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Today — 1 May 2026Main stream

Kean given permission to miss Roma vs. Fiorentina on personal grounds

1 May 2026 at 14:31

Moise Kean is expected to miss the upcoming Serie A match between Roma and Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend, and while the Italy international has missed the last three outings through injury, reports confirm that he has been given permission to sit this one out on personal grounds. 

Why Kean is expected to miss Roma vs. Fiorentina

Kean and his partner are expecting the birth of their second child in the coming days, and the Fiorentina striker has been given permission to spend the next few days at home according to updates from Violanews.com. Kean is expected to be away from the squad from May 1 until May 4. 

VERONA, ITALY - APRIL 04: Moise Kean of Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Shot in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

During his absence, the Viola striker will also continue working with his rehabilitation work to overcome the physical issues that have kept him out of his side’s last three Serie A matches. 

Fiorentina have beaten Lazio 1-0, drawn 1-1 with Lecce and drawn 0-0 with Sassuolo in Kean’s absence. Paolo Vanoli’s side are now seven matches unbeaten in the league after a disastrous first half of the 2025-26 season. 

Roberto Piccoli was Fiorentina’s go-to replacement for the first two matches of Kean’s recent absence, but as the Italian was also ruled out of the most recent 0-0 draw with Sassuolo, the starting centre-forward role was handed over to Albert Gudmundsson.

Greenwood links reappear for Juventus as Conceicao attracts Premier League interest

1 May 2026 at 13:58

Controversial Olympique de Marseille forward Mason Greenwood is beginning to be linked with a move to Juventus again, as current Bianconeri star Francisco Conceicao is attracting interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United according to the latest reports. 

Could Greenwood replace Conceicao at Juventus?

Greenwood had been linked with a move to join Juventus on several occasions over the last two seasons and his name is beginning to reappear in Bianconeri circles approaching the summer transfer window. 

The 24-year-old forward has netted 36 goals from 62 appearances in Ligue 1 over the last two seasons, including 15 from 28 league outings in 2025-26. 

He and his Marseille teammates currently find themselves in sixth place in the Ligue 1 table heading into the final three matches of the 2025-26 season and are unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League. This means that Greenwood could potentially be allowed to leave to raise funds and to fulfil the player’s desire of competing in UEFA’s flagship competitions next season. 

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, current Juventus forward Conceicao is beginning to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, including Liverpool and Manchester United according to La Gazzetta dello Sport

The Portugal international has come up with four goals and four assists from 38 appearances across all competitions this season, but it is his relentlessness and dribbling ability that has caught the eye of scouts in the Premier League. 

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 01: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus celebrates their first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus celebrates their first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Juventus paid a fee of €7m plus up to €3m in bonuses to sign Conceicao on loan for the 2024-25 season, and then invested a further €30.4m with bonuses of up to €1.6m to sign the winger on a permanent transfer at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign. That means that Juventus have agreed to invest a minimum of €37.4m on his signing and a maximum of €43m if all bonuses were to be met. 

Friday’s reports indicate that it would take an offer in the region of €50m to convince Juventus into selling Conceicao this summer, which is coincidentally roughly the same fee that has been mentioned if Juventus were to attempt to sign Greenwood this summer.

What Inter need to land €40m signing of Italy international Palestra

1 May 2026 at 12:55

Reports in Italy claim that Marco Palestra is among Inter’s top targets heading into the summer transfer window, but signing the exciting young full-back likely depends on a couple of outgoings first. 

Report: Inter could sell two players to accommodate Palestra signing

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport and Calciomercato.com, Palestra and Como’s Nico Paz are Inter’s two great ‘obsessions’ ahead of the summer transfer window. Palestra has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season on an individual level with Cagliari, where he has spent the 2025-26 season on loan from Atalanta. 

Palestra will return to Bergamo this summer, and according to Friday’s reports, Atalanta’s ideal plan would be for Palestra to stay on board for another season in Serie A before looking for a sale, potentially for an even higher fee. 

However, with plans to strengthen Cristian Chivu’s squad after what is expected to be the club’s 21st Scudetto in 2025-26, Inter are keen to bring Palestra to San Siro this summer, and are said to be prepared to invest a fee in the region of €40m for the 21-year-old right-back. 

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 14: Marco Palestra of Italy in action during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Marco Palestra of Italy in action during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

According to the latest updates, Inter will likely have to move players on first before welcoming Palestra, though. 

There is talk that current first-choice right wing-back Denzel Dumfries could leave the club given that he has a €25m release clause in his contract, which will be valid this summer.

There has also been a suggestion that Luis Henrique could be sold if an offer were to come in this summer. The Brazilian has struggled to impress in his first season in Serie A, and as per Calciomercato, there was interest from AFC Bournemouth during the January transfer window. Inter would reportedly be even more keen to sell Luis Henrique this summer if interest were to reemerge.

40-year-old Modric expected to extend Milan contract rather than retire on an injury

1 May 2026 at 12:29

Reports in Italy indicate that Luka Modric is set to trigger the one-year extension clause in his contract with Milan rather than end his illustrious career through injury after fracturing his cheekbone in a recent 0-0 draw with Juventus. 

Modric and Milan expecetd to activate 12-month extension clause

The signing of the 40-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner has been an overwhelming success in San Siro. Modric has started in 32 of Milan’s 34 matches in Serie A so far this season, and has racked up a total of 2,788 minutes in the league, which is more than he managed in any of his last five seasons with Real Madrid. 

Modric is, however, expected to miss the final four matches of the 2025-26 season after suffering a fractured cheekbone while challenging for a header with Manuel Locatelli during last weekend’s 0–0 draw between Milan and Juventus in Serie A. 

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 26: Luka Modric of AC Milan is assisted off by medical staff after going down injured 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)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luka Modric of AC Milan is assisted off by medical staff after going down injured 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 could have potentially been a career-ending injury, given that Modric signed a one-year contract with Milan at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, but reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that he will activate the 12-month extension clause in his deal in order to prolong his stay in San Siro. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it is technically a club option to extend, but Milan will not activate the extension clause in Modric’s contract without his blessing first. 

Friday’s report claims that Modric just needs to give the thumbs up, which he is expected to do, in order for Milan to extend his stay until the end of the 2026-27 season. A formal announcement is unlikely to arrive before the end of the 2026 World Cup this summer, though. 

