The Giallorossi have struggled to win the ‘big’ games in Serie A this season, but thought that curse had been broken when leading 3-1 through Wesley, Evan Ndicka and Donyell Malen.
However, they conceded twice in the final 12 minutes plus stoppages, both from crosses knocked on to the back post, as Jeremie Boga and Federico Gatti allowed Juventus to snatch a point.
Gasperini sees where it went wrong for Roma
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, and Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, hug prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We were in the right positions, but our season is full of these situations in the final minutes, where teams like Juve, Milan, Inter and Napoli manage to get games back on track in the final minutes or even stoppages.
“They throw players forward who are good in the air and on set plays, they picked up a lot of points in these situations. They deserve congratulations for that, but we also could’ve done better, as our defending was too static, when we should’ve been aggressive.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Yet again, Roma play very well against the top teams, but never quite manage to get a result over the line, despite scoring three goals this time.
“Defending a little deeper is not a bad thing when you have a player like Malen, as that is how he scored the third goal. We should’ve been more physical, so taking Cristante off robbed us of our best player in the air.
“The two goals were very similar, long balls pumped into the box and flicked on to the back post, where we were too passive. That is what we must reproach ourselves for, but not seeking anything else.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Federico Gatti of Juventus scores their third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The free kick given away by Neil El Aynaoui on Pierre Kalulu for the equaliser was also avoidable, as Roma have conceded nine of their 19 goals from dead-ball situations this season.
“That’s true, but don’t forget we scored on a corner too. The problem is that a set play was the only way Juve were going to be dangerous, as even when we defended a little deeper, they rarely created chances.”
This result means Roma slide back down to fourth place, now two points behind Napoli, and Como climb into fifth with only a three-point gap from the Giallorossi.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
With Inter so far out in front, the fight for those Champions League qualifying spots looks as if it will go down to the wire.
“Obviously, a win here would’ve put us seven points clear of Juventus and represented a big step forward, but we are still up there,” added Gasperini.
“We are in the race, we put in an extraordinary performance, and this result should not knock us down.”
It was a dramatic evening at the Stadio Olimpico, as the Giallorossi had surged into a 3-1 lead with spectacular goals from Wesley, Evan Ndicka and Donyell Malen.
However, after the Francisco Conceicao volley into the top corner, Juve completed the comeback in stoppages with substitutes Jeremie Boga and Federico Gatti for the 3-3 thriller.
Conceicao hit the goal of the game
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus battles for possession with Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma and Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It was a good goal, but I am much happier with what we did after going 3-1 down, as it was much more difficult then. The team worked really hard, and I feel if any team deserved to win it, then it was us, as we had some really clear chances,” Conceicao told DAZN Italia.
It was only the Portuguese talent’s fourth goal of the season in 32 competitive games, and he hadn’t found the net since the last meeting with Roma in December.
WHAT A STRIKE FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO
Juventus are back in the game, and it's a screamer from the Portuguese winger
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2026
“My brothers sent me the video of the goal as soon as I got into the changing room, they said well done,” revealed Conceicao.
“I like to take risks, I give it a go, as I had some opportunities to score goals before this that I didn’t take, but fortunately today the goal helped the team. That is the most important thing.
“In order to reach the next level, I certainly need to score more goals. I am the first to acknowledge that, I am working hard on it in training, I know that playing for Juve, you need to be more effective in front of goal. I am the first to be upset when I don’t score.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma and Francisco Conceicao of Juventus battle for possession during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Luciano Spalletti has also been working with Conceicao on how he can influence the game even when the ball isn’t at his feet.
“I have to be the first defender, start the press, go into challenges. Spalletti asks me to play for the team, tells me my quality will emerge eventually if I do that.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Manu Kone of AS Roma and Francisco Conceicao of Juventus battle for possession during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This result means Roma slip down to fourth place and Juventus to sixth, leapfrogged by Como, but the fight for Champions League qualification has tightened up yet again.
There are now only eight points separating five teams from third to seventh, as Napoli, Roma, Como, Juventus and Atalanta are in the thick of battle.
Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been the topic of much criticism today after a dismal display in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham in the Premier League.
The former Empoli shot-stopper made a series of errors in his distribution which attracted viral attention on social media.
Spurs fans did not hold back in their criticism of the Italian, with some even going so far as to ask: ‘Is Vicario the worst number one we’ve had in the modern era?’
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Raul Jimenez of Fulham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
One fan replied ‘He makes Heurelho Gomes look like Pat Jennings,’ in reference to the club’s former Brazilian goalkeeper and the legendary Northern Irish number one.
Spurs fans clear in criticism of Italian goalkeeper Vicario
Others feel like even his reliable qualities are letting him down: ‘The one redeemable part about Vicario used to be his shot stopping which isn’t that great anymore.’
His poor distribution did not go unnoticed, with some fans bringing up the stats behind his woeful afternoon in London.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after failing to make a save against Harry Wilson of Fulham (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
I think Kinsky is cheeks but I’m finally at the point where Vicario needs dropping. He already needs selling but I acc can’t stand seeing him play for us atm. In fact, we should just play Austin at this point for a moment
The first forty minutes were largely uneventful before Wesley broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. The goals came thick and fast in the second half, with Francisco Conceicao scoring a lovely long range goal before Roma scored twice in the next twenty minutes.
Roma looked home and dry before two goals for the visitors in the last 15 minutes sealed the draw.
Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli, for his assist and dominant performance in the middle of the park.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Best Roma player: Niccolo Pisilli – The 21-year-old put in a mature performance in midfield tonight, controlling much of the home side’s tempo. Picked up an assist and worked hard both offensively and defensively.
Lowest Roma rating: Bryan Cristante – Lacklustre before his substitution: was all over the pitch but did not really have any impact. His passes were poor and he struggled defensively too.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini 6.5 – A lack of substitutes before it was too late disrupted Roma’s rhythm, especially after such a strong display throughout the ninety. The coach did well but failed to react and allowed Juventus back into the match.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus celebrates their first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Best Juventus player: Jeremie Boga – Came off the bench to score, keeping up his good start to life in Bianconeri colours. Couldn’t help snatch a late equaliser but looked dangerous in his half an hour on the pitch.
Lowest Juventus rating: Lloyd Kelly – Beaten far too easily, far too often. Looked out of his depth on more than one occasion, but was sold by Wesley’s deft touch for the opener.
Coach: Luciano Spalletti 7 – Saved by his substitutions, Spalletti deserves credit for succeeding where his counterpart failed. His set-up struggled in the first half but the coach reacted well to help inspire his side’s comeback.
Roma had been in control at 3-1 with spectacular Wesley and Donyell Malen goals, only to let Juventus catch them at 3-3 in stoppages for a thrilling comeback.
This was a pure showdown for the top four, as the Giallorossi welcomed back Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy, but were still missing Matias Soulé, Mario Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson. Juve were in crisis after one draw in five competitive games, then on Wednesday beat Galatasaray 3-2 in extra time, only to be eliminated from the Champions League 7-5 on aggregate. Manuel Locatelli sat out a ban, with Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arek Milik out, but Pierre Kalulu and Bremer returned.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: General view inside the stadium as players of both side’s line up prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
There was a double chance in the third minute, as Niccolò Pisilli intercepted a wayward pass out from the back and forced a tricky Mattia Perin save, then Lorenzo Pellegrini fired the rebound over.
Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao fired over from promising positions, but Perin showed brave goalkeeping when parrying a Donyell Malen effort from point-blank range with his face on the Gianluca Mancini knock-down.
Bryan Cristante charged down a Conceicao curler after good work from Yildiz, while Weston McKennie’s glancing header was inches wide of the far post on a Kalulu cross.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring their first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma took the lead when Pisilli won a tackle in midfield and threaded through for Wesley, who cut inside to bend a fantastic right-foot finish into the far top corner from the edge of the area, as Perin could only graze his fingertips to it.
What a strike from Wesley Franca He cuts inside and curls beautifully into the far corner to give Roma the lead over Juventus!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2026
David fired over from the edge of the area, but within moments of the restart it was 1-1 with another sensational strike. A Teun Koopmeiners free kick was cleared to the edge of the box, where Bremer laid it off for Francisco Conceicao’s ferocious left-foot half-volley into the far top corner.
WHAT A STRIKE FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO
Juventus are back in the game, and it's a screamer from the Portuguese winger
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2026
Yildiz drilled wide, but Roma restored their advantage when a Lorenzo Pellegrini corner was taken short, the captain’s cross went over Mancini, but found Evan Ndicka to volley in from six yards. It was the second Serie A game in a row on target for the defender.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi added another when Malen sprung the offside trap on the Manu Kone through ball and dinked the finish over the on-rushing Perin with the outside of the right boot.
Donyell Malen is on fire
Another Serie A goal for the on-loan Aston Villa forward gives Roma a 3-1 lead over Juventus!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2026
Svilar was right behind a deflected Koopmeiners strike, but it still wasn’t over, as the Edon Zhegrova cross from the right was flicked on for Jeremie Boga to volley at the back post.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Jeremie Boga of Juventus scores their second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Boga’s cross was deflected just over by Ndicka, but Juventus completed the epic comeback from 3-1 down to 3-3 in stoppages. McKennie nodded on the free kick, which grazed Ndicka’s arm, landing kindly for substitute Federico Gatti to fire in from close range.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Federico Gatti of Juventus scores their third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This is a showdown for a top four slot and the importance of the fixture has been reflected in the sheer quality of the goals.
Wesley had already curled a sensational effort into the far top corner to give Roma the lead, but Francisco Conceicao responded with sheer power from a similar position after the restart.
Conceicao turns on the style for Juventus
WHAT A STRIKE FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO
Juventus are back in the game, and it's a screamer from the Portuguese winger
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2026
A Teun Koopmeiners free kick was cleared to the edge of the box, where Gleison Bremer laid it off for the Portuguese winger, who let it bounce and smashed the strike with his left foot.
The 23-year-old is not known for his prowess in finding the net, as this was only his fourth goal of the season in 32 competitive matches.
Bizarrely, the last goal was also against Roma, during a 2-1 win in Turin on December 20.
Brazilian wing-back Wesley gave Roma the lead in their Serie A clash against Juventus this evening, with a lovely effort from the edge of the box that curled into the far corner.
The Brazilian broke the deadlock, giving Gian Piero Gasperini’s side the lead headed into the half-time interval.
