Roma remain joint-top of Serie A, but the lack of a reliable goalscorer at centre-forward has become a clear concern.

Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson have scored just once between them in the league, and the club are evaluating solutions ahead of January.

Joshua Zirkzee is the primary idea, as per reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former Bologna striker has had limited minutes since joining Manchester United and is open to a return to Italy.

Roma like his ability to combine and work between the lines, but the costs of any deal remain significant.

Roma eye alternatives to Man Utd forward Zirkzee

Other names are also under consideration. Arnaud Kalimuendo (Nottingham Forest) and Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise) are being followed abroad.

Meanwhile two profiles closer to home are gaining attention: Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino and Genoa’s Jeff Ekhator, both viewed as promising long-term talents.

The final plan will depend on outgoings. If one striker leaves, Roma will likely sign one replacement; if both depart, a double move is possible.

The debate over late evening kick-off times in Serie A has resurfaced, with the league reportedly pushing to bring forward prime-time matches.

According to Corriere della Sera, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Lega Serie A is pressuring broadcast partner DAZN to trial a 20:00 kick-off slot in place of the current 20:45, potentially as early as this season.

The league’s argument is twofold.

Firstly, earlier starts could encourage younger fans and families to return to stadiums, something many clubs have struggled with in recent years.

Secondly, coaches and medical staff have highlighted the impact of late finishes on player recovery during an increasingly congested calendar.

Allegri backs earlier Serie A kick-offs

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been one of the most vocal supporters of the shift.

Speaking recently, he argued that “matches finishing later means less time to sleep and to rest. Even three extra hours of recovery would make a difference.” Allegri suggested earlier kick-offs could help reduce the strain placed on players competing twice per week.

Discussions between the league and DAZN are ongoing, and no formal decision has been taken. The broadcaster’s scheduling commitments, including international feeds, pose potential logistical challenges. However, the possibility of a “test run” match later this season remains in play.

Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan remain equipped to keep winning despite a growing injury list, as the Rossoneri prepare for a difficult away match against Atalanta.

Speaking on the eve of the Bergamo trip, the coach confirmed that several key players are close to returning but also stressed that the squad must stay focused and avoid excuses.

Allegri optimistic about Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic

Allegri revealed positive news on the recovery front.

“Tomorrow we will have Loftus-Cheek back. Before the match against Parma we hope to have Pulisic on the bench, while we expect Estupiñán to return for the Roma game after the international break,” he said, with quotes via MilanNews.

The coach also noted that “Jashari should begin rejoining the group from Wednesday, but he will need time.”

Despite the absences, Allegri refused to dwell on who is unavailable. “We have a small squad, but it is enough to face the games between now and the break,” he insisted.

Milan are strong but injuries can happen – Allegri

“The Milan squad is strong. These injuries can happen, but we are in good physical condition and have played some good technical matches. We must not think about who is missing, we have other very good players who can play.”

The Rossoneri boss also pushed back against the idea that missing Pulisic, Estupiñán or others would define the team’s results. “It’s not as if we win or lose just because five players are out,” Allegri continued.

“When we are back at full strength, we will only improve – this is a strong Milan squad.”

Milan travel to Bergamo with little margin for error, facing one of Serie A’s most intense and physical opponents. Allegri’s message, however, is clear: no alibis, no fear – just continuity and focus.

Watch and listen to the latest news updates from the world of Calcio courtesy of Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà.

Today’s focus is on the sacking of Igor Tudor by Juventus, who was let go from his role as head coach of the Bianconeri this morning.

The Old Lady suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the Capital last night and this was the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Juventus coach.

Pedullà discusses how this decision was inevitable, especially after last night painted a portrait of a fractured and disheartened Juventus.

Watch: Pedullà on aftermath of Tudor dismissal at Juventus

Parma coach Carlos Cuesta says his side will need humility, intensity and complete collective focus as they prepare to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in Tuesday’s midweek Serie A round.

With the league immediately returning after the weekend fixtures, the Crociati now face one of the toughest away matches on the calendar – and will have to do so without most of their travelling fans, following restrictions on away ticket sales to Parma residents.

Parma coach Cuesta has respect for Roma

Cuesta was full of respect for the Giallorossi when speaking in his pre-match press conference. “Roma are a very strong, solid team with clear ideas,” he said, via TMW.

“Their coach is a reference point in this league for what he has done and what he has inspired. It will be a difficult match that we must approach with humility and confidence.”

On the coaching duel, Cuesta smiled at the contrast in experience: “I want to learn from everyone, and he is certainly a major reference. Roma transform quickly under his guidance. We go there with the will to play our football and to play well.”

