West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio jokes that Roberto De Zerbi should have joined Tottenham by swimming ‘across the English Channel’ given that Spurs spend €250m every year.’
Former Italian striker Di Canio released an interview with Corriere della Sera, during which he also discussed De Zerbi’s recent appointment as Tottenham’s head coach.
The Italian tactician, a former Sassuolo, Brighton and Marseille manager, was initially reluctant to take the Spurs job before the start of the 2026-27 season, but was ultimately persuaded to sign a long-term contract in North London.
Di Canio: De Zerbi ‘can do well’ at Tottenham
Di Canio surely believes his compatriot was right to accept the club’s offer despite their involvement in the Premier League relegation race.
Paolo Di Canio
“Absolutely! He should have swum across the English Channel,” Di Canio said.
“After yet another turbulent dismissal, he’s gone to a club that spends €250m per year. He said he’ll stay even if we’re relegated to the Championship, and I believe him. He’s demanding and good at creating a sense of team spirit. He can do well.”
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
De Zerbi had left Marseille by mutual agreement in February and signed a five-year contract with Tottenham at the end of March.
During the same interview, Di Canio also spoke about the state of Italian football, arguing that Antonio Conte is the ideal candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso, even more suitable than Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Luciano Spalletti has extended his contract with Juventus until 2028, and La Gazzetta dello Sport names 11 top targets for the Tuscan tactician, including Premier League stars Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali.
The Serie A giants have decided to continue with the Tuscan tactician before even knowing which European competition they’ll be playing next season.
Currently, the Bianconeri are one point below fourth-placed Como.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Multiple sources claim that Spalletti will have an input in picking new summer signings, and Gazzetta lists 11 top targets for the Tuscan tactician, including Tonali (Newcastle) and Calafiori (Arsenal).
Gazzetta highlights that Juventus are planning to build a strong core of Italian players, so they’ll naturally look to two of the most talented domestic footballers playing abroad.
Both Calafiori and Tonali, however, have hefty price tags, and only their possible desire to return to Serie A could help Juventus lower Arsenal’s and Newcastle’s demands.
Liverpool’s Alisson is reported to be Spalletti’s favourite target in goal. Alisson already played under Spalletti at Roma.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Randal Kolo Muani #20 of Juventus FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Zeki Celik (Roma), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) are free agents targeted by Juventus, but despite the interest in the Barcelona star, Randal Kolo Muani remains their main target in attack for next summer.
Gazzetta also mentions Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka and Al-Hilal forward Darwin Nunez among the players monitored by Juventus ahead of the summer transfer window, noting that the Bianconeri’s transfer budget will largely depend on whether they qualify for the Champions League.
Bologna and Fiorentina’s defeats in their latest European matches have left Italy fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, making it practically impossible for Serie A to earn an extra Champions League spot for 2026-27.
Bologna and Fiorentina, the only two Serie A representatives left in European competitions this season, suffered heavy defeats on Thursday, practically ending Italy’s hopes of finishing in the top two of the UEFA coefficient ranking.
Bologna suffered a 3-1 home loss against Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-finals, while Fiorentina lost 3-0 away at Crystal Palace in the same stage of the Conference League.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bologna had previously eliminated Roma from the Europa League Round of 16, while Atalanta were the Serie A team making the longest way in the Champions League this season, facing elimination in the Round of 16 against Bayern Munich.
Serie A teams have been particularly disappointing in Europe’s elite competition this term, with Napoli knocked out in the league phase and Inter and Juventus eliminated in the knockout play-off.
The Champions League trophy EPA-EFE/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT
England have already secured an extra Champions League spot for next season, and Spain are the favourites for the second and last place available, sitting second in the standings with six teams remaining in European competitions.
Former striker Paolo Di Canio argues that Italy need Antonio Conte even more than Pep Guardiola, says Sandro Tonali would be a perfect fit for Inter, and warns: ‘We are getting used to mediocrity.’
Ex-Italian striker Di Canio discussed the state of Italian football in an interview with Corriere della Sera, delivering a blunt and uncompromising critique.
