Massimiliano Allegri plays down Milan exit rumours, saying that there’s ‘total harmony’ with club directors and predicts Christian Pulisic ‘will get back to scoring.’

Milan coach Allegri previewed Sunday’s Serie A match between the Rossoneri and Cremonese.

It’s an away fixture for Milan, who ended their 25-game league unbeaten run last week, losing 1-0 at San Siro against Parma.

Cremonese vs. Milan – Allegri’s pre-match press conference

“After six months without losing, weall felt the blow. On Tuesday, we were all a bit dazed, while on Wednesday, we had a good training session,” Allegri said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday, via Milannews.

“Sooner or later, we were bound to slip up; we hoped not, but it happened. Now we have to start running again. In the last two matches in Cremona, Milan haven’t scored; two 0-0 draws and one defeat. The last win dates back to 1993-94; the year before, under Capello, it finished 1-1.”

Three Milan players are unavailable: Matteo Gabbia, Santiago Gimenez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

“Gabbia is out; he still has this inflammation problem. We hope he’ll be back as soon as possible,” Allegri confirmed.

“Loftus-Cheek has had all his teeth fixed. Gimenez has completed all his pre-conditioning work. He’s in good shape. It’s possible that he’ll start training with the team this week. That’s a good sign, a positive recovery.”

Sportitalia reported earlier this week that Allegri was considering his future at Milan, unhappy with the club’s management and transfer activity.

“There’s total harmony with the club regarding the rumours that came out this week,” Allegri replied.

“Of course, in any discussion, there can be different points of view. It’s important that everyone works for the good of Milan. I’m very happy to have returned to Milan after 15 years and to have started working with a wonderful group of players. The club is planning and structuring Milan’s future. To do that, we need to achieve the most important result. In March, we’re in a fairly good position. Now we have to see if we’re good enough to stay there or take the final step. There’s harmony between the club and me.”

Christian Pulisic has had several fitness issues in 2026 and hasn’t yet scored a goal in the new year.

“I don’t know who will start tomorrow. In the last half hour, we’ll need whoever is on the bench,” Allegri said.

“Pulisic has grown physically and mentally: he’ll get back to scoring. The important thing is that they’re all doing well.

“Pulisic is close to a very good level. He has grown physically, he’s much calmer and has much more confidence in himself. He could get back to scoring.”

Ardon Jashari started against Parma to replace the suspended Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman, however, is still on a yellow card and will be suspended for the derby if he’s booked tomorrow. The same goes for Alexis Saelemaekers.

“Jashari is improving a lot. He played well, even when he came on against Parma,” Allegri said.

“It’s normal that he makes fewer forward runs than Rabiot, as he has different characteristics, but he’s been an excellent signing.

“The most important match is tomorrow,” concluded Allegri.

“Once it’s over, whoever is fit will play the derby. Anyone suspended will be in the stands.”

Italy international Destiny Udogie will miss Sunday’s Serie A match against Fulham due to a hamstring injury, and his involvement in the World Cup play-off in March remains highly uncertain.

Italian left-back Udogie will miss Sunday’s Premier League match against Fulham.

New Tottenham coach Igor Tudor provided the latest injury update for both Udogie and ex-Juventus star Dejan Kulusevski during a press conference.

Tudor’s injury update on Udogie

“It’s on a weekly basis. When they come, they come,” Tudor said via Football London.

“We need to be focused on the way, also, on how they come back into the team. Also, the main important thing is that, over time, they are recovering to be in good condition so that when they come back, they are in good shape. Otherwise, it’s a problem. But we are working. This is an important part of our job.”

Udogie has already missed 15 games across all competitions with Tottenham this season, due to hamstring and knee problems.

The former Udinese star has only provided one assist in 20 appearances across all competitions, collecting just 1.100 minutes on the field at a club level.

As previously reported by Football London, Udogie is not expected to return to action before mid-March, which means his involvement in the World Cup play-off remains uncertain.

The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the semifinal on March 26, while the potential Final is scheduled for March 31 against the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Udogie made his senior debut for Italy in 2023 and has 12 international appearances.

Italy and Milan legend Paolo Maldini surprisingly sent one of his signed match-worn shirts to Barcelona talent Gerard Martin for his birthday: ‘Good luck with your career.’

Former Italy defender Paolo Maldini surprised Barcelona’s Gerard Martin for his birthday by sending one of his match-worn shirts to the Spain international.

Gerard Martin shared a picture of the gift on his Instagram account to thank the ex-Rossoneri star and director.

Maldini also wrote a message in Italian for the Barcelona defender: “To Gerard, happy birthday and good luck with your career. With affection, Paolo Maldini.”

Just like Maldini, Gerard Martin can play as either a left-back or a centre-back, and his Barcelona teammates have nicknamed him ‘Gerard Maldini,’ Sportmediaset reports.

Gerard Martin is under contract with Barcelona until 2028. He has scored one goal and provided six assists in 77 appearances with Barcelona since joining the Catalans in the summer of 2023.

Maldini’s gift for Gerard Martin

GERARD MARTIN E LA MAGLIA DI MALDINI

Gerard Martin, difensore del Barcellona, ha pubblicato una storia su Instagram per ringraziare Paolo Maldini che gli ha inviato una sua maglia numero 3 del Milan. Lo spagnolo non ha mai nascosto di aver l’ex capitano rossonero come idolo. pic.twitter.com/XrioC89EMW

— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) February 28, 2026

Tuttosport reports that the only goalkeeper who will surely stay at Juventus in 2026-27 is third-choice Carlo Pinsoglio, while Tottenham and Nottingham Forest have set their sights on Federico Gatti.

Juventus are ready to open talks over a new contract for their coach, Luciano Spalletti, who expects some big signings over the summer.

Juventus’ possible changes in goal

Tuttosport, however, highlights that Juventus have already identified some players who might leave at the end of the season.

The goalkeeper situation looks a bit awkward as third-choice Pinsoglio has extended his stay until 2027, while Mattia Perin and Michele Di Gregorio could leave in the summer.

Gatti heading to the Premier League?

Perin already held talks with Genoa in the January window, while Di Gregorio is having a poor season and will likely be replaced in the new campaign.

Tuttosport adds that Gatti, who is no longer a regular starter in Turin, has attracted interest from Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham would be particularly interested in the Italian if Igor Tudor remains in North London beyond the summer.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini says Paulo Dybala ‘feels much better’ while Matias Soulé will miss tomorrow’s game against Juventus.

Roma and Juventus meet at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow in a crucial Serie A game for either side.

The Giallorossi sit fourth, level on 50 points with Napoli, but Juventus follow in fifth with 46.

