Luciano Spalletti insists that recent poor results have not made him reconsider his future at Juventus, but won’t disclose how he handled recent issues: ‘There are things you can’t say.’

• More from Spalletti’s press conference – Juventus right to react to Kalulu ‘injustices’, McKennie ‘useful’, David returns

Juventus prepare for Saturday’s Serie A match against Como following three defeats in the last four games across all competitions. The Bianconeri have conceded 13 goals in the process.

Spalletti had said after a 5-2 Champions League loss to Galatasaray on Tuesday that his players had taken three steps back and needed a different approach in games.

A reporter questioned the Italian coach about how he dealt with the situation, but Spalletti declined to give a detailed answer.

“There are things you can say in a press conference and others you can’t because they’re meant to be said to the players,” he said via Ilbianconero.com.

“I’ve told the footballers. The famous three steps back were addressed in our meeting, and they could be the steps that take you before a run-up to gain more momentum. We’ll see if that turns out to be the case.

“The three steps back are also the defeats we suffered. There are moments when we must run more, press more, and sometimes think more clearly, because we must not be dragged into the chaos and remain clear-headed without being emotionally involved. We had been good at hiding some uncertainties, and when you have uncertainties, the opponents take advantage.”

Juventus will host a Como side that drew 1-1 with Milan at San Siro earlier this week and is just four points below the Old Lady in the standings.

“Como are a strong team that knows how to apply their coach’s ideas and the kind of football he has in mind,” Spalletti said.

“Fabregas is a strong coach with great qualities to pass on to his team. He himself was the example of a complete player, always available, and he wants to instil that in his side. For him, controlling the match is the simple foundation on which to build everything else, in terms of quality of play and results. I think he’s doing very well. I consider him one of the best we have. I went to watch him train when I was the national team coach, and that confirmed it to me.”

Spalletti’s contract expires at the end of the season, but Juventus’ directors have reiterated that they are already considering the coach’s future beyond the summer. Does Spalletti feel the same, or does he have doubts following recent poor results?

“Do you care about this situation? I don’t think that’s the solution that would change things,” Spalletti told the reporter.

“I think it’s the opposite. Since it’s been said to me as well, it’s something I could do on my part, because I’m not looking for anything different. I’m looking for a football pitch, a ball, and players to coach, preferably intelligent ones, and I have that because my players are like that. If that were the necessity, it could be sorted out immediately.”

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti feels the club was right to ask for a one-game ban for Pierre Kalulu to be revoked, confirms he won’t drop Weston McKennie, and says Jonathan David will be available against Como despite not having trained with the rest of the team in recent days.

• More from Spalletti’s press conference: I ‘can’t say’ how I handled three steps back, no doubt about Juventus future

Juventus prepare for a home Serie A match against Como on Saturday, following three defeats in their last four matches.

The Bianconeri suffered a 5-2 away loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday and are currently one point behind fourth-placed Roma in the Serie A table.

Juventus vs. Como – Spalletti’s pre-match press conference

“Sometimes, you can see things, you can feel them, but they still hit, even if it’s unfair,” Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference via Ilbianconero.com.

“You have to decide what to do with that fall. We have to make a correct and objective analysis, and we must use this pain like a rubber band that lifts you and propels you toward the next match.”

Juventus have asked FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to revoke a one-game ban for Pierre Kalulu, who received two debatable yellow cards against Inter on Sunday.

“It’s a necessary step because we are talking about two clear injustices that everyone was forced to acknowledge,” Spalletti said.

“In my opinion, the club did the right thing. Bremer won’t be available for the match. David has been called up, but hasn’t trained and doesn’t have the confidence to play the full game. However, he’ll travel with us, and then we’ll decide whether to play him from the start or bring him on later.”

Manuel Locatelli and McKennie are on a yellow card, so if they are booked tomorrow, they’ll miss next week’s crucial Serie A match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Spalletti, however, seems eager to start both players against Como tomorrow.

“Locatelli doesn’t seem to feel fatigue; he’s always very present, enthusiastic, and energetic, bringing a spirit to the team,” said the Bianconeri boss.

“It would be tough to do without McKennie, especially in certain roles. The club had done well to bring in Holm, but he got injured. Kalulu is suspended, and Bremer is injured, so we are a bit short of options. We don’t really have other right-backs or players who can cover the entire right flank, and McKennie is very useful to us there.”

Lois Openda was the only centre-forward available against Galatasaray on Tuesday, but still started on the bench, while fans and media have criticised goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio in recent weeks.

“Perhaps we made some wrong assessments, but the fundamental thing is that David links up with the team a bit better,” Spalletti said.

“If we lose our unity, we lose effectiveness and strength. We all have the same responsibility, so we continue with Di Gregorio.”

Juventus have a crucial week ahead, playing against Como and Roma in Serie A and Galatasaray in the Champions League. Is Spalletti aware that the Old Lady’s campaign could be determined in the next seven days?

“Certainly, we are aware of it, and I’m convinced the team will react,” he concluded.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus players had an ‘honest confrontation’ in the dressing room after a 5-2 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League: ‘We have to wake up.’

Juventus are going through a tough moment, having won just one of the last five games across all competitions and conceding 13 goals in the last four matches.

Coach Luciano Spalletti looked particularly irritated after Tuesday’s Champions League match against Galatasaray, which ended in a 5-2 away loss.

Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com) reports that senior Juventus players spoke up in the dressing room the day after the game, and everyone fully endorsed the internal analysis.

Juventus players are aware that if they go down the same path, they’ll struggle to finish in the top four.

Juventus team ‘never been so united’

There is still a lack of awareness at certain moments during the games, which is perhaps the major concern at the moment, but the players are not looking for excuses, and the team has never been so united, according to the report.

There’s no laziness in the group, and the tensions of the past months have been smoothed over.

Juventus host Como at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and Spalletti is reportedly considering making a tactical change, switching to a three-man defence, also due to Gleison Bremer’s injury.

Milan star Rafael Leao is full of praise for USMNT star Christian Pulisic, on and off the pitch: ‘He understood the league fast. He speaks Italian almost perfectly.’

Milan star Leao praised his teammate Pulisic in his latest interview with CBS Sports.

What Leao said about Pulisic

“Now we know each other on the pitch. Unfortunately, this season we are having some injuries,” Leao said.

“We couldn’t link up on the pitch as we wanted, but he’s a good, good player. He’s helped Milan for the last two or three seasons. I expect a lot. When he plays, and I’m on the pitch, I’m like: ‘Yeah, Christian will do something.’

“When he arrived, he understood the league fast. He speaks Italian almost perfectly, even with an American accent.”

Pulisic is Milan’s best scorer this season, but hasn’t yet found the net in 2026, mostly because of fitness issues.

Leao on his Milan career and Diogo Jota

The American star has been on and off the pitch due to bursitis in recent weeks, but still has 10 goals and two assists in 22 appearances this term.

During the same interview, Leao spoke about his Milan career and promised Portugal would try to make the late Diogo Jota ‘proud’ at the World Cup this summer.

A ‘devastated’ Rafael Leao reveals Diogo Jota wanted to watch a Milan game at San Siro and insists his Portugal teammates will ‘try to make him proud’ at the upcoming World Cup.

Milan striker Leao gave an interview to CBS Sports, where he not only discussed his Milan career.

The 2026 World Cup is looming, and Portugal will be among the teams looking to win the competition. How is Leao trying to convince coach Roberto Martinez that he can be a starting striker next summer?

“I think everyone in the squad loves him,” Leao said.

“He brought Portugal to a good position in the ranking. Winning the Nations League and the World Cup is a good opportunity for us to show what we can do.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will play in his sixth World Cup. When was the first time Leao met him?

“I was with the U21 and talking to a friend of mine in the first team. Cristiano walked by, and everyone was like [remained quiet]. The aura was like…crazy. That was the first time I met him,” said the Milan star.

“I just saw him. When I went to the first team, he told me, ‘Congrats, well done.’ He’s a good person, trying to help the young players, which the team appreciates. It’s someone who, even at 41, wants to be the No.1; he’s inspiring the young players.

“The World Cup will be important to Cris because it’s a title he hasn’t won, but he’d still be the GOAT. He will do everything to achieve that goal. I’m not like the closest person to him, but I know he’s already preparing for the World Cup, 100%.”

Portugal will fly to the USA, Canada and Mexico with extra motivation as players will want to honour the late Diogo Jota, who passed away alongside his brother last year in a tragic car accident.

Leao: Diogo Jota ‘wanted to help everyone’

“Two weeks before, he was with the national team, celebrating together,” Leao recalled.

“Everyone cared about him. Sometimes he was in his corner, talking to his wife and kids. He was a good teammate who wanted to help everyone. I used to ask him about a few things. He also asked me for tickets for his family to come here and watch a Milan game; it’s devastating.

“The World Cup was a competition he wanted to be in, but I think every game we think about him. What if he was there celebrating? How would he have scored? We think about him every game.

“Other teammates who are closer are helping his family, his wife, because of course it’s a difficult situation. As you said, in the World Cup, we’ll try to do the maximum for him and make him proud.”

Leao has scored five goals in 43 appearances for Portugal.

The 26-year-old has netted nine goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this term.

Milan star Rafael Leao admits he avoids going out the week before the derby against Inter and says Zlatan Ibrahimovic put ‘good pressure’ on him, even if the ex-striker was ‘too demanding.’

• Read more – Rafael Leao reveals he snubbed Inter move before Milan and Maldini’s call

Milan star striker Leao spoke about his time with the Rossoneri and the upcoming derby against Inter in an interview with CBS Sports.

One of the first questions was about his relationship with Ibrahimovic, a RedBird advisor and a former teammate of the Portuguese at San Siro.

“One training, young boys from the youth squad came to training,” Leao said.

“There was a game before the end of training. Some of them were in the Zlatan team, and they lost the game. He was…on another planet. He went straight to the coach and said: ‘This is the last time they come to training.’ They didn’t come back.

“It’s a good pressure, for me it was a good pressure. With these guys, you have to learn. When they talk to you, it’s because they care about you, maybe so you have something to help him and the team. In my head, it was good pressure, even if he’s demanding, maybe too much.

“We have a good relationship,” Leao continued.

“When he comes, he asks about my family, and we have a good relationship. I think we spent three years together, so it’s someone who’s helped me a lot. It’s someone Iwant to keep in my life, also off the pitch. I know that if I need something, I can call him, and he can help me for sure.”

Ibra and Rafael Leao won the Serie A title with Milan in 2021-22, when the Portuguese was also named the league’s best player.

“I didn’t expect,” the Portuguese admitted.

“We got the trophy after the game, and we started taking photos. One of the staff guys said, ‘Rafa, maybe you’ve been the best player in the league; they are talking about you.’ Ten minutes later, they confirmed I had won the award.

“To win the Scudetto and be the best player in the league in the same year, I never expected it.

