Juventus earned a significant victory away to Atalanta in this head-to-head for Champions League places, moving to within three points of Milan thanks to Jeremie Boga’s goal.
This was a head-to-head for Champions League places, as only four points separated them going into this weekend. La Dea missed Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana, with Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori still not at 100 per cent. The Bianconeri were without suspended Weston McKennie, injured Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic and Mattia Perin, so Michele Di Gregorio took back the gloves, saving a penalty last week as a substitute. Luciano Spalletti celebrated signing a new contract to 2028.
Atalanta were unbeaten against Juve since the Coppa Italia Final in May 2024, winning two of the last four meetings, including a 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory in February this year.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Nicola Zalewski’s angled drive flashed across the face of goal and moments later Giorgio Scalvini went even closer with a header on a free kick that bounced off the inside of the upright.
The visitors were pinned back into their own half for long periods, but defended in numbers to charge down Davide Zappacosta and Nikola Krstovic efforts.
Lloyd Kelly saw his header deflected wide and Charles De Ketelaere couldn’t keep his attempt on target when leaping over Andrea Cambiaso to meet Lorenzo Bernasconi’s cross.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus is challenged by Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Juve created a chance on the stroke of half-time, as Boga’s slide-rule pass sent Pierre Kalulu clear on goal, but Marco Carnesecchi was quick off his line with some brave goalkeeping.
Atalanta threatened too in stoppages, the acrobatic Krstovic volley inches wide from six yards on a corner.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta shoots under pressure from Bremer of Juventus during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
It was Juventus who scored straight after the restart at the end of a chaotic move. Boga was blocked off from tapping in the return Francisco Conceicao pass, but it continued and Carnesecchi flapped at an Emil Holm cross, which Scalvini accidentally knocked down into the path of Boga to fire in from seven yards, deflected off the Atalanta goalkeeper.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
The hosts fought back, Di Gregorio clawing a Berat Djimsiti header off the line from close range on a corner, then Giacomo Raspadori’s strike deflected just over from the edge of the area.
It should’ve been 2-0 on 68 minutes when Holm shrugged off Sead Kolasinac to set up Khephren Thuram, but the midfielder ballooned over from 12 yards.
Zappacosta prodded wide on the De Ketelaere pull-back from the right, with Djimsiti’s effort deflected wide.
Atalanta had penalty appeals when Zappacosta’s cross struck Federico Gatti, but the arm was in a natural position and he tried to pull it back at the last second. On the resulting corner, Gianluca Scamacca’s header grazed the crossbar.
Di Gregorio was also at full stretch on a Scalvini cross-shot at the near post and Scamacca nodded wide in stoppages.
Two of Milan’s players fronted up after the humiliating home defeat to Udinese, with Samuele Ricci and Adrien Rabiot delivering honest and at times emotional post-match assessments, the latter taking particular exception to the jeers directed at Rafael Leão from the San Siro faithful.
Ricci was forthright in his comments, refusing to hide behind excuses while acknowledging the difficulty of Milan’s current moment.
“It was a bad defeat, a night to forget,” he said, via MilanNews.it.
“We did not play terribly, but conceding three goals at home on a night when we could have sent a signal was not good enough. The only thing to do now is stick together.”
He also acknowledged a wider issue beyond tactics or formation.
“If we approach games like this, it means something is wrong that goes beyond the system. We are angry, we are bitter, for ourselves and for the supporters.”
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Milan 0-3 Udinese – Ricci & Rabiot: ‘Fans’ boos were justified’
On the supporters’ reaction, Ricci was unequivocal.
“Given the performance, I think the boos were justified. Milan fans always deserve to win and it is right that they whistled us.”
Rabiot, speaking to Sky Sport, was equally candid about the collective drop in standards, including his own.
“I also lost clarity on certain things. I lost the lucidity to look around and tell others to stay more concentrated.” He attributed the wider slump to a combination of physical and mental fatigue, pointing to a loss of defensive solidity as the root cause. “When we defend well we find goals and we win. Today we were disorganised.”
His sharpest words, however, were reserved for those in the crowd who directed criticism at Leão.
“What disappointed me were the whistles at Leão,” Rabiot said. “In my opinion we need to help him, support him, and this does not help him. We are all in this together until the end. It was a bit ugly to see.”
Massimiliano Allegri delivered one of his most candid and sobering post-match assessments of the season after Milan were soundly beaten 3-0 at home by Udinese, admitting that their Champions League qualification is now genuinely under threat and that the supporters were entirely justified in voicing their frustration.
The Milan head coach was in no mood to deflect responsibility or find excuses, addressing each difficult question with characteristic directness. On a formation change that some had pointed to as a factor, he was emphatic.
“The change of system has absolutely nothing to do with it,” he told DAZN, with quotes via MilanNews.
“This is a difficult moment for the team. We have lost three of our last four and failed to score in four games during the second half of the season. If you are in the top four, going four games without scoring is simply not good enough.”
Allegri was equally frank about the defensive fragility that allowed Udinese to score three times, particularly on the second goal. “We were defending in a disorganised way because we were too hasty,” he said.
“On the second goal we were three against one. We need to return to being organised and clear-headed, because we still have every possibility of making the Champions League.”
When pushed on whether the Champions League place was genuinely at risk, Allegri did not flinch.
“Football is beautiful but also cruel,” he said. “We must not be swept away by events. We need to restore order in how we manage matches.”
On the supporters’ reaction at full time, the Milan coach was disarmingly honest.
“It is part of football,” he said. “When you win you are good, when you lose you are not. It was right that they booed us today.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on from the sidelines during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan 0-3 Udinese – Allegri: ‘Champions League place at risk’
He was also willing to acknowledge what he believed lay behind the team’s dip in form, the psychological impact of losing the title race.
“You are absolutely right,” he said, when asked whether the squad had subconsciously relaxed after the Scudetto dream faded.
“When you are at the top, in the final stages of the season, and you lose that objective, there is a moment of relaxation. But this defeat tells us clearly that our Champions League place is at risk.”
On speculation about Leão’s long-term future at the club, Allegri was measured, noting the Portuguese winger had created two significant chances in the first half.
“It is not a question of Rafa or anyone else individually, it is about performing differently, with more patience in the defensive phase.”
Kosta Runjaic was delighted but measured after Udinese produced one of the results of the Serie A season, beating Milan 3-0 at San Siro in a performance that underlined just how far his side have come under his management.
The coach was careful not to get carried away, however, insisting the win, as emphatic as it looked, was far from the straightforward exercise the scoreline suggested.
“It was a solid match but not a perfect one,” he told DAZN, with quotes via MilanNews.
“Milan had their chances and we had to fight. In certain moments you have to perform at your best and we did that. We were compact, there was a great effort from everyone. Perhaps Milan didn’t expect this kind of energy from us. But it was a competitive match even if it doesn’t look that way, one goal can change everything. We were good because we went looking for fortune and positive situations.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Jurgen Ekkelenkamp of Udinese Calcio celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan 0-3 Udinese – Runjaic: ‘A win is a win, I would have been as happy with a 1-0’
Asked about the historic nature of the result, Allegri had never previously conceded three goals in a single Serie A defeat at Milan, the Udinese coach was understated.
“I would have been happy with a 1-0 too,” he said. “A win is a win. The team is growing, the players are growing. We play without pressure.”
He did express concern over Keinan Davis’ injury, though he stopped short of speculating on the severity.
Runjaic also singled out Nicolo Zaniolo for specific praise, highlighting a disciplined tactical display that went well beyond his attacking contribution.
“He worked incredibly hard defensively too, a lot of recovery runs,” the coach said. “He was ready to play even more but I chose to bring him off and protect ourselves a little.”
His closing message was simple and telling. “We keep our feet on the ground and go looking for at least two more points, that way we will have a better season than last year.”
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini celebrates Luciano Spalletti’s new contract to June 2028 and admits Jeremie Boga will ‘probably’ be bought outright from Olympique Marseille.
Spalletti officially signed a new contract to June 2028, so will remain at the helm whether they qualify for the Champions League or not.
Chiellini planning Juventus future
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“It was something that had been predicted, maybe not taken for granted as such, but the natural conclusion to this process we’ve had since he arrived. Now we’ll play these last few games of the season and then have time to plan the future together.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
The fight for a top four finish is wide open, as before Como take on leaders Inter, there is this head-to-head, while Roma already beat Pisa 3-0 last night.
“We are not that interested in Milan’s result, we are focused on what we need to do, as there are others like Atalanta, Como and Roma who are our direct competitors. It might be a fight to the final minute of the final game, so head to head clashes like the one tonight could be decisive, as there isn’t much time left to recover lost ground,” added Chiellini.
“Atalanta are a strong team who are having great results and have the added bonus of home advantage this evening.”
Juve are forced to do without Joker in the pack Weston McKennie, as the versatile American is suspended, while Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic and Mattia Perin are on the treatment table.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Boga is chosen as the False 9 rather than Jonathan David tonight, so does this suggest Juve will buy him outright from Olympique Marseille for €4.8m plus add-ons??
“He settled in very well and has an accessible price point, so we’ll evaluate at the end of the season, but obviously we’d be very happy to keep him. It is probable his future will be with Juventus.”
Atalanta are unbeaten against Juventus since the May 2024 Coppa Italia Final, winning two of their last four competitive meetings.
The most recent was here in February, as La Dea ran out 3-0 winners in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
“Our strategy is aimed at getting competitive to win over the next few years. The Champions League qualification would change a few things, but we’ll evaluate that when the time comes.”
Atalanta director Luca Percassi hints that coach Raffaele Palladino will be given a contract extension after getting them back into the race for the top four as they host Juventus.
It had seemed impossible for La Dea to dream of the top four when Palladino took over from Ivan Juric in November, but they have surged up the standings, as well as reaching the Coppa Italia semi-final and Champions League Round of 16.
A win here would put them within a point of both Juventus and Roma, awaiting Como’s big game with Inter, while Milan lost 3-0 to Udinese and put third place up for grabs too.
Atalanta revitalised by Palladino
Raffaele Palladino and Luca Percassi sign the Atalanta contract (@atalanta_bc)
“We care a great deal about Serie A, obviously the points mean more at this stage of the season, and we hope to do well against big opponents,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.
Luciano Spalletti just signed a new contract with Juventus to June 2028, so do Atalanta intend on rewarding Palladino with a similar agreement?
“We have a very good rapport with the coach, we already talked about it, he is very happy to be with Atalanta. However, we had so many games to play that we decided to postpone talks for a few weeks.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Palladino oversaw 12 victories, four draws and four defeats in Serie A.
Champions League qualification would be a significant financial boost, so does that change their transfer strategy?
“The club wants to have a competitive squad, so we’ll ponder every decision we make and try to do things well. We know there’s a lot of competition, but the fans are right behind us and create a unique atmosphere, so this remains a good place to work,” replied Percassi.
Isak Hien was already ruled out, but Kamaldeen Sulemana is also sent to the stands after suffering a bruised foot in training.
Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori are still working their way back to full fitness after injuries.
Milan were humiliated 3-0 at home by a clinical Udinese, as the change to the 4-3-3 formation failed to pay off and now even third place is at serious risk.
The Rossoneri were ruled out of the Scudetto race by defeat to Napoli, so needed to look anxiously over their shoulders instead. Max Allegri revamped his tactics from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3 with Rafael Leao returning as a centre-forward, Samuele Ricci and Zachary Athekame stepping in. Kienan Davis returned from suspension for Udinese, but Adam Buksa, Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli were all carrying injuries.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on from the sidelines during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nicolò Zaniolo tested Mike Maignan on the counter-attack in the third minute, while Christian Pulisic went on a slalom through defenders until his finish was charged down, then Rafael Leao fired just over when sent through by Alexis Saelemaekers.
Leao was booked for sarcastically applauding the referee after he went down in a tussle with his marker and the foul went against him for flailing an arm.
It was Udinese who opened the scoring when Zaniolo went on a rapid counter-attack, shrugging off attempted Saelemaekers and Strahinja Pavlovic tackles, spreading it down the right for Arthur Atta, whose cross took a big deflection off Davide Bartesaghi to wrong-foot Maignan.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Arthur Atta of Udinese Calcio scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There was a lack of communication when Pulisic floated a ball to the back post for Saelemaekers, but Leao went for the acrobatic volley instead and ruined the chance for his teammate.
Moments later, Pulisic dribbled into the box only to drill inches wide, but Udinese nearly had a second when Davis shrugged off Pavlovic only for Maignan to palm the strike onto the crossbar from a tricky angle down the left.
The Friulani did double their lead when Zaniolo whipped in a wonderful cross from the right that found Jurgen Ekkelenkamp to nod in at the back post between two Milan defenders.
It really should’ve been 3-0 in first half stoppages when Leao lost it cheaply to spark the counter-attack, Kamara rolled across from the left for Davis, denied by a desperate Pavlovic tackle, then Davis accidentally deflected the Thomas Kristensen follow-up from seven yards, so Bartesaghi could clear off the line.
Milan were jeered off the pitch by their fans and Allegri made a radical change, introducing Niclas Fullkrug for Athekame, moving Saelemaekers to right-back.
They poured forward, as first Maduka Okoye got down to push a Luka Modric daisy-cutter round the post, then on the resulting corner he flew to palm the Saelemaekers half-volley onto the underside of the crossbar.
Fullkrug’s header was off target and Pavlovic’s diving header only hit the side-netting from a Ricci cross, while Adrien Rabiot needed a crucial sliding tackle to prevent Zaniolo finishing off an Atta assist.
Youssouf Fofana came on and fired straight at Okoye, but it was Udinese who proved far more clinical on another counter, as Atta drilled low into the near bottom corner for 3-0, surprising Koni De Winter.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is put under pressure by Thomas Thiesson Kristensen of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maignan had to make a save moments later to deny the Davis left-foot strike, but the Udinese striker sustained a muscular injury and looked distraught as he limped off.
Leao was jeered loudly off the pitch as he was substituted late on, as the crowd was increasingly irritated with his performance, but Udinese love playing at San Siro, having already beaten Inter here this season.
Milan 0-3 Udinese
Bartesaghi og 27 (U), Ekkelenkamp 37 (U), Atta 71 (U)
The Portuguese forward was played as a striker once again, and really struggled as the Rossoneri offered little in the way of genuine attacking threat.
Leao himself had eight shots, four of which were blocked and the other four off target. This wastefulness epitomised a rough night for Milan as Udinese claim their second win at San Siro this season.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is put under pressure by Thomas Thiesson Kristensen of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan 0-3 Udinese – San Siro boos for Leao after poor display
Leao was also shown a yellow card for sarcastically applauding the referee after a decision went against him, before being taken off with 15 minutes left to play.
As he was substituted, replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the San Siro crowd jeered the Portuguese forward, capping off a poor night at the office for the Milan man.
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri gave the winger a big hug and clap as he came off, in an attempt to cheer him up, but the overwhelming drone of boos from the home crowd will stick in his mind.
It continues a run of four games without a goal or assist for Leao, with his last goal coming against Cremonese at the start of March.
In fact, the former Lille forward has just two goals in his last ten games for the Rossoneri
Jeremie Boga, Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao hope to inspire Juventus against Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and Nikola Krstovic in a battle for Champions League places.
This is a head-to-head for top four ambition, as a victory would put Atalanta just one point behind both the Bianconeri and Roma, who won yesterday, all of them closing in on Como.
Juventus are forced into changes, because Weston McKennie is suspended following the 2-0 win over Genoa, plus Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic and Mattia Perin out injured.
Michele Di Gregorio returns to goal, having saved a penalty last week to restore his confidence, with Conceicao and Yildiz supporting striker Boga, facing his former club.
Emil Holm takes over from McKennie in a wide right role.
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)
Atalanta are climbing up the standings and their only absentees are Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana, so Berat Djimsiti completes the back three today.
Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori are still not at 100 per cent, so Nikola Krstovic is supported by De Ketelaere and Nicola Zalewski.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta have a surprisingly strong recent record against Juve, unbeaten since the Coppa Italia Final in May 2024, emerging with two big wins and two draws.
That includes eliminating the Bianconeri from the Coppa Italia quarter-final with a 3-0 result in February this year.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Atalanta vs. Juventus line-ups
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Zalewski De Ketelaere; Krstovic
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; Holm, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; Boga
Claudio Ranieri’s pre-match comments ahead of Thursday’s win over Pisa have opened a fascinating window into the behind-the-scenes process that led to Gian Piero Gasperini’s appointment as Roma head coach, and the identity of the three who said no before he arrived.
Roma pursued the Como coach at length through then-sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, now at Sunderland, who went as far as formally requesting that Como release their coach. The Lombard club’s reluctance to let Fabregas go ultimately proved decisive, and the trail went cold.
The other two who declined were both foreign coaches rather than Italian-based.
Ranieri confirmed in his own remarks that the names on the shortlist were predominantly non-Italian, which rules out figures such as Stefano Pioli, who was working in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr at the time, and Francesco Farioli, who Roma did meet but ultimately rejected rather than being turned down by.
“He is young and doing well, he can wait,” was Ranieri’s public verdict on Farioli at the time.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Roma asked for Valverde & Emery before Gasperini move
The remaining two names were Spanish.
Ernesto Valverde was one, with Ranieri famously handing the Athletic Club manager his business card in Bilbao after Roma’s Europa League defeat, a moment he laughed off publicly by claiming he had simply lost Valverde’s number and wanted advice on Spanish players.
The other was Unai Emery, a long-standing favourite at Trigoria who has always been held in high regard by those at the club. Aston Villa, however, offered him considerably stronger prospects than Roma could at that stage, and he stayed put.
As for the remaining names on Ranieri’s list of five or six, the two he described as “very Italian” and of considerable stature both sentimentally and on their CVs, their identities remain unconfirmed.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma battles for possession with Sam Beukema of SSC Napoli 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 type of injury generally means a player will be out of action for circa four weeks, which would rule Pellegrini out of some very big games in their season, including next week’s showdown with Atalanta.
Roma medical staff hope that the veteran can recover in time for the Derby della Capitale against arch-rivals Lazio, which is scheduled for the weekend of May 17.
The 29-year-old scored seven goals with four assists in 33 competitive appearances for Roma so far this season.
It is the latest addition to a lengthy injury list for the Giallorossi, who are already missing Wesley, Manu Kone, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
Cesc Fabregas struck a candid and grounded tone ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Inter, acknowledging past naivety in matches against the Nerazzurri while insisting Como will take to the field with the full intention of winning, even as he urged perspective about where his club stand in the broader picture.
Como have faced Inter twice already this season, losing 4-0 in the league and drawing 0-0 in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, and Fabregas was honest enough to admit his side have not yet found the formula to hurt them.
“In specific moments we should have made the difference, we didn’t score and we didn’t win,” he said, with quotes via Sky Sport.
“We were a bit naive in some situations in the 4-0, Carlos Augusto and Thuram scored on the counter. We hope to have a better day tomorrow.”
The remedy, according to Fabregas, is straightforward in principle if not in practice.
“Tomorrow we must score, play with courage,” he said. “We know who Inter are and we know we can lose, they have players who make the difference. Mathematically, the more quality players you have, the more you win. But we will face them with the conviction to win.”
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Como manager Cesc Fabregas reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Friuli on April 06, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Como coach Fabregas: ‘We’re not even halfway through our journey yet’
He was equally clear about what that requires tactically, managing key moments, finishing moves effectively and covering the spaces where Inter can hurt them.
Despite the ambition, Fabregas was insistent that Sunday’s result, whatever it may be, does not define Como’s season.
The broader journey is what matters, and he was not about to lose sight of that.
“Last season we finished on 49 points with a big gap to the top six,” he said.
“With seven games left we have six more points than that and we are in the Coppa Italia semi-final. But we cannot forget that we are at the beginning of a journey, not even halfway through it. Let people talk.”
He ended with a message that encapsulated the balance he is trying to strike, belief without delusion, ambition without arrogance.
“The path is ours. We cannot forget that and start acting like we are something we are not just because we are playing Inter.”
Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic insists the Milan change of tactics to 4-3-3 ‘is not important’ and believes Keinan Davis can ‘keep their defence busy’ to create space for others.
Udinese are fresh off a 0-0 draw that stalled the progress of high-flying Como, and now face another difficult test at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Runjaic and Udinese enjoy the big games
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 02: Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic walks out on the pitch ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli on March 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“It was a good performance against Como, this is going to be a very different one, but we must keep pushing to get as many points as possible. I am very excited to play this game, it’s a big club, we have nothing to lose, so we just want to enjoy it and give our maximum,” Runjaic told DAZN Italia.
Max Allegri has changed his 3-5-2 formation and for the first time this season switched to a 4-3-3 with Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers upfront.
“The Milan tactics are not important, they have so many classy players, it’s about our system. We have to be very focused, support each other, commitment, it’s a challenge. That is most important, how we react to them,” insisted Runjaic.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 02: David De Gea of Fiorentina is beaten by Keinan Davis’s penalty strike for Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli on March 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Davis returns from suspension and has been easily their best player so far this season, especially as they seem to lack a centre-forward otherwise, using Nicolò Zaniolo as a False 9 with Como.
“He is very important, in fantastic form, a very versatile player who can keep the ball, go deep, dictate the pass, has a lot of pace, he keeps the opposition defence busy. He has a lot of self-confidence, you see it daily in training, and I hope he’ll have a fantastic game today,” added the Udinese coach.
“He can also give other players the opportunity, as I hope Milan’s defence will be very focused on Davis, which can be an advantage for the other players.”
Adam Buksa is only fit for the bench, while Jordan Zemura and long-term absentee Alessandro Zanoli miss out.
Max Allegri explains how his Milan team changes with a 4-3-3 formation against Udinese and why they must ‘give Rafael Leao the right service’ as a centre-forward.
Last week’s defeat to Napoli effectively put an end to talk of the Scudetto, as instead the Rossoneri must look nervously over their shoulders at the chasing pack for those precious Champions League places.
“We lost two of the last three games, so we must not get swept up in the moment, but analyse what went wrong and can be improved,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“We’ve recovered some players, we know Udinese can hurt us on the counter-attack, so we must make as few mistakes as possible.”
Allegri transforms Milan tactics
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
With practically a full squad to choose from at last, as Matteo Gabbia returns to the bench, Allegri changes his tactics from 3-5-2 to the 4-3-3 for the first time from the start.
It uses returning Rafael Leao as a False 9, flanked by Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers, with Samuele Ricci and Zachary Athekame stepping in.
“Athekame has different characteristics to Tomori and will push more down the right. Naturally, Saelemaekers is doing the same job he always did as a wide striker, he is an important player who brings balance to the team,” explained the coach.
