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)
The centre-forward had only just made his comeback from six weeks out with a calf strain that was sustained during the Champions League play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt in mid-February.
Although he is present, the Argentina international has no chance of playing for Inter tonight, but he wanted to be close to his teammates both on the touchline and in the locker room.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano waves to fans prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
This is not the first time that Lautaro Martinez has insisted on making this gesture, as he was also on the bench when Inter lost to Milan, despite his injury.
Cesc Fabregas gives some clues as to his new tactical approach when Como host Inter tonight and reveals he hopes to ‘pass on’ ideas he picked up watching Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
The pressure is on the Lariani now, as after their run of five straight wins was ended by a 0-0 draw with Udinese, Juventus have temporarily leapfrogged them into fourth with a victory away to Atalanta.
Fabregas wants an ambitious Como approach
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his players Anastasios Douvikas and Martin Baturina during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“The lads proved to me that they had courage, character, focus, so I am very proud as a coach, because the most difficult thing is to convince the players, and they have given me their all,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.
“In football, one team wins and the other loses, all you can do is give everything you’ve got, and they make me proud.”
While Fabregas usually opts for Nico Paz as a False 9 in the big games, he goes all-attack here with Tasos Douvikas, Martin Baturina, Nico Paz and Assane Diao together.
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his player Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Every game is different, I think that we are at a stage of the season where a young team with many players in their first season still have a lot to learn. We picked up a lot of confidence, know each other much better, have certain dynamics drilled in now,” said Fabregas.
“In the Coppa Italia over two legs, the first match is always a little different with an eye on the full 180 minutes, whereas tonight it’s a one-off Serie A game, one of 38 in total, and we cannot look beyond that.
“We always took it one game at a time this season in Serie A, our identity has always been to be attacking. Sergi Roberto brings experience and solidity to midfield, and we also have a different role for Diao that you will see when the game starts.
“We need to have devastating confidence on the ball to take on a team that dominates most games, we’ll see then by halftime whether we want to make a change or not.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Mergim Vojvoda of Como 1907 celebrates the opening goal with head coach Francesc Fabregas Soler 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)
Fabregas was at the Bernabeu earlier this week to watch Real Madrid and Bayern Munich play in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. Did he pick up any tips?
“I am seeing a lot of matches lately, I went to Atalanta-Bayern Munich and Arsenal-Bayer Leverkusen too, because I like to see these high quality players live. Just the first touch, the control, how they play when pressed, these are the levels I’d love to see my teams play at one day. It helps me understand various dynamics, I love to see the ideas of these coaches, and hope to pass some of those on to my young players.”
Jacobo Ramon and Jesus Rodriguez are both back in the squad after injury problems, so Jayden Addai remains the only absentee.
Cristian Chivu tries to keep Inter fully focused despite the change of Como approach this evening and Napoli result. ‘This changes nothing as far as we are concerned’
This could become a crossroads in the Scudetto race, because Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw by Parma this afternoon, so a victory would send the leaders nine points clear at the top of the table.
Chivu won’t let Inter get distracted
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu gestures 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)
“We are focused on our own competitiveness, knowing it will not be easy against an ambitious team that is aiming for the Champions League,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.
“We know full well that we are going to require a very strong performance to get the points here today.”
Cesc Fabregas has somewhat surprisingly gone for a very attack-minded formation this evening, with Tasos Douvikas, Nico Paz, Martin Baturina and Assane Diao together.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas embraces FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I told my team we mustn’t change our shape, we have to follow what we prepared in training and understand the various moments of the match,” said Chivu.
“This changes nothing as far as we are concerned, we need to build on what we have done recently, showing courage and confidence.”
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Head coach of FC Internazionale Cristian Chivu celebrates after the Serie A match between US Lecce and Inter at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri had only recently welcomed Lautaro Martinez back from a calf strain, but the captain has been ruled out by a fresh muscular injury along with Yann Bisseck.
Nonetheless, the striker is going to be on the bench to be close to his teammates.
“Lautaro was on the field last week, but I won’t forget the performances of Thuram, Esposito, Calhanoglu, all those who showed leadership, determination and character, they can do the same today,” assured Chivu.
Como know only a victory tonight will keep them in fourth place, as Juventus already beat Atalanta 1-0 last night to leapfrog them in the Serie A table.
Remo Freuler’s tap-in and a stoppage-time Riccardo Orsolini goal ultimately proved enough for Bologna to beat Lecce, who remain in the relegation zone.
The Rossoblu were shaken by Thursday’s heavy 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final, so with the second leg coming up next week, had to turn their focus back to Serie A. Lewis Ferguson sat out a ban, with Thijs Dallinga, Charalampos Lykogiannis, Lukasz Skorupski, Benjamin Dominguez and Eivind Helland injured. Goalkeeper Massimo Pessina was given his first Serie A start. Lecce were in crisis after three consecutive losses and dropped into the relegation zone. Antonino Gallo returned to the squad, but Riccardo Sottil, Francesco Camarda, Kialonda Gaspar and Medon Berisha were still sidelined.
Tiago Gabriel at full stretch prevented Santiago Castro tapping in the Riccardo Orsolini cross from six yards, but Nikola Stulic went clear on the counter-attack only to be denied by a fantastic one-handed save from 18-year-old Pessina.
Ylber Ramadani blasted just over, but Bologna took the lead in somewhat chaotic fashion.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Eusebio Di Francesco, Head Coach of US Lecce, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Lecce at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Jhon Lucumi’s ball over the top was ignored by Castro in an offside position, allowing Orsolini to run onto it and smash onto the underside of the bar with a lob, but Remo Freuler was ready to turn in the rebound.
Bologna started to put together a run of chances, as Nicolò Casale couldn’t keep his header down on a Nikola Moro free kick, then Orsolini tested Wladimiro Falcone at the near post after a series of stepovers.
Lecce were dangerous on the counter after the restart, Moro needing a desperate tackle to prevent Santiago Pierotti meeting the Stulic pull-back. On the resulting corner, Antonino Gallo was penalised because when trying to keep the ball from going out, he accidental clattered into the linesman.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna is challenged by Corrie Ndaba of US Lecce during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Lecce at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna kept pushing, as Castro’s shot was charged down by Jamil Siebert, then he just failed to get on the end of a cross from six yards, while Falcone stuck out a boot to deny Orsolini at the near post.
Orsolini took too long to get the Juan Miranda pull-back under control and it was eventually blocked off by a defender inside the penalty area.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna reacts during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Lecce at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Castro had the ball in the net on 82 minutes, but the referee had already stopped play for a soft Orsolini nudge when robbing Ramadani at the by-line.
Orsolini desperately wanted to end his goal drought and he got it in stoppages. Ramadani was clumsy when firing a free kick onto the back of Miranda, so Federico Bernardeschi pounced on the ricochet and immediately sent Orsolini down the right to score.
Meanwhile, this is a crucial game for the top spots, as Como need a victory to keep hold of fourth after Juventus won last night, while leaders Inter have the chance to go nine points clear of Napoli.
Lautaro Martinez had just made his comeback from six weeks out when he suffered another injury setback and will be on the sidelines for a while longer.
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)
Yann Bisseck is also still struggling with a muscular issue, so Pio Esposito steps in to partner Thuram, with Francesco Acerbi in the back three.
