Manuel Akanji gifted Bodo/Glimt the lead against Inter at San Siro, moments after coming back onto the pitch after receiving treatment for a head injury.

Akanji took a blow to the head and came off the pitch to receive medical attention, before returning to the field after a couple of minutes.

No more than five minutes later, the away team had a surprise lead after the Swiss defender tried to carry the ball forward, got himself into trouble with Bodo’s front line, lost possession and gifted former Milan forward Jens Petter Hauge a goal.

The goal puts Inter’s Champions League hopes into jeopardy, and you can follow all the drama from the closing stages on our Live Blog.

Watch: Akanji howler gifts Bodo/Glimt lead at Inter

A sloppy mistake at the back and Bodo/Glimt extend their aggregate lead at the San Siro @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/avPJZduFFw

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 24, 2026

BODØ/GLIMT STUN THE SAN SIRO

Former AC Milan striker Jens Petter Hauge cashes in on a gift of a mistake from Manuel Akanji to put the Norwegian side in total control pic.twitter.com/UoQUjDwz1q

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 24, 2026

The end of Kevin De Bruyne’s long injury nightmare is finally in sight, with the Belgian midfielder making a significant step forward in his recovery this week.

De Bruyne has been absent since late October, when he suffered a serious high-grade bicep femoris tear during Napoli’s match against Inter on 25 October.

The injury, sustained in his right thigh shortly after scoring a penalty, has kept him sidelined for almost four months, a frustrating spell for both player and club during a crucial phase of the season.

On Monday 23 February, De Bruyne returned to Napoli’s Castel Volturno training ground, working in the gym in what represents a meaningful sign that the worst is firmly behind him. Napoli are in no rush, however, with the club determined not to risk a setback by accelerating his return before he is fully fit.

De Bruyne ready to return for Napoli in March

De Bruyne himself offered a brief but encouraging message when he landed at Naples’ Capodichino airport on Sunday, greeted by waiting journalists.

According to Sky Sport, via CalcioMercato, De Bruyne could rejoin full group training as early as next week, the final step before Antonio Conte can consider calling him up for a competitive fixture.

Should everything go to plan, the most likely matches to target for his return are Napoli’s home clash with Torino on the weekend of 8 March, or alternatively the home fixture against Lecce the following weekend. Cagliari away, scheduled for 21-22 March, represents a third possible target date.

After four months on the sidelines, Napoli fans may not have to wait much longer.

Okan Buruk has urged Galatasaray not to assume their place in the Champions League quarter-finals is already secured, despite his side carrying a commanding 5-2 aggregate lead into Tuesday’s second leg at the Allianz Stadium.

The Turkish coach, who played in Italy during the 2002/03 season and retains fond memories of the country, was in a reflective mood ahead of what promises to be a charged atmosphere in Turin. But sentiment aside, his message to his players was clear, complacency is the enemy.

“We haven’t gone through yet,” Buruk said plainly, with quotes via TuttoSport.

“We feel the same enthusiasm as the first game and we must take to the pitch with the same desire to win. Juventus is an important club and they will have the backing of their supporters, we cannot think we are already in the next round.”

On the tactical approach, Buruk was equally straightforward, insisting there is no need for wholesale changes.

“We don’t need to do many things differently from the first game,” he said.

“We need enthusiasm, dedication and concentration. If you rely too heavily on the first-leg result, you will find the second leg more difficult.”

Galatasaray coach Buruk warns against underestimating Juventus

He also warned against underestimating a Juventus side desperate to turn their form around on home soil.

“They have strong players: Yildiz, Conceição, David,” he said.

“They didn’t play very well in the first game but now they are at home. Spalletti is a great coach. We are not relaxed, we need to be even stronger than in the first match.”

Buruk drew a personal parallel with Juventus’ current difficulties, suggesting the adversity his own squad have navigated over recent years has been key to their growth.

“The reason we have consolidated our strength,” he concluded, “is the confidence that excellent result gave us.”

