It’s reported Rafael Leao continued his tantrum in the dressing room after Milan’s defeat to Lazio, aiming his ire at Christian Pulisic, forcing coach Max Allegri to intervene.
The Portugal international did nothing to hide his irritation when hauled off as a substitute at the 67th minute of this 1-0 loss at the Stadio Olimpico last night.
He walked so slowly off the field that goalkeeper Mike Maignan ran halfway up the pitch to physically push him off, then resisted Allegri’s attempt at a reassuring hug.
Rafael Leão wasn't happy about being subbed in the 66th minute during AC Milan's 1-0 defeat to Lazio pic.twitter.com/v42C5EpG6u
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 16, 2026
The coach said in post-match comments that Leao was “a bit annoyed because he had some situations where he could’ve had better service, so he was a bit angry, but these things can happen during a match.”
Claim Leao vented frustration with Pulisic
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao was specifically furious with Pulisic, who he accused of not passing him the ball in two potentially dangerous attacking situations.
More importantly, it’s reported that the anger continued well after the final whistle in the dressing room, to the degree that Allegri had to separate the pair and tell them to calm down.
It is safe to say that this strike partnership isn’t delivering the goods for Milan, because Pulisic has not scored a single goal in 2026.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This may well also have contributed to the USMNT star’s resistance to passing the ball, as he wanted to break his drought.
The pairing also hasn’t had many opportunities to work from the start, as one or the other tended to be out injured.
Leao and Pulisic have only started together seven times in Serie A this season, during which Milan scored just two goals.
When Leao found the net against Cremonese, it was after Pulisic had already been substituted.
Robin Gosens admits Fiorentina are dealing with ‘a very different type of pressure’ in the relegation battle with Cremonese, so ‘mentality is everything’ in tonight’s showdown.
It kicks off at the Stadio Giovanni Zini at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
This result could well decide who stays up and who drops into Serie B this summer, because going into this game Fiorentina are in 17th place on 25 points and Cremonese are in the drop zone in 18th on 24 points.
At the same time, the Tuscans are also forced to think about the Conference League Round of 16, after beating Rakow 2-1 on Thursday, they will visit Poland this week for the second leg.
Gosens warning for Fiorentina
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)
“When you have to fight against relegation, the match plan works to a certain extent, but then mentality is everything,” Gosens told DAZN Italia.
“It’s a very different type of pressure to the one we had last season, for example, when we had other objectives.
“We want to be aggressive at the right time and clear-headed when unexpected things happen. We are coming off an important Conference League win that gave us enthusiasm, so we are ready.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Head coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina looks on 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 have also shifted their tactics recently to a four-man defence, and that means a different role for ex-Atalanta and Inter wing-back Gosens now that he is a full-back.
“I am a full-back who likes to attack, because those are my characteristics, but it’s very different in a four-man defence, as I don’t get to attack the back post in quite the same way.
“The important thing is that I have got my fitness levels back, which is absolutely fundamental for a player with my style of football. I am happy the coach chose me today and want to repay that faith.”
The change also means that Fabiano Parisi moves into a more advanced role for Fiorentina as part of a supporting quartet behind centre-forward Roberto Piccoli.
“Fabiano is having a great season, he put himself at the disposal of the coach and doing a good job in this position,” concluded Gosens.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has called up Roma winger Wesley and Juventus defender Gleison Bremer from Serie A for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.
The Seleçao are in World Cup Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, with their tournament beginning on June 14.
Ancelotti picks Bremer and Wesley
epa12137404 Italian Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference where he was presented as new head coach of men’s Brazilian national soccer team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 26 May 2025. EPA-EFE/Antonio Lacerda
As always, there are some representatives from Serie A in the squad for these games, especially now that their coach is the Italian legend Ancelotti.
Roma winger Wesley Franca has impressed since moving to the Stadio Olimpico and gets a call, with five senior caps already under his belt.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Bremer of Juventus in action 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)
Notably, despite reports that he had done enough to win back a spot in the team, there is no room for Neymar.
Inter’s versatile figure Carlos Augusto is also left behind.
Former Juventus players Alex Sandro and Danilo are included in defence.
CONVOCADOS!
O mister Ancelotti divulgou a lista de jogadores convocados para os amistosos contra França e Croácia, nos dias 26 e 31 de março, nos Estados Unidos.
