With the team currently pushing for Champions League qualification, Christian Pulisic received a major boost as manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed he will remain as head coach of AC Milan.
Christian Pulisic has endured a turbulent few weeks, marked not only by his own dip in form but also by persistent rumors surrounding manager Massimiliano Allegri. The situation finally appears to have stabilized as AC Milan push for a UEFA Champions League berth, with the Italian tactician officially confirming his commitment to the club.
However, during a post-match press conference following a narrow 1-0 away win over Hellas Verona, Allegri left no room for speculation when asked about his plans. “My thoughts are on Milan; we started a journey together and we will continue it together,” the Italian boss stated.
Sunday’s Matchday 33 victory snapped a two-game skid that saw Milan suffer back-to-back losses to Napoli (1-0) and Udinese (3-0), with the team currently sitting in second place with 66 points. While Inter Milan holds a commanding 12-point lead and could clinch the Scudetto as early as next week, the Rossoneri have pivoted their primary objective to securing a top-four finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition.
Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring against Hellas Verona with Rafael Leao.
Allegri remained candid about Milan’s current state, acknowledging the team is far from its peak performance: “It was a complicated match because we were coming off two defeats, and because at this stage, there is much more pressure. We need to do better technically, but right now, we have to get straight to the point and bring home the results we need for the Champions League… This result doesn’t give us the guarantee of entering the Champions League, but we are quite a bit further ahead.“
Milan’s offensive struggles continue
Despite being in the hunt for the Serie A title for much of the 2025-26 campaign, the team has suffered a significant second-half regression. One of the most notable drop-offs has come from Pulisic himself who, after a blistering start that saw the USMNT star earn Player of the Month honors in September, his production has vanished in the new year; he has registered just one assist in 16 appearances during the 2026 calendar year.
Against Verona, Pulisic failed to record a single shot on target. Meanwhile, Rafael Leao, another superstar whose season has been hampered by injury, provided the crucial assist for Adrien Rabiot’s game-winner. Still, the statistics are alarming for Milan’s marquee duo: in 738 minutes played together, they have combined for just two goals, a damning lack of production for a pair expected to lead the Rossoneri frontline.
Speaking to SportMediaset, Allegri emphasized that injuries have taken a heavy toll on both playmakers: “Leao provided an assist. He did what he had to do, then I took him off because you can’t play with 12 players. Rafa has important qualities, so he must be decisive. Both he and Pulisic have had injuries this season. The important thing is to keep this attitude until the end.“
Christian Pulisic (L) and AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri (R).
Verdict: Lamine Yamal to score anytime Best Odds: 1/1 Bookmaker: Dachbet Turning their attention back to La Liga duties on Wednesday night, Barcelona will look to take another giant leap towards defending their domestic crown when they welcome Celta Vigo to Catalonia. Barcelona Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might have claimed a second-leg victory […]
Verdict: Rayan Cherki over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 4/5 Bookmaker: Luckster Looking to skyrocket their way to the top of the Premier League table, Manchester City will travel to Turf Moor on Wednesday night when they meet Burnley. Burnley Starting with the hosts, suffering a nightmare second-half collapse away at Nottingham Forest over […]
FC Cincinnati are now facing obstacles to bring Neymar to the MLS as Santos executive director has addressed the intentions of the Brazilian side to renew the star's deal.
Neymar has been linked with a potential move to MLS, with FC Cincinnati taking initial steps to explore the viability of a deal. However, that path to the United States now faces additional obstacles, as Santos executive director Alexandre Mattos has publicly pushed for Neymar to extend his stay with the Brazilian club.
Speaking at a press conference following Sunday’s match against Fluminense, Mattos made the club’s intentions clear: “The contract runs until the end of the year. Neymar and everyone else are focused on getting Santos out of this situation as quickly as possible. We have to separate Neymar (the player) from NR (Neymar’s brand/company).”
Mattos also spoke to the dual value Neymar brings to the club, both as a player and as a global commercial force. “He does everything he can to be at his best on the pitch. And NR has helped us significantly with structural issues and sponsorships. We are trying to keep things moving forward. But it depends on results. Santos will always want Neymar because of everything he has done and continues to do,” Mattos added.
Neymar of Santos during the game against Fluminense.
While Neymar has indicated he intends to see out his current contract through December 2026, Santos are keen to open renewal talks sooner rather than later. “When he was sold to PSG, he said he would only go if they paid the youth club rights. And right now, he is trying to do what he wants most on the pitch. Together, we will do more and improve,” Mattos concluded.
That tension shows no sign of easing, with Santos enduring another difficult stretch in the league and hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. The team was roundly booed by their own fans at Vila Belmiro following a 3-2 defeat to Fluminense, a result that left Santos in 15th place with 13 points from 12 games, just one point above the drop zone.
Adding fuel to the fire, cameras captured Neymar walking off the pitch with his hands covering his ears, a moment that quickly spread across social media and drew the ire of fans. Neymar then broke his silence with a pointed response. “The day has come where I actually have to explain scratching my ear. People, honestly, you are taking things way too far and crossing the line. It is so sad to have to live with this. No human being can put up with this,” he wrote.
Chegou o dia que eu tenho que explicar uma COÇADA DE ORELHA! Gente, sinceramente vocês estão pegando pesado demais e ultrapassando os limites … é triste demais ter que conviver com isso! Não tem ser humano que aguente 🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/QSUeLd8l1Z
To make matters worse, members of an organized supporters’ group invaded the Rei Pelé Training Center just two days ago to demand accountability from the coaching staff, the squad and Neymar himself. With tensions running high both on and off the pitch, serious questions remain over whether Neymar is truly comfortable enough in his current environment to commit to staying instead of joining the MLS, despite the wishes of the club’s leadership.
Arne Slot believes the manner of Liverpool’s dramatic win over Everton was an “unbelievable compliment” towards his players’ efforts. The Reds claimed local bragging rights in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner snatching a 2-1 victory. It was one in the face of adversity for Liverpool, who […]
Currently in the semifinals, reports claim that Cristiano Ronaldo could end up lifting the AFC Champions League Two title if Al Nassr reach the final game.
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again led Al Nassr to another victory, this time guiding the club to the AFC Champions League Two semifinals in a competition that, while secondary in prestige, could still end a lengthy trophy drought. With just two wins standing between them and the title, reports have emerged that Ronaldo could lift the trophy on home soil if Al Nassr advance to the final.
On Sunday, Al Nassr dismantled UAE side Al Wasl 4-0 at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai in the quarterfinal round. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Iñigo Martinez in the 24th, Abdulelah Al-Amri in the 26th and Sadio Mane in the 80th all added their names to the scoresheet, sending Al Nassr through to the semifinals, where they will face Qatari side Al Ahli of Doha.
According to a report from Asharq Al-Awsat, the Asian Football Confederation has designated Al Nassr as the host of the AFC Champions League Two final, scheduled for May 16. The match would be held at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, but only on the condition that Al Nassr beat Al Ahli in the semifinal.
Should Al Ahli advance instead, the final would revert to Doha as originally planned. The semifinal between Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Al Ahli is set to take place once again at Zabeel Stadium on Wednesday, April 22, in a single-leg format following the rescheduling imposed by the AFC.
Of the two remaining clubs from the western region of the AFC bracket, Al Nassr and Al Ahli are the last ones standing, while in the east, Gamba Osaka have already booked their place in the final, meaning the Japanese side will have to make the journey to the Middle East regardless of who they face.
Al Nassr keeping the double alive
With their next Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Ahli not until April 29, Al Nassr have been able to direct their full attention toward the AFC Champions League Two. Sunday’s match against Al Wasl was only Ronaldo’s second appearance in the competition this season, a calculated decision that reflects coach Jorge Jesus’ intention to push for the title on the continental stage.
Ronaldo’s goal against Al Wasl moved his career tally to 969, and Al Nassr’s winning streak shows no signs of slowing across all competitions. The club has now won 18 consecutive matches, 15 in the Saudi Pro League and three in the AFC Champions League Two, keeping alive the possibility of a historic double that has never been achieved in the club’s history.
Lionel Messi has already made an impact on social media less than a week after purchasing UE Cornella, pushing the club toward the top 10 most-followed teams in La Liga.
Lionel Messi‘s recent acquisition of UE Cornella has extended his influence well beyond the pitch, drawing widespread attention to the fifth-division club. One of the most striking consequences has played out in the digital space, with Cornella now closing in on the top 10 most-followed teams in La Liga on social media.
The news broke on Thursday, March 16, when Cornella released a statement confirming Messi’s takeover of the club. “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalunya,” part of the statement on the club’s official website read.
Before the announcement, Cornella’s Instagram account had amassed around 40,000 followers, a respectable figure for a fifth-tier side. In less than a week, however, that number had exploded past the half-million mark, with the account now sitting at 592,000 followers, more than ten times its pre-announcement total.
To put the scale of Messi’s digital impact into perspective, Cornella have already built a following larger than every club in the second tier and several teams currently competing in La Liga. The club has surpassed Deportivo Alaves (240K), Levante UD (371K), Rayo Vallecano (376K), Real Oviedo (388K), CA Osasuna (410K), Elche CF (472K), RCD Mallorca (489K), RCD Espanyol (549K) and even Getafe CF (565K), with only Celta de Vigo (669K) and Girona (1.1M) still ahead of them among the smaller La Liga clubs.
UE Cornella’s Instagram account.
Top 10 most-followed La Liga teams on Instagram
Real Madrid — 182M
Barcelona —147M
Atlético de Madrid — 18M
Sevilla — 3.6M
Real Betis — 3M
Villarreal — 1.7M
Valencia — 1.4M
Athletic Bilbao — 1.6M
Real Sociedad — 1.2M
Girona — 1.1M
Media setting their eyes on UE Cornella
With just three games remaining in the regular season and currently sitting thrid with 56 points in 31 games, Cornella are expected to push for automatic promotion and a jump to the fourth division. But Messi’s involvement has also made the club a subject of significant media interest.
In the first match played since the announcement, a 1-1 draw against Fundacio Esportiva Grama at the Nou Municipal de Cornella this past Sunday, the club saw a noticeable uptick in both attendance and press coverage. According to Mundo Deportivo, the number of accredited media outlets present rose from the usual three to 15, a vivid illustration of just how dramatically Messi’s name has transformed the profile of this small Catalan club.
Former Brazil defender Miranda compared Vinicius to Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Vinicius Junior is, without a doubt, one of the best players in the world right now. He has proven that over the years with Real Madrid, although he has yet to reach the same level with Brazil. Miranda weighed in on that, comparing the winger to Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“For me, Vinicius has a lot of quality, but he is still far from Neymar, Messi, Cristiano,” the 41-year-old former defender said in a recent interview shared on YouTube via Mario Suarez’s official account.
Miranda acknowledged Vini’s strengths. “Soccer has changed a lot. It has a lot of physicality and Vinicius has the technical part and the physical part,” he explained. “But he is not like Messi and Neymar. He lacks something. I don’t know if it is charisma with people.”
Approaching his 25th birthday, Vinicius has established himself as one of the top players in the world and one of Real Madrid’s leaders on the pitch. In fact, he has been instrumental in the club’s recent success in the UEFA Champions League, where he has also posted impressive goal and assist numbers.
Miranda of Brazil playing against Belgium during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
However, that has not yet been enough to generate a broad consensus regarding his status as a true superstar. He has also yet to win the Ballon d’Or. In that sense, his struggles to replicate his club form with Brazil may be a decisive factor in that evaluation.
Miranda weighs in on racism in soccer
Vinicius has been in the spotlight in recent years not only for his performances on the field, but also for controversies involving alleged racist incidents he has faced. The clash with Gianluca Prestianni during the series between Real Madrid and Benfica was the latest of those episodes.
Asked about the issue, Miranda was candid. “Here in Spain and in Europe, not anywhere, I have not experienced racism,” the former center back said. “I had my head only to play soccer.”
He then explained how he blocked out outside noise to stay focused on the game. “What people said to me was only a distraction to take the focus away from the game,” he added. “When you’re going to play a game, if you let the fans take the focus away from the game, it changes the way you play a little, it takes away your concentration a little.”
Who is Miranda?
Retired since 2022, Miranda was a top-level player for more than a decade. He enjoyed his best years at Atletico Madrid, where he won five titles, including the 2012-13 La Liga title, and later at Inter Milan, where he played until 2019.
At the international level, Miranda was part of the Brazil national team for a decade, from 2009 to 2019. During that span, he won the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2019 Copa America. He was also part of the squad that competed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he started five matches and helped the team reach the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Belgium.
Breaking the record previously set against LAFC, Lionel Messi has set another MLS attendance record in the game between Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi was once again the center of attention on Saturday, both for his performance on the pitch and for drawing tens of thousands of fans to yet another away game, just as he did on Matchday 1 against LAFC. This time, the Inter Miami star helped set a new away attendance record in MLS history at Empower Field at Mile High against the Colorado Rapids.
To celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the Colorado Rapids relocated their home match against Inter Miami from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to Empower Field at Mile High, the home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos and the Rapids’ former home ground. In a 3-2 result that featured a Messi brace, the Herons secured all three points, but the occasion was equally notable as another landmark moment in the league’s ongoing growth.
A record crowd was anticipated well ahead of kickoff, and the fans delivered, with 75,824 spectators filling Empower Field at Mile High to watch the Rapids take on Inter Miami. The figure stands as the largest attendance ever recorded at a Colorado Rapids home match and vaulted the game to second place on the all-time list of highest single-game attendances in MLS history.
In a notable subplot, the crowd also surpassed the record set earlier this season when LAFC relocated their home match against Inter Miami to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That Son Heung-min vs. Lionel Messi showdown drew 75,673 fans, a mark that has now been bumped to third on the all-time list.
The figure also came remarkably close to the all-time attendance record at Empower Field at Mile High across all sports. That benchmark belongs to an NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers on October 29, 2007, when the Packers claimed a 19-13 victory in front of 77,160 fans, just over 1,300 more than the crowd that packed the stadium last weekend.
Messi drawing fans beyond traditional soccer venues
Empower Field at Mile High is the latest in a growing list of non-soccer venues that have hosted Inter Miami specifically to accommodate the surge in demand surrounding Messi. Several MLS clubs have already made stadium moves this season to maximize their opportunity to host the Argentine superstar.
Beyond Colorado and LAFC, D.C. United and New York City FC have also relocated their home matches against Inter Miami to larger venues. The Black-and-Red moved their game to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, drawing a crowd of 72,026, while New York City shifted their match to Yankee Stadium, which attracted 45,845 fans.
Top 5 highest single-game attendances in MLS history
According to MLS, the five largest crowds in the league’s history are as follows:
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC (July, 2023) — 82,110 fans
Colorado Rapids vs. Inter Miami (April, 2026) — 75,824 fans
LAFC vs. Inter Miami (February, 2026) — 75,673 fans
Charlotte FC vs. LA Galaxy (March, 2022) — 74,479 fans
Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers (December, 2018) — 73,019 fans
It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce on Monday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
This is going to be a big game in the battle to avoid the drop, as while Pisa and Verona are essentially doomed, there is one more spot remaining for relegation into Serie B.
Cremonese were held to a 0-0 draw by Torino, leaving Lecce in the bottom three, but a victory would send them leapfrogging over Jamie Vardy’s side.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina are not entirely out of the woods yet, as they are currently on 35 points, eight clear of Lecce.
Kean missed that game with a recurring ankle issue and is still not recovered, so was left behind along with Fabiano Parisi, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Nicolò Fagioli of Fiorentina celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with his teammate Jacopo Fazzini during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The good news is that Marco Brescianini and Nicolò Fagioli are in the travelling party, though Marin Pongracic and Robin Gosens are not at 100 per cent.
Fagioli and Albert Gudmundsson had been suspended last week against Lazio in Serie A, so should be relatively well rested.
Luciano Spalletti recognises Juventus are ‘on the right track’ after moving closer to second than fifth place. ‘The players care for each other and share the burden.’
The Bianconeri came flying out the blocks and took the lead within 90 seconds thanks to Jonathan David’s glancing header, then substitute Khephren Thuram made sure after the restart by nodding in Weston McKennie’s cross.
Emil Holm and Bologna’s Jonathan Rowe also rattled the frame of the goal, while Francisco Conceicao had an effort ruled offside for the final 2-0 result.
Spalletti relishing Juventus atmosphere
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The first question was on the choreography put together by the players to celebrate Thuram’s goal.
“I don’t know what they cooked up between them, but seeing them celebrate like that together is wonderful,” smiled Spalletti on DAZN Italia.
“It’s marvellous to see a player score and want to share his joy with his team-mates and the fans. It all comes from the affection, the rapport between players, and when you give that friendship, you receive it in return. They say if you want to find a friend, then behave like a friend.”
This is a big win for Juventus, who take advantage of Como, Roma and Atalanta results by opening up a five-point cushion in fourth place.
Even more remarkable, they are now within three points of both Milan and Napoli in joint second, with a showdown against the Rossoneri coming up next week.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Jeremie Boga of Juventus controls the ball while under pressure from Torbjorn Heggem of Bologna during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“What we absolutely could not do wrong, seeing the other results, was dropping our intensity because we could see ourselves maintaining this position regardless of our performance. That was the risk, so we needed to have the right attitude from the start and maintain it.
“We knew that Bologna had a tough week with travel and the Europa League, so we knew that if we maintained the intensity, it would give us a significant advantage. Everyone did that really well, and we scored early, there were times when the quality of Bologna forced us back, but that’s inevitable with a strong side like Vincenzo Italiano’s.”
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It feels as if the season took a turning point on March 1 when Juve came back from 3-1 down to hold Roma 3-3 at the Stadio Olimpico, as they’ve won five of the six games since then, while the Giallorossi visibly faltered.
Before kick-off, Spalletti had shrugged off the suggestions Juventus needed to challenge for the title next season, but he knows it will be inevitable.
“There is certainly a lot of responsibility and pressure here, but the team is trying to play good football, the players care for each other and are ready to share the burden, that is fundamental for a coach.
“We are on the right track and every day I see something more, so we want to keep going like this.”
Lamine Yamal could be one of the favorites to win the next Ballon d'Or, according to Neymar.
That Lamine Yamal is one of the biggest breakout stars in world soccer in recent decades is beyond debate. Not only fans see him that way, but so do some of his peers. In this case, Neymar singled out the young Barcelona winger as a potential Ballon d’Or winner in the near future.
“I truly believe he is one of the greatest teenage sensations soccer has ever seen,” Neymar said about Yamal in a recent interview with Ziggo Sport. “There was Messi, there was me… but what this kid is doing at 18 years old is simply unreal.”
The Brazilian star echoed what has become clear when analyzing Yamal’s performances: his rapid rise to the top of world soccer. In three months, he will turn 19 and is already one of the best players on the planet, achieving that status much earlier than most of this century’s legends.
In fact, at that age Neymar was just beginning to stand out with Santos and was not selected for 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Brazil national team. Messi, meanwhile, was not yet a key figure for Argentina or Barcelona at that stage.
Lamine Yamal of Barcelona
Yamal a Ballon d’Or favorite, according to Neymar
In the same interview, Neymar also addressed Barcelona’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League this week against Atletico Madrid, particularly focusing on what it meant for Lamine Yamal. “I felt for him when they were eliminated from the UCL. He gave everything and even sparked the comeback,” said the Santos forward. “But that’s soccer—anything can happen.”
Despite that setback, Neymar believes Lamine Yamal will continue his rise to the top of world soccer, with plenty of success ahead, including in the Champions League. “His time is coming. I hope he wins it next year,” Ney said. “And why not the Ballon d’Or as well? He’s special—one of those players I’ll always be rooting for.”
Yamal has already come close to the Ballon d’Or
Neymar naming an 18-year-old as a Ballon d’Or favorite may seem premature, but recent performances support that claim. Lamine Yamal has been so impressive that, despite his age, he already came close to winning the award last year.
At the 2025 ceremony, France Football awarded the prestigious prize to Ousmane Dembele for his performances with Paris Saint-Germain. However, Yamal finished close behind, placing second in the voting after shining for Barcelona and Spain.
Vincenzo Italiano admits Bologna’s ‘season is basically over now’ after the 2-0 defeat to Juventus, but is frustrated they ‘had no time to prepare’ after the Europa League with Aston Villa.
They had the worst possible start in Turin too, going behind to a Jonathan David glancing header in the opening 90 seconds.
It was a particularly surprising development, as Bologna hadn’t conceded a Serie A goal before half-time since February against Milan.
Khephren Thuram added a second, also with a header, while Emil Holm and Jonathan Rowe rattled the frame of the goal.
Italiano frustrated by Bologna calendar
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The performance was because we were up against a strong team that had the chance to prepare every detail for a week,” Italiano told DAZN Italia.
“It’s not an alibi, but it is a fact, that yet again we got off the plane on Friday evening and then had to travel again straight away, so we practically haven’t trained at all. It has been the situation all year.
“We conceded very early today, as we were too stretched out and didn’t have the right shape, but we adjusted a few things at half-time and suffered less. We created a few situations, but I think that early goal made it an uphill struggle.
“It’s tough not being able to prepare for matches because there just isn’t time, especially against a team that had a full week to focus only on their plan.”
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Nicolo Cambiaghi of Bologna is challenged by Weston McKennie of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Bologna looked fatigued and stretched thin by their midweek commitments, especially as they also lost Federico Bernardeschi to a thigh injury, so ended the game with 10 men as the substitutions had all been completed.
“I told Bernardeschi it was my fault, as I introduced him because I saw how the Juve fans applauded him before kick-off, and felt it would be a lovely moment to get a tribute from this crowd. Santiago Castro was tired too, but unfortunately Fede had just got back to fitness and I don’t think we’ll have him again for the rest of the season,” said Italiano.
“There are always margins for improvement, the season is basically finished for us now, so we have to try to use these games to improve and grow. We had wanted to still be challenging for something important in April, and we achieved that, even if we dropped Serie A points to balance that out.
“Now we have no idea what can happen ahead of us, but we’ve got to just try to get as many points as possible now.”
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus shoots while under pressure from Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
There is a very tough run-in this season for Bologna, who still have to play Roma, Cagliari, Napoli, Atalanta and Inter.
“We wanted to be more aggressive with the midfielders today rather than the defenders, but we weren’t accustomed to it, so we’ll try to work on that. As I said, we achieved the targets we had set for this season, and it’s a shame that the only games we lost in the Europa League were against Aston Villa, who I feel can win the trophy.
“We’ll try some tactical experiments, test out some new players, and try to at least secure eighth place.”
Juventus secured a vital 2-0 home victory over Bologna, with goals from Jonathan David and Khephren Thuram proving the difference as Luciano Spalletti’s side kept the pressure on their Champions League rivals with a professional and controlled display at the Allianz Stadium.
Football Italia’s Man of the Match was shared between Weston McKennie, who helped dominate the engine room and gave Juventus the platform from which his teammates could do the damage.
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TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Serie A – Juventus 2-0 Bologna – Player Ratings
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio 6; Kalulu 6.5, Bremer 6.5, Kelly 6.5; Holm 6.5 (Thuram K. 7), Locatelli 6.5, McKennie 7, Cambiaso 6 (Gatti N/A); Conceicao 6 (Zhegrova 6), Boga 6.5 (Openda N/A); David 7 (Yildiz 6)
Best Juventus player: Weston McKennie – McKennie was dominant from start to finish, covering every blade of grass and providing both defensive solidity and driving runs forward, picked up an assist.
Lowest Juventus rating: Francisco Conceicao – A quiet evening from the versatile winger before his withdrawal with twenty minutes to play, unable to make the usual impact.
Coach: Luciano Spalletti 6.5 – A controlled and measured performance from his side when it mattered most. Got his substitutions right and will be delighted with the clean sheet as much as the goals.
Best Bologna player: Riccardo Orsolini – In a disappointing collective display, the experienced winger was one of the few Bologna players to consistently ask questions of the Juventus defence. Worked hard throughout and was the most likely source of a response that never came.
Lowest Bologna rating: Santiago Castro – A difficult evening for the Argentine striker, who was well shackled by Bremer and Kelly and rarely able to exert any influence on the match before his substitution. Struggled to hold the ball up or create space for his teammates.
Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 5 – A poor night for the Bologna head coach, whose side were second best in virtually every department. With European ambitions now over too, this was a performance that will concern him heading into the final weeks of the season.
Juventus beat Bologna with Jonathan David and Khephren Thuram goals to create a five-point cushion for fourth place, and close to within three points of Milan and Napoli in joint second.
The Bianconeri were eager to take advantage of Napoli, Como and Roma all dropping points this weekend, but Kenan Yildiz was only fit for the bench, with Arek Milik, Dusan Vlahovic, Juan Cabal, Mattia Perin and Vasilije Adzic injured. Weston McKennie returned from suspension, with Emil Holm and Joao Mario facing their parent clubs after January loans. Bologna hoped to shrug off Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League quarter-final defeat to Aston Villa, though Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Nicolò Casale and Benjamin Dominguez missed out.
There was a moving tribute before kick-off for Alex Manninger, the former Juventus and Bologna goalkeeper who died in a car accident this week aged 48, as former teammates Gigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Chimenti carried out flowers with his shirt, laying them in the goal while the fans sang his chant.
It was a lightning fast start from the hosts, as Jeremie Boga’s pull-back forced a corner, and within 110 seconds David had got his head to the Pierre Kalulu cross from six yards, glancing it into the far bottom corner. It was even more remarkable because Bologna hadn’t conceded in the first half of a Serie A match for two months.
Francisco Conceicao had the ball in the net on 12 minutes too after running onto a pass over the top, but he was offside before that precise angled drive.
Tommaso Pobega drilled wide from distance, while Federico Ravaglia had to make himself big for a huge save one-on-one when Conceicao did spring the offside trap.
Emil Holm against his former club almost scored a stunner, as a clearance bounced on the edge of the box, where his powerful volley smacked the underside of the bar.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Weston McKennie of Juventus is challenged by Simon Sohm of Bologna during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
David nearly doubled his tally before half-time, running onto the Conceicao assist for an angled drive to skim the base of the far post.
After the restart, Riccardo Orsolini finally had the first real Bologna chance, his strike from the right flank flashing all the way across the face of goal and inches wide.
However, Juve substitute Khephren Thuram made an immediate impact, rising at the back stick to meet the Weston McKennie cross from the right for 2-0.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Bologna nearly got back into it, as Nadir Zortea rolled it across the face of goal for substitute Jonathan Rowe to come sliding in at the back stick, hitting the upright from point-blank range.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus shoots while under pressure from Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Nikola Moro also fired over after the Orsolini attempt was charged down, but Federico Bernardeschi limped off with a thigh problem just eight minutes after coming on. Bologna had completed their substitutions, so they played the last six minutes down to 10 men.
Despite that, Rowe still got away on the counter and pulled the cross just behind Orsolini unmarked.
Romelu Lukaku has landed in Naples, touching down at Capodichino airport on Sunday evening in a private jet from Brussels as he prepares to end a prolonged absence that has become one of the more turbulent subplots of Napoli’s season.
According to CalcioNapoli24, the Belgian striker offered no comment to waiting journalists as he made his way through the airport, pausing only briefly when a small inconvenience delayed his exit, having left his tablet on the private jet, he was required to wait in a van for several minutes before it was retrieved.
He was visibly preoccupied, understandably so given the circumstances surrounding his return.
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Napoli star Lukaku set for Conte meeting
In the coming hours, Lukaku is expected to meet with Antonio Conte and the club’s hierarchy in an attempt to repair a relationship that has been strained since March, when the Belgian chose to remain in Belgium during the international break rather than report to Castel Volturno as instructed.
Napoli responded by fining him for unauthorised absence, a rare and pointed escalation that underlined the seriousness of the situation.
The two men have not come face-to-face since Napoli’s victory over Cagliari on 20 March, making Monday’s planned return to training the first opportunity for a proper reconciliation.
Lukaku’s season has been wretched, a major hamstring injury in pre-season restricted him to just 64 minutes of action before January, and he has managed only 40 minutes of Serie A football since.
With five games remaining and a Champions League place still to be secured, Napoli will hope the return of their record signing, however belated, can provide some additional firepower in the run-in.
City led the game through an early Cherki goal before a howler from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma allowed Kai Havertz to equalise shortly after.
Arsenal put up a good fight but the Norwegian forward added to his tally with a goal in the second half, shortly after the Gunners had hit the woodwork.
After the match, Haaland spoke with Sky Sport alongside teammate Bernardo Silva.
When describing a header the Portuguese midfielder won against Swedish forward Victor Gyokeres, Haaland described him as “like f***ing Cannavaro” – in reference to the iconic Italy defender and Ballon d’Or winner.
Sky had to apologise for the striker’s language and have, of course, censored it in all public releases.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Nico O’Reilly, Gianluigi Donnarumma Manchester City celebrate after the team’s victory in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Watch: Haaland compares Silva to Cannavaro after win over Arsenal
Gift Orban found himself at the centre of an ugly post-match incident outside the Stadio Bentegodi on Saturday evening, following Verona’s 1-0 defeat to Milan, a result secured by Adrien Rabiot’s goal.
According to witnesses present at the scene, via the Corriere dello Sport, Orban was visibly frustrated after the final whistle and initially declined to stop for a photograph with a supporter.
The situation escalated when another supporter struck the player’s car with an open hand, at which point the Nigerian striker got out of his vehicle and a heated confrontation ensued, developing into a physical altercation that was captured on mobile phones by bystanders.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Gift Emmanuel Orban of Hellas Verona in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 31, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Authorities to review Orban clash with supporter
The footage is now being reviewed by authorities, with the Digos, Italy’s specialist police unit responsible for public order at sporting events, attending the scene to carry out their investigations.
Orban joined Verona on loan from Hoffenheim last summer with an option to purchase and has had a productive first season in Serie A, registering seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances.
His performances have generated genuine interest from clubs monitoring the division’s emerging talents, making the timing of Saturday’s incident particularly unfortunate.
Both the player’s reaction and the supporter’s decision to strike his vehicle will likely come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses. Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities review the recorded footage.
مهاجم هيلاس فيرونا غيفت أوربان، بعد الهزيمة أمام ميلان، كان متوترًا جدًا ورفض التوقف مع الجماهير لالتقاط الصور، لكن أحد المشجعين قام بضرب سيارته، مما دفع المهاجم النيجيري إلى النزول من السيارة والدخول في شجار معه والاعتداء عليه #SerieA#SerieAEnilive… pic.twitter.com/Zasc6oakjb
Erling Haaland, whose second-half strike proved to be the winner, was spotted singing “Ooh, I’ve got a good feeling” directly into a pitch-side camera after the final whistle at the Etihad.
The clip, which has gone viral across social media shows a jubilant Haaland walking down with a massive grin that suggested he knew exactly how much the result meant for the title race, before singing the line from the famous Flo Rida track, “Good Feeling.”
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Watch the viral video below:
Haaland at full-time singing “oooh sometimes I get a good feeling” is absolutely sending me, man. Hahahaa. What a troll. ????????????????? pic.twitter.com/e32DRsZYOm
It was his performance on the pitch that gave him a reason to sing. Entering the match, much of the talk had centered on Haaland’s perceived dip in form and whether he could still deliver in the biggest moments.
It was his 14th Premier League goal against the big six, proving that even during a quieter statistical season, he remains the ultimate big-game player.
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For Arsenal, the defeat means there is no margin for error. If City win their game in hand, they will be level on points with Mikel Arteta’s side who have been top of the table for most of the season.
If City successfully overtake Arsenal and win the Premier League, it will put a massive question mark on Arteta as this could be his biggest bottle job as yet.
Newcastle United’s collapse this season raises an uncomfortable but unavoidable question: is Eddie Howe really the right man to take the club forward? After another dispiriting defeat, this time at home to Bournemouth, the gap between what Newcastle hoped to be and what they have become has never felt wider. European qualification is now a […]
Officially defending their Bundesliga crown over the weekend as they secured a lively 4-2 victory at home against Stuttgart, Bayern Munich have enjoyed a history-making week at the Allianz. Storming their way to the Champions League semi-finals last week, Bayern Munich have continued to gain a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Sweeping past 15-time […]
Virgil van Dijk scored the winning goal 10 minutes into second-half stoppage time as Liverpool beat Everton 2-1 in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium. It looked as though Sunday’s game – which was disrupted by a major injury for each side as Giorgi Mamardashvili and Jarrad Branthwaite were carried off – would […]
Erling Haaland was the hero as Manchester City struck a huge blow in the Premier League title race by battling to a 2-1 win over rivals Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s men knew a victory was required to put the destiny of the title tussle in their own hands. And they did exactly […]
Officially defending their Bundesliga crown over the weekend as they secured a lively 4-2 victory at home against Stuttgart, Bayern Munich have enjoyed a history-making week at the Allianz. Storming their way to the Champions League semi-finals last week, Bayern Munich have continued to gain a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Sweeping past 15-time […]
Asked about Messi’s performance during the postgame press conference, Hoyos was clear: “Messi is the best player. The best coach in the world is on the pitch. We have the best player in history who changes the course of matches and a team that gave everything football-wise. We have the magic that God gave to our number 10.”
In that sense, Hoyos not only highlighted Messi’s performance and importance in the win over Colorado Rapids, but also downplayed his own influence on the team’s success. He took over on an interim basis following Javier Mascherano’s sudden resignation earlier this week and delivered a victory in his first match in charge in MLS.
“This result means a continuity of what was being done,” Hoyos said. “The team is the MLS champion, it is a solid team, it competes with great clubs, but it is very important to play in front of so many people.”
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts with Hamzat Ojediran #8 of Colorado Rapids.
Messi has ruled out becoming a coach
Guillermo Hoyos’ comments about Lionel Messi’s role as a coach should obviously be interpreted symbolically. The forward continues to make his impact on the field, guiding his teammates with his talent and experience and, in doing so, making the manager’s job easier.
However, Messi has made it clear that he has no intention of pursuing a coaching career once he retires. In fact, he has said that, among the potential roles he could take on after his playing days, that is the least likely.
“As a coach, I honestly don’t see myself in that role,” Messi admitted in an interview earlier this year with Argentine streaming channel LuzuTV. “I like the idea of being a sporting director, but if I have to choose one, I prefer being an owner.”
Potential future coaches for Inter Miami
While Guillermo Hoyos’ debut as Inter Miami manager was a success with the 3-2 win over Colorado Rapids in MLS, it seems unlikely that his interim stint will turn into a permanent role.
In fact, in the days following Javier Mascherano’s resignation, several names have been linked to the Herons. Spanish outlet Marca reports that Xavi Hernandez is the leading candidate, given his close relationship with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Another former Barcelona manager of Messi’s, Ernesto Valverde, has also been mentioned after recently announcing he will leave Athletic Club at the end of the current La Liga season. Other reports include Argentine managers such as Matias Almeyda, Marcelo Gallardo, Hernan Crespo, and Martin Palermo.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos and Lionel Messi.
The Allianz Stadium fell into a moment of profound emotion before Juventus’ match against Bologna on Saturday evening, as the club paid a heartfelt tribute to former goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a road accident in Austria earlier this week.
Manninger, who also represented Fiorentina and Siena among others during his career, spent four years at Juventus between 2008 and 2012, making 42 appearances in all competitions and playing a meaningful role in the club’s return to the summit of Italian football following their relegation to Serie B.
He won a Scudetto during his time at the club, a detail that speaks to the significance of his contribution during one of the most important rebuilding periods in the club’s modern history.
All three of Juventus’ current goalkeepers, Michele Di Gregorio, Simone Scaglia and Carlo Pinsoglio, warmed up wearing the number 13 shirt bearing Manninger’s name, a simple but deeply affecting gesture that drew warm applause from around the ground.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Former footballers Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon carry a wreath for the late Alex Manninger prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Buffon in tears as Juventus pay tribute to Manninger
Before kick-off, Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, former teammates who knew Manninger as a colleague and a friend, carried a floral wreath onto the pitch beneath the home curve, bearing the words “Ciao Alex.”
The cameras caught Buffon visibly moved, his composure tested by the weight of the occasion. The former Italy captain had already expressed his grief publicly on social media in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
The stadium announcer then read a tribute that captured the essence of what Manninger meant to the club.
“Alex wore our shirt. He was a loyal man, an exemplary teammate, a person of enormous worth. He was one of the protagonists of a group that, step by step, returned to winning. We will never forget Alex, you will always be with us, in our home.”
A minute of silence followed. The football, for a moment, could wait.
Luciano Spalletti asks the media to ‘take some chamomile tea and chill out’ before asking if Juventus should challenge for the Scudetto next season, keeping the focus on Bologna.
This is a huge opportunity for the Bianconeri to consolidate that Champions League qualifying spot, as Napoli, Como, Roma and Atalanta all dropped points this weekend.
As next week there is a showdown with Milan, it is important to keep up the momentum.
Spalletti rejects Juventus pressure
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
However, Spalletti reacted with a laugh when asked if Juventus would target the Scudetto next season.
“People need to really calm down, they think that if we win one game, that means we’ll be challenging for the title,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.
“This kind of excessive pressure is also what is damaging to the Italy players, they get affected by the things we talk about. Tonight is a decisive match for the current campaign, not just for having money at our disposal to buy players because we qualify for the Champions League. The careers of players are remembered not by the number of games they play, but the quality shown in certain matches.
“I am not going to talk about next season here, everyone needs to take some chamomile tea and chill out a bit.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Weston McKennie returns from suspension, but Kenan Yildiz is only fit for the bench after recurring muscular issues, so Jeremie Boga drops into a wider role with Francisco Conceicao supporting Jonathan David.
Dusan Vlahovic, Arek Milik, Juan Cabal, Mattia Perin and Vasilije Adzic are out injured.
Bologna are coming off a 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final, losing 7-1 on aggregate, but here too Spalletti contests the question.
“For those who didn’t see the two legs, these were terrible performances, because so few bother to watch matches now, they just view highlights and statistics, but the flow of the games showed Bologna had the right approach,” argued the coach.
“Vincenzo Italiano had already taken Bologna to a high level last season in Italian football. This term has been a little more difficult for them, but the mentality of the coach sees them continue to believe in a modern style of football, with ferocious pressing, intensity and tempo. They know how to look beyond the first pass, and that is a danger, because we saw a few weeks ago how they managed to beat Roma.
“This is a good team, with a strong coach, and a club that has found its place in the leading pack of Serie A.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Como 1907 at on February 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off and Juve wear black armbands to remember goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who died this week in a car accident at age 48.
He wore their jersey from 2008 to 2012, winning the Scudetto, but was also on the Bologna books from 2003 to 2005, even if he only made four appearances.
Vincenzo Italiano insists Bologna should look at the ‘positive’ aspects of their season after loss to Aston Villa, and they ‘still have objectives’ against Juventus tonight.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 22: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, waves to the crowd prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We wanted to play a different game, but they wouldn’t allow us, and their early goals made it difficult for us to keep believing. Aston Villa are an excellent team, and our European adventure was on the whole very positive.
“We must do well to learn from this experience if we want to compete at that level, because Aston Villa have so much quality throughout the squad. We had a tough run in Europe, eliminating Roma in the Round of 16.
“Now we still have objectives and want to end the season on a positive note.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, interacts with his staff during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
It looks as if after the Champions League and then Europa League in the last two years, Bologna might not be participating in UEFA tournaments next season.
“As long as we are not mathematically out, it is our duty to keep pushing. Right now, we are eager to lock down eighth place, but the last six rounds give us a very complicated fixture list.
“We must try to keep improving, and then see where we could end up.”
Nicolò Casale is the latest addition to the injury list with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez already on the treatment table.
Lewis Ferguson missed last week’s win over Lecce through suspension and returns here, but is surprisingly only on the bench, as there are seven changes from the side that lost to Aston Villa.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We didn’t get back home until Friday evening, but this is why we wanted to build a squad with double options for every role. Helland makes his first start today, he has quality and we’ll see what he can give us to the end of the season,” concluded Italiano.
In a high-octane encounter that felt like the definitive chapter of the 2025/26 season, Arsenal fell 2-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad.
Despite a resolute defensive display and a late surge, the Gunners were unable to overcome Erling Haaland’s second-half winner.
While the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, Mikel Arteta’s men showed why they’ve led the pack for so long.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Man City
David Raya – 8 Raya was in inspired form, producing a stunning double-save from Rodri and Haaland in the first half.
He could do nothing about the goals but commanded his area brilliantly under intense aerial pressure.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6 Tasked with the unenviable job of tracking Jeremy Doku. The young Spaniard showed flashes of brilliance but was occasionally caught out by Doku’s raw acceleration.
William Saliba – 7.5 Saliba had a decent game against Manchester City’s attack, winning the majority of his headers and was composed on the ball even when City’s press was at its most suffocating.
He was visibly frustrated by the winner, having been caught in a wrestling match with Haaland as the ball was played in.
Piero Hincapie – 6.5 The January signing put in a shift on the left. He provided good balance and offered an outlet going forward, though he had his hands full with the directness of Antoine Semenyo.
Martin Zubimendi – 7 Zubimendi’s ability to find space in a congested midfield was vital for Arsenal’s transitions.
He shielded the back four well for large periods, though he struggled to maintain that grip as City turned up the heat.
Declan Rice – 7.5 A powerhouse performance. Rice covered incredible ground, often dropping between the center-backs to provide extra cover. His driving run late in the game nearly set up an equaliser for Odegaard.
Martin Odegaard – 7 The captain was the orchestrator of Arsenal’s best spells. His vision remains unparalleled, though he’ll be disappointed not to have tested Donnarumma more with a late free-kick that sailed just wide.
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Noni Madueke – 6.5 Bright and direct in the first half. However, his influence faded in the second half as Arsenal found themselves pinned back, leading to his eventual substitution.
Eberechi Eze – 7 Eze’s close control allowed Arsenal to beat City’s initial press on several occasions. He was involved in the buildup to Havertz’s equaliser and looked like the player most likely to create something out of nothing.
Kai Havertz – 7.5Pressured Donnarumma into making the mistake and equalising for Arsenal. He worked tirelessly as a focal point, though he lacked the service to really hurt City after the hosts regained the lead.
Arsenal leave the Etihad with their heads high but their lead at the top slashed to just three points.
With City still possessing a game in hand, the margin for error has officially vanished.
In a match that lived up to its title decider hype , Manchester City secured a pulsating 2-1 win over league leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
In a high-stakes encounter, Pep Guardiola’s side displayed both tactical brilliance and grit to close the gap at the top of the table.
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Man City player ratings vs Arsenal
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6.5 A mixed bag for the Italian. While he commanded his area well for most of the match, a significant error allowed Kai Havertz to equalise just 90 seconds after City had taken the lead.
He made up for it with a few sharp saves in the second half to deny Arsenal, specially the one on one against Havertz in the second half.
Matheus Nunes – 6.5 Reliable and industrious. While he didn’t grab the headlines, his ability to carry the ball through Arsenal’s initial press allowed the more creative players to find pockets of space.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 8 The young Uzbek defender continues to look like the steal of the decade. He made a goal-saving block against Havertz in the 72nd minute that was as good as a goal itself. Fearless in the duel against Arsenal’s physical front line.
Marc Guehi – 7.5 Fresh off a dominant performance against Chelsea, Guehi continued his fine form. He was the leader of the backline, making several key interceptions and organizing the defense against Arsenal’s late surges.
Nico O’Reilly – 9 Building on his Carabao Cup heroics, the youngster showed maturity beyond his years. He was heavily involved in the winner, driving an underlapping run and firing the cross that eventually found Haaland.
Bernardo Silva – 7.5 In one of his final appearances at the Etihad, Silva was his usual tireless self and was everywhere. Whether it was pressing deep in Arsenal’s half or helping Khusanov double up on the wings, his work rate was essential in neutralising Arsenal’s wide threats. His experience was vital when the game became frantic.
Rodri – 7.5 The heartbeat of the team. He orchestrated the tempo and saw a deflected long-range effort fly just over. His physical presence in the box also proved vital in distracting defenders for Haaland’s winner. He picked up an injury towards the end of the game and was forced off which is going to come as a blow for City.
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Rayan Cherki – 8 City’s creative spark. Cherki opened the scoring with a wonderful individual effort, weaving through the Arsenal defense before finishing coolly. He was a constant thorn in the Gunners’ side and the main source of City’s attacking threat.
Antoine Semenyo – 6.5 Brought energy and physicality to the right wing. He had a golden chance in the first half that was brilliantly blocked by Hincapie. His work rate off the ball helped Nunes defensively.
Jeremy Doku – 7 Terrified the Arsenal full-backs with his explosive bursts. It was his clever inside pass that released O’Reilly for the winning goal sequence. He occasionally lacked the finishing touch, but his gravity pulls defenders out of position constantly
Erling Haaland – 8 Cometh the hour, cometh the Viking. After a physical wrestling match with Gabriel all game, which literally resulted in his shirt being ripped, Haaland held off the Brazilian to smash home the winner in the 68th minute. Pure strength, pure clinical finishing.
This win puts the title race on a knife-edge. They are now just three points behind the league leaders with a game in hand. They win that and they will be level on points. City have the experience to navigate through the final stretch. It will come down to Arsenal whether they can weather the pressure.
Serge Gnabry is all but ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Germany national team.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, any injury can now jeopardize a player’s chances of being involved. That is exactly the situation facing Serge Gnabry, one of Germany’s key stars.
“FC Bayern will be without Serge Gnabry for an extended period. The attacker has suffered a torn adductor in his right thigh,” the club announced in a post on its official X account. “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Serge!”
While Bayern Munich did not provide a specific recovery timeline, reports from Sky Sports and reporter Fabrizio Romano indicate an expected absence of around three months. If confirmed, that would make his participation in the World Cup virtually impossible.
At the same time, it would also bring an early end to Gnabry’s club season, ruling him out of the decisive stretch with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League. They secured the first of those titles this Sunday, while also reaching the semifinals of the other two competitions.
ℹ️ FC Bayern will be without Serge Gnabry for an extended period. The attacker has suffered a torn adductor in his right thigh.
Serge Gnabry’s injury represents a major setback for Germany. The forward has been an integral part of the national team in recent years, starting every match in the World Cup qualifiers as well as the two friendlies they played during the March FIFA international break.
Gnabry has typically operated as a second striker for Germany, playing in a central attacking role behind the center forward—most often Nick Woltemade. At times, the Bayern Munich player has also competed for a spot out wide as a winger.
Without Serge Gnabry, head coach Julian Nagelsmann will now need to find alternatives to fill that void. In recent months, players such as Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Leroy Sane have also featured in that role. Additionally, Jamal Musiala is expected to return, having not played at the international level since March 2025.
Nagelsmann reacts to Gnabry injury
Hours after Gnabry’s injury was confirmed, Julian Nagelsmann addressed the situation publicly. “This is very bitter news, especially at this stage of the season, with such big and important games coming up,” the coach said in a media statement shared by SID.
🚨Julian Nagelsmann on Serge Gnabry’s injury via SID: “I’m very sorry for Serge. It’s extremely bitter news, especially at this stage of the season when such big and important matches are coming up. We were in contact last night and I told him that everyone in the national team… pic.twitter.com/9uaULrLpv1
“We were in touch last night, and I told him that everyone in the national team is behind him as well. We will all support him as best we can so that he can get back on the pitch as quickly as possible,” Nagelsmann added. “Get well soon, Serge!”
With a 2-1 win obtained by Erling Haaland, questions now raise over what do Manchester City and Arsenal need to cling the Premier League.
Erling Haaland played the hero for Manchester City in a thrilling Sunday showdown against Arsenal, as the Sky Blues edged out a narrow 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium. With the title race now expected to be decided in the season’s closing weeks, the result has sharpened the question of exactly what each side needs to claim the 2025-26 Premier League crown.
The match was played at a breathless pace from the opening whistle, with Rayan Cherki breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute with a stunning solo effort, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to fumble a routine clearance two minutes later, allowing Kai Havertz to pounce for the equalizer. City then took control in the 65th minute when Nico O’Riley delivered a precise cross from the left and Haaland met it first time to fire home the winner.
The victory has allowed Manchester City to close the gap at the top of the table and puts them firmly in contention to overtake Arsenal in the closing stretch. The Gunners currently lead with 70 points from 33 games and a goal difference of plus 37, while City sit second with 67 points from 32 games and a goal difference of plus 36, meaning they still have a game in hand.
What does Arsenal need to win the Premier League?
With five fixtures remaining, Arsenal‘s path to the title is straightforward in theory: win every game left and continue to build on their goal difference advantage. Their current points cushion is enough that a perfect run would make it mathematically impossible for City to overhaul them, effectively forcing the Citizens to win every remaining game of their own just to stay in contention.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City scores his team’s second goal against Arsenal.
The Gunners’ remaining schedule features home games against Newcastle United next week, Fulham on May 2 and Burnley on the 17th, with away trips to West Ham United on the 10th and Crystal Palace on the 24th. Positioned as heavy favorites in each of those contests against teams scattered across the lower half of the table, several of them battling relegation, Arsenal’s domestic schedule is as favorable as they could have hoped for.
The wildcard remains the toll that the UEFA Champions League will take on their league campaign. Unlike City, Arsenal face a semifinal against Atletico Madrid on April 29 and May 5, with the Fulham match sandwiched in between, leaving coach Mikel Arteta with a difficult balancing act between rotating the squad and pushing his starters to their limits.
What does Manchester City need to win the Premier League?
City’s game in hand gives them a route to drawing level with Arsenal on points, but the path ahead is considerably more demanding, with no shortage of challenging fixtures standing between them and the title.
Pep Guardiola’s side face a grueling run that includes a midweek trip to Burnley on April 22, followed by away games at Everton on May 4 and Bournemouth on the 17th, home fixtures against Brentford on the 9th and Crystal Palace on the 22nd, and a final-day home clash against Aston Villa on the 24th. On top of that, City are also in FA Cup semifinal action against Southampton on April 25, adding yet another fixture to an already demanding schedule.
The compressed run of games is partly a result of the Crystal Palace match being rescheduled from its original date of March 21. With the Carabao Cup final between City and Arsenal falling on March 22, the fixture had to be pushed back, leaving the Citizens with tighter turnarounds and less recovery time as the season reaches its climax.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, and Erling Haaland celebrating.
This was a big opportunity for Daniele De Rossi to definitively break free of the danger zone, coming off a crucial 2-1 victory over Sassuolo. However, that ill-tempered match meant Ruslan Malinovskyi, Morten Frendrup and Mikael Ellertsson all sat out bans, with Maxwel Cornet, Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Benjamin Siegrist injured. Pisa remained rock bottom and missed Marius Marin along with the usual Daniel Denoon.
PISA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Daniele De Rossi, Manager of Genoa CFC, reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Genoa CFC at Arena Garibaldi on April 19, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Tommaso Baldanzi drilled just wide from the edge of the area for Genoa early on, but it was Pisa who took the lead by taking advantage of the usual Grifone weakness on set plays.
Samuele Angori floated in a corner for the towering header of defender Simone Canestrelli into the far bottom corner, VAR waving away appeals for a push on Stefano Sabelli.
PISA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Simone Canestrelli of Pisa Sporting Club celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Genoa CFC at Arena Garibaldi on April 19, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It should’ve been 2-0 moments later when Pisa broke on the counter-attack from a Genoa corner, but Angori failed to beat Justin Bijlow one-on-one.
Aaron Martin fired a promising free kick into the wall, but Genoa equalised from a throw-in. Baldanzi combined with Lorenzo Colombo and laid it off for Jeff Ekhator, who smashed a left-foot screamer into the roof of the net from just inside the area.
PISA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Jeff Ekhator of Genoa CFC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Genoa CFC at Arena Garibaldi on April 19, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Genoa nearly turned it around on the stroke of half-time, as Colombo bent a great finish from a tricky angle down the right and it shaved a coat of paint off the far top corner of the crossbar. They were doubly frustrated, as officials did not spot the deflection off Canestrelli.
Colombo came close again after the restart, meeting the Baldanzi disguised pass to force a tricky save from Semper at the near post.
Canestrelli slipped when trying to block off Baldanzi in the box and stuck out an arm to parry the finish for an inevitable penalty. The Grifone had missed four of the previous eight spot-kicks in Serie A this season, but Colombo put a perfect left-foot finish into the top corner.
PISA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Lorenzo Colombo of Genoa CFC scores a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Genoa CFC at Arena Garibaldi on April 19, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Leo Ostigard tripped Stefano Moreo just outside the box and Bijlow needed a big save to deny Michel Aebischer at the near post, while Semper got down to keep out the Colombo angled drive at the other end.
Juventus can break away in fourth place, but Jeremie Boga and Jonathan David start upfront against Santiago Castro’s Bologna eager to put the Europa League behind them.
There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off and Juve wear black armbands to remember goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who died this week in a car accident at age 48.
He wore their jersey from 2008 to 2012, winning the Scudetto, but was also on the Bologna books from 2003 to 2005, even if he only made four appearances.
The Bianconeri are on sparkling form and after winning four of their last five are hoping to lock down fourth place, especially after Como and Roma dropped points behind them.
However, Kenan Yildiz has been struggling for a while with a fitness issue and is therefore allowed some respite on the bench, so Boga and Francisco Conceicao support centre-forward David.
Weston McKennie returns from suspension to bolster the midfield, and Emil Holm faces the club he left in January as part of an exchange of loans with Joao Mario.
Arek Milik is back on the treatment table with Dusan Vlahovic, Juan Cabal, Mattia Perin and Vasilije Adzic, so Michele Di Gregorio is again in goal.
PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Juventus FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 01, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Injuries remain an issue, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Nicolò Casale and Benjamin Dominguez struggling.
Lewis Ferguson missed last week’s win over Lecce through suspension and returns here, but surprisingly not in the starting XI.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 22: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna misses a penalty during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Santiago Castro is being worn into the ground in the absence of other options, and starts again here flanked by Riccardo Orsolini and Niccolo Cambiaghi, rotating the wide men.
Jhon Lucumi is also one to watch, as he has been linked with a potential Bianconeri offer over the summer.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Juventus vs. Bologna line-ups
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; Holm, Locatelli, McKennie, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Boga; David
Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma went wild with his celebrations after Manchester City made up for his howler to beat Arsenal, diving into the crowd with fans.
The goalkeeper had been devastated after a horrible error playing out from the back saw him kick his clearance onto Kai Havertz, the ricochet taking the ball into the empty net.
That was the equaliser following Rayan Cherki’s opener just a few minutes earlier, but he made up for his error with a couple of big saves, also thanking the woodwork on two occasions.
The Italian was caught on camera diving headlong into the crowd of Manchester City supporters behind his goal, disappearing into the sea of sky blue.
His relief was palpable after fearing that the costly error would be a decisive turning point in the Premier League race.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City looks dejected after miss kicking his clearance straight to Kai Havertz of Arsenal (not pictured), who scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Instead, the victory puts Manchester City just three points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand to be played against Crystal Palace.
Donnarumma is on track to potentially win the Premier League title at his first attempt, having joined the club after taking the Champions League and Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain.
There will be several initiatives to remember Alex Manninger this evening, because the goalkeeper represented both Juventus and Bologna during his Serie A career.
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 03: Alex Manninger goalkeeper of Juventus FC shows his dejection during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on April 3, 2010 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
He wore their jersey from 2008 to 2012, winning the Scudetto, and the Bianconeri will have footage of his performances on the big screens before the match.
His shirt is hanging in the locker room: ‘Always with us’ and the Juve goalkeepers will wear it during the warm-up.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 25: Alexander Manninger (R) the goalkeeper of Juventus FC and Ezequiel Lavezzi of SSC Napoli in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio San Paolo on March 25, 2010 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Manninger was also on the Bologna books from 2003 to 2005, even if he only made four appearances, as there were loan spells at Brescia and Siena during that period.
Much of his career was in Italy, also representing Torino, Fiorentina and Udinese, while his other clubs were Arsenal, Espanyol, RB Salzburg, Augsberg and Liverpool.
The goalkeeper made 137 Serie A appearances, along with 45 in the Austrian Bundesliga, 39 in the Premier League, and 36 in the German Bundesliga.
Erling Haaland has restored Manchester City’s lead with a first time finish, in what could be a massive goal in the title race.
Haaland, who hasn’t been in his best goalscoring form in recent months, has stepped up for City when it matters the most, scoring what is a potentially significant strike.
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Rodri does well to draw defenders to him inside the box as he attempts to reach a cross but misses it and the ball goes through to Haaland who sweeps it in first time.
It is now for Manchester City to hold on to the lead for the final 20 minutes.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Haaland’s form this season
While Haaland has set an almost impossible standard for himself since arriving in England, his form during the 2025–26 campaign has been a topic of intense debate.
After an incredible start to his Manchester City career, the Norwegian striker has endured a uncharacteristically quiet spell in recent months, leading some to question if the tactical shift under Pep Guardiola this season had limited his touches.
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However, great players find their level when the stakes are highest. Despite a dip in his usual goal-per-game ratio, Haaland remains the league’s most feared predator.
This strike against Arsenal, a clinical, first-time sweep, takes his tally to 23 goals in the league and 33 across all competitions.
Mohamed Salah reiterated his intention to leave Liverpool “in the right way” after scoring in his final Merseyside derby during the Reds’ dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton. Everton thought they had taken the lead when Iliman Ndiaye thumped the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. […]
David Moyes has urged his Everton team to rally themselves for the run-in after a gut-wrenching late defeat to rivals Liverpool. The bragging rights in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium went to the Reds, thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute header. After Iliman Ndiaye had a goal disallowed for offside, Mohamed Salah […]
Virgil van Dijk scored the winning goal 10 minutes into second-half stoppage time as Liverpool beat Everton 2-1 in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium. It looked as though Sunday’s game – which was disrupted by a major injury for each side as Giorgi Mamardashvili and Jarrad Branthwaite were carried off – would […]
River Plate host Boca Juniors in Matchday 15 of the Liga Profesional Argentina Apertura 2026. Find all the essential details here, including date, venue, and broadcast options to catch this thrilling showdown live in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch River Plate vs Boca Juniors on US television and via legal streaming:
Argentine soccer hits a fever pitch as River Plate and Boca Juniors renew their historic rivalry in the latest edition of the Superclasico, a matchup that routinely commands the sport’s global spotlight. Both sides enter in strong form after securing midweek wins in international competition.
They are also staying firmly in the hunt for the top spots in their respective domestic campaigns. With bragging rights and major standings implications on the line, this clash delivers everything you’d expect from one of soccer’s fiercest rivalries.
More details about watching the game on Fanatiz
With Fanatiz, you can watch River Plate vs Boca Juniors and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
In addition, standard Fanatiz plans include access to beIN SPORTS – the network with the rights to Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, the Turkish SüperLig, African club and international competitions, and more. It also has GolTV, the hard-to-find channel that airs the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Ecuadorian Serie A, Peruvian Liga 1, and Uruguayan Primera. The service also has Spanish language coverage of the Argentine Primera and Brasileirão leagues, as well as Colombian and Honduran leagues.
The Fanatiz app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City apologises after miss kicking his clearance straight to Kai Havertz of Arsenal (not pictured), who scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The former Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the best shot-stoppers in the sport right now, but his biggest problem has always been playing the ball with his feet.
It was inevitable this might become an issue when joining Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a side known for playing out from the back and using their goalkeeper as an added sweeper.
Donnarumma had improved recently with this part of his game, but the old errors returned at the worst possible time, just after City had taken the lead in the Premier League top of the table showdown with Arsenal.
He was under pressure from Kai Havertz, took a far too heavy touch, and then kicked his clearance onto Havertz, the ricochet taking it into the empty net.
The Italian looked distraught as his teammates tried to console him, but it is hardly the first time that his difficulties with the ball at his feet have proved costly.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City looks dejected after miss kicking his clearance straight to Kai Havertz of Arsenal (not pictured), who scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Max Allegri insists Milan ‘have to knuckle down’ and lock down a Champions League spot, with reassuring words on his future. ‘We started a journey together and will continue.’
The Rossoneri confidence was low after two consecutive heavy defeats to Napoli and Udinese, so the 4-3-3 formation was scrapped for a return to the 3-5-2.
It was far from a strong performance at the Stadio Bentegodi, as Adrien Rabiot got the only goal running onto a Rafael Leao assist before half-time, but Mike Maignan made several big saves.
Matteo Gabbia also had a goal disallowed for offside, while Alexis Saelemaekers saw his strike cleared off the line by Nicolas Valentini.
Allegri keeps Milan focused on results
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, gestures during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Today’s game was complicated because we were coming off two defeats, and when you are six rounds from the end, the fear and pressure sets in that you might not reach your target,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“Trips to Verona are always complicated, regardless of the fact this team only picked up 18 points this season, as they have these rapid counter-attacks that threaten goals. We should’ve done better, but at this moment you have to knuckle down and get the points for our Champions League objective.”
Rafael Leao was hauled off the pitch as a substitute just past the hour mark, and although he did not repeat his tantrum, the Portugal international did seem irritated and asked assistant Aldo Dolcetti why he had been taken off.
Allegri also seemed furious with Santiago Gimenez in the final minutes and threatened to replace the substitute with Niclas Fullkrug, although he did not go through with that.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Paolo Sammarco, Interim Head Coach of Hellas Verona, interacts with Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We could’ve attacked the space better with our strikers, as Verona had been stretched out a bit. The best thing is that everyone participated when off the ball, everyone realised the importance of this victory.
“At this stage, the result goes beyond the consideration for quality football, that’s natural. We need to improve in certain situations, because we allowed an opportunity on the counter-attack when Bartesaghi ran forward and was out of position. This is his first real Serie A season, so he is still learning, but we must do better.”
Despite it being a poor result, it does still allow Milan to catch Napoli in second place, and create a buffer from Juventus in fourth ahead of next week’s showdown with Allegri’s former club.
“We haven’t locked down a Champions League spot yet, but we’re close.”
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Rafael Leao during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Leao was jeered by Milan fans last week for his performance against Udinese, so were there improvements this afternoon, despite the substitution?
“Leao had a good game, he provided an assist, but I needed a striker with different characteristics at that moment and I chose Gimenez. Everyone must feel they have a role to play in this season, including those who are currently on the bench.”
There were also concerns for Youssouf Fofana, who was substituted after pulling up clutching his leg, amid fears it was more than mere cramp.
Adrien Rabiot admits Milan didn’t play well when beating Verona, but the result keeps them on track for the top four. ‘I don’t know what Max Allegri will do next season, only he knows that.’
The Rossoneri scraped a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Bentegodi thanks to a goal from Rabiot, who won the ball back in midfield and surged forward to complete a give and go with Rafael Leao.
It proved just about enough, along with several Mike Maignan saves, a disallowed Matteo Gabbia goal, and late Nicolas Valentini goal-line clearance on Alexis Saelemaekers.
Rabiot Man of the Match for Milan
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Rafael Leao during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It was important at this stage of the season to win and get points to achieve our target,” Rabiot told DAZN Italia.
“We made too many mistakes, we could’ve done much better, and that ends up making us work much harder than we need to do, which increases fatigue.”
This result does allow Milan to catch Napoli in second place and create a buffer zone from the chasing pack for a top four finish, but they inevitably lost some focus and motivation after the Scudetto drifted out of sight.
“We’re football players, we know that this is the sport, so we have to be concentrated on achieving the primary target of Champions League qualification. Fatigue can set in, but even if we didn’t play well today, we had the right spirit that allowed us to get the result,” added Rabiot.
“Our mentality is not the issue, we need to improve how we play.”
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, gestures during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Much has been said this week about Allegri and the tension with Milan directors, but the players are adamant they want the coach to stay for another campaign.
“That is not a question, I don’t know what the coach will do, only he knows that, but he gave us so much during this season. We have to achieve our target for us, the fans, but also the coach and staff who work every day to put us in the right condition,” concluded Rabiot.
“I don’t know what will happen in future, but until we achieve our objective, we have to keep focused.”
Manchester City’s lead did not last long as Arsenal equalised through Kai Havertz seconds later after an awful mistake from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Rayan Cherki’s stunning opener was cancelled out immediately on the other end after the Italian goalkeeper made a mess out of a an other wise routine pass.
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Gianluigi Donnarumma howler gifts Kai Havertz a goal
The Manchester City goalkeeper receives the ball from a throw and he waits on the ball far too long as Kai Havertz closes.
Eventually his attempt to clear is deflected into the net as Havertz lunges in a boot to block the clearance.
The Gunners equalise just 30 seconds after the restart following City’s opener.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Arsenal just need to avoid defeat vs Man City to boost title hopes
With the score level at the break, the psychological advantage has arguably shifted toward North London.
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Entering this fixture, Arsenal sat six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, though Pep Guardiola’s side holds a crucial game in hand.
For Mikel Arteta’s men, the objective today is clear: avoid defeat. A draw preserves their six-point cushion and keeps their destiny firmly in their own hands as the season reaches its climax.
While a win would effectively put one hand on the trophy, preventing City from closing the gap is the absolute priority.
Mohamed Salah entered his name into the record books once more, leveling a historic landmark after scoring with an exquisite finish to give Liverpool the lead in the first half against Everton.
On a day filled with emotion at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Egyptian King ensured his final Merseyside derby would be remembered for more than just the three points.
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Mo Salah equals Steven Gerrard’s record
Salah began the afternoon just one goal shy of the legendary Steven Gerrard’s Premier League tally in this fixture.
The moment of history arrived in the 30th minute when Cody Gakpo pounced on a loose ball and delivered a perfectly weighted assist.
Salah, showcasing the clinical edge that has defined his tenure at Anfield, slotted home a trademark first-time finish to make it 1-0.
The goal was Salah’s ninth in the Merseyside derby, drawing him level with Gerrard as Liverpool’s joint-top scoring player in the Premier League era of this fixture.
While Everton would later equalise through Beto, Salah’s contribution laid the foundation for Virgil van Dijk’s 101st-minute winner, ensuring the Egyptian signed off with a victory in his final Merseyside derby.
Salah to leave Liverpool etched in the history book of records
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Since joining from AS Roma in 2017, the No. 11 has rewritten the standards for modern forwards, tallying 255 goals in over 430 appearances, breaking a ridiculous amount of records, both club and otherwise.
His departure will mark an end of a nine-year chapter that brought two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy to Anfield.
By matching Gerrard’s derby record in his final attempt, Salah further cements his status as one of the greatest to ever wear the red shirt.
As Liverpool continues their fight for a top-five finish, Salah remains the focal point of an era that has seen him shatter nearly every individual record in the club’s modern history.
Rayan Cherki has just scored a stunning individual goal to give Manchester City the lead against Arsenal.
In what is a massive game for both sides, with the result likely to determine who wins the Premier League title this season, it is Pep Guardiola’s side who has fired first.
It is just brilliant from the young Frenchman as a clearing header from Arsenal eventually falls to Cherki outside the box.
The midfielder picks up the ball and dances his way through the defence, skipping past Gabriel Magalhaes with ease, before firing the ball into the far corner.
Rayan Cherki has been a superb signing for Man City
Since arriving at the Etihad, Rayan Cherki has transformed from a prodigious talent into a genuine Premier League superstar, and this goal against Arsenal is the crowning moment of his debut campaign.
Signed to provide that extra bit of creative spark in tight spaces, the Frenchman has surpassed all expectations, becoming the go-to man in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup.
His ability to manipulate the ball in congested areas was on full display as he left one of the league’s best defenders, Gabriel Magalhaes, chasing shadows.
It isn’t just his technical flair that has stood out, but his composure in high-stakes matches.
For a young player to take control of a title-deciding fixture with such “dancing” footwork and a clinical finish proves that Manchester City have found a true heir to the creative throne.
Liverpool have secured a massive win against Everton courtesy of captain fantastic Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds, still battling to secure a top-five finish under Arne Slot, knew anything less than three points would dent their UEFA Champions League hopes.
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Virgil van Dijk scores stoppage time winner vs Everton
It looked like a routine evening early on when Mohamed Salah, playing his final Merseyside derby, fired Liverpool ahead with a trademark finish after clever work from Cody Gakpo.
But Everton hit back after the break, as Beto bundled home from Kevin De Bruyne Hall’s delivery, in a chaotic moment that also saw Giorgi Mamardashvili pick up an injury.
With tension building and points slipping away, Liverpool turned to their captain, and he delivered.
In the 11th minute of stoppage time, Van Dijk rose highest from a corner to head home the winner just like he scored the winner vs Everton on his debut in 2018.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
What this win means for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes
This victory is a monumental boost for Arne Slot’s side in what has been a turbulent season. Following Chelsea’s defeat yesterday, the pressure was on the Reds to capitalise, and they have done so in dramatic fashion.
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The three points allow Liverpool to maintain their grip on 5th place, extending the gap between them and the chasing pack to seven points.
In the clash between Al Nassr and Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Two, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo once again delivered for Al Nassr with a key goal. On Sunday, he scored the opener in the early minutes of the AFC Champions League Two quarterfinal clash against Al Wasl, giving his team the lead.
The Portuguese forward needed just 11 minutes to open the scoring. The play began with a through ball from Kingsley Coman down the right that set up Nawaf Boushal. The right-back reached the end line and sent a precise cutback that found CR7 unmarked inside the box.
With the composure that reflects his experience and quality, Cristiano Ronaldo finished with a smooth right-footed shot that left goalkeeper Mohamed Ali with no chance to react. With that goal, Al Nassr gained the confidence to push forward and take control of the match.
In the minutes that followed, they showed clear superiority over Al Wasl, who struggled to find a way to contain the pace and dynamism of Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane. With the attacking firepower of their stars, Al Nassr found openings to extend their lead and bring a sense of control to the tie.
In the 24th minute of the first half, Al Nassr scored their second goal from a corner kick taken by Joao Felix. The Portuguese forward delivered a precise ball that found the head of Inigo Martinez, who made no mistake inside the box to double the lead.
The same formula worked again for Jorge Jesus’ side to make it 3-0. Just two minutes after Martinez’s goal, Joao Felix delivered another cross that was this time met by Abdulelah Al Amri. The defender headed home with precision to extend the advantage to three goals, effectively sealing the tie and securing a place in the AFC Champions League Two semifinals.
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered as expected
After scoring the opening goal of the match—and missing a clear chance to add another early in the second half—Cristiano Ronaldo left the field in the 65th minute.
Head coach Jorge Jesus opted to bring on Abdullah Al Hamdan in his place for the final half hour, giving his star forward some rest with the result and qualification already well in hand.
Cristiano Ronaldo will now have three days to recover before his next challenge. The AFC Champions League Two semifinals are set for Wednesday, April 22, where a well-rested CR7 will be key.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring
Manchester City and Arsenal face off in a key Premier League clash, but Bukayo Saka is not part of the lineup.
Much of what happens in the Premier League over the coming weeks will hinge on Sunday’s match between Manchester City and Arsenal. These are the two teams battling for the title, so the result of this showdown could prove decisive in that race. Despite the importance of the match, Bukayo Saka is not in the lineup due to fitness concerns.
The English winger has been ruled out of the clash against Manchester City because of ongoing Achilles tendon issues that have bothered him for several weeks. In fact, Saka has missed Arsenal’s last four matches across all competitions due to this injury, as well as the FIFA March international break with the England national team.
Without one of their key stars, the team have looked weakened in recent matches. The Gunners have dropped points in the Premier League, where they once held a clear lead in the standings, and now Manchester City could close the gap significantly with a win at Etihad Stadium.
Heading into the match, Arsenal are top of the English league with 70 points, six more than the Citizens. However, Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand against Crystal Palace, meaning that gap could be reduced to just three points. That would allow Manchester City to potentially draw level with Arsenal if they secure a victory on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City.
Confirmed lineup for Manchester City
Unlike Arsenal, Manchester City come into this match in good form, having moved past their UEFA Champions League elimination and now focused on competing in both the Premier League and FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola has selected the following XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, Matheus Nunes; Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo; Erling Haaland.
Confirmed lineup for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta knows that much of Arsenal’s success this Premier League season will depend on what happens at Etihad Stadium. As a result, he is fielding the strongest possible lineup, without immediate concern for the upcoming Champions League semifinals.
Arsenal’s confirmed lineup is: David Raya; Piero Hincapie, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze; Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke.
Santos face Fluminense in Matchday 12 of the 2026 Brasileirao. Viewers in the United States can catch every moment, with complete kickoff details and broadcast listings provided for both television and streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Santos vs Fluminense on US television and via legal streaming:
Fresh off a much-needed victory against Atletico Mineiro, Santoshead into this matchup with renewed belief, now sitting just three points shy of climbing out of danger as the relegation fight tightens. With Neymar Jr. leading the charge, Santos understand the urgency—every result matters from here on out.
Awaiting them is a surging Fluminensesquad firmly planted in the title race, boasting 20 points and trailing Palmeiras by six, setting the stage for a clash where desperation meets championship ambition—don’t miss a minute of what promises to be a compelling showdown.
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The infamous #ConteOut hashtag on social media has reappeared on Saturday and Sunday as disgruntled Napoli fans have begun to call for the coach’s head after the disappointing 2-0 defeat against Lazio at the Stadio Maradona.
Napoli’s slim hopes of challenging Inter for the 2025-26 Serie A title took a major blow with their 2-0 defeat at home against Lazio, a game in which Conte’s side failed to register a shot on target. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that this might have been Napoli’s worst performance under the stewardship of the 2024-25 Scudetto winner.
The result leaves Napoli 12 points behind Inter with just five games of the season left to play, and though the Partenopei still look set to secure Champions League qualification, there have been some calls for Conte to leave the club as the result of various events over the last few weeks.
Napoli’s last two results have been underwhelming: A 1-1 draw against Parma preceded the Lazio loss, which ended a string of five consecutive victories.
Conte has regularly pointed to Napoli’s injury troubles at various stages of the 2025-26 campaign, but given that the club’s star players – Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka – have all been available for the last few weeks after a difficult season of injuries, this excuse is no longer valid.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli SSC looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
There is a sense that, despite the injury troubles, Napoli should have been slightly more competitive this season given the summer of heavy spending they had during the transfer window.
Some fans also feel that Conte has not adequately addressed the reports linking him with a return to the Italy national team set-up as a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, either, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the club during the final run-in.
Lobotka, Anguissa, Spinazzola e Politano CAMMINANO e in panchina continuano a marcire calciatori come #Gilmour (che non gioca mai e non si sa perché), Alisson Santos, Elmas, Gutierrez e chi più ne ha più ne metta.#CONTEOUT#NapoliLazio
Un solo aereo per Conte Manna Savic Beukema Buongiorno Politano Di Lorenzo Lang Lucca KdB e tutto lo Staff di Conte,tutti via da Napoli. Non se ne può più.#ConteOut#Napolihttps://t.co/BmcsEtzA3G
Biancocelesti DOMINANTI, l'allenatore da 10 milioni all'anno si ostina a inserire i fantomatici FAB4 relegando e mortificando il talento di #McTominay schierato fuori ruolo. SE NE DEVE ANDARE! #ConteOUT
Chi tiene davvero alla maglia azzurra e alla squadra del Napoli e, come me, ne ha seguito le sorti anche nei momenti più bui della sua storia, desidera che Antonio Conte vada via a fine stagione. Tutto il resto è falsità e visione non oggettiva degli eventi.#ConteOUT
The Adrien Rabiot goal proved just enough for Milan to scrape victory away to rock bottom Verona and go into second place, as Rafael Leao was again disappointing despite his assist.
The Rossoneri abandoned their 4-3-3 tactical experiment after back-to-back defeats to Napoli and Udinese, so returned to 3-5-2 with under-fire Rafael Leao upfront and Matteo Gabbia back two months after surgery on a sports hernia. Hellas were rock bottom, as Daniel Mosquera and Kieron Bowie joined Suat Serdar. on the treatment table, with Armel Bella-Kotchap and Sandi Lovric only fit for the bench.
Rafael Leao tried to run onto a Christian Pulisic flick over the top in the opening 90 seconds, but Lorenzo Montipò was quick off his line to smother.
Leao and Victor Nelsson accidentally fell on Daniel Oyegoke, leaving the Verona defender with a sprained ankle and forcing an early change.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is challenged by Lorenzo Montipo of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Adrian Rabiot was the most consistent attacking player for Milan in the first half, his angled drive testing Montipò after a Pulisic back-heel flick and Youssouf Fofana through ball.
Rabiot was decisive to open the scoring, as he won back possession in midfield and immediately ran forward to complete the give and go with Leao, sweeping first-time past the on-rushing Montipò.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Rafael Leao during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Verona nearly equalised with the last kick of the half, as Rafik Belghali sprung the offside trap to go clear on goal, but was denied by a great one-handed Mike Maignan save.
There was some racist abuse before the second half kicked off as Maignan made his way to the goal under the Hellas ultras end, and the protocol activated.
Belghali threatened again with a ferocious strike just wide from distance, but Fofana pulled up clutching the back of his thigh and was substituted along with Rafael Leao, who walked over and muttered something to Max Allegri while covering his mouth.
Another Belghali attempt was deflected wide, and Maignan scrambled across to get his palm to a Ioan Vermesan daisy-cutter, the same player curling just wide with the right foot moments later.
Gabbia had the ball in the net on his comeback with a header at the back post on the Alexis Saelemaekers cross, but it was disallowed for a Santiago Gimenez offside earlier in the move.
Gabbia was decisive at the other end with a desperate block to stop two Verona players bundling the low cross over the line from six yards, throwing himself in their path.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan is challenged by Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Verona pushed to the end, as Modric had to charge down an Orban strike at the near post, but Milan also had the opportunity to double their lead when Nicolas Valentini performed a goal-line clearance to deny the Saelemaekers rocket from the edge of the area.
Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal for Manchester City, but there is no Riccardo Calafiori in the Arsenal squad as the two sides prepare to do battle in a potential decider for the Premier League title on Sunday afternoon.
Donnarumma starts but no Calafiori in Man City vs. Arsenal
The Premier League title race could go down to the wire as just six points separates the leaders Arsenal and reigning champions Man City heading into the final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign. City have played one game fewer than their title rivals ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
Italy international Donnarumma starts in goal for Manchester City in what is his 29th consecutive Premier League appearance. The Azzurri captain has played every league fixture and all but one of the Champions League fixtures he has been available for since joining city from PSG over the summer.
There is no Calafiori in the Arsenal squad, however. Head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the former Roma and Bologna defender was touch and go for the Man City game, but the Gunners have decided to go with Piero Hincapie at left-back and have decided to leave Calafiori out altogether.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Arteta had an opportunity to observe Calafiori along with Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard, who had all been doubts, during Saturday’s training session. Odegaard is the only one of those three to have been called up and goes straight into the starting line-up.
Reports in Italy claim that Atletico Madrid will seek to negotiate a discount with Juventus for winger Nico Gonzalez, despite the fact that the two sides have already agreed upon the terms of a conditional obligation to buy.
Where Juventus and Atletico Madrid stand with Nico Gonzalez
Nico Gonzalez is on loan at Atletico Madrid with a conditional obligation to buy from Juventus. The Argentine moved to Madrid for a loan fee of €1m, with potential bonuses of up to another million, and a potential obligation to buy fee that is set at €32m.
As things stand, Nico Gonzalez has made 22 appearances in LaLiga, providing three goals in the process, but has only played for 45 minutes or more in 15 of those matches.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 04: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is challenged by Nicolas Gonzalez of Atletico de Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Given that Atleti only have seven league matches of the 2025-26 season left to play, and given that Nico Gonzalez has only played for 45 minutes or more twice in the last seven league matches, there is a chance that the obligation to buy clause is not triggered.
According to recent reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Atletico are still satisfied with the performances that Nico Gonzalez has put in this season and are still keen to bring him on board for 2026-27, but are keen to avoid having to pay the €32m fee they agreed with Juventus last summer.
Assuming that the obligation to buy clause is not triggered, Atletico will look to negotiate a discounted fee with Juventus ahead of a potentially permanent deal for Nico Gonzalez in the coming summer transfer window.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 4/7 Bookmaker: Luckster With their La Liga title dreams hanging by a thread, Real Madrid will welcome Alaves to the Spanish capital on Tuesday night. Real Madrid Starting with the hosts, at the heart of what has become a public rut, Real Madrid have rightfully […]
Verdict: Brighton draw no bet Best Odds: 19/20 Bookmaker: Dachbet At the heart of what has become a public nightmare, Chelsea will travel to the Amex on Tuesday night when they meet Brighton. Brighton Starting with the hosts, snatching a dramatic last-gasp equaliser away at Tottenham on Saturday evening, Brighton should find the mood in […]
Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid must heal from their Copa del Rey final heartache before they can think about their Champions League semi-final showdown with Arsenal. Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez were denied by Unai Marrero in a penalty shoot-out as Atleti, who had twice fought back in regulation time to draw 2-2, fell short […]
Sporting CP receive Benfica in a Matchday 25 showdown during the 2025/2026 Primeira Liga campaign. Here’s everything you need to know, including match details, kickoff times, and where to watch on TV or via streaming services.
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All eyes will be on Lisbon this weekend asSporting CP host Benfica in a high-stakes derby that could reshape the Primeira Liga title race. Sporting remains firmly in the hunt, sitting five points behind leaders Porto with a game in hand, meaning a victory here is essential to keep the pressure on down the stretch.
Meanwhile, Benficaenter with 69 points and only a faint shot at the championship, but securing second place—and with it a coveted Champions League qualifying berth—has become the club’s top priority. With both sides chasing crucial objectives and city pride on the line, this derby promises intensity from start to finish.
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Sunday’s reports claim that Gian Piero Gasperini is disappointed by the lack of public support from Roma owner Dan Friedkin following last week’s back-and-forth with senior advisor Claudio Ranieri.
Gasperini and Ranieri have come to blows in a series of interviews and press conferences and reports earlier this week claimed that the two were effectively ignoring each other at the club’s training ground as a result.
Ranieri claimed in an interview that Ranieri was not among the club’s top three candidates to come in as head coach at the end of last season, while Gasperini has often been critical of the players that have been brought in and of the club’s medical staff as well.
This situation has left fans divided, picking sides and there have been suggestions that it is fairly inconceivable to see both Gasperini and Ranieri working together at the club next season.
New Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini with Claudio Ranieri and Florent Ghisolfi
Gasperini unhappy with lack of Friedkin support at Roma
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gasperini has been left disappointed by the lack of public support from the club’s ownership in the midst of this war of words with Ranieri.
The Friedkins have flown into Rome on several occasions previously when there has been tension between the head coach and the club’s senior management, i.e with Jose Mourinho and Tiago Pinto, and with Daniele De Rossi and Lina Souloukou, but this time around, the Americans are not expected to visit the Italian capital until the end of the season.
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 02: CEO of The Friedkin Group, Dan Freidkin interacts with his son, Ryan Freidkin, Co-Founder of Imperative Entertainment during a practice round prior to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 at the Old Course at St Andrews on October 02, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Gasperini feels there has been a ‘lack of protection’ and that the ‘risk’ of the head coach walking away from his position at the end of the season isi ‘growing more and more’.
Milan director Igli Tare insists Max Allegri ‘has a very long contract and we are working with him to plan for the future,’ but Champions League qualification is essential.
So much has been said in recent weeks about the future of Allegri, who has been heavily linked with the vacant Italy job, and is also reportedly not entirely pleased with the club structure.
Tare and Milan trust Allegri to stay
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Igli Tare of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“I think it is futile talking about this now, we need to focus all our energy on achieving our objective, which is Champions League qualification. That would mean so much for the future and strategy of this club,” insisted Tare on DAZN Italia.
“There is nothing to say about Allegri, he has done a very good job this season, he has a very long contract with this club, as he said yesterday he likes to plan long-term, so we are working with him to plan for the future.”
It has also been suggested that Tare’s own future might depend on whether or not Allegri stays at Milan next term.
“I honestly don’t think about this situation, as it is part of football. When results are lacking, everything is up for debate, we are aware of that. The most important thing for us is to achieve our targets, then once that has happened, we can all sit down with Furlani, Ibrahimovic and the others to plan for next season.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There is a strange situation in these closing weeks of the campaign, as the Rossoneri are coming off painful back-to-back defeats to Napoli and Udinese.
However, Napoli’s loss to Lazio yesterday means a win here would send them back into second place, with the focus now on consolidating Champions League qualification.
“There are six finals for us and the next is always the most important, so we have the maximum respect for Verona, a team with nothing to lose. It means we must put in a good performance from the very start and set us on track for a good end to the season,” concluded Tare.
The 4-3-3 tactical experiment is abandoned after the dismal 3-0 loss to Udinese, so they return to 3-5-2 with Matteo Gabbia back in action two months after surgery on a sports hernia.
There is one other issue they need to worry about, because with Juventus coming up next week, Luka Modric, Rafael Leao, Youssouf Fofana, Zachary Athekame and Alexis Saelemaekers are all one yellow card away from suspension.
La Cremo came into today’s game needing a result, sitting in 17th place but level on points with Lecce in the relegation zone. They made just one change to their starting line-up with Antonio Sanabria returning to the XI in place of David Okereke, while visitors Torino went with an unchanged team after recording back-to-back victories over the last two weeks.
It wasn’t a spectacular showing from either side in the opening 45 minutes: The two sides registered a combined two shots in the opening 45 minutes, neither of which were on target.
The first was a blocked attempt by Alberto Grassi following a Cremonese corner and the second was a wildly flashed shot from Federico Bonazzoli off his left foot from the corner of the penalty area 41 minutes in.
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Federico Bonazzoli of US Cremonese reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Torino FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 19, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Bonazzoli came much closer with the game’s first shot on target 57 minutes in, bending an effort off his left again, which was heading for the top corner this time. Alberto Paleari was at full stretch to tip it behind for a corner.
Federico Baschirotto thought he had opened the scoring two thirds of the way through proceedings after a scramble in the area following an Alessio Zerbin delivery, but the goal was later ruled out after a VAR check. The officials deemed that Baschirotto had committed a foul on goalkeeper Paleari while lunging in with his attempt to get the ball over the line.
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Federico Baschirotto of US Cremonese reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Torino FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 19, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
David Okereke provided a great ball across the face of goal after a bursting run down the right flank, but Marcus Holmgren Pedersen got a crucial interception in just before it arrived at the feet of Sanabria.
Despite their best efforts, Cremonese and Torino ended Sunday’s meeting goalless. Cremoense remain without a win at home in Serie A since early December and are now just one point above the relegation zone with 18th-placed Lecce due to play on Monday night, now aware that an overtake is on. Torino stay put in 12th place and will remain there for the week regardless of the other results on Sunday and Monday.
Manchester City and Arsenal are scheduled for a Matchday 33 clash in the 2025/2026 Premier League season. Here’s everything you need to know, including kickoff times and viewing options on TV and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Manchester City vs Arsenal on US television and via legal streaming:
Momentum and pressure collide in a high-stakes Premier League showdown as Arsenaldefend their place at the top of the table against Manchester City. The league leaders are coming off a stunning defeat to Bournemouth, a result that has tightened the race and left little margin for error if they want to stay in control.
Meanwhile, Cityare building serious momentum after a dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea, putting themselves in position to climb within a single point of first place while still holding a game in hand—raising the stakes even higher for this pivotal matchup that could reshape the title picture.
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Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City (L) and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri are coming off back-to-back defeats against Napoli and Udinese, yet Napoli’s defeat to Lazio yesterday means a victory would let them leapfrog back into second place.
The real worry is consolidating a Champions League qualifying spot, especially as next week they face Juventus, so Max Allegri abandons the tactical experiment of a 4-3-3 and returns to his tried and tested 3-5-2 formation.
