Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16 after another 1-0 victory over SK Brann, decided by Joao Mario after an early red card.
The Rossoblu started 2026 in disastrous form, but managed to turn a corner recently with three consecutive victories in all competition, including the 1-0 first leg result in Norway decided by Santiago Castro. Juan Miranda joined Charalampos Lykogiannis on the treatment table, while Brann were still missing Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson. These sides also met here during the league phase in November, and it ended 0-0 despite Lykogiannis seeing red in the opening half-hour.
The winners will face either Roma or Freiburg in the Round of 16, with the draw held on February 27.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna is challenged by Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson of SK Brann during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
There was a big Brann chance in the opening minutes, as Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson volleyed from a corner through a sea of legs, making it an extraordinary Lukasz Skorupski reaction save with one hand.
The visitors had an even clearer scoring opportunity on 19 minutes, as Skorupski managed to slow down the Noah Holm effort, allowing Remo Freuler to get back for a decisive goal-line clearance.
However, Brann were reduced to 10 men after just 37 minutes when Jacob Sorensen tried and failed to control a bouncing ball, and on the way back down he landed studs-first above Freuler’s knee. It was clumsy more than malicious, much like the Lykogiannis red card when these sides met here in November, but so high that it could not be ignored.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Referee Benoît Bastien shows a red card to Jacob Lungi Sorensen of SK Brann during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Nonetheless, 10-man Brann still had another great chance moments later, when Thorsteinsson’s curler from outside the area forced a flying Skorupski one-handed save.
Felix Horn Myhre had a very similar error to Sorensen, catching Lewis Ferguson on the arm with a high boot, but this didn’t even warrant a yellow card.
Nadir Zortea’s ferocious cross-shot tested the goalkeeper at the near post after the restart, then Jhon Lucumi’s looping header forced a wonderful flying Mathias Dyngeland save at the top corner.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Joao Mario of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Nikola Moro and Martin Vitik during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna continued to pour forward and Rowe’s pull-back from the by-line was deflected, so Joao Mario controlled from 14 yards and hit the half-volley into the near bottom corner.
Substitute Riccardo Orsolini fired straight at the goalkeeper from the edge of the area, then forced another save at the near post.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Noah Holm of SK Brann is challenged by Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Orsolini was ready to tap in the Benajmin Dominguez roll across from the left, until a desperate clearance from six yards.
A similar situation saw Rowe pull back from the by-line, only for Dominguez to fire over, then Jens Odgaard’s scuffed finish was put out by Boakye.
In stoppages, Orsolini’s acrobatic bicycle-kick volley was also charged down, but Dominguez was unlucky when he drilled onto the base of the upright.
Paolo Vanoli explains where Fiorentina got it so very wrong in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia. ‘We had the first leg in our minds.’
This was meant to be a relatively simple evening after winning the first leg 3-0 in Poland, but it proved to be anything but, as Jagiellonia won 3-0 at the Stadio Franchi with a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick to force extra time.
The Viola did squeeze through 5-4 on aggregate, as Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a double deflection on Moise Kean’s strike from a corner got them over the line, despite David De Gea’s howler on Jesus Imaz.
Vanoli survived Fiorentina scare
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We’ve got to realise that no matter what the result of the first leg, this is a totally new and different match. I didn’t want us to waste energy ahead of a tough Serie A game with Udinese, and so extra time was really not helpful.
“Having said that, we mustn’t see everything negative. I prefer to see this as another valuable lesson, as the team did come out of its shell eventually.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Jacopo Fazzini of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina had seemingly found their form before this with three consecutive victories in all competition, but this was a huge step backwards in terms of attitude and concentration.
“I had told the players to be more careful, that we had only won the first leg thanks to three set play situations. We made the mistake of stepping onto the field with the first leg result in our minds, and made life unnecessarily complicated for ourselves.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Alex Pozo of Jagiellonia Bialystok in action against Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
There were also more injury setbacks, as Luca Lezzerini and Manor Solomon went off with muscular issues, though Albert Gudmundsson made his comeback in extra time.
“Both Solomon and Lezzerini felt pain in the rectus femoris, so I doubt either will be available for Monday,” explained Vanoli.
“Gosens had trauma to his cheekbone in extra time too, so that needs to be evaluated by the medical staff.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The Tuscans will now go into the Conference League Round of 16, and tomorrow in the draw they’ll discover if they are facing RC Strasbourg or Rakow.
“I like the Conference League, I think it helps give us experience to keep improving,” concluded Vanoli.
“We have to change mentality and attitude, because it is different to Serie A. Whoever we get in the draw, we’ll think about it after the Udinese match.”
Moise Kean and Giovanni Fabbian both believe the chaotic 5-4 aggregate win over Jagiellonia in the Conference League will be ‘a valuable lesson’ for Fiorentina, and discuss who scored the goal.
The Viola had thought the job was done for this play-off in the first leg when winning 3-0 in Poland, but threw it away by the 49th minute to a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick.
It went to extra time, where Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a confusing double ricochet off Kean’s effort proved enough, despite David De Gea letting a Jesus Imaz long-range strike squirm in.
Fiorentina risked astonishing exit
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Bartosz Mazurek of Jagiellonia Bialystok celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We were a little tired going into the game, but we still should’ve had clearer heads than this,” Kean told Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle and 120 minutes of football.
“We must always keep on learning from our mistakes. It is all about the mentality, we just have to improve on these situations.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The goal on that corner was initially given to Kean, though it seemed to ricochet off Fabbian and then Jagiellonia midfielder Romanczuk.
“I have no idea who scored the goal, Fabbian told me he turned it in. The important thing is that we scored and went through,” shrugged Kean.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Just as Fiorentina had seemingly turned a corner with three consecutive victories in all competition, this was a big setback in terms of confidence and performance.
“On the goal, the ball definitely hit me. I don’t know if it was instinct or what, but I put my leg in there. The important thing is that we qualified,” Fabbian told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s disappointing we got into this situation, we could’ve handled it better, and it all depends on us.
“We’ve got to build on the reaction and remember how many aspects we still need to work on, to keep improving. We need to give our all every time we set foot on the pitch. We know what our targets are and must be at the disposal of the coach.
“There are moments in football when you lose concentration, as games seem easy on paper, but there’s no such thing in the modern game. I think this will be a valuable lesson.”
Fiorentina threw away a 3-0 first leg lead to Bartosz Mazurek’s hat-trick, but eventually squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time to reach the Conference League last 16.
The Viola finally found form with three consecutive wins in all competition, including a 3-0 first leg success in Poland. Jagiellonia welcomed back Afimico Pululu and Taras Romanczuk, who were suspended last week.
The winners will face either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the Round of 16, with the draw on February 27.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Luca Lezzerini goalkeeper of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Giovanni Fabbian almost managed to intercept a shaky back-pass, while Roberto Piccoli’s header from a corner was parried.
Slawomir Abramowicz got it all wrong playing out from the back, but made up for his error by making the save on Piccoli at the near post.
