Maurizio Sarri says the return of Lazio supporters after their boycott is ‘decisive’ and explains his midfield changes against Milan. ‘We’ve got to make do.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
The big news for the Biancocelesti is that the ultras have suspended their protest against President Claudio Lotito, so they are back in the stands of the Stadio Olimpico after several weeks of leaving the arena desolately empty.
“The fans are decisive for us and having them back is wonderful. These are things people from the outside cannot understand fully,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
Sarri has to rearrange Lazio squad
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Maurizio Sarri coach of Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Lazio ended their negative streak by beating Sassuolo 2-1 last week, but Danilo Cataldi picked up an injury, joining Alessio Romagnoli, Ivan Provedel, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot on the treatment table.
Rather than Rade Belahyane in midfield, Sarri prefers to move defender Gil Patric into that position instead.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 09: Patric of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on March 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“We are without Rovella, Cataldi, Basic, and sold Vecino, so we’ve got to make do. Patric is good at passing, he can give us something there, and did well in the second half of the last game.
“We’ve got to be very careful not to lose the ball cheaply, as Milan can be lethal in these situations, so we mustn’t be wasteful, and have to be alert with preventative marking,” concluded the coach.
The Aquile knocked Milan out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final on December 4, with a late header from Mattia Zaccagni on the Nuno Tavares corner.
Como fought back from a Donyell Malen penalty to beat 10-man Roma after Wesley’s controversial red card, leaping into that fourth Champions League spot.
This was an unexpected duel for Champions League qualification, as both teams were locked together in fourth place, albeit overtaken when Juventus beat Udinese last night. The hosts were coming off three consecutive victories, missing Jayden Addai with Maxi Perrone not fully fit, but surprised with a three-man defence. The Giallorossi still missed Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, with Evan Ndicka suspended. Manu Koné returned after skipping Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Bologna, while Mario Hermoso got his first start since February 2 and Stephan El Shaarawy since January 6.
Como got into a tangle playing out from the back and El Shaarawy pounced on the loose ball, brought down by Diego Carlos for an early penalty, converted hard and low into the near bottom corner by Donyell Malen.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Donyell Malen of AS Roma scores their team’s first goal from the penalty spotduring the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nico Paz responded by testing Mile Svilar from a tricky angle, as did Alex Valle on the half-volley, while Wesley made a series of decisive blocks, including one to prevent a Sergi Roberto tap-in.
Jacobo Ramon only managed to get his thigh to the Maxence Caqueret cross and flicked it inches wide of the far post from six yards.
Como had a big chance just before half-time when Caqueret drew out Svilar and pulled it back generously for Nico Paz, only for the Argentine to fire over the bar.
Cesc Fabregas made a double attacking change at the restart and they paid off, because Tasos Douvikas sprung the offside trap on a Valle through ball and surprised Svilar at the base of the near post, squirming the finish under the goalkeeper’s body.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There were chances at both ends, first Svilar flapping a loose ball away from Nico Paz mid-volley, then Malen’s counter-attack denied by a desperate block.
It went from bad to worse for Roma, because they went down to 10 men when Wesley was very harshly shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Assane Diao. There seemed to be barely any contact, with Devyne Rensch more likely to have contributed to his fall, but the VAR protocol meant they could not intervene.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Assane Diao of Como 1907 is challenged by Wesley and Devyne Rensch of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Da Cunha nutmegged Robinio Vaz for a curler inches wide of the far top corner from outside the box, then Martin Baturina turned over first-time from a similar position on the Douvikas lay-off.
Svilar flew to palm a Diao strike out from under the bar, then got down to parry the Ivan Smolcic low drive, but could do nothing as Diego Carlos pounced on the rebound from six yards. It was an ideal birthday gift, his first Serie A goal.
Da Cunha nearly added a third when he cut inside from the right and smashed a left-foot finish onto the crossbar.
Como 2-1 Roma
Malen pen 7 (R), Douvikas 59 (C), Diego Carlos 79 (C)
Milan can close the gap at the top of the table to just five points with a victory here, so Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic lead the way against Lazio’s Daniel Maldini and Mattia Zaccagni.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Massimiliano Allegri head coach of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri blew the Scudetto race open last week with their victory in the Derby della Madonnina, but as Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by Atalanta yesterday, it gives them an even bigger opportunity to close within five points of the leaders.
Max Allegri is forced into a change, as Adrien Rabiot is suspended, with Matteo Gabbia, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Santiago Gimenez are still injured.
Modric is therefore joined in midfield by Ardon Jashari, while Pervis Estupinan keeps his spot ahead of Davide Bartesaghi.
Leao and Pulisic lead the attack, with Alexis Saelemaekers out wide.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio have received two big pieces of good news in the last week, as they ended their negative streak by beating Sassuolo 2-1, and the ultras suspended their boycott.
That means the crowd returns to the stands with chants, flags and fireworks, having protested President Claudio Lotito over the last few weeks.
However, there is also bad news for Maurizio Sarri, as Danilo Cataldi joins Alessio Romagnoli, Ivan Provedel, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot on the treatment table.
Gil Patric is moved into a new midfield role behind Zaccagni, Gustav Isaksen and former Milan youth team player Maldini.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 09: Daniel Maldini of SS Lazio scores a opening goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on March 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Cesena sacked Michele Mignani after two seasons in the job following a 2-2 draw with Frosinone, which left them in eighth place in Italy’s second division.
Cole has new Calcio adventure
DERBY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Ashley Cole, Assistant Head Coach of England, and Lee Carsley, Head Coach of England, looks on prior to the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Pride Park on October 13, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
The 45-year-old had some experience in Italian football as a player for Roma from 2014 to 2016, when he went on to the LA Galaxy and ended his playing career at Derby in 2019.
Before that, Cole had made his mark as a full-back for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
Cole has worked at the Chelsea youth academy, plus as an assistant manager to the likes of Lee Carsley, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and more.
DERBY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Ashley Cole, Assistant Head Coach of England U21’s, looks on prior to the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Pride Park on October 13, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Above all, he worked with Carsley, and is currently the assistant to the England Under-21 team coach.
His staff at Cesena consists of assistant Jack Mesure, fitness coach Giorgio D’Urbano, Paolo Stringara, Nicola Capellini and goalkeeping coach Federico Agliardi.
Roma director Ricky Massara admits today’s battle with Como ‘will weigh heavily’ on the race for a Champions League spot, but ‘the season is long regardless.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
The pressure is on the Giallorossi in this showdown for fourth place, especially after Juventus won 2-1 away to Udinese last night, temporarily leapfrogging both teams onto 53 points.
On top of that, they also have to prepare for Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 tie with Bologna, having drawn the first leg 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
Roma have sights set on top four
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“Undoubtedly, it is a very important game for the way the table looks right now, so it’s obvious that the points here will weigh heavily on the final standings,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.
“At the same time, there are still another nine rounds after this, and the season is long regardless.”
The Giallorossi have been trying for several years to get into the Champions League and last term missed out on the final day, so how much would achieving that aim transform their transfer plans?
“The financial impact of Champions League qualification is important for all clubs, and Roma are no exception. Having said that, Roma will always commit to a transfer strategy that fits with its ambitions, which it can do thanks to strong club owners,” insisted the director.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Evan Ndicka is suspended, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, so Mario Hermoso gets his first start since February 2.
Manu Koné is also back after missing the Europa League match with a muscular twinge and Stephan El Shaarawy hadn’t started since January 13.
“Donyell Malen combines well with various different players, which helps with the squad rotation around him. We do have a lot of injuries concentrated in the attack, but the return of El Shaarawy is very important, and we expect him to give his contribution today.”
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Stephan El Shaarawy of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The importance of this fixture cannot be underestimated, as both teams are locked together on 51 points, temporarily leapfrogged by Juventus on 53 thanks to last night’s victory away to Udinese.