Cuesta: Rotation vital – matches last more than 90 minutes

Rotation could be a factor, but Cuesta stressed mentality over names. “We will always choose the players who are most ready. Matches last more than 90 minutes – everyone must be ready to make a positive impact.”

Roma’s threat is no mystery to him. “We expect a Roma side that wants to play in our half, attack space and press without the ball. They are solid, aggressive and flexible. We must be ready for every scenario.”

Despite Parma’s goal struggles, Cuesta remains calm. “We are convinced the goals will come. When you give everything, there is nothing more you can ask.”

Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Igor Tudor has been made a scapegoat by the club and argues the team’s structural problems come from above, after the coach was sacked earlier this week.

Speaking to TMW, the ex-chairman said the situation in Turin is “complicated to explain” and goes well beyond the dugout.

‘Tudor deserved more credit’ – Gigli

Cobolli Gigli insisted Tudor had earned more credit than he was given.

“Tudor proved he was capable of doing good things,” he said.

“He miraculously brought Juventus to fourth last year and he also produced almost glorious performances, like the match against Inter. Something is not working in the club’s mechanisms more than Tudor’s.”

He criticised Juventus’ recent planning and mercato strategy, suggesting the coach was let down rather than supported. “The transfer campaign looked promising, but it turned out to be dysfunctional. The responsibility lies with the club, and the first one to pay is always the coach.”

Juventus should take Mancini over Spalletti – Gigli

Cobolli Gigli also pointed to strained internal dynamics, especially with management. “Tudor has a strong character and likely clashed with Comolli. But I cannot forget he took Juventus in a complicated moment and brought exciting football. I would have kept him, but the club wanted a shock.”

Asked about potential successors, he gave a clear preference: “Between the options, the most relevant name is Mancini – although I have my reservations about him. I would exclude Spalletti.”

He was more cautious on Raffaele Palladino, arguing the former Monza and Fiorentina coach remains “full of good will but without much experience.”

Finally, he dismissed any regret over Thiago Motta, concluding that Juventus must “restart from zero” to win back their identity.

Juventus sacked head coach Igor Tudor today and now the Bianconeri will seek their third permanent head coach appointment since Summer 2024.

In March of this year, Juventus parted ways with Thiago Motta and hired Tudor to replace him and see out the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The Croatian performed well in the closing stages of the campaign, helping the Bianconeri achieve a top four finish on the final day of the season.

Therefore, and after a string of alternative targets were deemed unattainable, Juventus opted to hand Tudor a new contract on June 13, 2025.

Tudor sacking compounds financial misery for struggling Juventus

After Tudor’s contract extension, Juventus currently have two head coaches, in Tudor and Motta, who are due to collect a salary until 2027, after both of their spells at the helm were cut short prematurely.

This represents a major blunder for the Bianconeri who, when they hire a permanent replacement for Tudor, will technically have the salaries of 3 head coaches on their books for the next two years.

Juventus have seen two gambles on relatively inexperienced coaches fail to pay off. The Bianconeri’s decision to hire Motta and Tudor was born out of good intentions, wanting a younger coach to lead the club into a new golden era, but has shown glaring weaknesses when compared to Conte at Napoli and Gapserini at Roma, for example, two coaches who have been linked with the Bianconeri in the past year.

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Ivan Juric says Atalanta must raise their level in every department as they prepare for a crucial clash with Milan, while also expressing sympathy for Igor Tudor after the Croatian coach was sacked by Juventus.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Juric opened by reacting to events in Turin. “I feel sorry for Tudor because he was a Juventus man,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“But this is our job. When you have a period where you play well but don’t win, you must improve in every area.”

Atalanta coach Juric: ‘Everything is fine with Carnesecchi’

The coach also addressed his recent public friction with goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, insisting the issue is closed. “Everything is absolutely fine,” Juric stressed.

“The words were said in the heat of the moment. I’m very satisfied with his performances.”

Juric confirmed that Marten de Roon’s selection in defence was a deliberate tactical choice and not a stop-gap. “It’s not a surprise,” he said. “He does that role well.”

He also discussed squad fitness, noting that Sead Kolašinac is not yet ready to start, while “Scamacca needs calm, but I’d like to get him playing soon.”

Juric on tough schedule ahead of Milan clash

Despite a run of draws and missed opportunities, Juric remains positive. “We’ve created a lot, but we haven’t turned it into goals. The team is alive. Lookman is fully involved and only missing the finish,” he explained.

Kossounou, meanwhile, is expected to start: “I’m pleased with his progress and I think he will play from the beginning.”

