Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to give Argentina a 2-1 comeback victory over England, sending them into the World Cup Final against Spain.

There were no Serie A players in the starting line-ups, but one who was born in Italy, as Giuliano Simeone came into the world when his father Diego was playing for Lazio.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Como’s Nico Paz and Juventus-owned Nico Gonzalez were on the bench for the reigning champions. England made several changes, starting Inter-linked Djed Spence and Aston Villa wide man Morgan Rogers.

Marco Di Bello was the VAR, with Maurizio Mariani as the fourth official representing Italy.

It was, as expected, a scrappy affair with numerous fouls and arguments from the opening whistle. The first real chance saw John Stones nod wide from a free kick to the back post, while Enzo Fernandez saw his scorcher flash inches off target.

The first genuine save was at the dawn of the second half with Jordan Pickford parrying the Julian Alvarez effort low at the near post.

However, England opened the scoring when a low Morgan Rogers cross from the right found Anthony Gordon ready to tap in at the far stick.

ENGLAND HAVE THE OPENER!

Anthony Gordon puts the Three Lions ahead in the World Cup semi-final! pic.twitter.com/5fBlRcf1oI

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

Argentina immediately threatened an equaliser with Alvarez, only to be denied by a stunning tackle from Inter-linked full-back Djed Spence, formerly of Genoa, and Enzo Fernandez then blasted over.

Nico Gonzalez of Juventus came off the bench and immediately knocked a dangerous ball back to be cleared by Stones, then Pickford got down for a great save on his glancing header.

Argentina poured forward and were unlucky to see an Alexis Mac Allister free header smack against the upright on Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.

Lautaro Martinez was finally introduced for the final 10 minutes, and a long-range Enzo Fernandez screamer was fingertipped over the bar.

Argentina’s siege finally paid off with a scorcher from Enzo Fernandez on the resulting short corner and Lionel Messi assist, smashing in from well outside the area.

“Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!”

A rocket of a strike from the midfielder draws Argentina level. pic.twitter.com/f5kUPkaP0a

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

The momentum had shifted too much with England’s defensive attitude, and it cost them in added time, because after another Mac Allister effort came off the woodwork, Messi floated in the cross for Lautaro Martinez’s header. It was the Serie A Capocannoniere’s third goal of the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina are ahead!

A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

England 1-2 Argentina

Gordon 55 (E), Enzo Fernandez 86 (A), Lautaro Martinez 92 (A)

15-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

England

Argentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Elliot Anderson		37'
		42'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		51'		Cristian Romero
Anthony Gordon (Assist: Morgan Rogers)		55'
		86'		Enzo Fernández (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+2'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+4'		Rodrigo de Paul

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

15

2

Shots on target

5

1

Shots off target

7

2

Blocked shots

3

1

Corners

6

1

Offsides

3

11

Fouls

15

England

Argentina

Starting lineups

1

Jordan Pickford

Goalkeeper

25

Djed Spence

Defender

90'

5

John Stones

Defender

90'

6

Marc Guehi

Defender

24

Reece James

Defender

82'

4

Declan Rice

Midfielder

82'

8

Elliot Anderson

Midfielder

10

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder

18

Anthony Gordon

Attacker

72'

9

Harry Kane

Attacker

17

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

72'

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

72'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

81'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

64'

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

72'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

Substitutes

14

Jordan Henderson

Midfielder

20

Noni Madueke

Attacker

7

Bukayo Saka

Attacker

13

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

23

James Trafford

Goalkeeper

19

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

12

Trevoh Chalobah

Defender

16

Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder

21

Eberechi Eze

Attacker

2

Ezri Konsa

Defender

72'

15

Dan Burn

Defender

82'

3

Nico O’Reilly

Defender

82'

11

Marcus Rashford

Attacker

90'

22

Ivan Toney

Attacker

90'

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

64'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

72'

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

72'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

72'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

81'

Atalanta are edging closer to an agreement for Kerim Alajbegovic, with reports of a new offer worth €25m plus add-ons to Bayer Leverkusen and the player asking Sead Kolasinac for advice.

It has been said by several sources over the last few days that La Dea are making a strong bid to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina talent.

Now Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset note that a new proposal has come in worth €25m plus bonuses, which is edging close to the €30m asking price.

Atalanta want Alajbegovic

Alajbegovic won’t turn 19 until September, but has already made a real name for himself both playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and at club level.

The attacking winger spent last season on loan at RB Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 competitive appearances.

Another sign of progress in the negotiations is the suggestion he has already spoken to Bosnia teammate Kolasinac to ask about life in Serie A, and specifically living in Bergamo.

Kolasinac has been at the club since the summer of 2023 and was part of the Atalanta squad that won the Europa League in 2024.

Italian referee Marco Di Bello is the VAR for this evening’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, with Maurizio Mariani the fourth official.

The game kicked off in Atlanta at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners will go on to face Spain in the Final in New Jersey on Sunday, while the losers will take on France for the bronze medal on Saturday.

Much was made of the choice of officials for the semi-finals in this tournament, with France’s Didier Deschamps criticising the appointment of Ivan Barton from El Salvador.

The pick for the second semi-final was no less obscure, Ismail Elfath originally from Morocco, but nationalised US citizen.

Italian experience with Di Bello and Mariani

There is more experience off the field, as Italian fourth official Mariani is tasked with keeping things calm on the touchline between Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni.

In the VAR booth is Di Bello, who could well be called into action, considering the tense and scrappy history between these football nations.

Di Bello turned 45 on Sunday and has officiated 189 Serie A games, 75 in Serie B and 11 in the Coppa Italia.

He was always one for discipline, flashing 822 yellow cards during his 189 Serie A matches, 31 straight red cards, and a further 17 dismissals due to double bookings.

Di Bello became an international referee in 2018 and was chosen to officiate the Final of the Cyprus Cup in May 2022.

He was a VAR at EURO 2020 and has been a FIFA Video Match Official since January 2021.

Di Bello was suspended for a month in 2024 after a chaotic Serie A match between Lazio and Milan that saw three red cards.

Napoli agreed personal terms with Exequiel Zeballos and reports are growing that they made the first formal offer to Boca Juniors worth just under €10m.

Multiple sources had already noted that the club had swooped for the player, who is primarily wide right of a trident attack, but can also go on the left or in a centre-forward role.

His contract with Boca Juniors only runs to December 31 this year, so although there is a release clause in his contract at €14.5m, this won’t be the asking price in the circumstances.

Zeballos has heart set on Napoli

Transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano claims that Napoli have finally made the first offer to Boca Juniors and it is worth $10m (just under €10m), which would fit with the report from Sportitalia expert Alfredo Pedullà on July 9.

It is no secret that Zeballos has his heart set on Napoli, with TyC Sports reporting that he had agreed personal terms all the way back in May.

The 24-year-old is determined to play at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and follow in the footsteps of the Argentina legend.

This is why he turned down a lucrative contract extension to stay at Boca Juniors.

There are mixed reports in Italy and Spain on the status of Bologna talks for Real Oviedo left-back Rahim Alhassane, with an asking price of €4m.

The 24-year-old is a Niger international who has been at Real Oviedo since the summer of 2024.

He made 28 appearances for the club last season between LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, without contributing any assists or goals.

Alhassane a target for Bologna

The suggestions in Spain via La Voz de Asturias are that negotiations are at an advanced stage and a deal could be done imminently.

That is not the version of events given by Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.

He notes that although Alhassane talks are certainly on, Bologna are hoping to get an agreement reached for less than the €4m asking price set by Real Oviedo.

His current contract runs to June 2028 and the player can also do a job in central defence as well as left-back.

Lazio have set their sights on Fluminense centre-forward John Kennedy, claim Sky Sport Italia, but negotiations are still at an early stage with interest also from Watford and Wolves.

The striker celebrated his 24^th birthday in May and is a product of the Fluminense youth academy, returning to Brazil following a brief loan spell in Mexico with Pachuca.

Kennedy made mark at Fluminense

He has scored 14 goals in 35 competitive games for the club in 2026, along with two assists.

There were also six appearances for Brazil at Under-23 level, finding the net on one occasion.

Sky Sport Italia report that the talks have just begun between Lazio and Fluminense, and they are still trying to work out the formula that could be used to sign him.

There is plenty of competition for Kennedy, because the centre-forward has also been linked with English clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford.

Cagliari had also been mentioned, but have since started looking to other targets.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez and Como’s Nico Paz are on the bench for Lionel Messi’s Argentina against England in the World Cup semi-final.

It kicks off in Atlanta at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners go on to face Spain in the Final on Sunday evening, while the losers fight with France for the bronze medal on Saturday.

There is some Italian representation here, as Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official on the touchline dealing with Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni.

Argentina have scraped their way through to this stage in defending their title won in 2022, needing extra time against Cape Verde, a last-gasp turnaround from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 amid controversy, and again extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez scored twice in this World Cup, but he is benched once more in favour of Julian Alvarez.

There was expected to be a Serie A player in the starting XI, as for the first time Juventus man Nico Gonzalez was going to get the nod rather than ex-Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on the right.

Instead, it is Giuliano Simeone, younger brother of Torino forward Giovanni Simeone, who plays.

Curiously, Giuliano was born in Rome because his father Diego was playing for Lazio at the time.

Nico Gonzalez spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but they did not agree to buy him outright yet, scoring five goals in 37 games.

Nahuel Molina, another former Udinese player, starts at right-back, while ex-Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has shaken off a knock.

England were given their toughest test yet in the quarter-final, squeezing past Erling Haaland’s Norway in extra time thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace.

All but one of their goals in the competition have been scored by either Bellingham or Harry Kane.

Jordan Henderson is out after breaking his arm jumping over an advertising board, while Jarrell Quansah continues his two-match ban.

Declan Rice has recovered from a stomach bug, but the surprise is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa given his second start of the World Cup on the right.

There is some reshuffling in defence, with Reece James and Inter-linked Djed Spence as full-backs.

England vs. Argentina line-ups

England: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Simeone, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Julian Alvarez

15-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

England

Argentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Elliot Anderson		37'
		42'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		51'		Cristian Romero
Anthony Gordon (Assist: Morgan Rogers)		55'
		86'		Enzo Fernández (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+2'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+4'		Rodrigo de Paul

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

15

2

Shots on target

5

1

Shots off target

7

2

Blocked shots

3

1

Corners

6

1

Offsides

3

11

Fouls

15

England

Argentina

Starting lineups

1

Jordan Pickford

Goalkeeper

25

Djed Spence

Defender

90'

5

John Stones

Defender

90'

6

Marc Guehi

Defender

24

Reece James

Defender

82'

4

Declan Rice

Midfielder

82'

8

Elliot Anderson

Midfielder

10

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder

18

Anthony Gordon

Attacker

72'

9

Harry Kane

Attacker

17

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

72'

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

72'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

81'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

64'

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

72'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

Substitutes

14

Jordan Henderson

Midfielder

20

Noni Madueke

Attacker

7

Bukayo Saka

Attacker

13

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

23

James Trafford

Goalkeeper

19

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

12

Trevoh Chalobah

Defender

16

Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder

21

Eberechi Eze

Attacker

2

Ezri Konsa

Defender

72'

15

Dan Burn

Defender

82'

3

Nico O’Reilly

Defender

82'

11

Marcus Rashford

Attacker

90'

22

Ivan Toney

Attacker

90'

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

64'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

72'

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

72'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

72'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

81'

Juventus flop Lois Openda has another club interested in him, as Olympique Lyonnais challenge RC Lens and Coventry City for the striker.

The Belgium international was a disastrous signing last summer from RB Leipzig, on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a total fee of €46m.

Openda failed at Juventus

He does not fit into coach Luciano Spalletti’s vision and barely featured in the closing weeks of the campaign, making only one brief substitute cameo in the last 11 rounds.

The forward made 34 competitive appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring just two goals, but was in the starting XI for only nine of those matches.

An exit is inevitable, with Coventry City and his old club RC Lens interested in giving him a way out of Turin.

However, today Footmercato claim that Olympique Lyonnais have dived in with a proposal, which would allow them to cover his entire salary, unlike RC Lens.

Juventus know that a loan with option to buy is their best bet to rebuild Openda’s profile and market value.

More details are emerging from the decision to shelve the investigation into Gianluca Rocchi, with investigators noting Inter not wanting certain referees was not enough to prove ‘a structured system’ to alter outcomes.

The investigation erupted in April 2026 when refereeing designator Rocchi was placed under formal investigation with the accusation of sporting fraud.

After weeks of uncertainty and controversy, with many promising a second Calciopoli scandal after 2006, the entire investigation was shelved today due to lack of evidence.

Rocchi and Inter cleared

The statement released by the prosecutor explains why there was insufficient cause to continue with the extremely serious charges.

“Within the limits of the available evidence, including wiretaps, tracking, and witness statements, we identified interference and pressure in only a few of the cases involving referee designations at the centre of this investigation.

“However, based on the conversations intercepted between Rocchi and others, the evidence does not demonstrate that this interference and pressure was objectively aimed at altering the outcome of matches.”

The most important missing element here was direct contact between Rocchi and the club, although it was revealed today for the first time that Inter had been under formal investigation too.

Instead, he is heard speaking to colleagues about common knowledge that Inter do not like or want certain referees assigned to their games.

“Therefore, no structured system emerged to influence the fairness of the matches, nor any director or intercepted contact between the refereeing designator and Inter officials,” continued the statement.

Whereas in Calciopoli there was direct pressure from various clubs to remove certain referees from games and assign others, this was purely a process of elimination.

If there was to be proof of an attempt to alter the outcome, it would be suggesting who to put in place of the ‘disliked’ referees.

The matches under the spotlight were Inter-Milan in the Coppa Italia on April 23, 2025, Inter-Verona in Serie A on May 3, 2025, and Torino-Inter on April 26, 2026.

The evidence has been passed on to the sporting justice system, who could still choose to look further into the matter and present other charges.

Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the frontrunner to become Italy’s next head coach, but the prospect of appointing the former World Cup winner has already divided opinion across the country. Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie discuss in the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show.

Click here to subscribe to the official YouTube channel of Football Italia.

Next Italy coach: Yes or no to Pirlo?

While Pirlo’s reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation is beyond question, his relatively limited experience in management has prompted a lively debate over whether he is the right man to lead the Azzurri into a new era.

With the Italian Football Federation facing a crucial decision, several other candidates have also been linked with the role.

Each brings a different profile, from proven tactical expertise to international experience, making the search for Italy’s next coach one of the most intriguing storylines in Italian football.

In the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube, Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie examine Pirlo’s coaching career, weighing up both the strengths and the concerns surrounding his candidacy.

They also assess the leading alternatives, discussing which coach would be the best fit for the national team and who offers Italy the strongest chance of returning to the top of international football.

Roma are actively working to sell Manu Koné for at least €60m, with reports in Italy claiming Manchester United are ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal for the France midfielder.

His asking price had already been a minimum of €50m before the World Cup, but has since surged thanks to his impressive performances, as confirmed by how badly he was missed in the semi-final against Spain when making way for Aurelien Tchaouameni.

Koné targeted by Premier League

There are some suggestions in England, most notably from Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, that Manchester United have already agreed a deal worth €53m.

That is not the version given by the Corriere dello Sport, who insist that while Manchester United have been the most consistently interested and taken more steps, they are by no means the only club.

Others from the Premier League to have contacted Roma to ask for information are Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, along with Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.

Above all, the price is not going to drop below €60m (approximately £51m) after those performances in the 2026 World Cup.

The 25-year-old is going to provide a hefty profit regardless, as he was purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for just €18m plus €2m in add-ons.

His World Cup is not over yet, as Koné and France will play in Saturday’s third-place final, but after that he can begin to work in earnest on the next step of his career.

