Lautaro Martinez has opened up on his ambitions, his love for Inter’s supporters, and the personal difficulties he has overcome during a wide-ranging virtual Q&A with fans organised by theresidency.io.

The Argentine striker was characteristically direct when asked about his ultimate footballing dream, and it is one that has so far eluded him despite an already decorated career.

“Winning the World Cup is the most important thing in football,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb. “But the dream I still want to achieve is winning the Champions League.”

Inter captain Lautaro Martínez reflects on career so far

Lautaro also reflected on his remarkable goalscoring record for the club, having recently climbed to third in Inter’s all-time scoring charts.

“I never imagined reaching this,” he admitted.

“But with work and sacrifice, everything is achievable. Inter is passion. Wearing the captain’s armband for the first time was an indescribable emotion, just like every goal I score at San Siro.”

The Argentine was particularly warm when discussing the Nerazzurri faithful, who have embraced him unconditionally since his arrival from Racing Club.

“From the very first day I felt loved by the people here,” he said. “I feel proud of that.” He also acknowledged that his journey has not always been straightforward, citing personal difficulties alongside physical setbacks, including a metatarsal injury during his time at Racing and an ankle problem sustained during the World Cup triumph with Argentina, as moments that have shaped his character.

Currently sidelined with a muscular injury, Lautaro will be eager to return to full fitness and continue writing his name into Inter’s history books.

Napoli welcome back two long-absent midfielders for Friday evening’s home clash with Torino, with both Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Zambo Anguissa named in Antonio Conte’s squad after months on the sidelines, although neither will start.

The Belgian and the Cameroonian, out since 25 October and 11 November respectively, are included purely as bench options, with Conte managing their returns carefully, as per La Repubblica.

A shortened preparation week due to the Friday fixture meant the training match he typically uses to sharpen recovering players could not take place.

Lobotka injured as De Bruyne & Zambo Anguissa return for Napoli

The positive news is tempered considerably by fresh midfield casualties.

Stanislav Lobotka has joined Scott McTominay on the treatment table with a muscular complaint sustained after the Verona win, meaning all four of Conte’s preferred central midfielders are simultaneously unavailable for the first time this season.

Rrahmani, Di Lorenzo and David Neres remain longer-term absentees.

Billy Gilmour and Eljif Elmas will start in midfield, with Romelu Lukaku among the substitutes alongside De Bruyne and Anguissa. Up front, a youthful attacking trio of Antonio Vergara, Rasmus Højlund and Alisson Santos will lead the line.

Napoli remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, and with 50,000 fans expected, plus the added subplot of Giovanni Simeone returning as opposition, the atmosphere should be suitably charged. Three points are essential for Napoli’s Champions League ambitions, and Conte will be determined to make home advantage count.

Cesc Fabregas has dismissed any suggestion that Como’s 0-0 draw with Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg represented a missed opportunity, insisting his side performed well enough to have won the tie, and that the second leg in seven weeks’ time remains very much alive.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Cagliari, the Como head coach was characteristically detailed and passionate in his defence of his side’s display against the league leaders.

“Was it a missed opportunity? Sincerely, no,” he said, with quotes via CalcioMercato.

“We had three great chances to score, including Nico Paz, and they barely threatened our goal. I would like to know how many times in recent years Inter have managed just 0.07 expected goals.”

Fabregas proud of Como performance against Inter

Fabregas was equally pointed in pushing back against any criticism of his tactical approach in the closing stages, when Como sat deep rather than chasing a winner.

“If we had gone all-out and conceded a late goal, I would not have slept,” he said.

“We controlled Inter very well. For anyone used to watching teams do that against Inter, well, good for you.”

His only genuine regret was a lack of quality in the final third, with Valle and Vojvoda both failing to convert when well-placed.

“It was not attitude or tactics, it was quality in the last moment,” he conceded. “But after 40 years, we go to Milan in seven weeks to play for a final. Is it impossible? Nothing is impossible.”

The broader context is equally remarkable. Fabregas also reflected on an extraordinary run of fixtures, nine wins, four draws and two defeats across a gruelling 63-day stretch in which Como played every four days. Only the defeat to Fiorentina, he argued, was deserved.

Saturday’s visit of Cagliari offers a chance to maintain the momentum, and Fabregas is expecting another tight affair against a well-organised side.

