The 2025-26 Serie B season has drawn to a close, and Frosinone now know that they will be joining Venezia in Serie A in 2026-27, confirming a second-place finish with an emphatic 5-0 win over Mantova on Friday night. 

Confirmed: Venezia and Frosinone promoted to Serie A after one year

Venezia were promoted last weekend, with one round of fixtures left to play, and they have now been confirmed as champions of Serie B for 2025-26. Giovanni Stroppa’s side closed the season with a 2-0 win at home against Palermo on Friday night. 

Venezia will be joined in Serie A by Frosinone, who finished the campaign on 81 points after 38 matches, one shy of the league champions. 

Both Venezia and Frosinone were relegated from Serie A at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and have earned promotion at the first time of asking. 

The Serie B play-offs have now been set as well. 

Monza and Palermo finished the season in third and fourth place respectively, which means that they are guaranteed a spot in the play-off semi-finals. 

Catanzaro finished in fifth, Modena in sixth, Juve Stabia in seventh and Avellino in eighth, and they will all contest in the preliminary round of the play-offs. 

Catanzaro (fifth) will take on Avellino (eighth), and Modena (sixth) will take on Juve Stabia (seventh) in a one-legged play-off match on Tuesday, May 12. 

The play-off semi-finals will be played over two legs, home and away, on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, with the return legs set for May 19 and May 20. The play-off final is also a two-legged affair and will take place on Sunday, May 24 and Friday, May 29.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Serie B table, it has been confirmed that Pescara, Spezia and Reggiana have been relegated and Bari and Sudtirol will take part in the relegation play-out.

Sassuolo claimed a second-half lead away against Torino in Serie A on Friday evening, but the hosts struck back with two goals within the space of four minutes to extend the team’s unbeaten home run to five matches: Kristjan Thorstvedt, Giovanni Simeone and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen with the goals.

Torino were coming in off the back of a 2-0 defeat against Udinese and decided to make two changes to their starting line-up on Friday evening. Despite beating Milan 2-0 last weekend, Fabio Grosso changed half of his outfielders, with the likes of Andrea Pinamonti, Cristian Volpato and Luca Lipani returning to the starting XI. 

Click here to read more about how tonight’s teams lined up.

Pinamonti registered the first shot on target less than two minutes in after being slipped into the area by Cristian Volpato. Pinamonti tried to find the far corner of the net, but Alberto Paleari was well positioned to make the save. 

Gvidas Gineitis had to improvise for Torino’s first attempt on target 10 minutes in, but Arijanet Muric was able to get down to his left to prevent what turned out to be a relatively tame effort. 

Alieu Njie came within inches of opening the scoring when his header bounced off the crossbar twice from Gineitis’s corner. Part of the ball had crossed the goalline, but importantly, not all of it. 

Down at the other end, Lipani was allowed to dribble his way as far as the corner of the six-yard box, but he then found himself at a difficult angle, and Paleari had come out to narrow the angle. 

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the re-start. Nemanja Matic’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked, but fell kindly into the path of Lipani, who managed to squeeze in a cross from the right byline and Thorstvedt was on hand to finish it off in the middle of the six-yard box. 

It took a quarter of an hour for Torino to come up with a response. Ebosse whipped in a perfect deep cross from the left flank and Simeone pulled out a trademark centre-forward’s header, drilled into the floor and bouncing into the corner past Muric.

Simeone has now scored in each of his last five home matches in Serie A. 

It turned out to be a quickfire turnaround for the Granata. Duvan Zapata clipped in a cross from the left-hand side of the penalty area, and Pedersen raced to meet it at the far post. This was the Norwegian’s first goal in Serie A, coming in his 84th appearance. 

Tonight’s result means that Torino jump up one position in the Serie A table into 12th, while Sassuolo keep hold of 10th place.

Torino 2-1 Sassuolo

Thorstvedt (S) 51′, Simeone (T) 66′, Pedersen (T) 70′.

08-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 36

Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

Torino

Sassuolo

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

38'

Luca Lipani

2nd half

Luca Marianucci		51'
		51'		Kristian Thorstvedt (Assist: Luca Lipani)
Matteo Prati		63'
Giovanni Simeone (Assist: Enzo Ebosse)		66'
Marcus Pedersen		70'
		86'		Kristian Thorstvedt
Niels Nkounkou		89'
Gvidas Gineitis		90+3'

Match statistic

48

Possession %

52

18

Total shots

14

4

Shots on target

7

10

Shots off target

4

4

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

5

13

Fouls

9

Torino

Sassuolo

Starting lineups

1

Alberto Paleari

Goalkeeper

77

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

33

Rafa Obrador

Defender

86'

23

Saúl Coco

Defender

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

59'

66

Gvidas Gineitis

Midfielder

4

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

67'

10

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

92

Alieu Njie

Attacker

59'

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

86'

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

3

Josh Doig

Defender

75'

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

80

Tarik Muharemovic

Defender

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

63'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

63'

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

84'

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

76'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Cristiano Biraghi

Defender

81

Franco Israel

Goalkeeper

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

13

Guillermo Maripán

Defender

19

Ché Adams

Attacker

22

Cesare Casadei

Midfielder

79

Zanos Savva

Attacker

84

Tommaso Gabellini

Attacker

99

Lapo Siviero

Goalkeeper

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

59'

16

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

59'

6

Emirhan Ilkhan

Midfielder

67'

17

Sandro Kulenovic

Attacker

86'

25

Niels Nkounkou

Defender

86'

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

66

Pedro Felipe

Defender

33

Christian Frangella

Midfielder

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

63'

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

63'

23

Ulisses Garcia

Defender

75'

8

M’Bala Nzola

Attacker

76'

50

Darryl Bakola

Midfielder

84'

Reports in Italy claim that Premier League side Chelsea could be poised to make a move for Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic in the coming summer transfer window, but they are not the only club interested in a deal for the Serbia international. 

Chelsea and Manchester United interested in Milan’s Pavlovic

Pavlovic has spent the last two seasons in San Siro, joining in a deal worth €18m plus add-ons from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024. 

He had to wait until the end of the 2024-25 season to become a regular starter for the Rossoneri, but has since gone on to make a strong impression in 2025-26 with four goals and an assist to his name from 31 appearances in the Italian top flight.  

His performances from the left side of Milan’s back three have begun to attract the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and most recently Chelsea according to reports from Calciomercato.com. Several Saudi Pro League clubs are also said to be interested. 

Calciomercato claims that it is Chelsea who have shown the most interest in signing Pavlovic this summer, though. 

Milan are reportedly keen to keep hold of Pavlovic for the 2026-27 campaign, but it is unlikely that the Rossoneri would block a move away from San Siro if an enticing offer were to come in, as has been the case with Malick Thiaw, Tijjani Reijnders and Sandro Tonali in recent seasons. 

Milan reportedly value Pavlovic in the region of €50m, which would not be out of the question for a club with Chelsea’s resources. 

Chelsea, meanwhile, are likely to move on centre-back Benoit Badiashile this summer, who has previously been linked with a move to Milan, however, the Rossoneri are not interested in including part-exchange players in a potential deal for Pavlovic, reports Calciomercato. 

Instead, Milan are said to be interested in a deal for Lazio’s Mario Gila, and a sale of Pavlovic may provide the funds to pull that move off. 

Torino and Sassuolo have made a handful of alterations each as the 36th round of 2025-26 Serie A fixtures gets underway on Friday night. 

Torino began April in encouraging form with wins against Pisa and Hellas Verona, before recording back-to-back draws against Cremonese and newly-crowned champions Inter, but slipped to a 2-0 defeat away against Udinese last weekend.

Roberto D’Aversa’s side find themselves in 13th place ahead of kick-off. 

Sassuolo have been in decent form over their last six matches. They have only lost once in that period, are currently three games unbeaten and have picked up encouraging results against Juventus, Como and most recently, a 2-0 win over Milan.

Fabio Grosso’s side are 10th in the league in their first season back in the top flight after promotion. 

Torino have opted to make a handful of personnel changes: Cesare Casadei and Emirhan Ilkhan dropping out of the line-up to make way for Matteo Prati and Alieu Njie. 

Despite their victory over Milan last weekend, Sassuolo have also made changes with Jay Idzes, Ulisses Garcia, Ismael Kone, Domenico Berardi and Mbala Nzola dropping out of the side. Woyo Coulibaly, Josh Doig, Luca Lipani, Christian Volpato and Andrea Pinamonti are all brought back into tonight’s starting XI. 

Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.

Torino vs. Sassuolo: Confirmed line-ups 

Torino (3-5-2): Paleari; Coco, Marianucci, Ebosse; Lazaro, Prati, Gineitis, Vlasic, Obrador; Njie, Simeone. 

Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric; Coulibaly, Muharemovic, Walukiewicz, Doig; Lipani, Matic, Thorstvedt; Volpato, Pinamonti, Lauriente. 

08-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 36

Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

Torino

Sassuolo

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

38'

Luca Lipani

2nd half

Luca Marianucci		51'
		51'		Kristian Thorstvedt (Assist: Luca Lipani)
Matteo Prati		63'
Giovanni Simeone (Assist: Enzo Ebosse)		66'
Marcus Pedersen		70'
		86'		Kristian Thorstvedt
Niels Nkounkou		89'
Gvidas Gineitis		90+3'

Match statistic

48

Possession %

52

18

Total shots

14

4

Shots on target

7

10

Shots off target

4

4

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

5

13

Fouls

9

Torino

Sassuolo

Starting lineups

1

Alberto Paleari

Goalkeeper

77

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

33

Rafa Obrador

Defender

86'

23

Saúl Coco

Defender

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

59'

66

Gvidas Gineitis

Midfielder

4

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

67'

10

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

92

Alieu Njie

Attacker

59'

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

86'

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

3

Josh Doig

Defender

75'

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

80

Tarik Muharemovic

Defender

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

63'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

63'

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

84'

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

76'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Cristiano Biraghi

Defender

81

Franco Israel

Goalkeeper

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

13

Guillermo Maripán

Defender

19

Ché Adams

Attacker

22

Cesare Casadei

Midfielder

79

Zanos Savva

Attacker

84

Tommaso Gabellini

Attacker

99

Lapo Siviero

Goalkeeper

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

59'

16

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

59'

6

Emirhan Ilkhan

Midfielder

67'

17

Sandro Kulenovic

Attacker

86'

25

Niels Nkounkou

Defender

86'

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

66

Pedro Felipe

Defender

33

Christian Frangella

Midfielder

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

63'

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

63'

23

Ulisses Garcia

Defender

75'

8

M’Bala Nzola

Attacker

76'

50

Darryl Bakola

Midfielder

84'

Former Roma and Juventus defender Medhi Benatia is reportedly among the options to replace Ricky Massara as Giallorossi sporting director according to the latest updates, but a clear first choice is already beginning to emerge. 

Benatia joins list of potential Massara replacements at Roma

Roma are widely expected to part company with sporting director Massara at the end of the season. The Giallorossi have recently decided to ‘side’ with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini after a public falling out with former senior advisor Claudio Ranieri, and it is likely that Massara will also depart in the near future. 

Several names have already been linked with the vacant position at the Stadio Olimpico. Reports on Thursday indicated that Roma had approached Inter’s Piero Ausilio, but he is highly unlikely to leave San Siro immediately after winning the Serie A title. 