Di Canio: Italy ‘getting used to mediocrity’
“We’re getting used to mediocrity,” said the ex-West Ham star.
“We get outraged, and then two or three days later we go back to talking about Italian players as if they were the best in the world.”
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has resigned alongside FIGC President Gabriele Gravina in the wake of the World Cup play-off Final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy U21 boss Silvio Baldini will take charge of the Azzurri for the June friendlies, with a new coach set to take over after the election of the new FIGC President on June 22.
Some Italian pundits, including ex-Italian defender Daniele Adani, have claimed that the FIGC should try to hire Guardiola, but Di Canio disagreed: “We need someone like Conte, who already knows what we are talking about,” he said.
Di Canio went on to say that issues with Italian football do not only lie on the pitch: “To begin with, we in the media are not doing our job properly,” he argued.
“Many are obsessed with self-promotion and comment to end up on social media, forgetting that we’re gasping at the bottom.”
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma, a Euro 2020 winner, left Milan on a free transfer nearly five years ago to join PSG. Last summer, he signed for Manchester City.
“It’s about money, plain and simple. Legitimate, of course, and I don’t criticise him,” said Di Canio.
“In Italy, he would have had to halve his salary to play for a non-competitive team. For me, he’s very, very strong, but sometimes he makes mistakes like an average player, mistakes Buffon made once every three years. At certain clubs, one blunder in the wrong match cancels out ten miracles.”
Paolo Di Canio
There are plenty of rumours linking Tonali with a move away from Newcastle this season. Which Serie A team would suit him better?
“Inter, who already have a true playmaker,” Di Canio replied.
“He’s by far our best outfield player, but where does he play? In the tenth-placed team in the English league.”
Lastly, the ex-Juventus, Milan and Lazio striker spoke about Federico Chiesa’s lack of playing time at Liverpool and how that reflects the difference between Serie A and the Premier League: “If he came back to Italy, it would take a couple of sprints, and we’d be saying: ‘My God, why wasn’t he playing at Liverpool?’ Simple, because the Premier League is like the NBA, and we are Italian basketball. Malen at Aston Villa was the third backup; at Roma, he looks like an alien. Lautaro scores against Pisa and Lecce, and I hear people say he’s like Kane; 49 goals across all competitions. How can you even say that?”
Italy games in June 2026: official times and dates
The Italian Football Association has confirmed the dates and times for Italy’s next two friendly games in June.
Italy will play Luxembourg at the Stade de Luxembourg on June 3 at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) and Greece at the Pankritio Stadium in Candia on June 7 at the same time.
The Azzurri will be led by Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini for the next two matches, given that a permanent replacement for Gennaro Gattuso will only be named after the FIGC President election on June 22.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy reacts during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina have resigned in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off Final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which caused the Azzurri’s third consecutive exclusion from the World Cup.
The actual replacement for Gattuso will make his debut on the Azzurri bench in September 2026, facing Belgium at home on Friday, 25, in the opening match of the Nations League.
The second game of the September break will be away in Turkey on Monday 28.
Inter confirm Lautaro Martinez has picked up a ‘muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg’, and, according to reports in Italy, the Argentine will be forced to the sidelines for two weeks.
Inter striker Lautaro Martinez has suffered a new injury that will sideline him for two weeks.
New Lautaro Martinez injury: official Inter statement
The Nerazzurri confirmed the Argentine’s injury in an official statement on Friday: “Lautaro Martinez underwent clinical and instrumental examinations today at the Humanitas Institute in Rozzano,” the Serie A table leaders said.
“The tests revealed a mild muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg. The Argentine striker’s condition will be reassessed in the coming days.”
According to Sky Sport Italia, Lautaro will remain out of action for at least two weeks.
The Nerazzurri captain returned to action on Sunday after over a month, scoring two goals in a 5-2 win over Roma.
During Lautaro Martinez’s time on the treatment table due to another muscle problem, the Nerazzurri won two of seven games, drew three, and lost twice.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli and seven rounds remaining.