“I know Pisacane very well, he is doing a tremendous job,” he said. “We want to play our game and bring home three points.”

Radja Nainggolan has never been short of an opinion, and the former Roma midfielder was in characteristically outspoken form in a wide-ranging interview with Sportium.fun, taking aim at Juventus, the VAR system, and even Paul Pogba along the way.

The Belgian, who resisted several opportunities to join Juventus during his career, explained his reluctance in the most Nainggolan way imaginable.

“I used to play Football Manager and I never picked the strongest team,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“When a club like Roma wins the title, it is a celebration for twenty years. At Juventus you have to win it every year, it is a completely different feeling.”

Nainggolan on Juventus referee bias and VAR

He then ventured into more controversial territory, citing what he described as personal experience of referee bias at the Allianz Stadium.

“When they inaugurated the Juventus Stadium, I played there with Cagliari and we drew 1-1 thanks to a non-existent penalty given to Juventus,” he said.

“Then I arrived at Roma, first game at the same stadium, we lost 3-2 with two penalties that were given outside the box. Everyone saw it. It is the truth, only not everyone can bring themselves to say it.”

On VAR, Nainggolan’s verdict was equally blunt.

“Football should be like it used to be,” he said. “If mistakes are still being made with VAR, then it is right to remove it and just let referees make errors naturally. Real football is something else.”

Perhaps most eyebrow-raising was his assessment of his midfield contemporaries. “In my era in Serie A, only Vidal and De Rossi were as strong as me,” he claimed. “Pogba? I was better than him, he only had three good years in his entire career.”

Now contemplating his next move, Nainggolan revealed he is considering taking his coaching badges. “Looking at what is out there,” he said with typical modesty, “I think I could do it.”

Juan Cuadrado faces one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of his season on Saturday, when Pisa travel to the Allianz Stadium to face Juventus, the club where the Colombian winger spent eight defining seasons of his career.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, via IlBianconero, Cuadrado was warm and reflective about his time in Turin, while making clear that sentiment will not get in the way of his desire to help Pisa take something from the game.

“It will be a beautiful match, full of emotions, against a club like Juventus who helped me grow as a professional and as a man,” he said.

“It will be a special evening. But it is a difficult match and we want to play well and take points.”

Cuadrado ‘feeling much better now’ ahead of Juventus return

Cuadrado also addressed the injury that has kept him away from the club in recent weeks, revealing he had travelled abroad to receive specialist treatment, a decision made jointly with Pisa’s medical staff.

“I am much better now and trying to give my best for the team,” he said, adding that he had remained close to his teammates throughout the difficult period. “I have always had the team in my head.”

On the match itself, the 37-year-old was candid about Pisa’s approach, urging his side to go to Turin with freedom and confidence. “Many of our players have never played in that stadium,” he said.

“We must go there with responsibility but also without fear, and try to shoot, like Aebischer did against Sassuolo.”

As for his future beyond this season, Cuadrado was deliberately vague, though his affection for Pisa was evident.

“I feel good here, I love the passion of the supporters,” he said. “But it is not yet the moment to make decisions.”

Sunday’s Milan derby carries enormous weight at both ends of the table, but Inter will be without their captain as Lautaro Martinez continues his recovery from the muscular injury sustained during the Champions League playoff first leg against Bodo/Glimt on 18 February.

Inter’s official medical bulletin confirmed the Argentine suffered a soleus muscle problem in his left leg, and he has not featured since.

The most optimistic scenario points to a return for the Serie A trip to Fiorentina on 22 March, meaning he would also miss next week’s Inter-Atalanta fixture.

Should his recovery take longer, the earliest he could feature is the Inter-Roma clash on 4 April, according to Goal.

His availability for Argentina’s Finalissima against Spain on 27 March also remains uncertain and will depend entirely on his progress in the coming weeks.

Dumfries returns to Inter XI for Milan derby

There is, however, a significant positive for Cristian Chivu ahead of the derby, via IlMilanista.

Denzel Dumfries is back in contention for a starting role after four months on the sidelines, and the Inter head coach is seriously considering handing the Dutchman his first start since returning from injury.