Modric is said to be attracted to the idea of playing Champions League football under Massimiliano Allegri next season, as well as the idea of announcing his retirement and bidding farewell to professional football at a major club like Milan and at an iconic venue like San Siro.

Today’s Papers: Forza Calcio, Malagò progress, Gervasoni deposition

1 May 2026 at 11:41

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Only Milan 

Modric has decided 

Doesn’t want to finish on an injury, another year in Rossonero to play in the Champions League with Allegri, or it’s goodbye to football 

The Scudetto of goals 

Inter: ThuLa for the league and cup 

Lautaro top scorer, Thuram vice: An historic partnership. Napoli in Como tomorrow

Malagò shot 

Towards the elections 

Players and coaches are convinced, FIGC Presidency getting closer

‘Favoured’ referees don’t appear in any testimony 

Gervasoni in front of the prosecutor’s office 

Corriere dello Sport 

Forza Calcio! 

From the refereeing scandal to the super weekend 

Three Champions League finals | Tomorrow, Como-Napoli will decide the top clubs’ European fates and Inter’s Scudetto 

Conte will be at the home of Fabregas after the tensions in the first leg and the league title they won together at Chelsea. McTominay needs five points from four games to secure the gold from UEFA 

Gervasoni to the prosecutor’s office: ‘No alterations’ 

Referee investigation: In Rocchi’s logic, there are no distinctions between favoured and unfavoured refs

The Yildiz policy 

Juventus-Verona on Sunday 

A 55% win rate and 1.8 goals per game with Kenan. Four wins in 21 games without the trequartista 

Malen, what an average 

Roma-Fiorentina on Monday 

Donyell for 4th place: 0.87 goals per 90 minutes. Only Mbappe and Kane better than him 

Palestra for Inter 

Parma arrive on Sunday 

Lautaro returns to secure the 21st Scudetto. Not only Paz: Ausilio is also pushing for the full-back

Frosinone dream, Bari at risk 

Penultimate round in Serie B 

Alvini is chasing direct promotion against Monza and Venezia, Longo can’t afford any slip-ups to avoid relegation 

Tuttosport 

‘Yildiz like Kvara and Olise with Spalletti’ 

Interview with Causio 

The ex-Bianconeri ace: ‘Lucio knows perfectly how to manage talent and Kenan has the skills of a super, top player. Juve is ideal for Conceicao. How great was PSG-Bayern!’. Stiller: Meeting has been scheduled. Di Gregorio could stay as a second-choice keeper, Perin heading for an exit 

Jannik, give us five! 

Madrid, Semi-final against Fils at 15.00: Sinner chasing his fifth straight Masters 1000 

Malagò gets his hands on the FIGC 

Towards the election 

The former CONI no.1 has won the support of the players and coaches as well as that of the Serie A: Now he’s close to a majority 

Gervasoni defends himself as the investigation continues

Four hours at the prosecutor’s office.

The former VAR supervisor interviewed regarding Salernitana-Modena and Inter-Roma: ‘I rule out the audio being tampered with’

D’Aversa, an obstacle course to fend off Gattuso

The Toro coach facing injuries and competition

He will be without Zapata, Ismajli, Adams and Pederson in Udine tomorrow. The former CT and Juric also cast shadows over the coach: ‘The objective is the top half of the table. We have to be ambitious: Everyone. The club’s history deserves more than just staying up’. 

Yesterday — 30 April 2026Main stream

Report: Inter will extend Dimarco’s contract in two stages

30 April 2026 at 00:58

Reports in Italy indicate that Inter will activate an extension clause in Federico Dimarco’s contract, but will then seek to prolong his agreement by a further two years, potentially seeing him through until the summer of 2030. 

Inter unconcerned by Dimarco’s contract situation

Dimarco is having an MVP-calibre season with the table-topping Inter in 2025-26 and has recently matched the league’s all-time record for the most assists in a single season with 16. Some outlets claim that the Italy international has already set a new record of 17, but this depends on the outlet and their exact definition of what constitutes an assist. 

Dimarco is currently under contract with Inter until the summer of 2027, which means that he will be entering the final year of his deal at the start of the coming summer transfer window. 

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 17: Federico Dimarco of Inter talks with Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Federico Dimarco talks with Cristian Chivu during the Serie A match against Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to the latest updates, though, this is not a situation that worries Inter, who have an option to extend Dimarco’s contract by a further 12 months, which would see him through until the end of the 2027-28 season. 

From there, Inter will reportedly seek to formally extend Dimarco’s contract by a further 12 months, until the summer of 2030, which would likely come with an increase in wages as well. The wing-back currently takes home around €4m per season after tax according to Calciomercato.com

Both parties are said to be keen to continue on their journey together.

Gravina: Italy don’t deserve World Cup spot, but ‘I don’t think I failed’ as FIGC President

30 April 2026 at 00:28

Outgoing head of the Italian football association Gabriele Gravina says that calls for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup are ‘shameful’, that the Azzurri supporters are ‘the only ones who deserve to go’, but insists ‘I don’t think I failed’ in the role of FIGC President. 

Gravina tendered his resignation from the FIGC shortly after Italy’s failure to overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March, which cost the Nazionale a place at the final tournament for a third time in a row. 

An election to appoint Gravina’s successor will take place on June 22. Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete are the two leading candidates to take over the role. 

Gravina had an opportunity to discuss his departure from the FIGC, his tenure as the head of the Italian FA and the suggestions that Italy could still feature at the 2026 World Cup in an interview on ‘Otto e mezzo’ on La7. 

Gravina insists that he was not ‘pressured’ into stepping down from his role as FIGC President in any way following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. 

Gravina on FIGC tenure and Italy at the 2026 World Cup proposal: ‘I don’t think I failed, fans the only ones who deserve to go’

ROME, ITALY - JUNE 19: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina pose during the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina pose during the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“I wasn’t forced to resign, absolutely not. It was my personal choice. I made a commitment to Italian football fans that we would get to the World Cup and unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep true to this commitment,” said Gravina (via La Gazzetta dello Sport). 

He continued: “It was right to resign, a gesture of love and responsibility. 

