowed them to catch Napoli at the top of the Serie A table.
Como continued their positive run of results with a 3-1 victory over troubled Verona, thanking Tasos Douvikas, Stefan Posch and Mergim Vojvoda.
Cesc Fabregas was on a six-match unbeaten run, including the 2-0 victory over Juventus, but dropped too many points in disappointing draws against Genoa, Cremonese, Atalanta and Parma. Sergi Roberto was the only remaining absentee, as Jesus Rodriguez returned from suspension. Verona were still without a win after fumbling the 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Cagliari. Grigoris Kastanos and Unai Nunez joined Daniel Oyegoke, Moatasem Al-Musrati and Tomas Suslov on the absentee list.
Nico Paz came close with a free kick that thumped the upright, but Como took the lead moments later.
Alex Valle floated a cross in from the left for the Tasos Douvikas bullet header from six yards, giving Lorenzo Montipò little chance.
Verona fought back, a dangerous Belghali ball from the right going past everyone, then Jean Butez rushing off his line to deny Suat Serdar after a give and go, with Victor Nelsson’s header just over on the resulting corner.
The equaliser was coming, and arrived when Como were too sluggish playing out from the back, allowing Serdar to take advantage by pouncing on a Maxence Caqueret error inside the box.
COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Suat Serdar of Hellas Verona celebrates his first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
There was a big save on Nico Paz set up by Caqueret, then Gift Orban ran onto the Giovane assist only to have his finish charged down by Jaboco Ramon.
Como restored their advantage when Caqueret floated a set play to the back post for the header from defender Stefan Posch.
Giovane’s free kick failed to trouble the goalkeeper and Orban’s effort was charged down by Diego Carlos.
COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Mergim Vojvoda of Como 1907 shoots to score his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Verona threatened to equalise when Butez parried the Domagoj Bradaric attempt and his teammates struggled to clear the loose ball.
However, Mergim Vojvoda locked down the points in stoppages with a ferocious finish at the near post on a counter-attack sparked by Jesus Rodriguez.
Como 3-1 Verona
Douvikas 9 (C), Serdar 25 (V), Posch 62 (C), Vojvoda 92 (C)
Juventus picked up their first victory since September 13 with a 3-1 Serie A victory against Udinese under interim head coach Massimo Brambilla on Thursday evening, with Kenan Yildiz once again putting in one of Juve’s better performances.
Below are the player ratings from an interesting evening in Turin.
The Juve no.10 won and converted a penalty in second-half injury-time, which followed Bianconeri goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti. Nicolo Zaniolo had made it 1-1 moments before half-time.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Best Juventus player: Yildiz 7 – Yildiz continues to show why he is rated so highly in Bianconeri circles. He tested Okoye with a few shots from distance, but showed that he is capable of creating chances for himself from nothing. Should have made it 3-1 in injury time, but then won and converted a penalty that did restore his side’s two-goal advantage a few moments later.
Coach: Massimo Brambilla 6.5 – Difficult circumstances for the interim Juventus head coach, who has only had since Monday to prepare the team following the sacking of Igor Tudor. The goal drought is over, though, and the team responded well despite the Udinese equaliser just before half-time. Not the most thrilling of Juventus performances by any means, but a valuable three points have been secured.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Coach: Kosta Runjaic – The Udinese head coach will have been pleased with the way that his side ended the first-half, finding an equaliser just before the interval through Zaniolo, but that was his side’s only real sign of momentum across the 90. They did not come out for the second half with the same intensity that they finished the second, and ultimately let Juventus back into the game.
Best Udinese player: Zaniolo 6.5 – The most composed man in the penalty area when the opportunity fell for him moments before half-time. Two goals in his last three Serie A appearances for Udinese now.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu aims for a fresh start after a controversial 3-1 loss against Napoli: ‘We can’t let ourselves be affected by injustices or negative situations during a match.’
The Nerazzurri lost 3-1 at Napoli over the weekend, ending a seven-game winning streak.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu, however, is not focused on the past and sees a lesson for this team.
“There’s self-discipline that has to be improved. We can’t let ourselves be affected by injustices or negative situations during a match,” he told Sky via TMW.
Chivu: Why Bisseck starts in Inter vs. Fiorentina
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Suat Serdarof Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We can’t waste important moments, which determine the game’s outcome.”
Yann Aurel Bisseck starts in central defence tonight as both Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij are benched.
“I have many good defenders, some because of their experience, others because of what they’ve shown in recent years,” said Chivu.
“Bisseck is a valuable alternative. I already tested him in the middle of a three-man defence in Belgium and did well. He has the characteristics to play in that role.”
You can follow live updates from today’s Serie A games, including Inter-Fiorentina, on the Football Italia LIVEBLOG.
Juventus started the post-Igor Tudor era with their first win in over a month, as Dusan Vlahovic, Federico Gatti and Kenan Yildiz dismantled Udinese.
The Bianconeri were under caretaker manager Massimo Brambilla, the coach of their Next Gen team, after Monday’s sacking of Igor Tudor and three consecutive defeats in all competition. Khephren Thuram joined Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio on the treatment table, with Kenan Yildiz returning, but Filip Kostic got his first start of the season with Lois Openda rather than Jonathan David. Udinese were unbeaten in three, coming off a 3-2 victory against Lecce, but Thomas Kristensen and Iker Bravo missed out, with Oumar Solet not at 100 per cent.
It was a lightning start for the Old Lady, as in the opening minutes Openda found Vlahovic, brought down by Saba Goglichidze for a penalty which the Serbian converted successfully.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC scores his goal from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Openda was a lively presence in attack, while Vlahovic had the ball in the net on 17 minutes only after the offside flag had gone up.
Nicolò Zaniolo saw his strike deflected from the edge of the area, but Udinese lost Keinan Davis to a muscular injury.
Kostic with his first Serie A start of the season almost scored with a daisy-cutter, drawing a great fingertip save out of Maduka Okoye. Moments later Okoye was called into action again when Vlahovic sprung the offside trap on a Manuel Locatelli pass to go one-on-one, the goalkeeper sticking out a foot to parry.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
However, Udinese equalised in first half stoppages when Juve got into a tangle playing their way out from the back, and after Buksa’s effort was charged down into his path, Zaniolo took a touch before bending the left-foot finish into the far bottom corner.
The visitors threatened again after the restart, Michele Di Gregorio having to fingertip a Goglichidze header round the near post after a free kick. Goglichidze also fired over from the resulting corner.
Juve responded, a defensive block decisive to stop Openda’s back-heel flick from four yards. On the resulting corner, Openda again had an effort charged down in the penalty area.
Openda tried to roll across rather than go for goal in a very promising position, testing Okoye only on the rebound when that was intercepted, then the Udinese goalkeeper palmed a powerful Pierre Kalulu strike away.
On the resulting corner, Andrea Cambiaso floated a cross to the back post for Federico Gatti’s header from a tricky angle, surprising Okoye.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC is tackled by Arthur Atta of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz hit a solo effort that again tested the Udinese goalkeeper, then his low finish through Goglichidze’s legs clipped the base of the upright.
The Friulani very nearly equalised in the final minute, as Bayo’s header from a corner flashed inches wide of the far post with Di Gregorio well beaten.
Kenan Yildiz fired over when he could’ve rolled across for substitute Jonathan David, then went on a slalom in the penalty area and went down in a coming together with Goglichidze. Initially, the referee had given a foul against the Juve man, but saw on the VAR review that it was the Turkish talent who got there first. Kenan Yildiz converted the penalty himself to end this negative Bianconeri streak.
Roma secured their place as joint Serie A leaders thanks to Mario Hermoso and Artem Dovbyk goals to defeat Parma.
The Giallorossi knew only a victory would allow them to keep up with Napoli in top spot, but Angelino was still out of action, and all four seasonal defeats had been at the Stadio Olimpico. Matias Soulé returned to the starting XI with Paulo Dybala, but Evan Ferguson brought back the role of a classic centre-forward. The Ducali were without a win or a goal in three games, missing Mandela Keita, Pontus Almqvist, Emanuele Valeri, Gaetano Oristanio, Matija Frigan and Jacob Ondrejka, but Abdoulaye Ndiaye returned from suspension.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma controls the ball against Oliver Sorensen Jensen of Parma Calcio 1913 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on October 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
There was an early blow, as Ferguson limped off after just seven minutes, so Leon Bailey came on for a very different attacking approach.
Wesley tested Zion Suzuki from distance and Adrian Bernabé saw his free kick sail over the bar.
Parma had a huge opportunity when Mario Hermoso failed to clear the Mateo Pellegrino cross and Ordonez forced a desperate save out of Mile Svilar.
Bailey blushes were saved by the offside flag, because he horribly scuffed the finish wide when one-on-one with Suzuki.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Matias Soule of AS Roma kicks the ball during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on October 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma did have the ball in the net on 43 minutes when a cross was only knocked down as far as Soulé for a half-volley into the near bottom corner from 12 yards. However, it was disallowed following a VAR On-Field Review, because Zeki Celik was offside and influencing play, as he shielded Suzuki’s view.
Dybala almost scored a rare goal for him, an acrobatic header on the Gianluca Mancini cross, but Suzuki flew to palm it out from under the crossbar in first half stoppages.
Dybala stung Suzuki’s gloves after the restart, while Manu Kone and Bryan Cristante got their finishing wrong from promising positions.
Roma finally broke the deadlock when Mario Hermoso was allowed a practically free header on a Dybala corner towards the far post.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Mario Hermoso (R) of AS Roma celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on October 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Parma stayed in the game though, as Svilar flew to fingertip the Sorensen half-volley out from under the crossbar.
It proved crucial, because Roma doubled their lead moments later. Cristante saw his attempt charged down after combining with Artem Dovbyk, but the Ukrainian reacted quickly on the rebound to control with his back to goal and turn in.
Parma refused to give in and got one back, as Adrian Benedyczak knocked down a set play for Alessandro Circati to come sliding in from six yards.
Former Inter captain Mauro Icardi is happy at Galatasaray, but his contract expires at the end of the season, and the new club management hasn’t yet offered him a new deal.
Ex-Inter star Icardi is waiting for a contract offer from his club, Galatasaray, as his deal expires at the end of the season.
His contract extension, however, is not guaranteed as the new club management hasn’t yet made a formal proposal. It’s not even guaranteed that the matter will be discussed in the coming weeks, so Icardi keeps waiting professionally.
Predictably, Icardi will wait until December, but then he’ll consider possible offers from other clubs, given that he’ll become available as a free agent with just six months left in his contract.
There’s always high interest in the Argentine striker, especially if he were to leave Galatasaray on a free transfer.
As of today, Icardi is in no hurry. The 32-year-old is in no rush and has given priority to Galatasaray, but negotiations with his club are stalling.
Inter try to get back on track against a Fiorentina side in crisis, as Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Pio Esposito take on Moise Kean and Albert Gudmundsson.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Cristian Eugen Chivu coach of Inter looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan sustained an injury during that incident and will be out for a month, while Marcus Thuram and Matteo Darmian are also still sidelined.
That means Petar Sucic steps into the starting XI with Pio Esposito preferred to Ange-Yoan Bonny as partner for Lautaro Martinez.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Petar Sucic #8 of FC Internazionale Milano passes the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Fiorentina are in crisis, as they are still without a single Serie A victory this season, scraping four draws and four defeats.
They did at least show a reaction at the weekend, fighting back from 2-0 down to snatch a point in stoppages with two penalties.
Kean and Gudmundsson again lead the attack, with ex-Inter winger Robin Gosens in support.
Tariq Lamptey and Christian Kouame are long-term absentees with knee ligament injuries.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Alphadjo Cisse has been a key figure for US Catanzaro in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, and is beginning to attract the interest of Serie A title hopefuls Roma, Football Italia understands.
Roma keen on Verona-owned teenager
Cisse, who joined Catanzaro on loan from Hellas Verona over the summer, has impressed with his performances and impressive technical ability in Serie B, which has brought a return of four goals from his first nine matches in the second tier.
The 19-year-old is still owned by Verona, and could potentially become a key player in one of the upcoming transfer windows, likely this summer.
LUDBREG, CROATIA – SEPTEMBER 7: Bence Dardai (R) of U19 Germany challenges Alphadjo Cisse of U19 Italy during the UEFA Under-19 Football Friendly Match between U19 Germany and U19 Italy at NK Podravina Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Ludbreg, Croatia. (Photo by Jure Makovec/Getty Images for DFB)
As was originally reported by Lorenzo Canicchio, Roma are evaluating a potential move for Cisse. He is a profile that Gasperini admires, and given the coach’s previous track record in developing young prospects, could be an ideal fit.
Representatives from Roma met with Cisse’s entourage in Trigoria a few days ago. While it is too soon to make any definitive conclusions, it is understood that the Giallorossi will continue to monitor Cisse’s development with a strong interest.
Juventus advisor Giorgio Chiellini confirms Luciano Spalletti is ‘a great coach with experience and a modern style of football’ after the ‘tough decision’ to sack Igor Tudor.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.30 GMT.
The Bianconeri decided to fire Tudor on Monday after three consecutive defeats in all competition, and an eight-game winless streak including the failure to score in four straight matches.
Chiellini explains Juventus revolution
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“I think that Tudor should be thanked for having done important work, as last season he took us into the Champions League,” Chiellini told DAZN Italia.
“This was a decision shared within the club. We think that the team can do well.”
Spalletti is widely expected to sign on the contract to the end of the season from tomorrow, but meanwhile Next Gen boss Massimo Brambilla is the caretaker manager against Udinese.
“I think Spalletti is a great coach, with experience and a modern style of football. We have to wait, because there is no signature yet, so let us focus on trying to pick up points today,” replied Chiellini.
“I also wish to thank Brambilla, who is allowing us to go into this game with focus and look to the future.
“It was a tough decision, because it is not in the DNA of Juventus to make a change so early, and there is disappointment considering how much the coach cares about this club.
“It will be a transitional year, because we are laying the foundations for a Juve that can get back to winning ways. There are 30 games to go in Serie A and everything is still up for grabs, so I think we can begin a new era,” added Chiellini.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy looks on during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
There are a few big changes already, as Filip Kostic gets his first start of the season, while Teun Koopmeiners is dropped to the bench with Jonathan David.
Kenan Yildiz returns from a knee issue and seems to be in a more central trequartista role behind the two strikers, who are Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda.
Juventus are making changes behind the scenes too, because they are expected to appoint a new director of sport soon.
“There will be a new director of sport in the next few weeks, because we are lacking that figure,” confirmed Chiellini.
Frederic Massara says that Roma are achieving ‘surprisingly good early results’ under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but insists that the club’s goal is to grow ‘over time and build for the future’.
The Giallorossi director of Football gave his thoughts on the current state of affairs at the Stadio Olimpico ahead of Roma’s Serie A clash against Parma on Wednesday evening, which kicks off at 17.30 BST.
Massara: Roma having ‘surprisingly good early results’ under Gasperini
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates victory after during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Roma have an opportunity to draw level on points with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings with a victory at home against Parma on Wednesday evening.
That is despite the fact that the Giallorossi are lacking goals from their centre-forwards, with Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson scoring just once between them since the start of the season.
Massara insists that Ferguson, who has not scored at club level in over a year, needs time to settle in following his move on loan with an option to buy from Brighton over the summer.
“Let us not forget Ferguson is young, he has arrived at a difficult league in Italy and needs time to adapt. He also had a few fitness issues, but we are confident he can give a big contribution to the team,” Massara told DAZN Italia before kick-off.
Massara was also asked how it has been working alongside Gasperini as head coach and Claudio Ranieri as a director.
“Gasperini and Ranieri are two legendary figures, so there is great reciprocal respect and collaboration on how to go forward for the good of Roma.”
epa12094855 Romas coach Claudio Ranieri and Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini smile as they pose ahead of the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma, in Bergamo, Italy, 12 May 2025. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
And what does Massara expect to see from Roma during the January transfer window?
“A big signing in January is always tough, because players who are already making the difference in their teams are hard to move. We have FFP restrictions, and it is not easy. On the other hand, we have many games to go until then, so we will be able to evaluate when and if we need to intervene and in which areas of the team.”
Friedkin family tend not to speak publicly, they delegate to other figures
“The owners are very close to us and we speak to them almost daily, so they care very much for Roma. This summer we decided on a different approach, to focus on a coach who could help create value in the squad for players with promising talent.
“We knew it could be more laborious and will take time, also because the ideas of the coach take time to be absorbed by the players. He is having surprisingly good early results, but the intention is to grow over time and build for the future.”
Juventus under caretaker manager Massimo Brambilla host Udinese with Kenan Yildiz, Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda upfront, plus some big midfield changes.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s six Serie A games on the Liveblog.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
They are on a seven-game winless streak and expected to appoint new coach Luciano Spalletti tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Next Gen boss Brambilla is the caretaker for this midweek round and he tries to keep changes to a minimum, maintaining the three-man defence.
Khephren Thuram is out of the squad with a calf issue, joining Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio in the stands.
In a bid to end their goal drought, Kenan Yildiz returns to the XI after a knee problem saw him initially rested for the loss to Lazio.
Vlahovic is again with a strike partner, but this time it is Openda rather than misfiring Jonathan David.
Teun Koopmeiners is dropped and Filip Kostic steps in on the left wing.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Christian Kabasele (#27) of Udinese celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Nicolò Zaniolo (#10) during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Friuli on October 05, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Udinese are unbeaten in three and coming off a chaotic 3-2 victory over Lecce.
Thomas Kristensen, Iker Bravo and Alessandro Nunziante are on the treatment table, while Oumar Solet is not at 100 per cent either, but still plays.
Nicolò Zaniolo is again the partner to Keinan Davis upfront, with Arthur Atta in impressive form too.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye starts his third game of the season after a lengthy ban for betting irregularities, and has looked rusty.
Roma once again turn to Paolo Dybala as they look to draw level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings with a Serie A match at home against Carlos Cuesta’s Parma on Wednesday evening.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma challenges Fali Cande of Sassuolo as he passes the ball during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi sat level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings at the end of the weekend following their 1-0 win over Sassuolo on Sunday. The Partenopei have since beaten Lecce 1-0 on Tuesday evening, which has temporarily sent them three points clear of Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Gasperini was expected to turn to Dybala to lead the Roma attack as a false nine following his first goal of the season against Sassuolo last time out.
However, Matias Soulé returns to the starting XI and notably so does Evan Ferguson, scrapping the False nine approach.
Angelino is Roma’s only injury absentee, which means that Wesley starts at left wing-back with Zeki Celik starting on the right, as Mario Hermoso returns to the back three.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Wesley Franca of AS Roma crosses the ball whilst under pressure from Cristian Volpato of Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Ducali are without a win or a goal in three games, missing Mandela Keita, Pontus Almqvist, Emanuele Valeri, Gaetano Oristanio, Matija Frigan and Jacob Ondrejka, but Abdoulaye Ndiaye returns from suspension.
Milan’s summer signing Ardon Jashari is expected to return to first-team training with the rest of the Rossoneri squad on Thursday after missing over two months of action at the start of the 2025-26 season.
The Switzerland international was given 24 minutes off the bench during Milan’s 2-0 win over Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia in August, and then another 16 minutes during Milan’s 2-1 Serie A defeat against Cremonese on August 23, but has been unable to feature since then.
Milan expect Jashari to return on Thursday
DUBLIN, IRELAND – AUGUST 09: Ardon Jashari runs with the ball under pressure from Anton Stach of Leeds United during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and AC Milan at Aviva Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
It was reported that Jashari suffered an unfortunate injury in training after an accidental collision with teammate Santiago Gimenez.
It has now been two months and one day since the injury that Jashari suffered in training, and now, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the €37m signing will finally resume first-team training with the rest of the Rossoneri squad on Thursday.
Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has had an opportunity to share his thoughts on Roma loanee Evan Ferguson, who has come under criticism for his lack of goals, despite the Giallorossi being among the early challengers for the Serie A title.
The Irishman started in three of Roma’s first four league matches of the season, all of which resulted in 1-0 victories, but has since struggled to break into Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting line-up, and has now gone a full calendar year without scoring a competitive goal at club level.
What Hurzeler said about Ferguson’s goal drought at Roma
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma runs with the ball under pressure from Lorenzo De Silvestri of Bologna during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Brighton head coach Hurzeler was asked what he made of Ferguson’s form during his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s cup clash against Arsenal on Tuesday.
He believes it is ‘natural’ that a young player goes through ‘waves’ in their development, and insists that patience is the only thing that will help Ferguson get through his goal drought.
“It’s not easy, especially for Evan, to go to another culture, it’s a completely different style of football,” Hurzeler told the press.
OXFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Fabian Hurzeler, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Oxford United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Kassam Stadium on August 27, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
“I think we need to be patient with him, he’s still very young, he needs to adapt. I think he had a really good start.
“It’s natural, when you look at our squad, it’s the same with our young players, there are waves in the way they develop. We can’t expect that it always goes (upwards).
“Overall, the main thing is that he doesn’t regret what he’s doing, that he’s overcoming these phases because overcoming these phases means you get stronger in your personality, you become more mature, you make the next step and I’m sure long-term, this will help in his development.”
Inter President Beppe Marotta has expressed his sympathies to the family of the 81-year-old man killed in a road traffic accident involving Nerazzurri goalkeeper Joesp Martinez on Tuesday, and says that he hopes the club can ‘be of assistance in this tragic situation’.
Inter’s second-choice goalkeeper Martinez was the driver of a car that struck an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair a few kilometres away from the club’s training ground. The man, named as Paolo Saibene, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In response to the fatal incident, Inter cancelled head coach Cristian Chivu’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Martinez, meanwhile, was taken to a local police station, was subjected to drug and alcohol tests and returned home at around 18.00 local time. He is not expected to return to training with Inter until next week at the earliest.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 01: Josep Martinez during the Serie A match against Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
What Inter’s Marotta said about Josep Martinez car accident
Inter President Marotta, speaking at an event in Milan marking 100 days until the start of the Winter Olympics, was able to express his sympathies publicly for the first time since the tragic incident on Tuesday morning.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Giuseppe Marotta during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“It’s a serious and delicate situation,” Marotta said. “Of course, we are here for the family of the deceased, as well as for our player, whom we all know very well.
“This is the sort of situation or accident that is, unfortunately, part of everyday life. I hope that we can be of assistance in this tragic situation.”
Cristian Chivu has been forced to call up two young goalkeepers from the youth teams for Inter’s Serie A match against Fiorentina on Wednesday evening, as Yann Sommer is currently the only senior stopper available for selection.
Inter are without both of their two reserve goalkeepers on Wednesday evening.
Raffaele Di Gennaro is recovering from a fractured wrist and is expected to be unavailable for several more weeks.
Josep Martinez, Inter’s no.2, is out of the squad on compassionate grounds, as he was involved in a road traffic collision that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old man on Tuesday. The Spaniard is not expected to return to Nerazzurri training until next week at the earliest.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 01: Josep Martinez during the Serie A match against Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Who will replace Martinez and Di Gennaro for Inter?
With both back-up goalkeepers unavailable, Chivu has had to call up 20-year-old goalkeeper Alessandro Calligaris, who has been included in the last two Serie A squads following the injury to Di Gennaro.
ASCOLI PICENO, ITALY – JUNE 19: Alessandro Calligaris in action during the Serie A-B U17 Semifinals match against AS Roma at Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca on June 19, 2022 in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Calligaris is otherwise the first-choice goalkeeper for the U23 squad in Serie C.
There is also a call-up for 18-year-old Albania youth international Alain Taho, who is usually based with the Inter Primavera side. This will be his first call-up to the senior side.
Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be unavailable until February at the earliest after undergoing surgery on his injured hamstring on Wednesday.
De Bruyne immediately clutched his hamstring after converting a penalty during Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter in Serie A over the weekend. The club confirmed the following day that the former Manchester City favourite had suffered a severe tear in his thigh, which required surgery to amend.
Napoli have confirmed on Wednesday that De Bruyne has now had that operation in his native Belgium, and that he is due to begin the first stage of his rehabilitation process in Antwerp.
Napoli confirm successful De Bruyne surgery
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bryne of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“As was scheduled, Kevin De Bruyne underwent surgery in Antwerp today following a high-grade hamstring injury in his right thigh,” Napoli confirmed in a statement on the club website.
“The surgery was perfectly successful. De Bruyne, overseen by head of the medical staff, Dr Raffaele Canonico, will continue the first part of the post-surgical phase of his rehabilitation process in Belgium.”
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the recovery phase after De Bruyne’s surgery could take anywhere between three to five months.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Either way, the Belgium international could potentially return to action in February, but that is considered the best case scenario.
It is not an ideal situation for head coach Antonio Conte, who will also lose in-form central midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for up to a month in December and January for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Raffaele Palladino was not a genuine candidate for the Juventus job as Luciano Spalletti was always the Bianconeri’s priority, given that Damien Comolli met an intermediary close to the ex-Italy coach before the game against Lazio.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Head coach Raffaele Palladino manager of ACF Fiorentina gestures during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Despite reports, Palladino was never a serious candidate for the Juventus job as the Bianconeri’s first option was always the ex-Italy coach.
Sources with direct knowledge of the matter tell me that an intermediary very close to Spalletti met with Juventus director Damien Comolli in Rome on Saturday, before Igor Tudor’s eventual final game in charge of the Old Lady, against Lazio.
It is also not confirmed that a part of the Juventus dressing room pushed for the appointment of Palladino, so the ex-Fiorentina and Monza coach is now waiting for a new chance.
The former striker has already rejected some offers from foreign clubs and could turn out to be a regret for Atalanta, who picked Ivan Juric instead of him in the summer.
Atalanta are still unbeaten in Serie A, but have collected seven draws in nine games.
Josep Martinez is expected to take the week off training with Inter after being involved in a fatal road traffic collision that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old in a wheelchair on Tuesday morning.
Here is how the club responded in the immediate aftermath of the tragic incident on Tuesday.
What happened with Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez?
At around 9.40 am local time on Tuesday morning, Inter’s second-choice goalkeeper Josep Martinez was involved in a road traffic collision that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after his teammate Hakan Calhanoglu scored his side’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The wheelchair user, named as Paolo Saibene, was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the prompt arrival of ambulances and an air ambulance.
Martinez stopped immediately and attempted to administer first aid according to reports immediately after the incident.
Inter, who are due to take on Fiorentina in Serie A on Wednesday evening, decided to cancel head coach Cristian Chivu’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday as a result of the incident.
Cristian Chivu Inter press conference during 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, representatives from the club will contact Saibene’s family in the coming hours to express their condolences.
Martinez, meanwhile, was forced to comply with all legal obligations. He was reportedly taken to a local police station, was subjected to drug and alcohol tests, and was accompanied by the club’s lawyer.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, he returned home at around 18.00 local time, where a psychologist appointed by the club was already waiting for him.
Martinez’s teammates have already reached out to express their support, but it is expected that the Spaniard will not return to the club until next week.
Khephren Thuram has not been included in the Juventus squad list for today’s game against Udinese because of a calf injury.
France international Thuram won’t be available for Juventus in today’s game against Udinese.
The Bianconeri have dropped their squad list for the upcoming Serie A fixture kicking off at 18:30 CET, but their star midfielder has been omitted.
Why Thuram is unavailable for Juventus vs. Udinese
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Khephren Thuram of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Allianz Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to several sources, including Sport Mediaset, Thuram suffered a calf injury in the final training session before the game.
