Inter President Beppe Marotta confirms Manuel Akanji will be bought outright from Manchester City and ‘with all due respect for Cesc Fabregas, but Cristian Chivu was our ideal candidate.’
The Nerazzurri are celebrating their 21st Serie A title, the first to be achieved with Marotta as President, because he was only the director general when they last lifted the trophy in 2024.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates with his teammates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This is a glorious club that is accustomed to winning, so it is important that we won the title three times in five years with three different coaches,” Marotta told Radio Sportiva.
“It means we have created a winning sporting model.”
Why Inter picked Chivu for new era
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu and Federico Dimarco celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu was chosen after Simone Inzaghi asked to walk away just hours after losing the Champions League Final 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain, as he had already agreed terms with Al-Hilal.
It was reported at the time that they had first approached Como for Fabregas, then turned to Chivu after being told he was not available.
“Inzaghi made the decision to try something different, so we asked ourselves which name to propose,” insisted Marotta.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: FC Internazionale fans display a banner featuring Cristian Chivu during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We evaluated Chivu as the person who perfectly fit the profile. A coach is a crucial figure and, with all due respect for Fabregas, Chivu represents the ideal candidate because he knows what it means to play and win with Inter.
“He already had Serie A experience and took Parma to safety, so this is why we chose him. It’s true he didn’t have a lot of experience coaching, but we wanted to show courage with this choice.
“Now he is a winning coach who can stay at Inter for many years.”
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with his Head Coach, Cristian Chivu, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Before taking the Parma job mid-season, Chivu had been working in the Inter youth academy as a coach, where he got to work with Francesco Pio Esposito.
That proved extremely useful when the youngster impressed at the Club World Cup.
“He asked us to keep Pio Esposito in the squad, another thing we are proud of.”
Meanwhile, it is confirmed that Akanji will be bought outright from Manchester City, as there was a clause in the loan activating the purchase option in case of the Scudetto victory.
“When we negotiated the loan, we did add an option to buy apart from the Scudetto too. We have great respect for him as a player and a man, so he will continue to be in our squad,” concluded the Inter President.
Paolo Vanoli admits Fiorentina still look ‘fragile’ after a 4-0 defeat to Roma, but mustn’t forget how far they’ve come. ‘It really was a catastrophe when I arrived.’
It is entirely possible that Fiorentina started the match breathing a sigh of relief, because just minutes before taking to the field, they heard that Cremonese had lost 2-1 at home to Lazio.
That almost guarantees that the Tuscans are safe from the threat of relegation, a remarkable achievement considering they were rock bottom when Vanoli took the job.
Vanoli sees same Fiorentina issues
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Jack Harrison of ACF Fiorentina and Wesley of AS Roma battle for possession of the ball during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“The fact is, we switched off completely after their first goal, also thanks to a great performance from Roma, so we must congratulate them this evening.”
The Viola looked shell-shocked in the opening minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, going 2-0 down within 17 minutes with a Gianluca Mancini free header and Wesley sweeping in, then Mario Hermoso’s tap-in and another header by Niccolò Pisilli completed the 4-0 rout.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We’ve had a great run to get here, we’ve got to keep our heads up, because mistakes happen and at times this fragility comes back out, like it did against Udinese.”
When already 3-0 down, the Fiorentina coach took a risk and introduced youth team striker Riccardo Braschi, who within 60 seconds had thumped the base of the upright.
Considering Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli are out injured, could the teenager get more opportunity for the rest of this season?
“I would’ve been happier for him if he had scored, but we had many young players with us this season and I’ve always tried to give them a chance. You need to let these lads grow, he is working hard in training and showed some of what he can do tonight.”
Braschi replaced Albert Gudmundsson at half-time, who continues to look like a shadow of the player who was signed from Genoa.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It is not all his fault, because he’s been moved around in a few different positions lately. If he was supporting a centre-forward, it would go better for him, but we were in an emergency situation and he has been helping out,” insisted Vanoli.
“I think he played well against Sassuolo and if he had scored, people might’ve evaluated his performance differently.”
Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici said before kick-off that he would sit down with Vanoli to discuss the future after safety had been secured, as it remains unlikely that he will stay on as coach.
“We’ll discuss it once we are guaranteed safety. I said when I arrived that avoiding relegation was going to be our Scudetto, we are nearly there and just need that final push to close the situation completely.
“We must be focused exclusively on the present and the remaining games,” added Vanoli.
If he was replaced after climbing the table in difficult circumstances, would he consider it an injustice?
“Absolutely not! A club has to make its evaluations, and when I arrived everyone was frightened by the prospect of relegation, it really was a catastrophe. We had four points and nobody had managed to avoid the drop with zero victories in the first 11 rounds.
“The job is not done, then the club and I too will evaluate for the future. As I’ve always said, I would be happy to continue the process,” concluded the coach.
Gian Piero Gasperini insists he always knew Roma could get back into the hunt for the top four after hammering Fiorentina 4-0. ‘We cannot afford a mistake, but we’re in good shape.’
It was a dominant performance at the Stadio Olimpico, as the Giallorossi were already 3-0 up by half-time thanks to Gianluca Mancini’s free header, Wesley, and Mario Hermoso.
The 4-0 scoreline was rounded out after the break by Niccolò Pisilli on a Donyell Malen assist, the Dutchman hitting the woodwork twice.
Gasperini always had faith in Roma
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Matias Soule during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We’ve changed our attack since midway through the season, so scored many more than in the first half, though we also conceded quite a few more too,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was good to score with four different players and some good moves. We are in a good period of form, though games are all very balanced and difficult, we know that we cannot afford a mistake to still have a chance, but we are in good shape.”
The coach always believed in their ability to get back into the hunt for fourth.
“I saw that we had the possibility of getting players back, that with a complete team we could get a run of results and had much stronger potential.”
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This result means Roma are now just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus, and within three of Milan in third, so the fight for Champions League qualification is blown wide open.
Como are also still in the running, as they are in sixth place on 62 points, just two behind the Giallorossi.
“This is a very strong squad, above all I never had to keep a tight grip on them, because from the first day I arrived they were fully focused. I never had a problem with their mentality, and the response seen in recent weeks has been even more determined.
“There is great unity between myself and the players, we will try to achieve a target that we wanted strongly from the start.”
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The arrival of Malen in January from Aston Villa has undoubtedly transformed the squad, but the future of the Roma attack is looking very uncertain, especially as Paulo Dybala’s contract is running down.
