AC Milan dropped points again, as Atalanta earned their fifth consecutive Serie A stalemate with the first Ademola Lookman goal since his summer drama cancelling out a Samuele Ricci strike.

La Dea were the only unbeaten side in Serie A, but with just two victories, including four consecutive stalemates. Giorgio Scalvini and Mitchel Bakker were still out of action, but they opted for Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere supported by Mario Pasalic. The Rossoneri were reeling after losing top spot with a 2-2 draw against Pisa, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to the bench, with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari injured.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Milan took an early lead, as Honest Ahanor cleared a corner to the edge of the area where Samuele Ricci let it bounce and hit the half-volley into the ground, a deflection off Ederson completely wrong-footing Marco Carnesecchi.

Isak Hien nodded a corner just wide, but Atalanta lost captain Marten de Roon to a muscular problem, replaced by ex-Milan midfielder Marco Brescianini.

Ederson tested Mike Maignan from the edge of the box, while Ahanor nodded a Charles De Ketelaere cross wide at the back post, but Ahanor missed a sitter when his first touch was heavy and at full stretch he prodded over the bar from nine yards.

Atalanta did get back on level terms with the first goal Lookman has scored since his summer transfer rebellion. He ran onto the Mario Pasalic through ball and took a touch before smashing the unstoppable left-foot finish into the roof of the net from a tricky angle.

Christopher Nkunku replaced a quiet Rafael Leao for the restart, with Lookman and Bernasconi seeing attempts charged down, while Santiago Gimenez went off with an ankle knock.

Alexis Saelemaekers found himself in an ideal position after combining with Youssouf Fofana, but instead of going for goal, he tried to set up Nkunku and it fell apart.

Odilon Kossounou showed impressive calm to chest a Loftus-Cheek header back to Carnesecchi, anticipating Nkunku from a couple of yards in front of goal.

Bernasconi also threw himself in the path of a Saelemaekers volley after the Luka Modric corner was punched away, then Fofana scuffed a volley wide on the Bartesaghi knockdown at the back post.

Atalanta thought they had taken the lead on 85 minutes when Davide Zappacosta shrugged off a challenge and launched a curler from distance that Maignan flew to fingertip over the bar with one hand. On the resulting corner, Zappacosta also drilled wide of the near post.

Matteo Gabbia made a decisive block on former teammate Yunus Musah at the near post on a Berat Djimsiti assist.

Atalanta 1-1 Milan

Ricci 4 (M), Lookman 36 (A)

28-10-2025 19:45

MatchDay 9

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Milan

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		4'		Samuele Ricci
		9'		Santiago Giménez
Ademola Lookman (Assist: Mario Pasalic)		35'

2nd half

		77'		Luka Modric
Marco Brescianini		90+3'
		90+3'		Matteo Gabbia

Atalanta

Milan

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

82'

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

72'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

71'

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

82'

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

20'

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

90'

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

46'

7

Santiago Giménez

Attacker

62'

Substitutes

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

70

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

Relja Obric

Defender

44

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

20'

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

71'

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

72'

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

82'

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

82'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

37

Matteo Pittarella

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

46'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

62'

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

90'

Antonio Conte has not forgotten Inter protests about the refereeing and hopes the Lecce penalty against Napoli today was not ‘moaning influencing the referees.’

The tension was over the weekend when Napoli beat Inter 3-1 including a penalty that was awarded by the assistant referee with minimal contact between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Many pundits suggested that the spot-kick should’ve been overturned with a VAR review, and that the referee should not have blindly accepted the verdict of his assistant.

Inter protested at that decision, sending President Beppe Marotta to the press room, so Conte referenced this after Lecce received a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.

Conte not letting go of Inter controversy

“It is not right for me to come here and complain, as too few days have passed since the last game with a very different type of behaviour from others,” said Conte in his press conference.

“We remain hopeful that the moaning is not influencing Rocchi and the referees. When Presidents arrive to speak to the media, they think that they are sending a strong message and influencing the narrative.

“We are not here to whine, but we’re not stupid either.”

The referee had not initially awarded the penalty to Lecce this evening at the Stadio Via del Mare, but it was given following a VAR On-Field Review.

It took quite a few minutes to find the footage from an angle that showed the hand bent back by the Kialonda Gaspar header.

Watch as Ademola Lookman scores his first goal since the summer transfer chaos with Atalanta, blasting a ferocious strike into the roof of the AC Milan net.

The Nigeria international and African Player of the Year had tried to force through an exit to Inter, even going AWOL from training for several weeks, but eventually had to return and accept the situation.

It took a while for him to get back into the squad and find his form, but this evening he reminded people what he can do with a fantastic goal to surprise Mike Maignan.

He ran onto the Mario Pasalic assist, took a touch and then smashed the left-foot finish into the roof of the net from a tricky angle.

See how the game unfolds on the Liveblog.

Lookman had not found the back of the net in an Atalanta jersey since May 12 during a 2-1 Serie A win against Roma in Bergamo.

This allowed Atalanta to equalise after Samuele Ricci had given Milan the lead with an effort deflected off Ederson.

Lookman goal marks new Atalanta era

There’s no stopping that

Ademola Lookman opens his account for the season with a thunderous strike

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/deye49zHA4

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 28, 2025

Ademola Lookman that is some strike

The Atalanta man scores his first goal of the Serie A season pic.twitter.com/9a5J9C9OXV

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 28, 2025

Antonio Conte raged against the ‘completely absurd’ treatment of the Napoli injury crisis after they scraped a 1-0 victory away to Lecce with a saved penalty.

The Partenopei were feeling the pressure at the Stadio Via del Mare after failing to win in their last four competitive away fixtures.

It went from bad to worse when Noa Lang limped off with a knock to the thigh just above his left knee, then Lecce were awarded a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic came to the rescue by saving the Francesco Camarda penalty, then Frank Andre Zambo Anguissa nodded in a David Neres free kick for the 1-0 victory.

Conte taking nothing for granted at Napoli

“These games are never easy, especially after a match like the one with Inter that used up so much energy,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“We played against a very good team, it is always tough to play here in Lecce. I think we should’ve controlled the final stages better, even if we didn’t run many big risks. Mentality is first and foremost.

“It was a very good first half, then this penalty could’ve changed the course of the game, but our goalkeeper did well and we went on to deserve the victory.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Lecce 0-1 Napoli

Rasmus Hojlund made his return as a substitute after a few weeks out injured, but it is now confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be out for three to four months after a high grade lesion to the thigh.

Scott McTominay was rested today, moving Napoli back to the 4-3-3 formation that had seen them win the Scudetto last season.

“People forget that we are having to make do. People talk about these big reinforcements, now some even try to suggest we are benefiting from the injuries to Lukaku and De Bruyne. It’s completely absurd,” raged Conte.

“All we’ve got in goal now is Milinkovic-Savic, but some over the summer were asking why we had invested so much in a quality goalkeeper.”

Anguissa scored the goal today, but then had a bit of an odd exchange with Conte in the final minutes when urging the coach to ‘calm down’ after a particularly loud scream in his direction.

“I honestly didn’t see it, but in these moments you need guts, not calm. I am very happy for Frank, if he’s constantly switched on then there are few players like him, but he still needs to improve his finishing. We need to score goals from everyone, it doesn’t matter if they are strikers, midfielders or defenders.”

Lang limped off within 60 seconds of the restart, so why was that problem not identified during half-time to avoid wasting a substitution slot?

“Lang had two knocks in the same spot, so I think his muscle hardened. It is not a serious problem. I am glad for him too, having his first start, as we need everyone in this difficult moment. The important thing is that we never lack the right spirit,” concluded Conte.

This means that Napoli will go into the weekend top of the table, potentially alone if Roma drop points at home to Parma tomorrow evening.

Atalanta director Luca Percassi will not be drawn on the row between coach Ivan Juric and goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, as they prepare to face AC Milan. ‘This is the start of a new era.’

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Napoli on the Liveblog.

La Dea are the only side in Serie A still to taste defeat so far this season, but it has not necessarily translated into success, because they managed just two victories in eight rounds.

That includes a run of four consecutive stalemates, having wasted numerous scoring opportunities.

Atalanta try to smooth over tension

There was tension when coach Juric reacted angrily to goalkeeper Carnesecchi commenting that Atalanta would ‘get nowhere’ with their current form, so how does the club mediate?