Luis Henrique’s performances on the right flank have been inconsistent, and with no reinforcements arriving in January, Chivu had been managing the situation carefully while waiting for Dumfries to regain full fitness.

That patience now appears ready to be rewarded, with the former PSV man set to reclaim his place as the undisputed first choice on Inter’s right side for one of the season’s most important fixtures.

Adrien Rabiot has established himself as one of Milan’s most important players this season, and in a wide-ranging interview with Rivista Undici, the French midfielder opened up on life at San Siro, his admiration for Luka Modric, and his personal ambitions in the red and black half of Milan.

The former Juventus and PSG man arrived at Milan following a difficult end to his time at Marseille, but has wasted little time in making his mark.

His mental resilience, he says, has always been his greatest asset, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Not everything can go the right way, sometimes negative things happen, but it is precisely in those moments that you learn and grow stronger,” he said. “Self-belief has always been part of my character, and with time and experience it has grown. That is something I want to transmit here at Milan.”

Rabiot: ‘Modric’s stamina surprised me!’

It is Modric, though, who has perhaps impressed Rabiot most since his arrival.

The Croatian legend, now 40, continues to defy the laws of time, and his new teammate have noticed.

“His quality we already knew,” Rabiot said. “What surprised me was his ability to run for ninety minutes, up and down, at forty years old. That is not something you take for granted, he has an extraordinary physique.”

He also highlighted the importance of leadership figures in the dressing room, naming Maignan and recent arrival Fullkrug alongside Modric as players who set the tone for the group.

On Allegri’s influence, Rabiot was equally warm. “With him there is the ambition to do well, to give everything, to train at one hundred percent and to play every match as if it were the last.”

He also credited the manager for creating a calm, focused environment, one in which younger players are thriving.

“He gives tranquillity to the group, he lets us do things properly, without rush, without nerves. The attitude of the younger players is impeccable, and that is also down to the manager.”

Rabiot’s personal goals are characteristically ambitious. He wants to leave his mark on every club he represents, something he achieved at PSG and Juventus, and Milan is next on that list.

“I want to write my name in the history of this club,” he said plainly, before adding that the World Cup remains the ultimate prize. “Winning it is the most beautiful objective in a footballer’s career.”

Lazio president Claudio Lotito’s latest phone call with a supporter went viral on social media on the eve of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Atalanta, and his comments will have done little to ease tensions at a club already under considerable strain.

The tie ended 2-2, leaving everything to play for in the second leg.

Lotito spent ten minutes in a heated conversation that touched on everything from his coach’s squad management to a pointed swipe at former manager Marco Baroni.

On Sarri, the president was barely concealed in his frustration, with quotes courtesy of Tuttosport.

“The club has a name and a surname: Claudio Lotito. It doesn’t belong to Sarri. If he wants it, he can buy it,” he said.

“A manager must take the players available and make them play, if he’s a good coach.”

Lazio president Lotito: ‘Sarri must use his players’

He then rattled off a list of grievances.

Taty Castellanos, sold for €30 million, was barely used. Guendouzi, played out of position in a back three, grew so frustrated he forced his way out.

Noslin and Belahyane were blocked from leaving, yet neither features regularly.

“If you can’t create the right chemistry in the dressing room,” Lotito warned, “people end up telling you where to go.”

Baroni, Sarri’s predecessor, also came in for criticism, with Lotito describing him as “that idiot” and blaming him for last season’s Europa League elimination by Bodo/Glimt, claiming he had instructed the injured Castellanos to take a decisive penalty.

With the second leg still to come and Sarri’s position at the club increasingly precarious, the fallout from Lotito’s latest outburst looks set to rumble on for some time yet.

Milan are in an uncomfortable state of limbo over the proposed transfer of teenage midfielder André from Corinthians, with a deal that appeared to be done now hanging in the balance due to a sudden change of heart from the Brazilian club’s president.

According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Milan and Corinthians had reached a full agreement on the transfer of the 19-year-old, with the fee structured at €15 million plus €2 million in bonuses, covering 70% of the player’s economic rights.

André himself had given his blessing to the move, even agreeing to waive his personal entitlement to the remaining 30% of his own rights, a significant concession that underlined his eagerness to make the switch.

However, after documents had been exchanged and signatures obtained, Corinthians president Osmar Stabile has since asked for more time to consider whether to proceed, throwing the entire operation into doubt.

