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Today — 7 May 2026Main stream

Vacant Italy CT role leaves seven different coaches with uncertain futures

7 May 2026 at 16:08

Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri remain the frontrunners to land the vacant Italy national team head coach role, but with decisions not yet made either way, several other coaches in Serie A are facing uncertain futures as well. 

The Italy CT role has been left vacant for the last month following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso shortly after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of March. 

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon also left their roles after the failure to qualify for the World Cup, and with an election to appoint a new FIGC President set for June 22, a new head coach will not be appointed before then. 

Dominos expected to fall once new Italy CT is chosen

SASSUOLO, ITALY - MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan looks on 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)
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan looks on 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)

Thursday’s reports indicate that a series of dominos in the Serie A coaching world could begin to fall once the new Italy head coach role is filled. 

The Corriere dello Sport and Calciomercato.com report that if Allegri is appointed the next Italy head coach, then Milan could potentially turn to Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano, or even to Conte, who had been linked with a move to join the Rossoneri before landing in Naples. 

If Italy go with Conte, then Maurizio Sarri would be first in line to return to the Stadio Maradona to take over. 

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Maurizio Sarri SS Lazio head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Maurizio Sarri SS Lazio head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

This leaves Bologna and Lazio with uncertainties as well. 

Thursday’s reports suggest that if either find themselves in need of a new head coach this summer, they could turn to Atalanta’s Raffaele Palladino, who is said to be uncertain about his long-term future with La Dea. Paolo Vanoli could also be available as Fiorentina are said to be considering a potential move for Sassuolo’s Fabio Grosso. 

Whatever happens with the Italy CT position, there are at least seven Serie A coaches whose futures are not nailed down as things stand between Conte, Allegri, Sarri, Italiano, Palladino, Vanoli and Grosso.

Szczesny jokes Lewandowski ‘should retire’ instead of joining Juventus

7 May 2026 at 15:40

Former Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has joked that his long-term Poland colleague Robert Lewandowski should retire instead of joining the Bianconeri this summer ‘because that’s when the best offers come in’. 

Szczesny jokingly advises Lewandowski against Juventus

Juventus and Milan are among the Serie A sides that have been linked with a summer move to sign Lewandowski, who is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and will turn 38 in August.

The veteran centre-forward has still been in productive form over the last two seasons – 27 goals from 34 LaLiga appearances last season and 13 from 27 in the Spanish top flight so far this term, and his age is not a particular concern to clubs in Italy following the success that the 40-year-old Luka Modric has been in Milan this season. 

Lewandowski still has plenty of options available to him approaching the summer transfer window, but former Juventus goalkeeper Szczseny, speaking from his own experiences, jokes that Lewandowski should retire this summer. 

TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 30: Wojciech Szczesny of Juventus celebrates following their sides victory after the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and AS Roma at Allianz Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 30: Wojciech Szczesny of Juventus celebrates following their sides victory after the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and AS Roma at Allianz Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“If I had to give him advice from my experience, I would tell him to retire, because that’s when the best offers come in,” Szczesny joked in an interview with Eleven Sports (via Tuttosport).

Szczesny decided to call time on his playing career after leaving Juventus upon the expiry of his contract in the summer of 2024, before coming out of retirement less than two months later to sign with Barcelona until the end of the 2024-25 season following an injury to first-choice stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 11: Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on March 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (Formerly Juventus)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on March 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Szczesny has since gone on to sign a two-year extension to that deal, which will keep him tied to Barcelona until the summer of 2027. He has made 40 appearances across all competitions with the Cataland Giants since joining last October.

Di Lorenzo ready for first Napoli start after 100 days of injury

7 May 2026 at 15:12

Thursday’s reports confirm that Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo is ready to return to Antonio Conte’s starting line-up in Serie A this weekend as the Italy international marks 100 days since his most recent injury. 

Di Lorenzo finally set for Napoli return

Di Lorenzo has been out of action for exactly 100 days, dating back to his side’s 2-1 victory against Fiorentina in Serie A on January 31. The Partenopei captain was taken off with a knee injury during that game with fears that he might have damaged his cruciate ligament (ACL). 