Their next match is on Sunday, April 12, away against Cesc Fabregas’ Como.
Lautaro is the current Serie A top-scorer with 16 goals in 26 matches.
Juventus CEO Damien Comolli is ‘delighted’ with Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension: ‘It was immediately clear to everyone that Luciano was the right person to lead the team on a path of growth.’
Official: Spalletti extends Juventus contract until 2028
Juventus coach Spalletti has signed a contract extension until 2028.
The Bianconeri initially confirmed the agreement by showing the moment Spalletti informed the players about the news before a training session.
A few minutes later, the Serie A giants confirmed Spalletti’s renewal in a statement accompanying Comolli’s comments: “We are delighted to have extended Luciano’s contract for a further two seasons,” said the Bianconeri director.
Spalletti took charge at the end of October 2025, replacing Igor Tudor. Spalletti initially signed a short-term contract expiring at the end of the season.
The Bianconeri sit fifth, one point behind a Champions League placement, but Juventus still decided to continue with the Tuscan tactician regardless of which European competition they’ll play next season.
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)
“Since Luciano joined our great Juventus family, he has had an immediate and very positive impact on our players, the whole Club and the entire Bianconeri community,” Comolli continued.
“It was immediately clear to everyone that Luciano was the right person to lead the team on a path of growth.
“His ambitious style of play reflects the expectations of our fans and the Club, and his values embody our identity.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Damien Comolli, General Manager of Juventus looks on prior to 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)
“We have therefore decided to continue working together beyond the previously agreed contract term because we believe that stability and continuity are two essential pillars for future success. Good luck, Mister! Fino alla fine.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during 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)
Juventus have won 17 of 31 games, lost six, and drawn eight during Spalletti’s tenure.
Their next match is a crucial one in the race for the top four as they visit in-form Atalanta tomorrow, Saturday, April 11.
Juventus coach Spalletti has officially signed a contract extension until 2028.
The Serie A giants confirmed the agreement with their coach on Friday, by showing the video of Spalletti’s announcement to the team.
The Italian tactician praised the club and his footballers before confirming: “I considered it most important, first of all, to tell you this fact, that we decided to extend this contract for another two years.
“I want you to know first before it gets out. I’m telling you today. Naturally, we have challenges ahead of us, but I’m convinced that with you, those will be great challenges because I will face them with your attitude and your strength, as you’ve always done.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to 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)
Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor at the end of October, initially signing a contract until the end of the season.
Under the Tuscan coach, the Bianconeri have won 17 of 31 games, lost six, and drawn eight.
Video: Spalletti confirms contract extension to Juventus players
FIGC confirms that Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini will take charge of the senior Azzurri squad in June, for friendly games against Greece and Luxembourg.
Silvio Baldini will be Italy’s national team coach for the next two friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg, the FIGC confirmed in a statement on Friday.
Official: Baldini named Italy coach for June 2026 friendlies
As previously reported, Italy needed an interim manager for the next two matches, given that both coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned in the wake of the Azzurri’s elimination from the World Cup play-off.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The new FIGC President will be elected on June 22, after which a new head coach for La Nazionale will be hired.
Italy’s next games, however, are scheduled for June 3 and 7, making it necessary to appoint U21 boss Baldini as the caretaker manager.
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Silvio Baldini manager of Italy U21 looks on during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
On June 3, the Azzurri will visit Luxembourg at theStade de Luxembourg and four days later, on June 7, they’ll play away at the Pankritio Stadium in Candia against Greece.
Italy will then return to action in September 2026 for Nations League matches. The Azzurri are in Group 1 alongside France, Belgium and Turkey.
Massimiliano Allegri is confident Milan strikers will score decisive goals in the race for a Champions League spot, but warns: ‘We must not be overwhelmed by events, or it becomes a disaster.’
Milan coach Allegri held a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Udinese.
The Rossoneri slipped to the third spot on Monday, after suffering a 1-0 away loss at Napoli, who leapfrogged Allegri’s men in second.
