Friday’s reports claim that Fiorentina are interested in a potential summer deal for recently-capped Italy international Luca Koloesho, who is owned by Burnley and is expected to return from his loan spell with Paris FC.

Fiorentina option for recently-capped Italy international Koleosho

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina are keen to add more Italian talent to Fabio Grosso’s squad for the 2026-27 season, and Koleosho could be one to come in alongside the likes of Moise Kean, Cher Ndour and Pietro Comuzzo.

Koleosho was born in the United States and has Italian, Canadian and Nigerian heritage and is eligible to represent all four at international level, but has recently earned his first two caps with the Azzurri under interim head coach Silvio Baldini earlier this month. 

Koleosho remains under contract with Burnley until the summer of 2029, but could be minded to leave following his side’s relegation to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Koleosho spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan in Ligue 1 with Paris FC, but the French outlet will not be exercising their option to buy according to the latest updates.

Reports in Italy claim that Cesc Fabregas and Como are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window, but it is a case of one in, one out, as Sergi Roberto says his farewells after a two-year spell at the Stadio Sinigaglia. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Como are discussing the final details of a deal to sign 23-year-old full-back Kaiki Bruno da Silva, commonly referred to as Kaiki, from Brazilian side Cruzeiro. 

The left-sided defender has made 75 league appearances for Cruzeiro and was handed his first cap for the Brazil national team by Carlo Ancelotti during an international friendly against Croatia on April 1. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Como are set to welcome Kaiki on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for €15m. 

Kaiki close to Como as Sergi Roberto says farewell 

While Como close in on the signing of Kaiki, one of their senior servants, Sergi Roberto, is leaving the club at the end of his contract after spending the last two seasons in Serie A, and has recently bid his farewells to the club on social media. 

“I arrived when the club had just earned promotion to Serie A, full of excitement for a new challenge. Today, I leave with the club having qualified for the Champions League, something that seemed like a dream when the journey began,” Sergi Roberto wrote on Instagram. 

“Looking back, I feel incredibly proud of everything we achieved together. Not only because of the results on the pitch, but because of the people I met along the way.

“From the very first day, my family and I felt welcomed and loved. Como became our home and these years will always hold a special place in our hearts. We have created memories and friendships that will stay with us forever. 

“I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, everyone working behind the scenes and all the fans for your support, trust and affection throughout this journey. 

“Como will always be a very important part of my life and my career. I leave with nothing but gratitude and with the certainty that this club has a very bright future ahead. Thank you for everything. Once Lariano, always Lariano. Forza Como!”

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Mauricio Pochettino has urged for calm following the news that Christian Pulisic will not be able to feature in his nation’s upcoming World Cup group stage match against Australia and insists: ‘He was training in the morning and the feelings are good’. 

Pochettino reacts after leaving Pulisic out of USA vs. Australia squad

Pulisic has been left out of USA’s matchday squad altogether ahead of their second group stage match at the 2026 World Cup, kicking off against Australia at 20.00 BST.

The Milan attacker withdrew at half-time of the USA’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup: An eventual 4-1 win over Paraguay. The player and coach insisted that this was solely on precautionary grounds following a knock in training, but it appears that the issue was severe enough to keep Pulisic out of the squad for Friday evening’s match against Australia. 

Speaking to Fox Sports ahead of kick-off, USMNT head coach Pochettino provided a brief update on the condition of the injured Milan star. 

“Today he was training in the morning and the feelings are good,” Pochettino disclosed. “We hope that he can be ready as soon as possible to be selected again and be part of the team.” 

There is still some Serie A representation in the USA line-up on Friday evening as Juventus’s Weston McKennie keeps his place in the line-up. Former Milan right-back Sergino Dest is also in the USMNT side and former Juventus forward Timothy Weah is named among the substitutes. 

Parma’s Alessandro Circati is starting for Australia, but former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo) starts on the bench.

Click here to see the USA vs. Australia line-ups in full.

Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT will have to do without their star attacker, Milan’s Christian Pulisic, who has been ruled out of Friday evening’s 2026 World Cup group stage match against Australia. 

Pulisic was substituted off at half-time during the USA’s 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay last week, and though both the player and his head coach insisted that this was only on precautionary grounds, the issue is severe enough to rule ‘Captain America’ out of the squad altogether for the Australia clash. 

There is still some Serie A representation in the USA side in the form of versatile Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Former Milan full-back Sergino Dest also keeps his place in Pochettino’s XI. 

Parma’s Alessandro Circati is included in the Australia XI, but former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato is named among the substitutes. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

USA vs. Australia: Confirmed line-ups as Pulisic ruled out

USA (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, A.Robinson; Adams, McKennie; Dest, Tillman, Balogun; Pepi. 

Subs: Turner, Brady, Trusty, M.Robinson, Afrsten, McKenzie, Scally, Reyna, Berhalter, Roldan, Aaronson, Wright, Weah, Zendejas. 

Australia (5-4-1): Beach; Italiano, Souttar, Burgess, Bos, Circati; Leckie, O’Neill, Okon-Enstler, Velupillay; Toure. 

Subs: Ryan, Izzo, Degenek, Geria, Trewin, Behich, Herrington, Metcalfe, Devlin, Irvine, Hrustic, Mabil, Irankunda, Volpato, Yengi.

Stefan De Vrij will be out of contract at Inter after June 30, and Friday’s reports indicate that the Netherlands international will not be signing a new deal in San Siro. 

De Vrij expected to leave Inter on free transfer

De Vrij is one of several senior Nerazzurri players whose contracts will be expiring in less than a fortnight’s time, along with the likes of Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian. 

Unlike Sommer, Acerbi and Darmian, the 34-year-old De Vrij had been offered the opportunity to extend his stay in San Siro and has been taking his time to evaluate his next steps. 

According to the latest updates from Calciomercato.com, all signs point towards De Vrij leaving Inter on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month. 

The former Lazio and Feyenoord defender reportedly has an offer on the table from Greek Super League side Panathinaikos and the Dutchman is said to be sold on the idea of Athens as his next destination. 

Friday’s reports claim that Panathinaikos have presented De Vrij with a two-year contract offer worth €3m per season in wages.

Italy Marcello Lippi has shared an anecdote from Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup campaign, recalling an incident involving alleged spies that led to the CT instructing his players to pull their shorts down and expose their backsides: ‘I was convinced there were photographers hiding behind the bushes’. 

Lippi on Italy’s ‘spygate’ at 2006 World Cup: ‘Maybe I was wrong’

Lippi spoke in depth in an interview with La Repubblica and shared a few stories from his time in charge of the Italy national team, of course focusing on the journey to winning the 2006 World Cup. 

While training in Dortmund ahead of their semi-final against Germany 20 years ago, Lippi was so convinced that photographers were sneaking around the Italy training base in an attempt to gather information on the team’s tactics and personnel, that he ended up telling his players to pull down their shorts and show their backsides to these alleged ‘spies’. 

“I was so sure,” Lippi recalled. “After training one day, I told the boys to stand in front of a certain bush and pull their shorts down. I was convinced that there were photographers hiding behind them. 

“As no pictures of that moment came out, maybe I was wrong,” Lippi conceded. 

Italy would go on to beat Germany in their semi-final thanks to a dramatic quickfire double from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero in the final two minutes of extra-time before going on to defeat France on penalties in the 2006 World Cup final. 

• Read more: Why Italy will not be participating at the 2026 World Cup

News outlets in Italy claim that Scotland International Che Adams is tempted by the idea of a return to the UK with Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite a reported offer from newly-promoted Venezia in Serie A. 

Venezia and Wolves interested in Torino’s Adams

According to reports from tuttomercatoweb, Adams is keen to return to the UK after spending the last two seasons in Serie A with Torino. 

The Italian outlet claims that Adams is of interest to at least two clubs, including 2025-26 Serie B champions Venezia and English side Wolves, who will be playing in the EFL Championship next season following their relegation from the Premier League. 

TMW claims that given Adams’s desire to return to the UK, Wolves could be an enticing option for him. Friday’s report claims that Venezia are ‘not willing to throw in the towel’ yet, though. 

Wolves have not yet put a formal offer on the table for Torino, but TMW claims that Venezia have had an initial proposal in the region of €4m-€5m turned away by Torino. 

The Scotland international, currently gearing up to take on Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, will be into the final year of his contract with Torino next season, having signed a three-year deal after leaving Southampton on a free in 2024.

Adams scored nine goals from 36 appearances during his first season in the Italian top flight and added a further six goals from 33 appearances in 2025-26.

Italy are at a crossroads and need to rebuild again after missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time. In this new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni and Richard Hall discuss who should remain in the Azzurri squad and who should be cut.

New day and new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show on YouTube.

Keep or drop? Assessing the future of the Italy national team

In our very first episode alongside TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton earlier this week, we discussed Roberto Mancini’s potential return as the Azzurri national team coach.

Today, we examine the options for the incoming Nazionale boss.

Starting from Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy squad for the World Cup play-off in March, Richard Hall and Lorenzo Bettoni named the Italy players who should be given a second chance and those who should not be part of the new project.

Check out our YouTube page for all the episodes of the Football Italia Summer Show and our daily transfer updates.

If you haven’t done it yet, subscribe to the channel and join the conversation with your questions and thoughts!

Italy’s rebuild: Who stays and who goes?

Watch the full episode below

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirms he’ll ‘make some changes’ for the second World Cup group stage game against Haiti: ‘We have to find a solution.’

Brazil face Haiti in their second group stage game at the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, June 20 at 2:30 CET Friday, June 19 at 6:30 pm local time.

Ancelotti’s side had a disappointing start to the tournament, grabbing a 1-1 draw against Morocco, which dominated proceedings for much of the match.

Brazil vs. Haiti – Ancelotti confirms line-up changes

“The team can and must do more,” Ancelotti admitted at a pre-match press conference via Corriere dello Sport.

“We’ll make some changes, maybe bring in a fresher player. We need to improve our balance and the quality of our play. Make fewer steps wrong. We have the quality to do it, to play a fun game.

“I have no problem communicating initial training. Football has no secrets, but I prefer to tell the players first,” Ancelotti added.

“Against Morocco, the match didn’t go well and makes me a bit critical of the team. We have to find a solution. We have been working over the past few days to try to resolve the situation, and I believe we will succeed because I continue to trust that the team will be competitive in this World Cup.”

According to Gazzetta, Ancelotti will make three changes to the Brazil XI, but Endrick is expected to remain on the bench.

Douglas Santos is expected to replace Alex Sandro as left-back, Fabinho should replace Casemiro in central midfield, while Luiz Henrique will replace Paquetà, Gazzetta claims.

“We have to do many things well: defend with a low block, attack, exploit individual quality, be aggressive forward, lower the block, defend in our own area,” Ancelotti continued.

“Haiti is a very balanced team, with above all physical quality, well organised and with a rather clear system.

“They play good football given their characteristics. We must respect everyone because this is a World Cup and everyone is very motivated.”

Probable Brazil XI vs. Haiti (4-2-4): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Fabinho, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Vinícius, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Liverpool refuse to lower their €30m asking price for Curtis Jones, but Inter are still confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds as the Englishman wants to move to San Siro.

Inter continue to push to sign Liverpool midfielder Jones and are confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds in the coming days.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Jones and Solet

Gazzetta reports that Inter sent an opening €20m offer for the 25-year-old earlier this week, but Liverpool continue to ask for €30m and a sell-on clause.

The Nerazzurri are reportedly working to finalise a deal in the coming days as they hope Jones can start the pre-season under Cristian Chivu in less than a month.

Jones’ contract expires in a year, boosting Inter’s confidence that Liverpool will ultimately lower their asking price.

Gazzetta claims that Jones wants to move to Inter this summer.

The pink paper adds that the Nerazzurri have continued talks with Udinese over Oumar Solet and aim to bring the 26-year-old to San Siro in time for the start of the pre-season.

Inter have practically completed their first summer signing as they are finalising negotiations with Atalanta for Marco Palestra in a deal exceeding €50m.

Ismael Koné underwent surgery after suffering a broken leg in Canada’s 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar last night and was immediately visited at the hospital by his compatriot Moïse Bombito.

Canada’s first-ever World Cup win, inspired by Jonathan David’s hat-trick last night, was marred by a horrific injury suffered by Sassuolo midfielder Koné.

Canada reactions as Koné suffers horrific injury

The 24-year-old was stretchered off following a reckless challenge from Assim Madibo, who was immediately confronted by some of Koné’s teammates and then received a straight red card after a VAR check.

“You could hear the bone snap,” said Canada coach Jesse Marsch via The Athletic.

“Your heart goes out to him. Everybody’s shaken for him.”

Ten minutes after Koné’s injury, Nathan Saliba scored a free-kick goal for Canada and celebrated by holding up Koné’s No.8 shirt.

“Koné means everything to this team,” said Juventus and Canada striker David.

“If you ask the same question to any guy on this team, they will tell you the same. He is someone that we love a lot.”

Koné immediately underwent surgery at a Vancouver Hospital and was visited by his teammate Bombito, who then shared a picture on Instagram.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Nico Paz’s decision to remain at Como in 2026-27 has upset Real Madrid, which still want the Argentine to return to the Bernabeu unless the Serie A club pay €60m.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Real Madrid are unhappy with Nico Paz’s decision to remain at Como in 2026-27.

Nico Paz’s transfer decision upsets Real Madrid

AS.com in Spain reported earlier this week that Paz had opted to stay at the Stadio Sinigaglia for one more year, given that Real Madrid are bringing in several experienced players, including Bernardo Silva, which will raise the competition for a starting spot in attack next season.

Italian sources such as Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano had been more cautious, saying that Como were confident of retaining Paz, but adding that the Serie A side and Real Madrid were in talks to determine the best transfer formula.

Technically, Nico Paz is a Como player, having completed a permanent transfer from Real Madrid two years ago.

Real Madrid, however, have an option to bring him back until 2027.

If they sign him this summer, they’ll need to pay €10m, while the fee for the next campaign is €11m.

Corriere dello Sport adds that Como will be entitled to a 50% sell-on clause if Paz remains with the club beyond the summer.

The Italian newspaper claims that Real Madrid still want to bring the Argentine back to the club this summer by activating their clause and have warned Como that the only way to retain him permanently is by paying €60m.

Igor Protti’s family has announced the death of the former Italian striker at the age of 58 and, in accordance with his wishes, shared his final message: ‘This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle.’

Former Italian striker Protti died last night, aged 58.

Ex-Italian striker Protti dies at 58

His family confirmed the news in a statement published on his official Instagram page: “With immense sorrow, the family announces that Igor passed away during the night,” the statement reads.

In accordance with Protti’s wishes, the family also published a farewell message from the ex-striker: “This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle. It is difficult to find words that can explain it, the only thing I can do is thank my great and wonderful family, whom I have loved dearly.

“I also want to thank all the people who cared for me and stood by my side, and all the supporters of the teams I played for, for the affection and love they always showed me, which I wholeheartedly returned. Hoping this is a see you again rather than a farewell.”

Protti revealed in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which, by September, had spread to his vertebrae. At the end of last month, he walked his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

A former striker for Livorno, Messina, Bari, Napoli and Lazio, among others, Protti was, along with Dario Hubner, the only player to become the Capocannoniere in each of the top-three Italian leagues: Serie A, Serie B and Serie C.

To date, he’s also the only player to finish as the Serie A leading scorer while playing for a team that was relegated in the same season (Bari).

During his playing career, Protti scored 48 goals in 144 Serie A matches.

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Thursday’s reports claim that Juventus have reopened talks with PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani as the club seek a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who will become a free agent at the beginning of July. 

Report: Carnevali wants Kolo Muani back at Juventus

Vlahovic’s contract with Juventus expires on June 30 and as things stand, the Serbian will not be signing a renewal and is expected to walk away on a free transfer without a sudden, last-minute u-turn. 

This leaves Juventus with just Jonathan David, Lois Openda and Arkadiusz Milik among their striking options, who, between them, scored just seven Serie A goals in 2025-26 (David with six, Openda with one). 

Newly-appointed CEO Giovanni Carnevali is actively on the hunt for solutions in attack, and according to Thursday’s reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, he has recently reopened talks over a potential return for Kolo Muani. 

Kolo Muani impressed while on loan with the Bianconeri in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, averaging a goal every other game with eight from his first 16 appearances in the Italian top flight. 

Thursday’s reports claim that Carnevali wants to get to the bottom of exactly how much it will cost to bring Kolo Muani back to Turin between the transfer fee, wages and agents’ fees.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic faced backlash from large sections of Milan supporters for taking on a TV punditry role in the United States for the 2026 World Cup at a time when the Rossoneri are desperately lacking in leadership, and now the Rossoneri advisor is facing criticism for the quality of his analysis work: ‘Less Zlatan, less Lalas’. 

Ibrahimovic criticised for poor punditry work while Milan remain leaderless

Ibrahimovic is currently serving as a senior advisor to RedBird, the investment management firm that owns Milan. The former Juventus, Inter and Milan striker is not employed by the Rossoneri directly, but there has often been confusion as to the extent of his powers in Rossoneri circles. 

Eyebrows were raised when it was announced that Ibrahimovic would be joining the Fox Sports punditry team for the duration of the 2026 World Cup, especially given that Milan were without a head coach for several weeks – Ruben Amorim only appointed on Tuesday – while the Rossoneri remain without a sporting director, technical director or CEO less than a fortnight before the summer transfer window formally opens. 

Not only did Ibrahimovic face backlash for his decision to take on the Fox Sports gig at such an unstable time in San Siro, but he is now facing criticism for the quality of his punditry work as well. 

The Athletic have published an article lambasting the ‘awkward’ on-screen dynamic between Ibrahimovic and former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas, claiming that Fox’s flagship football – or ‘soccer’ – show would be ‘better’ with “less Zlatan, less Lalas.” 

The Athletic criticised Ibrahimovic for his lack of knowledge, claiming that the Swede had ‘never heard’ of Canada’s American head coach Jesse Marsch while analysing a Canada match in front of a US-audience.

Ibrahimovic was also criticised for leaning too much into over-confidence ‘shtick’, especially compared to the considerably more palatable Thierry Henry. 

The Athletic’s advice is for Fox to utilise Zlatan’s insight into goalscoring and on-pitch intelligence, and for there to be much less coverage given to Lalas as a whole.

Fabio Capello is celebrating his 80th birthday on Thursday and has named the best players he has worked with in his career to date, the best ‘pupil’ that he has taught and has looked back on his most memorable highlights from a career that spanned over 50 years. 

Capello’s 80th birthday interview: ‘Herrera lightyears ahead, Cassano made me too angry’

As a player, Capello was a four-time Scudetto winner and lifted trophies with Roma, Juventus and Milan, before embarking on a managerial career that would take him back to Milan, Roma, Juve but also to Real Madrid, and the England and Russia national teams. 

Capello won nine trophies while in charge of Milan, including the 1993-94 Champions League, two league titles with Real Madrid, two trophies with Roma and two league titles with Juventus that were later revoked. 

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello says that there are three main coaches that have given him the most inspiration. 

“I tried to take something from all of their methods. I copied a lot from (Helenio) Herrera, a great motivator, lightyears ahead of the rest. I won my first trophy with him, the Coppa Italia in 1969, beating Cagliari with Riva, the greatest striker around by some distance. 

“(Nils) Liedholm, on the other hand, made you believe that you wanted to do something, even if it was actually just him who wanted you to do it. 

“(Nereo) Rocco understood football brilliantly. He was very direct, no beating around the bush.” 

And what are Capello’s favourite memories from his playing career?

“The early days,” he replied. “The first trophies: The first Coppa Italia, the first Scudetto with Juve, putting the star on the shirt with Rivera’s Milan, the strongest team I played in. 

“As a coach, the best feeling of all was the 1994 Champions League which we won against all odds, so that was even more beautiful.” 

Capello says that De Rossi was his best ‘student’, i.e. players that he has coached that have gone on to have their own coaching career. 

“If I have to name one, I would say De Rossi. I gave him his debut at Roma, I invested a lot in him, so out of affection, I would say Daniele.” 

And who is the best player that Capello has had the honour of coaching?

“Ronaldo, o Fenomeno. He was an absolute champion. It’s a shame he didn’t want to make any more sacrifices. And in Madrid, they forced me to sell him. 

“Another out-of-this-world talent was Cassano, but he made me too angry: A talent that was lost.” 

Five Serie A stars are involved in the starting line-ups as Switzerland and Bosnia meet in the second round of group stage fixtures at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday evening. 

Group B at the 2026 World Cup is at a complete deadlock after the first round of group stage fixtures as the opening matches between Switzerland and Qatar ended level at 1-1, as did the match between Bosnia and co-hosts Canada.

Switzerland have made two changes for Thursday’s match, dropping Denis Zakaria and Ruben Vargas in favour of Silvan Widmer and Fabian Rieder. 

The Swiss side will feature three Italian representatives in the form of Inter center-back Manuel Akanji, Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler and Pisa’s Michel Aebischer. Milan’s Ardon Jashari is named among the substitutes. 

Bosnia, who defeated Italy in the World Cup play-off final in order to qualify, will have two Serie A representatives in Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic and Atalanta’s Sead Kolasinac. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

Switzerland vs. Bosnia: Confirmed line-ups

Switzerland (4-3-3): Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Rieder, Embolo, Ndoye. 

Subs: Mvogo, Keller, Coemert, Amenda, Jaquez, Zakaria, Manzambi, Jashari, Sow, Fassnacht, Vargas, Okafor, Amdouni, Itten.

Bosnia (4-4-2): Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Alajbegovic, Tahirovic, Sunjic, Memic; Dzeko, Demirovic. 

Subs: Jurkas, Zlomislic, Mujakic, Hadzikadunic, Radeljic, Malic, Gigovic, Basic, Hadziahmetovic, Burnic, Mahmic, Bazdar, Bajraktaervic, Tabakovic, Lukic.

Declan Rice took a moment to speak about his friendship with Italy international Riccardo Calafiori after England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia at the 2026 World Cup and says that Italy is ‘an amazing country, I respect everyone there’. 

Declan Rice on love for Calafiori and Italy

The Arsenal midfielder started alongside Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham in the England midfield as Thomas Tuchel led the Three Lions to an encouraging 4-2 victory over a Croatia side featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina and Mario Pasalic.

During the post-match interviews, Rice took a moment to speak to the Italian media and discussed his friendship with Italy international Calafiori, who is not at the World Cup and is instead preparing to defend Arsenal’s Premier League title in 2026-27.  

“One of my best friends at Arsenal, Calafiori, he’s obviously Italian. I love that guy, one of my best friends in football,” the England midfielder said in a post-match interview with DAZN.

“It’s an amazing country, I’ve been there a few times myself so I respect everyone there.” 

The DAZN reporter asked Rice how he is coping with the sun in the United States, joking with the sunburned Englishman that he’s picked up a nice bit of colour. 

“I’ve got a nice colour now,” Rice insisted. “I’m not sunburned anymore. I was very burnt the first few days but now I’m good. I’m happy now”

Declan Rice ama l’Italia e Calafiori #FIFAWorldCup #DAZN pic.twitter.com/0nqVUNnrcz

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) June 18, 2026

Brazil are preparing to take on Haiti in their second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, but Carlo Ancelotti will once again have to go without star attacker Neymar, who will not be available despite his recent return to training. 

Still no Neymar for Brazil and Ancelotti

Neymar did not feature for Brazil in their 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup after picking up a new injury almost immediately after reporting for national team duty. 

