Referee decisions in a 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday infuriated Inter, but Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport notes that the Nerazzurri looked ‘drained and fearful’ against La Dea.

Despite a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta on Saturday, Inter remain at the top of the Serie A standings with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan.

Inter ‘drained and fearful’ against Atalanta

The Rossoneri have a game in hand, to be played against Lazio tonight, and a win would allow Massimiliano Allegri’s men to move five points below their city rivals with nine games remaining.

Besides the debatable refereeing decisions, Gazzetta dello Sport’s front page summed up Inter’s mood and shape against Atalanta in two words: “drained and fearful.”

Journalist Arianna Ravelli added: “It is clear that refereeing incidents end up affecting not only the match and the standings, but also the evaluations of Chivu’s team.

“What can be said is that an unattractive Inter had nevertheless gained an advantage that should have allowed them to face adversity, real or perceived, without harm. The way the team plays on the field must reflect that of a side that has earned the top spot and believes it deserves it. Simply managing the game is not enough.

“The truth is that Inter should have killed off a game that had a sluggish start and developed with overall lacklustre brilliance. What was missing was the ruthlessness and more courage. The contribution from the substitutes was also lacking: the changes definitely benefited Palladino more than Chivu.”

Former Milan coach Fabio Capello also argued that Chivu looked “a bit confused” and admitted that the decision to replace Pio Esposito in the second half was unconvincing.

Perhaps the next three league fixtures are the toughest remaining for Inter this season, as the Nerazzurri will first travel to Fiorentina, then host Roma, and then visit Como.

On the other hand, after tonight’s game against Lazio, Milan will face Torino at home, Napoli away and Udinese at home.

There are growing reports on Tottenham’s interest in Roberto De Zerbi, but the Italian tactician will wait until the summer before taking a new role.

Former Sassuolo and Brighton coach De Zerbi could return to the Premier League in the summer as the Italian is reported to be among the primary names for the Tottenham job.

De Zerbi ‘one of the leading names on Tottenham’s shortlist’ for 2026-27

Ben Jacobs reports on X social media that “De Zerbi is currently inclined to wait until summer before taking a new role, knowing multiple clubs are interested. Italian is one of the leading names on Spurs’ shortlist along with Mauricio Pochettino.” 

The transfer expert adds that Tottenham are expected to part ways with Igor Tudor this month as the North Londoners are “actively assessing both caretaker options and whether a permanent appointment could be brought forward.”

De Zerbi left Marseille by mutual consent in February, and previous reports linked the Italian with the Manchester United job as well.

De Zerbi, 46, already coached Brighton in the Premier League. He was appointed in October 2022 and left the club at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The Italian tactician won 38 of 89 games at Brighton, losing 31 and drawing 20.

During his first season at Brighton, De Zerbi led the team to their first-ever qualification for the UEFA Europa League.

De Zerbi coached Palermo, Benevento and Sassuolo in Serie A, winning 47 of 155 games in Italy’s top flight.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, referee chiefs believe it was legitimate to allow play to continue in the build-up to Atalanta’s equaliser against Inter, but the table leaders should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Davide Frattesi.

Referee chiefs have given their verdicts on the controversial incidents that infuriated Inter in their 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday.

Referee incidents that upset Inter in 1-1 draw vs. Atalanta

The table leaders protested for La Dea’s equaliser as they felt Kamaldeen Sulemana had pushed Denzel Dumfries in the build-up. Inter were even more upset a few minutes later when Giorgio Scalvini challenged Frattesi inside the box, making contact with the Italian midfielder.

Referee Gianluca Manganiello waved play on on both occasions, infuriating the Nerazzurri, who didn’t even speak to the media after the match.

According to Gazzetta, referee chiefs feel the match official was right to let the play flow in the build-up to Atalanta’s goal scored by Nikola Krstovic. Still, Manganiello should have awarded a penalty to Inter for Scalvini’s foul.

Manganiello should have correctly assessed the penalty incident, so he’s considered more responsible than the VAR official.

However, the AIA executives were also not pleased that VAR remained silent and did not advise the match referee to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Manganiello is not expected to referee any Serie A game next week as part of the routine rotation. He’ll return to action after the international break, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll take charge of a Serie A or Serie B match.

Vitinha and Leo Ostigard’s goals gave Genoa a crucial 2-0 win away at Verona, and while Daniele De Rossi’s side nears survival, the Gialloblu seem destined for relegation to Serie B.

De Rossi’s Genoa secured a massive 2-0 win at the Stadio Bentegodi in Verona on Sunday, climbing to 13th in Serie A with 33 points, nine above the relegation zone.

Verona, on the other hand, remain in 19th with just 18 points.

The first half at the Bentegodi was quite dull, with Verona midfielder Jean Akpa Akpro producing the only decent goal-scoring opportunity for the home side when his cross from the right hit the crossbar.

Caleb Ekuban had the best chance for the visitors, backed by over 2,000 fans travelling from Genoa, but Lorenzo Montipò easily blocked the striker’s weak shot.

The first half ended with Verona producing just 0.7 Expected Goals against Genoa’s 0.14.