“For sure, it was one of the best seasons individually, but it’s about the team and the collective. If the team does well, you’ll do well too. I think we are also doing very well this season. I play in a new position and score goals.”

With Massimiliano Allegri taking over in 2025-26, Leao has changed his position on the pitch, now deployed as a centre-forward.

“I was ready. Before the season started, I was prepared for everything,” he said.

“When the coach said I could play in that position, I was prepared to be there and help the team. When you play as a striker, you have more chances to score goals. Football now is about numbers; if you want to be with the best players, it’s about the numbers.

“I used to play on the wing, more one-v-one, doing more assists than scoring goals, so if you score more goals and make some assists, you are close to the top and the best players. I don’t mind playing as a striker because if I score, I can be there.

“It was a process, the first year wasn’t easy for my family and me. New league, a difficult league, until now. It was a process, so I’m glad to be here and be like a role model in the squad and the club. I can feel the love from the outside, also from the fans.”

Leao’s body language and smiles on the pitch have made some wonder whether the Portuguese always has the maximum commitment during the games.

“I can’t change myself; even when I was a little boy, I was like this,” he noted.

“Always with a smile on my face. It’s like this. It’s a way I can express my football, it’s my passion, and also how I live. I can’t change it. If I change it, it’s not Rafael Leao. It’s not a player who can help the team and bring something new to the games.”

Leao’s Milan sit second in the table, seven points below Inter. The Rossoneri and Nerazzurri will meet in the Milan derby on the weekend of March 8.

How does Leao usually prepare for the derby?

“Don’t go out. I mean, go out, have dinner with your family, but then you have to be at home,” he said.

“I used to say its a crazy week. Everyone tries to get tickets, you see red, blue, people, and newspapers talking. It’s just too much in that week, so you’ve got to stay at home, be focused, save your energy.

“It’s the best game of the season, it’s about the energy, it’s a fight. It’s about die or live. After the game, everyone will be talking for two or three weeks, so die or live. And I wanna live.

“It’s a game I used to watch before coming to Milan, so now playing…I don’t know how to express. The stadium is full, and fans sing from the start to the end of the game. Every single tackle, everything, duel, you have to be there like it was the last one.”

Leao and Pulisic are Milan’s stars in attack, but, due to injuries, they’ve rarely played together this term.

“Now we know each other on the pitch. Unfortunately, this season we are having some injuries,” Leao admitted.

“We couldn’t link up on the pitch as we wanted, but he’s a good, good player. He’s helped Milan for the last two or three seasons. I expect a lot. When he plays, and I’m on the pitch, I’m like: ‘Yeah, Christian will do something.’

“When he arrived, he understood the league fast. He speaks Italian almost perfectly, even with an American accent.”

Roma are the least beaten defence in the top five European leagues, but Milan and Como are also in the top five, alongside Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma have the best defensive record in Europe, conceding just 16 goals in 25 league matches.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights, Roma have been particularly effective at the back when Evan Ndicka was involved.

The Giallorossi have conceded 12 goals in 20 Serie A games (0.60 per game) with the Ivory Coast international on the field, but during his time at AFCON, they conceded four in five encounters (0.80 per game).

Serie A sides Milan and Como are also among the top five defences in Europe, having conceded 19 goals each in 25 matches, as many as Real Madrid in 24 La Liga games.

Premier League giants Arsenal have the best defence in England, having conceded just 20 goals in 27 rounds.

Roma sit fourth in the Serie A table with 47 points, just one more than 5th-placed Juventus and three below third-placed Napoli.

Their next match is at home against Cremonese this coming Sunday.

Several sources in Italy claim that Luciano Spalletti will switch to a three-man defence following Gleison Bremer’s injury and a poor defensive record that has seen the Bianconeri concede 13 goals in the last four games.

Juventus coach Spalletti will return to a three-man defence in the next Serie A match against Como, according to several Italian sources, including Gazzetta, Sky Sport and Corriere della Sera.

Juventus switch to three-man defence

The Bianconeri host Cesc Fabregas’ side at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and they’ll be forced to cope without Bremer, who suffered a minor muscle injury against Galatasaray on Tuesday.

The Brazilian setback adds further pressure on a Bianconeri defence that conceded 13 goals in the last four games across all competitions.

Juventus have won just one of their last five games, losing three and drawing once.

Federico Gatti already replaced Bremer against Galatasaray and is expected to feature in the Bianconeri XI against Como as well.

According to Gazzetta, Teun Koopmeiners and Lloyd Kelly will complete the Old Lady’s backline against Como.

Spalletti is also short of options in attack, with both Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David injured.

The only other centre-forward in the team, Lois Openda, started on the bench against Galatasaray and Weston McKennie was used as a false nine.

According to reports, Openda and McKennie both have a chance to start in attack against Como, even if Kenan Yildiz is also an option for Spalletti.

The Italian tactician will provide the latest team news on the eve of the game today as he’ll hold a pre-match press conference at 16:00 CET.

Lautaro Martinez has suffered a muscle strain in the soleus of his left leg, an injury that is expected to keep the Inter captain sidelined for around a month and rule him out of the derby against Milan.

Inter released an official statement on Friday following the medical tests conducted on their striker, Lautaro Martinez, this morning.

Lautaro Martinez injury: official Inter statement

The Argentina international had suffered a calf injury during a Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt and was replaced in the second half.

Inter said that examinations revealed a “muscle strain in the soleus of his left leg” and that the striker’s condition “will be reassessed next week.”

Sky Sport and Corriere dello Sport claim that Lautaro Martinez will be forced to the sidelines for three to four weeks. This means he’ll miss the derby against Milan on the weekend of March 8.

Gazzetta, however, suggests that Inter hope their best scorer this season will return in time for the derby, missing the next four matches against Lecce and Genoa in Serie A, Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, and Como in Coppa Italia.

Lautaro Martinez has scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí praises Inter star Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with a move to Catalunya, while the Blaugrana President Joan Laporta insists the club is ready to make a major signing this summer.

Inter defender Bastoni has emerged as a transfer target for La Liga giants Barcelona, and recent claims from Catalunya have intensified speculation over the Italian centre-back’s future.

‘Bastoni a spectacular centre-back’

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí praised Bastoni during an interview with Mundo Deportivo, suggesting that the Inter star would fit in well at the Camp Nou, especially with the Catalans looking for a left-footed defender.

“Yes, he’s a spectacular centre-back. I’ve seen him a few times, and we all know his level,” Cubarsí said.

“But that depends on the people upstairs. I think we have spectacular centre-backs and we’re very happy with the work we’re all doing at the back.”

Calciomercato.com confirms Barcelona’s interest in Bastoni, particularly after President Joan Laporta said the club is ready to make a big signing in the summer, if necessary.

Laporta has run again in the presidential elections taking place on March 15, 2026.

Bastoni, 26, has one goal and six assists in 31 appearances across all competitions with Inter this season.

His contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2028.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi has sent ‘positive signals’ to Juventus regarding a free summer transfer.

Bournemouth defender Senesi is open to joining Juventus as a free agent next summer and has sent ‘positive signals’ to the Bianconeri in recent weeks, according to Gazzetta.

Juventus’ offer for Senesi revealed

The Argentine’s contract with Bournemouth runs out this coming June, and according to The Pink Paper, the 28-year-old tops Juventus’ defender shortlist for 2026-27.

The report claims that Juventus will offer Senesi a salary between €4m and €5m per season until 2029 or even 2030.

Juventus moves to strengthen defence in 2026-27

Back in January, other Italian sources reported Juventus’ interest in Senesi, suggesting that the Bianconeri would make their move to sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

According to the report, Juventus will also work on Pierre Kalulu’s contract extension and listen to offers for Federico Gatti. The Italian has been struggling for playing time under Luciano Spalletti and has reportedly attracted interest from Premier League clubs.

Napoli star Scott McTominay notes that ‘football is becoming soft’ as ‘even the slightest of contact can lead to a yellow card.’

Napoli and Scotland star McTominay feels football has been changing the wrong way in recent years, especially when it comes to tackles and challenges on the pitch.

The former Manchester United midfielder spoke to Corriere dello Sport after a week of controversy following Inter-Juventus, during which the Bianconeri defender Pierre Kalulu received a second yellow card for a foul on Alessandro Bastoni, who, however, appeared to go down too easily.

McTominay: ‘Football is becoming soft’

“I think football is becoming soft; some decisions are just too lenient,” McTominay said.

“I wasn’t accustomed to these feelings when I was a kid, when we were taught to tackle fairly and with strength. Now, even the slightest of contact can lead to a yellow card. It’s not up to me to draw conclusions, but I feel there’s too much attention and excessive sensitivity.”

Napoli sit third in the Serie A table and have been eliminated from the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.

The defending Serie A champions have been hit by many injuries in the current campaign, with players like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Zambo Anguissa and David Neres forced to the sidelines for months.

McTominay played practically every game from December until two weeks ago, when he suffered a tendon injury in a match against Genoa.

“In moments of difficulty, with many injuries, it’s difficult for the coach and the staff to find the right balance and the best way to play,” the midfielder said.

“We’ve been unlucky, but that’s no excuse. It’s a serious explanation and must be accepted.”

During the same interview, McTominay said he hopes to return to action on Sunday against Atalanta, although his physical issue must be “managed” properly.

“We train a lot and work hard. That explains last season’s success, winning the league and the Supercup. The work you do behind closed doors shows in matches,” he said.

“The workload and intensity change, but the players follow the instructions and have to give their best every day. Antonio Conte is a great coach, very strong, passionate and knows football extremely well. He’s different from anyone else I’ve had in the past. The sense of uncertainty he instils; with him, you have to give your best, or you’ve got a problem.”

Napoli star Scott McTominay sees himself at the club for ‘a very long time’ but admits he must ‘manage’ a tendon problem that forced him to miss the last two games.

Napoli and Scotland star McTominay released an exclusive interview with Corriere dello Sport, talking about his future at the club and his recent injury.

McTominay not considering Napoli exit

“My agent hasn’t told me anything about my future,” said the ex-Manchester United midfielder.

“He only talks to the club and me. He has told the press nothing. I’m extremely happy here, I’m a Napoli, and it’s all I’m thinking about. The future is important, and I could see myself here for a long time.

“I admire the fans and the Napeolitans in general. Their attitude is close to that of my home, so I relate to them easily. I love this place.”

McTominay moved to Napoli from Manchester United in 2024 and has already won one Serie A title at the Stadio Maradona.

Last season, he was named the league’s best player.

“Difficulties have been minimal, my family is happy, and I’m happy. It’s a fantastic moment,” he admitted.

“I’ve been experiencing something different for the last one and a half years. As long as everyone in my life is happy, I’m happy too.”

McTominay has missed the last two games due to injury, and his return against Atalanta over the weekend remains uncertain.

“I have a problem with my tendon that needs to be managed. It’s not easy,” he explained.