Milan left frustrated by Corinthians antics over Andre

It is an awkward and frustrating situation for Milan, who believed the deal to be concluded.

The Rossoneri are now monitoring developments closely and awaiting a definitive answer in the coming days.

Should Stabile ultimately decide to pull the plug, Milan are understood to be considering referring the matter to FIFA, given that the club are believed to hold signed documentation from Corinthians’ own legal department.

That route would be pursued not to force the transfer through, but to seek financial compensation should the deal collapse entirely.

For now, Milan wait, with patience running thin.

Inter travel to Como for the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final this evening, with Cristian Chivu facing the delicate task of balancing cup ambition with one eye firmly on Sunday’s Milan derby.

Chivu will rotate, but not excessively. The bigger selection headache is in attack, where both Lautaro Martinez and Bonny are unavailable through injury.

The Argentine is targeting a return for the Fiorentina fixture, while Bonny is hoped to be fit in time for the derby. In their absence, Thuram and Francesco Pio Esposito are expected to lead the line, though a lone striker option has not been ruled out.

Calhanoglu returns to the starting XI alongside Sucic and either Mkhitaryan or Frattesi in midfield, with Barella and Zielinski among those given a rest.

At the back, Acerbi and Bastoni come back in after suspension, while Carlos Augusto deputises for the rested Dimarco on the left flank.

Fabregas, by contrast, has no desire to rotate.

Nico Paz is expected to return to the starting lineup after being left out against Lecce.

Morata and Addai remain unavailable through injury, while Baturina is expected to feature from the bench after a lengthy absence. Diao is another attacking option in reserve.

Como Vs Inter – Probable Lineups & Where To Watch

Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Diego Carlos, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Nico Paz, Jesus Rodriguez; Douvikas.
Inter (3-5-2): Martinez; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Carlos Augusto; Thuram, Esposito.

How to watch: Live on Premier Sports Player in the UK.

Massimiliano Allegri is considering handing Christopher Nkunku a surprise start in Sunday evening’s Milan derby, with Christian Pulisic’s ongoing physical struggles opening the door for the Frenchman to make his mark in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.

The latest news comes via Goal, as preparations continue ahead of Sunday’s huge derby clash.

Pulisic has been hampered by bursitis for several weeks, and the numbers tell a difficult story, the American has not scored since December, is yet to find the net in 2026, and has not completed a full 90 minutes since January.

His appearance at Cremonese left onlookers concerned, with the former Chelsea man visibly drained and deflated as he returned to the bench.

Nkunku, by contrast, has been sharper whenever called upon recently.

Allegri weighs up Milan derby start for Nkunku as form improves

His assist for Rafael Leao’s second goal at Cremonese, a moment of composure and quality that arrived in just a few minutes off the bench, has accelerated Allegri’s thinking considerably.

The Frenchman has grown notably in form and sharpness since the turn of the year, and his developing chemistry with Leao is another factor working in his favour.

Their shared celebration at Cremona was widely read as a symbol of a growing on-pitch connection that could prove significant against Inter.

Allegri will retain his trusted 3-5-2 for the derby, with Modric and Rabiot expected to be central figures in midfield.

There is also positive news from the treatment room, with Davide Bartesaghi’s muscular injury proving less serious than feared, leaving the young defender in contention to start.

Inter Milan have emerged as the leading Italian club in the race to sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer this summer, though Arsenal are applying significant pressure from the Premier League and could yet complicate the pursuit.

The experienced Bayern Munich midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club. January saw him come close to joining Atletico Madrid before those talks collapsed, and his availability has since attracted interest from across Europe.

According to TuttoSport, Milan had been monitoring the situation but have shifted their focus toward Brazilian midfielder André of Corinthians, while Napoli and Juventus are considered interested but not as advanced as Inter in their pursuit.

The move would represent a notable shift in strategy for Oaktree, who had previously mandated a focus on under-23 signings. But the ownership has been persuaded that a different approach is necessary, and the reason is straightforward.

Inter could sign veteran Goretzka to reinforce midfield in summer overhaul

Inter are set to lose between four and five senior players at the end of the season, with Sommer, Acerbi, De Vrij, Darmian and Mkhitaryan all out of contract.

