Italian media have named Riccardo Calafiori, Rafael Leao, Alessandro Bastoni, Dusan Vlahovic, Gianluca Scamacca and more as part of an investigation into the Serie A escort scandal.

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A significant number of current and former Serie A players have been named in connection with a Milan escort investigation, though it is essential to stress from the outset that none of those mentioned are under investigation and that paying for sex is not a criminal offence in Italy.

They can however be called upon to act as witnesses, and that very well may be the case for upcoming hearings.

The case centres on an alleged organised network run by Emanuele Buttini and Deborah Ronchi, and has been reported by Il Giornale, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

The names of players emerged through wiretap intercepts in which escorts and their alleged associates were planning meetings.

In the official court documentation, most names were redacted for legal reasons, however, due to an administrative error, some names remained visible in the court order, including Torino’s Marcus Pedersen and Sassuolo’s Christian Volpato.

Calafiori and Leao linked to scandal as investigation continues

Formally named in the prosecutor’s request to the investigating judge are Cheickh Niasse of Verona and former Inter and Lazio player Dejan Stankovic, along with his son Filip.

The wider list, which according to Il Giornale runs to more than fifty footballers, emerged from a list of search keywords included in a search warrant executed last Monday, used to direct the technical analysis of seized devices.

The prosecutor’s office does not include such names arbitrarily, suggesting they appeared in the intercepted communications.

Among the keywords identified are the names of numerous current and former Inter and Milan players: Alessandro Bastoni, Raoul Bellanova, Yann Bisseck, Achraf Hakimi, Philippe Coutinho, Milan Skriniar, Carlos Augusto, Koni De Winter, Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud and Jeremy Menez.

Also listed are Arsenal and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, former Juventus and Roma defender Dean Huijsen, Dusan Vlahovic, Arthur Melo, Gianluca Scamacca, Matteo Ruggeri, Daniel Maldini and Nuno Tavares.

It is impossible to determine at this stage whether any of those named actually engaged with the alleged network, their appearance in search keywords alone does not constitute any wrongdoing or confirmed involvement.

The summer transfer window promises to be one of the most active in recent memory, with a remarkable number of elite players available on free transfers in June, and Dusan Vlahovic sits at the heart of one of the most intriguing storylines of all.

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Speaking on Sky Sport, via MilanNews.it, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio outlined a market shaped by an unusually strong pool of expiring contracts, placing Vlahovic alongside Goretzka, Lewandowski and Bernardo Silva as among the most coveted available players.

“This year there are some really strong players out of contract who can be signed without negotiating with clubs,” Di Marzio noted. “Vlahovic is one of the themes of this summer.”

Milan & Bayern keen on Vlahovic as Lewandowski element adds unpredictability

The Serbian striker’s situation at Juventus remains unresolved despite weeks of reported progress on a renewal.

Should talks ultimately break down, Di Marzio made clear that Milan remain firmly interested, as they were last summer, with Allegri’s long-standing admiration for the forward a significant factor.

Bayern Munich have also been monitoring the situation, viewing Vlahovic as a potential alternative to Harry Kane should they decide to reshape their attack, particularly with Nicolas Jackson on loan and carrying a prohibitively expensive buyout clause.

The Lewandowski dimension adds another layer of intrigue. The Barcelona striker is in renewal talks at the Camp Nou, but should those negotiations collapse, both Juventus and Milan could be presented with an extraordinary opportunity.

Di Marzio suggested Juventus would be the more likely destination of the two, noting that Milan are wary of accumulating too many players at the older end of the age spectrum as they look to reshape their squad for the long term.

Inter are already planning a significant summer restructuring, with Sky Sport journalist Andrea Paventi reporting that Davide Frattesi, Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian are all expected to depart at the end of the season as part of a broader rejuvenation project at the club.

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Frattesi’s exit appears the most clear-cut of the three.

The Italy international has struggled to nail down a regular starting role under Cristian Chivu and has frequently been asked to fulfil positional responsibilities that do not suit his natural strengths.

“I believe Frattesi will leave at the end of the season, I think it is also in the player’s own interest,” Paventi said, via FCInter1908. “In this team he is difficult to place. He has struggled positionally and was sometimes asked to track back defensively. I think for his own good he can leave Inter.”

Acerbi & Darmian expected to join Frattesi in Inter exits

Acerbi and Darmian are also expected to depart, with both players approaching the end of their contracts and the club’s desire to lower the average age of the squad making their exits a natural conclusion to their Inter careers.

On the midfield picture more broadly, Paventi indicated that Aleksander Stankovic’s return is anticipated, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s future will also be assessed, with a parting of ways at season’s end also possible.

Andy Diouf, meanwhile, represents a longer-term investment whose role will depend heavily on the tactical shape Chivu adopts going forward.

The overhaul, while significant, reflects a calculated transition rather than a panic, with the Nerazzurri intent on maintaining their competitive level while injecting youth into a squad that has aged considerably during their recent years of domestic dominance.

Napoli have begun quietly exploring their options for next season’s head coach, with Aurelio De Laurentiis acknowledging internally that Antonio Conte’s future at the club is far from guaranteed, and two familiar Italian names have emerged as potential alternatives.

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Conte has delivered a Scudetto and a Supercoppa Italiana during his two years in Naples, but his public declaration of interest in the Italy job has created genuine uncertainty about his next move.

Should he depart, Napoli will need to act swiftly and decisively, and according to Il Mattino, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the club’s thinking has already turned to experienced domestic options.

Sarri & Mancini on Napoli shortlist to succeed Conte

Maurizio Sarri is the name most prominently linked as a contingency plan.

The 67-year-old famously produced one of Napoli’s most thrilling sides in recent memory during his time at the club between 2015 and 2018, and his coaching ability remains undimmed, as his Lazio side demonstrated in their impressive recent win at the Maradona.

His continued capacity to shape and improve squads makes him an attractive option for De Laurentiis should Conte walk away.

Roberto Mancini represents the other name under consideration.

The former Italy manager is currently in charge of Al-Sadd in Qatar, where he is on the verge of winning the league title.

Like Sarri, he has not hidden his desire to return to Italian football, with the national team a potential destination, but is considered unlikely to be the FIGC’s first choice when the presidential election concludes in June.

That could leave him available for a club role, and Napoli’s interest is real even if preliminary.
The coming weeks will provide greater clarity on both Conte’s intentions and the wider managerial landscape.

Roma face a demanding summer of financial housekeeping, with the club required to generate approximately €80 million in capital gains before the 30 June UEFA deadline, placing considerable pressure on sporting director Frederic Massara to identify significant sales without critically undermining the squad.

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One player who appears likely to be among those sold is Angeliño.

The Spanish left-back has had an extremely difficult season at the Olimpico, spending the vast majority of the campaign on the sidelines due to serious health issues before finally returning to action in March against Lecce, where his comeback was greeted warmly by the home supporters.

Despite that affectionate reception, his time in Rome appears to be drawing to a close.

Roma could part ways with Angeliño to meet UEFA capital gains target

According to Il Messaggero, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Angeliño has requested a transfer this summer, a development that aligns with Roma’s own need to move players on.

The Spaniard came close to joining Al-Hilal last summer before that move fell through, and a return to Spain now looks the most likely destination. Real Betis have emerged as a concrete suitor, with the Seville club offering the player the prospect of returning to his homeland.

From Roma’s perspective, the sale would help contribute to their UEFA-mandated capital gains target while removing a significant wage from the books.

Balancing the requirement to raise funds while keeping the squad competitive enough to remain in Champions League contention will be the central challenge of Massara’s summer, and Angeliño’s departure, if confirmed, would be one piece of a much larger financial puzzle.

