Massimiliano Allegri says that he understands his fan’s frustrations, but has urged for calm after watching his Milan side fall to a disappointing 2-0 defeat away against Sassuolo on Sunday afternoon.
The Rossoneri conceded within the first few minutes of both halves; Domenico Berardi finding the net after five minutes and Armand Lauriente after 47, which means that they have now won just one of their last five matches in Serie A. Now, the Rossoneri could potentially slip down to fourth place by the end of Sunday evening.
Allegri responds after Sassuolo 2-0 Milan: ‘We approached both halves badly’
“We approached both halves badly, especially the second. We threw it away, that’s how it’s going in this period. You can’t waste 10 months of work. Now we have to think about Atalanta,” said Allegri in a post-match interview with DAZN (via TMW).
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri,Head Coach of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Technically, we made a lot of mistakes. It was a bad day, a bad Sunday. We have to meet again on Tuesday and work to fix it.”
Despite the fact that Milan have not yet secured a Champions League spot for next season, Allegri has no doubt that the Rossoneri will finish the 2025-26 season in the all-important top four.
“It’s not at risk. I would be very happy to confirm it on the final day as well, I’ve always said it. I am with the team every day and this is a difficult moment. We have to stay calm and take responsibility, we have to prepare as best we can for the game against Atalanta.
“We’ve done 10 months of good work, we’re in the final stretch. We haven’t done very well in the second half of the season, we can’t change that anymore. We just have to look ahead.
“Until the end, we have to stay grounded and work to overcome these moments of difficulty. I understand the fans, we all wanted to get over the finish line quickly, but we can’t get anxious.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fabio Maresca, referee of the match shows a red card to Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Allegri does not deny the fact that the sending off of Fikayo Tomori after 24 minutes had a big impact on proceedings, but didn’t appear too critical of his centre-back, despite his two early yellow cards.
“The sending off conditioned the game. These things happen. The important thing is to get back up quickly. We need two positive results to get into the Champions League, let’s just think about that.”
Allegri was also asked why he decided to take off Christopher Nkunku for Zachary Athekame at the half-time interval.
“I wanted to take the game forward as much as possible and give some balance, but it didn’t help because we immediately conceded.”
It was an afternoon to forget for Milan, who fell to a 2-0 defeat away against Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday, and were then loudly booed by their travelling supporters in an awkward moment after the full-time whistle.
What happened after full-time of Sassuolo 2-0 Milan?
An early strike from Domenico Berardi was followed by a goal from Armand Lauriente to send Sassuolo 2-0 up against Milan, who had been playing with 10 men since the 24th minute after Fikayo Tomori was sent off for two yellow card offences.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Armand Laurienté of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
It has been a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season for Milan, who have only picked up four points from their last five matches, falling to defeats against Sassuolo, Udinese and Napoli over that period.
Now, the Rossoneri could end the weekend in fourth place if Juventus win against the already-relegated Hellas Verona later on Sunday evening.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan reacts after Fabio Maresca, referee of the match shows to hi a red card during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Milan supporters made their frustrations clear after the Sassuolo defeat. The Rossoneri players did not go and thank their supporters in front of the stand, instead staying in the centre circle while being loudly jeered from a distance.
Sky Sport Italia reports that captain Mike Maignan began to lead his players over to the stand to applaud their supporters, but then began to head towards the dressing rooms upon hearing the boos, which only made the reception worse.
Milan will have an opportunity to respond next Sunday when they host Atalanta in San Siro. Then come tests against Genoa and Cagliari to close the 2025-26 campaign.
Gian Piero Gasperini has provided a positive update on the fitness of key players Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone and says that if Roma are still in the fight for a Champions League spot, it is entirely down to the work that the players have put in: ‘The squad has been special, I thank them’.
Gasperini sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Sunday ahead of Monday evening’s clash against a Fiorentina side that are unbeaten across their last seven Serie A matches.
Roma find themselves in sixth place ahead of kick-off. They will have an opportunity to move clear of Como, who are one point better off than the Giallorossi having played one game more than them. The big target, however, is Juventus in fourth place, who have three points more than Roma having played the same number of matches.
Gasperini on Roma pride, visit from the owners, Dybala, Kone and Wesley
Heading into the final four matches of the 2025-26 season, Gasperini has confirmed that both Dybala and Kone are back and available for selection again.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Manu Kone with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Kone has recovered, Dybala had already recovered. This week has gone better. They’re available,” Gasperini said (via TMW).
Gasperini is also expected to meet with Roma’s owners in the near future: “The presence of the ownership is a signal,” he said. “Maybe they will start making moves not just for the end of the season, but also in view of the future.”
Gasperini was asked if he considers this season to have been a ‘transitional’ year for the Giallorossi.