“I’m giving my all to be there on Sunday. As a player, it’s tough to get to the training centre and not train with your teammates. I’m desperate to play, but I must be certain about my status.”

Napoli have been hit by a deep injury crisis in recent months, with many key players, including Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Zambo Anguissa, sidelined for long periods.

Napoli have not won any game without McTominay on the pitch this season, collecting two defeats and one draw.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Furious Milan

The club is irritated with the referees, call to AIA

The Rossoneri warn: ‘No more errors.’ Protest against Mariani’s refereeing. More incidents signalled

As Pio commands

Starter in Lecce: ready to replace Lautaro (who risks missing the derby).

Spalletti moves for the fourth spot

Here’s how Juventus change: back to a three-man defence

Bologna and Fiorentina’s coups

Brann beaten 1-0, Jagiellonia lose 3-0.

Corriere dello Sport

Exclusive McTominay

‘Football is too soft.’

The bond with Napoli, the tactical growth, nostalgia for tackles and numbers worthy of a top player.

‘A touch can lead to a yellow card. Conte is unique; he has changed me.’

‘As a kid, I was taught to go for genuine tackles but with strength. We are paid a lot to train: you must have fun and be serious. I love Napeolitans and this city, I could see myself here for a long time. Too many injuries? Just bad luck, hard to handle the emergency.’

Inter, Lautaro out for 20 days

Tomorrow in Lecce with Bonny and Thuram: Chivu forced to drop Zielinski too, plus the suspended Calhanoglu and Barella

Bologna, Castro starts to enjoy it

Europa League: Italian beats Brann and books the Round of 16. 10th season goal for the Argentine

Viola’s command: coup in Poland

Conference: Ranieri opens the account, then Mandragora’s magic from a free-kick. Piccoli kills it off with a penalty. Pisa on Monday.

Tuttosport

High tension Toro

Serie B nightmare, Cairo to the Filadelfia, face to face with Baroni and the team

‘We must wake up, or we are in trouble.’

Juventus players self-processing

Honest confrontation in the dressing room at Continassa: ‘Like this, we won’t qualify for the next Champions.’ Everyone in front of the TV to study Como, then focus on Galatasaray, dreaming of a comeback. Meantime injuries cost over 100m.

Inter risk 60m flop and Lautaro’s issue

Oaktree must do the counting: possible sale of at least one top player with an early exit from the Champions League.

Milan, clash at San Siro. Allegri pays, not Fabregas

Max banned for a game. Behind the scenes of the clash: ‘You are a kid who has just started coaching.’ There was tension already in Como.

Bologna and Fiorentina, the Italy that goes

Castro-goal: 1-0, Rossoblu in Norway in the Europa League first leg play-off. Overwhelming Viola in Poland: 3-0.

La Stampa reports that Tuesday’s heavy defeat against Galatasaray led to a change in Luciano Spalletti’s attitude towards his Juventus players.

• Read more – At least six Juventus players not part of Spalletti’s future plans

Safe to say Juventus coach Spalletti is highly disappointed following a 5-2 away Champions League defeat against Galatasaray on Tuesday.

Spalletti ‘ unusually shaken’ after Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus

As reported by La Stampa, Spalletti appeared unusually shaken and uncommunicative when the team resumed training at Continassa the day after the match.

The Italian tactician had praised his players in recent weeks, even after a 3-2 loss against Inter last weekend.

However, since Tuesday, his mood and demeanour have shifted dramatically, prompting the coach to call on his players to reflect deeply and take full responsibility for their roles.

Spalletti argued that it’s “useless to talk if actions don’t follow”, and, according to the report, the Tuscan tactician is considering a tactical switch in the upcoming games, with a possible return to a three-man defence.

Juventus’ next games in Serie A and UCL

The coach’s priority, however, remains rediscovering the team’s personality and strong spirit.

Next Saturday, the Bianconeri will host Como in Serie A before the return leg against Galatasaray next Wednesday.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inter ‘informally complained’ about Bodo/Glimt’s artificial turf before their Champions League game on Wednesday, and Lautaro Martinez’s injury further irritated the Serie A giants.

Lautaro Martinez’s calf injury during Wednesday’s Champions League clash away at Bodo/Glimt irritated Inter, as the Nerazzurri believe that the artificial turf in which the game was played contributed to their captain’s physical issue.

Lautaro to be assessed on Friday

Inter coach Cristian Chivu admitted at full-time that Lautaro’s injury was serious.

According to Gazzetta, the Argentine and Piotr Zielinski will undergo medical tests on Friday as the Nerazzurri only returned from Norway today.

According to the report, Lautaro dragged his right leg at the airport this morning, while Zielinski was walking ‘normally.’

Inter complained to UEFA before Bodo/Glimt match

Gazzetta reports that Inter directors feel the artificial turf fell far short of the standards expected at the highest levels of European football.

The pink paper adds that the pitch ‘looked like a poorly laid Subbuteo mat’ with strange wrinkles around the edges and that Inter had already informally complained to UEFA before the match, fearing for the safety of their players.

Lautaro was subbed off at minute 60 last night, while Zielinski replaced Henrikh Mkhitaryan at minute 76. Zielinski played until the end of the match, but still needs to be assessed tomorrow due to a minor injury.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry praised ex-Milan talent Jens Petter Hauge and his Bodo/Glimt teammates after a stunning win over Inter in the Champions League: ‘You are all technically sound.’

Former Arsenal and Juventus striker Henry was full of praise for Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt after their 3-1 win over Inter in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg on Wednesday. 

Henry impressed by Hauge and Bodo/Glimt

Hauge, a former Milan starlet, scored a goal last night and then examined the match in a post-match interview with CBS Sports.

One of their pundits, Henry, praised Hauge and the Bodo/Glimt squad, and asked: “You are all technically sound; all the players, especially in attack, play with both right and left feet. You have awareness in and around the box. Is it something you develop at a young age in your country? It seems like you are all technically sound when you have the ball, especially up front.”

Check out Hauge’s reply and his full interview in the video below.

Jens Petter Hauge reflects on Bodø/Glimt’s magical #UCL run, and doesn’t mind taking a shot at @MicahRichards pic.twitter.com/NsmTNvrV8j

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 18, 2026

Former Serie A star Lilian Thuram says José Mourinho became a ‘small man’ by brushing off Real Madrid’s complaints about alleged racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior.

Tuesday’s Champions League encounter between Real Madrid and Benfica in Portugal was marred by claims that Benfica prospect Gianluca Prestianni aimed racist remarks at Vinicius Jr.

The Benfica player denied accusations, and his coach, Mourinho, protected him at full-time and appeared to blame Vini Jr. instead.

“I told him: ‘When you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back.’ They [Vinícius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent,” Mourinho told Prime Video via The Guardian.

“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinícius plays, something always happens.”

Ex-Serie A star Thuram, a 1998 World Cup winner with France and the father of Serie A stars Marcus (Inter) and Kehphren (Juventus), hit back at the Portuguese in an interview with L’Equipe.

“The nature of his statements explains the reasons why progress isn’t being made. Mourinho is a great coach with an exceptional career,” Thuram said.

Thuram sees ‘sense of superiority and white narcissism’ in Mourinho’s comments

“He has worked with many black players, and yet that doesn’t stop him, first, from doubting the nature of a racist act and, second, from questioning the victim’s responsibility. Vinicius, in this case, because of the way he celebrates a goal.

“How can he say something like that? Who is Mourinho to decide what Vinicius can or cannot do? In Mourinho’s judgment, there is a sense of superiority and white narcissism.

“The racist act against Vinicius was not related to his behaviour, but to the colour of his skin,” Thuram continued.

“Mourinho suggested that Vinicius might be at fault, that he brought it on himself. This is total violence. His feeling of superiority that some white people have prevents them from putting themselves in the victim’s shoes. A bit more humility would be needed.

“A bit more humility would be needed. And how can Mourinho ignore what the players themselves say? Are Vinicius and Mbappé crazy? Are black people paranoid, inventing stories? It’s pathetic that Mourinho makes it seem as if Vinicius is responsible for the racism he endures.

“By doing so, he becomes a small man. As long as behaviours like this persist, we will not move forward together in this fight, and that is also part of the history of racism. Mourinho does not analyse the racist act as a human being, but as a white man.”

Former Juventus and Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio is unsure Lloyd Kelly will continue to be a regular starter at Juventus: ‘He’s a tuna.’

Ex-Italy international Di Canio was highly critical of Italian football on Wednesday night as he examined Serie A clubs’ defeats in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg.

Di Canio critical of Italian football

Juventus lost 5-2 away at Galatasaray on Tuesday night. Kelly was blamed for the Turkish side’s fourth goal as the English defender lost possession inside the box, leading to Noa Lang’s strike.

West Ham legend Di Canio didn’t mince words when criticising Serie A football, including Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti and Bianconeri defender Kelly.

“He [Spalletti] said: ‘Kelly doesn’t even know how strong he is’, but actually, he’s a tuna,” Di Canio said via TMW.

Di Canio: Kelly ‘is a tuna…in a good way!’

“In a good way, because he’s such a nice guy. However, there isn’t a storytelling that makes us think Kelly will be the starting defender of a Juventus side that wins the Scudetto or the Champions League in the future. Some things are said to motivate the players at times, but then you see performances like the one in Istanbul, which kill you.”

Kelly has had regular playing time under Spalletti this season, making 20 appearances across all competitions.

The English defender joined the Bianconeri from Newcastle in the 2025 January transfer window and has already played 51 games across all competitions with the Old Lady.

His contract at the Allianz Stadium runs out in June 2029.

Paolo Di Canio strongly criticises Italian football after Serie A clubs suffered three defeats in three Champions League matches and is ‘sorry’ that Donyell Malen was compared to Gianluca Vialli.

• Read more – Di Canio suggests Kelly unworthy of Juventus: ‘He’s a tuna’

Former West Ham and Lazio star Di Canio lashed out at Italian football on Wednesday night after seeing Juventus, Atalanta and Inter lose their opening games in the Champions League knockout play-off.

“Don’t even mention the Premier League, who are on a different level. Our perception of Italian football is that we are phenomenal. Yet, we play away at PSV and concede six goals,” Di Canio told during Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show via TMW.

“This season, many thought Napoli would have gone who knows where in the Champions League, then they conceded six goals against a team [PSV] that collected three points against them and then five in the other seven matches. Inter conceded five goals in the Champions League Final against PSG, but it could have been 10.”

Di Canio was also critical of Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who had said he saw “similarities” between Vialli and Malen.

“He [Malen] is 27, and nobody ever paid attention to him. At Aston Villa, he was a backup for Rodgers and Watkins, who are stronger,” Di Canio said.

“He gets here and scores five goals in five matches, and we are dragging Vialli into this? My big brother, a kiss to heaven, I’m sorry they mentioned you.”

