Italy have started the European Under-19 Championship in Wales on the right foot, defeating Serbia 2-0 thanks to goals from Mattia Liberali and Jamal Iddrissou.

The Azzurrini are among the favourites for the tournament and opened up Group B, where they will then take on Croatia on July 2 and Ukraine on July 5.

Milan youth product Liberali, currently playing for Catanzaro in Serie B, drew the foul and then converted the early penalty after just 11 minutes.

There were a few scares on set plays, but Italy still came closest to a second goal when Coletta smacked his effort against the crossbar.

Iddrissou secured the 2-0 result at the 76^th minute when completing a rapid counter-attack assisted by substitute Javison Idele.

Luck was on the side of coach Alberto Bollini when Vasilije Novicic’s free kick hit the frame of the goal moments later.

Italy 2-0 Serbia

Liberali pen 11 (I), Iddrissou 76 (I)

Italy: Pessina; Nardin, Natali, Verde, Cocchi (Marello 89); Liberali (Mantini 70), Sala, Comotto (Elimoghale 70); Coletta, Iddrissou, Mosconi (Idele 61)

Serbia: Carapic; Stojkovic, Hadzimujovic, Simic, S Petrovic; Novicic, Makevic (Rankovic 58), Milosavljevic; B Kostic (Zaric 58), Damjanovic (Borovina 73), Ciric (Subotic 73)

Inter striker Marcus Thuram is out of the France squad for the World Cup Round of 32 match against Sweden, confirms coach Didier Deschamps.

It kicks off in New Jersey on Tuesday at 22.00 UK time (23.00 CEST).

Les Bleus had topped their group after comfortably sweeping Senegal aside 3-1, Iraq 3-0, then Norway 4-1.

Inter’s Thuram injured for France

Thuram only made a brief substitute appearance in the second game against Iraq, sitting on the bench for the other two.

He won’t even do that tomorrow evening, because coach Deschamps confirmed in a press conference that the striker is suffering from a muscular injury.

It remains to be seen how serious the problem is, but the reference was to a ‘small’ muscular injury, so nothing in particular to worry about.

His record with France is of three goals and five assists in 35 senior caps for his country.

This season, Thuram helped Inter win the Scudetto and Coppa Italia double thanks to his 18 goals and nine assists in 44 competitive appearances.

Dusan Vlahovic has offered his services to Barcelona as a free agent, it’s reported, after rejecting Juventus and Besiktas proposals, but they’d prefer Julian Alvarez or Harry Kane.

The Blaugrana need a new star centre-forward after releasing Robert Lewandowski, who in turn has now agreed a free transfer to join the Chicago Fire.

Vlahovic eager for Barcelona chance

According to Diario AS, Vlahovic and his representatives contacted Barcelona to put themselves forward was a valid replacement, even if it didn’t mean a regular starting spot.

The Serbian will be a free agent from July 1, having allowed his Juventus contract to run down and so far rejected their offers of an extension at a lower salary.

He had been expecting many clubs around Europe to make their own proposals, but the only one to truly step forward has been Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas.

Vlahovic remains unconvinced and is seeking a bigger club, which is why he is alerting Barcelona to his availability.

However, the Nou Camp giants are not sure about his credentials and recent injuries.

Their first choice is Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid have slammed the door shut on their Liga rivals, promising to denounce them to FIFA.

Another candidate emerging today is England international Kane, who has been banging in goals at Bayern Munich.

Vlahovic is only 26 years old and Juventus paid over €85m to buy him from Fiorentina in January 2022.

Italy and Atletico Madrid wing-back Matteo Ruggeri is hit by scandal after allegations he paid a woman to send him insulting and racist messages for sexual gratification.

The accusation was made by notorious gossip monger Fabrizio Corona, who is well known to the world of Italian football, having been jailed for effectively trying to blackmail clubs and players with photographs of their behaviour off the field.

He was also found guilty of defamation against Mauro Icardi when he was at Inter, and made broad claims during the betting scandal of 2023 and 2024 that never panned out.

Ruggeri allegations of a shocking nature

Now Corona has published what he claims are screenshots of payments made by Ruggeri to a female fan worth €150 each.

He insists these were made in exchange for receiving audio messages that he found erotic, including blasphemous (the worst kind of Italian swearing) insults and even racist language, all requested specifically by the Italy international.

If a player or coach is spotted using blasphemous phrases, then he will be given at least a one-match ban.

Corona also published the audio recordings of their conversations, and the things that Ruggeri was allegedly requesting, as well as his response to their nature.

So far, Ruggeri has not given any response to the allegations made by Corona.

The former Atalanta man turns 24 next month and made the €17m plus add-ons transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer, but has been linked with a potential return to Serie A.

Carlo Ancelotti chooses Vinicius Jr plus several former Serie A players including Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos and Lucas Paqueta as Brazil face Zion Suzuki’s Japan in the World Cup Round of 32.

It kicks off in Houston at 18.00 UK time (19.00 CEST).

The winners of this fixture will go on to face either Norway or the Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 on July 5.

Italian coach Ancelotti is shouldering a lot of expectation going into his first major tournament as an international boss, at the helm of the nation that has won the World Cup more than any other.

So far, they have largely coasted, following the 1-1 draw against Morocco with 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.

Raphinha has been ruled out by injury, but Brazil stick with Vinicius and Rayan supporting striker Cunha.

There are numerous former Serie A players involved, including ex-Juventus defender Danilo, former Roma men Alisson Becker and Marquinhos, plus one-time Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Current Atalanta midfielder Ederson is on the bench, but Roma winger Wesley Franca was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Japan got through their group unbeaten after crushing Tunisia 4-0, around a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and 1-1 against Sweden.

Ko Itakura sustained an injury in the last match.

Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is impressing in the World Cup so far and earned some strong transfer interest as a result.

Ex-Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada and former Bologna man Takehiro Tomiyasu are also in the squad, with veteran Inter left-back Yuto Nagatomo.

The referee today is Italian Maurizio Mariani, with his assistant referees also representing Calcio.

Brazil vs. Japan line-ups

Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhanes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha

Japan: Suzuki; H Ito, Tomiyasu, Taniguchi; Doan, Sano, J Ito, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda

29-06-2026 18:00

Round of 32

NRG Stadium

Brazil

Japan

Live

0 - 0

Brazil

Japan

Starting lineups

1

Alisson

Goalkeeper

13

Danilo

Defender

16

Douglas Santos

Defender

3

Gabriel

Defender

4

Marquinhos

Defender

8

Bruno Guimarães

Midfielder

5

Casemiro

Midfielder

20

Lucas Paquetá

Midfielder

9

Matheus Cunha

Attacker

26

Rayan

Attacker

7

Vinícius Júnior

Attacker

1

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

3

Shogo Taniguchi

Defender

21

Hiroki Ito

Defender

22

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Defender

15

Daichi Kamada

Midfielder

14

Junya Ito

Midfielder

24

Kaishu Sano

Midfielder

10

Ritsu Doan

Midfielder

18

Ayase Ueda

Attacker

11

Daizen Maeda

Attacker

13

Keito Nakamura

Attacker

Substitutes

24

Roger Ibañez

Defender

14

Bremer

Defender

6

Alex Sandro

Defender

2

Éderson

Midfielder

17

Fabinho

Midfielder

23

Ederson

Goalkeeper

10

Neymar

Attacker

22

Gabriel Martinelli

Attacker

21

Luiz Henrique

Attacker

25

Igor Thiago

Attacker

12

Wéverton

Goalkeeper

19

Endrick

Attacker

15

Léo Pereira

Defender

18

Danilo

Midfielder

5

Yuto Nagatomo

Defender

8

Takefusa Kubo

Midfielder

2

Yukinari Sugawara

Defender

4

Ko Itakura

Defender

7

Ao Tanaka

Midfielder

6

Shuto Machino

Attacker

16

Tsuyoshi Watanabe

Defender

9

Keisuke Goto

Attacker

17

Yuito Suzuki

Midfielder

19

Koki Ogawa

Attacker

12

Keisuke Osako

Goalkeeper

20

Ayumu Seko

Defender

25

Junnosuke Suzuki

Midfielder

23

Tomoki Hayakawa

Goalkeeper

26

Kento Shiogai

Attacker

Italy international Sandro Tonali could become a club record transfer after reports Tottenham Hotspur offered €99.7m to Newcastle United, already agreeing personal terms.

The midfielder had dropped hints he felt his time with the Magpies was coming to a close, ready for the next step in his career.

Although Arsenal and Manchester United had also shown interest, Spurs quickly emerged as the hot favourites, partly due to the presence of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Tonali closer to record Tottenham transfer

A proposal worth £80m was rejected by Newcastle United, but Mirror Sport claim that a new bid is on its way worth £86m (circa €99.73m).

That is very close to the reported €100m valuation placed on the Italian by his club, so a deal could be imminent.

If those figures are confirmed, it would make Tonali a new all-time club record signing for Spurs.

Turning 26 last month, Milan sold him to Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 for €60.8m plus up to a further €4m in bonuses.

On top of that, the Rossoneri also retained a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee, so they could be getting almost €10m out of this move to White Hart Lane.

Multiple sources confirm Tonali has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham worth £275,000 per week, negotiated by his agency, GR Sports.

Manchester City have issued a counter-statement to Chelsea, as the controversy continues to grow over how and when they approached Italian Enzo Maresca, prompting a €20m compensation package.

It was finally announced today that Italy’s Maresca had been appointed as the new Manchester City manager, taking over from his former boss Pep Guardiola with a contract to June 2029.

However, he first had to terminate his contract with Chelsea by mutual consent, having resigned on January 1.

In a statement this afternoon, the Stamford Bridge club hit out at their Premier League rivals, noting that City approached their coach last autumn.