Alessandro Bastoni was jeered mercilessly here last time and it remains to be seen how he will be greeted by opposition fans for the first time since the World Cup play-off.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Assane Diao of Como 1907 and Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale jump for the ball during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Como had won five Serie A games on the bounce to surge into fourth place, but the 0-0 draw with Udinese stalled their progress.
With Juventus already winning last night against Atalanta, it means anything less than a victory will drop Cesc Fabregas and his team down to fifth.
The good news is that both Jacobo Ramon and Jesus Rodriguez have shaken off injuries, leaving only long-term absentee Jayden Addai on the absentee list.
Fabregas usually prefers using Nico Paz as a False 9 in the big games, with support from Martin Baturina and Assane Diao.
Instead, he goes all attack tonight with Tasos Douvikas and a trio behind him, leaving out Lucas Da Cunha.
Sergi Roberto and former Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone pull the midfield strings.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano battles for possession with Maximo Perrone of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Como vs. Inter line-ups
Como: Butez; Van der Brempt, Kempf, Diego Carlos, Valle; Sergi Roberto, Perrone; Diao, Nico Paz, Baturina; Douvikas
Scott McTominay insists ‘nothing’s finished’ for the Scudetto race and at the same time Napoli are ‘not going to cry about’ their injury crisis or think of what could’ve been.
The Partenopei were held to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Tardini today, conceding a goal scored by Parma after just 33 seconds with Gabriel Strefezza, until the Scotland international’s equaliser.
It means the gap at the top of the table is right now six points, although Inter could expand it to nine if they beat Como this evening.
McTominay has faith in Napoli title
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Scott McTominay of Napoli SSC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Obviously, we know nothing’s ever finished and it’s important to keep going,” McTominay told DAZN Italia when asked if the Scudetto dream was over.
“Today was a very difficult game, we had chances with Elmas and Hojlund as well. This is football, you’re going to get results you don’t like and this is one of them.
“We’ve got to play the next six games at a high level and try to get maximum points.”
It was a nightmare start for Napoli, who conceded the opener after just 33 seconds when a long ball was flicked on for Strefezza’s angled drive.
“These games are difficult, it’s not easy if we gift them a goal at the beginning, but that’s football. The crowd is emotional, the atmosphere is intense, but I thought we had matched their spirit and intensity, we just had to find a way to break them down and score a goal.
“We have to look back at the video and take accountability, because these are games where you have to show up and you have to win.”
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Scott McTominay of Napoli SSC reacts during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
McTominay went viral in Italy a few months ago when he listed all the big players who were out injured, so does he ever think about what might’ve been this season with a full Napoli squad at their disposal?
“Interviews after a game can be emotional, you say things that are true, and it is true we’ve had a lot of injuries, a lot of games where we had players missing. This is the key, with all those competitions, you need players available, which we didn’t really have,” added McTominay.
“It was nobody’s fault, it was just a fact, and we have to accept this and those who are there strive to do more. Eljif Elmas did so well, he didn’t play much at the start and then stepped in, everyone has to be ready to work.
“We’re not going to cry about it, we’re not getting upset at the way the season has gone, we have to continue as men and see what happens at the end of the season.”
Parma coach Carlos Cuesta hailed his team’s ‘incredible sacrifice and team spirit’ to battle their way to a 1-1 draw with Napoli. ‘We’ll take the point.’
It was the perfect start for Parma at the Stadio Tardini, as surprise pick Nesta Elphege flicked on the long Zion Suzuki ball for Gabriel Strefezza to score after 33 seconds.
Despite being pinned back for long periods, Parma were rarely forced into difficult saves, held to a 1-1 draw by the Scott McTominay low drive.
Cuesta and Parma a real problem for Napoli
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Carlos Cuesta, Head Coach of Parma Calcio and Gabriel Strefezza of Parma Calcio greet each other after the match during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I want to thank my players for all the hard work they do on the field, but also the incredible help from the fans, who gave us the strength to run that extra bit to get to the ball first,” Cuesta told DAZN Italia.
“We wanted to make the fans happy with a victory, we didn’t manage it, but we’ll take the point. We are here to defend the Parma shirt with honour and know we have not achieved our objective yet, but we’re all in this together.”
This is the third consecutive draw between Parma and Napoli, denying Antonio Conte a sixth Serie A victory on the bounce and potentially handing the Scudetto to Cuesta’s predecessor Cristian Chivu at Inter.
It also keeps the Ducali further away from the relegation zone, as they are currently nine points clear of the bottom three.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Gabriel Strefezza of Parma Calcio scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I said from the first day I arrived that I didn’t have expectations, I just wanted to raise the bar. We know there are six games to go, but we’ve got to keep pushing. I saw incredible sacrifice, defending, team spirit, everyone helps each other out to bring home the result as a team,” continued the former Arsenal assistant manager.
“We know that at times we must adapt to the context of the match, usually we prefer to keep more of the ball and stay in the opposition half, but we do our best.”
Elphege was an unexpected choice for his first Serie A start, replacing the suspended Mateo Pellegrino, and made an immediate impact with the assist.
“He’s a good lad, everyone likes him, it was a very positive performance and we cannot ask him to simply replace Pellegrino, as they have different characteristics, but we hope he can have more consistency in future,” explained Cuesta.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli SSC competes for the ball with Emanuele Valeri of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
There were penalty appeals late on when Leonardo Spinazzola kicked the ball onto the arm of teammate Alessandro Buongiorno, but it was evaluated as being in a natural position.
“I haven’t seen the footage, but they told us it was not a penalty,” noted Cuesta.
The former Sassuolo, Benevento, Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympique Marseille boss was drafted in during the break for international duty following the dismissal of Igor Tudor.
De Zerbi is the third manager of the season at Spurs, which shows the extent of the task at hand to turn this situation around, but signed a long-term contract as a show of faith in their prospects.
Tottenham defeat on De Zerbi debut
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The team is now without victory in 14 Premier League games, since beating Crystal Palace on December 28, and the club’s longest winless streak since 1935.
“They don’t need to improve football. They can play better and they will play better once we reach a different level of confidence.
“I‘m sure if we are able to win a game then everything will change.”
"I'm sorry for the result, I'm sorry for the Romero injury…We didn't deserve to lose the game"
Roberto De Zerbi says his players showed real fight against Sunderland but were unlucky to come away with nothing pic.twitter.com/SQG9599yHA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
To add insult to literal injury, former Serie A defender Cristian Romero went off in tears with a fitness issue and that could well be the end of his season.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, interacts with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur after being substituted off the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have struggled here before, now De Zerbi is the latest coach to take on a club with seemingly endemic problems.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Richarlison after the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Antonio Conte and Napoli have regrets after the 1-1 draw at Parma, insisting there is ‘a fine line’ between success and failure, but the Scudetto dream ‘is not extinguished.’
The Partenopei saw this as a precious opportunity to further close on leaders Inter, who face a tricky trip to Como this evening.
However, Parma proved themselves to once again be a big problem for them, as this was the third consecutive Serie A draw between these teams.
Gabriel Strefezza opened the scoring after just 33 seconds, and although Napoli poured forward throughout, they rarely tested Zion Suzuki other than the Scott McTominay equaliser.
Conte frustrated at avoidable Parma goal
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli SSC looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“It is so obvious that there’s no need to comment,” Conte told DAZN Italia viewing the goal when Alessandro Buongiorno and Juan Jesus both went for the same long ball.