Instead, Jagiellonia got the opening goal when Bartosz Mazurek completed a give and go with Pululu, as Luca Lezzerini managed only to slow down the shot rather than keep it out.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Bartosz Mazurek of Jagiellonia Bialystok celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Pululu’s header was too weak to trouble Lezzerini, but Jagiellonia lost Kamil Jozwiak to a groin injury after just 36 minutes.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Jacopo Fazzini of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Lezzerini punched a free kick into a crowd and was fortunate that Bernardo Vital ballooned the rebound over an empty net.
On the stroke of half-time, Jagiellonia reduced the aggregate deficit to just one goal, as Mazurek’s effort took a big deflection off Pietro Comuzzo to loop up into the net.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Bartosz Mazurek of Jagiellonia Bialystok celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
There was more bad news, as Lezzerini picked up a muscular injury and was replaced by David De Gea at half-time.
They came out with a different attitude and substitute Jack Harrison set up a Piccoli header well smothered, but were caught out on the counter to wipe out their first leg lead.
Piccoli wanted a free kick when losing the ball to spark the counter, but it was rolled across from the right, Pululu kept it going and Dodo slipped, allowing Mazurek to complete his hat-trick totally undisturbed at the back post from nine yards.
Nicolò Fagioli’s strike was deflected for a corner, while Manor Solomon’s attempt was charged down, with Fagioli blasting the rebound over.
Jagiellonia also threatened a fourth, but Imaz saw his first touch let him down on a smart through ball.
Piccoli nodded over from seven yards, although the cross was seemingly better placed for Fabbian behind him, and Moise Kean ballooned over from the edge of the box with the last kick of normal time.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It went to extra time, where Kean controlled with his back to goal to have a shot charged down, then scuffed another strike into the goalkeeper’s arms.
The impressive Solomon limped off injured for the return of Albert Gudmundsson, but Fiorentina finally restored their lead on aggregate.
It was a chaotic situation from goalkeeper Abramowicz, who wildly rushed out to punch clear and crashed into his own teammate, allowing Fagioli to intelligently lob into an empty net from the edge of the area.
Robin Gosens nearly scored another, forcing the fingertip save, and they netted on the resulting chaotic corner. Kean’s effort was probably going wide until it ricocheted in off Fabbian’s shin and then Romanczuk from point-blank range.
It still wasn’t over, as De Gea with an uncharacteristic howler completely failed to deal with a long-range Jesus Imaz strike and let it squirm over him.
Bernardo Vital let the situation get to him and received a second yellow card for insulting the referee.
Fiorentina 2-4 Jagiellonia aet (5-4 agg)
B Mazurek 23, 45+3, 49 (J), Fagioli 107 (F), Romanczuk og 114 (F), Imaz 118 (J)
Bologna director Marco Di Vaio reveals he used Fiorentina’s predicament to motivate the team ahead of their Europa League play-off with SK Brann. ‘We passed on the message.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Nikola Moro of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 15, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“We passed on the message to the players of what is happening in Florence, because you can take nothing for granted in Europe.”
As Bologna were warming up, Fiorentina had fumbled a 3-0 first leg advantage in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia.
“Our coach did very well, realising the system couldn’t handle three strikers, so we opted to find more solidity, and now want to get a sense of consistency to our results.
“I was a striker, so I know how important it is to help out the defenders. That is fundamental for our approach to football, now Santiago Castro is back on form, we hope Thijs Dallinga will get there too.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 15, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It is a slender advantage in the Europa League play-off, especially considering their record at the Stadio Dall’Ara has been quite poor in the tournament so far this season.
That includes a 0-0 draw with SK Brann in November, albeit when Charalampos Lykogiannis was sent off in the opening half-hour.
It was confirmed yesterday that Juan Miranda will be out for circa three weeks after a muscular injury, joining Lykogiannis on the treatment table.
VERONA, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Domagoj Bradarić of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on January 15, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
However, Riccardo Orsolini is struggling for playing time at the moment.
“Orsolini is a reference point on and off the field for us, but he is also very unpredictable as a player,” added Di Vaio.
“We have a strong squad and everyone is important, including Orso. I expect a reaction from him, because he knows that he can be decisive at any moment.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Vincenzo Italiano looks on during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 15, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The Rossoblu had been in a deep crisis, but managed to turn their campaign around with three consecutive victories in all competition, including a 1-0 first leg result in Norway.
That is a strong start, but not enough to feel secure, especially as their home record has been so poor lately.
There is not a lot of squad rotation, so Castro is flanked by Bernardeschi and Rowe, with Lewis Ferguson in midfield.
Juan Miranda and Charalampos Lykogiannis are injured, while Benjamin Dominguez is in the squad after shaking off flu symptoms.
VIGO, SPAIN – DECEMBER 11: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Real Club Celta and Bologna FC 1909 at Estadio Balaidos on December 11, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Brann already visited the Stadio Dall’Ara during the league phase this season, emerging with a 0-0 draw in November, despite playing against 10 men for over an hour.
Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson are long-term absentees.
The winners will face either Roma or Freiburg in the Round of 16, with the draw held on February 27.
Santiago Castro scores the opening goal for Bologna in the Europa League play-off 1st leg against SK Brann (@bolognafc1909)
Fiorentina have a 3-0 first leg lead in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia, but Paolo Vanoli warns ‘nothing is to be taken for granted, we saw the Champions League comebacks.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
The Viola had been in a disastrous run of form, both in Europe and domestically, but really seem to have turned a corner lately.
Their 3-0 first leg result in Poland was part of a trend that has now seen them win three on the bounce in all competition, but that doesn’t mean qualification to the Round of 16 is guaranteed.
Vanoli warning for Fiorentina in Europe
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We saw the comebacks in the Champions League yesterday, so nothing is to be taken for granted,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
Atalanta managed to overturn a 2-0 first leg loss to Borussia Dortmund, while Juventus down to 10 men forced Galatasaray to extra time despite a 5-2 first leg deficit.
“We must go out there focused on winning the game, not conceding goals, but also trying not to use up too much energy, because we know the priority is Serie A,” added the Fiorentina coach.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
What has changed in their recent transformation of results and performances?
“In recent matches, we have seen a big difference in the number of sprints of our defenders, I showed the players those statistics too. That means we were much more attentive in preventative marking to avoid those situations.
“If you look at our record against the smaller clubs, we dominated the matches, but conceded a lot of goals on the counter-attack. We have changed the spirit, we all defend together and attack together.
“It took a while to achieve that, it was a process, but we are getting there now. It was also a problem of shaking off this cursed and worrying thought, which is we’ll win the next one. It was tough to start a season with one objective and change it so radically, it required a shift in mentality.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos known as Dodo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 11, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Dodo is suspended for the next Serie A match, so he starts today in a more advanced attacking role, allowing Jack Harrison to rest instead.
Albert Gudmundsson is on the bench after an ankle injury.
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini spoke to the media rather than Luciano Spalletti after Champions League elimination to Galatasaray. ‘It’s fortunate Lloyd Kelly was there and not me’ on the red card.