“We were missing Dybala and Soulé for long periods this season due to injury, El Shaarawy was out for a while too, we were haemorrhaging strikers for a while, including long-term absentees like Dovbyk and Ferguson who fell off the radar,” added Gasperini.
“Despite everything, these lads gave their all in every game, so I cannot fault their attitude, and today they seem stronger than ever. There are three games to play, we know that we have to achieve the maximum and hope someone else slips up.”
Manu Kone made his return to the starting XI today for the first time since a muscular injury in mid-March.
“For long spells, this team had the best defensive record in Europe. We lost a few players and paid a price for that, but we’re starting to get everyone back now, the team that we had at the start plus Malen. In these conditions, obviously it is easier to get results.”
Considering representatives of the Friedkin family were in the stands today, is Gasperini discussing how to improve this squad for next season?
“As I said, I am focused on the present, then the moment will come when we can talk about the future.”
The race for Champions League qualification could go down to the wire, as there are now only five points separating Milan, Juventus, Roma and Como in the Serie A table.
The top four go into the Champions League from Serie A, and while Inter are guaranteed their spot in first place and Napoli have a fairly healthy lead, the other two are going to be very tight.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Week 35 fixtures have completely transformed the situation, as Milan lost to Sassuolo, while Juventus, Napoli and Como all played stalemates.
Napoli now have 70 points, Milan 67, Juventus 65, Roma 64, and Como 62.
Let’s take a look at the remaining Serie A fixtures for what could be a battle to the end.
Serie A fixtures
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)
Roma swept Fiorentina aside for a comfortable 4-0 victory that put them one point off fourth-placed Juventus, but the Viola can feel safe from relegation anyway.
The Giallorossi suddenly found themselves right back in the race for Champions League spots after Juventus, Milan, Napoli and Como stalled. Manu Kone returned for his first start since March 19, with Paulo Dybala only fit for the bench, missing suspended Neil El Aynaoui, injured Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
The Viola were without Moise Kean, Roberto Piccoli, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey, though Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi returned. As Cremonese lost in the early kick-off, the Tuscans were practically safe from relegation.
Donyell Malen took on a crowd of defenders and his shot was deflected off Luca Ranieri to loop up onto the top of the crossbar. Roma scored from the resulting Niccolò Pisilli corner, which found Gianluca Mancini unmarked for the glancing header from six yards.
The second goal came soon after, as Pisilli went on the counter, it was spread from right to left via Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso until Wesley swept in first-time with the inside of the right boot from just inside the area.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Fiorentina were extremely sluggish, as Manu Kone brushed past Nicolò Fagioli to pull back from the by-line for Hermoso’s easiest of tap-ins from a couple of yards.
Malen tested David De Gea at the near post, but the Viola started to wake up towards half-time, as the Fagioli volley was deflected over for a corner.
Fiorentina made a triple change at half-time, including youth team striker Riccardo Braschi, who within 60 seconds had fired his shot onto the base of the upright.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma also came close when Malen took on three defenders, his finish was deflected and De Gea fingertipped it onto the crossbar.
Fiorentina struggled to get a ball clear, until Malen stood it up with a trivela cross off the outside of the right boot for Pisilli’s header at the back post.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Matias Soule during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Robinio Vaz didn’t react quickly enough to get on the end of a Zeki Celik low cross-shot.
Maurizio Sarri continued to cast doubts over his Lazio future ahead of the Coppa Italia Final. ‘I’ll talk to the club and we’ll see if we can respect this contract to the end.’
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio ceòebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The Aquile consolidated eighth place in Serie A with this evening’s last-gasp victory away to Cremonese, as Gustav Isaksen and Tijjani Noslin turned it around after the Federico Bonazzoli opener.
It is perhaps a better result that Sarri had expected when he started the season with a transfer embargo, then saw some big players sold in January.
Sarri not sure of Lazio status
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio prior 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)
“Our objective since the start of the season was to work in order to help improve a squad that had only the very smallest chance of getting into the race for Europe,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
“Amid a thousand difficulties, I can say that today we are a different type of team, thanks to that progress. I don’t know if this will be the foundations for the future, that is not up to me.”
The coach also spoke later in a press conference and was asked outright if he will remain at Lazio next term.
“I am here for Cremonese-Lazio,” was his reply. “There are another four games to go, one of which is extremely important. Our minds are only on those.
“After that, we will sit down and talk with the club, then we’ll see if we can respect this contract to the end.”
Meanwhile, Sarri was furious with the Lega Serie A organisers for scheduling the Derby della Capitale at 12.30 local time.
“At the start of the season, we played the derby in 37 degree heat, now they are making us play in May at midday. It is an insult to the city of Rome, to two big clubs, and to the fans, so someone has to pay for that.
“I hope they won’t make us play at that time, and someone should resign just for proposing it. I can tell you now, if they do, I won’t turn up for press interviews in protest. Ask the Lega Serie A why they didn’t make Inter and Milan play at that time.”
Cremonese now need a miracle to avoid relegation to Serie B, as their defeat to Lazio means Genoa are safe, Cagliari and Fiorentina practically too, so only Lecce are within reach.
LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 08: Santiago Pierotti US Lecce scores his team’s opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and US Cremonese at Stadio Via del Mare on March 08, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
That result mathematically guaranteed that both Pisa and Hellas Verona are going down to Serie B this summer, leaving just one spot remaining.
That will be a straight fight between Cremonese and Lecce, but the gap has opened up to four points with just three rounds left to play.
Cremonese hot favourites for relegation
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Youssef Maleh of US Cremonese and Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio fight for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
At the very most, these teams would go into a play-off, but they can practically breathe easy at this stage.
Going into the final three rounds, Cremonese need to host doomed Pisa, visit Udinese and conclude at home to Como.
Lecce will welcome Juventus, play away to Sassuolo, and their last game is at home with Genoa.
PISA, ITALY – MAY 1: Lameck Banda of US Lecce celebrates after scoring a goal 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)
When it comes to Serie A relegation, if two teams are locked together, they go into a play-off over two legs.
If more than two teams are on the same points, then a mini-league is drawn up of their head-to-head results, and the bottom two head into the play-offs.
Cremonese were heartbroken in stoppages as Lazio turned the game around with Gustav Isaksen and Tijjani Noslin to leave the hosts four points adrift of safety.