De Rossi’s second-half substitutions made the difference, as Vitinha replaced Ekuban and scored with his first touch.

The Portuguese striker saw Montipò off his line and unleashed a powerful shot from 32 yards. It was strong, but straight down the middle, and the Verona goalkeeper was poorly positioned to stop it.

Ostigard sealed the match a few minutes later, powering in a decisive header from a Martin free kick delivered from the left.

The only real Hellas response came through a Tomas Suslov free kick that sailed over the crossbar.

For the Grifone, it marked their first away victory in three months, while Verona’s winless run at home stretches on since the beginning of December.

Verona 0-2 Genoa

Vitinha 61 (G), Ostigard 87 (G)

15-03-2026 11:30

MatchDay 29

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

VER

GEN

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Daniel Oyegoke		6'
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		31'

2nd half

		61'		Vitinha
		81'		Vitinha
		86'		Leo Östigard (Assist: Aarón Martín)

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

8

Total shots

11

1

Shots on target

3

4

Shots off target

3

3

Blocked shots

5

4

Corners

2

3

Offsides

1

22

Fouls

9

VER

GEN

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

2

Daniel Oyegoke

Defender

46'

3

Martin Frese

Defender

80'

6

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

65'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

16

Gift Orban

Attacker

86'

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

59'

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

71'

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

59'

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

78'

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

79'

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

73

Moatasem Al-Musrati

Midfielder

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

71

Davide De Battisti

Defender

41

Isaac

Attacker

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

46'

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

65'

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

80'

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

86'

8

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

75

Gaël Lafont

Midfielder

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

9

Vitinha

Attacker

59'

15

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Defender

59'

4

Amorim

Midfielder

71'

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

78'

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

79'

Italian talent Luca Reggiani, 18, became the youngest Italian goalscorer in the Bundesliga as he found the net in a 2-0 win over Augsburg on Saturday.

Italian defender Reggiani scored his first Bundesliga goal for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

The 18-year-old played the full 90 minutes and bagged his first goal for the German side with a header from a corner kick routine in the second half.

As reported by Opta, Reggiani has become the youngest Italian player to score in one of the top five European leagues, excluding Serie A, since Pietro Pellegri in 2018. Reggiani has also become the youngest Italian to score a goal in the Bundesliga.

“It’s crazy. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the ball going in. I can’t say how the feeling was because it was really amazing to score my first goal,” said at full time.

“It’s all happening so fast. Last month, I made my debut, then the Champions League, and now my first goal. I’m very happy with what is happening. I thank the club and everyone.”

A product of the Castelvetro Calcio and Sassuolo academies, Reggiani joined the Borussia Dortmund youth sector from the Neroverdi in 2014.

The promising defender made his debut with the Italy U19 squad this past January.

Lucca Reggiani marcou seu primeiro gol pelo Borussia Dortmund… e foi à loucura na comemoração.#NoCentroDoJogo pic.twitter.com/QfwfhO7ZtG

— SportyNet (@SportyNetBrasil) March 14, 2026

Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram says he felt ‘attacked’ when Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. was allegedly racially abused during a Champions League match against Benfica: ‘It could have been me.’

Juventus star Thuram spoke out firmly against racism in an interview with Canal+, addressing how he felt witnessing Vinicius Jr. allegedly subjected to racist abuse during a Champions League match against Benfica in February.

“It’s difficult as a black boy. In 2026, you can still be attacked because of the colour of your skin,” the Juventus midfielder said via L’Equipe.

Vinicius and other Real Madrid players accused Gianluca Prestianni of making racist remarks towards the Brazilian, but the Benfica talent denied the claims.

Besides this latest incident, sadly, Vinicius has frequently been the target of racist abuse in Spain and across Europe.

“Vinicius was attacked, and it’s as if I were the one being attacked. It could have been me. And all of this just because I’m black? I don’t have the answer to stop this. I don’t have the answer to stop it in stadiums,” Thuram continued,

“Leaving the pitch might be a solution, but I want to play football. It’s my job, and I enjoy what I do.

“There should be stronger actions for those who behave like that. Why should I be the one to leave the field? He should be the one leaving the stadium. We have to stop this nonsense and start taking things seriously.”

Thuram’s father, Lilian, a former Juventus and Parma defender and a 1998 France World Cup winner, is a well-known anti-racism activist, founder of the Lilian Thuram Foundation, which focuses on education to combat racism.

His sons, Marcus and Khephren, play in Serie A for Inter and Juventus, respectively.

Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has scored three goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.

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

Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to miss the next Serie A match against Fiorentina due to a muscle injury, according to reports in Italy.

Inter midfielder Mkhitaryan suffered a muscle injury during a 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday.

Italian sources, including Calciomercato.com, claim that the Armenian will undergo medical tests in the coming days to learn the extent of his injury.

The ex-Arsenal and Manchester United midfielder is expected to miss the next Serie A match against Fiorentina on March 22, but the Nerazzurri hope Hakan Çalhanoğlu will return to action in Florence.

Mkhitaryan played 45 minutes in Inter’s match against Atalanta, replacing Petar Sucic at half-time.

