Roberto Mancini clinched the Qatari league title with Al Sadd and marked the triumph on the pitch by waving the Italian flag, a nod to the UEFA Euro 2020 success he achieved with Italy.
Al Sadd claimed the title with a 3-2 victory over Al Shamal in a battle between the top two teams in the league table, thanks to goals fromFirmino, Paulo Otávio, and Akram Afif.
The trophy with Al Sadd means Mancini has now won league titles in Italy, England, Turkey and Qatar.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
The former Azzurri coach celebrated his latest achievement on the field by holding an Italian flag inscribed with ‘Euro 2020.’
Mancini won the Euros with Italy in 2021, but also failed to qualify for the World Cup the following year.
He stepped down as the Italy coach in August 2023 and was appointed by the Saudi Arabia national team a few weeks later.
Video: Mancini celebrates Al Sadd’s title with the Italian flag
L’Al Sadd di Roberto Mancini vince il campionato del Qatar, altro trofeo vinto dal tecnico di Jesi pic.twitter.com/ezmi7TVtct
According to Repubblica, last season’s Serie A match between Inter and Roma is among those under investigation, with the suspicion that Andrea Gervasoni told the VAR official ‘mind your business’ during a potential penalty check for the Nerazzurri.
Five individuals, including Referee Designator Gianluca Rocchi and VAR Supervisor Gervasoni, are currently under investigation in a new referee scandal in Italy.
Nearly 30 referees have already been heard by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione. A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Repubblica that Rocchi “made appointments at will” and would “remove figures who would not submit to the method.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 23: Gianluca Rocchi former Italian referee and referee designator for the Serie A and Serie B championships during the FIGC Hall of Fame Event on May 23, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The source added that Rocchi was “in constant telephone contact with club executives, even though he was not allowed to by regulations, to curry favour with the clubs for personal gain.”
No players or club directors are currently involved, and only people from the refereeing world are currently under investigation.
According to Repubblica, five 2024-25 matches are under scrutiny, including Inter-Roma on April 27, 2025, which the Giallorossi won 1- 0.
A witness reportedly informed the Milan Prosecutor that the VAR official in that match, Marco Di Bello, was told from outside the VAR room, “mind your business,” while a potential penalty check for the Nerazzurri was ongoing for a possible Evan Ndicka foul on Yann Bisseck.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 27: Matias Soule of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Manu Kone during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 27, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to the witness, the alleged suggestion, which is not allowed under protocol, was made by Gervasoni. Repubblica adds that the full VAR audio from that incident has never been found.
A few days later, Rocchi commented on the incident, saying it warranted a penalty kick.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“The assessment they made on the pitch was not to award the penalty, but when you evaluate something incorrectly from the pitch, it remains a mistake,” he said.
“Ndicka’s behaviour is that of someone who is completely uninterested in the ball, and for me, that is already punishable. The final decision is somewhat influenced by the fact that the holding was not very substantial, but it is definitely a penalty that should have been awarded.”
Calafiori trains with Arsenal teammates before Atletico Madrid clash
Arsenal are preparing for the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners will visit Diego Simeone at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday, April 29, with the decider played at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, May 5.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Italy international Calafiori was spotted training with his teammates on Tuesday, reports Football London, suggesting the Italian defender should be available for the trip to Spain.
Calafiori suffered a knock in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Sporting CP on April 7 and has not featured since.
He was also unavailable for Arsenal’s latest game against Newcastle on Saturday despite arriving at the Emirates Stadium with his teammates.
Calafiori, a former Bologna and Roma defender, is in his second season at Arsenal. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has approved summer transfer plans, including a move to sign Lazio defender Mario Gila.
Milan will be looking to strengthen their team, adding quality and depth to a group that will likely play in the Champions League next season.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan’s primary target in defence is Lazio centre-back Gila, who is under contract with the Biancocelesti until 2027.
Gazzetta claims that Inter, Juventus and Napoli are also interested in the Spanish centre-back who is unlikely to extend with the Biancocelesti.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Mario Gila of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
According to the report, the Rossoneri’s rivals have already sounded out the defender’s availability through his representatives, while Milan value the 25-year-old between €20m and €25m.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri has already identified Gila as a primary option in defence, and Cardinale has authorised the club directors to begin work to satisfy the coach’s transfer demands, which also include a winger who can be deployed on both flanks and a striker.
