Lazio beat Bologna 4-1 on penalties this evening, after their Coppa Italia quarter-final tie finished 1-1 at full-time.

Football Italia’s Player of the Match was Tijjani Noslin, despite impressive performances from Kenneth Taylor and Bologna striker Santiago Castro.

You can relive all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Coppa Italia – Bologna 1-1 Lazio – Player Ratings

Bologna: Skorupski 6; Zortea 6.5, Vitik 6.5, Lucumi 6 (Helland N/A), Miranda 6; Moro 7 (Freuler 6), Ferguson 6; Orsolini 7, Odgaard 5.5 (Sohm 6), Cambiaghi 7 (Bernardeschi 6); Castro 7.5 (Dallinga 6)

Best Bologna player: Santiago Castro – Not only did he score Bologna’s only goal but looked a constant menace in and amongst the Lazio back line. In the first half especially, he was a real threat and showed signs of great promise for the future.

Lowest Bologna rating: Jens Odgaard – Did not get much right tonight and struggled to find space in Lazio’s deep midfield line. Was taken off with twenty minutes to go after a quiet evening.

Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 5.5 – Things are not going his way at the moment as the pressure mounts after what can only be described as a dismal run of recent form. He got it all right in the first half but seemed unable to adjust to Lazio’s improved momentum in the second half.

Lazio: Provedel 6.5; Marusic 6, Gila 6.5, Romagnoli 6.5, Pellegrini 6 (Tavares 5.5); Dele-Bashiru 6.5, Rovella 6 (Cataldi 6), Taylor 7; Pedro 7 (Noslin 7.5), Maldini 6 (Dia 5.5), Isaksen 6.5 (Cancellieri N/A)

Best Lazio Player: Tijjani Noslin – The Dutchman’s introduction really unsettled Bologna, who were barely able to cope with Pedro. The runs in between lines caught the hosts out and he found himself practically unmarked in the six yard box to score the equaliser and help send his side into the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

Lowest Lazio rating: Nuno Tavares – Feels a bit harsh for a player who only played ten minutes, scored his penalty in the shoot-out but he did feel like a bull in a china shop after his introduction. Was booked for a reckless challenge and does not feel like the kind of man you want to rely on to hold on to your defensive stability. That being said, Tavares was hardly awful and the most of his teammates were only marginally better.

Coach: Maurizio Sarri 7 – No matter what obstacles get thrown in Sarri’s way, he manages to overcome them. Pedro, who had probably been Lazio’s best player before his injury, gets taken off – Sarri brings Noslin on, tweaks the dynamics in the front line with Maldini and Lazio are back in the game before they know it. Surprisingly flexible performance from a coach known for his rigidity.

Lazio may have emerged victors this evening with a penalty shootout victory against Bologna, but it is not all sunshine and rainbows for the Biancocelesti after they suffered another concerning injury.

Experienced forward Pedro started the match on the wing, and offered some promising glimpses in the early stages of the match.

However, with just a few minutes left of the first half, the Spaniard suffered a nasty injury and had to be taken off.

Pedro in pain as Lazio progress past Bologna on penalties

The stretcher was called onto the pitch but the former Barcelona man refused, only to eventually hop on the stretcher once he was off the pitch.

The Lazio man looked in a serious amount of pain and given his age, this could be a costly blow for an already-thin Lazio squad.

Maurizio Sarri will be hoping that the injury is not as bad as it initially looked.

Tijjani Noslin came on for Pedro in the first half and, if every cloud has a silver lining, helped shift the momentum in the game and scored Lazio’s equaliser.

Bologna and Lazio had to go all the way to penalties to settle their Coppa Italia quarter-final tie tonight after a 1-1 draw in the ninety minutes, with the Biancocelesti holding their nerve to win 4-1 in the shootout.

Santiago Castro opened the scoring for Bologna before Tijjani Noslin equalised for the visitors.

It was a must-win game for both sides, who currently view Coppa Italia success as the easiest route into European football next season.

You can follow all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Bologna came into the game as holders, winning the cup last season, whilst Lazio have struggled with injuries and a transfer embargo last summer that severely hindered head coach Maurizio Sarri’s return to the club.

The first half started cagey as expected, neither team willing to take too many risks. Bologna looked more threatening in the early stages, with more of the ball in Lazio’s third, but the Biancocelesti stayed defensively resilient.

After giving away a clumsy corner around the half-hour mark, Moro whipped in a low corner; Santiago Castro diving to angle the ball past Provedel in the Lazio net.

The last 15 minutes of the first half saw Bologna keep Lazio relatively on a leash, with matters going from bad to worse for Sarri when experienced forward Pedro had to be taken off due to a nasty injury.

Bologna 1-1 Lazio – Noslin changes the game for Lazio

Tijjani Noslin took his place, in a move that ended up benefitting Lazio greatly.

Noslin’s introduction opened up a lot of space for the Biancocelesti in the second half, with his pace immediately throwing off the Bologna defence.

After a nice run from Dele-Bashiru on the right wing, the Nigerian squared a simple ball to Noslin to fire home and tie the game up.

Lazio seemed to gain confidence from the goal, with a lot more forward momentum compared to their rather stagnant first half.

In the final twenty minutes of normal time, the game grew sluggish – despite substitutions from both coaches to inject some pace into the match.

Danilo Cataldi went close with a shot from the edge of the box but the fouls flying in left, right and centre meant that the rest of regulation time played out in a very stop-start manner.

With the score level at the end of the 90 minutes, the tie went to a penalty shootout.

Lazio had no trouble converting their penalties but Provedel made two good saves and Orsolini drove his penalty wide to give the visitors the win.

Lazio will now face Atalanta in the semi-final.

Former England and Arsenal legend David Seaman has criticised modern goalkeeping celebrations, singling out Gianluigi Donnarumma for what he feels are exaggerated reactions to routine saves.

Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast with Adebayo Akinfenwa, via Goal, the ex-Arsenal and England goalkeeper said he is not a fan of keepers celebrating every stop, even when the effort does not warrant it.

“The ones that really celebrate shots… Donnarumma, who’s one of my favourites at the moment, was doing some massive celebrations after some half-decent saves,” Seaman said.

“When they do that, I’m like: ‘Come on, you’re better than that.’

Seaman annoyed with Donnarumma celebration

Donnarumma signed for Manchester City in the summer after being frozen out of PSG, with the Ligue 1 giants signing Lucas Chevalier to replace him.

“When I see goalkeepers who’ve just signed for a club and they’re giving it all that after a save, and it’s not even a really good one, I think: ‘What are you doing? Celebrate when it really means something.’ That really annoys me.”

Seaman also discussed the evolution of the position and gave his thoughts on current David Raya, who is playing a key role as Arsenal chase Premier League success.

The former England No.1 suggested that while modern keepers are more involved with the ball at their feet, the fundamentals of the role, positioning, decision-making and composure, remain just as important as ever.

Bologna host Lazio at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this evening in the final Coppa Italia quarter-final, as both sides fight for a place in the semis.

Bologna come into the game off the back of back-to-back defeats at home – with a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Milan followed by the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Parma.

For a Bologna side who started the season strongly, fatigue has begun to set in – especially given their participation in multiple tournaments – domestically and abroad.

You can follow all the action, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Lazio, meanwhile, seem to remain at the eye of the storm. Chaos on and off the field has led to a dramatic season for the Biancocelesti but head coach Maurizio Sarri has instilled a sense of calm that has seen the Biancocelesti eke out important results.

At the weekend, they were unlucky to draw 2-2 at Juventus, leading the game by a two goal cushion before a late Bianconeri comeback. Sarri’s side have lost just two of their last twelve games, yet with six draws, they find themselves somewhat off the pace in the race for European football.

For both sides, in fact, winning Coppa Italia would seem to be the most likely route to participating in Europe next season, so there is a lot on the line tonight.

Coppa Italia | Bologna vs Lazio – Official Lineups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea; Vitik, Lucumi, Miranda; Moro, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro

Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Dele-Bashiru, Rovella, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro.

11-02-2026 20:00

1/4 Final

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Lazio

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		9'		Mario Gila
Santiago Castro (Assist: Nikola Moro)		30'

2nd half

Santiago Castro		47'
		48'		Tijjani Noslin (Assist: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru)
Juan Miranda		74'
		86'		Nuno Tavares
Martin Vitik		90+1'

Penalty shootout

	Event
Lewis Ferguson
Thijs Dallinga
Riccardo Orsolini

Event
	Nuno Tavares
	Boulaye Dia
	Adam Marusic
	Kenneth Taylor

Match statistic

49

Possession %

51

13

Total shots

5

2

Shots on target

2

6

Shots off target

3

5

Blocked shots

5

Corners

2

1

Offsides

1

17

Fouls

12

Bologna

Lazio

Starting lineups

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

80'

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

61'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

70'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

70'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

80'

94

Ivan Provedel

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

80'

34

Mario Gila

Defender

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

61'

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

Kenneth Taylor

Midfielder

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

61'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

80'

9

Pedro

Attacker

45'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

João Mário

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

61'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

70'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

70'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

80'

Eivind Helland

Defender

80'

26

Toma Basic

Midfielder

4

Patric

Defender

23

Elseid Hysaj

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

21

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

Edoardo Motta

Goalkeeper

Petar Ratkov

Attacker

25

Oliver Provstgaard

Defender

Adrian Przyborek

Attacker

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

45'

32

Danilo Cataldi

Midfielder

61'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

61'

22

Matteo Cancellieri

Attacker

80'

17

Nuno Tavares

Defender

80'

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Mario Balotelli scored his first goal since 2024 when he found the back of the net last Friday for his new club Al-Ittifaq.

The UAE First Division club signed the Italian journeyman in January, after his contract expired with Genoa at the end of last season.

Al-Ittifaq have been struggling so far this season but the Italian scored the second of three goals as the team won 3-1 away at Gulf United.

The club will be hoping that the 35-year-old will score more as they hope to avoid relegation this season.