Wesley picked up the ball on the left hand side, before cutting inside neatly and taking his attempt on goal.
There was a brief moment after the goal where the Giallorossi were celebrating their goal and Juventus coach Spalletti came on to the pitch to give instructions to one of his players.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley celebrates scoring their first goal during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma defender N’Dicka initially reacted angrily towards Spalletti’s intrusion before soon after apologising.
Watch: Wesley gives Roma the lead against Juventus
What a strike from Wesley Franca He cuts inside and curls beautifully into the far corner to give Roma the lead over Juventus!
Maurizio Sarri made no attempt to sugarcoat what he witnessed in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Torino, delivering a blunt and self-critical assessment of a Lazio performance he described as flat, joyless and simply lacking the basic energy required to compete.
“As for energy, we were inferior to our opponents,” he said plainly. “We never won a loose ball. The absurd thing is that we had five chances on goal and they had four, so creating opportunities was not the issue. The problem was elsewhere.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Roberto D’Aversa, Manager of Torino FC and Maurizio Sarri, Manager of SS Lazio look on from the sidelines during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
That problem, in Sarri’s view, was a collective failure of mental preparation that he admitted he had seen coming.
“Before the game there were clear warning signs, we got the recruitment of mental energy wrong,” he said, a candid acknowledgement that his side simply were not ready to face a Torino team galvanised by a change of manager.
“This is a squad that has always been present, even at Cagliari. Today was different, a sad team without energy. When you’re not winning loose balls, talking about the formation is pointless.”
Torino 2-0 Lazio – Sarri: ‘We need to dig deep for motivation’
Asked whether he was more concerned about his attack or defence, Sarri’s answer was telling. Five chances created suggested the forward line was functioning, it was the defensive application, he argued, that had let the side down, and not merely the back line.
When pressed on the substitution of Ratkov, he was candid.
“I needed more liveliness, Noslin could provide that. But I knew that if the team didn’t change as a whole, it would be pointless.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Roberto D’Aversa, Manager of Torino FC greets Maurizio Sarri, Manager of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
With a daunting double fixture against Atalanta on the horizon, Sarri’s closing message was unambiguous.
“If you have great motivation, you can find it even the day before a game. If you don’t, you can stay in a training camp for a month and it won’t matter. We need to find motivation that comes from within.”
Torino got life under Roberto D’Aversa off to a flying start this evening, with a 2-0 win against Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, Giovanni Simeone and Duvan Zapata scoring to help secure an important three points.
Speaking at his first post-match press conference as Torino boss, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, D’Aversa was delighted with his side’s performance against the Biancocelesti.
“When there is a change of manager, a reaction is normal,” he said. “I’m pleased with the strikers’ goals, we had the courage to start them both immediately to send a signal. When everyone sees Zapata and Simeone working hard and sacrificing for the team, everyone gives more.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Roberto D’Aversa, Manager of Torino FC greets Maurizio Sarri, Manager of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Torino 2-0 Lazio – D’Aversa: ‘Important win, now we focus on Napoli’
He also credited his 3-4-2-1 system, noting that the same formation can be interpreted in very different ways depending on the approach. “We tried to occupy the width with Duvan attacking the depth. We had prepared it that way.”
On what message he delivered to his players before kick-off, D’Aversa was candid and refreshingly human.
“I reminded them that we were going out to play football, to be enthusiastic, to consider ourselves fortunate given what is happening in the rest of the world. We needed to restore enthusiasm and confidence.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 01: Duvan Zapata of Torino FC scores a second goal during the Serie A match on March 01, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
He was equally quick to keep expectations in check, repeatedly stressing that nothing had been achieved yet.
“We haven’t done anything,” he said more than once. “The win was important, but now we think about Napoli.”
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini warns it will be ‘a fight to the last minute to see who gets into the Champions League’ as they face Roma, but Luciano Spalletti’s future is guaranteed.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
LEWISBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – JUNE 14: Former Juventus and Italian national team defender Giorgio Chiellini arrives at the airport prior to the official FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 14, 2025 in Lewisburg, West Virginia. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“Roma are a strong team with a great coach, so of course we expected them to challenge for fourth place to the end,” Chiellini told DAZN Italia.
“This is an important game, we need to recover some points we dropped recently, but it will be a fight to the last minute of the last game to see who gets into the Champions League.”
The fact remains, Juventus are now out of the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, while this is a head-to-head for their hope of climbing back into the top four of Serie A.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Before the ‘win’ over Galatasaray, the Bianconeri had lost four and drawn one in all competition.
“It won’t be over tomorrow regardless, but clearly it is an important fixture. Apart from the setback with Como, the only game in the last three months that was a really bad performance, the team has looked solid and with more belief in its abilities.
“I don’t know if we will win, but I do expect to see a mature and confident performance, which we saw on Wednesday.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inevitably, Chiellini was again asked if there are any plans to sign coach Spalletti to a long-term contract, seeing as his Juventus deal only runs to June 30.
“Unfortunately in a way we’ll have a lot more time during the week from now on to sit down with Luciano and talk, but for I don’t see anyone else on the Juventus bench for next season. Let’s just do everything at the right time, there’s no rush,” assured Chiellini.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Lloyd Kelly of Juventus looks on during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Manuel Locatelli is suspended tonight, with Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arek Milik out, but Pierre Kalulu and Gleison Bremer return.
There are a few question marks over what system Juve are using, as so much depends on the versatility of Weston McKennie.
Mattia Perin is also confirmed in goal after recent Michele Di Gregorio howlers.
Roma director Ricky Massara assures they will ‘not be lacking an aggressive, attacking approach’ to Juventus, even if there are some tactical tweaks this evening.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Fans of AS Roma show their support as they wave flags and hold scarves prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on January 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala has recovered for a spot on the bench against his old club, but Matias Soulé, Mario Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are still out of action.
Somewhat surprisingly, Zeki Celik drops into the back three and Niccolò Pisilli seems to be in a more advanced role, bringing in Devyne Rensch on the right.
Roma reshuffle the pack for Juventus clash
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“The coach prepared the game this way, but I don’t think the attitude of the team will change. It has a very aggressive, attacking approach in every match, and those elements certainly won’t be lacking this evening,” Massara told DAZN Italia.
Roma have struggled in the big games so far under Gian Piero Gasperini, tending to drop precious points against the stronger opponents.
This is a showdown for the Champions League places, as the Giallorossi are only four points clear of Juve going into this match.
“It’s true that we never lacked performances, even when the results weren’t the maximum, but we have always had very positive games. It’s a wonderful atmosphere this evening and we’re very pleased,” assured Massara.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Bryan Cristante of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini’s agents are in the stands, while there are also contract talks for Dybala, Celik and Stephan El Shaarawy extensions.
“We are in contact with all the agents of the players, but there are no particular developments right now. We are concentrated on the final weeks of the season, aware we can count on great professionals who have always shown commitment to the club.
“Cristante and Mancini’s contracts expire in 2027, so we are talking, and we’ll inform you when there is news.”
Roberto D’Aversa made the ideal debut on the Torino bench, securing a 2-0 victory over troubled Lazio with Giovanni Simeone and Duvan Zapata goals.
The Granata sacked ex-Lazio boss Marco Baroni this week after scraping one win and one draw in eight Serie A rounds. Emirhan Ilkhan was suspended after his red card against Genoa, with Che Adams not fully fit and Zanos Savva injured. The Aquile had one win in six rounds, but were preparing for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta. Daniel Maldini, Pedro, Elseid Hysaj, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Mario Gila missed the trip.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Roberto D’Aversa, Manager of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Despite the dismissal of Baroni, Toro fans continued their protest against President Urbano Cairo, so there were very few people in the stands.
The Granata opened the scoring when Duvan Zapata’s shot took a deflection off Alessio Romagnoli to loop up, turning into an accidental assist for Giovanni Simeone to pounce at the back post, flicking it past the on-rushing Ivan Provedel. Oliver Provstgaard tried a desperate goal-line clearance, but couldn’t do it in time. Cholito really does have a remarkable record against Lazio, as this was his 10th goal past them.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Giovanni Simeone of Torino FC celebrates after scoring the team´s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Simeone nearly got a second moments later, Provedel getting down quickly to palm the daisy-cutter round the post.
The Biancocelesti replied when Mattia Zaccagni pulled back from the by-line for Reda Belahyane, whose finish from 14 yards surprised Alberto Paleari, but was cleared practically off the line by Saul Coco.
Lazio made two changes for the restart, but it was Torino who doubled their lead when Rafa Obrador stood up a cross from the left for Duvan Zapata to overpower Provstgaard with a header from six yards.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 01: Giovanni Simeone of Torino FC celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 01, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Tijjani Noslin tested Alberto Paleari from distance with a curler, while Valentino Lazaro’s volley was charged down by Pellegrini, and Torino failed to score from a corner when three players all had free headers from six yards, colliding with each other.
Nuno Tavares sprinted down the left and pulled back from the by-line for a Noslin tap-in, but Enzo Ebosse made a decisive block at the near post.
Paleari was called into a big save at the 87th minute, flying to palm an Alessio Romagnoli header out from the bar from point-blank range on the corner.
Donyell Malen and Lorenzo Pellegrini lead the Roma attack in this showdown for the top four, as Juventus hope Jonathan David and Kenan Yildiz can end the crisis.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
This is a pure head-to-head for Champions League places, as Juve slipped down the standings and are four points behind the Giallorossi.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have been on fine form lately with seven points in the last three rounds, despite missing Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Mario Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy.
There is some good news from the treatment room, as ex-Juve hero Dybala is back on the bench along with El Shaarawy, but Soulé and Hermoso have not recovered.
January signings Malen and Zaragoza have made a strong impact, but Zaragoza is benched in favour of Niccolo’ Pisilli in a more advanced role with Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Zeki Celik also drops into the back three, so Devyne Rensch fills the gap on the wing.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It was a remarkable performance after Lloyd Kelly’s red card, wiping out the 5-2 first leg deficit only to capitulate in extra time, eliminated even though winning 3-2 on the night.
There are more problems to contend with, as Manuel Locatelli is suspended, though Pierre Kalulu returns from his ban and Gleison Bremer has shaken off a knock.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Khephren Thuram of Juventus greets teammate Pierre Kalulu following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
This leaves only Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arek Milik still out injured.
Luciano Spalletti is not fondly remembered at the Stadio Olimpico due to his troubles with Roma legend Francesco Totti.