The Bianconeri knew it was extraordinarily difficult after losing the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul when down to 10 men, and it seemed impossible when they had Kelly sent off here too at the 48th minute.
Despite that, they still clawed their way back with another two goals after Manuel Locatelli’s penalty, from Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie, to force extra time.
They had a huge chance to win it with Edon Zhegrova, but the extra man ultimately showed with late Victor Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz goals to send Galatasaray into the Champions League Round of 16.
Chiellini takes the heat after Juventus exit
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Giorgio Chiellini attends the Gold Carpet during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
“We are exhausted and disappointed by this result, despite the performance. At the same time, we are very proud for the way we played.”
There was applause at the final whistle from the Juventus fans, who recognised the incredible effort that their team put in to turn this situation around.
“The feeling we must have is that this is a starting point to rediscover the spark that we’ve been lacking, as we go into the final weeks of the season,” continued Chiellini.
“If we want to look at Spalletti’s tenure, we got one and a half games wrong since he arrived. We haven’t been very fortunate when it comes to the incidents, but we have to keep going.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The last time Juve sent Chiellini to speak to the media rather than Spalletti, it was to protest the Pierre Kalulu red card against Inter in Serie A.
How did the Bianconeri judge the Kelly red card, which was not just a second yellow, but changed to a straight red via VAR despite seeming entirely accidental?
“Let’s just say it’s fortunate Kelly was in that situation and not me,” replied the former Italy defender. “There’s nothing more I can say on that.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Referee João Pinheiro shows the red card to Lloyd Kelly of Juventus FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Juventus had already been in crisis going into this match, managing only one draw from their last five competitive games, and their lack of fighting spirit was the main criticism.
At least that cannot be said tonight, as down to 10 men for over an hour, they only capitulated late on.
“We need to keep faith in these players and this coach. There is a process and that can mean a few negative results, despite good performances,” continued Chiellini.
“There are 12 games to go this season, where there is a lot at stake. The team is ready, we saw that tonight, and the growth process continues even with a few slip-ups and obstacles in our path.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Are there regrets at the way the Champions League campaign went for Juventus?
“Not right now, we ended the league phase in good form, including a victory away to Bodo/Glimt, which we saw how difficult that was now. We beat Benfica, who troubled Real Madrid.
“The regret is that we could’ve gone further with a little more concentration, but now we have to concentrate on Roma this weekend and the remaining matches,” concluded Chiellini.
This was always going to be practically impossible to turn around the 5-2 first leg defeat in Istanbul, even more so after Lloyd Kelly was sent off in the 48th minute with Juve 1-0 up on the night from a Locatelli penalty.
Nonetheless, they forced extra time with Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie goals, had a big chance to win it with Edon Zhegrova, then ultimately the extra man was felt with two late Victor Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz strikes.
Locatelli so proud of Juventus effort
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Manuel Locatelli (2nd R) of Juventus FC takes a penalty kick to score his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Galatasaray enter the Champions League Round of 16, winning 7-5 on aggregate, but the Allianz Juventus Stadium crowd applauded their team’s truly heroic efforts down to 10 men for over an hour.
“We put our heart and soul into this game, even more than that. An incident made it all more complicated in the first leg, but today I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.
“The atmosphere in the stadium was incredible, these are nights that stay with you. We soaked up the energy from them that we needed.”
Juve had been criticised for lacking a fighting spirit this season, but that could not be an accusation levelled at them this evening, coming so close to an incredible turnaround.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
“We gave our heart and soul. I always ask the players to do that, and tonight we really did, so this is what we’ve got to carry with us going forward,” added Locatelli.
“This is the Juventus we wanted to see, and the one we must always be. We need to always try to play at this level. We are on the right track and mustn’t lose that believe.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Khephren Thuram of Juventus FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
There were some big chances that went begging tonight, and Khephren Thuram was in tears on the touchline after McKennie equalised on aggregate.
“I think we can only compliment the players tonight for their efforts, mistakes can happen. Now we’ve got another important game coming up against Roma and must focus on that.”
Juventus staged a heroic comeback after Lloyd Kelly’s red card to force Galatasaray into extra time 3-0 on the night, but Victor Osimhen sealed their Champions League exit 5-7 on aggregate.
The Bianconeri had a very slim chance of qualifying after the 5-2 first leg defeat in Istanbul, where they had been leading 2-1 until collapsing with Juan Cabal’s red card. He was suspended along with Andrea Cambiaso, plus Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik injured, Gleison Bremer only fit for the bench, and Kenan Yildiz starting despite not being at 100 per cent. Victor Osimhen shrugged off a knee issue to start with fellow ex-Napoli man Noa Lang, while Mario Lemina returned from suspension.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Juventus start team eleven before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Their capitulation in the first leg was part of a general crisis for Juve, who had one draw in the last five competitive games going into this clash, going out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final and sliding to fifth in Serie A.
There were two big early chances, as Federico Gatti and Teun Koopmeiners couldn’t keep their headers down from six yards, but Mattia Perin made a great save on Osimhen’s volley from a flicked-on throw-in. The goalkeeper stepped in after a series of damaging Michele Di Gregorio howlers.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts against Federico Gatti of Juventus FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Osimhen sprinted back trying to help the defence, instead clattering makeshift left-back Weston McKennie for a yellow card, while Manuel Locatelli stung the goalkeeper’s gloves from distance and Francisco Conceicao curled wide on the resulting corner.
Kenan Yildiz forced a fantastic save from Urugcan Cakir at the near post after his shot took a deflection off Davinson Sanchez.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Kenan Yıldız of Juventus FC drives the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Davinson Sanchez also made an error to spark the Juve attack that resulted in a clumsy Torreira sliding tackle through the back of Khephren Thuram inside the area. Manuel Locatelli converted the penalty to get the Old Lady back in this tie at 3-5 on aggregate.
Jonathan David’s very heavy first touch ruined a Kenan Yildiz roll across just before half-time, with Thuram drilling the rebound wide.
Juventus went a man down in Istanbul and it happened again in Turin, albeit in bizarre circumstances. Kelly landed awkwardly and on top of Baris Alper Yilmaz’s calf, so the referee awarded a second yellow card. As the defender was arguing he hadn’t done it on purpose, the referee was called over for the VAR review and changed it to a straight red card instead.
Even down to 10 men, Juve still threatened a goal when Kenan Yildiz squirmed between two and got the finish deflected inches wide of the near post.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Referee João Pinheiro shows the red card to Lloyd Kelly of Juventus FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Gatti also nodded over again, but finally got a finish on target when he tapped in at the back post on a Pierre Kalulu low cross from the right, making it 4-5 on aggregate.
Osimhen fired over and it was so nearly 5-5 on aggregate with Thuram’s final contribution before being substituted, as he burst into the box and drew out the goalkeeper, floating his lob over the empty net.
Juve came even closer moments later, as Yildiz at full stretch volleyed the Jeremie Boga cross onto the upright from point-blank range.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
It was only a warning, as an Edon Zhegrova free kick was knocked down by Koopmeiners for the McKennie header at the far post to make it 3-0 on the night, 5-5 on aggregate.