Juventus have identified Alisson Becker as their primary goalkeeper target for next season, and the Brazilian international has already given his personal approval to a potential move to Turin, according to Alfredo Pedulla.

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As per Pedulla’s website, the connection between Alisson and Luciano Spalletti is a significant factor in the pursuit.

The Juventus head coach worked with the shot-stopper during his time at Roma and knows his qualities intimately, placing him at the top of a shortlist that has included several other names in recent weeks. Spalletti’s personal endorsement has given the move considerable momentum.

Liverpool’s position has also created an opening for Juventus to exploit.

Juventus must negotiate with tricky Liverpool for Alisson deal

The Merseyside club recently extended Alisson’s contract by a further season to avoid losing him for nothing, but their long-term goalkeeping succession plan centres on Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is expected to eventually take over as first choice.

That dynamic has effectively placed Alisson in a transitional position at Anfield, one he is understood to be prepared to move on from.

With Alisson’s personal approval secured, Juventus are now set to open formal dialogue with Liverpool in the coming days to negotiate the terms of a transfer.

The deal being discussed would see the Brazilian sign either a two-year contract with an option for a third year, or a straight three-year deal. Either structure would represent a serious long-term commitment from Juventus, and a statement of intent about the calibre of player they intend to bring to the club this summer.

Olivier Giroud has sent a heartfelt message to AC Milan, expressing his longing for the club where he spent three of the happiest years of his career and wishing them well in their bid to return to the Champions League this season.

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The veteran forward, who is currently enjoying a productive spell at Lille with 11 goals to his name this season, spoke to Sky Sport Italia in a warm and nostalgic interview that touched on his love for the club, his most cherished memories and the ongoing struggles of the strikers who have followed in his footsteps.

“When I hear the word Milan, I think of the passion for football, San Siro, the Scudetto, the love of the fans when I was on the pitch,” Giroud said. “I have a lot of nostalgia for Milan, I miss this club where I spent three fantastic years. I hope the club returns to the Champions League next year.”

Asked whether Milan ranks alongside Arsenal as the club closest to his heart, given he supported both as a boy, Giroud was careful but deeply affectionate.

“I am very grateful to have played for the teams I supported as a child,” he said. “Milan is one of them, and when I arrived there I understood that it is one of those ‘different’ clubs, with a special history. I was very, very lucky, grateful and proud to have played for Milan.”

Giroud eases pressure on struggling Milan forwards

The interview took a pointed turn when the subject of Milan’s ongoing struggles to find a reliable number nine was raised, with Fullkrug, Gimenez and Nkunku combining for fewer goals than Giroud managed alone in some of his seasons.

The Frenchman’s response was diplomatic but revealing. “What can I say? This is perhaps a season in which there is a lot of pressure on the number nines. It is not easy for them to score many goals, but I think it is fundamental to have a team behind you that makes the difference. A striker cannot do everything alone.”

He was equally firm in deflecting blame away from individual attackers. “It would be too easy to blame them. When the number nine does not score, it is always ‘your fault.’ I do not like that. Even when I was scoring, I always thanked the team and my teammates who helped me.”

On his most cherished Milan memories, Giroud pointed immediately to his brace against Inter, which spawned the beloved terrace chant “Si è girato Giroud.”

“That is where the chant was born,” he said with evident pride. He also singled out a late winner against Spezia at San Siro, the one where he famously removed his shirt in celebration, as perhaps his most beautiful goal in a red and black shirt.

“The other day I watched all my goals at Milan and I got a little emotional,” he admitted. “My years at Milan are part of my story and of the club’s story. I just want to say that Milan will always be here,” he added, placing a hand over his heart.

Paulo Dybala is set to make his long-awaited return to the Roma squad for Saturday’s Serie A trip to Bologna, with the Argentine forward completing a full training session with his teammates on Tuesday, exactly 90 days after undergoing surgery on his left knee.

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The former Juventus man had been sidelined since January following an operation to repair a tear to the external meniscus of his left knee, a setback that has kept him out of contention for the entirety of Roma’s crucial run-in.

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, his return to full group training is a significant boost for Gian Piero Gasperini as the club push for a Champions League place in the final weeks of the campaign.

Roma welcome Dybala return ahead of Bologna showdown

Dybala’s availability will be a welcome shot of creative quality for a Roma side that has had to manage without one of their most unpredictable and dangerous attackers during a pivotal period of the season.

Whether he starts at the Dall’Ara or is eased back from the bench remains to be seen, though his presence in the squad alone will give Gasperini an additional attacking option he has been without for three months.

There was further positive news from Trigoria, with Wesley also confirmed as fully recovered from the bicep femoris injury he sustained during a Brazil-France friendly.

The Brazilian had been working his way back to fitness and can now be considered fully available for selection as Roma prepare for what promises to be a decisive final stretch of the season.

Juventus secured a vital 2-0 home victory over Bologna, with goals from Jonathan David and Khephren Thuram proving the difference as Luciano Spalletti’s side kept the pressure on their Champions League rivals with a professional and controlled display at the Allianz Stadium.

Football Italia’s Man of the Match was shared between Weston McKennie, who helped dominate the engine room and gave Juventus the platform from which his teammates could do the damage.

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Serie A – Juventus 2-0 Bologna – Player Ratings

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio 6; Kalulu 6.5, Bremer 6.5, Kelly 6.5; Holm 6.5 (Thuram K. 7), Locatelli 6.5, McKennie 7, Cambiaso 6 (Gatti N/A); Conceicao 6 (Zhegrova 6), Boga 6.5 (Openda N/A); David 7 (Yildiz 6)

Best Juventus player: Weston McKennie – McKennie was dominant from start to finish, covering every blade of grass and providing both defensive solidity and driving runs forward, picked up an assist.

Lowest Juventus rating: Francisco Conceicao – A quiet evening from the versatile winger before his withdrawal with twenty minutes to play, unable to make the usual impact.

Coach: Luciano Spalletti 6.5 – A controlled and measured performance from his side when it mattered most. Got his substitutions right and will be delighted with the clean sheet as much as the goals.

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia 6; Zortea 6, Helland 5 (Heggem 6), Lucumì 5.5, Miranda 5.5; Freuler 5.5, Pobega 5.5 (Moro 6); Orsolini 6, Sohm 5 (Ferguson 6), Cambiaghi 5.5 (Rowe 5.5); Castro 5 (Bernardeschi N/A)

Best Bologna player: Riccardo Orsolini – In a disappointing collective display, the experienced winger was one of the few Bologna players to consistently ask questions of the Juventus defence. Worked hard throughout and was the most likely source of a response that never came.

Lowest Bologna rating: Santiago Castro – A difficult evening for the Argentine striker, who was well shackled by Bremer and Kelly and rarely able to exert any influence on the match before his substitution. Struggled to hold the ball up or create space for his teammates.

Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 5 – A poor night for the Bologna head coach, whose side were second best in virtually every department. With European ambitions now over too, this was a performance that will concern him heading into the final weeks of the season.

Romelu Lukaku has landed in Naples, touching down at Capodichino airport on Sunday evening in a private jet from Brussels as he prepares to end a prolonged absence that has become one of the more turbulent subplots of Napoli’s season.

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According to CalcioNapoli24, the Belgian striker offered no comment to waiting journalists as he made his way through the airport, pausing only briefly when a small inconvenience delayed his exit, having left his tablet on the private jet, he was required to wait in a van for several minutes before it was retrieved.

He was visibly preoccupied, understandably so given the circumstances surrounding his return.

Napoli star Lukaku set for Conte meeting

In the coming hours, Lukaku is expected to meet with Antonio Conte and the club’s hierarchy in an attempt to repair a relationship that has been strained since March, when the Belgian chose to remain in Belgium during the international break rather than report to Castel Volturno as instructed.