Roma vs. Juventus – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference

“We are two teams that always try to reach the result through the playing style, and I think the same will happen tomorrow. Neither will want to speculate, and both will try to win,” Gasperini said at a press conference via Sky Sport Italia.

“Dybala feels much better. He worked with the team yesterday, but I won’t know until after today’s training whether he’ll be fit to play.”

Dybala, 32, has missed the last four Serie A matches due to knee problems, but could return tomorrow, while his compatriot Soulé won’t be eligible to play.

“I hope Soulé can join the team again next week,” Gasperini said.

“Our four-point lead is important because it reflects Roma’s work to this point, but I don’t think it will be decisive. I don’t see anyone strong enough to run away from the opponents so early.”

How many points will Roma need to qualify for the Champions League?

“It’s hard to predict. At least 70 points, but probably even more,” Gasp replied.

“Currently, we need a winning streak with many consecutive victories.

“Three months is a long time, and we must try to remain involved in all competitions. There could be variables, such as injuries and suspensions, but we must aim for the best in every game.”

Roma have been drawn against Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16, an outcome that neither club is particularly happy with.

“It’s unfortunate because we are talking about two Italian teams who could have gone ahead, and this penalises us for the ranking,” Gasperini said.

“You always have to raise the bar in these matches, and I think the most important one will be the first leg, because if you don’t have a good approach, you risk not being able to recover.”

• Read more – Three reasons why Serie A derby in Europa League is bad news for Italian football

The game against Juventus is a special one for Gasp, an ex-youth coach with the Bianconeri.

Gasperini also worked with Teun Koopmeiners at Atalanta, but the Dutchman seems to be one of the many players who begin to struggle as soon as they leave Bergamo.

“I don’t think so. Here I have Mancini and Cristante, who have increased and matured,” noted Gasperini.

“What I can say about Koopmeiners is that he was a strong player of that Atalanta side. Recently, he has also scored two goals.

“Juventus were like a gym for me, where I improved personally and in footballing terms. It’s a club where football has always been done very well. I had the chance to go abroad and look at other players; it was a great experience.”

Anastasios Douvikas leads the Como attack in a home game against Walid Cheddira’s Lecce, but Nico Paz starts on the bench.

It kicks off at 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT) at the Stadio Sinigaglia in Como.

Follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the liveblog.

Jayden Addai and Martin Baturina are injured for the home side, and coach Cesc Fabregas partially rotates his team ahead of next week’s Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter.

Nico Paz is available after missing last week’s away game at Juventus, which Como won 2- 0, but starts on the bench.

Marc-Oliver Kempf gets the nod in central defence alongside Jacobo Ramon.

Lecce have travelled to Como without the injured Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda, Jay Gorter and Kialonda Gaspar.

Cheddira starts as a centre-forward for the Giallorossi with Lameck Banda on the right wing and Riccardo Sottil initially on the bench.

Serie A Week 27 kicked off on Friday with a 1-1 draw between Parma and Cagliari at the Stadio Tardini.

Como sit 6th in the Serie A table, just five points below a Champions League placement, while Lecce are in the relegation zone, but level on 24 points with Fiorentina and Cremonese.

Como vs. Lecce – official line-ups

Como: Butez; Van der Brempt, Ramon, Kempf, Alberto Moreno; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Caqueret, Jesus Rodriguez; Douvikas.

Lecce: Falcone; Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Ndaba; Danilo Veiga, Gandelman, Ramadani, Coulibaly, Gallo; Banda, Cheddira.

PSG-owned striker Randal Kolo Muani reportedly remains Juventus’ top target for next season, especially as Dusan Vlahovic’s future in Turin is still uncertain.

Juventus are preparing to open contract extension talks with Luciano Spalletti, but, as reported by Tuttosport, the coach’s future at the Allianz Stadium largely depends on Juventus’ plans for the future and their summer transfer campaign.

Juventus remain interested in Kolo Muani

The Turin-based paper claims that Spalletti expects one big signing in each department, and Tottenham loanee Kolo Muani remains the Bianconeri’s primary target for 2026-27.

The Old Lady already tried to bring the Frenchman back to Turin in the January window, but Spurs refused to let him leave.

According to the report, Juventus will want to sign Kolo Muani next summer regardless of Vlahovic’s future. The Serbia international’s contract expires in June, and contract extension talks should resume next week.

Who could leave Juventus in 2026-27?

Tuttosport adds that Juventus have also opened talks with other reinforcements across different departments, including full-backs Oscar Mingueza and Roma’s Zeki Celik, who are available as free agents.

Bernardo Silva, also available for free at the end of his contract in June, and Sandro Tonali are the main targets in central midfield, while Teun Koopmeiners will leave.

The same is true of Federico Gatti, who has attracted interest from the Premier League, as well as goalkeepers Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin.

Former Inter and Italy striker Alessandro Altobelli predicts the Nerazzurri will win the Scudetto even if they lose the Milan derby next week: ‘The Scudetto and Coppa Italia would be an incredible double.’

Inter host Genoa in Serie A tonight, days after a painful Champions League elimination in the knockout play-off at the hands of Bodo/Glimt.

The Nerazzurri lost both games against the Norwegians, being eliminated with a 2-5 loss.

“I think they’ve already overcome it. Inter are a team that knows how to look ahead; it’s a page that must be forgotten,” Altobelli, one of the best scorers in Inter’s history, told Gazzetta.

“The competition is different in Europe, and I’d settle for winning two trophies in every season.

Coppa Italia and Scudetto ‘incredible’ for Inter

“The 10-point gap is very hard to fill for [second-placed] Milan,” continued the ex-striker.

“Inter have proved to be the best team in the league, the one that plays better football and has more ideas and depth. Now they only have to reach this target. They owe it to their fans. I would say these targets, as I add the Coppa Italia too. It would be an incredible double.”

Inter play Genoa this weekend, while Milan will face Cremonese away. Next week, the Milanese sides will meet in the Derby della Madonnina.

“Even if Inter were to lose it, a seven-point advantage would be too big at this stage,” concluded Altobelli.

“But the derby is also the game of the year, regardless of the table.”

Nottingham Forest fans have criticised Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca after a 2-1 loss against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, and Sky Sport’s transfer expert Luca Marchetti argues that the striker’s behaviour ‘is not well-received’ in England.

Italy international Lucca has faced criticism from Forest fans on social media after his display in a 2-1 Europa League loss against Fenerbahce on Thursday.

The Italy international started the match, but was replaced after just 45 minutes.

