All these fixtures kick off at 19.00 GMT at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 02: A general view of the light show prior to the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on January 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
It is the Final Four format for the Supercoppa Italiana, so the holders of the Serie A title and Coppa Italia play against the runners-up in the other tournament.
A winner is decided after 90 minutes, or they go straight to a penalty shoot-out.
Supercoppa Italiana referees appointed
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Luca Zufferli referee gestures during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Verona at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 10, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Napoli vs. AC Milan on Thursday night will be officiated by Luca Zufferli, with Gianluca Aureliano as his VAR.
Imperiale and Rossi are the assistants, with Pezzuto as the fourth official.
The other semi-final between Bologna and Inter on Friday goes to referee Daniele Chiffi, who is supported in the VAR booth by Fabio Maresca.
Rossi and Fontemurato hold the flags on the touchline, with Dionisi as the fourth official.
Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are the only four players to have been directly involved in more than 10 goals in each of the last seven seasons in Europe’s top five leagues, reports Opta.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez inspired the Nerazzurri’s 2-1 win over Genoa on Sunday providing one goal and one assist at Marassi.
The Argentine is currently the Serie A top-goal scorer with eight goals, one more than Milan star Christian Pulisic.
Stats from Opta on X social media confirm that Lautaro has been one of the most decisive strikers in Europe over the last few years.
Lautaro Martinez matches Mbappé, Haaland and Kane
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“Lautaro Martínez is only one of the four players to have been directly involved in more than 10 goals (8G-3A this season) in each of the last seven Big-5 European Leagues’ seasons, along with Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. Unstoppable,” Opta reported.
Unstoppable Lautaro Martinez
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (left) celebrates with his team-mate Petar Sucic after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Lautaro has netted 165 goals in 355 Inter games since joining the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2018.
A 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina, ‘El Toro’ was the Serie A’s Capocannoniere in 2023-24 with 24 goals, contributing to Inter’s 20th Scudetto in their history.
He was also the top-goal scorer in the Copa America with Argentina in 2024.
Khephren Thuram is the present and future of Juventus, and has recently received the backing of Giorgio Chiellini, so here is the reasoning behind the recent rumours involving the Frenchman and a possible Bianconeri move for Inter’s Davide Frattesi.
Where Juventus stand with Thuram and Frattesi
In recent weeks, there had been far-fetched suggestions that Juventus were considering the possibility of a swap deal with Inter that would see Thuram and Frattesi move in opposite directions. Similarly, Milan and Napoli have also been linked with deals involving Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lorenzo Lucca swapping sides. Both rumours are baseless.
Focussing on Juventus specifically, Chiellini has recently stressed Thuram’s importance to Luciano Spalletti: “I won’t talk about Frattesi, as that’s a lack of respect towards Inter. What I can say without doubt is that Thuram will remain a Juventus player. He has done really well in the year and a half he’s been with us and we have no intention of letting him go,” he said before kick-off against Bologna on Sunday.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Khéphren Thuram greets the crowd during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Thuram has shown that he is capable of being a Juventus player and that he still has plenty of potential to fulfill. He hasn’t had the most impressive of performances in recent weeks, but there’s no doubt that Juventus intend to stick with him for the time being.
As for Frattesi, Juventus’s interest is a separate matter. Inter are adamant that they will not let the Italy international leave for anything less than €35m, which is less than the fee that had been cited to interested clubs over the summer.
epa12078784 FC Inter’s Davide Frattesi (R) celebrates scoring the 4-3 goal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI
If Frattesi wants to leave Inter, it is down to his agent to find him the move, which he has failed to do for the last three transfer windows now.
“Yuventus”un yarımmüdafiəçisi Kefren Türam yay transfer pəncərəsində “İnter”in əsas hədəflərindən birinə çevrilə bilər.
Komanda.az “La Gazzetta dello Sport”-a istinadən xəbər verir ki, Milan klubu orta xətti gücləndirmək niyyətindədir və 24 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçi prioritet namizədlər siyahısında yer alır.
Hazırda “İnter”in heyətində Türamın böyük qardaşı, hücumçu Markus Türam çıxış edir. Qardaşların “Cüzeppe Meatsa” stadionunda eyni formada bir araya gəlməsi qarşıdakı yayın ən çox müzakirə olunan mövzularından biri ola bilər.
Fransalı futbolçunun “Yuventus”la müqaviləsinin müddəti 2029-cu ilin ortalarına qədərdir. O, cari mövsümdə komandasının heyətində bütün turnirlərdə 18 oyuna çıxıb, 1 qol vurub və 2 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Goal and assist: The Toro overtakes Conte and Max, Supercoppa on Thursday.
Inter take the lead. Milan’s draw, Napoli’s stop
Cristian celebrates: 2-1 win at Marassi. Bisseck breaks the deadlock. Laurienté shocks Allegri. Sassuolo’s comeback (2-2). Conte falls in Udine (1-0). Ekkelenkamp scores.
Roma jump: the big chance
Gasp can return in the Scudetto zone: ‘I’ll end my career here, ambition needed to improve.’ Ndicka plays, Wesley returns.
Viola sink: endless training retreat
Shadows on Vanoli: hypothesis Iachini. The Franchi protests: survival is eight points away. Orban’s brace decisive.
Spalletti’s breakthrough
The Bianconeri win again away after 43 days. Cabal scores. Lucio: ‘The best win since I’m here.’ Zortea hits the crossbar on 0-0. Heggem sent off. Supercoppa: on Friday, Italiano against Inter.