He uses Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz behind striker David in what might be a 3-4-2-1 formation, or a 4-2-3-1 depending on Weston McKennie’s role.
Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal were suspended in the Champions League, but return here.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Juventus are preparing to open talks over a contract renewal with Dusan Vlahovic, with the club increasingly open to the idea of keeping the Serbian striker beyond his current deal, a significant shift from the position held just a few months ago when his departure seemed inevitable.
Vlahovic currently earns €12 million net per season, the highest wage on Juventus’ books, a figure the club have privately acknowledged is unsustainable and one they have no intention of matching in future contracts.
At €23 million gross, the outlay represents exactly the kind of financial commitment the club are looking to move away from as they restructure their wage bill.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC lies injured during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
However, according to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus may have found a creative solution, one they have already successfully deployed elsewhere.
Juventus use Yildiz deal as template for Vlahovic talks
The model used to secure Kenan Yildiz’s renewal could serve as the template: a reduced base salary of around €7 million per year, offset by a substantial signing-on bonus of approximately €6 million.
It is an arrangement that allows the club to lower their long-term wage commitments while still offering the player a financially attractive package up front.
Whether Vlahovic accepts such terms remains to be seen, particularly given the interest from clubs of the calibre of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Milan.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus takes a shot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The Serbian is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks, and his performances between now and the end of the season are likely to be decisive in shaping both his own thinking and the appetite of those rival clubs.
For Juventus, keeping Vlahovic and extending Spalletti’s tenure are both part of a broader push for stability, a word that has become something of a mantra at the club in recent months.
Marco Verratti is set to make a surprise return to the Italy national team, with new head coach Gennaro Gattuso ready to recall the veteran midfielder for the World Cup playoff fixtures, according to transfer insider Nicolò Schira.
Schira reports that positive direct contact has taken place between the two parties in recent hours, with Verratti confirming his availability and willingness to pull on the Azzurri shirt once more, a development few would have predicted given how long he has been absent from the international scene.
The experienced midfielder has been plying his trade in Qatar with Al-Arabi and Al-Duhail since leaving Paris Saint-Germain, and his omission from Italy squads in recent years had led many to assume his international career was over.
ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS – JUNE 15: Marco Verratti of Italy arrives before the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Verratti in for shock Italy call-up?
However, Gattuso, who shares a strong personal relationship with the midfielder, has clearly decided that his technical quality and experience could be invaluable during the high-stakes pressure of playoff football.
It is a bold call, but not an entirely surprising one given Gattuso’s personality.
The Italy boss has never been one to shy away from decisive or unconventional decisions, and with a World Cup place on the line, turning to one of the most technically gifted Italian midfielders of his generation carries obvious logic.
For Verratti, it would represent a remarkable and emotional international comeback, and an opportunity to write one final chapter in an Azzurri career that, until very recently, appeared to have already reached its conclusion.
Lorenzo Insigne came full circle today, as after more than 5,000 days he started as Pescara captain and scored for their victory over Palermo in Serie B.
The 34-year-old former Italy, Napoli and Toronto FC star made his name on loan at Pescara in Serie B during the 2011-12 campaign.
Zdenek Zeman was the coach, and his teammates for the Delfini were Ciro Immobile and Marco Verratti, all of them going on to stellar careers.
Pescara homecoming for Insigne
PESCARA, ITALY – MAY 26: Lorenzo Insigne of Pescara celebrates the victory after the Serie B match between Pescara Calcio and ASG Nocerina at Adriatico Stadium on May 26, 2012 in Pescara, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest have decided against triggering their option to permanently sign Lorenzo Lucca, according to reliable transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, confirming what his performances this season have long suggested was coming.
The Italian striker joined Forest on loan from Napoli in January, with the English club holding a purchase option worth €35 million.
That clause will not be exercised, with Schira reporting that Forest are simply not satisfied with what Lucca has produced since his arrival at the City Ground.
It is difficult to argue with that assessment.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Lorenzo Lucca embraces Igor Jesus of Nottingham Forest as Omari Hutchinson and Sean Dyche look on during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on February 06, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Lucca expected back at Napoli this summer
The 25-year-old has managed just 120 minutes of Premier League football, started only once, and was hooked at half-time during a Europa League playoff leg against Fenerbahce, a performance that drew sharp criticism from supporters.
The goal he scored on his debut against Leeds briefly raised hopes of a turnaround, but it has proven to be an isolated moment in an otherwise underwhelming loan spell.
The news will concern Napoli considerably.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Adrien Tameze of Torino is challenged by Lorenzo Lucca of Napoli during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The club paid close to €40 million to sign Lucca from Udinese, where he had impressed with 12 goals in a single season, only for him to completely fail to establish himself under Antonio Conte.
His contract runs until 2030, meaning Napoli cannot simply move him on cheaply, yet finding a buyer willing to meet their valuation after two consecutive failed loan spells will be an increasingly difficult task.
Lucca will return to Naples at the end of the season with his market value significantly diminished and his future at the club deeply uncertain.
Raffaele Palladino insists Atalanta must not use their Champions League exploits as ‘an alibi’ for the defeat to 10-man Sassuolo. ‘The real regret was the second goal.’
It is not the first time that La Dea have suffered a Champions League hangover, as the incredible comeback from a 2-0 first leg deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on the night took a lot out of this squad.
Even then, they capitulated 2-1 to a Sassuolo side who were down to 10 men since the 16th minute, when Andrea Pinamonti saw red for a studs-up tackle.
— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 1, 2026
Nonetheless, Ismael Koné and Kristian Thorstvedt turned in Armand Laurienté assists, with Yunus Musah’s late strike not enough to turn it around, as there were decisive Arijanet Muric fingertip saves in stoppages.
Palladino expected more from Atalanta
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Raffaele Palladino head coach of Atalanta BC embraces Fabio Grosso head coach of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I don’t feel we lacked sharpness, because we took the right approach, so using the Champions League as an alibi is not right,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“We were in full control of the match, we had the right attitude, respected our opponents, but oddly after the red card it was Sassuolo who gained confidence. They started to defend deep and we struggled to break them down.
“We moved the ball around too slowly, didn’t go down the wings enough, and didn’t go for the spaces. We did better after the break, went towards different zones that we could attack, but the big regret is conceding that second goal. It made everything more complicated.
“There were chances, but getting a goal back at the 88th minute was too late to really change things, even if we hit the woodwork in stoppages.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Raffaele Palladino head coach of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Palladino made a triple substitution at half-time, but he did not introduce another centre-forward, replacing Gianluca Scamacca with Nikola Krstovic.
“Sassuolo were defending 4-4-1, so to add another striker would’ve just played into their hands. We needed to attack them down the wings, which we didn’t do effectively enough in the first half. We lacked something on the final ball, but I was convinced we could score, the big regret was conceding the second. We could’ve stopped Laurienté earlier, that was the big mistake.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Lazar Samardžić of Atalanta BC competes for the ball with Nemanja Matic of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This was the first defeat of 2026 for Atalanta in Serie A, since December 28 against Inter, and will damage their hopes of breaking back into the top four.
“I analysed the team, and if I had seen them start badly, I might’ve considered us being distracted by midweek, but I didn’t see that. It’s disappointing, but these things can happen, we must put it behind us and focus immediately on the Coppa Italia.”
Atalanta will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg on Wednesday, as the squad is becoming stretched rather thin by all these tournaments.
Fabio Grosso feels Sassuolo ‘wrote their names in the history books of this club’ with a 2-1 victory over Atalanta when down to 10 men. ‘It’s the icing on the cake with a big cherry on top.’
The Neroverdi are on spectacular form, winning five of their last six Serie A matches, and flying into eighth place in the table.
It is all the more remarkable, as Andrea Pinamonti received a straight red card after just 16 minutes for a studs-up tackle on Berat Djimsiti’s ankle.
Nonetheless, Ismael Koné and Kristian Thorstvedt turned in Armand Laurienté assists, and although Yunus Musah got one back late on, Arijanet Muric had a series of decisive fingertip saves to keep the points secure.
Grosso hails ‘crazy’ Sassuolo
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Kristian Thorstvedt of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It was a crazy game. The lads wrote their names in the history books of this club,” Grosso told DAZN Italia.
Although they had been doing well, Sassuolo had not yet managed to beat one of the big clubs this season.
“We had been looking for the icing on the cake, and this was the icing with a big cherry on top. Our opponents were coming off the Champions League, but are also very strong. Our defenders were solid, determined, it’s not easy to keep that concentration for 90 minutes.
“We’re glad to have picked up some important points, and to achieve it with a performance like this.”
There was more bad luck for Sassuolo today, as Alieu Fadera had been on the pitch for just five minutes when he had to be substituted, left dazed by an aerial collision with Sead Kolasinac.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Fabio Grosso head coach of US Sassuolo celebrates with his team during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Everyone worked so hard today, both those who started and who came off the bench. We are often very attacking and ambitious, but oddly we used up less energy today than usual, because we were so very concentrated,” added Grosso.
Considering he is back to fitness and such fine form, should Domenico Berardi be called up for Italy’s World Cup play-offs?
“He is my player, so of course I am his sponsor, but the coach and his staff will know what to do in order to take Italy back to where we belong, and haven’t been for a while.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Referee Matteo Marchetti shows the red card to Andrea Pinamonti of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Being a newly-promoted side, the Neroverdi can now look to the final weeks of the campaign without pressure, and potentially even aim for Europe.
“It’s easy to forget that we were coming from Serie B, so it’s not easy to make that leap, and we’ve seen many other teams struggle badly. So we don’t want to settle, we know that every match is an opportunity, and we will go for points in every game.
“That is the objective, because we are nearly there, but not mathematically sure of safety yet,” concluded Grosso.
Just days after their historic Champions League night, Atalanta crumbled against a Sassuolo side that was down to 10 men for well over an hour, with Ismael Koné and Kristian Thorstvedt goals.
La Dea completed an epic comeback from 2-0 down in the first leg to knock Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League. Ederson, Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori were still out, with Honest Ahanor suffering from flu symptoms. Sassuolo welcomed back Nemanja Matic and Tarik Muharemovic from suspension, though Sebastian Walukiewicz was banned instead, with Daniel Boloca, Fali Cande and Edoardo Pieragnolo injured after four wins in the last five.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Raffaele Palladino head coach of Atalanta BC embraces Fabio Grosso head coach of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was wide open from the start, as Nicola Zalewski couldn’t keep his lob on target after springing the offside trap, then Marco Carnesecchi got down for a one-handed save on Thorstvedt’s glancing header.
