Max Allegri is trying to revitalise his Milan side against Sassuolo by testing Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leao upfront, dropping misfiring Christian Pulisic.
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)
With this in mind, Sky Sport Italia report that Allegri dropped the USMNT forward and tested out a new front pairing of Leao and Nkunku.
This would allow him to maintain the 3-5-2 formation, with using strikers who have different characteristics and might work better together.
The centre-forward was a January signing on loan from Aston Villa at a cost of €2m for the six-month spell, with an option to make it permanent for a further €25m.
Even the most wildly optimistic supporter could not have imagined the impact that he would have at the Stadio Olimpico.
Amazing Malen impact at Roma
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
In just 16 appearances for the Giallorossi between Serie A and the Europa League, Malen has scored 12 goals plus two assists.
Incredibly, he is their top scorer both in Serie A and in all competition this season, despite not joining the squad until mid-January.
Of those 12 goals, 11 came in just 14 Serie A games, netting on his debut against Torino on January 18, just two days after completing the transfer.
It also gives the 27-year-old the opportunity to focus on bringing this kind of confidence and form to the Dutch team at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Milan director of sport Igli Tare insists ‘it is our duty to have the Scudetto as an objective,’ while it is ‘easier’ to convince players like Luka Modric to join the Rossoneri rather than Lazio.
The former striker had gone into management at Lazio straight after retirement, but following a sabbatical year, he took the Rossoneri job last summer.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“With the name Milan, it’s easier to convince players to join compared to when I was at Lazio, both for the history of the club, and the financial capability.”
Among the players who were drawn to the history of the San Siro giants was Modric, who never disguised growing up supporting the Serie A side.
“I knew that Modric was a Milan fan when he was a kid, so when we met and talked about the project, I saw he really knew a lot about the club. He had other offers, but wanted to make his dream come true of playing for Milan.”
ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Croatian is out for the rest of the season after surgery on a fractured cheekbone, but with a contract that expires on June 30, his future is up in the air.
“I think he will choose with his heart and remain at Milan.”
They are on track for a third place finish and Champions League qualification in the first season under coach Max Allegri.
“I have a very good rapport with him,” continued Tare.
“We met at the start of the season, then didn’t have a lot of time to get to know each other better, but after the transfer window shut we managed to have some dinners together. He is a very intelligent person who knows how to handle certain dressing room situations.
“Milan chose Allegri for his history and the bond he already had with this club, his experience, and above all the ability to handle and important club like this.”
ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri had also been in the running for the Scudetto, but ultimately crumbled as Inter took control of the campaign, despite losing both editions of the Derby della Madonnina.
“We have good players, but unfortunately there are seasons with difficulties, and many of our strikers had injuries which didn’t allow them to train consistently,” added Tare.
“It is not just me that has the title in mind, but the club that always wants to always be competitive. Having the Scudetto in our minds as an objective is our duty.”
Having already tried to sign Curtis Jones in January, it is now reported in Italy that Inter will try again for the Liverpool midfielder, who remains eager.
The Nerazzurri had identified Jones as the ideal replacement in the January transfer window when Italy international Davide Frattesi appeared to be on his way to Nottingham Forest.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Curtis Jones of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The 25-year-old’s current contract runs to June 2027, and the situation has still not been resolved, but it means now Inter could make a proposal to buy him outright at a much lower fee.
Frattesi again seems to be on his way out after struggling to get regular playing time under Cristian Chivu, a continuation of the problems he had with previous coach Simone Inzaghi.
Jones is a product of the Liverpool youth academy who spent his entire career with the Reds, this season contributing two goals and three assists in 45 competitive appearances.
Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi sent out a warning to Tottenham Hotspur players and fans as they battle relegation from the Premier League. ‘Losers cry and think negative.’
The former Benevento, Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, Brighton and Olympique Marseille tactician took over from Igor Tudor as the third coach of a seemingly cursed campaign at Spurs on March 31.
He has overseen a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, 2-2 draw against his old club Brighton, and 1-0 victory away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
“I heard, ‘It is impossible’. We are crying, everyone, ‘We are relegated.’ Not yet,” noted the Italian.
“We have to die on the pitch and to die on the pitch we have to lose the game. Before losing the game, we have to play and we have to fight.
“We have two points less than West Ham and they have to play a difficult game as well. It is not the best moment for us. It is a tough and difficult moment.
“But the losers cry, the losers think negative. I don’t want people close to me to be crying or think in a different way from me.”
"The losers cry, the losers think negative."
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi says his players have to "die on the pitch" and stay emotionally positive in their battle against relegation. pic.twitter.com/S3d8fi4dEI
It has been said for decades that Tottenham have a sense of negativity about them, which can see the club under various different managers and players manage to fumble successful situations.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Richarlison after the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“The most important challenge now is to silence the voice inside of us. Inside of the players, the staff and the fans,” continued the Italian.
“This voice produces negative thoughts and it says we are unlucky, we have too many injuries, we lost Xavi Simons, he was in the last two games one of our best and most important players.
“Our medical staff not good enough, the pitch of the stadium and the training ground is not good, it is impossible winning two or three games in a row because we have not won too many games in 2026.
“I think these are all negative things and it’s rubbish because I want to keep my focus on ourselves and the quality of my players.”
Venezia are back in Serie A after securing promotion with one round to go, having been relegated to Serie B in 2025, while Frosinone break away from Monza for that second spot.
The top two are automatically promoted to Serie A, along with a third team that will have to be decided through the play-offs.
Venezia back in Serie A
VENICE, ITALY – APRIL 12: Supporters of Venezia in action prior the Serie A match between Venezia and Monza at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on April 12, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Venezia fumbled a 2-0 lead and drew 2-2 away to troubled Spezia, but that was enough to guarantee their ascension to the top flight, just one year on from their relegation.
Since their most recent bankruptcy in 2015, the Lagunari have played in Serie A for the 2021-22 and 2024-25 season, both times going straight back down.
It is the fourth time coach Giovanni Stroppa has secured promotion.
LA SPEZIA, ITALY – JUNE 1: Giovanni Stroppa manager of US Cremonese celebrates their victory after the Serie B match between Spezia Calcio and US Cremonese Serie B Play-off Final at Stadio Alberto Picco on June 1, 2025 in La Spezia, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Frosinone and Monza had been neck and neck for the second automatic promotion spot, but today the former won 1-0 away to Juve Stabia, while the latter were defeated 3-2 at Mantova in another thriller.
This opened up a three-point gap going into the final round of the regular season, to see who goes up directly, and who enters the promotion play-offs.
It means Frosinone need only a point next week to be sure of promotion.
At the foot of the table, Reggiana are mathematically relegated to Lega Pro, with Spezia and Pescara locked together on 34 points, three adrift of Bari.
Pescara are in deep trouble after Flavio Rossi’s penalty was saved in their last-gasp 1-0 defeat away to Padova, but it’s not clear why Lorenzo Insigne didn’t step up instead.
Bari and Virtus Entella are currently in the relegation play-out places, but Empoli and Sudtirol are within reach too.
Inter are planning their Scudetto celebration parade through the streets of Milan and hoping for a Double party, while the players and staff will get a total €6m in bonuses.
The Nerazzurri could even already be guaranteed the Serie A title before setting foot on the pitch against Parma on Sunday, if Napoli lose to Como and Milan fail to beat Sassuolo first.
In any case, victory over Parma would be enough to secure the crown with three rounds to spare.
Inter ready for Scudetto celebration
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates after during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This would be the club’s 21st title in 108 years and an open-top bus parade through the city is planned for next week.
It would be after the penultimate match of the season, when hosting Hellas Verona at San Siro on May 17.
Inter Milan’s fans cheer as their team’s bus arrives at San Siro Stadium prior to the Italian Serie A football match AC Milan vs Inter Milan in Milan, Italy on April 22, 2024 (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP) (Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images)
The date is not a coincidence, as Inter hope that they will by then be able to put on a party for the Double, as they face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final on May 13.
It’d allow them to show off both trophies from the top of an open-top bus, having ended last season empty-handed.
According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, there are also several contract clauses promising bonuses for the players, coach Cristian Chivu, and his staff.