Di Canio went on to say: “I hear that it is difficult to play in Pisa. How is it possible? Pisa have scored 2 goals in 12 home games. If you play blindfolded in Pisa, you draw 0-0. There’s a narration according to which Italian players could play for Manchester City. Who? Italian payers have not been signed across Europe for 15 years, which means they are not considered up to the task.”

Watch how Cesc Fabregas pulled the shirt of Alexis Saelemaekers and how Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri confronted his counterpart on the sidelines during Wednesday’s Serie A clash.

Tension flared during Milan-Como on Wednesday, particularly after the visitors’ coach Fabregas tugged on Saelemaekers’ shirt from the sidelines while the game was in progress.

Fabregas’ move enraged Allegri, prompting him to confront the Como coach and a staff member, which led to Allegri being shown a red card.

Fabregas apologised at full-time, but Allegri was still upset as he was heard shouting at the Spaniard before a post-match press conference.

Below are videos of the touchline confrontation and the shirt tug that infuriated Allegri.

#MilanComo In Eccellenza si vedono queste cose? Forse nei campionati colombiani.
Guardate il numero di maglia come si deforma! Il quarto uomo cieco. Le scuse post gara di #Fabregas sono ipocrite. Almeno #Allegri gliele ha cantate, perché sanzioni ahimè non ce ne saranno pic.twitter.com/yIlroxcJln

— Fabio (@redneroo) February 19, 2026

quanto gasa max pic.twitter.com/yqvA7neRkd

— ّ (@paolo_is_dead) February 19, 2026

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms Tottenham goalkeeper Gugliemo Vicario is ‘fully open’ to joining Inter in the summer.

Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario is interested in a potential Inter move this summer, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms.

Fabrizio Romano’s latest updates on Vicario

Other Italian media reported some weeks ago that Vicario was Inter’s top target for next season and that the Italy international was tempted to move to San Siro.

“Vicario is very high on Inter’s list,” Romano said on YouTube.

“There is total openness from Vicario towards Inter. He’s fully open to joining the Inter project.”

Vicario was already close to joining Inter in 2023 when he eventually moved to North London from Empoli.

Inter to replace Sommer in 2026-27

Inter are yet to open talks with Tottenham over a possible summer transfer, but the Serie A giants will surely sign a new goalkeeper for 2026-27 as Yann Sommer is expected to leave San Siro at the end of his contract in June.

Vicario has kept 13 clean sheets in 36 Tottenham appearances this season, conceding 48 goals.

He’s Italy’s second-choice goalkeeper with five international appearances under his belt.

Napoli hope Scott McTominay will be eligible for their upcoming Serie A clash with Atalanta, as the Partenopei have not won any game this season without the Scotland international.

McTominay’s return from injury is a priority for Napoli as the defending Serie A champions have not won any game without the Scotland star on the pitch this term.

Napoli work for McTominay’s return to action and new contract

As Gazzetta highlights, Napoli have collected two defeats and one draw when McTominay was unavailable, so his return to action against Atalanta over the weekend is a must.

The ex-Manchester United star missed the last two Napoli matches against Como in Coppa Italia and Roma in Serie A.

Napoli drew 1-1 with Como but lost on penalties last week, while their match with Roma ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Back in October 2024, Napoli lost 1-0 away at Torino without McTominay on the field.

McTominay has ten goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, but his value to the Napoli squad extends beyond his goal contributions, averaging 12 kilometres covered per game this term.

Napoli’s injury crisis continues despite Billy Gilmour’s return to action after over two months.

Kevin De Bruyne is not expected to play again until mid-March, while Frank Zambo Anguissa should be back in a couple of weeks.

Gazzetta confirms that Napoli are also working to extend McTominay’s contract until 2030.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. February 19, 2026, page 31.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, at least six Juventus players are not part of Luciano Spalletti’s plans for next season, should the Tuscan tactician stay in Turin.

Juventus coach Spalletti has already identified the players who won’t be part of his project in 2026-27 if he remains at the club beyond the summer.

Which players are not part of Spalletti’s plans at Juventus?

Lois Openda has surely disappointed Spalletti in training, as the Belgian has played just 87 minutes across eight appearances in 2026.

Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David were injured against Galatasaray on Tuesday, yet Spalletti picked Weston McKennie as a centre-forward, rather than Openda.

Juan Cabal had a terrible impact in Istanbul the other night, and according to Gazzetta, the Colombia international is struggling to adapt to Spalletti’s style of play, especially when it comes to building up from the back.

Federico Gatti also struggled in Istanbul after being introduced from the bench, and will serve as a backup again next season if he stays in Turin.

Goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio has naturally attracted criticism as Juventus conceded 13 goals in their last four matches, while Vasilije Adzic and Edon Zhegrova have received reduced playing time in recent weeks.

As per Gazzetta, all these players are not expected to be part of Spalletti’s future plans if the Tuscan tactician remains in Turin next season.

Spalletti’s contract at the Allianz Stadium runs out in June.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 19, 2026, page 28.

Moise Kean, David De Gea and Dodo are not even available as Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli will rotate his squad for the first leg of the Conference League knockout play-off against Jagiellonia.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Stadion Miejski in Białystok, Poland, right after Brann-Bologna in the Europa League.

Fiorentina coach Vanoli has left many of the Viola stars at home as the Tuscans have an important Serie A match against Pisa next Monday.

The likes of Kean, Dodo, De Gea and Manor Solomon haven’t even made the trip, while Albert Gudmundsson is injured, and Marco Brescianini and Daniele Rugani are not part of the Tuscans’ UEFA list.

Roberto Piccoli will start in attack, and Jacopo Fazzini is expected to begin as a left winger, according to Sky Sport and other media.

Vanoli has also called up seven Primavera players for this match.

Rolando Mandragora is expected to feature in the Viola XI tonight as he’ll be suspended for the next Serie A fixture against regional rivals Pisa.

Jagiellonia vs. Fiorentina – where to watch on TV

The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 9 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Jagiellonia vs. Fiorentina – probable line-ups

Jagiellonia (4-3-3): Abramowicz; Wojtuszek, Vital, Pelmard, Wdowik; Flach, Mazurek, Pozo; Jóźwiak, Baždar, Imaz.

Fiorentina (4-3-3): Lezzerini; Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Ndour, Mandragora, Fabbian; Harrison, Piccoli, Fazzini. 

Riccardo Orsolini is expected to return to the Bologna XI for the first leg of the Europa League knockout play-off against Brann.

It kicks off at 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT) today.

It’s an away fixture for the Rossoblu, who already met Brann at home during the league phase.

It ended in a 0-0 draw, but the Rossoblu were forced to play down to ten men for nearly 70 minutes due to a red card shown to Charalampos Lykogiannis early in the first half.

The Greece international will miss today’s fixture, as will Eivind Helland and Lorenzo De Silvestri.

As reported by Sky Sport Italia and other media, Orsolini is expected to start as a right winger with Nicolò Cambiaghi on the opposite flank and Thijs Dallinga in attack.

Torbjørn Heggem has recovered from an injury and will partner with Jhon Lucumi in central defence.

Brann vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 5 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Brann vs. Bologna – probable line-ups

Brann (4-3-3): Dyngeland; De Roeve, Knudsen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Ingason, Sorensen, Myhre; Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson.

Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Zortea, Heggem, Lucumi, Miranda; Pobega, Ferguson, Odgaard; Orsolini, Dallinga, Cambiaghi.

More details emerge about the confrontation between Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and Como’s Cesc Fabregas after last night’s Serie A match at San Siro: ‘You are a kid who only started coaching the day before yesterday,’ the Rossoneri boss reportedly said.

There was bad blood between Allegri and Fabregas after a 1-1 draw at San Siro last night.

Tension between Fabregas and Milan

Fabregas infuriated Milan in the second half when he pulled Alexis Saelmaekers’ shirt from the touchline while the game was ongoing. The referee didn’t see it, but Allegri did, and protests led to a red card for the Tuscan tactician.

Fabregas apologised in a post-match interview, while Allegri joked: “Next time I see someone run past me, I’ll just go into a sliding tackle.”

It wasn’t, however, the end of the dispute as the pair crossed paths again before a post-match press conference.

What Allegri told Fabregas after Milan 1-1 Como

As reported by TMW and other media, Allegri’s remarks were audible to reporters waiting in the press room.

“You are a child, you are an idiot, you are a kid who only started coaching the day before yesterday,” Allegri reportedly said, though Fabregas’ reply wasn’t heard.

Allegri and Fabregas had already argued after the reverse fixture last month when the Rossoneri secured a 3-1 away win.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter, three slaps

But they are still +7 in Serie A.

Pio not enough, a feat needed on Tuesday at San Siro. Lautaro anxiety: calf injury and derby at risk.

Milann pull the brake

Maignan’s error, Leao’s equaliser. Tension Allegri-Fabregas

All who failed under Spalletti: from Di Gregorio to Openda, half Juve out of play.

Corriere dello Sport

Inter collapse

Fourth defeat in the Champions League, but this hurts

Bodo shaming

The +7 on Milan in Serie A doesn’t console Chivu

Pio replies to Fet, Hauge and Hogh. Leao saves Allegri (1-1) in the rescheduled Serie A fixture, but the coach is sent off. Paz-goal to miss Juventus.

Spalletti doesn’t lose Bremer

Bologna, attack with Odgaard.

La Viola in Europe: focus on Pisa

Tuttosport

They have to rebuild Juve

Spalletti has convinced the club: it’s not possible to return to the top like this

A new contract for the coach is expected by the international break in March. The signal is one of revolution based on his suggestions. Too many players are not up to par, and a leap in quality is needed, also on the market. An immediate reaction is needed on the pitch. Bremer relief, hope for Vlahovic. Kelly reports: racist insults.

Inter fall, what a bad impression against the Norwegians: Italy cry

Three defeats in three games for our teams in the Champions League playoff. The ex-Milan man Hauge sends Chivu into a tilt after Esposito’s 1-1. Bastoni booed, Lautaro injured and protests for the artificial turf.

Toro, when it rains, it pours

Soleus injury: 20 days out

Bologna want to feel big again, half Viola

Maignan’s howler, Leao saves Milan.

Nico Paz (suspended against Juventus) complicates the Rossoneri’s dream of a comeback over Inter.

Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners ‘can’t be happy’ after scoring a brace against Galatasaray as the Bianconeri slumped to a 5-2 loss away at Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Juventus suffered a heavy 5-2 loss against Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off on Tuesday.

Koopmeiners’ comments after Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus

Koopmeiners scored his first goals this season and his first two in the Champions League before the break, giving Juventus a 2-1 lead.

“I think we played a good first half; we scored two great goals. We said in the dressing room that we had to keep the ball possession longer, but the way the second half went was not good,” the Dutch midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.

“We must look at the videos and know that there’s a new game next week.”

Juan Cabal was sent off in the second half, after barely 20 minutes from his introduction, while Gleison Bremer suffered a suspected muscle injury in the first half and was forced to be subbed off.

The decider will be played in Turin on Wednesday next week.