He replied: “There are two tracks: The current season, which is still alive and tomorrow we’ll play against a Fiorentina side that is coming in off the back of a lot of positive results. We’re fully focused on that since we’re still in the race. The team’s behaviour has been excellent, we will try to kick on in these four games.
“Then, we will start talking about the future, however, right now is not the time. Afterwards, I will try to be clear because the fans need to understand what we’re doing.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
With Claudio Ranieri having recently left the club and with the future of sporting director Ricky Massara looking uncertain, Gasperini was asked if there are any concerns that Roma could fall behind their Serie A rivals in terms of planning for next season and the upcoming transfer window.
“Of course, there has already been a bit of development. We have recalibrated after suffering a big, unexpected disappointment. However, I don’t think that the other teams have already started planning. The ownership will have plenty of time and clarity to deal with these things, but when they do, they will do it in the best possible way.”
Gasperini avoided answering questions about his relationship with Massara, though: “I’m going back to Fiorentina, that’s very important. As for the rest, we’ll talk about it when the time comes. The club will speak. There is no need to go into detail now.”
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
The Roma boss hopes to take inspiration from the club’s women’s team, who have recently claimed the Scudetto for the third time in four years.
“The women’s Scudetto was fantastic, we want to imitate them, even if the Scudetto is a little too far ahead for us,” Gasperini laughed.
Gasp was also asked for his opinion on the recent 5-4 thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.
“I enjoyed it, I liked it a lot. There were some mistakes, but there were also some wonderful technical moments. The game was enjoyable for everyone.
“This is not the best moment for the Italians in the cups, but we need to react and not give up. Maybe we’re not doing the right things. We find it difficult against them all. Maybe it’s about how teams are built here. Replicating that style of football is difficult, it depends on the quality of the players.”
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar competes for the ball with Finn Jeltsch of VfB Stuttgart during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gasp was then asked for his assessment of his team’s performance so far in 2025-26.
He said: “The squad has been a bit special this year, it’s not easy. We’re still in the race and I give the credit to the team. Extraordinary professionalism and togetherness. The response in Bologna was fantastic.”
It was then pointed out to Gasperini that his side tends to underperform in the final stages of matches, especially compared to their direct rivals in the league.
“Probably, however, we’re ahead in other numbers. We’re fifth in the standings. It’s true, we don’t often manage to get points in the final moments, which many other teams do obtain. However, we will work to improve on that.”
The Roma gaffer was also asked if he has any plans to swap Wesley back to the right flank at any stage, having featured on the left for the majority of the 2025-26 campaign.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“He’s a player who’s gone through an important evolution. He can play both on the right and on the left, although he is of course a right-footer. When you have strong players, you can put them on the pitch and then find their most suitable position.
“It also depends on the situation. In this period, we’ve had Celik available, but we’ve practically never had Angelino and that was a big loss. Wesley is a valuable player and that’s the main thing.”
Is Gasperini ‘satisfied’ with his squad’s results so far this campaign?
“Everyone has room for improvement. You acquire value at all ages. I’m satisfied. Everyone has played, everyone has given their contribution. There’s not been a problem of behaviour, ever. I thank them. If we’re still in it, it’s thanks to them.”
Life became more difficult for Milan in their Serie A match away against Sassuolo after the 24th-minute red card shown to centre-back Fikayo Tomori. Here is how the England international managed to get himself sent off midway through the first half at the Mapei Stadium.
Tomori sees red after 24 minutes of Sassuolo vs. Milan
With his side trailing 1-0 after Domenico Berardi’s early opener for Sassuolo, Tomori was sent off for two separate yellow card offences on Sunday afternoon.
The first booking came in the ninth minute for a trip on Kristian Thorstvedt just inside the Sassuolo half, which led referee Fabio Maresca to immediately reach for his yellow card.
Tomori’s afternoon was over a quarter of an hour later after tripping up Armand Lauriente right on the halfway line in a very similar position to his first booking 15 minutes earlier.
There were few complaints from the Milan camp after the decision to send off Tomori, who took himself straight down the tunnel in the 24th minute.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Despite being a centre-back down, Allegri decided against making any personnel changes before the end of the first half.
The upcoming Serie A match between Sassuolo and Milan on Sunday afternoon will be available to watch live on TikTok in the UK and Ireland, the first time that an Italian league match has been broadcast on the social media platform.
Sassuolo vs. Milan available to watch on DAZN, TikTok and YouTube
DECEMBER 14: Davide Bartesaghi celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match against US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025 in San Siro, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Broadcaster DAZN have partnered with the social media platform TikTok to livestream a Serie A match in the UK and Ireland for the first time.
The idea is for the game to introduce Serie A football to new audiences through TikTok’s discovery and community features, with the aim of turning casual viewers into regular fans of Italian football.