He was “under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate” and did so because he had the Manchester City job lined up.

Maresca left Chelsea after Manchester City talks

Now City have released their own statement in response.

“Enzo Maresca has long been regarded by the club as a candidate within our succession planning. As a former successful coach within our system, Enzo has a strong relationship with the Club’s leadership and he understands how we work and evolve.

“We can confirm that confidential conversations took place between select representatives of City and Enzo Maresca in Autumn and Winter of 2025, while he was Chelsea FC’s Head Coach, regarding the possibility of him returning to City in a transitional leadership coaching capacity should Pep Guardiola decide to leave.

“We acknowledge Chelsea’s statement regarding the context of Enzo’s departure from Chelsea. We also acknowledge the context in which permission for discussions was given, and we recognize that his departure mid-season was disruptive to Chelsea’s season.

“Once terms were agreed with Enzo Maresca, Manchester City and Chelsea FC reached a mutually agreed settlement under which Chelsea FC will receive compensation.”

The cost of the compensation package is said to be extraordinary, reaching €20m as reported by Sky Sport Italia, then confirmed by various English sources.

It would seem that is purely between the clubs, but that Maresca also separately had to pay compensation to Chelsea for the breach of contract.

Juventus are looking to sell Lloyd Kelly this summer, claim Italian reports, with interest from Leeds United and some Spanish clubs after struggling since leaving Newcastle United.

The defender has had frankly a mixed experience since the massive transfer from Newcastle United in February 2025 for €21m plus up to a further potential €6.5m in add-ons.

He had some bright flashes, but was also referred to as one of the biggest flops in Bianconeri transfer history by critics.

Juventus ready to part with Kelly

Kelly made 46 appearances this season in all competition, contributing two goals and two assists, and his contract in Turin runs to June 2029.

According to Tuttomercatoweb pundit Marco Conterio, there has been a concrete approach from Leeds United to give Kelly a return to English football.

There is also interest from other Premier League sides, as well as ones in LaLiga, but Leeds are currently the most determined to get a deal over the line.

It comes after rumours last week that Newcastle United could even want a reunion thanks to manager Eddie Howe.

The asking price for Kelly would be in the region of €30m, allowing Juve to make their money back.

Italian manager Enzo Maresca has officially been appointed by Manchester City after they reportedly paid Chelsea up to €20m. ‘The decision was only mine’ to quit Stamford Bridge.

The decision had been in the air for several months, even before Pep Guardiola announced that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

An exciting new chapter awaits pic.twitter.com/TpsdupPM4B

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 29, 2026

Maresca had already worked for the club as coach of their youth team in 2020-21, then as assistant manager to Guardiola in 2022-23, so this is his third stint at the Etihad on a contract to June 2029.

Manchester City hand keys to Maresca

“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” Maresca told the club website.

“City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.

“This will be my third spell here. I know this Club, I know the demands and I know the expectations.

“The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability.

“I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.”

There was some controversy around the appointment, because Manchester City first had to negotiate with Chelsea to terminate his contract.

That was still valid, despite their split on January 1, 2026.

It has been reported that Manchester City are going to pay up to €20m for the termination by mutual consent.

After many months of confusion around that situation, the 46-year-old has given his own version of events.

“At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea. The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well,” said Maresca in a separate statement.

“I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City. I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.

“I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure. “I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity.”

The only coaching experience Maresca had in Italy was at Parma, which lasted just 14 games from May to November 2021.

Cagliari are in advanced negotiations with Leicester City for midfielder Harry Winks, claims Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man is no stranger to Italian football, having played on loan at Sampdoria in the 2022-23 campaign.

He returned to Spurs that summer and was sold to Leicester City for €11.6m, but their relegation makes it unlikely he will remain with the Foxes.

Winks wanted by Cagliari

Now 30 years old, Winks has also been linked with a possible move to Wrexham, but could be tempted by sunny Sardinia.

His current contract with Leicester City only runs to June 2027 and it could therefore be a relatively cheap deal.

Pedullà claims in his latest YouTube video that Leicester City and Cagliari have already agreed on a transfer fee, so now they are just trying to work out personal terms with the player.

Once that is finalised, he can fly out to Italy for his medical tests and begin pre-season preparations for the Serie A side.

Winks made 36 competitive appearances for Leicester City this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists for his teammates.

Genoa have won a bidding war to secure Swiss talent Franz-Ethan Meichtry from FC Thun, claim multiple sources, at a reported cost of €4m.

The midfielder will celebrate his 21^st birthday next week and had been linked with the likes of Galatasaray, TSG Hoffenheim, and Parma.

Genoa win race for Meichtry

Fabrizio Romano, Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenburg, Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio and more all report it is a done deal, with only the medical tests left to be completed.

Those are scheduled for Tuesday, and he will then sign a contract with Genoa to June 2031.

Meichtry plays primarily as a central midfielder, but can also work on the left or right side of midfield.

A product of the Thun youth academy, he scored eight goals with three assists in 35 Swiss Super League appearances this season.

According to Primo Canale, the total cost of the transfer including add-ons will be around €4m.

Leonardo Spinazzola has officially extended his contract with Napoli to June 2028, as he had been on the verge of becoming a free agent.

It had seemed a few months ago as if he would be walking away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at the end of the season, as his playing time was limited this term, partly by fitness issues.

However, he has now put pen to paper on a new two-year deal that holds him to the Partenopei until June 2028.

Napoli committed to Spinazzola

Spinazzola is 33 years old and was a key part of the Italy squad that won EURO 2020, even though his tournament was cut short by a devastating Achilles tendon tear.

The versatile full-back can play on the right or left, in defence, wide midfield or even as part of a trident attack.

He amassed 72 competitive appearances in the Napoli shirt, scoring four goals and contributing to their Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana victories.

Roma paid €29.5m to buy Spinazzola from Juventus in 2019, then he joined Napoli as a free agent in the summer of 2024.

Monza have officially appointed Ivan Juric as their new coach following promotion to Serie A, as Paolo Bianco walked away for a role at Pisa.

The club fought their way through the Serie B play-offs to regain top flight status after just one year away, but Bianco decided he wanted another challenge, and terminated his contract by mutual consent.

Juric given new Serie A opportunity

Juric has had a torrid few years since leaving Torino in the summer of 2024.

He lasted just 12 games at Roma before being fired in November 2024, then was hired by Southampton in the Premier League only to be sacked there too in April 2025 after just 16 matches.

His Atalanta career in the team shaken by losing long-term coach Gian Piero Gasperini was ended following only 15 competitive games in November 2025.

Juric’s other previous club experiences were at Verona, Genoa, Crotone and Mantova, after being assistant manager to Gasperini.

This announcement means the only Serie A club still officially without a coach is Napoli, who first need Max Allegri to terminate his contract with Milan.

There are growing reports Roma have convinced Matias Soulé to accept a transfer to the Saudi Pro League worth €12m per season, with Al-Ahli and Al-Diraiyah ready to pay €30m plus add-ons.

The Giallorossi desperately need to make a big sale by June 30 to remain within their Financial Fair Play parameters, and the Argentine is emerging as the most likely candidate to be sacrificed.

Soulé set for Saudi Arabia

He struggled for consistency and to fit into coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactics, so has been placed on the market, but the only clubs prepared to pay €30m for him were in Saudi Arabia.

Soulé had been reticent to accept at this stage of his career, but Il Romanista suggest that he is now beginning to warm to the idea, especially with a contract worth €12m per season.

There are two clubs eager to make the move, namely Al-Ahli and Al-Diraiyah, who are expected to make formal proposals to Roma this weekend.

It would enable the Giallorossi to register a profit of circa €15m with the sale of the 23-year-old.

They had bought him from Juventus for €28.6m in 2024, so with time having passed, it is a financial boost.

Luka Modric, Martin Baturina, Nikola Vlasic, Petar Sucic and Marin Pongracic represent Serie A in the Croatia starting XI against Ghana, while England reshuffle to take on Panama.

They both kick off at 22.00 UK time (23.00 CEST) and these fixtures will complete World Cup Group L.

England had been expected to sweep the group comfortably after beating Croatia 4-2 in the opener, but their 0-0 draw with Ghana has made it a more balanced affair.

Now Croatia hope to break down Ghana and secure their place in the Round of 32.

There is plenty of Serie A representation, such as Milan midfielder Modric, Como talent Baturina, Inter’s Petar Sucic, Nikola Vlasic of Torino, and Fiorentina defender Marin Pongracic.

On the bench we see Atalanta player Mario Pasalic.

Kamaldeen Sulemana plays for Atalanta in the Ghana team, but was benched for the stalemate with England.

A draw here would allow both teams to sail through to the Round of 32.

In the other match, Thomas Tuchel is forced into some of his changes, because Reece James is ruled out by injury and is now a risk for the Round of 32 as well.

The other adjustments against Panama are part of squad rotation, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Elliott Anderson coming back in.