“We must improve and score three goals at least; it’s easy,” said the Juventus midfielder.

“I started well with this coach, I scored two important goals in the first half, but I can’t be happy. Because nothing matters when you look at the second half. We scored twice, but we need at least three in the next one.

“I feel well in this position. I think I can contribute with goals. I told myself I had to score more goals. I did it in the first half, but we had to do more in the second.”

Juventus have lost three of their last four games across all competitions, drawing once, and conceding 13 goals in the process.

Juventus’ next game will be at home against Como in Serie A this coming Saturday.

Di Gregorio 5 – A couple of decent saves here and there, but it was always too easy for Juventus opponents to score. The Italian didn’t look confident on set pieces and with distribution.

• Match report – Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus: Cabal catastrophe ruins Champions League play-off

Kalulu 6 – Straight back to action after Saturday’s controversy against Inter, the French played a key role in Teun Koopmeiners’ equaliser, forcing a save from Ugurcan Cakir before the rebound was tapped home.

Bremer 6.5 – Injured early in the first half, but remained on the pitch until the Bianconeri took the lead. Juventus collapsed after he left the field. (34′ Gatti 4)

Kelly 4 – A positive performance in the first half, but the Englishman faded after the break. He lost the ball inside the box for Galatasaray’s fourth goal and lost yet another duel against Osimhen for the fifth.

Cambiaso 6.5 – His forward run right after Galatasaray’s opener paved the way for Koopmeiners’ equaliser. His cross for Kalulu came with a high degree of difficulty. He was booked in the first half and will miss the return leg next week. (46′ Cabal 3 – A terrible impact. In the wrong position for Gala’s equaliser, then caused the free kick that led to the opponents’ third goal. Very few successful passes. Two yellow cards in 20 minutes. A disaster.)

Koopmeiners 7  – He had no goals and no assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this season. No Champions League in his career. All of a sudden, he showed why Juventus paid €60m for him over 18 months ago.

Locatelli 5 – Too many errors in the build-up, and didn’t help the team defensively as he usually does.

Thuram 4.5 – Back to action after missing Saturday’s game against Inter. The Frenchman was sloppy on the ball and made a dangerous backpass that Galatasaray converted in their fourth goal. (80′ Miretti N/A).

Conceicao 5 – Energetic and involved throughout, as always, but his impact faded in the final third, where the decisive pass was missing. (70′ Kostic 5).

McKennie 6.5 – Started as a centre-forward but, as ever, he played all over the pitch. Also provided the assist for Koopmeiners’ second goal.

Yildiz 4.5 – The homeboy didn’t seem fully fit as he often checked on his knee during the match. He also lost possession in a danger zone, leading to Galatasaray’s opening goal. He was never dangerous and was subbed off when the game was practically over (81′ Openda N/A).

Coach: Spalletti 4 – A shocking result, a disastrous second half for the Bianconeri. Still not clear why he replaced Cambiaso after a brilliant first-half performance. Cabal dragged the team down, and this time, Juventus sank rather than reacting.

Galatasaray: Ugurcan Cakir 6; Sallai 6, Sanchez 7, Abdulkerim Bardakci 7 (77′ Singo N/A), Jakobs 6.5 (83′ Elmali N/A); Torreira 7, Gabriel Sara 8.5; Baris Alper Yilmaz 7.5 (77′ Icardi N/A), Yunus Akgun 7.5 (70′ Sané), Lang 7.5 (83′ Boey); Osimhen 8. Coach: Buruk 8.

Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino explains how he prepared his team for a ‘fascinating’ Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund: ‘A maturity test.’

Atalanta visit Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off this evening.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta – Palladino’s pre-match quotes

You can follow the build-up and action as it happens on the liveblog.

“I’ve tried to convey serenity and tranquillity as we tried to prepare the game in a fascinating stadium,” Palladino told Sky Sport via TMW.

“I see it in the lads’ eyes. I’ve spoken to them, just a few things, very clear. It’s a nice maturity test for us tonight.”

Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere are injured, so Mario Pasalic starts as an attacking midfielder.

“He’s a versatile midfielder who can play as an attacking midfielder too. He did in the past, and he can score,” Palladino said.

“It shouldn’t take long for Raspadori; we’ll assess it with the staff. I hope he returns in two or three weeks, and around a month for De Ketelaere. We’ll try to recover them as quickly as possible.”

Juventus defender Gleison Bremer was forced to be substituted during the first half of a Champions League match against Galatasaray due to a suspected muscle injury.

Juventus defender Bremer suffered a suspected muscle injury during the first half of a Champions League match against Galatasaray on Tuesday.

Bremer suffered a suspected muscle injury vs. Galatasaray

As reported by Gazzetta, the Brazilian repeatedly touched his right thigh before being forced to be subbed off.

Bremer even left the field for a few minutes to get his thigh massaged by doctors, but Juventus were one goal down, so he refused to leave the field.

Teun Koopmeiners, however, scored twice in a few minutes, and Bremer surrendered just after the Dutchman’s second goal.

This evening’s match between Galatasaray and Juventus is the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off. The decider will be played in Turin next week.

You can follow live updates for Galatasaray-Juventus and Borussia Dortmund-Atalanta in the Football Italia LIVEBLOG.

Reports in Italy claim that Tommaso Pobega has formally joined Bologna on a permanent deal from Milan after the Rossoblu secured a win over Torino on Sunday.

Italian midfielder Pobega is now fully owned by Serie A side Bologna after fulfilling the terms required to convert his initial loan into a permanent transfer.

Milan to get €7m from Pobega’s permanent transfer

Italian transfer expert Nicolò Schira reports on X social media that the Rossoneri will earn €7m and that Pobega has signed a contract until 2030.

Pobega spent the last two seasons on loan at the Stadio Dall’Ara, and according to PianetaMilan, his permanent transfer was just a formality as Bologna would complete his purchase after securing at least one point starting from February 1, 2026.

The Rossoblu had lost against Milan and Parma earlier this month, but secured an away 2-1 win at Torino this past weekend, leading to Pobega’s permanent move.

The Italian midfielder has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 55 appearances at Bologna.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says Christian Pulisic is in doubt for tomorrow’s Serie A match against Como, while Inter remain the ‘clear favourites’ in the race for the title.

• Read more – Allegri weighs in on diving debate and asks for offside rule change

Milan prepre to host Como at San Siro in a rescheduled Serie A fixture from Round 24 on Wednesday. It was not played earlier this month as the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony took place at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro.

Santiago Gimenez is injured, and Adrien Rabiot is suspended for Milan, but Pulisic is also not fully fit.

Milan team news ahead of Como clash

“Aside from Rabiot, who is suspended, the others feel quite well. Saelemaekers is available, and I hope the same goes for Pulisic, because he still feels discomfort. Let’s see if he’ll be there. Gimenez will return soon,” Allegri said at a press conference via Milannews.

When asked about Rabiot’s replacement, Allegri replied: “I haven’t decided yet. Jashari feels well, and I must decide. Adrien is okay, he’s improved technically, phisically and mentally. Those who play tomorrow will have a great performance.”

Milan, however, can rely on another top-class player in central midfield, Luka Modric: “The secret of Luka is that he has passion and a visceral love for football that drives him to deliver these performances,” Allegri argued.

“He apologises and gets angry with himself when he misplaces a pass, one out of every 50 or 60 he makes. The calmness with which he approaches training sessions and matches is something others have a lot to learn from. When the decisive moment of the game comes, Luka’s expression changes. And that is something you see in great champions.”

Neither Rafael Leao nor Pulisic started in the last two Serie A games for Milan, but will Leao make it to the Rossoneri XI this time?

“It’s hard to give a percentage. Let’s say he’s okay. He had quite a good training session yesterday,” Allegri replied.

“Like Pulisic, he’s had some physical issues this season, but also scored important goals. Surely, they’ll do very well in the final part of the season when games will change, and we’ll need technical players.”

Como coach Fabregas showed frustration after Milan’s 3-1 win against the Azzurri last month.

“There’s no debate. I think Como and Fabregas are doing an excellent job. They are in the race for the Champions League,” Allegri said.

“They’ve done a great job in a short time, so we can only congratulate them. In some moments, you play well, in others not so well. For Milan, it is important to get a result through performances, which can be good or not so good. The main target is to reach the Champions League.”

A reporter asked whether the referee controversy in Inter-Juventus could affect his team.

“Why? We are doing good things. Inter were the clear title favourites; they were the favourites with Napoli, and now they are even more,” Allegri replied.

“There are still many games remaining. Juve, Napoli, Roma, Como. We have to remain calm. Once we are in the Champions League, we’ll see.

“We aren’t the only thing fighting for the title: 13 games are remaining, and anything can still happen. Caution is needed at both ends of the table. We must not waste energy on situations happening outside. Right now, blinders are needed.”

Milan director Igli Tare was fined €10,000 after the Rossoneri’s 2-1 win over Pisa on Friday as he ‘aggressively’ protested the referee on the field at full-time.

Milan director Tare was fined by the Serie A sports judge following a 2-1 win over Pisa on Friday.

Tare fined after Pisa 1-2 Milan

The Rossoneri sporting director will have to pay €10,000 as he “aggressively contested the referee’s decisions” after entering the pitch at full-time.

Milan had been given a penalty kick in the second half, which was missed by Niclas Fullkrug, but also saw their midfielder, Adrien Rabiot, sent off. The Frenchman received two yellow cards, the second one for dissent in the dying minutes.

Rabiot will miss tomorrow’s Serie A game against Como, a rescheduled league fixture from round 24, which was not played earlier this month because of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony taking place at San Siro.

The sports judge also confirmed a fine for Juventus director Damien Comolli and a ban for both him and Chiellini.

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni will join Cristian Chivu for a pre-match press conference today, talking for the first time after Saturday’s controversial Serie A match against Juventus.

Inter star Bastoni will talk to the media today, on the eve of a Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Bodo/Glimt, as reported by Sky Sport Italia.

It’s technically a pre-match press conference, but Bastoni will inevitably face questions about the incident that led to a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu in Saturday’s Serie A match against Juventus.

Bastoni appeared to go down too easily on contact with the Bianconeri defender, causing a second yellow card for his opponent.

Bastoni received criticism from fans and media as he not only dived to deceive the referee, but also celebrated as soon as the red card was shown.

Some even suggested that Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso should drop Bastoni due to his behaviour, while the defender has been forced to disable comments on his social media accounts and those of his wife after receiving a wave of abusive messages following the match.

Inter have travelled to Bodo/Glimt without Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi. Chivu and Bastoni will hold their press conference from Norway at 17:15 CET (16:15 GMT).

Sky Sport Italia reports that Inter midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi won’t be available for a Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday.

Inter have travelled to Norway for the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off against Bodo/Glimt without their midfielders Calhanoglu and Frattesi.