The Sassuolo vs. Milan match will still be available to watch on DAZN’s regular platform, as well as through the @DAZNFootball account on TikTok, and on DAZN’s YouTube channel.
Bologna were held to an underwhelming 0-0 draw at home against Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, the third consecutive Italian top-flight match to end goalless.
Bologna came into Sunday’s clash ranked ninth in Serie A, while the 16th-placed Cagliari came in needing a victory to ensure mathematical safety with three games to spare. Vincenzo Italiano’s side were without goalkeeper Lukasz Skorpuski, Joao Mario, Nicolo Cambiaghi and Thijs Dallinga, and Cagliari travelled without Riyad Idrissi, Luca Mazzitelli, Mattia Felici, Leonardo Pavoletti and Gennaro Borrelli.
Fans during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Federico Bernardeschi registered the game’s first shot on target after 25 minutes, coming in off the right flank and attempting to bend his left-footed shot into the far corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area. Nothing that Elia Caprile couldn’t handle, though.
Teenage goalkeeper Massimo Pessina was called into action in the 45th minute, improvising well to deny Sebastiano Esposito at his near post.
MAY 03: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Benja Dominguez thought he had a shout for a penalty immediately afterwards after feeling a hand on the back from Yerry Mina down at the other end, but this was waved away with no further reviews.
Caprile had to get down low and get a strong hand out to deny Nikola Moro’s dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area 10 minutes after the re-start.
Substitute Santiago Castro struck the ball well from a tight angle 66 minutes in, but Caprile was again well positioned at his near post and got his full body behind the shot.
Ze Pedro had a glorious opportunity to send Cagliari 1-0 up 10 minutes from time: Michael Folorunsho had done well to send a cross back into a busy Bologna penalty area, which fell kindly for Ze Pedro, who managed to blast his first-time finish over the crossbar from the edge of the six-yard box.
After 0-0 draws between Como and Napoli and between Atalanta and Genoa on Saturday evening, this was the third consecutive Serie A match to end goalless. Bologna are now four games without a win across all competitions, while Cagliari are not quite safe from relegation just yet.
MAY 03: Fabio Pisacane head coach of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The FIGC has confirmed that there will be a minute’s silence before every Serie A match in the 35th round of fixtures in tribute to the late Alex Zanardi, who has died at the age of 59.
Serie A will remember Zanardi before every Week 35 match
“It is with deep sorrow that the family communicates the death of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, May 1st,” read a statement from his family on Saturday morning.
“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones. The family sincerely thanks all those who are showing closeness in these hours and asks for respect for their pain and privacy in this moment of mourning”.
Zanardi was an icon of Italian paralympic sport. A former motor sports driver who competed in Formula One between 1991 and 1994 and again in 1999, he had both legs amputated after a serious crash during a CART event in 2001.
Zanardi miraculously recovered and continued racing in specially-adapted cars across various different race formats, before turning his focus to hand cycling.
CERVIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Alex Zanardi of Italy heads for the finish line on IRONMAN 70.3 Emilia Romagna on September 22, 2019 in Cervia, Italy. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
He would go on to win four gold medals and two silvers between the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.
He was sadly involved in another major accident in 2020 while competing in the Obiettivo tricolore, the Italian national road race for paralympic athletes. This accident left him hospitalised for 18 months and with life-altering injuries.
Zanardi died on Friday, May 1, at the age of 59.
Many Serie A clubs and coaches have paid their respects to the late Zanardi on social media and in their pre-match press conferences on Saturday.
Massimiliano Allegri insists that he is not concerned by Christian Pulisic’s lack of goals in 2026, has confirmed the players that are in line to replace the injured Luka Modric, but avoided commenting on the topic of a potential sale of Rafael Leao this summer.
The Rossoneri tactician sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of his side’s upcoming test against Sassuolo on Saturday.
Allegri previews Sassuolo vs. Milan
Allegri began his press conference with a word of remembrance for former Formula One driver-turned Paralympian Alex Zanardi, who has died at the age of 59: “It’s right to remember Zanardi, an example in life, an example of human and sporting values. He put professionalism and passion into sport. My condolences to his family. He has amazing values.”
The topic of discussion soon reverted to the task at hand in Serie A. One of the biggest conundrums facing Allegri is how to place Luka Modric, who will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his cheekbone against Juventus last weekend.
“We’re very sorry about this bad injury, which will keep him out until the end of the season, even if he has a big desire to come back,” Allegri commented.
“He shows so much passion for the work he does and I hope this has been a lesson for the other players. We have great players to replace him, either Jashari or Ricci, who have grown a lot and in whom I have a lot of confidence.