“I am very fond of both, so I’ll just limit myself to saying we need to keep working one day at a time,” Percassi told DAZN Italia.

“This is the start of a new era, it takes patience and belief to get stronger every day, then we’ll see where we end up, but we’re not even halfway through the season yet.”

Some time to adapt is inevitable after nine years under the guidance of coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who left for a new challenge with Roma.

Atalanta have created numerous scoring opportunities during these eight rounds so far, but struggled to finish them off with goals.

“Considering the chances that we created, I think we deserved more points, but I couldn’t say how many,” added Percassi.

“We will keep working and the team will be able to express itself better with time. Tonight is a big game against a very strong Milan side who have a great coach in Max Allegri. It’s going to be an exciting match.”

AC Milan director of sport Igli Tare warns they ‘had not planned’ for six simultaneous injuries, but reassures Santiago Gimenez during his goal drought ahead of tonight’s trip to Atalanta.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Napoli on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri fumbled the leadership of Serie A with a disappointing 2-2 home draw against newly-promoted Pisa on Friday, a result they snatched thanks to a last-gasp equaliser.

Tare and AC Milan not losing faith

“We started this new project with great enthusiasm, the fans are behind us and we are going through a positive spell, so must try to find some consistency in this moment,” Tare told DAZN Italia.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to the bench, but Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are still out of action.

With the squad stretched thin, but no European competition to worry about, are Milan planning on investing in the January transfer window?

“We had not planned for six players to get injured during the break for international duty, that doesn’t happen every day,” replied the director of sport.

“When these moments happen, we must be aware that we have a strong squad, which the lads proved on the field. We’ve got to keep going until the start of December, then evaluate with the coach for the future.”

Santiago Gimenez starts this evening, but he had been on the market in the summer with links to Roma and has been going through a lengthy goal drought.

“He needs to relax, this is part of the journey for all strikers. I know full well, I played in the same role,” said the former Lazio centre-forward.

“Everyone has faith in him, the club, the coach, but above all his teammates, and tonight is an opportunity to prove himself a great striker.

“Gimenez has always scored lots of goals in his career, so this is just a bad spell, but at the same time he works so hard for the team and this is why the coach keeps faith in him.”

Napoli scraped a victory away to Lecce thanks to another Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa goal, but also Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saving the Francesco Camarda penalty.

The Partenopei were back on top of the table after the dramatic 3-1 win over Inter, but it came at a cost, as Kevin De Bruyne will be out for several months with a serious thigh strain. Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret and Romelu Lukaku were also still on the treatment table, but Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani were back on the bench. The 4-3-3 formation returned, with Scott McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola rested. Lecce missed Riccardo Sottil, Matias Perez, Gaby Jean and Filip Marchwinski after the 3-2 defeat to Udinese.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Napoli wore their special edition Halloween kit and Billy Gilmour saw his snapshot deflected wide, but Lorenzo Lucca accidentally charged down a Matteo Politano strike that was on target.

The hosts also threatened with Medon Berisha drilling wide from the edge of the area, while Politano turned over from six yards on the Matias Olivera pull-back.

Wladimiro Falcone made a huge save using his legs at the near post to deny Olivera, who had been sent clear by a smart Gilmour first-touch lay-off.

Francesco Camarda’s chest and half-volley was inches wide on the stroke of half-time, but wouldn’t have counted over handball.

Noa Lang hobbled off with a knock to the thigh just above the left knee moments after the restart, adding to the growing list of Napoli absentees.

There was a double chance to open the scoring when Lucca ran onto a long ball that Falcone rushed out to nod clear, then Politano’s follow-up was charged down with the goalkeeper off his line.

Kialonda Gaspar’s header on a corner seemed to strike the hand of Juan Jesus, which bent back on impact, so the Lecce penalty was awarded following a VAR review. Camarda stepped up, but Vanja Milinkovic-Savic confirmed his status as a specialist by parrying the spot-kick, meaning he has saved five of the last nine Serie A penalties faced.

Hojlund made his comeback from injury, with McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola strengthening the squad from the bench for the final half-hour.

It paid off, as Napoli took the lead when a David Neres free kick was glanced into the far top corner off the head of Anguissa from six yards.

Elmas blasted wide and Nikola Stulic was too sluggish to make the most of a Danilo Veiga pull-back, while in stoppages Hojlund failed to meet the Neres assist.

Lecce 0-1 Napoli

Anguissa 69 (N)

Saved penalty: Camarda 56 (L)

28-10-2025 17:30

MatchDay 9

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Napoli

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

26'

Mathías Olivera

2nd half

Francesco Camarda		56'
Ylber Ramadani		62'
		69'		Frank Anguissa (Assist: David Neres)
Konan N’Dri		88'

Match statistic

41

Possession %

59

7

Total shots

14

2

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

5

2

Blocked shots

6

3

Corners

5

1

Offsides

0

10

Fouls

14

Lecce

Napoli

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

77'

10

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

77'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

70'

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

65'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

46'

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

22

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

61'

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

85'

27

Lorenzo Lucca

Attacker

61'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

61'

70

Noa Lang

Attacker

48'

Substitutes

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

77

Mohamed Kaba

Midfielder

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

21

Christ-Owen Kouassi

Defender

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

7

Tete Morente

Attacker

46'

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

65'

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

70'

93

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

77'

75

Balthazar Pierret

Midfielder

77'

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

69

Giuseppe Ambrosino

Attacker

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

25

Mathias Ferrante

Goalkeeper

7

David Neres

Attacker

48'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

61'

8

Scott McTominay

Midfielder

61'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

61'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

85'

Rafael Leao, Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez start for Milan, who try to end Atalanta’s unbeaten record with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Napoli on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri had been on top of the Serie A table until their surprising 2-2 draw with Pisa at San Siro.

Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are still out of action.

Leao is partnered by Gimenez rather than Christopher Nkunku, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back on the bench after shaking off a muscular problem.

Fikayo Tomori returns to the defence after being dropped in favour of Koni De Winter.

Atalanta are the only Serie A side to remain unbeaten so far this season, but that doesn’t translate to a successful run, because only two of those were victories and they’ve drawn four on the bounce.

With Nikola Krstovic and Gianluca Scamacca struggling for goals, coach Ivan Juric opts for De Ketelaere and Lookman together supported by Mario Pasalic.

These are familiar faces, as both De Ketelaere and Pasalic are former Milan players, so are Yunus Musah and Daniel Maldini on the bench.

Giorgio Scalvini and Mitchel Bakker are the only remaining absentees.

Atalanta-Milan official line-ups

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Ahanor; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Lookman

Milan: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Leao

28-10-2025 19:45

MatchDay 9

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Milan

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		4'		Samuele Ricci
		9'		Santiago Giménez
Ademola Lookman (Assist: Mario Pasalic)		35'

2nd half

		77'		Luka Modric
Marco Brescianini		90+3'
		90+3'		Matteo Gabbia

Atalanta

Milan

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

82'

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

72'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

71'

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

82'

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

20'

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

90'

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

46'

7

Santiago Giménez

Attacker

62'

Substitutes

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

70

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

Relja Obric

Defender

44

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

20'

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

71'

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

72'

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

82'

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

82'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

37

Matteo Pittarella

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

46'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

62'

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

90'

Inter have confirmed Henrikh Mkhitaryan sustained a muscular injury, but it is not as serious as first feared for the veteran midfielder.

He limped off during the first half of Saturday’s 3-1 Serie A defeat to Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, right after giving away a penalty.

Extent of Mkhitaryan injury confirmed

Tests were performed today and a formal statement from the Nerazzurri medical staff confirms a strain to the semitendinosus muscle in the left thigh.

Crucially, there is no lesion, which means it is not as serious as first thought.

The official club website merely states the situation will be re-evaluated next week, meaning Mkhitaryan will miss at least the midweek round against Fiorentina and Sunday’s trip to Hellas Verona.

There is some hope that the Armenia international might be back in action for the clash with Lazio on November 9, but it is more likely that he’ll return for the Derby della Madonnina against Milan on November 23, after the break for international duty.

Napoli have confirmed the worst fears, as Kevin De Bruyne has been diagnosed with a severe lesion to the thigh muscle and is expected to be out for several months.

The midfielder pulled up clutching the back of his right thigh after successfully converting a penalty during the 3-1 victory over Inter on Saturday evening.

That result allowed them to go top of the table, alongside Roma, but it came at a heavy cost.