Watch: Balotelli scores first goal for new club Al-Ittifaq

Roberto De Zerbi has left his position as head coach of Olympique de Marseille, but this is not expected to change the transfer agreement between the Ligue 1 side and Juventus for USA international Timothy Weah. 

Will Marseille still sign Weah from Juventus after De Zerbi sacking?

Inter and Juventus both have players out on loan at Marseille this season: The Nerazzurri sent Benjamin Pavard to the Stade Velodrom at the end of the window, at the same time that they brought in Manuel Akanji from Manchester City, while Weah had joined from Juventus a few weeks earlier. 

The deal for Pavard was made up of a season-long loan deal for €2.5m and an option to buy for an additional €15m, however, recent reports in France and Italy claim that the Frenchman is increasingly likely to return to Inter at the end of the season. 

This is not the case for Weah, however, whose loan deal to Marseille includes a potential obligation to buy. According to Calciomercato.com, Marseille will trigger that obligation to buy once they secure mathematical safety in Ligue 1 this season. 

Marseille are currently in fourth place in the Ligue 1 table, 25 points clear of the relegation zone with 13 games of the season left to play. 

It is a case of when, rather than if Marseille trigger their obligation to buy. Once that happens, Juventus will be entitled to a fee of €15.4m plus up to €4.1m in add-ons. The Bianconeri have already received €1m for Weah’s season-long loan deal.

Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to have Paulo Dybala back at his disposal when Roma take on Napoli in Serie A over the weekend, and there is also positive news regarding January signing Robinio Vaz according to Wednesday’s reports. 

Dybala and Robinio Vaz fighting to be fit for Napoli vs. Roma

Dybala has missed Roma’s last two Serie A matches due to a knee issue, but returned to training on Wednesday and is now expected to compete for a spot in the team to take on Napoli at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday evening, potentially as a starter. 

Robinio Vaz was also partially involved in Wednesday’s training session at Trigoria. The 18-year-old joined the Giallorossi in a €25m deal during the January transfer window, but has spent the last week nursing a soleus injury after picking up an injury three substitute appearances into his Roma career. 

According to Corriere dello Sport, Matias Soule and Mario Hermoso trained on personalised programmes on Wednesday. The former has been struggling with a bit of discomfort around his pubis, while the Spaniard has been dealing with a minor impact injury to his foot. 

Manu Kone, Stephan El Shaarawy, Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk continued to work individually on Wednesday.

Juventus are close to triggering the obligation to buy clause in the contract of forward Lois Openda, but reports on Wednesday claim that the Bianconeri are already considering plans for the Belgian’s exit in the summer. 

Terms of the Juventus-Openda obligation to buy revealed

Openda joined Juventus towards the end of the summer transfer window, joining on loan for a fee of €3.3m plus up to €800,000 in bonuses in a deal that also includes an obligation to buy if certain ‘sporting conditions’ are met. 

According to reports from Calciomercato.com, Juventus will be obliged to make Openda’s move permanent in the event that they finish the Serie A season in 10th place or above.

Though there are still 14 games of the 2025-26 campaign left to play, the feeling is that Juventus, currently in fourth on 46 points, are not at any immediate risk of finishing in 11th or lower. They already have a 17-point buffer between themselves and the bottom half of the Serie A table. 

In the event that Juventus do finish in 10th or above, they will be obliged to pay a fee of €40.6m plus bonuses of up to €1.7m to sign Openda on a permanent basis. 

However, according to reports from Calciomercato, Juventus will look to sell Openda during the next summer transfer window. The Belgian is on two goals from 31 appearances across all competitions this campaign, and there are concerns that his profile does not fit Luciano Spalletti’s current set-up. 

He is not considered an out-and-out centre-forward, and doesn’t quite fit into one of the supporting roles in attack typically occupied by Kenan Yildiz, Fabio Miretti, Weston McKennie or Francisco Conceicao. 

As per Calciomercato, Juventus might have looked into the possibility of moving Openda on during the January transfer window, but this was impossible given that he had already played for two different clubs in Juventus and RB Leipzig in 2025-26, and would have therefore been ineligible to play for another team this season. 

Selling Openda this summer while avoiding a capital loss remains a difficult task, however. 

If the Old Lady were to sell Openda this summer and avoid a capital loss, they would need to find a buyer willing to match the €40.6m obligation to buy fee. Moving forwards, a fee in the region of €30m would be required to avoid a capital loss in the summer of 2027, and €20m in the summer of 2028. 

As per Calciomercato, it is unlikely that another team steps forwards with a €40m offer this coming summer. A slightly more feasible scenario is that Openda puts in a slightly more convincing season in 2026-27, leading to a €30m move away from the club in the summer of 2027. 

Wednesday’s reports confirm that Denzel Dumfries has finally returned to training with Inter, just a few days out from the highly-anticipated Derby d’Italia against rivals Juventus. 

Dumfries back in Inter training ahead of Juventus clash

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dumfries was partially involved in Inter’s training session on Wednesday, just a few days shy of the Juventus match, which kicks off at 19.45 GMT on Saturday evening. 

The Dutchman has not featured for the Nerazzurri since coming off midway through a 2-0 Serie A victory over Lazio on November 9. He suffered an injury to his ankle, which required surgery to amend. 

Dumfries has missed the last 13 Serie A matches, plus four in the Champions League, two in the Coppa Italia and one in the Supercoppa Italiana while recovering from his ankle injury. 

It remains to be seen whether he will be called up to Cristian Chivu’s squad for the Juventus match. Given the extent of his lay-off, he is not currently expected to start. 

This is still a big boost for Chivu’s side, who were also able to welcome both Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu back to training earlier this week. Calhanoglu had been out injured since January 11 and Barella since January 28. 

Recent reports claim that Barella is slightly more likely than Barella to return to the starting XI straight away for the Juventus match.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich have made contact with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic ahead of a potential free transfer over the summer, but the Serbia international still has no agreement to leave the Allianz Stadium.

Vlahovic is one of the highest-rated players available on a free transfer in June as his Juventus contract runs out at the end of the season.

Juventus still hope to extend Vlahovic’s contract

Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest updates on the Serbian striker after Juventus director Marco Ottolini admitted the club still hopes to extend with the 26-year-old.

Romano confirmed that talks between Juventus and Vlahovic are on hold, but the ex-Fiorentina striker hasn’t signed with any other club yet.

Barcelona have already made contact with Vlahovic, but Bayern Munich are an option as well, Romano confirmed.

Barcelona are looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, while Bayern need a backup for Harry Kane as Nicolas Jackson will leave at the end of the season.

However, Bayern last made contact with Vlahovic around October/November and have not made a formal proposal yet.

Vlahovic also remains on Milan’s radar as Massimiliano Allegri already worked with the Serbia international at Juventus.

Juventus are expecting to have Francisco Conceicao at their disposal for Saturday’s Derby d’Italia against rivals Inter, but Weston McKennie has had to have five stitches in his leg on Wednesday according to the latest updates. 

Juventus team news heading into Inter clash

The Bianconeri are underway with their preparations for Saturday’s Serie A crunch match against rivals Inter, who sit eight points clear at the top of the league table ahead of kick-off. 

Juventus are coming in off the back of a 2-2 draw against Lazio last time out in the league. 

Conceicao was expected to come on at half-time during the Lazio game. He was out warming up during the interval, was seen receiving detailed instructions from the coaching staff, but then reported some discomfort in his knee before coming on. In the end, it was Edon Zhegrova who came on at the start of the second half instead of the Portugal international. 

According to the latest reports, Conceicao was able to train as usual with the rest of the Juventus first team on Wednesday, which means that he is currently expected to be part of the squad for the derby against Inter on Saturday. 

Wednesday’s reports confirm that McKennie was not involved in Juventus training on Wednesday. That is because he suffered a cut just above his ankle during the Lazio game over the weekend and had five stitches put in on Wednesday. 

However, according to Sky Sport Italia and Calciomercato, McKennie should be back in training on Thursday as long as he does not feel too much discomfort, which means that he should also be available for the Inter game over the weekend. 

Strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik remain the only Juventus players expected to miss out through injury over the weekend. 

Fabrizio Romano confirms that Milan and Bournemouth have signed the documents for Alex Jimenez’s permanent move to the English club for €19m, a fee that the Serie A giants will split with Real Madrid.

Spanish full-back Jimenez has completed a permanent move to Bournemouth from Milan.

Jimenez joins Bournemouth permanently

The 20-year-old joined the Premier League side on loan last summer, and Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed on YouTube that “all the documents have been signed” to make his move permanent.

Romano reports that Jimenez’s permanent acquisition will cost Bournemouth €19m, which will be split between Milan and Real Madrid.

How much Milan earn from Jimenez’s Bournemouth transfer

Milan will also receive add-ons superior to €3m.

Jimenez is a product of the Merengues’ academy, and the La Liga giants held a 50% sell-on clause.

Jimenez has scored one goal and one assist in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

During his latest interview with Mundo Deportivo, he said he decided to leave Milan last summer because he feared he’d not receive enough playing time.

For decades, the image of Italian football was defined by the local industrialist pouring money into a beloved club as a passion project. It was charming, sure, but it wasn’t exactly a sustainable business model for the modern era.

Those days are mostly a memory now. If you look at the corporate hallways of Inter or Juventus today, you won’t just find scouts looking for the next number ten; you’ll find data scientists crunching numbers that have nothing to do with expected goals and everything to do with who we are as fans.

From Mass Marketing to Personal Connection

The big shift is that Italian giants have finally stopped treating their global fanbases as one giant, anonymous mass. They’ve started looking at supporters from every possible angle to figure out what actually makes us tick. By tracking how we interact with OTT streaming services and what we’re liking on social media, clubs can tell if you’re a casual viewer in New York or a die-hard season ticket holder in Turin.

It’s a move toward hyper-personalised entertainment. Inter, for instance, has been vocal about their “Media House” approach, ditching the old PR playbook to build something that feels more like a tailored Netflix experience. Why send the same generic email to everyone when you can offer a specific behind-the-scenes video to the fan who just spent twenty minutes watching training clips? It’s about making engagement feel like it was earned rather than just forced on us.