“Jashari has grown a lot. Unfortunately he had a bad injury at the beginning of the season which kept him out for a long time. He has desire, he’s curious, he has his whole future ahead of him and I think Milan made an excellent signing.”
Allegri confirmed that he has recently sat down with Milan’s senior management, but insisted: “It’s normal. Evaluations aren’t just made about the future, but also on how the season has gone so far, even if the final evaluation will be made at the end of the season.
“We’ve created a base, but we need to get into the Champions League.”
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)
Allegri was also asked for his opinion on the continuing refereeing scandal in Serie A: “I haven’t made up my mind, these are delicate subjects. The relevant bodies will evaluate. After everything that’s happened, the last round was a positive for the referees. They did a good job and psychologically it wasn’t easy.”
All season, Allegri has insisted that returning to the Champions League is Milan’s only focus. They are closing in on qualification, and with Inter set to win the Scudetto, potentially by the end of the weekend, is a second-place finish now the target for the Rossoneri?
“We have to do our best,” said Allegri. “We have a difficult game tomorrow because Sassuolo have good technical ability and can score goals at any time. They have good players and a good coach.
“Grosso is the revelation of this Serie A season because he’s grown a lot. Despite the difficulties of the early stages of his career, he’s made big steps forwards. Tomorrow is the first of the last four, we have to face it with calmness because we can’t let the goal slip away.”
Allegri was also asked if there is any possibility that Rafael Leao leaves the club during the summer transfer window.
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)
He replied: “Talking about the market now makes no sense. One step at a time. We want to return to playing in the Champions League and the whole group has to be focused on that. Then, at the end of the season, we will all make evaluations to see if we can improve the work we’ve done this year.”
Allegri also commented on summer signing Christopher Nkunku: “He has great technical qualities. He’s had difficulties, but he’s scored goals. Maybe from tomorrow the strikers will start scoring again. We don’t discuss the (financial) value of the player. There are different factors that can make him do well one year and not in another.”
Santiago Gimenez has recently returned from injury but has found it difficult to break into the side since then.
“He’s a player who arrived last year, then had the immediate ankle problem. He’s an important player. Unfortunately the injury has kept him out for four or five months this year, and returning at the end of the season isn’t easy, especially for the tempo. He’s committed, he’s a valuable player despite this bad year.”
Christian Pulisic has not struggled for opportunities, but remains without a goal in 2026.
“Pulisic is an important player for Milan and it’s difficult to find players as good as him,” Allegri insisted. “You don’t have to look at whether or not the players do well or don’t do well in a certain year, there are some values that don’t change.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts after seeing his team concede a third goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“He’s been missing that goal in recent games, but he’s been active. Right now, you have to put personal goals to one side and work for the team because our final target is too important. Those who play, those who come on, have to have an excellent attitude because that’s how we get the result, as well as doing well in defence and attack.”
Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that it will be a choice of either Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci to replace the injured Luka Modric for the final four matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season: ‘I have a lot of confidence’.
Allegri comments on potential Modric replacements: ‘We have great players’
Milan will visit Sassuolo on Sunday afternoon in the 35th round of Serie A fixtures, but will have to do without former Ballon d’Or winner Modric against the Neroverdi. The 40-year-old is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign after suffering a fractured cheekbone while challenging for a header against Manuel Locatelli during the 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus last weekend.
It is a blow for the Rossoneri, who have been able to field the veteran midfielder in all but one of their Serie A matches so far this season. Modric has started in 32 of Milan’s 34 league matches so far this season.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Allegri confirmed that it will be a choice between one of two players to replace Modric against Sassuolo on Sunday.
“We’re very sorry about this bad injury, which will keep him out until the end of the season, even if he has a big desire to come back,” Allegri commented.
“He shows so much passion for the work he does and I hope this has been a lesson for the other players. We have great players to replace him, either Jashari or Ricci, who have grown a lot and in whom I have a lot of confidence.”
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Ardon Jashari of AC Milan in action during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Jashari was one of the division’s most expensive signings during the summer transfer window, but has struggled to establish himself in San Siro, especially following the injury he suffered almost immediately after signing from Club Brugge.
This is not a major concern for Allegri, though: “Jashari has grown a lot. Unfortunately he had a bad injury at the beginning of the season which kept him out for a long time. He has desire, he’s curious, he has his whole future ahead of him and I think Milan made an excellent signing.”
Kosta Runjaic and Roberto D’Aversa have made two changes each to their starting line-ups as Udinese host Torino in the first Serie A match on Saturday’s schedule.
Just three points separate the two sides ahead of kick-off on Saturday afternoon. Udinese sit in 11th place on 44 points while Torino find themselves two positions in 13th on 41 points heading into the final four games of the season.
