Antonio Conte is happy for Romelu Lukaku’s comeback goal to beat Verona, feels this season is ‘making me a better coach’ and warns Napoli still ‘risk missing out on Europe.’

It was shaping up to be another tense evening for the Partenopei, who had scraped one point from the last two Serie A rounds.

Rasmus Hojlund had opened the scoring, then his deflection wrong-footed Alex Meret on the Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro strike, but with the last kick of the game Romelu Lukaku popped up with the winner at the Stadio Bentegodi.

Conte learning from Napoli struggles

“This is a season that I will carry with me, because it is teaching me so much about how to deal with situations I’d never experienced before,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“A coach also has to appeal to the human element, find the right words, know the balance between the carrot and the stick.

“This experience is improving me in so many ways. Dealing with all these situations is not at all easy. I feel that it is making me a better coach.

“We find a way to stay on our feet and find the right way through, not just on a football level, but as human beings too.”

There had been so much controversy over the refereeing in recent weeks, and there was more here, as Napoli felt there was a foul before the corner was awarded for the Verona goal.

However, Lukaku made his mark off the bench with his first goal in nine months, having missed most of the season with a detached tendon.

“Lukaku had such a serious injury, I know all too well how much he has suffered with this situation, as he wants to help Napoli and help me, for the rapport that we have,” continued Conte.

“We are cuddling him and working hard, he is not yet the player that we know, but he’s getting there. This goal will give him confidence, the World Cup is coming up, I’d love for both him and Kevin De Bruyne to play in it.”

Lukaku had not scored in Serie A since May 2025 against Cagliari, a gap of 281 days, and perhaps had not expected to net such a decisive, dramatic goal.

“He had another couple of chances, including against Juventus. We know he can make his presence felt in the penalty area. If you are attacking, and the opponents are defending in numbers, Lukaku becomes a fundamental figure.

“If you are attacking the space, he might struggle a little more. We threw him on and he did his job. I hope it will give him confidence, we need everyone.”

Napoli had been about to drop more precious points and risk sliding out of the top four, but this result keeps them in the Champions League spots ahead of Roma vs. Juventus.

When asked about his future, Conte made some cryptic comments.

“I signed a three-year contract, so there is still one left to go. Let’s think about the present, so we can write ourselves the best possible future, which means playing in the Champions League.

“It’s going to be a tough fight, we know that, because other teams are in better situations, while we are trying to get players back in shape.

“We know that we genuinely risk missing out on Europe entirely, we are scraping the bottom of the barrel here. We did well to take the points home today, knowing that we can play much better than this.”

Romelu Lukaku admits his first goal in nine months was an emotional moment, especially as it gave Napoli victory in Verona. ‘I was a dead player before coming here.’

The Belgium international had waited 281 days for his first Serie A goal, since May 23 2025 against Cagliari, as he has been out of action since August when a tendon detached in his thigh during a pre-season friendly.

He didn’t expect it to be quite so dramatic, a 96^th-minute winner with the last kick of the game away to Hellas Verona, after Rasmus Hojlund had scored and then deflected in the Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro volley.

Lukaku seals last-gasp Napoli success

“I am happy for the team, it’s a pity we conceded that goal, but we are taking three points home today,” Lukaku told DAZN Italia.

Lukaku also celebrated pointing his finger to the sky, as it was the first goal scored since his father passed away and the family claimed they were ‘extorted’ over the funeral.

“These have been difficult months, personally. Football has given me so much, and losing my father the way I did was tough to handle.

“I keep going for my children, for my brothers, and for Napoli who gave me so much.”

The centre-forward reunited with Antonio Conte at Napoli after their experiences together in England and at Inter, allowing him to revitalise his career yet again after the Chelsea struggles.

“I was a dead player before coming here. This season is difficult, but we’ve got to aim high.”

Cristian Chivu insists Inter ‘don’t have time’ to feel bad about their Champions League exit, as they host Genoa this evening in Serie A. ‘We’ve already turned the page.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Como-Lecce and Verona-Napoli on the Liveblog.

Although they are 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table and preparing for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, the fact remains the Nerazzurri were bitterly disappointed by their Champions League exit.

Losing both home and away to Norwegians Bodo/Glimt saw them crash out in the play-offs, having reached the Final in two of the last three seasons.

Chivu keeps Inter focused on the future

“We don’t have time to think about it, we play every three days and this is a different tournament,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“We’ve got to get our energy back and give a sense of consistency to our Serie A results, even if we have done well in this competition so far.”

This is a showdown with Chivu’s former Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi, who has rebooted Genoa on the bench.

“It’s going to be very difficult, as they know how to defend deep or strike with the quality of their forwards. He’s doing a great job, has some very interesting ideas, and it will not be an easy match.”

Lautaro Martinez is still out of action after sustaining a soleus strain in Norway, with Hakan Calhanoglu only fit for the bench.

Alessandro Bastoni is suspended in defence this evening, though there was some good news with the return of Denzel Dumfries midweek after ankle surgery in November.

“We have four strikers who are all having a fantastic season, they work so hard for the team. We have already turned the page, we want to be competitive to the end in Serie A and the Coppa Italia,” concluded Chivu.

Romelu Lukaku scored with the last kick of the game to give Napoli a dramatic 2-1 victory away to rock bottom Hellas Verona, after Rasmus Hojlund netted at both ends.

The Partenopei were sliding down the standings after a 2-2 draw with Roma and controversial defeat to Atalanta. Scott McTominay, Frank Anguissa, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, David Neres and Kevin De Bruyne were still out of action, so Alisson Santos completed the attack, with Giovane on the bench against his former club. Hellas were rock bottom alongside Pisa, so while Gift Orban and Moatasem Al-Musrati were suspended, Rafik Belghali, Pol Lirola, Antoine Bernede, Sandi Lovric and Suat Serdar missed out.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It was a perfect start for Antonio Conte’s men, who took the lead within 100 seconds. Matteo Politano’s cross from the right was flicked on by Andrias Edmundsson, but turned into an accidental assist for the Hojlund looping header, which he steered into the far top corner from 12 yards, off the inside of the post.

Leonardo Spinazzola curled just over the bar, while Lorenzo Montipò palmed an Eljif Elmas scorcher out of the bottom corner.

Edmundsson got back for almost a goal-line clearance after Hojlund had dinked a finish past the on-rushing Montipò, and Antonio Vergara blasted just over from an Alisson Santos assist.

Verona equalised amid more controversy, as Napoli felt there was a foul before the corner, but that set play was then flicked on by Hojlund, who was also in the way to deflect the Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro half-volley past Alex Meret.

Hellas threatened to score another on the counter-attack moments later, but Daniel Mosquera’s first touch let him down when about to go clear.

Tomas Suslov was booked for a sliding tackle on Miguel Gutierrez, as although contact was high, he pulled out at the last second.

Eljif Elmas stung Montipò’s gloves after a well-worked move between substitutes Billy Gilmour and Romelu Lukaku.

Verona nearly won it in stoppages when Kieron Bowie couldn’t keep the volley on target after Meret flapped aimlessly at a cross.

Just as it seemed to be over, Napoli took a short corner and Giovane’s cross from the left went past an acrobatic Juan Jesus attempt, but Lukaku was ready to sweep in first-time from six yards. It was his first goal of the season and the last kick of the game after so many months out with a serious tendon injury.

Verona 1-2 Napoli

Hojlund 2 (N), Akpa Akpro 64 (V), Lukaku 96 (N)

28-02-2026 17:00

MatchDay 27

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Napoli

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		2'		Rasmus Højlund (Assist: Antonio Vergara)
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		45+2'

2nd half

		56'		Antonio Vergara
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		64'
		71'		Eljif Elmas
Tomas Suslov		74'
Abdou Harroui		81'
		90'		Juan Jesus
		90+6'		Romelu Lukaku (Assist: Giovane)
		90+7'		Romelu Lukaku

Match statistic

35

Possession %

65

8

Total shots

9

2

Shots on target

5

3

Shots off target

3

3

Blocked shots

1

2

Corners

5

1

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

11

Verona

Napoli

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

37

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Defender

55'

2

Daniel Oyegoke

Defender

70'

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

82'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

82'

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

55'

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

52'

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

78'

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

73'

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

73'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

78'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

6

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

41

Isaac

Attacker

3

Martin Frese

Defender

55'

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

55'

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

70'

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

82'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

82'

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

95

Vincenzo Prisco

Midfielder

23

Giovane Nascimento

Attacker

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

52'

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

73'

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

73'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

78'

23

Giovane

Attacker

78'

Inter hope to put their Champions League disappointment behind them with Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny against Daniele De Rossi’s revitalised Genoa.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Como-Lecce and Verona-Napoli on the Liveblog.

The Nerazzurri are in a very strange position, as while they seem unstoppable going 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table and are preparing for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, they are out of the Champions League.

They lost both home and away to Bodo/Glimt in the play-offs, an astonishing result considering this club played two of the last three Champions League Finals.

Lautaro Martinez is still out with a soleus strain he suffered in Norway, while Alessandro Bastoni is suspended.

It means Stefan de Vrij steps into defence, and Bonny is preferred to Francesco Pio Esposito as partner to underperforming Marcus Thuram.

Hakan Calhanoglu is only fit enough for a spot on the bench, with Denzel Dumfries making his comeback midweek after more than three months out of action.

Genoa have been revitalised under coach De Rossi, a former teammate of Inter boss Cristian Chivu at Roma.

They picked up wins over Bologna and Torino, plus a draw away to Milan, and some very controversial last-gasp defeats to Lazio and Napoli.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy sustained a muscular issue in the 3-0 victory at Torino last week, with Sebastian Otoa also carrying an ankle problem.

Benjamin Siegrist returns to the squad three months after the goalkeeper fractured his finger.

Vitinha, former Roma midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi and Ruslan Malinovskyi provide the support for centre-forward Lorenzo Colombo.

Inter vs. Genoa line-ups

Inter: Sommer; Akanji, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Bonny

Genoa: Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Ellertsson, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Martin; Baldanzi; Vitinha, Colombo

28-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 27

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Genoa

Live

0 - 0

Inter

Genoa

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

8

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

9

Vitinha

Attacker

Substitutes

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

53

Matteo Lavelli

Attacker

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

31

Benjamin Siegrist

Goalkeeper

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

4

Amorim

Midfielder

99

Mamedi Doucouré

Defender

There are reports Cesc Fabregas left Como star Nico Paz on the bench against Lecce today for disciplinary reasons after the Real Madrid product turned up late to a meal.

It was very surprising when the starting XI for today’s Serie A match did not include the young Argentine, especially considering he was suspended for last week’s 2-0 win away to Juventus.

Nico Paz gets the message from Fabregas

Fabregas was asked about the situation before kick-off, questioned on whether Nico Paz was rested ahead of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter.

However, he replied it was “not because of that, it was simply a choice that I made.”

According to Sky Sport Italia, the real reason has now been revealed, and it is disciplinary action to send a message to the rest of the squad.

Nico Paz reportedly irritated the Como coach by turning up late to a team dinner in preparation for this game.

He did come on as a substitute eventually in the 3-1 comeback victory, so has evidently been forgiven after this initial warning.

Lazio are without Daniel Maldini, Toma Basic, Pedro, Nicolò Rovella and Mario Gila for tomorrow’s Serie A trip to Torino, as the forward sustained an ankle injury.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

The Biancocelesti are preparing for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta on Wednesday, but also know their Serie A form is suffering lately.

They managed only two draws in the last three rounds, failing to score in two consecutive matches.

Lazio have more injury problems

Coach Maurizio Sarri has already been dealing with a lengthy absentee list, with Pedro spraining his ankle, and Rovella fracturing his clavicle.

A new problem is represented by Maldini, who has not even made the trip due to an ankle issue, a particular blow considering he was expected to start.

The good news is that Boulaye Dia is back in the squad, although he is not fully fit after struggling with flu symptoms and a fever over the last few days.

Lazio squad for Torino: Furlanetto, Motta, Provedel; Lazzari, Marusic, Nuno Tavares, Patric, Pellegrini, Provstgaard, Romagnoli; Belahyane, Cataldi, Dele-Bashiru, Farcomeni, Przyborek, Taylor; Cancellieri, Dia, Isaksen, Noslin, Ratkov, Zaccagni

Cesc Fabregas congratulated Como for showing ‘maturity’ as they fought back from an early surprise to beat Lecce 3-1 and keep up the pressure for a Champions League spot.

They had initially been shocked on home turf by the Lecce change of system to 3-5-2, as well as the Lassana Coulibaly free header.

However, the Lariani had turned the game around by half-time thanks to Tasos Douvikas, Jesus Rodriguez and Marc Oliver Kempf goals.

Fabregas sees Como step up to next level

“These are three important points for us, we show consistency after the strong performances against Milan and Juventus,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.

“I want to congratulate the team for their maturity. This is a strong squad that will deliver in the long run.”

Como are by no means a surprise at this point, despite the fact they only earned promotion into Serie A in 2024.

“This is a journey, there will be ups and downs. We are trying to create a sense of continuity of success, the more we play together, the better we get. This is a team that continues to improve.

“I told the lads, I am calm, because I know you can recognise your mistakes and raise the bar. This is an intelligent group of players, when they get something wrong once, they don’t do it again.”

Fabregas admits he was also taken by surprise going into this game, as Lecce coach Eusebio Di Francesco pulled the rug out from under him.

“It was not a simple match at all. Lecce always play the same way, but today they had three centre-backs, which they never do. We had prepared for a four-man defence, but we won it down the left, where they were slow to cover the gap and were left one on one. We had the right pressing and transition timing.”

There was more good news for Como in the final minutes, as Assane Diao made his comeback after knee surgery, but Alvaro Morata and Kempf had knocks.

