Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to give Argentina a 2-1 comeback victory over England, sending them into the World Cup Final against Spain.

There were no Serie A players in the starting line-ups, but one who was born in Italy, as Giuliano Simeone came into the world when his father Diego was playing for Lazio.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Como’s Nico Paz and Juventus-owned Nico Gonzalez were on the bench for the reigning champions. England made several changes, starting Inter-linked Djed Spence and Aston Villa wide man Morgan Rogers.

Marco Di Bello was the VAR, with Maurizio Mariani as the fourth official representing Italy.

It was, as expected, a scrappy affair with numerous fouls and arguments from the opening whistle. The first real chance saw John Stones nod wide from a free kick to the back post, while Enzo Fernandez saw his scorcher flash inches off target.

The first genuine save was at the dawn of the second half with Jordan Pickford parrying the Julian Alvarez effort low at the near post.

However, England opened the scoring when a low Morgan Rogers cross from the right found Anthony Gordon ready to tap in at the far stick.

ENGLAND HAVE THE OPENER!

Anthony Gordon puts the Three Lions ahead in the World Cup semi-final! pic.twitter.com/5fBlRcf1oI

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

Argentina immediately threatened an equaliser with Alvarez, only to be denied by a stunning tackle from Inter-linked full-back Djed Spence, formerly of Genoa, and Enzo Fernandez then blasted over.

Nico Gonzalez of Juventus came off the bench and immediately knocked a dangerous ball back to be cleared by Stones, then Pickford got down for a great save on his glancing header.

Argentina poured forward and were unlucky to see an Alexis Mac Allister free header smack against the upright on Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.

Lautaro Martinez was finally introduced for the final 10 minutes, and a long-range Enzo Fernandez screamer was fingertipped over the bar.

Argentina’s siege finally paid off with a scorcher from Enzo Fernandez on the resulting short corner and Lionel Messi assist, smashing in from well outside the area.

“Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!”

A rocket of a strike from the midfielder draws Argentina level. pic.twitter.com/f5kUPkaP0a

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

The momentum had shifted too much with England’s defensive attitude, and it cost them in added time, because after another Mac Allister effort came off the woodwork, Messi floated in the cross for Lautaro Martinez’s header. It was the Serie A Capocannoniere’s third goal of the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina are ahead!

A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

England 1-2 Argentina

Gordon 55 (E), Enzo Fernandez 86 (A), Lautaro Martinez 92 (A)

15-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

England

Argentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Elliot Anderson		37'
		42'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		51'		Cristian Romero
Anthony Gordon (Assist: Morgan Rogers)		55'
		86'		Enzo Fernández (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+2'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+4'		Rodrigo de Paul

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

15

2

Shots on target

5

1

Shots off target

7

2

Blocked shots

3

1

Corners

6

1

Offsides

3

11

Fouls

15

England

Argentina

Starting lineups

1

Jordan Pickford

Goalkeeper

25

Djed Spence

Defender

90'

5

John Stones

Defender

90'

6

Marc Guehi

Defender

24

Reece James

Defender

82'

4

Declan Rice

Midfielder

82'

8

Elliot Anderson

Midfielder

10

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder

18

Anthony Gordon

Attacker

72'

9

Harry Kane

Attacker

17

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

72'

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

72'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

81'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

64'

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

72'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

Substitutes

14

Jordan Henderson

Midfielder

20

Noni Madueke

Attacker

7

Bukayo Saka

Attacker

13

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

23

James Trafford

Goalkeeper

19

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

12

Trevoh Chalobah

Defender

16

Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder

21

Eberechi Eze

Attacker

2

Ezri Konsa

Defender

72'

15

Dan Burn

Defender

82'

3

Nico O’Reilly

Defender

82'

11

Marcus Rashford

Attacker

90'

22

Ivan Toney

Attacker

90'

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

64'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

72'

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

72'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

72'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

81'

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez and Como’s Nico Paz are on the bench for Lionel Messi’s Argentina against England in the World Cup semi-final.

It kicks off in Atlanta at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners go on to face Spain in the Final on Sunday evening, while the losers fight with France for the bronze medal on Saturday.

There is some Italian representation here, as Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official on the touchline dealing with Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni.

Argentina have scraped their way through to this stage in defending their title won in 2022, needing extra time against Cape Verde, a last-gasp turnaround from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 amid controversy, and again extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez scored twice in this World Cup, but he is benched once more in favour of Julian Alvarez.

There was expected to be a Serie A player in the starting XI, as for the first time Juventus man Nico Gonzalez was going to get the nod rather than ex-Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on the right.

Instead, it is Giuliano Simeone, younger brother of Torino forward Giovanni Simeone, who plays.

Curiously, Giuliano was born in Rome because his father Diego was playing for Lazio at the time.

Nico Gonzalez spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but they did not agree to buy him outright yet, scoring five goals in 37 games.

Nahuel Molina, another former Udinese player, starts at right-back, while ex-Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has shaken off a knock.

England were given their toughest test yet in the quarter-final, squeezing past Erling Haaland’s Norway in extra time thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace.

All but one of their goals in the competition have been scored by either Bellingham or Harry Kane.

Jordan Henderson is out after breaking his arm jumping over an advertising board, while Jarrell Quansah continues his two-match ban.

Declan Rice has recovered from a stomach bug, but the surprise is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa given his second start of the World Cup on the right.

There is some reshuffling in defence, with Reece James and Inter-linked Djed Spence as full-backs.

England vs. Argentina line-ups

England: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Simeone, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Julian Alvarez

15-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

England

Argentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Elliot Anderson		37'
		42'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		51'		Cristian Romero
Anthony Gordon (Assist: Morgan Rogers)		55'
		86'		Enzo Fernández (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+2'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+4'		Rodrigo de Paul

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

15

2

Shots on target

5

1

Shots off target

7

2

Blocked shots

3

1

Corners

6

1

Offsides

3

11

Fouls

15

England

Argentina

Starting lineups

1

Jordan Pickford

Goalkeeper

25

Djed Spence

Defender

90'

5

John Stones

Defender

90'

6

Marc Guehi

Defender

24

Reece James

Defender

82'

4

Declan Rice

Midfielder

82'

8

Elliot Anderson

Midfielder

10

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder

18

Anthony Gordon

Attacker

72'

9

Harry Kane

Attacker

17

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

72'

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

72'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

81'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

64'

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

72'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

Substitutes

14

Jordan Henderson

Midfielder

20

Noni Madueke

Attacker

7

Bukayo Saka

Attacker

13

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

23

James Trafford

Goalkeeper

19

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

12

Trevoh Chalobah

Defender

16

Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder

21

Eberechi Eze

Attacker

2

Ezri Konsa

Defender

72'

15

Dan Burn

Defender

82'

3

Nico O’Reilly

Defender

82'

11

Marcus Rashford

Attacker

90'

22

Ivan Toney

Attacker

90'

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

64'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

72'

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

72'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

72'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

81'

Juventus flop Lois Openda has another club interested in him, as Olympique Lyonnais challenge RC Lens and Coventry City for the striker.

The Belgium international was a disastrous signing last summer from RB Leipzig, on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a total fee of €46m.

Openda failed at Juventus

He does not fit into coach Luciano Spalletti’s vision and barely featured in the closing weeks of the campaign, making only one brief substitute cameo in the last 11 rounds.

The forward made 34 competitive appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring just two goals, but was in the starting XI for only nine of those matches.

An exit is inevitable, with Coventry City and his old club RC Lens interested in giving him a way out of Turin.

However, today Footmercato claim that Olympique Lyonnais have dived in with a proposal, which would allow them to cover his entire salary, unlike RC Lens.

Juventus know that a loan with option to buy is their best bet to rebuild Openda’s profile and market value.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly attracting transfer interest from as many as five clubs as he could be on the move this summer.

The Brazil international has perhaps not developed quite as well as many at Arsenal will have expected, scoring only one league goal for the entire 2025/26 campaign.

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Martinelli fared better in Europe, scoring six goals in 14 Champions League games as the Gunners reached the final of the competition.

According to Ekrem Konur, it now seems Martinelli could leave Arsenal, and he has interest from big clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Roma…

?#Arsenal Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer.

? Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested.

? Roma and Juventus have also contacted Arsenal for the Brazilian winger. https://t.co/IQREY7Thwc pic.twitter.com/IMcERmFXhq

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) July 15, 2026

Konur posted: “Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer. Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested. Roma and Juventus have also contacted Arsenal for the Brazilian winger.”

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Arsenal need an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli

It’s surely time for Arsenal to move on from Martinelli, who is just not consistent enough to start regularly for a club with the ambition to win major titles like the Premier League and the Champions League.

The 25-year-old has been at the Emirates Stadium since 2019 and perhaps he’d now benefit from a change of scene.

Arsenal could also do well to try something different on that side of their front three, and they’ve been strongly linked with Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis by Ben Jacobs and others.

Could Gabriel Martinelli still have a good Premier League career?

Martinelli has still shown enough during his time at AFC that could make him tempting to other English clubs, so the links with Man Utd and Newcastle aren’t too surprising.

We’ve previously been informed of Newcastle asking about Martinelli, though this has not yet progressed as far as we’re aware.

More Stories / Latest News

Video: Anthony Gordon puts England 1-0 up against Argentina in World Cup semi-final

Jul 15 2026, 21:30

“Dirty team” – Outrage as ref accused of missing 5-6 Argentina yellow cards vs England

Jul 15 2026, 21:06

Video: Declan Rice praises “incredible” Arsenal transfer target ahead of link-up

Jul 15 2026, 20:12

The Magpies could do well to land Martinelli as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who left for Barcelona earlier this summer.

United, meanwhile, might do well to bring in Martinelli to give them more depth behind their first choice front three of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, as he can fill in on the left, right, or as a central striker.

The post Update: Contacts held as clubs queue up to sign Arsenal star, including Man Utd & Newcastle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

There are reports Besiktas have set a deadline for Dusan Vlahovic to accept their offer, but the striker continues to wait for bigger European clubs, with Juventus in the background.

The forward is a free agent after letting his contract with Juve run down on June 30, and rejected the proposal to extend for €6m per season, approximately half the salary he was on before, plus performance-related bonuses.