Champions League qualification is at stake, a remarkable achievement for a Como side who were in Serie B two years ago.
Fabregas keeps Como tactics vague
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his players Anastasios Douvikas and Martin Baturina during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maximo Perrone is not 100 per cent fit after a knock, with Jayden Addai out for the rest of the season following a laceration of the Achilles tendon.
“Perrone is in the squad, he says he’s fine, he trained a little with the team yesterday, he is ready to come on if we need him, but it’s important to start those who are at 100 per cent,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia.
Surprisingly, Como are using a three-man defence from the start today, with Nico Paz seemingly as the False 9, but again the coach doesn’t want to be tied down to definitions.
“You think it’s a three-man defence? You’ll see… I think Nico Paz is a striker, he just has different characteristics. Osimhen attacks the space, Messi drops back more, Hojlund protests the ball, so every striker is different and has their own characteristics. We’ll see if it goes the way we want it to.”
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Along with fighting for the top four in Serie A, Como are also in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, having held Inter to a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Since making his debut in the top flight a year and a half ago, Fabregas has put together 100 points. Did he expect this?
“I didn’t expect this, but the life of a coach is to be taken one day at a time, so we cannot think about what happens a year from now. We have our vision of where we can get to in four or five years, but we must try to grow on a par with the club, staff, players, directors, with patience, humility and hard work,” concluded Fabregas.
Como push for Champions League qualification with Nico Paz and Martin Baturina plus a three-man defence, as Roma rely on Donyell Malen and returning Manu Koné.
This is a huge clash for fourth place, as the two teams are locked together on 51 points, and both were leapfrogged by Juventus on 53 following last night’s victory away to Udinese.
Cesc Fabregas has truly turned Como into a force of Italian football and they’ve won their last three on the bounce, as well as playing the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Martin Baturina of Como scores his goal 0-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
The season is over for Jayden Addai with a torn Achilles tendon, while Maxi Perrone is struggling after a knock.
Fabregas again goes for the False 9 with Nico Paz taking that role, supported by Maxence Caqueret and Baturina, as Sergi Roberto steps into midfield.
The big surprise is Fabregas starting a three-man defence, which he very rarely does.
The biggest problems are in attack, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson still out injured.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 13: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on January 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
At least Wesley returns from his ban, but the Giallorossi are without a victory in three competitive games and lost 2-1 to Genoa last week.
Koné is back in action after a muscular issue, while Mario Hermoso is given his first start since February 2.
Malen has made a remarkable impact since arriving from Aston Villa in January, scoring six goals in nine official games, and today he is supported by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Stephan El Shaarawy.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Donyell Malen of AS Roma acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Como vs. Roma line-ups
Como: Butez; Diego Carlos, Ramon, Kempf; Smolcic, Sergi Roberto, Da Cunha, Valle; Baturina, Caqueret; Nico Paz
Thijs Dallinga decided the local derby and ensured Bologna consolidate eighth place, dooming Sassuolo to a second consecutive defeat.
This was not only a local Emilia-Romagna Derby, but also a head-to-head for European ambitions, as only one point separated eighth from ninth. Andrea Pinamonti returned from suspension for the hosts, who missed Alieu Fadera, Daniel Boloca, Fali Cande and Edoardo Pieragnolo after a run of three straight wins was ended by defeat to Lazio. Bologna also lost in Serie A last week and had Lewis Ferguson banned, but otherwise a full squad following Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Roma.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Juan Miranda of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Ismael Koné of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 15, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
It was the ideal start for Bologna, as within six minutes a Jens Odgaard shot was charged down and ricocheted into the path of Thijs Dallinga, who gathered with his back to goal and scored on the turn from just inside the area.
Sassuolo nearly equalised moments later, as Lukasz Skorupski flew to palm the Pinamonti effort away following a Jhon Lucumi slip.
Niccolò Cambiaghi drilled wide, but Lorenzo De Silvestri pulled up clutching his hamstring and limped off after just 29 minutes.
Nikola Moro’s free kick was just off target and Riccardo Orsolini only glanced his head to an Odgaard cross, then fired over from an improbable angle.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Armand Laurienté of US Sassuolo competes for the ball with Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 15, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Odgaard tested Arijanet Muric after the restart, while Cristian Volpato forced a save after good work from Armand Laurienté.
Martin Vitik risked an own goal with a decisive interception to prevent M’Bala Nzola tapping in the Domenico Berardi roll across, while twice Laurienté went for goal when he had better options for the assist.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Nicolò Cambiaghi of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Sebastian Walukiewicz of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 15, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Orsolini also stung Muric’s gloves at the near post after a stepover, but Bologna lost Lukasz Skorupski to a suspected flexor strain at the 88th minute, after completing all their substitutions. After several minutes of stoppages and a very heavy strapping on his left thigh, he managed to finish the game.
Despite being down to 10 men from the 37th minute, Pisa still managed only their second victory of the season, beating Cagliari 3-1 with captain Antonio Caracciolo’s brace.
The hosts were left rock bottom despite the arrival of new coach Oscar Hiljemark, with Simone Scuffet, Juan Cuadrado, Lorran, Daniel Denoon and Isak Vural not fully fit. Sebastiano Esposito was suspended for the Sardinians, with Riyad Idrissi, Gennaro Borrelli, Andrea Belotti and Mattia Felici injured, but Gennaro Gaetano, Alessandro Deiola and Yerry Mina were available again.
The referee initially seemed to point to the edge of the area, but changed it to the spot when Arturo Calabresi was brought down by an Ibrahim Sulemana sliding tackle. The contact seemed to be on the line, so Stefano Moreo converted for his first Serie A home goal of the season.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Stefano Moreo of Pisa Sporting Club scores a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Cagliari had the opportunity to equalise moments later with an Adam Obert diving header, but it thumped the crossbar from 10 yards.
Pisa lost Marius Marin to a knee injury and Matteo Tramoni’s strike was charged down, but above all they went down to 10 men when the referee spotted Rafiu Durosinmi kicking out at Yerry Mina in an off the ball situation. It was hardly the first time that Mina’s method of frustrating strikers has paid off.
Nicolas got down to fingertip an Obert daisy-cutter round the far post, but it was so nearly 2-0 for Pisa on the stroke of half-time.
More knocked back the cross at the far post for Matlhe Hojholt to tap in from point-blank range, but was denied by a stunning Elia Caprile reaction save.
Instead, 10-man Pisa doubled their lead when Michael Folorunsho flicked on a Simone Canestrelli throw-in, accidentally providing the assist for Antonio Caracciolo to fire in on the half-volley at the near post.
Cagliari seemed to crumble, as Obert’s decisive block prevented Samuele Angori completing the give and go in the box, but Pisa added a third on the resulting Mehdi Leris corner with Caracciolo unmarked to prod in from point-blank range with his knee.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Stefano Moreo of Pisa Sporting Club celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Semih Kilicsoy forced a flying Nicolas save from distance, but Cagliari did finally get back into it when Alberto Dossena’s header forward bounced, and Leonardo Pavoletti acrobatically turned in on the volley after shoving Raul Albiol aside.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Leonardo Pavoletti of Cagliari Calcio scores a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Dossena also nodded Obert’s corner just wide of the back stick, but Cagliari went down to 10 men too when Obert received his second yellow card for bringing down Leris.
Caprile kept the scoreline down late on with another tricky save on Moreo’s header.
Luciano Spalletti was ‘surprised’ by Jeremie Boga’s new role for Juventus against Udinese and insists Andrea Cambiaso needs to ‘wander all over the pitch’ to be effective.
The Bianconeri were coming off a 4-0 win over Pisa and knew that they could take advantage of the fixture list to close the gap on fourth place.
It was a tough slog at the Bluenergy Stadium, but Boga proved decisive with his third goal in as many Serie A games, this time turning in the Kenan Yildiz assist.