Gazzetta adds that Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen is seen as a possible alternative to Gila, while Bayern Munich’s Kim, a former Napoli star, appears to be less feasible due to high costs.
Chelsea have reportedly begun the recruitment process for a new coach, with Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola, and Xabi Alonso included in an ‘early list of early frontrunners’, but Como’s Cesc Fabregas is also being linked with the job.
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chelsea will hire a new head coach for 2026-27, and several sources in the UK suggest that Fabregas will be one among those considered for the job.
According to Standard.co.uk, the Blues have started a robust recruitment process and will not rush in appointing a new head coach for next season.
The report claims that Chelsea’s early list of frontrunners includes Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola, and Xabi Alonso.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Mirwan Suwarso president of Como during the Serie A match between Bologna and Como at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 01, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Silva is under contract with Fulham until the end of the season, and according to The Standard, Chelsea will explore his availability by contacting his representatives.
Xabi Alonso is without a club after being sacked by Real Madrid months ago, while Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.
Fabregas not focused on Chelsea job
The report suggests that “other candidates” are on Chelsea’s shortlist.
Como coach Fabregas was recently questioned about his availability for the role: “It’d be stupid to think about that now, my focus is on the next game against Genoa. I believe I will continue my chapter as Como head coach and focus on the next games,” Fabregas said before Como’s latest victory against Genoa.
“I would be crazy to think of anything else rather than these next five games and getting my team into Europe for the first time in history. I have not seen or heard any comments that my president said other than he told me he values me very highly.”
Como President, Mirwan Suwarso, however, added: “If that makes him [Fabregas] happy, that’s him,” he told City AM.
“You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible, but at the end of the day, we don’t own him, and he’s free to go to Chelsea if he wishes.”
Juventus legend Fabrizio Ravanelli believes Kenan Yildiz, Gleison Bremer and Francisco Conceiçao should build the ‘strong core’ of the Bianconeri’s team in 2026-27, but is disappointed by Jonathan David: ‘I don’t think he’s a player you can rely on to win Champions League titles or Scudetti.’
Former Juventus and Italy striker Ravanelli, a 1996 Champions League winner with the Bianconeri, shared his thoughts on the Bianconeri’s attacking struggles this season.
Canada international David has scored eight goals across all competitions, resulting in the third-top goal scorer at Juventus in 2025-26 after Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie. Yet, Ravanelli feels the ex-Lille forward hasn’t shown enough quality in his first season in Turin.
“It was a negative season. He has scored some goals, but I don’t think he’s a player you can rely on to win Champions League titles or Scudetti,” Ravanelli told Gazzetta.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Jonathan David of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“He has paid a high price for the leap in quality. Playing at Juventus and in the French league, without too much pressure, is not the same as making a difference at Juventus. The shirt’s weight is much more difficult to bear, and you need a great personality. The difference between a champion and a good player nowadays lies in personality, character, and determination. You need to have these qualities to play at Juventus, or you’ll struggle.”
Dusan Vlahovic has missed most of the season due to fitness issues, including surgery that sidelined him for four months.
Ravanelli: Zhegrova has more personality than David and Openda
Just like David, Edon Zhegrova and Lois Openda also joined Juventus last summer, but Ravanelli would rely on just one of them going forward.
“I think Zhegrova has more personality than others,” said the ex-striker.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“Since Spalletti’s arrival, David and Openda have always given me the impression that they don’t really want to take on too much responsibility. On the other hand, Zhagrova is someone worth continuing to invest in because he has real quality. I’d love to see him in a positive Juventus side and in a winning environment. He’s the kind of player who embraces responsibility, not someone who, after failing one dribble, shies away from trying another. He has a very strong personality.
“I think there are three or four players Juventus can build on,” Ravanelli concluded.
“Yildiz, Bremer, and Conceiçao must be retained to build the strong core of the team.”
During the same interview, Ravanelli also discussed Juventus’ possible reinforcements from next season, suggesting that the Bianconeri should try to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.
Former Juventus star Fabrizio Ravanelli believes the Bianconeri should try to sign Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus rather than Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski: ‘It would send a wrong signal…’
Kenan Yildiz is the Bianconeri’s top scorer this season with 11 goals, followed by Weston McKennie with nine and Jonathan David with eight; therefore, Ravanelli feels that a new, ruthless striker must be a transfer priority for Juventus next summer.