Vlahovic not getting offers he expected

He had expected numerous bids to flood in from sides like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, but so far the only genuine offer on the table is from Besiktas.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, that is a three-year contract worth around €8m per season, but without the big signing-on fee and commission that he is looking for.

Besiktas are losing patience, and it’s reported they have set a deadline of Thursday evening for Vlahovic to either accept, or they will turn towards other targets.

The Serbia international does not seem inclined to take the contract, as he still believes that better offers will come in during the summer.

Juventus are also increasingly confident that Vlahovic might come crawling back to Turin when he sees the lack of alternatives.

Udinese defender Oumar Solet was linked with Inter and Juventus, but now there are reports Leeds United are coming in with an offer worth €25m.

The centre-back impressed last season in Friuli and is still considered hot property on the transfer market.

However, the Serie A sides showing firm interest like Inter and Juve are forced to deal with other priorities first, so let the negotiations slide rather than pay the €25m asking price.

Solet snapped up by Leeds United?

That could prove costly, because Il Messaggero Veneto newspaper via FCInterNews claim that Leeds United are making no such qualms, so are ready to swoop with the full fee.

It would be the second time in a few days that Leeds United have dived in to pick up a Serie A talent, as they already agreed a €40m deal with Sassuolo for Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.

When Inter did come forward with proposals for Solet, they were believed to be worth €20m including add-ons, which is not enough to tempt Udinese into a sale.

It is a big profit for Udinese, who picked up the Frenchman as a free agent in January 2025 after he left RB Salzburg in a contract dispute in September 2024.

Juventus have added Folarin Balogun to their list of centre-forward options, with the former Arsenal striker under internal discussion as the club’s pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani reaches a critical stage.

According to Tuttosport, Kolo Muani remains Luciano Spalletti’s first choice, but prising him from PSG will require an improved offer: Juventus can get close to €40 million in total, without quite reaching it, and guaranteeing the bonus portion may be the signal needed to convince Luis Campos that the Bianconeri mean business.

The sales-driven windfall from the Muharemovic situation has loosened the purse strings, and the directive is clear, a goalkeeper or a striker must be closed within days.

Balogun gives Juventus alternatives to Kolo Muani

Balogun fits the profile Spalletti has drawn up: physical, sharp in space and, above all, a finisher.

The American scored 19 goals in 43 games for Monaco last season, including a Champions League brace against PSG, and boasts an excellent availability record, missing just one match through injury.

Monaco, however, intend to fund their own market with his sale and have set a minimum price of €50 million, hoping interest builds into an auction.

Leeds are advancing strongly to pick up one of the World Cup’s breakout young players for a hefty fee.

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Leeds United’s big move of the summer so far was signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer, but the Whites are closing in on a far higher priced deal.

MOTLeeds says that Tarik Muharemovic is close to joining for £34m. Half of that fee will go to his current club Sassuolo, and the other half to Juventus.

The young centre back impressed with Bosnia at the World Cup, and will be one of the big transfer winners of this summer’s tournament. Sunderland and Bournemouth are also linked, but it seems Leeds are further ahead in their arrangements.

Shea Charles wanted by Leeds despite big bids for Bosnia man

The piece stresses that any deal for Muharemovic won’t affect Daniel Farke’s team’s long standing interest in Shea Charles of Southampton.

Their bidding is up to £30m for the midfielder, but they are able to buy both if their offers are accepted. The sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton has freed up some liquid spending money which will allow them to continue to reshape their squad.

Get both deals over the line and Leeds will be looking a very interesting prospect for next season.

In other news…

Newcastle have locked in on a Fiorentina full back who is available at a bargain price this summer.

Trevoh Chalobah and Maxence Lacroix could end up swapping clubs this summer, with rumour about both moving in opposite directions.

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The post Leeds beating two Premier League rivals in race to sign World Cup breakout star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini is determined to involve Gianluigi Buffon in his project, offering the former goalkeeper a primary role within the Azzurri.

Newly-appointed Italy technical director Maldini wants to include Buffon in his Azzurri project, according to Gazzetta.

Buffon given a new Italy role by Maldini?

The report claims that Buffon will be offered a primary role within Club Italia, the Body that oversees the activity of the national teams, from the youth sectors to the first team.

Buffon resigned following the Azzurri’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final this past March, alongside Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.

Gazzetta claims that Buffon will soon be contacted by Maldini.

Buffon previously served as Italy’s Delegation Chief under Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, but the offer he will receive from FIGC concerns a different role for the legendary goalkeeper.

Gazzetta also confirms that Andrea Pirlo, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy alongside Buffon, remains Maldini’s favourite option to become the new Nazionale coach.

The FIGC confirmed Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director last Saturday, with the ex-defender joined by his former Milan teammate Leonardo, serving as an advisor.

Paolo Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director has generated positive reactions nationwide, with fans and Azzurri legends alike expressing confidence and excitement.

Italy’s football federation (FIGC) confirmed Maldini’s appointment on Saturday night, announcing that the ex-defender will be joined by Leonardo, who has been hired as an advisor.

Italy turned the World Cup into a TV event for the third consecutive time; meanwhile, MelBet Tanzania kept football fans entertained with a thrilling tournament, which has seen France, Spain, Argentina and England qualify for the semi-finals.

Italy were desperate to rebuild, and Maldini’s appointment marks the start of a new project that will see the Azzurri legend take on a commanding role.

Along with Leonardo, Maldini will identify the ideal candidate to coach the Italian national team. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are seen as the frontrunners, but other names are starting to emerge in the Italian media, even some intriguing ones like Pep Guardiola and Didier Deschamps.

While waiting for a new coach, the first big decision by the new FIGC President, Giovanni Malagò, has undoubtedly garnered significant approval.

Dino Zoff, who coached Maldini during Euro 2000, which the Azzurri lost in the Final to France, said: “Paolo has given so much for our football, to Milan in particular but also for the national team. He was also one of my players when I was in charge and I can’t forget his father Cesare either, who was Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982.

“Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence. I also understand the choice of Leonardo as an advisor. It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts.”

A 1982 Italy World Cup winner, Zoff is confident Maldini will make a wise decision regarding the new Italy head coach: “Maldini has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference,” he said.

Zoff was echoed by ex-Milan star Alessandro Costacurta, who spent many years with Maldini and won numerous trophies at San Siro.

“This is great news for Italian football, because we have brought in one of the most illuminated and sincere people in the sport,” said the former defender.

“Malagò made the best possible choice. In fact, picking Maldini is perhaps more important than choosing the new coach.

Leonardo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct,” Costacurta concluded.

“The best thing about them is that they listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”

Now that Juventus are pocketing €20m from the €40m sale of Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United, they will reportedly use it to get Jhon Lucumi from Bologna.

Multiple sources report his evening that the agreement has been reached for Sassuolo to sell Muharemovic to Leeds for €40m.

As part of the original €2m move to the Neroverdi, Juve are owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee, so are going to bring in €20m this summer.

Juventus reinvest Muharemovic cash in Lucumi

According to Sportitalia, that will be immediately reinvested in signing a new central defender, with Lucumi the first choice.

His release clause was set at €28m, but that expires tomorrow, so Juve are going to ask for a small discount in negotiations.

Juve had the opportunity to bring Muharemovic back to Turin at half-price, at a cost of just €18m, but had instead preferred someone with Lucumi’s experience and characteristics.

The Colombia international turned 28 last month and is down to the final few months of his contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara, set to expire in June 2027.

Bologna had paid €8m to buy him from KRC Genk in the summer of 2022.

Multiple sources in Italy confirm Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic is ready to join Leeds United after the clubs agreed a €40m fee, with half going to Juventus.

Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Fabrizio Romano and more all confirm the same details.

Muharemovic has chosen Leeds United

The centre-back had participated in the 2026 World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer, and was widely expected to move on after two years at Sassuolo.

He made his way up from the Juventus youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for just €2m in 2025 following the initial loan spell, but with the Bianconeri promised 50 per cent of the future sale fee.

It had been reported Juve considered bringing him back to base, as it would only cost them €18m instead of the €40m fee, but they preferred to just cash in on the sale.

Bournemouth and Sunderland were also strongly interested in Muharemovic, but the 23-year-old appears to be heading to Leeds United.

The central defender is expected in England over the next 48 hours to undergo a medical and sign the contract, once the final details have been ironed out.

Check out today’s Serie A transfer updates with Roma directors reportedly meeting the agents of Crysencio Summerville and Aston Villa’s warning to Juventus that Emiliano Martinez won’t leave.

It’s been another rather busy day for Serie A clubs, which are working to strengthen their teams for the 2026-27 campaign.

Serie A transfer news July 14, 2026

Roma are looking for new attackers and have already sent offers for both Alejandro Garnacho and Diego Moreira, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Giallorossi are also interested in West Ham’s Summerville and, according to Sportitalia, met the winger’s agent on Tuesday morning. Gazzetta claims that Brazilian talent Endrick is also among those monitored by Roma.

Juventus were previously linked with Roma’s Mile Svilar, although the Bianconeri’s main target in goal has always been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

The Premier League club, however, have clearly stated today by their director, Damian Vidagany, that the Argentine is not for sale.

According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are preparing an offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent and have identified Folarin Balogun as a potential reinforcement in attack as they are struggling to reach an agreement with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani.

Multiple sources claim that Noussair Mazraoui is Milan’s main target to replace Pervis Estupinan, who has received an offer from Aston Villa. According to SportMediaset, Milan have demanded €18m for the Ecuador international.

According to Gazzetta, Milan remain interested in Antonio Silva, who has rejected a contract extension offer from Benfica. The Portuguese centre-back has attracted interest from Bournemouth as well.

Inter are still chasing a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, with Djed Spence and Nahuel Molina among their targets. Guela Doué is another right-back on their shortlist, but his club, Strasbourg, has requested over €35m.

Ederson, Napoli chasing Fiorentina defender and more news

Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli spoke for the first time about the collapsed Manchester United transfer for Ederson: “We were stunned,” he admitted. “He is happy to remain, and we are working on a new contract.”

According to Gazzetta, Sassuolo are interested in Daniel Maldini, who has returned to Atalanta after a six-month loan spell at Lazio.