Rebuilding entirely with young prospects risks undermining the squad’s spine, and the club’s sporting directors have made that case convincingly to Oaktree.

The signs of a softening stance were already visible, first in the Pavard-Akanji transition last August, then in January’s attempted moves for Cancelo and Perisic.

Goretzka would address a midfield that faces considerable upheaval.

Frattesi remains eager for a bigger role elsewhere, Calhanoglu is being pursued by Galatasaray with his contract expiring in 2027, and Mkhitaryan’s departure looks certain. Inter have already signed 23-year-old Massolin from Modena, while the buyback of Aleksander Stankovic for €23 million is considered virtually done.

But Goretzka offers something none of those profiles can match: immediate physicality, Champions League pedigree and genuine leadership.

He is seeking a three-year contract worth €6-6.5 million per season, comparable to what Barella, Calhanoglu and Thuram currently earn. His agency, Roof, has an established relationship with Inter, having offered Lookman to the club last summer. Whether this time the deal reaches its conclusion remains to be seen, but the foundations are in place.

Juventus are preparing to make another move for Randal Kolo Muani this summer, with the French striker remaining a firm target despite previous attempts to secure his signature ending in frustration.

The Frenchman made a significant impression during his loan spell in Turin last season, scoring 10 goals in 22 appearances after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in January on a temporary deal worth €3.6 million.

That form convinced the club’s hierarchy that he is the right profile to lead their attack, and according to Tuttosport, PSG’s asking price of under €50 million is considered achievable, particularly given the improved relationship between the two clubs.

Kolo Muani is currently on loan at Tottenham, where he has managed four goals in 29 appearances and is currently coached by Igor Tudor, the same coach who led him at Juventus after Thiago Motta’s dismissal.

Juventus could cut ties with David & Openda to pursue Kolo Muani deal

His output at Spurs has been modest, but Juventus appear undeterred, with Luciano Spalletti understood to want two quality central strikers at his disposal next season.

That ambition sits alongside the ongoing renewal talks with Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires in June.

Rather than viewing the two pursuits as contradictory, Juventus see them as complementary, with Kolo Muani and a renewed Vlahovic potentially forming a potent attacking partnership.

The flip side of that plan, however, is the futures of Jonathan David and Lois Openda, both of whom arrived last summer and have failed to meet expectations.

The Belgian forward in particular has disappointed, and Tuttosport reports that Juventus have no intention of building around either player next season. Finding buyers for two high-profile attacking signings who have underdelivered will be among the club’s most pressing summer challenges.

Tuesday’s Italian sports papers focus on Weston McKennie’s future at Juventus, and Inter’s stance over Arsenal interest in Pio Esposito.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

“Pio not for sale”
Inter say no to Arsenal
Esposito at the centre of the Nerazzurri market and attack
Coppa Italia semi-final at 21:00 against Como: Chivu considering eight changes

The pink paper leads with Inter’s firm stance over young striker Francesco Pio Esposito, insisting the club have rejected interest from Arsenal. The focus remains on the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Como, with Cristian Chivu expected to rotate heavily.

“Allegri’s tricks”
How Milan will try to keep the Scudetto race alive
From De Winter’s height to Nkunku’s creativity

“The most beautiful goal”
Conceição’s strike (100 km/h from 17 metres) goes around the world

“Nightmare Viola”
Fiorentina overwhelmed in Udine
Three goals conceded in the opening 30 minutes

Tuttosport

“Taremi: I’m going to war”
Sport increasingly halted in the Middle East amid the conflict with Iran
The former Inter striker reportedly told Olympiacos he wants to return home: “My country needs me”

In Turin, the spotlight is firmly on Juventus.

“Okoli or Gatti”
And talks underway with Vlahovic
Juventus playing for their future without a true centre-forward

The paper underlines how hopes of a top-four finish – crucial for the market and the club’s ambitions – rely heavily on defensive solidity and Federico Gatti’s leadership. Dusan Vlahovic’s contract situation remains unresolved.

Also featured:

“Inter want the double, and Goretzka”
Coppa Italia semi-final, first leg: Chivu chasing history
The German midfielder could become a summer target

Corriere dello Sport

“Como stir up Inter”
Coppa Italia semi-final first leg: Como seek the upset (21:00)
Fabregas once in Marotta’s plans, now he could deny Chivu the dream of the double
Peace between the clubs over Esposito: special duel

The Rome-based daily previews the Coppa Italia clash, framing it as a potential banana skin for Inter against an ambitious Como side led by Cesc Fabregas.