“Rafa is growing in terms of fitness levels and as a centre-forward he does good movements, but it’s up to us to give him the right service so he can score goals. Gimenez was out for six months, so he can’t be at 100 per cent yet, Fullkrug played two games in a row, so there are changes today.
“I just hope I got the right line-up today,” smiled Allegri.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on 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)
Another change this evening sees Luka Modric named vice captain, while Mike Maignan retains the armband.
There was a minute’s silence before kick-off for Ismael Pistis, an eight-year-old member of the Torino youth academy who was killed in a car crash this week.
It took just six minutes to break the deadlock, as Marcus Pedersen sprung the offside trap to nod down a ball over the top for Giovanni Simeone, who sent Andrias Edmundsson to ground with his first touch, firing in from 12 yards with the right boot. Just like when he scored against his old club earlier this season, Cholito did not celebrate.
Verona were unlucky not to equalise on 11 minutes, as Alberto Paleari mistimed his intervention on a free kick, allowing Roberto Gagliardini to nod it onto the crossbar.
They did get the deserved equaliser when Kieron Bowie was stronger than Ardian Ismajli on a Lorenzo Montipò long ball, shrugging off his marker and turning to score one-on-one.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Che Adams of Torino FC is tackled by Victor Nelsson of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 11, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Moments later, Verona threatened again with Antoine Bernede’s angled drive flashing just wide, while Che Adams fired off target for Torino.
The hosts were jeered off the field at half-time by their fans and came out with a different attitude for the restart, Simeone bending a finish inches wide.
They restored their lead when Rafa Obrador’s disguised shot from the edge of the area turned into an assist for Cesare Casadei to steer in first time from six yards.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Gift Orban of Hellas Verona FC in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 11, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Che Adams soared above the crowd to nod in another Obrador assist, this time a floated cross from the left, but it was disallowed because Simeone was offside in the build-up.
Simeone tried to make up for it by smashing a long-range strike wide moments later, while Ismajli charged down the Gift Orban attempt.
Sebastiano Esposito’s header proved enough to give Cagliari a huge push up the table in this relegation dogfight, leaving Cremonese in the bottom three.
This was a pure battle to avoid relegation, with three points separating the Sardinians in 16th from their visitors in 17th place. Coming off four consecutive defeats, Cagliari missed Leonardo Pavoletti, Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici, but Alberto Dossena returned from suspension.
Marco Giampaolo had seen improvements since taking the Cremonese job, beating Parma and narrowly losing 2-1 to Bologna. Youssef Maleh sat out a ban, with Jamie Vardy, Morten Thorsby, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo injured, though Antonio Sanabria was now fit for the bench. Federico Baschirotto made his comeback and Sebastiano Luperto faced his former club.
Marco Palestra’s strike was palmed out from under the bar in the opening minutes, but David Okereke wasted a golden opportunity when slipping and failing to make the most of the inspired Federico Bonazzoli slide-rule pass that sent him clear.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Contrast with Elia Caprile of Cagliari and David Okereke of Cremonese during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Okereke’s glancing header on a short corner also tested Elia Caprile and Cagliari lost Luca Mazzitelli to a muscular injury on the half-hour mark.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Romano FLoriani Mussolini of Cremonese in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Sebastiano Esposito won it back in midfield and saw his counter-attack charged down by Sebastiano Luperto, while Bonazzoli drilled wide after the restart from a promising position.
Cagliari took the lead when substitute Ze Pedro made an immediate impact, sending his cross to the back post for Esposito to nod into the ground, the awkward bounce beating Emil Audero from a tricky angle.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
It was so nearly 2-0 when Audero made a fantastic reaction save on Alessandro Deiola’s header from six yards, and there was a special moment as Andrea Belotti made his return after surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Max Allegri shakes Milan up with a new trident attack of Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers, as Udinese welcome Keinan Davis back to partner Nicolò Zaniolo.
The Rossoneri effectively dropped out of the Scudetto race after the 1-0 defeat to Napoli, sending them down to third spot and looking nervously over their shoulders at the pack chasing down a Champions League ticket.
Allegri revamps his side by scrapping the 3-5-2 formation for a 4-3-3, which has been used at times during the match lately, but not from the start.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Rafael Leao returns not only to the squad, but to the starting XI after a recurring inflammation, still trying to make it work as a False 9.
He is flanked by Pulisic, who hasn’t scored at all in 2026, and Saelemaekers preferred to Christopher Nkunku.
Matteo Gabbia is back on the bench for the first time since a sports hernia operation at the start of March, with Zachary Athekame chosen as right-back and Samuele Ricci in midfield.
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Udinese have big news with the return of striker Davis after he missed the 0-0 draw with Como through suspension, so manages to reunite his partnership with Zaniolo.
Adam Buksa, Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli are all carrying injury issues, but Arthur Atta pulls the midfield strings.
The Friulani lost their last four meetings with Milan, since a 1-0 victory at San Siro in November 2023.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Keinan Davis of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s second goal 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)
Aurelio De Laurentiis feels Scott McTominay ‘can be an actor’, while Italy legends such as Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Del Piero are not suited for the role of FIGC President, and reveals that Antonio Conte has requested to conduct the next pre-season behind closed doors.
Napoli owner De Laurentiis reveals Conte wants to keep Partenopei fans far from the team during the summer pre-season.
Conte wants Napoli pre-season without fans
“Do you know what Conte told me yesterday? ‘During the next pre-season in July and August, I don’t want fans at the training sessions,” ADL said during an event in Los Angeles, as quoted by Gazzetta.
“In Trentino, we have 70,000 people, Neapolitans, coming from Germany, Lombardy, from everywhere, just to watch the new and the old players train. When we go to Abruzzo, in Castel di Sangro, we have over 250,000 Neapolitans who come just to watch the pre-season friendlies, where we sometimes invite a French, German or English team for a pre-season friendly.”
“I met him in the Maldives ten years ago. We went swimming together. At that moment, he was winning everything. When I had problems three years ago, I called him, and he said: ‘Aurelio, I’ll come at the end of the season because I prefer to start from zero and don’t come with the season that has already begun.'”
Conte was appointed in 2024 and won the Scudetto in his first season at the Stadio Maradona. Napoli had also won the Scudetto under Luciano Spalletti in 2022-23.
“I was more emotionally involved with the second because I didn’t know until the end. It felt like being in the casino,” ADL revealed.
“We had a lot of fantastic players. Everyone trained for the club and Conte. Conte was screaming all the time, keeping the level very high and advising anyone not to slow down at any point. He’s a big motivator.”
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
McTominay was the best Serie A player last season.
“Scott is a real Scottish man. He’s like an actor. Very elegant, very serious,” ADL said.
“He’s a friend. He’s a good boy. There’s somebody you don’t have an exchange with. But with him, you can have an exchange. He’s a fantastic guy. He’s done a lot in the last two years. He has a big personality. He can be an actor.”
How does De Laurentiis handle transfer requests from his coaches?
“There are certain coaches who like to share decisions about buying players, and others who leave it to you, which I believe is more appropriate,” he replied.
“For example, with Spalletti, in the second year, I didn’t renew the contracts of six players and went on the market to buy six players, and we won the Scudetto.
“Spalletti only asked me to buy Raspadori, the only acquisition. He didn’t have a huge success at Napoli, but it happens. When the coach makes a request, you try to please him and make him happy, but in reality, you must be organised to understand the market and what you need.”
Antonio Conte Aurelio De Laurentiis Napoli
De Laurentiis has already backed Giovanni Malagò as the ideal candidate for the FIGC Presidency, so when he was asked whether Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Del Piero should lead the Italian Federation, the reply was quite obvious: “For me, it must not be somebody who was a player in the past,” he said.
“He has to be somebody who can speak politically with the Government to obtain what has never been obtained. Politicians only cause problems with football. It’s time to tell them: look, we must be together to solve financial problems and get help for new stadiums. So we need somebody with the credibility to take the phone, call the Prime Minister, and say, ‘Look, we need this,’ and the PM replies, ‘Okay, we’ll make you happy.'”
Bernardo Silva has attracted interest from Juventus, and even Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is waiting on the Portuguese’s decision about his future: ‘I have to be the first to be told.’
Guardiola’s latest comments on Bernardo Silva’s future
Bernardo Silva’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Juventus are among the clubs interested in securing his signature as a free agent at the end of the season.
Several sources have claimed that the Manchester City captain has already decided to leave at the end of the season, but no official statement has yet been made by either the club or the player.
“I’m so grumpy with Bernardo Silva because one month ago I said, ‘When you take a decision, I have to be the first to be told,'” Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday via Cityxtra.
“And he didn’t say to me anything yet,” continued the Manchester City boss.
“I said, jokingly, ‘Tell me, I deserve’, but he didn’t tell me! So I don’t know what’s going on.”
Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league phase football match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Etihad stadium, in Manchester, north-west England, on September 18, 2024 (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Bernardo Silva is the Manchester City captain. He has scored three goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances across all competitions this season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Barcelona and Benfica are also among the clubs monitoring the Portuguese star, who suggested in a recent interview that he’d consider a move to Southern Europe.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists the club only signed one player he ‘specifically requested,’ while the Donyell Malen deal from Aston Villa ‘was a stroke of luck, something that came together in 24 hours.’
Roma coach Gasperini and club advisor Claudio Ranieri expressed differing opinions on Friday, before and after a 3-0 win over Pisa at the Stadio Olimpico.
Ranieri spoke to DAZN before kick-off, saying that every new Roma signing during Gasperini’s tenure was approved by the coach.
“Regarding the transfer market, I left the club free to choose players I didn’t know. Of the ones I specifically requested, only one arrived in the summer,” Gasp said via Gazzetta.
“Then I asked to focus on the forwards, since we had lost Shomurodov and Saelemaekers. Strengthening the attack was the key point. I kept insisting that we needed to raise the level in that area of the pitch. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way, which was part of the reason for some of the problems.
“But I never had any issue with Ranieri. It felt like we shared the same view on that aspect.”
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 25: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 25, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Ranieri even said that three coaches had rejected a proposal from Roma before the club turned to Gasperini last summer.
“That’s normal for clubs. I can only say I’m happy with the choice I made. Right now, I’m focused on one thing only,” said Gasperini.
“There are six matches to play. I don’t need to fix anything within the club. I just have to think about Atalanta, who are a strong team in all its components and have been strengthened by signing five important players. I left a very strong team, and I know its value.”
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: AS Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Roma are level on 57 points with Juventus, one behind fourth-placed Como, but both Azzurri and Bianconeri have a game in hand.
Roma’s next game is against Gasperini’s ex-club Atalanta next Saturday.
“I’ve only pointed out roles, and only occasionally names and only when I was strongly convinced,” concluded Gasperini.
“In every club, I’ve always indicated roles. I don’t do scouting even if I get some tips that help me. The Malen deal was a stroke of luck, something that came together in 24 hours.”
Inter midfielder Piotr Zielinski reveals Lautaro Martinez texted him after the Poland national team lost in the World Cup play-off Final against Sweden: ‘These are the small but big things that change your mindset.’
Inter are preparing for a crucial Serie A match against Como on Sunday.
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point advantage over second-placed Napoli, but will travel to Como without Lautaro Martinez, who has suffered another calf injury.
Zielinski: Inter will ‘do everything to win’ two titles
“Seven matches to do. We’ll do everything to win it [the title]. We’re in great shape,” Zielinski told Corriere dello Sport.
“After the break, between training sessions and the match against Roma, it was immediately clear that something had changed. Everyone came back with the right energy. And those who were coming off a disappointment with their national team put it behind them.”
The Nerazzurri beat Roma 5-2 last week, ending a three-game winless streak. Before their last match, the Inter players had an open conversation inside the dressing room to address their problems.
“These are always valuable moments. We needed to talk things through. We told ourselves that to truly win, we had to shift gears and accelerate,” Zinelinski revealed.
“Disappointments with the national team must turn into extra motivation to win the title. Winning has been our goal since the beginning of our season.”
Lautaro Martinez will miss the next two weeks of action, but remains a key player in the team.
“He’s a leader and an example. A fundamental presence, as well as a key player,” Zielinski said.
“He’s a champion on the pitch and also a special person off it. Right after Poland’s defeat to Sweden, he sent me a message of encouragement to lift me before I returned to Milan. He did the same with the Italian players. These are the small but big things that change your mindset. At that point, you want to give everything for him, for the team and the club.”
The Nerazzurri are also involved in the Coppa Italia semifinal, but were eliminated in the Champions League knockout play-off in February.
“I want to make clear that we didn’t underestimate Bodo/Glimt,” Zielinski argued.
“We all had in mind their wins against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. There was the issue of the pitch in Norway, but we certainly could have done more. In the second leg at San Siro, we were convinced we could come back. Unfortunately, this is part of football. A year ago, we came close to winning almost everything, and in the end, we got nothing. Let’s leave the European disappointment behind us and focus on the two trophies we can and must win.”
Zielinski struggled with playing time under Simone Inzaghi in 2025-26, but has become a regular starter under Cristian Chivu this term.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, issues Piotr Zielinski of Inter some instructions during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“I also had a great relationship with Inzaghi. He was one of the people who wanted me here. I’m sorry I couldn’t contribute as much as I wanted. It was still a fantastic season,” said the ex-Napoli star.
“The Champions League Final didn’t go well, but reaching it was unique.
“What I can say about Chivu is that he’s a special person to me. When he arrived, I was still injured. He spoke to me and gave me confidence, making it clear he wanted to count on me. I worked to recover as quickly as possible. He knew my qualities, but he wanted to see them in every training session. I’m happy he’s the Inter coach.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus will reluctantly be forced to listen to offers for Khephren Thuram, Pierre Kalulu and Gleison Bremer if they miss out on Champions League qualification this season.
Juventus visit Atalanta on Saturday night in a crucial Serie A match in the race for a Champions League placement.
Three starters potentially leaving Juventus without Champions League football
The Bianconeri have just confirmed Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension until June 2028, but are still fighting for a top-four finish, sitting fifth, one point below Como.
The lack of Champions League football next season would not only affect their transfer budget for new signings but also force the club to sell some of their stars to balance the books.
According to Gazzetta, France international Thuram would be one of the players potentially leaving as the 25-year-old moved to Turin for just €20m two years ago and has a low depreciation cost on the balance sheet.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: The UEFA Champions League trophy 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 on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The same is true of Thuram’s compatriot Kalulu, who has joined Juventus from Milan for €17.3m.
Gazzetta confirms that Juventus would also be forced to listen to offers for Bremer. Back in March, Tuttosport claimed that the Brazilian centre-back has a €60m price tag for next summer.
Juventus have confirmed their squad list for an away game at Atalanta, which includes 18-year-old goalkeeper Riccardo Adrian Radu, while five players are unavailable.
Juventus visit Atalanta at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo this evening.
The Bianconeri left for Bergamo on Saturday morning, right after announcing their squad list for the upcoming league game.
As expected, the injured Vasilije Adzic, Mattia Perin, Dusan Vlahovic and Juan Cabal have been ruled out alongside the suspended Weston McKennie.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Weston McKennie of Juventus is challenged by Ederson of Atalanta 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)
The American midfielder, one of the best Juventus players under Luciano Spalletti, was on a yellow card last week, when he was booked during the first half of a home game against Genoa.
During the same match, Mattia Perin and Dusan Vlahovic suffered muscle injuries. The latter is expected to remain out of action for at least three weeks.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach 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)
With Perin unavailable, goalkeepers Michele Di Gregorio and Carlo Pinsoglio are joined by 18-year-old Radu, who plays for the Bianconeri’s Primavera team and has been called up to the senior team for the first time.
Official: Juventus squad list for Atalanta clash
I convocati di mister Luciano Spalletti per la trasferta di Bergamo #AtalantaJuve
Milan have lost two of their last five league games, seeing their advantage over fifth place reduced to six points.
The Rossoneri return to action later today against Udinese at San Siro and have been warned by their coach, Massimiliano Allegri, not to let themselves be overwhelmed by negative events, to avoid “a disaster” in the final seven games of the campaign.
Qualification for the Champions League would provide Milan with a financial boost of €60m-€70m. However, as Gazzetta highlights, the importance of returning to Europe’s elite competition goes beyond just money.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
The pink paper suggests that USMNT star Christian Pulisic would likely leave San Siro if Milan fail to finish in the top four and that even Luka Modric’s future would be uncertain.
Pulisic’s contract expires in June 2027, but Milan have an option to extend for a further campaign, while Modric’s deal runs out at the end of the season.
Without Champions League football, the Rossoneri would naturally be less appealing to some free agents they are targeting for next season, including Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona).
The Italian newspaper reiterates that the latter wants to remain in Europe beyond the summer, but qualification for the Champions League is a must for any suitor.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts 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)
Gazzetta reports that the Champions League budget would help Milan sign both a centre-forward and a centre-back, who are seen as the club’s priorities on the market for 2026-27.
If Milan were to qualify for the Europa League rather than the Champions League, the club management would still need to add depth to the team.
If no big player is sold to balance the books, then the Diavoli could be forced to listen to offers for Davide Bartesaghi, a product of the Milan academy, whose departure would provide the club with a substantial capital gain.
Inter talent Francesco Pio Esposito felt ‘crushed’ after missing a penalty kick for Italy in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina and opens up about his off-the-field activities: ‘I’ve been working with a sports psychologist, and I’ve started an English course.’
Pio Esposito breaks silence on Italy’s penalty miss
Italy international Pio Esposito spoke for the first time about the Azzurri’s World Cup play-off elimination in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
The 20-year-old was the first one to show up from the spot in the penalty shootout, but sent his shot over the crossbar.
“I struggled to process the disappointment right away. I was staring at a fixed point and couldn’t understand what had happened. I felt crushed,” he said.
“The first thought was that I had let down my teammates, the people at home, friends and family. I’ll take penalties again, I’ll score some and miss some. That day, I was convinced I’d take the responsibility of going first. I felt confident, but then it went badly.
“I saw a team that gave everything, for the most part, down to ten men, creating several chances,” he continued.
“It wasn’t enough, and it’s not enough. Italy has the obligation to qualify for the World Cup, and we have to take responsibility.”
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Francesco Pio Esposito of Italy shows reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Pio Esposito, a product of the Inter academy, has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this season, his first one in Serie A.
He has reunited with Cristian Chivu, one of his former coaches in the Nerazzurri youth sector and is working on his development, both on and off the pitch.
“For a few months now, I’ve been working with a sports psychologist,” said Pio Esposito.
“I open up, and he gives me practical advice. He helps me a lot, and I enjoy going deeper.
“After matches, I don’t sleep at all because of the adrenaline. I stay with the people I care about, I don’t play PlayStation, and now I’ve started an English course. I want to improve it.”
The Nerazzurri beat Roma 5-2 on Sunday and are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over Napoli.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We needed a convincing performance like that [against Roma], in addition to the win. There’s optimism, and we fully believe in it,” Pio concluded.
“Lautaro is very complete, but what excites you is his passion and hunger. Even in training, he plays as if it were a World Cup Final.”
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
Italy international and Atalanta striker Gialuca Scamacca trained with his teammates on Friday, but is not fit to start, so coach Raffaele Palladino is expected to pick Charles De Ketelaere and Raspadori up front.
There’s a doubt in defence on whether Honest Ahanor or Sead Kolasinac will start, while Isak Hien is injured.
Juventus are expected to switch to a three-man defence, with Emil Holm returning to the starting XI after over a month on the sidelines.
Italian sources, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport, claim that David is the favourite to start as the Old Lady’s lone striker, with Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceiçao deployed as attacking midfielders.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Marten de Roon of Atalanta battles for possession with Jonathan David of Juventus 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)
Vasilije Adzic, Mattia Perin, Dusan Vlahovic and Juan Cabal are injured for the Bianconeri, and Weston McKennie is serving a one-game ban.
Atalanta vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV
The match will be shown live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Atalanta vs. Juventus – probable line-ups
Atalanta (3-4-1-2):Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Ahanor; Bellanova, de Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Raspadori.
Massimiliano Allegri will switch to a four-man defence for a home Serie A match against Udinese, with Christian Pulisic playing as a left winger and Rafael Leao as a centre-forward.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Meazza in Milan.
Cheveyo Balentien is injured for Milan, Matteo Gabbia is available for selection, but starting on the bench. Udinese must cope without Alessandro Zanoli and Jordan Zemura.
Multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia, Gazzetta and Tuttosport, claim that Milan coach Allegri will switch to a four-man defence with Koni De Winter and Strahinja Pavlović starting as central defenders and Zachary Athekame as a right-back.
Samuele Ricci is favourite over Youssouf Fofana in the middle of the park, while Alexis Saelemaekers, Pulisic and Leao will form the attacking trident.
UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan in action during 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)
Udinese are not expected to make changes to the XI that secured a 0-0 draw against Como last week, except for Keinan Davis, who returns from a one-game ban.
Milan vs. Udinese – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Milan vs. Udinese – probable line-ups
Milan (4-3-3):Maignan; Athekame, De Winter, Pavlovic, Bartesaghi; Ricci, Modric, Rabiot; Saelemaekers, Leao, Pulisic.
Roma beat Pisa 3-0, Malen’s hat-trick, but the clash between the directors and the coach takes centre stage.
Claudio: ‘All signings were agreed, three coaches said no.’
The Scudetto gets broken
Lautaro injured again: obstacles for the title
Inter and Napoli have skipped 299 games due to injuries. Chivu tomorrow in Como asks for the push for senators Barella, Calha and Thuram.
De Laurentiis: ‘Conte doesn’t want fans in training retreats.’
Milan, Leao on the brink: back in the XI with the Devil at stake
Juve: Spalletti signs, there’s also a bonus if he wins the title.
Corriere dello Sport
Exclusive Zielinski: ‘Chivu has understood me.’
‘He’s a special person. Inzaghi? Nothing against him. Scudetto and Coppa Italia: how Inter want to forget about the Champions. Before Roma, we gathered to change gears. I love Napoli, but now I win here.’
Six goals and three assists: Piotr’s reborn
Lautaro, soleus injury: he’ll miss Como tomorrow
Ranieri-Gasp, the rift
Malen hat-trick: 3-0 to Pisa. Claudio, blows for the coach
‘All signings were agreed-upon. I’m ready to step down.’
‘Nobody has arrived without his approval. He was given a team that came close to the Champions League last season. Three coaches refused to come before him. Easy to talk about Malen and Wesley. I love this club, and I am the guarantor of nobody.’ Gian Piero: ‘We’ll meet soon, but no disagreements between us.’
