Vincenzo Italiano warns Aston Villa ‘are the favourites’ in the Europa League quarter-final, but Bologna need to be ‘clinical, because we didn’t make the most of opportunities’ last time.
The Rossoblu are the only remaining Italian team in the Europa League, having surprisingly eliminated Roma in the Round of 16 after a 4-3 second leg thriller in extra time.
They already faced Aston Villa twice recently, losing 2-0 in October 2024 and 1-0 back in September, but that was also the only Europa League defeat this season, followed by four draws and seven victories.
Italiano wants Bologna coup
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, speaks to his players during warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It is good to be here and taking part in games like this, we’ll see if we can perform on the night against a great opponent, a coach who has already won this competition four times. They are the favourites, and we need a super performance to cause them problems,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
Martin Vitik is suspended, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Benjamin Dominguez out injured.
Santiago Castro leads the attack, with Federico Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe in support, plus Lewis Ferguson and Tommaso Pobega in midfield.
“We’ll see if we are able to work between the lines and into those corridors with Ferguson and Pobega. Once we lose the ball, we’ve got to chase it down immediately, and when we have it, we’ve got to try to hurt them, especially in the home leg.
“Above all, I want to see us be clinical, because we did create plenty of chances in the two previous matches against them, and we didn’t make the most of those scoring opportunities.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Unai Emery won the Europa League four times, but also expressed admiration for Italiano’s record, having reached two Conference League Finals and two in the Coppa Italia, winning the latter last season.
“We are talking about a coach who gets his teams playing well, has won so many trophies, and that means he’s a winner. Here too, he immediately got Aston Villa into the Champions League, he’s a great European coach, it is an honour to challenge him and we hope to do well,” concluded Italiano.
Unai Emery said he ‘will pay’ for dinner with Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano after the Europa League quarter-final, but first Aston Villa must ‘show respect’ to their opponents.
Emery really is a specialist in the Europa League, winning it four times at two different clubs in his coaching career between Sevilla and Villarreal.
Emery admires Bologna and Italiano
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“I asked my team to show respect for this competition, for this opponent. It is very difficult to be competitive and Bologna will do so much to cause us problems, so we need to be very well-organised and ready,” Emery told Sky Sport Italia.
Bologna already lost 2-0 to Aston Villa in the Champions League last season and 1-0 back in September for this tournament, but this is the first time Aston Villa have played at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“We have individual talents, but we need to be organised as a team in order to get the best out of them. Football is a team sport, and we need everyone to work together so that they can all give their best individually too.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, checks his watch on the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Aston Villa are flying high in the Premier League, currently in fourth place, one point behind Manchester United and five ahead of Liverpool, so are on track to qualify for the Champions League.
They eliminated Lille in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, 3-0 on aggregate, and won every game in the tournament this season except for a 2-1 loss away to Go Ahead Eagles on October 23.
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano said he would like to meet Emery for dinner one day to talk football, away from competition.
“I have great respect for Italiano, he was already a strong player, now as a coach he has reached three finals in three years. That means he knows how to prepare his teams in these competitions and transmit his ideas, the competitive approach to the players,” smiled Emery.
“Of course, I will pay! It is always fascinating to exchange ideas with people from other countries and styles of football.”
Paolo Vanoli explains how he believes Fiorentina can ‘create problems’ for Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘We must play with character and positivity.’
The Viola are hoping to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, but are also well aware that the priority is managing to avoid relegation in Serie A.
Vanoli outlines Fiorentina approach
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I always said the team spirit is what allowed us to get results when we had started from the bottom. This is a match against a strong, Premier League team, so we must play with character and positivity.”
Moise Kean is still struggling with that recuring ankle issue and has not made the trip to London, along with Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring the 1-4 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are in their first major UEFA tournament, but Jorgen Strand Larsen is suspended, with Chris Richards and Caleb Kporha injured.
Jean-Philippe Mateta gets his first start since January 25, when his failed medical ruined the planned €30m transfer to Milan.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Giovanni Fabbian of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It was put to Vanoli that Fiorentina can do damage to Crystal Palace’s defence, especially with Giovanni Fabbian’s position.
“In modern football, midfielders make the difference. Fagioli pulls the strings and has been sending passes to the strikers so well lately. I think we can create problems for them between the lines and support the striker, even if Palace are a very strong team,” agreed the coach.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Nicolo’ Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Usually, Fiorentina were the favourites in their Conference League fixtures this season, but this is not the case for the quarter-final and might actually help them.
“Pressure is part of the game and you need it if you want to achieve something important. With the emotional state we were in domestically, the fact we got this far in the Conference League was remarkable.
“Now this is a reward for us and our fans that we are able to play this quarter-final. We’ve got to enjoy it and remember the tie is played over two legs,” concluded Vanoli.
Vincenzo Italiano’s side were the surprise victors in the all-Italian derby in the Round of 16, eliminating Roma after a 1-1 first leg draw and 4-3 win in extra time at the Stadio Olimpico.
Martin Vitik is suspended for the first leg, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Benjamin Dominguez injured.
Federico Ravaglia therefore has to go in goal, with Castro the only centre-forward, but Bernardeschi and Rowe are preferred to Riccardo Orsolini and Niccolò Cambiaghi.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Santiago Castro of Bologna reacts during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Hellas Verona FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
These teams have met twice before very recently, with Aston Villa winning 2-0 in the Champions League in October 2024, then 1-0 back in September 2025 as part of the Europa League opening phase.
Both those games were at Villa Park, so this is the first time they’ve faced off on Italian soil.
That 1-0 loss in September is also the only defeat Bologna suffered in the Europa League this season, along with four draws and seven victories.
epa11676176 Bologna fans hold their team’s scarfs during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909, in Birmingham, Britain, 22 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN
Aston Villa currently sit fourth in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester United and five ahead of Liverpool, so are on track to qualify for the Champions League.
