Twente’s technical director Erik ten Hag says the ‘door is open’ for ex-Torino defender Perr Schuurs: ‘I only hope he can recover in the best way for himself and his family.’

Dutch defender Schuurs recently terminated his contract with Torino, having made no appearances for the Granata in over two years.

Schuurs’ unfortunate Torino spell

The 26-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture on October 21, 2023 and underwent surgery twice since.

Schuurs had joined Torino from Ajax in 2022 and made 43 appearances with the Granata before his serious injury.

Before joining Roma, Schuurs had made 92 appearances under Ten Hag at Ajax and the former Manchester United coach, now the technical director for Dutch side Twente, would love to reunite with his ex-defender.

Ten Hag eager to ‘help’ Schuurs

“If I have a chance to help him, I’ll surely do it. The door at Twente is always open for him, but we must first consider his shape when he returns,” Ten Hag told De Telegraaf.

“He might be a very important resource in a club like ours, but currently, I only hope he can recover in the best way for himself and his family. He deserves it. The rest will come afterwards.”

Schuurs was called up for the Netherlands’ Nations League games against Poland and Italy in September 2020 but spent both matches on the bench, failing to make his debut with his national team.

The Dutchman played 39 Serie A games with Torino, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Arne Slot is ‘aware’ that the lack of Champions League football in 2026-27 will limit Liverpool’s spending next summer: ‘When I arrived after a Europa League season, we could only sign Federico Chiesa.’

Liverpool sit 6th in the Premier League table, five points below a Champions League spot. Missing out on qualification for Europe’s elite competition would naturally impact their spending next summer.

Slot: Liverpool ‘could only sign Chiesa’ after Europa League campaign

“When I arrived here, we could only sign Federico Chiesa and that was after a Europa League season,” Slot said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“So, that does have an enormous impact on the way this club is run, that is clear. So, we are completely aware and I am completely aware of that.

“If we don’t have Champions League football it has definitely not been an acceptable season.”

Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus on the 2024 summer transfer window deadline day.

He has been struggling with playing time under Slot, especially in his first season at Anfield, when he collected just three goals and two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Will Chiesa play for Italy again?

There have been slight improvements in 2025-26 as Chiesa has scored three times and assisted just as many times in 25 games for Liverpool.

Chiesa has not been part of the Italy national team since the 2024 Euros.

However, Azzurri coach Gennaro Gattuso has been eager to bring Chiesa back to the team for some time and recently met him for dinner in London, along with other Italy players.

Juventus winger Francisco Conceiçao is confident that it’s ‘just a matter of time’ before he starts scoring consistently and hopes to stay at the Allianz Stadium ‘for a long time.’

Juventus star Conceiçao released an interview with Sportmediaset ahead of some tricky fixtures for the Bianconeri who will meet Inter in the next Serie A match on Saturday and then Galatasaray in the Champions League knock-out play-off.

“We must do our job. We want to win and prove we are a great team,” Conceiçao said.

“We know Inter are in a very good moment, winning every game comfortably, but we have the quality to do well and win, and we’ll go there to do just that.

“We know the Champions League is the best competition in the world. It will be a very tough game, against a strong team with strong players, but the least we can do is to win and join the top clubs.”

Juventus have recently been eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Atalanta and were held to a 2-2 home draw by Lazio in Serie A, wasting many chances in both games.

Juventus ‘a bit nervous’ for lack of goals

“Many times, creating chances is the most difficult thing, but I’ve lacked the goals that could have helped the team, which is the most important thing,” Conceiçao noted.

“I think it’s just a matter of time if I continue like this.

“We want to win every game; it’s what we want to do. We must continue to win in Serie A to remain up there. I want to help the team as much as possible, with more goals and assists to reach our objectives,” the Portuguese winger continued.

“If we score first, the team feels more confident, but we are lacking it now, so we feel a bit nervous as we want to score to win. I think we create many chances, which is the hard part, but we must improve, score goals and improve.”

Conceiçao has only scored one goal and provided one assist in 18 appearances under Luciano Spalletti, who was appointed as the new Juventus coach at the end of October.

The Bianconeri have climbed the table and are currently in the top four, but Conceiçao sees ample room for improvement.

“I like the way we play and the way we want to win,” he said.

Conceiçao opens up about Juventus future

“The results speak for themselves; we’ve won more games, and we must continue to improve. We all know we have the potential to do much more, including myself.”

Conceiçao is in his second season at Juventus and hopes to remain in Turin long-term.

“Yes, obviously, for a long time, I want to win titles and do great things personally,” he concluded.

Alex Jimenez feared he’d get limited playing time at Milan, so he joined Bournemouth last summer and feels Como star Nico Paz is ‘ready’ to return to Real Madrid.

Spanish full-back Jimenez has recently completed a permanent move to Bournemouth, just six months after joining the Premier League side on loan from Milan.

The 20-year-old has scored one goal and provided one assist in 23 appearances across all competitions this season and is happy with his life on and off the pitch in England.

“Life is much calmer than in Milan or Madrid, and I think that’s helping me stay even more focused on football,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“My family is living with me, and I have a very peaceful daily life.

“In Italy, [football] it’s a bit slower because football there is much more tactical than in the Premier League. Here it’s much more physical, back and forth, and you have to be very well prepared physically. Given my characteristics, I feel more comfortable, and the Premier League suits me better.”

Jimenez went on to explain why he decided to leave Milan last summer, after making 34 appearances with the Rossoneri.

Jimenez on why he left Milan for Bournemouth

“I think at Milan I wasn’t going to get the minutes I wanted this season, and this opportunity came up,” he said.