Juve, an exam worth 60m
Champions League race: Spalletti excites the group after the renewal: ‘The pitch says who we are.’
Allegri disciplines Milan
‘Difficult days after Napoli, but if we let ourselves be overwhelmed by events, a disaster happens.’
Tuttosport
Spalletti has earned the renewal; now it’s the players’ turn
Deserve Juve
Tonight in Bergamo with Atalanta for the Champions League push
Renewal official until 2028 for Lucio, who now asks for answers to build a winning future: ‘We have nice challenges and responsibilities ahead. I want a team that fights and hear the ball sing.’ Di Gregorio confirmed in goal, David favourite over Boga up front.
D’Aversa: ‘I work to stay at Toro’
The coach: ‘I’d like to open talks over a new contract, I can only make it through results. Vlasic, Simeone, Adams. Who has three players like them?’
Baldini is the June coach, waiting for Conte
The U21 coach will serve as caretaker manager for the end-of-season tests. Then the pact between Serie A and Malagò can favour the big return.
What a Malen! Ranieri-Gasp, high tension
4-3-3 with Leao: Champions formula
Allegri prepares an attacking breakthrough and replies to Cassano: ‘Am I the ruin of Italian football? It’s a compliment.’
Ahi Inter! Lautaro stops again
More problems in his calf: without the captain, performances drop. Muharemovic says yes to the Nerazzurri.
Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the Claudio Ranieri controversy head-on at his post-match press conference, firmly dismissing any suggestion of friction between the two men while insisting Roma are entirely focused on securing a Champions League place in the final six games of the season.
Ranieri had spoken earlier in the day about having proposed five or six managerial names before Gasperini was appointed, with three ultimately declining, and that when it comes to suggestions, Ranieri follows the orders of the owners, not the coach.
Asked for his reaction, Gasperini was measured but clear.
“I have never had a disagreement with Ranieri, quite the opposite,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I gave two names for players I wanted, one arrived. I said we needed to work on the attacking department because we had lost several forwards, beyond that everything was fine. There was never any opposition between us. I have always focused on working.”
When pushed further on whether he felt out of step with the club’s direction, Gasperini’s response was characteristically blunt.
“Don’t joke with me. I am on a single track. I have six games to play, starting with a very strong opponent next. We are well positioned and at worst will be a point ahead of them.”
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma 3-0 Pisa – Gasperini: ‘Malen is extraordinary’
He drew a direct parallel with his time at Atalanta, recalling the sensation of overtaking Roma in the table during those years as proof that he understands exactly the challenge ahead.
On Malen, whose hat-trick lit up the Olimpico, Gasperini was effusive, while also refreshingly honest about the fortuitous nature of the signing.
“Malen is extraordinary,” he said. “The key question was whether he could play as a centre-forward, and I got that right. He has the burst of pace, the ball control… we played against him in pre-season and when you see certain players you immediately know when someone is good.”
He added with a smile that he had no idea Malen was available to leave Aston Villa until two days before the deal was done, describing it as good fortune rather than any particular scouting genius on his part.
Donyell Malen has described his pride at being compared to Roma legend Gabriel Batistuta after completing his first Serie A hat-trick against Pisa, a milestone that has also triggered one of the two conditions required to make his move from Aston Villa permanent.
The Dutch striker has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Roma on loan in January, scoring 10 goals in just 12 Serie A appearances at a remarkable rate of one every 97 minutes.
Few loan arrivals in recent memory have had such an immediate and transformative impact on a club.
“I am happy to have helped the team get going, from there everything was under control,” Malen told reporters after the match, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“The most important thing was the three points. I am very proud of the comparison with Batistuta. My objective is to keep scoring more and more.”
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Malen permanent stay at Roma ‘all but done’ as conditions half-met
The financial implications of his form are becoming increasingly straightforward.
Roma’s loan agreement with Aston Villa includes a conditional obligation to buy, with two specific triggers.
The first, requiring Malen to reach 50% of possible appearances, has now been met.
The second condition is tied to Roma finishing in a Champions League position at the end of the season, which currently remains unfulfilled.
However, the club appear entirely unconcerned about the technicalities.
According to reports, Roma have already set aside the €25 million required to purchase Malen outright, on top of the €2 million loan fee already paid, and consider the deal as good as done regardless of how the second condition resolves itself.
For a player who left Villa Park frustrated by a lack of minutes and the inability to play in his preferred centre-forward role, Rome has proven the perfect destination at the perfect moment.
Matias Soulé was in determined mood after Roma’s comfortable victory over Pisa, insisting the squad are fully focused on securing a Champions League place with six Serie A games remaining, and that Friday evening’s win was exactly the response needed following the defeat at San Siro.
The Argentine trequartista was the architect of the third goal, threading a through ball to release Donyell Malen for his hat-trick finish, and was keen to highlight the collective work behind moments like that.
“It is a very important victory after the loss at San Siro,” Soulé told Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“We had to bounce back and we did it by playing our football. We train every day to improve our understanding and I believe this is the right path, though we still have a lot to improve.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma 3-0 Pisa – Soule: ‘Every game left is a final’
With Roma firmly in the race for a top-four finish, Soulé made no attempt to downplay the significance of what remains.
The gap between the Champions League places and those chasing is fine enough to make every remaining fixture feel decisive.
“There are six games left and each one is a final for us,” he said.
“We want to go to the Champions League. It has not been an easy period, but after San Siro we have won an important match.”
It was a concise but pointed message from a player growing in confidence, as his side keep the pressure up on top four rivals Juventus and Como.
Donyell Malen was the star of the show as Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma produced a commanding home performance against Pisa at the Olimpico, the Dutch forward completing a hat-trick in a display that rarely suggested anything other than a comfortable afternoon’s work for the hosts.
The Dutch forward set the tone inside three minutes, collecting the ball on the edge of the area, driving forward with purpose and finishing clinically beneath the crossbar to give Roma an early foothold.
Pisa, to their credit, did not retreat immediately and caused occasional problems on the counter, but Roma’s control of the match was evident throughout a first half that the hosts largely dictated.
The second goal came in the 43rd minute and it was a quality team move, Devyne Rensch threading a pass for Malen to meet on the run; the finish composed and assured.
Lorenzo Pellegrini had rattled the crossbar from a free kick moments earlier, but it mattered little with the half-time lead already firmly established.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma 3-0 Pisa – Malen completes hat-trick in comfortable Giallorossi win
Gasperini made an early change after the break, introducing El Shaarawy for Pellegrini, and the tempo barely dropped as Roma pressed for a third.
It arrived in the 52nd minute when Matias Soulé produced a moment of genuine quality, a through ball, that split the Pisa defence and allowed Malen to stroke home his third goal of the evening with minimal fuss.
Soulé himself was replaced shortly after by Neil El Aynaoui as Gasperini managed his squad sensibly with the game long since won. Rensch also made way for Angelino in the closing stages, while Pisa brought on fresh legs in search of a consolation that never materialised.
A clean sheet, three goals and a performance of growing confidence as Roma keep up the pressure on Juventus and Como in the race for the top four.
Ciro Immobile rolled back the years with a stunning early goal as Paris FC produced one of Ligue 1’s more surprising results of the season, hammering Monaco 4-1 to climb to the table.
The veteran Italian striker, who joined the French capital club on a free transfer from Bologna in January, wasted no time making his mark.
With Paris FC already ahead through Jonathan Ikoné’s fourth-minute opener, Immobile doubled the lead on eight minutes, breaking free in the centre of the box and firing a perfect first-time right-foot drive into the roof of the net.
The former Lazio man then turned provider, assisting Ikoné’s second goal on 21 minutes to give Paris FC an unassailable 3-0 lead before half-time.
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Luca Koleosho of Italy U21 in action during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Former Serie A stars Ikone, Immobile & Koleosho shine for Paris FC
Ikoné, who spent three seasons at Fiorentina between 2022 and 2025, was outstanding throughout and capped a superb individual display with a brace of his own.
Monaco, who came into the match sitting fifth in Ligue 1, managed a brief response through Folarin Balogun just before the break, but any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished in the second half.
Italy Under-21 international Luca Koleosho, a player firmly in the plans of whoever takes over the senior Azzurri coaching role, added a fourth to complete a comprehensive victory and cap a thoroughly miserable evening for Monaco.
The result leaves Monaco stranded on 49 points, while Paris FC’s momentum under Antoine Kombouaré continues to build.
Claudio Ranieri has spoken candidly about his role at Roma, the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach, and his own future at the club, making clear he has no intention of overstaying his welcome in any capacity.
The Roma senior advisor spoke to DAZN ahead of the club’s Serie A clash with Pisa, drawing a clear distinction between his current advisory role and the hands-on nature of his previous spell as head coach.
“Now my work is very different from that of a coach. I give my opinion when consulted by the ownership, not the coach, and I only marginally involve myself in matters on the pitch.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Ranieri: ‘We chose Gasperini for Roma because…’
On the appointment of Gasperini, Ranieri offered a rare and revealing insight into the process.
He had proposed a shortlist of five or six names, three of whom ultimately declined, before the club settled on the Atalanta man.
“I spoke with him because I knew him,” Ranieri said. “We chose him for what he had done at Atalanta, starting with young players and gradually bringing them onto the biggest stages. We expected what is happening now. We brought in young players, all chosen together, not one arrived without his approval. Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Venturino and Zaragoza all came on his specific request, to give the coach a squad capable of building on a campaign that had finished one point from the Champions League.”
Perhaps most striking were Ranieri’s words about his own position.
The veteran, who returned to Roma as a caretaker coach before transitioning into his current senior advisory role, made clear he has no ego investment in remaining at the club.
“If I am consulted again, I will continue,” he said. “Otherwise I can also leave. I love Roma and I am ready to step aside as senior advisor, just as I had already done before as coach.”
It is a characteristically selfless statement from a man who has always placed the club’s interests above his own, and a reminder that Ranieri’s involvement at Roma, however long it lasts, will always be defined by quiet devotion rather than personal ambition.
Diego Milito has extended a warm public invitation to Lautaro Martinez to one day return to Racing Club, the Argentine club where both men began their careers, though the Inter captain’s former teammate was equally clear that there is no rush, with Lautaro still very much in his prime at San Siro.
Speaking on DAZN’s Giorgia’s Secret, with quotes via FCInter1908, the former Inter striker, whose goals in the 2010 treble-winning season remain the stuff of Nerazzurri legend, reflected at length on a career defined by big moments and decorated by the finest company.
On Lautaro specifically, Milito’s admiration was both personal and professional.
“I have known him for a long time,” Milito said. “He made his first-team debut coming on in my place, imagine that. You could already see he was an extraordinary champion. He had everything clear in his mind, he knew what he wanted. He was remarkable.”
The connection between the two goes beyond football, with Milito emphasising the human quality that he believes underpins Lautaro’s success.
“I have had the chance to know him as a person too, and that is important, he is extraordinary. Every time he comes to Argentina he goes back to see the young players at Racing and has a chat with them. These are important things, they speak to his humility.”
Milito: ‘The door at Racing is always open to Lautaro’
On the prospect of a future homecoming, Milito was affectionate but realistic.
“I would love to bring him home one day, he knows that,” he said. “But the game is very dynamic. He is happy at Inter and still has many years ahead of him there. When the time comes, he knows the door at Racing is always open.”
Milito also touched on a number of other topics during the wide-ranging interview. He spoke warmly of Cristian Chivu’s development as a head coach, having sensed his coaching potential during their playing days together at Inter.
“He is doing very well, you could see it back then, just as you could with Thiago Motta and Stankovic,” he said.
“The Cuchu has everything it takes, even if he has not yet had the chance to fully demonstrate it.”
On Thiago Motta’s difficult spell at Juventus, Milito was loyal but honest.
“Sometimes it is difficult to explain certain things,” he said. “He certainly made some errors, he is young and will continue to learn. But I have no doubts he is a great coach.”
He also expressed regret over the way Mauro Icardi’s time at Inter ended.
“He did very well at Inter and could have done more, especially given the way he left. It is a shame he did not have the chance to continue a great career in nerazzurro.”
Roma host Pisa at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s Giallorossi side look to hang on to their dreams of Champions League football next season, whilst the visitors scramble for any points that can help them to avoid relegation.
Roma come into the game having disappointed in the last couple of months, putting early-season Scudetto shouts to rest fairly quickly, crashing out of various competitions and now leaving their chances of a top four finish on the ropes.
The Giallorossi now sit three points behind 5th placed Juventus and four points behind 4th placed Como, both of whom they will need to eclipse if they wish to book a place in Europe’s top competition.
Pisa, meanwhile, sit rock bottom of Serie A – with just two wins to their name this season. Twelve draws have prevented their points total from getting too embarrassing but time is running out for the side to avoid the drop.
UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Henrik Meister of Pisa celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Pisa SC at Stadio Friuli on January 10, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio jokes that Roberto De Zerbi should have joined Tottenham by swimming ‘across the English Channel’ given that Spurs spend €250m every year.’
Former Italian striker Di Canio released an interview with Corriere della Sera, during which he also discussed De Zerbi’s recent appointment as Tottenham’s head coach.
The Italian tactician, a former Sassuolo, Brighton and Marseille manager, was initially reluctant to take the Spurs job before the start of the 2026-27 season, but was ultimately persuaded to sign a long-term contract in North London.
Di Canio: De Zerbi ‘can do well’ at Tottenham
Di Canio surely believes his compatriot was right to accept the club’s offer despite their involvement in the Premier League relegation race.
Paolo Di Canio
“Absolutely! He should have swum across the English Channel,” Di Canio said.
“After yet another turbulent dismissal, he’s gone to a club that spends €250m per year. He said he’ll stay even if we’re relegated to the Championship, and I believe him. He’s demanding and good at creating a sense of team spirit. He can do well.”
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
De Zerbi had left Marseille by mutual agreement in February and signed a five-year contract with Tottenham at the end of March.
During the same interview, Di Canio also spoke about the state of Italian football, arguing that Antonio Conte is the ideal candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso, even more suitable than Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League title race and the battle for Champions League qualification collide this Sunday, April 12th, 2026, as Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea are flying high after a resounding 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final demolition of Port Vale last weekend, keeping their hopes of a Wembley triumph and a top-four finish very much alive.
On the other side, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City arrive in formidable form.
Fresh off their EFL Cup triumph and a statement 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool in the FA Cup, the reigning champions know that any dropped points could be fatal in their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal, who currently sit nine points ahead having played a game more.
Chelsea currently find themselves under increasing pressure after a disappointing stretch of results that has seen them drop to sixth place in the Premier League table.
The Blues have collected 48 points from 31 matches so far, registering 13 wins, nine draws, and nine losses over the course of the campaign.
Their recent performances have raised concern among supporters and analysts alike, as the team has managed just one victory in their last five league games, alongside one draw and three defeats.
That difficult run reached a low point with a heavy 3-0 loss away to Everton in their latest Premier League encounter, further intensifying scrutiny on their form.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty-spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The major blow for the hosts is the loss of summer signing Jamie Gittens.
The £48.5 million winger suffered a devastating third hamstring injury of the campaign during training last Friday and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
However, Liam Rosenior’s squad has been massively boosted by the timely return of 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian.
Having recovered from his own hamstring issues, Estevao was the star of the show against Port Vale, registering a goal and an assist. He is fully fit and expected to feature prominently on the wing.
City’s primary concerns lie in defense. Long-term absentee Josko Gvardiol remains out after suffering a tibial fracture during the reverse fixture against Chelsea back in January, though the Croatian is reportedly just days away from resuming light running.
The defensive pairing of Ruben Dias and John Stones both missed the commanding win over Liverpool due to injuries picked up last week.
Man City Predicted Line-up: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Cherki, Semenyo, Haaland, Doku.
WREXHAM, WALES – MARCH 07: Andrey Santos of Chelsea controls the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wrexham and Chelsea on March 07, 2026 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
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Chelsea vs Man City head-to-head record
Historically, this is one of English football’s most tightly contested fixtures. Across 181 meetings in all competitions spanning back to 1907, Chelsea marginally lead the overall head-to-head with 71 victories to Manchester City’s 68, alongside 42 draws.
However, recent history heavily favors the visitors. Manchester City are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League matches against Chelsea, a dominant run stretching back to a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad in May 2021.
The Citizens have also won four of their last five league visits to Stamford Bridge.
Despite City’s recent dominance, Chelsea have proven to be a thorn in their side this season.
When the two sides met at the Etihad earlier this campaign in January, a late Enzo Fernandez equaliser forced a 1-1 draw, proving that Rosenior’s men have the resilience to go toe-to-toe with the champions.
Luciano Spalletti has extended his contract with Juventus until 2028, and La Gazzetta dello Sport names 11 top targets for the Tuscan tactician, including Premier League stars Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali.
The Serie A giants have decided to continue with the Tuscan tactician before even knowing which European competition they’ll be playing next season.
Currently, the Bianconeri are one point below fourth-placed Como.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Multiple sources claim that Spalletti will have an input in picking new summer signings, and Gazzetta lists 11 top targets for the Tuscan tactician, including Tonali (Newcastle) and Calafiori (Arsenal).
Gazzetta highlights that Juventus are planning to build a strong core of Italian players, so they’ll naturally look to two of the most talented domestic footballers playing abroad.
Both Calafiori and Tonali, however, have hefty price tags, and only their possible desire to return to Serie A could help Juventus lower Arsenal’s and Newcastle’s demands.
Liverpool’s Alisson is reported to be Spalletti’s favourite target in goal. Alisson already played under Spalletti at Roma.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Randal Kolo Muani #20 of Juventus FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Zeki Celik (Roma), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) are free agents targeted by Juventus, but despite the interest in the Barcelona star, Randal Kolo Muani remains their main target in attack for next summer.
Gazzetta also mentions Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka and Al-Hilal forward Darwin Nunez among the players monitored by Juventus ahead of the summer transfer window, noting that the Bianconeri’s transfer budget will largely depend on whether they qualify for the Champions League.
Bologna and Fiorentina’s defeats in their latest European matches have left Italy fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, making it practically impossible for Serie A to earn an extra Champions League spot for 2026-27.
Bologna and Fiorentina, the only two Serie A representatives left in European competitions this season, suffered heavy defeats on Thursday, practically ending Italy’s hopes of finishing in the top two of the UEFA coefficient ranking.
Bologna suffered a 3-1 home loss against Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-finals, while Fiorentina lost 3-0 away at Crystal Palace in the same stage of the Conference League.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bologna had previously eliminated Roma from the Europa League Round of 16, while Atalanta were the Serie A team making the longest way in the Champions League this season, facing elimination in the Round of 16 against Bayern Munich.
Serie A teams have been particularly disappointing in Europe’s elite competition this term, with Napoli knocked out in the league phase and Inter and Juventus eliminated in the knockout play-off.
The Champions League trophy EPA-EFE/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT
England have already secured an extra Champions League spot for next season, and Spain are the favourites for the second and last place available, sitting second in the standings with six teams remaining in European competitions.
Former striker Paolo Di Canio argues that Italy need Antonio Conte even more than Pep Guardiola, says Sandro Tonali would be a perfect fit for Inter, and warns: ‘We are getting used to mediocrity.’
Ex-Italian striker Di Canio discussed the state of Italian football in an interview with Corriere della Sera, delivering a blunt and uncompromising critique.
Di Canio: Italy ‘getting used to mediocrity’
“We’re getting used to mediocrity,” said the ex-West Ham star.
“We get outraged, and then two or three days later we go back to talking about Italian players as if they were the best in the world.”
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has resigned alongside FIGC President Gabriele Gravina in the wake of the World Cup play-off Final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy U21 boss Silvio Baldini will take charge of the Azzurri for the June friendlies, with a new coach set to take over after the election of the new FIGC President on June 22.
Some Italian pundits, including ex-Italian defender Daniele Adani, have claimed that the FIGC should try to hire Guardiola, but Di Canio disagreed: “We need someone like Conte, who already knows what we are talking about,” he said.
Di Canio went on to say that issues with Italian football do not only lie on the pitch: “To begin with, we in the media are not doing our job properly,” he argued.
“Many are obsessed with self-promotion and comment to end up on social media, forgetting that we’re gasping at the bottom.”
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma, a Euro 2020 winner, left Milan on a free transfer nearly five years ago to join PSG. Last summer, he signed for Manchester City.
“It’s about money, plain and simple. Legitimate, of course, and I don’t criticise him,” said Di Canio.
“In Italy, he would have had to halve his salary to play for a non-competitive team. For me, he’s very, very strong, but sometimes he makes mistakes like an average player, mistakes Buffon made once every three years. At certain clubs, one blunder in the wrong match cancels out ten miracles.”
Paolo Di Canio
There are plenty of rumours linking Tonali with a move away from Newcastle this season. Which Serie A team would suit him better?
“Inter, who already have a true playmaker,” Di Canio replied.
“He’s by far our best outfield player, but where does he play? In the tenth-placed team in the English league.”
Lastly, the ex-Juventus, Milan and Lazio striker spoke about Federico Chiesa’s lack of playing time at Liverpool and how that reflects the difference between Serie A and the Premier League: “If he came back to Italy, it would take a couple of sprints, and we’d be saying: ‘My God, why wasn’t he playing at Liverpool?’ Simple, because the Premier League is like the NBA, and we are Italian basketball. Malen at Aston Villa was the third backup; at Roma, he looks like an alien. Lautaro scores against Pisa and Lecce, and I hear people say he’s like Kane; 49 goals across all competitions. How can you even say that?”
Italy games in June 2026: official times and dates
The Italian Football Association has confirmed the dates and times for Italy’s next two friendly games in June.
Italy will play Luxembourg at the Stade de Luxembourg on June 3 at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) and Greece at the Pankritio Stadium in Candia on June 7 at the same time.
The Azzurri will be led by Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini for the next two matches, given that a permanent replacement for Gennaro Gattuso will only be named after the FIGC President election on June 22.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy reacts during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina have resigned in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off Final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which caused the Azzurri’s third consecutive exclusion from the World Cup.
The actual replacement for Gattuso will make his debut on the Azzurri bench in September 2026, facing Belgium at home on Friday, 25, in the opening match of the Nations League.
The second game of the September break will be away in Turkey on Monday 28.
Inter confirm Lautaro Martinez has picked up a ‘muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg’, and, according to reports in Italy, the Argentine will be forced to the sidelines for two weeks.
Inter striker Lautaro Martinez has suffered a new injury that will sideline him for two weeks.
New Lautaro Martinez injury: official Inter statement
The Nerazzurri confirmed the Argentine’s injury in an official statement on Friday: “Lautaro Martinez underwent clinical and instrumental examinations today at the Humanitas Institute in Rozzano,” the Serie A table leaders said.