Daniele Prade, formerly of Fiorentina, is also among the names linked with a move to Roma, as is former Napoli and Juventus man Cristiano Giuntoli and Atalanta’s Tony D’Amico. 

However, according to the latest updates, Napoli’s Giovanni Manna is the preferred option to replace Massara this summer. 

There is one another situation to keep an eye on, though. Benatia, who spent the 2013-14 season with Roma before joining Bayern Munich and later Juventus, could also be an option to replace Massara. 

The former Morocco international will leave his position as sporting director of Olympique de Marseille this summer after one season in the role. The 39-year-old has been part of the Marseille management since 2023. 

In fact, according to TMW, there is a potential scenario where Roma and Marseille end up ‘swapping’ directors, as Massara could potentially be an option to replace Benatia at the Stade Velodrome.

Inter and Italy striker Pio Esposito says that Cristian Chivu has given him ‘unconditional confidence’ and has spoken about the relationship that he has enjoyed with the coach dating back to his time with the U14s, and says that captain Lautaro Martinez’s numbers speak for themselves. 

Esposito has won the Serie A title in his first full season with the Inter first team, chipping in with six goals and four assists from his 33 appearances in the league this term. Across all competitions, the 20-year-old has provided 15 goal involvements from 46 outings. 

The youngster, now a nailed on member of the Italy national team squad, spoke about his impressive breakthrough season in an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio. 

Esposito on Chivu relationship, first impressions with Inter and Lautaro Martinez insipration

For Esposito, the appointment of Chivu as head coach following the departure of Simone Inzaghi at the end of last season was fate. Chivu began his coaching career in the Nerazzurri youth ranks, where he crossed paths with Esposito on numerous occasions. 

“I’ve known him since I was with the U14s, it was his first ever year as a coach,” Esposito said (via Calciomercato). 

“He already had me playing, I immediately took a liking to him and a beautiful bond was born. I met him again in the Primavera and he started giving me the captain’s armband even if I was ‘underage’. The first time against Cagliari, I scored a hat-trick. 

“We continued to talk over the years and it was lucky that we got to meet again this year. His presence has been decisive. He’s given me unconditional confidence since day one.” 

It is easy to forget that Esposito’s senior debut with Inter came less than a year ago, during the FIFA Club World Cup in June, 2025. 

“I felt like I was in a movie when we flew to America,” Esposito recalled. “I was there with them, in the hotel, with the group, I worked alongside the champions I was used to watching on TV every Sunday.” 

Esposito also had nothing but positive things to say about his captain and fellow centre-forward Lautaro Martinez. 

“The numbers speak for themselves, and for us, seeing him never settle for anything in training is an inspiration. He returned after quite a long break against Roma and immediately made the difference.” 

• Read more: Agent warning : ‘Pio Esposito wants to stay at Inter for next 10 years’

The injured Francesco Pio Esposito and Hakan Calhanoglu have not made the trip to Rome, where their Inter side will visit Lazio on Saturday.

Italy international Pio Esposito and Turkey star Calhanoglu will not be available for Inter in their away game at Lazio on Saturday. As reported by Sky Sport Italia (via Calciomercato.com), neither player has made the trip to Rome.

Pio Esposito and Calhanoglu to miss Lazio vs. Inter

Pio Esposito is dealing with back pain, and Inter coach Cristian Chivu has decided to rest him ahead of next week’s Coppa Italia Final, also against Lazio.

On the other hand, Calhanoglu has been sidelined since the end of April with a soleus injury, which is expected to keep him out of action in next week’s Coppa Italia Final as well.

On the other hand, Brazilian winger Luis Henrique has recovered from an injury and will be available at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.

Inter have already won the Serie A title with three games to spare, while Lazio are four points below a Conference League placement.

Nerazzurri and Biancocelesti will meet again in the Coppa Italia Final on May 13.

The second Global State of Football report shows that Fiorentina, Atalanta and Napoli were the most financially stable Serie A clubs in 2024-25, while Gian Piero Gasperini was the most efficient coach in Italy’s top flight.

The study by world-leading AI technology PLAIER and the University of St. Gallen evaluated 226 clubs across 14 leagues in the 2024-25 season, assessing factors including squad quality, sporting director performance, coaching effectiveness, and financial stability.

The report not only highlights which clubs succeeded but also how they achieved success and the financial cost.

Fiorentina the most financially stable club in Serie A

Fiorentina emerged as the most financially stable club in Serie A, posting a 72% eqity ratio, followed by Atalanta and Napoli, second and third respectively.

Como resulted in the most efficient sports department, delivering the strongest results relative to the resources at its disposal. Napoli, who won the title last season, ranked third, while runners-up Inter placed 14th.

At the other end of the scale, Parma registered the weakest sporting department performance domestically, failing to translate their financial investments into on-pitch results entirely.

Last season, Parma secured survival under Cristian Chivu on the final matchday, but have had a quieter 2025-26 campaign under Carlos Cuesta, securing survival with several games to spare.

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, now at Roma, was identified as the coach most likely to select players and tactical line-ups capable of delivering positive outcomes in 2024-25.

Conversely, Monza coaches Alessandro Nesta and Salvatore Bocchetti, ranked lowest for team selection efficiency, with Milan sitting as the second-worst side in Italy on this metric under Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceiçao.

Cesc Fabregas (Como) ranked third from bottom.

Italy legend Alessandro Altobelli is ‘devastated’ to miss the funeral of his best friend, Evaristo Beccalossi, as he is stuck in Kuwait with no flights available to return to Italy.

Former Inter midfielder Beccalossi died on May 6, aged 69.

His funeral is being held today in his hometown of Brescia, with many other Nerazzurri legends present, including Beppe Bergomi.

Former Inter and Italy star Altobelli, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, was one of Beccalossi’s closest friends but could not attend his beloved friend’s funeral.

Altobelli, who lives in Kuwait and works as a Serie A pundit for a local TV station, has been forced to miss Beccalossi’s funeral due to the lack of flights from the Middle East to Europe.

“I’m devastated,” he told Corriere della Sera.

“There are no flights. It had already taken me two days to return here [to Kuwait]. I spent eight hours in Istanbul during a layover, trying to rest on a chair. Now I’m stranded, and there are no solutions.

“He [Beccalossi] was my best friend,” concluded Altobelli.

“He was a champion and a second father to my sons. With him, a part of him has died too.”

Beccalossi and Altobelli together won the 1979-80 Serie A title with Inter.

Altobelli is the second-best scorer in the Nerazzurri’s history with 209 goals.

Cesc Fabregas reveals he might call up Italian midfielder Riccardo Cassano, 16, for Como’s away game at Hellas Verona on Sunday: ‘I can’t say he’s ready, but he understands the type of football we want to play here.’

Como U17 midfielder Cassano may be part of the senior squad travelling to Verona for a Serie A match on Sunday.

Fabregas: Cassano ‘understands the type of football’ Como play

Como have been impressive in Serie A this season and are still fighting for a Champions League spot. However, the Azzurri have also faced criticism for having used an Italian player for just one minute in league matches this term.

Nevertheless, Como have some promising Italian players in their youth squad, and one of them could travel with the first team over the weekend.

“I’m really happy. When we use all these players, it seems we create value. I mostly watch U17 and Primavera teams. If possible, Cassano of U17 will come with us,” Fabregas said at a press conference on Friday via TMW.

“He already trained with us last week, and I really liked it. He gave me great satisfaction. He is a playmaker. Yesterday, he played with us while [Maxi] Perrone broke his nose. The U17 have qualified for the play-off, but if I can take him with us, I’ll do it. I can’t say he’s ready, but he understands the type of football we want to play here. So many young players train with us during the week, but when we see a player who stands out, we are open. He is even from Como.”

Cassano, 16, is a central midfielder who has provided four assists in 25 games across all competitions with the Como U17 team this term.

Verona are already relegated, but held Como’s rivals Juventus to a 1-1 away draw last week.

“There is dignity. Nobody wants to lose games. You might be sad and disappointed because you got relegated, but nobody gives anything away,” Fabregas noted.

“They launched counterattacks while playing with a low block against Juventus, then defended for the rest of the game. We must be prepared for a similar match. Today, the most difficult thing is to score against a low block. We must have the desire to score, be proactive, and not go onto the field thinking it will be easy.

“I don’t really like to play at 12:30. We eat three hours earlier,” Fabregas concluded.

“When we play at 15:00 [CET], we have an activation session in the morning: players do stretching and mobility work, then two-against-two, and then they eat and rest. When the match is in the evening, they rest.”

Multiple sources in Italy claim that the futures of Massimiliano Allegri and Igli Tare at Milan are uncertain, regardless of whether the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League.

Allegri and Tare’s uncertain Milan future

Milan could be set for another summer of big changes as the futures of coach Allegri and director Tare are uncertain.

• Read more – Milan fans prepare Furlani protest, but Cardinale satisfied with record profit

Milan expert Carlo Pellegatti has reported that Allegri may not stay at San Siro beyond the summer due to strained relations with the club’s CEO, Giorgio Furlani.

Allegri’s contract expires in June 2027, but the deal includes an automatic extension to 2028 if the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League this season.

Calciomercato.com also reports that the strained relationship with Furlani could lead to Allegri’s departure, regardless of Champions League qualification.

According to the report, Allegri and Furlani have already met several times in recent weeks to discuss the club’s long-term plans, but apparently, the pair don’t share the same view.

Tuttomercatoweb adds that even Tare is under scrutiny, as Milan’s major summer investments have not paid off, especially Christopher Nkunku and Ardon Jashari.

According to the report, Atalanta’s Tony D’Amico remains on Milan’s target after last summer’s interest, but La Dea is still reluctant to part ways with their sporting director.

Eusebio Di Francesco confirms Roma fans have sent him messages hoping to see his Lecce side beat Juventus: ‘They don’t even need to ask me…’

Lecce are preparing to host Juventus at the Stadio Via Del Mare on Saturday.

It’s a crucial fixture for both sides as the Giallorossi have a four-point lead over 18th-placed Cremonese, while Juventus have an advantage of just one point over fifth-placed Roma.

Di Francesco, a former Roma coach, has admitted that some of his friends and Roma fans in the capital have been texting him in recent days, hoping to boost Lecce’s motivation against the Old Lady.

Di Francesco: ‘Fundamental’ for Lecce to beat Juventus

“[They’ve texted] As always, but they first have to look to themselves,” Di Francesco told Sky Sport, smiling.

“They don’t even need to ask me because, for us, it is fundamental to take the three points home.”

Lecce are unbeaten in their last three league matches and grabbed a crucial win against already-relegated Pisa in the latest round.

“It’s been a positive week, as it often happens after a victory,” continued Di Francesco.

“Having scored from open play might have given us something extra, but Juventus are so strong. They drew against Verona because there are no games with a guaranteed outcome, but they have important numbers, especially under Spalletti.

“Juventus build up from the back. I know Spalletti well. I’ve been following him, and I know what he does. They’ll try to dominate proceedings, and we’ll have to be good at taking control instead.”

Juventus are fighting for a Champions League place and are unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions.

However, they get to the Lecce match after consecutive draws against Milan and Hellas Verona, which have reduced their advantage over Roma to just one point.

