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Serie A Liveblog including Milan-Atalanta and Parma-Roma
10 May 2026 at 16:56
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Today — 10 May 2026Football Italia
Serie A | Verona 0-1 Como: Fabregas secures European qualification
10 May 2026 at 16:31
Como have mathematically guaranteed a spot in Europe for 2026-27 after their 1-0 victory away against Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday afternoon thanks to a loan goal from centre-forward Tasos Douvikas.
Both coaches made one change each to their starting XIs ahead of Sunday’s early kick-off: Paolo Sammarco decided to reintroduce Nicolas Valentini after suspension in place of Domagoj Bradaric, while Cesc Fabregas brought Jesus Rodriguez in to replace Martin Baturina on Como’s left wing.
Click here to read more about how today’s teams lined up.
It was the hosts who threatened first early doors. Kieron Bowie did excellently to hold the ball up and play a low ball into the six yard box off the left flank, but Jean Butez pulled out a top-class reaction save to deny Tomas Suslov’s shot from the edge of the six-yard box.
Verona managed to hit the crossbar in the second phase of the resulting corner, but it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the offside flag was raised shortly afterwards.
Verona sent another warning shot when Rafik Belghali made it to the right byline 20 minutes in, but Bowie wasn’t quite able to get his shot away properly after receiving the cut-back. Martin Frese should have done better when running in on Butez’s goal unopposed less than a minute later.
Como got their first attempt on target midway through the first half: Rodriguez trying his luck from distance, but it was straight at Lorenzo Montipo in the Verona net.
Fabregas’s side would eventually break the deadlock midway through the second half. Marc-Oliver Kempf pumped a hopeful long ball down the left, Andrias Edmundsson made a mess of his attempted headed clearance and Douvikas was on hand to punish him with an excellently taken touch and finish that he slammed into the bottom corner of the net.
Verona thought they had equalised through Bowie in the following attack. The Scot had the ball in the back of the net in a congested penalty area, but Nicolas Valentini, who got the penultimate touch, was in an offside position. Despite being fairly clear on the replays, it still required a VAR check that lasted several minutes to confirm the on-pitch decision.
Today’s result lifts Como into fifth place, where they sit two points behind Milan and one point above Roma ahead of their matches later on Sunday. Como can no longer finish any lower than sixth place in Serie A in 2025-26, which means that they are guaranteed a spot in the Conference League at a minimum.
Verona 0-1 Como
Douvikas (C) 71’
Player statistic
2nd half
61'
Maxence Caqueret
71'
Anastasios Douvikas (Assist: Marc-Oliver Kempf)
Martin Frese
89'
Match statistic
36
Possession %
64
11
Total shots
11
3
Shots on target
4
5
Shots off target
4
3
Blocked shots
3
7
Corners
7
3
Offsides
2
17
Fouls
14
Verona
Como
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Pulisic ruled out of Milan vs. Atalanta: Last chance for Leao
10 May 2026 at 15:15
Pre-match reports indicate that Christian Pulisic will not be involved in Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash with Atalanta on Sunday evening, which likely means a last chance for Rafael Leao to impress.
Pulisic out, Leao in for Milan vs. Atalanta
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make several personnel changes to his Milan side for Sunday’s game against Atalanta following a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo last weekend. Sunday’s newspapers claimed that the coach would change both of his starting centre-forwards, replacing Leao and Christopher Nkunku with Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez.
However, according to updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Pulisic reported an issue with his gluteal muscles in the final session before the Atalanta game, and it is now expected that he will be left out of the matchday squad on Sunday.
The extent of the damage remains to be seen. Further updates are expected in due course.
It has been a disappointing calendar year for Pulisic, who had come up with eight league goals during the first half of the 2025-26 season, but has not hit the back of the net at all for club or country since the turn of the new year.
It hasn’t been a brilliant period for Leao, either, who is on nine Serie A goals for the season, but has gone goalless across his last seven league outings.
It was expected that he would be dropped from the Milan line-up for the Atalanta match, amid claims that he could be sold in the summer, but Gianluca Di Marzio reports that he will be given another opportunity to impress in place of Pulisic on Sunday.
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Football Italia
- Baggio addresses Italy national team issues: ‘Kids don’t play on the streets anymore’
Baggio addresses Italy national team issues: ‘Kids don’t play on the streets anymore’
10 May 2026 at 14:49
Roberto Baggio has sat down for a rare in-depth interview, discussing his playing career, the 1994 World Cup final, his relationships with Diego Maradona, Alessandro Del Piero, his family and his religion, and has had his say on the issues facing the Italy national team: ‘Kids aren’t playing in the street anymore’.
Baggio spoke in detail with Corriere della Sera as part of the promotion of his newly-written autobiography, Luce nell’oscurita.
Baggio on 1994 World Cup, best teammates and current Italy national team problems
Among the topics of conversation was Baggio’s infamous penalty miss during the shootout at the end of the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil.
“I felt the guilt for every Italian. I wanted to disappear. I felt infinite shame, one of those things that stays with you even as the years go by,” Baggio recalled. “Over time, you learn to live with it, but it’s a wound that never closes completely.”
Baggio admits that the 1994 shoot-out still comes back to haunt him: “Continuously,” he said. “Sometimes, I think about it while I’m awake in bed, when I can’t fall asleep. I picture myself scoring, and then I fall asleep.”
Baggio maintains that two things helped him through the pain of the 1994 World Cup: His faith and his family.
“I believe in the strength that each of us carries inside, even when we don’t see it, even when we think we have no more. I don’t think so much of an external God, who decides everything for us, but of an inner strength that must be sought and respected.”
Baggio also spoke briefly on his Buddhist beliefs: “It’s certainly been my refuge. It’s formed me as a person by leading me to work on certain aspects of my character, which I hadn’t paid attention to before. It gave me strength when I needed it the most and the courage to never give up.”
Baggio also spoke about the importance of his relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Andreina: “One July evening, on the eve of my first training camp with Vicenza, we stopped to talk and I asked her for a ring as a pledge, which I would give back to her when I returned.
“I came back from Recoaro, we met up, I gave her the ring back and we got engaged that same evening. Andreina followed me wherever I played and always helped me to feel at home. We are convinced that we already knew each other in a previous life.”
In 1990, Baggio moved from Fiorentina to Juventus in what was a world-record deal at the time. The transfer left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Viola supporters, and there were riots on the streets of Florence in the days that followed.
“Florence rebelled,” Baggio recalled. “I cried like a baby. You could hear the ambulances going past on the way to the Fiorentina headquarters, where the clashes lasted for three days. I never wanted the sale, I felt guilty.”
Baggio also spoke about a number of his esteemed former colleagues, including Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, with whom he shared a particularly special relationship: “We spoke in Venetian dialect in the dressing room, and that brought us closer together. It still happens today when we meet.”
There were sympathies for Ronaldo, too: “I really suffered for him when his knee went. He was an immense talent, something truly rare. And maybe for this reason his pain struck me even more.”
Diego Maradona was at the height of his powers when Baggio was breaking through: “He was special, humble. Once on a flight to Argentina, we kicked the ball around together. 10,000 metres above the ground, almost touching the sky.”
Baggio also gave his thoughts on the current state of Italian football and the issues that face the national team in the wake of their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
“There are so many things to fix. Kids aren’t playing in the street anymore. And in Serie A, there are not many Italians. If you have to go and get a player from somewhere else and naturalise them, it means that you haven’t been able to find an Italian ready at the same level.
“We need to create a formula that really encourages the use of Italian youngsters. The talent is still there, but we have to seek it, protect it and recognise the value. And you need to have the courage to trust them.”
Serie A: Verona vs. Como – Confirmed line-ups and updates
10 May 2026 at 13:41
Como will have their opportunity to respond to Juventus in the Champions League race when they take on Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi in Serie A in Sunday’s early kick-off.
Cesc Fabregas’s side find themselves in sixth place ahead of kick-off, requiring a victory to keep up the pace with Juventus, who moved into third as a result of their 1-0 win against Lecce on Saturday. Como are left needing favours heading into the final three matches of the season, sitting five points shy of the top four ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
They are looking to get back to winning ways this weekend after a 0-0 draw at home against Napoli last Saturday.
Hosts Verona have already been relegated from Serie A, but have gone unbeaten over their last two league fixtures, holding both Lecce and Juventus to draws over the last fortnight.
After last weekend’s draw with Juventus, Paolo Sammarco has decided to keep an almost unchanged XI: Nicolas Valentini is back and available after serving a yellow-card suspension and goes straight back into the starting line-up in place of Domagoj Bradaric.
Fabregas has also made just the one change to his Como XI, with Jesus Rodriguez coming in to replace Martin Baturina on the left flank. This is the Spaniard’s first start in Serie A since the 2-1 victory away against Cagliari back in March.
Kick-off is due at 11.30 BST.
Verona vs. Como: Confirmed line-ups
Verona (3-5-2): Montipo; Edmundsson, Nelsson, Valentini; Belghali, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Bernede, Frese; Bowie, Suslov.
Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Vojvoda, D.Carlos, Kempf, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Nico Paz, Rodriguez; Douvikas.
Player statistic
2nd half
| 61' | Maxence Caqueret | |||
| 71' | |
Anastasios Douvikas (Assist: Marc-Oliver Kempf) | ||
| Martin Frese | |
89' |
Match statistic
36
Possession %
64
11
Total shots
11
3
Shots on target
4
5
Shots off target
4
3
Blocked shots
3
7
Corners
7
3
Offsides
2
17
Fouls
14
Verona
Como
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Puyol: ‘Bastoni a very good defender, but playing at Barcelona isn’t easy’
10 May 2026 at 13:19
Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has given his verdict on Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with a summer move to join the Catalan giants this coming transfer window: ‘Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy’.
Puyol comments on Barcelona links to Bastoni
For several months of the 2025-26 season, Barcelona have been linked with a move to sign Bastoni from Inter during the next summer transfer window.
Recent updates claim that Barca are beginning to cool off in their pursuit of the Italy international, and that the signing of a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski may be more of a priority than the purchase of a new luxury centre-back, but nothing has yet been ruled out either way.
The potential transfer of Bastoni continues to be a hot topic of conversation regardless, and former Barcelona defender Puyol was recently asked about the prospect of signing the recently-crowned Scudetto winner.
“You should ask Deco,” Puyol told DAZN when asked if he thinks Bastoni is the ‘right’ choice for Barcelona this summer.
“I think he’s a very good defender. I also think that Barcelona have very good defenders, youngsters who know Barcelona’s style well.
“Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy with such a high line. Sometimes it’s difficult to adapt, but if the club thinks they have to go and get Bastoni, then I think they’ll be buying a strong player and they will have analysed him perfectly to understand if he’s the right choice and whether his purchase is feasible, because in the end, you can want a player but there aren’t always the right conditions to buy him.”
Atalanta could appoint ex-Juventus duo including Thiago Motta
10 May 2026 at 12:52
Reports in Italy claim that Atalanta could turn to two former Juventus leaders in Cristiano Giuntoli and Raffaele Palladino to replace their current sporting director Tony D’Amico and head coach Raffaele Palladino.
Could Atalanta appoint ex-Juventus pair Giuntoli and Motta?
It has been a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season for Atalanta, who are no longer able to qualify for the Champions League and could mathematically be out of the race for Europa League football by the end of the weekend as well.
With two draws and two defeats across their last four Serie A fixtures and a Coppa Italia semi-final defeat against Lazio, the Corriere dello Sport claims that it has been an April that has ‘cancelled out’ the work done in the previous months of the 2025-26 season.
Now, La Dea could be heading for a ‘mini revolution’ this summer.
Reports on Saturday confirmed that Atalanta are on the verge of appointing former Napoli and Juventus executive Giuntoli as their new sporting director to replace the outgoing Tony D’Amico, who has been linked with moves to join Milan and Roma.
Corriere dello Sport claims that Giuntoli could be tempted to make a change of head coaches at the beginning of his Atalanta tenure, and that Motta, whom he appointed at Juventus, is the leading candidate.
Atalanta had also looked at the possibility of appointing Motta before settling on Palladino at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving the Old Lady towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Serie A: Milan vs. Atalanta – Probable line-ups and where to watch on TV
10 May 2026 at 12:26
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make several changes to his Milan side as the Rossoneri take on Atalanta in a huge match in the race for Champions League football in Serie A on Sunday evening.