Napoli responded by fining him for unauthorised absence, a rare and pointed escalation that underlined the seriousness of the situation.

The two men have not come face-to-face since Napoli’s victory over Cagliari on 20 March, making Monday’s planned return to training the first opportunity for a proper reconciliation.

Lukaku’s season has been wretched, a major hamstring injury in pre-season restricted him to just 64 minutes of action before January, and he has managed only 40 minutes of Serie A football since.

With five games remaining and a Champions League place still to be secured, Napoli will hope the return of their record signing, however belated, can provide some additional firepower in the run-in.

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland landed himself in a bit of hot water as he celebrated his side’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

The win sees the Manchester club close the gap at the top of the Premier League to three points, with Haaland’s side still having a game in hand.

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City led the game through an early Cherki goal before a howler from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma allowed Kai Havertz to equalise shortly after.

Arsenal put up a good fight but the Norwegian forward added to his tally with a goal in the second half, shortly after the Gunners had hit the woodwork.

After the match, Haaland spoke with Sky Sport alongside teammate Bernardo Silva.

When describing a header the Portuguese midfielder won against Swedish forward Victor Gyokeres, Haaland described him as “like f***ing Cannavaro” – in reference to the iconic Italy defender and Ballon d’Or winner.

Sky had to apologise for the striker’s language and have, of course, censored it in all public releases.

Watch: Haaland compares Silva to Cannavaro after win over Arsenal

Gift Orban found himself at the centre of an ugly post-match incident outside the Stadio Bentegodi on Saturday evening, following Verona’s 1-0 defeat to Milan, a result secured by Adrien Rabiot’s goal.

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According to witnesses present at the scene, via the Corriere dello Sport, Orban was visibly frustrated after the final whistle and initially declined to stop for a photograph with a supporter.

The situation escalated when another supporter struck the player’s car with an open hand, at which point the Nigerian striker got out of his vehicle and a heated confrontation ensued, developing into a physical altercation that was captured on mobile phones by bystanders.

Authorities to review Orban clash with supporter

The footage is now being reviewed by authorities, with the Digos, Italy’s specialist police unit responsible for public order at sporting events, attending the scene to carry out their investigations.

Orban joined Verona on loan from Hoffenheim last summer with an option to purchase and has had a productive first season in Serie A, registering seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances.

His performances have generated genuine interest from clubs monitoring the division’s emerging talents, making the timing of Saturday’s incident particularly unfortunate.

Both the player’s reaction and the supporter’s decision to strike his vehicle will likely come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses. Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities review the recorded footage.

مهاجم هيلاس فيرونا غيفت أوربان، بعد الهزيمة أمام ميلان، كان متوترًا جدًا ورفض التوقف مع الجماهير لالتقاط الصور، لكن أحد المشجعين قام بضرب سيارته، مما دفع المهاجم النيجيري إلى النزول من السيارة والدخول في شجار معه والاعتداء عليه #SerieA #SerieAEnilive … pic.twitter.com/Zasc6oakjb

— Arte Del Calcio (@ArteDelCalcio) April 19, 2026

The Allianz Stadium fell into a moment of profound emotion before Juventus’ match against Bologna on Saturday evening, as the club paid a heartfelt tribute to former goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a road accident in Austria earlier this week.

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Manninger, who also represented Fiorentina and Siena among others during his career, spent four years at Juventus between 2008 and 2012, making 42 appearances in all competitions and playing a meaningful role in the club’s return to the summit of Italian football following their relegation to Serie B.

He won a Scudetto during his time at the club, a detail that speaks to the significance of his contribution during one of the most important rebuilding periods in the club’s modern history.

All three of Juventus’ current goalkeepers, Michele Di Gregorio, Simone Scaglia and Carlo Pinsoglio, warmed up wearing the number 13 shirt bearing Manninger’s name, a simple but deeply affecting gesture that drew warm applause from around the ground.

Buffon in tears as Juventus pay tribute to Manninger

Before kick-off, Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, former teammates who knew Manninger as a colleague and a friend, carried a floral wreath onto the pitch beneath the home curve, bearing the words “Ciao Alex.”

The cameras caught Buffon visibly moved, his composure tested by the weight of the occasion. The former Italy captain had already expressed his grief publicly on social media in the immediate aftermath of the accident.

Ciao, Alex pic.twitter.com/ZjdEwrVpls

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 19, 2026

The stadium announcer then read a tribute that captured the essence of what Manninger meant to the club.

“Alex wore our shirt. He was a loyal man, an exemplary teammate, a person of enormous worth. He was one of the protagonists of a group that, step by step, returned to winning. We will never forget Alex, you will always be with us, in our home.”

A minute of silence followed. The football, for a moment, could wait.

Roberto De Zerbi’s wait for a first victory as Tottenham head coach goes on after a maddening 2-2 draw with Brighton at a packed stadium, a result that felt like a defeat given the manner in which the points were conceded, with goals for the visitors arriving in the final moments of both halves to deny Spurs what would have been a crucial win in their battle against relegation.

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Despite the frustration, De Zerbi refused to allow negativity to take hold, delivering a characteristically passionate and defiant assessment of where his side stand with five games remaining.

“I’m very proud because the players gave their best, with the right mentality, the right blood, the right character,” he said, with quotes via Football.London.

“I’m disappointed only for the result, for my players and for the fans, because the atmosphere was incredible. In a very tough situation, the stadium was amazing.”

De Zerbi: ‘Spurs can win five games in a row’

On Danso’s error that led to Brighton’s late equaliser, De Zerbi was protective of his player.

“I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality or courage,” he said. “Now we need courage. To win games we have to be positive and play football.”

His ambition for what remains of the season may have raised eyebrows, but it was delivered with total conviction.

“This team is able to win five games in a row,” he said. “Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you analyse the level of these players, we have the quality to fight and win games consecutively.”

His message to any player tempted to feel sorry for themselves was equally direct.

“They have to come to the training ground on Monday with a smile, otherwise they go home. I have no time for negative people or sad players. We are lucky to be working at a big club in the Premier League. Be positive. Stop.”

The numbers tell a remarkable story. With Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic finding the net on Saturday evening, Lazio completed a fourth consecutive away victory at the Maradona, making them the first team in Serie A history to achieve that feat against Napoli.

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It is also the best run of consecutive victories Lazio have ever recorded at the ground.

The sequence began with Matias Vecino’s solitary goal on 3 March 2023, continued with a 2-1 win in September of that year courtesy of Luis Alberto and Daichi Kamada, was extended by Gustav Isaksen’s winner in December 2024 and has now reached its most historic chapter.

To find a comparable period of Lazio dominance at the ground you must go back generations, a nine-game unbeaten run between 1939 and 1951 and another of six between 1998 and 2009, though neither produced four consecutive victories.

Napoli home unbeaten run grinds to a halt against Lazio

Perhaps equally striking is the wider context for Napoli.

Saturday’s defeat ended a run of 495 days unbeaten at home in Serie A, their last domestic defeat at the Maradona had been, fittingly, a 1-0 loss to this same Lazio side back in December 2024.

Beyond the statistics, the result has effectively ended Napoli’s Scudetto aspirations with five games to play.

Antonio Conte has been characteristically pragmatic, noting that second, third and fourth place all deliver the same reward, Champions League football, but the manner of the defeat will sting.

Without sufficient motivational fuel, Napoli looked flat, slow and predictable, their performance raising broader questions about whether this squad, even at full strength, retains the hunger and intensity that defined Conte’s first season at the club.

The returns of De Bruyne and Anguissa have added quality but not yet restored the collective grit that made Napoli so formidable. With 66 points and a comfortable cushion above fifth place, their Champions League berth looks secure, but in a season that promised so much more, almost is a deeply unsatisfying place to finish.