“Diao did in a few minutes what we had been missing so much in recent months, so we hope he can get back to full fitness soon. Kempf has a little problem with his hip, we need to evaluate it, but nothing serious,” concluded Fabregas.

“We’re not sure what is wrong with Morata.”

Now they prepare for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Inter.

Antonio Conte warns he does ‘not pick names, I pick those who are in the best shape’ to help Napoli, as he gives an Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa update ahead of the trip to Verona.

It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Como-Lecce and Inter-Genoa on the Liveblog.

The pressure is really on the Partenopei after a 2-2 draw with Roma and controversial 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, as it saw them slide down the standings to fourth place and the gap from the chasing pack close up.

Conte refused to speak to the media following the debatable officiating against Atalanta, and did not hold a press conference this week either, but did talk to DAZN Italia before kick-off.

Conte relies on Napoli attitude

“What we never lacked was the attitude, no matter the result. The attitude must be correct for this game too, as I always tell the lads, we’re down to the final 12 matches and are writing our future right now,” said the coach.

“I never doubted the hunger and determination of these players.”

There were some changes to the starting XI, as Leonardo Spinazzola and Matteo Politano stepped in for Pasquale Mazzocchi and Miguel Gutierrez.

“I changed the wing-backs because before the Atalanta game I saw Mazzocchi and Gutierrez in much better physical condition compared to Spinazzola and Politano. We had a work of training since then, they’ve been doing better, so that’s why I changed.”

The Napoli absentee list remains extensive, missing Scott McTominay, Anguissa, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, David Neres and Kevin De Bruyne.

There was some good news, as Anguissa played a specially-organised friendly midweek to get him closer to a full recovery, but how long until he’s back in the starting XI for Napoli?

“I don’t know how long Frank will take, but the fact he’s back in the squad gives him an opportunity to feel more confidence. He has been out for more than three months, we cannot expect to see him recover from one day to the next.

“I don’t pick names, I pick those who I can see in the best shape in training. We will decide in the next few weeks which tournament we are in next season, so I cannot take risks here, nor do I want to rush back and damage the player,” concluded Conte.

Como already won 3-1 against Lecce earlier this afternoon, further closing the gap on the top four.

Pierre Kalulu hopes Luciano Spalletti stays at Juventus, and reveals he ‘has not spoken’ to Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni after that controversial red card incident.

The Bianconeri are in action with a showdown against Roma for fourth place on Sunday evening, but are also taking to the field for the first time since their Champions League play-off exit to Galatasaray.

“It is an important week for us, and obviously Wednesday left us with a mix of emotions,” said Kalulu in his press conference.

Although they managed to neutralise the first leg 5-2 defeat despite being down to 10 men for the controversial Lloyd Kelly red card, the Old Lady eventually capitulated in extra time.

“We are both disappointed with the final result, but reflecting on the situation, also feel proud of what we showed on the pitch.”

Kalulu sees Juventus crossroads

Already out of the Coppa Italia, the only target for Juventus now is fighting to qualify for the Champions League with a top four Serie A finish, so going head-to-head with Roma is a potential turning point for the whole season.

“We are well aware this is an important game for us, but we also know there will be another 11 matches after this. Obviously, as a head-to-head clash, the points are worth more,” continued Kalulu.

“We believe in ourselves and if we do our duty, then it will go well.”

There is certainly more confidence in the Juve camp after the second leg performance against Galatasaray, and the players seem to believe they are on the right track with Spalletti.

“Contracts are up to the club. All I can say is that we feel good and have clear ideas, we like the way we play, so we’d be very happy if he was to stay.”

This is Kalulu’s return to the field in Serie A, as he was suspended for the 2-0 defeat to Como, adding insult to injury after everyone agreed he should not have been sent off against Inter.

Even Bastoni publicly apologised for his simulation on that second yellow card, but did he apologise directly to the player?

“No, we have not spoken,” revealed Kalulu.

“If we had won even with my red card, I would’ve been disappointed still, but with less of a sense of bitterness. The team always comes first before the individual, and what really hurts is that it all happened together.

“I hope that I will have success in future that helps me forget this incident. I don’t expect anything from Bastoni, it’s not like we talked much before either, so the next time will be in about six months, I expect.”

That incident has prompted IFAB to propose a change to the VAR protocol, so it can intervene on a second yellow card.

“Any rule that can help football in general is always welcome.”

Como completed a comeback from a shock opener to beat Lecce 3-1, as Jesus Rodriguez celebrated both an assist and his first Serie A goal.

The Lariani were in the thick of the race for a Champions League spot after beating Juventus 2-0 and holding Milan to a draw. Nico Paz returned from suspension, yet was rested ahead of the Coppa Italia semi-final with Inter, but Martin Baturina had an ankle injury, and the season was over for Jayden Addai after a torn Achilles tendon. Lecce’s run of two consecutive victories was stalled by a 2-0 defeat to Inter, with Kialonda Gaspar, Medon Berisha and Francesco Camarda sidelined. They changed to a 3-5-2 formation.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Wladimiro Falcone used his legs to parry when one-on-one with Tasos Douvikas, but it was Lecce who took the lead against the run of play with their first chance.

Lameck Banda got down the left and whipped in a right-footed cross, finding Lassana Coulibaly for a completely free header into the far top corner from seven yards. The Como defenders had totally lost sight of the midfielder.

Jesus Rodriguez should’ve equalised moments later, but ballooned over from 12 yards on the Ignace van der Brempt pull-back.

He made up for it when running onto the Maxi Perrone through ball and rolled across from the left, where Douvikas only had to prod in from six yards.

Como turned the game around completely, as Coulibaly slipped in midfield to spark the counter, with another great Perrone assist sending Jesus Rodriguez through to dribble around Falcone. He deposited into the empty net for his first Serie A goal after many attempts this season.

The hosts added a third on the stroke of half-time, as everyone expected Lucas Da Cunha to go for goal from his free kick, but instead he floated it over the top for the Marc-Oliver Kempf diving free header.

Remarkably, that was the first time since October 1987 against Ascoli that Como had scored three goals in the first half of a Serie A match.

Douvikas nodded a Da Cunha corner inches wide of the far post, while a crucial block prevented the Nico Paz tap-in from Ignace van der Brempt’s pull-back.

Nico Paz also couldn’t get enough on the Maxence Caqueret slide-rule pass as he went sliding in on the counter-attack, poking it into the arms of Falcone.

Assane Diao and Gaby Jean both made their comebacks from serious injuries, Diao immediately sprinting through to force Falcone to make a save with his legs from close range.

Alvaro Morata had penalty appeals waved away for a coming together with Jamil Siebert, which forced him off injured in stoppages.

Como 3-1 Lecce

Banda 14 (L), Douvikas 19 (C), Jesus Rodriguez 36 (C), Kempf 44 (C)

28-02-2026 14:00

MatchDay 27

Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Como

Lecce

3 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		14'		Lassana Coulibaly (Assist: Lameck Banda)
Anastasios Douvikas (Assist: Jesús Rodriguez)		18'
Jesús Rodriguez (Assist: Máximo Perrone)		36'
Marc Oliver Kempf (Assist: Lucas Da Cunha)		44'

2nd half

70'

Lameck Banda

Match statistic

69

Possession %

31

12

Total shots

5

7

Shots on target

2

3

Shots off target

1

2

Blocked shots

2

5

Corners

1

1

Offsides

2

15

Fouls

12

Como

Lecce

Starting lineups

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

14

Jacobo Ramón

Defender

2

Marc Oliver Kempf

Defender

46'

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

64'

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

64'

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

77'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

84'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

46'

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

84'

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

16

Omri Gandelman

Midfielder

59'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

73'

99

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

59'

Substitutes

5

Edoardo Goldaniga

Defender

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

44

Nikola Cavlina

Goalkeeper

3

Álex Valle

Defender

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

46'

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

64'

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

64'

7

Álvaro Morata

Attacker

77'

38

Assane Diao

Attacker

84'

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

36

Filip Marchwinski

Midfielder

8

Sadik Fofana

Defender

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

13

Matías Pérez

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

46'

79

Oumar Ngom

Midfielder

59'

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

59'

23

Riccardo Sottil

Attacker

73'

18

Gaby Jean

Defender

84'

Napoli look to Alisson Santos, Rasmus Hojlund and Antonio Vergara for their trip to troubled Hellas Verona, as Giovane is on the bench against his old club.

It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Como-Lecce and Inter-Genoa on the Liveblog.

The Partenopei are sliding down the standings after the 2-2 draw with Roma and controversial 2-1 defeat to Atalanta.

Scott McTominay, Frank Anguissa, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani and Kevin De Bruyne are still out of action.

That again means Eljif Elmas drops to midfield, with January signing Alisson Santos part of the trident attack with Hojlund and Vergara.

Giovane made the January move from Verona to Napoli, but he is only on the bench with his old club.

Another change sees Alex Meret take the gloves from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

Verona remain rock bottom of the table alongside Pisa on just 15 points from 26 rounds, and it will take a miracle to avoid relegation.

They are without a win since December 14 against Fiorentina, managing to scrape together only three draws from their last 11 games.

Nicolas Valentini and Roberto Gagliardini return to the fold after the 3-0 defeat to Sassuolo, but Gift Orban and Moatasem Al-Musrati are suspended.

The absentee list includes Rafik Belghali, Pol Lirola, Antoine Bernede, Sandi Lovric and Suat Serdar.

The attack is led by January arrival Kieron Bowie, who was brought in from Hibernian.

Verona vs. Napoli line-ups

Verona: Montipò; Bella-Kotchap, Nelsson, Edmundsson; Oyegoke, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Harroui, Bradaric; Bowie, Sarr

Napoli: Meret; Beukema, Juan Jesus, Buongiorno; Politano, Lobotka, Elmas, Spinazzola; Vergara, Alisson Santos; Hojlund

28-02-2026 17:00

MatchDay 27

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Napoli

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		2'		Rasmus Højlund (Assist: Antonio Vergara)
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		45+2'

2nd half

		56'		Antonio Vergara
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		64'
		71'		Eljif Elmas
Tomas Suslov		74'
Abdou Harroui		81'
		90'		Juan Jesus
		90+6'		Romelu Lukaku (Assist: Giovane)
		90+7'		Romelu Lukaku

Match statistic

35

Possession %

65

8

Total shots

9

2

Shots on target

5

3

Shots off target

3

3

Blocked shots

1

2

Corners

5

1

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

11

Verona

Napoli

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

37

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Defender

55'

2

Daniel Oyegoke

Defender

70'

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

82'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

82'

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

55'

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

52'

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

78'

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

73'

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

73'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

78'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

6

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

41

Isaac

Attacker

3

Martin Frese

Defender

55'

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

55'

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

70'

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

82'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

82'

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

95

Vincenzo Prisco

Midfielder

23

Giovane Nascimento

Attacker

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

52'

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

73'

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

73'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

78'

23

Giovane

Attacker

78'

Massimiliano Allegri plays down Milan exit rumours, saying that there’s ‘total harmony’ with club directors and predicts Christian Pulisic ‘will get back to scoring.’

Milan coach Allegri previewed Sunday’s Serie A match between the Rossoneri and Cremonese.

It’s an away fixture for Milan, who ended their 25-game league unbeaten run last week, losing 1-0 at San Siro against Parma.

Cremonese vs. Milan – Allegri’s pre-match press conference

“After six months without losing, weall felt the blow. On Tuesday, we were all a bit dazed, while on Wednesday, we had a good training session,” Allegri said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday, via Milannews.

“Sooner or later, we were bound to slip up; we hoped not, but it happened. Now we have to start running again. In the last two matches in Cremona, Milan haven’t scored; two 0-0 draws and one defeat. The last win dates back to 1993-94; the year before, under Capello, it finished 1-1.”

Three Milan players are unavailable: Matteo Gabbia, Santiago Gimenez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

“Gabbia is out; he still has this inflammation problem. We hope he’ll be back as soon as possible,” Allegri confirmed.

“Loftus-Cheek has had all his teeth fixed. Gimenez has completed all his pre-conditioning work. He’s in good shape. It’s possible that he’ll start training with the team this week. That’s a good sign, a positive recovery.”

Sportitalia reported earlier this week that Allegri was considering his future at Milan, unhappy with the club’s management and transfer activity.

“There’s total harmony with the club regarding the rumours that came out this week,” Allegri replied.

“Of course, in any discussion, there can be different points of view. It’s important that everyone works for the good of Milan. I’m very happy to have returned to Milan after 15 years and to have started working with a wonderful group of players. The club is planning and structuring Milan’s future. To do that, we need to achieve the most important result. In March, we’re in a fairly good position. Now we have to see if we’re good enough to stay there or take the final step. There’s harmony between the club and me.”

Christian Pulisic has had several fitness issues in 2026 and hasn’t yet scored a goal in the new year.

“I don’t know who will start tomorrow. In the last half hour, we’ll need whoever is on the bench,” Allegri said.

“Pulisic has grown physically and mentally: he’ll get back to scoring. The important thing is that they’re all doing well.

“Pulisic is close to a very good level. He has grown physically, he’s much calmer and has much more confidence in himself. He could get back to scoring.”

Ardon Jashari started against Parma to replace the suspended Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman, however, is still on a yellow card and will be suspended for the derby if he’s booked tomorrow. The same goes for Alexis Saelemaekers.

“Jashari is improving a lot. He played well, even when he came on against Parma,” Allegri said.

“It’s normal that he makes fewer forward runs than Rabiot, as he has different characteristics, but he’s been an excellent signing.

“The most important match is tomorrow,” concluded Allegri.

“Once it’s over, whoever is fit will play the derby. Anyone suspended will be in the stands.”

Italy international Destiny Udogie will miss Sunday’s Serie A match against Fulham due to a hamstring injury, and his involvement in the World Cup play-off in March remains highly uncertain.

Italian left-back Udogie will miss Sunday’s Premier League match against Fulham.