Napoli confirm serious De Bruyne injury

De Bruyne immediately seemed to be distraught when holding his leg and Napoli medical staff confirmed in a statement today that he had been diagnosed with a ‘high grade lesion to the femoral bicep in the right thigh.’

There was no official word on the time it will take to recover from this injury, but it is not dissimilar to the one sustained by Romelu Lukaku during a pre-season friendly in August.

That setback forced the striker to be out for circa four months, and it is entirely possible there will be a similar timeframe for his fellow Belgium international.

De Bruyne has a history of muscular problems, as a similar issue saw him ruled out for three months at Manchester City.

Alessandro Del Piero insists Igor Tudor is ‘not the problem’ at Juventus and ‘it’s not as if with another coach this squad would win the Scudetto.’

The Bianconeri are now in a full-blown crisis after three consecutive defeats against Como, Real Madrid and Lazio, going 394 minutes without scoring a goal.

They are on their longest winless streak in all competition since 2009, as after five draws in a row between Serie A and the Champions League, they lost three on the bounce.

Del Piero takes Juventus blame off Tudor

With Tudor continually chopping and changing the line-up and tactics, is there too much confusion on the bench?

“I wouldn’t say confusion is the right word,” said Del Piero on Sky Sport Italia when analysing his beloved Juventus.

“The coach is not the problem, it’s more complicated than that, and includes how the team has struggled to come together so far this season.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Lazio 1-0 Juventus

Although there were 1-0 defeats to Real Madrid and Lazio, Del Piero still saw some signs of improvement.

“The team was alive and did not deserve to lose tonight, perhaps a draw was the right result. They weren’t bad against Madrid either, the problem was the performance against Como.

“In any case, it’s not as if with another coach this team would win the Scudetto.”

Another issue that he did not necessarily put the blame on Tudor for was the absence of a core to this side.

“He doesn’t yet have a first choice XI, but it’s not because Tudor doesn’t want to find it, it’s because aside from a few individuals, the others have struggled to perform consistently.

“If you look at the best teams in Italy and Europe, they more or less all have a regular XI that will start the big games.”

Maurizio Sarri admits he was ‘surprised’ by the level of performance from Toma Basic and Gustav Isaksen against Juventus, but Lazio have been on the right track for a while.

The Aquile were in dire need of a boost and received it with Basic firing in after Danilo Cataldi gratefully received the poor Jonathan David back pass.

Both sides were angry about the refereeing of Andrea Colombo, as Weston McKennie was very fortunate to avoid a second yellow card, while VAR did not intervene when Mario Gila appeared to stamp on Francisco Conciecao’s foot inside the penalty area.

Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were out of action, so it was a remarkable victory in the circumstances.

Sarri had already seen Lazio improvement

“We suffered, but not really that much today, so we played with sacrifice, but also quality. I am happy for the players and for our fans,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.

Basic had been cut from the Lazio squad list at the start of the season and put on the transfer market, but was welcomed back only due to the injury crisis, and quickly became a key figure in their midfield.

“He had rather lost his way and was left off the squad list, but we needed him and he did really well to step up,” noted Sarri.

“I think he has really grown in terms of character and is giving us a big hand at the moment. We all thank him for that.”

Another player who had been out for a while was Isaksen, who spent much of the summer locked away with glandular fever for fear of being contagious to his teammates.

This was his first start of the season and he was named Football Italia’s Man of the Match in the Player Ratings.

“You could tell in training that he was improving his fitness levels, but frankly not to this degree. His performance today was a surprise for us too,” confessed Sarri.

Lazio are now unbeaten in four, having defeated Genoa and Juventus, interrupted by stalemates against Torino and Atalanta.

They are just one point behind Juventus in the Serie A standings now and have a midweek round with Pisa coming up.

“Missing an average of seven players per game, we’ve put together eight points in four matches, so the team has been doing well for a month, not just tonight,” insisted the coach.

He was asked how the meeting had gone with President Claudio Lotito and director of sport Angelo Maria Fabiani this week.

“I have no problems with the President or the director of sport. If something was written otherwise, then that is fake news. It was a perfectly normal meeting.”

Igor Tudor was critical of Andrea Cambiaso and Jonathan David after Juventus suffered a third straight defeat to Lazio, but insisted he ‘doesn’t care about my future.’

Jonathan David made his first start alongside Dusan Vlahovic today, but it was his poor header back that sparked the Lazio goal, handing it straight to Danilo Cataldi for Toma Basic to fire in from outside the area.

Tudor evidently wasn’t happy, as within 10 minutes he had Filip Kostic warming up and was shouting at Cambiaso, who was eventually replaced at half-time.

“Kostic was warming up because I saw Cambiaso was not doing well, but in general the team had the right attitude from the start, apart from Johnny’s error and that goal,” Tudor told DAZN Italia.

“It is a bad moment, a difficult moment, we need to stay united and all work together. There is disappointment, because I think we prepared it the right way, but we are always missing something. We get to the penalty area and then don’t put the ball in the net.

“We also keep telling ourselves don’t make mistakes, but there is always a mistake, and we lose games. We feel terrible, but we have to stick together.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Lazio 1-0 Juventus

Tudor identifies Juventus problem in attack

Their biggest problem would seem to be clear, as this was Juve’s fourth consecutive match without scoring a goal, something they hadn’t seen since March 1991 under legendary flop Gigi Maifredi.

“We tried with two strikers from the start, then four attacking players, we tried everything, but are certainly missing something upfront,” confessed Tudor.

The Bianconeri are now without a victory in eight competitive games, having drawn five in a row, followed by three consecutive defeats to Como, Real Madrid and Lazio, their longest negative streak since May 2009.

“We are all responsible. We must try to do better and stay united, we have another game in a couple of days, I think a victory will get us on the right track. It’s a problem if we need four strikers to score and 10 midfielders when defending. It is a problem if someone always makes a mistake.

“As I said, there’s no need to make a drama out of it, we play again soon and need to stay focused.”

Tudor had tried to change things today with Vlahovic and David together, plus Francisco Conceicao out wide, then added Kenan Yildiz at half-time too.

“It was a decision because Kenan needed rest. Johnny and Dusan have goals in their blood, but we put the crosses in and in the final third someone has to put it in the net, otherwise nothing happens and you get punished for every tiny error at the back.”

Cambiaso swapped places with Weston McKennie after 25 minutes, putting the USMNT player in the attacking wing-back role.

“I saw Andrea was struggling with Isaksen and when attacking we wanted him to cover the whole wing, but I didn’t like the way Andrea was interpreting the role. McKennie can cover the wing and Andrea can be a mezz’ala, so I swapped them.”

Juventus have repeatedly said they are backing Tudor, but how long can the coach realistically continue with such poor results, especially as they seem to be deteriorating rather than improving?

“People keep asking me if I feel safe or worried, but I don’t think about myself. I don’t care about my future, what I care about is doing what I can, being aware of all the problems and trying to improve things. My future is of zero interest.”

Lazio defeated Juventus 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, with Croatian midfielder Toma Basic scoring the only goal. After the game, the match winner urged his side to remain focused, as the “table remains very tight”, whilst captain Mattia Zaccagni hailed the victory as an “extraordinary game.”

The Biancocelesti needed a boost after back-to-back stalemates with Torino and Atalanta, so they were grateful when Jonathan David’s misplaced back pass was intercepted by Danilo Cataldi, setting up Basic for the early goal.

They held on to the lead from there, although both teams were angry with the officiating of referee Andrea Colombo.
Weston McKennie was very fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for his foul on Matteo Guendouzi, while Mario Gila appeared to tread on Francisco Conceicao’s boot inside the penalty area moments later.

Lazio captain Zaccagni: ‘An extraordinary game’

“It was an extraordinary game in every way, we faced this with humility and character, we remained united during difficult moments, and at times managed to play good football too,” Zaccagni told DAZN Italia.

“Toma has to be seen as an example, because even when he was left out of the squad list, he trained with real humility and made sure he was ready. He’s a great professional. Now we look to Thursday’s game against Pisa, because we are still lagging behind in the league and want to climb further up.”

Basic: ‘I feel happy but exhausted’

Basic was not even on the Lazio squad list going into this season, as he was on the transfer market and failed to find a new club.

He was brought back into the fold due to an injury crisis, and has since become a key figure in the midfield, starting every match and even scoring tonight’s decisive goal.