“The tests revealed a mild muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg. The Argentine striker’s condition will be reassessed in the coming days.”
According to Sky Sport Italia, Lautaro will remain out of action for at least two weeks.
The Nerazzurri captain returned to action on Sunday after over a month, scoring two goals in a 5-2 win over Roma.
During Lautaro Martinez’s time on the treatment table due to another muscle problem, the Nerazzurri won two of seven games, drew three, and lost twice.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli and seven rounds remaining.
Their next match is on Sunday, April 12, away against Cesc Fabregas’ Como.
Lautaro is the current Serie A top-scorer with 16 goals in 26 matches.
Juventus CEO Damien Comolli is ‘delighted’ with Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension: ‘It was immediately clear to everyone that Luciano was the right person to lead the team on a path of growth.’
Official: Spalletti extends Juventus contract until 2028
Juventus coach Spalletti has signed a contract extension until 2028.
The Bianconeri initially confirmed the agreement by showing the moment Spalletti informed the players about the news before a training session.
A few minutes later, the Serie A giants confirmed Spalletti’s renewal in a statement accompanying Comolli’s comments: “We are delighted to have extended Luciano’s contract for a further two seasons,” said the Bianconeri director.
Spalletti took charge at the end of October 2025, replacing Igor Tudor. Spalletti initially signed a short-term contract expiring at the end of the season.
The Bianconeri sit fifth, one point behind a Champions League placement, but Juventus still decided to continue with the Tuscan tactician regardless of which European competition they’ll play next season.
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)
“Since Luciano joined our great Juventus family, he has had an immediate and very positive impact on our players, the whole Club and the entire Bianconeri community,” Comolli continued.
“It was immediately clear to everyone that Luciano was the right person to lead the team on a path of growth.
“His ambitious style of play reflects the expectations of our fans and the Club, and his values embody our identity.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Damien Comolli, General Manager of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We have therefore decided to continue working together beyond the previously agreed contract term because we believe that stability and continuity are two essential pillars for future success. Good luck, Mister! Fino alla fine.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus have won 17 of 31 games, lost six, and drawn eight during Spalletti’s tenure.
Their next match is a crucial one in the race for the top four as they visit in-form Atalanta tomorrow, Saturday, April 11.
Juventus coach Spalletti has officially signed a contract extension until 2028.
The Serie A giants confirmed the agreement with their coach on Friday, by showing the video of Spalletti’s announcement to the team.
The Italian tactician praised the club and his footballers before confirming: “I considered it most important, first of all, to tell you this fact, that we decided to extend this contract for another two years.
“I want you to know first before it gets out. I’m telling you today. Naturally, we have challenges ahead of us, but I’m convinced that with you, those will be great challenges because I will face them with your attitude and your strength, as you’ve always done.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to 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)
Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor at the end of October, initially signing a contract until the end of the season.
Under the Tuscan coach, the Bianconeri have won 17 of 31 games, lost six, and drawn eight.
Video: Spalletti confirms contract extension to Juventus players
FIGC confirms that Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini will take charge of the senior Azzurri squad in June, for friendly games against Greece and Luxembourg.
Silvio Baldini will be Italy’s national team coach for the next two friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg, the FIGC confirmed in a statement on Friday.
Official: Baldini named Italy coach for June 2026 friendlies
As previously reported, Italy needed an interim manager for the next two matches, given that both coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned in the wake of the Azzurri’s elimination from the World Cup play-off.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The new FIGC President will be elected on June 22, after which a new head coach for La Nazionale will be hired.
Italy’s next games, however, are scheduled for June 3 and 7, making it necessary to appoint U21 boss Baldini as the caretaker manager.
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Silvio Baldini manager of Italy U21 looks on during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
On June 3, the Azzurri will visit Luxembourg at theStade de Luxembourg and four days later, on June 7, they’ll play away at the Pankritio Stadium in Candia against Greece.
Italy will then return to action in September 2026 for Nations League matches. The Azzurri are in Group 1 alongside France, Belgium and Turkey.
Massimiliano Allegri is confident Milan strikers will score decisive goals in the race for a Champions League spot, but warns: ‘We must not be overwhelmed by events, or it becomes a disaster.’
Milan coach Allegri held a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Udinese.
The Rossoneri slipped to the third spot on Monday, after suffering a 1-0 away loss at Napoli, who leapfrogged Allegri’s men in second.
Milan vs. Udinese – Allegri’s pre-match press conference
“The result influences the judgment. Balance must prevail until the end. We still need a few more points to reach our objective, and we have to get there step by step,” Allegri told reporters via Milannews.
“There are objective facts. In the last three matches, we’ve lost twice away and from the Parma game until now, we’ve failed to score in three games. It has to be dealt with calmly and with clarity.”
Milan’s strong start to the season initially made them possible title contenders, even if Allegri has been reiterating that the main target for 2025-26 is to qualify for the Champions League.
“Maybe we haven’t been good enough to be closer to Inter, which should push us to improve, without losing sight of the Champions League goal,” the coach insisted.
“There are seven matches left, and some teams are improving. During a season, there are moments when strikers score and others when they don’t. But I’m sure that from now until the end, they’ll score goals that will help us qualify for the Champions League.”
Neither Leao nor Pulisic started in Naples on Monday, but were introduced as substitutes in the second half.
“Unfortunately, Leao and Pulisic have had several injuries that have prevented them from reaching peak condition. But they’ve scored important goals,” said the Rossoneri coach.
“Gimenez has just returned after six months. Fullkrug arrived in January; it’s a new league, and he hadn’t played for a while. But he’s made himself available. The environment must remain positive until the end.
“We have to reach our objective, whether we play with six forwards, eight, one or none. What matters is approaching matches proactively,” Allegri continued.
“Tomorrow will be difficult. Udinese are a physical team. They counterattack aggressively and control the pitch intensely.
“We need balance and clarity without being overwhelmed by events, because if we let ourselves be overwhelmed, it becomes a disaster.”
Santiago Gimenez has made two appearances as a substitute after returning from an ankle injury that required surgery in December.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We worked together when I arrived, but then he had to stop because of his ankle. Now he’s back, and it’s normal to have a mental and physical rebound,” concluded Allegri.
“We can’t just talk about Gimenez, Leao or anyone else. We have to look at where we are right now. All of us, myself included, need to give something more than we’ve given so far. It’s a decisive moment, one step at a time. I have full confidence in the quality of our attacking players. Let’s not forget that midfielders and defenders can score too. We need to be solid until the end, a united block, knowing that there will be difficulties in winning matches.”
Former Juventus winger Massimo Mauro believes the Bianconeri must complete four top-level signings to compete for the Serie A title and the Champions League next season: ‘Spalletti isn’t a magician.’
Juventus are fighting for a Champions League spot, sitting fifth in the Serie A table, one point below Como.
However, the Azzurri have a better head-to-head record this season, so if the two sides finish level on points, Como will finish higher.
Mauro: ‘Spalletti isn’t a magician’
Regardless of which European competition they’ll play in next season, Juventus are still determined to continue with Luciano Spalletti and are expected to confirm the coach’s contract extension shortly.
Mauro argued that the Italian tactician’s permanence alone wouldn’t be enough for Juve to return to greatness next season.
“Spalletti isn’t a magician; he needs players of the right level to compete for the title and the Champions League, because that’s what Juventus are expected to do,” Mauro told Gazzetta.
“I’m sure Comolli and Chiellini already have their list of players well organised and are targeting players of Juventus level.”
The former winger went on to say that the Old Lady will need an “international-level goalkeeper,” plus “a top-class defender, a top-class midfielder and a top-class centre-forward.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates and Luciano Spalletti Head coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
As for Spalletti, Mauro’s expectations are clear: “He must do what he managed at Napoli. Create the awareness of being strong and prove it humbly, game after game. At Juventus, there’s an environment that keeps you grounded, so it should be easier than at Napoli.
“However, this only applies if you get four big signings right,” Mauro continued.
“Kim, Anguissa, Lotobka and Osimhen were crucial in winning the title alongside Kvraratskhelia; they were the backbone of the team, and that’s exactly what Juventus need to find.”
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
The former Juventus man also highlighted that many players, including Kenan Yildiz and Marcus Thuram, have clearly improved under Spalletti.
“Kelly has become another player you can really rely on for the future, and that wasn’t a given considering how he started last season,” Mauro concluded.
“He’s truly a cornerstone and has overtaken Gatti, who was untouchable under Allegri.”
Italy have missed out on the third consecutive World Cup, but there are reports that the Azzurri could replace Iran over the summer if the Asians refuse to play in the competition due to the ongoing war with the USA and Israel.
BERLIN – JULY 9: General view of the World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Minister for Sport Abodi, however, has admitted that such a scenario is unlikely.
“It’s a continental matter,” Abodi told reporters on Thursday via FcInter1908.
“It really seems very difficult to me that there could be an issue, unless one arises within Europe.”
CESENA, ITALY – MAY 24:Andrea Abodi during the Women Supercup match betweeen AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Asked whether the Azzurri should expect developments from other continents to be re-admitted in the competition, Abodi replied: “I don’t think so, and I wouldn’t even hope for it.”
If Iran were to withdraw from the World Cup, FIFA would choose the replacement. Even though Italy are the highest-ranked among those who have not qualified, the most likely scenario is that another Asian team would take Iran’s place.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan still have a strong chance of signing Robert Lewandowski as a free agent, as the Barcelona striker is seeking a move to a major European club this summer.
Milan are interested in signing Barcelona star Lewandowski as a free agent in the summer as the striker’s contract runs out at the end of the season.
Previous reports in Italy claimed that talks between the Rossoneri and Lewa’s entourage have already begun, and according to Gazzetta, the Diavoli’s hopes are alive despite the striker’s high wages.
Lewandowski, in fact, is reportedly looking for a new challenge at a major European club, which is exactly what the Rossoneri can offer him.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Milan signed Niclas Fullkrug on loan with an option to buy from West Ham in the January window, but the German striker has rarely been a starter under Massimiliano Allegri, scoring just one goal in 15 appearances.
Sport.es reported in March that Barcelona are eager to offer Lewandowski a one-year deal, but the Poland international remains uncertain about his future at the club.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: The AC Milan fans show their support during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter coach Cristian Chuvu defends Alessandro Bastoni against ‘witch hunt’ and claims the defender’s haters are ‘the ones who might need some psychological work.’
Inter coach Chivu spoke to Sport Mediaset ahead of a Serie A match against Como.
The Romanian tactician once again addressed a question about the Italian international Bastoni, who has been the subject of severe criticism domestically since February.
Bastoni was booed in some away Inter games after causing and celebrating a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during a Serie A match on Tuesday.
A few weeks later, he received a red card while playing for the Italy national team in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bastoni haters ‘might need some psychological work’
“Alessandro doesn’t need to be psychologically ‘fixed’. People have gone all out against him, creating a real witch hunt,” Chivu said.
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale 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)
“I think they’re the ones who might need some psychological work.”
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli and are also in the Coppa Italia semifinals.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gives the team instructions during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Being the Inter coach means having important ambitions,” Chivu said.
“I’m happy because we’re heading into the last two months of the season with the chance to achieve our objectives. We have a duty to believe we can win everything still up for grabs.
“My principles go beyond the expectations of someone else’s narrative,” he concluded.
“I haven’t tried to change. I’ve always remained myself. I don’t feel the need to make bold statements or seek our conflict.”
Several Serie A sides have been linked with a potential summer move for Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Kerim Alajbegovic, who has earned comparisons to former Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by outlets in Italy.
Napoli, Milan and Roma among clubs interested for Alajbegovic
18-year-old Alajbegovic is the bright star of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national side that defeated Italy on penalties in the World Cup play-off final last week. Since then, the talented teenager has been linked with moves to several of Europe’s top sides, including to Napoli, Roma and Milan in Serie A.
Alajbegovic was born in Cologne in Germany, but has represented Bosnia at every youth level from U15 up to the senior side, for whom he has already earned eight caps. He has been on RB Salzburg’s books this season, but it has already been confirmed that his former club Bayer Leverkusen will activate their buy-back option this summer.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
That doesn’t necessarily rule out another move elsewhere during the summer transfer window, though.
Corriere dello Sport suggests that Milan are trying to fend off interest from Roma in order to strike a deal for Alajbegovic this summer.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, meanwhile, claims that Napoli are keen to strike a deal for the Bosnian youngster, whom they have compared to former Partenopei star Kvaratskhelia for his style of play and potential resale value.
The Pink Paper suggests that Napoli want to wrap up a deal for the 18-year-old as swiftly as possible, fearing that a solid impression at the 2026 World Cup will only attract more suitors from across Europe.
Italy international Alessandro Bastoni has been strongly linked with a move away from Inter to join Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but Friday’s reports indicate that the left-sided centre-back is not particularly keen on the idea of leaving San Siro.
Reports Bastoni doesn’t want to leave Inter for Barcelona
Recent reports claim that Inter could go for a summer transfer ‘revolution’ once the 2025-26 season comes to an end, beginning with the contract extension of head coach Cristian Chivu and also involving a major overhaul of the playing squad. Aside from a long list of players whose contracts are due to expire, Bastoni has also been mentioned as one who could be sacrificed to raise funds for new arrivals.
Barcelona are interested and have sounded out Bastoni’s availability with his entourage according to reports in Spain and Italy.
However, according to Friday’s update from Corriere dello Sport, Bastoni wants to stay on with Inter and to continue fighting for titles in San Siro.
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale 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)
Corriere dello Sport points out that there had been interest in Bastoni from Manchester City a few seasons ago, and that Bastoni also pushed to stay in Italy during that period as well.
Recent reports elsewhere add that there is also a major difference in Barcelona and Inter’s valuations of Bastoni, with the buying club rumoured to be considering bids in the region of €45m, while the selling party are pushing for €60m-€70m.
Corriere dello Sport claims that there has been contact with Bastoni’s representatives from the Barcelona camp, but that these have only been initial talks as the player has not given his willingness to discuss a transfer any further.
Friday’s report suggests that the defender feels that Inter is ‘his’ team, especially with the way the club supported him through his recent struggles. The club stood by him while he was being booed in practically every away ground in Italy following the controversial Derby d’Italia victory against Juventus, and the supporters gave him a standing ovation on his return to club football following his red card in Italy’s World Cup play-off defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Juventus are expected to announce that head coach Luciano Spalletti has signed a new contract on Friday, and reports from multiple outlets in Italy indicate that the Bianconeri tactician will have a big sway on future transfer decisions.
Spalletti took over from Igor Tudor as head coach of Juventus in October and signed an initial contract until the end of the 2025-26 season with an option to extend. On his new deal, Spalletti will be tied to the club until the summer of 2028 and will receive an annual salary of around €5m-€6m per season.
The contract extension announcement is expected to be delivered on Friday.
Reports indicate that Juventus made the decision to lock down Spalletti at the beginning of the calendar year, specifically after the 3-0 victory over Sassuolo in January, which was the side’s fifth positive result in a run of seven unbeaten matches.
Spalletti ‘more than a coach’ at Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to reports from multiple outlets in Italy, Spalletti has received reassurances that the club will invest again during the upcoming summer transfer window in order to assemble a squad that is ready to compete for titles immediately.
The Bianconeri are looking to bring in reinforcements all over the pitch, including at goalkeeper, in central midfield and at centre-forward. The Bianconeri could look to bring in new defenders as well. Several ‘big’ names have been linked as well, including Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.
According to Tuttosport and others, Spalletti will have a big say in the transfer targets that Juventus decide to bring in. The Turin-based outlet suggests that Spalletti will be given responsibilities ‘that go beyond the pitch’. Friday’s print edition claimed that Spalletti will be a coach-cum-director.
Roma’s injuries haven’t cleared up just yet, which means that Gian Piero Gasperini could name an unchanged Giallorossi XI against Pisa in Serie A on Friday evening.
Roma are hoping to get their Champions League mission back underway when they host Pisa at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 BST on Friday evening. The Giallorossi currently find themselves in sixth place on 54 points after 31 matches, three points off Juventus in fifth and four points off Como in fourth. They were beaten 5-2 away against table-toppers Inter last time out.
Visitors Pisa remain rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table on 18 points having won just twice in Serie A all season. The most recent of their victories came in a 3-1 win over Cagliari on March 15, but they have since gone on to lose 5-0 to Como and 1-0 to Torino in the weeks since.
Roma are still without key players in Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone and Wesley Franca for tonight’s clash against Pisa. Gasperini confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Wesley and Kone could potentially ease their way back into the group next week, as could centre-back Gianluca Mancini. Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk also remain out with longer-term issues.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Wesley of AS Roma injured 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)
With a lack of real alternative options, Gasperini is likely to name an unchanged XI, despite his side’s 5-2 loss against Inter last weekend.
Pisa are without Marius Marni and Daniel Denoon through injury, while Lorran and Samuel Iling-Junior have not been called up on technical choices.
Rafiu Durosinmi is back and eligible again after serving his suspension, and could be thrown straight back into the starting line-up against Roma.
Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.
Roma vs. Pisa: Probable line-ups
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 22: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on March 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
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Roma opportunity, Gasp and fourth place: ‘We believe’
At home against Pisa (19.45)
Corriere dello Sport
Spalletti, the guarantees
Lucio 2028 | Here’s the renewal: Targeted investments to make the big leap
From Alisson to Rudiger: Juve only looking for big players
The Brazilian goalkeeper has decided to leave Liverpool. The German leaving Real on a free. Bernardo Silva on the list. Champions League ‘play-off’ at Atalanta’s home tomorrow
Opta rankings
Inter, Milan and Napoli in the top 20
Roma do it like this
Attack on Pisa (19.45): Gasperini sets the path
‘On the market, we need to change the targets we sign. We need others like Malen and Wesley. The Champions League race? A goal that I set for myself
Bologna Harakiri
Europa League: Aston Villa treble at the Dall’Ara (1-3)
Errors from Ravaglia and Heggem, the goal from Rowe is only an illusion
Fiorentina nightmare
Conference League; Vanoli loses 3-0 against Crystal Palace
Disastrous referee: It wasn’t a penalty for 1-0. Now requires a miracle
Inter, Bastoni wants to stay
Future in doubt
Isn’t attracted by the Barcelona hypothesis and isn’t considering asking for a sale
Napoli, he’s McTop: Covers five roles
The McTominay joker
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Italy, Baldini with the U21s in June
Double friendly
Tuttosport
Spalletti with full powers
With his renewal, he also has a guarantee of a say on the transfer market. Juve have a manager-director
Expertise and experience at the service of a ‘young’ management team: The idea is for an instant team that is capable of winning immediately and is convincing, even if the budget will be decided by the Champions League. And the dressing room is with him. Vlahovic’s injury tinged with uncertainty. Negotiations are becoming complicated again, and an additional reinforcement for the attack is being considered. In Bergano tomorrow: Koopmeiners battles the boos
Toro punt on Okoli
Defensive move
Enquiries underway with Leicester for the centre-back who earned his first national team call-ups under Spalletti
Bologna and Fiorentina given English lessons: Italy poor
Europa and Conference League
The Rossoblu crumble at Aston Villa’s home in the quarter-final first leg (1-3). The Viola in London against Crystal Palace (3-0)
Vincenzo Italiano is frustrated by the same old Bologna mistakes in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, but insists their opponents ‘will win the Europa League, as they made the most of everything.’
It was a disappointing night at the Stadio Dall’Ara, but above all an unlucky one that showed many of the same problems we’ve seen all season from the Rossoblu.
They were wasteful in attack as well as being unfortunate, hitting the woodwork twice and seeing a Santiago Castro goal disallowed because his toe was offside.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Amadou Onana and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
In comparison, Aston Villa were clinical and made the most of defensive errors, first with Ezri Konsa as Federico Ravaglia flapped at a corner, then Ollie Watkins after the usual mistake playing out from the back.
Jonathan Rowe did pull one back to give hope going into the second leg, which was immediately snatched away again when Watkins was left unmarked on a corner in stoppages.
Italiano frustrated by Bologna errors
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, talks with Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We were in the game from start to finish, we saw what we expected from them, but if you make certain mistakes against them, you will be punished,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“If you gift two or three goals, you are going to inevitably struggle, both on the night and in the tie. Now we’ll see what happens in the second leg, but the performance was strong, we caused problems for a team of a truly high value.
“I think tonight we saw confirmation of what I thought beforehand, which is that Aston Villa will win the Europa League. Congratulations to them, because they made the most of absolutely everything we let slip, despite a good performance from Bologna.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was noted that Aston Villa don’t particularly press, and that the Rossoblu in turn were worried about pressing them too.
“If they put the ball over the top and move so many players into space, it can be damaging,” explained Italiano.
“Before the match, I told the lads these are situations where you mustn’t be superficial in any situation, whether it’s giving away a corner or a loose pass, because this team will punish you at the slightest error. Unfortunately, that’s what happened.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The first goal was from a throw-in taken by Rowe, who shouldn’t have had it in his hands, and it changed the inertia of the game. On the second goal, we were playing out from the back and made a mistake. We just can’t seem to have a full game without errors.”
Bologna have a mountain to climb with the second leg of this quarter-final at Villa Park in Birmingham, where they already lost 2-0 in October 2024 and 1-0 earlier this season in the Europa League.
In both those matches, they again failed to convert their chances and were punished for errors, so it is a recurring pattern.
“We made too many mistakes this season, not just tonight, we never manage to go a full 90 minutes with total concentration, there is always an error or a distraction. The crucial moments of the game are either side of half-time and in the final minutes, and we conceded goals in all of them,” confessed Italiano.
“It’s frustrating, because when you see how many chances we created against the level of opposition, we did good things tonight.”
Does Italiano still have hope for the second leg?
“It would be a sporting miracle to turn this around, but as we saw yesterday with Barcelona losing to Atletico Madrid, anything can happen. It’s particularly odd in Europe, because sometimes you get referees who don’t whistle at all, others they give cards for the slightest contact.
“Admittedly, 2-1 would’ve been a different result, even if they have a different gear on their own turf, but we’ll give it our all,” assured Italiano.
David De Gea delivered a characteristically honest and grounded assessment after Fiorentina suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park, leaving the Viola with a seemingly impossible task in the Conference League quarter-final second leg at the Stadio Franchi next week.
It was a damaging evening for Paolo Vanoli’s side, who gifted Crystal Palace a strong platform in the opening half hour before finding their feet, only to concede a third goal deep into stoppage time that De Gea acknowledged was entirely avoidable.
“The third goal hurts,” the veteran goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.