The Italian striker had scored on his Nottingham Forest debut against Leeds in January, but that remains his only goal in five appearances in England, where he has collected less than 200 minutes of football since joining the Premier League side on loan from Napoli.

“Lucca may perhaps have had attitudes that not everyone liked, but this is not the starting point for making an assessment,” Sky Sport transfer expert Marchetti told Radio Marte (via TuttoNapoli)

“In football, it is the results that determine the mood; clubs have to evaluate a player from a technical standpoint. The player’s behaviour is not well received by the fans, not even in England, it seems. This should lead both the player and his entourage to reflect.”

Lucca back to Napoli in the summer?

Lucca is on loan at Nottingham Forest until the end of the season, and the Premier League side can activate an option to make his move permanent for €35m.

Tuttomercato, however, warns that the striker’s future at Forest is already uncertain as his performances so far do not justify such an investment over the summer.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Juventus directors will meet Luciano Spalletti next week to begin negotiations over a new contract.

Juventus have entered the crucial part of their season as they prepare for a key Serie A game against Roma on Sunday.

Juventus set to meet Spalletti over new contract

Spalletti’s contract expires at the end of the season and the Serie A giants have already decided to offer the Tuscan tactician a new deal.

According to Tuttosport, Spalletti is happy to continue at Juventus but wants guarantees regarding the club’s project, starting from next summer’s transfer campaign.

Tuttosport reports that the possible agreement between the club and the coach is not about money or salary, but rather about the club’s plans.

Spalletti’s requests to stay at Juventus

According to the report, Spalletti expects one big signing in each department, but the Bianconeri’s budget will largely depend on whether they qualify for the Champions League.

Spalletti is fully backed by the club owner, John Elkann, who visited the team in the dressing room after Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Galatasaray, and the coach was positively impressed.

At the same time, however, Spalletti was so disappointed by the elimination and drained by the return leg in Turin that he spent a day at his home in Tuscany to recover.

Today, he won’t be talking to the media on the eve of a Serie A match against Roma; instead, Pierre Kalulu will be sent.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy is one of Milan’s main targets in attack for 2026-27 alongside Mateo Retegui and Chelsea-owned striker Nicolas Jackson.

Milan have prioritise the purchase of a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window, especially as the Rossoneri will likely play in the Champions League next season.

Milan target Guirassy for 2026-27

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Borussia Dortmund’s Guirassy is their main target despite a €70m clause, which the Rossoneri are unwilling to pay.

Guirassy will turn 30 in just a few days and was on Milan’s agenda even a few years ago, before his €17m move from Stuttgart to Dortmund.

According to Gazzetta, the striker is tempted to try a new experience in a new country after playing in France and Germany.

The Rossoneri won’t make another attempt for Jean-Philippe Mateta, while their summer target, Darwin Nunez, would love to return to Europe from Al-Hilal, but he is not a priority for Milan.

Other Milan options in attack

On the other hand, Nicolas Jackson and Mateo Retegui are high on the Rossoneri’s agenda and were already in talks with Milan last summer.

The Italy international eventually joined Al Qadsiah from Atalanta, while Jackson moved to Bayern Munich from Chelsea on loan with an option to buy.

Having played barely 600 minutes across all competitions this season, Jackson will not join Bayern permanently in the summer and will return to Chelsea at the end of the current campaign.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 28, 2026, page 6.

Ange-Yoan Bonny is reportedly favourite over Francesco Pio Esposito to partner with Marcus Thuram in the Inter attack in a Serie A match against Genoa.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro, Milan.

Follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the liveblog.

Alessandro Bastoni is suspended for the Nerazzurri, Lautaro Martinez is injured, but Hakan Calhanoglu has recovered and will start on the bench.

According to Sky Sport and Gazzetta, Bonny is the favourite over Pio Esposito in attack, while Thuram will surely start.

Carlos Augusto will replace the suspended Bastoni in a three-man defence, and Francesco Acerbi is expected to get the nod in place of Yann Bisseck, who should rest.

Nicolò Barella, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are the favourites to start in the middle of the park for the Nerazzurri.

Benjamin Siegrist, Broke Norton-Cuffy and Sebastian Otoa are injured for Genoa, who will look to Vitinha and ex-Milan striker Lorenzo Colombo in attack.

With a win, Inter would move 13 points above their city rivals Milan, who will have a game in hand, ahead of next week’s derby.

Inter vs. Genoa – where to watch on TV

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

Inter vs. Genoa – probable line-ups

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Bonny.

Genoa (3-4-1-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Østigård, Vásquez; Ellertsson, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Martín; Baldanzi; Vitinha, Colombo.

Matteo Politano will start as a right midfielder for Napoli in an away Serie A game against strugglers Verona today.

It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at the Stadio Bentegodi.

Follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the liveblog.

The Partenopei still have several players out of action, including Scott McTominay and Frank Zambo Anguissa.

According to several sources, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport Italia, Alex Meret will start in goal for Napoli, while the three-man attack will continue to be composed of Antonio Vergara, Alisson Santos and Rasmus Hojlund.

With De Bruyne, McTominay and Anguissa still injured, Stanislav Lobotka and Eljif Elmas will start in central midfield with Politano and Leonardo Spinazzola on the flanks in a 3-4-2-1 system.

Another Italy international, Alessandro Buongiorno, will start in central defence.

Scotland international Kieron Bowie will lead the Gialloblu attack alongside Amin, as Gift Orban is still suspended. The same is true for central midfielder Moatesen Al-Musrati, while Antoine Bernede, Rafik Belghali, Suat Serdar, Pol Lirola and Sandi Lovric are injured.

Verona vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV

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

Verona vs. Napoli – probable line-ups

Verona (3-5-2): Montipò; Bella-Kotchap, Nelsson, Edmundsson; Bradaric, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Harroui, Frese; Bowie, Sarr.

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Meret; Beukema, Juan Jesus, Buongiorno; Politano, Lobotka, Elmas, Spinazzola; Vergara, Alisson Santos; Hojlund.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dea without fear, Euroderby dream

Europa League: Bologna-Roma. Conference: Fiorentina-Rakow

Scudetto at all costs

Inter and the Bodo shock to overcome

There’s Genoa at San Siro at 20:45. Chivu commands: to the derby with the maximum advantage. The plan to avoid Inzaghi’s finale. Idea Bonny-Thuram up front

A No.9 worthy of Milan

A centre-forward is needed. Guirassy favourite over Jackson and Retegui

Music masters

Gasp against Spalletti: why there’s more at stake than the fourth spot

Corriere dello Sport

Exclusive

Boniek speaks out

‘Lucio is stressed’

‘He has nobody decisive in super games.’ Gasp, here’s Dybala

‘I don’t see the Bianconeri well. Gian Piero plays better. I have the two shirts of my heart. The Avvocato? Unique style. I was in love with Viola, I hate divers, they must be punished.’