Croatia vs. Ghana line-ups

Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Perisic; Kovacic, Modric; Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina; Budimir

Ghana: Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Luckassen, Mensah; Partey, Owusu, Sibo; Sulemana, Ayew, Semenyo

27-06-2026 22:00

Matchday 3

Lincoln Financial Field

Croatia

Ghana

2 - 1

Croatia

Ghana

Starting lineups

1

Dominik Livakovic

Goalkeeper

2

Josip Stanisic

Defender

6

Josip Šutalo

Defender

3

Marin Pongracic

Defender

17

Petar Sucic

Defender

10

Luka Modric

Midfielder

16

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

88'

8

Mateo Kovacic

Midfielder

78'

13

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

88'

11

Ante Budimir

Attacker

66'

14

Ivan Perisic

Attacker

16

Benjamin Asare

Goalkeeper

23

Derrick Luckassen

Defender

14

Gideon Mensah

Defender

4

Jonas Adjetey

Defender

46'

26

Marvin Senaya

Defender

15

Elisha Owusu

Midfielder

46'

22

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

71'

8

Kwasi Sibo

Midfielder

85'

5

Thomas Partey

Midfielder

11

Antoine Semenyo

Attacker

9

Jordan Ayew

Attacker

71'

Substitutes

12

Ivor Pandur

Goalkeeper

25

Martin Erlic

Defender

7

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

23

Dominik Kotarski

Goalkeeper

18

Kristijan Jakic

Midfielder

5

Duje Caleta-Car

Defender

9

Andrej Kramaric

Attacker

21

Luka Sucic

Midfielder

26

Petar Musa

Attacker

24

Marco Pasalic

Attacker

19

Toni Fruk

Midfielder

22

Luka Vuskovic

Defender

20

Igor Matanovic

Attacker

66'

15

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

88'

4

Josko Gvardiol

Defender

88'

17

Abdul Rahman Baba

Defender

1

Lawrence Ati Zigi

Goalkeeper

6

Abdul Mumin

Defender

19

Iñaki Williams

Attacker

2

Alidu Seidu

Defender

12

Joseph Anang

Goalkeeper

13

Christopher Bonsu Baah

Attacker

25

Prince Adu

Attacker

18

Jerome Opoku

Defender

20

Augustine Boakye

Midfielder

7

Issahaku Fatawu

Midfielder

46'

21

Kojo Peprah Oppong

Defender

46'

24

Ernest Nuamah

Attacker

71'

10

Brandon Thomas-Asante

Attacker

71'

3

Caleb Yirenkyi

Midfielder

85'

Panama vs. England line-ups

Panama: Mosquera; Cordoba, Escobar, Harvey, Andrade, Murillo, Gutierrez; Martinez, J Rodriguez, Barcenas; T Rodriguez

England: Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Quansah, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rogers; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane

27-06-2026 22:00

Matchday 3

MetLife Stadium

Panama

England

0 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

		60'		Jarell Quansah
		62'		Jude Bellingham (Assist: Bukayo Saka)
		67'		Harry Kane (Assist: Jude Bellingham)

Match statistic

33

Possession %

67

13

Total shots

17

2

Shots on target

6

8

Shots off target

8

3

Blocked shots

3

3

Corners

7

4

Offsides

4

16

Fouls

13

Panama

England

Starting lineups

22

Orlando Mosquera

Goalkeeper

4

Fidel Escobar

Defender

26

Jorge Gutiérrez

Defender

88'

3

José Córdoba

Defender

23

Amir Murillo

Defender

16

Andrés Andrade

Midfielder

14

Carlos Harvey

Midfielder

88'

6

Cristian Martínez

Midfielder

7

Puma

Attacker

71'

9

Tomás Rodríguez

Attacker

46'

11

Yoel Bárcenas

Attacker

71'

1

Jordan Pickford

Goalkeeper

2

Ezri Konsa

Defender

26

Jarell Quansah

Defender

63'

6

Marc Guehi

Defender

3

Nico O’Reilly

Defender

8

Elliot Anderson

Midfielder

83'

10

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder

71'

7

Bukayo Saka

Attacker

63'

9

Harry Kane

Attacker

83'

11

Marcus Rashford

Attacker

17

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

Substitutes

2

César Blackman

Defender

20

Aníbal Godoy

Midfielder

1

Luis Mejía

Goalkeeper

21

César Yanis

Attacker

5

Edgardo Fariña

Defender

18

Cecilio Waterman

Attacker

25

Roderick Miller

Defender

8

Adalberto Carrasquilla

Midfielder

12

César Samudio

Goalkeeper

13

Jiovany Ramos

Defender

17

José Fajardo

Attacker

46'

10

Ismael Díaz

Attacker

71'

24

Azarias Londono

Attacker

71'

15

Eric Davis

Defender

88'

19

Alberto Quintero

Attacker

88'

5

John Stones

Defender

4

Declan Rice

Midfielder

13

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

23

James Trafford

Goalkeeper

12

Trevoh Chalobah

Defender

22

Ivan Toney

Attacker

16

Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder

15

Dan Burn

Defender

18

Anthony Gordon

Attacker

20

Noni Madueke

Attacker

63'

25

Djed Spence

Defender

63'

21

Eberechi Eze

Attacker

71'

14

Jordan Henderson

Midfielder

83'

19

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

83'

Fiorentina have agreed to sell half of Lucas Beltran to River Plate following the loan at Valencia, but it’s reported the player wants to remain in Europe.

The striker spent time in the River Plate academy and made his mark with the club, earning a €19.7m transfer to Fiorentina in the summer of 2023.

Beltran not ready to leave Fiorentina

Last season, he was told to find himself a new club, but was determined to continue his career in Europe rather than return to South America.

This saw him accept a switch to Valencia, where he scored three goals with two assists in 30 competitive games this season.

Now multiple sources in Argentina maintain that Fiorentina have shaken hands with River Plate to sell Beltran for €6m and retain a 50 per cent cut of the sell on fee, effectively selling half his contract.

The problem noted by TyC Sports is that the 25-year-old still has his heart set on making it big in Europe, and is so far resisting the return to River Plate.

They are still trying to convince him that this would be the best step for his career.

Alarm bells are ringing again for Inter, who don’t seem ready to go above their rejected €20m offer for Udinese defender Oumar Solet, as Atletico Madrid prepare to get involved.

It has been a series of disappointments on the transfer market for the Nerazzurri, who have placed very strict limits on their spending, despite winning the Serie A and Coppa Italia Double.

Marco Palestra was snatched away when Chelsea came in with double their wage offer and €10m more to Atalanta, while they now risk losing another target too.

Inter not willing to pay Solet asking price

Confirmation is coming in from Gazzetta dello Sport that Inter have not budged from their €20m bid for Udinese defender Solet.

This was rejected, the Friulani are asking for €25m, but there is no sign of any further improvement in the proposal coming from San Siro.

Instead, Atletico Madrid are hovering around the situation and preparing to step in with a winning offer, just as they did when Inter dragged on the talks with Atalanta for Ademola Lookman in January.

Considering the reports today that Chelsea want €35m for Trevoh Chalobah, who is also a target for Como, then the Nerazzurri might have to go down the list of options to find an affordable defender.

Atalanta defender Isak Hien has seen his World Cup adventure cut short by a serious injury, as he is forced to leave the Sweden camp. ‘Unfortunately this dream ends prematurely.’

The centre-back had been in the starting XI for all three group matches, playing in the 5-1 victory over Tunisia, 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands, and 1-1 draw with Japan.

However, the latter only lasted for 37 minutes, and he was forced to limp off due to an injury.

Now initial tests have shown it is a serious issue, so Hien will not be able to continue with Sweden into the Round of 32 fixtures.

Hien sends message to Sweden fans

“A dream that has come true, but which unfortunately ends prematurely for my part,” wrote Hien on Instagram.

“Thanks to all the Swedish supporters out there who have supported us since day one – you are absolutely incredible. Big thanks to the guys on the team and everyone in and around the national team for the best experience one can have as a football player.

“To my family and my close friends, who are there through thick and thin, I have no words to express how grateful I am. Onward Sweden! I’ll be back.”

 

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A post shared by Isak Hien (@isakhienz)

Now Hien is expected to undergo specialist treatment to discover the extent of the injury and whether surgery is required.

The Swedish Football Association confirmed that it is an injury to the left hamstring that is so serious, he has no chance of recovering before the end of the tournament.

The statement from their national team doctor Jonas Werner warned that “this injury means he will be away from football for some time.”

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his assistants have been assigned to the World Cup Round of 32 match between Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil and Japan.

The fixture kicks off in Houston Stadium on Monday at 18.00 UK time (19.00 CEST).

Brazil topped their group after a 1-1 draw with Morocco, then 3-0 victories against both Haiti and Scotland.

Japan were runners up in their group thanks to draws against the Netherlands and Sweden, around a 4-0 thumping of Tunisia.

Mariani given World Cup knockout tie role

Mariani is the only Italian referee at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, although Marco Di Bello is also on the group of VAR officials.

So far, he has officiated the 1-1 draw between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, plus Colombia’s 1-0 victory over DR Congo.

He will be wielding the whistle in the Brazil vs. Japan fixture, aided by assistant referees Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni.

The fourth official is Sandro Scharer of Switzerland.

Most recently, Mariani was also given the opportunity to referee the Conference League Final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.

More details are emerging on Como’s offer for Trevoh Chalobah, reported to be worth €25m plus €2m add-ons, but Chelsea are demanding €35m for the defender, who is also targeted by Inter.

There had already been numerous suggestions over the last few days that Como had set their sights on Chalobah to reinforce their squad after securing Champions League qualification.

It was also clear that this was going to be a difficult operation due to the costs involved in the transfer fee, as well as competition from Inter.

Chelsea dictate Chalobah terms

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the proposal put forward this week by Como is worth €25m plus a further €2m in add-ons.

However, this is a far cry from the Chelsea asking price, which is set at €30m plus another €5m in performance-related bonuses.

It remains to be seen if they can negotiate that down, but the Blues are aided by the suggestions Chalobah could start for England in tonight’s World Cup game against Panama, due to a Reece James injury.

A product of the Chelsea youth academy, Chalobah turns 27 next month and made 47 competitive appearances for his club this season, also scoring three goals from defence.

Venezia have officially purchased wide attacking player Korel Lisman from Lech Poznan in a deal believed to be worth €2m.

The 20-year-old passed his medical tests and put pen to paper on a contract until June 2030, with an option in favour of the club to extend for a further season.