Mkhitaryan’s contract with Inter expires at the end of the season, and according to Italian sources, the Nerazzurri are considering offering him a one-year extension.

Mkhitaryan, 37, has scored two goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.

Inter remain the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point advantage over second-placed Milan, who have a game in hand.

Lecce winger Lameck Banda has been discharged from the hospital after undergoing tests that ‘returned negative results,’ the Serie A club said.

Banda collapsed in the final minutes of Lecce’s away game at Napoli on Saturday after sustaining a knock in the chest.

The 25-year-old was struggling to breathe and received immediate medical attention on the field.

Banda never appeared to lose consciousness, but he was taken to a hospital in Naples for further tests.

The 25-year-old spent the night at the hospital and was discharged on Sunday morning.

“Lameck Banda was discharged this morning from Cardarelli Hospital after a series of tests that returned negative results,” Lecce said in a statement.

A Zambia international, Banda has scored three goals and provided three assists in 23 Serie A appearances this season.

Lecce suffered a 2-1 away defeat at Napoli on Saturday, but remain three points above the relegation zone.

Their next league game is against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, March 22, and it remains to be seen whether Banda will be eligible to play.

Fabio Capello admits that Inter coach Cristian Chivu is ‘a bit confused’, but the race for the Serie A title remains in the Nerazzurri’s hands.

Inter were held to a 1-1 home draw by Atalanta at San Siro on Saturday, but the Serie A leaders were upset by referee decisions in the second half.

Ex-Milan, Juventus and Roma coach Capello, however, examined the Nerazzurri’s performance in an interview with Gazzetta, suggesting that the result was not determined solely by referees’ decisions.

“I was at San Siro and saw a team that wasn’t very sharp physically,” said the legendary Italian coach.

“Inter also had chances to kill off the game when they were 1-0 up, but Atalanta also wasted the opportunity to equalise as well, before eventually scoring with Krstovic. My impression is that Chivu is a bit confused.

“The substitutions didn’t convince me,” Capello continued.

“Why take off Esposito, who allowed the team not to get pinned back and forced Atalanta not to push up too much? After that, Atalanta began to take control of the field.

Inter remain the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan, but the Rossoneri have a game in hand, to be played away at Lazio tonight.

The Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri will look to Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao in attack.

“The Portuguese seems to have lost his best qualities, namely, his acceleration and his ability in one-on-one situations,” Capello noted.

“Maybe he’s not fully fit yet, but I didn’t like him much in the derby, and when he had chances to strike, he was unusually slow and got bothered right when he was about to shoot.

If Milan beat Lazio, they’ll move five points below their city rivals with nine games remaining.

“Dreaming and hoping are always allowed, but everything would still depend on Inter, which would have to make mistakes in at least two or three more matches,” argued Capello.

“At the same time, Milan would need to keep winning, starting tonight in Rome.

“The draw between Inter and Atalanta will have brought some cheer to Milanello, but the away match in Rome is definitely not something to take lightly. Sometimes, when you are fired up and want to do too much, you overdo it, and it ends badly.”

Inter play their next Serie A match away at Fiorentina before facing Roma and Como. After their game against Lazio, Milan will play Torino at home, Napoli away and Udinese at home.

Scotland striker Kieron Bowie starts for Verona in a crucial home game against Lorenzo Colombo’s Genoa.

It kicks off at 12:30 CET (11:30 GMT) at the Stadio Bentegodi.

Over 2,000 Genoa fans have travelled to Verona following last week’s 2-1 win over Roma at Marassi.

The Rossoblu sit 14th in the standings, six points above the drop zone, while Verona sit 19th, seven points below safety.

Scottish striker Bowie, who scored his first Serie A goal in a 2-1 victory against Bologna, joins Gift Orban in attack for Verona.

Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi starts Colombo and Caleb Ekuban in attack, while English right-back Norton-Cuffy begins on the bench, still not fully fit after an injury.

Verona vs. Genoa – official line-ups

Verona (3-5-2): Montipò; Nelsson, Edmundsson, Valentini; Oyegoke, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Harroui, Frese; Bowie, Orban.

Verona bench: Perilli, Toniolo, Belghali, Sarr, Suslov, Lirola, Mosquera, Niasse, Isaac, Fallou, De Battisti, Al Musrati.

Genoa (3-5-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Ellertsson, Malinovskyi, Frendrup, Messias, Sabelli; Colombo, Ekuban.

Genoa bench: Leali, Sommariva, Martin, Amorin, Baldanzi, Vitinha, Zatterstrom, Norton-Cuffy, Ekhator, Otoa, Cornet, Lafont.