Francisco Conceicao had also put the ball in the net, though it was disallowed because Teun Koopmeiners was offside and interfering with play.
Spalletti impressed with Juventus approach
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“The team did really well, maintaining that level of determination to close the game as soon as possible. We had also scored a second, but that’s fine, because we were up against a very strong opponent,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
Kenan Yildiz initially started as a False 9, but as usual he seemed to enjoy himself far more when moved over to the left flank and Boga was more central.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“I had never put Boga there, I always played him on the left, but he surprised me with the way he moved as a striker today,” confessed the coach.
“Yildiz I’ve said before doesn’t entirely enjoy being a centre-forward because he doesn’t yet have the art of dealing with a defender who is constantly on his tail. Starting from there I think creates problems for him.”
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Kosta Runjaic confessed that Udinese struggled with the long balls from Manuel Locatelli over the top, which is where the goal came from.
“The lads did well to put those balls over the top, because if you let Udinese defend inside their own half, you’re not getting through that blockade,” noted Spalletti.
“So rather than allow them to be comfortable in those physical situations, we preferred to put them on the back foot by forcing them to run back.”
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus scores a goal which is ruled out during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Andrea Cambiaso is another player whose versatility can be both a benefit and a problem for Juventus, as he often struggles to find the right position, but the coach insists this only has positives.
“If he doesn’t wander around all over the pitch, then I won’t pick him,” replied Spalletti to criticism from the Sky Sport Italia studio.
“These aren’t spaces, they are half-spaces, and you need players who can find them and drag others out of position. Being able to find those spaces where they open up is a quality that benefits the team.”
This was also the second consecutive clean sheet for the Bianconeri, so what improved in their defending?
“When we see more of the ball, then we defend better. Possession isn’t just a superficial exercise, it is used to create chances, and that doesn’t mean taking unnecessary risks. You consolidate the dominance of the game, and then choose the moments when should take those risks. We were perfect in that today, not allowing Udinese many counter-attacks that we had to chase back,” replied Spalletti.
“This reflects the mentality, as tonight we played with the mentality of a strong team.”
This result means Juventus leapfrog Roma and Como into fourth place for one night, and could well stay there, depending on the result of tomorrow’s showdown between those two teams.
Kosta Runjaic admits Udinese ‘were not able to compete on the same level’ with a practically full-strength Juventus. ‘They have world class players like Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga.’
Francisco Conceicao had also managed to find the net, but it was disallowed because Teun Koopmeiners was considered to be interfering with play in an offside position.
Runjaic acknowledges Udinese limits
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus scores a goal which is ruled out during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“Juventus played better, that is clear, we expected to have less possession, but were missing a little bit of quality at times. We also had chances, soccer is not just about playing better, but taking the chances,” Runjaic told Sky Sport Italia.
“Ekkelenkamp had a good situation, Zaniolo was in a good position when there Atta should’ve had a cut-back ball, and other choices were made.
“Juventus are a strong team, they have world class wide players like Yildiz and Conceicao, so right now we are not able to compete on the same level.”
Udinese are now in mid-table, so for the remaining nine games of the season, will he motivate them aiming for Europe or just to improve on last season’s tally?
“I don’t need to push the team,” shrugged Runjaic.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese makes a run past Lloyd Kelly of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Udinese seemed to struggle with long balls down the left in particular, where players like Yildiz and Boga managed to control and attack the near post.
“Juventus are a very versatile team, they are able to play short combinations, but also dangerous with deep balls from Locatelli, and one of those we didn’t defend well enough, so they scored the goal. It is not easy to protect a fantastic deep ball like that, they have players who are running deep and can receive with one touch.
“It’s not easy to find the balance, we did better in the second half, but that is just one of many elements.”
Yildiz moved over to his preferred left side, that added to the sense that Udinese’s defence was struggling, but Runjaic points out his choices were also limited.
“It’s nothing new, Yildiz played many times as a winger, so it was just a matter of time. We were completely aware about this, but were also missing players like Zanoli, Bertola and Solet. It is not an excuse, but we were unable to perform with a full squad.
“On the other hand, Juve put all their quality out without any big injuries at the moment, so if it wasn’t Yildiz, then Conceicao would do something. We don’t need to look for micro-details, it’s not about this.”
Jeremie Boga scored for the third Serie A match in a row to give Juventus a precious 1-0 victory away to Udinese, but a Francisco Conceicao goal was disallowed.
The Bianconeri ended their crisis with a 4-0 win over Pisa, but with Dusan Vlahovic and Emil Holm still out, dropped Jonathan David to bring in Jeremie Boga as support for False 9 Kenan Yildiz. The Friulani were also back on track, beating Fiorentina 3-0 and holding Atalanta 2-2, not coincidentally once Keinan Davis returned from injury. Arthur Atta and Oumar Solet were available again, though Adam Buksa, Nicolò Bertola, Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli missed out.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese makes a run past Lloyd Kelly of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Boga got down the left to force a tricky save out of Maduka Okoye at the near post, then Francisco Conceicao scuffed the finish on the resulting short corner and had another attempt charged down by Thomas Kristensen.
Arthur Atta tested Mattia Perin at the near post, as did Boga at the other end with Okoye, but it was only a warning.
Juventus took the lead when another long ball allowed Kenan Yildiz to spring the offside trap down the left, holding off Oier Zarraga to roll across for a Boga tap-in from six yards. It was his third goal in as many games.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It was wide open before half-time, as Atta fired over from close range after a loose ball fell into his path, then Boga again tested Okoye after running onto a Francisco Conceicao through ball.
On the resulting corner, Andrea Cambiaso forced a big reaction save out of Okoye at the back stick.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Arthur Atta of Udinese and Manuel Locatelli of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Juve lost Khephren Thuram to injury and Udinese wasted an astonishing chance to equalise, as Keinan Davis rolled across from the left only for Jurgen Ekkelenkamp to stumble, unable to tap in from six yards.
Okoye flew to palm away the Manuel Locatelli curler, while Teun Koopmeiners couldn’t keep his header down from six yards on the Boga cross.
Yildiz tested Okoye at the near post, then his strike was on target until deflected wide by Kingsley Ehizibue.
Juventus thought they had doubled their lead on 70 minutes when Kenan Yildiz twisted and turned, threaded through for Francisco Conceicao, who took one touch before sweeping into the far bottom corner from 12 yards. However, Koopmeiners was offside and got out of the way to let the ball through, so the goal was disallowed following a VAR review.
Yildiz completed a give and go with substitute Fabio Miretti, the Italian seeing his finish parried from close range by Okoye.
Antonio Conte warns Napoli that he will be ruthless for the ‘common good, which is Champions League qualification,’ and reveals what he saw with Lameck Banda’s collapse.
It was the worst possible start to the game at the Stadio Maradona when Lecce took the lead in the third minute, as Jamil Siebert was allowed a free header on a corner.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Matteo Politano of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Partenopei struggled to get back into it, but were transformed at half-time when introducing Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay off the bench.
They equalised within 60 seconds thanks to Rasmus Hojlund meeting a Matteo Politano pull-back, then Politano ended his 43-match drought to turn it around completely for a third consecutive victory.
Conte keeps eye on big picture for Napoli
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I am not someone who tends to pay attention to statistics, but I can only be satisfied when hearing I have such a good record,” Conte told DAZN Italia when informed he has an average of 2.21 points per game in Serie A.
Although De Bruyne had made his comeback last week against Torino, this was his first appearance at the Stadio Maradona since he suffered that serious thigh tear on October 25, converting a penalty against Inter.
With everyone available again, how could this change the Napoli line-up?
“These are all hypotheticals, because we are talking about players who have been out for four or five months, so we cannot expect them to immediately be in good shape,” replied Conte.
“We started out using Elmas against Torino with Gilmour, then in the second half I brought on Anguissa and pushed Elmas further forward. Today we started with Anguissa and Gilmour, then Elmas as a Number 10.