Galatasaray threatened on the counter in stoppages, but Baris Alper Yilmaz chose completely the wrong pass for Osimhen, while Kenan Yildiz drilled wide from the edge of the box.
The teams could not be separated and it went to extra time, despite the Bianconeri being down to 10 men since the 48th minute.
Juve continued to attack and should’ve scored a fourth when Boga rolled across from the left, but McKennie laid it off for Zhegrova to bend horribly wide from 12 yards.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC celebrates with teammate Kenan Yıldız after scoring the third goal of his team during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Eren Elmali came sliding in at the far post, just unable to connect with the Leroy Sane cross, but Galatasaray did restore their advantage on aggregate when Gatti slipped trying to intercept the Baris Alper Yilmaz assist and Osimhen drilled the finish through Perin’s legs at the near post.
Juventus kept pushing even with 10 men for an hour, as Zhegrova’s ferocious strike from a tight angle was palmed away, Filip Kostic slipping to fire the rebound wide, then Boga fired a couple of efforts off target.
In the final moments, an inspired Wilfried Singo through ball saw both Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz spring the offside trap, the latter beating on-rushing Perin for Galatasaray to qualify 7-5 on aggregate.
Raffaele Palladino admits Atalanta’s comeback from 2-0 down to eliminate Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate ‘will go down in history’ of the Champions League. ‘This is our DNA.’
Karim Adeyemi made it 3-3 on aggregate and extra time seemed inevitable until the last-gasp Lazar Samardzic penalty.
Palladino proud of historic Atalanta comeback
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Lazar Samardzic of Atalanta scores his team’s fourth goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This is a match that will go down in history, not just here in Bergamo for all the Atalanta fans, but for Italian football as a whole,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“We achieved a comeback that will stay in the history books. We’re so happy, I want to thank every single player, those who were on the field, on the bench, in the stands, my staff, the President Antonio Percassi, the directors, and all the fans.
“There were 23,000 people pushing us from start to finish this evening, they created a unique atmosphere in our stadium.
“It was probably the best game I ever experienced in my coaching career, and it will remain in my mind forever. This club deserves this incredible satisfaction.”
Atalanta become the third Italian club to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg, after Juventus and Roma.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta celebrates victory following during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We knew it was truly difficult this evening, but not impossible, because the first leg performance saw us go behind in the opening minutes and it was an uphill struggle from there,” continued Palladino.
“We studied our opponents carefully, and knew that we could have our say. It was tough, but after the comeback win against Napoli last week, it gave us more belief.
“I could see that positive energy in the eyes of my players, and the spirit was fantastic.”
Krstovic came off the bench and was left with a bloodied head by that Ramy Bensebaini foul for the decisive penalty.
“Krstovic is a great example, as he fought for that ball, showed so much courage to go for that cross and realise he could win it. That is the Atalanta DNA.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Lazar Samardzic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammates after scoring from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Considering the vast difference between the first and second leg, what did Palladino change in his Atalanta side?
“We made too many mistakes and were too timid, but we studied carefully, knew what the objective was, and that we needed to do a lot of cross-field passes to stretch them out of shape.
“I also want to underline the importance of the strikers, Scamacca in the first half and then Krstovic, in pressing the goalkeeper, who is a real sweeper-keeper for Dortmund.”
With Inter’s elimination last night to Bodo/Glimt and Juventus facing an even tougher task with Galatasaray, there was the genuine fear Italy would have no representatives in the Champions League Round of 16.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates and fans during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I heard a lot of comments about Italian football and I think it ought to be protected, above all from the inside,” noted Palladino.
“We are too harsh when things don’t go well, we need more constructive criticism, to be a bit more positive, and we proved that this evening.
“It’s likely nobody believed in us tonight, which is why I told the lads we needed to make them all eat their words about us.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund passes the ball whilst under pressure from Honest Ahanor of Atalanta during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The dramatic evening had seemed as if it was heading to extra time after Karim Adeyemi got it back to 3-3 on aggregate, so how did Atalanta deal with that situation?
“I couldn’t do anything from the bench, it was all in the mentality of the lads, their maturity and self-confidence,” noted Palladino.
“If we’d played this game six weeks ago, we probably would’ve lost. Now we have matured, realised when to defend, when to attack, how to read situations better. I don’t like to defend deep, I want to press, and this team is well suited to that too, so we are in sync.
“In those final minutes, the players did it all, with heart, quality, intelligence and smarts. They did something unforgettable.”
Atalanta performed a football miracle by overturning the 2-0 Champions League play-off first leg defeat to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on the night with a last-gasp Lazar Samardzic penalty, 4-3 on aggregate.
La Dea had a big task ahead of them after losing the first leg 2-0 in Germany, their third consecutive defeat in the competition. Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori were still out of action, with Ederson only fit for the bench, but Gianluca Scamacca returned to the starting XI. Borussia Dortmund were missing Niklas Sule, Italian Filippo Mane and cup-tied Patrick Drewes, but Emre Can was back after a month out.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: General view inside the stadium as players of Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund line up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nicola Zalewski nearly scored in the fourth minute, Gregor Kobel fingertipping the angled drive past the far post, but the breakthrough arrived moments later.
Lorenzo Bernasconi got down the left and rolled across, Ramy Bensebaini sliding in got it wrong and just kept the ball going for Scamacca to tap in from six yards.
Emre Can had to put it out for a corner when Bernasconi volleyed a Lazar Samardzic cross back from the far post, then Kobel made a sensational fingertip save on another Zalewski scorcher.
Serhou Guirassy nodded the first Dortmund chance wide at the back stick on 28 minutes, then Marco Carnesecchi needed quick reactions to deny Julian Brandt from close range on an inspired Maximilian Beier through ball.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Zalewski curled just over the bar after a strong Isak Hien run, and Atalanta cancelled out the first leg deficit on the stroke of half-time when Zappacosta’s strike from the edge of the area took a deflection off Bensebaini to wrongfoot Kobel.
After the restart, Carnesecchi made another impressive save on Guirassy after a debatable offside call, while Mario Pasalic couldn’t get enough power on the finish to surprise Kobel from Scamacca’s lay-off.
Kobel also rushed off his line to narrow the angle when Marten de Roon was sent clear down the right, but Dortmund were inches away from scoring when Beier’s angled drive beat Carnesecchi to bounce off the inside of the far post.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund controls the ball whilst under pressure from Marten de Roon of Atalanta during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta survived the scare and took the lead for the first time in the tie when De Roon’s cross found Pasalic for a glancing header at the back stick from six yards, making it 3-2 on aggregate.
There was bad news as Sead Kolasinac limped off with a muscular problem, then Guirassy hit a fresh-air shot from eight yards in a move that saw Carnesecchi’s double save on the striker and Fabio Silva.
Borussia Dortmund got it to 3-3 on aggregate moments later, as Karim Adeyemi cut inside and bent his curler into the far top corner from inside the box.
Samardzic squirmed between two to drill inches wide of the far post, but there was drama deep into stoppages when Kobel rushed outside his line to clear and got it wrong, allowing Pasalic to cross from the left, which Bensebaini clumsily tried to intercept with a high boot behind him, kicking Krstovic in the head.