Milan have not yet secured their position in the top four, and begin the day in fourth place as a result of Juventus’s 1-0 victory over Lecce on Saturday night.
It has been a troubling run of form for the Rossoneri over the last few weeks, with three defeats and just four points on their record from their last five outings. They are looking to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo last weekend.
Fikayo Tomori was sent off last weekend, which means that Koni De Winter is in line to return to the back three to replace him.
Ardon Jashari failed to impress standing in for the injured Luka Modric last weekend, and pre-match reports indicate that it will be over to Samuele Ricci to have a go this time. Davide Bartesaghi is also likely to return at left wing-back.
Rafael Leao has also been struggling for form and is likely to be dropped this weekend. Sky Sport Italia predicts that there will be a changed front two of Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic in San Siro on Sunday.
Atalanta are no longer able to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and Europa League qualification could also be mathematically impossible by the end of the day. Raffaele Palladino’s seventh-placed Dea are now likely looking at a Conference League spot at best.
They were held to a 0-0 draw by Genoa last weekend, but only a handful of personnel changes are expected this time. Sead Kolasinac could return to the back three, Raoul Bellanova could also be re-introduced, as could Giacomo Raspadori in attack.
Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.
Milan vs. Atalanta: Probable line-ups
Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Pulisic.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic.
Where to watch Milan vs. Atalanta
Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and through DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Today’s Papers: Vlahovic the difference, Inter don’t let up, Champions League race
10 May 2026 at 11:38
La Gazzetta dello Sport
Vlahovic flash
Champions League fight: Goal in 12 seconds, Juve third
Scores immediately and the Bianconeri win in Lecce. The Serbian: ‘Farewell in two games? We’ll see’
Allegri turns Milan around
Six changes, Gimenez-Pulisic up top. Roma and Como still believe
Lautaro lion
Lazio warned
Inter, from the Pope to scoring three, Wednesday the game that counts
Corriere dello Sport
Dusan the difference
Vlahovic flash, Milan overtaken
Juve are third | Spalletti wins 1-0 in Lecce: +1 above Allegri and +4 above Gasp, goal from the Serbian after 11 seconds
Second goal in a row from the no.9: ‘The Champions League depends only on us, I thank the coach, he’s stuck close by me. Is my future still here? We’ll see’.
Inter don’t give discounts
Lazio beaten 3-0: They also want the Coppa Italia on Wednesday
Lautaro, Sucic and Mkhitaryan take centre stage and reserve the double against Sarri. Super numbers: 27 victories and 85 goals in 36 games. Romagnoli sent off: He will miss the derby
Leao and Fofana finish on the bench
Atalanta at 19.45
Milan need six points from three games to secure Champions League qualification. Gimenez in tandem with Pulisic. Ricci is there
La Dea have an idea: Thiago Motta
The Percassis’ move
Giuntoli progressing as the new sporting director, the Italian-Brazilian could replace Palladino
Gasp, a day in the name of Liedholm
Parma at 17.00
635 games on the bench in Serie A today, like Nils: ‘Roma deserve fourth place’. Como in Verona
Tuttosport
Vlahovic impact
Flash-goal from DV9: Juve win in Lecce and rise up to third place
The Serbian scores the Bianconero goal after 12 seconds, his fastest ever in Serie A, then they disallow one for offside and (amidst doubts) judge his position to be irregular before Kalulu’s double: It ends nervously, but Milan are overtaken and Roma are back to -4. Dusan: ‘Staying at Juve? I don’t know, we’ll see’
Squad and fans back D’Aversa
‘Toro, the coach deserves to stay’
Results and a newly-united dressing room. Ebosse: ‘We want a big finish for him, too’. But Cairo continues to not make a decision and meets with Gattuso and Juric
Chivu doesn’t stop, 3 warnings to Lazio
3-0 in the Coppa Italia appetiser
Lautaro-Sucic-Mkhitaryan. The Scudetto hasn’t satisfied Inter. The final on Wednesday
Max: Still Milan, Palladino: Goodbye Dea
Tonight’s battle and the future
Allegri: ‘I’ll be here for a long time’. Revolution is in the air at Atalanta: Sporting director D’Amico is also leaving
‘Dossena, racist insults to Davis’
Udinese report, Cagliari deny
Serie A: Parma vs. Roma – Probable line-ups and where to watch on TV
10 May 2026 at 12:06
Roma will have their opportunity to respond to Juventus when they take on Parma away from home on Sunday evening, as Serie A’s Champions League race heads towards its conclusion.
Hosts Parma have won two of their last fixtures in Serie A, but fell to a 2-0 defeat against Inter last weekend in the game that won the Nerazzurri the Scudetto for 2025-26.
They find themselves in 13th place ahead of kick-off and have already confirmed their top-flight status for next season.
Roma have responded well since their 5-2 defeat against Inter back in April. They have gone four matches unbeaten since then, winning three, with their most recent ending in a 4-0 scoreline against Fiorentina.
They start the day in fifth place, three points behind Milan in fourth and four points behind Juventus in third heading into the final three games of the season.
Carlos Cuesta is expected to stick with the same front two of Lorenzo Pellegrino and Gabriel Strefezza, but could make some alterations to the midfield three in his 3-5-2. Sky Sport Italia claims that several combinations have been tested ahead of the visit from Roma.
Gian Piero Gasperini, meanwhile, is likely to stick with a similar line-up to the one that put four past Fiorentina last time out. It could be an unchanged Giallorossi XI, led by Donyell Malen, Matias Soule and Niccolo Pisilli in attack.
Kick-off is due at 17.00 BST.
Parma vs. Roma: Probable line-ups
Parma (3-5-2): Suzuki; Troilo, Circati, Valenti; Delprato, Sorensen, Keita, Nicolussi Caviglia, Valeri; Strefezza, Pellegrino.
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar, Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celine, Cristante, Kone, Wesley; Pisilli, Soule; Malen.
Where to watch Parma vs. Roma
Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK exclusively on DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Spalletti vents Juventus frustration: ‘Can’t change 18 out of 25 players’
10 May 2026 at 01:49
Luciano Spalletti vented his frustration with Juventus after beating Lecce, warning they ‘don’t have someone else with Dusan Vlahovic’s characteristics’ and yet ‘we can’t change 18 players.’
It had seemed like this was going to be a rout when Juve opened the scoring within 12 seconds at the Stadio Via del Mare, as Vlahovic found the net immediately into his first start since November 29.
However, that proved to ultimately be the only goal, as two others were disallowed for offside, chalked off for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu.
Spalletti frustrated with Juventus mistakes
“We’ve been saying for a while that we keep doing this, we score early and then don’t finish the games off, it’s like a cut and paste of previous mistakes,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“We dominate whole areas of games, it seems like we are in total control, and then there are moments of superficiality where we lose our way, misplace passes that are just incredible for the level of football we are playing at.
“We cannot seem to maintain that concentration, determination and grit for the whole game. Once we make those mistakes, the tension and fear sets in, the match goes back into the balance.
“Then we get annoyed with ourselves, go and grab the game by the scruff of the neck and put it back on track. A game like this one cannot end 1-0, we barely allowed them to get into our half, there were so many situations where we had two attacking options and always went for the third worst one. That’s just what we are like.”
Spalletti was visibly fuming on the touchline after certain situations, shouting angrily at his players for not moving the ball around the way he wanted.
Considering they keep making the same mistakes, will Juventus have to change quite a few of these players, or does he believe they can learn?
“I had already talked about this in the press conference, really,” replied the coach.
“The media act as if we are going to change 18 of the 25 players in the locker room, but you can’t do that. This is a serious project, so that means many of these players have to be involved, because it’s tough right now to change that many.
“Juventus also spent a fair amount over the last two seasons, so it’s not like they can keep digging into their pockets. There are some situations in football where you need to keep up with the times, but first and foremost these players must grow within themselves,” ranted Spalletti.
“They need to realise that many of them will stay here. We missed Vlahovic terribly because we don’t have someone else with his characteristics. A winning team needs a physical, strong centre-forward. Even if he’s not that tall, he still needs to be able to hold off defenders, deal with the physical duel.
“Jonathan David can score goals, but when it comes to the duel, the physical impact, that is where he struggles.”
So can these players remove the dips in concentration?
“That is not easy. Staying on their toes for long periods is to do with the determination and character of these players. Those players who are creative and can take men on are unfortunately also the same ones who need to take a breather and charge themselves up before sparkling. They just are,” shrugged Spalletti.
“We still have to work on it and train that. This evening, the team played well in so many ways, but if Di Gregorio didn’t make those two big saves, it would be a different result. We have got to build out better from the back, absolutely, that is something we simply must improve.
“Of course, it’s different when you’ve got Vlahovic, because he has different characteristics to the other strikers in the squad. Last time there was talk of the quality midfielder, but the one who translates the pass from the back into an attacking situation, we are missing that figure a little.
“I said the other day we need a bus with two levels, because for all the players that people say we’re going to buy, there won’t be enough room on one bus,” concluded Spalletti.
The 1-0 victory still provides a huge boost for Juve’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, as they temporarily surpass Milan in third ahead of their match with Atalanta on Sunday, and break away from Roma.
Di Francesco: ‘Lecce did have warning of Juventus kick-off routine’
10 May 2026 at 01:26
Eusebio Di Francesco reveals he had warned Lecce about Juventus kick-off routines this morning, but they were still caught out. ‘Both teams wanted to win at all costs.’
It was a nightmare start at the Stadio Via del Mare for the hosts, because they were behind within 12 seconds to a Dusan Vlahovic strike.
They ran some more risks with two goals disallowed for offside for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu, while Michele Di Gregorio was tested by Santiago Pierotti and Walid Cheddira.
Di Francesco had warned Lecce
“I showed the team Juve’s kick-off routine three times this morning, I told them we had to be ready to defend with determination from the very start, and then they scored after 11 seconds,” sighed Di Francesco on Sky Sport Italia.
“This is a Juventus side with a lot of quality, we managed to stay in the game and create some scoring opportunities of our own, and kept it quite a tight match.”
Lecce were ultimately applauded by the home fans at the final whistle, as they had pushed to the end and caused a lot of problems for Juventus, a side battling for the top four.
“They had two goals disallowed, but it’s because they were offside and therefore invalid. This team has a certain DNA, it believes it can compete with everyone when playing in a certain way. We could’ve been sharper with the final ball and the cross, that could’ve allowed us to create more chances.
“We played with a trequartista at times, but tonight it was more of a 4-3-3 trying to prevent them making those passes between the lines with players like Kelly and Cambiaso. We had to deal with those situations, I changed a few things too, because if we tried to close them up, they would get around us on the flanks,” continued Di Francesco.
“In the second half, I put Banda closer to the centre-forward to stop their defenders starting the play out from the back. I think it did allow us to do better, even if we were unable to equalise.
“Both teams wanted to win at all costs, obviously Juventus have more quality, but with the goal advantage they were more comfortable. We had that big chance to equalise straight away after the Vlahovic goal, it was a stunning Di Gregorio save.
“If we had equalised later, it would’ve been good too, as it can even create the momentum to go on and win in the final 15 minutes.”
Now Lecce risk seeing the lead from Cremonese and the relegation zone cut to just one point, if Jamie Vardy’s side manage to get a victory tomorrow against already-relegated Pisa.
Their final two games are away to Sassuolo and at home to Genoa, so both rather tough fixtures.
“Whoever we’re up against, we need points. Sassuolo is an important club for me, obviously, that will be potentially a decisive match,” confessed the coach.
Vlahovic and Kelly: ‘Fate in Juventus hands, we showed resilience today’
10 May 2026 at 01:03
Dusan Vlahovic and Lloyd Kelly warn Juventus have their fate ‘in our hands’ after the 1-0 win away to Lecce. ‘We showed resilience today, especially in the last minutes.’
The striker was making his first start since that serious adductor tear on November 29, and he took all of 12 seconds to make it count, controlling the Andrea Cambiaso cross to turn in from seven yards.