That means Leao partnering Pulisic again, despite their obvious difficulties working together, with Zachary Athekame and Davide Bartesaghi as wing-backs.
Matteo Gabbia returns two months after surgery on a sports hernia, and goes straight into the starting XI for his comeback, as Koni De Winter drops to the bench.
There is one other issue they need to worry about, because with Juventus coming up next week, Luka Modric, Rafael Leao, Youssouf Fofana, Athekame and Alexis Saelemaekers are all one yellow card away from suspension.
Verona are rock bottom of the Serie A table alongside Pisa and just waiting for the mathematical certainty of their relegation, but will want to give home fans something to cheer this season.
They famously cost Milan two editions of the Scudetto with shock victories at the Bentegodi (5-3 in 1973 and 2-1 in 1990), making the phrase ‘Fatal Verona’ a legendary one in Rossoneri circles.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Kieron Bowie of Hellas Verona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Hellas Verona FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Hellas have lost their last 10 meetings with the Diavolo, and go into this game without Suat Serdar, but both Kieron Bowie and Daniel Mosquera are late additions to the absentee list.
Domagoj Bradaric therefore steps in to partner Gift Orban upfront, while Armel Bella-Kotchap and Sandi Lovric have recovered for a spot on the bench.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Gift Orban of Hellas Verona celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Inter have a 12-point lead at the top of the Serie A table heading into the final five matches of the 2025-26 season after their 3-0 victory over Cagliari and second-placed Napoli’s 2-0 defeat at home against Lazio on Sunday.
This means that there is a chance that Cristian Chivu’s side mathematically secure the title in their next Serie A fixture against Torino. The Nerazzurri will still have several chances to mathematically secure the Serie A trophy before the final round of the 2025-26 season even if they fail to win next weekend.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nicolo Barella (obscured) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If Inter secure the Serie A title within the next three matches, which is highly likely given their +12 advantage and a reasonable run of fixtures against Torino and Parma coming up in the next two weeks, they will receive the Serie A trophy on the pitch in their final home match of the 2025-26 season, which falls against Hellas Verona on May 17.
The time of Inter’s match against Verona on May 17 is yet to be officially confirmed.
Reports in Italy claim that Romelu Lukaku is finally set to return to Napoli after a rift with the club that saw him fined after failing to report for training in March.
According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Lukaku is expected to return to Napoli training on Monday ahead of the final five matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season. The Belgian reportedly communicated the decision to the club via his agent.
The Belgium international has only been fit enough for 64 minutes of action across seven substitute appearances in all competitions this season after suffering a major hamstring injury in a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos just before the Serie A campaign got underway.
This injury and subsequent fitness issues kept Lukaku out of action until January, but he has only gone on to play for 40 minutes in Serie A since then.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
As a result, Lukaku did not join up with the Belgium national team for the March international break and due to a hip flexor issue. He had been due to report to Napoli’s training ground during the international break, but despite the club’s wishes, the striker instead decided to stay in Belgium to continue his recovery. Napoli decided to fine the 32-year-old for his leave of unauthorised absence.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Lukaku and head coach Antonio Conte have not seen each other face-to-face since Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Cagliari on March 20, but this will soon change as Lukaku prepares to return to training with the rest of his teammates on Monday.
Colombia attacker Samuel Martinez has attracted the attention of Liverpool and Chelsea.
The talented young attacker will be in action for Colombia in the Sudamericano U17 semi-finals against Brazil, and the two Premier League clubs will send scouts to watch him.
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Samuel Martinez is highly talented
According to a report from GMS, the 17-year-old attacking midfielder can operate centrally as well as on the flanks. He has impressed in the under-17 tournament so far, and the two Premier League clubs are monitoring his progress. It remains to be seen whether they decide to make a move for him in the summer.
The 17-year-old could develop into a quality player with the right guidance and be a long-term asset to both clubs. The opportunity to join Liverpool or Chelsea could be exciting for the player. It would be a major step up in his career. Even though he might not be a regular starter in the Premier League, the lights of Liverpool or Chelsea could groom him into an important first-team player in future.
Clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Benfica are also closely watching the player. Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Europe.
Liverpool and Chelsea certainly have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and it remains to be seen whether they will come forward with an official proposal in the summer.
They have an outstanding track record in grooming young players. They could help fulfil his potential in the future. He has the technical attributes to compete at a high-level, and he will look to establish himself as a key player in the Premier League with coaching and guidance.
Chelsea suffered a fourth straight Premier League defeat as Manchester United boosted their chances of a top-five finish with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Matheus Cunha, from another Bruno Fernandes assist – his 18th in the league this season – struck late in the first half on Saturday, and that goal proved decisive. A […]
Mikel Arteta, whose team currently tops the Premier League rankings, used to work as an assistant to Pep Guardiola, whose team are pushing Arsenal in the title race, and they are about to face each other at the Etihad today (Sunday). Naturally, the relationship between the two coaches cannot be the same as it was […]
Liam Rosenior bullishly replied “of course” when asked if Chelsea can still finish in the Champions League qualification places. Chelsea went down 1-0 at home to Manchester United on Saturday, marking their fourth straight Premier League loss. The Blues have not scored in any of those games, meaning they have lost four consecutive league matches […]
Reports in Italy claim that Pierre Kalulu will be the next player whose contract Juventus seek to extend following the recent renewals of captain Manuel Locatelli, star attacker Kenan Yildiz, versatile midfielder Weston McKennie and head coach Luciano Spalletti.
According to Tuttosport, Kalulu is likely to be the next players to receive a contract extension from Juventus.
The Frenchman has played more minutes than any other Juventus player this season with 3,841 across 43 appearances in all competitions. This is almost 400 minutes more than the second-most featured Juventus player, Lloyd Kelly on 3,426 minutes.
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Pierre Kalulu celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match against Pisa SC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kalulu already has a contract that runs until the summer of 2029, so there is no real rush for the Bianconeri to get a deal done, but Sunday’s reports claim that there is ‘great desire’ on the club’s part to hand Kalulu a new contract.
This contract is likely to come with an extension of one or two years, until the summer of 2030 or 2031, and will also come with an increase in wages.
Kalulu reportedly earns around €2.5m per season on his current deal with the Bianconeri, and Tuttosport claims that a new contract could see him earn similar figures to Locatelli, who reportedly receives around €4m per season on his new contract.
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Pierre Kalulu celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
More pressing for Juventus, however, is the currently injured Dusan Vlahovic, who is the highest earner in Serie A but has a contract that will expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. CEO Damien Comolli has recently confirmed that there is unlikely to be any news on that front until the end of the season.
Cremonese and Torino have made just one personnel change between them as the two sides prepare to do battle at the Stadio Zini in Serie A’s early Sunday kick-off.
Hosts Cremonese currency find themselves in 17th place in the Serie A table, but are level on points with Lecce in the relegation zone. They were beaten 1-0 by Cagliari last time out in Serie A and have not won since their 2-0 victory over Parma in March.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari (not seen) scored his goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Torino have won back-to-back matches under Roberto D’Aversa, most recently claiming a 2-1 victory at home against Hellas Verona, which has them up to 12th in the league standings after 32 matches.
Cremonese have made just one alteration to their starting line-up for Sunday’s clash against Torino, with Antonio Sanabria returning to the XI to replace David Okereke at centre-forward. Jamie Vardy remains out with muscular fatigue.
Torino, meanwhile, are completely unchanged after their victory last weekend, with Che Adams, Giovanni Simeone and Nikola Vlasic leading the attack, supported by a midfield of Cesare Casadei and Gvidas Gineitis.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Giovanni Simeone celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 11, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Inter now have a 12-point lead at the top of the Serie A table heading into the final five rounds of 2025-26 Serie A fixtures, which means that Cristian Chivu’s side could mathematically confirm the league title next weekend.
Cristian Chivu is on course to win the Scudetto in his first full season as a head coach. The Nerazzurri have amassed 78 points after 33 rounds of Serie A fixtures, 12 more than Napoli and 15 more than Milan, who have played one game fewer.
What needs to happen for Inter to win the Serie A title next week?
Inter Milan’s Argentine forward #10 Lautaro Martinez lifts the trophy with teammates during a ceremony for the Italian Champions following the Italian Serie A football match against Lazio in Milan, on May 19, 2024. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Inter have a chance of claiming the Serie A title in their next league fixture, away against Torino on Sunday evening, however, this scenario depends on results elsewhere going their way.
In order for Inter to win the Serie A title next week, they will need to beat Torino, which they are widely expected to do, but will also require Napoli dropping points at home against Cremonese on Friday night and for third-placed Milan to drop points against either Verona or Juventus in their next two matches.
Inter could also draw against Torino and still win the Serie A title next weekend, but that requires Napoli to lose at home against Cremonese and for Milan to not pick up any more than three points in their next two matches against Verona and Juventus.
Manchester United are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old Japanese International has done quite well in the Premier League, but he has not been a regular starter for Leeds United this season. He could be open to leaving the club in order to play regularly next season, and Tanaka would prefer to stay in the Premier League, according to TEAMtalk.
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Ao Tanaka did well against Man United
The midfielder impressed with a tenacious display against Manchester United recently, when Leeds United beat them at Old Trafford, and Michael Carrick was impressed. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United come forward with an official offer to sign him in the summer.
The 27-year-old could be a very useful player for the Red Devils. They need a quality defensive midfielder, especially following Casemiro’s departure. They will also need to replace Manuel Ugarte in the summer. The Uruguayan International has not been able to live up to expectations.
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Even if Manchester United decide to invest in a quality defensive midfielder in the summer, a move for Tanaka would be ideal. He will add depth and quality in the middle of the park. The opportunity to play for Manchester United will be hard to turn down for him. It would be a major step up for him at this stage of his career.
Newcastle United and Everton are interested in the Leeds United star as well, and it remains to be seen where he ends up. Leads will hope to recall as much as possible from his departure, and they will hope for a bidding war in the summer.
Arsenal are interested in signing the Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has been excellent for the Italian outfit, and he has proven himself to be one of the finest left-backs in Europe right now. According to a report from TuttoJuve, Arsenal are hoping to secure his signature in the summer, and the move is in the preliminary stages.
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Can Arsenal sign Andrea Cambiaso?
The player will cost around €60 million, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal is prepared to make an offer to him. They need more quality and depth on the flanks. Signing a quality left-back could be a wise decision. He will not only help them improve defensively but also contribute going forward. Cambiaso can operate as a left-back or a wing-back. He can help at both ends of the pitch.
Arsenal have a formidable team, and they are looking to win major trophies every season. The Italian defender could be tempted to join them. Juventus have not been at their best in recent years and have not been able to compete for major trophies. The move to Arsenal could be a step up for the player.
They have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line as well.
According to Teamtalk, Aston Villa are prepared to step up their interest in Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, with the 25-year-old midfielder ready to leave his boyhood club in search of regular game time. Though he has been a highly useful member of Arne Slot’s squad, being extremely versatile, Jones can hardly hope to start important matches […]
Luciano Spalletti has a big call to make regarding the selection of Kenan Yildiz for Juventus’s upcoming Serie A clash against eighth-placed Bologna on Sunday evening.
Yildiz returned to training with the Bianconeri group on Saturday, but missed the vast majority of the week’s training due to recurring pain and inflammation in his knee. Spalletti is hoping that the Turkish talent will be available, but it remains to be seen whether he or Jeremie Boga will start on Juventus’s left wing against Bologna.
Juventus are also without Dusan Vlahovic in attack as they prepare for the crucial final six league matches of the 2025-26 season.
Spalletti’s side are currently in fourth place and have an opportunity to move five points clear of the fifth-placed Como and sixth-placed Roma with a victory against Bologna on Sunday.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Bologna, meanwhile, are looking to get back to winning ways after being eliminated by Aston Villa in the quarter-final of the Europa League on Thursday night. Vincenzo Italiano’s side have, however, won their last two Serie A matches leading into the Juventus clash.
Pre-match reports indicate that it will be Federico Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe supporting Santiago Castro from the wings, rather than Riccardo Orsolini and Nicolo Cambiaghi.
Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.
Juventus vs. Bologna: Probable line-ups
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Players applaud fans following the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lois Openda is challenged by Emil Holm of Bologna during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and through DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to revert to a more familiar 3-5-2 shape when Milan take on Hellas Verona away from home in Serie A on Sunday evening.
That result has left Milan in third place in the Serie A table, and ahead of kick-off against Verona, they are currently three points shy of Napoli in second and 15 shy of rivals Inter at the summit, having played one game fewer than both.
Hosts Verona, meanwhile, are stuck in the relegation zone in 19th place on 18 points after 32 matches and require a miracle if they are to avoid relegation to Serie B at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Verona have Tomas Suslov back from suspension, but he might have to restart from the substitutes bench. Armel Bella-Kotchap is also available again after missing the last five matches with a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to be thrown straight back into the starting XI.
Pre-match reports indicate that Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will both keep their places in the Milan attack and that Alexis Saelemaekers is likely to start from the bench. Zachary Athekame is expected to start for the Rossoneri at right wing-back.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Matteo Gabbia is also in line to return to the starting line-up, likely alongside Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic in Allegri’s back three.
Kick-off is due at 14.00 BST.
Verona vs. Milan: Probable line-ups
APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in San Siro, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
APRIL 11: Rafael Leao is put under pressure by Thomas Thiesson Kristensen of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between against Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in San Siro, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK through DAZN and will also be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer through BBC Alba’s coverage. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
The Nerazzurri stay at +12, now need four points from their next five matches. Conte slips against Lazio and departs the throne: ‘That’s that done, it’s better to stay quiet now’
Milan and Juve, Champions League time
Big opportunities in Verona and against Bologna
The Devil Allegri: ‘It’s not in my DNA to change often’. Spalletti sets the tone: Boga and Conceicao ready, Yildiz doubt
Gasp draws then Ranieri stings
Atalanta comeback
‘Don’t put me on the same level as him’. And fourth place slips away
Corriere dello Sport
All for Lucio
Juve see the ChampionsLeague, Objective +5
Roma stopped: 1-1 against Atalanta, Spalletti takes on Bologna at 19.45
He could tie up fourth place and lengthen the gap upon Gasp and Fabrega. Conceicao, David and Boga looking for the fifth victory in the last six games. Yildiz starts from the bench. Italiano trap: He’s won eight games away from home
Inter, Scudetto in Turin
Napoli sink | Lazio clear out the Maradona (0-2): Chivu could become champion on Sunday
Goals from Cancellieri and Basic bring the Nerazzurri closer to their 21st title. Milan in Verona (14.00) to draw level with Conte
Tuttosport
‘Juve, even more!’
Against Bologna to draw closer to the Champions League: Spalletti raises the pressure
Despite the win against Atalanta and the missteps from Como and Roma that have consolidated fourth place, the coach calls for a raise of the defence and of levels: ‘This isn’t enough for me, I want more intensity’. Yildiz is improving: He’s available. Defenders: Baidoo from Lens emerges. After Locatelli, Kalulu’s contract is being negotiated.
Inter, Scudetto already on Sunday?
Napoli crumble against Lazio: 0-2
Cancellieri and Basic violate the Maradona. Four points away from mathematically winning it, but Chivu (+12) already has the possibility of celebrating against Torino
‘Toro, winning is the bare minimum’
In Cremona at 11.30: D’Aversa pushes
The coach demands heads held high for the season finale: ‘A draw? I wouldn’t be happy’. Simeone still talking about River Plate. Cairo, loans and doubts
Krstovic also score for Lucio
Atalanta hold Roma
Hermoso equalises in the final minute of the first half, but the Giallorossi can’t get any further: The Champions League spots could move five points away this evening
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Karl Darlow from Leeds United at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper has been an important player for Leeds in recent months, and he has started 17 matches in the Premier League for them. After the inconsistent performances from Lucas Perri, Darlow was given an opportunity to impress with the first team. The experienced goalkeeper has done quite well for them, and he will be out of contract in the summer.
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Spurs plot bargain move for Karl Darlow
Tottenham are hoping to secure his signature on a free transfer, according to The Telegraph. He could be a useful player for the North London club, but they need to bring in a starting-level goalkeeper as well. Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with a move away from Tottenham, and they need to replace him properly. The Italian has been inconsistent since joining the club, and the club needs an upgrade.
They have been linked to players such as James Trafford and Bart Verbruggen in recent months. It remains to be seen who they end up signing eventually. Meanwhile, the Leeds United goalkeeper is likely to be attracted to the idea of joining the London club. It would be a step up in his career.
He is a free agent in the summer, and Leeds United will not be able to stop him from leaving the club. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can wrap up an agreement with the player in the coming weeks. Darlow was linked with an exit from Leeds United in January as well.
Manchester United and Chelsea are the front-runners to secure the services of the Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki.
The DR Congo International has not yet decided his future, and he will make a decision based on the sporting projects presented to him.
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Man United lead Noah Sadiki race
According to a report from Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United have an advantage in the race to sign the player because they are very likely to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season.
On the other hand, Chelsea are still fighting for a place in the top five. They were beaten by Manchester United in the Premier League last night, and it remains to be seen whether they can secure Champions League qualification by winning the remaining matches of the season.
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The opportunity to play for the Red Devils will be exciting for the player. It would be a major platform for him, and he would get to showcase his qualities at a higher level.
It remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old midfielder decides in the summer. Both clubs are among the biggest in the world, and they are likely to be attractive destinations for him. Sadiki should look to join a club that offers regular opportunities to compete at a high level and fight for trophies.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.
According to reports from Spain, Liverpool would not be against selling the Netherlands international for €170 million. It seems highly unlikely that any club would be willing to pay that kind of money for the Netherlands international. There is no doubt that he is a quality player, but the asking price is absurd.
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Liverpool must keep Ryan Gravenberch
Gravenberch has been an important player for Liverpool since joining the club from Bayern Munich, and they should look to keep him at the club for as long as possible. They need more quality in the middle of the park, and signing a quality defensive midfielder should be a priority for Liverpool in the summer. It would allow the Netherlands International to operate in his natural role as the central midfielder. He has been used in a defensive role, and that has had a limited impact on the game.
The fact that Liverpool have set an exorbitant asking price for the player suggests that they are looking to fend off interest in him. He has been linked with clubs like Barcelona in recent months.
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This has been a disappointing season for Liverpool, and they cannot afford to weaken the team in the summer. They should look to plug the gaps in the squad and bounce back strongly next season. Gravenberch is certainly one of the first names on the team sheet for them, and losing him is simply not an option for the club.
Aston Villa are interested in signing the Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch at the end of the season.
According to a report from Spain, Aston Villa have submitted a €25 million offer for the 18-year-old playmaker, and it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid is prepared to sanction his departure.
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Thiago Pitarch should seek a move
Los Blancos might not be able to offer him regular opportunities right now, and moving to the Premier League could be more exciting for the youngster. He needs to play more often in order to continue his development. Pitarch has played 291 minutes in La Liga this season.
Aston Villa have an ambitious project and a top-quality manager like Unai Emery, who can play a key role in his development. The youngster will have plenty of opportunities to play for elite clubs in future if he manages to fulfil his potential.
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The West Midlands club is looking to build a formidable project for the future and is prepared to invest in talented young players. They believe the Real Madrid youngster has the potential to become a key player for the club. They have been closely monitoring his progress and have received very positive reports.
They need more creativity, technical ability, and composure in the middle of the park. Pitarch is blessed with impressive vision, passing ability and practical intelligence. He could prove to be a bargain at €25 million. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Real Madrid might not be keen on losing a top prospect like him. Even if they sanction his departure, they could seek to control his future by including a buy-back clause, as they have in the past with Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon.
Chelsea’s chances of finishing inside the top five in the Premier League this season – and consequently qualifying for the Champions League – took a big hit on Saturday when they lost at home against Manchester United, one of the rivals in that race. Chelsea had 60% possession and took a total of 20 shots […]
According to Teamtalk, Aston Villa are prepared to step up their interest in Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, with the 25-year-old midfielder ready to leave his boyhood club in search of regular game time. Though he has been a highly useful member of Arne Slot’s squad, being extremely versatile, Jones can hardly hope to start important matches […]
Liverpool are interested in signing the Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra at the end of the season.
The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Cagliari, and he has impressed with regular opportunities at the Italian club. Liverpool will face competition from Barcelona for his signature.
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Liverpool lead Marco Palestra race
According to reports from Spain, Liverpool have an upper hand in the race because of their financial resources. Furthermore, Liverpool will be able to offer him an important role in the team.
It is no secret that Liverpool need to invest in a quality right back at the end of the season. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have struggled with persistent injury problems. Liverpool needs more depth in that area of the pitch, and the 21-year-old would be a solid long-term acquisition.
The 21-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and the Italian outfit will not want to lose him easily. They could demand a premium for his signature. Barcelona are facing financial difficulties and is unlikely to be able to pay over the odds. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can afford him.
The opportunity to join clubs like Liverpool or Barcelona will be quite exciting for the young defender. It would be a huge step in his career, and he will look to test himself at the highest level. It remains to be seen where he ends up.
Lucas Bergvall is being linked with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old Swedish midfielder is highly sought after across Europe, and he is on the radar of multiple clubs. In 2024, he rejected Barcelona and chose the Premier League, and since then, his rapid development has placed him at the centre of Tottenham’s future plans while also attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs. This season, with numerous appearances, he has proven himself as one of the team’s indispensable players.
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Spurs do not want to lose Lucas Bergvall
Tottenham’s management currently considers him “unsellable,” viewing Bergvall as the core of their midfield for the next five years. The club’s financial structure is strong, supported by new sponsorship deals and a cleaned-up wage budget, meaning they are not forced into a high-profile sale. However, the team’s instability in the league and proximity to the relegation zone have fueled speculation about his future. Should a dramatic scenario unfold, the possibility of his departure could increase.
Bergvall’s market value has risen sharply. Analysts expect that if Tottenham were to negotiate, talks would start around £50 million. His long-term contract, running until 2031, gives the club significant leverage in any discussions.
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Several clubs are monitoring the situation. Aston Villa and Chelsea tested the waters in the winter, and more serious approaches are expected in the summer. Sources have informed CaughtOffside that Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested, with “creative offers” possible. Barcelona’s interest has not completely faded, and if financial fair play restrictions are overcome, they could return to the race.
Fans and media alike see Bergvall as the “New Eriksen”. Tottenham supporters overwhelmingly believe he must be kept at all costs, while English media describe him as one of the Premier League’s most refined technical talents, perfectly adapted to the league’s physical demands.
In conclusion, Lucas Bergvall is set to be one of the main protagonists of the summer transfer window. Tottenham’s strong contractual position and commitment to the player mean the club holds full control. The Swedish talent could remain as North London’s new leader or write a fresh chapter in another European capital.
Pep Guardiola feels like a part of him is leaving Manchester City as the club prepares for the departure of captain Bernardo Silva. It was announced this week that Silva, who joined Man City from Monaco in 2017, will be leaving at the end of the season. The Portugal international has won 15 major trophies […]
Manchester United are in a hurry to secure their return to the Champions League, so says Bruno Fernandes. A depleted United team, shorn of four senior centre-backs, beat out-of-form Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Fernandes starred, providing the assist for Matheus Cunha’s strike late in the first half. The United captain has now […]
Chelsea suffered a fourth straight Premier League defeat as Manchester United boosted their chances of a top-five finish with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Matheus Cunha, from another Bruno Fernandes assist – his 18th in the league this season – struck late in the first half on Saturday, and that goal proved decisive. A […]
The tension at the top of Saudi soccer is beginning to feel personal. With Cristiano Ronaldo driving one charge and Karim Benzema leading the response, even voices from inside the latter’s dressing room, like Pablo Mari, are adding new layers to a title race that refuses to settle.
The tension at the top of Saudi soccer is beginning to feel personal. With Cristiano Ronaldo driving one charge and Karim Benzema leading the response, even voices from inside the latter’s dressing room, like Pablo Mari, are adding new layers to a title race that refuses to settle.
For both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the stakes stretch beyond silverware, with pride and legacy now tightly intertwined. The conversation around the title has intensified in recent days, with a particular admission surfacing from within Benzema’s camp.
Al-Nassr currently sits at the summit with 76 points from 29 matches, holding what appears to be a commanding advantage. Its record of 25 wins, one draw, and just three defeats highlights a campaign built on consistency and attacking firepower.
Ronaldo remains central to that success, contributing heavily with goals and leadership even deep into his career. The team’s 79 goals scored underline a ruthless edge, one that has often turned tight contests into decisive victories.
Saudi Pro League standings after Matchday 29
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal continues to apply pressure in a very different way. The Blue Waves remain unbeaten after 28 matches, with 20 wins and eight draws, showcasing resilience rather than dominance.
What did Pablo Mari say?
On paper, the gap between the two sides stands at eight points, but the reality is more nuanced. Al-Hilal has a game in hand, meaning the difference could shrink to just five points, keeping the title race alive heading into the final stretch.
It is in this context that Pablo Mari’s comments begin to resonate more deeply. The Al-Hilal defender offered a candid perspective on both the rivalry and the figure at its center. “We will fight to win the league,”he stated in a recent interview shared on social media; a clear message that Al-Hilal has not conceded anything yet.
Pablo Mari of team Al-Hilal FC
His words reflect a squad still convinced that the gap can be closed. But perhaps more striking was his admiration for the opponent. “I would love to play with Cristiano Ronaldo,”he admitted, highlighting the respect the forward commands even from direct rivals.
Respect for elite players often crosses rivalry lines, and the Spaniard’s words reflected that reality. In a season filled with tension, it was a reminder of Ronaldo’s standing across world soccer.
Pressure builds as the finish line nears
As the season moves into its decisive phase, both sides understand the margins are shrinking. Al-Nassr needs to maintain its relentless pace, knowing a single slip could reopen the race.
For Al-Hilal, the equation is equally clear. Turning draws into victories is essential, especially with the opportunity to reduce the gap still within reach. The psychological aspect is beginning to matter just as much as the tactical one.
Karim Benzema (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Pablo Mari (right)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix are central to Al-Nassr’s latest continental challenge, but fresh uncertainty has emerged just before the decisive AFC Champions League Two clash with Al-Wasl.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix are central to Al-Nassr’s latest continental challenge, but fresh uncertainty has emerged just before the decisive AFC Champions League Two clash with Al-Wasl. The Portuguese pair headline a star-filled squad, yet Felix’s absence from group training has raised concern ahead of one of the club’s most important matches of the season.
The stage is set at Zabeel Stadium, where a one-leg quarter-final will decide who advances to the semi-finals. For Al-Nassr, the match represents another step toward a long-awaited continental title, one that has so far eluded the club. It topped its group with a perfect 18 points and navigated the round of 16 with back-to-back 1-0 wins, showing both consistency and control.
What’s more, the Riyadh outfit enters the match in formidable form. A remarkable winning streak, stretching beyond 17 matches across competitions, has turned Jorge Jesus’ side into one of Asia’s most feared sides.
A star-studded attack has been the driving force behind that run. Between Ronaldo, Felix, Sadio Mane, and others, the team has produced a staggering number of goal contributions, underlining their depth and firepower.
Al-Nassr’s attacking quartet so far this season:
🇵🇹 João Felix — 36 goal contributions 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo — 29 goal contributions 🇫🇷 Kingsley Coman — 22 goal contributions 🇸🇳 Sadio Mané — 19 goal contributions pic.twitter.com/MUsuSoinEb
Al-Wasl, meanwhile, arrives with a different kind of urgency. With domestic hopes fading, this competition stands as its final opportunity for silverware, adding extra intensity to the encounter.
The reason why Joao Felix missed training
Joao Felix has been one of Al-Nassr’s most productive players this season. Since arriving permanently in 2025, the forward has delivered 21 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances across competitions, making him a crucial figure in the attack.
His versatility, movement, and technical quality have helped complement Cristiano Ronaldo and the wider frontline. That is why his missing group session created immediate concern around availability and readiness.
Reports from Al Youm and Arriyadiyahlater clarified the situation. The technical staff preferred to rest him due to fatigue, rather than any serious injury issue. “Joao Felix skipped group training… and instead completed individual gym exercises,” the reports stated.
Joao Felix of Al-Nassr
The decision was precautionary, aimed at ensuring he remains available for selection rather than risking a setback. The Portuguese winger still trained individually, signaling that his involvement in the match remains possible.
Jorge Jesus faces a key decision: Will Joao Felix play?
The biggest question now is whether Felix starts, appears from the bench, or is protected further. It appears that Jorge Jesus will make the final decision in a pre-match meeting, balancing immediate need with player condition.
Joao Felix celebrates scoring their third goal with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr
If Felix is unavailable from the opening whistle, alternatives such as Sadio Mane or Kingsley Coman can shoulder more responsibility. Few teams in Asia can match Al-Nassr’s attacking depth. Another option is that Jorge Jesus could be forced to change formations with Ronaldo and another centre-forward ahead.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr (R) and Joao Felix of Al-Nassr (L
Despite being under contract with SSC Napoli, Antonio Conte is moving closer to the Italy as a potential leader of the sporting project, as president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly considering dismissing the veteran coach. As a result, he could edge closer to taking over the national team.
Antonio Conte has managed to impress with his performances at SSC Napoli, winning the 2025–26 Serie A and the 2025–26 Italian Super Cup. Following his impact, he has emerged as the favourite candidate to coach Italy amid their rebuilt. Despite having a contract until 2027, he is moving closer to the national team role, as president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly considering dismissing him at the end of the season.
According to Paolo Bargiggia, via AreaNapoli, the future of Antonio Conte at SSC Napoli is not entirely secure, as president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not fully convinced by his performance this season. As a result, he is reportedly open to facilitating the coach’s departure to the Italy national team, as it would represent an ideal solution by avoiding the need to pay a costly dismissal.
Following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) is planning a significant overhaul of their project. In the search for a leader, Conte has emerged as a strong option, having previously managed the Azzurri and possessing extensive knowledge of Serie A. Additionally, Napoli would reportedly be willing to ease his exit—something that would not be the case with Massimiliano Allegri, who remains a key figure at AC Milan.
While Napoli have remained one of the top teams in Serie A, they have failed to get involved in the race for the league title. Trailing AC Milan by 12 points, they have yet to find their best form, highlighting the decline of Antonio Conte and his project. Furthermore, the Italian side is coming off a tough loss to Lazio, which exposed the team’s major problems and leaves Conte on the brink of leaving at the end of the season—either to another Italian club or out of a job.
Antonio Conte coach of Napoli reacts during the Serie A match.
Conte may be an immediate solution, but not an ideal one for Italy
After missing three consecutive World Cup editions, the Italy do not need continuity—they need a full reset. This means committing to younger players and driving a necessary generational overhaul to rebuild the national team. With that in mind, Antonio Conte may not be the ideal fit, as he represents more of a short-term solution for a project that requires a long-term vision and sustainable development.
Antonio Conte is one of Italy’s most successful coaches and a global figure in the sport. However, he is not typically known for investing in young players or long-term projects, having had short tenures at every team he has managed. As a result, players like Francesco Camarda, Pietro Comuzzo, Michael Kyode, Samuele Inacio, and others could be left out, cutting short their development, as he tends to rely on veteran, proven players.
In pursuit of a full rebuild, FIGC may need a more attack-minded coach who is willing to trust young players, making Pep Guardiola one of the most ideal candidates. Turning again to profiles like Roberto Mancini, Massimiliano Allegri, or Antonio Conte would mean continuing a sporting project that has not delivered results and clearly requires renewal—potentially representing a step backward rather than forward.
Napoli's coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match.
Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami CF face off in a competitive Major League Soccer matchday, both aiming to climb the standings. Just minutes into the game, Lionel Messi lead the victory with a key brace in the MLS clash.
Following the disappointing start of the 2026 MLS season, Javier Mascherano stepped down from Inter Miami, leaving head coach Guillermo Hoyos in charge of the team. Shortly after his departure, they now face Colorado Rapids, seeking a victory to end their negative run. While they have been dominated,Messi has already put them ahead, scoring a key penalty to open the scoring in the first minutes of the game.
After a foul on Yannick Bright, the Herons strongly appealed for a penalty, prompting the referee to consult VAR. Following the review, the foul was awarded inside the box, with Joshua Atencio shown a yellow card. Taking responsibility from the spot, Messi struck a well-placed shot to score the opening goal and give his side the early advantage, beating Colorado Rapids‘ Zack Steffen.
Despite trailing, Colorado Rapids have shown an impressive attacking presence, emerging as the more proactive side in possession and consistently posing a forward threat. They have applied a high press and demonstrated a well-developed connection. As a result, Inter Miami continue to struggle against an opponent that appears capable of finding an equalizer and exposing the team’s ongoing issues.
After conceding two goals to the Colorado Rapids in the second half, the Herons managed to turn the game around, thanks once again to Lionel Messi. Following a pass from Rodrigo De Paul from midfield, the veteran received the ball on the right wing, dribbled past three defenders, and fired a powerful shot past Zack Steffen once again.
Germán Berterame struggles to adapt with Messi at Inter Miami
At the start of 2026, Inter Miami CF pursued the signing of Germán Berterame, aiming for him to replace Luis Suárez in the short term. After paying €12.6M to CF Monterrey from Liga MX, the Mexican forward arrived in MLS with high expectations. While he managed to score an important header against Colorado Rapids, he has yet to fully adapt to playing alongside Lionel Messi, exposing a clear lack of understanding on the pitch.
Alongside Luis Suárez, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi has developed strong on-field chemistry, showing fluidity and consistently creating space for one another. However, Germán Berterame has managed just two goals and one assist in 10 matches for Inter Miami CF, lacking a clear connection with the Argentine. As a result, he has struggled to find space and contribute to the team’s collective play.
Far from there being any issue between them, Lionel Messi has shown himself to be highly supportive of Germán Berterame, meaning their on-field connection could improve over time. After investing a significant fee in the Mexican, head coach Guillermo Hoyos now faces the key task of developing that chemistry and establishing them as the new attacking partnership, as Luis Suárez under contract only until December 2026 and expected to move on.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates scoring vs Colorado Rapids.
Club America host Toluca in a Matchday 15 showdown of the Liga MX Clausura 2026. Get all the essential information for this clash, with kickoff times and complete broadcast coverage across TV and streaming platforms in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Club America vs Toluca on US television and via legal streaming:
With the regular season winding down inLiga MX, the stakes couldn’t be more different as Toluca and Club America square off in a matchup loaded with urgency. Tolucaenter the contest sitting on 27 points, chasing Chivas by four and running out of runway, making every remaining fixture critical if they hope to close the gap at the top.
On the other sideline, Americaare coming off a derby stalemate against Cruz Azul that kept them inside the playoff picture—for now—but with their top-eight position far from secure, anything less than three points here could put their postseason hopes in real danger.
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Gian Piero Gasperini gave a very open-ended reply when asked about his Roma future. ‘This has been an extraordinary experience for me, we’ll discuss it at the end of the season.’
The Giallorossi went behind to Atalanta at the first opportunity on home turf, as Nikola Krstovic blasted in from the edge of the area, with Mario Hermoso’s volley drawing level on the stroke of half-time.
Although the hosts had the best chances to win it, forcing saves from Serie A Man of the Match Marco Carnesecchi and clipping the crossbar, they were unable to get more than a 1-1 draw.
Gasperini won’t commit future to Roma
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Carnesecchi made several great saves, Svilar too on one occasion, but we certainly tried to win it more than Atalanta,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“The first half was very entertaining, after the break a bit of fatigue set in, so there were a few more errors, but we always tried to get the full result to the final whistle.”
This had been a big chance to leapfrog Como into fifth place after Cesc Fabregas and his team lost to Sassuolo yesterday, but instead they only catch the Lariani on 58 points, and risk falling further behind Juventus in fourth.
Roma’s dismal record in the big matches continues, scraping only seven points in matches against the other teams in the top seven.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma shoots during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Sometimes like against Juventus and Napoli, we were in the lead, we did well against Milan, then at Como were down to 10 men, but the only one we lost in the second half of the season was against Inter, who are a step above. More often than not, we were closest to the victory.”
Matias Soulé and Gianluca Mancini were still visibly not at 100 per cent, while Devyne Rensch went off with a muscular problem.
“Until mid-December, we had a consistency in our line-up that allowed us to defend very well. When Malen arrived in January, we vastly improved our attack, but at the same time got weaker in defence. It was a remarkable defensive record at the start that we would’ve struggled to maintain for long,” insisted Gasperini.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
There was also some tension at the final whistle with some jeers from the crowd. He was asked outright, will the club have to choose between the coach and Ranieri?
“I was dragged into this thing, people have talked about nothing else for a week. I never replied, I will continue to not reply, as I don’t think it is a very pleasant thing for all the people in the stadium,” replied Gasperini.
“There are five games to go, we are still challenging for some important targets, and if we are four points clear of an Atalanta side who were third last season, that shows we’ve done something right. We are close to Como and Juve, we saw today Napoli lost, so I am concentrated on this situation.
“We need to end the season well, because this has been an extraordinary experience for me, having arrived here with a lot of scepticism around me, and a little rivalry.
“There is a team that continues to follow me, I am grateful to them and always will be, just as I am to the fans for what they have given me so far. As for what happens after that, these are things we will discuss at the end of the season.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a simple three-word message to his players ahead of Sunday’s huge game away to Manchester City.
When asked in his pre-match press conference if he had a “final message” for his players, Arteta stated simply that he wants them to “go for it” at the Etihad Stadium.
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“Go for it, let’s be ourselves and go for it,” Arteta said. “Put everything we have on that pitch.
“Huge belief, huge conviction, and go for it, because we are more than capable of doing it.”
He added: “This is exactly where we want to be. This brings a lot of positive things, and I don’t see anything that has to hold you, because this is where you want to be … playing against an opponent that requires the best of you.”
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Can Arsenal players find their belief in potential title-decider vs Man City?
As much as Arteta talks a good game, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal’s players really play like they believe in themselves on Sunday.
There have been times this season when the Gunners have had the opportunity to run away with the league, and they’ve failed to really capitalise.
This game will be a huge opportunity for Arteta’s side as they surely have to use this six-pointer as the moment to stamp their authority on this title race.
The club, still riding the momentum of recent success, now faces renewed scrutiny as speculation swirls around what truly led to the Argentine coach stepping down.
At Inter Miami, the spotlight once again falls on Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano after a sudden managerial departure that few saw coming. The club, still riding the momentum of recent success, now faces renewed scrutiny as speculation swirls around what truly led to the Argentine coach stepping down.
The Argentine coach’s resignation came shortly after a turbulent period for the club, which included inconsistent results and growing pressure on the squad. While early reports pointed to “personal reasons,” the timing and context have led to deeper scrutiny of what actually unfolded inside the dressing room.
The Herons confirmed Javier Mascherano’s resignation through an official statement, where he said: “I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF.” He also added, “I will always carry with me the memory of our first star.”
The coach left with an impressive 1.93 points-per-game average, the highest in club history, and just months after leading the club to its first MLS Cup title. Despite that success, the team’s recent form, including elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup, created a more unstable atmosphere.
The real reason behind the exit amid tensions talk
While official messaging pointed to a clean departure, reports later suggested a more complex situation. A locker room argument after the 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls is believed to have been the final trigger behind Mascherano’s exit, according to sources briefed on the situation.
The Athletic earlier reported that tensions had been building for weeks, particularly after the club’s Concacaf Champions Cup elimination. The frustration reportedly grew internally, creating an increasingly difficult environment.
However, despite speculation, a Daily Mail insider dismissed the idea of a Messi-related fallout. “When they come, it’s ‘because he is Messi’s friend’. When they leave, it’s ‘because he is not Messi’s friend’,” the source said, pushing back on the narrative.
Lionel Messi chats with Javier Mascherano, Head Coach of Inter Miami.
The Messi and Mascherano dynamic
Messi and Mascherano share a long history together, having played for both Argentina and Barcelona. That relationship carried into Miami, where both were seen as central figures in the club’s identity and leadership structure.
Mascherano publicly described his exit as personal, but the lack of detail quickly sparked speculation. The same phrasing had been used in previous managerial changes at the club, which only added to doubts about the official explanation.
The Daily Mail added that Mascherano had privately felt that his cycle at the club had naturally reached its end after winning major silverware, rather than being forced out abruptly. This version of events suggests a gradual decision rather than a sudden fallout.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami talks with Javier Mascherano as he leaves the field.
At Milan, the spotlight has once again shifted toward Christian Pulisic, with uncertainty surrounding his situation ahead of a crucial clash against Hellas Verona.
At Milan, the spotlight has once again shifted toward Christian Pulisic, with uncertainty surrounding his situation ahead of a crucial clash against Hellas Verona. The Serie A club finds itself in a delicate moment, where form, confidence, and attacking output are all under scrutiny.
Its attacking unit, once considered a strength, has instead become a growing concern. With key figures, including Pulisic and Rafael Leao, struggling simultaneously, the sense around the Rossoneri is that something deeper than simple poor form is affecting performances. The numbers paint a troubling picture for Milan’s frontline in 2026.
According toLa Gazzetta dello Sport, the team’s attackers have managed just eight goals since the turn of the year despite producing 93 total shots and 34 on target. This decline has had a direct impact on results, as goals have become increasingly difficult to come by. Compared to rivals like Inter, which requires far fewer chances to score, Massimiliano Allegri’s players’ struggles stand out even more.
Much of the focus has naturally fallen on Pulisic, whose season has followed a dramatic split. After recording eight goals and two assists in the first half of the campaign, he has failed to score in 2026, adding just one assist to his tally.
His last goal came in late December, coincidentally against Verona, a moment that now feels distant. Since then, injuries and inconsistency have disrupted his rhythm, leaving the forward searching for answers in front of the goal.
Pulisic’s status for the crucial Verona test emerges
Despite the concerns, multiple outlets such as Corriere dello Sport andGazzetta dello Sportsuggest that Pulisic is still expected to start against Verona, a decision that underlines the trust placed in him by Massimiliano Allegri. The coach appears willing to rely on his experienced attackers rather than turn to alternatives during this difficult phase.
The American winger has previously delivered strong performances at the Bentegodi, including a goal in a 3-1 win during the 2023-24 season. That history is seen as a potential spark for a player searching for rhythm.
Tactical reset offers a familiar solution
Massimiliano Allegri has repeatedly altered Milan’s attacking structure in search of a solution. Experiments with different forward combinations, including a front three, have failed to deliver stability or goals.
Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic
After the disappointing system change against Udinese, Allegri is expected to revert to a 3-5-2 formation with Pulisic and Leao leading the line together. The coach believes familiarity between the two attackers could restore some balance in the final third.
Despite recent struggles, Allegri is still backing both players to start against Verona, hoping the matchup can trigger a turnaround in form. The partnership between Pulisic and Leao has produced mixed outcomes this season. When the two started together, the Rossoneri scored just eight goals, averaging less than one per game.
Confidence also appears to be a factor, with both players struggling mentally as well as physically. The pressure of expectation, combined with recent poor results, has created a tense atmosphere within the squad.
After Real Madrid’s disappointing season, Kylian Mbappé has received heavy criticism for failing to lead the team to success. Adding to this, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit delivered a strong critique of the Frenchman, making clear the underlying issue within the dressing room.
Kylian Mbappé has enjoyed an outstanding individual season, scoring 40 goals and playing a key role in the attack. Despite this, Real Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and sitting second in LaLiga. In response, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has delivered a strong critique of the 27-year-old striker, highlighting what he sees as a growing problem within the dressing room.
“It’s not only Kylian Mbappé’s fault, but his arrival has filled the Real Madrid locker room with selfishness. It’s a fiasco, and time is running out for him,” Emmanuel Petit said, via RMC Sport. Moreover, he strongly criticizes Eduardo Camavinga, defending the French striker: “If someone has to be blamed, it’s him. His entrance was catastrophic. At that moment in the match, that red card is very harsh, but the referee is simply applying the rules.”
Far from blaming the lack of specific profiles in the squad, Emmanuel Petit made it clear that Real Madrid’s issues do not necessarily stem from the sporting side. Alongside these remarks, concerns over Vinícius Jr.’s contract renewal have also emerged, as he is reportedly seeking a salary equal to that of Kylian Mbappé. With this, and the reported dressing room tensions involving Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos seem to be facing a significant internal problem.
Despite these reported ego issues, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. have made it clear on multiple occasions that there are no problems between them, even stating that they share a close relationship. However, Real Madrid’s inconsistent performances this season have raised serious concerns, with fans expressing worries that there is no collective identity, but rather a focus on individual priorities.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Mbappé joined a Real Madrid team led by Vinícius Jr.
Real Madrid have managed to remain one of the best teams in the world, with Vinícius Jr. standing out as a difference-maker. The Brazilian has not only delivered in terms of goals, but has also been key in two UEFA Champions League titles. As a result, Kylian Mbappé’s arrival significantly shook up the squad, as the scoring responsibility and spotlight are now shared, forcing both players to adjust their roles on the pitch—something that has yet to fully click.
While Kylian Mbappé has thrived in his best goalscoring form, Vinícius Jr. has struggled to fully adapt, drawing criticism after managing just 17 goals—well below his peak level. Neither Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa have been able to properly integrate both players on the pitch, as when one shines, the other tends to fade into the background. Feeling that the system no longer benefits him, the Brazilian has already hinted that he is not entirely comfortable.
Real Madrid’s current problems may stem from the midfield
While many point to ego clashes and similar issues, Real Madrid could address their problems by reinforcing one key area: The midfield. Following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, Los Blancos have lost structure in their play, leaving Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé at times looking disconnected on the pitch. As a result, they reportedly have a clear priority: Signing a controlling midfielder.
According to Francisco José Delgado via Cadena SER, Nico Paz will make a comeback to los Blancos, paying €9 million to Como 1907. While the Argentinean plays in a more offensive role, he could be a key to organize the game. To achieve that, los Blancos are reportedly open to sell Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos. For that reason, they could still chase another organizative reinforcement.
With a player capable of dictating the tempo, Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé could benefit significantly, as they would receive better service and more scoring opportunities. This would give Real Madrid a more structured style of play, helping them build a stronger on-field connection. A similar dynamic was seen with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who thrived with a solid midfield supporting them.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is seen during the UEFA Champions League.
Raffaele Palladino ‘enjoyed myself’ watching Atalanta’s 1-1 draw with Roma, feeling either team could win it, but the Coppa Italia semi-final is ‘the most important match of the season.’
La Dea knew that this was their last real chance to challenge for a Champions League spot, and they had taken the lead at the Stadio Olimpico with the first Nikola Krstovic effort on goal.
However, Mario Hermoso’s acrobatic volley cancelled it out on the stroke of half-time, and the defender almost got a second when his header bounced off the crossbar.
Marco Carnesecchi made several big saves and was named Lega Serie A Man of the Match, but this point was not the birthday present Palladino had hoped for.
Palladino relishing Atalanta performances
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta is challenged by Evan Ndicka of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It was a good game of football played between two teams who wanted to win, playing with intensity, courage and quality. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed myself tonight,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“We took on a team that was eager to beat us, especially as we beat them earlier this season. Coming here into this atmosphere with such spirit was not easy, so I congratulated my players.
“It was an open match and frankly either side could’ve won it, as we had the chances to go 2-0 up, and then they had opportunities in the second half. We take this point and feel it is probably the right result.”
This result means Atalanta remain in seventh place and four points adrift of Roma in sixth, so it will be a struggle to make up that ground now.
Winning the Coppa Italia could therefore be their best chance of qualifying for the Europa League, and they host Lazio in Wednesday’s semi-final, after the first leg ended 2-2.
“I won’t say this was a wasted opportunity, as we closed one point from Como and stayed at the same distance from Roma. We won’t give up to the last game, I think against Juventus and Roma they were two really good performances, showing we’ll fight it out with anyone,” noted Palladino.
“Now the semi-final of the Coppa Italia is probably our most important match of the season so far, we really want to get into the Final.”
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Atalanta made three changes at half-time, two of them in defence, so what was behind that decision?
“Giorgio Scalvini had a knock to the hip and was struggling to keep up the pace of the game, while Kolasinac had a slight muscular twinge and we will need to evaluate it over the next few days. With an eye on Wednesday, I didn’t want to take any risks.
“Charles De Ketelaere wasn’t sharp today, as he had flu earlier this week and didn’t have his usual energy. We had trouble with our defenders in the first half, but they were largely physical issues.”
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gianluca Scamacca was expected to start this evening, but Krstovic got the nod and scored the opening goal. Could they play together?
“I have faith in both strikers, they will prove themselves when given the chance. I needed players with different characteristics today, as Nikola can attack the space more, whereas Gianluca tends to connect with the midfield. Whether they can play together next season, I don’t know, we’ve got time to think about that.”
Roberto De Zerbi’s wait for a first victory as Tottenham head coach goes on after a maddening 2-2 draw with Brighton at a packed stadium, a result that felt like a defeat given the manner in which the points were conceded, with goals for the visitors arriving in the final moments of both halves to deny Spurs what would have been a crucial win in their battle against relegation.
Despite the frustration, De Zerbi refused to allow negativity to take hold, delivering a characteristically passionate and defiant assessment of where his side stand with five games remaining.
“I’m very proud because the players gave their best, with the right mentality, the right blood, the right character,” he said, with quotes via Football.London.
“I’m disappointed only for the result, for my players and for the fans, because the atmosphere was incredible. In a very tough situation, the stadium was amazing.”
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
De Zerbi: ‘Spurs can win five games in a row’
On Danso’s error that led to Brighton’s late equaliser, De Zerbi was protective of his player.
“I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality or courage,” he said. “Now we need courage. To win games we have to be positive and play football.”
His ambition for what remains of the season may have raised eyebrows, but it was delivered with total conviction.
“This team is able to win five games in a row,” he said. “Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you analyse the level of these players, we have the quality to fight and win games consecutively.”
His message to any player tempted to feel sorry for themselves was equally direct.
“They have to come to the training ground on Monday with a smile, otherwise they go home. I have no time for negative people or sad players. We are lucky to be working at a big club in the Premier League. Be positive. Stop.”
Roma and Atalanta were both left frustrated with a point apiece in this showdown for European places, as Mario Hermoso cancelled out the Nikola Krstovic opener.
This was a pure head-to-head for European ambitions, but also an emotional reunion for Gian Piero Gasperini with his former club, and protégé Raffaele Palladino. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Wesley, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson were still out of action, with Nicolò Pisilli and Gianluca Mancini not at 100 per cent either.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: The teams and match officials line up prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
La Dea had to prepare for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio, though Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana were injured, so Giacomo Raspadori started against the club he turned down in January.
Atalanta had a remarkable recent record against the Giallorossi, unbeaten since March 2022 with six wins and a draw going into this game.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The visitors scored with the first chance of the game, as Marten de Roon robbed Mario Hermoso in midfield and sent Nikola Krstovic through the middle, the striker’s ferocious right-foot finish beating Mile Svilar.
Matias Soulé cut inside for a curler from the edge of the area that was deflected over by Berat Djimsiti, then in a similar position forced the low one-handed Marco Carnesecchi save.
Carnesecchi did even better when rushing off his line for a desperate block on Donyell Malen’s tap-in from seven yards, when Stephan El Shaarawy had rolled across.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is put under pressure by Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Malen also tested the Atalanta goalkeeper at the near post on the counter-attack, while Mile Svilar denied Ederson one-on-one moments later after the midfielder had left El Aynaoui in his wake.
Roma equalised on the stroke of half-time, as Devyne Rensch nodded down the Zeki Celik cross for an acrobatic Hermoso left-foot volley from eight yards into the roof of the net.
Atalanta made a triple change at half-time, including ex-Roma youth product Nicola Zalewski, who immediately blasted wide from distance.
El Shaarawy stung Carnesecchi’s gloves at the near post with a volley from a tricky angle, as did Malen from a very similar position, while the goalkeeper was ready for a Hermoso header.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lorenzo Venturino’s strike was deflected over, but on the resulting corner a Hermoso looping header bounced off the top of the crossbar.
Devyne Rensch hobbled off with a muscular problem, while Robinio Vaz couldn’t take advantage of Carnesecchi fumbling a Venturino cross.
The numbers tell a remarkable story. With Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic finding the net on Saturday evening, Lazio completed a fourth consecutive away victory at the Maradona, making them the first team in Serie A history to achieve that feat against Napoli.
It is also the best run of consecutive victories Lazio have ever recorded at the ground.
The sequence began with Matias Vecino’s solitary goal on 3 March 2023, continued with a 2-1 win in September of that year courtesy of Luis Alberto and Daichi Kamada, was extended by Gustav Isaksen’s winner in December 2024 and has now reached its most historic chapter.
To find a comparable period of Lazio dominance at the ground you must go back generations, a nine-game unbeaten run between 1939 and 1951 and another of six between 1998 and 2009, though neither produced four consecutive victories.
Napoli home unbeaten run grinds to a halt against Lazio
Perhaps equally striking is the wider context for Napoli.
Saturday’s defeat ended a run of 495 days unbeaten at home in Serie A, their last domestic defeat at the Maradona had been, fittingly, a 1-0 loss to this same Lazio side back in December 2024.
Beyond the statistics, the result has effectively ended Napoli’s Scudetto aspirations with five games to play.
Antonio Conte has been characteristically pragmatic, noting that second, third and fourth place all deliver the same reward, Champions League football, but the manner of the defeat will sting.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach gestures during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Without sufficient motivational fuel, Napoli looked flat, slow and predictable, their performance raising broader questions about whether this squad, even at full strength, retains the hunger and intensity that defined Conte’s first season at the club.
The returns of De Bruyne and Anguissa have added quality but not yet restored the collective grit that made Napoli so formidable. With 66 points and a comfortable cushion above fifth place, their Champions League berth looks secure, but in a season that promised so much more, almost is a deeply unsatisfying place to finish.
Mason Mount was not exactly Mr Popular as he returned to his former club Chelsea with Manchester United in Saturday evening’s Premier League clash.
The England international was once a real fan-favourite at Stamford Bridge, but he has clearly soured his relationship with Blues supporters since leaving to join Man Utd back in 2023.
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Mount did not get a friendly reception upon his return to Chelsea tonight, and it seems the player himself couldn’t resist a little dig back at the home crowd.
See below as Fabrizio Romano shared an image of the moment Mount decided to shush the Chelsea fans as the game neared full time…
Mount will likely have enjoyed that, with the 27-year-old also on the winning side today in what could end up being a crucial result in this season’s race for Champions League qualification.
Manchester United dent Chelsea’s Champions League hopes
United won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a first half goal from Matheus Cunha, and it’s a result that surely secures their place at Europe’s top table next season.
The Red Devils are now ten points clear of Chelsea, who sit just outside the top five after an awful run of form that will likely now see them have to settle for Europa League football next term.
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United really needed a big improvement and they’ve got it under interim manager Michael Carrick this season, with the club looking in much better shape since sacking previous manager Ruben Amorim.
Chelsea, by contrast, only seem to have got even worse since replacing Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior, with this youthful squad once again struggling for consistency.
Liverpool are understood to still be keen on a potential transfer deal for Bradley Barcola this summer, with the French winger stalling on signing a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds urgently need to strengthen in attack this summer after a difficult season, with Mohamed Salah recently confirming he’ll be leaving the club at the end of the season.
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Olise and Diomande, like Salah, are primarily right-sided players who favour their left foot, so would be more direct replacements for the legendary Egyptian.
Barcola, however, could also be targeted to give LFC that extra goal threat and spark from the left flank, as an upgrade on the inconsistent Cody Gakpo.
Bradley Barcola surely set for transfer away from PSG
Barcola has an impressive total of 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions for club and country this season, but he hasn’t always established himself as a regular starter for PSG.
The 23-year-old is clearly a fine talent who deserves more playing time, and there’ll be plenty of clubs ready to give him that.
That would likely explain why Barcola is yet to move any closer towards an agreement over a new PSG contract, as sources confirmed to us this evening.
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“No progress for PSG on Barcola’s contract,” our source said. “Nothing advanced with any club, but he could leave. Liverpool have liked him for some time, and this development could lead to concrete talks soon.”
It remains to be seen if LFC will definitely make Barcola a priority, but with others like Olise and Diomande perhaps less realistic and more expensive, it could be a sensible option for the Reds to explore.
There is not yet any indication of PSG being ready to let the player go, so it’s hard to know what kind of price could tempt them, but this is something that could develop and gather pace in the weeks ahead.
This is the big one – it’s Manchester City vs Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday in what increasingly feels like winner-takes-all in this season’s Premier League title race.
The Gunners go into the game top of the table, albeit only with a slender lead that Man City can cut into, while Pep Guardiola’s side also have a game in hand over their rivals.
Bukayo Saka will miss out, Martin Odegaard’s fitness is not yet certain, while Erling Haaland’s form will be one key detail to watch.
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They met in the Carabao Cup final just a few weeks ago but this game arguably feels even bigger, as it’s almost a cup final for the Premier League title itself, whilst potentially also giving Arsenal a springboard to compete for the Champions League.
Read on as we identify the six main things to watch out for in this Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash…
Arsenal may have to play for a draw, but is it enough?
While there’s in some way more pressure on Arsenal going into this game due to the fact that they’re chasing a first title in 22 years, it’s worth remembering that City actually arguably need the win more or their title hopes would likely be over.
In which case, we may see Arsenal play for a draw, as it might suit them to rely more on their strong defensive record, particularly while they have so many key attacking players like Bukayo Saka, and potentially also Martin Odegaard, out injured for this game.
And yet, it feels like the one thing Arsenal have lacked in recent title challenges is that statement victory away from home. They’ve drawn their last two visits to the Etihad, which is some progress since that highly damaging 4-1 loss in 2022/23, but a bit more ambition in that 0-0 draw late on the following season would have seen the title go to north London instead of Manchester.
? "If somebody offered you a draw today, would you take it?"
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It’s important not to let emotions get the better of Arsenal, though, and Mikel Arteta will surely know that a point keeps City a decent distance behind, with the destination of the trophy out of their hands.
How will the Carabao Cup final will impact the psychology of the game?
We know these two met very recently in another big game, and on that occasion it was City who came out on top, lifting the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 win over Arsenal at Wembley.
In many ways, it’s the perfect test for Arsenal’s players, who stayed and watched City lifting the cup and celebrating in front of them – can you respond? Can you learn from the mistakes of that day? Or will that defeat only inhibit your performance?
City are the far more experienced side in terms of getting over the line and winning major trophies, so one imagines that will only boost their confidence for this match. Winning tends to beget more winning, though of course this hasn’t exactly been a vintage City side this season, so could some complacency also kick in?
2025/26 league stats
Arsenal
Manchester City
Wins
21
19
Draws
7
7
Losses
4
5
Goals for
62
63
Goals against
24
28
Goal difference
+38
+35
What to make of Arsenal’s big-game record?
Until defeats against Liverpool and Manchester United this season, Arsenal were on a lengthy unbeaten run against the so-called ‘big six’ sides in league matches.
Arteta tends to know how to get something extra from his players in these important games, but the catch is that City, particularly away from home, have been a bit of an exception to that rule.
Arsenal have drawn their last two games at the Etihad, and were only a matter of seconds away from winning with just ten men last season, but it’s undoubtedly a difficult ground for them, with the north Londoners failing to win there since all the way back in 2015.
Given that Arsenal aren’t in great form right now, while City have picked up, this is probably not the fixture they’d ideally pick if they could, but it’s also true that they don’t have to be perfect – a draw there for a third season in a row would not be a bad result by any means.
How will injuries impact things?
Another worry for Arsenal is the sheer number of injuries they’ve had, with Bukayo Saka confirmed as missing this game, while it’s not yet clear if Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori will return. Even if they do, they’re unlikely to be at peak fitness or form.
City mainly have a clean bill of health, though, with Pep Guardiola confirming that Nico O’Reilly will be back, though Ruben Dias is still out and that’s a pretty big loss, while Josko Gvardiol also remains a long-term absentee.
The issue for Arsenal is that their main injuries are in attack, which is already the main area of weakness in their current squad. Noni Madueke is really no substitute for a fully fit and in-form Saka, and even if Eberechi Eze being back is a big boost, there’s no one else who offers quite the same ability to dictate a game as Odegaard does.
Eze was missed in the Carabao Cup final, so he can provide a bit of spark in the final third for Arsenal, but for the most part this current situation probably only adds to the north Londoners’ need to set up quite defensively.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 17, 2026
Strangely, it’s gone a little unnoticed, but Erling Haaland really hasn’t been in great form for a while now.
The Norway international has a good record against the Gunners, scoring home and away against them last season, as well as in their encounter at the Emirates earlier on in this campaign.
In total, Haaland has 33 goals in 45 games this season, but in his last 13 league games he has just three goals, two of which came from the penalty spot.
Of course, it would be unwise to ignore the fact that he recently scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup win against Liverpool. It’s possible that we’re about to see him get back to his best form, though at the moment he doesn’t look like someone who’s going to have a lot of joy against William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Can Arsenal respond to bottler tag?
We’ve all seen it by now, so surely the Arsenal players have as well.
We’re talking, of course, about this viral clip from last weekend when City won 3-0 way to Chelsea just a day after Arsenal’s slip-up in the 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
This kind of thing surely has to fire Arsenal up to prove their critics wrong. This a club that has been mocked and ridiculed as bottlers for far too long. They may never get a better chance to finally change people’s perspectives.
How do you see this game going, and who do you ultimately expect to go on and win the league? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments!
Amid significant defensive issues, AC Milan are reportedly closing in on an agreement for Mario Gila from SS Lazio. However, they have also added Ousmane Diomandé to their list of priorities for the summer of 2026.
Following a season marked by inconsistency, AC Milan are looking to reinforce their squad to improve competitiveness. In that context, Mario Gila has emerged as a strong market opportunity, as he approaches the final year of his contract. The Spanish defender is now reportedly edging closer to the Rossoneri. However, Ousmane Diomandé has also been added to the list of priorities for the summer of 2026.
According to Daniele Longo, via Calciomercato, Igli Tare, sporting director of AC Milan, has reached a turning point in negotiations with SS Lazio for Mario Gila. After several months of talks, the Rossoneri have reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish defender, finalizing his salary and contract terms. While this brings his arrival closer, they still need to agree on a transfer fee with Lazio—something far from straightforward.
After impressing in Serie A, Gila has established as one of the league’s standout defenders, noted for his solidity and ability to build from the back. With a contract running until 2027, he could push for a move to AC Milan by refusing to renew and forcing a sale in the summer of 2026. As a result, he could join the Rossoneri for a fee in the €20–25M range, a relatively accessible price given his potential.
In their search for greater defensive consistency, the Rossoneri are not only targeting Mario Gila, but are also monitoring Ousmane Diomandé, according to Nicolò Schira. With a release clause of €80M, the Ivorian could be at the center of a major transfer, having emerged as one of the best young center-backs in the world. However, AC Milan would face strong competition from Arsenal FC, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.
Mario Gila of SS Lazio player of the match after the Serie A match.
AC Milan have yet to finalize Tomori’s contract extension
Since the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri have managed to establish defensive consistency, relying on Fikayo Tomori as the experienced leader of the backline. As a result, the potential arrivals of Mario Gila or Ousmane Diomandé do not threaten the Englishman’s continuity. On the contrary, AC Milan must accelerate talks over a contract renewal for the 28-year-old defender, aiming to avoid his departure.
With a contract running until 2027, renewing Fikayo Tomori has become a priority for AC Milan, with the defender set to earn around €4M per season on a new deal until 2030. Although both parties reportedly reached an agreement months ago, it has yet to be officially announced, raising doubts among fans. As an undisputed starter under Massimiliano Allegri, his continuity is essential, given his role as the leader of the defense.
Mario Gila of SS Lazio and Ousmane Diomande of Sporting Clube de Portugal.
What looked like a dream partnership between Ronaldo and Garnacho never materialized again, and the real reason has only become clearer later.
Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly close to welcoming Alejandro Garnacho at Al-Nassr before the young winger chose a different path. Instead of accepting the opportunity to reunite with his idol, Garnacho moved to Chelsea, creating one of last year’s more intriguing transfer stories. What looked like a dream partnership between Ronaldo and Garnacho never materialized again, and the real reason has only become clearer later.
The Argentine talent had long admired Ronaldo, having spent time around him earlier in his career at Manchester United. That made the possibility of joining Al-Nassr especially significant, as it would have placed him alongside one of soccer’s greatest figures at a crucial stage of his own development.
Garnacho’s departure from Manchester United followed a difficult spell at Old Trafford. Reports indicated that his relationship with then-manager Ruben Amorim had deteriorated after frustration over reduced playing time and being left out of key matches.
The tension reportedly increased after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, where the young forward was unhappy about starting on the bench. He was later left out of the squad entirely for the Premier League season finale against Aston Villa, making an exit increasingly likely.
Garnacho at Manchester United
Al-Nassr saw major opportunity, but why did Garnacho say no?
Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr moved quickly once the player’s future became uncertain. According to Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail,the club turned its attention to him after missing out on Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
The attraction of the move was obvious. Garnacho would have joined a growing project, received a lucrative contract, and, most notably, played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the player he had idolized since childhood. Despite the glamour and financial rewards on offer, the 21-year-old chose another route.
The forward wanted to stay in Europe to continue developing his career, believing regular competition at the highest level would better serve his long-term ambitions. That decision explains why Chelsea eventually became his preferred destination. Remaining in European soccer meant access to stronger weekly competition, greater visibility, and a chance to continue maturing in a demanding environment.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra of Manchester United look on
A year at Chelsea hasn’t helped Garnacho’s future prospects
The switch to Chelsea brought a fresh start, but not complete stability. The club underwent managerial changes, replacing Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior, adding another layer of uncertainty to Garnacho’s situation.
Despite his arrival, questions remain about his long-term role. The Daily Express suggests that the Blues are already considering whether to cash in on him, just a year after signing the winger.
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea celebrates
Looking back, the decision stands as a defining moment. Garnacho turned down the chance to play alongside Ronaldo, a move that would have carried both emotional and professional significance. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, it represents a missed opportunity to add a young, dynamic talent to their ranks.
Their presence at rival clubs has pushed Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal into AFC Champions League Elite qualification spots, reinforcing how far the league has come in global relevance.
Cristiano RonaldoandKarim Benzemaare once again at the center of Asian soccer’s shifting power balance, with both stars influencing a Saudi Pro League that has reshaped continental qualification. Their presence at rival clubs has pushed Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal into AFC Champions League Elite qualification spots, reinforcing how far the league has come in global relevance.
The Saudi Pro League’s transformation has placed clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal at the heart of Asia’s soccer hierarchy. With global names such as Ronaldo and Benzema leading the charge, expectations have risen sharply both domestically and internationally.
Yet continental qualification remains unforgiving, and even the strongest squads are not guaranteed a place in the top-tier AFC competition without consistent league results.
Al-Nassr last featured in the inaugural AFC Champions League Elite during the 2024-25 campaign. However, its domestic finish told a different story the following year. A third-place finish in the league pushed Ronaldo’s side into the AFC Champions League Two, a secondary competition that reflects how unforgiving qualification rules have become.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC during the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Taawoun
This shift was not about a lack of quality. Instead, it highlighted the growing competitiveness within Saudi soccer, where even star-studded squads must deliver consistently to remain at the highest level. Still, its campaign in the AFC Champions League Two has been strong, with the club progressing into the knockout rounds and positioning itself as one of the favorites for the title.
Al-Hilal’s high-stakes continental battle ended early
While Al-Nassr’s situation reflects qualification margins, Al-Hilal’s journey shows the competitive intensity at the top level. The club recently endured a dramatic Round of 16 clash against Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite, producing a match filled with goals, momentum swings, and a penalty shootout finish.
Despite strong performances from players such as Karim Benzema’s attacking contributions and the squad’s overall depth, the Blue Waves were pushed to the limit before eventually falling in a chaotic shootout decided by fine margins.
What comes next for Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal
Recent developments confirm that both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal have now secured qualification for the next AFC Champions League Elite season based on their current Saudi Pro League standings. According to Sportksanet’s report, “Al-Nassr currently leads the table with a clear margin over Al-Hilal in second, with both sides mathematically out of reach of the chasing pack.”
This guarantees their return to Asia’s top-tier competition, reinforcing the league’s rising dominance in continental soccer. Looking ahead, the return to the Asian top competition represents more than qualification. It is a statement of intent from both clubs as they aim to dominate not only domestically but across the continent.
For Al-Nassr, it offers a chance to re-establish itself among the best after a brief setback. For Al-Hilal, it provides another opportunity to convert strong performances into silverware.
Karim Benzema (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
Maurizio Sarri was in buoyant mood after Lazio’s impressive victory at the Maradona, reflecting on a remarkable six-week run of form and paying an extraordinary compliment to midfielder Kenneth Taylor by comparing him to one of his most beloved former players.
The Lazio head coach has overseen a significant upturn in results since a difficult period earlier in the season, and Saturday’s win underlined just how far his side have come.
“In the last month and a half this squad has made only one mistake, the game at Fiorentina,” Sarri told DAZN, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
He also singled out victories against Milan twice, Juventus and now Napoli as evidence of a group that is capable of raising their level against the division’s biggest clubs.
“There are signs of improvement both from individuals and from the team,” he added.
On the tactical approach that produced such a dominant display at the Maradona, Sarri was characteristically analytical. “We have adapted to the characteristics of our players,” he said.
“We do not have playmakers in the traditional sense, but many players who have bursts of pace and play a faster style of football.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri waves during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio coach Sarri: ‘See shades of Hamsik in Taylor’
That directness was evident throughout, with Lazio punishing Napoli on the counter-attack with a ruthlessness that belied their league position.
The most evocative moment of the press conference came when Sarri was asked about Kenneth Taylor, whose energetic box-to-box display was one of the highlights of the afternoon.
The question prompted an immediate and warm response.
“You bring back pleasant memories,” Sarri said. “When I came off the pitch I saw Hamsik, and Hamsik was everything I ever wanted from a midfielder. Taylor is an intelligent boy who has had a significant impact on Italian football. He is playing in one of the most intense leagues in the world and he is doing well.”
Sarri also praised Matteo Cancellieri, whose physical attributes he felt made him ideally suited to the specific demands of this fixture.
“The three forwards we selected seemed the most suited to this type of match,” he said. “Cancellieri has immense physical qualities, technically he can still improve in his decision-making, but he was the right choice today.”
Antonio Conte delivered one of his more revealing post-match addresses after Napoli’s chastening home defeat to Lazio, accepting responsibility for failing to read his squad’s deteriorating condition while firing a pointed but carefully measured response at president Aurelio De Laurentiis over public comments about his future.
The Napoli head coach was candid about the performance, acknowledging that the hangover from the Parma draw had clearly spread deeper than he realised.
“This was not a good match from us, we put very little quality in midfield,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“Lazio waited for us and hit on the counter. We had 70% possession and did not manage a single shot on target. We had studied the match but we were not good enough. When this team lacks energy, quality drops. Perhaps I was not good enough at sensing the malaise that developed after Parma.”
It was a rare and notable admission of self-criticism from a manager not given to public introspection.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli coach Conte: ‘We took a kick to the teeth today’
Despite the heaviness of the moment, Conte was keen to frame the defeat as a lesson rather than a crisis. “We have taken a kick to the teeth today,” he said.
“Tomorrow we rest, and on Monday we must make the most of this experience. If we don’t, it would be serious. We need to understand why and put things right.”
He was equally clear that Champions League qualification remains very much within reach and that the work is not done.
The most pointed exchange of the evening, however, came when Conte was asked about comments made publicly by De Laurentiis regarding his future.
The coach’s response was composed but unmistakably firm.
“That is the president’s business, he can say whatever he wants, in the most absolute terms,” Conte said. “I do not respond to the president publicly. If I do, I do it in private. Because in the end, the public and the media see nothing else.”
He also pushed back against what he described as the misrepresentation of his own words in recent weeks.
“I know my name is useful for selling newspapers and filling television programmes. Sometimes phrases get taken out of context and twisted. The more we stay quiet until the season ends, the better.”
Two of Napoli’s most experienced players fronted up after a dismal afternoon at the Maradona, with Matteo Politano offering a public apology to supporters and Leonardo Spinazzola delivering a brutally honest assessment of a squad running on empty at the worst possible moment.
The defeat to Lazio, coming after a frustrating draw at Parma, has effectively extinguished Napoli’s already slim title hopes, and both players were acutely aware of the significance of what had just unfolded.
Politano was unsparing in his verdict at the post-match press conference.
“On Sunday at Parma we stumbled and that has influenced our path, today we apologise for a horrible match in every sense,” he said, with quotes via LaLazioSiamoNoi.
He was equally firm in pushing back against any suggestion the squad had mentally switched off ahead of securing Champions League qualification. “We don’t feel we’re already in the Champions League, there are five matches left. We are not where we need to be yet.”
He also identified the root cause of the performance with painful candour.
“Lazio closed the spaces and we were not in the best condition to create, we were predictable, and without the legs you struggle against everyone. The motivations must never be missing. Today we simply were not there from the start.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli celebrates after stopping a penalty from Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Spinazzola: ‘We were truly drained’
Spinazzola, speaking to DAZN, offered an equally raw assessment.
“It is the head that moves the legs, this was not physical fatigue. I saw a team that was completely flat. We have been pushing and chasing all year and there was a small flame still burning. On Sunday against Parma it went out. When you are a squad like ours, you cannot have matches like today.”
The former Roma wing-back was also candid about the psychological blow of the Parma draw coinciding with Inter’s victory.
“We believed a misstep from them could reopen everything,” he said.
“With the Parma draw and Inter’s win, the flame went out completely. It was a difficult dream to cling to but mentally each of us kept hoping. From Monday we must think only about winning next Sunday and securing our Champions League place.”
Roma director Ricky Massara insists ‘there is absolutely no problem’ between Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri, as they are ‘fully concentrated’ on beating Atalanta.
This has become an absolutely crucial clash for European places, especially in the wake of Como’s defeat to Sassuolo, as a win here would let Roma leapfrog Cesc Fabregas into fifth.
At the same time, Atalanta could close to within a point of the Giallorossi if they get the victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
Massara keeps Roma focused on the field
Frederic Massara with new Roma buy Wesley (asroma.com)
“There is a big objective potentially up for grabs, we have a tough game this evening, but we hope to put in a solid performance. The team has always shown it is fully concentrated on the field.”
There are four players whose contracts will expire on June 30, namely Stephan El Shaarawy, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik, so will any of them remain at Roma?
“There is an open dialogue with all four players and their agents. We will evaluate if there are the conditions to reach a mutual agreement.”
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Stephan El Shaarawy of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The main problem with Roma’s season is they have struggled against the other clubs in the top seven, picking up just six points in those head-to-head clashes.
“It’s true that we didn’t manage to beat the big clubs, other than beating Como, but we always had good performances. Tonight is an opportunity to prove that we have grown, and the fact we are in the running still for the top four despite this statistic means we have done some good things,” replied Massara.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 25: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 25, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
This has been a strange few days for Roma, because coach Gasperini was irritated at the public complaints from director Claudio Ranieri, then left his press conference on the verge of tears when talking about his rapport with Atalanta President Antonio Percassi.
It all makes it unlikely that both Gasperini and Ranieri will continue working together next season.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Inter and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Dialogue exists in all clubs and even when there are discussions, those are focused entirely on improving this squad, so we are all focused on that. There is absolutely no problem.”
Massara also spoke to DAZN Italia and gave a further comment on where the Friedkin family stand on this issue.
“The owners speak with action, they are making big investments and developing the club to reach the top level. We are all working to build something big here and it is a privilege to work with these owners.”
"If they do this in public I don't want to know what's going on behind the scenes!" @_poppymiller, Nigel Reo-Coker, @TMeola1 and @IFTVMarco discuss the public fallout between Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri pic.twitter.com/F7tQxWQJtX
Raffaele Palladino expects ‘an open and attacking game’ between his Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, assuring they ‘welcome pressure, motivation and responsibility.’
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Lorenzo Bernasconi of Atalanta acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
This is an important few days for La Dea, as after this showdown for European places in Serie A, they will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday evening.
The first leg ended 2-2, so it is all to be decided at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
Palladino hoping for Atalanta birthday gift
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Today is the birthday of the Atalanta coach, who is hoping for a gift from his former mentor Gian Piero Gasperini.
“We are fully concentrated on tonight’s game, because it is very important and we can blow the race for Europe wide open,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“This journey started with me five months ago, and every time we slip up, people act as if the world is falling down around us, but we do not lose hope. We climbed up the table, this is a big opportunity for us, and we are certainly not thinking about the Coppa Italia this evening.”
Gasperini was with Atalanta for nine years, winning the Europa League, reaching two Coppa Italia Finals, and turning them from relegation strugglers to regulars in the Champions League.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma greet each other during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“This job is made of pressure, motivation and responsibility. We welcome all of that, because these are the games you want to play, so we have ambition and motivation against a strong team in their own stadium,” continued Palladino.
“It will be an open and attacking game, so whoever wins the most individual duels will then win the game. We prepared well.”
Giacomo Raspadori starts this evening, having turned down a move to Roma in January because he preferred the Atalanta project, while Nikola Krstovic is preferred to Gianluca Scamacca.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“The club deserves credit for building a great squad that has so many quality options, I can choose from at least two in every role, and rotation is natural when I need certain characteristics. I wanted someone to attack the space today, and Gianluca has different characteristics to Krstovic and Raspadori.”
Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos has reportedly held surprise talks with the representatives of Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazil international has been an inconsistent performer for the Gunners, though he showed a lot of potential when he first broke through as a youngster at the Emirates Stadium.
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Still, it’s perhaps a bit of a surprise to see PSG eyeing Martinelli, though that’s what’s being reported by L’Equipe, as cited and translated by Get French Football News.
The report also suggests PSG have held talks over RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who would perhaps make more sense as the Ligue 1 giants’ priority target in that position.
Martinelli could make sense as an alternative for PSG to keep in mind, especially as it may well be that the 24-year-old would perform better in a more attack-minded side, and in a slightly less competitive league.
Should Arsenal sell Gabriel Martinelli?
Arsenal surely need to offload Martinelli this summer if the money is right, as they could do a lot better on that left-hand side of their attack.
With just one Premier League goal all season (though he’s done better in the Champions League, Martinelli really seems to have gone backwards, and it’s meant Mikel Arteta’s side just haven’t looked quite good enough in the final third.
Of course, others have also under-performed, but bringing in a truly elite forward on that side could also help the rest of the attack up its game.
Would PSG really sign Martinelli?
Martinelli seems like a bit of a gamble for PSG, especially as he probably wouldn’t come very cheap.
See below for our Transfer Fit rating for this deal, which we gave a very low 9/25 – find out more about how we score these here…
Gabriel Martinelli
TOTAL SCORE: 9/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*
Achievements
**
Career phase
***
Squad need
*
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PSG already have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola as options on that left-hand side, and all look a lot better than Martinelli.
Quite simply, this rumour doesn’t make much sense at all, but it’s coming from a respectable source, so perhaps it’s going to be one to keep an eye on.
Clubs look at a lot of players and will have Plan B, Plan C, and even Plan D targets behind their favoured options.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could reportedly have a chance of playing against Manchester City tomorrow as he’s been included in the travelling squad for the game.
The Norway international has been struggling with an injury in the last couple of games, having been taken off in that 1-0 win away to Sporting Lisbon in the recent Champions League quarter-final.
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It seems Odegaard may now have a chance of playing at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, though, with the reliable Hand of Arsenal account posting on X that he’s travelling to Manchester.
See below for details as a final decision on Odegaard is expected tomorrow…
? Martin Ødegaard has been included in the travelling Arsenal squad for tomorrow. Final decision tomorrow on his inclusion in the official matchday squad. pic.twitter.com/cum57qCqgU
It perhaps sounds like it’s a bit too much of a close call for Odegaard to realistically have a chance of starting the game, but perhaps it points towards the 27-year-old being on the bench.
That would be better than nothing, with Arsenal perhaps able to call on him as a substitute if required in what will likely be a close game in this title race six pointer.
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Arsenal facing injury crisis ahead of Man City trip
It looks touch and go for Odegaard, while Arteta also could not confirm if the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, or Noni Madueke could make it back in time.
This has been a common theme for Arsenal all season, with others like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Magalhaes also missing chunks of the campaign.
Tottenham were so close to a vital three points against Brighton this afternoon before a late equaliser by Georginio Rutter.
It wasn’t great defending by Spurs as they held onto a 2-1 lead late on, with Kevin Danso losing the ball in his own penalty area, allowing the ball to be squared to Rutter, who made no mistake with a clinical finish.
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It looked like Xavi Simons had won it for Tottenham as he fired in a superb goal late on in the second half, but they couldn’t hold on and are now stuck in the relegation zone, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest above them also still having games in hand.
Watch below for the critical moment as Danso’s mistake was immediately punished…
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 18, 2026
Perhaps it’s being a bit harsh on Tottenham as it was a good Brighton move and a really well-taken finish, but at such an important stage of the game, and such an important period of the season, they surely needed to do better.
Can Tottenham escape relegation?
Tottenham will have hired new manager Roberto De Zerbi to get them out of trouble, but so far it’s proving a tough job for the Italian tactician.
In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the blue half of Manchester this weekend, Man City will welcome Arsenal to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon. While Pep Guardiola’s side might still have a real job on their hands in the race to recapture their Premier League crown, all the momentum is certainly […]
Amid a difficult season, Real Madrid are reportedly planning a managerial change, with Jürgen Klopp identified as a primary target. However, he appears to be moving away from Los Blancos, as he is reportedly prioritizing a move to Germany head coach spot in a potential post-2026 World Cup scenario.
Following their elimination from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid have reportedly decided to part ways with Álvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season. As a result, they have identified Jürgen Klopp as a leading candidate to take over. However, the veteran coach appears to be moving away from the Spanish side, as he is reportedly targeting the head coach role of the Germany in a potential post-2026 World Cup move.
As Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, Jürgen Klopp has reportedly been enjoying the pace of his current role, which allows him more time for his private life. Despite this, the German remains a target for Real Madrid to take over as head coach for the 2026–27 season. However, they are said to want him to make the first move by offering himself to the club, which could ultimately distance him from the Spanish side and bring him closer to Germany.
According to José Félix Díaz, via Diario AS, Klopp is still considering a return to the dugout. While he remains on Real Madrid’s radar, his focus appears to be on Germany, with the ambition of eventually managing the national team as the ultimate goal of his career. Although Julian Nagelsmann currently holds that position, the outcome of the 2026 World Cup could shape his future and potentially open the door for Jürgen.
Following the victory in the 2014 edition, Germany have failed to get past the group stage in the next two World Cups, marking a historic disappointment. As a result, Julian Nagelsmann is under significant pressure, needing a strong World Cup performance or risk being dismissed. In that context, the option of Jürgen Klopp could gain traction, as he is already an established figure in the soccer history and could help steer the sporting project back on track.
Global Head of Soccer Jürgen Klopp looks on during his presentation.
Real Madrid reportedly consider alternatives to Klopp
Far from being a simple decision, Real Madrid face a difficult dilemma, as the players reportedly support the continuity of Álvaro Arbeloa. However, Mario Cortegana reports in The Athletic that only a miracle would keep him in the role, as the front office believes the squad has not been maximized. While Klopp is a top priority, bringing him on board doesn’t seem like an easy task. For this reason, they appear to already be looking for reliable alternatives.
According to El Mundo, Los Blancos already have a clear shortlist of candidates to take over the head coach role, built around a key premise: Experience and strong man-management skills. In that context, Lionel Scaloni emerges as a leading candidate, with his contract set to expire in December 2026. However, he is not the only option, as they are also considering Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, and José Mourinho.
Jürgen Klopp attends the presentation of the MagentaTV team.
Inter Milan are on the verge of securing their 21st Scudetto, after Napoli’s home defeat to Lazio extended the Nerazzurri’s lead at the top of Serie A.
Next Friday, Napoli host Cremonese at the Maradona and if Antonio Conte’s side do not pick up the three points, Inter can lift the trophy with a victory at Torino on Sunday.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nicolo Barella of celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter wrapping up formalities in Scudetto race
Despite all the mathematics, the title has never really looked outside of Inter’s reach.
Cristian Chivu’s side have led the division for most of the season and look as though they will be deserved winners.
Napoli and Milan have both threatened at times but neither has had the same consistency as the league leaders.
Antonio Conte’s Partenopei were largely expected to beat Lazio on Saturday evening but goals from Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic stunned the hosts.
Napoli really have abandoned Scudetto dreams after their first Serie A home defeat of the season, as despite a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic penalty save, Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic gave Lazio victory.
The Partenopei were still smarting after the draw at Parma practically ended their Scudetto ambitions. Amir Rrahmani returned to the bench, with Sam Beukema preferred to Juan Jesus, but Romelu Lukaku, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres and Antonio Vergara were still out of action. Lazio weren’t in much better shape, as Adam Marusic, Ivan Provedel, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto didn’t make the trip, with Daniel Maldini back in the squad. Maurizio Sarri faced his old club and also kept an eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Atalanta.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Maurizio Sarri SS Lazio head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It was an aggressive start from Lazio and they opened the scoring early on when Kenneth Taylor pulled back from the left by-line for Matteo Cancellieri to sweep into the far bottom corner first-time from eight yards.
Toma Basic and Matteo Politano tested the goalkeepers, but Mario Gila did just enough to stop Scott McTominay nodding in from six yards on a Politano cross.
Alessio Romagnoli made a decisive sliding tackle on Rasmus Hojlund when sent through by Kevin De Bruyne, but Lazio earned a penalty when Noslin took advantage of a lucky ricochet off Alessandro Buongiorno to go on the counter, shrugged off Beukema, and was bundled over from behind by Stanislav Lobotka.
However, Zaccagni became the latest victim of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who parried his third penalty of the season, and then the Lazio captain slipped to fire the rebound over the bar.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli stops a penalty from Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Milinkovic-Savic was decisive again with a tricky save as Cancellieri’s strike went through a defender’s legs, and Noslin couldn’t keep the rebound down.
Nuno Tavares forced another Milinkovic-Savic save with an angled drive when sent sprinting down the left, and Kenneth Taylor drilled just wide straight after the restart.
Lazio did double their lead when Nuno Tavares sprinted down the left and Cancellieri stumbled on what should’ve been a tap-in, but the ricochet fell kindly for teammate Toma Basic to sweep in from 10 yards.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Matteo Politano of SSC Napol during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Substitute Alisson Santos threatened to pull one back moments later, but his powerful angled drive thumped the outside of the near post.
Nuno Tavares failed to turn in the Noslin roll across from six yards under pressure from Miguel Gutierrez, and McTominay’s scorcher was deflected over, as Napoli remarkably suffered their fourth consecutive home defeat to Lazio. It was also their first home loss of the Serie A season.
Roma and Atalanta go head-to-head for European ambitions, as emotional Gian Piero Gasperini faces his past with Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé, while Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori start.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma greet each other during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Como’s defeat to Sassuolo has made this a particularly crucial fixture for chasing down the top four, as Champions League qualification is still up for grabs.
His time at Roma has been mixed, and overshadowed by the recent very public disagreement with director Claudio Ranieri.
Injuries haven’t helped, as Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Wesley, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are all out of action.
Nicolò Pisilli and Gianluca Mancini are not at 100 per cent either, so Neil El Aynaoui and Devyne Rensch start in midfield.
Stephan El Shaarawy steps in with Soulé to support Malen, who is fresh off a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Pisa.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Atalanta had been marching up the standings until last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Juventus, which could yet prove a pivotal moment in this season’s hunt for European places.