Fiorentina have agreed a deal with Le Havre, sending them midfielder Amir Richardson on loan with an option to buy for €8m.

Multiple sources including L’Equipe and Le Parisien are confident the final details have been worked out and he will arrive for a medical on Friday or Saturday this week.

The 24-year-old had joined Fiorentina from Stade Reims in the summer of 2024 at a cost of €9m plus add-ons.

Richardson struggled at Fiorentina

Although he made 43 appearances in all competition for the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist, his time in Florence made little impact.

He was loaned out to FC Copenhagen in January 2026, and has no place in the current squad under new coach Fabio Grosso.

This represents a return to Le Havre for the Morocco international, who started his career in their youth team from 2019 until moving on in 2022.

The 24-year-old has nine senior caps for Morocco after representing France at youth level.

Another player set to leave Fiorentina is Robin Gosens, who last night agreed a loan with obligation to buy at the end of the season for €2.5m plus bonus to Schalke 04.

Roma were locked in talks for weeks to sign Mason Greenwood, but Olympique Marseille director Gregory Lorenzi reveals ‘only Fenerbahce made a formal offer’ and his ‘image’ was a problem.

The Giallorossi had targeted the Englishman for the whole summer, with reports of a proposal worth over €42m plus add-ons coming to Marseille.

They could not compete with the salary on offer in Turkiye, where there are significantly different tax regulations allowing for a higher wage of a reported €10m per season, and he ultimately chose Fenerbahce.

Amid rumours of a bidding war with Atletico Madrid and teams from the Saudi Pro League, it is therefore surprising to learn that Roma never went all in.

Greenwood never received Roma bid

“You all know the complexity of the Greenwood situation, given the player’s image,” confessed new Marseille director of sport Lorenzi in a press conference today.

He was referring to the domestic violence allegations that saw him pushed out of Manchester United, and the reason why Roma fans started a petition urging the club not to buy him.

Considering his splendid record in France, and the fact 40 per cent of the profit was owed to Manchester United, Marseille fans wonder why Greenwood only cost €39m plus bonuses.

“When we talk about the transfer fee, we shouldn’t assume that there were that many opportunities for Mason. Discussions had already taken place, the player was determined to leave as soon as possible, I want to make that clear.

“Clubs didn’t approach us, so the idea of selling for €80-100m… The market decided the player wasn’t worth that much. We thought there would be several clubs interested, which unfortunately wasn’t the case,” added Lorenzi.

“So we felt the best solution for all concerned was Fenerbahce, in the circumstances.”

Matteo Ruggeri remains firmly on Fiorentina’s radar as the Viola continue their search for reinforcements out wide, and the full-back’s own inclinations may work in their favour.

According to La Nazione, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Atletico Madrid defender is strongly tempted by the idea of returning to Serie A, where he made his name and where he believes his development can best continue.

That openness could prove a decisive card for Fiorentina, who have identified the Italian as one of the ideal profiles for their flank and are weighing a concrete move in the coming weeks.

Ruggeri fits Fiorentina’s full-back rebuild

Atletico rate Ruggeri and the strides he has made in Spain, but the pull of Italian football appears real.

The full-back built his reputation at Atalanta, where he developed into one of Serie A’s most reliable wing-backs before earning his move to Madrid, and a return would come with none of the adaptation risk attached to a foreign signing.

For Fiorentina, the interest forms part of a wider reshaping of their defensive flanks.

Dodo’s expected departure has left a gap on one side, Alex Jimenez has arrived from Bournemouth on the other, and Fabio Grosso’s squad is being rebuilt at pace ahead of a European campaign. In Ruggeri, the Viola see a Serie A-proven operator entering his prime years, and, crucially, one who appears willing to come back.

Andrea Pirlo’s presence on the shortlist to become Italy’s next head coach has drawn a note of caution from Antonello Valentini, with the former FIGC director general insisting the Azzurri are in no position to take risks.

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb radio, Valentini addressed the four-man list reportedly outlined by federation president Giovanni Malagò: Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, Pirlo and Pep Guardiola.

“For me Pirlo is a gamble, and we cannot afford gambles. Mancini and Conte are two certainties,” he said. “Guardiola is a great coach, but not one suited to a national team, because he needs time, intense daily work. A national side gathers on average every 45 to 50 days.”

The calendar, he argued, leaves no margin for error. “We can no longer gamble, we have to go with certainty,” he added, pointing to six Nations League fixtures against Belgium, Turkey and France in the autumn, ahead of December’s Euro 2028 qualifying draw.

Valentini backs Mancini and Conte for Italy job after Pirlo doubts

On the two frontrunners, Valentini addressed the reservations attached to each.

“Conte is certainly a winning coach, but he has to make peace with himself, the Federation doesn’t need a coach for two years or eighteen months, it needs to open a new technical era,” he said.

As for Mancini’s 2023 walkout for Saudi Arabia: “Enough with this ethical life sentence. He understood he made a mistake, he repented, he apologised. He won a European Championship and had 37 consecutive results without defeat.”

The decision now rests with Malagò and new technical director Paolo Maldini, whose appointment alongside advisor Leonardo last week marked the first step of the federation’s rebuild after a third straight World Cup missed. Valentini, for his part, has made his order of preference plain.

Juventus have added Folarin Balogun to their list of centre-forward options, with the former Arsenal striker under internal discussion as the club’s pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani reaches a critical stage.

According to Tuttosport, Kolo Muani remains Luciano Spalletti’s first choice, but prising him from PSG will require an improved offer: Juventus can get close to €40 million in total, without quite reaching it, and guaranteeing the bonus portion may be the signal needed to convince Luis Campos that the Bianconeri mean business.

The sales-driven windfall from the Muharemovic situation has loosened the purse strings, and the directive is clear, a goalkeeper or a striker must be closed within days.

Balogun gives Juventus alternatives to Kolo Muani

Balogun fits the profile Spalletti has drawn up: physical, sharp in space and, above all, a finisher.

The American scored 19 goals in 43 games for Monaco last season, including a Champions League brace against PSG, and boasts an excellent availability record, missing just one match through injury.

Monaco, however, intend to fund their own market with his sale and have set a minimum price of €50 million, hoping interest builds into an auction.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini is determined to involve Gianluigi Buffon in his project, offering the former goalkeeper a primary role within the Azzurri.

Newly-appointed Italy technical director Maldini wants to include Buffon in his Azzurri project, according to Gazzetta.

Buffon given a new Italy role by Maldini?

The report claims that Buffon will be offered a primary role within Club Italia, the Body that oversees the activity of the national teams, from the youth sectors to the first team.

Buffon resigned following the Azzurri’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final this past March, alongside Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.

Gazzetta claims that Buffon will soon be contacted by Maldini.

Buffon previously served as Italy’s Delegation Chief under Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, but the offer he will receive from FIGC concerns a different role for the legendary goalkeeper.

Gazzetta also confirms that Andrea Pirlo, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy alongside Buffon, remains Maldini’s favourite option to become the new Nazionale coach.

The FIGC confirmed Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director last Saturday, with the ex-defender joined by his former Milan teammate Leonardo, serving as an advisor.

Spain have now gone 37 consecutive games unbeaten, equalling Italy’s record under Roberto Mancini, and will overtake the Azzurri if they win the World Cup.

Spain beat France 2-0 on Tuesday to become the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup.

Italy and Spain share an unbeaten record

La Roja will meet the winner of Argentina vs England in the Final next Sunday.

As Gazzetta highlights, Spain have now been unbeaten in the last 37 matches across all competitions, matching the record set by Mancini’s Italy between 2018 and 2021.

This means that Spain will beat Italy’s record if they win the World Cup.

Luis De La Fuente has selected no Serie A players in his Spain team for the 2026 World Cup.

They have scored 13 goals at the 2026 World Cup so far, conceding just once, from Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere in a quarter-final clash against Belgium.

Spain have already broken one of Italy’s World Cup records this summer, with goalkeeper Unai Simón going unbeaten for more than 519 minutes and surpassing Walter Zenga’s mark, which had stood for 36 years.

Gazzetta dello Sport

One Azzurro leads to another

Maldini and Malagò want Buffon in Club Italia. Pirlo is increasingly favourite to become the new coach

Goodbye France

Spain into the final after 16 years

Blues irrecognizable: Mbappé’s flop. Oyarzabal’s penalty and Porro’s goal decide the game. England-Argentina tonight.

Modric, here we are: one-year renewal ready

Inter all over Spence: Tottenham ask for 35m

Conte: ‘Kane-Lautaro, I’ll explain to you, my hitmen.’

Corriere dello Sport

Nothing goes anymore: France darkness, Deschamps era over, Spain into the Final

Mbappé and Dembélé out: Messi, the obstacle is Kane

Allegri: ‘I’ll compensate you.’

From the Scudetto taken from Sarri in 2018 to the new objectives: ‘I’m here to give something back. The club thinks about the transfers. A company man? That’s a compliment. I won’t reply to Cardinale. I’m sorry for how it went.’

Inter between Doué and Spence

Milan call Mazraoui

Muha makes Juve rich

Rocchi’s case is to be dismissed

Tuttosport

Spanish coup: Surprise at the World Cup, no Final for the France of phenomenons

Spalletti dreams of Balogun

Muharemovic unlocks the Juventus market: not just Kolo and Pellegrino for the attack.

The Bosnian’s sale to Leeds is about to boost the Bianconeri’s finances with €20m following the agreement with Sassuolo. Monaco ask for at least €50m for the American; the coach hopes for a coup. Emery blocks Dibu to Villa: turn to Vicario. Kessié flirts.

Absurd: Toro fans banned from friendlies

Giuntoli against Marotta: ‘Palestra, we behaved well.’

Spain have knocked favourites France out of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory, as Milan’s Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Roma midfielder Manu Koné miss out on the Final.

The Spaniards go on to face either England or Argentina in the Final on July 19 in New Jersey, while France will fight for the bronze medal on July 18.

Les Bleus had won every game so far in the tournament, but made two changes from the side that beat Morocco in the quarter-final, as Bradley Barcola was preferred to Désiré Doué, but above all Roma’s Manu Koné dropped to the bench as Aurelien Tchaoumeni recovered from a muscular injury.

Spain conceded only one goal in six World Cup games, during the 2-1 victory over Belgium, and again picked ex-Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz rather than Pedri.

Spain were awarded a penalty when Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal, the defender who just agreed a move to PSG making a hash of a clearance. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to convert past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Mikel Oyarzabal scores from the spot and Spain lead France! pic.twitter.com/pJManVOZf3

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 14, 2026

The situation went from bad to worse for France, as moments later William Saliba went off with a back injury, then Fabian Ruiz prodded wide after a well-worked move set up by Yamal.

Unai Simon’s first real test was sprinting off his line to clear from Kylian Mbappé at the 42^nd minute, then Mbappé just failed to get on the end of a fizzing Jules Koundé cross.

Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot was already on a yellow card and risked a second, so was replaced by Roma’s Koné for the restart.

INCREDIBLE

Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country’s lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 14, 2026

However, Spain passed their way through the French side to score the second with Pedro Porro blasting in at the near post after a give and go with Dani Olmo.

Lamine Yamal had the ball in the net again moments later, but was flagged offside, while Mbappé saw his strike deflected inches wide by Marc Cucurella.

The best chance France had was when Unai Simon came rushing out to clear, but got back in time to stop Désiré Doué firing into the empty net.

France 0-2 Spain

Oyarzabal pen 23 (S), Porro 58 (S)

14-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

AT&T Stadium

France

Spain

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Adrien Rabiot		9'
		22'		Mikel Oyarzabal
		31'		Marc Cucurella

2nd half

		58'		Pedro Porro (Assist: Dani Olmo)
Kylian Mbappé		86'

Match statistic

49

Possession %

51

10

Total shots

10

3

Shots on target

2

5

Shots off target

5

2

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

1

4

Offsides

5

11

Fouls

12

France

Spain

Starting lineups

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

4

Dayot Upamecano

Defender

5

Jules Koundé

Defender

3

Lucas Digne

Defender

72'

17

William Saliba

Defender

30'

14

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

46'

8

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Midfielder

11

Michael Olise

Midfielder

72'

12

Bradley Barcola

Attacker

57'

10

Kylian Mbappé

Attacker

7

Ousmane Dembélé

Attacker

23

Unai Simón

Goalkeeper

14

Aymeric Laporte

Defender

24

Marc Cucurella

Defender

22

Pau Cubarsí

Defender

12

Pedro Porro

Defender

84'

15

Álex Baena

Midfielder

84'

8

Fabián Ruiz

Midfielder

78'

16

Rodri

Midfielder

10

Dani Olmo

Attacker

78'

19

Lamine Yamal

Attacker

21

Mikel Oyarzabal

Attacker

74'

Substitutes

19

Theo Hernández

Defender

13

N’Golo Kanté

Midfielder

15

Ibrahima Konaté

Defender

21

Lucas Hernández

Defender

2

Malo Gusto

Defender

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

18

Warren Zaïre-Emery

Midfielder

1

Brice Samba

Goalkeeper

22

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Attacker

23

Robin Risser

Goalkeeper

26

Maxence Lacroix

Defender

30'

6

Manu Koné

Midfielder

46'

20

Désiré Doué

Midfielder

57'

24

Rayan Cherki

Attacker

72'

25

Maghnes Akliouche

Midfielder

72'

4

Eric García

Defender

3

Alejandro Grimaldo

Defender

26

Borja Iglesias

Attacker

18

Martín Zubimendi

Midfielder

11

Yéremy Pino

Attacker

9

Gavi

Midfielder

1

David Raya

Goalkeeper

25

Víctor Muñoz

Attacker

13

Joan García

Goalkeeper

2

Marc Pubill

Defender

7

Ferran Torres

Attacker

74'

6

Mikel Merino

Midfielder

78'

20

Pedri

Midfielder

78'

5

Marcos Llorente

Midfielder

84'

17

Nico Williams

Attacker

84'

Mason Greenwood has officially joined Fenerbahce from Olympique Marseille for €39m plus add-ons, ending one of the transfer sagas of the summer, as Roma were frozen out.

The Giallorossi did not disguise that he was the first choice to strengthen their attack after qualifying for the Champions League.

However, while they were prepared to perhaps pay even more than Fenerbahce ultimately did, they could not compete with the reported wages of €10m per season in Turkiye.

Greenwood chose Fenerbahce

Mason Greenwood Fenerbahçe’de. pic.twitter.com/dPWEju4TnL

— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) July 14, 2026

Greenwood also seemed to favour a move to Fenerbahce, holding negotiations with two different Presidential candidates, as Roma were unable to convince him.

While Atletico Madrid and some Saudi Pro League sides were also interested, the Englishman had made his decision some weeks ago.

Fenerbahce released a formal statement confirming that the fee is worth €39m and will be paid to Olympique Marseille over three instalments in three years.

They will also pay the solidarity contribution to Getafe, while Marseille must give 40 per cent of the profit to his former club Manchester United.

There were other issues for Roma too, as fans set up a petition urging them not to buy a player with a history of domestic violence allegations.

Tottenham Hotspur are demanding €50m to sell defender Cristian Romero, claim Sportitalia, so Inter are very unlikely to beat Barcelona to his signature.

It was reported this evening by Fabrizio Romano on his Italian language YouTube channel that Romero had been proposed to Inter by Spurs during negotiations for right-back Djed Spence.

Notably, this was an idea put forward by Tottenham directors and not a request for information by Inter.

Cuti Romero asking price set for Inter

Sportitalia transfer expert Gianluigi Longari now provides further details, which is that the asking price for the Argentina international is €50m.

That is just under what the Premier League side paid to buy him from Atalanta in 2022, the fee then €53.8m after an initial loan spell in 2021-22.