Victor Osimhen has admitted that a move to Juventus could appeal to him in the future, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg at the Allianz Stadium, a tie in which his Galatasaray side hold a commanding 5-2 advantage from the first leg.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, with quotes via TuttoSport, the Nigerian striker was asked about his long-standing links with Juventus, having been heavily linked with the club in previous transfer windows before his move to Galatasaray materialised instead.

His response was candid.

“Juventus is one of the most important clubs, rich in history with so many legends,” he said.

“When they spoke to me at the time, I was eager to join before Galatasaray came along, but there were some obstacles and the transfer didn’t happen. If opportunities arise in the future, there are several clubs I would like to play for, playing here would be a privilege. But 90% of footballers in the world would want to play for Juventus.”

Osimhen refuses to take lead for granted as Galatasaray look to eliminate Juventus

Osimhen was equally forthright on the match itself, insisting Galatasaray will not be taking their lead for granted.

“It won’t be an easy game, especially for them, but we want to win,” he said, adding that his side intend to replicate their first-leg performance.

Galatasaray won the first leg with a comfortable 5-2 scoreline, putting all the pressure on Juventus to turn around the deficit in Turin on Wednesday.

The Nigerian also reflected on the mentality that has defined his career.

“I have never been satisfied enough with my performance,” he said. “I want to work hard, push the team to give their best. I don’t like to lose.”

Gianluigi Buffon has commented on Michele Di Gregorio’s difficult recent spell at Juventus, urging the club to rally around their goalkeeper rather than pile on the pressure during a challenging period.

Writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, the Juventus legend and current Italy national team delegation chief was measured but supportive in his assessment of the former Monza stopper, who has come under intense scrutiny, including on social media, following a string of unconvincing performances.

“Last season he was a pleasant surprise, decisive in securing Champions League qualification,” Buffon said. “Lately things haven’t been going as expected, but these are phases that can happen to anyone.”

Rather than calling for Di Gregorio to be dropped, Buffon framed any potential rest as a tool rather than a punishment.

“The manager and the club must close ranks, stay close to him and work out the best thing to do,” he said. “If a goalkeeper is given a break, it doesn’t mean he’s being written off, it can help him rediscover his composure and distance himself from certain pressures.”

Buffon: ‘I see myself in Carnesecchi’

Buffon then turned his attention to the broader landscape of Italian goalkeeping, and his verdict was emphatic.

With the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Guglielmo Vicario, Alex Meret, Marco Carnesecchi and Elia Caprile all operating at the highest level, he believes the Azzurri are uniquely well-stocked between the posts.

“The only problem Italy won’t have is the goalkeeper position, we have three or four among the best twenty in the world,” he said.

It was Carnesecchi, currently at Atalanta and a name repeatedly linked with Juventus in recent transfer windows, who drew the most personal praise. “I see myself in him in the way he approaches a game,” Buffon said. “He is bold, a bit swashbuckling. But everyone must make their own path.”

Manchester United have firmly distanced themselves from reports linking them with a sensational move to re-sign Scott McTominay as Napoli look to wrap up a contract extension before the 2026 World Cup begins.

TEAMtalk are reporting, via IlNapolista, that the Scottish midfielder’s name has never even been raised in internal discussions at Old Trafford, despite speculation from Spain suggesting the Red Devils were weighing up an £70 million move for their former player.

The reports had gathered momentum given McTominay’s outstanding form since his £25 million move to Napoli, where he has established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in Serie A.

Napoli look to extend McTominay contract

While United’s interest has been categorically denied, the more significant development is what is happening at Napoli’s end.

According to TEAMtalk, McTominay’s entourage has already opened talks over a contract extension, with the club keen to tie him down well beyond his current deal, which runs until 2028.

Crucially, Napoli are said to want the renewal wrapped up before McTominay departs for North America this summer for the World Cup, a timeline that underlines just how highly Antonio Conte’s club regard him.

McTominay himself has done little to fuel any exit talk. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, he was unequivocal.

“My agent has not spoken to anyone about my future,” he said, before adding that he could see himself staying at Napoli for a long time.