The total figures would come close to €6m shared out between all of them.
The Week 35 Serie A fixture is due to kick off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
Coach Luciano Spalletti is hoping to consolidate fourth place and lock down that Champions League qualification against a team that is practically already relegated.
Juventus team news for Verona
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)
Yildiz has been struggling with a recurring tendon issue and largely been making appearances off the bench in recent weeks.
Vlahovic also worked with the rest of the squad and ought to be given more playing time, but Spalletti needs to be more careful with the Serbian.
The striker was out for many months with a serious thigh strain and then suffered a calf twinge during the warm-up for a substitute appearance last month.
Jonathan David is expected to again start upfront, with support from Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao, with only Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik injured.
This is situated between Lucca and Pisa, with over 800 hectares already gone up in smoke, and the village of Asciano completely evacuated.
Pisa vs. Lecce threatened by wildfire
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Pisa SC coach Oscar Hiljemark looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The concern is that plumes of dark smoke are wafting over the whole region, potentially affecting visibility and breathable air in the vicinity of the stadium.
It is reported the situation is being constantly monitored, and at the moment the Serie A match is going ahead as planned.
Something as simple as the direction of the wind changing could radically alter the situation, sending the smoke and flames directly towards the stadium.
The closure of roads could also affect fans who are hoping to make their way to the arena.
The Nerazzurri are trying to revamp their defence for next season, as Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij are expected to move on, with Alessandro Bastoni and Carlos Augusto also said to be considering their future.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Nathan Ake of Manchester City celebrates with the Carabao Cup trophy after the team’s victory in the Carabao Cup Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
His contract with Manchester City only runs to June 2027, so it would make sense for the Premier League club to make a sale this summer and avoid losing him on a free transfer.
The Netherlands international is already 31 years of age, and has been linked with Bayer Leverkusen and Besiktas in recent months, but would bring valuable experience to the Inter defence.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 31: Nathan Ake of Netherlands stands for the national anthem prior to the international friendly match between Netherlands and Ecuador at Philips Stadion on March 31, 2026 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Manchester City paid €45m to sign Aké from Bournemouth in 2020 and his previous clubs include Chelsea, Watford, Reading and the Feyenoord youth academy.
There had been similar concerns over Akanji leaving Manchester City for Inter last summer, but on the verge of his 31st birthday, the Switzerland international has been a strong performer.
Reports suggest Inter club referee manager Giorgio Schenone is the man who designator Gianluca Rocchi mentioned when assigning officials more favoured by the team in April 2025.
Serie A and B refereeing designator Rocchi was one of five individuals from the AIA (Italian Association of Referees) under investigation with the most serious accusation being sporting fraud.
The investigators claimed that Rocchi had in April 2025 colluded with someone to remove Daniele Doveri from Inter’s big games in the closing stages of the season, because the club did not favour his presence, and instead picked Andrea Colombo.
Why Inter club referee manager is important
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Inter, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It was until now not clear who he was meant to have colluded with or why he believed Inter did not want Doveri, seeing as nobody from the club was under investigation.
According to Repubblica newspaper, the figure has now been identified as Inter’s club referee manager Schenone, who was an assistant referee from 2009 to 2020, then after retirement began working with the Nerazzurri.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Referee Daniele Doveri at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He was mentioned during Rocchi’s telephone call which was wiretapped during the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final between Inter and Milan at San Siro on April 2, 2025.
It was during this call that Rocchi reportedly mentioned who Inter would prefer not be assigned to their games.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Although mentioned in this phone call by Rocchi, the call itself was apparently not directly with Schenone, and he is not as of now under formal investigation.
The job of the club referee manager is to co-ordinate with the referees for each home game, accompany them to the locker rooms, ensure all their needs are met.
They also speak to the players before matches, outlining the style of officiating they are likely to get, explaining the changes to the interpretation of certain rules.
It is not unusual for these figures to also discuss previous refereeing performances and decisions with the AIA.
It is no secret that the Rossoneri are in dire need of a new centre-forward, as Santiago Gimenez and Niclas Fullkrug are often left on the bench while Rafael Leao is pushed into a role that doesn’t suit him.
Max Allegri had a three-hour meeting with Milan directors this evening to discuss their transfer strategy for next season and that includes finding a hitman.
Gabriel Jesus back on Milan radar
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring the opening 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)
The 29-year-old is only under contract with Arsenal until June 2027, so considering he was purchased for €52m from Manchester City in 2022, it is their last chance to sell.
Gabriel Jesus made only 25 competitive appearances this season, scoring five goals with two assists.
Curiously, two of those goals were in the Champions League against Milan’s bitter rivals Inter.
He had a lengthy lay-off after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in January 2025, which kept him out for the best part of a whole year.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Duvan Zapata of Torino celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 08, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Scotland international striker Adams has suffered a hamstring strain in his right leg.
Duvan Zapata sustained a muscular issue with the adductor in the left thigh.
As for defender Ismajli, his problem is with the femoral bicep in the right leg.
Marcus Pedersen was out of the side that drew with Inter and remains in doubt for this weekend too.
Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli warns politicians can ‘continue turning the other way, or turn this deep crisis into an opportunity to revitalise’ football in Italy.
The Nazionale failed to qualify for three consecutive editions of the World Cup, and have no clubs in the semi-finals of the UEFA tournaments this season.
With the search on for a new FIGC President and reforms proposed, Lega Serie A President Simonelli presented the case to the Commission for Culture.
Serie A pushing for new stadiums
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead of 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)
“If we are here today, it is not just because we missed two penalties in the shoot-out with Bosnia, and we must work hard to bring Italian football back to the glories of the past,” said Simonelli.
“The analysis of the state of our football cannot help but start from the fact that, for the top five European leagues, TV rights money has stagnated, but the revenue from stadiums has climbed significantly.
“Our Serie A stadiums are the oldest in Europe, and comparing the revenue of the new Bernabeu with the current San Siro, which is today the best performing Italian stadium when it comes to income, it’s a gap of 350 per cent. Real Madrid’s new stadium brings in €250m compared to San Siro’s €70m.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
It is no secret where the problems lie there, as clubs have battled for decades to get new stadiums built, only for Inter, Milan, Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Fiorentina, Cagliari and Venezia to run into endless red tape.
Of those who did manage to get stadiums revamped, such as Juventus, Atalanta and Udinese, it was by reconstructing existing arenas.
With EURO 2032 coming up and Italy co-hosting with Turkiye, it’s going to be a race against time to get five stadiums ready for the competition.
“Politics can continue to turn the other way, trying to impose even more restrictive and penalising rules, even thinking of putting the Federation under receivership,” continued Simonelli.
“Or it could turn this deep crisis into an opportunity to revitalise football in Italy. I believe we can emerge from this crisis only if politics and Serie A are able to sit on the same side of the table and work together, without political differences or reciprocal prejudice preventing us from doing what is best for Italian football.
“I have too much respect for Italian politicians to believe they are not interested in giving their contribution to Italy’s favourite sport.”
Como coach Cesc Fabregas will reunite with Antonio Conte when facing Napoli this weekend and reveals ‘nobody made me suffer more’ in training than the then-Chelsea manager.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte (L) greets player Cesc Fabregas (R) at the end of the English Premier League soccer match Chelsea vs Swansea at Stamford Bridge, London, Britain, 25 February 2017. EPA/WILL OLIVER EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications
“He made me suffer so much on a purely physical level, he was always demanding pace, intensity, go at full speed, nobody made me suffer more. I want that too from my team, perhaps in a slightly different way, some with or without the ball.
“It is true that after four or five months of adapting to his methods, by December I was flying. I felt physically incredible. Once I got used to his way of doing things, his mentality, I really believed in what he was doing.”
Fabregas made 86 competitive appearances under Conte at Chelsea from 2016 to 2018, scoring 10 goals and providing 22 assists.
Now on the verge of his 39th birthday, the Spanish former midfielder is proving himself as a coach at Como in Serie A and challenging for a top four finish.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists Iran ‘will be participating’ in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, ruling out the possibility of an Italy recall.
There have been some significant doubts on whether Iran would or even could take part in the competition this summer, considering they are currently embroiled in a war with the USA and Israel.