Maurizio Sarri was in buoyant mood after Lazio’s impressive victory at the Maradona, reflecting on a remarkable six-week run of form and paying an extraordinary compliment to midfielder Kenneth Taylor by comparing him to one of his most beloved former players.

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The Lazio head coach has overseen a significant upturn in results since a difficult period earlier in the season, and Saturday’s win underlined just how far his side have come.

“In the last month and a half this squad has made only one mistake, the game at Fiorentina,” Sarri told DAZN, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

He also singled out victories against Milan twice, Juventus and now Napoli as evidence of a group that is capable of raising their level against the division’s biggest clubs.

“There are signs of improvement both from individuals and from the team,” he added.

On the tactical approach that produced such a dominant display at the Maradona, Sarri was characteristically analytical. “We have adapted to the characteristics of our players,” he said.

“We do not have playmakers in the traditional sense, but many players who have bursts of pace and play a faster style of football.”

Lazio coach Sarri: ‘See shades of Hamsik in Taylor’

That directness was evident throughout, with Lazio punishing Napoli on the counter-attack with a ruthlessness that belied their league position.

The most evocative moment of the press conference came when Sarri was asked about Kenneth Taylor, whose energetic box-to-box display was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

The question prompted an immediate and warm response.

“You bring back pleasant memories,” Sarri said. “When I came off the pitch I saw Hamsik, and Hamsik was everything I ever wanted from a midfielder. Taylor is an intelligent boy who has had a significant impact on Italian football. He is playing in one of the most intense leagues in the world and he is doing well.”

Sarri also praised Matteo Cancellieri, whose physical attributes he felt made him ideally suited to the specific demands of this fixture.

“The three forwards we selected seemed the most suited to this type of match,” he said. “Cancellieri has immense physical qualities, technically he can still improve in his decision-making, but he was the right choice today.”

Antonio Conte delivered one of his more revealing post-match addresses after Napoli’s chastening home defeat to Lazio, accepting responsibility for failing to read his squad’s deteriorating condition while firing a pointed but carefully measured response at president Aurelio De Laurentiis over public comments about his future.

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The Napoli head coach was candid about the performance, acknowledging that the hangover from the Parma draw had clearly spread deeper than he realised.

“This was not a good match from us, we put very little quality in midfield,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Lazio waited for us and hit on the counter. We had 70% possession and did not manage a single shot on target. We had studied the match but we were not good enough. When this team lacks energy, quality drops. Perhaps I was not good enough at sensing the malaise that developed after Parma.”

It was a rare and notable admission of self-criticism from a manager not given to public introspection.

Napoli coach Conte: ‘We took a kick to the teeth today’

Despite the heaviness of the moment, Conte was keen to frame the defeat as a lesson rather than a crisis. “We have taken a kick to the teeth today,” he said.

“Tomorrow we rest, and on Monday we must make the most of this experience. If we don’t, it would be serious. We need to understand why and put things right.”

He was equally clear that Champions League qualification remains very much within reach and that the work is not done.

The most pointed exchange of the evening, however, came when Conte was asked about comments made publicly by De Laurentiis regarding his future.

The coach’s response was composed but unmistakably firm.

“That is the president’s business, he can say whatever he wants, in the most absolute terms,” Conte said. “I do not respond to the president publicly. If I do, I do it in private. Because in the end, the public and the media see nothing else.”

He also pushed back against what he described as the misrepresentation of his own words in recent weeks.

“I know my name is useful for selling newspapers and filling television programmes. Sometimes phrases get taken out of context and twisted. The more we stay quiet until the season ends, the better.”

Two of Napoli’s most experienced players fronted up after a dismal afternoon at the Maradona, with Matteo Politano offering a public apology to supporters and Leonardo Spinazzola delivering a brutally honest assessment of a squad running on empty at the worst possible moment.

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The defeat to Lazio, coming after a frustrating draw at Parma, has effectively extinguished Napoli’s already slim title hopes, and both players were acutely aware of the significance of what had just unfolded.

Politano was unsparing in his verdict at the post-match press conference.

“On Sunday at Parma we stumbled and that has influenced our path, today we apologise for a horrible match in every sense,” he said, with quotes via LaLazioSiamoNoi.

He was equally firm in pushing back against any suggestion the squad had mentally switched off ahead of securing Champions League qualification. “We don’t feel we’re already in the Champions League, there are five matches left. We are not where we need to be yet.”

He also identified the root cause of the performance with painful candour.

“Lazio closed the spaces and we were not in the best condition to create, we were predictable, and without the legs you struggle against everyone. The motivations must never be missing. Today we simply were not there from the start.”

Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Spinazzola: ‘We were truly drained’

Spinazzola, speaking to DAZN, offered an equally raw assessment.

“Today we were truly drained,” he said, via LaLazioSiamoNoi.

“It is the head that moves the legs, this was not physical fatigue. I saw a team that was completely flat. We have been pushing and chasing all year and there was a small flame still burning. On Sunday against Parma it went out. When you are a squad like ours, you cannot have matches like today.”

The former Roma wing-back was also candid about the psychological blow of the Parma draw coinciding with Inter’s victory.

“We believed a misstep from them could reopen everything,” he said.

“With the Parma draw and Inter’s win, the flame went out completely. It was a difficult dream to cling to but mentally each of us kept hoping. From Monday we must think only about winning next Sunday and securing our Champions League place.”

Inter Milan are on the verge of securing their 21st Scudetto, after Napoli’s home defeat to Lazio extended the Nerazzurri’s lead at the top of Serie A.

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Next Friday, Napoli host Cremonese at the Maradona and if Antonio Conte’s side do not pick up the three points, Inter can lift the trophy with a victory at Torino on Sunday.

Inter wrapping up formalities in Scudetto race

Despite all the mathematics, the title has never really looked outside of Inter’s reach.

Cristian Chivu’s side have led the division for most of the season and look as though they will be deserved winners.

Napoli and Milan have both threatened at times but neither has had the same consistency as the league leaders.

Antonio Conte’s Partenopei were largely expected to beat Lazio on Saturday evening but goals from Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic stunned the hosts.

Relive all the action from the game, as well as the match between Roma and Atalanta, on our Live Blog.

Jamie Vardy will play no part in Cremonese’s Serie A home clash with Torino on Sunday, with Marco Giampaolo leaving the veteran English striker out of his 23-man squad as the club continues to manage his fitness carefully.

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Vardy has been working on an individual programme throughout the past week and Giampaolo has decided against risking any setback by rushing him back into contention, via PazziDiFanta.

Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby is in a similar situation, having also trained separately from the main group, and he too has been left out of the squad.

With both players absent, Giampaolo will rely on Milan Djuric, David Okereke, Federico Bonazzoli and Antonio Sanabria as his attacking options for a fixture that carries significant weight in the relegation battle.

Cremonese squad vs Torino as Vardy misses out

Goalkeepers: Audero, Silvestri, Nava
Defenders: Luperto, Baschirotto, Bianchetti, Ceccherini, Terracciano, Faye, Folino
Midfielders: Pezzella, Barbieri, Zerbin, Lottici Tessadri, Floriani Mussolini, Vandeputte, Payero, Grassi, Bondo
Forwards: Djuric, Okereke, Bonazzoli, Sanabria

Juventus have received a timely double fitness boost ahead of their crucial Serie A clash with Bologna, with both Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram returning to full group training at the Continassa.

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Yildiz had been managing a knee inflammation that had hampered him in recent weeks, culminating in an underwhelming performance against Atalanta that saw Luciano Spalletti withdraw him from the action.

The Turkish forward had been working separately from the main group for several days as the club managed his condition carefully, but his return to collective training is an encouraging sign that the worst is behind him, according to the latest reports from Tuttosport.