“We practice these situations over and over again in training, the match situation can be a bit more emotional and the wrong choices are made, but we have worked on this. It’s a pity, because we knew that Parma would sit very deep in the final third, we saw they also put Delprato as a wingback, when usually he’s a defender, so it was more of five at the back.”
Napoli had 74.5 per cent possession and put in 37 crosses, but rarely tested goalkeeper Suzuki.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Scott McTominay of Napoli SSC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I told the lads at the end of the match, there are such fine margins between the team that wins and the team that doesn’t. We should’ve been more focused, instead we conceded that goal after 33 seconds.
“It was already going to be attack against defence anyway, after that goal, they set up the barricades. It was an uphill struggle from the very start, it is not easy to dominate to that degree and then not allow any counter-attacks,” continued Conte.
“We scored, we had chances to win the game, especially with the Elmas header that was incredible. A point here moves us up the table, we know that we need to secure a Champions League spot, the lads gave it their all, but it’s such a fine line between success and a draw.
“It was always going to be a mountain to climb, we tried everything to the very end.”
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli SSC looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
This result means that Napoli are right now six points off leaders Inter, but so much depends on what happens at the Stadio Sinigaglia this evening.
“The dream is not extinguished, there are still six games for us to play. It was a dream tied exclusively to what those ahead of us do, and looking at Inter’s statistics so far, it was always going to be an audacious dream.
“We will continue doing what we are doing, we won five in a row, played well away to Parma, it’s just a pity we could’ve had an extra two points today. That start was a punch in the face that could’ve been a knockout blow, but we recovered and got this point, now we keep going,” concluded Conte.
Scott McTominay managed to claw back a point for Napoli after Gabriel Strefezza put Parma in front within 33 seconds, but this result damages their Scudetto ambitions.
The Partenopei climbed into second place with a 1-0 victory over Milan and were seeking a sixth straight Serie A win. Rasmus Hojlund returned after a stomach bug, but David Neres, Antonio Vergara, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku were still out of action. The Ducali had just three draws in the last five rounds, and top scorer Mateo Pellegrino was suspended, with Benja Cremaschi and Matija Frigan also absent.
It took an incredible 33 seconds to break the deadlock, as in his first start for the club, Nesta Elphege jumped to flick on the long Zion Suzuki ball, allowing Gabriel Strefezza to run into the box and bend the finish in off the far post with the inside of the right boot.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Gabriel Strefezza of Parma Calcio celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Despite pouring forward, Antonio Conte’s men struggled to create any genuine chances, as Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa nodded wide with a Hojlund foul in the build-up.
Instead, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic had to rush out into midfield to clear from Enrico Delprato.
On the stroke of half-time, Kevin De Bruyne’s corner was flicked on for Hojlund, finding Delprato ready to clear practically on the line.
Juan Jesus was struggling to deal with Strefezza, so he was replaced by Sam Beukema for the restart in the Napoli defence.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli SSC competes for the ball with Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Matteo Politano blasted over from the edge of the area, while Alisson Santos came off the bench and fired so far wide that it went for a throw-in.
Napoli finally equalised with one of their first shots on target, as Stanislav Lobotka’s first-time through ball was laid off by Hojlund for McTominay to drill home from the edge of the area.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Scott McTominay of Napoli SSC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The visitors continued to pour forward, Suzuki right behind the Alisson Santos low drive, then Politano’s cross flashing all the way across the face of goal without a tap-in.
Suzuki was ready for the acrobatic McTominay overhead kick on a corner, but Parma also threatened with a ball flashed across the six-yard box and two players sliding in failing to connect.
Alisson Santos skimmed the near post from a tricky angle and there were Parma penalty appeals for handball, but Alessandro Buongiorno’s arm was in a natural position when Leonardo Spinazzola kicked it onto his teammate from point-blank range.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay of Napoli SSC in action during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Milinkovic-Savic had to fingertip the Mandela Keita scorcher out from under the bar, while Eljif Elmas really should’ve done better with a free header over the bar from the Miguel Gutierrez cross.
Alisson Santos also stung Suzuki’s gloves in stoppages, but Parma have for the third game in a row held Napoli to a potentially costly stalemate in the Scudetto race.
Kevin De Bruyne gives an important update on his fitness levels after injury and gives Napoli advice on the Scudetto race. ‘I’ve been in situations where I’ve been ahead or behind.’
Rasmus Hojlund missed the 1-0 victory over Milan with a stomach bug, but has made a full recovery, though David Neres, Antonio Vergara, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku are still out of action.
De Bruyne was out for over four months following a serious thigh tear, but made his return on March 6 and started the last two games.
Napoli can finally enjoy De Bruyne again
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I feel good, obviously I’ve been away for a long time, but I worked hard to come back in the right way,” De Bruyne told DAZN Italia.
“Having a big surgery like this is never easy, but I’ve been through some injuries in my career before and tried to come back as good as possible. I feel good for the moment, that’s the most important thing.”
Inter have a tricky trip to Como this evening, while Milan already lost 3-0 at home to Udinese yesterday, so can this be a crossroads to take Napoli closer to the Scudetto?
“We just have to keep concentrating on what you need to do, we cannot think about what’s going to happen to Inter, we need to try to win our games,” replied De Bruyne.
“I’ve been in situations where I’ve been ahead or behind, in some situations we’ve done it and sometimes we didn’t. All we can really do is do our job and hope Inter will make mistakes. We’ll try to win every game and see what happens.”
Antonio Conte confirms Napoli have not lost hope of the Scudetto, but also warns they ‘always had trouble with Parma’ and expect a very tough test today.
The Partenopei are in second place after five consecutive victories and want to keep the pressure on leaders Inter, who face a tricky trip to Como this evening.
Conte keeps Napoli options open
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)
“We need the right mentality, which is that we have an objective of Champions League qualification to achieve,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“We are second right now, it is inevitable we will look not only over our shoulders, but also at those in front of us. Naturally, those in front have their fate in their hands.”
epa12115184 Napoli’s coach Antonio Conte (C-L) interacts with referee Daniele Doveri (2-R) during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Parma Calcio and SSC Napoli, in Parma, Italy, 18 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI
Rasmus Hojlund missed the 1-0 victory over Milan with a stomach bug, but has made a full recovery and starts here with Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne.
However, David Neres, Antonio Vergara, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku are still out of action.
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)
“We must have patience and quality when we’re on the ball, to break down those blocks and find the spaces. We worked on that a lot in training, how to get through those small spaces. Balance is essential, as sometimes you can pour too many men forward and leave yourselves open to lethal counter-attacks.”
In theory, this is a kind weekend for Napoli, because Inter are up against high-flying Como this evening, while Milan suffered a heavy 3-0 home defeat to Udinese.
However, Conte is eager to point out that Parma have proved themselves a tricky obstacle.
“This is one of the seven remaining games, so whatever result we get, we’ll be in a similar situation next week. What I can say is that in my two years at Napoli, we always had trouble with Parma.
“We drew 0-0 here last season, then 0-0 at home earlier this term. We have struggled to score goals against them, so I expect this to be a tough test,” warned Conte.
Napoli are right back in the Scudetto race after beating Milan to fly into second with five consecutive victories, and could add more pressure on Inter, who face a tricky trip to Como this evening.