“I’m not one to be pressured, I reason with my head and with calmness. This was an act of responsibility for the federation. There was institutional hysteria happening all over the place, it was good to not leave the FIGC over-exposed.” 

Despite the fact that Italy’s senior men’s side failed to qualify for the World Cup twice during Gravina’s FIGC Presidency, he doesn’t believe that his entire tenure should be classed as a failure. 

He was keen to point out that there is more than one national team that the FIGC oversees and claimed that certain complaints from supporters relate to issues that the FIGC has no control over.  

“I don’t think I failed,” Gravina insisted. “If we’re talking about small incidents, then of course, I failed, but if we want to talk about the activity in all its forms and all the projects we carried out, our federation is among the most appreciated in Europe and in the world. 

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - MARCH 31: (L-R) Italy Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio and President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina 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)
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: (L-R) Italy Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio and President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina 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)

“Italians attribute responsibilities to the FIGC that the FIGC does not have. There is confusion about roles. We’ve not gone to the World Cup three times and the pattern is always the same, looking for a scapegoat. Everyone is convinced that the national team players depend on the FIGC, but there are leagues, competitions and certain rules and laws that have to be respected. 

“We’re evaluating the work that the federation does based off one single national team, but there are many, male and female.” 

Gravina also stands by the fact that he feels Gravina was the right man to take over as head coach of the Italy national team following the departure of Luciano Spalletti as CT last summer. 

BERGAMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“For me, he was absolutely the right man for the job. He was the best and at that moment we needed someone who would help the guys rediscover the values that the shirt holds. But unfortunately, the sporting side of it was missing.” 

And on the recent suggestions that Italy could potentially replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, Gravina said: “It seems to me to be a fanciful and shameful idea. We’re negotiating for the passion of the Italian fans, who are the only ones who deserve to go to the World Cup.” 

Inter have basic agreement with Vicario but still have two obstacles to overcome

30 April 2026 at 00:02

Reports in Italy claim that Inter have an agreement in principle with Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, but the Nerazzurri still have two major obstacles to overcome before bringing the 29-year-old to San Siro. 

Reports in Italy claim Inter have agreement in principle with Vicario

For much of the 2025-26 season, Inter have been linked with a move to sign Vicario from Tottenham at the end of the 2025-26 season. Current Nerazzurri goalkeeper, 37-year-old Yann Sommer, is out of contract at the end of June and is not expected to extend his stay. 

According to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter already have a basic agreement with Vicario’s camp over the length of contract and future wages, although these exact figures have not been specified in Wednesday’s report. Still, the agreement between the Inter camp and Vicario’s entourage is said to be ‘complete’. 

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur and Italy during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at City Ground on December 14, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at City Ground on December 14, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

However, Inter still have two major details to iron out before welcoming Vicario to San Siro: First up is negotiating a fee with Tottenham. 

Figures in the region of €15m-€20m have been cited by reports in the Italian press in recent weeks, and it is understood that Tottenham will be pushed to sell Vicario more urgently should they suffer relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Spurs are currently in the relegation zone, two points adrift from safety with four games of the season left to play. 

Secondly, Inter must come to a decision as to what to do with Josep Martinez, who has largely served as an understudy to the veteran Sommer over the last two seasons. 

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 19: Josep Martinez Rieira goalkeeper of FC Internazionale kicks the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Josep Martinez Rieira goalkeeper of FC Internazionale kicks the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Martinez has impressed with the limited opportunities available to him, but this is a blessing and a curse for Inter. The Nerazzurri are reportedly aware of the Spaniard’s potential, but so is he, and at 27 years old, Martinez is said to be keen on playing first-team football next season, whether that be with Inter or elsewhere.

Gazzetta: Referees were aware of Rocchi’s controversial referee selections

29 April 2026 at 23:22

The latest updates claim that the referees heard by the public prosecutor’s office in Milan were aware of the controversial nature of the selections made by suspended referee designator Gianluca Rocchi in an alleged meeting in San Siro on April 2, 2025. 

Report: Referees were aware of Rocchi’s controversial decisions

Rocchi is currently under investigation for alleged sporting fraud following suggestions that he influenced VAR decisions in certain league matches and appointed referees liked by Inter and avoided appointing those that were ‘unfavourable’ to the Nerazzurri towards the end of last season. 

Rocchi is alleged to have attended a meeting in San Siro on April 2, 2025, on the day of the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg between Milan and Inter. 

During that meeting, it is claimed that Rocchi decided to appoint referee Andrea Colombo for Inter’s Serie A match against Bologna on April 20, 2025, as Colombo was considered a ‘favourable’ referee for the Nerazzurri. 

Additionally, Rocchi is said to have appointed Daniele Doveri for the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg between Inter and Milan, which would have made him ineligible to referee the final, even though Inter did not end up qualifying anyway. Doveri is among the referees considered ‘unfavourable’ for Inter. 

Representatives from Inter have strongly denied these allegations, and several outlets inItaly report that Rocchi spoke exclusively to individuals involved in the refereeing world, and not from Inter circles. 

According to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the other referees that have been heard by the public prosecutor’s office in Milan as part of the investigation into the refereeing scandal have ‘confirmed’ that they were aware of the controversial refereeing selections made by Rocchi this time last year, and that there was a general awareness of the situation among top-level officials. 

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)
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)

Rocchi has an opportunity to report for questioning by the prosecutor’s office in Milan on Thursday, April 20, but Wednesday’s reports indicate that he has been advised against doing so by his lawyer, who claims that he does not have sufficient information to prepare an adequate defence. 

As things stand, there are five individuals under investigation, all of whom are tied to the refereeing association, and none with direct links to clubs, i.e. no players, coaches or directors.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Champions League line-ups: Calafiori could make return in Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal

29 April 2026 at 21:59

Riccardo Calafiori could be poised to make his return to action, but will start amongst the substitutes on this occasion as Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday evening. 

Calafiori back in squad for Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal

Calafiori has missed Arsenal’s last four matches across all competitions (three in the Premier League and one in the Champions League) after suffering a knock in his side’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP on April 7. 

The Italy international has missed the last three weeks of action since then, but has returned to training with the Arsenal first-team this week. 