Hosts Udinese are looking to get back to winning ways after a 3-3 draw and a 1-0 defeat against Parma over their last two matches.
Torino are four matches unbeaten heading into Saturday’s clash against Udinese, most recently holding Champions-elect Inter to a 2-2 draw last weekend. Only the Nerazzurri and Juventus have been in better form than Toro over the last four league matches.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Giovanni Simeone 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)
Kosta Runjaic has made just two changes to his Udinese line-up after last week’s draw with Lazio: Lennon Miller and Adam Buksa are called into the starting XI in place of Jakub Piotrowski and Idrissa Gueye.
Torino have also made two personnel changes after their draw with Inter last time out: Napoli loanee Luca Marianucci replaces Ardian Ismajli at centre-back and Cesare Casadei returns to the starting XI with Che Adams missing out.
Reports in Italy claim that Juventus are hopeful of landing a deal for Germany international Angelo Stiller and that the Bianconeri hope to take advantage of a complicated release clause in the midfielder’s contract with VfB Stuttgart.
Could Juventus move for Stuttgart’s Stiller this summer?
Juventus are expected to strengthen Luciano Spalletti’s squad over the summer transfer window with the aim of competing for the Serie A title next season, and their midfield department, which is currently short in depth, is an area that will be addressed.
According to Tuttosport, Stuttgart’s Stiller has been identified as a ‘favourite’ among the Bianconeri management, and Saturday’s report claims that a meeting with the player’s agent has been lined up.
The 25-year-old Stiller, a product of the Bayern Munich youth academy, has a release clause in his Stuttgart contract reported to stand at €36.5m, a figure that is not out of Juventus’s reach.
However, according to Saturday’s report, Stuttgart are able to revoke that release clause by paying Stiller a €2m bonus, which Tuttosport claims is a likely scenario.
STUTTGART, GERMANY – APRIL 12: Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Hamburger SV at MHPArena on April 12, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
This would complicate proceedings for Juventus, but it would not put them off entirely according to Saturday’s report. It has been suggested that Stuttgart could seek a fee in the region of €50m for Stiller if the release clause is no longer in play, and Juve could be prepared to negotiate.
Real Madrid and Manchester United have also expressed an interest in picking up the seven-time Germany international.
Reports in Italy suggest that Milan could circle back for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during the summer transfer window after his agent was spotted in San Siro for the recent 0-0 Serie A draw between the Rossoneri and Juventus.
It was reported at the time that there was an underlying issue with Mateta’s knee, and it was later confirmed that several different experts had weighed in with their opinions before the deal fell through.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace runs for the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Crystal Palace FC and AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on November 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Mateta ultimately decided against having surgery on his knee; Glasner revealing that this was his best option if he is to be fit and available for selection for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
After missing around six weeks of action while rehabbing his knee, Mateta has since returned and provided three goals and an assist from his nine most-recent appearances across all competitions.
Could Milan return for Mateta this summer?
Now, according to reports from Calciomercato.com, Milan could potentially circle back for Mateta this summer.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina battles for possession with Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
This suggestion has been fuelled by the sighting of Mateta’s agent, Paul Latouche, in San Siro for last weekend’s 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus in Serie A.
Saturday’s report suggests that Milan could potentially negotiate a discounted fee with Crystal Palace this summer as well, given that Mateta is currently due to be entering the final year of his Eagles contract when the window opens.
The 2025-26 Serie A season is beginning to draw to a close and teams are already beginning to plan their next steps ahead of opening of the transfer window, but it could be another complicated summer for Juventus and Aston Villa loanee Douglas Luiz according to the latest reports.
Juventus may struggle to find a Douglas Luiz solution this summer
Douglas Luiz joined Juventus in a €50m deal from Aston Villa at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, but went on to have a disappointing start to life in Serie A with just starts in the league during his first campaign in Italy.
In the end, Forest did not trigger the obligation to buy clause in the Brazilian’s contract, and instead agreed to terminate his deal ahead of schedule, which facilitated a return to his former club, Aston Villa, during the January transfer window.
The Aston Villa loan deal included an option to buy for a fee of €25m with bonuses of up to €3.5m, however, according to the latest reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa have already decided that they are unwilling to trigger their option to buy.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Douglas Luiz of Villa in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on February 21, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Though he made six consecutive starts in the Premier League after rejoining Aston Villa in January, Douglas Luiz has not been included in the starting XI for the last five league fixtures, nor has he started in any of the club’s last three outings in the Europa League. Since mid-March, the 27-year-old has only played for a total of 80 minutes.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus need to raise around €30m from Douglas Luiz if they are to avoid making a capital loss. But given that he has now endured underwhelming stints with three different clubs over the last 18 months, the Pink Paper writes that Douglas Luiz will become ‘a big problem’ for the Bianconeri this summer: “Finding a club willing to relaunch him will not be easy at all.”