He can play on the left or right side of a trident attack, and is a product of the Lech Poznan youth academy, promoted to the senior squad in 2024.

Lisman made 22 appearances for the club this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Lisman happy to make Serie A move for Venezia

“I decided to join Venezia because from one year they were following me and it was very impressing and I feel the big trust on me from the Director Antonelli who showed me a lot of things about the club and plans,” Lisman told the club website.

“For me it’s a big chance and pleasure to come here, because Venezia it’s a very big club with amazing fans and crazy atmosphere on the stadium.

“Also I saw the big support from the fans even when the team were losing and this impressed me a lot. I really like this project and I feel it’s a very good place for me.

“For the fans I just want to say that I give me best on the pitch and I will fight for the team till the end. See you soon at the stadium.“

Lisman represent Poland at Under-18 and Under-20 level, while Lech Poznan won back-to-back Polish League titles in 2024-25 and 2025-26 with him in the squad.

Venezia have been very active since winning the Serie B title and therefore earning automatic promotion back to Serie A.

They snapped up Tomas Basic as a free agent from Lazio and got right-sided winger Mattia Compagnon from Juve Next Gen.

Besiktas are trying everything to convince Dusan Vlahovic, including calls from Vincenzo Italiano, but he reportedly told them he might not make a decision until late July, waiting for Juventus and others.

The striker will be a free agent next week when his current contract runs down, and had been expecting to be inundated with proposals from clubs around Europe.

Instead, the only genuine alternative to a new deal at Juventus would seem to be Besiktas.

Vlahovic expected more offers

There were suggestions that the Turkish club is ready to invest around €30m between salary, signing on bonus and commission fees to his agents, with wages of €10m per season.

However, Sports Digitale note today that Vlahovic remains unmoved and is in absolutely no rush to make a decision, even if it takes until late July.

It remains to be seen if Besiktas will be ready to wait that long, especially as new coach Italiano worked with him at Fiorentina and has been bombarding him with calls to discuss the project.

The Serbia international is only 26 years old and Juventus had paid €85m to get him from Fiorentina in January 2022, so even after a serious injury, he was expecting more interest.

The longer this goes on, the more hope Juve will have that he’ll reconsider their €8m per season renewal proposal.

Lazio are hoping to get a new striker, but only offering loan deals for Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca after Nottingham Forest, and Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli.

The Aquile are revamping their squad under new coach Gennaro Gattuso and never really replaced Taty Castellanos following his January sale to West Ham United.

It is reported that the first request is for a big centre-forward, and the preferred pick is Lucca.

Lucca struggled after big transfer

Napoli paid €35m to get him from Udinese last summer, but he lasted just six months before a €2m loan move to Nottingham Forest.

Lucca failed to impress at either club, managing a total of three goals in 32 competitive appearances this season.

While Napoli are eager to sell, they could accept a loan with option to buy, hoping that regular playing time at Lazio could raise his value on the market.

They might also try to include him as a way of lowering the cost of Mario Gila.

The proposal is reported to be with an option worth €18m, which might be too low for the Partenopei.

Another candidate for Lazio could be Piccoli, although again Tuttomercatoweb, Sport Mediaset and Gazzetta dello Sport warn they are only prepared to bring him in on loan from Fiorentina.

Atalanta are expected to send Ben Godfrey to Glasgow Rangers on loan with an option to buy after a failed €12.5m move from Everton.

It has been a very difficult time for the England international defender, who received two senior caps for his country in 2021.

Atalanta invested €12.5m to buy him from Everton in 2024, but he made no impact whatsoever in Bergamo.

Godfrey was an expensive Atalanta failure

There were loans to Ipswich Town, Sheffield United, and for the last six months at Brondby in Denmark.

According to Sky Sport Italia and the Daily Record, Godfrey is now on the verge of completing another loan move to Rangers.

This one will include an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign.

The central defender only made five competitive appearances for Atalanta, totalling 93 minutes on the pitch.

Godfrey had some serious injuries during his career, including a ligament tear in his knee and a fractured leg in 2022.

French reports claim Roma are back in front for Mason Greenwood after Olympique Marseille received a ‘disrespectful’ €30m offer from Fenerbahce.

The winger must be sold to raise much-needed funds, as Marseille are going through a serious financial crisis.

However, as part of the agreement for his €26m transfer from Manchester United in 2024, they also owe the Premier League club 40 per cent of the sale fee.

Roma still have Greenwood hope

This means they are demanding €55m, so RMC Sport and le10sport in France claim the Marseille response to the first formal Fenerbahce written offer was one of disgust.

“It was considered disrespectful” to offer just €30m, claim the French transfer experts.

So while Greenwood has seemingly agreed personal terms with the Turkish club, Roma are the favourites for his signature now.

Even that is no guarantee, because the Giallorossi have Financial Fair Play settlements to consider too, so must first sell either Matias Soulé or Manu Koné to raise funds.

At least it is a boost for Roma to know that Marseille are more favourable towards a sale to them rather than Fenerbahce as things stand.

Parma have officially purchased Benjamin Cremaschi outright from Inter Miami with a new contract to 2031 for the USMNT talent. ‘I am proud to say my future is at Parma.’

The 21-year-old creative midfielder had arrived in Serie A last summer on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season for €4m.

As expected, the Ducali formally announced today that they decided to activate that clause and now own the player outright.

He has put pen to paper on a new contract at the Stadio Tardini until June 2031.

Cremaschi settles down at Parma

“I am proud to say that my future is at Parma,” Cremaschi told the official club website.

“This city has become my home and I am happy to continue this journey with Parma Calcio. The last year was difficult due to the injury, but this made me even more determined to come back stronger than ever.

“I am working every day to be ready for the new season and can’t wait to experience new emotions along with all the fans. I thank the supporters for their affection, their support, and the faith they always showed in me. We’ll see each other soon!”

As the name would suggest, Cremaschi has Italian origins and therefore was able to secure an Italian passport.

He was also called up by Argentina at Under-20 level, but made his decision to represent the USA.

Cremaschi’s last game for Parma was in March, when he sustained a meniscus ligament injury in his knee, but he can look to the future with confidence in Serie A.

Adrien Rabiot brushed off questions about his Milan future after reports he could follow Max Allegri to Napoli. ‘I am concentrated on the World Cup, then we’ll see.’

The midfielder had come to San Siro in order to reunite with his former Juventus coach Allegri, and was a key figure in the squad that ultimately fumbled Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.

Allegri was fired and is now lined up for the Napoli job, while Milan appointed Ruben Amorim as their new boss.

Rabiot keeps Milan waiting

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after France’s 4-1 World Cup victory over Norway, Rabiot was asked how this affects his future.

“I am concentrated on the World Cup, then we’ll see what happens,” replied the midfielder.

The 31-year-old signed a contract with Milan to June 2028, although there is an option to extend for another year after that.

He arrived from Olympique Marseille on deadline day at a cost of €7m plus add-ons, contributing six goals and five assists in 29 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri.

Inter have joined Como in tracking Chelsea and England defender Trevoh Chalobah, because negotiations with Udinese for Oumar Solet have stalled.

The Nerazzurri’s summer has so far been one of bitter disappointment, as they keep being priced out of players following weeks or even months of confident negotiations.

They lost Marco Palestra to Chelsea, look to be backing away from Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, and now Solet is increasingly unlikely to arrive.

Chalobah next on Inter list

The defender agreed personal terms, but Udinese want at least €25m and so far Inter do not seem prepared to pay that for someone who is also an Atletico Madrid target.

Multiple sources including transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano therefore suggest that Inter are now turning towards Chalobah, who was already on the radar for Serie A side Como.

The centre-back turns 27 next month and seems to be linked with a Serie A move every few months, though it never materialises.

A Chelsea youth academy product with several loan experiences under his belt, his salary is reported to be just €1.6m per season, but the cost of the fee is still considered too high for both clubs.

His profile might be rising too, because due to a Reece James injury, Chalobah is expected to start for England in tonight’s World Cup match against Panama.

Palermo and former Italy Under-21 international goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches is attracting interest from Glasgow Rangers and Norwich City, claim Sky Sport Italia.

The 23-year-old is a product of the Milan youth academy until he was sold to Vicenza in 2022.

Desplanches went on to represent Trento and Palermo, spending this season on loan with Pescara in Serie B.

Desplanches attracting interest from abroad

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, there have been several approaches to Palermo for his services.

These include calls from abroad, with Glasgow Rangers and Norwich City among the interested parties.

Several Italian clubs are also said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

He was a regular for the Italy Under-21 side, amassing 16 caps for the Azzurrini, after representing them a various youth levels.

His current contract with Palermo runs to June 2028, but he might be available on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Franck Kessie tells Juventus that he would be ‘a great signing’ for them, especially as a free agent after leaving Al-Ahli. ‘My agent is working on it, we’re receiving a lot of calls.’

The midfielder is certainly no stranger to Serie A, because he came to the Atalanta youth academy in 2015, then had experiences with Cesena and Milan before joining Barcelona in 2022.

Just a year later, he moved to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League and his contract is due to expire on June 30.

There have been reports linking the 29-year-old with a return to Italian football for Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus, so when participating in the 2026 World Cup with the Ivory Coast, he spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Kessie sells himself to Juventus

“I did see the talk about Juventus,” said Kessie.

“I am focused only on the World Cup, but I will just say one thing: I would be a great signing. I’m in good shape, I’m playing at the World Cup, and above all I am a free agent, so what more could you ask for?!

“This is why so many clubs want me, and they are right! But for another five days, I am still a player of Al-Ahli. After the Round of 16, we’ll meet up and I can tell you something else.”

Juventus and Atalanta have shown interest in the midfielder, who scored 41 goals with 16 assists in 204 Serie A appearances during his career.