Teun Koopmeiners is therefore expected to start in central midfield alongside Manuel Locatelli today.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Khéphren Thuram of Juventus greets the crowd during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Juventus sacked Igor Tudor on Monday following a 1-0 loss against Lazio, the third consecutive defeat across all competitions for the Bianconeri.
Today, NextGen coach Massimo Brambilla will lead the team from the touchline, but Juventus are expected to announce Luciano Spalletti as their new head coach in the coming hours.
The Tuscan tactician will sign a contract until June with an option to extend if he qualifies for the Champions League.
Alessandro Costacurta says Milan played ‘much better’ after Rafael Leao was subbed off against Atalanta and believes the Rossoneri are ‘no longer a group of 11 players’ when the Portuguese is on the pitch.
Milan legend Costacurta was highly critical of Leao after the Rossoneri’s 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Tuesday.
Leao started the game, but was subbed off at halftime, and the former defender saw an improvement in the Milan performance in the second half of the game.
Costacurta criticises Leao after Atalanta 1-1 Milan
Alessandro Costacurta Commissioner of FIGC looks on before the International Friendly match between Italy U21 and Belgium U21 at Friuli Stadium on October 11, 2018 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Milan played much better without Leao,” Costacurta told Sky Sport.
“Milan conceded four goals in three games with Leao as a starter. When Leao was subbed off, Milan didn’t concede. It’s a fact that will cause discussion because with Leao, Milan are no longer a group of 11 players.”
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said after the game that Leao had a little issue in his hip, so he had to be subbed off as the team needed “fresh legs” in the second half.
Leao’s Milan stats this season
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC tackles Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Leao only made his Serie A debut at the end of September, having taken nearly two months to recover from a calf injury he suffered in the first competitive game of the season against Bari in Coppa Italia on August 17.
The Portuguese forward has started in the last three Serie A games and has collected four goals in six appearances across all competitions this term.
Former Roma director Walter Sabatini argues that Luciano Spalletti and Juventus need each other to the point that the Bianconeri will be like ‘pure morphine’ for the ex-Italy coach.
Juventus are set to appoint Spalletti as their new coach, as the Italian tactician has agreed to sign a contract until the end of the season with an option to extend if he qualifies for the Champions League.
Walter Sabatini worked with Spalletti at Roma and is convinced that the Certaldo-born tactician is the right pick for the Bianconeri.
“At Juventus, in the current situation, it’s not enough to just have a coach who does things properly,” Sabatini told Gazzetta.
“The Bianconeri need something more, and Luciano is the ideal genius to lift them back up. Juventus lack leadership on the pitch. When there are no players who can drag the team forward, you need an evolved style of play to neutralise the problems.
Sabatini: Juventus need more than a coach
“Right now, doing things fairly well isn’t enough. I haven’t spoken with Spalletti, but if this were to be the club’s choice, Luciano would be the right man in the right place at the perfect time. Juventus need Luciano and Luciano needs Juventus.”
Spalletti is also looking for a new challenge after his disappointing spell as Italy coach. Sabatini argued that Juventus will be like “pure morphine” for the ex-CT.
“Luciano is physically suffering from the failure with the national team. He can’t find peace,” Sabatini continued.
epa11984179 Head coach Luciano Spalletti of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, 2nd leg match between Germany and Italy in Dortmund, Germany, 23 March 2025. EPA-EFE/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL
“The pain caused by this experience with the Azzurri isn’t something aspirin can cure. He lived every day in Coverciano with a patriotic spirit. To ease that pain, Spalletti needs industrial doses of morphine, and Juventus could represent exactly that for him. An ideal and unmissable opportunity for both the club and Luciano, a perfect marriage.”
Italy were eliminated from the 2024 Euros in the Round of 16 at the hands of Switzerland and lost 3-0 in their opening World Cup qualifying fixture against Norway in June, and that defeat cost Spalletti the job.
Sabatini also believes that many players will develop under Spalletti’s guidance, especially Kenan Yildiz.
Sabatini makes Yildiz prediction
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus shoots during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“I can picture him being unstoppable. He’s a fabulous talent, young and already decisive at the highest level,” he said.
“Yildiz could be for Juventus what Kvaratskhelia was for Spalletti’s title-winning Napoli. Not so much in terms of playing style, which is different, but in terms of his impact on the team and on matches.
“Spalletti is the embodiment of beauty and expansive football; every player benefits from it,” concluded Sabatini.
“I’m convinced Koopmeiners will rediscover himself under Luciano. If I had to find a flow, maybe Juventus would need more options in midfield.”
Juventus reportedly held talks with Raffaele Palladino and Luciano Spalletti on Tuesday, but the ex-Italy coach has always been the Bianconeri’s first option.
Juventus are on the verge of announcing Spalletti as their new head coach as the Serie A giants reached an agreement with the Certaldo-born tactician on Tuesday.
Spalletti’s Juventus salary revealed
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with the media during Italy press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 07, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Spalletti has agreed to sign a contract until the end of the season with an option to extend if he qualifies for the Champions League this term.
Spalletti has always been Juventus’ priority since Igor Tudor was sacked on Monday, but other candidates had been linked with the Juventus job, including Roberto Mancini and Palladino.
Juventus held talks with Palladino and Spalletti
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Head coach Raffaele Palladino of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta and Sportmediaset, Juventus also held talks with Palladino on Tuesday, as the ex-Fiorentina coach was a candidate suggested by the Bianconeri’s technical director, François Modesto, who previously worked with Palladino at Monza.
According to reports, the meeting between Palladino and Juventus directors, however, was just a ‘courtesy chat’ as the Bianconeri were eager to finalise an agreement with Spalletti, whose appointment will be announced in the coming hours.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Luciano Spalletti will earn €3m until the end of the season, and according to SportMediaset, the new Juventus coach will be in the stands at the Allianz Stadium today.
Spalletti set to be appointed as new Juventus coach
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Juventus are set to announce Spalletti as their new coach. The Italian tactician reached a principle of agreement with the Bianconeri on Tuesday and the club are expected to confirm his appointment today or tomorrow.
Spalletti will sign a contract until the end of the season with an obligation to extend if he gets Champions League qualification this term.
How much will Spalletti earn at Juventus?
Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, interacts with Mateo Retegui of Italy after the team’s defeat in the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Spain and Italy at Arena AufSchalke on June 20, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)
Gazzetta and Sportmediaset report that Spalletti will arrive in Turin today and that he’ll earn €3m until the end of the season.
Edon Zhegrova signs his Juventus contract with Damien Comolli
According to the Italian broadcasters, the ex-Italy boss will even watch his new team in action from the Allianz Stadium today, when they host Udinese with interim coach Massimo Brambilla on the bench.
Both Gazzetta and Sportmediaset report that Juventus director Damien Comolli spoke to both Raffaele Palladino and Spalletti on Tuesday, but the ex-Napoli and Roma coach has always been the Old Lady’s primary option to replace Igor Tudor.
Cagliari President Tommaso Giulini hits back at Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and argues that ‘someone in the USA might cheer more for Cagliari than for Milan.’
What did Cardinale say about Cagliari?
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan owner Cardinale attracted criticism from Cagliari President Giulini after claiming in a recent interview that “In the United States, no one wants to see Cagliari against Lecce, and that’s a problem. Competition is the essence of sport, but it’s not rewarded financially.”
Giulini replied to Cardinale with a post on X social media: “Dear Cardinale, it’s easy to say that nobody cares about Cagliari-Lecce when one only knows Sardinia as a tourist,” said the Rossoblu president.
Giulini hits back at Cardinale
“The eighth club in Italy by fanbase is watched, respected and, perhaps, someone in the USA might cheer more for Cagliari than for Milan.”
Cagliari and Milan haven’t yet met this season, as the first Serie A encounter between these two sides will take place at the start of January 2026.
Milan drew 1-1 against Atalanta on Tuesday in Serie A Week 9, which is being played midweek.
Cagliari host Sassuolo tomorrow, Thursday, October 30. The Sardinians sit 14th in Serie A with nine points. They have collected one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five games.
Milan, on the other hand, only lost one game so far this season, but have collected just two wins and three draws in the last five games so they are now three points below table leaders Napoli.
Francesco Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez are expected to lead the Inter attack against a Fiorentina side that are still looking for their first win in Serie A this season.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro, Milan.
It’s a mid-week Serie A round that kicked off on Tuesday with Napoli’s 1-0 win over Lecce and Milan’s 1-1 draw against Atalanta.
Francesco Pio Esposito & Ange-Yoan Bonny ( @inter )
The Nerazzurri are without the injured Marcus Thuram, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Raffaele Di Gennaro and Matteo Darmian. Second-choice keeper Josep Martinez is also unavailable following a car accident in which he was involved on the eve of the game and which caused the death of an elderly man.
The whole was affected by the tragic news, and coach Cristian Chivu cancelled his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Lautaro Martinez for Inter against Union Saint-Gilloise (@inter)
On the pitch, Chivu is expected to confirm Manuel Akanji, Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni at the back, according to Gazzetta, while Pio Esposito will partner with Lautaro Martinez in attack.
Petar Sucic is expected to replace the injured Mkhitaryan in central midfield.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, are expected to rely on Albert Gudmundsson and Moise Kean in attack, while Pietro Comuzzo or Pablo Mari will join Marin Pongracic and Luca Ranieri at the back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Remo Freuler of Bologna FC 1909 in action against Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Inter vs. Fiorentina – where to watch on TV
The game is available to stream live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA.
Inter vs. Fiorentina – probable line-ups
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Carlos Augusto; Esposito, Lautaro Martinez.
Fiorentina: (3-5-2): De Gea; Pongracic, Pablo Marì, Ranieri; Dodo, Mandragora, Nicolussi Caviglia, Sohm, Gosens; Gudmundsson, Kean.
Paulo Dybala is expected to start as a false nine for Roma against Parma with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matias Soulé playing as attacking midfielders.
It kicks off t 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Matias Soule of AS Roma during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Angelino is still unavailable for the home side, while Parma have travelled to the capital without the injured Ondrejka, Frigan, Oristanio, Valeri and Keita.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma scores his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma coach Gasperini will confirm Dybala as a false nine after the Argentine scored his first Serie A goal this season in Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Sassuolo.
According to Gazzetta, Parma will switch to a four-man defence with Abdoulaye Ndiaye returning after a one-game ban.
Patrick Cutrone and Mateo Pellegrino will lead the Ducali’s attack at the Olimpico today. Adrian Bernabé, Oliver Sorensen, Nahuel Estevez and Christian Ordonez will start in midfield.
Roma vs. Parma – where to watch on TV
The game will be streamed live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA.
Juventus interim coach Massimo Brambilla will look to Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David for a home game against Nicolò Zaniolo’s Udinese.
It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Juventus sacked Igor Tudor on Monday, so Brambilla, the NextGen coach, will lead the team for this fixture before the appointment of Luciano Spalletti.
According to Gazzetta, Brambilla will stick to a three-man defence even if Juventus’ system could become a 4-3-1-2 if Weston McKennie drops down in defence.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Jonathan David during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The pink paper claims that Yildiz, David, and Dusan Vlahovic will start in attack.
In contrast, according to Tuttosport, Vlahovic will start on the bench, making room for Francisco Conceiçao up front.
Juan Cabal, Arek Milik, Carlo Pinsoglio and Gleison Bremer are unavailable for the Bianconeri this evening.
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Udinese will look to Zaniolo and Keinan Davis in attack.
According to several sources, Spalletti has reached an agreement to become the new Juventus coach and the Tuscan tactician will be in the stands at the Allianz Stadium this evening.
Juventus vs. Udinese – where to watch on TV
The match is available to stream live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and Paramount+ in the USA.
Juventus vs. Udinese – probable line-ups
Juventus (3-4-1-2): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly (or Koopmeiners); McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao (or Vlahovic), Yildiz; David.
Agreement until June, renewal in case of Champions League. Chiellini decisive in the decision. Yildiz and two strikers against Udinese.
Inter start again
Chivu to the assault: 9 points before the break
Martinez tragedy
The goalkeeper hits and kills an elderly man
Corriere dello Sport
Juve, Spalletti signs
Contract until June with an option to renew
The official statement today. Automatic extension if he qualifies for the Champions League. He’ll be in the stands against Udinese (18:30). He’ll return to a four-man defence.
Napoli run away
Conte insists
Lecce beaten with Anguissa, and messages were sent
Still table leaders: +3 on Roma
Antonio wins away from home after four defeats and reignites the controversy with Marotta: ‘I hope Rocchi and the referees are not influenced, but we are not stupid.’ Today, Gasperini challenges Parma (18.30).
Lookman stops Milan: Allegri goes -3 from the top
Martinez shocked
Fatal car accident on the eve of Inter-Fiorentina
Tuttosport
Inter and Martinez shocked
The Nerazzurri goalkeeper hit an elderly man, who died, with his car
The Spaniard was heading to Appiano: He hit 80-year-old Paolo Saibene with his car, dead on the scene. The footballer is under investigation for vehicular homicide. On the pitch at San Siro: Pioli’s Fiorentina in a crisis arrive.
Juve, Spalletti believes in it
Today (18:30) Juve-Udinese. Tomorrow the new coach.
Decisive meeting with Chiellini yesterday. Comolli decided and the owners gave the green light. Contract until the end of the season and automatic renewal if he were to finish in the top four. The Regista is a priority: Hjulmand trending again.
Baroni motivates Toro: ‘Don’t settle.’ There’s still Paleari.
Napoli go +3, wasteful Milan
Anguissa still decisive for the defending champions. Lookman scores the equaliser for La Dea
Patrice Evra released a video attacking Juventus players as ‘soft’ and seeing comparisons between Igor Tudor’s sacking and when David Moyes was fired by Manchester United.
The former Bianconeri hero is a regular on social media and put out his statement on Instagram after the surprising dismissal of coach Tudor, just 11 competitive games into the new season.
“Dear Juventini, I saw some messages from people saying they want me as a director or a coach, but I retired four years ago and won’t go back into football. This is because I would have to sacrifice everything for football, and I am enjoying myself too much right now. I am a happy man and therefore I will be selfish about it,” said Evra.
“I just want to go back on the sacking of Tudor. Thank you coach for everything. This is a message for the players.
“When they fire the coach, it means you haven’t done your job on the field. It only happened to me once in my whole career, when I was at Manchester United and they sacked David Moyes. I felt like s**t, and I hope the players right now at Juventus feel the same way, because they’ve gone through three or four coaches in a couple of years now.
“You are at Juve, you have to take responsibility. The problem is this doesn’t work on the new generation, it is a soft generation. So all the commentators and pundits who are ex-players are wasting their time talking to them.
“We were football players, we played for passion, for the shirt, for history, to put food in the mouths of our families.
“This generation are athletes more than players. They are brands, they are rappers, fashionistas, get involved in politics. There are too many distractions.
“This is why I am not harsh on them, as we didn’t have those distractions. We would eat, sleep, play football, that’s it. The world has changed, not just football.
“Juve have changed completely, we have lost the real values. I remember my first game with Andrea Agnelli, I was happy to see the history everywhere, we had Pavel Nedved, Platini, others.
“One day I will return to football, but not now. I am just saying this because when you play for Juve, you have to sacrifice everything, including your family.
“The best league I won in my whole life was with Max Allegri in 2014-15, I think we were 13th in the league, lost to Sassuolo, many players wanted to get rid of Max, but I saw the same thing at United when they tried to suggest Moyes was the only reason they were losing.
“Remove the coach, now there is no excuse. If you don’t want to stay there at Juve, then leave. You are too soft.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Patrice Evra of Juventus FC in action during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Juventus and FC Bayern Muenchen at Juventus Arena on February 23, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Ademola Lookman made some rather cryptic comments when asked if he was finally happy with Atalanta, while Mario Pasalic relished facing Luka Modric in a Milan shirt.
La Dea have now drawn five on the bounce in Serie A, while it was the second stalemate for the Rossoneri, who were held 2-2 by Pisa on Friday evening.
Samuele Ricci had opened the scoring, but it was cancelled out by the first goal Lookman has scored for Atalanta since his failed attempt to force an Inter transfer in the summer.
Lookman still not ready to say he’s happy with Atalanta
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I’ve not been able to find form yet, physically or in front of goal, but I’ll get there eventually and this was a step forward in the right direction. Hopefully in the coming games we’ll be able to get some wins.”
Although Lookman has made it abundantly clear he does not want to talk about the past or what happened in recent months, he was asked if this was the night that finally made him happy to be with Atalanta.
His response was somewhat cryptic and suggested the rapport with the club behind the scenes remains tense.
“I think that when I’m on the pitch, the most important thing is to try to help the team win. We want to keep climbing up the table and that’s the most important thing, to win football games.”
His goal celebration was at best muted, showing little excitement or emotion as his teammates crowded around him.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Pasalic was in the starting XI this evening in a more advanced trequartista role supporting the two strikers, Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere, and took the captain’s armband when Marten de Roon went off with an adductor issue.
“We played our game, as we have done largely this season other than the first half against Cremonese. We attacked, pressed high, unfortunately we can’t seem to get this win that would be the turning point,” Pasalic told DAZN Italia.
“We are creating chances, but to win we need to be more concrete upfront.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This is a new era under Ivan Juric after nine years of Gian Piero Gasperini, although they are aided by the fact Gasp was Juric’s mentor.
“I already knew the way the coach played, and those of us who have been here many years were already accustomed to this type of tactical work. He is asking for some different things and we are getting there.”
Tonight was an extra pleasure for Croatia international Pasalic, who got to face legend Modric, and even got the veteran booked for a shirt tug.
“It is always a joy to play against a star like Modric, few can play like this at age 40.”
Ivan Juric believes Atalanta ‘had triple the intensity of Milan and dominated throughout,’ so were left with more regrets after yet another stalemate.
Samuele Ricci had given Milan the early lead in Bergamo with a deflected strike, until Ademola Lookman blasted into the roof of the net for his first goal since the summer transfer drama.
Davide Zappacosta had the best opportunity to win the game late on, his effort denied by a flying Mike Maignan fingertip save.
Juric saw Atalanta dominate Milan in Bergamo
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I think Atalanta had triple the intensity of Milan. We dominated throughout, they had one shot early on and aside from a 10-minute spell in the second half, there was only one team trying to win the game,” Juric told DAZN Italia.
“The lads once again put in a great performance, I’ve never seen the wrong attitude from this team and they deserve more points, but if we keep going like this, then the results will arrive.”
The problem is evidently converting chances, because once again Atalanta had 17 shots on goal, but only scored once.
“I think we did very well both winning the ball back and creating chances in transition, but also keeping calm moving the ball around when inevitably Allegri’s teams sit deep. It’s really disappointing we aren’t picking up more points, because we deserve them.
“I remain convinced we will break through and get those results.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Juric had said in the build-up to this game that Atalanta would’ve been in a better position if Lookman had been able to go through a normal pre-season, as he is only now getting back to full fitness.
“I think we pushed him to play more than perhaps he should’ve done in these games because we wanted him to achieve match fitness,” explained the coach.
“He is a particular type of guy, but in training and on the pitch, he is a sight to behold, just a spectacular player. A winner, with incredible determination, and I am very happy for him. We were only talking yesterday he said if he trains like this, the goal will come, and today he scored a great goal.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There was a setback in the opening stages too, as captain Marten de Roon limped off with a muscular issue, replaced by Marco Brescianini.
La Dea extended their unbeaten record for the season to the opening nine rounds, but only two of those were victories, as this was their fifth consecutive stalemate.
“We almost have everyone back now, so the team is becoming really competitive. We dominated games against Lazio and Milan, but didn’t win for various reasons, so hopefully we can become more clinical in attack and with these characteristics I am certain we will do well.”
Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic were left on the bench throughout, so was that a tactical decision or based on fitness?
“It was a technical decision based on what I saw in training,” replied Juric.
Max Allegri reveals why he took Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez off against Atalanta, insisting Milan ‘need to have more belief in what we are doing’ in attack.
The Rossoneri had been hoping to close back up to the top spot after losing it with last week’s 2-2 draw against Pisa.
La Dea had the best chance to win it, with Mike Maignan’s fingertip save denying Davide Zappacosta late on.
Allegri sees positive aspects of Milan draw
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri issues instructions to his players during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We were forced to defend ourselves in the first half after the goal because we were making a lot of technical errors, while we did better after the break, creating chances and making the wrong choices in the final third. That is where we must improve, the team needs to have more belief in what it is doing.
“Atalanta could not continue keeping that high press throughout and we knew they’d run out of steam, but in those moments we needed to improve our finishing and our choices in the final third.
“The goal we conceded was avoidable too on the through ball, but the team must be proud of its performance and prepare for the next match against Roma.”
Some decisions prompted concerns, as Rafael Leao was replaced by Christopher Nkunku at half-time, then Santiago Gimenez limped off with an ankle knock.
They have limited options now, with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari injured, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek made his comeback off the bench.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Leao had a little problem with his hip, he wasn’t in great shape at the end of the first half, so the team needed fresh legs and Rafa was struggling to sprint, so I preferred to take him off,” explained Allegri.
“Gimenez just had a knock, it shouldn’t be particularly serious for Leao either, and hopefully we’ll have Estupinan back against Roma too. I hope that after the break for international duty, we’ll have everyone back and fit, but until then we’ve got to grit our teeth.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If Rafael Leao is not delivering, then Milan struggle to have any real presence in the opposition penalty area.
“Nkunku did very well as a centre-forward and Atalanta dropped off, while Loftus-Cheek had 20 extraordinary minutes, but it is during those positive spells we need to score goals. We had favourable situations in the second half and only allowed the one real chance when we gave the ball away,” insisted Allegri.
“Gimenez worked hard for the team, he needs to relax, the goals will come sooner or later.”
Atalanta held Milan to a closely-fought 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening, with Croatian attacking midfielder Mario Pasalic Football Italia’s Man of the Match.
Best Atalanta player: Pasalic – The Croatian playmaker had a ball out there tonight, creating plenty of chances for his side, including the assist for Lookman’s equaliser, and being a constant menace for the Rossoneri defence to deal with. His passing was near-perfect and today the 30-year-old outshone his compatriot Luka Modric.
Lowest Atalanta rating: Ahanor – Fairly poor performance from the teenager tonight, although feels harsh to judge him too much as he is a young player with an important role in this Atalanta side. However, He did not look as solid as his defensive teammates and was eventually substituted off with twenty minutes to play.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Atalanta BC coach Ivan Juric looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Coach: Ivan Juric 7 – Subs had a good impact on the game and he set up his side in such a way to make life very difficult for Allegri’s Milan. The Rossoneri have only lost once so far this season and it could have so nearly been two, with La Dea the more dominant side this evening. Juric needs to find a way to turn these close draws into victories moving forward.
Best Milan player: Ricci – After spending his first months in Milan hardly touching the pitch, with the Rossoneri preferring Modric, Fofana and Rabiot as a midfield three, Ricci is now settling in. He picked up an assist in his last match and a goal against Atalanta today was his first in Rossoneri colours.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lowest Milan rating: Gimenez – A yellow card and an injury marred an already flat performance from the Mexican forward. Needs to sort himself out at Milan before the Rossoneri sign a replacement.
Coach: Allegri 6 – Another evening of making the right decisions on paper but his squad letting him down. Made just the essential substitutions and seems to be sorely lacking in any sort of back-up plan for when his side are struggling.
AC Milan dropped points again, as Atalanta earned their fifth consecutive Serie A stalemate with the first Ademola Lookman goal since his summer drama cancelling out a Samuele Ricci strike.
La Dea were the only unbeaten side in Serie A, but with just two victories, including four consecutive stalemates. Giorgio Scalvini and Mitchel Bakker were still out of action, but they opted for Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere supported by Mario Pasalic. The Rossoneri were reeling after losing top spot with a 2-2 draw against Pisa, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to the bench, with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari injured.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan took an early lead, as Honest Ahanor cleared a corner to the edge of the area where Samuele Ricci let it bounce and hit the half-volley into the ground, a deflection off Ederson completely wrong-footing Marco Carnesecchi.
Isak Hien nodded a corner just wide, but Atalanta lost captain Marten de Roon to a muscular problem, replaced by ex-Milan midfielder Marco Brescianini.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Ederson tested Mike Maignan from the edge of the box, while Ahanor nodded a Charles De Ketelaere cross wide at the back post, but Ahanor missed a sitter when his first touch was heavy and at full stretch he prodded over the bar from nine yards.
Atalanta did get back on level terms with the first goal Lookman has scored since his summer transfer rebellion. He ran onto the Mario Pasalic through ball and took a touch before smashing the unstoppable left-foot finish into the roof of the net from a tricky angle.
Christopher Nkunku replaced a quiet Rafael Leao for the restart, with Lookman and Bernasconi seeing attempts charged down, while Santiago Gimenez went off with an ankle knock.
Alexis Saelemaekers found himself in an ideal position after combining with Youssouf Fofana, but instead of going for goal, he tried to set up Nkunku and it fell apart.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan competes for the ball with Isak Hien of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Odilon Kossounou showed impressive calm to chest a Loftus-Cheek header back to Carnesecchi, anticipating Nkunku from a couple of yards in front of goal.
Bernasconi also threw himself in the path of a Saelemaekers volley after the Luka Modric corner was punched away, then Fofana scuffed a volley wide on the Bartesaghi knockdown at the back post.
Atalanta thought they had taken the lead on 85 minutes when Davide Zappacosta shrugged off a challenge and launched a curler from distance that Maignan flew to fingertip over the bar with one hand. On the resulting corner, Zappacosta also drilled wide of the near post.
Matteo Gabbia made a decisive block on former teammate Yunus Musah at the near post on a Berat Djimsiti assist.
The tension was over the weekend when Napoli beat Inter 3-1 including a penalty that was awarded by the assistant referee with minimal contact between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Inter protested at that decision, sending President Beppe Marotta to the press room, so Conte referenced this after Lecce received a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.
Conte not letting go of Inter controversy
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“It is not right for me to come here and complain, as too few days have passed since the last game with a very different type of behaviour from others,” said Conte in his press conference.
“We remain hopeful that the moaning is not influencing Rocchi and the referees. When Presidents arrive to speak to the media, they think that they are sending a strong message and influencing the narrative.
“We are not here to whine, but we’re not stupid either.”
The referee had not initially awarded the penalty to Lecce this evening at the Stadio Via del Mare, but it was given following a VAR On-Field Review.
It took quite a few minutes to find the footage from an angle that showed the hand bent back by the Kialonda Gaspar header.
Luciano Spalletti is ready to put pen to paper at Juventus, but the decisive element was his acceptance of a contract to June with automatic renewal for Champions League qualification.
As we had explained already, Spalletti was always the first choice for the job after the club decided to pull the plug on Igor Tudor not even three months into the season.
Roberto Mancini had already been on the outskirts from yesterday and was never really a Plan B, while Raffaele Palladino was only kept warm as an alternative in case the negotiations didn’t go well.
Spalletti only ever the first choice for Juventus
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with the media during Italy press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 07, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
The former Italy boss was always the main focus and only an extraordinary change of strategy would see them drift away from that candidacy.
Ultimately, what we suggested yesterday afternoon may well prove to be decisive, because he immediately accepted the proposal of a contract until June, with option for automatic renewal for another season in case of Champions League qualification.
Once that hurdle was out of the way, he was always leading the race and just hurtling towards the signature.
Watch as Ademola Lookman scores his first goal since the summer transfer chaos with Atalanta, blasting a ferocious strike into the roof of the AC Milan net.