• Read more – Spalletti makes Vlahovic admission, warns Juventus about ‘mistake’ to avoid

Transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reports that Bayern Munich have shown concrete interest in Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere: the Belgian has already approved a potential transfer, and club-to-club talks will begin soon.

Atalanta star De Ketelaere has attracted interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich prepare for De Ketelaere talks with Atalanta

According to Sky Sport CH transfer expert Tavolieri, De Ketelaere has already given the green light to a potential move to the Allianz Arena in the summer, so an agreement on personal terms is not expected to be an issue.

Bayern Munich are expected to begin talks with Atalanta soon to determine if the Serie A club are willing to sell and at what price.

De Ketelaere, 25, has scored five goals and provided seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions this season.

He is in his third season at Atalanta, having moved to Bergamo on a €3m loan deal from Milan in 2023 before making the transfer permanent the following year for circa €24m.

De Katelaere’s contract at the Gewiss Stadium runs out in June 2028.

Luciano Spalletti insists Lois Openda has shown ‘outstanding’ commitment even if he hasn’t played much: ‘It’s another mistake I’ve made…’

Openda has had a disappointing debut season at the Allianz Stadium, only netting twice in 34 appearances across all competitions.

Spalletti: Openda ‘demonstrates outstanding professionalism’

The Belgium international joined Juventus on loan from RB Leipzig last summer, with an obligation to buy, and the clause was activated upon achieving a top-ten finish.

Openda has played barely 1,100 minutes across all competitions with Juventus this season, and just 688 minutes under Spalletti since October.

Questioned on the Belgian’s lack of playing time this term, Spalletti replied (via Sky Sport): “That is another mistake I’ve made. I have to make decisions, but I’m sure I’ll get something wrong.

“He is committed and demonstrates outstanding professionalism. I haven’t played him much because I thought others could give me better results.”

Openda is expected to get even less playing time in the final three games of the season as Dusan Vlahovic is back from an injury and could even start against Lecce tomorrow, as Spalletti admitted during his press conference today.

Juventus paid €3m for Openda’s loan move, while the fee for his permanent transfer is €42m.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti admits Dusan Vlahovic could return to the starting XI for a Serie A match against Lecce and warns his players should not see their latest draw against Hellas Verona as ‘bad luck.’

Juventus visit Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare on Saturday, and Spalletti previewed the match at a pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

Lecce vs. Juventus – Spalletti’s pre-match press conference

The Bianconeri are unbeaten in the last ten games across all competitions, but collected back-to-back draws against Milan and Hellas Verona prior to this match.

Despite a disappointing draw in the latest round, Juventus players were still applauded by the home crowd.

“We want to build on the previous match. If a Stadium like the Allianz, used to seeing victories, applauds after a result against a team you’re expected to beat, it means not everything was to be thrown away,” Spalletti said via Sky Sport.

“We want to produce that kind of performance, the good things we did, even if they didn’t bring the result we wanted.

“The mistake would be to see it [the draw against Verona] as bad luck. We must not make that mistake. I know Lecce, Corvino and Di Francesco’s experience. They have a club that invests.”

Vlahovic scored the equaliser from a free kick last week and might start against Lecce tomorrow.

“It’s possible,” Spalletti confirmed.

“There are still a few hours left, but it’s a fair consideration, and we’ll see how it goes until tomorrow evening. Let’s not burden him with too much responsibility.”

Vlahovic has not started a Juventus game for over five months, last featuring in the starting XI on November 29, 2025, when he suffered a muscle injury that required surgery.

Juventus’ latest draws have allowed fifth-placed Roma to move just one point behind the Bianconeri with three games remaining.

“We had a wider range of alternatives, but in some ways, things are clearer now because there’s only one path and you don’t risk getting there with doubts about your behaviour,” Spalletti said.

“We have to be decisive in our choices and intentions, understand the moment we’re in and give everything in these 90 minutes. There’s this door, then two more, and we have to open them.

“We need responsibility in moments like these. This week, we suffered. The certainty I have comes from the players’ commitment, which I’ve seen since I arrived,” continued the Old Lady’s boss.

“When this dressing room doesn’t win, it hurts. The team feels pain, and that teaches you things. I looked at the players in their eyes. I’m convinced they’ll react. Character comes out when something isn’t going well, and you have to turn it around.

“Everything is in our hands. We must not let ourselves be influenced by opinions or overthinking,” he concluded.

“I’m very satisfied with the team. Some moments make the difference, and we missed them. Maybe a late header, an interception, a lack of instinct. Those things hurt us, but the team has always been serious and responsible. That’s the behaviour worthy of Juventus.”

• More from Spalletti’s press conference – Spalletti admits ‘mistake’ with Juventus summer signing

According to Corriere dello Sport, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has demanded an €8m salary from Juventus and Milan for a possible free transfer this summer.

Barcelona striker Lewandowski has demanded an €8m-a-year salary from Juventus and Milan, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Lewandowski demands 8m salary

The Poland international is available on a free transfer as his contract expires this coming June.

His future remains uncertain, and according to the report, he might also sign a short-term contract extension with Barcelona.

His agent, Pini Zahavi, has met representatives of Juventus and Milan in recent weeks, offering the Serie A giants another of his clients: Real Madrid defender David Alaba.

Lewandowski’s salary demands have put talks with Juventus and Milan on hold, as both sides appear reluctant to meet his requests.

Gazzetta reported in April that Milan would rather look to Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sorloth due to Lewandowski’s high requests.

Juventus have set a salary limit of circa €7m per season, an amount that Kenan Yildiz will earn following his recent contract extension. The club is open to a few exceptions, such as Bernardo Silva.

• Read more – Szczesny jokes Lewandowski ‘should retire’ instead of joining Juventus

Former Juventus winger Angelo Di Livio believes the Bianconeri should increase the personality in the team by signing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva: ‘I’d go and get him right away, even on foot!’

Juventus have already begun talks to sign Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, who is available on a free transfer given that his contract runs out in June.

Former winger Di Livio, a 1996 Champions League winner with the Old Lady, urged the Bianconeri to sign the experienced midfielder in his latest interview with Tuttosport newspaper.

Di Livio: Juventus need ‘charismatic players’

“I’d go and get him right away, even on foot! When you play with someone like him, your strength and confidence are boosted,” Di Livio said.

“You give him the ball in difficult moments, and he’d bring personality.

“There’s a lack of charismatic players,” the ex-Italy international continued.

“They need a signing like Modric, the way Milan did. He gave everyone a boost. And I hope Juventus can go back to being disliked again. In any case, they are working hard. The next year, they can become competitive again.”

Di Livio added that he sees a similarity between legendary Juventus coach Marcello Lippi and current Juventus tactician Luciano Spalletti: “They are two strong, perfectionist Tuscans. Two winners. Luciano, to me, is perfectly fit into this Juventus,” he concluded.

Juventus sit fourth in the Serie A table with three games remaining. Following back-to-back draws against Milan and Verona, their advantage over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to one point.

The Bianconeri will need a financial boost from Champions League qualification to make big signings in the summer, including Bernardo Silva.

According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri have offered the Portuguese a three-year deal.

Multiple sources in Italy claim that Inter might decide against signing Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham this summer and instead rely on their current second-choice goalkeeper, Josep Martinez, in 2026-27.

Vicario might not be joining Inter over the summer despite having already reached an agreement with the fresh Serie A winners.

Inter might drop Vicario despite agreement with Tottenham goalkeeper

Multiple sources over the last few weeks reported that the Nerazzurri had reached a principle of agreement with the Italy international, although they still had to receive the green light from Tottenham, who value Vicario at €20m.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri might ultimately decide against signing Vicario and instead use their transfer budget to strengthen other areas.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this week that the Nerazzurri will have a budget of €40-50m for new signings in the summer, which could be boosted with some sales.

Yann Sommer is expected to leave at the end of his contract in June, so the second-choice keeper Martinez would be deployed as a regular starter in goal next season if Inter decide against welcoming Vicario.

The Italian goalkeeper remains on Inter’s radar, but transfer expert Matteo Moretto has also reported that the Nerazzurri are now unsure about whether to continue talks with Tottenham, given that Martinez could become their first option for the new campaign.

If Inter don’t sign Vicario, they’d still have to get a high-level second-choice keeper who would potentially compete with Martinez for a starting spot in goal next season, Moretto said.

Martinez, 27, will start the next two matches against Lazio, first in Serie A and then in the Coppa Italia Final.

He has only made eight appearances across all competitions this season, going through a tough time off the pitch after being involved in a car accident that killed an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair in October 2025.

Martinez is in his second season at the Stadio Meazza, having joined Inter from Genoa for €14m in the 2024 summer transfer window.

David Alaba is available on a free transfer, and according to Corriere dello Sport, the Real Madrid defender has been offered to Juventus and Milan in Serie A.

Austria international Alaba has been offered to Serie A giants Juventus and Milan by his agent Pini Zahavi, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Real Madrid’s Alaba offered to Juventus and Milan in Serie A

Alaba’s contract at the Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, and the experienced defender is looking for a fresh start after struggling with injuries this season.

The 33-year-old has only collected 14 appearances across all competitions this term and wants to find a new club for the 2026-27 campaign.

His agent has offered him to several European clubs, including Milan and Juventus.

According to the report, Alaba has attracted interest from other leagues as well, especially the MLS and the Saudi Pro League.

There’s also interest from RB Salzburg, which is considering bringing Alaba back to Austria to contribute to the young players’ development within the Red Bull Group.

Cristian Chivu will likely receive a message from his ex-coach José Mourinho after winning the 2025-26 Scudetto with Inter, as the Special One promised just a few days ago.

Inter’s Scudetto triumph is being celebrated worldwide, some celebrating harder than if they won live Baccarat online at the Luck Hills online casino, where the thrill of playing can often feel like the excitement generated at the end of a roller coaster season in Serie A.

The Nerazzurri have secured their second Serie A title in the last three years, with Chivu becoming the first foreign coach to win the domestic title in Italy since Mourinho in 2010.

Chivu was an Inter player under the Portuguese tactician when the Nerazzurri won a legendary treble in 2010, and just a few days before Inter’s latest triumph, Mourinho had told Il Giornale: “I’m happy for Chivu that Inter can win the Scudetto, even if, when I was his coach, I’d never thought he would become a coach.

“He didn’t seem predestined, but he was smart. He has studied and has built experience. Many go on the bench today because they sell themselves well. And let’s be honest: this idea that the style of play matters more than results is the biggest lie in football.

“I haven’t messaged Chivu yet because it’s not mathematically certain. Let’s let him earn the points he needs, and when it happens, I’ll reach out.”

Now that Inter have put their hands on the 21st Scudetto in their history, Mourinho will likely text his former star.

Chivu and Inter even have a chance to complete a domestic double, having qualified for the Coppa Italia Final, to be played against Lazio on May 13, 2026.

“This is the 21^st title and another page in the glorious history of this club,” Chivu said after Inter’s 2-0 win over  Parma on May 3, which mathematically gave the Nerazzurri the Scudetto with three games to spare.

“I was younger then, I’ve got some grey hair now, but I am just as happy as when I was a player. The players deserve the credit today; they were marvellous.

“For what this club represents, it was our duty to be competitive. There are ups and downs, the season is a marathon, and we were the most consistent team overall, even after losing a few games, because we always managed to react and get back on our feet.”