The timing could not be more significant.

Juventus relief as Yildiz & Thuram could start against Bologna

Juventus face Bologna in a fixture that carries enormous implications for the Champions League race, particularly following Como’s defeat and the direct clash between Roma and Atalanta that will further shuffled the standings.

Three points against the Rossoblù could prove decisive in securing a top-four finish with just a handful of games remaining.

Thuram’s return to group training alongside Yildiz adds further optimism to the mood at the Continassa, with Spalletti now having greater options available as the season reaches its most critical phase.

Neither player’s involvement against Bologna has been officially confirmed, but the fact that both are back training with their teammates puts them firmly in contention.

After a period of careful management, Juventus are hopeful of having two of their most important attacking players available for one of the most important matches of their season.

Inter will be without both Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez for Friday evening’s Serie A clash with Cagliari at San Siro, with neither player having recovered sufficiently from their respective injuries to be available for selection.

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Bisseck has not yet returned to full group training following the muscle strain that has kept him out since the international break.

According to Sky Sport, via FCInter1908, the German defender is targeting a return somewhere between the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Como on Wednesday and the following weekend’s league fixture against Torino on Sunday.

Inter captain Lautaro expected back for Torino clash

Lautaro, meanwhile, is not even attempting to rush back for the Cagliari game, with the captain setting his sights directly on the Torino match on Sunday 26 April as his target return date.

The Argentine has been sidelined already this year after suffering a soleus muscle injury during the Champions League playoff against Bodo/Glimt in February and this latest setback means the Argentine will have missed a majority of the club’s 2026 fixtures.

With six league games remaining and a nine-point lead at the top of the table, Cristian Chivu has enough of a cushion to manage both players back to fitness carefully, though the sooner Lautaro is available, the better placed the Nerazzurri will be to see out what remains a significant if manageable lead.

Oliver Glasner has revealed he would be open to managing in Serie A in the future, while insisting Crystal Palace will approach Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at the Stadio Franchi with exactly the same attacking mindset that earned them a 3-0 victory in the first leg.

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The Austrian coach, speaking at his pre-match press conference in Florence, was asked about the perceived gap between the Premier League and Serie A following a week in which both Palace and Aston Villa dominated their Italian opponents in European competition. His response was measured and respectful.

“I watched both our match and the Bologna-Aston Villa game, Bologna missed several chances,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“I don’t think there is much difference between the two leagues. The way teams play is different, but I would not say anything beyond that.”

Crystal Palace boss Glasner ‘open’ to Serie A switch

On the prospect of one day working in Italy, Glasner was equally open. “I follow Serie A closely and I am open to considering the idea of coming to Italy, certainly,” he said. “But what matters to me is the ambition of the club I go to work for. Right now I am not thinking about my future.”

Despite holding a commanding three-goal advantage, Glasner made clear his side will not be parking the bus at the Franchi.

“Nobody here has that mentality,” he said. “Since I arrived in London, our idea has always been to demonstrate our value against any opponent, home or away. Tomorrow our approach will be the same, we will not be defending.”

He also confirmed that the number of players on yellow card warnings will not influence his team selection for the first minute.

The only confirmed absentee is Guessand, who will miss the next two weeks, though Glasner pointed to Palace’s ability to cope without him, citing the Newcastle result as evidence.

Jean-Philippe Mateta returns having recovered from injury, though Glasner acknowledged he is not yet at full fitness. “I hope he can play a good World Cup with France,” the coach added, hinting that the striker’s future at the club beyond this season is uncertain.

Glasner also expressed admiration for what he expects from the Franchi atmosphere, while noting the frustration of seeing part of the stadium closed during the Lazio match. “I am certain the fans will create a great atmosphere,” he said. “And I expect much more aggression from Fiorentina tomorrow.”

Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada has sent a warm message to Lazio’s supporters ahead of Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg against Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi, while admitting he remains puzzled by the circumstances that led to his departure from the Roman club.

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The Japanese international was one of the standout performers in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 first-leg victory, and arrives in Florence as one of Oliver Glasner’s most influential figures, a far cry from the uncertainty that surrounded his exit from Lazio, where he had spent a single season before his contract situation was left unresolved.

“At Lazio I had a wonderful year,” Kamada told reporters at his pre-match press conference, via FirenzeViola.

“I also had some difficult moments, but it seemed like everything was in place for me to stay. Then, I repeat, I don’t know what happened between my agent and Lotito. But I send my regards to all the Biancocelesti supporters.”

The diplomatic but pointed comment is unlikely to go unnoticed in Rome, where Claudio Lotito’s handling of player contracts has been a recurring source of controversy.

Crystal Palace man Kamada reflects on continental experience ahead of Fiorentina clash

On the match itself, Kamada was measured about his own experience in European football while acknowledging the difficulty of predicting outcomes.

“I have played many European matches in the past and I have experience, but I don’t know how much that counts tomorrow,” he said. He pointed to the defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency that has defined Palace’s run in the competition as the key to their continued progress.

“Myself and Glasner have won trophies in the past, we try to replicate what we have done, defend well and hit on the break. That is why we have done well.”

On his own future, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Kamada was deliberately vague. “I want to focus on the present and enjoy the moment,” he said.

Jonathan Rowe has insisted Bologna were unfortunate in the first leg defeat and is backing his side to make the most of a second chance at Villa Park on Thursday evening, despite the daunting two-goal deficit they must overturn.

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The English winger, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League quarter-final second leg, was candid about the injustice he felt in the first leg at the Dall’Ara.

“We were unlucky in the first game, we deserved to go in at half-time two goals ahead,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb. “But that is football. We were punished and now we have to make the most of this second chance.”

Aston Villa vs Bologna – Rowe: ‘We will give our all’

Rowe acknowledged that nothing short of their best performance of the season will be enough to turn the tie around against a Villa side that has been one of the most consistent teams in the competition.

When asked which Aston Villa player he would most like to remove from the equation, the Bologna forward was diplomatically evasive.

“I know several of them,” he said with a smile. “But I don’t know who will start, so I can’t choose. They are a strong team regardless of who plays. We will give everything, but so will they. Let’s see what happens.”

It is an enormous ask for Italiano’s side, but Rowe’s words suggest a group that has not given up on the possibility of one of European football’s great comebacks.

Vincenzo Italiano arrived at his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg at Villa Park with his trademark wit intact, joking that he had asked the club to fly in Tom Cruise to help with what he described as a near-impossible mission, while also outlining a clear and serious tactical plan to give Bologna a genuine chance of completing one of European football’s more remarkable comebacks.

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The Rossoblù head into the tie trailing 3-1 from the first leg, and Italiano was under no illusions about the scale of the task.

“I’ll drop the percentages this time,” he said, with quotes via TMW, referencing his pre-match 50-50 prediction ahead of the first leg. “This is a mission that is almost impossible. I had asked the club to bring in Tom Cruise, he could give us a hand.”

The laughter subsided quickly, however, as Italiano returned to the serious business of how Bologna might make life uncomfortable for an Aston Villa side that will be looking to manage the game on home soil.

“We ruined the first leg with some lapses of concentration within what was otherwise a very high-level performance,” he said.

“Tomorrow we must make life difficult for them, not let them have a quiet evening. It would be important not to concede. And then we have to try to hurt them: they do give something away, as we saw in both previous matches here.”

Aston Villa vs Bologna – Italiano: ‘Ravaglia will play’

On Unai Emery’s attacking philosophy, Italiano was playful. “Emery’s mantra is attack, attack, attack. Mine, by contrast, is defence, defence, defence,” he said with a smile.

He was more measured on what he genuinely expects from Villa. “I would be surprised if they came at us aggressively given their two-goal lead. But I don’t know how they will approach it, what I do know is that the atmosphere pushes them and raises their level. We must find a way to respond.”