Verona vs. Genoa – live updates

15-03-2026 11:30

MatchDay 29

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Genoa

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Daniel Oyegoke		6'
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		31'

2nd half

		61'		Vitinha
		81'		Vitinha
		86'		Leo Östigard (Assist: Aarón Martín)

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

8

Total shots

11

1

Shots on target

3

4

Shots off target

3

3

Blocked shots

5

4

Corners

2

3

Offsides

1

22

Fouls

9

Verona

Genoa

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

2

Daniel Oyegoke

Defender

46'

3

Martin Frese

Defender

80'

6

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

65'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

16

Gift Orban

Attacker

86'

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

59'

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

71'

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

59'

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

78'

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

79'

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

73

Moatasem Al-Musrati

Midfielder

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

71

Davide De Battisti

Defender

41

Isaac

Attacker

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

46'

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

65'

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

80'

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

86'

8

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

75

Gaël Lafont

Midfielder

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

9

Vitinha

Attacker

59'

15

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Defender

59'

4

Amorim

Midfielder

71'

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

78'

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

79'

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter President Beppe Marotta and director Piero Ausilio politely confronted the referee after a 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday, but the club fear recent calls are linked to the Alessandro Bastoni controversy against Juventus.

Refereeing decisions in a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta infuriated Inter, who didn’t send coach Cristian Chivu or any of their players to speak to the media after the match.

The Serie A table leaders protested for a potential foul in the build-up to Atalanta’s equaliser in the second half and felt they deserved a penalty kick a few minutes later for a mistimed Giorgio Scalvini challenge on Davide Frattesi.

According to Gazzetta, Marotta and Ausilio politely confronted referee Gianluca Manganiello inside the dressing room at full-time.

The pink paper adds that Andrea Demarco, federal coordinator for relations between referees and clubs and Andrea Gervasoni, the delegate responsible for assessing the refereeing performance, were also present.

Inter already complained about a potential penalty kick they were denied in the final minutes of last week’s 1-0 loss to Milan.

According to Gazzetta and Sport Mediaset, Inter feel a ‘climate of hostility’ which the club attribute to the Bastoni case against Juventus.

Back in February, the Italian defender caused a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu by going too easily on a challenge from the Frenchman, and also celebrated when his opponent was sent off.

Bastoni received a hostile welcome in the following away games at Lecce and Como and in the derby against Milan, during which he also suffered an injury.

Inter remain at the top of the Serie A table with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan, but the Rossoneri have a game in hand, to be played tonight against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Italy star Riccardo Calafiori contributed to Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday night and celebrated on social media with a three-word message.

Arsenal secured a massive 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, moving nine points above Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand.

Calafiori contributed to the Gunners’ vital victory with a fantastic clearance in the first half, and the North Londoners went on to win the game with late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and 16-year-old Max Dowman.

Calafiori’s acrobatic block from this angle is insane pic.twitter.com/bdYd6ebU8h

— Meech (@MeechSomto) March 15, 2026

To celebrate the win, Calafiori posted an Instagram showing him in a celebratory mood, accompanied by a simple caption: ‘No words needed.’

Calafiori is one of the Italian players with a guaranteed spot in the Azzurri squad for next week’s World Cup play-offs.

Como will look to Anastasios Douvikas and Nico Paz in a big home game against Donyell Malen’s Roma today.

It kicks off at 18:00 CET (170:00 GMT) at the Stadio Sinigaglia in Como.

Azzurri and Giallorossi are level on 51 points, just two below fourth-placed Juventus, who already played on Saturday night, beating Udinese 1-0 away.

It goes without saying that it’s a crucial fixture for both Roma and Como, who are battling for a Champions League spot.

Como are without Jayden Addai, while Roberto Perrone is not fully fit. According to Sky Sport, however, the ex-Manchester City talent will still start in central midfield.

Roma, on the other hand, are short of options in attack with Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé injured. Furthermore, centre-backEvan Ndicka is suspended.

According to Gazzetta, Jan Ziółkowski is favourite over Daniele Ghilardi, while Gazzetta claims that the Italian will start in a back-three alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso.

Roma played away at Bologna on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 and will play the decider at the Olimpico against the Rossoblu next week.

Como vs. Roma – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland and Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Como vs. Roma – probable line-ups

Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Paz, Baturina; Caqueret.

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ziolkowski, Hermoso; Celik, Koné, Pisilli, Wesley; Pellegrini, Cristante; Malen. 

Lazio are short of options in central midfield, while Milan are without the suspended Adrien Rabiot, but Massimiliano Allegri will rely on Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic in attack for a key away game at the Olimpico in Rome tonight.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT).

Samuel Gigot, Nicolò Rovella, Ivan Provedel, Danilo Cataldi and Toma Basic are unavailable for the Biancocelesti and even Alessio Romagnoli is not expected to be called up due to an injury.

According to several media, including Sky Sport Italia, centre-back Patric will play as a central midfielder, joining Kenneth Taylor and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Milan have travelled to Rome without the injured Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Matteo Gabbia, while Adrien Rabiot is serving a one-game ban.

Pervis Estupinan is favourite over Davide Bartesaghi after scoring the winning goal in last week’s derby against Inter.

Milan sit second in the Serie A table, but a win in today’s match would allow them to move five points below leaders Inter, who were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Atalanta at San Siro on Saturday.

Lazio vs. Milan – 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 liveblog.

Lazio vs. Milan – probable line-ups

Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Jashari, Estupiñán; Leão, Pulisic.