Politano, Champions card

Not only crosses and runs: the winger wants to score his first goal. Anguissa’s recovery is postponed.

Inter visit those wounded in Crans

President Marotta at the Niguarda hospital alongside Barella and Dimarco. Chivu for the +13: space for Bonny.

Tuttosport

New confirmations on the possible return of the Croat

Toro, Juric supports D’Aversa too

New Juve for Spalletti

Renewal close: meeting next week

The coach (isolated in Tuscany to recover from the European disappointment) asks for guarantees to sign until 2028, the club is ready to satisfy him: from the staff, with a goalkeeper specialist, to the players, with a big player for each department. Bernardo Silva in midfield, Vlahovic’s confirmation, joined by Kolo Muani, in attack: all the options.

Beware of Kane, but Atalanta have no fear

First time against Bayern for La Dea. Europa League: derby Bologna-Roma. Conference: Fiorentina-Rakow.

Raffaele Palladino has entirely transformed Atalanta since replacing Ivan Juric in November, and even if the Nerazzurri are clearly the underdogs against Bayern Munich, they can still cause trouble for the Germans, as other Bundesliga sides are aware of.

Atalanta are set to take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16, fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead.

La Dea sit seventh in the Serie A table, but their position doesn’t tell the whole story of their form this season.

Their first coach, Juric, was sacked after winning just four of his 15 games in charge, leaving the Nerazzuri in 13th place in the Serie A table with just 13 points and two victories.

With Palladino in charge, Atalanta have won 15 of 23 games across all competitions, climbing to a Europa League spot (they are level on 45 points with Como) and just five points below the top four.

Their biggest signing in the January window was Italy international Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico Madrid, yet La Dea did not necessarily strengthen their attack as they also sent Ademola Lookman to the Wanda Metropolitano.

It is even unclear whether Raspadori will be available for the games against Bayern Munich, having suffered a bicep muscle injury just a couple of weeks ago. The same goes for Charles De Ketelaere, who underwent meniscus surgery earlier this month.

With his starting attacking midfielder unavailable in recent games, Palladino has often moved Nicola Zalewski from the left flank, adding either Mario Pasalic or Lazar Samardzic behind a lone striker.

Kamaldeen Sulemana is another option for that role, but currently, the Ghana international is slightly lower in Palladino’s pecking order.

Ederson and captain Marten De Roon provide quality and balance in central midfield. Davide Zappacosta, 33, has plenty of experience down the right flank. Raoul Bellanova is more explosive than the ex-Chelsea man, and left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, 22, has proved to be more than a decent backup with three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this term.

Under Palladino, Atalanta have scored 41 goals in 23 games and conceded just 19.

There have been a lot of rotations in defence with Palladino in charge, and currently, Giorgio Scalvini appears to be the only centre-back with a guaranteed starting spot. Sead Kolasinac and Isak Hien, however, have received regular playing time recently, especially following various individual mistakes from Berat Djimsiti, Odilon Kossounou and Honest Ahanor.

The latter has played only 31 minutes across two Serie A matches since an early red card in an away game at Como on February 1.

That match at the Stadio Sinigaglia perfectly showed the Atalanta spirit under Palladino. A team that has been built to play aggressively, but which is also able to resist the opponents’ pressure when necessary.

Forced to play down to ten men for practically the entire match, Atalanta still managed to come back home with a 0-0 draw, mostly thanks to their goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who even saved a late Nico Paz penalty kick.

The other side of Atalanta was on display last Wednesday, when the Nerazzurri beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 with an incredible comeback in Bergamo.

Italy international Gianluca Scamacca scored the opening goal after just five minutes, and his substitute Nikola Krstovic earned a late penalty, converted by Pasalic to qualify La Dea for the Round of 16.

Atalanta’s attacking mindset, high press and quality in the final third, despite absences of Raspadori and De Ketelaere, will have to be the main features in the first leg in Bergamo against Bayern, while the second match at the Allianz Arena will naturally require a more defensive attitude and even more determination in the counter-attacks.

Strikers Scamacca and Krstovic are perfectly interchangeable and have similar numbers this season: ten goals for the Italian and nine for the Montenegrin.

True, Harry Kane alone has managed 43 for Bayern Munich this season, but we are talking about one of the best strikers and one of the best clubs in Europe for a reason.

No doubt Atalanta are the underdogs in the Champions League Round of 16, but it’s not the first time they’ve been in this position in recent years, especially against Bundesliga sides.

Back in 2023-24, they were the only team capable of beating Bayer Leverkusen, claiming the Europa League trophy and just a few days ago, they knocked Borussia Dortmund out, coming back from a 2-0 loss in the first leg.

Atalanta also beat Chelsea at home in the Champions League group phase this season and have already repeatedly shown that they rarely disappoint when the pressure is on.

Safe to say Felipe Melo was happy to see his former club Juventus eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Galatasaray as he appeared smiling in a video, shouting ‘ bye bye.’

Former Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo trolled Juventus after the Bianconeri’s Champions League exit on Wednesday.

The Old Lady’s 3-2 win over Galatasaray was not enough to secure a spot in the Round of 16, and Melo celebrated Juventus’ elimination with a video on social media, which Gazzetta dello Sport later shared.

A former midfielder for both Juve and Galatasaray, Melo appeared smiling and shouting in front of the TV at full-time: “Bye bye, everybody go home,” said the 42-year-old.

Melo spent two seasons at Juventus from 2009 to 2011, scoring just four goals in 78 appearances and previously admitted he had had a bad time in Turin.

Bologna and Roma will meet in the Europa League Round of 16, and the winner will face Lille or Aston Villa in the quarter-finals: here’s all you need to know about the upcoming Italian derby.

• Read more – Three reasons why Serie A derby in Europa League is bad news for Italian football

The first leg will be played in Bologna, as Roma finished the league phase in the top eight and were, therefore, among the seeded teams.

Roma or Bologna to meet Aston Villa or Lille

The kick-off time will be confirmed by UEFA later today, but the days are already set as the first leg will be played on Thursday, March 12, at the Dall’Ara and the decider at the Olimpico in Rome is scheduled for March 19.

If Bologna progress, they’ll play the second leg of any other future round at home.

The winner will meet Lille or Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

Before the first leg, Roma will play away at Genoa in Serie A, while Bologna will host strugglers Verona.