Isak Hien has joined Kamaldeen Sulemana on the treatment table, while coach Raffaele Palladino has to keep an eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio.
Scamacca is available again, but only on the bench, and Raspadori is pushing to find full fitness after his injury, so they start with Charles De Ketelaere.
There is bound to be tension here too, because Roma tried to sign Raspadori from Atletico Madrid in January, but he preferred La Dea.
It allows ex-Roma man Nicola Zalewski to rest, as Lorenzo Bernasconi steps in too.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta have an extraordinary record against Roma, unbeaten since a 1-0 result here in March 2022, followed by six wins and a draw.
Palladino, who was Gasperini’s protégé, beat him 1-0 in Bergamo back in January thanks to a Giorgio Scalvini goal.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Roma vs. Atalanta line-ups
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Rensch; Soulé, El Shaarawy; Malen
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic
Jamie Vardy will play no part in Cremonese’s Serie A home clash with Torino on Sunday, with Marco Giampaolo leaving the veteran English striker out of his 23-man squad as the club continues to manage his fitness carefully.
Vardy has been working on an individual programme throughout the past week and Giampaolo has decided against risking any setback by rushing him back into contention, via PazziDiFanta.
Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby is in a similar situation, having also trained separately from the main group, and he too has been left out of the squad.
With both players absent, Giampaolo will rely on Milan Djuric, David Okereke, Federico Bonazzoli and Antonio Sanabria as his attacking options for a fixture that carries significant weight in the relegation battle.
PARMA, ITALY – MARCH 21: Youssef Maleh of Cremonese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Cremonese at Stadio Ennio Tardini on March 21, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Manchester City reportedly lead Arsenal in the race for the transfer of Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento.
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The 23-year-old has shone at St James’ Park and could now be someone the Magpies struggle to keep hold of, though it seems Arsenal might struggle to afford him.
That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states that Man City currently look more likely to be able to make the right kind of financial commitment to sign Livramento this summer.
Livramento has looked like an elite talent for some time now, having first really caught the eye at former club Southampton.
Ex-Gunner Theo Walcott was full of praise for Livramento at the time, telling talkSPORT that he had been “fantastic” for them and that he even reminded him of Gareth Bale.
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“It just shows that there’s a future star there but again we need to be careful as we always do but its why we love football isn’t it? I can’t complain, he’s been absolutely fantastic,” Walcott said of Livramento back in 2021.
“Do you know what, he reminds me a little bit of Gareth (Bale) when he came through as a full-back.
“That’s a big statement of course to compare him to someone like that but just feel like his presence and the way he drives and the pace and the power and it’s no surprises that you know what he’s going to do.
“He’s so strong with the ball and very clever and technically he is fantastic.”
TEAMtalk also mention Newcastle facing interest in Italian midfield maestro Sandro Tonali this summer.
IT could be a difficult transfer window again for NUFC after they lost Alexander Isak last year, with Tonali and Livramento’s futures now looking uncertain.
On top of that, the Telegraph have reported on Anthony Gordon wanting to leave, and the England international wasn’t in Eddie Howe’s squad for the Bournemouth game today.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig are also credited with an interest in the highly-rated 16-year-old, who is fast becoming one of the most sought-after teenage talents in world football.
However, it seems there are early signs of Newcastle making the most significant progress on a potential deal for Eichhorn, according to TEAMtalk.
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The Magpies are said to be stepping up their interest in the German youth international, though it’s also not a deal that would be entirely straightforward to get done.
Kennet Eichhorn transfer could face complications due to regulations
The report from TEAMtalk explains that there are some regulations that might impact Newcastle’s chances of signing Eichhorn for the time being.
Kennet Eichhorn (Foto von City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)
Bundesliga clubs would supposedly hold the advantage in the race for Eichhorn as he cannot move to England until he turns 18.
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Newcastle fans will hope there’s some way around this, but it looks like an ambitious deal for their club to get done with so much competition.
It may be that NUFC can agree a deal now that sees the player move once he turns 18, but it remains to be seen if he’d really be keen on that option.
TEAMtalk also name the likes of Bayern, Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund as suitors for Eichhorn, and that could work well for him at this early stage of his career.
Newcastle are a big club but it would be quite a gamble to move abroad so early, so continuing his development in German football would probably be the best thing for his career progression.
Arsenal are reportedly one of the clubs in the mix for a surprise potential transfer swoop for Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons this summer.
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The Netherlands international only joined Spurs from RB Leipzig less than a year ago, but has struggled in what has been a hugely challenging season for everyone associated with the club.
It may well be that Simons and Spurs are soon relegated to the Championship, in which case it’s hard to imagine him sticking around for very long.
See below as journalist Ekrem Konur now claims that Simons is already being eyed up by Tottenham’s rivals Arsenal, as well as by Bayern Munich and his former club Paris Saint-Germain…
The report states that Simons is likely to cost around €50m, but it’s also hard to imagine THFC wouldn’t charge a lot more than that if Arsenal came calling.
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Do Arsenal need Xavi Simons?
Arsenal could do with adding someone with a bit of spark and creativity to their squad for next season, with Mikel Arteta’s side sometimes criticised for lacking enough flair and quality in the final third.
It could be that Simons would be a decent option for AFC, but he only has four goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
At the same time, though, the 22-year-old has been in a struggling Spurs side and might improve with better players around him.
It might also be that Simons will fare better after a year spent developing and gaining experience in English football.
Still, as already mentioned, the issue will surely be if Tottenham are prepared to sell to their bitter rivals, as these two clubs rarely do business together.
The Red Devils are the latest club to be linked strongly with the England international, with Fichajes claiming they’re ready to make a big offer for him.
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That report mentioned interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, but not from Man Utd, so it remains to be seen how concrete this latest update is.
While it’s easy to imagine United might also have an interest in Gordon, one imagines the Telegraph’s information is probably more accurate than that of Fichajes.
That doesn’t necessarily mean MUFC aren’t going to end up being in the mix, but it probably suggests that Fichajes’ claims of a big bid being prepared probably need to be taken with a pinch of salt, or are premature at best.
Where next for Anthony Gordon?
Gordon has shone at Newcastle, having also previously looked like an exciting young talent during his time at former club Everton.
Capable of playing a variety of attacking roles, Gordon has 17 goals and four assists in all competitions for Newcastle this season, and could surely be an upgrade on some of the current attacking players at the Emirates Stadium, Anfield, and Old Trafford.
United invested a lot in attacking players last summer, though, so may well look at other positions as more of a priority for the time being, even if Gordon would undoubtedly be an exciting player to be able to bring in, perhaps as a superior option to Matheus Cunha.
Arsenal, meanwhile, surely need someone better than Gabriel Martinelli, who has just one league goal all season, while Leandro Trossard has also lost form lately and is not getting any younger.
Liverpool have endured a frustrating season so could do with making some changes, and Gordon makes sense as an upgrade on the inconsistent Cody Gakpo.
Where do you see Gordon ending up? Let us know in the comments!
Adrien Rabiot has established as one of the best players at AC Milan, becoming an undisputed starter under head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Following his strong performances, the Frenchman was reportedly approached with an offer to join the Saudi Pro League.
Following the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan secured the signing of Adrien Rabiot, who had been impressing at Olympique de Marseille. Under the Italian, the Frenchman rediscovered his best form, becoming a key figure for the Rossoneri throughout the season. As one of the team’s most important players, he was reportedly tempted to leave in the summer of 2026 after receiving a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League.
According to Nicolò Schira, via X, Adrien Rabiot has received a formal approach from the Saudi Pro League. In an effort to convince him to join, the Frenchman was offered a three-year contract with a very high salary—something the Rossoneri can not match. However, with a contract running until 2028 with AC Milan, he has decided to reject any offers, aiming to continue his tenure with the club.
As a central figure for Massimiliano Allegri, Rabiot has established as one of the most important players in the squad, alongside Luka Modrić. With 2,281 minutes played, the Frenchman is among the team’s most utilized players, playing a key role in orchestrating the attack. He has also contributed five goals and five assists. However, his impact goes beyond the statistics, as he has become an undisputed leader within the team.
While Adrien Rabiot has become a key figure for the Rossoneri, fans are still expecting a greater impact from him in the final third. As a box-to-box midfielder, he consistently gets into the box, but has yet to be truly decisive in terms of goalscoring. That said, it is not solely down to the player, as the squad as a whole has struggled to deliver a high-level attacking output. As a result, AC Milan are reportedly already preparing a key midfield reinforcement.
Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan
Report: AC Milan look to reinforce Rabiot with Leon Goretzka
At the start of the 2025–26 season, the Rossoneri delivered a solid run of form, even reaching the top of Serie A. However, the drop in performance from Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão exposed the team’s overall level. Looking to strengthen Adrien Rabiot’s impact for next season, AC Milan are reportedly prioritizing the signing of Leon Goretzka, who could be an ideal complement to the squad.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, head coach Massimiliano Allegri has made the signing of Leon Goretzka his top priority. After offering him a €5M-per-season salary and a three-year contract, AC Milan are hoping to secure his arrival, viewing him as an experienced and reliable profile. However, the Rossoneri would likely need to qualify for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, as the German is keen to compete at the highest level.
With Goretzka’s potential arrival, Adrien Rabiot would gain stronger defensive support, allowing him greater freedom to express his attacking qualities. At the same time, the German midfielder also has the ability to contribute offensively, providing an additional threat in front of goal. Securing his addition to the squad could significantly boost Milan’s competitiveness, while also helping unlock the best version of Rabiot under Allegri.
Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match.
Colorado Rapids are scheduled to meet Inter Miami in a 2026 MLS regular season matchup. Here’s everything you need to know about this game, including the date, venue, and how to watch the action live across the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami on US television and via legal streaming:
All eyes shift to a key MLSshowdown as Inter Miami look to regain momentum after settling for a high-energy 2-2 draw last time out, a result that showcased their attacking firepower but left them still four points shy of the top spot with 12 points.
With Lionel Messi leading the charge, Miami now prepares for a tough challenge against Colorado Rapids, a team riding solid form and sitting sixth in the standings with the same 12-point tally, though still trailing the conference leaders by six points—making this matchup a pivotal opportunity for both sides to climb the table.
Details on how to watch
Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices.
Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts.
Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Juventus have received a timely double fitness boost ahead of their crucial Serie A clash with Bologna, with both Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram returning to full group training at the Continassa.
Yildiz had been managing a knee inflammation that had hampered him in recent weeks, culminating in an underwhelming performance against Atalanta that saw Luciano Spalletti withdraw him from the action.
The Turkish forward had been working separately from the main group for several days as the club managed his condition carefully, but his return to collective training is an encouraging sign that the worst is behind him, according to the latest reports from Tuttosport.
The timing could not be more significant.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Juventus relief as Yildiz & Thuram could start against Bologna
Juventus face Bologna in a fixture that carries enormous implications for the Champions League race, particularly following Como’s defeat and the direct clash between Roma and Atalanta that will further shuffled the standings.
Three points against the Rossoblù could prove decisive in securing a top-four finish with just a handful of games remaining.
Thuram’s return to group training alongside Yildiz adds further optimism to the mood at the Continassa, with Spalletti now having greater options available as the season reaches its most critical phase.
Neither player’s involvement against Bologna has been officially confirmed, but the fact that both are back training with their teammates puts them firmly in contention.
After a period of careful management, Juventus are hopeful of having two of their most important attacking players available for one of the most important matches of their season.
Lazio director Angelo Fabiani admits Maurizio Sarri’s ‘football philosophy’ doesn’t entirely fit with the squad built for him this season, but injuries were also damaging as they visit Napoli.
The Biancocelesti want to climb into the top 10, but also have to prepare for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta.
As the first leg ended 2-2 last month at the Stadio Olimpico, it will all be decided in Bergamo, and may well be their only path back into Europe for next season.
Lazio had a tough campaign
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Maurizio Sarri coach of Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“This is a big game, we care about this, the club, the coach, the players, and want a good performance. Then we will think about the Coppa Italia,” Lazio director Fabiani told DAZN Italia.
“It has been a difficult season with 45 injuries, so we had to make do, because inevitably you’re going to drop points when missing players like Zaccagni and Rovella for long periods.
“It was a reconstruction campaign, going from the older figures to young players who should provide the structure for the team in future seasons.”
Adam Marusic, Ivan Provedel, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto didn’t make the trip, with Daniel Maldini back for a spot on the bench.
Taty Castellanos was sold in January, but there was no real replacement, as Petar Ratkov is barely used.
“In Maurizio’s philosophy, he prepares a player who drops deeper and works with the midfield, like Daniel Maldini. So he has used Maldini more.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Maldini of Lazio gestures during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
There has been tension around Lazio in recent months, with the fans often leaving the Stadio Olimpico during their boycott in protest against President Claudio Lotito’s strategy.
How can that split be healed for the good of the team?
“With hard work and sacrifice, we can all work together including those around Lazio, using common sense to get back to normality.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
This is always an emotional game for Sarri, who was the Napoli coach from 2015 to 2018, famously born in the city before moving to Tuscany, so declared himself a supporter of the club.
Antonio Conte insists ‘second place is just first place for losers’ and he hasn’t lost hope of catching Inter, but explains why Napoli tactics against Lazio today are forced by one injury.
The injury crisis continues, as although Amir Rrahmani returns to the bench, Napoli are still without Romelu Lukaku, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres and Antonio Vergara.
Sam Beukema is preferred to Juan Jesus, who made some costly errors last week against Parma, but also means not all three centre-backs are left-footed.
Conte explains Napoli tactical choices
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Napoli’s coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“It is a technical decision, nothing in particular. It is only right that players alternate during the season, as Amir Rrahmani and Giovanni Di Lorenzo are not ready yet, so it’s important to have options to choose from,” explained Conte on DAZN Italia.
Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay are currently used in support of Rasmus Hojlund, with a 3-4-2-1 formation.
“The system depends exclusively on the fact we don’t have a full-back available at the moment. Without Di Lorenzo, it’s tough to think of a different system. Besides, this tactic allowed us to recover during an emergency situation, I don’t see why I should make radical changes right now.
“Inevitably, Di Lorenzo’s injury is damaging, because he can play in a back three, as a full-back, or as a wing-back. He played practically constantly, had this knee injury, and there’s nobody else with his characteristics in the squad.
“We’ll also see about tactics when Vergara recovers and is available.”
The Partenopei know that last week’s 1-1 draw with Parma practically ended their Scudetto hopes, especially with Inter winning 3-0 against Cagliari last night to go temporarily 12 points clear.
They also need to look over their shoulders now to lock down second place and Champions League qualification, having already won the Supercoppa Italiana.
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“Second place is the first place for losers, so I’m not sure that second or third changes much, it’s just about who qualifies for the Champions League,” smiled Conte bitterly.
“We are currently 12 points off Inter, we saw full well against Parma that we cannot make any mistakes, or we lose two points. Our objective is to do our best, trying to look forward, but also keep an eye on those behind us, because one or two slip-ups can change a great deal.”
CREMONA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Coach Antonio Conte of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giovanni Zini on December 28, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
There has been a lot of talk around the future of coach Conte, who has not ruled himself out of the running for a return to the Italy bench.
Jhon Lucumi will start for Bologna against Juventus tomorrow, and it may well be an opportunity to discuss a transfer, as first choice Marco Senesi is closer to Liverpool or Tottenham.
The Bianconeri are trying to reinforce their defence for next season, having been forced to use Teun Koopmeiners there at times due to the lack of alternatives.
Juventus intrigued by Lucumi
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Robinio Vaz of AS Roma is challenged by Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Senesi had been a primary target, as his contract with Bournemouth is running down and he will be a free agent in the summer, but there were reports this week that he favoured a Premier League stay with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in advanced talks.
According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are therefore turning towards Lucumi, who is expected to start for Bologna against the Bianconeri on Sunday.
It is a valuable opportunity for the two clubs to discuss potential transfer terms, after the Colombia international had already pushed to leave last summer for Sunderland.
That move collapsed because Bologna insisted on keeping him after already selling Sam Beukema to Napoli.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Noah Holm of SK Brann is challenged by Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks has been filmed angrily shouting at a fan after today’s defeat to Portsmouth that puts the club in serious danger of relegation from the Championship.
The Foxes have endured a nightmare campaign after being relegated from the Premier League last season, with it now looking increasingly likely that they’re heading for consecutive drops and life in League One next season.
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Understandably, it seems tensions are high, but Winks really lost the plot here as he can be seen yelling in an angry exchange with an unseen fan, telling the person to “shut the f**k up” before being escorted onto the team bus…
? WOW…Harry Winks in a furious exchange with a fan…it goes from bad to worse for Leicester City ?
This seems far from ideal at a time when everyone at the King Power Stadium needs to be sticking together, and one imagines Winks will have to issue an apology for losing it at a fan like this.
Leicester City nightmare continues as relegation now inevitable
Leicester are currently 23rd in the Championship and a whole eight points from safety with only three games left to play.
In short, there’s really very little prospect of LCFC staying up this season, meaning they’re looking at life in English football’s third tier next season.
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Leicester finished 18th in the Premier League last season, going straight back down after just one season back in the top flight, and they’ve just been unable to rescue themselves from this negative spiral.
Remarkably, it’s just ten years ago that this club won the Premier League title in what is one of football’s most remarkable fairytales, and it can’t be too often that a club has gone from being champions of England to playing in the third tier in the space of just a decade.
I’m aware there’s been a lot of speculation about Sporting Lisbon players in the last few days, with transfer rumours about two names in particular.
I’ve done a bit of digging and it looks like there are some conversations that have gone in in the last few days that has to led to a number of stories, some of which are more based in reality than others.
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So, my understanding from speaking to a variety of sources in the industry, who have asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, is that Arsenal chiefs used the opportunity to speak to their Sporting counterparts.
Arsenal discuss three Sporting players
Arsenal have been among the clubs linked with two players: Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand. There’s also been talk of others like Chelsea and Manchester United being credited with an interest in those players.
However, it’s important to note that conversations like this when club officials are visiting during games is very common and not necessarily a sign that the aforementioned players are priority targets. It’s more about establishing relationships and asking to be kept in the loop if certain players are going to be available.
It’s also likely that links with the likes of Chelsea and Man United would have come from Sporting’s side to try to strengthen their own negotiating position if it were to come to dealing with Arsenal.
Will Arsenal and Sporting negotiate another transfer?
Interestingly, I’ve heard mixed messages about Arsenal’s relationship with Sporting after slightly tense negotiations over Viktor Gyokeres last summer.
The Gunners ended up bringing in the Sweden international from the Portuguese giants, but there was a lengthy back and forth that some sources said left some “bad blood” between the clubs.
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Not everyone is convinced that will be an issue, however, and I’m inclined to believe them. Some clubs have better relationships than others, but it’s normal for talks over major deals to run into complications.
At the end of the day, Sporting are known for selling players when the time is right, and if a club like Arsenal come in with decent money then there’s always a chance of an agreement.
Players like Diomande, Hjulmand, and Fresneda will also likely be keen, just as Gyokeres was, to take the chance to move to a major Premier League club if the interest is there.
After the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami CF are going through a difficult season, leading to the departure of Javier Mascherano. Now backing head coach Guillermo Hoyos, they face Colorado Rapids, with fans closely monitoring the status of Lionel Messi.
Even though they are coming off a MLS title, Inter Miami CF are enduring a difficult season, as the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have proven challenging, ultimately leading to the departure of Javier Mascherano. Following this, they turned to Guillermo Hoyos as head coach, with his debut coming against Colorado Rapids. As a result, fans are closely monitoring the status of Lionel Messi.
According to José Armando Rodríguez, via X, Lionel Messi has traveled and trained normally with Inter Miami CF. As a result, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will opt to start the Argentine, as the team is in need of a win following their last two draws in MLS. The Herons are not in their best form, so the veteran’s presence could serve as a turning point in their season to clinch a winning streak.
Alongside the Argentinean, German Berterame will start again in the lineup, having shined in the latest game. Nonetheless, Luis Suarez is well-rested and could provide a significant boost in front of goal, coming off bench. Meanwhile, coach Hoyos will continue to rely on Rodrigo De Paul as a key figure in midfield amid the team’s inconsistent performances.
Colorado Rapids are coming off an emphatic 6–2 victory over Houston Dynamo, providing a major boost as they look to build a winning streak in MLS. However, head coach Matt Wells faces a tough challenge, with Miguel Navarro, Theodore Ku-Dipietro, Reggie Cannon, and Connor Ronan all sidelined through injury. Despite these absences, they will look to Rafael Navarro to remain a difference-maker, as he comes in off an impressive brace.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami
Colorado Rapids lineups vs Inter Miami
Despite their strong form, Colorado Rapids will not have an easy matchup against Inter Miami CF, as Lionel Messi is capable of breaking down their defensive line. Nevertheless, the Rapids have shown they are one of the most dangerous attacking teams, with Paxten Aaronson and Rafael Navarro playing key roles. As a result, they will look to control the game and set the offensive tempo against the Herons’ vulnerable defense.
Considering this, Colorado Rapids will lineup as follows:
Heading into the match against Colorado Rapids, Inter Miami CF are dealing with key absences, as Sergio Reguilón and David Ayala are unavailable, while Tadeo Allende remains a doubt due to injury. As a result, head coach Guillermo Hoyos has made many changes to the starting lineup, sticking closely to the setup from the previous match, with Lionel Messi and German Berterame expected to be key in securing the win.
With this in mind, the Herons will play as follows:
Atletico Madrid will face Real Sociedad in the 2025/2026 Copa del Rey final. Viewers in the United States can catch every moment live, with full kickoff times and broadcast information provided here for both TV and streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad on US television and via legal streaming:
Fresh off a statement run in the UEFA Champions League, Atletico Madrid head into the Copa del Rey final riding serious momentum after knocking out Barcelona in a grueling semifinal showdown, giving Diego Simeone’s squad a clear edge in confidence and form.
However, Real Sociedad, despite a stretch of uneven results, view this matchup as their golden chance to lift silverware and flip the script, setting the stage for a high-pressure battle between two determined sides—make sure you don’t miss a minute of what promises to be a thrilling final.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Chelsea square off against Manchester United in a Matchday 33 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Check out all the essential details, including kickoff times and where to watch on TV or via streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Chelsea vs Manchester United on US television and via legal streaming:
The race for a top-four spot in the UEFA Champions League is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Chelseaand Manchester United prepare for a pivotal showdown between direct rivals. Both sides come into this matchup reeling, with Chelsea trying to recover from a humbling 3-0 defeat against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, United are looking to respond after a frustrating loss to Leeds United. With confidence shaken and every point now crucial, this clash between two Big Six contenders could have a major impact on the final standings—don’t miss what promises to be a high-stakes battle.
More details on how to watch
With Peacock Premium, you can watch Chelsea vs Manchester United and tons more Premier League games.
Now with Peacock Premium, you can stream 175 Premier League matches per season that are exclusive to Peacock. Plus, you get access to the Premier League TV channel, which features Premier League reviews, previews, interview shows, daily news programs and classic Premier League games.
Replays of all 380 games for the season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay and then for 30 days after they air.
Peacock is widely available across different platforms and devices, including:
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In addition to all of the soccer coverage, Peacock Premium offers more than 20,000 hours of programming from NBC Universal including movies, TV shows, original programming and live TV channels.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Peacock soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
To learn more about Peacock, we’ve put together a how-to video.
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Sky Sport Italia reports that Croatian midfielder Luka Modric has set three conditions for staying at Milan beyond the summer, one of which is that Massimiliano Allegri continues as manager.
Modric’s Milan contract expires at the end of the season, and even if the Rossoneri have an option to extend until 2027, they’ll activate their clause only if the Croat is happy to stay for a second campaign.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Modric has outlined three conditions for remaining at San Siro: Champions League qualification, Massimiliano Allegri’s stay, and a competitive project.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Modric, a former Real Madrid star, joined Milan on a free transfer last summer and has been a regular starter under Allegri this season, beginning 30 Serie A matches out of 32.
Allegri has recently been linked with the Italy job and hasn’t yet confirmed that he’ll stay at Milan beyond the summer.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Napoli hope Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund can get them back on track, as Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio start Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Cancellieri.
Napoli need a victory to maintain any slender hope of keeping up with leaders Inter, but also need to look over their shoulders as the fight for the top four hots up after their 1-1 draw at Parma.
The absentee list remains extensive, including Romelu Lukaku, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres and Antonio Vergara, but Amir Rrahmani returns to the bench.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Scott McTominay of Napoli SSC reacts during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The ‘Fab Four’ of Stanislav Lobotka, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, De Bruyne and McTominay again start together in support of the ever-present Hojlund.
Sam Beukema is chosen rather than Juan Jesus, who made costly errors last week.
It is always a special match for former Napoli coach Sarri, but he has if anything even worse injury problems than Antonio Conte.
Adam Marusic is only the latest to join Ivan Provedel, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto on the treatment table, but Daniel Maldini does return for a spot on the bench.
Sarri has to look ahead to Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta, as the first leg ended 2-2 last month, and it is their last chance to salvage a traumatic season.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
After several games used in midfield, Patric is rested, as Danilo Cataldi is approaching full fitness, but Mario Gila shakes off a knock to start.
Zaccagni and Cancellieri flank Tijjani Noslin as the centre-forward, leaving Gustav Isaksen and Boulaye Dia on the bench.
It was a famously ill-tempered affair the last time these sides met, Napoli emerging 2-0 winners with Noslin, Adam Marusic and Pasquale Mazzocchi sent off.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Adam Marusic of SS Lazio reacts wiith Antonio Conte and Pasquale Mazzocchi of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on January 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The Friulani confirmed their giant-killer reputation by beating Milan and holding Como, but lost Keinan Davis to injury along with Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli. Parma were winless in six, but held Lazio and Napoli to stalemates. Benja Cremaschi and Matija Frigan missed the trip, but Mateo Pellegrino returned from suspension. Lautaro Valenti picked up an injury in the warm-up, replaced by Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
Alessandro Circati nodded a corner inches over the bar in the opening minutes for Parma, as Maduka Okoye was caught wrong-footed.
Nicolò Zaniolo went on the counter from a Parma corner only for Zion Suzuki to smother his pass at the feet of Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, while Hassane Kamara shinned a volley wide from a promising position.
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 18: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma holds off Christian Kabasele of Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Friuli on April 18, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Pellegrino went off at half-time after two accidental knocks to the head, and Ndiaye made a desperate interception to stop Ekkelenkamp tapping in the Arthur Atta roll across.
Substitute Nesta Elphege made an immediate impact by scoring his debut Serie A goal for Parma, gathering the Gabriel Strefezza assist with his back to goal, turning Christian Kabasele to burst into the box and fire past Okoye.
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nesta Elphege of Parma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Gabriel Strefezza during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Friuli on April 18, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Moments later, Strefezza’s deflected shot was fingertipped over the bar, while Atta dribbled past two to test Suzuki at the near post.
Parma should’ve been 2-0 up on the hour mark, but Elphege seemed surprised that Okoye fumbled the Enrico Delprato low cross and only poked the rebound wide.
Udinese incredibly failed to equalise on 76 minutes at the end of a chaotic move. Oumar Solet dribbled into the box and his shot was charged down, so he stood up a cross for Idrissa Gueye’s header off the crossbar, and Zaniolo then nodded the rebound wide from four yards.
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 18: Arthur Atta of Udinese and Alessandro Circati of Parma in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Friuli on April 18, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Thomas Kristensen was also forced off after a neck injury, while Gueye’s glancing header from a Jesper Karlstrom cross was smothered by Suzuki.
Zaniolo had a huge chance to score deep into stoppages, but the finish was off his weaker foot and allowed Suzuki to scramble across for a fingertip save.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti addressed Italian players in the dressing room after the Azzurri’s World Cup play-off elimination: ‘He knew what we were going through,’ said Manuel Locatelli.
The Italian midfielder also answered a question about his coach Spalletti, who was appointed at the end of October and has recently signed a new deal until 2028.
Locatelli was part of the Italy squad last month, alongside his Juventus teammates Andrea Cambiaso and Federico Gatti.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“The weeks after the penalty [against Sassuolo] and the missed World Cup were better,” he said.
“The coach immediately spoke to us Italians and said he was sorry. He knew what we were going through. He knows what it means to represent the national team.
“But he told us we had to put it behind us right away. The thing about football is that the next match gives you the chance to react, and we tried to do that.
“I think with the national team, we didn’t know each other very well, even on a personal level. When he [Spalletti] arrived, I made myself fully available,” continued Locatelli.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli, Federico Gatti and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy interact after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“When he arrived, he spoke to me in his office on the first day, and what he said was very meaningful. He knew I had become important for Juventus, he asked different things of me, and I’m at his disposal. The nice thing is that he showed trust in me right away.”
Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Spalletti had been the Italy coach from 2023 until last June, when he was sacked after a 3-0 defeat against Norway in the first match of the World Cup qualifiers.
Jones came up through Liverpool’s academy, but has not quite lived up to his potential, and no longer commands a regular first-team place at Anfield.
According to TEAMtalk, Villa are now emerging as strong contenders to sign the England international in what could be a summer of major changes to Arne Slot’s squad.
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Jones looks like he could be a decent addition to Unai Emery’s squad, even if he’s not quite shown himself to be good enough to start regularly for a big club like Liverpool.
Curtis Jones set for Aston Villa transfer?
TEAMtalk report that Villa and Liverpool have a good relationship, despite some issues this season with Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Villa Park.
Elliott has not played very often for Emery’s side and LFC probably aren’t too happy about that, but that shouldn’t necessarily prevent the clubs agreeing another deal.
It surely makes sense for the Reds to offload Jones, with the Telegraph also recently naming the 25-year-old as one of the players who could be shown the door in a major clear-out this summer.
Arne Slot has hinted he would rather keep Curtis Jones
It will be interesting to see how this develops, however, as Slot himself has recently said that Jones remains part of his plans.
See below as Fabrizio Romano quoted Slot as discussing Jones’ future back in February, suggesting he was not planning to allow the player to leave…
? Arne Slot: “It’s perfectly normal that Curtis Jones is in the interest of big clubs, like us, trying to extend with him and clubs wanting to sign him”.
“He will be part of our plans for the upcoming weeks, months and also for next season”. pic.twitter.com/A9iGT3E0vV
Jones could be a useful squad player for Liverpool, but all speculation since then suggests he’s no longer part of the long-term plan at Anfield.
That may be because Jones himself wants to leave and play more often, or it could be that LFC have decided that they’d like to take the opportunity to make pure profit from selling a homegrown player.
Anthony Gordon transfer speculation is now surely set to intensify even further as he’s been left out of the Newcastle United matchday squad today.
The Magpies are taking on Bournemouth at St James’ Park, but Gordon is not involved for what has officially been reported as a slight hip injury.
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That’s according to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, who admits that it is not a great look for Gordon given that there’s talk of him looking to leave and that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has spoken about not wanting to use players who aren’t 100% committed to the club…
Anthony Gordon not involved against Bournemouth 24 hours after Eddie Howe said he can only pick players who are totally committed to the club. Not a great look in that context but official reason given is a slight hip injury #nufchttps://t.co/G6j3Z918Oa
“Anthony Gordon not involved against Bournemouth 24 hours after Eddie Howe said he can only pick players who are totally committed to the club. Not a great look in that context but official reason given is a slight hip injury,” Edwards posted on X.
This follows the Telegraph reporting on Gordon being open to leaving NUFC this summer, with Liverpool and Arsenal mentioned as suitors for the England international.
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Anthony Gordon surely heading for Newcastle exit
It may be that Gordon is just carrying a knock that Newcastle have decided not to take any risks with, but it’s certainly not ideal timing.
The 25-year-old has been a key player for Howe’s side and it would be a big blow to lose him, especially after the Alexander Isak saga that dragged on for so much of last summer.
It’s easy to imagine Gordon being good enough for the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, and one imagines other clubs could also get involved in the race for his signature.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly growing increasingly unhappy with his situation at loan club Barcelona.
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The England international is unsettled and seriously considering a change as it seems Barca are now leaning towards not taking up their option to make his loan permanent.
That’s according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who state that Rashford would like his situation resolved quickly.
A lot has been written about Rashford in recent transfer reports, but it all seems to point towards his time at the Nou Camp coming to an end.
Marcus Rashford transfer saga timeline
Here’s a recent summary of the Rashford situation, which could make things slightly complicated for Man Utd in the upcoming transfer window…
January 10, 2026: Fabrizio Romano reports on his YouTube channel that it looks increasingly like Rashford will continue with Barcelona, with the club communicating this to the player’s camp.
January 31, 2026: Michael Carrick is described as keen to working with Rashford if he stays on as manager next season in a report from the Telegraph.
March 18, 2026: Barcelona reportedly hope to be able to sign Rashford on loan again rather than signing him permanently, according to the Daily Mail.
March 19, 2026: BUT then a report from the Daily Mirror states that United will not accept a second loan offer for Rashford.
April 16, 2026: BBC Sport report that Rashford would be open to coming back to Old Trafford next season.
All in all, it’s hard to know precisely how MUFC will deal with the Rashford situation, but there’ll surely be buyers who come in for him at some point.
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It seems a bit harsh, though, that Barcelona seem so clearly to have decided against signing him after his impressive impact during his time there on loan.
It’s now been 37 years since the Hillsborough Disaster, which has claimed 97 lives. Throughout the time gone since, the families of the victims have been fighting fiercely against in the lies and injustice done to them by the media and British authorities, and local rivals Everton have been showing their support from the beginning. […]
Andoni Iraola has confirmed he will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, but the 43-year-old coach says he has not spoken to any club about future employment. What next for Andoni Iraola? 🤔 He has no idea! 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/yWe7Xjf0NA — Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 17, 2026
Arne Slot believes his Liverpool side could see an upturn in their Premier League form after their Champions League exit. The Reds were knocked out of UEFA’s premier competition at the quarter-final stage by reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. Liverpool have picked up just seven points across their last five league games, though they […]
Cole Palmer insisted he has “no plans to move from Chelsea” despite reports linking him with a move to Manchester United. The 23-year-old has struggled for form and fitness this season, featuring in just 21 Premier League games and four Champions League matches. Palmer has scored nine goals and provided one assist in the league […]
According to Tuttosport, Juventus are the only Serie A side to have proposed a project to Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, but Barcelona remain the Bianconeri’s biggest rival.
Juventus are pushing to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, and according to Tuttosport, Bianconeri directors hold weekly talks with the 31-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on August 16, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Latest Bernardo Silva transfer updates
Bernardo Silva confirmed earlier this week that he’d leave Manchester City at the end of his contract in June, so he’s available for a free transfer at the end of the season.
The player is reportedly tempted to join Juventus but has taken time to make an assessment.
According to Tuttospor, Juventus are the only Serie A side to have proposed a convincing project to the Portugal international, but Spanish giants Barcelona represent the biggest threat to the Old Lady, given that Bernardo Silva is fascinated by the Catalans.
Juventus are reportedly open to making an exception, offering Bernardo more than €7m per season. That is the sum that Kenan Yildiz will earn next season, more than any player at the Allianz Stadium.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Bernardo Silva earns €10m per season, and according to the report, he won’t consider offers below €8m- €9m per season.
Corriere dello Sport reports that Napoli President De Laurentiis has accelerated a meeting with Antonio Conte to discuss the coach’s future at the Stadio Maradona.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli owner De Laurentiis has moved up a meeting with the Italian tactician, which was originally scheduled for the end of the season.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Rome-based paper claims that the summit will take place sometime next week, either before or after a Serie A match against Cremonese.
The meeting will also involve Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, and the club’s CEO, Andrea Chiavelli.
Conte has one year left in his contract with Napoli, which expires in June 2027.
Antonio Conte Aurelio De Laurentiis Napoli
De Laurentiis has returned from the USA and is expected to be at the Stadio Maradona later today for a Serie A match against Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio.
De Laurentiis recently admitted that he would not stand in the way of Conte’s return to the Italy bench, but the coach’s appointment depends on who the next FIGC President will be, with elections taking place on June 22.
Arsenal could reportedly be set to enter into a bidding war with Real Madrid for the potential transfer of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
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The Gunners are up against Los Blancos in the race to sign the talented 20-year-old, who has shone in the Bundesliga in recent times, drawing comparisons with Paul Pogba.
That’s according to a report from Fichajes, who state that Arsenal are emerging as very serious contenders for Manzambi, in what looks like a two-horse race for his signature.
It surely wouldn’t be easy for Manzambi to turn down Real Madrid, but Arsenal are also emerging as a real powerhouse under Mikel Arteta, with the club still chasing a possible Premier League and Champions League double this season.
The Switzerland international has seven goals in 46 games in his club career in total, as well as three goals in ten caps for his country.
Although primarily a defensive midfielder, Manzambi has also occasionally played further forward, either in a central attacking role and even out wide.
WhoScored list his strengths as long shots and dribbling, which will likely be why he’s drawn comparisons with Pogba.
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Arsenal to strengthen in midfield
Arsenal will surely look to add depth in midfield this summer after relying so heavily on Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice without much rotation this season.
Manzambi could be ideal to come in as someone who could initially provide cover, but then develop into more of a regular once he gains more experience.
Still, it’s perhaps hard to imagine he’d start regularly straight away, though that’s possibly true for if he moved to the Bernabeu as well.
According to multiple reports, Marco Rose, formerly of RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, has agreed terms in principle to become Bournemouth’s next head coach, replacing Andoni Iraola. Iraola announced on Tuesday that he will leave the south coast club at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end. Rose has been […]
Moise Kean is still ‘shocked’ by Italy’s World Cup play-off elimination, and his tibia is ‘in really bad condition’, says the Fiorentina star’s brother Giovanni.
Kean ‘shocked’ after Italy’s World Cup qualification fiasco
“There are things people talk about without knowing the real conditions,” his brother Giovanni said on Twitch via TMW.
“Moise’s tibia is in really bad condition. To recover fully, he should stop playing for two or three months, but instead, he plays with injections because he wants to help and do his part.
“Furthermore, he is still shocked by the missed qualification for the World Cup. He’s feeling a lot of bitterness as it’s a dream he’s had since he was a child.”
Kean has missed the last three games for Fiorentina, including two against Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-finals.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“He is keen to try to help us in this final part of the season,” Fiorentina coach Vanoli said before the second leg at the Stadio Franchi on Thursday.
“It’s a problem that has somewhat interrupted what he did last year, but thanks to the group, we have been able to make up for the absence of an important player.”
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri insists he’s not accustomed to frequent ‘changes’ amid growing speculation over his future at the club, claims that boos from Rossoneri fans for Rafael Leao were ‘probably useful.’
Allegri’s Milan visit Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi tomorrow after three defeats in the last five league games.
The Italian tactician previewed the game at a press conference on Saturday, as quoted by Milannews.
“It’s an important match because we need to get back to winning against a team that plays on the counterattack and is still very much alive,” Allegri said.
“It will take a team performance. There are six matches left, and tomorrow is an important game for our objective. We simply need to play football calmly, with great unity and order.”
It’s been a tough week for Milan as the Rossoneri lost their most recent match 3-0 at home against Udinese last week. Raafael Leao was booed by his own fans when subbed off against the Bianconeri last week.
“Those boos were probably useful for Leao. He understood that in life, things don’t always go well,” Allegri said.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is hugged by Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“He’ll react well. He’s had a good week of training, like everyone. I’m convinced the forwards will start scoring again. The team will need to go back to approaching matches in order. Against Udinese, we weren’t properly set up defensively for even a minute. We were too disorganised.”
There has been a lot of speculation over Allegri’s future, with several sources claiming that the Italian tactician is not on good terms with part of the management and that the Tuscan is one of the candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso as Italy’s national team coach.
“I don’t know. The only thing I know is that our energy must be focused on the final objective,” Allegri said.
“Club, players, coaches, staff, we all work for the club. Milan, the club, is always above everything. Players, presidents and coaches come and go, the only thing that remains is the club. We all have to work for the club.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on from the sidelines during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I’ve always been close to the players. For me, my players are the best of all. They must be supported, and they must support me, as they have done. I think the club worked very well this summer,” he continued.
“We have some excellent players, and some are outstanding. It’s a good foundation. We need to qualify for the Champions League to strengthen this place. There are two steps: first, qualify for the Champions League, then plan for the future.
“Everyone has been talking this week; the only ones who don’t talk are my friends back in Livorno. My coaching history speaks clearly. I spent four years at Milan, eight at Juventus, then I returned to Milan. Frequent changes are not part of my DNA. I like working in a club that is a company, and that must be managed as such. It has to be both competitive and sustainable. We need to plan, analyse, look at the mistakes made, and keep going.”
Italy and Newcastle star Sandro Tonali admits he must ‘deal with the transfer rumours’ but is ‘100%’ focused on his game and adds: ‘I don’t look at social media, I don’t like it.’
Italy and Newcastle midfielder Tonali released an interview with Sky Sports UK following weeks of speculation of a possible move away from St. James’ Park in the summer.
Tonali’s latest interview
“I don’t look at social media, I don’t like it. After my ban, I changed everything with social media, I just go to training and then go home and be with my family. My life is much better now,” said the ex-Milan star.
“In football, if you play well, you have to deal with the transfer rumours, but if you concentrate 100% on your game, and you’re happy, you don’t have to think about anything or speak about anything.”
Tonali’s contract with Newcastle expires in June 2028 and several clubs have been linked with securing his services in the summer, including Juventus, Arsenal and Manchester United.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto reported in March that Newcastle would demand circa €90m for Tonali in the summer, which, if confirmed, would force Juventus to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcement.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK at St James’ Park on February 24, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The Italian midfielder has scored three goals and provided seven assists in 48 appearances across all competitions with Newcastle this season.
A 2021-22 Serie A title winner with Milan, Tonali has played 130 games in Italy’s top-flight, scoring eight goals and providing 17 assists.
Chelsea remain interested in signing the Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki at the end of the season.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, they are in constant discussions with the player regarding a potential move. New talks took place last week between Chelsea management and the player’s representatives. It remains to be seen whether they come forward with an official proposal for Sunderland as well. They will not want to lose the 21-year-old defensive midfielder easily, and Chelsea might have to pay a premium.
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The Blues need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 21-year-old could be an excellent addition. However, his arrival would surely spell the end for Romeo Lavia. The former Southampton midfielder has not been able to live up to expectations since joining the club and has suffered persistent injury problems. Chelsea could look to get rid of him in the summer and replace him with the Sunderland star.
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Chelsea is among the biggest clubs in the world, and the 21-year-old will certainly want to compete at the highest level with them. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on a deal.
Chelsea is pushing for Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. It will be interesting to see if they can finish the season strongly and secure a place in the top five.
Chelsea will be hoping to fight for major trophies, and they need to tighten up defensively. Signing another quality defensive midfielder would be a wise decision. The 21-year-old will add defensive, steel and physicality in the middle of the park. He could form a solid partnership with Moises Caicedo.
According to multiple reports, Marco Rose, formerly of RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, has agreed terms in principle to become Bournemouth’s next head coach, replacing Andoni Iraola. Iraola announced on Tuesday that he will leave the south coast club at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end. Rose has been […]
Allegri’s Milan future: meeting with Furlani on Friday
Milan CEO Furlani reportedly met Allegri at lunch on Friday, after a morning training session at Milanello.
The meeting came after weeks of speculation about Allegri’s future at Milan, with reputable sources, including Corriere dello Sport, reporting that the Tuscan tactician is unhappy with parts of the management.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Allegri expects a few big signings over the summer if Milan qualify for the Champions League, and, according to Gazzetta, the club is eager to meet the coach’s demands.
According to the report, Milan agrees that the team will need a top-class centre-forward, a big signing in central defence and a new central midfielder.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 14: Giorgio Furlani CEO of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 14, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The pink paper adds that the club’s management is even open to having Allegri more involved in the decision-making process and hope to have more meetings with the Tuscan tactician going forward to plan for the future.
Allegri’s contract with Milan expires in 2027, but there’s a clause allowing an extension to 2028. The Tuscan tactician recently emerged as one of the candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso as Italy’s national team coach.
Italy legend Nesta, a 2006 World Cup winner and a two-time Champions League winner with Milan, spoke about his son supporting Chelsea in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio.
One of the best defenders of his generation, Nesta also won the Scudetto three times during his playing career and retired in 2014 after three years abroad: two years with Montreal Impact and one year with Chennaiyin in the Indian Super League.
His kids were raised in the USA, where one of them has become a Chelsea fan.
“I even grounded him! My kids grew up in the USA, and over there they watch the Premier League,” Nesta said.
“In his class, there were Arsenal fans, Manchester United fans…and he’s a huge Chelsea supporter, to the point it actually gets to me.
“When I was not coaching three or four years ago, I worked for Prime, covering Milan in the Champions League. My son called me and said, ‘If Chelsea-Milan comes up, I’ll come with you.’ Of course, that’s exactly the matchup that happened,” continued the ex-defender.
“The day before the game, I interviewed Thiago Silva, and my son wanted to come with me. On his phone screen, he has Mason Mount, his absolute idol. I told Thiago, so he went inside, called Mount, and he came out to hug my son, who was about to cry.
Monza coach Alessandro Nesta (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I was like: Mason Mount? I mean, with all due respect, your father played….But I got emotional too, because I saw how emotional my son was, and I thought: ‘Yeah, he’s never changing his team.’
“Now that he’s turned 18, as a gift, he’s going from Miami to London with a friend for three days to watch a Chelsea game.”
epa00998510 Defender Alessandro Nesta of AC Milan celebrate the victory at the end of the Champions League second leg semifinal match against Manchester United in Milan’s San Siro-Giuseppe Meazza stadium late 02 May 2007. AC Milan won 3-0 and acceeds to the final match against Liverpool which will be played in Athens on 23 May. EPA/ETTORE FERRARI
A former Chelsea midfielder, Mount joined Manchester United in 2023.
Nesta and Thiago Silva spent three seasons together at Milan, from 2009 to 2012. Nesta played 417 Serie A matches with Milan and Lazio, scoring eight goals.
The 50-year-old also won a Club World Cup, three UEFA Super Cups, one Club Winners’ Cup, and a UEFA U21 European Championship.
After hanging up his boots, he coached Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and Monza.
Inter’s 3-0 win over Cagliari on Friday allowed the Nerazzurri to cement their lead at the top of the Serie A standings.
Cristian Chivu’s men now enjoy a 12-point lead over second-placed Napoli, who have a game in hand to be played against Lazio today.
Milan, also with a game in hand, are 15 points below the Nerazzurri in third and will visit strugglers Verona on Sunday.
Inter have five games remaining, and their title victory this season is now just a matter of time.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nicolo Barella of Inter (obscured) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As reported by Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri could even claim their 21st Scudetto next weekend, but they’ll have to beat Torino away and hope Napoli and Milan drop points in their next matches.
For Inter to win the Scudetto on April 26, Napoli must not earn more than two points in the next two games against Lazio and Cremonese, while Milan must not win their next two against Verona and Juventus.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the Real Madrid defender, David Alaba.
The 33-year-old Austrian International will be out of contract in the summer, and he is likely to be on the move. According to reports via FussballDaten, Manchester United are keeping tabs on his situation along with several other clubs.
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Man United could use David Alaba
They need greater quality and depth in the defensive unit, as well as more experienced players. The Real Madrid defender might not be a bad option. However, he has suffered persistent injury problems, and his availability could be a concern. There is no doubt that he has the experience and the quality to play for Manchester United.
He can operate as a central defender as well as a full back. His versatility would be a huge bonus for Manchester United. Signing someone of his experience for free could prove to be a wise move. Apart from his qualities as a player, his winning experience and leadership skills could be invaluable for the Manchester United dressing room. They are well placed to secure Champions League qualification next season, and they will look to fight for major trophies. They need more quality and experience in the team.
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The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for the Real Madrid star as well. This could be his final opportunity to compete at an elite club. Manchester United are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be hard to turn down as well. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official proposal for the player.
Tottenham Hotspur are looking for a quality replacement for Cristian Romero.
The Argentine defender has been linked with a move away from the London club at the end of the season, and they have identified Marcos Senesi as his replacement.
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Spurs step up efforts for Marcos Senesi
According to reports from Spain, they have now intensified their efforts to sign the 28-year-old Argentine defender. He will be a free agent in the summer, and he could prove to be a bargain acquisition for the London outfit. Meanwhile, they are keen on Andy Robertson as well. They are in advanced negotiations to sign the Liverpool defender on a free transfer. It is clear that they are looking to add more depth and experience to the defensive unit.
Both players could be excellent additions for Tottenham. They have been quite poor at the back of this season, and they are 18th in the Premier League table. They have conceded 51 goals in 32 league matches, and Tottenham will need to improve in that area of the pitch if they want to fight for trophies next season.
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Multiple clubs from across Europe are monitoring. The situation of the Argentine defender and Tottenham must act quickly in order to get the deal done. They need to improve multiple areas of the squad during the summer transfer window, and signing a quality defender like Senesi on a free transfer would help them strengthen other areas as well.
Manchester United are hoping to sign Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP at the end of the season.
According to reports from Spain, they have now accelerated their efforts to sign the 26-year-old Danish international. He has consistently shown his quality in Portugal, and this is the right time for him to take the next step and move to England.
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Man United keen on Morten Hjulmand
Manchester United are seeking a quality replacement for Casemiro, and they believe the 26-year-old could be ideal. He will help them control games from the deep and protect the defensive unit as well. He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and Hjulmand could be an asset for Manchester United. He has an €80 million release clause in his contract, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United can get the deal done. They are prepared to make a significant financial commitment to get the deal done.
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The midfielder will want to compete at the highest level and fight for trophies. Both clubs could be exciting opportunities, but it remains to be seen where he ends up. The Portuguese club might need to be more reasonable about their demands for the move to go through. It seems unlikely that Manchester United or Liverpool would pay €80 million for the Danish international.
They will need to improve other areas of the squad, and they will not want to overpay on the midfielder.
Manchester United and Liverpool are pushing for Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and whoever manages to finish in the top five could have an edge in the transfer race.
Liverpool are very interested in signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
Gordon is likely to cost a lot of money. He has been a key player for Newcastle with 22 goal contributions this season. Newcastle will not want to lose him easily, and he could cost around £80 million, according to reports from Spain.
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Liverpool need Anthony Gordon
Mohamed Salah has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, and Liverpool needs more quality on the flanks. They need someone who can score goals consistently and help create opportunities in the final third. Gordon is versatile enough to operate on either flank, and he can slot in as the centre forward as well.
He has shown his quality consistently with Everton and Newcastle. This could be the right time for him to take the next step and join a bigger club. Liverpool will be able to provide him with European football and the opportunity to fight for trophies. In addition to that, Gordon is a lifelong Liverpool fan, and the opportunity to join them will be hard to turn down for the attacker. He is entering the peak years of his career, and he will want to compete at the highest level.
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The asking price is quite high, and Liverpool needs to improve multiple areas of the squad. It remains to be seen whether they can convince Newcastle to lower their demands in the summer.
This has been a difficult season for Liverpool, and they need to plug the gaps in their squad if they want to bounce back strongly next year. Investing most of their budget in an attacker will not be a wise decision.
Declan Rice sounds convinced. To him, Arsenal’s trip to the Etihad on Sunday is not just another high‑stakes fixture but a moment that could tilt the Premier League title race decisively in their favour. Beat Manchester City, he argues, and Arsenal would not only avenge their Carabao Cup final defeat but take a commanding step […]
Verdict: Draw Best odds: 23/10 Bookmaker: Olympusbet The first Premier League Merseyside derby at Everton’s new home takes centre stage on Sunday afternoon, as the Toffees welcome Liverpool to Hill Dickinson Stadium in what already stands as the venue’s most significant occasion. Everton return from a dramatic 2–2 draw away at Brentford, while Liverpool arrive […]
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The likes of Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Manu Konè and Wesley are still unavailable for Roma, while Atalanta have travelled to the capital without Isak Hien and Francesco Rossi.
Niccolò Pisilli is not fully fit for the Giallorossi, so Stephan El Shaarawy is expected to start as an attacking midfielder alongside Matias Soulé.
Scorer of 10 goals in 12 Serie A matches since his move from Aston Villa in January, Donyell Malen will start as a sole striker in the Roma attack.
Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino has some doubts up front, with either Gianluca Scamacca or Nikola Krstovic set to get the nod, and Giacomo Raspadori potentially returning to the starting XI in place of Nicola Zalewski.
Roma vs. Atalanta – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Roma vs. Atalanta – probable line-ups
Roma (3-4-2-1):Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Rensch; Soulé, El Shaarawy; Malen.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1):Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, de Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Scamacca.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Maradona in Naples.
The home side is without the injured David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Antonio Vergara, while Romelu Lukaku is still frozen out of the team after remaining in Belgium to train individually during the March break.
Lazio have travelled to Naples without Samuel Gigot, Nicolò Rovella, Ivan Provedel, Adam Marusic and Alessio Furlanetto, and Sarri might rotate his team a bit, given that the Biancocelesti will play in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Atalanta next Wednesday.
Sky Sport and other reputable Italian media outlets claim that Napoli coach Conte will look to De Bruyne and McTominay as attacking midfielders, with Hojlund as the sole striker.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Mario Gila of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on January 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Sam Beukema will get the nod in central defence, joining Alessandro Buongiorno and Mathias Olivera.
Lazio have Daniel Maldini and Mario Gila available on the bench. Kenneth Taylor will start in central midfield, according to Gazzetta, but Sky argues that the Dutchman could rest ahead of next week’s Coppa Italia semifinal.
Napoli vs. Lazio – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 8, DAZN and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Napoli vs. Lazio – probable line-ups
Napoli (3-4-2-1):Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Lobotka, Anguissa, Spinazzola; De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund.
Thuram, Barella and Zielinski: three goals to Cagliari and a big celebration at San Siro. Sunday, 26, is the first possible date for the title. Chivu: ‘We’ve left the last season behind.’
There’s Dea, Gasp cries
He names Percassi and gets moved: ‘Ranieri? Surprised by the tones.’
The new Milan is being made here
Allegri’s lunch with Furlani: Champions and future in the menu.
Corriere dello Sport
Inter, Game over
Cagliari crushed (3-0) and Scudetto in sight: +12 over Napoli
Third consecutive win for Chvu and 25th win in 33 matches. First half without flashes, but the story changes in the second half: Thuram hits again (fourth goal in the last three games). Barella and Zielinski score too: five games to go, the party is close.
Rage and tears
Roma face off Atalanta at 20.45 Gian Piero gets moved while talking about the Percassi.
Gasp gets melted
‘Surprised by Ranieri’s tones, I’m not a bad person.’
‘I didn’t expect those words, never such an aggressive confrontation between us. I won’t reply to avoid damage. Wesley? He’d like to play, but the doctors said no. Dea? A club united with the coach. We were always in sync on the market.’
Como have disappeared, beaten by Sassuolo too (2-1): one point in three games.
Juve, last call for David
Tomorrow he’ll be a starter again vs. Bologna. Spalletti flies: 45 points in 23 games, like Napoli and Milan.
Milan, 220m wasted
It’s the sum invested from 2015 in search of a hitman: only Giroud and Bacca have left a mark.
Conte-Mau: the show
Antonio is ready to lock the second spot and the Champions League qualification. With nine points in the next three, he can reach the target on May 2. FabFor confirmed. News in defence: Beukema in, Juan Jesus out. Zaccagni’s test ahead of the Coppa Italia semis on Wednesday in Bergamo.
Corvino: ‘Lack of respect towards Lecce.’
Tuttosport
Inter prepare the party: 12
Thuram, Barella and Zielinski: Cagliari crushed
The Nerazzurri romp in the second half: now they wait for Napoli, who face Lazio today, but fewer points are needed for the Scudetto. San Siro chants: ‘The leaders run away…’ Barella: ‘Goal dedicated to Gattuso.’ On Tuesday, against Como for the Coppa Italia semi-final.
Champions closer, Silva too!
Sassuolo beat Como, and fourth spot was cemented. The Man City ace sends new signals to Juve.
The Bianconeri are the only Serie A side to have presented a convincing project to the Portuguese attacking midfielder. Jorge Mendes is working. Barça’s threat. Kessié heats up. Locatelli’s extension until 2030 is official: ‘What I pride! A dream came true.’ Yildiz still in doubt for Bologna.
Higher costs and fewer revenue: Toro running at a loss again
Atalanta make Gasperini cry
Dida: ‘Leao has given and will continue to give a lot to Milan.’
Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old Argentine defender will be a free agent in the summer and is a target for clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. However, a report from TEAMtalk claims that Liverpool are leading the race for his signature, and they are hoping to wrap up the move in the summer.
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Slot set for Marcos Senesi reunion?
The defender has played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, and he could be keen on a reunion. Liverpool needs more depth in the defensive unit, and Senesi could be a useful addition. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he has shown his quality with the Cherries. He has the quality to play for a bigger club, and the move to Liverpool would be ideal for him at this stage of his career.
Joe Gomez could be on his way out of the club in the summer due to the lack of playing time, and the 28-year-old could replace him.
Ibrahima Konate will be a free agent in the summer as well. Liverpool might need to invest in more than one central defender. It remains to be seen whether they can quickly secure an agreement with the South American defender.
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Chelsea and Manchester United need more depth at the back as well. The Blues will need to replace players like Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. The two players have fallen out of favour at Chelsea and are no longer part of the first-team plans. Senesi could prove to be an upgrade. He will also add quality and experience to the team.
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Chelsea could use Alex Scott
Scott could prove to be an interesting addition for them. Multiple clubs are monitoring his progress, but Chelsea are now hoping to get ahead of their rivals by making an early move.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Bournemouth midfielder, as per reports from Spain.
The Cherries would only sell the player if an offer surpasses £50 million in the summer. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will pay that kind of money for Scott. The 22-year-old is a young midfielder with a lot of potential, and he could justify the investment in future.
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Meanwhile, Manchester United and Tottenham also need more creativity and control in the middle of the park. They need a technically gifted midfielder who will help drive the team forward. Scott could be an exceptional acquisition for all three clubs. However, the Cherries might need to be more reasonable about the asking price for the move to go through.
The young midfielder could be attracted to the idea of joining a big club in the summer. Joining Chelsea, Manchester United, or Tottenham would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to play alongside top-quality players.
It remains to be seen whether the interested parties decide to follow up with an official proposal in the coming weeks.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is reportedly a target for Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The Netherlands International has done quite well since joining Arsenal, and he is currently one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. According to a report from Sports Boom, Real Madrid believe that he could be the ideal successor for Dani Carvajal.
They signed Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer at the start of the season, but the former Liverpool defender has not been able to make the desired impact. He has not been a regular starter for the La Liga club either.
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Jurrien Timber has been excellent
On the other hand, Timber has established himself as a key player for Arsenal, and Real Madrid believes that he has an elite profile. The Dutch defender is capable of operating on either flank, and he could be a superb acquisition for Real Madrid. However, Arsenal view him as an “untouchable” asset and are unwilling to open negotiations. It will be difficult for Real Madrid to get the deal done. Meanwhile, Arsenal are determined to keep him at the club, and they are prepared to offer him a new deal with a “record” salary hike.
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It remains to be seen whether the defender is prepared to commit his long-term future to the London club. He joined the club for a fee of €40 million in 2023, and he has a contract with Arsenal until 2028. The new deal could see his wages rise to £220,000 per week.
The report further claims that Arsenal would only open talks for the defender if an offer of around €100 million is presented. It is highly unlikely that Real Madrid will pay that kind of money for a full-back, and therefore, the transfer seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich were keen on Timber a few months ago.
Eduardo Camavinga has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid in recent weeks.
Real Madrid still see the player as a valuable piece in their squad planning, but his lack of regular starting opportunities and the prospect of high offers from Premier League clubs increase the likelihood of a departure. The club is expected to demand around €60 million (£52m) for a possible sale, according to sources close to the situation.
Eduardo Camavinga on the radar of top clubs
Arsenal and Manchester United stand out as the clubs showing the “most concrete interest”, sources have informed CaughtOffside. Chelsea and Tottenham’s attention is more limited, while PSG view a return to France as an attractive project. Barcelona could also bring Camavinga into the picture if the Bastoni deal does not materialise.
No official bid has been made yet, but once the summer transfer window opens, offers in the €55–60 million euro range from Premier League clubs are expected. The player’s contract with Real Madrid runs until 2029, which strengthens the club’s position at the negotiating table. Should he move to the Premier League, it is said he could demand a weekly salary of £200,000–250,000.
Among the scenarios, a Premier League transfer is seen as the strongest possibility. Staying at Real Madrid is possible, but it carries the risk of his market value dropping. A return to PSG or a surprise move to Barcelona are considered less likely.
The general expectation is that Camavinga will head to England this summer, opening a new chapter in his career.
Arsenal and Manchester United could use more control and defensive steel in the middle of the park. The French international could be the ideal acquisition for them. He would be an upgrade on Christian Norgaard and Manuel Ugarte. A fresh start would be ideal for the player as well. He would regain his form and confidence through regular football in England.
The 23-year-old’s winning experience and versatility could be a huge bonus for the English clubs. He can operate as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, a central defender, or a full back. He has also won the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League twice during his time at the Spanish club.
If he renews his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique would move closer to becoming one of the highest-paid coaches in the world.
Paris Saint-Germain’s success in recent years has been driven in part by Luis Enrique, who led the French side to the top of European soccer for the first time in their history. Now, his contract extension has become a top priority for the club, with a significant salary increase on the table.
“The new agreement would not only extend his stay, but also include a major salary increase. The Parisian club are willing to make Luis Enrique one of the highest-paid coaches in the world,” reported Sport this week.
Reports indicate that PSG are willing to nearly double the Spanish coach’s salary. He currently earns around €11 million gross per year, while the new deal could see that figure rise to €20 million—approximately $23.6 million annually.
That potential raise highlights Luis Enrique’s importance to PSG, who under his leadership have won 11 titles in two and a half years, while also aiming to repeat that success in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this season.
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone is the highest-paid coach in the world.
Where would Luis Enrique rank among the highest-paid coaches in the world?
If reports of negotiations between PSG and Luis Enrique materialize and he agrees to a new deal worth around $23.6 million gross per year, the coach would climb to fourth place in the global rankings.
At present, he sits in a respectable seventh position. However, his current salary of roughly $13 million per year places him well behind the top earners. The highest-paid coach in the world right now is Diego Simeone, who earns around $35 million per year at Atletico Madrid.
Next is Al Hilal’s Simone Inzaghi, who left Inter Milan last year to take up a lucrative deal worth approximately $34.3 million in the Saudi Pro League. Rounding out the top three is Pep Guardiola, who earns about $28 million at Manchester City.
The current ranking of the highest-paid coaches in the world:
The pressure is quietly building around Thomas Tuchel as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins.
The pressure is quietly building around Thomas Tuchel as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. England may have cruised through qualification, but doubts linger, and the scrutiny surrounding the manager’s methods is only intensifying. For the national team, the situation feels delicate.
England has shown moments of control and authority, yet recent performances have left questions unanswered, particularly about balance and identity under Tuchel’s leadership. The Three Lions’ qualification campaign was close to flawless on paper.
The team won all eight matches in their group without conceding a single goal, underlining defensive discipline and efficiency. However, those numbers tell only part of the story. Under the German boss, England has struggled to convince in key moments, particularly in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, where performances lacked cohesion and attacking sharpness.
The challenge ahead is far from straightforward. England has been drawn into a difficult group alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. This group has already been labeled one of the toughest in the tournament.
REAL MADRID PLAYERS, WORLD CUP SCHEDULE (All times CET)
🏴 England – Group L
June 17th, 22:00 – England vs Croatia 🏴🇭🇷 June 23rd, 22:00 – England vs Ghana 🏴🇬🇭 June 27th, 23:00 – England vs Panama 🏴🇵🇦 pic.twitter.com/xH9wk4PcB8
Croatia brings experience and pedigree, while Ghana and Panama offer unpredictability and physical intensity. For Tuchel, this context raises the stakes. Any tactical uncertainty or lack of cohesion could quickly be exposed on the biggest stage.
Hoeness reveals how Kompany is better than Tuchel
It is in this tense build-up that criticism from Uli Hoeness has added another layer of concern. Speaking publicly, the Bayern figure delivered a sharp assessment of Tuchel’s time at the German club. “Two things are important,” Hoeness began by explaining in the Auf eine weiss-blaue Tasse podcast.
“This coach [Vincent Kmpany] makes every player better. And I’ve never seen him conduct a press conference where he said: I need a left-back, I need a right-back, as was the case under Tuchel.” The 74-year-old honorary Bayern president also questioned Tuchel’s approach to accountability, claiming: “When the team didn’t play well, he never questioned himself; it was always the team’s fault.”
Hoeness highlights issues in player treatment and trust
The critique went deeper, touching on Tuchel’s man-management. Hoeness pointed to specific examples involving players, including comments about individuals that were seen as dismissive or overly critical. “That right-back isn’t working, Kimmich isn’t a good player… I can’t use him at all,” Hoeness recalled, referencing Tuchel’s reported remarks about members of the squad.
He also shared a striking anecdote: “He once asked Josip Stanisic if he could speak German, even though he was born here.” For Hoeness, such moments reflected deeper issues in communication and connection within the team.
The ex-forward also highlighted the coach’s repeated public requests for new signings, arguing that it created unnecessary pressure on the squad structure. The former Bayern Munich boss frequently demanded reinforcements in key positions, particularly in defensive midfield, which he felt was missing a “holding six.”
He contrasted this with a more development-focused approach under Vincent Kompany, suggesting a philosophical divide in squad management. The implication was clear: Tuchel’s methods, in Hoeness’ view, leaned too heavily on external fixes rather than internal solutions.
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts
What it means for England
The timing of these comments is significant. As Tuchel prepares to finalize his squad, questions about his leadership style are resurfacing at a critical moment. England’s recent history has been one of near misses, reaching major finals without lifting a trophy.
Now, with expectations high once again, the margin for error is slim. The concern is not purely about tactics. It is about whether Tuchel can foster unity, manage big personalities, and maintain trust within the dressing room when pressure peaks.
Christian Pulisic is watching developments closely as Luka Modric reportedly sets out a series of demanding conditions for Milan regarding a possible contract renewal, with Massimiliano Allegri’s future directly tied to the Croatian’s decision.
Christian Pulisic is watching developments closely as Luka Modric reportedly sets out a series of demanding conditions for Milan regarding a possible contract renewal, with Massimiliano Allegri’s future directly tied to the Croatian’s decision. The situation has created growing tension at the club, as Milan waits for clarity on whether one of its most influential figures will remain beyond the 2025-26 season.
Modric’s arrival at San Siro was initially seen as a short-term move, but his influence has quickly reshaped expectations inside the club. Now, however, Christian Pulisic and other key squad members face uncertainty as the veteran midfielder weighs up whether to extend his stay. The midfielder’s decision is expected in the coming weeks, but it hinges on multiple sporting guarantees that the Rossoneri must first satisfy.
The Croatian veteran has exceeded expectations since joining the club on a free transfer, becoming a regular starter despite turning 40 in September. He has already started 30 of 32 league matches, proving his fitness and importance in Allegri’s system.
The club holds an option to extend his contract until June 2027, but the final decision rests entirely with the player. Internally, there is optimism, yet also caution, as the Serie A giant understands that any renewal depends on strict conditions being met.
Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory after during the Serie A match.
The four conditions behind Modric’s renewal
As discussions progress, the key factors influencing Modric’s choice have gradually come into focus. Sky Italia and La Repubblica have now revealed that four specific conditions must be met for the midfielder to commit to another season in Italy.
Firstly, Modric wants to feel physically capable of maintaining his current level, a crucial factor given his age. Secondly, Champions League qualification is essential, as he aims to continue competing at the highest level of European action.
Thirdly, the Croatian is seeking assurances about the club’s ambition, with a clear expectation that Milan will build a competitive squad capable of challenging at the top. Finally, and perhaps most tellingly, the future of Allegri is a decisive element, underlining the importance of their strong working relationship.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on
How Allegri’s role became central to Modric’s future
One of the most significant elements in Modric’s decision is the future of Allegri, who has built a strong working relationship with the Croatian midfielder. Their mutual respect has become a defining feature of Milan’s dressing room dynamic this season.
“All the champions I’ve coached… it’s exciting to still see the videos of their technical feats,” Allegri said, reflecting on his experience with elite players. Reports now suggest that the Italian tactician’s continuation at Milan is one of the key conditions for the veteran to stay, making the coach’s position even more significant as contract discussions progress.
Christian Pulisic (left), Massimiliano Allegri (center), and Luka Modric (right)
Manuel Neuer’s potential return to the Germany national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been addressed by head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Germany do not have an undisputed first-choice goalkeeper heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has fueled speculation about a possible return for Manuel Neuer. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke about the situation.
“I always find it quite amusing when the public asks me whether I’m in contact with Manu. Yes, I am,”Nagelsmann admitted during a recent interview with MagentaTV. However, the coach then clarified the nature of his communication with the veteran goalkeeper.
“We call each other occasionally, we text occasionally. He is capable of using WhatsApp, as am I,” Julian explained. “We also sometimes talk about other topics beyond football. We have a very good relationship.”
Nagelsmann and Neuer share a close relationship, having worked together for several years. The coach was in charge of Bayern Munich between 2021 and 2023, during which time the goalkeeper remained active and played a key role in the Bundesliga title in 2021 as well as the German Super Cup triumphs in 2021 and 2022.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid attempts to shoot past Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Munich.
In addition, when Nagelsmann was appointed Germany head coach, Neuer was still part of the squad and played under him at Euro 2024. Following that tournament, the goalkeeper decided to end his international career, and Nagelsmann does not believe that decision will change: “Manu has retired of his own free will. He has repeated that several times now. So I don’t think it makes much sense to keep discussing it constantly.”
The race to be Germany’s goalkeeper at the World Cup
Speculation about a possible return for Manuel Neuer is not only linked to his performances with Bayern Munich, but also to the lack of a clear standout option to fill that role for the Germany national team.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen appeared to be the natural successor, but a difficult run of injuries in recent times has hurt his chances. In fact, the Girona goalkeeper is currently in the final stages of recovery from a hamstring injury and hopes to return in time for the closing stretch of the La Liga season, which could give him a chance to compete for a World Cup spot.
For now, however, that race has a clear frontrunner. Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann has started seven of Germany’s last eight matches, including the entirety of their World Cup qualifying campaign. That places him as the leading candidate, with Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel serving as the main alternative.
Cristian Chivu is glad Inter ‘enjoy their football’ after sweeping Cagliari aside 3-0, but continues to resist Scudetto celebration. ‘Thank God we achieved Champions League qualification.’
The Nerazzurri are ever closer to Scudetto glory after a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Cagliari at San Siro.
It took until the 53rd minute to finally break the Sardinians down with Marcus Thuram tapping in the Federico Dimarco assist, then moments later Nicolò Barella rifled in another.
Piotr Zielinski put the icing on the cake in stoppages with a ferocious strike into the top corner.
Chivu continuing to mock media
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Last week, the coach took a sideswipe at his rivals by saying their primary objective was a Champions League spot, so with Como’s defeat today that is now mathematically certain.
“We were aware of how important this match was. We had a few problems in the first half, we moved it too slowly, and that allowed Cagliari to cover the spaces very well. We spread them wider after the break, pushed the forwards up, and also raised the intensity level.
“When this team breaks the deadlock, it starts to enjoy its football and go for more ambitious moves. This is a team with quality, they are great players and they enjoy themselves on the pitch.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Federico Dimarco of Inter talks with Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu was asked if he can see the belief in the eyes of his players in the locker room, but had a curious answer and added more sarcasm.
“I don’t see their eyes often, as they are always looking down at their phones. I call this the one-hand generation, they’ve always got a phone in one hand, they do other things with the other…
“We are aware of the hard work we’ve done, of what we did to become competitive, and thank God we have now achieved the objective of Champions League qualification with five games to spare, so now we can look forward and try to be competitive to the end.”
This result means Inter are momentarily 12 points clear at the top of the table, awaiting Napoli and Milan matches over the weekend.
They went into this round with a nine-point lead and know that at the very least that will remain intact going into the final five rounds.
Inter now have to prepare for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como on Tuesday evening, as the first leg ended 0-0 at the Stadio Sinigaglia, so it is all to play for.
Having received so much criticism this season, Chivu is still on track to end the campaign with two trophies.
“There are human elements too, we mustn’t forget how tough it was for these lads last season, but they challenged themselves, did not back down, and always reacted during ups and downs in the season.
“They built something here over the last few years, and were determined to maintain the good things they had been put together.”
How does Chivu think Inter can step up a gear next season to be competitive in the Champions League as well as in Serie A?
“It’s not easy, as you are up against teams of a certain level, especially the Premier League sides that spend an incredible amount of money to keep reinforcing. We have a thousand examples of teams who spent so much and still discovered it’s no guarantee of Champions League success.
“We want to be competitive, one of the objectives of all clubs is to qualify for the Champions League, so it’s not a joke really, because everyone want to participate in that tournament.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: FC Internazionale Milano players celebrate at full time during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I never talked about this to them, because I was busy with achieving the Champions League qualification. Is it achieved? No, not really. I’m not superstitious, I just prefer to focus my energy on football and not my future,” replied the coach.
Fabio Pisacane admits the two Inter goals in quick succession left Cagliari ‘dazed’ in an eventual 3-0 defeat at San Siro and warns Serie A safety is not guaranteed yet.
The Sardinians managed to muzzle the Serie A leaders for long spells at San Siro, but capitulated after Inter scored two goals in the space of three minutes with Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella.
Piotr Zielinski made the final result a little harsh with a powerful strike from distance in added time.
Pisacane saw strong Inter against Cagliari
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Gennaro Borrelli of Cagliari is challenged by Manuel Akanji of Inter during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Until then, we were playing well, and knew that even if we were perfect, that Inter would cause us problems. We are against the best team in Serie A, but the regret is that we could’ve dealt with the assist for the opening goal differently.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Marcus Thuram of Inter scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“The trouble with Serie A is that every game is difficult. The ones that seemed on paper to be easier are precisely those where we tended to get it wrong. We must always be on our toes, and at the same time realise that like today, doing everything right isn’t necessarily enough.
“We’ve got to be realistic, keep picking up points where we can, and continue to chase our objective.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Michel Ndary Adopo of Cagliari challenges Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale Milano during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This is Pisacane’s debut Serie A season as a coach, and they still have a significant cushion from the relegation zone, but have lost seven of their last 10 matches.
“It has been an unusual campaign, we had a lot of serious injuries, but tried to stay alert, play our football, and I think we saw many young players impress tonight too. I feel they will be the ones, guided by the old guard, who can take us to the objective.”
Cagliari went into the weekend with a six-point gap from the bottom three, but if Cremonese or Lecce win, it could get halved.
“It’s not over yet, if you look at the table, Torino had almost the same number of points as us a few weeks ago, and now they are a long way ahead, so that’s going to be a tricky match.”
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson has fueled speculation regarding a potential summer departure from Selhurst Park after officially switching his representation to a new agency.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper has signed with Unique Sports Group (USG), a move that often precedes a major transfer or contract negotiation.
The timing of the switch is particularly notable given the intensifying rumors linking Henderson with a move to Tottenham, who are looking to replace Guglielmo Vicario.
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Dean Henderson sparks exit talks with agency switch
Joining USG puts Henderson in the same stable as several high-profile Premier League stars, including Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and Reece James.
Industry insiders suggest that a change in agency at this stage of the season is a clear signal that the player is preparing for “all eventualities” once the transfer window opens in June.
?? Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson has signed today with Unique Sports Group as new agency. pic.twitter.com/Y6rwwiGBY3
Palace are looking to build a quality team for the future and while Oliver Glasner will not be around next season, the new manager will surely want a keeper of Henderson’s quality to stay.
Kylian Mbappe is at the center of growing tension at Real Madrid, while Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a leading name for the club’s next managerial cycle, as the Spanish club edges closer to what could become a second straight trophyless season.
Kylian Mbappe is at the center of growing tension at Real Madrid, while Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a leading name for the club’s next managerial cycle, as the Spanish club edges closer to what could become a second straight trophyless season. Reports suggest that Madrid is already preparing for a major shift after a season spiraling toward disappointment.
The uncertainty comes after the Champions League elimination to Bayern, a result that has intensified scrutiny over manager Alvaro Arbeloa and the club’s broader direction. With Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham all part of an increasingly complicated attacking structure, pressure is building both on and off the pitch. As things stand, the club is again staring at a season without silverware, triggering internal discussions about major changes.
Madrid’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich proved to be the breaking point in what has been a turbulent season. The defeat, a chaotic and high-scoring affair, effectively confirmed that the club would fall short in every major competition.
Domestically, the situation has been no less concerning, with Barcelona holding a commanding lead in the title race. Combined with an early Copa del Rey exit, the campaign has exposed structural issues that go beyond results on the pitch.
The pressure has naturally fallen on head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, whose position now appears increasingly fragile. Despite his loyalty to the club, his own words reflected the uncertainty surrounding his future, as he admitted, “It’s the club’s decision… All I want is for Real Madrid to win, regardless of who’s in charge.”
Klopp emerges as leading candidate, but only under one term
Attention has now shifted toward possible replacements, and Jurgen Klopp has become Real Madrid’s preferred long-term target, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The former Liverpool manager, now working within the Red Bull structure, is highly admired internally at the club.
However, the situation is far from straightforward. Despite strong internal support for Klopp, there has been no concrete progress toward an appointment, largely due to uncertainty surrounding his willingness to return to management.
German coach Jurgen Klopp.
As Romano revealed on his YouTube channel, the key condition shaping Los Blancos’ approach is that Klopp must make the first move. The club is unwilling to initiate formal negotiations unless the German signals his readiness to step back into a coaching role, leaving the entire situation in a delicate holding pattern.
This approach reflects the club’s cautious stance after previous managerial changes, especially given the instability of recent seasons. The German tactician himself has previously dismissed speculation, calling reports of contact “nonsense” while insisting no approach has been made.
What now for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid now finds itself in a familiar but dangerous position: planning a rebuild while uncertainty surrounds both the manager and squad structure. The added complication of waiting for Klopp’s decision seems to have slowed the process, leaving the club in a state of anticipation.
For Mbappe and the rest of the squad, the next few weeks could define the direction of the entire project. Whether the 58-year-old former manager eventually steps forward, or whether the Whites turn elsewhere, will determine how the club responds to another season that has fallen short of its expectations.
As the dust settles on another painful World Cup qualification collapse, the voice of one of the game’s most respected figures has cut through the noise.
The shadows of failure have once again fallen over a proud soccer nation such as Italy, and even current Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has felt compelled to speak. As the dust settles on another painful World Cup qualification collapse, the voice of one of the game’s most respected figures has cut through the noise.
For a country that once defined defensive excellence, the latest setback has triggered deep reflection. The Azzurri now face a long road back, while the domestic league continues to search for answers in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup marks a third consecutive absence, an unprecedented fall for a four-time champion. The defeat in the play-off final against Bosnia-Herzegovina has led to sweeping changes, including resignations at federation level and a reset within the national setup.
The consequences were immediate and severe, with Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina stepping down, followed by the departure of Gianluigi Buffon from his role and the exit of coach Gennaro Gattuso. The collapse has left the national team searching for identity and direction ahead of the Nations League campaign.
Gennaro Gattuso, former Head Coach of Italy, with his players after a game.
Ancelotti points to a lost defensive identity in modern soccer
Now, weeks after the unfortunate result, Ancelotti has offered a sharp and revealing assessment of where things have gone wrong. Speaking candidly, he argued that the national game has drifted away from the principles that once made it feared across the world.
“[Serie A] has lost its defensive solidity,”he said, speaking to Il Giornale.“We already lack talent in other areas of the pitch, but excessive control of the tactical aspect has distorted our characteristics, those on which we have always built our history.” For Ancelotti, the issue is not isolated to individual mistakes but a wider philosophical change in how the game is played.
According to Ancelotti, the influence of modern soccer trends has played a significant role in this decline. Italian teams have increasingly embraced high pressing systems and man-to-man marking, approaches that carry risk when not executed perfectly. “I saw games with many goals… but too many goals also means too many mistakes, from goalkeepers and defenders,” he explained. “The so-called high pressure… involves constant risks.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy shows his dejection after the game against Bosnia & Herzegovina..
No more Maradonas, Ronaldos, and Ronaldinhos in Serie A
Ancelotti also touched on the changing dynamics of the transfer market, where Italy no longer holds the same appeal it once did. The league that attracted legends from around the world has seen its global influence diminish.“Great foreign players no longer come to Italy.”
David Beckham and Ronaldinho of Milan celebrate
He recalled legendary names such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldo Nazario, Michel Platini, and Ronaldinho, asking: “Where do young Italian players learn from?”For the 66-year-old tactician, the absence of such figures has reduced the league’s ability to develop elite talent.
Hansi Flick has decided to delay all decisions regarding Barcelona’s next squad, including Robert Lewandowski’s future.
For months, Robert Lewandowski’s future has been the subject of speculation, as his contract with Barcelona is set to expire at the end of the current season. That situation—along with other key squad decisions—has now been postponed by head coach Hansi Flick, who has set a timeline for making those calls.
“Deco already has the planning mapped out, but the German coach prefers to announce departures once the title is secured,” reported Mundo Deportivo on Friday. “Flick wants to avoid the noise around future signings affecting the locker room and potentially disrupting the squad.”
Following their elimination in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona’s final objective this season is La Liga. They currently sit comfortably atop the standings, holding a nine-point lead over second-place Real Madrid and an 18-point advantage over third-place Villarreal.
With seven matches remaining—meaning 21 points still in play—Barcelona’s path to the league title appears clear. Securing 13 of those 21 points would be enough for the Catalan side to clinch the trophy without relying on other results, and that number could be even lower if Real Madrid fail to win all of their remaining matches.
Aaron Ramsdale of Newcastle United fails to save a shot from Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona
When could Barcelona win La Liga?
In the most optimistic scenario, Barcelona would still need to wait at least four more weeks to officially celebrate their 29th Spanish league title. There will be no La Liga action this weekend due to the Copa del Rey final between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, and then three league matches would be required.
If Barcelona were to win those three matches (against Getafe, Celta Vigo, and Osasuna), and Real Madrid were to lose their next three fixtures (against Real Betis, Alaves, and Espanyol), then by the end of Matchday 34, Los Blaugranas would already be champions. That would make May 3 the earliest possible date for the title to be secured.
In a more realistic scenario, Hansi Flick’s side may need a few more weeks. That opens the door to a potentially memorable situation: Barcelona clinching the title by defeating Real Madrid. El Clasico is scheduled for Matchday 35 at Camp Nou and, depending on both teams’ results in the coming weeks, could prove decisive in the La Liga title race.
In addition to the possibility of remaining at Barcelona—where he may take on a reduced role amid rumors of the club targeting another top-level striker—Lewandowski has also been linked with clubs such as AC Milan, as well as Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer and even potential moves to the Saudi Pro League.
Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella assure ending the season empty-handed ‘taught Inter a lot’ and their friendship is helping them march towards the Scudetto now.
The Nerazzurri were a little sluggish in the first half and struggled to break Cagliari down, but ran riot after the break when stepping up a gear.
The deadlock was broken when Federico Dimarco rolled across his 16th assist of the season for Thuram to tap in, then Barella blasted in the loose ball moments later.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Marcus Thuram of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Federico Dimarco during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Thuram really has found his form at the right time after a difficult period, as he can’t seem to stop scoring at the moment with four goals and two assists in the last three games.
“Nothing has changed really, these are moments, I am in a good moment now, and that’s good for Inter,” Thuram told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s not done yet, we’ve got to keep pushing and picking up points. We are a squad who like to play together and hanging out together, and you can see that when we’re on the pitch too.”
Barella did not want to celebrate scoring a goal against his hometown club, but Thuram forced a smile when giving the midfielder a piggy-back ride.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter went into this weekend with a nine-point lead at the top of the Serie A table, and it will at the very least remain intact going into the final five rounds.
It’s no wonder the fans at San Siro unleashed the traditional chant of ‘we will win the tricolor’ at the final whistle.
“It’s pleasing, last season was difficult and taught us a lot, but now we really need to win. Seeing this atmosphere recreated with our determination, commitment and hard work, it’s marvellous.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: FC Internazionale Milano players celebrate at full time during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This side is marching away with the Scudetto, because only four times in their history had Inter won 25 of the opening 33 Serie A rounds, in 2023-24, 2006-07 and 1988-89.
“Statistics only mean so much, because the important thing is to give everything you’ve got on the field. I also want to compliment Pepu Martinez for his performance, it was not easy for him after what happened, we tried to be by his side, so he deserves this moment.”
Goalkeeper Martinez received a rare start today, but his season was affected by a tragic accident when an elderly man fell ill at the wheel and veered into his car.
Marcus Thuram, Nicolò Barella and Piotr Zielinski eventually broke Cagliari down for a 3-0 victory that takes Inter ever closer to the Scudetto, as Francesco Pio Esposito won the battle of the brothers.
The Nerazzurri were fired up after the thrilling 4-3 win at Como put them nine points clear at the top of the table, but also had to prepare for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against the same opponents. Lautaro Martinez, Alessandro Bastoni and Yann Bisseck were out injured, with Petar Sucic suspended, and some squad rotation.
The Sardinians ended a run of five straight defeats by beating Cremonese to break clear of the relegation zone, but Luca Mazzitelli, Leonardo Pavoletti, Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici didn’t make the trip. It was a special moment as brothers Francesco Pio and Sebastiano Esposito faced off.
It was an aggressive start from Cagliari, as Sebastiano Esposito’s deflected effort forced a fingertip save from Josep Martinez, then Marco Palestra blasted over.
Francesco Pio Esposito completed a give and go with Marcus Thuram, but both he and Federico Dimarco saw attempted tap-ins denied by defensive blocks.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Ze Pedro of Cagliari is challenged by Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Carlos Augusto’s strike was deflected inches wide from the edge of the area, while Pio Esposito stung Caprile’s gloves at the near post after controlling Nicolò Barella’s pass.
Inter finally broke the deadlock after the restart, as Dimarco rolled across from the left, bending the pass inwards so that Thuram just had to cushion it over the line at the back post.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Marcus Thuram of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Federico Dimarco during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The second goal arrived soon after, as while Thuram’s attempt was charged down, Barella smashed in the rebound from just inside the area. He refused to celebrate against his hometown club, but cracked a smile when Thuram insisted on giving the midfielder a piggy-back ride.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nicolo Barella of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Cagliari threatened too, as Manuel Akanji needed a desperate interception to stop Mendy meeting the Palestra cross after the offside trap failed.
Denzel Dumfries met the Ange-Yoan Bonny cross late on, but couldn’t keep his header down.
Inter added a third in stoppages, as Dumfries knocked down a ball on the edge of the area for Piotr Zielinski to hit a first-time right-foot screamer into the top corner.
Nicolò Barella refused to celebrate after scoring for Inter against hometown club Cagliari, but Marcus Thuram did his best to get a smile out of the midfielder with an unorthodox approach.
Barella did not celebrate, waving to the crowd in apology, because Cagliari is his hometown club and where he started his career before the move to Inter in 2019.
Teammate Thuram did his best to crack a smile out of his teammate by scooping up the diminutive midfielder and carrying him around on his shoulders.
The centre-forward made the loan move to San Siro as a last-minute deal on February 1, after the Rossoneri had struggled to secure other targets and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta failed a medical.
Fullkrug has made 16 Serie A appearances for Milan, scoring one goal in the 1-0 victory over Lecce on January 18, but only three of those matches saw him in the starting XI.