For a player who has reinvented himself so emphatically since leaving English football, there appears to be little appetite for a return, and Napoli are doing everything they can to make sure it stays that way.

Luciano Spalletti has offered a glimpse into his thinking ahead of Juventus’ Champions League last-16 second leg against Galatasaray, with selection decisions across several key positions still yet to be finalised.

The Juventus head coach spoke to Sky Sport in the build-up to the tie, with his side needing to overturn a 5-2 deficit in the return fixture.

The contest promises to be a tense affair, and Spalletti’s team news will be closely scrutinised given the stakes involved and a number of fitness doubts hanging over the squad.

Juventus vs Galatasaray – ‘Yildiz wants to play’ – Spalletti

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated update concerned Kenan Yildiz, and Spalletti’s words will delight supporters.

“Yildiz wants to be involved, all the signals he has sent point in that direction,” he said, with quotes via Alfredo Pedulla.

“He could start from the first minute.”

The Turkish forward has been one of Juventus’ most important players this season, and his potential return to the starting lineup will provide a significant lift ahead of such a crucial European night.

At the back, however, there is more uncertainty.

Spalletti confirmed that Gleison Bremer remains a doubt, with a final assessment planned for the morning of the match.

“There is a degree of risk with Bremer, we will evaluate carefully tomorrow morning,” he said, leaving his defensive options open.

In midfield, Spalletti indicated that either Teun Koopmeiners or Weston McKennie could operate on the left side, describing it as one of the likely options without fully committing to either.

There was also the suggestion that Mattia Perin could start in goal, potentially ahead of regular number one Michele Di Gregorio.

“There is a need to protect certain situations, but in this case it could be that way,” Spalletti said carefully.

Whatever the starting eleven, Spalletti left no doubt about what he demands from his players. “I will never be satisfied if we do not qualify,” he said plainly.

Parma’s late 1-0 victory against Milan at San Siro has continued to generate significant debate in the days that followed, with the goal that settled the match, scored by Troilo in the closing stages, at the centre of a storm of controversy.

Milan were upset, pointing to what they believed was obstruction by Valenti on goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as well as a foul by Troilo on Bartesaghi in the build-up.

The incident was reviewed at length by VAR, with referee Piccinini eventually reversing his original decision to disallow the goal, a call that has divided opinion sharply among analysts and former officials.

Tommasi plays down Milan v Parma controversy

One of the most respected voices in Italian refereeing, Dino Tommasi, addressed both incidents on Open VAR, and his assessment largely vindicated the officials on the day.

On the question of Valenti’s positioning in front of Maignan, Tommasi was clear, with quotes via Di Marzio.

“Piccinini initially whistled for obstruction by Valenti on Maignan, but in reality the Parma player does not move toward Maignan,” he said.

“Not whistling was the correct decision.” It is a view that contrasts sharply with Luca Marelli, who argued earlier in the week that Valenti’s block was deliberate and in breach of Rule 12.

On Troilo’s challenge on Bartesaghi, Tommasi was equally unconcerned. “Troilo does not foul, he simply wins the jump before Bartesaghi,” he said.

“He leans on him, but that is a natural, physiological movement.”

Tommasi also weighed in on the collision between Corvi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, which resulted in the Milan midfielder suffering a fractured alveolar bone, an injury that required surgery.

Despite the seriousness of the outcome, Tommasi maintained there was nothing untoward about the challenge.

“The on-field decision was correct. It was an accidental clash. Corvi was going for the ball but was beaten to it by his own teammate.”

His comments are unlikely to fully satisfy Milan supporters, for whom the defeat, and the manner of it, remains a deeply contentious subject.

But from an officiating standpoint, Tommasi’s verdict is clear: the right calls were made.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Serie A Matchday 26 concluded with Bologna’s 1-0 victory over Udinese at the Dall’Ara on Monday night, and attention now turns to Matchday 27, which gets underway on Friday 28 February with Parma hosting Cagliari at 20:45 CET (21:45).