“I feel happy, but also exhausted, because the whole team gave our all to the very end. I don’t want to talk about me, there’s no time for euphoria, because the table remains very tight, so there are other games where we must give 100 per cent in the same way,” Basic told DAZN Italia.

“I don’t know if people think I was somewhere else, but I was always training with the team and working with them throughout.”

Juventus fell to a third consecutive defeat in all competition, as Toma Basic made the most of Jonathan David’s error for a Lazio victory, but both sides were furious with controversial refereeing.

The Bianconeri were without a win in seven competitive games, fresh from back-to-back defeats to Como and Real Madrid. Kenan Yildiz was struggling with a knee issue, so was rested with Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio injured, but Jonathan David formed a new partnership with Dusan Vlahovic and Mattia Perin took the gloves. Maurizio Sarri had to do without Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, so Gustav Isaksen got his first start of the season after recovering from glandular fever.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Isaksen squirmed between three to pull back at the by-line, forcing Federico Gatti into a panicked clearance from five yards, and the deadlock was broken soon after.

David got his back-pass header completely wrong, giving it straight to Danilo Cataldi, and Toma Basic saw his strike from outside the area deflected off Gatti to totally wrong-foot Perin.

Andrea Cambiaso’s cushioned volley from a Francisco Conceicao cross hit the side-netting at the back post, but Juve almost paid for another howler.

It was Manuel Locatelli this time who laid it off for Matteo Guendouzi on the edge of the box, forcing a Gatti block in front of goal, then Lloyd Kelly charging down the Isaksen follow-up.

David almost made up for his earlier error when running onto an inspired Teun Koopmeiners pass, but Ivan Provedel rushed off his line to parry the dinked finish.

Francisco Conceicao also blasted over from a promising position, then whipped in a cross that Vlahovic scuffed from 12 yards.

Kenan Yildiz replaced Cambiaso for the restart in a very attacking Juve formation, but Vlahovic’s blushes were spared by the offside flag for Kelly after firing onto the crossbar from 12 yards on his assist.

Locatelli’s strike was smothered by Provedel and Weston McKennie was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card in the space of three minutes, as referee Andrea Colombo didn’t even give a foul for his barge on Guendouzi.

There was even more controversy on the hour mark when Mario Gila appeared to tread on Conceicao’s foot, but the referee waved play on and VAR did not intervene for a penalty either.

Boulaye Dia tested Perin at the base of the near post after squirming between two, while Vlahovic nodded McKennie’s cross wide and Kenan Yildiz at full stretch couldn’t get control of the Pierre Kalulu ball over the top.

Provedel flew to palm away the Khephren Thuram header on a corner, but Isaksen sprinted from midfield, cut inside and bent a left-foot finish just past the far post.

Pedro blasted wide with his first touch on a Zaccagni pull-back and in stoppages Gila threw himself in the path of a Locatelli scorcher from the edge of the box.

Lazio 1-0 Juventus

Basic 9 (L)

26-10-2025 19:45

MatchDay 8

Stadio Olimpico

Lazio

Juventus

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Toma Basic (Assist: Danilo Cataldi)		9'
		30'		Teun Koopmeiners
Manuel Lazzari		33'

2nd half

		52'		Manuel Locatelli
		54'		Weston McKennie
		64'		Lloyd Kelly
Mattéo Guendouzi		90+1'

Match statistic

40

Possession %

60

13

Total shots

14

3

Shots on target

5

6

Shots off target

5

4

Blocked shots

4

2

Corners

5

0

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

18

Lazio

Juventus

Starting lineups

94

Ivan Provedel

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

55'

34

Mario Gila

Defender

32

Danilo Cataldi

Midfielder

8

Mattéo Guendouzi

Midfielder

26

Toma Basic

Midfielder

68'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

82'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

83'

10

Mattia Zaccagni

Attacker

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

46'

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

86'

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

66'

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

78'

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

66'

Substitutes

4

Patric

Defender

23

Elseid Hysaj

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

21

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

35

Christos Mandas

Goalkeeper

25

Oliver Provstgaard

Defender

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

55'

5

Matías Vecino

Midfielder

68'

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

82'

9

Pedro

Attacker

83'

24

Daniele Rugani

Defender

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

43

Matteo Fuscaldo

Goalkeeper

44

Pedro Felipe

Defender

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

46'

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

66'

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

66'

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

78'

25

João Mário

Defender

86'

Jonathan David’s wayward header gifted Lazio the opening goal against Juventus, as Toma Basic pounced with the aid of a deflection.

See how the game unfolds on the Liveblog.

The Canada international was meant to make an impact on the goals in this game in a new partnership with Dusan Vlahovic, but he ended up being the provider at the wrong end.

His terrible header back was straight to Danilo Cataldi, who wasted no time setting up Basic for a strike from outside the area that took a deflection off Federico Gatti to wrong-foot Mattia Perin.

It was Basic’s first goal of the season, having started the campaign being left off the squad list, welcomed back only due to other injuries.

Lazio take the lead against Juventus

Lazio punish a poor Juventus header as Toma Bašić puts the hosts in front

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/1bLsg7iHa6

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 26, 2025

Lazio take an early lead!

Toma Bašić fires one from range into the far corner pic.twitter.com/6a48Evfub2

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 26, 2025

Lazio President Claudio Lotito insists they ‘have what it takes to turn this around’ after a rough start to the season, as Maurizio Sarri’s men host Juventus.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The injury crisis keeps getting worse for the Biancocelesti, who go into tonight’s match without Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Fans are losing patience and there has been criticism of the way the team has been constructed.

Lotito tries to calm frustration around Lazio

“Constructive criticism is right when results aren’t arriving, even if for a series of reasons that are beyond our control, but it is a team sport and we must all work in the same direction,” Lotito told DAZN Italia.

“I am convinced it is dictated by a series of imponderable factors that completely changed the results we expected. I urge everyone to have faith, because we are building a solid club, we are continuing the process of taking over the Stadio Flaminio and building the new training ground.”

Lazio were unable to make any new signings over the summer, as after failing three different financial stress tests, they received a transfer embargo.

Coach Sarri admitted he was unaware of this when accepting the job, and would’ve walked away from any other club but Lazio.

Will Lotito at least be able to promise reinforcements in the January transfer window?

“I have a rapport of respect and affection with Sarri, there is no clashing of roles, as everyone wants what is best for the club and the fans. The club was prevented from acting over the summer, we are ready to do whatever is necessary,” replied the President.

“I’ve never seen so many injuries and other situations that penalised us. We understand the mood of the fans, who are passionate about this side and feel upset when certain results are not achieved. There is sadness, irritation and at times criticism, but always remember unity is strength, we have what it takes to turn this situation around.

“If we stick together, the players, club, staff and fans, then you’ll see we will get great results.”

Lotito was asked about his view on the controversy that erupted after last night’s game, when Napoli beat Inter 3-1 with debate over the penalty and role of the assistant referee.

“I believe a system must be watched over, but not destabilised. There is a new generation of referees and when things don’t work, we need to point it out, but only trying to make it better, otherwise we risk making the situation worse. We need utmost transparency to bring through a generational shift of referees,” noted Lotito.

Juventus technical director Francois Modesto insists they ‘have a lot of faith’ in coach Igor Tudor, and are confident Lois Openda and Jonathan David will flourish eventually.

The trip to Lazio kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The pressure is growing on the Old Lady after a dire run of nine competitive matches without a victory, including back to back defeats to Como and Real Madrid.

“Igor is our coach, we are very happy with him, have a lot of faith in his work, and want to focus on getting the win this evening,” Modesto told DAZN Italia.

New Juventus faces struggling to make their mark

David and Openda have struggled to make any kind of impact since their transfers to Juventus, so how long will it take for them to flourish in this new league?

“It is a very difficult league in Italy, there are some very well-organised coaches and teams, which makes it tough for those who come here from other divisions. If we look to the past, we’ll see many great champions who struggled at the beginning in Serie A,” warned Modesto.

“The positive thing is that they have settled well into the group, and of course they have always scored lots of goals in their careers, so we think it’s just a matter of time. We hope that they will start scoring from tonight.”

Dusan Vlahovic starts tonight and is still taking a strong role at Juventus, despite the fact he has refused to sign a new contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season.

“There are absolutely no issues. Dusan is a great professional, a leader of this team, he is helping David and Openda off the field too, and we are very happy,” added Modesto.