The New Face of Sponsorship

This move toward deep analytics has completely flipped the sponsorship market on its head. The traditional companies and local food brands are still around, but they’re being eclipsed by digital-first players—the kind of companies that live and breathe data. We are talking about AI-driven fintech apps, crypto platforms, and massive global sportsbooks like Lottoland that understand the value of a digital-savvy audience.

These partners aren’t just paying for a logo on a shirt anymore. They want the data. They want to know they’re reaching people who are already comfortable managing their lives through an app. It’s a bit of a two-way street; a club’s digital maturity is now the main bait for brands that live in that same fast-paced, data-heavy world.

• Clubs are turning into media companies first and sports teams second.
• Revenue is finally moving away from just relying on ticket sales and TV rights.
• Direct-to-consumer platforms let clubs own their stories completely.

Why This Matters for the Fans

You might wonder if all this talk of “data points” and “monetisation” sucks the soul out of the beautiful game. It’s a fair concern. But look at it this way: a more profitable, modern Serie A is a more competitive one.

The truth is, leaning so hard on data analytics changes the way we enjoy the sport in ways we don’t always notice. Better data means better stadium experiences, more immersive apps, and content that actually reflects what we want to see. When clubs stop guessing, they can finally build an environment where football is the centrepiece of a much larger, smarter entertainment package.

Is it a bit cold? Maybe. But in a world where Italian football needs to keep pace with the financial might of the Premier League, this digital evolution isn’t just a choice—it’s a survival tactic.

What do you think about your club knowing your digital habits? Does the data-driven approach make you feel like a valued customer, or just another number in a spreadsheet? Drop a comment below and let us know if you prefer the old-school ways or this new digital frontier.

Roberto De Zerbi’s time with Olympique de Marseille has come to an end after just over 18 months, but what went wrong at the Stade Velodrome and what could the future hold for the former Brighton coach? 

Late on Tuesday evening, it was confirmed that Marseille and De Zerbi had parted company by mutual consent. De Zerbi leaves the club in fourth place in Ligue 1, 12 points off the table-topping Paris Saint-Germain. 

De Zerbi’s time at Marseille: Re-cap 

De Zerbi took over at Marseille in the summer of 2024, following a difficult 2023-24 campaign in which the team had finished in eighth place in Ligue 1. That eighth place finish meant that Marseille did not compete in any European competition during De Zerbi’s first season in charge. 

Among De Zerbi’s signings during his first summer in charge were Mason Greenwood, who finished as the division’s joint-top scorer, Adrien Rabiot, Amine Gouiri, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Manu Kone.

Those signings helped Marseille on their way to a second place finish in Serie A during De Zerbi’s first season in charge. They finished the 2024-25 campaign on 65 points, four points clear of their closest competitors, Monaco, but 19 points shy of the eventual champions, PSG.

Still, a second place finish was enough for Marseille to confirm their place in the Champions League for the 2025-26 campaign.

The Champions League campaign did not go to plan, though. Marseille beat Ajax, Newcastle and Union SG over the course of the league phase, but recorded defeats against Real Madrid, Sporting CP, Atalanta, Liverpool and Club Brugge, which meant that they finished the league phase in 25th place, being knocked out of the tournament on goal difference. 

Marseille’s Champions League exit was confirmed on January 28. De Zerbi followed that up with a 2-2 draw against Paris FC in Ligue 1, a victory over Rennes in the Coupe de France, but then a 5-0 hammering away against rivals PSG: De Zerbi’s final game in charge. 

That 5-0 defeat against PSG was Marseille’s worst ever loss against their archrivals. 

Despite an unceremonious end to his time in charge of Marseille, De Zerbi leaves the club with the best win percentage of any Marseille coach of the last 10 years (57%). He also has the third-highest points-per-game record of any Marseille coach from the last 10 years with 1.84. Only Jorge Sampaoli (1.87) and Igor Tudor (1.85) did better by that metric. 

In the end, De Zerbi lasted for 590 days at Marseille, taking charge of 69 matches over that period. The average under Marseille’s current ownership is 374 days and 49 matches. Only Rudi Garcia, who lasted for 142 games between 2016 and 2019 lasted longer than De Zerbi under the current Marseille regime.

Milan star Christian Pulisic returned to group training on Wednesday, meaning he’ll probably be available on Friday when the Rossoneri visit Pisa.

Milan star Pulisic returned to group training on Wednesday morning, according to several sources in Italy, including Milan News.

Pulisic injury boost for Milan

The American star had missed Milan’s latest Serie A game against Bologna due to bursitis.

The 27-year-old is Milan’s best scorer this season with 10 goals in 20 appearances, but hasn’t yet found the net in 2026, receiving limited playing time due to fitness issues.

His return to training today, however, suggests he should be eligible on Friday, when Milan meet strugglers Pisa in an away Serie A match.

Saelemaekers still trains separately

On the other hand, Alexis Saelemaekers continued to train separately today due to an adductor problem that already forced him out of action against Bologna.

It remains to be seen whether the Belgian will be available in two days, but his return to the squad seems unlikely as the Rossoneri doctors want to take a cautious approach and give Saelemaekers the time he needs to fully recover.

Juventus directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini unveiled a new project involving startups that will collaborate with the club this season: ‘Football and sporting entertainment move quickly.’

Juventus CEO Comolli and Director of Football Strategy Chiellini unveiled a new project at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Wednesday morning.

Comolli and Chiellini unveil new Juventus project

During the event Forward. In Play – Innovation Takes the Field Juventus presented their ‘Forward Squad’, which consists of a new team of startups that will collaborate with the club this season in various capacities, including the development and storytelling of new projects.

“Football and sporting entertainment move quickly, and we can’t stand still,” Comolli said via Ilbianconero.com.

“We must look ahead, think big regarding football and the entertainment business in the next 15 years. We must not think about now, but what will happen in the next five or ten years and how the fans get to the stadium in five or ten years.”

Chiellini added: “We’re happy to launch an innovation squad. Innovation has been an important part of Juventus since its foundation. We are at the stadium, we were the first club to own one with a vision that went beyond matchdays.”

Chiellini was on the pitch on September 11, 2011, when Juventus played their first competitive match at the Allianz Stadium, beating Parma 4-1.

The former defender would go on to win nine Serie A titles with the Bianconeri under Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri and Maurizio Sarri.

After his retirement, Chiellini returned to Juventus in 2024 as the Head of Football Institutional Relations but was then promoted to Director of Football Strategy last summer.

Chiellini on Juventus’ development on and off the pitch

“We will launch a project that goes beyond sport. Football clubs are not just about what happens on the pitch; they are much more than that,” Chiellini continued.

“You see a variety of startup and we are happy to host a sports startup accelerator at the Juventus Stadium. We are proud to become a local and national point of reference.

“We want to implement something measurable, something truly useful for the club. All the startups have been selected to address everyday challenges, and we are working to support each other and everything around us. This is a launch, a call to share innovation. Our goal is to be a driving force and a catalyst for collaboration toward an increasingly integrated and innovative future.”

Former Argentine striker Martin Palermo is full of praise for Inter star Lautaro Martinez: ‘For me, he’s the best striker in Europe.’

Former Boca Juniors star Martin Palermo lauded Inter star Lautaro in an interview with Argentine podcast Clank! 

Lautaro the ‘best striker’ in Europe

“Lautaro. For me, he’s the best striker in Europe,” Palermo said.

“He scores goals, he’s powerful and continuously looks to score. But at the same time, he drops deep to play the ball, he moves a lot, passes the ball wide and runs inside the box. He does these movements without being clumsy, as they told me sometimes.”

Lautaro is the best scorer in Serie A this season with 14 goals.

The 28-year-old Inter captain has scored 18 times in 33 games across all competitions this term, having also bagged four goals in seven Champions League appearances.

Emil Holm has made no secret of the fact that he wants to stay on with Juventus beyond the 2025-26 season, and has shared his first impressions of Luciano Spalletti, Kenan Yildiz and the upcoming Derby d’Italia against Inter. 

Holm wants to stay at Juventus on permanent basis

Holm joined Juventus on the final day of the January transfer window, signing an initial loan deal that also includes an option to buy for €15m plus €3m in bonuses. The Bianconeri also sent Joao Mario to Bologna on loan on the same day. 

The 25-year-old has represented four different clubs in Serie A, along with Spezia, Atalanta and Bologna, but is hoping that he finds a permanent home in Turin. 

“All my teammates, the coach and the staff have helped me to feel part of the group. My goal is to be here beyond the summer,” the Sweden international told Sky Sport in an interview. “I want to help as much as I can and I want to give 100% to stay here.” 

Holm also revealed what was said in his first conversation with Bianconeri head coach Luciano Spalletti: “He told me that his wife is from La Spezia, so she watched a lot of games when I was there. We haven’t spoken much, but it’s gone well so far.” 

Holm also spoke about his best positions on the pitch: “As a full-back and as a wing-back,” he said. “I have to push a lot on the pitch and give my best. I want to learn something new every day and push as hard as I can.” 

And when asked for his initial thoughts after seeing starman Yildiz up close and personal, Holm added: “He’s really strong in my opinion. I played against him in training and you can immediately see that he has this impressive quality.” 

And looking forward to the Derby d’Italia against rivals Inter this weekend, he added: “If we win, we’ll make up a bit of ground in the standings. It’s a long season, though.
If we win it, it’s a great opportunity of course.”

Antonio Conte insulted referee Gianluca Manganiello during Napoli’s Coppa Italia game against Como on Tuesday, which, according to Gazzetta, will likely lead to a disciplinary proceeding.

The FIGC Prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné will likely open an investigation against Conte after the Italian was spotted insulting referee Manganiello during Napoli’s Coppa Italia game against Como last night.

What Conte told Napoli-Como referee

Conte called the referee “d***head’ while urging him to go to the pitchside monitor to review a potential red card for Como defender Jacobo Ramon.