Making things even more complicated is that Iran were drawn in a group where their matches will be in the United States of America.
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 15: FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the Semafor World Economy 2026 summit on April 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. The summit brings together business leaders and tech CEOs for discussions on economy, artificial intelligence and business trends. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.”
If Iran had withdrawn or been excluded from the tournament, then FIFA would need to find a replacement, and Italy were well placed as the highest ranking nation to fail the qualifying process.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Former President Massimo Moratti insists the current investigation into referees for sporting fraud are ‘ridiculous compared to Calciopoli,’ and that ‘Inter have never been helped’ by officials.
Another four members of the refereeing world are also under investigation, but Moratti was President of Inter in 2006 and insists the club is clean.
Moratti trusts Inter never helped by officials
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 13: Massimo Moratti attends the presentation of Ivan Zazzaroni’s new book ‘Diventare Mourinho’ at the Rizzoli bookshop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on October 13, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vincenzo Lombardo/Getty Images)
“I didn’t follow the matter too closely, but it seems more like a small battle between referees than anything to do with clubs. I don’t see comparisons with Calciopoli,” Moratti told Napoli Network.
“I had fear and respect of the referees then, because they could decide the fate of my team, especially considering we had Juventus on the other side. I still imagined this was a difficult profession, and consequently I didn’t speak to them.
“I read interviews with De Santis and Luciano Moggi, who were found guilty in Calciopoli, and it’s incredible that people are asking for their opinion on the matter.
“What is happening now is ridiculous compared to that.”
Several clubs were caught up in the Calciopoli scandal for communication and pressure on the refereeing designators to assign certain officials or avoid others, but at no point was sporting fraud one of the charges.
FC Internazionale Milano new president Milano Erick Thohir and honorary president Massimo Moratti (R) attend a press conference after the FC Internazionale Milano shareholders’ meeting on November 15, 2013 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Moratti, who saw Inter handed the 2005-06 Scudetto because all the clubs ahead of them in the table had been docked points in the scandal, maintains their absolute innocence both then and now.
“Seeing the games, I don’t see anything unbalanced. Inter never had help, not when they won and not when they lost. Refereeing errors can happen, and often they are serious errors, but these things have always happened.”
Mario Gila’s agent has denied agreeing terms with Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid, Napoli or any other club. ‘If someone wants him, they have to talk to Lazio.’
The central defender has been very impressive over the last few seasons, and seeing as his contract at the Stadio Olimpico only runs to June 2027, a sale would have to be made this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Mario Gila of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“Mario still has a year left on his contract with Lazio,” was his reply.
“I can say that, with all due respect for everyone’s work, none of what I’ve read is true. Milan are a very important club and I am really pleased that one of my players is linked with one of the most important clubs in the world.
“It makes me proud, but I must respect Lazio in this fundamental moment of the season. Lazio are going into a Coppa Italia Final against Inter, that is a trophy up for grabs.
“So I am not talking to Milan, with Juve, or with any other club. If someone wants Gila, then they have to talk to Lazio, who own his contract. I am only the player’s agent.”
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Mario Gila of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Roberto Piccoli of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on January 07, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
It has been suggested that Gila would particularly favour Milan if it means getting to work with coach Max Allegri.
“Allegri is one of the best coaches in the world, we all know how good he is, but the most important figure right now is Maurizio Sarri, because he is his coach at Lazio,” added Camano.
“We consider Sarri one of the best in the world, because he is at Lazio.”
It is not just Milan and Juve who have been keeping a close eye on Gila, but also Real Madrid, Napoli and Inter, with a suggested price-tag of €25m.
“I repeat, I respect everyone here, but Gila is a Lazio player. Mario has a contract to 2027, the Coppa Italia Final is coming up, he is proud to play for Lazio and right now that is all we want to talk about.”
Paulo Dybala’s mother-in-law reveals a special promise that the striker made which could take him to Boca Juniors this summer, even if ‘Roma would be his first choice.’
La Joya will be a free agent on July 1 unless Roma offer him a new contract, and at the moment it seems increasingly unlikely they will be able to reach an agreement.
Now his mother-in-law Catherine Fulop gives extra insight into why this has to be the logical step in his career.
Dybala’s father had Boca Juniors dream
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“He loves Roma, he loves the team, and I also think Roma love him very much too. That would be his first choice, staying there,” she told Urbana Play via TyC Sports.
“Paulo made a promise to his father that one day he would wear the Boca Juniors jersey, that would be a dream instilled in him by his Dad, and he wants to fulfil that dream.”
Dybala and his wife Oriana became parents recently to daughter Gia, so moving back to Argentina to be closer to family would be another strong motive.
“I’m happy if they are coming to Buenos Aires, of course.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma acknowledges the fans after the teams defeat in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
However, there is one big problem with her son-in-law wearing the Boca Juniors jersey, namely that her husband and Oriana’s father is a fan of their bitter rivals River Plate.
“Yes, that’s bad. Ova doesn’t miss a single River match…”
Now 32, La Joya left Argentina very young for Palermo in 2012, then moved to Juventus in 2015 and Roma as a free agent in 2022.
The only club he ever represented in his homeland was Instituto Atletico Central Cordoba.
Following the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Gabriele Gravina tended his resignation as President of the Italian Football Federation, setting up an election on June 22 to find his replacement.
It seems to be a two-horse race between Malagò and Giancarlo Abete, with the former receiving the public backing of the Lega Serie A, then today the Players’ Association (AIC) and Coaches’ Association (AIAC).
However, the former CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) chief has not yet even confirmed he will stand for the election.
Malagò still undecided on FIGC role
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 05: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, looks on during the Paralympic Games Opening Press Conference ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“I thank them for the faith show in me, which adds further responsibility in evaluating my candidacy, so I intend to make a final decision by the end of next week, with respect for the Serie B and C assemblies.”
Not all the votes are equal in this election, because the Lega Serie A has 18 per cent of the vote, Serie B 6 per cent, Lega Pro 12 per cent, the amateur league LND 34 per cent, Players Association 20 per cent and Coaches Association 10 per cent.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Giancarlo Abete Former President of FIGC arrives at Gran Galà Del Calcio AlC 2025 on December 01, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sara Cavallini/Getty Images)
Malagò therefore now has 47 per cent of the vote locked down, but Abete is the current President of the LND and therefore has their 34 per cent already behind him.
Igli Tare says that signing on as Milan director of sport was ‘one of the best days of my life,’ and insists he has a bracingly honest rapport with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He sat down with DAZN Italia for an interview with Giorgia Rossi that will air from Friday, but the channel released a few snippets to the media in advance.
Tare committed to Milan project
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The time when I sealed the agreement with Milan was one of the best days of my life,” said Tare.
He also discussed the reportedly fractious rapport with club special advisor Ibrahimovic.
“We are both from the Balkans, we say things to people’s faces.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It looks as if Max Allegri’s side is on track to qualify for the Champions League, a significant improvement from last season’s failure to get into any European competition.
“In order to be worthy of Milan, we must get back to winning. You have to leave your mark here,” warned Tare.
The director also has faith that Rafael Leao will eventually manage to prove himself after years of inconsistency.
“He has incredible potential. As Luka Modric says, even he doesn’t realise just how much he can give.”
Fiorentina announced that Moise Kean will not be available for the match against Roma on Monday, as he is dealing with a family matter, leaving them with no strikers.
The game kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday May 4 at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The Viola have not yet mathematically guaranteed their Serie A safety, but go into this big match with an injury crisis.
Fiorentina still missing Kean
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Artemio Franchi on February 7, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Nonetheless, his absence was confirmed by a statement from the club noting that Kean will be given time away from May 1 to May 4 so he can deal with a family matter.
He will return to Florence and the Viola Park training ground to continue treatment on the morning of May 5.
It’s a particular problem, as Roberto Piccoli sustained an adductor strain during the game with Sassuolo, and remains a major doubt.
Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi are only partially taking part in training, while Niccolò Fortini and long-term absentee Tariq Lamptey should miss out.
Fiorentina could therefore end up using Albert Gudmundsson as a False 9.