The Nigeria international and African Player of the Year had tried to force through an exit to Inter, even going AWOL from training for several weeks, but eventually had to return and accept the situation.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atalanta BC and Club Brugge KV at Stadio di Bergamo on September 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
He ran onto the Mario Pasalic assist, took a touch and then smashed the left-foot finish into the roof of the net from a tricky angle.
Antonio Conte raged against the ‘completely absurd’ treatment of the Napoli injury crisis after they scraped a 1-0 victory away to Lecce with a saved penalty.
The Partenopei were feeling the pressure at the Stadio Via del Mare after failing to win in their last four competitive away fixtures.
It went from bad to worse when Noa Lang limped off with a knock to the thigh just above his left knee, then Lecce were awarded a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic came to the rescue by saving the Francesco Camarda penalty, then Frank Andre Zambo Anguissa nodded in a David Neres free kick for the 1-0 victory.
Conte taking nothing for granted at Napoli
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Head coach of SSC Napoli Antonio Conte looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“These games are never easy, especially after a match like the one with Inter that used up so much energy,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“We played against a very good team, it is always tough to play here in Lecce. I think we should’ve controlled the final stages better, even if we didn’t run many big risks. Mentality is first and foremost.
“It was a very good first half, then this penalty could’ve changed the course of the game, but our goalkeeper did well and we went on to deserve the victory.”
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Tiago Gabriel of US Lecce competes for the ball with Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund made his return as a substitute after a few weeks out injured, but it is now confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be out for three to four months after a high grade lesion to the thigh.
Scott McTominay was rested today, moving Napoli back to the 4-3-3 formation that had seen them win the Scudetto last season.
“People forget that we are having to make do. People talk about these big reinforcements, now some even try to suggest we are benefiting from the injuries to Lukaku and De Bruyne. It’s completely absurd,” raged Conte.
“All we’ve got in goal now is Milinkovic-Savic, but some over the summer were asking why we had invested so much in a quality goalkeeper.”
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli warms up prior the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Anguissa scored the goal today, but then had a bit of an odd exchange with Conte in the final minutes when urging the coach to ‘calm down’ after a particularly loud scream in his direction.
“I honestly didn’t see it, but in these moments you need guts, not calm. I am very happy for Frank, if he’s constantly switched on then there are few players like him, but he still needs to improve his finishing. We need to score goals from everyone, it doesn’t matter if they are strikers, midfielders or defenders.”
Lang limped off within 60 seconds of the restart, so why was that problem not identified during half-time to avoid wasting a substitution slot?
“Lang had two knocks in the same spot, so I think his muscle hardened. It is not a serious problem. I am glad for him too, having his first start, as we need everyone in this difficult moment. The important thing is that we never lack the right spirit,” concluded Conte.
This means that Napoli will go into the weekend top of the table, potentially alone if Roma drop points at home to Parma tomorrow evening.
Aaron Martin has lost some of the visibility he previously had in recent matches, despite an undeniably high level of performance.
Many have linked this situation to his contract expiring in June.
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 17: Andrea Pinamonti of Genoa (L) celebrates with team mates Aaron Martin and Caleb Ekuban after scoring during the Serie A match between Genoa and Venezia at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 17, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Genoa push for Aaron Martin renewal
Genoa want to resolve the matter as soon as possible, in order to avoid the risk of losing the 1997-born left-back on a free transfer.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Aaron Martin of Genoa is challenged by Mattia Liberali of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
At the moment Lazio cannot make moves in the market, but in the future several issues will need to be defined (starting with Tavares), and the club will continue to monitor Martin. In the meantime, Genoa will continue to push for a renewal, as we have now entered an increasingly delicate phase.
The 28-year-old signed for Genoa in 2023 from Bundesliga outfit Mainz and has since made close to 70 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Atalanta director Luca Percassi will not be drawn on the row between coach Ivan Juric and goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, as they prepare to face AC Milan. ‘This is the start of a new era.’
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.
La Dea are the only side in Serie A still to taste defeat so far this season, but it has not necessarily translated into success, because they managed just two victories in eight rounds.
That includes a run of four consecutive stalemates, having wasted numerous scoring opportunities.
Atalanta try to smooth over tension
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I am very fond of both, so I’ll just limit myself to saying we need to keep working one day at a time,” Percassi told DAZN Italia.
“This is the start of a new era, it takes patience and belief to get stronger every day, then we’ll see where we end up, but we’re not even halfway through the season yet.”
Some time to adapt is inevitable after nine years under the guidance of coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who left for a new challenge with Roma.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC makes a save whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Atalanta have created numerous scoring opportunities during these eight rounds so far, but struggled to finish them off with goals.
“Considering the chances that we created, I think we deserved more points, but I couldn’t say how many,” added Percassi.
“We will keep working and the team will be able to express itself better with time. Tonight is a big game against a very strong Milan side who have a great coach in Max Allegri. It’s going to be an exciting match.”
Juventus are moving closer towards the appointment of Luciano Spalletti as head coach, with reports from Italy claiming an official announcement and presentation could be made as early as Thursday.
According to Sky Sport, Spalletti has nearly reached an agreement to take over the Bianconeri, shortly after Igor Tudor was sacked yesterday after a poor run of results.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
After a strong start to the campaign, the Old Lady have struggled and a winless, scoreless run sped up Tudor’s exit from the club.
Spalletti set to take charge at Juventus
It will be Spalletti’s first club job since 2023, when he left Napoli after two years in charge.
For the following two years, the Italian would lead the Azzurri, taking over the Italian national team after the surprise resignation of Roberto Mancini.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
In June, following a 3-0 loss to Norway, Spalletti was sacked by the Azzurri and led his final match in charge against Moldova.
AC Milan director of sport Igli Tare warns they ‘had not planned’ for six simultaneous injuries, but reassures Santiago Gimenez during his goal drought ahead of tonight’s trip to Atalanta.
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We started this new project with great enthusiasm, the fans are behind us and we are going through a positive spell, so must try to find some consistency in this moment,” Tare told DAZN Italia.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to the bench, but Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are still out of action.
With the squad stretched thin, but no European competition to worry about, are Milan planning on investing in the January transfer window?
“We had not planned for six players to get injured during the break for international duty, that doesn’t happen every day,” replied the director of sport.
“When these moments happen, we must be aware that we have a strong squad, which the lads proved on the field. We’ve got to keep going until the start of December, then evaluate with the coach for the future.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates with team mates Davide Bartesaghi and Samuele Ricci after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Santiago Gimenez starts this evening, but he had been on the market in the summer with links to Roma and has been going through a lengthy goal drought.
“He needs to relax, this is part of the journey for all strikers. I know full well, I played in the same role,” said the former Lazio centre-forward.
“Everyone has faith in him, the club, the coach, but above all his teammates, and tonight is an opportunity to prove himself a great striker.
“Gimenez has always scored lots of goals in his career, so this is just a bad spell, but at the same time he works so hard for the team and this is why the coach keeps faith in him.”
Napoli defeated Lecce 1-0 this evening, in a fine margin that Antonio Conte would have liked to see larger. Whilst Vanja Milinkovic-Savic pulled off a strong save to deny Francesco Camarda from the penalty spot, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa continues his run of good form with a winning goal and is Football Italia’s Man of the Match.
Best Lecce player: Gabriel – The Portuguese defender put in a solid shift in defence for Lecce today, constantly causing Napoli’s attack difficulties. Deserved a clean sheet for his performance but the 20-year-old continues to impress.
Lowest Lecce rating: Camarda – The 17-year-old has been a breakthrough star so far this season for Lecce but unfortunately had an evening to forget against an experienced Napoli tonight. The youngster had the opportunity to give his side the lead from the penalty spot but his effort was saved by Partenopei keeper Milinkovic-Savic.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli gestures during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Coach: Di Francesco 6.5 – Set up his team well this evening but was unfortunate not to get a result. If it were not for Milinkovic-Savic’s penalty save, the coach could have come away with at least a point but he should not be too disheartened about his efforts tonight.
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 7; Di Lorenzo 6, Buongiorno 6, Juan Jesus 5, Olivera 6 (Spinazzola 6.5); Zambo Anguissa 7.5, Gilmour 6.5, Elmas 5.5 (Gutierrez N/A); Politano 5.5 (McTominay 6), Lucca 5.5 (Hojlund 5.5), Lang 6.5 (Neres 6.5)
Best Napoli player: Anguissa – Although Milinkovic-Savic deserves plaudits for a strong penalty save, Anguissa has once again continued his run of good form with a decisive goal to give his team all three points. Looked confident all evening, despite the absence of McTominay and De Bruyne in the starting lineup.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Tiago Gabriel of US Lecce competes for the ball with Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Lowest Napoli rating: Lucca – The towering target man was once again ineffectual before being substituted around the hour mark. Hojlund’s return from injury marks another setback for the Italian striker.
Coach: Conte 6 – Coped well against a plucky Lecce but can consider himself lucky to come away with all three points.
Napoli scraped a victory away to Lecce thanks to another Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa goal, but also Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saving the Francesco Camarda penalty.
The Partenopei were back on top of the table after the dramatic 3-1 win over Inter, but it came at a cost, as Kevin De Bruyne will be out for several months with a serious thigh strain. Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret and Romelu Lukaku were also still on the treatment table, but Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani were back on the bench. The 4-3-3 formation returned, with Scott McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola rested. Lecce missed Riccardo Sottil, Matias Perez, Gaby Jean and Filip Marchwinski after the 3-2 defeat to Udinese.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Players of SSC Napoli pose for photo prior to the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Napoli wore their special edition Halloween kit and Billy Gilmour saw his snapshot deflected wide, but Lorenzo Lucca accidentally charged down a Matteo Politano strike that was on target.
The hosts also threatened with Medon Berisha drilling wide from the edge of the area, while Politano turned over from six yards on the Matias Olivera pull-back.
Wladimiro Falcone made a huge save using his legs at the near post to deny Olivera, who had been sent clear by a smart Gilmour first-touch lay-off.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Danilo Veiga of US Lecce competes for the ball with Matheus Oliveira of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Francesco Camarda’s chest and half-volley was inches wide on the stroke of half-time, but wouldn’t have counted over handball.
Noa Lang hobbled off with a knock to the thigh just above the left knee moments after the restart, adding to the growing list of Napoli absentees.
There was a double chance to open the scoring when Lucca ran onto a long ball that Falcone rushed out to nod clear, then Politano’s follow-up was charged down with the goalkeeper off his line.
Kialonda Gaspar’s header on a corner seemed to strike the hand of Juan Jesus, which bent back on impact, so the Lecce penalty was awarded following a VAR review. Camarda stepped up, but Vanja Milinkovic-Savic confirmed his status as a specialist by parrying the spot-kick, meaning he has saved five of the last nine Serie A penalties faced.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli gestures during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Hojlund made his comeback from injury, with McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola strengthening the squad from the bench for the final half-hour.
It paid off, as Napoli took the lead when a David Neres free kick was glanced into the far top corner off the head of Anguissa from six yards.
Elmas blasted wide and Nikola Stulic was too sluggish to make the most of a Danilo Veiga pull-back, while in stoppages Hojlund failed to meet the Neres assist.
Napoli faced another injury blow this evening in their match against Lecce, with Noa Lang having to come off just after the start of the second half.
After a foul from Danilo Veiga in the first half, Lang appeared to suffer a bruise just above his left knee. The Dutchman attempted to play on and started the second half but only lasted a minute before signalling to the bench he needed to come off.
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It was not all bad news for the Partenopei, however, with Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund making his return from injury.
The forward, on loan from Manchester United with an obligation-to-buy, was brought on for struggling summer signing Lorenzo Lucca just after the hour mark.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It marks Hojlund’s first appearance since before the international break, when he scored in a 2-1 win over Genoa. In fact, the striker was on a run of six goals in four games for club and country before the injury forced a setback.
Rafael Leao, Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez start for Milan, who try to end Atalanta’s unbeaten record with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC shoots whilst under pressure from David Moses of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are still out of action.
Leao is partnered by Gimenez rather than Christopher Nkunku, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back on the bench after shaking off a muscular problem.
Fikayo Tomori returns to the defence after being dropped in favour of Koni De Winter.
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta runs with the ball during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Atalanta are the only Serie A side to remain unbeaten so far this season, but that doesn’t translate to a successful run, because only two of those were victories and they’ve drawn four on the bounce.
With Nikola Krstovic and Gianluca Scamacca struggling for goals, coach Ivan Juric opts for De Ketelaere and Lookman together supported by Mario Pasalic.
These are familiar faces, as both De Ketelaere and Pasalic are former Milan players, so are Yunus Musah and Daniel Maldini on the bench.
Giorgio Scalvini and Mitchel Bakker are the only remaining absentees.
Atalanta-Milan official line-ups
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Ahanor; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Lookman
Remo Freuler’s future is back in the spotlight as Bologna work to secure a contract extension for the experienced midfielder.
The 33-year-old is tied to the Rossoblù until June 2026, and initial discussions have already taken place in recent weeks.
epa11176229 Bologna’s Remo Freuler jubilates after scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match Bologna FC vs Hellas Verona FC at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 23 February 2024. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI
However, progress has been slow, and another club may now be considering an approach.
Gasperini seeks Freuler reunion at Roma
According to reports from Il Resto del Carlino, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has made an exploratory call to Freuler to understand the player’s openness to a future move to the capital.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The two know each other extremely well, with Freuler having made 254 appearances under Gasperini during their long spell together at Atalanta, the most he has played for any coach in his career.
For now, concrete steps are yet to be taken, but Roma’s interest could increase pressure on Bologna to accelerate renewal talks and avoid letting the situation drift.
Luciano Spalletti has made it clear this is not a matter of salary or contract length. During the meeting with Juventus, after the contacts we reported already yesterday afternoon, Spalletti reaffirmed his strong desire to take charge in Turin.
He is open to every formula: a deal until June with a two-year option, or a straight contract until 2027. The idea of reaching the club’s minimum target of Champions League qualification and then being one year away from expiry does not concern him now; that would be a matter to evaluate later.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy looks on during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Spalletti is convinced that through his work he can put the ship back on course after the recent wrecks.
Now, the next move belongs to Damien Comolli and his timing. One could say that after dismissing a coach, the club should already have the replacement ready.
But Comolli identified Spalletti as his target since Saturday, the eve of the defeat to Lazio, and it is up to him to assess the financial side of the operation.
There is no doubt inside the club regarding Spalletti being the most suitable candidate to pull Juventus from this situation. From this point, it is simply a matter of moving from theory to execution.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Head coach Raffaele Palladino manager of ACF Fiorentina gestures during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Palladino remains plan B for Juventus
Raffaele Palladino remains the plan B only in the case of sudden changes of direction, second thoughts or unforeseen developments in the coming hours.
From yesterday afternoon onward, Roberto Mancini has been removed even as a plan C, not just as plan B. The expectation now is to finalise talks with the man who has always been the first choice.
Napoli team manager Gabriele Oriali has spoken to the press before the Partenopei’s trip to Lecce in Serie A on Tuesday evening. Oriali discussed several topics, including the 6-2 defeat to PSV last week, as well as the injuries of both Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Oriali said “There are always three points up for grabs in every game. We need to keep the Eindhoven defeat in our minds always as a warning of what can happen when we don’t play with that focus and unity,”
Napoli were expected to meet a resistant PSV in Eindhoven last week but nobody forecasted such a heavy defeat for Antonio Conte’s side. However, the Partenopei bounced back at the weekend with a 3-1 win over Inter in a game that may carry additional significance as we get further through the campaign.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Scott McTominay of Napoli reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between PSV Eindhoven and SSC Napoli at PSV Stadion on October 21, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
“We were coming off a heavy defeat that was unexpected, so everyone’s mood was bad going into the Inter game, not just Conte.”
Napoli team manager Oriali provides update on Lukaku & De Bruyne
On the former Manchester City man’s condition, Oriali said “We don’t know yet how long he will be out for, as the surgery is meant to be tomorrow, but we’ll have a better idea then. It is going to be 3-4 months unfortunately, as he had settled in very well and was giving a big hand to the team.”
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Finally, the Napoli man discussed Romelu Lukaku’s recovery. The forward suffered an injury in pre-season that saw him miss the start to the campaign, and led to the Partenopei signing Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.
“However, Lukaku is on his way back this week and we hope to get him ready soon. I won’t stand here listing all the injuries we’ve had, but we got through it anyway, and those who replaced them did very well.”
Teun Koopmeiners’ difficult start to life at Juventus is increasingly becoming a talking point in Turin. The Dutch midfielder arrived with the expectation of becoming a key part of the new project, but performances so far have fallen short of the level shown at Atalanta.
Used in multiple roles under Igor Tudor, he has yet to find continuity or influence matches in the way the club envisioned.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus speaks to referee Clement Turpin during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Koopmeiners has made clear his preference to play deeper in midfield rather than as an advanced playmaker, and his future will be re-evaluated in the winter window.
Juventus eye Dortmund star Nmecha as Koopmeiners upgrade
While the club have shown faith, there is an acceptance that the balance in midfield is still lacking and reinforcements could be required.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 17: Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates Waldemar Anton, Daniel Svensson and Julian Brandt during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Holstein Kiel at Signal Iduna Park on May 17, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kuegeler/Getty Images)
Among the profiles Juventus continue to monitor is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, via CalcioMercato. The Germany international impressed against the Bianconeri in the Champions League and was observed again recently during Dortmund’s European win in Copenhagen.
However, competition from Premier League and La Liga sides, plus a valuation approaching €50m, makes any January move complex.
After an impressive victory at the Stadio Maradona against Scudetto rivals Inter at the weekend, Napoli appear to be getting their momentum back on track following a brutal week before.
After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Torino and heavy 6-2 thumping at the hands of PSV last week, Conte’s side bounced back with a convincing 3-1 win over Inter.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne scores his side first goal during the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Unfortunately for Conte and the Partenopei, talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury in the win and the Partenopei must now deal without the Belgian midfielder for some time.
Lecce vs Napoli – McTominay back in the heart of midfield after De Bruyne injury
Furthermore, Scott McTominay heads to the bench as Conte opts for a midfield triad of Billy Gilmour, Eljif Elmas and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay celebrates his side third goal scored by Frank Zambo Anguissa during the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Additionally, Lorenzo Lucca starts up front, with Politano and Noa Lang working from the flanks. This marks Conte’s return to his 4-3-3, after utilising a 4-1-4-1 for a majority of the season so far.
The penalty awarded to Napoli during their 3-1 win over Inter continues to provoke debate, as newly released RefCam audio has shed fresh light on how the decision was reached.
The incident, involving a coming together between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Giovanni Di Lorenzo, broke the deadlock at the Stadio Maradona and significantly shifted the momentum of the match.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Frank Zambo Anguissa of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The footage, published by Serie A, shows referee Maurizio Mariani well-positioned and initially inclined to let play continue, as per CalcioNews24.
Assistant intervention led to penalty for Napoli against Inter
However, the audio captures intervention from his assistant Daniele Bindoni, who suggests the contact may be sufficient for a penalty. Mariani is heard asking, “Are you sure?”, before reversing his judgment and pointing to the spot after a brief pause.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale protest with referee Maurizio Marian during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The sequence has reignited frustration among Inter supporters and raised broader concerns about consistency, communication protocols, and perceived external pressure on match officials.
It is surprising to see Juventus signings Jonathan David and Loïs Openda suddenly being written off as “flops”, when they are clearly nothing of the sort.
And if someone wanted to say it, it would have been more credible to do so on September 2nd – not at the end of October. What is certain, however, is that those two, especially those two, were the core of the disagreement between Tudor and Comolli.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The coach had pushed to keep Kolo Muani, both for tactical continuity and because his adaptation to the system was already complete. Instead, he did not appreciate the repeated delays in negotiations, accepted David without enthusiasm, almost endured Openda’s arrival, and expressed strong doubts about Zhegrova.
Juventus expected summer signings to flourish
Once Comolli had acted, the club expected those investments, significant investments, to be valued, rather than constant tactical resets and formation changes born out of improvisation.
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Lois Openda of Juventus FC enters the pitch the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
The change of coach at Juventus is not only about stopping the negative run of three consecutive defeats and four games without scoring. It must also redirect the club’s transfer strategy.
That does not mean forcing the new manager to rely blindly on the attackers signed in July and August. But it also cannot mean discarding them on principle or using them without a clear and coherent plan.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on during a Manchester United training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Carrington Training Ground on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
The former Bologna striker has had limited minutes since joining Manchester United and is open to a return to Italy.
Roma like his ability to combine and work between the lines, but the costs of any deal remain significant.
Roma eye alternatives to Man Utd forward Zirkzee
Other names are also under consideration. Arnaud Kalimuendo (Nottingham Forest) and Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise) are being followed abroad.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Jeff Ekhator of Genoa reacts with disappointment during the Serie A match between Genoa and Fiorentina at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 31, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Meanwhile two profiles closer to home are gaining attention: Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino and Genoa’s Jeff Ekhator, both viewed as promising long-term talents.
The final plan will depend on outgoings. If one striker leaves, Roma will likely sign one replacement; if both depart, a double move is possible.
Roma legend Francesco Totti believes Paulo Dybala can make a difference ‘consistently’ but insists the Giallorossi must score more goals to fight for the title: ‘Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk still need to get up to speed.’
Totti joined Luciano Spalletti for an event in Milan on Tuesday, where he spoke about Roma’s season so far.
The Giallorossi are the joint-table leaders alongside Napoli, so can they aim for the Scudetto?
Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi (R) is congratulated by former captain Francesco Totti during his farewell to Roma after 18 years at his home-town club after the Italian Serie A football match between Roma and Parma on May 26, 2019 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s not easy because two or three better-equipped teams,” Totti said, via Corriere dello Sport.
“The main objective is the Champions League. When we won the Scudetto, we used to score three or four goals per game. This year, there are different players. Ferguson and Dovbyk still need to get up to speed, but they are great players and I hope they can make Roma great and become great themselves.”
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma is challenged by Mario Gila of Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala scored his first Serie A goal this season on Sunday, giving Roma a 1-0 win over Sassuolo.
“Paulo is one of the best Roma players, and he has to make a difference consistently,” Totti concluded.
The debate over late evening kick-off times in Serie A has resurfaced, with the league reportedly pushing to bring forward prime-time matches.
According to Corriere della Sera, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Lega Serie A is pressuring broadcast partner DAZN to trial a 20:00 kick-off slot in place of the current 20:45, potentially as early as this season.
The league’s argument is twofold.
Lega Serie A Enilive logo
Firstly, earlier starts could encourage younger fans and families to return to stadiums, something many clubs have struggled with in recent years.
Secondly, coaches and medical staff have highlighted the impact of late finishes on player recovery during an increasingly congested calendar.
Allegri backs earlier Serie A kick-offs
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been one of the most vocal supporters of the shift.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Speaking recently, he argued that “matches finishing later means less time to sleep and to rest. Even three extra hours of recovery would make a difference.” Allegri suggested earlier kick-offs could help reduce the strain placed on players competing twice per week.
Discussions between the league and DAZN are ongoing, and no formal decision has been taken. The broadcaster’s scheduling commitments, including international feeds, pose potential logistical challenges. However, the possibility of a “test run” match later this season remains in play.
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano has been discharged from hospital, the club said in a statement.
The 47-year-old was hospitalised due to pneumonia last week, missing games against FCSB in the Europa League and Fiorentina in Serie A.
Italiano discharged from hospital – Bologna statement
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“This morning, Vincenzo Italian was discharged from the Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi,” Bologna said in a statement on Tuesday.
“His clinical condition is good, the coach will return to work tomorrow and will remain under observation by the club’s medical staff.
“Bologna sincerely thanks Prof. Stefano Nava, Director of the Pulmonology Department at the Policlinico, Prof. Lara Pisani, and all the staff of the department for their professionalism, kindness and availability shown toward the coach.”
Bologna host Torino at the Stadio Dall’Ara tomorrow, but it’s not guaranteed that Italiano will return to the bench right away.
Francesco Totti believes Luciano Spalletti would be a ‘great acquisition’ for Juventus as the Italian tactician prepares to meet with the Bianconeri.
Spalletti has emerged as Juventus’ leading candidate to replace Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Monday following three consecutive defeats and an eight-game winless streak.
Spalletti is due to meet with Juventus’ director Damien Comolli later today, but on Tuesday morning, he reunited with his ex-Roma star Totti.
Spalletti and Totti teamed up for the new commercial of Amaro Montenegro in Italy, and the company unveiled their latest advertisement at an event in Milan.
Totti comments on Spalletti’s possible appointment as Juventus coach
WUHAN, CHINA – NOVEMBER 26: Former Italian football player Francesco Totti reacts during the 2023 World Super-footballer Games between American Star Team and European Star Team at Wuhan Sports Center on November 26, 2023 in Wuhan, China. (Photo by Wang He/Getty Images)
Talking about rumours linking Spalletti with the Juventus job, Totti said (via Corriere dello Sport): “From what is being rumoured, he’s one of the candidates, and I think Juventus would make a great acquisition if they were to hire him. Whenever he’s gone, he’s always done well.”
Totti and Spalletti openly argued at the end of the 2016-17 campaign when the former striker accused the coach of forcing his retirement. Nevertheless, the duo seems to have cleared the air in recent years.
Totti: ‘Great friendship’ with Spalletti
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy reacts during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Many years have passed, and some things just need to be put aside,” said Totti.
“There has been a great friendship, and it’s a pleasure to have met again on this occasion. We revisited and discussed things, and we were very happy with what we accomplished.”
Calcio&Finanza reports that Juventus will have to pay almost €30m to cover the salaries of their former coaches Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor, who remain under contract until June 2027.
Juventus are expected to pay almost €30m to cover the wages of sacked coaches Thiago Motta and Tudor, according to Calcio&Finanza.
How much will Motta cost Juventus until 2027?
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 16: Head coach Thiago Motta of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Tudor was hired in March 2025 to replace Motta and signed a contract through 2027 after leading the club to Champions League qualification last season.
Juventus’ latest balance sheet for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, signals that the club has already set aside €16.3m to cover the salary of Motta and his staff members until June 2027.
How much Tudor’s sacking will cost Juventus
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Igor Tudor, head coach of Juventus, looks on during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The figures regarding Tudor’s salary are not official, but it is believed that the Croat signed a €3m-a-year contract until 2027, circa €5.5m gross, which brings the spending to €11m plus wages of his staff members.
This means Juventus will have to pay over €27.3m to their ex-coaches, unless they reach an agreement to end their contracts or unless Motta and Tudor find a new club before their deals expire in 2027.
Juventus have now identified Luciano Spalletti as the ideal replacement for Tudor, and according to various sources, the Bianconeri director Damien Comolli will meet the ex-Italy boss today.
Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini were Juventus’ primary options at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and while Igor Tudor has already been sacked by the Bianconeri, the Italian coaches are now at the top of the Serie A table.
The Croatian tactician was hired in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta and remained at the helm after leading the team to a Champions League qualification and with the Club World Cup just around the corner.
Tudor signed a contract until 2027 in June, but Juventus had considered different options before that.
Conte chased Conte and Gasperini in the summer
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
As reported by Gazzetta, it is no secret that Juventus’ top priority for the bench in May was their former coach and midfielder Conte.
The Napoli boss had been contacted by ex-Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli, but eventually decided to remain at the Stadio Maradona after winning the Scudetto.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gestures during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, Giuntoli had approached Conte even before appointing Tudor in March, working for a possible agreement for the 2025-26 campaign.
The pink paper claims that Giuntoli had also contacted Gasperini, who had no agreement with Roma and was preparing to leave Atalanta.