They eliminated Lille in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, 3-0 on aggregate, and won every game in the tournament this season except for a 2-1 loss away to Go Ahead Eagles on October 23.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: John McGinn of Aston Villa scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Boubacar Kamara and Jadon Sancho are the only injury absentees for coach Unai Emery, who is a real specialist in this competition, winning the Europa League a record four times.
Their squad includes Argentina hero goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, ex-Roma full-back Lucas Digne, former Milan and Roma striker Tammy Abraham, Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus and Roma flop Leon Bailey.
Fiorentina are without Moise Kean, so Roberto Piccoli and Albert Gudmundsson lead the attack against Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta in the Conference League quarter-final.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The Viola are torn between focus on avoiding relegation from Serie A after a disastrous start to the season, and trying to reach the Conference League semi-final for the fourth year in a row.
Star striker Kean is again forced out with a recurring ankle issue and has not even made the trip, with Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey also injured.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Piccoli therefore is the centre-forward, supported by Gudmundsson, Italy Under-21 international Cher Ndour, Giovanni Fabbian and January signing Jack Harrison.
Veteran goalkeeper David De Gea takes the gloves, with Robin Gosens at left-back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: David de Gea goalkeeper of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between ACF Fiorentina and AEK Athens FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 27, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are forced to do without suspended Jorgen Strand Larsen, while Chris Richards and Caleb Kporha are carrying injuries.
They too are struggling domestically this season, sitting 14th in the Premier League, albeit with a healthy cushion from the relegation zone.
The biggest political party in Italy has presented a motion to annul the sale of San Siro to Inter and Milan following an investigation into the stadium situation.
After a decade of discussions, projects that were presented, scrapped, represented and revised, the two clubs finally sealed the purchase of the land around the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the San Siro area of Milan.
San Siro future still up in the air
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead 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)
In November 2025, the clubs completed the €200m agreement to build a new arena in what is essentially now the car park, and after that they can tear down the existing stadium or remodel it.
Now Fratelli d’Italia, the political party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the opposition party in the city of Milan, has presented a motion to annul the sale of San Siro and demand the resignation of Mayor Giuseppe Sala.
They had always been against the sale of the stadium, wanting to instead refurbish the existing arena, even though that will be extremely difficult with the teams playing every three days.
It is no secret that the Rossoneri are keeping a close eye on the situation, as they are hoping to replicate the successful swoop for veteran Luka Modric when his Real Madrid contract was allowed to run down last year.
Lewandowski can still deliver for Milan
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Despite the fact he will celebrate his 38th birthday in August, Lewandowski is still banging in the goals for Barcelona, finding the net 17 times with three assists in 39 competitive games this season.
His contract only runs to June 30, although it could be renewed if certain conditions are met.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – APRIL 15: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after Ramy Bensebaini of Borussia Dortmund concedes an own goal, resulting in the first goal for FC Barcelona, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato, Milan have stepped up communication with agent Pini Zahavi in order to convince Lewandowski to accept a significantly lower salary.
Their ceiling is set at €7m per season, whereas the Poland international currently pockets as much as €20m at Camp Nou.
That is also a figure that MLS club Chicago Fire would be willing to pay, but Milan hope that the lure of Serie A and their likely Champions League qualification can convince him to remain.
He’d also get to be teammates with former Real Madrid rival Modric, who is finding a new lease of life in Italian football.
Italy will have some more representation at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA, because referee Maurizio Mariani and VAR Marco Di Bello are among those officiating.
The Azzurri failed to qualify for the third edition of the World Cup in a row, although there will still be some Italian interest in the tournament.
That includes Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, Turkiye boss Vincenzo Montella, and Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro.
Italian referee Mariani at 2026 World Cup
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 08: Referee Maurizio Mariani speaks to Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Di Bello has also been included, but he will be in the role of VMO, meaning he’ll be in the VAR booth and not on the field.
Assistant referees Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni are going to the World Cup too.
There are 52 referees in total who will be involved in the tournament, which is bigger than ever with over 100 games being played in three countries.
This includes 15 officials from Europe chosen by another Italian, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina.
“This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be contested across the most extensive geographical footprint in the tournament’s history,” said Collina.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Referee Maurizio Mariani reacts during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It’ll be the largest FIFA Team One ever, with 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each of them must be ready to be appointed for a match and to contribute actively to ensuring that the refereeing at the World Cup is a success.
“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing.”
The group of officials will meet in Miami for a 10-day preparation seminar starting May 31, then the VAR team will relocate to Dallas.
While the senior team might be struggling, youth level football is still flourishing, and they qualified for the final phase of the Under-17 tournament.
Who Italy will play in Under-17 Euros
Italy Under 17 squad celebrate FIGC
The draw has placed the Azzurrini in Group B and will make their debut against France on May 26, then Montenegro on May 29 and Denmark on June 1.
All their games will be played at the Kalevi Central Stadium in Tallinn.
The top two teams in each group will go through to the semi-finals, while the Final is scheduled for June 7.
Italy qualified by finishing second in their group with six points, one behind leaders Montenegro, then dominated the A2 phase in March with a 100 per cent record, beating Portugal 3-2, Iceland 4-0 and Romania 2-1.
EMPOLI- JUNE 09: Team of Italy U17 celebrate the victory of UEFA European Under 17-Championship 2023/2024 before an International Friendly match between Italy and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Stadio Carlo Castellani on June 09, 2024 in Empoli (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Coach Daniele Franceschini not only qualified them for the final phase of the European Under-21 Championship, but also the Under-17 World Cup, scheduled for November 2026 in Qatar.
Milan suffered a 1-0 away defeat at Napoli on Monday night, seeing the Partenopei overtake them in second position in the Serie A table.