“As we were losing the match, I changed again. These are great players, but we must give them time to regain the match tempo.
“It’s true that the lads need to regain confidence, but the most important thing is the common good, which is what is good for Napoli.
“I made choices today and made changes at half-time. Everyone wants to play, but we’ve got to be smart and they must trust what I see and feel.
“The most important thing is that we qualify for the Champions League.”
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Lameck Banda of US Lecce collapsed during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
There was also tension in the final minutes when Lecce player Lameck Banda collapsed near to Conte on the touchline, so the coach alerted the medical staff to get him treatment.
According to the latest reports, Banda received a knock to the chest moments earlier and was struggling to breathe, but did not appear to lose consciousness.
“I was right there preparing the wall for a free kick and I saw him looking a bit shaky, he started to go down, then he had his hand on his chest, which really frightened me,” revealed Conte.
“I rushed onto the field and called for help, I hope he is doing well and has a quick recovery. Banda is a good lad, he’s expecting a baby too, so I wish him and his family well.”
Luciano Spalletti tells Juventus that the trip to Udinese is ‘about stepping up to the next level, like in video games’ and wants to learn from Bayern Munich’s ‘encyclopaedia of football.’
It kicks off at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, celebrates his team’s third goal, scored by Jonathan David during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri had been going through a crisis, which included crashing out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia, but got back on track by thrashing Pisa 4-0.
Jeremie Boga impressed off the bench in the game, so he gets his first start here in place of Jonathan David, moving Kenan Yildiz to a False 9 role.
Spalletti outlines Juventus changes
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“It is going to be a very important game for our season, as it is the kind of match where we are stepping up to the next level, like in video games,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“My players therefore need to defend all they have built and gone through this term, and do it against a tough opponent.”
Dusan Vlahovic returned to training this week for the first time since his serious tendon injury in November 2025, but is not in the squad yet, missing out along with Emil Holm.
“Udinese are not the team we faced earlier this season in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, they have found their identity. They are also very physical, so we need to make our quality count and the first touch is going to be decisive, as that is what allows you to take control of the ball and rob their physicality of that power,” added Spalletti.
The Juventus coach gained inspiration from watching the Champions League, where Bayern Munich beat Atalanta 6-1 on Tuesday.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Serge Gnabry of FC Bayern Munich scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This is why I chose three upfront who have great quality on the ball and can take men on. In modern football, everyone has to find their position on the field with balance and continual changing of role, but doing it in a dynamic and fluid manner.
“Just look at Bayern Munich the other day against Atalanta, they showed us a whole encyclopaedia of movement and positioning in football.
“It’s about realising where the gaps are and not letting Davis gather a long ball to sprint into space.”
Juve hope that with Roma and Como going head-to-head tomorrow for fourth place, it can let them back into that tussle for Champions League qualification.
“What becomes fundamental is that players realise a match can change in a second, and we can dictate what happens in that second. It’s always up to us,” concluded Spalletti.
Lecce player Lameck Banda collapsed during the final minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Napoli, but reports from the club are reassuring on his condition.
The wide forward was in the starting XI for the Salentini at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, a game his team had been leading through Jamil Siebert before Rasmus Hojlund and Matteo Politano turned it around.
Banda collapse worrying for Lecce and Napoli
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Miguel Gutierrez of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Lameck Banda of US Lecce during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
In the final minutes of the Serie A fixture, Napoli coach Antonio Conte spotted that Banda was struggling to breathe, as he was in the vicinity of the touchline, and immediately alerted the Lecce medical staff.
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as medics ran on to provide assistance, then after a few minutes he was stretchered off and taken to a nearby ambulance on the side of the pitch for tests.
According to DAZN Italia, Banda sustained a knock to the chest around 40 seconds before he collapsed, so was badly winded and struggling to breathe.
He never appeared to lose consciousness, and initial reports from the touchline are reassuring on his condition.
Matteo Politano ended his goal drought after 43 games, as Napoli fought back to beat Lecce 2-1 on the return of Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne to the Stadio Maradona.
The Partenopei regained their confidence with back-to-back 2-1 wins over Verona and Torino. A significant boost was Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa’s first start since November, although Antonio Vergara and Juan Jesus joined Stanislav Lobotka, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani on the treatment table. Scott McTominay returned to the bench after a month out. Lecce clambered out of the bottom four with a victory over Cremonese, and had Omri Gandelman back after a knee problem, but missed Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda and Kialonda Gaspar.
It was a very aggressive start from the visitors, who took the lead on their second Antonino Gallo corner of the game, as Jamil Siebert was allowed a free header from six yards at the back post after just two minutes and 20 seconds.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Jamil Siebert of US Lecce celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
They very nearly conceded an identical second, as this time Tiago Gabriel nodded a Gallo corner over from five yards after the Lameck Banda shot had been deflected off target.
Billy Gilmour prodded inches wide from 12 yards on an Alisson Santos pull-back, while Gallo was decisive to intercept an Alisson cross for Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund couldn’t quite get on the end of a cross from six yards.
Alex Meret got down to parry a Nikola Stulic strike at the base of the near post, while Politano’s screamer only hit the side-netting.
Antonio Conte pulled out the big guns for the restart, introducing McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne, and it paid off within 60 seconds.
Gilmour’s inspired pass sent Politano down the right, he pulled back from the by-line and Hojlund was ready to tap in from six yards.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Tiago Gabriel failed to make the most of slack marking on a free kick moments later, as Walid Cheddira only hit the side-netting against his parent club and Alisson Santos sent through by De Bruyne forced a desperate Wladimiro Falcone save with an outstretched leg.
Napoli turned the game around completely when De Bruyne’s corner was flicked on to the back post for the precise Politano volley. It was his first goal in almost a full calendar year, ending a drought of 43 competitive games.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Matteo Politano of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
De Bruyne also sent Alisson Santos through to drill inches wide of the near post, while Siebert did just enough to stop Hojlund getting a shot away from a dangerous position.
There was a hushed silence in the Stadio Maradona when Lameck Banda was struggling to breathe after being winded, but he was stretchered off after a few minutes for treatment. Lecce had completed their substitutions, so played stoppages with only 10 men.
Juventus launch a new strike force of Kenan Yildiz, Jeremie Boga, Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie against Udinese’s Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo.
The Bianconeri had been in a crisis of results until thrashing Pisa 4-0 last week, and hope the fixture list can give them a helping hand to get back into the top four.
Dusan Vlahovic returned to training over the last few days, but has not made the trip along with Emil Holm and Arek Milik.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Weston McKennie of Juventus is challenged by Ederson of Atalanta during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Misfiring Jonathan David is therefore dropped and replaced with Yildiz as a False 9, supported by Francisco Conceicao, McKennie and new entry Boga.
The former Sassuolo and Marseille winger impressed off the bench and gets his first start.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates after scoring the his team’s fourth goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Udinese had a dismal run of three straight defeats, but it’s no coincidence that ended with the return of Davis from injury.
He had a starring role in the 3-0 win over Fiorentina and 2-2 draw with Atalanta, so again partners Italy international Zaniolo upfront.
Arthur Atta and Oumar Solet are back in the squad after injury, but Adam Buksa, Nicolò Bertola, Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli miss out.
DERBY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Ashley Cole, Assistant Head Coach of England, and Lee Carsley, Head Coach of England, looks on prior to the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Pride Park on October 13, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
The 45-year-old had some experience in Italian football as a player for Roma from 2014 to 2016, when he went on to the LA Galaxy and ended his playing career at Derby in 2019.
Before that, he had made his mark as a full-back for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
When it came to management, Cole has worked at the Chelsea youth academy, plus as an assistant manager to the likes of Lee Carsley, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and more.
Above all, he worked with Carsley, and is currently the assistant to the England Under-21 team coach.