Though they are not due to play until Sunday evening, Hellas Verona’s relegation from Serie A has been mathematically confirmed following Lecce’s 2-1 victory away against Pisa on Friday night.
PISA, ITALY – MAY 1: Isak Vural of Pisa Sporting Club in action against Oumar Ngom of US Lecce during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and US Lecce at Arena Garibaldi on May 1, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Two sides were officially relegated on Friday evening: 20th-placed Pisa were defeated at home by the 17th-placed Lecce, which means that they are now 14 points deep into the relegation zone with just three games of the season left to play and are no longer able to reach safety.
Verona, who will play against Juventus on Sunday, are only one point better off than Pisa on 19 points after 34 matches. They are 13 points deep into the relegation zone with four matches left to play, which confirms that they will also finish the 2025-26 season in the bottom three.
PISA, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: M’Bala Nzola of Pisa Sporting Club battles for the ball with Nicolas Valentini of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Hellas Verona FC at Arena Garibaldi on October 18, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It has been a disappointing season for Verona, who have only picked up three wins in the league all season; their first coming at home against Atalanta on December 6. This led to the dismissal of Paolo Zanetti as head coach on February 2, who was replaced by interim Paolo Sammarco the following day.
Verona will now return to the second tier of Italian football for the first time since the 2018-19 season, when they finished the Serie B campaign in fifth place, gaining promotion through the play-offs.
Raffaele Palladino and Atalanta are looking to get back to winning ways with a visit from Daniele De Rossi and Genoa, who will be aiming to confirm mathematical safety in Serie A on Saturday evening.
Atalanta have been on a disappointing run of form in February and are without a victory across their last four matches in all competitions. They find themselves in seventh place in the Serie A table, and could end up needing a favour from Inter in the Coppa Italia final in order to qualify for next season’s Conference League.
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)
Genoa come into Saturday evening’s fixture in 14th place, 11 points clear of the relegation zone with four league matches of the 2025-26 season left to play. A victory against Atalanta will guarantee their Serie A status for another season, but they will also ensure safety as long as Cremonese do not beat Lazio on Monday evening.
Despite the 3-2 defeat against Cagliari on Monday night, Palladino is unlikely to make any changes to his attacking unit of Giacomo Raspadori, Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca.
There could be changes in defence and midfield, though, as Sky Sport Italia suggest that Isak Hien, Honest Ahanor and Marten De Roon could come in for Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolasinac and Mario Pasalic.
Genoa were beaten 2-0 by Como last weekend and could also be in line for a tactical reshuffle. Pre-match reports suggest that it could be a switch from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 this weekend, and that Lorenzo Colombo could come back into the starting line-up to partner Jeff Ekhator in attack.
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Ruslan Malinovskyi of Genoa (left) celebrates with his team-mate Lorenzo Colombo after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Sky Sport Italia claims that there could be a full senior debut for 21-year-old Genoa defender Nils Zatterstrom.
Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.
Atalanta vs. Genoa: Probable line-ups
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa, 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)
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Ahanor; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Scamacca.
Cesc Fabregas reunites with his former boss Antonio Conte as second-placed Napoli host the Champions League-chasing Como in a game that could have huge implications on the race for the Serie A top four on Saturday evening.
Como come into tonight’s fixture on 61 points after 34 matches, three shy of Juventus in the coveted fourth place heading into the final four games of the 2025-26 season. They host Napoli, second on 69 points, who are closing in on Champions League qualification, but could see title rivals Inter go on to win the Scudetto by the end of this weekend.
Nico Paz is expected to start despite being taken off after a nasty clash of heads last time out. He is likely to be joined by Assane Diao, Martin Baturina and Tasos Douvikas in the Como attack.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 24: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Cremonese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Sam Beukema could come back into the defence along with Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buongiorno, but Napoli’s midfield and attack of Stanislav Lobotka, Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Alisson Santos and Rasmus Hojlund is likely to remain unchanged.
Kick off at the Stadio Sinigaglia is due at 17.00 BST.
Como vs. Napoli: Probable line-ups
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Cesc Fabregas Como 1907 head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, D.Carlos, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.
Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Politano, McTominay, Lobotka, Gutierrez; De Bruyne, Alisson; Hojlund.
Where to watch Como vs. Napoli
Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and on DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Luciano Spalletti has been crowned as the Serie A coach of the month for April after an unbeaten run over the last few weeks, and the Juventus tactician has now equalled the record for the most wins since the award was introduced in 2021-22.