The Italian Football Federation’s sporting judge has confirmed eight players will serve suspensions for the upcoming round of fixtures, with Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Locatelli the most prominent names on the list.

Bastoni & Locatelli suspended for Inter & Juventus

Both players had been on yellow card warnings going into the weekend and were booked during Matchday 26, triggering automatic one-match bans.

Bastoni’s absence will be a blow for Inter, who are chasing a record-breaking title, while Locatelli’s suspension leaves Juventus short in midfield during a crucial period of the season.

Inter host Genoa whilst Juventus travel to Roma. However, both teams have the added challenge of must-win midweek games.

Juventus lost 5-2 to Galatasaray in their first leg whilst Inter lost 3-1 in Norway to Bodo/Glimt.

Fiorentina’s Dodo and Sassuolo’s Walukiewicz find themselves in the same boat, also picking up bookings while on final warnings.

Three players were dismissed during Matchday 26 and will each serve one-game bans as a result.

Cagliari’s Mina and Verona’s Al-Musrati were both shown second yellow cards, while Torino’s Ilkhan received a straight red and will also sit out one match.

Finally, Verona’s Orban remains suspended, still serving the second of a two-match ban handed down following Matchday 25.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The race for Champions League football in Serie A has never looked tighter, and a dramatic weekend of results has only intensified the battle with 12 matchdays still to play.

Inter aside, Cristian Chivu’s side sit ten points clear at the top with 64 points and look certainties to finish in the top four, the remaining three Champions League places are genuinely up for grabs.

And with Italy’s disappointing UEFA coefficient performance this season ruling out any prospect of a fifth UCL spot, the stakes could not be higher.

Busy Serie A weekend shuffles Champions League-chasing pack

Milan’s defeat to Parma on Sunday leaves them second on 54 points, but the chasing pack are closing fast.

Napoli’s loss at Atalanta means Antonio Conte’s side drop to third on 50 points, level with Roma in fourth following their 3-0 victory this weekend.

Juventus, beaten in their last two, sit fifth on 46 points, while Como and Atalanta are right behind them on 45.

The most striking statistic from the current table is the gap between third-placed Napoli and seventh-placed Atalanta, just five points.

In practical terms, that means Raffaele Palladino’s side, who have been the form team in Serie A since November, are very much in contention despite sitting outside the top four.

Between Milan in second and Atalanta in seventh, there are only nine points separating six clubs.

With fixtures between the top sides still to come and form shifting week by week, no club can consider their place in next season’s Champions League remotely secure. The next few weeks could prove decisive.

Whatever your view on the legality of Mariano Troilo’s winner as Parma beat Milan 1-0 at San Siro, one thing is beyond dispute, it was no accident.

The positioning of Lautaro Valenti in front of Mike Maignan was carefully choreographed, and the man behind that choreography has a very particular source of inspiration.

Carlos Cuesta spent five years as Mikel Arteta’s assistant at Arsenal between 2020 and 2025, and during that time he would have worked closely alongside Nicolas Jover, the set-piece coach Arteta brought to the club in 2021 who has since become one of the most influential figures in modern football.

Milan 0-1 Parma – How Cuesta drew inspiration from Arsenal to secure huge win

Jover’s corner routines have been widely credited as a significant weapon in Arsenal’s armoury, with the Gunners having scored 19 set-piece goals across all competitions by late January.

The principle is straightforward but devastatingly effective: flood the six-yard box and the near post, make life as difficult as possible for the goalkeeper, and operate right on the edge of what the laws permit.

It appears Cuesta was paying close attention. Even Allegri’s assistant Marco Landucci acknowledged as much on DAZN.

“They are semi-blocks that don’t get whistled,” he said. “He was placed there deliberately to play the ball to the far post.”

Cuesta himself was refreshingly candid: “When we work on set-pieces, we try to have players ready to score.”

It is a smart adaptation from a coach who has impressed throughout his debut Serie A campaign, ditching any ideological rigidity in favour of pragmatism and working intelligently with the players at his disposal.