Hojlund missed the Milan match after coming down with a stomach bug, but he has made a full recovery, so can start along with McTominay, De Bruyne and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa.
David Neres, Antonio Vergara, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku are still out of action, but Matteo Politano is back in the starting XI, replacing Miguel Gutierrez, after his goal off the bench against Milan.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 06: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Torino FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Parma are struggling and risk sliding back into the danger zone after just three draws in the last five rounds.
To make matters worse, centre-forward Mateo Pellegrino is suspended this afternoon, with Benja Cremaschi and Matija Frigan injured.
There were a few options to choose from, with Gabriel Strefezza, Gaetano Oristanio, Jacob Ondrejka and Nesta Elphege all vying for the attacking roles.
It’s a big loss, as Pellegrino is easily their top scorer with eight Serie A goals this season, followed by midfielder Adrian Bernabé on three.
Parma are a tricky prospect for the Partenopei, as their last two meetings both ended 0-0.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio 1913 battles for possession with Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The sudden Milan collapse means the race for the top four is more open than ever, with just six points separating third from sixth, but Atalanta fall behind.
We are only midway through Serie A Week 32, and yet the situation is already taking shape to set up a thrilling end to the season.
It had been assumed for so long that Inter, Milan and Napoli were in their own title race, while it would be a battle between Juventus, Como, Roma and Atalanta for the fourth and final Champions League spot.
However, back-to-back defeats have seen the Rossoneri slide out of the top two for the first time since Week 11, and the situation is getting tense.
Milan no longer confident of top four
ITALY – APRIL 11: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan reacts at full time during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Juventus won 1-0 away to Atalanta, effectively detaching La Dea from the fight for fourth as they now sit at least seven points adrift of that position.
Roma also swept Pisa aside 3-0, so regardless of what result Como get against Inter on Sunday, the situation sees only six points separating Milan in third from Roma in sixth place.
If Como manage to beat the leaders, then Max Allegri will have Cesc Fabregas just two points behind and Luciano Spalletti within three points.
The fixture list is also setting up a dramatic finale, because there are still quite a few direct clashes to come, including Roma vs. Atalanta in Week 33, Milan vs. Juventus in Week 34, Como vs. Napoli in Week 35 and Milan vs. Atalanta in Week 36.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Raffaele Palladino insists Atalanta put in ‘one of the best performances’ of the season against Juventus, but lost 1-0 due to ‘a chaotic goal’ and a rejected penalty appeal.
La Dea had climbed up the standings to make an unexpected late push for Champions League places, but their chances of securing the top four are now much lower after this home defeat.
They had dominated the first half without making it count, and were made to pay for some defensive errors when Jeremie Boga was ready to fire in the loose ball.
That proved to be the only goal in Bergamo, opening up a significant gap from seventh to sixth of four points.
Palladino saw strong Atalanta against Juve
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
“It came at the end of a great performance in so many ways. I want to say that I am proud of my lads, because in my view this was one of the best performances since I’ve been the coach of Atalanta.
“I complimented them at the end, because even though the result was not what we wanted, these things do happen. These games are rare in the course of a campaign, but they do happen, where you are dominating the game, have 20 shots on goal and never allow Juventus a sniff when they have such talented individuals, then concede a chaotic goal.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to turn it around. I usually analyse and discuss the game with them, but tonight I just said well done for this performance. Now we press the reset button and prepare for the match with Roma.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta shoots under pressure from Bremer of Juventus during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
What changed when Juventus came out for the restart and had a different attitude?
“I don’t think Juve changed anything for the second half, it was just a messy incident with some ricochets that fell kindly for them on the goal,” insisted the Atalanta coach.
“What we could’ve done better is in the final 20 minutes, when we poured forward, we were a bit too disorganised and hasty. Juve were sitting very deep, so we could’ve surrounded them a bit more.
“These are minor details, I have few complaints about my team otherwise.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Jonathan David of Juventus is challenged by Ederson of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
There were protests in the final minutes when Davide Zappacosta’s cross-shot struck Federico Gatti on the arm, but the defender was judged to have it in a natural position, trying to pull it behind his back at the last moment.
“I don’t talk about referees and I mean it. I am consistent with what I say. The referee made this decision, in many situations we’ve seen these penalties given, in others they weren’t, I thought the referee did very well overall,” assured Palladino.
It is not the first time that Atalanta have failed to make their domination count and been penalised by more clinical opponents, especially in the big games.
They crushed Juve here 3-0 back in February for the Coppa Italia quarter-final, although some of that had also been against the run of play.
“We were undefeated at home in Serie A for many months and wanted to keep that run going, but unfortunately we have to accept this defeat. We will continue to not give up, we’ll try to stay in the hunt, because we need to end this season well with some head-to-head clashes, and also the Coppa Italia semi-final with Lazio.”
The first leg of that semi-final ended 2-2 at the Stadio Olimpico, so the return will be in Bergamo later this month.
Luciano Spalletti admits Juventus ‘suffered a lot’ in the first half with Atalanta, but after the break was ‘a totally different match’ as they won to keep top four ambitions alive.
It was a difficult night in Bergamo, as La Dea pinned Juve back into their own half for long periods in the first half, but were unable to make all that pressure count.
Instead, the Bianconeri were clinical when pouncing on a series of errors to score with Jeremie Boga straight after the restart, aided by a deflection off Marco Carnesecchi.
Spalletti admits Juventus not at their best
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
“The first half-hour we suffered a lot, because Atalanta are a good team, and we were unable to string passes together in any situation, as they were constantly pressing us,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“We were forced to only defend. In the second half, it was a totally different match, we played on level terms. Usually, we were the ones who didn’t make the dominance count and were penalised by failing to score when we were on top, but this time we did it the other way round.”
That includes the last time Juve were in Bergamo back in February, when they had a strong start in the Coppa Italia quarter-final only to emerge 3-0 losers.
This result means that Juventus move to within three points of third-placed Milan and temporarily leapfrog Como into fourth, awaiting the match between Cesc Fabregas’ men and Inter on Sunday.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus is challenged by Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
“These are games that are worth more than three points. Unfortunately, we weren’t in the best shape coming into the match, because Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao both had fitness problems, I chose to start them and see how they’d do. They were both a little below par, Thuram had an issue too,” revealed Spalletti.
“We were also making mistakes in the first half, not giving Conceicao the opportunity to take men on down the flank, which is his strength. Once we adjusted a few things and got the hang of it, the second half was a completely different match.
“We paid too heavy a price in the Coppa Italia game for our performance. Tonight, they moved it from side to side, stretching us out and forcing us back, with us failing to keep our shape.
“It is a weakness that we have, our defence can sometimes sit a bit too deep and gets pinned back, especially by a team with Atalanta’s characteristics.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Jonathan David of Juventus is challenged by Ederson of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Many opponents have found it difficult to play against Atalanta, as Raffaele Palladino picked up the mantle of predecessor Gian Piero Gasperini, so preventative marking becomes crucial.
“In modern football, you do tend to go man for man, but when you make that choice, if one marking goes wrong, it all falls apart,” added Spalletti.
“Possession used to be the statistic everyone cared about, now nobody is interested in that, it’s about how you break out of these little individual cages that your players are put into.
“Atalanta were far more tuned into the tempo of the game early on, more precise in their movements from right to left, and we didn’t find passing channels. In the second half, we won the ball back a few times and could’ve done more damage on the counter-attack, but misplaced the vertical pass.
