Lecce picked up a massively important 2-0 victory away against Cagliari in Serie A on Monday evening, which has lifted them out of the relegation zone at the expense of Fiorentina and has also drawn Genoa and Cremonses back into the dogfight: Omri Gandelman and Ylber Ramadani with the goals at the Unipol Domus. 

Click here to see how the teams lined up.

Riccardo Sottil came close after 28 minutes when the ball bounced up for him inside the penalty area, but the former Fiorentina man saw his shot sail over the crossbar. 

Gabriele Zappa also had an opportunity on the half volley inside the area down at the other end. The ball set up kinder for him than it did for Sottil, but he too blazed over the crossbar with his effort. 

The eventual Lecce opener couldn’t have come in much simpler circumstances. Sottil stood over a free kick just off the right flank, he lofted one into the area where January signing Gandelman rose and powered in a header from the edge of the six-yard box. 

That was the Israel international’s second goal in as many matches for the Salentini. 

It was another set-piece that indirectly led to Lecce doubling their advantage 10 minutes later. 

Another Sottil free-kick off the right was aimed at Gandelman again, but he was unable to get his head on it this time. Cagliari struggled to clear their lines, Ramadani found himself on the left corner of the penalty area and managed to squeeze a shot past Elia Caprile. 

The Cagliari stopper presumably saw the shot late, but will have been disappointed to have been beaten from that angle and range.  

This is an enormous three points for Lecce in their bid to avoid relegation to Serie B. They move out of the relegation zone and move three points above Fiorentina, and are now level on points with Genoa and Cremonese in 15th and 16th respectively.  

Cagliari now sit just four points above Lecce and have a seven-point cushion between themselves and the bottom three. 

Cagliari 0-2 Lecce

Gandelman 64’, Ramadani 76’. 

16-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 25

Unipol Domus (Sardegna Arena)

Cagliari

Lecce

Live

0 - 0

Cagliari

Lecce

Starting lineups

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

16

Omri Gandelman

Midfielder

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

23

Riccardo Sottil

Attacker

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

99

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

Substitutes

4

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

39

Andrea Cogoni

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

36

Filip Marchwinski

Midfielder

18

Gaby Jean

Defender

8

Sadik Fofana

Defender

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

79

Oumar Ngom

Midfielder

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

Raffaele Palladino has given his pre-match thoughts ahead of Atalanta’s Champions League play-off tie against Borussia Dortmund, has commented on the absences of Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori and says that he disagrees with BVB coach Niko Kovac, who claims that both sides have a 50/50 chance of qualifying for the round of 16. 

Atalanta finished the league phase in 15th place on 13 points, three points shy of a spot in the top eight and a guaranteed spot in the Champions League round of 16. 

That set up a tie against Dortmund, who finished two points and two positions behind Atalanta in the Champions League league phase table. 

Atalanta will take on Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday evening before hosting the return leg in Bergamo next week (Wednesday, February 25). 

Palladino previews Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta 

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia before the Dortmund play-off tie gets underway, Palladino discussed the atmosphere that awaits them at the 81,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park. 

“The fans are the most beautiful part of football, even when you’re playing against a strong atmosphere, it’s always a spectacle and that’s good for football,” he said. “We will play in such a beautiful, prestigious and intense stadium. 

“The Champions League gives us an extra bit of motivation as well. We’ve recovered physically and mentally, we hope to put in a great performance. We’ll face a great team.” 

La Dea will be without two of their key attackers in De Ketelaere and Raspadori on Tuesday night. 

“We’re sorry for them, Charles and Jack are very important to us. They’re strong players and give us an element of unpredictability and quality, but injuries and unforeseen events are unfortunately part of football,” Palladino said. 

“We’re a big family, a big group and whoever replaces them will do it in the best possible way. We’ve reached a stage of awareness that whoever plays will do it well.” 

And reflecting on the journey that has led Atalanta into the Champions League knock-out stages, Palladino said: “We have a lot of enthusiasm, there’s a lot of desire to continue growing and getting results, which have been positive. 

“We know that the level is very high in the Champions League. Dortmund have great individuals and are very well coached. We want to try to put them in difficulty, we know we can do it in 180 minutes.” 

Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac claimed that both sides have an equal 50% chance of qualifying for the round of 16. 

Asked if he agrees, Palladino said: “You have to play the game first, I never do the percentages first. I try to bring a sense of light-heartedness and self-confidence. I want maturity and a team that understands how to react to certain moments in the game.” 

Palladino is well familiar with Kovac’s brother, with whom he played at Juuvents. 

“I know Robert, I’ll give him a big hug tomorrow. We shared the dressing room that year in Serie B.” 

Weston McKennie has shared his thoughts ahead of Juventus’s upcoming Champions League play-off round tie against Galatasaray, has commented on his contract status and has joked that he hopes the passionate supporters in Turkey will go easy on the Bianconeri due to the presence of Kenan Yildiz. 

McKennie joined head coach Luciano Spalletti for the customary pre-match press conference on Monday evening ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg against Galatasaray in Istanbul. 

The Bianconeri finished the league phase in 13th place, three points shy of a spot in the top eight and a guaranteed place in the round of 16. That means that they will have to beat Galatasaray over two legs if they are to make it into the hat for the round of 16. 

McKennie: ‘We want to win because we are Juventus’

“It’s a really important game for us, we want to win every game because we are Juventus,” McKennie told the media during his pre-match press conference. 

There have been suggestions that McKennie could play as a false nine on Tuesday evening given that Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are all unavailable. 

“I’m a player who is always available for my team. I play where the coach wants me to play, even in goal,” the American said. 

And on his contract, which is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, McKennie said: “We’ll think about it later because I’m here to win a game. 

“That’s something that’s between Juventus and my agent. I just have to think about the work on the pitch and my agent will think about the renewal.” 

McKennie was also given an opportunity to share his thoughts after the controversial Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter in Serie A over the weekend, but preferred to keep his focus on the task at hand against Galatasaray. 

“It’s a bit difficult when these things happen, We have to just focus on tomorrow and we’re only thinking about winning. We want to give our best.” 

And on the atmosphere that awaits the Old Lady in Istanbul and whether Yildiz has told the squad how to deal with it, McKennie said: “He’s talked about that and I played here many years ago as well, so I know what the atmosphere and the fans are like. We hope they won’t boo us too much because of Kenan.”

Luciano Spalletti has given his pre-match thoughts ahead of Juventus’s Champions League play-off round first leg against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, has reflected on the controversial Derby d’Italia from Saturday night and has hinted at who could play at centre-forward for the Bianconeri in Istanbul. 

Juventus finished the league phase in 13th place in the Champions League table, three points shy of a spot in the top eight. This means that they will have to play against Galatasaray over two legs in order to qualify for a spot in the round of 16. 

The Bianconeri will take on a Galatasaray side featuring the likes of Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi and Noa Lang in Istanbul on Tuesday evening before hosting the return leg at the Allianz Stadium next Wednesday, February 25. 

Spalletti on Juventus vs. Galatasaray: ‘We want to try and win’

Juventus have been linked with moves for both of Galatasaray’s strikers, Icardi and Osimhen, over the last two transfer windows. Spalletti was asked which striker he would ‘prefer’ to have at his disposal. 

“I don’t know who I prefer within my own team, I can’t imagine what my colleagues have to do,” he replied (via TMW). 

“For me, they are both very strong players with different characteristics, and together, their characteristics could make up the encyclopaedia of being a no.9. 

“They are two strikers who know how to move inside the area, one creates chaos and the other knows how to capitalise on the chaos. We have to give them the ball as little as possible and keep it ourselves.” 

And on the importance of tomorrow’s match, Spalletti said: “When it’s a double-header, both matches are important. Any hesitation can cost dearly. I’m proud of the reaction they showed in Milan and I wouldn’t change my team for anyone in the world. 

“We have to play as a team and not suffer from the opponent’s pressure, play our football.”

Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadsiuz Milik are all unavailable for the Galatasaray match, so Spalletti was asked whether there could be an opportunity for Lois Openda on Tuesday night. 

He replied: “This can be a turning point for anyone. Openda has already had opportunities and others will have them. We’ll see about how and when together.” 

Spalleti was then asked whether the in-form Weston McKennie, known for his versatility, is among the options to play at centre-forward. 

He said: “I’m convinced that he’s already shown it. He’s a player who has the characteristics to play with his back to goal and also knows how to turn things around in a short space of time because he’s fast and technical. 

“He’s shown everything, and we’ve had all the possible problems that have led him to going from a right-back to a left winger. His willingness to help his teammates is an example for everyone.” 

And on the rest of the squad, Spalletti added: “I don’t know because we’ve had one training session and we won’t train before tomorrow night. We have to evaluate Thuram and there are some other situations that we’re carrying. 

“The players have to recover and we have no other choice. Doing the same things repetitively is tiring on the mind as well.” 

And giving his assessment of Galatasaray, Spalletti said: “We have to be ready for Galatasaray’s selections. We’re anticipating decisions that will create confusion and chaos. We have to try and play our game and we can’t be intimidated by their ferocity.” 

And when asked if a victory away in Istanbul will be ‘enough’ for Juventus to qualify for the Champions League round of 16, Spalletti said: “We know the difficulties we’re facing because we’ve watched Galatasaray’s games. They’re a strong team and we’ve come here deserving to play this game. 

“We’re happy to play against opponents like this. We’ll try to play the game in the correct way and we will see what level of quality we’re at, because these stadiums show you what mental strength you need to have as well. We don’t want to hide, we want to play the game and try to win.” 

Spalletti on Inter vs. Juventus controversy 

Spalletti was given the opportunity to share his thoughts after the controversial Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus from Saturday night. The Bianconeri were on the losing side of a 3-2 scoreline, and were left furious after Pierre Kalulu was wrongfully sent off after a dive by Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni. 

Spalletti gave his thoughts on the matter, the post-match comments made by Cristian Chivu, the reaction to Bastoni’s dive and what Juventus have to do to combat diving in the sport. 

“I don’t want to speak over the words of Elkann and the directors. I can say that Pierre is a good guy, a decent person and the fact that he had to take a dig from an opposition coach is something I never expected.

“This would put me in a position to talk about Inter’s players and I don’t want to do that.

“Simulation is an offence to football and what I have to do is raise the team to a level where simulation does not allow others to determine games for us. What happens isn’t important, but what you do when something happens to you is. We needed to reverse the situation.

“We have to improve if we don’t want to concede that goal there, and we wanted to go and score again immediately afterwards. These are tests of maturity. Tomorrow will be a test of our maturity.” 

There were some calls after the Inter vs. Juventus match that Bastoni should be dropped from the Italy national team squad as a result of his unsportsmanlike behaviour. 

As the former head coach of the Italy national team, Spalletti was asked for his opinion on that thought. 

He came out in defence of Bastoni, arguing that it would not be the right decision to drop him from the Italy squad: “Absolutely, Gattuso has to be free to call up whoever he wants. Unfortunately, I am no longer CT and I will leave that situation with him. We have a strong coach, we have to leave him to be free to do what he wants.” 

Cagliari have reshuffled their personnel to take on an unchanged Lecce side in Monday evening’s Serie A kick-off. 

Cagliari are coming in off the back of a 2-0 defeat away against Roma last time out in Serie A, but had gone on a three-match win streak the weeks prior, including victories over Fiorentina and Juventus. 

Fabio Pisacane’s side find themselves in 13th place in the Serie A table ahead of kick-off, seven points clear of the relegation zone. 

Lecce picked up their first win in nine matches with a 2-1 victory over Udinese last time out in the league. 

Lecce are in 18th place ahead of kick-off with 21 points from 24 matches, but a draw on Monday evening will be enough for them to lift themselves out of the relegation zone at the expense of Fiorentina, who are level on points with Eusebio Di Francesco’s side as things stand. 

Cagliari have made several changes to their starting line-up following last week’s defeat against Roma. 

Yerry Mina and Adam Obert come back into the back three, while Gabriele Zappa comes back in at right wing-back. Marco Palestra is expected to play in a more advanced role on the right wing. There are also opportunities for Ibrahim Sulemana, Riyad Idrissi and Leandro Pavoletti. 

Unsurprisingly, Lecce have stuck with the exact same starting XI that beat Udinese last time out in Serie A, with Santiago Pierotti, Walid Cheddira and Riccardo Sottil leading the attack. 

Kick-off is due at 19.45 GMT. 

Cagliari vs. Lecce: Confirmed line-ups 

Cagliari (3-4-3): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Obert; Zappa, Adopo, Sulemana, Idrissi; Palestra, Esposito, Pavoletti. 

Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone: Veiga, T.Gabriel, Gaspar, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly; Pierotti, Gandelmann, Sottil; Cheddira.