Bologna and Roma fixture list compared

The Serie A round in between the two Europa League fixtures will see Roma travel to Como for a tricky meeting in the race for a Champions League spot, while Bologna will travel to regional rivals Sassuolo.

Technically, Bologna have a little advantage here given that the Rossoblu are already nine points below a Conference League spot in Serie A, so they’ll surely prioritise the Europa League, while Roma can’t really choose as they currently occupy a Champions League placement, with a four-point lead over Juventus, their next rivals in Serie A.

Roma and Bologna have met only once in Serie A this season, in the first match of the season at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Giallorossi secured a 1-0 victory. The return leg in Serie A will be played on the weekend of April 26, more than a month after their meetings in the Europa League Round of 16.

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano has beaten Gian Piero Gasperini in seven of their previous 15 meetings, drawing three times and losing five times.

The derby between Roma and Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16 will surely send an Italian club to the quarter-finals, but their meeting is not necessarily good news for Serie A.

Both Bologna and Roma directors have admitted that an all-Italian Europa League Round of 16 tie between Giallorossi and Rossoblu is not exactly good news for either club or Italian football. And they are not wrong.

Bologna’s Marco Di Vaio admitted he would have avoided playing Roma, while Frederic Massara argued that the Serie A derby does not favour Italy in the UEFA coefficient ranking.

Bologna vs. Roma bad for UEFA ranking

Serie A sits fifth in the ranking, but with just four clubs still involved in European competitions, including one in the Champions League, Atalanta.

Germany and Spain, Italy’s main rivals for the second place in the UEFA ranking, which will give an extra Champions League spot next season, have more representatives overall and more clubs still running in the Champions League: three for Spain and two for Germany.

Serie A will surely lose a club in the Europa League Round of 16, with Roma or Bologna eliminated, so, naturally, Italy will have even fewer chances to earn points in the race for an extra Champions League placement.

Another reason for disappointment comes when the bracket is examined.

Estos son los cruces de octavos de la Europa League. #UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/N2G0l56ckg

— Movistar Plus+ Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) February 27, 2026

The other possible opponent for Bologna was Freiburg, while Roma could have met Genk.

Besides the fact that Bologna could have earned points against a German rival, Freiburg and Genk have ended up in what appears to be the softer side of the draw alongside Ferencvaros, Braga, Panathinaikos, Real Betis, Celta and Lyon.

On the other hand, the winner of Bologna-Roma will face Lille or Aston Villa, while the other four clubs on the same side of the bracket are Stuttgart, Porto, Nottingham Forest and Midtjylland.

Contrary to the Champions League, there are no clear favourites in this season’s Europa League, and both Bologna and Roma appear to be credible candidates to progress to the later stages. Such a draw, however, will only allow one Serie A club to progress to the quarter-finals.

Lastly, there’s an “emotional aspect” that must be taken into account, as noted by Bologna director Di Vaio.

Travelling abroad to face a foreign opposition unmistakably brings a different atmosphere. While Roma and Bologna will be fully motivated for either matchup, a domestic setting inevitably strips away some of the allure for both supporters and players.

Roma director Frederic Massara expects two ‘great games’ against Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16, but admits that the Serie A derby ‘does not favour Italy’ in the UEFA ranking.

Roma and Bologna will meet in the Europa League Round of 16, but both Serie A sides would have preferred a different outcome to today’s draw.

Bologna vs. Roma in Europa League Round of 16 – Massara reacts

Roma, in fact, could have met Genk, while the Rossoblu’s other possible opponent was Freiburg.

Bologna director Marco Di Vanio had argued that a match against a club from another country would have probably given even more motivation to the Rossoblu, and his Roma counterpart Massara partially agreed.

“Perhaps, it could lose a bit of the charm coming from a European match, but we know it’s a nice game, with a lot at stake,” the Roma sporting director told Sky Sport Italia.

“The regret is for the ranking, as this does not favour Italy.”

Serie A sits fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, and even if the gap with Germany and Spain is reduced to 0.20 points, only four Italian teams remain in European competitions this season, and just one, Atalanta, in the Champions League.

“Surely these will be two great games. Bologna are a strong side, which is returning to the levels of recent seasons,” continued Massara.

“We’ll be happy to play; it will be a great show.”

Di Vaio had also praised Roma striker Donyell Malen, who has scored five goals in his first six Roma appearances.

“I have to say he’s had a positive impact immediately, but Bologna also have valuable players, so we must pay close attention,” Massara replied.

Ivan Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, says he is an ‘Atalanta fan’ because of his compatriot Mario Pasalic: ‘Anything is possible’ against Bayern Munich.

Atalanta have been paired with Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

The draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, today. See how it unfolded on the live blog.

Rakitic: Pasalic is one of my favourite players

Ex-Barcelona star Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, took charge of today’s Champions League draw and spoke to Sky Sport Italia afterwards.

The former Croatia international was asked his thoughts on Atalanta, the only Serie A representative in the Champions League Round of 16 this season.

“I’m an Atalanta fan because of Mario Pasalic, one of my favourite players for a few years,” the ex-midfielder replied (via TMW).

Rakitic won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, scoring a goal in a 3-1 victory against Juventus in the Final.

“I support Atalanta. They showed against Dortmund that if you believe and work hard, you can reach certain results,” Rakitic continued.

“Now anything can happen in two games. They must push, believe and work hard. Then they have Mario Pasalic, so anything is possible.”

Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the knockout play-off, securing a 4-3 aggregate win.

La Dea completed a stunning comeback in the second-leg tie played in Bergamo on Wednesday, beating the Bundesliga side 4-1 after losing the opening tie in Germany 2-0.

Atalanta are ‘proud’ to represent Italy in the Champions League Round of 16, but saw little difference between Bayern Munich and Arsenal, said Umberto Marino.

Atalanta General Manager Marino spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Friday, following the Champions League Round of 16 draw.

La Dea’s possible rivals were Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Atalanta, and they have eventually been paired against the Bavarians.

Marino comments on UCL draw

“Arsenal and Bayern are both strong; they finished first and second in the league phase, and they are destined to fight until the end for the title,” Marino said.

“We’ll try to make life difficult for Bayern. We must be Atalanta as we’ve always been, facing them with courage, determination and the fans’ support.”

Atalanta sit seventh in the Serie A table but have transformed under Raffaele Palladino, who was appointed in place of Ivan Juric in November. What makes the new Dea coach so special?

“Surely the enthusiasm with which wich he approaches training sessions and games day by day,” Marino replied.

“He has a great desire to work and give his all for his team. This is surely a quality he’s passing on to the team and the whole environment.”