“Juve, stand firm”
McKennie until 2030
Lucio key to the renewal talks
Turning point in negotiations: the coach wants to stay, but four or five top signings are needed to win
Further contact with Dusan: a €6m salary proposal made, decision imminent

Juventus are reportedly pushing to extend Weston McKennie’s contract until 2030, while discussions continue over Vlahovic’s future.

Elsewhere:

“Bologna magic: Odgaard sinks Pisa”
A stunning strike gives Italiano his fifth straight win

“Viola nightmare continues”
Udinese dominant, defensive collapse costly

Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been the topic of much criticism today after a dismal display in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham in the Premier League.

The former Empoli shot-stopper made a series of errors in his distribution which attracted viral attention on social media.

Spurs fans did not hold back in their criticism of the Italian, with some even going so far as to ask: ‘Is Vicario the worst number one we’ve had in the modern era?’

One fan replied ‘He makes Heurelho Gomes look like Pat Jennings,’ in reference to the club’s former Brazilian goalkeeper and the legendary Northern Irish number one.

Spurs fans clear in criticism of Italian goalkeeper Vicario

Others feel like even his reliable qualities are letting him down: ‘The one redeemable part about Vicario used to be his shot stopping which isn’t that great anymore.’

His poor distribution did not go unnoticed, with some fans bringing up the stats behind his woeful afternoon in London.

how do you miss every single long ball pic.twitter.com/ftVdeJz5cu

— 皿 #FrankSurvivor (@thfcandrej) March 1, 2026

Who from the squad stays next season when we’re playing Championship football?

Vicario and Kinsky, maybe Danso, Souza and Davies. Bissouma, Odobert and Solanke. Everybody else will want to be straight out the door.

It’s frightening how destructive relegation will be for us.

— Ali Bunker (@AliBunker88) March 1, 2026

Was gonna ask if they got these from vicario, but I dont think he had that many to begin with https://t.co/KssAVqzEQL

— InvertTheAffairBaby (@InvertTheBebe) March 1, 2026

Vicario takes a free kick on the edge of his area and kicks the ball straight into The Putney end, and yells at players for not making more of it.

— Gary Chapman (@Gazby77) March 1, 2026

I think Kinsky is cheeks but I’m finally at the point where Vicario needs dropping. He already needs selling but I acc can’t stand seeing him play for us atm. In fact, we should just play Austin at this point for a moment

— Tobs #TouchlineFracas (@tapintobs) March 1, 2026

Roma drew with Juventus 3-3 this evening as the Bianconeri fought back from two goals down to secure a vital point.

The first forty minutes were largely uneventful before Wesley broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. The goals came thick and fast in the second half, with Francisco Conceicao scoring a lovely long range goal before Roma scored twice in the next twenty minutes.

Roma looked home and dry before two goals for the visitors in the last 15 minutes sealed the draw.

Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli, for his assist and dominant performance in the middle of the park.

Roma 3-3 Juventus – Player Ratings

Roma: Svilar 6; Celik 6, Mancini 6.5, N’Dicka 7; Rensch 6.5 (Ghilardi 6), Kone 6.5, Cristante 5.5 (El Aynaoui 6),  Wesley 7; Pisilli 7.5, Pellegrini 6; Malen 7

Best Roma player: Niccolo Pisilli – The 21-year-old put in a mature performance in midfield tonight, controlling much of the home side’s tempo. Picked up an assist and worked hard both offensively and defensively.

Lowest Roma rating: Bryan Cristante – Lacklustre before his substitution: was all over the pitch but did not really have any impact. His passes were poor and he struggled defensively too.

Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini 6.5 – A lack of substitutes before it was too late disrupted Roma’s rhythm, especially after such a strong display throughout the ninety. The coach did well but failed to react and allowed Juventus back into the match.