“A finisher. I believe that is where Juventus struggle. They’ve been without Vlahovic for a long time, and he’s also had problems, but I believe that if he were fully fit, Juventus would have had some more points,” the ex-striker told Gazzetta.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Spalletti has tried in any way to make the team more clinical in attack, because they create so many chances. They’ve also scored a few goals in recent games, but they lack a truly clinical finisher who makes a difference. A No.9.”
Vlahovic’s contract expires this coming June, but negotiations with the Serbia international are expected to resume shortly.
“Even if he were to stay, Juventus would still need a striker who makes a difference,” insisted Ravanelli.
“Juventus have always had great attackers, and there’s always been competition to start up front. Only Vlahovic, if he stays, would not be enough to fight on all fronts.”
Among the possible attacking reinforcements mentioned by the Italian press in recent weeks is Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, who is available as a free agent after his contract expires at the end of the season.
Ravanelli, however, feels the Poland international would not be a good fit for the Bianconeri.
“I don’t think so, because it would send a wrong signal to the fans and the Juventus programs,” he said.
“They’d take a step back. Not because Lewandowski is not a good striker. He’s a star and a big champion, we all know that. But Juventus need players with a bright future ahead, who want to develop at Juventus, with the Juventus DNA. I think the club should look to other attacking options rather than the 38-year-old Lewandowski.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring their team’s secons goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I’d do anything to sign Osimhen, even if it’s not easy because of certain clauses,” Ravanelli added.
“There are many strong strikers in Europe, starting with Gabriel Jesus, who would be worthy of a place at Juventus even after a few injuries. There are other young players, and the scouts must identify the right profile who can win something important in the future.
“I’ve always liked Moise Kean, who has already been at Juventus,” Ravanelli concluded.
“Perhaps he’s had a few too many injuries, and he had a difficult time at the club, but I consider him one of the best young players in Italy. He has the physical strength and the bearing of someone who could be a Juventus striker.”
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The passion of Italian football fans and the historical clashes between their clubs are increasingly in demand across all markets, from the US to South America and Asia.
Serie A is increasingly popular in South Korea
Even though few South Korean footballers have played in Serie A, many have left their mark on the league, starting with ex-Perugia star Ahn Jung-hwan, who eliminated Italy from the 2002 World Cup with a famous Golden Goal in the Round of 16.
FRANKFURT, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Jung-Hwan Ahn of South Korea shoots on goal during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Group G match between South Korea and Togo at the Stadium Frankfurt on June 13, 2006 in Frankfurt, Germany. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
More recently, centre-back Kim Min-jae made history at Napoli in the 2022-23 season, contributing to winning the first Scudetto in the post-Diego Armando Maradona era, ending a 33-year wait.
Serie A has proved to be one of the most unpredictable leagues over the last few years.
Even if Inter are expected to clinch their 21st Scudetto with a few games to spare this season, the previous campaign saw the Nerazzurri battle Antonio Conte’s Napoli until the very last round, with the Partenopei emerging victorious.
“In recent years, this team has always been competitive on all fronts. When you are the coach of Inter, you have big objectives; the club has built something important here,” Inter coach Cristian Chivu recently said.
“The players have shown how competitive they can be in recent years, so we are obliged to be competitive.
“When I arrived, the narrative depicted was that this team was at the end of an era, but they were reborn and found the motivation to be what they always had been.
“It is not a fluke that we are top of the table and in the Coppa Italia Final. We should’ve done better in the Champions League, but I take responsibility for that. I am proud of these lads, I love them to death. Choosing a young coach was a risk, but I always said things to their faces, and they know what our ambitions are.”
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli lifts the Serie A TIM Scudetto title trophy after his team’s victory in the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
After Juventus’ domination with nine consecutive Serie A titles from 2012 to 2020, the Italian league has had three different winners in the last five years: Inter and Napoli twice and Milan once.
Even more interestingly, no club has ever retained the Serie A title since Juventus in 2019-20, when Maurizio Sarri won his first and only Scudetto as a coach in Turin.
Serie A’s excitement and drama will continue to entertain the fans for years to come, so make sure you tune in to watch one of the most exciting leagues in the world.