“We have leaders in this squad, like Bremer who unfortunately is injured, Gatti and Kenan Yildiz, so we have no lack of leaders.”

Teun Koopmeiners was a big investment at over €50m from Atalanta last summer, but never quite lived up to those expectations, and made comments on playing in his preferred role.

“Koopmeiners works hard, he had difficulties like many who first come to Juve, but he is improving, the coach has put him in a few different positions, and we hope he can show what he has always done with Atalanta and in some games at Juventus,” concluded the director.

Fiorentina completed the comeback from 2-0 down to hold Bologna 2-2 in stoppages with Albert Gudmundsson and Moise Kean penalties, after Emil Holm was sent off.

Both teams were fresh from UEFA victories on Thursday, but while the Viola had a 3-0 win away to Rapid Vienna, they were still without a single success in Serie A. Moise Kean and Robin Gosens returned after being rested, with Tariq Lamptey and Christian Kouame long-term absentees. The Rossoblu lost Jens Odgaard to a knock during the 2-1 win at Steaua Bucharest, joining Ciro Immobile on the treatment table. Coach Vincenzo Italiano missed the trip back to the Stadio Franchi, as he was still undergoing treatment for pneumonia.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Kean drilled inches wide when clear on goal in the opening minutes, but had been caught offside to spare his blushes, while David De Gea fingertipped a looping Santiago Castro strike out from under the crossbar.

Bologna had penalty appeals rejected for a possible Dodo handball, as the footage did not clearly show contact, but they did take the lead.

A corner was not cleared properly and the Pablo Mari header floated into the path of Santiago Castro, who performed a spectacular volley into the far top corner from 12 yards. It was his first Serie A goal outside the Dall’Ara since January.

Fiorentina should’ve equalised moments later when Rolando Mandragora flicked on a corner to the back post, but Luca Ranieri shinned it over from point-blank range.

Nicolò Cambiaghi curled wide and Lukasz Skorupski palmed away a long-range Mandragora free kick.

There was chaos straight after the restart, as the referee awarded a Fiorentina penalty for handball, but it was Skorupski who got his hand to it rather than Jhon Lucumi, and Kean handled too during the two charged down attempts, so it was revoked following a VAR review.

Instead, Bologna doubled their lead when Emil Holm got down the right and pulled across the face of goal, with Cambiaghi getting there first to toe-poke in from six yards.

Kean stung Skorupski’s gloves after a run from midfield, but again the Rossoblu were more clinical and pounced when De Gea parried the Riccardo Orsolini free header at the back post, but could do nothing on the Thijs Dallinga follow-up. However, this goal was disallowed for Orsolini’s offside position.

Nonetheless, many Fiorentina fans started leaving the stadium in protest at their current Serie A form and chanting insults towards the club and squad.

The Viola finally did get their penalty, as after a Juan Miranda goal-line clearance on Edin Dzeko, Lewis Ferguson charged down the Dodo cross with his arm. Albert Gudmundsson rolled a precise snooker shot beyond Skorupski’s fingertips into the near bottom corner for his first Serie A goal of the season.

This suddenly changed the game and after Federico Bernardeschi had penalty appeals rejected for a coming together with Sabiri, Emil Holm received his second yellow card for bringing down Fortini.

The tension also got to Jonathan Rowe, who was substituted to bring on a defender and was booked after his exit for kicking the ball into the stands.

Kean’s acrobatic scissor-kick volley on a Dodo cross was charged down by Bernardeschi’s arms in front of his face, but considered to be in an unnatural position following a VAR review. Kean insisted on stepping up this time and sent Skorupski the wrong way to equalise in stoppages.

A scuffle broke out between Dzeko and Lucumi, then Fiorentina thought they had to win it with the last kick of the game when Skorupski only palmed a Roberto Piccoli header into the path of Dodo, but the Brazilian prodded the rebound onto the side-netting.

Fiorentina 2-2 Bologna

Castro 25 (B), Cambiaghi 52 (B), Gudmundsson pen 74 (F), Kean pen 94 (F)

Sent off: Holm 83 (B)

26-10-2025 17:00

MatchDay 8

Artemio Franchi Stadium

Fiorentina

Bologna

2 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		25'		Santiago Castro
Robin Gosens		36'
		39'		Remo Freuler

2nd half

		52'		Nicolò Cambiaghi (Assist: Emil Holm)
Albert Gudmundsson		58'
		71'		Emil Holm
Albert Gudmundsson		73'
		83'		Emil Holm
Moise Kean		90+4'
Edin Dzeko		90+6'
		90+6'		Jhon Lucumí

Match statistic

51

Possession %

49

19

Total shots

6

7

Shots on target

3

7

Shots off target

2

5

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

6

5

Offsides

3

13

Fouls

20

Fiorentina

Bologna

Starting lineups

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

2

Dodô

Defender

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

85'

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

18

Pablo Marí

Defender

14

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

64'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

54'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

53'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

54'

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

2

Emil Holm

Defender

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

77'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

64'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

77'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

64'

Substitutes

26

Mattia Viti

Defender

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

7

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

30

Tommaso Martinelli

Goalkeeper

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

24

Amir Richardson

Midfielder

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

53'

9

Edin Dzeko

Attacker

54'

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

54'

11

Abdelhamid Sabiri

Attacker

64'

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

85'

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

29

Lorenzo De Silvestri

Defender

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

64'

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

77'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

77'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

86'

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

Juventus try to end their nine-match winless streak with Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David together, leaving Kenan Yildiz on the bench, as Lazio look to Mattia Zaccagni and Boulaye Dia.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

It is a poor period of form for the Bianconeri, who are without a single victory in nine games between Serie A and the Champions League.

There were at least improvements in the performance when falling 1-0 to Real Madrid midweek, but Igor Tudor reshuffles the squad against his former club.

Some of those decisions are forced upon him, as Kenan Yildiz is struggling with a knee issue and finally gets some rest.

Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio are still out of action, but Manuel Locatelli and Francisco Conceicao return to the starting XI.

The biggest change is having two centre-forwards together, Vlahovic and David, while Mattia Perin makes his return in goal.

Lazio have their fair share of problems too, as although they are unbeaten in three, that included back-to-back stalemates against Torino and Atalanta.

Maurizio Sarri has a crowded treatment room, missing Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Having to make do, Adam Marusic and Manuel Lazzari are the full-backs, with Toma Basic going from unwanted player to permanent midfield presence.

Gustav Isaksen completes the attack with Dia and Zaccagni.

Lazio vs. Juventus line-ups

Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Marusic; Guendouzi, Cataldi, Basic; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni

Juventus: Perin; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Conceiçao, Koopmeiners, Locatelli, McKennie, Cambiaso; Vlahovic, David

26-10-2025 19:45

MatchDay 8

Stadio Olimpico

Lazio

Juventus

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Toma Basic (Assist: Danilo Cataldi)		9'
		30'		Teun Koopmeiners
Manuel Lazzari		33'

2nd half

		52'		Manuel Locatelli
		54'		Weston McKennie
		64'		Lloyd Kelly
Mattéo Guendouzi		90+1'

Match statistic

40

Possession %

60

13

Total shots

14

3

Shots on target

5

6

Shots off target

5

4

Blocked shots

4

2

Corners

5

0

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

18

Lazio

Juventus

Starting lineups

94

Ivan Provedel

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

55'

34

Mario Gila

Defender

32

Danilo Cataldi

Midfielder

8

Mattéo Guendouzi

Midfielder

26

Toma Basic

Midfielder

68'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

82'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

83'

10

Mattia Zaccagni

Attacker

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

46'

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

86'

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

66'

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

78'

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

66'

Substitutes

4

Patric

Defender

23

Elseid Hysaj

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

21

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

35

Christos Mandas

Goalkeeper

25

Oliver Provstgaard

Defender

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

55'

5

Matías Vecino

Midfielder

68'

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

82'

9

Pedro

Attacker

83'

24

Daniele Rugani

Defender

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

43

Matteo Fuscaldo

Goalkeeper

44

Pedro Felipe

Defender

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

46'

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

66'

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

66'

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

78'

25

João Mário

Defender

86'

Paulo Dybala admits he was getting ‘pressure’ to score his first Serie A goal of the season, while Lorenzo Pellegrini sees Roma improvements in a 1-0 win at Sassuolo.