He had also scored another that was disallowed for offside, then his offside was interfering with play in the build-up to Pierre Kalulu’s finish, so the scoreline at the Stadio Via del Mare remained 1-0.
It was a special night for Vlahovic, who last week scored his first goal of 2026 in a 1-1 draw with Verona, coming off the bench after another injury setback.
Vlahovic and Kelly focus on Juventus
“It happens, I hadn’t started for a long time and didn’t have the routine or match fitness,” Vlahovic told Sky Sport Italia.
“The most important thing was the result, we got the three points, we absolutely must win the remaining two games.”
This result puts extra pressure on Milan ahead of tomorrow’s game with Atalanta, along with Roma as they take on Parma.
“It was all in our hands, if we win the remaining games, then there’s nothing anyone else can do about it. We know what is at stake, so we must go out there and win,” added Vlahovic.
The last two matches for Juve are against Fiorentina and Torino, two very bitter rivals.
The result puts Juventus temporarily in third place ahead of Milan, who play Atalanta tomorrow, and lets them break away from Roma in the race for a Champions League spot.
“We know we had to change some things from the last game,” Kelly told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think today we showed some resilience, especially in the last minutes, we need to see these games out and fight for each other, I think we did that today.
“We know the other teams have to play, but we can’t concentrate on them, we have to concentrate on us. We’re happy with the victory, now we can relax and then focus on the next two games.”
Serie A | Lecce 0-1 Juventus: Vlahovic early bird special for victory
10 May 2026 at 00:42
Dusan Vlahovic’s goal within 12 seconds proved enough for Juventus to take three precious points away from Lecce, although they had two more goals disallowed.
This was a huge fixture for both teams, as the hosts needed to stay clear of the drop zone after opening up a four-point gap from Cremonese, while the Bianconeri needed to fight for fourth following a surprising 1-1 draw with Verona.
Dusan Vlahovic got his first start since November 2025, with Kenan Yildiz also shaking off a knock, Juan Cabal and Arek Milik out of action. Lecce were unbeaten in three, despite missing Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana. For Mother’s Day, the hosts wore special shirts with the names of their mothers on the back.
See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.
It was a truly remarkable start, because within 12 seconds Vlahovic had controlled the Andrea Cambiaso cross from the left, turned between three defenders and fired into the roof of the net from seven yards.
Dušan Vlahović gives Juventus the lead inside 15 seconds
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 9, 2026
Lecce responded immediately too, Walid Cheddira’s first-time strike from a Lameck Banda roll across forcing a desperate Michele Di Gregorio reaction save, then at the other end Francisco Conceicao smashed a finish onto the inside of the far post from a tricky angle.
Vlahovic also saw his angled drive denied by Wladimiro Falcone’s legs at the near post, all in the opening six minutes.
It should’ve been 2-0 later in the half when Vlahovic burst into the box and didn’t pass when he had the chance, instead sweeping the finish off target.
Juve did have the ball in the net straight after the restart when Falcone parried a Cambiaso effort and the first Vlahovic rebound, beaten eventually at the third time of asking, but VAR confirmed an offside position.
Cheddira got the finish all wrong after Santiago Pierotti shrugged off Lloyd Kelly to pull back from the by-line.
Another Juventus goal was disallowed due to a Vlahovic offside, this time he was interfering with play during the Jamal Siebert clearance, before Pierre Kalulu flicked in the Cambiaso low cross from six yards on the hour mark.
Danilo Veiga went off injured and Kenan Yildiz drilled wide, while Vlahovic’s first-time effort was charged down, another of the Serbian’s attempts fired over from a McKennie lay-off.
Konan N’Dri came on and robbed Kelly playing out from defence, his finish skimming the near upright, then Di Gregorio struggled to parry a swerving Pierotti screamer from distance.
Falcone made a double save in stoppages, first on Jeremie Boga’s attempted lob, then the Edon Zhegrova follow-up.
Lecce 0-1 Juventus
Vlahovic 1 (J)
Player statistic
1st half
| 1' | |
Dusan Vlahovic (Assist: Andrea Cambiaso) |
2nd half
| 80' | Francisco Conceição | |||
| Gaby Jean | |
82' |
Match statistic
35
Possession %
65
8
Total shots
15
3
Shots on target
6
5
Shots off target
7
Blocked shots
2
1
Corners
7
2
Offsides
6
7
Fouls
18
Lecce
Juventus
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Why Juventus had 2 goals disallowed against Lecce
10 May 2026 at 00:35
Juventus had two goals disallowed in this evening’s trip to Lecce, both for Dusan Vlahovic offside positions, but only one required a VAR On-Field Review.
You can follow all the action as it happens from the Serie A game on our Liveblog.
The Bianconeri had taken an early lead when Vlahovic scored under 15 seconds into the match, meeting the Andrea Cambiaso cross.
Although they had the ball in the net on another two occasions, neither of them went on the scoresheet.
Juventus caught out by VAR
In the first situation at the dawn of the second half, Vlahovic had wandered offside when turning in the rebound from a parried Cambiaso effort.
This was a clear offside that VAR were able to confirm and inform the referee to disallow it.
However, the second goal was more complicated, because Vlahovic did not touch the ball when Jamal Siebert’s panicked clearance allowed Cambiaso to put in another cross, flicked into the net by Pierre Kalulu.
Because Vlahovic never made contact with the ball, it was not clear whether he was interfering with play or not.
This is a subjective decision, not an objective one like the first goal, so it can only be made by the referee himself.
VAR therefore called Andrea Colombo over to the touchline to view it himself on the monitor.
The referee confirmed that Vlahovic “was interfering with play” when almost colliding with Siebert to force that error, so the Juventus goal had to be disallowed.
Dossena responds to Davis’ ‘racist coward’ allegations: ‘Disgraceful accusation’
10 May 2026 at 00:29
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena has strongly denied allegations of racist abuse made against him by Udinese striker Keinan Davis, after a heated incident in the closing stages of Cagliari’s clash with Udinese escalated into a major controversy that has embroiled both clubs.
According to Sky Sport, Davis signalled to the referee during the match that he had been racially abused by an opponent, with the situation briefly resulting in a yellow card for the Udinese forward before it was subsequently rescinded.
Udinese responded swiftly after the final whistle, releasing a statement condemning what they described as “disgraceful racist insults” and pledging to support Davis through all available legal and sporting channels.
Dossena denies Davis allegations as Cagliari back their player
Davis did not hold back on social media, posting an image of Dossena on his Instagram story. “This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game,” he wrote. “I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”
Dossena issued his own Instagram response shortly afterwards, firmly rejecting the allegation. “Being accused of racism saddens and hurts me,” he said.
“It is a very serious accusation, it would never pass through my mind to call another person, a colleague, an insult of that kind. This is the first time I have been involved in a situation like this where I have to defend myself from a slanderous accusation. Behaviour like this is entirely outside of my culture and beliefs.”
Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane also defended his player after the match. “I know his values, it does not even cross my mind that he could have said such things,” Pisacane said. “I spoke with Alberto and I believe him, because I know him well.”
The club itself followed up with a formal statement, expressing surprise at Udinese’s communication and insisting the alleged incident had found no objective confirmation at the end of the match. The matter is now expected to be referred to the relevant sporting justice authorities.
-
- Lazio 0-3 Inter – Sarri criticises Biancocelesti attitude & sees similarities in Chivu’s Inter
Lazio 0-3 Inter – Sarri criticises Biancocelesti attitude & sees similarities in Chivu’s Inter
9 May 2026 at 23:43
Maurizio Sarri delivered a candid and self-critical assessment after Lazio’s 3-0 home defeat to Inter Milan, placing the blame squarely on his own side’s attitude while acknowledging that Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final will demand a completely different approach from his players.
According to comments in his post-match press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Sarri was in no mood to deflect responsibility, conceding that Lazio’s passive defensive displays for both first-half goals were unacceptable regardless of the opposition’s quality.
Sarri vows Lazio will show different face in Coppa Italia rematch against Inter
“The goal by Lautaro is a result of our approach,” Sarri said.
“We conceded from a throw-in with two opponents in the area, usually you have five or six attackers in there and today it was too easy. The second goal is the same thing: they made five passes in the area without anyone intervening. We start from the assumption that Inter have enormous quality, but with this attitude we concede two goals in the first half-hour against any team in Serie A.”
On Romagnoli’s red card, Sarri was measured. “In real time it is a yellow card foul,” he said. “But if you look at the still image it is a red, and this is the classic VAR dismissal.”
He was more troubled, however, by what followed. “We need to understand why we had five clear chances in numerical inferiority, Isaksen alone could have scored three goals. We need to analyse this match without fear and understand that with this approach, there are no merits for Inter. It is our fault.”
Sarri also offered a frank explanation for the performance, making clear the players had not treated the fixture with sufficient respect.
“The approach today is the result of the fact that this match counts for nothing and Wednesday’s is fundamental,” he said. “It is a serious mistake to think that a match like today’s doesn’t matter, because a performance like this can create problems. Having a little fear of your opponents does you good, but being afraid can block you.”
Asked about Cristian Chivu‘s Inter, Sarri was generous in his assessment and identified shared footballing principles.
“They have phases of play at an excellent level, these are resonances,” he said. “They have a different formation, and it is right to play with two forwards given the characteristics of their attackers. They are a different team, but they have affinities with my idea of football.”
The fitness update ahead of the final was cautiously optimistic. Cancellieri is expected to have suffered only minor fatigue, Zaccagni underwent a scan on a painful foot contusion sustained in training and is hoped to be fit within four to five days, while Patric left the pitch with calf tightness that appears manageable.
Cataldi, who has been away receiving treatment, returns to training on Sunday. Rovella, who came on as a substitute, was not singled out for criticism despite the difficult circumstances he entered into.
Yesterday — 9 May 2026Football Italia
Cagliari deny Udinese accusation of racist abuse: ‘No evidence’
9 May 2026 at 23:11
Cagliari show ‘surprise and deep disappointment’ that their player was accused of racist abuse against Udinese’s Keinan Davis. ‘The alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.’
The two clubs have been careful not to name names, but both Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane and especially Davis himself have mentioned Alberto Dossena as the player accused of racist abuse.
This incident happened in the final minutes of Udinese’s 2-0 victory at the Unipol Domus, just minutes after Davis had tried to alert the referee to racist insults from the stands.
Cagliari statement on Udinese accusation
“Cagliari Calcio has taken note, with surprise and deep disappointment, of the statement issued by Udinese Calcio following today’s match,” read the note.
“The Club reiterates in the strongest possible terms that its values, history and sporting culture leave no room for any form of discrimination, racism or violence, whether verbal or physical.
“Any conduct that is contrary to respect for the individual and to the principles of sport must always be condemned in the clearest possible manner.
“The matter concerning the events on the pitch was addressed and clarified after the match, with full regard for the facts, as the alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.”
If found guilty of racist abuse towards an opposition player, then Dossena would risk a 10-match Serie A ban.
However, it remains to be seen if there is any video evidence, or corroborating witnesses who could confirm the allegation.
Davis was very specific in his accusation, which tagged in Dossena on Instagram Stories.
“This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game. I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”
It is not the first time that Cagliari have been involved in a row over racism, as their fans had aimed unacceptable abuse at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
-
- Watch: Juventus lead Lecce as Vlahovic scores 3rd-fastest Serie A goal of last two decades
Watch: Juventus lead Lecce as Vlahovic scores 3rd-fastest Serie A goal of last two decades
9 May 2026 at 23:09
Dusan Vlahovic has given Juventus a stunning early lead at Lecce, scoring after just 12 seconds to register the fastest goal in Juventus’s Serie A history since records began in 2004/05.
From the kick-off, the Bianconeri surged forward immediately, working the ball out to Andrea Cambiaso on the right. The full-back delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Vlahovic took a touch to wrong-foot Tiago Gabriel before firing a ferocious effort beneath the crossbar and past Falcone.
Follow all the action from the rest of the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.
According to OptaPaolo on X, only Rafael Leão and Hirving Lozano have scored more quickly in Serie A over the past two decades, finding the net after six and nine seconds respectively.
Vlahovic’s effort also betters Arturo Vidal’s previous club record, set against Inter in November 2012. It was Cambiaso’s fifth assist of the season.