Why Calhanoglu and Frattesi will miss Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter

As reported by Sky Sport Italia, Calhanoglu will miss the match due to muscle fatigue, while Frattesi has had a fever.

Calhanoglu had only just returned to action after spending a month on the sidelines, making a substitute appearance against Juventus on Saturday.

The Turkey international, 32, has already missed nine games across all competitions due to injuries this term.

Inter will visit Bodo/Glimt tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, at 21:00 CET, while two other Serie A clubs play in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off later today.

Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus will visit Galatasaray at 18:45 CET, while Raffaele Palladino’s Atalanta play away at Borussia Dortmund at 21:00 CET.

Victor Osimhen praises Luciano Spalletti and denies disagreements with his ex-Napoli coach: ‘He worked night and day to convince us that we could win the Scudetto.’

Spalletti and Osimhen reunite in Istanbul this evening, when the Nigerian striker will lead Galatasaray against Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

“It will be exciting to face a top club. We know we have no room for distractions because any error against them can cost dearly, and then I’ll reunite with Spalletti,” the striker told Gazzetta.

Osimhen and Spalletti won the Serie A title at Napoli in 2022-23, but the coach left the Stadio Maradona in 2023, while the striker moved to Galatasaray a year later.

During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Osimhen explained what led to his departure from Naples, claiming that the Partenopei treated him “like a dog” before his exit in 2024.

Osimhen, however, spoke positively about Spalletti, insisting that they shared a good relationship.

“People said we argued, but it wasn’t true. I respect him so much,” Osimhen said.

“He slept for months in the Napoli training centre, working night and day to convince us that we could win the Scudetto. He brought Kim, Anguissa, Kvaratskhelia and me in our best condition, winning with the club that hadn’t done it for years.

“He was very demanding, but he also gave you so much in return. Certain coaches make you grow first as a man and then as a footballer.”

Osimhen added that Juventus tried to sign him in 2024 through their previous director, Cristiano Giuntoli, when Spalletti was the Italy national team coach.

Under Spalletti, Osimhen scored 49 goals in 71 Napoli appearances across two seasons.

Former Napoli star Victor Osimhen says the Partenopei treated him ‘like a dog’ before his move to Galatasaray, but Antonio Conte wanted him to stay, and Juventus tried to sign him through Cristiano Giuntoli.

Osimhen confirms Juventus tried to sign him in 2024 before completing an initial loan deal to Galatasaray, which was made permanent a year later.

• Read more – Champions League: Galatasaray vs. Juventus – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV

“Yes, but I could have been in two other top Serie A clubs today,” Osimhen told Gazzetta.

“[Ex-Juventus director] Giuntoli called me to take me to Juve before negotiations with Galatasaray began. I spoke with a couple of people from the club. They showed interest, but I knew that he [Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis] wouldn’t let me leave. In any case, the interest was definitely there. And when Juventus call, regardless of everything, you sit down and listen.”

When Osimhen left the club in 2024, he was no longer on good terms with De Laurentiis, and it’s no coincidence that the striker never mentioned the Napoli owner in his interview.

Osimhen has made history at Napoli, contributing to winning the Serie A title in 2022-23 under Luciano Spalletti.

That season, Osimhen became the top-Serie A goalscorer, but things started going downhill from the following campaign.

In September 2023, Napoli mocked Osimhen on TikTok after the Nigerian had missed a penalty kick against Bologna.

“I feel sorry for the fans, also because I never spoke about what happened before,” said the striker.

“Some of them even came to my house asking for explaination. I asked them to put themselves in my shoes. After Napoli posted that video on TikTok, something broke.

“Anyone can miss a penalty, and anyone can be mocked for it. Napoli did it only to me, and with certain kinds of insinuations as well. I was the victim of racist insults, and I made my decision. I wanted to leave. I deleted the photos of me wearing the Napoli shirt from my Instagram, and they took the opportunity to turn the fans against me. And to think that, for me, my daughter is more Neapolitan than Nigerian.

“No one ever publicly apologised for what happened. After that famous video, Edoardo De Laurentiis called me several times. That’s it. Meanwhile, rumours were going around that I arrived late at training, and that I argued with teammates. They’re all lies. I’m sorry for the fans, but I understand and admire them: they support the club, no matter what. For them, Napoli comes before everything.”

Osimhen extended his contract with Napoli in December 2023, but already knew he’d not stay at the club long-term.

“We had a gentleman’s agreement according to which I could leave the following summer, but the commitment was not fully respected on the other side,” Osimhen recalled.

“They tried to send me anywhere to play, but they treated me like a dog. Go here, go there, do this, do that. I worked so hard to build my career, and I couldn’t accept that kind of treatment. I’m not a puppet.”

When Conte was appointed in 2024, Osimhen was already on his way out of Napoli, but according to the striker, the coach wanted him to stay.

“Of course, even if some people said he didn’t want me. Are we serious? Which coach at that moment wouldn’t have wanted me? As soon as he arrived, Conte called me into his office and said he was aware of the situation but that, despite everything, he wanted me to stay.

“I said I would have liked to work with him, but then I had made my decision: I didn’t want to keep working in a place where I didn’t feel happy.”

Osimhen is now in his second season at Galatasaray.

“I found a club and a city that I love. Maybe it was a stroke of luck. As soon as you arrive in Istanbul, you understand why anyone who has played here has fallen in love with the team and the people. I had never experienced anything like it,” he concluded.

Tonight, the Turkish giants will meet Spalletti’s Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Gianluca Scamacca is expected to lead the Atalanta attack in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off, away at Borussia Dortmund.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.

Atalanta have travelled to Germany without the injured Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori, so they are short of options in attack.

Italy international Scamacca started the last two Serie A games on the bench, but is expected to return to the Atalanta XI tonight.

Nicola Zalewski will be one of the two attacking midfielders for La Dea, while the other spot will be taken by Lazar Samardzic or Mario Pasalic, who is the favourite to get the nod, according to Gazzetta and Tuttosport.

Davide Zappacosta will start as a right midfielder for Atalanta, while Lorenzo Bernasconi will play on the opposite flank.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates for this match and Galatasaray-Juventus (18:45 CET) on a liveblog.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta – probable line-ups

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini; Yan Couto, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Beier; Brandt; Guirassy.

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Bernasconi; Pasalic, Zalewski; Krstovic.

Weston McKennie will start as a false nine for Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off against Galatasaray.

It kicks off at 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT) at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Istanbul.

Juventus have travelled to the Turkish capital without the injured Dusan Vlahovic, Arek Milik, Emil Holm and Jonathan David.

Lois Openda is the only centre-forward available for the Serie A giants, but according to several sources, including Gazzetta and Tuttosport, USMNT star McKennie will be deployed as a false nine.

Khephren Thuram is available after missing Saturday’s Serie A match against Inter. The Frenchman is expected to start alongside Manuel Locatelli in central midfield.

The Old Lady’s defensive line won’t change with Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, Lloyd Kelly and Andrea Cambiaso.

Former Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who won the Scudetto at Napoli in 2022-23 under Luciano Spalletti, will start up front for Galatasaray.

The 27-year-old has scored 15 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.

Galatasaray vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV

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

Galatasaray vs. Juventus – probable line-ups

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Sallai, Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Yilmaz, Yunus Akgün, Lang; Osimhen.

Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceição, Miretti, Yildiz; McKennie.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

What a brawl

But give us Europe

Endless Inter-Juve and a Champions League not to miss.

Spalletti: ‘Chivu made Kalulu look silly.’ Marotta: ‘Public shaming of Bastoni. Cuadrado dived too.’

The first leg play-off begins at 18:45 with the Bianconeri at Galatasaray’s home.

The yellow wall is a test for Atalanta.

Milan don’t give up

Fewer games and the derby: Allegri believes in it.

Corriere dello Sport

‘Marotta: ‘Juve, what a favour.’

Tough reply from the Inter President to Elkann’s club

‘With Cuadrado’s simulation on Perisic, the Bianconeri earned 70m. Chiellini? Inexperienced director. Bastoni made a mistake, but was subject to public shaming.’ La Penna spoke to the prosecutor yesterday: more threats, investigation opened.

Lucio, only Turkish things

Double clash

Play-off Champions: In Istanbul the first leg against Galatasaray, but it’s still derby

‘Chivu made Kalulu look silly.’

‘Simulations offend football. Cristian’s claims would also give me the chance to talk about Inter players.’ Waiting for the judge: ‘Spalletti risks a ban like Chiellini and Comolli. David injured, McKennie to play as a No.9. Yildiz challenges Osi and Icardi. Atalanta, exam with Borussia (21).

Alisson breaks Napoli games

Totti: ‘Roma still my home.’

Lecce coup, Cagliari darkness

Tuttosport

McKennie, do you dare?

Champions play-off: Juve in Istanbul with Wes as a striker.

David is out in the first leg of the Champions League play-off. The versatile American will replace him. ‘I could even play in goal for Spalletti. Renewal? I hope to stay.’ Yildiz’s game, a prophet in his own land. Terim: ‘He’s an icon like Del Piero.’ Lucio attacks Inter: ‘Two injustices for Kalulu, it’s unacceptable that Chivu makes him look silly.’

Marotta, Cuadrado has nothing to do with this…

The Nerazzurri president reacts to accusations, but he slips by recalling an incident from 2021: ‘Juventus went to the Champions League thanks to a simulation. Bastoni made a mistake, but enough with the public shaming. Saviano? I don’t know who he is.’

Atalanta without fear in front of the yellow wall

Protests, Baroni flop, Serie B nightmare, Cairo on the ropes

It wasn’t a good look for Alessandro Bastoni  during Inter-Juventus when he caused and celebrated Pierre Kalulu’s red card, but it would be wrong to omit him from the Italy national team for this, writes Lorenzo Bettoni.

Why Bastoni should not face punishment with Italy national team

Some Italian fans and journalists called for Bastoni to be dropped from the Italy national team because of his behaviour in Inter-Juventus on Saturday. The Italy international not only deceived the referee with a dive that led to Kalulu’s second yellow card, but also wildly celebrated when the official showed the red.

Bastoni’s actions “didn’t align with the principles of fair play,” as Inter President Beppe Marotta has admitted, but this doesn’t mean the defender should be excluded from the Italy squad.

Several sources have already reassured that Gattuso will not take action, meaning that Bastoni will be part of the Italy squad next month when the Azzurri meet Northern Ireland in a vital World Cup play-off semi-final. Rightly so, I would say.

Again, what Bastoni did wasn’t nice to see, especially because we are talking about one of the best Italian players and one of the supposed leaders in the Azzurri dressing room, who should set the example rather than trying to cause even more confusion to the referee.

Sadly, Bastoni is not alone in this. Over the last few months, the quality of refereeing in Serie A has hit new lows one week after another, but match officials have not been helped by footballers in any way.

Every time, in every game, we see players going down in pain for the slightest touches, hoping that a VAR check would spot a step-on-foot and a resulting penalty. Too many times, footballers, especially in Serie A, overreact whenever an opponent goes for a challenge, hoping to cause whatever punishment.