Giovanni Malagò moved a step closer to becoming the new FIGC President after both the Coaches’ Association and Players’ Association backed his candidacy.
Following Gabriele Gravina’s resignation, there will be an election on June 22 to decide who takes over as the new chief of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
After the Lega Serie A backed Malagò, today both the Italian Players’ Association (AIC) and Italian Association of Coaches (AIAC) gave their support to the same candidate.
Malagò closer to FIGC role
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: CONI President Giovanni Malago’ attends the Italian Olympic Commitee ‘Collari d’Oro’ Awards ceremony on December 15, 2015 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“The players and coaches have expressed a shared vision, identifying Giovanni Malagò as the person capable of responding to the many challenges of the present and above all the future,” read a statement to news agency ANSA.
“During meetings over the last few weeks, important convergences emerged on the principle programme points like Club Italia, sustainability and reforms, women’s football, a vision of sport that building on the initial impulse presented by the Lega Serie A offers guarantees in this delicate and important season on the path we should take.”
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 05: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, looks on during the Paralympic Games Opening Press Conference ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
It seems to be a head-to-head now between Malagò and Giancarlo Abete, but the former is now at around 47 per cent of the voting bloc.
The FIGC elections are split so Serie A has 18 per cent of the vote, Serie B 6 per cent, Lega Pro 12 per cent, the amateur league LND 34 per cent, Players Association 20 per cent and Coaches Association 10 per cent.
Malagò is the former President of the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) and most recently ran the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
Refereeing supervisor Andrea Gervasoni spoke to investigators for four hours today and insists he is ‘100 per cent sure the VAR audio for Inter-Roma was not manipulated.’
So far there are also another four figures under investigation, all from the refereeing world, and the interrogations began today in Milan.
While Rocchi refused to attend, former referee and until recently VAR supervisor Gervasoni, who suspended himself following the investigation, did sit down for a four-hour meeting.
Gervasoni answers questions in referee investigation
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: Referee Andrea Gervasoni during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on November 3, 2013 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
He and his lawyer Michele Ducci confirmed that they were specifically asked about two matches.
“We talked about Salernitana-Modena, but we clarified that Gervasoni was in a different building. He was following Serie A, not Serie B games, so he did not interfere in any way.”
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 05, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Another question was about the Inter-Roma match last season, when a penalty was not awarded to the Nerazzurri for Evan Ndicka’s shirt tug on Yann Bisseck.
“In this case too, we clarified that Gervasoni was not involved,” said his lawyer. “The footage also clarifies it. It all happens in 15 seconds, there wouldn’t even be time to intervene.
“They asked us a quick question about that and nothing more.”
The incident was shown on DAZN Italia television programme Open VAR, where the footage of the VAR is played with real time audio from the referee and those in the booth.
However, it’s reported the footage shown lasted only 37 seconds, missing 50-60 seconds from the original clip.
Gervasoni himself then spoke to the reporters about these allegations.
“I am 100 per cent sure the audio for Inter-Roma was not manipulated. But we didn’t see the clip today.”
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 17: Referee Andrea Gervasoni signals a foul during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 17, 2015 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
When it came to the supposed meeting at San Siro on April 2 where Rocchi is accused of colluding with unknown figures to make sure Daniele Doveri was not assigned to big Inter matches, Gervasoni’s lawyer distanced himself.
“That was not in the accusations and we did not talk about it, so I don’t know who was there on that April 2 meeting. We know nothing about the presumed favouritism for referees, because those were not put to us. We are not Rocchi.”
The refereeing world has been shaken in Italy by news that Rocchi is under formal investigation for sporting fraud, a move which prompted him to suspend himself as Serie A and B chief designator.
He was meant to speak to the investigators today, but along with his lawyer decided not to attend, claiming the terms of the accusation were too vague to mount a proper defence.
Rocchi denies wrongdoing
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)
“We work in only one way, so there are no big problems. I am transparent with everyone on everything,” he assured.
“I repeat, I always work exclusively in one way.”
Rocchi was asked if there ought to be more clarity on the way that the VAR system is run.
“I have always been clear, so it’s not like I have to promise something that I was already doing.”
Amongst other things, he is accused of assigning referees that Inter preferred rather than Daniele Doveri to their big games towards the end of last season, and of over-stepping the protocol by banging on the window of the VAR booth while decisions were being made.
Lazio and Udinese truly did battle in a thrilling 3-3 draw including some spectacular goals by Pedro, Kingsley Ehizibue and Luca Pellegrini, plus two in stoppages.
The Aquile were in celebratory mood after reaching the Coppa Italia Final, eliminating Atalanta on penalties with a heroic performance from goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, but the fans continued to boycott their home games.
Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi and Mario Gila joined Samuel Gigot, Ivan Provedel and Alessio Furlanetto on the treatment table in this head-to-head for a top 10 finish, but surprisingly Nicolò Rovella returned to the bench over two months after suffering a fractured clavicle. Jesper Karlstrom was suspended for Udinese after the surprise loss to Parma, with Keinan Davis, Jordan Zemura, Nicolò Bertola and Alessandro Zanoli injured.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 27: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Lazio, looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on April 27, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Idrissa Gueye went sliding in and just failed to connect with a low Hassane Kamara cross from six yards in the opening minutes, then Edoardo Motta made a tough save as Jakub Piotrowski ran onto the Nicolò Zaniolo through ball.
That move continued, and after two players collided trying to head the Oumar Solet cross at the back post, it fell kindly for Kingsley Ehizibue to smash a screamer into the roof of the net from a tricky angle.
Arthur Atta tried to add a second moments later, his shot charged down at the near post, while Patric was unlucky to see his attempt for Lazio charged down by teammate Boulaye Dia.
The Aquile equalised with practically their first chance of the game, but it was another spectacular finish. A corner was cleared to just inside the area, where Luca Pellegrini let it bounce and thumped the magnificent left-foot strike on the volley into the far top corner.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 27: Luca Pellegrini of SS Lazio scores a first goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on April 27, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp went off with an ankle injury, while Tijjani Noslin grazed the crossbar with his strike on the Pellegrini assist.
Gustav Isaksen came even closer when running onto a cross-field pass and seeing Maduka Okoye palm the finish onto the crossbar, with Noslin unable to get clean contact on the rebound.
Adam Buksa wasted a golden opportunity to restore Udinese’s lead when shinning the first-time finish from seven yards on a low cross.
Zaniolo did even worse, as he somehow managed to connect with the Ehizibue low cross from the right and didn’t bundle it over the line from five yards, getting the contact horribly wrong.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 27: Pedro Rodriguez of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on April 27, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Moments later, Pedro reminded everyone how it’s done with a wonderful first-time right-foot curler into the far top corner from the edge of the area, on the Toma Basic lay-off.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru surged forward and dribbled past two only to then place the angled drive wide for Lazio.
Instead, Udinese equalised when Vakoun Bayo’s header at the back post on a Zaniolo cross was meekly palmed by Motta into the path of Arthur Atta for the easiest of tap-ins.
It remained wide open, as Zaniolo on the counter forced Motta into a great flying save to palm his screamer over the bar, with another Zaniolo attempt charged down.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 27: Kingsley Ehizibue of Udinese Calcio celebrates a opening goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on April 27, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
On the resulting corner, Atta was left unmarked to sweep into the far bottom corner with the inside of the right boot from 12 yards to turn it around again.
It still wasn’t over, as when an Alessio Romagnoli header bounced off the near post, the Pedro cross came back in from the right for Daniel Maldini’s tap-in from close range, springing the offside trap for 3-3.
Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino apologised after a 3-2 defeat to Cagliari ended top six hopes and discussed his future. ‘I am not tied by contracts and money, I try to be ambitious.’
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Referee Juan Luca Sacchi reacts with Yerry Mina of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
La Dea were already shaken last week by their Coppa Italia semi-final elimination to Lazio on a penalty shoot-out, and were clearly carrying the weight of that 120 minutes.
They conceded a goal within 16 seconds in Sardinia to teenager Paul Mendy, who promptly added a second just seven minutes later.
Gianluca Scamacca’s brace had it at 2-2 by half-time, but Gennaro Borrelli scored the winner in the opening minute of the restart.