Hamed Traoré has undergone his medical tests with Genoa today.

Ex-Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer has joined Club Brugge on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal.

The start of a new chapter.

Yann Sommer tekent tot 2029 bij Club! pic.twitter.com/MoHlQi2gA2

— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) July 14, 2026

Fiorentina have a verbal agreement to sign Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas, according to multiple sources, including Sky.

Napoli are interested in Fiorentina full-back Niccolò Fortini, according to Gazzetta.

Domenico Tedesco, Bologna’s coach, has said the club is “confident” that Riccardo Orsolini will sign a contract extension.

New Como signing Luis Milla: “Fabregas was very important in the choice to go to Como. I was glad he called me because of what he conveyed and his ambition to grow. I have high expectations. I could have arrived in January, but Getafe were not doing well, and it wasn’t the right time.”

Frosinone are close to signing Sebastiano Desplanches on loan from Palermo.

Serie A – Official done deals on July 14, 2026

Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent

Felipe Jack from Como to Cremonese (Serie B) on loan

Lorenzo Gori from Frosinone to Grosseto (Serie C) on loan.

Matteo Agrimi from Lecce to Flaminia (Serie D) on a free transfer

Giuseppe Battimelli from Bologna to Lecco (Serie C) as a free agent

Maat Daniel Caprini from Fiorentina to Cesena (Serie B) on loan)

There are reports Argentina will start one Serie A player in the World Cup semi-final against England, but it is not going to be Lautaro Martinez of Inter or Como’s Nico Paz.

The big match kicks off in Atlanta on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners go onto the Final on July 19 against either France or Spain to decide who lifts the trophy.

Argentina hoping to defend World Cup title

Argentina were pushed to the limit in the knockout rounds so far in the defence of the title they won in 2022.

They needed extra time to get the better of Cape Verde 3-2, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, then again requiring extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3-1.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez scored off the bench in the quarter-final, but he is again not expected to be in the starting XI tomorrow, with Julian Alvarez preferred as partner to Lionel Messi.

A big surprise mentioned in TyC Sports is that former Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul could be dropped in favour of a more attacking figure.

This could be Giuliano Simeone, brother of Torino forward Giovanni, but more likely is Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.

He spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but the club has not activated the option to make it permanent.

Although he contributed one assist and featured in five of Argentina’s six games in this World Cup, Nico Gonzalez is yet to start.

Another potential switch for Argentina is to see Nahuel Molina preferred to Gonzalo Montiel at right-back.

Molina is another former Serie A player for Udinese, who has been linked with a possible return for Inter.

Argentina probable line-up: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Nico Gonzalez, Paredes, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Messi, Julian Alvarez

Juventus are still trying to find a new club for Jonathan David, but there are reports he is more excited by the idea of Paris FC than Trabzonspor.

The centre-forward was a free agent when joining Juve last summer, albeit far from low cost because of the €12.5m in various commissions and signing-on fees, plus the salary at €6m plus €2m bonus net per season.

He struggled with eight goals and five assists in 46 competitive games, and is not suited to coach Luciano Spalletti’s football, so the club is eager to move him on.

David on the market for Juventus

According to Tuttosport and Calciomercato, the first real approach has come from Trabzonspor, but David is not particularly excited by the idea of the Turkish Super Lig.

Instead, a proposal from Paris FC might be more intriguing, considering he impressed in Ligue 1 with LOSC before coming to Juve.

The Canada international scored 109 goals in 232 appearances for LOSC, so feels he could revitalise his career in France.

While Juventus are hoping to get €20-30m from a sale, they know a loan with option to buy might also be feasible.

Aston Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, insists Juventus target Emiliano Martinez is a ‘key element’ in the team, and the club has ‘no intention of letting him go.’

Aston Villa won’t let Emiliano Martinez leave this summer, the Premier League club’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, said on Tuesday.

Aston Villa tell Juventus they won’t sell Dibu Martinez

Speaking to 365Scores, the Aston Villa director said: “Emiliano is a very important player for us, and he is a key element in Aston Villa. All the talk about him leaving during the current summer transfer window is just rumours, and we rely on him heavily in the team’s project for next season.

“The goalkeeper’s future is settled; he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,” Vidagany added.

“The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.”

Juventus had made Martinez their top summer transfer target for the goalkeeping role, as the Bianconeri are preparing to part ways with Michele Di Gregorio and potentially Mattia Perin as well.

With Aston Villa unwilling to sell Martinez this summer, the Bianconeri will likely look to Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Parma’s Zion Suzuki, who are two other goalkeepers linked with a move to Turin.

Several Italian sources have reported over the last few weeks that Martinez was open to joining Juventus, having already reached a principle of agreement with the Bianconeri.

Juventus, however, failed to strike a deal with the Premier League side as the Bianconeri were unwilling to pay more than €10m for the Argentine.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are interested in USMNT striker Folarin Balogun and are preparing the first offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent.

Juventus have made just one summer signing so far, welcoming Italian winger Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but new directors Giovanni Carnevali and Frederic Massara are working to give coach Luciano Spalletti more reinforcements.

Kessié agent’s demands for Juventus revealed

According to Gazzetta, the Serie A giants are ready to send an offer to sign ex-Milan and Atalanta star Franck Kessié as a free agent.

The 29-year-old refused to sign a contract extension with Al-Ahli and is open to returning to Serie A, but his agent has demanded over €5m in signing bonus, Gazzetta claims.

PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani remains Juventus’ top target, but the Bianconeri have been in talks with the Ligue 1 giants for weeks and have threatened that they’ll walk away from negotiations if PSG don’t lower their demands.

According to Gazzetta, Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has emerged as an option for the Bianconeri, who are also keeping a close eye on Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino.

The Athletic reported in June that Balogun is considering leaving Monaco this summer, with the French club’s asking price being €50m, making the USMNT star no cheaper than Kolo Muani.

Anan Khalaili has not passed his medical tests with Inter, while Roma have confirmed that Paulo Dybala signed a contract extension until 2027. Check out today’s transfer news from Serie A and Italian football.

Paulo Dybala has officially signed a new contract at Roma, extending his stay in the capital until June 2027.

The Giallorossi coach Gian Piero Gasperini released an interview with Radio Anch’io lo Sport, providing updates on Manu Koné, among other things, and admitting that the club might be forced to listen to offers for some of their top players.

Inter, Milan and Juventus

Inter President Beppe Marotta announced at a press conference on the first day of pre-season that Anan Khalaili had failed his medical tests, so he would not be joining the club. According to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri will now focus on Guela Doué, 23, currently under contract with Strasbourg.

Milan are waiting for offers for Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez. Neither has formal proposals on the table. However, according to Gazzetta, Aston Villa have enquired about another Milan player, Pervis Estupinan, who joined the Rossoneri a year ago from Brighton.

New signing Gonçalo Ramos paid a surprise visit to his new teammates at Milanello today, on the first day of pre-season.

Juventus’ General Manager Giovanni Carnevali has spoken about negotiations with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani, warning: “The demands are too high, so either we reach an agreement, or we will turn to a different player.”

Regarding transfer speculation on Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi, Carnevali added: “He is an extraordinary lad who would do well at all big clubs, but we do not need a player of his characteristics.”

Elsewhere at the Allianz Stadium, according to Gazzetta, Leeds are the favourites to sign Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, followed by Newcastle, Sunderland and Bournemouth. The Neroverdi’s asking price is €40m, which would be just €20m for Juventus, who hold a 50% sell-on clause.

The Bianconeri, however, have reportedly dropped out of the race after both the player and Sassuolo increased their financial demands. The Bianconeri would still be entitled to €20m if Muharemovic is sold for €40m.

Lazio and Cagliari done deals

Napoli will sell either Noa Lang or David Neres if they secure Ezequiel Zeballos’s signature this summer, according to Gazzetta.

Danilho Doekhi has arrived in Rome to undergo medical tests for Lazio before completing a free transfer. His contract with Union Berlin expired on June 30.

According to Sky, Lazio are also close to Dinamo Zagreb’s defender Sergi Dominguez, while Gazzetta maintains that the Biancocelesti won’t match the €15m asking price.

Gazzetta adds that Bologna are interested in Carlos Espì, Levante centre-forward with a €25m release clause, while Fiorentina’s next target is Ivory Coast international Christ Inao Oulai, a central midfielder for Trabzonspor.

The Tuscans have also reached an agreement with Basel to sell Italian midfielder Jonas Harder, according to Sky.

Italy international Diego Coppola will land in Paris today to complete a permanent €20m transfer to Paris FC, where he spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan (via Gazzetta).

Harry Winks and Jacopo Fazzini have arrived to undergo medical tests with Cagliari.

Atalanta are preparing an opening offer for Kerim Alajbegovic, with the Bayer Leverkusen talent open to joining La Dea, reports Sportitalia.

Genoa will take legal action against Elliot Stroud’s agents, as the Mjällby winger had reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with the Grifone before making a late decision to join Hull City instead, according to Sky.

The Rossoblu are also preparing to welcome Hamed Traorè, a former Sassuolo and Bournemouth midfielder, who will undergo medical tests tomorrow.

Transfer round-up July 13 – official transfers

Valentino Lazaro from Torino to Al-Ain (free agent)

Alex Jimenez to Fiorentina from Bournemouth (loan)

Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali warns Paris Saint-Germain ‘demands are too high’ for Randal Kolo Muani and they could look elsewhere, but they ‘do not need’ Davide Frattesi from Inter.

The Bianconeri have been negotiating with PSG practically since the moment he arrived on loan in January 2025, but never seem to reach a new agreement.

That loan cost €3.6m and was extended to cover the Club World Cup in July 2025, but then he was loaned out to Tottenham Hotspur and sent back to base this summer.

Talks continue to drag on for a new deal, but even Carnevali now admits the situation is not progressing fast enough.

Juventus ready to give up on Kolo Muani

“The demands are too high, so either we reach an agreement, or we will turn to a different player,” confessed the Juventus chief on RAI GR Parlamento radio.

As Juve refuse to reach the €40m asking price, Paris Saint-Germain have begun talks for Kolo Muani with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

“The cost of players is growing constantly, with figures that are practically impossible, while Serie A club revenue cannot keep up with the likes of the Premier League,” continued Carnevali.