The game changed after just 16 minutes when the referee showed a straight red card to Andrea Pinamonti, who didn’t see Berat Djimsiti until it was too late, going into a sliding tackle with studs-up on the defender’s ankle.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Referee Matteo Marchetti shows the red card to Andrea Pinamonti of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Despite being down to 10 men, Sassuolo still took the lead when Ismael Koné was ready to bundle an Armand Laurienté corner over the line from close range.
Arijanet Muric did well to palm away the Raoul Bellanova header from Lorenzo Bernasconi’s cross, but Sassuolo nearly got a second when Muharemovic nodded a Domenico Berardi free kick over from six yards.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Lazar Samardžić of Atalanta BC competes for the ball with Nemanja Matic of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Raffaele Palladino made a triple change at half-time, and substitutes Nikola Krstovic and Davide Zappacosta turned over from promising situations.
There was also a wonderful Sassuolo move including Koné back-heel flick for Laurienté, but Berat Djimsiti would not let the striker turn.
Despite being down to 10 men from the 16th minute, the hosts doubled their lead when Thorstvedt swept into the top corner from the edge of the area with the inside of the left boot, an unstoppable finish on another Laurienté assist.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Kristian Thorstvedt of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Muric flew to palm away the Krstovic header moments later, but Alieu Fadera’s game lasted only a couple of minutes before he was left badly dazed by an aerial collision with Sead Kolasinac.
The best opportunity for Atalanta was in the final minutes, Muric doing just enough to deflect a Samardzic tap-in onto the upright from Zappacosta’s assist.
The situation was repeated and this time Yunus Musah was ready to sweep in another Zappacosta pull-back from the right to set up a tense finale.
It could’ve been 2-2 in stoppages, but Muric fingertipped the Giorgio Scalvini looping header onto the bar from a Mario Pasalic cross.
A deflected Zappacosta shot ricocheted into the path of Krstovic, closed down by a desperate Jay Idzes block.
Ange-Yoan Bonny limped off during Inter’s win over Genoa and is expected to miss the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, but could recover to face Milan.
The Nerazzurri put their Champions League disappointment behind them with a 2-0 result at San Siro last night, thanks to goals from Federico Dimarco and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Bonny hobbled off the field with a muscular issue and coach Cristian Chivu said in post-match interviews he did not know what the problem was.
Inter dealing with Bonny problem
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Ange-Yoan Bonny of FC Internazionale Milano controls the ball whilst under pressure from Jamil Siebert of US Lecce and teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to multiple reports, Bonny is still not fully recovered, although tests to show potential lesions are considered unnecessary for now.
It therefore seems unlikely the former Parma striker will be picked for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Como.
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter warms up prior to the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
With Lautaro Martinez already out for a while with a calf strain he suffered against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League play-off, this leaves few alternatives.
Marcus Thuram should therefore partner Francesco Pio Esposito upfront in the traditional 3-5-2 formation.
Inter do not want to take any risks, as next weekend is the Derby della Madonnina with Serie A rivals Milan.
Reports in Italy claim that Roma are plotting a move to reunite Gian Piero Gasperini with his former Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who has struggled to live up to expectations following his €60m transfer to Juventus in 2024.
Could Roma and Juventus strike a deal for Koopmeiners?
Koopmeiners is approaching the end of his second season in Turin following his 2024 transfer from Atalanta to Juventus, which came at a total cost of €60.7m with bonuses and add-ons included.
A standout for Atalanta and a key player on their way to the Europa League title in 2023-24, Koopmeiners has failed to live up to expectations thus far in Turin and is not currently a guaranteed starter under Luciano Spalletti, despite being the most expensive Serie A arrival of the last six years.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
The Dutchman has only started in 15 of Juventus’s 25 Serie A matches so far this term and is yet to find the back of the net in the league. For comparison, he finished his final season with Atalanta with 12 goals and five assists to his name in the league in 2023-24.
Koopmeiners is expected to be given an opportunity to start in midfield when Juventus take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon, in the absence of suspended captain Manuel Locatelli.
According to Sunday’s reports, this could be an opportunity for Koopmeiners to put himself in the shop window ahead of the summer transfer window, as reports from Calciomercato.com and Tuttosport claim that Roma are plotting a potential move for the Bianconeri midfielder.
Sunday’s reports claim that Galatasaray are also among the interested parties in Koopmeiners.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 17, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Roma are, of course, under the leadership of Gasperini, who oversaw the best version of Koopmeiners during their three years together at Atalanta.
According to Calciomercato, Juventus are prepared to entertain offers for Koopmeiners during the summer transfer window, but only those that are in excess of €30m, given that they spent almost somewhere around the €60m mark two years ago.
Koopmeiners is currently under contract until the summer of 2029 with Juventus, having signed a five-year deal back in the summer of 2024.
Strahinja Pavlovic was the star of the show for Milan as they recorded a late, late 2-0 victory away against Cremosnee in Serie A on Sunday afternoon. Here are the player ratings after a tightly-contested affair at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.
Goals from Pavlovic in the 90th minute and a second from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time helped Milan on their way to an important 2-0 victory, which puts them back within 10 points of league leaders Inter ahead of the Derby della Madonnina next weekend.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Best Cremonese player: Emil Audero 7 – A particularly impressive first-half performance with huge saves to deny both Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic one-on-one. Cremonese could have found themselves two down before the interval had it not been for those stops. Six saves in total for the Cremo keeper.
Coach: Davide Nicola 6.5 – Despite the Leao and Pulisic chances, Nicola will have been largely pleased with what he saw from his side before the final few moments. This was a fairly evenly contested affair, which is encouraging for a team ranked 17th up against the team that currently sits in second. There will be obvious disappointment with the way in which Cremonese lost the game: From a set-piece in the 90th minute which led to their unravelling again a few minutes later.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan runs with the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Best Milan player: Strahinja Pavlovic 7 – A solid defensive shift from the Serbian, who completed 100% of his three attempted tackles – Only Giuseppe Pezzella (four) completed more. He also made two clearances and one interception before scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute to hand Milan all three points. Pavlovic is now up to three goals for the season in Serie A: His highest ever seasonal goal tally.
Coach: Massimiliano Allegri 6 – This is a season where Milan continue to grind out results, and given their troubles last campaign, a second place finish and a spot in the Champions League would be a solid return for Allegri in his first season back in charge. The reality of watching Milan as they grind out these results is not always the prettiest scenario, which was again the case against Cremonese. Still, a solid three points and one step closer to that final goal that Allegri keeps referring to.
Milan star Rafael Leao says that he and his teammates recorded a massively important victory away against Cremonese in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, and has given a brief preview ahead of the Derby della Madonnina against rivals Inter next weekend: ‘Win or die’.
Leao and Strahinja Pavlovic struck at the very end of the game at the Stadio Giovanni Zini on Sunday afternoon: The first goal coming in the 90th minute and the second in the fourth minute of injury time.
Leao looks ahead to Milan vs. Inter: ‘The Derby is always a personal thing’
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Leao is now up to 10 goals across all competitions in 2025-26. His goal against Cremonese was his ninth in Serie A, which makes him Milan’s leading goalscorer in the league, overtaking Christian Pulisic on eight.
Speaking during his post-match interview, Leao insisted that he is less focused on individual goals and more concerned with his side’s qualification for the Champions League.
“We have our primary goal, which is to return to the Champions League. We’re having a great season and this was a very important match,” Leao said after full-time.
Up next on the schedule for the Rossoneri is the Derby della Madonnina against runaway league leaders, Inter, whom Milan beat during the reverse fixture earlier this season.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We have to finish well and it will be another big game against Inter, not just decisive in terms of points, because the derby is always a personal thing,” said Leao.
“We have great respect for Inter because they are a great team, but we will play well and try to get a result.
“The derby is a great game to play, you can feel it even outside of Milan. Everyone wants to play in these sorts of matches, to win or die.”
Raffaele Palladino tries to keep Atalanta’s feet on the ground after their Champions League whirlwind, as they visit on form Sassuolo. ‘It’s a different tournament entirely.’
It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta interacts with teammate Isak Hien during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It allowed them to set up a Round of 16 showdown with Bayern Munich, with the Bergamo boys the only remaining Italian representatives in that competition.
Atalanta flying high in all competitions
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Players of Atalanta celebrates victory following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We have to focus on recovering the physical and mental energy, as the Champions League saps you of both those elements,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“The mentality is the most important thing, detaching totally from the Champions League, and focusing on a different tournament entirely. We are up against a We have to throw ourselves straight back into Serie A.
“We are against a Sassuolo side that won four of its last five games, we studied them carefully, and must pay attention to all the details.”
On top of that, Atalanta are also preparing for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Lazar Samardzic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammates after scoring from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There are some issues to deal with, as along with long-term absentees Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori, Atalanta are also missing Ederson with muscular issues, and Honest Ahanor has flu symptoms.
“Ahanor had a fever yesterday and was not well this morning either, while we are evaluating Ederson one day at a time. We had been hoping to get him back for this game, but we couldn’t manage it, so we hope he’ll be back as soon as possible,” explained Palladino.
Sead Kolasinac starts despite ending the midweek match with cramp, while Nikola Krstovic is on the bench after getting stitches on the head injury he sustained winning that last-gasp penalty, converted by Lazar Samardzic.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Lazar Samardzic of Atalanta scores his team’s fourth goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Sama did well to make sure he was ready when called upon, as he always worked hard even when not getting much space. He took his opportunity, and has had more consistency since De Ketelaere’s injury. This is another chance to prove himself.”
Massimiliano Allegri credited his players for an ‘important’ 2-0 victory away against Cremonese in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, but says that all focus is already on the upcoming Derby d’Italia against rivals Inter next weekend now.
Milan left it late to seal a victory away against Cremonese in Serie A on Sunday afternoon: Strahinja Pavlovic breaking the deadlock in the 90th minute before a result-sealing winner from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of injury time.
Allegri reacts to Cremonese 0-2 Milan: ‘Have to stay alert’
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Cremonese beat Milan in the reverse fixture on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 season and they remain one of only two sides to have beaten the Rossoneri in the league so far this season.
It looked as if Davide Nicola’s side were going to claim four points from their two meetings with Milan until the final moments at the Stadio Giovanni Zini on Sunday. Speaking during his post-match interview, Allegri praised his side for the way they stayed switched on until the very end.