The Serie A title race is now reduced to Inter and Napoli, although the Nerazzurri have a seven-point lead over the Partenopei with seven games remaining.
“We wanted to take three points here and get closer to Inter, but things didn’t go well,” Pavlovic told DAZN Italia via TMW.
“From the beginning, we played slowly and without many chances, in the end, we didn’t have a good position on the goal, and they scored.”
Milan had not been out of the top two since Week 11 this season, so are they looking over their shoulders now to secure a Champions League spot?
“We lost second place, but we are still on the way to reaching our goals,” Pavlovic replied.
“We don’t need to look at what other teams are doing; we just need to be focused on ourselves, to win next week and take three points at home.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Pavlovic is a central defender, but has increasingly been pushing forward to act as an adjunct striker.
“We should create even more chances; we didn’t create a lot in the last few games, even if we scored three goals against Torino. When we have opportunities to score, we need to move much faster and be more focused,” he concluded.
“I had one situation too today where I didn’t know whether to shoot or pass, and I missed that moment, so we need to be more focused in these situations.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Giovane of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Milan return to the pitch on Saturday, April 11, hosting Udinese at San Siro at 18:00 CET.
The Rossoneri have collected three wins and two defeats in the last five league matches and have a six-point advantage over fifth-placed Juventus.
Napoli winger Matteo Politano insists players have ‘no problem’ with Romelu Lukaku, while Leonardo Spinazzola describes the Belgian striker as a ‘gentle giant’ who has faced a ‘really difficult time’ personally.
Napoli secured a 1-0 win over Milan on Monday night, climbing to the second position in the table, seven points behind leaders Inter.
Napoli 1-0 Milan: Spinazzola and Poitano’s post-match interviews
Italy international Politano was introduced from the bench and scored the winner for the Partenopei, and was celebrated with a warm hug from his teammate and compatriot Spinazzola.
“There is friendship for over 15 years, we grew up together and met up again here,” Politano told DAZN Italia via TMW.
“Today is the birthday of both one of my best friends and my sister, so I dedicate the goal to them.”
Napoli were without a natural centre-forward against the Rossoneri, as Rasmus Hojlund was ruled out with the flu, while Romelu Lukaku has been frozen out after staying in Belgium during and after the international break to train individually.
“We have no problem with Romelu; he always behaved well with us, and we are in contact. It’s between him and the club, it’s up to them to sort it out,” Politano said.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Spinazzola added: “This has been a really difficult time for Rom, he lost his Dad, he seems like a big tough guy, but really he’s a gentle giant, a big softie. We talked a lot, I know how much he suffered, so I hope above all for him that this can pass.”
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 experienced full-back also spoke about his rapport with Politano and mentioned Italy’s World Cup play-off elimination as both players were part of the Azzurri squad last week.
“We shared something horrible a few days ago, but this is football,” he added via TMW.
“Today was a big reaction from everyone. I told Matteo before getting out there that he would decide it, because Milan are his favourite prey.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Leonardo Spinazzola of SSC Napoli shows his disappointment during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“We believe that we can win every game, then we’ll see where we end up, but we have faith that we can get a run of victories. Today was important for the Champions League places, then we’ll see where we are on May 25.”
Napoli’s next game is away at Parma on Sunday, and on the same day, Inter will visit Como.
Antonio Conte left the door wide open to an Italy recall, admitting his future at Napoli is in doubt. ‘If I was the FIGC President, I’d take me into consideration.’
The 56-year-old has emerged as one of the strongest candidates to take over the reins of the Azzurri after the failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
It would be a return, as he was already on the Nazionale bench from 2014 to 2016, before walking away for a new club experience at Chelsea.
When asked in today’s press conference after Napoli beat Milan 1-0 to leap into second place if he was disturbed or flattered by the Italy rumours, his response was surprisingly open.
Conte not hiding Italy ambition
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“Let us not forget that last year, in the final three months of the season, there was talk in the media that I would leave Napoli to go to Juventus, right?” said Conte.
“The media has to write something, and it is only right that my name appears as part of that list. If I was the FIGC President, I would take me into consideration along with others. For many reasons, I would put Conte in that list.
“After all, I have already worked with the Nazionale and I know the environment. I am flattered, because representing your country is something wonderful.
“You all know full well that I have a year left on my contract with Napoli and that at the end of the season I will sit down with the President to discuss it.”
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
A new coach is only part of the process, as Italian football has struggled since that epic World Cup triumph in 2006, and the EURO 2020 victory is starting to feel like a blip more than a sign of recovery.
What more needs to be done to turn things around?
“It’s disappointing that if we had won that penalty shoot-out with Bosnia and qualified for the World Cup, people would’ve talked about a great achievement and Italy playing great football. Unfortunately, only the results count in this sport now,” noted Conte.
“After three World Cups in a row, however, something serious needs to be done. When I was CT there was a lot of talk, but I got very little help from the clubs.
“Now everything is seen as a disaster, but even in disasters, there is always something that can be salvaged. We’ve got to understand that if things aren’t working, then they remain the same whether we qualify or not. If we had qualified, the same people criticising would’ve called it a triumph.
“We all care about the Nazionale and something must be done.”
TOULOUSE, FRANCE – JUNE 17: Antonio Conte head coach of Italy reacts on the touchline during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden at Stadium Municipal on June 17, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Giovane reveals his shock when discovering this morning he ‘might have to start’ in a new role for Napoli against Milan, as Rasmus Hojlund had a virus.
This was a Scudetto showdown to see who would go into the final seven rounds as genuine challengers to leaders Inter.
It was a rough situation for the Partenopei, who lost Hojlund just hours before kick-off to a stomach bug, with Romelu Lukaku, David Neres, Antonio Vergara, Amir Rrahmani and Giovanni Di Lorenzo already injured.