“We need to reduce costs and have an economic balance, which is difficult to achieve. There’s no point denying it, you can all see that our league is in a situation of stasis for the transfer market.”

A cheaper option within Serie A for the midfield would be Frattesi, who is on the market at Inter, but Carnevali insists Juventus can be ruled out of that race.

“Frattesi is an extraordinary lad who would do well at all big clubs, but we do not need a player of his characteristics.”

Juventus are trying to offload flop Lois Openda, but after a Coventry City approach, his old club RC Lens are eager to bring him back, with one significant problem.

The Belgium international was a costly disaster on the transfer market last summer, signed from RB Leipzig on loan for €3.25m with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a further €42.75m plus add-ons.

Had it only been an option and not an obligation, the Bianconeri certainly would not have made the move permanent after a pitiful two goals in 34 competitive games.

Openda not wanted by Juventus

Now Juve are trying to find someone to take Openda off their hands, and Footmercato in France point to one of his former clubs, RC Lens.

He played there in the 2022-23 season, impressing so much with 21 goals and four assists in 38 games that he earned an immediate €40m transfer to RB Leipzig.

The idea would be for RC Lens to bring him back in on loan, but the source warns that in order to make it work, Juventus would have to cover a large portion of his wages.

Unlike Juve, RC Lens have qualified for the Champions League this term, so can give him the chance to play regularly at the top level.

Inter are in contact with free agent John Stones, claim reports in Italy, but the former Manchester City man would not be considered a first choice for central defence.

This is not the first time that the 32-year-old has been linked with a possible move to Serie A this summer, seeing as his contract with Manchester City was allowed to run down.

He still has much to give, as confirmed by the fact he is playing for England at the 2026 World Cup and now preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.

Stones offered to various Serie A sides

Napoli and Juventus had been in talks, but didn’t seem particularly eager to pursue the deal.

Now Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà claims that Inter are in direct negotiations with Stones and his entourage.

However, it is noted that this would only be if Benjamin Pavard was first sold, and that Stones would not be guaranteed regular playing time, as he is not a first choice at centre-back for the Italian giants.

Other clubs who have been linked with the free agent include Bayern Munich and Olympique Marseille, but his salary demands and signing-on fee requests are putting some off.

The Juventus squad are in for their first full day of pre-season training on Monday, and reports indicate that Luciano Spalletti has a squad of 28 players available to him, made up of 22 first-team players and six who have been called up from the Next Gen squad. 

The Bianconeri are getting their pre-season preparations underway on Monday, but do not yet have their full squad of players available, as six first-team stars are still on holiday after their involvement at the 2026 World Cup. 

Those players who were called up to the tournament in the USA are: Bremer (Brazil), Teun Koopmeiners (Netherlands), Weston McKennie (USA), Francisco Conceicao (Portugal), Jonathan David (Canada) and Kenan Yildiz (Turkey).

This leaves Juventus with 22 first-team players available for the first day of pre-season training on Monday. 

That list includes a range of players and situations, from those who are expected to be part of the first-team group in 2026-27 such as Pierre Kalulu, Manuel Locatelli, and new signing Jeff Ekhator, to those whose futures with the Bianconeri remain in doubt, including Michele Di Gregorio, Lois Openda and Edon Zhegrova. 

There is also a list of players that Juventus are expected to shift this summer, whether that be on loan or on permanent transfers, such as Arthur Melo, Douglas Luiz and Daniele Rugani. 

The six players that have been called up from the Juventus Next Gen squad, according to Tuttosport, are Pedro Felipe, Javier Gil Puche, Shane van Aarle, Augusto Owusu, Arman Durmisi and Justin Odoavwoduo.

Juventus squad on first day of pre-season

Goalkeepers: Di Gregorio, Perin, Pinsoglio

Defenders: J.Cabal, Cambiaso, Gatti, Kalulu, Kelly, Rugani, J.Mario, Rouhi, P.Felipe, Gil Puche, van Aarle.

Midfielders: Locatelli, Miretti, Thuram, D.Luiz, Arthur, Owusu.

Forwards: Ekhator, Boga, Milik, Openda, Zhegrova, Owusu, Oboavwoduo, Durmisi.

Still on holiday: Bremer, Koopmeiners, McKennie, Conceicao, David, Yildiz.

Sky Sport Italia report that Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic must choose between three Premier League sides, Leeds United, Bournemouth and Sunderland.

While transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano notes that Leeds United are the most confident of achieving a deal, having presented a verbal proposal to the centre-back, this is by no means to be taken for granted.

Muharemovic heading to Premier League

Instead, Sky Sport Italia expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims this evening that a final decision will be made over the next few days, with two other Premier League teams definitely still in the running.

They are named as Bournemouth and Sunderland by the Italian reporters.

Newcastle United have also been mentioned earlier today by the Corriere dello Sport and Sportitalia.

Sassuolo set an asking price of €40m, aware that 50 per cent of that will go to his former club Juventus.

The Bianconeri had also been interested in bringing the Bosnia and Herzegovina international back to Turin, especially as they would effectively get him half-price, but ultimately decided against it.

Muharemovic was in the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad at the World Cup this summer and turned 23 in February.

Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki continues to attract new clubs, as Newcastle United are the latest linked after Juventus, Aston Villa and Leeds United.

The shot-stopper had already made a strong name for himself with his Serie A performances, but his profile stepped up several levels thanks to the heroics for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.

He is widely expected to leave the Stadio Tardini this summer and there is no shortage of options for his signature.

Suzuki wanted by many clubs

Now Chronicle Live and Sport Mediaset claim that Newcastle United have held initial talks with Suzuki and his entourage.

They have Nick Pope as their first choice, but he is 34 years old and has only one year left on his contract, while they decided not to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton after a loan.

There is competition, as Juventus have him on their list, as well as Aston Villa and rumours even about Paris Saint-Germain.

Leeds United had been the most determined to sign Suzuki, but it’s reported the goalkeeper turned them down, as he is aiming higher for his next career move.

Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic remains a Premier League target, with Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth focus on the €40m player, as Juventus still wait.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international impressed at the 2026 World Cup and in Serie A for the Neroverdi, so is widely expected to move on this summer.

Muharemovic hot property for Sassuolo

The asking price has been set at €40m, though Juventus would be able to get him for half that figure.

This is because he was in their youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for €2m, retaining a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

Nonetheless, Juve are still not sure whether to go ahead with the move, so this is giving time for the Premier League clubs to make a genuine offer.

According to the Corriere dello Sport and also Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, there are several English sides ready to swoop for Muharemovic at €40m.

They are Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth, who have all shown a strong interest in the 23-year-old.

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus have sent an opening offer to Parma for centre-forward Mateo Pellegrino, which has been turned down by the Gialloblu. 

Report: Parma turn down opening Juventus offer for Pellegrino

Juventus are on the hunt for a new striker now that Dusan Vlahovic’s contract has expired, and despite negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani, reports over the last few days indicate that Juventus are beginning to shift their focus to a deal for Parma’s Pellegrino instead. 

The Old Lady have already brought in 19-year-old Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but are keen to add another, more experienced option to their ranks. Juve are also expected to listen to offers for Jonathan David, Lois Openda and Arkadiusz Milik should they come in.

According to reports from Tuttosport, Juventus have sent an opening proposal to Parma for Pellegrino, who reportedly has suitors in the Premier League and LaLiga as well. 

Juventus have reportedly offered an initial loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy for €30m. The obligation to buy clause would be ‘easily achievable’, potentially linked to a top-half finish in Serie A next season. 

This proposal has reportedly been turned down by Parma, although the two parties are not a million miles apart. 

Pellegrino himself is said to be keen on the move, Parma are reportedly willing to sell for a fee in the region of €30m, but either want this upfront, or if they are to agree to a loan, they would want a larger loan fee.

According to Calciomercato.com, the relevant parties are due to discuss the matter again within the coming hours.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Maldini yes 

The reconstruction of the national team begins 

Malago lands his first target. The Azzurri legend will be the new technical director, will be accompanied by Leonardo. Signed a four-year contract, will nominate the new CT within the next week 

Sinner, make history 

Jannik looking for a fantastic double 

Wimbledon final against Zverev, whom he has beaten in his last nine matches. The Italian could earn his place among the Wimbledon greats 

Bellingham fairytale 

England in the semi-finals, Norway knocked out 

Khalaili stop

Problem with the medicals in Milan 

The winger needs more heart tests, Inter on Guela Doue 

Corriere dello Sport 

Milan, Italia 

The national team turnaround: Malago calls Paolo, Leonardo is his advisor 

Maldini as new technical director | The Azzurri relaunch, full powers to two former Rossoneri

The FIGC President’s relaunch begins: Four-year contract signed. The surprise is the inclusion of the Brazilian. Now the choice for CT: Mancini is the favourite 

Turn it on, it’s Sinner 

Wimbledon at 16.00 (Sky and TV 8), Jannik for the double 

He could win his first slam of the season and replicate his 2025 triumph against Alcaraz. Now it’s Zverev, transformed from his success in Paris 

Inter, Khalaili at risk 

Announcement postponed: CONI asks for further checks 

Amorim, doubts about Rabiot 

Future in question 

The Mother Veronique talks to Milan: Decision postponed 

Viola boom: Jimenez 

Fourth signing 

The Spanish full-back arrives on loan from Bournemouth

Juve-Kolo obstacle course 

Also difficulties for Dibu

An extra-large squad: Selling is Carnevali’s priority 

Gattuso: ‘Putting on my hard hat’

Lazio, Rino’s battle 

‘I know what the problems are’

Tuttosport 

Sinner, our World Cup 

Wimbledon on TV 8 at 16.00, Jannik looking for the second title in a row against Zverev. With him, Italy hopes to make up for the World Cup flop 

Juve goal, Hope for Suzuki now. Pellegrino maybe, here’s Ederson again 

The Dibu stall could open a double deal with Parma 

Carnevali doesn’t want to spend more than 8 million on the Argentine goalkeeper, the Japanese is champing at the bit. The first offer for the centre-forward is turned down, but there’s hope. The Brazilian intrigues Spalletti after United’s no because of physical doubts. Muharemovic, Ekhator the key

Maldinin Azzurri technical director with Leonardo 

Malago has convinced the former Milan captain: The Brazilian as his advisor 

Four-year contract: A symbol of the national team ever since he was a boy, Paolo will also be President of Club Italia. He also worked with his former teammate as a director with the Rossoneri. Now one week to make a decision on the CT

The fans’ test for Toro 

The first open training session under Abate, then setting off for the pre-season retreat. In goal: Perri the closest option 

Inter freeze on Khalaili 

Stop after the visits 

New heart tests have been requested for the Israeli. Guela Doue is the Plan B: Battle with Milan 

Zaniolo case, isn’t training with UDinese 

Asking for more money

Norway vs England takes place on Saturday evening, for a place in the World Cup semi-finals, in a quarter-final pitting the tournament’s most feared striker against the Three Lions’ title ambitions.