Italiano confirmed that Federico Ravaglia returns in goal, “from the start.”

With Lucumí also absent, he has Casale, Heggem and Vitik available in central defence, though he was deliberately cagey about his selection. “One of the three will be on the bench,” was all he would say.

His message to the squad was straightforward. “I told them to remember the matches we have played here before. We need to dig deep for a truly top-level performance and make our opponents work extremely hard. These games always throw up surprises, and that is our only hope.”

Paolo Vanoli has called on his Fiorentina players to cast aside inhibition and play with complete freedom when Crystal Palace visit the Stadio Franchi on Thursday evening, with the Viola requiring a 3-0 victory to overturn their first-leg deficit and reach the Conference League semi-finals.

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It is a tall order by any measure, and Vanoli was not about to pretend otherwise. But the Fiorentina coach, who has overseen one of Serie A’s more remarkable survival stories this season, knows better than most that the impossible can sometimes be achieved when a group of players stops thinking and starts believing.

“We will play with a free head, knowing that we will need something special,” he said, with quotes via AldredoPedulla.com.

“Sometimes what matters is not so much technical quality but desire, doing something that goes beyond what is expected, with courage and freedom. We have to risk, try and dream.”

Vanoli was equally honest about the context of this European run. With four points from their opening 11 league matches this season, survival was the only objective that mattered.

“When we had four points we were talking primarily about the league, that was the priority,” he said. “Then the story says the Conference must be an objective for this club.”

He also pointed to the broader lesson his side can take from facing a Premier League opponent of Palace’s quality. “The strong teams make you grow. When you don’t win, you learn.”

Fiorentina coach Vanoli: ‘I don’t want my future decided by one game’

On his own future, Vanoli was characteristically direct. He expressed genuine ambition to continue but refused to let Thursday’s result define his tenure one way or the other.

“I don’t want my future to be conditioned by one Conference League match,” he said. “I’m not a genius if we go through and I’m not a mediocre coach if we go out. I keep believing, despite the difficulties.”

He also delivered a pointed observation about Italian football’s relationship with courage, fitting given the national conversation currently raging about the men’s team. “In Italy, people say they want courage but then criticise it when they see it.”

On team news, Dodô will miss the match through suspension, while Pongracic is being assessed after carrying a hamstring overload. Rugani, who impressed against Lazio, is available, and Vanoli confirmed Kean is being monitored day by day as the club works to have him fit.

Vincenzo Italiano’s future at Bologna is attracting significant attention from elsewhere in Italian football, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano warning that several major clubs have the coach firmly on their radar despite his contract running until 2027.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Aston Villa at Villa Park, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Romano was careful to frame the situation in context. Italiano has publicly committed to Bologna and renewed his deal as recently as May 2025, earning just over €3 million per season.

On paper, there is no immediate reason to question his future in Emilia. However, Romano’s caveat was pointed. “Italiano at Bologna, yes, but with an asterisk,” he said. “He is very well regarded by several important Italian clubs.”

Big Serie A role beckons for Bologna coach Italiano

The key phrase Romano used was “domino effect on managerial positions,” a reference to the considerable upheaval currently rippling through Serie A benches, with multiple top clubs facing uncertainty over their coaching situations heading into the summer. Should that instability create unexpected vacancies, Italiano’s name is among the first that would be considered.

Since taking charge at Bologna in the summer of 2024, the coach has recorded 45 wins, 27 draws and 28 defeats, with his side scoring 144 goals and conceding 119 at an average of 1.62 points per game.

The Europa League quarter-final run alone represents a significant achievement for a club of Bologna’s resources, and it is precisely that kind of overperformance that makes Italiano so appealing to clubs with greater ambitions and deeper pockets.

Napoli have made their first move in the pursuit of Nicolò Zaniolo, with sporting director Giovanni Manna having opened exploratory talks with the Udinese midfielder’s entourage ahead of the summer transfer window.

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According to Kiss Kiss Napoli, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the approach represents a continuation of Manna’s long-standing admiration for the Italian, having previously targeted him during his time at Juventus.

Antonio Conte is also understood to be a fan of the player, though the extent of Napoli’s pursuit will depend heavily on whether the manager remains in charge next season, a question that has yet to be resolved following Aurelio De Laurentiis’ recent public comments from the United States.

Napoli keen on Zaniolo as Udinese man finds form

Zaniolo has rediscovered his best form this season, registering six goals and seven assists in 34 appearances for Udinese, a return that has underlined his quality when fit and in a settled environment.

The Italian international joined on loan from Galatasaray, and Udinese are understood to be ready to trigger their purchase option of approximately €9 million to make the deal permanent.

Manna is aware that other Italian clubs are also monitoring the situation, giving the contact an added urgency. Napoli are not prepared to be caught flat-footed in what promises to be a competitive summer window, and Zaniolo, available at a relatively modest cost given his current form, represents an attractive and attainable target.

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori has not been included in Arsenal’s starting lineup or bench in Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League quarter final match against Sporting.

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Arsenal won the first leg 1-0 in Portugal and are expected to come out on top at the Emirates Stadium.

Calafiori, however, will play no part in the match – indeed, after missing Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth.

The Italian’s condition is not likely serious though, and the Italian may be available for the weekend’s huge match against Manchester City.

Arsenal vs Sporting – Official Lineups as Calafiori misses out

Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Sporting: Rui Silva; Quaresma, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Hjulman, Morita; Geny, Pedro Goncalves, Trincao; Suarez

Juventus are set to secure the long-term future of Manuel Locatelli, with an agreement in place to extend his contract until 2030.

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The Italy international’s current deal, which was due to expire in 2028, will be extended by a further two years, while also including a salary increase from €3m to €4m per season, according to CalcioMercato.

The official signing is expected to take place on April 17.

Locatelli renewal is huge boost for Juventus

Locatelli joined Juventus from Sassuolo in 2021 for €37.5m, having previously come through the ranks at AC Milan. Since arriving in Turin, he has made 224 appearances, contributing nine goals and 17 assists, and played a key role in the club’s Coppa Italia triumph in 2024.

At international level, he has earned 36 caps for the Italy national team, scoring three goals and being part of the squad that won Euro 2020.

Locatelli’s renewal is the latest in a series of key extensions for Juventus, following new deals for Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie and head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Attention will now turn to the future of Dusan Vlahovic, whose current contract is due to expire in 2026 and remains unresolved.

Leonardo Bonucci remains part of the Italy national team setup despite the recent overhaul at the Italian Football Federation, as he continues to build towards a future in coaching.

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The former Juventus defender is currently working as part of the federation’s technical structure, focusing on scouting and analysing players while completing the required steps to obtain his UEFA Pro licence, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

His role is independent of the previous coaching staff and remains valid until June 2026, meaning he has stayed on despite the departures of Gennaro Gattuso, Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon.

Bonucci stays on pathway to Serie A coaching

Bonucci began his post-playing path in 2024 as an assistant to Bernardo Corradi with the Italy Under-20 side, before later being integrated into the senior national team environment. His current duties involve monitoring both established and emerging Italian players, compiling detailed reports as part of his coaching education.

This work is essential for completing the hours required to sit the final exams at Coverciano, which would allow him to coach in Serie A. He has already earned his UEFA A licence and is regularly attending matches across Italy and Europe to continue his development.

Bonucci’s contract is set to expire in June, when he will decide together with the federation whether to continue. For now, his focus remains on gaining experience and preparing for a future on the touchline, with several coaches, including Antonio Conte, having already shown interest in bringing him into their staff.

Gabriele Gravina has admitted regret over his time in charge of the FIGC, acknowledging he may have stayed on too long before stepping down after acknowledging “what had been done could not be improved further.”