Giovane was used as a makeshift centre-forward, but Politano came off the bench to meet the poor Koni De Winter header at the back post, scoring the winning goal.
Giovane had no time to prepare new role
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Nico Paz of Como 1907 battles for possession with Giovane of SSC Napoli during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Reports started to filter through in the afternoon that Hojlund was not in good shape, but it wasn’t much earlier that Napoli found out either.
“When I arrived at the camp this morning, I couldn’t see Hojlund, because he wasn’t well,” Giovane told DAZN Italia.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: SSC Napoli team pose before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“Everyone started telling me I ought to get ready, because I might have to play. I am a young guy, I know that I need to improve and learn, and this is a role I have played only a few times.
“I am happy it went well, I really needed a performance like this against a great team like Milan.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Giovane of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Giovane joined Napoli in January from Hellas Verona, but was always used as a winger and not a centre-forward.
“I had only played there at youth level, but I was ready to help the team. The coach told me to do the counter-movements in the second half, and it did go better.”
Having arrived a few months ago, the Brazilian is yet to fully discover the joys of living in Naples.
“I am rather reserved and don’t really like going out much, Juan Jesus tells me I am a weird Brazilian. What I’ve seen of the city is beautiful, it reminds me of Brazil, so I hope to see more of it.”
Antonio Conte feels Napoli beating Milan to take second place during an injury crisis is ‘extraordinary,’ but while they must be ‘realistic,’ this team still ‘wants to defend the Scudetto to the end.’
This was a massive showdown for second place and the opportunity to keep up the pressure on leaders Inter, and it really did not start in the best way for the Partenopei.
Rasmus Hojlund came down with a stomach bug overnight and was ruled out of the squad, so with Romelu Lukaku, David Neres, Antonio Vergara, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani injured, Conte had to give January signing Giovane his first start as a makeshift centre-forward.
It was a substitute who decided the match, Matteo Politano volleying in a poor Koni De Winter clearance at the back post at the 79th minute.
Conte thanks decimated Napoli
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“This victory gives us a great deal of enthusiasm and confidence, because we must never forget that if we are up there in second place, it is thanks to those lads who covered for all the absences we dealt with this season,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“Hojlund was missing today, but we haven’t had Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Neres and Vergara for a while either, so that’s five players who are almost all regular starters. It’s extraordinary that the team has stayed up there despite these absences.
“Any other side would’ve fallen apart and lost its fight. I think of Elmas, who came on for the final 15 minutes, he was a key player during the many absences. Mazzocchi, Beukema, they were protagonists over the season.
“That was extraordinary, not what we saw this evening. It’s inevitable that the more players we get fit, the more we have choices and the more we can rotate to keep everyone fresh.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: SSC Napoli team pose before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The news only started to filter through in the afternoon that Hojlund not only might not be in the starting XI, but wasn’t even ready for a spot on the bench.
“This morning the doctor greeted me with this marvellous news that Hojlund had a fever and was vomiting, so I had to change plans, Giovane gave a good response,” explained Conte.
“I am eager during a moment of joy now that we are in second place to thank those lads who stepped up during a tragic sporting situation that could’ve ended badly. They gave a great response, we are starting to get players back, Rrahmani and Giovanni are on track. We hope Neres and Vergara can recover before the end of the season.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Matteo Politano of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Politano was in part on the bench because he was involved in Italy’s failed World Cup play-off campaign, starting against both Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I was joking with Politano today that I had predicted he’d come on and make the difference when Milan were more tired, in an area of the pitch where they’d attack us more,” revealed Conte.
“I am very glad for Matteo, who scored his second goal of the season. Alisson Santos was important too as a substitute.”
This result means Napoli leapfrog Milan into second place and are seven points behind leaders Inter, who crushed Roma 5-2 last night.
“Now we have to keep going, because there are seven rounds to go and we took an important step towards the Champions League, which is our objective,” added Conte.
“If Milan can say the Champions League is their target, why shouldn’t it be Napoli’s? Juventus say the same too, Napoli won the Supercoppa, but people seem to expect even more from us than these clubs.
“Now we must try to stay up there and defend this position. We know Inter deserve to be first in the table, we are there, and must focus on ourselves.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
More might be expected because Napoli are the reigning Champions of Italy and won two of the last three Serie A titles, even if both times their coaches tried to depict them as sporting miracles.
How much does Conte believe in the possibility of a second consecutive Napoli Scudetto?
“We’ve got to be realistic here. We would need to not make a single mistake, and at the same time hope that Inter slip up more than once. Seeing what Inter have done so far, that seems improbable. They are a very strong squad, they deserve all they are doing, and we must try to just keep our foot on the gas.
“We want to defend the Scudetto to the very end, which we hadn’t been able to do for many months, but now we’ve been able to take back control of our history, our destiny, and we want to keep going, without making proclamations.
“The Champions League spot still needs to be locked down, and it is by no means achieved yet. That truly is a fundamental objective, because everyone knows the financial benefits that brings,” concluded Conte.
Max Allegri admits ‘the Scudetto race is not for us now’ after defeat to Napoli, so they ‘still have work to do to achieve our objective, which is Champions League football.’
The Rossoneri made big changes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, leaving the not fully fit Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic on the bench to start an all-new partnership of Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku.
They struggled to test Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, and were beaten by a late Matteo Politano volley at the back post, ready to meet the poor Koni De Winter headed clearance.
Allegri regrets after Napoli 1-0 Milan
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of AC Milan, gestures during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“It was a game with few scoring opportunities, so we felt like one incident would make the difference,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“Napoli did well to make the most of it, our defence was in position, but we conceded that goal. We should’ve been a bit quicker to finish off attacking moves in the second half, as we hesitated and allowed them to close us down.”