Although he only recently signed a new contract in August 2025, the rapport between the defender and Tottenham has plummeted in recent months.

Both club and player believe their time together is over, but with a contract until 2029, they need to reach an agreement.

Inter had already baulked at paying €50m for Marco Palestra, a young player with future sale value, so are unlikely to shell out a similar sum for a centre-back, not to mention his wage demands.

The 28-year-old already knows Serie A well, having played for Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta.

Inter and Barcelona are interested in signing Cristian Romero, claims Fabrizio Romano, as the Argentina international could leave Tottenham Hotspur.

The 28-year-old’s future has been up in the air for a while, as his current contract runs to June 2029, but he is frustrated at their difficulties after risking relegation.

Sportitalia had already reported that he was pushing for an exit this summer.

Romero proposed to Inter

According to transfer pundit Romano in his Italian-language YouTube channel, it was during talks between Inter and Tottenham for Djed Spence that they discussed Romero too.

He claims that it was Tottenham who suggested Inter look into the possibility of buying Romero.

The Nerazzurri are seeking an experienced centre-back and Cuti would fit the bill, especially as there is already a strong Argentine flavour at the club with Lautaro Martinez and vice president Javier Zanetti.

More importantly, Romero already knows Serie A well, having come to Italy for Genoa in 2018, then playing for Juventus and Atalanta, where he made the €53.8m move to Tottenham in the summer of 2021.

However, Romano points out this move is improbable because of the sheer costs involved, and there is also competition from Barcelona.

Milan stars Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot start for France in the World Cup semi-final against Spain, but Roma midfielder Manu Koné drops back to the bench.

It kicks off in Dallas at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners will play either England or Argentina in the World Cup Final on July 19.

France have emerged as the undoubted favourites to win the trophy after a series of dominant performances in USA, Canada and Mexico, winning all six matches with 16 goals scored and just three conceded.

There is a change for Didier Deschamps, because while Roma midfielder Koné has been the breakout star of the competition for them, he is benched today in favour of fit again Aurelien Tchouaméni.

It means there are only two Serie A players in the starting XI, both representing Milan with goalkeeper Maignan and midfielder Rabiot.

Kylian Mbappé leads the way with support from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé, but Bradley Barcola is preferred to Désiré Doué.

There are no Serie A players in the Spain squad, but after a dismal start with the shock 0-0 against Cape Verde, they’ve gone from strength to strength in this World Cup.

Unai Simon set a new record for most minutes without conceding at the World Cup, ended by Charles De Ketelaere in a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.

They start the same line-up as that game, meaning late goal hero Mikel Merino is again going to come off the bench as a super-sub after scoring in the Round of 16 and the quarter-final.

Mikel Oyarzabal is top scorer with four goals, supported by Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena.

Former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz again pushes Pedri onto the bench.

France vs. Spain line-ups

France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé

Spain: Unai Simon; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

14-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

AT&T Stadium

France

Spain

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Adrien Rabiot		9'
		22'		Mikel Oyarzabal
		31'		Marc Cucurella

2nd half

		58'		Pedro Porro (Assist: Dani Olmo)
Kylian Mbappé		86'

Match statistic

49

Possession %

51

10

Total shots

10

3

Shots on target

2

5

Shots off target

5

2

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

1

4

Offsides

5

11

Fouls

12

France

Spain

Starting lineups

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

4

Dayot Upamecano

Defender

5

Jules Koundé

Defender

3

Lucas Digne

Defender

72'

17

William Saliba

Defender

30'

14

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

46'

8

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Midfielder

11

Michael Olise

Midfielder

72'

12

Bradley Barcola

Attacker

57'

10

Kylian Mbappé

Attacker

7

Ousmane Dembélé

Attacker

23

Unai Simón

Goalkeeper

14

Aymeric Laporte

Defender

24

Marc Cucurella

Defender

22

Pau Cubarsí

Defender

12

Pedro Porro

Defender

84'

15

Álex Baena

Midfielder

84'

8

Fabián Ruiz

Midfielder

78'

16

Rodri

Midfielder

10

Dani Olmo

Attacker

78'

19

Lamine Yamal

Attacker

21

Mikel Oyarzabal

Attacker

74'

Substitutes

19

Theo Hernández

Defender

13

N’Golo Kanté

Midfielder

15

Ibrahima Konaté

Defender

21

Lucas Hernández

Defender

2

Malo Gusto

Defender

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

18

Warren Zaïre-Emery

Midfielder

1

Brice Samba

Goalkeeper

22

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Attacker

23

Robin Risser

Goalkeeper

26

Maxence Lacroix

Defender

30'

6

Manu Koné

Midfielder

46'

20

Désiré Doué

Midfielder

57'

24

Rayan Cherki

Attacker

72'

25

Maghnes Akliouche

Midfielder

72'

4

Eric García

Defender

3

Alejandro Grimaldo

Defender

26

Borja Iglesias

Attacker

18

Martín Zubimendi

Midfielder

11

Yéremy Pino

Attacker

9

Gavi

Midfielder

1

David Raya

Goalkeeper

25

Víctor Muñoz

Attacker

13

Joan García

Goalkeeper

2

Marc Pubill

Defender

7

Ferran Torres

Attacker

74'

6

Mikel Merino

Midfielder

78'

20

Pedri

Midfielder

78'

5

Marcos Llorente

Midfielder

84'

17

Nico Williams

Attacker

84'

There are reports Argentina will start one Serie A player in the World Cup semi-final against England, but it is not going to be Lautaro Martinez of Inter or Como’s Nico Paz.

The big match kicks off in Atlanta on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners go onto the Final on July 19 against either France or Spain to decide who lifts the trophy.

Argentina hoping to defend World Cup title

Argentina were pushed to the limit in the knockout rounds so far in the defence of the title they won in 2022.

They needed extra time to get the better of Cape Verde 3-2, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, then again requiring extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3-1.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez scored off the bench in the quarter-final, but he is again not expected to be in the starting XI tomorrow, with Julian Alvarez preferred as partner to Lionel Messi.

A big surprise mentioned in TyC Sports is that former Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul could be dropped in favour of a more attacking figure.

This could be Giuliano Simeone, brother of Torino forward Giovanni, but more likely is Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.

He spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but the club has not activated the option to make it permanent.

Although he contributed one assist and featured in five of Argentina’s six games in this World Cup, Nico Gonzalez is yet to start.

Another potential switch for Argentina is to see Nahuel Molina preferred to Gonzalo Montiel at right-back.

Molina is another former Serie A player for Udinese, who has been linked with a possible return for Inter.

Argentina probable line-up: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Nico Gonzalez, Paredes, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Messi, Julian Alvarez

Atalanta were ‘stunned’ that Manchester United abandoned their Ederson transfer, and confirm ‘he is happy to remain, so we’re working on a new contract.’

The deal had been done last month for €45m including add-ons, but could not be completed until after he had finished his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.

When he returned from that tournament, Manchester United made him undergo intensive medical tests, then pulled out of the deal, claiming that his knee had shown significant problems.

Atalanta have faith in Ederson

“We were stunned,” confessed director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli during today’s press conference.

“He is happy to remain and we are working on a new contract.”

Ederson had been available for such a good price precisely because his current contract with Atalanta only runs to the end of the season.

However, following the collapse of the move to Manchester United, the 27-year-old is now ready to put pen to paper on an extension in Bergamo.

He first came to Atalanta in 2022 for €22.9m from Salernitana, where he had joined from Corinthians just six months earlier.

Ederson helped them win the Europa League trophy and reach two Coppa Italia Finals with 16 goals and six assists in 180 competitive games.

Torino, who have something of a history with English goalkeepers thanks to Joe Hart, are reportedly pushing to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton.

The Granata are seeking a shot-stopper after deciding Franco Israel was not suited to Serie A football, one year on from his Sporting CP transfer.

Although they had also targeted Paraguay international goalkeeper Orlando Gill, his performances at the 2026 World Cup pushed the price up too much.

Ramsdale now favourite for Torino

Now Sport Mediaset claim Torino have identified Ramsdale as the next big name on their wish list, and feel a deal can be done following Southampton’s relegation.

He spent last season on loan at Newcastle United, and before that played for Arsenal, Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Wimbledon.

The 28-year-old earned five senior caps for England, and he would be the second English goalkeeper at Torino after Joe Hart in 2016-17.

Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset are confident that Ramsdale can be in Serie A this season for the Granata, on loan with an option to buy, as his contract with the Saints runs to June 2028.

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis outlines his plans for a 70,000-seater stadium, but also warns football clubs are ‘all puppets at the service of UEFA and FIFA, who get rich off us.’

The patron was speaking at the presentation of new coach Max Allegri at the historic Teatro San Carlo today.

Amongst other things, he was asked about the plans to construct a new stadium away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

“We are working on a new stadium with 70,000 seats and 120 sky boxes,” he revealed.

The areas analysed include the former Q8 refinery in San Giovanni a Teduccio, but this clashes with the local council’s attempts to instead restructure the Stadio Maradona.

De Laurentiis hits out at football structure

De Laurentiis has long been critical of the way the financial side of football is run, and aims to bring some of his experience as a Hollywood movie producer to this world.

“There is not a big gap in football terms between Serie A and other leagues, but rather one of legislation from one country to the next,” he added.

“We continue working within a football world that is not run by us. We clubs ought to be the ones in charge, but instead we are run by institutions who make themselves rich off our backs, and the same goes for many other leagues.

“In Italy, just as in England, there are some clubs that are of a certain standing, yet if you look at their balance sheets, they too end up running at a loss, even with three or four times our revenue.

“That means something in football does not work for a whole series of reasons.”

De Laurentiis has also been bitterly critical of the higher institutions of the sport, and particularly the rapport between clubs and international football.

“In Europe we are all puppets at the service of UEFA and FIFA, who effectively get rich off us. It’s not even possible to get a good look at their finances to study them.”

Inter are still looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, and according to Italian sources, Djed Spence of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina are among the Nerazzurri’s targets, while Strasbourg demand more than €35m for Guela Doué.

Inter haven’t yet signed a replacement for Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid in a €20m deal this summer.

Inter: What’s next after Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through?

The Nerazzurri had reached an agreement with Atalanta and Marco Palestra before the Italian defender picked Chelsea instead.

The deal for Anan Khalaili was also practically done, but the Israel international failed medical tests, as Inter President Beppe Marotta confirmed on Monday.

This means the Nerazzurri effectively need to start their search for a new right-back from scratch.

Doué was seen as one of Inter’s main targets after the Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through, but according to Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, Strasbourg’s asking price exceeds €35m.

Nahuel Molina remains a long-time Nerazzurri target, while Spence is also being considered.

Another English defender, Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, is also said to be on Inter’s radar, according to Sportmediaset and Corriere dello Sport.

According to Tuttosport, the list of potential Dumfries replacements also includes Verona’s Rafik Belghali, who is valued at €15m; Monaco’s Vanderson; Givairo Read of Feyenoord; and Dan Ndoye, a former Bologna winger who is valued at €40m by his club, Nottingham Forest.

Multiple sources in Italy claim that Milan demand €18m from Aston Villa for Pervis Estupinan, with Noussair Mazraoui emerging as Ruben Amorim’s favourite option to replace the Ecuador international.

Sportmediaset provides the latest updates on Aston Villa’s negotiations for Milan defender Estupinan.

Amorim targets Mazraoui to replace Estupinan at Milan

The Italian broadcasters claim that the Premier League club is ready to invest a fee between €10m and €12m for the ex-Brighton left-back who failed to impress in his first season at Milan in 2025-26.

The Rossoneri are ready to let Estupinan go, but have set their asking price at €18m, the report claims.

Ruben Amorim, however, has already identified the ideal replacement for Estupinan as both SportMediaset and Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com claim that the Portuguese wants to reunite with Manchester United full-back Mazraoui at San Siro.

The versatile 28-year-old is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028 and played 49 games under Amorim with the Red Devils.

According to Sportmediaset, Milan have already opened talks with the player’s agent Rafaela Pimenta, but haven’t yet made a formal offer to Manchester United.

In this episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni sits down with Jonathan Grade, the producer behind Channel 4’s iconic Football Italia, to revisit one of the most influential football programmes ever broadcast in the UK.

Click here to subscribe to the official Football Italia YouTube channel

Together, they explore how Football Italia captured the imagination of millions of supporters and introduced an entire generation of fans to the drama, passion, and quality of Serie A during its golden era.

From legendary players and historic clubs to unforgettable moments that shaped Italian football’s global appeal, the discussion looks back at a period when Italy was the centre of the football world.

The conversation also examines the challenges Italian football has faced over the past three decades and what has been missing in Serie A’s evolution.

Lorenzo and Jonathan discuss the decline of stadium experiences, the importance of modern marketing, the changing landscape of television coverage, and how these factors have impacted the league’s ability to compete with Europe’s biggest competitions.

Paolo Maldini, Leonardo and Giovanni Malagò will finalise a shortlist of candidates for the Italy head coach role, with a final decision expected by next week, according to Gazzetta.

Italy will appoint a new head coach in the coming days and, according to Gazzetta, FIGC President Malagò will hold talks with technical director Maldini and his advisor Leonardo today.

Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò hold Italy coach talks

It’s not guaranteed that the trio will meet in person, but they are expected to make contact today to discuss the candidates for the job for the first time.

Gennaro Gattuso, a former teammate of Leonardo and Maldini at Milan, resigned after failing to secure World Cup qualification in March and was temporarily replaced by U21 coach Silvio Baldini for friendly games against Luxembourg and Greece in June.

Conte and Mancini were mentioned as the main candidates for the Italy job until yesterday, but Gazzetta notes that Conte is no longer in the first row, while Mancini holds a solid bond with Malagò.

The likes of Andrea Pirlo and Pep Guardiola have also been linked with the Italy job in recent hours, but Gazzetta highlights that securing a deal with the former Manchester City boss might prove tricky for the federation, primarily for financial reasons.

Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò are expected to agree on a shortlist today, while the final decision over the new Italy coach will reportedly be made by next week.

Aston Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, insists Juventus target Emiliano Martinez is a ‘key element’ in the team, and the club has ‘no intention of letting him go.’

Aston Villa won’t let Emiliano Martinez leave this summer, the Premier League club’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, said on Tuesday.

Aston Villa tell Juventus they won’t sell Dibu Martinez

Speaking to 365Scores, the Aston Villa director said: “Emiliano is a very important player for us, and he is a key element in Aston Villa. All the talk about him leaving during the current summer transfer window is just rumours, and we rely on him heavily in the team’s project for next season.

“The goalkeeper’s future is settled; he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,” Vidagany added.

“The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.”

Juventus had made Martinez their top summer transfer target for the goalkeeping role, as the Bianconeri are preparing to part ways with Michele Di Gregorio and potentially Mattia Perin as well.

With Aston Villa unwilling to sell Martinez this summer, the Bianconeri will likely look to Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Parma’s Zion Suzuki, who are two other goalkeepers linked with a move to Turin.

Several Italian sources have reported over the last few weeks that Martinez was open to joining Juventus, having already reached a principle of agreement with the Bianconeri.

Juventus, however, failed to strike a deal with the Premier League side as the Bianconeri were unwilling to pay more than €10m for the Argentine.

Crysencio Summerville’s agents met with Roma executives this morning, where they were informed that the Giallorossi will only pursue a deal for the West Ham winger if the total transfer fee does not exceed €40m and the player’s salary is capped at €4m per year, reports Alfredo Pedullà.

Roma met with Summerville’s agents in Rome this morning.

According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the meeting lasted around one hour.

Roma meet Summerville’s agents

The report claims that Roma confirmed their strong interest in the West Ham winger, but set their condition for the transfer.

The Giallorossi are ready to move negotiations forward as long as the transfer fee does not exceed €40m and the salary does not exceed €4m per season.