Inter hired Chivu in the summer of 2025, days after losing the Champions League Final 5-0 against PSG, under Simone Inzaghi.

Chivu signed a two-year contract until June 2027, but as revealed by President Beppe Marotta, the club will work on a contract extension and a long-term project with the 45-year-old.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Olympic Lautaro: he takes charge of Inter for the great final. Calha doesn’t recover.

Rabiot’s sprint to keep Allegri. Spalletti thinks of Vlahovir right away.

Corriere dello Sport

Alaba offered

He leaves Real

Free agent in July: the Austrian jolly is nearly 34. Agent’s blitz

The agent Zahavi sees Milan and Inter

He’s won 39 trophies in his career. Only 14 games this season. He has offers from the USA, Arabia and Salzburg.

Martinez plays for the cup and the future

The Spaniard’s stakes are rising. Vicario is no longer the first choice, but the Final against Lazio will be decisive

McT makes the counting: target 14

Nobody is as decisive as Scott at Napoli: Bologna arrive on Monday, and the Scotsman is close to his record of goals.

Tuttosport

D’Aversa, warning to Cairo

‘Sign Silva? Even on foot!’

Di Livio: ‘One with the class and personality of Bernardo gives you the strength, even just for how he holds the ball in difficult moments. Spalletti reminds me of Lippi. I raised Del Piero, I was his driver.’ Vucinic praises Lucio too: ‘He’s a phenomenon.’ Lecce tomorrow: Vlahovic ready

Inter, listen to Palestra: ‘Yes, I’m ready for the leap.’

Schenone sees the Prosecutor. Meeting with Rocchi?

Venezia in Serie A: 100m and a female president

Christian Pulisic explains how he approached his Milan debut, dealing with the current crisis, his experience at Chelsea and preparing for the USA’s World Cup. ‘I plan on scoring goals.’

The USMNT striker was given the rare honour of being the cover star of Time magazine, as the country gears up for co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next month.

In a series of interviews, he comes across as serious and focused on his career almost to a fault, with friends and teammates urging him to loosen up.

Pulisic wants to shut critics up

Pulisic was one of the first Americans to really make a name for himself in Europe, at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and now Milan, but also faced a great deal of criticism.

“When people say that it wasn’t a successful time, it is interesting to me, because I feel like that’s how everyone’s career kind of goes,” said Pulisic of his Chelsea spell.

“It’s not just constantly soaring up.”

He made an immediate impact at Milan after the move in 2018, scoring on his debut in the 2-0 victory over Bologna.

“I didn’t do so much thinking and listening to all types of instruction,” says Pulisic. “I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m just gonna go play.’”

This attitude has served him well so far, but it has all gone wrong in 2026, failing to score a single goal in all competition for the Rossoneri or the USMNT.

When Time asked how he planned on dealing with this incredible slump in form, he was brusque.

“I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.”

Yet when he does reflect on previous difficult moments, such as when he was left out of the Gold Cup squad last June, it becomes evident why the current form has been so frustrating.

“That time was difficult for me, because normally I can shut people up with my play. That’s what I’ve done my whole career. I’m in my offseason, so like people are just talking about me, and I can’t just go freaking score and shut them up.”

He has been playing consistently, but not scoring or shutting people up.

“Going at the goal, creating attacking actions, for me, that’s why I play the game,” he noted when discussing his approach.

“You obviously have to do all the other parts, defend and run, different things. That’s fine and all. But what gives me joy and excitement is creating ways to score, and scoring goals and finishing them.”

Pulisic insists he believes America could win the World Cup, but has no intention of making any promises.

“That’s just not how I work. But I can sit in my bed at night and picture holding up the World Cup trophy. I did that as a kid. I’m not going to stop. You have to believe. Why not?”

Inter are expected to reward Cristian Chivu for winning the Scudetto in his first season, offering him a new contract to 2028 with improved wages.

The 45-year-old could not really have asked for a better debut season on the Nerazzurri bench, as he marched them to the Serie A title with three rounds to spare, and is now preparing for the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on Wednesday.

He was appointed last summer with just days to get ready for the Club World Cup after Simone Inzaghi decided to walk away, and inherited a squad that ended the previous campaign empty-handed.

Chivu appreciated by Inter

Inter President Beppe Marotta has repeatedly said that he wants Chivu to remain for many years, and he is going to put his money where his mouth is.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Romanian has been offered a new contract that adds one year to the current agreement, taking it to June 2028.

More importantly, it will increase his salary from the current €2.1m per year to €3m.

Remarkably, this is the first full season for Chivu as a senior coach, as he took over Parma in February 2025 for the final 13 games of that term.

Before that, his only coaching jobs were all in the Inter youth academy from 2018 to 2024.

Davide Bartesaghi admits it is ‘my dream to stay at Milan for as long as possible’ and reveals a surprising Rafael Leao gift. ‘This is a magnificent club.’

The 20-year-old has spent his entire career in the Rossoneri jersey and entered the senior squad consistently from this season.

He has made 30 competitive appearances so far this term, with two goals and one assist, so he sat down with club legend Serginho in the Off The Pitch podcast.

Bartesaghi a lifelong Milan supporter

“It was a different Milan when you were there, so many champions and a different atmosphere. I started watching Milan play a little later than that,” confessed Bartesaghi.

He recently signed a new contract that runs to June 2030 and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Paolo Maldini as a one-club man.

“It is my dream to stay at Milan for as long as possible, this is a magnificent club. I have a passion for Milan, the history speaks for itself.”

Bartesaghi is a left-back, but he took centre-stage in last season’s Supercoppa Italiana triumph, beating Inter 3-2.

“It was totally unexpected, but we still believed we could do it. That was my first trophy, one of those moments I will never forget. Moving from the youth team to the senior squad was indescribable, a dream come true. I know that I have to keep going and do far more than I did this season. I hope many more kids can experience this in future.”

Despite their stuttering recent form that has them clinging on to third place in Serie A, he insists the mood in the dressing room is still positive.

“We must always be respectful for the older players, be eager to listen and learn, but also have your say, not just stay silent.”

Bartesaghi reveals that teammate Rafael Leao surprised him after the first unexpected brace of his Serie A career.

“After I scored a brace against Sassuolo, Rafael Leao congratulated me, then the day after he gave me a huge framed picture of my celebration.

“Alexis Saelemaekers is the funniest teammate, Mike Maignan the most serious. The most severe coach I had was Sergio Conceicao, my favourites are Allegri and Pioli.”

Lautaro Martinez assures he doesn’t see any good reason to seek a transfer now or in the future. ‘I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home.’

Every summer there are reports of the world’s biggest clubs showing an interest in the Argentina international, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Lautaro Martinez only has eyes for Inter

Each year, the suggestion is immediately shot down by the player, his agent, and the Nerazzurri, so is there never even the slightest temptation?

“No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here,” Lautaro Martinez told Cronache di Spogliatoio in a sneak peek via Tuttomercatoweb.

It might be easy to say this after winning the Serie A title, on track for the Coppa Italia, and the Capocannoniere crown, but there is far more to it than just what happens on the field.

“My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible.

“I achieved so many personal and team targets here.”

This commitment saw him rewarded with the captain’s armband, as he has scored 173 goals in 372 competitive appearances in the Inter shirt since joining in 2018.

While they ended last season empty-handed, El Toro never wavered from the idea of rebuilding with Inter and looking to the future.

Antonio Cassano has given Gian Piero Gasperini some surprising advice after the Claudio Ranieri row. ‘He has a weak squad, he should leave Roma and go to Milan.’

The former Roma, Milan, Sampdoria and Real Madrid player was speaking on his podcast Viva El Futbol and discussing the current Serie A campaign.

With the Giallorossi back in the hunt for the top four, the tension over the argument with former director Ranieri has fallen into the background.

Cassano gives Gasperini advice

“Ranieri talked absolute rubbish,” insisted Cassano.

“Knowing what the atmosphere is like at Roma, if things were to go badly next season, everyone would turn on Gasperini and it would be totally reversed.

“The Friedkin family need to give him a decent squad. In these years, Roma never went beyond fifth place, and if they try to build a team around Paulo Dybala, then they’ll get nowhere.”

Ranieri claimed that Gasperini was by no means the first choice for the job last summer, even though he had to leave Atalanta first, and insisted that the coach had given the all clear to players that were later flops.

“As soon as problems emerge, the fans will say Ranieri was right,” added Cassano.

“I would advise Gasperini to leave, if he puts himself on the market, he could go to Milan. He’s had eight exceptional months dealing with a really weak squad.”

Max Allegri’s future at Milan is far from clear and they are currently in third place, but back within reach of Roma for those Champions League spots.

Udinese defender Oumar Solet has been heavily linked with Inter and Newcastle United, but it’s now reported the asking price has been set at €25m.

The 26-year-old has been very impressive so far this season at the Bluenergy Stadium, adding three goals and an assist in 32 Serie A appearances from central defence.

Solet ready for next move

He had been snapped up as a free agent by Udinese in January 2025, after a contract dispute with RB Salzburg, having come up through the Stade Lavallois youth academy.

It means any sale would be pure profit, and the Friulani aim to make it a big sale, knowing there is no shortage of interest in the Frenchman.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Udinese have now decided that Solet will be available for €25m in the summer.

Newcastle United sent scouts to view him in action over the last few weeks, while Inter have been pursuing him for quite a few months.

The Nerazzurri’s interest might also depend on the fate of Alessandro Bastoni, because if the Italian is sold to Barcelona, then Solet would be a suitable replacement in the back three.

Italy Under-21 international Michael Kayode thinks he has cracked why English football moves at a higher tempo after moving to Brentford and has no Juventus regrets. ‘The training is much tougher in Italy.’

The 21-year-old came up through the youth academies at Juventus and Fiorentina before earning his €18m move to Brentford and the Premier League in January 2025.

He made 41 appearances for the Bees so far this season, contributing one goal and two assists from right-back, and is a regular for Italy at Under-21 level.

Kayode enjoying life at Brentford

How has he dealt with the differences between Italian and English football?

“The training is much tougher in Italy, and you get far fewer days off,” revealed Kayode on Chiamarsi Bomber.

“Here you train 4-5 times a week, then you rest a lot more. Perhaps this is why people think English football has a higher tempo, because you only train as much as you need to, then feel fresh both physically and mentally once you play the game.

“It gives you more time to spend with your loved ones. Besides, the training sessions are almost all 11 against 11, we rarely spend that much time focusing on tactics. It’s about taking men on.”

Kayode looked back on his career path and a move that might’ve been devastating to a young player, when he went on loan to Gozzano and Juventus didn’t want him back.

“I might seem crazy, but I don’t regret it at all, because the fact Juve dumped me did give me the strength to reach this level. We were around 60 kids in that group and only 2-3 now play at professional level. Gozzano gave me the chance at age 16 to play against older opponents, Serie D is very different to a youth team.

“I loved being at Fiorentina, Alberto Aquilani was a great coach, both tactically and as a person. Vincenzo Italiano called me into the senior squad and his mentality is incredible, he always wants you focused.

“One day, he started me against Genoa, I didn’t think it was possible! I really did not expect that at all. I owe him so much, he wanted me to always have the hunger to keep improving.”

Real Madrid are starting to realise how important Carlo Ancelotti was to the club, as it’s reported the Italian quashed the tension that erupted today in a brawl that sent players to the hospital.