Instead, coach Max Allegri tended to prefer Rafael Leao in a False 9 role, even with Santiago Gimenez injured.
Fullkrug will not make Milan move permanent
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Niclas Fullkrug of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan have no intention of using the €5m option to buy the 33-year-old outright, so Fullkrug is going back to West Ham United at the end of the season.
It is noted that his contract with West Ham remains valid even if they are relegated from the Premier League, although his salary would be reduced by 50 per cent.
Newcastle United have made a significant move to sign Yan Diomande as the club prepares for a potential summer reshuffle that could see star winger Anthony Gordon depart St James’ Park.
The news comes from prominent insider on X, who reports that the Magpies have made a move for the 19-year-old Ivorian forward.
Diomande, who has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season with RB Leipzig, is widely considered one of Europe’s most “explosive” young talents, having already recorded 11 goals and 5 assists in domestic competition.
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Newcastle ready to offer lucrative deal to sign Yan Diomande
According to the insider, Newcastle are determined to win the race for Diomande by outbidding their Premier League rivals in terms of personal terms.
Despite heavy interest from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, the Tyneside club is reportedly prepared to offer a “more lucrative contract” to entice the winger to the North East.
The insider posted on X: “One of our trusted sources at Newcastle United is stating that the club will look to sell Anthony Gordon. The source states that Newcastle United have made a move for Yan Diomande. They are willing to offer a more lucrative contract compared to their Premier League rivals.”
Leipzig are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of €100 million (£87m) for their prized asset.
While Newcastle must remain mindful of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, the potential sale of a high-value homegrown star could provide the necessary headroom for such a marquee investment.
What this means for Anthony Gordon?
The news of a move for Diomande directly coincides with fresh rumours regarding Anthony Gordon’s future.
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Following a season where the England international has scored 16 goals across all competitions, his stock has never been higher.
However, with Newcastle currently sitting 14th in the table and facing a “summer exodus” to balance the books, Gordon is being touted as a primary candidate for a major sale.
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Anthony Gordon
46
17
5
Yan Diomande
31
12
8
Yan Diomande vs Anthony Gordon 25/26 stats vs Transfermarkt
There is plenty of interest in Gordon from the Premier League and abroad.
If Newcastle can successfully flip Gordon for a profit and replace him with the younger, high-ceiling Diomande, it would represent a bold tactical pivot as Eddie Howe looks to reignite the club’s top-four ambitions for 2027.
Roberto De Zerbi has claimed that he does not plan to leave Tottenham next season unless his vision for the club’s future ceases to align with that of the ownership.
Despite the club currently sitting in the Premier League relegation zone, the Italian tactician has insisted that the potential of playing in the Championship is not his primary concern.
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Roberto De Zerbi says relationship with Tottenham hierarchy crucial for him to stay
“The problem is not the league. The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project.”
When pressed to clarify that being on the same page as the Spurs hierarchy, rather than the club’s divisional status, is the deciding factor for his tenure, De Zerbi said: “Yes. Everyone on the same page”.
The comments suggest that while De Zerbi is committed to a long-term rebuild, he requires total transparency and tactical backing from the board.
For a club that has being going through a turbulent time and cycled through multiple managers in 2026, the demand for a unified project is a significant ultimatum.
Can De Zerbi keep Spurs up?
The immediate task for De Zerbi remains daunting. Following a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in his debut match, Tottenham remain sitting in 18th place.
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The club is currently on a disastrous 14-match winless run in the Premier League and has yet to record a single victory in the 2026 calendar year.
With only six games remaining, the pressure to find a winning formula is immense.
While De Zerbi has pointed to the impending returns of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski as reasons for optimism, he must first find a way to navigate a difficult run-in that includes fixtures against Chelsea and Everton.
If he cannot bridge the gap to safety, the strength of that relationship with the board will be tested sooner than expected.
Bayern Munich have taken the top spot in the UEFA rankings from Real Madrid following their Champions League clash.
Real Madrid’s defeat and subsequent elimination from the Champions League against Bayern Munich last Wednesday continues to have consequences for the Spanish giants. That result has now directly impacted their position in the UEFA rankings.
Real Madrid have lost top spot after a long spell at the summit, overtaken by Bayern Munich. The German side now have 146.500 points, moving ahead of Los Blancos, who sit second with 144.500. The podium is completed by Liverpool, who also climbed one place and are now third with 130.000 points.
Of the four teams still remaining in the Champions League, the next best-ranked side are Paris Saint-Germain, who moved up one position to fifth place after their dominant win over Liverpool. Meanwhile, Arsenal have climbed to seventh, while Atletico Madrid have broken into the top ten.
Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich now lead the UEFA rankings.
How do the UEFA rankings work?
The UEFA rankings are a comparative system that evaluates the performance of clubs, national teams, and associations competing in European competitions, based on their results over a recent period. In the case of clubs, the calculation is based exclusively on performances in continental competitions, not domestic leagues.
That means results in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League are what matter. There is also a defined time frame used to assess those performances. “The season coefficients from the five most recent seasons are used to rank the clubs for seeding purposes,”UEFA explain on their official website.
There is also a separate ranking that considers the last ten seasons instead of five, though it is used for financial rather than sporting purposes: “The season coefficients from the ten most recent seasons are used to calculate revenue club coefficients for revenue distribution purposes only.”
In that alternate ranking, Bayern Munich also hold first place, with a slight edge over Real Madrid. The top two positions remain the same compared to the five-year ranking, but differences emerge further down: Manchester City sit third, while PSG and Barcelona round out the top five.
With a place in the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals on the line, anticipation has grown around whether the Portuguese superstar will feature against Al-Wasl.
There is always a sense of anticipation whenever Cristiano Ronaldo is involved, and this time is no different as attention turns toward a crucial continental fixture. With a place in the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals on the line, anticipation has grown around whether the Portuguese superstar will feature against Al-Wasl.
The Saudi club enters the match in excellent domestic form, while the UAE club hopes home advantage can help produce an upset. Ronaldo’s availability has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of a tie that could shape Al-Nassr’s season.
Sunday’s quarter-final meeting between Al-Wasl and Al-Nassr will take place at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai, with the original two-legged format changed to a one-match tie. That adjustment followed a scheduling disruption linked to regional conflict, leaving both sides with no second chance.
For Al-Nassr, the match arrives during a strong run of results. The Saudi club sits eight points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League with five matches remaining, placing it in a commanding position domestically while also chasing continental silverware.
Al-Wasl, meanwhile, has experienced a more uneven campaign. The Emirates club has fallen well off the pace in the UAE title race, but knockout soccer offers a fresh opportunity to revive momentum.
Ronaldo’s fitness update finally emerges
Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi indicates that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be available for the AFC Champions League Two clash against Al-Wasl on Sunday. That will be welcome news for Al-Nassr after recent concerns.
Ronaldo reportedly dealt with illness and abdominal discomfort in recent days, even vomiting after the narrow league win over Al-Ettifaq, which raised doubts over his readiness. Now, signs point toward a return. The medical staff has reportedly worked to restore him to full condition, and the coaching staff sees his experience as a major asset in a knockout fixture.
89’ Cristiano Ronaldo gets subbed off and heads straight to the locker room. Hope he’s not injured again.. 😩 pic.twitter.com/2XnVfVkXtZ
Although Ronaldo has remained productive this season, his appearances in this competition have been selective. He has featured sparingly in the AFC Champions League Two as Al-Nassr often prioritized domestic matches and carefully managed his workload.
That strategy may now be changing. With the latter stages here, every match carries greater significance, and competitive minutes could help sharpen Ronaldo for the final stretch of the league title race as well.
At 41, game management is always part of the equation. Yet elite players often define knockout nights, and Al-Nassr knows Ronaldo can still decide major contests.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring
With Lionel Messi already starring in the United States, speculation has naturally grown over whether the Brazilian icon could soon follow and create another chapter in their shared history.
Neymar’s future has become one of soccer’s most intriguing storylines after fresh reports linked him with a possible move to MLS. With Lionel Messi already starring in the United States, speculation has naturally grown over whether the Brazilian icon could soon follow and create another chapter in their shared history.
The Santos captain remains under contract in Brazil until December 2026, yet interest from Cincinnatihas added a new layer of uncertainty. As his current club battles inconsistency, Neymar’s comments have only deepened the mystery surrounding what comes next.
Recent reports claim that FC Cincinnati has contacted the star’s representatives to explore whether a move to MLS could be possible. Those discussions are said to be at an early stage, with the American club first trying to understand if the player would even consider such a transfer.
That cautious approach makes sense. Neymar remains one of the biggest names in world soccer, and any attempt to sign him would involve complex financial planning, squad rules, and long-term commitment.
Neymar Junior of Santos.
The Orange and Blue have shown ambition in recent seasons and reportedly see themselves as a destination for elite talent. Bringing in Neymar would instantly become one of the most significant moves in MLS history.
What did Neymar say about his future?
The most talked-about element of the story is Neymar’s own reaction to the rumors. Rather than confirming or denying anything, he offered a measured and cautious stance that kept every possibility open. “I honestly don’t know,” he told ESPN Brasil when asked about a possible move in the next transfer window.
He then offered a stronger clue about his immediate future. “I have a contract with Santos until the end of the year, and I intend to see it through.” Those words suggest that while nothing is guaranteed beyond this season, his current focus remains with Santos rather than an immediate departure.
Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate against PSG in 2017.
Why a Messi reunion is being discussed
Any Neymar-to-MLS rumor naturally leads to talk of Lionel Messi. The pair dazzled together at Barcelona and later reunited at Paris Saint-Germain, forming one of the most recognizable partnerships of the modern era.
This time, however, a reunion could come in a different form. Instead of sharing a dressing room, the 34-year-old Brazilian could potentially face the Argentine superstar’s Inter Miami as a rival if he joins another MLS side.
Neymar: "Jogamos bem. A torcida fica nervosa, pede para o time jogar mais… Nosso time tá jogando. Às vezes eu entendo a torcida, mas tem que saber que futebol é assim, tem dia que a bola não entra, faz parte. Fazer o quê?"
While transfer rumors grow, life at Santos has been complicated. The veteran has endured uneven results, and frustration recently spilled over after a disappointing draw that saw fans boo the team. Neymar even became involved in a tense exchange with a supporter after the match.
Neymar and Lionel Messi were teammates at Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2023.
Cesc Fabregas says that Fabio Grosso ‘put on a masterclass’ but warns that Como ‘weren’t even at 10%’ after his side fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sassuolo on Friday evening.
There was a rapid influx of goals at the end of the first half at the Mapei Stadium, as Cristian Volpato and M’Bala Nzola struck within two minutes of each other to send the hosts 2-0 up. Nico Paz halved the deficit in first-half injury time, but that was as far as the comeback went.
Today’s result leaves Como two points behind Juventus in the Champions League positions, now having played one game more.
Speaking during his post-match interview with DAZN, Fabregas insisted that he wasn’t trying to ‘look for excuses’ and instead congratulated Sassuolo and head coach Grosso on their ‘masterclass’ performance. He later went on to add that he thought his side ‘weren’t even at 10%’ of their usual selves.
“When you lose, you always look for excuses. We apologise to the fans and congratulate Sassuolo, the coach put on a masterclass today,” Fabregas sais. “We weren’t fluid, the ball was too slow and Lauriente was difficult to control. We look forward to the next one.”
Fabregas feels that Grosso set up differently to how he normally does.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Alberto Moreno of Como 1907 reacts after M’Bala Nzola of US Sassuolo Calcio (not pictured) scored the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“This isn’t the normal Sassuolo, who defend the whole game and then massacre you on the counterattack. There was an incredible density of players. We tried every way to get through but today wasn’t our day. We didn’t have the quality.
“The second goal was the most disappointing thing. We’re not this sort of team. We have to accept it and continue to prepare better if we want to get to certain levels.
“Every game is different. We try to be as complete as possible. Today we weren’t even at 10%. Bad for us, but congratulations to Sassuolo. Let’s think about the next game and prepare well.”
Fabio Grosso says that he felt ‘emotional’ after watching his Sassuolo players put in a ‘masterpiece’ performance in their 2-1 victory over the Champions League-chasing Como in Serie A on Friday evening: ‘I’m proud of these guys, of what they have done and of what they will continue to do’.
Quickfire goals from Cristian Volpato and M’Bala Nzola towards the end of the first half were enough for Sassuolo to hold onto all three points, despite Nico Paz pulling one back on the stroke of the interval.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Alberto Moreno of Como 1907 reacts after M’Bala Nzola of US Sassuolo Calcio (not pictured) scored the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I told the boys that they made me emotional today, they put together a masterpiece. Playing this game against this opponent shouldn’t have been taken for granted, but instead we did really well,” said Grosso during his post-match interview with DAZN.
“We chose the right moments in the game to do the right things, so well done to the boys.
“It’s been an amazing year, now we have to recover and recharge. We will find other teams difficult to face and will come up against teams that put in performances of the highest level.”
Grosso was asked how pleased he was with the performances of Cristian Volpato and M’Bala Nzola, who provided the crucial goals against Como.
“Very happy,” he said. “It’s a group that trains well, it’s right to praise them for being protagonists. I’m happy with the people who work for me, together we always try to do our best. We’re doing amazing things, we want to continue, knocking that we’re facing very good opponents.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Fabio Grosso, Head Coach of Sassuolo, looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
And where does Grosso see Volpato playing his best football? Out wide or through the middle?
“I talk to him a lot, for me he has impressive potential. I believe in him, he has really great qualities. Every now and then he slows down a bit, but he puts in a lot of good will. If he understands that certain things can change, he can affect games at very high levels,” Grosso replied.
Sassuolo are now five points away from reaching an impressive tally of 50 points heading into the final five games of the season.
“We’ve done a lot, quickly and unexpectedly. It wasn’t an easy start, but then we got back on track.
“We’ve done amazing things, getting through a few scuffles, but maintaining our identity. I’m very proud of these guys, of what they have done and of what they will continue to do.”
Both those Serie A Week 33 fixtures are being played today because Inter and Como will meet in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday, with the first leg ending 0-0 last month.
Those sides met only last week with the 4-3 thriller sending the Nerazzurri nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table, with Napoli and Milan also stumbling.
Inter can see the Scudetto
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – MAY 04: Giuseppe Marotta, Sports CEO of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on May 04, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It feels as if we are in the final kilometre of the Giro d’Italia, we are wearing the pink shirt and can see the finish line, but let’s not make any calculations ahead of time.
“There are still 18 points up for grabs, we must repeat the performance in Como, where we achieved a victory with character after going behind.
“We must remember every team raise their game when facing the leaders, it is added motivation, so we must respect our opponents and be aware of their quality.”
Alessandro Bastoni has been struggling with an ankle issue for several weeks and is therefore in the stands today, with Lautaro Martinez and Yann Bisseck also injured.
Squad rotation is nonetheless kept to a minimum, as Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco maintain their usual positions on the wings, but Josep Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan step in.
On the Cagliari side, Marco Palestra starts, and he has been linked with a possible Inter swoop from parent club Atalanta.
“There is this talk of a crisis of talent in Italy, but this lad made his mark and in my view has a great future ahead of him,” noted Marotta.
“He is having some excellent performances and needs to keep going like this. It’s not easy, I am proud as a fan of the Nazionale to see him develop, but it is only right and fair that Atalanta hold on tight.”
It is a special evening for the Esposito family, as brothers Francesco Pio and Sebastiano face off on opposite teams, both having come up through the Inter youth academy.
A third brother, Salvatore Esposito, is currently playing for Sampdoria in Serie B.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Marcus Thuram, Nicolo’ Barella and Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale interact during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“You don’t win trophies with young talents alone, you have to mix them with experience and also the winning culture that is often found within players who have more history behind them,” argued the Inter President.
“As a club, we should continue focusing on the importance of financial sustainability and also the objective of winning, with a mixture of youth and experience. And naturally also a core of Italian players.”
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If Chivu is on track to win the Scudetto in his first season at Inter, will his contract be automatically renewed?
“The contract is just a formal aspect, but with his way of working, he has proved himself worthy of Inter, and he is one of the best young coaches in Europe,” concluded Marotta.
Inter will step out wearing special jackets as part of a collaboration marking the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd album ‘Wish You Were Here.’
Inter are preparing to take on Cagliari in Serie A on Friday afternoon, but there was a slight surprise in Cristian Chivu’s starting XI, as regular first-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer was left out of the line-up for Josep Martinez.
Why Martinez is playing instead of Sommer in Inter vs. Cagliari
Martinez has spent the last two seasons serving as Sommer’s understudy in San Siro, but has been Inter’s go-to goalkeeper in domestic cup competitions this season. He has played in all three of Inter’s Coppa Italia fixtures so far this season, plus the semi-final of the Supercoppa Italiana. He also has two Serie A appearances to his name this term.
According to pre-match reports, Chivu intends to play Martinez for the second leg of Inter’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Como coming up on Tuesday evening (April 21).
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Josep Martinez and Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale at the end of the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, given that Martinez has not played since the first leg of the Como semi-final, which took place six weeks ago on March 3, Chivu has decided to play Martinez against Cagliari in order to give him a ‘warm-up’ according to reports from TMW.
Curiously, Martinez’s last appearance in Serie A also came against Cagliari on September 27, and that game ended in a 2-0 victory in favour of the Nerazzurri. His only other outing in the league this term ended in a 2-1 victory at home against Sassuolo on September 21.
Sassuolo cause an upset with a quickfire double of counter-attacks from Cristian Volpato and M’Bala Nzola, as Como see the Champions League dream slip away.
The Lariani rotated the squad after a chaotic 4-3 defeat to Inter put them into fifth place, and ahead of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against the same opponents. Jayden Addai remained the only long-term absentee, but Alvaro Morata was given a rare start. The Neroverdi had Domenico Berardi and Josh Doig suspended after the ill-tempered loss to Genoa, with Darryl Bakola, Filippo Romagna, Daniel Boloca, Edoardo Pieragnolo and Fali Cande injured, giving Stefano Turati a surprise chance in goal.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Fans of Como 1907 display a banner reading ‘Sorry guys, we were at work’, during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo had a huge chance within 20 seconds, as Kristian Thorstvedt’s finish from the edge of the area was deflected just wide by Jacobo Ramon.
Thorstvedt was also brought down just outside the area by Ramon for a yellow card, Armand Laurienté seeing his resulting free kick palmed out from under the bar.
Alberto Moreno sliding in at the back post just failed to connect with a Nico Paz cross, while Turati scrambled to fingertip a Nico Paz snooker shot round the base of the upright.
Como were caught totally unbalanced on their corner kick, as Laurienté sent M’Bala Nzola on the counter-attack and his slide-rule pass found Cristian Volpato for a delightful lob from distance.
Barely two minutes later, Sassuolo repeated the trick, as this time Nzola ran onto the Laurienté through ball and finished it himself, beating the on-rushing Butez from inside the area for his first Serie A goal in the Neroverdi shirt.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: M’Bala Nzola of US Sassuolo Calcio is challenged by Alvaro Morata of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
However, Como got one back with the last kick of the half, as Nico Paz sent a looping, swerving header from Ivan Smolcic’s cross into the far from corner from just inside the box.
Cesc Fabregas made a triple change at the break, but Como had a huge chance to equalise on 69 minutes. Nico Paz gathered a ball over the top, flicked it around Woyo Coulibaly and went for the lob from a tricky angle, but Turati scrambled across to claw it off the line with Morata ready to bundle over from a yard.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
There was a double desperate block, first from Jay Idzes on Tasos Douvikas, then Thorstvedt on Mergim Vojvoda, while Andrea Pinamonti failed to make the most of an Alberto Moreno error.
Como have just one point from the last three rounds and their hopes of a Champions League spot are now badly damaged.
Esposito brothers boast near-identical goal tallies ahead of Inter vs. Cagliari
GENOA, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 12, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The league leading Nerazzurri have a nine-point lead at the top of the Serie A table heading into the final six matches of the 2025-26 season. A victory against Cagliari will take them 12 points clear of Antonio Conte’s Napoli and 15 clear of Massimiliano Allegri and Milan.
Both sides will have an Esposito in their squads this evening. Both boast remarkably similar goalscoring records in 2025-26 as well.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Inter’s Francesco Pio is arguably Italy’s biggest breakthrough star of the 2025-26 season with six goals and four assists to his name from 30 appearances in Serie A this season. He also has one in the Coppa Italia and another two in the Champions League for a total record of nine goals and six assists from 42 outings.
His older brother Sebastiano, on loan from Inter with an obligation to buy, also has six goals from 30 Serie A appearances and another in the Coppa Italia. His seasonal tally currently stands at seven goals and six assists from 33 outings. Taking Champions League football out of the equation, both brothers would have had the same tally of goals (7) and from the same number of appearances (33).
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has backed Arsenal to clinch the Premier League title, despite the Gunners facing a daunting run of fixtures and mounting pressure from Manchester City.
Rooney’s comments come at a crucial moment in the 2025/26 campaign. Arsenal, who have led the table for the majority of the season are going through a dip in form, having just won one game in their last five across all competitions, having lost three and drawn one.
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The two defeats came in cup competitions, losing 2-1 to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final and 2-0 against Manchester City in the League Cup final.
They also suffered a massive set-back in the league, losing 2-1 against Bournemouth at home.
“Yes, it’s a massive game obviously for both clubs. I still think Arsenal will win. I think City obviously have to be perfect with all their results. Arsenal could afford to get a draw in that game as well. But I still think Arsenal will just nick it.”
The title race could go down to the wire
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The battle for the crown is set to go down the wire. Currently, Arsenal are six points ahead of City but have played one more game than Pep Guardiola’s side.
Team
Key Remaining Fixtures
Arsenal
Man City (A), Newcastle (H), Fulham (H), West Ham (A), Burnley (H), Crystal Palace (A)
Man City
Arsenal (H), Burnley (A), Everton (A), Brentford (H), Bournemouth (A), Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (H)
Out of the two, Arsenal have an easier run of fixtures and should be expected to see it through if they can get at least a point against City.
Man City meanwhile have no other option but to win every single game between now and the end of the season in order to remain in the title race.
On Sunday, Manchester City, sitting second in the Premier League rankings, will host Arsenal, the leaders, at the Etihad. The Gunners have a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side, and though City have a game in hand, a victory for the visitors would surely mean the race is all but over. The City boss is […]
As things stand at the moment, Dusan Vlahovic is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, when his contract with Juventus expires. But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Bianconeri hope the Serbian striker will sign a new deal and extend his stay in Turin. This season could be described […]
Sergio Reguilon and David Ayala have been ruled out of the match between Inter Miami and Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami are set to visit Colorado Rapids this Saturday for Matchday 8 of Major League Soccer, and they will have to do so without two of their regular starters. David Ayala and Sergio Reguilon will not be part of the squad due to physical issues.
“Training in the rain… Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul available for the trip to Colorado. David Ayala and Sergio Reguilon will not travel due to injury,” reported Jose Armando on Friday via his official X account.
Sergio Reguilon has been a frequent presence in Inter Miami’s injury updates this year. Brought in to fill the void left by Jordi Alba following his retirement, the Real Madrid academy product has managed to play just three matches this season, none of them in full.
A knee injury in the opening moments of the first preseason friendly sidelined Reguilon for several weeks. Upon his return, he featured in only two matches before a muscle injury forced him out again. Then, after just 45 minutes of action last Saturday against New York Red Bulls, he once again had to be substituted at halftime.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez y Rodrigo De Paul a disposición para el viaje a Colorado.
David Ayala y Sergio Reguilón no harán el viaje por lesión.
Ayala’s situation has not been much better. The young Argentine midfielder arrived to take over Sergio Busquets’ role, but so far he has not lived up to expectations, making just four appearances out of a possible nine. Personal issues and injuries have affected his performances, causing him to lose ground in the competition for a spot in the lineup.
Who could replace Reguilon and Ayala?
Looking ahead to Saturday’s match against Colorado Rapids, interim coach Guillermo Hoyos will need to find solutions to cope with the absences of Sergio Reguilon and David Ayala and ensure the team performs at its best despite the setbacks.
Hoyos’ preferences remain unclear for now, as this will be his first match in charge following Javier Mascherano’s departure. Under the previous manager, whenever Ayala was unavailable, Yannick Bright typically stepped into the midfield, making him the most likely option for Saturday’s MLS match.
As for Reguilon’s potential replacement, Noah Allen appears to be the most natural fit, as he is the only other left-footed full-back in the squad. However, Gonzalo Lujan and Ian Fray have also filled that role on occasion, giving Hoyos several options to choose from.
Inter Miami players Sergio Reguilon and David Ayala.
Juventus have officially announced that captain Manuel Locatelli has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract extension, which will tie him to the club until the summer of 2030.
Locatelli’s previous deal had been due to expire in the summer of 2028, and recent reports indicate that his new deal comes with an increase in wages from around €3m per season to roughly €4m per year.
The Italy international signed off on his contract on Friday, which was officially announced later on the same afternoon.
Locatelli joined Juventus in a €37.5m deal from Sassuolo in 2021 and has since gone on to make 224 appearances for the club across all competitions, registering nine goals and 17 assists during that time.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Manuel Locatelli and Bremer of Juventus celebrate following the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
His is the latest in a series of important contract extensions for Juventus this season, following the lengthening of contracts for head coach Luciano Spalletti, star attacker Kenan Yildiz and versatile midfielder Weston McKennie, who would have been out of contract in the summer without a new deal.
What Juventus said about Locatelli’s new deal
“We all remember when Manuel, upon his arrival in 2021, spoke with great emotion about having always been a Juventus fan,” said CEO Damien Comolli in a statement on the club website.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Damien Comolli, General Manager of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match against US Sassuolo Calcio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“His contract renewal therefore represents the natural continuation of the growth of his leadership on the pitch, of his indomitable Juventus spirit, in complete harmony with the values and ambitions of our Club. It is a further step towards giving solidity and continuity to our sporting project, with an eye to the future and the goal of making the team increasingly competitive.”
Inter aim to consolidate their Serie A leadership against a Cagliari side hoping to avoid relegation, as it’s a battle of the Esposito brothers at San Siro.
These fixtures are being played today because Inter and Como will then face off in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday.
The Nerazzurri are fresh from a thrilling 4-3 victory over Como that sent them nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table, as rivals Napoli and Milan stumbled.
Now they face a very different challenge from a Cagliari side that is hovering just above the relegation zone.
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Cristian Chivu has limited choices, because Alessandro Bastoni joined Lautaro Martinez and Yann Bisseck on the injury list, while Petar Sucic is suspended.
Some squad rotation is to be expected ahead of that Coppa Italia clash, but Marcus Thuram is partnered by Francesco Pio Esposito rather than Ange-Yoan Bonny.
It is a very special occasion, because Cagliari are starting Sebastiano Esposito, the older sibling in a football family with three brothers who all play professionally.
Stefan de Vrij and Carlos Augusto pad out the defence, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and goalkeeper Josep Martinez stepping in.
GENOA, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 12, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Cagliari had been in a total crisis that saw them slide down the table back into the danger zone after four consecutive defeats, but the 1-0 win against Cremonese gave them a six-point buffer zone.
It’s not enough to feel comfortable, though, so they’ll come out fighting for every precious point at San Siro.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Semih Kilicsoy of Cagliari scores his team’s second goal (2-0) during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 31, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Leonardo Pavoletti has a knee issue and Luca Mazzitelli suffered a calf strain, while Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici are long-term absentees with torn ACLs.
Turkish talent Semih Kilicsoy therefore supports Sebastiano Esposito, while veteran Yerry Mina hopes to harass opponents.
Marco Palestra has been linked with a potential move to Inter, so will be eager to impress at right wing-back.
Inter vs. Cagliari official line-ups
Inter: Martinez; Akanji, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Pio Esposito
Cagliari: Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Obert; Palestra, Adopo, Gaetano, Sulemana, J Rodriguez; Borrelli, S Esposito
The deal, which is expected to be finalised before the end of the current campaign, will see the 49-year-old German take the reins at the Vitality Stadium in June.
Iraola, who guided the Cherries to a club-record points total last season, confirmed earlier this week that he will step down at the expiry of his contract to pursue a fresh challenge.
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Marco Rose to become new Bournemouth manager
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the South Coast club moved decisively to secure Rose ahead of other candidates, including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna.
“Bournemouth are set to appoint Marco Rose as new head coach from June. Agreement done with former RB Leipzig manager to replace Andoni Iraola next season. Rose has agreed terms with #AFCB and the contract is set to be approved soon.”
?? Bournemouth are set to appoint Marco Rose as new head coach from June.
Agreement done with former RB Leipzig manager to replace Andoni Iraola next season.
The appointment is a significant statement of intent from Bournemouth’s hierarchy, led by president of football operations Tiago Pinto.
Rose’s availability, having been a free agent since leaving Leipzig in March 2025, allowed the club to bypass lengthy compensation negotiations and begin immediate planning for the 2026/27 season.
Rose’s impressive European portfolio
In Marco Rose, Bournemouth are appointing a manager with a decorated history in some of Europe’s most competitive environments.
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Known for a heavy-metal style of football characterised by high pressing and rapid transitions, Rose is viewed as the ideal successor to continue the progressive work started by Iraola.
Club
Honors / Achievements
RB Salzburg
2x Austrian Bundesliga, 1x Austrian Cup
RB Leipzig
1x DFB-Pokal (2023), 1x DFL-Supercup
B. Dortmund
2nd Place Bundesliga (2021/22)
Marc Rose achievements
Rose’s experience in the Champions League and his track record for developing elite young talent were reportedly key factors in Bill Foley’s decision.
As Bournemouth chase a top-half finish this term, the arrival of a “title-winning boss” suggests the club is no longer content with Premier League survival, but is now firmly aiming for silverware and European qualification.
Manchester United suffered a somewhat surprising defeat against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday, with two first-half goals from Noah Okafor giving the visitors a substantial lead. In the 56th minute, Lisandro Martinez was sent off for pulling the hair of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a decision that sparked outrage from United boss Michael […]
With it looking like battles at both ends of the Premier League table will be going right down to the wire, we have a stacked English schedule pencilled in this weekend. Alongside five Premier League showdowns, we also have a what could prove to be a season-defining Saturday afternoon of Championship action. For those of […]
David Moyes is hoping Everton can keep their dream of qualifying for Europe alive when they face Liverpool on Sunday. The Toffees host the Reds in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with just five points separating the sides in eighth and fifth respectively. Everton are level on points with seventh-place Brentford, with […]
Michael Carrick believes Manchester United’s crucial fixture against Chelsea “has the feelings of a real, proper game”. The Red Devils are third in the Premier League, seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea as both sides fight for the Champions League places. Following their 2-1 win in September, United are looking to complete the Premier League […]
Moises Caicedo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with Chelsea to keep him at the club until 2033. Caicedo joined Chelsea from Brighton in August 2023 on an eight-year deal, with this new contract set to keep him at Stamford Bridge for an extra two years. The midfielder, who was signed […]
Saudi Arabia, one of Spain’s rivals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have decided to part ways with head coach Herve Renard.
Despite the short time remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some national teams are still making abrupt structural changes in an effort to arrive in peak condition. Saudi Arabia have dismissed Herve Renard, a move that will impact Spain’s preparations.
“Saudi Arabia sack head coach Herve Renard with immediate effect before World Cup,” reported Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on Friday via his official X account. According to reports, the decision stems from the national team’s disappointing recent results, which raised concerns ahead of the tournament.
This development not only forces a logical shift in Saudi Arabia’s own planning—now requiring a rapid adjustment under a new manager with just two months before competition begins in North America—but also triggers a strategic rethink for at least three other national teams.
Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde were drawn alongside Saudi Arabia in Group H of the World Cup, and their respective managers have spent months preparing to face those opponents based on the playing styles each side had developed. That preparation may now need to be revised.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Saudi Arabia sack head coach Hervé Renard with immediate effect before World Cup! 👋🏼🇸🇦
Now, with such a sudden managerial change and virtually no time for formal testing before the tournament begins, Saudi Arabia become something of an unknown for the rest of the group. They will open their campaign on June 15 against Uruguay in Miami, face Spain six days later, and close out the group stage against Cape Verde on June 26.
Renard unable to replicate previous success with Saudi Arabia
Herve Renard had been serving as Saudi Arabia’s head coach since 2024, marking his second spell in charge of the national team. His previous tenure, from 2019 to 2023, brought global recognition after Saudi Arabia’s stunning victory over Argentina in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, his return did not produce similar results. Both performances and outcomes were underwhelming, and the March international break proved crucial in the Saudi federation’s decision to move on. During that window, the team faced Egypt and Serbia, suffering defeats in both matches: a 4-0 loss to the Africans and a 2-1 defeat to the Europeans.
Renard’s likely replacement
With the World Cup fast approaching, Saudi Arabia are under pressure to appoint a replacement quickly—and that process already appears to be underway. “Expectation is Georgios Donis leads Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup on a one-year contract,” Ben Jacobs reported on X, in a claim echoed by other outlets such as Diario AS.
Expectation is Georgios Donis leads Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup on a one-year contract.
Donis set to join from Al-Khaleej and also be in charge for the 2026 Arabian Gulf Cup and 2027 Asian Cup as part of a proposed one-year contract.🇸🇦 https://t.co/x3jxt9y19n
Georgios Donis is a 56-year-old Greek manager with extensive experience in Saudi Arabian soccer. He has coached five clubs in the country, with his most recent role at Al-Khaleej, where his team currently sits 11th in the Saudi Pro League standings. This will be Donis’ first experience at the international level.
Lamine Yamal of Spain and Saudi Arabia former coach Herve Renard.
These Serie A Week 33 fixtures are being played today because Inter and Como will face off in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday.
Cesc Fabregas needs a victory to stay in the hunt for a top four finish, having slipped down behind Juventus after the 4-3 defeat to Inter.
Jayden Addai remains the only long-term injury absentee, but as always the choice for Fabregas is between Tasos Douvikas upfront, or using Nico Paz or Diao as a False 9.
Instead, the coach rotates and gives Alvaro Morata a rare start upfront.
Lucas Da Cunha returns to the starting XI after he scored off the bench last week.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Martin Baturina of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Sassuolo are comfortably mid-table, but are forced into changes after the ill-tempered 2-1 defeat to Genoa.
That’s because Josh Doig and club legend Domenico Berardi are suspended, plus Darryl Bakola joins Filippo Romagna, Daniel Boloca, Edoardo Pieragnolo and Fali Cande on the treatment table.
The good news is that Nemanja Matic has fully recovered from the outbreak of whooping cough that spread throughout the squad a few weeks ago.
Cristian Volpato steps in to replace Berardi in the trident attack with Armand Laurienté and surprisingly M’Bala Nzola instead of Andrea Pinamonti.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 24: Nemanja Matic of Sassuolo celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Pisa SC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on November 24, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta was unable to confirm either way as to whether or not Riccardo Calafiori will be available for Sunday’s potential Premier League decider between Manchester City and Arsenal: ‘We will try tomorrow to push everybody’.
Will Calafiori be fit enough to feature in Man City vs. Arsenal?
Calafiori has missed Arsenal’s last two matches, the 2-1 Premier League defeat against AFC Bournemouth last weekend and the 0-0 draw with Sporting CP in the Champions League on Wednesday, as the result of an unspecified knock.
It remains to be seen whether the Italy international will be available to face title rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal currently have a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side, but City have played one game less, which means that they could move within three points of the league leaders with a game in hand heading into the final run-in if they win on Sunday. The two teams are only separated by a margin of three on goal difference.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Previewing what is arguably the biggest game of the Premier League season during his pre-match press conference, Arteta told reporters that Calafiori is among the players who are ‘close’ to returning, but that a final decision will only be made after training on Saturday.
“We will try again,” Arteta said when asked about the availability of Calafiori and his teammates Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber.
“Some players are quite close, but the turnaround is short, so we will try tomorrow to push everybody. And, if they are in good condition, they will be part of us, and if not, they won’t. They haven’t been in the last few weeks unfortunately.”
Arteta went on to confirm that England international Bukayo Saka is the only Arsenal player definitively ruled out of the Man City clash as things stand: “Bukayo is out, that’s for sure. The rest, let’s see.”
Chelsea has officially announced that Moises Caicedo has signed a new long-term contract extension, ending months of speculation and cementing his place as the cornerstone of the club’s midfield until June 2033.
The agreement is a significant show of faith from both the player and the club’s ownership, rewarding Caicedo for a stellar run of form that recently saw him help the Blues secure the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
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Moises Caicedo: “My dream is to become a Chelsea legend”
Speaking to the club’s official website after putting pen to paper, Caicedo expressed his deep commitment to the project in West London.
Despite the team currently sitting 6th in the Premier League and navigating a period of transition, the midfielder insisted he has no desire to be anywhere else.
He said:
“I am so happy to have extended my contract at Chelsea. I believe in this team, this club and I know we’re going in the right direction. We’ve only just begun together.
“There is still a lot more to achieve, and I’m very hungry to keep improving every day. I want to win more trophies with Chelsea and give everything for this club and for the fans.
“We have enjoyed some great times together already and my dream is to become a Chelsea legend, and I will work as hard as possible to make that happen.”
Caicedo has been an excellent signing for Chelsea
Since his record-breaking move from Brighton in 2023, Caicedo has evolved into one of the most complete defensive midfielders in world football.
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The Spanish giants had reportedly placed Caicedo at the top of their summer wishlist along with Alexis Mac Allister.
By securing his future for the next seven years, Chelsea have ensured their midfield engine room remains powered by one of the game’s elite talents for the prime of his career.
Pep Guardiola has claimed the Premier League title race will be over if Manchester City lose to Arsenal on Sunday. The Gunners visit the Etihad Stadium with a six-point advantage over the Citizens, but City have a game in hand over their title rivals. All the momentum is also with City, who defeated Chelsea 3-0 […]
Italy failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup marks one of the darkest periods in the nation’s sporting history. After crashing out on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs, the Azzurri will now be absent for the third successive World Cup tournament, a staggering fall for a nation that’s won the competition four times.
For a country synonymous with footballing excellence over the years, their continued absence signals deep-rooted issues that must be addressed quickly if the Azzurri are to recover.
Structural Problems Must Be Fixed
Italy’s recent struggles are not down to one bad campaign. Instead, they reflect long-standing issues. From grassroots development right up to the top, there’s been a continued failure to modernise systems that other leading nations have dramatically improved.
There are pathways in countries like France and Germany that are producing young, technically gifted, and tactically flexible players, while Italy continues to rely on outdated philosophies. There’s been a lack of implementation of development plans, even though leading figures in Italian football have proposed them.
A Clear Footballing Identity Is Required
One of Italy’s most significant issues in recent years has been inconsistency in style. While the Euro 2020 triumph was built around a possession-based, high-pressing approach, that identity has since come and gone.
Managers have also come and gone, and with each change, there’s been a shift in tactical philosophy. This instability has left players uncertain, leading to inconsistent performances.
To move forward, Italy must commit to a clear vision. Consistency in approach will allow players to develop with a defined system.
epa09339259 Players of Italy celebrate after winning the UEFA EURO 2020 final between Italy and England in London, Britain, 11 July 2021. EPA-EFE/Michael Regan / POOL (RESTRICTIONS: For editorial news reporting purposes only. Images must appear as still images and must not emulate match action video footage. Photographs published in online publications shall have an interval of at least 20 seconds between the posting.)
Better Decision-Making In Key Moments
Italy’s latest failed qualification campaign was undone by bad decision-making. Subpar performances in earlier games left them relying on making it through the playoffs, which are ultimately a gamble.
Top international sides will never leave qualification to chance. The Azzurri must regain the mentality of being one of the leading nations in world football and take control of their destiny.
This includes a need for better squad management, better in-game decisions, and more clinical finishing when chances arise, areas that have repeatedly cost them.
Leadership Changes Can Spark Revival
The fallout from failing to qualify for this summer’s World Cup has triggered significant changes, including resignations at all levels, with manager Gennaro Gattuso also heading for the exit.
While instability can be damaging at times, this moment presents an opportunity. A new leadership team will assess the situation with fresh eyes, bringing ideas, modern strategies, and a long-term vision.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: General view inside the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Reconnecting With Talent And Fans
Despite recent failures, Italy possess talented players plying their trade at top European clubs, with Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United being one of them. However, there remains criticism over how that talent is both utilised and developed at the international level.
There also needs to be some rebuilding with supporters. Confidence is at an all-time low, and Italy, not even featuring as part of the latest World Cup betting online due to their failure to qualify for a third tournament in a row, will take some time to recover.
Conclusion
Italy’s absence from another World Cup is a serious wake-up call. It’s a situation that should have been addressed before now, but in light of another setback, change must happen immediately. The road back will be long, but by taking the right steps, the Azzurri can rise again.
Watch as Gian Piero Gasperini walked out of his pre-match press conference in tears ahead of Roma’s visit from his former club Atalanta coming up on Saturday evening.
Watch: Gasperini gets emotional in pre-Atalanta press conference
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It has been a difficult few weeks for Gasperini, who has reportedly fallen out with senior advisor to the club Claudio Ranieri, with reports claiming that one of them is likely to depart the club in the near future.
Gasperini addressed the ongoing issues in the Roma camp during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, and became visibly emotional when discussing his time at Atalanta.
“In Rome, there’s everything you need to do well. In Bergamo, I succeeded because the environment around me was united, and the club’s work was extraordinary,” the Roma head coach said.
“The small city also created an ideal atmosphere. We worked and built things together. There were young players and more, a strong core group. Think about the transfers made and how the money was reinvested. The anomaly of Atalanta was that it was playing in Europe while still making a profit.
Atalanta’s Italian coach Gian Piero Gasperini smiles, holding the trophy as Atalanta’s players celebrate after the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. Atalanta won the game 3-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
“It was not just thanks to me, but above all to a very capable club, which worked in harmony with the coach. Then things changed a bit, partly because ownership changed, and partly because of the ‘father figure’ I was very close to [Antonio Percassi]…”
Gasperini then paused briefly, began to well up, slammed his hands on the table and decided to walk out of his press conference.
The availability of Roma wing-back Wesley Franca is also contributing to the ongoing tensions between head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and senior advisor to the club Claudio Ranieri, and the latest updates hint towards the Brazilian not being available to face Atalanta in Serie A this weekend.
Internal divisions have broken out in the Roma camp. Last week, Ranieri gave an interview claiming that Gasperini was not in the club’s top three candidates for the head coach role prior to his appointment last summer, also hitting back at the tactician for his previous criticism of the players that the club brought in during the transfer window.
Now, reports in Italy indicate that the situation has already become untenable and that the club’s owners will have to decide whether to side with Gasperini or with Ranieri and sporting director Ricky Massara. It currently appears unlikely that both parties will still be at the club for the start of the 2026-27 season.
Gasperini and Ranieri also in disagreement over Wesley availability
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday, Gasperini and Ranieri are also in disagreement over the availability of wing-back Wesley for Saturday’s crucial Serie A match against Atalanta.
Injuries have been an issue for Roma all season and Gasperini has constantly criticised both the recruitment of injury-prone players such as Evan Ferguson and Leon Bailey, as well as the handling of their situations by the club’s medical staff.
Wesley, meanwhile, along with January recruit Donyell Malen, are the two signings that Gasperini has previously singled out as examples to follow in the future, but the Brazilian has now also been unavailable for the last three Serie A matches, one through suspension and two as the result of a hamstring injury.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Amir Rrahmani of SSC Napoli causes a penalty for AS Roma committing a foul on Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Wesley has been training individually this week and Gasperini had hoped that he would be back and available to play against Atalanta this weekend. The advice from the medical staff, however, is that he is not ready, which prevented him from training with the group on Friday. That is despite the fact that Wesley himself feels okay to play.
Gasperini has also called upon the advice of an external doctor, Dr. Georg Ahlmaumer, despite the advice from the club’s medical staff. The coach feels that Wesley’s return is behind schedule, while Ranieri, siding with the club’s medical staff, feels that the Brazilian is being rushed back.
La Gazzetta dello Sport describes the Wesley situation as the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ in the relationship between Gasperini and Ranieri.
New Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini with Claudio Ranieri and Florent Ghisolfi
Gasperini has since had an opportunity to discuss the Wesley situation during his pre-Atalanta press conference on Friday.
“Wesley currently feels he can play, but the medical staff believes there are risks,” Gasperini insisted.
“This also leads to issues and discussions. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, but if the doctors say no, I can only follow that. Everything depends on medical clearance. It’s a shame to have lost Pellegrini. Pisilli picked up an ankle sprain at the start of the week. He seems to have recovered; we’ll assess him today.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided some mixed injury news ahead of his side’s huge game away to Manchester City this weekend.
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The Gunners take on City at the Etihad Stadium for what is being billed by many as a Premier League title decider, with so much at stake in this closest of title races.
See below as Charles Watts has the key updates from Arteta’s press conference today, with slightly more hopeful news on the likes of Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber, who have not yet been completely ruled out…
At Mikel Arteta's press conference:
On Madueke: "We have another session tomorrow. It didn’t look that bad after the game, I’m hoping he could be available."
On Saka "Bukayo is out, that’s for sure. He’s just starting to do some stuff, but at the moment he’s not available."
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Mikel Arteta on Arsenal injuries ahead of Man City clash
On Saka’s injury, Arteta said: “Bukayo is out, that’s for sure. He’s just starting to do some stuff, but at the moment he’s not available.”
On a more positive note, though, the Spanish tactician did suggest Noni Madueke could be available to fill in for Saka on that right-hand side, whilst also suggesting later calls would be made on Odegaard, Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori.
“We have another session tomorrow. It didn’t look that bad after the game, I’m hoping he (Madueke) could be available,” he added.
“We will try again. Some players are quite close. We will try tomorrow to push everybody,” he said when asked about Odegaard, Timber, and Calafiori.
Manchester City also have a few players out
City also have some injuries, even if it’s quite clearly not as bad for them as it is for Arsenal.
Roma are still running for a top-four finish in Serie A, sitting three points behind third-placed Juventus in the Serie A table.
On Saturday, they host Gasperini’s ex-club Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico, with La Dea also looking for points in the race for a European spot.
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
Gasperini left his pre-match press conference in tears, while talking about his time at Atalanta, but before that, he had faced a question about his future at the Stadio Olimpico.
Question about Gasperini’s Roma future ‘creates problems’
“You keep asking me about other things, but I want to talk about the match,” he replied.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“I said I don’t want to create problems, and this question creates problems, so ask a question about the team or tomorrow’s game.”
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted he was ‘surprised’ by Claudio Ranieri’s comments last week and became emotional, ending his pre-match press conference in tears as he reflected on his time at Atalanta.
Gasperini will face his former club, Atalanta, at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, in a key game for a Champions League placement in Serie A.
Roma have approached the game amid growing internal pressure, especially after Claudio Ranieri made strong remarks against the coach prior to last week’s league game against Pisa.
Ranieri said Gasperini was the fourth pick for Roma last summer, as the top three candidates had turned down an offer from the club and insisted that the Italian tactician had approved all transfer moves this season.
“There was an interview on Friday, in which Ranieri created some situations, but to me it was an incredible surprise,” Gasperini said via Gazzetta.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“There had never been a different tone between Ranieri and me. Both in the press conference and between us. I didn’t expect it. And in many years, I had never been subject to such tones. From that moment, I’ve avoided any comment, first of all, not to hurt the club, the team or the Roma fans further.
“We have an important game tomorrow, as we still have a chance for Europe,” Gasperini continued.
“That’s the important thing. I’d be glad if we could only talk about the match.
“I’ve had to deal with this media impact. But there will be no excuses for the team and me. It’s Round 33, the final rush, and it’s extremely important for both sides, even more for us. I’ve shifted the focus entirely to the technical side. I repeat: for me, the priority was not to cause any harm to the team. I expect people to understand this and support the team even more.”
Gasperini confirmed that the handling of some injured players, including Wesley, has contributed to the tension with part of the club’s management.
“Sometimes yes, and it’s also a topic of internal discussion. But that’s normal,” said the Roma boss.
“Wesley currently feels he can play, but the medical staff believes there are risks. This also leads to issues and discussions. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, but if the doctors say no, I can only follow that. Everything depends on medical clearance. It’s a shame to have lost Pellegrini. Pisilli picked up an ankle sprain at the start of the week. He seems to have recovered; we’ll assess him today.”
As expected, Gasp didn’t face many questions about the game, and at some point, he was asked about his future at the club.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 11: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Celtic FC and AS Roma at Celtic Park on December 11, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“You keep asking me about other things, but I want to talk about the match,” he replied.
“I said I don’t want to create problems, and this question creates problems.
“The club and Ranieri have been very clear. I’ve always believed that with a little, we could reach the Champions League, and I’ve always pushed in that direction despite the significant absences we’ve had in recent months. Now we’re here, and we play knowing we’re facing a strong team. When I was a Atalanta, I saw Roma as a benchmark. If we beat Roma, we reach Europe. Now I see it the other way around: if we beat Atalanta, we deserve to play in the Champions League.”
Gasperini ends Roma press conference in tears
Gasperini couldn’t hold back the tears while replying to the last question about his time at Atalanta.
“In Rome, there’s everything you need to do well. In Bergamo, I succeeded because the environment around me was united, and the club’s work was extraordinary,” he said.
“The small city also created an ideal atmosphere. We worked and built things together. There were young players and more, a strong core group. Think about the transfers made and how the money was reinvested. The anomaly of Atalanta was that it was playing in Europe while still making a profit.
“It was not just thanks to me, but above all to a very capable club, which worked in harmony with the coach. Then things changed a bit, partly because ownership changed, and partly because of the ‘father figure’ I was very close to [Antonio Percassi]…” Gasperini was visibly emotional and left the press conference, unable to contain his tears.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu has earned comparisons to his former manager, José Mourinho, after his remarks at his latest press conference: ‘I’m not a fool.’
Today’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport has drawn a comparison between Chivu and Mourinho after the Inter coach’s latest press conference.
The main title in today’s front page was “Special Chivu,” recalling Mourinho’s nickname “Special One.”
During his pre-match press conference on the eve of a Serie A match against Cagliari, Chivu hit back at doubters, especially those who had predicted he would be sacked early in the season, due to his inexperience.
“I can be many things, but I’m not a fool,” Chivu said.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Mourinho had used a similar expression during his unveiling press conference at Inter in 2008, saying, “I’m not a ‘pirla,’ which is typical Milanese slang meaning idiot or fool.
Surely, Mourinho has had a significant influence on Chivu, both as a player and as a coach. The former defender, in fact, played 59 games at Inter under Mourinho, winning the Treble in 2009-10.
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The Gunners are said to be long-term admirers of the 16-year-old, who can play as a winger or central attacking midfielder.
That’s according to the Telegraph, who add that Arsenal are keen on Monga after keeping tabs on him as he’s become regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the country.
Our information in recent months has been that Chelsea are also interested in Monga, but it may now be that Arsenal are moving ahead in the race for his signature.
Jeremy Monga could be a smart signing for Arsenal’s future
The Telegraph reports that Arsenal want to smarten up their recruitment of young players, so it certainly makes sense that Monga is on their radar.
The teenager is behind Arsenal stars Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman as the third youngest Premier League player ever, and he’s played alongside the latter of those for England at youth level.
Monga could do well to link up with Dowman at the Emirates Stadium, though one imagines he might also be tempted by Chelsea due to their current project that’s focused so much around developing young talents.
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Monga will likely have a lot of options, and AFC fans will just have to hope their club can come out on top here and land this huge prospect for the future.
It sounds like Monga could be a fine investment, and someone the Gunners could surely sell for a profit later on even if he didn’t end up making it as a regular in their first-team.
Liverpool have reportedly done extensive background checks on Crystal Palace central midfielder Adam Wharton as they prepare a summer move.
The Reds are eager to strengthen in the middle of the park ahead of next season, with Wharton identified as one of their top targets and being discussed internally by the club.
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That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states that Liverpool could get a deal done for the England international for around £70m.
That would represent Palace’s biggest ever sale, with the Eagles likely to be keen to hold on to Wharton for a bit longer if possible.
Still, we’ve seen a lot of big names leave Selhurst Park in recent times, such as Eberechi Eze to Arsenal last summer, and Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January.
Adam Wharton transfer race hotting up
This is not the first story we’ve heard about Wharton in recent times, and it probably won’t be the last, with the 22-year-old showing himself to be a top talent with a big future.
An intelligent and technically gifted player, Wharton has a real knack for dictating play from a deep midfield role, and that could be something very useful to this LFC side.
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Manchester United are also in the market for a new midfielder, with the Daily Mail mentioning Wharton as one of a few different names on the Red Devils’ list.
Adam Wharton looks ideal for Liverpool
Liverpool would do well to land a talent like Wharton, who gets a high score with our Transfer Fit rating system (read more about how these are calculated here)…
Adam Wharton
TOTAL SCORE: 21/25
Transfer fee
****
Performance
****
Achievements
****
Career phase
*****
Squad need
****
Given his surprisingly low £70m asking price, current career trajectory, and the fact that he’d surely be an upgrade on Alexis Mac Allister, this deal ticks all the boxes for Arne Slot’s side.
At the end of the season, all the attention at Manchester United will turn towards their next permanent manager.
Interim manager Michael Carrick has so far done a brilliant job to save their season by taking them closer to Champions League qualification.
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Initially brought in as a temporary, steady-the-ship interim fix, the 44-year-old has completely transformed the mood around Old Trafford.
And if the latest whispers are anything to go by, his temporary gig is on the verge of becoming permanent.
According to journalist David Ornstein, Carrick is now the clear-cut favorite to take the full-time reins this summer.
Michael Carrick in pole position for Man United job
Shedding light on the Old Trafford boardroom dynamics, Ornstein recently dropped a major update.
He noted that while formal interviews haven’t officially kicked off just yet, the club’s extensive background checks and agent conversations are essentially complete.
Sporting Director Jason Wilcox is spearheading the entire recruitment process, and according to Ornstein, Carrick currently sits firmly in “pole position.”
He said:
“I hear United have completed all of their background work and no doubt spoken to representatives, although I’m told no interviews with candidates have taken place yet.
“It’s a huge call for United and their sporting director Jason Wilcox — he’s leading the process and will make a recommendation to the board. As things stand, it might feel like Carrick is in pole position.”
Thomas Tuchel has officially penned an extension with the England national team, Carlo Ancelotti is fully committed to leading Brazil into the 2026 World Cup, and Julian Nagelsmann remains heavily locked into his ongoing project with the German national setup.
Fortunately for Carrick, you simply can’t argue with his initial impact. Since stepping into the high-pressure cauldron in January, he racked up an impressive seven wins in his first 11 Premier League matches, catapulting the Red Devils up to third in the table.
Pep Guardiola has spoken ahead of Manchester City’s big game against Arsenal this weekend, so what can we learn from the Spanish tactician’s pre-match thoughts?
Man City go into this game six points behind the league leaders, but with a game in hand, and of course with a big opportunity to cut right into that lead by dealing a potentially huge blow to Mikel Arteta and co.
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It’s being billed by some as the title decider for this season, though of course there are still plenty more games left that could swing things in either direction. Still, there’s no doubt it has the feel as one of the biggest Premier League matches in many years.
Here’s a look at Guardiola’s key points as he spoke to the press ahead of the game and provided some insight into City’s preparations.
Guardiola seems calmer than Arteta
One interesting quote from Guardiola is his line that he’s been telling his City players this is just a game.
“Today I will say to the players, ‘It’s just a football game’,” he said. “So we have to approach it like a football game.
“Really important, of course, but if we are distracted too much by emotions, this kind of things, after you will lose the focus. What is the target? It’s the perform well. That is exactly what we have to do.”
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Perhaps when you’ve already won multiple titles and don’t have a lead at the top to lose, there’s some truth to that.
Still, it’s also a potentially massive psychological boost for City, and in stark contrast to Arsenal, who have seemed nervous about losing their lead at the top for the last few weeks.
But…he knows this game is City’s last chance
Even if Guardiola is relaxed, he also knows that the reality is this is his side’s last real chance to stay in the title race.
When asked if he felt this was a ‘final’ for the Premier League title, he responded: “Yeah, obviously. If we lose, yeah, it’s over.
“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win against Bournemouth, still we have games to play.
“Six games is a lot, our calendar, it’s terrible I would say: Everton away, Bournemouth away, Aston Villa the last game at home, Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Brentford. Crystal Palace, look what’s going on! Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in Europe. Still many things to do.”
Guardiola enjoys watching Arsenal play
Is this a mind game or just straightforward praise for a rival? Whatever the thinking behind it, Guardiola has hit back at some of Arsenal’s critics, saying he enjoys watching them.
“People are so demanding; from the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many, many things,” he said.
“And the people, what they want is to win. And we fight in an aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight again; 22 years without winning the Premier League. In that aspect, we cannot fight. They have something that makes them unique.”
Arsenal have had some criticism this season for being overly defensive and relying too much on set-pieces, and we can probably expect that kind of approach in this weekend’s game.
It is worth remembering, though, that that’s pretty much how Guardiola himself set up in the fixture at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.
What are your predictions for this big game? Let us know in the comments!
Tottenham are reportedly making serious progress in their pursuit of Marcos Senesi, with talks advancing over a potential free transfer this summer.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Spurs are currently leading the race to sign the Bournemouth centre-back, although the move remains dependent on Tottenham maintaining their Premier League status.
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Senesi, who is set to become available without a transfer fee, has quickly become one of the most attractive defensive options on the market.
His availability has drawn attention from several clubs, including Manchester United, who were previously believed to be among the frontrunners.
However, Tottenham’s recent push appears to have shifted momentum in their favour.
Why Marcos Senesi has become a popular target
Senesi has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League during his time at Bournemouth.
The 28-year-old Argentine centre-back is known for his strong tackling, positional awareness, and composure under pressure, qualities that have made him a consistent performer at the heart of Bournemouth’s defense.
Since arriving from Feyenoord, Senesi has adapted well to the physical demands of English football.
His leadership at the back and ability to play the ball out from defense have earned praise.
Another factor making Senesi appealing is his experience. At 28, he is entering the prime years of his career, offering a balance between maturity and physical capability.
Tottenham’s strong interest in Senesi shows their ongoing need to strengthen their defensive line.
Injuries and inconsistency at the back have been recurring challenges in recent seasons, forcing the club to explore dependable solutions ahead of the new campaign.
Reports suggest that Tottenham view Senesi as a player capable of stepping into the starting lineup immediately.
His experience in English football means he would require minimal adaptation time, a crucial factor for teams competing across multiple competitions.
However, the deal is not without conditions. Tottenham’s ability to finalise the transfer reportedly depends on their Premier League status.
If the club were to face relegation, financial constraints and squad restructuring could impact their recruitment plans significantly.
Two teams who find the moods their respective camps at complete polar opposites, Brighton will travel to north London on Saturday evening when they meet Tottenham. Remarkably opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in the drop zone, Spurs now have an almighty job on their hands in the race to keep hold of their Premier League […]
Italy’s Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, gives a ‘respectful but firm response’ to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who has threatened to remove Italy as co-host of Euro 2032: ‘In other countries, infrastructure development has not been the result of public funding.’
UEFA President Čeferin claimed two weeks ago that Italy would lose its role as co-host of the 2032 Euros if stadiums do not meet the requirements and previously called the country’s infrastructure “a shame.”
Speaking to Italian reporters during an event on Thursday, as quoted by Gazzetta, Abodi replied by suggesting that politics has fewer responsibilities than clubs that have lacked investment in new stadiums over the years.
“I give a respectful but firm response to President Čeferin,” Abodi said.
“In other countries, infrastructure development has not been the result of public funding but of the initiative of clubs from an administrative standpoint, as well as of a culture of high-level sports facilities that differs from that in our country. Milan is a clear example of this.”
CESENA, ITALY – MAY 24:Andrea Abodi during the Women Supercup match betweeen AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Abodi also spoke about the FIGC Presidential elections taking place on June 22, with Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete expected to be the only candidates to replace Gabriele Gravina: “More than leadership, we need governance rules that allow decisions to be made,” Abodi said.
“Gravina is not the only one responsible; the system, as a whole, in its various components, has failed to take a step forward.”
Michele Uva, the UEFA Executive Director for the 2032 Euros, is confident that Italy will not lose its role as co-host of the 2032 Euros, but warns Milan and Naples: If they don’t ‘meet the requirements’, they won’t be among the host cities.
UEFA Executive Director for the 2032 Euros Michele Uva spoke about the state of Italian stadiums during an event in Milan on Thursday, as quoted by Gazzetta.
Just a few weeks ago, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin threatened to remove Italy as a co-host of the competition due to the country’s poor infrastructure.
“I hope infrastructure will be ready,” Ceferin told Gazzetta on April 2. “Otherwise, the tournament will not be played in Italy.”
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – JULY 06: Aleksander Ceferin, President of UEFA, looks on in the stands prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between England and Switzerland at Düsseldorf Arena on July 06, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Uva commented on Ceferin’s claims during the event Il Foglio a San Siro: “He is right, and he’s sent a clear message. We are working intensively, and I am convinced that Italy will host the European Championship with five stadiums.
“There are no delays, and we are perfectly in line with the planned roadmap. No alarmism,” Uva continued.
“We just need to keep working all together. After a strong acceleration over the last six months, eight venues have timelines that allow their candidacy. By mid-September, the FIGC will choose the five to submit to UEFA, and in the first week of October, the host cities will be ratified. There is ongoing, close dialogue with the Government. We cannot afford to lose the European Championship. By working together, we’ll not lose it.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: General view inside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As recently reported by Italian media, only Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in Turin currently meets the requirements to host European Championship games without further construction or redevelopment.
The Bianconeri’s Allianz Stadium has a capacity of 40,000, while the Stadio Meazza in San Siro, Milan, has failed a UEFA inspection, meaning the city will only host the tournament if Inter and Milan build a new stadium in time.
“If Milan does not build a new stadium, we’ll host the event without Milan. Inter and Milan went to UEFA 15 days ago to present the timeline and the project,” Uva said.
“If, in the meantime, the process slows down and if Milan, like Naples, does not meet the requirements, they will not be included in the bid dossier.”
Former Chelsea midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic reunite for a Serie A match between Sassuolo and Como, with the Spaniard leading the Azzurri from the touchline and the Serbian starting in central midfield for the Neroverdi.
The Serie A weekend starts with two early Friday games as the Coppa Italia semis are scheduled next week, with Inter and Como meeting at San Siro in the second leg next Tuesday.
Domenico Berardi and Josh Doig are suspended for Sassuolo, who have many other players out of action due to injury: Candè, Pieragnolo, Boloca, Romagna, Garcia, Vranckx and Bakola.
Como, on the other hand, must cope without Addai, Lahdo and Sergi Roberto.
Fabregas’ men are just two points below fourth-placed Juventus, so a win would allow them to temporarily move into a Champions League place, pending the Bianconeri’s home match against Bologna on Sunday.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 24: Nemanja Matic of Sassuolo celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Pisa SC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on November 24, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo vs. Como – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young talents linked with a potential summer move, with both Bayern Munich and Liverpool reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
According to Daily Mail, the 20-year-old could become available if Tottenham face the possibility of relegation from the Premier League, a scenario that would likely force the club into difficult transfer decisions.
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Gray has built a reputation as one of England’s most promising midfield prospects, and the uncertainty surrounding Tottenham’s league position has only increased speculation about his future.
Should Spurs fail to retain their top-flight status, several young stars could be placed on the market, making this summer a potentially transformative period for the North London club.
Gray’s rise has caught the attention of Bayern and Liverpool
Gray’s rise through English football has been impressive. After breaking through as a teenager, he quickly demonstrated maturity beyond his years, showcasing composure on the ball and strong tactical awareness.
His ability to operate both as a central midfielder and in deeper defensive roles has made him highly valued.
In situations like this, young players with high market value often attract the most attention from bigger clubs. Gray fits that profile perfectly, a talented midfielder with years of development ahead of him.
Reports also suggest that teammate Lucas Bergvall could attract offers if Tottenham’s situation worsens.
The Swedish midfielder has reportedly drawn interest from clubs such as Chelsea and Aston Villa, both of whom are keen to strengthen their squads with technically gifted young players.
Recent speculation linking Manchester United with a summer move for Alphonso Davies has been firmly dismissed, with journalist Christian Falk stating that reports of talks between the two parties are simply not true.
However, while those specific claims have been denied, the wider picture surrounding Davies’ future at Bayern Munich remains interesting.
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The German giants are believed to value the player highly, but certain factors, including his injury record and salary, mean that a move elsewhere cannot be completely ruled out under the right circumstances.
No Alphonso Davies talks with Man United
Man United, who have been reviewing their options at left-back due to injuries and inconsistent availability in recent seasons, were quickly linked to the Bayern star.
But Falk has clarified that there have been no official discussions between Man United and Davies’ camp.
This suggests that the speculation may have been driven more by general interest in strengthening United’s defense rather than concrete negotiations.
That said, it’s no secret that United, like many top clubs, are constantly evaluating elite players capable of improving key positions.
Davies, widely regarded as one of the fastest and most dynamic full-backs in world football, naturally fits the profile of a player many teams admire.
Davies remains a highly valued member of the squad. Manager Vincent Kompany is said to be a strong admirer of the Canadian international, particularly because of the speed and attacking threat he provides from the left flank.
Before the current season began, Bayern made it clear during contract discussions that they saw Davies as a crucial part of their long-term plans.
Kompany reportedly emphasised how important Davies’ pace is to his tactical philosophy, especially in systems that rely on quick transitions and overlapping full-backs.
When fully fit, Davies offers qualities that few defenders in world football can match. His ability to recover defensively, burst forward in attack, and create chances from wide areas has made him one of Bayern’s most recognisable players.
This makes the idea of letting him leave far from straightforward.
Manchester City have reportedly been dealt the blow that Ruben Dias will not be fit in time to play against Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.
The Portugal international has been an important player for Man City down the years, but he also missed the Carabao Cup final victory over the Gunners.
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In truth, Pep Guardiola has a lot of depth in that area of his squad, with Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nathan Ake all available as perfectly solid options for City.
There’s not yet been an update on Nico O’Reilly, who went off injured in the win over Chelsea last weekend, but the Manchester Evening News report that Dias is out of Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City’s other injury issues
Josko Gvardiol remains out of action with a long-term injury that has derailed his campaign, while John Stones is also out for the time being.
Overall, though, City have a strong squad that should be able to cope, even if fans will be eagerly awaiting an update on O’Reilly, who has been such a key player for them this season.
The 21-year-old has shown himself to be an outstanding talent, and scored twice against Arsenal in that Carabao Cup final last month.
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Arsenal facing injury crisis ahead of City trip
Arsenal are in a much worse situation with injuries, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka missing a lot of games recently.
There are also concerns about Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, and Gunners supporters will hope Mikel Arteta has positive updates on these key players ahead of the trip to Manchester.
A full-strength Arsenal XI should have what it takes to get a result at the Etihad, but if they again find themselves under-strength then it could prove crucial to allowing Guardiola’s men back into this title race.
Chelsea could reportedly still have a chance of beating Brighton to the potential transfer of FC Koln forward Said El Mala.
The talented young German attacker looks like an exciting prospect with a big future ahead of him, and it could be that we’ll be seeing him in the Premier League soon.
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This could allow Chelsea back into the mix, according to Falk, who says El Mala could cost around €50m.
Chelsea given Said El Mala transfer boost
Discussing El Mala’s future, Falk made it clear that Brighton are still leading the race for his signature, though nothing is done yet and that means Chelsea can’t be ruled out.
“It is TRUE: Brighton are in the lead for Said El Mala,” Falk said. “But it could be that other interested clubs still have a chance in this race, like Newcastle and Chelsea.
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“That’s because the Brighton offer was about €35m plus €4m in add-ons, and Cologne want €50m. If they don’t get this money, perhaps they’ll be open to talking with Chelsea again. This could happen.
“At the moment, the way is clear – El Mala looks very likely to be playing Premier League football next season. Now we have to see whether he ends up at Brighton, which is the current plan, or if FC Köln say it won’t work because of the money on the table.”
Chelsea could do with changing things up in attack
CFC would surely do well to land a talent like El Mala to give them something a bit different in attack, with some of their recent signings struggling.
There could well be doubts about the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, who have not had anywhere near the kind of impact that the club will have hoped.
El Mala could be an upgrade, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can get there ahead of Brighton, though even that might point towards a future move for the west London giants given how much those two clubs have done business in recent times.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is reportedly attracting serious interest from Bayern Munich, with the German champions adding the England international to their shortlist of attacking targets.
According to German journalist Christian Falk, Bayern’s recruitment team view Gordon as a highly versatile option capable of strengthening multiple areas of their forward line.
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While Bayern are not yet at the stage of submitting formal offers, their growing interest highlights Gordon’s rising reputation across Europe.
After establishing himself as one of Newcastle’s most energetic and effective attackers, the 25-year-old is now being considered by one of the continent’s biggest clubs, a sign of just how far his career has progressed in recent seasons.
Why Bayern Munich see Gordon as a valuable multi-role option
One of the biggest reasons behind Bayern Munich’s interest is Gordon’s flexibility in attack.
The club are believed to be targeting players who can cover multiple positions, ensuring depth across their frontline during a long and demanding season.
Gordon primarily operates as a left winger, but he has shown he can also play on the right side when needed.
That versatility makes him particularly appealing to Bayern, where squad rotation is essential due to the heavy workload of competing in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League.
At Bayern, Gordon could provide support for attacking stars such as Luis Díaz and Harry Kane, while also offering cover for wide players like Michael Olise.
Both the Premier League sides are closely monitoring the England international as they plan to strengthen their wide attacking position in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Gordon will have several offers on the table if he is made available for transfer by the Magpies.
It remains to be seen if he wants to continue his career in the Premier League or follow the foot steps of England striker Kane.
Arne Slot has described Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles injury as a “devastating” blow, though the Liverpool boss is certain the forward will eventually return better than ever. Ekitike will miss the rest of the season, as well as France’s World Cup campaign, after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. He sustained the injury in the first half […]
A group of Crystal Palace players joined their fans for celebrations in Florence city centre last night, after progressing to the Conference League semi-finals at the expense of Fiorentina.
Crystal Palace players, including Dean Henderson, Adam Wharton, Will Hughes and Chris Richards, were spotted in the Florence city centre on Thursday night, hours after their 2-1 loss against Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi.
It was a meaningless defeat for the Premier League side, who still qualified for the semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate win.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace FC scores a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
A video shared on X by a Palace fan in Florence showed the players celebrating the historic feat alongside their supporters right in front of Palazzo Strozzi, near Piazza della Repubblica.
Video: Crystal Palace players and fans celebrate in Florence
Carlo Ancelotti argues that Italian football has lost ‘pace’ and warns that the Azzurri ‘must recover defenders’ as the game ‘is not only about scoring more goals than your opponent.’
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti examines the Italian football crisis in an interview with Il Giornale.
The Azzurri have missed out on World Cup qualification for the third time in a row, and no Serie A clubs will be involved in European cups’ semi-finals this season.
Ancelotti started by examining the gap between Serie A and Champions League matches.
Ancelotti: Italy and Serie A have ‘lost pace’
“The fundamental difference is the pace,” he said.
“Not just the physical running, but the mental pace, the constant involvement, the intensity, which is not an empty word and cannot be applied only in certain phases of the match. Italian football has lost exactly that.
“It has also lost solidity,” Ancelotti continued.
epa12137461 Italian Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference where he was presented as new head coach of men’s Brazilian national soccer team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 26 May 2025. Ancelotti announced his first squad list for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. EPA-EFE/Andre Coelho
“We already lack talent in other areas of the pitch, but the excessive focus on tactics has distorted our characteristics, the ones on which we have always built our history.”
José Mourinho’s Inter were the last Serie A club to win the Champions League in 2009-10, and only Atalanta made it to the Round of 16 of Europe’s elite competition this season, with Inter and Juventus eliminated in the knockout-playoff and Napoli in the league phase.
“The great foreign players no longer come to Italy. Abroad, with substantial TV rights and powerful investors, a more attractive market is formed,” Ancelotti said.
“So in Serie A, there are no longer internationally outstanding players like Falcao, Maradona, Platini, Krol, Rummenigge, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and all the others from a distant era. Who do young Italian players learn from?”
Como is one of the most exciting emerging clubs in Serie A, but Ancelotti feels they are not making a significant contribution to Italian football.
“I don’t see many Italian players there,” argued the Brazil coach.
“But talking about defensive fragility, Atalanta play aggressive one-on-one football and, for this reason, they take enormous risks. Just watch their match against Bayern again.”
Lastly, Ancelotti added: “Either we recover defenders, or rather the defensive mentality that has brought us club and national team success, or we will continue to suffer. Football is not only about scoring more goals than your opponent, but also about conceding fewer. That’s not a trivial statement.”
Manchester United’s midfield has been crying out for a massive structural reset for quite some time now.
With the legendary Casemiro officially confirming he will be packing his bags when his contract expires at the end of June, the desperate search for his long-term successor has started.
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The Red Devils are in desperate need of midfield additions and a number of midfielders are on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to highly reliable transfer guru David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Red Devils are now firmly in the hunt for Atalanta’s 26-year-old Brazilian powerhouse, Ederson.
Man United midfield needs an overhaul
With Manuel Ugarte currently struggling to nail down a spot and potentially facing the Old Trafford exit door himself, adding a versatile, combative anchor like Ederson makes perfect sense.
Since the Brazilian’s current contract expires next summer (June 2027) and he has absolutely no intention of renewing, Atalanta are reportedly holding out for around £44 million.
However, seasoned suitors believe a deal could realistically be struck closer to the £35 million mark.
Both Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have shown serious, concrete interest. However, the stars seem to be aligning beautifully for Man United.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico have recently hit a massive impasse regarding the player’s personal terms, effectively pausing their pursuit.
That leaves Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as the main threat. But here is where United hold the ultimate trump card: guaranteed playing time.
If Ederson moves to the Emirates, he faces the monumental task of trying to displace elite, established starters like Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, heavily restricting him to a frustrating rotational role.
At Old Trafford, Casemiro’s departure leaves a gaping, immediate hole in the starting XI.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made the big claim that he feels Hugo Ekitike can come back even stronger after the “devastating” news of his serious injury this week.
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The France international has started well at Liverpool after his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, but he now faces around nine months on the side-lines.
This means Ekitike will miss this summer’s World Cup, and most likely won’t get back on the pitch for Liverpool until midway through next season.
Slot admits it’s a big blow and that his thoughts are with the player, though he also made the bold prediction that he’s someone who could bounce back and keep on improving despite this setback…
? Arne Slot says Hugo Ekitike's injury is "devastating" but has backed him to come back even stronger ?? pic.twitter.com/29t6pmuRyW
“Devastating for him,” Slot said in his press conference on Friday morning.
“Coming to a new club, having so much impact straight away. Playing against your old club in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with so much more to come for him in the summer.
“Your first thoughts are always with him being out for such a long time, missing out on so many special moments.
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“But, he’s not the first and will not be the last player that experiences something like this in the start of his career, and there are so many examples of players that came back even stronger.
“That’s the challenge he has now and I’m 100% sure he will be one of those that in 10-15 years time can say maybe this injury even helped me to become stronger and become even more ready to perform even at a higher level than I did before.”
Hugo Ekitike’s strong start at Liverpool
Ekitike impressed at Eintracht Frankfurt and he certainly took that form with him to Liverpool with a highly promising first season.
The 23-year-old is on 17 goals and five assists for the 2025/26 season, and one imagines he could easily have hit the 20-goal mark if he’d stayed fit.
Coming back from serious injuries like this is never easy, but Ekitike will surely benefit from Slot’s encouragement, while he’s also young enough that he should have a good chance of making a strong recovery and continuing to develop as both a player and an athlete in years to come.
Manchester United reportedly have a concrete interest in signing Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, whose release clause is a bargain £32.6m.
The 25-year-old has really caught the eye in the Bundesliga in recent times, leading to talk of Man Utd being keen on him from a variety of sources.
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TEAMtalk have linked Stiller with United, while we’ve also previously received information about him being one of a number of names on the Red Devils’ list.
Angelo Stiller a concrete target for Manchester United
Discussing Stiller’s situation, Falk admitted United could sign him on the cheap, but also made it clear that Stuttgart have the option to increase the Germany international’s current buy-out clause.
“There is a lot of interest in Stiller from the Premier League; Manchester United are concretely interested,” Falk said.
“The Red Devils were there last summer but didn’t clinch a deal because they came too late in the transfer window. But this could be a serious option for them this summer.
“The 25-year-old has a release clause in his contract (€37.5m [£32.6m]), but VfB Stuttgart can buy this option from Stiller (for an amount between €2m-4m). Then, they’d have the idea of selling the midfielder for €50m [£43.5m].
“There are a lot of things that could happen, but I can say that there’s still a chance Stiller would leave Stuttgart in the summer.”
Would Angelo Stiller be a good fit for Man United?
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Angelo Stiller
TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee
****
Performance
****
Achievements
**
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
It’s clear that Stiller ticks a lot of boxes in terms of being affordable, as well as proven, but still not too old, whilst also clearly strengthening a position United are weak in.
One downside with Stiller is his lack of Premier League experience, but he’s played in the Champions League, so he’s no stranger to playing at the very highest level.
Chelsea are likely to accept transfer offers for Enzo Fernandez this summer as he’s become increasingly unsettled at the club.
As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, the Argentina international is ideally someone the Blues would try to keep, but there’s also an acceptance that he’s not happy.
There is also genuine interest from Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants long being in the market for that profile of midfield player.
Fernandez now looks like an opportunity for Los Blancos, and he would also be keen to explore this option if possible.
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As ever, though, an agreement is needed between the clubs, and Chelsea surely won’t let the former Benfica man go on the cheap.
What sources are saying about Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid transfer
Having spoken to numerous well-placed sources in the industry, there’s definitely the sense that Chelsea are prepared to let Fernandez go if the money is right.
“There’s been uncertainty surrounding Enzo for some time,” one source said. “Chelsea would rather not sell, but they’re at the stage now where they’ll have to accept big offers because it’s just not worth keeping an unhappy player.”
“There haven’t been any direct talks yet, but clearly Enzo has caught wind of Madrid’s interest and he seems keen to explore that opportunity,” another source said.
Should Chelsea let Enzo Fernandez go?
Fernandez is one of the big faces of this Chelsea project, having joined in an exciting big-money move from Benfica a few years ago.
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However, it would perhaps also be fair to say that he’s been a bit underwhelming overall, and if he’s not happy then it might be a good time to accept his departure and find a replacement who could do a better job anyway.
Chelsea fans will probably have mixed feelings about this as it’s taken them so long to build this squad, so they won’t want to see more upheaval this summer.
It also surely depends on what other players are realistically available in the months ahead, with someone like Anderson looking somewhat unrealistic, while others like Adam Wharton will also surely have a lot of suitors too.
Watching Newcastle suffer a public late collapse in south London last weekend as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss against Crystal Palace, the pressure on Eddie Howe’s shoulders is now firmly at a boiling point. While the St. James’ Park hierarchy might have publicly backed the former Bournemouth boss this week, many around Tyneside […]
The Esposito brothers, Pio Esposito and Sebastiano, are expected to start in a Serie A match between Inter and Cagliari this evening, with Carlos Augusto replacing Alessandro Bastoni in the Nerazzurri’s defence.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro, Milan.
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter warms up prior to the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli, but come to this match without the injured Lautaro Martinez and Yann Bisseck, while Bastoni will be rested to regain full fitness, and Petar Sucic is suspended.
Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia, claim that Italy international Pio Esposito is favourite over Ange-Yoan Bonny for a starting spot in attack alongside Thuram.
There’s a doubt in central midfield as well, with Piotr Zielinski or Henrikh Mkhitaryan starting alongside Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Mattia Felici, Riyad Idrissi, Leonardo Pavoletti and Luca Mazzitelli are unavailable for Cagliari, where Gennaro Borrelli or Semih Kılıçsoy will start alongside Sebastiano Esposito, Pio Esposito’s brother, in attack.
GENOA, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 12, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Inter vs. Cagliari – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Inter vs. Cagliari – probable line-ups
Inter (3-5-2):Sommer; Akanji, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Pio Esposito, Thuram.
Cagliari (3-5-2):Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Obert; Palestra, Adopo, Gaetano, Folorunsho, Deiola; Borrelli, S. Esposito.
After an absolutely legendary career and a massive initial impact at Manchester United, Casemiro’s legs are starting to look undeniably heavy.
With his exorbitant, reported £350,000-a-week wages burning a massive hole in the club’s finances, it is easy to see why the midfielder is being allowed to leave the club at the end of the season.
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Former Man United striker Louis Saha wants the Red Devils to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in the summer transfer window.
Man United told to replace Casemiro with Newcastle star
‘I’ve always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro,’ Saha said, as reported by Metro.
‘He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years, but that’s been cut and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world-class player and I understand why the fans want him to stay.
‘United need aggressiveness and someone that will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like [Sandro] Tonali or [Bruno] Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield.
‘With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and decisiveness. It’ll be hard to replace.
‘If you bring in a young player, it’s a disruption. It’s great for the future, but you need experience. If Casemiro goes, I think a combination of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.’
Red Devils need to get their transfer business right
The glaring issue for United’s revamped recruitment team, now spearheaded by the INEOS regime and key figures like Jason Wilcox, is absolutely avoiding the expensive mistakes of the past.
Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain was supposed to solidify the center of the park, it hasn’t quite yielded the dominant, game-breaking partnership with wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo that everyone prayed for.
Guimaraes could be the ideal midfield player for Man United but he may cost in the region of £100m.
The Magpies are known for playing hard ball over their players, as seen with Alexander Isak’s transfer saga last year.
Guimaraes is one of the best and most consistent midfielders in the Premier League right now and he could work wonders for Man United.
Buying a Premier League-proven asset means they already understand the blistering pace and intense physicality of the division, completely bypassing the frustrating adaptation period.
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One imagines this result could be crucial for Slot as he needs some confidence-boosting performances and results between now and the end of the season.
Liverpool board split over Arne Slot
According to the latest from X journalist Indy Kaila, one issue with Slot is that he doesn’t have the full backing of the Liverpool board.
Richard Hughes seems to be the main one pushing for the Dutch tactician to stay, while Michael Edwards, who is more senior, is less sure about keeping him.
Indy Kaila posted: “Richard Hughes is really the key player in keeping Arne Slot at Liverpool. He’s all in on Slot for next season and has plans to bring in two pacey wingers to shake things up.
“Now, Michael Edwards is still on the fence about Arne Slot, which adds some tension. Since Hughes is calling the shots on football decisions, it puts Edwards in a tricky spot. If Michael Edwards wants to move on from Slot, he’d have to go against Richard Hughes, and that could really sour their close relationship.
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“Will Hughes get his way, or will Edwards make a bold move to override him? All information above has come from reporter who works closely with us.”
It will be interesting to see how this pans out, but Slot certainly doesn’t seem to be in the most secure situation.
Who could replace Arne Slot as Liverpool manager?
The most obvious name that will come to mind is Xabi Alonso, who is a former Liverpool player, and who is available after being sacked by Real Madrid earlier this season.
Still, these links have also been played down to a certain extent, with the Times reporting that one issue LFC have with Alonso is his commitment to playing three at the back.
That would be a big change from how Liverpool have played under Slot and under previous manager Jurgen Klopp, while it’s also generally not a system that has much of a history of succeeding in English football.
Still, there could be other names out there, such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, who will be leaving the club at the end of this season.
Cesc Fabregas could also be on the move to a bigger club soon after doing an impressive job at Como, while there will also surely be eyes on the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Julian Nagelsmann, depending on how they do at this summer’s World Cup.
Manchester United have reportedly made formal contact over a potential transfer move for Benfica midfielder Richard Rios.
The Colombia international has shone during his time in Portugal, and it seems he’s been identified as a potential replacement for Casemiro in Man Utd’s midfield.
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United will no doubt be keen to invest in new signings in midfield as Casemiro is coming towards the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has largely flopped during his time at Old Trafford.
That could mean MUFC realistically need to make more than one new addition in that area of their squad.
Manchester United preparing multiple midfield moves?
Rios is the latest name to be linked with United, and he’s one of the cheaper options out there if recent transfer rumours are anything to go by.
See below as Florian Plettenberg has been among the reporters to claim that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is a top target for United, though he could cost £100m or more…
??? Forest expect Elliot #Anderson to join either Manchester United or Manchester City if he leaves this summer.
If United can win the race for a world class talent like Anderson, then that wouldn’t leave them with much more to spend, so a cheaper option like Rios could be ideal.
The 25-year-old might not be the kind of glamorous name that a lot of Red Devils supporters are craving, but he’s a solid defensive midfield player who can also contribute going forward.
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Rios has an impressive record of eight goals and six assists in all competitions for club and country this season, as per WhoScored stats.
Benfica often sell their best players when big enough offers come along, and one imagines Rios might be keen to now try testing himself in a more competitive league.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is once again proving his value on the pitch for Crystal Palace, but questions about his long-term future at Selhurst Park are refusing to go away.
The French striker has returned to scoring form after a difficult few months, yet uncertainty surrounding his contract and a collapsed transfer earlier this year means his situation could become one to watch closely as the summer approaches.
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According to Sky Sports, Mateta was on the verge of joining AC Milan during the February transfer window, only for the move to fall apart after concerns were raised during his medical.
Now, after battling back to fitness and rediscovering his scoring touch, the 28-year-old has given Palace fans a timely reminder of what he brings to the team, just as his international ambitions are also gaining momentum.
Mateta has returned to goal scoring form
Mateta’s winter transfer saga was one of the more surprising stories this year.
AC Milan had identified him as a potential attacking option, but the deal reportedly collapsed late on Deadline Day after medical tests revealed issues related to his knee.
While setbacks like that can derail momentum for many players, Mateta responded in the best possible way, by focusing on recovery and getting back onto the pitch.
His return to action last month was an important milestone, but it was his performance in the UEFA Conference League quarter-final first leg against Fiorentina that really grabbed attention.
Starting his first match since the failed transfer, Mateta delivered a statement performance by scoring twice, showing sharp movement and clinical finishing that highlighted his importance to Palace’s attack.
Crystal Palace star has ambitions to play for France
With his 29th birthday approaching in June, Mateta is also pushing hard for international recognition.
He made his debut for France in October and wasted no time making an impression, scoring three goals in his first two appearances.
That early impact has put him firmly in the conversation for a potential place in France’s squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Recent developments in the French squad could also play in his favor. Injuries to other forwards, including the unfortunate setback suffered by Hugo Ekitike, may open up opportunities for players like Mateta to strengthen their case.
For Mateta, continuing to score consistently at club level will be key if he hopes to secure a place in the international setup.
The Red Devils made a lot of changes up front last summer, bringing in an entire new front three in the form of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.
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However, Sesko has perhaps been a bit underwhelming so far, so Man Utd could do well to bring in Thiago as an upgrade after his superb performances for Brentford this season.
The Brazil international has 24 goals and one assist in all competitions so far, with only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scoring more than him in the Premier League.
Manchester United advised to sign Igor Thiago
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce praised Thiago’s performances and suggested he was the obvious choice for United in this summer’s transfer window.
“I mean, who’s going to buy Brentford’s centre-forward, Igor Thiago?” Allardyce said.
“Manchester United need to look no further as far as I’m concerned. He’s hit the 20-goal mark, you don’t need to look any further.
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“I thought they’d go for [Jean-Philippe] Mateta, but maybe with his age they thought better of it.