According to Pedullà, Summerville has attracted interest from some Premier League clubs, but they are not currently in advanced talks.

Roma expect an answer from the player’s agent and West Ham in the coming hours, perhaps as early as tonight, Pedullà says.

It was previously reported that Summerville’s agents had been in Rome since Monday, when they landed in the capital with another of their clients, Danilo Doekhi, who is on the verge of joining Roma’s city rivals, Lazio.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Fiorentina have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid to sign 19-year-old defender Víctor Valdepeñas.

Fiorentina are close to completing their fifth summer signing as, according to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Viola have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid for versatile defender Valdepeñas.

Fiorentina close to signing Valdepeñas from Real Madrid

The 19-year-old can play either as a centre-back or a left-back.

According to the report, Fiorentina have effectively reached an agreement on a permanent transfer that includes a 50% sell-on clause for the Merengues.

The two clubs are now sorting out the final details and, more importantly, the timing of the defender’s transfer.

Real Madrid, in fact, are still unsure whether to send the 19-year-old to Florence right away or wait a few more weeks to let their new coach, José Mourinho, assess the player during the pre-season.

Fiorentina have been among the busiest Serie A clubs so far this summer, having already signed defenders Viery, Radu Dragusin and Alex Jimenez as well as midfielder Arthur Atta.

Roma have reportedly made the first offer to Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho, on loan with option to buy for total €40m, but also approached West Ham for Crysencio Summerville.

The Giallorossi are ready to begin building their team for the Champions League after ending a seven-year absence from the competition.

The priority is to give coach Gian Piero Gasperini some attacking wingers to suit his style of football.

Garnacho next on Roma list after Greenwood

With Mason Greenwood finally agreeing every detail of his transfer to Fenerbahce this evening, for €40m plus €2m add-ons and a salary at €10m per season, the next target is Garnacho.

Sky Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Roma have made the first formal proposal for Garnacho, a loan for €5m with option to make it permanent for another €35m.

The option could become an obligation if certain conditions were met.

That is not all, because the same source also notes that Roma have approached West Ham United for Summerville, fresh from participation in the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands where he scored two goals and provided two assists.

The 24-year-old is not going to remain after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League, but there is a lot of competition for his signature, including Galatasaray, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Another candidate for Roma is Diego Moreira, with a proposal to Strasbourg worth €30m plus a 10 per cent of the future sale fee.

Marco Palestra’s agent hit back angrily at Inter President Beppe Marotta and reveals when Chelsea got involved. ‘Over 45 days, Inter never reached an agreement with Atalanta.’

The Italy international had been on the verge of joining Inter last month in a deal believed to be worth €40m plus €5m add-ons.

However, before they could shake hands, Chelsea dived in with a proposal worth a good €10m more to Atalanta, and with double the salary on offer at San Siro.

Inter President Marotta bitterly criticised Palestra today during a press conference and mentioned agent Alessandro Lucci too.

“Take the case of Palestra, for example. It was the result of a decision made by the player, who backed out of a verbal agreement,” said Marotta.

“His agent could have steered him in a different direction, but chose this path instead, and we had to accept seeing another Italian player move to a league that is not in direct competition with ours.”

Palestra agent replies to Inter attack

Lucci did not take that lying down and has now given a statement to news agency ANSA.

“I listened with great sadness and at the same time enormous shock at the words of Inter President Marotta, who I’ve had a professional rapport with for over 25 years, doing many deals together,” said Palestra’s agent.

“The Inter directors, represented by Piero Ausilio, carried on constant and constructive talks with us on the opportunity to complete this transfer.

“However, the element that decided the outcome was not described accurately in today’s press conference. Over 45 days the two clubs, who were in daily contact, were never able to reach a definitive agreement.

“This allowed Chelsea, with whom contact began only two weeks earlier, as I had quickly informed the two clubs, burst in during the final days and sealed a deal with Atalanta, the player and with us to close the move rapidly.

“At this point, I hope that we can all turn the page and look to the future with calm, without more attacks as a pretext against a player who deserves respect.”

It was no secret that several months ago Palestra was approached by Inter and told them he would be more than happy to wait it out for a move to San Siro.

However, the failure to work out a deal with Atalanta stalled the process, and ultimately Chelsea came in with an equally strong project.

It is not the first time that Inter have struggled to agree terms with Atalanta, as they also came close with no progress for Ademola Lookman and Ederson.

Alex Jimenez is officially a Fiorentina player, on loan with an option to buy from Bournemouth, where he was forced to leave under a cloud after suspended for inappropriate messages.

The deal was somewhat surprisingly done last week, and he was already in Florence to undergo medical tests.

It’s widely believed the move is worth a total of €20m plus a 30 per cent cut of the future sale fee, if the option to make it permanent is taken up at the end of the season.

It is reported that the option has several clauses making it an obligation to buy, including once he reaches 30 appearances with the Viola.

Jimenez is training with Fiorentina

Although Fiorentina have not yet formally announced the signature, his contract has been deposited with the Lega Serie A, and he participated in the first day of pre-season training.

The 21-year-old has experience of Serie A already, having been at Milan from 2023 until his move to Bournemouth in September 2025.

That was a loan with obligation to buy for a total of €20m.

The return to Serie A was rather forced upon him, because the Telegraph newspaper note that Jimenez is currently suspended by the Football Association in England.

He was formally excluded from playing domestically in this country while it investigates claims he direct messaged a 15-year-old girl on social media.

The allegations with screenshots were made in May, after which he was dropped from the Bournemouth squad.

“AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jiménez,” read a statement from the Premier League side in May.

“The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.”

Andrea Pirlo is the new favourite to take over as Italy coach, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport, as Paolo Maldini and Leonardo hope to reunite with a former Milan teammate.

The Nazionale can begin taking shape now that the decision has finally been made to appoint a technical director, a role that until now did not exist within the Azzurri set-up.

Maldini is in charge now along with his consultant Leonardo of choosing who will sit on the bench when Italy begin their Nations League campaign in September.

Pirlo emerges as Italy candidate

Until now, Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini had been the main contenders for a return to the job, along with the audacious idea of approaching Pep Guardiola.

However, the Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Pirlo is emerging as a genuine candidate.

The 47-year-old was of course part of the squad that won the 2006 World Cup, and he is currently a coach in Dubai with United FC.

His management experience is limited to Juventus in 2020-21, where he won the Coppa Italia, then in the Turkish Super Lig with Karagumruk, and a brief spell at Sampdoria that ended in August 2024.

Pirlo knows both Maldini and Leonardo well from their time together at the successful Milan side, where the midfielder played from 2001 to 2011.

It is reported that Maldini had wanted to hire him as the coach of Milan in 2023.

Unlike the other alternatives on the list, Pirlo’s wage demands would not break the bank of the FIGC.

After turning down reported offers of over €25m for Trevoh Chalobah, it’s now reported in Italy that Chelsea are frustrated Inter and Como are looking elsewhere.

The defender is currently at the World Cup with England preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina, but his future remains up in the air.

A bidding war had broken out for the 27-year-old, between Serie A sides Inter and Como, but the asking price of €35m has put them off.

Chalobah too expensive for Inter and Como

Another change was the Gazzetta dello Sport report last week that the two Italian clubs had agreed on a pact not to one-up each other, so Como backed off Chalobah and instead focused on Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez.

Now Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà and Sky Sport Italia both claim that Chelsea have contacted Inter and Como to ask if they are still interested in Chalobah.

The excessive asking price has put both off, so they are currently looking at other targets instead.

It is not just the Chelsea demand that is causing problems, but also the salary his agents are requesting.

Inter have the added problem of now needing to seek a new wing-back, seeing as Marco Palestra was poached by Chelsea and Anan Khalaili failed a medical.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Watford have agreed a deal with Bologna for goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia, on loan with an option to buy that could become an obligation.

The details of the arrangement are that this is a one-season loan with an option to buy at the end of the term.

However, the condition to activate the obligation and make it permanent would be Watford earning promotion into the Premier League.

There is a very Italian feel developing at Watford, because their coach is Alessio Dionisi, and they had already brought in Edoardo Bove as a free agent last term.

Ravaglia ready to leave Bologna

Ravaglia would regularly challenge first choice Lukasz Skorupski for the gloves at Bologna, so is perhaps hoping to get more regular playing time at Watford.

The 26-year-old came up through the Bologna youth academy, going on a series of loans to Sudtirol, Gubbio, Frosinone and Reggina, until returning to the Stadio Dall’Ara in 2023.

Last season, the goalkeeper made 25 competitive appearances between Serie A, the Europa League, Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia.

He kept two clean sheets and conceded 45 goals.

Fiorentina and Fenerbahce made a late attempt to sign free agent Zeki Celik, but the Turkiye international has reportedly already agreed to sign a new contract with Roma.

The 29-year-old is currently free to do as he wishes, because his contract with the Giallorossi expired on June 30.

This has made him an appetising prospect on the transfer market, with Fenerbahce making a proposal, while Fiorentina have also seemingly approached the versatile defender.

Celik eager to remain at Roma

However, the Corriere dello Sport reporter Eleonora Trotta insists that it is all in vain, because Celik has already agreed to sign a new contract at Roma.

Much like his teammate Paulo Dybala, who put pen to paper earlier today, the deal is to take a pay cut in order to fit within the new financial parameters at the Stadio Olimpico.

Celik is expected to earn circa €3m per season at Roma, who have just sealed their return to the Champions League.

He first joined Roma in the summer of 2022 from Lille at a cost of €7.4m plus a 15 per cent cut of the sell-on fee, going on to make 151 competitive appearances for the club with two goals and 10 assists.

Aston Villa are intensifying talks with Milan for Pervis Estupinan, as a replacement for Lucas Digne after Paris Saint-Germain decided to activate his release clause.

It has been a tough day for Aston Villa, because in the space of a few hours they learned that Manchester United would pay the €41m to trigger the clause for €41m, then that Paris Saint-Germain would do the same for Digne at circa €10m.

That won’t be completed until after Digne has finished playing in the World Cup with France, but it is a heads up for the Birmingham club to seek a replacement.

Estupinan to fill Digne gap at Aston Villa

It had already been suggested that Aston Villa were pursuing Estupinan, and that is now confirmed by transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano and others.

The 28-year-old was something of a flop after his €17m plus €2m add-ons move from Brighton and Hove Albion last year, so this would be an opportunity to go back to the Premier League.

Estupinan contributed one goal and one assist, along with one red card, in his total 22 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri last season.

New coach Ruben Amorim would prefer other profiles for the left flank, and so a sale should not be difficult to organise.

Anan Khalaili looked to the Quran for guidance after his Inter dream move was shattered by a failed medical, as irregularities were discovered.

The Arab-Israeli player had been in Italy since last week undergoing various tests, including those at club level, to complete the €30m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise.

Why Khalaili move was blocked

However, every athlete who comes to compete for an Italian side must also receive a certificate of health from the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee), and these are far more stringent than in other countries.

They include cardiac stress tests, and irregularities were spotted that meant Khalaili would not be given permission to work in Italian football.

Now he will return to Union Saint-Gilloise for further examinations, to see if any treatment or further investigation is required.

Khalaili broke his silence with an Instagram Stories showing him in prayer, with a verse from the Quran.

“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you.”

The rest of the verse notes that “Allah knows and you do not know,” so he is hoping that God has a plan for this twist in his life and career.

Italian rules on these fitness tests are extremely strict, which is why players like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen were forced to leave Serie A to continue their careers elsewhere.

Other leagues would allow for players to have implanted defibrillators, but the Italian legislation does not.

Italian reports suggest Roma turned down a €40m offer from Atletico Madrid for Manu Koné, but would be ready to sell if they, Manchester United or Liverpool came in with at least €60m.

The midfielder had already been targeted by Inter in recent months and was given a price tag of €50m, but that has risen considerably thanks to his stellar performances for France at the 2026 World Cup.

As they prepare to face Spain in the semi-final tomorrow evening, his profile continues to soar and attract attention.

Kone asking price will not budge

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Roma received a bid from Atletico Madrid worth just €40m and rejected it outright this summer.

That is not going to be enough to make them sell, especially now that Manchester United and Liverpool look prepared to spark a Premier League bidding war.

Roma have never disguised that the 25-year-old is potentially on the transfer market, but also that they will only part with Koné if a suitable offer arrives.

He was purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for just €18m plus up to a further €2m in add-ons.

Roma owner Ryan Friedkin is expected at the Trigoria training camp today for talks with coach Gian Piero Gasperini and new director of sport Tony D’Amico to clarify their transfer strategy.

Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali warns Paris Saint-Germain ‘demands are too high’ for Randal Kolo Muani and they could look elsewhere, but they ‘do not need’ Davide Frattesi from Inter.

The Bianconeri have been negotiating with PSG practically since the moment he arrived on loan in January 2025, but never seem to reach a new agreement.

That loan cost €3.6m and was extended to cover the Club World Cup in July 2025, but then he was loaned out to Tottenham Hotspur and sent back to base this summer.

Talks continue to drag on for a new deal, but even Carnevali now admits the situation is not progressing fast enough.

Juventus ready to give up on Kolo Muani

“The demands are too high, so either we reach an agreement, or we will turn to a different player,” confessed the Juventus chief on RAI GR Parlamento radio.

As Juve refuse to reach the €40m asking price, Paris Saint-Germain have begun talks for Kolo Muani with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

“The cost of players is growing constantly, with figures that are practically impossible, while Serie A club revenue cannot keep up with the likes of the Premier League,” continued Carnevali.

“We need to reduce costs and have an economic balance, which is difficult to achieve. There’s no point denying it, you can all see that our league is in a situation of stasis for the transfer market.”

A cheaper option within Serie A for the midfield would be Frattesi, who is on the market at Inter, but Carnevali insists Juventus can be ruled out of that race.

“Frattesi is an extraordinary lad who would do well at all big clubs, but we do not need a player of his characteristics.”

Juventus are trying to offload flop Lois Openda, but after a Coventry City approach, his old club RC Lens are eager to bring him back, with one significant problem.

The Belgium international was a costly disaster on the transfer market last summer, signed from RB Leipzig on loan for €3.25m with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a further €42.75m plus add-ons.

Had it only been an option and not an obligation, the Bianconeri certainly would not have made the move permanent after a pitiful two goals in 34 competitive games.

Openda not wanted by Juventus

Now Juve are trying to find someone to take Openda off their hands, and Footmercato in France point to one of his former clubs, RC Lens.

He played there in the 2022-23 season, impressing so much with 21 goals and four assists in 38 games that he earned an immediate €40m transfer to RB Leipzig.

The idea would be for RC Lens to bring him back in on loan, but the source warns that in order to make it work, Juventus would have to cover a large portion of his wages.

Unlike Juve, RC Lens have qualified for the Champions League this term, so can give him the chance to play regularly at the top level.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirms Roma and Napoli target Alejandro Garnacho is not part of their plans. ‘Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties.’

The winger was only purchased last year from Manchester United at a cost of €46.2m, but struggled to get any regular playing time.

Chelsea admit Garnacho is for sale

It had already been reported that he was not going to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer, and that was effectively confirmed by Alonso in today’s presentation press conference.

“We have spoken with the sporting directors and there is interest in hm from other clubs. Let’s see how it develops. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties,” said Alonso.

Serie A clubs are certainly interested, above all Roma and Napoli, although both are hoping to get Garnacho on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Chelsea have set an asking price of around €50m, but with a long-term contract and large salary, a loan with option to buy might be their best bet.

The 22-year-old scored eight goals with four assists in 43 competitive games for Chelsea last season, though only 22 of those were in the starting XI.