Calafiori is included in Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad for the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final away against Atletico Madrid, but Piero Hincapie is preferred at left-back on this occasion.

Former Atalanta star Ademola Lookman is included in the Atletico Madrid starting line-up, but there is no Nico Gonzalez, currently on loan from Juventus, who is expected to miss the next three to four weeks with a muscular injury. 

Confirmed Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal line-ups

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Alvarez. 

Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Mendoza, Sorloth, Alex Baena, Almada, Lenglet, Molina, Vargas, Le Normand, Bonar, Julio Diaz.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli. 

Subs: Kepa, Setford, Mosquera, Saka, Jesus, Eze, Norgaard, Trossard, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Salmon. 

Player statistic

1st half
    44' Viktor Gyökeres
2nd half
Julián Álvarez Penalty 56'    
David Hancko Yellow card 78'    

Match statistic

52
Possession %
48
18
Total shots
11
4
Shots on target
2
8
Shots off target
4
6
Blocked shots
5
6
Corners
1
Offsides
1
7
Fouls
11
Atl. Madrid
Arsenal

Starting lineups

13
Goalkeeper
17
Defender
18
Defender
3
Defender
5
Midfielder
88'
6
Midfielder
14
Midfielder
22
Attacker
7
20
Attacker
46'
19
Attacker
77'
1
Goalkeeper
4
Defender
86'
6
5
Defender
2
Defender
41
Midfielder
8
Midfielder
58'
36
Midfielder
11
68'
20
Attacker
68'
14
Attacker
69'

Substitutes

1
Goalkeeper
15
Defender
9
11
Midfielder
32
Defender
21
Midfielder
31
Goalkeeper
34
Defender
4
Midfielder
24
Defender
46'
10
Midfielder
77'
16
Defender
88'
33
13
Goalkeeper
16
Midfielder
49
Midfielder
35
Goalkeeper
56
Midfielder
89
Defender
10
Attacker
58'
19
Attacker
68'
7
Attacker
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Como director shuts down Fabregas exit rumours despite Arsenal and Chelsea suggestions

29 April 2026 at 21:11

Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi insists that he is ‘sure’ Cesc Fabregas will continue in his role with the Champions League-chasing Serie A outfit, despite recent suggestions that the head coach is of interest to Premier League sides Chelsea and Arsenal. 

Como director insists: ‘I’m sure we will continue this journey’ with Fabregas

Fabregas is approaching the end of his second full season as a head coach. He guided the newly-promoted Como to an impressive 10th-place finish in 2024-25 and currently has the team in fifth place, three points outside the Champions League positions heading into the final four matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season. 

Unsurprisingly, Fabregas’s impressive early record as a head coach has not gone unnoticed, and there have been claims that he is of interest to two Premier League sides he used to represent as a player: Chelsea and Arsenal. 

Chelsea are on the lookout for a new head coach following the recent departure of Liam Rosenior, while Sky Sports reporter Kavek Solhekol claims that Fabregas is also a potential option for Arsenal in the long-term as a future replacement for Mikel Arteta. 

SASSUOLO, ITALY - APRIL 17: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Cesc Fabregas, what I’ve been told, there’s some kind of suggestion that long-term, the plan for him is to manage Arsenal one day. I’m not sure moving to Chelsea would be part of his career progression,” Solhekol claimed on Sky Sports’s Transfer Talk podcast.  

Como’s sporting director, however, seems confident that Fabregas will continue in his current role in Serie A for now. 

“We’re calm. We’re focused on these next few games. We’re incredibly aligned with Cesc but we can’t predict the future. However, I’m sure that we will continue this journey together,” claimed Como sporting director Ludi in an interview given on Wednesday. 

Como President Mirwan Suwarso has recently admitted that there will always be a possibility that Fabregas decides to leave the club, but also admitted that ‘you want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible’. 

COMO, ITALY - MAY 10: Como 1907 president Mirwan Suwarso during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on May 10, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
COMO, ITALY – MAY 10: Como 1907 president Mirwan Suwarso during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on May 10, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“If that makes him happy, that’s him,” Suwarso 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.”

For now, Fabregas himself insists that his sole focus is on Como’s last four matches of the Serie A season: “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.”

Atletico Madrid can no longer trigger €32m Nico Gonzalez obligation from Juventus

29 April 2026 at 19:51

Reports confirm that Nico Gonzalez has suffered a muscular injury that is likely to keep him sidelined for several weeks, which means that he can no longer reach the minimum number of appearances needed for Atletico Madrid to trigger his obligation to buy clause from Juventus. 

Confirmed: Atletico Madrid will not trigger Nico Gonzalez obligation

Nico Gonzalez has spent the 2025-26 season on loan in the Spanish capital from Juventus. At the time of the deal, the Bianconeri confirmed that Atletico had paid a loan fee of €1m with potential bonuses of up to another €1m in a deal that also included a conditional obligation to buy clause for a further €32m. 

Outlets in Italy have confirmed that the obligation to buy clause would have been triggered in the event that Nico Gonzalez played for at least 45 minutes in 60% of the LaLiga matches following his move from Juventus. 

Given that he was still a Juventus player for the first three matches of the 2025-26 season, Nico Gonzalez would have needed to play for 45 minutes or more in 21 league matches in order to hit the 60% mark. 

Nico Gonzalez has appeared in 24 LaLiga matches for Atletico this season, but only 16 of those have been for 45 minutes or longer. 

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 27: Former Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 27, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 27: Nico Gonzalez of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 27, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Now, according to the latest updates, the Argentine has suffered a muscular injury that is likely to keep him out of action for around three to four weeks. This means that with six LaLiga matches of the 2025-26 season remaining, it is impossible for Nico Gonzalez to reach the 21 appearances of 45 minutes or more needed to trigger the obligation to buy clause in his Atletico Madrid contract. 

This leaves Nico Gonzalez and Juventus in an uncertain position heading into the summer transfer window

Nico Gonzalez wearing the 2025-26 Juventus Away Kit (Juventus.com)
Nico Gonzalez wearing the 2025-26 Juventus Away Kit (Juventus.com)

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nico Gonzalez is a player that Atletico and head coach Diego Simeone like, but for several weeks, the club have felt that the €32m obligation to buy fee is slightly too high. There is still a chance that the Champions League semi-finalists decide to return to the negotiating table in an attempt to arrange a discounted fee with Juventus. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Juventus will still request a fee in the region of €30m for Nico Gonzalez’s services on a permanent transfer, though. 