“I saw it as a chance, and I think I’m making the most of it.

“I really valued that the coach was Spanish [Andoni Iraola], considering he could help me integrate into the team,” Jimenez continued.

“In the end, changing language and country makes a difference. Also, I’ve always liked watching Premier League matches, and it seemed like a fun team based on what I saw last season.”

During his time at Milan, however, Jimenez had the chance to play alongside one of his role models, Theo Hernandez.

“I’ve always had Dani Carvajal as a reference because I spent many years at Madrid,” said the 20-year-old.

“Also, Alexander-Arnold, Davies and Theo Hernandez, whom I was lucky enough to play alongside at Milan.”

Nico Paz ‘ready’ for Real Madrid return

Lastly, Jimenez argued that Como star Nico Paz has done enough in Serie A this season to justify a return to Real Madrid next summer.

The Merengues have an option to re-sign the Argentine in 2026 and 2027.

“Yes, he’s ready. He already did very well last season, and in the current campaign, he’s made a further step forward,” Jimenez said.

“I’ve always liked him, and I’d be very happy if he eventually returns to Real Madrid.”

Only nine more La Liga appearances separate Juventus loanee Nico Gonzalez from a permanent move to Atletico Madrid.

Argentina international Nico Gonzalez is edging closer to joining Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal.

When will Nico Gonzalez join Atletico Madrid permanently?

The 27-year-old moved to the Wanda Metropolitano last summer on a €1m loan deal with an option to buy for 32m.

As reported by Calciomercato.com, Atletico’s option to buy becomes mandatory if Nico makes at least 60% appearances in La Liga, for 45 minutes each.

Nico has already played at least 45 minutes in 12 La Liga matches, so he has nine more to complete before joining the Colchoneros permanently.

Juventus’ changes in attack

Overall, Nico Gonzalez has scored one goal in 25 appearances with Atletico Madrid this season.

Nico Gonzalez only spent one season at Juventus, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 40 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.

Juventus signed Edon Zhegrova and Lois Openda as attacking reinforcements on deadline day last summer and welcomed Jeremie Boga from OGC Nice in the January transfer window.

Referee chiefs reportedly agreed that the decision to deny a penalty kick to Juventus in their latest Serie A match against Lazio was correct.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Calciomercato.com) reports that AIA chiefs considered Marco Guida’s decision not to award a penalty to Juventus against Lazio on Sunday to be correct.

Juventus rightly denied a penalty vs. Lazio, according to referee chiefs

The Biancocelesti defender Mario Gila appeared to foul Juventus’ Juan Cabal with a sliding tackle inside the box.

Guida did not give a penalty, and he was not urged to the pitchside monitor to spot any potential error.

According to referee chiefs, the decisions were correct given the Lazio defender’s “intention to withdraw.”

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti complained about the decision at full-time, arguing that his side had been denied a clear penalty.

Spalletti’s remarks were shared by DAZN pundit Luca Marelli, who claimed Lazio should have been punished due to Gila’s negligence in his tackle.

Juventus sit fourth in the Serie A table, level on 46 points with 5th-placed Roma.

Former Torino defender Giacomo Ferri feels that Alessandro Buongiorno and Giorgio Scalvini are the best Italian centre-backs: ‘Alessandro Bastoni has other qualities.’

Former Torino star Ferri defended Napoli centre-back Buongiorno after the Italy international made clear errors in an eventual 3-2 win over Genoa on Saturday.

‘Buongiorno and Scalvini the best centre-backs in Italy’

“I think there are many reasons why he’ll bounce back,” Ferri told Radio TuttoNapoli via Calciomercato.com.

“He’s young, he still has room for improvement and has a coach who, for me, is able to make everyone improve. Buongiorno has indeed made errors in recent times, but I think physical issues played a part in this. He hasn’t been 100% fit.

“For me, Scalvini and Buongiorno are the best Italian centre-backs right now,” Ferri continued.

“They might be struggling at times, but they have room for improvement and coaches who can make them develop.”

Ferri even prefers Buongiorno over Inter’s Bastoni.

“As a pure centre-back, Buongiorno is superior,” he claimed.

“Bastoni has other qualities, especially when he attacks. He’s perfect as a left defender in a three-man defence. I’m not saying he’s a bad defender, quite the opposite, but as a pure centre-back, Buongiorno is superior.”

Juventus director Marco Ottolini reveals the Bianconeri still hope to extend Dusan Vlahovic’s contract, but the Serbia national team fitness coach predicts the striker will join Barcelona.

Juventus striker Vlahovic has less than six months left in his contract at the Allianz Stadium.

Talks between the two parties have been stalling for several months, given that Vlahovic is reportedly unwilling to cut his €12m salary.

Juventus set to continue Vlahovic contract talks

Vlahovic has been unavailable since December and is expected to return to action next month.

Despite his injury and uncertain future at Juventus, Vlahovic still seems quite involved in the team, as his celebration of Pierre Kalulu’s late equaliser against Lazio suggested.

“It’s something we have considered too,” Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini told Sky Sport Italia.

“Vlahovic will be available again in a few weeks, and we’ll surely talk to him. Negotiations will continue, so it’s not a completely closed matter.”

Vlahovic, however, has attracted interest from several clubs, including Milan, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Dusan Ilic, the fitness coach of the Serbian national predicted that the Juventus forward will move to Spain in the summer.

“For me, he’ll go to Barcelona,” Ilic told Tuttosport.

“Before joining Juventus, he had held talks with Atletico Madrid, but then picked the Bianconeri. It was impossible to refuse that offer.”

Vlahovic underwent surgery in December due to a high-grade adductor injury.