The contact was not in doubt, as the striker was bleeding, but it took a VAR On-Field Review to award the second yellow card to Bensebaini and above all the penalty, which Samardzic converted into the top corner to send Atalanta through 4-3 on aggregate.
Teun Koopmeiners insists ‘it is better to win together as a team than score two goals’ as Juventus try to overturn their Champions League play-off with Galatasaray.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Juventus players pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
There is a mountain to climb after the 5-2 first leg defeat in Istanbul, which they had been leading 2-1 through a Koopmeiners brace, only to collapse completely after the Juan Cabal red card.
He is suspended here along with Andrea Cambiaso, plus Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik injured, Gleison Bremer only fit for the bench.
Koopmeiners sees Juventus comeback
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Juve have been in a crisis recently, scraping just one draw from their last five games in all competition.
That run saw them eliminated from the Coppa Italia quarter-final and slide down to fifth place in Serie A, ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Roma.
“We know that we can do better than in recent weeks, the important thing is to play with energy. I am happy to have scored two goals in the first leg, but it is better to win together as a team than to score a brace.”
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Michele Di Gregorio has been struggling with a series of howlers, so he is replaced by Mattia Perin this evening, while Weston McKennie fills in at left-back.
Although Bremer is not fully fit, Koopmeiners does remain in midfield rather than dropping into defence.
“I am a midfielder, everyone knows that, but if the coach needs me in defence to help out due to injuries, then I will do that. I have to do my best wherever I am played.”
Juventus have an epic task after losing the Champions League play-off first leg 5-2 to Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray, hoping Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David can turn this around.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri have plunged into a deep crisis in recent weeks, scraping one draw from their last five competitive games.
That saw them crash out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final, slide to fifth place in Serie A, and be on the verge of Champions League elimination.
They had been leading 2-1 in Istanbul through a Teun Koopmeiners brace, but a disastrous Juan Cabal appearance off the bench saw him sent off and they were beaten 5-2.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Cabal is therefore suspended along with Andrea Cambiaso, while Gleison Bremer is only fit for the bench after a muscular issue.
Kenan Yildiz isn’t fully fit either, but the star man is their best hope of staying in Europe, and supports David upfront with Francisco Conceicao.
It means the ever-versatile Weston McKennie fills in at left-back this time, with Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik injured.
Mattia Perin takes over the gloves following a series of Michele Di Gregorio howlers, including in the weekend’s 2-0 home defeat to Como.
PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Juventus FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 01, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Former Napoli striker Noa Lang scored twice in the Galatasaray home game and starts again this evening, while Osimhen has shaken off a knee injury to play upfront.
Mario Lemina is available to face his former club, having missed the first leg through suspension.
As the away goals rule no longer applies, Juventus must win by three clear goals to force extra time or even penalties.
Raffaele Palladino gives an injury update on Ederson and assures Atalanta will ‘be aggressive’ against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off.
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
While La Dea have seen their Serie A form totally revitalised since coach Palladino took over in November from Ivan Juric, including Sunday’s comeback 2-1 win over Napoli, the Champions League has been a different matter.
They had been on the verge of qualifying directly for the Round of 16, but their 2-0 loss in Dortmund was the third consecutive defeat in this competition.
Palladino has faith in Atalanta comeback
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: A detailed view of the emblem of Atalanta on a corner flag prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I don’t need many words before a game like this, I just need to be clear, look at their eyes, and see that they believe,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“We want to have our say, we want to enjoy this match, because it is also a valuable experience. We are facing a strong opponent, we studied them carefully, and will try to play in the style of Atalanta with our fans and our characteristics.”
Ederson had been expected to be in the starting XI, but as he is only on the bench, it was evidently more than just a twinge he suffered during the first leg.
“There hasn’t been enough time to really test Ederson out and get him back to 100 per cent, but he is at our disposal, we’ll see if he is needed in the second half. He had a test this morning.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Ederson of Atalanta clashes with Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are both long-term absentees, so Gianluca Scamacca is supported by Nicola Zalewski and Lazar Samardzic.
“The three forwards need to do well off the ball, be aggressive also on their goalkeeper, who is basically a sweeper-keeper. Dortmund have such quality in the middle and damaged us from the start with their vertical passes into space, they’ve got pace, and we must try to limit their strengths,” continued the Atalanta coach.
“It is also important that we are better when in possession, as we made a few too many mistakes in Dortmund.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Nicola Zalewski of Atalanta is challenged by Waldemar Anton of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
There is a big game coming up for Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, but they bolster their line-up with the return of captain Emre Can after a month out.
“Borussia Dortmund brought in Emre Can, so that shows they are focused here and using their best starting XI. It’s the Champions League, how could they possibly be distracted? We’re glad they are using their best team, as if we can turn this around, it’ll make it even more special,” assured Palladino.
Atalanta hope Gianluca Scamacca and Lazar Samardzic can inspire them to overturn a 2-0 deficit with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
La Dea have seen their Serie A form revitalised under coach Raffaele Palladino since he replaced Ivan Juric in November, and they had been on the verge of a top eight Champions League finish.
However, a sudden collapse saw them slide into the play-offs, losing the first leg 2-0 in Dortmund for their third consecutive Champions League defeat.
Charles De Ketelaere and January signing Giacomo Raspadori are still out of action, but Scamacca returns to the starting XI after muscular issues.
Ederson had been expected to play too, but he is clearly still not fully fit, so Mario Pasalic plays.
Nicola Zalewski and Lazar Samardzic act in support of the centre-forward after Sunday’s comeback win over Napoli in Serie A.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Ederson of Atalanta clashes with Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund are missing Niklas Sule, Italian Filippo Mane and cup-tied Patrick Drewes, but the good news for them is that Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck return to the squad.
The star centre-forward is Serhou Guirassy, who scored in the opening minutes of the first leg and assisted the second from Maximilian Beier.
These teams met three times and Atalanta have never won, managing a 1-1 home draw in 2018 and two away defeats.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Maximilian Beier of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
La Dea left themselves with a tough task to overturn the first leg loss in Dortmund, which was decided by Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier goals.
As the away goals rule has been abandoned, they need to win by a two-goal margin just to force extra time.
De Roon advice for Atalanta
BERGAMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Marten de Roon during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We need to leave fewer spaces, we were caught out with a few long balls, and we need to close the gaps down, be more aggressive, more intense, and above all play the ball better. They have a high defensive line and we can hurt them,” De Roon told Sky Sport Italia.
Atalanta have faced Borussia Dortmund three times and never managed a victory, losing both trips to Germany and drawing 1-1 here in the Europa League in 2018.
“Dortmund are a very strong squad, I expect them to come here trying to win, not to just defend the result. We must push for 90 minutes along with our fans, hope to have a little bit of luck, but mainly courage to score some goals here,” added De Roon.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marten de Roon of Atalanta ia during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“We know the fans in Bergamo well, I am sure they will push us on for 90 minutes with their pride to be here playing in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. They will be the 12th man.”