Lazio (4-3-3): Motta; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Patric, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Zaccagni.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Enraged Inter 

They pulled the brake against Dea too, referee on target

Pio not enough, Atalanta level the score. Media blackout against Manganiello: protests for Krstovic’s goal and penalty request on Frattesi. Chivu sent off, club furious, but the team is drained and fearful.

Milan, chance for -5

Devil at Lazio’s home (20.45). Capello: ‘It will be tough, but Chivu is confused.’

Juve: Yildiz-Boga, they are fourth

The Turkishman is magic. The winger is decisive in Udine. Today Como-Roma

Napoli run, Conte: ‘I’d like to stay here…’

Corriere dello Sport

Inter, two damages

Manganiellata

Chivu protests Manganiello: sent off. Milan assault, they go -5 today.

From Dea’s 1-1 to a denied penalty

Media blackout ordered by the club. Sulemana unbalances Dumfries in the build-up to Krstovic’s goal. Protest for the contact between Scalvini and Frattesi. Max challenges Laizo (20.45).

Napoli reaction, extra-luxury Politano

Siebert deceives Difra: Matteo, the protagonist. Assist for Hojlund and the goal. McTominay and CDK deserve applause

Juventus are fourth: Boga’s mark

Yildiz enchants again, creating the Ivorian’s third consecutive goal. Lucio’s overtake: +2 on Fabregas and Gasp

Cesc and Gasp to the tie-break

Fabregas comes from 3 consecutive wins: Gian Piero is looking for the 8th away win. Douvikas-Malen, what a challenge.

Cesena surprise: Ashley Cole on the bench.

Tuttosport

Inter, waste and fury. Milan believe now

Thuram fails the 2-0 after Pio’s goal. Then a crazy finale: protests for Krstovic’s equaliser, followed by the most debated incident. The club remain silent. Tonight Allegri can move to -5 at Lazio’s home: ‘If they drop points…’

Strong and beautiful

Yildiz creates, Boga hits: Juve dominate and return in a Champions League spot

Total superiority, spectacular moments and chances after chances created by Kenan’s class. The January reinforcement scores his third consecutive goal. Conceiçao’s second goal is ruled out for an irrelevant Koopmeiners offside. Today’s Como-Roma can confirm the Bianconeri in the fourth place. Spalletti: ‘This time, we were perfect.’

D’Aversa, an extra delay

Another Napoli with the big ones, Banda scare.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is making his final assessments ahead of the World Cup play-off, and next weekend’s Serie A clash between Inter and Atalanta will give the Azzurri boss the chance to closely monitor 12 players who could be part of his squad.

Serie A table leaders Inter host Atalanta tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, at San Siro.

Both Nerazzurri sides have several players expected to be part of the Italy squad later this month, when the Azzurri will be involved in the World Cup play-offs. Others are in contention to get a spot in the squad that Gattuso will confirm next week.

As reported by Il Giorno (via FCInternews), the Inter players whom Gattuso will closely watch are Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolò Barella, Davide Frattesi, and Federico Dimarco.

Dimarco, Bastoni and Esposito seem to have a guaranteed spot. Barella is also a regular in the Azzurri squad, but recent reports have suggested that his drop in form has caused concern for the Azzurri CT. The same goes for Frattesi, who is nowhere near the Inter starting XI.

Matteo Darmian and Francesco Acerbi are unlikely to be called up.

Several Atalanta players also hope to be part of the Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-offs.

Giorgio Scalvini is surely among the candidates in defence, and so are Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori, even if the latter is currently injured and might not recover in time.

Other Italian Atalanta players who received regular playing time this season are Davide Zappacosta, Lorenzo Bernasconi and Raoul Bellanova.

Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semi-final play-off in Bergamo on March 26, and if they progress to the final, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Napoli director Giovanni Manna says the club have received ‘no offer’ for Scott McTominay, and even if talks with the player’s camp are ongoing, a new contract is not a ‘current issue.’

Napoli director Manna provided the latest updates on the Partenopei’s transfers in an interview with SportMediaset (via TMW).

Napoli provide McTominay transfer update

Several sources in Italy have reported that the defending Serie A champions are working on a contract extension for McTominay, but Manna admitted that negotiations are still not at an advanced stage.

“Scott is an important player for us. He’s happy to stay at Napoli, and he proves so when he plays, and in the way he lives in the city,” said the Napoli director.

“He has two years left in his contract, and we have a very honest relationship. We are talking, but it’s not a current issue. We are aware of Scott’s importance. We have received no offers, as the player has never expressed a desire to leave.”

Napoli sit third in the Serie A table, and one of their January signings, Alisson Santos, has had a fantastic impact with two goals in four Serie A appearances.

“He has had a positive impact because he has great humility and energy, and he is available to work,” Manna said.

“There is already an option to buy; there’s nothing we need to do.”

Alisson Santos joined Napoli on loan from Sporting CP during the winter transfer window. The Serie A giants’ option to buy is set at €16.5m.

Manna concluded the interview by praising coach Antonio Conte and confirming that the club are already making plans for the future with the Italian tactician.

“It’s normal, one always plans ahead. We’ve known each other for two years, and the work we’ve done has been incredible, said the Napoli director.