Watch: Vlahovic gives Juventus early lead
Dušan Vlahović gives Juventus the lead inside 15 seconds
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 9, 2026
Lazio 0-3 Inter – Chivu hails ‘fantastic group’ & issues response to Mourinho
9 May 2026 at 22:53
Cristian Chivu hailed Inter’s “fantastic group” after a commanding 3-0 win at Lazio and delivered a pointed response to questions about José Mourinho’s recent comments, insisting that comparisons between this Inter side and the treble-winning 2010 generation are impossible to make.
According to post-match interviews with DAZN, via FCInterNews, and in his press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Chivu was in bullish mood as his side continued their preparations for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Lazio in the best possible fashion.
Chivu deflects Mourinho questions after Inter walk to victory over Lazio
On the performance, Chivu reserved special praise for the collective rather than individuals.
“It is the merit of everyone, not just Lautaro,” he said. “He puts in soul, professionalism and seriousness and gives everything he has. But it is also the merit of his teammates who follow him, especially in doing certain things. It is a fantastic group and team living something special. I am happy for them because they deserve it.”
When pressed repeatedly on Mourinho’s recent remarks, Chivu was measured but firm. “Ask him,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough to play in the other team. I am sure comparisons between two generations cannot be made, many things have changed in 16 years. But this Inter, like the 2010 side, brings joy to its fans, and that is the most important thing. Let’s talk about the Scudetto won this year and the Coppa Italia final, rather than numbers and polls.”
After a fourth question on the subject, he added: “What we write to each other stays between us.”
Chivu also spoke warmly about Petar Sucic’s display in a deeper midfield role.
“We knew Sucic could play in that position because of his personality, quality and composure on the ball,” he said.
“He has quality, in the national team he often plays in a two. Today he played a great game full of personality. We have a talented young player and we must appreciate him.”
On Josep Martinez, Chivu was equally effusive. “He was already ready before,” he said. “The goalkeepers are the soul of the group. We have never doubted his qualities or Sommer’s.”
Chivu also paid tribute to the late Evaristo Beccalossi after being asked about the absence of a minute’s silence for the Inter legend. “Losing someone dear to us who made the history of Inter fills us with regret,” he said. “We send our condolences to his family and to the entire Inter world. He was always close to us.”
On Hakan Calhanoglu’s fitness ahead of the final, Chivu offered only brief reassurance: “We will see in the coming days.”
Davis accuses Dossena: ‘This racist coward called me a monkey’
9 May 2026 at 22:46
Udinese striker Keinan Davis accused Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena of being a ‘racist coward who called me a monkey today’ during their Serie A game.
There was already tension in the final stages of the 2-0 Udinese victory at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia, with Davis reacting angrily and alerting the referee to something said from the stands.
Things got even more heated after the final whistle when Davis and Dossena had to be separated by teammates.
Although a formal Udinese statement and an Instagram Stories comment from Nicolò Zaniolo were careful not to name the player accused of racist abuse, Davis did take a firm stand.
Davis accuses Dossena of racist abuse
He posted an Instagram Stories tagging in Dossena and using a picture of the Cagliari player.
“This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game. I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”
Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane evidently knew the accusation was aimed at Dossena, because he told DAZN Italia that he had specifically asked his defender.
“I was far from the incident, but I asked my player, who told me he absolutely did not say any racist words. I believe the man, I believe Alberto, because I’ve known him for many years, and he could never do something like this.”
It remains to be seen if there was any video evidence or witnesses who can corroborate what Dossena said to Davis.
If he was found guilty of racist abuse, a player could face up to a 10-match Serie A ban.
Racist insults from the Cagliari fans at the Unipol Domus is unfortunately nothing new, as there were already ugly incidents with abuse aimed at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
Spalletti: ‘Juventus must learn to use pressure and avoid wrong attitude’
9 May 2026 at 22:25
Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus cannot repeat the same mistakes against Lecce after a ‘superficial attitude’ saw them drop points. ‘We must learn to use pressure.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
This is a surprisingly big fixture, because while Lecce need points to stay clear of the relegation zone, the Bianconeri are in the thick of the race for a Champions League spot.
They had the opportunity last week to catch Milan in third, but instead were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by already-relegated Verona.
Spalletti wants right Juventus attitude
“It’s true, we have some dominant performances, but then are too superficial in our attitude to finishing,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“There are windows in games, they last just a few moments, and being able to anticipate them and be ready is what takes you to the next level. Unfortunately, football is a low-scoring sport, so if you don’t watch the whole game, you often don’t get a full picture of the performance, if you only look at the score.
“At Juventus, we don’t learn to deal with pressure, we learn to use it, to be ready and funnel it.”
Dusan Vlahovic returns to the starting XI for the first time since November 29, when he suffered that serious adductor tear, having come off the bench last week to score against Hellas.
Kenan Yildiz was expected to only be on the bench, but he starts too in what would seem to be a 4-2-3-1 formation, Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie also in support.
“We are a strong team who lack certain characteristics that can complete the work we’re doing in the build-up. I am very happy with the way we play, including the last game, where we did everything right until the finish, where we had to be more determined,” added Spalletti.
“At the same time, there was a lack of focus and a goal we should not have conceded. Tonight is a difficult game, as Lecce are a good team, so they are going to be prepared for us. We’ve got to get certain results too, as Juventus chose us, John Elkann is at Taormina with his colleagues and will be watching us on television.
“This is a team building foundations for the future, so we’ve got to have the right attitude now and get ourselves on the right track. You win matches when the gaps are small, when the stadium around you is vibrating with tension the way it is today, we can’t just win when we have everything laid out for us.”
The last time these sides met in Turin on January 3, the result was 1-1, so a victory is not to be taken for granted.
As it is Mother’s Day this weekend, the Lecce players are wearing special shirts with the names of their mothers on the back.
Serie A | Lazio 0-3 Inter: Champions still want more
9 May 2026 at 21:50
Champions of Italy Inter continue celebrating with a 3-0 victory away to Lazio, as Lautaro Martinez, Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored, with Alessio Romagnoli sent off.
By a strange quirk of the fixture list, these teams will meet here again on Wednesday May 13 in the Coppa Italia Final. The Nerazzurri were fresh off their Scudetto triumph and could rotate the squad with Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Pio Esposito injured, but Lautaro Martinez returned from the start to get match fitness after a muscular issue. The hosts welcomed Matteo Cancellieri back from suspension, missing Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot, but Nicolò Rovella had his first start since fracturing his clavicle on February 21.
As the two sets of fans are twinned and the Coppa Italia is coming up, both Lazio and Inter ultras opted to stay outside the Stadio Olimpico, continuing the protest against President Claudio Lotito.
See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.
It took just six minutes to break the deadlock, as after the Andy Diouf effort was charged down, Marcus Thuram flicked on a long throw-in for Lautaro Martinez to volley in with the right foot from seven yards.
Penalty appeals were rejected after a chaotic pinball off Lautaro Martinez, Thuram and Mario Gila’s arm, then Nicolò Barella’s free kick sailed over the crossbar.
Petar Sucic bent a lovely left-foot first-time finish from the D into the top corner after Lautaro Martinez combined repeatedly with Diouf, the captain laying it off for his teammate.
Edoardo Motta was alert off his line to deny Yann Bisseck after Lazio gave it away cheaply, while Pedro’s volley was smothered by Josep Martinez.
Alessio Romagnoli was booked for a very high studs-up tackle on Ange-Yoann Bonny, changed to a straight red card following the VAR review, as the connection was on the inside of the leg. It means the Lazio defender will be suspended for the Derby della Capitale, but the Coppa Italia is a different tournament.
Despite that, the hosts nearly scored moments later when Gustav Isaksen sprung the offside trap on a Luca Pellegrini cross and beat the on-rushing Martinez, denied by a desperate Carlos Augusto clearance. On the resulting corner, Isaksen fired wide from a very promising position.
Lazio did better when down to 10 men, as Isaksen forced a tricky save out of Josep Martinez, and Francesco Acerbi prevented a Boulaye Dia tap-in on the resulting corner.
Tijjani Noslin combined with Dia to break into the box, his finish deflected off Luis Henrique, but it was Inter who found the net for a third time instead.
Bonny held his ground and laid it off for Mkhitaryan, who sent Adam Marusic to ground with a dummy and smashed into the roof of the net.
Teenage youth academy product Mattia Mosconi was given his senior debut off the Nerazzurri bench and almost scored, firing just over the bar after surging into the box down the left.
Lazio 0-3 Inter
Lautaro Martinez 6 (I), Sucic 39 (I), Mkhitaryan 76 (I)
Sent off: Romagnoli 59 (L)
Player statistic
1st half
| 6' | Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Marcus Thuram) | |||
| 39' | Petar Sucic (Assist: Lautaro Martínez) |
2nd half
| Luca Pellegrini | 48' | |||
| Alessio Romagnoli | |
59' | ||
| Tijjani Noslin | 74' | |||
| 76' | |
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Assist: Ange-Yoan Bonny) | ||
| 85' | |
Henrikh Mkhitaryan |
Match statistic
42
Possession %
58
9
Total shots
14
5
Shots on target
5
3
Shots off target
6
1
Blocked shots
3
5
Corners
1
Offsides
1
10
Fouls
8
Lazio
Inter
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Serie A official line-ups: Lecce vs. Juventus
9 May 2026 at 21:44
Dusan Vlahovic returns to the Juventus starting XI after four months with Kenan Yildiz, while Lecce are desperate for points to avoid relegation.
It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The Bianconeri are still smarting from a huge wasted opportunity to consolidate fourth place and even catch Milan in third, as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by already-relegated Verona.
Vlahovic came off the bench in that game to score his first goal since November 2025, and this evening makes another milestone with his first start since that serious adductor injury.
Kenan Yildiz also starts, with Khephren Thuram only fit for the bench, plus Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik long-term absentees.
Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie are therefore in support, with Teun Koopmeiners stepping into the midfield.
Lecce took a significant few steps out of the drop zone thanks to a three-match unbeaten run, drawing with Fiorentina and Verona before the 2-1 victory away to Pisa.
They have a four-point cushion from Cremonese and relegation with three rounds left to play, so every point could be precious.
Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana are out of action, but Walid Cheddira is confirmed as the centre-forward with Lameck Banda in support.
It is the same starting XI that beat Pisa last week, including Tiago Gabriel in defence.
Lecce vs. Juventus line-ups
Lecce: Falcone; Danilo Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Ngom, Ramadani; Pierotti, Coulibaly, Banda; Cheddira
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; Vlahovic
Player statistic
1st half
| 1' | |
Dusan Vlahovic (Assist: Andrea Cambiaso) |
2nd half
| 80' | Francisco Conceição | |||
| Gaby Jean | |
82' |
Match statistic
35
Possession %
65
8
Total shots
15
3
Shots on target
6
5
Shots off target
7
Blocked shots
2
1
Corners
7
2
Offsides
6
7
Fouls
18
Lecce
Juventus
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Aston Villa snub Douglas Luiz purchase as Juventus face repeat of Arthur problem
9 May 2026 at 21:43
Aston Villa will not exercise their option to purchase Douglas Luiz this summer, leaving Juventus with a significant transfer headache over a player who has now been rejected by two clubs in the same season and has barely featured since March.
According to CalcioMercato, Villa signed the Brazilian on a loan deal with a purchase option only, meaning they are under no obligation to make the move permanent.
Unai Emery’s side used Douglas Luiz almost exclusively as emergency cover during periods of injury or suspension, and his last start came on March 19 in the Europa League against Lille, nearly two months ago.
With Villa having reached yet another European final, the Brazilian finds himself surplus to requirements at every club he has visited.
Douglas Luiz becomes costly Juventus transfer headache
The situation bears uncomfortable similarities to the Arthur Melo saga that plagued Juventus for years, a highly-paid midfielder, contracted until 2029, who has proven impossible to move on permanently and continues to drain resources without contributing on the pitch.
Juventus signed Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 for €50 million plus €1.5 million in additional costs. What followed was a near-total failure. He managed just six starts in his only season in Turin, accumulating 877 minutes without a single goal or assist.
Shipped to Nottingham Forest last summer on a conditional loan, where 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes would have triggered an obligation to buy, he fell short of even that threshold, making just 14 appearances. The move to Villa in January was a last roll of the dice, and it has not worked either.