Cesena were held to a 2-2 home draw by Frosinone today and the decision was made to sack coach Michele Mignani.
It left them in eighth place, the final slot available for the promotion play-offs.
Manu Koné returns to the Roma squad for their fourth place showdown with Como, but Matias Soulé and Paulo Dybala are still out of action with Evan Ndicka suspended.
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
This is a huge crossroads in the race for Champions League qualification, as the two teams are stuck together in joint fourth place.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Manu Kone with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Wesley is also back after sitting out last week’s Serie A defeat to Genoa, but he is replaced on the naughty step by Ndicka.
It had been hoped that Soulé would recover from his on-going inflammation of the groin area, but the pain persists and he is again not going to make the trip.
Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are long-term absentees, leaving very few alternatives in attack.
As for the defence, Ndicka’s ban makes it likely that Mario Hermoso will receive his first start since February 2, having played 25 minutes against Bologna on Thursday.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring their first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma squad for Como
Svilar, De Marzi, Gollini; Rensch, Angelino, Tsimikas, Celik, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Ghilardi; Cristante, Pellegrini, El Aynaoui, Kone, Pisilli; Malen, Venturino, Vaz, El Shaarawy, Zaragoza
Cristian Chivu and Inter have imposed a press silence in protest at two controversial refereeing decisions in their 1-1 draw with Atalanta.
The coach was sent off for dissent after two yellow cards in quick succession, as he was protesting the decision to give the equaliser from Nikola Krstovic, claiming that Kamaldeen Sulemana had fouled Denzel Dumfries.
Francesco Pio Esposito had given Inter the lead before half-time, while the hosts also had penalty appeals rejected late on for Giorgio Scalvini’s contact with Davide Frattesi.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Inter, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There was a lengthy wait in the press room for Chivu or some club representative to reach the microphones, but nobody ever came.
This press silence is Inter’s way of protesting the decisions of referee Gianluca Mangnaniello, and the failure of VAR to overturn those calls.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
This is the second setback in a row for the Nerazzurri, who already saw their Serie A lead reduced to seven points after last week’s defeat to Milan.
If Milan manage to beat Lazio tomorrow, it will close the gap further to just five points.
Inter had also been very unhappy with some calls in the Derby della Madonnina last week, specifically a penalty appeal for handball, even though the referee’s association confirmed there were no errors.
There were two significant incidents in the space of a few final minutes of this Serie A match at San Siro, after Francesco Pio Esposito had opened the scoring.
Inter furious with refereeing decisions
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Inter Milano, looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta equalised with Nikola Krstovic only after Kamaldeen Sulemana had robbed Denzel Dumfries on the edge of the area, making the Dutch player stumble and fall over.
Referee Gianluca Manganiello had the whistle in his mouth, seemingly hesitated, and eventually did not blow it, awarding the goal.
A long VAR check confirmed the original decision, which infuriated Cristian Chivu so much that the Inter coach was sent off.
“In my view, Manganiello was right to let play continue, because any contact is minimal.”
The other moment to hit the headlines occurred a few moments later, when Davide Frattesi got to a bouncing ball first, caught on the boot by Giorgio Scalvini.
Here too, the referee waved play on, and VAR did not consider it necessary to suggest an On-Field Review.
“It is a subjective situation, penalties are a serious matter and should not be given for any contact,” added Marelli.
“I see contact between Scalvini and Frattesi that should be evaluated, but there isn’t a genuine kick from the Atalanta defender.
“I don’t think Manganiello saw it, but I also feel VAR was right not to intervene, because this is not a clear and obvious error.
“It is a situation that can be interpreted and of course all opinions are legitimate.”
Raffaele Palladino thanks Atalanta for ‘battling with such courage’ to a 1-1 draw with Inter, especially thanks to their substitutes, and shrugs off controversy.
La Dea were feeling the pressure after one point from two Serie A games, a 2-2 Coppa Italia semi-final draw at Lazio, and above all Tuesday’s 6-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
So when going a goal down at San Siro to Francesco Pio Esposito’s angled drive, it as not to be taken for granted that they’d get back into it.
Palladino hails Atalanta fightback
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This is a great squad, I’ve been asking so much of then for the last four months, and I want to publicly thank them for all their efforts,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“They’ve battled with such courage and it’s not easy to play every three days, but they put in a strong performance today. We improved over the course of the match, we had wanted to sit a little deeper and use the transitions in the first half, but didn’t do it well enough.”
This has to be treated as a positive result in the circumstances, and there was a boost with the return of Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere as substitutes after injury problems.
“I knew the inertia of the game could change and those who came off the bench gave us a great energy boost,” continued Palladino.
“Krstovic gave a big hand, we needed his work ethic. We also got De Ketelaere back, Isak Hien won every defensive duel. The players who can come off the bench are a real strength of this club.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta controls the ball whilst under pressure from Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There was controversy too, as Inter were furious a foul wasn’t given for Kamaldeen Sulemana on Denzel Dumfries in the build-up to Nikola Krstovic’s equaliser, then felt Giorgio Scalvini’s contact on Davide Frattesi was worthy of a penalty.
“I never talk about referees. Your own refereeing expert Luca Marelli confirmed the referee did not make a mistake here, so I try to respect everyone’s work.”
Now Atalanta travel to Munich for the second leg of their Champions League tie, having lost the first leg 6-1.
“The result is compromised and there’s a mountain to climb, but we’ll play our game against a great opponent,” concluded Palladino.
Italy international Sandro Tonali is not in the Newcastle United squad travelling for this evening’s game with Chelsea, raising questions on his fitness ahead of the World Cup play-offs.
The Premier League clash is due to kick off at Stamford Bridge at 17.30 GMT and Tonali had been expected to start the match.
Sandro Tonali plays for Italy in Moldova during the 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri)
According to Sky Sports UK, this is the same virus that also forced Newcastle United to leave Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade at home recently.
Both those players are back in the starting XI, so that suggests it should only be a short-term issue.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This will be reassuring for Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, who is set to name his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup play-offs.
Antonio Conte warns Napoli their match with Lecce is the start of a ‘mini-tournament’ and reassures fans on his future. ‘My intention is to continue this journey.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 27: Gabriele Oriali and Antonio Conte of Napoli during the Serie A match between Napoli and Torino at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 27, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Partenopei had been stuttering in Serie A, but got back on track with two consecutive victories over Verona and Torino.
With the fixture list providing head-to-head battles and tough trips elsewhere, it’s a chance for them to consolidate third place.
Conte wants final Napoli flurry
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“We are starting to recover players who were absent for a very long time. Inevitably, when you are out for that long, it takes time, so I need to evaluate the minutes I give them during the game,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“I always tell the lads we must try to consider these last 10 matches as a mini-tournament where the Scudetto, Champions League, Europa League and Conference League places will be assigned.
“So we need to be very concentrated and try to do our best.”
Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa returns to the starting XI for the first time since November 2025, but Antonio Vergara and Juan Jesus have joined Stanislav Lobotka, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani on the absentee list.
Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are only fit enough for a spot on the bench.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Conte has transformed his tactics several times throughout the season to fit the players at his disposal, so will he reshuffle the pack again?
“We were missing a fundamental element like Di Lorenzo, who along with Mazzocchi are the only players who can be full-backs, so we can’t have a four-man defence without Giovanni. Throwing away all the guarantees we’ve earned with this system now would in my view be dangerous and potentially damaging for us.”
There have been suggestions that Conte could be reconsidering his future for next season, having clashed with President Aurelio De Laurentiis a few times.
“When I arrived at Napoli, I signed a three-year contract, so that is the length of the project. Every end of the season, we sit down with the President, discussing and evaluating where we want to go. We’ll do it again at the end of this season, very calmly,” replied Conte.
“Everyone knows I am very happy in Naples, but at the same time, it is only right to evaluate the project and decide whether it is the right decision to keep going. My intention and desire is to continue this journey.”