“My agent is working on it, we’re receiving a lot of calls, and that’s to be expected. I too would sign me at these conditions, both physically and financially!” grinned Kessie.

The main issue is the salary, which would be €4-5m per season, but still accepting a gigantic cut from his current wages worth a reported €14m per year with Al-Ahli.

Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici continues to work with old club Tottenham Hotspur to bring in Italy international Destiny Udogie, while Atletico Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri is an alternative.

Paratici had two different spells at Spurs, plus working as an outside advisor during his ban, before coming back to Serie A for Fiorentina in February.

He is now using some of those contacts to seek reinforcements for the team at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and has set his sights firmly on Udogie.

Udogie or Ruggeri for Fiorentina

The 23-year-old Italy international has struggled with injury and a lack of regular playing time at Tottenham since his transfer from Udinese in 2022.

That move was worth €18m plus up to a further €7m in add-ons, signing a contract to June 2030.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, this is going to be a very difficult deal to get over the line, because Spurs are asking for €40-50m for the left-back.

Coach Roberto De Zerbi is also determined not to let Udogie leave this summer, even though the player made only 28 appearances this term, contributing one assist.

Paratici is hoping that he can get Tottenham to agree a paid loan with option to buy tied to achieving certain targets during the season.

A cheaper alternative is another Italy international who moved abroad, Matteo Ruggeri, with Atletico Madrid reportedly wanting €25m for his sale.

They only bought Ruggeri from Atalanta last year for €17m plus add-ons.

Spanish reports state that Real Madrid have every intention of using their €80m buy-back option for Nico Paz in 2027 after Como purchase the remaining 50 per cent for €60m.

The complicated deal was confirmed yesterday by multiple sources in Italy and Spain, ensuring that he can continue his career development under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas.

Nico Paz future between Como and Real Madrid

Como had bought the player from the Real Madrid youth academy for €6m in 2024, but the Merengues retained either a 50 per cent cut of his future sale, or a buy-back option set at €9m in 2026 and €11m in 2027.

They did not actually activate that, merely informing Como this week that they intended to, giving the Lariani the opportunity to buy the remaining 50 per cent for €60m.

This gives the Argentina international a total valuation of €120m on the market.

Como accepted and will sign the paperwork over the next few days, but Real Madrid secure a new buy-back clause for €80m that is only valid for the summer of 2027.

According to Diario AS, the giants are confident they will exercise that next year and bring the talent back to the Bernabeu.

In the meantime, Nico Paz has the opportunity to play regularly in Serie A and also the Champions League, further developing his experience before making the big leap to Madrid.

Considering the prices paid by Como and the clauses, in the end Real Madrid should get a fully developed Nico Paz back in 2027 at a cost of just €14m.

That is €80m minus the €66m transfer fees paid between 2024 and 2026.

Ivan Juric is set for a return to Serie A, as he formally terminated his contract by mutual consent with Atalanta, and will take over at newly-promoted Monza.

It has been a difficult few years for the Croatian tactician, who went through a series of clubs in a very short space of time.

Juric hoping for Monza stability

Since September 2024, he has been at Roma for precisely 12 games, then went to Southampton that same season for 16 matches before being fired there too.

He started the 2025-26 campaign with Atalanta, but was dismissed after just 15 competitive games in charge.

Before accepting a new role, he first had to terminate that contract by mutual consent, which was made official by Atalanta this afternoon.

Monza can now announce that Juric will be their new coach, taking them back into Serie A after a year away.

Paolo Bianco had been on the bench of the Lombardy club to secure promotion via the play-offs, but he terminated the contract by mutual consent on June 19.

Bianco has already been appointed as the new coach of recently-relegated Pisa in Serie B.

Lazio fans have announced a mass protest on July 2 and they were further angered when it was announced President Claudio Lotito had bought another club, Reggina.

The ultras have been boycotting the home matches for months at the Stadio Olimpico, leaving the stands painfully deserted during even the biggest games of the season in Serie A.

They only suspended their protest for a couple of exceptions, most notably the Coppa Italia Final defeat to Inter.

These were season ticket holders, so had already paid for their places in the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio fans still furious with Lotito

With the new season set to begin, they are stepping up the pressure on President Lotito, announcing a mass gathering in the streets on the evening of July 2.

They will march from Ponte Milvio to Piazzale Ankara, the site of the Stadio Flaminio.

The situation is set to deteriorate even further, because this evening the Mayor of Reggio Calabria Francesco Cannizzaro announced via social media that Lotito has purchased bankrupt club Reggina.

This could be a problem, because the new rules ban one person owning more than one club in the professional leagues.

Following their collapse, Reggina are playing in Serie D, but if they were to earn promotion to Serie C, then Lotito would have to choose between them and Lazio.

There is another multi-ownership issue because Aurelio De Laurentiis is in charge of both Napoli and Bari, but as this was completed before the new rules were introduced, he has been given time to resolve the matter by 2028-29.

Genoa full-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy is set to spark a bidding war, with reports Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina have all asked about the ex-Arsenal talent.

The 22-year-old had a very impressive two years at Marassi since the transfer from the Gunners for €2m plus add-ons and a percentage of the sell-on fee.

Norton-Cuffy sought-after talent

A product of the Arsenal academy, his value has soared thanks to regular performances for the Grifone, both as a right-back and in a more advanced role in a five-man midfield.

It is believed that Genoa are expecting a fee of €18-20m for a sale this summer.

Despite injuries, he still contributed two goals and one assist this season in 27 Serie A appearances.

According to Sportitalia, Genoa and Norton-Cuffy’s agent were contacted by Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina, who were all asking for information on any potential move this summer.

It is known that the Viola are looking for a new right-back, because Dodo’s contract is running down and he is expected to leave this summer.

Jorge Mendes is emerging as the key behind the new Milan transfer strategy, as after a €70m deal for PSG striker Goncalo Ramos, he’s working to bring in Marc Casadó from Barcelona.

It is hardly new that agent Mendes has very strong links with the Rossoneri, as he already helped engineer moves for Pervis Estupinan, Joao Felix, Andre Silva and of course coach Sergio Conceicao, amongst others.

Now that Milan have scrapped the roles of technical director and director of sport for a more streamlined club structure, coach Ruben Amorim is given more power, and that also means consulting with Mendes.

Mendes pulling Milan strings

According to multiple sources including Sport in Spain and Sportitalia, he is now working on bringing midfielder Casadó to Milan from Barcelona.

The Spain international turns 23 in September and is a product of their youth academy, promoted to the senior squad in 2024.

He made 34 appearances for the Blaugrana this season, contributing one assist, but only 15 of those were in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, questions are growing over the sheer size of the fee reportedly agreed with Paris Saint-Germain for Goncalo Ramos, which many sources maintain will be €70m.

It’s the club record by a massive degree, crushing the previous best of €49.4m paid for Rafael Leao, and even that wasn’t done entirely in one go.

It remains to be seen how much of this fee is going to Mendes in commissions, and how fair that is if he is also effectively working as an adjunct Milan director of sport.

Arsenal legend and former Genoa coach Patrick Vieira declared that Roma’s Manu Koné is ‘for me today the best midfielder in France.’

Les Bleus complete the group stage of the World Cup this evening against Norway at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

He has 16 senior caps for France, but was left on the bench for the opening World Cup game against Senegal, then started the next two with Iraq and Norway.

Vieira has highest praise for Koné

“He had a really good season in Serie A with Roma. He came to the World Cup after a couple of injuries,” said Vieira on ITV Football in his role as a World Cup pundit.

“He is for me today the best midfielder in France. I’d put him ahead of Tchaouameni and Rabiot, because he has this mobility, he is aggressive, he is a ball-winner, and he has the technical ability to be part of the build-up, has the facility with the ball to break lines and move forward.”

When it was put to Vieira that some might call Koné a ‘water carrier,’ the former Arsenal star insisted there was far more to the Roma man’s game.

“I don’t really like that word, water carrier. He will win the ball, but he has something more than the others, as he can play forward. Sometimes Tchouameni can give you a little bit of frustration, too many passes sideways or backwards, but he’s got more passes going forward.”

“He is, today, the best midfielder in France”

Patrick Vieira lauds praise on Manu Koné before labelling Roy Keane a ‘water carrier’ pic.twitter.com/kb2IZcqvnD

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2026

The statistics back that up, because this season Koné contributed two goals and three assists for Roma in 29 Serie A appearances, helping them to secure third place.

The price-tag for Koné has soared in recent months and is now comfortably over €50m, especially if he continues to put in these splendid performances for France on the biggest stage of all at the World Cup.

While Inter had tried several times over the last year to sign Koné, it would now seem as if they have been priced out and Arsenal are the favourites for his signature.

Roma need to sell someone by June 30 to balance the books, and he would be one of the candidates for the exit at a huge profit, considering he cost €18m from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024.

Como are in negotiations with Galatasaray for Colombia international Davinson Sanchez, claim reports, with an asking price of €15m for the former Tottenham defender.

According to Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, the talks are in full swing and the player is open to a Serie A switch to work with coach Cesc Fabregas.

It’s the second year in a row that Como have been linked with a move for the player.

Sanchez intrigued by Como

Como went from strength to strength, as they were in Serie B just over two years ago and have now qualified for the Champions League, also reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals this season.

The centre-back just celebrated his 30^th birthday this month and is under contract with Galatasaray until June 2029.

Davinson Sanchez left his homeland in 2016 for Ajax, then made a huge move worth €42m to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2017.

By 2023, the cost of his transfer to Galatasaray had dropped to just €9.5m.

Sanchez made 45 competitive appearances for the Turkish team this season, also managing to contribute two goals, and is currently participating in the World Cup with Colombia.

As expected, Stefan de Vrij has decided not to extend his contract with Inter, as he has agreed personal terms to join Panathinaikos as a free agent.