Juventus’s Spalletti named Serie A coach of the month for April
Spalletti has won the coach of the month award after leading Juventus to three victories and one draw across their four matches in the month of April. The Bianconeri picked up a 2-0 victory over Genoa at the start of the month, defeated Atalanta 1-0 away from home the following week, beat Bologna 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium and most recently held Milan to a 0-0 draw in San Siro.
These results put Juventus in fourth place with four matches of the 2025-26 season left to play, three points behind the third-placed Milan and importantly, three points clear of Como and Roma in fifth and sixth place respectively.
Spalletti will receive his award ahead of the Serie A match between Juventus and Hellas Verona at the Allianz Stadium this Sunday, May 3.
Spalletti is the first Juventus representative to win the coach of the month award since the aforementioned Allegri back in November 2023. This is his first coach of the year award away from Napoli.
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)
Spalletti has now won the Serie A coach of the month award a record five times, a feat that has only previously been achieved by former Inter and Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi, who won all of his awards with the Nerazzurri.
Allegri, Gian Piero Gasperini and Thiago Motta are the next-most successful with four coach of the month wins each, then come Vincenzo Italiano and Cesc Fabregas on three apiece.
Serie A coach of the month winners so far in 2025-26
Moise Kean is expected to miss the upcoming Serie A match between Roma and Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend, and while the Italy international has missed the last three outings through injury, reports confirm that he has been given permission to sit this one out on personal grounds.
Kean and his partner are expecting the birth of their second child in the coming days, and the Fiorentina striker has been given permission to spend the next few days at home according to updates from Violanews.com. Kean is expected to be away from the squad from May 1 until May 4.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Shot in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
During his absence, the Viola striker will also continue working with his rehabilitation work to overcome the physical issues that have kept him out of his side’s last three Serie A matches.
Fiorentina have beaten Lazio 1-0, drawn 1-1 with Lecce and drawn 0-0 with Sassuolo in Kean’s absence. Paolo Vanoli’s side are now seven matches unbeaten in the league after a disastrous first half of the 2025-26 season.
Roberto Piccoli was Fiorentina’s go-to replacement for the first two matches of Kean’s recent absence, but as the Italian was also ruled out of the most recent 0-0 draw with Sassuolo, the starting centre-forward role was handed over to Albert Gudmundsson.
Controversial Olympique de Marseille forward Mason Greenwood is beginning to be linked with a move to Juventus again, as current Bianconeri star Francisco Conceicao is attracting interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United according to the latest reports.
Greenwood had been linked with a move to join Juventus on several occasions over the last two seasons and his name is beginning to reappear in Bianconeri circles approaching the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old forward has netted 36 goals from 62 appearances in Ligue 1 over the last two seasons, including 15 from 28 league outings in 2025-26.
He and his Marseille teammates currently find themselves in sixth place in the Ligue 1 table heading into the final three matches of the 2025-26 season and are unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League. This means that Greenwood could potentially be allowed to leave to raise funds and to fulfil the player’s desire of competing in UEFA’s flagship competitions next season.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, current Juventus forward Conceicao is beginning to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, including Liverpool and Manchester United according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Portugal international has come up with four goals and four assists from 38 appearances across all competitions this season, but it is his relentlessness and dribbling ability that has caught the eye of scouts in the Premier League.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus celebrates their first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Juventus paid a fee of €7m plus up to €3m in bonuses to sign Conceicao on loan for the 2024-25 season, and then invested a further €30.4m with bonuses of up to €1.6m to sign the winger on a permanent transfer at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign. That means that Juventus have agreed to invest a minimum of €37.4m on his signing and a maximum of €43m if all bonuses were to be met.
Friday’s reports indicate that it would take an offer in the region of €50m to convince Juventus into selling Conceicao this summer, which is coincidentally roughly the same fee that has been mentioned if Juventus were to attempt to sign Greenwood this summer.
Reports in Italy claim that Marco Palestra is among Inter’s top targets heading into the summer transfer window, but signing the exciting young full-back likely depends on a couple of outgoings first.
Report: Inter could sell two players to accommodate Palestra signing
According to reports from Corriere dello Sport and Calciomercato.com, Palestra and Como’s Nico Paz are Inter’s two great ‘obsessions’ ahead of the summer transfer window. Palestra has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season on an individual level with Cagliari, where he has spent the 2025-26 season on loan from Atalanta.
Palestra will return to Bergamo this summer, and according to Friday’s reports, Atalanta’s ideal plan would be for Palestra to stay on board for another season in Serie A before looking for a sale, potentially for an even higher fee.
However, with plans to strengthen Cristian Chivu’s squad after what is expected to be the club’s 21st Scudetto in 2025-26, Inter are keen to bring Palestra to San Siro this summer, and are said to be prepared to invest a fee in the region of €40m for the 21-year-old right-back.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Marco Palestra of Italy in action during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
According to the latest updates, Inter will likely have to move players on first before welcoming Palestra, though.