“Cremonese are a difficult team to play against,” Allegri said. “They kept a very high tempo in the first half and we had difficulty managing the ball. Estupinan came on and did very well, that’s proof I have an extraordinary group.
“Winning today was important, more than anything, to make up for the defeat against Parma, to get closer to our final goal and to help us prepare for the derby.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Allegri was asked why he only tends to avoid starting with three attacking players on the pitch, but often brings a third striker on when Milan are in need of a goal.
“Right now, it’s a solution for us in-game,” he said. “We had a moment with three attacking players at one specific moment in this game. Fullkrug is working on his condition, like Leao who has grown a lot.
“We could play with the double pivot in midfield or with three strikers, but at this point of the season, I’m not particularly interested in formations. The teams behind us continue scoring points and we have to take things one step at a time knowing that we’ve still got a long road ahead of us.”
Next up for the Rossoneri is the Derby della Madonnina against city rivals and runaway league leaders, Inter.
“You have to stay alert in those moments. They were good on the counter attack. Now we have a week to prepare for a wonderful match,” said Allegri.
Milan needed an unorthodox last-minute Strahinja Pavlovic goal to break Cremonese down, then Rafael Leao made up for big misses with a stoppage-time tap-in.
The Rossoneri suffered only two Serie A defeats this season, the opening weekend with Cremonese and last week against Parma, both at San Siro. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was ruled out for a couple of months by a facial fracture, with Matteo Gabbia and Santiago Gimenez also injured. The hosts had just four draws and three goals scored in the last 12 rounds, missing Federico Baschirotto, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Luka Modric of AC Milan is challenged by Jari Vandeputte of US Cremonese during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Francesco Folino made a desperate interception to stop Rafael Leao tapping in the Adrien Rabiot cross from six yards, while Alexis Saelemaekers drilled wide from the edge of the area.
Cremonese came close when Federico Bonazzoli’s volley on a Giuseppe Pezzella cross was deflected inches wide, then on the resulting corner Jamie Vardy swung just off target too.
Rafael Leao looked as if he simply had to score on 34 minutes when sent through by Youssouf Fofana, had drawn out Emil Audero, only to incredibly drill wide of the empty net from nine yards.
Christian Pulisic also sprung the offside trap on another wonderful Fofana pass, but this time Audero came flying out and managed to get a fingertip to the American’s finish. On the resulting corner, Rabiot nodded just over the bar.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan runs with the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Vardy’s strike was charged down in the area by Fikayo Tomori and a Luperto effort deflected over, but Leao wasted another golden opportunity when prodding the Rabiot assist over from six yards as Audero rushed off his line to narrow the angle.
Jari Vandeputte ballooned over from the edge of the box on an Alessio Zerbin pull-back, while Niclas Fullkrug failed to get the tap-in on a Leao roll across, falling awkwardly in the process.
Filippo Terracciano felled former teammate Leao and was booked, so will be suspended for the relegation battle against Lecce, while Fullkrug had penalty appeals waved away for a tussle with Luperto.
Maignan made a tricky one-handed save on the Luperto header going under the bar from a free kick, and Fullkrug couldn’t keep his header down on a Modric cross from a corner.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Davide Bartesaghi went off clutching the back of his right thigh after earning a corner, but as the set play was taken short and Modric whipped in the cross, Koni De Winter glanced it with his head, it struck Pavlovic on the face and shoulder before going in at the back post. Milan rushed to celebrate with Bartesaghi, who was still being helped off the field by medical staff.
Cremonese were unbalanced seeking an equaliser and conceded another on the counter in stoppages. Fullkrug flicked on the ball for Christopher Nkunku to sprint from the centre-circle, rolling across for Leao to sweep in from eight yards with the inside of the right boot.
Roma have confirmed that they will be without Matias Soule and Mario Hermoso for Sunday’s Serie A crunch match against Juventus, but Paulo Dybala is with the squad and could feature against the Old Lady.
Roma currently find themselves in fourth place in the Serie A table with 50 points after 26 matches, while Juventus sit four points shy of them in sixth place, having been overtaken by Como on Saturday night.
Juventus defender Gleison Bremer and Roma forward Paulo Dybala (@juventusfcen)
Soule is still struggling with a pubalgia issue, which ruled him out of last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Cremonese and will also keep him sidelined for the Juventus test on Sunday. Hermoso is still nursing an impact injury to his foot, which has made him miss the last three league fixtures.
Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are also ruled out, but Donyell Malen would have been expected to start at centre-forward regardless.
Dybala has also missed the last four Serie A matches with a knee injury, but has trained with his teammates in the days leading up to the Juventus match and has been included in Gasperini’s matchday squad. He remains unlikely to start, but could feature as a second-half substitute.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Stephan El Shaarawy has also returned to the squad after missing out on the last six league matches with an achilles issue.
Former Inter and Italy star Beppe Bergomi believes that Federico Dimarco is among the best players in the world in his position and has identified ‘the thing that stands out the most’ about the Nerazzurri wing-back during his magnificent 2025-26 campaign.
Dimarco is now up to a staggering 21 goal involvements from 25 appearances in Serie A from left wing-back. He added his sixth league goal of the season to his tally during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Genoa in San Siro.
Dimarco also has 15 assists to his name in the league and is only one away from matching the all-time Serie A record for assists in a single season.
There have been some suggestions that the Italy international could win the league’s MVP award at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Bergomi on Dimarco: ‘He is one of the greatest in the world’
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bergomi had nothing but positive things to say about the Nerazzurri wing-back.
“He’s having an extraordinary season this year, but he’s always done well over the last four years. He’s been great for the national team, he’s scored a lot of goals. He’s already shown great qualities before.
“The thing that stands out the most this year is that he plays lots of games for the full 90 minutes. In recent years he struggled with that, so in my opinion, Cristian Chivu’s management has been very good.”
Bergomi went on to give a specific example of Chivu’s man-management skills: “In the Coppa Italia against Torino, he didn’t even call him up, he left him at home. Why? It makes you understand the status that the lad has reached. The coach considers him one of the most important players and so rests him for certain games.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 01: Beppe Bergomi looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on March 1, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“Cristian maybe takes a few more risks. He lets some youngsters play, like Cocchi who made his debut in the Coppa Italia. So this allows Federico to catch his breath, and when Federico takes a breather, he tends to do well and finds himself in top condition. Then he becomes decisive in games, through goals, assists, free-kicks and corners – He takes them in an incredible way.
“What I also notice is that when you’re doing better physically, you defend even better as well. You can perform better in both phases.”
“They seemed tired last year,” Bergomi commented. “They had to play a lot of games at the highest level. I don’t know if there was a problem between the coach and player. The important thing in these situations is to maintain a certain type of level throughout the season, which isn’t easy.
“But from what I notice, he’s doing fine physically and mentally. I see him looking great, cal, and he has kept that wonderful boot of his.”
Bergomi was asked whether he feels Inzaghi did as best as he could when managing Dimarco.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on from the dugout prior to the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He replied: “I have nothing against Inzaghi’s management. Simone made him blossom, ,he helped him have some incredible seasons.
“This year, the nice thing is that he plays full games regularly. It might be a difference in preparation, it might be that he has an extra physical trainer to work individually. It might also be the case that, mentally speaking, that month off he had was useful for him to restart.”
Bergomi went on to explain what he thinks is Dimarco’s best quality on the pitch: “The fact that he increases the quality in both a four-man and a three-man defence, but he is undoubtedly best as a wing-back.”
Bergomi also had his say on where he thinks Dimarco ranks among the best players in the world in his position.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I’ve always had my own particular conception on what the strongest in the world is. The fact is that it depends so much on historical moments. For me, the greatness of a player is shown in their continuity. Why do we talk about Messi or Ronaldo? Because they have been at the absolute top for 20 years.
“Dimarco’s value will therefore only be judged at the end of his career. Today, we can say that in terms of his ability, the way that he crosses, the way he shoots on goal and the amount of assists he provides, he is one of the greatest in the world.”
Luciano Spalletti has confirmed a streamlined squad of 21 players to take on Roma away in Serie A on Sunday evening in a game that has been dubbed a ‘play-off’ for a place in the Champions League positions.
Just four points separate the two sides ahead of kick-off. Roma currently occupy sixth place with 50 points from 26 matches so far in 2025-26, while Juventus now find themselves in sixth on 46 points from 26 matches.
The Bianconeri have only picked up one point from their last three matches in Serie A and find themselves in need of a win against Roma if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League alive. A loss will mean Roma going seven points clear of the Old Lady in fourth place.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC looks dejected at the end of the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Como 1907 at on February 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Spalletti will be without his captain, Maneul Locatelli, through suspension at the Stadio Olimpico, which means that Teun Koopmeiners is expected to start alongside Khephren Thuram in the middle of the park.
Gleison Bremer has been included in the squad despite missing out on the last two matches.
Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arkadiusz Milik remain unavailable through injury.
Confirmed Juventus squad for Roma
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Allianz Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Milan director Igli Tare reminds fans that their target for this season was always Champions League qualification, so they ‘look to the future with great enthusiasm’ despite recent setbacks.
Their trip to Cremonese kicks off at the Stadio Giovanni Zini in Cremona at 11.30 GMT (12.30 CET).
The Rossoneri have stumbled in recent weeks and fell 10 points behind leaders Inter, 13 following last night’s Nerazzurri victory over Genoa, so the pressure is on to keep up the pace.
With the Derby della Madonnina coming up next weekend, the Scudetto race may well be over already by early March.
Tare looks at the big picture for Milan
UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igli Tare, Sporting director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on September 20, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Looking at last season’s results, our objective was to bring stability, to build a team that can achieve important objectives like Champions League qualification. In that sense, I think the club and squad have done a good job,” Tare told DAZN Italia.
“Don’t forget more than 12 new players arrived, so it is a new project, some points can be dropped along the way, but we remain concentrated, and above all aware we must look to the future with great enthusiasm.”
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan were unbeaten since the opening weekend, until last week’s surprise 1-0 home defeat to Parma, with some refereeing controversy over how the decisive goal was allowed.
“In football, we have seen anything is possible. A defeat cannot remove the belief we built over six consecutive months. We also saw how that defeat happened, without getting into controversy,” added Tare.
“We have the chance now to play a good game and prepare for the derby with enthusiasm.”