The situation was increasingly desperate for the hosts, who risked being left four points adrift of safety. They had one point from four rounds, with Faris Moumbagna still injured, and Jamie Vardy back in the squad. The Aquile reached the Coppa Italia Final, but Matteo Cancellieri sat out a ban, with Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot injured, plus Kenneth Taylor, Mattia Zaccagni and Mario Gila not fully fit.
Oliver Provstgaard’s header on a Zaccagni free kick flashed inches wide, but Cremonese were forced to change injured Federico Baschirotto after a muscular strain in his right leg.
The hosts took the lead with a goal against the run of play, as Federico Bonazzoli hit a sudden snapshot from outside the box and it took Edoardo Motta by surprise at the base of the near post, with a howler from the goalkeeper.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Federico Bonazzoli of US Cremonese celebrates with coach Marco Giampaolo after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Alessio Zerbin failed to make the most of an error when Provstgaard’s clearance ricocheted off Patric into his path, and Bonazzoli’s acrobatic attempt was smothered by Motta.
Nicolò Rovella came on for the restart, his first appearance since suffering a fractured clavicle on February 21, and Alessio Romagnoli nodded a corner into the arms of Emil Audero.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Youssef Maleh of US Cremonese and Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio fight for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Lazio equalised with a classic counter-attack, as Nuno Tavares intercepted a corner inside his own penalty area and ran the entire length of the pitch, rolling across for Tijjani Noslin to then find Gustav Isaksen, sweeping in first-time.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio scores their first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Bonazzoli didn’t make the most of another Motta error playing out from the back, while Provstgaard threw himself in the path of a Vardy strike.
Motta got down to parry a sudden Warren Bondo screamer from distance, but he made a desperate fingertip save on Bondo’s snooker shot in the 90th minute, Adam Marusic bravely throwing himself in the way to prevent a tap-in on the rebound.
Incredibly, it was Lazio who scored moments later when Noslin completed a give and go with Boulaye Dia to curl a wonderful right-foot finish into the far top corner from just inside the box.
The midfielder is widely expected to leave Bergamo at the end of the season, especially as his current contract only runs to June 2027, so time is running out to organise an extension.
It is also no secret that there are two clubs particularly eager to secure his services in the summer, namely Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
Ederson caught between two clubs
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
However, Pedullà points out that the Spaniards are still a very long way off agreeing a fee with Atalanta, because the proposal is just €30m plus bonuses.
If Manchester United can match the personal terms proposed by Atleti and also increase the offer for Atalanta to €40m, then the matter is far from a foregone conclusion.
This could be a big crossroads in the campaign, because as Juventus and Como were both held to draws, it gives Roma the opportunity to close within a point of fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Neil El Aynaoui is suspended, with Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, plus Manu Kone, Zeki Celik and Bryan Zaragoza not at 100 per cent.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala had been tipped for a return to the starting XI for the first time since January 25, making his comeback as a substitute in the 2-0 win away to Bologna, but he is again on the bench.
It’s barely been possible to see the front three of Malen, Dybala and Soulé start together.
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)
Fiorentina are practically safe, but want one more push to be absolutely sure of escaping the relegation zone after a seven-round unbeaten Serie A run.
Their last two were stalemates against Sassuolo and Lecce, but Moise Kean, Roberto Piccoli, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey are all still injured.
Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi are back in the squad, but Albert Gudmundsson has to be a False 9 with Jack Harrison and Manor Solomon in support.
Cesc Fabregas learned so much from the coaches he worked with, crediting Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, but above all Arsene Wenger. ‘Conte was a big shock.’
The Como coach is only 39 years old and hung up his boots in 2023, going straight into management with the Italian club in Serie B.
In Calcio, there is a battle between so-called Giochisti and Risultatisti, those who want to focus on playing good football, and those who say the result is all that truly matters. He is firmly in the first camp.
Fabregas not just about the result
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I coach the way that I feel. I love the game. If I coach only to get results, I will not do it. I don’t have the necessity to do it,” Fabregas told Telegraph Sport.
“I do it because of the passion and because I want to do it my way. You know, of course, you need to adapt, depending on the group of players that you have.
“But, at the end of the day, you have some beliefs. I could not coach long ball, second ball. Why? Because you need to believe in what you do. You can win in any way, as long as you convince the players and you convince everyone that this is the right way.
“But I have my beliefs. If you want to play long ball, second ball, I’m sorry I’m not your guy, because I don’t feel it. So I will not be able to transmit the fire.”
He is trying to adapt all that he learned over 20 years as a player and brings that to this new stage of his career, trying also to avoid the errors he witnessed in the past.
That came from a little black book he started when playing for Arsenal, updating throughout his time at various clubs.
COMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I started the book when I was 22 or 23, before going to Barcelona, and then I just kept adding to it during my career,” continued Fabregas.
“I referred back to it at the beginning because everything was new. But now, with my experience, every time I’m more confident about what I do. If I’m unsure about something, I could sneak a look and pick a little bit of it, but not so often now.
“The biggest chapters are probably about Arsene, because everything was new, and Conte, because, for me, he was a big shock. Everything was different.”
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
Conte and Fabregas met at the weekend in a 0-0 Serie A draw between Como and Napoli, having worked together for two years at Chelsea.
“It was the first time someone was telling me where I need to pass the ball. The way he dealt with things, he was very, very tough in certain things. So he made me see a lot of new things and also he learned to trust me.”
The coach he still keeps in touch with the most is Wenger from the early days at Arsenal, who along with Thierry Henry and David Dien have been in the stands to cheer on Como.
“Arsene sends me messages after games, even when we lose or when we win after good performances. He gives me a lot of courage,” concluded Fabregas.
Silvio Berlusconi’s former colleague Fedele Confalonieri blasted the current Milan set-up, with everyone from owner Gerry Cardinale to ‘fake champion’ Rafael Leao.
It feels like a very long way from the success of Berlusconi’s Milan, who over 30 years became the most successful club side on the planet.
Among those at his side during that time was Confalonieri, who is now the President of Berlusconi’s media company Mediaset.
While attending the launch of a book about the club, Confalonieri spoke to reporters and did not hold back on the current state of the Rossoneri.
Confalonieri unimpressed with modern Milan
MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Silvio Berluconi and CEO of AC Monza Adriano Galliani attend the Serie A match between AC Monza and Torino FC at Stadio Brianteo on August 13, 2022 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
“Leao is a fake champion. He looks like he might be a champion, but a champion plays 90 minutes every game. How much does Leao play, really?