The Giallorossi had lost three of their last four competitive games between Serie A and the Champions League, but emerged with a 1-0 victory from the Mapei Stadium.

The only goal of the game was scored by Dybala, on the rebound from a save on Bryan Cristante, to put them joint top of the table alongside Napoli.

Dybala and Pellegrini lead Roma response

“We are relaxed, we knew before the game with the other results that we could take top spot, but there is a very long way to go,” Dybala told DAZN Italia.

“These are three important points, also for us to make up for recent setbacks, and now we have to turn our focus to Wednesday.”

Although he had found the net in the Europa League, this was La Joya’s first Serie A goal of the season, and it allowed him to debut a special celebration with the ball under his jersey, for pregnant wife Oriana.

“Strikers live for goals, obviously, so we would love to score in every game. Unfortunately, there are negative moments during the season, but the important thing is that the team wins, not who scores.

“I had been waiting to make this celebration, as my wife was putting pressure on me to get on with it!”

Pellegrini came off the bench and almost scored within 120 seconds, as his dinked finish bounced off the upright.

The former captain was asked if Roma really can aim to stay top of the table and if a Scudetto challenge is their objective this season.

“The objective is to keep improving, and I thought today was a little better when attacking than previous games, we could’ve scored a few more goals,” replied Pellegrini.

“We were coming off defeats and really eager to prove ourselves on the pitch. We are giving our all.”

Curiously, all four defeats between Serie A and the Europa League have been at the Stadio Olimpico, but even in away fixtures, Roma always have a strong presence of cheering fans.

“We are fortunate that our fans always travel with us with passion, I don’t think they realise how much they give to us on the field with their presence. This is also a special match for me, as I called Sassuolo home for a while and want to salute the Sassuolo supporters too, as they remained in my heart.”

Gian Piero Gasperini reveals why the Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante tactical experiments go way back, as Roma beat Sassuolo and turn to their next ‘absolute priority.’

The use of Dybala as a False 9 has failed to provide results so far, but it paid off eventually, as La Joya scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory away to Sassuolo this afternoon.

Wesley and Zeki Celik also came close, while Lorenzo Pellegrini hit the upright just moments after coming off the bench, but it proved enough for all three points and the leadership alongside Napoli.

“I am very satisfied with our position, but also with today’s game, as it was not easy against a Sassuolo side that is doing well. After two defeats to Inter and Viktoria Plzen that left us with regrets, there was a good reaction,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.

Midfielder Cristante tended to push into a more advanced role, and that was decisive for the goal before Dybala turned in the rebound, but Gasperini noted this is hardly new.

“I never doubted that Dybala was a striker. I might’ve had doubts on others. He can play as a centre-forward, a support striker, just not really wide. Players have characteristics and a coach must try to make the most of those strengths.

“I have to say Mario Pasalic scored lots of goals in that role over the years with me and Atalanta, but even if it was eight years ago, Cristante had been doing it first! He hasn’t forgotten, he is now more mature and experienced, so is giving the team a big hand.”

Gasperini still experimenting with Roma attack

Artem Dovbyk came off the bench and was instructed to not drift into the middle too much, so how is the Ukrainian developing under Gasperini’s very different style?

“We needed to keep the forwards a little wider for this match and allow spaces for the midfielders to push through the centre. Dovbyk came on well, his fitness levels are certainly better now,” noted the coach.

“I work with everyone and try to improve them, I’m attempting to find solutions in attack, because that has been the least prolific area of the team. Despite that, we have a good position in the table.

“It requires experiments during the matches, as Dybala was out for a while, this was the first time Bailey managed to start, so we are getting there.”

This means Roma are top of the Serie A table after eight rounds, which hadn’t happened since the 2013-14 campaign, albeit sharing the seat with Napoli.

Their next fixture is the midweek round against Parma on Sunday at 17.30 GMT, hoping to end their run of home losses.

“It is absolutely a priority to win at home. It’s a pity for our fans, who were not accustomed to seeing so many defeats. With an always sold out stadium and passionate crowd behind us, we want to give them something to celebrate,” added Gasperini.

“Some performances were unlucky, but others like on Thursday we really should’ve won. We have to be wary, as evidently some of our characteristics see us hit our heads against a brick wall at home and then concede on the counter, so we need to be more efficient.”

Cagliari completed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in stoppages, as Hellas Verona are still without a victory this season.

Hellas were still looking for their first win of the season after four draws and three defeats, missing Daniel Oyegoke, Maotasem Al-Musrati and Tomas Suslov. The Sardinians lost Yerry Mina and Alessandro Deiola, joining Andrea Belotti, Boris Radunovic and Alessandro Di Pardo on the treatment table, but Zito Luvumbo returned after one point from three rounds.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Gennaro Borrelli shook off an early clash of heads with Unai Nunez to surge onto a long Matteo Prati ball and fire just over the bar for Verona.

Lorenzo Montipò got down for a sensational fingertip save to push the Gianluca Gaetano daisy-cutter inches past the far post.

Unai Nunez went off with a shoulder injury for Hellas, while Borrelli had penalty appeals waved away for a risky Roberto Gagliardini tackle.

Instead, Gagliardini put Verona in front with his glancing header on a Giovane free kick that looped up and dropped into the far bottom corner. It was the ex-Inter midfielder’s first Serie A goal for two years.

Verona thought they had to equalise on 34 minutes until being denied by an extraordinary double Elia Caprile save, first to push the Suat Serdar strike onto the crossbar, then parry the Gift Orban follow-up from point-blank range too.

Caprile made another incredible save when Giovane was at full stretch to volley a low cross, sticking up a hand to push it away from point-blank range.

However, Verona still doubled their advantage with a classic counter-attack. Belghali started it from inside his own half down the right, sending Giovane forward to roll across for the simple Orban tap-in from nine yards.

Valentini’s glancing header on a Giovane free kick also tested Caprile, but Cagliari got back into it when Riyad Idrissi sprung the offside trap down the left on an inspired Adam Obert pass and surprised Montipò at the near top corner with a powerful finish.

It sparked a comeback from the Sardinians, who got back on level terms in stoppages thanks to a fantastic solo effort from Mattia Felici. The substitute completed a give and go with Leonardo Pavoletti to break down the left, squirmed past two tackles and beat Montipò with an angled drive.

Verona 2-2 Cagliari

Gagliardini 23 (V), Orban 59 (V), Idrissi 77 (C), Felici 92 (C)

26-10-2025 14:00

MatchDay 8

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Cagliari

2 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Roberto Gagliardini (Assist: Giovane)		23'
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		41'

2nd half

Victor Nelsson		53'
Roberto Gagliardini		54'
Gift Orban (Assist: Giovane)		59'
		65'		Adam Obert
		66'		Leonardo Pavoletti
		77'		Riyad Idrissi (Assist: Adam Obert)
		89'		Luca Mazzitelli
		90+4'		Gennaro Borrelli
		90+2'		Mattia Felici (Assist: Leonardo Pavoletti)

Match statistic

37

Possession %

63

10

Total shots

7

6

Shots on target

3

1

Shots off target

2

3

Blocked shots

2

3

Corners

2

1

Offsides

3

16

Fouls

12

Verona

Cagliari

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

70'

5

Unai Núñez

Defender

16'

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

46'

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

8

Suat Serdar

Midfielder

16

Gift Orban

Attacker

78'

17

Giovane

Attacker

78'

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

78'

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

63'

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

46'

16

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

86'

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

62'

29

Gennaro Borrelli

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

23

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

3

Martin Frese

Defender

72

Junior Ajayi

Attacker

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

4

Yellu Santiago

Midfielder

37

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Defender

16'

24

Antoine Bernede

Midfielder

46'

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

70'

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

78'

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

78'

6

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

20

Marko Rog

Midfielder

21

Nicolò Cavuoti

Midfielder

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

34

Vincenzo Sarno

Goalkeeper

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

46'

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

62'

77

Zito Luvumbo

Attacker

63'

17

Mattia Felici

Attacker

78'

4

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

86'

Paulo Dybala’s first Serie A goal of the season proved enough to beat Sassuolo and send Roma to the top of the table alongside Napoli.