“The injury hit a very specific part that takes longer to heal,” continued Ilic.

“Naturally, the recovery is longer, but given the doctors and the specialists he has at his disposal, I can say we’ll see him return soon.”

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in Milan star Christian Pulisic, who hasn’t yet received an offer to extend his contract at San Siro.

Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in Pulisic, according to TMW.

Milan prepare contract extension offer for Pulisic

Pulisic’s contract with the Rossoneri expires in June 2027, even if the agreement includes an option to extend for a further campaign.

According to the report, Pulisic thought he’d receive an offer in the past months, but the club have never made a formal proposal.

The Rossoneri, however, are reportedly determined to send their offer shortly as they are willing to continue with the USMNT international for the coming years.

Milan have recently confirmed Mike Maignan’s contract extension, but negotiations with the Frenchman had a higher priority as the goalkeeper only had six months left in his previous deal.

Pulisic began the season in excellent form, but recent physical setbacks have slowed his momentum. The American has yet to score in 2026 and was forced to miss the latest Serie A match against Bologna because of bursitis.

The 27-year-old has scored ten goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.

Antonio Conte’s Napoli and Cesc Fabregas’ Como will be looking to earn a place in the Coppa Italia semifinals tonight, reuniting for the fourth time on the sidelines after winning titles with Chelsea.

Napoli and Como meet at the Stadio Maradona tonight in a Coppa Italia quarter-final showdown.

Napoli have already been eliminated from the Champions League, so they only have Serie A and Coppa Italia left to play for, even if they sit third in the league standings, and the gap from leaders Inter is now nine points.

Como, on the other hand, sit 6th in Serie A, just five points below a ChampionsLeague spot, with a game in hand.

Fabregas’ side, in fact, didn’t play this past weekend as their away game against Milan at San Siro was postponed due to the stadium being occupied by the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

Como’s last competitive match was on February 1, while Napoli beat Genoa 3-2 on Saturday, but saw their midfielder, Scott McTominay, suffer a minor injury. The Scotland international is part of a big group of Napoli players unavailable for tonight’s Coppa Italia fixture.

The winner will go on to face Inter in the semifinals.

Fabregas and Conte already met three times as coaches. Conte won the first match in October 2024, but the Spaniard is unbeaten in the last two, having grabbed a home 2-1 win in February 2025 and an away 0-0 draw at the Maradona this past November.

Fabregas played under Conte at Chelsea, scoring ten goals and providing 22 assists in 86 appearances between 2016 and 2018.

During their time at Stamford Bridge, Conte and Fabregas won a Premier League title (2016-17) and an FA Cup (2017-18).

Doneyll Malen earned praise from Italian media after scoring a brace in Roma’s 2-0 win over Cagliari: ‘explosive like dynamite,’ wrote Corriere dello Sport.

Malen has had a tremendous impact at Roma, scoring three goals in his opening four Serie A appearances. His last two, scored in a home game against Cagliari on Monday, allowed the Giallorossi to catch Juventus in the top four.

#ASRoma #RomaCagliari pic.twitter.com/YO1sM5L900

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 10, 2026

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini was clearly delighted with the Dutchman’s performance, and the coach’s words of praise were echoed by Italian newspapers.

Malen resulted as the obvious Man of the Match in all Italian sports papers.

He was rated 8/10 by Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta.

Italian media react to Malen’s brace in Roma 2-0 Cagliari

“Explosive like dynamite, delicate as a caress,” wrote Corriere dello Sport.

“The first goal, beautiful, was a tribute to his qualities as a mobile centre-forward. The second, just as valuable, showed a boundless hunger. Side note: when he accelerated and hit top gear, he became uncatachable.”

Gazzetta added: “Worthy of a manual of attacking football for how he made his runs, called for the pass and finished. Extraordinary. The first goal was a gem, on the second, he was flawless.”

Malen joined Roma from Aston Villa on an initial loan deal with an option to buy in the January transfer window.

Roma’s option to buy for €25m becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League or the Conference League this season.

Celik Malen #ASRoma #RomaCagliari pic.twitter.com/0Gdfw9Qsvp

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 10, 2026

Denied a training retreat this month, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has taken his World Cup preparations on the road, visiting players in Saudi Arabia, London and Milan ahead of March’s play-off.

Italy coach Gattuso has been visiting the players he is considering calling up for March’s World Cup play-offs.

Italy’s World Cup play-off opponent

The Azzurri will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the semis on March 26, and if they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Final.

The congested fixture list has made it impossible for the FIGC and Lega Serie A to find a two-day window for the Azzurri to train at Coverciano this month. This means Gattuso will reunite with his players four months after their last competitive match, lost 4-1 at home against Norway in November.

Therefore, Gattuso has opted to meet his players face to face, travelling around the world and catching up with them over dinner.

According to Gazzetta, Gattuso has already met with Mateo Retegui in Saudi Arabia, Marco Verratti in Qatar and many Italian players in the Premier League: Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Chiesa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Michael Kayode, Nicolò Savona, Sandro Tonali, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario.

Gazzetta highlights that Gattuso has meticulously planned for these meetings, ensuring they would not disrupt the clubs’ weekly work or compromise the players’ rest.

Last night, he had dinner in Milan with Juventus, Inter, Milan, Bologna and Fiorentina players who could be part of the Azzurri team next month.

Within Friday, depending on the commitments of each team, he’ll go to Bergamo, Rome and Naples to meet the others.

Next Monday, he’ll sit down with Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Marco Palestra after attending the match between the Rossoblu and Lecce.

During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan striker Christopher Nkunku praised many of his Rossoneri teammates and said France could compete to win the World Cup with three different teams.