16-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 25

Unipol Domus (Sardegna Arena)

Cagliari

Lecce

Live

0 - 0

Cagliari

Lecce

Starting lineups

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

16

Omri Gandelman

Midfielder

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

23

Riccardo Sottil

Attacker

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

99

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

Substitutes

4

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

39

Andrea Cogoni

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

36

Filip Marchwinski

Midfielder

18

Gaby Jean

Defender

8

Sadik Fofana

Defender

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

79

Oumar Ngom

Midfielder

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

Luciano Spalletti has criticised Inter head coach Cristian Chivu after his comments on Pierre Kalulu following the eventful Derby d’Italia in Serie A over the weekend, but has defended Alessandro Bastoni despite his role in getting the Juventus man sent off. 

Inter beat Juventus 3-2 in a fiery Derby d’Italia in Serie A over the weekend in a game that was not without its controversies. Most notably, Juventus’s Kalulu was wrongly sent off for a second bookable offence in the 42nd minute. 

Newspapers in Italy described the first booking as harsh, and claimed that the second was ‘absurd’ and ‘non-existent’. 

That is because Inter’s Bastoni was adjudged to have dived in order to get Kalulu sent off. However, as this was a second yellow card incident and not a straight red card, VAR was not able to intervene. 

For a similar reason, Bastoni will not face retrospective punishment despite the fact that he was also carrying a yellow card at the time and would have been sent off had referee Federico La Penna shown him a second yellow card instead. 

Spalletti comments on Inter 3-2 Juventus controversies 

The Juventus camp were enraged at the decision to send Kalulu off. Spalletti along with Juventus CEO Damien Comolli were seen angrily confronting referee La Penna in the tunnel after full-time. 

The Bianconeri sent Comolli and director Giorgio Chiellini to talk to the press after full-time over the weekend, which means that Spalletti did not have the opportunity to give his thoughts immediately after the Inter match. 

Spalletti was finally able to share his opinions on the matter during his pre-match press conference ahead of Juventus’s Champions League play-off match against Galatasaray on Monday evening. 

Spalletti was not best pleased about Chivu’s decision to criticise Kalulu during his post-match interview. 

Chivu had said: “I think it is a light touch, but it’s still a touch. When I dealt with similar situations in the Champions League, I told my players not to put themselves in a situation where they force the referee to make the call.

“Even if it’s light, and we have to admit it is a light touch, my player still felt the touch and was running at full speed. Kalulu is an experienced player and he ought to know that in these situations, you keep your hands to yourself.”

Giving his response on Monday evening, Spalletti replied: “I don’t want to speak over the words of Elkann and the directors. I can say that Pierre is a good guy, a decent person and the fact that he had to take a dig from an opposition coach is something I never expected.

“This would put me in a position to talk about Inter’s players and I don’t want to do that.

“Simulation is an offence to football and what I have to do is raise the team to a level where simulation does not allow others to determine games for us. What happens isn’t important, but what you do when something happens to you is. We needed to reverse the situation.

“We have to improve if we don’t want to concede that goal there, and we wanted to go and score again immediately afterwards. These are tests of maturity. Tomorrow will be a test of our maturity.” 

There were some calls after the Inter vs. Juventus match that Bastoni should be dropped from the Italy national team squad as a result of his unsportsmanlike behaviour. 

As the former head coach of the Italy national team, Spalletti was asked for his opinion on that thought. 

He came out in defence of Bastoni, arguing that it would not be the right decision to drop him from the Italy squad: “Absolutely, Gattuso has to be free to call up whoever he wants. Unfortunately, I am no longer CT and I will leave that situation with him. We have a strong coach, we have to leave him to be free to do what he wants.”

Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti was seen enjoying himself during carnival celebrations in Rio De Janeiro over the weekend, and was spotted drinking a few beers with his former Milan striker Ronaldo: ‘I’m sure he’s loving the experience’. 

Ancelotti was appointed as head coach of the Brazil national team in May last year, and will lead the Selecao into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America this summer. 

Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup and will next be in action against France and Croatia in a pair of international friendlies on March 26 and April 1 respectively. 

Before then, Ancelotti has been able to take in some of the local culture and traditions at a series of carnival celebrations across the country. He was most recently in Rio along with a number of former Brazil stars including Ronaldo and Denilson. 

As per local outlet ge.globo, Ancelotti and Ronaldo were based in boxes next to each other, and at one stage, Ronaldo passed the former Milan and Real Madrid coach on a float during a parade. They were filmed sipping on beers and waving at each other amidst the vast crowds. 

Valorizem que só o ADM não está assim! #ge #futebol pic.twitter.com/joq7M430uc

— ge (@geglobo) February 16, 2026

What Ronaldo said about Ancelotti during Rio carnival

Ronaldo was later stopped for a brief interview with ge.globo, discussing his relationship with Ancelotti and the prospects for the Italy national team/ 

“We were trying to select the World Cup squad, I included myself in there,” Ronaldo joked. 

“I know him well and from the conversations we’ve had, I’m sure he’s loving the experience of being here and getting to know our people, working in Brazilian football, the most successful winner of World Cups. 

“I’m sure he’s enjoying this energy of the Brazilian people rooting for him, because he’ll need it during the World Cup.”

It wasn’t a good look for Alessandro Bastoni  during Inter-Juventus when he caused and celebrated Pierre Kalulu’s red card, but it would be wrong to omit him from the Italy national team for this, writes Lorenzo Bettoni.

Why Bastoni should not face punishment with Italy national team

Some Italian fans and journalists called for Bastoni to be dropped from the Italy national team because of his behaviour in Inter-Juventus on Saturday. The Italy international not only deceived the referee with a dive that led to Kalulu’s second yellow card, but also wildly celebrated when the official showed the red.

Bastoni’s actions “didn’t align with the principles of fair play,” as Inter President Beppe Marotta has admitted, but this doesn’t mean the defender should be excluded from the Italy squad.

Several sources have already reassured that Gattuso will not take action, meaning that Bastoni will be part of the Italy squad next month when the Azzurri meet Northern Ireland in a vital World Cup play-off semi-final. Rightly so, I would say.

Again, what Bastoni did wasn’t nice to see, especially because we are talking about one of the best Italian players and one of the supposed leaders in the Azzurri dressing room, who should set the example rather than trying to cause even more confusion to the referee.

Sadly, Bastoni is not alone in this. Over the last few months, the quality of refereeing in Serie A has hit new lows one week after another, but match officials have not been helped by footballers in any way.

Every time, in every game, we see players going down in pain for the slightest touches, hoping that a VAR check would spot a step-on-foot and a resulting penalty. Too many times, footballers, especially in Serie A, overreact whenever an opponent goes for a challenge, hoping to cause whatever punishment.

VAR has surely caused more problems than those it has solved this term. It’s been overused far too much for minor incidents, but, ironically, the protocol didn’t allow it to intervene to save Kalulu from being sent off on Saturday, given that his foul was a second-yellow card offence.

The Bastoni incident has been blown out of proportion because of the scale of the game, but it should also be a turning point from which footballers have to show a different attitude towards referees by sticking to the principles of the game without unnecessary drama that only makes the game more toxic.

Bastoni should not be punished by Gattuso for something that everybody, wrongly, does. And this is even more true ahead of the most important Italy game in the last four years.

On March 26, the Azzurri will be hosting Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the World Cup play-off semi-final. If they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, and if the Azzurri are to qualify for the World Cup, they need their best players and unity.

Hopefully, Bastoni won’t get the tough reception that Gigio Donnarumma has sometimes experienced during Italy games in the past, especially in his first years at PSG. Club-related matters must be set aside during the next international break as Gennaro Gattuso will need unity on and off the pitch to avoid another World Cup fiasco.

Many Juventus fans won’t agree with this, but not even Juventus would want or need Bastoni to be dropped from the Italy squad. The Bianconeri didn’t hold back criticism towards Italian referees on Saturday, calling for immediate “change” but didn’t mention Bastoni directly during post-match interviews.

They know this sort of attitude is sadly part of the game sometimes, but referees should now have the tools to avoid affecting games so heavily.

Surely, Bastoni won’t be proud watching the replays of his dive and celebration, but he has a lesson to learn from this. Italian legends like Franco Baresi, Beppe Bergomi and Paolo Maldini earned the respect of their opponents, especially for the way they behaved on the pitch, and those who are now expected to lead the national team, such as Bastoni, must lead by example.

Moreover, there’s a lesson that all Serie A players should learn. The less that referee gets involved, the better it is for the game. Inter’s 2-2 draw against Napoli in January was one of the best games in Serie A this season, also because the match official, Daniele Doveri, rarely blew the whistle; only five times in the first half.

Too often, when an Italian team faces a Premier League side in Europe, we are shocked by the difference in the pace and intensity, which is also a consequence of how fragmented Serie A games are.

VAR has to change, players and referees must change too, but this doesn’t mean the Azzurri must go to a massive game without one of their best players.

Genoa head coach Daniele De Rossi has had his say on the controversial decision to send off Pierre Kalulu during the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus on Saturday evening, suggesting that the Frenchman fell victim to ‘the stupidest VAR rule’. 

Inter claimed a 3-2 victory over their arch rivals Juventus on Saturday evening, but the game was not without its controversial talking points. In the 42nd minute, Juve defender Kalulu was sent off for his second bookable offence. Newspapers in Italy described Kalulu’s first booking as harsh, and claimed that the second was ‘absurd’ and ‘non-existent’. 

For the second yellow card incident, Kalulu was penalised for fouling Alessandro Bastoni near the halfway line, however, replays showed that the Inter centre-back went to ground far too easily. 

Bastoni, who was on a yellow card himself at the time, was seen passionately celebrating the decision to send off Kalulu, which caused further anger among the Bianconeri management and fanbase. 

Refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi has since admitted that a mistake was made, however, the decision was not able to be reviewed by VAR at the time as this was a second yellow card call and not a straight red. 

There have already been suggestions that the IFAB will look to change this rule in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. 

De Rossi weighs in on Inter 3-2 Juventus and refereeing standards 

De Rossi has not hid his frustrations with referees in recent weeks. Last weekend, his Genoa side were beaten 3-2 by Napoli, largely due to a 95th-minute penalty being awarded in favour of the Partenopei after a VAR review. 

“I already talked last week about penalties. None of us know what a clear and obvious error is anymore. We no longer know if we have to step on a foot or just glance over it,” De Rossi said after the Napoli game. 

“The football that I played in no longer exists. I must tell my players to keep their arms behind their backs and not go into tackles. I don’t know what sport I am coaching.”

De Rossi has since had his chance to comment on the controversial refereeing from the Derby d’Italia. 

He believes that it is a positive that this incident happened in such a high-profile game, given the attention it brings outside Italy, and claims that it would take ‘two days’ to amend the necessary VAR rules

“I was one of the first to celebrate the introduction of VAR and perhaps one of the first to realise that we will always be chasing each other on certain things,” De Rossi said (via Corriere dello Sport).

“The only positive thing about what happened is that it was a match between Juve and Inter, which makes the whole world talk about it. It’s a game that the whole world watches and is massively important in Italy. 

“The stupidest VAR rule, and I have been saying it for three years, is that a second yellow is not as serious as a straight red. It would be easy to change that in two days. Every second yellow, from tomorrow, should be reviewed. 

“I think it would be difficult to find anyone who disagrees that a second yellow is not as serious as a red card after Saturday night, nowadays it changes a game even more than a goal or a penalty.”

Roma can breathe a sigh of relief, as neither Wesley França nor Paulo Dybala are expected to be sidelined for significant periods after recent injury concerns. 

When will Dybala and Wesley return for Roma?

Dybala was ruled out of Sunday evening’s 2-2 draw between Napoli and Roma at the Stadio Maradona, and with Matias Soule only fit enough for a spot on the bench, Gian Piero Gasperini named Lorenzo Pellegrini and January signing Bryan Zaragoza as the supporting attackers behind centre-forward Donyell Malen. 

Dybala has been struggling with a recurring pain in his knee, and according to reports from Corriere dello Sport, the most recent issue was due to a small inflammation in his leg rather than a strain or a tear. 

This means that he could be in contention to feature against Cremonese in Serie A next weekend, but there is a chance that the Giallorossi decide to rest him in order to have him at full fitness in time for an enormous clash against Juventus on March 1. 

Wesley was named as a starter against Napoli on Sunday evening, but his evening was cut short after being brought down by Amir Rrahmani in the penalty area, the incident which led to Malen putting the Giallorosi 2-1 ahead from the spot. 

Both Wesley and Rrahmani were injured in the incident and both had to come off immediately afterwards, the Roma wing-back reporting an issue with his ankle. 

According to Corriere dello Sport, medical tests have shown that there is no fracture or break to the ankle in question. It was an impact injury and there is heavy bruising, but like Dybala, Wesley could be declared fit enough to play against Cremonese next weekend, if not against Juventus the following week if Roma decide to be extra cautious.

Former Serie A coach Serse Cosmi responds to Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini, who complained about the officiating in the Bianconeri’s 3-2 loss against Inter: ‘I experienced what wasn’t football.’

Ex-Serie A coach Cosmi criticises Juventus director Chiellini, who had raged at a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu in Saturday’s Serie A match against Inter.