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri issues instructions to his players during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Max Allegri said that there were often different ideas within the club on how to build going forward, so how is Tare forming the squad?
“We work as a unit, sharing ideas, and knowing that next season will be different to this one, with additional commitments. Milan must be competitive for next season too. If you don’t manage to find a way through, then that is a problem, so while there might be different ideas, the most important thing is the good of Milan,” concluded Tare.
Former Italy national team head coach Roberto Mancini has commented on the developing situation in the Middle East after he heard explosions from his current home in Qatar: ‘There has been a massive deployment of forces here in the Gulf. We were afraid that something would happen’.
Former Italy head coach Mancini reports from Qatar: ‘An alarm started ringing, shortly afterwards, the explosions began’
Mancini is currently housebound in Doha, Qatar, where he is the head coach of Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd.
Roberto Mancini joins Al-Sadd (@alsaddsc)
The former Italy, Inter and Manchester City head coach has told Tg1 that he received an emergency alert notification on his phone while he was in Church, telling him to return home and remain there until further notice.
“An alarm on my phone started ringing, the message was written in Arabic, there were five or six of them. Shortly afterwards, the explosions began” Mancini told Tg1 from his home in Doha.
“We were at mass, the alerts came in when we were in church,” Mancini explained. “They said to go home immediately and to stay there.”
Mancini is 61 years old, but still has his parents at the forefront of his thoughts in these difficult circumstances: “My mother called me, she was worried. I told her to stay calm, at least for now.
“There has been a massive deployment of forces here in the Gulf. We were afraid that something would happen. We hoped that diplomacy would dissolve the tensions. Now let’s hope for the best.”
Tra gli italiani che vivono con preoccupazione l’evolversi della situazione, c’è anche l’ex CT della Nazionale, Roberto #Mancini. La sua testimonianza da #Doha.#Tg1 Alessandra Barone pic.twitter.com/ybEiZstbqz
Legendary former referee Pierluigi Collina has had his say on a number of upcoming VAR and refereeing changes that are expected to come into effect in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America: ‘The goal is to eliminate timewasting as much as possible’.
Collina explains upcoming VAR and refereeing changes
Collina is a member of the UEFA Referees Committee and is Chair of the FIFA Referees Committee. He was in attendance for the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Wales on Saturday.
The IFAB is responsible for overseeing and determining the laws of the game. Its members met in Wales on Saturday to discuss and decide upon a number of changes, including new measures to combat timewasting and allowing VAR to intervene on second yellow card decisions instead of just for straight red card incidents.
“The goal is to eliminate, or to eliminate as much as possible, timewasting that hinders the spectacle of the game,” Collina told La Gazzetta dello Sport about the upcoming changes that were decided upon on Saturday.
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 05: Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“Last year we introduced the ‘eight second rule’ for goalkeepers, which has been a great success. There have been very few cases where a corner has been granted. The deterrent has worked.
“Considering the amount of time that is lost through so many goal-kicks and free-kicks, we thought we needed to find a solution.”
Another rule that will be introduced at the FIFA World Cup is a 10-second limit for players to leave the field after a substitution has been called. If players fail to leave the pitch within the allocated 10 seconds, the replacement substitute will not be permitted to enter until the next stoppage in play, or until one minute of action has passed.
“We already did something, making substitutes leave the pitch from the nearest point. The time limit is a more effective deterrent than the yellow card, which is sometimes seen as some sort of ‘deal’,” Collina said. ”The results in recent years in MLS show that this measure works,” he added.
Importantly, VAR will now be able to intervene on second yellow card decisions, which had not previously been the case.
Just two weeks ago in Serie A, Pierre Kalulu was incorrectly sent off for a second bookable offence in one of the biggest matches of the season, the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus, but the referee Federico La Penna was unable to refer the incident for review. This will no longer be the case as it was not a straight red card incident.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Some might argue that it should always have been the case that VAR is able to intervene on second yellow card offences and not just for straight red card incidents.
“When we decided on the VAR trial in 2016, the technology was very different,” Collina explained. “The protocol was written from scratch and took inspiration from other sports, such as rugby, and video officials had no prior experience. Today, the situation is very different.
“We’ve been discussing it for a few years and unfortunately until now, some had not considered it to be a priority, which is a shame.”
VAR will now also be able to review corner kick decisions, which had not previously been the case.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 22: A detailed view of a corner flag inside the stadium prior to the Supercoppa Italiana Final between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at King Saud University Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“A corner is a resumption of play that always takes a certain amount of time,” Collina said. “Usually you have to wait until the centre-backs go up and the kicker often has to cross the length of the pitch. In that time, it could be the case that by simply looking at an image, you realise the decision was wrong.
“Does it make sense to let the corner go and hope that a goal isn’t scored? It’s much better to correct the initial decision and postpone it.”
Milan hope Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric can secure revenge against Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese and keep up with leaders Inter ahead of the derby.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Massimiliano Allegri manager of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The pressure is on the Rossoneri to keep up the pace with Inter, who beat Genoa 2-0 last night to temporarily extend the gap to 13 points.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered a nasty facial fracture in that game and will be out for two months, while Matteo Gabbia pulled up in the warm-up of that match and is still out of action.
Santiago Gimenez is the long-term absentee, but Leao and Pulisic reunite in attack, with support from Modric, Adrien Rabiot and returning Youssouf Fofana.
There is also danger, as Fofana, Rabiot, Alexis Saelemaekers and Zachary Athekame are one yellow card away from suspension for the derby with Inter.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory after during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Cremonese might’ve started the season strong, but they’ve had disastrous recent form, managing four draws in the last 12 rounds.
Their last victory was 2-0 against Lecce on December 7 and it’s clear where the problems lie, scoring just three goals ever since.
Federico Baschirotto, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo are all injured, but Romano Floriani Mussoli returns to the bench.
Vardy was dropped last week against Roma, but returns to the starting XI this morning instead of January signing Milan Djuric.
It is a special game for Filippo Terracciano and Warren Bondo, who are on loan from Milan, but on the bench initially.
CREMONA, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on January 19, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) have decided to change the rules on VAR intervention for second yellow card offences, just two weeks after the controversial sending off of Pierre Kalulu during the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus in Serie A.
No more ‘Kalulu incidents’: VAR rules on second yellow cards to change
Football’s lawmakers have voted in favour of changing or adapting a number of rules at its annual general meeting in Wales on Saturday.
Among the most prominent of the rule changes is that VAR will soon be able to intervene for second yellow card offences, which will spare players who have been incorrectly been sent off for a second bookable offence.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Match referee, Daniele Doveri shows Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, (not pictured) a red card during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
VAR was unable to intervene as this was not a straight red card offence, and Juventus, who had been level at 1-1 in the derby at the time, went on to lose 3-2 despite being on top in the period leading up to Kalulu’s sending off.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The IFAB, which oversees the laws of the game, has decided to change the rules so that referees will be able to review second yellow card offences, which they had not previously been permitted to do.
It is expected that this rule will be implemented during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Sky Sports, the IFAB has also extended VAR powers to check corner kicks and have taken new measures to prevent time wasting.
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu hit back at the ‘narrative’ that he feels has been cast on his side by the media in Italy after Saturday evening’s 2-0 win over Genoa in Serie A: ‘Nothing to do with reality’.
Inter bounced back following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Bodo/Glimt earlier this week with a 2-0 win over Genoa in Serie A, which puts them 13 points clear of second-placed Milan ahead of their game against Cremonese on Sunday afternoon.
The Nerazzurri are the clear favourites to walk away with the Serie A title at the end of the 2025-26 season, which would be their third Scudetto in six seasons if they were to finish the current campaign at the top of the table. For Chivu, it would be his first league title in his first full season as a head coach.
Chivu fires back after Inter criticism
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu was keen to remind reporters of Inter’s recent successes during his post-match press conference following Saturday’s win over Genoa, in spite of the fact that his side were eliminated in the Champions League play-off round at the hands of Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt earlier this week.
During an earlier TV interview, Chivu had claimed that for some, ‘whatever you do is never enough’ at Inter. When asked to explain what he meant during his post-match press conference, Chivu said: “This is a narrative that has nothing to do with reality.” (via fcinternews.it)
“Credit is not given despite the things that this team has done over the last four or five years. Nothing ever goes well, we’re used to it, but we move forwards. We want to be competitive in every way.”
Since the beginning of the 2020-21 season, Inter have won the Scudetto twice, are on course to win it for the third time, have won the Coppa Italia twice, the Supercoppa Italiana twice and have reached two Champions League finals.
Paulo Dybala and Gleison Bremer look set to make their returns to action as Roma host Juventus in a massive clash in the race for the Serie A top four on Sunday evening.
Four points separate the two sides ahead of kick-off, but sixth-placed Juventus find themselves needing a win to keep up with the fourth-placed Roma and to keep their hopes of landing a spot in next season’s Champions League alive.
Roma claimed a 3-0 victory over Cremonese last time out in Serie A and are also unbeaten across their last eight matches across all competitions and their last eight in the league as well.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Evan Ndicka with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It has been a tougher few weeks for Juventus, who have not won any of their last three matches in Serie A, including costly defeats against Como and rivals Inter over the last two weekends. The Bianconeri were also eliminated from the Champions League earlier this week after a 7-5 aggregate defeat against Galatasaray.
Paulo Dybala has trained with his teammates ahead of kick-off but remains unlikely to start for Roma. Matias Soule will not take part due to an ongoing pubalgia issue, but the in-form Donyell Malen is still expected to lead the Giallorossi attack.
Mario Hermoso is also injured in defence, which means that Daniele Ghilardi is expected to keep his place in the back three alongside Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka.
Juventus are expected to stick with a back four on Sunday evening, and pre-match reports suggest that Gleison Bremer will be fit enough to start.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Fabio Miretti of Juventus FC celebrtaes a goal with team mate Bremer during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Cremonese at Allianz Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Captain Manuel Locatelli is suspended, which means that Teun Koopmeiners is set to partner Khephren Thuram in the middle of the Bianconeri midfield. Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao are the likely candidates to support Jonathan David in attack.
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to stick with an attacking line-up of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic when Milan take on Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.
This game will begin in the early kick-off slot at 11.30 GMT (12.30 CET).
Hosts Cremonese are without a win in 12 Serie A matches ahead of kick-off against Milan and fell to a 3-0 defeat away against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico last weekend.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Bryan Cristante of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Despite a strong start to the season following their promotion from Serie B, Davide Nicola’s side currently find themselves in 17th place in the league table, level on points with Lecce in the relegation zone.