Tuttosport
Milan stumble against Sassuolo, Napoli fall in Udine: Chivu’s overtake
Inter put them back in line
On the pitch after the rivals, the Nerazzurri don’t waste their chance: Bisseck and Lautaro sign the blitz in Genoa. The Rossoneri don’t digest the newly promoted sides. Bartesaghi’s brace: 2-2. Palpitation in San Siro after the draw with Pisa and the defeat against Cremonese. Zaniolo sends Conte’s team into a tilt, punished by a super Ekkelenkamp goal. From Thursday, the Supercoppa in Riyadh.
Juve to Cabal
Convincing and heavy win in Bologna: 1-0.
A defender’s header rewards a high-level performance. Rossoblu (who end up with ten men) are overtaken, and a Champions League spot is one point below. Spalletti (five wins in the last six games): ‘It can be a breakthrough.’
Cholito, the leader: ‘Such a good Toro!’
Image of a bomber and a very Granata family: ‘I couldn’t wait to return to action.’ But Baroni’s troubles are not over.
Lautaro Martinez insists that he and his Inter teammates have their sights set on the Serie A title in 2025-26 and took an opportunity to address his colleagues at the end of their 2-1 victory away against Genoa on Sunday: ‘We’re the ones who put in the work’.
Inter currently sit alone at the top of the Serie A standings thanks to a 2-1 win away against Genoa on Sunday evening. Goals from Yann Bisseck and Lautaro were enough for the Nerazzurri to hold onto, despite Vitinha pulling one back for Genoa midway through the second half.
Lautaro addresses Inter teammates after Genoa victory
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (right) celebrates with his team-mate Nicolò Barella after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Napoli’s 1-0 loss against Udinese and Milan’s 2-2 draw with Sassuolo earlier on Sunday means that Inter will spend the next week on their own at the top of the Serie A table. There had been four teams separated by just one point at the top of the table a few weeks ago.
“It means a lot, we’re back at the top because we’ve worked hard, we’ve had to sacrifice ourselves and regardless of what people say about us, we are focussed on ourselves, working hard, improving, hoping to bring joy to these supporters,” Lautaro told DAZN after full-time on Sunday (via fcinternews.it).
“Everyone’s been talking about Inter for a few years because we’ve been doing well. It’s normal for there to be criticism and compliments.
“We’re a team that is aware of our strengths, we always try to make sure that Inter is at the top. It seems repetitive, but that’s what we do. The message in the dressing room is clear, we want to do it.”
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (left) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Lautaro was asked what the message he wants to send is, and instead of addressing the supporters, the Nerazzurri skipper took an opportunity to rally his teammates instead.
“It’s a message to ourselves. As I always say, we’re the ones who put in the work and we’re the ones who try to bring Inter back to where it belongs, so it’s to the team that I speak.”
Cristian Chivu is pleased to see his Inter team back at the top of the Serie A standings after claiming that his side had been written off in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, and has explained why he made certain changes during Sunday’s 2-1 victory away against Genoa.
The Nerazzurri currently sit alone at the top of the Serie A standings thanks to goals from Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez in an eventual 2-1 victory over Genoa on Sunday evening.
Chivu after Genoa 1-2 Inter: ‘I’ll take the three points’
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (right) celebrates with his team-mate Nicolò Barella after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Chivu said that he would rather talk about the game itself rather than the impact that it has had on the Serie A table.
“I like to talk about the game and what I saw on the pitch,” he began. “It was a difficult game tonight, in this atmosphere and against a team that has been strong since De Rossi came in. I’ll take the three points, which are the most important thing.”
Chivu explained why he decided to make certain changes before and during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Genoa.
“The changes were made according to energy and form. Originally, at 2-0, Bonny was supposed to come on, but then I opted for Thuram because I needed more speed. I took Zielinski off and moved Akanji up because we needed two midfielders with a strong structure.”
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, issues Piotr Zielinski of Inter some instructions during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Chivu was then asked if he feels his Inter side have been underrated at times this season.
He replied: “A few months ago, they had us finishing eighth or tenth because we looked finished. We’re working hard to show our value.
“For me, we need a bit of consistency in everything, but we’re aware of what we have to do and how we have to do it. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you don’t.”
Up next on the schedule is a trip to Saudi Arabia to take on Bologna in the semi-final of the Supercoppa Italiana. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Napoli or Milan a few days later.
“An important game lies ahead of us in Riyadh. We’re not looking at anything else,” Chivu said.
Inter once again have Lautaro Martinez to thank for a 2-1 victory away against Genoa in Serie A on Sunday evening, a result which has sent the Nerazzurri to the top of the league table.
Check out the player ratings below!
A surprise goal from centre-back Yann Bisseck and a second from captain Lautaro 10 minutes before the end of the first half were enough for Inter to cling onto despite Vitinha pulling one back for Genoa midway through the second half.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (left) scores a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Best Genoa player: Vitinha 6.5 – Provided the moment of quality that gave the Genoa supporters a brief moment of joy and the belief that they might get something more out of the game in the second half. He had so much work to do to create that goal for himself as well.
Coach: Daniele De Rossi 6 – It was always going to be a difficult test against Inter, but Genoa weren’t really up to the task aside from their decent opening spell. Another tricky test against Atalanta now awaits them.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (R), greets Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Best Inter player: Lautaro Martinez 7.5 – A goal, an assist and four shots on target from the Nerazzurri talisman this afternoon. His seventh in Serie A so far this season, the most in the division, and 11 goals including his four in the Champions League. Realistically, the game should have been out of reach for Genoa after his strike went in for 2-0 after 38 minutes.
Coach: Cristian Chivu 7.5 – It’s been a relentless schedule for the Nerazzurri in recent weeks, and on a weekend where others have tripped up, Chivu got his selections right on Sunday, and is now sitting alone at the top of the Serie A table as a result. Arguably Inter’s most important victory of the season thus far.
Inter surged to the top of the Serie A table thanks to Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez, inflicting the first defeat on the Genoa bench for Daniele De Rossi.