Kalulu’s red card infuriates Chiellini and Juventus

The French defender received a second yellow card for a foul on Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, who appeared to go down too easily and then celebrated when his opponent was sent off.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu said the Juventus defender should not have put his hands on Bastoni, while Chiellini angrily confronted the referee inside the tunnel and then voiced his frustration to the media, arguing that it was “impossible to talk about football” after such a mistake.

“I didn’t like any of the words,” Cosmi told Sport Mediaset via Corriere dello Sport.

Cosmi tells Chiellini: ‘I experienced what wasn’t football’

“Not those Cristian Chivu, from whom I expected something different considering his intelligence, but I also didn’t like Giorgio Chiellini’s, who came to tell us this isn’t football. With all due respect, I experienced what wasn’t football.”

Cosmi’s reference was to the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, which saw Juventus being stripped of two titles and relegated to Serie B.

Cosmi was the Udinese coach in 2005-06, but remained in charge of the Bianconeri for just 24 games as he was sacked in February 2006.

Corriere dello Sport reports that the officiating in Inter-Juventus did not infuriate the Bianconeri only, but Milan are also upset, especially because the Rossoneri previously complained about other referee decisions this season.

Juventus are not the only Serie A side unhappy with the officiating in their latest Serie A match against Inter, which saw their defender Pierre Kalulu sent off with two yellow cards in the first half.

Milan unhappy with referee decisions in Inter vs. Juventus

As reported by Corriere dello Sport (via Calciomercato.com), there is also discontent within Milan about how such an important game was officiated, especially because the Rossoneri are challenging Inter in the race for the Scudetto.

Milan sit second in the standings, eight points below their city rivals, but Massimiliano Allegri’s men have a game in hand to be played this coming Wednesday at home against Como.

Previous Milan referee controversies

Milan have already voiced concerns over refereeing decisions they believe have had an impact on their season so far.

The latest incident was on Friday, when Adrien Rabiot was sent off for dissent in an away 2-1 win at Pisa.

The Frenchman received two yellow cards, so he’ll miss tomorrow’s match against Como.

Back in December, the Rossoneri were held to a 2-2 home draw by Sassuolo, but had a Christian Pulisic goal disallowed for a foul from Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the build-up.

Roma legend Francesco Totti confirms he’s in talks to return to the club as a director and reveals he ‘had dinner’ with Giallorossi coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Former Roma striker Totti confirms he’s in talks with the Giallorossi over his potential return to the Stadio Olimpico as a club director.

Totti confirms talks for return to Roma

Senior advisor Claudio Ranieri surprisingly revealed a few weeks ago that Roma owners were considering bringing back the club legend with an operative role in the control room.

“I’ve always been a fan. To me, Roma is my home; it’s always been, even if I’m not there. I’m happy with what they are doing and their path,” Totti told Sky Sport Italia on Monday (via Repubblica).

“There have been rumours lately. It’s true, we are talking, discussing some details and deciding what’s best for everyone. I hope we can solve this situation soon. Sooner or later, surely we are talking about it.”

The legendary Italian striker went on to praise Roma boss Gasperini, who was appointed last summer.

Totti: ‘I had dinner with Gasperini’

“He has started on the right foot, and we are cheering him on for a return to the Champions League. I had dinner with him, and we spoke a bit about everything, not just about football,” Totti concluded.

Roma sit fourth in the Serie A standings after an away 2-2 draw at Napoli on Sunday.

The Giallorossi have collected 47 points, one more than fifth-placed Juventus, who they’ll host at the Olimpico in a crucial Serie A match on March 1.

Totti spent his entire playing career at Roma, scoring 307 goals in 786 games and winning the Serie A title in 2000-01.

As the Premier League season enters its critical final third, Manchester City welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium for a clash that carries significant weight for both sides.

HOW TO BUY MAN CITY VS. NEWCASTLE TICKETS

Pep Guardiola’s men are in hot pursuit of league leaders Arsenal, while Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are looking to find consistency and climb from mid-table back into European contention.

With City sitting second on 53 points and Newcastle occupying 10th place with 36, the stakes are high for two sides chasing very different objectives as the season enters its decisive phase.

This fixture comes with added spice, as the two sides have already met three times this season across all competitions, once in the league and twice in the EFL Cup.

It has been a turbulent season for the Magpies. Currently sitting 10th, consistency has been their biggest enemy. While their home form at St. James’ Park has been respectable, their travels have been less fruitful, with a record of 3 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses away from home.

HOW TO BUY MAN CITY VS. NEWCASTLE TICKETS

How Man City could line up against Newcastle

Man City will be without Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture) and John Stones (thigh) for the match against the Magpies. Ruben Dias’ return from injury has been a major boost for Pep Guardiola and his team.

Mateo Kovacic is out with an ankle issue, and Jeremy Doku (calf) is also sidelined.

Man City Predicted Line-up: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Silva, Rodri, O’Reilly, Foden, Haaland, Semenyo.

How Newcastle United could line up against Man City

Howe’s squad has been decimated by injuries, particularly in defence and midfield, compounding their recent struggle for form.

Tino Livramento (hamstring) is out until March, while Fabian Schär (ankle) and Emil Krafth (knee) remain on the treatment table.

Joelinton (groin) is nearing a return, but this game may come too soon for him to start. The Brazilian has missed the last five matches with an injury.

Newcastle United Predicted Line-up: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Ramsey, Guimaraes, Willock, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.

HOW TO BUY MAN CITY VS. NEWCASTLE TICKETS

How to buy Man City tickets

The Manchester City ticket portal is available through the club’s official website, but it may not be the most practical choice if you are not a season ticket holder or registered member.

For supporters seeking a dependable and competitively priced alternative, it’s highly recommended to explore our link for a more accessible option.

How to buy Newcastle United tickets

Newcastle supporters will no doubt visit the club’s official ticketing page, available online, but it’s always wise to compare options and check whether better value can be found elsewhere.

For instance, we strongly suggest using our link if you’d rather avoid paying additional membership fees just to get ahead of the queue for this high-profile fixture.

Our user-friendly platform also provides added peace of mind with a 150% money-back guarantee.

Man City vs Newcastle United head-to-head record

The historical head-to-head is closer than recent years might suggest, but City still hold the advantage.

Man City have 81 wins, Newcastle United have 74 wins, while 42 matches have ended as a draw.

The head-to-head record in the last five matches favours Guardiola’s side.

04 Feb 2026 | Man City 3-1 Newcastle | EFL Cup (Semi-Final 2nd Leg)

13 Jan 2026 | Newcastle 0-2 Man City | EFL Cup (Semi-Final 1st Leg)

22 Nov 2025 | Newcastle 2-1 Man City | Premier League

15 Feb 2025 | Man City 4-0 Newcastle | Premier League

28 Sep 2024 | Newcastle 1-1 Man City | Premier League

 

According to Sport Mediaset, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti told Inter President Beppe Marotta ‘you made a pig’s ear of it’ as the Bianconeri protested for a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu.

More details emerge after a brutal confrontation between Juventus directors and referee Federico La Penna during the halftime break of Saturday’s Serie A match Inter-Juventus.

What Spalletti told Marotta during Inter-Juventus

The Bianconeri were furious for a red card given to Kalulu minutes before the break, prompting directors Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli to face the referee inside the tunnel at halftime.

Spalletti separated Comolli and the match official, but according to Sport Mediaset, the Italian tactician also addressed Inter President Marotta, telling him: “You made a pig’s ear of it.”

Bans for Comolli and Chiellini after Inter-Juventus?

The heated confrontation between Juventus directors and the match official will likely lead to a ban for Comolli and Chiellini, according to reports in Italy.

Today, Marotta hit back at criticism from the Old Lady, recalling previous referee decisions that went in favour of the Bianconeri

Juventus striker Jonathan David has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Champions League match against Galatasaray due to a groin injury.

Juventus have travelled to Istanbul to face Galatasaray without Canada star David.

Why David is not available for Galatasaray vs. Juventus

The ex-Lille forward is not part of the Bianconeri squad list released just a few minutes ago.

According to Sky Sport Italia, David has been omitted due to a groin injury.

David had been subbed off in the second half of an away game at Inter on Saturday in what appeared to be a tactical substitution.

Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are also unavailable for the upcoming European fixture, so Lois Openda will be the only centre-forward available for the Old Lady in Istanbul.

David started in the last eight Serie A games for Juventus.

He has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, including two in the Champions League.

Tomorrow, February, Tuesday 17, Juventus visit Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Juventus squad list vs. Galatasaray

La lista dei convocati per la sfida di #UCL di domani in trasferta in Turchia #GalatasarayJuve pic.twitter.com/xrEymkcn0x

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) February 16, 2026

Scotland international Billy Gilmour is delighted to have returned to action for Napoli after ’10 long weeks’ on the sidelines: ‘No feeling like being on the pitch.’

Gilmour returned to action for the first time since November on Sunday, making a substitute appearance in Napoli’s 2-2 home draw against Roma.

Gilmour returns to action for Napoli

The Scotland international was introduced in the second half and contributed to the Partenopei’s equaliser with a through ball in the build-up to Alisson Santos’ first goal for the defending Serie A champions.

“First steps in 2026,” Gilmour wrote on Instagram.

“No feeling like being on the pitch & none bigger or better than doing it in front of your support. 10 long weeks, now back doing what I love with this team. Forza Napoli Sempre.”

Gilmour spent over 2 months on the sidelines

Gilmour underwent surgery in November 2025 due to a groin injury and had missed the previous 23 matches with the Partenopei.

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Billy Gilmour (@billygilmour)

Inter President Beppe Marotta feels Alessandro Bastoni has been subject to ‘excessive media exposure’ and hits back at Juventus, saying that a ‘clear simulation’ of Juan Cuadrado in 2021 allowed the Bianconeri to beat the Nerazzurri and qualify for the Champions League.

The controversy surrounding Inter-Juventus and a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu on Saturday is far from over.

Inter President Marotta spoke to reporters on Monday ahead of a Lega Serie A meeting in Milan, saying (via Calciomercato.com): “I’m here because we have fought against excessive media exposure, a public shaming of Bastoni that goes beyond what actually happened. A young man who represents an asset for our national team, it is unfair to put his participation in doubt.

“Who doesn’t make mistakes? Since the 1950s, there have been players, no names mentioned, famous for actions like this. We are facing, in my view, an ordinary event, not an extraordinary one. Reprehensible, but also due to other circumstances, such as the wide arm,” Marotta continued.

Marotta recalls referee mistake that qualified Juventus for Champions League

“Last season, we lost the Scudetto by one point, and there was a confirmed error in Inter-Roma, but we didn’t protest. This season, Inter have only intervened once, after Napoli-Inter, where a penalty kick, later deemed unfair, had been given.”

Italian media already reported that Inter felt Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion, a view strongly confirmed by Marotta.

“If we talk about simulations, I want to remember Juventus-Inter in 2021 and a penalty given despite a clear simulation from Cuadrado with Calvarese as a referee,” he said.

“Afterwards, both the referee and the technical bodies confirmed it had been an obvious simulation, and with that win, Juventus qualified for the Champions League, which is worth €60-70m.”

Marotta admitted that Bastoni’s simulation against Juventus was against the principles of fair play, and also called for stronger sanctions.

“We need to take responsibility: AIA, clubs and FIGC, all institutions,” he added.

Marotta on Chiellini and Bastoni

“We need to engage in a broad and calm discussion, toughening disciplinary penalties, especially financial ones. Too often, things go beyond the line, and that is unacceptable. Bastoni’s gesture does not align with the principles of fair play. Repression is not part of my approach. Prevention, however, is possiblethrough dialogue. There is often a lack of knowledge of the rules, which players in particular should be familiar with.”

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini was particularly critical of the officiating as he and Damien Comolli showed up in front of the media after the match on Saturday night, while coach Luciano Spalletti remained silent.

Marotta had greeted Chiellini at San Siro, but didn’t seem impressed by the ex-defender’s claims.

“It was the least I could do as he was one of my players,” he concluded, via Gazzetta.

“Today, he’s a young and inexperienced director, but I do not dare give him suggestions.”

Fabio Capello was ‘upset’ to see Alessandro Bastoni’s ‘obvious simulation’ during Inter-Juventus but was also disappointed by Cristian Chivu, even if ‘his actions matter more than words.’

• Read more – Inter’s support for Bastoni after social media threats, but Juventus overreacted – report

Former Italian coach Capello strongly criticised Inter defender Bastoni and Nerazzurri coach Chivu in his latest column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

During Saturday’s game against Juventus, Bastoni had tricked the referee by going down too easily on a Pierre Kalulu challenge, causing a second yellow for the Bianconeri defender just before the break.

Capello: Bastoni ‘can’t behave like that’

“Two things struck me in particular. The first: a player like Bastoni, of international calibre and a key figure in our national team, cannot and, above all, must not behave like that,” wrote Capello.

“It was very upsetting for all the football fans to see him deceive the referee with an obvious simulation, especially since he was already booked and therefore risking a second yellow card.”

Inter coach Chivu refused to blame Bastoni during his post-match interviews, suggesting that Kalulu should have avoided putting his hands on his defender.

Before the game, however, the Inter coach had stated that he wouldn’t comment on a referee unless he heard a Serie A coach openly acknowledge a favourable referee decision.