“To concede at the last minute on a cross, it was too easy for them. But this is football, you have to be concentrated for 95 minutes.”
The Spanish stopper was not without hope for the second leg, even if he acknowledged the scale of the challenge.
“It looks difficult but not impossible,” he said.
“We have got to do something amazing, win 3-0, and we have it all to do at the Franchi.”
He did, however, believe the scoreline flattered Palace considerably, pointing to a strong second-half showing and several missed chances as evidence that the tie could have looked very different.
“I think if we had converted one of our chances, everything would have changed. We didn’t, and instead we conceded a third.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: David De Gea of ACF Fiorentina looks on as ticker tape is seen around him during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
De Gea: ‘Three months ago we were in serious trouble’
Characteristically, De Gea was keen to frame the result within the context of a season that has been far from straightforward for Fiorentina.
“We must not forget that three months ago we were in serious trouble,” he said.
“The team is doing better in Serie A, it might not seem like it, but getting out of the situation we were in is something impressive. We have achieved nothing yet and still have work to do there.”
Asked about the gap between Serie A and the Premier League, with Fiorentina losing 3-0 and Bologna falling 3-1 to Aston Villa on the same evening, De Gea was candid but measured.
“The Premier League is ahead of Serie A, but they also have a lot more money, better infrastructure and they do things very well,” he said. “But other than those first 20-30 minutes, where we had the wrong approach and conceded two goals, I think we played well and deserved to score tonight.”
Unai Emery was measured and respectful in his post-match assessment after Aston Villa secured a commanding 3-1 victory at the Renato Dall’Ara, candidly admitting his side were second best for long periods of the first half while defending the state of Italian football against what he considered an unfair narrative.
The Villa manager made no attempt to overstate his side’s dominance, acknowledging that the scoreline at half-time somewhat flattered the visitors.
“Bologna did better in the first half, we were too timid, sat too deep and tried a lot of long balls to find Watkins without getting the game where we wanted,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“At the same time, we allowed Bologna very few shots on target. The result was good at half-time even if we felt we didn’t particularly deserve to be in that position.”
The second half, however, was a different story.
“It went much better after the restart, we were looser, more fluid and managed to score two more goals,” Emery said.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Emery: ‘No crisis in Italy, the clubs are very good’
He was quick to caution against complacency ahead of next week’s second leg at Villa Park, however.
“We must not rest on our laurels. We have seen Bologna overturn big results before and can take nothing for granted. They are very good on their travels and we have the utmost respect.”
Asked about the wider crisis engulfing Italian football following the World Cup elimination, Emery pushed back firmly.
“I don’t agree there are problems,” he said.
“In recent years Inter played two Champions League finals, Atalanta won it, Fiorentina and Roma played Conference League finals and won one. It is true Italy did not qualify for the World Cup, but their clubs are very good, Napoli, Roma, Inter, Milan, Atalanta, Juventus, Bologna. I have the utmost respect for Italian football. I also learned a great deal from Italian coaches like Gasperini and his 3-5-2, the same system that allowed Inter to have such success.”
Emery also addressed the subject of Donyell Malen, the Roma forward who left Villa Park in January and has since impressed in Serie A.
“It was a good agreement for him and for us,” Emery explained.
“He wanted to play as a centre-forward but we had Watkins, so there wasn’t much playing time available. I wanted to keep him, but he had this opportunity at Roma. I am pleased he is doing well, I think he can have a great career there.”
Paolo Vanoli insists ‘a goal would’ve changed the game’ for Fiorentina, who instead were crushed 3-0 by Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final first leg.
There were a few question marks over the penalty converted by Jean-Philippe Mateta, as Evann Guessand had already missed his chance when Dodo clattered into him, but Tyrick Mitchell bundled over the line, and Ismaila Sarr nodded in during stoppages to make it a heavy 3-0 result.
Vanoli saw Fiorentina reaction
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
“We knew that they were strong, both physically and technically. We had a very good approach in my view, the penalty destabilised us and we didn’t manage to keep our focus,” said Vanoli on Sky Sport Italia.
“I saw a better second half with a lot of character, a goal would’ve changed the game. When you are up against a Premier League team, you will pay for errors, and what really irritated me was conceding the last goal.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace scores his team’s second goal past David De Gea of ACF Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are in their first ever UEFA tournament, while Fiorentina were hoping to reach their fourth consecutive edition of the Conference League semi-final.
However, the Tuscans seemed to show absolutely none of that extra European experience this evening.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Chris Richards of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“I thought that in many ways we had a very good performance. We were up against a Premier League side and this shows us what we need to grow in future,” continued the coach.
“Now we have to focus on Serie A, because there is still work to do there to secure safety after a strong run.
“It is frustrating, because a goal would’ve kept the tie wide open.”
Fiorentina have inevitably been torn between seeing the Conference League as prestigious and also a costly distraction from the main focus, which is avoiding Serie A relegation.
“There’s no point hiding the fact it was an added problem and we have done well to balance the two until now. I would’ve liked to reach this game with a full squad at my disposal, but the second and third goals were honestly avoidable,” concluded Vanoli.
Bologna were left to rue a series of costly defensive errors after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final first leg at the Renato Dall’Ara, with both Lewis Ferguson and Federico Bernardeschi delivering frank and self-critical assessments of a result that leaves the Italians facing a mountain to climb at Villa Park next week.
The manner of the defeat was particularly frustrating given how well Bologna performed in the opening 45 minutes.
Ferguson, who had a chance himself to open the scoring, felt the scoreline was a harsh reflection of a first half his side largely controlled, only to be undone by the kind of individual errors that Aston Villa, at this level, are ruthless enough to punish.
“We knew this would be a real challenge, Villa are a very strong side, but I thought we dominated the first half,” Ferguson told Sky Sport Italia.
“We conceded on a corner, we knew they were good in these situations, and I’m sad that we conceded a goal like that when we were doing so well. In the second half we paid for another avoidable error that made life difficult for ourselves.”
He remained defiant about the second leg, however. “We’ve got nothing left to lose at Villa Park.”
Ferguson also acknowledged the fine margins that separate the two sides at this level.
“There are details that decide games at this level, we saw the difference today in the details, and perhaps that is the big difference between us and Aston Villa.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, talks with Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa – Bernardeschi: ‘You cannot afford to make these mistakes in Europe’
Bernardeschi was equally candid, and his words carried the weight of a senior player demanding higher standards from himself and his teammates.
“The truth is you cannot afford to make these mistakes in Europe,” he said.
“I believe Bologna are not in any way inferior to Aston Villa, but the details make the difference, you cannot make any mistakes, and we were punished by three errors.”
He was particularly pointed about the third goal, which he felt was entirely avoidable.
“This game has to be a teachable moment. We need to mature, grow, and believe that if we want to take the step up in quality, we cannot do things like this.”
A first-half performance full of promise, three defensive lapses, and a 3-1 deficit — Bologna’s European education continues, and the lessons have never been more costly.
The Viola were hoping to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, but also knew the focus was on avoiding Serie A relegation. Moise Kean, Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey didn’t make the trip.
Jorgen Strand Larsen was suspended, with Chris Richards and Caleb Kporha injured, so Palace gave Jean-Philippe Mateta his first start since January 25 after a failed medical ruined his move to Milan.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Mateta couldn’t keep his header on target from six yards on a Daniel Munoz cross, while Robin Gosens shinned a volley wide from a promising position.
Evann Guessand was inches away from scoring when he scuffed a volley inches wide of the far post from 12 yards.
Guessand got into the box again and had already taken the wayward shot before Dodo made contact with the clumsy sliding tackle, but the referee still awarded the penalty and VAR confirmed it.
Jean-Philippe Mateta slots the penalty past David De Gea to put Palace 1-0 up
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026
Mateta sent David De Gea the wrong way to give Palace the lead.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina battles for possession with Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
There was a second goal when Munoz sprung the offside trap on a ball over the top to knock down the ball over the top, Mateta’s tap-in was parried by De Gea, who could do nothing on the Tyrick Mitchell follow-up.
Crystal Palace have a two goal lead after just 30 minutes
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026
The restart was delayed by several minutes when the Crystal Palace fans repeatedly threw rolls of paper at De Gea’s goal, forcing players to help stewards clean up the mess.
Fiorentina should’ve pulled one back when Dodo burst down the right and pulled back to find Giovanni Fabbian unmarked from 12 yards, but his first-time sweep only thumped the crossbar.
Former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada drilled just wide, while Roberto Piccoli sliding onto a Dodo assist forced a tricky save out of Dean Henderson.
Guessand went off injured and Piccoli failed to get a clean header to the Marin Pongracic cross, but it should’ve been 3-0 when Mateta steered a free header wide at the back post.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Chris Richards of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
The third goal did arrive when Kamada’s cross found Ismaila Sarr for a free header at the back post, surprising Pietro Comuzzo.
Bologna were unlucky in attack and paid a heavy price for defensive errors, suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final.
The Rossoblu eliminated Roma in the all-Italian derby and went into this match without suspended Martin Vitik, plus injured Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Benjamin Dominguez.
Unai Emery won the Europa League four times as coach and made this trip without Jadon Sancho and Boubacar Kamara, so Youri Tielemans got his first start since January 25. Villa had won every game except one in the competition and already beat Bologna 1-0 in September, but that was the last Rossoblu defeat in this tournament.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: The teams line up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Ollie Watkins didn’t get full control of a smart Youri Tielemans ball over the top, while Jhon Lucumi was booked early on and will be suspended for the second leg.
Bologna had a big double chance when first the Santiago Castro angled drive was charged down by Pau Torres, then Emiliano Martinez fingertipped the acrobatic Juan Miranda follow-up out from under the bar.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Santiago Castro of Bologna has a shot blocked by Pau Torres of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The hosts had the ball in the net on 26 minutes when Castro’s effort took a deflection off Ezri Konsa and was cleared by Matty Cash only after already crossing the line. However, it was disallowed by VAR as Castro’s toe was offside on the Jonathan Rowe pass.
Bologna were unlucky again moments later, this time Lewis Ferguson at full stretch poked a Rowe cross onto the underside of the crossbar.
John McGinn drilled inches wide, and Aston Villa took the lead against the run of play just before half-time. Federico Ravaglia flapped at a Youri Tielemans corner, as Konsa held off Lucumi to nod in at the back post.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026
Straight after the restart, Rowe ran from his own half and pulled back for Tommaso Pobega to fire just over from the edge of the area.
However, Bologna made another costly and avoidable error, this time Torbjorn Heggem struggling to control an overhit Miranda pass out from the back, so Buendia intercepted, allowing Watkins to place the angled drive under Ravaglia.
Incredibly, the hosts hit the frame of the goal for a second time, as Rowe set up Bernardeschi to fire against the outside of the near post.
Moments later, Dibu Martinez flew for a sensational fingertip save to push the Rowe curler out from under the bar.
Joao Mario also had an effort charged down, as did Rowe, but Bologna finally got the goal they deserved when Rowe cut inside from the left and bent a ferocious right-foot finish past Martinez.
However, just as they had hope, Watkins was left totally unmarked to tap in a flicked-on corner from five yards and restore Villa’s two-goal cushion.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace took a controversial penalty in their stead on Thursday evening to take the lead against Fiorentina in their UEFA Conference League quarter-final.
Jean-Philippe Mateta converted from the spot after Dodo fouled Evan Guessand in the box.
However, Dodo’s foul on the Palace forward came after the player had already taken a poor shot at goal. Whilst the Brazilian’s follow through was not great, it had no effect on play.
Whether it should or should not have been given is up for debate but one thing is for certain, the yellow card shown to the Fiorentina man in the aftermath, likely for dissent, will see him miss the second leg in Florence.
You can follow all the action from the rest of the match, as it happens, on our Liveblog.
Jean-Philippe Mateta slots the penalty past David De Gea to put Palace 1-0 up
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on December 07, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace double their lead over Fiorentina
Shortly after, the Premier League side doubled their lead through Tyrick Mitchell after the full-back pounced on a rebound after the hosts forced a good save out of David De Gea.
Fiorentina have a mountain to climb, now, or at the very least must enforce damage limitation so as to not leave themselves with too much of a hurdle in to clear in the second leg.
Crystal Palace have a two goal lead after just 30 minutes
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner spoke to the microphones of TNT Sport before kick-off against Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals.
The Austrian coach discussed his team’s progress in training, as well as providing updates on returning stars Jean-Phillipe Mateta, Daniel Munoz and Dean Henderson.
“They trained fully, Dean was ill before the international break and JP [Mateta] and Daniel were managing their minutes. Of course they are starters but we still have to manage Mateta’s knee and so it’s good Strand Larsen comes back for the Newcastle game.
“It’s always good to have many options because as we saw at Larnaca, we needed Strand Larsen and Mateta up front to help us score goals so it’s good to have many options.
Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Glasner: ‘We are refreshed and ready’
Asked about how he was feeling, and how the squad have been doing in training, Glasner said
“Yes we’re feeling refreshed. We made the best of it. Many players played for their national team and we had an in-house game so everyone can stay in rhythm with a good week in training.
“Yes I feel relaxed, the players give me a good feeling. We had a great week in training but on the other hand, we know the most important part is after the kick off, how we perform. But the preparation is very good.”
Glasner’s Crystal Palace come into the game with extra rest compared to Fiorentina, who played at the weekend. The English club have not played since before the international break, with many English clubs given an extra week of rest due to the FA Cup weekend.
Weston McKennie has delivered a glowing tribute to Luciano Spalletti in a wide-ranging interview for DAZN’s Remember the Name format, describing the Juventus head coach as the best manager of his career while also reflecting on the extraordinary experience of sharing a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The American midfielder has been one of Juventus’ most consistent performers this season and recently signed a contract renewal, a far cry from the period not long ago when he appeared to have no future at the club. Much of that transformation, McKennie suggests, is down to the environment Spalletti has created around him.
“I get on very well with him,” McKennie said, with quotes via AlfredoPedulla. “I think every player has different needs and there are different expectations on each of us. Every time I see the manager he gives me a sense of security.”
He was particularly struck by Spalletti’s ability to deliver criticism constructively, an approach he contrasted with other managers he has worked under.
“When he tells you off he never does it in a harsh way, he always does it to make you improve. Some coaches humiliate you, but Spalletti’s personality makes you think that you need to get better. He commands your attention every time he speaks, he has experience, he is wise.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach 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)
Juventus, McKennie: ‘Spalletti is the best coach I’ve had’
McKennie also highlighted the collective philosophy that underpins everything Spalletti does. “He focuses heavily on team success,” he said.
“He always says that you can dribble past four opponents, score and be happy, but if you provide a beautiful assist, two people are happy. That is why I say he is the best coach I have had in my career. The numbers say it and the way he manages the group makes him an outstanding coach.”
On Ronaldo, McKennie was equally vivid, recalling the sheer reality of the Portuguese superstar’s legendary dedication. “It was incredible to play with him,” he said. “When I met him I thought that everything you hear about his professionalism is completely true.”
He went on to describe scenes that have become almost mythological in football, returning from away matches at three in the morning to find Ronaldo heading for an ice bath rather than home, and seeing him back in the gym the morning after a gruelling fixture. “It was something I needed to see with my own eyes to believe,” McKennie said.
Vincenzo Italiano warns Aston Villa ‘are the favourites’ in the Europa League quarter-final, but Bologna need to be ‘clinical, because we didn’t make the most of opportunities’ last time.
The Rossoblu are the only remaining Italian team in the Europa League, having surprisingly eliminated Roma in the Round of 16 after a 4-3 second leg thriller in extra time.
They already faced Aston Villa twice recently, losing 2-0 in October 2024 and 1-0 back in September, but that was also the only Europa League defeat this season, followed by four draws and seven victories.
Italiano wants Bologna coup
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, speaks to his players during warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It is good to be here and taking part in games like this, we’ll see if we can perform on the night against a great opponent, a coach who has already won this competition four times. They are the favourites, and we need a super performance to cause them problems,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
Martin Vitik is suspended, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Benjamin Dominguez out injured.
Santiago Castro leads the attack, with Federico Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe in support, plus Lewis Ferguson and Tommaso Pobega in midfield.
“We’ll see if we are able to work between the lines and into those corridors with Ferguson and Pobega. Once we lose the ball, we’ve got to chase it down immediately, and when we have it, we’ve got to try to hurt them, especially in the home leg.
“Above all, I want to see us be clinical, because we did create plenty of chances in the two previous matches against them, and we didn’t make the most of those scoring opportunities.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Unai Emery won the Europa League four times, but also expressed admiration for Italiano’s record, having reached two Conference League Finals and two in the Coppa Italia, winning the latter last season.
“We are talking about a coach who gets his teams playing well, has won so many trophies, and that means he’s a winner. Here too, he immediately got Aston Villa into the Champions League, he’s a great European coach, it is an honour to challenge him and we hope to do well,” concluded Italiano.
Unai Emery said he ‘will pay’ for dinner with Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano after the Europa League quarter-final, but first Aston Villa must ‘show respect’ to their opponents.
Emery really is a specialist in the Europa League, winning it four times at two different clubs in his coaching career between Sevilla and Villarreal.
Emery admires Bologna and Italiano
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“I asked my team to show respect for this competition, for this opponent. It is very difficult to be competitive and Bologna will do so much to cause us problems, so we need to be very well-organised and ready,” Emery told Sky Sport Italia.
Bologna already lost 2-0 to Aston Villa in the Champions League last season and 1-0 back in September for this tournament, but this is the first time Aston Villa have played at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“We have individual talents, but we need to be organised as a team in order to get the best out of them. Football is a team sport, and we need everyone to work together so that they can all give their best individually too.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, checks his watch on the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Aston Villa are flying high in the Premier League, currently in fourth place, one point behind Manchester United and five ahead of Liverpool, so are on track to qualify for the Champions League.
They eliminated Lille in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, 3-0 on aggregate, and won every game in the tournament this season except for a 2-1 loss away to Go Ahead Eagles on October 23.
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano said he would like to meet Emery for dinner one day to talk football, away from competition.
“I have great respect for Italiano, he was already a strong player, now as a coach he has reached three finals in three years. That means he knows how to prepare his teams in these competitions and transmit his ideas, the competitive approach to the players,” smiled Emery.
“Of course, I will pay! It is always fascinating to exchange ideas with people from other countries and styles of football.”
Paolo Vanoli explains how he believes Fiorentina can ‘create problems’ for Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘We must play with character and positivity.’
The Viola are hoping to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, but are also well aware that the priority is managing to avoid relegation in Serie A.
Vanoli outlines Fiorentina approach
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I always said the team spirit is what allowed us to get results when we had started from the bottom. This is a match against a strong, Premier League team, so we must play with character and positivity.”
Moise Kean is still struggling with that recuring ankle issue and has not made the trip to London, along with Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring the 1-4 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are in their first major UEFA tournament, but Jorgen Strand Larsen is suspended, with Chris Richards and Caleb Kporha injured.
Jean-Philippe Mateta gets his first start since January 25, when his failed medical ruined the planned €30m transfer to Milan.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Giovanni Fabbian of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It was put to Vanoli that Fiorentina can do damage to Crystal Palace’s defence, especially with Giovanni Fabbian’s position.
“In modern football, midfielders make the difference. Fagioli pulls the strings and has been sending passes to the strikers so well lately. I think we can create problems for them between the lines and support the striker, even if Palace are a very strong team,” agreed the coach.
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)
Usually, Fiorentina were the favourites in their Conference League fixtures this season, but this is not the case for the quarter-final and might actually help them.
“Pressure is part of the game and you need it if you want to achieve something important. With the emotional state we were in domestically, the fact we got this far in the Conference League was remarkable.
“Now this is a reward for us and our fans that we are able to play this quarter-final. We’ve got to enjoy it and remember the tie is played over two legs,” concluded Vanoli.
Juventus have identified Ederson as a primary midfield target for this summer, with Luciano Spalletti personally requesting the Atalanta and Brazil international as the player he believes can fundamentally change the character of his squad, even if the path to signing him is far from straightforward.
According to Tuttosport, via CalcioMercato, the Brazilian has already decided to leave Bergamo at the end of the season.
With his contract running until 2027 and Atalanta determined to cash in rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee next summer, the Brazilian’s entourage have been active in exploring options for some time.
They have already reached a preliminary agreement with Atletico Madrid, who have tabled a bid in the region of €35 million, though Atalanta are holding firm at €40 million and are prepared to let a bidding war develop if necessary.
That is where Juventus see their opportunity.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Ederson of Atalanta BC passes the ball under pressure from Nuno Tavares of Lazio during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at Gewiss Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Juventus aim to sabotage Atletico move for Ederson
Despite Atletico’s head start, the Bianconeri believe their own appeal, particularly under Spalletti, who has a strong track record of maximising the potential of dynamic box-to-box midfielders, could prove persuasive.
The pursuit of Sandro Tonali has been abandoned due to the prohibitive cost and fierce English competition, making Ederson the most realistic route to the high-quality midfield addition Spalletti has been promised.
Ederson has been at Atalanta since 2022 and has made 173 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals, while also collecting a Europa League winner’s medal in 2024. This season he has featured 34 times, contributing two goals, numbers that underline his consistency if not his attacking output.
The broader picture at Juventus this summer involves significant investment across the squad, with the Vlahovic renewal situation still unresolved and at least one further striker required. But in midfield, Spalletti has made his wishes clear, and Ederson is the name at the top of his list.
Vincenzo Italiano’s side were the surprise victors in the all-Italian derby in the Round of 16, eliminating Roma after a 1-1 first leg draw and 4-3 win in extra time at the Stadio Olimpico.
Martin Vitik is suspended for the first leg, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Benjamin Dominguez injured.
Federico Ravaglia therefore has to go in goal, with Castro the only centre-forward, but Bernardeschi and Rowe are preferred to Riccardo Orsolini and Niccolò Cambiaghi.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Santiago Castro of Bologna reacts during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Hellas Verona FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
These teams have met twice before very recently, with Aston Villa winning 2-0 in the Champions League in October 2024, then 1-0 back in September 2025 as part of the Europa League opening phase.
Both those games were at Villa Park, so this is the first time they’ve faced off on Italian soil.
That 1-0 loss in September is also the only defeat Bologna suffered in the Europa League this season, along with four draws and seven victories.
epa11676176 Bologna fans hold their team’s scarfs during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909, in Birmingham, Britain, 22 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN
Aston Villa currently sit fourth in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester United and five ahead of Liverpool, so are on track to qualify for the Champions League.