The choice of strikers was a big risk when they had not been used together before, but were there fitness problems behind that decision?
“I think Nkunku and Fullkrug had a good game, Nkunku worked for the team and had a couple of opportunities. Someone like him needs to score one of those chances,” replied Allegri.
“Football is made of these situations, the whole team played pretty well. We allowed one Spinazzola shot in the first half we shouldn’t have let him get through, then struggled with a few counter-attacks.
“I thought we recovered the ball three or four times in their half, but made the wrong pass, and that lack of precision is important. We absolutely need to improve, we still have some work to do in order to achieve our objective, which is Champions League football.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Allegri has a tendency to throw strikers on when in a losing situation, but could Milan attempt a 4-3-3 formation from the start at some point too?
“The 4-3-3 is something we could try from the start, but it depends on fitness levels. Pulisic arrived on Friday from international duty, Leao was out for two weeks and had two half training sessions. I could’ve gone for it earlier, but I preferred to keep the game going for a while.
“Unfortunately, Rafa had started the season well, but has struggled with a series of injury problems.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
This was a head-to-head for second place, and Milan have slipped down to third, now two points behind Napoli and nine adrift of leaders Inter.
Perhaps more worrying, they are now only six points clear of Juventus in fifth, so that Champions League ticket is by no means locked down yet.
“The Scudetto race is not for us now, Inter are nine points away and Napoli are ahead now. We need to focus on ourselves, taking it one game at a time. We are right now on target for our objective, but it won’t be decided within a week or two, we need to maintain that advantage by trying to win games,” warned Allegri.
Matteo Politano came off the bench for a late goal to give Napoli victory over Milan, sending them into second place, with Inter’s lead at the top extended to seven points.
This was a crucial crossroads in the campaign, as third hosted second to see who would emerge to challenge leaders Inter.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: SSC Napoli supporters during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Both Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic were only fit for the bench, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek returning after six weeks out with facial fractures, and Matteo Gabbia a long-term absentee, so Max Allegri launched a new front pairing of Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Luka Modric squirmed through a crowd to force Alessandro Buongiorno into a bookable offence, and from that free kick Strahinja Pavlovic nodded inches wide of the near post.
Leonardo Spinazzola dribbled past Youssouf Fofana to bend a finish just wide of the far top corner, with Nkunku failing to keep his finish down when sent clear down the left by Fofana.
Giovane sprinted onto a through ball and was shaping up to shoot when blocked off by Pavlovic, but he forced a big one-handed save out of Mike Maignan with a strike from outside the area after the restart.
Maignan also parried a Kevin De Bruyne effort from the by-line at the near post when sent through by Spinazzola, while Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa nodded wide from a promising position.
The breakthrough came in the final stages, as Mathias Olivera’s cross to the back post was only flicked on with a weak Koni De Winter header, finding Matteo Politano on the volley with the left foot from a tight angle to give Napoli the lead.
That magic left foot
Matteo Politano gives Napoli the lead in a must win game
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 6, 2026
Santiago Gimenez saw his header sail just over the bar from a Zachary Athekame cross, while Rafael Leao fired over when going for the same ball as Pulisic.
Napoli director Giovanni Manna explains Romelu Lukaku will face ‘consequences’ for his refusal to return from Belgium, but has faith in Giovane in tonight’s big match with Milan.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Whoever wins will be in a position to challenge leaders Inter going into the final seven rounds of the season, as only one point separates Napoli in third from Milan in second going into this clash.
Manna outlines Napoli position on Lukaku
“It is an important match, we want to give a sense of consistency to our positive period of form, and certainly want to consolidate our position in front of our fans,” Manna told DAZN Italia.
“These are two strong teams, they are well-drilled, close together in the table. It is going to be a long and tough match.”
There was a surprising twist in the build-up to this match, because reports emerged this afternoon that Rasmus Hojlund was struggling with a stomach bug, and he is not even fit for the bench.
Lukaku, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani and Antonio Vergara are also still out of action, though Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa seem to be getting back to full fitness after long lay-offs, so Giovane is the makeshift centre-forward.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Nico Paz of Como 1907 battles for possession with Giovane of SSC Napoli during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“We signed Giovane because we needed an attacking player. Centre-forward isn’t his best role, but he can play there, he is humble, professional, works hard, and that tends to pay off.
“He earned this opportunity, the coach had no doubts, so we have full faith in him.”
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli and Unai Núñez of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The situation is very clear to me. Romelu went to Belgium for international duty, he had a small injury setback and preferred to remain there to train, against what we had asked. Nobody would’ve stopped him from working with his doctors, but we had wanted to talk it over in Naples, and it didn’t happen. We are not happy about that.
“The integrity, respect and value of the group is above all else. Talking about this now is superfluous, because Romelu is not here, he is working in Belgium, I think and hope he will return in a week’s time.
“He knows there will be consequences, but we keep going, Giovane plays today, and so we are happy about that.”
Milan won when these teams met at San Siro in September, but Napoli replied with a 2-0 victory in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final in December.
“We expanded the squad precisely for these issues, and if we hadn’t done that, then we wouldn’t be there competing for our main target, which is a Champions League spot,” added Manna.
“We always fought this season to deal with injuries, but we are here, we want to give more joy to our fans this evening.”
Milan director Igli Tare explains the surprising new strike partnership against Napoli and insists Rafael Leao ‘is a very important player’ despite this season’s problems.
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)
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
This is a crucial moment in the season, as whoever wins will be in a position to challenge leaders Inter going into the final seven rounds.
Tare stands up for Leao and Milan
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Igli Tare of AC Milan looks on 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)
“These are two great teams, the table says so as well, we expect a spectacular game of football tonight,” Tare told DAZN Italia.
“Looking at the Juventus victory too, the table is closing up and a victory would be fundamental for us this evening.”
Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are not at 100 per cent, so rather than risk them, Allegri has launched a new strike pairing of Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku.
“We have many excellent strikers, it is a deep squad for this reason, so there is nothing surprising about these choices. The best thing for Allegri today is that he has a lot of options to choose from.
“I generally try to look more to the top than over my shoulder, playing in a stadium with this atmosphere, there is nothing better for a player. We must try to do everything possible to win tonight.”
Leao has struggled as a False 9 and would perhaps prefer to be on the left wing, but how has his season been overall?
“We seem to talk about Leao every week, but his quality is beyond doubt,” replied Tare.
“His problem is that he suffered a lot of injuries this season that never allowed him to express himself in the best way. He was out for two weeks, had a couple of days training with the team, we brought him along because he can make the difference off the bench too.”
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Rafael Leao of AC Milan 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)
Will these setbacks affect the future of a player like Rafael Leao?
“He has a contract for another two years, he is a very important player for Milan,” concluded the director.
These sides have already met twice this season, Milan winning 2-1 in Serie A in September despite the Pervis Estupinan red card, but then Napoli emerged 2-0 winners in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final.
Juventus closed to within a point of Como in fourth place with a 2-0 victory over Genoa, as Gleison Bremer and Weston McKennie scored, substitute Michele Di Gregorio saving a penalty.
The Bianconeri were feeling the pressure after a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo left them in joint fifth place, although Como’s draw in Udine gave them the opportunity to close the gap on fourth. While they finally had a full squad to choose from, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik were only ready for the bench. Genoa missed Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Maxwel Cornet and Benjamin Siegrist after a run of three wins in four games was ended by a home defeat to Udinese. It was a touchline reunion for Luciano Spalletti and his former Roma player Daniele De Rossi.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It took just four minutes to break the deadlock, as after the first Gleison Bremer header was charged down, Khephren Thuram and Lloyd Kelly knocked it back into the box for another Bremer header, this one wrong-footing Justin Bijlow with a deflection off Johan Vasquez.
Thuram flashed just wide and Ruslan Malinovskyi’s powerful free kick was deflected for a corner, but Juventus added a second with a well-worked move.
Weston McKennie started it in the centre-circle sending Francisco Conceicao down the right, continued his run and was ready to sweep home the return pass from 12 yards off the inside of the right boot.
However, McKennie was booked soon after for a clumsy sliding tackle on Vasquez and will be suspended for the big match with Atalanta.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 06: Junior Messias of Genoa is challenged by Khephren Thuram of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz had a couple of weak efforts straight at Bijlow, but McKennie wasted an astonishing chance on the stroke of half-time.
Conceicao’s cross to the far post was acrobatically knocked back at the by-line by Kenan Yildiz, but McKennie somehow turned over from point-blank range.
Moments later, Conceicao went for goal himself, an angled drive flashing across the face of goal to skim the back stick.
Michele Di Gregorio came on for the second half, as Mattia Perin sustained a slight calf issue.
Juve continued to pour forward, as first McKennie was sliding in unable to fully meet the Thuram knockdown in a free kick routine, then moments later Jonathan David’s screamer from the edge of the area thumped the inside of the far post.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 06: Lorenzo Colombo of Genoa battles for possession with Bremer of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Tommaso Baldanzi fired straight at Di Gregorio, while the Vasquez strike was charged down, along with a Vitinha volley from a corner.
Vlahovic was getting ready to come on when he felt a calf twinge in the warm-up, so Milik was introduced instead.
Bremer brought down Aaron Martin for a yellow card, but VAR confirmed the contact was on the line, which is part of the penalty area. Martin stepped up, but Di Gregorio marked his unexpected return with a huge double save, first on the Martin spot-kick, then the follow-up volley too. It means Genoa have failed to convert four of their eight Serie A penalties this season, with four different players missing.
Baldanzi made a big difference since coming on for Genoa and was brought down by Thuram this time inches outside the box.
Arkadiusz Milik spotted Bijlow off his line and attempted an audacious lob from the centre-circle, which the Genoa goalkeeper scrambled back to claw away.
It’s a huge Scudetto battle between third and second, as Napoli lose Rasmus Hojlund, so Giovane, Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay start, while Milan revamp with Niclas Fullkrug, Christopher Nkunku and Luka Modric.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan reacts during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
This is a decisive crossroads in the campaign, as whoever wins will be in a position to challenge leaders Inter going into the final seven rounds of the season.
Napoli are still missing Romelu Lukaku, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani and Antonio Vergara, with Lukaku frozen out of the squad as punishment for refusing to return early from international duty, seeking instead to continue treatment in Belgium.
Antonio Conte can finally start De Bruyne, McTominay and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa together after their injury problems.
They need to provide support for makeshift centre-forward Giovane, who joined from Verona in January.
Miguel Gutierrez is preferred to Matteo Politano, who struggled for Italy in the World Cup play-offs, as Napoli seek a fifth straight Serie A victory.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during 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)
Milan have quite a few problems to deal with after the hard-fought 3-2 win over Torino, because Rafael Leao is still not fully fit after a hip inflammation, while Christian Pulisic returned fatigued from international duty with the USMNT.
With that in mind, Max Allegri launches a brand new front pairing of Fullkrug and Nkunku, neither of them entirely accustomed to starting, let alone together.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back on the bench for the first time since suffering facial fractures in a collision with the Parma goalkeeper in February, so only Matteo Gabbia remains out of action entirely.
Davide Bartesaghi is chosen ahead of Pervis Estupinan, with Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot in midfield.