Still with years remaining on his contract, and no suitors willing to commit to a permanent deal, Juventus face the prospect of either absorbing him back into the squad or accepting a significant financial loss to move him on in the summer.
Udinese and Zaniolo condemn ‘racist abuse from a Cagliari player’ against Davis
9 May 2026 at 21:34
Udinese have released a statement condemning ‘shameful racist insults’ towards Keinan Davis ‘from a player’ in the Serie A game against Cagliari, while Nicolò Zaniolo also lashed out.
There was tension in the final stages of this afternoon’s match at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia.
The formal statement from the club seems to clarify some of the confusion around what happened over the two incidents.
Udinese accuse Cagliari player of racist abuse
“Udinese Calcio expresses utmost solidarity and full support for Keinan Davis, who was subjected to shameful racist insults by a player of the opposition team in today’s match,” read the club note.
“The Club reaffirms its strong condemnation for similar deplorable acts that gravely damage the image and values of the sport that we love.
“Udinese Calcio will defend Keinan in every way and hope for a rapid definition of what happened from the sporting justice system, in which we have full faith.”
Although they do not name the player, all indications point towards Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena.
This was confirmed by Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane, who said he specifically asked Dossena if he had said anything racist, and was assured that he would “never do such a thing.”
Udinese player Zaniolo also lashed out on social media this evening and tried to avoid naming names.
“The colleague (if you can call him that) who today dared to insult my children and insult my teammate purely for the colour of his skin, ought to be ashamed of himself and never again set foot on a football pitch,” he wrote on Instagram Stories.
Cremonese boss Giampaolo confirms Vardy will start in must-win Pisa clash
9 May 2026 at 21:12
Cremonese manager Marco Giampaolo has confirmed that Jamie Vardy will start Saturday’s home clash with Pisa, a match he described as a last chance to keep the club’s Serie A survival hopes alive with three games remaining.
According to his pre-match press conference, via CalcioMercato, Giampaolo was unflinching about what is at stake. “There is no other way, we have to win,” he said. “These matches are worth more than three points in the table. That something extra is character, self-respect, resilience, ferocity, the ability to fight back against the table. I told the squad they are aware there is only one option.”
Giampaolo calls for character as Cremonese face relegation crunch
The Cremonese head coach was equally direct when addressing the squad’s mentality after defeat to Lazio, calling on his players to dig deep regardless of the opposition’s circumstances. Pisa arrive at the Stadio Giovanni Zini already relegated, but Giampaolo was quick to dismiss any suggestion that would make things easier.
“Nobody gives anything to anyone,” he said. “Pisa will play their match as is right. We need to look for something deeper, the feelings we have, even within the team relationship. I have nothing to reproach from the defeat against Lazio. I am not criticising the squad, I am calling them for this appointment.”
On the broader question of motivation, a topic raised by supporters who have expressed frustration, Giampaolo pushed back firmly.
“An unmotivated player is one who gives nothing emotionally, to whom winning or losing does not matter,” he said. “I do not think we have players like that here. Tomorrow there is a roll call and we are called to respond in our attitudes and our ability to be resilient. The discussion goes beyond three points.”
Giampaolo also acknowledged the weight of the occasion while remaining measured.
He confirmed that Collocolo and Thorsby are among the squad and will be available, and played down questions about tactical shape, noting that his side have shown considerable fluidity in recent weeks, defending with a back three while attacking in different structures.
“The formation is the small part of a match that contains billions of other things,” he said. “With a 5-3-2 you can win and you can lose. The module itself is worth nothing.”
Milan ultras focus anger on Furlani, but Allegri and Tare could pay instead
9 May 2026 at 20:43
Milan ultras are planning a big protest ahead of tomorrow’s match against Atalanta, with reports Giorgio Furlani could push out both Max Allegri and Igli Tare.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The Rossoneri are battling to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification, which had seemed to be within their grasp until a recent slump in form.
That has prompted frustration among the ultras, who are ready to make their voices heard tomorrow with a protest in the stands.
It comes after thousands of signatures were put on a petition urging the club to sack CEO Furlani, but his tendency to crank out profits from player sales is instead likely to see him backed by owner Gerry Cardinale.
Furlani consolidating Milan power
“The resentment has deep roots,” explains journalist Luca Serafini on MilanNews.
“The accusations towards Furlani go from his extreme interference on the transfer market, decisions that clashed with Tare’s strategy, a lack of strong communication, focus on financial sustainability effectively wiping out sporting ambition, through to dismantling the organised fanbase.”
The ultras are protesting an increase in ticket prices and complicated red tape over new security protocols.
If the Milan fans are hoping Cardinale will turn on Furlani, then the media report the CEO will instead consolidate his grip on the club’s decision-making process.
Just one year after their arrival, both coach Allegri and director of sport Tare could be on the way out, according to MilanNews.
The Rossoneri are looking to Atalanta director Tony D’Amico and Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano.
What happened in Cagliari 0-2 Udinese after Davis heard racist abuse
9 May 2026 at 20:12
Jesper Karlstrom claims Keinan Davis ‘heard a racist insult’ during Udinese’s win at Cagliari, but coach Fabio Pisacane assures ‘Alberto Dossena told me he didn’t say anything racist and I believe him.’
There were a few different incidents that prompted a fiery finale to the match this afternoon, which was won 2-0 by Udinese at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia.
Towards the end of the game, Davis was furious at something he heard from the stands, trying to get his point across to referee Federico Dionisi by grabbing his arm.
Initially, the referee didn’t understand what had happened and booked Davis for grabbing him, but revoked it after Oumar Solet and others managed to translate to explain the situation.
Ugly scenes in Cagliari 0-2 Udinese
The tension escalated again after the final whistle when Davis and Cagliari defender Dossena almost came to blows, having to be separated by teammates.
“Davis heard racist insults, it’s incredible that this still happens in this day and age,” Udinese midfielder Karlstrom told DAZN Italia.
It is not entirely clear whether he meant that the insults were from the crowd, from Dossena, or both.
Cagliari coach Pisacane also spoke with DAZN Italia and was adamant his player was not involved.
“I was far from the incident, but I asked my player, who told me he absolutely did not say any racist words. I believe the man, I believe Alberto, because I’ve known him for many years, and he could never do something like this.”
Racist abuse from the Cagliari fans is, however, far from a new situation, as there were already extremely ugly incidents where then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori received racist abuse from the stands.
Serie A Week 36 Liveblog: Lazio vs. Inter and Lecce vs. Juventus
9 May 2026 at 22:48
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Inter meet Pope Leo and then fans join Lazio boycott
9 May 2026 at 19:49
Inter had a very strange build-up to their game against Lazio, first the entire team visited Pope Leo XIV and presented a special jersey, then their ultras joined Lazio counterparts in protest.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
Curiously, these two teams will face off again in the same venue on Wednesday May 13 for the Coppa Italia Final, so this is a sort of warm-up for that massive fixture.
As they will be in the Eternal City for a few days, Inter took the opportunity to visit Pope Leo in the Vatican, a tradition now for the clubs who have won the Serie A title.
Coach Cristian Chivu, President Beppe Marotta and the entire squad were present this morning, with Pope Leo given a special edition Inter jersey that had his name on the back.
Pope Leo’s message to Inter
“This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it,” was Pope Leo’s message.
“It is a goal achieved through hard work, teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which you have managed to maintain both in the exhilarating moments – such as the last match, which you have already celebrated! – and also the difficult ones, without becoming discouraged or giving up.
“For this reason, whilst I congratulate you, I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had, so that, in this moment of success, you may become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people. Many of them, at this time, look to you as their ‘heroes,’ as role models to emulate, and this entrusts you with a responsibility that goes beyond performance and calls upon you, as sportsmen, to be witnesses to values.
“I would like to emphasize this, because young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the life of the young. And so, I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear.
“Some 35 years ago, Saint John Paul II spoke of this during a meeting held precisely with some representatives of your club. After recalling its significant role in the history of Italian football, he added, addressing the players and managers: ‘Ensure that many may recognize in you and in your conduct authenticity and integrity that stand the test of time’.
“These are words that I too would like to repeat to you, whilst reiterating my congratulations. I cordially bless you and your families, and wish you all the best.”
However, the atmosphere inside the Stadio Olimpico is going to be unusually quiet, because Inter and Lazio ultras have meet up outside for a shared protest.
Lazio fans have been boycotting the home games for several months in protest at President Claudio Lotito and the way he runs the club.
Seeing as the two sets of ultras have been twinned for many years, they decided to unite together in boycotting today’s match.
— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) May 9, 2026
Both of them will be in the stands for the Coppa Italia Final, though, suspending their protest in a moment that could transform the Aquile’s season.
Sarri: ‘Lazio pretend next two games do not exist’
9 May 2026 at 19:32
Maurizio Sarri explains his Lazio decisions against Inter today, trying to ‘pretend the next two games don’t exist’ even if they are the Coppa Italia Final and Rome Derby.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
These teams will meet again in the same venue on Wednesday May 13 for the Coppa Italia Final, which could either send the Aquile into the Europa League, or seal the Double for the Nerazzurri after their Scudetto success.
With the two sets of ultras twinned, Inter fans have joined their Lazio counterparts in boycotting this game in the on-going protest against President Claudio Lotito, but will all be present on Wednesday.
Sarri outlines Lazio decisions
It isn’t just the Coppa Italia Final coming up for Lazio, but also the Derby della Capitale against bitter rivals Roma.
“I tried to pretend the next two games don’t exist, because if you don’t attack the game from the start, you’ll be on the back foot, and then put in a bad performance,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
“We’ve got to give it our all today with the right attitude, then from tonight we can start thinking about the next.”
While Inter can afford to rotate their squad after securing the Serie A title, Lazio continue to struggle with injuries to Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot.
At least Nicolò Rovella returns for his first start since fracturing his clavicle on February 21, while Pedro is chosen in attack.
“Rovella is improving, he needs minutes on the field. Zaccagni had a bruise to his foot yesterday in training and Pedro is in good shape, so it was the best decision. We have positive impressions on Zaccagni, it’s a bruise but nothing more, so he should be ready for Wednesday,” explained Sarri.
Chivu: ‘Inter must honour Lazio game, Lautaro needs Thuram’
9 May 2026 at 19:20
Cristian Chivu explains why Inter must focus on today’s game with Lazio before the Coppa Italia Final, noting Lautaro Martinez ‘needs’ Marcus Thuram by his side.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
The Nerazzurri clinched the Scudetto last week with three rounds to spare and are now gearing up for the potential Double, as they will face Lazio again in this stadium on Wednesday night for the Coppa Italia Final.
It could be the club’s first Double since Jose Mourinho won it as part of a Treble in 2010.
Chivu keeps Inter focused
“This is a Serie A match, the Coppa Italia is a different tournament, so we need to honour this competition, continue sticking to our principles throughout the season and keep focus, because this is a real match,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.
“Even if we are already the Champions of Italy, we still need to honour the competition all the way.”
With the Coppa Italia Final coming up, Inter can afford to rotate their squad, bringing in the likes of Davide Frattesi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for rare starts.
Lautaro Martinez returns to the starting XI to get minutes in his legs after a recent muscular setback.
“Lautaro showed last week off the bench against Parma that he is doing well, we hope to get him an hour or so today to rediscover match fitness. Marcus starts because Lautaro needs his teammate right now and they work well together.”
The squad, coach Chivu and directors all met with Pope Leo in the Vatican this morning, so he could congratulate them on their Serie A title success.
Inter are wearing black armbands following the death of club legend Evaristo Beccalossi.
“We send our condolences to his family and the whole Inter family, his daughter Gaia has been working with us for many years. He represented Interismo, what it means to be part of this club, and we are sad to have lost someone so special,” said Chivu.
Serie A | Cagliari 0-2 Udinese: Sardinians keep waiting for survival
9 May 2026 at 19:09
Cagliari still aren’t mathematically safe, as goals from Adam Buksa and Idrissa Gueye allowed Udinese to secure a 2-0 win in Sardinia on Saturday.