“In other circumstances, we wouldn’t have been third or would have won the Supercoppa. We look to the future with serenity and tranquillity.”

Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino has reportedly attracted interest from mid-low table Premier League teams, while Juventus are looking for a more experienced striker for next season.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Parma striker Pellegrino has been targeted by Premier League clubs.

Premier League interest for Pellegrino

“A few teams, not top sides, we are talking about mid-low table Premier League teams, have shown interest in Pellegrino,” Romano said on YouTube.

The clubs interested in the Argentine forward remain unnamed, but Pellegrino has surely attracted suitors thanks to his goal contributions and his attitude in helping the team.

The 24-year-old has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 28 Serie A appearances this season, contributing to 40% of Parma’s league goals.

The Ducali look pretty safe, ten points above the drop zone, but have only netted 20 times in 28 matches, resulting in the weakest attack alongside Lecce and last-placed Pisa.

There were reports from other Italian media outlets that Juventus had set their sights on the Argentine forward, but according to Romano, the Bianconeri are currently focused on other targets and objectives, including Dusan Vlahovic’s contract extension.

Inter are still tracking Roma midfielder Manu Koné, but the Giallorossi place significant value on the France international, especially because some of the top clubs in England, including Chelsea and Arsenal, will be looking for a new central midfielder in the summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports the latest updates on Roma midfielder Koné.

Manu Koné: Latest transfer updates

It’s no secret that Inter made a serious attempt to sign the Frenchman last summer, but Roma owners blocked his transfer to the Stadio Meazza.

Romano reports that Inter are still following the Roma midfielder, but haven’t yet resumed talks over a possible summer deal.

Roma consider Koné one of the most talented midfielders in Europe and won’t let the player leave for a low fee.

Romano stresses that Koné remains on Inter’s radar, but Roma won’t be involved in transfer talks in the coming months, as they are still running for the Europa League and a top-four finish in Serie A, so their main focus is currently on the field.

One more reason for Roma to keep Koné’s transfer demands high is that Manchester City, United, Arsenal and Chelsea, some of the wealthiest clubs in the world, will be looking for a new central midfielder in the summer.

While no rumours have emerged about their interest in Koné, the fact that all four clubs will be seeking midfield reinforcements allows Roma to maintain a hefty price tag for one of Serie A’s top midfielders.

Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito is reported to be a Newcastle transfer target that has already been ‘discussed internally’ by the Magpies, but the Nerazzurri are unwilling to sell him.

Italy and Inter talent Pio Esposito has been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, but according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are even more interested than the Gunners.

Romano explains that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on all the best talents worldwide, but haven’t made contact with Inter and are not planning a big summer investment on a new striker.

On the other hand, one club that would be ready to be serious about Esposito is Newcastle, as they want to sign a centre-forward in the summer.

Romano reports that Esposito is a name that Newcastle have already discussed internally, but Inter are unwilling to sell the striker.

It is reported that Pio Esposito is “one of the few unsellable players” for Inter who are expected to make big changes in other departments over the summer.

Read more – Inter and Italy, not Arsenal, offer the perfect spotlight for Pio Esposito

Lorenzo Insigne admits he still thinks about Italy’s World Cup flops in 2018 and 2022, but jokes that ‘he will retire’ if he secures Serie B survival with Pescara and plays in the World Cup next summer.

Insigne was part of the Italy squad that failed to secure World Cup qualification in 2018 and 2022.

He remained on the bench in a play-off second leg tie against Sweden in November 2017, but was involved against North Macedonia in March 2022.

“Not winning those two matches left a mark on me for sure,” Insigne told Gazzetta.

“Who knows when that thought will go away…But you must never look back; this time, we have to make it.”

Insigne played under Gennaro Gattuso at Napoli and built a strong bond with the Italian tactician.

“I talk to him almost every day,” said the Pescara winger.

Insigne: I never said I’m done with the national team’

“I remember that I never said, ‘I’m done with the national team.’ He knows my qualities and my availability, so he’ll make the best choice. Of course, if we stay up with Pescara and I go to the World Cup, then I can retire! I’m just joking though…”

• More from Insigne’s interview – Toronto ‘fantastic’ but not for football, Verratti and Pescara waited for me

Lorenzo Insigne says his experience in Toronto was ‘fantastic’ but only off the pitch and reveals Marco Verratti told him Pescara would ‘wait’ to sign him until the end of the winter transfer window.

Italian winger Insigne joined Serie B strugglers Pescara as a free agent in the winter transfer window.

The Euro 2020 Italy winner had been without a club since the summer of 2025, when he terminated his contract with Toronto FC.

“From a footballing point of view, things didn’t go the way I wanted,” Insigne told Gazzetta.

“As a life experience, it was fantastic. We came back with my kids, and they really missed their friends and their school in Toronto.

“I expected a different kind of football, and I had a few physical issues, so they never saw the real Lorenzo Insigne. We weren’t good at building a competitive team, and of course, the blame fell on me, since I was the highest-paid player. But anyone would have made the same choice.

“After 12 years, it was right to change, maybe not so far away, but anyway. I don’t blame anyone, but leaving wasn’t easy.”