Inter President Beppe Marotta notes that new Chelsea signing Marco Palestra ‘backed out of a verbal agreement’ with the Nerazzurri, but blames the defender’s agent as well: ‘He could have steered him in a different direction.’

Inter President Marotta joined coach Cristian Chivu for a press conference on Monday, on the first day of the Nerazzurri pre-season.

The defending Serie A champions are still looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who joined Real Madrid in a €20m deal.

Marotta: Palestra ‘backed out of a verbal agreement’ with Inter

Their primary target, Marco Palestra, joined Chelsea two weeks ago despite having reached an agreement with Inter.

“We need to keep costs under control, not investments. I’m referring to players we can’t sign because their wages are too high and to agents, whose influence on the club’s finances is becoming increasingly significant,” Marotta said via FcInternews.

“We have to deal with these realities, which have a major impact on the transfer market.

“Take the case of Palestra, for example. It was the result of a decision made by the player, who backed out of a verbal agreement,” Marotta added.

“His agent could have steered him in a different direction, but chose this path instead, and we had to accept seeing another Italian player move to a league that is not in direct competition with ours.”

During his press conference, Marotta announced that Inter’s second target, Anan Khalaili, had failed his medical tests, meaning that his €25m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise has fallen apart.

Inter have won three Serie A titles during Marotta’s reign, but the one conquered in 2025-26 under Chivu was his first one as the Nerazzurri’s president.

Inter began their pre-season today and will make their 2026-27 Serie A debut at home against Monza on August 22.

Gian Piero Gasperini says that Manu Kone is ‘having a great World Cup’, and though he is aware of the fact that Roma still need to balance their budgets, he insists that there will be ‘more clarity’ surrounding the Manchester United target in the coming weeks.

Gasperini: ‘Kone having a great World Cup, there will be more clarity in the coming weeks’

Kone is enjoying a starring role with the France national team, who are among the favourites to go the distance at the 2026 World Cup. 

As a result of his strong 2025-26 performances and his impressive audition on the world stage, the Giallorossi midfielder is beginning to attract interest from high-profile clubs across Europe, most recently Manchester United. 

United have dropped a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, have arranged a deal for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are in talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, but there is every chance that Michael Carrick looks to add a third option to a midfield department that is lacking in numbers at Old Trafford.

When asked about Kone’s status in an interview with Radio Rai 1, Gasperini said: “Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half.  

“He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”

For several weeks at the beginning of the summer, it had been reported that Roma would need to sell a big-name player such as Kone if they are to comply with the terms of their financial fair play settlement agreement with UEFA. 

Gasperini admits that Roma still need to ‘balance the budgets’, but insists that there will be a clearer picture in the near future. 

He said: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years. 

“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”

Click here to read the full interview with Gasperini: ‘The whole Italy system has to be reviewed, especially the youth sector’

Reports in Italy claim that Premier League side Brentford are interested in a potential deal for Italy and Inter youth star Jamal Iddrissou, who has also been the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Bundesliga side FC Köln.

Brentford, Köln and Wolfsburg want Inter and Italy talent Iddrissou

According to Sky Sport Italia reporter Luca Bendoni, Brentford are keen on 18-year-old Inter winger Iddrissou, who has represented Italy at every age group from the U18s up to the U20s. The young winger has two goals from five caps to his name with the U20s over the last year. 

The Italy youth international, born in Brescia with Ghanaian heritage, is beginning to attract interest from a number of clubs across Europe. 

1. FC Köln have already seen a bid in the region of €7m-€8m for the talented teenager turned down by the Nerazzurri according to reports from various journalists including Orazio Accomando. Fellow Bundesliga side Wolfsburg are also among the clubs said to be interested.

Inter, meanwhile, are keen to keep control of Iddrissou if they are to sell this summer, i.e. with a reasonable buy-back option.

Inter President Beppe Marotta has confirmed that Anan Khalaili failed his medical with the Italian authorities, so the €30m move from Union Saint-Gilloise is off. ‘The rules are very strict.’

The transfer had been agreed for €25m plus add-ons, and the Israel international underwent his regular club tests with no problems.

However, before joining an Italian club, he also needed to go through the strict CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) medical stress tests, and these flagged irregularities.

The player underwent another day of testing today, but although more were expected tomorrow, Inter President Marotta announced during this afternoon’s press conference that the decision had already been made.

Khalaili cannot play in Serie A

“We had negotiated the purchase of Khalaili, but he failed the medical tests, the CONI just informed us and I wanted to let you all know,” said Marotta.

“In Italy there are very strict rules on medical tests, so it is not a choice made by the club, we simply have to accept it, because this is about looking after the health of the player.

“When the CONI don’t give the certificate, he is not allowed to participate in any official sporting event in Italy.

“It’s sad, because we had carried on the negotiations with great effort, but now unfortunately we will have to think about an alternative.”

The stress tests largely focus on cardiology, so when Khalaili returns to Union Saint-Gilloise, he will have to deal with the medical staff there on any required treatment.

Italian rules are extremely strict, to the degree that players with an implanted defibrillator like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen have been forced to continue their careers outside of Serie A.

Khalaili was set to be the replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid for the €20m release clause in his contract.

“Dumfries preferred to conclude his career at a prestigious club like Real Madrid, so we had to find a substitute. Some of the fees going around are crazy, which make Italian football a mere spectator compared to the role we had in the past,” added Marotta.

They had been on the verge of an agreement worth €50m with Atalanta for Marco Palestra, only to be blown out of the water by a much bigger proposal from Chelsea.

Beppe Bergomi insists that Paolo Maldini is the best choice for Italy and the FIGC in his new role as technical director, but says that he is still willing to offer his assistance if called upon: “If Paolo called me, I would listen to someone like him.”

Bergomi on Maldini and Italy’s next head coach: ‘He’s the best choice by some distance’

Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the Italian FA under recently-elected FIGC President Giovanni Malagò. He will be tasked with ‘rebuilding’ the Italy national team after three successive World Cup disappointments and with reshaping the wider state of football and youth development in Italy. 

Had Maldini not accepted the offer to return to the Italy national team set-up, there was a list of alternatives that reportedly included Bergomi, who says that he is still willing to offer his assistance if required. 

“I was pleased to be on the list,” said Bergomi in an in-depth interview with La Repubblica.  

“There’s a lot of respect between myself and Malagò, he was the one who let me carry the torch during the opening ceremony for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, one of the most exciting moments of my life. 

“Had Paolo not accepted, I would have been among the possible alternatives and for me, that is a source of pride. Maldini is the best choice, by some distance.

“Paolo has experience, he has already been a director at a high level. He has good values, he is competent. I love him, I think he’s the best Italian player I’ve ever played with. He has a new position now, he will be able to make the difference.”

Later, when pushed on whether he would still be willing to assist in the Italy set-up if given the opportunity, Bergomi replied: “If Paolo called me, I would listen to someone like him. 

“I like being a commentator with Sky, but the Italy shirt has characterised my career, from 1982 all the way to 1998. I played in four World Cups. If I can help, I won’t back down.”

Maldini has also brought former Milan teammate, ex-Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo with him as an advisor. 

Bergomi says that this is “a smart move. There will be a lot of work, you could have every possible quality, but it’s always better with two. Maldini is practical in the way he manages, Leo is a dreamer, it’s an interesting mix. 

“They will have to understand how to get the best out of the youth sectors, get the Azzurri supply chain working well. They tell me that there are two promising vintage years, the boys born in 2007 and 2010. 

“We all need to have the same principles, the same shared guidelines. The various age categories have to play with the same ideas. Think about the national team like a club. I recently watched a youth tournament won by a group of Spanish U11s, they all have a similar way of playing. 

“We also have a lot of talent, let’s not waste it. We need the courage to let our youngsters play and make mistakes.”

It remains to be seen who will be appointed as the next head coach of the Italy national team. Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte remain the frontrunners, and the candidacy of the ‘dream’ option Pep Guardiola has re-emerged over the last few days. 

“There is no one right choice, it depends on the football you believe in,” said Bergomi when discussing the candidates for the role of Italy CT. 

“Guardiola intrigues me, and when you have Paolo in your camp, you have the strength and the standing to go and talk to Pep. They can give it a try. 

“I’m a football romantic. These coaches have made a lot of money. I often hear that if they lower their demands, their status isn’t valued. But I would say, does someone like Guardiola, a football genius, need to think about his status?

“Leading a national team can be a stimulating challenge, he could see it as that, as a challenge. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the other candidates aren’t strong either.” 

Reports on Monday indicate that Mancini is the current favourite for the Italy job. 

“He’s perfect as a coach,” says Bergomi. “And he has the desire to return. He has vision, he knows how to identify talent, he deserves another opportunity.” 

And as for Conte, Bergomi says: “He knows how to build a team in a short period of time, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. He demands a lot but gives just as much.”

Bergomi has offered his own alternative option that he feels is worth looking at: “I’d also like a profile like (Cesc) Fabregas. His Como side is a model to study, He knows how to work with youngsters, he knows how to develop talent. A shame that he isn’t free and available.”

Turkish football continues looking to Serie A with reports Trabzonspor have started talks with Bologna for Riccardo Orsolini, who they see as an alternative to Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica.

There are strong bonds growing between the two football nations, as shown by the fact Vincenzo Montella is the coach of the Turkiye national team and Besiktas just hired Vincenzo Italiano.

Orsolini on radar for Trabzonspor

According to Fanatik, now Trabzonspor have set their sights on Bologna winger Orsolini, as the 29-year-old is only a few months away from the end of his contract.

He has been at the Stadio Dall’Ara since 2018 after his €15m move from Juventus, and has two goals in 13 senior caps for Italy.

The versatile winger can play on the right or left, but prefers the right so he can cut inside and shoot with his left foot.

Orsolini scored 14 goals with one assist in 51 competitive games for the Rossoblu last season.

It’s reported that Prestianni remains the first choice for Trabzonspor, but they see the Italian as a valid alternative.

Inter are in contact with free agent John Stones, claim reports in Italy, but the former Manchester City man would not be considered a first choice for central defence.

This is not the first time that the 32-year-old has been linked with a possible move to Serie A this summer, seeing as his contract with Manchester City was allowed to run down.

He still has much to give, as confirmed by the fact he is playing for England at the 2026 World Cup and now preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.

Stones offered to various Serie A sides

Napoli and Juventus had been in talks, but didn’t seem particularly eager to pursue the deal.

Now Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà claims that Inter are in direct negotiations with Stones and his entourage.

However, it is noted that this would only be if Benjamin Pavard was first sold, and that Stones would not be guaranteed regular playing time, as he is not a first choice at centre-back for the Italian giants.

Other clubs who have been linked with the free agent include Bayern Munich and Olympique Marseille, but his salary demands and signing-on fee requests are putting some off.

Paolo Maldini has accepted the Italian Football Federation’s offer to become the new technical director of the Azzurri, with his former Milan teammate Leonardo set to join him in an advisory role.

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What to expect from Maldini as Azzurri legend appointed as Italy technical director

The pair will be entrusted with overseeing the long-term development of Italian football while playing a key role in shaping the national team’s future. Their first major responsibility will be appointing the next head coach of the Azzurri.

Lorenzo Bettoni and Adam Summerton analyse what the arrivals of Maldini and Leonardo could mean for Italy, the vision they are expected to bring, and the challenges they will face as they attempt to guide the national team into a new era.

Watch the full episode below

A deal between Atalanta and Manchester United for central midfielder Ederson appears to be ‘off’ for the time being, but updates on Monday claim that the Premier League side could look to ‘revisit’ the situation later on in the summer transfer window, despite their talks over deal for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans. 

Report: Manchester United could still ‘revisit’ Ederson this summer

Back in June, it was reported that United had struck an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil international Ederson for a total package worth up to €45m including bonuses and add-ons. 

Reports last week, however, indicated that a deal was not a complete certainty due to concerns around the midfielder’s medical and fitness. 

Ederson had an initial medical in the United States before the start of Brazil’s World Cup campaign and was then flown over to the UK for further checks with club doctors from Manchester United before reports from multiple outlets confirmed that the deal was off. 

Now, according to reports from David Ornstein of The Athletic, United are in advanced talks to sign 29-year-old Aston Villa and Belgium midfielder Tielemans instead. 

That is on top of a £50m deal that has been agreed with Chelsea for Andrey Santos. 

Yet, The Athletic report claims that United could still potentially look to ‘revisit’ the Ederson deal later on in the summer transfer window as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield department with at least two, if not three new arrivals. Monday’s report adds that it ‘remains to be seen’ whether Atalanta and Ederson will be willing to do the same.

Meanwhile, reports in Italy claim that Atalanta are keen to tie Ederson down to a new contract. He is into the final year of his deal in Bergamo, expiring in the summer of 2027, and Atalanta feel that a new contract will strengthen their position in negotiations if the Brazilian does seek a move away at a later date. La Dea are also adamant that the player is injury free.

Dino Zoff has weighed in on the appointment of his former ‘pupil’ Paolo Maldini to the role of technical director in the Italy national team set-up, and says that he must be given the freedom to ‘follow his beliefs’ and make the changes that he sees fit. 

Zoff comments on Maldini’s Italy appointment: ‘A perfect appointment in terms of character’

Maldini has recently been confirmed as the new technical director of the FIGC, signing a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. 

He will be joined by former Milan teammate, ex Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. They will work in close collaboration with Giovanni Malago, who has recently been elected as the replacement for Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC.

This has been described as the beginning of a new era for Italy, who have failed to qualify for each of the last three editions of the FIFA World Cup. 

“It’s a choice that I fully understand,” said World Cup-winning captain and former Italy head coach Zoff in an interview with Il Resto del Carlino.

He continued: “Paolo has given so much for our football, to Milan in particular but also for the national team. He was also one of my players when I was in charge and I can’t forget his father Cesare either, who was Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982. 

“Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence. I also understand the choice of Leonardo as an advisor. It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts. 

“It has to be the same assessment for the next coach that comes in. Maldini has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference. It won’t come from me, I don’t have a name to suggest for the role.”

Asked what advice he would give to Maldini if he had the chance, Zoff said: “It is essential that there is clarity on the roles and responsibilities. I don’t doubt Malago, I know him well. I hope that there is an awareness of where we are at the moment across the whole organisation surrounding the national team.”

Italy have a new President and a new technical director of the FIGC, which means that the appointment of a new head coach is up next on the agenda, and Monday’s reports indicate that Roberto Mancini remains the frontrunner for two key reasons. 

Why Mancini is the current favourite for the Italy national team head coach role

The Italy national team is undergoing a revolution of its staff at the highest levels: Giovanni Malagò has replaced Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, Paolo Maldini has recently been appointed as technical director and President of Club Italia, Leonardo has joined as an advisor and now they turn their focus to finding a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso as CT.

For several weeks, Mancini and Antonio Conte have been tipped as the two leading candidates to step in as head coach of the Italy national team. Both have done the job before, both are vastly experienced at the highest levels and both are reportedly willing to return to the Azzurri set-up. 

Reports on Sunday indicated that Pep Guardiola has also re-emerged as a possibility following the appointment of Maldini as technical director. Other outsiders that have been mentioned include Andrea Pirlo and Carlo Ancelotti. 

However, reports from the Corriere dello Sport indicate that Mancini is still the favourite for the Italy national team job for two key reasons. 

First is his long-standing relationship and the fact that he reportedly sees eye-to-eye with newly-elected FIGC President Malagò. 

Secondly is the fact that a large number of the Italy national team players are keen for Mancini to return. The players reportedly pushed for Mancini to return after Luciano Spalletti left his position as head coach in 2025. 

The fact that he has also delivered a trophy for Italy in the past, the fact that he is keen to focus on the development of young talents and his general familiarity with Coverciano and the national team set-up are, of course, of benefit to Mancini as well. 