His current deal at San Siro is due to expire on June 30 and he had been offered a new one-year extension.

However, he seemed eager for more playing time elsewhere and was approached by Panathinaikos for a new experience outside Serie A.

De Vrij accepts Panathinaikos offer

Multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia now report he has agreed a one-year contract with option for a second with Panathinaikos, worth €3m per season net.

De Vrij is due to put pen to paper on Monday and be announced by his new club.

The 34-year-old made over 300 Serie A appearances in his career since joining Lazio from Feyenoord in 2014, then moved to Inter as a free agent in 2018.

He had been due to participate in the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

The central defender made 17 competitive appearances for Inter this season, on their way to the Serie A and Coppa Italia double.

France start Serie A players Mike Maignan and Manu Koné, but Norway surprisingly rotate their squad for this clash at the top of their World Cup group, while Senegal face Iraq.

They both kick off at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST) and conclude Group I.

Going into the final game, both France and Norway have six points and have practically booked their place in the next phase, so this is a head-to-head for top spot.

Senegal are confident they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams if they manage to get three points against Iraq.

Norway have surprisingly opted to rotate their starting XI, leaving the likes of Erling Haaland on the bench to begin with.

Genoa defender Leo Ostigard and Sassuolo’s Kristjan Thorstvedt get their chance.

Roma midfielder Kone gets his second consecutive start for France, along with Milan goalkeeper Maignan, but Adrien Rabiot is rested.

Les Bleus asked to wear black armbands, as coach Didier Deschamps has returned to France following the sad death of his mother, but it’s reported that FIFA refused the request.

In the other match, Senegal include Como winger Assane Diao.

Norway vs. France

Norway: Selvik; Aursnes, Falchener, Ostigard, Bjorkan; Berg, Thorstvedt, Aagaard; Bobb, Strand Larsen, Schjelderup

France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Theo Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Koné; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé

26-06-2026 20:00

Matchday 3

Gillette Stadium

Norway

France

1 - 4

Player statistic

1st half

		7'		Ousmane Dembélé (Assist: Kylian Mbappé)
Patrick Berg		10'
		20'		Ousmane Dembélé (Assist: Kylian Mbappé)
Thelo Aasgaard (Assist: Andreas Schjelderup)		21'
		32'		Ousmane Dembélé (Assist: Aurélien Tchouaméni)

2nd half

Jörgen Strand Larsen		50'
		74'		Aurélien Tchouaméni
		90+4'		Désiré Doué (Assist: Bradley Barcola)

Match statistic

43

Possession %

57

10

Total shots

18

4

Shots on target

9

3

Shots off target

6

3

Blocked shots

3

4

Corners

5

1

Offsides

2

9

Fouls

11

Norway

France

Starting lineups

13

Egil Selvik

Goalkeeper

15

Fredrik Björkan

Defender

46'

25

Henrik Falchener

Defender

66'

4

Leo Östigard

Defender

21

Andreas Schjelderup

Midfielder

14

Fredrik Aursnes

Midfielder

18

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

46'

6

Patrick Berg

Midfielder

19

Thelo Aasgaard

Midfielder

83'

11

Jörgen Strand Larsen

Attacker

22

Oscar Bobb

Attacker

83'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

4

Dayot Upamecano

Defender

76'

5

Jules Koundé

Defender

87'

26

Maxence Lacroix

Defender

19

Theo Hernández

Defender

8

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Midfielder

20

Désiré Doué

Midfielder

6

Manu Koné

Midfielder

11

Michael Olise

Midfielder

65'

10

Kylian Mbappé

Attacker

87'

7

Ousmane Dembélé

Attacker

65'

Substitutes

9

Erling Haaland

Attacker

8

Sander Berge

Midfielder

7

Alexander Sörloth

Attacker

10

Martin Ødegaard

Midfielder

3

Kristoffer Ajer

Defender

1

Ørjan Nyland

Goalkeeper

26

Julian Ryerson

Defender

5

David Möller Wolfe

Defender

17

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

12

Sander Tangvik

Goalkeeper

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

46'

16

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

46'

24

Sondre Langås

Defender

66'

23

Jens Petter Hauge

Attacker

83'

20

Antonio Nusa

Attacker

83'

14

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

13

N’Golo Kanté

Midfielder

21

Lucas Hernández

Defender

17

William Saliba

Defender

25

Maghnes Akliouche

Midfielder

3

Lucas Digne

Defender

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

18

Warren Zaïre-Emery

Midfielder

1

Brice Samba

Goalkeeper

23

Robin Risser

Goalkeeper

24

Rayan Cherki

Attacker

65'

12

Bradley Barcola

Attacker

65'

15

Ibrahima Konaté

Defender

76'

2

Malo Gusto

Defender

87'

22

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Attacker

87'

Senegal vs. Iraq

Senegal: Diaw; Diatta, Seck, Niakhaté, Jakobs; I Gueye, L Camara, Diarra; I Mbaye, I Sarr, S Mané

Iraq: Basil; Sulaka, Putros, Hashem, Doski; Al Ammari; Qasem, Jasim, Iqbal, Bayesh; Alhamadi

26-06-2026 20:00

Matchday 3

BMO Field

Senegal

Iraq

5 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Habib Diarra (Assist: Abdoulaye Seck)		4'
		13'		Rebin Sulaka
Abdoulaye Seck		18'

2nd half

Ismaïla Sarr (Assist: Lamine Camara)		56'
Pape Gueye (Assist: Ismaïla Sarr)		59'
Pape Gueye (Assist: Iliman Ndiaye)		71'
		75'		Amir Al-Ammari
Pape Gueye		81'
Iliman Ndiaye (Assist: Pape Gueye)		82'
		90'		Merchas Doski

Match statistic

69

Possession %

31

28

Total shots

6

12

Shots on target

1

11

Shots off target

1

5

Blocked shots

4

12

Corners

3

1

Offsides

10

Fouls

11

Senegal

Iraq

Starting lineups

23

Mory Diaw

Goalkeeper

4

Abdoulaye Seck

Defender

58'

14

Ismail Jakobs

Defender

19

Moussa Niakhaté

Defender

21

Habib Diarra

Midfielder

57'

5

Idrissa Gueye

Midfielder

15

Krépin Diatta

Midfielder

8

Lamine Camara

Midfielder

57'

20

Ibrahim Mbaye

Attacker

57'

18

Ismaïla Sarr

Attacker

80'

10

Sadio Mané

Attacker

22

Ahmed Basil Fadhil

Goalkeeper

46'

5

Akam Hashem

Defender

6

Frans Dhia Putros

Defender

23

Merchas Doski

Defender

2

Rebin Sulaka

Defender

16

Amir Al-Ammari

Midfielder

14

Zidane Iqbal

Midfielder

67'

11

Ahmed Qasem

Attacker

16'

9

Ali Al-Hamadi

Attacker

58'

17

Ali Jasim

Attacker

58'

8

Ibrahim Bayesh

Attacker

Substitutes

3

Kalidou Koulibaly

Defender

9

Bamba Dieng

Attacker

17

Pape Matar Sarr

Midfielder

24

Antoine Mendy

Defender

12

Cherif Ndiaye

Attacker

25

El Hadji Malick Diouf

Defender

1

Yehvann Diouf

Goalkeeper

2

Mamadou Sarr

Defender

22

Bara Sapoko Ndiaye

Midfielder

26

Pape Gueye

Midfielder

57'

11

Nicolas Jackson

Attacker

57'

13

Iliman Ndiaye

Attacker

57'

6

Pathé Ciss

Midfielder

58'

7

Assane Diao

Attacker

80'

20

Aimar Sher

Midfielder

10

Mohanad Ali

Attacker

18

Aymen Hussein

Attacker

7

Youssef Amyn

Attacker

3

Hussein Ali

Defender

1

Fahad Talib

Goalkeeper

21

Mustafa Saadoon

Defender

4

Zaid Tahseen

Defender

21

Marko Farji

Attacker

15

Zaid Ismail

Midfielder

6

Manaf Younis

Defender

16'

12

Jalal Hassan

Goalkeeper

46'

13

Ali Yousif

Attacker

58'

15

Ahmed Maknzi

Defender

58'

19

Kevin Yakob

Midfielder

67'

There are some astonishing figures suggested for the Goncalo Ramos move to Milan from PSG, ranging from €65m to €75m, depending on the add-ons and bonuses.

In the early stages of the reporting this evening, it was simply noted that it would be in excess of €50m, which in itself makes it a club record transfer, beating the €49.4m paid for Rafael Leao.

How much are Milan paying for Goncalo Ramos?

The eventual cost is being mentioned at as much as €70m by Sky Sport Italia, Fabrizio Romano and Sportitalia.

Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio claims the total is €65m fixed fee, plus a further €5m in add-ons.

Ben Jacobs even goes so far as to suggest €75m plus €5m in bonuses.

Calciomercato had it closer to €55m plus €10m bonus, suggesting some of the add-ons are rather difficult to achieve, for example Champions League or Ballon d’Or victories.

It would be an extraordinary show of strength from RedBird chief Gerry Cardinale, who decided to completely revamp his club in the wake of their fifth-place finish in Serie A.

More details should emerge, as the situation is moving rapidly, but the clubs have shaken hands and are working on the final paperwork.

Goncalo Ramos already had his medical tests with the Portugal training camp in Florida, where he is participating in the World Cup.

More details are emerging on Milan’s over €50m done deal for Goncalo Ramos, as the Paris Saint-Germain striker held secret medical tests over two weeks ago.

It was reported by A Bola today that the first formal offer had been received by PSG, and within hours The Athletic followed by Calciomercato and many others noted the clubs had agreed a transfer.