Fortunately for Di Lorenzo, the issue was diagnosed as a hyperextension, significantly less severe than an ACL tear, but, the right-back decided to have surgery anyway in order to fix a foot injury which had been causing him pain for much of the 2025-26 season. 

UDINE, ITALY - DECEMBER 14: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli on the pitch ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli on the pitch ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

The knee injury and surgery on Di Lorenzo’s foot have kept him out of action for the last 12 Serie A matches. He returned to the matchday squad for Napoli’s 0-0 draw against Como this weekend, but remained an unused substitute. 

Now, according to updates from Corriere dello Sport, Di Lorenzo is now in line to return to the Napoli starting line-up for this weekend’s match against Bologna. The 32-year-old had played for the full 90 minutes in all 22 of Napoli’s Serie A matches prior to his injury.

 

Shevchenko on Italy missing the World Cup: ‘I’m sure they’ll adapt and find a way back’

7 May 2026 at 14:52

Former AC Milan legend and current president of the Ukrainian Football Federation, Andriy Shevchenko, believes Italy will return to the top level of world football despite the disappointment of missing out on another FIFA World Cup qualification.

Shevchenko on Italy’s World Cup failure: ‘They will find a way to come back and compete at the highest level’

“I’m sure Italy will adjust, Italy will find a way to come back and compete at the highest level,” Shevchenko said at the Portugal Football Summit Podcast presented by Pedro Pinto.

“I was very sad about that because a country like Italy is a football country, and this is the third time that they didn’t qualify for the World Cup,” Shevchenko said.

The former Ballon d’Or winner revealed that Milan’s former sporting director Ariedo Braida played a decisive role in convincing him to move to Italy in 1999. “He came to visit me to watch one of the games of Dynamo Kyiv. After the game, he brought me a present: an AC Milan shirt. He told me that if I wanted to win the Ballon d’Or, the only chance was to join AC Milan and wear that shirt. That was a clear message for me that I should choose AC Milan.”

The Ukrainian striker would go on to become one of the greatest forwards in Milan history and win the UEFA Champions League. “It was a dream come true,” he said.

“When I was a little kid, I was always dreaming about becoming a professional player and playing for Dynamo Kyiv. I had a chance to win the Champions League with them, but it didn’t come through. Then, finally, when I joined AC Milan, I had such a big chance to win the Champions League. And when that happened, I felt like my dream had come true. I also felt like I had written something important in the book of football.”

Shevchenko also spoke warmly about his friendship with former Milan teammate Rui Costa, now president of Benfica. “I’m very happy that Rui chose to stay involved in football. It was a great pleasure for me to share the pitch with him. Our relationship has continued.”

Rui Costa

Now serving as president of the Ukrainian Association of Football, Shevchenko also addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine. “When I talk to the players, I try to explain that we have to stick together. We have to help each other,” he said.

Shevchenko reserved special praise for the Ukrainian armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices during the ongoing conflict. “Thank you for your service. It is the reason we are still playing football in Ukraine.”

The Portugal Football Summit is a programme organised by the Portuguese Football Federation that promises to bring together a number of leading figures from the world of football ahead of the second edition of the event, which will take place from 23 to 25 September at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras.

Tonali and Fagioli given final punishments as gambling scandal reaches conclusion

7 May 2026 at 14:22

Reports in Italy confirm that Italy internationals Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli have been handed their final punishments as the investigation into their illegal gambling activity finally comes to a definitive end. 

Tonali and Fagioli betting investigation reaches definitive conclusion

Tonali and Fagioli both served lengthy bans between 2023 and 2024 for their involvement in illegal gambling practices, which involved betting on football matches, which is prohibited for professional players. 

In October of 2023, the FIGC confirmed that Tonali would have to serve a 10-match suspension for his involvement, as well as being ordered to pay a fine of €20,000 and to attend a series of events warning others against the dangers of gambling addictions. Fagioli was also handed a seven-month suspension and a fine of €12,500. 

CREMONA, ITALY - MARCH 16: Nicolò Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) (Milan links)
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Nicolò Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

These were ‘sporting’ punishments handed out by the Italian football association, but that is separate from the criminal investigation that was opened in April 2025. Tonali and Fagioli were accused of gambling on illegal betting sites, of promoting these platforms among other professional athletes, and of opening accounts and delivering payments on behalf of their colleagues. 