“But this Brazilian lad [Thiago], he’s scored 20 goals already and has got Brentford almost pushing for Europe.”
Who else could be in the mix for Igor Thiago transfer?
Thiago’s fine form will surely mean he has plenty of suitors in this summer’s transfer window, so it might not be easy for United to get a deal done.
For now, it seems nothing is concrete or advanced over Thiago’s future, and it will be interesting to see if he can star for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup to add a bit more to his potential price tag this summer.
According to a report from The Sun, Chelsea are already open to selling Alejandro Garnacho this coming summer.
The Argentine winger joined the Premier League side from Manchester United in a £40 million move last summer.
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However, his time at Stamford Bridge has been difficult and the winger has been mainly used as a back up option.
Even when he has been given the opportunities to impress, Garnacho has struggled with consistency and that could force the Blues to cash in on him just one year after signing him.
Chelsea have failed with the Garnacho gamble
When Chelsea swooped in to rescue Garnacho from Old Trafford, it looked like a genuinely shrewd piece of business.
The 21-year-old had flashed moments of absolute brilliance in Manchester, and signing a highly-rated, Premier League-proven attacker for £40m felt like a rare bargain for the Todd Boehly regime.
However, the transition to life in the capital has been anything but smooth.
Displacing Chelsea’s already bloated options of wide forwards has proven to be a monumental task.
Instead of becoming the electrifying focal point of the attack, Garnacho has frequently found himself lost in the shuffle, reduced to brief, frustrating cameo appearances off the bench.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has reservations about Garnacho and his ability to become an asset at the club.
The youngster has only scored one Premier League goal all season, a poor return from a player who joined the club after experience in the league.
Garnacho has only started 21 of Chelsea’s 51 games this season and the Premier League side believe that it is the right time to offload him this summer before his value goes down.
If Chelsea officially put him on the market, expect a host of top-tier European clubs, particularly in La Liga, where his style of play would arguably be a much more natural fit, to heavily monitor the situation.
While there is no denying his raw talent and massive ceiling, the volatile, high-turnover environment at Cobham is notoriously difficult for young players trying to find their rhythm.
Watching Newcastle suffer a public late collapse in south London last weekend as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss against Crystal Palace, the pressure on Eddie Howe’s shoulders is now firmly at a boiling point. While the St. James’ Park hierarchy might have publicly backed the former Bournemouth boss this week, many around Tyneside […]
Arsenal reportedly have an eye on a player who’s been compared with club captain Martin Odegaard as they’re linked with Eirik Granaas.
The 16-year-old looks like an outstanding prospect as he’s already playing first-team football with Fredrikstad, and he’s been on Arsenal’s radar for almost a year.
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That’s according to the Sun, who also claim that RB Leipzig are interested in Granaas, who is from Drammen, the same city as Odegaard.
It seems clear that the teenager is going to be one to watch in years to come, so Arsenal would do well to move for him quickly if possible.
Arsenal would have to wait to sign Eirik Granaas
Eirik Granaas in action
One issue, however, is that Brexit rules mean Arsenal would not be able to sign Granaas until he turns 18, as noted in the Sun’s report.
That might end up favouring any other European clubs that come into the equation, while somewhere like Leipzig generally looks like a good destination for young players like this anyway.
The Bundesliga side have done great work in recent years when it comes to developing young players and giving them a chance to play before cashing in on them for significant profit.
Perhaps a more likely scenario here is that Granaas goes to somewhere like Leipzig first, and ends up being a target for Arsenal again later on in his career if he continues to progress well.
The Gunners could do with investing in more young talent, however, as one area they’ve struggled in in recent times is making enough money from player sales.
Building a competitive team is one thing, but in the modern era of Financial Fair Play it’s also vital for clubs to be able to sign players on the cheap and then sell them for more money later in order to balance the books.
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Ever since his blockbuster switch to Newcastle United, the electric winger Anthony Gordon has repeatedly been linked with a move to Anfield.
According to a prominent inside source on X, Gordon has definitively told his representatives to “make the move happen” to Liverpool.
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Despite famously breaking through on the blue side of Stanley Park with Everton, the 25-year-old is a lifelong, passionate Liverpool fan, and the prospect of finally returning to his boyhood club appears to be an opportunity he is absolutely desperate to take.
Liverpool move attracts Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon
It’s not hard to see why Gordon is actively pushing for the St James’ Park exit door.
Despite enjoying a spectacular individual campaign for Newcastle, racking up 17 goals across all competitions, including an incredible 10 strikes during their Champions League run, the Magpies have struggled with domestic consistency and look incredibly likely to miss out on European football next season.
For a player entering the absolute prime of his career, competing for major honours on the biggest stage is the target.
Liverpool are actively hunting for elite attacking reinforcements. Following the devastating, season-ending Achilles injury suffered by forward Hugo Ekitike and the impending departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of the season, the Reds are desperate for explosive, reliable options on the flank.
Anfield move can take Gordon’s career to the next level
Gordon’s relentless pressing energy, tactical discipline, and proven Premier League pedigree make him a flawless fit for the high-octane football played at Anfield.
While Liverpool’s sporting directors are reportedly highly keen on bringing Gordon back to Merseyside, they are playing the waiting game.
The Anfield hierarchy wants to thoroughly assess the club’s summer budget and fully establish the managerial vision before committing to what will inevitably be a massive transfer fee.
If Newcastle’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) constraints force them to cash in on a major asset this summer, Gordon seems ready to leave the club for move to Anfield.
While other European heavyweights circle, Liverpool know they hold the ultimate trump card: the emotional, irresistible pull of Anfield.
Whether the Reds officially pull the trigger and meet Newcastle’s valuation remains to be seen but Gordon’s intent to make the move happen can make the summer transfer window interesting.
Meanwhile, the Sun’s report also suggests that Bayern Munich could be appealing for the 25-year-old as it would give him the chance to link up with England teammate Harry Kane.
February 20th 2026 – Gordon himself is quoted by Goal as saying transfer speculation over his future is “rubbish”.
April 13th 2026 – Bayern Munich are the latest to be linked with Gordon by Florian Plettenberg.
April 16th 2026 – The Telegraph report that Gordon is open to leaving Newcastle, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern linked as suitors.
Arsenal could do with signing Anthony Gordon
Arsenal clearly have issues in attack at the moment, with Gabriel Martinelli only scoring one Premier League goal all season, while Leandro Trossard is yet to score for the Gunners in all competitions in 2026.
Gordon, meanwhile, has an impressive record of 17 goals and four assists in all competitions for Newcastle this season, so he could surely strengthen Mikel Arteta’s side.
£75m isn’t bad for a player of his calibre either, so we’d give this a 21/25 with our Transfer Fit rating system…
Anthony Gordon
TOTAL SCORE: 21/25
Transfer fee
***
Performance
*****
Achievements
****
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
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Gordon is at a good stage of his career, in fine form, and proven in the Premier League in a position Arsenal need to strengthen, so if they really can get him for £75m that’s surely superb business.
Tottenham are already prepared to listen to offers for Conor Gallagher this summer, according to Football Insider.
26-year-old England international who only just arrived in North London a few months ago could now be heading out of the club after failing to impress following his move from Atletico Madrid.
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Snapping up Gallagher in January looked like an incredibly shrewd piece of business for Spurs.
His relentless motor, aggressive pressing capabilities, and box-to-box tenacity felt practically tailor-made for the high-octane, front-foot demands of Premier League football.
Conor Gallagher was expected to be a hit at Tottenham
Displacing an established engine room that boasts the dynamic energy of Pape Matar Sarr, the tempo-setting of Yves Bissouma, and the technical grace of Rodrigo Bentancur has proven to be a massive mountain to climb.
Rather than immediately becoming the beating heart of the midfield, Gallagher has frequently found himself utilised as a rotational impact sub.
For a player desperate to cement his spot in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, sitting on the bench simply isn’t an option.
Spurs are looking to save finances during times of trouble
It likely comes down to ruthless squad optimisation and the ever-present reality of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Unsurprisingly, several top-flight clubs are already aggressively circling.
Midfielders with Gallagher’s Premier League pedigree are a rare commodity, and ambitious teams hovering around the European spots, would jump at the chance to build around him.
The midfielder is reportedly on high wages in North London and that is also one of the reasons why Spurs are looking to offload him in the summer transfer window.
After seeking out long-term stability with his January move, the absolute last thing he probably expected was to be packing his bags again just six months later.
Following a bruising Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich and a frustrating La Liga campaign that sees Los Blancos languishing nine points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, the patience of the boardroom has seemingly run dry.
According to Daily Mail, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is already preparing for life after Alvaro Arbeloa, pinpointing two absolute heavyweight candidates to take over: Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino.
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If Pérez has his way, Klopp is the ultimate dream appointment.
Jurgen Klopp is wanted by Real Madrid
Since stepping away from the emotional pressure-cooker of Liverpool back in 2024, the German tactician has been serving in a strategic oversight role within the Red Bull football empire.
However, Madrid is a club that currently desperately needs a transformative, charismatic figure capable of uniting a fractured dressing room of superstars and delivering major honours.
Mauricio Pochettino is another manager on their radar
Pochettino is a highly attractive and practical alternative.
Currently gearing up to lead the United States Men’s National Team into the massive 2026 World Cup on home soil, the Argentine’s stock has remained surprisingly high in Madrid.
Los Blancos have previously courted him during his stints at Tottenham and Chelsea, but the timing never quite matched.
Pochettino’s proven track record of nurturing elite young talent makes him a perfect mentor for Real Madrid’s rising phenoms like Arda Güler and Francisco Mastantuono.
The writing seems to be firmly on the wall for Arbeloa. Promoted from the Castilla youth setup just a few months ago in January to replace Xabi Alonso, the enormous step up to the first team simply looks like a bridge too far for the 43-year-old.
The sheer weight of a potentially trophyless season is an unforgivable sin in Madrid.
Whether it’s the high-octane passion of Klopp or the tactical, talent-nurturing approach of Pochettino, a massive managerial change is expected soon at Real Madrid.
Saudi sources reportedly remain optimistic about landing Liverpool director Richard Hughes at some point despite an initial approach being rebuffed by the Reds.
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Al Hilal are keen to bring in Hughes from Liverpool to work on their recruitment, but for now it looks like he’s set to stay at Anfield, according to talkSPORT.
Hughes’ current Liverpool contract runs until the end of next season, so it seems the Reds remain in control of the situation for now, but perhaps not for much longer.
Even if Hughes is not currently heading to the Saudi Pro League, it seems their sources are confident he will make the move eventually, according to the report.
Richard Hughes facing important summer for Liverpool
Even if Hughes is highly regarded inside Anfield, there will surely be a lot of pressure on him and other senior figures this summer after a disappointing season.
While there has been a lot of focus on the performance of manager Arne Slot, it’s also worth noting that the club’s recruitment last summer has ended up looking really poor.
LFC invested huge amounts of money in a lot of new signings, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both costing record-breaking figures but proving underwhelming on the pitch so far.
This seems far from ideal for the club, as there may well be the very real risk of both Edwards and Hughes leaving at the same time.
With that in mind, it perhaps makes sense that Slot seems safe in his job as manager for now, with some stability definitely needed in what may well be a period of big change.
After Al Nassr's last game, head coach Jorge Jesus explained that Cristiano Ronaldo's early exit to the locker room was due to star suffering from "stomach pains."
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the cornerstone of Al Nassr’s recent surge, but his blistering goalscoring streak came to a halt Wednesday against Al Ettifaq. Following a uncharacteristically quiet performance from the club’s captain, head coach Jorge Jesus revealed that Ronaldo’s abrupt exit to the locker room was the result of “stomach pains” the forward had been battling since before kickoff.
After returning from a hamstring injury in March, Ronaldo had been flawless, netting a brace against Al Najma and a clinical strike against Al Okhdood to keep Al Nassr’s title hopes alive. However, his impact against Al Ettifaq was far more subdued; despite registering seven shots, only two found the target, and he uncharacteristically squandered a golden opportunity in the 47th minute.
Ronaldo was eventually subbed off in the 89th minute for Abdullah Al-Hamdan, but rather than joining his teammates on the bench, the Portuguese icon headed straight down the tunnel. While his departure initially sparked speculation regarding his frustration with the substitution, Jorge Jesus was quick to clear the air during his post-match press conference.
When asked about his star player, the Portuguese manager admitted that Ronaldo was nearly omitted from the lineup entirely. “I considered leaving him out; he simply wasn’t in good shape,” Jesus said. “He was suffering from stomach pains and general fatigue. When I finally substituted him, he went straight to the dressing room and threw up.“
Jesus assured reporters that Ronaldo was recovering well after the match, explaining that his absence from the post-game celebrations following the 1-0 victory was simply because he was still indisposed. Although his scoring run has ended, the veteran striker is expected to be back in the selection for the club’s next fixture.
One step closer to the SPL title
Wednesday’s hard-fought victory moves Al Nassr within touching distance of the Saudi Pro League title. The club currently sits atop the table with 76 points through 29 matches, fueled by a staggering 15-game winning streak in league play. Al Hilal remains in second place with 68 points and a game in hand, but they now face a daunting eight-point mountain to climb.
Riding the momentum of 17 consecutive wins across all competitions, Jorge Jesus reflected on the culture shift he has implemented in his debut season. “Al Nassr are not used to competing for titles, but now the players feel they are close to winning the league. I have won 24 titles, so I consider myself among the best coaches in the world. We have a great feeling and sense that we’re close to the title, but our focus now is to take it one match at a time,” he stated.
Head coach Jorge Jesus (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
The situation surrounding Christian Pulisic continues to evolve at a delicate moment for both the player and Milan, with uncertainty growing around his future and form.
The situation surrounding Christian Pulisic continues to evolve at a delicate moment for both the player and Milan, with uncertainty growing around his future and form. As the season approaches its decisive phase, every development off the pitch feels just as important as what happens during matches.
Pulisic’s struggles in 2026 have become impossible to ignore, especially after another frustrating outing in the 3-0 defeat against Udinese. The American forward has not scored since late December, and that drought has begun to affect both his confidence and his overall influence.
Despite his earlier form, his performances in recent months have lacked the sharpness that once defined his game. Injuries and tactical adjustments have played a role, disrupting his rhythm at a time when consistency was needed most.
Even at international level, the difficulties have followed him. Reflecting on his form, Pulisic admitted: “It’s frustrating, but I am just going to stay positive. I have a lot of big things ahead, and I know I’m going to get to the other side and things are going to click.”
Fresh contract update comes to light
Away from the pitch, questions about Pulisic’s future at Milan are becoming increasingly prominent. According to MilanPress, his agent has been spotted twice in the city of Milan during the past month, yet contract renewal talks remain on hold.
The report indicates that these visits were not directly tied to negotiations, with no formal meetings taking place at the club’s headquarters. Instead, discussions of a new deal appear to be on hold, leaving his long-term situation unresolved.
This delay adds another layer of complexity, particularly as Milan must soon decide whether to secure his future or consider other options. Timing is crucial, as the value of any potential transfer could change significantly depending on how long the situation remains unresolved.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts
Premier League ready to pounce
Pulisic’s uncertain contract status has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham have reportedly shown interest, seeing an opportunity to bring him back to the Premier League. At the same time, Milan’s financial position could influence its decision-making.
With his contract running down, the club may consider a sale if an offer in the region of $70 million arrives, though that valuation could shift depending on results and performances. The possibility of missing out on Champions League qualification further complicates matters. Without that revenue, Milan may be forced to make difficult choices involving key players.
What initially seemed like a temporary dip in form now carries wider implications, both for the team and for players like Pulisic who once looked untouchable in the lineup.
The mood around Christian Pulisic has shifted dramatically in recent months, with uncertainty beginning to cloud what once looked like a defining season at Milan. As the club enters a crucial stretch, questions are growing about how the American forward could be impacted by what lies ahead. What initially seemed like a temporary dip in form now carries wider implications, both for the team and for players like Pulisic who once looked untouchable in the lineup.
The American’s campaign has unfolded in two completely different chapters, each telling its own story. Between August and December, he scored eight goals and provided two assists, establishing himself as one of the club’s most reliable attacking threats.
Since the start of 2026, however, the numbers have taken a sharp downturn. He has failed to score a single goal this year, registering just one assist in 14 appearances, a drought that has mirrored Milan’s own struggles. His last goal came in late December against Hellas Verona, a moment that now feels distant.
What followed was a combination of reduced efficiency and a brief injury setback that disrupted his rhythm at a critical time. Milan’s broader situation has intensified the spotlight on Pulisic. Just weeks ago, the club appeared on track for a strong finish, but a series of poor results has left the Rossoneri’s position increasingly fragile.
Serie A standings after Matchday 32
A heavy defeat to Udinese exposed deeper issues, and the race for a top-four finish has tightened significantly. With only six matches remaining, every point carries enormous weight for the club’s future. “The Champions League quota is around 73 points,” Allegri warned, underlining the challenge ahead. Milan now finds itself chasing that target under mounting pressure, with little room for further mistakes.
What would happen if Milan misses out?
Missing the top four would trigger wider consequences across the squad. As per Calciomercato,contract renewal talks across the squad have already been put on hold, affecting several key players.
More importantly for Pulisic, there is a growing possibility that players could be put on the market if the club misses out on the Champions League. Financial consequences play a major role in this scenario, as participation in the competition brings in significant revenue.
Milan already felt the impact of missing out on approximately $65 million to $75 million in Champions League income this season, which contributed to key departures in the squad, including Theo Hernandez, Malick Thiaw, and Tijjani Reijnders. Without that financial boost again, difficult decisions could follow.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates
How it directly affects Pulisic
For Pulisic, the stakes could hardly be higher, the report goes on to add. His form, combined with the club’s results, may determine whether he remains a central figure or becomes part of a wider reshuffle.
Interest from abroad and his reputation as a high-profile international player make him a valuable asset in the transfer market. If Milan is forced to balance finances, players in his position could attract attention from clubs willing to invest.
At the same time, a strong finish to the season could completely change the narrative. A return to form, especially in the final six decisive matches, would reinforce his importance and potentially secure his long-term place in the project.
Cristiano Ronaldo may soon receive another boost at Al-Nassr, with fresh reports suggesting the club is close to securing the future of Marcelo Brozovic.
Cristiano Ronaldo may soon receive another boost at Al-Nassr, with fresh reports suggesting the club is close to securing the future of Marcelo Brozovic. The experienced midfielder has become one of the most important figures in the squad, and talks over a new agreement appear to be moving in the right direction.
Keeping a player of Brozovic’s quality would be an important step for Al-Nassr as the Riyadh outfit continues building around elite talent. According to reports from Al Youm newspaper, Al-Nassr has reached an agreement with Marcelo Brozovic over a contract renewal. The understanding would keep the Croatian international at the Saudi club for the foreseeable future.
The report suggests club officials worked hard behind the scenes to prevent any uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future. After weeks of discussions, both sides are now said to be aligned on the main terms of the extension.
This development would be welcomed across the club, especially by a dressing room that values stability and leadership. Brozovic’s presence in midfield has helped give balance to a side filled with attacking stars.
Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr
What still needs to happen before it becomes official
While the agreement is reportedly in place, one final step remains before everything can be announced publicly. Al-Nassr is now waiting for the player’s representative to arrive to complete the remaining formalities and finalize the official announcement. That means the deal is close, but not yet signed off in full.
Once those final administrative details are completed, the club is expected to make the extension official. In modern soccer, these last stages can often move quickly once the major terms are settled. For Al-Nassr fans, that creates optimism that confirmation may arrive soon.
Why Brozovic matters so much to Al-Nassr
Brozovic is widely viewed as a key pillar of the Al-Nassr lineup. His composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and ability to control tempo have made him one of the side’s most reliable performers. Unlike more attacking stars who often dominate headlines, the 33-year-old’s influence is seen in the structure of the team.
He helps connect defense to attack and gives freedom to creative players further forward. For a club aiming to challenge domestically and internationally, keeping a midfielder with that profile is a major priority. His consistency has made him difficult to replace.
The Croatian midfielder has featured regularly throughout the campaign. Brozovic played 34 matches in all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
Marcelo Brozovic (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both central figures in this evolving landscape, a new chapter appears to be unfolding behind the scenes at the highest level of the game.
The future of club ownership in Saudi soccer is shifting quickly, and the ripple effects are already being felt around some of the league’s biggest names. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both central figures in this evolving landscape, a new chapter appears to be unfolding behind the scenes at the highest level of the game.
The turning point came when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) made a decisive move regarding one of its flagship clubs. Al-Hilal has now seen its ownership structure transformed after a majority stake was sold to Kingdom Holding Company, a firm led by a prominent Saudi investor.
The deal valued the club at approximately $373 million, signaling both confidence in the league’s growth and a willingness to shift toward private ownership. In a statement, the new ownership emphasized the broader vision behind the move.
“Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people,” the statement read. “This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development.” The message was clear: soccer in Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase, one driven by strategic investment and long-term sustainability.
While the spotlight initially fell on Karim Benzema’s new environment, attention quickly turned toward Cristiano Ronaldo’s club. Behind the scenes, discussions have reportedly begun over a similar restructuring process. According to Sportksanet, it has emerged that there is a plan to sell up to 50% of Al-Nassr’s shares to external investors, including a mix of international companies and Saudi businessmen.
This potential move would mark another major shift in how top clubs in the league are operated and financed. Such a transition could redefine the club’s future, especially given Ronaldo’s global influence and the commercial weight he brings.
Why PIF is changing strategy
The reasoning behind these decisions lies in a wider economic vision, as per journalist Abdulkarim Al-Zamil. PIF has played a central role in transforming the Saudi Pro League, injecting funds that helped attract global stars and elevate the competition’s profile.
PIF and Kingdom Holding Company’s representatives arrange deal over Al Hilal.
Now, the focus appears to be on maximizing returns and redistributing capital within the domestic economy, while encouraging private sector involvement. In an official explanation, the fund outlined its long-term intentions.
“The sale aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy,” the statement noted. “PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”
What does it mean for the league?
These ownership changes could have far-reaching consequences for the league as a whole. Clubs transitioning to private ownership may gain greater flexibility in decision-making, particularly in transfers and commercial partnerships.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr
At the same time, the presence of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo ensures that any structural change will be closely watched. His influence extends beyond the pitch, making Al-Nassr one of the most visible clubs in world soccer.
For Al-Hilal, now linked with Karim Benzema, the new ownership could open doors to different investment strategies and partnerships. That, in turn, may reshape competition within the league as clubs adapt to new financial realities.
Karim Benzema (L) of Al Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
Journalist David Ornstein has delivered a definitive blow to Arsenal’s summer transfer hopes, revealing there is “no chance” of the Gunners securing the signature of PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia unlikely to join Arsenal
Despite Arsenal’s desire to bolster their attacking options following a season that has seen them reach the Champions League semi-finals and challenge for the Premier League title, a move for the Georgian international appears completely off the table.
“Everyone loves Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but I fully expect him to stay at PSG,” Ornstein wrote, quelling the rumors that had excited the North London faithful.
“He seems extremely happy there, and they are certainly extremely happy with him. I don’t think Arsenal or anyone else has a chance at the moment.”
The update comes as a disappointment to those who viewed Kvaratskhelia as the final piece of Arteta’s offensive puzzle.
Since joining PSG from Napoli in January 2025 for €80 million, Kvaratskhelia has become an indispensable figure for Luis Enrique.
His direct style and technical brilliance were on full display during the recent Champions League quarter-final win over Liverpool, where he scored in the first leg to help dismantle the Reds.
Plenty of interest from Premier League for Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal are far from the only Premier League club to have registered an interest. Liverpool have been long-term admirers, with the Reds reportedly considering a hijack attempt shortly before his move to Paris.
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England icon Gary Lineker picked Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time and revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo did not take it well.
The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to determine the best player of this era—and arguably of all time—has lasted for more than a decade. Fans around the world, as well as numerous experts, have shared their opinions, including England legend Gary Lineker.
“He doesn’t like me very much, Cristiano Ronaldo,” Lineker admitted during a recent appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast. “I didn’t upset him by anything I said about him, other than the fact I’m honest and think overall Messi’s a better footballer.”
The former England forward, who was the top scorer at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, has always expressed his admiration for Messi, whom he has often placed at the top of the sport alongside another Argentina icon, Diego Maradona.
Explaining how he noticed Ronaldo’s animosity toward him, Lineker said: “He unfollowed me on Instagram.” However, he did not take the setback too seriously and joked about it: “I’ll get over it. I will always like him. I’ve met him a lot of times. I know he’s got the hump with me. But that’s OK. And on that note… Please Cristiano… give me a call. Let’s be friends again.”
England legend Gary Lineker.
Lineker names his Mount Rushmore of soccer players
In the same conversation, Gary Lineker praised Lionel Messi, placing him above other great stars of the sport. “He’s my favourite player of all time, quite simply because he’s the best player of all time, in my view,” said the former Barcelona, Leicester City and Tottenham forward.
Lineker then explained that while other players deserve special mention, they fall just short of that level, which further highlights Messi’s greatness. “Even the difference between some of the real greats, the Cruyffs, Zidane, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, the fact that you can then have another level above them, quite clearly above them, is truly remarkable,” he said.
“Without his injuries, I think we’d have had Brazilian Ronaldo in that conversation. But unfortunately, he did, but he still did incredible things, and he was joyous. So, if I had four, you know, the ‘Mount Rushmore’ thing, yeah, that would be my four. So, Pele, Maradona, Messi, Fenomeno (Ronaldo),” Lineker added.
Robert Lewandowski has had a disappointing season, losing his starting position at Barcelona and missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Following this, the Polish now faces one of the most important challenges of his career: Convincing the Blaugranas and securing his future.
Despite arriving in Barcelona as a seasoned veteran, Robert Lewandowski managed to put in an impressive performance in his first few seasons, scoring 42 goals last season and surpassing 25 goals in the two seasons prior. Despite this, the Polish striker is having a season to forget, missing out on the 2026 World Cup and raising serious doubts among the Blaugranas. As a result, he faces a tough challenge: convincing the Spanish side to keep him and securing his future.
Shortly after the start of the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski suffered two muscle injuries that limited his impact at Barcelona. As a result, Ferran Torres took his starting spot, delivering strong performances. Beyond the injuries themselves, this situation highlights a growing concern: his declining physical output. While the Polish striker remains in good shape, Hansi Flick’s tactical system demands far more than just goals, something he has not been consistently providing.
Unlike his previous season, Robert Lewandowski has been far less productive in front of goal.In the 40 matches he has played this season, he has managed to score just 17 goals, marking his lowest scoring output since joining Barcelona. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Blaugranas are not fully convinced about renewing him, reportedly offering only a one-year extension with a reduced salary and a secondary role.
His struggles have not been limited to Barcelona, as Lewandowski has also failed to impress with Poland. Despite being an undisputed starter, the veteran was unable to make a decisive impact in the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers, going scoreless against Sweden and missing out on the 2026 edition, leaving him with just two World Cup appearances in his career.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on from the bench.
Lewandowski disappointed with Poland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Robert Lewandowski is one of the most important players in the history of Poland. After 165 appearances, he has scored 89 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also ranks among the top five international goal scorers of all time, alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Despite this, the 37-year-old striker did not deliver his best performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Lewandowski set a historic record by scoring 16 goals in 10 matches. Far from slowing down in the 2022 edition, the Polish forward once again impressed, netting 9 goals in 9 games and leading his national team to the tournament. However, he was unable to replicate that level in the most recent campaign, producing a less effective return.
Unlike the previous two editions, Lewandowski managed just five goals in nine matches for Poland. While he has played a key role in creating space and assisting teammates, his goal output has dropped significantly. He also failed to score against Sweden in the play-off final, leaving his side without his usual scoring contribution and reflecting a difficult season in which he has struggled to find his best form.
Lewandowski no longer fits in at Barcelona under Flick
Hansi Flick has managed to establish a highly dominant style of play in Europe. Since his arrival in Barcelona, he has relied on intense high-pressing and pressure after turnover involving his forwards. As a result, the Blaugranas have excelled offensively, creating far more scoring opportunities. While Lewandowski performed brilliantly in the 2024-25 season, his physical condition has declined this season, making him less productive.
During the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski has become a less effective goalscorer, though he has maintained his importance in overall play by drawing defenders and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, head coach Hansi Flick has a clear demand for his striker: high pressing and immediate pressure after losing possession. As a veteran forward, Lewandowski has struggled to meet those physical demands.
Given his declining goal output and high salary, Barcelona are reportedly no longer counting on him as an undisputed starter. Instead, they are pursuing the signing of a younger forward such as Julián Álvarez, prioritizing pressing, pace, scoring ability, and creativity. That said, the Polish striker could still play a key role off the bench, offering experience and finishing quality as a more traditional central striker.
Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona
With one of the highest salaries in the squad, Robert would need to significantly reduce his wages and accept a secondary role. While this scenario would be ideal for Barcelona, he could struggle to adapt to those conditions. In addition, he continues to attract strong interest from clubs that could offer him a more lucrative contract or a more prominent role. As a result, Lewandowski is not entirely open to staying at Barcelona, feeling neglected by the club, reports Nil Sola, via SER.
How has Lewandowski’s playing style changed compared to previous seasons?
Robert Lewandowski has gone through several distinct phases throughout his career. During his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, the Polish striker established himself as a brilliant forward, physically dominant and relentless in pressing defenders to score. While not yet a standout in collective play, he still managed to record 103 goals and 42 assists in 187 appearances, attracting interest from Real Madrid and several top European clubs.
With his move to Bayern Munich, Lewandowski underwent a clear evolution in his playing style. Under the influence of Pep Guardiola, he developed into one of the most complete strikers in the world. Not only did he excel as a goalscorer, but he also became fully integrated into the team’s collective play, frequently rotating positions with Thomas Müller. At the same time, he maintained his physical dominance, finishing his spell with 344 goals and 73 assists in 375 matches.
After his historic stint in Germany, Lewandowski chose to join FC Barcelona. Despite already being a veteran, he made an immediate impact under Xavi Hernández. Thanks to his game intelligence, he stood out by scoring 33 goals in his first season, playing a key role in creating space, pressing, and winning duels against defenders. However, he has since had to adapt his style, maintaining his importance while seeing a decline in pure scoring output.
Even though Lewandowski had previously scored 42 goals for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, he has shown a noticeable physical decline this season. As a result, he has shifted his focus toward drawing defenders and facilitating play for Fermín López and Lamine Yamal. In doing so, he has remained highly influential in the team’s overall structure, albeit with a reduced scoring role, particularly as he is no longer applies pressure on opponents.
Robert Lewandowski may be an ideal fit for AC Milan
Robert Lewandowski can still thrive in European leagues, and AC Milan could be an ideal fit. Arriving as a free agent, the Polish striker would suit head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Unlike Barcelona, the Rossoneri are looking for a forward capable of dominating aerially and positioning himself between opposing center-backs. While he is not coming off his best season, he could still fulfill the role required by the Italian side.
As a more traditional, fixed center-forward, Lewandowski could maintain solid output in Serie A. Without heavy creative or pressing responsibilities, he could preserve his physicality to outmuscle defenders and convert chances consistently. With his clinical finishing, he could become a key solution for Allegri, especially as a partnership with Christian Pulisic could significantly boost his goal production.
Compared to Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leão, Lewandowski has consistently demonstrated elite scoring ability in recent seasons, comfortably surpassing 15 goals. He also offers a strong aerial presence, which could be decisive, particularly as Milan have relied on Adrien Rabiot in that aspect. In addition, his presence could create more space for Leão and Pulisic to operate more effectively.
While Lewandowski may no longer possess the physical profile to dominate in a high-intensity collective system, he remains highly effective as a fixed striker. Moreover, he could serve as an ideal mentor for Francesco Camarda, who could develop significantly as his backup—something the club does not currently get from options like Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on as he warms up prior a game.
After being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Kylian Mbappe made a reassuring message to the fans that Real Madrid "will start winning again and very soon."
Kylian Mbappe’s dream of capturing a UEFA Champions League title has been deferred for at least another season following a quarterfinal exit at the hands of Bayern Munich. In the midst of what has been a frustrating campaign for Real Madrid, Mbappe delivered a defiant message to the fanbase, promising that the club “will start winning again soon.“
Wednesday’s elimination via a 6-4 aggregate scoreline served as a crushing blow for a Real Madrid side that had pinned its primary championship hopes on Europe, with Barcelona currently the heavy favorites to secure La Liga. Despite Mbappe netting the third goal for the Spanish giants, he was unable to stave off elimination in what was statistically his most prolific individual scoring campaign in the competition’s history.
In his first public comments following the defeat, Mbappe took to Instagram to offer a candid self-assessment of the team’s current form: “We tried until the very end, but it wasn’t enough. It’s disappointing to be eliminated from such an important competition, but we have to look ahead. We need to take a hard look at ourselves to avoid this kind of disappointment again.“
After that wake-up call to his teammates, the French striker made it clear that the club expects to be back in the trophy hunt sooner than later. “We will never give up!!! In Madrid, failure has never been and never will be an option. But I promise you one thing: we will start winning again and very soon,” Mbappe concluded.
Mbappe’s individual impact during the 2025-26 Champions League campaign was undeniable, as he racked up 15 goals in just 11 appearances. While he reached the 70-goal milestone for his UCL career, his individual brilliance couldn’t mask the team’s lack of cohesion, a process hindered by significant organizational turmoil, including the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso back in January.
Real Madrid and a 2025-26 season to forget
With 40 goals and six assists across 39 games so far, Kylian Mbappe has indisputably been the lone bright spot for Real Madrid this season. However, questions regarding the squad’s over-reliance on the star striker have intensified, casting a spotlight on the fact that despite a roster full of superstars, this iteration of Los Blancos has failed to gel as a collective unit.
The 2024-25 season, the final chapter of the Carlo Ancelotti era, saw the club lift the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup while falling short of major domestic and European honors. While the appointment of Xabi Alonso initially sparked hope during the FIFA Club World Cup, a crushing defeat in the Spanish Super Cup proved to be the tipping point that led to his midseason exit.
Real Madrid Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in to lead the first team but has struggled to stabilize the ship. Under his watch, the club suffered a shock Copa del Rey exit to second-tier Albacete and the recent Champions League heartbreak against Bayern.
Currently, La Liga is being dominated by Barcelona, sitting at the top with 79 points in 31 games and a 9-point difference to second-placed Real Madrid. With just seven games remaining, Los Merengues are on the verge of their first trophyless season since 2020-21, the final hallmark of a campaign the club would rather forget.
Inter Miami forward German Berterame does not have his place secured with Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In just over a month, the coaches of the 48 qualified national teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have to finalize their 26-man squads. In Mexico, there is fierce competition for the striker spots, putting Inter Miami star German Berterame’s chances in serious doubt.
“Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez are the main forwards of the Mexico national team, and that appears to be beyond any doubt as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches,”Diario Marca reported this week.
Indeed, the Fulham forward has been a key figure based on recent call-ups. And while Gimenez has struggled this year at AC Milan due to inconsistent performances and injuries, he has built a strong reputation in Europe to earn that consideration.
“The debate is over the third striker for the World Cup,” the report adds. “The focus is on Armando Gonzalez and German Berterame, who are competing for a place in the 26-man squad that Javier Aguirre will select for the FIFA tournament.”
Armando Gonzalez playing for Mexico.
Who is Armando Gonzalez?
One of the fastest-rising players in Mexican soccer in recent years is Armando Gonzalez. The striker will turn 23 next week and is currently enjoying the best season of his professional career with Guadalajara.
After beginning his career with Tapatio in Liga de Expansion MX in 2020, ‘La Hormiga’ (The Ant) reached Liga MX in 2024 and has since established himself as a key player for Guadalajara. This season, he is the team’s undisputed star, leading the standings and topping the Clausura tournament scoring chart with 12 goals.
Those performances earned Gonzalez a call-up to the Mexico national team, where Javier Aguirre gave him the opportunity to make his debut in a friendly against Paraguay in November 2025. Since then, he has recorded six appearances, one goal and one assist at the international level.
Berterame is struggling at Inter Miami
While Armando Gonzalez is in the best form of his career with Guadalajara and gaining prominence with the Mexico national team, German Berterame is having trouble finding his rhythm on the field.
Inter Miami paid $15 million to Monterrey at the start of this year to sign the Argentina-born forward, hoping he would become an important attacking piece for the team. However, his start with the club has not been ideal: across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup, Berterame has managed just one goal in nine appearances for the Herons, raising questions about his place in the starting lineup.
That lack of form at club level has impacted his chances internationally. Javier Aguirre has included Berterame in the starting lineup in only one of Mexico’s five matches this year, while in two others he did not see the field at all.
Paolo Vanoli was ‘proud’ of Fiorentina after they beat Crystal Palace, but went out of the Conference League. ‘If we had a full squad, we proved we can play at this level.’
They also conceded early into this evening’s match with an Ismaila Sarr counter-attack, but turned it around through the Albert Gudmundsson penalty and Cher Ndour strike.
It wasn’t quite enough, as Fiorentina win on the night 2-1, but go out in the Conference League quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate.
Vanoli proud of Fiorentina performance
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Head coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“It was wonderful to see our fans pushing us on in the stands again, and I can only compliment these lads,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
“We all believed going in that we could achieve something remarkable. The early goal knocked the wind out of our sails, but I appreciated the pride shown to try until the very end.
“I feel that since the start of the season, this has been one of our most important performances. We beat a Premier League team, and if you look at the first leg, individual errors were costly, we didn’t keep our heads in the game.”
The Tuscans have managed to balance the Conference League commitments with Serie A, where they had to mount a desperate comeback to clamber off the foot of the table.
That is where they were when Vanoli took over, but are now eight points clear of the relegation zone thanks to Monday’s 1-0 win over Lazio.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Head coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“I focus on working every day with these lads, I think you can see the work has paid off, and the club is right behind us,” continued Vanoli.
“I am proud of the team tonight, because to see them fight like this, it means I’ve passed something on to them.”
His future remains in doubt, as Vanoli is not expected to remain beyond the end of this season.
“I feel we are laying the foundations to get Fiorentina back into a more important position. I told them now we must not take a step back, but instead keep going forward, because there’s another fiery atmosphere awaiting us in Lecce and we’ve got to prove to the end that we are developing.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Ndour seems to have really hit form after playing regularly in recent weeks and it paid off at international level for the Italy Under-21 side too.
“I always admired Ndour and watched him play for the Under-21s, his growth has been exponential this season,” added Vanoli.
“I saw the same for Fagioli and others, they need to keep working. I always said midfielders must take shots from outside the box, and more of them are doing that lately. Sometimes you need a little patience with young players.”
Nicolò Fagioli went off at half-time with an injury, adding to the absentee list.
“We reached this game, but above all the first leg, with a decimated squad. We got Manor Solomon back today, which allowed us also to put Gudmundsson between the lines. We also played three at the back, because I wanted to find him in that position, even if the midfielders tended to drop a bit too often together.
“I think if we’d had a full squad available, we proved that we can play at this level,” concluded Vanoli.
Crystal Palace will now face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final, while Rayo Vallecano take on Strasbourg.
Vincenzo Italiano explains his surprising tactical adjustments against Aston Villa, but insists Bologna ‘went beyond expectations’ reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.
The Rossoblu knew that it was a tough task after losing the first leg 3-1 at home, especially as they had already been beaten at Villa Park both in the Champions League last season, and in the Europa League group phase back in September 2025.
However, they were hoping for better than a 4-0 mauling in this second leg, especially as Federico Ravaglia also parried a Morgan Rogers penalty, only for Emiliano Buendia to score on the following throw-in.
Ollie Watkins, Rogers and a late acrobatic Ezri Konsa volley completed the rout, eliminating Bologna 7-1 on aggregate.
Bologna experiment didn’t work with Aston Villa
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Italiano pulled a few surprises this evening, above all inverting his full-backs from their usual positions.
“We made too many mistakes in the first leg, so we tried to do something different with Joao Mario and Juan Miranda on opposite sides, because Villa are so good at defending the box when we get to the by-line. The idea was when defending that we’d cut inside on our stronger feet.
“That’s not the reason why we lost, it’s because Aston Villa are so incredibly clinical that they score with every chance. We hadn’t started badly, but when they score at the first chance and you are 4-1 down on aggregate, it all becomes more difficult.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Lewis Ferguson of Bologna interacts with Referee Jose Maria Sanchez during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Despite the heaviness of the defeats, it must be noted that the only Europa League games Bologna lost this season were all against Aston Villa.
“We must learn lessons from the whole journey, recognise that right now Aston Villa have an extra gear compared to us. They probably belong in the Champions League more than the Europa League, and I believe they will win the trophy,” continued the coach.
“Our performance in the first leg was very strong, but we paid for too many distractions and errors. I don’t know if the difference between the teams is all that big, but all credit to them, they took every opportunity.
“I don’t think it was a tactical issue today, there was a big difference in quality level between the two teams, and we had to just hope they were not firing on all cylinders. You cannot gift them anything, and we did in both legs.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Emi Buendia of Aston Villa scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Bologna are struggling mid-table and out of the Coppa Italia, so it seems frankly unlikely they will be in Europe again next season.
“This team is accustomed to playing regularly, we had over 100 games in the last two seasons. The moment we get to Bologna, we have to prepare for another tough match against Juventus, and hope to add more points in the season, fix those things that went wrong.
“We had hoped to cause Villa problems tonight, but they were ferocious in their pressing and didn’t allow us to do it. We reached the quarter-finals, our objective had been to get through the league phase, so I think our campaign has gone beyond expectations.
“You learn from this, we conceded on a throw-in today, that’s a lesson you cannot gift goals at this level. We reached the quarter-final, I think it was more than positive.”
It is going to be an all-English semi-final for the Europa League, as Nottingham Forest go head-to-head with Aston Villa, while Braga will face Freiburg.
It is now official that Serie A will have four Champions League teams next season, two in the Europa League, and one participating in the Conference League for Italy.
All the Italian representatives are out of the UEFA tournaments now, as Bologna were eliminated by Aston Villa in the Europa League, while Fiorentina went out of the Conference League to Crystal Palace.
This means their coefficient cannot be further improved, nor can anyone win a trophy to earn qualification for another tournament.
Italy struggling in Europe
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It is therefore now set in stone that Italy will only have four teams in the Champions League during the 2026-27 campaign.
The sides who finish fifth and sixth in Serie A will enter the Europa League, as well as whoever wins the Coppa Italia.
There is one club from Italy that can enter the Conference League at the preliminary round.
The Coppa Italia is still a bit of a grey area, as Inter, Atalanta, Como and Lazio are the semi-finalists, so if the victors are already qualified via Serie A, that opens up another slot behind them.
Fiorentina at least managed to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on the night with Albert Gudmundsson and Cher Ndour, but their Conference League campaign ended in the quarter-finals.
The Viola had a huge task if they were to reach a fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, having lost the first leg 3-0 at Selhurst Park. Moise Kean, Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini were still injured, plus Dodo suspended. Palace welcomed back Jorgen Strand Larsen from his ban, but Evann Guessand, Caleb Kporha and Eddie Nketiah missed out.
Fiorentina wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence before kick-off following this morning’s death of Alex Manninger, who was their goalkeeper in 2001-02.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026
Crystal Palace opened the scoring on the counter-attack, with Ismaila Sarr spreading it down the right and ready to nod in the Daniel Munoz return pass at the near post.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace FC scores a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Sarr almost got another moments later, testing David De Gea on the counter-attack, while Manor Solomon stung the goalkeeper’s gloves.
Fiorentina were awarded a penalty when Canvot was late to a bouncing ball, only kicking Rolando Mandragora as they both stretched to meet it.
Albert Guðmundsson pulls one back for Fiorentina in the tie
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026
Gudmundsson had to wait several minutes to take it, as Wharton went off injured, but sent Dean Henderson the wrong way.
Lacroix also sustained an injury and didn’t make it to half-time, but the hosts kept pushing, Henderson palming a Solomon strike out from under the bar.
Nicolò Fagioli went off injured at the break with bruised ribs and Daichi Kamada forced De Gea into a tricky save from the edge of the area.
Tie back on?
Cher Ndour’s long range effort puts Fiorentina 2-1 up, and just two goals behind on aggregate
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026
Substitute Cher Ndour put the Viola in front for the first time, drilling hard and low with his right foot through a sea of legs into the near bottom corner.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It was 2-4 on aggregate and Fiorentina were fired up, Gudmundsson stinging Henderson’s gloves at the near stick, but Jack Harrison’s finish was too weak after sprinting forward down the right.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace FC in action against Jack Harrison of ACF Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The Rossoblu had a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-1 at home, meaning the only defeats in the Europa League this season were against Aston Villa, also beaten here 1-0 in the opening league phase fixture on September 25.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, interacts with his staff during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez were still injured, with Jhon Lucumi suspended, but Martin Vitik returned from his ban. Villa missed Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley and Alysson, with Emiliano Martinez, Jadon Sancho and Tyrone Mings not at 100 per cent.
The advantage became 4-1 within 16 minutes in Birmingham, as Aston Villa carved Bologna apart with a well-worked team move, Morgan Rogers rolling across from the left for Ollie Watkins to tap in from three yards.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Federico Bernardeschi stung Martinez’s gloves from distance, but VAR spotted Vitik’s flailing arm as a cross struck it, and Aston Villa received a penalty.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026
Federico Ravaglia parried the Morgan Rogers spot-kick, but while they were still celebrating, Bologna conceded the second goal on a throw-in, as Emiliano Buendia drilled in at the near post from a tricky angle.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Emi Buendia of Aston Villa scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Santiago Castro couldn’t get on the end of a Rowe cross to the back post, but Villa were again clinical where Bologna were wasteful.
Aston Villa go 3-0 up and are cruising through this tie
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026
A long Martinez ball was knocked down, John McGinn sent it down the left, where Rogers again beat Ravaglia at the near post.
Vincenzo Italiano made a triple change at half-time and Riccardo Orsolini’s effort was deflected wide, while Martinez smothered the Nikola Moro strike.
Ravaglia prevented a fourth by making the save this time at the near post on Lucas Digne.
Digne was decisive at the other end, as Orsolini was about to bundle the Simon Sohm dinked assist over from five yards, until he was blocked off with Martinez beaten.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, speaks to the media in a pre-match press conference prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Juan Miranda charged down a Leon Bailey strike and Villa did add a fourth on the resulting corner, which was deflected up into the air for a spectacular Ezri Konsa acrobatic volley from five yards.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to leave the club at the end of the 2026/27 season, marking the definitive conclusion to one of the most transformative eras in the history of Anfield.
According to The Athletic, the 34-year-old Dutchman has just one full year remaining on his contract before an “expected farewell” in the summer of 2027.
While van Dijk remains an undisputed starter under Arne Slot, the club’s strategic pivot toward younger defensive options suggests that a renewal is not currently on the table.
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With van Dijk set to be 35 by the time his deal expires, he appears prepared to walk away as a free agent.
Van Dijk to go down as one of Premier League’s best ever
When van Dijk eventually departs in 2027, he will do so as arguably the greatest centre-back to ever wear the Liverpool shirt.
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Since his £75 million move from Southampton in 2018, a then-world-record fee, he has been the pillar upon which Liverpool have built their recent success.
Van Dijk’s impact on the club’s identity is impossible to overstate. He instantly transformed a vulnerable defence into the foundation of a dominant side that won every major trophy available.
While the atmosphere at the club is currently at a low point following recent European and domestic exits, van Dijk’s commitment to seeing out his contract ensures that the Anfield faithful will have one final year to celebrate a genuine club legend.
PIF has changed his involvement in soccer by completing the sell of Al Hilal to their new owners, a situation Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are watching closely.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken significant new steps toward the privatization of Saudi Arabian soccer clubs. As Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr watch the next moves closely, the PIF has officially announced the sale of Al Hilal to a new ownership group.
As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project,” the PIF became the majority shareholder of Al Hilal, alongside Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad, in July 2023. This initial investment was designed to accelerate club growth and increase the sports sector’s overall contribution to the Saudi GDP.
A new strategy is now taking shape with the completion of the first of these four sales, as the PIF seeks to maximize returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy. This gradual exit from majority ownership aims to guide the clubs toward financial sustainability while the PIF maintains a role as a minority shareholder or strategic partner.
PIF and Kingdom Holding Company’s representatives arrange deal over Al Hilal.
In a statement released on PIF’s website, KHC Chairman Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reflected on the landmark deal: “Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people. This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development. By applying our global investment standards and cultivating strategic partnerships, we will unlock Al-Hilal’s full potential while preserving its history and identity.“
Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad up next
Al Hilal represents only the first phase of this divestment process. Following this precedent, the PIF will move forward with the sales of Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli, seeking suitable suitors to continue the clubs’ professional development.
Reports have already revealed that, alongside a new contract signed in June 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr valued at £50 million (approximately $66.7 million). As the PIF actively pursues new majority owners for the club, the Portuguese legend is positioned to assume an even more significant role in the organization.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Al Nassr is encouraging Ronaldo to increase his equity, further deepening his ties to the Saudi side’s ownership structure. With club sales expected to be phased over the coming years, the soccer icon could see his influence grow significantly in the near future.
Vinicius Junior surpassed a Lionel Messi assist record in the UEFA Champions League during Real Madrid’s loss to Bayern Munich, although Cristiano Ronaldo still leads the all-time list.
Vini produced a brilliant play and assisted Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid’s third goal in the closing minutes of the first half, which temporarily put the Spanish side level in the tie. With that contribution, the Brazilian winger reached 13 assists in the knockout stages of the European competition.
In doing so, Vinicius moved past Lionel Messi for second place in the all-time rankings in that category. The Argentine forward had recorded 12 assists in Champions League knockout matches during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the top of the list, having recorded a total of 15 assists in the tournament’s knockout stages across his spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. No other player has come close to those numbers, but Vinicius, at just 25 years old, needs only three more to claim the all-time record.
That assist to Mbappe at the Allianz Arena also helped Vinicius climb the all-time Champions League assist rankings, including both the knockout rounds and the group stage. Vini is now tied with Neymar for fourth place on the list with 33 assists, and he has strong prospects of closing in on the top spots in the near future.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as expected, are also in the top three, with the Portuguese star leading the way. However, there is another somewhat unexpected name included: Angel Di Maria, who played alongside both legends at Real Madrid and PSG, respectively.
All-time Champions League assist leaders:
1- Cristiano Ronaldo (42)
2- Angel Di Maria (41)
3- Lionel Messi (40)
4- Neymar (33)
4- Vinicius (33)
6- Kevin De Bruyne (31)
6- Ryan Giggs (31)
8- Xavi Hernandez (30)
8- Thomas Muller (30)
10- Karim Benzema (29)
10- Andres Iniesta (29)
Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Junior and Lionel Messi.
Flamengo face off against Independiente Medellin in Matchday 2 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Fans in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the key information on kickoff time and viewing options, including TV coverage and streaming details.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Flamengo vs Independiente Medellin on US television and via legal streaming:
Back on home turf for their first Group A appearance in the tournament, Flamengoreturn to Maracanã Stadium with momentum after securing a hard-fought 2-0 result at altitude in Cusco, a performance that underlined their ability to handle difficult conditions early in the Copa Libertadores.
Meanwhile, Independiente Medellin head into this matchup looking to build on a 1-1 draw against Estudiantes de La Plata, knowing that points will be tough to come by in Rio as Group A rapidly shapes into one of the most demanding sections of the competition, where every result could define the race to advance.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Flamengo vs Independiente Medellin and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Chelsea have reportedly entered the high-stakes battle to sign Palmeiras’ latest wonderkid, Eduardo Conceicao, as the club continues its aggressive recruitment of the world’s most elite teenage talents.
The 16-year-old winger has become the subject of an intense transfer war, with The Times reporting that Chelsea are now vying with Manchester City, Barcelona, and PSG for his signature.
Conceicao, a standout for the Brazil Under-17 national team, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from South America since his former teammate Endrick.
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Chelsea face fierce competition for Eduardo Conceicao
(Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
While early suitors reportedly attempted to secure a deal for approximately £25 million, Palmeiras are holding out for a much higher figure.
As per the report, the Brazilian giants have protected their asset with a €100 million (£87m) release clause, though industry experts expect a compromise closer to the €40m–€50m range including performance-related add-ons.
Manchester City, under the direction of new sporting director Hugo Viana, were previously thought to be the frontrunners.
However, the entry of Chelsea and Barcelona, the latter of whom are desperate not to repeat the mistake of having missed out on the likes of Endrick and Estevao Willian, has turned the pursuit into a multi-club sprint.
There are other clubs vying for his services as well. The Daily Briefing previously reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool have had bids rejected for the exciting youngster.
Conceicao has already made an impact in 2026, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists in just seven appearances during the prestigious Copinha youth tournament.
Chelsea’s recent focus on South American youth
Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have pioneered a “buy young” strategy that specifically targets the South American market.
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Conceicao fits the profile of recent high-profile signings such as Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez.
Chelsea’s recent strategic partnership with River Plate further underlines their intent to dominate this region.
By securing Conceicao, the Blues would not only weaken a rival’s future squad but also ensure they possess the most formidable assembly of U21 attacking talent in world football.
Declan Rice called Arsenal’s upcoming trip to the Etihad Stadium “the ultimate test” as the Gunners prepare for a huge fixture in the title race. Following last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth, Arsenal are just six points clear at the summit, and they have played a game more than second-placed Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side did […]
“Being on the field with the greatest player in history is extraordinary,” Hoyos said in his first press conference as head coach of the Herons, as shared by reporter Jose Armando on his official X account.
Regarding the nature of his relationship with Messi, the coach was clear: “There’s a friendship we’ve built over the years, like with many other players in different countries… Friendship is non-negotiable.”
However, Hoyos made it clear that this bond of trust also comes with boundaries. “That doesn’t mean we’re around him every day. You have to respect everything — his privacy, for example — be prudent, and quietly continue building this approach,” Guillermo said. “All of this is new.”
Head Coach Guillermo Hoyos of Inter Miami CF talks to his players during a training session.
How did Messi and Hoyos meet?
Lionel Messi and Guillermo Hoyos first crossed paths when the forward was still a teenager and had just arrived at Barcelona. At the time, Guillermo was working within the club’s academy and quickly took on a role in helping his compatriot adjust to a new country and club.
“He helped me a lot from the moment I arrived at Barca. He was always there for me… He taught me things and helped me get to where I am,” Messi said previously about Hoyos’ role in his development at Barcelona, according to Ole.
More than 20 years later, the two reunited at Inter Miami in different roles: Messi as the team’s superstar and Hoyos as sporting director. However, Mascherano’s sudden departure forced the club to turn to him to fill the vacancy, at least on an interim basis.
Hoyos highlights Inter Miami’s structure
In the same press conference, Guillermo Hoyos addressed his current situation after moving from sporting director to interim head coach. “I’m at the club’s service, and that’s why I’m in this position today. A couple of days ago, I was in a different role,” he said. “I’m here to help in any way the club needs.”
Finally, Hoyos expressed strong optimism about Inter Miami’s potential. “It’s one of the 10 best clubs in the world, not just in MLS,” the coach said. “Because it has a structure. And especially with the stadium they’ve inaugurated, which is something extraordinary. It’s a club with tremendous potential.”
Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos and Lionel Messi.
Is Kylian Mbappe a curse for Real Madrid? Following their aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, Los Blancos face a managerial crisis and a squad regression that Florentino Perez must answer for.
The competition was Madrid’s last realistic route to major silverware in a season which promised a lot, but will ultimately deliver nothing.
Barring a monumental collapse by Barcelona in La Liga, the 15-time European champions will end a second consecutive campaign without a trophy.
With that in mind, read on as we assess the repercussions for Real Madrid, starting with an issue which has been entirely of their own making.
Mbappe has proved to be a curse rather than a blessing
Kylian Mbappe is one of the best forwards in the world. That point is evidenced by his tally of 84 goals in 98 appearances for Los Blancos.
However, his desire to be the ‘main man’ is not only a problem Madrid didn’t need, but one which they could have avoided.
Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 for Paris Saint-Germain. However, his efforts in front of goal failed to deliver the desired results in the Champions League.
In their first season without the French international in their team, PSG were crowned kings of Europe. They have reached the semi-finals again this season.
By contrast, Mbappe has made Madrid worse. They won La Liga and the Champions League in 20234/24 – since then, they have suffered a series of disappointments.
The 27-year-old’s ego was problematic when he was at PSG, and has continued to upset the equilibrium in Madrid’s dressing room.
Players such as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are no shrinking violets, yet are expected to play second fiddle to the ‘Mbappe Show’.
Intriguingly, Madrid looked far more coherent as a team when Mbappe was recently sidelined with a knee injury. With Vinicius and Brahim Diaz leading the line, they were more balanced.
It may seem churlish to question a player who has scored goals for fun in Madrid colours, but it cannot be ignored that they have regressed since signing him.
Arbeloa on shaky ground after Champions League exit
Madrid’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager last summer appeared to be a sensible decision with SportsView and other major football publications all predicting success for Los Blancos, but he lasted just seven months.
At a club packed with egos and led by president Florentino Perez, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss was always likely to be on a hiding to nothing.
Alonso quickly lost the dressing room, with Vinicius and Federico Valverde amongst the players who publicly expressed disapproval at his methods.
Appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s replacement was no real surprise. He had done well with the club’s youth and ‘B’ teams, so was viewed as a steady pair of hands.
Arbeloa responded to Flick’s comments
However, the club’s failure to specify the length of his contract when he was placed in charge suggested that they were unsure whether he was the right man for the job.
A record of 13 wins and one draw in 21 matches highlights why Madrid may have been reluctant to confirm whether he was a long-term appointment.
Arbeloa will reportedly be replaced this summer, with Perez seemingly eager to bring in someone with a proven track record of success.
That may be easier said than done given the dearth of viable options currently available.
Madrid’s managerial options are thin on the ground
Alonso seemed to be the ideal fit for Madrid. He was a former player who subsequently enjoyed success as a manager with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Sacking him after just seven months in charge did not seem like the brightest idea anyone had ever had, and developments this summer may hammer home that point.
Several managers have been linked with the Madrid managerial job including Zinedine Zidane, Jurgen Klopp and Maurico Pochettino.
Perez rates Zidane highly, but he seems destined to replace Didier Deschamps as the French national team manager at the end of the World Cup.
Klopp would be welcomed with open arms at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has demonstrated no desire to leave his position as head of Red Bull’s football operations.
Pochettino could be available after the World Cup, although nothing he has done with the United States national team suggests he is the right option for Madrid.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been touted as a possibility after the club recently confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season.
Several pundits believe the 43-year-old is an ‘elite-level’ manager, but whether he is ready to step into the Madrid hot-seat is hugely debatable.
Madrid’s eagerness to pander to egotistical players and dispense with Alonso’s services has created a problem that may find extremely difficult to fix this summer.
Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema.
Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema. Although the Spanish club suffered elimination against Bayern, Mbappe still found a way to leave his stamp on the contest.
The result was devastating for Los Blancos, but it also underlined how central Mbappe has become to the team’s future. Even in defeat, the French star continued his record-breaking run in Europe’s biggest club competition, showing why he remains one of soccer’s most decisive players.
Bayern Munich produced a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final, sealing a 6-4 aggregate triumph and booking a place in the Champions League semi-final. The German club struck late through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise after a chaotic and emotional encounter.
Bayern Munich ends Real Madrid’s European run
Madrid had entered the match hoping for another famous comeback, but their resistance was broken in the closing stages. Tensions rose further when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute, a decision that sparked furious protests from the visiting side.
The match exploded into life almost immediately when Arda Guler scored after only 34 seconds following a mistake from Manuel Neuer. Bayern responded quickly through Aleksandar Pavlovic, setting the tone for an open and high-level contest. Harry Kane then added another goal for Bayern after Guler had restored Madrid’s lead earlier in the half.
Vinicius hit the crossbar before creating the chance that allowed Mbappe to score and keep Madrid alive before the interval. That finish from the French superstar briefly gave the Spanish club the belief that momentum was shifting. Instead, Bayern’s late push proved decisive as the Bundesliga giant surged through.
Mbappe matches Benzema’s historic mark
While the team’s result was bitterly disappointing, Mbappe still reached several significant milestones with his goal. Among the many records, Mbappe tied Karim Benzema for second place among Frenchmen in a single Champions League season with 15 goals scored in one season.
That places him alongside one of Real Madrid’s greatest modern forwards and another legendary French striker. Benzema achieved the feat during his Ballon d’Or-winning season, making Mbappe’s achievement even more notable given the pressure and expectations surrounding his first full era as Madrid’s attacking leader.
Karim Benzema of Real Madrid shakes hands with head coach Jose Mourinho
Only one French player has scored more in a single UEFA campaign, with Stéphane Guivarc’h’s 1997-98 tally for Auxerre still ahead. Mbappe is also now just two goals shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time single-season Champions League record of 17.
Individual brilliance amid collective frustration
Mbappe’s overall numbers this season remain extraordinary. He has scored 40 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, a return that would usually place a player on course for multiple trophies.
Instead, Madrid now faces the possibility of finishing the campaign empty-handed. The club is already out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Barcelona holds a commanding lead in La Liga.
Kylian Mbappe (L) and Karim Benzema (R) of Real Madrid.
As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue.
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to build momentum, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepping forward to address one of the most discussed uncertainties surrounding the tournament. As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue.
The tournament itself is shaping up to be historic in every sense. Set to feature 48 teams for the first time, the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, underlining its massive global appeal. With matches spread across multiple host nations, anticipation continues to grow among fans and stakeholders alike. The 2026 edition promises to redefine the scale of international soccer.
With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an expanded knockout phase, the structure introduces a new level of competition and opportunity. This format ensures more nations are involved, increasing both representation and unpredictability. Also, more than 500 million ticket requests have already been recorded, highlighting the event’s reach across all continents.
As speculation intensified, FIFA moved to clarify its stance on Iran’sparticipation. “The Iranian team is coming for sure,”Infantino told CNBC, firmly addressing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. His statement confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of doubt.
Infantino emphasized the fundamental principle behind the decision. “They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to sporting merit.
Keeping the focus on soccer
Beyond the confirmation itself, Infantino highlighted a deeper philosophy guiding FIFA’s decisions. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a clear stance. The aim is to preserve the tournament as a platform for unity and competition, regardless of external circumstances.
He also acknowledged the realities of the world while defending this approach. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said, before adding that FIFA continues to work toward building connections through soccer. These remarks underline the balance between idealism and practicality in organizing a global event.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Iran celebrates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers
Iran’s road ahead for the tournament
Looking ahead, the focus shifts back to the competition itself. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with games set to take place in major U.S. cities. If successful, further matches would continue within the same host nation as the tournament progresses.
The broader objective remains ensuring a successful and secure event. “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” Infantino explained. Delivering high-quality matches while maintaining safety standards stands at the core of FIFA’s vision.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump
Unai Emery insists Aston Villa are ‘so respectful’ when hosting Bologna again in the Europa League quarter-final, despite winning the first leg 3-1. ‘It is not done.’
They beat Bologna all three times in the last 18 months in the Champions League and Europa League.
Emery admires Bologna
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“We are so, so respectful with them because they showed us their capacity to go for this title and to go a long way like we are expecting,” Emery told TNT Sports.
“We achieved a good result there, but it is not done and how they are playing and performing, we have massive respect. Today, I know it is going to be difficult and we must play extending our game plan like we did in their stadium and today of course here with our great, great atmosphere here with our supporters, we are confident but so, so respectful.”
Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley and Alysson are still out of action, with Emiliano Martinez starting despite a calf problem, while Jadon Sancho and Tyrone Mings not at 100 per cent.
It means Emery has chosen the exact same starting XI that played at the Stadio Dall’Ara last Thursday.
epa11744382 Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Juventus in Birmingham, Great Britain, 27 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN
“We have our own experiences in Europe. Two years ago, we were doing our debut in Europe in the Conference League and we achieved the semi-final here against Olympiacos and we remind ourselves what we did two years ago, how we lost the semi-final, how we did last year in the Champions League when we lost in the quarter-finals against PSG.
“Everything we are learning in our process, we are trying to remind ourselves and be very demanding and consistent to achieve things. Very difficult match tonight. This is the competitive way we are building here. We are excited, motivated and we are aware of how we can control our emotions.”
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano said repeatedly that Aston Villa are the favourites to win the Europa League this season.
“It is a way to win a trophy and a way to get into the Champions League. It is very difficult to win this trophy. Today is the moment and we must enjoy today. I have won it three times and I know how difficult it is,” insisted specialist Emery.
"Of course Champions League is the best gift we can achieve."
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery on today’s tie with Bologna
Vincenzo Italiano wants Bologna to be ‘more clinical in front of goal’ against Aston Villa and make sure the Europa League quarter-final ‘isn’t a comfortable night for them.’
The situation is extremely difficult after losing the first leg 3-1 at home last week, although once again the performance was considerably better than the result would suggest.
Italiano wants courageous Bologna
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It’s a fantastic environment, the team is strong, I expect a different match to the one that we saw on Thursday, but we’ll play our cards. The important thing is to match their intensity, try to cause problems for them when we’ve got the ball, and we’ll see what happens.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, talks with Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Curiously, Bologna only lost two Europa League matches this season, and they were both against Aston Villa, after the September 25 defeat in Birmingham to open the league phase.
“We must try to keep the ball, as Aston Villa let you keep it for a bit, and we need to quality to attack with everyone we can get into the box, also be wary when we lose the ball, and be more clinical in front of goal than we were in our last two trips here.”
Jhon Lucumi is suspended, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez injured, but Martin Vitik returns from his ban.
“Aston Villa will have their usual approach, they even have a two-goal advantage, so will be the same as the previous meetings. When we defend, we’ve got to defend well, but above all must prove that we can hurt them when we’ve got the chance. I believe we can do that.”
There are also some options that Bologna can call from off the bench at Villa Park.
“We have Odgaard, Sohm and Pobega who can attack, Cambiaghi and Orsolini, so we’ll see how the game develops and then evaluate.
“I want to see the maximum desire to cause them problems, to ensure this isn’t a comfortable night for them, try to improve the result and leave here with our heads held high. I think courage is the right word, what we need in this stadium and against this opponent.
“These lads always bring out something extra at the crucial moments, and I believe they’ll do it again tonight,” concluded Italiano.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admits Fiorentina have a ‘more attacking side than we expected’ in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘We know how they’re going to play and what we want to do.’
Crystal Palace make only one change from the side that played in London, and that is forced, as Evann Guessand picked up an injury.
“We rotated against Newcastle, so the three players in the front and two midfielders should be fresh. In defence they are doing so well, so it’s all good,” Glasner told TNT Sports.
Glasner notes Fiorentina changes
CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – JULY 25: Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner looks on ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Crawley Town and Crystal Palace at Broadfield Stadium on July 25, 2025 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
The Viola have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-0 at Selhurst Park, especially as they are missing suspended Dodo, plus injured Moise Kean, Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini.
With nothing left to lose, Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli has chosen a very attacking 4-2-3-1 formation with two creative midfielders supporting Jack Harrison, Albert Gudmundsson, Manor Solomon and Roberto Piccoli.
“Maybe it’s a bit more attacking than we expected, Solomon is more of a winger than Gudmundsson when he played in that position, he’s more of a Number 10, where we expect him today,” confessed Glasner.
“Comuzzo of course is a centre-back and not as attacking as Dodo. I think in April, you can’t change the way you are playing, so you have to rely on the things you are doing well.
“We know pretty well how they are going to play, and we know what we want to do against them.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Giovanni Fabbian of ACF Fiorentina is challenged by Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Fiorentina are on home turf with a 3-0 deficit to overturn, so they are going to come flying out of the blocks.
“We expect them to be more aggressive than at Selhurst Park, going man for man, making a lot of pressure, you always try to find the pockets, with flick-ons, one touches, the inverted wingers try to cut in and then deliver the cross, with three players in the box,” noted Glasner.
“That is how they are playing. Similarly, we want to move it to the side quickly and find space, then we will create opportunities.
“When you play two legs, this is the situation, but we trust ourselves and the way we are playing. We saw yesterday in the Champions League, at this stage of the competition they are always tight games, and that is what we expect here as well.”
“We know pretty well how they’re going to play, and we know what we want to do”
Oliver Glasner ahead of tonight’s Conference League second leg against Fiorentina
Paolo Vanoli explains his extremely attacking Fiorentina line-up against Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘Of course we believe, and we need players who can score goals.’
A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off and Fiorentina are wearing black armbands following the death of Alex Manninger, who was their goalkeeper in 2001-02.
“It’s a tragedy. I found out this afternoon. Alex was an exceptional lad, I was fortunate enough to play with him here in Florence, we are close to his family, it’s hard to find the words,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
Vanoli and Fiorentina face huge hurdle
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The Viola are going to need something truly extraordinary to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, because they were beaten 3-0 in the first leg at Selhurst Park.
“Of course we all believe, so do these fans, who showed once again despite a difficult season that they are behind us. It is a dream, so we must always believe. When it comes to an achievement like this, the players must give 110 per cent.
“We are up against a strong opponent, but have been getting some good results lately in Serie A. As I said in the first leg, what disappointed me was not having a full squad to choose from in this tie.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Moise Kean is still out injured, with Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini, while Dodo is suspended at right-back.
It is a very attack-minded formation, with four strikers used together, plus creative Nicolò Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora in midfield.
It’s not yet clear whether Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo will be the makeshift right-back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“In order to achieve something remarkable, mentality and belief is the most important thing, as the players need to give their best performance of the season,” continued Vanoli.
“We know it’ll be tough, as Crystal Palace showed how they can punish the first mistake, but we’ve got to try something that would remain in the history of Fiorentina during a season that has been complicated from the start.”
The focus this season for Fiorentina was always on avoiding relegation from Serie A, and they have almost done that now after breaking eight points clear of the drop zone.
That was achieved with Monday evening’s 1-0 victory over Lazio, so some of the crippling pressure has been lifted.
“When I made the line-up, I realised if you have to recover this deficit, you need players who can score goals. Robin Gosens is another, as he is very dangerous on set plays and runs to the back post. Everything can become important tonight,” concluded the coach.
Italian teams have shone in European competition in recent years. Current Serie A league leaders Inter have reached two Champions League finals in three seasons, while Fiorentina have two Conference League finals under their belt, and Roma have reached two European finals as well. However, it looks as though no Italian outfit will be reaching a final this term.
All four of the country’s Champions League participants were dumped out by the Round of 16, with reigning champions Napoli eliminated after the initial league phase and last season’s beaten finalists Inter shockingly beaten by Norwegian minnows Bodø/Glimt in the knockout phase playoffs.
It’s a similar story in both the Europa League and the Conference League, with just Bologna remaining in the former and Fiorentina in the latter. And both of them have mountains to climb if they are to reach the semifinals of their respective competitions.
Bologna and Fiorentina Have Mountains to Climb
Bologna were given a tough task when they were drawn to play tournament favourites Aston Villa, and the English outfit duly swept them aside by three goals to one in the first leg in Emilia-Romagna. Two-time finalists Fiorentina find themselves in an even worse position in the Conference League after also losing to a Premier League side, slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Online betting sites now make both English teams the clear favourites not just to progress, but also to end the season with continental silverware.
Popular betting outlet Ozoon sportsbook makes Aston Villa a 5/4 favourite to win the Europa League, while Crystal Palace find themselves in the same position in the Conference League. For Bologna and Fiorentina, a quarterfinal exit appears likely, and should that ultimately come to fruition, it would mark the first time in seven years that Italy hasn’t had a semifinalist in any European competition. So, what happened the last time around? Let’s take a look.
2018/19: Cristiano Ronaldo Unable to Bring Glory to Turin
The biggest news in the summer of 2018 was Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster arrival in Turin, with Juventus forking out €112m to sign the Portuguese legend from Real Madrid. CR7 was supposed to finally deliver the Champions League to the Bianconeri at long last, and because he had won the tournament in each of the last three seasons with Los Blancos, the possibility seemed very real. Shockingly, however, Juve wouldn’t even reach the semifinals.
Max Allegri’s men pulled off a stunning comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16, overturning a two-goal first-leg deficit after Ronaldo’s stunning second-leg hat trick. However, in the quarterfinals, an upstart Ajax would continue their surprising march. The Amsterdam outfit had just knocked off reigning champions Real Madrid in their second round clash, eliminating Los Blancos from the tournament for the first time since 2015. And in the quarters, they would send Juve packing as well, winning 2-1 in the Allianz Stadium despite Ronaldo’s early opener.
But Juventus weren’t the only team to endure misery that term. Both Inter and Napoli would drop into the Europa League after finishing third in their UCL groups, then went on to lose to Eintracht Frankfurt and Arsenal, respectively. Roma did make the Champions League knockout round but were immediately eliminated in the Round of 16 by FC Porto. Milan would exit Europe’s secondary competition at the group stage, while Lazio were handily beaten by Sevilla in the Round of 32.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 01: Zinedine Zidane places the Champions League Trophy onto the plinth after the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Final match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
In 2015, three years before Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, Juventus reached the Champions League final, becoming the first Italian club to do so in five years. While they were ultimately beaten in the Berlin showpiece by a Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar-powered Barcelona, hopes were still high that the Bianconeri could build upon their shock run to the final. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be the case.
Juve would exit the 2015/16 Champions League at the Round of 16 after losing a thrilling two-legged tie to Bayern Munich. After a 2-2 draw in Turin, it looked as though the Italian giants would get the job done in the second leg in Bavaria, leading by two goals to nil with less than 20 minutes remaining. Then, goals from Robert Lewandowski and a last-gasp Thomas Müller header forced extra time, where the Germans would complete the comeback, winning 4-2.
Roma were also eliminated at the same stage, having been beaten 2-0 home and away by eventual champions Real Madrid. The Giallorossi’s eternal rival, Lazio, meanwhile, didn’t even reach the group stage after losing to Bayer Leverkusen in the playoffs.
That saw the Eagles drop into the Europa League. They would fare somewhat better in the continent’s secondary tournament, but ultimately fell to Slavia Prague in the Round of 16 after a shocking 3-0 home defeat in the Stadio Olimpico. Fiorentina also progressed to the knockout round of that season’s UEL, but their journey was also short-lived, losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 32.
Fiorentina are forced into yet more changes with Albert Gudmundsson and Manor Solomon starting in the Conference League quarter-final with Crystal Palace.
It is no secret that their focus this season is all on avoiding Serie A relegation, and they took a huge step forward there on Monday with a 1-0 victory over Lazio putting them eight points clear of the drop zone.
However, injuries remain a problem, as Moise Kean is still out injured, with Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini.
On top of that, Dodo is also suspended, so either Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo becomes a makeshift right-back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Roberto Piccoli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Roberto Piccoli is again the centre-forward, but Manor Solomon is available again and completes the extremely attacking line-up with Jack Harrison and Albert Gudmundsson.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Artemio Franchi on February 7, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace welcome back Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was suspended for the first leg 3-0 victory, but rest him anyway, so Jean-Philippe Mateta leads the attack again.
Evann Guessand sustained an injury in the first leg and misses out with Caleb Kporha and Eddie Nketiah.
Ex-Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada plays with Yeremi Pino stepping in alongside Ismaila Sarr.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina battles for possession with Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
The Rossoblu have a real mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-1 at home, although as is often the case, the performance was far better than the result would suggest.
That was also the situation when losing here 2-0 in the Champions League last season and 1-0 earlier this term during the league phase.
Injuries continue to pile up, as Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez are still out of action, with Jhon Lucumi suspended.
At least Martin Vitik returns from his ban, with Charalampos Lykogiannis back in the squad too.
Castro remains the only centre-forward available and is being run into the ground lately, flanked this time by Rowe and Bernardeschi, leaving Riccardo Orsolini on the bench.
Vincenzo Italiano’s men have lost only two Europa League games this season, and both were against Aston Villa, as they won their next five away fixtures in a row after that September 25 defeat in Birmingham.
ITALY – APRIL 12: Eusebio Di Francesco, Head Coach of US Lecce, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Lecce at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Aston Villa won every single Europa League fixture except for a 2-1 away to Go Ahead Eagles on October 23, making them the hot favourites to lift the trophy, especially with Unai Emery as their coach.
Emiliano Martinez has shaken off a calf injury and returns to take the gloves.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gestures from the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Jadon Sancho and Tyrone Mings are also carrying knocks, with Boubacar Kamara a long-term absentee, plus Ross Barkley and Alysson left off the Europa League list.
Juventus-owned Douglas Luiz is once again dropped in favour of Emiliano Buendia.
Ollie Watkins continues to lead the attack after his brace in the first leg.
ITALY – APRIL 09: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Instead, Everton will host Liverpool at their magnificent new 52,888-capacity waterfront home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on 19th April.
Adding to the historic weight of the occasion are the massive Premier League stakes.
With both clubs navigating vastly different campaigns, this clash promises to be fiercely competitive.
Everton, revitalised under David Moyes, sit comfortably in 8th place and are eager to win the first-ever Merseyside derby at their new stadium.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arne Slot’s Liverpool find themselves in 5th place, desperately chasing Champions League qualification amid a highly inconsistent spring.
Everton have been formidable lately, highlighted by a commanding 3-0 demolition of Chelsea and a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley. A hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Brentford last time out showcased their newfound defensive resilience.
Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive down the Mersey in desperate need of momentum. Slot’s men recently snapped a bruising losing streak with a 2-0 win over Fulham, but the scars of a heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City and a 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion remain fresh.
The Toffees will heavily rely on the creative spark of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who leads the team with seven goals and three assists, alongside goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who boasts an impressive 10 clean sheets this term.
Jack Grealish is out for the season for Moyes’ side and they will miss his creativity against their city rivals.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Mo Salah of Liverpool FC warms up during a training session at AXA Training Centre on December 08, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Liverpool travel to the waterfront with a severely depleted squad. Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Stefan Bajcetic are all ruled out through injury.
In Alisson’s absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue in goal. The Reds’ attack will be spearheaded by striker Hugo Ekitike, who leads the club with 11 league goals, supplied by the creative brilliance of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool predicted line-up: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha, Ekitike.
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Everton vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record
This fixture has produced countless dramatic moments over the decades. In the Premier League era, the two sides have now met 66 times.
Historically, Liverpool hold a dominant upper hand with 31 victories compared to Everton’s 9, alongside 26 draws.
As the rivalry officially transitions to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton will be desperate to rewrite the script.
Verdict: Manchester City win Best Odds: 1/1 Bookmaker: Dachbet In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, Manchester City will host a struggling Arsenal. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might still have a major job on their hands in the race to recapture their […]
Hugo Ekitike described his Achilles tendon rupture as “unfair” after the Liverpool and France forward saw his World Cup dream dashed. The France Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Ekitike would miss this summer’s tournament in North America, after sustaining a serious injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Ekitike looked distraught […]
Liam Rosenior believes Chelsea are “running out of time” in the Champions League race, ahead of their crucial clash against Manchester United this weekend. The Blues are currently sixth in the Premier League, four points off fifth-placed Liverpool and seven behind United in third. Since the start of March, no side in Europe’s top-five leagues […]
Amid a difficult season, Virgil van Dijk has reportedly decided not to renew his contract with Liverpool FC, entering the final year of his deal. As a result, the Reds appear to be leading the race to sign Marcos Senesi as his short-term replacement in the squad.
Liverpool are facing one of their most difficult seasons in recent years. Not only are they not in contention to win the Premier League, but they were also eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. In addition, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have announced their departures. Adding further complications, Virgil van Dijk has reportedly decided not to renew his contract, forcing the club to pursue the signing of Marcos Senesi.
According to James Pearce, via The Athletic, Virgil van Dijk has decided not to renew his contract with Liverpool. Although he is an undisputed starter for head coach Arne Slot, the Dutch defender has decided to leave the team at the end of the 2026-27 season, as he has one year remaining on his contract. With this, the Reds could face significant uncertainty, as Joe Gomez’s contract also expires that same season and Ibrahima Konate has not yet renewed his contract.
Amid uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, the Reds have already secured the signing of Jérémy Jacquet, paying €63.6M to Stade Rennes, with the defender joining Giovanni Leoni as part of the club’s future core. However, the potential departure of van Dijk has forced Liverpool to prioritize the signing of Marcos Senesi, leading the race for his signature ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, according to Pete Hall and Mark Douglas via The iPaper.
At 28 years old and with four years of Premier League experience, Marcos Senesi would represent an immediate solution for the Reds. By securing his arrival, Liverpool FC would add one of the top left-footed defenders in England, who could benefit from a season alongside Virgil van Dijk to fully adapt to the team. Additionally, the Argentine could play a key role in allowing Giovanni Leoni time to develop, as both share a similar left-footed profile.
Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth holds of the challenge from Brentford’s Igor Thiago.
Virgil van Dijk’s departure could mark the end of an era at Liverpool
Following the arrival of Arne Slot, Liverpool have undergone a major squad rebuild, with the departures of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold among the first. Far from ending there, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have also announced their exits at the end of the season, losing several key leaders. On top of that, the potential departures of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker would mark the end of an era at the Reds.
With contracts running until 2027, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker are reportedly not expected to renew and could leave as free agents, meaning Liverpool FC would lose key figures from its leadership core. As a result, the Reds face the difficult challenge of replacing their on-field impact, with Giorgi Mamardashvili seen as the successor to the Brazilian, while Marcos Senesi could step in for the Dutchman.
Lionel Messi is at the center of a $7M breach of contract lawsuit against the Argentina FA following the star's absence from last year's friendly against Venezuela in the U.S.
Lionel Messi finds himself at the center of a new controversy surrounding the Argentina Football Association (AFA), this time involving a high-stakes legal dispute over the October international window. After the Inter Miami star failed to appear in a friendly against Venezuela, the AFA is now reportedly facing a $7 million lawsuit for breach of contract regarding matches scheduled on U.S. soil.
The dispute stems from an agreement with VID, a Miami-based events company, which allegedly paid $7 million in August for the exclusive rights to Argentina’s October friendlies. The world champions were originally slated to face Venezuela on October 10 and Puerto Rico on October 14.
However, the international break clashed with a pivotal stretch of the MLS season. With Inter Miami chasing the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, a match against Atlanta United was rescheduled for October 11. Despite being officially “ruled out due to injury” for the national team’s clash with Venezuela, Messi started for the Herons against Atlanta just one day later, netting a brace and adding an assist in a dominant performance.
While Messi eventually joined the national team to play the full 90 minutes in a 6-0 rout of Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, the damage was already done. His absence from the Venezuela fixture, where he was spotted watching from a VIP suite with his family, reportedly led to disastrous financial consequences for VID, triggering the multi-million dollar legal action.
Lionel Messi of Argentina and his family attend the International Friendly against Venezuela.
AFA and the infringements of the original deal
According to local reports, the AFA and Messi are facing 10 different charges in the suit. A key stipulation in the contract, as reported by The Athletic, required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in both matches unless sidelined by a legitimate injury or illness, citing his massive commercial draw as the primary value of the deal.
The lack of star power for the Venezuela game resulted in a box-office catastrophe. Hard Rock Stadium saw a dismal turnout of approximately 15,000 fans, representing just 23% of the venue’s total capacity.
Furthermore, the relocation of the Puerto Rico match from Chicago to Miami reportedly dealt another financial blow to VID. The company claims it lost over $1.3 million in promotion and logistics costs for the original Chicago venue. Following the move to Chase Stadium, the promoters allege the AFA breached its contract by failing to refund a portion of the upfront payments as agreed upon.
In an attempt to salvage the partnership, reports suggest the AFA initially promised future U.S. matchups in June 2026 to compensate for the losses. However, those promises appear to have fallen through, and a third-party agent involved in the negotiations has also been accused of fraud.
The current counts against the AFA include negligent misrepresentation and multiple breaches of the $7 million contract. While the total damages sought by VID have not been fully disclosed, the company maintains that the fallout from the October window resulted in millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Although his start to the season was strong, Marcus Rashford’s drop in form at Barcelona has been significant, with the club reportedly deciding against signing him permanently. As a result, the Englishman is now open to a return to Manchester United, shifting his stance.
Despite his strong start at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford has experienced a noticeable dip in form during the second half of the season. With just 5 goals and 1 assist in 2026, the Englishman has become one of the most criticized players in the squad. After his underwhelming performance against Atlético Madrid, he may have effectively ended his chances of staying with the Blaugrana, opening the door to a potential return to Manchester United.
According to El Nacional Cat, Barcelona sporting director Deco has informed Marcus Rashford that the club will not trigger the €30M purchase option from Manchester United. Not only do they consider his valuation to be too high, but they also do not believe he fits the sporting project. After failing to make a decisive impact in the tie against Atlético Madrid, the Englishman has been fully ruled out by the Spanish side.
In the absence of Raphinha due to injury, Marcus Rashford took the his place in the starting lineup for the Champions League quarterfinals. Given a major opportunity to shine, the Englishman delivered a heavily criticized performance, missing key chances in the first leg and being relegated to the bench in the second leg. As a result, Barcelona now appear to have decided against signing him, focusing instead toward a young, high-potential left winger.
With the reported decision by the Blaugranas, Marcus Rashford has decided to change his stance, expressing openness to a return to Manchester United—a move to which coach Michael Carrick is reportedly quite receptive, reports Simon Stone, via BBC. However, the Reds are unwilling to discuss his return to the roster until they have secured their Champions League spot. The English forward could be a key asset in competing against world-class teams.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona smiling prior a game.
Marcus Rashford reportedly attracts interest from Juventus
Marcus Rashford remains under contract with Manchester United until 2028, meaning he would be expected to return to the club at the end of the season. However, theRed Devils could face difficulties covering his high wages and may look to sell him if they fail to secure a spot in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League. As a result, Juventus FC are reportedly emerging as a clear solution for the Englishman.
According to SportsBoom, the Vecchia Signora are open to signing Rashford if either Manchester United or Barcelona decide not to keep him in their squad. Despite being 29, the English forward could provide a decisive boost to Juventus’ attack, having proven his ability to deliver both goals and creativity. That said, his salary remains a significant hurdle and would likely need to be reduced.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Of those 24 games, the left-back only started 11, as Gasperini largely preferred to shift Wesley over to the left flank rather than use Tsimikas.
This was even after the other choice for that side, Angelino, was ruled out for several months by a bout of pneumonia.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates with his teammate Kostas Tsimikas after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It is however a little unusual that he would do this when the season is still going.
The Giallorossi haven’t had the best of luck with their loans, sending Leon Bailey back to Aston Villa after just six months, and Evan Ferguson will not be purchased outright from Brighton and Hove Albion either.
Roberto De Zerbi is using a traditional Italian team-building exercise with Tottenham Hotspur, even though a similar approach already failed for Igor Tudor.
The Italian coach has become the third different boss at Spurs during this cursed campaign, and with his team in the Premier League relegation zone, is trying everything to get them working together quicker.
De Zerbi takes Tottenham out to dinner
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Richarlison after the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
According to Telegraph Sport, De Zerbi took the entire squad out to dinner at Bacchanalia restaurant in Mayfair this week.
This is a common tactic used in Italian football to build team spirit, both during moments of crisis and in general during a season.
Former Juventus, Udinese and Lazio coach Tudor learned the approach in Serie A too and tried it with Tottenham in February, but to limited results, as he parted company with the club after failing to win a single Premier League game.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks down during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
“My job now is not to coach a style, with or without the ball, but try to give the players what they need in terms of mentality,” said De Zerbi after losing on his debut to Sunderland.
“My style is to trust the confidence of the players. During the week, they play better because they are clean in their heads, but in the game it is different. My work must be to get them to show what they are doing during the week in a game.”