However, nothing is set in stone yet, and as Malagò has recently insisted: “There could also be a surprise” in the offing as well.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Mythical 

Sinner: He’s still the King. Historic double at Wimbledon 

Jannik triumphs in four sets against a great Zverev. It’s his fifth grand slam. Cahill and Vagnozzi: ‘A liberation’

‘I saw my mum stepping out of the stadium a couple of times, it was tough for her’

Corriere dello Sport 

And the Sinner is …

Galactico | Beats Zverev in four sets, the fifth slam of his career

Wimbledon is his home: Second triumph in a row. Jannik is the pride of Italy

He falls 1-0 behind, fights back and shines: 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 and 6-4 in around four hours. ‘I give my life to tennis. The sporting movement in our country is special: We’re incredibly strong in Moto GP and Kimi is a golden boy’

Tuttosport 

His majesty 

Sinner, a crowning double at Wimbledon

On the hallowed turf, in an exhilarating surge of momentum, Jannik turns the tables on a formidable Zverev (6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4). His fifth grand slam banishes the ghosts of Roland Garros: ‘We had endless days after Paris. I give my entire life to tennis. I didn’t think I’d win again here. Am I a symbol of Italy? We have an incredible movement in our country across all sports, happy to be part of it’

Sky Sport Italia report that Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic must choose between three Premier League sides, Leeds United, Bournemouth and Sunderland.

While transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano notes that Leeds United are the most confident of achieving a deal, having presented a verbal proposal to the centre-back, this is by no means to be taken for granted.

Muharemovic heading to Premier League

Instead, Sky Sport Italia expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims this evening that a final decision will be made over the next few days, with two other Premier League teams definitely still in the running.

They are named as Bournemouth and Sunderland by the Italian reporters.

Newcastle United have also been mentioned earlier today by the Corriere dello Sport and Sportitalia.

Sassuolo set an asking price of €40m, aware that 50 per cent of that will go to his former club Juventus.

The Bianconeri had also been interested in bringing the Bosnia and Herzegovina international back to Turin, especially as they would effectively get him half-price, but ultimately decided against it.

Muharemovic was in the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad at the World Cup this summer and turned 23 in February.

Lazio are in advanced negotiations for two new central defenders, Dinamo Zagreb’s Sergi Dominguez and free agent Danilho Doekhi, but probably not Diogo Leite.

The Aquile are forced to revamp their squad following the sale of Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd and Mario Gila to Milan.

Lazio want both Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez

Multiple sources including transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano claim that talks are at an advanced stage to snap up free agent Doekhi, whose contract with Union Berlin ran down.

The 28-year-old has been linked with numerous other clubs, including Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Sportitalia insist that Lazio are also pushing hard to secure Sergi Dominguez from Dinamo Zagreb.

They already agreed personal terms with the former Barcelona man, but reaching the €12m asking price set by his club is proving more difficult.

Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabiani travelled to Croatia for the talks earlier this week, but the proposal of a loan worth €3.5m and option to buy for another €8m was rejected.

Now they are hoping to step up the process with a new bid that can convince Dinamo Zagreb to sell the 21-year-old.

Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà also notes that while Lazio did ask after free agent Diogo Leite, they are not intent at this moment on pushing on with talks.

The Portugal international reportedly turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League today.

Roma midfielder Manu Koné could be benched in favour of Aurelien Tchaouameni for the World Cup semi-final against Spain, though Milan’s Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot will start.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with the winner going on to face either Argentina or England in the Final.

According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid midfielder Tchaoumeni has fully recovered from his muscular issues and is going to be risked from the start.

Koné set to step aside for France

He had been replaced by Roma player Koné, who had impressed so much that former Genoa coach Patrick Vieira said he was the best midfielder currently in the France squad.

Nonetheless, the reports from the Bleus camp suggest he will be pushed to the bench for the big match by Tchaouameni.

The Roma star was on the bench for the games against Senegal and Sweden, but started the others with Iraq, Norway, Paraguay and Morocco.

There is still going to be Serie A representation in the form of Milan pair Maignan and Rabiot.

The trio of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappé are untouchable, but the other big choice for Didier Deschamps is between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.

Other than that, it is set to be the same XI that beat Morocco in the quarter-final.

Argentina’s dramatic extra time win over Switzerland to set up a World Cup semi-final with England was not just a strain for the players on the pitch, but also Como’s Nico Paz off it.

The reigning world champions have stuttered throughout the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Despite playing against 10 men after Breel Embolo’s red card, Argentina were still forced to go to extra time last night, eventually squeezing through 3-1 with Julian Alvarez’s curler and a late Lautaro Martinez goal.

Nico Paz feeling the stress

It took a lot out of the players on the field, and those off it too, as confirmed by Nico Paz.

The 21-year-old Como player revealed on social media that his wearable technology showed his stress levels as ‘high’ during the match, when he was just sitting on the bench.

The technology is worn by all players to monitor their vital signs as well as track their performances on the field.

Nico Paz has made two appearances in the World Cup so far, as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Algeria, and then starting the 3-1 win over Jordan.

Argentina will play England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with France taking on Spain on Tuesday.

Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki continues to attract new clubs, as Newcastle United are the latest linked after Juventus, Aston Villa and Leeds United.

The shot-stopper had already made a strong name for himself with his Serie A performances, but his profile stepped up several levels thanks to the heroics for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.

He is widely expected to leave the Stadio Tardini this summer and there is no shortage of options for his signature.

Suzuki wanted by many clubs

Now Chronicle Live and Sport Mediaset claim that Newcastle United have held initial talks with Suzuki and his entourage.

They have Nick Pope as their first choice, but he is 34 years old and has only one year left on his contract, while they decided not to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton after a loan.

There is competition, as Juventus have him on their list, as well as Aston Villa and rumours even about Paris Saint-Germain.

Leeds United had been the most determined to sign Suzuki, but it’s reported the goalkeeper turned them down, as he is aiming higher for his next career move.

The big surprise for Italy is the arrival of Leonardo as a special advisor, as FIGC President Giovanni Malagò reveals it was ‘Paolo Maldini’s suggestion’ he be involved.

There were weeks of talks before Maldini finally accepted the role of technical director at the Italy camp, which has been created especially for him to give some structure and consistency to the Nazionale.

It was no secret that he was the first choice for new Federation chief Malagò, but an unexpected part of the announcement was the inclusion of Leonardo as an advisor.

Leonardo takes key role for Italy

“From the start, Paolo told me that he would be happy to bring in Leonardo as a consultant, because there is a lot of work to be done, it’s going to be a tough challenge,” Malagò told TG2 Post.

“I am pleased too, because I have great respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin.”

The Brazilian turns 57 in September and has had a deep bond with Italian football for many years.

He played for Milan from 1997-2001, then again at the end of his career in 2002-03.

After retirement, Leonardo started work with the Rossoneri as a talent scout, upgraded to technical director for 2008-09, and then as coach in 2009-10.

In a shock move, he then crossed over to city rivals Inter as coach in December 2010, where he remained until the end of the season.

Leonardo has since bounced around different jobs, including as Antalyaspor coach for just a few months in 2017.

He returned to Milan as technical director in 2018-19, where he worked alongside Maldini, and had two different spells at Paris Saint-Germain in 2011-13 and 2019-22.

Alessandro Costacurta claims the choice of Paolo Maldini as Italy technical director is ‘more important than the new coach’ of the Nazionale, while giving insight into the rapport with Leonardo.

After weeks of speculation and talks, the new role of technical director of the Italy squad has finally been filled with the announcement that Maldini will take over running the Azzurri.

Maldini ready to reshape Italy

“This is great news for Italian football, because we have brought in one of the most illuminated and sincere people in the sport,” his former Milan and Italy teammate Costacurta told Sky Sport Italia.

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed that Maldini was always his first choice for the position, and that now the technical director will be tasked with picking the new coach.

“Malagò made the best possible choice. In fact, picking Maldini is perhaps more important than choosing the new coach,” added Costacurta.

A surprising twist was the introduction of Brazilian Leonardo as a consultant, reuniting the pair who had worked together at Milan.

“They have different characteristics. Leo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct,” noted Costacurta.

“The best thing about them is that they listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”

Leonardo spent much of his career in Italy, as at Milan he was a player, a talent scout, a coach and a technical director, while he also had one season as coach of rivals Inter.

His most recent job was that of assistant technical director at Paris Saint-Germain.

Having long been a target for Roma, it is reported that Mason Greenwood is heading to Istanbul for a Fenerbahce medical, with precise details of the fee to Olympique Marseille, Manchester United and Getafe.

The Giallorossi made no secret that Greenwood was their first choice for the wide left role in attack, and had been preparing a package close to the €50m asking price.

Roma lose Greenwood to Fenerbahce

However, Fenerbahce took a different route and started talks with the player early, agreeing personal terms on a vastly superior salary worth up to a reported €9m per season.

Now several sources in Turkiye maintain the deal is done, despite late interest from Atletico Madrid and of course Roma.

Because of the deal struck with Manchester United, the Premier League side is owed 40 per cent of the profit.

However, Sport Mediaset argue that Manchester United are instead getting 30 per cent, with an additional 10 per cent going to another of his former clubs, Getafe.

While the Italian sources have the total fee at €45m plus bonus, Fanatik in Turkiye set it at €39.5m plus add-ons, including a significant additional payment in case they win the Super Lig title.

Turkish transfer pundit Yagiz Sabuncuoglu also states that Fenerbahce have agreed all the details with Marseille and the player.

Venezia are on the verge of securing Sevilla striker Akor Adams in a deal worth €16m plus add-ons, as director Filippo Antonelli confirms ‘talks are at a very advanced stage.’

The Nigeria international is 26 years old and  made the move from Montpellier to Sevilla for €5.5m in January 2025.

In the last season, he scored 10 goals with three assists in 32 LaLiga appearances for Sevilla.

Adams close to Venezia move

According to multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and Tuttomercatoweb, the agreement is very close to completion.

The fixed fee will be worth around €16m plus performance-related bonuses that are linked to both the personal achievements and those of the team.

“I promise that I will tell you everything once it is all closed,” director of sport Antonelli told reporters during today’s press conference.

“The talks are at a very advanced stage, but there are still some final details to work out.”

Venezia won the Serie B title last season and earned automatic promotion into the top flight.

They have already bolstered the squad with the arrival of Albion Rrahmani from Sparta Prague, Armel Bella-Kotchap from Verona, Ale Gomes from Real Zaragoza, plus free agents Toma Basic and Thierry Correia.

Hamed Junior Traore is expected in Italy for his Genoa medical on Monday, ready to complete a loan with option to buy move from Olympique Marseille for up to €10m.

The initial report of the deal had come from France with Footmercato, suggesting the cost of the operation would be around €8m.

Genoa can pay up to €10m for Traore

Now the Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttomercatoweb point to a figure closer to €10m including add-ons and the cost of the loan fee.

It’s believed that Traore will arrive on Italian soil for his medical tests and to sign the contract on Monday.

He can then travel to join the rest of Daniele de Rossi’s Genoa squad in their pre-season training camp at Moena.

This represents a return to Serie A for the Ivory Coast international, who started out in the Empoli academy before moving on to Sassuolo, Napoli and Auxerre.

The 26-year-old had been sold to Bournemouth in 2023 for €25.6m, but his career stalled due to repeated injury problems, and he moved to Marseille for €7.7m.

Lazio are in talks with defender Danilho Doekhi, claims transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, as he would be a free agent after leaving Union Berlin.

The Aquile need to completely revamp their defence this summer with the arrival of coach Gennaro Gattuso, and above all the exits of Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila.

They already picked up one free agent in the form of left-back Alfonso Pedraza, as the 30-year-old was out of contract with Villarreal.

Lazio looking at Doekhi

According to Romano, their next target is 28-year-old Doekhi, who is available after his deal with Union Berlin ran down on June 30.

The Dutch centre-back has no shortage of other interested parties, including Aston Villa, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven.

However, most of those approaches were earlier in the summer and the focus on him appears to have cooled, allowing Lazio to push their way into the queue.

A product of the Excelsior and Ajax youth academies, he moved to Union Berlin from Vitesse as a free agent in 2022.

Roma could end up doing a double deal with Chelsea, because negotiations can intensify for both Alejandro Garnacho and Diego Moreira, who is at RC Strasbourg.

The Giallorossi have abandoned hope of securing Mason Greenwood from Olympique Marseille, as he has agreed a move to Fenerbahce instead.

Moreira and Garnacho on Roma radar

The next name on the list is Moreira, who turns 22 next month and who Chelsea sold to RC Strasbourg for €8.5m in the summer of 2024.

Both clubs are under the same banner of consortium BlueCo and owner Todd Boehly.

As part of that agreement, Chelsea have first refusal on the player, one that they do not seem interested in activating.

However, Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà insists that the fact the clubs are owned by the same people could see them potentially work out more favourable terms if combined with a swoop for Chelsea’s Garnacho.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Roma are offering €35m plus bonuses, including a 10 per cent sell-on fee, to buy Moreira, while they would prefer to get Garnacho on loan with an option to buy.

Considering Garnacho’s career has stalled due to a lack of playing time, first at Manchester United and then Chelsea, he would relish the opportunity to play regularly under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Their qualification for the Champions League has also helped the situation, along with the presence of Garnacho’s good friend Paulo Dybala.

Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic remains a Premier League target, with Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth focus on the €40m player, as Juventus still wait.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international impressed at the 2026 World Cup and in Serie A for the Neroverdi, so is widely expected to move on this summer.

Muharemovic hot property for Sassuolo

The asking price has been set at €40m, though Juventus would be able to get him for half that figure.

This is because he was in their youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for €2m, retaining a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

Nonetheless, Juve are still not sure whether to go ahead with the move, so this is giving time for the Premier League clubs to make a genuine offer.

According to the Corriere dello Sport and also Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, there are several English sides ready to swoop for Muharemovic at €40m.

They are Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth, who have all shown a strong interest in the 23-year-old.

Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute to help Argentina on their way to the 2026 World Cup semi-final in the early hours of Sunday morning, but some feel that the Inter skipper was fortunate to avoid a second yellow and a suspension for the upcoming last-four tie with England. Here’s why El Toro escaped punishment. 

How Lautaro Martinez escaped second yellow card in Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Lautaro was initially named on the substitutes’ bench for Argentina’s eventual 3-1 quarter-final win against Switzerland in Kansas City, but emerged off the bench in the 84th minute and contributed his nation’s third goal of the night in the 121st minute of the tie to put the game beyond any doubt.

Lautaro was on a booking at the time of his goal, and some eagle-eyed fans believe that he should have been shown a second yellow and sent off for his celebrations. Had that been the case, the Inter striker would have been suspended for the World Cup semi-final against England coming up on Wednesday night. 

That is because Lautaro jumped over the advertising hoardings and went right up to the Argentina supporters behind the goal while celebrating his 121st-minute settler. 

Under the IFAB laws of the game, a player should be shown a yellow card if he approaches supporters in a way that creates any potential crowd safety issues. 

However, as Lautaro’s celebrations in front of the stands only lasted for a brief moment, and given that he didn’t even attempt to touch or engage with the fans in front of him, the officials felt that this specific incident did not require further punishment. 

Lautaro Martinez with the icing on the cake for Argentina pic.twitter.com/7iHow8lZeK

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are the new technical leaders of the Italy national team set-up, and reports on Sunday claim that Pep Guardiola has again become an option for the vacant national team head coach role under the new leadership. 

Could Italy make a move for Guardiola under Maldini and Leonardo leadership?

The FIGC have recently confirmed that Maldini has been appointed as the federation’s new technical director and President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by his former Milan teammate, ex-Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo as an advisor.