As reported by Gazzetta, the insult was not heard by the referee on the pitch, nor by the fourth official, but emerged from a video released by Sport Mediaset, the Coppa Italia TV right holders in Italy.

Conte risk a one-game ban

According to the report, the FIGC Prosecutor is now collecting all the images and audio from the episode, which will likely lead to a disciplinary proceeding against Conte.

The Napoli boss could even face a one-game suspension unless he accepts a plea deal requiring him to pay a fine.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Atalanta’s Ederson is one of Juventus’ top targets to strengthen their midfield in the summer, with the Brazilian available for €40m.

Juventus have set their sights on Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

Ederson available for €40m

The Brazilian’s contract at the New Balance Arena runs out in June 2027, and according to Tuttosport, the midfielder is unwilling to extend it.

Therefore, Juventus have emerged as one of the interested clubs to sign the Atalanta star in the summer transfer window.

Ederson is a key Atalanta player, but he’ll enter the final year of his contract in Bergamo in July, so the Nerazzurri will release him for €40m at the end of the season.

Atletico Madrid to rival Juventus for Ederson?

According to the report, Atletico Madrid also showed interest in Ederson after signing Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in the January transfer window.

Juventus, on the other hand, signed Teun Koopmeiners for €60m less than two years ago after months of negotiations with Atalanta.

Juventus are expected to bring in midfield reinforcement in 2026-27, and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has also been linked with a move to Turin.

Roberto De Zerbi is the early favourite to replace Thomas Frank as head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, just a few hours after his departure from Olympique de Marseille was confirmed. 

De Zerbi and Maresca among early options for Tottenham

Marseille confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday morning that they have parted company with De Zerbi after just over 18 months in charge. The Italian leaves the French outfit in fourth place in the Ligue 1 standings, 12 points off league leaders PSG after 21 matches. 

De Zerbi’s final match in charge came in a 5-0 hammering by PSG away from home after the weekend. 

Iti was also confirmed on Wednesday that Premier League side Tottenham have dismissed head coach Frank, who was appointed as the successor to Ange Postecoglu over the summer. He leaves Spurs in 16th place, just five points above the Premier League relegation zone. 

According to reports from the Evening Standard, De Zerbi is currently the odds-on favourite to replace Frank as head coach of Tottenham. Another Italian in Enzo Maresca has also been mentioned in early reports.

Former Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has also been mooted for a return to North London, but he is currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, and is not expected to leave before the 2026 World Cup this summer. 

Meanwhile, former Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao has been linked with a potential move to the Stade Velodrome to replace De Zerbi according to reports from Footmercato.

Milan defender Koni De Winter hopes that his performances with the Rossoneri this season will help him get a spot in the Belgium squad for the 2026 World Cup.

De Winter has become a regular starter at Milan in recent months, starting seven of the last eight Serie A matches.

The Belgium international moved to San Siro from Genoa last summer and has scored one goal in 18 appearances with the Rossoneri.

“I used to follow Milan’s games in the Champions League as a kid,” De Winter told Tuttosport (via Gianluca Di Marzio).

“My dad had done it even before I was born. I really liked Seedorf; he even wanted to call me Clarence.”

De Winter’s Juventus debut under Allegri

De Winter is a product of the Juventus Academy and made his senior debut with the Bianconeri under Massimiliano Allegri in 2021, in a Champions League match against Chelsea.

“It was nice to reunite with Allegri; I’m on excellent terms with him,” the defender said.

“When he has a target, he goes forward to accomplish it. When I arrived at Juventus, I felt disoriented, but when I trained with him, he was always very attentive. When he saw I was ready, he added me to the first team and gave me my senior debut.”

De Winter on his role models, Milan targets and World Cup

De Winter went on talk about his role models and Milan’s target this season.

“I’ve always liked Kompany and Thiago Silva,” he said.

“At Juventus, I only had to look to Chiellini, Bonucci and De Ligt to learn something. I’d be very happy if we return to the Champions League this season.”

I hope to live this experience. Being here in Milan will help me improve and get the call-up.

De Winter made his senior Belgium debut in 2024 under Domenico Tedesco and has made five appearances with his national team.

The 23-year-old has been regularly called up to the senior Belgian national team since June 2025.

Sport Mediaset shows Antonio Conte’s furious reactions to referee decisions in Napoli’s Coppa Italia defeat against Como last night: ‘He does it on purpose with me.’

Napoli were eliminated from the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Tuesday, losing on penalties against Cesc Fabregas’ Como.

Conte was highly unhappy with the referee’s decisions, as he clearly stated in his post-match interviews.

Sport Mediaset showed Conte’s reactions from the sidelines to the ref’s most controversial calls last night.

What furious Conte told the referee during Napoli vs. Como

At the end of the first half, Jacobo Ramon fouled Rasmus Hojlund at the edge of the box, prompting Conte to ask for a VAR check.

“At least go check it, d****head, go check it at least,” he shouted.

When the fourth official arrived to calm him down, Conte continued: “It might be red or not, but what the f**! VAR should check and call him.”

At the beginning of the second half, Ramon made a similar foul, also at the edge of the box, but received no yellow card.

Conte wanted Ramon to be sent off twice

Conte’s protest continued, and this time he was joined by some of his staff members.

“That’s a yellow, that’s a yellow,” Conte shouted.

“He [the referee] does it on purpose with me,” the Napoli coach told the fourth official, who once again arrived to clear the air.

“That was a yellow card. How is it not yellow? You are destroying us,” Conte concluded.

Antonio Conte says he will list all the teams that have won ‘zero titles’ in his upcoming press conferences, in a clear reference to José Mourinho after Napoli’s Coppa Italia exit.

Napoli were eliminated from the Coppa Italia quarter-finals by Como on Tuesday night, suffering a 7-6 defeat on penalties.

Napoli, the defending Serie A champions, have won the Supercoppa in 2025-26, but faced elimination from Coppa Italia and Champions League. They sit third in the league standings, nine points below Inter.

Following Napoli’s Coppa Italia exit last night, Conte showed pride in the results he has achieved over the last 18 months, even mentioning Mourinho indirectly.

Why Conte mentioned Mourinho after Napoli’s Coppa Italia exit

During his time at Inter, the Special One once taunted the Nerazzurri’s rivals, listing those who would not win titles that season.

“There are many positive things. It’s true, we’ve been knocked out of the Coppa Italia and Champions League. Now Serie A is what remains, and we have to do the best we possibly can,” Conte said at a post-match press conference last night (via TuttoNapoli).

“I want to thank the fans because they appreciate and understand the efforts this team is making, all together. Two years, a Scudetto and a Supercoppa, that shouldn’t be forgotten.”

At that point, Conte made gestures, showing zero in his right hand and two in his left hand.

“So, from now on, every time I hold a press conference, I’ll start like this, and then I’ll list the teams that, as one coach used to say, have won zero titles, okay?” he concluded.

Many Napoli stars have been out of action for several months, limiting Conte’s chances to rotate.

At full-time, the Italian tactician complained about referee decisions and suggested his team is unable to fight for the title due to the high number of injuries.

Guglielmo Vicario is reportedly Inter’s priority target to replace Yann Sommer in 2026-27, but Juventus have emerged as a potential rival in the race for the Tottenham goalkeeper.

Inter and Juventus will meet in the Derby d’Italia at San Siro next Saturday, but the two Serie A giants could also find themselves competing away from the pitch during the summer transfer window.

Vicario is Inter’s top target to replace Sommer

According to Gazzetta, in fact, both clubs are keeping an eye on Italy international Vicario.

Inter have been thinking about Vicario for a few months as they prepare to replace Yann Sommer in 2026-27.  The 37-year-old’s contract expires in June, and Inter are not expected to offer him a new deal.

Vicario is said to be Inter’s priority target for next summer. The Italian goalkeeper has plenty of Serie A experience, and he’d consider a return to the Peninsula if a top club knocks on his door, although he’s still happy at Tottenham.

The only concern for Inter is tied to Tottenham’s asking price, not expected to be below €25m.

Juventus to rival Inter for Vicario?

Juventus are one of the potential contenders as Michele Di Gregorio is no longer considered ‘untouchable’ in Turin, while Mattia Perin could leave to get more time elsewhere in Serie A.

Therefore, the Bianconeri are open to making a change between the sticks next season if an appealing opportunity arises.

Vicario is Italy’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Gigio Donnarumma. A former Empoli, Cagliari and Udinese shot-stopper, Vicario has kept 13 clean sheets in 36 appearances this season. He has collected five appearances with the Italy national team, making his debut in March 2024.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, page 19. Feb 11, 2026.

Bologna and Lazio meet at the Stadio Dall’Ara tonight in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, with the winner facing Atalanta in the semis.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Dall’Ara Stadium in Bologna.

The Rossoblu are the defending champions, but are struggling in Serie A with four consecutive losses that left them 10th in the standings.

Vincenzo Italiano must cope without Charalampos Lykogiannis, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Torbjørn Heggem.

Lazio have prepared for the game in Coverciano, Florence, in the last two days and have travelled to Bologna without the injured Mattia Zaccagni, Toma Basic, Manuel Lazzari and Samuel Gigot.

Mario Gila and Oliver Provstgaard are not fully fit after sustaining minor injuries in the previous match against Juventus, but they are still expected to be available.

According to Gazzetta, Gila will get the nod in central defence, while Corriere dello Sport reports that Provstgaard will start.

The winner will face Atalanta in the semis, while Como’s win over Napoli on Tuesday sent Cesc Fabregas’ side into the other semifinal against Inter.

Bologna vs. Lazio – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on Premier Player in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Bologna vs. Lazio – probable line-ups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea, Casale, Lucumì, Miranda; Pobega, Freuler; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro.

Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Provstgaard, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Dele-Bashiru, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro.

Ligue 1 side Marseille confirm they have parted ways with Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi ‘by mutual agreement.’

Italia coach De Zerbi is no longer in charge of French side Marseille.

The Ligue 1 side confirmed on Tuesday night that the Italian had left the club by mutual consent.