Juric acknowledged the challenge of facing Milan, especially with a demanding schedule. “Playing every 2-3 days is difficult. We analyse things day by day. To contain Milan, we need rhythm and compactness.”

Atalanta have not won in Serie A since September 21, and Tuesday night offers a crucial opportunity to restart their campaign.

After a dreadful run of games, Juventus sacked Igor Tudor this morning and for the meantime, Massimo Brambilla will step in as interim head coach.

Last night, the Bianconeri lost 1-0 to Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico and that was the last straw for Croatian coach Tudor.

Juventus are without a win in eight games and pressure had been mounting on Tudor for some time. Today, the Bianconeri management decided that enough is enough and fired the coach.

Who is Juventus interim coach Brambilla?

Massimo Brambilla will temporarily take the reins for Juventus, but who exactly is the 52-year-old former player?

During his playing career, Brambilla was somewhat of an Italian journeyman, playing for ten different clubs around Italy. He also made several youth appearances for the Azzurri but was never selected to play for the senior Italian national team.

After he retired, in 2010, he spent 12 years working in the youth systems at Pergocrema, Novara and Atalanta.

In 2022, Brambilla was appointed as head coach for the Juventus Next Gen team in Serie C. After two seasons with the Bianconeri B team, Brambilla took over at fellow Serie C outfit Foggia. He spent just a few months at Foggia before being dismissed for poor results in September 2024.

Two months later, he returned as head coach of Juventus Next Gen, where he has remained since. Now, he will get his chance to lead the first team while the club search for a suitable long-term replacement for the fired Tudor.

Mattia Perin urged Juventus to stay united and rediscover their identity after a damaging 1-0 defeat away to Lazio, a result that deepens the pressure on Igor Tudor and extends the Bianconeri’s winless run.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the goalkeeper did not hide his frustration and admitted Juventus are far from the standard expected of them.

Juventus goalkeeper Perin: ‘We feel sadness and frustration’

Perin stressed that the mood in the dressing room is one of disappointment rather than resignation. “We feel a lot of sadness and frustration,” he said.

“We train well during the week, but we’re not showing that in matches. It’s difficult to find a single answer, but we must stay united and compact, because right now we are not proving to be at the level we should be.”

The 31-year-old confirmed he knew in advance he would start in place of Michele Di Gregorio, but said personal satisfaction means little in the current situation. “I already knew before Madrid that I would play,” Perin revealed.

“But I can’t be happy when results aren’t coming. We believe in the coach’s ideas, and emotionally we like what he transmits to us. It’s difficult to understand why things aren’t working, but I’m sure we’ll raise our level.”

Perin: ‘We have to desire to get out of this’

Perin also described a post-match discussion between the squad and Tudor aimed at stopping the slide. “We spoke to understand why these defeats are happening,” he explained.

“There is the desire from everyone to get out of this as soon as possible. Fortunately, we play again in three days and that could help us turn this moment around.”

Juventus, once heralded for resilience and clarity of purpose, now find themselves looking for basic reference points. Their next match will already feel like a crossroads – not for the table, but to prove they still have a pulse.

Lazio emerged as 1-0 victors over Juventus this evening as the pressure continues to pile on Bianconeri head coach Igor Tudor.

A goal from midfielder Toma Basic was enough to secure the three points for Maurizio Sarri’s side, whilst his counterpart faces increasingly demanding questions about his suitability at the helm of Juventus.

For Igor Tudor, an initially strong start to the season has quickly eroded and now it seems as though his days are numbered in Turin.

Grim night of stats for Tudor and Juventus

Juventus have had an unfortunately record-breaking evening.

As per Opta, it is the first time that the Old Lady have gone four games consecutively, in all competitions, without scoring, since 1991.

Furthermore, it is the Bianconeri’s longest winless streak since 2009 when Claudio Ranieri was in charge.

To add insult to injury, it was Lazio’s fastest goal against Juventus since Giuseppe Favalli’s third-minute goal in March 1996.

Overall, a dismal evening for Juventus as Tudor continues to break records, for all the wrong reasons.

Lazio beat Juventus 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening and Gustav Isaksen is Football Italia’s Man of the Match.

Lazio 1-0 Juventus – Isaksen MOTM in huge win for Biancocelesti

Lazio: Provedel 6; Lazzari 6 (Pellegrini 6), Gila 6, Romagnoli 6.5, Marusic 5.5; Guendouzi 6, Cataldi 6.5, Basic 7 (Vecino 5.5); Isaksen 7.5 (Pedro N/A), Dia 5.5, Zaccagni 6

Best Lazio player: Isaksen – After an inconsistent start to the campaign, the Dane really came to life today and was a constant menace for the Juventus defence to reckon with. He was fouled a number of times, testament to his agility and dribbling down the flank.