They eliminated Lille in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, 3-0 on aggregate, and won every game in the tournament this season except for a 2-1 loss away to Go Ahead Eagles on October 23.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: John McGinn of Aston Villa scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Boubacar Kamara and Jadon Sancho are the only injury absentees for coach Unai Emery, who is a real specialist in this competition, winning the Europa League a record four times.
Their squad includes Argentina hero goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, ex-Roma full-back Lucas Digne, former Milan and Roma striker Tammy Abraham, Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus and Roma flop Leon Bailey.
Fiorentina are without Moise Kean, so Roberto Piccoli and Albert Gudmundsson lead the attack against Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta in the Conference League quarter-final.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The Viola are torn between focus on avoiding relegation from Serie A after a disastrous start to the season, and trying to reach the Conference League semi-final for the fourth year in a row.
Star striker Kean is again forced out with a recurring ankle issue and has not even made the trip, with Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey also injured.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Piccoli therefore is the centre-forward, supported by Gudmundsson, Italy Under-21 international Cher Ndour, Giovanni Fabbian and January signing Jack Harrison.
Veteran goalkeeper David De Gea takes the gloves, with Robin Gosens at left-back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: David de Gea goalkeeper of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between ACF Fiorentina and AEK Athens FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 27, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are forced to do without suspended Jorgen Strand Larsen, while Chris Richards and Caleb Kporha are carrying injuries.
They too are struggling domestically this season, sitting 14th in the Premier League, albeit with a healthy cushion from the relegation zone.
Juan Sebastian Veron knows a thing or two about thunderous long-range strikes, and the Argentine midfield legend watched Hakan Calhanoglu’s stunning effort against Roma with the appreciative eye of someone who spent a career doing exactly the same thing.
Calhanoglu‘s powerful drive to seal Inter’s victory over Roma was a goal of genuine quality, precise, powerful and deliberate in its execution. Whether goalkeeper Mile Svilar could have done better is debatable, but the Turkish international gave him precious little chance, picking his spot and striking with conviction from well outside the penalty area.
For Veron, it was a moment of rare craft in a modern game that has largely abandoned the art of shooting from distance.
“Calhanoglu did today what was fairly common in my time,” Veron explained, via La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Back then, midfielders, especially box-to-box players, would always have a go when they reached 25 metres. Now the preference is to carry the ball inside. I loved shooting from distance, and I wasn’t bad at it either.”
What impressed Veron most was not simply the power of the strike but the intelligence behind it.
“He had no opponent pressing him, so he had time to take aim and shoot,” he said.
“He was clever enough to generate power without losing his coordination, which is an error you often see. What I particularly liked was that he aimed for a specific part of the goal and found it. So often you see wild shots that somehow end up in the net. This was different. Well done.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter scores his team’s second goal while under pressure from Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Veron: ‘Calhanoglu is an excellent regista, dictates Inter tempo’
On why players attempt so few long-range efforts in the modern game, Veron was blunt.
“Because it requires courage, the courage to miss, to ignore the criticism,” he said. “And it requires considerable technique. The ball must be struck in a specific way, the leg must follow through freely but always under control.”
He proceeded to break the skill down methodically: strike with the instep or outer instep rather than the inside of the foot, decide before striking whether to keep it low or lift it, and crucially, read the goalkeeper’s position rather than shooting blind. “Only through repetition in training do you make progress,” he added.
On Calhanoglu’s broader value to Inter, Veron was equally admiring.
“He has this quality in his locker, but not only this one. He is an excellent deep-lying playmaker, he dictates the tempo, knows when to slow things down or speed them up, and has a superb long pass that opens defences and finds teammates in space. For Inter he is an enormous asset.”
Asked to recall his own finest long-range effort, Veron needed no time to think.
“January 1997, I was at Sampdoria. A corner from Mihajlovic and I volleyed it just inside the area, straight under the crossbar.”
He also remembered a stunning volley at San Siro against Inter for Parma in the Coppa Italia, set up by Asprilla and finished across goal with power and precision.
“Inter protested that there had been a foul and three of their players were sent off,” he recalled with a smile. “I had never seen that before, I score and three opponents get dismissed. And that season we won the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup.”
The biggest political party in Italy has presented a motion to annul the sale of San Siro to Inter and Milan following an investigation into the stadium situation.
After a decade of discussions, projects that were presented, scrapped, represented and revised, the two clubs finally sealed the purchase of the land around the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the San Siro area of Milan.
San Siro future still up in the air
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
In November 2025, the clubs completed the €200m agreement to build a new arena in what is essentially now the car park, and after that they can tear down the existing stadium or remodel it.
Now Fratelli d’Italia, the political party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the opposition party in the city of Milan, has presented a motion to annul the sale of San Siro and demand the resignation of Mayor Giuseppe Sala.
They had always been against the sale of the stadium, wanting to instead refurbish the existing arena, even though that will be extremely difficult with the teams playing every three days.
It is no secret that the Rossoneri are keeping a close eye on the situation, as they are hoping to replicate the successful swoop for veteran Luka Modric when his Real Madrid contract was allowed to run down last year.
Lewandowski can still deliver for Milan
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Despite the fact he will celebrate his 38th birthday in August, Lewandowski is still banging in the goals for Barcelona, finding the net 17 times with three assists in 39 competitive games this season.
His contract only runs to June 30, although it could be renewed if certain conditions are met.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – APRIL 15: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after Ramy Bensebaini of Borussia Dortmund concedes an own goal, resulting in the first goal for FC Barcelona, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato, Milan have stepped up communication with agent Pini Zahavi in order to convince Lewandowski to accept a significantly lower salary.
Their ceiling is set at €7m per season, whereas the Poland international currently pockets as much as €20m at Camp Nou.
That is also a figure that MLS club Chicago Fire would be willing to pay, but Milan hope that the lure of Serie A and their likely Champions League qualification can convince him to remain.
He’d also get to be teammates with former Real Madrid rival Modric, who is finding a new lease of life in Italian football.
Italy will have some more representation at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA, because referee Maurizio Mariani and VAR Marco Di Bello are among those officiating.
The Azzurri failed to qualify for the third edition of the World Cup in a row, although there will still be some Italian interest in the tournament.
That includes Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, Turkiye boss Vincenzo Montella, and Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro.
Italian referee Mariani at 2026 World Cup
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)
Di Bello has also been included, but he will be in the role of VMO, meaning he’ll be in the VAR booth and not on the field.
Assistant referees Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni are going to the World Cup too.
There are 52 referees in total who will be involved in the tournament, which is bigger than ever with over 100 games being played in three countries.
This includes 15 officials from Europe chosen by another Italian, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina.
“This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be contested across the most extensive geographical footprint in the tournament’s history,” said Collina.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Referee Maurizio Mariani reacts during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It’ll be the largest FIFA Team One ever, with 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each of them must be ready to be appointed for a match and to contribute actively to ensuring that the refereeing at the World Cup is a success.
“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing.”
The group of officials will meet in Miami for a 10-day preparation seminar starting May 31, then the VAR team will relocate to Dallas.
While the senior team might be struggling, youth level football is still flourishing, and they qualified for the final phase of the Under-17 tournament.
Who Italy will play in Under-17 Euros
Italy Under 17 squad celebrate FIGC
The draw has placed the Azzurrini in Group B and will make their debut against France on May 26, then Montenegro on May 29 and Denmark on June 1.
All their games will be played at the Kalevi Central Stadium in Tallinn.
The top two teams in each group will go through to the semi-finals, while the Final is scheduled for June 7.
Italy qualified by finishing second in their group with six points, one behind leaders Montenegro, then dominated the A2 phase in March with a 100 per cent record, beating Portugal 3-2, Iceland 4-0 and Romania 2-1.
EMPOLI- JUNE 09: Team of Italy U17 celebrate the victory of UEFA European Under 17-Championship 2023/2024 before an International Friendly match between Italy and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Stadio Carlo Castellani on June 09, 2024 in Empoli (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Coach Daniele Franceschini not only qualified them for the final phase of the European Under-21 Championship, but also the Under-17 World Cup, scheduled for November 2026 in Qatar.
Former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner admits that ‘the wound is still there’ with Allegri after a falling out in 2017, and has explained what made Antonio Conte a more enjoyable coach to work under during his time in Turin.
Lichtsteiner, who was appointed head coach of Basel in January, spoke in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Thursday.
Lichtsteiner on positives with Conte and negatives with Allegri at Juventus
Lichtsteiner spoke in-depth about the lessons he learned during his time working under Conte, but revealed that he is still ‘disappointed’ after being left off Juventus’s Champions League squad list by Allegri in 2017-18.
“So many memories come to mind,” Lichtsteiner said when recalling his relationship with Conte.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 02: Juventus FC manager Antonio Conte (C) celebrates the victory with Stephan Lichtsteiner (R) at the end of the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan on October 2, 2011 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I think of all the training sessions spent working on the same plays. Antonio was sure from day one that we’d win it. He’s someone who teaches you that winning is the only thing that matters. And I will take that with me forever. He does everything he can to make you win. “He taught me, more than anything else, to be mean on the pitch. I was a different person when I played. I knew that the referees couldn’t take to me much, or the coaches. I didn’t talk to anyone, I wasn’t an easy guy to manage.”
However, Lichtsteiner doesn’t have the same fondness when looking back on his time with Allegri.
He says that he is particularly disappointed by the fact that the aforementioned Champions League snub was a result of ‘personal issues’ rather than playing quality.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“That was something that hurt and is a wound that is still there. Especially because it had to do with personal issues and nothing on the pitch. I remember that Allegri called me. There was disappointment. In hindsight, I’m happy that I was included in January.”
Riccardio Calafiori has admitted that he feels more comfortable playing in a back four rather than in a back three, but believes that his preferences and Gennaro Gattuso’s tactical selections were not the reason behind Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Calafiori on Arsenal goals and Italy ‘disappointment’
Calafiori lined up alongside Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Bastoni in a three-man defence for Italy’s World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Tuesday, and briefly spoke about the national team in an interview with Sky Sport Italia following Arsenal’s recent Champions League victory over Sporting CP.
The former Roma and Bologna defender admits that the disappointment of Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third tournament in a row will remain for ‘quite a while’ but says that he has to focus on his football at club level, with Arsenal still fighting for the Premier League and Champions League titles.
“I think the disappointment will remain for quite a while, but that’s how it is in football, I prefer to play as a starter because there’s nothing else to think about when you’re on the pitch. You try to give your best, there are big goals to play for,” Calafiori told Sky.
“I think the disappointment remains inside, but I hope to achieve something big with Arsenal at the end of the season.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Alessandro Costacurta was on punditry duty in the Sky studios. He pointed out that all of the teams competing in the Champions League quarter-finals lined up in a back four, while in Italy and with the national team, a back three remains one of the more popular systems.
Calafiori told Costacurta that he does prefer playing in a back four, but that this was not the reason behind Italy’s World Cup play-off final defeat.
“I’ve never thought about it, I don’t know what to say about it. I feel better in a four-man defence, both as a central defender and as a full-back. But if you think that’s the reason why the game (against Bosnia) went badly, I don’t think that’s the case.”
Costacurta clarified that his question was meant generally, and not specifically in relation to the Italy national team: “I didn’t want to put you in a difficlt spot,” he insisted.
Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken in-depth about how he wants to see Roma operate during the summer transfer window and has explained what makes players like Donyell Malen or Wesley Franca ‘ideal’ targets for the Giallorossi.
Gasperini’s press conference ahead of Roma-Pisa: Inter reflections, Champions League goal and ‘ideal’ transfer plan
The Roma head coach gave his thoughts on Roma’s recruitment, this season’s injury battles and his side’s recent 5-2 defeat against Inter during his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s Serie A match against Pisa.
Gasperini began his customary chat with the media with an injury update on some of his key first-team players. He is not expecting any surprise returnees for Pisa, but hopes that the situation might start to clear up in time for next weekend’s match against Atalanta.
“I think Mancini will recover as early as next week, I hope Kone and Wesley will too,” Gasperini confirmed.
“The injuries they have are less serious situations. Dybala is doing quite well, but he’s more unpredictable. It will take a week or two.
“Injuries have definitely hindered us from the end of December onwards, they’ve all been very long. The issue isn’t the number of injuries (it’s the length). If you miss one or two weeks, you can still make it back. When you miss months, though, that’s not part of the ‘normality’ in football. From Ferguson to Bailey and Dovbyk, then Dybala, Soule and Angelino.
“We brought in Malen, but then we lost Dovbyk, Ferguson, Soule and Dybala. Then we also had an emergency in defence. However, this is a team that has always reacted well to emergencies and we hope to continue to do so in these last seven games.”
Gasperini insisted that he is only focused on the short-term future rather than the medium or long-term following his side’s 5-2 hammering away against the league-leading Inter last time out.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma scores his team’s first goal against Yann Sommer of FC Internazionale Milano during the Serie A match between Inter and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We’re not thinking about the future right now, we have to think about the present. We can’t allow the second half in Milan to happen again, there was definitely a collapse in mood and that is the only thing that must never happen.”
Turning his attention to the task in hand against Pisa, Gasp added: “We will face a team that is almost relegated, but we know that Pisa is always a tough side that has put in some excellent performances. We have no margin for error, starting from tomorrow. We know that we can take a big step forwards tomorrow.”
Gasperini was asked if Lorenzo Pellegrini, out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to pen a new deal before the end of the campaign. Gasp admitted that the situation is up in the air, but insists that this is not a concern on either the player or coach’s side.
“This is a situation that has been the same since the beginning of the year, it’s not been addressed before and it has remained as it is. These are serious players, it’s impossible to predict now what could happen in a month. It depends on the will of the club and the players.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter scores his team’s second goal while under pressure from Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“The situation between loans and expiring contracts, who could potentially be on the market to help with the accounts, at the moment, are situations that are not a concern to anyone.
“After losing 5-2 in Milan, Pellegrini put it on his own shoulders by doing interviews. I don’t know what will happen, but I’m grateful to this group for how they’ve gone about this season.”
Gasperini was asked what players like Neil El Anyaoui, Daniele Ghilard and Robinio Vaz have to do to earn more consistent playing time.
“We see the players and I make the choices. Ghilardi has played a lot, Vaz has played more than he did in Marseille, if that’s not enough for you …” Gasperini responded.
“Everyone has played in this team, but some want you to play Vaz over Malen or Ghilardi over Ndicka. Of course there is a team that plays regularly, there are also players who come in and are growing. If that’s not enough, then I don’t know what to do.”
Gasperini was asked what he makes of the suggestions that this is not a Roma side that is ‘worthy’ of a fourth-place finish in Serie A.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Inter and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“All the defections we’ve had from a certain point in the season have definitely weighed heavily. That doesn’t mean that we haven’t tried to do our best.
“Everyone is free to have their own discussions, evaluations and comparisons on the quality of individual players who have had to play. We are the ones that set the goal (of qualifying for the Champions League), if we don’t achieve it, we will have done our best to achieve it.”
Gasperini was asked if there are any players he considers to be ‘untouchable’ heading into the summer transfer window.
He said: “I think we always have to try and improve the team. Before you start thinking about depriving yourself of what you have, you first have to understand what to put in. That’s the focus. We’d all like to have Messi or Ronaldo.
“The goal is to improve the team from time to time. To me, it seems that if you look at Roma on Transfermarkt, we’ve brought in 30 players and only four or five play. I don’t blame anyone, but maybe there’s a need for different targets.
“I’ve seen great players and teams at Roma, the fans recognise quality players. I’m more inclined to that sort of idea (quality over quantity) rather than bringing in 30 players. Not everyone might share the same opinion.”
Following up, Gasperini was asked what sort of target he would like to see the club go after during the summer transfer window.
Donyell Malen holds up his Roma shirt after joining the Giallorossi on loan with a potential obligation to buy from Aston Villa (picture via www.asroma.com)
“This is a choice that the club has to make,” he replied. “Maybe you go for players with big contracts, which happened in the past and the owners might not want to do anymore. Another solution could be to focus on very young players, but I don’t know if a team like Roma can accept lowering the team’s ambitions to focus on youngsters.
“Another, the ideal solution, are targets like Malen, Wesley, at those costs and those salaries. It’s not easy, but maybe you need to work on those targets. If you find ten, brilliant. If you find two, work on those two.”
Thursday’s reports claim that Inter are now inclined to keep midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu on board and that they are prepared to fend off interest from Galatasaray during the upcoming transfer window, as was the case last summer as well.
Reports Inter want to keep hold of Calhanoglu until 2027 at least
Calhanoglu, 32, has just over a year remaining on his contract in San Siro, expiring in the summer of 2027. He has spent the last nine seasons playing in the city of Milan, the last five for the Nerazzurri.
The 104-time Turkiye international has, on several occasions, been linked with a move to Galatasaray, who reportedly saw bids for Calhanoglu rejected in the most recent summer and winter transfer windows.
With just over a year to go on his contract, and with Inter expected to overhaul their playing squad and potentially their tactical set-up as well this summer, there have been recent suggestions that Inter could finally allow Calahanoglu to leave for Galatasaray under the right financial circumstances this summer.
Moreover, Inter also feel that Calhanoglu is a reliable midfield general, and one who can help maintain standards and some continuity if the team is to undergo a major overhaul this summer.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Cristian Chivu is keen for Calhanoglu to stay on with Inter, knowing that few players offer the same skillset as the Turkiye international. And those who do – Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez has been used as an example – would almost certainly be out of Inter’s price range.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter scores his team’s second goal while under pressure from Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Whether Calhanoglu signs a new contract with Inter, or decides to leave upon the expiry of his current deal in 2027 remains to be seen, but the current indications suggest that Inter do not want to lose him during the coming summer transfer window.
Thursday’s reports suggest that Crystal Palace will hand a starting opportunity to striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta in this evening’s Conference League quarter-final first leg against Fiorentina, just over three months after the Frenchman’s January transfer to Milan fell through.
Multiple outlets, including Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport, claim that Mateta will lead the line for Palace when they host Fiorentina in the Conference League quarter-final first leg at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.
Mateta has not started for Palace in any competition since their 3-1 defeat against Chelsea in the Premier League on January 25.
Mateta had been on the verge of joining Milan in the final days of the January transfer window. The clubs had shaken hands over a transfer fee in excess of €30m and Palace decided to bring in a replacement in the form of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace runs for the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Crystal Palace FC and AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on November 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
There had been concerns in the UK that Mateta would need surgery to fix the damage in his knee. Glasner later revealed that there was an option for Mateta to go through a rehabilitation process, which might be better for his chances of featuring for France at the 2026 World Cup.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – NOVEMBER 16: 19 Jean-Philippe Mateta of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Azerbaijan and France at Tofig Bahramov Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Aziz Karimov/Getty Images)
“There are two ways we can do it: Either manage it, like we did. We can manage the knee until after the World Cup, because this is especially what JP is considering, his dream, playing for France at the World Cup. Or, the other one is that he undergoes the surgery,” Glasner explained in February.
In the end, Mateta decided against having surgery, which has facilitated a return to action three months on from his failed Milan transfer. Tonight’s Conference League clash against Fiorentina is expected to be his first start since then.
Germany international Leon Goretzka continues to be linked with moves to both Milan and Juventus ahead of the summer transfer window, but Thursday’s reports suggest that the Rossoneri have a plan in place to try and fend off their competition.
Where Milan and Juventus stand in Goretzka pursuit
Goretzka is expected to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, which has alerted some of Serie A’s biggest clubs. Aside from Milan and Juventus, there have also been suggestions that Napoli, Inter and some clubs in the Premier League might be interested as well.
Thursday’s reports from both La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport indicate that the 31-year-old Goretzka is seeking a three-year contract once his current deal with Bayern comes to an end.
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Milan have no problem with the length of contract, especially given that Adrien Rabiot also penned a three-year deal at the age of 30 last summer.
The Pink Paper suggests that Milan are the only club currently prepared to put a three-year contract offer on the table for Goretzka, and that their competitors will be more inclined to offer a two-year deal.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern Munich acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Despite being billed as a ‘free transfer’, Goretzka is still not expected to come particularly cheaply.
Tuttosport reports that Goretzka will seek a salary of €7m per season with a signing-on bonus of €10m. That would end up costing Milan €31m over a three-year period. La Gazzetta dello Sport, meanwhile, claims that the Rossoneri will go in with an offer of €5m per season.
Multiple outlets in Italy are reporting that Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension at Juventus is now a done deal and that the Old Lady will announce their head coach’s renewal before the end of the working week.
According to the likes of La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport, Spalletti will put pen to paper on a new two-year contract that will run until the summer of 2028. The former CT had initially joined the Bianconeri on a short-term deal until the end of the 2025-26 campaign back in October.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus will announce Spalletti’s contract extension ‘within the next 24 hours’, while Tuttosport agree that the announcement will be delivered on Friday.
Spalletti is set to receive a salary in the region of €5m-€6m per season. Some outlets suggest that it will be a base salary of €5m, while others cite a figure of €6m including bonuses. Reports suggest that Spalletti will be paid around €3m for the work he will have done from October until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Tuttosport claims that Juventus took the decision to offer Spalletti a new deal following the club’s 3-0 victory away against Sassuolo on January 6, and that John Elkann spoke to the head coach on the evening after that game in Emilia Romagna. The Sassuolo match was Juve’s fifth victory in a seven-game unbeaten run.
Up next on the agenda for Juventus are potential contract extensions for midfielders Weston McKennie and Manuel Locatelli. On the pitch, the goal remains to finish the season with a Champions League spot for 2026-27, and only after they discover their final league finish will Juventus be able to push forwards with plans on the transfer market.
Antonio Conte continues to be linked with a return to the Italy national team set-up, and reports on Thursday indicate that there will be a meeting between the Napoli head coach and the club’s President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, once the 2025-26 season comes to an end.
Conte and De Laurentiis set for Napoli and Italy talks at end of 2025-26 sesaon
Antonio Conte Aurelio De Laurentiis Napoli
Conte’s name is at the top of the shortlist of candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the Italy national team. Gattuso left his position by mutual consent last week following Italy’s World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which cost the national team a spot at the final tournament for the third time in a row.
It would be a return to the national team for Conte, who already held the role of CT from 2014 to 2016.
Conte has just over a year remaining on his current contract, and De Laurentiis has recently admitted that he would not stand in the coach’s way should he decide to leave the club in order to take on the Italy job. “If Antonio asked me, I think I’d say yes,” said ADL.
According to Thursday’s reports from the Corriere dello Sport, Conte and De Laurentiis will sit down for decisive talks over the coach’s future as soon as the 2025-26 season comes to an end.
The location for the meeting has been set: On the island of Ischia, and will take place within a few days of the final round of Serie A fixtures, which will take place on May 24.