These teams have already met twice this season, as Milan won 2-1 at San Siro in Serie A in September, then Napoli sealed a 2-0 victory in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final on December 12.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan battles for possession with Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Napoli vs. Milan official line-ups
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic; Juan Jesus, Buongiorno, Olivera; Gutierrez, Lobotka, Anguissa, Spinazzola; De Bruyne, McTominay; Giovane
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Manuel Locatelli and Mattia Perin of Juventus embrace after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri have seemingly changed their hierarchy of goalkeepers due to recent form, as coach Luciano Spalletti had started out picking Di Gregorio, but switched to Perin after a series of errors.
The former Monza man was benched for six games in a row between Serie A and the Champions League, not featuring since the 2-0 home defeat to Como on February 21.
He was also on the touchline for this evening’s Week 31 fixture against Genoa, but surprisingly came on for the second half.
Sky Sport Italia report this is because Perin felt a twinge in his calf muscle and it was decided not to risk further damage, so Di Gregorio came on in his place during the break.
Raffaele Palladino was ‘satisfied’ with Atalanta’s 3-0 victory away to Lecce, which put them back in the race for the top four. ‘It was the first of eight finals, we’ll keep climbing that mountain.’
La Dea put themselves right back in the race for a top four finish and return to the Champions League, as they started the final sprint of eight rounds with a 3-0 victory away to Lecce.
Giorgio Scalvini opened the scoring in the first half at the Stadio Via del Mare, followed by Nikola Krstovic and Giacomo Raspadori, while Marco Carnesecchi never really had a save to make.
Palladino believes in Atalanta comeback
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Raffaele Palladino Atalanta BC head coach during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“This was a game with many hidden dangers, as the first after the break for international duty is always complicated to get everyone back together again,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“It wasn’t easy to prepare for this, the two teams also struggled with the heat as the temperature is changing, so that made the passing too predictable.
“We adjusted as time went on and did well to attack the space. I’m satisfied with the performance, another clean sheet also gives confidence to the defence.
“It was the first of eight Finals, now we must continue our climb up that mountain.”
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Giacomo Raspadori of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
If Champions League football and a top four finish seemed improbable when Palladino took over from Ivan Juric in November, the situation is very different now.
Atalanta are within five points of fourth place after Como were held to a 0-0 draw by Udinese today.
“We expected Lecce to be aggressive, as this was a decisive match for them, so I liked the maturity shown by my team in dealing with that early strong approach,” continued Palladino.
“We let them have their runs down the flanks with Banda and Pierotti, but blocked off the channels with quality, technique and dynamism.”
Having been eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 by Bayern Munich, Atalanta are still in the Coppa Italia semi-final, having drawn the first leg 2-2 with Lazio.
“Now we have two head-to-head clashes coming up, plus the Coppa Italia semi-final, so I asked the team to raise the bar. Everyone is really involved in this fight,” continued the coach.
“Our DNA is to attack and defend together, the players know how much I care about everyone contributing to the two phases. We need altruism in the final third to find the player in the best position to score, I saw some of that today, and we could’ve won by a wider margin.”
It is not just Como’s draw that represented a boost for Atalanta, but Roma losing 5-2 to Inter also means La Dea are within a point of their former boss Gian Piero Gasperini in sixth.
“Obviously, those results were positive for us, I tried to keep the lads concentrated on our own path. I asked them to finish off this journey by giving their all, then we will see where we end up,” concluded Palladino.
This is a huge match for the title race, as the winner will be in a position to keep up the pace with leaders Inter and pressure them to the end.
Napoli must do without Hojlund
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Hojlund was set to start his 30th game in a row for Napoli, but there were reports this afternoon that he was struggling for fitness.
Hojlund started feeling ill last night with a high fever, vomiting and stomach bug, he is still not in any fit condition to play, so is likely to not even be on the bench tonight.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The 23-year-old was their top scorer with 14 goals and four assists in 37 competitive games.
It’s a devastating blow for Antonio Conte, who was already missing Romelu Lukaku, David Neres, Antonio Vergara, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani.
Giovane is the only real striker available, although some are suggesting that Alisson Santos could be used as a False 9 instead.
Juventus director of sport Marco Ottolini faces his old club Genoa, giving updates on contract talks with Dusan Vlahovic and Luciano Spalletti. ‘Italian football needs vision and patience.’
The pressure is on the Bianconeri to secure Champions League qualification, which became more difficult after their 1-1 draw with Sassuolo going into the break for international duty.
However, a win here would put them within a point of fourth place, seeing as Como were held 0-0 by Udinese earlier today and Roma lost 5-2 to Inter.
Ottolini outlines Juventus vision
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Marco Ottolini, sports manager of Genoa, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa and Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 21, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“It is a special game for me, I want to salute all of Genoa, as I spent some unforgettable years there,” Ottolini told Sky Sport Italia.
“The team is doing well, including those who returned from international duty, and we are ready to concentrate on this final sprint.”
Vlahovic and Arek Milik made their comebacks two weeks ago, but are still only fit for the bench to begin with after so many months on the treatment table.
The Serbian is only under contract until June 30, but while his exit as a free agent had seemed inevitable, it is increasingly likely that a new agreement will be reached.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Dusan Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu of Juventus interact after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“With Dusan we started talking again after his return from Belgrade, showing the mutual desire to sit down and evaluate the situation. Those talks will continue over the next few weeks. There is nothing more to say than that,” explained Ottolini.
Coach Spalletti is also in discussions for a contract extension, as he arrived to replace Igor Tudor and penned a short-term deal without guarantees, even if he qualifies for the Champions League.
“With the coach, as he himself said, there is no rush. We are concentrated on these final games, but talks are at an advanced stage.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Como 1907 at on February 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Although Jeremie Boga had been expected to start, it is Jonathan David who gets the nod in attack, with Francisco Conceicao, Weston McKennie and Kenan Yildiz in support.
It also remains to be seen how the Italy internationals in the squad will react after the World Cup play-off failure to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The debate over how to get more young players to develop in Italy also involves stronger use of second teams.