The incident is all over the headlines in Spain and beyond, with multiple reports of a vicious training ground fight between Aurelien Tchaouameni and Federico Valverde.

The situation was so bad that it’s claimed Valverde was thrown into a table, where he hit his head and was knocked unconscious, taken to hospital for tests and stitches.

This was just 24 hours after the same two teammates reportedly clashed in training, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa seemingly unable or unwilling to intervene.

Ancelotti kept Real Madrid egos in check

Spanish paper AS point out that this is where Ancelotti’s influence at Real Madrid was sorely underestimated, as he had seen similar bubbling tension between players last season, but was able to keep it under control.

The Italian provided an authority and experience of dealing with big egos, still the only coach in history to have won all five major European League titles.

He had two different spells at Real Madrid, from 2013-15 and again from 2021 to 2025.

With the Merengues, Ancelotti won three Champions League trophies, two editions of LaLiga, three European Super Cups, three editions of the Club World Cup, two Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups.

Only now that he has moved on to a new role with the Brazil national team can Real Madrid truly appreciate his man-management skills.

“It is a job with a lot of power and responsibility. I can choose what time I train, who I put in, but in the end, it is a relationship between people,” said Ancelotti.

“That is the most important aspect. Sometimes I ask the players, ‘who are you’ and they tell me ‘I am a player.’ And I tell them ‘no, you are a person who plays football.’

“I try to have a relationship with them on a personal level as well as a professional one, because that way you can get better performance from the professional. It is not easy because the player always wants to play. And 11 do it, but 15 go to watch the game.

“But if you manage to have a good personal relationship with them, this helps you to work better. You have to be honest with people.”

There are growing reports that Milan are very close to finalising personal terms with Leon Goretzka, who will be a free agent from Bayern Munich.

The veteran midfielder has long been in their sights as a potential reinforcement who can bring valuable experience to a side that already has Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot.

He turned 31 in February and is available as a free agent from July 1, when his current contract with Bayern Munich will expire.

According to ESPN Deportes and ActuFoot, Milan are now confident they are extremely close to securing an agreement with Goretzka.

Milan ready to win Goretzka race

There was plenty of competition for his signature, including within Serie A from Napoli and Juventus, plus Arsenal, Olympique Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen.

The Rossoneri can lock him down if they manage to secure a Champions League qualifying spot, and currently sit third in the Serie A table.

The Germany international made 45 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich so far this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

Goretzka also has 69 senior caps for his country, where he scored 15 goals.

Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta has been named the Serie A Rising Star of the Month for April 2026 and will receive an award this weekend.

Every month, the Lega Serie A assigns a trophy for the best young player who made a real impact in the Italian top flight, and this time it will go to Atta.

Impressive Atta shines for Udinese

The 23-year-old joined Udinese in 2024 on loan from Metz, making the move permanent a year later for €8m, and has gone from strength to strength this season.

He scored five goals and provided four assists in 29 Serie A games, finding the net against Milan and getting a superb brace in the 3-3 thriller with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in April.

The French midfielder will be presented with his Rising Star of the Month award ahead of kick-off when Udinese host Cremonese this weekend in Serie A.

You can enjoy some of his highlights in this official video from the Lega Serie A.

Milan have reportedly told Christopher Nkunku and agent Pini Zahavi that he is for sale, but only if someone comes in with a bid worth €40m.

The 28-year-old was signed from Chelsea last summer at a cost of €37m plus bonuses and has failed to make much of an impact at San Siro.

He scored just six goals with three assists in 32 competitive games, and was rarely chosen in the starting XI, even during an injury crisis of strikers.

Milan put Nkunku on the market

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, a meeting with agent Zahavi confirmed that Milan are eager to sell after just one season, especially as they are also looking at another forward represented by the same agent, namely Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

With the cost of the transfer only a year ago, Milan want to sell for €40m to avoid making a net loss on the player.

In truth, around €30m would suffice to make their money back, but the Rossoneri hope Nkunku can get a better figure on the market this summer.

He is a France international with two goals in 18 senior caps, though his last game for Les Bleus was back in November 2025.

Marco Palestra insists he feels ‘ready for a big club and you must have ambition’ after his Cagliari loan, but was ‘angry’ at first when Atalanta transformed him into a full-back.

The wing-back is a product of the Atalanta youth academy and has flourished during the loan spell in Sardinia, even earning his first senior caps for Italy.

He met with DAZN for their My Skills show and spoke about his experience at the Unipol Domus.

Palestra exploded onto Serie A scene

“It has been a wonderful year that changed my life,” said Palestra.

“I think it was the best decision I could’ve made in every way. My Atalanta teammates had told me I would not regret coming to Cagliari. You really do feel welcomed here, it is a unique club with an entire island behind it.”

Cagliari do not have an option to make the move permanent, so he will return to Bergamo in the summer.

However, with big clubs like Inter and Arsenal already hovering around him, it is also unlikely that he’ll stay there either.

“I am dreaming of playing for Italy regularly, and I know that it depends on what I do now at Cagliari.”

Does Palestra feel that he is ready for a big club?

“Yes, in order to improve, you must have ambition that can take you to become a top player. With every game I played this season, my confidence continued to grow.

“I didn’t expect to be in the Serie A Team of the Season in my first real campaign, I never would’ve thought that at the start.”

He is a very attacking full-back who can play on the right or left, but which does he prefer?

“If I had to choose, I would say the right, but I’m fine on the left too. I started out playing in midfield until the Under-17s, then they had a shortage of left-backs due to injuries, so the coach put me there.

“I was really angry at first, I didn’t like it, but after three games I was moved to right-back, and there I realised this could be my position.

“If I had continued as a midfielder, maybe I wouldn’t be where I am now. I wasn’t exactly someone who stood out.”

Palestra is able to play in both roles because he is largely two-footed.

“I prefer to do some things with my left foot, like taking men on, but when it comes to shooting, I’m more right-footed. I try not to think about it too much, that way I can use both.”

Venezia have just earned promotion to Serie A, announced new investment worth €100m and Francesca Bodie takes over as President, in a club backed by Tim Leiweke and rapper Drake.

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The Lagunari secured their top two status in the Serie B tournament with one round to spare, just a year on from their relegation.

They are already planning big changes for the top flight, and it starts at the very top, as President Duncan Niederaurer will retain a minority stake in the club ownership group.

However, the new President is Francesca Bodie, with her father Tim Leiweke and Rob Hamwee becoming co-chairmen of the Venice Operations Committee.

Venezia have big ambitions in Serie A

“Venezia is an iconic team with a century-old history in the world’s most beautiful city, and we will be relentless in our pursuit of excellence ​and victories to ​enhance the ⁠legacy of this storied club,” Leiweke said in a statement.

The presence of Bodie suggests Venezia will push forward on plans to build a new stadium, something that has been suggested for literally decades, going back to previous owner Maurizio Zamparini.

Rapper Drake had already worked with Bodie and Leiweke at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Maple Leafs.

“They know what success means and how to achieve it. We have succeeded before and I am excited to bring that energy to Venice,” said Drake.

The rapper became part-owner of Venezia in 2024 and is now boosting his investment in the club following promotion to Serie A, with Leiweke seemingly bringing an extra €100m ($117.72 million).

Leiweke was criminally indicted in 2025 in the US for alleged stadium bid rigging over the Moody Center at the University of Texas, but was pardoned by President Donald Trump that same year.

Milan fans are planning a vocal protest against CEO Giorgio Furlani this weekend, but owner Gerry Cardinale is said to be pleased with his work boosting profits.

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The anger in the fanbase has been bubbling up in recent weeks and exploded after the 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo left even Champions League qualification at risk.

Furlani blamed for Milan woes

Some bombarded the club’s social media accounts with insults towards Furlani, others even set up a petition demanding he be fired, as he has become the figurehead for their recent struggles.

Now it is reported Milan ultras are planning a protest taking aim squarely at Furlani during this weekend’s big Serie A match against Atalanta.

However, RedBird chief Cardinale seems to be very satisfied with the way his CEO is running the club, especially after hitting a new record of profits from player sales.

Calcio e Finanza note that the Rossoneri should come in at a profit of €101.8m, better than the previous best of €78m set in 2001-02.

Furlani comes from a finance background and joined Milan via Elliott Management, who helped Silvio Berlusconi sell the club to Yonghong Li and then take over when that loan was unpaid in 2018.

When Elliott sold the Diavolo to RedBird in December 2022, Furlani replaced Ivan Gazidis as CEO.

Dusan Vlahovic will be a free agent on July 1 and with no new Juventus deal, he is reportedly now waiting for Barcelona or Bayern Munich offers.

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The striker and club had agreed to postpone any negotiations on an extension until he made a full recovery from a serious injury in November 2025.

Now he is back in the squad and scored a goal in the 1-1 draw with Verona, but there is still no sign of an agreement.

The Bianconeri are believed to be offering a salary of €6m per season, half of his current wages, while the biggest argument is over commission fees.

Vlahovic ready to wait it out

According to Sportmediaset, this is because the Serbia international has his eye on leaving Serie A after experiences with Fiorentina and Juventus.

He had been heavily linked with Milan and a reunion with ex-Juve coach Max Allegri, but is reportedly now waiting for proposals from Barcelona or Bayern Munich.

The Blaugrana might need to replace ageing Robert Lewandowski, while Bayern need an understudy for Harry Kane.

There has also been some Premier League interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, but this too has calmed recently.

David De Gea is now 35 years old and still making big saves for Fiorentina, but it’s reported the only club he’d accept a move for now is Manchester United.

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The Spanish goalkeeper was out of action for over a year after his contract with Manchester United was allowed to run down in July 2023, as he preferred to wait for the right opportunity.

Fiorentina eventually convinced him as a free agent in August 2024 and he has shown what is still more than capable of between the sticks, in Serie A and the Conference League.

De Gea still flying with Fiorentina

His contract runs to June 2028 with an option to extend by a further year, so the Viola are sure he will continue to deliver the goods.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, De Gea is intent on playing at Fiorentina until his retirement, unless one particular club comes along with a proposal.

That team is Manchester United, where he already spent the best part of a decade from 2011 to 2023.

If they were to call him in, then the veteran would be tempted for one final show at Old Trafford, otherwise his future is entirely with Fiorentina.

Roma are set to fire director Ricky Massara, with names approached to take over including Piero Ausilio of Inter, Giovanni Manna of Napoli and ex-Fiorentina chief Daniele Pradè.

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The club is in the process of a complete revamp after the dismissal of special advisor Claudio Ranieri due to his disagreements with coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

The Friedkin family are eager to build a structure that will support Gasperini’s ideas, and that also means the removal of Massara as director of sport this summer.

Roma looking for director of sport

There have been several names mentioned to take over the transfer strategy, including some who are already locked down at big clubs.

Tuttomercatoweb suggest that Roma made an approach for current Inter director Ausilio, though the odds of him leaving the Nerazzurri after winning the Scudetto are very slim indeed.

A more likely candidate would be current Napoli director Manna, who made his name setting up the Juventus Next Gen project, a model that Roma are eager to replicate.

Multiple reports including Repubblica point to Manna as the preferred option for the Friedkin family, but it would cost €10m to buy him out of his Napoli contract.