Reports from various outlets in Italy on Thursday, including the Corriere dello Sport, confirm that the investigation into the illegal gambling case has now drawn to a conclusion, which means that the matter is now definitively over. 

Tonali will have to pay a fine of €78,000, while Fagioli has been handed a one-month suspended prison sentence. 

Report: Leao at risk of being dropped and sold by Milan

7 May 2026 at 13:55

Reports in Italy claim that Rafael Leao is at risk of being dropped from Massimiliano Allegri’s starting line-up and that the Rossoneri could look to sell the Portugal international in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

Could Leao be dropped and then sold by Milan?

Leao and his Milan teammates are on a disappointing run of form heading into the final few games of the 2025-26 season, with just four points to their name from their last five Serie A matches. 

Leao is without a goal in over two months, dating back to the 2-0 win over Cremonese on March 1. The Portugal international is yet to cross double figures in the league, currently on nine goals, heading into the final three Serie A matches of the season. That is despite the fact that he has spent most of the season playing as a centre-forward in a 3-5-2.

CREMONA, ITALY - MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

According to updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are ‘growing tired’ of waiting for Leao to become a consistently reliable player. 

It has been said that the 26-year-old is not impacting games in the way that he used to in years gone by, and his lack of defensive effort has constantly been a complaint among Rossoneri supporters. His icy reactions to being substituted off in recent matches has not gone down well, either. 

For these reasons, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Leao is at risk of losing his place in the starting XI for Milan’s upcoming Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday evening. Thursday’s report explains that Leao still has another few days to convince Allegri to keep the faith in him, but as things stand, he is ‘a step behind’ Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez in the pecking order. 

BOLOGNA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts that this could be the summer that Milan decide to part ways with Leao as well. The Pink Paper claims that Milan ‘will not only evaluate, but encourage’ offers for the winger-turned striker this coming window. 

Leao has a staggering €175m release clause in his Rossoneri contract, which is not expected to be activated. In fact, Milan might be looking at offers of less than a third of the value of the release clause. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport’s prediction is that offers in the region of €50m-€60m could be enough to convince Milan into a sale this summer.

Report: Former Italy CT Gattuso could be handed three-year deal to return to Serie A

7 May 2026 at 12:38

Reports on Thursday claim that former Italy national team head coach Gennaro Gattuso could potentially be offered a three-year contract to return to Serie A as head coach of Torino, but he is not the only candidate that the Granata have in mind. 

Gattuso has been out of work since leaving his position as head coach of the Italy national team at the beginning of April, shortly after the failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. 

The 48-year-old has not coached in Serie A since leaving Napoli in 2021. Since then, he has had experiences with Valencia in LaLiga, Marseille in Ligue 1, Hajduk Split in the Croatian Football League, and most recently with Italy. 

Could Gattuso return to Serie A with Torino after short-lived Italy stint?

According to reports from Tuttosport, Torino are keen on the idea of appointing Gattuso as their head coach for the 2026-27 campaign. 

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

If Torino are to head down the Gattuso route, Tuttosport reports that he will likely be offered a three-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico Grande. 

The ex-Italy CT is a figure that club President Urbano Cairo is said to like, as does sporting director Gianluca Petrachi, and Thursday’s reports claim that this is not the first time that Gattuso has been sounded out for the Torino job. Tuttosport claims that the Granata had also looked at the possibility of appointing Gattuso before and after Ivan Juric’s spell in charge. 

A return to Torino for Juric can’t be ruled out either. The Croatian has been without a job since leaving Atalanta earlier this season. Torino had also looked at bringing Juric back to the club before he decided to move to Bergamo, which led the Granata to appoint Marco Baroni ahead of the 2025-26 campaign instead. 

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 16: Ivan Juric Head coach of Torino FC looks on prior to kick off in the Serie A TIM match between Torino FC and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 16, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Ivan Juric Head coach of Torino FC looks on prior to kick off in the Serie A TIM match between Torino FC and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 16, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

There is also a possibility, albeit an increasingly slim one, that Torino decide to stick with current head coach Roberto D’Aversa, who is on a short-term contract that expires at the end of June. Thursday’s front page claims that the current head coach is at the bottom of the pecking order as things stand, though.