Palladino frustrated by Atalanta performance
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Paul Mendy #31 of Cagliari scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“Starting like that knocks the wind out of you. We were unable to recover our physical and mental energy after the Coppa Italia. It is obvious if you are a goal down within 30 seconds. I had hoped the lads would turn a corner today, but we didn’t, and we apologise to the fans for our performance.
“We wanted to keep the European hopes alive and we didn’t manage it, so there are many regrets.”
Cagliari were certainly not lacking in motivation, because this victory allowed them to move eight points clear of the relegation zone with four rounds left to play.
“They came out fighting from the start, but we did have a very good reaction to equaliser. Cagliari had a lot of aggression and intensity, but conceding the third goal straight after the restart was just dumb of us.
“After that, they all got behind the ball and it became difficult to break them down, even if we had many scoring opportunities. It think their goalkeeper was Man of the Match, Elia Caprile was extraordinary.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Coach of Atalanta Raffaele Palladino looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Palladino tried to shake things up in the second half by using both Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic together, something that could be seen more in future.
“It is an option for certain games, today we had a lot of individual duels to fight, so we used two centre-forwards.”
The coach has revitalised Atalanta after a dismal start under Ivan Juric, but ultimately looks as if he will lead them to seventh place in Serie A, which might not be enough to qualify for the Conference League.
“Since I arrived, we have climbed a mountain and had a great journey. We were 13th and yet managed to challenge for a place in Europe, but we used up a lot of energy chasing that down over many months,” added Palladino.
“When you are chasing, you cannot afford a single error, and when you do it feels like the world is collapsing around you. These lads had to deal with a lot of setbacks since the start of the campaign, so now we’re a bit short on mental and physical energy.
“I had hoped we could hit the reset button after the Coppa Italia, but it’s not easy after 4-5 days. Unfortunately now the gap is quite big, but we’ll keep fighting to the last day.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia semifinal match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Palladino was brought in to replace Juric in mid-November, but what does the future hold for the Atalanta coach?
“I am happy at Atalanta. I tried to do my best. I am not tied by contracts and money, I try to be very ambitious and want to do my best until the end of the season for this club.”
The shot-stopper sustained the horrific injury during a Serie B match against Palermo earlier this month, when colliding heavily with Filippo Ranocchia.
He was stretchered off in a neck brace and tests in hospital showed he had fractured the first vertebra in his neck.
Klinsmann had surgery for spinal fracture
COLUMBUS, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 09: Jonathan Klinsmann and Sergiño Dest of the United States celebrates after winning an international friendly game between Japan and USMNT at Lower.com Field on September 09, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Delicate surgery was required and it inevitably ended his season, also ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
His teammates wore Klinsmann shirts during the warm-up of their 0-0 draw with Sampdoria, and kept a Captain America shield with his initials JK behind the net.
They also put together a selection of clips of messages from fans to reassure the son of former Inter striker Jurgen Klinsmann.
Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez has repeatedly been linked with a Serie A move for Inter, but now ESPN claim Juventus have a deal worth €40m already in place.
The centre-back only celebrated his 22nd birthday last week and is under contract with Club Brugge until June 2029, but widely expected to move on this summer.
BRUGES, BELGIUM – NOVEMBER 05: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona is put under pressure by Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Club Brugge KV and FC Barcelona at Jan Breydelstadion on November 05, 2025 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
ESPN commentator Jorge Barril in Ecuador claimed during the commentary of Milan 0-0 Juventus that the Bianconeri have shaken hands with Club Brugge and the player for a transfer worth €40m.
It is suggested that the final details will be worked out after the World Cup.
He already has 16 senior caps for Ecuador and is set to participate in the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer.
Milan and Atalanta had also shown interest in Ordonez in the past, while Club Brugge had refused to negotiate with Olympique Marseille last year, but it looks as if Juventus are beating them all to his signature.
Cagliari won a 3-2 thriller against Atalanta and broke eight points clear of the relegation battle with Paul Mendy’s brace on his full debut, and Gennaro Borrelli off the bench, despite a Gianluca Scamacca brace.
The Sardinians risked getting dragged back into the danger zone after scraping just one win and two draws in the last 10 rounds. Leonardo Pavoletti, Luca Mazzitelli, Mattia Felici and Riyad Idrissi were still out of action, but striker Paul Mendy got a surprise start with Marco Palestra benched against his parent club. La Dea were smarting after losing the Coppa Italia semi-final to Lazio on penalties, with Lorenzo Bernasconi sustaining a knee ligament injury and Isak Hien still struggling.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Paul Mendy of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Cagliari youth team striker Mendy made an immediate impact on the first start of his professional career at the age of 19, as within 16 seconds he got his head to the Michel Adopo cross from the right and turned it into the net.
Incredibly, the teenager added another moments later. Marco Carnesecchi made a sensational save to deny Alessandro Deiola from a corner, but could do nothing when Mendy’s follow-up from six yards was deflected in off Berat Djimsiti’s chest.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Paul Mendy of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
They threatened a third on the counter sparked by Mendy, but Marten de Roon was decisive to stop Deiola sliding in from six yards on another low Adopo cross.
Atalanta woke up from their Coppa Italia hangover when Charles De Ketelaere’s effort was charged down, but Gianluca Scamacca bent the rebound into the far bottom corner with a wonderful curling right-foot finish from 14 yards.
Within five minutes, they had drawn level, as Giorgio Scalvini pulled back from the right for Scamacca to sweep in first time from 12 yards.
Juan Rodriguez risked an own goal when sliding in to intercept the Raoul Bellanova low cross moments later, but prodded it at teammate Elia Caprile.
Mendy’s dream full debut ended at half-time when he pulled up clutching the back of his left thigh, but his replacement Gennaro Borrelli took under a minute to add his contribution.
Michael Folorunsho rode two tackles to get the shot away, charged down by Sead Kolasinac, but only into the path of Borrelli to fire in for 3-2 from eight yards.
Marco Palestra came on against his parent club and Atalanta tried to use two centre-forwards together, pinning the Sardinians back into their own half, but barely troubling Caprile.
Borrelli’s game was brief, as he too pulled up clutching the back of his left thigh and was forced off the field for Cagliari. His replacement Andrea Belotti nearly scored within 20 seconds when sent clear on goal, but was denied by Carnesecchi one-on-one.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Referee Juan Luca Sacchi reacts with Yerry Mina of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
At the other end, Mario Pasalic’s acrobatic control and bicycle kick flashed just wide of the near post, then Caprile made an astonishing reaction save on Nikola Krstovic from the Ederson through ball.
Caprile was again called into action to prevent Scamacca’s header completing a hat-trick on the Lazar Samardzic cross.
It kept going to the final whistle, as Caprile made up for flapping at an Atalanta corner by rushing out to use his body against Raspadori’s finish from point-blank range.
Milan released a statement confirming Luka Modric had surgery today for multiple facial fractures, as it’s a race against time to recover for Croatia at the World Cup.
It was only today that the extent of the damage became apparent, and the decision was made to go under the knife.
Modric surgery successful after facial fracture
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 announced that the operation was performed today at the La Madonnina Clinic in Milan.
Surgery was performed by the team run by Dr Luca Autelitano in the presence of Milan medical staff Stefano Mazzoni and Andrea Bulgheroni.
Initial reports suggest Modric will be able to participate in this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada for Croatia, but only with the aid of a protective mask.
This type of injury generally requires six to eight weeks out of action.
The club statement confirmed his season is over for the Rossoneri, wishing him “a quick recovery in view of the FIFA World Cup!”
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Despite being 40 years of age, Modric made 36 competitive appearances for Milan this season, with two goals and three assists.
The Rossoneri have made absolutely no secret of their search for a real centre-forward, as Santiago Castro and Niclas Fullkrug failed to bring the characteristics requested by coach Max Allegri.
Goncalo Ramos would fit bill for Milan
LISBON, PORTUGAL – JANUARY 20: Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Jose Alvalade on January 20, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Agent Jorge Mendes has close ties to Milan and has seemingly proposed the striker to the San Siro giants.