The Partenopei have the opportunity to consolidate third place after slender and hard-fought 2-1 wins over Verona and Torino.
Antonio Conte has yet more additions to the injury list, losing Antonio Vergara and Juan Jesus, with Stanislav Lobotka, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani already out.
Scott McTominay has been back in training since Tuesday and therefore gets a spot on the bench along with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both recovering from long-term injuries.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Aster Vranckx of US Sassuolo Calcio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 17, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Lecce earned a potentially crucial 2-1 victory over Cremonese to drag them out of the bottom four.
Omri Gandelman has shaken off a knee problem, but Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda and Kialonda Gaspar are out of action.
Nikola Stulic leads the attack with Lameck Banda, while Napoli-owned Walid Cheddira is on the bench.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Nikola Stulic of US Lecce celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Via del Mare on January 11, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Inter were furious after protesting two refereeing decisions in the final minutes of their 1-1 draw with Atalanta, as Nikola Krstovic cancelled out a Francesco Pio Esposito opener.
It had been a rough week for both sides, as the hosts lost the Derby della Madonnina and saw their lead at the top reduced to seven points. La Dea scraped one point from two Serie A rounds, then were humiliated 6-1 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Alessandro Bastoni joined Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu on the treatment table, though Marcus Thuram returned and Denzel Dumfries got his first start since November 2025. Giacomo Raspadori, Charles De Ketelaere and Ederson were still carrying muscular issues.
Federico Dimarco shinned a volley from a similar position to one he scored against Genoa, while Yann Sommer only parried a Gianluca Scamacca low drive on the counter-attack, managing to smother before Scalvini could pounce on the rebound.
Inter opened the scoring when Dumfries intercepted the ball for Sead Kolasinac and Niccolò Barella sent it down the left for Pio Esposito’s precise angled drive, surprising Marco Carnesecchi at the near post.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Dimarco flashed another attempt across the face of goal, while Piotr Zielinski’s counter-attack was deflected just wide.
Twice Dumfries tried and failed to steer a header on target at the back post from Dimarco crosses, while Thuram blasted just wide of the near top corner following a Mario Pasalic error.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta controls the ball whilst under pressure from Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan surged forward to set up Thuram, forcing a desperate Carnesecchi save one-on-one, then Dumfries couldn’t keep his finish down under pressure on a roll across from the right.
Lorenzo Bernasconi got it all wrong with a badly scuffed finish on the Nikola Krstovic lay-off, allowing Carlos Augusto to charge it down.
Thuram turned a back-heel flick wide of the near post from Ange-Yoan Bonny’s pull-back.
De Ketelaere made his comeback for Atalanta, but Manuel Akanji limped off for Inter in the final minutes.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta is challenged by Nicolo Barella of Inter during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta equalised in controversial circumstances, as Kamaldeen Sulemana robbed Dumfries just outside the area, tested Sommer, and Krstovic was free to turn in the rebound. Referee Manganiello had the whistle in his mouth after that contact, but never blew it, and VAR also gave the all-clear, a decision that saw Cristian Chivu sent off for his furious protests. Dumfries claimed he had been fouled, but any contact seemed minimal.
Inter were also enraged moments later when Giorgio Scalvini caught Davide Frattesi on the boot as they both went for a bouncing ball, but the referee and VAR ignored penalty appeals.
Both sides pushed to the end, but these are more dropped points for the Nerazzurri.
The defender has been in the eye of the media storm since Inter beat 10-man Juventus, thanks largely to the second yellow card that had Kalulu sent off.
Bastoni simulated much worse contact than there was in reality, and VAR could not intervene to correct the clear and obvious error because protocol bars their involvement in yellow cards.
Ever since then, the Italy international has been loudly jeered by opposition fans in every stadium, with some even calling for him to be dropped from the Nazionale as punishment.
Bastoni could get award for ‘fair play’
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano shoots and hits the post during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It therefore raised eyebrows when Federico Romani, a regional councillor of Lombardy, suggested Bastoni should be awarded the Rosa Camuna, the maximum honour from the region.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after Kasper Hogh of Bodo/Glimt (not pictured) scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
“Bastoni’s attitude is not to be taken for granted or considered common, it shows respect for the sport, for opponents, and for the fans.”
This obviously prompted a furious and incredulous reaction from other political figures in the Lombardy region, above all Franco Lucente, who is a Juventus fan.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I am the first to condemn the jeers from the crowd and media targeting of Bastoni, but to give him an award seems a bit much.
“I doubt that eventually making a late apology represents a great sporting virtue. What then are we to give to Kalulu, who was sent off for a foul he didn’t commit, had to sit out a ban, and now sees Bastoni hailed as an example of fair play?”
The Inter supporters certainly made their voices heard during today’s Serie A match against Atalanta, even though Bastoni was on the bench due to a bruise.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi insists the club and fans are ‘proud’ to have played Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16, and today have another tough test with Inter.
It kicks off at San Siro at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Serge Gnabry of FC Bayern Munich scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Raffaele Palladino and Atalanta director Luca Percassi (@atalanta_bc)
Despite that result, even the Germans were impressed with the way the Atalanta supporters continued to cheer on their players and applaud them in Bergamo.
“Atalanta deserved on the field to achieve a fantastic objective, which is reaching the Champions League Round of 16,” Percassi told DAZN Italia.
“When facing one of the best teams in the whole world, we were unable to give our best for a set of different reasons. Despite that, the response of the fans shows how much getting here was something the crowd appreciated, and we are very proud of that.”
Atalanta were after all the only Italian side to make it to the Champions League last 16, despite having a significantly smaller budget than most of the other contenders.
Now they are in the Coppa Italia semi-final and still hoping to finish in the top four to get back into the Champions League.
“We would be happy every year to achieve targets like this. We know what our DNA is, we are working to keep doing well,” noted the chief.
Giorgio Scalvini is back in defence after injury, while Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere return to the bench for the first time in March, but Giacomo Raspadori is still out of action.
“Bayern Munich represented a slip-up that we must reflect on, today we are facing the Serie A leaders in a huge stadium, and it will be another very difficult match. We’ve seen in recent years how hard it is to pick up points in this stadium.
“It will require the best Atalanta, so whatever happens we want to leave here without regrets, aware that Inter are a very strong side.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 04: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Olimpico Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Inter are something of a taboo for La Dea, unbeaten on home turf against their Lombardy rivals since 2014.
Cristian Chivu insists Inter must ‘learn from our mistakes and go forward with confidence’ against Atalanta, because ‘one defeat isn’t going to change’ anything.
It kicks off at San Siro at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Federico Dimarco of Inter shows his dejection at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri saw their lead at the top of the Serie A table cut to seven points by defeat to second-placed Milan, so the pressure is back on them to keep that advantage intact.
Chivu has faith in Inter progress
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Head coach of FC Internazionale Cristian Chivu celebrates after the Serie A match between US Lecce and Inter at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“We must get back to doing what we did throughout the season, with tempo and intensity. There are exceptions, but we must learn from our mistakes and go forward with confidence,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.
Atalanta are a high press team too, and also use a three-man defence, but Marcus Thuram returns to the Inter attack after missing the Milan clash.
“Thuram trained well, he recovered from the problem he had with a fever before the derby. He is back to 100 per cent and an important player for us.”
Alessandro Bastoni is only fit for the bench, Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu are out of action, but the big news is the return of Denzel Dumfries to the starting XI for the first time since his ankle surgery in November 2025.
Versatile Carlos Augusto therefore steps into the back three to replace Bastoni.
“I am not worried by a defeat, my worry has always been about building this team, taking the right direction and achieving our targets. We’ve always said we want to be competitive to the end and one defeat isn’t going to change that.
“We need to keep going with even more determination and confidence,” concluded Chivu.
Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram return to the Inter starting XI, while Atalanta hope Gianluca Scamacca and Nicola Zalewski can revive their fortunes.
It kicks off at San Siro at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).
This has been a rough week for both teams, as Inter saw their Serie A lead cut to seven points by defeat to rivals Milan, while La Dea stumbled domestically and then lost 6-1 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The hosts saw Alessandro Bastoni limp off during the Derby della Madonnina with a bruised shin and he is still not fully fit, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez already on the treatment table.
MONZA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between FC Internazionale and Torino at U-Power Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There is some good news for coach Cristian Chivu, as Thuram returns to the side with Francesco Pio Esposito.
The big change is that Dumfries has his first start since that ankle surgery in November 2025.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta had been on stunning form, but stumbled over the last few weeks, losing to Sassuolo and then held 2-2 by Udinese in Serie A, followed by Tuesday’s humiliating 6-1 home defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich.
Giacomo Raspadori, Charles De Ketelaere and Ederson have been big losses recently and continue to carry those injury problems, though the Brazilian and Belgian are both back on the bench for the first time this month.
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta BC is substituted off during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Giorgio Scalvini has shaken off a knee issue to start in defence, while Zalewski and Lazar Samardzic support Scamacca upfront.
Inter vs. Atalanta line-ups
Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Pio Esposito
Bologna were critical of the refereeing in their 1-1 Europa League draw with Roma, as coach Vincenzo Italiano and Santiago Castro claimed there was a foul in the build-up to the equaliser.
This may have been an all-Italian derby at the Stadio Dall’Ara, but it was still a UEFA fixture, so the referee was Sven Jablonski of Germany, with Bastian Dankert as the VAR.
Their approach to officiating was different to what the Rossoblu were accustomed to, and this was reflected in the Lorenzo Pellegrini goal.
Bologna protest at UEFA refereeing
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Remo Freuler was on the ball, I don’t know what intensity the contact was from Donyell Malen, but the referee could’ve given a foul there,” said Italiano in his press conference.
“The referee is German and perhaps he is used to doing things this way. He was too permissive overall, especially with Evan Ndicka, who limited Castro by pulling his shirt, pushing and holding his arm.
“If he had been booked, then perhaps it would’ve allowed Castro a little more freedom to actually play.”
There was indeed a long VAR check after the Pellegrini equaliser before the go-ahead was given to allow the goal, as Malen had battled with defenders to provide the assist.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Referee Sven Jablonski and Assistant referees Eduard Beitinger, Lasse Koslowski line up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Federico Bernardeschi had opened the scoring for the hosts with a curling effort at the dawn of the second half.
“I think we had a great performance, took the lead and should’ve kept hold of that,” Castro told reporters in his press conference.
“We can say the referee didn’t do well for us after our goal. I don’t think it’s possible that they had four or five fouls on me and no cards, but this is football and that’s how it works in Europe.”
It is therefore all to play for in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico next Thursday evening.
Paolo Vanoli was impressed with the way Fiorentina ‘reacted and believed to the end’ in a Conference League win over Rakow, and felt ‘sentimental’ at a debutant’s tears.
The Viola had gone behind when Jonatan Braut Brunes pounced on a defensive error to give Rakow the lead at the near post, but within 20 seconds of the restart, Cher Ndour’s swerving volley off the outside of the right boot had equalised.
It looked as if the tie was going to be all square going to Poland, but a clumsy Michael Ameyaw handling offence on Dodo’s cross gave the hosts a penalty in stoppages, converted with impressive calm by Albert Gudmundsson.
Vanoli hails Fiorentina fightback
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“The lads did well, because knowing there was a very important Serie A game coming up, they still managed to focus and remember the Conference League is important too,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
“The first half was more organised, but not decisive or determined enough, lacking quality. Unfortunately, we are penalised for every little error and it happened again today, but we did well to react and believe to the very end.”
This was a much-needed victory for Fiorentina, who had been shaken by almost throwing away their Conference League play-off 3-0 advantage to Jagiellonia in the last round, only scraping through 5-4 on aggregate in extra time.
That was followed by a heavy defeat to Udinese and 0-0 draw against Parma in Serie A, so confidence was on the slide.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Albert Gudmundsson ac f scores a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Now we have a minimal advantage for the second leg. I told the lads to pay attention to what happened in the Champions League last night, the importance of always keeping your head in the game and not getting swept away,” added Vanoli.
“When seasons start badly, it is not easy to get them back onto an even keel. Florence deserves more, we all know that, but together we have to fight this year to keep Fiorentina on track in Serie A and the Conference League. It’s a delicate balance, but we are improving, and have always dragged ourselves out of the low moments with the hard work and sacrifice of everyone.”
Now Fiorentina must prepare for a huge few days, as they go head-to-head with Cremonese for Serie A safety on Monday, then next Thursday travel to Poland for the second leg with Rakow.
The club has decided to take the whole squad into a training retreat to prepare for that big match on Monday in Cremona.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Head coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“I know from when I was a player that training retreats need to be done at the right time. We are fortunate enough to have a magnificent camp that gives us everything we needs, so after a late match, it can be very beneficial to be up in the morning and get straight to work,” explained Vanoli.
“I prefer to do it the day after a match rather than the day before, that is my philosophy. Staying together after a victory can also help us to bond and enjoy the moment, as well as congratulating Braschi.”
There was also an emotional moment late on when Riccardo Braschi came on for his senior debut, and the lifelong Fiorentina supporter was in tears after the final whistle.
“I felt emotional too, I’m a sentimental person. I worked with young players a lot and we need everyone this season. Now is when the difficulties begin, because when he drops back into the youth team, he’ll have all eyes on him and raised expectations, but he got his debut because he deserved it.”
It was a mixed evening for the Viola, who had gone behind to the Jonatan Braut Brunes goal at the near post, but responded immediately within 20 seconds of play resuming thanks to the Cher Ndour volley swerving into the top corner from the edge of the area.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Deep into stoppages there was a dramatic twist, as Michael Ameyaw charged down a Dodo cross with his raised arm just inside the box, allowing Albert Gudmundsson to convert the penalty with ice in his veins.
Fiorentina in dire need of a boost
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We needed this right now. It’s too often that we react to events and we’ve got to start stronger rather than always responding, so we need to be totally focused and with the right attitude,” continued Mandragora.
“The Conference League is important to us, it is absolutely not an inconvenience. In recent years, we went so close to taking the trophy and didn’t quite manage it, so we are in it and it would be wonderful to give this silverware to the fans.”
The second leg will be next Thursday in Poland, but before that the Viola have a very tough and crucial Serie A relegation showdown with Cremonese.
“Fiorentina must be determined, hungry and aggressive, that is the team we must all expect to see. No proclamations, this victory gives us some confidence, but we are struggling and cannot deny that, so we need to give it our all.”
Fiorentina have a narrow lead in the Conference League with Rakow after Albert Gudmundsson converted a stoppage-time penalty, as Cher Ndour’s volley replied to Jonatan Braut Brunes.
The Viola scraped through to the Round of 16 after an extraordinary play-off with Jagiellonia, where they won the first leg 3-0 away, lost the second by the same result at home, just managing to get through in extra time, 5-4 on aggregate. That was the start of a slide in form, consisting of one draw in three competitive games, with Moise Kean, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini and Tariq Lamptey injured, plus Marin Pongracic suspended. Rakow won the Polish title in 2023 and finished second in the league phase.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Oliver Christensen goalkeeper of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Oliver Christensen made his Europa League debut for this season and immediately made a save at the near post when Fabiano Parisi anticipated Tomasz Pienko, risking an own goal.
Robin Gosens almost scored a stunning strike with his aerial back-heel flick on Jacopo Fazzini’s free kick, forcing Oliwier Zych to fingertip it out from under the crossbar.