Juventus: Perin 5.5; Kalulu 6, Bremer 5.5 (Gatti 6.5), Kelly 5; McKennie 5.5, Thuram 6 (Miretti 6), Koopmeiners 5.5, Cambiaso 5; Conceicao 6.5 (Zhegrova 6), Yildiz 5.5; David 5.5 (Boga 7)

Best Juventus player: Jeremie Boga – Came off the bench to score, keeping up his good start to life in Bianconeri colours. Couldn’t help snatch a late equaliser but looked dangerous in his half an hour on the pitch.

Lowest Juventus rating: Lloyd Kelly – Beaten far too easily, far too often. Looked out of his depth on more than one occasion, but was sold by Wesley’s deft touch for the opener.

Coach: Luciano Spalletti 7 – Saved by his substitutions, Spalletti deserves credit for succeeding where his counterpart failed. His set-up struggled in the first half but the coach reacted well to help inspire his side’s comeback.

You can relive all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Brazilian wing-back Wesley gave Roma the lead in their Serie A clash against Juventus this evening, with a lovely effort from the edge of the box that curled into the far corner.

The Brazilian broke the deadlock, giving Gian Piero Gasperini’s side the lead headed into the half-time interval.

Wesley picked up the ball on the left hand side, before cutting inside neatly and taking his attempt on goal.

You can follow all the action from the second half, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

There was a brief moment after the goal where the Giallorossi were celebrating their goal and Juventus coach Spalletti came on to the pitch to give instructions to one of his players.

Roma defender N’Dicka initially reacted angrily towards Spalletti’s intrusion before soon after apologising.

Watch: Wesley gives Roma the lead against Juventus

What a strike from Wesley Franca He cuts inside and curls beautifully into the far corner to give Roma the lead over Juventus!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/m5q2jbcf2T

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2026

A WONDERFUL strike from Wesley to give Roma the lead pic.twitter.com/qtvCjODOP2

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 1, 2026

Maurizio Sarri made no attempt to sugarcoat what he witnessed in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Torino, delivering a blunt and self-critical assessment of a Lazio performance he described as flat, joyless and simply lacking the basic energy required to compete.

The Lazio head coach spoke at his press conference after the game, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“As for energy, we were inferior to our opponents,” he said plainly. “We never won a loose ball. The absurd thing is that we had five chances on goal and they had four, so creating opportunities was not the issue. The problem was elsewhere.”

That problem, in Sarri’s view, was a collective failure of mental preparation that he admitted he had seen coming.

“Before the game there were clear warning signs, we got the recruitment of mental energy wrong,” he said, a candid acknowledgement that his side simply were not ready to face a Torino team galvanised by a change of manager.

“This is a squad that has always been present, even at Cagliari. Today was different, a sad team without energy. When you’re not winning loose balls, talking about the formation is pointless.”

Torino 2-0 Lazio – Sarri: ‘We need to dig deep for motivation’

Asked whether he was more concerned about his attack or defence, Sarri’s answer was telling. Five chances created suggested the forward line was functioning, it was the defensive application, he argued, that had let the side down, and not merely the back line.

When pressed on the substitution of Ratkov, he was candid.

“I needed more liveliness, Noslin could provide that. But I knew that if the team didn’t change as a whole, it would be pointless.”

With a daunting double fixture against Atalanta on the horizon, Sarri’s closing message was unambiguous.

“If you have great motivation, you can find it even the day before a game. If you don’t, you can stay in a training camp for a month and it won’t matter. We need to find motivation that comes from within.”

Torino got life under Roberto D’Aversa off to a flying start this evening, with a 2-0 win against Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, Giovanni Simeone and Duvan Zapata scoring to help secure an important three points.

Speaking at his first post-match press conference as Torino boss, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, D’Aversa was delighted with his side’s performance against the Biancocelesti.

“When there is a change of manager, a reaction is normal,” he said. “I’m pleased with the strikers’ goals, we had the courage to start them both immediately to send a signal. When everyone sees Zapata and Simeone working hard and sacrificing for the team, everyone gives more.”

Torino 2-0 Lazio – D’Aversa: ‘Important win, now we focus on Napoli’

He also credited his 3-4-2-1 system, noting that the same formation can be interpreted in very different ways depending on the approach. “We tried to occupy the width with Duvan attacking the depth. We had prepared it that way.”

On what message he delivered to his players before kick-off, D’Aversa was candid and refreshingly human.