The Pink Paper also reports that Juventus will need to raise just over €20m in order to avoid making a capital loss on Nico Gonzalez, and therefore they will not sell for anything less than that figure. This leaves plenty of room for negotiations between the relevant parties.

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese at Allianz Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese at Allianz Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

Selling Nico Gonzalez this summer would certainly be helpful for Juventus and their attempts to raise funds to enable a summer of spending under Luciano Spalletti, but there is also a chance that the Old Lady decide to keep hold of the Argentine for the 2026-27 campaign.  

Wednesday’s report hints that Nico Gonzalez himself is more keen on the idea of staying with Atletico Madrid next season, though. 

Report: Dybala has agreement in principle to join Boca Juniors from Roma

29 April 2026 at 18:33

Reports in Argentina claim that former Juventus and current Roma star Paulo Dybala has an ‘agreement in principle’ to join Boca Juniors at the end of the season, after four years in the Italian capital with the Giallorossi. 

From Argentina: Dybala will play for Boca Juniors after 2026 World Cup

Reports from ESPN in Argentina are confident that Dybala will be a Boca Juniors player once the end of the 2025-26 season in Europe has come to an end. 

ESPN journalist Leo Paradizo reports: “We are in a position to say that Paulo Dybala is going to play for Boca from next semester. There is an agreement in principle, there is a contract and after the World Cup, he will return to Argentine football to wear the Boca shirt.” 

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The 32-year-old, who has only been fit enough for 18 Serie A appearances and only 12 in the starting XI this season, is currently due to be out of contract with Roma on June 30, 2026. 

Reports in both Italy and Argentina claim that La Joya is ‘tempted’ to return to his homeland to play for Boca Juniors. 

Recent updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to keep Dybala on board, but if he is to sign a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico, it would have to involve a pay cut from his current €8m-per-season contract. 

BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma talks with Paulo Dybala of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma talks with Paulo Dybala of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Dybala, who has spent 14 seasons of his career in Italy, recently discussed his future in an interview with Argentine reporter Joaquin Alvarez. “It would be good, you never know,” he said. “Today, I play for Roma, I have to defend this shirt, but you never know.” 

Dybala is close personal friends with current Boca Juniors and former Roma midfielder Leonardo Paredes: “I get messages from Lea, from Cami, his wife, who has a great relationship with Oriana (Dybala’s wife), and we always talk to them. 

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 03: Leandro Paredes and Paulo Dybala of Argentina on the bench during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 03: Leandro Paredes and Paulo Dybala of Argentina on the bench during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“From the day he left (Roma), it was a very sad day for us because of the relationship we had with his family, what we shared day to day. For Oriana, too. We get together much less now, so they always press on this topic a lot.” 

Juventus willing to offer enticing long-term contract to Liverpool’s Alisson

27 April 2026 at 21:00

The latest reports claim that Juventus are willing to offer an enticing long-term contract to 33-year-old Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in an attempt to lure him back to Serie A. 

Where Juventus stand in contract negotiations with Liverpool’s Alisson

For several months, reports in Italy suggest that Juventus are targeting a move for Liverpool’s Alisson this summer. The Brazil international will be heading into the final year of his Liverpool contract this summer, and he knows Bianconeri head coach Luciano Spalletti well from their time working together at Roma. 

Juventus, meanwhile, are expected to part ways with at least one of their first-team goalkeepers this summer, which at the moment, is pointing towards Mattia Perin more so than Michele Di Gregorio. 

According to updates from Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are prepared to offer Alisson a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months, or even potentially a straight, three-year deal, which would see the goalkeeper through until the age of 36. 

LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Alisson Becker of Liverpool warms up prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (Juventus and Inter links)
LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Alisson Becker of Liverpool warms up prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Romano’s latest update claims that Alisson is ‘tempted’ by the idea of returning to Serie A and reuniting with Spalletti. 

However, Alisson is intent to not leave Liverpool on bad terms. And, whilst the club already have a replacement lined up in the form of Giorgi Mamardashvili, losing a senior player and a key figure in the dressing room like Alisson, as well as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, who will also leave Liverpool this summer, is not a particularly ideal scenario for Arne Slot.

Official: 2026-27 Serie A transfer window start and end dates confirmed

27 April 2026 at 19:10

Confirmation of the start and end dates of both the summer and winter transfer windows for the 2026-27 Serie A season has arrived, and it is now just over two months until the summer spending gets underway. 

Serie A transfer window time and dates confirmed

The summer transfer window in Serie A will open on June 29, 2026, and will slam shut on September 1, 2026 at 19.00 BST (20.00 CET). In Serie B and Serie C, the summer transfer window will open slightly later on July 1, but will close at the same time as Serie A (at 19.00 BST on September 1). 

Jonathan David signs his Juventus contract
Jonathan David signs his Juventus contract

As it was in the 2025-26 season, the winter transfer window will again open on January 2, 2027 and will close at 19.00 BST (20.00 CET) on February 1, 2027. This will be the case for Serie A, Serie B and Serie C. 

As for the amateur leagues in Italy, the summer transfer window will begin on July 1, 2026 and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The amateur leagues’ winter session will run from December 1, 2026 until December 16, 2026.

Modric requires surgery after facial injury in Milan 0-0 Juventus

27 April 2026 at 18:04

Reports in Italy confirm that former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric requires surgery after suffering a nasty head-to-head clash with Italy international during the 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus on Sunday evening. 

Modric to undergo surgery on fractured cheekbone

According to the latest updates from Sky Sport Italia, Modric suffered a fracture to his left cheekbone after challenging for a header in the air with Locatelli in the second half of Sunday night’s game in San Siro. 

Modric, who was voted Milan’s man of the match against Juventus, reported for medical examinations on Monday and the latest updates indicate that he will have surgery on his fractured cheekbone in the coming hours. 

It has not yet been confirmed either way whether Modric will be able to return for Milan for their final four matches of the Serie A season. The Rossoneri are next in action away against Sassuolo on Sunday, then at home against Atalanta on May 10, away against Genoa on May 17 and at home against Cagliari on May 24. 