The 24-year-old has scored 12 goals in 41 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season, but with a contract that runs to June 2028, he is expected to be on the market this summer.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC makes a save whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Even with the help of the agent, Milan might not be prepared to pay the reported €30-35m asking price that PSG are looking for.
It would be roughly half the €65m that PSG paid to pluck him from Benfica in January 2024.
The Portugal international also has 10 goals in 24 senior caps for his country.
Donald Trump’s special envoy Paolo Zampolli has told Italian media there is ‘more than a 50 per cent chance’ Italy will replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players of Italy sing the national anthem 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)
As the USA and Iran are currently engaged in what the President has repeatedly described as a war, it remains to be seen whether the team will feel safe participating in the World Cup, or even be allowed into the country.
Trump envoy wants Italy at World Cup
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players of Italy pose for a team photo 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)
So Zampolli is arguing that FIFA should exclude Iran and instead draft Italy in as the highest-ranked team that failed to qualify.
“I will meet Gianni Infantino in Miami for the Formula 1 GP this weekend. There shouldn’t be a World Cup without Italy, the decision is down to Infantino and Trump.”
Zampolli is very much on his own in this pursuit, because many figures from Italian football have already said they would refuse to take Iran’s place in the World Cup.
The former modelling agent, who claims he introduced Melania Trump to her husband, explained how he came up with this plan.
“I saw that Iran was still not confirmed due to the war, so I asked Infantino for the chances of Italy getting recalled,” explained Zampolli.
“On top of that, visas are very difficult to get now and we don’t want people coming in who could do some bad things. If you are sending people who are not welcome in the United States of America, then it’s better they don’t come.
“I haven’t spoken to Trump yet, but he has not decided either way. Iranian players are welcome, but Secretary Marco Rubio was clear on the fact we cannot allow in people who don’t love the United States of America.
“If Iran do not participate, I don’t know if we are prepared to bring anyone else in, but anything could happen.”
Former referee Dino Tommasi has been assigned as the interim Serie A and B refereeing designator for the rest of the season after Gianluca Rocchi suspended himself.
The scandal erupted last week when it was confirmed that designator Rocchi had been placed under formal investigation for sporting fraud.
In the wake of that situation, he decided to suspend himself while the investigation plays out, so a replacement was needed for the rest of the current campaign.
Tommasi chosen to replace Rocchi
GENOA, ITALY – JANUARY 27: Referee Dino Tommasi signals a foul during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and Pescara at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 27, 2013 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Following his Serie A debut in March 2008, he put together 52 top flight appearances, then went into management.
The refereeing designator assigns officials to the individual games in Serie A and B, and then helps evaluate their performances after the matches.
The better a referee performs, the more likely they are to be given big fixtures.
Among the accusations against Rocchi was that he assigned referees who were ‘preferred’ by Inter to certain matches rather than ones the club disliked.
He is also accused of over-stepping the protocol by banging on the window of the VAR booth to change a decision during a game, specifically between Udinese and Parma.
Max Allegri insists Milan ‘can be content with the point’ against Juventus, admits Christian Pulisic is ‘sensitive’ to his drought, but warns Rafael Leao ‘can never be consistent.’
The Rossoneri felt it was perhaps more important to keep the Bianconeri at a safe distance from third rather than keep up with Napoli in second, and it showed at San Siro in a tactical stalemate.
There were some chances, above all Alexis Saelemaekers hitting the crossbar and the Khephren Thuram goal ruled offside, but Milan have now failed to score in their last six consecutive Serie A meetings with Juve.
Allegri sees positive point for Milan
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan controls the ball whilst under pressure from Weston McKennie 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)
“It was a very balanced, tactical game, with a great deal at stake. We had a couple of situations, as did Juventus,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“Juve have a lot of strength in depth with players who can come off the bench and take men on down the wings, but my lads defended very well, apart from one cross that David didn’t get his head to.
“We can be content with the point, as it allows us to take another small step forward, we are mathematically now just six points away from securing our target, so that means winning two games.
“The draw was the right result, these are balanced matches where an incident can change the game, and it was a fair result.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Bremer of Juventus is challenged by Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan 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)
Allegri was seen on the touchline getting furious with his players for allowing some Juve counter-attacks and he laughed when asked about those situations.
“We conceded three goals against Udinese and didn’t even notice, those were all counter-attacks, and today we lost the ball two or three times dangerously. However, the lads defended very well when chasing them down.
“I do wish we’d had more precise passing and timing of the passes to complete our moves.”
Luka Modric was forced off after a nasty clash of heads with Manuel Locatelli, and continued to look somewhat dazed on the touchline.
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)
The front pairing of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic continues to do little to help either player in the 3-5-2 formation, and Niclas Fullkrug this time replaced the USMNT star to shake things up a bit with a real Number 9.
“I think Rafa played well tonight, it was one of his best performances of the season. Between assists and goals, he gave his contribution this term, but you cannot expect a player like this to be particularly consistent. He never has been, not even four or five years ago, because he lights up at the right time,” insisted Allegri.
“He helped out defensively today and had a good attitude, he had a couple of changes of pace, which he had struggled with lately due to fitness problems. He took on Bremer and pulled the ball back, so it was one of his best performances.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Lloyd Kelly of Juventus battles for possession with Niclas Fuellkrug of AC Milan 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)
Pulisic meanwhile has now equalled his worst ever goalless streak, failing to find the net for 16 consecutive games, just like at Chelsea in 2022, and is yet to contribute a goal in 2026.
“Christian is a very sensitive man and this drought is hitting him harder. He is also someone who struggles more with the physicality of duels and the lack of a centre-forward, but I must try to give a balance to this team, as we have an objective to achieve.
“I realise he is not entirely suited to this, I had asked him to play centre-right tonight and Leao centre-left, so we were without a centre-forward. Rest assured, by the end of the season Pulisic will have given his contribution,” assured Allegri.
“The results ultimately are a tally of points, and now we need six points rather than seven to secure the Champions League spot. Now we have to prepare well for Sassuolo, and play better on a technical level.”
Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus that they ‘had to be wary’ in their 0-0 draw with Milan, but the race for a Champions League spot will go down to the wire.
The Bianconeri had a huge opportunity with a victory to catch Milan in third place, but also knew they had to look over their shoulders to keep Como and Roma at bay in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
Khephren Thuram had the ball in the back of the net, but only after wandering into an offside position, while Alexis Saelemaekers came closest for the hosts when rattling the crossbar.
Spalletti wanted careful Juventus
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on 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)
“We continued our journey, we tried to take the initiative, a bit too slowly and predictably in the first half, we never managed to get past their men, so they were always in position,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.
“You have to be wary with Milan, as you feel like you are in complete control, and then they suddenly burst forward with three or four to make it difficult for you. The danger is when you feel comfortable against them.
“When building out from the back, we worked on the preventative marking to ensure those counter-attacks didn’t happen. There were a few situations where we could’ve done better, including a foul on Jonathan David, but it was missed.”
That was a challenge on the very edge of the penalty area and the referee waved play on, but overall it was another decent performance from the Canadian.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Jonathan David of Juventus is challenged by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan 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)
“If there isn’t a lot of physical contact, he can get out of duels with technical quality, but if you press him physically, he struggles more. He runs so much, you cannot doubt his dynamism, pressing on Modric, Gabbia and Maignan constantly, he brings results. Naturally, he’s not someone who can run with pace or take men on, but when collaborating with the team, he’s perfect at that.
“We needed to create more density in support to help him out, as today especially in the first half, we left him a little too isolated,” said Spalletti.
Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz both came on for the final minutes, as they were carrying injury problems.
“When the team had more control in the second half and pushed Milan back, Vlahovic’s presence could’ve helped, but he only came back to training with the team on Friday. Kenan too struggled when he had to make two changes of pace, you could see he wasn’t in great shape.
“With Vlahovic, he was coming off a very long injury, he got hurt last time when warming up on the touchline, so we can’t rush him. The future depends also on the present, so we can’t run unnecessary risks.”
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)
This 0-0 draw mirrors the previous meeting between the teams earlier this season, when Christian Pulisic failed to convert a penalty in Turin.
Both Roma and Como now move to within three points of Juventus, so the hunt for Champions League qualification is still wide open with four rounds left to play.