“Luka Modric, now there is a champion, he plays every minute, even at age 40. He is someone who won the Ballon d’Or in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Milan have been through a few owners since Berlusconi sold the club, but Confalonieri is unimpressed with current patron Cardinale.
“A bank owns a football club, what do they care about winning the Scudetto? This is the point. If you are fortunate enough, like Inter now, to have a great President in charge like Beppe Marotta… If we’d had Adriano Galliani at the helm, we might’ve stood a chance.”
When told that the man making the decisions at Milan is Giorgio Furlani, the response was not positive.
“I haven’t met him, and as a Milanista, I really don’t care to.”
Cesc Fabregas explains why he is in no rush to leave Como, even if he’d like to work in the Premier League ‘in 12, 15 years,’ because he has control. ‘I take all the football decisions, I designed the gym.’
The tactician has taken Como from Serie B to the top flight, the Coppa Italia semi-final and now challenging for a Champions League qualifying place in the space of three years.
It has attracted so much attention that there were reports he had been approached by Chelsea and Arsenal, two of his former clubs as a player, but insists he is in no rush to leave the Stadio Sinigaglia.
Fabregas eager to see Como develop
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas and FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu look on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I’ve always been very, very clear about it. I felt it as a player, I feel it as a coach, as a fan. But [Jose] Mourinho told me one day when I was at Chelsea ‘I still have 30 years to work’. So I could be here for 10 years, and you can still go to the Premier League in 12, 15 years.
“Football is so unpredictable, it changes in one second. One day, you are the best. The day after, you are the worst. So let’s enjoy the moment. I like to enjoy the moment. It’s beautiful what we are living here. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Seeing the speed at which some clubs go through managers, he has even more reason to stick it out with Como, where he represents far more than just a coach.
When he joined as a player in 2022, the Spaniard also invested as a minority shareholder, and has been given the keys to the club by billionaire owners the Hartono family.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his players Anastasios Douvikas and Martin Baturina during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I take all the football decisions. The sporting director, he’s day-to-day with me and we see football the same way. The signings, we work with data, we have our scouting and stuff, but it needs to be something that I believe in. It needs to be a player that I’m convinced about.
“I’m so happy and lucky that we have a president that trusts me a lot and has given me the confidence to go and take all the football decisions. That, for me, is really important.”
Fabregas repeatedly said that he used to open the gates of the training ground at 6am, but goes into further detail of how much Como have built to follow his vision.
“The gym I designed with the architect. I designed the glass on the front. I learned it from Arsène [Wenger]. I remembered that the gym needs to be looking at the game on the pitches for the injured players.
“All the food comes here, it was an old building, and I did it the way that I feel is right. And all the pitches, everything. At the stadium, I said we need a bigger pitch because we are a team that wants the ball, we have possession. So I made the pitch bigger.
“In Italy, people were saying ‘no, no, why 65 metres? Make it 63 because that means you can defend better’. So it’s a bit the concept of you look at football in one way or another.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 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)
Now that they are on the verge of qualifying for Europe, Fabregas can’t wait to see what happens next at Como.
“We started this journey, not on the ground floor, but at minus 10. So we’re ahead of schedule and we are in the early days. I feel that this club has so much potential, but this is what I was given. You know, this is the beauty of this project, starting from nothing to make one day a European club.”
“I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I’m in a beautiful place with amazing people who let me work and they trust me. Every day, I feel like I am at university because every day I need to make a crazy amount of decisions all over the club. And, for me, this is good because I’m learning faster than maybe doing it another way.”
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)
Some had suggested Fabregas would make a good Italy coach, but this is another thing he is in absolutely no hurry to experience.
“If you ask me now ‘do you want to coach a national team?’ I will tell you ‘no’. Because I love coaching. I love being every day on the grass. I love being with the young players. I love the individual sessions. I love it all.”
Marcus Thuram caught the eye with some special sunglasses during Inter’s Scudetto celebration and warns Hakan Calhanoglu they’re here to stay. ‘I’ll wear them in the World Cup.’
The Nerazzurri needed only a point last night against Parma to secure the Scudetto, but went better with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The France international took centre stage during the title celebrations on the pitch at San Siro with some snazzy shades, and was still wearing them the day after during an Instagram Livestream.
He was chatting with teammate Calhanoglu, who asked ‘Did you sleep with those on?’
Thuram insisted people haven’t understood his commitment to the bit.
“From now on, I will train, play, do everything with these on. You have seen the last of my eyes, it’s over! At the World Cup, if I go, I’ll be wearing these glasses. I’ll go hey, Mbappé, pass me the ball…”
Cristian Chivu jokes he was ‘already in the Inter history books’ as a player with the Treble, and tried to ‘draw on that experience’ with his squad as a coach. ‘I lost my ego during a life and death moment.’
Chivu won the Treble with Inter as a player in 2010, then started his coaching career with the club’s youth academy, where he worked with Francesco Pio Esposito.
He was not the first choice for the job, as many reported that they had first approached Cesc Fabregas, but the Romanian has secured their 21st Scudetto.
Chivu: ‘I was already in Inter history’
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When told he is in the Inter history books, he replied with his usual dry humour.
“I had done a few things as a player… But I am happy for these lads, for this club, for these marvellous fans who supported us from the start.
“I won’t say the whole narrative from last season, the mockery and denigration of this group, but the lads did well to roll their sleeves up, be reborn, and find what it took for a new competitive season.
“This is the 21st title and another page in the glorious history of this club. I was younger then, I’ve got some grey hair now, but I am just as happy as when I was a player. The players deserve the credit today, they were marvellous.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players and staff of FC Internazionale Milano unveil a flag to celebrate being confirmed as Serie A champions after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri ended last season empty-handed and saw Simone Inzaghi walk away before the Club World Cup, bringing in Chivu after just a few weeks of senior management at Parma.
Few expected him to march to the Serie A title with three games to spare, and potentially set up a Double, seeing as they will play Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final on May 13.
“For what this club represents, it was our duty to be competitive. There are ups and downs, the season is a marathon, and we were the most consistent team overall, even after losing a few games, because we always managed to react and get back on our feet,” added Chivu.