The Nerazzurri were shaken by a controversial Champions League defeat to Liverpool, especially as Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi joined Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro on the treatment table. The Grifone were revitalised since Patrick Vieira’s dismissal, Daniele De Rossi overseeing two draws and two consecutive victories against Verona and Udinese. Leo Ostigard, Junior Messias, Hugo Cuenca, Maxwel Cornet and Benjamin Siegrist missed out, but Morten Frendrup returned.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (R), greets Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
As Milan were held 2-2 by Sassuolo and Napoli lost 1-0 to Udinese, Inter knew a win here would leapfrog them to the top of the Serie A table. There was trouble an hour before kick-off when Genoa and Inter fans clashed outside the stadium, setting cars on fire and prompting police to deploy tear gas.
The hosts had a big early chance when Lorenzo Colombo got down the left and his pull-back was just beyond Vitinha sliding in from six yards.
Instead, Inter opened the scoring when Lautaro Martinez kept it in play at the by-line and found Yann Bisseck, as while Nicola Leali was expecting a cross, he was wrong-footed on a low drive drilled into the near bottom corner.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Yann Bisseck of Inter scores a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Carlos Augusto nodded wide and Lautaro Martinez tested Leali from the edge of the area, while Francesco Pio Esposito forced a save from the on-rushing goalkeeper when holding off Sebastian Otoa to reach a Nicolò Barella pass.
Inter doubled their lead when Barella’s cross-field pass sent Carlos Augusto down the left, he laid it off for Lautaro Martinez, who used his strength to turn Alessandro Marcandalli and smash the angled drive into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left boot.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (left) celebrates with his team-mate Petar Sucic after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Lautaro Martinez also fired straight at Leali after the restart and Bisseck nodded a corner wide, but Genoa got back into the game with a moment of real skill from Vitinha.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (right) celebrates with his team-mate Nicolò Barella after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The former Olympique Marseille striker gathered from Aaron Martin down the left, flicked it on with his heel to get away from two Inter defenders, cut inside to dribble around Yann Sommer and deposit into an empty net.
Albert Gronbaek’s free kick was easy for Sommer, but far tougher for Leali to parry Marcus Thuram’s header on a corner at the near post.
Sommer was tested more in stoppages, smothering the Caleb Ekuban glancing header on Jeff Ekhator’s cross.
There were some ugly scenes outside Marassi this evening ahead of Genoa vs. Inter, when two sets of fans threw objects at each other, attacked police, and cars were set on fire.
It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi, at 17.00 GMT.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Police are seen at work after a clash between Genoa and Inter fans prior to the Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
They responded by attempting to break down the barrier separating them, so police were forced to intervene and the situation degenerated.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Police are seen at work after a clash between Genoa and Inter fans prior to the Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
At least one car was set on fire, while some fans were seen dealing with the effects of tear gas deployed by the authorities.
Continuano gli scontri prima di Genoa-Inter: macchine in fiamme all’esterno del Ferraris
Cristian Chivu is impressed with how Daniele De Rossi transformed Genoa and warns Inter they need ‘quality and intensity’ after surprise results already today.
It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi, at 17.00 GMT.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There was some crowd trouble outside the stadium before kick-off, with clashes between sets of supporters and police.
Meanwhile, Inter know a victory could leapfrog them to the top of the table, because AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo today, while Napoli lost 1-0 away to Udinese.
Chivu concerned about Inter distraction
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We have to focus on ourselves, be ready to play what will not be an easy game, because Genoa are in a great period of form, are on home turf and feeling the energy of enthusiasm,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
Genoa have been revitalised under new coach De Rossi since he replaced Patrick Vieira, so has Chivu spoken to his old Roma teammate this week?
“We haven’t spoken this week, no. De Rossi transmitted character to his squad, but also quality, as they pass it around more and try to open up the opposition defences. Their strikers are doing well, so it’s going to be tough for us too.”
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, and Yann Aurel Bisseck of Internazionale embrace after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The last week has been a rollercoaster for the Nerazzurri, who had the best performance of the season thumping Como 4-0, but then lost to Liverpool in the Champions League thanks to an extraordinarily soft late penalty.
The biggest problem about that midweek defeat was fresh injuries to Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi, who both limped off during the first half and are therefore absent here.
“I expect to see a team aware of how important and difficult this match is going to be, because there will be moments when we need quality, others where we have to focus more on intensity,” concluded Chivu.
Inter are forced into changes in defence and midfield, while Francesco Pio Esposito partners Lautaro Martinez for the trip to Daniele De Rossi’s revitalised Genoa.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This has been a difficult few days for Cristian Chivu, as just after an exhilarating 4-0 victory over Como, he had to deal with a second consecutive Champions League defeat, this one to a ridiculously soft Liverpool penalty.
To make matters worse, Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi both limped off during that game and are out of action, along with Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro.
Changes are therefore forced, including Carlos Augusto stepping in on the left, with Piotr Zielinski and Petar Sucic in midfield.
Francesco Pio Esposito is chosen to partner Lautaro Martinez upfront.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Genoa have been revitalised since Daniele De Rossi replaced Patrick Vieira, earning two draws and back-to-back victories over Verona and Udinese to break out of the relegation zone.
Leo Ostigard, Junior Messias, Hugo Cuenca, Maxwel Cornet and Benjamin Siegrist are still out of action, but Morten Frendrup returns to midfield.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy scored last week and bolstered his transfer value, while Vitinha supports Lorenzo Colombo upfront, leaving Inter-owned Valentin Carboni on the bench.
GENOA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (left), celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Hellas Verona FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Tuttosport newspaper reported earlier this week that Frattesi’s agent Beppe Riso had resumed talks with Juventus as the Inter midfielder seeks more playing time in the second part of the season.