“I think it will go down to the wire or very close to it, because these are the games. Roma and Como won, so we still have quite a few matches left to win before we can deserve our place in that tournament,” added Spalletti.
“It’s time for the final sprint, and at this stage is where the fatigue of a long season starts to build up, that is where you can tell who belongs at Juventus and who doesn’t.
“We must confirm the culture of self-discipline, hard work and determination that inhabits this club, giving our all every day and letting nothing go by.”
Juve extended their unbeaten run to eight Serie A games, but notably they have conceded only one goal in the last seven rounds, during their 1-1 draw with Sassuolo.
Milan and Juventus shared the spoils at San Siro, though Alexis Saelemaekers hit the crossbar and Khephren Thuram had a goal disallowed, keeping the race for the top four open.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan 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)
This was a huge crossroads for the season, because the Rossoneri were only three points clear of Juve in third place and chasing Napoli, the Bianconeri in turn needing a result to stop Como and Roma closing on fourth. Davide Bartesaghi started despite not being at 100 per cent, while the Old Lady missed Arek Milik and Juan Cabal, with Kenan Yildiz and Dusan Vlahovic only fit for the bench.
Youssouf Fofana fired wide from a tricky angle after shaking off Andrea Cambiaso, but Adrien Rabiot stung the gloves of Michele Di Gregorio with a scorching strike, Rafael Leao firing the follow-up over the bar.
Juventus thought they had equalised moments later when Francisco Conceicao rolled across to the back post for Khephren Thuram to come sliding in, but the Frenchman was offside.
Francisco Conceicao got down the right again for a shot that Mike Maignan parried with his chest at the near post. Bartesaghi was not fully fit and struggling to keep up with Conceicao, so replaced by Pervis Estupinan at half-time.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus controls the ball whilst under pressure from Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan 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 came so close when Alexis Saelemaekers smashed a ferocious finish onto the underside of the crossbar with the inside of the right boot from 10 yards on a Leao assist. Juve then immediately went on the counter, David going down after squirming between Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori just outside the area, but the referee waved away appeals for a foul.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan looks on 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 went off after a nasty accidental clash of heads with Manuel Locatelli left him dazed, replaced by Ardon Jashari.
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)
David just failed to get his head to a dangerous cross from the right, only grazing it from six yards, while Dusan Vlahovic was offside when Maignan stuck out one foot to parry his angled drive.
The second 0-0 draw of the season between these teams means Milan have not scored in any of their last six Serie A meetings with Juventus.
Inter were held to a 2-2 draw by Torino and saw their lead at the top cut to 10 points, but could still celebrate the Scudetto next week without taking to the pitch.
The Nerazzurri had been on track for victory at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino this evening when leading 2-0 with goals from Marcus Thuram and Yann Bisseck.
With that result, they would’ve required only a point in the final four games to be mathematically certain of the Serie A title.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to 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 Scudetto is guaranteed if they beat Cristian Chivu’s old club Parma next Sunday evening at San Siro, which would be a fitting scenario for his crowning moment.
However, they might already have popped the champagne corks by kick-off.
If Milan lose to Juventus tonight (or against Sassuolo next week) and Napoli also lose away to Como on Saturday, it would make it mathematically impossible for them to catch the leaders.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates with Hakan Calhanoglu after during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Luciano Spalletti explains why Kenan Yildiz does not start for Juventus against Milan and how Jonathan David’s ‘relationship’ with his teammates improved.
This is a big crossroads for the season, because the Bianconeri know a victory would put them joint third with Milan, but a defeat can see Como and Roma close on them in fourth.
Spalletti explains Juventus decisions
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts prior to 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)
“It’s a wonderful atmosphere, there are sentiments all over the place,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia while looking around at a packed out San Siro.
“It’s natural for the fans to push us on with their enthusiasm and we gladly take on that added responsibility. This evening we have to come here and prove ourselves, show what we are capable of.
“This is going to be a difficult match because Milan have this approach where you seem to be in full control and comfort, but then suddenly they are breaking through from every angle. So we would need drones hovering above to see their positions in order to be ready for their style of football.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz is again only fit enough for a spot on the bench, while Dusan Vlahovic also returns to the squad after a muscular setback, but the season is over for Juan Cabal and Arek Milik.
“Yildiz is fine, he needs a recovery process so is unable to train on the pitch, he has to train in a different way. He only returned to training with us for the final session, so out of respect for the team and also in agreement with Yildiz, it is better to start with those players who had a full week of preparation,” explained Spalletti.
“However, he is ready to give his contribution off the bench when needed.”
Jonathan David broke his goal drought last week against Bologna and leads the attack, with Jeremie Boga and Francisco Conceicao in the wider support roles.
“David is improving, especially in terms of relationships. Too often in football we talk about reading the spaces and movements, but not enough about how to fit into a group,” noted Spalletti.
“The players all love him, he loves them, and when you have that connection between players, the ball moves faster and the game gets louder.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Much had been said in the early months on David’s lack of rapport with the Juventus teammates, which had been shrugged off with a joke that it was because he put cheese on seafood pasta.
Max Allegri expects ‘a great evening of sport’ between Milan and Juventus at San Siro, insisting Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic ‘can turn the game at any moment.’
This is a huge match for the top spots, because the Rossoneri need a victory to keep up with Napoli in second, and the Bianconeri know a victory would put them level with the Diavolo, holding off Como and Roma in the hunt for fourth.
Allegri expects intriguing Milan vs. Juventus
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We are talking about Juventus, so it is sure to be a great evening of sport. Juve are doing very well right now, they have not conceded in three games, move very well all over the field, so we must be organised and solid, as well as technically precise,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
Rafael Leao and Pulisic remain the centre-forwards in a 3-5-2 formation, despite the difficulties shown by both strikers in this system, while Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot pull the midfield strings.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“They are fine, they are just in need of goals, and I hope that those will arrive this evening. They are players who can turn the game at any moment, but above all we need a strong performance from the whole team.”
Davide Bartesaghi is not at 100 per cent, but still manages to start for Milan, while Youssouf Fofana has also shaken off a knock in midfield.
Luciano Spalletti has shifted from three at the back to four, although Kenan Yildiz and Dusan Vlahovic are only fit for a spot on the bench.
“I expect a team that will move well, play between the lines, so we must be solid and allow as few balls as possible to go through. Juventus are strong in one-on-one situations, they always have had a good squad, and the arrival of Spalletti has just made them stronger,” concluded Allegri.
Inter are going to have to wait a little longer for the Scudetto party after fumbling a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Torino, despite historic Federico Dimarco.
The Nerazzurri were coming off a spectacular week, going 12 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, then fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Como 3-2, setting up a Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13. Luis Henrique joined Lautaro Martinez on the treatment table, while Alessandro Bastoni, Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries were rested. Toro were unbeaten in three, but while Tino Anjorin and Zakaria Aboukhlal were ruled out, Duvan Zapata and Ardian Ismajli were back in action.
The Curva Maratona was left empty, as Torino ultras were on strike and marched towards the stadium, but stayed outside, in protest at the club and President Urbano Cairo.
Manuel Akanji nodded wide of the back post after a short corner, while Saul Coco ballooned over from the edge of the box following a Carlos Augusto error playing out from the back.
Marcus Thuram giving Federico Dimarco the shoeshine celebrating during Torino vs. Inter
Marcus Thuram opened the scoring with a header at the far stick from close range, but it was thanks to a record 17th assist of the Serie A season from Federico Dimarco, even if Opta record only 16 due to a deflection. The Italian floated one of his trademark crosses from the left, beating the tally of 16 assists achieved by Papu Gomez for Atalanta in 2019-20.
TADHAL! Marcus Thuram aig a’ phosta chùil airson Inter!
Piotr Zielinski volleyed just wide from the edge of the area after an Inter corner, but they had a huge double chance at the dawn of the second half.