According to Corriere della Sera, UEFA is strongly against the appointment of a FIGC Commissioner, which could jeopardise Italy’s right to host Euro 2032 and may even result in Italian clubs being barred from European competitions.
UEFA expect no political involvement in the FIGC Presidential election, set to take place on June 22, 2026.
A new referee scandal has broken out in Italy just weeks after Gabriele Gravina resigned in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off elimination, prompting Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi to suggest extraordinary measures, such as appointing an external FIGC Commissioner, should be taken.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: (L-R) President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio, President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin look on prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
However, according to Corriere della Sera (via Calcio&Finanza), such a scenario would deeply concern UEFA, which has warned that any political intervention in the Italian Football Federation could put Italy at risk of losing the rights to co-host Euro 2032 and could even lead to Italian clubs being excluded from European competitions.
Having a FIGC Commissioner, appointed by CONI, would effectively place the Italian FA under administration, a scenario UEFA wants to avoid.
According to the report, Lega Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli has already discussed the matter with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.
Even if the European Football Governing body has not issued a statement on this topic, its stance is clear and could lead to severe consequences for Italy if a commissioner is appointed instead of a newly elected President.
“Hasty judgments or conclusions of any kind are out of place while dutifully waiting for the investigations to complete their journey to the truth,” Simonelli said on Sunday about the new referee investigation from the Milan Prosecutor.
“None of us knows any detail of the affair, and as custodians, that is our exact duty until the final judgement.”
Referee investigation, breakthrough from the prosecutor
‘No club is under investigation.’
‘Inter are not involved, 30 members of the refereeing world have been heard. Rocchi and four more under investigation for now.’ Five games on the radar, not from this season. Tommasi is the new designator.
Modric, end of the season.
Cheekbone operated: out for six to eight weeks. Transfers: yes to Fila
Juve, Vlahovic is close again: two-year extension.
Corriere dello Sport
Referee feud
The investigation does not involve clubs or players
Five games 2024-25 Serie A games on the radar
No to Ceferin to the hypothesis of a Federation commissioner.
Gravina could place AIA under guardianship. Today, Zappi will attend a CONI meeting. Secret code in the VAR room? Lawsuits are coming.
Calhanoglu agitates Inter
Soleus muscle problem: Hakan has already missed 13 games this season
Juve and Yildiz, he’s the check
Spalletti needs the real Kenan for a target worth 60m
Milan problem: Modric out
Cheekbone fracture: the Croatian will undergo surgery. He’ll be ready for the World Cup.
Crazy Lazio: Maldini deals with it.
Mendy’s fairytale: Cagliari nearly safe.
Tuttosport
Calcio on the brink
The investigation in Milan and the unpredictable developments agitate the Italy of football.
Besides Rocchi, Gervasoni, Di Vuolo, Nasca and Paterna, others are under investigation, but not Inter nor their directors. New duty for the Prosecutor, Ascione, and tension within the Prosecutor’s office. Secret codes in the VAR room. Tommasi is the temporary designator. Today, CONI will discuss the Zappi case, the AIA President banned for 13 months. In the meantime, Gravina raises his voice against the commissioner: ‘It violates the principle of autonomy protected by CIO; FIFA and UEFA.’
Vlahovic? Worthy of Juve if…
The 10 minutes at San Siro and Spalletti’s words: behind the scenes
Dusan has four games remaining to give guarantees on a physical standpoint and favour negotiations. Here are the others under scrutiny for the coach. Yildiz, increasing confidence.
D’Aversa, a super month to stay.
Calhanoglu injured again: will he miss Coppa and renewal?
Reports in Italy suggest that no players or directors are involved in the new referee scandal in Serie A, with all those under investigation being tied to the refereeing world.
More details emerge on the new referee scandal that hit Serie A over the weekend, with VAR officials Luigi Nasca, Rodolfo Di Vuolo and Daniele Paterna now reported to be under investigation, along with the designator Gianluca Rocchi and VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Are Inter under investigation for the new referee scandal?
According to Italian media, including Gazzetta, even more people appear in the Milan Prosecutor’s register of suspects. Still, all are tied to the refereeing world and none to Serie A clubs.
Gazzetta reports that, to date, no footballers or club directors are under investigation.