Official: Marseille confirm De Zerbi’s exit

“Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi, coach of the first team, have announced the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement,” OM said in a statement.

“Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club’s management—the owner, president, director of football, and coach—it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.

“This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season.

“Olympique de Marseille would like to thank Roberto De Zerbi for his dedication, commitment, professionalism, and seriousness, which were particularly evident in the team’s second-place finish in the 2024/25 season.

“The club wishes him all the best for the rest of his career.”

Marseille sit fourth in the Ligue 1 standings following a 5-0 loss against PSG last weekend.

They were also eliminated from the Champions League group phase, finishing outside the top 24.

Marseille appointed De Zerbi as their head coach in the summer of 2024.

The Italian tactician, who previously worked for Sassuolo, Shakhtar and Brighton, won 39 games out of 69 in charge of OM.

In the current campaign, Marseille collected 18 wins, three draws and 12 defeats under his guidance.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Napoli out again

Como into the semifinals: they gift themselves Inter on penalties

Derby d’Italia.

Boos, victories, controversies and the feeling Chivu-Spalletti

Corriere dello Sport

Last meeting

‘Vlahovic, it’s not over’

The director Ottolini puts Dusan’s future into play again as his contract expires

Juve: move for the renewal. Lucio, a trap for Inter

Elkann’s club waits for the Serbian: ‘It’s not a closed matter. McKennie? Negotiations continue. Spalletti? Ahead together.’ Chivu climbing: 34 points in 12 games: +10 compared to the opening 12.

Napoli not having it. Cesc’s joy

Orsolini, Maldini and the night of truth

Italiano wants to cancel the last four defeats. Sarri follows the European dream. The winner meets Atalanta.

Milan little treasure: 108m from permanent transfers

Tuttosport

Ederson, Spalletti says yes

He can leave Atalanta for 40m. Juventus challenge Atletico

The coach has identified the Brazilian as the man who can raise the quality in central midfield. His contract expires in a year, and the conditions are favourable. DS Ottolini: ‘It’s not over with Vlahovic.’ Meantime Boga aims for Inter. Ref director Tommasi admits: ‘Gila-Cabal contact punishable.’

De Winter: ‘From Allegri to Seedorf. I love my Milan.’

Exclusive interview with the defender: ‘Nice to reunite with the coach of my Juve. He’s ideal for young players. My father wanted to call me Clarence.’

Toro, incredible! Juric rumour after Baroni

Possible return of the Croat if the current coach won’t be confirmed. Obrador injured right away: at least three weeks out.

Butez hero: historic Como into the semifinals with Inter

Antonio Conte explained his anger at the referee after the Coppa Italia shoot-out exit to Como, but above all the injury crisis. ‘We’re having an incredibly positive season, in the circumstances.’

They were held to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as Antonio Vergara struck at the dawn of the second half to cancel out the Martin Baturina penalty.

There was a great deal of controversy too, as at the 50^th minute Jacobo Ramon was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for his foul on Rasmus Hojlund on the edge of the penalty area.

Even the first card caused some anger on the touchline, as some thought Ramon’s foul on Hojlund was enough to warrant a straight red for denying a clear scoring opportunity.

Conte fuming at referee after Napoli exit

“Let’s not always go and talk about referees, because there’s always going to be someone complaining,” Conte told Sport Mediaset when asked immediately about those decisions.

“It’s certainly not a good season for referees and for VAR, I hope they can find something that will improve the situation. The fact is, everyone is complaining, coaches, players and fans, so the sport needs to step up and improve, because just as we improve our teams, Rocchi has to improve his referees and VAR officials.

“It’s not good for football, it’s not good for us.”

It went to not just a penalty shoot-out, but sudden death, where the decisive errors were made by Romelu Lukaku and Stanislav Lobotka.

“I credit the lads, because it was certainly not easy to face a Como side with a full squad available, who had rested for 10 days,” continued Conte.

“We were coming off a game played against Genoa three days ago, which we ended with 10 men and lost another player to injury, as Scott McTominay is so important for us.”

The Partenopei were already out of the Champions League and are now eliminated from the Coppa Italia in the quarter-final stage too.

“I can only praise these players, because we are pushing beyond our current potential. We have very few resources available, which are simply nowhere near the ambitions that we should’ve had for this season.

“Despite that, the lads are doing remarkably well. Como will go into the semi-final, we won the Supercoppa Italiana and the Scudetto in the last year and a half. It’s disappointing, because there are years where you’d want to do more, but considering the squad at our disposal right now, any coach would struggle.

“I thank the fans, who can see the effort we are putting in against a complete Como squad. Despite all the difficulties, we were centimetres away from qualifying for the semi-final.”

At least with only Serie A to focus on and one game per week, Conte was asked if he could promise Napoli can at least try to challenge Inter for the Scudetto now, and potentially find out why they’ve had so many injuries?

“What an absurd question,” he laughed bitterly.

“How can you predict Di Lorenzo’s injury, or Lukaku with a detached tendon, De Bruyne with damage to a tendon in a leg he already had an operation on, or Gilmour who needs surgery and spends months out. How can you predict that?

“What we can do is go to a shrine and pray, because these are injuries that last for the whole season. With six or seven important players out for months at a time, it forces the same ones to keep playing all the time, so that creates problems for McTominay and Rrahmani.

“I don’t think this sort of thing has ever happened to another club. On top of that, I was told we couldn’t do anything on the transfer market either, we brought in two young lads to give us a hand.

“I think what we are doing this season is incredibly positive, in the circumstances. As for the Scudetto, there’s a nine-point gap, we have serious problems and you are talking about the Scudetto. Come on. There’s Inter, Milan, Roma, Juventus, even Como, what are we talking about?

“We have to be serious in questions and evaluations too, otherwise it all becomes ridiculous,” concluded a visibly angry Conte.

Cesc Fabregas reveals what he told Como about his experience ahead of the penalty shoot-out against Napoli to reach the Coppa Italia semi-final. ‘I’d been in their situation.’

The Lariani will face Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final, a stage of the tournament this club had only ever reached once before in 1986, when once again they eliminated the reigning Serie A title holders.

It was Verona back then, but Napoli this time, needing a sudden death penalty shoot-out following the 1-1 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Martin Baturina had converted the opening spot-kick before half-time, while Antonio Vergara scored the equaliser straight after the restart.

Fabregas taking Como to new heights

“It is an historic achievement, a positive time, but we have another very important game coming up on Saturday. We must leave the euphoria to the end of the season,” Fabregas told Sport Mediaset.

“It will be tough to shake off the adrenaline, but we listened to music for 10 minutes in the locker room, now we will begin preparing for the weekend, as we want all three points.”

There was a moment of controversy on 50 minutes when Jacobo Ramon was very lucky not to receive a second yellow card for his foul on Rasmus Hojlund just outside the box.

Seeing that his player was fortunate, Fabregas immediately moved to substitute the defender moments later.

“Obviously, he would get sent off at the next foul, he is a 20-year-old who is lacking experience, this is his first full season as a professional. A good thing about being that young is you don’t feel the pressure, but the negative is that you can be a bit too free and easy as well.

“I had to take him off, because going down to 10 men in a situation like this would make everything far more difficult.”

The decisive errors in the shoot-out were Romelu Lukaku drilling wide and Jean Butez parrying from Stanislav Lobotka, while Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saved from Maximo Perrone.

“I thought the first half was good, but in the second less so, and unfortunately it’s not the first, second or even third time that has happened. It means we need to improve a few things,” noted Fabregas.

“We had from the start sent a positive signal, that we came here to play on the front foot and not just wait and defend. We did do things a little differently in defence today, because we didn’t press too high, as they have players with such quality who can find those spaces and hurt you.

“In order to compete in Serie A, you need a centre-forward of the level of Hojlund and he’s so good. I understand that Napoli had a lot of injuries, but we had suffered with quite a few injuries too in January and February, but with a young squad we always tried to take the initiative and play on the front foot.

“We moved to five at the back for a few minutes, as don’t forget we are Como, and we are a small club in this competition, so in that situation we preferred to lock it down.”

In his speech to the team before the penalties, Fabregas told the Como players to ‘enjoy’ themselves, which is quite an ask in that tense atmosphere.

“I thanked them for giving me this experience as a coach, as a person, because many of them had never been through an experience like this, so it was fundamental they had belief, but also needed to enjoy this moment.

“I told them, I’d been in Napoli’s situation of being the ‘big’ team expected to win and that it adds a bit of fear. We were also lucky to be first in the draw, as that helps. I thanked the players for all they do, as removing a few older lads like Moreno, Morata and Alberto, the average age is 22.

“We need to maintain humility and keep working, because we’ve got three in a row now.”

The semi-final is the only stage of the Coppa Italia that is played over two legs, so with home and away fixtures, although it’s not a long trip in this Lombardy Derby.

The other semi-final is between Atalanta and either Bologna or Lazio.

Como will face Inter in their first Coppa Italia semi-final for 40 years, after eliminating Antonio Conte’s Napoli in a sudden death penalty shoot-out, following the 1-1 draw.

The Partenopei lost Scott McTominay in a controversial 3-2 win over Genoa, so Eljif Elmas dropped into midfield with Giovane getting his first start upfront, as David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Kevin De Bruyne were injured, but Vanja Milinkovic-Savic returned in goal. Como earned a 0-0 draw here in Serie A back in November, but were well rested as their Serie A Week 24 fixture with Milan was rescheduled to February 18.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Jayden Addai’s ambitious lob landed on the roof of the net in the opening minute, while Jean Butez rushed out of his area to nod clear when Rasmus Hojlund sprung the offside trap.

Juan Jesus needed a desperate block after Alex Valle shrugged off Pasquale Mazzocchi to get into the area, but Como were awarded a penalty.

Alex Valle got down the left and stood up a cross to the back post for Ivan Smolcic, who was brought down clumsily by Matias Olivera from behind. The Lariani have failed to convert numerous penalties this season, including one in their Serie A match against Napoli in November, but this time Baturina drilled it into the near bottom corner just beyond Milinkovic-Savic’s fingertips.