“We were the first club in Italy to set up the Next Gen team and are very pleased with how that is progressing, but naturally that also requires investment and infrastructure,” explained Ottolini.
“It also needs patience, but if you have a medium to long-term vision, it does bring results, and we will continue to put our faith in this project.
“When it comes to Italian football as a whole, many expressed their opinions, but I feel we need to sit down, set individual interests aside, and focus on the system in total.”
Daniele De Rossi explains his Genoa choices against Juventus and why he admires Luciano Spalletti. ‘He keeps up to date with changes in football and remains a modern coach.’
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Genoa CFC coach Daniele De Rossi looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Genoa went into the break for international duty off a home defeat to Udinese, but are missing Brooke Norton-Cuffy after he suffered an injury with the England Under-21 side.
There were different options on the left flank, but Aaron Martin got the nod ahead of Stefano Sabelli.
“I can’t be using left-footed players on the opposite flank, Martin is suited to the left, so I’ll keep him there. We can solve games like this with set plays and Martin is a maestro, and his fitness levels really improved recently,” De Rossi told Sky Sport Italia.
“With five substitutions, it helps to have a deep squad, but I think Juventus have a great starting XI and play some of the best football currently in Italy along with Como.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Como 1907 at on February 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It is a touchline reunion with De Rossi’s former Roma coach Spalletti, and the veteran said that he considered DDR one of his ‘football sons’ who went on to become tacticians.
“He taught me so much, I worked with him when I was very young, he left and came back an even better coach than I remembered,” explained De Rossi.
“That means he is always eager to keep up to date with changes in football, continue to develop, and remain a modern coach, even when the years tick by.”
It was a long rapport, because De Rossi played 251 competitive games under Spalletti, more than with any other coach.
The midfielder scored 30 goals and provided 27 assists in that time.
The defender had been in the starting XI at San Siro on Easter Sunday and scored the equaliser, but then limped off at half-time clutching the top of his right thigh.
Mancini injury confirmed for Roma
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Inter and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Now tests have identified the source of the problem, namely a lesion to the adductor in the right leg.
It would rule him out of the games against Pisa on April 10, Atalanta on April 18 and possibly also the trip to Bologna on April 25.
This is a further blow for the Giallorossi, who were already missing Wesley, Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
Their chances of making it into the Champions League suffered a blow with that 5-2 defeat to Inter, although they were boosted by the fact Como in fourth were held to a 0-0 draw by Udinese today, keeping them within reach.
The race for fourth place and that Champions League qualification could go down to the wire, but with Roma beaten 5-2 by Inter on Sunday, the pressure is on for Juve to keep up with Como.
They slipped behind going into the break for international duty with a 1-1 draw against Sassuolo.
Jonathan David and Lois Openda have been flops this season, but the Canadian is given another chance as the centre-forward, flanked by Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao, with Weston McKennie uniting midfield and attack.
Mattia Perin gets to face his old club in goal, preferred to Michele Di Gregorio.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz (L) of Juventus celebrates with Francisco Conceicao (R) after scoring the his team’s third 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)
Genoa had been on sparkling form with three wins in four rounds, until a surprising 2-0 home defeat to Udinese.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy picked up an injury playing for the England Under-21 side, so he is out along with Maxwel Cornet and Benjamin Siegrist.
Junior Messias gets the nod rather than Tommaso Baldanzi in support of strikers Vitinha and Colombo.
This is a special reunion on the touchline for Luciano Spalletti and his former Roma player De Rossi.
GENOA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (left), celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Hellas Verona FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Atalanta closed the gap on fourth place to just five points and plunged Lecce closer to relegation trouble with Giorgio Scalvini, Nikola Krstovic and Giacomo Raspadori goals.
La Dea made the trip without Isak Hien and Gianluca Scamacca, so Nikola Krstovic faced his old club. The Salentini were increasingly in danger of the drop after losing four of their last five games, missing Antonino Gallo, Riccardo Sottil, Francesco Camarda, Medon Berisha and Kialonda Gaspar.
There was a mixed atmosphere before kick-off, as while Lecce ultras left the Curva Nord empty for the first 15 minutes in protest at limitations, the players brought out puppies from a local rescue centre as mascots.
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC battles for possession with Ylber Ramadani of US Lecce during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Sadik Fofana should’ve done much better on 11 minutes when shinning the half-volley well over from 14 yards relatively undisturbed, so at the other end Wladimiro Falcone made a great one-handed save to deny Charles De Ketelaere on the Krstovic lay-off.
Lameck Banda had an effort charged down, but Atalanta scored on the counter-attack, as Giorgio Scalvini ran from his own box to meet the De Ketelaere pass, shrug off a defender, and smash into the net from 12 yards.
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Tiago Gabriel of US Lecce battles for possession with Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It was nearly 2-0, as De Ketelaere rolled across for Krstovic to sweep first time, forcing a sensational save out of Falcone. On the resulting corner, Danilo Veiga charged down Ederson’s scorcher with his face.
Atalanta had the ball in the net again after the restart with Ederson tapping in the De Ketelaere pass to the back post, but the offside flag went up for a very tight decision.
When Lecce did get into promising situations, they were wasteful with rushed crosses from Walid Cheddira and Lameck Banda, and were made to pay for it with a second goal on the counter-attack.
Ederson started the move and De Ketelaere threaded through for Krstovic to fire in from 12 yards. The former Lecce striker did not celebrate, instead bowing in apology to his former fans.
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Falcone made another strong save to deny Ederson from close range, but the move kept going and he could do nothing as Giacomo Raspadori rifled it into the roof of the net from 12 yards for 3-0.
Banda was the last to give up for Lecce, curling just over the bar, while Krstovic’s acrobatic overhead kick was off target from a Raspadori assist.
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