The mood was boosted in Serie A at the weekend by a comeback win over Napoli, where they had been trailing 1-0 only to emerge 2-1 winners.
Inter are out of the Champions League, but there was some good news, as Denzel Dumfries made his comeback after three months out with an ankle injury.
The Nerazzurri needed something remarkable to overturn their 3-1 first leg play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt, but instead were beaten again 2-1 at San Siro, eliminated 5-2 on aggregate.
It was a nightmare evening for the club, but the only positive on the horizon for coach Cristian Chivu was represented by a substitution.
Inter have Dumfries back at last
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Match officials players and mascots line up on the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Dumfries had been out of action since sustaining an ankle injury, leaving the field during their 2-0 win over Lazio on November 9.
Cristian Chivu points out Bodo/Glimt ‘had more energy’ than Inter, as they only have the Champions League, but admits the Nerazzurri were ‘not competitive’ enough in Europe.
It was already a mountain to climb after the 3-1 first leg defeat in Norway, but there was no blaming the artificial turf after the 2-1 home loss at San Siro.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: General view outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The absence of Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu was felt, as they were toothless in attack despite dominating the game and having several chances.
Manuel Akanji’s howler to gift Jens-Petter Hauge the opener here was the turning point, as Bodo/Glimt then added a second through Hakon Evjen, with Alessandro Bastoni’s attempt from a corner too little, too late.
Chivu feels Inter stretched thin
Cristian Chivu during his pre-match press conference on the eve of Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt (February 23, 2026).
“We were up against a very well-organised team with a low defensive block, keeping 10-11 players behind the ball. Probably the fact we didn’t break the deadlock gave them extra psychological comfort, knowing we needed to score two goals just to get it to extra time.”
Bodo/Glimt have now registered four consecutive Champions League victories over Inter, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.
It is also notable their league is on a break, so since mid-September their only matches have been in this competition.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Jens Petter Hauge of Bodo/Glimt (obscured) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I have nothing to reproach my players for, as they tried everything they could with all the energy they had, and in the second half Bodo had a lot more energy than we did,” continued Chivu.
“We gave all that we had, tried to break the deadlock in every way, but then after the restart they scored two goals.
“There is a lot of disappointment, as unfortunately we were against a side that had a lot more energy than us, they were very well-organised, knew that they had to do after the 3-1 first leg result and did it brilliantly.
“We can only congratulate Bodo/Glimt, they are a team who deserve to be in the next round.”
Inter had reached the Champions League Final twice in three years under Simone Inzaghi, but had not gone out of the tournament this early since Antonio Conte failed to get out of the group stage in 2020-21.
At least they had passage into the Europa League that time, but the new format means their continental adventures end here.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale Milano passes the ball while under pressure from Fredrik Sjovold of Bodo/Glimt during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Our objective was to be competitive, we always said that, and we never intended to think too far in the future for things we are unable to control,” added the coach.
“Unfortunately, we were not able to be competitive in the Champions League. We had started well and won four games in a row, then unfortunately we dropped a few points despite good performances.
“It’s a high level here, if you don’t manage to convert your chances and make the right choices, you will be punished at the first mistake.”
The main problem put to Chivu today was the sluggish tempo, so Fabio Capello in the Sky Sport Italia studio asked if he had considered moving Nicolò Barella into a deeper role compared to Piotr Zielinski.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Referee Alejandro Hernandez and Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano interact after a penalty appeal for hand ball for FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We tried to force our way through the midfielders and strikers behind their defensive lines, I had asked them to move the ball around quicker, more cross-field passes to destabilise the dense and well-organised 4-4-2,” replied Chivu.
“The few times we got into the box, there were important situations, but we didn’t find the right pass or manage to shrug off the markers. There were many corner kicks, but with more efficiency we could’ve scored there.
“We have certain strengths and weaknesses, it’s a pity we didn’t score earlier, as that would’ve put a lot more pressure on.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale Milano heads the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter are still 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, and will face Como in the Coppa Italia semi-final, but it felt like this season they were more focused on those targets than the Champions League.
“It’s hard to find the energy when you play every three days. I cannot ask for more from my lads, as they tried everything this evening. If we’d managed to break the deadlock, it might’ve sparked more enthusiasm, but it was so difficult when they defended with 10 men,” insisted Chivu.
“There is great disappointment, as we wanted to at least be competitive in Europe, but we were against a team that played four games in the last three months, all of them in the Champions League.
“We turn the page, we go forward, this is the Champions League, we have to give credit to our opponents and what they achieved.”
Nicolò Barella admits Bodo/Glimt ‘deserved to go through’ to the Champions League Round of 16, but Inter’s ‘target is the Scudetto and that has been the case since the start.’
The Nerazzurri knew they needed something special to overturn the 3-1 first leg defeat in Norway, and felt that it was entirely within their capabilities to do so at San Siro.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Match officials players and mascots line up on the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, despite dominating possession and numerous chances, they were toothless in attack and made fatal errors in defence, above all Manuel Akanji to give away the Jens-Petter Hauge opener.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Jens Petter Hauge of Bodo/Glimt (L) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We conceded a goal with an individual error, it happens in football, but the most difficult thing was to break the deadlock and we didn’t do it. Bodo deserve congratulations, they beat us home and away, so clearly they deserved to go through,” Barella told Sky Sport Italia.
Inter had been Italy’s best representative in Europe in recent years, reaching the Champions League Final twice in the last three seasons under Simone Inzaghi.
They hadn’t gone out this early since Antonio Conte failed to get past the group stage in 2020-21, but back then they were given access to the Europa League, whereas this is the end of their continental campaign.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Jens Petter Hauge of Bodo/Glimt celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“There is disappointment because we never hid from our desire to compete for every tournament. We tried, they did better, but this is the difference when you don’t go through by a point because they awarded a penalty at the 90th minute. Without that, we’d have avoided two games and a trip to Norway, but this is the new Champions League.”
Barella was referring to the failure to finish in the top eight after that controversial Liverpool penalty, awarded for a light Bastoni tug.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale Milano heads the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
They have to put all their focus now on Serie A, where they are 10 points clear at the top of the table, and the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como.
“Our thoughts were to go all the way in every competition, which we’ve done more or less consistently for years now,” added Barella.
“Last time we went out to Atletico Madrid and won the Scudetto, this time we went out to Bodo and are 10 points clear. Naturally, the target is the Scudetto, but that has been the case since the start of the season.”
Inter crashed out of the Champions League play-offs, as Bodo/Glimt swept them aside both home and away for a 5-2 aggregate result.
The Nerazzurri had a disastrous first leg 3-1 defeat in Norway, made worse by Lautaro Martinez sustaining a soleus injury on the artificial pitch and being ruled out for a month. Hakan Calhanoglu was also sidelined, but Denzel Dumfries returned to the bench for the first time since November 9 after ankle surgery, while Davide Frattesi was preferred to Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Bodo/Glimt had a full squad to choose from after their Spanish training retreat, as the domestic duties resume on March 6, so they have only played Champions League football since September 26.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Match officials players and mascots line up on the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Francesco Pio Esposito nodded a Federico Dimarco cross just over in the third minute, then Dimarco’s curler after a corner was acrobatically palmed out from under the bar by Nikita Haikin.