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 26: Luka Modric of AC Milan is consoled by Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, as he is assisted off by medical staff after going down injured 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)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luka Modric of AC Milan is consoled by Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, as he is assisted off by medical staff after going down injured 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)

Modric is also into the final few months of his Milan contract, having signed an initial one-year deal at the beginning of the 2025-26 season, but there is an option to extend that agreement by a further 12 months. 

The 40-year-old has defied his age this season and has been a key player in Milan’s 2025-26 season. He has been in the matchday squad for all 34 of the team’s Serie A matches this season, has started in 32 of them and has only been left on the bench once.

Lazio confirm 2 absences in squad for Udinese: Probable line-ups and where to watch

27 April 2026 at 16:44

Lazio have confirmed that Mattia Zaccagni and Danilo Cataldi have not made the matchday squad for Monday evening’s Serie A match against Udinese, which means that there could be an outing for veteran Pedro at the Stadio Olimpico this evening. 

It’s a midtable battle between the ninth-placed Lazio and the 11th-placed Udinese in the capital on Monday night. Maurizio Sarri’s side are hoping to put a run together after beating Napoli 2-0 last time out in Serie A and overcoming Atalanta on penalties in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday. 

Udinese impressed with their 3-0 win away against Milan a fortnight ago, but have since slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home against Parma

The Biancocelesti are without two key first-team players in Zaccagni, who is still struggling with the after-effects of a quadriceps injury, and Cataldi, who misses out through illness. Neither have been included in the matchday squad. 

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 01: Danilo Cataldi of SS Lazio reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 01, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 01: Danilo Cataldi of SS Lazio reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 01, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Nicolo Rovella is available to Sarri again, but he is not expected to be thrown into the starting line-up on this occasion. 

Reports from Sky Sport Italia indicate that Pedro will start on Lazio’s left wing in the absence of Zaccagni, but it remains to be seen whether it will be Boulaye Dia or Daniel Maldini starting in the middle of the attack. Sarri is tipped to name a midfield three of Kenneth Taylor, Toma Basic and Patric. 

Despite their defeat against Parma last week, Udinese are not expected to make any major personnel changes against Lazio, although there are reports that Adam Buksa could come into the starting line-up. Leading goalscorer Keinan Davis is unavailable through injury. 

Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.

Where to watch Lazio vs. Udinese 

UDINE, ITALY - DECEMBER 27: Matias Vecino of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Friuli on December 27, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Matias Vecino competes for the ball with Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Friuli on December 27, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+. 

Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Lazio vs. Udinese: Probable line-ups 

Lazio (4-3-3); Motta; Lazzari, Provstgaard, Romagnoli, Tavares; BAsic, Patric, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro. 

Udinese (3-4-2-1): Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Ehizibue, Piotrowski, Atta, Kamara; Ekkelenkamp, Zaniolo; Buksa. 

Confirmed Lazio squad to face Udinese 

FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 13: Maurizio Sarri manager of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: Maurizio Sarri looks on during the Serie A match against ACF Fiorentina at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Goalkeepers: Giacomone, Motta, Pannozzo. 

Defenders: Hysaj, Lazzari, Marusic, N.Tavarez, Patric, Pellegrini, Provstgaard, Romagnoli. 

Midfielders: Basic, Belahyane, Dele-Bashiru, Przyborek, Rovella, Taylor. 

Forwards: Cancellieri, Dia, Isaksen, Maldini, Noslin, Pedro, Ratkov.

UCL race: Remaining Napoli, Milan, Juventus, Como and Roma fixtures compared

27 April 2026 at 15:55

Napoli, Milan and Juventus currently occupy the three positions behind league leaders Inter in Serie A’s Champions League zone, but Como and Roma are hoping to take the top four fight until the very end of the 2025-26 season. 

Here is a look at each side’s remaining fixtures and a look at which side has the ‘easiest’ run-in. 

As things stand, the table-topping Inter are the only Serie A side to have a Champions League place wrapped up with four league games of the season left to play. The Nerazzurri have 79 points after 34 games, which has them 18 points clear of fifth place with just four games to go. 

Below them, just eight points separates five teams hoping to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. In order, they are Napoli, Milan, Juventus, Como and Roma. The latter two are level on 61 points, just three behind Juventus in fourth place. 

With four Serie A matches of the season left to go, it is Juventus who have the ‘easiest’ run-in in terms of the average league position of their remaining opponents. With games against Hellas Verona (19th), Lecce (17th), Fiorentina (15th) and Torino (13th) left to go, the average league position of Juve’s remaining opponents comes out to a mouth-watering 16th. 

By the same metric, it is Napoli who have the ‘toughest’ remaining run of league fixtures. Their schedule includes matches against Como (5th), Bologna (8th), Pisa (20th) and Udinese (11th), which means the average league position of their remaining opponents comes out to 11th. 

Remaining Napoli, Milan, Juventus, Como and Roma fixtures compared in Champions League race

Napoli

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 24: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Cremonese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 24: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Cremonese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Current rank: 2nd

Points: 69

Remaining fixtures: Como (a), Bologna (h), Pisa (a), Udinese (h). 

Average league position of remaining opponents: 11.00

Milan 

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 06: AC Milan team pose before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: AC Milan team pose before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Current rank: 3rd

Points: 67

Remaining fixtures: Sassuolo (a), Atalanta (h), Genoa (a), Cagliari (h). 

Average league position of remaining opponents: 11.75

Juventus

TURIN, ITALY - APRIL 19: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus applauds the fans following his side's victory in the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus applauds the fans following his side’s victory in the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Current rank: 4th

Points: 64 

Remaining fixtures: Verona (h), Lecce (a), Fiorentina (h), Torino (a).

Average league position of remaining opponents: 16.00

Como

GENOA, ITALY - APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (4th from left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (4th from left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Current rank: 5th

Points: 61 

Remaining fixtures: Napoli (h), Verona (a), Parma (h), Cremonese (a). 

Average league position of remaining opponents: 12.75

Roma 

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 10: Donyell Malen with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Current rank: 6th

Points: 61 

Remaining fixtures: Fiorentina (h), Parma (a), Lazio (h), Verona (a). 