Frattesi seeks Inter exit
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 05: Davide Frattesi of Internazionale passes the ball under pressure from Dastan Satpayev of FC Kairat during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Kairat Almaty at Stadio San Siro on November 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The best Italy goal-scorer during the Luciano Spalletti era, Frattesi, will be glad to reunite with the ex-Azzurri boss, but negotiations between the two clubs might not be so easy.
Inter expert Pasquale Guarro and Gazzetta, in fact, claim that the Nerazzurri will likely ask for Khephren Thuram if Juventus knock on their door for Frattesi.
Inter eager to reunite the Thuram brothers
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lautaro Martinez during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The move would allow the Nerazzurri to reunite the two Thuram brothers at San Siro, as Marcus has been playing for Inter since 2023.
According to Guarro, Khephren Thuram was already an Inter target last summer, alongside Roma’s Manu Kone and Atalanta’s Ederson.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri ended up signing 22-year-old Andy Diouf last summer, but the Frenchman has only collected 150 minutes of football on the pitch this season.
Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to partner with Lautaro Martinez in the Inter attack in an away game at Genoa.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at the Stadio Ferraris in Genoa.
Inter must cope without Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, Hakan Calhanoglu and third-choice goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Petar Sucic #8 and Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Maxwel Cornet, Benjamin Siegrist and Leo Ostigard are unavailable for the home side.
Acerbi’s injury means Yann Bisseck will join regular starters Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni in central defence.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Daniele De Rossi, manager of Genoa, looks on before kick off at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Genoa CFC at Stadio Friuli on December 08, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Luis Henrique is expected to start as a right midfielder to replace Dumfries. Petar Sucic competes with Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a spot in central midfield, while Carlos Augusto is favourite over Federico Dimarco, according to Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta.
Italian media claim that Marcus Thuram will start on the bench, making room for Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez in attack.
Genoa vs. Inter – where to watch on TV
The match is available on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will cover today’s Serie A action with a liveblog.
The Supercoppa Italiana Final Four is coming up next week, so check the location, kick-off times, and the prizes at stake for Napoli, Inter, AC Milan and Bologna.
The format of the tournament remains the same after last season, so rather than be a traditional clash between the winners of the Scudetto and the reigning Coppa Italia holders, it is expanded to four teams.
The trophy holders therefore face the runners-up of the other competition, then the winning teams take on each other for the Final.
That means Napoli face AC Milan in one semi-final on Thursday December 18, kicking off at 20.00 GMT.
Bologna then play against Inter in the other semi-final on Friday December 19, also at 20.00 GMT.
The winners of these two matches then go head-to-head on Monday December 22, again at 20.00 GMT.
There is no extra time, so if two teams are level after 90 minutes, they go straight to a penalty shoot-out.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
According to Calcio e Finanza, the total prize pot for the tournament is €22.5m, with the winners getting €9.5m plus a further €1.5m to play a friendly against the team that takes the Saudi Super Cup.
The two losing semi-finalists should get €2.4m each, while the beaten Finalist can expect €6.7m.
AC Milan won it last season, beating Inter 3-2 in the Final.
Denzel Dumfries hasn’t played a competitive match since November 9 and is not expected to return to action before January 2026, but next week he’ll have a specialist visit abroad, reports Gazzetta.
Inter defender Dumfries is not expected to play again in 2025 and will have a specialist visit abroad next week to receive a clear diagnosis.
Dumfries’ injury explained
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Denzel Dumfries of Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Netherlands international was subbed off after 56 minutes during Inter’s home game against Lazio on November 9 and has not returned to action since.
The right-back returned to Italy for treatment, and it was believed that he would have recovered for the derby against Milan on November 23, but that wasn’t the case.
Dumfires to miss Supercoppa Italiana Final Four
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 04: Denzel Dumfries of Netherlands stands for the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland at De Kuip on September 04, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Gazzetta reports that Dumfries has been training in the gym and has tried to increase the workload, but the pain is still there.
Even MRI scans and other tests have not highlighted any particular damage to the injured ankle, so Inter have decided to change their approach, arranging consultations with several orthopaedic specialists focusing on ankle problems.
Next week, he’s expected to fly abroad for a specialist visit, but Dumfries is highly unlikely to return to action before January 2026, missing next week’s Supercoppa Final Four.
Cristian Chivu insists Inter are ‘having a great season, despite what people say,’ as they prepare to face a revitalised Genoa under his old Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi. ‘The reality is different to the narrative.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi.
Hakan Calhanoglu limped off midweek against Liverpool and “has not resumed training yet,” while Francesco Acerbi, Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro are also out of action.
De Rossi has seen the Grifone surge up the standings since taking over from sacked Patrick Vieira and is hoping to keep that confidence going against an Inter side fresh from Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
Chivu stands up for his Inter record
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We need to be perfect, especially in terms of attitude against a team that found so much enthusiasm under a new coach,” said Chivu in his press conference.
“It has never been easy for Inter in this fixture, so we need to give it our all. I had four marvellous years at Roma, De Rossi was a captain without the armband, as Francesco Totti was still there at the time. I always admired his intelligence, he is a genuine guy who is very loyal.”
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, and Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, embrace prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
How will Inter react to this feeling of profound injustice?
“With the same calm that marked my approach since the start of the season,” responded Chivu.
“We are aware that we’ve got to give our best every day, along with a little added focus, responsibility, passion and enjoyment.
“Despite what people say, in my view we are having a great season. It’s true, there are ups and downs, we’d like to remove the downs, but we are confident in our work.
“We are trying to learn from mistakes, but must not lose the confidence that we are having a great season. Excluding the Club World Cup, we have had 21 games where at most we got two halves wrong, but never a whole match.
“This squad wants to dominate and the reality on the field is different to the narrative that people want to paint about us.”