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Speaking to Le Iene, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, Gravina said he felt “bitter” about failing to deliver the results fans deserved, particularly in light of Italy’s ongoing struggles on the international stage.

“I’m disappointed for not giving our fans what they deserved,” he said. “Above all, I regret not stepping aside earlier, when I realised that what had been done could not be improved further.”

Gravina pushes back against Italy critics

Gravina also pushed back against criticism of his leadership, highlighting key achievements during his tenure.

“What I cannot accept is being called unworthy,” he added. “Important work was done, especially in terms of financial stability. We secured co-hosting rights for Euro 2032, one of the biggest sporting events in the world. People forget that after 53 years we won the European Championship, and the Under-17 side also lifted their first European title.”

However, Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup remains a major shadow. Gravina pointed to structural issues within Italian football, particularly the limited opportunities for domestic players.

“We produce talent, but it is not used,” he explained. “Around 70% of players are foreign, leaving only 30% eligible for the national team. Clubs operate as businesses, so you cannot force them to make different choices. The only solution is to change the culture and introduce incentives.”

He also clarified previous controversial remarks about other sports, insisting they were misunderstood.

“My comments were about regulations, not a lack of respect,” Gravina said. “I admire athletes from all disciplines and their sacrifices. I never intended to offend anyone.”

Hakan Calhanoglu’s agent has moved to categorically dismiss speculation linking the Inter midfielder with a return to Turkey, insisting there has never been any concrete contact with Galatasaray and that his client remains fully focused on winning the Scudetto with the Nerazzurri.

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Gordon Stipic spoke to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano to set the record straight after reports of Galatasaray interest resurfaced in recent days, a story that has circulated periodically without ever materialising into anything concrete.

“He has a contract with Inter until 2027 and is very happy both in Italy and at Inter,” Stipic said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Speculation about a possible transfer to Galatasaray has emerged several times in the past and is now being recycled.”

Calhanoglu agent plays down Galatasaray links

The agent was emphatic in his denial of any formal approach. “The facts are clear, there have been no negotiations with Galatasaray, neither last summer nor in January,” he said. “At no point was there any request or concrete enquiry. Calhanoglu remains completely focused on what truly matters at this stage, Inter, the title race and achieving success together with the team.”

Stipic also took the opportunity to highlight his client’s broader ambitions, pointing to the World Cup as a source of additional motivation for the Turkish international.

“Week after week, through his performances, his passion and his sense of responsibility on the pitch, he continues to demonstrate his quality and his importance to the team,” he said.

“He looks ahead to the World Cup with great pride and determination, where he will lead his national team as captain, a responsibility that is a special honour and means everything to him.”

While Italian football’s men’s team grapples with the fallout of a third consecutive World Cup absence, their female counterparts are doing everything in their power to ensure Italy has a presence at the 2027 tournament, and a commanding 6-0 demolition of Serbia has kept that dream very much alive.

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Andrea Soncin’s Azzurre were utterly dominant from start to finish, leading 3-0 at half-time through goals from Cristiana Girelli, Oliviero and Lenzini before a blistering second-half display completed the rout.

Caruso added a fourth before Cantore and Greggi wrapped up a thoroughly convincing victory that has breathed new life into Italy’s qualification hopes.

Italy face Denmark decider for World Cup qualification hopes

The context makes Saturday’s fixture against Denmark all the more significant.

With only the group winner qualifying automatically, the remaining sides dropping into the playoffs, the standings are finely poised. Denmark lead the group on seven points, with Italy and Sweden level on four in second and third respectively, and Serbia rooted to the bottom without a win.

A victory for Italy against the Danes on Saturday afternoon would leapfrog them into first place, while a draw could still be enough depending on the outcome of other results.

Then, in June, Italy face Serbia and Sweden, to determine the final standings, with head-to-head record and then goal difference in direct matches serving as the tiebreaker.

The prize at the end of this journey is a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the first South American nation to host the tournament. For a group of players performing with growing confidence and conviction, Saturday represents the biggest match of their qualification campaign.

Red Bull Salzburg sporting director Marcus Mann has revealed that Lazio’s January approach for Petar Ratkov caught him completely off guard, arriving just two days into his tenure at the Austrian club and forcing him to make one of his first major decisions under significant time pressure.

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Ratkov had been Salzburg’s top scorer when Lazio came calling in January, offering a replacement for Taty Castellanos who had just departed for West Ham. The timing of the approach, and the speed at which Mann was required to respond, made the decision particularly challenging.

“The offer from Lazio for Ratkov took me a little by surprise, the call came when I had only been here two days,” Mann told Austrian television, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“I had to weigh up both the financial and the sporting aspects. From a sporting perspective, I was already aware that losing your top scorer is always a difficult choice, but in the end we prioritised the financial side. Obviously, though, every now and then you find yourself wondering: ‘How would things have gone if he had stayed?'”

Mann: ‘Salzburg miss Ratkov’ as Lazio struggles continue

Mann was careful not to use Ratkov’s departure as an excuse for Salzburg’s subsequent struggles in front of goal, pointing to the return of Konaté from injury as a factor that kept the attacking numbers broadly balanced on paper.

“Using this sale as an alibi for the few goals we are scoring would be too simple,” he said.

“But the fact remains that Ratkov, with his physicality in the air, would have been very useful to us in certain situations.”

For Lazio, meanwhile, the Serbian striker has found his own adaptation to Serie A a slow process, making his former club’s occasional regrets all the more poignant.

The Serbian forward has made just seven appearances for the Biancocelesti since his arrival in January, scoring zero goals and mainly being used off the bench.

Head coach Maurizio Sarri has claimed language issues are currently the biggest hurdle, as the forward continues to learn Italian.

Jack Harrison has dropped a strong hint about his desire to stay at Fiorentina beyond his current loan spell, telling reporters after the win over Lazio that any player would be happy to represent the club, while stopping short of confirming a permanent deal is imminent.

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The Leeds winger has grown into an increasingly important figure under Paolo Vanoli, delivering his third Serie A assist of the season against Lazio, a left-footed cross that set up Robin Gosens in the first half.

His deployment on the right flank, not his natural side, has raised eyebrows at times, but Vanoli’s faith in the Englishman has been repaid with reliable, intelligent performances that have made him a key cog in the Viola system. The absence of other wide options through injury has contributed to his prominence, but Harrison has earned his minutes rather than simply inherited them.

“I am very happy in Florence, the city is incredible and so is the club,” Harrison told reporters, via FirenzeViola.

“As for the future, any player would obviously be happy to play here. We will see what happens.”

Fiorentina keen on Harrison stay but finances could complicate deal

The financial picture, however, is complex. Harrison is on loan from Leeds with a purchase option set at €7 million, a fee that is manageable in isolation but must be viewed alongside a series of other potential obligations Fiorentina are already navigating this summer.

Compulsory buyouts for Fabbian (€13 million) and Brescianini (€10 million) are already in the pipeline, with Rugani and Manor Solomon adding further potential expenditure.

Of all these deals, Harrison’s future is arguably the least certain, though one factor could change the calculation significantly. If Vanoli, who is a significant admirer of the player, continues as head coach, the chances of Harrison remaining in Florence increase considerably. The manager’s stance may ultimately prove the decisive variable in what is shaping up to be a fascinating summer for the club.

The numbers make for uncomfortable reading at Milan headquarters as a damning statistical breakdown published by TMW has laid bare the extent to which the club’s two most significant recent attacking investments have failed to justify their price tags, and the figures are stark.

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Santiago Gimenez arrived from Feyenoord for €28.5 million plus €6.5 million in bonuses, while Christopher Nkunku cost €37 million plus €5 million in bonuses and a ten percent sell-on clause from Chelsea.