Bayern Munich are the Bundesliga leaders and one of the favourites to win the Champions League, but Atalanta have already shocked some German sides in recent years, especially Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League Final and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League knockout play-off this season.

“It’s a tough game, and we’ll need an extraordinary performance, but we play with Atalanta’s enthusiasm, which helped us reach the Champions League Round of 16, a unique objective,” noted Marino.

“We’ll play it with the support of our fans, at home and away, because we need them. Then we’ll see what happens on the pitch.

“Right now, we are lucky to be involved in three competitions. We can do well in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League.

“We are Atalanta; for us, the work culture is fundamental, so we continue working and we’ll accept what happens on the pitch,” he continued.

In recent years, Atalanta have collected positive results against top sides in Europe, but have fallen short against smaller teams on paper.

“This is the magic of football. I can’t really reply,” Marino concluded.

“Bayern are a top-level club, and we’ll face them with great pride to represent Italy in the Champions League, giving our best and 120% of our energy.”

Atalanta have been paired against Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

Serie A side Atalanta, the only Italian club still involved in the Champions League, will play Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.

Atalanta to meet Bayern Munich in Champions League Round of 16

La Dea learned their opponents during today’s draw in Nyon.

See how it unfolded on the liveblog.

The dates for the Champions League Round of 16 are 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026. The Round of 16 match schedule will be available tonight.

Atalanta will play the first leg at home as Bayern were one of the seeded teams.

The winner will meet Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

Atalanta sit 7th in the Serie A table with 45 points, while Bayern are the runaway Bundesliga leaders with 60 points, eight more than second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Atalanta qualified for the Round of 16 by beating Borussia Dortmund in the knockout play-off.

Raffaele Palladino’s side lost the first-leg tie in Germany 2-0 but completed a memorable comeback in Bergamo the following week, beating the Germans 4-1.

There are three other Italian clubs still involved in European competitions: Roma and Bologna in the Europa League and Fiorentina in the Conference League.

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Serie A have four clubs remaining in European competitions and will battle with Germany and Spain for an extra Champions League spot, but Italy’s contenders have more representatives.

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina are the four Serie A clubs remaining in European competitions this season, and Italy’s chance to earn an extra Champions League spot in 2026-27 depends on how far they’ll go in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Atalanta are the only Serie A representative in the Champions League Round of 16, Bologna and Roma have qualified for the Europa League Round of 16, and so has Fiorentina in the Conference League.

Today’s draws will determine their next opponents.

Updated UEFA Coefficient Ranking

Italy sits fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, where the English Premier League has already practically secured the top spot and an extra Champions League spot for next season.

Germany, Spain and Italy will battle for the second and last available place, and the gap between the three contenders is currently only 0.20 points.

Germany currently sits second with 17.571 points, Spain follows in fourth with 17.406, while Italy sit fifth with 17.357.

Both Germany and Spain, however, have more clubs left in European competitions, so technically, they have more chances to earn points. They also have more clubs in the Champions League, a further concern for Italy.

Europe’s elite competition can, in fact, award up to 48 points to a nation; the maximum in the Europa League is 40, and in the Conference League, it’s 32.

Why Italy underdogs against Germany and Spain

Spain’s La Liga has six representatives left, including three in the Champions League, Real Madrid, Atletico and Barcelona.

Germany’s Bundesliga has five clubs remaining in Europe, two in the Champions League: Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

As Gazzetta highlights, ‘theoretically Italy has limited chances because we can earn fewer points. Just as Poland and Portugal have pulled away, the same could happen to our clubs now. Naturally, winning every match and every trophy would change the picture, but a healthy dose of realism doesn’t hurt to avoid ending up disappointed.’

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are considering signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a free agent in the summer, but the Bianconeri’s list also includes Bernardo Silva, Marcos Senesi and Zeki Celik.

Juventus have set their sights on several players whose contracts expire in June, and according to Gazzetta, the latest option to emerge in Turin is Bayern Munich midfielder Goretzka.

Already linked with a move to Milan, Goretzka announced just a few weeks ago that he would not extend his expiring contract with Bayern Munich.

According to Gazzetta, the opportunity to hold talks for the Germany international arose during negotiations for another Juventus target, Bournemouth defender Senesi, as the two players have the same agents.

Two other free agents targeted by Juventus for the summer are Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Roma defender Celik.

La Stampa already reported in January that Juventus had initiated informal talks with Bernardo Silva’s entourage.

Celik’s agent, on the other hand, has denied that his client has already reached an agreement with the Bianconeri.

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina, the four Serie A clubs remaining in European competitions, will learn their Round of 16 opponents today: let’s find out who they could meet.

The draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League take place today in Nyon, Switzerland, revealing the Serie A representatives’ road to the finals.

Atalanta are the only Italian club still involved in the Champions League and will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. The draw for Europe’s elite competition will begin at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT) today.

La Dea beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate in the knockout play-off.

Possible Serie A derby in Europa League

There could be an Italian derby in the Europa League, with Bologna and Roma potentially meeting in the next Round.

The Rossoblu eliminated Brann from the knockout play-off, while Roma qualified straight to the Round of 16 by finishing in the top eight in the league phase.

Bologna will meet Roma or Freiburg, while the Giallorossi will play Bologna or Genk.

The Europa League draw will start at 13:00 today.

Fiorentina struggled to eliminate Jagiellonia from the Conference League knockout play-off and will face Strasbourg or Rakow in the Round of 16.

The Conference League draw will start at 14:00 CET today.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dea challenges the giants

Atalanta: Bayern or Arsenal in the Champions League which we no longer win

Bologna and Fiorentina: the cups continue

Conference, Viola lost 2-4 but went ahead.

‘Spalletti stays here’

Comolli: ‘He’ll make Juventus win.’

The Bianconeri CEO: ‘He’s the right man, we need consistency in the playing style. Red card? How can somebody with 10 games in Europe referee us?’

The debutant Chivu and a season in Conte’s footsteps

Milan’s push to have Modric’s yes

Corriere dello Sport

Juve damaged

Comolli’s rage

Undigestible Champions League exit, the director attacks UEFA and the referee

‘Crazy to send Pinheiro.’

‘Frustrating red card to Kelly, that director only had 10 games, I’ll try not to get a ban in Europe too.’ Decisive match against Roma at the Olimpico.

Dea: Arsenal or Bayern

Bologna ahead, Roma risk

Fiorentina with a risk

Tuttosport

Referees’ errors can cost 80m

Juve, red budget

Absurd red cards that affected matches against Inter and Galatasaray. Comolli’s fury: ‘Frustrating red card to Kelly, how can they send a referee like this? Out of the Champions League because of injustices.’ Osimhen flirts with the Juventus world and Del Piero, even if De Laurentiis…Alex: ‘A thrilling night, a good signal from the team.’