Lowest Lazio Rating: Dia – Makes Lazio miss Castellanos more but fortunately his side were still able to win the three points despite another tame and biteless performance.

Coach: Sarri 7 – Set up well against a strong Juventus and did just enough to secure the three points. His side are showing more signs of settling back into his tactical demands and the coach will be delighted with a huge victory against a top club.

Juventus: Perin 6; Kalulu 6, Gatti 5.5 (Joao Mario N/A), Lloyd Kelly 5.5,;Cambiaso 6 (Yildiz 6); Conceicao 6.5, Koopmeiners 6 (Thuram 6), Locatelli 6.5, McKennie 5.5 (Openda N/A); Vlahovic 5.5, David 5

Best Juventus player: Conceicao – Despite not being able to get his team a point, the Portuguese winger was effective in his duties this evening. Potentially should have been awarded a penalty after a foul from Mario Gila in the box and was fairly lucid in an otherwise tame performance from the Bianconeri.

Lowest Juventus rating: David – Involved in a goal tonight, but not in the way he would’ve liked. At fault for Lazio’s opener, the Canadian struggled to redeem himself and was eventually hooked just after the hour mark. Life has not started well for the former Lille man in Turin.

Coach: Tudor 5 – Showing the signs of a coach under immense pressure, Tudor took risks today and they failed to pay off. His front two of Vlahovic and David continue to struggle to develop any sort of chemistry together and his decision to bring on Kenan Yildiz at half-time was too little too late.

After refereeing controversy in Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter, tonight’s game between Lazio and Juventus has also had several key incidents that continue to shine negative light on officiating in Serie A.

The first major incident involved a potential second yellow card that should have been shown to Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The American, who was already on a booking after an earlier incident, brought down Matteo Guendouzi in midfield, with the Biancocelesti urging the referee to issue the Juventus man with a red card.

However, Colombo kept his cards in his pocket and decided not to dismiss the Bianconeri midfielder.

Colombo & Assistants Miss Penalty Call in Lazio vs Juventus

The second incident involved a potential penalty for Juventus, after Mario Gila was judged to have stood on the foot of Bianconeri winger Francisco Conceicao.

The Juventus man went down and Gila immediately looked sheepish, anticipating a spot-kick for the visitors.

However, after VAR review, the referee’s on-field decision stood and no penalty was given.

You can follow the remainder of the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

David De Gea called for calm and unity after Fiorentina’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna at the Stadio Franchi, insisting the Viola must stay mentally strong to overcome their current difficulties.

Despite fighting back from 2-0 down thanks to two late penalties, the mood around the club remains tense, with Stefano Pioli’s side still struggling for consistency in Serie A.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, via TuttoMercatoWeb, De Gea backed the message of goalscorer Moise Kean, who had urged the squad to believe in themselves. “As Moise said, we have to believe,” the Spanish goalkeeper stressed.

“It’s difficult when the victories don’t arrive, but we must stay positive. Even if we didn’t play a great game and we are in a difficult moment, we still came back in a tough match. We need to work hard and go in the same direction for the good of Fiorentina.”

De Gea: ‘We could have lost 6-0…’

The former Manchester United keeper also highlighted the difference in level between domestic and European competition. “The Conference League is different,” he noted.

“The opponents we’ve faced there are of a lower level compared to Serie A. Here it’s not easy, but if we keep working and focus on each match, we can do better.”

De Gea admitted that the atmosphere inside the stadium briefly shook the team after Bologna’s disallowed third goal. “In that moment, I thought we could lose 6-0,” he confessed.

“But then we gained confidence and almost won the match. We must do more and stay positive, for the fans too. We all need to be united and move in the same direction.”

Stefano Pioli believes Fiorentina showed character in their dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna, fighting back from 2-0 down thanks to late penalties from Guðmundsson and Moise Kean.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Viola coach admitted his side still have plenty to fix, but praised the team’s refusal to collapse.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose, but certain episodes were punishing us too harshly,” Pioli said.

“We didn’t develop our play well in the first half, but with Bologna that can happen. We had chances with Ranieri and Moise, and the important thing is that the team didn’t give up.”

Pioli accepts protests after Fiorentina 2-2 Bologna

The coach also accepted the criticism that arrived from the Curva Fiesole. “The fans have always supported us and they have the right to protest if they feel it is necessary. They always have the final say,” he noted.