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Inter have lost practically all the ‘big’ games against strong opponents, despite often creating more opportunities and having the majority of possession.
“We started the season under a magnifying glass, people said we were failures and we were finished, but we are still up there and that is not to be taken for granted considering what was said over the summer.
“Of course we have margin for improvement, but we never wanted to lose our identity, our hunger, our desire to be dominant in Serie A and Europe. We are on the right track, and that is the most important thing.
“Some might say that we ought to be more negative and defensive, going for the draw, but I don’t want us to lose our identity.”
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Cristian Chivu head coach of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The best performance of Chivu’s Inter was only last week, demolishing Como 4-0 at San Siro, but the coach disagrees.
“In terms of effort, we actually did more against Liverpool. Of course, with all due respect for Como, Liverpool can afford to spend €150m for one player, so it’s a very different level.
“However, in terms of overall performance, we were not inferior to Liverpool, so I will keep and build on the good things I saw there.
“We have to talk about the reality. I’ve been at Inter in one way or another for 20 years, so expectations are different to reality,” added Chivu.
“I do not evaluate the growth process based on one victory or one defeat. I don’t like labels, and too many of them are placed on Inter.”
Former Inter star Gianluca Pagliuca believes Guglielmo Vicario is a ‘very good goalkeeper’ but is not ‘top-class’ while Gigio Donnarumma is the best in the world.
La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Tottenham keeper Vicario is open to joining Inter next summer as the Nerazzurri will be looking for a replacement for Yann Sommer in 2026-27.
“It would be a good idea, with full respect for Sommer,” Pagliuca, a former Inter goalkeeper, told Gazzetta via Fcinter1098.it
‘Vicario not a top-class goalkeeper’
UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur fails to save a penalty kick from Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain (not pictured) during the UEFA Super Cup 2025 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Friuli on August 13, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“Yann is a reliable goalkeeper and has experience. I don’t know what Inter want to do, but the fact that he’s been questioned over two mistakes seems a bit excessive to me.”
As for Vicario, the former Italy international seems to have clear ideas: “He’s a very good goalkeeper, the second choice for our national team. He has experience in Italy and also in the Premier League,” Pagliuca said.
“However, I don’t see him as a top-class player yet. He has experience because he’s been between the posts for a long time; he’s 29, but he doesn’t give me the feeling of being a top player.”
Pagliuca, Italy’s starting goalkeeper in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, also praised Inter’s second-choice goalkeeper Josep Martinez: “I really like him,” he said.
Pagliuca ranks the top three goalkeepers in the world
21 Oct 1998: Gianluca Pagliuca of Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League match against Spartak Moscow at the San Siro in Milan, Italy. Inter won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill /Allsport
Lastly, he ranked the top-three goalkeepers in the world: “In an overall ranking of No.1s, I’d put Gigio [Donnarumma] first, then Courtois and then Dibu Martinez, who, I don’t know whether will remain in Birmingham.”
Pagliuca played for Sampdoria, Inter, Bologna and Ascoli in Serie A, collecting 592 appearances in Italy’s top flight.
The former goalkeeper won the Scudetto in 1990-91 with Sampdoria and the 1997-98 UEFA Cup, now Europa League, with Inter.
He retired after spending the last season of his career at Ascoli in 2006-07.
“İnter”in müdafiəçisi Denzel Dumfris gələn il komandanı tərk edə bilər. 29 yaşlı futbolçu bu yaxınlarda agentini dəyişib və artıq transfer bazarında onun maraqlarını tanınmış menecer Ali Barat təmsil edir.
Komanda.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, niderlandlı futbolçunun növbəti ilin yayında Milan klubundan ayrılma ehtimalı kifayət qədər yüksəkdir.
Onun “İnter”lə hazırkı müqaviləsinin müddəti 2028-ci ilin ortalarına qədərdir.
Dumfris cari mövsümdə Kristian Kivunun komandasında bütün turnirlərdə 15 oyuna çıxıb və 3 qol vurub.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario wants to join Inter next summer, but the Nerazzurri don’t want to pay more than €20m to sign the Italy international.
Italian goalkeeper Vicario is eager to join Inter next summer, according to the latest report of Gazzetta dello Sport.
Vicario wants Inter move
BILBAO, SPAIN – MAY 21: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The pink paper had reported in November that Vicario wanted to leave Spurs at the end of the season and that the Nerazzurri were interested in securing his services.
Vicario is grateful to Tottenham but wants to return to Serie A in the summer, so the Nerazzurri will have to negotiate with Spurs, as the goalkeeper’s contract runs out in June 2028.
Vicario a long-time Inter target
BILBAO, SPAIN – MAY 21: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with a Tottenham Hotspur flag after his team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
According to the report, however, Inter are unwilling to invest more than €20m to sign the former Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper who was already a Nerazzurri target in 2023, before the 29-year-old completed a permanent move to North London.
Vicario has kept nine clean sheets in 22 Tottenham appearances this season.
He’s Italy second-choice keeper behind Gigio Donnarumma and has five international appearances to his name.
The crypto giants value the club at €1.1 billion. Exor: ‘It’s not for sale’
From Tether 725m for 65,4% of the club.
Vicario wants Inter
The Tottenham goalkeeper is getting closer. Dumfries’ warning.
Corriere dello Sport
Transfer market special
Gabriel Jesus, the bomb
The Arsenal centre-forward is back from an injury and can leave in January
Milan loom? Mainoo is open to Napoli. Lucca between Italy and abroad
Juve, Motta was better
Last season, they were closer to the top spot and had more points
The results in the opening 14 games have worsened with Tudor and Spalletti: fewer goals scored (18 to 22) and more vulnerable defence (14 to eight). Tether: ‘One billion ready for the club.’ Exor: ‘Not for sale.’