Rocchi is reportedly accused of influencing VAR officials during matches and of selecting referees who were liked by Inter for some games during the 2024-25 campaign.
However, no evidence appears to show that Rocchi held talks with the Nerazzurri over referees’ appointments, and no Inter player or director is under investigation.
On the other hand, a video from March 1, 2025, appears to show VAR official Paterna receiving communication from outside the VAR room during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma, prompting him to urge the on-pitch referee to the pitchside monitor despite initial reluctance.
Referees Luigi Nasca, Rodolfo Di Vuolo and Daniele Paterna are under investigation alongside Gianluca Rocchi and Andrea Gervasoni, but the number of people involved in the latest Serie A scandal could grow ‘significantly’ in the coming hours, according to reports in Italy.
Italian sources, including Gazzetta dello Sport, report that three referees have been placed under investigation, after Referee Designator Rocchi and VAR supervisor Gervasoni.
Serie A referee scandal: three more under investigation
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
They are Nasca, Di Vuolo and Paterna, and according to Gazzetta, they are all suspected of providing false information to the prosecutor.
Paterna appeared in a video that seemed to show a person outside the VAR room giving officials suggestions on what to tell the on-field referee, in an open violation of protocol.
Investigators believe that VAR officials were influenced by people outside the control room, even with coded messages, undermining their independence of judgment.
According to Gazzetta, the number of people under investigation could become ‘significantly’ higher in the coming hours.
The Milan Prosecutor will hear Rocchi and Gervasoni on April 30. Rocchi’s lawyer, Antonio D’Avirro, released multiple interviews with Italian media, insisting that his client is facing an injustice.
“I met with him, and he’s demoralised because he believes he’s the victim of an injustice,” D’Avirro told Pressing.
“He [Rocchi] considers all the allegations to be unfounded.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“He has always acted loyally and transparently, and he is deeply troubled by being accused of something so serious.
“I don’t know whether he will return, but we will certainly be able to defend ourselves effectively. We are currently evaluating which defensive strategies to adopt by Thursday.”
Rocchi has suspended himself from his duties while under investigation for participation in sports fraud.
“Reference is being made to other people, but we do not know who they are,” D’Avirro told Sport Mediaset.
“It is a multi-party offence, yet only Rocchi is named in the notice of investigation.
“Calciopoli? This is a completely different matter. Back then, hundreds of people around the clubs were involved, whereas here we are talking about only two or three individuals.”
Hakan Calhanoglu has suffered a new muscle injury, and according to reports in Italy, the Inter star is in doubt for the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13.
Inter star Calhanoglu could miss the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13 due to a new muscle injury.
The Nerazzurri confirmed on Monday that the Turkish midfielder had sustained a new injury.
“Hakan Çalhanoğlu underwent medical examinations this morning at the Humanitas Clinical Institute in Rozzano,” Inter said in a statement.
“The tests revealed a muscular strain in the soleus of his left leg. His condition will be assessed in the coming days.”
Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta, report that Calhanoglu’s new injury might rule him out of the upcoming Coppa Italia Final in about two weeks.
JUNE 16: The trophy at the Olympic stadium prior the Coppa Italia Final match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Olimpico Stadium on June 16, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
Calhanoglu has been on and off the field due to injuries, especially in the second part of the campaign, but has still managed 12 goals and seven assists in 30 games across all competitions this term.
The 32-year-old has missed 13 matches due to injuries this term.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter scores his team’s second goal while under pressure from Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma 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)
On Sunday, he was an unused substitute in Inter’s 2-2 draw against Torino.
Former Italian striker Pasquale Luiso recalls his time at Vicenza, especially his goal at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in the Cup Winners’ Cup and explains why he rejected offers from Milan, Lazio and Roma: ‘I preferred being a small-club top scorer.’
Former Vicenza star Luiso released an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport to talk about his career as a footballer, during which he scored 25 goals in 87 Serie A matches.
The former Italian striker became an icon in the 90s for his bicycle kick goals, especially one against Milan in 1996.
Luiso was playing for Piacenza back then, bagging 14 goals in 32 appearances, attracting interest from many top clubs in Italy.
“Both Milan and Roma wanted me. The following year, Lazio too. But I always said no,” he said.