VAR has surely caused more problems than those it has solved this term. It’s been overused far too much for minor incidents, but, ironically, the protocol didn’t allow it to intervene to save Kalulu from being sent off on Saturday, given that his foul was a second-yellow card offence.

The Bastoni incident has been blown out of proportion because of the scale of the game, but it should also be a turning point from which footballers have to show a different attitude towards referees by sticking to the principles of the game without unnecessary drama that only makes the game more toxic.

Bastoni should not be punished by Gattuso for something that everybody, wrongly, does. And this is even more true ahead of the most important Italy game in the last four years.

On March 26, the Azzurri will be hosting Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the World Cup play-off semi-final. If they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, and if the Azzurri are to qualify for the World Cup, they need their best players and unity.

Hopefully, Bastoni won’t get the tough reception that Gigio Donnarumma has sometimes experienced during Italy games in the past, especially in his first years at PSG. Club-related matters must be set aside during the next international break as Gennaro Gattuso will need unity on and off the pitch to avoid another World Cup fiasco.

Many Juventus fans won’t agree with this, but not even Juventus would want or need Bastoni to be dropped from the Italy squad. The Bianconeri didn’t hold back criticism towards Italian referees on Saturday, calling for immediate “change” but didn’t mention Bastoni directly during post-match interviews.

They know this sort of attitude is sadly part of the game sometimes, but referees should now have the tools to avoid affecting games so heavily.

Surely, Bastoni won’t be proud watching the replays of his dive and celebration, but he has a lesson to learn from this. Italian legends like Franco Baresi, Beppe Bergomi and Paolo Maldini earned the respect of their opponents, especially for the way they behaved on the pitch, and those who are now expected to lead the national team, such as Bastoni, must lead by example.

Moreover, there’s a lesson that all Serie A players should learn. The less that referee gets involved, the better it is for the game. Inter’s 2-2 draw against Napoli in January was one of the best games in Serie A this season, also because the match official, Daniele Doveri, rarely blew the whistle; only five times in the first half.

Too often, when an Italian team faces a Premier League side in Europe, we are shocked by the difference in the pace and intensity, which is also a consequence of how fragmented Serie A games are.

VAR has to change, players and referees must change too, but this doesn’t mean the Azzurri must go to a massive game without one of their best players.

Former Serie A coach Serse Cosmi responds to Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini, who complained about the officiating in the Bianconeri’s 3-2 loss against Inter: ‘I experienced what wasn’t football.’

Ex-Serie A coach Cosmi criticises Juventus director Chiellini, who had raged at a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu in Saturday’s Serie A match against Inter.

Kalulu’s red card infuriates Chiellini and Juventus

The French defender received a second yellow card for a foul on Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, who appeared to go down too easily and then celebrated when his opponent was sent off.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu said the Juventus defender should not have put his hands on Bastoni, while Chiellini angrily confronted the referee inside the tunnel and then voiced his frustration to the media, arguing that it was “impossible to talk about football” after such a mistake.

“I didn’t like any of the words,” Cosmi told Sport Mediaset via Corriere dello Sport.

Cosmi tells Chiellini: ‘I experienced what wasn’t football’

“Not those Cristian Chivu, from whom I expected something different considering his intelligence, but I also didn’t like Giorgio Chiellini’s, who came to tell us this isn’t football. With all due respect, I experienced what wasn’t football.”

Cosmi’s reference was to the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, which saw Juventus being stripped of two titles and relegated to Serie B.

Cosmi was the Udinese coach in 2005-06, but remained in charge of the Bianconeri for just 24 games as he was sacked in February 2006.

Corriere dello Sport reports that the officiating in Inter-Juventus did not infuriate the Bianconeri only, but Milan are also upset, especially because the Rossoneri previously complained about other referee decisions this season.

Juventus are not the only Serie A side unhappy with the officiating in their latest Serie A match against Inter, which saw their defender Pierre Kalulu sent off with two yellow cards in the first half.

Milan unhappy with referee decisions in Inter vs. Juventus

As reported by Corriere dello Sport (via Calciomercato.com), there is also discontent within Milan about how such an important game was officiated, especially because the Rossoneri are challenging Inter in the race for the Scudetto.

Milan sit second in the standings, eight points below their city rivals, but Massimiliano Allegri’s men have a game in hand to be played this coming Wednesday at home against Como.

Previous Milan referee controversies

Milan have already voiced concerns over refereeing decisions they believe have had an impact on their season so far.

The latest incident was on Friday, when Adrien Rabiot was sent off for dissent in an away 2-1 win at Pisa.

The Frenchman received two yellow cards, so he’ll miss tomorrow’s match against Como.

Back in December, the Rossoneri were held to a 2-2 home draw by Sassuolo, but had a Christian Pulisic goal disallowed for a foul from Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the build-up.

Roma legend Francesco Totti confirms he’s in talks to return to the club as a director and reveals he ‘had dinner’ with Giallorossi coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Former Roma striker Totti confirms he’s in talks with the Giallorossi over his potential return to the Stadio Olimpico as a club director.

Totti confirms talks for return to Roma

Senior advisor Claudio Ranieri surprisingly revealed a few weeks ago that Roma owners were considering bringing back the club legend with an operative role in the control room.

“I’ve always been a fan. To me, Roma is my home; it’s always been, even if I’m not there. I’m happy with what they are doing and their path,” Totti told Sky Sport Italia on Monday (via Repubblica).

“There have been rumours lately. It’s true, we are talking, discussing some details and deciding what’s best for everyone. I hope we can solve this situation soon. Sooner or later, surely we are talking about it.”

The legendary Italian striker went on to praise Roma boss Gasperini, who was appointed last summer.

Totti: ‘I had dinner with Gasperini’

“He has started on the right foot, and we are cheering him on for a return to the Champions League. I had dinner with him, and we spoke a bit about everything, not just about football,” Totti concluded.

Roma sit fourth in the Serie A standings after an away 2-2 draw at Napoli on Sunday.

The Giallorossi have collected 47 points, one more than fifth-placed Juventus, who they’ll host at the Olimpico in a crucial Serie A match on March 1.

Totti spent his entire playing career at Roma, scoring 307 goals in 786 games and winning the Serie A title in 2000-01.

According to Sport Mediaset, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti told Inter President Beppe Marotta ‘you made a pig’s ear of it’ as the Bianconeri protested for a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu.

More details emerge after a brutal confrontation between Juventus directors and referee Federico La Penna during the halftime break of Saturday’s Serie A match Inter-Juventus.

What Spalletti told Marotta during Inter-Juventus

The Bianconeri were furious for a red card given to Kalulu minutes before the break, prompting directors Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli to face the referee inside the tunnel at halftime.

Spalletti separated Comolli and the match official, but according to Sport Mediaset, the Italian tactician also addressed Inter President Marotta, telling him: “You made a pig’s ear of it.”

Bans for Comolli and Chiellini after Inter-Juventus?

The heated confrontation between Juventus directors and the match official will likely lead to a ban for Comolli and Chiellini, according to reports in Italy.

Today, Marotta hit back at criticism from the Old Lady, recalling previous referee decisions that went in favour of the Bianconeri

Juventus striker Jonathan David has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Champions League match against Galatasaray due to a groin injury.

Juventus have travelled to Istanbul to face Galatasaray without Canada star David.

Why David is not available for Galatasaray vs. Juventus

The ex-Lille forward is not part of the Bianconeri squad list released just a few minutes ago.

According to Sky Sport Italia, David has been omitted due to a groin injury.

David had been subbed off in the second half of an away game at Inter on Saturday in what appeared to be a tactical substitution.

Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are also unavailable for the upcoming European fixture, so Lois Openda will be the only centre-forward available for the Old Lady in Istanbul.

David started in the last eight Serie A games for Juventus.

He has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, including two in the Champions League.

Tomorrow, February, Tuesday 17, Juventus visit Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Juventus squad list vs. Galatasaray

La lista dei convocati per la sfida di #UCL di domani in trasferta in Turchia #GalatasarayJuve pic.twitter.com/xrEymkcn0x

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) February 16, 2026

Scotland international Billy Gilmour is delighted to have returned to action for Napoli after ’10 long weeks’ on the sidelines: ‘No feeling like being on the pitch.’

Gilmour returned to action for the first time since November on Sunday, making a substitute appearance in Napoli’s 2-2 home draw against Roma.

Gilmour returns to action for Napoli

The Scotland international was introduced in the second half and contributed to the Partenopei’s equaliser with a through ball in the build-up to Alisson Santos’ first goal for the defending Serie A champions.

“First steps in 2026,” Gilmour wrote on Instagram.

“No feeling like being on the pitch & none bigger or better than doing it in front of your support. 10 long weeks, now back doing what I love with this team. Forza Napoli Sempre.”

Gilmour spent over 2 months on the sidelines

Gilmour underwent surgery in November 2025 due to a groin injury and had missed the previous 23 matches with the Partenopei.

 

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Un post condiviso da Billy Gilmour (@billygilmour)

Inter President Beppe Marotta feels Alessandro Bastoni has been subject to ‘excessive media exposure’ and hits back at Juventus, saying that a ‘clear simulation’ of Juan Cuadrado in 2021 allowed the Bianconeri to beat the Nerazzurri and qualify for the Champions League.

The controversy surrounding Inter-Juventus and a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu on Saturday is far from over.

Inter President Marotta spoke to reporters on Monday ahead of a Lega Serie A meeting in Milan, saying (via Calciomercato.com): “I’m here because we have fought against excessive media exposure, a public shaming of Bastoni that goes beyond what actually happened. A young man who represents an asset for our national team, it is unfair to put his participation in doubt.

“Who doesn’t make mistakes? Since the 1950s, there have been players, no names mentioned, famous for actions like this. We are facing, in my view, an ordinary event, not an extraordinary one. Reprehensible, but also due to other circumstances, such as the wide arm,” Marotta continued.

Marotta recalls referee mistake that qualified Juventus for Champions League

“Last season, we lost the Scudetto by one point, and there was a confirmed error in Inter-Roma, but we didn’t protest. This season, Inter have only intervened once, after Napoli-Inter, where a penalty kick, later deemed unfair, had been given.”

Italian media already reported that Inter felt Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion, a view strongly confirmed by Marotta.

“If we talk about simulations, I want to remember Juventus-Inter in 2021 and a penalty given despite a clear simulation from Cuadrado with Calvarese as a referee,” he said.

“Afterwards, both the referee and the technical bodies confirmed it had been an obvious simulation, and with that win, Juventus qualified for the Champions League, which is worth €60-70m.”

Marotta admitted that Bastoni’s simulation against Juventus was against the principles of fair play, and also called for stronger sanctions.

“We need to take responsibility: AIA, clubs and FIGC, all institutions,” he added.