There is talk that current first-choice right wing-back Denzel Dumfries could leave the club given that he has a €25m release clause in his contract, which will be valid this summer.
There has also been a suggestion that Luis Henrique could be sold if an offer were to come in this summer. The Brazilian has struggled to impress in his first season in Serie A, and as per Calciomercato, there was interest from AFC Bournemouth during the January transfer window. Inter would reportedly be even more keen to sell Luis Henrique this summer if interest were to reemerge.
Reports in Italy indicate that Luka Modric is set to trigger the one-year extension clause in his contract with Milan rather than end his illustrious career through injury after fracturing his cheekbone in a recent 0-0 draw with Juventus.
Modric and Milan expecetd to activate 12-month extension clause
The signing of the 40-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner has been an overwhelming success in San Siro. Modric has started in 32 of Milan’s 34 matches in Serie A so far this season, and has racked up a total of 2,788 minutes in the league, which is more than he managed in any of his last five seasons with Real Madrid.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luka Modric of AC Milan is assisted off by medical staff after going down injured during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This could have potentially been a career-ending injury, given that Modric signed a one-year contract with Milan at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, but reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that he will activate the 12-month extension clause in his deal in order to prolong his stay in San Siro.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it is technically a club option to extend, but Milan will not activate the extension clause in Modric’s contract without his blessing first.
Friday’s report claims that Modric just needs to give the thumbs up, which he is expected to do, in order for Milan to extend his stay until the end of the 2026-27 season. A formal announcement is unlikely to arrive before the end of the 2026 World Cup this summer, though.
Modric is said to be attracted to the idea of playing Champions League football under Massimiliano Allegri next season, as well as the idea of announcing his retirement and bidding farewell to professional football at a major club like Milan and at an iconic venue like San Siro.
Doesn’t want to finish on an injury, another year in Rossonero to play in the Champions League with Allegri, or it’s goodbye to football
The Scudetto of goals
Inter: ThuLa for the league and cup
Lautaro top scorer, Thuram vice: An historic partnership. Napoli in Como tomorrow
Malagò shot
Towards the elections
Players and coaches are convinced, FIGC Presidency getting closer
‘Favoured’ referees don’t appear in any testimony
Gervasoni in front of the prosecutor’s office
Corriere dello Sport
Forza Calcio!
From the refereeing scandal to the super weekend
Three Champions League finals | Tomorrow, Como-Napoli will decide the top clubs’ European fates and Inter’s Scudetto
Conte will be at the home of Fabregas after the tensions in the first leg and the league title they won together at Chelsea. McTominay needs five points from four games to secure the gold from UEFA
Gervasoni to the prosecutor’s office: ‘No alterations’
Referee investigation: In Rocchi’s logic, there are no distinctions between favoured and unfavoured refs
The Yildiz policy
Juventus-Verona on Sunday
A 55% win rate and 1.8 goals per game with Kenan. Four wins in 21 games without the trequartista
Malen, what an average
Roma-Fiorentina on Monday
Donyell for 4th place: 0.87 goals per 90 minutes. Only Mbappe and Kane better than him
Palestra for Inter
Parma arrive on Sunday
Lautaro returns to secure the 21st Scudetto. Not only Paz: Ausilio is also pushing for the full-back
Frosinone dream, Bari at risk
Penultimate round in Serie B
Alvini is chasing direct promotion against Monza and Venezia, Longo can’t afford any slip-ups to avoid relegation
Tuttosport
‘Yildiz like Kvara and Olise with Spalletti’
Interview with Causio
The ex-Bianconeri ace: ‘Lucio knows perfectly how to manage talent and Kenan has the skills of a super, top player. Juve is ideal for Conceicao. How great was PSG-Bayern!’. Stiller: Meeting has been scheduled. Di Gregorio could stay as a second-choice keeper, Perin heading for an exit
Jannik, give us five!
Madrid, Semi-final against Fils at 15.00: Sinner chasing his fifth straight Masters 1000
Malagò gets his hands on the FIGC
Towards the election
The former CONI no.1 has won the support of the players and coaches as well as that of the Serie A: Now he’s close to a majority
Gervasoni defends himself as the investigation continues
Four hours at the prosecutor’s office.
The former VAR supervisor interviewed regarding Salernitana-Modena and Inter-Roma: ‘I rule out the audio being tampered with’
D’Aversa, an obstacle course to fend off Gattuso
The Toro coach facing injuries and competition
He will be without Zapata, Ismajli, Adams and Pederson in Udine tomorrow. The former CT and Juric also cast shadows over the coach: ‘The objective is the top half of the table. We have to be ambitious: Everyone. The club’s history deserves more than just staying up’.
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