Lazio, Sarri looking for the tris: Cancellieri in the trident
De Rossi and Chivu, so many jokes
Tuttosport
Baroni, breakthrough or trouble
Under the eyes of the new director, the coach must send a strong signal after three consecutive losses. Lecce’s win over Pisa made the Granata slip to the 17th spot. Fans will protest against Cairo before the game.
One billion for Juve, Elkann says no
Tether’s offer will be rejected
The crypto company that has an 11,5% stake in the club aims for a majority stake. ‘Offer made with humility and a sense of belonging for the club and the fans.’ But Exor says no. Besides Ardoino’s move, there’s no confirmation regarding the desire to sell Juve. Yildiz’s family in Turin to negotiate the renewal. According to CIES, Kenan will be worth 140m in June.
‘De Rossi and Chivu two shy with success.’
Milan, Juve and Inter: ticket prices cap for the visitors
“İnter”in hücumçusu Lautaro Martines bu mövsüm A Seriyası çempionluğu uğrunda mübarizə haqda danışıb.
Komanda.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, argentinalı futbolçu bunu söyləyib:
“Biz “İnter”i yüksək səviyyəyə çatdırdıq. Skudetto? Biz “Napoli”, “Milan” və “Roma” ilə mübarizə aparacağıq. “Milan”ın çox bəyəndiyim baş məşqçisi var”.
“İnter” 14 oyundan sonra 30 xalla İtaliya çempionatının turnir cədvəlində üçüncü yerdədir. Komanda lider “Milan”dan və “Napoli”dən bir xal geridədir. “İnter” dekabrın 14-də, A Seriyasının 15-ci turu çərçivəsində “Cenoa” ilə səfərdə oynayacaq.
Lautaro Martinez is confident that promising Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito will become a ‘pillar’ of the Nerazzurri and the Italy national team: ‘He’s serious and humble.’
Pio Esposito returned to Inter last summer after a two-season loan spell at Serie B side Spezia.
Lautaro: Pio Esposito will ‘become a pillar of Inter and Italy’
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
A product of the Inter Academy, Esposito has netted three goals and provided three assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season and even made his senior Italy debut, netting three times in five games with the Azzurri.
“I know him quite well because he comes from the youth sector,” Lautaro told Gazzetta.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“He’s a serious and humble lad. Let’s leave him calm, and he’ll become a pillar of Inter and the Italy national team. Bonny also has strength and quality and is helping us.”
During the same interview, Lautaro argued that the Nerazzurri had suffered an “injustice” in their latest Champions League match against Liverpool: “If you lose due to a referee’s mistake, there’s not much you can do,” he said.
A controversial Dominik Szoboszlai penalty allowed Liverpool to beat Inter in a Champions League match at San Siro on Tuesday.
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was punished for pulling Florian Wirtz’s shirt, and the German’s dramatic fall led to a VAR pitchside review that ultimately awarded the decisive spot-kick to the Reds.
Lautaro: Inter ‘disappointed but not angry’ after loss vs. Liverpool
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We are disappointed but not angry,” Lautaro told Gazzetta.
“Because if you lose due to a referee’s mistake, there’s not much you can do. We’re upset that we threw everything away because of an injustice. If penalties were given for every shirt pull, the game would never be played.”
Inter have lost two Champions League Finals in the last three years and suffered a huge blow this past May when they succumbed to a 5-0 defeat to PSG in Munich.
Have they entirely recovered from it?
“Defeats hurt a lot, but make you grow. I get really angry when I lose, but I also have to consider the quality of the opponent,” argued Lautaro.
“Anyway, we started again. Maybe some results haven’t been positive, but it takes time. There’s a new coach who is giving us a lot of energy. Maybe it’s not visible from the outside, but we know we are improving day by day.”
Lautaro Martinez revealed he recently began seeing a psychologist to help him stay balanced.
“I’m very happy I trusted a professional; it helped me a lot,” said the Inter captain.
“I understood that if someone attacks me, it’s often because they would like to be in my place. When I was young, I used to struggle with reading or hearing harsh words about me. Now I face them with more calm, and I enjoy my career.”
Lautaro: ‘No reason to leave’ Inter
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Inter are just one point below Serie A leaders Milan and Napoli. Are they going to be their main rivals for the Scudetto?
“I’d include Roma too; they have a coach I really like,” Lautaro argued.
The Argentine star’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2029.
“My family and I feel very good here; we’ve set down roots in Milan. I’ve just signed a new contract, so I have no reason to leave,” Lautaro concluded.
Tuttosport newspaper reports that Davide Frattesi’s agent has held preliminary talks with Juventus as the Inter midfielder seeks more playing time.
Juventus have reportedly resumed talks with Beppe Riso, the agent of Inter midfielder Frattesi.
The Italy international has been struggling with playing time this season, falling down Cristian Chivu’s pecking order.
Frattesi seeks more playing time
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Billy Gilmour of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, the midfielder’s representative recently held talks with the Old Lady, who had already set her sights on the 26-year-old in previous years.
The Turin-based paper reports that Frattesi’s agent met Juventus representatives at the club’s headquarters.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie C match between Ternana Calcio and Juventus Next Gen at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Even if those directly involved described the meeting as a courtesy visit, it’s highly possible that the two parties made an initial approach ahead of the January transfer window.
Frattesi has only collected 480 minutes of football across all competitions this season, providing two assists in Coppa Italia against Serie B side Venezia.
Strong bond between Frattesi and Spalletti
Italy’s midfielder #07 Davide Frattesi scores his team first goal during the International friendly football match between Italy and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Empoli on June 09, 2024. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
However, his contract expires in June 2028 and Inter will be reluctant to sell the midfielder to a direct rival, so their asking price won’t be below €35m.