The former Barcelona and PSG star has recently returned to training with the rest of his teammates, but this was not enough for him to be considered for selection for Brazil’s upcoming match against Haiti, which will kick-off at 1.30 BST in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

According to the latest updates from Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Neymar has remained at Brazil’s base camp in New Jersey to continue his recovery work while the rest of the squad have set off for their match against Haiti, which will be played in Philadelphia. 

There is still some optimism that Neymar may be fit enough to feature against Scott McTominay’s Scotland on Wednesday, June 24.

Czechia and South Africa are hoping to get off the mark at the 2026 World Cup when they face each other in Atlanta as the second round of group stage fixtures gets underway on Thursday evening. 

Both nations fell to defeats in their first matches in Group A: South Africa fell to a 3-1 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup while Czechia were defeated 2-1 by South Korea shortly afterwards. 

South Africa’s defeat was particularly costly as they had two players sent off in the process and will therefore be without Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane against Czechia on Thursday. 

The Czech outfit has made a handful of changes, most notably leaving West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek among the substitutes. 

There are no Serie A representatives involved in today’s game

Kick-off is due at 17.00 BST.

Czechia vs. South Africa: Confirmed line-ups 

Czechia (5-3-2): Kovar; Coufal, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Sojka; Sadilek, Darida, Cerv; Hlozek, Schick.

Subs: Stanek, Hornicek, Zima, Chaloupek, Zeleny, Doudera, Provod, Soucek, Sochurek, Kuchta, Chytil, Sulc, Chory, Visinsky.

South Africa (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams; Maseko, Rayners, Appollis.

Subs: Chaine, Goss, Matuludi, Ndamane, Kabini, Sibisi, Makhanya, Cross, Moremi, Foster, Mofokeng, Makgopa, Sebelebele.

Suspended: Sithole, Zwane

Ruben Amorim has a rebuild job on his hands as the recently-appointed head coach of Milan, as the Rossoneri have a list of nine players whose futures remain unsettled including the likes of Rafael Leao, Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot. 

Amorim has nine potential transfer headaches at Milan

It was a bitterly disappointing end to the 2025-26 season for Milan, who missed out on qualification to the Champions League despite having spent much of the campaign in second place. 

The collapse in form in the final in the final weeks of the season led to the departures of head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani, who were all dismissed in one brutal statement the day after the Serie A campaign came to an end. 

It took several weeks for Milan to make any new appointments, but have since landed on former Manchester United and Sporting CP tactician Amorim to take over from Allegri. A new set of directors are still yet to be appointed. 

Before the new coach starts thinking about potential signings, he already has a list of nine players whose futures need to be sorted as a matter of priority. 

Perhaps the biggest issue for Milan is the future of Leao, who has made it clear in a series of interviews during the off-season that he feels ready to take on a new challenge elsewhere. 

The issue is finding a willing buyer, as La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Milan are still hoping to bring in a fee of €50m if they are to sell the Portugal international this summer. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Amorim may not be the best fit for Leao as a head coach, especially if he intends to deploy his usual 3-4-2-1 formation, which would not get the best out of Leao’s characteristics. 

Additionally, it remains to be seen what Luka Modric will decide to do after the 2026 World Cup comes to an end. He joined Milan on a free transfer last summer, signing a one-year contract with an option to extend, but many signs point towards him potentially calling it a day on his playing career at the age of 40 this summer.

Then there is Rabiot, who was brought to the club by his former Juventus coach Allegri last summer. Allegri has since taken over from Antonio Conte as head coach of Napoli, and Rabiot continues to be linked with a potential move to join his trusted leader at the Stadio Maradona. 

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan  have no intention of letting Christian Pulisic go this summer, but the fact that he has not yet put pen to paper on a new contract is not a particularly encouraging sign. 

The USMNT star is under contract until 2027 with a club option to extend for a further 12 months, so there is still time to negotiate a renewal, and US-based owner Gerry Cardinale is said to be particularly keen on keeping ‘Captain America’ on board. 

There are also doubts surrounding goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has often been linked with big-money moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that a season without Champions League football and an unclear direction at boardroom level is not particularly appealing to the Frenchman. 

Then, there are a set of returning loanees who appear unlikely to reclaim their places in the Rossoneri first team. They include Samuel Chukwueze, who could still potentially join Fulham on a permanent basis, Ismael Bennacer, set to return from Dinamo Zagreb, Yunus Musah, set to return from Atalanta, Warren Bondo, set to return from Cremonese. 

Reports in Italy claim that Roma are prepared to increase their current offer for Mason Greenwood, but there is a race against time to strike a deal with Marseille, who must raise funds before the end of the month to comply with FFP regulations. 

Where Roma stand in negotiations for Greenwood

Roma have been targeting the signing of former Manchester United forward Greenwood for several weeks and recent updates claim that there is an agreement in principle on personal terms with the 24-year-old for an initial salary of €4.5m per season, which could rise over the years. 

Roma have not yet come to an agreement with Marseille as things stand, though. Reports in Italy claim that Marseille value the Englishman in the region of €50m-€55m, while the Giallorossi have tabled an offer of €40m made up of an initial €5m loan fee, a €25m transfer fee and guaranteed bonuses of €10m. 

According to Thursday’s reports from the Corriere dello Sport, Roma are prepared to raise their offer to €45m including bonuses. 

Marseille, meanwhile, have been left needing to sell players in order to raise funds to comply with FFP regulations. Roma themselves learned on Wednesday that they will be fined €6m for failing to comply with the terms of an FFP settlement agreement during the financial year ending in 2025, but for Marseille, the situation is more severe and the club risk being excluded from UEFA competitions for the next three years if they do not raise funds before the end of June. 

From a budgeting perspective, it is important to remember that if Marseille were to sell a big-name player like Greenwood, they would be able to record a capital gain in full on their accounts for the current season, Meanwhile, if Roma were to sign Greenwood, they would be able to spread the cost of his purchase over several years of the player’s contract in the club’s accounts. 

Roma hope that the deadline for Marseille to raise funds will play into their hands and that the French side may be forced into lowering their asking price within the next few days. 

There is still pressure on Roma to get a deal done, as there have been suggestions that Atletico Madrid are also interested in a potential deal for Greenwood this summer.

The latest episode of the Football Italia summer show is not live on YouTube. Giancarlo Rinaldi joined us to discuss the next Juventus moves, including the future of Andrea Cambiaso and the Bianconeri’s search for a new striker.

Both Chelsea and Barcelona have shown interest in Juventus defender Cambiaso, and according to Gazzetta, both sides are eager to discuss swap deals with the Bianconeri, who need to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month.

Football Italia Summer Show, June 18: Juventus, Cambiaso, Kean and more

Chelsea have reportedly offered Nicolas Jackson as part of a swap deal, while Barcelona want to include Ronald Araujo in negotiations with the Bianconeri.

“From a selfish Italian national team point of view, I’d like to see him where he plays regularly and not another kind of Chiesa, making a big move and not playing any football at all,” Gincarlo Rinaldi said during the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube.

Juventus are also chasing a new centre forward and, aside from Jackson, the most concrete options on the table are Alexander Sorloth and Randal Kolo Muani. The latter already played for Juventus in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring ten goals in 22 appearances in Turin.

Giancarlo, however, feels that Sorloth would be the best option for the Old Lady.

Check out the full show below.

Having failed to match Juventus’ asking price for Andrea Cambiaso, Chelsea have asked the Bianconeri to consider including Nicolas Jackson in a swap deal, according to Gazzetta.

Juventus defender Cambiaso is attracting interest from several European clubs, especially Barcelona and Chelsea, with the Bianconeri forced to sell one of their players by the end of June to make a capital gain and comply with FFP regulations.

Cambiaso transfer: latest updates as Chelsea explore swap deal

Gazzetta reported on Wednesday that Barcelona were eager to include Ronald Araujo in a player-plus cash swap deal, while, still according to Gazzetta, Chelsea are open to including Senegal international Jackson in negotiations with the Old Lady.

Cambiaso has a low amortised cost in Juventus’ balance sheet, so he’s practically the most sellable player in the team right now.

The Bianconeri value the Italy international at €40m, but Chelsea’s opening offer is only around € 27m- €28m, according to Gazzetta.

Therefore, the Blues have asked Juventus to consider the potential inclusion of Jackson in the deal, given that the Bianconeri are looking for a new centre-forward for next season.

Jackson has returned to Stamford Bridge after a one-season loan spell at Bayern Munich.

Juventus keep their eyes open for a new centre-forward and have also opened talks for Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid) and Randal Kolo Muani (PSG).

Paolo Maldini reacts to Lionel Messi’s hat-trick with a social media message: ‘No words needed, simply the best.’

Argentine legend Messi scored three goals in the Albiceleste’s 2026 World Cup debut against Algeria on Wednesday, leaving ex-Milan and Italy star Maldini impressed.

The legendary defender reacted to Messi’s latest World Cup display with an Instagram story: “No words needed, simply the best,” Maldini wrote, posting a picture of the Argentine superstar’s goal celebration.

Maldini participated in four World Cups, finishing 3rd in 1990 and second in 1994, when Italy lost the final on penalties to Brazil.

Maldini’s reaction to Messi’s hat-trick

Follow Football Italia on YouTube: watch our latest show below

Inter striker Marcus Thuram has joked that he is ‘a bit jealous’ of Lautaro Martinez and his relationship with Argentina teammate Lionel Messi after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup. 

Thuram jokes with Martinez after Messi’s World Cup masterpiece

It was a performance for the ages as Messi stuck a hat-trick past Algeria to draw level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in World Cup history.

Both have 16 to their name and it now seems a matter of when, rather than if, Messi will claim the record for himself. 

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez was also part of the Argentina side that got off to a winning start at the 2026 World cup and shared a series of pictures of himself hugging his legendary teammate to his Instagram profile, captioned: “Victory in the first game, step by step with lots of enthusiasm. Vamos Argentina.” 

Among the commenters was Martinez’s strike partner at club level, Thuram, who replied with a GIF that read: ‘A bit of jealousy there,” which has gone down well among Inter and Argentina supporters alike. 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lautaro Javier Martinez (@lautaromartinez)

Thomas Tuchel will have to do without Bukayo Saka as England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against a Croatia side that will be led by Milan star Luka Modric, Inter’s Petar Sucic and an entire midfield of players currently plying their trade in Italy.

There are no Serie A representatives among the England squad: Milan’s Fikayo Tomori still not selected despite the recent withdrawal of Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. Former Genoa full-back Djed Spence is named among the Three Lions substitutes. 

Croatia, meanwhile, have plenty of Serie A representation among their 26-man squad: Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic, Bologna’s Nikola Moro, Milan’s Modric, Inter’s Sucic, Torino’s Nikola Vlasic, Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic and Como’s Martin Baturina are all available for selection. 

The entirety of the Croatia midfield will be made up of Serie A representatives, with Modric, Pasalic, Baturina and Sucic all selected to start. 

Kick-off is due at 21.00 BST.

England vs. Croatia: Confirmed line-ups 

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Subs: Henderson, Trafford, Guehi, Burn, Spence, Quansah, Henderson, Mainoo, Rogers, Eze, Saka, Rashford, Watkins, Toney.

Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Sutalo; Modric, Mario Pasalic, P.Sucic; Perisic, Musa, Baturina.

Subs: Pandur, Kotarski, Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Jakic, Erlic, Moro, Kovacic, Vlasic, Fruk, L.Sucic, Kramaric, Budimir, Matanovic, Marco Pasalic.

Reports in Italy claim that Milan are discussing the final details of a deal for 18-year-old winger Aurelien Guernier from EFL Championship side Birmingham City. 

Milan closing in on signing of 18-year-old Guernier from Birmingham

According to reports from various outlets, including Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan have been in discussions over a deal for teenage winger Guernier, who is also of interest to Chelsea. 

Di Marzio reports that talks are at an advanced stage and that Guernier is expected to travel to Milan within the next few hours with the aim of closing a deal. 

Guernier is coming to the end of his youth-team contract with Birmingham, which will officially expire at the end of June. 

As Guernier is still only 18, the Rossoneri may still be obliged to pay a fee to Birmingham as per FIFA’s training compensation rules. 

The youngster is yet to appear for Birmingham’s senior side, and has instead been playing his football with the club’s U18 and U21 sides this season in the U18 Premier League and in the Premier League 2. 

If Guernier is to move to San Siro this summer, it is expected that his first opportunities would come with the Milan Futuro side.

New squad number added. #⃣4⃣4⃣

Keep impressing, Aurelien. pic.twitter.com/bmQ9VPU0zF

— Birmingham City Academy (@BCFCAcademy) March 12, 2026

Ruben Amorim has recently been appointed as the new head coach of Milan, and reports in Italy claim that he wants to bring two trusted players he knows well from his time at Sporting CP with him to San Siro. 

Report: Amorim wants Hjulmand and Trincao at Milan

Milan officially announced the appointment of Amorim as head coach on Tuesday evening, following the departure of Massimiliano Allegri the day after the 2025-26 season came to an end. Reports indicate that the Portuguese has signed an initial two-year contract with an option to extend by a further 12 months. 

Though Milan are still on the hunt for a new technical director and a new sporting director having learned that Markus Krösche will not be joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, reports in Italy claim that Amorim has already identified two signings he wants the club to make this summer. 

According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia, the first is Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who spent two-and-a-half seasons in Italy playing for Lecce across Serie A and Serie B. 

The Denmark international left Lecce to join Sporting in a deal potentially worth up to €21m including add-ons at the end of his first, impressive season in the Italian top flight. 

Amorim worked with Hjulmand in Portugal before leaving to take over as head coach of Manchester United, and Di Marzio adds that the coach would have wanted to take the Dane with him to Old Trafford as well. 

While Sporting CP were not open to selling Hjulmand last summer, Di Marzio claims that there is much more room to negotiate in the summer of 2026.

The same report claims that Amorim is also hoping to bring Portugal international Francisco Trincao with him to San Siro. 

The 26-year-old has spent the last four seasons with Sporting after struggling to cement himself at Barcelona and has gone on to provide 47 goals and 38 assists from 208 appearances across all competitions. 

He was also coached by Amorim prior to his Manchester United move, and the coach is said to appreciate the fact that his compatriot can comfortably cover in any of the three attacking roles behind a centre-forward. 

Serie A stars Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao have to settle for spots among the substitutes as Portugal open their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday evening. 

Both of the Serie A representatives in the Portugal vs. DR Congo match in Group K will start among the substitutes in Houston on Wednesday. 

Roberto Martinez has opted to field departing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva on the right of his attack and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto on the left, instead of Juventus’s Conceicao and Milan’s Leao, who are best suited on the right and left respectively.

The Portugal attack will be completed by Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo at centre-forward. PSG pair Vitinha and Joao Neves start in midfield. 

DR Congo appear to have gone with a back-five in Houston, featuring West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe and captain Chancel Mbemba.  The attack will be led by Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa.

Gedeon Kalulu, brother of Juventus defender Pierre, is named among the DR Congo substitutes. 

Kick-off is due at 18.00 BST.

Portugal vs. DR Congo: Confirmed line-ups 

Portugal (4-2-3-1): D.Costa; Cancelo, T.Araujo, R.Veiga, N.Mendes; J.Neves, Vitinha; B.Silva, B.Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo. 

Subs: Sa, R.Silva, N.Semedo, R.Dias, Dalot, Inacio, S.Costa, M.Nunes, R.Neves, G.Ramos, J.Felix, Trincao, Leao, Guedes, Conceicao.

DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, E.Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.

Subs: Fayulu, Epolo, Batubinska, Bakeyme, J.Kayembe, Kalulu, Mbuku, Bongonda, Sadiki, Tshibola, Pickel, Cipenga, Kakuta, Elia, Mayele, Banza.

Reports in Italy claim that Barcelona are willing to include centre-back Ronald Araujo as part of a player exchange deal involving Juventus’s Andrea Cambiaso, but the Bianconeri remain unconvinced by this proposal despite their previous interest in the Uruguayan. 

Report: Barcelona willing to offer Araujo to Juventus as part of Cambiaso deal

Cambiaso has been heavily linked with a move away from Juventus over the last few days. The Bianconeri are left needing to sell players to make up for the expected drop in revenues with no Champions League football in 2026-27 and the Italy international has emerged as an expendable, yet profitable asset for the Bianconeri. 

Juventus reportedly value Cambiaso in the region of €40m, which would go a long way to covering the expected drop in revenues without access to the Champions League, which could amount to around €60m. 

Reports earlier this week claimed that both Barcelona and Chelsea are interested in a potential deal for Cambiaso this summer. And, according to updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona are willing to include centre-back Araujo as part of a player exchange deal. 

Araujo had previously been linked with a move to Juventus during the winter transfer window in 2025, before the club landed on Englishman Lloyd Kelly. 

Despite their previous interest in Araujo, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Juve are not particularly interested in listening to player-plus-cash proposals for Cambiaso, as they would prefer a cash-only offer to reinvest across multiple different areas of the squad. 

For this reason, Chelsea, who have just sold left-back Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid in a €60m package, are more likely to be able to stump up the cash that Juventus are seeking. 

Reports in Italy claim that Premier League side Chelsea have made an unsuccessful approach for Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, who is waiting for Inter to strike an agreement with La Dea. 

Inter is Palestra’s priority, not Chelsea or Manchester City

Palestra was one of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 Serie A season, and a number of Europe’s most prestigious clubs have registered an interest in picking up the 21-year-old Italy international from Atalanta this summer. 

Inter are at the front of that queue, and according to Wednesday’s reports from the Corriere dello Sport, if it were down to Palestra himself, he would ‘already’ be a Nerazzurri player. Reports elsewhere claim that there is an agreement in principle on personal terms for a five-year contract worth around €3m per season in wages. 

Inter are not the only club keen on striking a deal for Palestra this summer, though. 

Several outlets have claimed that Manchester City, now under the guidance of Italian head coach Enzo Maresca, were interested in the young Italy international and reports over the last 24 hours claim that Maresca’s former club Chelsea are also intrigued. 

This is a real transfer merry-go-round, as City have reportedly turned to Chelsea’s Malo Gusto after learning that Palestra is likely to remain in Italy next season, and Chelsea have turned to the Italian after learning that City are interested in Gusto. 

Either way, reports in Italy maintain that Palestra is extremely likely to remain in Serie A next season and Inter are still the frontrunners to land his signature. 

The latest updates claim that Inter are currently willing to invest €45m including bonuses on the signing of the former Cagliari loanee, while Atalanta are seeking a fee in excess of €50m.

Reports in Italy claim that Aston Villa scouts were in attendance to watch Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who has been tipped as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who reportedly has an agreement on personal terms in place with Juventus. 

Villa scouts watching Parma’s Suzuki at 2026 World Cup

Suzuki started in goal for Japan in their 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup in North America: Former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada providing the 89th-minute equaliser in Dallas. 

The World Cup matches are coming thick and fast, but back in Europe, transfer rumours continue to circulate and reports in Italy claim that a scout from Aston Villa was in attendance in Dallas to keep an eye on Parma’s Suzuki. 

The 23-year-old, who was born in the United States and raised in Japan by Japanese and Ghanaian parents, is reportedly among Aston Villa’s list of potential replacements for Dibu Martinez should the Argentina stopper decide to leave this summer. 

Recent reports in Italy claim that Martinez has an agreement on personal terms in place with Juventus, who are willing to pay the 2022 World Cup winner a salary of €5m per season. This is slightly lower than his current wage packet at Villa Park. 

Juventus still need to strike an agreement with Villa themselves, though. The Premier League outfit are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €10m for Martinez, who is 33 years old and is into the final year of his contract with the Premier League side. 

Juventus, meanwhile, are hoping to sign the keeper ‘practically for free’ given his age, contract situation and his reported ‘desire’ to join the Bianconeri. 

Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly unwilling to sell Juventus targets Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie this summer, but another Spurs defender, Radu Dragusin, has been offered to the Old Lady.

Juventus are expected to reshape their defence this summer as the Bianconeri will be forced to listen to offers for some of their stars, including Gleison Bremer and Andrea Cambiaso, for financial reasons.

With the latter attracting interest from Chelsea and Barcelona in recent days, Italian media outlets, including Gazzetta dello Sport, have reported that the Bianconeri set their sights on Tottenham’s Spence and Udogie as potential replacements.

According to TEAMTalk, however, De Zerbi is unwilling to let either full-back leave, so Juventus will have to look elsewhere if Cambiaso leaves.

Tottenham defender Dragusin offered to Juventus

Tuttosport has linked a third Tottenham defender with a move to Juventus. It’s not a full-back, like Spence or Udogie, but a centre-back: Dragusin.

Dragusin’s agents reportedly offered the Tottenham defender to Juventus director Marco Ottolini, who first brought Dragusin to Genoa from Juventus in 2022 and then sold him to Spurs two years later.

According to the report, Tottenham are ready to sell Dragusin for a fee between €20m and €25m, as Spurs are ready to welcome Marcos Senesi as a free agent and are in talks with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke after reaching an agreement with the 26-year-old.

Juventus need to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month, boosting Chelsea and Barcelona’s hopes of signing Andrea Cambiaso, according to reports in Italy.

Juventus must complete the sale of at least one player by the end of June to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Why Juventus might be forced to sell Chelsea target Cambiaso this month

According to Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Giovanni Albanese, the capital gain Juventus need to make is around €20m and currently one of the few players who can bring this money to the club is Cambiaso.

The Italian full-back has attracted interest from Barcelona and Chelsea in recent days, and Juventus are inevitably open to offers for the ex-Bologna and Genoa defender.

As we explained in our latest transfer show on YouTube, Cambiaso has a low amortised cost on Juventus’s balance sheet, around €5m, and if the Bianconeri manage to sell the defender for €40m, the club’s capital gain will be even higher.

Tuttosport confirms that Cambiaso is the most likely player to leave Juventus by the end of the month, due to his financial situation and the size of the clubs that have set their sights on him.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Real Madrid directors have informed Inter that they are keeping a close eye on Alessandro Bastoni, but the Merengues are waiting for the green light from José Mourinho before starting negotiations.

La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Inter and Italy centre-back Bastoni, according to Gazzetta.

The report claims that Real Madrid executives informed Inter about their interest during a recent charity event held in Madrid between the Merengues’ and the Nerazzurri legends.

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti and President Beppe Marotta learned of Real Madrid’s interest but confirmed that their asking price for Bastoni is €70m, the same fee they had demanded from Barcelona a few weeks ago.

According to the report, Real Madrid are now waiting for their new coach, Mourinho, to complete internal assessments before entering formal discussions with the Nerazzurri.

Bastoni’s agent spoke about the defender’s future last week: “In football, anything can happen. A player like Bastoni attracts interest from all the top clubs, but that’s not the issue. He is happy where he is. You never know what life may bring, but right now, he is extremely happy where he is.”

Real Madrid already signed a player from Inter this summer, Denzel Dumfries, who will formally join the Merengues in July as the La Liga giants will activate his €20m release clause.

Argentina vs Algeria features a wealth of Serie A connections, headlined by Inter captain Lautaro Martínez, who starts alongside Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada in a formidable attacking trio for the Albiceleste.

Como’s Nico Paz, one of Serie A’s breakout stars this season with six goals and nine assists, is among the substitutes for their World Cup opener, while Juventus’s Nicolás González, who spent last season on loan Atletico Madrid, is also in the squad.

The Serie A history runs deep across the entire Albiceleste party, Cristian Romero was Serie A’s Best Defender at Atalanta, Rodrigo De Paul spent five seasons at Udinese, Nahuel Molina was De Paul’s Udinese teammate, and Leandro Paredes had extensive time at Roma across multiple spells.