Whether Valenti crossed the line of legality is a debate for the referees. What is not up for debate is that Parma came to San Siro with a plan, and it worked.

The controversy surrounding Parma’s winning goal against Milan at San Siro shows no sign of dying down, with prominent refereeing analyst and former official Luca Marelli wading into the debate.

Marelli, who serves as DAZN’s leading referee analyst and is one of the most respected voices in Italian football on such matters, focused his assessment on two key moments: the contact between Troilo and Bartesaghi, and the block by Valenti on goalkeeper Mike Maignan that preceded the goal.

On the Troilo-Bartesaghi contact, Marelli was relatively relaxed, agreeing with former Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini that the incident should be considered legal.

Bartesaghi, he argued, appeared to buckle under only slight pressure, while Troilo jumped largely unimpeded, enough to deem it within the rules.

Marelli: ‘Parma winner against Milan not worthy of on-field review’

It was Valenti’s block on Maignan that drew Marelli’s sharpest criticism.

Citing Rule 12 of the Laws of the Game, specifically the section on obstruction, he argued the block constituted a clear attempt to impede the goalkeeper’s movement at the moment the corner was struck. “In terms of the regulations, this goal should not have stood,” he said plainly, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

However, Marelli reserved perhaps his most pointed remarks for the VAR process itself.

Despite concluding the block was irregular, he argued the incident did not meet the threshold required for an on-field review.

“Are we looking at a clear and obvious error? No,” he said. “Piccinini spent a very long time at the monitor, he was clearly in doubt. And if there is doubt, it is not worthy of an OFR.”

Referee Piccinini had initially disallowed the goal before reversing his decision following a lengthy VAR review, a process Marelli believes should never have taken place.

Milan’s miserable afternoon at San Siro was compounded by serious injury news regarding Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was stretchered off with a neck brace in the opening stages of the 1-0 defeat to Parma.

The England international was taken directly to hospital following the match, and the news from there has not been encouraging.

According to Sky Sport journalist Peppe Di Stefano, via MilanNews, who was present at San Siro, Loftus-Cheek has suffered a fracture of the alveolar bone.

It is reported as a significant and serious injury that will require surgery either overnight or on Monday.

Loftus-Cheek out with alveolar fracture as Milan lose to Parma

The Englishman was visibly in distress as he came off the pitch, casting a shadow over what was already a difficult evening for the Rossoneri.

His removal so early in the game left Milan short in midfield and set the tone for a frustrating display that ultimately cost them three points in the title race.

A recovery timeline has not yet been established, with medical staff understandably cautious given the delicate nature of the injury.

Further assessment will be needed before any indication of how long the midfielder could be sidelined, though the severity of the fracture suggests a significant spell on the sidelines cannot be ruled out.

Loftus-Cheek has been an important figure in Milan’s squad this season, and his absence, however long it proves to be, will be a considerable blow to a side with a demanding run of fixtures ahead.

Carlos Cuesta cut a composed and measured figure at San Siro after Parma pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Milan, one of the most eye-catching results of the Serie A weekend.

But before reflecting on a famous win, with quotes via MilanNews, the Parma head coach made a point of directing his thoughts toward Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who had been forced off during the first half.

“I want to talk about Loftus-Cheek first, I hope he is okay and our thoughts are with him,” he said, setting the tone for an interview that was as gracious as it was assured.

Cuesta was quick to credit the collective defensive effort that made the result possible.

Milan 0-1 Parma – Cuesta praises Gialloblu concentration

Keeping Milan at bay at San Siro for 90 minutes is no small feat, and the coach acknowledged just how demanding the task was.

“It is not easy to remain concentrated for that many minutes against such a strong team, in a stadium like this,” he said.

“They were always going to dominate possession, so we had to stay organised, and the mentality this squad showed was incredible.”

The winning goal, which came from a set-piece, was no coincidence according to the Spaniard.

“When we work on dead balls, we try to have players ready to score,” he explained, suggesting Valenti’s positioning had been carefully planned in the build-up to the game.