The two sides arrived by contrasting routes. England survived a 3-2 thriller against hosts Mexico at the Azteca, holding on with ten men to progress, while Norway followed up Erling Haaland’s late winner against Ivory Coast by dumping out five-time champions Brazil, the win that carried them to a first World Cup quarter-final.

Haaland has been the driving force, scoring five goals in his first three appearances at the finals.

There is a strong Serie A flavour to the Scandinavian squad.

Alexander Sorloth, linked with Juventus this window as a possible Dusan Vlahovic replacement, supports Haaland in attack, while Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt provides an option on the bench.

Bologna’s Tobjorn Heggem starts in central defence for Norway.

In the England camp, Trevoh Chalobah, the subject of Inter interest and a rebuffed €25 million bid from Como this summer, is among the defensive contingent, as is John Stones, who starts for the Three Lions amid interest from the likes of Inter.

World Cup 2026: Norway vs England Lineups

Norway XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Berg, Odegaard, Berge; Schjelderup, Haaland, Sorloth
England XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Madueke, Kane, Gordon

Mario Balotelli has made Inter the team to beat in Serie A next season, but the striker named Roma as his surprise pick to gatecrash the title race.

According to Sport Mediaset, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Balotelli, now with Al-Ittifaq in Dubai, predicted champions Inter to remain at the summit while singling out an outsider.

Asked whether Napoli, Milan and Juventus were genuine contenders, he replied: “Yes, but I want to add a surprise: Roma.” On the reigning champions, he was unequivocal: “Inter remain the team to beat.”

That verdict chimed with his admiration for former Inter teammate Cristian Chivu, now in the San Siro dugout.

“He was always switched on, even as a player, already a coach on the pitch, tactically ready and intelligent,” Balotelli said of the man he won the 2010 treble alongside.

Balotelli reveals near-Juventus move and backs Allegri at Napoli

The former Manchester City man also lifted the lid on a transfer that never materialised.

“Yes, after Manchester City. Then I ended up at Milan, so no regrets, it was a choice,” he said. “Of course, that Juventus side was strong.”

He had warm words, too, for Massimiliano Allegri as the coach starts afresh at Napoli. “Recently I’ve read a lot of criticism of him, but when I had him at Milan I liked him a great deal,” Balotelli said. “If he’s still that man, he’ll do well.”

There was a more sombre note when talk turned to the national side. Balotelli remains Italy’s last World Cup scorer, a mark unbroken since 2014, with the Azzurri absent from a third straight tournament this summer, and he took no pride in it.

“It’s nothing to be proud of, quite the opposite, it’s a sad thing,” he said. “Too many years have passed.”

Ciro Immobile has installed Inter as the team to beat in Serie A next season, pointing to the upheaval among their closest rivals as the champions’ biggest edge.

According to Noi Biancocelesti, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the former Italy striker, for now at Paris FC, sees continuity as the decisive factor.

“I think Inter are favourites. I’ve seen a lot of managerial changes and therefore a need to settle, whereas they’re already well-drilled,” he said. “Milan, Napoli and Juventus have to gear up to trouble them.”

That churn is hard to argue with. Milan are starting afresh under Ruben Amorim, Napoli have replaced Antonio Conte with Massimiliano Allegri, and Juventus continue to build around Luciano Spalletti.

Inter, by contrast, keep faith with Cristian Chivu and the spine that carried them to the Scudetto, a stability their pursuers cannot currently match.

Immobile weighs in on Italy’s Conte-or-Mancini call

Immobile also turned to the vacant Italy job, with the succession appearing to come down to Conte or Mancini. On that, he refused to split them.

“They’ve both done well. I remember we did well at the Euros with Conte too, after ending up in a group with Spain and Germany,” he said. “Mancini’s was the last winning Italy side, one that left a nice memory for the children of today too.”

Having played under both men with the Azzurri, Immobile is well placed to judge, and his verdict offers little to separate two of the frontrunners now being weighed to lead Italy’s rebuild.

Juventus have revived their interest in Fikayo Tomori, roughly 18 months after a move for the Milan defender collapsed when the player turned it down.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, the Bianconeri are once again weighing up the centre-back, drawn to his experience and Serie A grounding, a profile that fits Luciano Spalletti’s wishes.

Any deal, however, depends on outgoings. Giovanni Carnevali’s hierarchy want to lighten the squad before adding to it, and Federico Gatti is among those who could make way.

Squeezed out by Bremer and seeking more regular minutes, Gatti would command a fee that generates a healthy profit, with Napoli and moves to Turkey lingering in the background as possible routes out.

Juventus ready to move for Tomori if Gatti departs

Should Gatti go, Juventus are prepared to press ahead for Tomori.

The England international, whose Milan contract expires in 2027, looks set for a reduced role following the arrival of Gila, and this time may be more open to a switch than he was previously.

For Milan, a sale would raise funds; for Juventus, it represents a market opportunity, but only once space has been cleared.

Tomori has been a mainstay at San Siro since joining in 2021, racking up 214 appearances and seven goals, and helping the club to the 2022 Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana.

Whether his Milan chapter now nears its end may hinge, in the first instance, on what Juventus can do at the other end of their own defence.

According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palhinha has attracted interest from Juventus, who have also been offered Sassuolo’s Nemanja Matic.

Juventus have prioritised the purchase of a goalkeeper and a centre-forward but are also looking for reinforcements in central midfield.

Juventus’ potential midfield targets

According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palinha is an option for the Bianconeri, who, however, have not yet made a move to sign the Portuguese from Bayern Munich.

The Serie A giants are not yet in talks for any potential reinforcement in the middle of the park and are keeping an eye on several targets.

According to Tuttosport, even Sassuolo midfielder Matic, a former Chelsea and Roma star, has been offered to the Bianconeri.

Giovanni Carnevali signed the experienced 37-year-old central midfielder at Sassuolo last summer, and Matic has the same agents as Emiliano Martinez, who is Juventus’ top target in goal.

Juventus failed to qualify for the Champions League in 2025-26 and will be playing in the Europa League in 2026-27.

• Read more – Report Juventus book Pellegrino as Kolo Muani talks stall

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Juventus have ‘booked’ Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino as talks with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani are stalling, with the Ligue 1 giants demanding €55m.

Juventus risk missing out on PSG forward Kolo Muani, as the French club’s asking price appears unaffordable for the Bianconeri.

Juventus turn to Pellegrino

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Ligue 1 giants have further increased their demands for the French striker to €55m, while Juventus’ latest offer was only worth €35m.

Therefore, Juventus have reportedly asked Parma to block any potential transfer for Argentine striker Pellegrino, who is valued at €30m and can leave the Stadio Tardini on loan with an obligation to buy.

According to the report, Juventus want to continue talks with PSG over the next 10 days, until Pellegrino’s agents arrive in Italy to discuss the striker’s future.

If, by then, Juve and PSG have reached no agreement, then the Bianconeri will focus on the Parma centre-forward.

Corriere dello Sport confirms that Luciano Spalletti has demanded two strikers and that neither Lois Openda nor Jonathan David is part of his plans.

The Bianconeri remain interested in Alexander Sorloth as well, while Atletico Madrid want to bring Nico Gonzalez back to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Chivu can’t wait, it will be a different Inter

Sinner in the Wimbledon Final

The King is back

Always Merino, Spain ahead

The midfielder is introduced and scores again. La Roja in the semis against France on Tuesday.

Haaland and Kane, giants of goals; a Premier challenge.

Argentine chants for Messi (with Maradona) for the assault to Switzerland

Corriere dello Sport

Clásico Mundial

Like Real-Barça

Lamine beats Belgium 2-1, semi-final against Kylian

Mbappé meets Yamal again: France-Spain on Tuesday

Sinner dreams of the double

Kolo moves away

Juve, gap with PSG. Pellegrino booked

The French club wants €55m plus add-ons. Carnevali has offered €35m. Two alternatives: the Argentine of Parma and Sorloth of Atletico. Dibu Martinez is uphill; Aston Villa value him at €15m.

Inter pounce on Lucumi

Milan choose: Alajbegovic or Karetsas

Ibra likes the Bosnian, new contact with Leverkusen. The Greek on target, Genk starlet, Gila has signed until 2031.

Roma attraction: Dybala 5 arrives

Fifth season in the Friedkin club: one-year contract without options. From Monday on the pitch in Trigoria under Gasperini.

Napoli, Zeballos waits for the breakthrough

He already has a four-year agreement but is waiting for sales. Vergara’s renewal: on Monday, the meeting between the agent and DeLa.

Ederson deal off, Atalanta tricked

Deal collapsed: he won’t go to Man United. Giuntoli had an agreement for €45m.

Tuttosport

I want the grass

Juve again: Vlahovic believes

Dusan doesn’t empty his locker at Continassa: Massara in action with Carnevali to set the contract renewal talks on more sustainable bases. The director: ‘Brahim and Kessié are not within reach.’ Midfield: Palinha emerges. Ahead for Kolo and Dibu Martinez.

Abate: ‘Toro courage, nobody scares me and I’ll open the Fila.’

Spain, Merino is the man of destiny

Haaland vs. Kane in the night of hitmen

On Messi’s shoulders, Messi against Yakin the fox

Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali warns Franck Kessie, Brahim Diaz and Theo Hernandez ‘cannot be part of the plan at this moment,’ but they’re ‘waiting’ for Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.