An easier figure to secure is Pradè, who resigned at Fiorentina earlier this season following the disastrous start to the campaign.

He had already worked at Roma in various roles including director of sport from 2000 to 2011.

Reports on Thursday suggest that Rafael Leao is coming to the end of his time with Milan, and updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that he could be reunited with his former partner in crime Theo Hernandez at Al-Hilal. 

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Could Leao reunite with Theo Hernandez at Al-Hilal?

Thursday’s reports claim that Milan will look to sell Leao this summer after seven seasons in San Siro. Leao has been one of the stars of the Rossoneri camp for several seasons, but has struggled to impress at centre-forward under Massimiliano Allegri this term, and the growing feeling is that the summer may be the right time to part company with the Portugal international. 

Leao still has a staggering €175m release clause in his contract, and there had previously been reports of an offer in the region of €100m from Chelsea, however, these figures are now considered unattainable for Milan. 

Instead, the Rossoneri are looking at a sale for figures in the region of €50m-€60m according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

Even at a discounted price, Leao doesn’t seem to have an enormous number of options in front of him. Thursday’s report claims that there is interest from both Manchester United and Barcelona, but nothing particularly concrete on either of those fronts. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there is still interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who has explored the possibility of signing Leao last summer as well. Al-Hilal are led by former Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi and also have Leao’s former left-flank partner Theo Hernandez on their playing staff. 

It remains to be seen whether or not Leao is ‘open’ to the idea of leaving Europe for the Saudi Pro League at the age of 26. 

As things stand, the other available option to Leao is to try and convince Milan into continuing their relationship together, but La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that this is a ‘less likely’ scenario and that a sale this summer is the most likely conclusion. 

Hakan Calhanoglu is still training separately from his Inter teammates and is unlikely to be fit for the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13.

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The Nerazzurri are still celebrating their Scudetto, which was secured with three rounds still left to play, but are back in action on Saturday in Serie A against Lazio.

Curiously, these two teams will meet again on Wednesday in the Stadio Olimpico, but that will be for the Coppa Italia Final, the opportunity for Inter to do the Double.

Inter waiting for Calhanoglu recovery

Calhanoglu is certainly out of this weekend’s match and Sky Sport Italia report the odds of seeing him participate in the Final are also very slim.

He suffered a series of injuries this season, the latest a left thigh issue, and with the World Cup on the horizon for Turkiye he is in no mood to run big risks.

Another player who could miss out is Francesco Pio Esposito, who went off at half-time in the victory over Parma with a back problem and is still not fully healed.

As Lautaro Martinez is not being rushed back either, that means Ange-Yoan Bonny should partner Marcus Thuram upfront.

Luis Henrique is back in training after a right thigh twinge and should be in the squad for this weekend.

Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali reveals why Roberto De Zerbi was ‘enchanting’ as a coach and claims it might be ‘a good thing’ Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.

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The Neroverdi were promoted from Serie B last summer and look to be finishing more than comfortably mid-table, especially after beating Milan 2-0 at the weekend.

It sets them apart as one of the models for Italian football to follow, one of the few clubs to own a stadium, constructed a training ground, and focus on Italian youth both on and off the field.

With that in mind, it is perhaps surprising that Carnevali has suggested the failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup could be a necessary push for Calcio to change its ways.

Sassuolo set template for Serie A

“But maybe it’s actually a good thing that we’re not going to the World Cup, because we need to focus on everything that needs to be put right,” he told The Athletic.

“Because if we’d just gone to the World Cup, perhaps we’d have simply swept all the underlying problems under the carpet. Instead, here we need to try to think things through, bring them out into the open and start working from the ground up with people who have the expertise, with people who have the ability to try and sort out the Italian football system a bit.”

Some of the issues are that TV rights are divided up based largely on history and size of clubs, while the lack of new stadiums is a painful problem.

“In my view, we need to look into a system whereby, when you invest in facilities, training centres, stadiums and the like, and when you invest in young players and give them a chance to play… these should be the incentives available to you,” Carnevali argues.

Clubs like Sassuolo and Atalanta live on their youth academies, but the Italian rules have seen talents poached by other nations with nothing they can do to stop it.

Most recently, it happened with Sassuolo’s Luca Reggiani and Atalanta’s Samuele Inacio snapped up by Borussia Dortmund before they could sign a professional contract.

“These are defeats, these are the real defeats — not the ones you suffer on a Sunday. I gave this lad everything. Facilities, coaches, physios, fitness coach, nutritionist, psychologist. Everything. Then you turn 16, and it’s ‘thank you and goodbye’, because there’s a club that snaps you up and offers you a big contract.”

Sassuolo also helped to launch the careers of some impressive coaches, including De Zerbi in 2021 before he went on to Shakhtar Donetsk, Olympique Marseille, Brighton and Tottenham.

“To me, De Zerbi is a manager who, when I see him coaching on the pitch, really enchants you,” said Carnevali.

“Watching the team train under De Zerbi is truly a thing of beauty, because you can really see the manager’s influence. And this comes through even more during matches; the ability to give the team an identity.

“De Zerbi always did that for us during those three years, embracing Sassuolo’s philosophy of trying to attack and play attractive football.”

Thursday’s reports claim that Juventus have been offered the opportunity to sign Real Madrid defender David Alaba on a free transfer once his deal at the Bernabebu comes to an end at the close of the 2025-26 season. 

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Could Juventus make a move for Real Madrid’s Alaba?

The 111-time Austria international has spent the last five seasons in Madrid, having joined on a free transfer after 10 trophy-laden seasons in the Bayern Munich first team. 

The 33-year-old is expected to leave Madrid this summer, his contract expiring on June 30, following a tough three years of fitness struggles after a torn cruciate ligament (ACL) in December 2023. 

Despite his injury troubles, Alaba’s experience, trophy cabinet and versatility are attractive characteristics for the Bianconeri. Alaba has 10 Bundesliga titles to his name, four Champions League titles, six DFB Pokal trophies, three German Super Cup wins, two LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, a Supercopa de Espana, three UEFA Super Cups and three Club World Cups. 

The fact that he is able to play as a left-sided centre-back, as a left-back and as a central midfielder is also encouraging.

 According to reports from Tuttosport, Juventus are carefully considering a potential move for Alaba this summer. They are, of course, aware of his injury record and of the fact that he will need to lower his salary given that he earns in excess of €10m per season after tax in Spain. 

However, Tuttosport claims that conversations between Juventus and Alaba’s agent, Pini Zahavi, are underway and that the player’s camp has ‘opened up’ to the idea of moving to Turin next season.

Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri remain the frontrunners to land the vacant Italy national team head coach role, but with decisions not yet made either way, several other coaches in Serie A are facing uncertain futures as well. 

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The Italy CT role has been left vacant for the last month following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso shortly after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of March. 

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon also left their roles after the failure to qualify for the World Cup, and with an election to appoint a new FIGC President set for June 22, a new head coach will not be appointed before then. 

Dominos expected to fall once new Italy CT is chosen

Thursday’s reports indicate that a series of dominos in the Serie A coaching world could begin to fall once the new Italy head coach role is filled. 

The Corriere dello Sport and Calciomercato.com report that if Allegri is appointed the next Italy head coach, then Milan could potentially turn to Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano, or even to Conte, who had been linked with a move to join the Rossoneri before landing in Naples. 

If Italy go with Conte, then Maurizio Sarri would be first in line to return to the Stadio Maradona to take over. 

This leaves Bologna and Lazio with uncertainties as well. 

Thursday’s reports suggest that if either find themselves in need of a new head coach this summer, they could turn to Atalanta’s Raffaele Palladino, who is said to be uncertain about his long-term future with La Dea. Paolo Vanoli could also be available as Fiorentina are said to be considering a potential move for Sassuolo’s Fabio Grosso. 

Whatever happens with the Italy CT position, there are at least seven Serie A coaches whose futures are not nailed down as things stand between Conte, Allegri, Sarri, Italiano, Palladino, Vanoli and Grosso.

Former Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has joked that his long-term Poland colleague Robert Lewandowski should retire instead of joining the Bianconeri this summer ‘because that’s when the best offers come in’. 

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Szczesny jokingly advises Lewandowski against Juventus

Juventus and Milan are among the Serie A sides that have been linked with a summer move to sign Lewandowski, who is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and will turn 38 in August.

The veteran centre-forward has still been in productive form over the last two seasons – 27 goals from 34 LaLiga appearances last season and 13 from 27 in the Spanish top flight so far this term, and his age is not a particular concern to clubs in Italy following the success that the 40-year-old Luka Modric has been in Milan this season. 

Lewandowski still has plenty of options available to him approaching the summer transfer window, but former Juventus goalkeeper Szczseny, speaking from his own experiences, jokes that Lewandowski should retire this summer. 

“If I had to give him advice from my experience, I would tell him to retire, because that’s when the best offers come in,” Szczesny joked in an interview with Eleven Sports (via Tuttosport).

Szczesny decided to call time on his playing career after leaving Juventus upon the expiry of his contract in the summer of 2024, before coming out of retirement less than two months later to sign with Barcelona until the end of the 2024-25 season following an injury to first-choice stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

Szczesny has since gone on to sign a two-year extension to that deal, which will keep him tied to Barcelona until the summer of 2027. He has made 40 appearances across all competitions with the Cataland Giants since joining last October.

Thursday’s reports confirm that Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo is ready to return to Antonio Conte’s starting line-up in Serie A this weekend as the Italy international marks 100 days since his most recent injury. 

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Di Lorenzo finally set for Napoli return

Di Lorenzo has been out of action for exactly 100 days, dating back to his side’s 2-1 victory against Fiorentina in Serie A on January 31. The Partenopei captain was taken off with a knee injury during that game with fears that he might have damaged his cruciate ligament (ACL). 

Fortunately for Di Lorenzo, the issue was diagnosed as a hyperextension, significantly less severe than an ACL tear, but, the right-back decided to have surgery anyway in order to fix a foot injury which had been causing him pain for much of the 2025-26 season. 

The knee injury and surgery on Di Lorenzo’s foot have kept him out of action for the last 12 Serie A matches. He returned to the matchday squad for Napoli’s 0-0 draw against Como this weekend, but remained an unused substitute. 

Now, according to updates from Corriere dello Sport, Di Lorenzo is now in line to return to the Napoli starting line-up for this weekend’s match against Bologna. The 32-year-old had played for the full 90 minutes in all 22 of Napoli’s Serie A matches prior to his injury.

Former AC Milan legend and current president of the Ukrainian Football Federation, Andriy Shevchenko, believes Italy will return to the top level of world football despite the disappointment of missing out on another FIFA World Cup qualification.

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Shevchenko on Italy’s World Cup failure: ‘They will find a way to come back and compete at the highest level’

“I’m sure Italy will adjust, Italy will find a way to come back and compete at the highest level,” Shevchenko said at the Portugal Football Summit Podcast presented by Pedro Pinto.

“I was very sad about that because a country like Italy is a football country, and this is the third time that they didn’t qualify for the World Cup,” Shevchenko said.

The former Ballon d’Or winner revealed that Milan’s former sporting director Ariedo Braida played a decisive role in convincing him to move to Italy in 1999. “He came to visit me to watch one of the games of Dynamo Kyiv. After the game, he brought me a present: an AC Milan shirt. He told me that if I wanted to win the Ballon d’Or, the only chance was to join AC Milan and wear that shirt. That was a clear message for me that I should choose AC Milan.”