‘Toro was happy in those formidable years.’

Atalanta masterpiece, pride of Italy

Joao Mario celebrates, Viola’s scare

Federico Gatti and Victor Osimhen warmly hugged each other after a 120-minute clash in Juventus-Galatasaray, sending a powerful message to Italian football, but the Bianconeri now face an uphill climb to qualify for the Champions League.

Juventus’ 3-2 win against Galatasaray will go down as one of the most memorable games in the Old Lady’s history, even if not entirely for the right reasons.

Even after going down to 10 men at the beginning of the second half, Juventus pulled off a remarkable three-goal comeback against the Turkish giants. Having lost the first leg 5-2 the week before, Juventus stormed to a 3-0 lead to force the match into extra time.

I’ve been covering Serie A football for over 15 years and have reported on several Juventus matches at the Allianz Stadium. The only other time I felt the stadium shake was in 2019, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and helped the Bianconeri beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 on aggregate to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals.

Last night, I felt exactly the same as the Bianconeri fans created a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish and didn’t stop cheering on the team even after Galatasaray’s second goal.

Not even Lloyd Kelly’s debatable red card made Juventus lose their momentum. Still, ultimately, the Bianconeri found themselves licking their wounds after an incredible night of football, which once again confirmed the ill-fated relationship between the Old Lady and the Cup with the big ears.

Juventus and Galatasaray put on the field exactly what you expect in a top-level Champions League match, and particularly the duel between Gatti and Osimhen summed up the spirit shown in Turin last night.

The clash between the Bianconeri defender and the ex-Napoli striker began quickly as the pair had an argument early in the first half, when Osimhen even took off his trademark face mask to yell at the Italy centre-back.

It is still unclear what Gatti told Osimhen to prompt his angry reaction, but surely neither showed hard feelings at the end of the game, as they warmly hugged each other as soon as the referee blew the full-time whistle.

We’ve already discussed many times how Serie A football has become way too soft, somehow even thanks to an excessive use of VAR. Yet last night’s match showed that Italian clubs can, and must play at a high tempo to give their best and become a real threat to any opponent at a European stage. Atalanta know something about it too, having beaten Borussia Dortmund 4-1, becoming the only Serie A side to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 this season.

Even though Galatasaray players went way too far with their time-wasting technique, especially in the first half, the duel between Osimhen and Gatti was always vigorous, rough, but, above all, fair, and it’s no coincidence that at the end of the match, they set their rivalry aside for a heartfelt embrace that showed exaclty the attitude players must have on the pitch nowadays.

It’s not an overly sentimental take, quite the opposite. Galatasaray tried to sit on their three-goal lead for much of the game and nearly paid a high price for it, as the intensity, the tough challenges, and the desire to always play the ball from Juventus gave them a chance to get back in the contest despite the big advantage held by the Turkish side.

This should serve as a lesson for Serie A football, but mostly the Italy national team. If we are to go to the World Cup, we must stick to football and forget unnecessary drama.

Now, the tricky part begins for Juventus.

It’s hard to remember a Bianconeri side in recent years that has built so much, yet collected so little. It’s undeniable that the playing style and the confidence under Luciano Spalletti have increased dramatically, but the Old Lady remains four points below the top four and has a crucial away game at Roma coming up.

Juventus already proved in Istanbul last week that the physical and psychological burden from a high-level performance can take its toll in the following games. After their controversial 3-2 loss to Inter less than two weeks ago, the Bianconeri suffered a 5-2 defeat away to Galatasaray and then capitulated 2-0 at home against Como.

In those two matches, the Bianconeri looked empty, perhaps also due to the fierce battle at San Siro against their heated rivals.

Surely, this is something they can’t afford next weekend, as a defeat against Roma would push them seven points below a Champions League spot with just 11 Serie A games remaining.

Juventus are not as bad as they looked at the start of the season, largely due to Spalletti’s tactical and psychological work with the team. Yet the Bianconeri’s qualification for the Champions League remains uncertain, and their next match, in just three days, will say a lot about their chances to finish in the top four.

It won’t be easy, especially after playing with such high intensity and being reduced to ten men for over an hour. Roma, on the other hand, have had a week to prepare for one of the most important games of the year. This, however, cannot be an excuse for Juventus, who must be strong enough to prove that their sacrifice and pain against Galatasaray were not in vain.

Edon Zhegrova thanks Juventus fans for their support during a Champions League match against Galatasaray, but admits: ‘This loss is part of my journey.’

• Read more – Ex-Juventus midfielder shares picture of Zhegrova’s big chance wasted: ‘It hurts even more’

Zhegrova was introduced as a substitute in the second half of Juventus’ 3-2 win over Galatasaray on Wednesday, which, however, did not allow the Serie A giants to secure qualification to the Champions League Round of 16.

The Kosovo international replaced Francisco Conceiçao and inspired the Old Lady’s second goal, scored by Federico Gatti.

Juventus had been reduced to ten men due to a red card shown to Lloyd Kelly at the beginning of the second half, yet Luciano Spalletti’s men managed to get to the 90th minute with a 3-0 advantage.

During extra time, however, Zhegrova missed a huge opportunity to score the fourth goal of the night for the Bianconeri while Victor Osimhen bagged the decisive goal for Galatasaray just a few minutes later.

Zhegrova took to social media at full-time to thank Juventus fans for their endless support on Wednesday, but didn’t directly mention his error in front of the goal.

Zhegrova’s social media message after Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray

“Tonight hurts. But this loss is part of my journey! Proud of the team and the mentality shown,” Zhegrova wrote on Instagram.

“Thanks to all supporters in the stadium, you were amazing.”

Zhegrova’s post received several comments from Juventus fans, many of which were not negative and highlighted the team’s spirit in what could have been one of the club’s biggest feats.

Nikola Krstovic won a stoppage-time penalty for Atalanta against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday and coach Raffaele Palladino urged his players to give him a ‘huge round of applause’ as he held up a bloodstained bandage used to stop the striker’s bleeding.

Atalanta are the only Serie A side to have qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, having eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the knockout play-off with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Palladino’s dressing room speech after historic Atalanta win

La Dea earned a late penalty last night when Ramy Bensebaini clumsily kicked Krstovic in the head, and Atalanta coach Palladino praised his striker in the dressing room after the match.

A video posted by Atalanta on Instagram shows Palladino addressing the team while showing a bloodstained bandage Krstovic used to stop the bleeding.