Insigne was long linked with Lazio and Fiorentina before his move to Pescara, where he had already played at the start of his career in 2011-12, contributing to a historic promotion to Serie A.

“The problem was my physical condition. I trained on my own for five or six months, and nobody wanted to take the risk,” he said.

“I understand them. But I knew it wouldn’t take much for me to get going again. I always believed in it.”

Insigne played with Verratti at Pescara in 2011-12, and the Italian midfielder is now the co-owner of the Serie B side.

“He [Verratti] told me: ‘We’ll wait for you until the last day of the transfer window.’ They never questioned my condition, and I don’t think about the standings,” Insigne said.

“Other Serie B teams approached me, but in this league, I would only have come to Pescara. I wanted to close the circle after 14 years. It wasn’t difficult to settle in; now we need to pull off this miracle.”

Pescara sit at the bottom of the Serie B table with 25 points, but safety is just five points away with nine games remaining.

The Abruzzo-based club has won three of their last five league games, and Insigne has scored two goals in his first four matches this season.

The third notable representative of the 2011-12 Pescara squad was Ciro Immobile, who might be offered a chance to return to the club next summer.

“In January, he was in Bologna and on his way to Paris,” Insigne concluded.

“If we stay up, I’ll for him next season. It won’t take much to convince him, just like it didn’t with me.”

Udinese star Nicolò Zaniolo hasn’t spoken to Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso but still hopes to earn a call-up for the World Cup play-offs: ‘He follows everyone.’

Zaniolo admits he hasn’t yet spoken to Italy CT Gattuso, yet the Udinese striker hopes to play a role in the Azzurri’s World Cup play-off later this month.

“Not until now, but I know he follows everyone. The World Cup is very important for every country and every player. It’s important to qualify,” Zaniolo told Flashscore.

“In March, we have two very important matches. I know if I play well, maybe the call can come. I believe in it. I haven’t spoken with him, but I know he follows us every Sunday.”

Zaniolo struggled at Aston Villa, Atalanta and Fiorentina in the past years, but has scored six goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.

“I think in a football player’s career, there are highs and lows. In my past, I had two very big injuries in my knee,” he said.

“It was a little bit hard because when you break the first knee, it’s the first time. When you break the second, it’s strange and difficult.

“In that, I discovered the real people around me who stayed with me and helped me outside and inside the pitch. Now I’m playing well, and I’m coming back to my level. I want to continue like this. It is the right path.

“I think in my life I have made mistakes, and I recognise this. But the mistakes are in the past,” he continued.

“Now there is a future and a present to live. I want to continue to show my quality and have a good relationship with everyone. I feel like much more of a man now.

“In the past, I was a little bit immature and easily distracted. Now I have two children, a wife, and a family. I evolved. It’s a responsibility. I can’t make mistakes for my family or for me. Not anymore.”

Zaniolo controversially left Roma for Galatasaray in the 2023 winter transfer window.

“I think the past is the past. I love Roma so much because my wife is from Roma, my first kid is from Roma, and I love the city,” he said.

“They gave me a lot of love. In life, every story has an end. I don’t have regrets.

“I hope that in the future things will be better. I want to live in Rome in the future because my wife wants to live there. I have nothing against the club or the fans. I will always support them.”

Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is ‘proud’ to be the Rossoneri’s captain and admits he started the 2025-26 season under ‘top coach’ Massimiliano Allegri with a ‘great desire for revenge.’

France international Maignan extended his expiring contract with Milan in January, signing a new deal until 2031.

Maignan was given the captain’s armband at the beginning of the season.

“Being the team’s captain is a responsibility, and I’m proud to be as such,” the goalkeeper told DAZ via Calciomercato.com.

“You don’t have to play a part; you only have to be yourself and set the example, without misusing the armband or the status.

“They gave me the armband because I am who I am. In the past, I told coaches in the youth sector that I didn’t need it because I felt like a captain even without it. Today, it’s a source of great pride for me.”

Milan did not qualify for any European competition in 2024-25.

Paulo Fonseca was sacked at the end of 2024 and replaced by his compatriot Sergio Conceiçao. Even if the Rossoneri won the Supercoppa last season, they were also eliminated from the Champions League knockout play-off and lost the Coppa Italia Final against Bologna.

With Allegri at the helm since last summer, the Rossoneri have collected consistent results, losing just twice in Serie A this season. They are currently second in the standings, seven points behind leaders Inter, after last week’s derby win.

“Allegri is a top coach for how he manages the dressing room and his attitude on the pitch,” Maignan continued.

“I came [into the new season] with a great desire for revenge; it was my thought at the start, and it still is today. Milan is where I’ve shown myself to the world. I had to come here to understand what it means to wear this shirt. When you play, you feel how big this club is, and I’ll forever be a Milanista

Juventus are optimistic about reaching an agreement to extend Dusan Vlahovic’s contract, and while negotiations between the two parties continue, La Gazzetta dello Sport points to a noticeable ‘change’ surrounding the Serbian striker.

Juventus hope to convince Vlahovic to sign a contract extension.

The agreement runs out this coming June, but negotiations between the two parties resumed over the last few weeks in a much better environment than last year.