Today’s Papers: Leao out, Conte moves everyone, Champions League final set

7 May 2026 at 11:51

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Leao, you’re out 

Two cases in the race for the Champions League 

He’s at the end of the line with Milan: Future elsewhere. At risk of being benched in San Siro on Sunday

Vlahovic, what frost 

He wants to go abroad, renewal with Juve slipping away 

The last dribble

Brilliance and wit, the symbol of Interismo. His Scudetto teammates: ‘He used to run away from training camps’.

PSG in the final again for the double 

Champions League 

Just a 1-1 against Bayern. The battle with Arsenal in Bdapest on May 30 

Corriere dello Sport 

Conte moves everyone 

If he doesn’t stay at Napoli, could Sarri return and Allegri be CT?

The dugout domino | Antonio, more than Max, could set off the Serie A coaches 

The meeting with ADL is the key to start the rotation of the coaches. Milan also left without certainties. Just like Bologna, Atalanta and Fiorentina. It will hot up from Tuesday

Champions League, Lucho for the treble 

Luis Enrique in the final with PSG: Looking for his third triumph 

No goal fest this time, it finishes 1-1 in Munich with goals from Dembele and Kane. Kvara the best on the pitch. The coach won it last year with the Parisians and with Barcelona in 2015: They will take on Arsenal in Budapest on May 30

Now the world has lost its fantasy 

Farewell to Beccalossi: He was 69 years old. Altobelli: ‘I died with him’ 

Referees, the FIGC votes for change 

Commissioner at the AIA 

The decision from the federal council is expected next week. Pinzani and Butti met with the prosecutor yesterday 

Tuttosport 

‘Dusan, Juve is already your top’ 

Interview with Pantaleo Corvino 

The Lecce general manager, who is playing for survival against Juventus on Saturday, is the man who discovered Vlahovic: ‘They still have a lot to give each other. He could score more than 20 goals a season with Spalletti. He’s a gem: I brought him to Florence amidst great scepticism’. Alaba, who is leaving Madrid, has been offered for the defence. Atletico offering Cardoso to keep Nico Gonzalez. Surveys underway for Pisilli

And who could beat these?

Champions League, PSG draw 1-1 on Bayern’s turf, final against Arsenal 

Dembele strikes after three minutes, the equaliser from Kane doesn’t arrive until the 94th. The champions of Europe will defend their title in Budapest on May 30

Toro, three-year deal for Gattuso

The Granata proposal for the former CT. The alternative remains Juric 

Petrachi supports the move, Cairo also keeps the Croatian option open. D’Aversa at the bottom of the pack. Relegated Wolverhampton tempt Adams with a maxi-contract. Ferrante: ‘Winning the derby would at least give some meaning to the season’

Evaristo and the art of football 

Farewell to Beccalossi

Yesterday — 6 May 2026Main stream

Capello identifies ‘the most beautiful thing’ about Arsenal 1-0 Atletico victory

6 May 2026 at 19:27

Fabio Capello believes that Arsenal were the better side in every aspect of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, but believes that ‘the most beautiful thing’ about the Gunners’ victory was their supporters. 

Capello reacts to Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid

Arsenal booked their spot in the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years thanks to their 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, which sealed a 2-1 aggregate scoreline. 

Mikel Arteta’s side will go on to face the winner of the other semi-final taking place on Wednesday evening, between Bayern Munich and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain. 

Capello was in the Sky Sport Italia studio for coverage of Tuesday night’s semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Atletico, and explained why he felt that Arsenal were the better side over the two legs. 

“They were the more complete side with more personality,” Capello explained. “When they wanted to keep hold of possession, they did it, the same when they wanted to press. It was always Arsenal that had it in them.”