Milan striker Nkunku has been in excellent form in recent weeks, scoring one Serie A goal every 63 minutes since the end of December.

Despite being linked with leaving the Rossoneri in the January window, Nkunku insisted that he never considered leaving the club last month.

During his interview with Gazzetta, Nkunku spoke highly of many of his Milan teammates, including his compatriots Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan.

Nkunku and Rabiot are Milan’s best scorers in 2026.

Nkunku: Rabiot ‘could play 90 minutes every day’

“Adrien always been like this; maybe he’s just more decisive now,” Nkunku said.

“Allegri wants him to play more in attack, while before he used to be more defensive. Adrien has a phenomenal shot, and he runs so much. I think he could play 90 minutes every day because he’s never tired. He’s at the peak of his career, between 29 and 31 years old. He has no limits; he always pushes on and off the pitch. He’s a beast.”

Maignan has recently extended his Milan contract and has been a crucial player for the Serie A giants this term. The French keeper saved penalty kicks against Inter and Roma, so Nkunku was asked whether he can score consistently from the spot in training, against his compatriot.

“I would say it’s 50-50, Mike has helped us earn points,” the striker replied.

“He has great leadership inside the dressing room. Everyone listens to him when he says something. He always speaks for the team’s good, as a true captain. We couldn’t tell him to stay, but now that he has extended his contract, we are calmer. It’s good for the club that he stays.”

Do the French players in the Milan team talk much about the upcoming World Cup?

“Not much, because now we are all focused on winning at Milan,” Nkunku said.

“The World Cup will be in three or four months, and if we give our best for the club, we’ll have more chances to be called up.”

The French forward sustained an injury just a few days before the start of the 2022 World Cup.

“It was sad; every footballer dreams of playing at the World Cup. Now I must work to make it happen,” Nkunku said.

“France are really strong. We could have three teams, and each would be competitive to win, because we have youth sectors that work well.”

Nkunku faced two final questions about other Milan stars, Rafael Leao and Luka Modric. Who is faster? Nkunku or Leao?

“Long distances, probably Rafa, but shorter distances, maybe myself,” Nkunku replied.

“Luka [Modric] is super, he has a unique quality and makes some fantastic long passes with the outside of his foot. If I even try, my hip goes out. It’s unbelievable that he’s 40. He could still play until 45 or 46.”

Milan striker Christopher Nkunku insists he didn’t consider leaving the Rossoneri in the January transfer window and feels his former PSG teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has not changed in his new advisor role.

• Read more – Nkunku: France have three teams to win World Cup, Rabiot ‘a beast’

Nkuku completed a permanent move to Milan from Chelsea last summer, but initially struggled to settle in at San Siro.

At the end of December, he scored a brace against Verona, and he’s gone on to score one goal every 63 minutes played in Serie A since.

“Honestly, it made me very happy, but my objective now is to be in good shape,” Nkunku told Gazzetta.

When Nkunku arrived in Milan last summer, he had taken part in Chelsea’s pre-season training, which affected him in the first part of the campaign.

“A lot, it’s like a journalist conducting an interview without preparing the questions. It was hard because I had never skipped a pre-season, and next summer I’ll do anything to not make it happen again,” he said.

“If you don’t have a pre-season, you don’t have those four or five friendlies to get in shape.”

Despite some difficult months at the start of the season, Nkunku never considered leaving the club.

Nkunku ‘never thought about leaving’ Milan

“I tried to remain calm because I knew my qualities and I knew I’d score. It was just a matter of time and shape,” he claimed.

“If you play in attack, you must score because it’s your job. I hope I still helped the team differently, but if you score or assist, it’s more evident. The most important thing is to win and do what Allegri says.

“I’ve never thought about leaving, that’s the point,” Nkunku continued.

“My agent never mentioned any offer, so those were just rumours to me. He knows me well; I’ve never asked him to look for something different or talk to other clubs, because I wanted to be ready for Milan.

“I think Milan are the biggest club in Italy and I’ve understood that the club wants to win titles, which is also my objective. I’ve had a chance to lift trophies everywhere, and I want to do the same here, at a club that was born to win.”

In mid-December, Max Allegri said Nkunku had to ‘smile more’, and the French striker tried to follow his coach’s advice.

“When the coach says something, you have to do it because he has a lot of experience,” said Nkunku.

“At that moment, I lived in my world, preparing to be ready. But it’s true, when you smile and see things positively, everything changes.

“Our target is to qualify for the Champions League, but we must focus on one game at a time. We also have a derby coming up, a special match.”

Nkunku played with Ibrahimovic at PSG, and now the ex-striker is an advisor for Gerry Cardinale’s Red Bird, who owns Milan.

“Now I see Ibrahimovic wearing a jacket; before, he used to wear football boots. For the rest, it’s not a big change,” Nkunku said.

“He still has his character and desire to win. I remember that once in training, I made a mistake that made my team, which also included Ibra, lose. He didn’t say anything at first, but on the day of the game, inside the dressing room, he told me: ‘We lost, never again.'”

January signing Giovane is expected to start his first game for Napoli against Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals tonight.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Stadio Maradona.

The Partenopei are short of options in attack and midfield, with Scott McTominay, Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne, David Neres, Matteo Politano and Billy Gilmour all injured.

Therefore, Eljif Elmas will start in central midfield alongside Stanislav Lobotka, while the attacking midfielders behind Rasmus Hojlund will be Giovane and Antonio Vergara, according to Sky Sport and Gazzetta.

Defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo is also injured, and Antonio Conte stated last week that the Italy international would be out of action for two months.