Gasperini picked Roma over Juventus
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gives the team instructions during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
However, Napoli convinced Conte to stay, and Giuntoli was fired by Juventus, so when Damien Comolli arrived as the new Juventus General Manager, the club’s strategy partially changed.
There was still contact between Comolli and Gasperini, but the Italian tactician was already in advanced talks with Roma, and Comolli was not entirely convinced about hiring the Grugliasco-born coach.
Giorgio Chiellini had reportedly suggested hiring Gasperini, but the now Roma coach felt Comolli was sceptical about appointing him, so he closed the deal with Roma.
Ironically, while Juventus are now looking for a new coach, Conte and Gasperini share the top spot of the table in Serie A ahead of a mid-week round.
Fabio Capello refuses to solely blame Igor Tudor for Juventus’ poor results as he feels the Croatian tactician has paid ‘for everyone’ and believes Luciano Spalletti is an ideal candidate for the job at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus sacked their coach, Igor Tudor, on Monday following three consecutive defeats and a winless streak of eight matches.
Capello ‘not sure’ about who’s in charge at Juventus
Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
“Tudor pays for everyone. At Juventus, eight matches without a win and three consecutive defeats are too many, but the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the coach,” Capello told Gazzetta.
“The original sin was the half-hearted trust the club placed in Tudor. Last summer, the directors looked at other coaches too, and only late did they confirm Igor by renewing his contract. Players can sense these things and look for excuses in such situations. But the real question is: Did Tudor build his team, or did somebody else?
“I’m not entirely sure who’s really in charge at the club,” Capello continued.
“Certainly, someone with Giorgio Chiellini’s experience and stature would be useful alongside the team, just like Paolo Maldini was for Pioli’s title-winning Milan. Chiellini, however, seems to be busy with political and institutional matters.”
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
As reported by Football Italia, Tudor paid a high price not just for Juventus’ poor results, but also for a frosty relationship with Damien Comolli. Juventus directors were not impressed by Tudor’s communication style, but Capello agreed with the former Bianconeri boss.
“I’ve always liked Tudor’s communication style,” he said.
“When he spoke about the lack of top players, he was right. That’s the problem for Italian football in general, not just for Juventus.
“It’s not like it used to be. Nowadays, top players rarely choose Serie A. As a result, the clubs are forced to rely on reinforcements who can help, but not all of them can handle the pressure that comes with playing for the biggest teams.”
Capello feels Spalletti is the right option to replace Tudor at Juventus
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with the media during Italy press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 07, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri have identified Spalletti as the number one choice to replace Tudor, and a meeting between the ex-Italy coach and Comolli is expected to take place today.
“Luciano is a coach of great quality and experience; he’s already managed top clubs and won. After the disappointment with Italy, he’ll have a desire for redemption inside him that could be an added value in a situation like this,” noted Capello.
“What could be better than restarting from a historic and prestigious club like Juventus? Spalletti has the right charisma to lift the Bianconeri back up. Paradoxically, the most positive aspect is the standings. Despite a poor start, Juventus are only six points behind leaders Napoli and Roma.
“Any coach will have to restart from Yildiz and from getting the strikers scoring again.”
Capello, however, warned that: “if you don’t have superstars like Messi or Yamal, players who can score on their own, you need to get the ball into the box for your forwards.
“Even a phenomenon like Haaland needs to be supplied. Beyond Spalletti’s ability, you need midfielders and quality players to deliver those balls so that Vlahovic, David and Openda can score.”
Spalletti has been without a team since June 2026 when he was sacked by the Italian Federation following a 3-0 loss against Norway in the World Cup qualifiers.
Ironically, Spalletti had already planned a meeting with the media on Tuesday morning to unveil a new advertisement in which he features alongside his former Roma star Francesco Totti.
Spalletti comments on possible Juventus appointment
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
The ad was released earlier this week, and Spalletti didn’t only talk about his latest sponsorship commitment.
“I feel well, I wait with serenity. I have the ambition to set things right,” the ex-Italy coach told Sky Sport via Gazzetta.
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igor Tudor Head Coach of Juventus FC looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“I can only speak highly of Tudor, a serious and passionate person. Whoever will replace him will be lucky because he’ll find a well-trained team.”
Juventus confirmed Tudor’s sacking on Monday after the team lost three consecutive matches and failed to score in the last four.
Spalletti on the reunion with Totti
GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Francesco Totti, former captain of Roma, reacts prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 28, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Spalletti also spoke about his reunion with Totti, which has made headlines in Italy because of their public dispute during the coach’s second spell at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It feels so good to sit next to Totti,” Spalletti said.
“There were some risky choices, but we spent some marvellous years together, so when Ramazzotti put us back together, I was very happy and he was quite relaxed.”
An 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair was fatally struck this morning by a car driven by Inter‘s second-choice goalkeeper Josep Martinez, reports in Italy claim.
There’s tragic news from Italy this morning, as according to several sources, including Gazzetta, Inter’s second-choice keeper Josep Martinez was involved in a car accident that killed an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair.
Inter goalkeeper Martinez involved in car accident that killed 81-year-old man
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after his teammate Hakan Calhanoglu scored his side’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It happened at around 9:40 am local time on Via Bergamo in Fenegrò, in the province of Como, near Inter’s training centre Appiano Gentile.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene despite the prompt arrival of an ambulance and an air ambulance.
The Italian Police is carrying out investigations to reconstruct the dynamics of the accident.
Inter cancel Chivu’s press conference
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, the initial hypothesis is that the elderly man may have suffered a sudden illness and veered into the lane where Martinez was driving.
The Nerazzurri goalkeeper immediately stopped and provided first aid to the man.
Following the tragic news and as a sign of mourning, Inter decided to cancel Cristian Chivu’s press conference, which was scheduled for 14:00 CET today.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Kevin De Bruyne will undergo surgery in Antwerp tomorrow and will only return to action in February 2026.
Napoli star De Bruyne is set to miss several months of action after suffering a severe lesion to the thigh muscle in a Serie A game against Inter on Saturday.
De Bruyne set to undergo surgery after latest injury
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Corriere dello Sport, Gazzetta and Tuttosport report that the Belgium international will be forced to undergo surgery in Antwerp. The operation will be carried out tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29.
According to reports, De Bruyne will miss from three to four months of action, returning on the pitch around February 2026.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the ex-Manchester City star has already landed in Belgium to prepare for the surgery.
De Bruyne suffered the same injury with Manchester City in 2023
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
De Bruyne sustained an injury to the same muscle in August 2023, which sidelined him for five months. During that period, he missed 28 matches for Manchester City and one for the Belgium national team.
De Bruyne underwent surgery two years ago as well, while his teammate and compatriot Romelu Lukaku, who sustained a similar injury this past August, has opted for conservative therapy.
Juventus sacked Igor Tudor because of poor results and performances in recent games, but the frosty relationship between the Croat and club director Damien Comolli also played a role in the coach’s dismissal.
Juventus announced Tudor’s sacking on Monday and Juventus General Manager Comolli is set to meet Luciano Spalletti today to offer him the job at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus have been winless since September 13, they’ve lost three games in a row and have not scored in the last four.
Naturally, results and performances in recent weeks led to Tudor’s dismissal, but there’s more behind Juventus’ decision to part ways with the Croatian tactician.
Edon Zhegrova signs his Juventus contract with Damien Comolli
Behind Tudor and Comolli’s frosty relationship
Juventus’ transfer activity surely affected the relationship between Comolli and Tudor, given that the coach’s requests were largely ignored by the Old Lady’s general manager. Juventus didn’t sign a new central midfielder over the summer but signed instead two attacking players, Lois Openda and Edon Zhegrova, on deadline day. Furthermore, Tudor was eager to keep Alberto Costa in the team, especially after some positive performances in the Club World Cup, but Juventus still decided to swap the Portuguese right-back with his compatriot Joao Mario, who has only collected 330 minutes on the pitch across all competitions since moving to Turin.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: General view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Director of Performance
The appointment of a new Director of Performance, Darren Burgess, in September, was another decision that the club did not share with the coach. The welcome from Tudor surely wasn’t a warm one, as the Croat said “This gentleman hasn’t yet arrived at the club” when asked about Burgess’ appointment last month. Juventus had welcomed Burgess, stating that the ex-Arsenal and Liverpool staff member would “work closely with Damien Comolli, Giorgio Chiellini, François Modesto, Igor Tudor and across all the technical areas and every age group of the Club to form a high-level team dedicated to promoting excellence in performance, innovation and athlete wellbeing.” Furthermore, as first reported by Tuttosport, in recent weeks, club directors also discussed Tudor’s tactics, suggesting in one-on-one meetings that he should have considered switching to a four-man defence, a step into Tudor’s territory that the coach didn’t particularly appreciate.
Communication
Aside from results, Juventus were also not impressed by Tudor’s communication, including frequent protests towards referees. Tudor’s first complaint came after a 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona, in which the Bianconeri protested for a penalty kick in favour of their opponents and a potential red card for the Gialloblu striker Gift Orban. On that occasion, Tudor labelled the penalty kick decision as “shameful.” Tudor’s communication strategy didn’t change in the following weeks as he kept complaining about referees, and even the fixture list, before a Champions League game against Real Madrid last week, with Giorgio Chiellini, Comolli and François Modesto sitting in front of him in the first row of the press room of the Estadio Bernabeu. Ultimately, on and off-the-field issues led to the coach’s dismissal, and Juventus are now on the verge of starting a new era, with their third coach in seven months.
Santiago Gimenez will partner with Rafael Leao in Milan’s away game at Atalanta this evening, while Ivan Juric will look to Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the New Balance Stadium in Bergamo.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC shoots whilst under pressure from David Moses of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It’s a mid-week Serie A round, and the game will kick off after Lecce-Napoli.
Atalanta are the only unbeaten team in Serie A this season, but have also collected six draws in eight matches.
They host Milan without the injured Giorgio Scalvini, while the Rossoneri have travelled to Bergamo without Adrien Rabiot, Ardon Jashari, Christian Pulisic and Pervis Estupinan.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Multiple sources, including Gazzetta, claim that Atalanta coach Juric will pick Lookman and De Ketelaere in attack, with Mario Pasalic playing as an attacking midfielder.
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to reply with Leao and Gimenez up front. The Mexico international has yet to score a goal in Serie A this season.
Davide Bartesaghi will replace Estupinan on the left wing, and Fikayo Tomori will return to the starting XI after resting against Pisa in the previous round.
Atalanta vs. Milan – where to watch on TV
The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK and Ireland, but is also available to stream on DAZN. Fans in the USA can stream it live on Paramount+.
Atalanta vs. Milan – probable line-ups
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Lookman.
Lorenzo Lucca is expected to return to the Napoli XI against Lecce today, but Scott McTominay might start on the bench.
It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Adrien Tameze of Torino is challenged by Lorenzo Lucca of Napoli during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Napoli see Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani return to action, but neither is fit to start, so Antonio Conte is expected to pick Lucca in attack, Sam Beukema and Juan Jesus at centre-back.
Lucca was benched against Inter on Saturday and had received a red card in his latest game as a starter against PSV last week.
Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Meret and Stanislav Lobotka are injured.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates his side third goal scored by Frank Zambo Anguissa during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Several sources, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, report that Scotland international McTominay is expected to rest so Eljif Elmas will join Billy Gilmour and Zambo Anguissa in the middle of the park.
Noa Lang is expected to start for the first time in Serie A this season, completing a three-man attack with Lucca and Matteo Politano.
Milan loanee Francesco Camarda is expected to start for Lecce.
Lecce vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV
The match is available on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA.
Multiple sources in Italy, including Gazzetta, claim that Juventus will meet with Spalletti today to discuss the contract details and the technical project following Tudor’s dismissal.
Juventus to meet Spalletti today
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy reacts during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Football Italia exclusively reported on Monday that Juventus had established contact with Spalletti right after Tudor’s departure.
The Bianconeri have gone eight consecutive games without victories and have not scored a goal in the last four matches.
Spalletti, a Napoli Scudetto winner in 2022-23, has been without a team since June, when he was sacked by the Italian federation.
Juventus to offer Spalletti a contract until June 2026
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, Spalletti will be offered a contract until the end of the season, with an option to extend in case of Champions League qualification.
Gazzetta claims that Spalletti has rejected offers from Saudi and Turkish clubs and is eager to accept the Juventus job. However, if the two parties fail to reach an agreement, Roberto Mancini and Raffaele Palladino remain possible candidates for the Old Lady.
Comolli meets the ex-CT today. Green light expected. Eight months and renewal in case of Champions League. Palladino and Mancini the alternatives. Brambilla on the bench tomorrow.
Lookman-Leao full speed
De Bruyne has to undergo surgery, Napoli for the sprint
Inter, with three defeats in eight games, the Scudetto is a feat.
Corriere dello Sport
Tudor sacked
Yesterday the dismissal and negotiations with the ex-CT
Juve to Lucio
Spalletti is ready to say yes, today the meeting for the signature.
Buffon: ‘This is the ideal solution.’ If he doesn’t sign, Mancini is the alternative. Fatal defeat against Lazio for Tudor. Brambilla on the bench against Udinese tomorrow.
Napoli want to win for KDB
Allegri: ‘Leao is worth 25 goals.’
Tuttosport
Juve, why Spalletti
Tudor out! Today the meeting with the ex-CT
Comolli has gone all the way for Luciano, already contacted in June: all the reasons. A missed agreement would reopen other options, from Mancini to Palladino. Igor sacked after the last outburst in Rome: he pays for results, communication and dislikes in the dressing room. Tomorrow Brambilla on the bench.
Baroni knows how to change and improve Toro
Leao on fire. Allegri’s push: ‘He can score 20 goals.0
De Bruyne choc, Conte will welcome him back in February
Sky Sport Italia suggests that Juventus could meet face-to-face with Luciano Spalletti to discuss a potential appointment as Bianconeri head coach on Tuesday, and that the Old Lady are planning to offer a short-term contract with an option to renew.
The Croatian had gone eight matches without a win in any competition and his team had not scored in any of their last four matches. He becomes the first Serie A head coach to lose their job in 2025-26, lasting for just eight league matches.
Sky: Spalletti inclined to accept Juventus terms
epa11659417 Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia, Juventus could hold face-to-face talks with Spalletti as early as Tuesday. As Football Italia reported on Monday, the former Napoli and Italy head coach is the current frontrunner to replace Tudor.
According to the latest updates, Juventus are prepared to offer Spalletti a contract until the end of the 2025-26 season with an obligation to renew if the Old Lady qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Luciano Spalletti (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)
As per Gianluca Di Marzio, it remains to be seen whether that automatic contract extension will be for another 12 months, or for another two years. Monday evening’s report indicates that Spalletti is already inclined to accept either way.
Sky also adds that Spalletti has recently rejected potential opportunities abroad, including Fenerbahce and to some lucrative proposals from Qatar, in order to focus on a return to Serie A.
Kenan Yildiz has sent his best wishes to Igor Tudor, who was sacked from his position as head coach of Juventus on Monday: ‘All the best for the future’.
Juventus officially announced the departure of Tudor as head coach on Monday following a run of eight matches without a win across Serie A and the Champions League. The Bianconeri had not won since the 4-3 victory over Inter on September 13, and had not scored in any of Tudor’s last four matches in charge.
The Croatian is the first head coach to lose his job in Serie A in 2025-26, receiving his marching orders just eight league games into the campaign.
Juventus players thank Tudor after Juventus sacking
Gleison Bremer was the first of the Juve players to publicly express their gratitude to Tudor following the news of his departure on Monday. “Thank you for everything, gaffer, best of luck for the future,” he wrote in his story on Instagram.
Yildiz, the most recent of the Juventus players to thank Tudor, wrote the same message as Bremer, but in English: “Thank you for everything, Mister. All the best for the future.”
Mattia Perin has also sent a message to Tudor on his Instagram story, simply writing: “Thank you, mister.”
Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his support for his former colleague Luciano Spalletti, who is the current frontrunner to replace Igor Tudor as head coach of the Bianconeri.
Juventus announced on Monday that Tudor has been relieved from his duties as head coach following a run of eight matches without a win and four games without scoring. The Old Lady have not won in any competition since the 4-3 Derby d’Italia victory over Inter on September 13.
Several names have already been linked with a move to take over at the Allianz Stadium, including Roberto Mancini and Raffaele Palladino, but Spalletti is the current frontrunner, and is already in direct contact with the club.
Buffon on Spalletti and Juventus: ‘The best around in terms of experience’
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Buffon, Head of Delegation of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Buffon, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Corriere dello Sport centenary event in Naples on Monday evening, expressed his support for Spalletti becoming the next head coach of his beloved Juventus.
“For me, Luciano is the right profile for any big club who wants to remain ambitious. You won’t lose many with Luciano,” Buffon said.
Buffon and Spalletti have worked together previously as part of the Italy national team set-up. Spalletti was CT from the end of the summer in 2023 until the start of the summer in 2025, while Buffon served as delegation chief, a role that he still holds today.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, sings the national anthem prior to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It would be a great professional choice,” Buffon said of Juventus’s links with Spalletti. “He’s a football man, he’s a great person and a great coach.
“Spalletti is the best around in terms of experience, charisma and authority. He’s the right person for ambitious clubs who want to remain ambitious. It’s a shame seeing him not in the dugout.”
Jose Mourinho had an opportunity to discuss his time with Inter, and his rivalries with Milan and Juventus alongside Adriano Galliani and Gianluigi Buffon during a special event on Monday evening: ‘I have so much respect for him’.
Mourinho, Galliani and Buffon were all among the star guests at an event organised by Corriere dello Sport, celebrating the paper’s 100th anniversary on Monday evening.
Mourinho, who was appointed head coach of Benfica in September, was unable to attend in-person, but joined the special guests on a video call midway through the event on Monday.
Mourinho, Galliani and Buffon discuss Inter, Milan and Juventus rivalries
Jose Mourinho (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Mourinho had a brief opportunity to discuss Inter’s rivalries with Milan and Juventus with Galliani and Buffon, insisting that he always had ‘respect’ for the former, and considers the latter ‘one of the greatest, if not the greatest’.
Galliani, speaking about his experiences going up against Mourinho during his Milan days, said: “I’ve never felt like an opponent of Jose Mourinho. I respect him and I hope that this feeling will be reciprocated.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – NOVEMBER 26: Adriano Galliani of Monza looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Monza at Sardegna Arena on November 26, 2023 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Mourinho, meanwhile, replied: “I always remember that during my time with Inter, I both won and lost against Milan. But, Galliani and (Silvio) Berlusconi would always come into the dressing room to congratulate us, and for this, I have so much respect for Adriano.”
Buffon interjected, and insisted that the rivalry between Inter and Juventus was not always as pleasant.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 06: Gianluigi Buffon of Italy attends before the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“There was no ‘good’ blood between Juve and Inter,” Buffon said. “At the time, we wanted to kill them, but then you’d meet Jose, who’d make a joke or say something to you that meant that you couldn’t hate him.”
Mourinho was then able to exchange pleasantries with Buffon, adding: “I’ve always seen Juve as Juve, even if they were coming back up from Serie B at the time. And Gigi was always among the best, if not the best.”
Gian Piero is bringing a clear identity to Roma, despite an up-and-down start to the season that has brought four home defeats across Serie A and the Europa League. The victory against Sassuolo over the weekend, however, rounded off by a Paulo Dybala winner, is a platform to build on from a technical and mental standpoint.
Gasperini doesn’t need the transfer window, Roma are increasingly strong
Despite the fact that he is lacking the strikers and wingers needed to play his way, Gasperini has led Roma to the top of the Serie A standings along with Napoli, with six wins from their first eight league matches of the season.
This achievement comes from Gasperini’s ability to adapt, his ability to make do with what he has, and his ability to stay competitive, even in times of trouble.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates victory after during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Roma side that we see today doesn’t quite line up with the coach’s philosophy: That would be impossible given the squad’s shortcomings, but they’re picking up valuable points and are becoming increasingly solid.
It’s a solid team, one that is working hard on a daily basis rather than talking too much or making too many complaints.
And, if this journey results in a return to the Champions League, it will be an impressive achievement, a sign that the project is finding form and continuity. For now, the transfer window can wait.
Only two Serie A players have been included on the 26-player shortlist for the 2025 edition of the FIFPRO World XI, as voted for by players across the globe.
The FIFPRO World XI has been running for 20 years, and acknowledges the 11 most successful players each calendar year. The nominees are voted for by players across the world.
A 26-player shortlist has been revealed, and that will be whittled down to a final 11, which will be announced on November 3.
The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three attackers with the most votes will be included, and the remaining spot is assigned to the outfield player with the next highest number of votes.
Which Serie A and Italy players are nominated for 2025 FIFPRO XI
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 09: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Girona at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 09, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Two Serie A representatives have been included on the 26-player shortlist for 2025, namely Luka Modric of Milan and Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli.
Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma has been included among the goalkeepers, and is a strong candidate to be included in the final XI given his victory in the Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year.
2021 was the last time that either an Italian or a Serie A player was included in the final XI. That came a few months after the EURO 2020 final, which had been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donnarumma was included on that occasion, as was Juventus’s Leonardo Bonucci, Chelsea’s Jorginho, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was still with Juve for the first half of that year.
Gianluigi Buffon (2017) is the only other Italian to have been included in the FIFPRO World XI over the last 10 years. He and Matthijs De Ligt (also 2017), Dani Alves (2017, 2016) and Paul Pogba (2015) are the only other Serie A players to have been included in the last 10 years.
2025 FIFPRO World XI Shortlist
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The latest updates suggest that Luciano Spalletti is the current frontrunner to become the new head coach of Juventus following the sacking of Igor Tudor, but how would the former Italy CT line up with the Bianconeri, and which tactics would he look to deploy?
Juventus confirmed the sacking of head coach Tudor on Monday following a run of eight games without a win across Serie A and the Champions League. The Old Lady had also gone four games without scoring. Their last victory came in a 4-3 win over Inter in the Derby d’Italia on September 13.
Several coaches have already been linked with a move to the Allianz Stadium, including Raffaele Palladino and Roberto Mancini, but Spalletti is considered the current frontrunner, and has already been in direct talks with the club.
How Spalletti could line up with Juventus
epa11659417 Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI
Spalletti has deployed a number of different formations across his recent spells in charge of the Italy national team, Napoli and Inter.
Most recently, Spalletti played with a 3-5-1-1 during his final matches in charge of the Italy national team, given that he had plenty of midfielders but hardly any options to choose from at centre-forward or on the wings. He had also used a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 in the build-up to and during EURO 2024.
With Napoli, a 4-3-3 built around centre-forward Victor Osimhen and left winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the norm during Spalletti’s Scudetto-winning season in 2022-23.
With Inter, a 4-2-3-1 was Spalletti’s usual go-to, and, given the options currently available at Juventus, it would make sense if he deployed that same system in Turin.
Under Tudor, Juventus had often lined up with a back three, but following the injury to Gleison Bremer, the Bianconeri have been left with just four centre-back options to select from, which does not leave them with much cover, or possibilities to rotate.
Given that the current Juventus squad is not blessed with an abundance of central midfield options, it would make sense to see Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram keep their places in a double-pivot.
There would then be several options to deploy in the no.10 role, including posterboy Kenan Yildiz, summer signing Jonathan David and the out-of-favour Teun Koopmeiners, all of whom offer different qualities.
Possible Juventus XI under Spalletti
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan remain equipped to keep winning despite a growing injury list, as the Rossoneri prepare for a difficult away match against Atalanta.
Speaking on the eve of the Bergamo trip, the coach confirmed that several key players are close to returning but also stressed that the squad must stay focused and avoid excuses.
Allegri optimistic about Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic
Allegri revealed positive news on the recovery front.
“Tomorrow we will have Loftus-Cheek back. Before the match against Parma we hope to have Pulisic on the bench, while we expect Estupiñán to return for the Roma game after the international break,” he said, with quotes via MilanNews.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The coach also noted that “Jashari should begin rejoining the group from Wednesday, but he will need time.”
Despite the absences, Allegri refused to dwell on who is unavailable. “We have a small squad, but it is enough to face the games between now and the break,” he insisted.
Milan are strong but injuries can happen – Allegri
“The Milan squad is strong. These injuries can happen, but we are in good physical condition and have played some good technical matches. We must not think about who is missing, we have other very good players who can play.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri boss also pushed back against the idea that missing Pulisic, Estupiñán or others would define the team’s results. “It’s not as if we win or lose just because five players are out,” Allegri continued.
“When we are back at full strength, we will only improve – this is a strong Milan squad.”
Milan travel to Bergamo with little margin for error, facing one of Serie A’s most intense and physical opponents. Allegri’s message, however, is clear: no alibis, no fear – just continuity and focus.
Watch and listen to the latest news updates from the world of Calcio courtesy of Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà.
Today’s focus is on the sacking of Igor Tudor by Juventus, who was let go from his role as head coach of the Bianconeri this morning.
The Old Lady suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the Capital last night and this was the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Juventus coach.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Pedullà discusses how this decision was inevitable, especially after last night painted a portrait of a fractured and disheartened Juventus.
Watch: Pedullà on aftermath of Tudor dismissal at Juventus
A group of Juventus ultras have expressed their support for recently-sacked head coach Igor Tudor, just a few hours after his departure was officially confirmed by the club: ‘One of us’.
Juventus announced on Monday that they had parted company with head coach Tudor, who had gone eight games without a win in all competitions and four games without a goal, ending with a 1-0 defeat away against Lazio on Sunday evening.
Football Italia understands that the Bianconeri have already been in direct contact with former Italy national team head coach Luciano Spalletti, who is considered the first-choice candidate to replace Tudor at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus banner shows support for Tudor: ‘One of us’
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match against SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Just a few hours after Tudor’s sacking was officially announced, Juventus ultras from the Curva Sud erected a banner outside the Allianz Stadium, expressing their support for the recently-departed Tudor.
“Tudor one of us, the fish stinks from the head,” the banner outside the Juventus stadium read.
Tudor was given a run of 24 competitive matches in charge of Juventus, including his stint as interim head coach at the end of the 2024-25 season. He recorded an average of 1.58 points per game over that period.
Luciano Spalletti is the name at the top of Juventus’s shortlist of potential replacements for Igor Tudor, who was dismissed from his role as head coach on Monday, and Football Italia can reveal that there has now been direct contact between the Bianconeri and the former Italy national team head coach.
Juventus parted company with Tudor on Monday morning following a run of eight games without a win in any competition and a run of four matches without scoring a goal. The Croatian’s final match in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat away against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.
Juventus in direct contact with Spalletti
The latest news is that there has now been direct contact between Spalletti and representatives from Juventus. An intermediary is involved and the club approve of the decision to move forwards in negotiations with Spalletti.
epa11659417 Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI
Spalletti has given his full availability to taking over at Juve, and is seeking an 18-month contract. He would, however, be willing to accept a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season with an option to extend for a further year.
Aldredo Pedullà analyses Juventus’ 1-0 loss against Lazio on Sunday, highlighting Igor Tudor’s mistakes, which eventually led to his dismissal, and Maurizio Sarri’s breakthrough.
Tudor’s final game as the Juventus coach saw the Croat tactician make several tactical changes that, in the end, created a hybrid and increased confusion for the players.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Juventus have not scored in the last four games and are without a win since September 13.
On the other hand, Lazio coach Sarri silenced his critics despite having many starters forced to the sidelines and despite having a team without new signings, due to a transfer embargo imposed on the club in the summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Tottenham and Bayern Munich are showing ‘real interest’ in struggling Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbia international remains Juventus’ best scorer this season with four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, but has not found the net since September 16.