Looking at the tactical issues, Pioli admitted Fiorentina must find better balance in midfield. “Bologna don’t let you play comfortably, and in some positions Fagioli needed to be found more. We must improve our structure and find better equilibrium,” he said.

On refereeing and VAR, Pioli was blunt: “Right now everything is confused. You can’t understand who is truly making the decisions. For me, the referee must decide more and the VAR less.”

The coach underlined that the table remains disappointing, but insisted the team will continue to work. “We are not satisfied, but we go forward trying to grow,” he concluded.

Moise Kean urged Fiorentina to show greater character and take responsibility for their season after the Viola battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Bologna at the Stadio Franchi.

Two second-half penalties, including Kean’s equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time, snatched a point and prevented a damaging home defeat.

Speaking to DAZN after the game, the striker was clear about what must change: “Only we can turn our season around – it’s up to us to show some balls and step up,” he said, with quotes via FiorentinaNews, insisting the team must raise their mentality if they want different results.

Kean calm in equalising goal for Fiorentina against Bologna

Kean also explained that he felt calm when stepping up for the decisive penalty: “I didn’t feel any pressure. My teammates believed in me and I just tried to stay positive,” he added.

Looking ahead, the forward stressed that Fiorentina owe more to the city and their supporters: “Fiorentina deserves a lot, and so do my teammates. We’re a good group and we can achieve great things. We need to stay positive ahead of Milan against Inter.”

Fiorentina leave the pitch with mixed emotions: proud of their comeback, but aware that dropped points at home continue to complicate their already shaky start to the campaign.

Watch and listen to the latest news updates from the world of Calcio courtesy of Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà.

Today’s focus is on the aftermath of Napoli’s 3-1 win against Inter on Saturday evening.

Pedullà discusses the opposite fortunes between the two head coaches: Cristian Chivu and Antonio Conte.

Whilst Conte took home the three points, Chivu’s actions off the field gave him an advantage over his counterpart, who was drawn into a clash of words with Nerazzurri Captain Lautaro Martinez.

Watch: Pedullà talks Napoli 3-1 Inter

Napoli’s 3-1 victory over Inter has lifted the mood at the Stadio Maradona, restoring confidence and momentum, but celebrations were muted by a fresh injury concern for Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian midfielder asked to come off after feeling discomfort in the same area that required surgery last season, immediately triggering alarm within the club’s medical staff.

According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, there is real concern that the 32-year-old may have suffered a significant muscular relapse.

While De Bruyne appeared relatively calm after the final whistle, Napoli are approaching the situation with maximum caution given his recent history and the delicate nature of the injury.

Napoli await worst case scenario as De Bruyne faces injury setback

Tests scheduled will offer a clearer picture, but the fear is that it could be a high-grade lesion, which would rule him out for an extended spell.

With De Bruyne serving as the creative heartbeat of Antonio Conte’s side, the potential setback comes at a difficult moment in the season.

Napoli are back in the Scudetto race and preparing for a decisive run of fixtures in Serie A and Europe. Losing their technical leader for several weeks, or possibly longer, would represent a major blow to their ambitions.

For now, the club will wait for the official medical bulletin before outlining recovery times and a plan for his replacement. What is certain, however, is that Napoli are bracing themselves for bad news.

Inter are concerned Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be ruled out for up to a month or more after the midfielder suffered a thigh injury in Saturday’s defeat away to Napoli.

The Armenian was forced off after 32 minutes, immediately signalling to the bench and leaving the pitch unable to continue.

The 35-year-old will undergo medical tests on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage to his left flexor, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Inter midfielder Mkhitaryan could miss six weeks

Early signs have not been encouraging, with Mkhitaryan still limping heavily on Sunday at Appiano Gentile, and the fear is he could be sidelined for 4-6 weeks depending on the grade of the injury.

Inter’s schedule makes the timing particularly delicate. After the November international break, Cristian Chivu’s side face the Milan derby on November 23 and then Atletico Madrid away on November 26 in the Champions League.

In the best-case scenario, Mkhitaryan could return around that period or shortly after, but a second-degree lesion would push his comeback well into December. Recovery time will depend not only on the scan results but also how the muscle responds to treatment and reconditioning.

Positive news for Nerazzurri as Thuram progresses nicely

There is, however, better news regarding Marcus Thuram. The French forward is making encouraging progress and is expected to increase his workload in training this week.

Inter will resume work on Monday and as the squad returns to Appiano to recover from the Napoli match and celebrate Cristian Chivu’s 45th birthday, Thuram will undergo his first full on-pitch session since the injury.

If all goes well, he should rejoin group training soon and be available for selection afterwards.