Molina features on the bench while Romero stars alongside Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez in central defence.

Juventus linked Emiliano Martinez starts in goal.

For Algeria, former Roma midfielder Houssem Aouar starts on the bench, having made 16 Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi in 2023-24.

Relegated Hellas Verona’s Rafik Belghali, however, is in the starting eleven.

Argentina vs Algeria – World Cup Lineups

Argentina: E.Martinez; Montiel, Romero, L.Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro, Almada.

Algeria: Zidane; Bensebaini, Mandi, Belghali, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Chaibi, Bentaleb, Maza, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa.

Iraq vs Norway sees both sides kick off their World Cup campaigns, with three points on the line in Boston.

Genoa’s Leo Østigård starts from the bench, with Bologna’s Torbjørn Heggem taking his place in central defence alongside Ajer.

Torino right-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen is also among the substitutes, while Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt and Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby, the most experienced Serie A player in the squad, are both named among the replacements.

Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, heavily linked with Juventus this summer, starts on the right of the attack.

For Iraq, Como’s Ali Jassim, who spent last season on loan at Al-Najma in Saudi Arabia, is named among the starters, while Venezia’s Marko Farji starts on the bench.

Iraq vs Norway – World Cup 2026 – Official Lineups

Iraq XI (4-4-2): Hassan; H.Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Jasim, Ismael, Al Ammari, Bayesh; Hussein, M.Ali.

Norway XI (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.

Gabriele Gravina has pushed back against the prevailing narrative that Italian football is in terminal decline, insisting that judging the national game solely on World Cup qualification failures is both reductive and inaccurate.

Speaking at the presentation of Ivan Zazzaroni’s book in Rome, with quotes via gianlucadimarzio.com, the former FIGC president acknowledged the pain of a third consecutive World Cup absence but refused to accept the most damning verdicts being levelled at the Italian game.

“I don’t agree that Italian football has reached its lowest point,” he said. “Evaluating our football based on a single result is a mistake, we need to stop being hypocritical about this.”

Gravina points to youth success and Mancini era as evidence Italian football retains its foundations

Gravina pointed to the broader context that often goes unacknowledged in the post-Mondiale gloom.

“From 2018, with Mancini, Italy achieved 37 consecutive positive results and won the European Championship in 2021, these are extraordinary results,” he said.

“Before 2018 the youth national teams never reached finals. Today the Under-17s win the European Championship, as do the Under-19s.”

On the specific moments that proved costly in qualification, Gravina was equally candid. “Kean and Pio Esposito missed goals that could have been decisive and that is why we stayed out,” he said.

“But if they had scored? We would have reopened all the oratorios and magically solved every problem in Italian football.”

On the path forward, Gravina called for structural reform and greater investment, wishing incoming FIGC president Giovanni Malagò well, with one specific request.

“It is not possible that a reform gets blocked if 3% disagree,” he said. “It is anti-democratic and contrary to any sense of reasonableness. I did not manage to change it, I hope he does.”

Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with Manu Koné and are pushing to complete a deal with Roma before the end of the month, with the French midfielder identified as Mikel Arteta’s primary midfield target this summer.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, Koné, currently on World Cup duty with France, is understood to strongly favour a move to the Premier League, preferring Arsenal to both Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, who had tracked him extensively last season.

The reigning English champions and Champions League finalists represent exactly the kind of challenge the Frenchman is seeking, though his entourage are in no rush to force a resolution while the World Cup is ongoing.

Roma weigh Koné sale as UEFA deadline forces hand ahead of Greenwood pursuit

Roma need to generate significant capital gains before June 30 to satisfy their UEFA settlement agreement, and with Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa making only tentative moves for Matias Soulé without submitting formal offers, the Koné route is becoming increasingly attractive as a solution.

Roma are asking €50 million for the midfielder, which would generate a profit of approximately €38 million given his residual book value of around €12 million.

Gasperini is prepared to sanction the sale, with the funds earmarked to pursue Mason Greenwood and potentially Crysencio Summerville.

Ismael Koné of Sassuolo has been identified as the ideal midfield replacement should the deal go through.

France get their World Cup campaign underway this afternoon when they face off against Senegal in New York, in the opening match of Group I before Iraq faces Norway later.

Didier Deschamps has started two Serie A teammates in Milan duo Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, as he looks to get off to a flying start.

Former Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly starts in defence for the African side, whilst former teammate of Maignan in Theo Hernandez starts at left-back for France.

Como’s Assane Diao is on the bench for Senegal whilst Inter’s Marcus Thuram and Roma’s Manu Koné start on the bench for the European giants.

2026 World Cup – France vs Senegal – Official Lineups

France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Doue, Olise, Dembele, Mbappe

Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Gueye, Camara, Gueye; Mane, Jackson, Sarr

Nico Paz has reportedly informed Real Madrid that he’s happy to stay at Como for one more season, while Tottenham have joined the race for Sandro Tonali and Chelsea have set their sights on two Serie A defenders.

Even with the World Cup in full swing, Serie A clubs are making their initial moves to bring in reinforcements for the 2026-27 campaign, and some big decisions have already been made.

Today’s Transfer news: June 16, 2026

One comes from Como star Nico Paz, who, according to AS.com and Nico Schira, has decided to stay at Como for one more season.

Real Madrid still have an option to re-sign him in the summer of 2027.

The other big news of the day is Tottenham’s strong interest in Sandro Tonali, with Roberto De Zerbi strongly pushing to sign the ex-Milan star.

According to Gazzetta and The Times, Newcastle’s asking price for Tonali this summer is €150m.

Chelsea have been linked with both Marco Palestra (Atalanta) and Andrea Cambiaso (Chelsea) after selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

Check out the latest transfer updates in our YouTube video below:

Roma are under growing pressure to sell Matias Soulé before June 30, with Borussia Dortmund emerging as the most concrete suitor for the Argentine as the Giallorossi race to generate €50 million in capital gains to satisfy their UEFA settlement agreement obligations.

According to Sky Sport, via Goal, Roma value Soulé at around €30 million, a figure that would contribute significantly towards that target and help the club avoid fresh sanctions ahead of their return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years.

Dortmund lead race for Soulé as Roma eye two new forwards this summer

Dortmund’s interest is driven by their need to replace Julian Brandt, who departs on a free transfer this summer, and Soulé’s profile, seven goals and eight assists in 42 appearances last season despite battling a groin problem in the second half of the campaign, fits what they are looking for in attack.

For Roma, the logic of selling is clear.

Gasperini intends to keep Paulo Dybala and sign at least two new wide forwards, making Soulé effectively surplus to requirements. At €2 million net per season, his wages represent no real obstacle, but time is running out.

Andrea Cambiaso has emerged as Juventus’s most immediately sellable asset this summer, with Barcelona and Chelsea both monitoring the Italy international as new CEO Giovanni Carnevali looks to generate the funds necessary to rebuild the squad without Champions League revenue.

Juventus value Cambiaso at €40 million, a figure that would represent an enormous profit given his current book value of just €6 million.

Barcelona have maintained their interest in the Italian for several months, while Chelsea’s pursuit has been given fresh impetus following their sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso, now at Stamford Bridge, was already keen on Cambiaso when at Leverkusen last year.

Carnevali’s strong existing relationships with both clubs, built during his Sassuolo years, could facilitate negotiations considerably.

Spence, Emerson Palmieri and Ruggeri among three options to replace Cambiaso at Juventus

Despite Luciano Spalletti’s genuine admiration for Cambiaso, describing him as a player who sees the pitch not just vertically and horizontally but “in a circular way,” the Bianconeri are preparing contingency plans.

Three names are under active consideration, according to Gazzetta.

Sporting director Marco Ottolini is pushing for Tottenham’s Djed Spence, a player he knows well from a loan spell at Genoa between January and June 2024, when Spence was part of the deal that took Dragusin to north London.

The 2000-born right-footer has a contract until 2029 and is valued at around €30 million, though a loan could also be possible.

Spalletti, meanwhile, is advocating for Emerson Palmieri, who he launched at Roma and who is currently at Marseille.

At 32 with a contract expiring in a year, the operation would be considerably cheaper than alternatives.

Carnevali himself is intrigued by the prospect of Atletico Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri, an Italian option that would also strengthen the dressing room’s domestic core, though Atletico’s valuation above €20 million and significant competition from other clubs present real obstacles.

Italy has lifted the World Cup four times (in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006), which puts the Azzurri among the most successful national teams in the history of the game. Yet the question of which specific squad stands above the rest is one that divides opinion and demands a proper look at each era. 

Three generations are worth considering in particular: the 1982 side that redefined what it meant to peak at a major tournament, the 1994 squad that pushed Brazil to the absolute limit in one of the most dramatic finals ever staged, and the 2006 champions who did it against all the odds. 

1982: The Team That Nobody Expected to Win

Enzo Bearzot’s squad arrived in Spain that summer under serious pressure. Italy had scraped through the group stage without winning a single match, drawing all three games against Poland, Peru, and Cameroon. The media back home had turned on the team, and striker Paolo Rossi had been scoreless throughout. The atmosphere was one of crisis.

What happened next changed everything. Rossi scored a hat-trick against a Brazil side that many still consider the finest team never to win the World Cup. That match, on 5 July in Barcelona’s Sarrià stadium, is one of the most celebrated in Italian football history. Italy won 3-2, and Rossi went from being a liability to a national hero in the space of 90 minutes. 

Beyond Rossi, the squad had real substance. Dino Zoff kept goal with the authority of a man who had been at the very top of the game for two decades. The defensive unit was disciplined and difficult to break down. 

What makes 1982 so compelling from a historical standpoint is the psychological dimension. This was a group of players who performed under enormous scrutiny, had their backs turned on them by their own press, and still managed to win the tournament. That kind of mental resilience, combined with genuine tactical organisation and individual quality, is what sets a great team apart from a merely good one.

1994: A Defensive Masterclass 

Arrigo Sacchi brought a completely different philosophy to the 1994 tournament in the United States. Where 1982 was pragmatic and reactive, Sacchi’s Italy was built around shape, pressing, and collective movement. 

The squad included some of the finest defensive players in the world at that time (Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Alessandro Costacurta), all products of the Milan side that had dominated European football in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Italy’s route to the final was not without difficulty. They needed Roberto Baggio to rescue them on more than one occasion, most notably against Nigeria in the last 16, where he scored an equaliser in injury time before adding a winner in extra time. That ability to find a result when everything was going wrong became the defining characteristic of this squad.

The final itself, played on 17 July at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, will remain one of the most memorable occasions in the tournament’s long history. Italy faced Brazil in a game that finished 0-0 after 120 minutes of tense, controlled football. Both sides had chances, both goalkeepers made important saves, and both defences held firm.

When it went to penalties, the drama reached a level that few sporting events ever match. Baresi stepped up first for Italy and missed. 

Baggio, who had carried the team through the tournament almost single-handedly, was the last man to take a kick. He needed to score to keep Italy in it. He did not. The ball sailed over the crossbar, and Brazil were world champions. The image of Baggio standing with his head bowed as the Brazilian players celebrated around him is one of the most recognisable in football.

2006: World Champions Against All the Odds

Marcello Lippi’s squad arrived in Germany that summer in arguably the worst possible circumstances for any Italian team. The Calciopoli scandal, a match-fixing investigation that had engulfed several major Serie A clubs, had broken weeks before the tournament began. 

Players from Juventus, Milan, and Fiorentina were representing a country whose football system was under criminal investigation. The pressure was immense, and the distraction was real.

Despite all of that, Italy produced a tournament performance that was both technically impressive and tactically astute. The defence, led by Fabio Cannavaro, was exceptional throughout. 

Andrea Pirlo dictated play from deep with the kind of calm authority that only a handful of midfielders in the world’s game have ever managed. Up front, Luca Toni was direct and physically dominant. The final against France, decided on penalties after a 1-1 draw, was tight and nervy, but Italy held their composure when it mattered and emerged victorious.

Comparing Three Different Versions of Italy

The honest answer to any comparison among these three teams is that each was built for its moment. Football in 1982 was different from football in 1994, which was different again from football in 2006. Tactical systems evolved, the physical demands on players changed, and the quality and depth of competition at the World Cup increased over those decades.

With that in mind, 1982 probably produced the most dramatic story. The scale of the turnaround, from a team mocked at home to world champions, is almost without parallel.

The 2006 side, however, was arguably the most complete in purely tactical terms. Their defensive record was exceptional. Their ability to manage games, absorb pressure, and take their opportunities when they arose was consistent throughout the tournament. Cannavaro’s performance alone was enough to change how the game recognised and valued the role of the central defender.

The 1994 squad sits slightly differently in this comparison. They did not win the trophy, and that matters when discussing the greatest Italian World Cup team. But the quality of the individuals in that group cannot be dismissed. In terms of pure tactical development and the quality of the football being played across Serie A at that time, 1994 might represent the peak of Italian football as a broader ecosystem.

What Modern Italian Football Must Take From These Generations

Since their victory in 2006, Italy’s international record has deteriorated sharply. Three consecutive World Cup absences are not a minor slump. It points to structural issues that go beyond any one manager or generation of players. 

The quality of Italian youth development has fallen behind that of countries that have consistently invested in coaching education and talent pathways. The relationship between Serie A clubs and the national team has become more complicated as foreign ownership, increased squad sizes, and the weight of the Champions League have taken priority. 

Looking back at 1982, 1994, and 2006, a few things stand out as relevant to the present. All three teams had a clear identity, a way of playing that every player understood and executed. They all had leadership concentrated among players experienced at the very highest club level. And all three squads were built around a structured, reliable defensive foundation, not just on individually talented players.

None of those characteristics is beyond Italian football’s reach today. But they require deliberate choices at every level of the game: in academies, in the league, in the coaching culture, and in how the national team is managed between major tournaments. The history is there. The question is whether the current generation of administrators and coaches is willing to use it.

Milan are set to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new coach, as the Portuguese has signed a two-year contract with the Rossoneri.

Former Manchester United boss Amorim has signed his contract with Milan, according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta.

Ruben Amorim signs two-year contract with Milan

The Portuguese hasn’t physically arrived in Milan, so he signed the documents remotely.

He has signed a two-year contract until June 2028 with an option for a further campaign.

Amorim will earn €3.5m per season at San Siro with a further €500,000 bonus if he leads Milan to Champions League qualification.

Milan have also reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche, who has backed Amorim’s appointment.

The Rossoneri, however, have yet to reach an agreement with the German club but are confident that both Krösche and Timmo Hardung, Milan’s designated sporting director, will leave Eintracht in the coming days.

Milan sacked their coach, Massimiliano Allegri, and their prominent executives, Geoffrey Moncada, Igli Tare, and Giorgio Furlani, after finishing fifth in the 2025-26 campaign and failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Brazilian legend Romario says Franco Baresi was the ‘most difficult’ opponent he faced during his playing career but is ‘grateful’ to Roberto Baggio for missing a penalty kick in the 1994 World Cup Final, even if the Divin Codino ‘still carries the frustration within him.’

Former Brazilian star Romario, a 1994 World Cup winner, gave an interview to Gazzetta following the Seleçao’s 1-1 draw against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup debut over the weekend.

Romario comments on Brazil, Baggio, Baresi and…Pelé

“Brazil played very poorly and the draw was very significant. Morocco deserved to win; they were clearly superior in the first half,” Romario admitted.

“We were fortunate not to concede more goals… Fortunately, the game balanced out afterwards.”

Neymar is part of the Brazil squad for the World Cup but is still injured.

“I met Neymar by chance before the match; he told me he’s recovering well and is ready to play, if not in the next game, then the one after,” Romario said.

“I believe that Neymar, even if not 100% fit, would perform better than the other forwards did on their debut.”

Following Brazil’s debut at the 2026 World Cup, Romario is not too optimistic about their chances of lifting the trophy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inter are determined to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and have made an opening offer worth €20m.

Serie A giants Inter have made an opening €20m bid for Liverpool midfielder Jones, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Jones’ Inter transfer: latest updates

Jones is a long-time Inter target, and the Nerazzurri already tried to sign him this past January.

His contract at Anfield expires in June 2027, but the English midfielder, a product of the Liverpool Academy, seems keen to move to Milan, as his teammate Federico Chiesa appeared to suggest just a few days ago.

According to Gazzetta, Inter’s initial offer still falls short of Liverpool’s asking price, as the Reds require €30m for the 25-year-old this summer.

Inter are aware that they might need to raise their offer to secure the signature of the English midfielder, but according to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri are keen to continue talks with the Reds over the next few days to beat competition and give Cristian Chivu his first summer reinforcement.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Chelsea have joined the race to sign Marco Palestra by opening preliminary talks with the defender’s agent.

Chelsea are among the clubs interested in Atalanta-owned right-back Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Palestra spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Cagliari, resulting in one of the most promising defenders in Italy’s top flight, and attracting interest from other top clubs such as Inter and Manchester City.

Chelsea open talks with Palestra

It is believed that Atalanta’s asking price exceeds €50m, and according to Sky, Chelsea have now made contact with the defender’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, who is also the representative of Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori.

According to Sky, Palestra is keen to remain in Serie A, so his priority remains to wait for Inter and Atalanta to reach an agreement over his transfer fee.

Palestra made his senior Italy debut in March 2026 and has two international appearances to his name.

Atalanta are prepared to sell him, but Inter still haven’t reached an agreement with La Dea.

Matteo Moretto reports that Tottenham Hotspur wants to give Sandro Tonali the ‘keys to their project’, so Spurs have entered the race to sign the Italian midfielder, with Roberto De Zerbi pushing for a summer move.

Premier League side Tottenham have “strongly” joined the race to sign Tonali, according to Italian transfer expert Matteo Moretto.

According to the report, the North Londoners want to make Tonali the cornerstone of their project and are already working to finalise a deal with Newcastle.

Tonali transfer latest: Tottenham join the race

Moretto claims that Manchester City and Manchester United have also shown interest, while Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Arsenal had resumed talks for the ex-Milan star.

Tonali would reunite with De Zerbi at Tottenham, with the Italian tactician very keen to welcome his compatriot in North London.

Both De Zerbi and Tonali are from Lombardy; Tonali was born in Lodi but was raised in Brescia, where he made his Serie A debut in 2019. De Zerbi was born in Brescia and played in the Milan Youth Sector.

Moretto reports that De Zerbi is pushing for Tonali’s transfer and that the 26-year-old midfielder is open to joining Spurs this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

The New Devil

It’s Up to Amorim to Revive Milan

The Portuguese coach is hired. Three-man defence and attacking playing style to return to the Champions League. Capello: ‘An hazard.’ Now Cardinale wants the Eintracht directors

An island chain and a hero goalkeeper hold Yamal

Cape Verde celebrate, 0-0 against Spain. Vozinha’s fairytale (40 years)

The challenge of 10s: Messi and a double for Maradona

France and Senegal’s trap, Mbappé aims for the record of goals

Corriere dello Sport

Spain, bitter cape. Belgium: blessed Lukaku

Big Roma enters and contributes to Hany’s own goal against Egypt: 1-1. De Bruyne hits the post. At 21:00, France against Senegal. Argentina debut with Algeria at 3 am

Milan: Doing Things Differently

Cardinale and Ibra

A Portuguese coach, a German sporting director, in a club shaped by American and Swedish leadership.

Amorim Plus Krosche: A Club Without Borders

The former Manchester United coach is Allegri’s heir. Total agreement until 2028 for 3.2m per season. From Germany the sporting director Hardung. The English Gardiner as Chief Scout.

Carnevali, Sorloth right away

First day of work at Continassa for the Bianconeri CEO who wants to gift Spalletti the Norwegian of Atletico Madrid. The key is Nico Gonzalez. Boga’s move permanent: 5m to OGC Nice.

Ciak, Gila: Napoli in action

Roma open the auction for Soulé

Lotito has decided: he’ll buy Reggina

Tuttosport

One Portuguese, Two Germans… The New Milan

The coach and the new directors incoming: what a bedlam with Cardinale, the American and Ibra the Swedish

Cairo confident that Simeone will return and stay at Toro

The President is certain that the Argentine won’t push to leave. Abate will open the Fila to the fans before the pre-season

Interview with Dino Zoff:

Juventus and Berardi — it’s not too late.

“The Sassuolo attacker can still have his say. Martinez excites me. Eccentric? As long as he saves decently, it doesn’t matter whether he’s Italian or a foreigner.’ Aston Villa target Suzuki and release Dibu. First Carnevali move: Boga’s move permanent. Now the Comolli signings will leave. Waiting for Vlahovic.

Stunning Cape Verde, Spain controversy

What an impact Lukaku! But the Belgium of big players disappoint

Here are France and Argentina, the 2022 Finalists

Incredible! Tunisia flop, Lamouchi sacked already

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Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay takes place in Miami this evening, with two sides who will be eager to pick up the three points, given the shocking draw earlier today between tournament favourites Spain and debutants Cape Verde.

Either side can move top of Group H today with a win.

Saudi Arabia only have one Serie A connections in their team, with right-back Saud Abdulhamid, formerly of Roma, in the lineup.

Uruguay, meanwhile, have more connections than their opposition.

Defender Mathías Olivera currently plays for Napoli, whilst Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vina and Fernando Muslera also spent time in Italy’s top flight.

World Cup 2026 – Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Lineups

Saudi Arabia: Alowais; Alamri, Altambakti, Alharbi, Abu Alshamat, Abdulhamid; Ajuwayr, Alkhaibari, Kanno; Albrikan, Al Dawsari

Uruguay: Fernando Muslera; Caceres, Valera, Olivera, Vina; Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde, Araujo; Nunez, Vinas

Fulvio Collovati has launched a fierce attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the expanded 48-team World Cup format, with the 1982 World Cup winner accusing the governing body’s chief of prioritising business over sporting merit and calling on him to show greater respect to Italian football.

The former Inter and Milan defender was scathing about both Infantino’s recent comments regarding Italy’s absence from the tournament and the quality of some of the nations taking part.

“He should be ashamed, Infantino,” Collovati said, with quotes via FCInter1908.

“First he acts as a friend of Italian footballers, then he delivers these low blows. If he wants to criticise Italian football, let him do so openly.”

Collovati questions Infantino & format after watching South Africa and Germany vs Curacao

On Infantino’s suggestion that Italy might qualify if the tournament expanded to 64 teams, Collovati was dismissive.

“Jokes that don’t make people laugh are not jokes,” he said. “Since he has Swiss citizenship, next time he should joke with the Swiss.”

His most damning verdict, however, was reserved for the format itself. “The real joke, if anything, is the 48-team World Cup, with national teams inside who do not play football,” he said.

“I commented on Mexico vs South Africa on the radio, and in South Africa I could play myself at my age. On Sunday I will comment on Germany vs Curacao and I expect a similar situation.”

Journalist Alessandro Alciato added further controversy by resurfacing an old quote from Collovati in which he claimed women cannot understand football tactics, a reminder that the former defender himself has not been without controversy in recent years.

Udinese have until midnight tonight to exercise their purchase option for Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray, and the club intend to do so, even though a full agreement on the player’s wages has not yet been reached.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the wage structure agreed at the time of the original loan deal was put together hastily, finalised only in the final hours of the January window, with both parties understanding that the financial terms would need to be revisited once the dust had settled.

Those conversations are ongoing, and Udinese are pushing to find a solution before the deadline.

Udinese to trigger Zaniolo option first and negotiate wages second in race against midnight deadline

The club’s approach is pragmatic, trigger the option to secure the player’s registration, then continue negotiating the contractual details in the days that follow.