“I wanted to play, not to be the fourth striker. I preferred being a small-club top scorer to being one of many on a big team. Of course, maybe two forwards get injured, and you play, but I was afraid of rotting on the bench.
“It was a different kind of football back then. On the pitch, we used to really go at each other. I remember clashes with Montero; we’d beat each other up for 90 minutes,” he continued.
“Then, off the pitch, we were friends. Same thing against Andrea Sottil, as well as Ferrara and Nesta. They were incredibly strong defenders, and every match against them felt like a war.”
In the summer of 1997, despite requests from Milan and Roma, Luiso joined Vicenza.
“I couldn’t have made a better decision. Guidolin was a master, even if we didn’t talk much. Practically, never,” he recalled.
“He said he didn’t want to hug us or give us compliments. Football, for him, was his fake world. He limited himself to the pitch and the dressing room; for everything else, he kept to himself. And I think he paid a bit for that. On top of that, he was incredibly superstitious. He would put plasters on his fingers because he used to bite them so much…”
During the 1997-98 season, Vincenza beat Chelsea 1-0 at home in the first leg of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semifinal. They went on to lose the decider 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Luiso scoring the only goal for the Italian side.
2 Apr 1998: GianLuca Vialli of Chelsea beats a Vicenza tackle during the European Cup Winners Cup semi-final between Vicenza and Chelsea played at the \ Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford /Allsport
“So many memories! We won the first leg at the Menti, and in the return match, I scored, silencing the opposing fans,” said the ex-Italian striker.
“I even told them to shut up, since they were booing. I also had a goal disallowed, which should have stood. Who knows how it would have gone otherwise? Gianluca Vialli played against us. He was my absolute idol. When I was a kid, I used to wear my socks down in his honour. He gave me his shirt, and I still keep it today like a relic.”
Luiso never got to make his senior Italy debut, but had been long considered by the Azzurri coach back then, Cesare Maldini.
16 Apr 1998: Pierluigi Brivio of Vicenza loses his cool with Jody Morris of Chelsea in the European Cup Winners” Cup Semi-final at Stamford Bridge, London, England. Chelsea won the match 3-1 to go into the Final. \ Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster /Allsport
“Look, I was an ‘unpolished’ footballer. I couldn’t juggle the ball twice in a row,” Luiso admitted.
“I came through with hunger and the desire to conquer the world. On the pitch, I was unbearable for both teammates and opponents. I wasn’t pleasant to watch. Just the fact that [Cesare] Maldini thought about me was already a source of pride. And besides, in my time, there would have had to be an epidemic. Up front, we had phenomenal players.”
The situation of Italian football is much different now.
“I’m not saying this out of arrogance, but I think today I would score goals at will and probably be a starter for the national team,” Luiso said.
“When I played, everything was different. It was another kind of football.
“I’m enjoying life now. I’d like to return to football, but I don’t know,” he concluded.
“Nobody has ever called me. Maybe it’s because I’m not very social, and I’ve never sold myself well. I run a car rental business with my brother, and sometimes I go and help out.”
According to reports in Italy, VAR officials were allegedly influenced by external figures, such as referees’ chief Gianluca Rocchi, who used ‘coded messages’ to suggest whether to alert the referee on the pitch.
Serie A and Serie B designator Rocchi is under investigation for suspected participation in sports fraud and has therefore suspended himself from his duties.
Serie A referee scandal: latest updates
The former international referee is expected to be heard by the Milan Prosecutor on April 30, while the FIGC Prosecutor has denied having requested documents from authorities in the ongoing criminal investigation.
Rocchi is suspected of influencing VAR decisions, as a video appears to show.
On March 1, 2025, VAR official Daniele Paterna reviewed a potential penalty for Udinese in their home game against Parma and initially seemed reluctant to urge the on-the-pitch referee to the pitchside monitor.
However, Paterna suddenly turned right, seemingly talking to someone outside the VAR room. Paterna asked, ‘Is that a penalty?’ before telling the referee to review the incident on the monitor.
Repubblica reports that investigators believe VAR officials were aware of coded messages that would be used to assess controversial incidents and, therefore, to determine whether to alert the referee on the pitch.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
A raised hand meant ‘do not intervene’, while a clenched fist meant ‘send the referee to monitor’.