“Considering the players who were struggling tonight, I am pleased they put the effort in and tried to work for the team,” concluded Spalletti.
Jeremie Boga ‘could not have dreamed of a better start’ at Juventus and hopes to make the move permanent, while Manuel Locatelli insists they ‘belong in the Champions League.’
It was a tough match in Bergamo, as Atalanta dominated the first half and pinned Juve back into their own half for long periods.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
However, it was only one goal that sealed it, when Boga was ready to fire in the loose ball with the aid of a deflection off Marco Carnesecchi.
Boga has been a great January signing for Juve, scoring four goals in nine Serie A games since the loan from Olympique Marseille, and he was on target here against one of his former clubs.
Juventus flying towards top four
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
“It was a tough game, we played really well, fought hard, and these are three very important points.”
Director Giorgio Chiellini hinted before kick-off that the plan was to activate Juve’s option to buy Boga outright from Marseille for €4.8m plus bonuses.
“It is my objective to stay here with these great players, so I will give 100 per cent in every game and hope that I will remain,” noted the forward.
This result means Juventus move to within three points of Milan in third place, temporarily leapfrogging Como ahead of their match with Inter on Sunday evening.
“There are some games over the season that you simply must win, we did it tonight with heart and it wasn’t easy,” Locatelli told Sky Sport Italia.
“We always tell ourselves, pressure mustn’t weigh on us when we are at Juventus, instead it needs to fuel us, because Juventus belong in the Champions League.”
Locatelli also had praise for teammate Boga, who he had already worked with when they were together at Juventus.
“I am so pleased for my brother Jerry, because I always thought he could make it at a big club, and now he is finally proving what he can do.”
Juventus earned a significant victory away to Atalanta in this head-to-head for Champions League places, moving to within three points of Milan thanks to Jeremie Boga’s goal.
This was a head-to-head for Champions League places, as only four points separated them going into this weekend. La Dea missed Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana, with Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori still not at 100 per cent. The Bianconeri were without suspended Weston McKennie, injured Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic and Mattia Perin, so Michele Di Gregorio took back the gloves, saving a penalty last week as a substitute. Luciano Spalletti celebrated signing a new contract to 2028.
Atalanta were unbeaten against Juve since the Coppa Italia Final in May 2024, winning two of the last four meetings, including a 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory in February this year.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Nicola Zalewski’s angled drive flashed across the face of goal and moments later Giorgio Scalvini went even closer with a header on a free kick that bounced off the inside of the upright.
The visitors were pinned back into their own half for long periods, but defended in numbers to charge down Davide Zappacosta and Nikola Krstovic efforts.
Lloyd Kelly saw his header deflected wide and Charles De Ketelaere couldn’t keep his attempt on target when leaping over Andrea Cambiaso to meet Lorenzo Bernasconi’s cross.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus is challenged by Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Juve created a chance on the stroke of half-time, as Boga’s slide-rule pass sent Pierre Kalulu clear on goal, but Marco Carnesecchi was quick off his line with some brave goalkeeping.
Atalanta threatened too in stoppages, the acrobatic Krstovic volley inches wide from six yards on a corner.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta shoots under pressure from Bremer of Juventus during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
It was Juventus who scored straight after the restart at the end of a chaotic move. Boga was blocked off from tapping in the return Francisco Conceicao pass, but it continued and Carnesecchi flapped at an Emil Holm cross, which Scalvini accidentally knocked down into the path of Boga to fire in from seven yards, deflected off the Atalanta goalkeeper.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
The hosts fought back, Di Gregorio clawing a Berat Djimsiti header off the line from close range on a corner, then Giacomo Raspadori’s strike deflected just over from the edge of the area.
It should’ve been 2-0 on 68 minutes when Holm shrugged off Sead Kolasinac to set up Khephren Thuram, but the midfielder ballooned over from 12 yards.
Zappacosta prodded wide on the De Ketelaere pull-back from the right, with Djimsiti’s effort deflected wide.
Atalanta had penalty appeals when Zappacosta’s cross struck Federico Gatti, but the arm was in a natural position and he tried to pull it back at the last second. On the resulting corner, Gianluca Scamacca’s header grazed the crossbar.
Di Gregorio was also at full stretch on a Scalvini cross-shot at the near post and Scamacca nodded wide in stoppages.
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini celebrates Luciano Spalletti’s new contract to June 2028 and admits Jeremie Boga will ‘probably’ be bought outright from Olympique Marseille.
Spalletti officially signed a new contract to June 2028, so will remain at the helm whether they qualify for the Champions League or not.
Chiellini planning Juventus future
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“It was something that had been predicted, maybe not taken for granted as such, but the natural conclusion to this process we’ve had since he arrived. Now we’ll play these last few games of the season and then have time to plan the future together.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
The fight for a top four finish is wide open, as before Como take on leaders Inter, there is this head-to-head, while Roma already beat Pisa 3-0 last night.
“We are not that interested in Milan’s result, we are focused on what we need to do, as there are others like Atalanta, Como and Roma who are our direct competitors. It might be a fight to the final minute of the final game, so head to head clashes like the one tonight could be decisive, as there isn’t much time left to recover lost ground,” added Chiellini.
“Atalanta are a strong team who are having great results and have the added bonus of home advantage this evening.”
Juve are forced to do without Joker in the pack Weston McKennie, as the versatile American is suspended, while Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic and Mattia Perin are on the treatment table.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Boga is chosen as the False 9 rather than Jonathan David tonight, so does this suggest Juve will buy him outright from Olympique Marseille for €4.8m plus add-ons??
“He settled in very well and has an accessible price point, so we’ll evaluate at the end of the season, but obviously we’d be very happy to keep him. It is probable his future will be with Juventus.”
Atalanta are unbeaten against Juventus since the May 2024 Coppa Italia Final, winning two of their last four competitive meetings.
The most recent was here in February, as La Dea ran out 3-0 winners in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
“Our strategy is aimed at getting competitive to win over the next few years. The Champions League qualification would change a few things, but we’ll evaluate that when the time comes.”
Atalanta director Luca Percassi hints that coach Raffaele Palladino will be given a contract extension after getting them back into the race for the top four as they host Juventus.
It had seemed impossible for La Dea to dream of the top four when Palladino took over from Ivan Juric in November, but they have surged up the standings, as well as reaching the Coppa Italia semi-final and Champions League Round of 16.
A win here would put them within a point of both Juventus and Roma, awaiting Como’s big game with Inter, while Milan lost 3-0 to Udinese and put third place up for grabs too.
Atalanta revitalised by Palladino
Raffaele Palladino and Luca Percassi sign the Atalanta contract (@atalanta_bc)
“We care a great deal about Serie A, obviously the points mean more at this stage of the season, and we hope to do well against big opponents,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.
Luciano Spalletti just signed a new contract with Juventus to June 2028, so do Atalanta intend on rewarding Palladino with a similar agreement?
“We have a very good rapport with the coach, we already talked about it, he is very happy to be with Atalanta. However, we had so many games to play that we decided to postpone talks for a few weeks.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Palladino oversaw 12 victories, four draws and four defeats in Serie A.
Champions League qualification would be a significant financial boost, so does that change their transfer strategy?