Milan vs. Udinese – Allegri’s pre-match press conference
“The result influences the judgment. Balance must prevail until the end. We still need a few more points to reach our objective, and we have to get there step by step,” Allegri told reporters via Milannews.
“There are objective facts. In the last three matches, we’ve lost twice away and from the Parma game until now, we’ve failed to score in three games. It has to be dealt with calmly and with clarity.”
Milan’s strong start to the season initially made them possible title contenders, even if Allegri has been reiterating that the main target for 2025-26 is to qualify for the Champions League.
“Maybe we haven’t been good enough to be closer to Inter, which should push us to improve, without losing sight of the Champions League goal,” the coach insisted.
“There are seven matches left, and some teams are improving. During a season, there are moments when strikers score and others when they don’t. But I’m sure that from now until the end, they’ll score goals that will help us qualify for the Champions League.”
Neither Leao nor Pulisic started in Naples on Monday, but were introduced as substitutes in the second half.
“Unfortunately, Leao and Pulisic have had several injuries that have prevented them from reaching peak condition. But they’ve scored important goals,” said the Rossoneri coach.
“Gimenez has just returned after six months. Fullkrug arrived in January; it’s a new league, and he hadn’t played for a while. But he’s made himself available. The environment must remain positive until the end.
“We have to reach our objective, whether we play with six forwards, eight, one or none. What matters is approaching matches proactively,” Allegri continued.
“Tomorrow will be difficult. Udinese are a physical team. They counterattack aggressively and control the pitch intensely.
“We need balance and clarity without being overwhelmed by events, because if we let ourselves be overwhelmed, it becomes a disaster.”
Santiago Gimenez has made two appearances as a substitute after returning from an ankle injury that required surgery in December.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to 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)
“We worked together when I arrived, but then he had to stop because of his ankle. Now he’s back, and it’s normal to have a mental and physical rebound,” concluded Allegri.
“We can’t just talk about Gimenez, Leao or anyone else. We have to look at where we are right now. All of us, myself included, need to give something more than we’ve given so far. It’s a decisive moment, one step at a time. I have full confidence in the quality of our attacking players. Let’s not forget that midfielders and defenders can score too. We need to be solid until the end, a united block, knowing that there will be difficulties in winning matches.”
Former Juventus winger Massimo Mauro believes the Bianconeri must complete four top-level signings to compete for the Serie A title and the Champions League next season: ‘Spalletti isn’t a magician.’
Juventus are fighting for a Champions League spot, sitting fifth in the Serie A table, one point below Como.
However, the Azzurri have a better head-to-head record this season, so if the two sides finish level on points, Como will finish higher.
Mauro: ‘Spalletti isn’t a magician’
Regardless of which European competition they’ll play in next season, Juventus are still determined to continue with Luciano Spalletti and are expected to confirm the coach’s contract extension shortly.
Mauro argued that the Italian tactician’s permanence alone wouldn’t be enough for Juve to return to greatness next season.
“Spalletti isn’t a magician; he needs players of the right level to compete for the title and the Champions League, because that’s what Juventus are expected to do,” Mauro told Gazzetta.
“I’m sure Comolli and Chiellini already have their list of players well organised and are targeting players of Juventus level.”
The former winger went on to say that the Old Lady will need an “international-level goalkeeper,” plus “a top-class defender, a top-class midfielder and a top-class centre-forward.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates and Luciano Spalletti Head coach of Juventus 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)
As for Spalletti, Mauro’s expectations are clear: “He must do what he managed at Napoli. Create the awareness of being strong and prove it humbly, game after game. At Juventus, there’s an environment that keeps you grounded, so it should be easier than at Napoli.
“However, this only applies if you get four big signings right,” Mauro continued.
“Kim, Anguissa, Lotobka and Osimhen were crucial in winning the title alongside Kvraratskhelia; they were the backbone of the team, and that’s exactly what Juventus need to find.”
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)
The former Juventus man also highlighted that many players, including Kenan Yildiz and Marcus Thuram, have clearly improved under Spalletti.