The tactician only took the job last summer and currently has them in third place in Serie A, on track for a Champions League spot.
However, the drop down from second after back-to-back defeats with Napoli and Udinese prompted some question marks over his future, especially if he is offered the Italy bench.
Gabbia and Milan players stand by Allegri
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is hugged by Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Everyone in the squad thinks this. He has a way of handling moments, both good and bad, that is just incredible! His experience, his knowledge of what to say, the buttons he has to press, it’s second to none.
“Then it is up to us to go on the field, assimilate what he asked for, and do the best we possibly can. Allegri has been a very important figure for us this season. We are all very happy with him and his staff.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It is what the whole team wants, not just what I think. I am speaking here on behalf of the entire squad, we are super happy with the coach and hope he can remain with us for a long time.
“Right now, the most important things are the results, which decide everything. We’ve got to follow him 100 per cent, then it will all go the right way.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Massimiliano Allegri Head Coach of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
The former Juventus boss has taken some sabbaticals in recent years, but the Milan players have been very impressed with his man-management skills.
“His ability to understand the various moments, especially negative ones, means he knows when he has to go in hard, or when to relax the tension,” continued Gabbia.
“I was honestly really surprised by the way he prepares the matches, because often times he will tell us about situations that genuinely do happen, so we can recreate the response perfectly.
“There are many situations where he can keep surprising us with his working method.”
Chelsea have secured a massive long-term boost as world-class midfielder Moises Caicedo has reportedly “given the green light” to a lucrative new contract, snubbing interest from European giants Real Madrid in the process.
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Moises Caicedo gives green light for new Chelsea deal
The breakthrough in negotiations comes at a vital time for Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership.
With the club enduring a turbulent 2025/26 campaign under manager Liam Rosenior, securing the commitment of their most vital assets has become a priority to stabilise the project.
Romano posted on X: “Breaking: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo! The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports. Caicedo has given green light to #CFC stay for long term.”
?? BREAKING: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo!
The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports.
The deal follows in the footsteps of captain Reece James, who also recently penned a long-term extension.
For Caicedo, the move represents a clear show of faith in Chelsea’s future, despite the club currently sitting 6th in the Premier League and facing a battle for Champions League qualification.
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Reports from Spain suggested that Florentino Pérez was prepared to launch a massive bid for the ‘world-class‘ midfielder.
However, Caicedo recently moved to shut down the rumors, telling El Chiringuito TV that his only focus is on becoming a “Chelsea legend.”
By committing to a nine-year deal, Caicedo has effectively ended any speculation regarding a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, ensuring he remains the centerpiece of the Blues’ midfield for the next decade.
Having won the Champions League last season, Paris Saint-Germain remain strong contenders for the trophy again, as their double over Liverpool in the quarterfinals clearly shows. Though Ousmane Dembele scored both goals for the Ligue 1 champions against their Premier League counterparts, the midfield section certainly played its part. Joao Neves is simply unbelievable when […]
There was plenty of excitement in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal blockbuster between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Bayern had won the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu by 2-1, and it all kicked off straight away as Arda Guler struck for Real in the first minute. Aleksandar Pavlovic equalized only five […]
Marco Senesi, soon to be a free agent as his contract with Bournemouth nears its expiration date, has been linked with a host of top clubs. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on the 28-year-old, while Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be options for him to remain in England. However, […]
UE Cornella have announced that Lionel Messi has become the club’s new owner.
Lionel Messi continues to take steps toward remaining involved in soccer once his professional playing career comes to an end. His latest move in that direction is the acquisition of a fifth-division club in Spain, Unio Esportiva Cornella, the third club he is involved in.
“The Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi, has finalized the acquisition of UE Cornella,” the club announced in a statement published Thursday on their official website. “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalunya.”
UE Cornella are a club founded in 1951 and based in the autonomous community of Catalunya, around 50 miles from Barcelona. They currently compete in the Tercera RFEF (Spain’s fifth division) and sit third in Group V, five points behind leaders Manresa.
“The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of driving its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to invest in talent. The project includes a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and local identity,” the statement added.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami
How many clubs is Lionel Messi involved in?
While continuing his professional career — since 2023 with Inter Miami — Lionel Messi has also begun exploring a role that was previously unfamiliar to him: club ownership and management. On more than one occasion, he has said this side of soccer appeals to him more than coaching, as he looks ahead to life after retirement.
Last year, he joined his friend and teammate Luis Suarez in a project of this kind in Uruguay, becoming co-founders and co-owners of Deportivo LSM. The club debuted in the country’s fourth division and, in its first season — 2025 — earned promotion, beginning what looks like a promising path forward.
In addition, the Messi family also founded a club in Argentina: Leones de Rosario FC, based in Leo’s hometown. The project began in 2015 with a focus on developing young talent, but this year took its first professional step by joining Primera C, Argentina’s fourth division.
Messi and Ronaldo follow similar paths
The news of Lionel Messi’s acquisition of UE Cornella comes just months after Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar move. The 41-year-old forward has owned a 25% stake in Almeria since February of this year, another club competing in the lower tiers of Spanish soccer.
Almeria, unlike UE Cornella, are a more established club with greater tradition: they have spent a total of seven seasons in La Liga, most recently in 2024. Messi’s new club, meanwhile, have yet to play in Spain’s top division.
Lionel Messi during the 67th Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in 2023.
Even though the signing of Alessandro Bastoni by Barcelona initially seemed quite difficult, the Italian’s defender arrival could now be edging closer, as Inter Milan are reportedly interested in including Héctor Fort as part of the deal.
Following the departure of Iñigo Martínez, Barcelona have faced serious defensive issues, which ultimately led to their Champions League elimination. As a result, Alessandro Bastoni emerged as an ideal solution, as he is reportedly looking to leave Inter Milan. While his arrival initially appeared complicated, both clubs have reportedly found a potential solution, with the Nerazzurri showing interest in Héctor Fort as part of the deal.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio,Inter Milan are open to the departure of Alessandro Bastoni in the summer of 2026. Despite being a cornerstone of the team, they are aware of the Italian’s interest in moving to Barcelona, valuing his transfer at €70M (around $82M). However, the Spanish side is reportedly aiming for a deal in the €50–60M range (around $58–70M). As things stand, both parties appear to be moving toward a compromise.
In an effort to reinforce their defensive line, the Nerazzurri are interested in signing Héctor Fort, a Barcelona full-back currently on loan at Elche CF. With this in mind, the Blaugrana could be open to including him in a deal for Bastoni, reducing the overall transfer package, according to Matteo Moretto. Valued at €12M on Transfermarkt, the Spanish full-back could bring the operation down to the €50–60M range that they are looking to pay.
Following his red card with Italy national football team in the last match, Alessandro Bastoni does not appear fully comfortable. Ahead of the next game against Cagliari Calcio, head coach Cristian Chivu acknowledged that the defender is not at his best, both physically and mentally, ruling him out. As a result, he could push the Italian side for a move to Barcelona, potentially forcing a reduction in his transfer fee in the summer of 2026.
Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona reportedly add Luka Vušković as backup to Bastoni deal
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have kept Alessandro Bastoni as their top priority, as his profile is highly valued by sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. However, his signing could prove quite complex, as Inter Milan maintain a very high valuation. As a result, the Blaugrana have reportedly also turned their attention to Luka Vušković, who has impressed at Hamburger SV.
According to Gabriel Sans, via Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana are closely monitoring Luka Vušković. Despite being under contract with Tottenham Hotspur until 2030, the Croatian is not keen on playing for the English side and is seeking a move following his loan spell at Hamburger SV. Should they end up being relegated, the defender could push even harder for an exit, with FC Barcelona interested in securing his arrival.
After impressing at Hamburger SV, Luka Vušković has seen his valuation rise to €60M (around $70M) on Transfermarkt, and it could climb even higher, as Tottenham are keen to keep him. However, his agent, Pini Zahavi, has a close relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, which could facilitate a move by putting pressure on the English side to negotiate his sale.
Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League.
Tributes continue to pour in from former teammates of Alex Manninger, including Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, while Fiorentina will hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Crystal Palace match.
The Austria international spent much of his career in Italy, making 137 Serie A appearances with Juventus, Siena, Fiorentina, Bologna and Torino.
With this in mind, Fiorentina have been given permission by UEFA to hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
The Viola will also be wearing black armbands in tribute to Manninger, who died at the age of 48.
Manninger remembered by Juventus teammates
AUGSBURG, GERMANY – MAY 14: Alexander Manninger, goalkeeper of Augsburg celebrates with the fans after the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Hamburger SV at SGL Arena on May 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany. (Photo by Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images)
“Dear Alex, every word seems superfluous. Every tear would only be the latest for the loss of a friend and a person I always admired,” wrote Buffon.
“You chosen to remain independent from the bustle of the football world, going to seek your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.
“In a world that is often curved and prone to genuflection, which rewards overdoing things, careerism and easy gains, you always defended your freedom, holding your back straight, with the pride of a man who knows what he wants.
“You had the strength to walk away from all of this and look at us with your sly smile, as if to say ‘you are all crazy, you’ll never get me.’
“I hope, indeed I am certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your splendid children and your young wife. Rest in peace.”
There were more messages from Manninger’s old Juventus teammates, such as current club director of football strategy Giorgio Chiellini.
“Today is a very sad day, we say goodbye to an exemplary teammate and a person of great values. Ciao Alex, rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family.”
SIENA, ITALY – APRIL17: Siena’s goalkeeper Alexander Manninger and Milan’s Andriy Shevchenko in action during the Serie A match between Siena and Milan at Comunale Artemio Franchi, April 17, 2005 in Siena, Italy. (Photo by New Press/Getty Images)
Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner were also among those who posted messages of condolence.
“We have lost not only a great athlete but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism. Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch. Juventus expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands close to his family in this moment of grief.”
A Serie A title winner with the Bianconeri in 2011-12, Manninger spent four seasons in Turin, making 40 appearances during his spell in Turin.
He won the Scudetto in his final season at the club under Antonio Conte.
Manninger also played for Torino, Siena, Bologna and Fiorentina in Serie A, collecting 137 appearances in Italy’s top flight.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 16: Alexander Manninger of Juventus FC issues instructions during the UEFA Europa League group A match between Juventus FC and Manchester City at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 16, 2010 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
A former Austria international, Manninger also won the Premier League title with Arsenal in 1997-98.
The former goalkeeper had given his last interview to Gazzetta dello Sport just a few days ago, recalling his close bond with Italian football and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon, and calling Siena his “home.”
Juventus pay tribute to Manninger after tragic death at 48
Today is a very sad day.
We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism.
Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch.
A prominent Tottenham insider on X has shared a much-needed positive update on James Maddison, suggesting the playmaker is finally on the verge of returning to first-team action.
The news comes as a vital lifeline for manager Roberto De Zerbi, whose side is currently sitting in the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
With Tottenham’s top-flight status hanging by a thread, the return of their primary creative engine could be the difference between survival and a historic fall to the Championship.
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James Maddison expected to be back in two weeks
The update comes from the well-known insider account, which has been at the forefront of injury news at Hotspur Way this season.
According to insider, the England international is nearing the end of his grueling rehabilitation process.
“Expectation that Madders could be around two weeks from a return to first-team action.”
If this timeline holds, Maddison could potentially be in the squad for the final four games of the season.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham – 2nd May 2026
Tottenham vs Leeds – 12th May 2026
Chelsea vs Tottenham – 17th May 2026
Tottenham vs Everton – 24th May 2026
While De Zerbi has been careful not to rush players back, the desperate situation in the league table may force the Italian’s hand.
Nightmare injury during pre-season
Maddison’s absence has been the black cloud hanging over Tottenham’s entire 2025/26 campaign.
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The incident, which occurred during the club’s tour of South Korea, was initially feared to be a minor knock but was later confirmed as a complex ligament tear.
Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided a rare glimmer of hope for Tottenham supporters, revealing that Dejan Kulusevski is set to remain at the club next season even if the unthinkable happens and Spurs are relegated to the Championship.
The North London side currently sits in 18th place with just six games remaining to save their top-flight status.
Following a disastrous 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s debut last Sunday, the pressure has reached a boiling point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While a mass exodus of stars this summer is expected, Di Marzio believes the Swedish international is committed to the project.
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Di Marzio: Dejan Kulusevski “definitely” staying
Speaking to bettingsidor.se via Football London, Di Marzio emphasised that Kulusevski’s character makes him the ideal candidate to lead a potential rebuild.
Di Marzio said:
“I definitely think Kulusevski will stay at Tottenham, even if they get relegated. He is a good example for other players and Roberto De Zerbi likes him. He has the right mentality, so I think Kulusevski can be one of the most important players for their project, regardless if they are in the Premier League or the Championship.”
“De Zerbi will really try to keep him. He loves players like him who have a strong identity and personality. He will definitely try to keep him.”
Kulusevski’s time at Tottenham has been marred with injuries
Kulusevski has not played a single minute of competitive football since May 2025 after suffering a severe right kneecap injury against Crystal Palace.
After a secondary minor operation in March 2026 to clean up the joint, the winger is finally nearing a return to fitness, though he is unlikely to feature before the end of the current campaign.
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When fit, his quality is undeniable and easily one of Spurs’ best players. He contributed with 10 goals and 11 assists last season, helping Spurs to a historic Europa League trophy.
Overall, in 146 games for the club, he has scored 25 and assisted another 30, with his performances attracting praise from likes of Pep Guardiola as well.
If Kulusevski stays in the event of relegation, there is no doubt that he will play a massive role in the fight for return to the top tier next season.
Arsenal scraped into the Champions League semi-finals after Wednesday’s goalless home draw sent them through with a 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting CP. Kai Havertz’s late winner in last week’s first leg ultimately proved decisive as Arsenal teed up a last-four meeting with Atletico Madrid, but Mikel Arteta’s side were far from convincing at the […]
Marco Senesi, soon to be a free agent as his contract with Bournemouth nears its expiration date, has been linked with a host of top clubs. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on the 28-year-old, while Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be options for him to remain in England. However, […]
Despite already being a historic figure for Argentina, Lionel Scaloni could be set for a move after the 2026 World Cup. After their UEFA Champions League elimination, Real Madrid have reportedly decided to look for a new head coach, with the Argentine emerging as a clear candidate.
Lionel Scaloni has managed to turn Argentina into one of the best national sides in the world. Not only did he lead them to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also built a highly competitive roster blending experience and youth. Despite this, his future with the national team remains unclear, as he has yet to renew his contract. Furthermore, he is reportedly emerging as a leading candidate to become Real Madrid head coach in a post-2026 World Cup move.
According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo, Los Blancos have decided to move on from Álvaro Arbeloa, as they believe he failed to get the most out of the current squad. As a result, they have chosen to rule out young, inexperienced candidates, instead focusing on those with world-class experience. In this context, Lionel Scaloni emerges as a clear candidate to take over the role after the 2026 World Cup.
With a contract with Argentina running through the end of 2026, Scaloni may not face a difficult exit from the national team. After ending a 36-year drought without winning a World Cup title, he has become one of the best coaches in the world, building a roster with a good balance between experience and youth. However, he may not decide on his future until after the tournament, leaving Real Madrid without a clear answer for several months.
While Lionel Scaloni managed to lead Argentina to a World Cup title, he has never had experience as a head coach at club level. His closest role came as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla FC. Far from being a simple challenge, he could face the demanding day-to-day environment at Real Madrid, defined by sky-high expectations and little tolerance for trophyless seasons. With this in mind, Los Blancos are keeping four other alternatives on their shortlist.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Not only Scaloni: Real Madrid reportedly chase four coaches
After Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Real Madrid made the risky decision to back Xabi Alonso, who had impressed at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he did not arrive with extensive experience managing star players, something that ultimately cost him his position. Nor has Álvaro Arbeloa proven to be the solution, as he failed to change the team’s reality. As a result, they are reportedly not only adding Lionel Scaloni, but also considering four other experienced candidates.
Alongside Lionel Scaloni, Los Blancos have decided to add Didier Deschamps, who is set to leave France after the 2026 World Cup. While Jürgen Klopp is another clear favorite, he is not expected to leave the Red Bull GmbH group, but he will once again be tempted. Moreover, Mauricio Pochettino emerges as a surprise candidate, as president Florentino Pérez reportedly holds him in high regard, according to El Mundo.
While the incident between Vinícius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni cast doubt over his candidacy, José Mourinho is also considered among the options to coach Real Madrid, according to El Mundo. As one of the managers most beloved by the fanbase, the Portuguese could be key to getting this promising team back on track, having consistently shown his ability to manage big egos and leading los Blancos into a new era.
Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina looks on prior to the international friendly match.
Inter will be forced to cope without their star defender Bastoni in Friday’s Serie A match against Cagliari at the Stadio Meazza.
Chivu confirmed the Italian defender’s omission during a press conference on Thursday.
“He should be praised as a person, despite physical and mental difficulties. He put himself on the line and deserves credit,” said the Nerazzurri boss via FcInter1908.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after Kasper Hogh of Bodo/Glimt (not pictured) scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
“We should be proud of what he has done. He has a physical problem; his ankle is not 100%. He’s trained very little in the last month, and he’s not fully fit. We thank him for his availability, but he’s not well now. He’ll not be in the squad tomorrow. He will stay out to recover.”
Bastoni has been criticised by part of the media and opposing Inter fans in recent months following a red card incident in the Inter-Juventus match in February, as well as the red card he received at the end of March in Italy’s World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Petar Sucic will serve a one-game ban against Cagliari tomorrow, while both Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez are injured.
“Bisseck has already worked on the pitch. According to the expected timeline, Lauti is on track,” Chivu said.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Next week, he will return to the pitch to do a bit more than what he’s currently doing. Bisseck should be back in two days, Lautaro in seven or eight. He is improving and doing well.”
Inter are the Serie A table leaders with a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli. Next week, they’ll host Como in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal.
“We must be proud of what we’ve done and keep the same spirit. We must try to be the best version of ourselves and add three more points to the table,” Chivu continued.
“We’ve always tried to bring it to the pitch. The important thing is to be mentally and physically ready, and to adapt to what the opponent offers. We’ve had ups and downs. We’ve done really well in some games and not so well in others because of a lack of energy and the absence of players who would have shifted the balance.”
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates with his coach Cristian Chivu after scoring their team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu made headlines after a Serie A victory against Como last week, as he appeared to taunt his rivals in the race for the Scudetto, saying that Inter’s main target was to qualify for the Champions League.
“Too many things are taken too seriously,” he argued.
“Many things are distorted by friendship and by the duty to defend one side or the other. Some people took it too seriously. You have to understand. Football is a game; it should be treated as such. There are teams that try to win, but only one wins. You shouldn’t feel bad if your friend or your favourite team doesn’t make it to the end.
The former Austria international was involved in a fatal collision with a train at around 8:20 at a level crossing without barriers, according to Austrian media, cited by Gazzetta.
Manninger was driving a minivan, and it is still unclear whether the red warning signal at the crossing was active at the time of the crash.
Despite the prompt arrival of emergency services, Manninger was declared dead at the scene.
The local train involved was carrying around 25 passengers, all of whom, along with the driver, were unharmed.
AUGSBURG, GERMANY – MAY 14: Alexander Manninger, goalkeeper of Augsburg celebrates with the fans after the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Hamburger SV at SGL Arena on May 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany. (Photo by Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images)
The English FA and RB Salzburg, one of Manninger’s former clubs, have confirmed the death of the former goalkeeper.
“We join in mourning our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically passed away in a road accident,” the club wrote.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
ST LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 01: Alexander Manninger #13 of Liverpool FC gives up a goal to Edin Dzeko #9 of AS Roma during a friendly match at Busch Stadium on August 1, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
Manninger gave his last interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport just a few days ago. He had made 137 Serie A appearances, playing for Juventus, Torino, Siena, Bologna and Fiorentina, winning the Scudetto with Juve under Antonio Conte in 2011-12.
He also made 64 appearances with Arsenal, winning the Premier League title in 1997-98.
Giovanni Malagò, one of the likely candidates in the FIGC Presidential elections, hints at the involvement of a former Italian player in his project but refuses to answer a question about Massimiliano Allegri.
Malagò and Giancarlo Abete are expected to be the only candidates in the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22.
Malagò has been backed by the majority of Lega Serie A clubs and will unveil his program at a meeting with them on April 20.
“I’m making serious and thoughtful assessments,” Malagò said during an event in Milan on Thursday, via TMW.
“Serie A had the idea, but the important thing is to listen to all the others, too.”
Malagò confirmed he had met with the presidents of the Associations of Italian footballers and coaches, who collectively hold 30% of the vote in the FIGC Presidential election.
“I can say it was very positive and proactive. I can say that the premises are positive,” Malagò said.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 05: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, looks on during the Paralympic Games Opening Press Conference ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Italian sources have claimed that Malagò will involve a former Italy national team player if he wins the election and that Milan coach Allegri is his first option for the bench.
“I can swear I have nothing in mind. I feel that, like all Federations, everyone has a former athlete covering a role,” Malagò said.
“Whether that will be applicable or not, we’ll see.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan head coach looks on before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“If I say anything more or less [about Allegri], everything gets taken out of context,” he added.
“I won’t respond to anything, and, believe me, I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.”
According to Corriere dello Sport, Allegri would consider his appointment as Italy’s national team coach, especially because his relationship with part of the Milan management is far from ideal.
Arsenal hope Riccardo Calafiori will be available for Sunday’s big Premier League game against Manchester City, while the Italy star joined his teammates in the dressing room last night to celebrate qualification for the Champions League semis.
Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at home against Sporting CP in London last night secured the Gunners’ place in the Champions League semi-finals, setting up a meeting with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Calafiori missed the match due to fitness issues. According to The Standard, the Italian defender’s problem remains unknown, but Arsenal likely wanted to manage his minutes to avoid a serious injury.
The Manchester Evening News claims that Calafiori could return to action against Manchester City on Sunday.
The former Bologna star featured for the full 90 minutes in the first leg against Sporting CP last week, but missed the reverse fixture last night as well as the previous Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Naturally, Calafiori still celebrated Arsenal’s qualification for the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, joining his teammates in the dressing room after the match, as shown by Piero Hincapié’s latest Instagram story.
Calafiori joins Arsenal teammates for dressing room celebration
If Rashford does end up missing out on staying at the Nou Camp, it seems he’d be open to returning to Man Utd, according to BBC Sport.
Could Marcus Rashford still have a role to play at Manchester United?
It has seemed unlikely for some time now that Rashford could have any kind of future at United, but perhaps there’s still a way back for him.
The 28-year-old was once a key player for the Red Devils, but he suffered a significant loss of form before going out on loan to Aston Villa last season, and then to Barcelona this term.
Rashford is also one of United’s highest earners, so it makes little sense for them to bring him back unless he’s ready to become a regular starter and consistent performer again.
Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically died in a car crash at the age of 48.
The Austrian’s passing has been announced by another of his former clubs, Red Bull Salzburg, in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The post read: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
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See below for the post, which shows a picture of Manninger during one of the two spells he had with Salzburg throughout a playing career that spanned over 20 years…
Wir trauern um unseren ehemaligen Torhüter Alexander Manninger, der tragisch bei einem Verkehrsunfall verunglückt ist. Unsere Gedanken sind bei seiner Familie und seinen Freunden. Ruhe in Frieden, Alexander. ?? pic.twitter.com/AjfpNOwNU7
— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) April 16, 2026
Alex Manninger’s career
Manninger is perhaps most well known in England for his spell with Arsenal as a youngster, where he played a key role in their 1997/98 double-winning season.
Despite not being a particularly big name before he arrived, Manninger put in a series of strong displays late on in the campaign when called upon to fill in for the injured David Seaman.
Manninger has remained fondly remembered by Gunners supporters for his contribution to the club’s success in the Premier League and FA Cup that season, and they’ll surely be devastated to hear about the passing of this popular former player.
The former Austria international also had a spell as a backup ‘keeper at Liverpool in 2016/17, whilst also making a name for himself with various Serie A clubs, including Juventus.
Awful news that Alex Manninger has passed away after a car accident. Played such a key role in the 1998 double, stepping up when the team needed him with David Seaman out.
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Tributes have been pouring in on social media this afternoon after the sad news of Manninger’s passing.
The Austrian FA also put out a statement on the news, saying: “The news of Alex Manninger’s death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person. In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead.”
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have shortlisted West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen as one of the options ahead of the transfer window.
With Mohamed Salah leaving the club at the end of the season and Hugo Ekitike suffering a long term injury that is expected to keep him out of action for this year, the Premier League giants are identifying attacking options in the market.
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The Reds desperately need reinforcements, and they need them fast.
Jarrod Bowen can solve attacking crisis at Liverpool
If you’re looking to replace even a fraction of what Salah brings to Anfield, the profile has to be highly specific.
You need a left-footed right winger with a relentless work rate and an eye for goal. At 29 years old, Bowen fits that exact description perfectly.
Despite West Ham enduring an absolutely miserable 2025/26 campaign that has them deeply entrenched in a relegation dogfight, Bowen’s individual quality has consistently shined through.
He’s already racked up 10 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season.
He is incredibly strong on the ball, tactically disciplined out of possession, and a proven England international at the absolute peak of his career.
Reds have several other names on their summer shortlist
The club is reportedly monitoring former academy product Harry Wilson and highly-rated Bazoumana Toure.
They are also still heavily linked with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, though prying him away will require beating off intense competition from Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
There is no single player in world football who can step into Salah’s boots and immediately replicate his historic numbers. It’s an impossible task.
However, rebuilding a successful attack is about finding reliable players. Bowen knows the Premier League inside out, possesses the exact tactical profile Arne Slot is looking for, and could be available at a serious discount if West Ham fail to beat the drop.
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This news has now been made official, though of course neither the club nor the player have yet made an announcement about where he could be moving to next.
Silva is undoubtedly a City legend and one of the best players in the Premier League from the last decade or so, with the 31-year-old winning six titles during his time in England, as well as the Champions League and other major honours.
Manchester City pay tribute to Bernardo Silva
City have paid tribute to Silva on their official site, with a club statement noting that his “contribution to our greatest sustained period of success is incalculable” and that “he will be deservedly remembered both as one of City’s finest and most popular players of all time.”
City also added that they plan further tributes for the player nearer the end of the season.
They added: “The Club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a wonderful servant of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the season.”
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What next for Bernardo Silva and who could replace him?
It won’t be easy to replace a world class talent like Silva, but our understanding is that those plans are already underway.
City have been aware of Silva’s decision for some time now, with the player yet to decide on his next step despite top European clubs being sounded out while Saudi sides also take notice of his situation.
It is also our understanding that City are continuing to assess targets such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali in midfield.
The precise profile the club go for will depend on a number of other factors, however, with there still being no final resolution on the future of manager Pep Guardiola and another star player in the form of Rodri.
Juventus have reportedly delayed contract extension talks with Dusan Vlahovic to the end of the season, reopening the door for Milan, who are also hoping to offload Christopher Nkunku to strengthen their position.
Juventus are not expected to sit down with Vlahovic’s entourage before the end of the season to discuss a contract extension, according to Gazzetta.
Juventus director Damien Comolli recently claimed that updates on the Serbia international would not come anytime soon, and the pink paper suggests that negotiations won’t resume before the end of the campaign.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Vlahovic’s contract runs out in June, and Juventus will offer a salary below his current €12m wages, including add-ons.
Vlahovic has recently suffered a new muscle injury that will sideline him for at least three weeks, prompting Juventus to put negotiations on hold.
Milan remain interested in the striker, and stalling talks with the Bianconeri will likely boost the Rossoneri’s hopes.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, Milan are waiting for offers for French striker Nkunku, who has failed to impress in his first season at San Siro.
Scorer of just six goals in 29 appearances this season, Nkunku’s sale would allow Milan to increase their budget for a contract offer to Vlahovic.
Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly received support from Roma owners in recent days, but the coach’s future at the club remains uncertain following a sudden back-and-forth with Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri last week.
Tension grows at Roma with multiple sources claiming that either Gasperini or Ranieri will leave the club at the end of the season.
Ranieri hit back at criticism from Gasperini last week, before a match against Pisa, as the coach had previously complained about the club’s transfer activity and the management of some injured players.
According to Gazzetta, Ranieri’s public response to Gasperini was followed by a tense meeting in Trigoria earlier this week, which even involved sporting director Frederic Massara.
The Pink Paper claims that Ranieri even considered resignation following the latest fallout, while Gasperini had a conference call with the club owners.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Dan and Ryan Friedkin, the Roma owners, find themselves in a limbo now, given that they see Ranieri as a central part of their project, but also appreciate what Gasperini has done on the pitch this season.
Nevertheless, they’ll have to make a firm decision on whether to continue with Gasp or Ranieri in 2026-27, since their relationship seems irreparable.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, Gasperini is even unhappy that some of the closest collaborators of Ranieri have received a contract extension without his approval, while Ed Shipley, the Friedkins’ right-hand man in Rome, had previously filed reports about Gasperini’s inappropriate behaviour on some occasions.
Roma hired Gasperini last summer, and the Italian tactician’s contract runs until 2028.
With the Champions League semi-finalists officially decided in midweek, the final four have been announced and European giants are now within touching distance of writing their own respective pieces of history. Watching former European champions Barcelona and Liverpool fall by the wayside in midweek, there has certainly been some blockbuster stories from across the continent. […]
Rayan Cherki has hailed the “unbelievable” influence of Pep Guardiola, but the Manchester City winger does not intend to cut out his tricks as he wants to put on a show for fans. The Frenchman has been an instant hit at Man City since his arrival from Lyon last summer. Cherki has already racked up […]
Arsenal are making unprecedented steps in the Champions League, so says Mikel Arteta, after his side reached the last four for a second straight season. Sporting CP pushed Arteta’s side all the way across two legs, with Arsenal progressing as 1-0 aggregate winners despite Wednesday’s goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time winner […]
Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to push on after a dramatic Champions League quarter-final success over Real Madrid kept their treble hopes alive. Boasting a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Spain, Bayern were initially rocked as Arda Guler’s brace and a calm finish from Kylian Mbappe gave Madrid a 3-2 half-time lead […]
Alvaro Arbeloa said the feeling in Real Madrid’s camp was one of “injustice” after Eduardo Camavinga’s red card cost them dearly in their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Having suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home in last week’s first leg, Madrid put on a much-improved display in a thrilling rematch in Munich. Following […]
Declan Rice is not interested in any opinions from outside of the Arsenal camp after they scraped into the Champions League semi-finals. Wednesday’s uninspiring goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium was still enough to see Arsenal past Sporting CP with a 1-0 aggregate win, thanks to Kai Havertz’s late winner in the opening meeting in […]
Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to push on after a dramatic Champions League quarter-final success over Real Madrid kept their treble hopes alive. Boasting a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Spain, Bayern were initially rocked as Arda Guler’s brace and a calm finish from Kylian Mbappe gave Madrid a 3-2 half-time lead […]
Alvaro Arbeloa said the feeling in Real Madrid’s camp was one of “injustice” after Eduardo Camavinga’s red card cost them dearly in their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Having suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home in last week’s first leg, Madrid put on a much-improved display in a thrilling rematch in Munich. Following […]
Prediction: Crystal Palace to win 2-1 Best Odds: 15/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Crystal Palace and West Ham United will lock horns with each other in the Premier League next week. The London derby between the Eagles and the Hammers will be held at Selhurst Park and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK next Monday. […]
Prediction: Aston Villa to win 2-1 Best Odds: 13/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Aston Villa and Sunderland will lock horns with each other in the Premier League this coming weekend. The match between the Villans and the Black Cats will be held at Villa Park and is scheduled to kick off at 2pm UK time on Sunday. […]
Mikel Arteta feels Arsenal can build off their Champions League progress in their huge Premier League clash against Arsenal. The Gunners drew 0-0 with Sporting CP on Wednesday, but their 1-0 win in the first leg was enough to get them into the semi-finals. Arsenal have won just one of their last five games across […]
Arsenal players are used to the pressure that comes with playing at such a big club, so says Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners edged into the Champions League semi-finals despite a 0-0 draw with Sporting CP on Wednesday. That result was enough to seal a 1-0 aggregate success. Kai Havertz’s late goal in Lisbon last week […]
Rayan Cherki has hailed the “unbelievable” influence of Pep Guardiola, but the Manchester City winger does not intend to cut out his tricks as he wants to put on a show for fans. The Frenchman has been an instant hit at Man City since his arrival from Lyon last summer. Cherki has already racked up […]
Scotland international Lewis Ferguson feels Bologna ‘still believe’ they can qualify for the Europa League semis despite a 3-1 loss against Aston Villa in the first leg and praises English winger Jonathan Rowe: ‘He’s on fire, our best player in the last three months.’
Bologna visit Aston Villa in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final this evening, but the Rossoblu must climb back from a 3-1 deficit.
“Anything can happen, and we still believe,” Ferguson told TNT Sports.
“A lot of people on the outside might think at 3-1 it has finished the tie, but there are still 90 minutes to play and we’ve not given up. We’ve got nothing to lose now. We will give it absolutely everything.”
“We definitely have to take the positives,” Ferguson continued.
“Large parts of the game we dominated and that’s not easy against a side like Villa. Especially the first half, we created a good few chances, the one off the bar, the goal disallowed, a goal could have changed the game at that point and then we go in at half-time 1-0 down after conceding from a set piece.
“Overall, we were really frustrated, but at this level it’s fine lines. It’s moments that cost us because over the piece we were good enough to get a decent result.”
English winger Rowe scored Bologna’s only goal in the reverse fixture, and Ferguson was full of praise for the ex-Norwich talent.
“In the last three months, he’s been on fire. He’s been our best player. He’s the sort of guy we look to make the difference in games,” Ferguson said.
“He’s a funny character off the pitch. I’m trying to keep his feet on the ground. He’s been excellent; he’s one of those guys who can win you games, and when I speak about fine margins and moments, he’s the kind of guy who can make the difference.
“He’s such a good out-ball to have on that side because we know when he receives the ball, something is going to happen. He can create, score goals, assist, he’s got everything to be a top player.”
Riccardo Calafiori, Joshua Zirkzee, and Dan Ndoye have moved to the Premier League from Bologna in recent years, but despite rumours of interest from England, Ferguson is convinced that his teammate will solely focus on tonight’s match.
“I know him pretty well and I don’t think it will be in his head knowing he’s playing an English team,” Ferguson said.
GENOA, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Lewis Ferguson of Bologna celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Bologna FC 1909 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
“For English fans and Premier League fans who maybe haven’t seen him, that was a good chance for them to get a look at Jonny and see what he can do.
“Obviously, Norwich fans would have known, even though he was still young there coming through and has developed in the last couple of years into a really good player.
“I’m not speaking for him, but I don’t think that will be in his head, knowing Premier League fans and clubs will be watching that game.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Amadou Onana and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“He’s relaxed, he’s funny, when he goes out on the pitch, the one thing on his mind is to try and make the difference, and that’s so important for an attacker. The way we play, we want to get the ball to the winger, and we expect him to create and score for us. He’s certainly been delivering.”
Corriere dello Sport reports that Massimiliano Allegri has a frosty relationship with the Milan management, so the Italian tactician could decide to leave at the end of the season, even if he qualifies for the Champions League.
Allegri’s future at Milan is uncertain due to the coach’s frosty relationship with part of the club’s management, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Rome-based paper claims that Allegri has not always felt the club’s support this season, except for Igli Tare, and that his future at San Siro will depend on the Rossoneri’s plans for next season.
If Milan qualify for the Champions League, Allegri expects appropriate reinforcements to add quality and depth to cope with three competitions; but if the coach were to miss out on qualification, both he and sporting director Igli Tare could leave at Milan’s decision.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano is a candidate Milan would consider if Allegri were to leave, and the same is true of Tony D’Amico (Atalanta) as a sporting director.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Igli Tare of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Allegri, on the other hand, remains a candidate for the Italy job, but if Antonio Conte were to be picked as the Nazionale’s new coach, then Allegri would be on Aurelio De Laurentiis’ list at the Stadio Maradona.
It’s not the first time Italian media have suggested that Allegri is unhappy with Milan’s management, prompting the Italian tactician to clarify at the end of February: “There’s total harmony with the club regarding the rumours that came out this week.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan head coach looks on before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“Of course, in any discussion, there can be different points of view. It’s important that everyone works for the good of Milan. I’m very happy to have returned to Milan after 15 years and to have started working with a wonderful group of players. The club is planning and structuring Milan’s future.
“To do that, we need to achieve the most important result. In March, we’re in a fairly good position. Now we have to see if we’re good enough to stay there or take the final step. There’s harmony between the club and me.”
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona want to include 19-year-old full-back Héctor Fort in a deal to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter this summer.
Barcelona remain interested in Italy and Inter centre-back Bastoni, and according to Gazzetta, the Catalans are eager to include one of their defenders in a player-plus-cash swap deal.
Bastoni to Barcelona: latest transfer updates
According to the report, Inter value Bastoni at €60m, but the La Liga giants hope to reduce the Tuscans’ demands by including Héctor Fort in the deal.
Fort, 19, is currently on loan at Elche, but has been sidelined since January due to a shoulder injury.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The versatile full-back scored two goals and provided two assists in the opening 12 games of the season.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy looks on prior to the Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Former Italian striker Paolo Di Canio was meant to jokingly headbutt a table on live TV while talking about the crisis of Italian football last night, but actually hurt himself, needing intervention from Fabio Capello.
Former West Ham star Di Canio has made headlines in Italy after hurting himself on live TV on Wednesday night while commenting on the Champions League quarter-finals, Bayern Munich-Real Madrid and Arsenal-Sporting CP.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Paolo Di Canio attends during the A-Words at Ara Pacis on May 14, 2019, in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images for Lega Serie A)
The host, Federica Masolin, asked Di Canio when Italian football would reach the Premier League’s level, and Di Canio sarcastically replied: “I’ve been good so far, and now you want to provoke me. You want to make me sad!”
At that point, the ex-striker repeatedly headbutted the table in front of him, but he did it too vigorously, so Capello, a fellow Sky Sports pundit, had to stand up and check on him.
“What did you do?” asked the former coach.
Di Canio had already put a tissue on his head and said, “You provoked me, I’m going to smash my head.”
Bayern Munich edged out Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate in a classic Champions League quarter-final tie, taking advantage of Eduardo Camavinga’s red card for a 4-3 second-leg win. It was 1-1 within six minutes of kick-off – the earliest both teams have ever scored in a Champions League knockout game – after goalkeeping errors from […]
Arsenal are making unprecedented steps in the Champions League, so says Mikel Arteta, after his side reached the last four for a second straight season. Sporting CP pushed Arteta’s side all the way across two legs, with Arsenal progressing as 1-0 aggregate winners despite Wednesday’s goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time winner […]
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, only Giovanni Malago, 67, and Giancarlo Abete, 75, will run to replace Gabriele Gravina as the FIGC President, with no former Italian player in the race.
Malagò and Abete are expected to be the only candidates at the FIGC Presidential election on June 22.
Ex-Italy stars not running for FIGC Presidency
Neither has confirmed their nomination yet, but Malagò is the candidate formally picked by Lega Serie A, while the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (LND) has chosen its President, Abete.
The latter already served as the FIGC President from 2007 to 2014.
As previously reported, votes from Serie A clubs represent 18% of the FIGC Presidential election, significantly lower than the LND’s 34%.
However, any candidate needs a majority of the votes (51%) to be elected, so Malagò and Abete have already begun talks with other members of the voting panel.
Umberto Calcagno, the President of the Italian Players Association (which accounts for 20% of the votes), and Renzo Ulivieri, President of the Italian Coaches Association (10%), reportedly met with Malagò in Rome on Wednesday, and Abete will do the same today.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Giovanni Malago, President of Milano Cortina 2026 waves during the medal ceremonies for the Men’s Slalom events on day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on March 15, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Both Abete and Malagò have yet to unveil their official programme for the next four years, but Calcagno and Ulivieri have already made some proposals, including tightening the criteria for national licenses so that only those who can truly afford a season financially are admitted to domestic leagues.
According to Gazzetta, the Italian Players Association (AIC) will not indicate any of its delegates, a former Italian footballer, as a possible contender for the FIGC Presidency.
Over the last few weeks, the media indicated the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Paolo Maldini and Demetrio Albertini as possible contenders for the role.
However, it seemed a bit far-fetched to envision them running for the Presidency, as a former player has never led the Italian FA.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Giancarlo Abete President of LND poses during the FIGC DCPS press conference at Europa Experience on December 01, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Gazzetta report claims that AIC would have gladly had one of their representatives involved in the election, but only if he had been picked by one of the other components.
Yet, Abete has confirmed that he wants to run for the FIGC Presidency, so the Players and Coaches’ Associations won’t propose any other candidate, also to facilitate either Abete or Malagò reaching 51%.
Serie B and Lega Pro (Serie C) have also scheduled meetings with Malagò and Abete in the coming days.
Roberto Piccoli will replace the injured Moise Kean in the Fiorentina attack in the second leg of the Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace at the Stadio Franchi tonight.
It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) in Florence.
The Tuscans lost the reverse fixture 3-0 in England last week, so they need a four-goal victory to progress to the semis, or a three-goal advantage to send the game to extra time.
Italy international Kean is injured and the same is true of Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey, Niccolò Fortini and Luca Lezzerini. Brazilian right-back Dodo will serve a one-game ban, while Daniele Rugani and Marco Brescianini are not part of the Fiorentina UEFA list.
Manor Solomon is expected to return to the starting XI after recovering from an injury, joining Albert Gudmundsson and Nicolò Fagioli, who were suspended in Monday’s Serie A match against Lazio.
Pietro Comuzzo will likely replace Dodo in the right-back position, while Piccoli will start up front.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal with Roberto Piccoli of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) at Villa Park.
Bologna suffered a 3-1 loss at home in the reverse fixture, so they’ll need a win with a two-goal margin to send the game to extra time and a win by three goals to progress to the semis.
The Rossoblu have travelled to England without the suspended Jhon Lucumí. Lukasz Skorupski, Benjamin Dominguez and Thijs Dallinga are injured. Eivind Helland and Lorenzo De Silvestri are not part of Bologna’s UEFA list.
Several sources, including Sky Sport and Gazzetta, claim that Joao Mario is favourite over Nadir Zortea to start as a right-back. Tommaso Pobega is expected to get the nod alongside Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler in central midfield, leaving Nikola Moro on the bench.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Santiago Castro of Bologna has a shot blocked by Pau Torres of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
English winger Rowe, scorer of a goal in the reverse fixture last week, will start as a left winger with Italy international Federico Bernardeschi on the opposite flank and Castro deployed as a sole striker.
Aston Villa vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Aston Villa vs. Bologna – probable line-ups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Onana, Douglas Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Chivu changes; the defender is tired and will miss Cagliari.
Devil of a nine
Juve slow down, Milan tempt Vlahovic
Comolli postpones the Serbian’s renewal to the end of the season. The Rossoneri are ready to finance the deal with Nkunku’s sale.
Italiano wants to win at Aston Villa. Viola’s assault to turn Crystal Palace around
Corriere dello Sport
Allegri decides
Frost
Max and Milan are increasingly distant: Where will Cardinale go?
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First the qualification, then the confrontation on the project: many misunderstandings on the table: Rumours on Italiano and D’Amico. The national team remains the big temptation.
Bologna and Viola: chasing a feat
In Birmingham with Berna, Castro and Rowe to try to turn the 1-3 around. Gud to Crystal Palace’s assault. They restart from 0-3.
Tuttosport
Toro, after the Arabs, the Americans are awaited
Juve, can you make it without Yildiz?
Injections in his knee for the Turkishman: he has to stop.
On Sunday, the first step of the final assault for a Champions League placement: the tendinopathy leaves Kenan in doubt. Spalletti must invent an alternative attack. Milik is out again, muscle injury: it’s the end. Rennes’ idea for Openda.
Bologna, Fiorentina and the impossible assaults on the English
Even Nadia pushes Inter
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Rui Borges left the Emirates Stadium with “infinite pride” despite Sporting CP’s Champions League elimination against Arsenal in the last eight. Sporting held Arsenal to a goalless draw in Wednesday’s second leg, though Mikel Arteta’s side progressed as 1-0 aggregate winners, thanks to Kai Havertz’s last-gasp winner in the team’s first meeting in Lisbon. Sporting […]
Declan Rice is not interested in any opinions from outside of the Arsenal camp after they scraped into the Champions League semi-finals. Wednesday’s uninspiring goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium was still enough to see Arsenal past Sporting CP with a 1-0 aggregate win, thanks to Kai Havertz’s late winner in the opening meeting in […]
Argentine youth developer Facundo Alvanezzi discusses his 11 years at FC Basel, his role in shaping stars like Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, and why fostering "hunger" and embracing mistakes is the secret to producing elite talent.
Alongside the technological leaps of the 21st century, soccer has evolved through the implementation of new instruments and methodologies embraced by clubs across all levels of the game. Yet technology alone does not always translate into better players or better human beings.
World Soccer Talk had the opportunity to sit down with Argentine youth developer Facundo Alvanezzi, who spent 11 years at Swiss club FC Basel between 2008 and 2019. Having trained in South America and studied the methods of some of Europe’s most renowned clubs, including FC Barcelona, AC Milan and Bayern Munich, Alvanezzi applied his knowledge to help produce elite talents such as Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabian Schär, among others.
A former professional player in Argentina who also played in Italy, Alvanezzi began his coaching career at Aldosivi before departing for Basel in 2008. Moving from scheduled training sessions with limited soccer balls, “compensated by the amount of talent,” to an environment where every youth team trained on a heated pitch, had balls for every player, full kits and access to psychologists, nutritionists and other health professionals represented a dramatic shift in perspective.
FC Basel and a commitment to youth development
Already proficient in Italian from his playing days, Alvanezzi still had to immerse himself in the cultural and linguistic demands of his new environment, all in service of what he considers the cornerstone of his work: communication. In a single training session, he might move between Italian, French, and German while coordinating multiple groups of young players across state-of-the-art facilities designed to maximize their development.
FC Basel’s U-14 squad.
“A club like Basel worked with all 14 or 15 age groups all at the same time. The First Division had its own separate pitch. But for everything related to the youth levels from U21 down, everyone had their own respective pitch. Even the littlest ones, the 5 and 6-year-olds, had their own synthetic fields with dimensions suited for 5 or 6-year-olds. Just to give you an idea—no time was wasted there. In other words, time is utilized in a way that enriches you instead of being a deficit that hinders the development of future players.“
Alvanezzi then put into context the remarkable achievement of a small nation punching well above its weight. “You can’t forget that Switzerland has a population of between 6 and 7 million inhabitants, so the emerging talent back then was very scarce. They did an extraordinary market study so that today they have 17, 18, 19, and 20-year-olds—which didn’t happen before—playing and qualified for the next World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. So, basically, everything related to infrastructure and planning… whether you like it or not, having that entire grid set up allowed me—as someone passionate about football who loves being on the pitch—to work peacefully. I knew I had my designated pitch to work with the U15s, the U16s, the U17s,” he added.
The role of a youth developer and the cultivation of talent
A fluent Spanish speaker, Alvanezzi describes himself as a “formador de juveniles,” a youth developer rather than a coach, drawing a sharp distinction between the two roles: “The developer (formador) teaches and builds; they earn very little, if anything at all. In terms of titles—U14s, U15s, the Reserves… I don’t care about those. The coach (entrenador) is there to train, to play, to compete, to get points, to win a domestic league, a Libertadores, a Euros, a Champions League, or a World Cup. They are two completely different things. That’s why there aren’t many coaches developing players, and there aren’t many developers coaching elite teams.“
Another key principle in his approach is trusting the creative instincts of young players rather than issuing directives, recognizing that the youth phase is when information can have the most profound impact. He pairs this with a cosmopolitan perspective while never abandoning his own core beliefs.
Facundo Alvanezzi on the touchline.
“In other words: at no point do I impose. I don’t impose knowledge, authority, or didactics—nothing. I seduce. Those are two completely different things. And I try to seduce through knowledge. Because when you have knowledge, you can ‘disarm’ the player; when you explain the how, the when, the where, and the why. Of course, when I go somewhere else, I adapt, but I cannot renounce my genes.“
When he arrived in Switzerland, Alvanezzi found himself surrounded by cutting-edge technology, GPS tracking and gym equipment, yet he remains committed to the idea of developing players “with a ball.” “In player development, I adapted to the systems, but with my own imprint. I carry the Argentine imprint everywhere. It’s this: I watch a player—how he walks—a 5-year-old, a 10, 15, or 20-year-old. I watch him walk. I throw him a ball. I watch him make a couple of touches—juggling in the air, a change of direction. And right then, I realize what that footballer might be capable of. Or not,” he explained.
The value of mistakes in youth development
Elite clubs increasingly measure the success of their youth teams by silverware, mirroring the pressure placed on the first team. But for Alvanezzi, perfection is not the goal. Forcing young players into rigid systems, he argues, sends them to the first team with significant blind spots, and he views the ability to make mistakes as one of the most valuable learning tools available.
“Here are players I can ask to play a football of possession and position. And then there are footballers to whom I have to say, ‘You: control the ball, don’t carry it, and pass it to a teammate.’ Meanwhile, for another player—because I go against the establishment and the system—,” Alvanezzi said.
“I believe one of the virtues I have in this vocation of developing players is that I value the error. From the error, I create the virtue of the success. In the context of teaching, I don’t criticize the player; I seduce him. ‘But what if I struggle, I lose the ball, it’s hard for me, and they score on us?’ And what’s the problem? I don’t want my trophies and medals hanging in my house. What good are they to me? If, in the end, I didn’t get any player to move up to the First Division. If I didn’t develop a single player for the first team,” he added.
Alvanezzi, who says he has not a single medal or trophy displayed in his home, considers the players he has helped reach the elite level to be his true honors: “Now, my ‘medals’ are an average of 45 to 50 players who reached the top level. Especially at Basel. We had a coach like Thorsten Fink, who helped us a lot and used to play for Bayern Munich. He helped us bring up kids at 16 or 17 years old. I had the pleasure of training players like Yann Sommer, Granit Xhaka, Shaqiri, Breel Embolo, Noah Okafor, Fabian Schär , Eray Cömert, Neftali Manzambi, Raoul Petretta, Cedric Itten—an immense number of players. Those are the medals one gets to hang up.“
He then stressed that the developer’s job demands patience and an embrace of the mistake. “They need to learn to play with the right foot, with the left foot, and have a lot of contact with the ball. When I arrived at Basel and asked for—for example, the squads there are 18 players—I asked for no less than one ball per player. At first, they just looked at me. ‘Why one ball per player?’ Because, what did I achieve over the years? That in an hour and a half, the players went from an average of 200 touches in a standard session… once I integrated the technical and game-based training, that multiplied to 1,400 daily touches with the ball. The more touches you have, the more you polish the errors.“
In an environment dominated by innovation, Alvanezzi believes the fundamentals are often left behind, and his street soccer mentality changed the culture at Basel. “In Europe, ‘soccer practice’ (11v11) doesn’t exist. From Monday to Friday, it’s all small-sided games. Everything. So when I got to Basel, imagine the resistance from the other coaches. They told me, ‘No, Facundo, you’re crazy. The players will get injured; we don’t do that here; everything is small-sided.’
“And I told them, ‘The 11v11 is the symptom for Saturday or Sunday; it’s how you know which player you can count on and which one you can’t. You might think you can count on someone, but on a full pitch, it becomes too big for them, and they become completely disorganized. We need a parameter.’ Well, I implemented it at Basel until it became their own ‘modus operandi’ that on Thursdays, we did the 11v11 practice. The teams started improving exponentially because they were finally playing football not in a 20×20 or 30×30 space, but in 100×65—which is where real football is played,” he added.
‘Hunger’: the defining trait of the players who made it
Among the many stars Alvanezzi has helped develop, a common thread runs through the backstories of those who reached the highest level: adversity. Both Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka were born and raised in a disintegrating Yugoslavia amid violence before finding asylum in Switzerland. Breel Embolo‘s path was similar, leaving Cameroon with his family before settling in France and eventually Switzerland.
That contrast between their upbringing and those of more comfortable peers is precisely what Alvanezzi calls “hunger,” the spark that gave them a decisive edge. “From an early age, when you watch them train—unlike the vast majority of Swiss youth developers who never experienced need—these were kids of struggle. They are born, raised, and developed out of hardship. So, the only possibility they had to emerge—unlike other great Swiss talents I had at Basel who didn’t make it—they weren’t going to make it because they lacked that ‘hunger.’ That potentiality of saying, ‘Through soccer, I am going to help my family; I am going to emerge; I am going to be somebody.‘”
Alvanezzi then reflected on the social realities that shaped Xhaka, Shaqiri and Embolo. “They lacked even the most basic conditions in an elite, first-world country. They were segregated because they weren’t Swiss. They are three starters for the Swiss national team who have played in World Cups, but Breel is from Cameroon, and the other two are Kosovar. When society wasn’t integrating them, but they were useful to the national team football-wise, they nationalized them.“
Alvanezzi with Neftali Manzambi, Breel Embolo, and Charles Pickel.
He then illustrated how that hunger translates into a measurable competitive advantage. “Genetically, all of that plays in their favor, 80 or 90% more than the well-off Swiss player… That “plus” works in your favor. While they came to training on foot or by tram, the vast majority of players of Swiss origin came every day with their fathers in a different car—a Mercedes-Benz, a Porsche… That factor of having nothing missing ends up working against you. Since you have everything, what am I going to be ambitious about? Playing in a World Cup? I’m not interested. Reaching the first team? If I make it, I make it, and if I don’t, I still have everything,” he stated.
A memorable trip to South Africa
In 2010, following the World Cup in South Africa, Alvanezzi traveled to the country for fifteen days representing the Swiss U15 national team with Basel at the Danone Nations Cup, competing against teams from Japan, Argentina, China, England, Italy and others. What left the deepest impression on him, however, was not the competition itself but the cultural awakening it triggered among his Swiss players and the youth developers around them.
“They didn’t know what it was like for a kid not to have a cell phone, or to walk around barefoot. They couldn’t understand why colored people sat at one table and white people at another because of the legacy of apartheid. All the Swiss kids traveled with the latest cell phones. They would leave half of their plates full of food. And 50 meters away, at the fence in a gated area of the complex, local kids would come to beg for food,” he recalled.
FC Basel youth squad in 2010 Danone Cup.
“Along with several other Latino coaches, I would gather the leftover food and give it to them. It reached the point where FIFA was going to fine me, because they said I wasn’t allowed to feed the people. And I told them: ‘Why not? It’s the most important thing; they’re hungry. The only one who understood it on that trip was Breel Embolo,” Alvanezzi added.
Talent, mentality and the cohesion of a group
One of the most enduring debates in sports is whether the right mentality can outshine raw talent through sheer hard work, or whether that notion is simply wishful thinking. For Alvanezzi, the two qualities are not in competition but are complementary, with every player on a team assigned a specific purpose that allows both to coexist.
Using the contrasting examples of Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, one a physical force of nature, the other a pure embodiment of technical brilliance, he illustrates how different profiles can coexist within the same system “They are complementary and different at the same time. You can link this to the aspect of mental construction. Mentality is also something you develop. If I convince you that in three years you have to improve your heading or your left foot, and you end up doing it in a match to stop a counter-attack… that is mentality,” Alvanezzi stated.
“When you see Haaland playing with his back to the goal, he looks like an average player; put him facing the goal, and he’s an animal. He hides his deficit in back-to-goal play—and tries to do it as little as possible—but he has an above-average mentality that allows him to fail ten times and try again. Cherki, on the other hand, relies entirely on his talent. He has a different mentality, but he understood that to stay at the elite level, he must not interpret that (reliance on talent) as a fragility,” he added.
While Alvanezzi acknowledged that mental strength is partly something “you bring it with you, but you can also incorporate it,” he was equally quick to point out that he has seen players with extraordinary talent but no capacity for hard work, and others with far less natural ability but the psychological resilience to make it to the top. Bridging that gap, he argues, is just as much the developer’s responsibility as any technical instruction.
“Mental construction is also developed. If I talk to you and try to seduce and convince you of your errors with respect, you will be more receptive. Today, kids are given 20 hours of leisure time outside of training, and we don’t teach them how to think. But to develop players, you must be emotionally well-constituted and rationally grounded. If you aren’t vocational and emotional, you cannot develop players; you should do something else.“
Beyond individual qualities, Alvanezzi insists that everything must be considered through the lens of the collective, where a single weak link can unravel even the most talented group: “The developer has to work with a clear idea and a common goal. The ‘mind’ of the team, 90% of the time, has to be uniform. If it isn’t uniform, the group disintegrates, no matter how much talent you have.“
“If mentally you are thinking ‘white’ and I am thinking ‘black,’ and we have to play with a red ball, but neither of us wants to yield, it means we aren’t complementary. Individualism and egocentrism generate a very large negative impact. We all row to reach the shore and save ourselves; it can’t be that one rows right and another rows left, leaving us in the high seas until a wave drowns us,” Alvanezzi concluded.
Stress: the invisible enemy of athletes
As in any high-performance discipline, stress management has become one of the defining challenges in modern soccer, a sport that has seen its fixture calendar grow to near-unsustainable levels. “Players today have an enormous match load. They play 80, 90, 100 matches a year. In my era, that didn’t exist. And that carries an enormous physical, mental, and psychological toll, which is one of the many reasons why footballers get injured. Everything is connected. And if the head isn’t right, the body will never be right,” Alvanezzi stated.
Xherdan Shaqiri of Basel (Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images).
With stress affecting muscles, tendons and bones alike, conventional metrics like GPS data and weight measurements become meaningless when the mental aspect is ignored, he argues. “A player will always tell you they are at 100%. I liked, and I still like, for the player to train at 50% or 60%. If a kid trains at 100% five days a week and then tries to play at 200% on the weekend, they end up getting hurt. Sooner or later. It’s a universal law.“
These pressures are not confined to the professional game, extending deep into the youth system as well. “Let’s take away the weights, take away the GPS, work more on the mental side, and talk to the footballer. When a footballer tells you they want to stay 60 minutes longer after training… ‘No. Go home. Rest. Eat well. Take a nap. Look after yourself. Read, watch a movie. Relax. Do yoga. Meditate.’ But for all of that, you have to talk, and you have to be prepared,” he stated.
Alvanezzi also addressed the lack of preventive awareness he has observed at the youth level: “That’s why I like it when a player comes and tells me: ‘This and that is happening to me.’ ‘Don’t worry. You’re not playing this match; you’re going to train at 50%.’ I’d rather give you two weeks of rest than have it be six months of forced leave due to a ligament tear. Today, there is no prevention because we, the developers, aren’t prepared to prevent; we are competitive, egocentric beings who want to win everything, forgetting that we don’t play anymore.“
U.S. soccer and MLS evolution: the legacy of 1994
Through friends living and working in the United States, and despite acknowledging that his English is far from perfect, Alvanezzi has been able to witness a genuine transformation in the country’s soccer culture, one he traces directly back to the 1994 World Cup, when MLS was widely seen as nothing more than a retirement league. That perception, he says, has been thoroughly dismantled.
“Today, football in the US—I’m not saying it competes head-to-head with baseball, basketball, or ice hockey—but it has gained a very prominent position. It’s no coincidence that Lionel Messi, the most emblematic figure in world football today, is playing in MLS. Players who before, as you said, came perhaps for a final retirement to spend their last seasons in a low-caliber competition, find it’s a different world now. It has grown so much that renowned players prefer to come to MLS rather than go to a country in the Middle East or Asia.“
While acknowledging that MLS remains a league in the midst of its evolution, Alvanezzi offered a measured timeline for when it could fully establish itself at the highest level. “The evolution in terms of the training and qualification of the coaches and developers is very good. I have excellent references. Like any expanding football in a developmental stage, I think it will take them another 5 to 10 years to consolidate. It usually takes 10 to 15 years for a major league to stabilize and reach an international competitive level. They are currently in that developmental process from every point of view,” he stated.
The influence of Latinos in U.S. soccer
Once considered a secondary destination for professional development, the United States has transformed into a country that offers genuine, high-level opportunities for coaches and developers alike. That growth has been driven in part by soccer’s surging popularity, the influence of the Latino community, and high-profile figures like Lionel Messi and David Beckham, who have brought the sport to new audiences across the country.
Lionel Messi greets David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami CF (Elsa/Getty Images).
“There are many Latinos and Argentines working in development at important clubs and academies. It is expanding in a very interesting way. They take the culture they don’t have—they are very pragmatic in that sense. Whatever they lack, they acquire it. Don’t ask me how, but they go after it. If they don’t have a qualified scientist, they go find one in Germany, Norway, or Sweden and bring them to their country to make it evolve. They do exactly the same with soccer.“
For youth coaches specifically, the shift in available resources has been nothing short of transformative. “They start from the foundation: youth development. And because of their immense purchasing power as a nation, they can leverage incredible infrastructure. Being in an academy there—even one not affiliated with a famous MLS club—means having 4, 5, or 6 pitches to train on. They have indoor gyms for “fast football” when the weather is bad. Material in abundance. For a developer like me, who dealt with hardships starting out in Argentina—not in terms of talent, but in terms of equipment and structure—imagine what that solves.“
Facundo Alvanezzi (L), youth developer at FC Basel, and Xherdan Shaqiri (R) of Switzerland.
Despite being eliminated by Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe eclipsed Lionel Messi’s personal best but fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record for goals in a single UEFA Champions League season.
Kylian Mbappe‘s 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign came to a crashing halt Wednesday following Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal second leg. While the Frenchman managed to surpass Lionel Messi’s personal best, he ultimately fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s gold standard for goals in a single UCL season.
Despite being sidelined for three matches, Mbappe enjoyed a prolific run in European play, netting a staggering 13 goals in just seven games during the league phase. Those historic numbers immediately put the Frenchman on a trajectory to shatter every existing record had Real Madrid managed a deeper run toward the final.
His availability in the knockout stages was limited, featuring only in the first leg of the playoff round against Benfica and the second leg of the Round of 16 against Manchester City after missing time with a knee sprain. After going scoreless in those earlier rounds, Mbappe regained his form in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, scoring once in each leg of the series.
His 42nd-minute strike at the Allianz Arena, assisted by Vinicius Junior, brought his tournament total to 15 goals. Although he shattered his previous personal bests of eight goals in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 campaigns, the premature exit effectively clipped Mbappe’s wings in his pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ultimate milestone.
Messi left in the rearview
When it comes to pure finishing, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the competition’s historical benchmarks. However, Mbappe’s 2025-26 output has already eclipsed the greatest single-season effort produced by the Argentine and Barcelona legend.
By finding the net 15 times in 11 appearances, Mbappe surpassed Messi’s career-high for a single Champions League campaign. Messi’s most productive season came in 2011-12, when he scored 14 goals before Barcelona was eliminated by Chelsea in the semifinal stage.
Remarkably, Mbappe now joins an elite club alongside Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, who both reached the 15-goal mark in a single season. Benzema achieved the feat in 12 matches during the 2021-22 campaign, while Lewandowski hit the number in just 10 games in 2019-20; notably, Mbappe is the first to do so under the competition’s revamped format.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record remains safe
While Mbappe was on a torrid pace, the quarterfinal exit preserves both of the high-water marks set by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon still holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League edition, having scored 17 times in 11 games during the 2013-14 season.
Furthermore, Ronaldo also maintains the second-best mark in history, a 16-goal barrage across 12 games in 2015-16. Mbappe’s mid-season fitness issues, which saw him sidelined for three matches, proved to be missed opportunities to catch Ronaldo, whose records will remain untouched for at least one more year.
Lionel Messi (L) of FC Barcelona, Kylian Mbappe (M), and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Real Madrid CF.
France legend Thierry Henry offered help to Antoine Griezmann as he prepares for his next chapter in Major League Soccer with Orlando City.
Antoine Griezmann will bring his time at Atletico Madrid to an end this summer and will try his luck in Major League Soccer with Orlando City. Months ahead of that move, France legend Thierry Henry offered his help as the forward looks to adapt to soccer in the United States.
In the moments following the match against Barcelona — in which Los Colchoneros secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League semifinals — Griezmann gave an interview to CBS Sports, where Henry works as an analyst. That led to a rare on-air exchange between the two French icons.
“Antoine, Antoine, I have something to tell you: thank you for everything you have done for French soccer, the national team, and the game in general. You have given me a lot. I wish you all the best,” Henry began, recognizing the career Griezmann has put together.
But the 1998 World Cup champion did not only praise the 35-year-old forward for his past, he also turned his attention to the challenges ahead. “I hope you finish your time at Atletico Madrid well, and good luck in Orlando,” Thierry added. “I know MLS very well — anything you need regarding your time there, I’ll be happy to help.”
Thierry Henry played for New York Red Bulls between 2010 and 2014.
Henry made his mark in MLS
The current state of MLS — with an increasing number of high-profile, world-renowned players — was built on the gradual arrival of stars over the past decades. One of the first major names to move to the United States was Thierry Henry, who joined New York Red Bulls in 2010.
At the time, the French forward was 33 years old and arrived directly from Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, giving the New York side a marquee addition. Henry spent five seasons there (with a brief loan spell at Arsenal in between), making 135 appearances, scoring 52 goals, and winning one Supporters’ Shield trophy along with two Eastern Conference titles.
Griezmann still has major challenges before MLS move
While Orlando City and MLS are surely already on Antoine Griezmann’s mind, he still has significant challenges ahead with Atletico Madrid that could provide a perfect ending to his time at the club.
This Saturday, Atletico Madrid will play the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad, aiming to win a title that has eluded the side since 2013. And as if that were not enough, the Champions League also awaits: Los Colchoneros will face Arsenal in the semifinals.
Seattle Sounders will face Tigres UANL in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and viewing options for fans in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Seattle Sounders vs Tigres UANL on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Seattle Sounders vs Tigres UANL
WHAT
CONCACAF Champions Cup
WHEN
11:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT • Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The decisive second leg of this hard-fought quarterfinal is set to deliver, and the opening chapter lived up to expectations.Tigres UANL capitalized on home-field advantage in the first leg, securing a commanding 2-0 win that gives them a clear edge heading into the return matchup.
Still, the job isn’t finished, and Tigres will need a composed, disciplined performance away from home to punch their ticket to the semifinals. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders are banking on a bounce-back showing in front of their fans, confident that a strong home performance can flip the script after a difficult start to the series.
More details of how to watch
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
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Kylian Mbappe is closing in on the numbers posted by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the UEFA Champions League.
Kylian Mbappe’s scoring run during the 2025-26 season with Real Madrid has put him in the conversation with the all-time greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The French forward scored this Wednesday against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and now sits sixth on the all-time scoring list with 70 goals.
What stands out most about the French forward is how quickly he has climbed the rankings: Mbappe reached that mark at just 27 years and 116 days, surpassing the career totals of other legends such as Thomas Muller, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
That milestone puts Mbappe in direct competition with the two defining stars of this century, Messi and Ronaldo. They remain the top scorers in Champions League history, but Kylian is on track to seriously challenge their records.
At the same age Mbappe is now, neither Messi nor Ronaldo had reached 70 goals in the competition. At 27 years and 116 days, the Argentine forward had scored 68Champions League goals, while the Portuguese star had just 38.
In terms of efficiency, Lionel Messi holds the edge. By the time he reached 68 goals, the then-Barcelona player had done so in 88 matches, averaging 0.77 goals per game. Mbappe follows with an average of 0.71, with 70 goals in 98 matches. Cristiano Ronaldo, at that same age, had scored 38 goals in 80 matches, for an average of 0.47.
All-time Champions League top scorers:
1- Cristiano Ronaldo – 140 goals
2- Lionel Messi – 129 goals
3- Robert Lewandowski – 109 goals
4- Karim Benzema – 90 goals
5- Raul Gonzalez – 71 goals
6- Kylian Mbappe – 70 goals
7- Thomas Muller – 57 goals
8- Erling Haaland – 57 goals
9- Ruud van Nistelrooy – 57 goals
10- Harry Kane – 51 goals
Mbappe makes history in Europe
Despite Real Madrid’s elimination against Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe still has plenty of reasons to be satisfied with his performances. He is, and very likely will remain, the top scorer in this edition of the UEFA Champions League with 15 goals in 11 matches.
Only three players had previously reached that total in a single edition of the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the all-time record, having done it three times, including the single-season mark of 17 goals. Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema have each reached 15 once.
However, this Wednesday the French forward achieved something that not even Ronaldo or Messi managed during their peak years in Europe. Mbappe became the only player in Champions League history to score 10 away goals in a single season — and he did it without even reaching the semifinals of the tournament, underlining his remarkable performance this campaign.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
LA Galaxy will host Toluca in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and viewing options for fans in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch LA Galaxy vs Toluca on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
LA Galaxy vs Toluca
WHAT
CONCACAF Champions Cup
WHEN
9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT • Wednesday, April 15, 2026
With a semifinal spot on the line, LA Galaxy return home needing a statement performance after falling 4-2 in the first leg against Toluca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. The California side will count on their home-field advantage and attacking firepower to erase the deficit.
Meanwhile, Tolucaenter the decisive clash riding the confidence of a high-scoring win but aware that one slip could undo their advantage in a matchup that already produced six goals in their opening chapter—don’t miss what promises to be another high-stakes, action-packed showdown.
More details of how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch LA Galaxy vs Toluca and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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Helinho of Toluca competes for the ball against Edwin Cerrillo of LA Galaxy
Inter will be without both Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez for Friday evening’s Serie A clash with Cagliari at San Siro, with neither player having recovered sufficiently from their respective injuries to be available for selection.
Bisseck has not yet returned to full group training following the muscle strain that has kept him out since the international break.
According to Sky Sport, via FCInter1908, the German defender is targeting a return somewhere between the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Como on Wednesday and the following weekend’s league fixture against Torino on Sunday.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Yann Bisseck of Inter competes for the ball with Pervis Estupinanof AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter captain Lautaro expected back for Torino clash
Lautaro, meanwhile, is not even attempting to rush back for the Cagliari game, with the captain setting his sights directly on the Torino match on Sunday 26 April as his target return date.
The Argentine has been sidelined already this year after suffering a soleus muscle injury during the Champions League playoff against Bodo/Glimt in February and this latest setback means the Argentine will have missed a majority of the club’s 2026 fixtures.
With six league games remaining and a nine-point lead at the top of the table, Cristian Chivu has enough of a cushion to manage both players back to fitness carefully, though the sooner Lautaro is available, the better placed the Nerazzurri will be to see out what remains a significant if manageable lead.
Oliver Glasner has revealed he would be open to managing in Serie A in the future, while insisting Crystal Palace will approach Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at the Stadio Franchi with exactly the same attacking mindset that earned them a 3-0 victory in the first leg.
The Austrian coach, speaking at his pre-match press conference in Florence, was asked about the perceived gap between the Premier League and Serie A following a week in which both Palace and Aston Villa dominated their Italian opponents in European competition. His response was measured and respectful.
“I watched both our match and the Bologna-Aston Villa game, Bologna missed several chances,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I don’t think there is much difference between the two leagues. The way teams play is different, but I would not say anything beyond that.”
CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – JULY 25: Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner looks on ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Crawley Town and Crystal Palace at Broadfield Stadium on July 25, 2025 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace boss Glasner ‘open’ to Serie A switch
On the prospect of one day working in Italy, Glasner was equally open. “I follow Serie A closely and I am open to considering the idea of coming to Italy, certainly,” he said. “But what matters to me is the ambition of the club I go to work for. Right now I am not thinking about my future.”
Despite holding a commanding three-goal advantage, Glasner made clear his side will not be parking the bus at the Franchi.
“Nobody here has that mentality,” he said. “Since I arrived in London, our idea has always been to demonstrate our value against any opponent, home or away. Tomorrow our approach will be the same, we will not be defending.”
He also confirmed that the number of players on yellow card warnings will not influence his team selection for the first minute.
The only confirmed absentee is Guessand, who will miss the next two weeks, though Glasner pointed to Palace’s ability to cope without him, citing the Newcastle result as evidence.
Jean-Philippe Mateta returns having recovered from injury, though Glasner acknowledged he is not yet at full fitness. “I hope he can play a good World Cup with France,” the coach added, hinting that the striker’s future at the club beyond this season is uncertain.
Glasner also expressed admiration for what he expects from the Franchi atmosphere, while noting the frustration of seeing part of the stadium closed during the Lazio match. “I am certain the fans will create a great atmosphere,” he said. “And I expect much more aggression from Fiorentina tomorrow.”
Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada has sent a warm message to Lazio’s supporters ahead of Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg against Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi, while admitting he remains puzzled by the circumstances that led to his departure from the Roman club.
The Japanese international was one of the standout performers in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 first-leg victory, and arrives in Florence as one of Oliver Glasner’s most influential figures, a far cry from the uncertainty that surrounded his exit from Lazio, where he had spent a single season before his contract situation was left unresolved.
“At Lazio I had a wonderful year,” Kamada told reporters at his pre-match press conference, via FirenzeViola.
“I also had some difficult moments, but it seemed like everything was in place for me to stay. Then, I repeat, I don’t know what happened between my agent and Lotito. But I send my regards to all the Biancocelesti supporters.”
The diplomatic but pointed comment is unlikely to go unnoticed in Rome, where Claudio Lotito’s handling of player contracts has been a recurring source of controversy.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 27: Daichi Kamada of SS Lazio reacts during the Serie A TIM match between SS Lazio and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico on April 27, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace man Kamada reflects on continental experience ahead of Fiorentina clash
On the match itself, Kamada was measured about his own experience in European football while acknowledging the difficulty of predicting outcomes.
“I have played many European matches in the past and I have experience, but I don’t know how much that counts tomorrow,” he said. He pointed to the defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency that has defined Palace’s run in the competition as the key to their continued progress.
“Myself and Glasner have won trophies in the past, we try to replicate what we have done, defend well and hit on the break. That is why we have done well.”
On his own future, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Kamada was deliberately vague. “I want to focus on the present and enjoy the moment,” he said.
Jonathan Rowe has insisted Bologna were unfortunate in the first leg defeat and is backing his side to make the most of a second chance at Villa Park on Thursday evening, despite the daunting two-goal deficit they must overturn.
The English winger, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League quarter-final second leg, was candid about the injustice he felt in the first leg at the Dall’Ara.
“We were unlucky in the first game, we deserved to go in at half-time two goals ahead,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb. “But that is football. We were punished and now we have to make the most of this second chance.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Amadou Onana and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Aston Villa vs Bologna – Rowe: ‘We will give our all’
Rowe acknowledged that nothing short of their best performance of the season will be enough to turn the tie around against a Villa side that has been one of the most consistent teams in the competition.
When asked which Aston Villa player he would most like to remove from the equation, the Bologna forward was diplomatically evasive.
“I know several of them,” he said with a smile. “But I don’t know who will start, so I can’t choose. They are a strong team regardless of who plays. We will give everything, but so will they. Let’s see what happens.”
It is an enormous ask for Italiano’s side, but Rowe’s words suggest a group that has not given up on the possibility of one of European football’s great comebacks.
Arsenal scraped into the Champions League semi-finals after Wednesday’s goalless home draw sent them through with a 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting CP. Kai Havertz’s late winner in last week’s first leg ultimately proved decisive as Arsenal teed up a last-four meeting with Atletico Madrid, but Mikel Arteta’s side were far from convincing at the […]
Liam Rosenior acknowledged “I need to win in this moment” as pressure continues to mount on the Chelsea boss ahead of Saturday’s visit from Manchester United. Chelsea have slipped down to sixth in the Premier League table heading into the weekend’s action, having lost their last three games in the competition. Rosenior is well aware […]
Harry Maguire will miss Manchester United’s huge Premier League clash with Chelsea, after being handed an additional one-match ban for his red card against Bournemouth. Maguire was sent off in the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on March 20 at the Vitality Stadium, also conceding a penalty for pulling back Evanilson. On what was […]
Arda Guler’s goal against Bayern Munich for Real Madrid is one of the fastest in UEFA Champions League history.
The second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid got off to a blistering start, as just 34 seconds in, Arda Guler capitalized on a mistake by Manuel Neuer to give the Spanish side the lead with a precise left-footed finish.
That strike allowed Guler to move into 13th place on the list of the fastest goals in Champions League history. The Turkish midfielder overtook Andreas Moller, who had held that spot since 1996 after scoring for Borussia Dortmund 36 seconds into a match against Juventus.
It is worth noting that this statistic only includes Champions League editions played since 1992, when UEFA adopted the current name — along with an expanded format — replacing the traditional European Cup.
Since then, the record for the fastest goal in the competition belongs to Roy Makaay, who scored after 10.12 seconds. Interestingly, that also came in a match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, played in Germany in March 2007 during the Round of 16.
The podium is completed by Jonas, who scored after 10.96 seconds for Valencia against Bayer Leverkusen in 2011, and Gilberto Silva, who still holds third place thanks to his 20-second goal for Arsenal against PSV Eindhoven in 2002.
The fastest goals in Champions League history:
1- 10.12 seconds – Roy Makaay – Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid (2007)
2- 10.96 seconds – Jonas – Valencia vs Bayer Leverkusen (2011)
3- 20.07 seconds – Gilberto Silva – PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal (2002)
4- 20.12 seconds – Alessandro Del Piero – Manchester United vs Juventus (1997)
5- 21.06 seconds – Clarence Seedorf – Schalke 04 vs AC Milan (2005)
6- 24 seconds – Alexandre Pato – AC Milan vs Barcelona (2011)
7- 25.02 seconds – David Alaba – Bayern Munich vs Juventus (2013)
8- 25.20 seconds – Marek Kincl – Rapid Vienna vs Club Brugge (2005)
9- 25.54 seconds – Dejan Stankovic – Inter Milan vs Schalke 04 (2013)
10- 27 seconds – Conor Gallagher – Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid (2025)
11- 28.21 seconds – Mariano Bombarda – Willem II vs Sparta Prague (1999)
12- 31 seconds – David Trezeguet – AS Monaco vs Manchester United (1998)
13- 34 seconds – Arda Guler – Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid (2026)
Guler also makes Real Madrid history
Arda Guler not only entered the Champions League record books, but also etched his name into Real Madrid history. The Turkish midfielder now owns the second-fastest goal in the club’s history in European competition.
According to sports statistics expert Mister Chip, only one Real Madrid player has scored faster in continental play: Rial, who has held the record since 1957 after scoring against Antwerp in 31 seconds. Guler now sits second with his 34-second goal, while the podium is completed by Felo, who scored against Juventus after 35 seconds in 1962.
Arda Guler celebrates after scoring vs Bayern Munich.
Corinthians take on Independiente Santa Fe in Matchday 2 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Fans in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the key information on kickoff time and viewing options, including TV coverage and streaming details.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Corinthians vs Independiente Santa Fe on US television and via legal streaming:
Corinthiansopened group-stage play in strong fashion, delivering a 2-0 win over Platense to climb atop Group F as the only side to claim all three points on Matchday 1, and now Timao turn their focus to building momentum with another result despite a tougher challenge ahead.
Independiente Santa Fe, meanwhile, settled for a home draw against Peñarol in their opener—a result that arguably favored the visitors—and arrives in Brazil under pressure, knowing there’s little margin for error as they push for a crucial road victory.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Corinthians vs Independiente Santa Fe and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
River Plate take on Carabobo on Matchday 2 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. Fans in the United States can watch all the action live—here’s everything you need to know about kickoff time and how to watch or stream the matchup.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch River Plate vs Carabobo on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
River Plate vs Carabobo
WHAT
Copa Libertadores
WHEN
8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Wednesday, April 15, 2026
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
River Plate’s Copa Sudamericana campaign got off to a shaky start, falling short of expectations despite grinding out a 1-1 draw on the road against Blooming while playing nearly the entire match down to 10 men.
Given the mismatch on paper, the result raised concerns, and now the Argentine side turns its attention to a critical bounce-back opportunity against Carabobo. The Venezuelan club arrives with momentum after a 1-0 win over Bragantino in its opener and will aim to build on that result with a strong showing at the Monumental.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch River Plate vs Carabobo and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Vincenzo Italiano arrived at his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg at Villa Park with his trademark wit intact, joking that he had asked the club to fly in Tom Cruise to help with what he described as a near-impossible mission, while also outlining a clear and serious tactical plan to give Bologna a genuine chance of completing one of European football’s more remarkable comebacks.
The Rossoblù head into the tie trailing 3-1 from the first leg, and Italiano was under no illusions about the scale of the task.
“I’ll drop the percentages this time,” he said, with quotes via TMW, referencing his pre-match 50-50 prediction ahead of the first leg. “This is a mission that is almost impossible. I had asked the club to bring in Tom Cruise, he could give us a hand.”
The laughter subsided quickly, however, as Italiano returned to the serious business of how Bologna might make life uncomfortable for an Aston Villa side that will be looking to manage the game on home soil.
“We ruined the first leg with some lapses of concentration within what was otherwise a very high-level performance,” he said.
“Tomorrow we must make life difficult for them, not let them have a quiet evening. It would be important not to concede. And then we have to try to hurt them: they do give something away, as we saw in both previous matches here.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Aston Villa vs Bologna – Italiano: ‘Ravaglia will play’
On Unai Emery’s attacking philosophy, Italiano was playful. “Emery’s mantra is attack, attack, attack. Mine, by contrast, is defence, defence, defence,” he said with a smile.
He was more measured on what he genuinely expects from Villa. “I would be surprised if they came at us aggressively given their two-goal lead. But I don’t know how they will approach it, what I do know is that the atmosphere pushes them and raises their level. We must find a way to respond.”
Italiano confirmed that Federico Ravaglia returns in goal, “from the start.”
With Lucumí also absent, he has Casale, Heggem and Vitik available in central defence, though he was deliberately cagey about his selection. “One of the three will be on the bench,” was all he would say.
His message to the squad was straightforward. “I told them to remember the matches we have played here before. We need to dig deep for a truly top-level performance and make our opponents work extremely hard. These games always throw up surprises, and that is our only hope.”
Paolo Vanoli has called on his Fiorentina players to cast aside inhibition and play with complete freedom when Crystal Palace visit the Stadio Franchi on Thursday evening, with the Viola requiring a 3-0 victory to overturn their first-leg deficit and reach the Conference League semi-finals.
It is a tall order by any measure, and Vanoli was not about to pretend otherwise. But the Fiorentina coach, who has overseen one of Serie A’s more remarkable survival stories this season, knows better than most that the impossible can sometimes be achieved when a group of players stops thinking and starts believing.
“We will play with a free head, knowing that we will need something special,” he said, with quotes via AldredoPedulla.com.
“Sometimes what matters is not so much technical quality but desire, doing something that goes beyond what is expected, with courage and freedom. We have to risk, try and dream.”
Vanoli was equally honest about the context of this European run. With four points from their opening 11 league matches this season, survival was the only objective that mattered.
“When we had four points we were talking primarily about the league, that was the priority,” he said. “Then the story says the Conference must be an objective for this club.”
He also pointed to the broader lesson his side can take from facing a Premier League opponent of Palace’s quality. “The strong teams make you grow. When you don’t win, you learn.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina coach Vanoli: ‘I don’t want my future decided by one game’
On his own future, Vanoli was characteristically direct. He expressed genuine ambition to continue but refused to let Thursday’s result define his tenure one way or the other.
“I don’t want my future to be conditioned by one Conference League match,” he said. “I’m not a genius if we go through and I’m not a mediocre coach if we go out. I keep believing, despite the difficulties.”
He also delivered a pointed observation about Italian football’s relationship with courage, fitting given the national conversation currently raging about the men’s team. “In Italy, people say they want courage but then criticise it when they see it.”
On team news, Dodô will miss the match through suspension, while Pongracic is being assessed after carrying a hamstring overload. Rugani, who impressed against Lazio, is available, and Vanoli confirmed Kean is being monitored day by day as the club works to have him fit.
Vincenzo Italiano’s future at Bologna is attracting significant attention from elsewhere in Italian football, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano warning that several major clubs have the coach firmly on their radar despite his contract running until 2027.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Aston Villa at Villa Park, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Romano was careful to frame the situation in context. Italiano has publicly committed to Bologna and renewed his deal as recently as May 2025, earning just over €3 million per season.
On paper, there is no immediate reason to question his future in Emilia. However, Romano’s caveat was pointed. “Italiano at Bologna, yes, but with an asterisk,” he said. “He is very well regarded by several important Italian clubs.”
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Big Serie A role beckons for Bologna coach Italiano
The key phrase Romano used was “domino effect on managerial positions,” a reference to the considerable upheaval currently rippling through Serie A benches, with multiple top clubs facing uncertainty over their coaching situations heading into the summer. Should that instability create unexpected vacancies, Italiano’s name is among the first that would be considered.
Since taking charge at Bologna in the summer of 2024, the coach has recorded 45 wins, 27 draws and 28 defeats, with his side scoring 144 goals and conceding 119 at an average of 1.62 points per game.
The Europa League quarter-final run alone represents a significant achievement for a club of Bologna’s resources, and it is precisely that kind of overperformance that makes Italiano so appealing to clubs with greater ambitions and deeper pockets.
After Barcelona’s elimination against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Raphinha aimed strong criticism at the referee — and it could prove costly.
According to Diario AS, UEFA is already reviewing those comments to determine whether the Brazilian winger deserves a sanction. If so, any punishment would only be served during his next appearance in European competition — most likely in the 2026-27 Champions League.
There are similar precedents that suggest an unfavorable outcome for Raphinha. During the 2018-19 season, UEFA sanctioned Neymar after he publicly criticized officiating following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League elimination against Manchester United.
“It’s a disgrace. They put four guys who don’t understand soccer to analyze a play,” Ney wrote at the time in a story on his official Instagram account. That led to a three-match suspension in European competitions for the Brazilian forward, which was later reduced to two by CAS.
Raphinha involved in another controversial incident
Despite not being able to play in the series against Atletico Madrid due to injury, Raphinha still drew attention for his actions after the match. In addition to his comments criticizing the officiating, the winger also made gestures toward opposing fans at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Several cameras captured the exact moment when Raphinha, on the pitch, gestured toward the crowd, signaling that Atletico Madrid would be eliminated in the next round of the Champions League. As in the previous case, there are precedents of players being sanctioned by UEFA for making gestures and directing offensive remarks at rival fans.
Raphinha apologizes to Atletico Madrid fans
Several hours after the final whistle — and likely with emotions having cooled — Raphinha reflected on his behavior at the Metropolitano Stadium and posted a message on his official Instagram account apologizing to Atletico Madrid fans.
“I apologize for my gesture, which does not reflect my values or my character. It was an act committed in a moment of tension, in response to a fan who was being disrespectful toward me,” the Barcelona star wrote.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona looks on during a La Liga match.
Racing Club will face Botafogo on Matchday 2 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. Fans in the United States can watch all the action live—here’s everything you need to know about kickoff time and how to watch or stream the matchup.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Racing Club vs Botafogo on US television and via legal streaming:
Racing Club opened their Copa Sudamericana campaign in impressive fashion, rolling to a convincing 3-1 win over Independiente Petrolero to immediately stake their claim as a group frontrunner, but the job is far from finished as La Academia look to build on that momentum and stay atop the standings.