The Bianconeri are rebuilding after a traumatic season that saw them finish sixth in Serie A, missing out on the Champions League to qualify for the Europa League.

That hit their finances hard and affects the strategy going forward, so new director Carnevali urged fans not to listen to the media rumours of big names returning to Serie A for them.

Juventus shrug off big name rumours

Sport Mediaset asked specifically about the reports of approaches for Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, ex-Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, and free agent Kessie.

“There is no truth to them, because these are very important players, but if we analyse their costs and values, they cannot be part of the plan at this moment for the construction of this squad,” replied Carnevali.

While Kessie would be a free agent, he still commands significant commission fees for his entourage, as well as a high salary demand.

“We have various negotiations in progress, it takes time to reflect, because we don’t want to be frenetic, the market changes every day,” added Carnevali.

“Just look at Dibu Martinez, who is playing at the World Cup, so we need to wait for that to play out. There are many situations, a club like Juventus has to be open on various different fronts and pay attention to what can happen.”

It has been reported by multiple sources that Martinez is eager to come to Juventus after a meeting where the club plans were presented, but agreeing a transfer fee with Aston Villa is proving to be more difficult.

There can be no real progress until his World Cup campaign has concluded, and Argentina are preparing to face Switzerland in the quarter-final this weekend.

Juventus and Turkiye star Kenan Yildiz is still struggling with a chronic tendon condition and could require surgery, claim reports in Italy.

The forward is the figure around whom the Bianconeri intend to build their squad, having given him a lucrative new contract and the iconic Number 10 jersey.

However, his performances in recent months have been visibly below par due to a recurring injury problem that has still not been resolved.

Kenan Yildiz struggling with knee issue

According to Tuttosport, this has become a chronic tendonitis that becomes inflamed every time he tries to step up the physical strain on the knee.

Playing for Turkiye at the World Cup further exacerbated the problem, where he played with the aid of heavy strapping and painkillers, and it remains to be seen if conservative treatment can fully resolve the issue.

If it isn’t, then Juventus and the player could decide to opt for surgery in the summer to clean up the tendon and then begin the rehabilitation process.

Yildiz is currently resting after the tournament and is expected back in Turin for pre-season training from July 20.

Juventus have officially announced that Francois Modesto has left his position as technical director, just shy of a year after he was brought to the club by former CEO Damien Comolli.

Official: Modesto is no longer Juventus’s technical director

Modesto was appointed on July 15 in 2025 and has had his departure confirmed 360 days later following a restructuring of the Juventus senior management team. 

Giovanni Carnevali has replaced Modesto as CEO, Frederic Massara has recently been appointed as the club’s Chief Football Officer, while Marco Ottolini continues in the role of sporting director. Giorgio Chiellini has also recently been promoted to the role of Chief Club Affairs Officer, signalling an all-Italian leadership team on the sporting side of the club. 

This means that there is no longer any room for Modesto, who has followed Comolli out of the club after one disappointing season at the helm. 

“Juventus announces that a mutual agreement has been reached with Francois Modesto for the termination of his position as the Club’s Technical Director, effective immediately,” read a statement on the club website.

“The Club would like to thank Francois for the dedication and professionalism he showed during his time in the role, and wish him the very best in his professional future and personal endeavours.”

Before his time with Juventus, Modesto had served as the technical director at Monza between 2022 and 2025, as the technical director at Nottingham Forest between 2019 and 2022, and in various scouting roles with Olympiacos between 2016 and 2022.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti thought the Bianconeri would sign a new centre-forward and a new goalkeeper by the start of the pre-season, but talks for Randal Kolo Muani and Emiliano Martinez are stalling.

Juventus have not progressed in negotiations for PSG forward Kolo Muani and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Juventus transfers: latest updates on Kolo Muani and Dibu Martinez as Spalletti waits

According to Gazzetta, the time required to complete the transfers has surprised Spalletti, who expected to welcome a new striker and a new goalkeeper by the start of the pre-season on July 13.

Juventus are struggling to reach an agreement with both PSG and Aston Villa, so most likely, Jeff Ekhator will be the only new Bianconeri summer signing to begin pre-season training with the team next week.

Gazzetta reports that Juventus don’t want to spend more than €6m/7m for Martinez, who is currently on Argentina international duty at the World Cup.

At the same time, PSG have raised their demands for Kolo Muani, asking for circa €50m, while Juventus don’t want to spend more than €40m for a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Kolo Muani has long been Spalletti’s top target for the Juventus attack, but it remains uncertain whether the Italian tactician will work with the French forward anytime soon.

There continue to be conflicting reports on the state of talks between Juventus and Aston Villa for Emiliano Martinez, as some say €7m could suffice, others that it will require far more.

It is no secret that the Bianconeri have targeted the goalkeeper, who is currently preparing for the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland.

Martinez wants Juventus, but Aston Villa hold firm

The player would also seem more than happy to accept a transfer to Turin, as he is set to turn 34 in September and has been at Aston Villa since 2020 when making the €17.4m move from Arsenal.

He had a meeting with the Juve directors and was more than impressed with their proposal, both in terms of wages and the general project.

Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the initial €15m asking price has dropped to €6-7m.

However, Fabrizio Romano insists on his YouTube channel that the Premier League club is not going to drop that low for a player of his calibre.

If that were to be the offer on the table, then he maintains Villa would prefer to just keep Martinez, as after all his contract does run to June 2029.

Romano also reiterates the same reporting seen elsewhere, which is that if Martinez were to leave, then Aston Villa would push for Parma and Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, also a target for Leeds United.

Alessandro Del Piero has looked back on Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, the Azzurri’s most recent triumph on the game’s biggest stage, reflecting on both the joy of that summer and the turmoil that swirled around it.

Speaking to Sky Sport to mark 20 years since the success, the former Juventus forward described a campaign coloured by emotion.

“That goal against Germany has a special flavour, it was everyone’s World Cup,” Del Piero said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Of those who lived it, dreamed it and wanted it: there’s always so much emotion. Now that I no longer play, it’s much easier to celebrate trophies, this one in particular. We keep the chat of that World Cup group alive.”

His reflections carried a note of realism about the present, too.

“Watching these World Cups, you understand that certain national teams have made great strides forward, and qualifying today is no longer so guaranteed,” he added, a pointed acknowledgement, given Italy have now missed three tournaments in a row.

Del Piero recalls staying ‘isolated’ from Juventus turmoil

The context in which Italy triumphed in 2006 was anything but straightforward. The Calciopoli scandal was engulfing Italian football that summer, with Juventus, Del Piero’s club and that of several teammates, at its centre, ultimately stripped of titles and relegated to Serie B in its aftermath.

“What was happening in the Juventus world was inexplicable, even for us inside it,” Del Piero recalled.

“Back then it was essential to stay focused. Within the group we lived very well, we were all focused and we didn’t want external news to harm our serenity. There was enormous tension, that World Cup was at times disarming for everything that was going on. But we were good at staying isolated from it, yes.”

That ability to compartmentalise, as Del Piero tells it, was central to one of the most remarkable triumphs in the country’s footballing history, a feat that looks all the more distant against the backdrop of the Azzurri’s current struggles.

Nico Gonzalez impressed on loan with Atletico Madrid, but Juventus have reportedly warned he cannot make the move permanent for less than €28m.

The 28-year-old is currently preparing for the World Cup quarter-final with Argentina against Switzerland, having made 55 senior appearances for his country with six goals.

His future remains up in the air, as he was loaned out to Atletico Madrid last season for just under €2m and is eager to remain after five goals in 37 games.

Nico Gonzalez welcome back at Juventus

However, Tuttosport insist that Juventus and specifically coach Luciano Spalletti would more than welcome the Argentine back to Turin in the summer.

With that in mind, the asking price is not going to drop below €28m, which might be beyond Diego Simeone’s valuation.

There was a potential obligation to buy for €32m, but that was not triggered.

The negotiations have dried up and it is increasingly likely that Nico Gonzalez will be part of the Juventus squad this term.

He was purchased from Fiorentina for a total of €36.5m plus add-ons, arriving on loan in 2024 with obligation to make it permanent, and the contract runs to June 2029.

Nico Gonzalez had been pushed out by previous coach Igor Tudor, but when he was sacked and replaced by Spalletti, their approach changed.

The difficulties of players like Edon Zhegrova and Lois Openda to deliver in wide areas leaves room for Nico Gonzalez to make his mark for the Bianconeri.

Franck Kessie wants to join Juventus, with the midfielder keen on a return to Serie A now that his time at Al-Ahli has come to an end.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, via CalcioMercato.it, the Ivory Coast international regards the Bianconeri as his first choice for the next stage of his career.

Kessie is a free agent after Al-Ahli opted not to renew his contract, which expired at the end of June, making him available at no cost, an appealing prospect for any suitor.

Kessie makes Juventus his priority for Serie A return

A former Milan man who spent the bulk of his career in the Italian top flight, Kessie knows the league intimately and would face little adaptation on a return.

Juventus, for their part, are in the market for midfield reinforcements and would reportedly be glad to welcome the 29-year-old into their squad.

The free-transfer nature of any deal only strengthens its logic for a Juventus side mindful of their spending under the UEFA settlement agreement confirmed this window.

Fresh from featuring at the World Cup, Kessie offers proven Serie A pedigree and midfield energy, and, crucially, at no transfer outlay.

Juventus’ pursuit of two centre-backs is getting crowded, with both Sunderland and Inter now muscling in on Jhon Lucumí and Tarik Muharemovic.

The Bianconeri have long been working on deals for Bologna’s Lucumí, who carries a €28 million release clause valid until mid-July, and Sassuolo’s Muharemovic, on whom Juventus hold a 50% sell-on.

Sunderland and Inter threaten Juventus move for Lucumí and Muharemovic

Sunderland, back in European competition for the first time in over half a century after finishing seventh in the Premier League, are reportedly armed with a budget north of €100m.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Black Cats could comfortably cover Lucumí’s clause and Sassuolo’s €40m asking price for Muharemovic, as well as the wages, including the €3-4m a year that stalled the Bosnian’s talks with Juventus. The Bosnian international is Sunderland’s priority, with the Colombian an alternative.

Inter have entered the picture too.