Moise Kean is only fit for the bench, so Roberto Piccoli and Albert Gudmundsson lead the Fiorentina attack against Cremonese’s Federico Bonazzoli and Milan Djuric in a relegation battle.
This result could well decide who stays up and who drops into Serie B this summer, because going into this game Fiorentina are in 17th place on 25 points and Cremonese are in the drop zone in 18th on 24 points.
If Pisa and Verona are most likely doomed, then only Lecce and Cagliari could still get sucked into the danger zone, as the Sardinians are on 30 points.
Fiorentina also have to balance this with their Conference League commitments, as they beat Rakow 2-1 with a Gudmundsson stoppage-time penalty on Thursday and have the second leg of that Round of 16 tie coming up in Poland on March 19.
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)
Their Serie A form had suffered with one point from the last two rounds and zero goals scored.
Hitman Kean is back on the bench after an ankle issue, but Niccolò Fortini joins Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini and Tariq Lamptey on the absentee list.
Gudmundsson and Piccoli therefore lead the attack, with support from Marco Brescianini and Rolando Mandragora.
Cremonese had started the season so well, but their last victory was 2-0 against Lecce on December 7.
That was followed by just four draws and 10 defeats, losing the last three on the bounce.
It’s clear where the problems are, scoring only four goals in their last 14 games.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina in action against Warren Bondo of US Cremonese during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
To make matters worse, former Leicester City striker and Premier League winner Jamie Vardy is injured with a bruised thigh, forced to watch from the stands with Federico Baschirotto, Michele Collocolo and suspended Giuseppe Pezzella.
At least Faris Moumbagna has recovered for a spot on the bench and Filippo Terracciano is back from his ban.
David Okereke had been frozen out for several months, but was brought back into the fold for a substitute appearance in the 2-1 loss to Lecce.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Milan Djuric of US Cremonese goes for a header during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 15, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Reports are growing that Juventus will try to poach Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as a free agent this summer, as requested by Luciano Spalletti.
The two clubs are duelling for the fourth Champions League qualifying spot this season, although Como are currently the ones who have snuck in to snatch it from both of them.
Next term we could see Pellegrini in the black and white stripes of Juventus, as the Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Spalletti has asked for them to target the midfielder.
Pellegrini set to be released by Roma
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates after scoring goal 0-1 during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images)
Despite scoring some big goals for them in the Derby della Capitale against Lazio and in last week’s Europa League Round of 16 draw with Bologna, there seems to be no real desire to extend his contract.
Pellegrini turns 30 in June and will be a free agent a couple of weeks later, ending a lifetime in the Giallorossi jersey.
He was a product of their youth academy and spent his entire career with Roma, other than a brief two-year spell from 2015 to 2017 at Sassuolo.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
This means that Pellegrini never actually worked under Spalletti during either of the coach’s previous two tenures at the Stadio Olimpico, yet the current Juve boss is an admirer and feels he can bring something new to their midfield.
The tension between Como and Roma escalated again after Assane Diao made a provocative Instagram post about the controversial Wesley red card.
The Lariani came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at the Stadio Sinigaglia last night, thanks also to the fact that their opponents were reduced to 10 men.
That incident saw Wesley receive a second yellow card, although his contact with Diao seemed minimal at best, with Devyne Rensch more likely to have contributed to the Como man going over.
Diao incident fuels tension
COMO, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Assane Diao of Como 1907 in action during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Sudtirol at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on August 16, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini was furious and suggested in his post-match interviews that Como were “regulars” at this sort of behaviour, refusing to shake the hand of Cesc Fabregas.
So when Diao posted on Instagram several photos of the match, including the Wesley challenge, with the caption “That’s how we do it,” the response was swift.
They ranged from Roma fans noting it was “hardly normal for you to post this after stealing a match” to others assuring they will “remember this and be waiting when you come to the Stadio Olimpico.”
Many simply replied with gifs of dives into swimming pools and off cliffs.
There are always some who go too far, and they expressed hope that the player will suffer a relapse of his serious knee ligament injury.
Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Lazio has confirmed a remarkable statistic showing how badly the team struggles without Adrien Rabiot, as Ardon Jashari comes under fire.
The Rossoneri had seen their Scudetto hopes revitalised by the Derby della Madonnina victory over Inter, cutting the lead at the top of the table to seven points.