“Second thing,” continued Capello.

Capello: Chivu’s ‘actions matter more’ than his words

“I know Chivu very well, as he was one of my players at Roma, but his words after the game deeply disappointed me. The Inter coach was not consistent with what he had said on the eve of the match, and in the end, he gave the impression of justifying what happened.

“More than his words, however, his actions matter. Chivu substituted Bastoni at halftime because he knew exactly that he would be at risk if he stayed on the pitch. I would have expected statements of a very different tone, especially after a victory.”

Inter and Juventus both return to action mid-week as both sides have European commitments.

The Bianconeri will visit Galatasaray on Tuesday, while Inter will play away at Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Hellas Verona striker Gift Orban calls for ‘equal treatment on the pitch’ after being shown an early red card in a Serie A game against Parma: ‘As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently.’

Verona striker Orban complained about a straight red card he received in the opening minutes of an eventual 2-1 loss at Parma on Sunday.

Orban: Black players ‘treated differently’ in Serie A

The Nigeria international had been given his marching orders after just 10 minutes, with his team already down one goal.

Orban appeared to calmly protest for a potential foul from a Parma defender, but the referee was quick to stop the play to show the 23-year-old a red card.

“Sent off for protesting a decision. As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently,” Orban added on X social media.

“I love the game, and all I ask for is fairness, respect, and equal treatment on the pitch.”

Orban has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 22 Serie A appearances with Verona this season.

This is his first season in Serie A, but his positive performances still couldn’t help Verona in their race for survival as the Gialloblu sit at the bottom of the table alongside Pisa with 15 points.

Verona didn’t send their coach to comment on the game at full-time as a sign of protest. They only released a statement, which, however, didn’t mention racism issues: “A very serious lack of respect towards a team, a city, a community and a fanbase,” the club said.

“We always accept mistakes, just as we make them ourselves. However, we believe that the sending off after ten minutes play, based on what was seen on the field and what we were told, is a signal of disrespect.”

Northern Ireland and Italy will clash in the European play-offs of the 2026 World Cup qualification. The Italians are considered the clear favourites, but Gennaro Gattuso’s team shouldn’t underestimate their opponents.

It’s not just that this might be Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup. Northern Ireland’s style of play makes them difficult opponents, capable of causing the Squadra Azzurra some very real problems. Read more about the upcoming battle in the 1xBet Ireland review.

Psychological trap for Italy

Northern Ireland’s main trump card in this match is not the roster or tactics, but the enormous pressure their opponents are under. The team that has won fewer World Cups than only Brazil (5 times against 4) will take to the pitch with the burden of having missed two Mundials in a row.

In Italy, this is regarded not just as a sporting failure but as a national disaster. And although Serie A, an official partner of global betting company 1xBet, is still one of the strongest leagues in the world, many of its top stars aren’t Italian. The fear of failure in the qualification led to the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti, who had previously done a great job with Napoli and then instantly proved his high level at Juventus. If the national team fails to qualify for the third consecutive World Cup, it will mean a 12-year absence from the competition. Moreover, the Italians last played in the knockout stage in 2006, when they became world champions.

This situation creates perfect conditions for the underdogs. While Italy struggle with anxiety and ghosts of the past, Northern Ireland can afford to play without pressure. In football, it is often the team that makes the best use of its chances that wins.

History doesn’t favour Squadra Azzurra

Looking back at history, Italy have reason to be concerned. Northern Ireland have twice prevented Italy from qualifying for the Mundial. In the 1958 World Cup qualification, the Squadra Azzurra lost 1-2 to Northern Ireland in the last game, even though a draw would have been enough. That victory was Northern Ireland’s first and so far only win in 11 matches against Italy. In 1958, the Green and White Army went to the World Cup for the first time and reached the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Italy’s second failure came in the qualification for the previous World Cup in Qatar. Before the last round, Italy and Switzerland had the same number of points, but while the Swiss were crushing Bulgaria 4-0 at home, Italy couldn’t score in Belfast. The final score of 0-0 sent Roberto Mancini’s team into the play-offs, where the Squadra Azzurra were eliminated.

Italy rely more on emotions than tactics

During his tenure, Spalletti tried to get the team to play more attacking football with a high defensive line. But he was unable to make it work. The coach just didn’t have enough time to work out the complex ideas and didn’t want to keep things too simple.

The Squadra Azzurra often struggled against opponents who focused heavily on defence. Italy would pass the ball around the penalty area for a long time, only to fail to convert their chances. And when their opponents had fast players capable of organising counterattacks, as was the case with Norway, Italian fans had little to look forward to.

In June last year, Italy lost 0-3 in an away game against Norway, after which Spalletti was dismissed as national team coach. Gennaro Gattuso, the legendary Milan player, was called in to save the day, despite having fewer coaching achievements to his name than Spalletti.

At half-time in the home match against Estonia, with the score at 0-0, Gattuso slapped his players in the dressing room. It worked – Italy won 5-0. But fans expect smarter coaching decisions in the country where tactics have always been the top priority.

Northern Ireland feel comfortable giving the initiative to their opponents. In October’s home match against Germany, Die Mannschaft won 1-0 but created few chances, while Michael O’Neill’s team missed several good opportunities to score.

After winning the ball, the Green and White Army immediately try to pass it forward. If they manage to exploit the space behind Italy’s defenders, Northern Ireland could cause problems for the favourites. Another weapon of O’Neill’s team is set pieces, which Italy occasionally struggle with.

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Inter have shown support for their star Alessandro Bastoni after the Italian defender was subjected to social media abuse, and according to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri feel the Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion.

Inter directors and coach Cristian Chivu sent support to their defender Bastoni on Sunday.

Inter send support to Bastoni

The Italy international had received hate messages and threats on social media after celebrating Pierre Kalulu’s red card during Inter-Juventus. Bastoni went down far too easily in a challenge with the French defender, causing a second yellow card.

Tension is so high that, according to Repubblica, Bastoni’s decision to disable comments on his social media accounts and those of his wife came under suggestion from the Italian Police.

According to Gazzetta, Bastoni was taken aback by the scale of online abuse, which even extended to his younger daughter. Italian sources claim that Bastoni spoke for a long time on the phone with Chivu and Inter directors on Sunday, receiving full support from his club.

‘No one at Inter considers him a diver in the slightest, with everyone viewing the incident as nothing more than a simple yellow-card incident,’ wrote Gazzetta.

Inter unhappy with Juventus’ reaction

At the same time, the Nerazzurri feel that the Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion as the Bianconeri directors confronted the referee inside the tunnel at half-time and sent Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli in front of the media after the match, rather than coach Luciano Spalletti.

Gazzetta notes that Chiellini’s pointed comments after the match particularly rubbed Inter the wrong way. Having won the 2021 Euros alongside Bastoni, the former Juventus defender is regarded by the Inter star as one of the best centre-backs of the past decade, having seen firsthand the full spectrum of the ex-national captain’s skills, including his shrewdness in certain defensive situations.

Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini face a possible ban for a tunnel confrontation with referee Federico La Penna during a tense Serie A match against Inter.

Juventus directors Comolli and Chiellini could be punished following their heated protests against referee La Penna during the half-time break of Saturday’s Serie A match against Inter.

Furious Chiellini and Comolli confronted Inter-Juventus referee

A video that has gone viral on social media shows the two directors facing the match official just inside the tunnel at the Stadio Meazza as the two teams head to the dressing room at half-time.

La Penna had sent off Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu just a few minutes earlier, infuriating the Bianconeri players and their directors.

Comolli attempted to confront La Penna directly, but Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti stepped in to hold him back, while Chiellini voiced his anger toward the referee.

Report Juventus director Comolli risks two-month ban

As reported by Gazzetta, referee La Penna likely mentioned the incident in his post-match report, which would lead to a suspension for both Chiellini and Comolli.

Without an official report from the referee, the FIGC Prosecutor would need to open a formal investigation.

Gazzetta notes that ‘while Chiellini’s remarks seem like strong criticism and are not necessarily insulting, Comolli’s verbal attack risks being considered as such and, consequently, could lead to a ban of at least two months.’

Reports in Italy claim that Gennaro Gattuso will continue to rely on Inter star Alessandro Bastoni despite criticism over the defender’s behaviour during the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

• Read more – Bastoni forced to silence fans on social media after insults following Derby d’Italia

Inter defender Bastoni will continue to be part of the Italy squad, as coach Gattuso is not considering dropping him following controversies in Inter-Juventus.

Gattuso won’t drop Bastoni for Italy games

Bastoni infuriated fans on Saturday as he went down far too easily in a challenge from Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, causing his second yellow card.

Bastoni celebrated widely when his opponent was shown a red card, prompting fans and some journalists in Italy to suggest he should be dropped from the Italy squad next month.

Italian sports papers, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, however, claim that Gattuso is not even considering leaving Bastoni at home.

Crucial match for Italy in March

The Azzurri have a crucial match coming up as they’ll host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26.

If they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final and, if fit, Bastoni will surely be part of the Italy squad.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter-Juve, the tunnel like a ring: FIGC investigation, possible sanctions

Bastoni threatened, will play for the Azzurri. Rocchi: ‘Too many simulations.’ La Penna stop.

Malen scores twice, Alisson’s equaliser makes Napoli happy.

Corriere dello Sport

La Penna reports, Elkann calls Gravina

Death threats to the referee who calls the Postal Police. The Exor CEO: ‘Solutions now, Italian football must defend its credibility.’ Rocchi: ‘Bastoni simulated, everyone tries to trick us.’

Alisson Santos ruins Roma’s party

Malen freezes the Maradona. Spinazzola equalises. The Dutchman scores the 2-1, but Conte’s move proves decisive. The ex-Sporting is introduced and locks the third spot.

Tuttosport

Elkann to Gravina: ‘Respect us!’

John calls the FIGC President: ‘Repeated errors, solutions are needed to defend football.’ Not just Kalulu, Comolli, Chiellini and Spalletti risk bans too. Bastoni covered by insults, cancels himself from social media with his wife. Rocchi attacks divers.

Toro: Cairo and Baroni, endless pain

The Granata revive Bologna. The stadium was still half-empty. The President was insulted for the entire game, but the coach: ‘I feel trust.’

Alisson Santos ‘would’ve been happier’ with his first Napoli goal if they had all three points against Roma, while Alessandro Buongiorno admits he ‘needed to react’ to a recent crisis.

It was a hard-fought and thrilling match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the Giallorossi twice going in front through Donyell Malen goals, only to be clawed back by a deflected Leonardo Spinazzola strike and late Alisson Santos daisy-cutter.

The January signing seemed very emotional when celebrating his first goal in the Napoli jersey, as the crowd went wild in the stands behind him.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 2-2 Roma

Napoli refused to give in for thrilling draw

“I am very happy to score and help the team. I would’ve been happier if we won the game, for sure, but I am feeling really good and enjoying scoring at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona,” Alisson Santos told DAZN Italia.

Alisson Santos came off the bench and made a remarkable impact this evening, as he ran at opponents every time and gave them that spark they needed to get back into the game.

He even pushed to the very end trying to win it in stoppages, so was named Serie A Man of the Match.

“My relationship with the teammates, the coach and the whole staff is really good.”

Buongiorno stepped back into the starting XI for the first time since his nightmare performance in the 3-2 win at Genoa, where he was directly at fault for two goals and was hauled off by Antonio Conte.

“We fought like lions to the end of the match, so we’ve got to thank everyone here, because we are giving our absolute all,” Buongiorno told DAZN Italia.

“I faced up to my problems and tried to resolve them, I did a lot of work in training and know that if you never give in, you can achieve your dreams.

“I have to thank the fans, my family and my partner for being close to me during this difficult time. There are moments where you fall and you’ve got to get back on your feet.”

Napoli are now out of the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, but are up to third in Serie A, ahead of Roma and Juventus.

“The only objective we have really is to get into the top four, but we need to take it one game at a time and see what happens.”

Donyell Malen admits Gian Piero Gasperini ‘played a big role’ in convincing him to come to Roma, and is allowing the former Aston Villa striker to flourish. ‘It’s a big club with big ambitions.’

The Netherlands international has had an extraordinary impact in Serie A with five goals in his first five games, and bagged another brace this evening in the thrilling 2-2 draw away to Napoli.

However, he wasn’t happy with the result, having seen the lead twice slip away to a deflected Leonardo Spinazzola strike and late Alisson Santos finish.

Malen made remarkable Roma impact

“To be honest, I am quite disappointed. I think we deserved to win it and had done enough. Obviously, it was a good night personally, but this is football and you want to win,” Malen told DAZN Italia.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 2-2 Roma

When he arrived from Aston Villa in the January transfer window, on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, was he expecting such a strong start to life in Italy?

“I had a good feeling when I signed for the club. I know what I can do and I know my qualities. In football, you also need a little bit of luck and momentum, so I am very happy to be here.”

Roma coach Gasperini said that Malen is “the ideal striker for my style of football,” so what role did the former Atalanta tactician play in convincing him to choose the Stadio Olimpico?