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Former Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello of Italy managing the Red Team during a charity match for the Slovenian flood victims on September 15, 2023 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In August 2023 major floods occurred in two-thirds of the Slovenian territory due to heavy rain. Deemed as the worst natural disaster of the country. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) (Bayern-Inter)
Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

In the end, it was a tap-in from England international Bukayo Saka that sent Arsenal through to their first Champions League final since 2006. 

“It was a nice goal, but it was a bit careless in defence on the rebound,” said Capello. 

“But, the most beautiful thing for me was the crowd, who suffered until the very end and then got the chance to celebrate after 20 years.

Roma vs. Lazio kick-off time still causing issues: Could five Serie A matches be moved?

6 May 2026 at 17:21

The scheduling of the upcoming Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio in Serie A is still causing severe logistical issues, and the latest updates suggest that the game is ‘likely’ to be moved from its currently-proposed Sunday lunchtime kick-off slot. 

Why is the time and date of Roma vs. Lazio causing so many issues?

Roma will host archrivals Lazio in the penultimate round of 2025-26 Serie A fixtures, and is currently scheduled to be played at 11.30 BST (12.30 CET) on Sunday, May 17. 

Maurizio Sarri has recently claimed “it is an insult to the city of Rome” to play the derby on a Sunday lunchtime, suggested that whoever came up with the idea should resign and added: “Ask the Lega Serie A why they didn’t make Inter and Milan play at that time.”

There are several reasons, however, why the league originally decided to play the game at 12.30 local time on a Sunday afternoon. 

Firstly, May 17 is also the date of the men’s singles final at the Italian Open, which could feature home favourite Jannik Sinner. The Italian Open is hosted at Foro Italico, the same site that houses the Stadio Olimpico.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Jannik Sinner of Italy poses with the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy following his victory against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen’s Singles Final on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 13: Jannik Sinner of Italy poses with the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy following his victory against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen’s Singles Final on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

This is a safety concern and also presents an issue in terms of police and security resources. The regular main entrance to the Curva Sud side of the Stadio Olimpico will be blocked off for football supporters in order to allow access to the tennis stadium for the Italian Open. 

This was already an issue when the final of the Italian Open clashed with the Lazio vs. Juventus match at the end of last season, and is only expected to intensify given the heated rivalry between Roma and Lazio and the history of clashes between supporters. 

As a result of the previous fan trouble around the Derby della Capitale, the suggestion of playing the game late in the evening has already been ruled out. Any later than lunchtime on Sunday afternoon, and there will be a direct clash with the Italian Open final. The game cannot be played on the Saturday either, as it is too close to Lazio’s Coppa Italia final against Inter, which is being held a few days before on Wednesday, May 13. 

And, with growing pressure from local authorities to ensure both the derby and the Italian open final run as smoothly as possible, there have been calls to move the Roma vs. Lazio match to Monday, May 18 instead, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 21: Angelino of AS Roma shoots while put under pressure by Adam Marusic of Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Angelino of AS Roma shoots while put under pressure by Adam Marusic of Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The added complication in this scenario, however, is that Roma are one of several sides still competing for a Champions League spot. And, given that the 37th round of Serie A fixtures could be the decisive week in the race for the Champions League, all games involving teams that are still in the fight for the top four must be played at the same to ensure competitive fairness. 

So, if Roma vs. Lazio is moved to the Monday evening, then Genoa vs. Milan, Juventus vs. Fiorentina, Como vs. Parma and potentially Pisa vs. Napoli and even Atalanta vs. Bologna might have to be played then as well. 

For now, the situation remains unsettled. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, a definitive decision is likely to be made after the completion of the 36th round of Serie A fixtures coming up this weekend, when the Champions League picture may begin to start looking a bit clearer.

Locatelli ‘angry’ at yellow card for diving and insists Juventus need ‘nastiness’

6 May 2026 at 00:56

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli says that he is ‘angry’ at the yellow card he received for simulation over the weekend, and says that Juventus need more ‘nastiness’ and to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to return to the Champions League next season. 

Locatelli on Juventus 1-1 Verona, call for ruthlessness and yellow card for diving

Juventus remain locked in a battle with Roma and Como for a spot in next season’s Champions League. The Bianconeri occupy fourth spot on 65 points, Roma trail by one point and Como trail by three heading into the final three matches of the 2025-26 season. 