“Whether these are exaggerations or even smear tactics burn out of internal feuds within the refereeing world, or instead pieces of evidence supporting the allegations, will become clear when the prosecutors reveal their findings,” wrote Repubblica.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Referee Simone Sozza checks the pitch side VAR monitor during the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni is also under investigation and, just like Rocchi, he’s expected to be heard on April 30.
Rocchi is also accused of having appointed referees who were liked by Inter during the 2024-25 campaign, yet no evidence has emerged.
Nerazzurri President Marotta has insisted that the club is not involved in the scandal and, currently, no Inter representative is under investigation.
Saelemaekers hits the crossbar, Roma and Como remain at a distance.
Inter, it’s yours
Great Toro comeback, but the Scudetto is three points away
+10 with four games remaining. Party ready at San Siro against Parma on Sunday. Marotta: ‘Fans, be calm, we are not involved in the scandal. We’ve always been correct.’
The referees shield themselves.
Rocchi and Gervasoni heard on Thursday, and they might not reply to the prosecutors. The investigation is nearly closed; it started a year ago.
FIGC commissioner, the Government pushes, the board is divided.
Corriere dello Sport
Referees, the prosecutors investigate: Inter’s rebellion
Marotta: ‘We are not involved.’
‘We’ve always acted with the utmost fairness, never indicated unwanted referees.’ Chiné: ‘I’ve never asked for the documents.’ Rocchi: ‘Heard on Thursday? We’ll see.’ The Government wants to appoint a commissioner.
It doesn’t end here
Draw (0-0) in the match between Allegri and Spalletti: Fabregas and Gasperini are three points behind Lucio.
Champions League race: Milan, Juve, Como and Roma within six points
Disallowed Thuram goal and Saelemaekers’ crossbar. Little emotions at San Siro. Cesc wins 2-0 in Marassi. Four games to go: a race for two spots.
Napoli, McTominay’s record
13 goals so far, the next one will mark a personal record
Roma, Malen leaves the others behind
181m invested in No.9 since 2020: Donyell is the leader
Arezzo celebrate: Here’s Serie B
Bucchi beats Torres (3-1): 80 points in 36 matches.
Tuttosport
Simeone+Vlasic: 15 minutes of fury block Inter’s joy.
Toro’s comeback with pride
Thuram and Bisseck appear to legitimise the Nerazzurri’s certainty of winning at the Grande Torino, but D’Aversa gets the substitutions right: Zapata and Nije give a shake. Ilkhan lights up, and the stadium finally gets excited. The coach: ‘The attitude has changed too, Cholito was so determined!’ Duvan: ‘We must rebuild our relationship with the fans.’ Chivu needs three points for the Scudetto.
Once upon a time, there was Milan-Juve
A disappointing 0-0 at San Siro
Thuram’s disallowed goal for offside and Saelemaekers’ crossbar were the only highlights; then the two teams settled for a goalless draw, as in the reverse fixture. Allegri slips -2 from Napoli, Spalletti remains fourth, but Como and Roma get closer: ‘Now let’s see who is worthy of Juve.’
Milan fans booed their star striker Leao during a Serie A match against Juventus at San Siro on Sunday.
The same had happened two weeks ago, in the previous home match against Udinese, which the Rossoneri lost 3-0.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan chases a loose ball alongside Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This evening, Leao was subbed off in the 80th minute and replaced by Christopher Nkunku.
Once again, most of the Rossoneri supporters showed no mercy for the Portuguese, whistling him as he made his way off the pitch from the far side of the field.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Leao walked all the way around the pitch until he reached the Rossoneri bench, where coach Massimiliano Allegri gave him a high five and told him, “Well done.”
Leao has not scored a Serie A goal since March 1, but provided the assist for Adrien Rabiot’s winning goal against Hellas Verona last week and also delivered a key pass in the match against Juventus, seeing his teammate Alexis Saelemaekers hit the crossbar from an excellent position.
Football Italia is among the accredited media at San Siro tonight. You can follow live updates on the liveblog.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu admits his team has ‘regret’ after a 2-2 away draw at Torino, although the Granata’s comeback ‘could have ended even worse.’
The Nerazzurri were still buzzing after the fightback from 2-0 down to beat Como 3-2 midweek in the Coppa Italia semi-final, setting up a showdown with Lazio on May 13.
It could well be the Double for Chivu in his first season at San Siro, although the Scudetto party will have to wait after fumbling a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Torino this evening.