Last night, he started in a 1-0 loss against Lazio, which marked Juventus’ third consecutive loss and Igor Tudor’s dismissal.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Dusan Vlahovic #9 of Juventus FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Juventus have not scored in four consecutive matches for the first time since 1991 and have gone eight games without winning for the first time since 2009.
Tudor had replaced Thiago Motta in March 2025, but it would be a mistake to consider him as only responsible for Juventus’ downfall in recent weeks.
Gazzetta noted that Juventus lack high-level players in the team and analysed the Vlahovic case.
Tottenham and Bayern Munich interested in Vlahovic
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“Tudor changes the factors, but the product remains the same,” wrote Gazzetta dello Sport vice-editor Stefano Agresti.
“Juventus haven’t seen similar numbers since the Maifredi era in 1991.
“Vlahovic has lost the magic that had brought him back in harmony with the black-and-white world.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Eder Militao of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“The Serbian striker neither scores nor helps the team, sending the coach into a tailspin when it comes to choosing the formation and the focal point in attack.
“He could leave in January as Tottenham and Bayern Munich are showing real interest.”
Vlahovic set to leave Juventus in June 2026
Vlahovic’s contract at the Allianz Stadium expires at the end of the season, so the Bianconeri will be willing to listen to offers in the winter transfer window.
Parma coach Carlos Cuesta says his side will need humility, intensity and complete collective focus as they prepare to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in Tuesday’s midweek Serie A round.
With the league immediately returning after the weekend fixtures, the Crociati now face one of the toughest away matches on the calendar – and will have to do so without most of their travelling fans, following restrictions on away ticket sales to Parma residents.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Carlos Cuesta, head coach of Parma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 19, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Parma coach Cuesta has respect for Roma
Cuesta was full of respect for the Giallorossi when speaking in his pre-match press conference. “Roma are a very strong, solid team with clear ideas,” he said, via TMW.
“Their coach is a reference point in this league for what he has done and what he has inspired. It will be a difficult match that we must approach with humility and confidence.”
On the coaching duel, Cuesta smiled at the contrast in experience: “I want to learn from everyone, and he is certainly a major reference. Roma transform quickly under his guidance. We go there with the will to play our football and to play well.”
PARMA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 24: Carlos Cuesta head coach of Parma Calcio during the Coppa Italia match between Parma Calcio and Spezia at Ennio Tardini on September 24, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
Cuesta: Rotation vital – matches last more than 90 minutes
Rotation could be a factor, but Cuesta stressed mentality over names. “We will always choose the players who are most ready. Matches last more than 90 minutes – everyone must be ready to make a positive impact.”
Roma’s threat is no mystery to him. “We expect a Roma side that wants to play in our half, attack space and press without the ball. They are solid, aggressive and flexible. We must be ready for every scenario.”
Despite Parma’s goal struggles, Cuesta remains calm. “We are convinced the goals will come. When you give everything, there is nothing more you can ask.”
Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Igor Tudor has been made a scapegoat by the club and argues the team’s structural problems come from above, after the coach was sacked earlier this week.
Speaking to TMW, the ex-chairman said the situation in Turin is “complicated to explain” and goes well beyond the dugout.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
‘Tudor deserved more credit’ – Gigli
Cobolli Gigli insisted Tudor had earned more credit than he was given.
“Tudor proved he was capable of doing good things,” he said.
“He miraculously brought Juventus to fourth last year and he also produced almost glorious performances, like the match against Inter. Something is not working in the club’s mechanisms more than Tudor’s.”
He criticised Juventus’ recent planning and mercato strategy, suggesting the coach was let down rather than supported. “The transfer campaign looked promising, but it turned out to be dysfunctional. The responsibility lies with the club, and the first one to pay is always the coach.”
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Juventus should take Mancini over Spalletti – Gigli
Cobolli Gigli also pointed to strained internal dynamics, especially with management. “Tudor has a strong character and likely clashed with Comolli. But I cannot forget he took Juventus in a complicated moment and brought exciting football. I would have kept him, but the club wanted a shock.”
Asked about potential successors, he gave a clear preference: “Between the options, the most relevant name is Mancini – although I have my reservations about him. I would exclude Spalletti.”
He was more cautious on Raffaele Palladino, arguing the former Monza and Fiorentina coach remains “full of good will but without much experience.”
Finally, he dismissed any regret over Thiago Motta, concluding that Juventus must “restart from zero” to win back their identity.
Juventus sacked head coach Igor Tudor today and now the Bianconeri will seek their third permanent head coach appointment since Summer 2024.
In March of this year, Juventus parted ways with Thiago Motta and hired Tudor to replace him and see out the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The Croatian performed well in the closing stages of the campaign, helping the Bianconeri achieve a top four finish on the final day of the season.
COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Juventus coach looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Therefore, and after a string of alternative targets were deemed unattainable, Juventus opted to hand Tudor a new contract on June 13, 2025.
Tudor sacking compounds financial misery for struggling Juventus
After Tudor’s contract extension, Juventus currently have two head coaches, in Tudor and Motta, who are due to collect a salary until 2027, after both of their spells at the helm were cut short prematurely.
This represents a major blunder for the Bianconeri who, when they hire a permanent replacement for Tudor, will technically have the salaries of 3 head coaches on their books for the next two years.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 16: Head coach Thiago Motta of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Juventus have seen two gambles on relatively inexperienced coaches fail to pay off. The Bianconeri’s decision to hire Motta and Tudor was born out of good intentions, wanting a younger coach to lead the club into a new golden era, but has shown glaring weaknesses when compared to Conte at Napoli and Gapserini at Roma, for example, two coaches who have been linked with the Bianconeri in the past year.
Ivan Juric says Atalanta must raise their level in every department as they prepare for a crucial clash with Milan, while also expressing sympathy for Igor Tudor after the Croatian coach was sacked by Juventus.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Juric opened by reacting to events in Turin. “I feel sorry for Tudor because he was a Juventus man,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“But this is our job. When you have a period where you play well but don’t win, you must improve in every area.”
Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta coach Juric: ‘Everything is fine with Carnesecchi’
The coach also addressed his recent public friction with goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, insisting the issue is closed. “Everything is absolutely fine,” Juric stressed.
“The words were said in the heat of the moment. I’m very satisfied with his performances.”
Juric confirmed that Marten de Roon’s selection in defence was a deliberate tactical choice and not a stop-gap. “It’s not a surprise,” he said. “He does that role well.”
He also discussed squad fitness, noting that Sead Kolašinac is not yet ready to start, while “Scamacca needs calm, but I’d like to get him playing soon.”
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Juric on tough schedule ahead of Milan clash
Despite a run of draws and missed opportunities, Juric remains positive. “We’ve created a lot, but we haven’t turned it into goals. The team is alive. Lookman is fully involved and only missing the finish,” he explained.
Kossounou, meanwhile, is expected to start: “I’m pleased with his progress and I think he will play from the beginning.”
Juric acknowledged the challenge of facing Milan, especially with a demanding schedule. “Playing every 2-3 days is difficult. We analyse things day by day. To contain Milan, we need rhythm and compactness.”
Atalanta have not won in Serie A since September 21, and Tuesday night offers a crucial opportunity to restart their campaign.
Juventus are without a win in eight games and pressure had been mounting on Tudor for some time. Today, the Bianconeri management decided that enough is enough and fired the coach.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Who is Juventus interim coach Brambilla?
Massimo Brambilla will temporarily take the reins for Juventus, but who exactly is the 52-year-old former player?
During his playing career, Brambilla was somewhat of an Italian journeyman, playing for ten different clubs around Italy. He also made several youth appearances for the Azzurri but was never selected to play for the senior Italian national team.
After he retired, in 2010, he spent 12 years working in the youth systems at Pergocrema, Novara and Atalanta.
In 2022, Brambilla was appointed as head coach for the Juventus Next Gen team in Serie C. After two seasons with the Bianconeri B team, Brambilla took over at fellow Serie C outfit Foggia. He spent just a few months at Foggia before being dismissed for poor results in September 2024.
Two months later, he returned as head coach of Juventus Next Gen, where he has remained since. Now, he will get his chance to lead the first team while the club search for a suitable long-term replacement for the fired Tudor.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Mika Godts of AFC Ajax shoots whilst under pressure from Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The official club website merely states the situation will be re-evaluated next week, meaning Mkhitaryan will miss at least the midweek round against Fiorentina and Sunday’s trip to Hellas Verona.
There is some hope that the Armenia international might be back in action for the clash with Lazio on November 9, but it is more likely that he’ll return for the Derby della Madonnina against Milan on November 23, after the break for international duty.
Multiple sources claim that Luciano Spalletti and Raffaele Palladino are the leading candidates to replace Igor Tudor, who was sacked by Juventus this morning.
Spalletti and Palladino are the frontrunners for the Juventus job, according to various sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto.
Palladino and Spalletti linked with Juventus job
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy embraces Andrea Cambiaso of Italy during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Spalletti was sacked by the Italy national team in June, while Palladino left Fiorentina by mutual consent at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Head coach Raffaele Palladino of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Juventus confirmed Tudor’s sacking with an official statement on Monday morning after the team had lost three consecutive matches and failed to score in the last four.
Juventus have interim coach for Udinese game
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Juventus also confirmed that Massimiliano Brambilla, the NextGen coach, will lead the team in the next two days and be in charge when the Old Lady host Udinese in the next Serie A game on Tuesday.
Tudor has won 10 of his 24 matches as Juventus coach. He was appointed in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta.
Both coaches remain under contract at the Allianz Stadium until June 2027.
Napoli have confirmed the worst fears, as Kevin De Bruyne has been diagnosed with a severe lesion to the thigh muscle and is expected to be out for several months.
The midfielder pulled up clutching the back of his right thigh after successfully converting a penalty during the 3-1 victory over Inter on Saturday evening.
That result allowed them to go top of the table, alongside Roma, but it came at a heavy cost.
Napoli confirm serious De Bruyne injury
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli injured during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
There was no official word on the time it will take to recover from this injury, but it is not dissimilar to the one sustained by Romelu Lukaku during a pre-season friendly in August.
Juventus confirm that Igor Tudor has been sacked and that NextGen coach Massimo Brambilla will lead the team in the next Serie A match against Udinese.
Juventus have officially sacked the coach Tudor after three consecutive defeats.
The Bianconeri have confirmed their decision with an official statement published on Monday morning.
The Serie A giants also said that NextGen coach Brambilla will lead the team in the next two days, ahead of a Serie A match against Udinese at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus winless in the last eight games
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus have lost three games in a row and have not scored in the last four matches.
They are without a victory since September 13, when they beat Inter 4-3 at the Allianz Stadium.
Tudor replaced Thiago Motta in March 2025 and won 10 of his 24 matches in charge of the Bianconeri.
The Croatian tactician remains under contract until June 2027, just like his predecessor.
Juventus have collected 12 points in eight Serie A matches and sit 8th in the Serie A table.
Juventus sack Tudor: the official statement
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: General view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the Men’s First Team, along with his staff consisting of Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci.
“The Club also announces that it has temporarily entrusted the Men’s First Team to Massimiliano Brambilla, who will be on the bench for the Juventus-Udinese match on Wednesday evening.
“The Club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers.”
Juventus have already informed Igor Tudor that he’ll be sacked, but the coach’s destiny has been written since the start of October.
Juventus have decided to sack their coach Tudor, and the club directors have already informed the Croatian tactician. An official statement in the coming hours will formally put an end to Tudor’s reign, which began in March 2025 and ended with three consecutive losses against Como, Real Madrid and Lazio.
Tudor’s situation was already clear
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The situation at Juventus has been clear since October 6, when I reported that, without tactical clarity, the coach would pay a high price.
This is exactly what happened today, as Juventus have not even waited for the next Serie A match against Udinese on Wednesday.
Tudor doesn’t pay just for lack of results
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Igor Tudor, head coach of Juventus, looks on during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Juventus’ poor results and the lack of trust in new summer signgins have made the difference in determining the coach’s fate.
Tudor took charge of 24 Juventus matches across all competitions, grabbing 10 wins, eight draws and six losses.
Tudor is no longer the Juventus coach, and the Croatian tactician has already been informed about the club’s decision, according to Gazzetta.
Juventus sack Tudor
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The pink paper claims that Juventus will confirm Tudor’s sacking with an official statement later today.
According to the report, Juventus NextGen boss Massimo Brambilla will likely lead the team as an interim coach in a Serie A game against Udinese in just two days.
Reports in Italy on Monday morning suggested Juventus would wait until the next match to sack Tudor, but the situation has evolved since.
Tudor’s poor results at Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus have lost their last three games and have not scored in their last four outings.
Furthermore, they have gone eight consecutive matches without winning.
Fabrizio Romano confirms that Juventus have already decided to sack Tudor and will now make the formal steps forward to relieve him from his duties.
Tudor was appointed in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta. Both Motta and Tudor are under contract with Juventus until 2027.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Massimiliano Allegri could leave Santiago Gimenez on the bench against Atalanta as the Mexico international hasn’t yet scored in Serie A this season.
Milan visit Atalanta in a mid-week Serie A round on Tuesday, and according to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri coach Allegri could leave Gimenez on the bench at the New Balance Stadium.
Disappointing Gimenez at Milan
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan lies on the field during the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gimenez has only scored one goal in 10 appearances across all competitions this season, but none in Serie A.
Gazzetta reports that Allegri was unhappy with the striker’s performance against Pisa on Friday and, at some point during the game, he even shouted towards the Mexican: “Wake up, wake up! Are you sleeping?”
Allegri’s options without Gimenez
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 24: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic won’t be available against Atalanta, which means that if Gimenez is dropped, then Allegri will pick Christopher Nkunku close to Rafael Leao or pick one between Alexis Saelamaekers or Ruben Loftus-Cheek to play as an attacking midfielder.
Milan have collected 17 points in eight Serie A games this term and are one point below the leaders Roma and Napoli.
Christian Pulisic is expected to return to action before the international break in November, but Milan director Giorgio Furlani is reportedly in talks with the United States Soccer Federation, hoping that Mauricio Pochettino will not include the star winger in the USMNT squad.
Milan hope Pulisic will not be called up to the USMNT squad in November.
When will Pulisic return from injury?
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Christian Pulisic #10 of United States warms up before the international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The American winger sustained a hamstring injury during a friendly match against Australia earlier in October, irritating his club.
Pulisic has not featured for Milan since, but according to Gazzetta, his recovery is going ahead smoothly.
The American star will miss tomorrow’s game against Atalanta and has little chance to make it for the Roma match next Sunday, but Milan hope he’ll return to action against Parma on November 8, right before the next international break.
If Pulisic is eligible for that match, then he’ll automatically become available for selection for USMNT, but Milan want to avoid another long trip and more games for the ex-Chelsea star.
Milan talks with US Soccer
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 14: Giorgio Furlani CEO of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 14, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Therefore, according to the report (via Milannews) CEO Furlani has already initiated talks with the US Soccer, hoping that Pulisic will be allowed to remain in Milanello during the November break to fully get back in shape.
The USMNT will meet Paraguay and Uruguay in friendly encounters next month, while Milan will face city rivals Inter on November 23, in the first game after the November break.
During his post-match interviews, Conte criticised Inter’s decision to send their president, Beppe Marotta, to talk to the media to complain about a penalty kick given to the Partenopei.
What Conte said about Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“A team has to evaluate and realise why they lost, doing this, they just create alibis for the players and coach. I would not have allowed it. Now Marotta is President, but it’s not right that he has to come here and make these statements,” Conte said.
“I say with all due respect for the director, leave these things to the people who actually participated in the match, because it is diminishing the role of the coach too.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter also found ‘inappropriate and serious’, according to Gazzetta, that Conte said Inter have been “The best team” in Serie A and “could have won more in the last four years.”
Inter irritated by Conte
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Gazzetta notes that Conte behaved differently during his time at Inter, as he publicly requested the directors’ intervention after some disappointing results or debatable referee decisions.
Conte won the 2020-21 Serie A title at Inter, but his relationship with club directors deteriorated at the end of the campaign as the Italian tactician pushed to leave, knowing that the club would need to sell Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi over the summer for financial reasons.
Inter and Conte eventually parted ways by mutual agreement, seeing the Italian tactician get a €7m net severance pay.
Alessandro Del Piero and Beppe Bergomi got into an argument about Inter on Sunday as the Juventus legend insisted that the Nerazzurri have been ‘the best team in Serie A in the last four years.’
Juventus and Inter legends Del Piero and Bergomi showed diverging opinions on Cristian Chivu’s side on Sunday evening as Sky Sport Italia analysed the latest Serie A weekend, in which the Nerazzurri suffered a 3-1 loss at Napoli.
Inter had complained about a penalty kick that gave Napoli the lead in the first half, but Del Piero and Bergomi did not focus on referee controversies.
Del Piero: Inter the best team in Serie A
Alessandro Del Piero looks on during a press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 03, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“Inter have been the best team in Serie A in the last four years. Others who won instead of them were better, but Inter are the best team,” Del Piero said.
Bergomi, however, didn’t agree: “No, why do they never win games against direct rivals?”
Del Piero replied: “For other reasons, but if you look at the Inter team, it’s undoubtedly better than Napoli, Juventus, Milan and Roma.”
The argument continued with Bergomi, who hit back: “No, Ale. I’ve been saying this for four years.”
Bergomi hits back at Del Piero over Inter claims
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 01: Beppe Bergomi looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on March 1, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri legend continued: “Remember that those who shout more are not necessarily right…You can raise your voice all the time, and respect what I’m saying, too. Especially because I’ve been saying this for four years, and the results are there. But when they lose, then the others are better. So, who is better? The winners or the losers?”
The Italian World Cup winners were unable to find a common ground.
“I respect it, but what I said is the same, with different words. The better one is the one that wins, the best one is another,” argued Del Piero.
“Inter were able to do certain things and reach certain results, winning titles, cups and reaching Champions League Finals,” concluded Bergomi.
“Even beating clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, who are better than Inter.”
The Nerazzurri have lost three of their opening eight Serie A matches this season and are three points below the leading pair Napoli and Roma.
Sources in Italy claim that Wednesday’s Serie A game against Udinese may end Igor Tudor’s spell at Juventus, regardless of the result, as the Bianconeri have gone eight consecutive games without a win.
Juventus’ 1-0 loss against Lazio on Sunday marked their third consecutive defeat across all competitions, extending the Old Lady’s winless streak to eight games.
The last time Tudor’s men collected all three points was on September 13 against Inter and the Croatian tactician’s job is inevitably under scrutiny.
Will Juventus sack Tudor now?
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
A new Serie A round is just around the corner, as Week 9 will be played mid-week. Juventus will host Udinese at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday and according to reports, that could be Tudor’s last game in charge of the Bianconeri.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Tudor might be sacked even if Juventus win, and Gazzetta confirms that the Croat is expected to be given time until the next match.
Possible Tudor replacements revealed
VENICE, ITALY – MAY 12: Head coach of Fiorentina Raffaele Palladino gestures during the Serie A match between Venezia and Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 12, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The pink paper reports on Monday (page 6) that not all Juventus directors are convinced to sack Tudor with immediate effect; therefore, the Croat is expected to sit on the Juventus bench in the next game in just two days.
As for the possible replacements, Italian media mention the same candidates named just a few days ago: Luciano Spalletti, Roberto Mancini, Raffaele Palladino and even Thiago Motta, who was sacked in March 2025, but remains under contract with the club until 2027.
Update: It escalated quickly at the Allianz Stadium, as according to various sources, Juventus have decided to sack Tudor today.
Basic-goal: it’s the third consecutive defeat. The coach: ‘I don’t leave.’ But the club makes assessments
Toro is here
Maripan great final, Granata comeback.
Inter against Conte
Club irritated. Mkhitaryan out for at least one month
Dybala reaches the top
Roma with Napoli. Gasp: ‘Scudetto? If we grow…’
Corriere dello Sport
Top spot and first, decisive, Dybala goal
Roma, double Joya
They won 1-0 at Sassuolo’s home and caught Napoli with 18 points. Fourth consecutive victory away: +8 in the table compared to 2024. Gasperini: ‘Paulo is extraordinary in every role.’
Tudor at the end
Juve in crisis. Third consecutive loss (1-0). Tudor’s future under scrutiny
Lazio sink the Croat
On Wednesday against Udinese, a win might not be enough for the coach. ‘Everyone is responsible. My future? I’m not concerned.’ Decisive Basic, Isaksen close to the 2-0.
Electric Chivu and Chivu’s cure
After Marotta’s protests for the soft penalty to the irritability of a team struggling to cope with difficulties.
De Bruyne risks a long stop
Milan, Gimenez is an issue
Tuttosport
It’s no longer Juve
Basic scores after nine minutes (incredible David assist), sending the Bianconeri into a tilt. Confused reaction and can only complain about a penalty denied to Conceiçao. Eight games without victories. The coach: ‘My future? I don’t care about it at all.’
Maripam-Paleari, ‘Toro happiness’
The super goal from the captain under the Curva completes the comeback at minute 90 after the early Thorsby goal and Sabelli’s own goal, then miraculous saves in the stoppages. Baroni: ‘I scolded my players at halftime.’
Roma, Joya for the top spot
Dybala knocks Sassuolo down
Lashed out by Gasp, he responded like a champion. Napoli reached. The coach: ‘Extraordinary Paulo.’
Napoli-Inter: Rocchi stops the coach, the assistant and VAR referee.
Alessandro Del Piero insists Igor Tudor is ‘not the problem’ at Juventus and ‘it’s not as if with another coach this squad would win the Scudetto.’
The Bianconeri are now in a full-blown crisis after three consecutive defeats against Como, Real Madrid and Lazio, going 394 minutes without scoring a goal.
They are on their longest winless streak in all competition since 2009, as after five draws in a row between Serie A and the Champions League, they lost three on the bounce.
Del Piero takes Juventus blame off Tudor
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
With Tudor continually chopping and changing the line-up and tactics, is there too much confusion on the bench?
“The team was alive and did not deserve to lose tonight, perhaps a draw was the right result. They weren’t bad against Madrid either, the problem was the performance against Como.
“In any case, it’s not as if with another coach this team would win the Scudetto.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Teun Koopmeiners and Mattia Perin during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Another issue that he did not necessarily put the blame on Tudor for was the absence of a core to this side.
“He doesn’t yet have a first choice XI, but it’s not because Tudor doesn’t want to find it, it’s because aside from a few individuals, the others have struggled to perform consistently.
“If you look at the best teams in Italy and Europe, they more or less all have a regular XI that will start the big games.”
Mattia Perin urged Juventus to stay united and rediscover their identity after a damaging 1-0 defeat away to Lazio, a result that deepens the pressure on Igor Tudor and extends the Bianconeri’s winless run.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the goalkeeper did not hide his frustration and admitted Juventus are far from the standard expected of them.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Teun Koopmeiners and Mattia Perin during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Juventus goalkeeper Perin: ‘We feel sadness and frustration’
Perin stressed that the mood in the dressing room is one of disappointment rather than resignation. “We feel a lot of sadness and frustration,” he said.
“We train well during the week, but we’re not showing that in matches. It’s difficult to find a single answer, but we must stay united and compact, because right now we are not proving to be at the level we should be.”
The 31-year-old confirmed he knew in advance he would start in place of Michele Di Gregorio, but said personal satisfaction means little in the current situation. “I already knew before Madrid that I would play,” Perin revealed.
“But I can’t be happy when results aren’t coming. We believe in the coach’s ideas, and emotionally we like what he transmits to us. It’s difficult to understand why things aren’t working, but I’m sure we’ll raise our level.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Perin: ‘We have to desire to get out of this’
Perin also described a post-match discussion between the squad and Tudor aimed at stopping the slide. “We spoke to understand why these defeats are happening,” he explained.
“There is the desire from everyone to get out of this as soon as possible. Fortunately, we play again in three days and that could help us turn this moment around.”
Juventus, once heralded for resilience and clarity of purpose, now find themselves looking for basic reference points. Their next match will already feel like a crossroads – not for the table, but to prove they still have a pulse.
Lazio emerged as 1-0 victors over Juventus this evening as the pressure continues to pile on Bianconeri head coach Igor Tudor.
A goal from midfielder Toma Basic was enough to secure the three points for Maurizio Sarri’s side, whilst his counterpart faces increasingly demanding questions about his suitability at the helm of Juventus.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Weston McKennie is shown a yellow card by referee Andrea Colombo during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
For Igor Tudor, an initially strong start to the season has quickly eroded and now it seems as though his days are numbered in Turin.
Grim night of stats for Tudor and Juventus
Juventus have had an unfortunately record-breaking evening.
As per Opta, it is the first time that the Old Lady have gone four games consecutively, in all competitions, without scoring, since 1991.
Furthermore, it is the Bianconeri’s longest winless streak since 2009 when Claudio Ranieri was in charge.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
To add insult to injury, it was Lazio’s fastest goal against Juventus since Giuseppe Favalli’s third-minute goal in March 1996.
Overall, a dismal evening for Juventus as Tudor continues to break records, for all the wrong reasons.
Maurizio Sarri admits he was ‘surprised’ by the level of performance from Toma Basic and Gustav Isaksen against Juventus, but Lazio have been on the right track for a while.
The Aquile were in dire need of a boost and received it with Basic firing in after Danilo Cataldi gratefully received the poor Jonathan David back pass.
Both sides were angry about the refereeing of Andrea Colombo, as Weston McKennie was very fortunate to avoid a second yellow card, while VAR did not intervene when Mario Gila appeared to stamp on Francisco Conciecao’s foot inside the penalty area.
Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were out of action, so it was a remarkable victory in the circumstances.
Sarri had already seen Lazio improvement
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri attends during the press conference at the Formello sport Cemntre on September 13, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“We suffered, but not really that much today, so we played with sacrifice, but also quality. I am happy for the players and for our fans,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
Basic had been cut from the Lazio squad list at the start of the season and put on the transfer market, but was welcomed back only due to the injury crisis, and quickly became a key figure in their midfield.
“He had rather lost his way and was left off the squad list, but we needed him and he did really well to step up,” noted Sarri.
“I think he has really grown in terms of character and is giving us a big hand at the moment. We all thank him for that.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Another player who had been out for a while was Isaksen, who spent much of the summer locked away with glandular fever for fear of being contagious to his teammates.
“You could tell in training that he was improving his fitness levels, but frankly not to this degree. His performance today was a surprise for us too,” confessed Sarri.
Lazio are now unbeaten in four, having defeated Genoa and Juventus, interrupted by stalemates against Torino and Atalanta.
They are just one point behind Juventus in the Serie A standings now and have a midweek round with Pisa coming up.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Toma Basic of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“Missing an average of seven players per game, we’ve put together eight points in four matches, so the team has been doing well for a month, not just tonight,” insisted the coach.
He was asked how the meeting had gone with President Claudio Lotito and director of sport Angelo Maria Fabiani this week.
“I have no problems with the President or the director of sport. If something was written otherwise, then that is fake news. It was a perfectly normal meeting.”
Jonathan David made his first start alongside Dusan Vlahovic today, but it was his poor header back that sparked the Lazio goal, handing it straight to Danilo Cataldi for Toma Basic to fire in from outside the area.
Tudor evidently wasn’t happy, as within 10 minutes he had Filip Kostic warming up and was shouting at Cambiaso, who was eventually replaced at half-time.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of Lazio runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Kostic was warming up because I saw Cambiaso was not doing well, but in general the team had the right attitude from the start, apart from Johnny’s error and that goal,” Tudor told DAZN Italia.