New Tottenham coach Igor Tudor provided the latest injury update for both Udogie and ex-Juventus star Dejan Kulusevski during a press conference.

Tudor’s injury update on Udogie

“It’s on a weekly basis. When they come, they come,” Tudor said via Football London.

“We need to be focused on the way, also, on how they come back into the team. Also, the main important thing is that, over time, they are recovering to be in good condition so that when they come back, they are in good shape. Otherwise, it’s a problem. But we are working. This is an important part of our job.”

Udogie has already missed 15 games across all competitions with Tottenham this season, due to hamstring and knee problems.

The former Udinese star has only provided one assist in 20 appearances across all competitions, collecting just 1.100 minutes on the field at a club level.

As previously reported by Football London, Udogie is not expected to return to action before mid-March, which means his involvement in the World Cup play-off remains uncertain.

The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the semifinal on March 26, while the potential Final is scheduled for March 31 against the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Udogie made his senior debut for Italy in 2023 and has 12 international appearances.

Italy and Milan legend Paolo Maldini surprisingly sent one of his signed match-worn shirts to Barcelona talent Gerard Martin for his birthday: ‘Good luck with your career.’

Former Italy defender Paolo Maldini surprised Barcelona’s Gerard Martin for his birthday by sending one of his match-worn shirts to the Spain international.

Gerard Martin shared a picture of the gift on his Instagram account to thank the ex-Rossoneri star and director.

Maldini also wrote a message in Italian for the Barcelona defender: “To Gerard, happy birthday and good luck with your career. With affection, Paolo Maldini.”

Just like Maldini, Gerard Martin can play as either a left-back or a centre-back, and his Barcelona teammates have nicknamed him ‘Gerard Maldini,’ Sportmediaset reports.

Gerard Martin is under contract with Barcelona until 2028. He has scored one goal and provided six assists in 77 appearances with Barcelona since joining the Catalans in the summer of 2023.

Maldini’s gift for Gerard Martin

GERARD MARTIN E LA MAGLIA DI MALDINI

Gerard Martin, difensore del Barcellona, ha pubblicato una storia su Instagram per ringraziare Paolo Maldini che gli ha inviato una sua maglia numero 3 del Milan. Lo spagnolo non ha mai nascosto di aver l’ex capitano rossonero come idolo. pic.twitter.com/XrioC89EMW

— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) February 28, 2026

Tuttosport reports that the only goalkeeper who will surely stay at Juventus in 2026-27 is third-choice Carlo Pinsoglio, while Tottenham and Nottingham Forest have set their sights on Federico Gatti.

Juventus are ready to open talks over a new contract for their coach, Luciano Spalletti, who expects some big signings over the summer.

Juventus’ possible changes in goal

Tuttosport, however, highlights that Juventus have already identified some players who might leave at the end of the season.

The goalkeeper situation looks a bit awkward as third-choice Pinsoglio has extended his stay until 2027, while Mattia Perin and Michele Di Gregorio could leave in the summer.

Gatti heading to the Premier League?

Perin already held talks with Genoa in the January window, while Di Gregorio is having a poor season and will likely be replaced in the new campaign.

Tuttosport adds that Gatti, who is no longer a regular starter in Turin, has attracted interest from Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham would be particularly interested in the Italian if Igor Tudor remains in North London beyond the summer.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini says Paulo Dybala ‘feels much better’ while Matias Soulé will miss tomorrow’s game against Juventus.

Roma and Juventus meet at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow in a crucial Serie A game for either side.

The Giallorossi sit fourth, level on 50 points with Napoli, but Juventus follow in fifth with 46.

Roma vs. Juventus – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference

“We are two teams that always try to reach the result through the playing style, and I think the same will happen tomorrow. Neither will want to speculate, and both will try to win,” Gasperini said at a press conference via Sky Sport Italia.

“Dybala feels much better. He worked with the team yesterday, but I won’t know until after today’s training whether he’ll be fit to play.”

Dybala, 32, has missed the last four Serie A matches due to knee problems, but could return tomorrow, while his compatriot Soulé won’t be eligible to play.

“I hope Soulé can join the team again next week,” Gasperini said.

“Our four-point lead is important because it reflects Roma’s work to this point, but I don’t think it will be decisive. I don’t see anyone strong enough to run away from the opponents so early.”

How many points will Roma need to qualify for the Champions League?

“It’s hard to predict. At least 70 points, but probably even more,” Gasp replied.

“Currently, we need a winning streak with many consecutive victories.

“Three months is a long time, and we must try to remain involved in all competitions. There could be variables, such as injuries and suspensions, but we must aim for the best in every game.”

Roma have been drawn against Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16, an outcome that neither club is particularly happy with.

“It’s unfortunate because we are talking about two Italian teams who could have gone ahead, and this penalises us for the ranking,” Gasperini said.

“You always have to raise the bar in these matches, and I think the most important one will be the first leg, because if you don’t have a good approach, you risk not being able to recover.”

• Read more – Three reasons why Serie A derby in Europa League is bad news for Italian football

The game against Juventus is a special one for Gasp, an ex-youth coach with the Bianconeri.

Gasperini also worked with Teun Koopmeiners at Atalanta, but the Dutchman seems to be one of the many players who begin to struggle as soon as they leave Bergamo.

“I don’t think so. Here I have Mancini and Cristante, who have increased and matured,” noted Gasperini.

“What I can say about Koopmeiners is that he was a strong player of that Atalanta side. Recently, he has also scored two goals.

“Juventus were like a gym for me, where I improved personally and in footballing terms. It’s a club where football has always been done very well. I had the chance to go abroad and look at other players; it was a great experience.”

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Anastasios Douvikas leads the Como attack in a home game against Walid Cheddira’s Lecce, but Nico Paz starts on the bench.

It kicks off at 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT) at the Stadio Sinigaglia in Como.

Follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the liveblog.

Jayden Addai and Martin Baturina are injured for the home side, and coach Cesc Fabregas partially rotates his team ahead of next week’s Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter.

Nico Paz is available after missing last week’s away game at Juventus, which Como won 2- 0, but starts on the bench.

Marc-Oliver Kempf gets the nod in central defence alongside Jacobo Ramon.

Lecce have travelled to Como without the injured Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda, Jay Gorter and Kialonda Gaspar.

Cheddira starts as a centre-forward for the Giallorossi with Lameck Banda on the right wing and Riccardo Sottil initially on the bench.

Serie A Week 27 kicked off on Friday with a 1-1 draw between Parma and Cagliari at the Stadio Tardini.

Como sit 6th in the Serie A table, just five points below a Champions League placement, while Lecce are in the relegation zone, but level on 24 points with Fiorentina and Cremonese.

Como vs. Lecce – official line-ups

Como: Butez; Van der Brempt, Ramon, Kempf, Alberto Moreno; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Caqueret, Jesus Rodriguez; Douvikas.

Lecce: Falcone; Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Ndaba; Danilo Veiga, Gandelman, Ramadani, Coulibaly, Gallo; Banda, Cheddira.

PSG-owned striker Randal Kolo Muani reportedly remains Juventus’ top target for next season, especially as Dusan Vlahovic’s future in Turin is still uncertain.

Juventus are preparing to open contract extension talks with Luciano Spalletti, but, as reported by Tuttosport, the coach’s future at the Allianz Stadium largely depends on Juventus’ plans for the future and their summer transfer campaign.

Juventus remain interested in Kolo Muani

The Turin-based paper claims that Spalletti expects one big signing in each department, and Tottenham loanee Kolo Muani remains the Bianconeri’s primary target for 2026-27.

The Old Lady already tried to bring the Frenchman back to Turin in the January window, but Spurs refused to let him leave.

According to the report, Juventus will want to sign Kolo Muani next summer regardless of Vlahovic’s future. The Serbia international’s contract expires in June, and contract extension talks should resume next week.

Who could leave Juventus in 2026-27?

Tuttosport adds that Juventus have also opened talks with other reinforcements across different departments, including full-backs Oscar Mingueza and Roma’s Zeki Celik, who are available as free agents.

Bernardo Silva, also available for free at the end of his contract in June, and Sandro Tonali are the main targets in central midfield, while Teun Koopmeiners will leave.

The same is true of Federico Gatti, who has attracted interest from the Premier League, as well as goalkeepers Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin.

Former Inter and Italy striker Alessandro Altobelli predicts the Nerazzurri will win the Scudetto even if they lose the Milan derby next week: ‘The Scudetto and Coppa Italia would be an incredible double.’

Inter host Genoa in Serie A tonight, days after a painful Champions League elimination in the knockout play-off at the hands of Bodo/Glimt.

The Nerazzurri lost both games against the Norwegians, being eliminated with a 2-5 loss.

“I think they’ve already overcome it. Inter are a team that knows how to look ahead; it’s a page that must be forgotten,” Altobelli, one of the best scorers in Inter’s history, told Gazzetta.

“The competition is different in Europe, and I’d settle for winning two trophies in every season.

Coppa Italia and Scudetto ‘incredible’ for Inter

“The 10-point gap is very hard to fill for [second-placed] Milan,” continued the ex-striker.

“Inter have proved to be the best team in the league, the one that plays better football and has more ideas and depth. Now they only have to reach this target. They owe it to their fans. I would say these targets, as I add the Coppa Italia too. It would be an incredible double.”

Inter play Genoa this weekend, while Milan will face Cremonese away. Next week, the Milanese sides will meet in the Derby della Madonnina.

“Even if Inter were to lose it, a seven-point advantage would be too big at this stage,” concluded Altobelli.

“But the derby is also the game of the year, regardless of the table.”

Nottingham Forest fans have criticised Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca after a 2-1 loss against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, and Sky Sport’s transfer expert Luca Marchetti argues that the striker’s behaviour ‘is not well-received’ in England.

Italy international Lucca has faced criticism from Forest fans on social media after his display in a 2-1 Europa League loss against Fenerbahce on Thursday.

The Italy international started the match, but was replaced after just 45 minutes.

The Italian striker had scored on his Nottingham Forest debut against Leeds in January, but that remains his only goal in five appearances in England, where he has collected less than 200 minutes of football since joining the Premier League side on loan from Napoli.

“Lucca may perhaps have had attitudes that not everyone liked, but this is not the starting point for making an assessment,” Sky Sport transfer expert Marchetti told Radio Marte (via TuttoNapoli)

“In football, it is the results that determine the mood; clubs have to evaluate a player from a technical standpoint. The player’s behaviour is not well received by the fans, not even in England, it seems. This should lead both the player and his entourage to reflect.”

Lucca back to Napoli in the summer?

Lucca is on loan at Nottingham Forest until the end of the season, and the Premier League side can activate an option to make his move permanent for €35m.

Tuttomercato, however, warns that the striker’s future at Forest is already uncertain as his performances so far do not justify such an investment over the summer.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Juventus directors will meet Luciano Spalletti next week to begin negotiations over a new contract.

Juventus have entered the crucial part of their season as they prepare for a key Serie A game against Roma on Sunday.

Juventus set to meet Spalletti over new contract

Spalletti’s contract expires at the end of the season and the Serie A giants have already decided to offer the Tuscan tactician a new deal.

According to Tuttosport, Spalletti is happy to continue at Juventus but wants guarantees regarding the club’s project, starting from next summer’s transfer campaign.

Tuttosport reports that the possible agreement between the club and the coach is not about money or salary, but rather about the club’s plans.

Spalletti’s requests to stay at Juventus

According to the report, Spalletti expects one big signing in each department, but the Bianconeri’s budget will largely depend on whether they qualify for the Champions League.

Spalletti is fully backed by the club owner, John Elkann, who visited the team in the dressing room after Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Galatasaray, and the coach was positively impressed.

At the same time, however, Spalletti was so disappointed by the elimination and drained by the return leg in Turin that he spent a day at his home in Tuscany to recover.

Today, he won’t be talking to the media on the eve of a Serie A match against Roma; instead, Pierre Kalulu will be sent.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy is one of Milan’s main targets in attack for 2026-27 alongside Mateo Retegui and Chelsea-owned striker Nicolas Jackson.

Milan have prioritise the purchase of a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window, especially as the Rossoneri will likely play in the Champions League next season.

Milan target Guirassy for 2026-27

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Borussia Dortmund’s Guirassy is their main target despite a €70m clause, which the Rossoneri are unwilling to pay.

Guirassy will turn 30 in just a few days and was on Milan’s agenda even a few years ago, before his €17m move from Stuttgart to Dortmund.

According to Gazzetta, the striker is tempted to try a new experience in a new country after playing in France and Germany.

The Rossoneri won’t make another attempt for Jean-Philippe Mateta, while their summer target, Darwin Nunez, would love to return to Europe from Al-Hilal, but he is not a priority for Milan.

Other Milan options in attack

On the other hand, Nicolas Jackson and Mateo Retegui are high on the Rossoneri’s agenda and were already in talks with Milan last summer.

The Italy international eventually joined Al Qadsiah from Atalanta, while Jackson moved to Bayern Munich from Chelsea on loan with an option to buy.

Having played barely 600 minutes across all competitions this season, Jackson will not join Bayern permanently in the summer and will return to Chelsea at the end of the current campaign.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 28, 2026, page 6.

Ange-Yoan Bonny is reportedly favourite over Francesco Pio Esposito to partner with Marcus Thuram in the Inter attack in a Serie A match against Genoa.

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

Follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the liveblog.

Alessandro Bastoni is suspended for the Nerazzurri, Lautaro Martinez is injured, but Hakan Calhanoglu has recovered and will start on the bench.

According to Sky Sport and Gazzetta, Bonny is the favourite over Pio Esposito in attack, while Thuram will surely start.

Carlos Augusto will replace the suspended Bastoni in a three-man defence, and Francesco Acerbi is expected to get the nod in place of Yann Bisseck, who should rest.