“There’s regret. We had the game in our hands, and we suffered their push in the final minutes,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“The first goal scared us out, and the second was the consequence. We tried to react and score 3-2, but you also risk losing these matches, so credit to Torino: they didn’t give up and believed until the end.”
Federico Dimarco’s assists for Marcus Thuram and Yann Bisseck were cancelled out by Giovanni Simeone and a rather harsh Nikola Vlasic penalty for Carlos Augusto’s handling offence, so the lead at the top is cut to 10 points.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Nikola Vlasic of Torino is challenged by Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale Milano during the Serie A match between Torino FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 26, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The celebratory atmosphere was shaken when news broke that refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi had been placed under formal investigation for sporting fraud.
Among the accusations against him was colluding to assign referees favoured by Inter rather than others, backing Andrea Colombo over Daniele Doveri during the crucial Serie A run-in last season.
It remains to be seen whether more figures will be investigated and how involved the Nerazzurri were in the alleged collusion.
“I talk about football; I am the coach, and I’m paid to prepare the matches in the best way, passing on serenity and motivation,” Chivu said.
“Apparently, I didn’t do my job properly when we were leading 2-0. I take responsibility, but it changes little. We need three points, and we want to kill it off as soon as possible.”
Hakan Calhanoglu and Alessandro Bastoni were not involved. Denzel Dumfries started on the bench, while Lautaro Martinez is still injured.
“Calhanoglu was not fully fit. Dumfries is still not okay. For Lautaro, it’s still long,” Chivu explained.
“I thought I’d give some minutes to Bastoni in the second half because he had trained three times with us, but it’s never easy to enter certain pitches at a certain moment of the season after you’ve done so much.
“When you are up 2-0, you think everything is easy and that you have everything under control. Then you concede to make it 2-1 because of a mistake while playing out from the back, and the ghosts start creeping in; you get nervous.
“You begin to realise it won’t be easy after all, especially when a few incidents go against you. In my view, the comeback could have ended even worse.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter will win the Serie A title next week, with three games to spare, if they beat Chivu’s ex-team, Parma, at San Siro. Does he feel any special emotion?
“Zero. I’m only focused on my job and my duty,” the Nerazzurri told DAZN.
“I don’t think about emotions. I must prepare for the match as best I can and provide the right motivation. It’s our dream. It started nine months ago. I think about taking home one of the season’s objectives. I must transmit serenity and ambition, but also desire and the appropriate attitude; the rest doesn’t count.”
Matteo Darmian insists Inter ‘remain focused’ on the title race despite recent allegations in a new referee scandal: ‘We’ll try to win the Scudetto in frot of our fans next week.’
The Nerazzurri now have a ten-point lead over second-placed Napoli, which means that a win in the next match against Parma will give them the Scudetto with three games to spare.
The last 24 hours, however, have been dominated by headlines about a new referee scandal in Italy that might involve Inter. Referee Chief Gianluca Rocchi, in fact, is accused, among other things, of choosing match officials favoured by the Nerazzurri.
“We read stuff, but we try to remain focused on the field and what we need to do to end this season in the best possible way,” Darmian told Sky Sport Italia via TMW.
“We needed four points before today’s game; we wanted to win, but we didn’t manage it,” the defender continued.
“We’ll try to do it next week in front of our fans to win the Scudetto; last season ended in the worst possible way, despite still being positive. It was not easy to start again, especially psychologically, but we were good, also thanks to the coach. We’ve done our best, and we are happy.”
Darmian made his 300th Serie A appearance today, but his contract expires at the end of the season, and according to several sources, the ex-Manchester United defender could return to Torino next summer.
“I don’t think about it now. I want to enjoy the last few games,” he said.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale celebrates during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We’ll celebrate when it is mathematically confirmed, and then we’ll have a Coppa Italia Final. The future is not something I’m thinking about now.
“I was injured for a long time, but I’ve always tried to make myself available. I’ve always respected the coach’s decisions. I know one can be important even if one doesn’t play all the games,” Darmian concluded.
“I’ve always made myself available. This season, we’ve proved how strong this group is, also mentally. It was not easy after the previous campaign, but we are great men before anything else. I’ve been at Inter for six years, and it’s normal to have ups and downs.”
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