“Gasperini played a big role, he told me about the position and what he wanted me to do, what he feels I could bring to the team,” replied Malen.

“I believe Roma is a very big club, with big ambitions, and the right place for me to play my football. That’s why I chose Roma.”

Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma ‘would have a few more points’ if Donyell Malen had arrived earlier in the season, as they have ‘regrets’ at a 2-2 draw with Napoli.

The Giallorossi had hoped they would break their drought of wins in big games, and had twice gone in front with goals from Malen, who has now scored five goals in his first four Serie A games.

However, Napoli fought back both times with a deflected Leonardo Spinazzola strike from distance, and Alisson Santos drilling in from the edge of the area.

Gasperini: ‘Malen ideal striker for Roma’

“We often end these games with young lads who need to grow, gain experience and character. These are fundamental minutes in matches where we need fresh legs, which the younger players do have, but it also means missing out on experience,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.

The January transfer window has certainly changed the options available for Roma, as this evening Malen scored twice, including on an assist from Bryan Zaragoza making his first start for the club.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 2-2 Roma

“I have always been convinced Malen has the ideal characteristics for my style of football, as he is a complete striker, he can get shots away quickly, is fast, can combine with his teammates. This is a side that needs a striker like him, who is scoring frequently also because we put him in a position to be consistently dangerous.

“He’s only been with us for five games, so we can keep improving I feel, especially if we get Dybala, Soulé or El Shaarawy back to full fitness, we can be more competitive.”

Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy didn’t make the trip, with Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso not fully fit.

Wesley was seen limping badly and with an ice pack strapped to his left ankle after winning the penalty from Amir Rrahmani, but it was Malen who stepped up, despite not taking many spot-kicks in his career.

“It was a very important penalty, but I had seen him in training, he takes good free kicks as well as penalties. Milinkovic-Savic has saved a lot of penalties, so it was tough, but he hit it hard and precise. Well done,” revealed Gasperini.

This result means both Napoli and Roma surge ahead of Juventus in the standings, now sitting third and fourth, despite not managing to win a single head-to-head clash.

“We’ve had a positive attitude throughout the season, which is why we are fourth in the table. I am not afraid to say that if we’d had Malen in the first half of the season, we’d have a few more points right now, but the overall approach has always been the same,” added Gasperini.

“We went very close to results against the big teams and stumbled at the last hurdle in many of them. It has been better in the second half of the campaign, because we held Milan and now Napoli to draws, leaving both games with regrets that we came so close to victory.”

Antonio Conte believes Napoli deserved more than a 2-2 draw with Roma. ‘It was an English style match, now we’ll see what European competition we qualify for.’

There was a long and touching banner in the stands before kick-off that sent a strong message to Conte and the Napoli players during their injury crisis. ‘We don’t know what our destiny will be, but we’ll be by your side to the end. Despite the many difficulties, you are honouring the shirt and the city,’ it read.

“It is only right that we thank the fans, because it is by no means to be taken for granted that they would recognise what we are doing this season,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“The fact they recognised we are fighting for Napoli, honouring the shirt and not giving in, that is a wonderful message for the lads. I know what they’ve been dealing with and how we’ve managed to get through the last few months.”

Conte saw English style clash for Napoli and Roma

It was another hard-fought battle at the Stadio Maradona, but the Partenopei refused to give in and twice fought back from Donyell Malen goals to earn a 2-2 draw.

Leonardo Spinazzola’s strike took a deflection off Nicolò Pisilli to loop over Mile Svilar, while late on January signings Giovane and Alisson Santos combined for the latter’s emotional equaliser.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 2-2 Roma

“Fighting back twice to hold Roma was also no mean feat, and I think if this was a boxing match, we’d have won it on points,” insisted Conte.

“It was an entertaining game played at a high level of intensity, there were difficulties playing because the pressing was so high from both teams. It was an English style match. We’ve got to continue, knowing that we are building our future in the next 13 games, so what we have next season will depend on what we do in these 13 games, and what European competition we manage to qualify for.

“It won’t be easy, as the other teams in the race are well-drilled and have resources, but we are pushing beyond our boundaries.”

Alisson Santos arrived in the January transfer window and made a big impact off the bench today, scoring a goal, but also repeatedly running at opponents.

“Both Giovane and Alisson are young players that the club signed in January, because we had those transfer limitations and had to sell first in order to buy to balance the books,” noted Conte.

“They have not even been training with us for two weeks, so they need to understand our movements. Alisson is better at taking men on than Giovane, whereas Giovane is more of a striker. They have made a massive change in their careers, but they have showed humility and are ready to take that time to understand how we do things here.”

There was mixed news from the treatment table, as while Amir Rrahmani seemed to sprain his ankle during the penalty incident, Billy Gilmour made his first appearance since early November.

“I honestly don’t know how Rrahmani is doing, but it won’t make much difference at this point,” shrugged Conte.

“We can’t always talk about injuries, otherwise it becomes stupid. We should focus on what we have at our disposal for the next match, if he is ready then we’ll be happy, if not then we’ll find a solution, as we have been doing in every single game.”

Serie A | Napoli 2-2 Roma: New buys do battle as Alisson silences Malen, as Partenopei new boy Alisson Santos scored a late goal to cancel out a brace from Roma winter signing Donyell Malen.

Malen was Football Italia’s Man of the Match, whilst strong performances from Alisson, N’Dicka and Beukema underpinned a hard-fought draw at the Maradona.

Napoli 2-2 Roma – Player Ratings

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 6; Rrahmani 5 (Alisson 7.5), Buongiorno 5.5, Beukema 6.5; Gutierrez 5, Lobotka 6, Elmas 6.5 (Gilmour N/A), Spinazzola 6.5 (Olivera 6); Politano 5.5 (Mazzocchi N/A), Vergara 5.5 (Giovane 6.5); Hojlund 6

Best Napoli player: Alisson Santos – The Brazilian came on to not only save the game but inject some much needed venom into the Neapolitan attack. He scored the late equaliser and has potentially earned his right to start some upcoming games.

Lowest Napoli rating: Amir Rrahmani – Somewhat shocking performance from the experienced defender, who has been one of the very best in Serie A this season. Therefore, he must be held to a high standard – to which he fell short tonight – culminating with him injuring himself while giving away the penalty for Roma’s second goal.

Coach: Antonio Conte 6 – Reacted well with his substitutes despite a still paper thin squad. Clearly missing key difference makers in the midfield such as McTominay and Zambo-Anguissa but showed flexibility today to fight back against a spirited Roma.

Roma: Svilar 6; Mancini 6, N’Dicka 7, Ghilardi 6.5; Celik 6, Cristante 6, Pisilli 5.5 (El Aynaoui 6), Wesley 6.5 (Tsimikas 5); Pellegrini 5.5 (Venturino 5.5), Zaragoza 6 (Soule 5), Malen 8 (Vaz 5.5)

Best Roma player: Donyell Malen – Another brace for the Aston Villa loanee, who continues to shine following his two goals against Cagliari last Monday. The Dutchman has settled in well in the Italian capital and looked sharp today for his tap-in and penalty.

Lowest Roma rating: Kostas Tsimikas – Was only on the pitch for 20 minutes but can be held responsible for Alisson Santos’ equaliser. A poor clearance from the Greek full-back, who has hardly impressed on his loan spell from Liverpool.

Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini 6 – Never an easy game to rock up to the Maradona and put two past the champions but Gasperini’s side did that and would have come away with three points were it not for Alisson’s equaliser.

Napoli fought their way back twice from Donyell Malen goals to hold Roma to a thrilling 2-2 draw with Leonardo Spinazzola and Alisson Santos, on a big night for January buys.

Both sides were forced into changes by an injury crisis. Scott McTominay joined Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne and suspended Juan Jesus in the stands, but Matteo Politano returned to the starting XI after a Coppa Italia penalty shoot-out defeat to Como midweek. Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy didn’t make the trip, with Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso not fully fit either, so Bryan Zaragoza got his first start.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It took just seven minutes to break the deadlock, as the two January buys combined down the right with Zaragoza rolling across for Malen to come sliding in with the right foot from seven yards. This was the ex-Aston Villa striker’s fourth goal in five Serie A games.

Donyell Malen silences the Maradona

Roma race free and into an early lead against Napoli!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/z6OokMQkEG

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026

Rasmus Hojlund felt he was dragged down by Evan Ndicka in a promising position, but the referee waved play on, while Stanislav Lobotka’s half-volley was straight at Mile Svilar.

Malen scuffed just wide after shrugging off Amir Rrahmani to push forward from the centre-circle, while Nicolò Pisilli also drilled past the near post and Wesley’s effort was charged down after controlling a long ball.

Napoli equalised after a long passing move, as Leonardo Spinazzola’s screamer from outside the area took a deflection off Pisilli to loop up and over a helpless Mile Svilar. It was a special goal for the former Roma player.

We're back level in Naples

Leonardo Spinazzola has a pop from range, which deflects over Mile Svilar and into the back of the net!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/4LMcRGjxIj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026

Soulé came on for the restart, but Napoli came out fighting and Spinazzola’s control and strike forced a tricky save out of Svilar.

Wesley sprinted down the left and in a desperate bid to run after him, Rrahmani bundled into the back of the Brazilian for a penalty, a tangle of legs that saw both players injured. Malen converted into the top corner with a short run-up to complete his brace and beat Milinkovic-Savic.

Donyell Malen outwits Vanja Milinković-Savić again, this time from twelve yards to restore Roma's lead in Naples

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/eGjaspWJbd

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026

Alisson Santos cut inside to test Svilar and Billy Gilmour made his comeback for the first time since early November 2025.

The January signing made an immediate impact, as he gathered the Giovane through ball and drilled a ferocious strike into the near bottom corner from the edge of the area. Alisson Santos was visibly emotional at his first goal for Napoli.

Napoli equalise once again

Billy Gilmour and Rasmus Hojlund combine, and Alisson Santos rifles in a second for the home side v Roma!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/UYU09Ldzb0

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026

The hosts kept pushing in search of a winner, having fought their way back twice from a goal down, as while Robinio Vaz had a shot charged down, at the other end Svilar got down to fingertip away the Miguel Gutierrez daisy-cutter.

Napoli 2-2 Roma

Malen 7, pen 71 (R), Spinazzola 40 (N), Alisson Santos 82 (N)

15-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 25

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Napoli

Roma

2 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		7'		Donyell Malen (Assist: Bryan Zaragoza)
		26'		Gianluca Mancini
Leonardo Spinazzola (Assist: Eljif Elmas)		40'

2nd half

Amir Rrahmani		68'
		71'		Donyell Malen
Alisson Santos (Assist: Giovane)		82'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

11

Total shots

9

7

Shots on target

2

1

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

3

2

Corners

1

1

Offsides

2

14

Fouls

14

Napoli

Roma

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

70'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

70'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

79'

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

79'

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

85'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

72'

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

65'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

65'

97

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

46'

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

72'

Substitutes

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

70'

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

70'

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

79'

23

Giovane

Attacker

79'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

85'

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

75

Mattia Della Rocca

Midfielder

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

46'

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

65'

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

65'

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

72'

78

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

72'

The chaos and drama of this weekend’s Serie A continued with tonight’s battle between Napoli and Roma at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples.

You can follow all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

With roughly 25 minutes to go, Wesley made a charging run into the penalty box for the visitors, and was brought down by Napoli centre-back Amir Rrahmani.

However, both players ended up getting injured in the challenge. Wesley was carried off, with an ice pack later strapped to his left ankle.

January signing Donyell Malen then converted from the spot to give the visitors a temporary lead in Naples.

Watch: Rrahmani & Wesley injured as Malen completes brace in Napoli vs Roma

Malen gets the brace, taking advantage of a penalty against Napoli #SerieA pic.twitter.com/NmAXc6TeaC

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) February 15, 2026

Giacomo Raspadori faces a significant setback after picking up a first-degree hamstring strain during Atalanta BC’s clash with Lazio.

The injury, sustained late in the match, is expected to sideline him for at least three weeks, as per SportMediaset.

Head coach Raffaele Palladino, already without Charles De Ketelaere, confirmed that Raspadori will miss both legs of Atalanta’s Champions League play-off against Borussia Dortmund, with the first leg in Germany on February 17 and the return in Bergamo on February 25.

“It’s a real blow for us,” Palladino told club media.

“Raspadori has been in great form, and losing him for these crucial matches in Europe is a challenge we have to face together.”

Raspadori a doubt for Italy World Cup play-offs

The striker is also set to miss Atalanta’s trip to Naples and the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Lazio on March 4.

Beyond club commitments, his availability for the Italian national team is in doubt, with the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland scheduled for March 26 in Bergamo now uncertain.

This injury deprives both Atalanta and Italy of one of their most versatile forwards.

Raspadori’s pace, movement, and finishing have been crucial this season, and his absence forces Palladino and Italy national team coach to reconsider attacking options.

Recovery over the next three weeks will be closely monitored, and the timing could influence squad selection for the World Cup play-offs, potentially reshaping Italy’s offensive strategy for one of the most important periods of the season.