Frattesi is open to leaving Inter next month and is on good terms with Luciano Spalletti. The Inter midfielder was the best Italy scorer during the Tuscan coach’s tenure, finding the net seven times.
The Rossonero: ‘Allegri knows how to manage stars, this Milan is a great dream.’
The Nerazzurro: ‘I’ve never been so strong, Inter are full of energy.’
Corriere dello Sport
Europa League and Conference: nine points in three games
Roma, Bologna and Viola: our ranking enjoys it
Ferguson’s brace, Gasp beats Celtic 3-0. Bernardeschi (two goals) knocks Celta down. Italiano wins 2-1. Kean and Gud: 2-1 to Dinamo.
Spalletti prisoner
Injuries and the system
Vlahovic’s injury and the infeasibility of switching to a four-man defence immediately.
He has another Juve in his head
Heavy absences and missing roles, but he’s only lost one game from nine. From Bremer to the growth process: Lucio projects the leap. David’s exam.
Lecce, DiFra calls Camarda
Survival showdown with Gilardino: Stulic out, the baby in. Morente for Pierotti.
Milan, Fulkrug, if Gimenez leaves
Loftus-Cheek is also on his way out in January, with moves for the German.
Tuttosport
Toro: the new director warns everyone, including the coach
Petrachi’s shake: ‘Baroni can and must give more’
Spalletti-Frattesi: Shall we try again?
Contact between Juve and the agent of the Inter midfielder, a trusted man of the coach in the national team.
The former CT would welcome Davide with open arms. The price is high, 35m, but his agent Riso talks about it with Comolli, eager to raise the quality in midfield. Meantime, the screams of the Bianconeri coach shake the Bianconeri dressing room. David challenges shyness off the pitch, the weight of the salary and Vlahovic’s ‘phantom.’ Those silences of the fans at the Allianz Stadium: behind the scenes.
Inter SOS defence: there’s Gila for Chivu
In January, Ausilio has 20m to 24m available and Lazio need to sell. Mlacic is in the frame, too.
Bernardeschi’s show: message to Juve
Bologna’s comeback win against Celta (2-1): the former Bianconero books a spot for Sunday. Super Roma at Celtic’s home:3-0. Kean and Gudmundsson get the Viola back up: 2-1 to Dinamo Kyiv.
Morata risks a three-month stop. Thrilling Pisa-Lecce tonight.
Italy have stepped even further clear of Spain, but are still locked in a battle with Germany for an additional spot in next season’s Champions League after the conclusion of Thursday night’s Europa and Conference League ties.
It was a step in the right direction for Italy’s hopes of securing an additional Champions League spot for 2026-27, as all the Serie A representatives secured victories on Thursday night.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 11: Matias Soule of AS Roma celebrates with teammates, after Liam Scales of Celtic (not pictured) concedes an own goal resulting in the first goal for AS Roma, during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Celtic FC and AS Roma at Celtic Park on December 11, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Where Italy stands in race for extra Champions League spot
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: The UEFA Champions League trophy is cleaned as it is displayed on a plinth at the side of the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The situation leaves Italy in third place in the UEFA seasonal association coefficient rankings. This is what is used to determine which two nations receive an additional Champions League spot.
The UEFA tables are expected to be officially updated on Friday, but figures provided by Sky Sport Italia show that Italy will be in third place on 11.071 points, behind Germany in second on 11.660 points and England in first with 13.166 points.
Spain are in fourth with 10.609 points, with Portugal slightly behind them in fifth on 10.600 points.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Inter star Denzel Dumfries has picked Ali Barat as his new agent, fuelling speculation of a possible move to the Premier League.
Inter right-back Dumfries has changed his agent, picking Ali Barat in place of Jorge Mendes, according to Gazzetta and Calciomercato.com.
Dumfries picks new agent
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 04: Denzel Dumfries of Netherlands stands for the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland at De Kuip on September 04, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Both reports imply that the Dutchman’s latest move is intended to position himself for a potential transfer to other clubs in the future, particularly in the Premier League, where Ali Barat has strong connections.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 04: Denzel Dumfries of the Netherlands holds his wrist as he appears injured after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland at De Kuip on September 04, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Dumfries is contracted with Inter until June 2028 and has a €25m clause that is only valid in the first two weeks of July.
This means that if any club want to sign the 29-year-old in January, Inter will be free to negotiate any transfer fee.
West Ham already sounded out Dumfries
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Denzel Dumfries (R) of FC Internazionale celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
West Ham already approached Dumfries in the past, but Gazzetta warns that the defender would only consider joining top sides.
‘If a team of West Ham’s level arrives (as it happened already), Dumfries will stay in Milan,’ wrote the pink paper.
Dumfries is currently out of action due to an ankle injury and is not expected to return before January 2026.
José Mourinho admits he would even ‘go to the Circo Massimo’ to celebrate the Serie A title with Roma, but ‘unfortunately’, only Milan, Inter and Napoli will fight for the Scudetto.
Benfica coach Mourinho admits he’d return to Italy to celebrate the Serie A title with Roma fans.
The former Inter and Roma boss was asked his thoughts on the Scudetto race at a post-match press conference last night, after a 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League, and, as usual, his reply was very honest.
Mourinho’s Serie A title prediction
LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SL Benfica and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at on November 05, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
“It’s tough. Inter have a top team and great potential, same as Napoli. Milan play once a week. They have a fantastic coach like Max [Allegri], who can coach in a way that Antonio [Conte] and Cristian [Chivu] can’t because they have many games to play,” Mourinho argued.
“Unfortunately, I think it will be among these three.”
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: David Neres of Napoli scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on November 30, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Mourinho has made history with Inter, winning the treble in 2010 with Chivu in his team, so he felt he had to explain why he said ‘unfortunately.’