“I think in January and February we had 14 wins in 15 games, or something like that, we realised that we could do it. We also had to overcome difficult moments like the Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt, defeat in the derby, but we always kept our heads up with dignity and the desire to be competitive to the end.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates with his teammates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
A draw would’ve been enough tonight against Parma, but Inter did better with a 2-0 victory thanks to Marcus Thuram’s fifth game in a row on target, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan tapping in the Lautaro Martinez assist.
“Obviously I am happy, and it’s only right the players take the credit, enjoying all the love and affection of these fans. It was an opportunity to seal the Scudetto in front of the supporters and we did it.”
Chivu seemed to vanish into the tunnel at one point straight after the final whistle, did he want to leave all the spotlight for his players?
“I went to smoke a cigarette, I have some vices, sorry about that. But yes, they deserve it, so does the club, which always tried to comfort and support us in moments of need.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Where does the coach feel he stepped up and made the difference for his squad?
“I am an unusual person, I had to talk to myself during a moment between life and death, so I lost my ego then. I don’t feel the need to talk about myself,” replied Chivu.
He was referring to the life-changing head injury suffered while playing for Inter, which forced him to wear a protective helmet for the rest of his career.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Coutinho, Cristian Chivu and Wesley Sneijder of Inter Milan celebrates after the first goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between FC Internazionale Milano and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 20, 2010 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“I just try to be the best version of myself, to help these lads who sometimes need the carrot, sometimes the stick. I try to draw on the experience I had in many locker rooms, and try not to repeat the errors I dealt with as a player.
“I try to be empathetic, understanding, not to think about the consensus of critics outside, but only on what those who love me think. I am the coach, I will always be up for debate and at risk, that’s the job. You have to accept it, knowing you can only try to do your best. I want to also thank my staff, they are in the same boat as me.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Traditionally, Serie A is won by the team with the best defence, but Chivu and Inter focused on getting the best attack with over 100 goals.
“We always wanted to be proactive, then depending on the opponents, we had different options, like two playmakers, dealing with their press. It’s also about understanding various moments of the game.
“My predecessors did a great job here too, so if these lads know certain things about the game, it is also thanks to those coaches who came before me, who made it easier for me and my staff. It is the players who win the titles and give you what you dreamed of as a child.”
Chivu managed to win the Scudetto up against legends like Antonio Conte, Max Allegri and Luciano Spalletti.
“They are great coaches and I can only learn from them. I will continue learning from them, those coaches who are young like me can only keep learning,” concluded Chivu.
“I honestly never dreamed of winning as President of Inter, it is something remarkable. I thank the Presidents who preceded me, and who inspired me, like Pellegrini, Moratti, Zhang. I also thank the fans and the owners, who have allowed us to work in a calm atmosphere.
“However, this Scudetto belongs to Chivu and the team.”
Marotta oversaw Inter turnaround
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players and staff of FC Internazionale Milano unveil a flag to celebrate being confirmed as Serie A champions after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri had needed a complete reboot after ending last season empty-handed, losing the Champions League Final, the Scudetto by one point, the Supercoppa Italiana Final and the Coppa Italia semi-final.
Simone Inzaghi walked away too, but Cristian Chivu was drafted in as a surprise choice just days before the Club World Cup kicked off with very little senior management experience.
He has taken them to the Serie A title and they still have to play the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“As Inzaghi also confirmed the contract termination by mutual consent was on Monday and on the Tuesday we decided to go for Chivu,” assured Marotta.
“It was a courageous choice, but a considered one too, because Chivu already had the curriculum as a player winning the Treble here, of being the Ajax captain at age 21, of winning with the Inter youth team as coach, and also of taking Parma to safety.
“We had no doubts on his skills, so perhaps he was lacking a little in experience, but we supported him to cover this gap in his CV. He can and must remain at Inter for many years, as he has great qualities.”
There were some moments during this season when they hit obstacles, repeatedly falling down in the big games and eliminated from the Champions League by Bodo/Glimt in the play-offs.
“After a slightly negative period where the performances were still strong, we realised the team was united and the coach was their leader,” explained Marotta.
“I never fired a coach during a season because the coach is a fundamental component who must be helped. Too often, people make instinctive decisions and the coach pays the price for others, but that is not the way we do things.
“We have a different culture, and besides, there was no reason to make a change. We knew his value and that of the team.”
Now Inter are preparing for next season, so has Chivu asked for any specific new signings?
“We speak very often, and this is not the right time to talk about it now, but we do have some clear ideas,” replied the President.
“The owners will set the financial guardrails, but I am confident because we have a solid core of Italian players in this squad. We also want to look around for the best Italian talents on the market.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Might he be referring to Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra, currently on loan at Cagliari?
“He has a great future ahead of him, but he is not our player.”
Someone whose future is up in the air is Alessandro Bastoni, who has been heavily linked with Barcelona and Liverpool.
“We need the right mix of youth and experience, those players who bring the winning culture and motivation.”
Lautaro Martinez admits Inter needed ‘a change’ with Cristian Chivu replacing Simone Inzaghi, but does not regret his harsh words on the path to the Scudetto.
A point would’ve been sufficient this evening against Parma to be mathematically sure of the title, but they went one better with a 2-0 victory thanks to Marcus Thuram’s fifth consecutive Serie A game on target and a Henrikh Mkhitaryan tap-in on Lautaro Martinez’s assist.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first 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)
There was tension over the summer when ending the campaign empty-handed, going into the Club World Cup with new coach Cristian Chivu after Simone Inzaghi walked away.
The Argentine also hit out at some of his teammates, most notably Hakan Calhanoglu, demanding that only those who truly want to remain should do so.
Lautaro Martinez did not hold back
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“What I said at that moment was what I felt and had been holding inside me. I didn’t plan it, I just saw some things I didn’t like, and I say what I think,” Lautaro Martinez told DAZN Italia.
“We feel so happy now. It was not easy to start again after a season where we lost all the competitions we were in right at the end, but I am very happy today with this achievement.
“It was a very important objective for us, perhaps many didn’t see us being favourites considering what happened last term, but we worked so hard on and off the field.”
This is the first time in 37 years that Inter have managed to secure the Scudetto at San Siro, as the fixture list so often had them away from home when learning of their success.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The team also scored over 100 goals this season, making them something of an anomaly in Italian football.
“We have for many years been doing very well in Italy and Europe, reaching two Champions League Finals in three years. We must continue along this path, because the most important thing after winning is to keep trying to do better,” added the Argentina international.