“Kelly has become another player you can really rely on for the future, and that wasn’t a given considering how he started last season,” Mauro concluded.
“He’s truly a cornerstone and has overtaken Gatti, who was untouchable under Allegri.”
Italy have missed out on the third consecutive World Cup, but there are reports that the Azzurri could replace Iran over the summer if the Asians refuse to play in the competition due to the ongoing war with the USA and Israel.
BERLIN – JULY 9: General view of the World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Minister for Sport Abodi, however, has admitted that such a scenario is unlikely.
“It’s a continental matter,” Abodi told reporters on Thursday via FcInter1908.
“It really seems very difficult to me that there could be an issue, unless one arises within Europe.”
CESENA, ITALY – MAY 24:Andrea Abodi during the Women Supercup match betweeen AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Asked whether the Azzurri should expect developments from other continents to be re-admitted in the competition, Abodi replied: “I don’t think so, and I wouldn’t even hope for it.”
If Iran were to withdraw from the World Cup, FIFA would choose the replacement. Even though Italy are the highest-ranked among those who have not qualified, the most likely scenario is that another Asian team would take Iran’s place.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan still have a strong chance of signing Robert Lewandowski as a free agent, as the Barcelona striker is seeking a move to a major European club this summer.
Milan are interested in signing Barcelona star Lewandowski as a free agent in the summer as the striker’s contract runs out at the end of the season.
Previous reports in Italy claimed that talks between the Rossoneri and Lewa’s entourage have already begun, and according to Gazzetta, the Diavoli’s hopes are alive despite the striker’s high wages.
Lewandowski, in fact, is reportedly looking for a new challenge at a major European club, which is exactly what the Rossoneri can offer him.
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)
Milan signed Niclas Fullkrug on loan with an option to buy from West Ham in the January window, but the German striker has rarely been a starter under Massimiliano Allegri, scoring just one goal in 15 appearances.
Sport.es reported in March that Barcelona are eager to offer Lewandowski a one-year deal, but the Poland international remains uncertain about his future at the club.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: The AC Milan fans show their support 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)
Inter coach Cristian Chuvu defends Alessandro Bastoni against ‘witch hunt’ and claims the defender’s haters are ‘the ones who might need some psychological work.’
Inter coach Chivu spoke to Sport Mediaset ahead of a Serie A match against Como.
The Romanian tactician once again addressed a question about the Italian international Bastoni, who has been the subject of severe criticism domestically since February.
Bastoni was booed in some away Inter games after causing and celebrating a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during a Serie A match on Tuesday.
A few weeks later, he received a red card while playing for the Italy national team in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bastoni haters ‘might need some psychological work’
“Alessandro doesn’t need to be psychologically ‘fixed’. People have gone all out against him, creating a real witch hunt,” Chivu said.
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“I think they’re the ones who might need some psychological work.”
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli and are also in the Coppa Italia semifinals.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gives the team instructions during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Being the Inter coach means having important ambitions,” Chivu said.
“I’m happy because we’re heading into the last two months of the season with the chance to achieve our objectives. We have a duty to believe we can win everything still up for grabs.
“My principles go beyond the expectations of someone else’s narrative,” he concluded.
“I haven’t tried to change. I’ve always remained myself. I don’t feel the need to make bold statements or seek our conflict.”
Milan are expected to sign a new centre-forward in the summer, and according to Corriere della Sera, the Rossoneri’s top ‘dream’ target is Robert Lewandowski.
Milan are determined to sign a new centre-forward for next season as Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku and January signing Niclas Fullkrug have failed to impress in the second part of the campaign.
According to Corriere della Sera (via Milannews), the Rossoneri’s top target is Barcelona star Lewandowski, whose contract with the La Liga giants expires at the end of the season.
Technically, Lewandowski is available on a free transfer, and even if his high salary at Nou Camp represents a substantial obstacle, the Rossoneri will continue to monitor the Polish striker’s situation at Barcelona over the coming weeks.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 28: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Spotify Camp Nou on February 28, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Catalans are expected to offer Lewandowski a one-year contract extension, but the experienced striker hasn’t yet made up his mind about his future at the club.