The gap between Juventus and Roma narrowed over the weekend, following a 1-1 draw between the Bianconeri and Hellas Verona and a 4-0 victory for the Giallorossi against Fiorentina on Monday night. 

Whilst there is only one point separating Juventus and Roma, Locatelli says there is comfort to be taken from the fact that the race is still in Juve’s control. He urges his teammates to be more ruthless heading into the final stretch, though. 

“I think we lack a bit of competitive nastiness in certain moments,” Locatelli told reporters at the launch event of Juve’s Strength of Stories podcast series. 

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 16: Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after Lloyd Kelly (not pictured) scores his team's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after Lloyd Kelly (not pictured) scores his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“We have to try to score when games are still open. Being clinical in front of goal helps us. The coach told us, we need a pinch of extra nastiness. 

The Bianconeri skipper insists that he is not distracted by the ‘pressure’ that some suggest is burdening the players heading into the final few matches of the season. 

“As I’ve always said, it’s a familiar concept in football, we’re used to this sort of pressure. The important thing is that it all still depends on us. We have to play these next few games with maturity. We’re trying, but we lack that wickedness.” 

Locatelli does not deny the fact that Juve were not at their best during their 1-1 draw with Verona, though: “As I’ve said, it still depends on us. We can’t be happy with the game we played against Verona.” 

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

Locatelli also took a moment to criticise the decision to show him a yellow card for simulation during the Verona draw. 

When asked how frustrated he was, he replied: “Very. I got angry. I don’t usually talk about referees, I don’t like that, but he can’t give me a yellow there. I was nervous, which is why I made a mistake, but I don’t dive. You can’t dive with VAR, there’s no point in giving me the yellow card.” 

Why Juventus and Vlahovic have no contract agreement after five meetings

5 May 2026 at 23:08

Reports in Italy claim that there have been five meetings between Juventus and the entourage of striker Dusan Vlahovic in an attempt to come to an agreement over a new contract, but the parties are not yet aligned on figures, and most importantly, commission fees. 

Report: Juventus and Vlahovic camp haggling over commission fees

Vlahovic is into the final two months of his Juventus contract and could potentially walk away from the Allianz Stadium for free at the end of June. He is earning a net salary of €12m on the final year of his Juventus deal, which makes him the highest-paid player in the division by some distance. 

Despite a 2025-26 season that has been heavily impacted by injuries, Juventus are still keen to tie Vlahovic down to a new deal, particularly knowing that he could potentially go on and join a direct league rival if his contract is allowed to expire next month. Milan and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich are both said to be interested. 

However, according to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, there have now been five meetings between Juventus and Vlahovic’s camp, led by the striker’s father, Milos, but there is still no agreement over a new deal in place. 

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)
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)

Vlahovic has reportedly ‘opened up’ to the idea of signing a relatively short-term contract, potentially for two years. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that a reduction of salary is not out of the question either, potentially to a contract ‘a la Yildiz’ i.e. for €6m-€7m per year. 

However, there are still issues relating to ancillary costs, i.e. commission fees and signing bonuses according to Tuesday’s reports.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Report: Barcelona disappointed as Bastoni transfer from Inter fades away

5 May 2026 at 22:39

Reports in Italy claim that Barcelona have been left ‘disappointed’ by the fact that a potential deal for Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni seems to be fading away, but there are also suggestions that the financially-troubled LaLiga giants should priorities the signing of a new striker rather than a new defender. 

Why Bastoni’s move to Barcelona is beginning to look unlikely

For several weeks, reports in Spain and Italy have linked Barcelona with a summer move for Italy international Bastoni, who was part of the squad that celebrated Inter’s 21st Serie A title over the weekend. 

MILAN, ITALY - MAY 03: Alessandro Bastoni 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)
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Alessandro Bastoni 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)

Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta has recently admitted: “I won’t deny there is interest from Barcelona (in Bastoni), but nothing concrete yet.” 

However, according to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona’s interest in the left-sided defender is now beginning to fade away. 