First Alberto Paleari made a big save on Dimarco at the near post, then a desperate Enzo Ebosse sliding tackle prevented Matteo Darmian turning the rebound into an empty net from seven yards.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale Milano is challenged by Ardian Ismajli of Torino 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)
Ismajli got in the way of the Thuram counter-attack, but Inter scored on the resulting corner with a Yann Bisseck header off the inside of the far post. The assist was yet again from Dimarco, ensuring Opta and the Lega Serie A can all agree he is now the outright record-holder.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale Milano scores his team’s second goal 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)
Ismajli needed another desperate tackle to stop Francesco Pio Esposito clear on goal from a central pass, but Torino did get one back in real style.
Giovanni Simeone ran onto the through ball, provided a back-heel flick for Emirhan Ilkhan, then ran onto the return pass and dinked a delightful finish over the on-rushing Yann Sommer.
It was nearly 2-2 moments later, Simeone at full stretch flicking the Luca Marianucci cross just wide from six yards when getting in front of Bisseck.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Giovanni Simeone of Torino celebrates scoring his team’s first goal 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)
Torino were suddenly fired up and Alieu Njie’s strike forced a very tough save out of Sommer at the back post, but before that, Duvan Zapata’s header hit Carlos Augusto’s hand from point-blank range. It was considered to be worthy of a penalty following the VAR review, so Nikola Vlasic converted into the top corner.
Nikola Vlašić! Bho 0-2 do Inter, tha sinn co-ionnan!
Nikola Vlašić! From 0-2 to Inter, we're now level!
Henrikh Mkhitaryan had the ball in the net for Inter, but only after combining with the clearly offside Thuram. It remained wide open to the end with both sides going for victory, Zielinski drilling just wide, then Denzel Dumfries making a decisive interception to stop the Duvan Zapata tap-in.
The gap at the top is reduced to 10 points, but with only four games left to play.
Milan start Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric in this showdown for third place, with Juventus playing Jeremie Boga, Jonathan David and Francisco Conceicao.
This is a huge match for the Serie A table, because Max Allegri’s men are just three points clear of the Bianconeri and need a victory to keep up with Napoli in second, but Juventus are also looking anxiously over their shoulders to hang on to fourth after Como and Roma victories.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
While Youssouf Fofana has shaken off a muscular issue to start, Davide Bartesaghi is not at 100 per cent, but still recovers enough to start rather than Pervis Estupinan.
Alexis Saelemaekers gets the nod with Modric and Adrien Rabiot, who with Allegri are facing their former club.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Rafael Leao during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Juventus had rested Kenan Yildiz against Bologna due to a recurring fitness problem, and he is again not risked from the start here.
Jeremie Boga therefore starts with Francisco Conceicao and David, the Canadian fresh from ending his goal drought.
Emil Holm and Khephren Thuram are not at 100 per cent either, so could be sharing their midfield spot with a second half substitution.
Michele Di Gregorio is firmly back in goal now after a period of poor form, but while Dusan Vlahovic returns to the bench, the season is over for Juan Cabal and Arek Milik.
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Cesc Fabregas confirmed that Como star Nico Paz was taken to hospital after a head injury during the 2-0 win away to Genoa. ‘He couldn’t see properly.’
The Argentina international was in the starting XI at Marassi and playing very well in the afternoon Serie A Week 34 kick-off.
However, he had a clash of heads with Genoa defender Marcandalli during the first half, then went over several times to the touchline and told the medical staff he was struggling to see properly out of one eye.
Nico Paz struggling with head injury
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Nicolas Paz of Como (left) and Alessandro Marcandalli of Genoa lie on the pitch 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: Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como, looks on 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)
Nico Paz has scored 13 goals with eight assists in 38 competitive matches for Como so far this season.
Real Madrid retain a buy-back option on the 21-year-old that is worth €9m, and multiple reports confirm they fully intend to use it.
Marcus Thuram brought out a very special Inter celebration to congratulate Federico Dimarco on an historic Serie A assist, one used in the past for Ronaldo, but is it a full record or not?
The Nerazzurri opened the scoring at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino this evening against Torino, when Dimarco floated a trademark cross to the back post for Thuram’s header from close range.
This was no ordinary goal, because it was for Opta the 16th Serie A assist of the season for Dimarco.
It enabled him to enter the history books, equalling the previous record of 16 set by Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez for Atalanta in the 2019-20 campaign.
The Lega Serie A suggest he actually provided 17 assists already this season, but Opta only calculated 16 because of a significant deflection on one of his corners that was then turned in.
Thuram knew as much and brought out a celebration from the history books too, as he knelt down and acted as a shoeshine for his teammate and that special left foot.
The 27-year-old has been a regular in the starting XI for Max Allegri so far this season and is expected to play this evening in the big Serie A game against Juventus.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There was already strong interest from Galatasaray in the January window, and they are expected to try again at the end of the current campaign.
According to Calciomercato, they will face fierce competition from two Ligue 1 clubs, as both Olympique Lyonnais and Marseille are also keeping a close eye on the situation.
Fofana moved to Milan from AS Monaco in the summer of 2024 at a cost of €26m.
Before that, his entire career had been in France with Strasbourg and JA Drancy.
It is reported that if the Rossoneri were to sell, then offers of €25-30m would be taken into consideration.
Inter President Beppe Marotta insists the club is ‘stunned’ at being dragged into the Gianluca Rocchi investigation, but they are ‘safe in the knowledge we are not involved.’
PISA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Pisa SC and FC Internazionale at Arena Garibaldi on November 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“For a start, we do not have referees that we favour or are unfavourable towards, we are confident that we acted entirely fairly, which should reassure everyone.
“Last season, not to complain but as an objective fact, there were some refereeing decisions that went against us and that the officials agreed were mistakes, for example the penalty not awarded in Inter-Roma.
“So I have to say we are here focused on this game, this season, this Scudetto that we want to take home. We are safe in the knowledge that Inter are not involved in this situation and will not be involved in the future.”
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
There are reports that representatives of Inter could be called to act as witnesses for the investigation into Rocchi, especially if it spreads to more figures in the refereeing world.
“I have been very clear on this,” replied Marotta.
The investigation into Rocchi refer to a supposed situation at San Siro during the Coppa Italia semi-final in April 2025 when he decided to assign Andrea Colombo to an Inter match rather than Daniele Doveri, and that he ‘colluded’ with someone to make this decision.
“I was surprised because I cannot remember anything of the sort. As I said, we are learning all of this from the media, so I think I have been very clear on this,” added Marotta.
“We want to reassure the Inter fans, we are here to play Torino, to bring home a deserved Scudetto, and I repeat we acted with utmost fairness.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Petar Sucic of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This has been a remarkable week for the Nerazzurri, who went temporarily 12 points clear at the top of the Serie A table.
They then came back from 2-0 down to beat Como 3-2 in the Coppa Italia semi-final, setting up a Final showdown with Lazio and potential Double on May 13.
“Compliments go to the coach and the squad, but I also wish to underline that we haven’t achieved anything yet, so the team is very concentrated on this test. It would be our 10th time winning the Coppa Italia, which would be something wonderful and extraordinary for Inter,” concluded Marotta.
Now he needs a victory to maintain that gap and take another step towards not just the Scudetto, but potentially the Double.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lautaro Martinez and Luis Henrique are injured, but the Inter captain has made the trip anyway to be close to his teammates.
Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries and Francesco Pio Esposito are rested, as Matteo Darmian gets a rare start with Petar Sucic and Piotr Zielinski.
Yann Sommer is also back in goal after two games with Josep Martinez taking the gloves.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Torino are comfortably mid-table and unbeaten in three, coming off wins against Pisa, Verona, and a 0-0 draw with Cremonese.
Since taking the job from sacked Marco Baroni on February 23, Roberto D’Aversa has overseen four wins, a draw, and two defeats.
Tino Anjorin is ruled out by a bruised hip in training, joining Zakaria Aboukhlal on the treatment table.
The good news is the return of Duvan Zapata and Ardian Ismajli to the squad, as the Colombian striker had not featured since a serious thigh strain against Milan on March 21.
Nikola Vlasic starts in support of Giovanni Simeone and Che Adams, while Emirhan Ilkhan is preferred to ex-Inter youth product Cesare Casadei in midfield.
Valentin Lazaro faces his former club in place of Marcus Pedersen.
Che Adams of Torino celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Torino and Cagliari at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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