A win yesterday would’ve closed that even further to just five points, but instead they capitulated at the Stadio Olimpico.
Milan badly miss Rabiot
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan before the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Rabiot was suspended for the Lazio game and it is probably no coincidence that they faltered, because Milan have an average of 2.42 points per match with the France international in the squad this season.
There are two alternative options who can stand in for him, namely Samuele Ricci and last night’s pick Jashari.
The latter has come under particular criticism from fans, as after weeks of tense negotiations with Club Brugge and a €40m deal, he has struggled to make an impact.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Ardon Jashari of AC Milan in action during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It wasn’t helped by a serious injury in one of his first training sessions, but Jashari has made just 12 appearances for Milan, contributing one assist.
Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi insists calls for Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni to be dropped by the Italy squad over his simulation against Juventus are unfair because ‘he admitted to his mistake.’
The centre-back caused controversy when he simulated a foul from Juve opponent Pierre Kalulu during their Serie A match, getting him sent off with a second yellow card.
Bastoni then celebrated wildly when the referee pulled out the card, knowing that VAR protocol meant the decision could not be overturned.
BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Minister for Sport and Youth Abodi was pressed today on whether it was right to suggest Bastoni be dropped from the Italy squad over this incident.
“I believe you are called up not just for your technical qualities as a player, but also your behaviour,” replied Abodi.
“Bastoni was clear-headed enough to admit to his mistake.”
As for the jeers from the fans, Abodi also pointed out that “respect is supreme in sport, and everyone does what they see is fit.”
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has not commented publicly on the situation, but it seems unlikely that he will snub the Inter defender for the upcoming 2026 World Cup play-offs against Northern Ireland.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale warms up prior to the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If there is a victory in Bergamo on March 26, then the Azzurri will play either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final five days later.
It proved to be quite the weekend for Lecce forward Lameck Banda, as after he collapsed during the Serie A game with Napoli, he was released from hospital just in time for the birth of his daughter.
The 25-year-old had a scare at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona when he received a knock to the chest and was struggling to breathe.
When he went down clutching his chest, Napoli coach Antonio Conte was the first to spot it and immediately called the Lecce medical staff over to help.
Whirlwind weekend for Banda
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)
Although he did not appear to lose consciousness, Banda was struggling to breathe, so was taken to hospital and kept in overnight for observation.
The Zambia international was given the all-clear and returned home just in time, because he got to be present at the birth of his daughter.
He has been at Lecce since 2022 and so far this season contributed three goals with three assists in 24 games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
La meravigliosa storia di Banda: dimesso dall’ospedale Cardarelli di Napoli, raggiunge Lecce giusto in tempo per la nascita della primogenita Rumi Ezlyn. L’abbraccio di tutto il Club a Lameck e alla compagna in questa meravigliosa giornata! pic.twitter.com/VgYXYJKyOm
Max Allegri’s agent points out Rafael Leao is ‘obviously not giving a big contribution’ this season, but his substitution tantrum must be treated with kid gloves. ‘He’s a source of income for the club.’
The striker reacted angrily when hauled off just 67 minutes into last night’s 1-0 Serie A defeat to Lazio, which left them eight points adrift of leaders Inter.
He sulkily walked slowly to the touchline, to the degree that goalkeeper Mike Maignan ran halfway up the pitch to physically push him off it, and then resisted Allegri’s attempts at a reassuring hug.
Rafael Leão wasn’t happy about being subbed in the 66th minute during AC Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Lazio pic.twitter.com/v42C5EpG6u
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 16, 2026
Leao behaviour is frustrating for Milan
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When Allegri’s agent Giovanni Branchini was asked if the coach will punish his player for this show of disrespect, the response was telling.
“Leao is a source of income for the club and therefore various factors have to be taken into consideration. This season he is obviously not giving a big contribution to the team, that is clear for all to see.
“He remains an important player and will be defended to the end, just as Allegri did after the match last night, despite the brusque epilogue of the substitution.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri embrace his player Rafael Leao after substitution during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
While this sort of behaviour is not new for the Portugal international, Leao is now 26 years old and the highest-paid player in the Milan squad.
The club is growing frustrated at his continuing immaturity, as confirmed by director of sport Igli Tare in the stands, caught on camera muttering “look at this, what is he doing” when Leao slowly trudged off the field.