Marotta on Chiellini and Bastoni

“We need to engage in a broad and calm discussion, toughening disciplinary penalties, especially financial ones. Too often, things go beyond the line, and that is unacceptable. Bastoni’s gesture does not align with the principles of fair play. Repression is not part of my approach. Prevention, however, is possiblethrough dialogue. There is often a lack of knowledge of the rules, which players in particular should be familiar with.”

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini was particularly critical of the officiating as he and Damien Comolli showed up in front of the media after the match on Saturday night, while coach Luciano Spalletti remained silent.

Marotta had greeted Chiellini at San Siro, but didn’t seem impressed by the ex-defender’s claims.

“It was the least I could do as he was one of my players,” he concluded, via Gazzetta.

“Today, he’s a young and inexperienced director, but I do not dare give him suggestions.”

Fabio Capello was ‘upset’ to see Alessandro Bastoni’s ‘obvious simulation’ during Inter-Juventus but was also disappointed by Cristian Chivu, even if ‘his actions matter more than words.’

• Read more – Inter’s support for Bastoni after social media threats, but Juventus overreacted – report

Former Italian coach Capello strongly criticised Inter defender Bastoni and Nerazzurri coach Chivu in his latest column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

During Saturday’s game against Juventus, Bastoni had tricked the referee by going down too easily on a Pierre Kalulu challenge, causing a second yellow for the Bianconeri defender just before the break.

Capello: Bastoni ‘can’t behave like that’

“Two things struck me in particular. The first: a player like Bastoni, of international calibre and a key figure in our national team, cannot and, above all, must not behave like that,” wrote Capello.

“It was very upsetting for all the football fans to see him deceive the referee with an obvious simulation, especially since he was already booked and therefore risking a second yellow card.”

Inter coach Chivu refused to blame Bastoni during his post-match interviews, suggesting that Kalulu should have avoided putting his hands on his defender.

Before the game, however, the Inter coach had stated that he wouldn’t comment on a referee unless he heard a Serie A coach openly acknowledge a favourable referee decision.

“Second thing,” continued Capello.

Capello: Chivu’s ‘actions matter more’ than his words

“I know Chivu very well, as he was one of my players at Roma, but his words after the game deeply disappointed me. The Inter coach was not consistent with what he had said on the eve of the match, and in the end, he gave the impression of justifying what happened.

“More than his words, however, his actions matter. Chivu substituted Bastoni at halftime because he knew exactly that he would be at risk if he stayed on the pitch. I would have expected statements of a very different tone, especially after a victory.”

Inter and Juventus both return to action mid-week as both sides have European commitments.

The Bianconeri will visit Galatasaray on Tuesday, while Inter will play away at Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Hellas Verona striker Gift Orban calls for ‘equal treatment on the pitch’ after being shown an early red card in a Serie A game against Parma: ‘As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently.’

Verona striker Orban complained about a straight red card he received in the opening minutes of an eventual 2-1 loss at Parma on Sunday.

Orban: Black players ‘treated differently’ in Serie A

The Nigeria international had been given his marching orders after just 10 minutes, with his team already down one goal.

Orban appeared to calmly protest for a potential foul from a Parma defender, but the referee was quick to stop the play to show the 23-year-old a red card.

“Sent off for protesting a decision. As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently,” Orban added on X social media.

“I love the game, and all I ask for is fairness, respect, and equal treatment on the pitch.”

Orban has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 22 Serie A appearances with Verona this season.

This is his first season in Serie A, but his positive performances still couldn’t help Verona in their race for survival as the Gialloblu sit at the bottom of the table alongside Pisa with 15 points.

Verona didn’t send their coach to comment on the game at full-time as a sign of protest. They only released a statement, which, however, didn’t mention racism issues: “A very serious lack of respect towards a team, a city, a community and a fanbase,” the club said.

“We always accept mistakes, just as we make them ourselves. However, we believe that the sending off after ten minutes play, based on what was seen on the field and what we were told, is a signal of disrespect.”

Inter have shown support for their star Alessandro Bastoni after the Italian defender was subjected to social media abuse, and according to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri feel the Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion.

Inter directors and coach Cristian Chivu sent support to their defender Bastoni on Sunday.

Inter send support to Bastoni

The Italy international had received hate messages and threats on social media after celebrating Pierre Kalulu’s red card during Inter-Juventus. Bastoni went down far too easily in a challenge with the French defender, causing a second yellow card.

Tension is so high that, according to Repubblica, Bastoni’s decision to disable comments on his social media accounts and those of his wife came under suggestion from the Italian Police.

According to Gazzetta, Bastoni was taken aback by the scale of online abuse, which even extended to his younger daughter. Italian sources claim that Bastoni spoke for a long time on the phone with Chivu and Inter directors on Sunday, receiving full support from his club.

‘No one at Inter considers him a diver in the slightest, with everyone viewing the incident as nothing more than a simple yellow-card incident,’ wrote Gazzetta.

Inter unhappy with Juventus’ reaction

At the same time, the Nerazzurri feel that the Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion as the Bianconeri directors confronted the referee inside the tunnel at half-time and sent Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli in front of the media after the match, rather than coach Luciano Spalletti.

Gazzetta notes that Chiellini’s pointed comments after the match particularly rubbed Inter the wrong way. Having won the 2021 Euros alongside Bastoni, the former Juventus defender is regarded by the Inter star as one of the best centre-backs of the past decade, having seen firsthand the full spectrum of the ex-national captain’s skills, including his shrewdness in certain defensive situations.

Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini face a possible ban for a tunnel confrontation with referee Federico La Penna during a tense Serie A match against Inter.

Juventus directors Comolli and Chiellini could be punished following their heated protests against referee La Penna during the half-time break of Saturday’s Serie A match against Inter.

Furious Chiellini and Comolli confronted Inter-Juventus referee

A video that has gone viral on social media shows the two directors facing the match official just inside the tunnel at the Stadio Meazza as the two teams head to the dressing room at half-time.

La Penna had sent off Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu just a few minutes earlier, infuriating the Bianconeri players and their directors.

Comolli attempted to confront La Penna directly, but Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti stepped in to hold him back, while Chiellini voiced his anger toward the referee.

Report Juventus director Comolli risks two-month ban

As reported by Gazzetta, referee La Penna likely mentioned the incident in his post-match report, which would lead to a suspension for both Chiellini and Comolli.

Without an official report from the referee, the FIGC Prosecutor would need to open a formal investigation.

Gazzetta notes that ‘while Chiellini’s remarks seem like strong criticism and are not necessarily insulting, Comolli’s verbal attack risks being considered as such and, consequently, could lead to a ban of at least two months.’

Reports in Italy claim that Gennaro Gattuso will continue to rely on Inter star Alessandro Bastoni despite criticism over the defender’s behaviour during the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

• Read more – Bastoni forced to silence fans on social media after insults following Derby d’Italia

Inter defender Bastoni will continue to be part of the Italy squad, as coach Gattuso is not considering dropping him following controversies in Inter-Juventus.

Gattuso won’t drop Bastoni for Italy games

Bastoni infuriated fans on Saturday as he went down far too easily in a challenge from Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, causing his second yellow card.

Bastoni celebrated widely when his opponent was shown a red card, prompting fans and some journalists in Italy to suggest he should be dropped from the Italy squad next month.

Italian sports papers, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, however, claim that Gattuso is not even considering leaving Bastoni at home.

Crucial match for Italy in March

The Azzurri have a crucial match coming up as they’ll host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26.

If they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final and, if fit, Bastoni will surely be part of the Italy squad.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter-Juve, the tunnel like a ring: FIGC investigation, possible sanctions

Bastoni threatened, will play for the Azzurri. Rocchi: ‘Too many simulations.’ La Penna stop.

Malen scores twice, Alisson’s equaliser makes Napoli happy.

Corriere dello Sport

La Penna reports, Elkann calls Gravina

Death threats to the referee who calls the Postal Police. The Exor CEO: ‘Solutions now, Italian football must defend its credibility.’ Rocchi: ‘Bastoni simulated, everyone tries to trick us.’

Alisson Santos ruins Roma’s party

Malen freezes the Maradona. Spinazzola equalises. The Dutchman scores the 2-1, but Conte’s move proves decisive. The ex-Sporting is introduced and locks the third spot.

Tuttosport

Elkann to Gravina: ‘Respect us!’

John calls the FIGC President: ‘Repeated errors, solutions are needed to defend football.’ Not just Kalulu, Comolli, Chiellini and Spalletti risk bans too. Bastoni covered by insults, cancels himself from social media with his wife. Rocchi attacks divers.

Toro: Cairo and Baroni, endless pain

The Granata revive Bologna. The stadium was still half-empty. The President was insulted for the entire game, but the coach: ‘I feel trust.’

Juventus’ second-choice goalkeeper Mattia Perin confronted Cristian Chivu’s assistant, Aleksandar Kolarov, at full-time last night, while Inter star Nicolò Barella rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with his teammates.

It was another memorable and controversial Derby d’Italia on Saturday as Inter beat Juventus 3-2 at San Siro.

Juventus’ complaints over Pierre Kalulu’s red dominate media coverage the morning after, and Football Italia takes you back to the Stadio Meazza with three details you may have missed on TV. We were among the accredited press at San Siro last night: here’s what didn’t make it onto your screen.

Juventus’ protests

Referee Federico La Penna didn’t have his best night as he showed two debatable yellow cards to Kalulu in the opening 45 minutes. The second one, and the resulting red card, was given just minutes before the break, so tempers flared as the teams headed down the tunnel to the dressing rooms for the half-time break. Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli continued to protest to La Penna while walking towards the tunnel as coach Spalletti waited on the sidelines. The Italian tactician warmly hugged Inter captain Lautaro Martinez as the Argentine left the field and then walked down the stairs just in front of La Penna, while Bianconeri directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini waited for the match official inside the tunnel to voice their discontent.

Support for Di Gregorio

Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso experienced a rollercoaster first half, finding the net at both ends. His own goal handed Inter the advantage, though the ball also slipped in after a delayed reaction from Bianconeri keeper Michele Di Gregorio.

Moments after drawing Juventus level, Di Gregorio was applauded afar by third-choice keeper Carlo Pinsoglio, who stepped out of the technical area on the touchline to wave his encouragement as the Bianconeri fought their way back into the contest.

Tension at full-time

As soon as the referee blew the final whistle, Inter star Barella rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with his teammates. The Italy international had been subbed off earlier in the second half. Barella ran onto the pitch with a leap and a spin, twirling around himself. Inevitably, tension skyrocketed on the other side. As soon as the referee signalled full-time, Juventus’ Mattia Perin walked towards the Inter bench to confront some members of the Nerazzurri’s staff, especially Kolarov, Chivu’s assistant and a former Nerazzurri and Roma defender. The confrontation didn’t last long as the pair quickly cleared the air. The Old Lady’s protests continued in the dressing room with directors Comolli and Chiellini urging referee designator Gianluca Rocchi to resign.