The precise figures aren’t clear yet, but they are believed to reach €53-55m including various bonuses.

Goncalo Ramos move in the works for weeks

Sky Sport Italia note that not only did Goncalo Ramos already undergo his medical tests in Florida, where Portugal are training for the World Cup, but that it was done 15 days ago.

That was a precaution requested by Milan before going further down the path of the negotiations, so they wouldn’t get any unfortunate surprises.

Paris Saint-Germain paid €65m to buy him from Benfica in 2024 following an initial loan period, and he contributed to their second consecutive Champions League success with 12 goals and two assists in 45 competitive games this season.

However, the 25-year-old was eager for more regular playing time, as he was only in the starting XI for 15 of those matches, none of them in the Champions League.

Goncalo Ramos already agreed personal terms with Milan and is eager to work with new coach Ruben Amorim.

Milan are expected to pay up to €53-55m for PSG striker Goncalo Ramos, making him the club record signing, but do you know who their other top purchases were?

Multiple sources including The Athletic, Calciomercato, RMC Sport and more all now claim that the two clubs have shaken hands on an agreement for the striker.

It is believed that he already underwent his medical tests in Florida, where Portugal are based for their World Cup matches.

The fee including add-ons and various bonuses is expected to reach €53-55m in total, which would be a new all-time club transfer record.

Previous Milan transfer records

Their highest ever before this was also for a Portugal international, Rafael Leao, although his path to the ultimate €49.5m fee was somewhat tortuous.

Milan had originally paid €30m to buy him from LOSC in 2018, but after he lost the legal battle with previous club Sporting CP over terminating that contract unilaterally, the Rossoneri agreed to help out by paying the extra €20.2m in compensation.

Leonardo Bonucci was the next most expensive Milan signing at €42m from Juventus in 2017, while they paid €41.32m for Manuel Rui Costa from Fiorentina in 2001.

Lucas Paquetá was fourth from Flamengo at €38.4m in 2018-19, while Andre Silva cost €38m from FC Porto the year before.

Bizarrely, Mattia Caldara is the sixth most costly signing at €37.74m from Juventus in 2018-19, because he had a devastating injury, went on loan to Atalanta, Venezia, Spezia and Modena, until retiring in 2025.

He only ever made three appearances in the Rossoneri jersey.

The Athletic claim that Milan have agreed a club record fee with Paris Saint-Germain for Goncalo Ramos at €55m including add-ons, and that he underwent his medical on World Cup duty with Portugal.

There had already been reports in A Bola and L’Equipe today that the first offer had been made by the Rossoneri for the striker, who was specifically requested by new coach Ruben Amorim.

They noted that it was around €40m and still below the asking price of €50m plus add-ons.

Goncalo Ramos to Milan imminently

According to Athletic reporter James Horncastle this evening, the clubs quickly managed to thrash out an agreement with the aid of agent Jorge Mendes.

The exact costs are unclear, but Calciomercato’s Milan transfer expert Daniele Longo puts it at €55m including the various bonuses and add-ons.

It is also reported that he underwent his medical tests while with the Portugal squad at the 2026 World Cup in Florida.

Atletico Madrid and others were also interested, but RedBird chief Gerry Cardinale used his rapport with Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi to get there first.

Goncalo Ramos turned 25 last week and PSG paid €65m to buy him from Benfica in 2024.

He scored 12 goals with two assists in 45 games for the Champions League winners this season, but was eager for more regular playing time.

After reports Sandro Tonali agreed personal terms with Tottenham, now Arsenal are ready to step up talks with Newcastle United for the Italy international, whose asking price is well over €100m.

The former Brescia and Milan midfielder is one of the most sought-after players on the transfer market this summer, as he seems to believe that his time with the Magpies has come to a natural conclusion.

It has been said over the last few weeks that both Tottenham and Arsenal are eager to snap him up, but that the Gunners would be his preferred option.

Tonali ready for new Premier League move

Sky Sports UK and Sky Sport Italia reported over the last 24 hours that Tonali had agreed personal terms with Spurs, worth over £275,000 per week.

Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla is also confident that Tonali is heading towards Tottenham, largely thanks to the rapport with Roberto De Zerbi.

However, BBC Sport now add that Arsenal have held exploratory talks too for both Tonali and his Newcastle United teammate Bruno Guimaraes.

Only one of the two would be signed, so currently they are trying to discover the conditions for a move.

Finding an agreement with Newcastle United is not going to be easy, with rumours they already rejected an offer worth £80m (circa €92m) from Tottenham for the Italian.

Manchester City and Manchester United have also been linked with a potential swoop for the Azzurri star.

Milan are also keeping a close eye on the situation, because as part of their €60m sale in 2023, they are owed a 10 per cent cut of any future sale fee.

If a bidding war breaks out, then Tonali could end up being sold for around £100m (circa €115m).

With reports of Arsenal interest, Roma midfielder Manu Koné is increasing his transfer value with France at the World Cup, breaking into the starting XI.

The 25-year-old had already been the subject of a strong push on the market from Inter, both last summer and again in January, but the Giallorossi held firm.

Now his value is set to sky-rocket above the current €50m, because reports in France note that he has really impressed for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup.

Koné raising profile at World Cup

It’s rumoured he is set to get his second consecutive start in midfield for this evening’s group game against Norway, which is a head-to-head for top spot.

This is a sign of the confidence that coach Didier Deschamps and his staff have for Koné, who has pushed his way past Aurelien Tchaouameni to start.

It is hardly new, as he started four of the six qualifying matches for the tournament too, and has impressed with his work-rate, positioning and ability to handle pressure.

Roma are hoping to keep hold of Koné after qualifying for the Champions League, but are also well aware of the strong interest from Arsenal, which would certainly tempt the player.

They paid €18m to sign him from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024, so a sale for over €50m would bring a significant profit.

Giovanni Simeone would gladly go to River Plate, claim reports in Argentina, but Torino informed the striker today that he is not for sale.

The centre-forward turns 31 next month and has been away from his homeland since first leaving River Plate for Genoa in 2016.

Simeone eager for Argentina return

His career has been almost entirely in Italy, also representing Fiorentina, Cagliari, Hellas Verona and Napoli, coming to Torino last summer.

The €1.35m loan was turned into a permanent transfer for €7.2m plus a further €1m in potential add-ons.

According to Argentine transfer pundit Cesar Luis Merlo, Simeone met with Torino President Urbano Cairo this week and informed him of his desire to go back to River Plate.

However, the Granata are determined to keep hold of Simeone after buying him outright from Napoli, with a contract to June 2028 that has an option to extend for one more year.

Cholito scored 11 goals with two assists in 32 Serie A appearances for Torino this season.

Italy international Marco Palestra is having his Chelsea medical today, with Atalanta reportedly pocketing €57m plus €3m in add-ons and a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

The right-back flew out to London yesterday and his representatives are finalising the details of the contract now.

Palestra will sign for Chelsea today

The Premier League side blew Inter away in negotiations by offering double the €2.5m per season salary proposal, so he will earn €5m per season net at Stamford Bridge in a six-year plus option for one more season contract.

There are still some disagreements over the exact costs, because while British transfer pundit Ben Jacobs notes the fee is “in excess of €50m,” Sky Sport Italia have it at a €57m plus €3m in add-ons deal.

Atalanta can also retain a 10 per cent cut of any future sale fee.

Inter had been on the verge of agreeing a deal with Atalanta worth €45m plus €5m add-ons, but could not compete with the increased Chelsea proposal.

Udinese activated their option to buy Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray, but as they have still not agreed personal terms over a new contract, he could yet move elsewhere.

The restless Italy international has been almost constantly travelling since forcing an exit from Roma in February 2023.

That €15m switch to Galatasaray lasted just six months before loan experiences with Aston Villa, Atalanta, Fiorentina and last summer Udinese.

Zaniolo seeking consistency at Udinese

After six goals and as many assists in 34 competitive appearances, the Friulani decided to activate their option to buy him outright from Galatasaray for €5m plus a 50 per cent cut of his future sale fee.

However, Sky Sport Italia report that negotiations have so far failed to reach an agreement on personal terms for a new contract.

This was not already agreed because his switch to Udinese was rushed in the final minutes of the transfer window, so only a vague idea was sketched out with the plan to revisit at the end of the season.

That hasn’t so far worked, because the player and club have been talking for weeks with no solution in sight.

Transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio warns that if the situation is not resolved quickly, then Zaniolo will start looking around for a new project.

Milan have made the first formal offer for Goncalo Ramos worth €40m, claim multiple sources, but it is not enough for Paris Saint-Germain, with Atletico Madrid also interested.

It is no secret that the striker is the first choice for new coach Ruben Amorim, but in truth he had already been on their radar under predecessor Max Allegri too.

The 25-year-old Portugal international is currently at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, with the determination to get more playing time at club level in future.

Milan make first Goncalo Ramos move

According to A Bola in Portugal and L’Equipe in France, the first formal offer was sent to PSG by Milan and the package is worth €40m.

However, that is below the expectations set by the Champions League holders, who paid €65m to buy him from Benfica in 2024 following an initial loan.

A Bola maintain the asking price is closer to €50m, but there is still room for negotiation, with help from agent Jorge Mendes.

His contract at San Siro would be worth circa €4m per season, a similar salary to the one he earns at Parc des Princes.

Goncalo Ramos scored 12 goals with two assists in 45 competitive games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, allowing them to retain the Champions League trophy.

Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested, although they are more focused on his teammate Kang-In Lee.

Roma are ready to battle Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the chance to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, claim reports in Belgium, but it’ll cost almost €30m.

It is hardly the first time that the player has been linked with a move to Serie A, because coach Gian Piero Gasperini had already requested him at his old club Atalanta.