The Ukrainian striker would go on to become one of the greatest forwards in Milan history and win the UEFA Champions League. “It was a dream come true,” he said.

“When I was a little kid, I was always dreaming about becoming a professional player and playing for Dynamo Kyiv. I had a chance to win the Champions League with them, but it didn’t come through. Then, finally, when I joined AC Milan, I had such a big chance to win the Champions League. And when that happened, I felt like my dream had come true. I also felt like I had written something important in the book of football.”

Shevchenko also spoke warmly about his friendship with former Milan teammate Rui Costa, now president of Benfica. “I’m very happy that Rui chose to stay involved in football. It was a great pleasure for me to share the pitch with him. Our relationship has continued.”

Now serving as president of the Ukrainian Association of Football, Shevchenko also addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine. “When I talk to the players, I try to explain that we have to stick together. We have to help each other,” he said.

Shevchenko reserved special praise for the Ukrainian armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices during the ongoing conflict. “Thank you for your service. It is the reason we are still playing football in Ukraine.”

The Portugal Football Summit is a programme organised by the Portuguese Football Federation that promises to bring together a number of leading figures from the world of football ahead of the second edition of the event, which will take place from 23 to 25 September at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras.

Reports in Italy confirm that Italy internationals Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli have been handed their final punishments as the investigation into their illegal gambling activity finally comes to a definitive end. 

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Tonali and Fagioli betting investigation reaches definitive conclusion

Tonali and Fagioli both served lengthy bans between 2023 and 2024 for their involvement in illegal gambling practices, which involved betting on football matches, which is prohibited for professional players. 

In October of 2023, the FIGC confirmed that Tonali would have to serve a 10-match suspension for his involvement, as well as being ordered to pay a fine of €20,000 and to attend a series of events warning others against the dangers of gambling addictions. Fagioli was also handed a seven-month suspension and a fine of €12,500. 

These were ‘sporting’ punishments handed out by the Italian football association, but that is separate from the criminal investigation that was opened in April 2025. Tonali and Fagioli were accused of gambling on illegal betting sites, of promoting these platforms among other professional athletes, and of opening accounts and delivering payments on behalf of their colleagues. 

Reports from various outlets in Italy on Thursday, including the Corriere dello Sport, confirm that the investigation into the illegal gambling case has now drawn to a conclusion, which means that the matter is now definitively over. 

Tonali will have to pay a fine of €78,000, while Fagioli has been handed a one-month suspended prison sentence. 

Reports in Italy claim that Rafael Leao is at risk of being dropped from Massimiliano Allegri’s starting line-up and that the Rossoneri could look to sell the Portugal international in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

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Could Leao be dropped and then sold by Milan?

Leao and his Milan teammates are on a disappointing run of form heading into the final few games of the 2025-26 season, with just four points to their name from their last five Serie A matches. 

Leao is without a goal in over two months, dating back to the 2-0 win over Cremonese on March 1. The Portugal international is yet to cross double figures in the league, currently on nine goals, heading into the final three Serie A matches of the season. That is despite the fact that he has spent most of the season playing as a centre-forward in a 3-5-2.

According to updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are ‘growing tired’ of waiting for Leao to become a consistently reliable player. 

It has been said that the 26-year-old is not impacting games in the way that he used to in years gone by, and his lack of defensive effort has constantly been a complaint among Rossoneri supporters. His icy reactions to being substituted off in recent matches has not gone down well, either. 

For these reasons, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Leao is at risk of losing his place in the starting XI for Milan’s upcoming Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday evening. Thursday’s report explains that Leao still has another few days to convince Allegri to keep the faith in him, but as things stand, he is ‘a step behind’ Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez in the pecking order. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts that this could be the summer that Milan decide to part ways with Leao as well. The Pink Paper claims that Milan ‘will not only evaluate, but encourage’ offers for the winger-turned striker this coming window. 

Leao has a staggering €175m release clause in his Rossoneri contract, which is not expected to be activated. In fact, Milan might be looking at offers of less than a third of the value of the release clause. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport’s prediction is that offers in the region of €50m-€60m could be enough to convince Milan into a sale this summer.

Reports on Thursday claim that former Italy national team head coach Gennaro Gattuso could potentially be offered a three-year contract to return to Serie A as head coach of Torino, but he is not the only candidate that the Granata have in mind. 

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Gattuso has been out of work since leaving his position as head coach of the Italy national team at the beginning of April, shortly after the failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. 

The 48-year-old has not coached in Serie A since leaving Napoli in 2021. Since then, he has had experiences with Valencia in LaLiga, Marseille in Ligue 1, Hajduk Split in the Croatian Football League, and most recently with Italy. 

Could Gattuso return to Serie A with Torino after short-lived Italy stint?

According to reports from Tuttosport, Torino are keen on the idea of appointing Gattuso as their head coach for the 2026-27 campaign. 

If Torino are to head down the Gattuso route, Tuttosport reports that he will likely be offered a three-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico Grande. 

The ex-Italy CT is a figure that club President Urbano Cairo is said to like, as does sporting director Gianluca Petrachi, and Thursday’s reports claim that this is not the first time that Gattuso has been sounded out for the Torino job. Tuttosport claims that the Granata had also looked at the possibility of appointing Gattuso before and after Ivan Juric’s spell in charge. 

A return to Torino for Juric can’t be ruled out either. The Croatian has been without a job since leaving Atalanta earlier this season. Torino had also looked at bringing Juric back to the club before he decided to move to Bergamo, which led the Granata to appoint Marco Baroni ahead of the 2025-26 campaign instead. 

There is also a possibility, albeit an increasingly slim one, that Torino decide to stick with current head coach Roberto D’Aversa, who is on a short-term contract that expires at the end of June. Thursday’s front page claims that the current head coach is at the bottom of the pecking order as things stand, though.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Leao, you’re out 

Two cases in the race for the Champions League 

He’s at the end of the line with Milan: Future elsewhere. At risk of being benched in San Siro on Sunday

Vlahovic, what frost 

He wants to go abroad, renewal with Juve slipping away 

The last dribble

Brilliance and wit, the symbol of Interismo. His Scudetto teammates: ‘He used to run away from training camps’.

PSG in the final again for the double 

Champions League 

Just a 1-1 against Bayern. The battle with Arsenal in Bdapest on May 30 

Corriere dello Sport 

Conte moves everyone 

If he doesn’t stay at Napoli, could Sarri return and Allegri be CT?

The dugout domino | Antonio, more than Max, could set off the Serie A coaches 

The meeting with ADL is the key to start the rotation of the coaches. Milan also left without certainties. Just like Bologna, Atalanta and Fiorentina. It will hot up from Tuesday

Champions League, Lucho for the treble 

Luis Enrique in the final with PSG: Looking for his third triumph 

No goal fest this time, it finishes 1-1 in Munich with goals from Dembele and Kane. Kvara the best on the pitch. The coach won it last year with the Parisians and with Barcelona in 2015: They will take on Arsenal in Budapest on May 30

Now the world has lost its fantasy 

Farewell to Beccalossi: He was 69 years old. Altobelli: ‘I died with him’ 

Referees, the FIGC votes for change 

Commissioner at the AIA 

The decision from the federal council is expected next week. Pinzani and Butti met with the prosecutor yesterday 

Tuttosport 

‘Dusan, Juve is already your top’ 

Interview with Pantaleo Corvino 

The Lecce general manager, who is playing for survival against Juventus on Saturday, is the man who discovered Vlahovic: ‘They still have a lot to give each other. He could score more than 20 goals a season with Spalletti. He’s a gem: I brought him to Florence amidst great scepticism’. Alaba, who is leaving Madrid, has been offered for the defence. Atletico offering Cardoso to keep Nico Gonzalez. Surveys underway for Pisilli

And who could beat these?

Champions League, PSG draw 1-1 on Bayern’s turf, final against Arsenal 

Dembele strikes after three minutes, the equaliser from Kane doesn’t arrive until the 94th. The champions of Europe will defend their title in Budapest on May 30

Toro, three-year deal for Gattuso

The Granata proposal for the former CT. The alternative remains Juric 

Petrachi supports the move, Cairo also keeps the Croatian option open. D’Aversa at the bottom of the pack. Relegated Wolverhampton tempt Adams with a maxi-contract. Ferrante: ‘Winning the derby would at least give some meaning to the season’

Evaristo and the art of football 

Farewell to Beccalossi

Nicola Zalewski joined Jose Mourinho in complaining about the artificial turf used by Bodo/Glimt in the Conference League. ‘Playing a quarter-final on a pitch like this is unimaginable.’

Since this article was written, the debate around artificial turf in European competitions has continued, particularly in Norway following Bodo/Glimt’s later UEFA campaigns and broader discussions about playing conditions, with Norwegian sites such as Kongebonus also covering the topic.

This was the third time these sides have crossed paths in the Conference League this season and the Giallorossi have never won.

They lost 6-1 here in October for the group phase, drew 2-2 at the Stadio Olimpico and were beaten 2-1 this evening in the first leg of the quarter-final.

Lorenzo Pellegrini had put Roma in front, but Ulrik Saltnes redirected the Brice Wembangomo effort for a Rui Patricio howler and Hugo Vetlesen was totally unmarked to nod in from a free kick.

“There are regrets, because we controlled the game in every moment until going behind. As ever in football, incidents make the difference and we need a great performance in a week’s time,” Zalewski told Sky Sport Italia.

Jose Mourinho complained that the artificial turf in Norway was ‘plastic’ and caused Gianluca Mancini’s knee injury.

“Playing a quarter-final of a European competition on a pitch like this is just unimaginable. Hopefully, UEFA will take action in future years, because this playing surface causes serious injuries.”

With the late Matias Vina error to give away the free kick, it looks as if teenager Zalewski isn’t giving up his spot anytime soon.

“I try to do everything I can with every ball so I can help the team. I am not feeling the pressure, my teammates and the staff are helping a great deal.”

Juventus defender Federico Gatti has reportedly rejected Galatasaray, but would be open to the Premier League with interest from Everton, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

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The central defender turns 28 in June and is expected to leave Turin at the end of the season, considering he has fallen down the pecking order since Luciano Spalletti took over.

His contract runs to June 2030, so the asking price for the Italy international would be around €20-25m.

Gatti has his eye on Premier League

According to Tuttosport, Gatti had been approached by Galatasaray in recent weeks, but was not impressed with the proposal and is waiting for a Premier League move.

He might have no shortage of interested parties, because the newspaper suggests that Everton have been tracking him for a while, now joined by Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

Fulham are another alternative, although they are seemingly further behind the other Premier League clubs in this race.

Gatti was late to top flight football, not making his Serie B debut until August 2021 with Frosinone, and then earning the transfer to Juventus in 2022 for €9m.

Italian VAR Marco Di Bello came under fire during the Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, but the IFAB rules explain why he was correct.

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The 44-year-old Italian official was in the booth for tonight’s match at the Allianz Arena in Munich, the second leg after a 5-4 thriller in Paris last week.

Di Bello representing Italy in Champions League

He infuriated Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany and the fans when deciding not to intervene after the ball clearly struck Joao Neves on the outstretched arm.

Referee Joao Pinheiro of Portugal had also not pointed to the spot for the incident, but he waited for confirmation from Di Bello and was told to play on.