It is an unusual sequence, but one dictated by the circumstances of the original rushed agreement.

For Zaniolo, the priority will be landing a salary that reflects his market value following an impressive season in Friuli.

For Udinese, the priority is simply making sure he remains their player beyond tonight.

Belgium vs Egypt takes place this evening in the opening World Cup Group G fixture, with two of Serie A’s most recognisable names expected to start for the Red Devils.

Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli last summer, lines up alongside Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere in what is a formidable Belgian attacking unit.

Romelu Lukaku, Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers all start on the bench for Belgium.

Former Atalanta full-back Timothy Castagne also starts, having spent three seasons in Bergamo between 2017 and 2020 before departing for the Premier League.

For Egypt, Mohamed Salah, who had two separate Serie A spells with Fiorentina and Roma between 2014 and 2017 before his famous move to Liverpool, leads the line as his nation’s talisman and one of the tournament’s most anticipated individual performers.

Belgium vs Egypt – World Cup 2026 Lineups

Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne, Onana, Tielemans, Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku, De Ketelaere
Egypt: Shobeir, Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh, Lashin, Attia, Ashour, Zico, Salah, Marmoush

Bournemouth face a deadline today to decide whether to trigger their €17 million purchase option on Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas, with the Greek international’s future set to be resolved imminently in a decision that carries significant financial implications for the Roman club.

According to Il Tempo, via Radiosei, confirmation of the purchase would represent a major step towards Lazio meeting their economic targets for the summer, potentially sparing them from more painful player sales elsewhere in the squad.

Provedel’s expected Inter exit could convince Lazio to hold firm on Mandas valuation

The decision is complicated by circumstances at both clubs.

Bournemouth, despite their Europa League qualification under Marco Rose, saw Mandas fail to make a single Premier League appearance last season due to the outstanding form of Djordje Petrovic.

The English side are understood to be hoping to negotiate a reduced fee rather than pay the full option price.

For Lazio, however, selling Mandas becomes less attractive if Ivan Provedel departs, with Inter expected to complete a move for the Italian.

Should Provedel leave, Mandas would have a genuine opportunity to fight for the number one shirt at the Olimpico, giving Lazio every reason to drive a hard bargain.

Roma are casting their net widely in the search for right-sided reinforcements ahead of their Champions League return, with Nicolò Savona emerging as a potential target as Gian Piero Gasperini looks to strengthen the squad that finished third in Serie A last season.

According to Il Messaggero, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Savona could leave Nottingham Forest during this summer’s window, making him an attainable option for a Roma side that must also balance their financial obligations under UEFA’s settlement agreement before the end of June.

The former Juventus defender joined Forest last summer in a deal worth €13 million and has experience of playing in both Italy and England.

Zappacosta joins Savona on Roma radar but Atalanta move considered more complicated

Davide Zappacosta is another name Roma have considered for the right flank, but a move for the Atalanta wing-back is considered significantly more difficult to engineer.

Gasperini knows Zappacosta well from his time in Bergamo, which gives the pursuit a personal dimension, but Atalanta’s asking price and the player’s own situation make it a harder deal to structure than the Savona alternative.

Spain open their World Cup Group H campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta, with former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz lining up in midfield for the reigning European champions.

For Cape Verde, former Lazio and Salernitana winger Jovane Cabral starts, giving the Blue Sharks a familiar face for Serie A followers as they look to cause an upset against one of the tournament favourites.

Hellas Verona forward Dailon Livramento starts, after spending the last season on loan with Casa Pia in Portugal.

Spain vs Cape Verde – 2026 World Cup Official Lineups

Spain: Simon; Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz, Gavi, Pedri; Torres, Oyarzabal
Cape Verde: Vozinha; Borges, Lopes, Cabral, Moreira; Pina, Monteiro, Duarte; Cabral, Livramento, Mendes

The debut episode of the Football Italia Summer Show is now live on YouTube, featuring TNT Sports and SiriusXM commentator and presenter Adam Summerton.

Together, we discuss the future of the Italy national team and the possibility of Roberto Mancini returning as head coach, a prospect that raises an important question: Are the Azzurri looking in the wrong places?

Mancini back as Italy coach: yes or no?

Should Italy bring Roberto Mancini back as the head coach? We asked our readers this question a few days ago, and the answer confirmed how split opinions are regarding the 2020 Euro winner, who, at the same time, failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup before stepping down a year later.

Mancini has just left Al-Sadd, and according to various sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia, he’s the favourite to take over the Azzurri after June 22, 2026, when the FIGC Presidential elections take place.

Football Italia editor Lorenzo Bettoni has discussed Mancini’s potential return and the tasks ahead for the new coach in our first summer show.

Watch the full episode below:

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport criticised the new World Cup format, suggesting that it has affected the overall quality of the play and that ‘Europe has come out disadvantaged.’

The new World Cup format, which has been expanded to include 48 teams for the first time, does not appear to have generated much enthusiasm among the Italian media, not because the Azzurri will be absent from the tournament for the third consecutive time.

‘Europe has come out disadvantaged’ with new World Cup format

“With the expansion of the tournament to 48 nations, some matchups have become noticeably unbalanced. Bigger is not always better. In the allocation of participating teams by confederation, Europe has come out disadvantaged, and we are not saying this out of resentment over Italy’s absence,” wrote Gazzetta.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino already drew criticism from Italian media and politicians last week when he joked that the World Cup could be expanded to 208 teams to allow Italy to qualify.

“Beyond the FIFA president’s jokes, the Italian national team had a duty to qualify and be here,” Gazzetta wrote.

“But it is clear that the competition’s XXL size increases the number of modest teams and lowers the overall quality of play.”

There’s one more reason for concern coming from the World Cup, according to the most popular Italian sports paper: “The time-outs, or hydration breaks, have already been exposed for what they are by observers around the world: a way to split matches into four quarters and allow for lucrative advertising slots for broadcasters who have paid equally lucrative sums for the television rights, rather than genuine support for coaches and teams except in exceptional circumstances.”

Ruben Amorim is all set to take over from Massimiliano Allegri as head coach of Milan, and the latest updates claim that he is already in contact with Markus Krösche, who has reportedly said ‘yes’ to the idea of becoming the new Rossoneri technical director. 

Changes on the horizon in Milan with Amorim and Krösche

Change is finally on the horizon for Milan, who have been without a head coach, sporting director, technical director or CEO for close to a month of the off-season. Amorim is set to join on an initial two-year contract and is expected to put pen to paper on his Rossoneri contract by the end of Tuesday. 

Monday’s reports also indicate that Milan are making progress in their hunt for a new technical director. The club had originally been in talks with Ralf Rangnick, which have since definitively broken down. 

It now appears that Milan have settled on another German in Krösche, currently with Eintracht Frankfurt, to take over as technical director or ‘head of football’. 

According to updates from Milan expert Antonio Vitello, Krösche has ‘said yes’ to the idea of joining Milan and now Frankfurt are expecting a call from Gerry Cardinale and/or Zlatan Ibrahimovic to formally negotiate a deal for the director. 

The latest update claims that Amorim and Krösche have already been in contact with one another. 

If Milan are able to pull off a deal for Krösche, which may prove to be expensive, it is expected that Frankfurt’s current sporting director, Timmo Hardung will follow.

Reports in Italy continue to link Inter with a potential move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga but the Frenchman is not expected to come cheaply for the Nerazzurri. 

How much would it cost Inter to sign Camavinga?

According to reports over the last week, Camavinga is increasingly likely to be let go by Madrid during the summer transfer window. 

It is expected that Inter will be in the market for a new midfielder this summer: Cristian Chivu is hoping to add several reinforcements to his squad, including at cenre-back, at wing-back and in midfield. 

For several months it has been reported that Roma’s Manu Kone is a potential option for the Nerazzurri this summer, but the Corriere della Sera and Calciomercato.com report that Camavinga is emerging as a potential alternative. 

Real Madrid’s valuation of Camavinga is similar to Roma’s price tag for Kone, both expected to cost somewhere in the region of €50m. Calciomercato claims that it will take a fee of €40m-€45m to convince Madrid into selling the Frenchman, while reports elsewhere claim it will be €50m. 

Camavinga will also command a significant wage packet as well, as he currently earns a gross salary of €12.5m per season at the Bernabeu (Estimated to be around €7.5m net with all bonuses included). 

This would reportedly put Camavinga in the same wage bracket as the likes of Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu in San Siro, but would still be below the club’s highest earner, captain Lautaro Martinez. 

There are also several other sides in the Premier League reported to be interested in a potential deal for Camavinga including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Juventus had also briefly been mentioned as a possible option for the Frenchman, albeit only on loan.

Multiple sources confirm that Ruben Amorim is set to take over from Massimiliano Allegri as the new head coach of Milan, and we want to know: Is the former Manchester United gaffer the right choice for the Rossoneri in the circumstances?

Is Amorim the right candidate to take over as Milan head coach?

Amorim is expected to join Milan on an initial two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months, with wages reported to be in the region of €3.5m-€4m per season. 

There have also been suggestions that the Rossoneri are moving closer to agreements with Eintracht Frankfurt duo Markus Krösche and Timmo Hardung to take over as the club’s new technical and sporting directors. 

Milan had originally been in talks with another former Manchester United manager in Ralf Rangnick, who had been poised to take over as technical director. However, Rangnick did not receive the assurances he wanted before the start of the 2026 World Cup, and he has since decided to extend his contract with the Austria national team instead. 

Before the breakdown in talks with Rangnick, it had been reported that departing Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner would have been the most likely candidate to take over as head coach given his pre-existing relationship with the former Manchester United and Red Bull executive. 

Ultimately, with no Rangnick, there will be no Glasner for Milan either. 

Other coaches that have been linked with a move to Milan over the last few weeks include current USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle and recently-dismissed Liverpool tactician Arne Slot. 

So, we want to know: Who do you think would have been the best coach for Milan in the current circumstances? Have your say in the poll below and let us know more in the comments. 

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Monday’s reports confirm that Milan have a full agreement in place with Ruben Amorim to take over as the club’s new coach, and it appears that the former Manchester United and Sporting CP tactician will be in Italy within the coming days to put his signature on his contract. 

Amorim expected to complete Milan move by Tuesday

According to reports from various outlets on Monday, Amorim is set to take over from Massimiliano Allegri as head coach of Milan on an initial two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months. 

Amorim is reportedly set to earn a guaranteed salary of €3.5m per season in San Siro. 

A deal has progressed quickly, and according to the latest updates from Sky Sport Italia, the coach is expected to fly to Italy within the next few hours in order to complete his move. It is likely that he will be in Milan by Tuesday and that he will have signed off on his contract by the end of tomorrow. 

Milan are still on the lookout for a new sporting director and technical director, and the latest reports claim that Eintracht Frankfurt duo Timmo Hardung and Markus Krösche are the preferred options for the Rossoneri. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero was the man behind the idea to change the walk-outs at the World Cup to involve all 26 members of the squad rather than just the starting 11. 

How Del Piero convinced Infantino to change in World Cup walk-outs

A number of changes to the laws of the game have been implemented at the 2026 World Cup in North America, some of which have been well received, others less so. 

One of the changes that has gone down fairly well across the board is the decision for all 26 squad members to walk out onto the pitch before matches and take part in the singing of the national anthems, rather than just the starting 11. 

This is a change that allows all members of the squad to ‘have their moment’, to feel part of the team, especially for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play. 

Infantino, speaking at a recent press conference, has revealed that this change in procedure was originally suggested to him by former Juventus and Italy star Del Piero. 

“For the first time, all of the players, a total of 26 players, will be on the pitch. There will be huge flags and the national anthems will be heard with enormous flags and with the whole team out on the pitch,” Infantino began.  

“Where did that come from? Well, as you know, we always want to do new things, and we thought it had to be something American, business, I don’t know, showtime. No. This was born out of a conversation I had with Alessandro Del Piero. 

“Alessandro Del Piero a few months ago told me: ‘Why don’t you start bringing all of the players out onto the pitch during the anthem?’. I said ‘Why?’. ‘Because we’re all part of the same team’.” 

Infantino continued: “I don’t know if it’s because the goal he scored, one of the most beautiful World Cup goals, Italy’s goal for 2-0 against Germany in Dortmund in the 2006 World Cup, he came off the bench and scored this incredible goal. I don’t know if that’s the reason why he said it, but he said we’re all part of the same team. 

“I thought he was right, so we started to discuss it all together and during a World Cup, all the players might not play, so it’s about making them feel part of this very emotional moment during the national anthems. I believe this is something positive for all of the players, for the supporters.” 

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Monday’s reports claim that Gian Piero Gasperini is in direct contact with Marseille forward Mason Greenwood and that he has asked the Englishman ‘to wait’ while Roma prepare to formally open negotiations with the Ligue 1 side. 

Gasperini in direct contact with Greenwood, Roma expected to open negotiations with Marseille

Gasperini is hoping to reconstruct his attacking department ahead of the 2026-27 season, an area of the pitch he often complained about during the 2025-26 campaign, and Marseille’s Greenwood has emerged as the first choice for the Giallorossi. 

The Manchester United academy graduate is expected to be available for transfer this summer as Marseille are expected to sell a big-name star in order to comply with FFP regulations. This means that Roma are hoping to secure a deal within the coming weeks. 

While Roma remain confident of striking a deal for Greenwood, they have not yet tabled a formal offer for Marseille, who value their attacker in the region of €55m. Manchester United will also be entitled to a significant sell-on clause if their former player is to move this summer. 

And so, according to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, Gasperini has been on the phone to Greenwood to ask him to wait while the clubs conduct their negotiations. 

Monday’s report claims that Ryan Friedkin is also in direct contact with the player’s agent and that he has already mapped out the club’s plans and the role that Greenwood would have within the Giallorossi set-up. 

Despite Marseille’s €55m valuation, the Corriere dello Sport suggests that Roma’s opening offer will be worth €40m including bonuses, as well as a significant sell-on clause that will be higher than 10%. 

In an ideal world, Roma would like to sign Greenwood on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy, but it remains to be seen whether Marseille will be willing to accept this formula.

Sweden face Tunisia in their World Cup Group F opener in Monterrey, Mexico, with the group already underway after Netherlands and Japan played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.

Sweden vs Tunisia is the final kick-off in a day that was packed full of games; with the competition in full swing now.

The match takes place in a spectacular arena, with mountain views in the background, setting the stage for a must-win game for both sides in a tricky group.

Atalanta defender Isak Hien starts in central defence for Sweden, while Udinese midfielder Jesper Karlstrom lines up in the middle of the park.

Tunisia, meanwhile, field no players with current Serie A connections in their starting eleven, but benched centre-back Dylan Bronn spent several years with Salernitana in Serie A and B, meaning there is, overall, only a modest amount of Calcio involvement this evening.

Sweden vs Tunisia – World Cup Lineups

Sweden: Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Lindelof, Hien, Bernhardsson, Gudmundsson, Nygren, Karlstrom, Ayari, Isak, Gyokeres
Tunisia: Chamakh, Abdi, Talbi, Rekik, Valery, Ben Hmida, Hannibal, Khedira, Skhiri, Slimane, Saad

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador meet in their World Cup Group E opener in Philadelphia, with Germany having already set the early pace in the group by thrashing Curacao 7-1 earlier today.

Atalanta defender Odilon Kossounou is named among the Ivory Coast substitutes, while Roma’s Evan Ndicka features on the bench also due to a fitness concern.

Inter’s Ange-Yoan Bonny, who switched international allegiances from France ahead of the tournament, is also among the substitutes.

Former Milan midfielder Franck Kessie starts in midfield alongside Seko Fofana, with Elye Wahi and Nicolas Pepe in attack.

Ex Atalanta forward Amad Diallo is also among the substitutes for the African side.

For Ecuador, Venezia forward John Yeboah starts up front, while Milan full-back Pervis Estupinan is named among the substitutes. Juventus and Inter defensive target Joel Ordonez starts in central defence.

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador – Official Lineups

Ivory Coast: Fofana; Konan, Singo, Doue, Agbadou; S.Fofana, Kessie; Diomande, Wahi, Pepe; Toure.

Ecuador: Galindez; Hincapie, Ordonez, Pacho; Minda, Vite, Franco, Caicedo; Yeboah, Valencia, Plata.

The Netherlands face Japan with a strong Serie A contingent in their starting eleven for their World Cup opener.

Roma striker Donyell Malen leads the line, Inter’s Denzel Dumfries, whose Real Madrid move is imminent, starts at right back, and former Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders lines up in the middle of the park.

Juventus’ Teun Koopmeiners, Atalanta’s Marten De Roon and Napoli’s Noa Lang, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Galatasaray, are all among the substitutes.

For Japan, Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki starts in goal, while former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada lines up in the centre of midfield.

Ex-Inter full-back Yuto Nagatomo is named among the substitutes at 39 years old, alongside former Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Netherlands vs Japan – World Cup 2026 Lineups

Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen.

Japan: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H.Ito; Doan, Kamada, Sano, Nakamura; Maeda, Kubo; Ueda.

Reports in Italy claim that Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s agents have asked Napoli for their valuation of the midfielder, as the Cameroon international ponders his options with one year remaining on his contract at the Stadio Maradona. 

How much do Napoli want for expiring Anguissa?

Anguissa has been linked with a potential move away from Napoli this summer. The 30-year-old has played a pivotal role in Napoli’s last two Serie A titles in 2022-23 and 2024-25, but is now approaching the final 12 months of his contract and feels that this might be his final opportunity to explore a move away to a different, competitive side in Europe. 

According to reports from Il Mattino (via Calciomercato.com), Anguissa’s agents have asked Napoli for their valuation of the midfielder, which is an indication that the former Fulham man is still considering a transfer away from Serie A this summer. 

According to Sunday’s reports, Napoli will seek a fee of €20m to sell Anguissa with one year remaining on his contract this summer. 

Anguissa was only fit enough to make 18 appearances in Serie A this season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in November, which would keep him sidelined until the beginning of March.

Julian Nagelsmann is able to call upon veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for Germany’s opening game of the 2026 World Cup, as Die Mannschaft open their campaign against the smallest nation in the tournament’s history, Curacao. 

Germany vs. Curacao is the first match to take place in Group E, and will be followed by Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador at midnight later this evening. 

There are no Serie A representatives in either squad: Inter’s Yann Bisseck was the most likely Italian-based player to be called up to the Germany squad, but he was not included in Nagelsmann’s 26-man roster despite winning the Serie A and Coppa Italia double in 2025-26. 

Former Milan defender Malick Thiaw is named among the German substitutes, as are a number of players who have been linked with a move to the Rossoneri over the last few seasons, including Leon Goretzka and Assan Ouedraogo and the Juventus-linked Antonio Rudiger. 

Kick-off is due at 18.00 BST.

Germany vs. Curacao: Confirmed line-ups 

Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz. 

Subs: Baumann, Neubel, Rudiger, Anton, Raum, Thiaw, Goretzka, Leweling, Gross, Stiller, Amiri, Ouedraogo, Beier, Undav. 

Curacao (4-4-2): Room, Floranus, Obispo, Bazoer, Fonville; J.Bacuna, Comencia, L.Bacuna, Chong; Locadia, Hansen

Subs: Bodak, Doornbusch, Sambo, Gaari, Van Eijma, Brenet, Roemeratoe, Martha, Felida, Antonisse, Noslin, Margaritha, Kuwas, Kastaneer.

Weston McKennie believes that hosting the 2026 World Cup will ‘change football in the United States’, says that Milan’s Christian Pulisic will always be ready in decisive moments, but says that he has not heard much from the developments taking place at Juventus. 

McKennie on a flying start to the 2026 World Cup with the USA

McKennie and his USMNT colleagues got their home World Cup campaign off to a flyer with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Though it was Folarin Balogun who provided a brace, McKennie and Pulisic were widely praised for their individual performances on the night. 

“A victory like this was exactly what I was hoping for,” said McKennie in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

“Obviously, you never know what’s going to happen on the pitch because there are so many different expectations. But we know what we’re capable of, and the world has taken notice. 

“Winning 4-1 in the opening match is great, of course, but it’s just the beginning. That’s why we don’t want to overdo the celebrations; this needs to become the norm for us. Now we still have two group stage matches: let’s continue with performances like this and try to improve even further.” 

A moment of individual brilliance from Pulisic led to Damian Bobadilla turning the ball into his own net for the USA’s opener against Paraguay. That was the moment that McKennie thought his nation would get off to a winning start. 

“Probably after the own goal. I thought: ‘Okay, luck is a bit on our side today…’ But the moment that truly gave me goosebumps was when we walked onto the pitch: we listened to the anthem and sang it all together, us and the fans. It’s hard to describe a feeling like that unless you experience it firsthand. 

“In that moment, I thought back to all the hard work put in by the team, the staff, the coach, and the life journeys everyone had taken to get there, all together.”

McKennie praises head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the mindset that he has been able to bring to his squad. 

“For now, let’s take the positives from this match and not get ahead of ourselves. It was fantastic, and do you know why? We wanted to go out there and play like childhood friends, and we succeeded. That’s the secret. 

“The coach often tells us that the hard work is what we do before the match. The sacrifices, the time invested, the commitment: that’s the real graft. Then you go out there and the fun begins, because opportunities like these don’t come around often in a career. 

“And if you make a mistake, never mind, there’s always a teammate ready to cover for you. I’ve never seen the kind of unity we have, both on and off the pitch, in any other team I’ve been a part of.”

It has only been one game, but McKennie is confident that the 2026 World Cup campaign will change the way that football is viewed in the United States. 

“There are many people who, perhaps, had never come to support us before: we hope that, thanks to this performance, they can get to know us and feel closer to us. We want to be a team that people can identify with. We want them to see the joy with which we play, the electricity in the stadium. 

“And for those who say football is boring, well, there were five goals in the first game, so maybe they’ll change their minds! Hosting this World Cup will definitely change football in the United States, it’s impossible not to be moved by this amount of passion.” 

Pulisic has not hit the back of the net for Milan in 2026, but McKennie feels that his compatriot is always ready to step up in the big moments. 

“Christian is always ready when it truly matters. In recent months, many people have criticised him, wondering if he would be fit for the World Cup, if he would be able to make a difference. 

“But I’ve always said it, and I’ll continue to say it: I’ll support him indefinitely, as will the whole team. Christian is one of those players who never falters in decisive moments, and now I hope he continues.”

McKennie was also full of praise for the performance that centre-forward Balogun put in against Paraguay. 

“Balogun did his job, what we expect from him and what he expects from himself. He’s decisive in important moments and an extremely clinical finisher. If someone didn’t know what kind of player he is, I think they’ll have understood now. But I also think Folarin showed another side of himself that perhaps many hadn’t noticed before. 

“Against Paraguay, he got stuck into tackles, put his body on the line, and sacrificed himself for the team. In the past, perhaps some didn’t consider him a player willing to do the dirty work, but he’s shown everyone he’s ready to do it.”

McKennie was also asked for his thoughts about the change of CEO at Juventus, with Damien Comolli having been replaced by Giovanni Carnevali earlier this week. The Bianconeri midfielder says that he has no time to focus on anything other than the World Cup campaign at this point, though. 

“I haven’t heard anything about what’s happening in Turin, but I always have faith in Juve. I haven’t even spoken to my teammates about it. Right now, I’m focused on this tournament, which is too important for all of us. Once it’s over, then I can think about the rest and deal with Juve.” 

Sunday’s reports claim that sides in Turkiye are beginning to step forwards for unwanted Juventus winger Edon Zhegrova, who will be allowed to leave the club after just one season. 