A Gosens header was also straight at the goalkeeper and Pietro Comuzzo hit the bar only after the corner had already gone out of play.
Fazzini had a huge opportunity when he volleyed over from eight yards at the back post after good work to stand up the cross from Parisi. His scuffed finish also tested Zych on the stroke of half-time.
Jonatan Braut Brunes fired over straight after the restart and Cher Ndour nodded wide, but it was only a warning.
Rakow took the lead when they caught the Viola defenders napping on a bouncing ball, so Brunes got down the left and beat Christensen at the near post from close range.
From kick off to goal in 20 seconds
Fiorentina with an INSTANT response after going 1-0 down against Rakow
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 12, 2026
It lasted only two minutes until Fiorentina equalised, Rolando Mandragora knocking on a ball for Ndour’s half-volley off the outside of the right boot from the edge of the area, giving it a strange swerve into the top corner.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Roberto Piccoli robbed Bogdan Racovitan in midfield to surge forward by himself, shrugging off defenders only to blast onto the crossbar.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Roberto Piccoli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina youth team top scorer Riccardo Braschi came on for his senior debut in the final minutes.
Just as it seemed to be over, there was a dramatic twist, as Michael Ameyaw stuck up a hand to charge down the Dodo cross and he was leaning backwards, so the contact was inside the penalty area. Gudmundsson stepped up and kept his cool to insouciantly roll into the near bottom corner, sending Zych the wrong way to give Fiorentina a stoppage-time advantage.
The midfielder came off the bench during today’s Round of 16 tie at the Stadio Dall’Ara and scored the potentially decisive equaliser, cancelling out a Federico Bernardeschi opener.
It came just a few days after a disappointing performance against Genoa, so when Gasperini was pressed on the former captain’s situation, he showed irritation.
Gasperini stands up for Pellegrini
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Some games he plays well, others less so, the same as everyone. It’s not that because he scored today that changes how we evaluate him.
“One must always be objective.”
Pellegrini is only under contract to June 30, and it seems unlikely that Roma will be able to agree a new deal with the midfielder, who spent almost his entire career at the Stadio Olimpico.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Gasperini was also questioned on the injury situations for Manu Koné and Matias Soulé, as they were not even on the bench today.
“Realistically, I think Soulé won’t be back until after the break for international duty, but even then it’s difficult to make predictions.
“As for Koné, this is the first time he has missed a European match with us. He was struggling to fully recover after the game with Genoa, and we preferred not to take risks, seeing as we’ve got Como coming up and then the second leg with Bologna.”
Defender Pietro Comuzzo warns Fiorentina ‘cannot make the mistake of underestimating’ Rakow in the Conference League, nor getting distracted by their Serie A commitments.
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 8: Luca Ranieri of ACF Fiorentina shows his dejection during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Parma Calcio 1913 at Artemio Franchi on March 8, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The Viola scraped through to the Round of 16 after an extraordinary play-off with Jagiellonia, where they won the first leg 3-0 away, lost the second by the same result at home, just managing to get through in extra time, 5-4 on aggregate.
It was followed by a heavy 3-0 Serie A defeat to Udinese and disappointing 0-0 draw against Parma, so confidence is dipping lately.
“Rakow are a strong side, they are unbeaten in the Conference League, so we must get out there with the right attitude from the start. It’s important to keep a clean sheet today.”
Moise Kean, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini and Tariq Lamptey are all injured, plus Marin Pongracic sits out a ban in the Fiorentina defence.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Nicolo’ Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
There is a huge and potentially decisive relegation battle with Cremonese coming up in Serie A, so there has to be some squad rotation to be ready for that appointment.
“We’ve got to be focused, we can think about Serie A and Cremonese from tomorrow, right now is the Conference League,” warned Comuzzo.
It has not just been a difficult campaign for Fiorentina overall, but also the young defender who had been linked with a move to Napoli.
“It’s only natural expectations around me were raised after last season, and that there are some ups and downs, but I am convinced that with hard work we can all continue improving.”
Lorenzo Pellegrini cancelled out the Federico Bernardeschi curler, while both Bologna and Roma rattled the woodwork, as the Europa League Round of 16 will be decided in the second leg.
This all-Italian derby means only one will represent Calcio in the quarter-finals. Gianluca Mancini was suspended, with Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, plus Mario Hermoso not at 100 per cent, after finishing eighth in the league phase. The Rossoblu eliminated SK Brann in the play-offs, but after five straight wins suffered a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Verona at the weekend. Torbjorn Heggem and Charalampos Lykogiannis were carrying knocks.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, embraces Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Federico Bernardeschi couldn’t quite get on the end of a Jonathan Rowe through ball in the opening 90 seconds, while Juan Miranda was booked for a foul on Bryan Zaragoza, so will be suspended for the second leg next week.
Zaragoza scuffed the angled drive wide from a promising position and Mile Svilar got a glove to the Bernardeschi pull-back from the by-line, but the Roma goalkeeper needed a fantastic save to fingertip the Bernardeschi left-foot curler out from under the bar.
On the resulting corner to close out half-time, Nicolò Casale and then Tommaso Pobega couldn’t quite steer their headers on target at the back post.
Robinio Vaz replaced Zaragoza and immediately got Joao Mario booked for stopping a counter-attack, but it was Bologna who broke the deadlock.
Jonathan Rowe controlled a loose ball in midfield and rode two tackles, spreading it down the right where Bernardeschi swept first-time with the left boot into the far top corner from 13 yards. It was the Italian veteran’s fourth Europa League goal of the season.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Moments later, Malen controlled a Devyne Rensch pass and clipped the outside of the near post from a tricky angle.
Bernardeschi’s assist sent Pobega clear on goal only for Svilar to sprint off his line for a decisive block, while Hermoso made his comeback after five games out injured.
Bologna paid for a howler from Joao Mario, who failed to control a loose ball and was robbed by Bryan Cristante, then Malen shrugged off Jhon Lucumi and Remo Freuler to roll across for Lorenzo Pellegrini to prod into the empty net from seven yards.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Roma nearly turned it around when Malen slalomed through the defence, but his finish took a double deflection off Casale and Lucumi to bounce off the base of the upright.
Bologna also rattled the frame of the goal at the 89th minute when Martin Vitik got his head to the Lykogiannis free kick, thumping the crossbar.
The hosts pushed throughout stoppages to make home advantage count, but Pobega and Freuler strikes were off target.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 02: Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli looks on from the bench during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli on March 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
The Viola scraped through to the Round of 16 after an extraordinary play-off with Jagiellonia, where they won the first leg 3-0 away, lost the second by the same result at home, just managing to get through in extra time, 5-4 on aggregate.
They had been on such good form until that game, which proved to be the start of a downward trend of two defeats and a 0-0 draw with Parma.
Coach Paolo Vanoli is missing suspended Marin Pongracic, injured Moise Kean, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini and Tariq Lamptey.
He also faces the pressure of resting players for the upcoming crucial Serie A relegation battle with Cremonese.
With that in mind, Piccoli leads the attack flanked by Jacopo Fazzini and in a more advanced role than usual Fabiano Parisi.
David De Gea is rested in favour of Oliver Christensen, with Rolando Mandragora and Giovanni Fabbian in midfield.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Rakow are currently fourth in the Polish top flight, but finished second in the Conference League opening phase thanks to four victories and two draws.
They are above all else solid, conceding just two goals in those six league phase matches.
This club won the Polish title for the first time in 2023 and faced Atalanta in the Champions League the following season.
Their star striker is Norwegian Jonatan Braut Brunes, who is a cousin of Erling Haaland and scored 20 goals in all competition this term.
However, their top scorer in the Conference League is Lamine Diaby-Fadiga on six goals, thanks largely to his hat-trick against Rapid Vienna.
Another odd Serie A link is defender Fran Tudor, nephew of ex-Juventus and current Tottenham Hotspur coach Igor Tudor.
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