“I reminded them that we were going out to play football, to be enthusiastic, to consider ourselves fortunate given what is happening in the rest of the world. We needed to restore enthusiasm and confidence.”

He was equally quick to keep expectations in check, repeatedly stressing that nothing had been achieved yet.

“We haven’t done anything,” he said more than once. “The win was important, but now we think about Napoli.”

Juventus are preparing to open talks over a contract renewal with Dusan Vlahovic, with the club increasingly open to the idea of keeping the Serbian striker beyond his current deal, a significant shift from the position held just a few months ago when his departure seemed inevitable.

The stumbling block, as it has always been, is salary, as per CalcioMercato reports.

Vlahovic currently earns €12 million net per season, the highest wage on Juventus’ books, a figure the club have privately acknowledged is unsustainable and one they have no intention of matching in future contracts.

At €23 million gross, the outlay represents exactly the kind of financial commitment the club are looking to move away from as they restructure their wage bill.

However, according to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus may have found a creative solution, one they have already successfully deployed elsewhere.

Juventus use Yildiz deal as template for Vlahovic talks

The model used to secure Kenan Yildiz’s renewal could serve as the template: a reduced base salary of around €7 million per year, offset by a substantial signing-on bonus of approximately €6 million.

It is an arrangement that allows the club to lower their long-term wage commitments while still offering the player a financially attractive package up front.

Whether Vlahovic accepts such terms remains to be seen, particularly given the interest from clubs of the calibre of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Milan.

The Serbian is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks, and his performances between now and the end of the season are likely to be decisive in shaping both his own thinking and the appetite of those rival clubs.

For Juventus, keeping Vlahovic and extending Spalletti’s tenure are both part of a broader push for stability, a word that has become something of a mantra at the club in recent months.

Marco Verratti is set to make a surprise return to the Italy national team, with new head coach Gennaro Gattuso ready to recall the veteran midfielder for the World Cup playoff fixtures, according to transfer insider Nicolò Schira.

Schira reports that positive direct contact has taken place between the two parties in recent hours, with Verratti confirming his availability and willingness to pull on the Azzurri shirt once more, a development few would have predicted given how long he has been absent from the international scene.

The experienced midfielder has been plying his trade in Qatar with Al-Arabi and Al-Duhail since leaving Paris Saint-Germain, and his omission from Italy squads in recent years had led many to assume his international career was over.

Verratti in for shock Italy call-up?

However, Gattuso, who shares a strong personal relationship with the midfielder, has clearly decided that his technical quality and experience could be invaluable during the high-stakes pressure of playoff football.

It is a bold call, but not an entirely surprising one given Gattuso’s personality.

The Italy boss has never been one to shy away from decisive or unconventional decisions, and with a World Cup place on the line, turning to one of the most technically gifted Italian midfielders of his generation carries obvious logic.

For Verratti, it would represent a remarkable and emotional international comeback, and an opportunity to write one final chapter in an Azzurri career that, until very recently, appeared to have already reached its conclusion.

Nottingham Forest have decided against triggering their option to permanently sign Lorenzo Lucca, according to reliable transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, confirming what his performances this season have long suggested was coming.

The Italian striker joined Forest on loan from Napoli in January, with the English club holding a purchase option worth €35 million.

That clause will not be exercised, with Schira reporting that Forest are simply not satisfied with what Lucca has produced since his arrival at the City Ground.

It is difficult to argue with that assessment.

Lucca expected back at Napoli this summer

The 25-year-old has managed just 120 minutes of Premier League football, started only once, and was hooked at half-time during a Europa League playoff leg against Fenerbahce, a performance that drew sharp criticism from supporters.

The goal he scored on his debut against Leeds briefly raised hopes of a turnaround, but it has proven to be an isolated moment in an otherwise underwhelming loan spell.

The news will concern Napoli considerably.

The club paid close to €40 million to sign Lucca from Udinese, where he had impressed with 12 goals in a single season, only for him to completely fail to establish himself under Antonio Conte.

His contract runs until 2030, meaning Napoli cannot simply move him on cheaply, yet finding a buyer willing to meet their valuation after two consecutive failed loan spells will be an increasingly difficult task.

Lucca will return to Naples at the end of the season with his market value significantly diminished and his future at the club deeply uncertain.