Trabzonspor possibility for Juventus’s Zhegrova

Zhegrova joined Juventus on the final day of the summer transfer window in 2025, signing on a permanent deal at a cost of €15m plus up to €3m in bonuses. 

Reports claim that Zhegrova was a player wanted specifically by former Juventus CEO Damien Comolli, who has since been replaced by Giovanni Carnevali at the top of the Bianconeri hierarchy. 

Zhegrova had suffered a major adductor injury in the January before he joined Juventus, which kept him sidelined for the entirety of the second half of the 2024-25 season. 

That injury clearly had an impact on his start to life in Turin, and in the end, the Kosovar was only able to play for 366 minutes across 19 appearances in Serie A, all of which came off the bench. 

With Comolli now gone, Juventus are expected to listen to any offers that come in for Zhegrova during the summer transfer window. 

According to the latest updates from TMW, some clubs in Turkiye are beginning to show an interest in picking up the 27-year-old in a low-cost deal. Trabzonspor have reportedly been in contact with Juve to request information surrounding Zhegrova. 

No formal talks have taken place just yet, but Sunday’s report claims that there is a good chance that the two clubs decide to proceed with negotiations.

Carlo Ancelotti has already faced backlash for his decision to leave teenage talent Endrick on the bench for the entirety of Brazil’s World Cup draw against Morocco on Saturday night, but the coach says that he will not discuss ‘individual players’, only the team’s collective performance. 

Brazil supporters frustrated by Ancelotti’s decision to leave Endrick on the bench against Morocco

Brazil opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco in New York: Ismael Saobari opened the scoring after 21 minutes, Vinicius Jr. provided the response 10 minutes later. 

Though Morocco had reached an historic World Cup semi-final in 2022, Brazil were still considered the favourites by many heading into Saturday’s showdown. A 1-1 draw was still considered slightly underwhelming by fans of the most successful nation in World Cup history. 

Ancelotti has faced criticism online for one particular decision he made during the 1-1 draw with Morocco, namely the choice to leave 19-year-old Endrick on the bench for the whole game while Brazil were going in search of a goal. 

Endrick came into the World Cup having scored five times and having provided seven assists for his teammates from 16 appearances while on loan with Lyon in Ligue 1, but the teenager had struggled to break into the Real Madrid first team under Ancelotti in 2024-25 and now some fans are concerned that the same thing is happening with the Brazil national side. 

“I am not going to comment on individual players, I am here to talk about the team,” said Ancelotti when quizzed about his decision to leave Endrick on the bench during his post-match press conference. 

Still, many fans across social media still disagree with Ancelotti’s decision: “Whenever you mention Endrick, this is usually his response, even from when he was managing Real Madrid. This is unfair,” one supporter wrote on X. 

“Endrick wins them that game. Vini, Endrick and Raphinha should be the starting attackers,” another added. 

One fan wrote: “I won’t comment on individual players is what coaches say when they don’t have a good answer. Endrick deserves more than silence.” 

Linked with Inter and Arsenal in recent days, Roma and France midfielder Manu Koné insists that he will ‘talk’ about his future at the Stadio Olimpico only after the World Cup.

France and Roma midfielder Koné briefly spoke about his future with the Giallorossi in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

Koné ‘only thinking about the World Cup’ amid Inter and Arsenal rumours

“Honestly, right now I’m only thinking about the World Cup. It’s my first major international competition, a tournament I’ve always dreamed of playing in,” Koné said.

“I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We’ll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens.”

Koné is a long-time Inter target as the Nerazzurri already tried to sign him last summer. A recent report from the French newspaper L’Equipe has also linked the Roma midfielder to Arsenal.

“My goal is always to be ready for the coach and the team. It’s true I played a lot in qualification, but today we have a squad full of great players,” continued the Roma midfielder.

“There will be many matches, and I naturally hope to play as much as possible, but the priority is to be useful.”

Koné has been a regular starter under Gian Piero Gasperini, playing a key role in Roma’s return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018.

However, he also had a couple of fitness issues during the 2026-27 campaign, which made him fear he could miss out on the World Cup.

“Yes, I had two hamstring problems that slowed down the end of my season with Roma, and when a competition like the World Cup approaches, it’s normal to worry,” he admitted.

“However, I maintained faith in myself and the work I was doing. I told myself that if I did everything correctly, I would be back in time. Fortunately, it all worked out in the end.”

Koné also answered a question on France superstar Kylian Mbappé and whether the Real Madrid ace might feel more pressure than his teammates in this season’s World Cup.

“I don’t think so. He’s a champion who has always delivered in the most important moments, both for the national team and his clubs,” Koné concluded.

“We know he’ll be ready. It’s a competition he loves and wants to win. We have full confidence in him. He’s our captain, and we are convinced he will do great things. I do not doubt that.”

Fabrizio Romano reports that Ruben Amorim is keen to become the new Milan coach and is ready to accept the offer from the Serie A giants, waiting for the club’s ‘final green light.’

Former Manchester United coach Amorim is ready to sign a contract with Milan, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Amorim ready to accept Milan’s offer

A Bola and Corriere dello Sport already reported that the Rossoneri had offered Amorim a two-year deal worth over €3m per season.

Multiple sources, including The Athletic, report that the 41-year-old is now the leading candidate for the Rossoneri job.

“Rúben Amorim, ready to accept all conditions discussed with Milan to become the new manager,” Romano wrote on X.

“He wants the job and is waiting for the final green light from Milan.”

The Diavoli already held talks with Oliver Glasner and Mauricio Pochettino after sacking Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the 2025-26 campaign in which Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January 2026 after 14 months in charge of the Red Devils.

Milan remain in the looking for a new CEO, technical director and sporting director after Ralf Rangnick decided to extend his contract as the Austria national team coach.

Nottingham Forest are expected to send an offer for Inter’s Davide Frattesi, but the Italian midfielder has also attracted interest from Serie A clubs, so he must decide whether to move to England or wait for other proposals from Italy.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest are expected to send an offer worth €25m, including add-ons, for Davide Frattesi.

Frattesi waits for Nottingham Forest’s offer

Sky Sport Italia broke the news on Saturday, and Tuttosport confirmed it on Sunday.

Both media outlets claim that Inter value Frattesi at €30m, so it’s not guaranteed that the Nerazzurri would immediately accept the offer from England.

The same is true of the player, who also has admirers in Italy, especially at Roma, Napoli and Juventus.

This is why, according to Tuttosport, Frattesi has a big decision to make in the coming days: accept the upcoming proposal from Forest and move to England – if Inter accept the offer – or wait for a different proposal from Italy, knowing that he’s not part of the Nerazzurri’s plans for the future.

Frattesi only started six games under Cristian Chivu in 2026-27, providing three assists and scoring no goals.

He played 1133 minutes across all competitions with the Nerzzurri last season, making 47 appearances mostly as a substitute.

Italy’s World Cup frustrations deepened after the opening rounds, with the Azzurri absent from the tournament and both Carlo Ancelotti and Vincenzo Montella failing to secure victories in their debut matches.

The 2026 World Cup was always going to be a bitter event for all Italian fans, given that La Nazionale failed to qualify for the competition, missing out on the most important football tournament for the third consecutive time.

Disappointing results for Italian coaches at the 2026 World Cup

The Azzurri were meant to be in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland and Qatar, who have all played their opening matches, both ending in a 1-1 draw: Canada vs Bosnia and Qatar vs Switzerland.

The World Cup frustration for Italian fans has continued even without the Azzurri’s involvement.

Both Ancelotti and Montella, in fact, didn’t win their opening matches in the tournament.

Ancelotti’s Brazil picked up a 1-1 draw against Morocco, prompting the Italian tactician to say that his players looked too “anxious”, while Montella’s Turkey surprisingly suffered a 2-0 loss against Australia.

Zeki Celik and Hakan Calhanoglu started for Turkey, while Juventus star Kenan Yildiz was introduced from the bench in the second half as he’s still not fully fit after the end of the season with the Old Lady.

Ancelotti and Montella still have a chance to redeem themselves in the next two games, especially considering that even the eight best third-place teams qualify for the next round alongside the group winners and runners-up.

There’s a third Italian coach at the World Cup: 2006 Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, who will lead Uzbekistan in Group K, making his debut against Colombia on Thursday, June 18.

Roberto Mancini has left Al Sadd, fueling speculation about his return as the Italy national team coach.

Italian coach Mancini has left Al Sadd after just eight months in charge.

Official: Mancini leaves Al Sadd

The Italian tactician posted a video message for Al Sadd fans on X on Saturday night.

Mancini secured the Qatari league title this past April, celebrating on the field with a nod to Italy’s Euro 2020 victory.

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 , 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 . 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐢 , 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 .
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞… pic.twitter.com/cHK4lCvxjy

— #83 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) June 13, 2026

Multiple sources claim that Mancini is now the leading candidate for the Italy job.

He already served as the Italy boss from 2018 to 2023, winning Euro 2020 but also failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Mancini suddenly left the Azzurri in August 2023, becoming the Saudi Arabia national team coach just a few weeks later.

This is why his potential return as the Italy coach has been welcomed by mixed reactions among fans, pundits and Italy legends.

Mancini is said to be on very good terms with Giovanni Malagò, the favourite to win the FIGC Presidential election on June 22, 2026, after which the Italian Federation will name a new head coach for La Nazionale.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti examines Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup debut: ‘The team was anxious, gave the ball away, and lacked balance on the field,’ but the result ‘is not bad.’

Vinicius Junior cancelled out Ismael Saibari’s opener in the first half, setting the result at 1-1 at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

Ancelotti comments on Brazil 1-1 Morocco

Italy legend Ancelotti, who made their coaching debut at the World Cup with Brazil, said at full-time: “The match, especially in the first half, was difficult. The team was anxious, gave the ball away, and lacked balance on the field. The second half was much better.

“The team will improve in the next match. The team had problems in the first half. Too many balls were lost. We have to improve in that aspect. We cannot lose confidence.”

Ancelotti already gained World Cup experience in 1994, when he served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant to the Italy national team.

“In a first World Cup match, anything can happen. The team was never going to be perfect in the first game. The result is not bad, but we will fight in the second half,” Ancelotti added.

“The team fought until the last minute, and I am very clear about what we have to improve. What we did well in the two friendlies did not come off well in the first half. We have to keep working to have a more balanced team and be more aggressive up front.”

Brazil’s next game is against Haiti on June 20, while their third and final group-stage game against Scotland is scheduled for June 25.

Turkey field two Serie A starters in their opening World Cup match against Australia, with Inter’s talismanic regista Hakan Calhanoglu captaining the side in midfield and Roma’s Zeki Celik starting at right back.

Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is rested among the substitutes due to a fitness concern, while former Bianconeri defender Merih Demiral lines up in central defence.

For Australia, Parma centre-back Alessandro Circati starts in defence, with Sassuolo’s Cristian Volpato among the substitutes after a late change in national allegiance from Italian ahead of the World Cup.

Australia vs Turkey – Lineups – 2026 World Cup

Australia: Beach; Circati, Italiano, Bos, Souttar, Burgess; Metcalfe, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler; Touré, Irankunda.

Turkey: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Kokcu, Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akturkoglu, Guler, Yilmaz.

Scotland face Haiti in their World Cup opener with a strong Serie A presence throughout the starting eleven.

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay leads the line from midfield, flanked by Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson, while Torino striker Che Adams starts up front alongside Lawrence Shankland.

Haiti field no players with Serie A connections in their starting eleven.

World Cup 2026 – Haiti vs Scotland Lineups

Haiti: Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience; Casimir, Bellegarde, Jacques, Providence; Isidor, Pierrot.

Scotland: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, Christie; Adams, Shankland.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil get their World Cup campaign underway, as one of the only Italians in attendance at this summer’s competition looks to get off to a winning start.

The South American giants, who are among the favourites for the competition, face a tough opener against a Morocco side who are, albeit somewhat controversially, AFCON champions.

There are no current Serie A players in Brazil’s starting XI for Brazil vs Morocco.

However, ex-Roma defender Ibañez plays at right-back.

Meanwhile, former Juventus full-backs Alex Sandro and Danilo occupy the bench for Brazil and Alisson features in goal, not long after turning down a move to the Bianconeri in favour of another season at Liverpool.

Juventus defender Bremer is also on the bench for Ancelotti.

On the Morocco side, Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui stars in midfield, whilst Inter and Juventus linked Brahim Diaz plays on the right side of attack.

Anass Salah Eddine, who spent the season on loan at PSV from Roma, came on as a second half substitute.

Former Inter right-back Hakimi captains the North African nation.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE Head Coach of Brazil Carlo Ancelotti speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil vs Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 12, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

World Cup 2026: Brazil vs Morocco Lineups

Brazil: Alisson; D. Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Ibáñez; B. Guimarães, Casemiro, Paquetá; Raphinha, Igor Thiago, Vinicius

Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Brahim Díaz, Saibari; El Khannouss

Switzerland kick off their World Cup campaign against Qatar with a strong Serie A presence in their starting eleven.

Manuel Akanji plays in the heart of defence, while Bologna’s Remo Freuler and Pisa’s Fabian Aebischer both start in midfield.

Former Bologna winger Dan Ndoye starts in attack, fresh after reports of a return to Serie A with Inter, with ex-Milan and Torino defender Ricardo Rodriguez completing the back line.

Qatar field no players with Serie A connections in their starting eleven.

World Cup 2026 – Switzerland vs Qatar

Qatar: Abunada; Al-Oui, Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Ahmed, Laye; Gaber, Madibo, Abdurisag; Edmilson, Afif.

Switzerland: Kobel; Akanji, Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Aebischer, Zakaria, Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo.

Brahim Diaz’s World Cup performances with Morocco could prove decisive in determining his club future, with both Juventus and Inter Milan monitoring the situation closely as the Real Madrid attacker arrives in North America fresh off winning player of the tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Moroccan faces Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil in his opening fixture, a reunion with his former Real Madrid coach.

Brahim‘s own preference is clear: he wants to stay at the Bernabeu despite intense competition for places under incoming coach José Mourinho.

Real Madrid are expected to assess their attacking options only once Mastantuono’s loan exit is finalised, and a strong World Cup would significantly strengthen Brahim’s case to remain.

Inter discussed Brahim Diaz among five Real Madrid names in Marotta-Perez meeting

According to Repubblica, via CalcioMercato, Inter discussed five Real Madrid players beyond Nico Paz during a recent meeting between Beppe Marotta and Florentino Perez: Mastantuono, Endrick, Arda Guler, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz.

Of the five, Brahim is considered the least attainable, with talks reportedly underway over a contract extension through to 2030.

Juventus, meanwhile, have already made their interest known. Spalletti is understood to be a huge admirer of Brahim and identified him as the ideal attacking midfielder to target this summer.

Contacts took place before Damien Comolli’s departure, though the player did not show any openness to a move. For now, any suitor will need Real Madrid to change their stance, potentially distracted by other talents on display across the 48-team tournament.

Miroslav Klose has admitted he expects his all-time World Cup goalscoring record to fall during the 2026 tournament, with both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe well placed to surpass his mark of 16 goals set in 2014, and the former Lazio striker says he would be delighted if it is Messi who does it.

The German, who now coaches Nurnberg, broke Ronaldo Nazario’s previous record during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking to German outlet Süddeutsche Zeitung, Klose explained why he believes this tournament is particularly likely to produce a new record holder.

“I expect my record to be broken at this World Cup,” he said. “This is an expanded edition, there are more matches and therefore more opportunities to score. Both Messi and Mbappe will go far, and that is absolutely fine, the record was always going to be broken eventually.”

Klose recalls showing Argentina coach Scaloni around Rome during Lazio playing days

On who he would prefer to see take the record, Klose’s answer reflected a long-standing admiration.

“If it happens, I would be pleased if it were Messi,” he said. “I have always been a huge fan of his, he is a genius.”

Klose also revealed a personal connection to current Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, with whom he played at Lazio.

“I also have great respect for the coach of Argentina,” he said. “Back in our Lazio days I showed him around the city, took him to see everything. We are good friends.”

Juventus have already agreed personal terms with Emiliano Martinez on a three-year contract worth €5 million net per season, with Luciano Spalletti keen to welcome the Argentine goalkeeper once the World Cup concludes. However, formal talks with Aston Villa have yet to properly begin.

According to Tuttosport, outgoing CEO Damien Comolli never directly contacted Villa, instead attempting to fast-track an agreement solely with the player.

New CEO Giovanni Carnevali will now take charge of negotiations from this point.

Aston Villa open to Martinez sale but compensation fee remains key sticking point

Villa have privately accepted that Martinez’s time at the club has run its course, they have already approached Parma over Zion Suzuki as a replacement.

The two clubs’ ownership groups enjoy a good relationship, but neither wants to lose out financially.
Juventus know a compensation fee will be required, while Villa are aware that demanding €20 million for a goalkeeper turning 34 in three months is unrealistic.

A middle ground is expected once the two boards formally reconnect, with Carnevali due to begin work imminently.

Martinez himself is relaxed about the timeline, focused on the World Cup rather than the negotiations.

Inter president Beppe Marotta has travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu for the legends match between Real Madrid and Inter, with the visit, at the invitation of newly re-elected president Florentino Perez, potentially laying the groundwork for further transfer business between the two clubs beyond the Denzel Dumfries deal.

According to CalcioMercato.it, the relationship between Inter and Madrid has already produced significant movement this summer, with former Nerazzurri coach Mourinho’s return to the dugout and Dumfries’ move imminent from San Siro.

Now attention turns to two Madrid players surplus to requirements, Franco Mastantuono and Eduardo Camavinga, though the situations surrounding each are markedly different.

Camavinga emerges as priority target for Inter & Chivu despite €50m Real Madrid valuation

Mastantuono endured a disappointing first season at the Bernabeu and faces an uphill battle for playing time under Mourinho given the competition for places.

Real Madrid would prefer a loan with an option to buy rather than a permanent sale, preserving their long-term interest in the Argentine.

However, Chivu’s coaching staff are understood to be only lukewarm on the player from a tactical perspective at this stage.

Camavinga represents a far more attractive proposition for Cristian Chivu, who sees the Frenchman’s profile as ideally suited to his midfield requirements, Juventus are also known admirers.

The obstacle here is financial: Real Madrid want at least €50 million for Camavinga, a figure that currently sits outside Inter’s budget for a new midfielder without significant sales first.

Fiorentina are reviving their pursuit of two players with Serie A pedigree currently playing abroad, with sporting director Fabio Paratici targeting both Radu Dragusin and Matteo Ruggeri as he looks to strengthen the defence this summer.

According to Gazzetta, both players are of interest to the Viola as they look to recover from an overall disappointing 25/26 campaign.

Dragusin, a Tottenham centre-back with a background in Serie A, was already a target during the January window when Fiorentina attempted to prise him away from Spurs.

Ruggeri’s Atletico Madrid price tag matches Dragusin valuation as Fiorentina weigh double move

The relationship between the two clubs remains strong given Paratici’s years working in north London before returning to Italy in February, and that connection could prove valuable in any renewed negotiation.

Tottenham’s valuation of around €20 million, however, remains the primary obstacle to a deal being struck.

Ruggeri, a left-back with a long history at Atalanta now playing for Atletico Madrid in Spain, is valued at a similar figure of around €20 million.

Both deals would represent significant outlays for Fiorentina, particularly if pursued simultaneously, but Paratici’s familiarity with both players’ clubs and his existing relationships could prove decisive as the Viola look to overhaul multiple defensive positions ahead of the new season.

Inter are considering reviving their interest in Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye as a potential alternative to Marco Palestra, with the financial gap in the Atalanta wing-back’s valuation showing little sign of narrowing as the summer window progresses.

According to Il Giorno, via FCInter1908, Inter remain keen on Palestra and the feeling is mutual, but the numbers remain a significant obstacle.

The Nerazzurri value the talented starlet at around €45 million, while Atalanta are holding out for closer to €55 million.

Manchester City’s rumoured fascination with Palestra adds further competition to a deal that already looked complicated before other suitors entered the picture.

Frattesi exit could fund Ndoye move as Forest push for Inter midfielder in potential swap

Ndoye, who left Bologna for Nottingham Forest last summer, has previously been linked with the Nerazzurri and represents a more financially viable option on the right side of attack.

Forest themselves have reportedly reignited interest in Davide Frattesi, who is among the midfielders expected to depart this summer and is also being monitored by Napoli and Juventus.

Any deal involving Ndoye could therefore become entwined with Frattesi’s own situation, adding an extra layer of complexity to the right-flank reinforcement plans.

Elsewhere, the Nerazzurri are close to finalising a deal worth around €25 million, including bonuses, for Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet; progress that suggests defensive business may be resolved before the more complicated winger situation.

Multiple sources have reported this week that Roberto Mancini is the leading candidate for the Italy job, but the decision has already sparked debate due to the coach’s controversial exit in 2023. Therefore, we ask you: should he be appointed for a second stint?

Roberto Mancini could return to the Italy bench after the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22, 2026.

Mancio already led the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023, guiding them to Euro 2020 glory but also missing out on World Cup qualification in 2022.

During his tenure as the Azzurri boss, Mancini established the record for the longest unbeaten streak in international football, with the Nazionale going unbeaten for 37 matches during which they scored 93 goals and conceded just 12.

His exit in August 2023, however, caused outrage in Italy, as the Sampdoria legend was appointed coach of the Saudi Arabia national team just a few weeks later.

Mancini stepped down in the middle of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, paving the way for Luciano Spalletti’s era, which lasted less than two years.

Over the last few years, Mancini openly admitted that leaving the Italy national team was a mistake, but many have not forgiven him.

Among them is Italy legend Gianni Rivera, who said in April: “I’m sorry for Roberto, really. But when he ran away in Saudi Arabia, he made a decision and forced all of us not to want him as the Italy coach. He has made himself available again, but he was one of the first ones to hurt the national team. I hope he doesn’t return to our bench.”

Mancini is said to be on very good terms with Giovanni Malagò, the favourite to win the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22, 2026. Therefore, many sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia, report that Mancini is the favourite for the Italy job. But would you bring him back to the national team?

Have your say below.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Nottingham Forest are ready to bid €25m plus bonuses for Inter’s Davide Frattesi, nearing the Nerazzurri’s €30m asking price.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest are preparing an offer worth €25m plus add-ons for Italy international Frattesi, reports Sky Sport Italia.

Nottingham Forest ready to send first offer for Frattesi

The midfielder’s agent Beppe Riso and Inter director Piero Ausilio met with Forest’s executives earlier this week, and the English club are now ready to make their opening proposal.

Frattesi was not a regular starter for Inter under Cristian Chivu in the 2025-26 campaign, collecting just three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. Last season, Frattesi only played 1133 minutes with Inter, who are open to offers for the 26-year-old.

According to Sky Sport, the Nerazzurri’s asking price is €30m, so Forest’s opening proposal would not be too far from the Serie A champions’ demands.

Frattesi joined Inter from Sassuolo in 2023, and his contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2028.

Vinicius Junior explains Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup: ‘We are solid in defence and ready to counter-attack; I feel great freedom and sincere trust.’

Ancelotti’s Brazil make their 2026 World Cup debut on Sunday (0:00 CET) against Morocco.

Vinicius Junior feels ‘great freedom’ under Ancelotti

It’s the first-ever appearance for Ancelotti as a coach at the World Cup, although the Italian already served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant for Italy in 1994.

“I feel great freedom and sincere trust from Ancelotti: he is sure I can do for the national team what I do for Real Madrid,” Vinicius told Gazzetta.

“I believe him, and I want to try to write the history of the country and the national team; we must do everything to win.