“It is a bad moment, a difficult moment, we need to stay united and all work together. There is disappointment, because I think we prepared it the right way, but we are always missing something. We get to the penalty area and then don’t put the ball in the net.
“We also keep telling ourselves don’t make mistakes, but there is always a mistake, and we lose games. We feel terrible, but we have to stick together.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Their biggest problem would seem to be clear, as this was Juve’s fourth consecutive match without scoring a goal, something they hadn’t seen since March 1991 under legendary flop Gigi Maifredi.
“We tried with two strikers from the start, then four attacking players, we tried everything, but are certainly missing something upfront,” confessed Tudor.
The Bianconeri are now without a victory in eight competitive games, having drawn five in a row, followed by three consecutive defeats to Como, Real Madrid and Lazio, their longest negative streak since May 2009.
“We are all responsible. We must try to do better and stay united, we have another game in a couple of days, I think a victory will get us on the right track. It’s a problem if we need four strikers to score and 10 midfielders when defending. It is a problem if someone always makes a mistake.
“As I said, there’s no need to make a drama out of it, we play again soon and need to stay focused.”
Tudor had tried to change things today with Vlahovic and David together, plus Francisco Conceicao out wide, then added Kenan Yildiz at half-time too.
“It was a decision because Kenan needed rest. Johnny and Dusan have goals in their blood, but we put the crosses in and in the final third someone has to put it in the net, otherwise nothing happens and you get punished for every tiny error at the back.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Cambiaso swapped places with Weston McKennie after 25 minutes, putting the USMNT player in the attacking wing-back role.
“I saw Andrea was struggling with Isaksen and when attacking we wanted him to cover the whole wing, but I didn’t like the way Andrea was interpreting the role. McKennie can cover the wing and Andrea can be a mezz’ala, so I swapped them.”
Juventus have repeatedly said they are backing Tudor, but how long can the coach realistically continue with such poor results, especially as they seem to be deteriorating rather than improving?
“People keep asking me if I feel safe or worried, but I don’t think about myself. I don’t care about my future, what I care about is doing what I can, being aware of all the problems and trying to improve things. My future is of zero interest.”
Lazio defeated Juventus 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, with Croatian midfielder Toma Basic scoring the only goal. After the game, the match winner urged his side to remain focused, as the “table remains very tight”, whilst captain Mattia Zaccagni hailed the victory as an “extraordinary game.”
The Biancocelesti needed a boost after back-to-back stalemates with Torino and Atalanta, so they were grateful when Jonathan David’s misplaced back pass was intercepted by Danilo Cataldi, setting up Basic for the early goal.
They held on to the lead from there, although both teams were angry with the officiating of referee Andrea Colombo.
Weston McKennie was very fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for his foul on Matteo Guendouzi, while Mario Gila appeared to tread on Francisco Conceicao’s boot inside the penalty area moments later.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio captain Zaccagni: ‘An extraordinary game’
“It was an extraordinary game in every way, we faced this with humility and character, we remained united during difficult moments, and at times managed to play good football too,” Zaccagni told DAZN Italia.
“Toma has to be seen as an example, because even when he was left out of the squad list, he trained with real humility and made sure he was ready. He’s a great professional. Now we look to Thursday’s game against Pisa, because we are still lagging behind in the league and want to climb further up.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Toma Basic of SS Lazio player of the match after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Basic: ‘I feel happy but exhausted’
Basic was not even on the Lazio squad list going into this season, as he was on the transfer market and failed to find a new club.
He was brought back into the fold due to an injury crisis, and has since become a key figure in the midfield, starting every match and even scoring tonight’s decisive goal.
“I feel happy, but also exhausted, because the whole team gave our all to the very end. I don’t want to talk about me, there’s no time for euphoria, because the table remains very tight, so there are other games where we must give 100 per cent in the same way,” Basic told DAZN Italia.
“I don’t know if people think I was somewhere else, but I was always training with the team and working with them throughout.”
Best Lazio player: Isaksen – After an inconsistent start to the campaign, the Dane really came to life today and was a constant menace for the Juventus defence to reckon with. He was fouled a number of times, testament to his agility and dribbling down the flank.
Lowest Lazio Rating: Dia – Makes Lazio miss Castellanos more but fortunately his side were still able to win the three points despite another tame and biteless performance.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Maurizio Sarri head coach of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Coach: Sarri 7 – Set up well against a strong Juventus and did just enough to secure the three points. His side are showing more signs of settling back into his tactical demands and the coach will be delighted with a huge victory against a top club.
Juventus: Perin 6; Kalulu 6, Gatti 5.5 (Joao Mario N/A), Lloyd Kelly 5.5,;Cambiaso 6 (Yildiz 6); Conceicao 6.5, Koopmeiners 6 (Thuram 6), Locatelli 6.5, McKennie 5.5 (Openda N/A); Vlahovic 5.5, David 5
Best Juventus player: Conceicao – Despite not being able to get his team a point, the Portuguese winger was effective in his duties this evening. Potentially should have been awarded a penalty after a foul from Mario Gila in the box and was fairly lucid in an otherwise tame performance from the Bianconeri.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of Lazio runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lowest Juventus rating: David – Involved in a goal tonight, but not in the way he would’ve liked. At fault for Lazio’s opener, the Canadian struggled to redeem himself and was eventually hooked just after the hour mark. Life has not started well for the former Lille man in Turin.
Coach: Tudor 5 – Showing the signs of a coach under immense pressure, Tudor took risks today and they failed to pay off. His front two of Vlahovic and David continue to struggle to develop any sort of chemistry together and his decision to bring on Kenan Yildiz at half-time was too little too late.
Juventus fell to a third consecutive defeat in all competition, as Toma Basic made the most of Jonathan David’s error for a Lazio victory, but both sides were furious with controversial refereeing.
The Bianconeri were without a win in seven competitive games, fresh from back-to-back defeats to Como and Real Madrid. Kenan Yildiz was struggling with a knee issue, so was rested with Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio injured, but Jonathan David formed a new partnership with Dusan Vlahovic and Mattia Perin took the gloves. Maurizio Sarri had to do without Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, so Gustav Isaksen got his first start of the season after recovering from glandular fever.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of Lazio runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Isaksen squirmed between three to pull back at the by-line, forcing Federico Gatti into a panicked clearance from five yards, and the deadlock was broken soon after.
David got his back-pass header completely wrong, giving it straight to Danilo Cataldi, and Toma Basic saw his strike from outside the area deflected off Gatti to totally wrong-foot Perin.
Andrea Cambiaso’s cushioned volley from a Francisco Conceicao cross hit the side-netting at the back post, but Juve almost paid for another howler.
It was Manuel Locatelli this time who laid it off for Matteo Guendouzi on the edge of the box, forcing a Gatti block in front of goal, then Lloyd Kelly charging down the Isaksen follow-up.
David almost made up for his earlier error when running onto an inspired Teun Koopmeiners pass, but Ivan Provedel rushed off his line to parry the dinked finish.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Jonathan David during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Francisco Conceicao also blasted over from a promising position, then whipped in a cross that Vlahovic scuffed from 12 yards.
Kenan Yildiz replaced Cambiaso for the restart in a very attacking Juve formation, but Vlahovic’s blushes were spared by the offside flag for Kelly after firing onto the crossbar from 12 yards on his assist.
Locatelli’s strike was smothered by Provedel and Weston McKennie was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card in the space of three minutes, as referee Andrea Colombo didn’t even give a foul for his barge on Guendouzi.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Weston McKennie of Juventus is shown a yellow card by referee Andrea Colombo during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
There was even more controversy on the hour mark when Mario Gila appeared to tread on Conceicao’s foot, but the referee waved play on and VAR did not intervene for a penalty either.
Boulaye Dia tested Perin at the base of the near post after squirming between two, while Vlahovic nodded McKennie’s cross wide and Kenan Yildiz at full stretch couldn’t get control of the Pierre Kalulu ball over the top.
Provedel flew to palm away the Khephren Thuram header on a corner, but Isaksen sprinted from midfield, cut inside and bent a left-foot finish just past the far post.
Pedro blasted wide with his first touch on a Zaccagni pull-back and in stoppages Gila threw himself in the path of a Locatelli scorcher from the edge of the box.
After refereeing controversy in Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter, tonight’s game between Lazio and Juventus has also had several key incidents that continue to shine negative light on officiating in Serie A.
The first major incident involved a potential second yellow card that should have been shown to Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Weston McKennie is shown a yellow card by referee Andrea Colombo during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The American, who was already on a booking after an earlier incident, brought down Matteo Guendouzi in midfield, with the Biancocelesti urging the referee to issue the Juventus man with a red card.
However, Colombo kept his cards in his pocket and decided not to dismiss the Bianconeri midfielder.
Colombo & Assistants Miss Penalty Call in Lazio vs Juventus
The second incident involved a potential penalty for Juventus, after Mario Gila was judged to have stood on the foot of Bianconeri winger Francisco Conceicao.
The Juventus man went down and Gila immediately looked sheepish, anticipating a spot-kick for the visitors.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Teun Koopmeiners and Mattia Perin during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
However, after VAR review, the referee’s on-field decision stood and no penalty was given.
You can follow the remainder of the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.
David De Gea called for calm and unity after Fiorentina’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna at the Stadio Franchi, insisting the Viola must stay mentally strong to overcome their current difficulties.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, via TuttoMercatoWeb, De Gea backed the message of goalscorer Moise Kean, who had urged the squad to believe in themselves. “As Moise said, we have to believe,” the Spanish goalkeeper stressed.
PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“It’s difficult when the victories don’t arrive, but we must stay positive. Even if we didn’t play a great game and we are in a difficult moment, we still came back in a tough match. We need to work hard and go in the same direction for the good of Fiorentina.”
De Gea: ‘We could have lost 6-0…’
The former Manchester United keeper also highlighted the difference in level between domestic and European competition. “The Conference League is different,” he noted.
“The opponents we’ve faced there are of a lower level compared to Serie A. Here it’s not easy, but if we keep working and focus on each match, we can do better.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Maximo Perrone of Como 1907 and David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Como 1907 at Artemio Franchi on September 21, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
De Gea admitted that the atmosphere inside the stadium briefly shook the team after Bologna’s disallowed third goal. “In that moment, I thought we could lose 6-0,” he confessed.
“But then we gained confidence and almost won the match. We must do more and stay positive, for the fans too. We all need to be united and move in the same direction.”
The Canada international was meant to make an impact on the goals in this game in a new partnership with Dusan Vlahovic, but he ended up being the provider at the wrong end.
His terrible header back was straight to Danilo Cataldi, who wasted no time setting up Basic for a strike from outside the area that took a deflection off Federico Gatti to wrong-foot Mattia Perin.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Players of Juventus pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It was Basic’s first goal of the season, having started the campaign being left off the squad list, welcomed back only due to other injuries.
Lazio take the lead against Juventus
Lazio punish a poor Juventus header as Toma Bašić puts the hosts in front
Stefano Pioli believes Fiorentina showed character in their dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna, fighting back from 2-0 down thanks to late penalties from Guðmundsson and Moise Kean.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Viola coach admitted his side still have plenty to fix, but praised the team’s refusal to collapse.
“I don’t think we deserved to lose, but certain episodes were punishing us too harshly,” Pioli said.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We didn’t develop our play well in the first half, but with Bologna that can happen. We had chances with Ranieri and Moise, and the important thing is that the team didn’t give up.”
Pioli accepts protests after Fiorentina 2-2 Bologna
The coach also accepted the criticism that arrived from the Curva Fiesole. “The fans have always supported us and they have the right to protest if they feel it is necessary. They always have the final say,” he noted.
Looking at the tactical issues, Pioli admitted Fiorentina must find better balance in midfield. “Bologna don’t let you play comfortably, and in some positions Fagioli needed to be found more. We must improve our structure and find better equilibrium,” he said.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Stefano Pioli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
On refereeing and VAR, Pioli was blunt: “Right now everything is confused. You can’t understand who is truly making the decisions. For me, the referee must decide more and the VAR less.”
The coach underlined that the table remains disappointing, but insisted the team will continue to work. “We are not satisfied, but we go forward trying to grow,” he concluded.
Moise Kean urged Fiorentina to show greater character and take responsibility for their season after the Viola battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Bologna at the Stadio Franchi.
Two second-half penalties, including Kean’s equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time, snatched a point and prevented a damaging home defeat.
Speaking to DAZN after the game, the striker was clear about what must change: “Only we can turn our season around – it’s up to us to show some balls and step up,” he said, with quotes via FiorentinaNews, insisting the team must raise their mentality if they want different results.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kean calm in equalising goal for Fiorentina against Bologna
Kean also explained that he felt calm when stepping up for the decisive penalty: “I didn’t feel any pressure. My teammates believed in me and I just tried to stay positive,” he added.
Looking ahead, the forward stressed that Fiorentina owe more to the city and their supporters: “Fiorentina deserves a lot, and so do my teammates. We’re a good group and we can achieve great things. We need to stay positive ahead of Milan against Inter.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Remo Freuler of Bologna FC 1909 in action against Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina leave the pitch with mixed emotions: proud of their comeback, but aware that dropped points at home continue to complicate their already shaky start to the campaign.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito insists they ‘have what it takes to turn this around’ after a rough start to the season, as Maurizio Sarri’s men host Juventus.
The injury crisis keeps getting worse for the Biancocelesti, who go into tonight’s match without Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Fans are losing patience and there has been criticism of the way the team has been constructed.
Lotito tries to calm frustration around Lazio
Claudio Lotito owner and president of S.S Lazio celebrates with supporters at the end of the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg between Lazio and Bayern Munich at the Olympic stadium on February 14, 2024 in Rome. Lazio won 1-0. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)
“Constructive criticism is right when results aren’t arriving, even if for a series of reasons that are beyond our control, but it is a team sport and we must all work in the same direction,” Lotito told DAZN Italia.
“I am convinced it is dictated by a series of imponderable factors that completely changed the results we expected. I urge everyone to have faith, because we are building a solid club, we are continuing the process of taking over the Stadio Flaminio and building the new training ground.”
Lazio were unable to make any new signings over the summer, as after failing three different financial stress tests, they received a transfer embargo.
Coach Sarri admitted he was unaware of this when accepting the job, and would’ve walked away from any other club but Lazio.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Maurizio Sarri head coach of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Will Lotito at least be able to promise reinforcements in the January transfer window?
“I have a rapport of respect and affection with Sarri, there is no clashing of roles, as everyone wants what is best for the club and the fans. The club was prevented from acting over the summer, we are ready to do whatever is necessary,” replied the President.
“I’ve never seen so many injuries and other situations that penalised us. We understand the mood of the fans, who are passionate about this side and feel upset when certain results are not achieved. There is sadness, irritation and at times criticism, but always remember unity is strength, we have what it takes to turn this situation around.
“If we stick together, the players, club, staff and fans, then you’ll see we will get great results.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Matteo Cancellieri of SS Lazio celebrates a second goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 04, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“I believe a system must be watched over, but not destabilised. There is a new generation of referees and when things don’t work, we need to point it out, but only trying to make it better, otherwise we risk making the situation worse. We need utmost transparency to bring through a generational shift of referees,” noted Lotito.
Juventus technical director Francois Modesto insists they ‘have a lot of faith’ in coach Igor Tudor, and are confident Lois Openda and Jonathan David will flourish eventually.
The trip to Lazio kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
The pressure is growing on the Old Lady after a dire run of nine competitive matches without a victory, including back to back defeats to Como and Real Madrid.
“Igor is our coach, we are very happy with him, have a lot of faith in his work, and want to focus on getting the win this evening,” Modesto told DAZN Italia.
New Juventus faces struggling to make their mark
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
David and Openda have struggled to make any kind of impact since their transfers to Juventus, so how long will it take for them to flourish in this new league?
“It is a very difficult league in Italy, there are some very well-organised coaches and teams, which makes it tough for those who come here from other divisions. If we look to the past, we’ll see many great champions who struggled at the beginning in Serie A,” warned Modesto.
“The positive thing is that they have settled well into the group, and of course they have always scored lots of goals in their careers, so we think it’s just a matter of time. We hope that they will start scoring from tonight.”
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after Lloyd Kelly (not pictured) scores his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Dusan Vlahovic starts tonight and is still taking a strong role at Juventus, despite the fact he has refused to sign a new contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season.
“There are absolutely no issues. Dusan is a great professional, a leader of this team, he is helping David and Openda off the field too, and we are very happy,” added Modesto.
“We have leaders in this squad, like Bremer who unfortunately is injured, Gatti and Kenan Yildiz, so we have no lack of leaders.”
Teun Koopmeiners was a big investment at over €50m from Atalanta last summer, but never quite lived up to those expectations, and made comments on playing in his preferred role.
“Koopmeiners works hard, he had difficulties like many who first come to Juve, but he is improving, the coach has put him in a few different positions, and we hope he can show what he has always done with Atalanta and in some games at Juventus,” concluded the director.
Pedullà discusses the opposite fortunes between the two head coaches: Cristian Chivu and Antonio Conte.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Conte head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Whilst Conte took home the three points, Chivu’s actions off the field gave him an advantage over his counterpart, who was drawn into a clash of words with Nerazzurri Captain Lautaro Martinez.
Fiorentina completed the comeback from 2-0 down to hold Bologna 2-2 in stoppages with Albert Gudmundsson and Moise Kean penalties, after Emil Holm was sent off.
Both teams were fresh from UEFA victories on Thursday, but while the Viola had a 3-0 win away to Rapid Vienna, they were still without a single success in Serie A. Moise Kean and Robin Gosens returned after being rested, with Tariq Lamptey and Christian Kouame long-term absentees. The Rossoblu lost Jens Odgaard to a knock during the 2-1 win at Steaua Bucharest, joining Ciro Immobile on the treatment table. Coach Vincenzo Italiano missed the trip back to the Stadio Franchi, as he was still undergoing treatment for pneumonia.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Nicolo’ Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kean drilled inches wide when clear on goal in the opening minutes, but had been caught offside to spare his blushes, while David De Gea fingertipped a looping Santiago Castro strike out from under the crossbar.
Bologna had penalty appeals rejected for a possible Dodo handball, as the footage did not clearly show contact, but they did take the lead.
A corner was not cleared properly and the Pablo Mari header floated into the path of Santiago Castro, who performed a spectacular volley into the far top corner from 12 yards. It was his first Serie A goal outside the Dall’Ara since January.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina should’ve equalised moments later when Rolando Mandragora flicked on a corner to the back post, but Luca Ranieri shinned it over from point-blank range.
Nicolò Cambiaghi curled wide and Lukasz Skorupski palmed away a long-range Mandragora free kick.
There was chaos straight after the restart, as the referee awarded a Fiorentina penalty for handball, but it was Skorupski who got his hand to it rather than Jhon Lucumi, and Kean handled too during the two charged down attempts, so it was revoked following a VAR review.
Instead, Bologna doubled their lead when Emil Holm got down the right and pulled across the face of goal, with Cambiaghi getting there first to toe-poke in from six yards.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Nicolo’ Cambiaghi of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kean stung Skorupski’s gloves after a run from midfield, but again the Rossoblu were more clinical and pounced when De Gea parried the Riccardo Orsolini free header at the back post, but could do nothing on the Thijs Dallinga follow-up. However, this goal was disallowed for Orsolini’s offside position.
Nonetheless, many Fiorentina fans started leaving the stadium in protest at their current Serie A form and chanting insults towards the club and squad.
The Viola finally did get their penalty, as after a Juan Miranda goal-line clearance on Edin Dzeko, Lewis Ferguson charged down the Dodo cross with his arm. Albert Gudmundsson rolled a precise snooker shot beyond Skorupski’s fingertips into the near bottom corner for his first Serie A goal of the season.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
This suddenly changed the game and after Federico Bernardeschi had penalty appeals rejected for a coming together with Sabiri, Emil Holm received his second yellow card for bringing down Fortini.
The tension also got to Jonathan Rowe, who was substituted to bring on a defender and was booked after his exit for kicking the ball into the stands.
Kean’s acrobatic scissor-kick volley on a Dodo cross was charged down by Bernardeschi’s arms in front of his face, but considered to be in an unnatural position following a VAR review. Kean insisted on stepping up this time and sent Skorupski the wrong way to equalise in stoppages.
A scuffle broke out between Dzeko and Lucumi, then Fiorentina thought they had to win it with the last kick of the game when Skorupski only palmed a Roberto Piccoli header into the path of Dodo, but the Brazilian prodded the rebound onto the side-netting.
Juventus try to end their nine-match winless streak with Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David together, leaving Kenan Yildiz on the bench, as Lazio look to Mattia Zaccagni and Boulaye Dia.
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It is a poor period of form for the Bianconeri, who are without a single victory in nine games between Serie A and the Champions League.
There were at least improvements in the performance when falling 1-0 to Real Madrid midweek, but Igor Tudor reshuffles the squad against his former club.
Some of those decisions are forced upon him, as Kenan Yildiz is struggling with a knee issue and finally gets some rest.
Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio are still out of action, but Manuel Locatelli and Francisco Conceicao return to the starting XI.
The biggest change is having two centre-forwards together, Vlahovic and David, while Mattia Perin makes his return in goal.
GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 29: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio celebrates third goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SS Lazio at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio have their fair share of problems too, as although they are unbeaten in three, that included back-to-back stalemates against Torino and Atalanta.
Maurizio Sarri has a crowded treatment room, missing Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Having to make do, Adam Marusic and Manuel Lazzari are the full-backs, with Toma Basic going from unwanted player to permanent midfield presence.
Gustav Isaksen completes the attack with Dia and Zaccagni.
Napoli’s 3-1 victory over Inter has lifted the mood at the Stadio Maradona, restoring confidence and momentum, but celebrations were muted by a fresh injury concern for Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder asked to come off after feeling discomfort in the same area that required surgery last season, immediately triggering alarm within the club’s medical staff.
According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, there is real concern that the 32-year-old may have suffered a significant muscular relapse.
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
While De Bruyne appeared relatively calm after the final whistle, Napoli are approaching the situation with maximum caution given his recent history and the delicate nature of the injury.
Napoli await worst case scenario as De Bruyne faces injury setback
Tests scheduled will offer a clearer picture, but the fear is that it could be a high-grade lesion, which would rule him out for an extended spell.
With De Bruyne serving as the creative heartbeat of Antonio Conte’s side, the potential setback comes at a difficult moment in the season.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Napoli are back in the Scudetto race and preparing for a decisive run of fixtures in Serie A and Europe. Losing their technical leader for several weeks, or possibly longer, would represent a major blow to their ambitions.
For now, the club will wait for the official medical bulletin before outlining recovery times and a plan for his replacement. What is certain, however, is that Napoli are bracing themselves for bad news.
Inter are concerned Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be ruled out for up to a month or more after the midfielder suffered a thigh injury in Saturday’s defeat away to Napoli.
The Armenian was forced off after 32 minutes, immediately signalling to the bench and leaving the pitch unable to continue.
The 35-year-old will undergo medical tests on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage to his left flexor, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: David Neres of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter midfielder Mkhitaryan could miss six weeks
Early signs have not been encouraging, with Mkhitaryan still limping heavily on Sunday at Appiano Gentile, and the fear is he could be sidelined for 4-6 weeks depending on the grade of the injury.
Inter’s schedule makes the timing particularly delicate. After the November international break, Cristian Chivu’s side face the Milan derby on November 23 and then Atletico Madrid away on November 26 in the Champions League.
In the best-case scenario, Mkhitaryan could return around that period or shortly after, but a second-degree lesion would push his comeback well into December. Recovery time will depend not only on the scan results but also how the muscle responds to treatment and reconditioning.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Marcus Thuram of Inter looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Positive news for Nerazzurri as Thuram progresses nicely
There is, however, better news regarding Marcus Thuram. The French forward is making encouraging progress and is expected to increase his workload in training this week.
Inter will resume work on Monday and as the squad returns to Appiano to recover from the Napoli match and celebrate Cristian Chivu’s 45th birthday, Thuram will undergo his first full on-pitch session since the injury.
If all goes well, he should rejoin group training soon and be available for selection afterwards.
Elia Caprile proved once again today that he is a great goalkeeper and Cagliari made a wise decision demanding at least €18m to sell in the summer, as now he’ll be worth more.
The shot-stopper made some more incredible saves in the 2-2 draw against Hellas Verona today at the Stadio Bentegodi, keeping his team in the game for their late comeback against the run of play.
Cagliari President Tommaso Giulini had bought him outright from Napoli for €8m and the idea was to sell, but only if a big offer came along, just like the one they accepted from Fiorentina for Roberto Piccoli.
Impressive Caprile will cost the big clubs
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Elia Caprile of Cagliari Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 13, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Caprile was given a price-tag of no less than €15-18m to even consider a transfer, and as nobody turned up with that kind of money, Giulini was happy to keep the goalkeeper.
His performances have been remarkable so far this season, as not a week goes by without some extraordinary saves hitting the headlines, and his consistency is so impressive.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had been linked with a return to Serie A, above all for Juventus, but the ex-Lazio midfielder has renewed his contract with Al-Hilal.
The official announcement came from the Saudi Pro League side today, confirming what had been reported by our Sportitalia colleague Gianluigi Longari on October 17, who knew the rumours of an Italian comeback were unlikely to come true.
Milinkovic-Savic always a tough candidate for Juventus
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 01: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Al-Hilal in action during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at King Fahd International Stadium on December 01, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
It would’ve been a tough move to make work for a number of reasons, none more so than the head-spinning salary the Serbian commands at Al-Hilal.
He has also been reunited at the club with coach Simone Inzaghi, who had already worked with him closely during their time together at Lazio.
Milinkovic-Savic was one of the first to truly believe in the ambitious projects in Saudi Arabian football, and the investments continue to keep building those plans.
Juventus did have a real chance of tempting him before the move to Al-Hilal was made, but had to surrender when faced with the sheer figures on offer.
Paulo Dybala admits he was getting ‘pressure’ to score his first Serie A goal of the season, while Lorenzo Pellegrini sees Roma improvements in a 1-0 win at Sassuolo.
The Giallorossi had lost three of their last four competitive games between Serie A and the Champions League, but emerged with a 1-0 victory from the Mapei Stadium.
The only goal of the game was scored by Dybala, on the rebound from a save on Bryan Cristante, to put them joint top of the table alongside Napoli.
Dybala and Pellegrini lead Roma response
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We are relaxed, we knew before the game with the other results that we could take top spot, but there is a very long way to go,” Dybala told DAZN Italia.
“These are three important points, also for us to make up for recent setbacks, and now we have to turn our focus to Wednesday.”
Although he had found the net in the Europa League, this was La Joya’s first Serie A goal of the season, and it allowed him to debut a special celebration with the ball under his jersey, for pregnant wife Oriana.
“Strikers live for goals, obviously, so we would love to score in every game. Unfortunately, there are negative moments during the season, but the important thing is that the team wins, not who scores.
“I had been waiting to make this celebration, as my wife was putting pressure on me to get on with it!”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates victory after during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Pellegrini came off the bench and almost scored within 120 seconds, as his dinked finish bounced off the upright.
The former captain was asked if Roma really can aim to stay top of the table and if a Scudetto challenge is their objective this season.
“The objective is to keep improving, and I thought today was a little better when attacking than previous games, we could’ve scored a few more goals,” replied Pellegrini.
“We were coming off defeats and really eager to prove ourselves on the pitch. We are giving our all.”
Curiously, all four defeats between Serie A and the Europa League have been at the Stadio Olimpico, but even in away fixtures, Roma always have a strong presence of cheering fans.