Next up is a tougher test against Botafogo, a talented but inconsistent side that stumbled out of the gate with a 1-1 draw against Caracas and now enters this matchup under pressure to secure its first victory, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash between a red-hot Argentine squad and a Brazilian team still searching for rhythm.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Racing Club vs Botafogo and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Napoli have made their first move in the pursuit of Nicolò Zaniolo, with sporting director Giovanni Manna having opened exploratory talks with the Udinese midfielder’s entourage ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Kiss Kiss Napoli, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the approach represents a continuation of Manna’s long-standing admiration for the Italian, having previously targeted him during his time at Juventus.
Antonio Conte is also understood to be a fan of the player, though the extent of Napoli’s pursuit will depend heavily on whether the manager remains in charge next season, a question that has yet to be resolved following Aurelio De Laurentiis’ recent public comments from the United States.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Udinese Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Napoli keen on Zaniolo as Udinese man finds form
Zaniolo has rediscovered his best form this season, registering six goals and seven assists in 34 appearances for Udinese, a return that has underlined his quality when fit and in a settled environment.
The Italian international joined on loan from Galatasaray, and Udinese are understood to be ready to trigger their purchase option of approximately €9 million to make the deal permanent.
Manna is aware that other Italian clubs are also monitoring the situation, giving the contact an added urgency. Napoli are not prepared to be caught flat-footed in what promises to be a competitive summer window, and Zaniolo, available at a relatively modest cost given his current form, represents an attractive and attainable target.
Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori has not been included in Arsenal’s starting lineup or bench in Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League quarter final match against Sporting.
Arsenal won the first leg 1-0 in Portugal and are expected to come out on top at the Emirates Stadium.
Calafiori, however, will play no part in the match – indeed, after missing Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth.
The Italian’s condition is not likely serious though, and the Italian may be available for the weekend’s huge match against Manchester City.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Arsenal vs Sporting – Official Lineups as Calafiori misses out
The Italy international’s current deal, which was due to expire in 2028, will be extended by a further two years, while also including a salary increase from €3m to €4m per season, according to CalcioMercato.
The official signing is expected to take place on April 17.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Locatelli renewal is huge boost for Juventus
Locatelli joined Juventus from Sassuolo in 2021 for €37.5m, having previously come through the ranks at AC Milan. Since arriving in Turin, he has made 224 appearances, contributing nine goals and 17 assists, and played a key role in the club’s Coppa Italia triumph in 2024.
At international level, he has earned 36 caps for the Italy national team, scoring three goals and being part of the squad that won Euro 2020.
Locatelli’s renewal is the latest in a series of key extensions for Juventus, following new deals for Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie and head coach Luciano Spalletti.
Attention will now turn to the future of Dusan Vlahovic, whose current contract is due to expire in 2026 and remains unresolved.
There’ll surely be huge demand for Manchester City vs Arsenal tickets as this weekend’s game at the Etihad Stadium looks like potentially deciding the Premier League title.
The Gunners have had a bit of a blip recently, while Man City have looked back to their best, and now they go head-to-head in this huge six-pointer.
If Arsenal win, then defeat in the last game against Bournemouth will quickly be forgotten, and they’ll be major favourites again, but a win for City will confirm what we appear to be seeing now, with Mikel Arteta‘s side perhaps bottling it again. A draw leaves us all guessing.
Years from now you’ll surely wish you’d been there, so read on for our Manchester City vs Arsenal tickets guide.
How to buy Manchester City tickets
Manchester City fans looking for tickets to this game will likely make the official siteheretheir first port of call, but it’s not necessarily the best way to guarantee you’ll grab a seat.
We can also recommend following the linkherefor another dedicated ticket portal that is easy to navigate, reliable, and backed by a 150% money-back guarantee if, for whatever reason, you’re not satisfied.
How to buy Arsenal tickets
Arsenal’s official ticket page can be foundhere, but we would again recommend having a backup plan in place, as you’ll struggle to get ahead of season-ticket holders and club members for such an in-demand fixture.
You could also try following our linkherefor a better chance to make sure you get a seat in the Etihad Stadium away end, for what could end up being an unforgettable game that ends up taking a place alongside Anfield in 1989, Old Trafford in 2002, and White Hart Lane in 2004 in the club’s history books.
How Manchester City could line up vs Arsenal
City are in fine form at the moment, so will surely take the game to Arsenal with an attacking approach and as many of their stars on the pitch at once.
Pep Guardiola can’t fit everyone in, but he has plenty of good options that can cause the Gunners problems, as they did in the Carabao Cup final recently.
Expect something like the below…
Man City predicted line-up:Donnarumma; Nunes, O’Neill, Guehi, Khusanov; Rodri, Silva, Cherki, Semenyo, Doku; Haaland.
How Arsenal could line up vs Manchester City
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, acknowledges the fans after the team’s 1-0 victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025, in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Injuries continue to be a problem for Arsenal as they have been for so much of the season, with doubts over Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori going into this game.
That makes it hard to predict Arsenal’s starting XI, but based on recent reports it’s probably more likely that Saka and Timber will be back than the other two.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Two wins, or even two draws for Arsenal this week will have them in the Champions League semi-finals and probably as title favourites. Two defeats and it’s likely they’re heading for another trophyless season.
These are the fine margins for Arteta now, whose own future as Arsenal manager will surely come into question if this project once again yields a second-place finish and failure to lift any of the other three trophies despite for so long this season looking like they might genuinely be in the running for a quadruple.
Quite simply, this is an absolutely massive game for Arsenal in their modern history – can their players rise to the occasion or will the pressure get to them again? Give us your predictions in the comments!
Leonardo Bonucci remains part of the Italy national team setup despite the recent overhaul at the Italian Football Federation, as he continues to build towards a future in coaching.
The former Juventus defender is currently working as part of the federation’s technical structure, focusing on scouting and analysing players while completing the required steps to obtain his UEFA Pro licence, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
His role is independent of the previous coaching staff and remains valid until June 2026, meaning he has stayed on despite the departures of Gennaro Gattuso, Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon.
Leonardo Bonucci (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Bonucci stays on pathway to Serie A coaching
Bonucci began his post-playing path in 2024 as an assistant to Bernardo Corradi with the Italy Under-20 side, before later being integrated into the senior national team environment. His current duties involve monitoring both established and emerging Italian players, compiling detailed reports as part of his coaching education.
This work is essential for completing the hours required to sit the final exams at Coverciano, which would allow him to coach in Serie A. He has already earned his UEFA A licence and is regularly attending matches across Italy and Europe to continue his development.
Bonucci’s contract is set to expire in June, when he will decide together with the federation whether to continue. For now, his focus remains on gaining experience and preparing for a future on the touchline, with several coaches, including Antonio Conte, having already shown interest in bringing him into their staff.
Cesc Fabregas confirms Como are targeting more Real Madrid talents after Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon and hopes to remain at the Stadio Sinigaglia long term: ‘I’m in love with everything I’m doing here.’
Como visit Sassuolo in a crucial Serie A match on Friday, as the Azzurri are just two points below a Champions League spot despite last Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Inter.
Como have mostly used a 4-2-3-1 system this term, but Fabregas has also made some tactical twists along the way.
“I don’t like to talk about a structure. There’s always an evolution, and it’s always very hard. We analyse all the time,” he said at a press conference via TMW.
“If you look at PSG, Liverpool, and Barcelona, they are all very dynamic.”
Argentine talent Nico Paz scored a goal and provided one assist in Sunday’s loss to Inter after managing just one goal in the previous four league fixtures.
“I congratulated Nico Paz; we have revived him. He’s the player we used to see,” Fabregas said.
Como remain the least-beaten defence in Serie A despite their recent heavy defeat to Inter.
“Our defence was not in confusion. We recovered possession many times with high pressing,” insisted Fabregas.
“Our defence was incredible, with top-notch pressing. It’s true that we didn’t do well on set pieces, but that had to do with the pressure at that moment, too.
“It’s been a constant growth, thanks to the players, a great staff and the intensity we put in every day. We push hard, we know we are ranked higher than we would have thought, but it all depends on the players and what they learn day by day,” he added.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We continue to push, hoping to finish as high as possible. When you see the players’ determination, the result goes in the background. There will be moments when only the result is missing, but now we are building an idea.”
Speaking about the defensive attitude he wants to see from his players, Fabregas mentioned Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday: “Yesterday, Eric García consistently anticipated the play and maintained the right positioning, even though he isn’t the most physical or the fastest. It’s exactly what we want.”
Fabregas was asked whether Lucas Da Cunha embodies his playing style, and the coach replied that the Frenchman has completed “96% of the training sessions” at Como over the last two seasons.
“Kolo Touré was somebody who didn’t miss any training sessions. It’s the typical player a scouting team must identify,” added Fabregas.
Fabregas confirmed that his assistant coach has travelled to Madrid twice in recent weeks to watch some Real Madrid Castilla players in action.
Nico Paz and Ramon have joined the Azzurri from the Merengues over the last two years, and Como fans should probably expect more reinforcements from the Spanish capital going forward.
“Yes, we are always on the move. It’s too important to watch players live,” Fabregas said.
“We are looking for players to improve. We know what Nico and Ramon have achieved here.”
LECCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Jacob Ramon of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Como 1907 at Stadio Via del Mare on December 27, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Fabregas, a former Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder, reiterated that he’s not considering leaving Como at the end of the season, not even of the Italy national team job.
“It’s hard, right now, this is what I feel. I’m in love with everything I’m doing here,” he said.
“This won’t change. My life is about preparing for the Sassuolo game. I experienced it as a player. Today it all goes well, but lose two games and people would not want you anymore. People are accustomed to having a high bar, and I’m the first one who wants it.”
One final question was whether he’d like to replicate Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal career at Como, spending several years at the club and reshaping their identity: “I’d love it,” he concluded.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid faced off in a hard-fought match in the 2025-26 Champions League quarterfinals. While the German side dominated, Real Madrid shone with their efficiency. However, Luis Díaz and Michael Olise led the way to victory with two brilliant goals.
Throughout the match, Bayern Munich established as the more dominant side, enjoying long spells of possession and excelling with their high press. However, Real Madrid managed to compete by sitting deep defensively and breaking on the counterattack, proving quite efficient. While this kept the game closely contested, Luis Díaz and Michael Olise ultimately decided the Champions League victory with two stunning goals in the closing minutes.
Los Blancos started the match in top form, as just 36 seconds in, Arda Güler scored a long-range goal following a mistake by Manuel Neuer in the build-up. However, they chose not to seek control through possession, instead sitting back defensively and hitting on the counterattack. Because of this, they were able to dictate the rhythm of the game, with the Turkish midfielder completing a brilliant brace, including a stunning free-kick goal.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 15, 2026
While the German side controlled possession, Real Madrid looked more dangerous. Aleksandar Pavlović and Harry Kane scored the two goals that brought the game level, showcasing their quality. However, Kylian Mbappé restored the lead in the 45th minute, finishing off a great cross from Vinícius Jr. with two touches to beat Manuel Neuer and send his team into halftime in front.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 15, 2026
Far from easing their attacking pressure in the second half, Bayern Munich continued to dominate the game, constantly pushing to score and secure the win. In response, Los Blancos relied on a solid low block that cut out any attacking moves while breaking quickly on the counter. After persistent pressure, the German side eventually found the victory, with two impressive individual moments from Luis Díaz and Michael Olise late in the match.
Luis Diaz and Michael Olise impressed with their brilliant goals
Relentlessly pressing for a goal in the second half, Bayern Munich finally broke the deadlock in the aggregate score. Driving into Real Madrid’s box, Aleksandar Pavlović executed a short pass to Luis Díaz on the left, who then returned it and laid it off to Jamal Musiala. The German executed a first-time backheel pass, setting up the Colombian perfectly. After dribbling past the defenders, Díaz fired an excellent shot past Lunin.
Far from settling after Luis Díaz’s goal, the German side maintained their attacking intent. Following a pass from Harry Kane, Michael Olise drove efficiently toward Real Madrid’s box. Taking on Antonio Rüdiger and Franco Mastantuono, the Frenchman unleashed a stunning strike from outside the area, placing the ball into the corner of the net and leaving Andriy Lunin with no chance, making it 6–4 on aggregate.
LUIS DÍAZ AND MICHAEL OLISE WIN IT FOR BAYERN AT THE DEATH 🔥
Arsenal and Sporting CP are clashing at the Emirates Stadium for the UEFA Champions League, a must-watch game alongside our liveblog coverage.
Arsenal hosted Sporting CP on Wednesday, April 15, for the second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals at Emirates Stadium. Following a scoreless draw, the Gunners maintained their aggregate advantage from the first leg to secure a spot in the semifinals for the second consecutive season.
The Gunners returned home holding a 1-0 aggregate lead established at José Alvalade Stadium, courtesy of Kai Havertz’s dramatic last-minute winner. Aware of their slim cushion, the hosts adopted a disciplined approach, conceding just one shot on target to a Sporting CP side that proved unable to crack Arsenal’s defensive shape.
With the result, an unbeaten Arsenal side has reached the Champions League semifinals in back-to-back seasons for the first time in club history. They now advance to face Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, an opponent they already dismantled earlier this season with a dominant 4-0 victory during the league phase at the Emirates.
Declan Rice of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans following the team's victory against Sporting CP.
After being eliminated from the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Liverpool appear to have no choice but to focus on the next season. With Hugo Ekitike reportedly suffering an Achilles tendon injury, the Reds are said to be accelerating their plans, adding a striker reinforcement.
Unlike the previous season, Liverpool are having a disappointing campaign, no longer competing for the Premier League and being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. Alongside these struggles, Hugo Ekitike had to be substituted in the previous match, reportedly suffering a season-ending injury. Because of this, the Reds have allegedly accelerated their plans, now adding a striker reinforcement in their objectives.
Following Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of the season, the Reds had decided to pursue a winger, reportedly making Yan Diomande their top priority. Alongside the Ivorian, they have also targeted a striker, with Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United emerging as the main objective. However, Liverpool are also closely monitoring Jarrod Bowen, Harry Wilson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Bazoumana Touré, according to TEAMtalk.
Unlike Ekitike, Anthony Gordon is not a natural centre-forward, but he mainly excels as a left winger. However, the Englishman has shown the ability to perform in this role, making his arrival a strong possibility. In addition, he could also provide depth on the flanks once the Frenchman returns. For this reason, he would be an ideal fit for the squad, although his transfer could exceed $100 million.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrates scoring a goal.
Liverpool have already lost both of their starting forwards
Liverpool have not had success with their marquee attacking signings. After paying €240M (around $283M) for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, both have suffered serious injuries in their first season at the club. While the Swede suffered a severe fibula fracture, the Frenchman suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, with both missing the chance to shine on the pitch in the Reds’ initial plan.
Even though Isak is back, he’ll need to get back into competitive form, as he hasn’t managed to shine under Arne Slot. With just a few games left to secure a spot in the 2026–27 Champions League, the Swede will get plenty of playing time as he looks to recapture the form that made him shine at Newcastle United. Alongside him, Rio Ngumoha will play a more prominent role on the team, as he has impressed and will be untransferable for next season, reports Football Insider.
Hugo Ekitike had been the Reds’ most efficient striker. After playing 45 games, the Frenchman had emerged as the team’s top scorer, netting 17 goals. As a result, the team will face a tough challenge in replacing him, so Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah must step up to contribute to the scoring effort. With nearly nine months of recovery time, the possible arrival of Anthony Gordon would be an interesting alternative.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final.
Set to face Sporting CP in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Arsenal might be dealing once again with the absence of star Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal host the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium this Wednesday, looking to protect a slim lead and advance to the final four. While the Gunners enter as heavy favorites, star winger Bukayo Saka has been entirely left out of the Gunners’ squad.
Bukayo Saka won’t be featuring in the return leg against Sporting CP due to injury. The England international was widely expected to return for Saturday’s fixture against Bournemouth but failed to make the squad; his subsequent absence from Tuesday’s training session further dims the prospects of him playing a role in this continental decider.
Manager Mikel Arteta was noncommittal when asked if Saka or defender Jurrien Timber might return to the fold, offering only that “maybe one of them” could be involved. However, when pressed on the nature of the winger’s injury and its recent persistence, the Spaniard provided a bit more clarity for the worried Emirates faithful.
“It’s something that he was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue,” Arteta said. “It’s progression but hopefully it’s going to be a matter of days and not weeks. But he has to see when the load is more how he responds to that kind of progression,” he added.
Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal.
Arsenal navigating a fitness crisis
Saka isn’t the only concern for a depleted Arsenal squad; Tuesday’s training session raised red flags regarding several other key contributors. Missing from the main group were midfield anchors Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, along with defender Riccardo Calafiori.
While Rice has reportedly recovered and should be available for selection, significant questions remain over whether Odegaard and Calafiori are fit enough to start. This personnel crunch may force Arteta to lean on his depth as he looks to defend a narrow 1-0 aggregate advantage in the Champions League clash.
Confirmed lineups for Arsenal and Sporting CP
Arsenal’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli; Viktor Gyokeres. Head coach: Mikel Arteta.
Sporting CP’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Maximiliano Araujo; Morten Hjulmand, Hidemasa Morita; Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincao, Pedro Goncalves; Luis Javier Suarez. Head coach: Rui Borges.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence continues to stretch far beyond his own performances, now shaping the early career of his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., within Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence continues to stretch far beyond his own performances, now shaping the early career of his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., within Al-Nassr. As attention grows around the next generation, the young forward is beginning to attract headlines of his own. Playing for the same club in the youth setup, his development is already drawing comparisons that feel almost inevitable.
The connection between father and son has long fascinated soccer supporters. From training habits to playing style, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is steadily building his own identity while reflecting elements of one of the game’s greatest players. His journey through the academy system is being followed closely, especially as moments of brilliance begin to surface more frequently.
A recent video shared online sparked widespread excitement among fans. According to the viral 44-second clip circulating on social media, the teenager delivered a standout performance in a youth match. The clip, filmed during a night game, showcases the young talent in a competitive setting against Al-Fayha at youth level.
The short video offers glimpses of attacking movements, quick decision-making, and composure in front of the goal. It also reinforces the growing narrative that Ronaldo’s legacy could continue through his son’s progress within the same soccer environment.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s son in action for Al-Nassr U16
Watch Ronaldo Jr.’s standout performance vs Al-Fayha
In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory for Al-Nassr U-16, delivering a decisive contribution in a tightly contested game. As can be seen, one of the goals came from a direct free-kick, adding another layer to the performance.
Beyond the goals themselves, the celebration that followed captured just as much attention. He recreated his father’s iconic ‘siu’ celebration, a moment that resonated strongly with fans familiar with Ronaldo’s trademark style. The resemblance in both execution and confidence added to the sense of déjà vu surrounding the performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. scored a hat-trick for Al Nassr, then performed his father’s iconic “SIUUU” celebration.
Growing under the spotlight
At 15 years old in 2026, Ronaldo Jr. is still in the early stages of his soccer journey. Fans highlighted how he seems to be gradually shaping his own identity while still mirroring key traits of his father. From movement off the ball to finishing instinct, the parallels between the two are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr has clearly created an environment where his son is not only developing as a player but also growing within a global spotlight. Every performance is now viewed through the lens of legacy and expectation.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo Jr (right)
Christian Pulisic could soon share the dressing room with 2022 World Cup winner Paulo Dybala at Milan, with both names now circulating in a developing transfer story that has caught attention across Europe.
Christian Pulisic could soon share the dressing room with 2022 World Cup winner Paulo Dybala at Milan, with both names now circulating in a developing transfer story that has caught attention across Europe. At the center of the story is Dybala’s unclear future with Roma.
His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and no renewal has been agreed, placing him among the most high-profile free agents potentially available. Despite receiving offers from abroad, his preference has been to remain in Italy and continue competing at the highest level.
Reports from Italy suggest that Dybala is seriously considering a move to Milan. According toCorriere dello Sport,the Argentine forward is willing to accept a significant salary reduction in order to join the club, underlining his desire to make the move happen.
Further reports reinforce the same idea, pointing to Dybala’s admiration for the opportunity to play at San Siro. Calciomercato notes that he could even accept a performance-based contract due to his recent injury history, reflecting a pragmatic approach to negotiations. His priority remains staying competitive in Europe, even as other options emerge.
Paulo Dybala of AS Roma applauds the fans after the game against Celtic.
The factor behind a possible move
While the prospect of the 32-year-old forward joining Milan is gaining attention, there is a key condition shaping the situation. The report adds that much depends on the future of Rafael Leao, whose role and consistency have come under scrutiny this season. His performances have been affected by tactical changes and fitness issues, leading to growing debate among supporters.
Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match.
Milan faces a difficult decision regarding Leao, who remains one of the club’s most valuable assets. A potential departure would create both the financial space and tactical need for a player like Dybala, making the connection between the two situations impossible to ignore. Without that shift, any move becomes far more complicated.
Milan’s bigger transfer picture
The club is already exploring ways to reshape its attack ahead of the summer. Multiple names, including high-profile forwards like Robert Lewandowski and Dusan Vlahovic, have been linked as the Rossoneri evaluate how to strengthen their frontline, particularly with Champions League qualification still uncertain. Financial considerations continue to play a major role in every decision.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring.
The uncertainty around Pulisic also adds another layer to the equation. While he remains an important figure, his recent form has been inconsistent, and the club is assessing its options carefully. A potential arrival like Dybala could either complement or complicate the existing structure.
Christian Pulisic finds himself at the center of growing transfer speculation despite a difficult run of form, as interest from Liverpool and Tottenham begins to intensify
Christian Pulisic finds himself at the center of growing transfer speculation despite a difficult run of form, as interest from Liverpool and Tottenham begins to intensify. The situation surrounding the winger has taken on a new dimension, with uncertainty over his future at Milan and questions about his role moving forward.
The season began with promise, as Milan found rhythm and attacking fluidity in the early months. Pulisic scored eight league goals between August and December, playing a central role in the team’s push near the top of the table. That early momentum, however, has faded as the campaign entered a more demanding phase.
The turn of the year has brought a dramatic shift in the Americans’ performances. He has not scored a competitive goal in 2026 and is currently enduring a drought of more than 100 days, a statistic that has raised concerns inside the club. Injuries have played their part, disrupting his consistency and limiting his overall impact in key matches.
Milan’s broader struggles have only increased scrutiny on Pulisic and the attacking unit. A heavy 3-0 defeat highlighted the team’s inconsistency, with just two wins in the last five league matches putting its Champions League hopes under threat. Despite being among the more active attackers on the pitch, Pulisic has found it difficult to influence decisive moments.
His inability to convert chances has mirrored the team’s struggles, contributing to a slide down the table at a crucial stage of the season. The Serie A giant remains in contention for a top-four finish, but the margin for error is shrinking. Upcoming fixtures are now seen as pivotal, both for Milan’s ambitions and for Pulisic’s future at San Siro.
Milan’s reported asking price revealed
As speculation grows, attention has shifted to Milan’s stance on a potential transfer. According to Il Giornale,Milan would consider offers in the region of $65 million for Pulisic. With just one year remaining on his contract worth approximately $5.5 million per season, the Italian outfit is under pressure to make a decision.
Selling the 27-year-old winger could generate significant funds to reinvest in the squad, especially if Champions League qualification is not secured. At the same time, the club must weigh the loss of a high-profile player who has played a key role in its recent rebuild.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during the Coppa Italia match.
Premier League interest gathers pace
The report adds that interest from England continues to gather momentum as two major clubs monitor the situation closely. Liverpool is reportedly exploring attacking reinforcements, while Tottenham views Pulisic as part of a potential rebuild. Both clubs see an opportunity to secure a proven player who has already experienced the demands of top-level soccer.
His revived reputation after leaving England, combined with his versatility and experience, makes him an attractive option despite recent struggles. The financial strength of Premier League sides means that meeting Milan’s valuation may not be a major obstacle. The key question is whether that interest will translate into a formal offer in the coming months.
Gabriele Gravina has admitted regret over his time in charge of the FIGC, acknowledging he may have stayed on too long before stepping down after acknowledging “what had been done could not be improved further.”
Speaking to Le Iene, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, Gravina said he felt “bitter” about failing to deliver the results fans deserved, particularly in light of Italy’s ongoing struggles on the international stage.
“I’m disappointed for not giving our fans what they deserved,” he said. “Above all, I regret not stepping aside earlier, when I realised that what had been done could not be improved further.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Gravina pushes back against Italy critics
Gravina also pushed back against criticism of his leadership, highlighting key achievements during his tenure.
“What I cannot accept is being called unworthy,” he added. “Important work was done, especially in terms of financial stability. We secured co-hosting rights for Euro 2032, one of the biggest sporting events in the world. People forget that after 53 years we won the European Championship, and the Under-17 side also lifted their first European title.”
However, Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup remains a major shadow. Gravina pointed to structural issues within Italian football, particularly the limited opportunities for domestic players.
“We produce talent, but it is not used,” he explained. “Around 70% of players are foreign, leaving only 30% eligible for the national team. Clubs operate as businesses, so you cannot force them to make different choices. The only solution is to change the culture and introduce incentives.”
He also clarified previous controversial remarks about other sports, insisting they were misunderstood.
“My comments were about regulations, not a lack of respect,” Gravina said. “I admire athletes from all disciplines and their sacrifices. I never intended to offend anyone.”
Liam Rosenior’s side are on an awful run of form at the moment, winning just one of their last six games in all competitions, and losing three in a row without even scoring a goal in the Premier League.
Still, there are five Champions League places up for grabs now and the gap with Liverpool is not insurmountable just yet, so can Chelsea pick up a vital win against Man Utd this weekend?
The Red Devils have been much-improved under Michael Carrick and are looking reasonably sure of Champions League qualification, but could that mean they end up taking their eye off the ball a little bit?
Either way, it should be an unmissable game between two big clubs who always put on a show when they meet, whether it’s been in title races or in top-four battles like this.
How to buy Chelsea tickets
Chelsea fans can find the club’s official ticket page via the linkhere, but there can be issues with both affordability and availability if you go down that route.
It’s well worth trying our alternativehereas it allows you an easy-to-use site with direct access to the games you care about, without the extra cost and hassle of becoming a season ticket holder or club member.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Estevao Willian (l) celebrates alongside Reece James after scoring the winning goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
How to buy Manchester United tickets
Manchester United supporters looking for the club’s official ticket page can use the linkhere, but we’d again suggest keeping an alternative in mind as well.
To make sure you don’t miss out on this big game and others, our link lets you follow your club without extra costs or getting stuck behind season-ticket holders in the queue.
Chelsea fans will no doubt be keen to see if Enzo Fernandez returns to Rosenior’s line up for this game after the club suspended him for two games.
If the Argentina international does make it back, it should give CFC a much stronger-looking side to take on United, though there are clearly still issues in this team.
It remains to be seen if Rosenior will be tempted to rotate some of the players who performed so poorly against Man City, but one imagines his lack of options probably means there won’t be too much rotation.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Casemiro of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 07, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Man United’s team more or less picks itself these days, but Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu remain long-term absentees from the squad.
Still others, like Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, should be fit again for this game, while Harry Maguire will be back from suspension and will probably be back in the team.
This fixture has tended to be quite close down the years, though going further back through history, it’s United who have the upper hand overall.
MUFC have won this fixture 84 times in total, drawing 57, and losing 57.
In more recent history, there’s been very little between them, with Chelsea winning three of their last twelve meetings, United winning the other three, and six draws.
At Stamford Bridge, however, United have a pretty poor record, having failed to win there since February 2020.
Reports in Italy claim that Milan sporting director Igli Tare recently met with Robert Lewandowski’s agent, but the Rossoneri’s CEO, Giorgio Furlani, doesn’t seem inclined to pay a high salary to a player well over 30.
Milan are looking for a new centre-forward for 2026-27, given their strikers’ struggles in the current campaign.
Milan in talks with Lewandowski
Barcelona star Lewandowski, whose contract at the Nou Camp expires in June, has long been a transfer target for the Rossoneri, and according to Calciomercato.com, Tare recently met the striker’s representative, Pini Zahavi, for dinner.
Technically, Milan are interested in Lewandowski, who is said to have also attracted interest from Juventus and received a big-money offer from an unnamed MLS club.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Igli Tare of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
However, according to Calciomercato.com and Corriere della Sera, Milan CEO Furlani is currently reluctant to make a major investment, even in salary terms, for a player who will turn 38 in August.
Verdict: Eli Junior Kroupi over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Dachbet Looking to pile more pressure onto Newcastle this weekend, Bournemouth will travel to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon. Newcastle Starting with the hosts, making history at Wembley 13 months ago as they were crowned EFL Cup champions and securing a […]
Verdict: Both teams to score Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Olympusbet With west London bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday lunchtime, Brentford will welcome Fulham to the Gtech. Brentford Starting with the hosts, while Brentford might have cemented their spot as one of the Premier League’s ultimate surprise packages this season, the Bees do find […]
Manchester United are dealing with a shortage of central defenders ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, following the FA’s decision to lengthen Harry Maguire’s suspension stemming from his dismissal against Bournemouth. The defender was absent from Monday’s loss to Leeds United after serving the standard one-game ban triggered by the red card he […]
According to multiple sources, Ibrahima Konate is on the verge of reaching an agreement over a new contract with Liverpool. It is very close, with minor details over bonuses the only issue remaining to be ironed out. The talks were put on hold for a few days as the Merseysiders focused on their Champions League […]
Some Santos fans were involved in an unfriendly exchange with Neymar.
Santos are having serious trouble getting positive results this season, both domestically and continentally. In that context, Neymar was involved in a tense argument with some fans, who demanded a greater level of commitment to the club.
This Tuesday, Santos drew 1-1 against Recoleta FC in the Copa Sudamericana group stage and, after the final whistle, some people at Urbano Caldeira Stadium booed the Brazilian forward, who responded with gestures asking them to be quiet.
“I’m going to give you your minute of fame. Am I spoiled? I’m giving absolutely everything out here and you don’t respect that,” Ney said to one of the fans who criticized him. He then took aim at the fan’s physical appearance: “You should train more! You’re getting a little chubby!”
A few minutes after that tense exchange, Neymar gave an interview to ESPN in which he addressed his confrontation with the fans in the stands. “I understand fans who criticize our play, but when it becomes personal and they attack me in a different way, I can’t accept it,” he said.
Neymar Junior of Santos.
“I can’t accept it because I’m a very consistent guy. I give my life for soccer and for this club. I even do more than I should, so they can’t treat me like this,” added the 34-year-old star. “I’m not saying they shouldn’t criticize my performances on the field, but I don’t accept criticism for what I do off it.”
Santos struggling to find direction
The fans’ animosity toward Neymar, while surprising, is understandable given that the team’s recent results have fallen well short of expectations. After avoiding relegation in the final matches of last year, they entered this season with hopes of competing for trophies, but so far that has not been the case.
In the Brazilian Serie A, Santos are in 15th place with just three wins in 11 matches, only three points clear of the relegation zone. Their Copa Sudamericana campaign has also been underwhelming: they lost their opener against Deportivo Cuenca and drew their second match against Recoleta FC, leaving them at the bottom of Group D for now.
Neymar needs to stand out at Santos
Santos’ slow start to the season certainly does not help Neymar. He has two months to try to show Carlo Ancelotti that he is in peak physical and competitive condition to be part of the 26-man roster that will represent Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Individually, however, he has shown consistent form. So far in 2026, Ney has recorded eight appearances for Santos, with seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists). Those are solid numbers, especially considering the difficult team context, which has included a recent coaching change.
After losing 1-2 to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid are looking to stage a comeback in the second leg of the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinals. However, los Blancos do not only need a win, but are also forced into a specific scenario. Here, we will analyze the three possible outcomes.
While Real Madrid did not deliver a standout performance in the first leg, they managed to stay alive against Bayern Munich thanks to Kylian Mbappé and his late goal. Needing to overturn the scoreline, Los Blancos could opt for an offensive approach in search of making the difference. Despite this, they require a specific scenario to secure their place in the semifinals of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League.
Bayern Munich have proven to be one of the best teams in the world. Led by Harry Kane and Manuel Neuer, they have dominated their opponents throughout the season. In addition, coach Vincent Kompany welcomes back Serge Gnabry, who claims to be in peak physical condition and will be key to organizing the offense. However, they will face a tough challenge defensively, as los Blancos already exploited their spaces in the first leg with Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé.
The German side dominated much of the first leg, but they suffered a drop in performance after substituting Serge Gnabry and Konrad Laimer, as they were the ones leading and supporting the attack. As a result, both are expected to start and play key roles in pressing Real Madrid, who will be without Aurélien Tchouaméni—forcing coach Álvaro Arbeloa to adjust the midfield, a very tough challenge for the second leg.
Los Blancos will have to make changes to their starting lineup, as Tchouaméni’s absence is significant. Therefore, coach Arbeloa is reportedly set to deploy Federico Valverde as a defensive midfielder, as Eduardo Camavinga did not fully convince with his performance against Girona FC. In addition, Jude Bellingham could play a crucial role, as he impressed in the first leg and appears to be back in top form after his physical issues.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid controls the ball while under pressure from Jonathan Tah of FC Bayern Munich.
How could Real Madrid’s win against Bayern affect the UEFA Champions League bracket?
In case Real Madrid secure a victory over Bayern Munich, they would not immediately guarantee a place in the 2025–26 Champions League semifinals. Trailing by just one goal in the aggregate score, Los Blancos need to win by a two-goal margin against the German side to advance. Should they accomplish this, they would face PSG, another top contender for the title, as they pursue their second consecutive Champions League victory.
How could Real Madrid’s draw against Bayern affect the UEFA Champions League bracket?
Holding just one-goal margin in the overall score, Real Madrid would be directly eliminated of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League in case they draw against Bayern Munich. For that reason, the German side would be getting a ticket for the semifinals, for a second consecutive season, facing PSG in one of the best clashes, as both have been dominating.
If Los Blancos clinch a victory by a one-goal margin, they would level the aggregate score, opening the door to compete for a place in the next round of the tournament. As this is the second leg, a winner would have to be decided in extra time, with two periods of 15 minutes each. If there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where a definitive winner would to face PSG.
How could Real Madrid’s defeat against Bayern affect the UEFA Champions League bracket?
Having failed to secure a decisive victory in the first leg, Real Madrid would be eliminated from the 2025-26 Champions League if they lose to Bayern Munich. For that reason, los Blancos would go two seasons without reaching the tournament’s semifinals—something that hasn’t happened since 2020, when they were eliminated in the round of 16 for two consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, the German side returns to this stage after a two-year absence.
Michael Olise of FC Bayern Munich is challenged by Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.
Bayern will face Real Madrid in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Check here for kickoff times and how to watch the match on TV or via streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Bayern vs Real Madrid on US television and via legal streaming:
Real Madrid head into the decisive second leg trailing on aggregate, but their late push in the opener—highlighted by a key goal that cut Bayern Munich’s lead to 2-1—has kept this heavyweight showdown finely balanced.
Bayern, now back on home soil, will aim to build on their advantage after dictating much of the first meeting, yet the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Madrid’s reputation for thriving under pressure ensures there’s little separating these European giants as a semifinal spot hangs in the balance.
More details on how to watch
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After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
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Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid shoots while under pressure from Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich
Arsenal receive Sporting CP in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Check here for kickoff times and how to watch the match on TV or via streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Arsenal vs Sporting CP on US television and via legal streaming:
All eyes shift to the return leg as Arsenalprepare to defend a fragile advantage on home soil after escaping the first meeting with a late 1-0 breakthrough. What looked on paper like a comfortable matchup turned into a battle, with the Gunners forced to dig deep despite their superior form and squad depth.
Now, with everything still in the balance, Sporting CP arrive knowing a single moment could flip the tie, bringing urgency and belief into a showdown that promises intensity from the opening whistle—don’t miss a second of what’s shaping up to be a must-watch clash.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
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Max Dowman of Arsenal controls the ball while under pressure from Maximiliano Araujo of Sporting CP
Former Milan star Marcel Desailly feels Alessandro Bastoni could bring Barcelona to a ‘different level’, but the Inter defender ‘isn’t even half of Paolo Maldini.’
Ex-Milan and France defender Desailly spoke to the Italian Football Podcast about two under-fire Serie A stars in recent weeks: Inter’s Bastoni and Milan’s Rafael Leao.
Bastoni has received criticism from fans and media alike in recent months. The Inter star was first involved in a huge controversy during a Serie A match against Juventus in February, when he caused and celebrated a red card for Pierre Kalulu.
A few weeks later, he received a straight red card in Italy’s World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which proved to be a big turning point in the Azzurri’s loss on penalties.
“I think he has been consistent, I think he’s been at Inter for like seven seasons and doing well no matter who the coach is,” Desailly said.
“I don’t think he’s a top international leader, but as you said, he is a player who knows how to adapt to the system. This is his limit.
“He has helped Inter to probably win the league this season by his consistency and understanding of how to read the game. But I think the limit is there, international level, this is it. They don’t play the same system.
Desailly on Bastoni transfer: Barcelona ‘weak at the back’
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 22: Laureus World Academy Member Marcel Desailly during the EURO 2024 Press Conference prior to the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2024 at the Palacio de Cibeles on April 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images for Laureus)
“He managed to adapt himself again with Gattuso. He is on the left side, if you want to compare him to Maldini, but he isn’t even half of Maldini. But he is who he is.”
Several sources claim that Bastoni, who is under contract with Inter until 2028, is keen to join Barcelona in the summer, and Desailly believes that both the defender and Barça would benefit from such a move.
“Yes I mean it is a good experience to match your level. Same as Leao, I don’t know his winning mentality. He is a defender, he isn’t a creative player,” said Desailly, a 1998 France World Cup winner.
“But maybe he can lift the level to understand and adapt to Barcelona’s level where they are in need of a strong defensive attitude.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy looks on prior to the Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“You can see Barcelona, in each position they are just amazing, but they are weak at the back, and that is why they don’t win the Champions League.
“So he could be that player that brings that consistency and that strength on the defensive block to bring Barcelona to another level. Because they definitely need defensive leaders in the squad.”
Milan star Rafael Leao hasn’t scored a goal since March 1, and Gazzetta dello Sport recently argued that the Portuguese winger and the Rossoneri should part ways at the end of the season.
“You said it, you cannot criticise him, because the day you criticise him, he will produce magic on the pitch. And you are stuck, and you don’t know what to say anymore. In five seconds, he will crash out all the negativity you put on him,” argued Desailly.
“But we know 100% that he doesn’t have the consistency. And he isn’t on his own a leader for a full season like Messi was, and Neymar was.
“He doesn’t have that consistency. He is an important player for the team, but he can never be the main man throughout the season. He can be the main man once in a while because he will be on and off.
“And he looks like he has reached the maximum level he can produce. I can’t criticise him because he is earning a lot of money and plays for Milan and the Portuguese national team.
“But I think that he thinks he is everything. He isn’t mentally ready to study where he can improve physically, because he potentially cannot give more physically,” continued the ex-Milan defender.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is hugged by Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Then maybe he can potentially study how to change his diet, training or whatever to have that consistency. He is a bit of a problem in a system because he doesn’t track back. He’ll push forward but when the action is finished, he stops.
“It means he doesn’t have the legs to get back into position. So, there must be a physical and mental approach that could eventually bring him to the level of, because he could be Ballon d’Or.
“But does he really want it? Is his entourage smart enough to be able to tell him, ‘Look, what you’ve done is great, but to get to the next level, you will need to adjust certain things.’
“Because for now this is the maximum we can expect from Leao.”
Diego Simeone tells Italy legends Alessandro Del Piero and Alessandro Costacurta that Atletico Madrid have learned that they must ‘hurt’ Barcelona, ‘otherwise, they will.’
“You know well that sometimes what one wants is not what the players can give,” Simeone replied.
“Sometimes the coaches shout, but the players are like: ‘Gaffer, I just can’t get there.’ Even with one man down, they couldn’t get there. We knew we had to keep a higher line. I kept telling Julian: ‘Mark Pedri, go on the right.’ But he said: ‘Mister, I’m dead.’ I was angrier after the first leg, because we played one man up for 45 minutes, so I was angry when I left. If you don’t score against them, you lose, because they are so strong. Even if you play behind the ball, you’ll concede in the end.”
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ex-Italy defender Costacurta praised Simeone for resting all his starters in the previous La Liga match.
“On Saturday, we had made many changes to the lineup; everyone rested, knowing the effort we’d need today,” said Simeone.
“But, Mamma Mia, they play so well, they attack so well, they come from everywhere. Against them, we have understood that we have to hurt them; otherwise, they will.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 10: Former football player Alessandro Del Piero looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio di Bergamo on December 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid have reached the Champions League semis four times under Simeone and twice made it to the Final, so Del Piero asked if the Argentine felt “something special” this season.
“Yes, I do. And there is,” Simeone concluded, smiling.
According to multiple sources, Ibrahima Konate is on the verge of reaching an agreement over a new contract with Liverpool. It is very close, with minor details over bonuses the only issue remaining to be ironed out. The talks were put on hold for a few days as the Merseysiders focused on their Champions League […]
The Saudi Pro League returns with a high-stakes clash that could shape the title race, as Al-Nassr welcomes Al-Ettifaq in Riyadh.
The Saudi Pro League returns with a high-stakes clash that could shape the title race, as Al-Nassr welcomes Al-Ettifaq in Riyadh. With Cristiano Ronaldo at the center of attention, uncertainty surrounding his involvement has added intrigue to an already crucial encounter.
The home side enters the match in dominant form, sitting at the top of the table and pushing for a long-awaited league title. A five-point lead and a remarkable winning streak have placed Al-Nassr in a commanding position, but the pressure remains intense with only a handful of matches left. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq arrives looking to disrupt the momentum despite inconsistent performances in recent weeks.
The stakes could hardly be higher as the league campaign approaches its decisive stretch. Al-Nassr has collected over 70 points and built one of the strongest attacking records in the competition, scoring freely while maintaining defensive stability. Its recent 2-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud reinforced its credentials as the team to beat.
Al-Ettifaq, on the other hand, finds itself in a very different situation. Sitting seventh with mixed results, the team has struggled for consistency, including a recent 3-2 defeat that exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Despite that, their ability to challenge stronger opponents keeps this fixture unpredictable.
Will Ronaldo play?
As anticipation built, the focus inevitably shifted to whether Ronaldo would feature in such a crucial match. Cristiano Ronaldo will start and lead the attack, adding firepower to the lineup. The Portuguese partnership between Ronaldo and Joao Felix has added creativity and finishing power in the final third.
The Portuguese forward returned from a recent hamstring injury in sharp form, scoring three goals in his last two appearances. His tally of 24 league goals and an astonishing 968 career goals underline his continued influence, even at this stage of his career. What’s more, he needs six more goals to surpass Mohammed Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s all-time top goalscorer in the Saudi Pro League.
Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training
Both sides enter the match with important squad updates that could influence the outcome. Al-Nassr will be without Angelo Gabriel after a fitness setback, while the return of Inigo Martinez strengthens the defensive options.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Ettifaq: Confirmed lineups
Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Martinez, Al Amri, Simakan, Boushal; Brozovic, Al Khaibari, Felix; Mane, Ronaldo, Coman.
Al-Ettifaqconfirmed XI (5-3-2): Rodak; Radi, Khateem, Jack, Calvo, Nkota; Duda, Medran; Wijnaldum; Al Ghannam; Dembele.
ristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring
In the aftermath, Yamal addressed the defeat with a message that reflected both realism and ambition.
The spotlight once again fell on Lamine Yamal as Barcelona bowed out of the UEFA Champions League dramatically. The teenager played a decisive role on the night, yet the result left the club facing another painful European exit.
Barcelona arrived at the Metropolitano needing a response against Atletico Madrid after the first-leg setback. The start could hardly have been more promising, with Yamal inspiring belief by striking early and setting the tone for a frantic opening.
The team surged forward with confidence, and the deficit was erased during an electric first half. However, the momentum shifted after the break, as Atletico regained control and ultimately secured a 3-2 aggregate victory, ending the Catalans’ European hopes.
Yamal’s influence was evident from the opening seconds, as he tested the goalkeeper almost immediately before finding the net. His energy and creativity helped Hansi Flick’s side push to the brink of a famous turnaround, but the effort proved insufficient in the end.
As the match wore on, fatigue crept in, and control slipped away. The host capitalized on key moments, and a late red card further complicated Barcelona’s task, sealing a defeat that will linger.
What did Lamine Yamal say on social media?
In the aftermath, Yamal addressed the defeat with a message that reflected both realism and ambition. “We gave it our all, but it wasn’t enough. This is just part of the journey: to reach the top, you have to climb, and we know it won’t be easy, nor will they make it easy for us. But giving up is not an option.”
His words struck a balance between acknowledging the setback and reinforcing belief in the future. The tone suggested a player already thinking beyond the immediate disappointment. The 18-year-old’s message did not stop at reflection, as he also looked ahead with determination.
“We have plenty of reasons to be hopeful, and we’re going to go all out for them. Every mistake is a lesson, and rest assured, we’ll learn from each one.” He then delivered a statement that resonated deeply with supporters. “We are Barca, and we’ll be back where we belong. My parents taught me that a man’s word is his bond… and we’ll bring that to Barcelona.”
Moment of maturity despite disappointment
What stood out after the final whistle was not frustration, but composure. Instead of retreating into disappointment, Yamal remained on the pitch, moving from teammate to teammate in a show of support.
The image of the 18-year-old consoling others, including more experienced players, captured a different kind of leadership. It was a clear sign of maturity, as he chose unity over individual frustration in a difficult moment.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up
Following the tight result in the first leg, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are preparing to face off in the second leg of the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinals. As a result, fans are closely monitoring the status of Kylian Mbappé, as his presence could be decisive in front of goal.
Despite being inferior for much of the first leg, Real Madrid still hold hope of overturning the result against Bayern Munich, as they trail by just one goal. Given the narrow scoreline, both sides expect a contested game, with an offensive approach dominating. Moreover, fans are closely monitoring the status of Kylian Mbappé as his presence could prove in the Champions League Quarterfinals.
After avoiding injuries in recent matches, Kylian Mbappé is in peak physical condition. Because of this, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will start the Frenchman, hoping his scoring impact will help overturn the result. In addition, he was decisive in the first leg, so another standout performance is expected. With this, he could look to silence the criticism surrounding his season, which has otherwise been impressive.
Alongside the Frenchman,Real Madrid will once again rely on the partnership with Vinícius Jr. However, the absence of Aurélien Tchouaméni due to yellow card accumulation will force adjustments in the starting lineup, such as deploying Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde at the base of midfield. As a result, Brahim Díaz could take on a key role, aiming to exploit spaces in the opposition’s midfield.
Bayern Munich will also have most of their squad available, with Harry Kane and Manuel Neuer returning to top form. After dominating in the first leg, coach Vincent Kompany may opt not to make changes to his starting lineup, as he confirmed that Serge Gnabry is fit enough to play 120 minutes if needed. In addition, Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanišić could once again play key roles, contributing to the team’s build-up play.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid attempts to shoot past Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich predicted lineups vs Real Madrid
After their dominant performance in the first leg, Bayern Munich face Real Madrid as clear favorites. Coach Vincent Kompany will be without Lennart Karl and Sven Ulreich. However, the German side will rely on Kane, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and Neuer as their core, maintaining their consistency. Despite this, they will face a tough challenge in defending space in behind, as Mbappé and Vinícius could use their pace to make the difference.
The German side could lineup as follows: Manuel Neuer; Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer; Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović; Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Luis Díaz; Harry Kane.
Real Madrid lineups vs Bayern Munich
Although they didn’t dominate the first leg, Real Madrid managed to be quite efficient, thanks to Kylian Mbappé. However, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be forced to make changes to his lineup, as Aurelien Tchouameni will be out due to yellow card accumulation. As a result, they will start Valverde as a defensive midfielder. Following that, Arda Guler and Brahim will be responsible for linking the midfield and the attack.
With this in mind, Real Madrid will play as follows: Andriy Lunin; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy; Brahim Diaz, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler; Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappé.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
The road to the 2026 World Cup was always expected to test France in new ways, but few imagined that Hugo Ekitike would become the center of a devastating late setback just weeks before the tournament.
The road to the 2026 World Cup was always expected to test France in new ways, but few imagined that Hugo Ekitike would become the center of a devastating late setback just weeks before the tournament. France will enter driven by the scars of the 2022 final, where it fell short in a dramatic clash that still lingers in memory.
Ranked third in the world and placed on a favorable path in the bracket, the national team once again looks like a serious contender aiming for a third world title. With stars like 2018 World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele leading the charge, belief inside the camp remains strong.
The national team arrives with a blend of experience and attacking firepower that few can match. N’Golo Kante has returned to orchestrate play from midfield, while the defensive core brings years of elite European experience into the tournament. This generation believes it has unfinished business on the world stage, especially after coming so close in Qatar.
That confidence has now been shaken by a major setback. Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a Champions League clash between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, an injury that immediately raised fears about his availability.
PSG maçında aşil tendonu kopan Hugo Ekitike, 9 ay formasından uzak kalacak. (L’Equipe)pic.twitter.com/QJm8QTjNZh
The uncertainty surrounding the striker has soon turned into confirmation of the worst possible outcome. “Carried off on a stretcher… Hugo Ekitike suffered a rupture of his right Achilles tendon,” reported L’Equipe, leaving little room for optimism. As per the report, the injury immediately rules him out of the 2026 World Cup and potentially sidelines him for seven to nine months.
The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, where the striker collapsed without contact. “It doesn’t look good for Hugo. It’s especially difficult for him because you never want to get injured, especially at this time of the season,” admitted the Reds’ boss Arne Slot, reflecting the mood inside the club.
What this means for France’s tactical setup
France’s attacking structure has been one of its greatest strengths, blending pace, creativity, and finishing quality. Ekitike had emerged as a valuable option, contributing 17 goals in 45 appearances at club level and earning his place in the national team setup. His absence forces the coaching staff to rethink rotations and attacking combinations ahead of the tournament.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool holds his ankle as he appears to be injured
Despite the setback, France still enters the competition with strong depth and experience. The team remains on a favorable path in the tournament draw, avoiding early clashes with giants like Spain and Argentina. However, maintaining squad fitness and adapting to injuries will now be even more critical for Didier Deschamps and his squad.
Who steps into the spotlight?
Since it’s safe to say that Ekitike is officially ruled out, attention now turns to who could fill the void in the national team. According to Le Parisien, Randal Kolo Muani has emerged as the leading candidate to take his place, largely due to the trust he maintains within the coaching staff. His international experience could prove decisive despite mixed club form.
Randal Kolo Muani of France controls the ball
Other options remain firmly in contention. Christopher Nkunku offers versatility and technical quality, while Jean-Philippe Mateta has impressed with his efficiency in limited appearances for the national team. Each brings a different profile, leaving the final decision open as the tournament approaches.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool holds his ankle as he appears to be injured
Al Nassr host Al Ittifaq in Matchday 29 of the 2025/2026 Saudi Pro League season. Discover everything you need to watch the game, including kickoff times and full broadcast information for TV and streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Al Nassr vs Al Ittifaq on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Al Nassr vs Al Ittifaq
WHAT
Saudi Pro League
WHEN
2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT • Wednesday, April 15, 2026
League leadersAl Nassr enter this matchup determined to keep their grip on first place, riding strong form and relying on the firepower of Cristiano Ronaldo to extend their winning run. Standing in their way is Al Ittifaq, currently seventh with 42 points, a side eager to turn an inconsistent campaign into a defining moment with a marquee upset.
With the title contenders focused on maintaining momentum and the underdogs hungry to disrupt the race, this showdown shapes up as a must-watch battle—be sure to tune in and catch every minute of the action.
More details on how to watch
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Former Italian striker Antonio Cassano argues he was more ‘creative’ than Francesco Totti and had more physicality than Roberto Baggio: ‘But I never reached my prime.’
Former Serie A star Cassano released some bold statements in his latest appearance on the Viva El Football podcast, which he hosts alongside Daniele Adani and Nicola Ventola.
Cassano: I was ‘more creative’ than Totti
A follower asked Cassano whether, in his prime, he was better than legendary strikers Baggio, Del Piero and Totti, and he replied without hesitation: “In my prime, absolutely yes; even though I never actually reached it in my career or in my life. I like myself much more,” he said via FcInter1908.
“Baggio was brilliant; Totti was the greatest No.10 in the history of Italian football; Del Piero was a phenomenal player, but if I had reached 100%, I would have been stronger than all three.
“What did I have more than Totti? I was more creative, more physical than Baggio and more of everything than Del Piero. He scored more than I, but I’m talking about my prime,” he added.
Alessandro Del Piero looks on during a press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 03, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“If I had done what I was meant to, I would have had no rivals. Goals don’t tell the whole story. I was something else.”
Cassano scored 112 goals and provided 100 assists in 400 Serie A appearances with Bari, Roma, Sampdoria, Milan, Inter and Parma.
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 30: Former Roma’s football player Antonio Cassano during the ‘Partita Del Cuore’ Charity Match at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 30, 2018 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Rattini/Getty Images)
He also played for Real Madrid but managed only four goals and three assists in 29 appearances.
The former striker scored 10 goals in 39 appearances for the Italy national team, helping the team reach the Euro 2012 Final.
Del Piero and Totti won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, while Baggio finished 3rd with the Azzurri at Italia ’90, 2nd at USA ’94, and was knocked out in the quarter-finals at France ’98.
Paolo Vanoli says Fiorentina are doing ‘everything we can’ to recover Moise Kean for a Conference League game against Crystal Palace, where the Tuscans will need ‘courage’ and ‘heads free’ to try to overturn a three-goal deficit.
Fiorentina host Crytal Palace at the Stadio Franchi on Thursday night in the second leg of the Conference League quarter-finals.
The Tuscans suffered a 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture played in England last week, but hope to see Italy international Kean return to action tomorrow: “We are trying to recover him; we are doing everything we can, including double training sessions with the player,” Fiorentina coach Vanoli told Sky Sport.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“He is keen to try to help us in this final part of the season. It’s a problem that has somewhat interrupted what he did last year, but thanks to the group, we have been able to make up for the absence of an important player.”
Kean has missed the last two games for Fiorentina, including the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park last week.
Fiorentina spent most of the season in the Serie A drop zone, but bounced back in recent months and are now eight points above the bottom three.
On Monday, they secured a crucial 1-0 win over Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio.
“It was the most important league win of the season, for the group and for how we approached it, especially given all the absences we had,” Vanoli said.
“There were three important points, knowing they bring us closer to something extraordinary, numbers in hand. Now, however, we need to keep our feet on the ground and go to Lecce, thinking we still have to earn the points we need.”
Vanoli is under contract with Fiorentina until the end of the season and his future at the Stadio Franchi is far from certain.
“I’ve been in football for many years, I know how it works, and I move on,” he said.
“I have to look at what we are doing and what the numbers are saying.”
Surely, however, Vanoli would love to remain at the Franchi beyond the summer.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 02: Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli looks on from the bench during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli on March 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“Absolutely, when I do something, I want to keep going with it,” he insisted.
“The club has always given me trust, and I know the esteem they have for me. I have to look at the present and finish what we started, which may seem little, but is actually a lot.”
During his pre-match press conference, Vanoli shifted his focus on the upcoming European game against Palace, highlighting the approach he expects from his players: “With head free and knowing that we’ll need a feat. Sometimes, for these things, you don’t need technique, but the desire to do something that goes beyond, with courage and with our heads free,” he said via TMW.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“We’ll have to take risks to try to dream. I’m sorry I don’t have the full squad available. Substitutions are helpful, but against Lazio, we proved we are a proper team.
“We know Crystal Palace are one of the favourites to win the Conference League,” continued the Fiorentina coach.
“They got to this game after a comeback against Newcastle, who have a complete team.
“I showed the lads the opening 30 minutes before the penalty kick. It’s not true that we didn’t play well. I think we paid a high price for incidents in which we lacked attention. This must serve as a lesson on how to become a top side. We were unlucky in the draw, but it’s nice because strong opponents make you grow. When you don’t win, you learn.”
Jonathan David has had an opportunity to discuss the criticism he has received in his first season at Juventus, has put to bed any rumours that he hasn’t settled in the dressing room and says that the Old Lady are ‘under more scrutiny than any other club in Italy’.
David on Juventus struggles, false rumours and failed panenka penalty attempt
The Canada international, who joined Juventus on a free transfer after five successful seasons with Lille in Ligue 1, spoke to TSN in his homeland after what has been a fairly underwhelming first campaign in Serie A.
David has made 30 appearances in Serie A this term, but has only started 17 times and is only on five league goals for the season, four of which came in a run of five games in January. For reference, David averaged 17.4 league goals per season during his time in France and never scored fewer than 13 in the league during his five seasons with Lille.
“For me, I think it’s been up and down. I came to a new club with high hopes, high expectations and obviously I wasn’t scoring as regularly as I wanted to,” David told TSN when asked how he thinks his 2025-26 season has gone.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Weston McKennie and Kenan Yildiz during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He feels that playing for a club the size of Juventus also opens players up to wider criticism: “Juventus is the club that is under more scrutiny than any other club in Italy, there’s all these eyes on you and obviously people will talk.”
There had been rumours earlier in the season that David had not settled into the dressing room at Continassa, and there were some reports that the players had stopped inviting him out to team dinners.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti had to step in to put the story to bed, joking that the first time David was invited out for dinner with his teammates, he committed the Italian sin of grating parmesan cheese over seafood pasta, which is why his Italian colleagues, supposedly, didn’t take him out again.
David insists that these rumours were not true in the slightest.
“I don’t know how or why that rumour came out but obviously I know it wasn’t true because I’m in the dressing room with these guys, we get along very well,” he said.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, celebrates his team’s third goal, scored by Jonathan David during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
David also faced criticism after making a mess of an attempted panenka from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw with Lecce, which ended up costing Juventus a precious two points.
“I knew what I wanted to do, it didn’t come off right. After that game there was a lot of talk about the way I kicked the penalty, why it was me doing it.”
It was immediately after the Lecce game that David went on his run of scoring four times in five Serie A matches: “It was a very special moment for myself and I think for the team also,” he said.
“Maybe sometimes people don’t understand you, people don’t really know you so they tend to judge you but that doesn’t really matter because you have people that are close to you, who care for you, who understand the way you are so I’m not really worried about that.”
PSG’s Marquinhos qualified for the Champions League semifinals on Tuesday following a 2-0 away win at Liverpool.
The ex-Roma defender, who played for the Giallorossi in the 2012-13 campaign, spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the match, recalling his only season in Serie A.
Marquinhos: Roma ‘meant a lot’ to me
“I only spent one season in Italy, but it opened the door to Europe for me and meant a lot,” he said, in perfect Italian.
“I had a coach, Zeman. He likes fast defenders who understand the timing: when the ball is covered, when it’s uncovered, and how to execute offside. It taught me so much, and it forced me to get out of my comfort zone, where I was in Brazil, where I was much more comfortable. It taught me so much.
“Here [at PSG], I played with many players who had been in Italy, who helped me understand the tactics and the play. Thiago Silva, Maxwell, Thiago Motta, and many others who passed a lot on to me. So, I’m always grateful to Italy.”
Roma finished 6th in the 2012-13 campaign, and Zeman was sacked after round 23, replaced by Aurelio Andreazzoli until the end of the campaign.
UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Marquinhos, Lucas Chevalier and Willian Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain line up prior to the UEFA Super Cup 2025 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Friuli on August 13, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Marquinhos commented on PSG’s win over Liverpool, answering a question from Fabio Capello, one of the Sky Sport Italia pundits, who asked the Brazilian whether Mohamed Salah’s introduction in the second half somehow concerned the Ligue 1 giants.
“I think they had nothing to lose in the second half. They had to use their strength, which is physicality, and played many long balls on the wings to win the second ball,” Marquinhos replied.
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 07: Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain encourages the fans during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
“But we are aware of our strengths and weaknesses, so we didn’t want to bring the game where they wanted, corner kicks, first ball, second ball, and we defended smartly. Even if it’s not our main strength, we must be able to defend and take on the pain in these tough moments. Don’t concede and be able to suffer to make the most of our best moments.”
PSG are the defending Champions League title holders, having beaten Serie A giants Inter 5-0 in the 2024-25 Final.
Under ex-Roma coach Luis Henrique, PSG have once again reached the semis, where they’ll face Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
Interviewed by Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel after Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals, on the eve of the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, the Ligue 1 champions’ president Nasser Al-Khelaifi paid his respects to the victims of that fateful event, and even sent best wishes to Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike […]
Atletico Madrid edged their way into the Champions League semi-finals despite going down 2-1 to a resurgent Barcelona on Tuesday. Trailing 2-0 from last week’s first leg, the Blaugrana, who ended the contest at the Metropolitano with 10 men, fought back bravely, but Ademola Lookman’s goal was enough to seal a 3-2 aggregate win for […]
Rolando Mandragora is aware that Fiorentina need a ‘perfect game’ to overturn their 3-0 deficit against Crystal Palace in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie, but warns the South Londoners that ‘we believe in the miracle’.
The Viola will host Palace at the Stadio Franchi at 20.00 BST on Thursday evening, requiring a statement performance to overturn the 3-0 defeat they suffered at Selhurst Park last week.
Palace are the bookies’ outright favourites to go on and win this season’s Conference League title, but Fiorentina are two-time finalists themselves and are hoping to make amends for what has been a largely disappointing season across the board.
Mandragora previews Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace second leg: ‘Difficult, but we believe in it’
“We’ve managed to keep ourselves alive and are still in the running. It will take a big feat but we believe in the miracle,” Mandragora warned during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday (via TMW).
“We’ve often suffered comebacks in the second leg in the past few years. Now could be the right time to do it ourselves. Of course, we’ll need the perfect game and that Palace will concede against us. It will be difficult, but we believe in it.”
Mandragora hopes that the support from the home fans at the Stadio Franchi will spur the players on on the night.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: David De Gea of ACF Fiorentina looks on as ticker tape is seen around him during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“We can do something special with the support of our fans. We didn’t want to disappoint them with a result like that in the first leg. But for most of the game, the performance was there, there were chances. We’ll try to play our game at home, even if they are strong and complete.”
Fiorentina are five games unbeaten over in Serie A and are finally starting to look safe from relegation after moving eight points clear of the drop zone after their 1-0 win over Lazio on Monday night.
“It’s been a one-off year and the celebration the other night was a sort of liberation, even if it’s not over yet,” said Mandragora.
“We didn’t expect to have a season like this. We started with completely different goals and we needed a lot of humility to change them. It wasn’t obvious we’d be in this situation.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Giovanni Fabbian of ACF Fiorentina is challenged by Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Despite the 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park last week, Mandragora insists that he didn’t feel too much of a difference in quality between the Premier League and the Serie A outfit.
“I honestly don’t (notice a difference in quality). Of course, the Premier League is elite, as is Serie A with its pros and cons. Every game has its own story and the first leg told us that they were better than us. We’ll see if we’re better than them in the second.”
Cristian Chivu is on course to win the Scudetto in his first full season as a head coach, and reports on Wednesday indicate that a contract extension is now close and that the Romanian will be given more of a say on Inter’s transfer decisions moving forwards.
Chivu was given his first senior head coach role with Parma last February, but did enough in his short time in charge to convince Inter into appointing him as the replacement for 2023-24 Scudetto winner and two-time Champions League finalist Simone Inzaghi ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Fast forward 10 months later, Chivu and Inter have a nine-point lead at the top of the Serie A table heading into the final six games of the season and it is now widely expected that the Nerazzurri will go on to claim their 21st league title.
Multiple outlets in Italy indicate that Chivu will be rewarded with a new and improved contract extension at the end of the season, potentially doubling his €2.5m-per-season salary until 2029 or potentially even 2030.
Chivu and Inter align on transfer strategy
Official: Inter appoint Cristian Chivu as head coach (via www.inter.it)
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chivu will also have more of a say over Inter’s potential recruits on the transfer market moving forwards.
Last summer, Chivu had no say at all in two of the five new signings that the club brought in: Deals for Luis Henrique and Petar Sucic were negotiated by the club long before Chivu was appointed head coach.
Additionally, there were two high-profile players that Chivu attempted to sign last summer, namely former Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, now with Atletico Madrid, and Roma midfielder Manu Kone, but was unsuccessful on both fronts.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 29: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on December 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This time around, however, the club and coach plan to be in complete harmony in their decision making and are aiming to provide Chivu with players with profiles that suit his style of play. They are said to be targeting more physically imposing players, particularly in defence and midfield.
Names that have been linked with Inter ahead of the summer transfer window include Kone again, Atalanta’s Marco Palestra and Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic.
Raphinha believes that bad refereeing decisions across their Champions League quarter-final tie with Atletico Madrid robbed his team of a spot in the final four. Barcelona were eliminated from the competition despite winning Tuesday’s second leg 2-1 at the Metropolitano, with Ademola Lookman’s 31st-minute strike proving decisive. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres had wiped out […]
Diego Simeone is still astonished by the competitive edge his Atletico Madrid team can find after they saw off Barcelona in the Champions League. Atletico lost the quarter-final second leg 2-1 at the Metropolitano on Tuesday, but Ademola Lookman’s strike proved enough for them to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory. Simeone’s Atletico have reached the […]
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 5/6 Bookmaker: Dachbet With all eyes falling on Stamford Bridge this weekend, Chelsea will welcome historic rivals Manchester United to west London. Chelsea Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have enjoyed an immediate boost following Liam Rosenior’s shock arrival back in January, the Blues […]
Liverpool must “sell to buy” this coming summer, but Arne Slot is sure the club are braced for the challenge. The Reds’ disappointing season continued with a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, sealed by a 2-0 loss at Anfield. Liverpool have lost five games in a single Champions League campaign […]
Poland international Milik won’t return to action before the end of the season after suffering a biceps femoris injury.
His club, Juventus, confirmed Milik’s new injury setback on Wednesday.
Milik injury: official statement
“Following a muscle injury sustained in training on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, Arkadiusz Milik underwent tests at J|Medical this Wednesday morning,” Juventus said in a statement.
“Those tests revealed a moderate-grade strain of the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh.”
Juventus added that “further tests will be conducted in about 10 days’ time to determine the exact recovery time,” but according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta, it will take Milik from four to five weeks to fully recover from his latest injury, which means he won’t be available for the remaining six games of the season.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 23: Arkadiusz Milik of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Semi-final Second Leg match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on April 23, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The 32-year-old had suffered several injury setbacks from 2024 to 2026, including calf, knee, and adductor injuries, which forced him to miss the entire 2024-25 campaign.
Milik has been playing for Juventus since 2022, but has only played 77 games with the Old Lady, scoring 17 goals. His contract at the Allianz Stadium runs out in June 2027.
Wednesday’s reports claim that Juventus are interested in potential deals for two Italian left-backs in Lorenzo Bernasconi and Leonardo Spinazzola in the event that Andrea Cambiaso, who has been linked with a potential Premier League move, leaves the club this summer.
Juventus could reshuffle left side of defence in summer transfer window
According to reports from Tuttosport, Premier League interest in Cambiaso is hotting up again. The Italy international has on several previous occasions been linked with a move to Manchester City, and now, according to Wednesday’s update, there is interest from Spain and from Milan in Italy as well.
Juventus had previously cited an asking price of €60m for Manchester City, but this figure could potentially be as low as €40m during the next summer transfer window.
In the event that Cambaiso does leave in the summer, Tuttosport claims that Juventus could replace him with two relatively affordable options.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Lorenzo Bernasconi of Atalanta runs with the ball during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
The first is Atalanta’s Bernasconi, who has established himself as a regular Serie A starter for La Dea in the second half of the 2025-26 season, and has also started in 10 Champions League matches this campaign.
The 22-year-old has been described as an ‘experienced project player’, i.e. one with room to improve but still with a decent level of exposure at the highest level of the game. Wednesday’s report claims that Juventus could strike a deal for a fee in the region of €20m for Bernasconi, who cost Atalanta around €1m to sign from Cremonese in 2024.
Additionally, Juventus could also make a potential move for the 33-year-old Spinazzola, whose contract with Napoli is due to expire at the end of the season. The Italy international was also linked with a potential move to Milan earlier this week.
Inter and Italy legend Sandro Mazzola believes Alessandro Bastoni should not even consider a move to Barcelona and hopes Lautaro Martinez remains at San Siro forever.
Mazzola: Bastoni should not join Barcelona from Inter
“What has he done that’s so serious? Mistakes can happen; every player on every team makes them, but only Inter players get this kind of treatment,” Mazzola told Gazzetta.
“The only thing I can say to him is: keep your head up and get back to work straight away.”
Asked on whether Bastoni should consider leaving Inter, the Nerazzurri legend replied: “Where should he go? Milan is even more beautiful than Barcelona. If Luisito [Suarez] were still around, he would have confirmed that too.”
Mazzola went on to say that Italian players in the Inter team “excite” him, “even though we failed to qualify for the World Cup, and that’s a huge pain,” he noted.
“Not so much for me, since I’ve played and seen many of them, but for my grandchildren, who can’t dream like kids used to. This time we were a bit unlucky, especially our Inter defender [Bastoni].”
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale looks on before the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Just as he hopes Bastoni, who is contracted with Inter until 2028, won’t leave the club in the summer, Mazzola wishes that Lautaro Martinez would stick around until the end of his career.
“We can only hope he stays with us for life,” the 70-year-old concluded.
Argentines sometimes want to return home, but Lautaro shouldn’t get any strange ideas. In time, he’ll surpass Altobelli in the number of goals, and just getting close to Meazza would already be an incredible achievement.”
Wednesday’s reports claim that Roma star Paulo Dybala is keen to play for Milan under his former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri, and that La Joya could potentially be one of several new arrivals to reshuffle the Rossoneri attack.
Reports Milan could reshuffle attack with Dybala and either Lewandowski or Vlahovic
Wednesday’s reports from Corriere della Sera (via Calciomercato.com) claim that Milan could reshape their attacking department during the summer transfer window and that Dybala could potentially be a part of it, but this still depends on several varying factors.
Firstly, Milan need to make a decision on Rafael Leao, who has struggled to reach the same heights in 2025-26 as he has done in previous seasons, despite being the club’s top scorer in Serie A this season (with 9) and their joint-top scorer across all competitions (with 10, along with Christian Pulisic).
This is partly due to a pubalgia issue that has impacted Leao’s fitness, as well as the fact that he has most regularly been playing as a striker in a 3-5-2 as opposed to a left winger in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
Certain Rossoneri supporters have grown impatient with the Portugal international, who was loudly booed during the team’s recent 3-0 loss at home against Udinese. Wednesday’s reports claim that Milan could consider a sale this summer, and while an exact transfer fee has not been specified, it is certain that Leao’s €175m release clause will not be met.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
If Leao is to leave, Milan would be left needing to reinvest in their attacking unit.
Firstly, a more traditional centre-forward is being sought ahead of the summer transfer window, regardless of Leao’s future. Robert Lewandowski, available on a free transfer at the end of his Barcelona contract, has been linked with a move to San Siro, while Milan are reportedly still monitoring the situation between Juventus and Dusan Vlahovic.
Also out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 season is Dybala, whose future with Roma remains uncertain at this stage.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Calciomercato reports that Dybala has not received confirmation either way as to whether his Roma contract will be extended or allowed to expire, but that he is already beginning to receive offers within Europe and South America.
Wednesday’s report claims that Dybala is not opposed to the idea of staying on with Roma, even with a reduction in salary, but that he also has options in Argentina, Brazil and potentially in Italy as well.
If his time with Roma were to come to an end this summer, Dybala would reportedly prefer to stay in Europe and ideally in Italy.
This is where Milan comes back in, as Dybala is said to be keen on the idea of reuniting with his former Juventus head coach, Allegri, at Milan. La Joya had also been linked with a potential move to San Siro before joining Roma at the end of his stay with the Old Lady.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As the 32-year-old has been hampered by injuries, especially over the last two seasons, it has also been reported that he would be ‘willing’ to accept a performance-based contract, i.e. one that depends on appearances and goal contributions.
La Gazzetta dello Sport calls Matteo Ruggeri ‘heroic’ after Atlético Madrid’s aggregate win over Barcelona, which sent the Colchoneros to the Champions League semi-finals.
Ruggeri’s Atlético Madrid suffered a 2-1 home defeat to domestic rivals Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, but still managed to progress to the semis with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Italy international Ruggeri played the full game, emerging as one of the best players on the field at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Praise for Ruggeri as Atletico Madrid knock Barcelona out of Champions League
La Gazzetta dello Sport rated Ruggeri 7/10, the same as Antoine Griezmann and ex-Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, only behind his teammates Marcos Llorente and Kone and Barça’s star Yamal (7.5).
“The man from Bergamo had to deal with that demon on Lamine Yamal once again. And he did,” wrote Gazzetta.
“Bloodied and, in the end, heroic.”
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atlético de Madrid is checked on by teammates after going down injured as Jules Kounde and Pedri of FC Barcelona speak to referee Clement Turpin during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ruggeri was elbowed by Barcelona midfielder Gavi in the final minutes, leaving him with a bleeding head wound and forcing the Italian to finish the match wearing a bandage.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atlético de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ruggeri, 23, is in his first season at Atlético Madrid, where he has collected seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Ruggeri was called up to the Italy national team only once, during the March break in 2025, and has yet to make his senior Azzurri debut, despite playing 16 games with Italy U21.
Fabio Capello believes that Antonio Conte is primed and ready to re-claim the Italy national team job, but feels that the need to adapt to international management would not put off Massimiliano Allegri either.
Conte and Allegri are the two leading candidates to take over as Italy national team head coach following the recent resignation of Gennaro Gattuso. Italy are still without an FIGC President as well, with elections scheduled for June 22, and so a decision on the next CT is not expected to arrive before a new head of the football association is in place.
Despite the uncertainties regarding the leadership of the Italian FA, there are two main candidates for the Italy head coach role, and Fabio Capello, speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, has given his thoughts on both.
Capello on the next Italy CT: ‘Conte knows what awaits him, Allegri is intelligent’
One of the benefits in appointing Conte is the fact that he has already held the Italy head coach role between 2014 and 2016.
“That would be a plus point for him,” says Capello. “If he returns to the Azzurri dugout, he would already know what awaits him, even though the scenario has changed compared to 10 years ago.
“It’s practically impossible to get worse than this, we’ve hit rock bottom.”
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli SSC looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
For Allegri, however, it would be a first step into international football.
“You don’t have the daily relationship with the players,” Capello warned. “And that’s not trivial, you have less control over what happens during the season. From injuries to the form of various players, you experience everything from the outside until the players are in training camp at Coverciano.”
But does Capello feel that this would be an issue should Allegri take over the Italy job?
“I don’t think so, it would just be different. As I said, Max is intelligent and would quickly understand how to go about it. It would still clearly be a novelty for him at the beginning, while for Antonio it would not.
“Allegri, on the other hand, has something more in terms of communication. Conte has been less diplomatic on some occasions in the past.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Capello believes that Conte did a decent job with the Italy national team during his time in charge between 2014 and 2016, but feels that the players he had available back then were of a slightly higher standard than the current crop of Azzurri representatives.
“He definitely had a European championship that was up to par, but there were also some different players available,” Capello said, referring to the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.
“And there is no longer a real block of a (club) team in the national side. We have some from Inter, but it’s not as large as we’ve had in the past.”
This is not the first time that Capello has mentioned the need for a ‘block’ of players who play for the same club to be deployed in the Italy team.
“Look, the first piece of advice I would give to any coach: You need to create a base of players immediately, possibly focusing on ‘blocking’ a team from the national league.”
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Alessandro Bastoni #95 and Nicolo Barella #23 of FC Internazionale Milano warm up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Capello feels that this is easier said than done, though, given the lack of opportunities handed to Italian players in Serie A at the moment.
“I know it well, our current difficulties stem from here. The level of Italian players has dropped and even the clubs are struggling. So for a recruiter, this is a very complicated task.”
Capello himself was once offered the Italy national team job but turned down the opportunity: “I received the Azzurri offer, but at the moment I didn’t feel like it and so I refuse.
England manager Fabio Capello looks on with Peter Crouch, Joleon Lescott, Ashley Young, Kyle Walker and Ashley Young during the England training session at London Colney on May 31, 2011 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“The national team is a matter of feeling and responsibility, and if at that precise moment I didn’t feel I could make myself available and it would have been wrong to do it and accept.
“The Italy job is not to be taken or rejected for the logic of convenience. It’s something you have to feel inside, because when the anthem starts, you are representing your country and you’re not ‘just’ at the service of a club like with other jobs. So I can’t suggest anything either way, it’s all strictly personal.”
Ousmane Dembele’s double propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-0 win over Liverpool and into the Champions League semi-finals. Under-pressure Liverpool boss Arne Slot knew overturning PSG’s 2-0 advantage from the first leg would be a tall order, and two moments of brilliance from Dembele at Anfield saw the European champions win 4-0 on aggregate. Khvicha […]
Antonio Conte continues to be linked with a potential move to re-claim the Italy national team head coach job following the recent resignation of Gennaro Gattuso, and Wednesday’s reports claim that Napoli have four potential candidates lined up to replace last season’s Scudetto winner.
Who could become Napoli head coach if Conte leaves to take over Italy job?
Conte along with Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri are the two names at the top of the list of potential replacements for Gattuso as head coach of the Italy national team. There have also been mentions of a potential return for Roberto Mancini and suggestions that ex-Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi could be an option as well.
The Conte option is picking up traction again, especially after an interview given to The Athletic by Napoli President Auurelio De Laurentiis on Tuesday.
NAPLES, ITALY – JUNE 26: Antonio Conte new SSC Napoli head coach and Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli president during SSC Napoli new manager unveiling on June 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
De Laurentiis claimed that Conte ‘will never abandon me at the last minute’, but urged him to decide sooner rather than later regarding his future in order to allow Napoli enough time to line up an adequate replacement.
According to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, Napoli’s ideal replacement for Conte in the event that he leaves to take over the Italy job is Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: Gian Piero Gasperini Atalanta head coach greets Antonio Conte Napoli head coach beforeg the Serie A match between Napoli and Atalanta at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 03, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
There are three other potential options for Napoli as well according to Wednesday’s reports, including Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano, Sassuolo’s Fabio Grosso, and a potential return for former head coach Maurizio Sarri, who had the Napoli job between 2015 and 2018 and is currently in his second stint with Lazio.
More weight on the transfer market after the Scudetto
The Inter coach will sign a renewal to open a new cycle. Salary doubled
Mazzola, the interview: ‘Deserved title, Lautaro will stay for life and surpass Meazza
Leao
Playing them all
Milan continue ahead with Rafa (despite the whistles)
The CT race
Nazionale question
The Diavolo want to tie Allegri down. De Laurentiis: ‘Conte decide now’
Spalletti, here’s Kim again
Only big names for Juve, the Korean colossal if Bremer goes
Locatelli signs: 2030
Atletico knock Barca and Yamal out, Super PSG, two goals again in Liverpool
Corriere dello Sport
Conte changes everything
De Laurentiis: ‘If he wants to go, say it now’
Antonio is the key | ADL’s interview with The Athletic reopens the discourse on Napoli’s future
A meeting is expected between the President and the ‘coach of miracles’, who will decide whether or not to continue. Gasperini, Italiano, Sarri and Grosso on the list of possible replacements
Cholo, party with Lookman
Champions League: Atletico in the semi-finals, Barca out
Simeone loses 2-1 at home, but the goal from the ex-Atalanta man is enough to get through. Brace from Dembele: PSG win 2-0 again in Liverpool and also make it through. This evening, Real Madrid looking for the turnaround at Bayern Munich’s home (20.00)
From Alisson to Hojbjerg: Spalletti’s list
Juve’s objectives
Lucio wants an ‘instant team’ to aim for the Scudetto. Bremer alarms: The €54m clause reachable
Serie A has lost goals and goalscorers
782 goals scored
Only eight in double figures up until now. For the first time in 35 years, the top goalscorer could be won by someone with fewer than 20 (The last was Vialli)
Tuttosport
Juve reshape the left
Bernasconi and Spinazzola if Cambiaso leaves
Premier League clubs (as well as Milan) interested in the Bianconeri left-back, valued at €40m. They like the 23-year-old from Atalanta and the possibility of signing the Napoli wing-back for free is intriguing. Need €30m to come in in June: From Gatti to Kelly, the players who could save the balance sheet
Cholo masterpiece, bye-bye Barca
Champions League quarter-final second legs: Dembele freezes Liverpool (0-2), PSG through.
Atletico in the semi-finals despite defeat: Lookman’s goal decisive after going 2-0 down, Ruggeri heroic. Now it’s Arsenal or Sporting (who kick-off at 1-0). This evening, Real looking for a come-back against Bayern after the 1-2 in Madrid
Vlasic’s promise: ‘Yes, I’m staying at Toro’
Meeting between the fans and the Croatian
Meanwhile, the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Scudetto also involve D’Aversa: ‘Radice was a hero of mine, he coached me at Monza: A great man’
‘Lock yourselves in a room and only come out with reforms’
FIGC elections and the new CT, interview with Calentini
Following their elimination, Barcelona star Raphinha blasted the officiating, calling their Champions League quarterfinal exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid a "robbery."
Barcelona‘s hopes of winning the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League were extinguished on Tuesday after falling short of overturning the aggregate deficit despite a 2-1 win at the Metropolitano. The controversy surrounding the tie against Atletico Madrid, however, is far from over, with star forward Raphinha pulling no punches in calling out what he described as a “robbery” by the referees across the entire quarterfinal series.
Raphinha had been one of the most significant absentees for Barcelona after picking up an injury during the March international break with Brazil, ruling him out of both legs against Atletico. Although he traveled to Madrid with his teammates to show his support, he made his feelings about the officiating crystal clear when addressing the media in the mixed zone.
“This match was a robbery. The refereeing had many issues; the decisions he made are unbelievable. Atletico committed I don’t know how many fouls, and the referee didn’t show them a single yellow card. I really want to understand his fear of Barca actually making it through the tie,” Raphinha said.
Among the most consequential decisions that went against the Blaugrana were the red cards shown to Pau Cubarsi in the first leg and Eric Garcia in the second, though both dismissals left little room for argument, with each player having fouled as the last man.
One of the more contentious moments from the first leg arose when Marc Pubill appeared to handle the ball after Juan Musso restarted play from a goal kick, only for the officials to wave away the appeals on the grounds that the ball was not yet in play. On the foul count, Atletico committed 15 compared to Barcelona’s eight in the second leg, yet the Colchoneros escaped without a single yellow card on the night.
For Raphinha, the accumulation of those decisions across both matches points to something more than isolated errors. “It was tough, especially when you see that you have to put in triple the effort just to win the match. I understand making a mistake in one match, but in two consecutive games?” the Brazilian added.
Musso responds to Raphinha
Raphinha’s pointed comments did not take long to make their way around the mixed zone, and Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso was given the chance to respond. The Argentine, who was outstanding across both legs, was having none of it.
“You can’t talk about a robbery. I understand what anyone might say. I respect everyone’s opinion, but let’s not frame the series as if it were a robbery, because that wasn’t the case. We won it on the pitch; we won 2-0 away. Being the last man in football is a red card, unfortunately,” Musso said, directly addressing the dismissals of Cubarsi and Garcia.
Having made seven saves in each leg, Musso was a central figure in Atletico’s progression through the Champions League quarterfinals, and he made a point of acknowledging the quality of the opponent while firmly rejecting Raphinha’s characterization. “They are a team we respect a lot and one that truly motivates us to play against. They are a great team, but I think talking about a robbery is madness,” he concluded.
Ousmane Dembele believes he showcased the best of his ability to lead Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League semi-finals. Dembele scored twice in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield, which sealed a 4-0 triumph on aggregate for Luis Enrique’s side, who will face Bayern Munich or Real Madrid next. Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner […]
Hansi Flick was full of pride for Barcelona’s display in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, as he turned his focus to winning LaLiga. Barca were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Atletico, despite winning Tuesday’s second leg 2-1. Diego Simeone’s side can now look forward to taking on either Sporting CP or Arsenal in […]
Hugo Ekitike looks set to face a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious injury in Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool lost 2-0 at Anfield on Tuesday, capping off a 4-0 aggregate defeat to the European champions, with Ousmane Dembele scoring twice in the second half. While PSG can now look […]
Christian Pulisic finds himself under the spotlight as Massimiliano Allegri’s influence in Italian soccer continues to grow amid rising speculation about a potential Italy national team appointment, with the situation at Milan becoming increasingly tense.
Christian Pulisic finds himself under the spotlight as Massimiliano Allegri’s influence in Italian soccer continues to grow amid rising speculation about a potential Italy national team appointment, with the situation at Milan becoming increasingly tense. At the same time, Allegri’s future is being shaped by internal expectations at the club, while discussions about what he demands to remain in charge continue to circulate behind the scenes.
According to multiple reports in Italy, Allegri has emerged as a leading candidate to take over the national team should Giovanni Malago secure the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This scenario has gained traction quickly, especially after strong backing from Serie A clubs ahead of the upcoming election.
The situation is fluid, but “Allegri will become the favorite to become the next Italy national team head coach if the former CONI President is elected”, Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo revealed on X (formerly Twitter). That possibility has placed Milan in a delicate position, with its current manager suddenly at the center of a national rebuild.
What are Allegri’s reported demands to stay?
The uncertainty surrounding Allegri’s future is tied closely to his expectations from the club. At Milan, his position is far from settled. The club has suffered a dip in form in Serie A, with two consecutive defeats raising concerns about Champions League qualification and long-term direction. This has created friction between coaching expectations and transfer planning.
The coach is frustrated with the recruitment strategy, particularly the lack of defensive reinforcements and inconsistency in squad depth, La Gazzetta dello Sport adds. One internal concern is that the hierarchy’s inability to strengthen key areas has directly affected performance levels and tactical flexibility.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on
The tension has also created a scenario where the 58-year-old boss’ future depends heavily on guarantees. As outlined in La Gazzetta dello Sport’s report, he is expected to demand greater decision-making power over transfers if he remains beyond the season, especially if the club secures a top-four finish.
Allegri’s ‘what if’ clause and how his possible exit route could affect Pulisic
The situation has reached a point where multiple outcomes are being considered inside the club. Allegri’s contract could extend under normal conditions, but that extension is reportedly tied to performance and alignment with management expectations.
If disagreements over transfer policy continue, a potential separation between Allegri and Milan cannot be ruled out, particularly if a national team offer becomes concrete. Italy’s interest adds another layer, giving him an alternative path that avoids the day-to-day pressure of club action.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan
This uncertainty inevitably affects players like Christian Pulisic, who has become an important figure in Milan’s attacking setup since moving to the San Siro in 2023. However, his recent form has reflected the wider inconsistency of the team, with 2026 goalscoring output fluctuating as the club struggles to maintain rhythm in front of goal.
Within the squad, questions are being asked about attacking balance, chance creation, and finishing efficiency. A coaching change or tactical reset could directly influence Pulisic’s role and output, especially if Allegri’s system evolves or if a new manager arrives with different ideas.
Christian Pulisic (left) and Massimiliano Allegri (right)
Al-Nassr stands in a commanding position compared to Karim Benzema's Al-Hilal, but the final steps toward glory still demand precision and consistency.
The pressure is building around Cristiano Ronaldo as the Saudi Pro League season approaches its decisive stretch, with the title race entering a critical phase. Al-Nassr stands in a commanding position compared to Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal, but the final steps toward glory still demand precision and consistency.
The club has placed itself at the summit of the table after a dominant campaign, showing authority in both attack and results. The margin at the top provides confidence, yet the title is not secured, and every remaining match carries weight.
From the opening months, Jorge Jesus’ side has established itself as the most consistent side in the league. With 73 points from 28 matches, the Knight of Najd leads the standings with a five-point cushion over Al-Hilal and a further seven-point gap to Al-Ahli, placing it firmly in control.