Cremonese are one of only two teams to have beaten Milan in Serie A so far this season, though. That victory came in the opening weekend of the 2025-26 season in San Siro, and the Rossoneri have since slipped to their second league defeat of the season at home against Parma last weekend.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Federico Baschirotto of Cremonese scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Leao and Pulisic started against Parma and are expected to keep their places in the Rossoneri attack despite their lack of goals last weekend.
Youssouf Fofana is expected to return to the midfield in place of the injured Ruben Loftus-Cheek. He is expected to be joined by Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot.
Matteo Gabbia is not quite ready to make his return to the starting line-up, so Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter and Strahinja Pavlovic are the three expected to start at the back. Alexis Saelemaekers is also likely to go again at right wing-back despite being a booking away from suspension.
Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Leao, Pulisic.
Where to watch Cremonese vs. Milan
FEBRUARY 22: AC Milan team line up during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK exclusively on DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Eighth victory in a row. Magic from the wing-hack: ‘It wasn’t easy to restart after the ko against Bodo. Calha seals the 2-0.
Milan on the attack ahead of the Derby
Market: A step away from Andre, operation of 17 million
Juve risk more
The Champions League fight against Roma is as hot as a play-off
Lukaku goal and tears
Romelu decides it in Verona: ‘I was dead’
Napoli wins in the final minute, Como hat-trick, overtaken Spalletti
VAR changes
Will intervene on corners and double yellow cards. Collina: ‘Football is most fair like this’
Corriere dello Sport
Supermancino
Inter leave a gap
Scudetto in their grasp: Genoa beaten (2-0) Leao and Pulisic in Cremona at 11.30
Dimarco out of this world, Chivu pushes Milan down to -13
Federico’s fantastic season continues, scoring his sixth goal: Assists up to 14. Calha from the penalty spot closes the account. The Derby on Sunday
Lucio under siege
Roma-Juve (19.45): Play-off for a spot in the Champions League
Gasperini could leap up to +7 on Spalletti, now sixth and overtaken by Como (3-1 against Lecce). Pellegrini behind Malen. Dybala out. The Bianconeri have only picked up one point in their last three games. Kalulu cold on Bastoni: ‘I haven’t heard from him since that incident’
Lukaku, Napoli emotions
Big Rom comes on and settles it in the 96th minute: Conte wins 2-1 in Verona
Hojlund immediately unlocks it, Akpa-Akpro finds the 1-1. The Belgian in tears after the death of his father: Scored for the first time in 281 days
Change: No Kalulu case ever again
The rules change
Double yellow: IFAB changes the VAR protocol, beginning at the World Cup. Collina: ‘The Inter-Juve nightmare could have been avoided in 10 seconds’
Udinese and Viola in the symbol of Astori
Eight years on from his death
United by Davide in Friuli tomorrow. A campaign for the prevention of cardiac arrests has been organised: Free check-ups
Tuttosport
Capital sentence
Roma-Juve at 19.45, Champions League decider
After disappointments and controversies, the Bianconeri are called upon to lift their heads and not lose out on fourth place, increasingly at risk. Finances, transfer window and future ambitions to be played for tomorrow as well. Gasperini could have been in Spalletti’s position. And now he’s returning to Koopneiners: ‘He’s strong, it’s not true that my former players go on to play badly’. Kalulu endorses Lucio’s contract extension and snubs Bastoni: ‘No, I haven’t heard from him, but it’s not like we were talking much in the first place’.
Supporters hard-nosed, D’Aversa too
Toro-Lazio at 17.00 in a stadium that is still half-empty
FantaDimarco, Inter go +13
2-0 against Genoa after the Euro-shock
Sensational goal from the wing-back, then the penalty from Calhanoglu for the eighth league victory in a row. Also celebrating in San Siro is multi-medalist Fontana. The derby on Sunday: Milan against Cremonese today to make up some of the ground
Como is beautiful! Lukaku in the 96th, goal and tears
Cristian Chivu insists ‘the Scudetto is not won yet’ after their eighth consecutive Serie A victory, beating Genoa 2-0. ‘We’ve had ups and downs, the players never grumble.’
The Nerazzurri needed a boost after the surprising Champions League elimination at the hands of Bodo/Glimt, as they lost both home and away legs of the play-off.
It was a tough slog to break down Genoa, as they needed a moment of Federico Dimarco magic with that volley, followed by a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty for Alex Amorim’s handling offence.
Chivu keeps Inter on their toes
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We were well aware of the importance of this match for what we’ve done and want to do in the final weeks of the season,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“I’ll take these three points, because it was not easy, we were facing a team in good shape that knows how to cause problems. It was out 16th game in 50-odd days, so we needed to keep it going.
“Dimarco is in his best form, helping us to achieve our ambitions, as are all the players.”
This result means Inter are momentarily 13 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, awaiting Milan’s match with Cremonese on Sunday, after eight consecutive victories.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second from the penalty spot goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It is remarkable that Inter have won 14 of their last 15 Serie A games, but crashed out so sluggishly from the Champions League.
“We prepare every match in the best way, mentally and physically, treating every game the same way without looking at the name of our opponents,” explained Chivu.
“That is what we have been trying to do since the start of the season. There are 11 rounds to go, 33 points up for grabs, so the Scudetto is not won yet. We’ve had ups and downs, but want to build on all the good things we’ve done in the last two and a half months.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
They are also preparing for the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como on Tuesday evening, then the Derby della Madonnina with Milan next weekend.
“All 24 players work hard and have a winning mentality, they never grumble, and always accept the reality of the situation whether it’s in Serie A, the Cup or Champions League. We want to be competitive, we’ve had ups and downs, but we have ambition and are in good shape,” assured Chivu.
Only twice before in their history, in 2006-07 and 2023-24, have the Nerazzurri picked up at least 67 points after 27 Serie A rounds.
Daniele De Rossi admits Genoa ‘have to accept Inter are better than us’ after a 2-0 defeat, but he has ‘hope’ they can escape relegation.
The Grifone were coming off a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Torino, but knew that it would be a tougher task at San Siro against the runaway Serie A leaders.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nonetheless, it took an extraordinary piece of skill to break the deadlock, when Federico Dimarco met Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s dinked pass for a sensational volley.
Hakan Calhanoglu doubled the lead from the spot after Alex Amorim’s handling offence in the second half, sealing the 2-0 result.
De Rossi expected more from Genoa
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Genoa CFC coach Daniele De Rossi reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I am not satisfied with our performance. We know Inter are the strongest team in Serie A, but we still didn’t do all that we could’ve done to cause them problems.
“I knew we’d need a perfect performance to bring home a result, we didn’t come here to lose, but we have to accept they are better than us.”
Genoa have managed to clamber out of the relegation zone with some positive results, but even strong performances were not enough to avoid defeats to Lazio, Napoli and now Inter.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Vitinha of Genoa CFC is pressured by Luis Henriqueof FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Our position in the table is still not good, but there is a long way to go,” added the coach.
“I think we are on the right track and have the quality it takes to get out of this situation, just look at how we played against Lazio and Napoli.”
Since taking the job on November 6 from Patrick Vieira, De Rossi has overseen five wins, six draws and six defeats in Serie A.
“There is a team in mind that I want to build, but the fact remains we don’t have much time to work on that, and the transfer window is closed too, so we have to work with what we’ve got.
“We’re on the right track, these lads are giving me hope,” concluded De Rossi.
Federico Dimarco insists his many goals and assists ‘won’t be worth much’ if Inter don’t win silverware, while Hakan Calhanoglu reveals he wasn’t meant to take the penalty against Genoa.
The mood in the Nerazzurri camp was poor after their midweek Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt, having lost both home and away in the play-off.
It was also tough to break down Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa, as it required a sensational Dimarco volley from the tightest of angles to beat Justin Bijlow.
The 2-0 result was sealed in the second half by substitute Calhanoglu’s penalty, awarded for an Alex Amorim handling offence.
Dimarco and Calhanoglu focus on Inter silverware
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It is never easy after a defeat, but every time this team has lost a match, it has got back on track stronger than before,” Dimarco told Sky Sport Italia.
“Some fatigue started to show in the second half, but we got the job done. It is a good season personally, but ultimately what matters is the team. If my goals and assists don’t lead to trophies, then they won’t be worth much.
“I’d prefer to have fewer goals and assists if it means we can win the league.”
Stop that Federico DiMarco.
An incredible volley puts Inter Milan 1-0 up against Genoa
It was not an entirely new experience for Dimarco, who scored a similar goal earlier in his career.
“It is tough to explain, I scored a similar one in Verona-Torino. I’m just glad the team won. I’ve been working hard, and hard work does pay off.”
This was Inter’s eighth consecutive Serie A victory, winning 14 of the last 15, yet that form was not replicated in the Champions League.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second from the penalty spot goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The title could be put beyond reasonable doubt next weekend, when Inter and second-placed Milan go head-to-head in the Derby della Madonnina.
“There are no thoughts about the derby, we are thinking about Como first and then the derby,” concluded Dimarco.
That is because Inter will play Como on Tuesday in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.
“Federico Dimarco really wraps up all of Inter’s hard work and makes them dangerous.”@MikeGrella10 and Nigel Reo-Coker on why Dimarco could be Inter’s MVP this season pic.twitter.com/SObsVcZdEz
Calhanoglu revealed he was not originally meant to step up to the spot for that penalty after coming off the bench, as Piotr Zielinski was the designated taker.
“I was out for a few months, so it was only right to leave the penalty to Zielinski, but he said I could do it. I still need to find match fitness, but I feel good,” Calhanoglu told Sky Sport Italia.
“We are trying to focus on our own path. Winning is important, we want to keep going like this.”
Inter shrugged off Champions League disappointment to consolidate their huge Serie A lead, beating Genoa with a fantastic Federico Dimarco volley and Hakan Calhanoglu penalty.
The Nerazzurri were 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table and preparing for the Coppa Italia semi-final with Como, but home and away defeats to Bodo/Glimt saw them crash out of the Champions League play-offs. It was a shocking result, made worse by losing Lautaro Martinez to injury, plus Alessandro Bastoni was suspended here, with Hakan Calhanoglu only fit for the bench. Genoa were revitalised by coach Daniele De Rossi, but Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Sebastian Otoa picked up injuries in the 3-0 victory away to Torino last week.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Justin Bijlow had to make two awkward saves in 30 seconds, first on the Ange-Yoan Bonny half-volley, then the resulting Federico Dimarco corner that was looping in at the far post.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan hit a scorching strike from distance that looped up off Johan Vasquez to bounce onto the top of the crossbar with Bijlow beaten.