Donyell Malen gave Roma the dream start against Napoli this evening, with an early goal from the Dutch forward gifting the Giallorossi the lead at the Maradona.

Malen, who signed on loan from Aston Villa in January, has settled in well in the Italian capital and has increased his goal tally.

Another January signing, Bryan Zaragoza, did well to make space on the right flank before playing a heavy low ball into the box for the Dutchman to convert comfortably.

Watch: Napoli vs Roma – Malen puts Giallorossi up

Donyell Malen silences the Maradona

Roma race free and into an early lead against Napoli!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/z6OokMQkEG

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026

Donyell Malen is on fire for Roma

He puts them ahead against Napoli in just six minutes! pic.twitter.com/vTe8QIVpr2

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 15, 2026

You can follow all the action from the rest of the game, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Bologna returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away to Torino FC, a result that could prove pivotal in reigniting their season after a difficult spell.

Head coach Vincenzo Italiano praised match-winner Santiago Castro for his decisive contribution, highlighting the striker’s natural instincts in front of goal.

“A centre-forward can sometimes operate in that area and decide matches with a great piece of skill, like he did,” Italiano told Sky Sport, via TMW.

“Not every goal comes from a structured move. He had a brilliant intuition and scored a fantastic goal that helped us win a very important match after a difficult period. We need more performances like that to move beyond it.”

Torino 1-2 Bologna – Italiano: ‘Rowe is improving a lot’

The Rossoblu front line showed encouraging signs, particularly summer arrival Jonathan Rowe, who continues to adapt to Italian football.

“Above all Rowe is improving a lot,” Italiano said. “He has the ability to do very well one-on-one. When he adds consistency and composure near goal, he can become a top-level player. He comes from a different footballing culture, he’s young and doesn’t speak much Italian yet.”

Italiano also pointed to the importance of wide players contributing goals, while lamenting the timing of a setback for Federico Bernardeschi.

“Berna was growing and it’s a shame about the injury, it happened just as he was finding his rhythm. When he regains sharpness, he has the quality to shoot with more precision. Goals from wingers are important.”

Despite the victory, Italiano stressed that Bologna’s recent struggles cannot be erased by one result alone.

“In a month and a half we lost our ability to score regularly and to limit opponents. We abandoned that. We need three, four, five results with strong performances. We want to progress in Europe and stay in a competition we care deeply about. Before saying we are out of this period, we need consistency in both performances and results.”

On whether the team had lost momentum or direction, he added:

“There are moments that turn negatively. We faced teams in great form, had red cards and mistakes all at once. We didn’t manage those situations gradually. Our true value isn’t the first place we had after Udine, but it’s much higher than what we’ve shown recently. Playing with more freedom helps, we can express ourselves even better than today.”

The win offers relief, but for Bologna the real test now lies in sustaining this level over the coming weeks.

Antonio Conte tries to focus on the ‘good performances’ from Napoli after their Coppa Italia exit, and expects an ‘aggressive and intense’ match with Roma this evening.

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

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

This had been a Scudetto battle just a few weeks ago, but realistically is now a fight for third place following some disappointing recent results.

Serie A is the only focus for the Partenopei, who in the last month have gone out of the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, losing a penalty shoot-out to Como midweek.

Conte focus on Napoli performances

“We had a very good performance against Como, but once you get to penalties, it can happen that you go out and don’t reach the semi-finals,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“However, the team is in good condition, putting in some fine games, and there’s not much more I could ask from them. We are finding different solutions, because every time we need to make adjustments when someone else is missing.”

Scott McTominay aggravated a tendon injury during the 3-2 win over Genoa and has still not recovered, so he joins Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne and suspended Juan Jesus in the stands.

Napoli beat Roma 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico earlier this season, but some of the players who featured heavily in that game like Noa Lang and David Neres are not playing tonight.

“We prepared our usual approach, we certainly won’t sit back and wait for them. We’ll try to attack Roma, win back the ball early, and when we’ve got it then we can try to find solutions to hurt them.

“Roma also rely on aggression and intensity, so I imagine it will be an entertaining match for the neutral,” concluded Conte.

Roma director Ricky Massara hopes tonight’s trip to Napoli can finally give them a victory in the big games, but assures Paulo Dybala’s latest injury ‘has no effect’ on contract talks.

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

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

The Giallorossi know this is a big opportunity to lock down a top four finish and even catch the Partenopei in third, as Juventus were beaten yesterday 3-2 by Inter.

When they met Antonio Conte’s side earlier this season at the Stadio Olimpico, it ended 1-0 for Napoli.

Massara eager for Roma turning point

“It is true that we didn’t win big games, but the performances were never lacking in those clashes, so we hope to keep putting in the good performances and hope results arrive as a consequence of that,” Massara told DAZN Italia.

Dybala, Manu Kone, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy didn’t make the trip, with Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso not fully fit either, so Bryan Zaragoza gets his first start.

Is the poor fitness record one of the reasons Roma are hesitant to lock the Argentina international down to a new contract?

“Dybala would be a big loss for any team, as he is a special player who makes the difference. It’s a pity he had this new and unexpected injury, as he would’ve been very welcome in this game. I can assure it does not have any effect on the negotiations for a new contract.”

It had been said there was tension between coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director of sport Massara, so did they have dinner over the weekend?

“We were all watching last night’s game. We have a very good rapport, let’s not forget Roma started a renovation process, we have 10 new players compared to last season, which shows the extent of the changes that we are making. The coach is forming this new group in excellent fashion, and we are very satisfied with his work.”

Nicolò Pisilli gets a rare start in midfield rather than Neil El Aynaoui, so is the Roma youth product breaking his way into the first team?

“Pisilli had already shown some of his quality in previous seasons, but he is now reaching maturity. He has a sense for the goal, is tactically intelligent, can defend and attack, and we believe he will be a big player for Roma and Italy for many years to come,” concluded Massara.

Tensions between Inter Milan and Juventus remain high following the controversial refereeing incidents in last night’s 3-2 victory for the Nerazzurri.

In the hours after the match, John Elkann, CEO of Exor, reportedly contacted Gabriele Gravina to express Juventus’ dissatisfaction with the officiating, as per TuttoMercatoWeb.

From the Bianconeri perspective, the handling of key moments during the game was deemed unacceptable.

In particular, the moment that saw Pierre Kalulu given a second yellow card after an apparent dive by Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni.

Gravina, president of the FIGC, has since held discussions with refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi to address the specific incidents.

Inter-Juventus drama adds to unstable FIGC & AIA problems

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of instability within the AIA.

The referees’ body is awaiting a definitive ruling from the Federal Court of Appeal regarding its president, Antonio Zappi, who received a 13-month suspension at first instance.

The appeal verdict is scheduled for February 18. Should the suspension be upheld, the AIA could face the prospect of being placed under temporary administration.

FIGC president Gravina is also understood to have raised broader concerns with Rocchi, particularly regarding repeated simulations during Inter-Juventus.

According to FIGC sources, such behaviour risks influencing referees and increases the likelihood of mistakes, while also damaging the image of Italian football.

There was further emphasis on the potential benefits of broader use of VAR and technological support in situations involving clear and obvious errors.

The matter will be evaluated through the appropriate institutional channels.

Bologna took a significant step out of their crisis with this 2-1 victory away to Torino, as a Nikola Vlasic own goal and Santiago Castro show of skill ended their dire run.

The Rossoblu arrived in a huge crisis that threatened to end Vincenzo Italiano’s tenure, crashing out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final on penalties to Lazio midweek, with four consecutive Serie A defeats, just one win in the last 12 rounds. Tommaso Pobega was suspended, with Charalampos Lykogiannis, Torbjorn Heggem and Lorenzo De Silvestri injured. Toro got back on track by beating Lecce and drawing 2-2 with Fiorentina, but Rafa Obrador, Ardian Ismajli and Zanos Savva missed out. Nikola Vlasic and Matteo Prati returned from bans.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

The stadium was almost empty, as Torino fans stepped up their protest against the club and President Urbano Cairo by boycotting the home games. Nonetheless, it was a special occasion, the first Serie A match shown live on BBC Alba.

Nikola Moro just failed to get clean contact on a header at the back post from Jonathan Rowe’s cross, while Santiago Castro couldn’t get enough power on his effort into the arms of Alberto Paleari.

Federico Bernardeschi cut inside to shoot from the right, forcing a tricky save from Paleari, while Rowe bent a wonderful right-foot curler inches past the far top corner from the edge of the box.

Bologna finally broke through after the restart, as Rowe tried to roll across from the left, but the deflection off Vlasic took it into the path of Moro, who tried and failed to connect with a back-heel flick from six yards, still doing enough to put off Paleari.

Tadhal do Bologna! 'S e féin-tadhal bho Vlašić a bh'ann!

Goal for Bologna! An own goal from Vlašić!

Beò an-dràsta air BBC ALBA!

Live now on BBC ALBA! pic.twitter.com/EMHp7R5yzQ

— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 15, 2026

Bernardeschi blasted just over, then Paleari rushed out for a desperate save after Simon Sohm had sent defenders to ground with a smart turn.

Vlasic scored in the right net to equalise, as Duvan Zapata stung Lukasz Skorupski’s gloves from a tricky angle, his Torino teammate drilling the rebound through a defender’s legs.

Tadhal! Fear eile airson Vlašić – ach airson Torino an turas seo!

Goal! Another for Vlašić – but for Torino this time!

Beò an-dràsta air BBC ALBA!

Live now on BBC ALBA! pic.twitter.com/UidMkVbb0Y

— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 15, 2026

Santiago Castro signed a new contract with Bologna this week and celebrated in style, as he gathered from Bernardeschi with his back to goal, turned Marianucci and prodded a precise snooker shot finish into the far bottom corner from six yards.

Santiago Castro! Abair tadhal airson Bologna!

Santiago Castro! What a goal for Bologna!

Beò an-dràsta air BBC ALBA!

Live now on BBC ALBA! pic.twitter.com/liQSX7ydn8

— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 15, 2026

Guillermo Maripan couldn’t get enough on a corner at the back stick to surprise Skorupski, as Torino struggled to get back into the game.

Torino 1-2 Bologna

Vlasic og 49 (B), Vlasic 62 (T), Castro 70 (B)

15-02-2026 17:00

MatchDay 25

Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

TOR

BGN

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Guillermo Maripán

20'

2nd half

		49'		Nikola Vlasic
Gvidas Gineitis		51'
Nikola Vlasic		62'
		70'		Santiago Castro (Assist: Federico Bernardeschi)
		81'		Simon Sohm
Nikola Vlasic		87'

Match statistic

47

Possession %

53

7

Total shots

14

2

Shots on target

6

1

Shots off target

6

4

Blocked shots

2

4

Corners

2

2

Offsides

1

14

Fouls

10

TOR

BGN

Starting lineups

1

Alberto Paleari

Goalkeeper

13

Guillermo Maripán

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

85'

16

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

23

Saúl Coco

Defender

66

Gvidas Gineitis

Midfielder

54'

98

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

54'

10

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

7

Zakaria Aboukhlal

Midfielder

46'

19

Ché Adams

Attacker

46'

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

17

João Mário

Defender

74'

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

74'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

23

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

87'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

83'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

83'

Substitutes

34

Cristiano Biraghi

Defender

81

Franco Israel

Goalkeeper

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

17

Sandro Kulenovic

Attacker

77

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

25

Niels Nkounkou

Defender

99

Lapo Siviero

Goalkeeper

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

46'

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

46'

6

Emirhan Ilkhan

Midfielder

54'

22

Cesare Casadei

Midfielder

54'

92

Alieu Njie

Attacker

85'

29

Lorenzo De Silvestri

Defender

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

5

Eivind Helland

Defender

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

74'

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

74'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

83'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

83'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

87'

Both Napoli and Roma are forced into changes for tonight’s Derby del Sole, but Rasmus Hojlund and Matteo Politano take on Donyell Malen and Bryan Zaragoza.

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

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

This was a Scudetto showdown a few weeks ago, but now feels more like a head-to-head for third place.

There are big absentees for both teams, as Scott McTominay has not yet recovered from the tendon inflammation that saw him limp off in the 3-2 win over Genoa.

He joins Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne in the stands, while Juan Jesus is suspended.

Napoli didn’t rest midweek either, as they crashed out of the Coppa Italia in a sudden death penalty shoot-out against Como.

Eljif Elmas therefore drops down into midfield, but Politano has shaken off his injury to join Antonio Vergara and Hojlund in attack.

Sam Beukema steps into defence and Alessandro Buongiorno returns after his nightmare performance against Genoa.

Roma have their own set of problems, as Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy did not make the trip to Naples.

Matias Soulé is struggling with a recurring groin issue too, but so January signing Zaragoza gets his first start, joining Lorenzo Pellegrini to support fellow late arrival Malen.

The striker on loan from Aston Villa with option to buy has had a remarkable impact in Serie A, scoring three goals in his first four games.

He netted both in their 2-0 win over Cagliari on Monday, which ended a three-game winless streak in all competition.