According to MilanNews.it, Leao’s current contract runs to June 2028 and the club has put any talk of an extension on ice, because they want him to earn a new deal.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan interacts with Rafael Leao 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)
He has contributed 10 goals and two assists in 24 competitive games this term, largely playing in a new centre-forward role in a 3-5-2 formation.
The Azzurri risk missing out on the third consecutive edition of the World Cup, after failing in the play-offs for 2018 and 2022.
Italy road to 2026 World Cup is via play-offs
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 04: Final preparations are made as FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw signage is displayed outside the Kennedy Center on December 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
They will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the semi-final on March 26, then if victorious will go on to play either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final five days later.
It is therefore important to take note of the Wales squad, and Moore is not going to be a part of it, as confirmed by Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.
“He’s got this tendon injury which he feels OK with, but he’s shown up on the scan and it’s one of those injuries that, up to 80-85% you’re fine, but if you extend beyond that you make yourself susceptible to muscle injuries.”
The 33-year-old centre-forward has 15 goals in 52 senior caps for Wales.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is set to name his squad list for the World Cup play-offs over the next few days.
Mario Gila and Gustav Isaksen confess the return of Lazio fans after weeks of boycotting the Stadio Olimpico was decisive against Milan. ‘They are the extra man, it’s undeniable.’
The Aquile had been in crisis, but this was their second consecutive Serie A victory, and confidence is growing.
After beating Sassuolo last week, they managed to push past Scudetto-chasing Milan thanks to the Isaksen strike on a long Adam Marusic ball, shrugging off Pervis Estupinan.
Lazio fans inspire success over Milan
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Gustav Isaksen and Oliver Provstgaard SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
They put on a remarkable atmosphere for this big match, so the team and staff celebrated under the Curva Nord after the final whistle.
“It is very different feeling the supporters behind us, they are the extra man, it’s undeniable,” Gila told DAZN Italia.
“We saw their influence tonight and put in a great performance. We had a lot of difficulties this season, but are seeing a different Lazio in the last three or four games, we can feel that energy on the pitch. We have matured thanks to these obstacles, and this was a great signal.”
Lazio might find it very difficult to close up the gap to the European places, but they can still win a trophy and qualify for UEFA competition.
They are in the Coppa Italia semi-final after a 2-2 first leg home draw with Atalanta.
“If we play like this, then we can have a different energy, so we want to keep the momentum going in Serie A and towards the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final,” concluded Gila.
Maurizio Sarri said that the return of Lazio fans to the Stadio Olimpico after weeks of protest made it ‘a memorable night regardless of the result’ of their victory over Milan.
It was already a positive night before kick-off, as the fans suspended their boycott in protest at President Claudio Lotito, and returned to the stands of the Stadio Olimpico.
They helped inspire the team to a huge victory, as Gustav Isaksen shrugged off Pervis Estupinan to beat Mike Maignan in what proved to be the only goal of the game.
Sarri emotional at Lazio atmosphere
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: SS Lazio fans prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“The whole night was emotional, as seeing the Stadio Olimpico with this spectacular atmosphere and these fans was wonderful. I am so happy that the team gave them this joy of a victory, but it would’ve been a memorable night regardless of the result,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
“I feel that we should’ve finished the first half with more than a one-goal advantage, so if there was a criticism of our performance, it’s that,” responded the coach.
“Clearly, we couldn’t maintain the intensity of that half, and had limited options to take off the bench, so that made it difficult as it wore on.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
With a large injury crisis ruling out Danilo Cataldi, Alessio Romagnoli, Ivan Provedel, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot, Sarri seems to have found a worthy replacement midfielder in Gil Patric.
“I wouldn’t use this match for comparison to any other this season, because the lads were galvanised and motivated by the return of the fans,” insisted the coach.
“The atmosphere at the Olimpico was special tonight. This is a team that is improving in many areas, and we hope to lay solid foundations for the future.”
Sarri was sent off deep into stoppages for dissent, largely as he was complaining that the six minutes of added time had already expired.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
It has been a difficult campaign with issues off the field, including a transfer embargo he had not been expecting, and the on-going tension between the fans and President Lotito.
“It has been certainly the most difficult season of perhaps not my career, as I had tough ones in Serie C, but certainly the toughest in Serie A. The squad also needs to be praised, because they could’ve fallen apart, but they have overall kept training with the right attitude and maintaining their character.”