According to reports, Amir Rrahmani, Juan Jesus and Sam Beukema will start in central defence for the Partenopei.

Como are way more rested than Napoli as they didn’t play in Serie A this past weekend, making their last competitive outing on February 1.

Fabregas is expected to pick his ideal Como XI with Anastosis Douvikas and Nico Paz in attack. The only doubt for the Azzurri seems to be on the right wing with either Mergim Vojvoda or Jayden Addai starting.

The winner between Napoli and Como will meet Inter in the semi-finals.

Napoli vs. Como – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide a live commentary via a live blog.

Napoli vs. Como – probable line-ups

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, Elmas, Olivera; Giovane, Vergara; Hojlund.

Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Diego Carlos, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Addai, Nico Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Nkunku exclusive

Milan, I love you

‘I’m here to win, I know how to do it. I’ve never thought about leaving; I only needed time. Allegri told me to smile; he was right.’

Inter, no wing-back in Europe is as decisive as Dimarco

Juve: McKennie at San Siro as a false nine, then the renewal.

Roma, Malen’s brace. Cagliari surrendered (2-0).

Napoli, Coppa Italia target: Fabregas with an attacking Como.

Corriere dello Sport

Juve limits

Derby d’Italia on Saturday

Chivu’s team scores a goal every 7.7 shots. Spalletti also pays for Vlahovic’s absence.

Inter’s attack: 12 goals more. Yildiz alone. David-Openda flop.

Lautaro, Thuram, Esposito and Bonny have scored 29 goals. Lucio has made the playing style take off, but his quartet has only managed 17. Cristiano: +9 from the appointment of the ex-CT.

Napoli, Conte launches Giovane

Fenucci: ‘Yes to VAR, but not this way.’

Magic Malen: Roma sit fourth

A brace in front of Totti. The Dutchman has scored three goals in four matches. Gasperini catches Juventus.

Tuttosport

Maratona once again empty ‘to defend Toro’

‘The Italian VAR helps cheating.’

Everyone against the referees: Juve among the most affected, Ravanelli complains.

The ex-striker: ‘Abroad, they use technology differently.’ Irritated by referees’ mistakes, the Bianconeri seek replies from ref chiefs. Meantime Spalletti pushes for McKennie’s renewal. Ilic, Serbia’s fitness coach: ‘Vlahovic he’s hungry for goals, he’ll join Barça.’

Double Malen, Roma celebrate and catch Juve

Napoli-Como for the semis, Inter at stake

Italy and Juventus legend Marco Tardelli was highly critical of Bianconeri owner John Elkann, saying that he doesn’t follow the team enough: ‘I hope they find a new owner.’

Tardelli did not hold back his criticism of Juventus owner Elkann while attending the premiere of the documentary film ‘Juventus, Primo Amore’, which recounts Juventus’ sporting achievements between 1975 and 1985.

When the 1982 Italy World Cup winner was asked what Juventus are lacking currently, he replied (via Gazzetta): “Somebody who loves Juventus.

Tardelli: ‘Perhaps I miss Andrea Agnelli’

“The Avvocato [ex-Juventus President Gianni Agnelli] didn’t use Juventus as a business, but he enjoyed being with the players. Nowadays, the owners don’t follow it much. I’ve never really been on good terms with him, but perhaps I miss Andrea Agnelli. He was on the pitch. Back then, there was somebody you could talk to.

“Now the Frenchmen have arrived, and despite having made a mess of things, they’re still there,” concluded Tardelli.

“I hope Juventus find a new owner.”

Comolli only arrived at Juventus last summer as the Bianconeri sacked sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after two seasons.

Following Comolli’s appointment, Juventus also promoted their legend Giorgio Chiellini as the Director of Football Strategy, François Modesto as the Technical Director and Marco Ottolini as the Sporting Director.

Comolli was initially Juventus’ General Manager, but was promoted to the club’s CEO this past November.

Juventus recently announced Kenan Yildiz’s contract extension until 2030. They currently sit fourth in the standings, 12 points below leaders Inter.

Inter were so deadly from corner kicks against Sassuolo that Cristian Chivu told his staff members: ‘It’s like a penalty.’

Inter secured a convincing 5-0 win over Sassuolo on Sunday, scoring the opening two goals from corner kicks taken by Federico Dimarco.

How Chivu reacted to Inter’s corner kick goals

The Italian has already provided nine assists in Serie A this season.

As reported by Sky Sport Italia (via FcInter1908), when Inter scored their second goal with their second corner kick, everyone celebrated with Inter’s set-piece coach Angelo Palombo, a former Inter and Sampdoria midfielder.

The Nerazzurri boss, Cristian Chivu, was so impressed with the outcome that he jokingly told his staff members: “That’s not a corner kick, it’s a penalty kick.”

Inter have the best attack in Serie A

Inter have the best attack in Serie A with 57 goals, including 13 scored from corner kicks, in 24 games.

They are the table leaders with an eight-point lead over their city rivals Milan, who sit second, but the Rossoneri have a game in hand, to be played against Como at San Siro on February 18.

Weston McKennie has scored seven goals since Juventus appointed Luciano Spalletti at the end of October, resulting in the highest-scoring Serie A midfielder across all competitions.

USMNT international McKennie has proved to be a real added value for Juventus over the last three months.

Seven McKennie goals under Spalletti

As reported by Opta on X social media, the American is the Serie A midfielder with the most goals scored across all competitions since the end of October. McKennie has netted seven times for Juventus under Spalletti.

McKennie had only provided one assist in 10 appearances under Luciano Spalletti’s predecessor, Igor Tudor, in the first part of 2025-26, making five appearances as a starter.