Average league position of remaining opponents: 13.75

Ex-Referee claims ‘errors have multiplied at an alarming rate’ after Rocchi investigation

27 April 2026 at 15:09

Former referee Daniele Minelli has brought further claims and provided more details regarding the latest refereeing scandal, and claims that errors have ‘multiplied at an alarming rate’ after a complaint about referee designator Gianluca Rocchi was brought forward last year. 

Serie A and Serie B referee designator Rocchi is currently under investigation for suspected participation in sporting fraud, a particularly serious charge that wasn’t even brought against referees during the infamous Calciopoli scandal. 

The matter began in May 2025 when former assistant referee Domenico Rocca sent a letter of complaint to the Italian referees’ association (AIA) regarding designator Rocchi. 

ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 05: AIA Referee Designator Gianluca Rocchi attends the FIGC Unveiling of the new Sports Justice Code at Foro Italico on December 5, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

FIGC prosecutor Giuseppe Chine has confirmed that the matter was investigated and later closed last year, but this is now being investigated by the public prosecutor’s office in Milan due to potential criminal relevance. 

The investigation centres around an incident that occurred during the Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025. During that game, there was a review for a potential penalty, which VAR official Daniele Paterna appeared inclined to rule out, however, footage shows that Paterna looked back, appeared to be talking to somebody behind him, was seen asking ‘is it a penalty?’, and this has led to claims that VAR decisions were being influenced by external figures. 

Reports in Italy claim that various other incidents have been brought under review, including referee Daniele Doveri being removed from certain Inter matches at the end of the 2024-25 season, as he was not considered a ‘favourable’ choice for the Nerazzurri. 

MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 11: Match referee, Daniele Doveri shows Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, (not pictured) a red card during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Match referee, Daniele Doveri shows Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, (not pictured) a red card during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Minelli provides further details and allegations in refereeing scandal 

Speaking to news agency AGI (via La Gazzetta dello Sport), former ref Minelli, who spent most of his officiating career in Serie B with a handful of outings in the top flight, claims that interference in the VAR room was a well-known thing among officials. 

He also says that refs whose errors were corrected by VAR would receive a higher rating, and would therefore be more likely to appear in big matches, while those who didn’t have their mistakes corrected would drop lower down the referees’ ranking, and in some cases, might not even be paid. 

“The knocks (on the glass) of the VAR room? People were talking about it and it was well known that the protocol didn’t allow it,” Minelli said.  

LIVORNO, ITALY - JULY 31: Daniele Minelli referee during the serie B match between AS Livorno and FC Empoli at Armando Picchi Stadium on July 31, 2020 in Livorno, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images for Lega Serie B)
LIVORNO, ITALY – JULY 31: Daniele Minelli referee during the serie B match between AS Livorno and FC Empoli at Armando Picchi Stadium on July 31, 2020 in Livorno, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images for Lega Serie B)

“In the case of Udinese vs. Parma, it’s clear that if the VAR official gave a (penalty), it would affect their rating and consequently, the internal ranking that determines whether referees stay or go home, and thus, whether they receive their attendance fee or not. There could also be repercussions for the clubs in the league table.” 

Minelli claims that referee designator Rocchi and his assistants affected certain calls in the VAR room, but adds that these incidents have significantly reduced after the complaint was made by Rocca last year, and as a result, mistakes by referees have increased. 

“Ever since Rocchi and his assistants stopped turning up in Lissone, because the federation required that the federal prosecutor be present in the VAR room after Rocca’s complaint, refereeing errors have multiplied at an alarming rate. I don’t know if that’s the reason, but I’ve never seen as many as this year.

“If mistakes were corrected in some cases but not in others, it’s clear that this has skewed the referees’ rankings, because those whose mistakes were corrected received a positive rating, while those who weren’t received a negative one. You only need to watch the footage from the VAR room from recent years: You can hear the suggestions being made.” 

Rocchi’s lawyer points out flaw in investigation into latest refereeing scandal

26 April 2026 at 20:10

The lawyer representing Gianluca Rocchi, who is under investigation for sporting fraud, has pointed to a potential flaw in the proceedings taken against the refereeing designator: ‘I’ve never seen an indictment that doesn’t specify who the other subject is’. 

What Rocchi’s lawyer says about sporting fraud allegations

Referee designator Rocchi is under investigation by the public prosecutor’s office in Milan for alleged sporting fraud, a serious charge that was not even brought up during the infamous Calciopoli scandal. 

He is said to have influenced VAR protocols during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025 by banging on the window of the VAR booth and recommending that the officials call for an on-field review for a penalty. There have also been claims that Rocchi sought to remove referee Daniele Doveri from certain Inter matches towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign, as Doveri was not considered a ‘favourable’ referee for the Nerazzurri. 

Rocchi has since stepped down from his position as referee designator pending the results of the ongoing investigation by the prosecutor’s office in Milan. 

The referee designator will be heard by the Milan prosecutor’s office on April 30. Representing him is lawyer Antonio D’Avirro, who believes that there is a fundamental flaw with the investigation involving his client. 

ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 05: AIA Referee Designator Gianluca Rocchi attends the FIGC Unveiling of the new Sports Justice Code at Foro Italico on December 5, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

D’Avirro claims that the investigation focuses on an ‘agreement’ between multiple parties, but that Rocchi is the only individual currently being investigated, which he argues cannot be the case. 

“These are disputes I can’t understand, because the concurrence of several people was reported, but these other people have not been identified. I have never seen that the other subject of an alleged agreement is not brought forward in cases of sporting fraud,” said Rocchi’s lawyer. 

“We’re evaluating. We don’t know who these other people are, it’s not been indicated.” 

There have also been suggestions that Rocchi made arrangements regarding the removal of specific referees from certain Inter matches while he was at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza last season, which his lawyer outright denies. 

“Rocchi visited all the stadiums and whatever the case, the prosecutor’s office must indicate who these other people are. I have done a lot of trials involving sporting fraud but I have never seen an indictment that doesn’t specify who the other subject is.” 

Serie A President reacts to latest refereeing scandal: ‘Hasty conclusions out of place’

26 April 2026 at 19:44

Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has had his say on the latest refereeing scandal that has emerged in Italy, but says that he is unable to go into any major details, as is his duty. 