Marcus Thuram cut inside from the left and his right-foot curler was deflected inches past the far top corner by Odin Bjortuft’s back.
Frattesi’s header at the near post on a Dimarco corner was also well saved from six yards, while Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni nodded just over.
Piotr Zielinski blasted wide from distance after nutmegging Hakon Evjen, while Yann Sommer still had to make a save on the relatively free Evjen header.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale Milano heads the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Berg charged down a Frattesi cross with his armpit inside the penalty area, then Kasper Hogh’s sliding tackle on Barella got the ball.
After the restart, Dimarco’s free kick was straight at Haikin, then an acrobatic Frattesi volley was put out for a corner before Thuram could pounce.
Thuram surged forward only to hesitate and his shot was charged down by the sprinting Bjortuft, but the situation went from bad to worse.
A few minutes after he’d needed a large bandage on a cut eyebrow, Manuel Akanji gave the ball away horribly on the edge of his own penalty area to Ole Didrik Blomberg, who forced a great save out of Sommer, but Jens-Petter Hauge was ready on the rebound.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Jens Petter Hauge of Bodo/Glimt (L) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Akanji tried to make up for it with a deflected header on a corner, but Berg cleared off the line. On another corner situation, the former Manchester City defender’s finish bounced off the upright through a sea of legs, Thuram flicking the rebound wide with his back to goal.
Instead, Bodo/Glimt extended their aggregate lead to 5-1, as Evjen’s excellent first touch controlled the Hauge cross from the right and then his right-foot angled drive found the far bottom corner.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Haakon Evjen of Bodo/Glimt is put under pressure by Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter finally did get one back from a chaotic corner, as Haikin smothered the Bastoni flick only after it had already crossed the line completely.
Denzel Dumfries made his comeback for the final nine few minutes, his first game since November, but it is also Inter’s last in the Champions League for this season.
Ronaldo was back at San Siro for Inter’s Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt, but was shocked by the worst possible question from Fabio Capello. ‘No more!’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: General view outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri need all the help they can get to overturn a 3-1 first leg defeat to the Norwegians, especially as captain Lautaro Martinez and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu are out of action.
They hope to get some inspiration from the presence before kick-off of former Inter legends Ronaldo and Christian Vieri, who were awarded special edition jerseys.
Ronaldo always a special figure for Inter fans
Ronaldo of Inter Milan celebrates his goal against AC Milan during the Serie A match at the San Siro in Milan, Italy. Mandatory Credit: Claudio Villa /Allsport
His old Real Madrid coach Capello was in the studio and asked just one question of his former player: How much do you weigh now?
“Still with the weight? No more!” replied Ronaldo with a laugh.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sporting Mixed Zone ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
Much to the amusement of the rest of the panel, the now retired coach revealed he had weighed Ronaldo every single day in Madrid to make sure he kept in shape during the 2006-07 season.
Capello also explained in the Sky Sport Italia studio that Ronaldo was “the most talented player I ever worked with, but when it came to his lifestyle, he left rather a lot to be desired.”
Inter President Beppe Marotta laughed off ‘fake news’ about approaching Diego Simeone, assuring Cristian Chivu ‘is proving himself worthy’ regardless of the Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt.
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
There is a mountain to climb if the Nerazzurri are to stay in the competition after losing the first leg of this play-off 3-1 in Norway.
That defeat on the artificial pitch was doubly painful, as Lautaro Martinez also sustained a soleus injury and is expected to be out of action for a month.
Marotta reassuring on Chivu future at Inter
MONZA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gestures during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between FC Internazionale and Torino at U-Power Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Anything is possible in sport. They have a big advantage, but it is not insurmountable,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“This is why I have faith in our team, their determination, the support of all these fans. We must have respect for our opponents, but never fear, and we have the strongest motivation.”
There are quite a few special guests in the stands this evening, including ex-Inter hero Ronaldo, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
“Being able to emulate Ronaldo even just a little bit would be a dream for our young players,” smiled the President.
Hakan Calhanoglu is also on the treatment table, though Denzel Dumfries is back on the bench for the first time since November 9 after ankle surgery.
Davide Frattesi has been chosen for the midfield instead of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, partly for his history of scoring big Champions League goals to eliminate Bayern Munich and Barcelona last season.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gestures to his players during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
Spanish media claimed yesterday that Inter have an agreement with Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone to take over from Cristian Chivu next season.
“It’s absolutely fake news, it’s not even worth talking about. We are extraordinarily happy with Chivu,” shrugged Marotta.
“Luck is a part of football, but the coach is proving himself worthy of the Inter job.”
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Head coach of FC Internazionale Cristian Chivu celebrates after the Serie A match between US Lecce and Inter at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Inter reached the Champions League Final twice in the last three years, so how would going out before the Round of 16 affect the club’s finances?
“In all honesty, it’s important, but not all that relevant. This is a night of sport, we want to honour it in the best possible way. If we were to miss this objective, obviously we’d have to make some adjustments, but it’s not a problem, certainly.”
Inter coach Cristian Chivu explains why he chose Davide Frattesi to start in the Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt and assures ‘it can be done, it’s up to us.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
It is a huge task to overturn a 3-1 first leg defeat in the Champions League play-off, made even tougher by the absence of star players Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Chivu has faith in Inter turnaround
Cristian Chivu during his pre-match press conference on the eve of Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt (February 23, 2026).
“Everything is feasible, it’s up to us, our determination, attitude and balance, because it can be done,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
Francesco Pio Esposito scored in Norway and starts upfront this evening alongside Marcus Thuram, but the surprise is Frattesi in midfield rather than Hakan Calhanoglu.
The Italian has a remarkable record of scoring decisive Champions League goals, last season striking late to eliminate Bayern Munich and Barcelona on Inter’s way to the Final.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Like all the others, he is a valuable member of the group. He showed that last season and at times this term, he overcame the difficulties that he had in the early part of the campaign.
“We need everyone to give their contribution to the cause,” concluded Chivu.
There are quite a few special guests in the stands this evening, including ex-Inter hero Ronaldo, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Matteo Darmian insists Inter must ‘score as early as possible, but not make it an obsession’ in their Champions League play-off against Bodo/Glimt. ‘We will get chances.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Nikita Khaikin of Bodo/Glimt catches the ball whilst under pressure from Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
The first leg was disastrous for two different reasons, as it was a 3-1 defeat in Norway, but they also lost captain Lautaro Martinez for approximately a month to a soleus injury that was blamed on the artificial pitch.
As the away goals rule was abolished, it means any win by two clear goals would prompt extra time and potentially even penalties.
Darmian believes Inter can qualify
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
“We must have the right focus and spirit, it’s not easy to overturn a two-goal deficit, but over the years we’ve shown that we know what to do in the Champions League. We need the best version of ourselves to overturn this result,” Darmian told Sky Sport Italia.