Nicolò Barella, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are the favourites to start in the middle of the park for the Nerazzurri.

Benjamin Siegrist, Broke Norton-Cuffy and Sebastian Otoa are injured for Genoa, who will look to Vitinha and ex-Milan striker Lorenzo Colombo in attack.

With a win, Inter would move 13 points above their city rivals Milan, who will have a game in hand, ahead of next week’s derby.

Inter vs. Genoa – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Inter vs. Genoa – probable line-ups

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Bonny.

Genoa (3-4-1-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Østigård, Vásquez; Ellertsson, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Martín; Baldanzi; Vitinha, Colombo.

Matteo Politano will start as a right midfielder for Napoli in an away Serie A game against strugglers Verona today.

It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at the Stadio Bentegodi.

Follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the liveblog.

The Partenopei still have several players out of action, including Scott McTominay and Frank Zambo Anguissa.

According to several sources, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport Italia, Alex Meret will start in goal for Napoli, while the three-man attack will continue to be composed of Antonio Vergara, Alisson Santos and Rasmus Hojlund.

With De Bruyne, McTominay and Anguissa still injured, Stanislav Lobotka and Eljif Elmas will start in central midfield with Politano and Leonardo Spinazzola on the flanks in a 3-4-2-1 system.

Another Italy international, Alessandro Buongiorno, will start in central defence.

Scotland international Kieron Bowie will lead the Gialloblu attack alongside Amin, as Gift Orban is still suspended. The same is true for central midfielder Moatesen Al-Musrati, while Antoine Bernede, Rafik Belghali, Suat Serdar, Pol Lirola and Sandi Lovric are injured.

Verona vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV

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

Verona vs. Napoli – probable line-ups

Verona (3-5-2): Montipò; Bella-Kotchap, Nelsson, Edmundsson; Bradaric, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Harroui, Frese; Bowie, Sarr.

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Meret; Beukema, Juan Jesus, Buongiorno; Politano, Lobotka, Elmas, Spinazzola; Vergara, Alisson Santos; Hojlund.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dea without fear, Euroderby dream

Europa League: Bologna-Roma. Conference: Fiorentina-Rakow

Scudetto at all costs

Inter and the Bodo shock to overcome

There’s Genoa at San Siro at 20:45. Chivu commands: to the derby with the maximum advantage. The plan to avoid Inzaghi’s finale. Idea Bonny-Thuram up front

A No.9 worthy of Milan

A centre-forward is needed. Guirassy favourite over Jackson and Retegui

Music masters

Gasp against Spalletti: why there’s more at stake than the fourth spot

Corriere dello Sport

Exclusive

Boniek speaks out

‘Lucio is stressed’

‘He has nobody decisive in super games.’ Gasp, here’s Dybala

‘I don’t see the Bianconeri well. Gian Piero plays better. I have the two shirts of my heart. The Avvocato? Unique style. I was in love with Viola, I hate divers, they must be punished.’

Politano, Champions card

Not only crosses and runs: the winger wants to score his first goal. Anguissa’s recovery is postponed.

Inter visit those wounded in Crans

President Marotta at the Niguarda hospital alongside Barella and Dimarco. Chivu for the +13: space for Bonny.

Tuttosport

New confirmations on the possible return of the Croat

Toro, Juric supports D’Aversa too

New Juve for Spalletti

Renewal close: meeting next week

The coach (isolated in Tuscany to recover from the European disappointment) asks for guarantees to sign until 2028, the club is ready to satisfy him: from the staff, with a goalkeeper specialist, to the players, with a big player for each department. Bernardo Silva in midfield, Vlahovic’s confirmation, joined by Kolo Muani, in attack: all the options.

Beware of Kane, but Atalanta have no fear

First time against Bayern for La Dea. Europa League: derby Bologna-Roma. Conference: Fiorentina-Rakow.

Parma’s run of consecutive victories was brought to an end this evening by a brave Cagliari side who gave Carlos Cuesta’s side a taste of their own medicine – although, the hosts did manage to salvage a point with seven minutes to play when Gaetano Oristanio scored to equalise after Michael Folorunsho’s opener.

It was a frustrating night for Parma, who had arrived at this fixture on the back of their stunning win against Milan at San Siro and will have harboured genuine ambitions of extending their winning streak. Cagliari, though, had other ideas, and produced a disciplined and determined display that deserved at least a share of the spoils.

The opening half was an evenly contested affair, with both sides creating half-chances without either goalkeeper being truly tested. Mateo Pellegrino was lively throughout for Parma, forcing Elia Caprile into a fine save in the 39th minute with a sharp effort from inside the box, while Cagliari’s Marco Palestra and Sebastiano Esposito both threatened on the counter without making the breakthrough.

Parma 1-1 Cagliari – Second half flurry sees Folorunsho & Oristanio get on the scoresheet

Cuesta rang the changes at half-time, introducing Gaetano Oristanio and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia in an attempt to shift the momentum, but it was Cagliari who struck first.

In the 63rd minute, substitute Michael Folorunsho, who had only entered the field two minutes earlier, produced a moment of genuine quality, receiving the ball outside the box and unleashing a thunderous strike into the top left corner that gave Edoardo Corvi absolutely no chance. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.

Parma pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Oristanio pounced on a loose ball inside the box to fire low into the bottom left corner, sparking jubilant scenes from the home fans.

Both sides pressed for a winner in the closing stages, with further injuries to Esposito and Emanuele Valeri adding to the disruption, but neither could find the decisive moment.

A point apiece, then, and while Parma will reflect on a missed opportunity, Cagliari will take enormous encouragement from a performance that showed real character away from home.

27-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 27

Parma Store (Stadio Ennio Tardini)

Parma

Cagliari

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		21'		Juan Rodríguez
		40'		Alberto Dossena

2nd half

Mateo Pellegrino		56'
Lautaro Valenti		63'
		63'		Michael Folorunsho (Assist: Sebastiano Esposito)
		65'		Ibrahim Sulemana
Gaetano Oristanio		83'
		90+4'		Adam Obert

Match statistic

56

Possession %

44

18

Total shots

11

4

Shots on target

5

6

Shots off target

3

8

Blocked shots

3

6

Corners

3

Offsides

2

14

Fouls

8

Parma

Cagliari

Starting lineups

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

90'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

46'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

89'

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

46'

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

75'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

87'

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

87'

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

63

Marlon Mena Martinez

Defender

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

46'

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

46'

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

75'

25

Benja Cremaschi

Midfielder

89'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

90'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

38

Ivan Sulev

Midfielder

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

40

Roberto Malfitano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

61'

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

87'

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

87'

Enzo Le Fée has opened up on his disappointing spell at Roma, admitting he was unhappy during his time in the Italian capital and that a lack of enjoyment on the pitch was the driving force behind his decision to leave.

The French midfielder joined Roma in the summer of 2024 from Rennes with considerable promise, but struggled to make any meaningful impact at the Stadio Olimpico, managing just ten appearances before departing on loan to Sunderland in January 2025.

The English club subsequently made the move permanent last summer upon their return to the Premier League.

Le Fee: ‘I left Roma to rediscover my confidence’

Speaking to The Analyst, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Frenchman was candid about why the move to Serie A never worked out.

“At Roma I was a little sad because I wasn’t enjoying playing football,” he said.

“When I’m not enjoying myself on the pitch, I’m really sad. I wanted to rediscover my confidence, that’s why I came to Sunderland, because I knew that Regis Le Bris could give me everything I need to perform at my best.”

The mention of Sunderland head coach Le Bris is telling.

The Frenchman has built a reputation for developing technically gifted midfielders and creating an environment in which players can express themselves freely, precisely the kind of setting Le Fée felt he was missing in Rome.

It is a frank and somewhat sobering admission from a player who arrived in Serie A as one of the more exciting French midfield prospects of his generation.

Whether he can rediscover that form consistently in England remains to be seen, but on the evidence of his own words, the move to Wearside has already gone some way to restoring his love of the game.

Alessandro Renica has sparked debate by laying the blame for Napoli’s lengthy injury list squarely at the door of Antonio Conte, arguing that the head coach’s demanding training methods have taken a significant physical toll on the squad.

The former Napoli defender, who spent six years at the club between 1985 and 1991 winning two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup, made his comments on Stile TV, and they are unlikely to go down well in certain quarters.

Napoli have been badly hampered by injuries this season, with Kevin De Bruyne, Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Amir Rrahmani among the high-profile absentees at various points.

Renica: ‘Conte’s methods to blame for Napoli injuries’

Renica believes the volume and nature of Conte’s training sessions at Castel Volturno is a root cause.

“I believe all these injuries are linked to Conte’s training methods,” he said, with quotes via CalcioMercato.

“I have never attended his sessions, but you only need to listen to what the players say. De Bruyne, for example, said that in ten years at Manchester City he never ran as much as he did in three months at Napoli. Excessive dry work tends to stress the muscles, and that is when injuries occur. I have my coaching badge and have tried both methodologies, but when I worked with heavy dry training I had a lot of muscular problems.”

Rrahmani’s situation particularly concerned Renica.

“He is on his third muscular injury and has become practically irreplaceable in this defence. Having him available only intermittently really hurts.”

Renica was careful to acknowledge Conte’s broader qualities, describing him as tactically impeccable and a proven winner. But he added a pointed caveat.

“From a physical standpoint, it is a shame he does not seek to improve. Not progressing past the Champions League group stage this season against those opponents was significant, I think it is a genuine limitation.”

On Napoli’s squad quality, Renica was effusive, rating it alongside Inter as the strongest in Serie A.

“But when eight players of that calibre are missing,” he concluded, “it becomes extremely complicated, and this season, between the Champions League exit and the distance from the top of the table, more could have been done.”

Sunday evening’s clash between Roma and Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico carries enormous weight in the race for Champions League football, and both sides have received welcome fitness news ahead of what promises to be a compelling encounter.

Juventus will be boosted by the return of Gleison Bremer, who is expected to start at the heart of defence alongside Lloyd Kelly.

The Brazilian centre-back’s presence will be a significant lift for Luciano Spalletti, whose side head to Rome looking to close the gap on the top four after a difficult run of results.

With Manuel Locatelli suspended, Teun Koopmeiners is the likeliest candidate to fill the midfield void, while Jonathan David is expected to lead the attack once again, supported by Francisco Conceição, Weston McKennie and Kenan Yildiz behind him.

Roma vs Juventus – Dybala & Bremer fit again

For Roma, the headline team news is Paulo Dybala’s return to fitness, with the latest updates courtesy of Sky Sport Italia.

The Argentine forward has trained fully with the group and is available to face his former club, a fixture that always carries personal significance for ‘La Joya’.

However, a start from the first minute looks unlikely given the time he has spent on the sidelines, with Gian Piero Gasperini expected to use him from the bench. Donyell Malen is set to lead the Roma attack, with Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante providing the midfield backbone.

There is less positive news elsewhere in the Roma camp, with both Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso ruled out of the match, leaving Gasperini with limited options as he prepares his side for a fixture that could prove pivotal in determining who secures Champions League football next season.

Simone Inzaghi arrived in Saudi Arabia as one of the hottest coaching properties in world football, fresh two Champions League finals in three years with Inter Milan and a contract worth a reported €26 million per season, making him the second highest-paid manager on the planet behind only Diego Simeone.

Right now, however, his golden seat is beginning to feel considerably less comfortable, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

What began as a dream appointment for Al-Hilal has unravelled at an alarming pace. The Riyadh club had stormed to the top of the Saudi Pro League with a seven-point cushion over their rivals, the kind of dominant early-season form that suggested Inzaghi had taken to his new surroundings seamlessly.

Then January arrived, and with it, the signing of Karim Benzema, a move Inzaghi himself had pushed for.

The results since have been deeply concerning.

Five draws from their last seven matches have seen Al-Hilal slip to third in the table, now four points behind leaders Al-Ahli, who count Franck Kessié and Merih Demiral among their ranks, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr also above them.

Al-Hilal dissatisfied with Inzaghi performance

According to Arabic media, the club’s ownership is far from satisfied, and supporters have begun openly calling for Inzaghi’s dismissal. Sacking a manager on his salary would represent an enormous financial commitment, but the reports suggest it is far from an impossible outcome.

There is a painfully familiar precedent for Inzaghi here. In his first season at Inter, his side held a seven-point lead in Serie A only to be overhauled in the final weeks by Stefano Pioli’s Milan, a collapse that still stings. Now he finds himself needing to reverse a similar deficit, this time against Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus’ Al-Nassr.

The next two fixtures will be decisive.

Al-Hilal face Al-Shabab, currently twelfth in the table, before turning their attention to the Asian Champions League last 16 against Al-Saad, managed by Inzaghi’s former Italy teammate Roberto Mancini.

Win both and the pressure eases. Anything less and the questions surrounding his future will grow considerably louder.

Parma welcome Cagliari to the Stadio Ennio Tardini tonight, as Carlos Cuesta’s side look to make it four consecutive victories against a fellow mid-table team.

The Gialloblu have picked up back-to-back-to-back wins against Bologna, then Verona, then Milan at San Siro.

Carlos Cuesta has significantly improved the club’s fortune and his pragmatic approach to tactics and team selection see them sit in 12th place, on 32 points. This gives them an eight point gap on the relegation zone and safety should be on the cards this campaign.

Cagliari, meanwhile, sit a place below Parma in 13th. The Sardinians are three points behind tonight’s opposition and they can go level on points, therefore, with a victory.

Parma vs Cagliari – Official Lineups

Parma: Corvi, Del Prato, Troilo, Valenti, Britscghi, Bernabe, Keita, Ordonez, Valeri, Strefezza, Pellegrino.

Cagliari: Caprile, Ze Pedro, Dossena, Rodriguez, Obert, Adopo, Liteta, Sulemana, Palestra, Esposito, Kilicsoy.