Fiorentina will have to go without Italy international Moise Kean when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday evening.
Crystal Palace are the outright favourites to go on and win the Conference League, but must first get past two-time finalists, Fiorentina, who finished just one point behind the South London outfit at the end of the league phase. The Viola beat Rakow Czestochowa by a 4-2 aggregate scoreline in the round of 16 in order to qualify for tonight’s quarter-final. The hosts overcame AEK Larnaca over two legs after being held to a 0-0 draw at home in the opening game of that tie.
Fiorentina are without Kean, who has not travelled, nor has Manor Solomon or Fabiano Parisi. The Italy international is not expected to be out long-term, and should be in contention to play against Lazio in Serie A over the weekend. Roberto Piccoli is likely to start in his place in South London.
Rolando Mandragora is available for selection after a brief spell on the sidelines through injury, but is likely to start amongst the substitutes on this occasion.
Pre-match reports suggest that Palace could finally re-introduce Jean-Phillipe Mateta to their starting line-up after a spell on the sidelines nursing a knee injury. That same injury saw his January transfer move to Milan fall through at the end of the window, and has kept him out of action ever since.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on December 07, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
There could also be an appearance in the Palace starting line-up from former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada.
Kick-off this evening is due at 20.00 BST.
Crystal Palace vs. Fiorentina: Probable line-ups
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 3 and online through Discovery+. 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.
Bologna will need to put their troubling home record behind them and dig into their encouraging Europa League form when they host Europa League favourites Aston Villa in the first leg of the tournament’s quarter-final on Thursday evening.
The Rossoblu, currently eighth place in Serie A, beat domestic rivals Roma 5-4 over two legs of the Europa League round of 16 in order to qualify for tonight’s quarter-final. Aston Villa, who finished the Europa League league phase in second place and are currently fourth in the Premier League, beat Lille twice over with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline during the previous round.
Should Bologna overcome their Premier League opponents over two legs, they will qualify for the Europa League semi-final for just the second time in the club’s history, and for the first time since 1998-99 (UEFA Cup).
Vincenzo Italiano is expected to name his strongest available line-up, led by Santiago Castro at centre-forward with support from Federico Bernardeschi and either Jonathan Rowe or Nicolo Cambiaghi.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lewis Ferguson, Remo Freuler and either Tommaso Pobega or Nikola Moro are the likely midfielders, with an expected back four of Joao Mario, Jhon Lucumi, Torbjorn Heggem and Juan Miranda.
Bologna are expected to be without Lukasz Skorupski, Benja Dominguez, Thijs Dallinga and Jens Odgaard.
Boubacar Kamara is Aston Villa’s only injury absentee. Former Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz is expected to be among Unai Emery’s selections, along with the likes of John McGinn, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.
Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.
Bologna vs. Aston Villa: Probable line-ups
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, P.Torres, Digne; Onana, D.Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins
Where to watch Bologna vs. Aston Villa
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 and through Discovery+. 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.
Three big things already happening on the transfer market
The new Juve is born, the coach signs a two-year deal. And the Liverpool goalkeeper gives his first yes
Goretzka to Milan: Offer of 5 million for three years
But what sale? Now Chivu is convinced. Calha needs to stay
Cholo conquers Barcelona, Kvara show in Liverpool
Champions League quarter-finals: 0-2 for Atletico, 2-0 to PSG
Bologna and Fiorentina: No fear against the English
Against Aston Villla in the Europa League and Palace in the Conference League at 20.00
Corriere dello Sport
Juve handicap
Champions League at all costs | Six games until the end and -1 off Como in fourth: Spalletti is missing a no.9
Final sprint without Vlahovic, David and Milik mysteries
Dusan’s stop will be longer than two weeks: He will miss Atalanta, Bologna and Milan. Openda fails to impress: 4 benches in a row. Lucio thinks about the Boga solution
‘Football is a plastered-over system’
Gravina’s testimony
Calha, the puzzle on the future
Knots to be untied with Inter and Hakan
ADL-Conte, meeting at the end of May
Napolim meeting on Ischia
Kvara ace, Cholo conquers Barcelona
Champions League quarter-finals: PSG and Atletico flying
Bologna and Viola, mission semi-finals
Europa and Conference League at 20.00
Tuttosport
Spalletti has signed
Juve’s announcement expected tomorrow
Renewal until 2028 for six million per year: Finally, the white and black smoke arrives, a sign that the strategies for the relaunch have been shared and agreed. Transfer market: The free agents Goretzka and Senesi, battling with Atletico Madrid for Ederson.
The real capital gain will be selling Toro
Big gains for Cairo
By selling off lots of players bought for so little, the President has earned far more than he spent over 20 years, and with a change of ownership …
Barca see red. Cholo, what an impression
The sending off (after VAR) of Cubarsi launches Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou: 2-0 with Alvarez and Sorloth. Doue and Kvara decide the other Champions League quarter-final
Gianluigi Donnarumma has broken his silence on one of the darkest weeks in Italian football history, addressing the bonus controversy that emerged in the aftermath of the World Cup playoff defeat to Bosnia while paying tribute to the three figures who have since stepped down from their roles.
The Manchester City goalkeeper, who served as Italy captain during the playoff campaign, spoke to Sky Sport, via TMW, in a reflective and emotional interview that covered everything from the personal pain of a third consecutive World Cup absence to the damaging reports that surfaced about bonus demands from within the squad.
For Donnarumma, those reports cut particularly deep. “What hurt me most was what came out,” he said. “As captain I never went to ask the Italian national team for a single euro. What happens at the national team, as always in every competition, is that a gift is given to players if they reach a target. That was all it was, and nobody asked the federation for anything. Our gift was going to the World Cup. Unfortunately that did not happen.”
It was a firm and unambiguous denial from a player who clearly felt the integrity of the group was being called into question at an already painful moment.
“I was hurt more by the comments and the words that came out than anything else,” he added.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, issues instructions during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The departures of Gabriele Gravina, Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon have added another layer of emotion to an already bruising period. Donnarumma was generous in his words for all three, and visibly affected by the chain of resignations that followed the Zenica defeat.
“I had a wonderful relationship with Gigi, with Gattuso, with Gravina,” he said. “We feel sorry above all for them, it is natural that you feel somewhat responsible for everything that is happening now, and it hurts. But I want to thank the manager, the president and Gigi, because they gave an important contribution.”
Despite the pain, the goalkeeper was determined to frame the situation within a broader context.
Italy’s record-breaking winning streak and the European Championship triumph of 2021 remain genuine achievements, and Donnarumma was insistent that the country’s footballing identity is not beyond repair. “In these years, beyond the disappointments, we have achieved important things,” he said. “Not everything should be thrown away.”
His message for the future was simple but heartfelt. “It is hard, but we must move forward with strength and with the awareness that Italy will return strong, will return great.”
With the Nations League and European Championship still to come before any future World Cup campaign, the rebuilding process begins sooner than many might think.
“The first two days were very hard and tiring,” Donnarumma admitted. “It hurts, it really hurts. The first days I struggled to process it. But the truth is that you have to restart, move forward, react.”
Jonathan Rowe has opened up on a difficult start to life at Bologna and the hard work that has gone into transforming his fortunes, ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa at the Renato Dall’Ara.
The English winger was candid with UEFA about the challenges of adapting to a new country and a different style of football after joining from Marseille, admitting he may have initially underestimated how significant that transition would be.
“I found myself in a situation where I had to adapt to a different kind of football,” Rowe said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I analysed my statistics and, together with my staff, compared them to what I was doing before and what the best players in my position do. I took that information and applied it to my game. I also became more aware of my positioning on the pitch, and I think that has allowed me to reach this level of performance.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Rowe: ‘Bologna fans are starting to see the real me; Italiano helps us feel free in the final third’
The forward believes that growth is now becoming visible to Bologna’s supporters.
“I think the Rossoblù fans are starting to really see what I am capable of,” he said, a confident but measured assessment from a player who has worked methodically to earn his place in Vincenzo Italiano’s plans.
On the manager himself, Rowe was enthusiastic. The language barrier presented an early challenge, but as communication improved so did his understanding of what Italiano demands.
“The most important thing is that with him, we forwards feel free in the final third,” he said. “We must maintain quality, create goals, assists and chances, and be a constant threat.”
Rowe also identified what he believes Italiano values most in him specifically.
“I think what the manager appreciates most about me is my hunger, both offensively and defensively, my desire to always give everything on the pitch. These are characteristics that have always been part of my game, so it is easier for me to build on them.”
Rafael Leao’s name has resurfaced at Barcelona once again, with Spanish newspaper Sport reporting fresh interest from the Catalan club, though any potential move remains far from a concrete negotiation at this stage.
According to the report, via MilanNews, the pursuit of Leão is being driven from the very top of the club, with president Joan Laporta personally behind the recurring interest in the Portuguese winger.
It explains why Leão’s name has been linked with Barcelona virtually every summer for the past several years, it is a presidential fixation rather than a sporting director’s initiative.
However, the key factor determining whether Barcelona pursue the Milan star in any meaningful way this summer is entirely separate from the Portuguese winger himself.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Marcus Rashford of Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on November 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Barcelona interest in Milan man Leao depends on Rashford pursuit
The club’s priority is to establish whether they can make Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United permanent. Barcelona are understood to have a personal agreement with the England forward, but United are holding firm at a fee of €30 million, and until that situation is resolved, no other wide forward targets can be properly explored.
Barcelona’s financial constraints add another layer of complexity. The club cannot overspend and must carefully manage how they distribute their transfer budget, making any move for a player of Leão’s calibre contingent on significant sales elsewhere first.
Crucially, Milan are not looking to sell. There is no negotiation between the clubs, no formal approach from Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, and no indication from Leão’s camp that he is pushing for a move. For now, the interest remains exactly what it has always been, a name on a presidential wishlist rather than a transfer in motion.
Benjamin Pavard’s loan spell at Marseille is set to end without a permanent transfer, with RMC Sport reporting that the French club have decided against triggering their purchase option for the World Cup winner.
The Frenchman returned to his home country last summer on loan from Inter with considerable fanfare, expected to bring experience, leadership and defensive reliability to a Marseille side with genuine ambitions.
Instead, his campaign has fallen well short of expectations on multiple fronts.
According to reports from France, via FCInter1908, Pavard has failed to meet the standards demanded of him in terms of both performance and attitude, becoming, in the eyes of many supporters, a symbol of the club’s broader frustrations this season.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Benjamin Pavard of Internazionale controls the ball during the warm up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Marseille rule out permanent move for Inter owned Pavard
The situation has deteriorated to the point where Marseille have apparently ruled out a permanent move even at a reduced fee, despite having the option to negotiate a lower buyout figure with Inter.
The final decision may ultimately rest with incoming leadership at the club, but the current direction of travel leaves little room for doubt.
Pavard will therefore return to Inter at the end of the season, where his future will need to be resolved.
With the Nerazzurri already planning a significant summer overhaul, including changes in defence following the expected departures of several out-of-contract players, where Pavard fits into Cristian Chivu’s plans, if at all, remains an open question.
Another loan move looks the most likely outcome, though finding a club willing to take on a player whose stock has fallen considerably during his time in Ligue 1 may prove more difficult than anticipated.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery and defender Matty Cash faced the media on Wednesday evening ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg at the Renato Dall’Ara, with both manager and player showing considerable respect for a Bologna side they have faced before, and know better than to underestimate.
Emery arrived in Bologna with his squad boosted by the returns of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans from injury, providing additional options for a tie the Spaniard described as one of the most difficult Villa could face at this stage of the competition.
The extended break following the international window has been used productively, though Emery acknowledged the challenge of resetting players mentally after time away with their national teams.
Jadon Sancho remains sidelined and will not feature, with the manager hopeful of his return within a fortnight.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Bologna vs Aston Villa – Emery: ‘Bologna aggressive, great respect for them’
On Bologna themselves, the Aston Villa coach’s admiration was genuine and detailed.
“They beat Roma and Vincenzo Italiano has played three finals in the last three years,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“He is very good in knockout matches, he reached two European finals with Fiorentina and won the Coppa Italia. I have great respect for Bologna and I know very well what the difficulties will be.”
He also credited the continuity of the club’s footballing identity, noting that quality football has been a constant at the Dall’Ara from the Thiago Motta era through to the present day.
On the tactical challenge of facing Bologna’s aggressive man-marking system, Emery was pragmatic.
“In Italy many teams play this way, Atalanta were among the first,” he said. “It will be very important for us to adapt to their aggression while maintaining our own style. The qualification chances are 50-50. We must be resilient when they press us and patient when we don’t have the ball.”
Cash, speaking separately, offered a more concise but equally respectful assessment. The Polish international noted his personal connection to the opposition, having spoken with his compatriot Skorupski despite the goalkeeper’s injury absence.
“They are an excellent team, after we beat them they did not lose again,” Cash said, via TMW. “So it will not be easy.”
His message for the tie itself was straightforward. “There are 180 minutes and anything can happen. Our objective is to win and put ourselves in an advantageous position for the second leg.”
Paolo Vanoli held his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg at Selhurst Park, and the Fiorentina head coach was candid on multiple fronts, confirming Moise Kean’s fitness setback, acknowledging Crystal Palace’s status as favourites, and expressing his pride at the scale of the occasion despite a lengthy injury list.
Kean has been nursing a long-standing shin problem, and Vanoli confirmed the striker was unable to train on Wednesday after reporting pain in the affected area.
“Moise has been carrying this shin issue for a very long time,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“After yesterday’s training he felt pain and today he was not able to make it.”
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Moise Kean of Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The news is a blow for a Fiorentina side already managing several absences ahead of what Vanoli himself described as one of the most demanding spells of the season.
On the injury situation more broadly, Vanoli pushed back against any narrative of crisis.
“I would have liked to arrive here with a full squad because against opponents like this I need everyone,” he said. “But the word ’emergency’ is not in my DNA. It must be an opportunity for those who have played less and for the younger players. If we play as a team we will achieve great results.”
Vanoli has done his homework on Crystal Palace and their manager Oliver Glasner, whom he has followed closely for some time. “Glasner has already proven himself in Europe, his team is organised and you can see his footballing ideas trace back to his days at Salzburg,” he said.
“Now he is managing in the Premier League, the strongest league in the world. I experienced it personally with Chelsea. This must be a source of pride for us after the whole season we have had.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Vanoli: ‘They are favourites, we must play with character’
He was equally respectful of the venue itself, describing Selhurst Park as an intimate, atmospheric ground where Palace have built their successes, with 25,000 supporters packed tightly around the pitch.
Asked directly whether he considers Palace favourites, Vanoli did not hesitate.
“Yes, I think so, they are coming off an FA Cup victory.” But he was equally clear that Fiorentina belong on the same stage. “We must play with personality and lucidity. It is a beautiful test and we will measure our growth as a team.”
He also offered an encouraging update on Albert Gudmundsson, noting the Icelandic forward’s growing defensive discipline and competitive reaction to his own mistakes at Verona.
“These reactions are small but important details,” Vanoli said. “We are all growing.”
With the second leg to follow in Florence, Vanoli’s message was clear, the tie is far from over before it has even begun, and Fiorentina intend to make their mark on the European stage.
Weston McKennie has reflected on a remarkable personal journey that has taken him from being cast aside at Juventus to becoming one of Luciano Spalletti’s most trusted and indispensable midfielders, and with a home World Cup on the horizon with the United States, life could hardly look more different from the darkest moments of his career.
The American, who recently signed a contract renewal at Juventus after establishing himself as a key figure under Spalletti, spoke candidly to Goal about self-doubt, humility and the importance of staying grounded despite achieving things he once considered impossible.
His honesty about the fragility of his early career is striking for a player now operating at the very highest level.
“When I was in the USA youth teams I never would have thought something like this could happen to me,” McKennie said, with quotes via CalcioMercato.
“As a child you get discouraged easily, and every time I was left out of the squad I thought there was no way I could ever make it. I would go back to Dallas, to my family and to FC Dallas, and there they relaunched me, believing in me day after day. That pushed me to improve more and more, to push beyond what I thought was possible. I am grateful for the journey I have taken to get here, I never would have imagined reaching this level.”
PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal 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)
McKennie: ‘I’m a human being like everyone else’
That journey has not only shaped him as a footballer but as a public figure, one acutely conscious of the responsibility that comes with being a role model for young American players trying to follow a similar path.
“It is an extraordinary feeling but also a responsibility,” he said. “Back then social media was not so common and my role models were people I saw on TV or in magazines. Today there is much more responsibility.”
What McKennie is most eager for people to take from his story, however, is something more personal than the goals and assists. “I am a good footballer, but above all I am a human being like everyone else,” he said.
“I try to always be faithful to my values and my roots. I wish people saw me as humble, you need to remain humble and follow your dream, finding your own path.”
Away from football, McKennie painted a picture of a man who values simplicity above all else. Barbecues with family, a drink with friends, time with his dogs, the kind of ordinary pleasures that keep him anchored to who he was before the fame.
“I like to enjoy life to the fullest,” he said. “The last six to eight months have been pretty positive, in family life, with friends, and with my dogs.”
Danilo has opened up on one of the most emotional moments of his career, the day his closest friend and long-time teammate Alex Sandro left Juventus, in a heartfelt documentary produced by Flamengo TV ahead of the new Copa Libertadores campaign.
The Brazilian defender spent several years alongside Alex Sandro at the Turin club, having previously shared dressing rooms at Santos and Porto.
Their bond, forged across three different countries and multiple trophy wins, runs far deeper than football, and Danilo’s words made that abundantly clear.
EMPOLI, ITALY – MAY 22: Alex Sandro Lobo Silva of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on May 22, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Danilo reflects on Alex Sandro bond & Juventus exit
“When Alex left Juventus it made me cry on the pitch, because we had fought so many battles together,” Danilo said, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport.
“When he left I didn’t think it would be that difficult. It was then that I truly felt his absence. Understanding how much we have supported each other during our careers and in difficult moments is something that makes me very satisfied, because it has extended to our personal lives and our families.”
Alex Sandro, speaking in the same documentary, was equally emotional in his tribute to a friendship he describes as lifelong. “We talk every day and share feelings that few people can imagine,” he said.
“For me he has always been a mirror, someone I have always admired enormously. Our story as brothers, friends and teammates will last a lifetime, it won’t end here at Flamengo.”
The two are now reunited once more at the Rio club, with Danilo having returned to Flamengo, the club where he grew up, after his time in Europe. He admitted that winning the Libertadores last season and scoring in the final against Palmeiras would have been the perfect moment to retire at 34, adding that only the unfulfilled dream of a World Cup with Brazil kept him going.
On that front, Danilo had warm words for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose path has crossed his own in unexpected ways. “When I was at Porto and moved to Real Madrid, it was practically Ancelotti who bought me, and then when I arrived, he had already been sacked,” he said with a smile. “The game is like that. But we found each other again more than ten years later in the national team. It is an enormous privilege to work with him.”
Antonio Conte’s candid declaration of interest in the Italy job following Sunday’s Napoli-Milan match has set in motion a fascinating chain of events that could reshape the managerial landscape across Serie A this summer.
Conte was clear on Sunday evening that he would need to speak with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis before any decision could be made, given that he still has a year remaining on his contract at the club.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The acknowledgement that he has put himself forward for the national team role makes it difficult to envision him continuing at Napoli beyond this season, though in football, stranger things have happened.
What has emerged in the wake of Conte’s comments is that Napoli had already been quietly exploring their options.
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
De Zerbi & Italiano among Napoli targets as Conte open to Italy
According to Alfredo Pedulla, the club held conversations with Roberto De Zerbi about a potential move to the Maradona, only for Tottenham to move faster and secure the Brighton manager for themselves.
It is a significant revelation that suggests De Laurentiis had already begun contingency planning well before Conte made his position public.
Vincenzo Italiano remains a name high on Napoli’s list, a long-standing target of De Laurentiis, while Gian Piero Gasperini, despite recent signs of tension at Roma, is tied to the capital club for another two years, making any move complicated.
At Roma, the suggestion that Gasperini could be vulnerable raises wider questions about the club’s direction.
As Pedulla’s report pointedly notes, Roma cannot continue to treat the manager as the primary problem when the issues clearly run deeper, particularly around transfer market strategy and internal alignment, concerns that have been present since at least December.
Massimiliano Allegri, meanwhile, continues to be mentioned as a potential Italy candidate despite recent denials, a situation that could become clearer once Milan’s season reaches its conclusion.
Fiorentina are putting in their final preparations ahead of a trip to London to face Crystal Palace in the Conference League on Thursday night, but Paolo Vanoli will have to travel to Selhurst Park without the services of Italy international Moise Kean.
According to the latest updates, Fiorentina will be without three first-team stars due to ongoing injury or fitness concerns. Kean is the headline absentee, song with Fabiano Parisi and Manor Solomon, who will also miss the Crystal Palace clash according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Kean did not train with the rest of the Fiorentina group on Wednesday, and instead carried out an individual session. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he is struggling with pain in his tibia, and that he is pushing to be available to face Lazio in Serie A this weekend instead.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Kean is Fiorentina’s leading goalscorer in both Serie A and across all competitions this season, with eight goals from 26 league outings and 9 goals from 33 appearances including cup competitions.
Kean recently matched an Italy national team record with his goal in last Thursday’s World Cup play-off defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina by scoring in six consecutive matches for the Nazionale. He also has eight goals from his last six outings with the Italy national team.
Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez says that Italy didn’t ‘underestimate us’ ahead of their World Cup play-off final defeat last week, and has expressed his ‘respect’ for former CT Gennaro Gattuso: ‘I thank him’.
Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Barbarez on Gattuso, Italy and Alajbegovic
Barbarez and his Bosnia and Herzegovina squad eliminated Italy on penalties in their World Cup play-off final in Zenica on Thursday evening, which cost the Azzurri a place at the World Cup for the third tournament in a row.
This is only the second time that Bosnia have managed to qualify for the World Cup following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Their last appearance at the World Cup came in 2014, the same as Italy.
“I’m very proud of my team and what they achieved against Italy. Matches like this will always be special,” said Barbarez in an interview with Tuttomercatoweb.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Haris Tabakovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s equalizing goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Barbarez insists that Italy did not ‘underestimate’ Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the play-off final: “I wouldn’t say they underestimated us. It rarely happens at this level. Italy is an experienced and serious team. We knew we had to be disciplined, focused and courageous, and I think our players showed that on the pitch.”
Barbarez also spoke about Gattuso, who left his position as head coach of the Italy national team a few days after the play-off final defeat in Zenica.