Having lost Acerbi, De Vrij and Darmian, Cristian Chivu’s side need a defender, and Tuttosport report they have launched a move for Lucumí, a pointed dig at their rivals, with Muharemovic also a long-standing Inter target.

Yet the scenario need not spell disaster for Juventus. Should Sunderland sign Muharemovic, Giovanni Carnevali would bank around €20m from the sell-on to reinvest in Lucumí; if they turn to the Colombian instead, the Bianconeri could be left with a clear run at Muharemovic.

Thursday’s reports claim that Juventus are open to the idea of welcoming Dusan Vlahovic back to the club after the expiry of his contract on June 30, but only on the conditions laid out by the club’s new CEO Giovanni Carnevali. 

Vlahovic open to Juventus return and vice-versa, but only on certain conditions

Vlahovic is currently a free agent after seeing his contract with Juventus expire at the end of June. 

The Bianconeri had tried for over a year to get the Serbia international to commit to a new deal, but they were ultimately unsuccessful under the reign of former CEO Damien Comolli. 

During the final year of his Juventus contract, Vlahovic was the highest-paid player in Serie A with a net salary of around €12m. The Old Lady were always aware of the fact that they would need to convince the striker into taking a pay cut if a renewal were to go ahead. 

Despite months of back and forth, an agreement was never reached and Vlahovic is now available on a free transfer. 

However, despite previous links to the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, Vlahovic has only had one concrete offer as things stand, and that is from Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas. Recent reports indicate that Vlahovic is unwilling to move to Turkey at this stage of his career, though. 

And so, Vlahovic is now opening up to the idea of going back to Juventus, and according to reports on Wednesday, he has personally called his former employers in Turin to discuss the possibility of a return. 

According to Thursday’s updates from Tuttosport, Juventus have also ‘left the door open’ for Vlahovic, but the club are adamant that if the striker is to return, it will be on the club’s terms. 

That means that Vlahovic would need to accept a significant cut in wages, potentially to a figure around €6m per season to bring him back in line with the club’s current highest earners, Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David. Juventus are also unwilling to hand out any major bonuses or commission fees to Vlahovic’s father, who acts as his agent. 

Tuttosport writes that the Juventus management also want to see a change in attitude from Vlahovic, who has been accused of showing too much ‘bravado’ during his final year with the Bianconeri.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Make us dream again 

20 years since the Azzurri triumph in Berlin 

From Italy’s World Cup celebrations to Malagoo’s mission, the yes from Maldini, then Conte to return to being one of the greats 

Seeing the star 

Amorim, what a presentation

The Milan coach: ‘We want to win the 20th Scudetto’

Mbappe without limits 

Onto the Morocco-France quarter-final 

Hakimi stands between him, the semi-final and the top scorer status

Corriere dello Sport 

Amorim, off to a good start 

‘A dominant Milan, I am different to Allegri’ 

Ruben’s battles | From comparisons to Mou and Max (42 trophies between them) and the promises

He wants to make up for his sacking at United: ‘We’re aiming for the second star. Modric? I hope he stays’. Cardinale: ‘A new era, results and exciting football’

Mbappe commanding, Norway nervous 

World Cup: The Morocco trap for France. Olise on a booking

Kylian reserves a spot in the semi-final: The Hakimi obstacle. Deschamps joke about the referee: ‘I hope we’re as strong as Letexier’. Virus alarms in Haaland’s national team camp: Fever and coughs

Juve surprise, Solet attempt 

The meeting with Udinese 

The Frenchman is the new idea in defence. Interest in the Dane Kristensen as well. Distance for Dibu Martinez

Vergara alarms, renewal blocked 

There is no agreement with Napoli 

Breaks slammed on during negotiations: There is no agreement on salary. 25 million from Atalanta refused 

Inter, it’s Doue if not Khalaili 

The heir to Dumfries 

Ivorian, 23 years old, plays for Strasbourg: He’s the alternative to the Israeli, who will cost 30 million from Union SG 

Greenwood and Roma, the snub is near 

Fenerbahce overtaken 

All in from the Turks: 50 million to Marseille and 11 net per season for Mason. Friedkins frozen: No relaunch 

Tuttosport 

Lucumi, Juve-Inter tease 

Marotta steps aside for Solet, but now challenges the Bianconeri for the Colombian 

The hottest rivalry in Italian football reignites on the transfer market. The conditions to keep Vlahovic: A Yildiz-style salary for two seasons. Meanwhile, Carnevali asks Divu Martinez to convince Aston Villa to lower their demands. The first meeting between Spalletti and Massara takes place today

‘Toro, offers no, but interest yes’

Cairo’s admission: ‘There are some looking at the club’s accounts’

The President: ‘I haven’t received any binding offers yet, though some American funds are hovering in the background. It’s a problem with no fans: I am still willing to step aside. A meeting is set for the 19th at Filadelfia: The Maratona will continue to protest. Zapata’s renewal made official

Referee inquest, more troubles for Inter 

Alleged interference: The last game against Toro is also on the prosecutor’s mind

‘Milan, here to dominate. Modric, second star …’

Amorim’s ambitions 

The new coach: ‘I have different ideas to Allegri, we will display beautiful football’

Brahim and his brothers, eyes on France 

Morocco try again 

‘Strength and courage for another Berlin’

20 years since the World Cup triumph 

Bologna and Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi continues to attract interest, as after Juventus, Besiktas and Bournemouth, now Inter have reportedly asked for information.

The centre-back just celebrated his 28^th birthday a couple of weeks ago and his contract with the Rossoblu only runs to the end of the current campaign.

Nonetheless, Bologna seem unwilling to let him leave for much less than the €28m release clause in his contract.

Lucumi appetising for Serie A sides

Juventus are showing a very strong interest in Lucumi, but now Sportitalia pundit Alfredo Pedulla claims that Inter have made contact to request information on his availability.

They need experienced figures in defence after letting both Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij leave at the end of their contracts on June 30.

Bologna bought Lucumi from KRC Genk for €8m in the summer of 2022 and he has been close to an exit several times, most notably to Sunderland last season.

Even if that €28m fee was confirmed, it would still be considerably lower than the €35m Inter were quoted for their other target Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea.

He knows the league well, having played 123 Serie A matches in three seasons.

Dusan Vlahovic is reportedly willing to sit down with Juventus to negotiate a new contract after his previous deal expired last month, but should the Bianconeri bring him back?

Officially, ex-Juventus star Vlahovic is without a club as his contract in Turin expired this past June.

The Serbia international was linked with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, but none of these clubs has made a formal contract offer for the 26-year-old, prompting him, according to Tuttosport, to reconsider his future in Turin.

Juventus failed to match Vlahovic’s contract demands and signing bonus under Damien Comolli, while new CEO and General Manager Giovanni Carnevali didn’t resume contract talks with the Serbian.

“Personally, I have never spoken to Vlahovic. Anything is possible in football; there can be possibilities tomorrow that do not exist today,” Carnevali said at the end of June.

Should Juventus bring Vlahovic back?

“He is an important player, but today is not in our thoughts.”

According to Tuttosport, Vlahovic has remained in touch with some of his former teammates and has directly called Juventus to potentially negotiate a new contract, given that the only proposal he has received has come from his ex-Fiorentina coach, Vincenzo Italiano, at Besiktas.

No clubs from Europe’s top five leagues have progressed talks with the Serbia international, who remains the highest-valued free agent on the market.

Juventus are still struggling to reach an agreement with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani and, according to Sportitalia, have made initial contact with Parma about Matteo Pellegrino.

The Bianconeri are also waiting for offers for Lois Openda and Jonathan David, who are not part of Spalletti’s plans.

Vlahovic scored 68 goals in 168 matches with Juventus over the last four and a half years, but should the Bianconeri bring him back, or look for a fresh start?

Let us know in the poll below and in the comment section.

Juventus risk missing out on Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani for €40m, as Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are reportedly ready to out-bid them.

The Bianconeri already had the centre-forward on loan for seven months in 2025 and failed to agree terms to renew the arrangement, so he joined Tottenham Hotspur instead.

That loan petered out too, so Juve are trying to get him on loan with obligation to buy for a total fee of around €40m.

Kolo Muani saga drags on for Juventus

Juventus are hampered by failing to qualify for the Champions League, further damaging their financial capabilities, and are struggling to get a deal over the line.

Now Footmercato in France claim that two Premier League clubs are ready to swoop in with their economic largesse, as the Old Lady risk being out-bid by Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Borussia Dortmund are also showing interest in Kolo Muani, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain only runs to June 2028.

PSG had until now been prepared to wait it out for Juve, considering the player’s intentions, but are fast losing patience.

Jonathan David’s home World Cup campaign is over and he is now expected to report back for pre-season training with Juventus in mid-July, but whilst the Canada international wants to stay on with the Bianconeri in 2026-27, he faces an uphill battle in convincing head coach Luciano Spalletti. 

Where Juventus stand with Jonathan David

David joined Juventus on a free transfer ahead of the 2025-26 season, but failed to impress during his first season in Italy, coming up with just six goals from 35 Serie A outings. This was the first season in David’s career where he failed to reach double figures in the league.

Aside from his goalscoring record, there were also concerns that the Canadian did not fit into Juve’s system and that he did not have the physical qualities to lead the line as a lone centre-forward.

There were even suggestions in the Italian press midway through the season that David had not settled into life with the Old Lady, which led to Spalletti having to defend the striker and his social skills in a pre-match press conference back in December.

Despite his struggles, recent reports claim that David does not want to give up on his Juventus career after just one season and that he is keen to prove what he has to offer heading into 2026-27. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that this is still the case, however, convincing head coach Spalletti is not going to be a straightforward task. 

That is largely because Juventus are looking to bring in a new starting centre-forward, potentially Randal Kolo Muani from PSG. And, the club have already brought in a new, young alternative in the form of Jeff Ekhator from Genoa. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also maintains the stance that Spalletti wants a more physical profile at centre-forward.

However, David’s current salary, believed to be around €6m per season net, is a bit of an issue. There have not yet been any concrete offers for the Canadian, but without a sale, La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts that it will be increasingly complicated for the Bianconeri to bring in another striker this summer.

That means that there is still a possibility that David gets his way and ends up with a second chance to impress at the Allianz Stadium in 2026-27.