27-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 27

Parma Store (Stadio Ennio Tardini)

Parma

Cagliari

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		21'		Juan Rodríguez
		40'		Alberto Dossena

2nd half

Mateo Pellegrino		56'
Lautaro Valenti		63'
		63'		Michael Folorunsho (Assist: Sebastiano Esposito)
		65'		Ibrahim Sulemana
Gaetano Oristanio		83'
		90+4'		Adam Obert

Match statistic

56

Possession %

44

18

Total shots

11

4

Shots on target

5

6

Shots off target

3

8

Blocked shots

3

6

Corners

3

Offsides

2

14

Fouls

8

Parma

Cagliari

Starting lineups

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

90'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

46'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

89'

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

46'

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

75'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

87'

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

87'

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

63

Marlon Mena Martinez

Defender

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

46'

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

46'

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

75'

25

Benja Cremaschi

Midfielder

89'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

90'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

38

Ivan Sulev

Midfielder

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

40

Roberto Malfitano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

61'

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

87'

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

87'

Lorenzo Lucca’s difficult season shows no sign of turning around at Nottingham Forest, raising serious questions about whether the English club will take up their option to sign him permanently this summer, and leaving Napoli facing a potentially costly headache.

The Italian striker joined Forest on loan in January, with the Premier League side holding an option to purchase him outright for €35 million.

On current evidence, that clause looks unlikely to be exercised, according to the latest reports from CalcioMercato.

Lucca has managed just 120 minutes of Premier League football since arriving in England, starting only once, against Wolverhampton, and has done little to impress in two Europa League appearances against Fenerbahce, being substituted at half-time in the second leg to widespread criticism from supporters online.

Napoli could pocket €35m from Lucca sale but Forest buyout unlikely

It represents a continuation of the miserable form that defined his six months under Antonio Conte at Napoli, where the chemistry between player and manager never materialised. Despite costing the club close to €40 million following his impressive 12-goal campaign at Udinese, Lucca started just four Serie A matches for Napoli and is perhaps best remembered for his red card during the 2-6 humiliation in Eindhoven.

Conte raised no objection to his January departure, and Forest’s managerial instability, four different managers already this season, has done Lucca no favours either.

Should Forest decline to trigger the purchase option, Napoli will find themselves with a striker who still has a contract until 2030 but whose market value has fallen considerably.

Recouping anything close to their original investment looks increasingly improbable, leaving the club with a significant financial problem to solve in the summer window.

A simmering dispute between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund has spilled into the open, with the Italian club having filed a formal complaint to FIFA over the departure of teenage forward Samuele Inacio.

The 17-year-old, son of former Atalanta and Napoli striker Pià, left Bergamo for Dortmund in 2024 without any transfer fee or compensation changing hands, with reports via CalcioMercato.

Under FIFA’s regulations governing the movement of minor players, clubs are not entitled to a fee when a player under the age of 18 moves abroad, and Dortmund used that framework to acquire the youngster without entering into any financial agreement with Atalanta.

Atalanta upset with Dortmund over nature of Inacio deal

It is a move that has left a bitter taste in Bergamo. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has made his feelings abundantly clear, pointedly snubbing the UEFA lunch at both the home and away legs of the clubs’ recent European encounter in what amounted to a public statement of displeasure. His words on the matter were measured but damning.

“For me it is a very serious matter that Dortmund never made themselves available to sit down with us to clarify and resolve this issue, which we have consequently taken to FIFA,” Percassi said.

“From a legal standpoint, we are convinced we are in the right. From a moral standpoint, I will let everyone judge for themselves.”

Atalanta’s grievance centres not on the legality of the move, which technically complied with FIFA’s minor player regulations, but on what they see as a failure of professional courtesy and good faith from the German club.

The fact that Dortmund never sought to negotiate any form of agreement, however informal, is what appears to have caused the most damage to the relationship between the two clubs.

Inacio himself is considered one of the more exciting young Italian talents of his generation, making the manner of his departure all the more frustrating for Atalanta, who had invested significantly in his development.

With the FIFA complaint now formally lodged, the dispute looks set to run considerably longer before any resolution is reached.

Reports in Italy claim that two sides in Serie A are interested in a potential deal for Manchester United and former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro once his Old Trafford tenure comes to an end. 

Reports Casemiro of interest to two top Serie A clubs

Casemiro, who turned 34 earlier this week, is into the final few months of his contract with Manchester United and the club have already confirmed that the five-time Champions League winner will depart at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. 

The 82-time Brazil international is expected to have plenty of offers come the end of the season, and according to Friday’s reports, he could have offers from Serie A on his desk as well. 

According to reports from Calciomercato.com, both Milan and Juventus could be poised to make an offer for Casemiro in the summer. 

Friday’s report claims that Milan will be interested with or without Luka Modric, who has an option to extend his one-year contract in San Siro by a further 12 months. Modric and Casemiro lined up together 259 times for Real Madrid. 

It has also been suggested that Juventus could be interested in a move for the veteran midfielder this summer. Calciomercato claims that Juventus will focus on quality rather than quantity in the summer transfer window, but Casemiro is a player with undoubted and invaluable experience at the top of the European game. 

The issue for the Serie A sides in question is Casemiro’s potential salary demands given that he currently earns a reported net salary of €18m per season in the final year of his Manchester United contract. 

He would need to take a pay cut in order to facilitate a move to either Milan or Juventus, with suggestions that both clubs would be more likely to offer a two-year deal with wages in the region of €5m-€6m per year. 

Aside from the Serie A interest, Casemiro is also expected to have offers from Brazil and from the Saudi Pro League.

The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League knock-out draws are complete, and now, the times and dates for each of the upcoming round of 16 ties have been confirmed as well. Here are the key dates for Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina fans to mark down in their diaries. 

The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League draws took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday, following the completion of the play-off rounds earlier this week. 

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Atalanta are the only Italian team left standing in the Champions League after Napoli’s league phase elimination and the exits of both Inter and Juventus in the play-offs earlier this week. La Dea will go up against Borussia Dortmund over two legs of the round of 16. 

Two Italian teams remain in the Europa League in Roma and Bologna, but they have been drawn against each other in the round of 16, meaning there is a guarantee of an Italian side in the quarter-finals, but only one. 

Fiorentina, meanwhile, have a tough task ahead of them in the Conference League round of 16, where they will go up against Raków Częstochowa, who finished the league phase in second place, in the round of 16.

Key Atalanta dates 

Round of 16 first leg: Tuesday March 10, 2026 @ 20.00 GMT (at home against Bayern Munich)

Round of 16 second leg: Wednesday March 18 @ 20.00 GMT (away against Bayern Munich)

Quarter-final first legs: Tuesday April 7 and Wednesday April 8 

Quarter-final second legs: Tuesday April 14 and Wednesday April 15 

Semi-final first legs: Tuesday April 28 and Wednesday April 29 

Semi-final second legs: Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 6

Final: Saturday May 30. 

Key Roma and Bologna dates 

Round of 16 first leg: Thursday March 12 @ 17.45 GMT (at the Dall’Ara)

Round of 16 second leg: Thursday March 19 @ 20.00 GMT (at the Stadio Olimpico)

Quarter-final first legs: Thursday April 9

Quarter-final second legs: Thursday April 16

Semi-final first legs: Thursday April 30 

Semi-final second legs: Thursday May 7 

Final: Wednesday May 20. 

Key Fiorentina dates 

Round of 16 first leg: Thursday March 12 @ 20.00 GMT (at home at the Stadio Franchi)

Round of 16 second leg: Thursday March 19 @ 17.45 GMT (away at the Miejski Stadion Piłkarski Raków)

Quarter-final first legs: Thursday April 9

Quarter-final second legs: Thursday April 16

Semi-final first legs: Thursday April 30 

Semi-final second legs: Thursday May 7 

Final: Wednesday May 27.

The Champions League knock-out round draw is now complete and Atalanta, the only Italian team left standing, have learned that they will have to take on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the round of 16. Here is everything that La Dea should know about their Bavarian opposition. 

Atalanta vs. Bayern: Everything you need to know

Champions League form 

Bayern Munich were the second strongest team in the competition during the league phase. Their tally of seven wins and one defeat was only bettered by Arsenal, who recorded a 100% win record across eight matches in the first portion of the 2025-26 competition. 

The aforementioned Arsenal are the only side to have beat Bayern so far in the Champions League this season. Vincent Kompany’s side have picked up victories against Chelsea, Pafos, Club Brugge, PSG, Sporting CP, Union Saint-Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven so far this season. 

Bayern also scored the second-most goals of any team across the league phase with 22 (level with Barcelona). Again, only Arsenal went better than the Bavarians with 23 goals from eight league phase matches. 

Key players

England national team captain Harry Kane is the brightest star in this current Bayern side. The former Tottenham man already has a staggering 43 goals and five assists from 36 matches across all competitions including eight goals in eight games in the Champions League. 

Bayern also boast world class attacking talents in Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala, who are expected to line up on the wing and in the no.10 role respectively when they face Atalanta in the round of 16. Vice-captain Joshua Kimmich will also run the midfield from his ‘Sechser’ role. 

Head to head record

This will be the first time that Atalanta and Bayern have met in a competitive fixture.

Atalanta boast an impressive record against German opposition over since the 2023-24 campaign. They have played five matches against Bundesliga opposition over the last three seasons and have won four of them: Against VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, and against Bayer Leverksuen in the final of the Europa League in 2024.

Over the same period, Bayern have only met two Italian opponents: Inter and Lazio. Surprisingly, Bayern have only won one of their last four encounters against Serie A opposition, which came against Lazio in the Champions League round of 16 in 2024. They also lost once against the Biancocelesti and drew one and lost one against Inter in last season’s Champions League quarter-final.

When will Atalanta and Bayern play each other?  

Round of 16 first leg: Tuesday March 10, 2026 @ 20.00 GMT (at the New Balance Arena)

Round of 16 second leg: Wednesday March 18 @ 20.00 GMT (at the Allianz Arena)

Quarter-final first legs: Tuesday April 7 and Wednesday April 8 

Quarter-final second legs: Tuesday April 14 and Wednesday April 15 

Semi-final first legs: Tuesday April 28 and Wednesday April 29 

Semi-final second legs: Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 6

Potential line-ups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Pasalic, Samardzic; Krstovic/Scamacca. 

Bayern (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane. 

Raffaele Palladino has entirely transformed Atalanta since replacing Ivan Juric in November, and even if the Nerazzurri are clearly the underdogs against Bayern Munich, they can still cause trouble for the Germans, as other Bundesliga sides are aware of.

Atalanta are set to take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16, fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead.

La Dea sit seventh in the Serie A table, but their position doesn’t tell the whole story of their form this season.

Their first coach, Juric, was sacked after winning just four of his 15 games in charge, leaving the Nerazzuri in 13th place in the Serie A table with just 13 points and two victories.

With Palladino in charge, Atalanta have won 15 of 23 games across all competitions, climbing to a Europa League spot (they are level on 45 points with Como) and just five points below the top four.

Their biggest signing in the January window was Italy international Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico Madrid, yet La Dea did not necessarily strengthen their attack as they also sent Ademola Lookman to the Wanda Metropolitano.

It is even unclear whether Raspadori will be available for the games against Bayern Munich, having suffered a bicep muscle injury just a couple of weeks ago. The same goes for Charles De Ketelaere, who underwent meniscus surgery earlier this month.

With his starting attacking midfielder unavailable in recent games, Palladino has often moved Nicola Zalewski from the left flank, adding either Mario Pasalic or Lazar Samardzic behind a lone striker.

Kamaldeen Sulemana is another option for that role, but currently, the Ghana international is slightly lower in Palladino’s pecking order.

Ederson and captain Marten De Roon provide quality and balance in central midfield. Davide Zappacosta, 33, has plenty of experience down the right flank. Raoul Bellanova is more explosive than the ex-Chelsea man, and left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, 22, has proved to be more than a decent backup with three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this term.

Under Palladino, Atalanta have scored 41 goals in 23 games and conceded just 19.

There have been a lot of rotations in defence with Palladino in charge, and currently, Giorgio Scalvini appears to be the only centre-back with a guaranteed starting spot. Sead Kolasinac and Isak Hien, however, have received regular playing time recently, especially following various individual mistakes from Berat Djimsiti, Odilon Kossounou and Honest Ahanor.

The latter has played only 31 minutes across two Serie A matches since an early red card in an away game at Como on February 1.

That match at the Stadio Sinigaglia perfectly showed the Atalanta spirit under Palladino. A team that has been built to play aggressively, but which is also able to resist the opponents’ pressure when necessary.

Forced to play down to ten men for practically the entire match, Atalanta still managed to come back home with a 0-0 draw, mostly thanks to their goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who even saved a late Nico Paz penalty kick.

The other side of Atalanta was on display last Wednesday, when the Nerazzurri beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 with an incredible comeback in Bergamo.

Italy international Gianluca Scamacca scored the opening goal after just five minutes, and his substitute Nikola Krstovic earned a late penalty, converted by Pasalic to qualify La Dea for the Round of 16.

Atalanta’s attacking mindset, high press and quality in the final third, despite absences of Raspadori and De Ketelaere, will have to be the main features in the first leg in Bergamo against Bayern, while the second match at the Allianz Arena will naturally require a more defensive attitude and even more determination in the counter-attacks.

Strikers Scamacca and Krstovic are perfectly interchangeable and have similar numbers this season: ten goals for the Italian and nine for the Montenegrin.

True, Harry Kane alone has managed 43 for Bayern Munich this season, but we are talking about one of the best strikers and one of the best clubs in Europe for a reason.

No doubt Atalanta are the underdogs in the Champions League Round of 16, but it’s not the first time they’ve been in this position in recent years, especially against Bundesliga sides.

Back in 2023-24, they were the only team capable of beating Bayer Leverkusen, claiming the Europa League trophy and just a few days ago, they knocked Borussia Dortmund out, coming back from a 2-0 loss in the first leg.