Mourinho supports Roma in Serie A title race
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: José Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge on September 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“I’d love it, and I’d even go to the Circo Massimo, but I don’t think so.”
The Circo Massimo is the place where Roma fans usually gather every time the team wins a trophy.
Mourinho knows how it feels to win for the Giallorossi, having lifted the Conference League in 2022.
Inter say that Francesco Acerbi has suffered a ‘strain in his right thigh’ and, according to reports in Italy, he’ll remain out of action for circa one month, while Hakan Calhanoglu could return in time for next week’s Supercoppa.
PISA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Michel Aebischer of Pisa Sporting Club in action against Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and FC Internazionale at Arena Garibaldi on November 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Francesco Acerbi underwent a medical examination at the Istituto Humanitas di Rozzano this morning. The tests revealed a muscle strain in his right thigh,” the Nerazzurri said on Thursday.
According to Sky Sport Italia (via Calciomercato.com), it’s predictable that Acerbi will be forced to the sidelines for at least one month, given the nature of his injury.
This means that the Italy international will miss next week’s Supercoppa Italiana Final Four.
Latest Calhanoglu injury updates
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Calhanoglu was also subbed off due to an injury against Liverpool, but in his case, the Nerazzurri doctors didn’t order medical examinations, as the Turkish star is only dealing with a minor fitness problem.
Nevertheless, Calhanoglu is still expected to miss the next Serie A match against Genoa and return to action for the Supercoppa next week.
The Champions League Round 6 is in the history books, and we take a look at how many points Atalanta, Inter, Juventus and Napoli need to qualify for the next phase.
Juventus and Atalanta beat Pafos and Chelsea, respectively, in the latest round of the league phase of the Champions League, while Inter lost at home against Liverpool and Napoli were beaten by Benfica.
Currently, the best-ranked Serie A club in the Champions League table is Atalanta with 13 points, one more than Inter.
Champions League: Atalanta, Inter, Juventus and Napoli overview
Oddly, La Dea are the lowest-ranked in Serie A among the clubs competing in this season’s Champions League, as they sit 5th in the European competition and 12th domestically.
As reported by Gazzetta, Atalanta are already qualified for the knockout playoff, but with 13 points in six games, they have the destiny in their hands. With two wins in the remaining matches against Athletic Club (home) and Union Saint-Gilloise (away), Atalanta will surely qualify for the Round of 16, finishing in the top eight.
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Chelsea FC at Stadio di Bergamo on December 09, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Inter, on the other hand, have 12 points, they sit sixth, but still need one point to have the certainty to qualify for the knockout playoff. Their next two games are against Arsenal (at home) and Borussia Dortmund (away), and the Nerazzurri would need to win both, possibly increasing their goal difference, to qualify for the Round of 16.
Juventus have won two consecutive matches against Bodo/Glimt and Pafos. They need one more against Benfica (at home) or Monaco (away) in January 2026 to be mathematically certain to be in the knockout playoff. Juventus currently sit 17th, and even if the top eight is just three points away, the Bianconeri would need two wins in the remaining matches and negative results from most of the teams above them in the table, so their destiny is not entirely in their hands.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 10: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and SSC Napoli at on December 10, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Lastly, Napoli, the Serie A table leaders, but the lowest-ranked Italian team in the Champions League. The Partenopei have lost three European games from three away, conceding ten goals. They are currently ranked 23rd, and their next opponents are Copenhagen away and Chelsea at home. Copenhagen also have seven points, so a win would boost the Partenopei’s hopes to qualify for the knockout playoff, but won’t necessarily grant them a spot in the next phase with a game to spare, given that 11 points were necessary to qualify for the knockout playoff in 2024-25.
New Inter signing Andy Diouf contributed to Inter’s 5-1 win over Venezia in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, and the Frenchman’s versatility could offer him even more chances going forward.
Diouf scored his first goal for Inter on Wednesday, opening the account in a comfortable 5-1 win over Serie B side Venezia in the Coppa Italia Round of 16.
Diouf joined Inter last summer, but has been struggling with playing time so far, collecting just 144 minutes on the pitch. Technically, the 22-year-old was drafted in to boost Cristian Chivu’s options in central midfield, but Diouf has been tested in a different role in recent weeks at the Stadio Meazza.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Andy Diouf of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Marcus Thuram during the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The former Rennes man, in fact, played the last two games as a right midfielder. First in a Serie A match against Pisa, where he made a substitute appearance, playing for 23 minutes, and then against Venezia in Coppa Italia, when he played the full match and scored after just 18 minutes.
“I’m happy for those who played their first at San Siro, those Under-23 players who I knew pretty well,” Chivu said at full-time.
“I’m pleased for Andy Diouf, who had his first start and full 90 minutes, and scored a goal. There are many reasons to be happy this evening.”
As Chivu continues to shape Inter’s squad, Romanian gambling sites are buzzing with predictions on how far the coach can take the Nerazzurri, and other new signings have been instrumental in the team’s positive results so far this season.
One that surely stands out is Ange Bonny, who moved to San Siro from Parma and has proved to be a very reliable backup to starting strikers Marcus Thiram and Lautaro Martinez.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Bonny has collected five goals and six assists across all competitions this season, netting four times in Serie A and once in Coppa Italia.
Petar Sucic, a Croatian central midfielder, was obviously not as effective in the final third but has been showing great personality in replacing veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan and still grabbed one goal and two assists so far.
Luis Henrique, on the other hand, has been struggling more than the other newcomers, having failed to earn a starting spot even after Denzel Dumfries’ injury.
The Brazilian started as a left midfielder against Venezia in Inter’s latest Coppa Italia match. He showed promising improvements, but was still subbed off at minute 60, making room for the product of Inter academy Matteo Cocchi, who made his second appearance at a senior level for the Serie A giants.
Login