As for the midfield, Nicolò Pisilli is preferred to Neil El Aynaoui, with Mario Hermoso not fully fit for the defence.

Napoli vs. Roma line-ups

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Gutierrez, Lobotka, Elmas, Spinazzola; Politano, Vergara; Hojlund

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Pellegrini, Zaragoza; Malen

15-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 25

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

NAP

ROM

2 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		7'		Donyell Malen (Assist: Bryan Zaragoza)
		26'		Gianluca Mancini
Leonardo Spinazzola (Assist: Eljif Elmas)		40'

2nd half

Amir Rrahmani		68'
		71'		Donyell Malen
Alisson Santos (Assist: Giovane)		82'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

11

Total shots

9

7

Shots on target

2

1

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

3

2

Corners

1

1

Offsides

2

14

Fouls

14

NAP

ROM

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

70'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

70'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

79'

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

79'

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

85'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

72'

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

65'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

65'

97

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

46'

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

72'

Substitutes

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

70'

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

70'

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

79'

23

Giovane

Attacker

79'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

85'

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

75

Mattia Della Rocca

Midfielder

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

46'

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

65'

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

65'

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

72'

78

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

72'

Weston McKennie is once again at the centre of discussions at Juventus, with renewal talks ongoing but complicated by the midfielder’s wage demands.

Now a regular starter and one of the side’s driving forces, McKennie has turned what once looked like an uncertain future into a position of strength.

After summer rumours suggested he could be sacrificed, the American not only stayed but has become one of the most reliable figures under Luciano Spalletti. A new personal best for goals in a single season has only strengthened his standing inside the club.

McKennie demands double his salary to renew with Juventus

Juventus would like to accelerate negotiations, yet the talks are far from straightforward.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, McKennie’s entourage continue to request roughly double his current salary, a figure that has stalled progress over the past 18 months.

The midfielder currently earns between €2.5m and €3m per season including bonuses, most of which he has consistently triggered. The club are prepared to offer an increase, but not at the level being sought by his representatives.

After tying down Kenan Yildiz to a new deal, Juventus view McKennie as one of their next priorities.

However, time is becoming a factor with his contract edging closer to expiry. Interest remains strong.

In the United States he is a marketable figure, while several European clubs are monitoring the situation in case he becomes available on a free transfer this summer.

Former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has said that the red-card incident in last night’s Derby d’Italia is ‘not good for the game.’

Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was sent off after receiving a second yellow card after making minimal contact with his arm with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni.

Bastoni went down theatrically and the referee had no option but to award Kalulu a second yellow. As VAR cannot currently intervene with yellow cards, the dismissal stood and Inter managed to win the game 3-2.

Reo-Coker on Bastoni & Kalulu incident: ‘Too much cheating & diving in Serie A’

Speaking as a pundit on CBS Sports Golazo after the game, Reo-Coker said:

“Too many players in Serie A right now are cheating with the diving, it’s not good for the game and it’s not good for the future generations watching the game.”

He dismissed the suggestion that coaches should be allowed one ‘challenge’ per game, saying the trust needs to be put in the referees.

Therefore, the former midfielder implied that it is down to the players to start behaving more responsibly, as much as it is for the referees to do their job.

“It’s not good for the game and it’s not good for the generation watching.”

Nigel Reo-Coker calls for protecting the integrity of the game in Serie A pic.twitter.com/VI3QCsl5EP

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 14, 2026

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori was all set to make his comeback from the start in Arsenal’s FA Cup game against Wigan, only to suffer a new injury in the warm-up.

The defender has struggled badly with fitness issues since making the transfer to London from Bologna at a cost of €50m including add-ons in July 2024.

A muscular problem saw him ruled out for over a month in December and January.

Calafiori cannot seem to find fitness at Arsenal

He had been named in the starting XI for today’s FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic, but Calafiori pulled out in the warm-up and was replaced by Bukayo Saka.

This is the second time he pulled out in the warm-up, doing the same against Brighton in December.

His injuries have also been damaging for Italy, as he missed the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway in November.

Now he has to be a major doubt for next month’s World Cup play-offs with Northern Ireland, and either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The defender has 24 competitive appearances for Arsenal this season, contributing a goal and three assists from left-back.

Juventus only just signed Emil Holm from Bologna, but he has already been ruled out for several weeks by a soleus muscle injury.

The full-back came off the bench during last night’s 3-2 Serie A defeat to Inter at San Siro.

At the final whistle, the player felt a twinge in his right calf and underwent radiological tests at the club’s medical centre this morning.

This confirmed a low-to-medium grade myotendinous injury to the soleus muscle.

Holm a fresh injury blow for Juventus

A formal statement notes Holm will have further tests in two weeks to determine the exact recovery time, meaning his absence will be at least a month.

The Sweden international arrived from Bologna in an exchange of loans with option to buy with Joao Mario going to the Stadio Dall’Ara.

The option to buy for Holm is €15m plus a further €3m in performance-related bonuses.

He has so far made only two appearances for the Bianconeri, one in Serie A and the other in the Coppa Italia, both off the bench.

Verona heroically held out down to 10 men for most of the match, but capitulated in added time to a Mateo Pellegrino header for Parma’s second consecutive victory.

The Ducali clambered away from the danger zone with their surprise victory away to Bologna, but Mariano Troilo was suspended, with Nahuel Estevez, Zion Suzuki, Pontus Almqvist, Abdoulaye Ndiaye and Matija Frigan still injured. Hellas remained rock bottom after new coach Paolo Sammarco debuted with a 0-0 draw against Pisa. Armal Bella-Kotchap returned and Kieron Bowie got his first start, though Antoine Bernede, Toma Suslov, Roberto Gagliardini, Sandi Lovric, Pol Lirola and Nicolas Valentini missed out.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

It took just over three minutes to break the deadlock, as Mandela Keita intercepted a wayward pass out from the back and gave it to Adrian Bernabé, who flicked it up with his first touch to smash in on the half-volley from 20 metres out.

The game went from bad to worse for Verona, as striker Gift Orban had a foul go against him, turned to scream something that the referee evidently was offended by, as he immediately whipped out a red card.

Moments later, Rafik Belghali limped off with an injury, further adding to the Hellas problems.

Gabriel Strefezza tried to score directly from the corner flag, forcing a tricky save out of Lorenzo Montipò, who also flew to push the Sascha Britschgi volley out from under the bar.

Lautaro Valenti drilled just wide, but 10-man Verona won a penalty when Bowie in his first start had a sensational take to control the ball over the top and turn, wrestled to the ground by Alessandro Circati. Abdoui Harroui converted for his first goal since the anterior cruciate ligament tear last year.

There was an odd moment after the restart when referee Luca Pairetto hurt his eye during an accidental collision with Niasse, but was able to continue.

Bowie thought he had won another penalty when surging into the box, but this time Keita managed to get his toes to the ball first.

Jacob Ondrejka’s curler skimmed the upright and Strefezza volleyed just over on a corner, but the huge chance on 71 minutes saw Strefezza’s right-foot curler loop around the goalkeeper to smack against the crossbar. As the move continued, Montipò parried an Ondrejka effort with his legs.

Pellegrino couldn’t keep his header on target from six yards, but it turned into a Parma siege during the closing stages. Ondrejka’s effort was palmed away until a Gaetano Oristanio acrobatic volley over, then Bernabé saw his shot deflected inches past the near post.

Verona finally capitulated in stoppages when Hans Nicolussi Caviglia floated a ball over the top for Pellegrino’s precise header.

Parma 2-1 Verona

Bernabé 4 (P), Harroui pen 43 (V), Pellegrino 93 (P)

Sent off: Orban 11 (V)

15-02-2026 14:00

MatchDay 25

Parma Store (Stadio Ennio Tardini)

Parma

Verona

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Adrián Bernabé (Assist: Mandela Keita)		4'
		11'		Gift Orban
Alessandro Circati		41'
		43'		Abdou Harroui
Lautaro Valenti		45+2'

2nd half

		86'		Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro
Mateo Pellegrino (Assist: Hans Nicolussi Caviglia)		90+3'

Match statistic

76

Possession %

24

27

Total shots

4

8

Shots on target

1

10

Shots off target

2

9

Blocked shots

1

12

Corners

1

2

Offsides

7

Fouls

14

Parma

Verona

Starting lineups

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

46'

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

62'

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

70'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

90'

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

37

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Defender

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

20'

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

79'

73

Moatasem Al-Musrati

Midfielder

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

79'

16

Gift Orban

Attacker

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

62'

Substitutes

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

76

Daniel Mikolajewski

Defender

25

Benja Cremaschi

Midfielder

61

Dominik Drobnic

Defender

67

Gabriele Casentini

Goalkeeper

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

46'

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

62'

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

70'

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

90'

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

3

Martin Frese

Defender

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

2

Daniel Oyegoke

Defender

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

41

Isaac

Attacker

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

20'

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

62'

8

Suat Serdar

Midfielder

79'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

79'

Cremonese and Genoa were locked together going into this weekend, and remain in the same position after a goalless draw that saw Federico Bonazzoli hit the crossbar in stoppages.

Both teams were hovering perilously above the drop zone on 23 points going into this clash. The hosts had started the season so well, but scraped just three draws in the last 10 rounds, scoring one goal in five. Warren Bondo, Federico Ceccherini, Michele Collocolo and Mikayil Faye missed out, while Morten Thorsby faced his former club. Genoa were furious after back-to-back controversial last-gasp penalty defeats to Lazio and Napoli.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Jamie Vardy’s cheeky back-heel flick was smothered, while at the other end a Junior Messias strike was fingertipped over the bar and Emil Audero at full stretch pushed a Vitinha curler round the post.

Milan Djuric’s header was straight at Justin Bijlow, but Audero got down rapidly for a sensational save to push the Brooke Norton-Cuffy angled drive round the far post from 12 yards.

Djuric also saw his acrobatic effort whistle just past Filippo Terracciano at the back post, while Justin Bijlow smothered a Thorsby header.

Genoa started to pour forward after the restart, as Vitinha’s strike was deflected, then Messias hit the side-netting under pressure from Federico Baschirotto.

Djuric’s looping header was inches wide on a Giuseppe Pezzella cross, while Caleb Ekuban drilled onto the side-netting and Alberto Grassi’s volley on the edge of the area was well smothered.

Ekuban turned a header inches over from eight yards on a corner, but it was Cremonese who so nearly won it with the last kick of the game when Bonazzoli’s left-foot strike thumped the frame of the goal.

Cremonese 0-0 Genoa

15-02-2026 14:00

MatchDay 25

Stadio Giovanni Zini

Cremonese

Genoa

0 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Giuseppe Pezzella		4'
Filippo Terracciano		29'

Match statistic

35

Possession %

65

19

Total shots

19

8

Shots on target

6

4

Shots off target

7

7

Blocked shots

6

6

Corners

11

Offsides

1

10

Fouls

12

Cremonese

Genoa

Starting lineups

1

Emil Audero

Goalkeeper

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

3

Giuseppe Pezzella

Defender

72'

5

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

24

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

58'

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

29

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

7

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

88'

10

Jamie Vardy

Attacker

58'

9

Milan Djuric

Attacker

73'

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

15

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Defender

72'

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

89'

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

72'

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

72'

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

9

Vitinha

Attacker

60'

Substitutes

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

16

Marco Silvestri

Goalkeeper

15

Matteo Bianchetti

Defender

27

Jari Vandeputte

Midfielder

14

Faris Moumbagna

Attacker

55

Francesco Folino

Defender

25

Davide Pavesi

Defender

90

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

58'

33

Alberto Grassi

Midfielder

58'

4

Tommaso Barbieri

Defender

72'

99

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

73'

22

Romano Floriani Mussolini

Defender

88'

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

60'

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

72'

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

72'

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

72'

4

Amorim

Midfielder

89'

John Elkann, the President of Juventus owners Exor and heir to the Agnelli empire, personally called FIGC chief Gabriele Gravina to complain about ‘repeated refereeing errors.’

This is the latest stage in the angry protests that followed last night’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Inter, a game where Juve were down to 10 men for the entire second half.

Refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi already apologised publicly and confirmed sending off Pierre Kalulu was the incorrect decision, as Alessandro Bastoni simulated contact, but as it was a second yellow card offence, VAR could not intervene.

Juventus urge ‘solutions to guarantee integrity’

As Luciano Spalletti and players did not speak to the media last night, Juventus sent directors Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli to give post-match interviews instead.

According to news agency ANSA, today the man at the very top of the Bianconeri pyramid got involved, as Elkann called Federation President Gravina to personally complain.

It is reported he “expressed grave dissatisfaction for the repeated and numerous refereeing errors, urging the authorities to find efficient solutions to improve the overall football system, and guarantee the integrity and credibility of Italian football.”

In their complaints, Juventus have pointed out that this is only the latest in a long line of obvious errors that left clubs including Roma, Genoa, Lazio and Napoli furious.

It is the widespread nature of the anger with referees that is creating a sense of momentum behind calls for change, and Rocchi may well be the first to go.