“We are fortunate that our fans always travel with us with passion, I don’t think they realise how much they give to us on the field with their presence. This is also a special match for me, as I called Sassuolo home for a while and want to salute the Sassuolo supporters too, as they remained in my heart.”
Gian Piero Gasperini reveals why the Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante tactical experiments go way back, as Roma beat Sassuolo and turn to their next ‘absolute priority.’
Wesley and Zeki Celik also came close, while Lorenzo Pellegrini hit the upright just moments after coming off the bench, but it proved enough for all three points and the leadership alongside Napoli.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I am very satisfied with our position, but also with today’s game, as it was not easy against a Sassuolo side that is doing well. After two defeats to Inter and Viktoria Plzen that left us with regrets, there was a good reaction,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.
Midfielder Cristante tended to push into a more advanced role, and that was decisive for the goal before Dybala turned in the rebound, but Gasperini noted this is hardly new.
“I never doubted that Dybala was a striker. I might’ve had doubts on others. He can play as a centre-forward, a support striker, just not really wide. Players have characteristics and a coach must try to make the most of those strengths.
“I have to say Mario Pasalic scored lots of goals in that role over the years with me and Atalanta, but even if it was eight years ago, Cristante had been doing it first! He hasn’t forgotten, he is now more mature and experienced, so is giving the team a big hand.”
Gasperini still experimenting with Roma attack
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates victory after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Artem Dovbyk came off the bench and was instructed to not drift into the middle too much, so how is the Ukrainian developing under Gasperini’s very different style?
“We needed to keep the forwards a little wider for this match and allow spaces for the midfielders to push through the centre. Dovbyk came on well, his fitness levels are certainly better now,” noted the coach.
“I work with everyone and try to improve them, I’m attempting to find solutions in attack, because that has been the least prolific area of the team. Despite that, we have a good position in the table.
“It requires experiments during the matches, as Dybala was out for a while, this was the first time Bailey managed to start, so we are getting there.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Leon Bailey of AS Roma applauds the fans during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This means Roma are top of the Serie A table after eight rounds, which hadn’t happened since the 2013-14 campaign, albeit sharing the seat with Napoli.
Their next fixture is the midweek round against Parma on Sunday at 17.30 GMT, hoping to end their run of home losses.
“It is absolutely a priority to win at home. It’s a pity for our fans, who were not accustomed to seeing so many defeats. With an always sold out stadium and passionate crowd behind us, we want to give them something to celebrate,” added Gasperini.
“Some performances were unlucky, but others like on Thursday we really should’ve won. We have to be wary, as evidently some of our characteristics see us hit our heads against a brick wall at home and then concede on the counter, so we need to be more efficient.”
Cagliari completed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in stoppages, as Hellas Verona are still without a victory this season.
Hellas were still looking for their first win of the season after four draws and three defeats, missing Daniel Oyegoke, Maotasem Al-Musrati and Tomas Suslov. The Sardinians lost Yerry Mina and Alessandro Deiola, joining Andrea Belotti, Boris Radunovic and Alessandro Di Pardo on the treatment table, but Zito Luvumbo returned after one point from three rounds.
VERONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Suat Serdar of Hellas Verona FC competes for the ball with Matteo Prati of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 26, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Gennaro Borrelli shook off an early clash of heads with Unai Nunez to surge onto a long Matteo Prati ball and fire just over the bar for Verona.
Lorenzo Montipò got down for a sensational fingertip save to push the Gianluca Gaetano daisy-cutter inches past the far post.
Unai Nunez went off with a shoulder injury for Hellas, while Borrelli had penalty appeals waved away for a risky Roberto Gagliardini tackle.
Instead, Gagliardini put Verona in front with his glancing header on a Giovane free kick that looped up and dropped into the far bottom corner. It was the ex-Inter midfielder’s first Serie A goal for two years.
VERONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Roberto Gagliardini of Hellas Verona FC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 26, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Verona thought they had to equalise on 34 minutes until being denied by an extraordinary double Elia Caprile save, first to push the Suat Serdar strike onto the crossbar, then parry the Gift Orban follow-up from point-blank range too.
Caprile made another incredible save when Giovane was at full stretch to volley a low cross, sticking up a hand to push it away from point-blank range.
However, Verona still doubled their advantage with a classic counter-attack. Belghali started it from inside his own half down the right, sending Giovane forward to roll across for the simple Orban tap-in from nine yards.
VERONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Elia Caprile of Cagliari Calcio saves a goal from Gift Orban of Hellas Verona FC’s shot during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 26, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Valentini’s glancing header on a Giovane free kick also tested Caprile, but Cagliari got back into it when Riyad Idrissi sprung the offside trap down the left on an inspired Adam Obert pass and surprised Montipò at the near top corner with a powerful finish.
It sparked a comeback from the Sardinians, who got back on level terms in stoppages thanks to a fantastic solo effort from Mattia Felici. The substitute completed a give and go with Leonardo Pavoletti to break down the left, squirmed past two tackles and beat Montipò with an angled drive.
Paulo Dybala’s first Serie A goal of the season proved enough to beat Sassuolo and send Roma to the top of the table alongside Napoli.
The Giallorossi had the opportunity to go joint top of the table, but had also lost three of their last four games, including Thursday’s 2-1 to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. Angelino was the only absentee, but Matias Soulé was rested, with Paulo Dybala used as a False 9 and Leon Bailey getting his first start. The Neroverdi had seven points from three rounds and brought Alieu Fadera into the trident attack, with ex-Roma man Nemanja Matic in midfield. Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo missed out.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Alieu Fadera of Sassuolo controls the ball whilst under pressure from Leon Bailey of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was an aggressive start from the hosts, as after a strong Aliou Fadera run from midfield, Kristian Thorstvedt got the header all wrong from seven yards. Mile Svilar then flew to palm away a deflected Fadera strike, but it was Roma who broke the deadlock.
Bryan Cristante surged forward on the Dybala lay-off and saw his effort parried by Arijanet Muric, but only into the path of La Joya to finish it off on the rebound. It was his first Serie A goal of the season.
Manu Koné charged down a powerful Sebastian Walukiewicz strike, and from the resulting corner Thorstvedt nodded wide when he should’ve left it for Filippo Romagna behind him.
Neil El Aynaoui’s effort was straight at Muric, who had to rush off his line to smother at Cristante’s feet after an inspired Dybala pass.
Bailey had his boot torn apart by a Josh Doig foul just outside the area, so had to finish the half with it wrapped in duct tape, while Dybala’s free kick hit the side-netting.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Wesley Franca of AS Roma crosses the ball whilst under pressure from Cristian Volpato of Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo lost Romagna to injury, while Mario Hermoso replaced the disappointing Kostas Tsimikas and within 60 seconds had been booked for a raised elbow on Doig inches outside the area.
Zeki Celik stung the goalkeeper’s gloves at the near post on a Dybala lay-off, but Sassuolo saw Domenico Berardi forced off after a bizarre head injury when he crossed paths with Cristante and fell very awkwardly.
Lorenzo Pellegrini came on and within 120 seconds had almost doubled Roma’s lead, as his delicate dink beat the goalkeeper only to bounce off the upright on Artem Dovbyk’s assist.
Wesley could’ve rolled across for Dovbyk, but instead tested Muric himself at the near post, while the Brazilian stood up a cross for Zeki Celik’s header over the bar.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Nemanja Matic of Sassuolo runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was a strong ending to the game for Wesley, who also flashed a great right-foot finish across the face of goal to skim the back post.
The result remained open though, as Gianluca Mancini threw himself in the way of a Walid Cheddira angled drive at the near post in stoppages.
Pellegrini also threatened again with a right-foot curler from outside the box that Muric pushed round the far post with one glove.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has proven, once again, that he has become a giant for Napoli, not only with his crucial goal against Inter on Saturday evening, but also through his performances, showing that he can flex his muscles and walk the walk.
Napoli got it spot on with Anguissa
The Cameroon international was on the scoresheet, restoring Napoli’s two-goal lead in their 3-1 victory over Inter on Saturday evening, which has sent the Partenopei back up to the top of the Serie A standings after eight matches.
Anguissa, towards the end of last season, had a moment of hesitation, considering potential opportunities elsewhere after having helped Napoli to two Scudetti within the last three years.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Frank Anguissa celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match against Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
In the end, his desire was to stay on with Napoli, where he has proved himself as a key player under Antonio Conte, despite the arrivals of Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne over the last two years.
And so, his contract was extended, and is now set to expire in 2027. This was the perfect outcome for Napoli, and it comes as a reward for Anguissa’s unquestionably key performances over the last few seasons.
Anguissa is becoming an increasingly key figure within Partenopei circles, and a renewal could not have been any more appropriate.
Juventus are due to take on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday evening, but pre-match reports indicate that Igor Tudor will have to do without starman Kenan Yildiz in his starting line-up. Here’s why.
Yildiz potentially out of Lazio vs. Juventus?
Juventus, who have not won in any competition since September 13, are looking to get back to winning ways in a difficult away game against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Yildiz, who has started in every one of Juventus’s Serie A and Champions League matches so far this term, is expected to drop out of the starting line-up, however.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Kenan Yildiz competes with Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan during the Serie A matchat Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to reports from Ilbianconero, Yildiz is suffering with patellar tendinopathy, sometimes referred to as jumper’s knee in his left leg. This is effectively an inflammation that affects the tendon beneath the kneecap.
This is a manageable condition, but one that can cause occasional pain and discomfort, hence why Yildiz is expected to drop out of the starting line-up against Lazio, in an attempt to recover and go again at full strength against Udinese on Wednesday.
Gian Piero Gasperini explains why he made such radical changes to the Roma attack against Sassuolo, including fitness updates on Matias Soulé and Evan Ferguson.
It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 14.00 GMT.
Soulé had originally been mentioned in the starting XI released to the media, but was then replaced in the official line-up by Manu Koné, moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.
This is the first time that the Argentine talent has been left on the bench this season, so what prompted that decision?
“We play very often, and Soulé had practically not missed a minute yet. We start like this, I hope he can be a valuable resource off the bench,” Gasperini told DAZN.
Gasperini keeps Roma strikers on their toes
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala is again used as a False 9, even though it has had extremely limited results so far, as Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk continue to struggle with one goal between them.
Following Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League defeat to Viktoria Plzen, Gasperini said that he had only just seen the first “real training session” from Ferguson, so what did that mean?
“He needs to be an important factor for the future. It was his first really hard working session, but unfortunately he also got a knock to the ankle and he’s on the bench today, but I’m not sure if he can play.”
A victory here would send Roma joint top of the Serie A table alongside Napoli, who beat Inter 3-1 last night.
“We all know the situation, but it’s quite early to start looking at the table. We need to focus our attention on Sassuolo, who are a newly promoted side, but getting good results already. We just need to concentrate on this game and getting the result we want today,” concluded Gasperini.
It is remarkable that Roma always saw the Stadio Olimpico as their fortress in previous years, but all four of their defeats in Serie A and the Europa League this season have been home fixtures.
Torino left it late to find the winner after coming from behind in a 2-1 victory over struggling Genoa in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Morten Thorsby, an own goal from Stefano Sabelli and a late winner from Guillermo Maripan.
Both Marco Baroni and Patrick Vieira made one change each ahead of kick-off. Torino, who were coming in off an encouraging 1-0 win over league leaders Napoli last time out, brought Cristiano Biraghi in for Niels Nkounkou, while Genoa handed a start to Morten Thorsby instead of Vitinha.
A calamitous piece of Torino defending handed Genoa the 1-0 lead early on in the first half.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Morten Thorsby of Genoa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Jeff Ekhator played an optimistic ball into the area, Kristjan Asllani made a complete hash of his clearance, which meant that Thorsby was free on the edge of the six yard box to stab home the opener.
Torino had to wait until midway through the second half to begin their turnaround.
Again, it was a cross in from the same flank at the same end of the pitch, and another piece of disastrous defending that led to the goal. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen’s cross was aimed at Che Adams, but Stefano Sabelli ended up steering into his own net in an attempt to clear.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Mikael Egill Ellertsson of Genoa battles for possession with Marcus Holmgren Pedersen during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Torino claimed the three points right at the last: In the 90th minute. A routine corner from Valentino Lazaro came in from the right flank, and Maripan was on hand to slam home a first-time volley in the middle of the area for 2-1.
With two consecutive league victories to their name, Torino are temporarily up to 11th place in the Serie A standings, while Genoa, still without a win in the league this season, remain rooted to the bottom of the table on three points after eight games.
Sunday’s reports indicate that referee Maurizio Mariani and assistant Daniele Bindoni will be dropped for the next round of Serie A fixtures after awarding a controversial penalty during Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter on Saturday evening.
What happened in Napoli 3-1 Inter?
Napoli went back to the top of the Serie A standings thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in an eventual 3-1 win over the Nerazzurri, who had won seven games in a row prior to Saturday’s match.
There have been complaints from the Inter camp, however, regarding the decision to award a penalty to Napoli five minutes before the end of the first half.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Giovanni Di Lorenzo found himself in the penalty area and went down under the challenge of Henrikh Mikhtaryan. Some argue, however, that Di Lorenzo was looking for the contact, and that Mkhitaryan did not make any intentional moves towards the Napoli captain, and that the penalty should not have been given.
Now, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the AIA have concluded that a penalty should not have been awarded to Napoli last night.
Sunday’s reports suggest that assistant referee Bindoni was the one who originally signalled for a penalty, that Mariani did not originally give it, but then changed his mind after a VAR review.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale protest with referee Maurizio Marian during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Assistant referee Bindoni is the one who has come under the most criticism for signalling for the penalty, although Mariani has also been criticised from changing his original decision.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that it is likely that both referees, who were also involved in the U20 World Cup final in Chile earlier this week, will be dropped for the next round of Serie A fixtures.
Roma can go joint top of the table with a win away to Domenico Berardi’s Sassuolo, so give Leon Bailey his first start with Paulo Dybala and Neil El Aynaoui.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi are an unpredictable side at the moment, as while a victory would send them into joint first place with Napoli, they have also lost three of their last four competitive games.
Angelino is the only absentee, as Manu Kone has shaken off an ankle knock sustained on Thursday evening.
Gian Piero Gasperini keeps squad rotation to an absolute minimum, so Dybala start again, but centre-forwards Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are dropped for poor performances.
Instead, Bailey finally gets his first start for the club, with Dybala as a False 9.
Matias Soule’ had originally been named in the starting XI, but was then replaced by moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.
Jan Ziolkowski was hauled off just 30 minutes into his first start for the club, so Zeki Celik is placed in the back three instead.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 21: Inter linked Domenico Berardi of US Sassuolo during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and US Lecce at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 21, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy.(Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo have improved recently with seven points from the last three rounds, steadily climbing up the table.
Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo are still out of action.
Former Roma players Nemanja Matic and Cristian Volpato are in the squad, but Berardi completes the trident attack with Andrea Pinamonti and Aliou Fadera.
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez exchanged insults during the meeting of their two sides in Serie A on Saturday evening, but this was not the first time the former colleagues have clashed on the pitch.
Here is a reminder of what happened the last time Conte and Lautaro came to blows.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Around the hour mark at the Stadio Maradona, Conte and Lautaro were seen throwing insults and gestures towards each other following an argument between the players on the pitch.
This was not the first time that Conte and Lautaro have found themselves arguing with one another in Serie A, though.
They also spent two seasons together at Inter between 2019 and 2021.
MILAN, ITALY – JULY 13: Lautaro Martinez (L) during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on July 13, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
During the Scudetto-winning 2020-21 season, Conte and Lautaro found themselves arguing after the coach decided to ‘double sub’ the striker during a 3-1 win over Roma in May, 2021.
Lautaro, who had been accused of showing poor attitude on the pitch at the time, reacted to his substitution by shouting and throwing his shirt when Conte took him off.
The following day, Conte and Lautaro returned to the training ground, and in an effort to put their difference to one side, organised a friendly boxing match on the training pitch, which ended in hugs and laughter. The same will not happen this time around, though.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Giovanni Simeone celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match against SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Marco Baroni has made just one change to his side following the Napoli victory, bringing in Cristiano Biraghi to replace Niels Nkounkou at left wing-back. Last week’s goalscorer Giovanni Simeone leads the line again, alongside Scotland international Che Adams.
Genoa, who drew 0-0 with Parma last time out, have replaced Vitinha with Morten Thorsby, but are otherwise unchanged.
Juventus have been taking positive steps forwards in their attempts to hand a new contract extension to star attacker Kenan Yildiz, who has been subject of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs over the last few weeks, including Real Madrid.
Yildiz, Juve’s posterboy and star of the Turkey national team at the age of 20, has been in talks over a new contract extension, which is expected to come with a significant increase in salary, reflective of his recent performances in Serie A and the Champions League.
Yildiz is already tied to the club until the summer of 2029, but is expected to pen a one-year extension until 2030 with a salary offer that will make him one of the highest earners within the squad.
Gazzetta: Juventus taking positive steps in Yildiz talks
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 18: Kenan Yildiz celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Al Ain FC and Juventus FC at Audi Field on June 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Juventus are also hoping that a new contract will also fend off interest from the likes of Real Madrid, who are reportedly prepared to offer staggering fees in order to sign Yildiz from the Bianconeri.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have taken ‘positive steps’ towards a contract extension for Yildiz in recent days.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Kenan Yildiz warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match against Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The player’s mother and father, along with his agent, have been called into Continassa to discuss Yildiz’s future with general manager Damien Comolli over the last week.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Juventus are prepared to offer Yildiz a salary in the region of €5m to €6m per season, which will make one of the highest earners in the current Juventus squad. Only the recent free agent Jonathan David and fellow centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic earn above the €6m-per-season mark in net salary in the current Juventus set-up.
Fabio Capello has had his say on Inter after their 3-1 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Napoli in Serie A on Saturday evening, and while he admits that Kevin De Bruyne’s penalty was ‘non-existent’, he feels that the Nerazzurri can only look at themselves.
Napoli returned to the top of the Serie A standings thanks to their 3-1 win over Cristian Chivu’s side, courtesy of goals from De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. Hakan Calhanoglu’s second-half penalty was not enough for Inter to get back into it.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sporting Mixed Zone ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
Capello agrees with the Inter camp that De Bruyne’s penalty was ‘non-existent’, and that it impacted the rest of the game, but he also feels that Inter were ‘unrecognisable’ in their performance.
“It’s true that it was a non-existent penalty that shifted the balance of the game, the one from which De Bruyne broke the deadlock. It is also true that this should not and cannot be an excuse for the Nerazzurri,” Capello explained in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column.
“Aside from Bastoni hitting the crossbar and Dumfries the post, Inter were unrecognisable. There was space in behind for Napoli to counter attack every time they lost the ball, and the thing that surprised me the most was the lack of balance between the different departments. That had been the strength that pushed Lautaro and his teammates to seven wins in a row across all competitions.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli scores his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Capello feels that Chivu’s decision to give his players an extra day off after their recent Champions League victory over Union Saint-Gilloise was a mistake that backfired.
“Maybe the victory against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League ended up affecting Inter too much, overconfidence in football can play tricks on you.
“In retrospect, it felt that the decision to give the players a day off between the trip to Brussels and the trip to Naples was an attempt to lighten the load within the group. The Inter coach is usually good at calming his players’ minds, and attempted a difficult move, but evidently, it wasn’t enough.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
And in terms of Inter’s play on the pitch, Capello said: “they often looked messy, and those who came off the bench, this time, took away more than they added. Instead of looking for speed, the changes off the bench tried to carry the ball too much.
“Missteps are part of any season, and nothing has been fully compromised. Milan happened to slow down the other night against Pisa, too, Inter slipped during a Scudetto clash against the reigning champions.
“The Nerazzurri have all the tools required to get back on their feet immediately, as long as they understand that they have to give more than what they showed on Saturday. Without that unity and purpose, they will not go far.”
Paulo Dybala is expected to lead the line again for Roma when they take on Sassuolo in the league on Sunday afternoon, aiming to draw themselves level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings.
The weekend’s fixtures thus far have fallen relatively favourably for the Giallorossi: Inter were beaten by Napoli, while Milan had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Pisa, which means that Roma will draw level with the Partenopei at the top of the standings with a win against Sassuolo.
Pre-match reports suggest that Gian Piero Gaperini will continue to leave both Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson on the bench in favour of Dybala at centre-forward. If that is the case, then Matias Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini are expected to provide the support in attack.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between against FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Kostas Tsimikas is set for another start in the absence of Angelino, unavailable through injury. Wesley is expected to start on the opposite flank.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Players of AS Roma pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK with DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Juventus will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday evening.
The Bianconeri are without a win in any competition since September 13, but encouraged with their performance midweek despite ultimately falling to a 1-0 defeat away against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Lazio, meanwhile, are unbeaten across their last three, having drawn 0-0 with Atalanta last week, which followed a 3-3 draw with Torino and a 3-0 win away against Genoa the week before.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Biancocelesti are without Taty Castellanos, Nicolo Rovella and Samuel Gigot through injury. Nuno Tavares, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Matteo Cancellieri could also miss out. Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal are Juventus’s only major injury absentees, aside from veteran goalkeeper Carlo Pinsoglio and centre-forward Arkadiusz Milik.
The Biancocelesti are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 with their attack led by Boulaye Dia at centre-forward. Gustav Isaksen and Mattia Zaccagni are expected to provide the support from the wings.
It remains to be seen who will lead the line for Juventus. Some pre-match reports suggest that Tudor will switch to a 3-5-2 that will see strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David start up front alongside each other.
Kenan Yildiz is expected to drop out of the starting line-up as he overcomes a minor knee issue, while Mattia Perin could come in for Michele Di Gregorio in goal.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 10: Alberto Costa is challenged during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on May 10, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and through DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Debatable penalty from De Bruyne (who gets hrt while scoring the goal for 1-0). Marotta: ‘We’re angry, it changed the game’. Conte: ‘Stop acting like the pope’. Arguments and insults with Lautaro. Goals from McTominay and Anguissa, Calhanoglu’s penalty unhelpful
Juve
Tudor: ‘Not afraid’. David with Vlahovic, Yildiz on the bench, but he is about to sign
Roma
Dybala attack, they need goals to take the lead
Corriere dello Sport
Napoli cackle
Conte silences Inter and Marotta
What a lesson: 3-1
The champions return to first place: Gasp’s Roma could draw level today
De Bruyne, McTominay and Anguissa decide the clash. Calhanoglu’s goal at 2-1 no good. The President: ‘Their victory came from a soft penalty’. Antonio: ‘Those are excuses, I wouldn’t have let one of my directors complain like that’. Sparks also fly with Lautaro at the end
Tudor wall: ‘Sacked? I’m not afraid’
Lazio-Juve at 19.45: Igor hasn’t won in seven games
The Croatian: ‘Yildiz being like Del Piero? Comparisons are tricky’. Sarri: ‘We might have different ideas to Lotito, but our relationship is normal’
Kean and Castro, Derby call
Fiorentina-Bologna at the Franchi
The viola have lost three in three at home in the league. The Argentine could push Italiano to -2 from Napoli
Tuttosport
‘I’m not afraid’
Tudor against his Old Lazio. Needs to find goals and wins again. ‘I’m not afraid of the sack. And I want a more attacking Juve’
The coach protects his team: ‘I’m only thinking about the players, not about myself’, and tries to take the pressure off Yildiz: ‘Like Del Piero? Calm down’. Tempted to play the Turk with Conceicao behind Vlahovic and David. Zhegrova case. Perin in goal?
Conte rises Napoli, Inter and Lautaro on a tilt
Penalties, woodwork, battles, injuries, scuffles: The 3-1 at the MAradona had it all
‘Go on Toro! Ride the wave of enthusiasm’
Against Genoa at 11.30, in a full stadium
Baroni: ‘The hug with the supporters was great, we can’t take anything for granted now’ Cholito looking for his third consecutive goal. Israel out, there’s Paleari
Gasp to Dybala: ‘Words weren’t right, score goals and assist, you’
Napoli are anxiously awaiting news of tests on the Kevin De Bruyne injury, as he was spotted using crutches and there are fears it is a similar problem he had at Manchester City in 2023.
There was no time to celebrate, as he immediately clutched the back of his right thigh, and seemed to be in tears when consoled by teammates.
De Bruyne carried off during Napoli 3-1 Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Unable to put his right foot down even with arms around two Napoli medical staff, De Bruyne was eventually put on the motorised stretcher to get him back to the locker room.
He came back out for the second half using crutches to take his seat on the bench and watch the final 20 minutes of the match, but it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action for.
The worrying thing is this is an injury in a similar spot to the one that kept him out for four months from August to December 2023 at Manchester City.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Initial reports are that it might not be quite as serious as that, but that with the memory of that setback, De Bruyne was anxiously trying to avoid making the situation worse.
Napoli have been beset by injury problems this season, as Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for four months by a tear in the back of his thigh.
Ivan Juric told Marco Carnesecchi he needs to ‘talk less’ after Atalanta were held to another disappointing draw by Cremonese. ‘We had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.’
La Dea managed to maintain their unbeaten Serie A record at the Stadio Zini thanks to a goal from substitute Marco Brescianini, after Jamie Vardy had put Cremonese in front with his debut goal.
“I did not like the team in the first half, they were sluggish, and it’s not just about the Champions League, because I didn’t like the way those who were rotated played either,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.
“After the break, we did the usual thing of creating a ton of chances and then allowing a counter-attack, which can happen in football. We did much better, but once again we had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.”
Juric sees recurring Atalanta problem
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Although they are yet to taste defeat in Italy, the fact remains Atalanta have just 12 points, because they have drawn six of their eight games in the league.
Including the Champions League, they’ve played four consecutive stalemates, which means they have just one point more than newly-promoted Cremonese.
In his post-match interview, Marco Carnesecchi said that Atalanta had to change gear or they would “go nowhere” with this pace of results.
Juric was told about the comments and did not appreciate the constructive criticism.
“Marco is an ambitious guy, but he was completely wrong. His job is to save shots, be professional and talk a lot less. That’s true of many players, not just him,” replied the coach.
“I am very satisfied with the overall performances, but when we keep creating these chances and don’t win for several games in a row, it irritates me. I don’t think Carnesecchi is suited to talk about this situation.
“Carnesecchi is a good lad, he’s doing really well and I see how hard he works, but all these players are working their socks off. If we create 20-25 chances every game and don’t score, there are reasons for it. Lookman and Scamacca didn’t train over the summer, so they need to get into shape.”
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores a goal before the goal was canceled due offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Atalanta have put together a streak of disappointing draws against teams they had expected to beat, whereas the upcoming fixture list includes Milan, Udinese, Olympique Marseille, Sassuolo, Napoli, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina.
Will they be able to create this many chances to score in those games?
“We have dropped points, that is true, and we need to improve, but we also saw strong performances against teams like Juventus and Club Brugge,” assured Juric.
Jamie Vardy is ‘over the moon’ with his first Serie A goal, albeit with regrets that Cremonese were held to a draw, but reveals extra motivation for learning Italian. ‘My kids will take the mickey!’
The veteran finally made his mark this evening by giving Cremonese the lead against Atalanta at the Stadio Zini, his first goal since making the move as a free agent over the summer.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I’m over the moon to get my first goal, but taking the lead that late on, I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t get the three points. Still, it’s a step in the right direction,” Vardy told Sky Sport Italia.
There had been doubts about his fitness levels at the age of 38, but the former Leicester City legend showed he is in good shape with some acrobatic backflips to celebrate.