Atalanta also beat Chelsea at home in the Champions League group phase this season and have already repeatedly shown that they rarely disappoint when the pressure is on.

Safe to say Felipe Melo was happy to see his former club Juventus eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Galatasaray as he appeared smiling in a video, shouting ‘ bye bye.’

Former Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo trolled Juventus after the Bianconeri’s Champions League exit on Wednesday.

The Old Lady’s 3-2 win over Galatasaray was not enough to secure a spot in the Round of 16, and Melo celebrated Juventus’ elimination with a video on social media, which Gazzetta dello Sport later shared.

A former midfielder for both Juve and Galatasaray, Melo appeared smiling and shouting in front of the TV at full-time: “Bye bye, everybody go home,” said the 42-year-old.

Melo spent two seasons at Juventus from 2009 to 2011, scoring just four goals in 78 appearances and previously admitted he had had a bad time in Turin.

The stakes could not be higher as Mikel Arteta’s league-leading Arsenal host Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea.

BUY ARSENAL VS. CHELSEA TICKETS

Arsenal are desperate to maintain their five-point cushion at the summit of the Premier League table over a relentless Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Chelsea arrive in North London locked in a tight battle for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

The Gunners are flying high, though they’ve shown brief moments of vulnerability.

After a frustrating 2-2 draw at Wolves, where they surrendered a two-goal lead, Arsenal bounced back emphatically last weekend with a 4-1 demolition of Tottenham in the North London Derby.

Chelsea’s recent Premier League form has been frustratingly inconsistent. They travel to the Emirates on the back of a bitter 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley, where they conceded a 93rd-minute equaliser at Stamford Bridge.

While they recently advanced in the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Hull City, their league campaign has been hampered by an inability to finish off games.

How Arsenal could line up against Chelsea

Bukayo Saka took a minor impact knock to his foot late in the victory against Spurs, but is expected to be fully fit to start.

There are question marks over Kai Havertz’s fitness, but it is expected he will return in time to face his former club.

Arsenal Predicted Line-up: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.

BUY ARSENAL VS. CHELSEA TICKETS

How Chelsea could line up against Arsenal

Wesley Fofana is suspended for this clash after picking up a red card (two yellow cards) in the 72nd minute of the 1-1 draw against Burnley last weekend.

Malo Gusto suffered a slight injury scare earlier in February but has been managing his minutes.

João Pedro, who scored Chelsea’s only goal against Burnley, is expected to feature heavily alongside Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández as Chelsea try to crack Arsenal’s title-chasing defence.

Chelsea Predicted Line-up: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Gusto, Santos, Caicedo, Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Pedro.

How to buy Arsenal tickets

Arsenal match tickets are available through the club’s official website, but this option can be restrictive, especially for fans who are neither season ticket holders nor registered members.

For those seeking a more straightforward and competitively priced solution, using our recommended link is the best way to secure a more convenient alternative.

BUY ARSENAL VS. CHELSEA TICKETS

How to buy Chelsea tickets

Chelsea fans will typically visit the club’s official ticket portal first, but it’s wise to explore other options to check if better prices or availability can be found elsewhere.

For instance, we suggest using our link if you’d rather not pay additional membership fees just to gain priority access for such a high-demand match.

Our user-friendly platform also provides extra peace of mind, including a 150% money-back guarantee for added security.

Arsenal vs Chelsea Head to head record

Arsenal historically hold the upper hand in this fierce London rivalry. Across 214 total meetings, Arsenal have 86 wins, Chelsea have 66 wins and 62 matches have ended as draws.

Arsenal has been the dominant force in recent encounters, remaining completely unbeaten in their last five matchups against the Blues.

Didier Drogba was the ultimate big-game player and a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side, holding the outright record for most goals in this derby with 13 goals.

Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer Thierry Henry routinely haunted Chelsea’s defence during his prime years in North London. He has 10 goals against the Blues.

Bologna and Roma will meet in the Europa League Round of 16, and the winner will face Lille or Aston Villa in the quarter-finals: here’s all you need to know about the upcoming Italian derby.

• Read more – Three reasons why Serie A derby in Europa League is bad news for Italian football

The first leg will be played in Bologna, as Roma finished the league phase in the top eight and were, therefore, among the seeded teams.

Roma or Bologna to meet Aston Villa or Lille

The kick-off time will be confirmed by UEFA later today, but the days are already set as the first leg will be played on Thursday, March 12, at the Dall’Ara and the decider at the Olimpico in Rome is scheduled for March 19.

If Bologna progress, they’ll play the second leg of any other future round at home.

The winner will meet Lille or Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

Before the first leg, Roma will play away at Genoa in Serie A, while Bologna will host strugglers Verona.

Bologna and Roma fixture list compared

The Serie A round in between the two Europa League fixtures will see Roma travel to Como for a tricky meeting in the race for a Champions League spot, while Bologna will travel to regional rivals Sassuolo.

Technically, Bologna have a little advantage here given that the Rossoblu are already nine points below a Conference League spot in Serie A, so they’ll surely prioritise the Europa League, while Roma can’t really choose as they currently occupy a Champions League placement, with a four-point lead over Juventus, their next rivals in Serie A.

Roma and Bologna have met only once in Serie A this season, in the first match of the season at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Giallorossi secured a 1-0 victory. The return leg in Serie A will be played on the weekend of April 26, more than a month after their meetings in the Europa League Round of 16.

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano has beaten Gian Piero Gasperini in seven of their previous 15 meetings, drawing three times and losing five times.

Juventus are preparing to take on Roma in one of their biggest games of the season in Serie A, but head coach Luciano Spalletti will not speak to the media during the pre-match press conferences. Here is who will stand in for the Bianconeri head coach. 

Why Spalletti will not attend press conference ahead of Juventus vs. Roma 

This is not the first time this season that Spalletti has decided against attending a pre-match press conference in Serie A. The Bianconeri head coach also sent captain Manuel Locatelli to address the media ahead of the Derby d’Italia against Inter earlier this month. 

In that instance, Spalletti decided against speaking to the media for two main reasons: One is to allow himself to fully focus on preparations for the match ahead, and another is because of the fact that he already held a customary pre-match press conference in the Champions League earlier that same week. 

The same two reasons are true heading into the Roma match this weekend. 

Instead of Locatelli, this time it will be over to defender Pierre Kalulu to talk to reporters at the pre-Roma press conference according to Friday’s reports from Corriere dello Sport. 

Reports in Italy claim that Inter are keen on two Liverpool stars and that they could be poised to make moves for both during the summer transfer window ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. 

CdS: Inter keen on Liverpool’s Jones and Leoni 

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport and Calciomercato.com, Inter could return to the negotiating table for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones during the summer transfer window. There had been reports linking the Nerazzurri with a move for the Englishman at the end of the most recent January transfer window as well. 

Those reports claimed that Inter were keen to add Jones to their ranks in the event that Davide Frattesi left the club in the final days of the transfer window, but neither transfer materialised in the end. 

Inter may have to restructure their midfield department during the summer transfer window, though. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is out of contract and could potentially retire at the end of the season. Hakan Calhanoglu is still a priority target for his boyhood club Galatasaray, and there have even been recent suggestions that Nicolo Barella could be approaching the end of his Inter days. 

With several key midfielders potentially on their way out, Inter could potentially return to the negotiating table for Jones in the summer according to Friday’s reports. There had been talks of a potential loan deal with a €40m option to buy at the end of January. 

Unless he signs a new contract before the end of the season, Jones will be into the final year of his Liverpool deal in the summer as well. 

Friday’s reports add that Inter are also interested in a potential deal for former Parma defender Giovanni Leoni as well. 

The teenager joined Parma in a €35m deal from Parma during the summer transfer window, but suffered a cruel cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on his first start for the Reds, which means that he has only featured for 81 minutes so far this season. 

According to Corriere dello Sport, Liverpool could be minded to send Leoni out on loan in 2026-27 in order to provide him with regular, competitive first-team action, and if that were the case, Inter would reportedly be keen to offer him a temporary home in Serie A. 

The derby between Roma and Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16 will surely send an Italian club to the quarter-finals, but their meeting is not necessarily good news for Serie A.

Both Bologna and Roma directors have admitted that an all-Italian Europa League Round of 16 tie between Giallorossi and Rossoblu is not exactly good news for either club or Italian football. And they are not wrong.

Bologna’s Marco Di Vaio admitted he would have avoided playing Roma, while Frederic Massara argued that the Serie A derby does not favour Italy in the UEFA coefficient ranking.

Bologna vs. Roma bad for UEFA ranking

Serie A sits fifth in the ranking, but with just four clubs still involved in European competitions, including one in the Champions League, Atalanta.

Germany and Spain, Italy’s main rivals for the second place in the UEFA ranking, which will give an extra Champions League spot next season, have more representatives overall and more clubs still running in the Champions League: three for Spain and two for Germany.

Serie A will surely lose a club in the Europa League Round of 16, with Roma or Bologna eliminated, so, naturally, Italy will have even fewer chances to earn points in the race for an extra Champions League placement.

Another reason for disappointment comes when the bracket is examined.

Estos son los cruces de octavos de la Europa League. #UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/N2G0l56ckg

— Movistar Plus+ Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) February 27, 2026

The other possible opponent for Bologna was Freiburg, while Roma could have met Genk.

Besides the fact that Bologna could have earned points against a German rival, Freiburg and Genk have ended up in what appears to be the softer side of the draw alongside Ferencvaros, Braga, Panathinaikos, Real Betis, Celta and Lyon.

On the other hand, the winner of Bologna-Roma will face Lille or Aston Villa, while the other four clubs on the same side of the bracket are Stuttgart, Porto, Nottingham Forest and Midtjylland.

Contrary to the Champions League, there are no clear favourites in this season’s Europa League, and both Bologna and Roma appear to be credible candidates to progress to the later stages. Such a draw, however, will only allow one Serie A club to progress to the quarter-finals.

Lastly, there’s an “emotional aspect” that must be taken into account, as noted by Bologna director Di Vaio.

Travelling abroad to face a foreign opposition unmistakably brings a different atmosphere. While Roma and Bologna will be fully motivated for either matchup, a domestic setting inevitably strips away some of the allure for both supporters and players.

The Conference League knock-out round draw is now complete and Fiorentina have discovered that they will go up against Raków Częstochowa over two legs of the round of 16 in March. 

The draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League knock-out took place at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday. 

You can see how the draws unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Fiorentina learn Conference League round of 16 opponents

Fiorentina finished the Conference League league phase in 15th place with three wins and three losses to their name after six matches. 

That was enough to secure a spot in the play-off round, where they narrowly got past Jagiellonia on a 5-4 aggregate scoreline. Their second leg in Tuscany was taken to extra-time on Thursday night, despite the fact that the Viola were 3-0 up after the first leg. 

Fiorentina have since learned that they will go up against another Polish opponent in Raków Częstochowa in the round of 16. Rakow finished the league phase in second place and were one of only three sides in the Conference League to go unbeaten over their first six matches, with four wins and two draws to their name so far in this season’s competition. 

The winner of this tie will go on to face either Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca in the quarter-final. The winner of that quarter-final will go on to play either Lech Poznan, Shakhtar Donetsk, AZ Alkmaar or Sparta Prague. 

Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio admits that he would have ‘preferred to avoid’ an all-Italian draw in the Europa League round of 16, especially against Roma, whom he claims are ‘one of the best sides in Italy’. 

Roma and Bologna have been drawn against each other in the Europa League round of 16 following the knock-out stage draw, which took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Di Vaio reacts to Bologna vs. Roma draw 

Roma and Bologna are the only two Italian sides competing in the Europa League in 2025-26, and now, only one will qualify for the quarter-finals in April. 

Reporters in Switzerland were excited by the prospect of an all-Italian round of 16 draw, which is already being billed as an exciting tie for the neutral, but Di Vaio insists that he would have preferred to face a non-Italian side in the next round. 

“Roma are a great team, but we’ll lose a bit of European ‘flavour’,” Di Vaio told Sky Sport Italia after the draw. 

“As a player, I played in an (all-Italian) final with Juventus. We would have preferred to avoid it for a lot of reasons, including the emotional aspect. We’ll prepare well. It would have been a great challenge against Freiburg as well. We’ll see what happens.” 

Di Vaio believes that Roma are one of the strongest sides in Italy, but he also believes that Bologna are in a good place to face the challenge after overcoming a troubling run of form over the new-year period. 

“We’re recovering after a tough period, especially in terms of results. We care a lot about the Europa League, we know it can bring us a big boost. Up until now, we’ve had a very good tournament, the last games against Brann were played really well. 

“Now we have to face one of the best sides in Italy, who have a lot of enthusiasm and have found that striker they were missing. Having said that, we know that we are a difficult team to face, too.” 

Roma director Frederic Massara expects two ‘great games’ against Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16, but admits that the Serie A derby ‘does not favour Italy’ in the UEFA ranking.

Roma and Bologna will meet in the Europa League Round of 16, but both Serie A sides would have preferred a different outcome to today’s draw.

Bologna vs. Roma in Europa League Round of 16 – Massara reacts

Roma, in fact, could have met Genk, while the Rossoblu’s other possible opponent was Freiburg.

Bologna director Marco Di Vanio had argued that a match against a club from another country would have probably given even more motivation to the Rossoblu, and his Roma counterpart Massara partially agreed.

“Perhaps, it could lose a bit of the charm coming from a European match, but we know it’s a nice game, with a lot at stake,” the Roma sporting director told Sky Sport Italia.

“The regret is for the ranking, as this does not favour Italy.”

Serie A sits fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, and even if the gap with Germany and Spain is reduced to 0.20 points, only four Italian teams remain in European competitions this season, and just one, Atalanta, in the Champions League.