“Let’s give a huge round of applause, come on, give it to him, to a player who, look at this, threw himself at the very last ball, Krstovic, and won us a penalty,” Palladino said in the presence of Luca and Antonio Percassi.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Atalanta B.C. (@atalantabc)

The striker himself also took to social media to show the consequences of Bensebaini’s reckless kick. However, inevitably, the ex-Lecce striker still appeared to be in a good mood after a memorable evening in Bergamo.

Atalanta will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 and will learn their next opponent during a draw taking place tomorrow.

Galatasaray star striker Victor Osimhen was delighted to meet with Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero after a Champions League match against the Bianconeri last night: ‘I want to take a picture.’

Nigeria international Osimhen met ex-Juventus striker Del Piero behind the scenes before a post-match interview at the Allianz Stadium last night.

The Galatasaray striker had just scored a goal to eliminate the Bianconeri from the Champions League, and Del Piero had been commenting on the game as a pundit for CBS Sports and Sky Sport Italia.

As reported by CBS Sports correspondent Marco Messina, Osimhen and Del Piero spoke briefly before the Nigerian striker told the Bianconeri legend: “I want to take a picture.”

During a post-match interview with Prime Video Italia, Osimhen said he didn’t celebrate his goal last night out of respect for his ex-Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti.

“I want to take a picture”

So much respect between Osimhen and Del Piero @CBSSportsGolazo pic.twitter.com/jn3Tqjr5x8

— Marco Messina (@IFTVMarco) February 26, 2026

Check out the latest team news and probable line-ups for Bologna vs Brann and Fiorentina vs Jagiellonia in the Europa League and Conference League, respectively.

There’s more European football on Thursday after a two-day Champions League action that saw Atalanta progress to the Round of 16 while Inter and Juventus faced elimination from Europe’s elite competition.

Today, Bologna play in the Europa League knockout play-off at home against Brann (21:00 CET), and Fiorentina host Jagiellonia in the same stage of the Conference League (18:45 CET).

The Fiorentina game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 8 in the UK and Ireland and Paramount+ in the USA. To watch Bologna vs. Brann head to TNT Sports 2 or TNT Sports 5 in the UK or Ireland or Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Both Serie A sides won their first-leg away games last week. Bologna beat Brann 1-0, while Fiorentina secured a 3-0 victory.

Bologna vs. Brann – team news and probable line-ups

Lykogiannis, Miranda, De Silvestri and Helland are unavailable, so Zortea is expected to start as a left-back with Joao Mario on the opposite flank. Nicolò Cambiaghi and Jonathan Rowe compete for a starting spot on the left flank.

Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Joao Mario, Lucumi, Vitik, Zortea; Moro, Freuler, Ferguson; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.

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

Fiorentina vs. Jagiellonia – team news and probable line-ups

Fiorentina will rotate heavily after a 3-0 win in the first leg. Dodo, as reported by Sky Sport Italia, will still start at right-back, as he’s suspended for the next Serie A match. Jack Harrison will start for the third time in a row, joining Jacopo Fazzini and Roberto Piccoli in attack.

Fiorentina (4-1-4-1): Lezzerini; Dodò, Pongracic, Comuzzo, Gosens; Mandragora; Harrison, Fabbian, Ndour, Fazzini; Piccoli.

Jagiellonia (4-2-3-1): Abramowicz; Wojtuszek, Vital, Pelmard, Wdowik; Mazurek, Romanchuk;  Pozo, Imaz, Jozwiak; Pululu.

Atalanta are the only Serie A team left in the Champions League Round of 16 and will learn their next opponents, either Arsenal or Bayern Munich, on Friday.

Serie A have just one representative remaining in the Champions League Round of 16 following Inter and Juventus’ eliminations in the knockout play-off.

La Dea came back from two goals down against Borussia Dortmund, securing a memorable 4-1 win in Bergamo on Wednesday.

Inter suffered a 5-2 aggregate defeat against Bodo/Glimt, losing both matches, while Juventus nearly completed a comeback against Galatasaray but were eliminated with a 7-5 aggregate loss.

Defending Serie A champions Napoli had already been eliminated in the league phase.

Atalanta will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 and will know their next opponents on Friday.

The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final will take place on Friday, February 27 at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT). The Europa League and Conference League draw will follow.

Champions League Round of 16 draw – rules and teams involved

“The eight winners of the two-legged knockout phase play-offs join the top eight sides from the league phase in the round of 16 draw,” UEFA said.

“The league phase top eight will be seeded for the round of 16 draw.”

Seeded (league phase top eight, ordered by league phase ranking)
Arsenal (ENG)
Bayern München (GER)
Liverpool (ENG)
Tottenham (ENG)
Barcelona (ESP)
Chelsea (ENG)
Sporting CP (POR)
Man City (ENG)

Unseeded (knockout phase play-off winners)
Real Madrid (ESP)
Paris (FRA)
Newcastle (ENG)
Atletico Madrid (ESP)
Atalanta (ITA)
Leverkusen (GER)
Galatasaray (TUR)
Bodø/Glimt (NOR)

The road to Budapest #UCL pic.twitter.com/6mpNCYADFP

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 25, 2026

The clubs in each seeded pair are drawn into one of two positions in the round of 16 against the relevant winners of the knockout phase play-offs, whose position is determined by the knockout phase play-off draw.

Four bowls are prepared for the draw, with the balls containing the names of each pair of seeded teams placed in the corresponding marked bowls according to the league rankings.

The draw will allocate the side of the bracket for all the seeded teams, starting with the teams ranked 7/8 and finishing with the teams ranked 1/2.

One ball is drawn from the bowl containing the two relevant ranked teams (i.e., the teams ranked 7 and 8) and opened to reveal the team. The first team drawn from this bowl is placed in their reserved spot on the silver side of the bracket. The other seeded team of the pairing is then drawn and displayed, and allocated to the corresponding reserved spot on the blue side of the bracket. The same procedure is followed for the remaining seeded teams.

Champions League Round of 16 – Road to the Final

As the teams were positioned in the bracket by the draw for the knockout phase play-off and the round of 16, the ties and the order of matches have already been determined by the positions of the teams from the previous rounds.

The teams qualifying from the round of 16 follow the bracket path until the final, and, as in the previous rounds, the team in the bottom row of each match pairing will play the second leg of the relevant tie at home.

The winners of the semi-final on the silver side of the bracket will be designated as the nominal home team for the final.

Champions League Round of 16 draw – where to watch

The draw will be streamed live on UEFA.com, UEFA.tv and the official UEFA Champions League app. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.