“In such a balanced league as this, we managed to keep focused as a group, and this is the most wonderful thing that I am impressed by, the unity of this team.”
Chivu was not the first choice for the job and had very little Serie A experience as a coach, but was rushed in ahead of the Club World Cup and made a huge impact.
“The coach did so well bringing fresh energy, enthusiasm, so after four great years with Simone, perhaps we needed a change of scenery after that Champions League Final. Chivu made sure everyone felt involved and could even train with a smile, that really helped.”
It’s not over yet, as Inter can do the Double when they face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico on May 13, while Lautaro Martinez can also be Capocannoniere.
“There’s always more space in the trophy cabinet! This is my mentality and that of Inter, so I am very proud to wear this shirt.”
Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella insist the genuine bond between players is what gave Inter the strength to ‘get back on our feet’ after ending the season empty-handed, going on to win the Scudetto.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri knew going into tonight’s game with Parma at San Siro that they only needed a point to guarantee the Serie A title.
They did even better, as Thuram ran onto the Piotr Zielinski through ball to beat Zion Suzuki on the stroke of half-time, then Henrikh Mkhitaryan turned in the Lautaro Martinez assist.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram, Federico Dimarco, and Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Barella is one of the best players in the world, he can do so much, he helped Inter and Italy, in my view he is the best Italian player. I never understood when he was doubted by some people,” Thuram told DAZN Italia.
“He got angry on and off the field, he is one of our captains, and we must not forget that. Since I arrived at Inter, I saw a team that loves to stay together, on and off the field, and that is our strength.”
So many had said that the Inter era was over after they ended last season empty-handed, losing the Champions League Final 5-0 and missing out on the Scudetto by one point to Napoli.
Simone Inzaghi’s departure also raised doubts, but Cristian Chivu has taken them to the title with three rounds to spare, and potentially also a Double, as they face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final on May 13.
“Of course we’re happy! As we always said, this was our objective, we have another in just over a week’s time, this was not easy, but we want to enjoy it now,” Barella told DAZN Italia.
“This is football and life, there are difficult moments, for example last season we came so close to everything and won nothing. In life you must always get back on your feet and I want to thank these lads and the staff, they helped me during tough moments, and I try to give my all.
“I always said that you can make mistakes on the field, but this team never lost the desire to stay together. We always gave everything we had, you can win or lose, but I am so proud of these lads.”
Inter are the Champions of Italy for the 21st time, as Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured the 2-0 victory over Parma to get the party started at San Siro.
The Nerazzurri knew just a point here would suffice to celebrate the title after Napoli’s 0-0 draw at Como, but while Hakan Calhanoglu and Luis Henrique were injured, Lautaro Martinez was back on the bench, and Alessandro Bastoni had his first start in three weeks. The Ducali already secured Serie A safety and could relax, missing Matija Frigan and Benja Cremaschi.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players of FC Internazionale Milano pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
An early Denzel Dumfries glancing header flashed inches wide from the Nicolò Barella cross, but Parma also wasted a chance to take the lead when Mateo Pellegrino got the volley wrong from 12 yards on the Adrian Bernabé cross from the right.
Inter could not have come closer on 26 minutes when a well-worked move set up Barella for the scorching finish off the crossbar, it bounced off Zion Suzuki’s back, but the goalkeeper managed to scramble the rebound off the feet of Marcus Thuram from point-blank range.
Dumfries had a shot charged down by Abdoulaye Ndiaye following another give-and-go, but Inter broke the deadlock in first half stoppages. Thuram sprung the offside trap on the Piotr Zielinski through ball, took a touch and swept in with the inside of the right boot from seven yards. It was the Frenchman’s fifth consecutive Serie A match on target.
A clinical Marcus Thuram finish!
Inter need just one point vs Parma to clinch the Scudetto this evening
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 3, 2026
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Pio Esposito went off with a back injury, replaced by former Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny for the restart, while Lautaro Martinez also made an appearance for the final 25 minutes.
Dimarco almost added another assist to his record-breaking campaign, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan failed to tap in at the back post from six yards, allowing Hans Nicolussi Caviglia to scramble it clear.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale Milano and Adrian Bernabe of Parma Calcio 1913 chase after the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Another Dimarco roll across from the right was fired over by Dumfries at full stretch, while Lautaro Martinez cut inside a defender to bend the finish into the arms of Suzuki.
The second goal arrived when Lautaro Martinez sprung the offside trap down the right and rolled it across for Mkhitaryan to tap in from five yards.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan adds the finishing touches to a delightful Inter move
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 3, 2026
Nesta Elphege had the ball in the net late on for Parma, but only after Pontus Almqvist had wandered offside for the assist.
Davide Frattesi nearly got a goal moments after coming on for Barella, but his volley on yet another Dimarco cross squirmed under Suzuki, the keeper preventing it from crossing the line completely.
Watch as Marcus Thuram gets the Inter party started against Parma, finding the net for the fifth game in a row, but the celebration didn’t go entirely to plan.
The Nerazzurri went into tonight’s match knowing a point would be enough to be mathematically crowned the new Champions of Italy, putting them beyond reach of second-placed Napoli.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players of FC Internazionale Milano pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
They went even better, as Thuram ran onto the Piotr Zielinski through ball to give them the lead in first half stoppages, sending the San Siro crowd wild.
It was the striker’s fifth consecutive Serie A match on the scoresheet, with so far a total of six goals.
Thuram opens Inter account
A clinical Marcus Thuram finish!
Inter need just one point vs Parma to clinch the Scudetto this evening
— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 3, 2026
He tried to go into a knee-slide celebration on the turf, but the pitch wasn’t quite as slick as he expected, and the France international ended up face-down in the grass instead.
Luciano Spalletti admits Juventus are ‘disappointed and have regrets’ after a surprising 1-1 draw with Verona, along with tension on the touchline with director Sean Sogliano.
This was a huge opportunity to catch Milan in third place after the Rossoneri were beaten 2-0 by Sassuolo earlier today, with Napoli and Como also dropping points in the fight for the top four.
It was assumed that Juve would sweep Verona aside in Turin, especially as Hellas had already been mathematically relegated on Friday night and had nothing to play for.
Instead, Kieron Bowie put them ahead and only a Dusan Vlahovic free kick off the bench managed to snatch a 1-1 draw for the Old Lady.