Udinese beat Cagliari 2-0 at the Unipol Domus on Saturday, moving five points below seventh-placed Atalanta, who visit Milan tomorrow.
Cagliari 0-2 Udinese – match report
Cagliari had the best chances in the first half when Maduka Okoye produced two brilliant saves with his feet: first from a Marco Palestra counter-attack and then on a Gianluca Gaetano attempt from point-blank range.
The home side received a penalty kick for a Jesper Karlström handball inside the box, but the penalty was revoked after a VAR check, as the Udinese midfielder touched the ball in a “natural position” while trying to do all he could to avoid contact.
Udinese bounced back in the second half, and Nicolò Zaniolo immediately hit the outside of the woodwork with a shot from the edge of the box.
The Bianconeri took the lead shortly afterwards with Buksa’s fourth goal this season: Hassane Kamara burst down the left wing and delivered an accurate pass to the Polish striker, who found himself one-on-one with Elia Caprile and calmly slotted the ball into an open net.
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena came close to levelling the score from a corner kick routine, but Karlström made a superb headed clearance off the goal line.
Nicolò Bertola was just as good a few minutes later when he blocked a Paul Mendy shot from outside the box.
Cagliari continued pushing for the leveller, but inevitably left space for Udinese’s counter-attacks.
Keinan Davis wasted a big chance alone in front of Caprile, but the ex-Aston Villa star, who had returned from an injury, coming off the bench as a substitute, later provided the assist for Idrissa Gueye, who killed off the game by finalising a perfect counterattack in the stoppages.
Tensions increased in the final minutes, with some players from both teams briefly clashing on the pitch after the final whistle. Udinese’s Davis looked particularly upset and had to be restrained by some of his teammates.
Cagliari remain 15th in the standings, but eight points below 18th-placed Cremonese, so they’ll be mathematically safe if the Grigiorossi don’t beat Pisa on Sunday.
Player statistic
1st half
| 44' | Kingsley Ehizibue |
2nd half
| Zé Pedro | 53' | |||
| 56' | Adam Buksa (Assist: Hassane Kamara) | |||
| 90+6' | |
Idrissa Gueye (Assist: Keinan Davis) | ||
| 90+2' | |
Keinan Davis |
Match statistic
63
Possession %
37
22
Total shots
9
5
Shots on target
6
11
Shots off target
2
6
Blocked shots
1
8
Corners
4
3
Offsides
3
10
Fouls
13
Cagliari
Udinese
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Serie A official line-ups: Lazio vs. Inter
9 May 2026 at 18:51
Inter rotate and bring back Lautaro Martinez from the start with Davide Frattesi for the first of two clashes with Lazio, who look to Pedro and Tijjani Noslin.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
By a strange quirk of the fixture list, these teams face off in Serie A, but will meet again for a much bigger match on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia Final.
The two sets of fanbases are twinned, so with Lazio continuing their boycott of home games in protest at President Claudio Lotito, they are joined outside the Stadio Olimpico by their Inter ultras friends.
They’ll all reconvene inside the venue on Wednesday for a match that could send Lazio into Europe or give Inter the Double.
The Nerazzurri won the Scudetto last week and therefore can afford to rotate the squad, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Pio Esposito out injured.
Players like Josep Martinez, Frattesi, Carlos Augusto, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Andy Diouf get starts, but it’s also the opportunity to get some minutes into Lautaro Martinez’s legs after a recent injury setback.
Lazio get Matteo Cancellieri after his one-match ban, but Mattia Zaccagni is out with a bruised foot, hoping to be ready for the Coppa Italia.
He joins Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto on the treatment table.
Nicolò Rovella made his comeback last week after a fractured clavicle and goes into the starting XI for the first time since February 21, with Mario Gila also back from injury.
Noslin leads the attack flanked by Cancellieri and Pedro.
Lazio vs. Inter line-ups
Lazio: Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini, Basic, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Cancellieri, Noslin, Pedro
Inter: J Martinez; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Diouf, Sucic, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez
Player statistic
1st half
| 6' | Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Marcus Thuram) | |||
| 39' | Petar Sucic (Assist: Lautaro Martínez) |
2nd half
| Luca Pellegrini | 48' | |||
| Alessio Romagnoli | |
59' | ||
| Tijjani Noslin | 74' | |||
| 76' | |
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Assist: Ange-Yoan Bonny) | ||
| 85' | |
Henrikh Mkhitaryan |
Match statistic
42
Possession %
58
9
Total shots
14
5
Shots on target
5
3
Shots off target
6
1
Blocked shots
3
5
Corners
1
Offsides
1
10
Fouls
8
Lazio
Inter
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Palladino has received ‘no signals’ about future at Atalanta
9 May 2026 at 18:17
Raffaele Palladino admits he’d like to stay at Atalanta to build a ‘competitive’ team for next season, but hasn’t yet ‘received signals’ from the club.
Atalanta are preparing for the final rush of the season and will visit Milan at San Siro tomorrow.
Palladino is contracted until June 2027, but Atalanta are expected to make major changes to their management, as reports indicate they will replace sporting director Tony D’Amico with Cristiano Giuntoli.
Palladino’s Atalanta future uncertain
According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Palladino’s future is also uncertain despite having one year left in his contract at the Gewiss Stadium.
“I’m fine here in Bergamo. I’ve found great warmth from everyone since I arrived,” the Atalanta coach said at a press conference on Saturday.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done with the team. We’ve gone from 13th to seventh. We were eliminated on penalties in the Coppa Italia and had a great journey in the Champions League, eliminating Borussia Dortmund. I judge this journey positively. Obviously, we must end the season well now. I hope to build a competitive Atalanta for a new great cycle, but I have not received any signals for now. What matters now is to end the season well.
“I’ve been making assessments since I arrived. I didn’t build this team,” he continued.
“We’ll see what happens next season. I want to build a competitive Atalanta in my own image and likeness, and establish a long-term cycle with young players as well.”
Palladino was hired in November 2025 to replace Ivan Juric. Atalanta have won 17 of 36 games under the Italian tactician, drawing seven and losing 12.
Video: Angry ultras hurl firecrackers at police following Pescara’s relegation
9 May 2026 at 17:45
Angry Pescara ultras loudly booed the team and threw firecrackers at police outside the stadium after their team’s relegation to Serie C.
Pescara have been relegated to Italy’s third division, Serie C, following a 1-1 home draw against Spezia on the final game of the regular season on Friday.
Spezia were also relegated, joining the Abruzzo-based team and Reggiana in Serie C, while Bari and Sudtirol will meet in a relegation playout.
Pescara fans showed their frustration after the match, booing their player at full-time.
Protests continued outside the stadium as well, where furious ultras tried to clash with police by throwing firecrackers at officers, just outside the stadium’s gates.
Angry ultras react to Pescara’s relegation
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) May 9, 2026
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- Gasperini: Coach and sporting director must be ‘connected’ hints at Koné’s Roma exit
Gasperini: Coach and sporting director must be ‘connected’ hints at Koné’s Roma exit
9 May 2026 at 17:22
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists that the coach and sporting director must be ‘very close and connected’ but hints that Manu Koné might leave the Olimpico in the summer.
Roma are preparing for an away game at Parma, who have already secured survival.
On the other hand, the Giallorossi are still fighting for a Champions League place, just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus.
Parma vs. Roma – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference
“Every game is decisive, especially now, with only three remaining,” Gasperini said at a press conference on Saturday, via Gazzetta.
“Parma play good football, even if they have secured survival, no team ever gives anything away, and this is positive.
“I’ve known [Parma coach] Carlos Cuesta; he is a very prepared lad. He immediately reached the top despite his young age. He can be risky at times, but he has proven himself.”
Gasperini has been given increasing power by club owners who sacked Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri two weeks ago.
Ranieri was on bad terms with Gasperini, and the same is true of Roma sporting director Frederic Massara, who is also expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
Gasperini was asked whether Roma are already late in planning ahead for next season.
“A lot depends on what the club wants to do, so we need to turn to them,” he replied.
I don’t see anyone holding an advantage. Things evolve quickly at the end of the season.
“This is a valuable group, as the results prove. Their reaction in difficult moments was evident,” he added.
“Obviously, the Champions League brings more substantial financial resources to the market, and everyone wants to qualify for this reason, but the world is full of clubs that know how to operate well even without considerable resources.”
Atalanta sporting director Tony D’Amico is expected to leave the Nerazzurri after the club reached an agreement with Cristiano Giuntoli, according to Matteo Moretto.
“We are focused on the season. Any hypothesis concerns many teams,” Gasperini said.
“I must work with my ideas; the coach and the sporting director must work together, not with everyone taking different paths. They need to speak honestly to technically improve Roma in a way that is compatible with the resources and the coach’s ideas.
“That must be the only goal. Those are two roles that must be very close and connected, giving mutual support by understanding each other’s difficulties. My way of playing has brought certain results, and I want to carry forward my strengths. I’m looking for players who can help me develop my playing style.”
Roma might need to sell one of their stars for financial reasons if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and Koné is said to have attracted interest from many clubs.
“Nobody is unsellable in modern football, except for some top clubs,” explained Gasp.
“Again, talking about the top four, without resources, it’s something that we must consider. But these offers are rare; it’s mostly just rumours. Koné is a strong player, and I hope he continues to play for Roma, but it will depend on offers that might allow us to do different things.”
According to reports in Italy, Gasperini is pushing for contract extensions of Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik.
“It doesn’t seem to me that I’ve been involved. If I am, I’ll have my say,” the coach noted.
“They are very busy right now, and when the time comes for them, we’ll be able to talk. Evidently, it’s still not the right time, but it will come, and we must all be convinced. We won’t be allowed to have doubts or uncertainties.”
Video: Italy talent Inacio scores first senior goal for Borussia Dortmund
9 May 2026 at 16:41
Italian talent Samuele Inacio scored his first goal at a senior level for Borussia Dortmund last night in a 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Italian wonderkid Inacio, son of ex-Serie A striker Inacio Pia, scored his first goal at a senior level with Borussia Dortmund on Friday.
The 18-year-old started his third consecutive Bundesliga match, netting the third goal for BVB at minute 72.
A product of the Atalanta Academy, Inacio joined Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 summer transfer window.
He was born in Italy and holds a Brazilian passport.
Inacio made his U19 Italy debut this past March, scoring a goal in his first match.
His move to Borussia Dortmund from Atalanta two years ago upset the Nerazzurri, who continued to voice their discontent this past February, when they met the Bundesliga side in the Champions League knockout play-off.
Video: Inacio’s first goal for Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund venceu o Frankfurt por 3 a 2 em seu último jogo em casa da temporada.
Samuele Inácio fez o terceiro gol, seu primeiro na Bundesliga.
Meia-atacante da seleção italiana sub-19 é filho do brasileiro Inácio Piá, ex-Atalanta e Napoli.pic.twitter.com/42rBWsLgFy
— Leonardo Bertozzi (@lbertozzi) May 8, 2026
Serie A: Cagliari vs. Udinese – confirmed line-ups and live updates
9 May 2026 at 16:13
Sebastiano Esposito and Paul Mendy lead the Cagliari attack in a home Serie A match against Nicolò Zaniolo’s Udinese.
Saturday’s Serie A action begins at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari with the Rossoblu facing Udinese at 15:00 CET (14:00 BST).
Idrissi, Mazzitelli, Felici, Pavoletti, Borrelli and Liteta are unavailable for the home side, while Udinese must cope without the injured Zanoli, Ekkelenkamp and the suspended Kabasele.
Cagliari have a nine-point lead over the relegation zone, so they need one final push to secure mathematical survival.
The Sardinians have won two of the last five league matches.
Udinese have only lost once in their last five meetings and can technically still qualify for Europe, but they find themselves eight points behind Atalanta in seventh.
Cagliari vs. Udinese – confirmed line-ups
Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Dossena; Palestra; Adopo, Gaetano, Folorunsho, Obert; Esposito, Mendy.
Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Mlacic, Kristensen, Solet; Ehizibue, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo, Buksa.