McKennie’s Juventus future remains uncertain as his contract expires in June 2026.

McKennie contributed to 11 Juventus goals under Spalletti

Recent reports in Italy, however, suggest that the two parties are open to reaching an agreement over a new deal, particularly after McKennie’s impressive performances under the new Juventus coach.

McKennie has also provided four assists under Spalletti, contributing to 11 goals in 22 appearances with the Tuscan in charge.

Napoli defender Juan Jesus feels VAR is creating more confusion than before, so it ‘becomes hard for everyone to remain passionate about football.’

Napoli defender Juan Jesus has strongly criticised the recent use of VAR in Serie A.

Juan Jesus: ‘We’ve taken a step backwards’ with VAR

During an interview with Sport Mediaset on the eve of a Coppa Italia match against Como, the Brazilian said: “I’ve lived through two different eras, like De Rossi. I’ve spent 15 years in Italy, even when there was a referee behind the goal line. If there are tools to help referees make fewer mistakes, that’s great, but from what I see, there’s a debate about everything: penalties, free kicks, yellow or red cards. We know the referee is a human being. Today, I don’t see any improvement in anything. There’s nothing but controversy, with us and with any other team. I think we’ve taken a step backwards instead of forward.”

Napoli secured a 3-2 win over De Rossi’s Genoa thanks to a late penalty kick earned by Antonio Vergara.

De Rossi was highly critical of the decision, saying: “The football that I played in no longer exists.”

Juan Jesus seemed to agree with his former Roma teammate: “There’s a bit of confusion. If there’s a line, you follow it. Otherwise, you leave things as they were before,” said the Napoli defender.

“There has to be room for a human being to make mistakes, whether it’s the referee or the linesman. I remember my handball against Lecce. I couldn’t do anything. My arm was tucked in; there was no opponent behind me. On the freeze-frame, they saw that I touched it. The same goes for a stamp. Football is played with your feet, not with your hands. If every time there’s a contact on the attacker’s foot, even in midfield, it should always be a foul. If it turns into the kind of confusion we’ve been seeing lately, unfortunately, it becomes hard for everyone to remain passionate about football.

“I heard what De Rossi said, and we are sorry. Maybe players will start training to hit the ball onto an opponent’s hand to win a penalty, or go to look for contact inside the box. It becomes a bad advert for the game.”

Juan Jesus has played for Inter, Roma and Napoli in Serie A. He arrived in Italy from Internacional in 2012, joining Inter, where he spent the following four seasons.

The experienced Brazilian centre-back has crossed paths with some legendary Serie A defenders over the last 15 years.

“I played in an era with defenders like Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. I had the pleasure to play alongside Walter Samuel, Cristian Chivu and Lucio,” he concluded.

“They were all physical defenders who enjoyed contact. If they played today, they’d play one match and miss the next.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma has made headlines thanks to a fantastic late save that inspired Manchester City’s 2-1 away win against Liverpool: ‘It shows why he’s the best in the world,’ said Erling Haaland.

• Read more – Italy players in Premier League: Donnarumma heroics, another Calafiori clean sheet

Reactions to Donnarumma’s massive save vs. Liverpool

Donnarumma’s big save against Liverpool on Sunday sparked plenty of reactions, including the one from his Manchester City teammate Haaland.

“Look at Gigio with an incredible save from Mac Allister,” the Norway international said at full-time.

“For me, it was out of this world. It shows why he’s the best in the world.”

This crucial save from Gigi Donnarumma (26) against Liverpool…

Guardiola’s reaction says it all. pic.twitter.com/NsL6y3q100

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 9, 2026

Donnarumma has kept 12 clean sheets in 29 games with Manchester City this season, conceding 27 goals.

The Italy captain was also praised by English football legend Gary Neville, who argued that thanks to Gigio, Guardiola and Haaland, City can aim for the Premier League title.

“If Man City are going to win the league, they’re going to need something really special,” Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast.

“For once, [they’re] not the best team. Arsenal are the best team and they have got the best squad. Arsenal are playing the best football, they’re the most consistent and they’re the most solid.

“But what you can never do is write off Pep Guardiola, and the likes of Donnarumma and Haaland, because they’ve got it in them.”

Donnarumma joined Manchester City last summer after winning a treble with PSG in 2025-26.

The 26-year-old didn’t only leave Paris as a Champions League winner, but also as a four-time French champion.

Donnarumma was only 17 when he made his senior Italy debut in 2016, replacing Gigi Buffon in a friendly against France.

He has now collected 79 appearances with the Azzurri and won the Euros in 2021.

Guardiola couldn’t believe Donnarumma pulled off that save in the 99th minute against Liverpool pic.twitter.com/IsgrsR0ENz

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 9, 2026

Gianluigi Donnarumma. pic.twitter.com/i05ex1Hfr3

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 8, 2026

Pep Guardiola enjoyed Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 98th minute save vs. Liverpool so much he had to imitate it pic.twitter.com/OUkbZpPPvx

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 9, 2026

Donnarumma, you reflex monster. I love you, man.pic.twitter.com/3wdhKMfv3l

— Geronimo Morgans (@GeronimoMorgans) February 8, 2026

Donnarumma! you can’t be real #LIVMCI | @ManCity pic.twitter.com/PUYAY6YEZn

— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) February 8, 2026

Stop that Donnarumma. pic.twitter.com/Puy6TL9O3C

— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) February 8, 2026

Donnarumma, a game changer pic.twitter.com/bVbO38LtFy

— Real Talk Manchester City (@RealTalkMCFC) February 8, 2026

Ex-Italy and Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini says two Azzurri, playing for Inter and Milan, ‘hid behind the bench’ to avoid taking a penalty kick in the 1994 World Cup Final against Brazil.