Despite three consecutive victories, Cuesta was in no mood to get carried away. He was quick to remind reporters that Parma had lost to both Juventus and Atalanta just a fortnight ago, and that neither the defeats then nor the wins now define the squad.

“The game changes quickly,” he said. “We are the same team. What depends on us is the quality of our work, we must do it more and better.”

Pep Guardiola provided an unexpected surprise at the Stadio Rigamonti on Sunday, turning up unannounced to watch third-tier side Union Brescia take on Pro Patria in Serie C, just 24 hours after Manchester City’s hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle.

The Catalan coach has long maintained a deep affection for Brescia, and his visit was a personal one, arriving to celebrate the birthday of close friend Edoardo Piovani, the club manager of Giuseppe Pasini’s outfit.

Guardiola took his seat in the Feralpi sky box in the main stand, as per La Repubblica, joined by former Icelandic midfielder Birkir Bjarnason, who had only recently hung up his boots after ending his playing career at Brescia last season.

‘Union’ Brescia won the match 3-2, as they continue their aims to return to Serie B for the first time as the newly formed club.

Man City boss Guardiola snubs North London Derby to watch Brescia

Rather than watching Arsenal, City’s direct title rivals, who were in action in the north London derby against Tottenham, Guardiola chose to indulge an old footballing love instead.

He had, after all, told his players after Saturday’s match to take three days off and switch off completely.

It was his first time watching Brescia in person since 3 November 2011, when the club was managed by Scienza.

Guardiola‘s own connection to Brescia dates back to his playing days, he spent a year and a half with the club across the 2000-01 season and the first half of 2003, making 26 appearances and scoring three goals.

A nostalgic afternoon, then, for one of football’s most recognisable figures.

Milan fell to a late 1-0 defeat to Parma this evening, after they were unable to convert a dominant performance into points at San Siro.

Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Parma goalscorer Mariano Troilo.

Milan 0-1 Parma – Player Ratings

Milan: Maignan 6; Tomori 6, De Winter 6, Bartesaghi 5.5; Saelemaekers 5.5, Loftus-Cheek N/A (Jashari 6, Nkunku N/A), Modric 6, Rabiot 6.5, Estupinan 5.5 (Pavlovic 5.5); Leao 6, Pulisic 6 (Fullkrug 5.5)

Best Milan player: Adrien Rabiot – Worked tirelessly all evening to try and drag his Rossoneri side forward but to no avail. Was immense defensively and created a number of quality chances that Milan failed to convert.

Lowest Milan rating: Pervis Estupinan – Lots of underwhelming performers for Milan this evening but the wing-back was one of the biggest culprits. Contributed hardly anything to Milan’s attack and hasn’t much to offer in the defensive or transitional phases either.

Coach: Marco Landucci – Stepping in for suspended Allegri, Landucci followed in his boss’ footsteps as the Rossoneri slip up once again against smaller opposition. Subs did nothing to change the game, which should have been wrapped up way before Parma were allowed to score.

Parma: Corvi 6.5; Delprato 6.5, Troilo 7.5, Valenti 7; Britschgi 6, Bernabe 6 (Sorensen 6), Keita 7, Ordonez 5.5 (Caviglia 6), Valeri 6.5; Strefezza 6.5 (Ondrejka 6), Pellegrino 5.5

Best Parma player: Mariano Troilo – Was one of his side’s better players, even before scoring the goal. However, a dramatic winner at San Siro and a resolute defensive performance are more than enough to award the Argentine the MOTM award.

Lowest Parma rating: Christian Ordonez – Played the best part of an hour before being taken off, and was not involved nearly as much as he would’ve liked. Made just over 20 touches on the evening and was a ghost in the Parma midfield.

Coach: Carlos Cuesta 7.5 – The former Arsenal assistant set up his team well to soak up and absorb pressure, and got a little lucky that the Rossoneri did not have their shooting boots on. However, an important three points for the Spaniard and ones that both he and his team deserve.