Cagliari vs. Udinese – live updates
Player statistic
1st half
| 44' | Kingsley Ehizibue |
2nd half
| Zé Pedro | 53' | |||
| 56' | Adam Buksa (Assist: Hassane Kamara) | |||
| 90+6' | |
Idrissa Gueye (Assist: Keinan Davis) | ||
| 90+2' | |
Keinan Davis |
Match statistic
63
Possession %
37
22
Total shots
9
5
Shots on target
6
11
Shots off target
2
6
Blocked shots
1
8
Corners
4
3
Offsides
3
10
Fouls
13
Cagliari
Udinese
Starting lineups
Substitutes
Giuntoli set for Atalanta role to replace Milan and Roma-linked D’Amico
9 May 2026 at 15:55
Matteo Moretto reports that ex-Juventus and Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has ‘already reached an agreement’ with Atalanta for next season.
Former Juventus CEO Giuntoli is set to become the new Atalanta sporting director.
Several sources have claimed that Giuntoli is the leading candidate to replace Tony D’Amico in 2026-27, but according to Moretto, the agreement between Giuntoli and La Dea is already finalised.
The Italian transfer expert reports that the two parties have finalised all the details and the agreement will be confirmed with an official statement in the coming days.
Giuntoli’s appointment means Atalanta’s sporting director, Tony D’Amico, will leave the club after four years.
D’Amico has been linked with Milan and Roma.
The Rossoneri were already interested in the 46-year-old last summer before ultimately appointing Igli Tare.
Recent reports have claimed that the Italian director remains on Milan’s agenda as Tare’s future at San Siro is uncertain.
Roma, however, are another possible destination, given that Gian Piero Gasperini has gained more power following Claudio Ranieri’s departure, which will also lead to Frederic Massara’s exit.
Allegri: Milan ‘can’t change’ 10-month work, Modric’s return ‘nearly impossible’
9 May 2026 at 15:39
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri hints that he might pick an attacking trident for a Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday, but Luka Modric’s return for the last game of the season is ‘nearly impossible.’
Milan are under growing pressure, having won only one of their last five games and scoring just one goal in the process.
Reports in Italy suggest that Santiago Gimenez could start against Atalanta at San Siro tomorrow, and Allegri discussed the matter at a pre-match press conference today.
Allegri drops Gimenez hint for Atalanta clash
“If Gimenez is there, there will be one or two players moving around him,” Allegri said via Milannews.
This means Allegri could choose three attacking players tomorrow rather than the usual 3-5-2 system: “We’ll see,” the coach said.
“We can’t change what we’ve done in these ten months. Tomorrow we begin a mini-season of three games,” Allegri continued.
“That’s how we have to look at it. We have a three-point lead. If we make it to the Champions League, we’ll go; if not, we won’t deserve to qualify. I’ll assess the starting line-up tomorrow, but I need everyone right now. Aside from Modric and Tomori, everyone else is available.
“The games last long, and substitutions in the last 30 minutes are decisive. Everyone will have to be involved in the game. We are in a decisive and important moment.
“It’s a decisive match tomorrow because three games remain. All energy must be focused towards tomorrow’s game. Then we’ll look at the table. We’ll have to play a tricky and difficult game at Genoa afterwards.”
Modric was forced to undergo a cheekbone surgery two weeks ago following an injury against Juventus.
The Croatian star is training separately at Milanello, but Allegri practically ruled out his return to action for the last game of the season against Cagliari.
“Even if Modric always comes to Milanello to work, it’s nearly impossible that he’ll be on the pitch for the last match,” he said.
During the same press conference, Allegri insisted that he wants to remain at San Siro for as long as possible despite reports that his strained relationship with CEO Giorgio Furlani could lead to a summer departure.
“Whoever is at Milan must work for the club and defend a glorious DNA,” Allegri insisted.
“I’ve seen that in the directors, and I understand that Milan must always have the ambition to win. If Milan finish sixth, it means we deserved to finish sixth. The important thing is that everyone works for the club. Personal targets must be set aside. The collective goal is to qualify for the Champions League.”
Allegri insists: I want to ‘stay at Milan for as long as possible’
9 May 2026 at 15:01
Massimiliano Allegri insists he wants to ‘stay at Milan for as long as possible’ and thanks the Rossoneri fans for their support this season.
Milan have only won one of their last five league games, and their advantage over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to three points with three games remaining.
Tensions are running high at San Siro among Rossoneri supporters, who are preparing a protest against CEO Giorgio Furlani during tomorrow’s home game against Atalanta.
“We can only thank them for now. They’ve been supporting us since August 17, and the stadium has always been full,” Allegri said at a press conference via MilanNews.
“We’ve always felt their support, and they’ll do it tomorrow as well in a decisive moment of the season. We have a tricky match. We’ve had a good week of work, and we’ll have to face Atalanta as we try to return to winning, which we haven’t done at home in a while.
“We must do and not talk. Atalanta are an excellent team, and we’ll need an excellent performance to bring the result home.”
The Rossoneri have scored only one goal in their last five matches, and tomorrow they’ll host Atalanta without the injured Luka Modric and the suspended Fikayo Tomori.
“I’m not worried; you have to look at things positively. Normally, after a defeat like the one against Sassuolo, one tends to see things more negatively,” Allegri said.
“The destiny is in our hands. What’s nice about football is that 90 minutes can change everything. That said, tomorrow we won’t be mathematically in or out of the Champions League.”
There have been several reports that Allegri might be leaving San Siro at the end of the season due to strained relations with Furlani. The Livorno-born coach is also among the candidates linked with the Italy job. Does he see himself as a national team coach or does he prefer day-to-day duties?
“This is not a matter I’ve thought about. Right now, Milan are the most important thing, for the next games and for next season,” Allegri replied.
“We’ve worked with great attention and dedication for ten months. We must respect everyone who makes themselves available so we can perform at our best. I don’t think about anything else because my goal is to stay at Milan for as long as possible.”
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- Inter’s Referee Manager heard by Milan Prosecutor: What was said and what happens now
Inter’s Referee Manager heard by Milan Prosecutor: What was said and what happens now
9 May 2026 at 14:32
Inter referee manager Giorgio Schenone was heard as a witness by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione on Friday, and further interrogations will be completed at the start of next week.
Referee scandal in Serie A: latest updates
Inter’s referee manager, Schenone, was heard by the Milan Prosecutor on Friday as part of a probe into alleged sports fraud, which involves five people under investigation, none of whom are from Serie A or Serie B clubs.
Former referee designator Gianluca Rocchi is among those under investigation on suspicion of having influenced VAR decisions during matches and of manipulating referee appointments.
In a wiretap from April 2025, Rocchi is heard telling VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni, who is also under investigation: “They no longer want to see him [a referee] anymore.”
During the same wiretap, Rocchi and Gervasoni mention “Giorgio”, which, according to investigators, refers to Inter’s Schenone.
Corriere della Sera reports that the Nerazzurri referee manager did not receive questions regarding a meeting at San Siro on April 2, 2025, during which Rocchi is suspected of having chosen referees favoured by Inter for upcoming games against Bologna in Serie A and Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal.
Investigators are trying to understand whether Schenone conveyed Inter referees’ preferences to Rocchi.
Daniele Doveri was picked for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Milan last season so that he would be shielded for the Final, which Inter didn’t even qualify for.
What Inter Referee Manager told Milan Prosecutor
Schenone, however, argued that he had always dealt exclusively with refereeing matters and that during the 2024-25 season, Inter had Dover as referee six times, practically the maximum possible in the competition.
Schenone, nor any other Inter member, is under investigation. The Nerazzurri referee manager was only heard as a witness.
Corriere adds that there are no wiretaps involving Schiavone and Rocchi, but, on the other hand, Schenone heard several other wiretaps, mostly from spring 2025, involving Rocchi and VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni and between Rocchi and Riccardo Pinzani, Rocchi’s former referee partner.
Former AIA President Antonio Zappi and new Referee Designator Dino Tommasi were also questioned on Friday, mostly about the activity in the VAR room in Lissone.
According to the report, the Milan prosecutor will complete further hearings between Monday and Tuesday next week.
Rocchi, in the meantime, has once again informed prosecutors that he does not intend to answer the Prosecutor’s questions, exercising his right to remain silent.
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- Mourinho: Iran deserve World Cup place, Materazzi ‘might get mad’ at my Zidane claim
Mourinho: Iran deserve World Cup place, Materazzi ‘might get mad’ at my Zidane claim
9 May 2026 at 13:44
José Mourinho insists Iran deserve to play at the World Cup, which Portugal can win, and feels Zinedine Zidane embodied the concept of elegance: ‘Marco Materazzi might get mad at me…’
Former Inter and Roma coach Mourinho gave a long interview to Sport Week, discussing his life and career.
Ex-Roma star Nicolò Zaniolo once described Mou as a ‘master’, saying the Portuguese tactician could almost perfectly predict what would happen during matches.
Mourinho predicted Zaniolo’s winning goal in Conference League Final
“Almost,” Mou replied, smiling.
“One thing I had predicted and actually happened was that Zaniolo would score the decisive goal in the Conference League Final between my Roma side and Feyenoord.”
During the same interview, Mourinho admitted that he’d leave Inter for Real Madrid again and was then asked to name a player who “embodies the concept of elegance.”
“The first name that comes to mind is Zinedine Zidane,” Mourinho said.
“Marco Materazzi might get mad at me for saying it, but watching Zizou play was pure beauty.”
When asked about his favourite city as a coach, Mou replied: “The most important thing is to be with the people I love. It could even be the Sahara Desert. To me, anyway, the most beautiful city in the world is Rome.”
Lastly, the Benfica tactician spoke about the upcoming World Cup as well: “Portugal can do anything. They have an incredible generation. They won the Nations League a year ago. We won the Euros in 2016, and this generation is technically superior to that team. Of course, there is Carletto Ancelotti’s Brazil, Argentina, but Portugal can win this World Cup.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran’s participation in the competition, yet there are still doubts on whether they’ll actually take part in the tournament due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has been reiterating that Italy should replace Iran if they don’t show up for the World Cup in June.
“One thing is politics, one is sport,” Mourinho concluded.
“The Iranian players who have qualified for the World Cup, which will involve too many teams, deserve to play it.”
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- Serie A Top 4 Race: What Napoli, Milan, Juventus and Roma Need for Champions League Qualification
Serie A Top 4 Race: What Napoli, Milan, Juventus and Roma Need for Champions League Qualification
9 May 2026 at 12:39
As the Serie A season enters its final weeks, there is still a lot to play for. The league winners might be known, but the race for the Champions League places is heating up.
Inter are now guaranteed to finish top of the table after their 2-0 victory against Parma, which clinched the Scudetto. That leaves three qualification spots remaining, but five teams are all pushing for them.
Who, though, has the best chance of finishing in the top four? Here’s a closer look at the matches each team in contention has left, and who is the most likely to qualify.
Napoli – 70 points
Antonio Conte’s men might have fallen short of defending their status as champions, but they look all but certain to qualify for the Champions League. A goalless draw against Como means that they only need one win and one draw from their three remaining games to guarantee a top-four finish.
Napoli face ninth-placed Bologna in their next match, but their away fixture against struggling Pisa should be their best chance of a victory. They then play Udinese in their final match, although that could be a potential slip-up that teams can capitalise on, as I Friulani emerged as 1-0 victors when the two sides met in December 2025.
Milan – 67 points
A victory against Sassuolo would have put Milan on the brink of qualification, but a defeat has put the pressure on. Now only three points ahead of fifth-placed Roma, the Rossoneri need to bounce back from their latest setback, and quickly.
Fortunately, while their next match against Atalanta will be difficult, the final two matches of the season are much more straightforward. Milan have a trip to Genoa on May 17, before they then host Cagliari at the San Siro in their final game. Both teams lie in the bottom half of the table, and while Genoa did manage a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture against Milan back in January, the 19-time champions will still be confident in their chances.
Juventus – 65 points
Milan’s failure to beat Sassuolo might have been punished had Juventus beaten Verona. But, in spite of that 1-1 draw, La Vecchia Signora should feel the most optimistic. While they are only one point ahead of Roma, Luciano Spalletti’s side now only play teams in the bottom half of the table.
Lecce could be a potential mistake waiting to happen, but their win against Pisa was their only win in seven. Juve will also be heavy favourites in their matches against Fiorentina and Torino.