“The club wants to have a competitive squad, so we’ll ponder every decision we make and try to do things well. We know there’s a lot of competition, but the fans are right behind us and create a unique atmosphere, so this remains a good place to work,” replied Percassi.
Isak Hien was already ruled out, but Kamaldeen Sulemana is also sent to the stands after suffering a bruised foot in training.
Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori are still working their way back to full fitness after injuries.
Milan were humiliated 3-0 at home by a clinical Udinese, as the change to the 4-3-3 formation failed to pay off and now even third place is at serious risk.
The Rossoneri were ruled out of the Scudetto race by defeat to Napoli, so needed to look anxiously over their shoulders instead. Max Allegri revamped his tactics from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3 with Rafael Leao returning as a centre-forward, Samuele Ricci and Zachary Athekame stepping in. Kienan Davis returned from suspension for Udinese, but Adam Buksa, Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli were all carrying injuries.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on from the sidelines during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nicolò Zaniolo tested Mike Maignan on the counter-attack in the third minute, while Christian Pulisic went on a slalom through defenders until his finish was charged down, then Rafael Leao fired just over when sent through by Alexis Saelemaekers.
Leao was booked for sarcastically applauding the referee after he went down in a tussle with his marker and the foul went against him for flailing an arm.
It was Udinese who opened the scoring when Zaniolo went on a rapid counter-attack, shrugging off attempted Saelemaekers and Strahinja Pavlovic tackles, spreading it down the right for Arthur Atta, whose cross took a big deflection off Davide Bartesaghi to wrong-foot Maignan.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Arthur Atta of Udinese Calcio scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There was a lack of communication when Pulisic floated a ball to the back post for Saelemaekers, but Leao went for the acrobatic volley instead and ruined the chance for his teammate.
Moments later, Pulisic dribbled into the box only to drill inches wide, but Udinese nearly had a second when Davis shrugged off Pavlovic only for Maignan to palm the strike onto the crossbar from a tricky angle down the left.
The Friulani did double their lead when Zaniolo whipped in a wonderful cross from the right that found Jurgen Ekkelenkamp to nod in at the back post between two Milan defenders.
It really should’ve been 3-0 in first half stoppages when Leao lost it cheaply to spark the counter-attack, Kamara rolled across from the left for Davis, denied by a desperate Pavlovic tackle, then Davis accidentally deflected the Thomas Kristensen follow-up from seven yards, so Bartesaghi could clear off the line.
Milan were jeered off the pitch by their fans and Allegri made a radical change, introducing Niclas Fullkrug for Athekame, moving Saelemaekers to right-back.
They poured forward, as first Maduka Okoye got down to push a Luka Modric daisy-cutter round the post, then on the resulting corner he flew to palm the Saelemaekers half-volley onto the underside of the crossbar.
Fullkrug’s header was off target and Pavlovic’s diving header only hit the side-netting from a Ricci cross, while Adrien Rabiot needed a crucial sliding tackle to prevent Zaniolo finishing off an Atta assist.
Youssouf Fofana came on and fired straight at Okoye, but it was Udinese who proved far more clinical on another counter, as Atta drilled low into the near bottom corner for 3-0, surprising Koni De Winter.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is put under pressure by Thomas Thiesson Kristensen of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maignan had to make a save moments later to deny the Davis left-foot strike, but the Udinese striker sustained a muscular injury and looked distraught as he limped off.
Leao was jeered loudly off the pitch as he was substituted late on, as the crowd was increasingly irritated with his performance, but Udinese love playing at San Siro, having already beaten Inter here this season.
Milan 0-3 Udinese
Bartesaghi og 27 (U), Ekkelenkamp 37 (U), Atta 71 (U)
Jeremie Boga, Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao hope to inspire Juventus against Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and Nikola Krstovic in a battle for Champions League places.
This is a head-to-head for top four ambition, as a victory would put Atalanta just one point behind both the Bianconeri and Roma, who won yesterday, all of them closing in on Como.
Juventus are forced into changes, because Weston McKennie is suspended following the 2-0 win over Genoa, plus Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic and Mattia Perin out injured.
Michele Di Gregorio returns to goal, having saved a penalty last week to restore his confidence, with Conceicao and Yildiz supporting striker Boga, facing his former club.
Emil Holm takes over from McKennie in a wide right role.
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)
Atalanta are climbing up the standings and their only absentees are Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana, so Berat Djimsiti completes the back three today.
Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori are still not at 100 per cent, so Nikola Krstovic is supported by De Ketelaere and Nicola Zalewski.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta have a surprisingly strong recent record against Juve, unbeaten since the Coppa Italia Final in May 2024, emerging with two big wins and two draws.
That includes eliminating the Bianconeri from the Coppa Italia quarter-final with a 3-0 result in February this year.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Atalanta vs. Juventus line-ups
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Zalewski De Ketelaere; Krstovic
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; Holm, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; Boga
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma battles for possession with Sam Beukema of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
This type of injury generally means a player will be out of action for circa four weeks, which would rule Pellegrini out of some very big games in their season, including next week’s showdown with Atalanta.
Roma medical staff hope that the veteran can recover in time for the Derby della Capitale against arch-rivals Lazio, which is scheduled for the weekend of May 17.
The 29-year-old scored seven goals with four assists in 33 competitive appearances for Roma so far this season.
It is the latest addition to a lengthy injury list for the Giallorossi, who are already missing Wesley, Manu Kone, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic insists the Milan change of tactics to 4-3-3 ‘is not important’ and believes Keinan Davis can ‘keep their defence busy’ to create space for others.
Udinese are fresh off a 0-0 draw that stalled the progress of high-flying Como, and now face another difficult test at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Runjaic and Udinese enjoy the big games
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 02: Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic walks out on the pitch ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli on March 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“It was a good performance against Como, this is going to be a very different one, but we must keep pushing to get as many points as possible. I am very excited to play this game, it’s a big club, we have nothing to lose, so we just want to enjoy it and give our maximum,” Runjaic told DAZN Italia.
Max Allegri has changed his 3-5-2 formation and for the first time this season switched to a 4-3-3 with Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers upfront.
“The Milan tactics are not important, they have so many classy players, it’s about our system. We have to be very focused, support each other, commitment, it’s a challenge. That is most important, how we react to them,” insisted Runjaic.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 02: David De Gea of Fiorentina is beaten by Keinan Davis’s penalty strike for Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli on March 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Davis returns from suspension and has been easily their best player so far this season, especially as they seem to lack a centre-forward otherwise, using Nicolò Zaniolo as a False 9 with Como.
“He is very important, in fantastic form, a very versatile player who can keep the ball, go deep, dictate the pass, has a lot of pace, he keeps the opposition defence busy. He has a lot of self-confidence, you see it daily in training, and I hope he’ll have a fantastic game today,” added the Udinese coach.
“He can also give other players the opportunity, as I hope Milan’s defence will be very focused on Davis, which can be an advantage for the other players.”
Adam Buksa is only fit for the bench, while Jordan Zemura and long-term absentee Alessandro Zanoli miss out.
Max Allegri explains how his Milan team changes with a 4-3-3 formation against Udinese and why they must ‘give Rafael Leao the right service’ as a centre-forward.
Last week’s defeat to Napoli effectively put an end to talk of the Scudetto, as instead the Rossoneri must look nervously over their shoulders at the chasing pack for those precious Champions League places.