Alessandro Bastoni has found himself at the centre of controversy after the Derby d’Italia on Saturday evening, but the Nerazzurri centre-back is not expected to be retrospectively punished for his dive that led to the sending off of Juventus’s Pierre Kalulu. Here’s why. 

What happened with Bastoni and Kalulu in Inter 3-2 Juventus? 

Inter claimed all three points in the Derby d’Italia on Saturday evening after an own-goal from Andrea Cambiaso and individual efforts from Pio Esposito and Piotr Zielinski. Cambiaso and Manuel Locatelli came up with the goals for the Bianconeri. 

The game was not without its controversies, though. Juventus defender Kalulu was sent off in the 42nd minute for his second bookable offence. 

Newspapers in Italy described Kalulu’s first yellow card as ‘excessive’ and the second as ‘non-existent’ and ‘absurd’. That is because Bastoni dived in an attempt to get his opponent sent off, which convinced referee Federico La Penna. 

As this was a second yellow card and not a direct red, VAR was not able to intervene on the matter. Reports on Sunday suggest that this is a rule the IFAB will seek to change at the earliest possibility. 

Refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi has since admitted that La Penna made a mistake, and has apologised for the error. 

To add insult to injury for Juventus, Bastoni was also carrying a booking at the time of Kalulu’s sending off, and had he been punished for simulation, it would have been the Nerazzurri down to 10 men instead of the Bianconeri. 

What didn’t help the situation was the passionate celebration that Bastoni let out when La Penna brandished the yellow and red cards at Kalulu. 

Why will Bastoni not face retrospective punishment? 

Despite calls from some supporters, Bastoni is not expected to face further punishment for his dive. 

That is because of a similar rule to the one that prevented VAR from intervening at the time of the incident: Authorities would have been able to review the incident with the use of TV footage had Bastoni’s dive led to a direct red card, but not for a second yellow. 

As is explained in article 61 of the Code of Sports Justice (Codice di Giustizia Sportiva), the sports judge is able to review TV footage for incidents of unsportsmanlike behaviour in four different circumstances. They are as follows: 

• Simulation leading to a penalty kick being awarded in favour of the team whose player dived.
• Simulation resulting in the direct sending off of an opposition player 
• Scoring a goal by intentionally handling the ball 
• Preventing a goal by intentionally handling the ball

As Kalulu was sent off for a second bookable offence and not a direct card, Bastoni’s act of unsportsmanlike behaviour does not fall under any of the above categories and will therefore not be brought to the sports judge for review.

Attempts to sanitise an obvious Alessandro Bastoni dive do no favours to Inter or the sport as a whole, writes Susy Campanale, no matter which team you are behind.

There is an Italian phrase I have always struggled to translate: ‘Intellectual honesty.’ It fit perfectly with the reactions to that Pierre Kalulu red card that ultimately proved decisive in Inter’s 3-2 win over Juventus. It means arguing in good faith, having a consistent worldview and sticking to it, even if it happens to be your own people who are in the wrong. Until now, Cristian Chivu had been perhaps its best proponent in Italian football, earning plaudits for his refreshing honesty and refusal to play the usual mind games we get in the media. That’s what makes his description of the Alessandro Bastoni dive so disappointing.

I expected it of others, such as all those fans of every other club who rushed to gleefully celebrate on social media, noting Juventus were on the receiving end of so many dubious decisions in the past. That unhealthy kind of attitude is so prevalent now in all areas of life, poisoning the general discourse in politics, sports, the arts, boiling everything down to ‘it’s my team and therefore it’s ok to treat others unfairly’ or go against everything you claim to believe in. There is precious little intellectual honesty in the world in 2026.

Inter struggle to defend Bastoni behaviour

Juventus director Damien Comolli said that the Bianconeri lost points, but all of Italian football had lost something with this incident. He’s not wrong, it is best seen as part of a wider catalogue of errors from the referees in Serie A and beyond this season. Only last week the AIA (Italian Referees Association) confessed that the winning Napoli penalty was for a ‘non-existent foul.’ That was arguably worse than the Kalulu incident, because with all the footage at their disposal, they still managed to create a penalty out of thin air.

VAR was meant to clamp down on errors, but it has prompted a spate of penalties that could only be given with the aid of a zoom lens and slow-motion replays, robbing situations of their natural context. At the same time, the limited protocol prevents an obvious mistake like the Kalulu second yellow card being rectified, because it cannot be used on bookings.

At least IFAB is considering rushing through the protocol changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It is long past time that we see coaches able to make targeted appeals, just like in tennis and other sports where video technology is used. That would’ve saved Kalulu the red and instead seen Bastoni sent off for simulation, seeing as he was already on a yellow card too. His wild celebrations right behind a stunned Kalulu show he knew full well he had got one over on the referee and deserved to be punished for such obviously unsporting behaviour.

It is a start, but we need to go further. Inter defender Bastoni wasn’t the only obvious dive we saw on Saturday in Serie A. Just hours earlier, Fiorentina defender Fabiano Parisi went down screaming and clutching his ribs after an opponent merely brushed past him. It was embarrassing and it’s a pity VAR did not have the all-clear to punish this sort of behaviour too.

Unlike penalties, there is no need for VAR to hold up the play while it evaluates these situations. They can wait a while and then recommend the yellow card be given, if it is truly warranted for an obvious simulation. Failing that, mark it down and hand down bans for future matches. This might help reduce the number of these shameful incidents.

Above all else, what we need is for coaches, players and fans to collectively show some intellectual honesty. If your team gets the rub of the green with a bad decision, just hold your hands up and admit you were lucky, just as you would be if a shot went in off the inside of the post. There’s no shame in confessing to good fortune.

Trying to argue in bad faith that a dive was worthy of getting an opponent sent off or a penalty awarded will only cheapen your standing, and ensure if the situation is reversed, they will do the same to you. That is how we get into the situation we are in now, where anything goes as long as it’s your ‘side’ enjoying ill-gotten gains. Do unto others as you would have them do to you is the simplest rule in all of human history, and we all lose when it is ignored.

Reports in Italy claim that work is underway for Scott McTominay to be rewarded with a new and improved contract at Napoli after a fantastic first 18 months in Serie A. 

Napoli hoping to tie McTominay down to new contract

McTominay joined Napoli from Manchester United in a €30.5m deal in the sur of 2024 and immediately established himself as one of the modern-day greats at the Stadio Maradona. In his first season in Naples, the Scotland international helped the Partenopei to their second Scudetto in three years and also claimed the division’s MVP award in the process. 

McTominay signed a four-year contract at the time of his transfer from Manchester United, expiring in the summer of 2028. 

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Napoli want to extend that agreement until the summer of 2030. 

Sunday’s report claims that McTominay’s agent has recently arrived in Naples for talks, and that he has already spoken with sporting director Giovanni Manna over the potential terms of a new contract extension. 

Specific salary figures have not yet been mentioned, but it is expected that McTominay would be rewarded with an improved set of personal terms after establishing himself as a Ballon d’Or candidate over the last year and a half. 

McTominay came up with 12 goals and six assists during Napoli’s title-winning campaign last season, and has gone on to provide 10 goals and four assists between Serie A and the Champions League so far this season. 

He has missed the last game and a half for Napoli after pulling up during the 3-2 victory over Genoa last weekend, and will not feature against Roma on Sunday afternoon as he continues his recovery.

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A first-half strike from Oumar Solet was not enough for Udinese to hold onto, as two goals within two minutes from Armand Lauriente and Andrea Pinamonti saw Sassuolo leapfrog their opponents into ninth place in the Serie A table on Sunday afternoon. 

Both teams were looking to bounce back after disappointing defeats in the league last weekend: Udinese slipping to a 2-1 defeat away against Lecce and Sassuolo falling on the receiving end of a 5-0 hammering from league leaders Inter. 

Kosta Runjaic opted for a change in shape and brought Nicolo Zaniolo back into his starting line-up, while Fabio Grosso made just one change: Replacing the suspended Nemanja Matic with Luca Lipani in midfield. 

Click here to read more about how the teams lined up.

The hosts broke the deadlock within the first 10 minutes when Josh Doig attempted to play an underhit pass out from left-back. Solet was aggressive in his pressing and did brilliantly to win the ball high up the pitch on the right flank before dribbling inside and firing low into the bottom corner off his toes from the edge of the area. 

It took Sassuolo until the second half to properly dust themselves down. 

10 minutes into the second period, the Neroverdi ran it all the way down the left flank from a goal-kick following an Udinese corner: Laurient, Ulisses Garcia and Pinamonti all combined in a fantastic team move, which ended with the Frenchman dispatching into the far corner from the centre of the area. 

It was a dismal few minutes for Udinese, as Sassuolo went on to steal the lead with their next attack of the game after the re-start. 

The ball was worked down the right flank on this occasion, before Lauriente, Garcia and Pinamonti combined for the second time in two minutes. This time it was Garcia’s cross that was met by the head of Pinamonti in the middle of the area for 2-1. 

This was a big result for Sassuolo, who have managed to leapfrog their opponents into ninth place in the Serie A table: Not a bad achievement for a team fresh off promotion from Serie B. Udinese sit one place below them in 10th palace, level on points on 32 from 25 matches. 

Udinese 1-2 Sassuolo

Solet 10 (U), Lauriente 56 (S), Pinamonti 58 (S)

15-02-2026 11:30

MatchDay 25

Friuli Stadium (Dacia Arena)

Udinese

Sassuolo

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Oumar Solet (Assist: Jurgen Ekkelenkamp)		10'
		16'		Tarik Muharemovic
Arthur Atta		21'

2nd half

		56'		Armand Lauriente (Assist: Andrea Pinamonti)
		58'		Andrea Pinamonti (Assist: Ulisses Garcia)
Jordan Zemura		63'
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp		77'
		83'		Woyo Coulibaly
		90+6'		Alieu Fadera

Match statistic

51

Possession %

49

8

Total shots

10

2

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

6

1

Offsides

4

14

Fouls

14

Udinese

Sassuolo

Starting lineups

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

13

Nicolò Bertola

Defender

28

Oumar Solet

Defender

86'

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

14

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

8

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

79'

32

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp

Midfielder

79'

38

Lennon Miller

Midfielder

65'

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

15

Vakoun Bayo

Attacker

65'

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

3

Josh Doig

Defender

46'

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

80

Tarik Muharemovic

Defender

46'

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

72'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

79'

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

84'

Substitutes

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

1

Alessandro Nunziante

Goalkeeper

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

29

Abdoulaye Camara

Midfielder

22

Branimir Mlacic

Defender

18

Adam Buksa

Attacker

65'

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

65'

24

Jakub Piotrowski

Midfielder

79'

20

Juan Arizala

Defender

79'

7

Idrissa Gueye

Attacker

86'

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

50

Darryl Bakola

Midfielder

66

Pedro Felipe

Defender

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

46'

23

Ulisses Garcia

Defender

46'

8

M’Bala Nzola

Attacker

72'

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

79'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

84'

Alessandro Bastoni has been forced into silencing the fans on his social media platforms after receiving countless insults and threats in the aftermath of the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus on Saturday night. 

Bastoni blocks supporters after Derby d’Italia insults

The Nerazzurri were victorious in a dramatic 3-2  thriller against their arch rivals on Saturday evening thanks to an own goal from Andrea Cambiaso and individual efforts from Pio Esposito and Piotr Zielinski. 

The game was not without its controversies, though, as Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was wrongly sent off in the 42nd minute for a second bookable offence. 

Bastoni was right in the middle of the drama, as he dived under the apparent challenge of Kalulu in an attempt to get his opponent sent off. Referee Federico La Penna immediately reached for his cards and dismissed the Frenchman. 

Bastoni was seen celebrating the decision, despite the fact that replays showed he had clearly dived in order to sell the referee. To make matters worse for Juventus, Bastoni himself had been on a yellow card at the time, which meant that he would have been sent off had he been booked for simulation. 

Bastoni has faced plenty of criticism in the hours since the derby ended, from fans, referees and pundits and even some who have called for him to be dropped from the Italy national team squad.

Some have taken matters one step further and sent insults to Bastoni directly, which has led to his having to turn off the comments on all of the posts on his Instagram profile. The 26-year-old has not commented publicly since the end of the derby. 

Some supporters feel that Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni should be dropped from the Italy national team squad as a result of his dive that resulted in the sending off of Juventus’s Pierre Kalulu during the Derby d’Italia in Serie A on Saturday night. 

Angry fans want Bastoni dropped from Italy national team

Bastoni woke up as a divisive figure in Italy on Sunday morning after being at the centre of controversy during Inter’s 3-2 victory over Juventus in San Siro the night before. 

Bastoni went down under the challenge of Kalulu in the 42nd minute, but it was evident that the Nerazzurri centre-back had dived in an attempt to get his opponent sent off. Kalulu was already carrying a yellow card and as this incident was not a direct red card call, VAR could not intervene or overturn the decision. 

This has led to a series of accusations and apologies from Juventus and Serie A officials, while newspapers in Italy on Sunday claimed that the derby was ‘ruined’ as a result of the refereeing error.