Can this night potentially change the atmosphere around Lazio for the final weeks of the season, including the Coppa Italia semi-final with Atalanta?
“I don’t know, to be honest. What I heard from the fans is that this was a one-off, but I hope this wonderful atmosphere struck them as much as it struck us, and that the situation can be fixed, although I don’t know how quickly that can happen,” confessed Sarri.
“I don’t want to make an appeal to the fans, because when people make decisions, they are to be respected, even when those decisions are painful.”
Max Allegri hopes the defeat to Lazio means people will stop asking Milan about the Scudetto, and explains why Rafael Leao ‘was annoyed’ at his substitution.
This had been a big opportunity for the Rossoneri to ride the wave of enthusiasm from the Derby della Madonnina success and take advantage of Inter’s draw with Atalanta to close the gap at the top to five points.
Instead, they lost 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico and Inter’s lead is expanded to eight points, while Napoli are now only one point behind the Rossoneri in third place.
Lazio were repeatedly attacking Pervis Estupinan down the right flank, and he stumbled when Gustav Isaksen went clear on the long Adam Marusic ball to beat Mike Maignan in the only goal of the game.
Allegri gives reasons for Milan stumble
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Kenneth Taylor of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“We knew the difficulties of this match, as the fans were returning to the stadium and it was very important for Lazio,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“Their first half was very strong, we should’ve been a little more organised and made fewer errors. They ran hard and fell away after the break, we had a lot more intensity and poured forward, but were unable to make it count with a goal. This is football.”
More worryingly, they are closer to Juventus in fifth now than to the leaders, as the advantage for a Champions League spot is only seven points.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio battles for possession with Luka Modric and Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“What we absolutely must do now is press the reset button. People talked about the Scudetto after the win over Inter, but we have to be realistic in life,” added the coach.
“We need to remember that the objective is Champions League qualification, otherwise we risk destroying all that we have built over the last six months.”
There was also tension when Allegri substituted Rafael Leao at the 68th minute, as the Portugal international reacted angrily to being hauled off.
He walked so slowly towards the touchline that Maignan ran over to push him off, then resisted Allegri’s attempts to hug him, before kicking away bottles on the Milan bench.
“Leao was a bit annoyed because he had some situations where he could’ve had better service, so he was a bit angry, but these things can happen during a match,” assured Allegri.
“All the lads wanted to win, first and foremost to break away from the chasing pack, because Juventus are only seven points behind us now. It’s a long season still, we need to stay focused and do better on the situations we got wrong in the first half.”
It is perhaps no coincidence that Milan lost here, as they have struggled in the absence of Adrien Rabiot, who sat out a ban this evening.
However, the coach did not agree with suggestions Milan were too passive and sat back in the first half.
“I think we made too many technical errors in the first half and allowed far too many counter-attacks. Even before the goal, we had another couple of situations where we were all ahead of the ball and had acres of space behind us, you should not concede goals like this,” noted Allegri.
“We stepped up a gear after the break and had many favourable situations, but couldn’t make them count. It’s not that we waited for Lazio, I think we allowed more counter-attacks tonight than throughout the rest of the season.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Maldini of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“If you lose the ball in the opposition half, then either you win it back straight away or you get caught on the counter, there’s no other way out of that situation. We lost a lot of duels in the first half, such as one between De Winter and Maldini, so when you go too softly into those challenges, of course you’ll lose the ball.
“After the break, we were a lot stronger into those duels, and therefore kept Lazio pinned back into their half. It’s difficult to explain why they were soft in those duels, because the lads prepared well and knew the importance of the game.
“I think we made too many errors in general, we accepted going man-for-man with them tonight, and often it didn’t work, leaving De Winter alone against Maldini.”
Milan’s Scudetto dream crumbled as soon as it had opened up, as Gustav Isaksen gave Lazio the 1-0 victory, and Rafael Leao reacted angrily to a substitution.