“Surely these will be two great games. Bologna are a strong side, which is returning to the levels of recent seasons,” continued Massara.

“We’ll be happy to play; it will be a great show.”

Di Vaio had also praised Roma striker Donyell Malen, who has scored five goals in his first six Roma appearances.

“I have to say he’s had a positive impact immediately, but Bologna also have valuable players, so we must pay close attention,” Massara replied.

Ivan Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, says he is an ‘Atalanta fan’ because of his compatriot Mario Pasalic: ‘Anything is possible’ against Bayern Munich.

Atalanta have been paired with Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

The draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, today. See how it unfolded on the live blog.

Rakitic: Pasalic is one of my favourite players

Ex-Barcelona star Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, took charge of today’s Champions League draw and spoke to Sky Sport Italia afterwards.

The former Croatia international was asked his thoughts on Atalanta, the only Serie A representative in the Champions League Round of 16 this season.

“I’m an Atalanta fan because of Mario Pasalic, one of my favourite players for a few years,” the ex-midfielder replied (via TMW).

Rakitic won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, scoring a goal in a 3-1 victory against Juventus in the Final.

“I support Atalanta. They showed against Dortmund that if you believe and work hard, you can reach certain results,” Rakitic continued.

“Now anything can happen in two games. They must push, believe and work hard. Then they have Mario Pasalic, so anything is possible.”

Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the knockout play-off, securing a 4-3 aggregate win.

La Dea completed a stunning comeback in the second-leg tie played in Bergamo on Wednesday, beating the Bundesliga side 4-1 after losing the opening tie in Germany 2-0.

The draw for the 2025-26 Europa League knock-out round is now complete and Roma and Bologna have learned that they will come up against each other in the round of 16. Here are the full results of Friday’s draw. 

The Europa League knock-out round draw took place at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday, March 27, following the completion of the play-off round on Thursday evening. 

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

All-Italian Europa League draw: Roma to face Bologna

Roma finished the Europa League league phase in eighth place, which was enough to secure an automatic spot in the round of 16, while Bologna finished 10th and have since beaten Brann 2-0 over two legs of the play-off round in order to qualify for the final 16. 

Thursday’s draw resulted in an all-Italian tie in the round of 16, with Roma being drawn out of the hat to face Bologna over two legs in March. These matches will be played on March 12 and March 19. The exact times will be confirmed later on Friday evening. Here is the knock-out schedule in full: 

Round of 16: March 12 and March 19

Quarter-finals: April 9 and April 16 

Semi-finals: April 30 and May 7 

Final: May 20. 

Roma and Bologna have only faced each other once in Serie A so far this season, and not since the opening round of the 2025-26 season. That match resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico. 

The two teams are also due to play each other again at the Dall’Ara in Serie A on April 26.

Atalanta are ‘proud’ to represent Italy in the Champions League Round of 16, but saw little difference between Bayern Munich and Arsenal, said Umberto Marino.

Atalanta General Manager Marino spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Friday, following the Champions League Round of 16 draw.

La Dea’s possible rivals were Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Atalanta, and they have eventually been paired against the Bavarians.

Marino comments on UCL draw

“Arsenal and Bayern are both strong; they finished first and second in the league phase, and they are destined to fight until the end for the title,” Marino said.

“We’ll try to make life difficult for Bayern. We must be Atalanta as we’ve always been, facing them with courage, determination and the fans’ support.”

Atalanta sit seventh in the Serie A table but have transformed under Raffaele Palladino, who was appointed in place of Ivan Juric in November. What makes the new Dea coach so special?

“Surely the enthusiasm with which wich he approaches training sessions and games day by day,” Marino replied.

“He has a great desire to work and give his all for his team. This is surely a quality he’s passing on to the team and the whole environment.”

Bayern Munich are the Bundesliga leaders and one of the favourites to win the Champions League, but Atalanta have already shocked some German sides in recent years, especially Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League Final and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League knockout play-off this season.

“It’s a tough game, and we’ll need an extraordinary performance, but we play with Atalanta’s enthusiasm, which helped us reach the Champions League Round of 16, a unique objective,” noted Marino.

“We’ll play it with the support of our fans, at home and away, because we need them. Then we’ll see what happens on the pitch.

“Right now, we are lucky to be involved in three competitions. We can do well in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League.

“We are Atalanta; for us, the work culture is fundamental, so we continue working and we’ll accept what happens on the pitch,” he continued.

In recent years, Atalanta have collected positive results against top sides in Europe, but have fallen short against smaller teams on paper.

“This is the magic of football. I can’t really reply,” Marino concluded.

“Bayern are a top-level club, and we’ll face them with great pride to represent Italy in the Champions League, giving our best and 120% of our energy.”

The Champions League knockout round draw is now complete and Atalanta have learned that they will be taking on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the round of 16, but when will these fixtures be played? 

The draw for the Champions League knock-out rounds took place in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday morning following the conclusion of the play-off rounds, which ended earlier this week. 

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

2025-26 Champions League knock-out round: Key dates

Atalanta are the only Italian side left standing in the Champions League in 2025-26 after beating Borussia Dortmund 4-3 over two legs of the play-off round. Napoli were eliminated at the end of the league phase, while Inter fell to a 5-2 aggregate defeat against Bodo/Glimt and Juventus were eliminated after a 7-5 aggregate defeat, both in the play-off round. 

Atalanta will now go on to face Bayern Munich in the round of 16. The exact dates and times of the round of 16 fixtures will be made available later on Friday evening, but for now, the scheduled dates are as follows: 

Round of 16: March 10/11 first legs, March 17/18 second legs

Quarter-finals: April 7/8  first legs, April 15/15 second legs

Semi-finals: April 28/29 first legs, may 5/6 second legs 

Final: May 30. 

The schedule for the round of 16 matches will be confirmed later on Friday (February 27), the quarter-final schedule will be confirmed on March 19 and the semi-final schedule will be locked in on April 16.

Atalanta have been paired against Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

Serie A side Atalanta, the only Italian club still involved in the Champions League, will play Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.

Atalanta to meet Bayern Munich in Champions League Round of 16

La Dea learned their opponents during today’s draw in Nyon.

See how it unfolded on the liveblog.

The dates for the Champions League Round of 16 are 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026. The Round of 16 match schedule will be available tonight.

Atalanta will play the first leg at home as Bayern were one of the seeded teams.

The winner will meet Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

Atalanta sit 7th in the Serie A table with 45 points, while Bayern are the runaway Bundesliga leaders with 60 points, eight more than second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Atalanta qualified for the Round of 16 by beating Borussia Dortmund in the knockout play-off.

Raffaele Palladino’s side lost the first-leg tie in Germany 2-0 but completed a memorable comeback in Bergamo the following week, beating the Germans 4-1.

There are three other Italian clubs still involved in European competitions: Roma and Bologna in the Europa League and Fiorentina in the Conference League.

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Serie A have four clubs remaining in European competitions and will battle with Germany and Spain for an extra Champions League spot, but Italy’s contenders have more representatives.

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina are the four Serie A clubs remaining in European competitions this season, and Italy’s chance to earn an extra Champions League spot in 2026-27 depends on how far they’ll go in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Atalanta are the only Serie A representative in the Champions League Round of 16, Bologna and Roma have qualified for the Europa League Round of 16, and so has Fiorentina in the Conference League.

Today’s draws will determine their next opponents.

Updated UEFA Coefficient Ranking

Italy sits fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, where the English Premier League has already practically secured the top spot and an extra Champions League spot for next season.

Germany, Spain and Italy will battle for the second and last available place, and the gap between the three contenders is currently only 0.20 points.

Germany currently sits second with 17.571 points, Spain follows in fourth with 17.406, while Italy sit fifth with 17.357.

Both Germany and Spain, however, have more clubs left in European competitions, so technically, they have more chances to earn points. They also have more clubs in the Champions League, a further concern for Italy.

Europe’s elite competition can, in fact, award up to 48 points to a nation; the maximum in the Europa League is 40, and in the Conference League, it’s 32.

Why Italy underdogs against Germany and Spain

Spain’s La Liga has six representatives left, including three in the Champions League, Real Madrid, Atletico and Barcelona.

Germany’s Bundesliga has five clubs remaining in Europe, two in the Champions League: Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

As Gazzetta highlights, ‘theoretically Italy has limited chances because we can earn fewer points. Just as Poland and Portugal have pulled away, the same could happen to our clubs now. Naturally, winning every match and every trophy would change the picture, but a healthy dose of realism doesn’t hurt to avoid ending up disappointed.’

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are considering signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a free agent in the summer, but the Bianconeri’s list also includes Bernardo Silva, Marcos Senesi and Zeki Celik.

Juventus have set their sights on several players whose contracts expire in June, and according to Gazzetta, the latest option to emerge in Turin is Bayern Munich midfielder Goretzka.

Already linked with a move to Milan, Goretzka announced just a few weeks ago that he would not extend his expiring contract with Bayern Munich.

According to Gazzetta, the opportunity to hold talks for the Germany international arose during negotiations for another Juventus target, Bournemouth defender Senesi, as the two players have the same agents.

Two other free agents targeted by Juventus for the summer are Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Roma defender Celik.

La Stampa already reported in January that Juventus had initiated informal talks with Bernardo Silva’s entourage.

Celik’s agent, on the other hand, has denied that his client has already reached an agreement with the Bianconeri.

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina, the four Serie A clubs remaining in European competitions, will learn their Round of 16 opponents today: let’s find out who they could meet.

The draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League take place today in Nyon, Switzerland, revealing the Serie A representatives’ road to the finals.

Atalanta are the only Italian club still involved in the Champions League and will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. The draw for Europe’s elite competition will begin at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT) today.

La Dea beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate in the knockout play-off.

Possible Serie A derby in Europa League

There could be an Italian derby in the Europa League, with Bologna and Roma potentially meeting in the next Round.

The Rossoblu eliminated Brann from the knockout play-off, while Roma qualified straight to the Round of 16 by finishing in the top eight in the league phase.

Bologna will meet Roma or Freiburg, while the Giallorossi will play Bologna or Genk.

The Europa League draw will start at 13:00 today.

Fiorentina struggled to eliminate Jagiellonia from the Conference League knockout play-off and will face Strasbourg or Rakow in the Round of 16.

The Conference League draw will start at 14:00 CET today.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dea challenges the giants

Atalanta: Bayern or Arsenal in the Champions League which we no longer win

Bologna and Fiorentina: the cups continue

Conference, Viola lost 2-4 but went ahead.

‘Spalletti stays here’

Comolli: ‘He’ll make Juventus win.’

The Bianconeri CEO: ‘He’s the right man, we need consistency in the playing style. Red card? How can somebody with 10 games in Europe referee us?’

The debutant Chivu and a season in Conte’s footsteps

Milan’s push to have Modric’s yes

Corriere dello Sport

Juve damaged

Comolli’s rage

Undigestible Champions League exit, the director attacks UEFA and the referee

‘Crazy to send Pinheiro.’

‘Frustrating red card to Kelly, that director only had 10 games, I’ll try not to get a ban in Europe too.’ Decisive match against Roma at the Olimpico.

Dea: Arsenal or Bayern

Bologna ahead, Roma risk

Fiorentina with a risk

Tuttosport

Referees’ errors can cost 80m

Juve, red budget

Absurd red cards that affected matches against Inter and Galatasaray. Comolli’s fury: ‘Frustrating red card to Kelly, how can they send a referee like this? Out of the Champions League because of injustices.’ Osimhen flirts with the Juventus world and Del Piero, even if De Laurentiis…Alex: ‘A thrilling night, a good signal from the team.’

‘Toro was happy in those formidable years.’

Atalanta masterpiece, pride of Italy

Joao Mario celebrates, Viola’s scare

Lukasz Skorupski ‘showed I am back to full fitness’ after a serious injury, with crucial saves for Bologna to eliminate SK Brann and reach the Europa League last 16.

The first leg had been a 1-0 victory in Norway, but as we saw from Juventus, Fiorentina, Atalanta and more, even far bigger margins are no guarantee of qualification.

They had a wobbly start here too, Skorupski and a Remo Freuler goal-line clearance proving decisive, before Jacob Sorensen’s red card on 37 minutes.

Joao Mario drilled in his first goal for the club since his January move from Juventus to seal tonight’s 1-0 win, qualifying 2-0 on aggregate for the Europa League Round of 16.

Skorupski back to his best for Bologna

“It is a great victory, we dedicate it to all these wonderful fans, and it is our fourth consecutive win, so we are very happy,” Skorupski told Sky Sport Italia.

“I had a serious injury three months ago, but it is behind me now, I showed today that I am back to full fitness, and the important thing was to keep going in the Europa League.”

Bologna had a disastrous start to 2026, but have now turned a corner with four consecutive victories in all competition.

In tomorrow’s draw, they will find out if they are paired with Roma or SC Freiburg in the Europa League last 16, so which would the goalkeeper prefer?

“I honestly don’t know, we’ll see what we get and will do our job. We want to keep going as far as possible in Europe.”

Vincenzo Italiano feels Bologna ‘did enough over the two games’ to deserve their Europa League play-off success against SK Brann, as they prepare to face Roma or Freiburg.

The Rossoblu had the benefit of the first leg 1-0 victory in Norway, but were told as they warmed up that Fiorentina had managed to throw away a 3-0 advantage in the Conference League with Jagiellonia.

They still had a shaky start, requiring three big Lukasz Skorupski saves and a Remo Freuler goal-line clearance, but Jacob Sorensen’s red card damaged Brann.

Joao Mario eventually drilled in the winning goal after one of 13 corners, with Benjamin Dominguez hitting the woodwork in stoppages.

Italiano expected Bologna struggle

“The first 20 minutes were honestly what I expected, because Brann only had one result to go for, so they were forced to come out fighting,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“We made a few too many mistakes, we could’ve done more with Rowe and Bernardeschi in good positions. Once we had an extra man, we made the most of the situation, and I think between the two games, we did enough to deserve qualification.