The Giallorossi had the opportunity to go joint top of the table, but had also lost three of their last four games, including Thursday’s 2-1 to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. Angelino was the only absentee, but Matias Soulé was rested, with Paulo Dybala used as a False 9 and Leon Bailey getting his first start. The Neroverdi had seven points from three rounds and brought Alieu Fadera into the trident attack, with ex-Roma man Nemanja Matic in midfield. Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo missed out.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It was an aggressive start from the hosts, as after a strong Aliou Fadera run from midfield, Kristian Thorstvedt got the header all wrong from seven yards. Mile Svilar then flew to palm away a deflected Fadera strike, but it was Roma who broke the deadlock.

Bryan Cristante surged forward on the Dybala lay-off and saw his effort parried by Arijanet Muric, but only into the path of La Joya to finish it off on the rebound. It was his first Serie A goal of the season.

Manu Koné charged down a powerful Sebastian Walukiewicz strike, and from the resulting corner Thorstvedt nodded wide when he should’ve left it for Filippo Romagna behind him.

Neil El Aynaoui’s effort was straight at Muric, who had to rush off his line to smother at Cristante’s feet after an inspired Dybala pass.

Bailey had his boot torn apart by a Josh Doig foul just outside the area, so had to finish the half with it wrapped in duct tape, while Dybala’s free kick hit the side-netting.

Sassuolo lost Romagna to injury, while Mario Hermoso replaced the disappointing Kostas Tsimikas and within 60 seconds had been booked for a raised elbow on Doig inches outside the area.

Zeki Celik stung the goalkeeper’s gloves at the near post on a Dybala lay-off, but Sassuolo saw Domenico Berardi forced off after a bizarre head injury when he crossed paths with Cristante and fell very awkwardly.

Lorenzo Pellegrini came on and within 120 seconds had almost doubled Roma’s lead, as his delicate dink beat the goalkeeper only to bounce off the upright on Artem Dovbyk’s assist.

Wesley could’ve rolled across for Dovbyk, but instead tested Muric himself at the near post, while the Brazilian stood up a cross for Zeki Celik’s header over the bar.

It was a strong ending to the game for Wesley, who also flashed a great right-foot finish across the face of goal to skim the back post.

The result remained open though, as Gianluca Mancini threw himself in the way of a Walid Cheddira angled drive at the near post in stoppages.

Pellegrini also threatened again with a right-foot curler from outside the box that Muric pushed round the far post with one glove.

Sassuolo 0-1 Roma

Dybala 16 (R)

26-10-2025 14:00

MatchDay 8

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Roma

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		16'		Paulo Dybala
		24'		Gianluca Mancini
Kristian Thorstvedt		34'
Josh Doig		40'

2nd half

		47'		Mario Hermoso
Cristian Volpato		77'

Match statistic

41

Possession %

59

11

Total shots

15

1

Shots on target

8

7

Shots off target

6

3

Blocked shots

1

6

Corners

6

1

Offsides

1

18

Fouls

16

Sassuolo

Roma

Starting lineups

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

39'

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

3

Josh Doig

Defender

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

81'

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

81'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

60'

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

60'

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

46'

43

Wesley

Defender

87'

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

66'

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

31

Leon Bailey

Attacker

50'

21

Paulo Dybala

Attacker

66'

Substitutes

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

17

Yeferson Paz

Defender

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

77

Nicholas Pierini

Attacker

26

Cas Odenthal

Defender

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

22

Lorenzo Nyarko

Goalkeeper

5

Fali Candé

Defender

39'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

60'

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

60'

9

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

81'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

81'

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

35

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

32

Devis Vásquez

Goalkeeper

11

Evan Ferguson

Attacker

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

66

Buba Sangaré

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

46'

9

Artem Dovbyk

Attacker

50'

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

66'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

66'

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

87'

Gian Piero Gasperini explains why he made such radical changes to the Roma attack against Sassuolo, including fitness updates on Matias Soulé and Evan Ferguson.

It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 14.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from all today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Soulé had originally been mentioned in the starting XI released to the media, but was then replaced in the official line-up by Manu Koné, moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.

This is the first time that the Argentine talent has been left on the bench this season, so what prompted that decision?

“We play very often, and Soulé had practically not missed a minute yet. We start like this, I hope he can be a valuable resource off the bench,” Gasperini told DAZN.

Gasperini keeps Roma strikers on their toes

Paulo Dybala is again used as a False 9, even though it has had extremely limited results so far, as Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk continue to struggle with one goal between them.

Following Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League defeat to Viktoria Plzen, Gasperini said that he had only just seen the first “real training session” from Ferguson, so what did that mean?

“He needs to be an important factor for the future. It was his first really hard working session, but unfortunately he also got a knock to the ankle and he’s on the bench today, but I’m not sure if he can play.”

A victory here would send Roma joint top of the Serie A table alongside Napoli, who beat Inter 3-1 last night.

“We all know the situation, but it’s quite early to start looking at the table. We need to focus our attention on Sassuolo, who are a newly promoted side, but getting good results already. We just need to concentrate on this game and getting the result we want today,” concluded Gasperini.

It is remarkable that Roma always saw the Stadio Olimpico as their fortress in previous years, but all four of their defeats in Serie A and the Europa League this season have been home fixtures.

Roma can go joint top of the table with a win away to Domenico Berardi’s Sassuolo, so give Leon Bailey his first start with Paulo Dybala and Neil El Aynaoui.

It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 14.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from all today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi are an unpredictable side at the moment, as while a victory would send them into joint first place with Napoli, they have also lost three of their last four competitive games.

Curiously, the defeats to Lille, Inter and Viktoria Plzen were all at the Stadio Olimpico, and they are still unbeaten on their travels this season.

Angelino is the only absentee, as Manu Kone has shaken off an ankle knock sustained on Thursday evening.

Gian Piero Gasperini keeps squad rotation to an absolute minimum, so Dybala start again, but centre-forwards Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are dropped for poor performances.

Instead, Bailey finally gets his first start for the club, with Dybala as a False 9.

Matias Soule’ had originally been named in the starting XI, but was then replaced by moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.

Jan Ziolkowski was hauled off just 30 minutes into his first start for the club, so Zeki Celik is placed in the back three instead.

Sassuolo have improved recently with seven points from the last three rounds, steadily climbing up the table.

Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo are still out of action.

Former Roma players Nemanja Matic and Cristian Volpato are in the squad, but Berardi completes the trident attack with Andrea Pinamonti and Aliou Fadera.

Sassuolo vs. Roma line-ups

Sassuolo: Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Romagna, Doig; I Koné, Matic, Thorstvedt; Berardi, Pinamonti, Fadera

Roma: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, N’Dicka; Wesley, Cristante, M Koné, Tsimikas; Bailey, El Aynaoui; Dybala

26-10-2025 14:00

MatchDay 8

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Roma

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		16'		Paulo Dybala
		24'		Gianluca Mancini
Kristian Thorstvedt		34'
Josh Doig		40'

2nd half

		47'		Mario Hermoso
Cristian Volpato		77'

Match statistic

41

Possession %

59

11

Total shots

15

1

Shots on target

8

7

Shots off target

6

3

Blocked shots

1

6

Corners

6

1

Offsides

1

18

Fouls

16

Sassuolo

Roma

Starting lineups

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

39'

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

3

Josh Doig

Defender

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

81'

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

81'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

60'

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

60'

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

46'

43

Wesley

Defender

87'

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

66'

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

31

Leon Bailey

Attacker

50'

21

Paulo Dybala

Attacker

66'

Substitutes

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

17

Yeferson Paz

Defender

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

77

Nicholas Pierini

Attacker

26

Cas Odenthal

Defender

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

22

Lorenzo Nyarko

Goalkeeper

5

Fali Candé

Defender

39'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

60'

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

60'

9

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

81'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

81'

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

35

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

32

Devis Vásquez

Goalkeeper

11

Evan Ferguson

Attacker

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

66

Buba Sangaré

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

46'

9

Artem Dovbyk

Attacker

50'

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

66'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

66'

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

87'

Napoli are anxiously awaiting news of tests on the Kevin De Bruyne injury, as he was spotted using crutches and there are fears it is a similar problem he had at Manchester City in 2023.

The 34-year-old converted a penalty to open the scoring in today’s 3-1 Serie A victory over Scudetto rivals Inter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Kevin De Bruyne pulled a muscle in the process of putting Napoli ahead against Inter pic.twitter.com/SKnGHnsXHN

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 25, 2025

There was no time to celebrate, as he immediately clutched the back of his right thigh, and seemed to be in tears when consoled by teammates.