Como open the scoring in Naples!

Cesc Fàbregas' men take the lead as Martin Baturina converts from the spot pic.twitter.com/FG9XnHH0vl

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 10, 2026

Jacobo Ramon was inches away from giving Napoli a spot-kick, as he brought down Hojlund just outside the penalty area on a long goal kick and VAR evaluated, but decided against upgrading the yellow card to red.

The hosts equalised within 60 seconds of the restart, as Hojlund’s first-time flick in the centre-circle was probably supposed to be for Giovane, but instead kept rolling into the path of Vergara, who surged forward and kept his cool to beat Butez one-on-one.

There was controversy moments later, as Jacobo Ramon brought down Hojlund on the edge of the box and was very lucky not to receive his second booking. Inevitably, Cesc Fabregas took Ramon off to rescue him from danger, amid fury from Conte on the touchline.

Napoli were a different team to the first half, as Hojlund’s head only grazed a Sam Beukema cross, then on the resulting corner Amir Rrahmani’s header was cleared practically off the line by Nico Paz.

Tasos Douvikas couldn’t keep his header down on a Lucas Da Cunha free kick, but Mergim Vojvoda forced a great fingertip save out of Milinkovic-Savic at the near post.

Just like in Serie A, the teams could not be divided, but here went straight into a penalty shoot-out. Como famously have a poor record from the spot this season, while Milinkovic-Savic is the best goalkeeper in the league on these situations.

Lukaku stepped up with a stuttering run-up only to drill it wide of the target, while Baturina beat Milinkovic-Savic for the second time this evening, but Maximo Perrone’s central attempt was parried.

It went to sudden death, and Milinkovic-Savic was so lucky, as his penalty went in off the underside of the bar and the back of Butez’s head.

They kept going until Butez parried the Stanislav Lobotka effort, sending Como through to their first Coppa Italia semi-final in 40 years.

Napoli 1-1 Como (6-7 on pens)

Baturina pen 39 (C), Vergara 46 (N)

Penalties: Da Cunha (C, goal), Politano (N, goal), Douvikas (C, goal), Lukaku (N, miss), Baturina (C, goal), Spinazzola (N, goal), Perrone (C, saved), Alisson Santos (N, goal), Smolcic (C, goal), Elmas (N, goal), Diego Carlos (C, goal), Milinkovic-Savic (N, goal), Vojvoda (C, goal), Gutierrez (N, goal), Valle (C, goal), Lobotka (N, saved)

10-02-2026 20:00

1/4 Final

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Napoli

Como

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		39'		Martin Baturina
		44'		Jacobo Ramón

2nd half

Antonio Vergara (Assist: Rasmus Højlund)		46'
		62'		Sergi Roberto
Eljif Elmas		69'

Penalty shootout

	Event
Matteo Politano
Romelu Lukaku
Leonardo Spinazzola
Alisson Santos
Eljif Elmas
Vanja Milinković-Savić
Miguel Gutiérrez
Stanislav Lobotka

Event
	Lucas Da Cunha
	Anastasios Douvikas
	Martin Baturina
	Máximo Perrone
	Ivan Smolcic
	Diego Carlos
	Mërgim Vojvoda
	Marc Oliver Kempf

Match statistic

48

Possession %

52

8

Total shots

9

3

Shots on target

4

1

Shots off target

2

4

Blocked shots

3

6

Corners

4

1

Offsides

3

13

Fouls

8

Napoli

Como

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

60'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

61'

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

74'

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

23

Giovane

Attacker

61'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

74'

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

3

Álex Valle

Defender

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

14

Jacobo Ramón

Defender

53'

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

53'

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

82'

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

67'

42

Jayden Addai

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

98

Emmanuele De Chiara

Midfielder

95

Vincenzo Prisco

Midfielder

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

60'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

61'

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

61'

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

74'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

74'

7

Álvaro Morata

Attacker

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

98

Samuele Pisati

Attacker

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

53'

2

Marc Oliver Kempf

Defender

53'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

67'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

67'

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

82'

Inter are increasingly likely to have Benjamin Pavard returned to them in the summer, as Olympique Marseille do not intend to buy him outright.

The defender was sent out on loan to the French side at a cost of €2.5m, with an option to buy at the end of the campaign for a further €15m.

It had been hoped that Marseille would be willing to activate that purchase option and therefore put some much-needed funds into the Inter coffers.

Inter might get Pavard back from Marseille

Pavard has made 26 competitive appearances so far this season for Olympique Marseille, contributing one goal and three assists from defence.

His performance was singled out by the French media following the embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and is therefore increasingly unlikely to remain beyond June 30.

It would also devalue Pavard, whose contract with Inter only runs to June 2028.

The 29-year-old had hoped that this experience in Ligue 1 would give him more regular playing time and a better chance of making the France squad at the 2026 World Cup.

Como director Carlalberto Ludi assures Cesc Fabregas ‘was a world class player and is even better as a coach’ working with a club that has ‘unlimited ambition.’

The Coppa Italia quarter-final against Napoli kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The winner will be decided after 90 minutes or go straight to a penalty shoot-out, as there is no extra time, to decide who faces Inter in the semi-final.

Como set no limits on Coppa Italia ambition

“Our idea is to keep growing, week by week, with the work of Cesc and the squad in training,” director Ludi told Sport Mediaset.

“We cannot know where we will end up, but the ambition of this club is unlimited. We want to keep raising the bar every single time.”

It is always a special moment when Fabregas faces off against Antonio Conte, who was his coach when Chelsea won the FA Cup.

They already met earlier this season in a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Maradona in Serie A, where Vanja Milinkovic-Savic parried an Alvaro Morata penalty.

Big clubs are believed to be sniffing around the coach, so are Como worried about someone making Fabregas an offer?

“It has already happened. Cesc was a world class player and he is even better as a coach,” said Ludi.

“We are in a honeymoon period, he is added value for the present and the near future.”

Como are well-rested, because their Serie A Week 24 fixture against Milan was rescheduled to February 18 due to San Siro being used for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Tasos Douvikas is only on the bench, so it looks as if Nico Paz could be used as a False 9, or alternatively Jayden Addai.

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Giovanni Manna insists the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Como is ‘a very important competition,’ but he wishes Napoli had played this season ‘with a normal number of injuries.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The winner will be decided after 90 minutes or go straight to a penalty shoot-out, as there is no extra time, to decide who faces Inter in the semi-final.

Como are well-rested, because their Serie A Week 24 fixture against Milan was rescheduled to February 18 due to San Siro being used for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Napoli reshuffle again in Coppa Italia

“This is part of the sport, it’s not our fault and not theirs either, so we are not seeking any alibis,” Manna told Sport Mediaset.

“It is a very important competition, we want a prestigious semi-final against Inter. We are accustomed now to playing in difficult circumstances, so we’ll give our best.”

Scott McTominay aggravated an inflammation of the tendon in his thigh and is therefore rested, with David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Kevin De Bruyne injured.

It means January signing Giovane gets his first start for Napoli, while Alisson Santos is on the bench. Are they the buys Manna wanted in mid-season?

“It was certainly more complicated than we had hoped, we tried to do some other deals, but the parameters weren’t suitable. So we decided to focus on two young players with margin for significant improvement and in my view can be functional for our style of football both today and in future.

“So we are eager to see them in action, but also in no rush.”

Others like Matteo Politano and Romelu Lukaku are only fit for the bench, while Alessandro Buongiorno is left out after his disastrous performance against Genoa.

Goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic returns after several weeks out with a muscular problem, especially as his penalty save allowed Napoli to earn a 0-0 draw here with Como in November.

“I would prefer to have seen how things would’ve gone if we’d had the full squad at our disposal, or at least a normal number of injuries. I’d have loved to be able to see how this team would’ve handled the season in normal circumstances,” noted Manna when asked how the campaign was going.

“Seeing as that was not possible, we have to look forward. We already won the Supercoppa Italiana, we have the chance to progress in the Coppa Italia, it’s true we went out of the Champions League, but in Serie A we are pretty much where we expected to be.

“What happened is not an alibi. We are fortunate enough to have a great squad, a real coach, and a group with guts. That has allowed us to stay pretty much on track, then we’ll see what happens.”

Khephren Thuram reveals what it feels like to face his brother Marcus and why he thinks their father Lilian will be cheering on Juventus against Inter. ‘Our whole family will be in the stands.’

The Derby d’Italia kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

Neutrals will be hoping for a repeat of the extraordinary thriller that saw Juve emerge 4-3 winners in stoppages, with both Thuram brothers on target.

Thuram brothers face off in Derby d’Italia

“When you grow up with a brother who plays football, it’s natural you would always love to be in the same team,” Khephren told Sky Sport Italia.

“In school, we would always pick each other first to go into our sides. But now we are professionals, we both play for big Italian clubs, and that is good too. I hope to play many games alongside him for France.

“I expect a great game, because these are two big teams, both playing well, and tough on a tactical level. It will be difficult for both sides.”

Will the two brothers speak before the big match this weekend?

“We speak every day, but never about matches. We discuss more important things than football. Our whole family will be in the stands this time, though.”

It is a situation where their father, former Juventus and Parma defender Lilian, is going to feel a little torn.

However, Khephren has an idea of why the Bianconeri might get the benefit of a smile from their dad.

“He will be neutral, but I am the baby, so perhaps he’ll have a little bit more attention towards me.”

Juventus have certainly boosted their form since Luciano Spalletti took over from Igor Tudor, so how does the coach differ from his predecessor?

“He asks me to always keep moving, to anticipate the play, but the most important thing is to play with my qualities and know that I am strong,” said Khephren Thuram.

“He is one of the coaches who most in my career has tried to make me understand my own strength. I enjoy working with him, he also gives me tips on where to improve, but I’ll keep those details to myself.

“Spalletti is very demanding with the team, he asks us for many things, and we try to deliver for him.”