Maldini’s is a four-year project, and with unprecedented powers in his new role, he is expected to make widespread changes to the way that the national team and youth systems operate. 

However, up first on his agenda is the appointment of a new head coach. 

For weeks, the two frontrunners have been Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Conte has the backing of the Serie A clubs, while Mancini has a long-standing relationship with FIGC President Giovanni Malagò. 

Both have held the role previously, boast vast levels of management experience, but both come with their fair share of complaints as well: There are concerns that Conte might not be the best fit on a tactical level, while Mancini’s decision to leave Italy in order to join Saudi Arabia 2023 is still a bitter pill for some to swallow. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, neither Conte nor Mancini are ‘at the top of Maldini and Leonardo’s list’. Now, Guardiola has come back into the frame and the pink paper insists that the former Manchester City and Barcelona tactician is no longer a ‘fantasy’ option. 

The biggest issue with Guardiola is his salary, which La Gazzetta dello Sport claims was close to €25m gross during his final season with Manchester City in 2025-26. 

The Serie A clubs are expected to make a contribution towards the salary of the new head coach in order to help bring in a top-level CT, but even so, they would not be able to provide for a salary anywhere near the level that Guardiola was earning at The Etihad.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there is still hope, but much will depend on the discussions that take place between the key figures in this new Italy project, i.e. Maldini and Leonardo. The fact that Guardiola is reportedly keen to step into international management at some stage of his career also helps Italy. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also suggests that Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo could be among the alternative options if Italy decide against Conte, Mancini or Guardiola.

Fabio Capello believes that the FIGC have made the right call in appointing Paolo Maldini as its new technical director, is pleased to see Leonardo joining him as an advisor, but says that Roberto Mancini’s previous mistakes are too great to simply forget: ‘I’ve already said I would go with Conte’. 

Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC and has also been named the President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. 

This is the beginning of a new era for the Italy national team following the departures of previous FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon following the failure to get past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March. 

Gravina has recently been replaced by Giovanni Malagò, who, as of Saturday night, has made his first significant appointment in the Italy national team set-up by bringing in Maldini. Next up is a decision on a new head coach with Mancini, Antonio Conte and even potentially Pep Guardiola, again, among the frontrunners.

Capello has given his verdict on the recent appointment of Maldini, Leonardo and the potential next CT in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Capello: ‘Maldini was the first name on Italy’s list, he’s the person we need’

Capello is convinced about Maldini’s qualities, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Nobody better than him would be able to do it.” 

He continued: “I’m really happy about it. Paolo was the first name on their list and they’ve got him, he’s definitely the person we need. I’m happy for the national team and also for him. He’s serious, capable and attentive. He doesn’t speak, he works. He has ideas, he will have a well-defined project in his mind already.” 

Capello also gave his verdict on the appointment of Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor to Maldini. 

“He’s another guy who knows a lot about football,” said Capello. “If Maldini wanted him to be close by, bringing together a partnership that was born in Milan, it is because there is so much to do. 

“We have to recover on multiple different fronts, obviously starting with the young talents. They’ve chosen to take on a big commitment because they are clearly convinced by it. I will repeat: They are both serious, and more importantly, they understand football.”

What did Capello learn from watching Maldini up close during his time with Milan? 

“Everyone has seen what he did with the Rossoneri,” said Capello. “He’s not a yes man, he wants to have the freedom to change things, he has an exact plan and wants to make that happen.” 

And how important is it that Maldini is given full control to make the changes that he wants to?

“It’s very positive. Without that, he would have never accepted,” Capello insists. “Someone like him has to be free to put his ideas to good use. I’m sure that he won’t have made much of a fuss on an economic level, more so that he wants to be able to put the ideas he has in mind into practice, and in that way, he can be really useful.”

Milan won the Serie A title with Maldini as a director, but he ended up leaving the club at the end of the following season after a series of disagreements with the club ownership. 

Capello says: “We have to consider that relationship with the owners. It’s difficult when yo hit turbulence. You really have to understand the history behind that. The Scudetto victory was incredible, but it’s true that things got a bit complicated after that. I know Paolo has charisma, that he is a winner and has been a key figure everywhere he has been.”

Leonardo also has plenty of history with Milan, and also as a director at PSG. Asked if he is ‘too’ used to having money readily available to spend at those clubs, Capello said “But money has nothing to do with it. It’s all about ideas, not resources. 

“You have to be able to understand what is missing and what needs to happen, and then find the way to achieve those goals. Additionally, Leo is a great person, which doesn’t hurt. He and Paolo are coming in strong in their beliefs, ideas and skills. Theirs will be a clear project and I’m curious to see how it will develop when they present it, beginning with the next head coach.”

And who would Capello pick if he were in charge? 

“I’ve already said Conte, who has done well with the Azzurri, Mancini is also good, but leaving the national team up the creek a few days before a series of important matches is too big to forget.”

Reports in Italy claim that Ruben Amorim is interested in the possibility of reuniting with his former Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, who remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028. 

Report: Milan head coach Amorim likes Manchester United defender Mazraoui

Milan are seeking new reinforcements for their defensive department this summer, and according to reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Mazraoui is a player and individual that Amorim likes.

There have not been any direct talks between the two clubs at this stage, but the Morocco international is a player that is of interest to the Rossoneri according to the latest updates. 

Mazraoui is under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2028, with a club option to extend that deal for a further 12 months until the summer of 2029. 

The recently-eliminated World Cup quarter-finalist brings versatility that will be useful for Amorim in Milan. The Rossoneri played in a 3-5-2 under Massimiliano Allegri last term and are expected to start in a 3-4-2-1 under Amorim, and Mazraoui could feasibly cover in a number of roles in both of those formations, as he has done with Manchester United. 

If Milan were to progress with a deal to sign Mazraoui, it is expected that they would seek to deploy him on the right of their back three.

Greatness recognises greatness: Lionel Messi was photographed alongside Italy legend Roberto Baggio and gave him a match-worn shirt shortly after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Messi and Baggio team up for iconic photograph

Baggio was in attendance in Kansas City as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra-time to book their place in the World Cup semi-final for the third time in four tournaments. 

Baggio was photographed alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, widely recognised as the greatest player of all time, and was given one of his match-worn shirts after the full-time whistle. 

“Thank you, Leo, for your precious gift and for your affection. I love you lots, my friend,” wrote Baggio , all smiles in a picture posted to his Instagram profile.

 

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A post shared by Roberto Baggio (@robertobaggio)

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus have sent an opening offer to Parma for centre-forward Mateo Pellegrino, which has been turned down by the Gialloblu. 

Report: Parma turn down opening Juventus offer for Pellegrino

Juventus are on the hunt for a new striker now that Dusan Vlahovic’s contract has expired, and despite negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani, reports over the last few days indicate that Juventus are beginning to shift their focus to a deal for Parma’s Pellegrino instead. 

The Old Lady have already brought in 19-year-old Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but are keen to add another, more experienced option to their ranks. Juve are also expected to listen to offers for Jonathan David, Lois Openda and Arkadiusz Milik should they come in.

According to reports from Tuttosport, Juventus have sent an opening proposal to Parma for Pellegrino, who reportedly has suitors in the Premier League and LaLiga as well. 

Juventus have reportedly offered an initial loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy for €30m. The obligation to buy clause would be ‘easily achievable’, potentially linked to a top-half finish in Serie A next season. 

This proposal has reportedly been turned down by Parma, although the two parties are not a million miles apart. 

Pellegrino himself is said to be keen on the move, Parma are reportedly willing to sell for a fee in the region of €30m, but either want this upfront, or if they are to agree to a loan, they would want a larger loan fee.

According to Calciomercato.com, the relevant parties are due to discuss the matter again within the coming hours.

Paolo Maldini has officially been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC (Italian FA) and will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo as an advisor, the federation has confirmed. 

Official: Maldini appointed new FIGC technical director

The revolution of the Italy national team is well and truly underway: Former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup at the end of March, as did head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon. 

Giovanni Malagò was elected as the successor to Gravina as the new President of the FIGC in June, and he has since been hard at work to appoint a new technical director, who will play a key role in the imminent appointment of a new head coach. 

Legendary former Milan and Italy defender Maldini has been chosen as the new technical director of the FIGC, and according to recent reports, will have ‘unprecedented’ powers as he looks to rebuild a national team that has won four World Cups but has failed to qualify for the last three editions of the tournament. 

He, along with advisor Leonardo, have signed four-year contracts with the Italy national team set-up, which is intended to take them through until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

“With great pleasure, Giovanni Malagò, President of the FIGC, announces that Paolo Maldini has accepted the position of the federation’s technical director,” read a statement on the FIGC website.

“Giovanni Malagò will also entrust Paolo Maldini with the Presidency of Club Italia.” 

Malagò himself commented: “Maldini has always been my goal. I thought he would be the right person to oversee the technical sector of the FIGC, which doesn’t only involve the senior national team, but the entire supply chain of the youth national sides. 

“Over the last two weeks, we have talked about all the projects, going into specifics, and Paolo immediately told me that he would like to involve Leonardo as a consultant because of the demanding, challenging and time-consuming nature of the role. 

“I am happy, because I have deep respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin. It is a four-year commitment which must take us from now until 2030, the next World Cup, also passing through a European Championship.”

Up next for Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò is the appointment of a new head coach of the Italy national team. The latest reports indicate that Roberto Mancini is the current frontrunner, over challenger Antonio Conte.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute of Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning to confirm his nation’s spot in the semis, where they will go up against archrivals England. 

Argentina required extra-time to overcome Switzerland in their 2026 World Cup quarter-final, which ended 3-1 thanks to Lautaro’s tie-settling strike right at the end of proceedings. Lionel Scaloni’s side have had to play 120 minutes in all three of their knock-out matches at the tournament so far. 

Alexis Mac Allister gave the reigning World Champions a 10th-minute lead, which was cancelled out by former Bologna winger Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute. Julian Alvarez sent Argentina 2-1 up in the second half of extra-time and Lautaro put the game to bed in injury-time.

It was Thiago Almada who had carried the ball into the area and tested Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with a low shot, which was saved and parried to Lautaro, who made no mistake with his first-time finish on the rebound.

This was the Inter striker’s second ever World Cup goal, his second at the 2026 tournament following his penalty in Argentina’s 3-1 group stage victory over Jordan.

Watch: Lautaro Martinez sends Argentina through to World Cup semi-finals

Lautaro Martinez with the icing on the cake for Argentina pic.twitter.com/7iHow8lZeK

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

Norway vs England takes place on Saturday evening, for a place in the World Cup semi-finals, in a quarter-final pitting the tournament’s most feared striker against the Three Lions’ title ambitions.

The two sides arrived by contrasting routes. England survived a 3-2 thriller against hosts Mexico at the Azteca, holding on with ten men to progress, while Norway followed up Erling Haaland’s late winner against Ivory Coast by dumping out five-time champions Brazil, the win that carried them to a first World Cup quarter-final.

Haaland has been the driving force, scoring five goals in his first three appearances at the finals.

There is a strong Serie A flavour to the Scandinavian squad.

Alexander Sorloth, linked with Juventus this window as a possible Dusan Vlahovic replacement, supports Haaland in attack, while Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt provides an option on the bench.

Bologna’s Tobjorn Heggem starts in central defence for Norway.

In the England camp, Trevoh Chalobah, the subject of Inter interest and a rebuffed €25 million bid from Como this summer, is among the defensive contingent, as is John Stones, who starts for the Three Lions amid interest from the likes of Inter.

World Cup 2026: Norway vs England Lineups

Norway XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Berg, Odegaard, Berge; Schjelderup, Haaland, Sorloth
England XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Madueke, Kane, Gordon

Paolo Maldini has agreed to become the Italian federation’s new technical director, taking on a role created specifically for him as the FIGC begins the task of rebuilding the national team.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Milan and Italy legend has accepted the proposal of new federation president Giovanni Malagò after a long wait, signing a four-year contract on terms described as favourable to the FIGC.

Maldini will serve as technical director and president of Club Italia, a position without precedent in the federation, with sweeping responsibility that extends beyond appointing the next head coach to overseeing the entire national-team pathway.

In a surprise addition, Leonardo, his former Milan teammate and colleague, joins him in an advisory capacity.

Maldini and Leonardo to lead search for new Italy coach

The pair’s first task is the most pressing: identifying the man to lead the Azzurri into the next cycle. The names favoured by Malagò have been circulating for some time, Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini foremost among them, and it now remains to be seen whether they meet with the approval of the new technical leadership.

The appointment lands at the lowest ebb in the national team’s modern history. Italy have missed three consecutive World Cups, watching this summer’s tournament from home while former internationals queue up to lament the decline.

The project, as framed by the federation, is to relaunch the Azzurri with the next World Cup as the horizon, and in turning to Maldini, a man who lifted five European Cups and embodied Italian defending for a quarter of a century, the FIGC has reached for the most respected figure available.

For Maldini, it marks a return to the front line three years on from his acrimonious exit as Milan’s technical director, this time with the weight of a footballing nation’s expectations on his shoulders.

Roma have found a willing target in their search for attacking reinforcements, with Nicolò Tresoldi keen to make the move to the capital, and the Giallorossi may have an unlikely ally working in their favour.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via RomaPress, momentum behind a deal is growing, with Tresoldi himself pushing to join.

One of Roma’s own players could prove decisive: the Club Brugge striker has spoken by phone in recent days with midfielder Nicolò Pisilli, the pair having struck up a friendship at youth level.

Tresoldi lined up as Roma’s backup to Malen

The interest is rooted in Roma’s need for a deputy to Donyell Malen, the Dutchman having become central to Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack.

Tresoldi fits the profile they want: a Cagliari-born forward with German and Italian roots off the back of a prolific campaign in Belgium, scoring more than 20 goals across all competitions as Club Brugge claimed the title.

That form has not gone unnoticed elsewhere, with Atlético Madrid and Arsenal also credited with an interest.

Club Brugge, for their part, have set an asking price of around €30 million, and the Giallorossi’s recruitment team will spend the coming days working out how to persuade the Belgian side to soften that valuation, mindful, too, that outgoings may be needed before any bid can be finalised.

Milan have turned their attention to Guéla Doué, opening talks with the defender’s representatives over a possible move to San Siro.

According to Tuttosport, via MilanNews.it, the Rossoneri have made contact with the entourage of the Strasbourg defender, who is said to be enthusiastic about the prospect of joining.

The Ivory Coast international racked up 34 appearances for the Ligue 1 club last season.

Milan ready to offer Doue five-year deal

Milan are prepared to hand the defender a five-year contract worth €2.5 million per season plus bonuses, though an agreement with Strasbourg still needs to be struck before the deal can move forward.

The Rossoneri were previously linked with the Ivorian last summer, although a move failed to materialise.

The interest fits the defensive overhaul Ruben Amorim has prioritised since taking charge.

Milan have already brought in Mario Gila, and with Fikayo Tomori’s future uncertain amid interest from Juventus, the club regard a further defender as a priority.

Doué, young and fresh off a full campaign in France, offers exactly the profile they are chasing.

Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe as they look to add attacking width this summer.

According to Il Resto del Carlino, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Blues have again placed the England Under-21 international on their shortlist in recent weeks, with fresh contact between the London club and Rowe’s camp said to have taken place in the past few days.

No formal bid has yet been made, and the Englishman is one of several wingers under consideration, alongside West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Francisco Trincão.

Chelsea eye Bologna’s Rowe for left flank

Rowe, 23, finished last season strongly, scoring and creating goals across Serie A and Bologna’s European and cup runs.

Bologna would prefer to keep him and have not put him up for sale, though a significant offer would likely force a decision.

It is not only Chelsea interested, however, with Aston Villa also linked with a move for the Bologna man recently.

Indeed, a familiar position for a club that has sold Riccardo Calafiori and Dan Ndoye to Premier League sides in recent seasons.