De Bruyne carried off during Napoli 3-1 Inter

Unable to put his right foot down even with arms around two Napoli medical staff, De Bruyne was eventually put on the motorised stretcher to get him back to the locker room.

He came back out for the second half using crutches to take his seat on the bench and watch the final 20 minutes of the match, but it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action for.

The worrying thing is this is an injury in a similar spot to the one that kept him out for four months from August to December 2023 at Manchester City.

Initial reports are that it might not be quite as serious as that, but that with the memory of that setback, De Bruyne was anxiously trying to avoid making the situation worse.

Napoli have been beset by injury problems this season, as Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for four months by a tear in the back of his thigh.

Ivan Juric told Marco Carnesecchi he needs to ‘talk less’ after Atalanta were held to another disappointing draw by Cremonese. ‘We had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.’

La Dea managed to maintain their unbeaten Serie A record at the Stadio Zini thanks to a goal from substitute Marco Brescianini, after Jamie Vardy had put Cremonese in front with his debut goal.

“I did not like the team in the first half, they were sluggish, and it’s not just about the Champions League, because I didn’t like the way those who were rotated played either,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.

“After the break, we did the usual thing of creating a ton of chances and then allowing a counter-attack, which can happen in football. We did much better, but once again we had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.”

Juric sees recurring Atalanta problem

Although they are yet to taste defeat in Italy, the fact remains Atalanta have just 12 points, because they have drawn six of their eight games in the league.

Including the Champions League, they’ve played four consecutive stalemates, which means they have just one point more than newly-promoted Cremonese.

In his post-match interview, Marco Carnesecchi said that Atalanta had to change gear or they would “go nowhere” with this pace of results.

Juric was told about the comments and did not appreciate the constructive criticism.

“Marco is an ambitious guy, but he was completely wrong. His job is to save shots, be professional and talk a lot less. That’s true of many players, not just him,” replied the coach.

“I am very satisfied with the overall performances, but when we keep creating these chances and don’t win for several games in a row, it irritates me. I don’t think Carnesecchi is suited to talk about this situation.

“Carnesecchi is a good lad, he’s doing really well and I see how hard he works, but all these players are working their socks off. If we create 20-25 chances every game and don’t score, there are reasons for it. Lookman and Scamacca didn’t train over the summer, so they need to get into shape.”

Atalanta have put together a streak of disappointing draws against teams they had expected to beat, whereas the upcoming fixture list includes Milan, Udinese, Olympique Marseille, Sassuolo, Napoli, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina.

Will they be able to create this many chances to score in those games?

“We have dropped points, that is true, and we need to improve, but we also saw strong performances against teams like Juventus and Club Brugge,” assured Juric.

Jamie Vardy is ‘over the moon’ with his first Serie A goal, albeit with regrets that Cremonese were held to a draw, but reveals extra motivation for learning Italian. ‘My kids will take the mickey!’

The veteran finally made his mark this evening by giving Cremonese the lead against Atalanta at the Stadio Zini, his first goal since making the move as a free agent over the summer.

However, it was cancelled out by a late Marco Brescianini strike for the final 1-1 result.

Vardy joy at breaking Serie A duck

“I’m over the moon to get my first goal, but taking the lead that late on, I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t get the three points. Still, it’s a step in the right direction,” Vardy told Sky Sport Italia.

There had been doubts about his fitness levels at the age of 38, but the former Leicester City legend showed he is in good shape with some acrobatic backflips to celebrate.

Jamie Vardy’s having a party! #CremoneseAtalanta 1-0 pic.twitter.com/h1TB4QMH3S

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 25, 2025

“I feel great. I look after myself, make sure I do all the right recovery and as close to 100 per cent for each game as and when they come. If the manager wants me to play, then I’m all ready to go, and then that decision is up to the manager. I’m ready whenever.”

The Premier League winner was asked what differences he has found between English football and Serie A after these first few months of the experience.

“It’s more tactical and possession based in Serie A, you get to the Premier League and it’s all high intensity, fast paced, normally end to end. Here you have more time on the ball, you need to make sure you’re in the right positions.

“At the end of the day, football is football, we just have to make sure we’re on it 100 per cent every week. It’s 11 against 11 every week, anyone can beat anyone, so as long as we’re fully on it, we know that we can pick up points no matter who we’re playing.”

Has Vardy learned any Italian since making the move to Cremonese?

“I only know the basics, good morning, thank you, numbers, but I’ll be taking lessons as of next week, so hopefully that will start the bringing on the language a bit more. I have to learn, as my kids are learning, and I can’t have them learning it before me, otherwise they’ll be taking the mickey out of me!”

Jamie Vardy scored his first Cremonese goal and celebrated with backflips, but Atalanta still got back with Marco Brescianini for yet another stalemate.

These teams have both proved themselves hard to beat, but also struggled to get victories. The hosts had drawn four of the last five, with Lameck Banda, Giuseppe Pezzella, Alberto Grassi, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo out injured. La Dea were the only Serie A side still unbeaten this season, but had drawn five of the seven and played a disappointing Champions League 0-0 with Slavia Prague midweek too. Giorgio Scalvini, Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker were the only remaining absentees.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Charles De Ketelaere ran onto the Ederson through ball and should’ve gone for goal rather than rolling it across for Nikola Krstovic.

Isak Hien made a decisive interception to prevent Jamie Vardy nodding in from six yards, while Federico Baschirotto made practically a goal-line clearance on the Krstovic header from Raoul Bellanova’s hook back.

Marco Carnesecchi had his gloves stung by a Tommaso Barbieri strike, with Marco Silvestri doing the same on a Krstovic angled drive.

De Ketelaere aimed a weak totally free header straight at Silvestri on Ademola Lookman’s cross, while Lookman had two angled drives charged down by Baschirotto and Filippo Terracciano.

After the restart, Barbieri flung himself in the path of a Krstovic volley from 10 yards, then when Jamie Vardy had the ball in the net on 56 minutes with a delicate finish, he was flagged offside.

Lazar Samardzic came off the bench and forced a tricky low save out of Silvestri by drilling through a defender’s legs at the base of the near post.

Terracciano also used his body to charge down Lookman’s curler from the edge of the box, while Silvestri got down quickly to fingertip a Samardzic daisy-cutter round the base of the upright. On the resulting corner, Marten de Roon’s volley flashed inches wide.

Instead, it was Cremonese who took the lead with the first Italian goal for Vardy. Carnesecchi stuck out a leg for a stunning save on Alessio Zerbin’s angled drive from eight yards, but could do nothing on the Vardy follow-up. The English veteran celebrated with some acrobatic backflips.

Jamie Vardy’s having a party! #CremoneseAtalanta 1-0 pic.twitter.com/h1TB4QMH3S

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 25, 2025

However, Atalanta kept pushing, and after another big Silvestri reaction save on Gianluca Scamacca, Marco Brescianini thumped the rebound into the far bottom corner from just inside the area on the half-volley.

Cremonese 1-1 Atalanta

Vardy 78 (C), Brescianini 84 (A)

25-10-2025 19:45

MatchDay 8

Stadio Giovanni Zini

Cremonese

Atalanta

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Romano Floriani Mussolini

16'

2nd half

Jamie Vardy		51'
		75'		Gianluca Scamacca
Jamie Vardy		78'
		84'		Marco Brescianini
Franco Vázquez		90+4'

Match statistic

35

Possession %

65

9

Total shots

20

5

Shots on target

6

4

Shots off target

6

0

Blocked shots

8

2

Corners

10

3

Offsides

2

6

Fouls

8

Cremonese

Atalanta

Starting lineups

16

Marco Silvestri

Goalkeeper

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

30

Mika Faye

Defender

61'

22

Romano Floriani Mussolini

Defender

4

Tommaso Barbieri

Defender

24

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

27

Jari Vandeputte

Midfielder

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

73'

7

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

85'

99

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

46'

10

Jamie Vardy

Attacker

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

4

Isak Hien

Defender

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

82'

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

58'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

58'

Substitutes

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

1

Emil Audero

Goalkeeper

90

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

23

Federico Ceccherini

Defender

11

Dennis Johnsen

Attacker

48

Dachi Lordkipanidze

Midfielder

19

Jeremy Sarmiento

Midfielder

46'

15

Matteo Bianchetti

Defender

61'

55

Francesco Folino

Defender

73'

20

Franco Vázquez

Midfielder

85'

70

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

Relja Obric

Defender

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

58'

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

58'

44

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

82'

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

82'