The Rossoneri blew the Scudetto race open with their victory in the Derby della Madonnina and were handed another big opportunity to close the gap after Inter drew 1-1 with Atalanta yesterday. Adrien Rabiot sat out a ban, with Matteo Gabbia, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Santiago Gimenez injured, so Ardon Jashari stepped into midfield. The Aquile ended their negative streak by beating Sassuolo 2-1, but more importantly the ultras suspended their boycott and returned to the Stadio Olimpico. Danilo Cataldi joined Alessio Romagnoli, Ivan Provedel, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot on the treatment table, so Gil Patric took on a new midfield role.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: SS Lazio fans prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Pervis Estupinan saw his diving header flash wide from an Alexis Saelemaekers cross, but moments later Kenneth Taylor smacked a shot against the crossbar from a tricky angle after good work from Daniel Maldini.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Kenneth Taylor of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio had been repeatedly attacking Estupinan down the right flank and it paid off, as he stumbled when Gustav Isaksen got onto a long Adam Marusic ball, beating Mike Maignan one-on-one at the near post.
Lazio take the lead over AC Milan, and it's Gustav Isaksen who runs clear of the Milan defence to slot past Maignan!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 15, 2026
Maldini also held off Koni De Winter to test Maignan on another counter-attack, but after the restart Edoardo Motta flew for a one-handed save on Christian Pulisic’s strike, with Youssouf Fofana’s weak follow-up header.
At the other end, Dele-Bashiru flashed a ball across the face of goal, then as the move concluded, Maignan had to be alert to prevent Estupinan nodding into his own net.
Mario Gila crucially prevented Leao from going clear on the Fofana through ball, then Motta punched a dangerous Pulisic cross off Leao’s head before the American blasted the rebound over.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio battles for possession with Luka Modric and Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rafael Leao was substituted and clearly unhappy with the decision, as Maignan had to rush over to push him off the field while he reacted with irritation when hugged by Max Allegri.
Zachary Athekame’s volley was charged down by Taylor just inside the area, then on 75 minutes Athekame fired in a splendid strike from a corner, but it was disallowed because it struck his arm as he tried to control and turn. If the ball makes contact with the arm just before scoring a goal, then intentionality is irrelevant.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Fikayo Tomori of AC MIlan during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Milan poured forward with a series of corners, Motta punching one off the head of Pavlovic, then Luka Modric fired over from the edge of the area after the referee got in his way.
Nuno Tavares flashed a ball across the six-yard box just beyond Boulaye Dia, while Ardon Jashari blasted wide. Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri saw red for dissent deep into stoppages.
Milan director Igli Tare brushes off Moise Kean talk, is confident Luka Modric will extend his contract, and warns ‘the season is full of surprises’ as a win against Lazio would reopen the Scudetto race.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
There have been reports over the last few days that Milan will target Fiorentina striker Moise Kean for the future of their attack, reuniting with ex-Juventus coach Max Allegri.
“It is fundamental that we win the game tonight not just for the table, but also to give a sense of consistency following the derby, so there will be plenty of time to talk about the rest.”
Tare and Milan ready to put pressure on Inter
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan kicks a ball whilst under pressure from Manuel Akanji of Inter during 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 Rossoneri have a huge opportunity to blow the Scudetto race wide open, as after last week’s Derby della Madonnina victory, they also watched leaders Inter held 1-1 by Atalanta yesterday.
It means a win here would close the gap at the top to just five points with nine rounds left to play.
“Honestly, we have to focus on ourselves and try to win. It is a big gap still, but a win here would close the gap, and we need to take it one step at a time, because the season is full of surprises,” smiled Tare.
Milan lost here in December for the Coppa Italia quarter-final, beaten by a Mattia Zaccagni header on the Nuno Tavares corner.
UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igli Tare, Sporting director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on September 20, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
As a former Lazio player and director, Tare knows the atmosphere well at the Stadio Olimpico, and saw that the local ultras suspended their boycott, so are present in the stands tonight.
“We talked about it during the week, we’d prefer to play in a full stadium, because this is the joy of football. Lazio are going through a difficult transition period, but they remain a team that can beat anyone on the right day.
“We are aware of all that and want to win tonight.”
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Adrien Rabiot is suspended, with Matteo Gabbia, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Santiago Gimenez injured, so Ardon Jashari step into midfield with Luka Modric.
The Croatian has found a second wind for his career in the Rossoneri jersey, so will he extend his contract to 2027?
“One thing for sure is that Luka loves Milan, and Milan love Luka. As we said at the start of the season, we have an option to extend, but the decision is up to him. He’ll be given the time and space he needs to decide, but he really enjoys playing for us,” concluded Tare.
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.
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