Combined, Milan have committed a potential €77 million on the two forwards, and the return has been deeply underwhelming, as noted by TMW, via MilanNews.

Nkunku & Gimenez costly per goal for Milan

Gimenez has scored seven goals in 32 appearances, though lengthy injury absences have hampered his campaign. Nkunku has managed six in 29 matches.

Together, 13 goals from 61 appearances represents a return that falls well short of what Milan needed from their marquee attacking signings.

The cost-per-goal breakdown is even more sobering, at over €5 million per goal between them, and approaching €1 million per appearance for Gimenez alone.

The summer will force difficult decisions. Selling either player without incurring a significant loss on the books will be challenging, and Milan have made clear they are not prepared to accept a financial hit.

Yet retaining two forwards who have collectively failed to fire raises its own uncomfortable questions about the direction of the club’s transfer strategy heading into what promises to be a pivotal window.

Issa Doumbia has emerged as one of Serie B’s most coveted players this season, with Inter, Milan, Napoli and Roma all understood to be monitoring the Venezia midfielder, though Italian clubs face competition from abroad in the race to sign the 22-year-old.

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The Italy Under-21 international has caught the eye with a series of impressive performances for Venezia, building on the form he showed during his time at AlbinoLeffe.

Across his career he has accumulated 82 appearances and four goals with the Bergamo club and 59 outings and eight goals with Venezia, numbers that, while modest, understate the quality and dynamism he has shown in midfield this season.

Sporting keen on Doumbia as Inter, Napoli & Milan wait in wings

His profile is attractive to clubs for multiple reasons beyond pure football, as noted by TuttoMercatoWeb.

Born in 2003, Doumbia qualifies as a homegrown player under Italian regulations, making him a cost-effective and practically valuable signing for Serie A clubs navigating squad list requirements.

His contract runs until June 2029, giving Venezia a strong negotiating position, one they would look to strengthen further if the club secures promotion to the top flight, which would inevitably push his valuation higher.

Adding urgency to any potential deal is the interest from Sporting CP, who according to Portuguese newspaper Record are considering Doumbia as a potential replacement for Hidemasa Morita should the Japanese international depart this summer. With Champions League football on offer in Lisbon, the Portuguese giants represent a serious rival for the Italian clubs.

The message for Inter, Milan and Napoli is clear, move quickly or risk missing out.

Milan are plotting a creative approach to sign Moise Kean from Fiorentina this summer, with the club exploring the possibility of using Santiago Gimenez as part of a package deal to bring down the cost of a transfer that would otherwise prove prohibitively expensive.

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Kean has long been admired by Massimiliano Allegri, who worked with the Italy international during his time at Juventus and considers him the ideal profile to strengthen Milan’s attack for 2026/27.

The feeling is mutual, Kean has previously been linked with a move to San Siro, and with Fiorentina’s European ambitions in serious doubt following their expected Conference League exit at the hands of Crystal Palace, his departure from Florence now looks increasingly likely.

Milan dream of Kean but financial hurdle must be cleared

The obstacle, as ever, is financial.

Kean’s release clause is set at €52 million, a figure Milan have no intention of paying in cash, particularly after a difficult season in which the striker’s value has not appreciably risen.

According to Calciomercato.it, via MilanNews, the solution being considered involves offering Gimenez, whose own debut season at Milan has been underwhelming, plus a cash adjustment of between €10 and €15 million to make up the difference.

For Fiorentina, Gimenez could represent an attractive option as they look to rebuild their squad, while the Mexican striker himself would relish the opportunity for a fresh start after failing to establish himself under Allegri.

The deal is far from straightforward, however, with Gimenez’s high wages and interest from Premier League clubs adding further complexity to negotiations that are still at an early stage.

Simone Inzaghi has moved to quash speculation about a potential return to Italian football, insisting he remains fully committed to Al-Hilal despite the Saudi club’s elimination from the Asian Champions League on penalties at the hands of Roberto Mancini’s Al-Sadd.

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The former Inter head coach, whose name has been linked with the Italy national team vacancy and various Serie A positions following the turbulence of recent weeks, was unequivocal when asked about his future.

“I am staying at Al-Hilal because I am doing my job to the best of my abilities and I am giving everything of myself,” he said, with quotes via FCInter1908.

The defeat to Al-Sadd on penalties will have stung, particularly given the circumstances.

Al-Hilal coach Inzaghi: ‘Luck was not on our side’

Inzaghi felt his side were the superior team on the night, taking the lead on three separate occasions only to be pegged back each time before ultimately losing the shootout.

“I was aiming to reach the quarter-finals but fortune was not on our side,” he said. “We tried with all our strength and created several chances. Al-Sadd held firm and scored three goals, but Al-Hilal were the stronger team and took the lead three times.”

It is a result that will do little to ease the pressure on Inzaghi at a club where expectations remain extraordinarily high. However, his public declaration of commitment to the project suggests he has no intention of using the setback as a reason to seek an exit, at least for now.

Edon Zhegrova’s time at Juventus looks increasingly likely to end after just one season, with Turkish club Besiktas having already made contact with the Kosovo winger’s agent about a potential summer move.

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According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, via IlBianconero, the Kosovar international has been a significant disappointment since joining from Lille for a potential outlay of up to €18.5 million, comprising a base fee of €14.3 million, €1.2 million in additional costs and €3 million in bonuses, on a contract running until June 2030.

The numbers from his debut season make for grim reading: zero goals, zero assists and just 447 minutes of football across 21 appearances.

Injuries have played a part, but so too has a fundamental failure to convince Luciano Spalletti, who has given him just three outings in the past 11 matches totalling a mere 65 minutes on the pitch.

Besiktas keen to capitalise on Zhegrova unrest at Juventus

His most damaging moment came in the Champions League second leg against Galatasaray, where his errors drew considerable criticism at a time when the tie was still alive. It encapsulated a debut season that has simply never found its footing.

Besiktas are looking to make a statement signing this summer following the expected departure of winger Milot Rashica, and view Zhegrova as an attainable and high-profile addition. Initial contact has been made with his representatives to gauge his interest and availability.

Juventus, who have already secured Spalletti’s renewal until 2028 as they look to build a title-challenging squad, would listen to offers for Zhegrova rather than persist with a player who has clearly not adapted to the demands of the club. Recouping anything close to their original investment, however, will prove challenging given the season he has endured.

Leonardo Spinazzola’s future at Napoli is looking increasingly uncertain, with the experienced left-back yet to receive any indication from the club that they wish to extend his contract beyond its June expiry – and his representatives have begun exploring alternatives, with Milan making contact in recent weeks.

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Spinazzola was a key figure in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph last season, offering versatility and energy under Antonio Conte across multiple positions.

This season he has continued to contribute, registering three goals and three assists in 28 appearances. Despite that, the silence from Naples has grown deafening as the weeks pass, with De Laurentiis understood to be keen on rejuvenating the squad, and at 33, Spinazzola does not fit that profile.

His agent has moved proactively in response, approaching Milan about the possibility of signing the Italy international on a free transfer this summer, as per CalcioMercato reports.

Milan eye Spinazzola after Estupinan disappointment

The timing is logical from Milan’s perspective, with Pervis Estupiñán’s brief time at the club expected to end, they will need a left-back option.

However, while Milan have noted the terms being offered, they have not moved further and Spinazzola is not currently considered a priority target.

A more intriguing possibility is a return to Juventus, where Spinazzola came through the youth system before moving on without ever truly establishing himself. Giorgio Chiellini, a close personal friend, has been in contact with the player’s camp in recent days, though at this stage it amounts to nothing more than an exploratory conversation rather than a concrete approach.

Spinazzola himself would prefer to stay at Napoli, particularly if Conte remains in charge. That decision, however, appears increasingly unlikely to be his to make.