Gattuso had praised Barbarez’s ability as both a player and coach during his final pre-match press conference in charge of the Nazionale.
“I appreciate the respect from colleagues of Gattuso’s calibre and I thank him,” said Barbarez, “even though I must admit that our attention was completely focused on preparing the team before the match, so that we could arrive in the best possible way for this meeting.”
MILAN – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Barbarez also gave his blessing to Bosnia talent Kerim Alajbegovic, who has been linked with several Serie A sides including Milan and Roma ahead of the summer transfer window.
“Alajbegovic is a young talent with great potential. However, I think the most important thing for him at this stage of his career is to continue to grow in the right environment, to play regularly and grow step by step.”
Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup continued a worrying trend for the four-time winners of the tournament.
The warnings of early exits in 2010 and 2014 were not heeded as Italy missed out on qualification in 2018 and 2022.
A third consecutive absence is a major embarrassment for a nation which still considers itself to be one of the big-hitters in international football.
While the national team will spend the summer with their feet up, Italian football fans will still have plenty of reasons to watch the World Cup.
Numerous Serie A players will be representing their respective countries at the tournament, and several of them have a genuine chance of lifting the trophy.
Read on as we look at the Serie A stars to watch out for at the 2026 World Cup, before identifying some of the noteworthy players who have missed out.
Argentina bidding to go back-to-back this summer
Reigning champions Argentina will head into the tournament as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to retain the prestigious trophy.
Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez will be in the squad, while Como’s Nico Paz and Máximo Perrone are also likely to feature.
Martinez has been on the sidelines since suffering a calf injury in a Champions League tie in February, but is scheduled to return to action soon.
The 28-year-old has bagged 36 goals and 11 assists in 75 appearances for Argentina and will be a key figure in their bid to win back-to-back World Cups.
Leao hoping to play a key role for Portugal
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Rafael Leao 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)
It would be fair to say that Rafael Leao has never truly lived up to expectations at international level, but that could change this summer.
The 26-year-old has tallied just five goals and seven assists in 43 appearances for Portugal, which is a poor return for a player of his quality.
Leao has struggled with his fitness in recent months, and recently spent time in his homeland to seek independent medical advice on his issues.
If he can demonstrate that he is back to his best over the final few weeks of the season, the AC Milan winger could be a useful asset for Portugal this summer.
Pulisic aiming to sparkle on home soil
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic has not scored for the United States in eight games, a career-high international drought that stretches back to late 2024.
Despite his struggles, the Milan star will be a guaranteed starter for the co-hosts this summer under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Recent defeats against Belgium and Portugal have cranked up the pressure on Pochettino, and he desperately needs Pulisic to rediscover his best form.
The US are scheduled to face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in the group stage, and securing progression to the knockout phase is not a foregone conclusion.
McTominay ready to lead Scotland into battle
Scott McTominay has flourished since joining Napoli from Manchester United in 2024. He will be a key part of the Scotland squad this summer.
His stunning goal in the 4-2 win against Denmark that clinched a spot at the 2026 World Cup will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Scotland’s history.
McTominay will need to be at his best if Scotland are to have any chance of progressing out a group containing Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
His blend of defensive tenacity and forward thrust provides the Tartan Arm’s midfield with much needed balance. If he plays well, Scotland tend to play well.
Italy’s latest flop dents Serie A representation at the World Cup
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players of Italy show their dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Serie A stars who feature in the Italian squad join a sizeable list of top-flight players who have missed out on this summer’s tournament. The most notable names are as follows:
Nicola Zalewski (Poland, Atalanta)
Piotr Zielinski (Poland, Inter)
Gianluca Mancini (Italy, Roma)
Alessandro Bastoni (Italy, Inter)
Nicolo Barella (Italy, Inter)
Federico Dimarco (Italy, Inter)
Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark, Napoli)
Adam Marusic (Montenegro, Lazio)
Nikola Krstovic (Montenegro, Atalanta)
Gustav Isaksen (Denmark, Lazio)
Stanislav Lobotka (Slovakia, Napoli)
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon, Napoli)
Maduka Okoye (Nigeria, Udinese)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Nigeria, Lazio)
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Serbia, Napoli)
Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia, Juventus)
Lazar Samardzic (Serbia, Atalanta)
Strahinja Pavlovic (Serbia, Milan)
Edon Zhegrova (Kosovo, Juventus)
Italy’s failure on this occasion can primarily be linked to financial issues in Serie A. The Italian top flight struggles to match the financial strength of rival European leagues.
This has impacted their ability to invest in their youth systems, which has resulted in Italy struggling to compete on the world stage.
Vincenzo Italiano believes that Bologna have a ‘50/50’ chance of beating Aston Villa over two legs of their Europa League quarter-final despite the fact that the Premier League side are ‘superior on paper’.
The Rossoblu will host the Villains at the Dall’Ara on Thursday evening for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. The reverse fixture will be played at Villa Park on April 16.
Bologna claimed a surprise 5-4 aggregate victory over Serie A opponents Roma in the round of 16 in order to qualify for this stage of the competition. Aston Villa, meanwhile, claimed two round of 16 victories over Lille and qualified with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline.
Villa are the odds-on favourites to go on and win the Europa League title this season, but Bologna head coach Italiano believes that ‘anything can happen’ over two legs, and that his side have a ‘50/50’ chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Italiano previews Bologna vs. Aston Villa: ‘It’s 50/50’
“It’s 50/50. You all know how complicated this match is, but we have to prove our value, our strength and our qualities,” Italiano said during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. “We know the opponents because we’ve already faced them twice, but each match tells a different story.
“We will have to manage the game over 180 minutes. Tomorrow is important because the first game gives you the opportunity to set up for the second leg in a certain way. We have every chance to do it. We have to take our chances because it is a big pride to be in the final eight.”
Bologna have the home ‘advantage’ for Thursday’s quarter-final first leg, but oddly that is something that may worry Bologna, who have lost six of the seven Serie A matches that they have played at the Dall’Ara in 2026.
“Tomorrow there will be the obstacle of the stadium and I hope that (the supporters) will give us a big hand to conquer it,” Italiano admitted. “We’re coming in with a lot of enthusiasm having won in Cremona, which has allowed us to prepare well for this match,” he continued.
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Joao Mario of Bologna celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“We had both the result and the performance in Cremona. I hope to confirm it in a tough and difficult game tomorrow.
“I hope that the supporters will always continue to be with us, as I asked at the beginning of the season. I’ll give the example of Orsolini, who missed a penalty but was applauded. All that has to be protected. On paper, Aston Villa are superior to us, but with everyone’s help, we can overturn the predictions.”
Bologna and Aston Villa have already met twice over the last two seasons, once in the league phase of the Europa League earlier this season and once in the Champions League in 2024-25. Villa won those matches 1-0 and 2-0 respectively, both played at Villa Park.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa takes a penalty which was saved by Lukasz Skorupski of Bologna FC 1909 (not pictured) during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
“The two previous matches were in the ‘qualifying’ rounds, one-off games and at their home. This time we will play for 180 minutes and anything can happen,” said Italiano. “We know their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve always faced them at the beginning of the season, unlike now when we’re nearly at the end.
“They have individual quality and a lot of value. We need an extraordinary performance, but there will definitely be a difference compared to the last two games.”
Milan are expected to sign a new centre-forward in the summer, and according to Corriere della Sera, the Rossoneri’s top ‘dream’ target is Robert Lewandowski.
Milan are determined to sign a new centre-forward for next season as Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku and January signing Niclas Fullkrug have failed to impress in the second part of the campaign.
According to Corriere della Sera (via Milannews), the Rossoneri’s top target is Barcelona star Lewandowski, whose contract with the La Liga giants expires at the end of the season.
Technically, Lewandowski is available on a free transfer, and even if his high salary at Nou Camp represents a substantial obstacle, the Rossoneri will continue to monitor the Polish striker’s situation at Barcelona over the coming weeks.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 28: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Spotify Camp Nou on February 28, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Catalans are expected to offer Lewandowski a one-year contract extension, but the experienced striker hasn’t yet made up his mind about his future at the club.
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)
Inter have the small matter of the Serie A title to wrap up before the end of the 2025-26 season, but reports in Italy indicate that plans have already been made ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, beginning with the contract extension of head coach Cristian Chivu. Here’s what could happen next for the Nerazzurri.
What do Inter have planned for the summer transfer window?
Inter are seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table heading into the final seven matches of the season left to go.
Assuming that the Nerazzurri go on to lift the trophy at the end of the season, Chivu will have won the league title in his first full season as a head coach of a senior side.
The Romanian, who replaced Simone Inzaghi on a two-year contract last summer, is likely to be rewarded with a new contract extension, potentially until the summer of 2028 according to the latest reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Talks have not yet begun and are unlikely to take place before the end of the campaign, but the Pink Paper suggests that there will be no issues when it comes to negotiating a renewal.
Once Chivu’s contract is wrapped up, Inter will move forwards with what is expected to eb a summer transfer ‘revolution’.
Chivu had already tried to bring in star-quality signings in Manu Kone and Ademola Lookman last summer in an attempt to reshuffle the Nerazzurri playing staff, but it is understood that he will be given more backing this time around after a convincing start to life in the Inter hot seat.
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Inter could look to move away from the 3-5-2 system that they have deployed so regularly over the last three seasons, and that they could be inclined to move to more of a 4-3-2-1.
Kone remains a target heading into this summer window and could be a useful figure in that set-up. There have also been suggestions that Inter could make another attempt for Moussa Diaby, a natural winger, who would benefit in a 4-3-2-1 or 4-3-3 formation.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 29: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on December 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Inter are also expected to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario the current frontrunner.
As for the defence, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Atalanta’s Marco Palestra is a strong favourite at right-back and that Oumar Solet and Mario Gila are strong options at centre-back.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Oaktree will not provide much more than €40m for Inter to spend this summer, but this does not factor in the fact that Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, Stefan De Vrij, Matteo Darmian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are likely to leave at the end of their contracts, which clears considerable room off the club’s wage bill.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter competes for the ball with Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There have also been suggestions that Inter could look to sell one of their current first-team stars, such as Alessandro Bastoni, which would also improve the budget situation this summer.
Denzel Dumfries, who has a release clause in his contract, as well as the likes of Davide Frattesi or Luis Henrique could also potentially be moved on this summer according to Wednesday’s report.
President Gabriele Gravina has published a report on the state of Italian football, along with a number of proposals to address the crisis, despite his recent resignation as FIGC President.
Gravina resigned as the FIGC President last week in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off exit.
Italy did win the 2020 Euros with Gravina at the helm of the football federation, but also failed to qualify for the World Cup on two occasions.
Gravina has already announced his resignation, but will remain in charge for ordinary administration until his successor is elected on June 22.
On Wednesday, Gravina posted a report he was supposed to present at the Italian parliament last week, but his hearing was cancelled following his resignation.
Gravina shared the document “with the hope that it may stimulate reflection and deeper analysis, including among those who, in recent days, have added their opinions to the already crowded group of those who believe they have the solution in their pocket.
“The critical issues of Italian football have been known for years and highlighted in numerous official documents, differing only in the statistical data that continue to worsen, confirming that these are largely structural deficiencies,” continued the outgoing FIGC President.
“If we truly want what is best for Italian football as a whole sporting movement, it is necessary to clarify the actual responsibilities of the Federation, the Leagues and public institutions. Too many inaccuracies, and at times outright falsehoods, fuel the search for the culprit, but above all, spread misconceptions.
“In my view, it is no coincidence that in areas of direct and exclusive federal responsibility (social and environmental sustainability, youth and school projects, development and training programs for national youth teams, to name a few), significant results have been achieved.
“Unlike in areas where the interests of the various stakeholders, and their respective autonomies, overlap to such an extent that they effectively paralyse the system.”
The actual report began with a list of well-known issues affecting Serie A and Italian football, including the number of players eligible for selection to the national team, the average age of Serie A players and the high percentage of foreign players in Italy’s top flight.
Gravina highlighted the lack of investment in youth sectors and that “Italy ranks 49th out of 50 leagues monitored for the percentage of minutes played by U21 players eligible for the national team, at just 1.9%.”
The document reinforced that “Serie A is not among the top 10 leagues for meters covered in a sprint” and that “the average ball speed (7.6 m/s) is much lower than the Champions League average (10.4) and that of other major European leagues (9.2).”
Gravina insisted that it is “impossible” to impose a minimum number of Italian players in Serie A as it would “violate principles of free movement of workers, which applies to football as a professional sport.”
Gravina’s proposals to fix Italian football
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
He also highlighted that a tight fixture list has made it impossible to find a training window for the Italy national team outside the usual international breaks and complained about the lack of financial help from the Government.
Gravina said Italian football did not receive financial allocations, not even for the 2032 Euros, while other events organised in the country, such as the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the America’s Cup in Naples, and the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, “received multi-billion funding.”
Lastly, he reiterated his proposals, which he had previously tried to implement, regarding a percentage of betting revenues to be allocated to football, in order to develop youth players and infrastructures, a tax credit, and the reintroduction of a “preferential tax regime” for professionals coming from abroad, practically the famous Growth Decree.
Gravina also insisted that the ban on advertising and sponsorships by betting operators be lifted, and that supportive measures be taken to build new stadiums or renovate existing ones.
The FIGC President stressed that a technical redevelopment of Italian football at the youth level has already started under Maurizio Viscidi, focusing more on technique than on tactics.
Lastly, he insisted that it is necessary to reshape Serie A, B, C, and D and to launch a reform project for the refereeing sector.
“Without this strong and unanimous willingness to prioritise the common good over the defence of individual positions, and with politics creating the conditions and enabling the necessary tools for action, no single individual can achieve a true and complete revival of Italian football,” Gravina concluded.
Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus could be just a few days away from announcing the contract extension of head coach Luciano Spalletti, which could potentially be announced before Saturday’s Serie A match against Atalanta.
La Gazzetta dello Sport writes that ‘the countdown is on’ for Juventus to announce Spalletti’s new contract. The Pink Paper reports that an agreement has been reached and that putting the signatures on the necessary documents is all that remains to be done before an announcement can go ahead.
Spalletti is expected to put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension, running until the summer of 2028 with wages in the region of €5m-€6m per season including bonuses.
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)
Wednesday’s report indicates that the announcement regarding Spalletti’s contract extension could arrive within the next few days, likely before the Serie A match away against Atalanta at 19.45 BST on Saturday evening.
Spalletti originally joined Juventus at the end of October, penning an initial short-term deal until the end of the 2025-26 season with an option to extend for a further 12 months in the event of qualification for the Champions League. Juve, however, wish to settle any doubts and tie their head coach down before the off-season.
Hakan Calhanoglu’s hug with Mircea Lucescu following Turkey’s win over Romania in March has gone viral in the wake of the Romanian coach’s passing at 80: ‘You did so much for me,’ wrote the Inter star.
The world of football is mourning legendary coach Lucescu, who died on Tuesday at age 80.
The former Inter and Brescia boss had taken charge of his last game just a few days earlier, seeing his Romania side lose 1-0 against Turkey in the World Cup play-off semifinal.
After the match, Inter star Calhanoglu warmly hugged his former national team coach.
Lucescu, in fact, had coached Turkey between 2017 and 2018, during which Calhanoglu scored one goal and provided one assist in 12 appearances.
Calhanoglu’s final hug with Lucescu has gone viral on social media, and even the Inter star shared it in his Instagram stories.
Calhanoglu’s hug with Lucescu
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MARCH 26: Mircea Lucescu, Head Coach of Romania, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Türkiye and Romania at Besiktas Park on March 26, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“We have lost not only a great coach, but also a person of great character,” wrote Calhanoglu.
“You did so much for me, and I will always remember you with respect and gratitude. Rest in peace, coach.”
Corriere della Sera reports that Milan have changed their transfer stance on Rafael Leao and are willing to consider offers of at least €50m in the summer.
Milan are reportedly ready to listen to offers worth at least €50m for their star striker, Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese has a €175m clause included in his contract, which was the asking price set by the Rossoneri in previous years.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
However, according to Corriere della Sera (via Milannews), Leao’s unconvincing performances and physical problems this season have led the Rossoneri to change their strategy and set lower demands for the 26-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Leao made headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks, reacting angrily to a substitution during an away game at Lazio.
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)
The Portuguese missed the following match against Torino due to an injury and made a substitute appearance against Napoli on Monday.
Leao’s contract with Milan expires in June 2028. He has scored 80 goals and provided 64 assists in 285 appearances with the Rossoneri, winning the Serie A title in 2021-22.
Italy legend Andrea Pirlo bids farewell to his former Brescia and Inter coach Mircea Lucescu: ‘You raised me like a son, I’ll never stop thanking you.’
Italian legend Pirlo made his Serie A debut at Brescia in 1995, aged 16. Lucescu had been sacked by the Rondinelle a few months earlier but remained at the club as the technical director.
Pirlo made his Serie A debut under Lucescu’s assistant Adelio Moro with Brescia already relegated to Serie B.
“Thank you for everything, mister. I will never stop thanking you,” Pirlo wrote on Instagram, posting a picture of him hugging Lucescu.
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division.
“You raised me like a son, giving me the opportunity to challenge myself with others when I was very young. You taught me what it means to love this sport in all its details. I will never stop thanking you. Have a good trip, mister. Thank you, Mircea.”
A few years later, Pirlo played under Lucescu at Inter, making 16 appearances in the 1998-99 campaign.
The Nerazzurri have also paid tribute to their former coach with a message on social media.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 25: Mircea Lucescu manager of Shakhtar Donetsk looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between FC Schalke 04 and Shakhtar Donetsk at Veltins-Arena on February 25, 2016 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Lucescu’s last game was just a few days ago, as he took charge of the Romanian national team in the World Cup play-off semi-final against Turkey, one of his former teams.
Dusan Vlahovic’s latest injury might mean the Serbia international finishes the season with the poorest record of his career, but according to Gazzetta, it may also give Juventus an advantage in contract negotiations.
What Vlahovic’s injury means for his Juventus future
Juventus star Vlahovic suffered a calf injury while warming up in the second half of Monday’s home Serie A match against Genoa and will be sidelined for at least three weeks.
The Serbian had undergone adductor surgery in December and had just returned to action after a four-month layoff.
In recent weeks, Juventus have continued negotiations to extend his contract beyond the summer as the striker’s current deal expires in June.
Just a few months ago, his stay in Turin seemed quite unlikely as the Serbian sought a salary close to €12m, the sum he’s earned in his final year at Juventus.
However, the Bianconeri’s confidence in a possible extension has increased recently.
No other club, in fact, seem willing to match Vlahovic’s current wages, and initial talks with other clubs such as Barcelona or Milan have led nowhere.
BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 11: Dusan Vlahovic of Serbia reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and Albania at Gradski stadion Dubocica on October 11, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are only open to offering a one or two-year contract extension and a salary of €6-7m.
Juventus director Marco Ottolini said on Monday that he saw “mutual desire” to continue negotiations, and Gazzetta notes that Vlahovic’s injury will inevitably put the club in a stronger position.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts 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)
Aside from the lack of offers from other clubs, Vlahovic will have few chances to show his worth in the final part of the season, for either club or country, given he won’t return to action for Juventus before May and that Serbia have not qualified for the World Cup.
Vlahovic has only scored three goals in Serie A this season, six across all competitions, marking the fewest ever recorded at a senior level.
Former Inter star Hernan Crespo is impressed by his compatriot and Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez: ‘He’s improved enormously, there were plenty of big clubs trying to lure him away…’
In the previous seven games without the Argentine on the field, the Nerazzurri had collected two wins, three draws and two defeats.
Crespo: ‘Plenty of big clubs’ wanted to sign Lautaro Martinez
“I’ve followed him since he was a kid. His first steps in Europe at Inter, an environment I know very well,” Crespo told Gazzetta.
“There were plenty of big clubs trying to lure him away, but he never wanted to detach himself from his love. That loyalty has made him an icon. Technically, tactically, physically, he’s improved enormously.”
Crespo, a former Argentina international, went on to say that Lautaro alone is worth half of Inter.
“The results say it. With him on the pitch, you win. Without him, you are at risk,” he insisted.
“Whenever the team has dipped, Lautaro hasn’t been in form or has been injured. He’s not just a finisher, he’s an example for his teammates.”
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders, and Lautaro is the top scorer in the league, but they were eliminated from the Champions League knockout play-off by Bodo/Glimt.
“Let me ask you something: was he playing in the return leg against Bodo? No,” noted Crespo.
“Lautaro is an asset for the team and a problem for the opponents. They never know how to mark him. He moves across the entire front line; he has precise shots from distance and inside the box; he’s lethal. Where do you find a more complete striker in Serie A? Who’s the top scorer right now? It’s him. Who’s the striker defenders fear the most? It’s him. So, what are we even talking about?”
Inter have a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli with seven games remaining. The Nerazzurri visit Cesc Fabregas’ Como next week.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I thought Inter were the strongest team in Italy, and they are proving it,” Crespo concluded.
“Mind you, it wasn’t that obvious. In the summer, they changed coaches, methods, and tweaked things tactically as well. There were a few stumbles, but in the long run, they’ve shown they’re the best.”
Crespo, 50, scored 153 goals in 340 Serie A matches. He played for Inter, Milan, Lazio, Parma and Genoa in Italy’s top-flight.
Former Italy and Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini is confident that Antonio Conte will ‘bring the Azzurri back to the World Cup’ if he’s appointed as the new coach.
Giaccherini played under Conte at Juventus and the Italy national team and feels the Napoli boss is the ideal replacement for Gennaro Gattuso after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
“He’s the leader to rely on in difficulties. He prepares his players like soldiers for a battle, exactly what is needed now,” the ex-Italy winger told Gazzetta.
“Conte has a way of working that gets under your skin. If you follow him, you grow. And for him, players give everything they’ve got. He knows ot to create a unique bond with the group.”
Giaccherini said Conte showed the same mindset for either club or country.
“His attitude was exactly the same. He manages to get his ideas across very quickly. On the pitch, you always know what to do; you’ve practised it a thousand times in training, to the point of exhaustion,” the ex-winger said.
“And the workload…I remember sessions at Coverciano where we were throwing up. We needed oxygen masks to get through the end. We’d leave completely drained.
“The sessions were brutal, but on the pitch, we were flying. He told us that performing well was our mission and that we had to be soldiers ready for a battle. We didn’t have superstars, but our hunger made the difference.
“He’s the best. He’ll take us back to the World Cup,” concluded Giaccherini.
“He’s already shown he can do well with the national team. His track record says it all: he rebuilt Juventus, Inter and Napoli. And he would do the same with Italy, now more than ever.”
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