With Scott McTominay out of action, Napoli rely on Rasmus Hojlund, Giovane and returning Vanja Milinkovic-Savic against Nico Paz’s Como in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The winner will be decided after 90 minutes or go straight to a penalty shoot-out, as there is no extra time.

Whoever goes through can then prepare for the semi-final against Inter.

Napoli earned a controversial last-gasp 3-2 victory away to Genoa in Serie A at the weekend, but McTominay felt pain from a recurring inflammation after scoring one of the goals.

He is therefore rested, with the usual list of absentees like David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Kevin De Bruyne.

The good news is that goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic is available after a couple of weeks out, with Matteo Politano and Romelu Lukaku fit for the bench.

January signing Giovane therefore steps into the trident attack with Hojlund and Antonio Vergara, dropping Eljif Elmas into midfield to replace McTominay.

Como have been the surprise outfit of this season under coach Cesc Fabregas, and already held Napoli to a 0-0 draw here in Serie A.

Nico Paz is the star man in attack, with impressive Martin Baturina and Jayden Addai, but with Tasos Douvikas and Alvaro Morata on the bench, it’s possible the Argentine will be used as a False 9.

Edoardo Goldaniga and Assane Diao are on the treatment table, but the squad is rested because their Serie A Week 24 fixture with Milan was postponed to February 18 so San Siro could prepare for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Of course, this is a big reunion for Fabregas and Antonio Conte, who worked together to win the FA Cup at Chelsea.

It could also be the first Coppa Italia semi-final for Como in 40 years, since eliminating then reigning Champions of Italy Verona in 1986.

Napoli vs. Como official line-ups

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, Elmas, Olivera; Giovane, Vergara; Hojlund

Como: Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Diego Carlos, Valle; Perrone, Sergi Roberto; Addai, Caqueret, Baturina; Nico Paz

10-02-2026 20:00

1/4 Final

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

NAP

COM

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		39'		Martin Baturina
		44'		Jacobo Ramón

2nd half

Antonio Vergara (Assist: Rasmus Højlund)		46'
		62'		Sergi Roberto
Eljif Elmas		69'

Penalty shootout

	Event
Matteo Politano
Romelu Lukaku
Leonardo Spinazzola
Alisson Santos
Eljif Elmas
Vanja Milinković-Savić
Miguel Gutiérrez
Stanislav Lobotka

Event
	Lucas Da Cunha
	Anastasios Douvikas
	Martin Baturina
	Máximo Perrone
	Ivan Smolcic
	Diego Carlos
	Mërgim Vojvoda
	Marc Oliver Kempf

Match statistic

48

Possession %

52

8

Total shots

9

3

Shots on target

4

1

Shots off target

2

4

Blocked shots

3

6

Corners

4

1

Offsides

3

13

Fouls

8

NAP

COM

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

60'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

61'

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

74'

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

23

Giovane

Attacker

61'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

74'

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

3

Álex Valle

Defender

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

14

Jacobo Ramón

Defender

53'

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

53'

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

82'

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

67'

42

Jayden Addai

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

98

Emmanuele De Chiara

Midfielder

95

Vincenzo Prisco

Midfielder

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

60'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

61'

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

61'

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

74'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

74'

7

Álvaro Morata

Attacker

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

98

Samuele Pisati

Attacker

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

53'

2

Marc Oliver Kempf

Defender

53'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

67'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

67'

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

82'

Vincenzo Italiano outlines where Bologna must be more alert and effective if they are to break the crisis against Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-final. ‘We must battle for every ball.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

The winners will be decided after 90 minutes or go directly to a penalty shoot-out, as there is no provision for extra time.

Whoever emerges will then go on to play Atalanta in a two-legged semi-final.

Italiano dealing with Bologna crisis

Although Bologna are the reigning Coppa Italia holders and reached the Supercoppa Italiana Final, losing to Napoli in December, their recent Serie A form has been dismal.

Since the start of December, they scraped just one Serie A victory, three draws and eight defeats, crumbling 1-0 at home to Parma over the weekend.

“We must battle for every ball, knowing that any situation can become favourable, for example in the build-up to the Christian Ordonez goal for Parma,” said Italiano in his press conference.

“This is when we need determination and presence. I ask all the players to read the game, to have a greater sense of danger.

“We also must create more scoring opportunities, that is the key to emerging from this difficult moment. We know the path that we have to take.”

Balancing Serie A, the Coppa Italia, Europa League and Supercoppa Italiana is proving to be quite a strain on Bologna’s resources this season.

“What surprised me the most is how much energy we waste, we are struggling to recover from one match to the next. Our focus has to be on preparation and studying the opponents.”

Lazio have changed quite a bit in the January transfer window, with some players leaving and others like Kenneth Taylor and Petar Ratkov arriving.

“Lazio achieved a great result against an on form Juventus at the weekend, but Maurizio Sarri and I know each other well. We’ve got to put in an impeccable performance if we are to reach the semi-final,” concluded Italiano.

Torbjorn Heggem and Lorenzo De Silvestri are out of action.

Bologna squad for Lazio

Pessina, Ravaglia, Skorupski, Casale, Helland, Lucumì, Joao Mario, Miranda, Vitik, Zortea, Ferguson, Freuler, Moro, Pobega, Sohm, Bernardeschi, Cambiaghi, Castro, Dallinga, Dominguez, Odgaard, Orsolini, Rowe

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella visited the Inter training ground today to see Hakan Calhanoglu’s recovery, and praised ‘extremely intelligent’ Cristian Chivu.

The Italian tactician is currently back home so that he can meet up with some of the Turkish football talents who are playing in Serie A, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

After seeing Juventus and Cagliari for Kenan Yildiz and Semih Kilicsoy, today Montella was in Milan for the Inter training camp.

Montella on tour of Serie A clubs

“I am having a series of meetings, because we are getting close to the call-ups for the play-offs,” Montella told Sky Sport Italia.

“I received a warm welcome, and it was lovely to see Cristian again after so many years. Plus obviously Hakan too. So much depends on having players in good shape at the right time for international duty, so we’ve got our fingers crossed.”

pic.twitter.com/o9sGHBQmf9

— Inter (@Inter) February 10, 2026

Calhanoglu had been out of action since suffering a left soleus strain on January 11, during the Scudetto showdown with Napoli, but today was his return to training with his teammates.

Nicolò Barella also resumed work with the squad, so both are available for Saturday’s clash against Juventus.

“It is always a classic, the Derby d’Italia generally is an exciting fixture. I expect a real spectacle, regardless of the result.”

Montella was teammates with Chivu when both were in the Roma squad, so they had a warm embrace as they were reunited.

“We were teammates, there is a great rapport, he’s a really good guy and I wish him all the best. He is proving himself to be a great coach who is extremely intelligent, so he’ll do well.”

pic.twitter.com/NbycpRHnsT

— Inter (@Inter) February 10, 2026

Jean-Philippe Mateta failed a medical test with Milan to scupper his €30m transfer from Crystal Palace, but today Oliver Glasner insisted the striker ‘does not need surgery.’

The deal was all done between the clubs, and he had accepted the personal terms on offer for the move to San Siro, in a package worth in excess of €30m.

Mateta rejected by Milan after failed medical

However, it all fell apart at the final hurdle when Milan requested extra medical tests in London, their staff deciding that Mateta would not be fit for a while due to a knee injury.

It was even suggested that the centre-forward could need surgery, which would rule him out for several months.

The mystery continues, as today Crystal Palace coach Glasner tried to provide a little more clarity.

“I can’t say two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, but he doesn’t need surgery,” said Glasner.

“That’s very positive and hopefully he’s back soon.”

Instead, Crystal Palace medical staff are confident that the striker only needs two weeks of individual training to strengthen the muscles around his knee.

Juventus had also been heavily linked with Mateta during the January transfer window.

Sassuolo midfielder Nemanja Matic has received a two-match Serie A ban for insulting the referee, while others suspended include Napoli defender Juan Jesus.

The Disciplinary Commission gave its verdicts following the Week 24 fixtures, although one is still to be played.

That is because Milan vs. Como was rescheduled for February 18, as San Siro was being used for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Serie A bans after Week 24 games

Matic saw red for insulting the referee during Sassuolo’s 5-0 defeat to Inter, and he has been punished with a two-match ban, plus €10,000 fine.

Parma player Mariano Troilo was also fined €2,000 and given a one-match ban, as he initially refused to leave when sent off.

Napoli defender Juan Jesus is suspended for his team’s big match against Roma, having received two yellow cards in the 3-2 win over Genoa.

Also given one-match Serie A bans are Tommaso Pobega (Bologna), Alessio Romagnoli (Lazio), Lameck Banda (Lecce) and Marius Marin (Pisa).

Napoli’s controversial winning penalty against Genoa was ‘absolutely in no way a foul,’ confessed Dino Tommasi, representing the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA).

The incident caused a huge amount of controversy, especially as it was so decisive, happening deep into stoppages in what turned out to be a 3-2 victory for the Partenopei.

VAR spotted Maxwel Cornet’s foot on that of Antonio Vergara, which was considered the classic ‘step on foot’ that referees automatically give a penalty for, even when contact itself is fairly minimal.

The footage was analysed on the DAZN Italia show Open VAR with representative of the AIA, former referee Tommasi, who confessed it was a catalogue of errors.

Genoa denied a point by controversial Napoli penalty

“VAR Di Bello and AVAR Fabbri are drawn to the contact between Cornet and Vergara,” explained Tommasi.

“In truth, he is simply taking up a position, the movement from Cornet is entirely accidental and in absolutely no way is it a foul.

“The issue of ‘step on foot’ was created to punish recklessness, but here it is not that. He touches the top of the foot, but the dynamics of the movement are normal within football.

“There is no recklessness, and no need to punish it. The first camera angle might make it seem like a foul, but there’s very little in real football terms.

“It is an accidental ‘graze’ and fouls need to be clear, not like this.”

So was it the correct decision to get the referee to review it himself with the On-Field Review?