“I feel great. I look after myself, make sure I do all the right recovery and as close to 100 per cent for each game as and when they come. If the manager wants me to play, then I’m all ready to go, and then that decision is up to the manager. I’m ready whenever.”
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores before the goal was disallowed due to being offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The Premier League winner was asked what differences he has found between English football and Serie A after these first few months of the experience.
“It’s more tactical and possession based in Serie A, you get to the Premier League and it’s all high intensity, fast paced, normally end to end. Here you have more time on the ball, you need to make sure you’re in the right positions.
“At the end of the day, football is football, we just have to make sure we’re on it 100 per cent every week. It’s 11 against 11 every week, anyone can beat anyone, so as long as we’re fully on it, we know that we can pick up points no matter who we’re playing.”
Has Vardy learned any Italian since making the move to Cremonese?
“I only know the basics, good morning, thank you, numbers, but I’ll be taking lessons as of next week, so hopefully that will start the bringing on the language a bit more. I have to learn, as my kids are learning, and I can’t have them learning it before me, otherwise they’ll be taking the mickey out of me!”
Jamie Vardy scored his first Cremonese goal and celebrated with backflips, but Atalanta still got back with Marco Brescianini for yet another stalemate.
These teams have both proved themselves hard to beat, but also struggled to get victories. The hosts had drawn four of the last five, with Lameck Banda, Giuseppe Pezzella, Alberto Grassi, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo out injured. La Dea were the only Serie A side still unbeaten this season, but had drawn five of the seven and played a disappointing Champions League 0-0 with Slavia Prague midweek too. Giorgio Scalvini, Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker were the only remaining absentees.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marco Silvestri of US Cremonese competes for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Charles De Ketelaere ran onto the Ederson through ball and should’ve gone for goal rather than rolling it across for Nikola Krstovic.
Isak Hien made a decisive interception to prevent Jamie Vardy nodding in from six yards, while Federico Baschirotto made practically a goal-line clearance on the Krstovic header from Raoul Bellanova’s hook back.
Marco Carnesecchi had his gloves stung by a Tommaso Barbieri strike, with Marco Silvestri doing the same on a Krstovic angled drive.
De Ketelaere aimed a weak totally free header straight at Silvestri on Ademola Lookman’s cross, while Lookman had two angled drives charged down by Baschirotto and Filippo Terracciano.
After the restart, Barbieri flung himself in the path of a Krstovic volley from 10 yards, then when Jamie Vardy had the ball in the net on 56 minutes with a delicate finish, he was flagged offside.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marten de Roon of Atalanta ia during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Lazar Samardzic came off the bench and forced a tricky low save out of Silvestri by drilling through a defender’s legs at the base of the near post.
Terracciano also used his body to charge down Lookman’s curler from the edge of the box, while Silvestri got down quickly to fingertip a Samardzic daisy-cutter round the base of the upright. On the resulting corner, Marten de Roon’s volley flashed inches wide.
Instead, it was Cremonese who took the lead with the first Italian goal for Vardy. Carnesecchi stuck out a leg for a stunning save on Alessio Zerbin’s angled drive from eight yards, but could do nothing on the Vardy follow-up. The English veteran celebrated with some acrobatic backflips.
However, Atalanta kept pushing, and after another big Silvestri reaction save on Gianluca Scamacca, Marco Brescianini thumped the rebound into the far bottom corner from just inside the area on the half-volley.
Cristian Chivu and Antonio Conte continued to trade insults in the press room after Napoli’s 3-1 win, the Inter coach noting he ‘isn’t interested in complaining or showing how great I am.’
There had already been tension on the touchline at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with a scuffle that broke out between the Partenopei bench, Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Martinez.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
When Chivu spoke at the press conference, he sent out what seemed to be some barbed comments aimed at Conte.
“The club has to the right to do whatever it feels is right. I as a coach remain consistent, I will never come here to complain,” said the Romanian.
“I have a different approach to some others, I am not interested in my reputation, nor at showing how great I am. I am what I am, I try to transmit those values to the players.
“I am trying to change things, even if I do it by myself. As long as I am here, I will try to change the way football is perceived in Italy. They are accustomed here to moaning and crying over spilt milk.
“We need to change things in the right way. I am not interested in what other people think about me.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
So is Chivu not going to say anything about the controversial penalty awarded to Napoli in this 3-1 defeat?
“We will wait to hear the explanation. We don’t have to seek excuses or alibis, we just have to think about our football. We must be positive and remain on the bench.
“After all, they won’t change their decisions based on protests, so it’s a waste of energy.”
Cristian Chivu believes Inter lost 3-1 to Napoli because they ‘wasted energy arguing’ with the opposition bench, but feels ‘even more confident’ of their future success.
The Nerazzurri were the favourites going into the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after winning their last seven on the bounce in all competition, while the Partenopei were struggling with an injury crisis.
However, a controversial Kevin De Bruyne penalty, Scott McTominay and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa counter-attacks sealed the result, despite a Hakan Calhanoglu spot-kick.
Chivu refuses to discuss Napoli-Inter controversy
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale stands disappointed in front of referee Maurizio Mariani during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I would like to talk about the good things the players did in the first half. We tried to stay in the game after that, to keep our balance, but we hit the woodwork twice and reacted to going behind.
“We lost our balance in the second half because we were so eager to get the game back on track, so we conceded for 2-0. Despite that, we were still able to get back into it, then wasted energy arguing with their bench and from that moment on we lost sharpness.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ange-Yoan Bonny of FC Internazionale battles for possession with Alessandro Buongiorno and Leonardo Spinazzola of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The argument was largely between the Napoli staff and coach Antonio Conte, Inter players Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Martinez.
After that, the hosts scored a third goal with Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa after a flicked-on throw-in.
“It is down to the waste of energy that we threw away for nothing. We should’ve understood the moments of the match,” continued Chivu.
“In the second goal, we didn’t sense the danger, as there were so many of us pushing and building, we were unprepared on a ball Spinazzola just hit upfield to McTominay.
“Then we reacted too slowly to the third goal, which was down to losing sharpness. We cannot concede so easily from a throw-in.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter had won seven in a row in all competition before this setback, but it is the second Scudetto showdown defeat after their 4-3 to Juventus.
“I am proud of what the lads are doing, and even more confident after tonight,” assured Chivu.
“I saw a great first half, despite the Napoli enthusiasm, as we were dominant. We came here to play our game, but unfortunately this is football. You have to maintain concentration and we lacked something in the second half.”
There was an extremely tense moment on the touchline between Denzel Dumfries and the Napoli bench, which then saw Antonio Conte and Lautaro Martinez exchange ugly hand gestures.
“I don’t know what happened and I don’t care. I will tell the players in future not to waste their energy just to argue. We’ve got to focus on the game and where we want to go,” concluded Chivu.
Antonio Conte angrily hit back at Inter for ‘creating alibis’ over the penalty, lashed out at Lautaro Martinez, and assured Napoli ‘had no intention of getting killed’ today.
The Partenopei came into this game with an injury crisis and losing four of their last seven competitive games, including a 6-2 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven midweek.
When they took the lead with a Kevin De Bruyne penalty, the former Manchester City midfielder injured his right hamstring in the process and might be out for a while, as he was spotted on the bench towards the end with crutches.
Scott McTominay doubled their lead, then Hakan Calhanoglu converted a spot-kick, but Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa completed the 3-1 rout.
Conte had a fiery contribution
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I live the game with my players, for good and bad, and we played against in my view the best squad in Italy,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“They dropped some points along the way, but their squad is on paper on a completely different level to all the others. They didn’t get to the Champions League Final twice in three years because of a fluke.
“To have won this game, with all the difficulties that we had, missing players like Lobotka, Rrahmani, Meret and Hojlund, then losing De Bruyne, with Lukaku out since pre-season…
“Perhaps someone has cursed us, but we keep going anyway. Inter came here today aiming to on a sporting level ‘kill’ us, as they were in great shape and coming off a run of seven straight wins, facing a side like ours that had lost to Torino and Eindhoven.
“If you understand that moment of the campaign, you have to kill your opponent, but we had no intention of dying. In amongst all those problems, we put in a great performance.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
There was a moment of real tension too, as Conte was booked for his part in a touchline scuffle involving Denzel Dumfries and especially Lautaro Martinez, as the coach exchanged some rather harsh hand gestures with the Inter captain.
Was there something left over from the time they worked together at Inter?
“When you play games at this level, these things can happen,” noted the coach.
“I just want to remind Inter that I brought the Scudetto back to the club after 10 years, including nine consecutive Juventus titles, and you know what that means to me. I retain very good memories of that experience.
“Lautaro is a very good player, perhaps I didn’t get to know him that well on a personal level. I wish him all the best, that’s fine.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“Inter send Marotta and the directors whenever they get the opportunity, whereas at Napoli I come here,” replied Conte.
“A team has to evaluate and realise why they lost, doing this they just create alibis for the players and coach. I would not have allowed it. Now Marotta is President, but it’s not right that he has to come here and make these statements…
“I say with all due respect for the director, leave these things to the people who actually participated in the match, because it is diminishing the role of the coach too.
“I always stood up for myself, so a club making these sorts of statements… It’s fine,” concluded a visibly irritated Conte.
Scott McTominay reveals he had a surprising problem scoring for Napoli against Inter, while Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa gives his view on the tactical change.
The Partenopei were not the favourites going into this Scudetto showdown, as they had lost four of their last seven competitive games, whereas the Nerazzurri had won seven on the bounce.
However, a Kevin De Bruyne penalty, McTominay screamer and Anguissa counter-attack cancelled out the Hakan Calhanoglu penalty to seal a 3-1 victory.
Napoli thank McTominay and Anguissa goals
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Frank Zambo Anguissa of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I don’t know if we sent a signal, but we have to take it one game at a time and the objective is to keep winning. We pushed hard, we won as a team, and had the right attitude,” Anguissa told DAZN Italia.
Napoli changed to a 4-3-3 system after De Bruyne went off injured, and that seemed to give them more balance, not to mention being familiar from last season.
“I wouldn’t say the system made the difference, but rather the approach. We had energy, we wanted to win, we work on many different systems in training and ultimately the coach decides. We are here just to follow his instructions.”
This puts Napoli top of the table, as AC Milan were held 2-2 by Pisa last night, while Roma could join them with a victory away to Sassuolo tomorrow.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli scores his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
McTominay scored his first home goal since the Scudetto winner against Cagliari back in May, so he only seems to reserve his goals for some big fixtures.
“We knew we had to give a reaction after the Champions League and I thought we did that really well. Inter are a top team with great players, but it was a top response,” McTominay told DAZN Italia.
When asked about the pass from Leonardo Spinazzola, the Scotland international revealed some difficulty with the situation.
“I lost it in the lights, so the pass took me by surprise, the lights are so bright I couldn’t see it. Then I just thought to shoot. Leo is a top player, he put in some great passes this year, now we need to find that consistency so we can continue to push.”
Inter President Giuseppe Marotta took the unusual step of speaking to the media after the 3-1 defeat to Napoli, complaining the controversial penalty was ‘decisive to shift the balance.’
The Nerazzurri were the favourites going into this clash, having won their last seven competitive games in a row, but they were beaten 3-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The deadlock was broken by a very controversial penalty, converted by Kevin De Bruyne, then Scott McTominay doubled the lead with a ferocious strike.
Hakan Calhanoglu also converted from the spot, while Alessandro Bastoni and Denzel Dumfries hit the woodwork, but Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa sealed the 3-1 result after a throw-in.
Inter President Marotta leads protest against refereeing
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale stands disappointed in front of referee Maurizio Mariani during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Rather than coach Cristian Chivu, it was President Marotta who arrived first at the post-match interview area.
“My presence is simply a contribution I wish to give to the football movement and I too am eager to understand,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.
“Even though Napoli eventually legitimised the victory, largely in the final 20 minutes, the penalty was decisive to shift the balance of the game. It came from an evaluation made by the assistant referee. It is clear the referee was in the perfect position to evaluate, he viewed it and turned away, then blew the whistle eight seconds later.
“I thought this was an ideal situation for VAR to intervene, seeing as the referee had initially evaluated and ignored the situation. The footage would’ve allowed the referee to view it again and make his own decision.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Giovanni Di Lorenzo had run into the box and gone down between a Henrikh Mkhitaryan nudge and the Francesco Acerbi sliding tackle in front, but neither of them seemed to make any significant contact.
The penalty seemed odd because the referee turned his back to the move and walked away, but eight seconds later he blew the whistle, having evidently been told by his assistant that it was a foul.
“Napoli’s victory was sparked by this incident, then of course they won 3-1 eventually, but if we look at the dynamics behind the penalty, it is a reflection that Rocchi has made more than once, saying no more soft penalties. Many journalists and your refereeing pundit Luca Marelli all said this is not a penalty,” continued Marotta.
“We need to understand what a penalty is and is not. I am someone who would prefer to keep the referee at the centre, and if he saw the incident and turned away, then listened to the assistant manager in a worse position, he let himself be influenced far too easily.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter went into the break 1-0 down, having hit the frame of the goal twice with Alessandro Bastoni and Denzel Dumfries.
“I was in the locker room at half time and clearly that penalty had a strong effect on the mood of the team. I am not saying Napoli would not have won anyway, but we are here to protest the way the penalty was assigned.”
There was some tension on the touchline when Inter captain Lautaro Martinez exchanged some harsh words and hand gestures with Napoli coach Antonio Conte. Did this go back to their time together at Inter?
“No, these things happen on the field, we see this a lot in football. I wouldn’t say too much about that,” concluded Marotta.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 6; Di Lorenzo 6.5, Buongiorno 5.5, Juan Jesus 6.5, Spinazzola 6.5; Gilmour 5.5; Politano 6 (81′ Elmas N/A), Anguissa 7.5, De Bruyne 6 (37′ Olivera 6), McTominay 7; Neres 6.5 (81′ Lang N/A). Coach: Conte 7.
Best Napoli player: Anguissa 7.5 – The second half was absolutely stunning. Anguissa dominated in central midfield and even scored the third goal for the Partenopei, finalising a perfect counter-attack.
Lowest Napoli rating: Buongiorno 5.5 – Same rating as Gilmour, but Buongiorno caused a penalty kick with a clumsy handball that could have had worse consequences for the Partenopei.
Napoli coach: Conte 7 – His argument with Lautaro is already a classic scene in Italian football, but Conte will rightly make headlines thanks to a perfect game plan. Napoli were happy to leave the ball to Inter and hurt the Nerazzurri on counter-attacks. The penalty kick in the first half, more than debatable, helped them, but the Napoli defending was even more resolute once they took the lead.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Best Inter player: Calhanoglu 7 – Converted a spot kick to keep Inter in the game and maintained a high passing accuracy despite the physicality and press from Napoli midfielders. It wasn’t enough to get a result.
Lowest Inter rating: Acerbi and Akanji 5 – Both poor in the build-up, but mostly unable to cope with Napoli’s counter-attacks, especially in the second half.
Inter coach: Chivu 5 – Inter were probably the better side in the first half and had a convincing reaction after Napoli had taken the lead. However, they showed no balance and were too exposed defensively after the break. Not even Calhanoglu’s goal gave them the push to go for the equaliser.
Napoli surged back to the top of the table after a tense victory over an Inter side that had won seven on the bounce, including a controversial penalty and serious Kevin De Bruyne injury.
This was a title showdown last season and again crucial for top spot here, especially after Milan’s 2-2 draw with Pisa last night. The Partenopei were in crisis after losing four of their last seven official games, including a 6-2 hammering at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday. Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku were injured, so David Neres was launched as a False 9. The Nerazzurri missed Marcus Thuram and Matteo Darmian, but had won their last seven in all competition.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: David Neres of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Alessandro Bastoni nodded a corner just wide and Hakan Calhanoglu bent his finish past the post in the opening minutes, then Vanja Milinkovic-Savic rushed out to deny Lautaro Martinez one-on-one after Nicolò Barella intercepted a Leonardo Spinazzola pass.
During a spell of Napoli pressure, the referee pointed to the spot several seconds after Giovanni Di Lorenzo went over between a Henrikh Mkhitaryan nudge and over the Francesco Acerbi sliding tackle. It was a call from the assistant referee, which was then not considered a clear and obvious error by the VAR. Mkhitaryan injured himself in the process and was replaced by ex-Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne stepped up and converted into the near bottom corner, but then immediately clutched the back of his right leg and was distraught, suffering an apparent hamstring strain. The Belgian hobbled off barely able to put his right foot down, another injury for the crowded Napoli treatment room.
Kevin De Bruyne pulled a muscle in the process of putting Napoli ahead against Inter pic.twitter.com/SKnGHnsXHN
Inter had a huge opportunity to equalise on a corner, but Alessandro Bastoni’s free header thumped the crossbar with Milinkovic-Savic well beaten.
There was a double chance when Milinkovic-Savic only parried the Calhanoglu strike, then Dumfries pulled back from the right for Lautaro Martinez to sweep first time, shaving a coat of paint off the far post.
Moments later, Dumfries came even closer, his header clipping the outside of the upright on a Bastoni cross.
Calhanoglu fired over from the edge of the area after the restart, but just as Inter were pouring forward seeking an equaliser, they were caught on the counter-attack. Leonardo Spinazzola’s pass allowed McTominay to spring the offside trap in the centre-circle, sprinting forward and letting it bounce to hit the ferocious right-foot half-volley into the far bottom corner.
Inter got back into the game though, as VAR spotted Alessandro Buongiorno with arm raised to charge down the Lautaro Martinez header, and Calhanoglu beat specialist Milinkovic-Savic from the penalty spot.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli scores his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The tension erupted with a scuffle on the touchline sparked by Dumfries and the Napoli bench, resulting in some harsh hand gestures between Lautaro Martinez and Antonio Conte.
Napoli struck again on the counter, as a throw-in was knocked down and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa ran from midfield, getting away from Manuel Akanji and Dumfries to blast the finish past Sommer.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa extends Napoli’s advantage against Inter with a brilliant run pic.twitter.com/8IQYpqSR1h
David Neres had the chance to add a fourth on the counter, but he hesitated too long, had his finish charged down, then struggled with cramp. Francesco Pio Esposito nodded an Akanji cross over the bar in stoppages.
Antonio Conte and Lautaro Martinez were caught on camera insulting each other during the second half of a tense Napoli-Inter on Saturday.
The incident happened around minute 61 after an argument had sparked between Napoli and Inter players.
What Conte and Lautaro said in tense Napoli-Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale protest with referee Maurizio Marian during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Lautaro, who had played under Conte at Inter, was seen pointing at the Italian tactician and making a gesture as to say: ‘You are sh****** yourself,’ but the Napoli boss replied (via Daniele Mari): ‘Wrap your laughing gear around this,’ also making an unequivocal gesture.
Napoli were leading 2-1, but Hakan Calhanoglu had just scored a penalty kick goal to put Inter back into the game.
Conte and Lautaro already argued during the Italian tactician’s final season at the Stadio Meazza in 2020-21.
When Conte and Lautaro argued at Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
That time, Lautaro openly complained about a substitution and kicked a bottle on the touchline.
Conte didn’t take it well and hit back at the Argentine, telling him to shut up.
Inter players and staff members jokingly organised a boxing fight at Inter’s training ground a few days later to clear the air between the two.
Watch as Scott McTominay scores a spectacular strike to double Napoli’s lead in the Scudetto showdown with Inter, picking up where he left off last season.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Scotland international was the key player in their Serie A title success during his maiden campaign with the club, earning the crown of Player of the Season, as well as a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
He showed why this evening when facing Inter at the Stadio Maradona, as he started the run from the centre-circle onto an inspired Leonardo Spinazzola pass, let it bounce and thumped the ferocious finish on the half-volley into the far bottom corner.
DAZN reports that Antonio Conte urged Kevin De Bruyne to take a penalty against Inter instead of David Neres, but referee pundit Luca Marelli argues that the spot kick should have been revoked by VAR.
Napoli took the lead in the first half of a home game against Inter on Saturday thanks to a penalty kick converted by De Bruyne, who even got injured while kicking the ball.
DAZN reports that David Neres had already put the ball under his arm to take the penalty, but Conte said De Bruyne should have stepped up instead.
David Neres not allowed to take Napoli penalty
Napoli’s forward David Neres celebrates a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs Como 1907 at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 04 October 2024. EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE
According to the report, Conte told Matteo Politano to inform his teammates that KDB should have taken the spot kick.
There will surely be controversy regarding the penalty given to the Partenopei, which was awarded for a Henrikh Mkhitaryan foul on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli scores a penalty goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
DAZN referee pundit Luca Marelli has already claimed that it was a wrong call from the official Maurizio Mariani and the VAR.
Marelli: ‘Napoli-Inter penalty should have been revoked’
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“I repeat that there was no penalty for Napoli. It should have been overturned by VAR,” Marelli said via Daniele Mari.
“The contact was clearly initiated by Di Lorenzo. Mkhitaryan did not move towards Di Lorenzo. There was no foul from Acerbi, who played the ball. It’s a penalty that should have been revoked.”
It went from celebration to drama in the space of a second for Kevin De Bruyne, as he converted a penalty to give them the lead against Inter, then sustained a serious injury in the process.
The Belgium international was not seemingly even meant to take the spot-kick, as David Neres had initially taken the ball, but the order came from Antonio Conte on the touchline to hand it to De Bruyne.
Napoli joy and pain for De Bruyne
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It proved a correct decision, as the former Manchester City midfielder converted past Yann Sommer to put his team in front.
However, the player immediately grabbed the back of his right thigh and had to be consoled by teammates rather than surrounded in celebration, as it immediately looked to be serious.
Kevin De Bruyne pulled a muscle in the process of putting Napoli ahead against Inter pic.twitter.com/SKnGHnsXHN
De Bruyne was substituted by Matias Olivera and could not even put his right foot down when held up by two members of the Napoli medical staff.
He eventually had to be taken away on the motorised stretcher to applause from the Napoli fans at the Stadio Maradona.
It adds to the growing list of Partenopei injuries, as they already went into this Scudetto showdown without Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku.
What a bizarre few moments in Naples…
Kevin de Bruyne steps up to take the penalty for Napoli and appears to pull his thigh as he scores pic.twitter.com/ICcaJ8Xuf9
Alessandro Bastoni warns Inter must be ‘on guard’ because Napoli will be fired up to put their recent problems behind them, but is sure Cristian Chivu is ‘the right coach’ for the task.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Napoli are the reigning Champions of Italy after pipping Inter to the title in the final day last season, but have struggled to balance European commitments with Serie A football this time around.
They have lost four of their last seven games, whereas the Nerazzurri are on sparkling form with seven consecutive victories in all competition.
Bastoni expects Napoli fightback
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale warms up prior to the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We went through moments like that too, and we know that a wounded team will be even more fired up than usual to give their all in front of these passionate home fans, so we’ve got to be on guard, Napoli will come out fighting,” Bastoni told DAZN Italia.
It had been said that this ageing Inter side had to be totally torn apart and rebuilt after Simone Inzaghi’s departure, but Chivu is making the best out of essentially the same players.
“Teams that have to be revolutionised don’t reach the Champions League Final,” insisted Bastoni.
“We needed to be shaken up, as losing two Champions League Finals in three years is tough, it’s not easy to start from scratch every time. We found the right coach in Chivu, he showed understanding, and we are glad to have him here.”
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo admits they are ‘trying to do something different’ against Inter, as Antonio Conte reshuffles his pack with a False 9.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
The injury crisis continues with Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku on the treatment table, but Lorenzo Lucca is shelved in favour of David Neres as the centre-forward.
Di Lorenzo overseeing Napoli experiments
epa11999973 Napoli’s forward David Neres in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs AC Milan at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 30 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CIRO FUSCO
“We are trying to do something different, but without losing our tactical balance. We need to find the right medium, as great teams fall, but they know how to get back on their feet. We are against very strong opponents and want to challenge ourselves today,” Di Lorenzo told DAZN Italia.
There was reportedly a crisis meeting where Antonio Conte pushed the ‘old guard’ in the squad to give a bigger contribution, and Di Lorenzo acknowledges the importance of their role.
“Those of us who have been here for longer have to inspire the new arrivals. We need to rediscover the spirit that we had last season, and we certainly didn’t see in Eindhoven. The desire to fight together, defend together, attack together, that was the key to our success last season.”
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli lifts the Serie A TIM Scudetto title trophy after his team’s victory in the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli won their second Serie A title in three years after a head to head battle with Inter that lasted to the final day, allowing them to secure the Scudetto.
Now those teams meet again at the Stadio Maradona and are once more fighting for top spot, as AC Milan were held 2-2 by Pisa last night.
Inter President Giuseppe Marotta insists they are back to the ‘normality’ of winning ways as they visit Napoli, noting Cristian Chivu is now ‘respected by many who criticised him.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
The Nerazzurri had stuttered early into Chivu’s reign, losing to Udinese and Juventus, but have now won seven on the bounce between Serie A and the Champions League.
Marotta and Inter had faith in Chivu
CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Giuseppe Marotta president of Inter looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on December 28, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“If we look back, then that defeat to Juve was also paradoxical, as we had been winning until stoppages,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.
“Aside from that, the change was a natural result of Chivu’s daily work in training, the way the team put the work in with the staff, and with all due humility and respect, we got back to the normality of winning ways.
“We are a big club and therefore destined to follow a certain path to go as high as possible. We are second in the table, facing the reigning champions of Italy, so we need an extraordinary performance. You can just sense the atmosphere from the fans in this stadium and how important the game is.”
Inter missed out on the Scudetto in a battle that raged to the final day last season, and this is another head-to-head for top spot, as Milan were held 2-2 by Pisa last night.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu issues instructions to his players during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It’s not an alibi, but Chivu had his first official game in charge during the Club World Cup, just days after the end of the previous season. It was atypical, so was the fact we could not have a ‘normal’ pre-season training routine,” added Marotta.
“We managed eventually to deal with these situations, but nobody should be surprised at how good a coach Chivu is. We evaluated this choice and knew who we were dealing with, so we’re not surprised that he is now respected by many who had criticised him.”
Napoli director Giovanni Manna assures Antonio Conte’s complaints are ‘not alibis,’ but also warns they don’t want to ‘get sucked into a negative vortex’ ahead of facing Inter.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Scott McTominay of Napoli looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between PSV Eindhoven and SSC Napoli at PSV Stadion on October 21, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Conte had complained repeatedly that Napoli needed time to find their form after bringing in nine new faces, which was reiterated by Manna.
“The coach said things we’ve been saying since the start of the season, as we needed to change nine players and that is not an alibi. Conte speaks for the good of Napoli, it is only normal that with so many changes, it will take a while to recreate the right alchemy.
“If we add some serious injuries, as Rrahmani only played two games, Buongiorno just returned, we were without seven players against Torino, it makes consistency difficult.
“We are not happy, as we suffered a heavy defeat making mistakes that were not like us. Now we want to get back on track, we’re against an Inter side who are in incredible form, brought in some fresh faces to reinvigorate them, so it’s going to be tough.”
Alex Meret fractured a finger in training, joining Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku on the treatment table.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: David Neres of Napoli is challenged by of Devyne Rensch of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rather than start Lorenzo Lucca, who was sent off in the Champions League after another misfiring performance, it is David Neres chosen as a False 9.
“These are important absences, as we are missing the spine of the team. If you are out for 10 days, you miss four games now. Again, this is not an alibi, it is just something to be acknowledged. We don’t want to be sucked into a negative vortex that would not be helpful to anyone,” concluded Manna.
“Neres is an alternative, he has quality and pace, the game lasts 90 minutes and changes are important. It is a different tactical solution.”
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