This caused a huge amount of controversy in the media and in the stadium itself, but the IFAB rules show Di Bello was right not to suggest an On-Field Review.

It is because the ball was fired onto Joao Neves’ arm by PSG teammate Vitinha.

No penalty for Bayern Munich

The referee waves away the handball appeals as play continues!

TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/K3owB1VoGT

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 6, 2026

In their bid to clarify the handball rules, IFAB added a caveat to the laws of the game, noting specifically that it is not a handling offence if a player is “hit on the hand/arm by the ball which has been played by a team-mate (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free-kick is awarded to the other team).”

When it came to another handball row earlier on Nuno Mendes and PSG wanted a second yellow card, Di Bello could not get involved, as the VAR is not allowed to deal with bookings unless they are to be upgraded to straight red cards.

TWO huge handball shouts from Bayern Munich

The referee gives neither pic.twitter.com/FTyTUmnwQM

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 6, 2026

Fabio Grosso has made such an impact as coach of Sassuolo that he is being linked with several other clubs, including Napoli, Fiorentina, Lazio and Bologna.

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The 48-year-old remains most famous for his playing career, with a decisive role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph, but has become a strong coach since hanging up his boots in 2012.

After a spell at the Juventus youth academy, he worked at Bari, Verona, Brescia, SC Sion, Frosinone and Olympique Lyonnais.

Sassuolo flourished with Grosso

Grosso returned to Italy for Sassuolo in 2024 and took them to promotion from Serie B with five games to spare, then this season has steered them to mid-table comfort.

According to Sport Mediaset, this has put his name on the wish list for many Serie A clubs, above all Fiorentina, where he already worked with director Fabio Paratici at Juve.

They are the favourites, especially as Paolo Vanoli is not expected to stay on after rescuing the club from the threat of relegation.

Other options include Bologna if Vincenzo Italiano decides to move on, while even Napoli and Lazio have considered Grosso in case of a change of direction from Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri.

Sassuolo have put together 14 victories, seven draws, and 14 defeats in Serie A this season as a newly-promoted team.

Curtis Jones dropped a social media hint he would appreciate a move to Inter, while Antonio Cassano claims the Liverpool player is ‘better than Scott McTominay’ at Napoli.

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The midfielder had already been close to this transfer in January, but that fell apart when Davide Frattesi stayed on at San Siro.

Now with a contract that runs down in June 2027, the Nerazzurri are ready to try again and this time Liverpool could be convinced to make a sale.

Jones still thinking about Inter move

It was noted that Jones is keeping a close eye on Inter, because he liked Marcus Thuram’s post on Instagram celebrating the Scudetto victory.

Meanwhile, others are advising Inter to go for the England international, who came up through the Liverpool youth academy.

“He would be a really good signing, he is a mezz’ala with pace, a player suited to the Champions League,” former Italy and Inter player Cassano said on the Viva El Futbol podcast.

“He would be better than McTominay. He has a lot of quality and has won a lot at Liverpool while actually playing, not like Zaccardo and Barzagli who are World Cup winners and played very little.”

McTominay was named Serie A Player of the Season last year when taking Napoli to the Scudetto in his debut campaign after leaving Manchester United.

Cassano is no stranger to controversial comments and made other rather bold claims in the same podcast when trying to draw up his Inter squad for next season.

“I would have a four-man defence, you could put anyone in goal and it wouldn’t make a difference. If you have Nico Paz behind Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, they can hand you the Scudetto before you even start.

“In Italy, Inter could play 2-3-5 and still win.”

Juventus are reportedly ready to sell Fabio Miretti this summer with a €20m price tag, as Bologna, Lazio and Fiorentina are interested after a Napoli offer.

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The midfielder had already been approached by Napoli last term only to see it rejected by the Bianconeri, but now that Luciano Spalletti is in charge, the club has other ideas for his future.

According to Calciomercato, the youth academy product is on the market also because he would provide a pure profit from his sale, helping to boost the club coffers.

Juventus ready to sell Miretti

He failed to impress Spalletti, who is seeking a different type of player in the midfield for next season.

Still only 22 years old, his contract runs to June 2028 and there is no shortage of Serie A sides ready to take him on.

They include Fiorentina, Bologna and Lazio, who would all give Fagioli some regular playing time in the starting XI.

The asking price has been set at a reported fee of €20m, but Napoli might not necessarily come back in for the Italian.

There is a new way to experience San Siro before the iconic stadium gets torn down, as for the next few months you can walk along the rafters 55 metres over the pitch.

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Milan and Inter have now purchased the land around the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, and plan to build a new arena in what is essentially the car park.

Once that is completed, the idea is to knock down the legendary structure.

San Siro opens up for Skywalk tour

Meanwhile, a new way of experiencing the stadium is available for fans, as a skywalk has been opened up allowing people to traverse the red metal beams that criss-cross the roof.

From that vantage point, they can look around at the city of Milan around them, and down at the pitch from a height of 55 metres.

The third tier was put in place for the 1990 World Cup, so the tour would also involve a talk on the architectural history of the arena.

It is the latest attempt to extract some revenue from the stadium, an area where both Inter and Milan have been frustrated at the lack of opportunities.

It can be combined with the museum tour package for visitors to San Siro.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch has slammed Italian tactician Roberto De Zerbi for being ‘a real a**hole’ with Sassuolo and CANMNT midfielder Ismael Kone. ‘Now look at him flourishing.’

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The shocking outburst happened when Marsch was speaking to the Call It What You Want podcast on CBS Sports Golazo America.

He was asked which player had improved the most for Canada and named Sassuolo midfielder Kone, who has flourished this season in Serie A.

However, he also used it as an opportunity to blame one of Kone’s former coaches, as De Zerbi famously humiliated the young player in training at Olympique Marseille.

Marsch praise for Kone is criticism for De Zerbi

“You know, when I took over the team, I think Ismael was a raw, talented person,” Marsch said on the podcast.

“And since then, I’ve talked to him a lot about discipline and concentration and everything from what that means in his daily life, in his nutrition, in his sleep habits, in the way he trains and the way he shows up every day, in the way he plays, in his overall intelligence.

“Going to Italy and playing for a team that was newly promoted, and having to fight through a situation like that in a very organised league, he’s played an incredibly important role in that team and had a great year.

“So I mean, it would probably be easy to say that Ismael is the one. Not just from what I’ve done with him and what the national team has done with him but also what he’s been able to achieve in his career, and the steps he’s been able to make through difficulty I might add.

“Because it wasn’t easy with De Zerbi and Marseille. De Zerbi was a real, real a**hole with him and he stayed strong. He never doubted himself. He found a new situation, and now look at him flourishing.

“Let me reiterate. De Zerbi was a real a**hole with him.”

The incident in training was when Kone failed to follow some instructions, so De Zerbi declared loudly that he should get off the field and “call your agent” to find another club, because he would not be getting another opportunity with Marseille.

De Zerbi has since left Olympique Marseille too and is now the coach of Tottenham Hotspur, trying to drag them out of the Premier League relegation zone.

As for Kone, the 23-year-old made the move to Sassuolo in July 2025 on loan for €2.5m, making it permanent for a further €10m over the summer.

The Canada international scored six goals in 32 Serie A appearances this season.

There are reports Max Allegri won’t stay, so Milan could look towards ex-Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso or Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano, but one of them is heading to Chelsea.

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The tension is growing behind the scenes after a run of dismal results put Champions League qualification at risk going into the final three rounds of the Serie A season.

Long-term Milan reporter and commentator Carlo Pellegatti claims on his YouTube channel that Allegri is at loggerheads with CEO Giorgio Furlani and will not have another season with him pulling the strings.

This is because it’s rumoured the Rossoneri signed players that Allegri quite simply did not want as part of his squad.

Milan looking for Allegri alternatives

If the coach was to walk away or get fired, then Furlani would turn towards other candidates, and they are already looking around.

The ideal would be Xabi Alonso, who had success at Bayer Leverkusen and was fired by Real Madrid in January, just 34 games into his tenure.

However, the same source insists that Alonso is already in advanced negotiations with troubled Chelsea.

Instead, the next most likely alternative is Italiano, who has hit a plateau at Bologna after beating Milan in the Coppa Italia Final last season.

He had already been considered for the San Siro job before Allegri was appointed.

Top scorer Donyell Malen is training separately from his Roma teammates today, as he deals with a fitness issue in the closing weeks of the season.

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The Netherlands international has been on sensational form since his loan move from Aston Villa in January, with an option to buy for €25m that will be activated in June.

He has so far scored 12 goals in only 17 competitive appearances for the club, along with three assists, and is their top scorer despite only joining mid-season.

Roma eager to avoid Malen setbacks

Malen was spotted training separately from the rest of the Roma squad today at the Trigoria ground, prompting worried questions about whether he could be injured.

However, the Corriere dello Sport insists this was a planned recovery programme following the 4-0 victory over Fiorentina on Monday evening.

Malen was unaccustomed to playing this often at Aston Villa, so with the final push for Champions League qualification coming up, the fitness staff decided to give him a specialised schedule to get him at his best.

Roma will be back in action on Sunday evening when visiting Parma at the Stadio Tardini.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Jose Mourinho has demanded the sacking of Italian fitness coach Antonio Pintus if he is to take the Real Madrid job.

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There are multiple reports over the last few days that the players are irritated with Alvaro Arbeloa and are looking for a new tactician, but could look back for the return of Mourinho.

He had first taken the job when leaving Inter in the wake of their Treble triumph of 2010, where they won the Scudetto, Champions League and Coppa Italia.

Mourinho urges Real Madrid to sack Italian coach

In order to come back, it’s reported Mourinho has a list of demands that were set out during a video call with President Florentino Perez.

They included a request that Real Madrid fire Italian fitness coach Pintus, a 63-year-old who has had several different spells with the Merengues.

He first joined them from 2016 to 2019, then went to work with Antonio Conte at Inter from 2019-21.

There was a return to Real Madrid that summer, working as performance manager and fitness coach in various roles.

Pintus has also worked at Juventus, Chelsea, Sunderland, Olympique Marseille and other clubs.

It is not clear why Mourinho is so dead set against keeping the Italian as part of his coaching staff.

Among the other requests, the Special One also wants at least a two-year contract, for the club to appoint a formal spokesman (something he had already complained about with Roma), absolute independence on sporting decisions, and allowing players to seek a second medical opinion on injuries.

Robert Lewandowski’s agent met with several Italian clubs, including Milan and Juventus, but it’s reported the Bianconeri are cooling their interest.

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The veteran could be available on the transfer market this summer as a free agent, because his current contract with Barcelona runs to June 30, with the possibility of an extension.

Lewandowski tipped for Serie A move

His representative Pini Zahavi is looking around for alternative destinations and that could be in Serie A, so he visited Italy over the last few days for a series of meetings.

It had been suggested that Juve were the biggest rivals to Milan for Lewandowski, but Sky Sport Italia pundit Gianluca Di Marzio insists the talks did little to fuel the fire of their interest.

Instead, Juventus are increasingly frosty on the idea of signing the Poland international, who will celebrate his 38^th birthday in August.

His wage demands are believed to be a major part of the concerns around signing Lewandowski, who scored 18 goals in 42 competitive games for Barcelona so far this season.