Because Juventus is the team in Serie A with the biggest global following, fans across the world will be making the most of betting bonuses, such as a 1win promo code for India readers, to back Juve to qualify for the Champions League. They have a lot going in their favour, but only time will tell if they manage to get over the line.
Roma – 64 points
Roma might have lost four more games than Como, but the Giallorossi still find themselves among the chasing pack for Champions League football. It’s been seven seasons since they last played in the competition, but if things go their way, that streak might come to an end.
A win against Fiorentina has put them in fifth, but there’s no question that their route to the top four is more difficult than their rivals. They face Parma away from home next before the Derby della Capitale against Lazio.
Nevertheless, Roma have not lost to their rivals since January 2024 and will be confident of extending that run as they pursue European football. If the teams above them drop more points, then it could all come down to their final match of the season against Verona on May 24.
Como – 62 points
A win against Napoli would have put Como in control of their bid for Champions League football. Now, I Lariani need to win the maximum nine points from their last three games and hope that other teams can do them a favour if they are to have any chance.
Cesc Fabregas – who recently ruled out a move to Chelsea – has the team with sufficient quality to win three matches on the spin, and their remaining fixtures also lend themselves to potential success. They face bottom-three sides Verona and Cremonese, either side of a home fixture against 12th-placed Parma, whom they have not lost to since 2023 in Serie B. Nevertheless, the Lombardy-based club has a mountain to climb to qualify for the Champions League.
Serie A: Lazio vs. Inter – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV
9 May 2026 at 12:19
Both Lazio and Inter are likely to make squad rotations in their Serie A match today, as they prepare for next week’s Coppa Italia Final, but the Nerazzurri captain, Lautaro Martinez, is still expected to start.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
It’s Inter’s first game as defending Serie A champions, as the Nerazzurri secured the Scudetto with three games to spare last week.
Lazio are four points below a Conference League placement, but their priority remains next Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final, also against the Nerazzurri.
Francesco Pio Esposito and Hakan Calhanoglu are unavailable for Inter, but while the Italian striker is expected to recover in time for next week’s Final, Calhanoglu is not likely to make it.
Lazio get to this match without the injured Samuel Gigot, Ivan Provedel, Alessio Furlanetto, Danilo Cataldi, Elseid Hysaj and their captain Mattia Zaccagni.
As reported by Gazzetta, Italy international Davide Frattesi is set to make a rare start for Inter in the middle of the park, so Nicolò Barella will rest.
Marcus Thuram is also expected to start on the bench, making room for Ange-Yoan Bonny and Lautaro Martinez up front.
Lazio vs. Inter – probable line-ups
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Lazio vs. Inter – where to watch on TV
Inter (3-5-2): Martinez Jo.; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Sucic, Frattesi, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Bonny.
Lazio (4-3-3): Motta; Lazzari, Provstgaard, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Basic, Rovella, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Noslin.
Serie A: Lecce vs. Juventus – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV
9 May 2026 at 12:06
Dusan Vlahovic is set to return to the Juventus starting XI for the first time in over five months as the Bianconeri seek a win against a Lecce side that is fighting for survival.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Via Del Mare in Lecce.
The home side have a four-point advantage over the relegation zone, so a win would almost certainly allow them to secure survival, while Juventus sit fourth in the standings, but their lead over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to just one point following back-to-back draws against Milan and Hellas Verona.
The Bianconeri have travelled to Lecce without the injured Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal.
Serbia international Vlahovic is expected to start his first game since November 29, as reported by Sky Sport and Gazzetta.
Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceiçao will complete the Old Lady’s attack.
Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, Riccardo Sottil and Sadik Fofana are unavailable for Lecce, where Walid Cheddira is the favourite over Nikola Stulic for a starting spot as a lone striker.
Lecce vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, DAZN and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Lecce vs. Juventus – probable line-ups
Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Danilo Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Ngom, Ramadani; Pierotti, Coulibaly, Banda; Cheddira.
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; Vlahovic.
Today’s Papers – Pressure mounts on Juventus. Inter and Lazio think about the Cup
9 May 2026 at 11:34
La Gazzetta dello Sport
75m at stake
The transfer market is at risk without Champions. Juve, there’s Vlahovic.
Test for double
Double challenge Inter: only Lazio towards the cup
Gimenez shows up
No goals in Serie A for a year, Allegri is tempted.
Simeone’s energy again, and Toro turn Sassuolo around
Corriere dello Sport
Test for the cup
Two challenges in five days
Today’s game (18:00) is the aperitif for the final
Masked Lazio-Inter: Wednesday’s trophy only matters
Sarri is still in the race for the 7th spot, but will rest the big players. Zaccagni injured. Chivu’s first game as defending champion. Lautaro to partner with Bonny.
Juve, Lucio’s rules
‘Take our own responsibilities after the pain felt against Verona. We must react. Future? Many will stay, but we need more.’ Vlahovic returns to the starting XI after 160 days.
New directors: D’Amico and Giuntoli, what an intrigue
Napoli prepare for double celebration
Frosinone in Serie A, play-out for Bari
Tuttosport
D’Aversa’s pride. Toro, derby shake
Lecce, 20:45
Juve, you put it all on the line
Champions, UEFA millions, the breakeven, and appeal on the market
The Bianconeri can make no more mistakes to defend the fourth spot from the comebacks of Romo and Como. Spalletti’s project of building a winning team, based on Yildiz, is also at risk. Vlahovic is ready. The coach: ‘Many will stay, but we need reinforcements.’
Lazio and Inter, the Cup in the head
Lautaro set to start to test his shape. Chivu is looking for the goal record. Many people in Brescia say goodbye to Beccalossi.
Frosinone, welcome back to Serie A! Bari to the playout
Official: Frosinone promoted to Serie A, Serie B relegation and play-offs confirmed
9 May 2026 at 00:59
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.
Serie A | Torino 2-1 Sassuolo – Simeone keeps home streak alive
9 May 2026 at 00:42
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′.
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
Substitutes
Report: Chelsea could make summer move for Pavlovic as Milan set asking price
8 May 2026 at 23:39
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.
Serie A: Torino vs. Sassuolo – Confirmed line-ups and updates
8 May 2026 at 22:40
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.
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
Substitutes
Before yesterdayFootball Italia
Ex-Juventus defender among Roma options to replace Massara as sporting director
8 May 2026 at 20:43
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.
Esposito: ‘Unconditional confidence, Lautaro’s numbers speak for themselves’
8 May 2026 at 19:06
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.”
Two Inter players miss away Serie A game at Lazio
8 May 2026 at 19:04
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.
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- Study identifies top 3 most financially stable clubs in Serie A and most efficient coach
Study identifies top 3 most financially stable clubs in Serie A and most efficient coach
8 May 2026 at 18:49
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.
‘Devastated’ Italy World Cup winner forced to miss Beccalossi funeral: ‘No flights’
8 May 2026 at 18:22
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.
Fabregas: Como coach admits Italian talent could be promoted for Verona clash
8 May 2026 at 17:45
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.”
Allegri and Tare face uncertain future at Milan
8 May 2026 at 17:19
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.
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.
Di Francesco reveals Roma fans’ messages before Juventus clash
8 May 2026 at 16:15
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.
De Ketelaere gives green light to Bayern Munich move as Atalanta talks set to begin
8 May 2026 at 15:56
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.
Spalletti admits ‘mistake’ with Juventus summer signing
8 May 2026 at 15:19
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.
Spalletti makes Vlahovic admission, warns Juventus about ‘mistake’ to avoid
8 May 2026 at 14:41
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
Lewandowski’s salary demand for Juventus and Milan revealed
8 May 2026 at 14:00
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.
Juventus urged to sign Man City star Bernardo Silva ‘right away’
8 May 2026 at 13:40
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.
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- Potential Inter transfer U-turn on Vicario despite agreement with Tottenham goalkeeper
Potential Inter transfer U-turn on Vicario despite agreement with Tottenham goalkeeper
8 May 2026 at 13:23
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.
Real Madrid defender offered to Milan and Juventus on free transfer – report
8 May 2026 at 12:58
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.
How to buy tickets for Champions League Final PSG vs. Arsenal
8 May 2026 at 12:25
Champions League final tickets are sure to be in demand this year as Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain, so read on for our guide on how to buy Champions League final tickets.
Fans of both Arsenal and PSG will be making the trip to Budapest at the end of this month, with this year’s final kicking off on Saturday 30th May at 5pm BST.
This will be Arsenal’s second-ever appearance in the Champions League final, and their first for 20 years, so die-hard Gooners won’t want to miss out on this experience.
How to buy Arsenal tickets
The official Arsenal ticket page can be found via the link here, but these are sure to sell out rapidly, and as usual it’ll be season ticket holders and club members at the front of the queue.
We’d highly recommend our alternative here, which offers you an easy-to-use and reliable service without the extra cost and hassle of club membership fees, plus the security of a 150% money back guarantee.
How to buy PSG tickets
Meanwhile, PSG fans will likely be familiar with their official ticket page here, though it could also see them run into similar problems.
Again, make sure to have a backup plan, with our alternative here proving popular as another way to make sure you make it to the games that matter to you.
How Arsenal could line up vs PSG
Arsenal have been plagued by injuries for so much of this season, so that will surely be a question mark in the weeks ahead, though there have been some positive updates recently.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are now back in action again, while Riccardo Calafiori also returned to the starting line up for games against Fulham and Atletico Madrid.
Jurrien Timber’s fitness seems to be a concern, though, while it’s also unclear what kind of shape Mikel Merino will be in by the end of this month.
Mikel Arteta also has some selection headaches – Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz up front? Martin Zubimendi or Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield?
Here’s a look at one possible lineup we could see from the Gunners…
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Eze, Saka, Gyokeres.
How PSG could line up vs Arsenal
One slight doubt for this final is the injured Achraf Hakimi, but apart from that PSG should be in strong shape to take on Arsenal.
Luis Enrique also has the luxury of being able to rest key players in domestic matches, with important members of the team like Marquinhos often being rested in the league and saved for Europe.
With everyone available, this PSG team more or less picks itself, so expect to see something like this against Arsenal…
PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Mendes, Marquinhos, Pacho; Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Doue, Dembélé.
Arsenal vs PSG head-to-head record
Arsenal and PSG are set to meet on the biggest stage of all, but it’s not actually a fixture that’s happened that many times.
The north London giants and the Parisian outfit first locked horns in the Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1994, and they’ve played a total of seven games now.
PSG have won the most recent two as they beat Arsenal home and away in last season’s semi-final, but Arsenal also have two wins to their name, and the other three have been draws.
Arteta’s side notably got the better of Enrique’s men in the 2024/25 league phase as they won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, so if they can find a way to repeat the success of that game, they could finally get their hands on the European Cup.
Time for Mourinho to text Chivu as Inter coach reaches milestone
8 May 2026 at 11:42
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 21st 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.
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- Today’s Papers – Juventus urged to sign Bernardo Silva, Alaba offered to Serie A giants
Today’s Papers – Juventus urged to sign Bernardo Silva, Alaba offered to Serie A giants
8 May 2026 at 11:26
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
Pulisic on Milan slump, USMNT and Chelsea criticism: ‘I plan on scoring goals’
8 May 2026 at 01:12
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 reward Chivu with new contract to 2028 and improved wages
8 May 2026 at 00:45
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.
Bartesaghi reveals Milan dream and surprising Rafael Leao gift
8 May 2026 at 00:30
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: ‘I am faithful to Inter, I feel at home’
8 May 2026 at 00:06
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.
Cassano: ‘Gasperini should leave Roma weak squad, could go to Milan’
7 May 2026 at 23:39
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.
Report Solet price tag set at €25m for Newcastle United and Inter
7 May 2026 at 23:20
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.
Kayode: ‘Training much tougher in Italy, Brentford let you rest’
7 May 2026 at 23:05
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.”
Ancelotti importance finally recognised after ugly Real Madrid brawl
7 May 2026 at 22:31
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.”
Report Goretzka very close to full Milan agreement as free agent
7 May 2026 at 22:05
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.
Video: Atta wins Serie A Rising Star of the Month award for April 2026
7 May 2026 at 21:38
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 set Nkunku price tag at €40m after Chelsea flop
7 May 2026 at 21:26
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.