“I am sure we will do well in this World Cup: we are solid in defence and ready to counter-attack, just as Ancelotti asks of us,” continued the Brazilian star.

“He has brought all his vast experience and impressive collection of titles with him to our national team.”

Vinicius briefly spoke about his future at Real Madrid as well, given that he has just one year left in his contract at the Bernabeu. “I’m only talking about the national team,” he said.

“When I return to Madrid, I’ll think about Real and next season.” 

USMNT star Christian Pulisic insists he was subbed off against Paraguay as a precaution, and even if coach Mauricio Pochettino hopes ‘it’s not a big issue’, he also admits the Milan winger ‘could not walk when the first half finished.’

Pulisic’s USMNT beat Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 World Cup opener on Friday, but the Milan star had to be subbed off at half-time after picking up a knock.

Pulisic injured during USMNT 4-1 Paraguay

“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half; I’m hoping that it’s nothing, taking precaution,” Pulisic said at full time, via The Athletic.

“I’m staying positive; I don’t think it’s anything.”

USMNT coach Pochettino added: “He [Pulisic] received a kick before today (too) in a training session; we hope it’s not a big issue. When he finished the first half, he could not walk. We’re hopeful the next game he’ll be available.”

The USMNT were 3-0 up at half-time when Pulisic was subbed off.

The Milan star had a tough second half of the season at Milan, scoring no goals at the club level in 2026.

Pulisic will have time to rest and recover as the USMNT will play their next World Cup game in one week, on Friday, June 19 at 21:00 CET, against Australia.

One of the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup, USA are in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey.

Serie A duo Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic helped get the USA off to a flying start in their 2026 World Cup opener, combining in a neat piece of play that saw São Paulo defender Damian Bobadilla deflect the ball into his own net.

Milan forward Pulisic did fantastically well in the build-up with an impressive burst of pace into the box, before laying the ball back to Juventus’ McKennie, whose attempt to flick across the face of goal saw the ball ricochet off Bobadilla’s foot into the Paraguay goal.

Pulisic has shown a statement of intent in front of a home crowd, as the USA look to get their home campaign off to a winning start.

Video: McKennie and Pulisic involved in USA opener

THE FIRST GOAL FOR THE #USMNT IN THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 pic.twitter.com/pvMAukJCou

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026

GOAL!

The deadlock is broken, and it comes from an own goal by Bobadilla.

USA 1-0 Paraguay #FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 pic.twitter.com/QzIMUnmzMn

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 13, 2026

The United States face Paraguay in a massive FIFA World Cup 2026 opener for the hosts, with two Serie A stars in the host nation’s starting eleven.

Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie both start for the USA, while relegated Cremonese forward Antonio Sanabria leads the line for Paraguay.

Former Juventus winger Timothy Weah is on the bench for the US, as they look to get off to a winning start in front of a home crowd.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are favourites to pick up a vital early three points.

Pulisic and McKennie were both involved as the USA took an early lead through an own goal from Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla.

World Cup 2026: USA vs Paraguay Line-ups

United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Robinson, Ream, Richards, Freeman; Adams, Tillman; Pulisic, McKennie, Dest; Balogun.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Alonso, Alderete, Gómez, José Cáceres; Almirón, Bobadilla, Cubas, Enciso; Gómez, Sanabria.

Nico Paz finds himself at the centre of a love triangle between Como, Inter and Real Madrid, but recent reports claim that there is an increasing possibility that the Argentina international could remain in Serie A next season after the arrivals of Jose Mourinho and Bernardo Silva at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Could Bernardo Silva arrival free up Nico Paz for Como or Inter?

Nico Paz has spent the last two seasons with Como, where he has become the star of the side under Cesc Fabregas and has recently been named as the Serie A U23 player of the season for 2025-26. 

He joined Como for a reported fee of just €6m in 2024, but as part of that deal, his former club Real Madrid retained a 50% sell-on clause and a series of affordable buy-back options, set at €8m in the summer of 2025, €9m in the summer of 2026 and €10m in the summer of 2027. 

For much of the 2025-26 season, reports in Italy and Spain claimed that Real Madrid had already taken the decision to buy Nico Paz back from Como this summer. 

Como, meanwhile, are desperate for their star player of the last two years to stick around for the club’s first ever appearance in the Champions League next season, and reigning Serie A and Coppa Italia champions Inter are also said to be interested in conducting a potential deal with Real Madrid themselves. 

Now, according to updates from Alfredo Pedullà, once Jose Mourinho officially arrives in Madrid, and once they complete the signing of Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, a series of tough decisions will have to be made. 

That is because Madrid are sitting on a goldmine of attacking talent, including the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Diaz, Endrick and potentially Bernardo Silva soon, too. The question is: Where does Nico Paz fit into all of this? 

Pedullà reports that Paz is no longer ‘guaranteed’ to return to Madrid this summer and that Como are still attempting to come to an arrangement that would keep the Argentine at the Stadio Sinigaglia. 

Meanwhile, the Corriere dello Sport and Calciomercato.com report that Inter could also speak to representatives from Madrid, specifically when delegates from both clubs will be in attendance for a game between the Inter and Madrid ‘legends’ sides at the Bernabeu on Saturday. 

Inter and Madrid have been in close contact recently, with Denzel Dumfries set to make the move to the Spanish capital after having his release clause activated.

Scott McTominay has been seen back in training with the rest of his Scotland national team colleagues after a brief illness scare that put the Napoli midfielder at risk of missing his nation’s 2026 World Cup opener against Haiti. 

McTominay panic over for Scotland

McTominay travelled separately from the rest of the Scotland national team as they arrived at their training base in Boston. The Napoli midfielder also missed his team’s training session on Thursday, which came as a concern given that Scotland’s World Cup campaign will get underway at 2.00 BST in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

However, the panic now appears to be over as footage has emerged online of McTominay being back in training with the Scotland squad on Friday.

Scott McTominay training with the squad this morning. pic.twitter.com/L7vO0HEtDN

— Raman Bhardwaj (@ramanbhardwajTV) June 12, 2026

It is understood that McTominay was suffering from a stomach bug. He travelled separately so as not to put his other teammates at risk of falling ill in the hours leading up to their first World Cup match since 1998. 

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has confirmed that McTominay is feeling ‘perfect and ready to go’, but warns that it is unfair to put the expectations of an entire nation onto one man’s shoulders. 

“I’ve got 26 superstars here. To try to put so much on one person is not fair.

“We’ve built everything we’ve done over the last seven years on the squad, the team, everyone being together and playing their part at certain times.

“We are delighted with Scott’s abilities and what he can bring to the team. But we are going to need another 15 to bring the same if we want to have a positive tournament.”

Four Serie A stars are included in the starting line-ups as co-hosts Canada get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign underway against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday evening.

This may be a painful one for Italy supporters to watch, as this would have been the opening game of the tournament for the Azzurri had they not lost on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final back in March.

There will still be representatives from Serie A involved in Toronto on Friday, as Canada have named Juventus forward Jonathan David in their attack and Sassuolo’s Ismael Kone in their midfield.

Bosnia have named a slightly surprising starting line-up, with no room for Edin Dzeko or teenage talent Kerim Alajbegovic, but two members of their back four are currently playing in the Italian top flight: Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic and Atalanta’s Sead Kolasinac.

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

Canada vs. Bosnia: Confirmed line-ups 

Canada (4-3-3): Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; J. David, Oluwaseyi, Buchanan.

Subs: St. Clair, Goodman, Jones, Waterman, Bombito, Davies, Sigur, Choiniere, Shaffelburg, Osorio, Saliba, Larin, Ahmed, P. David, Nelson. 

Bosnia (4-3-3): Vasilj; Muharemovic, Kolasinac, Dedic, Katic; Tahirovic, Basic, Memic, Demirovic, Bajraktarevic, Lukic.

Subs: Jurkas, Zlomislic, Mujakic, Hadzikadunic, Radeljic, Malic, Gigovic, Sunjic, Hadziahmetovic, Burnic, Mahmic, Bazdar, Dzeko, Alajbegovic, Tabakovic. 

There are concerns in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil camp that starman Neymar may not be available for the entirety of the World Cup group stage, as the former Barcelona and PSG forward is still not training with the team on the eve of their opener against Morocco. 

Fears Neymar could miss entirety all three World Cup group stage matches

Injury concerns continue to plague Neymar heading into his final World Cup campaign, as the 34-year-old has not been fit enough to feature for any more than two league matches in a row at club level this calendar year. 

The icon of the Brazil national team was still called up by Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup in North America, despite the fact that he was carrying a calf injury that he suffered with Santos. 

However, according to updates from Sky Sport Italia, Neymar is still not back in training with the Brazil squad on the eve of their World Cup opener against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, which will kick off at 23.00 BST on Saturday night. 

This means that he is extremely unlikely to feature against Morocco on Saturday, and Sky suggests that Ancelotti may have to do without Neymar for the entirety of the group stage. 

Brazil will take on Haiti in Philadelphia at 1.30 BST in the early hours of the morning on June 20, and then against Scotland at 23.00 BST on June 24.

The latest reports claim that Ralf Rangnick has grown tired of waiting for a response from Milan, and that he is increasingly less likely to join the Rossoneri as their new technical director. 

Rangnick increasingly likely to say ‘no’ to Milan

Rangnick is currently serving as head coach of the Austria national team and is preparing his players to take on Jordan in San Francisco in the early hours of Wednesday morning in their first game of the 2026 World Cup. 

Despite his World Cup preparations, Rangnick has also been the subject of an approach from Milan, who have lined up the former Red Bull executive as a potential option to take over the role of technical director in San Siro. 

Milan are currently without a head coach, sporting director, technical director or CEO after the club decided to dismiss Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 ended. 

Milan’s spectacular collapse from second to fifth place in the final weeks of the season, missing out on Champions League qualification in the process, is the main reason behind the mass exodus of the senior management team. 

Though Milan have reportedly been in talks with Rangnick to take over as technical director for the last few weeks, the latest updates on Friday claim that the German has grown tired of waiting for a final decision from Milan and that he is increasingly likely to turn down the approach from the Rossoneri. 

The Rossoneri have had several meetings with Rangnick, who made it clear that he would want full control of the sporting sector at Milan, with the ability to bring in his own staff, particularly in the scouting department. 

However, according to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport and various other outlets in Italy, claim that Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic have not yet agreed to those terms, and now, Rangnick has grown frustrated and is likely to walk away from the negotiating table. 

The Austria national team, meanwhile, have been attempting to lock Rangnick down with a new contract extension, and Friday’s reports claim that he is now more inclined to listen to that proposal. 

Some outlets in Italy claim that Rangnick will inform Milan of his decision within the next few hours, while La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that those in Rossoneri are already aware of his decision.

Reports in Italy claim that Roma and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini want to bring USA starboy Christian Pulisic to the Stadio Olimpico and hope that Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could be a major boost to their chances of securing a deal. 

Reports in Italy claim Roma want to steal Pulisic from Milan

Pulisic is currently away on national team duty, preparing to take on Paraguay as the USA open their home World Cup campaign at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. 

Back in Italy, however, there are growing reports that Pulisic is unsettled by the current situation at Milan and that he, along with several other Rossoneri stars, could be minded to leave following the team’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League. 

Milan are currently without a head coach, sporting director, technical director or CEO after the club decided to dismiss Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 season ended as a result of the Champions League disaster. 

Aside from the senior management team, there have also been reports that a string of key first team players, including Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan could say farewell to Milan this summer as well. 

Pulisic is the latest player to be added to that list, and Friday’s reports claim that Roma are particularly keen to add the former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund attacker to their ranks. 

This is a story that was originally reported by Radio Mana Mana, and updates from Calciomercato.com claim that the rumours are increasingly viable. 

Roma are actively seeking a new attacker to add to their squad for 2026-27 and recent reports claimed that they have been in discussions over a potential deal for former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. 

However, Friday’s reports claim that Gasperini is a big fan of Pulisic’s and that the coach has specifically requested the signing of the American. 

As Milan do not have a senior management team in place, no formal talks have taken place yet. 

Milan have been attempting to tie Pulisic down to a new long-term contract extension, but that has not yet materialised and it may now be a tougher task to convince the 27-year-old to commit his future to Milan given the current instability across the club. 

Pulisic’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but Milan have an option to extend that agreement by a further 12 months until 2028.

The Netherlands national team head coach Ronald Koeman has had to come out and publicly defend Roma star Donyell Malen ahead of their nation’s first game at the 2026 World Cup, despite the striker’s blistering form in Serie A in the second half of the 2025-26 season. 

Malen criticised for Netherlands form despite hitting 14 goals in 18 games for Roma

Malen joined Roma on loan with an option to buy from Aston Villa during the January transfer window. That option to buy became an obligation after Roma qualified for Europe, joining on a four-year contract running until the summer of 2030 at a cost of €25m. 

Malen played a pivotal role in Roma’s qualification for the Champions League, transforming the Giallorossi attack with his 14 goals from 18 Serie A appearances. 

Despite only moving to Italy midway through the season, Malen finished joint-second in the league’s top goalscorer race, and was only three shy of Capocannoniere Lautaro Martinez. 

However, Malen has faced criticism back in his homeland after missing a pair of sitters during the Netherlands’s warm-up friendlies ahead of the 2025-26 World Cup, and head coach Koeman has had to come out in defence of the Giallorossi star. 

Koeman admitted that Malen had not been ‘efficient’ enough in front of goal during the Netherlands’ recent friendlies, but said that this would only be a concern if Malen was also lacking in attitude, which he insists is not the case. 

“He’s shown that he can score,” said Koeman. “He hasn’t completely forgotten how to do it. It would be more worrying if his commitment had dropped. But this isn’t the case. 

“But, efficiency is decisive in football. That was very low, too low.” 

The Dutch attack is currently under the stewardship of former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is currently serving as one of Koeman’s assistants. 

Koeman joked that it might be van Nistelrooy’s fault that the Dutch strikers have not hit form in front of goal with the national team. 

“He’s been here since February, maybe it’s his fault then,” Koeman joked with the press. “I see him every day with his laptop, sitting with the guys, showing them videos, talking to them about their choices. Ruud has great experience and can help us a lot.” 

Vincenzo Italiano has recently been appointed as the head coach of Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, and reports in Italy claim that he could target the signings of three players who are currently considered surplus to requirements at Juventus. 

Gazzetta: Three unwanted Juventus players could join Italiano at Besiktas

Italiano joined Besiktas on a two-year contract last weekend, which reportedly makes him the third-highest-paid Italian coach in the world with his €6m-per-season contract. Only Simone Inzaghi and Carlo Ancelotti are currently earning more than the former Bologna tactician. 

Besiktas are also prepared to back Italiano on the transfer market, and reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that he has several unwanted Juventus players on his wishlist. 

Among them is Arthur Melo, who, astonishingly, has not played for Juventus since the end of the 2021-22 season. The 29-year-old former Barcelona midfielder still has another year remaining on his contract with Juve, and if he were to be sold, the club would need to bring in around €6.5m to avoid making a capital loss. 

Arthur still has a contract worth €5m per season in Turin, but this is not expected to be an issue for Besiktas. 

Arthur is a player that Italiano knows well from their time together at Fiorentina. Italiano brought the Brazilian to Tuscany on loan for the 2023-24 season, helping the midfielder to get back on his feet after a disastrous loan spell with Liverpool the year before.

From one Brazilian midfielder to another, La Gazzetta dello Sport also claims that Besiktas have expressed an interest in picking up Douglas Luiz as well.

Douglas Luiz joined Juventus in a €50m deal off the back of an impressive few years in the Premier League with Aston Villa, but he failed to make any real impact during his first season in Italy, and has since gone on two unproductive loan spells to Nottingham Forest and back to Villa during the 2025-26 season. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Luciano Spalletti could give Douglas Luiz another chance at Juventus during pre-season, but Besiktas have also reportedly tried to sound out information regarding his availability. 

Lastly, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Besiktas could also offer a new home for goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who is expected to be sold by Juventus if an appropriate offer were to come in. 

Politicians in Italy have hit back at FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the ‘belittling’ comments he made about the Italy national team and their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup: ‘Nobody is more ashamed about the decline of the national team than us’. 

Infantino has ruffled feathers in Italy after claiming that FIFA could seek to expand the next World Cup to ‘208 teams’ in order to guarantee that the Azzurri qualify for the next tournament. 

Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final at the end of March, which meant that they would not be going to the final tournament for the third time in a row. 

Italy’s shortcoming led to the immediate departures of head coach Gennaro Gattuso, delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Replacements for all three are yet to be appointed. 

Infantino mocks Italy: ‘We could go up to 208 teams to make sure they participate’

For Azzurri supporters, these facts did not need explaining, which is why many feel that Infantino was rubbing salt into the wounds when joking that FIFA should increase the number of participating nations in order to make sure that Italy qualifies for the next World Cup. 

“We’ve already evaluated the possibility of expanding the tournament to 64 teams to involve even more of the world. 

“That matter has been submitted to the FIFA council, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy this first edition with 48 teams. Maybe Italy could qualify with 64 teams, or we could even go up to 208 teams to make sure they participate,” Infantino joked with CazéTV (via Corriere dello Sport). 

It’s fair to say that these remarks have not gone down well in Italy. Gaetano Amato, Movimento 5 Stelle MP, has since hit back at the ‘belittling’ comments made by the FIFA President. 

“Does Gianni Infantino think he’s being funny about Italy not qualifying for the World Cup? We should remember that he isn’t speaking as a fan at a bar, but as the President of FIFA. A role that he also has thanks to the support of the Italian federation and which should bring balance and respect.

“Nobody is more ashamed than us about the decline of the national team and the current disaster that Italian football finds itself in. We don’t need his cheap jokes to recognise that. 

“Mocking Italy is a belittling exercise, especially from someone who should represent football across the world, including Italy. The embarrassment around the Azzurri is serious. The comments from the FIFA President even more so. Abodi, please make your voice heard.” 

Juventus have officially parted ways with CEO Damien Comolli, who has left his position at the top of the club’s hierarchy by mutual consent, but the Bianconeri are still obliged to hand over a significant severance package to their former director. 

How much do Juventus have to pay Comolli in severance?

Comolli joined Juventus one year ago, initially as the club’s general manager before being promoted to the title of CEO in November. 

Reports indicate that tensions have been brewing between Comolli and head coach Luciano Spalletti, who joined the club less than a fortnight before Comolili was promoted to his role as CEO. 

Though Comolli handed Spalletti a new contract extension back in April, there have reportedly been disagreements over transfer decisions and suggestions that a failed pursuit of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was the final nail in the coffin for the Juve executive. 

Juventus have already confirmed that Giovanni Carnevali has taken over as the club’s new CEO. 

Though Comolli left Juventus by mutual consent, reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that the Bianconeri will still have to pay compensation. 

Juventus are obliged to pay Comolli €850,000 in in severance pay, but the club will not force the Frenchman to pay back the signing bonuses he received last year, which might have been a possibility had he resigned as opposed to leaving by mutual consent.

Sky Sport Italia reports that new Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali still sees Emiliano Martinez as Juventus’ priority target in goal, so the Bianconeri will continue to push for the Argentine, who is already looking for a home in Turin.

Juventus continue to chase Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even after Damien Comolli’s resignation and Carnevali’s appointment as General Manager and CEO.

Martinez’s potential Juventus transfer: latest updates

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez remains Juventus’ primary target in goal even with Carnevali in charge.

The new Juventus director is aware that coach Luciano Spalletti wants an experienced goalkeeper, and Carnevali’s appointment could even facilitate the negotiations.

The Italian director, in fact, is on very good terms with Martinez’s agents, who are the same ones as Nemanja Matic, whom Carnevali brought to Sassuolo last summer.

Juventus have already reached a principle of agreement with Martinez and are now in talks with Aston Villa.

Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini has stepped up talks in recent days and, according to Di Marzio, Martínez is so eager to join the Bianconeri that he has already begun searching for a house in Turin.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Nottingham Forest directors have met with Inter and Davide Frattesi’s agent to discuss the midfielder’s availability for a summer transfer.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest have resumed their interest in Italy and Inter midfielder Frattesi.

Nottingham Forest meeting for Frattesi

Sky Sport Italia already reported on Thursday that Forest had put the Italian back on their radar, but transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio provides further updates, saying that a meeting took place on Wednesday, June 10.

It involved Nottingham Forest representatives as well as Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio and Frattesi’s agent Beppe Riso, the same as Sandro Tonali.

Frattesi struggled for playing time under Cristian Chivu in the 2025-26 campaign, and it is believed that Inter will be listening to offers for the 26-year-old.

Serie A clubs Juventus, Napoli and Roma have also been linked with the ex-Sassuolo star who joined Inter from Sassuolo in the 2023 summer transfer window.

According to Di Marzio, it’s still unclear whether Forest will make a formal offer for Frattesi.

The midfielder’s contract at San Siro runs out in June 2028.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic is confident that his club, Milan, will ‘sort everything out’ as the Rossoneri are still looking for a new coach and directors, but refuses to compare Mauricio Pochettino to Max Allegri: ‘I know what he asks of me.’

Pulisic is preparing for the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup debut against Paraguay on Saturday.

The American star has not scored a goal at a club level in 2026 and was part of a Milan team that finished the 2025-26 campaign outside a Champions League placement.

The Rossoneri sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and all their prominent directors the day after the end of the season and are still looking for replacements.

“I can only say that Milan is a big club, and I think they’ll sort everything out,” Pulisic told Gazzetta.

“Ultimately, I’m sure everything will be fine, and the team will get back to where it belongs. Right now, though, my focus is here in America.”

Pulisic has remained in contact with many of his teammates, including those playing at the World Cup.

“I’m in touch with some of the lads,” he said.

“We’ve spoken, and they’ve also simply wished me good luck for the World Cup. In general, I have many close friends in Italy whom I speak to daily.

“There are many Rossoneri here [at the World Cup].

“I’m not thinking about the possibility of facing each other, but I wish everyone the best. For example, I spoke to Santi [Gimenez], who was the first to play for Mexico. He was the one who broke through the emotional barrier.”

USMNT coach Pochettino has been linked with the Milan job, and according to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri already have a principle of agreement with the Argentine.

“I only see him as my national team coach, here and now. Our relationship is good, definitely good,” insisted Pulisic.

“We’ve had some good conversations over the past few days: I know what he asks of me and what I can give him. I think with him, we’re preparing as best as possible for the tournament.”

What’s the difference between Pochettino and his previous Milan coaches, especially Paulo Fonseca and Allegri?

“I don’t make comparisons, but I believe he’s the first South American coach I’ve had in my career,” Pulisic replied.

“It’s been a great experience, a big discovery. I like his passion, I like the footballing ideas he brings with his style. He demands great energy and continuous intensity on the pitch.”

Pulisic and Juventus midfielder McKennie are among the stars of the USMNT.

“We really did grow up together; now we’re both at the top in Italy, me at Milan and him at Juve, but most importantly, we’re still defending our national team together,” Pulisic concluded.

“When you face such an important match, with the pressure of a World Cup debut, it helps to look around and see lads you’ve known since you were 13 or 14. You want to fight like them, not let them down, cover their backs. It’s with this spirit that we arrive at our home World Cup.” 

France star Kylian Mbappé admits he would not like to see Didier Deschamps become the Italy coach: ‘He belongs to us.’

France and Real Madrid star Mbappé spoke about the future of Les Blues coach Deschamps in an interview with French media M6.

Deschamps, a former Juventus midfielder and coach, has been serving as the France national team coach since 2012 and won the World Cup in 2018.