Sunday’s defeat for Napoli at Atalanta was another painful illustration of how dramatically fortunes have shifted in Serie A over the past three months, and the Partenopei are on the wrong end of that story.

Cast your mind back to 22 November, when Atalanta arrived at the Maradona under new coach Raffaele Palladino and were beaten 3-1.

Since that day, the two clubs have been moving in entirely opposite directions.

Atalanta win over Napoli symbolic of dramatic change of fortune

In the 14 Serie A matchdays that have followed, Atalanta have been the form team of the division, Inter aside, who are operating on a different plane entirely.

Palladino’s side have accumulated 32 points from those fixtures, winning ten and losing just twice, against Hellas Verona and Inter.

It is a remarkable turnaround for a squad that had mustered only 13 points from their opening 12 games under Ivan Juric and sat nine points adrift of the Champions League places.

Napoli, by contrast, have gathered just 25 points over the same period, seven fewer than Atalanta, with three defeats undermining what had looked like a genuine title challenge under Antonio Conte.

Injuries and refereeing decisions have contributed to Napoli’s difficulties, but the numbers tell their own story.

Atalanta’s resurgence is real, their momentum is building, and Sunday’s result only reinforced the sense that the balance of power in the top-four race is shifting fast.

Former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder turned CBS Sports Golazo pundit Nigel Reo-Coker has said that Como coach Cesc Fabregas’ controversial pull on Alexis Saelemaekers was ‘inexcusable” and “completely wrong.”

The story has been much-discussed over the past week, after the incident took place in the 1-1 draw between Milan and Como on Wednesday.

Fabregas pull on Saelemaekers ‘inexcusable’

Saelemaekers was defending for Milan along the touchline when Como coach Fabregas physically intervened with the Belgian and held his shirt, allowing Como to break up the pitch.

Saelemaekers span around instantly, in fury, and the Como coach has since apologised for the incident.

However, in the pre-match discussion for Milan’s match against Parma, Reo-Coker and his fellow pundits once again discussed the incident.

“To do that, it’s inexcusable… It’s completely wrong.”

Nigel Reo-Coker, @MikeGrella10 and @T_Deeney weigh in on Cesc Fàbregas making contact with AC Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers pic.twitter.com/x3OaqDGoVx

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 22, 2026

Napoli were left frustrated after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Atalanta was marred by a series of controversial refereeing decisions in Bergamo.

The Partenopei sent director of sport Giovanni Manna to speak to the media straight after the final whistle, to lay the groundwork for their protest against the referee and VAR.

There were two huge controversial decisions in Bergamo, both after Napoli had gone 1-0 up through a Sam Beukema header.

The first was a penalty awarded by Daniele Chiffi and then revoked following the VAR review, as Rasmus Hojlund ran into Isak Hien and went over his leg, so while there was contact, it was not a foul.

On the penalty, via IlNapolista, former Serie A referee Luca Marelli said:

“There was talk of a supposed penalty: there was contact between the knees, but Hien made no movement toward Hojlund. From my point of view, there was no penalty, so the decision to revoke it is correct.”

Atalanta 2-1 Napoli – Marelli: ‘I don’t see why the goal was disallowed’

Even more problematic though was when Miguel Gutierrez scored within seconds of the restart, only for Chiffi to disallow for an extraordinarily soft tug on Hien, and this time VAR did not intervene to suggest a review.

Marelli was more critical of this decision:

“The incident surrounding Gutierrez’s goal was very complex. Chiffi let it go, and both players helped each other with their arms. I don’t understand why the goal was disallowed. Perhaps there was some collaboration with the assistant, but even though Hojlund made a very light hold with his arm on Hien’s side, I frankly don’t see any fouls. Hien saw himself outplayed and got away with it very easily.

“The VAR check was very quick. I can’t see any infringement on Hojlund and I don’t see any intention of the player taking advantage by holding his opponent back.”

The last week has already seen so much controversy and debate over VAR, the limitations of the protocol, and when they can use technology to correct an error.

This will only add further fuel to the fire of that discussion, with calls for the AIA officials to step down.