Spalletti frustrated with Juventus errors
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 must always evaluate what happens, analyse things, and then try to improve for the next matches, because those are the ones that matter now, seeing as we didn’t win this one,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“Clearly, we are disappointed, we have regrets, and unfortunately this happens in football. We were not fortunate, and with a little more sharpness we could’ve turned it around, even if you cannot always control everything.
“What we can do is stay clear-headed in the moments that matter, and we didn’t do it today. That is one of the qualities that makes a great player, because you can identify those moments where you’ve got to be fully concentrated.”
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The coach had warned before kick-off that this was the kind of game where the risk was having 11 great players rather than a team unit.
“I thought we had started quite well, but then Verona locked it down, as is only right for them to do. We created some dangers, but couldn’t break through the right way, then allowed them a few counter-attacks, plus that error which made it all the more difficult.
“The tension cranked up after that, you have the fear of not making it, when everyone is telling you it’s an easy game and you discover it isn’t easy at all,” continued the coach.
“We make mistakes that you see from kids, things that are too banal to be at this level, then in the second half you pin them back and have great moments of football that deserve to win a match.
“We played our game and I think overall we did deserve to win it.”
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus FC is tackled by Martin Frese of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It was a frustrating evening, as Francisco Conceicao looked furious when substituted after a couple of good chances, while Edon Zhegrova hit the upright in stoppages.
It is remarkable that when the race for a Champions League spot could go down to the wire, Juventus were held to a pair of 1-1 draws by Verona this season.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Bremer of Juventus FC is challenged by Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Of course, both teams had different coaches during the first meeting, as Igor Tudor and Paolo Zanetti were both replaced.
If Roma beat Fiorentina tomorrow, then they will close to within a point of Juve in fifth place.
There was tension in the closing stages when Verona director Sean Sogliano was sent off from the touchline for dissent, then complained bitterly in the press interviews just before Spalletti took to the microphones.
“I don’t understand what the director was talking about,” noted the Juventus coach.
“I will go and see what he was complaining about, but I really don’t understand it, he was a little cryptic, but we never got up from the bench to complain whenever his players stayed down for 30 seconds after every foul, tried to use up every available second on throw-ins, it’s all a bit much.”
Inter President Beppe Marotta admits he didn’t expect Cristian Chivu to win the Scudetto in his first season, and potentially the Coppa Italia too. ‘We didn’t go in blind, but showed courage.’
The champagne is on ice in the dressing room, because just one point tonight will be enough to guarantee the Nerazzurri become Champions of Italy.
As Napoli and Milan both dropped points already this weekend, a draw will suffice to get the Scudetto party started.
Marotta ready for Inter success
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)
“Let’s be prudent here. We know that this is the most important exam for the diploma, and we’ll give it our all to achieve this target that would make the fans, players, club and coach happy,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.
“We hope it can be a great game and that is concluded with the Scudetto, but Parma deserve respect.”
Chivu had been a contentious choice when picked to replace Simone Inzaghi, but has proved to be a success with the title and potentially also the Coppa Italia.
“An important value for Inter is courage, I think that is the main fuel behind this decision made by the owners on one side and the management on the other. We certainly didn’t go in blind, we evaluated Chivu’s skills and characteristics, which suited our needs and our weaknesses,” explained the President.
“We had no doubts he would have a positive campaign, but if it ends with the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, that would be a truly extraordinary season.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano is congratulated by Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, after scoring his team’s fifth 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)
Inter are hoping to make this a Double, because they will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico on May 13.
However, they haven’t clinched the title on home turf for 37 years, so doing it at San Siro would be a relatively new experience.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: The FC Internazionale fans show their support during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We were optimistic from the start, as Chivu worked in our youth academy, so we knew him as a coach and a person with great values. Admittedly, we didn’t expect him to have such a remarkable season, with the only blotch being that Champions League elimination, but these things happen.
“We are very pleased, because he came up through our youth academy, which adds to the pride of this club.”
This is set to be the 10th Scudetto for Marotta at two different clubs, as he won with both Juventus and Inter, but this would be his first as a club President.
He was asked if he had any updates on the refereeing scandal and the suggestions that Inter did not want certain referees?
“No, I have nothing to add to last week, we are very relaxed and not concerned.”
Dusan Vlahovic came off the bench for his first goal of 2026 to rescue a point for Juventus against relegated Verona, but it’s a missed opportunity to go third.
The Bianconeri hoped to make the most of Como, Napoli and Milan dropping points, with Kenan Yildiz back in the starting XI after two games as a substitute and Dusan Vlahovic ready for the bench, leaving only Arek Milik and Juan Cabal out of action. A victory here would’ve put the Old Lady in joint third with Milan. Hellas were already doomed to relegation this weekend, with Nicolas Valentini suspended, Gift Orban frozen out for an altercation with a fan, and Armel Bella-Kotchap, Cheikh Niasse, Daniel Oyegoke, Suat Serdar and Daniel Mosquera injured.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC is challenged by Jean-Daniel Dave Lewis Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Francisco Conceicao tested Lorenzo Montipò at the near post, then the Kenan Yildiz pull-back for Jonathan David was intercepted, and Andrias Edmundsson threw himself in the path of the David angled drive.
A corner was not cleared very far, so the Pierre Kalulu cross back in was flicked onto the crossbar off Gleison Bremer’s head on 26 minutes.
Manuel Locatelli saw his strike deflected just wide, then the midfielder was perhaps harshly booked for simulation when going down in a coming together with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC in action against Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Moments later, Verona took the surprise lead when Bremer was caught napping passing out from the back, intercepted by Domagoj Bradaric and rolled across from the left for Kieron Bowie to sweep in. It was all the more remarkable considering Juve had kept four consecutive clean sheets before that gift.
The Scotland international nearly got another when deflected over by Lloyd Kelly, while Edmundsson made another decisive block on Andrea Cambiaso.
Dusan Vlahovic was thrown on for Khephren Thuram after the restart and Juve moved to 4-4-2. A couple of crosses were a little too high for the Serbian, but he got them on level terms and ended his 180-day goal drought by bending a free kick around the Verona wall and into the near bottom corner. Remarkably, it was also the first direct free kick scored by Juventus in Serie A this season.
Akpa Akpro risked an own goal intercepting the Conceicao pull-back to turn over from four yards, but Montipò made two extraordinary reaction saves in the space of a minute, both to deny Conceicao from point-blank range at the back post.