It’s already been confirmed that Deschamps will leave the French national team after the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Mbappé: Deschamps belongs to France

“I see him smiling, and he’s also more flexible. In the past, I knew him as being tougher, but his strength lies in his ability to adapt to new generations,” Mbappé said via Gazzetta.

“That’s not easy. Yet he has never changed his message. We’re trying to make the most of his presence and pay tribute to him by winning the way he likes.

“However, I hope he doesn’t coach any other national teams,” continued Mbappé.

“I’ve seen the reports linking him with Italy. That would be unfortunate. Didier is French; he belongs to us.”

This past May, Deschamps refused to rule out being appointed as the Azzurri head coach, insisting that he’d be “available” after the World Cup.

Italy will appoint a new head coach after June 22, 2026, when the FIGC Presidential elections will take place.

According to several sources in Italy, Roberto Mancini remains the leading candidate for the role, despite his resignation in 2023 to become the coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has delivered a typically unfiltered verdict on the difference between American and European football culture, speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live ahead of his debut as a Fox Sports pundit for the 2026 World Cup.

The Milan senior advisor, currently in the United States as the tournament gets underway, was in characteristically irreverent form throughout the interview, touching on his time at LA Galaxy, his opinions on Messi and Ronaldo, and his new role in front of the camera.

On the difference in fan culture between the two continents, Ibrahimovic was jovial, with quotes via MilanNews24.

“When I played here with the Galaxy, when we lost I came out of the stadium and saw fans laughing, eating tacos, waiting by the car,” he said. “Soft. In Europe if you lose a match the fans don’t wait by the car, they wait at your house. And definitely not with a taco in hand. It is a totally different thing.”

Ibrahimovic recalls knife thrown on pitch at Marseille and vows to ‘wake up’ American audiences

He went further, reaching back to a memorable incident from his PSG days. “When we went away to Marseille, they threw knives onto the pitch,” he said.

“We scored, and usually you celebrate towards the corner flag, near the fans. I saw they had thrown a knife. I told my teammates that for the next goal we would celebrate in the centre of the pitch. I wanted to get out alive.”

On his punditry role, Ibrahimovic was equally self-assured.

“I am the only one without a script,” he said.

“They want Zlatan, I will give them Zlatan. When the others do their analysis I think the American viewers will fall asleep, I am here to wake them up.”

Asked who is better between Messi and Ronaldo, his answer was predictably his own. “Who is better between Messi and Ronaldo? I say Zlatan.”

José Mourinho has been officially appointed as Real Madrid head coach, returning to the Bernabeu for a second spell and immediately triggering the club’s summer transfer activity, with the signing of Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries expected to be confirmed imminently.

Mourinho’s arrival sets the tone for an ambitious Madrid rebuild under Florentino Perez, who had publicly promised further top signings to follow the arrivals of Ibrahima Konaté and Dumfries.

The Portuguese coach previously led Real Madrid to La Liga glory during his first spell between 2010 and 2013 after winning the Champions League and the treble with Inter in 2009-10.

Dumfries signs four-year deal as Inter net €18.4m profit from release clause

Dumfries has already agreed personal terms with Madrid, as per TuttoMercatoWeb, signing a four-year contract running until June 2030, with his medical completed on 3 June in the Netherlands during the national team’s training camp.

The deal is activated through a release clause inserted into the contract renewal Dumfries signed with Inter in November 2024, set at €20 million for this summer’s window, reduced from €25 million in the previous transfer window.

There was no negotiation between the two clubs over the transfer fee itself, only over the payment terms of the clause.

For Inter the operation represents excellent business, with the residual book value of Dumfries’s contract standing at approximately €1.6 million at 30 June 2026, the sale generates a profit of close to €18.4 million.

Nico Paz has communicated his desire to remain at Como for the Champions League season, informing Real Madrid of his preference as both player and club await the Bernabeu’s decision on whether to exercise their buyback option, according to Fabrizio Romano, via CalcioMercato.

The Argentine playmaker was one of Serie A’s standout performers last season and played a central role in Como’s historic qualification for the Champions League, secured on the final day thanks to their win over Cremonese and Milan’s simultaneous defeat to Cagliari.

The prospect of playing in Europe’s elite competition with the club he helped get there has proved a powerful incentive for Paz to push for a second season on Lake Como.

Bernardo Silva pursuit could prove key to Nico Paz Como future as Real Madrid weigh options

Real Madrid retain the right to buy Nico Paz back and remain interested in doing so, but an important subplot has emerged that could tip the balance in Como’s favour.

The Spanish giants have submitted a formal offer to Bernardo Silva, who will leave Manchester City as a free agent at the end of June, and are in advanced negotiations to sign the Portuguese.

With Mourinho pressing hard to beat Barcelona and Atletico to his signature, a successful Silva pursuit could reduce Madrid’s urgency to recall Nico Paz, at least for another season.

Optimism is growing in the Como camp, though the final decision rests entirely with Real Madrid.

Mexico kick off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City tonight, with the hosts looking to make a statement on home soil in front of a capacity crowd of 87,000.

Milan striker Santiago Gimenez starts on the bench for El Tri, with Raul Jimenez leading the line from the off.

Meanwhile, Genoa’s Johan Vasquez starts in the centre of defence for the hosts.

There are no other notable Serie A connections in either starting lineup.

World Cup 2026: Mexico vs South Africa Starting XIs

Mexico: Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira, Gutierrez, Fidalgo; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quiñones.

South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Sibisi, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Adams; Rayners, Foster.

Damien Comolli is set to leave Juventus after just one year, with a extraordinary board meeting called for Friday 12 June to officially confirm his departure, and the botched pursuit of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson identified as the moment that fatally undermined his relationship with Luciano Spalletti.

According to Alfredo Pedullà, the Alisson saga proved decisive. Spalletti had been guaranteed the Brazilian would arrive and personally invested time in convincing the goalkeeper to make the move, only for the approach to be made too late and without the necessary groundwork having been laid with Liverpool.

From that point, trust between coach and CEO broke down irreparably, with a series of subsequent transfer pursuits also ending in failure.

Carnevali to replace Comolli as Exor install Sassuolo CEO as new Juventus chief

Comolli had joined Juventus in June 2025 as Director General before being elevated to CEO, replacing Maurizio Scanavino.

His tenure ends after a season in which the club failed to qualify for the Champions League, a financial and sporting blow that made his position untenable.

Exor have moved swiftly, appointing Giovanni Carnevali as his successor.

The Sassuolo CEO, who has held that role since 2014, brings considerable experience of building competitive squads on modest budgets.

Matias Soulé’s time at Roma appears to be drawing to a close, with the Argentine trequartista identified as a saleable asset that could simultaneously satisfy UEFA’s financial fair play requirements and fund a move for Mason Greenwood, Gian Piero Gasperini’s priority summer target.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Soulé’s agent Martin Guastadisegno visited Trigoria on Thursday morning to discuss his client’s future, with Borussia Dortmund leading the race for his signature ahead of Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

Roma value the former Frosinone and Juventus forward at €35-40 million, which would generate a profit of approximately €20 million and contribute significantly to the club’s settlement agreement obligations with UEFA before the June 30 deadline.

Soulé himself is understood to be open to a move, aware that his opportunities under Gasperini next season would be limited given Paulo Dybala’s continued presence and the coach’s desire to bring in two new starting wide forwards.

Roma’s Greenwood pursuit given fresh momentum as Dortmund lead race for Soule

The sale of Soulé would give Roma significant ammunition in their pursuit of Greenwood, with Marseille currently demanding €50 million plus bonuses for the former Manchester United forward.

Roma believe they can get a deal done at around €45 million, backed by Greenwood’s own desire to make the move and Marseille’s need to generate funds. Soulé’s departure would make that offer considerably more achievable.

Crucially, selling Soulé would also reduce the pressure on Roma to part with more important players.

Both Evan Ndicka and Manu Koné are understood to be far more central to Gasperini’s Champions League plans, and keeping them this summer remains the club’s clear preference.

Cafu has backed Carlo Ancelotti to restore Brazil’s identity and belief at the 2026 World Cup, drawing on his own experience of winning the tournament twice to explain why the right coach and the right spirit can prove just as decisive as individual talent.

Writing for Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Milan and Brazil legend was unequivocal in his admiration for Ancelotti.

“We are talking about one of the most successful and respected coaches in the history of football,” Cafu wrote.

“His international experience, his ability to manage great players and his composure can be fundamental qualities for a national team that in recent years has shown talent but has often been lacking in decisive moments. Ancelotti brings serenity and leadership. Brazil needs to rediscover confidence and identity, without giving up that creativity which has always characterised our football.”

Cafu recalls Ronaldinho’s 2002 dance as blueprint for Brazil’s World Cup spirit as Ancelotti prepares to lead charge

To illustrate his point, Cafu reached back to the 2002 World Cup, the tournament he considers the perfect blueprint for what Brazil must recreate.

“Mister Felipe Scolari gathered us together and told us the atmosphere was not right; we needed more joy,” he wrote.

“Ronaldinho did not need to be told twice and started a rhythm that swept us all along. From that moment the group loosened up and we began to live each day with more lightness. That team was very strong, but the difference was also made by unity, smiles and the desire to be together.”

On his prediction for this summer, Cafu was bold.

“I see Brazil among the candidates for the final victory,” he wrote.

“I believe that with Carlo Ancelotti and the potential of our squad, the Seleção has every reason to reach at least the semi-finals. And when Brazil reaches the last four, anything can happen. Because the history of our football teaches one thing: when Brazil rediscovers confidence and team spirit, it becomes a national team nobody wants to face.”

Real Madrid have proposed Franco Mastantuono to Juventus on a straight loan deal as the two clubs continue to negotiate on multiple fronts this summer, with the Argentine teenager potentially available as a low-cost solution to the Bianconeri’s attacking overhaul.

According to TuttoSport, Madrid are keen to find Mastantuono a European club where he can play regularly next season, accepting that he may not command a starting role at the Bernabeu in 2026/27.

A permanent sale is categorically off the table, the club believe strongly in the player’s potential, but a loan arrangement mirrors the formula used two summers ago with Como for Nico Paz, and suits all parties in principle.

Juventus taking time to assess Mastantuono fit as Real Madrid push other Serie A options

Juventus are taking a measured approach, however.

The club’s hierarchy want to assess whether Mastantuono’s profile is compatible with Spalletti’s system before committing, particularly given the scale of the attacking rebuild already underway following the departures of Vlahovic, Milik and the expected exits of Jonathan David and Lois Openda.

Real Madrid are not prepared to wait indefinitely and have already approached other Serie A clubs, including those without European football, where Mastantuono would have a clearer path to regular minutes.

Separately, discussions between Juventus and Madrid over Gonzalo Garcia are also ongoing, though that deal would be structured as a permanent transfer with a buy-back clause rather than a loan.

The broader Juventus-Madrid axis also encompasses Brahim Diaz, whose situation will only become clearer after Morocco’s World Cup campaign concludes.

Fabio Capello has given his predictions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but says that the varying climates between the host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada will have an impact on how each individual match will be played. 

The 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday evening in a newly-expanded 48-team set-up across North America, kicking off with Mexico vs. South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca at 20.00 BST. 

Mexico City is one of 16 host venues for the 2026 tournament, along with stadiums in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Kansas City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle, Miami, Boston, Vancouver, Toronto, Monterrey and Guadalajara. 

Capello: ‘France have enough quality for two teams, I wouldn’t have Germany among the favourites’

Capello, writing in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column, explained why having such a vast mixture of host cities is not ideal from a footballing perspective.

“The first underestimated aspect that comes to mind is how much of a difference there will be between the host cities and how that will affect things: In the north, in Canada for example, the games will be played at a much higher pace than those that will be played in Mexico, Miami and other warmer areas,” Capello explained.  

“The temperature will affect a lot, although fortunately there are five subs available. In general, it will be a World Cup where technique and individual quality will come to the forefront.” 

Capello went on to assess the favourites for the 2026 title, and picked France as the most promising-looking side of the European nations. 

“In front of them all, there is France, which is dominating at club level with PSG winning in the Champions League, and they have big champions in their national team. They have the mentality, desire and determination. With Olise and all the others in attack, there’s enough quality to fill two teams.” 

Didier Deschamps’s side are not the only ones to have caught Capello’s eye, though. 

“Among the favourites, I would also have Spain, which has a great system and also showed the right mentality during the last EUROs. 

“I’m also very interested in England because Tuchel has picked the team that he wanted, leaving out some interesting players like Maguire. Plus, he has Kane, who is really decisive at the moment. 

“I wouldn’t put Germany among the favourites, but I’m curious to see where the level of German football is at the moment more than anything, a personal curiosity of mine.” 

Italy might not be at the 2026 World Cup, but they are still represented by three head coaches of other nations, including Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil.

“Then there are the South Americans. Ancelotti’s Brazil are very interesting, he’s a great coach who knows everything about football and how to get into the players’ heads. He doesn’t have one single system or method, and he’s very strong psychologically. He could make the difference.

“Argentina, if they play well, have a lot of players who can decide matches, from Lauutaro down, including Nico Paz, who I like a lot and could surprise a few.” 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday evening, but despite the tournament’s expansion from 32 competing nations to 48, the Italy national team will not be present for the third time in a row. Here’s a reminder of why the Azzurri will not be present. 

16 of the 48 World Cup slots were allocated to European nations. By order of qualification date, those European slots went to: England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Turkiye and Czechia. 

The first 12 nations on that list qualified for the tournament directly, while Bosnia, Sweden, Turkiye and Czechia had to go through the play-off system, which is where Italy fell short. 

Here is a reminder of where things went wrong for the Azzurri in their World Cup qualification campaign. 

How Italy missed out on  2026 World Cup qualification 

Italy were placed into Group I of the European section of 2026 World Cup qualification along with Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova. 

In Europe, only the teams that finished top of their qualification groups qualified directly for the World Cup. Teams that finished in second had to settle for a spot in the play-off rounds. 

Italy picked up six victories from their eight qualification group stage matches, but fell to damning defeats at home and away against Norway in their first and final matches of the group stage. That meant that Erling Haaland and his teammates finished top with a 100% win rate and earned themselves a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup as a result. 

Italy ended up finishing second, which meant that they would have to win another two matches in the play-offs in order to qualify. 

Italy were drawn against underdogs Northern Ireland in their play-off semi-final, and despite a slightly nervous start to their match in Bergamo, goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean handed the Azzurri a 2-0 victory. 

Italy then progressed to the play-off final, where they faced Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home. 

Kean struck after a quarter of an hour to send Italy into an early lead, but a straight red card for Alessandro Bastoni on the stroke of half-time reduced the Azzurri to 10 men and turned the game, its momentum and Italy’s confidence on its head. 

Haris Tabakovic found the equaliser for Bosnia in the 79th minute, and with no more goals before full-time or in extra-time, the game went to a dreaded penalty shoot-out. 

Italy only took three penalties in the end: Bosnia scored all of their first four, while Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed within the first three, which gave Sergej Barbarez’s side a 4-1 victory in the shoot-out. 

• Click here to read the match report in full: Bosnia 1-1 Italy (4-1 on penalties)

And, with that, Bosnia qualified for the World Cup for just the second time in the nation’s history, while Italy missed out for the third tournament in a row. 

Italy’s last appearance at the World Cup was in 2014, and astonishingly, the Nazionale has not featured in a knock-out game at the tournament since beating France to claim the trophy in the 2006 final. 

Italy parted company with head coach Gennaro Gattuso, head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon almost immediately after the Bosnia and Herzegovina defeat, while FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also resigned as a result of the third consecutive World Cup failure.

Replacements have not yet been appointed. Elections to appoint a new President of the FIGC will take place on June 22, Giovanni Malago and Giancarlo Abete the candidates, and a new head coach of the national team will only be appointed once a new leader of the Italian FA is in place.

Reports in Italy claim that Inter are on the verge of selling three players on permanent transfers, which should bring a financial boost of around €30m. 

It is no secret that Inter are looking to strengthen their squad after winning both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia under Cristian Chivu in 2025-26: Marco Palestra and Oumar Solet among the Nerazzurri’s current leading targets. 

However, a summer of spending still depends on a number of players being moved on first, and three players are already on their way out of San Siro according to the latest updates. 

Inter to bring in €30m from Dumfries, Esposito and Akinsanmiro

The most significant is right wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who is expected to join Real Madrid for a fee of just €20m. 

The Netherlands international  won two league titles, three Coppa Italia medals, three from the Supercoppa Italiana and made two Champions League finals during his five years in Italy, but had a release clause in his contract, which has been activated. 

Nerazzurri sporting director Piero Ausilio has recently confirmed that the deal is now only missing a formal announcement: “I think it’s now basically official that Dumfries, a great player who had a release clause, will leave.” 

According to updates from Sky Sport Italia and Calciomercato.com, Inter will also receive a further €6m from the imminent sale of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro to Pisa, who finished the 2025-26 Serie A season in 20th place. 

Akinsanmiro spent the season on loan with Pisa and they had an option to make the 21-year-old’s move permanent, but Inter will reportedly have an option to buy the Nigeria international back for a fee of €7.5m. 

Additionally, Thursday’s reports claim that Cagliari will trigger their option to buy Sebastiano Esposito for a fee of €4m. It is understood that Inter will have a significant sell-on clause of around 40-50%.

Alessandro Costacurta feels that it is wrong to consider Rafael Leao a ‘leader’ of Milan, but has criticised the Portugal international for his inconsistency, claiming that he has ‘never been a champion like that, even if he thinks he is’. 

Leao is among the star players in line to leave Milan after a dismal end to the 2025-26 season, which saw the Rossoneri miss out on Champions League qualification despite the fact that they had spent a large chunk of the campaign in second place. 

Leao has recently given a series of interviews while away on international duty with Portugal, hinting rather heavy-handedly that his time in San Siro has come to an end: ‘I need a new challenge, I think the Premier League or LaLiga would make more of my talent,” he recently told Sport TV in Portugal. 

Costacurta on Leao: ‘I’ve never considered him a Ballon d’Or level player’

Speaking in a critical, in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Costacurta claimed that it is wrong to consider Leao a true leader of Milan, but criticised his inconsistency and insists that he is not a Ballon d’Or level player, ‘even if he thinks he is’. 

“Personally, I’ve never considered him a Ballon d’Or level player,” said Costacurta. “I played with some of those: They are at an entirely different level. If he leaves, you’re not losing a Kaka or a Shevchenko. Rafa has never been a champion like that, even if he thinks he is. 

“If he changes his mind, and if the real leaders come in and he is given a different role, he could also still be useful in the right context. But he has to be seen for what he is: A very good player, not the star of the team.” 

Click here to read the full interview with Costacurta. 

Recent reports claim that Nottingham Forest have reignited their interest in Italy international Davide Frattesi, who is considered surplus to requirements at Inter, but there are still potential options for the 26-year-old in Serie A, including with Napoli. 

Frattesi back on Nottingham Forest radar

Frattesi had to settle for a role as a back-up option during Inter’s Scudetto and Coppa Italia-winning campaign in 2025-26, starting just three times in the league and three times in the Champions League. 

The former Sassuolo midfielder had been strongly linked with a move away from Inter during the January transfer window in order to increase his average game time, but a permanent exit never materialised. 

Nottingham Forest were among the sides linked with a move for Frattesi in January, and according to recent updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Evangelos Marinakis’s side could be poised to make another attempt to lure the Italian away from San Siro again this summer. 

There have also been claims that Frattesi could be a potential option for Napoli under the leadership of Massimiliano Allegri, who had reportedly sought to bring him to Milan last summer. 

The 34-time Italy international would be an even stronger option for Napoli if Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were to leave this summer, which remains a possibility.

Reports in Italy claim that England international John Stones is among the defenders that are under consideration at Juventus, as Luciano Spalletti and his staff look to strengthen on a reduced budget with no access to Champions League funds. 

Juventus defenders: Stones and Muharemovic under consideration, Kim or Lucumi if Bremer leaves

Juventus are hoping to provide Spalletti with a competitive squad capable of challenging for the Serie A title in 2026-27, but this task was made all the more difficult when the Bianconeri missed out on Champions League qualification in the final weeks of the 2025-26 season. 

The defence is an area that may need addressing. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Juventus are considering a deal to bring back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, hoping to use their 50% sell-on clause to their advantage. 

Thursday’s reports claim that England defender Stones is also a potential option for Juventus given that he is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season. 

The 32-year-old spent 10 seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the 2022-23 Champions League while making 295 appearances in the English top flight and 62 in the Champions League. He also has 88 England caps to his name and is part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. 

The biggest concern with Stones is his injury record, especially after a season where he was only available for nine Premier League appearances and 18 across all competitions. 

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Gleison Bremer will stick or twist for the 2026-27 season. Much depends on his performances at the 2026 World Cup and whether there might be offers for the Brazil international once the tournament comes to an end. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests, however, that Juve’s interest in Stones and Muharemovic is not dependent on a sale of Bremer. 

If the Brazilian were to be sold, Juventus would likely need another proven, starting option that is ready for the immediate-to-long-term future. La Gazzetta dello Sport has suggested Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi. 

Inter are negotiating the final details of a potential deal for Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet and reports on Thursday indicate that the Frenchman could complete the Nerazzurri defensive unit as both Alessandro Bastoni and Yann Bisseck look set to stay for 2026-27. 

Inter close to completing defensive line-up for 2026-27

Yesterday’s reports claimed that Inter have an agreement in principle on personal terms with Solet, who is willing to join Cristian Chivu’s double-winning squad on a four-year contract worth around €2.5m per season in wages. 

The Nerazzurri are yet to match Udinese’s asking price of €25m, but La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that they are now ‘around €3m shy’ of satisfying the Bianconeri demands. 

There is a possibility that Solet ends up moving on an initial loan deal with an option, or more likely an obligation to buy. 

It is little secret that Inter have been looking to add to their defensive department, even just from a numerical standpoint with Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian leaving at the end of their contracts later this month. 

There had also been reports that Bastoni was a target for Barcelona during the second half of the 2025-26 season, but the Catalans have since signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for a package of around €80m, which makes the signing of a new marquee centre-back unlikely this summer. 

Bastoni’s agent met with Inter directors on Wednesday and has since made it clear that his client is happy in San Siro and that he is not currently expecting to leave: “Players like Bastoni attract the interest of many clubs, but he’s happy where he is. You never know in life, but this is a moment where Bastoni wants to stay at Inter.”  

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bisseck’s agent also reported to Inter’s headquarters on Wednesday. The German centre-back has plenty of interest across Europe and it had been reported that Bayern Munich was a potential option for the ambitious German, who has been left out of his nation’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. 

However, like Bastoni’s agent, Bisseck’s representative has also expressed that his client is happy at Inter, and according to Thursday’s update, there is even a possibility that the 25-year-old signs a new contract extension, despite the fact that he already has one that runs until the summer of 2029.

Reports in Italy claim that Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi is among the defenders that AFC Bournemouth could look to sign following the departure of Marcos Senesi, whose move to Tottenham Hotspur was officially announced on Wednesday. 

Could Bournemouth replace Senesi with Lucumi?

Senesi, who had been linked with a move to Juventus earlier this season, has left Bournemouth after four seasons and has joined Tottenham Hotspure on a free transfer, which leaves the Cherries looking at potential centre-back signings this summer. 

According to reports from Nicolo Schira, Bournemouth have shown an interest in picking up Colombia international Lucumi, who will turn 28 towards the end of this month. 

Lucumi has a release clause in his contract worth €28m, and it is believed that this clause will expire on July 10. 