Vlahovic has earned €12m, including add-ons, in his final year with Juventus, but the Bianconeri need to lower their wage bill, so, according to Gazzetta, their best offer will be €7m, including add-ons, and a new short-term contract running until June 2027 or 2028.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich sounded out the striker’s availability in the past months, but neither has made a formal contract offer.

Furthermore, Gazzetta highlights a switch surrounding the Serbian striker, which might help Juventus in negotiations.

‘The change in the atmosphere is shown by the presence of Dusan’s father, Milos, alongside his son and not only for reasons of affection and family closeness. The father is increasingly taking part in the meetings, even informal ones, about his son’s future.

‘The stance of Vlahovic’s entourage was a source of friction and misunderstandings that certainly did not bring the parties around the table any closer during last summer’s exhausting transfer window.’

Vlahovic is reportedly open to signing a new contract with the Old Lady and has remained close to his teammates while forced to the sidelines due to an injury.

The Serbian striker has been out of action since December due to an adductor injury that requires surgery. Vlahovic resumed training with the team earlier this week and is expected to go to the bench against Udinese on Saturday.

Video – Vlahovic’s reaction to Kalulu’s late Juventus equaliser

According to Tuttosport, the hostile reception Alessandro Bastoni receives at Italian stadiums could encourage the Italy international to consider a move to Barcelona, though Inter are unwilling to sell the defender for less than €70m.

Inter are unwilling to sell their star defender Bastoni even if the Nerazzurri could be tempted by offers in the region of €70m, reports Tuttosport (via FCInter1908).

The Italian newspaper claims that neither the Serie A giants nor their defender are currently considering a summer split, but this doesn’t mean Barcelona are without hope.

Inter, in fact, might sit down for offers worth €70m, while Bastoni could be tempted to leave at the end of the season, especially after the hostile welcome he has received in Italian stadiums over the last few weeks.

Fans across Italy are still targeting the Italy international following an incident that led to a red card for Pierre Kalulu in a Serie A match between Inter and Juventus in February.

Tuttosport quotes Spanish sources saying that Barcelona director Deco has already met the player’s entourage.

Over the last few weeks, speculation over a possible Bastoni move to Barcelona has intensified. Back in February, even the Catalans’ defender Pau Cubarsí praised the Italian star.

Bastoni’s Inter contract runs out in June 2028.

Read more – Ex-Juventus player: Boos against Bastoni are ‘ridiculous’

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter: Lautaro’s anger

He runs and targets Florence. Moratti: ‘We miss him, derby without fire.’

Milan: Leao’s aim

Rafa works to be more ruthless in front of the goal.

Vlahovic towards the yes

The Serbian wants Juve, negotiations are ongoing for the renewal

A one- or two-year agreement is near. A 7m salary on the table. Back on the bench tomorrow

See you in Rome

Pellegrini replies to Bernardeschi in the derby against Bologna: the decider on Thursday

Penalty comeback: Fiorentina are alive in Europe

Corriere dello Sport

Juve-Spalletti 2027

Negotiations for the renewal continue: a new meeting today

The club and the coach are convinced: confrontation on the plans. Spalletti could make the most of Como-Roma to get even closer to a Champions League spot. Vlahovic is looking for minutes on the pitch in Udine. Dusan is the extra weapon for the final sprint. Concerns in defence.

Euroleague derby

It’s all alive

The Round of 16 first leg ends in a draw (1-1)

Bernardeschi and Pellegrini, the decider on the 19th at the Olimpico.

Fiorentina, the right push

Conference: Round of 16 first leg. 2-1 to Rakow with Ndour and Gudmundsson.

Lautaro’s mission: return in Florence

The Toro wants to return to the Franchi before the break. Diaby on target for the future

No Rabiot: Allegri trembles

He was absent against Cremonese, Pisa, Parma, and Milan, lost: Ricci will replace him against Lazio

Napoli, nobody is like Hojlund

He spent 2.868 minutes on the pitch. Tomorrow against Lecce, he’ll be looking for a home goal, which he’s been missing since December 7.

Tuttosport

Strike and safety: Toro anxiety

At 20:45 with Parma: the protest leaves the stadium empty again.

Win straight away: Spalletti signs

Today, a meeting between the coach and the club: transfer and contract on the table to build the new Juve.

Champions League priority, but so is the desire to build a team that can compete at the highest levels regardless of the fourth spot. Lucio pushes: six top signings: Goretzka, Ederson and Bernardo Silva, the trademark targets. Defence: mission Kiwior. Interview to Cervelli, baseball coach: ‘I’m a Bianconero for Del Piero, we’ll return to the top.’

Bernardeschi’s magic, but Roma get up again

Pellegrini levels the score, then Malen hits the post twice and Vitik hits the crossbar. Quarter-finals determined at the Olimpico. Conference: Fiorentina beat Rakow 2-1 with a Gudmundsson penalty in the 93rd minute.

Barça on Bastoni, 70m needed

Deco has already met the defender’s agent. The hostile environment in the Italian stadiums might favour his departure. Galatasaray closer to Calhanoglu.