Fiorentina are on the verge of a surprise signing, with Alex Jimenez set to join from Bournemouth and return to Serie A.

According to Sky Sport and Gianluca Di Marzio, via FirenzeViola, the Viola have wrapped up a loan deal with an option to buy set at €20 million.

The move is at an advanced stage, with the Spaniard already in Florence and undergoing his medical after completing the first round of tests earlier in the day.

Fiorentina to land ex-Milan full-back Jimenez on loan

The 2005-born right-back arrives to bolster Fabio Grosso’s options down the flank, and the switch reunites him with Italian football after a brief spell in the Premier League.

Jimenez is a familiar name in Serie A, having previously impressed at Milan, and Bournemouth only made his move permanent from the Rossoneri in January for around €19 million.

The Cherries have opted to cash in barely six months later, moving him on this window after an off-the-pitch scandal involving supposed online messages with a teenage girl.

For Fiorentina, it represents an opportunistic piece of business: a young, Serie A-proven defender secured on a loan that hands them the choice, rather than the obligation, of a permanent deal further down the line.

Fiorentina have been knocked back in their attempt to sign Tolu Arokodare, with Wolves rejecting an approach for the forward.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via FirenzeViola, the Viola tabled a proposal for the striker, only for the Premier League club to turn it down.

The move is part of Fiorentina’s search for a wide attacker to hand straight to Fabio Grosso, with the club looking at options while they wait on Luca Koleosho.

Arokodare, though, looks a difficult target on more than one front.

Arokodare reluctance a stumbling block for Fiorentina

Wolves’ rejection is not the only obstacle.

Trabzonspor have also shown interest in the 2000-born Nigeria international and made their own unsuccessful move for him, but the bigger issue for any suitor may be the player’s own stance: Arokodare is reported to have little appetite for a transfer at this stage.

For Fiorentina, then, attention is likely to turn back to alternatives as they seek to reinforce Grosso’s attack, with Koleosho among the names still in the frame.

Dodo appears to be on his way out of Fiorentina this summer, and Nottingham Forest have become the latest club to register an interest in the Brazilian full-back.

According to reports from FirenzeViola, the right-back has made no secret of his wish to move on, and the Viola, working alongside his representatives, are now trying to find him a new home.

A quick sale is far from guaranteed, though: with his contract ticking down to 2027, Fiorentina are still holding out for around €15 million, a fee that complicates any swift departure.

Napoli push hardest for Dodo as Nottingham Forest enquire

Napoli have been the most persistent of his admirers, returning to the 1998-born defender repeatedly in recent weeks.

A route to a deal may lie in an exchange: Fiorentina are keen on Napoli winger Noa Lang, raising the possibility of a swap with a cash element tilted in the Partenopei’s favour.

Forest, for their part, have made contact from the Premier League as they search for a wide defender of Dodo’s type.

They are not the only ones circling.

Como look, for now, the likeliest to firm up their interest with a concrete offer, while Inter had made earlier soundings and could yet come back into it. Roma’s interest, keen at the start of the month, has since faded. What seems settled is Dodo’s determination to leave the Viola.

Alejandro Garnacho could be on his way out of Chelsea this summer, and the Argentine’s situation has caught the attention of Serie A, with Roma his preferred destination and Napoli the latest club to make enquiries.

Barely a year on from his move from Manchester United, the Argentine has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues are now open to cashing in.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via CalcioMercato, Garnacho is expected to leave in the coming weeks, with Chelsea holding firm, for now, on a permanent sale rather than a loan. That resolve could ease if no firm bids arrive, potentially opening the door to a loan-with-obligation or option-to-buy structure that would suit the Italian sides far better.

Roma lead race for Chelsea’s Garnacho as Napoli enquire

Roma have had Garnacho on their radar for some weeks, and Alfredo Pedullà reports their interest remains strong and very much alive, with the player himself keen on the move.

The Giallorossi are seeking attacking reinforcements for Gian Piero Gasperini, and with their pursuit of Mason Greenwood having grown complicated, the budget earmarked for that deal could be redirected.

Roma are weighing alternatives too, among them Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye, valued at around €30m and familiar with Serie A from his Bologna days, as well as Noa Lang, Assane Diao and, further afield, West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville.

Napoli, meanwhile, have entered the frame. Pedullà reports the Partenopei made an enquiry in the last few hours, though Garnacho is no new name for a club that tracked him for months.

For now, though, Aurelio De Laurentiis’s side cannot move for incomings until they first trim Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palhinha has attracted interest from Juventus, who have also been offered Sassuolo’s Nemanja Matic.

Juventus have prioritised the purchase of a goalkeeper and a centre-forward but are also looking for reinforcements in central midfield.

Juventus’ potential midfield targets

According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palinha is an option for the Bianconeri, who, however, have not yet made a move to sign the Portuguese from Bayern Munich.

The Serie A giants are not yet in talks for any potential reinforcement in the middle of the park and are keeping an eye on several targets.

According to Tuttosport, even Sassuolo midfielder Matic, a former Chelsea and Roma star, has been offered to the Bianconeri.

Giovanni Carnevali signed the experienced 37-year-old central midfielder at Sassuolo last summer, and Matic has the same agents as Emiliano Martinez, who is Juventus’ top target in goal.

Juventus failed to qualify for the Champions League in 2025-26 and will be playing in the Europa League in 2026-27.

• Read more – Report Juventus book Pellegrino as Kolo Muani talks stall

Gazzetta reports that Manchester United were concerned about the condition of Ederson’s right knee, but Atalanta believe the Brazilian is fully fit and might offer him a new contract, given that he has less than a year left on his current deal.

Manchester United have abandoned the deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for €45m.

The two clubs and the player have had an agreement in place for over a month, but Ederson didn’t pass the second part of his medical tests held in Manchester.

Why Man United decided against signing Ederson

According to Gazzetta, the Red Devils were not convinced about the condition of Ederson’s right knee, which didn’t meet the athletic standards required by the Premier League side.

Ederson did undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right meniscus in August last year, but after that he went on to play 3,169 minutes across all competitions with La Dea, collecting 30 appearances in Serie A and nine in the Champions League.

Ederson was the fourth outfield player with the most minutes played at Atalanta last season, and La Dea believes that the Brazilian, regardless of Manchester United’s assessment, is fully fit.

Some Italian media believe that performances from Roma’s Manu Koné at the World Cup have convinced the Red Devils to drop Ederson to try to sign the Frenchman instead.

According to Corriere dello Sport, however, the Giallorossi will demand at least €55m for Koné.

Manchester United’s decision leaves Atalanta in trouble given that Ederson’s contract in Bergamo expires in 2027 and the Nerazzurri will probably need to offer the Brazilian a new deal unless another club knocks on their door in the coming weeks.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Roma will demand at least €55m for Manchester United target Manu Koné, while Matias Soulè’s agent has travelled to England to meet Sunderland and Fulham.

Roma may sell some of their star players in the coming weeks due to financial needs, as UEFA has fined the Giallorossi and they must improve their financial records in the upcoming months.

Premier League interest in Roma’s Koné and Soulè

It is no secret that France international Koné has attracted interest from Manchester United, who have refused to sign Ederson from Atalanta to focus on the Roma star.

According to Corriere dello Sport, however, the Giallorossi won’t let the central midfielder leave for less than €55m.

Argentine winger Soulè is another target of Premier League clubs, and, according to Corriere dello Sport, his agent, Martin Guastadisegno, has travelled to England to meet with executives at Sunderland and Fulham.

Roma value Soulè at €35m. The ex-Juventus talent has an amortised cost of €15.5m in the Roma balance sheet, so a sale for €35m would allow the Giallorossi to make a capital gain of circa €20m.

Reports in Italy claim that Roma are ready to send a €30m offer for Strasbourg winger Diego Moreira, but the French club’s demands are much higher.

Roma are ready to send a €30m bid for Belgian winger Moreira, according to Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset. Both sources claim that Roma’s proposal includes a 10% sell-on clause.

Roma set to send offer for Moreira

Roma are looking for attacking reinforcements for 2026-27, but their main target, Mason Greenwood, is set to join Fenerbahce from Marseille, prompting the Giallorossi to look to Moreira.

According to Sky, however, reaching an agreement with Strasbourg won’t be straightforward, given that the French club’s asking price is €50m.

Sky adds that the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is working to find an appropriate transfer formula that could convince Strasbourg to sell the player.

A former Chelsea winger, Moreira joined Strasbourg from the Blues in 2024, and the Premier League side holds a buy-back option, which also allows them to match any offer Strasbourg receive.

Moreira was part of the Belgian squad at the 2026 World Cup.

Paolo Maldini still hasn’t decided whether to accept the FIGC offer to become Italy’s technical director, but Giovanni Malagò will only wait until tomorrow, according to Gazzetta.

Italian legend Maldini remains the FIGC’s main target for the technical director role.

Italy keep waiting for Maldini’s decision

It’s a key position in the rebuilding of the Azzurri, as the technical director will have an input in choosing the new head coach and oversee the activities of the national teams, from the youth teams to the first squad.

The meeting between Malagò and Maldini, which was scheduled for Friday, didn’t take place, according to Gazzetta, and the FIGC President is now waiting for the ex-defender’s final decision.

Malagò has stressed that he’ll make a final decision on the technical director by the end of the week, which means he’ll only wait until tomorrow for Maldini.

Gazzetta confirms that Malagò has already identified potential alternatives to Maldini, but he remains confident that the Milan legend will accept the offer, so he has not yet opened talks with other candidates.

Repubblica reported on Friday that Demetrio Albertini, Gianfranco Zola and Giuseppe Bergomi are seen as potential alternatives if Maldini rejects the FIGC proposal.

Multiple reports in Italy claim that Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks will return to Serie A, joining Cagliari for the 2026-27 season.

English midfielder Winks, 30, is set to join Serie A side Cagliari on a permanent deal from Leicester City.

Winks set for Cagliari move

Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio claims the two clubs have already reached an agreement, while Alfredo Pedullà, who first broke the news of negotiations two weeks ago, says the Sardinians are getting close to an agreement with the Foxes.

Cagliari have identified Winks as the replacement for Gianluca Gaetano, who was announced as a new Atalanta player earlier this week.

Winks already played in Serie A during the 2022-23 season, making 20 appearances for Sampdoria. The Englishman, a former Tottenham midfielder, has scored two goals in 150 Premier League appearances.

He’s been playing for Leicester City since 2023, but the Foxes were relegated to the English League One last season.

Cagliari, on the other hand, secured Serie A survival with one game to spare in 2025-26.

In another unexpected twist, there are now reports Manchester United haven’t made a final decision yet on whether to buy Ederson from Atalanta following a medical.

The deal had been done on June 2 for €40.5m plus another €4.5m in add-ons.

It could not be completed because the player was in the United States with Brazil participating in the 2026 World Cup, so he only had initial medical tests there.

Ederson still unsure of future

The Premier League club wanted further medical tests to examine an issue, and after 48 hours of those scans, multiple sources today reported Manchester United had withdrawn from the deal.

Sky Sport Italia, Fabrizio Romano, Sportitalia and more all stated that Manchester United informed Atalanta they would not be going through with the transfer.

However, BBC Sport, Sky Sports Deutschland and others now suggest that a final decision has not yet been made.

The Italian media seemed confident that Ederson had no serious injury concern, instead assuming Manchester United had simply changed their minds in the last five weeks.

It is therefore possible that Manchester United simply want to renegotiate the terms of the deal, but Atalanta might not be willing to do that.

Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere has made history by scoring for Belgium against Spain, ending Unai Simon’s record clean sheet at the World Cup after 649 minutes.

The goalkeeper had broken the previous record set by Italy’s Walter Zenga, who had gone without conceding for 517 consecutive minutes during Italia ’90.

Spread out over two editions of the World Cup, Spain’s Unai Simon had managed to keep a clean sheet for 649 minutes of tournament football.

De Ketelaere ends World Cup clean sheet streak

It was ended by a wonderful glancing header from Atalanta attacking player De Ketelaere, who was acting as a False 9 for Belgium in the competition.

De Ketelaere scored his third goal in two games for Belgium, cancelling out the Spain opener that had been tapped in by former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

Spain have conceded their first goal of the World Cup

Charles De Ketelaere scores the equaliser for Belgium pic.twitter.com/B3Z5W2TdCo

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026

He had also bagged a brace along with an assist in the 4-1 Round of 16 victory over the USMNT.

The winner of this quarter-final will go on to face France in the semi-final of the World Cup.

Italian media suggest Manchester United used the Ederson medical as an excuse to withdraw from the €45m Atalanta deal, so could now turn their focus to Roma’s France international Manu Kone instead.

Multiple sources reported this evening that Manchester United had informed Atalanta of their intention to abandon the transfer, which had been agreed back on June 2.

It would’ve been €40.5m fixed fee plus a further €4.5m in performance-related add-ons.

Manchester United saw Kone opportunity with Ederson

The two clubs agreed to wait until after Ederson had finished his participation at the 2026 World Cup with Brazil before completing the necessary medical tests, following an initial quick check-up in the United States.

However, as the weeks wore on, Manchester United started to get cold feet and requested more in-depth medical examinations.

After 48 hours of those scans, today the Premier League side informed Atalanta they would not be going ahead with the move.

According to the Italian media reporting of the situation, including Sportitalia, Atalanta are entirely confident there are no serious fitness issues for Ederson.

They believe it is no coincidence that Manchester United saw an opportunity to change their minds after the rumours of growing interest in Roma midfielder Manu Kone.

The two play very similar roles, so buying both for a total cost of around €100m would be excessive even for the Old Trafford side.

If they have withdrawn from the Ederson move, it is now far more likely that they will dive in with a proposal for Roma’s Kone.

He has seen his value and profile soar after performances for France at the 2026 World Cup, where he pushed Aurelien Tchaouameni out of the starting XI.

In a shocking twist, multiple sources report tonight that Manchester United have pulled out of their €45m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

The agreement had been reached in June, with the club ready to pay €40.5m in guaranteed fees and an additional €4.5m in bonuses.

However, it was not finalised as the player was in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Ederson dropped by Manchester United

When they were eliminated, Manchester United requested that he undergo extra intensive medical tests before giving the all-clear.

Those were completed over the last 48 hours, but now Sky Sport Italia, Fabrizio Romano and more all claim Manchester United informed Atalanta they were pulling out of the transfer.

Atalanta are confident that this is not caused by the medical tests or any long-term injury, as they believe Manchester United simply changed their minds about the whole deal.

La Dea insist that if Ederson did have a serious injury, he would not have been part of the squad at the World Cup with Brazil.

His contract only runs to June 2028, so now it remains to be seen if he will be sold elsewhere or become part of the group under new coach Maurizio Sarri.

Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne start for Belgium against Spain in the World Cup quarter-final, as Romelu Lukaku is only fit for the bench.

It kicks off in Los Angeles at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners of this tie will go on to face tournament favourites France in the semi-final.

Belgium have several Serie A players involved and they were decisive in thumping co-hosts USA 4-1 in the last game.

De Ketelaere impressed as a False 9 with two goals, while Lukaku scored again when coming off the bench, as he is still not fully fit after missing most of Napoli’s season through injury.

The Atalanta man therefore starts upfront once more, with Lukaku ready to come on later, but the change is De Bruyne returning to the starting XI.

The competition is over for Amadou Onana, who tore the cruciate ligament in his knee and will be out of action for several months.

Youri Tielemans was in the starting XI, but pulled out during the warm-up, replaced by Hans Vanaken.

Spain are unbeaten against Belgium since the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, which they lost in a penalty shoot-out.

They left it late to squeeze past Portugal with a last-gasp goal from Mikel Merino in the Round of 16.