“We lost two of the last three games, so we must not get swept up in the moment, but analyse what went wrong and can be improved,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“We’ve recovered some players, we know Udinese can hurt us on the counter-attack, so we must make as few mistakes as possible.”
Allegri transforms Milan tactics
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
With practically a full squad to choose from at last, as Matteo Gabbia returns to the bench, Allegri changes his tactics from 3-5-2 to the 4-3-3 for the first time from the start.
It uses returning Rafael Leao as a False 9, flanked by Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers, with Samuele Ricci and Zachary Athekame stepping in.
“Athekame has different characteristics to Tomori and will push more down the right. Naturally, Saelemaekers is doing the same job he always did as a wide striker, he is an important player who brings balance to the team,” explained the coach.
“Rafa is growing in terms of fitness levels and as a centre-forward he does good movements, but it’s up to us to give him the right service so he can score goals. Gimenez was out for six months, so he can’t be at 100 per cent yet, Fullkrug played two games in a row, so there are changes today.
“I just hope I got the right line-up today,” smiled Allegri.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Another change this evening sees Luka Modric named vice captain, while Mike Maignan retains the armband.
There was a minute’s silence before kick-off for Ismael Pistis, an eight-year-old member of the Torino youth academy who was killed in a car crash this week.
It took just six minutes to break the deadlock, as Marcus Pedersen sprung the offside trap to nod down a ball over the top for Giovanni Simeone, who sent Andrias Edmundsson to ground with his first touch, firing in from 12 yards with the right boot. Just like when he scored against his old club earlier this season, Cholito did not celebrate.
Verona were unlucky not to equalise on 11 minutes, as Alberto Paleari mistimed his intervention on a free kick, allowing Roberto Gagliardini to nod it onto the crossbar.
They did get the deserved equaliser when Kieron Bowie was stronger than Ardian Ismajli on a Lorenzo Montipò long ball, shrugging off his marker and turning to score one-on-one.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Che Adams of Torino FC is tackled by Victor Nelsson of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 11, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Moments later, Verona threatened again with Antoine Bernede’s angled drive flashing just wide, while Che Adams fired off target for Torino.
The hosts were jeered off the field at half-time by their fans and came out with a different attitude for the restart, Simeone bending a finish inches wide.
They restored their lead when Rafa Obrador’s disguised shot from the edge of the area turned into an assist for Cesare Casadei to steer in first time from six yards.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Gift Orban of Hellas Verona FC in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 11, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Che Adams soared above the crowd to nod in another Obrador assist, this time a floated cross from the left, but it was disallowed because Simeone was offside in the build-up.
Simeone tried to make up for it by smashing a long-range strike wide moments later, while Ismajli charged down the Gift Orban attempt.
Sebastiano Esposito’s header proved enough to give Cagliari a huge push up the table in this relegation dogfight, leaving Cremonese in the bottom three.
This was a pure battle to avoid relegation, with three points separating the Sardinians in 16th from their visitors in 17th place. Coming off four consecutive defeats, Cagliari missed Leonardo Pavoletti, Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici, but Alberto Dossena returned from suspension.
Marco Giampaolo had seen improvements since taking the Cremonese job, beating Parma and narrowly losing 2-1 to Bologna. Youssef Maleh sat out a ban, with Jamie Vardy, Morten Thorsby, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo injured, though Antonio Sanabria was now fit for the bench. Federico Baschirotto made his comeback and Sebastiano Luperto faced his former club.
Marco Palestra’s strike was palmed out from under the bar in the opening minutes, but David Okereke wasted a golden opportunity when slipping and failing to make the most of the inspired Federico Bonazzoli slide-rule pass that sent him clear.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Contrast with Elia Caprile of Cagliari and David Okereke of Cremonese during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Okereke’s glancing header on a short corner also tested Elia Caprile and Cagliari lost Luca Mazzitelli to a muscular injury on the half-hour mark.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Romano FLoriani Mussolini of Cremonese in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Sebastiano Esposito won it back in midfield and saw his counter-attack charged down by Sebastiano Luperto, while Bonazzoli drilled wide after the restart from a promising position.
Cagliari took the lead when substitute Ze Pedro made an immediate impact, sending his cross to the back post for Esposito to nod into the ground, the awkward bounce beating Emil Audero from a tricky angle.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
It was so nearly 2-0 when Audero made a fantastic reaction save on Alessandro Deiola’s header from six yards, and there was a special moment as Andrea Belotti made his return after surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Max Allegri shakes Milan up with a new trident attack of Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers, as Udinese welcome Keinan Davis back to partner Nicolò Zaniolo.
The Rossoneri effectively dropped out of the Scudetto race after the 1-0 defeat to Napoli, sending them down to third spot and looking nervously over their shoulders at the pack chasing down a Champions League ticket.
Allegri revamps his side by scrapping the 3-5-2 formation for a 4-3-3, which has been used at times during the match lately, but not from the start.
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)
Rafael Leao returns not only to the squad, but to the starting XI after a recurring inflammation, still trying to make it work as a False 9.
He is flanked by Pulisic, who hasn’t scored at all in 2026, and Saelemaekers preferred to Christopher Nkunku.
Matteo Gabbia is back on the bench for the first time since a sports hernia operation at the start of March, with Zachary Athekame chosen as right-back and Samuele Ricci in midfield.
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Udinese have big news with the return of striker Davis after he missed the 0-0 draw with Como through suspension, so manages to reunite his partnership with Zaniolo.
Adam Buksa, Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli are all carrying injury issues, but Arthur Atta pulls the midfield strings.
The Friulani lost their last four meetings with Milan, since a 1-0 victory at San Siro in November 2023.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Keinan Davis of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and US Lecce at Stadio Friuli on October 25, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Vincenzo Italiano is frustrated by the same old Bologna mistakes in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, but insists their opponents ‘will win the Europa League, as they made the most of everything.’
It was a disappointing night at the Stadio Dall’Ara, but above all an unlucky one that showed many of the same problems we’ve seen all season from the Rossoblu.
They were wasteful in attack as well as being unfortunate, hitting the woodwork twice and seeing a Santiago Castro goal disallowed because his toe was offside.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Amadou Onana and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
In comparison, Aston Villa were clinical and made the most of defensive errors, first with Ezri Konsa as Federico Ravaglia flapped at a corner, then Ollie Watkins after the usual mistake playing out from the back.
Jonathan Rowe did pull one back to give hope going into the second leg, which was immediately snatched away again when Watkins was left unmarked on a corner in stoppages.
Italiano frustrated by Bologna errors
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, talks with Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We were in the game from start to finish, we saw what we expected from them, but if you make certain mistakes against them, you will be punished,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“If you gift two or three goals, you are going to inevitably struggle, both on the night and in the tie. Now we’ll see what happens in the second leg, but the performance was strong, we caused problems for a team of a truly high value.
“I think tonight we saw confirmation of what I thought beforehand, which is that Aston Villa will win the Europa League. Congratulations to them, because they made the most of absolutely everything we let slip, despite a good performance from Bologna.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was noted that Aston Villa don’t particularly press, and that the Rossoblu in turn were worried about pressing them too.
“If they put the ball over the top and move so many players into space, it can be damaging,” explained Italiano.