There are several reasons for this, but perhaps most importantly is the player’s apparent unwillingness to leave San Siro this summer. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter value Bastoni in the region of €70m, but Barcelona had believed that they would be able to negotiate a discounted fee closer to €50m. In order for that to happen, though, they would have needed for Bastoni to express his desire to leave for Barcelona, thus forcing Inter’s hand into a sale.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this has not happened, and the Nerazzurri have no intention of letting Bastoni go for a cut-price fee. 

Whether a €50m or a €70m fee, it is still a significant investment for a club who continue to feel the impact of LaLiga’s strict financial rules. As a result of their recent financial troubles, the only new, permanent signings that Barcelona have been able to complete over the last two seasons have been Dani Olmo in a €58m deal, Joan Garcia in a €27m deal and youngster Roony Bardghji in a €2m deal. 

Given that it has practically been a case of one new first-team signing per summer for Barcelona over the last two years, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Bastoni would not be the best use of available funds during the upcoming transfer window. 

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) (Juventus links)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

That is because Barcelona will likely need a new striker too, as the high-earning Robert Lewandowski, 37, is likely to leave the club this summer, which leaves Hansi Flick with a big gap to fill at centre-forward, which would likely be Barcelona’s priority rather than the signing of a luxury centre-back. 

Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid Champions League line-ups: Two Italians start

5 May 2026 at 21:55

Riccardo Calafiori and Matteo Ruggeri are both in the starting line-ups as Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League final on Tuesday evening.

Arsenal and Atletico are level at 1-1 at the halfway stage of their Champions League semi-final after goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvaerz, both from the penalty spot, at the Metropolitano last week.

Tonight’s second leg will kick off at 20.00 BST.

Calafiori keeps his place in the Arsenal starting XI after a stellar performance against Fulham in the Premier League over the weekend. The Italy international was denied his first goal at The Emirates after a late VAR review on Saturday.

The former Roma and Bologna defender had missed four matches across all competitions with a knock leading up to the first leg of this tie, and was left on the bench for the opening game last week. This is the first time since December that Calafiori has started two games in a row for Arsenal.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Ruggeri also keeps his place at left-back in the Atletico Madrid line-up. The former Atalanta wing-back has started in 12 of Atleti’s 15 Champions League outings this term and was one of several key players that Diego Simeone decided to rest for the LaLiga match against Valencia over the weekend.

Former Atalanta star Ademola Lookman also starts for Atletico, and former Dea goalkeeper Juan Musso is named among Simeone’s substitutes.

Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid: Confirmed line-ups

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.

Subs: Kepa, Setford, Mosquera, Hincapie, Havertz, Odegaard, Norgaard, G.Jesus, Martinelli, Zubimendi, Dowman, Madueke. 

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

Subs: Musso, Gimenez, Lenglet, Molina, Bonar, J.Diaz, Mendoza, Cardoso, Alex B., Vargas, Sorloth, Almada. 

05-05-2026 20:00
1/2 Final

Player statistic

1st half
Bukayo Saka Goal 44'    
2nd half
    81' Marc Pubill
    90+6' Yellow card Koke

Match statistic

54
Possession %
46
13
Total shots
9
2
Shots on target
2
8
Shots off target
4
3
Blocked shots
3
5
Corners
2
1
Offsides
2
10
Fouls
13
Arsenal
Atl. Madrid

Starting lineups

1
Goalkeeper
4
Defender
6
33
58'
2
Defender
41
Midfielder
49
Midfielder
74'
7
Attacker
58'
10
Attacker
59'
19
Attacker
83'
14
Attacker
13
Goalkeeper
17
Defender
18
Defender
3
Defender
24
Defender
58'
6
Midfielder
14
Midfielder
22
Attacker
58'
7
67'
20
Attacker
58'
19
Attacker
67'

Substitutes

9
Attacker
13
Goalkeeper
29
Attacker
16
Midfielder
35
Goalkeeper
3
56
Midfielder
5
Defender
58'
20
Attacker
58'
8
Midfielder
59'
36
Midfielder
74'
11
83'
1
Goalkeeper
15
Defender
32
Defender
21
Midfielder
34
Defender
4
Midfielder
16
Defender
58'
9
58'
5
Midfielder
58'
10
Midfielder
67'
11
Midfielder
67'
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