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)
President Gabriele Gravina has published a report on the state of Italian football, along with a number of proposals to address the crisis, despite his recent resignation as FIGC President.
Gravina resigned as the FIGC President last week in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off exit.
Italy did win the 2020 Euros with Gravina at the helm of the football federation, but also failed to qualify for the World Cup on two occasions.
Gravina has already announced his resignation, but will remain in charge for ordinary administration until his successor is elected on June 22.
On Wednesday, Gravina posted a report he was supposed to present at the Italian parliament last week, but his hearing was cancelled following his resignation.
Gravina shared the document “with the hope that it may stimulate reflection and deeper analysis, including among those who, in recent days, have added their opinions to the already crowded group of those who believe they have the solution in their pocket.
“The critical issues of Italian football have been known for years and highlighted in numerous official documents, differing only in the statistical data that continue to worsen, confirming that these are largely structural deficiencies,” continued the outgoing FIGC President.
“If we truly want what is best for Italian football as a whole sporting movement, it is necessary to clarify the actual responsibilities of the Federation, the Leagues and public institutions. Too many inaccuracies, and at times outright falsehoods, fuel the search for the culprit, but above all, spread misconceptions.
“In my view, it is no coincidence that in areas of direct and exclusive federal responsibility (social and environmental sustainability, youth and school projects, development and training programs for national youth teams, to name a few), significant results have been achieved.
“Unlike in areas where the interests of the various stakeholders, and their respective autonomies, overlap to such an extent that they effectively paralyse the system.”
The actual report began with a list of well-known issues affecting Serie A and Italian football, including the number of players eligible for selection to the national team, the average age of Serie A players and the high percentage of foreign players in Italy’s top flight.
Gravina highlighted the lack of investment in youth sectors and that “Italy ranks 49th out of 50 leagues monitored for the percentage of minutes played by U21 players eligible for the national team, at just 1.9%.”
The document reinforced that “Serie A is not among the top 10 leagues for meters covered in a sprint” and that “the average ball speed (7.6 m/s) is much lower than the Champions League average (10.4) and that of other major European leagues (9.2).”
Gravina insisted that it is “impossible” to impose a minimum number of Italian players in Serie A as it would “violate principles of free movement of workers, which applies to football as a professional sport.”
Gravina’s proposals to fix Italian football
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
He also highlighted that a tight fixture list has made it impossible to find a training window for the Italy national team outside the usual international breaks and complained about the lack of financial help from the Government.
Gravina said Italian football did not receive financial allocations, not even for the 2032 Euros, while other events organised in the country, such as the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the America’s Cup in Naples, and the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, “received multi-billion funding.”
Lastly, he reiterated his proposals, which he had previously tried to implement, regarding a percentage of betting revenues to be allocated to football, in order to develop youth players and infrastructures, a tax credit, and the reintroduction of a “preferential tax regime” for professionals coming from abroad, practically the famous Growth Decree.
Gravina also insisted that the ban on advertising and sponsorships by betting operators be lifted, and that supportive measures be taken to build new stadiums or renovate existing ones.
The FIGC President stressed that a technical redevelopment of Italian football at the youth level has already started under Maurizio Viscidi, focusing more on technique than on tactics.
Lastly, he insisted that it is necessary to reshape Serie A, B, C, and D and to launch a reform project for the refereeing sector.
“Without this strong and unanimous willingness to prioritise the common good over the defence of individual positions, and with politics creating the conditions and enabling the necessary tools for action, no single individual can achieve a true and complete revival of Italian football,” Gravina concluded.
Hakan Calhanoglu’s hug with Mircea Lucescu following Turkey’s win over Romania in March has gone viral in the wake of the Romanian coach’s passing at 80: ‘You did so much for me,’ wrote the Inter star.
The world of football is mourning legendary coach Lucescu, who died on Tuesday at age 80.