“Before the match, I told the lads these are situations where you mustn’t be superficial in any situation, whether it’s giving away a corner or a loose pass, because this team will punish you at the slightest error. Unfortunately, that’s what happened.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The first goal was from a throw-in taken by Rowe, who shouldn’t have had it in his hands, and it changed the inertia of the game. On the second goal, we were playing out from the back and made a mistake. We just can’t seem to have a full game without errors.”
Bologna have a mountain to climb with the second leg of this quarter-final at Villa Park in Birmingham, where they already lost 2-0 in October 2024 and 1-0 earlier this season in the Europa League.
In both those matches, they again failed to convert their chances and were punished for errors, so it is a recurring pattern.
“We made too many mistakes this season, not just tonight, we never manage to go a full 90 minutes with total concentration, there is always an error or a distraction. The crucial moments of the game are either side of half-time and in the final minutes, and we conceded goals in all of them,” confessed Italiano.
“It’s frustrating, because when you see how many chances we created against the level of opposition, we did good things tonight.”
Does Italiano still have hope for the second leg?
“It would be a sporting miracle to turn this around, but as we saw yesterday with Barcelona losing to Atletico Madrid, anything can happen. It’s particularly odd in Europe, because sometimes you get referees who don’t whistle at all, others they give cards for the slightest contact.
“Admittedly, 2-1 would’ve been a different result, even if they have a different gear on their own turf, but we’ll give it our all,” assured Italiano.
Paolo Vanoli insists ‘a goal would’ve changed the game’ for Fiorentina, who instead were crushed 3-0 by Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final first leg.
There were a few question marks over the penalty converted by Jean-Philippe Mateta, as Evann Guessand had already missed his chance when Dodo clattered into him, but Tyrick Mitchell bundled over the line, and Ismaila Sarr nodded in during stoppages to make it a heavy 3-0 result.
Vanoli saw Fiorentina reaction
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
“We knew that they were strong, both physically and technically. We had a very good approach in my view, the penalty destabilised us and we didn’t manage to keep our focus,” said Vanoli on Sky Sport Italia.
“I saw a better second half with a lot of character, a goal would’ve changed the game. When you are up against a Premier League team, you will pay for errors, and what really irritated me was conceding the last goal.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace scores his team’s second goal past David De Gea of ACF Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are in their first ever UEFA tournament, while Fiorentina were hoping to reach their fourth consecutive edition of the Conference League semi-final.
However, the Tuscans seemed to show absolutely none of that extra European experience this evening.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Chris Richards of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“I thought that in many ways we had a very good performance. We were up against a Premier League side and this shows us what we need to grow in future,” continued the coach.
“Now we have to focus on Serie A, because there is still work to do there to secure safety after a strong run.
“It is frustrating, because a goal would’ve kept the tie wide open.”
Fiorentina have inevitably been torn between seeing the Conference League as prestigious and also a costly distraction from the main focus, which is avoiding Serie A relegation.
“There’s no point hiding the fact it was an added problem and we have done well to balance the two until now. I would’ve liked to reach this game with a full squad at my disposal, but the second and third goals were honestly avoidable,” concluded Vanoli.
The Viola were hoping to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, but also knew the focus was on avoiding Serie A relegation. Moise Kean, Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey didn’t make the trip.
Jorgen Strand Larsen was suspended, with Chris Richards and Caleb Kporha injured, so Palace gave Jean-Philippe Mateta his first start since January 25 after a failed medical ruined his move to Milan.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Mateta couldn’t keep his header on target from six yards on a Daniel Munoz cross, while Robin Gosens shinned a volley wide from a promising position.
Evann Guessand was inches away from scoring when he scuffed a volley inches wide of the far post from 12 yards.
Guessand got into the box again and had already taken the wayward shot before Dodo made contact with the clumsy sliding tackle, but the referee still awarded the penalty and VAR confirmed it.
Jean-Philippe Mateta slots the penalty past David De Gea to put Palace 1-0 up
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026
Mateta sent David De Gea the wrong way to give Palace the lead.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina battles for possession with Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
There was a second goal when Munoz sprung the offside trap on a ball over the top to knock down the ball over the top, Mateta’s tap-in was parried by De Gea, who could do nothing on the Tyrick Mitchell follow-up.
Crystal Palace have a two goal lead after just 30 minutes
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026
The restart was delayed by several minutes when the Crystal Palace fans repeatedly threw rolls of paper at De Gea’s goal, forcing players to help stewards clean up the mess.
Fiorentina should’ve pulled one back when Dodo burst down the right and pulled back to find Giovanni Fabbian unmarked from 12 yards, but his first-time sweep only thumped the crossbar.
Former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada drilled just wide, while Roberto Piccoli sliding onto a Dodo assist forced a tricky save out of Dean Henderson.
Guessand went off injured and Piccoli failed to get a clean header to the Marin Pongracic cross, but it should’ve been 3-0 when Mateta steered a free header wide at the back post.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Chris Richards of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
The third goal did arrive when Kamada’s cross found Ismaila Sarr for a free header at the back post, surprising Pietro Comuzzo.
Bologna were unlucky in attack and paid a heavy price for defensive errors, suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final.
The Rossoblu eliminated Roma in the all-Italian derby and went into this match without suspended Martin Vitik, plus injured Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Benjamin Dominguez.
Unai Emery won the Europa League four times as coach and made this trip without Jadon Sancho and Boubacar Kamara, so Youri Tielemans got his first start since January 25. Villa had won every game except one in the competition and already beat Bologna 1-0 in September, but that was the last Rossoblu defeat in this tournament.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: The teams line up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Ollie Watkins didn’t get full control of a smart Youri Tielemans ball over the top, while Jhon Lucumi was booked early on and will be suspended for the second leg.
Bologna had a big double chance when first the Santiago Castro angled drive was charged down by Pau Torres, then Emiliano Martinez fingertipped the acrobatic Juan Miranda follow-up out from under the bar.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Santiago Castro of Bologna has a shot blocked by Pau Torres of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The hosts had the ball in the net on 26 minutes when Castro’s effort took a deflection off Ezri Konsa and was cleared by Matty Cash only after already crossing the line. However, it was disallowed by VAR as Castro’s toe was offside on the Jonathan Rowe pass.
Bologna were unlucky again moments later, this time Lewis Ferguson at full stretch poked a Rowe cross onto the underside of the crossbar.
John McGinn drilled inches wide, and Aston Villa took the lead against the run of play just before half-time. Federico Ravaglia flapped at a Youri Tielemans corner, as Konsa held off Lucumi to nod in at the back post.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026
Straight after the restart, Rowe ran from his own half and pulled back for Tommaso Pobega to fire just over from the edge of the area.
However, Bologna made another costly and avoidable error, this time Torbjorn Heggem struggling to control an overhit Miranda pass out from the back, so Buendia intercepted, allowing Watkins to place the angled drive under Ravaglia.
Incredibly, the hosts hit the frame of the goal for a second time, as Rowe set up Bernardeschi to fire against the outside of the near post.
Moments later, Dibu Martinez flew for a sensational fingertip save to push the Rowe curler out from under the bar.
Joao Mario also had an effort charged down, as did Rowe, but Bologna finally got the goal they deserved when Rowe cut inside from the left and bent a ferocious right-foot finish past Martinez.
However, just as they had hope, Watkins was left totally unmarked to tap in a flicked-on corner from five yards and restore Villa’s two-goal cushion.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
Login