Milan legend Albertini revealed that two of his Italy teammates were unwilling to step up for a penalty in the shootout of the 1994 World Cup Final against Brazil, which the Azzurri went on to lose.

“I was 22 and had my whole career ahead of me. I had the recklessmess and, carefree attitude of the youngest in the group. Sacchi asked me if I felt up to taking a penalty, and I went without thinking,” Albertini told Gazzetta, via Calciomercato.com.

“While there were those who hid behind the bench just to avoid taking one. I’ll never say their names, but one played for Milan and the other for Inter.”

Nicola Berti was the only Inter player in that team, while Milan had two, Paolo Maldini and Roberto Donadoni. The latter had already missed a penalty in a World Cup semifinal defeat against Argentina four years earlier, during Italia 90.

Another painful moment in Albertini’s career came less than ten years later, also with the Azzurri: “The worst moment was losing the Euro 2000 Final against France with the golden goal. It really hurt to see the last real chance to win something with the national team slip away like that,” he said.

A former midfielder for Milan, Barcelona, Lazio, Atalanta and Atletico Madrid, Albertini won the Serie A title five times and the Champions League three times at Milan.

Albertini made 79 appearances with the Italy national team, the last one in a friendly against England in 2002. The former midfielder scored three goals with the Azzurri.

Turkiye head coach Vincenzo Montella is delighted with Semih Kılıçsoy’s recent improvement at Cagliari: ‘Fabio Pisacane will help him.’

Turkiye international Kılıçsoy has scored four goals since the end of December, becoming a regular starter at Cagliari.

Tonight, he’ll lead the Sardinians’ attack in an away game at Roma.

Montella continues to ‘follow’ Kılıçsoy’s growth

“He was already involved in the Euros, and now we continue to follow his growth,” Montella, a former Roma striker, told Il Messaggero (via TMW).

“His impact in Serie A wasn’t easy, but he has made incredible improvements in the last two months. He needs to keep this balance to confirm himself and improve.”

A top-Serie A striker in the 90s, does Montella see any similarity between him and the Turkish striker?

“We are a bit different. He’s very technical, and he has a goal-scoring instinct,” Montella replied.

“He must increase his consistency in the game to remain at certain levels, but I’ve seen him focused and motivated. I really hope he continues on this way. Cagliari and Pisacane will help him in this journey. I have an excellent relationship with Fabio. We just spoke about Semih.”

Pep Guardiola was left in awe by a stunning late save from Gigio Donnarumma, which helped Manchester City secure a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Italy international Donnarumma massively contributed to Manchester City’s away win at Liverpool on Sunday, producing a sensational last-minute save.

Gigio Donnarumma’s fantastic save vs. Liverpool

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola from the Anfield touchline instantly reacted to Donnarumma’s stop as the Spaniard put his hands on his head in disbelief and looked at his staff, saying: ‘What a save!’

Italy captain Donnarumma has kept 12 clean sheets in 29 Manchester City appearances this season, conceding 27 goals.

Former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi argues that Juventus were ‘unlucky’ in a 2-2 home draw against Lazio, but their latest match highlighted that they ‘can’t do without’ two attacking wingers.

Juventus were held to a 2-2 home draw by Lazio on Sunday, but came back from two goals down, securing one point thanks to goals from Weston McKennie and Pierre Kalulu.

Juventus ‘unlucky’ against Lazio

“Juventus were a bit unlucky. I looked at the stats, and the figures are amazing. In favour of Juventus,” Bergomi told Sky Sport Italia.

“The way it’s been built, I think Juventus can’t do without two wingers who dribble past opponents. They conceded some counterattacks in the second half, but the danger index was high. The goals come from there. Cross, McKennie’s goal, cross Kalulu’s goal.”

Andrea Cambiaso started the match as a right winger, but then dropped to left-back after Edon Zhegrova was introduced in the second half.

Cambiaso provided the assist for McKennie, while January signing Jeremie Boga delivered the cross for Kalulu’s late leveller.

McKennie has now scored seven goals in 22 games under Luciano Spalletti.

Juventus are now three points above fifth-placed Roma, but the Giallorossi have a game in hand to be played against Cagliari tonight.

Juventus’ next match is one of the biggest of the season, away against Inter.

Former Inter and Italy striker Roberto Boninsegna admits he would have loved to play alongside Lautaro Martinez: ‘We would have been a terrific strike partnership.’

Lautaro Martinez scored a goal in a 5-0 win over Sassuolo on Sunday, becoming the third-highest goalscorer in Inter’s history with 171, level with Boninsegna.

“Congratulations to Lautaro Martinez. I’m an ex-striker, but mostly a big Inter fan, so I can only be happy with a season where he’s scoring consistently,” the former Italian striker told Gazzetta.

“It was predictable that he would catch me, but not so predictable that he’d do it so quickly. Better this way. After all, the team is marching towards the Scudetto, and he’s a worthy captain of this group.

“He has the character of a leader and the attitude of somebody who knows how important it is to earn the teammates’ trust through facts.”

Boninsegna scored nine goals in 22 Italy appearances, including one in a legendary World Cup semifinal against Germany in 1970.

Only Giuseppe Meazza with 284 and Alessandro Altobelli with 209 have scored more goals than Boninsegna and Lautaro at Inter.

Boninsegna: Lautaro and I, a ‘terrific strike partnership’

“I can say that it’s a pleasure to sit alongside him in this prestigious ranking, but I regret not playing with him, as we would have been a terrific strike partnership,” said Boninsegna.