Serie A chief responds to Rocchi refereeing controversy

On Saturday, news broke that referee designator Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation after a complaint was raised by former assistant referee Domenico Rocca back in May 2025. The complaint was originally archived, but has since been dug up and is being investigated by the public prosecutor’s office in Milan. 

Rocchi reportedly received notice of an investigation on Friday (April 24) for his alleged involvement in sporting fraud, a particularly serious accusation that was not even brought up during Serie A’s infamous Calciopoli scandal. 

Reports in Italy claim that Rocchi interfered with the VAR process during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025 by banging on the window of the VAR booth and recommending an on-field review for a penalty during the game. There have also been claims that Rocchi sought to take referee Daniele Doveri off Inter’s most important matches towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign, with suggestions that Doveri was not a ‘favourable’ referee for the Nerazzurri. 

ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 05: AIA Referee Designator Gianluca Rocchi attends the FIGC Unveiling of the new Sports Justice Code at Foro Italico on December 5, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Simonelli has since had an opportunity to comment on the matter, but says that he is unable to go into any real depth until the investigations have drawn to a conclusion. 

“Following on from what I’ve read in the media, I would like to remind you that, as in any other situation, these are accusations by the investigators and it is everybody’s duty to consider them as such,” said Simonelli (via Corriere dello Sport). 

“Hasty judgements or conclusions of any kind are out of place while dutifully waiting for the investigations to complete their journey to the truth. None of us know any detail of the affair, and as custodians, that is our exact duty until the final judgement.” 

 

Serie A | Genoa 0-2 Como: Fabregas catches Roma and puts pressure on Juventus

26 April 2026 at 18:58

Goals from Tasos Douvikas and Assane Diao helped Como to a 2-0 victory away against Genoa in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, which draws Cesc Fabregas’s side level on points with Roma and just two behind Juventus in the Champions League positions with four games of the season remaining. 

Genoa had recorded two consecutive 2-1 victories in Serie A in the fortnight building up to Sunday’s clash against Como. Cesc Fabregas’s side have had an impressive 2025-26 season, but their results tanked in April and they had been without a win in over a month before facing Genoa.

GENOA, ITALY - APRIL 26: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (left), chats with Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como, prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (left), chats with Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como, prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Despite their recent victories, Daniele De Rossi made four alterations to his starting line-up, while Fabregas made two following his side’s midweek Coppa Italia semi-final defeat against Inter. 

Click here to read more about how the teams lined up.

It took less than 10 minutes for Como to find the opener. It was a wonderful, floated cross in from the left half space from Lucas Da Cunha, which Douvikas met with a trademark centre-forward’s header on the edge of the six-yard box. This was the Greece international’s 12th Serie A goal of the season and his 15th across all competitions. 

GENOA, ITALY - APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (center) scores a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (center) scores a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Nico Paz tried his luck from the edge of the area after a neat piece of fancy footwork 22 minutes in, but dragged his shot just wide of the upright. 

Como goalkeeper Jean Butez had his heart in his mouth when he played an outball right into the legs of Genoa’s Vitinha, but the opposition striker was in a bit of a mess himself and slipped over in the area with the goal gaping wide open. A relieved Butez quickly regathered the ball.

There was a nasty clash of heads between Nico Paz and Alessandro Marcandalli following a Como corner. While both continued initially, Paz was later withdrawn at half-time with suggestions that he was struggling to see properly. Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow was also forced off with an injury at the interval and was replaced by Nicola Leali. 

GENOA, ITALY - APRIL 26: Nicolas Paz of Como (left) gets checked after suffering an injury during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Nicolas Paz of Como (left) gets checked after suffering an injury during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Genoa started the second half encouragingly, but in spite of their pressure, it was Como who claimed the second goal of the game two thirds of the way through. Maxence Caqueret instinctively flung a leg at Martin Baturina’s cross from the left flank, which inadvertently steered the ball perfectly into the path of Diao to head home at the back post. 

This meant that Como had scored twice with their first two shots on target. 

Second-half substitute Alvaro Morata should have scored his first Serie A goal of the season when he received the cut-back from Caqueret, but despite having plenty of the goal to aim out, he shot down the middle and replacement stopper Leali got down to make the save. 

Today’s results sees Como back level on points with Roma, but sitting just above the Giallorossi in fifth place. They are now just two points behind fourth-placed Juventus ahead of the Old Lady’s upcoming test against Milan on Sunday night. 

Join us for coverage of Torino vs. Inter at 17.00 BST and Milan vs. Juventus at 20.00 BST on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Genoa 0-2 Como 

Douvikas 10 (C), Diao 68 (C)

GENOA, ITALY - APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (4th from left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (4th from left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

26-04-2026 14:00
MatchDay 34

Player statistic

1st half
    10' Anastasios Douvikas
(Assist: Lucas Da Cunha)
    37' Diego Carlos
    39' Assane Diao
2nd half
    68' Goal Assane Diao
(Assist: Maxence Caqueret)
Junior Messias 90+3'    
    90+3' Yellow card Marc-Oliver Kempf

Match statistic

50
Possession %
50
9
Total shots
8
1
Shots on target
2
5
Shots off target
4
3
Blocked shots
2
2
Corners
3
3
Offsides
3
12
Fouls
15

Genoa
Como

Starting lineups

16
Goalkeeper
46'
22
Defender
5
Defender
34
Defender
57'
20
Defender
81'
4
Midfielder
70'
32
Midfielder
21
Attacker
70'
9
Attacker
1
Goalkeeper
3
Defender
34
Defender
57'
28
Defender
14
Defender
20
Midfielder
90'
23
Midfielder
10
Midfielder
46'
11
81'
38
Attacker
81'
33
Attacker

Substitutes

39
Goalkeeper
14
Midfielder
73
Midfielder
3
Defender
13
74
Defender
80
Midfielder
99
Defender
78
Attacker
1
Goalkeeper
46'
10
Attacker
57'
17
Midfielder
70'
29
Attacker
70'
70
Attacker
81'
5
22
Goalkeeper
44
Goalkeeper
18
Defender
17
Attacker
21
Goalkeeper
Midfielder
6
Midfielder
46'
2
57'
7
Attacker
81'
77
81'
19
Attacker
90'

 

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