Sunderland had also attempted to bring Lucumi to the Premier League during the previous summer transfer window, offering an initial fee of €25m before raising their bid to €28m plus a 10% sell-on clause, but as the defender’s release clause had expired by that point, Bologna were under no obligation to accept and the player ended up staying at the Dall’Ara for 2026-27. 

Lucumi has made 123 appearances in Serie A since joining Bologna from Genk in 2022, including 29 in the most recent campaign.

Juventus are pushing ahead with their attempts to sign Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa this summer, and recent updates claim that the Premier League outfit could turn to Parma’s Zion Suzuki to replace him. 

Reports from various outlets on Wednesday claimed that Juventus have an agreement on personal terms in place with 2022 World Cup winner Martinez, who will be heading into the final year of his Aston Villa contract this summer. 

Martinez is reportedly ready to accept a €5m-per-season contact offer from the Old Lady, but there is still work to do on the transfer fee, as Villa are expected to request a fee in the region of €15m for the 33-year-old, while Juventus are hoping to secure his services practically for free. 

Report Villa could replace Martinez with Suzuki

According to the latest updates from Fabrizio Romano, if Martinez is to move this summer, then Aston Villa could turn to Parma’s Suzuki instead. 

Romano claims that Villa have been scouting the Japan international for several months and that he is part of a list of three shot-stoppers that are currently under consideration by Villa. 

The 23-year-old has made 57 appearances for Parma since joining from Urawa Red Diamonds in the summer of 2024 and had been on encouraging form in the Italian top flight before missing a run of 16 league matches due to a broken hand. 

Reports from Calciomercato.com claim that Manchester City and England goalkeeper James Trafford is also among the potential options for Aston Villa should Martinez end up joining Juventus. 

Fabio Cannavaro has explained why he and his Uzbekistan national team squad were stopped and searched by security immediately after stepping off their team coach prior to a World Cup warm-up friendly against the Netherlands earlier this week: ‘Standard procedure’. 

Cannavaro will lead the Uzbekistan national team into their first ever World Cup finals this summer after finishing second in their qualification group. They will be in the same group as Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia at the final tournament. 

There was confusion, however, when footage was broadcast on South American television showing Cannavaro and the Uzbekistan delegation being stopped and searched by security including a sniffer dog immediately after stepping off their team coach before a friendly against the Netherlands earlier this week. 

REGISTRO SUPER ESTRICTO HASTA CON PERROS

Así fue el protocolo de seguridad con la Selección de Uzbekistán previo al amistoso contra Países Bajos en Estados Unidos. pic.twitter.com/D1SzMEYZcP

— ESPN Centroamérica (@ESPN_CENAM) June 8, 2026

Cannavaro clarifies: ‘These were routine, standard checks’

Cannavaro has since taken to social media to explain that it is customary for teams to be subjected to security searches before playing in matches, and said that he found the organisation of the tournament in the USA to be ‘flawless’. 

“I saw photographs on the front pages of the newspapers showing the searches we were subjected to at the airport, as members of the Uzbek national team. I’ve also seen misleading headlines, so I’d like to set the record straight,” Cannavaro wrote in a post on Instagram.

“These were routine, standard checks. People don’t realise one thing: when World Cup national teams travel, they don’t go through the airport terminals like ordinary travellers, but are taken directly to the tarmac in buses reserved for the teams.

“The checks that ordinary travellers undergo in the terminal, we undergo directly on the tarmac. Exactly the same ones. It’s standard procedure.

“So there’s no scandal. No undignified or disrespectful treatment. The same applies to the matches. Before the friendly against the Netherlands, we were screened at the stadium, and this too was expected: before every match, teams undergo screening either at the hotel just before setting off (as happened with the Netherlands) or directly at the stadium, as happened to us.

“The truth is that we found the organisation to be flawless.”

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus want to bring in Tottenham and England full-back Djed Spence in the event that Andrea Cambiaso leaves this summer, and Bianconeri sporting director Marco Ottolini could be the key. 

Reports Juventus want Spence if Cambiaso leaves this summer

Despite a massively disappointing end to the 2025-26 season, which resulted in the Old Lady missing out on Champions League qualification, the club are hoping to provide Luciano Spalletti with a new and improved squad for the 2026-27 campaign. 

Reports indicate that Juventus are progressing with a potential deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and that they want Alexander Sorloth, Brahim Diaz and perhaps Randal Kolo Muani to strengthen their attack as well. 

This will only be possible if Juventus are able to move on some of their current first-team stars first. Gleison Bremer has been lined with an exit given that he has a €58m release clause in his contract, while Cambiaso could potentially be sacrificed as well according to various reports over the last few weeks. 

SportMediaset reports that if Cambiaso is to leave, Juventus will need to bring in a new full-back as well and that they have identified Tottenham’s Spence as a potential candidate. 

Spence is a player well known to Juventus sporting director Ottolini, who brought the England international over to Serie A to play for Genoa in the second half of the 2023-24 season. 

Like Cambiaso, Spence is equally capable of playing at either right or left-back, he is already familiar with Serie A football and with Tottenham having recently signed Andrew Robertson and with Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro still on the club’s books, opportunities for Spence in North London may be reduced next season.

Reports in Italy claim that Inter have the basis of an agreement on personal terms in place with Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, and now the Nerazzurri must arrange a fee with the Biancocelesti. 

Report Inter have agreement on personal terms with Provedel

It is no secret that Inter are looking to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks with 37-year-old Yann Sommer leaving the club at the end of his contract later this month. 

There had been reports that the Nerazzurri would look to bring in a new no.1 during the summer transfer window, with strong links to Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. 

However, a much cheaper option for Inter is to promote their recent understudy Josep Martinez instead and then look to bring in a new no.2 on the transfer market. 

This is why Lazio’s 32-year-old Provedel is an enticing option as he will be entering the final year of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico this summer and is considered a relatively cheap option despite having plenty of Serie A experience and being a former winner of the league’s goalkeeper of the year award. 

Provedel’s agent was spotted at Inter’s headquarters on Wednesday, and now, according to reports from Alfredo Pedullà, the Nerazzurri have an agreement in principle on personal terms. 

Pedullà reports that Inter and Provedel’s agent have agreed to a three-year contract with wages reported to be less than €1.5m per season. 

Inter now need to arrange a fee with Lazio, who will reportedly request a sum of around €5m for the stopper.

Wednesday’s reports claim that two Serie A clubs are considering making moves for Federico Chiesa during the summer transfer window as Liverpool set their valuation for the former Juventus winger. 

Could Chiesa return to Serie A this summer?

Chiesa could be on the move this summer after spending the last two seasons in the Premier League with Liverpool, where he has failed to establish himself as a regular in the starting line-up under Arne Slot. 

After a complicated summer in 2024 following a miserable EUROs campaign with Italy and effectively being sent into exile by Juventus with one year remaining on his contract, Chiesa joined Liverpool in a €15m deal, but struggled to get up to full fitness for most of the 2024-25 season. 

His 2025-26 campaign began more encouragingly, but still, the 28-year-old only played for a total of 318 minutes in the Premier League this season and only appeared in the starting line-up once across the league and Champions League. 

Now, according to reports from Caught Offside, Liverpool are prepared to let the former Juventus forward leave for a fee in the region of €20m this summer. 

It has been reported that Como, who will play in the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history next season, are among the sides interested in making a move for Chiesa this summer. 

Wednesday’s report adds that Napoli, who will be led by Chiesa’s former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri next season, are also among the interested parties.

Matteo Ruggeri’s agents confirm Juventus and Roma’s interest in the Atlético Madrid defender: ‘There are requests from Italy and abroad.’

Juventus and Roma are among the clubs interested in Atlético Madrid left-back Ruggeri.

Agents admit Juventus and Roma want Ruggeri

The defender’s agents Manuel Montipò and Tullio Tinti spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a meeting with Inter directors on Wednesday morning.

The two parties are not thought to have discussed Ruggeri’s potential move to Inter. Tinti, in fact, is also the representative of Nerazzurri defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Matteo Darmian.

“Ruggeri provided seven assists in 48 games with Atlético Madrid, playing almost every game as a starter,” Montipò said.

“The club is very happy with the player and wants to retain him. As of today, he’s an Atlético Madrid starter. The market is open, and anything can happen. There are requests from Italy and abroad, but as of today, there’s nothing concrete.”

Gazzetta had claimed on Wednesday morning that Roma were interested in Ruggeri, and the Sky Sport reporter specifically asked the defender’s agent about the links with the Giallorossi and even Juventus.

“He is in a top club, and all top clubs look for strong players, but I don’t know,” Montipò said.

At that point, Tinti stepped in, confirming both clubs’ interest: “I know, and there are many more,” he said before leaving with a smile on his face.

Ruggeri joined Atléticoé Madrid from Atalanta in a €17m deal last summer. The 23-year-old has yet to make his senior Italy debut and is under contract at the Wanda Metropolitano until June 2030.

Juventus expert Romeo Agresti reports that Aston Villa are open to selling Emiliano Martinez, and talks between the Premier League side and the Old Lady are ongoing ‘to reduce the gap between the asking price and the offer.’

Juventus are in talks with Aston Villa over Argentine goalkeeper Martinez.

Aston Villa prepared to sell Dibu Martinez

Multiple sources in Italy claim that the Bianconeri have reached an agreement in principle with the 33-year-old, who is ready to sign a three-year contract in Turin.

Juventus expert Romeo Agresti confirms the player and the Bianconeri have already shaken hands, yet the Serie A giants must now convince Aston Villa to sell the Argentine keeper.

Agresti claims on X that Aston Villa are open to selling Martinez, but have yet to reach an agreement with the Serie A giants.

“Negotiations are needed to reduce the gap between the asking price and the offer,” wrote Agresti.

Sky Sport Italia previously reported that Juventus are pushing for a free transfer, but it’s unlikely that Aston Villa will release Martinez for nothing, as the Argentine international is under contract until 2029.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Aston Villa’s asking price is €10m, while Gazzetta claims that the Premier League side have demanded €15m.

Juventus fans seem to be excited by the potential arrival of Martinez, as thousands of them have commented on the goalkeeper’s latest Instagram post begging him to move to the Allianz Stadium.

Nottingham Forest confirm Lorenzo Lucca will return to Napoli after a six-month loan spell at the City Ground.

Italy international Lucca will return to Napoli after a six-month loan spell at Nottingham Forest, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.

Official: Lucca returns to Napoli from Nottingham Forest

Forest confirmed their retained list for 2026-27, but didn’t include the Italian centre-forward.

“Lorenzo Lucca will return to SSC Napoli following the conclusion of his loan spell at the City Ground,” Forest said.

Lucca joined Forest on loan with an option to buy from Napoli in the January transfer window, but only made four Premier League appearances, scoring one goal.

Lucca also collected five appearances in the Europa League, scoring no goals.

The 2025-26 season was quite tough for the 25-year-old, who failed to impress at both Napoli and Forest.

Lucca joined the Partenopei from Udinese for €26m a year ago, but didn’t settle in under Antonio Conte, leaving the Stadio Maradona after just six months.

Lucca will now be assessed by Massimiliano Allegri, who is expected to be appointed as the new Napoli coach in the coming days.

Lucca finished the 2025-26 season with just three goals in 32 games with Napoli and Forest.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Fiorentina are pursuing Burnley winger Luca Koleosho and Leicester City centre-back Caleb Okoli as they aim to strengthen their core of Italian players for the 2026-27 season.

Fiorentina sporting director Fabio Paratici and General Manager Alessandro Ferrari have flown to New York to meet President Giuseppe Commisso and draw up the transfer plans for the summer.

Fiorentina interested in Koleosho and Okoli

According to Gazzetta, one of Fiorentina’s targets is to increase the number of Italian players in their team and have now set their sights on Koleosho and Okoli.

Koleosho spent the last six months of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Paris FC but is set to return to Burnley, who have been relegated to the English Championship.

Koleosho recently made his senior Italy debut with the Italy national team, starting in June 2026 friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece under interim coach Silvio Baldini.

According to Gazzetta, Leicester City defender Okoli, a former Frosinone and Atalanta centre-back, is also on Fiorentina’s radar and is valued at €10m.

Fabrizio Romano confirms that Arsenal have resumed talks for Sandro Tonali in recent days, while Manchester United directors feel the Italian midfielder is too expensive.

Italy international Tonali is expected to leave Newcastle in the summer, even if the Magpies have reportedly set his asking price at € 115m, according to Italian sources.

Tonali transfer latest: Romano confirms Arsenal calls

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provides the latest updates on the Italian midfielder’s situation, reporting, after TMW, that Arsenal have recently resumed talks to sign the ex-Milan star.

The Gunners have sounded out Tonali’s availability through some calls in recent days, Romano confirms, after the fresh Premier League champions already showed their interest during the January transfer window.

Tonali reportedly remains an option for Manchester City as well, even if their priority is currently Elliot Anderson.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Tonali, but according to Romano, the Red Devils have now cooled their interest in the 26-year-old, as they believe the overall cost of the deal, including salary and transfer fee, would be too high.

The Red Devils have already secured midfield reinforcement for next season as they are preparing to welcome Atalanta midfielder Ederson for €45m including add-ons.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s latest Instagram post has sparked reactions from several Juventus fans who are begging him to move to the Allianz Stadium this summer.

Emiliano Martinez’s latest Instagram post has sparked reactions among Juventus fans, with many Bianconeri eager to welcome the Argentine to the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus fans send social media messages to Dibu Martinez

Martinez posted a one-word message while on international duty with Argentina before the World Cup, simply writing ‘Feliz,’ ‘Happy’ in Spanish.

It was enough to receive 2,500 comments in just a few hours, including many from Juventus fans.

Some wrote “See you soon in Turin”, others “Come to Juventus” or “We are waiting for you”, accompanying their messages with black-and-white heart emojis.

The reaction from Juventus fans came after several media outlets, including Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport, claimed that the 33-year-old has reached a principle of agreement with the Old Lady.

According to reports, Juventus hope to persuade Aston Villa to sell the experienced goalkeeper for a low transfer fee, possibly even on a free transfer, despite Martinez being under contract with the Premier League side until June 2029.

Roberto Baggio and other Italian legends, including Christian Vieri, have visited New York and Toronto in recent days, meeting several Azzurri fans living abroad and taking part in various activities, including watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Italy might not have qualified for the World Cup, but Italians living in the USA and Canada still had a chance to meet their idols of the past, as Baggio, Vieri, and Alessandro Nesta, among others, travelled all the way to Toronto and New York to meet their compatriots living abroad.

Why did Baggio visit Italian fans in New York and Toronto?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino organised the Italian legends’ trip, which started in Toronto last week, when some ex-Italy players took part in a five-a-side match.

Baggio shared his activities on his Instagram account, including a meeting with the Italian community in New York on Monday.

“Seeing so many Italian Americans with tears in their eyes, moved by the chance to see us again, touched my heart deeply and is a memory I will carry with me forever,” wrote the Divin Codino.

Baggio also attended the Steve Nash Showdown in NYC on Tuesday, joining other football legends such as ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, former Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids and more.

Watch all Baggio’s videos from the USA below.

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Multiple sources in Italy, including Sky Sport Italia, claim that Juventus have reached an agreement with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and are now trying to strike a deal with the Premier League side.

Juventus have reached a principle of agreement with Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, reports in Italy claim.

• Read more – Martinez’ one-word message sparks Juventus fans’ reaction

Details behind Juventus agreement with Dibu Martinez

Tuttosport, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport report that the experienced shot-stopper has agreed to sign a three-year deal at the Allianz Stadium.

Martinez has reportedly accepted a €5m-a-year salary, lower than his current wages at Aston Villa, which suggests the 33-year-old is ready for a new challenge.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is looking for an experienced goalkeeper, but the Bianconeri have yet to shake hands with Aston Villa.

Corriere dello Sport claims that Villa’s asking price is around €10m, but Sky Sport suggests the Bianconeri are pushing to sign the player for practically free, given his age and desire to move to Turin.

Martinez is under contract with Aston Villa until 2029, so it remains to be seen whether the Premier League side will agree to release their goalkeeper for free.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus hope for a ‘favourable solution from an economic point of view, hoping that Aston Villa agree to a transfer on particularly advantageous terms.’

Juventus’ summer striker search is intensifying on multiple fronts, with the club accelerating their pursuit of Alexander Sorloth while simultaneously making enquiries for Gabriel Jesus and Nicolas Jackson as they plot a comprehensive overhaul of their attacking options following Dusan Vlahovic’s departure.

As per CalcioMercato, Atletico Madrid have rejected Juventus’s opening offer of €22 million for Sorloth, with the Spanish club valuing the Norwegian at €40 million, a significant gap that both parties will need to bridge.

Despite the distance, optimism remains in Turin. Spalletti personally called Sorloth and personal terms have already been agreed on a contract worth €4 million per season until 2029 with an option for a further year. The striker has promised to provide an update on his future before the World Cup begins.

Jesus and Jackson enquiries made as Juventus cast wide net in striker search

According to Romeo Agresti of Il Bianconero, again via CalcioMercato, Juventus have also made enquiries about Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Nicolas Jackson, who could seek a move away from Bayern Munich given Harry Kane’s central role in the club’s tactical setup.

Both represent different profiles and price points to Sorloth and Kolo Muani, but the club are leaving no stone unturned.

Sorloth and Kolo Muani remain the clear priorities.

The PSG forward, who has returned to Paris after a loan at Tottenham, is expected to cost at least €40 million. Milan have also registered interest in Sorloth, adding urgency to Juventus’s pursuit.

With Openda and Jonathan David also potentially leaving this summer, Juventus may yet move for more than one striker before the window closes.

Evan Ndicka has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in European football this summer, with Newcastle United the latest club to register interest in the Ivorian centre-back as Roma brace themselves for a significant battle to keep hold of one of their most valuable assets.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Newcastle have placed Ndicka under close observation ahead of the summer window, evaluating the possibility of making a concrete move should negotiations become viable.

The Magpies join Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Olympique Marseille in monitoring the 26-year-old, though no club has yet opened formal discussions with Roma’s hierarchy.

Roma poised for total profit on Ndicka after free transfer signing as interest grows

For Roma, the situation is delicate but not unwelcome.

Ndicka arrived on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023, meaning any sale would represent pure profit, a financially attractive proposition for a club that must balance the books while also investing in Champions League preparations.

Gasperini is understood to value Ndicka highly and has no desire to lose him, but Roma are acutely aware that the level of interest surrounding the defender is only likely to intensify in the coming weeks.

The coming days could prove decisive in determining whether he remains at the Olimpico or becomes the subject of one of the summer’s most competitive transfer battles.

Juventus have made enquiries with Paris Saint-Germain over goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier as they explore alternatives to their primary target Emiliano Martinez, with the 24-year-old French international having fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Emiliano Martinez reportedly remains Spalletti’s first choice between the posts, but Aston Villa’s valuation of around €40 million combined with the Argentine’s salary demands of approximately €7 million per season, pushing close to Juventus’s wage ceiling, are making the deal increasingly difficult to structure.

Vicario, previously considered a fallback option, now appears likely to remain in the Premier League.

Chevalier falls out of favour at PSG after Safonov’s rise as Juventus and Besiktas circle

Chevalier arrived at PSG amid considerable fanfare but has progressively lost his starting position to Safonov.

Despite his fall from grace in Paris, he is still considered a goalkeeper of genuine quality and significant potential.

Besiktas are also understood to be interested in taking Chevalier to Turkey for new coach Vincenzo Italiano, who is looking to build a competitive squad for his first season in charge.

Juventus’s existing dialogue with PSG over Randal Kolo Muani could also facilitate discussions over Chevalier, potentially opening the door to a broader negotiation between the two clubs.

For the third consecutive time, Italy will not be at the World Cup. No Azzurri, no blue shirts filling the streets of Italian cities, no anxious summer evenings gathered around the television willing the nation over the line. Just absence, and the uncomfortable question that follows: who do you support now?

The 2026 World Cup in North America promises to be the most expanded in its history, with 48 nations, three host countries, and some of the greatest players on the planet competing for the biggest prize in football.

It would be a shame to watch it without a team to root for.

But we want to know what you think. Cast your vote in the poll below, let us know which nation has earned your support this summer – and leave a comment telling us why. Every vote counts.

Alternatively, if you don’t plan on supporting anyone, let it be known!

World Cup poll:

Milan are monitoring Andreas Christensen as a potential free transfer target, with the Danish centre-back set to leave Barcelona when his contract expires on 30 June.

According to Mundo Deportivo, via MilanNews24, the Dane would arrive at no transfer cost, allowing Milan to redirect their budget elsewhere, an appealing prospect for a club currently operating without a sporting director, coach or clear transfer strategy.

Christensen brings considerable experience from spells in the Premier League with Chelsea and La Liga with Barcelona, and his leadership qualities in defence are well regarded.

A further factor in his favour is his relationship with Ralf Rangnick, who remains in discussions with Milan over a potential director of football role, the two are understood to hold each other in high mutual esteem, which could accelerate any move should Rangnick’s appointment be confirmed.

Verbal Barcelona renewal agreement and wage demands complicate Christensen pursuit

The obstacles, however, are significant. Christensen is understood to have a verbal agreement in place to renew with Barcelona, who are actively pushing to retain the defender despite his contract expiry.

His age, 30, also sits awkwardly against Milan‘s stated desire to build a younger, more dynamic squad.

His wage demands of approximately €3-4 million per season would also represent a considerable commitment for a club already mindful of its salary structure amid a period of significant financial and leadership uncertainty.

Juventus have flatly rejected an approach from Arsenal for Kenan Yildiz, informing the Premier League champions in no uncertain terms that the 21-year-old Turkish international is not available at any price this summer.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal made contact with Juventus as part of their search for a new left winger, with Yildiz identified as a potential solution following uncertainty over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

The response from Turin was immediate and unambiguous, Yildiz is not for sale, and Arsenal have consequently shifted their attention to other targets.

Yildiz set for World Cup showcase as Juventus protect prized asset despite transfer pressure

The approach is a clear indication of just how highly the player is regarded across European football following a breakthrough season in which he established himself as one of the continent’s most exciting young forwards.

Juventus moved to protect their investment by securing him on a new contract earlier this year, and despite the financial pressures of missing out on Champions League football, the club have drawn a firm line over their most prized asset.

Yildiz will now head to the World Cup with Turkey, where a strong tournament could intensify interest further, but Juventus’s position appears unlikely to soften regardless of what the summer brings.

Napoli face a defining decision over the future of Antonio Vergara, with the 23-year-old midfielder attracting significant interest from clubs across Italy and England as his valuation rockets to at least €30 million following an impressive season under Antonio Conte.

The question internally is straightforward but far from easy to answer, commit to Vergara as a cornerstone of the new project, or cash in on a substantial profit while the market is at its peak.

His technical quality and personality in training have convinced the club of his potential, but the level of external interest is making that decision increasingly difficult to defer, according to reports from Sportmediaset, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

Spurs, Atalanta and Roma join Como in race for Vergara

In Serie A, Como have been the most prominently linked club, but as per the reports, both Atalanta and Roma have also made multiple enquiries to monitor his development.

The interest extends beyond Italy’s borders, with Tottenham understood to have placed Vergara on their list of priority young targets, and further Premier League clubs are expected to enter the race in the coming weeks.

For Napoli, the situation is a familiar but uncomfortable one.

Developing talent only to face pressure to sell at the peak of their value is a cycle the club know well, and with a new coach yet to be officially confirmed, the decision over Vergara may ultimately hinge on who takes the dugout and whether they see him as central to their plans.