“I would have placed myself in the middle of the box, and he’d run around to link up. I would have created space for him so he could quickly pounce on the ball in the danger zone, as he loves doing. We would have posed a big concern to the opposing defenders.”

Inter are the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point lead over city rivals Milan, who have a game in hand.

“We are strong in the Champions League, and we’ll continue to prove it against Milan and Juventus,” Bonimba concluded.

“The Champions League is different because the balance of power inevitably changes. But I believe we can go fairly ahead. Now there’s an ideal atmosphere in the dressing room to face the toughest encounters. I’m confident.”

Dusan Vlahovic followed the final minutes of Juventus’ 2-2 draw against Lazio from the Allianz Stadium touchline and energetically celebrated Pierre Kalulu’s late leveller.

Juventus were held to a 2-2 home draw by Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio.

However, the Bianconeri can still be happy with the result, as they recovered from a two-goal deficit, scoring the equaliser in the stoppage time thanks to a goal from Kalulu.

Bianconeri star Vlahovic has been out of action since December and is not expected to make his return until next month.

Vlahovic’s reaction to Kalulu’s goal

Even if the Serbian seems destined to leave the Allianz Stadium as a free agent in June, he’s still very much involved in the team, as his reaction to Kalulu’s goal highlighted.

Vlahovic’s reaction to Kalulu’s goal. pic.twitter.com/E862NOiEfk

— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) February 8, 2026

Gianluca Scamacca, Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere are expected to start in the Atalanta attack in a home Serie A match against regional rivals Cremonese.

It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.

The Nerazzurri are in good mood, having recently eliminated Juventus from the Coppa Italia, but they are also climbing the Serie A table, being undefeated in the last five matches with three wins and two draws.

Cremonese, on the other hand, are still five points above the relegation zone, but they haven’t won since December 7 and haven’t scored in the last four league games.

Atalanta must cope without the suspended Honest Ahanor and Marten De Roon, while David Okereke, Warrne Bondo, Michele Collocolo, Jari Vandeputte, Matteo Bianchetti and Mikayil Faye are injured for Cremonese.

According to Tuttosport and Gazzetta, Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino will field Scamacca, De Ketelaere and Raspadori in attack, while Cremonese’s Davide Nicola will reply with Jamie Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli, but Antonio Sanabria and January signing Milan Djuric are available on the bench.

Atalanta vs. Cremonese – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. You can also follow a live commentary on Football Italia’s liveblog.

Atalanta vs. Cremonese – probable line-ups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, Pasalic, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Scamacca.

Cremonese (3-5-2): Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Luperto; Barbieri, Thorsby, Grassi, Maleh, Pezzella; Bonazzoli, Vardy.

Bryan Zaragoza and Lorenzo Pellegrini compete for a starting spot in the Roma XI for a home Serie A match against Cagliari tonight.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

A win would allow the Giallorossi to catch Juventus in fourth place after the Bianconeri’s 2-2 home draw against Lazio on Sunday.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini must cope with an injury crisis that leaves him short of options in attack and midfield for this fixture.

Manu Konè, Artem Dovbyk, Stephan El Shaarawy, Robinio Vaz, Paulo Dybala, Evan Ferguson and Mario Hermoso have not been called up due to physical issues.

According to Sky and Gazzetta, January signing Zaragoza competes with Roma veteran Pellegrini for a starting spot as an attacking midfielder, behind the sole striker Donyell Malen.

Cagliari also have a few players out of action as Andrea Belotti, Michael Folorunsho, Alessandro Deiola, Yerry Mina and Gennaro Borrelli are unavailable.

The Sardinians have won three games in a row and will look to Semih Kılıçsoy and Sebastiano Esposito in attack.

Roma vs. Cagliari – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on DAZN and TNT Sports 1 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Roma vs. Cagliari – probable line-ups

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, El Aynaoui, Cristante, Wesley; Soulè, Pellegrini; Malen.

Cagliari (4-3-3): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Dossena, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gaetano, Mazzitelli; Palestra, Kilicsoy, Esposito.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter’s boom

Half team scores, super Dimarco: three assists and one clearance. Lautaro reaches Boninsegna among the great Nerazzurri goal scorers. Chivu goes +8 on Milan (who have a game in hand) and +9 from Napoli.

Juve stop

McKennie and Kalulu at ’96 complete the comeback over Lazio. Roma might catch them today.

Napoli relief, McTominay will only miss Como

Bologna collapse against Parma. Lecce’s coup for survival.

Corriere dello Sport

Unplayable

Inter run away: +8

Lautaro like the legend Bonimba. Juve save themselves

171st goal for the Argentine. Stunning Dimarco: 3 assists. Goals from Bisseck, Thuram, Akanji and Luis Henrique. On Saturday, a game against Lucio, who avoided defeat at minute 96 thanks to Kalulu.

Gasp: no more divers, we must react

McTominay, love for Napoli.

Tuttosport

Juve heart and rage

From 0-2 to 2-2 at ’96 against Lazio.

Pedro and Isaksen score. McKennie initiates the comeback and Kalulu completes it in the stoppages (Boga’s assist), but it doesn’t cancel the frustration for the result nor the disappointment for a penalty not given on Cabal on 0-0. Napoli go +3 and Roma can catch the Bianconeri in fourth.

Dimarco makes everyone score

Bisseck, Thuram, Lautaro, Akanji and Luis Henrique sign the +8. The captain equals Boninsegna: 171 goals with the Nerazzurri.

The defender saved Baroni in Florence and would like to extend, but not with a pay cut.

Toro-Maripan, tension on the renewal.