Conceicao also drilled wide from the edge of the area, while Jeremie Boga couldn’t surprise Montipò at the far stick on an Edon Zhegrova cross.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Bremer of Juventus FC is challenged by Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Boga saw his curler intercepted by a Hellas chest in the six-yard box, but Edon Zhegrova was unlucky in stoppages when his angled drive thumped the base of the near post and hit the goalkeeper on the back, but ricocheted back out.
It means both Juve’s games against Verona ended 1-1 this season, dropping four points overall in these fixtures.
Inter need just one point to celebrate the Scudetto tonight against Mateo Pellegrino’s Parma, so Francesco Pio Esposito, Marcus Thuram and Alessandro Bastoni start.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Federico Dimarco of Inter talks with Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Esposito therefore partners Thuram upfront, with Petar Sucic preferred to Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield.
Bastoni returns in defence three weeks after his last start, having struggled with a recurring ankle issue.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter warms up prior to 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)
Parma have already locked down their Serie A safety thanks to a victory over Pisa, and are therefore also in celebratory mood at San Siro.
Matija Frigan and Benja Cremaschi are out of action, but Pellegrino leads the attack with Gabriel Strefezza, as super-sub Nesta Elphege waits for his opportunity.
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nesta Elphege of Parma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Gabriel Strefezza during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Friuli on April 18, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Many of these players worked with Cristian Chivu last season, but it is a remarkable achievement for the coach to win the Scudetto in his first full top flight campaign.
Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus risk taking Verona for granted with an opportunity to catch Milan in third place. ‘The danger is to be 11 great players rather than a great team.’
With Como held to a 0-0 draw by Napoli and Roma facing Fiorentina on Monday, this is an opportunity for the Bianconeri to consolidate fourth place and that Champions League ticket.
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)
Juve are unbeaten in eight Serie A games, winning five and drawing the other three, the longest positive streak in the league.
That includes a run of four consecutive clean sheets, conceding only once in the last seven rounds.
“We want to keep doing more than we did the day before, sport is a daily competition to always challenge yourself with something new. If you keep using the same techniques as in the past, it’s natural the others will surpass you, so we must focus on the performances and try to become what we want to be.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates and Luciano Spalletti Head coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Verona are already relegated, so the danger today is that Juve will take the victory for granted.
“When there are games like this, players tend to become 11 great players rather than a great team, so we need to be focused, ready to work, able to fill the whole game and not just do one thing, help your teammates, go beyond your usual characteristics. This unity is what helps everyone going forward.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz had been on the bench for the last two games against Bologna and Milan, but has shaken off that recurring inflammation for a return to the starting XI.
Jonathan David is confirmed upfront with Francisco Conceicao in a 3-4-3 formation, sending Jeremie Boga and not fully fit Dusan Vlahovic to the bench after the 0-0 at San Siro.
“Yildiz could be a university professor in terms of team spirit, because he always wants to be with other people, he knows how to behave in a group, he’s a splendid lad, so we trust he will show us something good today,” noted Spalletti.
“Vlahovic had a nasty injury, he is recovering, and if we need someone with his characteristics today, then he too is available to help the team at this moment.”
Juventus can catch Milan in third place as they host Kieron Bowie’s already-relegated Verona, as Kenan Yildiz returns to the starting XI with Jonathan David and Francisco Conceicao.
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)
The Bianconeri have a big opportunity to lock down that Champions League spot after Como were held to a 0-0 draw by Napoli, with Roma facing Fiorentina on Monday evening.
Above all, Milan’s 2-0 defeat at Sassuolo means a victory will put Juve in joint third place.
Dusan Vlahovic is in the squad again after a calf injury during a warm-up last month, while Kenan Yildiz has shaken off that recurring inflammation to start after two games as a substitute.
David and Conceicao complete the attack, sending Jeremie Boga to the bench.
Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso are on the flanks of a 3-4-3 formation.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Jonathan David of Juventus reacts during 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)
Gift Orban is again frozen out after his physical altercation with a fan in the car park a couple of weeks ago, and is unlikely to play for Hellas again.
Nicolas Valentini is suspended, with Armel Bella-Kotchap joining Cheikh Niasse, Daniel Oyegoke, Suat Serdar and Daniel Mosquera on the treatment table.
Toma Suslov partners Scotland international Bowie upfront.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Kieron Bowie of Hellas Verona is challenged by Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Juventus vs. Verona line-ups
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; David
Milan crumbled in a 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo when down to 10 men for over an hour due to Fikayo Tomori’s red card, as Domenico Berardi and Armand Laurienté scored.
The Rossoneri could catch Napoli in second place with a victory and consolidate the Champions League spot, but Luka Modric’s season was over after surgery for a fractured cheekbone. Ardon Jashari stepped in, with Christopher Nkunku pushing off-form Christian Pulisic to the bench. Domenico Berardi was back after a two-match ban for the Neroverdi, though Darryl Bakola, Fali Cande, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo were injured.
It took under five minutes for Berardi to confirm his extraordinary record against Milan, as this was his 12th career goal past them. Kristian Thorstvedt robbed Jashari in midfield and it was quickly moved left to right, for Berardi to bend a first-time finish into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left foot.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fabio Grosso (L), Head Coach of US Sassuolo 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)
Moments later, Mike Maignan made a one-handed save on the M’Bala Nzola counter-attack, while both teams had penalty appeals waved away as Berardi had his arm behind his back, then Armand Laurienté went down too easily under pressure from Matteo Gabbia, the same with Christopher Nkunku at the other end.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Rafael Leao 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)
Rafael Leao wasted a golden opportunity when blasting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat after a defensive error sent him clear on goal.
Things went from bad to worse for Milan, as Fikayo Tomori brought down Laurienté on the counter for his second yellow card, leaving his team down to 10 for over an hour.
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)
Strahinja Pavlovic made a decisive block on Thorstvedt and Jay Idzes limped off injured, while Alexis Saelemaekers drilled wide.
Sassuolo doubled their lead within 90 seconds of the restart, as Laurienté completed a give and go with Thorstvedt just inside the area, the finish thumped low and hard into the near bottom corner.
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)
Zachary Athekame fired over, while Nzola and Thorstvedt failed to keep their efforts on target, while both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alieu Fadera were booked for simulation in the box.
This result means that with a victory over Verona today, Juventus could catch Milan in joint third place, while they have failed to score in five of the last seven games.
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