“Our target was to stay in the Cup competitions in March, we did it in Europe and unfortunately not the Coppa Italia.”

Another reason why Brann were moving in a different gear is that their domestic league is on hiatus, so they’ve been able to focus only on the Europa League.

“It was very important to get the first leg result, because we knew Brann would be in good shape, especially as we have so many matches to contend with. We knew their tempo could be a problem for us, we played an intelligent game in Norway.

“They caused us issues this evening for the first 20 minutes, but we are managing to remain more solid and avoid dangerous counter-attacks, which we allowed too often in recent months.”

Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16, and will find out in tomorrow’s draw if they will be paired with SC Freiburg or their fellow Italians Roma.

Jens Odgaard was a substitute this evening, but the coach hits back at suggestions he is no longer a first choice player for Bologna.

“I read someone this week say that Odgaard was pushed to the margins of the squad, that’s just unthinkable. We rested him with so many games, then changed strategy, but he showed when he came off the bench what he can do with that ability to keep the ball. He remains an important player for us, whether he starts or not,” insisted Italiano.

“Joao Mario is introverted, shy, and I think he needs to start smiling more. I was a little worried at first, to be honest, but he relaxed and is now showing why he played regularly for Porto and was signed by Juventus. He can play on the right or left, he did well defensively and scoring a goal today.”

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina will discover their opponents in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in Friday’s UEFA draws, as Italian football enters the Round of 16.

There are still four representatives of Serie A in the knockout phase of the UEFA tournaments.

Atalanta overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off, and will learn on Friday if they are to face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.

UEFA could give us an Italian derby

There is a good chance of an Italian derby in the Europa League Round of 16, because Roma already went through as one of the top eight in the league phase.

Bologna eliminated SK Brann 2-0 on aggregate and will be paired either with Roma or SC Freiburg in Friday’s draw.

Roma’s situation is a little more complicated, as they might be drawn against Bologna or KRC Genk (who needed extra time to eliminate GNK Dinamo Zagreb).

Fiorentina are the sole Italian representatives in the Conference League, and squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time, 5-4 on aggregate.

Their next test will be against either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the last 16.

Champions League Last 16

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Atalanta, PSG, Sporting CP, Bodo/Glimt, Galatasaray

Europa League Last 16

Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Braga, Porto, Lyon, Lille, Celta Vigo, Real Betis, Bologna, Roma, Panathinaikos, Midtjylland, Genk, Ferencvaros

Conference League Last 16

Lech Poznan, Rakow, Sparta Prague, Sigma Olomouc, Crystal Palace, Rayo Vallecano, Mainz 05, Fiorentina, Strasbourg, AZ Alkmaar, Shakhtar Donetsk, Samsunspor, AEK Athens, Rijeka, AEK Larnaca, Celje

Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16 after another 1-0 victory over SK Brann, decided by Joao Mario after an early red card.

The Rossoblu started 2026 in disastrous form, but managed to turn a corner recently with three consecutive victories in all competition, including the 1-0 first leg result in Norway decided by Santiago Castro. Juan Miranda joined Charalampos Lykogiannis on the treatment table, while Brann were still missing Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson. These sides also met here during the league phase in November, and it ended 0-0 despite Lykogiannis seeing red in the opening half-hour.

The winners will face either Roma or Freiburg in the Round of 16, with the draw held on February 27.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

There was a big Brann chance in the opening minutes, as Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson volleyed from a corner through a sea of legs, making it an extraordinary Lukasz Skorupski reaction save with one hand.

The visitors had an even clearer scoring opportunity on 19 minutes, as Skorupski managed to slow down the Noah Holm effort, allowing Remo Freuler to get back for a decisive goal-line clearance.

However, Brann were reduced to 10 men after just 37 minutes when Jacob Sorensen tried and failed to control a bouncing ball, and on the way back down he landed studs-first above Freuler’s knee. It was clumsy more than malicious, much like the Lykogiannis red card when these sides met here in November, but so high that it could not be ignored.

Nonetheless, 10-man Brann still had another great chance moments later, when Thorsteinsson’s curler from outside the area forced a flying Skorupski one-handed save.

Felix Horn Myhre had a very similar error to Sorensen, catching Lewis Ferguson on the arm with a high boot, but this didn’t even warrant a yellow card.

Nadir Zortea’s ferocious cross-shot tested the goalkeeper at the near post after the restart, then Jhon Lucumi’s looping header forced a wonderful flying Mathias Dyngeland save at the top corner.

Bologna continued to pour forward and Rowe’s pull-back from the by-line was deflected, so Joao Mario controlled from 14 yards and hit the half-volley into the near bottom corner.

Substitute Riccardo Orsolini fired straight at the goalkeeper from the edge of the area, then forced another save at the near post.

Orsolini was ready to tap in the Benajmin Dominguez roll across from the left, until a desperate clearance from six yards.

A similar situation saw Rowe pull back from the by-line, only for Dominguez to fire over, then Jens Odgaard’s scuffed finish was put out by Boakye.

In stoppages, Orsolini’s acrobatic bicycle-kick volley was also charged down, but Dominguez was unlucky when he drilled onto the base of the upright.

Bologna 1-0 Brann (2-0 agg)

Joao Mario 56 (Bo)

Sent off: Sorensen 37 (Br)

26-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Brann

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Martin Vitik		28'
		37'		Jacob Lungi Sörensen
Federico Bernardeschi		41'

2nd half

João Mário		56'
		78'		Rasmus Holten
Riccardo Orsolini		80'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

16

Total shots

7

5

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

2

8

Blocked shots

2

13

Corners

1

3

Offsides

0

15

Fouls

9

Bologna

Brann

Starting lineups

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

João Mário

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

62'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

79'

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

73'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

61'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

79'

1

Mathias Dyngeland

Goalkeeper

21

Denzel De Roeve

Defender

3

Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen

Defender

17

Joachim Soltvedt

Defender

85'

4

Nana Kwame Boakye

Defender

8

Felix Horn Myhre

Midfielder

18

Jacob Lungi Sörensen

Midfielder

16

Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson

Attacker

73'

10

Kristall Máni Ingason

Attacker

60'

29

Noah Jean Holm

Attacker

86'

14

Ulrik Mathisen

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

70

Davide Baroncioni

Defender

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

61'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

62'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

73'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

79'

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

79'

24

Mathias Engevik Klausen

Goalkeeper

41

Lars Remmem

Midfielder

27

Mads Sande

Attacker

39

Julian Lægreid

Attacker

40

Jesper Nerhus Eikrem

Midfielder

12

Simen Vidtun Nilsen

Goalkeeper

25

Niklas Jensen Wassberg

Midfielder

23

Thore Pedersen

Defender

60'

43

Rasmus Holten

Defender

73'

32

Markus Haaland

Attacker

73'

20

Vetle Dragsnes

Defender

85'

11

Bard Finne

Attacker

86'

Paolo Vanoli explains where Fiorentina got it so very wrong in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia. ‘We had the first leg in our minds.’

This was meant to be a relatively simple evening after winning the first leg 3-0 in Poland, but it proved to be anything but, as Jagiellonia won 3-0 at the Stadio Franchi with a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick to force extra time.

The Viola did squeeze through 5-4 on aggregate, as Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a double deflection on Moise Kean’s strike from a corner got them over the line, despite David De Gea’s howler on Jesus Imaz.

Vanoli survived Fiorentina scare

“What I really didn’t want was to go to extra time,” confessed Vanoli on Sky Sport Italia.

“We’ve got to realise that no matter what the result of the first leg, this is a totally new and different match. I didn’t want us to waste energy ahead of a tough Serie A game with Udinese, and so extra time was really not helpful.

“Having said that, we mustn’t see everything negative. I prefer to see this as another valuable lesson, as the team did come out of its shell eventually.”

Fiorentina had seemingly found their form before this with three consecutive victories in all competition, but this was a huge step backwards in terms of attitude and concentration.

“I had told the players to be more careful, that we had only won the first leg thanks to three set play situations. We made the mistake of stepping onto the field with the first leg result in our minds, and made life unnecessarily complicated for ourselves.”

There were also more injury setbacks, as Luca Lezzerini and Manor Solomon went off with muscular issues, though Albert Gudmundsson made his comeback in extra time.

“Both Solomon and Lezzerini felt pain in the rectus femoris, so I doubt either will be available for Monday,” explained Vanoli.

“Gosens had trauma to his cheekbone in extra time too, so that needs to be evaluated by the medical staff.”

The Tuscans will now go into the Conference League Round of 16, and tomorrow in the draw they’ll discover if they are facing RC Strasbourg or Rakow.

“I like the Conference League, I think it helps give us experience to keep improving,” concluded Vanoli.

“We have to change mentality and attitude, because it is different to Serie A. Whoever we get in the draw, we’ll think about it after the Udinese match.”

Moise Kean and Giovanni Fabbian both believe the chaotic 5-4 aggregate win over Jagiellonia in the Conference League will be ‘a valuable lesson’ for Fiorentina, and discuss who scored the goal.

The Viola had thought the job was done for this play-off in the first leg when winning 3-0 in Poland, but threw it away by the 49^th minute to a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick.

It went to extra time, where Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a confusing double ricochet off Kean’s effort proved enough, despite David De Gea letting a Jesus Imaz long-range strike squirm in.

Fiorentina risked astonishing exit

“We were a little tired going into the game, but we still should’ve had clearer heads than this,” Kean told Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle and 120 minutes of football.

“We must always keep on learning from our mistakes. It is all about the mentality, we just have to improve on these situations.”

The goal on that corner was initially given to Kean, though it seemed to ricochet off Fabbian and then Jagiellonia midfielder Romanczuk.

“I have no idea who scored the goal, Fabbian told me he turned it in. The important thing is that we scored and went through,” shrugged Kean.

Just as Fiorentina had seemingly turned a corner with three consecutive victories in all competition, this was a big setback in terms of confidence and performance.

“On the goal, the ball definitely hit me. I don’t know if it was instinct or what, but I put my leg in there. The important thing is that we qualified,” Fabbian told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s disappointing we got into this situation, we could’ve handled it better, and it all depends on us.

“We’ve got to build on the reaction and remember how many aspects we still need to work on, to keep improving. We need to give our all every time we set foot on the pitch. We know what our targets are and must be at the disposal of the coach.

“There are moments in football when you lose concentration, as games seem easy on paper, but there’s no such thing in the modern game. I think this will be a valuable lesson.”

Fiorentina threw away a 3-0 first leg lead to Bartosz Mazurek’s hat-trick, but eventually squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time to reach the Conference League last 16.

The Viola finally found form with three consecutive wins in all competition, including a 3-0 first leg success in Poland. Jagiellonia welcomed back Afimico Pululu and Taras Romanczuk, who were suspended last week.

The winners will face either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the Round of 16, with the draw on February 27.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Giovanni Fabbian almost managed to intercept a shaky back-pass, while Roberto Piccoli’s header from a corner was parried.

Slawomir Abramowicz got it all wrong playing out from the back, but made up for his error by making the save on Piccoli at the near post.

Instead, Jagiellonia got the opening goal when Bartosz Mazurek completed a give and go with Pululu, as Luca Lezzerini managed only to slow down the shot rather than keep it out.

Pululu’s header was too weak to trouble Lezzerini, but Jagiellonia lost Kamil Jozwiak to a groin injury after just 36 minutes.

Lezzerini punched a free kick into a crowd and was fortunate that Bernardo Vital ballooned the rebound over an empty net.

On the stroke of half-time, Jagiellonia reduced the aggregate deficit to just one goal, as Mazurek’s effort took a big deflection off Pietro Comuzzo to loop up into the net.

There was more bad news, as Lezzerini picked up a muscular injury and was replaced by David De Gea at half-time.

They came out with a different attitude and substitute Jack Harrison set up a Piccoli header well smothered, but were caught out on the counter to wipe out their first leg lead.

Piccoli wanted a free kick when losing the ball to spark the counter, but it was rolled across from the right, Pululu kept it going and Dodo slipped, allowing Mazurek to complete his hat-trick totally undisturbed at the back post from nine yards.

Nicolò Fagioli’s strike was deflected for a corner, while Manor Solomon’s attempt was charged down, with Fagioli blasting the rebound over.

Jagiellonia also threatened a fourth, but Imaz saw his first touch let him down on a smart through ball.

Piccoli nodded over from seven yards, although the cross was seemingly better placed for Fabbian behind him, and Moise Kean ballooned over from the edge of the box with the last kick of normal time.

It went to extra time, where Kean controlled with his back to goal to have a shot charged down, then scuffed another strike into the goalkeeper’s arms.

The impressive Solomon limped off injured for the return of Albert Gudmundsson, but Fiorentina finally restored their lead on aggregate.

It was a chaotic situation from goalkeeper Abramowicz, who wildly rushed out to punch clear and crashed into his own teammate, allowing Fagioli to intelligently lob into an empty net from the edge of the area.

Robin Gosens nearly scored another, forcing the fingertip save, and they netted on the resulting chaotic corner. Kean’s effort was probably going wide until it ricocheted in off Fabbian’s shin and then Romanczuk from point-blank range.

It still wasn’t over, as De Gea with an uncharacteristic howler completely failed to deal with a long-range Jesus Imaz strike and let it squirm over him.

Bernardo Vital let the situation get to him and received a second yellow card for insulting the referee.

Fiorentina 2-4 Jagiellonia aet (5-4 agg)

B Mazurek 23, 45+3, 49 (J), Fagioli 107 (F), Romanczuk og 114 (F), Imaz 118 (J)

Sent off: Bernardo Vital 120 (J)

26-02-2026 17:45

1/16 Final

Artemio Franchi Stadium

Fiorentina

Jagiellonia Białystok

2 1

2 - 4