The Nerazzurri reached the Champions League Final in two of the last three seasons, but here risk going out before the Round of 16, as they fumbled precious points in the league phase against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
“I remember very few performances where we got the wrong approach this season. We need to score as early as possible, but it also mustn’t be an obsession, because it is a long game and we will get chances,” insisted Darmian.
“We must simply be aware of our strength and not let that slip over into arrogance. We must be ourselves and prove it tonight.”
Inter look to Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito and Davide Frattesi against Bodo/Glimt, needing to win by at least two clear goals to stay in the Champions League.
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano attempts a scissor kick during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
The 3-1 play-off defeat in Norway was doubly painful for the Nerazzurri, as it also saw Lautaro Martinez sustain a calf injury on the artificial turf, which has ruled him out for approximately a month.
Hakan Calhanoglu has also struggled with muscular issues in recent weeks, and straight after making his comeback, is again out of action.
MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Denzel Dumfries is on the bench for the first time since November 9, as he is finally back in the squad after ankle surgery.
The big surprise is Frattesi chosen in place of Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield, as he has a strong record of making the difference in the Champions League with late goals against Bayern Munich and Barcelona last season.
Fresh from a 2-0 win away to Lecce that put them 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, Inter must pour all their resources into turning this around and staying in the Champions League.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
Bodo/Glimt don’t resume their domestic campaign until March 6, so the only games they’ve played since September 26 have been in the Champions League, spending weeks at a training camp in Spain.
This has seen them notch up a 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund and three consecutive victories over Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter.
They used to be a much weaker side away than at home, but have corrected that recently.
The Norwegians have a full squad to choose from, including former Milan winger Jens-Petter Hauge, who is therefore no stranger to playing at San Siro.
Kasper Hogh was a nightmare for the Inter defence in the first leg, scoring a goal and providing two assists.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Jens Petter Hauge of Bodo/Glimt celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Kasper Hogh during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
Nobody has overturned a two-leg deficit in the Champions League knockout ties since Liverpool against Barcelona in the 2018-19 semi-final.
However, Inter were in the Champions League Final for two of the last three years, so have pedigree in this tournament.
The second leg kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Wednesday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
La Dea saw their mood boosted over the weekend by a 2-1 comeback victory over Napoli to put them right back in the race for a top four finish in Serie A.
That kind of confidence will be necessary if they are to turn this play-off around against German giants Borussia Dortmund.
Palladino and Atalanta have faith in comeback
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Atalanta BC head coach Raffaele Palladino reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on February 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“It will be tough, but we’ll try with everything we’ve got, with great enthusiasm, awareness of our capabilities. We must play with quality, our style of football, and have faith in ourselves. I want to see us push from the first minute to the last.
“We’ve got so much enthusiasm and positive energy, things we need tomorrow. The game with Napoli was a comeback victory, so we must learn from that too. The tie is open, as 2-0 is hard to overturn, but with 90 and maybe more minutes, we can try to cause problems for a team with strong individuals and accustomed to playing at this level.
“We need to be focused, aware, sharp for the full match, and make the most of the fact we’ve got 20,000 fans behind us.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta have achieved great things in Europe under Gian Piero Gasperini, but it is a new tournament for Palladino, who took over from Ivan Juric in mid-November.
“We face everyone with the right spirit, we’ve got to enjoy this match, as it is very important in a fascinating competition. We want to carry on playing in Europe, and it’s a valuable experience to play in these knockout fixtures.
“It is a dream to get through to the Round of 16, but dreams can come true, so we’ve got to give it our best.”
Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are still out of action, but the good news for Atalanta is the return of midfielder Ederson, who was rested against Napoli with a twinge.
“We’ve got an important player back, we’ll see. So many are hungry to play, they made it difficult for me today with a strong training session, and those who come off the bench will be just as important. It’ll be 100 minutes and we need to play them to the best of our capabilities.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Players of Atalanta pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
If Atalanta do manage to turn this 2-0 deficit around, will Palladino reward the squad with a special dinner?
“I haven’t thought about it, but if it did happen, we’d perhaps do more than just buy the team dinner! The lads always give their all, they know that when they deserve rewards, I give them.”
It would not be the first time that Atalanta caused an upset in Europe, as they famously beat Liverpool at Anfield Road.
“We hope this dream can come true, we know it’s not easy to overturn a 2-0 deficit against such a strong team, but I see so much positive energy, I believe, the lads believe, the fans believe, so we need a fiery atmosphere in our home stadium. We can’t wait to get on the pitch,” concluded Palladino.
Victor Osimhen gives an update on his knee injury and warns Galatasaray will ‘take the fight’ to Juventus despite their 5-2 Champions League play-off advantage. ‘Defence starts from the attack.’
It kicks off on Wednesday at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
The Bianconeri have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul, despite having taken a 2-1 lead going into half-time, as the Juan Cabal red card proved disastrous.
Osimhen did not score in that first leg, but he rested over the weekend due to a knee issue.
Osimhen ready for Juventus battle
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 14: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Rizespor at Rams Park Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
“I have a little pain in my knee, that is the reason why I didn’t play the last league game, but thanks to the medical team, I am back with the squad and looking forward to facing Juve.”
Galatasaray are aiming to make history by eliminating Juventus from the Champions League, and Osimhen denies suggestions they are a completely different team in his absence.
“It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s not just about Osimhen. I have to give props to the rest of the squad, as they’ve been really been helpful putting this club where it should be,” continued the Nigeria international.
“This club is huge, we’ve seen multiple times that even with legends in the past who played for this club, it is the only Turkish side that has done really well in Europe. We’ve been doing that for so many years, when you mention a big club, we’ve done so well in the Champions League.
“We also have the opportunity tomorrow to write history for the club, so it’s not just about one player. Of course, I appreciate all the support from the fans, the coach, the confidence he has in me. If I don’t have these guys around my back, I don’t think they can listen to me when I try to charge them forward. Everything can be made possible, kudos to them, we’re going to lead each other hand in hand and try to make sure we get the maximum result.”
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates victory during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Rams Park on November 7, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Although he did not score in the first leg, his high pressing game saw him steal the ball twice and provide assists, constantly harassing the Juventus defenders.
“One thing about me is if I’m not seeing an opportunity to score, I am trying to help my team,” added Osimhen.
“Juventus always start from the back, so t was important to press them, I try to call my teammates forward too, so we don’t let them start that play from behind. Juventus have a lot of quality, when they manage to get the ball to Kenan Yildiz, he’s a very dangerous player, so is Conceicao, so we must try to block their passes.
“Defence starts from the attack, so me and the other forwards have to start the press. It was just the right thing to do, and of course the instructions from the coach. I did my duty and I’m glad I did it diligently.”
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray A.S. celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Despite such a big advantage from the first leg, Galatasaray and Osimhen have no intention of sitting back in Turin.
“Tomorrow too I don’t think we’re the kind of squad who is going to lie back, because Juventus are a really big team, but we’ll come out and take the fight to them. It’s going to be a really tough game, I’m looking forward to it.”
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