Wednesday’s reports claim that Dusan Vlahovic has personally been in contact with his former employers at Juventus and that the Serbian is willing to discuss a potential new contract again despite leaving the club as a free agent just last week. 

Besiktas remains Vlahovic’s only offer, calls Juventus back

Vlahovic is not currently under contract with any club after seeing his deal with Juventus expire on June 30. The Bianconeri had tried for well over a year to get the Serbian to commit to a new deal, but the parties never came to an agreement, despite the talks that went on right the way through June. 

As things stand, there has not been an awful lot of interest in Vlahovic, despite his being available on a free transfer. There has been talk of an offer from Besiktas, but outlets in Italy suggest that the striker is not particularly keen on moving to Turkey at this stage of his career. 

But, the Besiktas approach appears to be Vlahovic’s only real option on the table. That is unless Juventus open up to bringing him back, of course. 

Wednesday’s reports from Tuttosport claim Vlahovic has personally called the Juventus management and that he has requested a meeting to discuss his potential return to the club. 

Tuttosport claims that Vlahovic is willing to discuss a new contract under Juventus’s conditions. Vlahovic had been earning a reported €12m net salary on the final year of his deal in Turin in 2025-26, but Juventus want to slash that, potentially in half to a figure of around €6m per year. 

There is hope that following the appointment of Ricky Massara to the role of Chief Football Officer, that Juventus will have a new-found ‘openness’ to welcoming Vlahovic back. 

Vlahovic is currently training on his own under the supervision of an athletic trainer: He wants to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, whichever club that might be with, and Tuttosport claims that he hopes to be back with Juventus for the start of pre-season next week. 

The Turin-based outlet notes that Vlahovic has not yet been back to the club’s training ground to clear out his locker.

Former Sampdoria and England defender Des Walker revealed he was close to signing for Roma and Juventus but since Nottingham Forest declined the Bianconeri spent the money on Roberto Baggio.

Des Walker revealed that he was close to joining Roma in April of 1990, a couple of months before the iconic FIFA World Cup tournament in Italy.

However, Nottingham Forest declined the offer. As they did when Juventus came knocking after Italia 90, with the Bianconeri spending the money saved on his transfer a certain Roberto Baggio.

Furthermore, Walker revealed the backstory of when he signed for Sampdoria where Roberto Mancini was an integral part of that transfer.

Walker made these statements in an interview with the The Italian Football Podcast, at an online event hosted by TalkSPORT Bet Online Slots.

Des Walker: ‘Close To Roma & Juve – Who Signed Roberto Baggio Instead’

“Before the tournament [FIFA World Cup 1990 in Italy] Roma had put in a bid for me. It was probably around April but [Nottingham] Forest had turned it down.

“After the tournament I spoke to both Mr Agnelli and Montezemolo for Juventus. So they put in quite a few bids to Forest but Forest kept turning them down.

“Eventually they [Juventus] put in a bid of £6 million which Forest turned down. Then they bought Roberto Baggio for £7 million. One of the best players of all time.

“It surprised me that Forest turned it down but Forest only turned it down because the fans were rebelling a little bit. Because they had said that ‘he’s not going’ but then behind their backs they were actually selling me.

“It got a bit messy so that’s why I ended up staying. However, I had a clause in my contract that in two years time I could leave. So I ended up waiting two years and ended up going to Sampdoria” Walker mused.

Des Walker – ‘Mancini Was The Manager At Sampdoria Not Sven-Göran Eriksson’

“I had a clause that said I could go for £1.5 million. And I had offers from quite a few different clubs” Walker began about the move to the Blucerchiati.

“I knew the Sampdoria team, I had watched them and they were fantastic. I signed for them at the Christmas time really. Since I had a clause that Forrest had to release me as long as they paid £1.5 million.

“You had people like Lombardo, Mancini, Vierchowood and Vialli who left just as I signed. Fantastic footballers. It was a no brainer for me to go to Sampdroia.

“I think [Vujadin] Boskov was going to sign me anyhow. And to be perfectly truthful I think Mancini dictated a lot who came into that football club.

“Regardless of if it was Boskov or Eriksson who were the coach, I had played against Mancini a couple of times, so I think he had a big influence into me coming.

“Between me and you I think he [Mancini] was the manager when I was there” Walker laughed.

Des Walker played one season in the Serie A at Sampdoria where he shared a dressing room with Roberto Mancini. Walker joined the Blucerchiati ahead of the 92/93 season featuring 32 games across all competitions.

Reports in Italy claim that a crucial round of talks between the Juventus management and the agent of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez are due to take place on Wednesday, following the stopper’s involvement in the 3-2 thriller between Argentina and Egypt at the 2026 World Cup. 

Juventus management set for face-to-face talks with Martinez agent

It has been a busy summer for Martinez between his World Cup duties and his potential next career steps at club level. He and his Argentina teammates are through to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after coming back from 2-0 to claim a stoppage-time 3-2 victory against a brave Egypt side in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, reports back in Italy claim that Juventus are progressing in talks to sign Martinez from Aston Villa this summer. 

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, there were talks between the relevant parties on Tuesday, and now, Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali is ready to ‘accelerate’ in an attempt to close a deal. 

Di Marzio reports that Carnevali, along with newly-appointed Chief Football Officer Ricky Massara, will hold a face-to-face meeting with Martinez’s agent on Wednesday. The purpose is to establish exactly how much it will take to convince the Argentina no.1 to move to Turin. 

Once Juventus have established the amount they will need to offer Martinez, they will then begin focussing on negotiations with the goalkeeper’s current employers at Aston Villa.

Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali has opened up on the club’s negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal for centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani, admitting that there is still a fair amount of difference between the asking price and the offer, and that it would not be right for the club to ‘just’ focus on the Frenchman. 

Carnevali opens up on Juventus transfers: ‘We’re working hard for Kolo Muani, but I wouldn’t just focus on him’

Juventus are on the hunt for a new centre-forward after parting company with Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expired on June 30. 

For several weeks, reports in Italy have linked Juventus with a move for Kolo Muani, who had a successful spell on loan with the Old Lady in the second half of the 2024-25 season, scoring eight goals from 16 Serie A appearances. 

Last week, reports claimed that Juventus had seen an offer of a loan deal with a potential obligation to buy for a total cost of €33m turned down and that PSG were holding out for a fee of €40m. 

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Carnevali has confirmed that there is still a significant amount of difference between Juve’s offer and PSG’s asking price, and that the Bianconeri are considering several other profiles in attack. 

“For Kolo Muani, the demands have not been lowered and we have not increased the proposal, but we are working hard on it,” Carnevali told Sky (via Gianluca Di Marzio).

He admitted: “I wouldn’t just focus on him. If there is a big difference, we have to make the right assessments. We’re trying to do the best thing.” 

Carnevali also confirmed that he did not meet with Vlahovic to discuss a potential contract extension and that Alexander Sorloth is among the potential alternatives to Kolo Muani: “We didn’t meet with him (Vlahovic). The doors aren’t only open for Sorloth, but also for other players.” 

Carnevali also spoke about Juve’s interest in Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, confirming: “We will have to wait. Martinez interests us, but he’s also an interesting profile for a lot of other teams. There will be lots of opportunities. There are players who are already rated highly and those who we should keep a close eye on.” 

It’s been another busy day for Italian football with Juventus confirming Frederic Massara as their Chief Football Officer, as well as a new role within the club for Giorgio Chiellini.

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Another big news comes from Milan, where the Rossoneri met Mario Gila’s agent and then secured a deal with Lazio after agreeing to personal terms with the Spanish defender in recent weeks.

Elsewhere in Serie A, Inter are expected to send an improved offer for Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, while Nicolò Zaniolo has reached an agreement to extend his Udinese contract. Get today’s most relevant transfer updates in the video.

Football Italia Transfer Show July 7, 2026

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that England international John Stones has been offered to three of Italy’s biggest clubs in Juventus, Inter and Milan, but all three have concerns over the 32-year-old’s wages and injury record. 

Stones offered to all of Serie A’s biggest clubs, no concrete offers yett

Stones is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract on June 30. He spent 10 seasons playing under Pep Guardiola, and was part of the side that won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the 2022-23 Champions League during that period.

Various reports over the last few weeks have linked the former Manchester City and Everton centre-back with a move to Serie A: Juventus and Inter mentioned as strong possibilities. 

Speaking in a recent video on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Stones “has been offered to all of the biggest Italian teams: He’s on the market and has left City for nothing. 

“He has big economic demands: He was offered to Inter last March, but that has not particularly heated up. He has been proposed to Inter and Juventus again in recent days.”

Romano went on to explain that all of the biggest Italian sides have slight concerns over Stones’s medical record: The Englishman’s most active season came during his first year with City in 2016-17 when he made 27 appearances in the Premier League, but has only averaged 14.6 league appearances over the last five seasons.

Former Milan and Roma director Frederic Massara is set to be appointed Juventus’ new Head of Football, while François Modesto is expected to leave, according to reports in Italy.

Juventus continue to reshape their club management after replacing their CEO, Damien Comolli, with Giovanni Carnevali last month.

Massara set for Juventus appointment after Roma exit

The most prominent Italian media report that the Bianconeri are set to welcome Massara, a former sporting director at Milan and Roma, as their new Head of Football.

Sky Sport and Fabrizio Romano claim that talks between the two parties are at an advanced stage, while Gazzetta insists that the deal is practically done, so Massara is expected to be confirmed soon as a new member of the Juventus management.

Massara’s move will lead to Modesto’s exit, while, according to Gazzetta, Giorgio Chiellini and Marco Ottolini will remain at the Allianz Stadium serving as Director of Football Strategy and sporting director, respectively.

Massara was Milan’s sporting director during the Rossoneri’s 2021-22 title-winning campaign and held the same role at Roma last season, but left the club in June, largely due to disagreements with coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

• Official: Juventus confirm Massara’s appointment.

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Juventus have been heavily linked with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and while fresh reports in Italy suggest a deal is close, Fabrizio Romano says otherwise. According to Romano, Alisson, whose contract at Liverpool has a year left to run, is open to joining Juventus this summer, but he will respect the wishes of his current […]

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The post Contrasting reports regarding Alisson Becker appeared first on Soccer News.