The Genoa goalkeeper made a wonderful save at full stretch to palm the Bonny header out of the far bottom corner on Nicolò Barella’s cross.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, he could do nothing on a sensational Dimarco goal. The Italian laid it off to Mkhitaryan and ran down the left ready to meet the chipped return pass, scoring with a remarkably precise left-foot volley from the tightest of angles.
Stop that Federico DiMarco.
An incredible volley puts Inter Milan 1-0 up against Genoa
Barella also nodded just over from a Carlos Augusto cross, while Vitinha didn’t get enough on his header from a Mikael Ellertsson ball to the back post.
Vitinha’s effort was deflected off Manuel Akanji to sail over, while Carlos Augusto made an important block on Caleb Ekuban’s header.
Bijlow took the sting out of a Piotr Zielinski cross-shot, but Inter doubled their lead with a chaotic situation.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Vitinha of Genoa CFC is pressured by Luis Henriqueof FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
First Bijlow fingertipped the deflected Luis Henrique shot onto the upright, then as the move continued, the Luis Henrique cross back in struck Alex Amorim’s raised hand for a penalty. Calhanoglu converted by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale scores their team’s second from the penalty spot goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Amorim rolled across for Jeff Ekhator, who was unable to tap in from six yards, and Ellertsson should’ve done better with a free header wide from Aaron Martin’s set play.
Yann Sommer had an odd moment needing a reaction save from point-blank range on Akanji, who clumsily redirected the Ekhator cross-shot.
It is an eighth consecutive Serie A victory for Cristian Chivu’s side, who temporarily go 13 points clear.
The 19-year-old talent’s full name is André Luiz Santos Dias and he advanced to the senior squad from the Corinthians youth academy.
He scored two goals in 11 games so far in 2026, despite suffering collateral medial ligament damage in his ankle in October 2025.
Different versions of Milan price for Andre
CURITIBA, BRAZIL – FEBRUARY 19: Memphis Depay of Corinthians celebrates with teammate Andre after winning the match between Athletico Paranaense and Corinthians as part of Brasileirao 2026 at Arena da Baixada on February 19, 2026 in Curitiba, Brazil. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)
According to ESPN Brasil, the full cost of the operation is closer to €15m plus €2m in add-ons, taking the total to €17m.
Romano and Moretto have the price significantly lower at €12m plus bonuses, while MilanNews.it have it at €13m plus a percentage of the sell-on fee.
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 23: Andre of Corinthians controls the ball against Gabriel Barbosa of Cruzeiro during a match between Cruzeiro and Corithians as part of Brasileirao 2025 at Mineirão Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
As part of the negotiations, the player is prepared to wave his 30 per cent of the contract, as Corinthians only own 70 per cent of his registration.
André is set to fly out to Italy for a medical and it would be valid from June 2026, when he will have just turned 20.
However, the final decision rests with Corinthians President Osmar Stabile.
The left wing-back has been on exceptional form so far this season, with a series of goals and assists, but this was still a highlight.
Dimarco delights San Siro with perfect volley
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He started the move down the left, and ran into the area ready to meet the Henrikh Mkhitaryan dinked return pass.
Stop that Federico DiMarco.
An incredible volley puts Inter Milan 1-0 up against Genoa
Despite the angle being so tight, the Italian still managed to thread his left-foot volley through the eye of a needle between Justin Bijlow and the far post.
This means the 28-year-old currently has seven goals and 15 assists in 35 competitive appearances for Inter this term.
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
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“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.”
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Paolo Sammarco head coach of Hellas Verona embraces Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
“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.”
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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 96th-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
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“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.
“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.”
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli and Unai Núñez of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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).
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Referee Alejandro Hernandez and Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano interact after a penalty appeal for hand ball for FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gestures to his players during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
“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.”
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Head coach of FC Internazionale Cristian Chivu celebrates after the Serie A match between US Lecce and Inter at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
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.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Paolo Sammarco head coach of Hellas Verona embraces Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona scores the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
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).
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
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.
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.
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Marcus Thuram of Inter during the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
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.
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Caleb Ekuban of Genoa (left) celebrates with his team-mates Lorenzo Colombo, Brooke Norton Cuffy and Patrizio Masini after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Torino FC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Inter vs. Genoa line-ups
Inter: Sommer; Akanji, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Bonny
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
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks o during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.”
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Maurizio Sarri coach of Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
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.
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
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks o during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mate after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.”
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his player Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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).
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 04: SSC Napoli head coah Antonio Conte during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on January 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, gestures during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“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.”
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, head coach of SSC Napoli, looks down in disappointment during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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?
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Frank Zambo Anguissa of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I don’t know 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.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus FC dribbles the ball against Mario Lemina of Galatasaray during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
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
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, speaks to Pierre Kalulu during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Kalulu of Juventis celebrates a second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at the Juventus stadium on February 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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.
“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.
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks o during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Lassana Coulibaly of US Lecce celebrates with his team-mate after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28:Jesus Rodriguez of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mate after scoring their team’s second goalduring the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Walid Cheddira of US Lecce competes for the ball with Marc Olivier Kenpf of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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)
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.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Alisson Santos of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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, ITALY – FEBRUARY 06: Kieron Bowie of Hellas Verona competes for the ball with Stefano Moreo of Pisa Sporting Club during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Pisa SC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 06, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
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
CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Manager Massimiliano Allegri of Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“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.”
“There’s total harmony with the club regarding the rumours that came out this week,” Allegri replied.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 08: Referee Maurizio Mariani speaks to Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
“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.”
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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
Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on December 10, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
“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.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Destiny Udogie of Italy battles for possession with Antonio Ruediger of Germany during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 02/03, Mailand; AC MAILAND – FC BAYERN MUENCHEN 2:1; SCHLUSS JUBEL TEAM MAILAND – Filippo INZAGHI, Paolo MALDINI, Clarence SEEDORF, Samuele DALLA BONA (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)
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.”
LECCE, ITALY – JUNE 22: Paolo Maldini of Milan during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Milan at Stadio Via del Mare on June 22, 2020 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
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
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
UDINE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Gian Piero Gasperini, manager of AS Roma, looks on before kick off at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AS Roma at Stadio Friuli on February 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“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.”
“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.
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma runs with the ball under pressure from Lorenzo De Silvestri of Bologna during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“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.”
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.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“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.”
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.
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Como 1907 fans show their support during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 01, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Eusebio Di Francesco, manager of US Lecce, reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and US Lecce at Stadio Friuli on October 25, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Cheddira starts as a centre-forward for the Giallorossi with Lameck Banda on the right wing and Riccardo Sottil initially on the bench.
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.
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
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on December 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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?
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 01: Michele Di Gregorio #29 of Juventus FC save a shot from Aurelien Tchouameni (not pictured) #14 of Real Madrid C.F. during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC at Hard Rock Stadium on July 01, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: FC Internazionale Milano players celebrate their team’s first goal which was an own goal scored by Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus (not pictured) during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale is challenged by Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Lorenzo Lucca of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on February 06, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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?
LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Lorenzo Lucca of Nottingham Forest scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on February 06, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juvenus head coach Luciano Spalletti during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at the Juventus stadium on February 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 09: Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Visa Cash App RB embraces John Elkann on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 09, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale is challenged by Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The most notable game over the next three rounds is undoubtedly the Milan derby, which will kick off on Sunday, March 8, at 20:45.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: A general view of the stadium during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
On the same day, Milan will visit Lazio (20:45 CET), while Inter host Atalanta on March 14 at 15:00 CET.
Round 30 sees Inter travel to Florence for an away game against Fiorentina, while Milan hosts Torino at San Siro and Juventus play at home against Sassuolo.
Below are the dates and kick-off times for Serie A Weeks 28,29 and 30 (CET time)
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
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund is challenged by Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
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
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Mateo Retegui of Italy scores his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
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.
Alessandro Bastoni is suspended for the Nerazzurri, Lautaro Martinez is injured, but Hakan Calhanoglu has recovered and will start on the bench.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
The Partenopei still have several players out of action, including Scott McTominay and Frank Zambo Anguissa.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Matteo Politano of SSC Napoli runs with the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
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.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 07, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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.
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
PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 27: Emanuele Valeri of Parma Calcio competes for the ball with Zé Pedro of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 27, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
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.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 24: Nazar Voloshyn of FC Dynamo Kyiv is challenged by Enzo Le Fee of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Stadio Olimpico on October 24, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Regis Le Bris, Manager of Sunderland, inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Sunderland at City Ground on September 27, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
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.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Frank Zambo Anguissa of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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 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.”
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Amir Rrahmani of SSC Napoli injured during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 17, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“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.
PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Bremer of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Francisco Conceicao during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Juventus FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 01, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
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.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.
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.
Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad
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.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 25: Simone Inzaghi Manager of Al Hilal controls a football during the Training ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between Al Hilal and CF Pachuca at Nashville SC Training Facility on June 25, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Carlos Cuesta issues instructions to his player Sascha Britschgi during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Lorenzo Lucca of Nottingham Forest scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on February 06, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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.
Official: Lorenzo Lucca joins Nottingham Forest on loan with an option to buy from Napoli (picture: www.nottinghamforest.co.uk)
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.”
Luca Percassi Vice Chairman of Atalanta (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
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.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Casemiro of Manchester United gestures during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Casemiro of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 07, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: The UEFA Champions League trophy is cleaned as it is displayed on a plinth at the side of the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta celebrates victory following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
ROMA, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Players, match officials and mascots line up prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico in Roma on August 23, 2025 in Roma, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Nicolo’ Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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)
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.
MUNICH, GERMANY – JANUARY 21: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Bayern München and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Football Arena Munich on January 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
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.
MUNICH, GERMANY – JANUARY 21: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Bayern München and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Football Arena Munich on January 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
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?
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: The UEFA Champions League trophy is cleaned as it is displayed on a plinth at the side of the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta celebrates victory following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta celebrates victory following during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from a penalty, after Mattia Perin of Juventus (not pictured) failed to make a save, during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Khephren Thuram of Juventus FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
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.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray in action against Lloyd Kelly of Juventus FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
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