Now that the Giallorossi have qualified for the Champions League after a seven-year absence, they hope to finally give Gasperini his preferred target.

Engels on Roma radar

Belgian transfer pundit Sacha Tavolieri claims that Roma are diving into the transfer fight, hoping to surprise Premier League teams Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Engels turns 23 in September and has four senior caps for the Belgium national team.

He made the move from Augsburg to Celtic in the summer of 2024 at a cost of €13m.

This season, the player contributed seven goals and eight assists in 46 competitive games, and he is crucially also able to play on the right side of midfield.

There could be a knock-on effect, though, as Nottingham Forest are about to have a big influx of cash with the sale of Elliott Anderson to Manchester City.

Roma, meanwhile, must sell to balance the books by June 30 and can only consider a real proposal after that.

Sun Sport and Sky Sports UK claim that Nottingham Forest need around £25m to secure Engels (circa €29m).

Milan formally announced that Massimo Calvelli is their new CEO, as Gerry Cardinale and RedBird restructure the entire management team. ‘We will play to win, instead of playing not to lose.’

The Rossoneri made a clean sweep the day after failing to qualify for the Champions League, sacking coach Max Allegri, director of sport Igli Tare, CEO Giorgio Furlani and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.

They have decided after much deliberation not to appoint a new director of sport or technical director, streamlining the process to give RedBird chief Cardinale more control,

Today, Calvelli was formally announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Milan, as RedBird pushed out the last remaining representatives from former owners Elliott Management.

There was a transfer strategy summit at Casa Milan, including Cardinale, Calvelli, Director of Player Trading Hendrik Almstadt, Director of Football Intelligence Bobby Gardiner, and chief scout Donato Lomonte.

Calvelli appointed new Milan CEO

“Since joining RedBird last year, Massimo has distinguished himself as a leader and driver of organizational design that brings people together and establishes a culture of collaboration and professionalism,” Cardinale said in the statement on the official club website.

“Massimo has co-led our investment in AC Milan along with RedBird partner David Castelblanco, both reporting to me. Our model at RedBird often requires our senior leadership to go ‘in house’ in our most important investments to ensure best in class execution, especially in situations requiring change and innovation. Massimo has demonstrated an ability to be effective in all these areas as he integrated himself into AC Milan over the last year.

“The mandate is clear – we will play to win, instead of playing not to lose – in everything that AC Milan touches, but most importantly on the field.

“The entire organization at AC Milan will now benefit tremendously from his full time appointment and sense of urgency to bring a winning culture and results back to the Club.”

That comment about ‘playing to win’ was seen as a jibe at former coach Allegri, who is still battling for a better severance payment so he can take over at Napoli.

Calvelli had worked in sport before, as CEO of the ATP tennis circuit from 2020 to 2025.

“The opportunity to lead AC Milan as it navigates this critical moment in its football trajectory as well as within the overall state of Italian football is something I take very seriously and with a profound sense of urgency,” Calvelli told the club website.

“The mandate from Gerry is to bring a culture of winning and results both on and off the field back to AC Milan – a culture worthy of the heritage that the Club represents within the European football community and our over 600 million fans worldwide.

“I’ve had a full year working collaboratively with the senior leadership of the Club across all functions and have a hands on sense of what needs to be fixed and innovated.

“I’m personally excited to work closely with our new Head Coach Ruben Amorim and his team which are already integrated and working well with our existing senior football leadership.”

RedBird chief Gerry Cardinale was at today’s Milan summit and named Massimo Calvelli new CEO, after Zlatan Ibrahimovic publicly praised target Kerim Alajbegovic. ‘That is rare.’

It was the first big meeting since the club decided on its new hierarchy, but Cardinale himself had not been expected at Casa Milan headquarters.

According to Sport Mediaset, it was attended by Cardinale, new CEO Massimo Calvelli, Director of Player Trading Hendrik Almstadt, Director of Football Intelligence Bobby Gardiner, and chief scout Donato Lomonte.

Ibrahimovic keeping eye on Milan target

RedBird Special Advisor Ibrahimovic could not participate, as he is in the USA working for Fox Sports as a television pundit during the World Cup.

However, he has been acting as a scout for Milan anyway, with his comments on the sensational goal scored by Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Alajbegovic.

“Everybody is talking about the goal, but for me the goal is not the biggest thing. The biggest thing is the courage,” said Ibrahimovic on Fox Sports.

“An 18-year-old in the World Cup, under pressure, with millions watching, and he plays like he owns the stadium. That is rare.

“Many young players have talent. Talent is everywhere. But talent without personality means nothing. When I watched Kerim, I did not see a young player hoping to have a good game. I saw a player who believed he was the best player on the pitch.

“The finish was beautiful, yes. The technique was perfect, yes. But what impressed me was the confidence before the goal. The way he demanded the ball, the way he attacked the moment. Great players do not wait for opportunities. They create them,” added Ibrahimovic.

It has long been reported that Alajbegovic is eager for a Serie A move, as Bayer Leverkusen intend to sell after his impressive loan experience with RB Salzburg.

However, Roma, Napoli and Atalanta do not seem to consider him a priority at all, so it could give Milan an opportunity to swoop in.

He plays primarily on the left side of an attacking trio, so the same role as Rafael Leao, and here too they face a quandary.

Roma need to raise funds by June 30 to balance the books and received a boost with the sale of Alessandro Romano to Cagliari for €6.5m including add-ons.

The Giallorossi face a difficult task every summer trying to meet their strict Financial Fair Play settlement limits, even after qualifying for the Champions League.

While Matias Soulé continues to stall on a possible move to the Saudi Pro League, they have at least managed to agree one sale.

Romano sale boosts coffers

Sky Sport Italia note that midfielder Romano has agreed personal terms with Cagliari, so can now complete the transfer.

It is worth €5m plus up to a further €1.5m in various performance-related bonuses.

The 20-year-old is a product of their youth academy and spent this season in Serie B on loan at Spezia.

With only two Serie A appearances as a substitute under his belt, it should be an opportunity to prove what he can do at the top level.

Romano has played throughout the youth levels of the Switzerland national team.

More details are emerging on the imminent agreement allowing Nico Paz to stay at Como with a valuation of €120m, giving Real Madrid a buy-back option at €80m only for next year.

He has flourished at the Stadio Sinigaglia after coming up through the Real Madrid youth academy, where he was sold two years ago for €6m with a series of clauses.

This included one to buy him back this summer for €9m or retain 50 per cent of the future sale fee, which the Merengues decided to activate yesterday and plan to sell him on to another club.

However, they also gave Como until June 30 to use their priority lane to keep the player, which the Serie A side is eagerly working on to take.

Nico Paz worth €120m to Real Madrid and Como

It is again a complicated and confusing situation, so Diario AS and Sport in Spain tried to clarify.

They state that Nico Paz has been given a valuation of €120m, so by paying €60m it would simply be for Como to purchase the other 50 per cent of the player.

At the same time, Real Madrid would be given another buy-back option worth ‘only’ €80m.

Sky Sport Italia insist that clause is only valid for the summer of 2027, but Real Madrid can still retain a right of first refusal.

The €60m is payable over four years, therefore avoiding Financial Fair Play penalties.

The Spanish sources are also eager to explain that Real Madrid are not in fact activating their buy-back option for €9m at all, they simply informed Como that it was a possibility, giving them time to work out an alternative.

So this is a brand new operation, Como buying 50 per cent of Nico Paz’s contract for €60m, with a new buy-back clause set at €80m.

Italy international Sandro Tonali has agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur, claim reports, but Newcastle United continue to fight off interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

It has been rumoured for several months that the Italian feels his time at Newcastle is coming to an end, and he is ready for the next step in his career.

That should be in the Premier League still, with a bidding war breaking out between Spurs, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Tonali happy to join Tottenham

Meanwhile, Sky Sports UK and Sky Sport Italia both claim that Tonali has agreed personal terms with Tottenham, so a contract worth more than £275,000 per week is waiting for him to sign.

That all means nothing unless Newcastle United agree a sale, and they are digging their heels in, seemingly demanding around €100m.

It was already reported that the Magpies turned down a bid worth almost £80m from Tottenham, circa €92m.

Milan had sold Tonali to Newcastle United for €60m in 2023, but retained a 10 per cent cut of any future sale fee, so it could be a big payday for them too if the move goes through.

While Arsenal are a more ambitious option, Tottenham would see him working with Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Como are using their option to buy Nico Paz back from Real Madrid for €60m, claim Sky Sport Italia, with the Spaniards adding a new €80m buy-back clause, leaving Inter heartbroken again.

The forward is a product of the Real Madrid youth academy and was sold to Como for €6m in August 2024.

There were different buy-back clauses included in the deal, going from €9m in 2026 to €11m in 2027.

Real Madrid decided to activate it this summer, but also have no real intention of keeping the 21-year-old, intending to sell him at a massive profit of circa €70m.

Nico Paz eager for Como stay

Inter were considered the favourites, pooling their investment after losing the transfer race to Chelsea for Marco Palestra, but Como have considerably more liquidity.

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Como are now putting together their own offer to buy Nico Paz back after Champions League qualification.

As part of the original agreement, they have preferential treatment until June 30 to buy him for just €60m, regardless of Inter competition.

It was even put forward as a basic agreement on Thursday in the meeting.

Sky Sport Italia also claim that Real Madrid would prefer this, because they could introduce another buy-back option set at €80m.

However, Di Marzio insists that is only valid for the summer of 2027.

Nico Paz seems to have his heart set on continuing with Cesc Fabregas at the Stadio Sinigaglia too, as he posted an Instagram Stories clip where he was wearing a Como hat when training with Argentina for their next World Cup match against Jordan.

He flourished this season at Como with 13 goals and eight assists in 40 games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, where they reached the semi-finals.