The former Inter and Brescia boss had taken charge of his last game just a few days earlier, seeing his Romania side lose 1-0 against Turkey in the World Cup play-off semifinal.
After the match, Inter star Calhanoglu warmly hugged his former national team coach.
Lucescu, in fact, had coached Turkey between 2017 and 2018, during which Calhanoglu scored one goal and provided one assist in 12 appearances.
Calhanoglu’s final hug with Lucescu has gone viral on social media, and even the Inter star shared it in his Instagram stories.
Calhanoglu’s hug with Lucescu
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MARCH 26: Mircea Lucescu, Head Coach of Romania, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Türkiye and Romania at Besiktas Park on March 26, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“We have lost not only a great coach, but also a person of great character,” wrote Calhanoglu.
“You did so much for me, and I will always remember you with respect and gratitude. Rest in peace, coach.”
Corriere della Sera reports that Milan have changed their transfer stance on Rafael Leao and are willing to consider offers of at least €50m in the summer.
Milan are reportedly ready to listen to offers worth at least €50m for their star striker, Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese has a €175m clause included in his contract, which was the asking price set by the Rossoneri in previous years.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Rafael Leao 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)
However, according to Corriere della Sera (via Milannews), Leao’s unconvincing performances and physical problems this season have led the Rossoneri to change their strategy and set lower demands for the 26-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Leao made headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks, reacting angrily to a substitution during an away game at Lazio.
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)
The Portuguese missed the following match against Torino due to an injury and made a substitute appearance against Napoli on Monday.
Leao’s contract with Milan expires in June 2028. He has scored 80 goals and provided 64 assists in 285 appearances with the Rossoneri, winning the Serie A title in 2021-22.
Italy legend Andrea Pirlo bids farewell to his former Brescia and Inter coach Mircea Lucescu: ‘You raised me like a son, I’ll never stop thanking you.’
Italian legend Pirlo made his Serie A debut at Brescia in 1995, aged 16. Lucescu had been sacked by the Rondinelle a few months earlier but remained at the club as the technical director.
Pirlo made his Serie A debut under Lucescu’s assistant Adelio Moro with Brescia already relegated to Serie B.
“Thank you for everything, mister. I will never stop thanking you,” Pirlo wrote on Instagram, posting a picture of him hugging Lucescu.
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division.
“You raised me like a son, giving me the opportunity to challenge myself with others when I was very young. You taught me what it means to love this sport in all its details. I will never stop thanking you. Have a good trip, mister. Thank you, Mircea.”
A few years later, Pirlo played under Lucescu at Inter, making 16 appearances in the 1998-99 campaign.
The Nerazzurri have also paid tribute to their former coach with a message on social media.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 25: Mircea Lucescu manager of Shakhtar Donetsk looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between FC Schalke 04 and Shakhtar Donetsk at Veltins-Arena on February 25, 2016 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Lucescu’s last game was just a few days ago, as he took charge of the Romanian national team in the World Cup play-off semi-final against Turkey, one of his former teams.
Dusan Vlahovic’s latest injury might mean the Serbia international finishes the season with the poorest record of his career, but according to Gazzetta, it may also give Juventus an advantage in contract negotiations.
What Vlahovic’s injury means for his Juventus future
Juventus star Vlahovic suffered a calf injury while warming up in the second half of Monday’s home Serie A match against Genoa and will be sidelined for at least three weeks.
The Serbian had undergone adductor surgery in December and had just returned to action after a four-month layoff.
In recent weeks, Juventus have continued negotiations to extend his contract beyond the summer as the striker’s current deal expires in June.
Just a few months ago, his stay in Turin seemed quite unlikely as the Serbian sought a salary close to €12m, the sum he’s earned in his final year at Juventus.
However, the Bianconeri’s confidence in a possible extension has increased recently.
No other club, in fact, seem willing to match Vlahovic’s current wages, and initial talks with other clubs such as Barcelona or Milan have led nowhere.
BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 11: Dusan Vlahovic of Serbia reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and Albania at Gradski stadion Dubocica on October 11, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are only open to offering a one or two-year contract extension and a salary of €6-7m.
Juventus director Marco Ottolini said on Monday that he saw “mutual desire” to continue negotiations, and Gazzetta notes that Vlahovic’s injury will inevitably put the club in a stronger position.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Aside from the lack of offers from other clubs, Vlahovic will have few chances to show his worth in the final part of the season, for either club or country, given he won’t return to action for Juventus before May and that Serbia have not qualified for the World Cup.
Vlahovic has only scored three goals in Serie A this season, six across all competitions, marking the fewest ever recorded at a senior level.
Former Inter star Hernan Crespo is impressed by his compatriot and Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez: ‘He’s improved enormously, there were plenty of big clubs trying to lure him away…’
In the previous seven games without the Argentine on the field, the Nerazzurri had collected two wins, three draws and two defeats.
Crespo: ‘Plenty of big clubs’ wanted to sign Lautaro Martinez
“I’ve followed him since he was a kid. His first steps in Europe at Inter, an environment I know very well,” Crespo told Gazzetta.
“There were plenty of big clubs trying to lure him away, but he never wanted to detach himself from his love. That loyalty has made him an icon. Technically, tactically, physically, he’s improved enormously.”
Crespo, a former Argentina international, went on to say that Lautaro alone is worth half of Inter.
“The results say it. With him on the pitch, you win. Without him, you are at risk,” he insisted.
“Whenever the team has dipped, Lautaro hasn’t been in form or has been injured. He’s not just a finisher, he’s an example for his teammates.”
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders, and Lautaro is the top scorer in the league, but they were eliminated from the Champions League knockout play-off by Bodo/Glimt.
“Let me ask you something: was he playing in the return leg against Bodo? No,” noted Crespo.
“Lautaro is an asset for the team and a problem for the opponents. They never know how to mark him. He moves across the entire front line; he has precise shots from distance and inside the box; he’s lethal. Where do you find a more complete striker in Serie A? Who’s the top scorer right now? It’s him. Who’s the striker defenders fear the most? It’s him. So, what are we even talking about?”
Inter have a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli with seven games remaining. The Nerazzurri visit Cesc Fabregas’ Como next week.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I thought Inter were the strongest team in Italy, and they are proving it,” Crespo concluded.
“Mind you, it wasn’t that obvious. In the summer, they changed coaches, methods, and tweaked things tactically as well. There were a few stumbles, but in the long run, they’ve shown they’re the best.”
Crespo, 50, scored 153 goals in 340 Serie A matches. He played for Inter, Milan, Lazio, Parma and Genoa in Italy’s top-flight.
Former Italy and Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini is confident that Antonio Conte will ‘bring the Azzurri back to the World Cup’ if he’s appointed as the new coach.
Giaccherini played under Conte at Juventus and the Italy national team and feels the Napoli boss is the ideal replacement for Gennaro Gattuso after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
“He’s the leader to rely on in difficulties. He prepares his players like soldiers for a battle, exactly what is needed now,” the ex-Italy winger told Gazzetta.
“Conte has a way of working that gets under your skin. If you follow him, you grow. And for him, players give everything they’ve got. He knows ot to create a unique bond with the group.”
Giaccherini said Conte showed the same mindset for either club or country.
“His attitude was exactly the same. He manages to get his ideas across very quickly. On the pitch, you always know what to do; you’ve practised it a thousand times in training, to the point of exhaustion,” the ex-winger said.
“And the workload…I remember sessions at Coverciano where we were throwing up. We needed oxygen masks to get through the end. We’d leave completely drained.
“The sessions were brutal, but on the pitch, we were flying. He told us that performing well was our mission and that we had to be soldiers ready for a battle. We didn’t have superstars, but our hunger made the difference.
“He’s the best. He’ll take us back to the World Cup,” concluded Giaccherini.
“He’s already shown he can do well with the national team. His track record says it all: he rebuilt Juventus, Inter and Napoli. And he would do the same with Italy, now more than ever.”
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