The numbers highlight a campaign driven by attacking firepower and resilience. A record of 24 wins and a goal difference of +57 underlines the club’s dominance, making it the benchmark for the rest of the league. However, dominance alone does not guarantee silverware, especially with six matches still to play.
Saudi Pro League standings after Matchday 28
What it will take for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to become champion
The key figure in this title race is 87 points. That number represents the maximum total Al-Hilal can reach if it wins all six of its remaining matches (68 + 18 = 86). Therefore, for Al-Nassr to guarantee the title regardless of other results, it must surpass that total.
Currently, Al-Nassr needs 14 points from its remaining six matches to mathematically secure the title, a total that would take it beyond the maximum possible tally of its closest rival. This would take the team to 87 points, making it unreachable.
There are multiple ways to reach that number, each carrying its own level of risk:
Five wins = 15 points (more than enough)
Four wins and two draws = 14 points
Four wins, one draw, and one loss = 13 points (not guaranteed)
Anything less than 14 points opens the door for Al-Hilal to potentially overtake Cristiano Ronaldo’s side. The road to the title is far from straightforward, with several challenging fixtures ahead. Matches against teams like Al-Ettifaq, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah, and a crucial showdown with Karim Benzema‘s side will test the club’s resolve.
ristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring
Three different scenarios
Scenario 1: Al-Nassr takes care of business
If Jorge Jesus’ players win at least five of their last six matches, the title is theirs; simple as that. Even four wins and two draws would be enough. Given their current form, 24 wins in 28 matches and a +57 goal difference, this is a very realistic outcome.
Scenario 2: Slips open the door
If Al-Nassr drops points, especially through defeats, the pressure shifts. For example, if it collects 12-13 points, it could finish on 85-86 points. That would allow Al-Hilal to catch or surpass it if the latter wins all remaining matches. In this case, goal difference could even come into play, although Al-Nassr currently has a strong edge.
Karim Benzema of Al Hilal looks on.
Scenario 3: Rivals drop points
Al-Nassr may not even need the full 14 points if the club’s two rivals stumble. If Al-Hilal loses or draws even once, its maximum total drops below 86. That reduces the number of points Al-Nassr need to secure the title.
For instance, if Al-Hilal drops three points (one loss), its maximum becomes 83. Al-Nassr would then only need 11 more points to guarantee first place. The same applies to Al-Ahli, who are slightly further back but still mathematically in the race.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Karim Benzema (right)
Brazil former star Filipe Luis highlighted the importance of Carlo Ancelotti at this crucial moment.
With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil are hopeful that Carlo Ancelotti can provide the national team with a tactical identity that allows them to compete for the title in North America. Filipe Luis expressed confidence that the Italian coach will get the job done in time.
“Ancelotti brings us many good things,” Filipe Luis said during a conference organized by Conmebol this week, according to Diario AS.“There are no guarantees we’ll win anything, but it’s the best that could have happened.”
The former Atletico Madrid defender pointed to the timing of Ancelotti’s arrival to take over the national team. In mid-2025, Brazil were coming off a heavy loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires and, with four matches remaining in the South American qualifiers, had not yet secured their place in the World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti delivered the results needed to achieve that goal and has since used every FIFA break to shape a team that had struggled to meet expectations since the departure of Tite after the 2022 World Cup at Qatar.
Vinicius Junior is subbed off by Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil.
Filipe Luis believes in Brazil’s chances
The general consensus among fans and analysts lists Spain, France and Argentina as the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Despite being the most successful national team in the competition’s history, Brazil are not placed in that top tier, but rather in a second group alongside other powerhouses such as Germany, England and Portugal.
However, Filipe Luis warned those who might count Brazil out of the title race. “Brazil will always be one of the favorites, even when things aren’t going well,” said the former Flamengo manager, extending that view to Argentina as well.
To support his confidence in Ancelotti’s squad, Filipe Luis pointed to the team’s individual talent: “People don’t believe Brazil can win. But if you look at the five best players in the world, we have two: Raphinha and Vini Jr.”
Brazil’s path in the 2026 World Cup
Brazil are in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will open their campaign on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before traveling to Philadelphia six days later to face Haiti. Their final group-stage match will be on June 24 in Miami against Scotland.
If everything goes as expected and Carlo Ancelotti’s side finish top of the group, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they would face the runner-up of Group F — made up of Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia — in Houston on June 29.
Ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid, legend Manuel Neuer warned Bayern Munich to "be careful."
Manuel Neuer continues to perform at an elite level at 40 years old, proving to be the difference-maker in the first leg against Real Madrid, but the veteran keeper knows the job is far from finished. Ahead of hosting Los Blancos for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Neuer warned his Bayern Munich teammates to “be careful” when dealing with the Spanish giants.
Boasting nine saves and 1.05 goals prevented according to SofaScore, Neuer earned Man of the Match honors in the opening leg as Bayern secured a gritty 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite holding a narrow aggregate lead, the World Cup winner remains wary of a trademark Real Madrid comeback.
Speaking to the media during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Neuer was quick to downplay Bayern’s upper hand: “The only advantage is that we have a (one-goal) lead, but it’s Real Madrid; it is a very tough challenge. We are fortunate to play the second leg at home, and we have confidence in the fans. We are very motivated and prepared. It’s a good situation to be in… but we must be careful, as we’ve seen in the past how Real Madrid can win.“
Real Madrid enter the fixture following a 1-1 draw against Girona on Friday, a result that leaves them trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by nine points. With only seven games remaining in the domestic campaign, the Champions League likely represents their final path to avoiding a trophyless 2025-26 season.
40 years old and putting in special performances 👏
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 7, 2026
Asked if Bayern is wary of a desperate and motivated Madrid side, Neuer was candid. “Of course… we know this situation well. For a big club like Real Madrid, it’s a brutal thing. When you evaluate that situation, you know it can make you more dangerous. But I don’t want to think too much about their situation, only about us. About the run we’re on and the fact that we are still in every competition. And that is all we are thinking about,” he stated.
Neuer’s record vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid has evolved into one of Neuer’s primary antagonists in European play. The goalkeeper has faced them in four previous knockout ties, advancing only once back in the 2011-12 season while falling in the 2013-14, 2016-17, and 2023-24 campaigns. (While the clubs also met in 2017-18, Neuer was sidelined due to injury).
In nine career appearances against Madrid, Neuer holds a 3-5-1 record with 19 goals conceded. The 2016-17 series remains particularly etched in memory due to officiating controversies, a history Neuer subtly alluded to when noting he has seen “how Real Madrid can win.”
Neuer to decide future soon
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid attempts to shoot past Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Munich.
Having turned 40 in March, questions regarding Neuer’s future have intensified as his contract expires at the end of the current season. Addressing his longevity, Neuer adopted a measured tone while suggesting a final call is imminent.
“The sooner I make the decision, the better. It won’t depend on the titles we win. But I haven’t decided anything yet, though it won’t take much longer,” he said. While rumors have swirled regarding a potential spot on Germany’s 2026 World Cup roster, the legend has already dismissed those claims, signaling that certain chapters of his storied career are indeed closing.
Club America take on Nashville SC in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and viewing options for fans in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Club America vs Nashville SC on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Club America vs Nashville SC
WHAT
CONCACAF Champions Cup
WHEN
11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT • Tuesday, April 14, 2026
With a spot in the semifinals hanging in the balance, Club America head back home knowing the margin for error is razor-thin after a deadlocked first leg. The opening clash produced no goals but plenty of tension, leaving this series wide open as both teams prepare for a decisive showdown where one breakthrough could swing everything.
Standing in their way is a red-hot Nashville SC side that has quickly established itself among MLS’s elite, arriving with confidence and momentum as they chase a statement result on the road. With both clubs still in full control of their fate and everything to play for, expect a high-intensity battle.
More details of how to watch
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
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Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC dribbles the ball against Patricio Salas of Club America
Ousmane Dembele’s double propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-0 win over Liverpool and into the Champions League semi-finals. Under-pressure Liverpool boss Arne Slot knew overturning PSG’s 2-0 advantage from the first leg would be a tall order, and two moments of brilliance from Dembele at Anfield saw the European champions win 4-0 on aggregate. Khvicha […]
Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, earning a significant financial reward in the process.
On Tuesday, the first two clubs secured their spots in the semifinals of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 to Barcelona but still advanced thanks to their first-leg victory, while Paris Saint-Germain extended their advantage against Liverpool. Both clubs will receive a substantial financial prize for progressing to the next round.
Simply for reaching the Champions League semifinals, UEFA awards each club €15 million — approximately $17.6 million. While that alone represents a major boost for Europe’s top four teams, it is only part of the total revenue clubs generate from a deep run in the competition.
UEFA’s distribution system is made up of several components: participation bonuses, performance-based rewards, and milestone payments. As a result, each club’s total earnings vary depending on how far they advance and how they perform throughout the tournament.
The Champions League prize money structure
Each of the 36 clubs that participated in the UEFA Champions League league phase received a base payment of €18.62 million, roughly $22 million. From there, performance in that stage determines additional earnings.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 14, 2026
During the league phase, teams earn an extra $2.48 million for each win and $0.83 million for each draw. That is why the top-performing team in that stage — Arsenal — collected $19.8 million from eight wins, bringing their total to nearly $42 million when combined with the base payment.
How much do clubs earn for advancing in the Champions League?
Once in the knockout stages, teams also receive payments based on their position in the standings. On top of that, there are additional bonuses for advancing through each round: $13 million for reaching the Round of 16 and $14.7 million for making the quarterfinals.
As mentioned, the semifinals are worth an additional $17.6 million. Reaching the final brings in $21.8 million, and winning it adds another $7.6 million. That title also grants access to the UEFA Super Cup, which can be worth up to $5.9 million more.
Finally, each club receives a “value pillar” payment tied to broadcasting rights and other commercial revenues related to the UEFA Champions League. The amount varies by club, based on a coefficient that considers performances over the past 10 years.
Taking all these factors into account, the Champions League winner this season could earn around €150 million (approximately $175 million) in total, combining performance-based prizes and commercial revenue.
Cruz Azul square off against LAFC in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and viewing options for fans in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Cruz Azul vs LAFC on US television and via legal streaming:
What was billed as a tightly contested matchup quickly turned one-sided in the opening leg, as Los Angeles FC capitalized on home-field advantage in dominant fashion, rolling to a convincing 3-0 win that gives the MLS side firm control of the series heading into the return leg.
Still, with everything to play for, LAFC will look to finish the job, while Cruz Azul head back home knowing they face a steep climb but holding onto hope that a spirited performance in front of their fans could spark an unlikely comeback and keep its tournament hopes alive.
More details of how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Cruz Azul vs LAFC and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Eddie Segura of Los Angeles FC and Agustín Palavecino of Cruz Azul
Hakan Calhanoglu’s agent has moved to categorically dismiss speculation linking the Inter midfielder with a return to Turkey, insisting there has never been any concrete contact with Galatasaray and that his client remains fully focused on winning the Scudetto with the Nerazzurri.
Gordon Stipic spoke to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano to set the record straight after reports of Galatasaray interest resurfaced in recent days, a story that has circulated periodically without ever materialising into anything concrete.
“He has a contract with Inter until 2027 and is very happy both in Italy and at Inter,” Stipic said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“Speculation about a possible transfer to Galatasaray has emerged several times in the past and is now being recycled.”
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Calhanoglu agent plays down Galatasaray links
The agent was emphatic in his denial of any formal approach. “The facts are clear, there have been no negotiations with Galatasaray, neither last summer nor in January,” he said. “At no point was there any request or concrete enquiry. Calhanoglu remains completely focused on what truly matters at this stage, Inter, the title race and achieving success together with the team.”
Stipic also took the opportunity to highlight his client’s broader ambitions, pointing to the World Cup as a source of additional motivation for the Turkish international.
“Week after week, through his performances, his passion and his sense of responsibility on the pitch, he continues to demonstrate his quality and his importance to the team,” he said.
“He looks ahead to the World Cup with great pride and determination, where he will lead his national team as captain, a responsibility that is a special honour and means everything to him.”
While Italian football’s men’s team grapples with the fallout of a third consecutive World Cup absence, their female counterparts are doing everything in their power to ensure Italy has a presence at the 2027 tournament, and a commanding 6-0 demolition of Serbia has kept that dream very much alive.
Andrea Soncin’s Azzurre were utterly dominant from start to finish, leading 3-0 at half-time through goals from Cristiana Girelli, Oliviero and Lenzini before a blistering second-half display completed the rout.
Caruso added a fourth before Cantore and Greggi wrapped up a thoroughly convincing victory that has breathed new life into Italy’s qualification hopes.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – JULY 16: Cristiana Girelli of Italy celebrates scoring her team’s second goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final match between Norway and Italy at Stade de Geneve on July 16, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Italy face Denmark decider for World Cup qualification hopes
The context makes Saturday’s fixture against Denmark all the more significant.
With only the group winner qualifying automatically, the remaining sides dropping into the playoffs, the standings are finely poised. Denmark lead the group on seven points, with Italy and Sweden level on four in second and third respectively, and Serbia rooted to the bottom without a win.
A victory for Italy against the Danes on Saturday afternoon would leapfrog them into first place, while a draw could still be enough depending on the outcome of other results.
Then, in June, Italy face Serbia and Sweden, to determine the final standings, with head-to-head record and then goal difference in direct matches serving as the tiebreaker.
The prize at the end of this journey is a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the first South American nation to host the tournament. For a group of players performing with growing confidence and conviction, Saturday represents the biggest match of their qualification campaign.
Lamine Yamal continues to draw global attention as he delivers another historic UEFA Champions League performance for Barcelona. At the same time, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the reference points for greatness in Europe’s elite competition.
Lamine Yamal continues to draw global attention as he delivers another historic UEFA Champions League performance for Barcelona. At the same time,Lionel Messiand Cristiano Ronaldo remain the reference points for greatness in Europe’s elite competition. In a tense knockout clash against Atletico Madrid, Yamal’s influence once again stood out in a match that swung between control and chaos.
The teenager’s rise is now being measured not just in moments, but in records that place him ahead of soccer’s most iconic figures. At the same time, the discussion around Messi and Ronaldo has resurfaced, with their early Champions League milestones offering context for just how unusual Yamal’s trajectory has become.
The second leg at the Metropolitano began with intensity, as Barcelona tried to overturn a first-leg deficit against Atletico Madrid. Early pressure brought immediate danger, with Yamal creating the first real opening inside the opening minute, forcing an early save from Jan Oblak’s replacement.
The breakthrough arrived quickly when the Spaniard finished a flowing move after a defensive error, putting the club ahead on the night. It was the teen star who calmly finished through the goalkeeper’s legs to silence the stadium.
Lamine Yamal breaks unprecedented Champions League record
Amid the tension, Lamine Yamal reached a historic milestone by becoming the youngest player ever to record 20 Champions League goal contributions (11 goals and nine assists). According to Squawka, he achieved this at just 18 years and 275 days old, a record that places him in a category no other teenager has reached.
Even more striking is the context: he achieved this milestone in just 32 matches and before turning 19, a feat that places him in uncharted territory. He also became the youngest player to reach 10+ goal contributions in a single Champions League campaign. Even in a high-pressure knockout tie, his involvement remained decisive, as seen in his assist and attacking influence throughout the match.
Lamine Yamal is the youngest ever player to be directly involved in 10+ goals in a single Champions League campaign.
For Lionel Messi, the journey to similar numbers came later in his development at Barcelona. He reached 20 Champions League goals at 22 years and 266 days old, requiring around 40 appearances to hit that mark. At that stage, the Argentine was still transitioning into a central attacking role, gradually evolving into the defining figure of his era.
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga Santander match.
When Cristiano Ronaldo reached the milestone
Cristiano Ronaldo’s progression in Europe followed a different path, taking longer in his early years at Manchester United before exploding at Real Madrid. He reached 20 Champions League goals at 24 years old, doing so in 56 matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates after scoring
Like Messi, Ronaldo’s early Champions League years were about adaptation and growth before his peak scoring phase arrived. His transformation into a record-breaking forward came later, after refining his role as a consistent goalscorer. That places the Barcelona teenager roughly three to five years ahead of two of the greatest players in Champions League history.
Lionel Messi (L) and Lamine Yamal (M) of FC Barcelona, and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Real Madrid.
Barcelona managed to cut into Atletico Madrid’s lead in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, while Ademola Lookman scored for the hosts.
Barcelona took the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium with the urgency needed to overturn the 2-0 deficit Atletico Madrid built in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Lamine Yamal scored the opener in the early minutes, and Ferran Torres added a second, but Ademola Lookman responded for the hosts.
Yamal capitalized on a mistake by Clement Lenglet in the 4th minute of the first half. The defender attempted a back pass to goalkeeper Juan Musso, but the young Spanish winger intercepted it. The loose ball fell to Ferran Torres, who set up Lamine for the game’s first goal.
With that early strike, Barcelona showed they are very much alive in the tie, cutting the deficit to just one goal with most of the match still to be played at the Metropolitano Stadium. That goal increased the tension and sloppiness from the hosts, who were far from the level they showed a week earlier at Camp Nou.
In the minutes following Yamal’s opener, Barcelona tightened their grip on the match, controlling possession and creating several chances to double their lead. It came in the 24th minute, when Dani Olmo set up Ferran Torres, who finished calmly with his left foot in a one-on-one against Musso.
Moments later, Hansi Flick’s side nearly found a third that would have put them ahead in the tie for the first time. Yamal delivered a superb pass to Fermin Lopez, whose header was tipped away by Musso, who then accidentally struck Lopez in the face on the follow-through.
Conceding twice early was a heavy blow for Atletico Madrid, but they responded in time to regain control of the tie. After Fermin Lopez’s chance, the hosts answered with a quick attack that ended in a surging run down the right flank by Marcos Llorente.
The Spanish defender drove into the box and delivered a precise cross that found Ademola Lookman arriving at the far post. Lookman met it in front of goalkeeper Joan Garcia and scored to make it 2-1, restoring Atletico Madrid’s cushion.
Fermin Lopez was left at the center of attention during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona after a tense and unusual moment involving goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Fermin Lopez was left at the center of attention during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona after a tense and unusual moment involving goalkeeper Juan Musso. The incident unfolded in a fast-moving attacking sequence where Barcelona looked dangerous inside the box, but something went wrong during the aerial challenge.
Players immediately reacted, and concern spread as Fermin Lopez went down in visible discomfort. As the game briefly slowed, the atmosphere shifted inside the Atletico Madrid half, with medical attention required on the pitch. Early signs suggested a facial injury, but the full extent was still unclear at that stage.
The situation came at a crucial moment in a tightly contested match, with both sides fighting for control and momentum. Barcelona is already leading 2-1 at half-time, but the intensity of the encounter only increased after the stoppage.
What happened between Fermin Lopez and Juan Musso
The incident involving Fermin Lopez and Juan Musso occurred during a high ball into the Atletico Madrid penalty area, when an accidental collision led to a serious-looking injury. In the challenge, the Spaniard suffered a cut and suspected nasal impact, with immediate concern raised on the pitch.
Medical staff rushed in as heavy bleeding from the face area was visible, forcing a brief stoppage in play while the situation was assessed. There were early suggestions of a possible substitution with Marcus Rashford ready to step in. Barcelona players surrounded the scene as tension grew, while Atletico defenders stepped back during the treatment.
Given the visible blood and impact, officials also urged caution, as the images from the moment may be sensitive for some viewers. Unofficial and early reports indicate he suffered a heavy blow to the face (including a possible nose injury), with blood streaming as he left the immediate action for treatment.
Despite the alarming nature of the clash, early indications pointed to an accidental contact rather than intentional foul play, with the focus now on Fermin Lopez’s condition and recovery after the incident. Eventually, he didn’t go off and continued playing.
Boca Juniors will host Barcelona SC in Matchday 2 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Fans in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the key information on kickoff time and viewing options, including TV coverage and streaming details.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Boca Juniors vs Barcelona SC on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Boca Juniors vs Barcelona SC
WHAT
Copa Libertadores
WHEN
8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT • Tuesday, April 14, 2026
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
Momentum is already building for Boca Juniors as they return home for Matchday 2 of the Copa Libertadores group stage, carrying confidence after a gritty 2-1 road victory over Universidad Catolica that delivered three key early points.
Their next challenge comes against Barcelona SC, a side eager to respond following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cruzeiro. With both clubs chasing a coveted spot in the round of 16, Bocawill lean on their home crowd to keep the momentum rolling, while Barcelona SC arrive desperate to steady their campaign.
More details on how to watch
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Red Bull Salzburg sporting director Marcus Mann has revealed that Lazio’s January approach for Petar Ratkov caught him completely off guard, arriving just two days into his tenure at the Austrian club and forcing him to make one of his first major decisions under significant time pressure.
Ratkov had been Salzburg’s top scorer when Lazio came calling in January, offering a replacement for Taty Castellanos who had just departed for West Ham. The timing of the approach, and the speed at which Mann was required to respond, made the decision particularly challenging.
“The offer from Lazio for Ratkov took me a little by surprise, the call came when I had only been here two days,” Mann told Austrian television, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I had to weigh up both the financial and the sporting aspects. From a sporting perspective, I was already aware that losing your top scorer is always a difficult choice, but in the end we prioritised the financial side. Obviously, though, every now and then you find yourself wondering: ‘How would things have gone if he had stayed?'”
MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 20: Petar Ratkov of Serbia looks on as he inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovenia and Serbia at Munich Football Arena on June 20, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Mann: ‘Salzburg miss Ratkov’ as Lazio struggles continue
Mann was careful not to use Ratkov’s departure as an excuse for Salzburg’s subsequent struggles in front of goal, pointing to the return of Konaté from injury as a factor that kept the attacking numbers broadly balanced on paper.
“Using this sale as an alibi for the few goals we are scoring would be too simple,” he said.
“But the fact remains that Ratkov, with his physicality in the air, would have been very useful to us in certain situations.”
For Lazio, meanwhile, the Serbian striker has found his own adaptation to Serie A a slow process, making his former club’s occasional regrets all the more poignant.
The Serbian forward has made just seven appearances for the Biancocelesti since his arrival in January, scoring zero goals and mainly being used off the bench.
Head coach Maurizio Sarri has claimed language issues are currently the biggest hurdle, as the forward continues to learn Italian.
Jack Harrison has dropped a strong hint about his desire to stay at Fiorentina beyond his current loan spell, telling reporters after the win over Lazio that any player would be happy to represent the club, while stopping short of confirming a permanent deal is imminent.
The Leeds winger has grown into an increasingly important figure under Paolo Vanoli, delivering his third Serie A assist of the season against Lazio, a left-footed cross that set up Robin Gosens in the first half.
His deployment on the right flank, not his natural side, has raised eyebrows at times, but Vanoli’s faith in the Englishman has been repaid with reliable, intelligent performances that have made him a key cog in the Viola system. The absence of other wide options through injury has contributed to his prominence, but Harrison has earned his minutes rather than simply inherited them.
“I am very happy in Florence, the city is incredible and so is the club,” Harrison told reporters, via FirenzeViola.
“As for the future, any player would obviously be happy to play here. We will see what happens.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Jack Harrison of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina keen on Harrison stay but finances could complicate deal
The financial picture, however, is complex. Harrison is on loan from Leeds with a purchase option set at €7 million, a fee that is manageable in isolation but must be viewed alongside a series of other potential obligations Fiorentina are already navigating this summer.
Compulsory buyouts for Fabbian (€13 million) and Brescianini (€10 million) are already in the pipeline, with Rugani and Manor Solomon adding further potential expenditure.
Of all these deals, Harrison’s future is arguably the least certain, though one factor could change the calculation significantly. If Vanoli, who is a significant admirer of the player, continues as head coach, the chances of Harrison remaining in Florence increase considerably. The manager’s stance may ultimately prove the decisive variable in what is shaping up to be a fascinating summer for the club.
The numbers make for uncomfortable reading at Milan headquarters as a damning statistical breakdown published by TMW has laid bare the extent to which the club’s two most significant recent attacking investments have failed to justify their price tags, and the figures are stark.
Santiago Gimenez arrived from Feyenoord for €28.5 million plus €6.5 million in bonuses, while Christopher Nkunku cost €37 million plus €5 million in bonuses and a ten percent sell-on clause from Chelsea.
Combined, Milan have committed a potential €77 million on the two forwards, and the return has been deeply underwhelming, as noted by TMW, via MilanNews.
ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Nkunku & Gimenez costly per goal for Milan
Gimenez has scored seven goals in 32 appearances, though lengthy injury absences have hampered his campaign. Nkunku has managed six in 29 matches.
Together, 13 goals from 61 appearances represents a return that falls well short of what Milan needed from their marquee attacking signings.
The cost-per-goal breakdown is even more sobering, at over €5 million per goal between them, and approaching €1 million per appearance for Gimenez alone.
The summer will force difficult decisions. Selling either player without incurring a significant loss on the books will be challenging, and Milan have made clear they are not prepared to accept a financial hit.
Yet retaining two forwards who have collectively failed to fire raises its own uncomfortable questions about the direction of the club’s transfer strategy heading into what promises to be a pivotal window.
Issa Doumbia has emerged as one of Serie B’s most coveted players this season, with Inter, Milan, Napoli and Roma all understood to be monitoring the Venezia midfielder, though Italian clubs face competition from abroad in the race to sign the 22-year-old.
The Italy Under-21 international has caught the eye with a series of impressive performances for Venezia, building on the form he showed during his time at AlbinoLeffe.
Across his career he has accumulated 82 appearances and four goals with the Bergamo club and 59 outings and eight goals with Venezia, numbers that, while modest, understate the quality and dynamism he has shown in midfield this season.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Piero Ausilio of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sporting keen on Doumbia as Inter, Napoli & Milan wait in wings
His profile is attractive to clubs for multiple reasons beyond pure football, as noted by TuttoMercatoWeb.
Born in 2003, Doumbia qualifies as a homegrown player under Italian regulations, making him a cost-effective and practically valuable signing for Serie A clubs navigating squad list requirements.
His contract runs until June 2029, giving Venezia a strong negotiating position, one they would look to strengthen further if the club secures promotion to the top flight, which would inevitably push his valuation higher.
Adding urgency to any potential deal is the interest from Sporting CP, who according to Portuguese newspaper Record are considering Doumbia as a potential replacement for Hidemasa Morita should the Japanese international depart this summer. With Champions League football on offer in Lisbon, the Portuguese giants represent a serious rival for the Italian clubs.
The message for Inter, Milan and Napoli is clear, move quickly or risk missing out.
Despite suffering a shocking defeat at home against Bournemouth on Saturday, Arsenal still lead the Premier League title race and they’re close to securing a place in the Champions League semifinals. This could be the greatest season the club has ever had in its 140-year history, so the excitement the players, the fans, as well […]
According to The Times, Bayern Munich have made signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle a top priority for the upcoming summer transfer window. They have already contacted the player’s camp to see if he would be open to the idea, and if he is, they will open talks with Newcastle. The Bundesliga champions are looking to […]
Crowned EFL Cup champions just 13 months ago following a famous 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Wembley as they claimed a first piece of silverware in 70 years, Newcastle opened up the 2025/26 campaign with a real spring in their step. However, despite getting proceedings underway back in August with their sights firmly set on […]
According to The Times, Bayern Munich have made signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle a top priority for the upcoming summer transfer window. They have already contacted the player’s camp to see if he would be open to the idea, and if he is, they will open talks with Newcastle. The Bundesliga champions are looking to […]
Crowned EFL Cup champions just 13 months ago following a famous 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Wembley as they claimed a first piece of silverware in 70 years, Newcastle opened up the 2025/26 campaign with a real spring in their step. However, despite getting proceedings underway back in August with their sights firmly set on […]
Liverpool and PSG are ready to face off in the second leg of the 2025-26 Champions League quarterfinals. Following the French side’s victory in the first leg, the Reds are desperate to overturn the result. With that in mind, today’s match is shaping up to be a closely contested affair.
Liverpool face PSG in the second leg of the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinals. Due to the emphatic victory by the French side in the first leg, the Reds are forced to adopt a highly offensive approach, moving away from a five-at-the-back system. In addition, coach Arne Slot will look to Mohamed Salah to lead the Reds’ comeback. However, coach Luis Enrique will not make things easy, as his side arrives in top form.
Far from relying on their two-goal advantage, Paris Saint-Germain come into the match determined to secure another victory, this time at Anfield. Coach Luis Enrique has acknowledged the difficulty of the game, so they are expected to rely on a high press and ball control to slow down Liverpool’s attacking progression. In addition, Désiré Doué remains in top form, serving as the French side’s main attacking threat.
Unlike the first leg, head coach Arne Slot will be forced to opt for a more aggressive attacking approach. Not only will they look to hurt PSG on the counterattack through Mohamed Salah, but they will also need to control the midfield with Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, the presence of Jeremie Frimpong remains a key factor, as his physicality and attacking quality could create chances for Hugo Ekitike up front.
Both the Reds and PSG will engage in a battle that could define the outcome of the match: The midfield. In the first leg, the French side managed to neutralize the opposition’s attack with a brilliant performance from Vitinha and João Neves. As a result, Liverpool will look to restore control through Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in order to dominate the game and create more opportunities for Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite Barcelona's 2-1 win in the second leg, Ademola Lookman's goal secured Atletico Madrid's ticket to the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Atletico Madrid hosted FC Barcelona on Tuesday in the decisive second leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Despite the Blaugrana claiming a 2-1 victory on the night, Ademola Lookman‘s goal proved to be the decisive blow, sending the Colchoneros through to the semifinals on aggregate.
Needing to overturn a two-goal deficit from the start, Barcelona hit the ground running when Ferran Torres pounced on a mistake from Clément Lenglet and laid the ball into the path of Lamine Yamal, who slotted it through Juan Musso’s legs to open the scoring in the fourth minute. Torres then added a second in the 24th minute, bringing down Dani Olmo’s pass with a deft first touch before finishing to give the Blaugrana a 2-0 lead on the night and level the tie on aggregate.
With the game heading for extra time, Barcelona‘s hopes were dashed in the 31st minute when Marcos Llorente delivered a cross from the right and Lookman met it first time, restoring Atletico’s aggregate advantage with a sharp finish. The Blaugrana were unable to find another breakthrough in the second half, and their cause was dealt a further blow when Eric Garcia was shown a red card in the 79th minute, leaving Barcelona to exit the competition 3-2 on aggregate.
It marks Atletico’s first Champions League semifinal appearance since the 2016-17 season, when they faced Real Madrid at that stage. Diego Simeone’s side will now await the winner of the tie between Arsenal and Sporting CP, with the Gunners holding a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of their quarterfinal.
Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona.
After shining strongly with Como 1907 in Serie A, Cesc Fabregas has emerged as one of the leading candidates to manage Italy national team amid their rebuild. However, the Spaniard coach has publicly rejected this opportunity, keeping his focus elsewhere.
Despite not being a coach with extensive experience, Cesc Fabregas is thriving in Serie A, leading Como 1907 into one of the most exciting teams in the league. Without signing world-class stars, he has managed to build a highly competitive squad, developing young players along the way. Given his strong impact, the Spaniard was linked as a potential candidate to become Italy’s head coach, but he firmly turned down the opportunity.
“Being the head coach of a national team (Italy), I think that right now for me it would be a bit… I wouldn’t say boring, but there is quite a lot of free time between international breaks… I understand the criticism as well, also because it comes at a moment where, due to many circumstances, Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup three times. So that probably has a stronger influence,” Cesc Fabregas said, via EFE.
At just 38 years old, Cesc is already one of the most promising coaches. Not only does he implement an attractive style of play, but he also promotes young talent. With Italy seeking a generational overhaul, Fabregas emerged as the strongest option, as he knows Italian soccer very well, which would represent a major boost for young talents like Francesco Camarda and could even help convince Nicolò Tresoldi, who currently plays for Germany’s youth setup.
Far from pursuing a similar profile to Fàbregas,the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) reportedly continues to prioritize Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. While they are world-class coaches, they tend not to favor young players, but rather experienced veterans. As a result, Italy may face challenges in achieving a generational transition—something they urgently need after failing to qualify for the World Cup for three consecutive tournaments.
Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas reacts salutes the fans at the end of the Serie A match.
Cesc Fàbregas set to stay at Como 1907, complicating Arsenal
“I see it as difficult, honestly. I repeat, you never know in soccer. I’m very happy at Como, I hope to stay at Como, and I’ve lived soccer life as a player. When you start thinking too much about tomorrow, something is not right… I’m very attached to this project, to this city, to everything we are building… So, absolute calm, I’m very happy,” Fàbregas said, via EFE.
Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season, Cesc could face a major challenge, as Real Madrid are reportedly aiming to bring back Nico Paz, the cornerstone of Como 1907. As a result, they may need to reshape their squad, seeking greater impact for the following season in European competitions. However, the Italian side appears well positioned to retain the Spanish coach, their greatest asset.
Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match.
Milan are plotting a creative approach to sign Moise Kean from Fiorentina this summer, with the club exploring the possibility of using Santiago Gimenez as part of a package deal to bring down the cost of a transfer that would otherwise prove prohibitively expensive.
Kean has long been admired by Massimiliano Allegri, who worked with the Italy international during his time at Juventus and considers him the ideal profile to strengthen Milan’s attack for 2026/27.
The feeling is mutual, Kean has previously been linked with a move to San Siro, and with Fiorentina’s European ambitions in serious doubt following their expected Conference League exit at the hands of Crystal Palace, his departure from Florence now looks increasingly likely.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale battles for the ball with Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Milan dream of Kean but financial hurdle must be cleared
The obstacle, as ever, is financial.
Kean’s release clause is set at €52 million, a figure Milan have no intention of paying in cash, particularly after a difficult season in which the striker’s value has not appreciably risen.
ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato.it, via MilanNews, the solution being considered involves offering Gimenez, whose own debut season at Milan has been underwhelming, plus a cash adjustment of between €10 and €15 million to make up the difference.
For Fiorentina, Gimenez could represent an attractive option as they look to rebuild their squad, while the Mexican striker himself would relish the opportunity for a fresh start after failing to establish himself under Allegri.
The deal is far from straightforward, however, with Gimenez’s high wages and interest from Premier League clubs adding further complexity to negotiations that are still at an early stage.
Simone Inzaghi has moved to quash speculation about a potential return to Italian football, insisting he remains fully committed to Al-Hilal despite the Saudi club’s elimination from the Asian Champions League on penalties at the hands of Roberto Mancini’s Al-Sadd.
The former Inter head coach, whose name has been linked with the Italy national team vacancy and various Serie A positions following the turbulence of recent weeks, was unequivocal when asked about his future.
“I am staying at Al-Hilal because I am doing my job to the best of my abilities and I am giving everything of myself,” he said, with quotes via FCInter1908.
The defeat to Al-Sadd on penalties will have stung, particularly given the circumstances.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 13: Simone Inzaghi team Manager of Al Hilal FC during the AFC Champions League Elite game between Al Hilal FC and Al Sadd SC at Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Sports City on April 13, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Al-Hilal coach Inzaghi: ‘Luck was not on our side’
Inzaghi felt his side were the superior team on the night, taking the lead on three separate occasions only to be pegged back each time before ultimately losing the shootout.
“I was aiming to reach the quarter-finals but fortune was not on our side,” he said. “We tried with all our strength and created several chances. Al-Sadd held firm and scored three goals, but Al-Hilal were the stronger team and took the lead three times.”
It is a result that will do little to ease the pressure on Inzaghi at a club where expectations remain extraordinarily high. However, his public declaration of commitment to the project suggests he has no intention of using the setback as a reason to seek an exit, at least for now.
Edon Zhegrova’s time at Juventus looks increasingly likely to end after just one season, with Turkish club Besiktas having already made contact with the Kosovo winger’s agent about a potential summer move.
According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, via IlBianconero, the Kosovar international has been a significant disappointment since joining from Lille for a potential outlay of up to €18.5 million, comprising a base fee of €14.3 million, €1.2 million in additional costs and €3 million in bonuses, on a contract running until June 2030.
The numbers from his debut season make for grim reading: zero goals, zero assists and just 447 minutes of football across 21 appearances.
Injuries have played a part, but so too has a fundamental failure to convince Luciano Spalletti, who has given him just three outings in the past 11 matches totalling a mere 65 minutes on the pitch.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Edon Zhegrova of Juventus FC controls the ball against Ismail Jakobs of Galatasaray during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Besiktas keen to capitalise on Zhegrova unrest at Juventus
His most damaging moment came in the Champions League second leg against Galatasaray, where his errors drew considerable criticism at a time when the tie was still alive. It encapsulated a debut season that has simply never found its footing.
Besiktas are looking to make a statement signing this summer following the expected departure of winger Milot Rashica, and view Zhegrova as an attainable and high-profile addition. Initial contact has been made with his representatives to gauge his interest and availability.
Juventus, who have already secured Spalletti’s renewal until 2028 as they look to build a title-challenging squad, would listen to offers for Zhegrova rather than persist with a player who has clearly not adapted to the demands of the club. Recouping anything close to their original investment, however, will prove challenging given the season he has endured.
Despite suffering a shocking defeat at home against Bournemouth on Saturday, Arsenal still lead the Premier League title race and they’re close to securing a place in the Champions League semifinals. This could be the greatest season the club has ever had in its 140-year history, so the excitement the players, the fans, as well […]
Javier Mascherano stepped down as Inter Miami head coach, leaving Lionel Messi and his teammates in an unexpected situation.
This Tuesday, Inter Miami were hit with news that shakes their stability and raises questions about the future: Javier Mascherano has stepped down as head coach, leaving a void to fill for Lionel Messi and his teammates for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.
“Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano announced today his decision to step down as the Club’s head coach for personal reasons,” the club announced in a statement on its official website. “Mascherano departs the Club along with the coaching staff that arrived with him in January 2024.”
Mascherano’s departure comes as a surprise given the timing. Fewer than three months have passed since the start of the 2026 season, and there is still plenty left to play for, with Inter Miami still competing in MLS—currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference—and with the Leagues Cup yet to be played.
However, the Herons’ performances and results at the start of this year have fallen short of those in 2025. The early elimination against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup was a major blow for the club, and their recent showings in league play have also been underwhelming.
Javier Mascherano has decided to bring his tenure as Head Coach to an end. A champion who, together with his staff, will always be part of the @InterMiamiCF family and forever linked to our first star.
Even so, Mascherano’s tenure at Inter Miami remains extremely positive overall. He led the club to its first MLS title last year, an achievement that had eluded them during Messi’s early years in the United States. In addition, they advanced to the knockout stages of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after defeating European giants Porto, in what stands as the most important victory in club history.
Mascherano explains his decision to step down from Inter Miami
In the same statement published on the club’s official website, Inter Miami shared comments from Javier Mascherano explaining the reasons behind his decision to leave the club in the middle of the 2026 season.
“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” began the Argentine coach. “I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me… I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them.”
On the impact Inter Miami have had on his life and career, he added: “I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the Club all the best moving forward. I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future. Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything.”
Who will replace Mascherano at Inter Miami?
With Mascherano’s departure confirmed, Inter Miami’s priority now is to refocus on their MLS campaign. Regarding the team’s immediate future, the Herons provided details on the steps they will take to replace the Argentine coach.
“Guillermo Hoyos will assume the role of First Team head coach for the upcoming matches,” the club announced in the same statement. “Hoyos is a former professional footballer with more than 20 years of playing experience, as well as a coach and sporting director with extensive international experience in the football world.”
Hoyos was already part of the Florida side’s sporting structure: “Since joining Inter Miami CF, he has been responsible for overseeing and advancing the Club’s professional pathway development structure, while also serving as sporting director up to now.” For now, his first challenge will be an away match against Colorado Rapids on Saturday in MLS.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi and former coach Javier Mascherano.
Barcelona will be looking for an specific result to get through to the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Barcelona travel to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in search of a comeback against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie. With the Colchoneros holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, the Blaugrana must produce a specific result to pull off one of the more memorable reversals in the club’s recent history.
The stunning 2-0 defeat at Camp Nou sent shockwaves through the Barcelona fanbase, and the Blaugrana will be without Pau Cubarsi for the second leg after his red card in the 45th minute of the first leg. Atletico have also taken steps to gain any available edge at their own ground, with the state of the Metropolitano pitch already drawing a complaint from Barca coach Hansi Flick ahead of the match.
Barcelona head into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Espanyol in the Catalan derby, while Atletico come in off a 2-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Sevilla, a result that carried little concern given Diego Simeone rested most of his first-choice starters ahead of Tuesday’s European clash.
How a Barcelona win affects the UEFA Champions League bracket
A victory for Barcelona on Tuesday would not automatically guarantee their passage to the next round. With Atletico holding a two-goal cushion from the first leg, a narrow one-goal win for the Blaugrana would still see the Colchoneros advance on aggregate.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is challenged by Koke of Atletico de Madrid.
For Barcelona to advance directly, they would need to win by a margin of three or more goals to overcome the deficit in regulation. If they do manage to complete the comeback, the Blaugrana would face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Sporting CP and Arsenal in the semifinals, with the Gunners currently holding a 1-0 advantage heading into their second leg.
How a Barcelona draw affects the UEFA Champions League bracket
A draw in Tuesday’s match would see Barcelona eliminated from the 2025-26 Champions League, as the two-goal deficit from the first leg would prove insurmountable under a straightforward aggregate calculation.
However, if Barcelona were erase the two-goal deficit and draw in the average scoreline, the situation changes entirely. A 2-0 scoreline in favor of Barcelona, for example, would level the aggregate and send the tie to extra time, with a penalty shootout to follow if the teams remained deadlocked.
How a Barcelona loss affects the UEFA Champions League bracket
If Barcelona were to lose on Tuesday, they would be eliminated from the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, falling short of the semifinals once again. Their last appearance at that stage came in the 2018-19 season against Liverpool, while a victory for Atletico would see the Colchoneros reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant were praised by Neymar.
Neymar is not only one of the biggest soccer stars of this century, but also an athlete who regularly shows admiration for other greats. This time, he spoke highly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant.
In a video posted on his official YouTube account, Ney showed his private collection of jerseys and trophies gathered throughout his professional career. The collection includes, of course, items he wore with the different clubs he has played for, as well as with the Brazil national team, along with pieces from athletes he admires.
One of the standout items in the collection is a Real Madrid jersey from the 2017-18 season with the number 7 on the back. “Cristiano Ronaldo… He is a beast!” Neymar said while showing that particular piece, alongside others such as a Zlatan Ibrahimovic jersey from AC Milan.
This is not the first time the Brazilian forward has expressed his admiration for Ronaldo. In fact, in a 2020 interview Neymar said: “I respect him a lot for the history he has made. He is the mirror I look into… He has been at the top for 10 years, like Messi, and we all want to be like them.”
Neymar facing Cristiano Ronaldo
Neymar’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo dates back to when he was a child watching him shine at Manchester United, and getting the chance to face him on the pitch has not changed that opinion.
Over the course of his professional career, Ney faced Cristiano Ronaldo eight times, all at club level. The first seven came in Clasicos between Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2013 to 2017, with four wins for Neymar, two for Ronaldo and one draw. The most recent meeting came in 2018, when Real Madrid defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Neymar admires several NBA stars
Soccer is not the only sport that interests Neymar. He has often shown his passion for basketball, particularly for several NBA stars. In his personal collection, the Santos forward owns jerseys from multiple American players.
“This is a Kobe Bryant jersey. The day he sadly passed away, I wore it as a tribute to him,” Neymar explained in the same video, about a Paris Saint-Germain jersey with the number 24 and Bryant’s name. “I’m a big fan of him—I even have a tattoo of him. He’s an inspiration to me, so this was a tribute.”
In addition, among his Kobe memorabilia, Ney also keeps a Los Angeles Lakers jersey with the number 24. Alongside that, he also owns one from another legend of the Purple and Gold: “The Man, LeBron James,” the forward said while showing a No. 23 jersey. Finally, he also displayed a Golden State Warriors item: “I’m going to put this jersey up here too. Curry. A jersey he wore that I managed to get.”
While one record slipped away from Cristiano Ronaldo, another moved significantly closer.
Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the center of attention as Al-Nassr secured a vital victory last weekend in the Saudi Pro League. The league leader continued its strong push toward the title, but the night also carried a deeper narrative surrounding Ronaldo’s pursuit of history.
The match against Al-Okhdood was more than just another step in the title race for Al-Nassr. It presented a chance for Ronaldo to etch his name into yet another record, adding extra tension to an already significant fixture. While the team delivered, the individual milestone remained just out of reach.
Al-Nassr entered the match in commanding form, carrying a long winning streak that had placed it firmly at the top of the standings. The contrast between the two sides was clear, with Al-Okhdood fighting to avoid relegation while the visitor aimed to strengthen its grip on the title.
Despite the pressure, Jorge Jesus’ players delivered a 2-0 victory, extending their remarkable run and opening a five-point lead at the top of the table. The result reinforced the club’s consistency and highlighted its ability to maintain focus during the most critical phase of the season.
The record that slipped away
The spotlight before kickoff had been firmly on Ronaldo’s chase for another historic achievement. Heading into the match, he had already amassed 97 goals in 100 Saudi Pro League appearances, putting him within touching distance of a remarkable milestone. The target was clear: match the fastest run to 100 league goals, a record held by Abderrazak Hamdallah, who reached the mark in 101 matches.
Ronaldo needed a hat-trick to equal that feat, a challenge that added urgency to every attacking move. However, despite scoring and playing a decisive role, Ronaldo did not reach the required tally. The record remains intact, leaving his pursuit unfinished but still very much alive as the season continues.
Ronaldo failed to break Abderrazak Hamdallah’s record of fastest to 100 goals
Even without breaking the record, the Portuguese superstar made his impact felt early in the game. He opened the scoring with a composed finish in the 15th minute, setting the tone for another confident Al-Nassr performance.
Closing in on another historic milestone
While one record slipped away, another moved significantly closer. Ronaldo’s latest goal took him to 98 league goals in just 101 appearances, placing him within striking distance of becoming Al-Nassr’s all-time top scorer in the Saudi Pro League.
The milestone he now chases belongs to Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, who leads the club’s scoring charts with 103 goals. Ronaldo’s rapid rise through the rankings highlights both his consistency and efficiency since arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Nassr’s leading scorers in the Saudi Pro League history:
🥇 103 — Mohammed Al-Sahlawi 🇸🇦 🥈 98 — Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 🆕 🥉 77 — Abderrazak Hamdallah 🇲🇦
The 41-year-old veteran needs six more goals to surpass Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s all-time top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, as confirmed by Transfermarkt. Given his current form, that target feels well within reach before the season concludes.
Barcelona arrives in Madrid knowing that both the team and its veteran striker are chasing something significant under immense pressure.
Robert Lewandowski steps into one of the most decisive matches of his Barcelona career with history within reach, while Luis Suarez remains a benchmark in the club’s European legacy. Barcelona arrives in Madrid knowing that both the team and its veteran striker are chasing something significant under immense pressure. The club prepares for a high-stakes encounter that could shape its Champions League journey and individual legacies alike.
The stage is set as Barcelona faces Atletico Madrid in a crucial second leg, with the Spanish side holding a strong advantage from the first meeting. The Catalan club must respond with urgency, while their striker carries the added narrative of closing in on a historic milestone. The Blaugrana’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg has left the club with a daunting task heading into the return fixture.
A red card to Pau Cubarsi disrupted their rhythm, allowing Atletico Madrid to capitalize through clinical finishing and disciplined defending. Despite that setback, Barca responded domestically with a 4-1 victory over Espanyol, regaining confidence at a crucial moment. That result has helped restore belief within the squad, but the challenge in Madrid remains steep, especially against a side known for its defensive resilience.
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona has shown strong form overall, yet inconsistency in Europe has raised concerns. The club leads La Liga comfortably, but its Champions League ambitions now hang in the balance.
For the Rojiblancos, the situation is far more controlled, with the team able to focus entirely on protecting its lead. Their home record in Europe adds another layer of difficulty for Barcelona, making any comeback effort even more demanding.
How many goals Lewandowski needs to beat Suarez
In the middle of this high-pressure clash lies a personal milestone for Lewandowski, one that could elevate his status in Barcelona’s European history. According to Transfermarkt, the Polish striker has scored 23 Champions League goals for Barcelona, placing him within touching distance of Suarez’s tally of 25.
Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona celebrates as he scores
To match that number, Lewandowski needs two goals, while three would see him surpass Suarez and claim second place in the club’s all-time Champions League scoring list. The symmetry between personal ambition and team necessity creates a compelling narrative heading into the match.
Efficiency that tells a story
The veteran’s numbers underline his impact since arriving at Barcelona. He has reached his 23 goals in just 37 appearances, averaging 0.62 goals per game, compared to Suarez’s 25 goals in 55 matches at a rate of 0.45.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal.
His recent form offers encouragement, with four goals in his last five Champions League matches, suggesting he remains capable of delivering on the biggest stage. The club will rely heavily on his experience and composure as they attempt to overturn the deficit.
Leonardo Spinazzola’s future at Napoli is looking increasingly uncertain, with the experienced left-back yet to receive any indication from the club that they wish to extend his contract beyond its June expiry – and his representatives have begun exploring alternatives, with Milan making contact in recent weeks.
Spinazzola was a key figure in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph last season, offering versatility and energy under Antonio Conte across multiple positions.
This season he has continued to contribute, registering three goals and three assists in 28 appearances. Despite that, the silence from Naples has grown deafening as the weeks pass, with De Laurentiis understood to be keen on rejuvenating the squad, and at 33, Spinazzola does not fit that profile.
His agent has moved proactively in response, approaching Milan about the possibility of signing the Italy international on a free transfer this summer, as per CalcioMercato reports.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Leonardo Spinazzola of SSC Napoli shows his disappointment during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Milan eye Spinazzola after Estupinan disappointment
However, while Milan have noted the terms being offered, they have not moved further and Spinazzola is not currently considered a priority target.
A more intriguing possibility is a return to Juventus, where Spinazzola came through the youth system before moving on without ever truly establishing himself. Giorgio Chiellini, a close personal friend, has been in contact with the player’s camp in recent days, though at this stage it amounts to nothing more than an exploratory conversation rather than a concrete approach.
Spinazzola himself would prefer to stay at Napoli, particularly if Conte remains in charge. That decision, however, appears increasingly unlikely to be his to make.
Looking to officially punch their Champions League semi-final ticket with another heavyweight statement, Bayern Munich will welcome Real Madrid to the Allianz on Wednesday night. Embarking on what has been a record-breaking European romp this season, Vincent Kompany’s squad return to Munich holding a slender advantage following their famous 2-1 win on foreign soil last […]
Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal team to play with “no fear” and “pure fire” in their quest to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Arsenal lead their last-eight tie 1-0 against Sporting CP ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Emirates Stadium thanks to Kai Havertz’s 91st-minute finish. The Gunners have won 10 of their 11 games […]
After losing 2–0 to PSG, Liverpool are looking to stage a comeback in the second leg of the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinals. However, the Reds not only need a win, but they are also forced into a specific scenario. Here, we will analyze the three possible outcomes of today’s match.
Despite being defeated in the first leg, Liverpool still keep their hopes alive for a comeback against PSG in the second leg of the 2025–26 Champions Leaguequarterfinals. Far from being a simple task, the English side not only need a win, as the 2–0 defeat shapes their path forward. With this in mind, the Reds require a specific scenario to secure their place in the semifinals of the tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain come in as clear favorites to beat the Reds. Not only are they coming off a dominant performance in the first leg, but they also have their key players in top form. In addition, coach Luis Enrique has imposed his authority on the game, relying on a high press that suffocates Liverpool in their build-up. Moreover, Désiré Doué and Vitinha are expected to be decisive in securing another victory in today’s match.
Unlike the first leg, coach Arne Slot could opt for a more offensive approach, looking to make the difference through Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai. In addition, they will aim to assert greater control in midfield by introducing Florian Wirtz to enhance their creative output, linking up with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. With a comeback needed, Hugo Ekitike must play a key role in front of goal.
How could Liverpool’s win against PSG affect the UEFA Champions League bracket?
Even though Liverpool secure a victory over PSG, they would not immediately secure a place in the 2025–26 Champions League semifinals. Having lost 2–0 in the first leg, the Reds would need to win by a three-goal margin against the French side. If they manage to do so, they would face the winner of the tie between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. In that case, the English side would surpass their performances from the last three seasons in the competition.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain goes around Giorgi Mamardashvili of Liverpool to score a goal.
How could Liverpool’s draw against PSG affect the UEFA Champions League bracket?
Being a two-leg format, Liverpool would be eliminated immediately if they draw against PSG. With a 2–0 deficit on aggregate, the Reds would have no way of reaching the Champions League semifinals. If they manage to defeat PSG by a two-goal margin, they would level the aggregate score, opening the door to compete for a place in the next round of the tournament.
As this is the second leg, a winner would have to be decided in extra time, with two periods of 15 minutes each. If there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where a definitive winner would be determined to face the winner of the tie between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
How could Liverpool’s defeat against PSG affect the UEFA Champions League bracket?
If Liverpool were to lose to PSG, they would be automatically eliminated from the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. This would mark the fourth consecutive season that the Reds have failed to reach the tournament’s final. The situation is quite different for the French side, as they would be reaching the semifinals for the third consecutive season and are favorites to advance to the final and seek their second consecutive title in the tournament.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool speaks with teammate Milos Kerkez.
Following their painful defeat in the first leg, Liverpool face PSG in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, hoping for a much-needed comeback. As a result, fans are keeping a close eye on Mohamed Salah’s status, as his offensive contributions could prove vital.
Despite the defeat in the first leg, Liverpool will be aiming for a long-awaited comeback against PSG in the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinal second leg. Unlike the previous match, they will need to impose a dominant attacking display to overturn the two-goal deficit. Because of this, fans are closely monitoring Mohamed Salah’s status for today’s game, as his experience and attacking quality could prove decisive for the Reds.
Arne Slot has decided to bench again Mohamed Salah for the Reds today. While the veteran is in top form to make a difference against PSG, the head coach has decided to bet for a different set-up. Without his goal-scoring ability and explosive pace needed, Liverpool are expecting to counting on Hugo Ekitike‘s scoring prowess.
Without the Egyptian, the Reds could rely on Hugo Ekitike, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz in attack. With this setup, they could look to exploit PSG by targeting the large spaces in behind their defense. With this being the only competition they still aspire to win, Liverpool arrive fully motivated, opting for a high-risk approach—they have little to lose, but a lot to gain.
Paris Saint-Germain come in as clear favorites to secure their place in the Champions League semifinals. Not only did they dominate offensively, but they also disrupted any progression from the Reds through an intense high press. In addition, coach Luis Enrique keeps his entire roster intact, which could allow him to stick to a very similar game plan, aiming to maintain control throughout the match.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Liverpool lineup vs PSG
Liverpool face PSG with several players out of the squad. Coach Arne Slot will be without Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, and Curtis Jones. Despite this, the Reds are banking on a comeback, counting on Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai to lead the offense, while Van Dijk and Gravenberch will be tasked with providing overall stability to the team.
The Reds will lineup as follows: Giorgi Mamardashvili; Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz; Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak.
PSG lineup vs Liverpool
Unlike the Reds, PSG arrive with few absences in their squad, with only Fabian Ruiz and Quentin Ndjantou out. As a result, coach Luis Enrique has most of his roster available, so he could stick to a similar approach: An attacking approach with high pressure. To that end, the presence of Desiré Doué will be key, as will Vitinha and João Neves, who effectively stifle Liverpool’s offense.
The French side will play as follows: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves; Desiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool shows appreciation to the fans.
Liverpool face PSG in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Check here for kickoff times and how to watch the match on TV or via streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Liverpool vs PSG on US television and via legal streaming:
Liverpoolreturn to Anfield facing an uphill battle after a 2-0 loss in the quarterfinal first leg, needing a big performance in front of their home crowd to keep their hopes alive against a proven contender.
Paris Saint-Germain, however, head into the second leg in full control after a strong opening showing, carrying momentum as they continue chasing another deep run despite an inconsistent season. With tension high and everything still to play for, this matchup is set to deliver plenty of drama—don’t miss it.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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Warren Zaire Emery of PSG runs with the ball under pressure from Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool
Atletico Madrid will receive Barcelona in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Check here for kickoff times and how to watch the match on TV or via streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona on US television and via legal streaming:
With a spot in the semifinals on the line, all eyes shift to Madrid for the decisive second leg of this UEFA Champions Leaguequarterfinal showdown. Atletico Madrid return home in full control after delivering a composed and efficient 2-0 victory in the opening match, flipping expectations after Barcelonaentered that clash as slight favorites.
Despite the deficit, Barcelona’s well-known ability to engineer dramatic turnarounds keeps the pressure firmly on Atletico, who must now protect their advantage in front of their own fans. Expect intensity, urgency, and high-level execution as both sides battle for survival—this is a matchup you won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Leeds United took a huge step towards Premier League safety as they defeated 10-man Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford. Noah Okafor was the star of the show as his first-half brace was enough to secure the crucial three points, moving them six clear of the relegation zone, though the Red Devils threatened a nervy […]
Karim Benzema missed a crucial penalty as Al Hilal were eliminated from the AFC Champions League Elite, and with the Saudi club now out of continental competition, the fallout could have consequences for Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the SPL title race.
Karim Benzema found himself at the center of a painful moment on Monday after missing a decisive penalty in Al Hilal‘s elimination from the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals. With their continental ambitions now extinguished, the fallout from that exit could have significant implications for Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr.
At Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Al Hilal faced Qatari side Al Sadd in a rescheduled Round of 16 tie, part of a series of AFC fixtures in the western region pushed back from March. The game got off to a promising start for Al Hilal when Sergej Milinković-Savić opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Al Sadd proved relentless in finding equalizers, with the two sides never separated by more than one goal in a pulsating 3-3 draw.
The compressed schedule that followed the rescheduling forced the AFC to switch the remaining knockout ties from two-legged affairs to single-match eliminations. With the score still level after 90 minutes, the game went to extra time and then to a penalty shootout to decide who advanced to the quarterfinals.
Roberto Firmino missed Al Sadd’s opening spot kick, leaving Al Hilal in the driving seat at 2-1, but Benzema then stepped up and sent his effort over the crossbar attempting to go top left. Al Sadd converted every remaining penalty, and with Saimon Bouabre also missing for Al Hilal, the Saudi side were eliminated 4-2 in the shootout.
Al Hilal refocus on the SPL after continental exit
The defeat to Al Sadd ended an otherwise unbeaten run for Al Hilal across both the AFC league phase and the Saudi Pro League in the 2025-26 season. With no international competition left to play for, Benzema’s side will now channel all of their energy into the domestic title race, a development that Al Nassr will be keeping a close eye on.
Al Sadd will face Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Thursday, April 16 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, with the semifinals scheduled for April 20 and 21 and the AFC Champions League Elite final set for April 25. Freed from those continental demands, Al Hilal will now have no fixture congestion to manage heading into the critical final weeks of the SPL season.
Al Hilal’s next league match is not until April 28 against Damac FC, giving them a two-week window to rest, recover and sharpen up before resuming their title push. After a further fixture against Al Hazem on May 2, Benzema and Ronaldo will then square off on May 7 in what promises to be a defining Al Nassr vs. Al Hilal showdown that could go a long way toward deciding who lifts the Saudi Pro League trophy.
On the other side of the equation, Al Nassr still have AFC Champions League Two commitments to attend to, with a quarterfinal against Al Wasl on the horizon and potentially more rounds beyond that. Ronaldo has been largely absent from the club’s continental games, but the added fixture load could leave Al Nassr’s squad with more fatigue in their legs when that pivotal May 7 clash arrives.
That context gives Al Hilal a potential edge heading into the six-point encounter, having had significantly more rest in the buildup. Al Nassr currently hold a commanding lead with 73 points to Al Hilal’s 68, and a victory in that meeting could all but seal the title, setting up a Saudi Pro League finale where the championship could come down to the very last game of the season.
Karim Benzema (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
Ahead of the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick complained to a UEFA delegate over the pitch conditions at the Metopolitano.
Barcelona have arrived in Madrid for the second leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie against Atletico, looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg. But head coach Hansi Flick has already encountered his first obstacle, lodging a complaint with a UEFA official over the condition of the playing surface at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
In footage captured by accredited media, Flick was visibly unhappy the moment he stepped onto the field. The Barcelona manager crouched down on multiple occasions to examine the grass up close, his body language leaving little doubt about his dissatisfaction with what he found.
After determining that the grass was too long and excessively dry, Flick wasted no time seeking out UEFA delegate Christian Kofoed of Denmark, who was stationed on the touchline. The German coach proceeded to make his concerns known directly to the representative in no uncertain terms.
Hansi Flick se queja del césped del Metropolitano a la UEFA. (Vía @eldesmarque).
Despite the clear frustration on display, Diario AS reports that Barcelona have not filed a formal complaint, with Flick’s remarks characterized as an observation that UEFA has acknowledged. Atletico Madrid, for their part, have reportedly pushed back against any suggestion that the pitch was in poor condition in the 24 hours leading up to kickoff.
Pitch conditions emerge as another obstacle for Barcelona
A dry surface creates significantly more friction as the ball rolls across it, causing it to slow down considerably compared to a wet pitch, and that factor cuts directly against Flick’s style of play. In La Liga, Barcelona lead all teams with 586 passes completed per game, and in the Champions League they rank fourth with 507, while also placing among the lower teams in long ball frequency, making the pace and smoothness of the playing surface a genuine competitive concern.
The dry conditions at the Metropolitano have already proven costly for Barcelona in this very stadium this season. In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, Atletico exploited an unexpected bounce on the pitch that caused goalkeeper Joan García to mishandle the ball, resulting in an own goal that opened a 4-0 victory for the hosts. It is precisely that kind of moment Flick will be desperate to avoid when the two sides meet again on Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed some good news amid the Saudi Pro league title race with Iñigo Martinez returning from injury to Al Nassr training sessions.
Cristiano Ronaldo saw only good news since his return from injury, with Al Nassr finding a great form while their prosecutors dropped points over the last games. As part of yet another great update for the Portuguese star and the club, star defender Iñigo Martinez returned to the team trainings to continue the Saudi Pro League title race.
Al Nassr took Sunday off after Saturday’s win against Al Okhdood, and on Monday’s training session, Iñigo Martinez returned to group training. The Spanish defender made his way back after almost one month sidelined due to a tear in his hamstring.
With his return alongside his teammates, Iñigo Martinez has been confirmed as available for Al Nassr’s next game. For Matchday 29 of the SPL, Ronaldo and company will be hosting the game against Al Ettifaq on Wednesday, April 15th, to keep their historic winning streak of 14 wins going.
Due to this injury, Martinez missed the last two games against Al Najma and Al Okhdood, both teams siting at rock bottom of the table. With more challenging duels on the horizon, his return to the team will be key, but for the upcoming game, as reported by Al Arriyadiyah, head coach Jorge Jesus will have the last word on his presence.
Inigo Martinez in Al Nassr’s training session.
In the 5-2 win against Al Najma, coach Jesus remarked that the team wasn’t good defensively. “We were not good defensively today, especially at the back line. We missed Martínez, and that affected our defensive balance,” he said in the post match press conference, highlighting his importance on the team.
Cristiano Ronaldo and rest of starters with recovery exercises
In contrast with Iñigo Martinez and a limited group, Cristiano Ronaldo took part of the recovery routine and exercises alongside the players that started the last game against Al Okhdood. The focus and normal training sessions was more focused on non-starting players.
Since recovering from his hamstring injury, Ronaldo got subbed off in the 2 games he’s performed, though his form remains intact with three goals scored in that span. With six games left in the Saudi Pro League, and with Al Nassr sitting at the top with 73 points, managing his minutes will be key for both the title race, and also to reach fitness with the World Cup in less than two months.
Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Inigo Martinez (R) of Al Nassr.
Verdict: Draw Best odds: 7/2 Bookmaker: BetUS Arsenal stand on the brink of history on Wednesday night as they welcome Sporting Lisbon to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League quarter‑final. Holding a narrow 1–0 advantage from last week’s trip to Portugal, the Gunners are seeking to reach back‑to‑back semi‑finals in […]
As Paris Saint-Germain prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of their encounter in the Champions League quarterfinals – with a 2-0 advantage – head coach Luis Enrique has confirmed reports he had once visited Anfield and stood on the Kop with the fiercest Liverpool supporters. “Anfield is one of the best […]
Verdict: Draw Best odds: 13/4 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Facing the daunting task of producing another famous remontada to keep their Champions League hopes alive, Barcelona head to the Spanish capital on Tuesday night for the second leg of their quarter‑final clash with Atlético Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side stunned the Blaugrana 2–0 at Camp Nou in the […]
The end of the contract binding Marco Senesi to Bournemouth is in its final months, and according to Talksport, the 29-year-old centre-back is currently exploring his options for the near future. There is interest in his services in Italy and Spain – namely from Juventus and Atletico Madrid – but also within the Premier League, […]
Achraf Hakimi played down his Paris Saint-Germain team being the favourites heading into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool. PSG arrive at Anfield with a two-goal lead following a 2-0 win in the French capital last week, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on target for the defending champions. Luis Enrique’s […]
After his injury against Girona, Kylian Mbappe returned to Real Madrid training sessions with stitches in his forehead ahead of the UCL clash against Bayern Munich.
Kylian Mbappe raised concern by missing Real Madrid‘s training session on Sunday after picking up an injury against Girona on Saturday, but the Frenchman was back on the training pitch Monday, sporting stitches above his eyebrow as he prepares for the second leg against Bayern Munich.
One of the most contentious moments of last weekend’s La Liga action came during Real Madrid‘s 1-1 draw with Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu. In the 88th minute, Vitor Reis caught Mbappe with an elbow while attempting to mark him inside the box, opening a wound that caused heavy bleeding and required immediate medical attention.
Referee officials ruled the contact unintentional, declining to award a penalty, a decision that drew significant frustration from the Real Madrid camp. Mbappe was able to see the match out, but two days later he was absent from training when the squad returned to work.
In the interim, Mbappe posted a photo on his Instagram account showing him receiving medical attention on the affected area, without any caption. The update confirmed he had received three stitches above his right eyebrow.
Having been kept off the pitch on Sunday for further assessment, Mbappe was back training alongside his teammates at the Valdebebas training complex on Monday. With 39 goals in 28 appearances for Real Madrid this season, his presence will be critical as Los Blancos look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich.
Kylian Mbappe set to feature against Bayern Munich
With the immediate concern now behind him, Mbappe’s availability for Wednesday’s second leg against Bayern is not in doubt. However, precautions are being taken to ensure the striker does not risk aggravating the injury during the match.
According to Diario AS, while Mbappe is still experiencing some discomfort in the area, the use of a protective mask has already been ruled out. That said, the club is working internally to provide him with some form of protection to guard the affected area during the game.
Following an impressive debut with Olympique Lyon, Real Madrid have reportedly decided to bring Endrick back, teaming him with Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé. Consequently, los Blancos might allow another offensive star to depart in an effort to balance the roster.
After struggling for playing time under Xabi Alonso, Endrick and Real Madrid have reportedly agreed to a loan move to boost his 2026 World Cup chances with Brazil national team. Seizing this opportunity, the 19-year-old striker has thrived at Olympique Lyon. As a result, Los Blancos reportedly plan to count on his return for the 2026-27 season, joining Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé in the attacking line.
According to Mario Cortegana, via The Athletic, Real Madrid have decided to count on Endrick for the 2026–27 season. With this, the Brazilian would end his loan spell at Olympique Lyon at the end of the season, in order to become part of Los Blancos’ attacking line. Despite this, he may not be an undisputed starter, but instead earn playing time as a backup to Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé, though with a more prominent role than in his previous spell.
With Endrick’s return reportedly decided, Los Blancos have opted not to count on Gonzalo García. Although the Spaniard impressed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he has not managed to secure a place in the team’s rotation. In an effort to prioritize his development, Real Madrid would look to sell him so he can gain playing time, while still maintaining control over his future through a buy-back clause, a percentage of any future sale, or a right of first refusal.
Unlike Gonzalo García, the Brazilian striker may be compatible with Vinicius and Kylian Mbappé.Having a privileged vision and creative capacity, Endrick could become a wildcard for Real Madrid’s offense. In his Ligue One tenure, he has scored three goals and contributed five assists in eleven games, proving to be differential. For that reason, he could emerge as a solid boost to the offense, as they have battled to perform this season without the Frenchman.
Olympique Lyon star Endrick, loaned by Real Madrid.
Endrick’s comeback may lead a Real Madrid’s offense rebuild
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Real Madrid have experienced quite inconsistent performances from several of their players. Not only Gonzalo García but also Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo Goes have been relegated to secondary roles. Because of this, Los Blancos could take advantage of Endrick’s return to lead a rebuild of their attack, allowing some players to leave in order to maintain balance.
In case Endrick’s arrival is confirmed, Gonzalo García would leave the team permanently, with Como 1907 in Serie A showing interest, along with clubs from England, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, according to Fabrizio Romano. Alongside him, Franco Mastantuono could seek a loan move after losing his place to Brahim Díaz and Federico Valverde in the rotation.
Rodrygo Goes seemed destined to leave Real Madrid, as he went from an undisputed starter to a rotational player. However, his ACL injury could complicate his departure, as he may look to fully recover at Los Blancos and then decide his future. Because of this, the team’s reinforcements seem likely to focus on defense and midfield, leaving only Endrick’s return as the main attacking addition for the next season.
Endrick of Olympique De Lyon, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.
Lamine Yamal insisted Barcelona’s hopes of reaching the Champions League semi-final does not all depend on him, but the winger is happy to take responsibility against Atletico Madrid. Barca lost their last-eight first leg 2-0 at Camp Nou last week, with Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth getting on the scoresheet following a red card to […]
The end of the contract binding Marco Senesi to Bournemouth is in its final months, and according to Talksport, the 29-year-old centre-back is currently exploring his options for the near future. There is interest in his services in Italy and Spain – namely from Juventus and Atletico Madrid – but also within the Premier League, […]
Despite his historic season, Ousmane Dembélé’s future at PSG appears quite uncertain, as he is reportedly refusing to renew his contract. As a result, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner has two potential destinations: the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League.
Ousmane Dembélé managed to make history at PSG, leading the club to its first UEFA Champions League title. Following this, the Frenchman won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, achieving a historic milestone for the team. Despite this, his future at the club is not guaranteed, as he is reportedly refusing to extend his contract. With no agreement yet reached, the 28-year-old star already has potential destinations lined up: The Premier League and the Saudi Pro League.
According to L’Équipe, PSG and Ousmane Dembélé have decided to pause contract extension talks, making it clear there is still time, as his current deal runs until 2028. Instead, the French side has chosen to prioritize the renewals of Senny Mayulu and Bradley Barcola, whose contracts expire in 2027 and 2028 respectively. In addition, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly not fully accepting the contractual offer on the table.
Following his historic season, Paris Saint-Germain acknowledge that Dembélé deserves a salary increase. However, president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has made it clear that the club will not break its wage structure, unlike in the cases of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar. As a result, the French side are open to reassessing his future in the event of an early elimination, or keeping him as a cornerstone if he shines again and helps secure the title reports L’Équipe.
Given his uncertain contractual situation, Ousmane Dembélé could be set for a move to the Premier League, with several clubs monitoring a potential transfer. In addition, Saudi Pro League teams have joined the interest, having made multiple approaches throughout the season. However, the Frenchman has decided to pause any renewal or transfer talks until after the 2026 World Cup, where a standout performance could ultimately define his future.
Ousmane Dembele lifting the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Dembélé wages could rule out most Premier League clubs
Unlike other leagues, Premier League clubs maintain strong investment capacity, allowing them to handle multimillion-dollar transfers. Because of this, the Frenchman could fit into most English top-flight teams. However, Ousmane Dembélé reportedly holds salary expectations above €50 million, which would significantly limit his options to only a very small number of clubs.
Over the past few years, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool have been the only Premier League sides capable of offering salaries above €20 million per season, alongside extremely high transfer fees. For this reason, Dembélé would realistically only fit into these teams, with the Reds and the Red Devils best positioned, as they are set to lose their top earners: Mohamed Salah and Casemiro.
Ousmane Dembélé might find his ideal salary in Saudi Arabia
Despite the fact that the potential arrival of Ousmane Dembélé represents a major opportunity for several teams, they could struggle to meet his extremely high salary expectations. Nevertheless, the Frenchman could have an ideal solution: Saudi Pro League. As one of the most financially powerful leagues, they could make him a tempting offer to the 2025 Ballon d’Or candidate, reaching up to the €60M per season he is reportedly demanding.
Being a well-known Muslim, Dembélé’s potential arrival would have a major cultural impact, becoming a reference point for local fans. In addition, the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, along with the possible arrival of Mohamed Salah, could further raise the league’s profile, drawing renewed attention from fans. However, they have not yet submitted a formal offer, according to L’Équipe.
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League.
While hoping for his presence in the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal addressed Neymar's influence on Barcelona's preparation for the comeback in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
Lamine Yamal has been the loudest voice coming out of FC Barcelona over the past week as the club gears up for a potential historic comeback against Atletico Madrid in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. With the second leg just one day away, the 18-year-old star drew on the influence of Neymar as a source of inspiration and made a heartfelt plea for the Brazilian to be at the World Cup.
Before nodding to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback, another landmark reversal closer to Barcelona’s own history was the one engineered by Neymar against PSG in the 2016-17 season. By scoring a brace and delivering the winning assist for Sergi Roberto, the Blaugrana completed one of the most iconic comebacks in sports history, and the scenario Barcelona now face against Atletico carries a strikingly similar feel.
At Monday’s press conference, Yamal was asked whether he had revisited that iconic Neymar performance for inspiration, and the young star was effusive in his praise for his idol: “I have seen it many times; I have seen it live as well. Neymar is a player who defined my entire childhood—he is my idol—and I will always be grateful for what he has given to football.“
Yamal then went a step further, expressing his hope that Neymar would be part of the 2026 World Cup. “I believe he inspires us all. He is the kind of player you pay for a ticket to see; three days would pass after a match, and you’d watch it again just to see his plays. I want to thank him for what he has given to the game, and I hope he can be at the World Cup,” he concluded.
Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate against PSG in 2017.
Despite frequently drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his playing style, Yamal has consistently been eager to highlight Neymar’s influence on his development. The Spanish teenager had the chance to meet his idol in person back in June 2025, just before the start of the current season.
Although Yamal was Barcelona‘s brightest spark in the first leg, Atletico stayed compact and goalkeeper Juan Musso produced a series of outstanding saves to keep him off the scoresheet. Now heading to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Blaugrana must wipe out a two-goal deficit from the opening whistle, a challenge Yamal is embracing with the same belief that has fueled some of the great comebacks in the club’s history.
Yamal eager to make his mark in the second leg
Despite being reduced to ten men for the entire second half of the first leg, Barcelona still dominated possession and created chances, with Yamal often at the center of their most dangerous moments. Far from feeling weighed down by the pressure of being the team’s go-to player, the teenager sees it as fuel.
Yamal shared his mindset heading into the match and made clear just how much he is relishing the moment: “I’m very excited. I’ve always said that at the start of the season, my level was questioned a lot because of my pubalgia, and I like it when these moments arrive because this is when the real players show up. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.“
Yamal has already proven he can deliver on the biggest stages, scoring against France and setting up the winner against England in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, and leading Barcelona’s attack in last season’s Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan despite the eventual defeat. With the weight of the occasion on his shoulders at just 18 years old, Yamal appears ready to rise to it once more.
Lamine Yamal (L) of FC Barcelona and Neymar Jr (R) of Santos.
Dominik Szoboszlai said he is prepared to die for Liverpool when he takes to the field for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool welcome the defending champions to Anfield on Tuesday hoping to overturn a two-goal deficit after a toothless display in a 2-0 defeat in the French capital […]
Liam Rosenior admitted Enzo Fernandez’s absence against Manchester City “possibly” hurt Chelsea. The Blues were defeated 3-0 by Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday, leaving them four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool in the Champions League race. Chelsea have now lost back-to-back Premier League games by three or more goals for the first time since February 2018 […]
Following a big win in the first leg, Atlético Madrid are the clear favorite to secure another victory in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Moreover, captain Koke has sent a strong message to Barcelona ahead of the match, reveling their tactical approach.
Atlético Madrid stunned Barcelona with a 2–0 victory at the Spotify Camp Nou. Far from adopting a defensive mindset, Los Colchoneros came out to impose their attacking strength, taking advantage of Barcelona’s lack of control in midfield. Rather than considering the tie settled, captain Koke issued a warning to the Blaugranas ahead of the second leg, offering hints about their tactical approach ahead the Champions League quarterfinals second leg.
“This is a match that could go down in Champions League history. It’s a historic game for the club, and we are focused on this match, not the Copa final. We’re approaching it like a final. We’re going there to win it… My teammates are highly motivated. It’s normal that they (Barcelona players) believe they can come back. The opposite would be strange…with the desire to play a great match against a strong opponent, in our stadium,” Koke said in the latest press conference.
Even though they hold a comfortable advantage on the scoreboard, Koke’s words suggest they will not sit back and defend. Unlike in previous seasons, Los Colchoneros have shown that their best version comes when they take an aggressive, high-risk approach, with Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone dominating the flanks. With this in mind, they will look to extend their lead rather than protect it.
While Lamine Yamal has opted to challenge coach Diego Simeone over his dominance in one-on-one situations, they have decided to stick to their approach: Securing the victory. However, Los Colchoneros could look to apply tight marking on the 18-year-old star, limiting his ability to make an impact in attack. In addition, they will aim to exploit the space behind Barcelona’s defenders with their quick counterattacking style.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.
Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone faces key absentees vs. Barcelona
Ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Atlético Madrid arrive with a clear advantage, holding a two-goal lead on aggregate. In addition, coach Diego Simeone regains Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, and Jan Oblak, providing a significant boost. However, they also face a major setback, as they will be without three absences that could prove decisive in the match against Barcelona.
Coach Diego Simeone will be without three high-level center-backs: Marc Pubill due to accumulated yellow cards, as well as José María Giménez and David Hancko, who did not take part in the latest training session due to fitness issues. Without them, Los Colchoneros lose defensive reliability, leaving everything in the hands of Robin Le Normand and Clément Lenglet, who have tended to make mistakes from game to game.
Taking advantage of these absences, the Blaugranas could look to apply sustained high pressing. In doing so, they may force errors in the build-up, putting Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in prime positions to score and chase the comeback. However, Los Colchoneros could also aim to reduce their opponent’s influence by adopting an attacking approach that forces Barcelona to proceed with caution.
Koke of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring a goal.
Far from feeling pressure to stage a comeback, Lamine Yamal has appeared quite confident in Barcelona ahead of the match against Atlético Madrid. The Spaniard star has even warned Diego Simeone about his strong form in one-on-one duels.
Despite arriving as clear favorites, Barcelona suffered a surprising defeat against Atlético Madrid. As a result, the Blaugranas find themselves in a difficult position for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, needing to overturn a two-goal deficit. Nevertheless, Lamine Yamal has shown strong confidence in a comeback, warning Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone about putting him in one-on-one duels.
“Barça have been chasing the Champions League for many years, we’re eager to get through to the next round, and we are Barça—we’ll give it everything… I feel very good, really looking forward to tomorrow’s match. I’m motivated for it and hope I can make the difference. Let’s see if Cholo does me a favor and sets me up for a one-on-one with a defender—I hope so,” Lamine Yamal said in the latest press conference.
Facing a two-goal deficit, Lamine Yamal knows they’ll need to mount a powerful offensive against Atlético Madrid. Far from being intimidated by this challenge, he has already made it clear that he’s looking forward to one-on-one situations to showcase his offensive prowess and shine. Incidentally, he implies that if los Colchoneros opt for an offensive approach, his team will have the advantage in one-on-one matchups with their players.
Looking ahead to the second leg, the Blaugranas have decided not to rely solely on Lamine Yamal, revels the youngster in press conference. “There are some really talented players—world-class veterans who prove it year after year. I don’t think it’s just about me, and even if it were, I wouldn’t care.” While he is their most influential player, they are counting on veterans like Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo to step up.
Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal, of FC Barcelona.
Hansi Flick may bench Marcus Rashford to restore midfield dominance
Although Barcelona suffered a surprise defeat against Atlético Madrid, they managed to remain the dominant team on the field, though they showed serious problems in midfield. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal dominated down the wings, though they failed to convert their scoring opportunities. Given this, coach Hansi Flick might bench the Englishman, opting instead for a lineup he has used in previous games.
At the latest press conference, Hansi Flick revealed key details of his game plan for the second leg against los Colchoneros. “Everyone on the team needs to be involved and connected, and defend as a unit. When we don’t have the ball, we need to close down spaces and stay compact—that’s how we want to play soccer.” With this in mind, Marcus Rashford starting spot might be in danger to Dani Olmo.
Even though the Englishman had several runs and occasions in the first leg, he constantly lost the possession of the ball. For that reason, Atlético Madrid got the chance to dominate in the counterattack. To avoid this, the German coach may bet for Dani Olmo, coupled with Fermin Lopez to bolster midfield dominance, with numerical superiority. Moreover, they could help Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in the base.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona and Diego Pablo Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid.
Looking to officially punch their Champions League semi-final spot on Tuesday night, PSG will travel to Anfield when they meet Liverpool for their second-leg showdown. More than deserving of their first-leg advantage at the Parc des Princes last week, Luis Enrique’s side have their sights firmly set on defending their maiden European crown and they […]
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone insisted home advantage would count for nothing against Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Simeone’s side bring a two-goal advantage coming into Tuesday’s clash at the Metropolitano following a 2-0 win against 10-man Barcelona, who saw Pau Cubarsi sent off. Julian Alvarez’s stunning free-kick and […]
Despite his strong start to the season, Rafael Leão is not going through his best moment at AC Milan, having gone more than a month without scoring. Following this, fans booed him in the latest defeat, which has reportedly led the Portuguese to decide to leave the Rossoneri.
At the start of the 2025–26 season, Rafael Leão emerged as the team’s most decisive player, leading the scoring charts following Christian Pulisic’s drop in form. However, the Portuguese is not going through his best run, having more than one month without scoring. After having received boos from the fans in the team’s latest defeat, he has reportedly decided to leave AC Milanat the end of the season.
According to Andrea Ramazzotti, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rafael Leão felt very mistreated by the boos from the fans. Not only has he been playing several matches with pubalgia, but he is also playing out of position. Despite this, the Portuguese does not feel valued by the supporters for his great efforts for the team, further opening the door to a potential departure in the summer of 2026.
While Leão shone as a world-class left winger, Massimiliano Allegri has not managed to fit him into his system. With his 3-5-2 setup, he has had to adapt to playing as a center forward or second striker—positions that are not natural for him and are being used for the first time in his career. With no indication that the system will change, the coach seems determined to stick with it, leaving the Portuguese without an ideal role at the Rossoneri.
Despite his poor form at the Rossoneri, coach Allegri has chosen to publicly defend him, highlighting his improvements in the game. However, Rafael Leão has not been able to return to his best version, as he has no way of playing with the same prominence as a left winger, something that does not seem likely to change. For this reason, he could force a departure, seeking a team where he can thrive with his pace and dribbling.
Rafael Leao of AC Milan
Report: Rafael Leão is attracting interest from the Premier League
Throughout his professional career, Rafael Leão has proven to be one of the best left wingers in the world. Under head coach Stefano Pioli, the Portuguese was in peak form, excelling both as a dribbler and a goalscorer, surpassing 10 goals and 10 assists. While he has not managed to shine under coach Allegri, he is still reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League, where his playing style would stand out.
As a fast player with outstanding dribbling ability, Leão is attracting attention from Manchester United, as he is seen as an ideal complement to their attack. In the event of a €40–50M offer (around $46–58M), the Rossoneri would be open to his transfer to the Red Devils, as he is no longer considered untouchable and his relationship with the fans is not at its best, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
If he were to regain prominence as a left winger, Rafael Leão could once again become one of the most impactful players in soccer world. In addition, the high tempo of the Premier League could suit his style of play, giving him opportunities to rediscover his best version. However, the Portuguese is also reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, presenting another potential option.
Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool “need something very special to happen” if they are to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final tie. The Reds trail PSG 2-0 at the halfway stage, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia securing a first-leg advantage for Luis Enrique’s side. This will be the fifth time that Liverpool […]
With just a few months to go before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback with Argentina, as Cristian Romero appeared to have picked up a serious injury. However, he has received an injury update that gives him hope of making it to the anticipated tournament.
After shining in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, Argentina stand out as one of the national teams favored to win the 2026 World Cup, aiming for their second consecutive title. However, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback, as Cristian Romero went off injured in tears in Tottenham Hotspur’s latest match. Despite this, the Argentinean defender’s injury extent has reportedly been revealed, keeping his hopes of reaching the anticipated tournament alive.
According to Martín Arevalo, covering ESPN Argentina, Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero has been diagnosed with a knee injury, leaving him out for 5–8 weeks. Moreover, Gastón Edul, specialist covering Argentina national team, reports that he does not have collateral ligament tear, avoiding surgery. Nonetheless, the defender will not play with the English team this season, leaving them in a sensitive spot.
CUTI OUT VARIAS SEMANAS @CutiRomero2 tiene una lesión en la rodilla que le demandará entre 5 y 8 semanas de recuperación. Dentro de la mala noticia que es que un futbolista se lesione, para la Selección es una buena noticia porque uno de sus mejores jugadores llega al Mundial. pic.twitter.com/U4SM4Czdoy
As a defensive cornerstone for Lionel Messi’s national team, his potential participation in the anticipated tournament would be a significant boost. Not only was he key to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also remains one of the leaders in the dressing room. However, coach Scaloni will be the one to decide whether to call him up, as his match fitness could become an issue for the opening games of the tournament.
Alongside Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero has led a great era for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles and a World Cup with them at the back. In addition, Lisandro Martínez also emerges as a key figure for Lionel Messi’s side, providing stability to the team. For this reason, head coach Scaloni could opt to call him up, aiming to give him minutes so he can reach full fitness, as he is key both on and off the pitch.
Cristian Romero of Argentina fights for the ball with Jonathan Osorio of Canada.
Cristian Romero’s absence may truly affect Tottenham Hotspur
Unlike previous seasons, Tottenham Hotspur are going through the worst moment in their history. After dismissing Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igli Tare, they find themselves fighting to avoid relegation to the EFL Championship. Because of this, Cristian Romero’s absence could prove to be the definitive blow to their season, leaving everything in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven.
In case his injury extend is confirmed, Cristian will miss the remainder of the season with his club. With only five matches left, the Argentine may not return in time to help avoid relegation under Roberto De Zerbi. As a result, they will have to place their season in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, moving closer to the EFL Championship than to staying in the Premier League.
Cuti Romero no tiene rotura del ligamento colateral pero tiene una lesión. No necesita operación pero si recuperación. Por lo menos seis semanas. Van a ir evaluando su evolución. No va a jugar más en Tottenham en esta temporada. pic.twitter.com/Oji1tSrCul
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مهاجم هيلاس فيرونا غيفت أوربان، بعد الهزيمة أمام ميلان، كان متوترًا جدًا ورفض التوقف مع الجماهير لالتقاط الصور، لكن أحد المشجعين قام بضرب سيارته، مما دفع المهاجم النيجيري إلى النزول من السيارة والدخول في شجار معه والاعتداء عليه 
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