“With hindsight, it was not the right choice to call him. The On-Field Review is for a clear and obvious error, whereas this was a normal movement in the dynamics of the game, so the call was incorrect.”

Even when the referee had been called to evaluate it, he still could’ve stuck with his original decision not to award a penalty to Napoli.

“There are situations where the referee has correctly rejected the indications of the VAR. The referee must analyse what he sees, he is the ultimate decision-maker,” confirmed Tommasi.

VAR had already intervened in the opening minute when the referee did not spot a clear Alex Meret foul on Vitinha for a Genoa penalty.

“In this situation there are no doubts, the Meret foul on Vitinha is clear.”

Cornet colpisce il piede di Vergara Rigore per il Napoli!
L'episodio di #GenoaNapoli visto al microscopio

L'audio del VAR e la spiegazione dell'episodio ad #OpenVAR, ora su #DAZN pic.twitter.com/qWy1rnPpI6

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) February 10, 2026

There is good news for Inter ahead of Saturday’s Derby d’Italia with Juventus, as Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are back in training.

It kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET) and reignites the bitter rivalry as well as precious points in the top four.

Inter welcome back star midfielders

The Nerazzurri are on a roll at the moment and flying away at the top of the table, despite missing half their first choice midfield.

Denzel Dumfries is still out of action following ankle surgery, but there was a significant development today, because Barella and Calhanoglu returned to training.

The Turkish veteran had been missing since limping off during the game with Napoli, suffering from a left soleus strain on January 11.

As for Barella, he suffered a right thigh problem in training ahead of the Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund on January 28.

It is more likely that the Italian will be straight back into the starting XI, whereas Piotr Zielinski is expected to keep hold of the midfield reins to start this weekend’s big match.

Inter have been far the most consistent team in Serie A this season, but they have yet to beat any direct rival, which feels like the final step missing to claim the Scudetto.

Inter have an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan after Serie A Round 24, but the Rossoneri have a game in hand to be played against Como at San Siro on February 18.

Cristian Chivu’s side have been the more consistent team this season as they hardly dropped points against teams in the bottom half of the table, a reliability that bettors following the trend with a fanduel promo code have been quick to take advantage of.

Inter, however, have yet to win a game against either Juventus, Milan or Napoli and that is an issue that has been ongoing for some time as the Nerazzurri faced the same problematic under Chivu’s predecessor Simone Inzaghi.

Inter have not won any of their last 14 Serie A meetings against Milan, Juve or Napoli and they’ll be hoping to reverse this trend in the second part of the campaign.

Inter have the best attack in the league with 57 goals scored in 24 matches. The Nerazzurri just beat Sassuolo 5-0 away with a dominant performance at the Mapei Stadium.

“This team seems more mature now, of how to accept and adapt in certain moments of the game,” Chivu said at full-time.

“We’ve understood the moment that we’re in, we suffered from their intensity and once they got hold of the ball, they went straight at the game. We struck at the right time with that corner, then our solidity became an important factor for how we went about the game.

“We can’t forget where we’ve come from. We can’t be afraid of anything, but we have to be aware that we can still improve. There’s no such thing as perfection.

“It isn’t easy because there’s still a long way to go in the league and these are important phases of the season. We’re halfway through the marathon, we have to keep our maturity and be competitive.”

Inter are still running for three titles this season, having qualified for the Coppa Italia semifinals and the Champions League play-off, where they’ll meet Bodo/Glimt.

Despite their impressive results in recent weeks, Chivu remained cautious when asked about the Nerazzurri’s chances to win the Scudetto in 2025-26.

“Zero for me. There are fourteen games left to play. Theory’s still work to be done,” he replied.

Inter last won the domestic title in 2023-24, collecting 94 points under Inzaghi and lifting the 20th Scudetto in the club’s history.

During Inzaghi’s tenure, Inter also reached two Champions League Finals but lost to Manchester City and PSG, in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

Twente’s technical director Erik ten Hag says the ‘door is open’ for ex-Torino defender Perr Schuurs: ‘I only hope he can recover in the best way for himself and his family.’

Dutch defender Schuurs recently terminated his contract with Torino, having made no appearances for the Granata in over two years.

Schuurs’ unfortunate Torino spell

The 26-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture on October 21, 2023 and underwent surgery twice since.

Schuurs had joined Torino from Ajax in 2022 and made 43 appearances with the Granata before his serious injury.

Before joining Roma, Schuurs had made 92 appearances under Ten Hag at Ajax and the former Manchester United coach, now the technical director for Dutch side Twente, would love to reunite with his ex-defender.

Ten Hag eager to ‘help’ Schuurs

“If I have a chance to help him, I’ll surely do it. The door at Twente is always open for him, but we must first consider his shape when he returns,” Ten Hag told De Telegraaf.

“He might be a very important resource in a club like ours, but currently, I only hope he can recover in the best way for himself and his family. He deserves it. The rest will come afterwards.”

Schuurs was called up for the Netherlands’ Nations League games against Poland and Italy in September 2020 but spent both matches on the bench, failing to make his debut with his national team.

The Dutchman played 39 Serie A games with Torino, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Arne Slot is ‘aware’ that the lack of Champions League football in 2026-27 will limit Liverpool’s spending next summer: ‘When I arrived after a Europa League season, we could only sign Federico Chiesa.’

Liverpool sit 6th in the Premier League table, five points below a Champions League spot. Missing out on qualification for Europe’s elite competition would naturally impact their spending next summer.

Slot: Liverpool ‘could only sign Chiesa’ after Europa League campaign

“When I arrived here, we could only sign Federico Chiesa and that was after a Europa League season,” Slot said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“So, that does have an enormous impact on the way this club is run, that is clear. So, we are completely aware and I am completely aware of that.

“If we don’t have Champions League football it has definitely not been an acceptable season.”

Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus on the 2024 summer transfer window deadline day.

He has been struggling with playing time under Slot, especially in his first season at Anfield, when he collected just three goals and two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Will Chiesa play for Italy again?

There have been slight improvements in 2025-26 as Chiesa has scored three times and assisted just as many times in 25 games for Liverpool.

Chiesa has not been part of the Italy national team since the 2024 Euros.

However, Azzurri coach Gennaro Gattuso has been eager to bring Chiesa back to the team for some time and recently met him for dinner in London, along with other Italy players.

Juventus winger Francisco Conceiçao is confident that it’s ‘just a matter of time’ before he starts scoring consistently and hopes to stay at the Allianz Stadium ‘for a long time.’

Juventus star Conceiçao released an interview with Sportmediaset ahead of some tricky fixtures for the Bianconeri who will meet Inter in the next Serie A match on Saturday and then Galatasaray in the Champions League knock-out play-off.

“We must do our job. We want to win and prove we are a great team,” Conceiçao said.

“We know Inter are in a very good moment, winning every game comfortably, but we have the quality to do well and win, and we’ll go there to do just that.

“We know the Champions League is the best competition in the world. It will be a very tough game, against a strong team with strong players, but the least we can do is to win and join the top clubs.”

Juventus have recently been eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Atalanta and were held to a 2-2 home draw by Lazio in Serie A, wasting many chances in both games.

Juventus ‘a bit nervous’ for lack of goals

“Many times, creating chances is the most difficult thing, but I’ve lacked the goals that could have helped the team, which is the most important thing,” Conceiçao noted.

“I think it’s just a matter of time if I continue like this.

“We want to win every game; it’s what we want to do. We must continue to win in Serie A to remain up there. I want to help the team as much as possible, with more goals and assists to reach our objectives,” the Portuguese winger continued.

“If we score first, the team feels more confident, but we are lacking it now, so we feel a bit nervous as we want to score to win. I think we create many chances, which is the hard part, but we must improve, score goals and improve.”

Conceiçao has only scored one goal and provided one assist in 18 appearances under Luciano Spalletti, who was appointed as the new Juventus coach at the end of October.

The Bianconeri have climbed the table and are currently in the top four, but Conceiçao sees ample room for improvement.

“I like the way we play and the way we want to win,” he said.

Conceiçao opens up about Juventus future

“The results speak for themselves; we’ve won more games, and we must continue to improve. We all know we have the potential to do much more, including myself.”

Conceiçao is in his second season at Juventus and hopes to remain in Turin long-term.

“Yes, obviously, for a long time, I want to win titles and do great things personally,” he concluded.

Alex Jimenez feared he’d get limited playing time at Milan, so he joined Bournemouth last summer and feels Como star Nico Paz is ‘ready’ to return to Real Madrid.

Spanish full-back Jimenez has recently completed a permanent move to Bournemouth, just six months after joining the Premier League side on loan from Milan.

The 20-year-old has scored one goal and provided one assist in 23 appearances across all competitions this season and is happy with his life on and off the pitch in England.

“Life is much calmer than in Milan or Madrid, and I think that’s helping me stay even more focused on football,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“My family is living with me, and I have a very peaceful daily life.

“In Italy, [football] it’s a bit slower because football there is much more tactical than in the Premier League. Here it’s much more physical, back and forth, and you have to be very well prepared physically. Given my characteristics, I feel more comfortable, and the Premier League suits me better.”

Jimenez went on to explain why he decided to leave Milan last summer, after making 34 appearances with the Rossoneri.

Jimenez on why he left Milan for Bournemouth

“I think at Milan I wasn’t going to get the minutes I wanted this season, and this opportunity came up,” he said.

“I saw it as a chance, and I think I’m making the most of it.

“I really valued that the coach was Spanish [Andoni Iraola], considering he could help me integrate into the team,” Jimenez continued.

“In the end, changing language and country makes a difference. Also, I’ve always liked watching Premier League matches, and it seemed like a fun team based on what I saw last season.”

During his time at Milan, however, Jimenez had the chance to play alongside one of his role models, Theo Hernandez.

“I’ve always had Dani Carvajal as a reference because I spent many years at Madrid,” said the 20-year-old.

“Also, Alexander-Arnold, Davies and Theo Hernandez, whom I was lucky enough to play alongside at Milan.”

Nico Paz ‘ready’ for Real Madrid return

Lastly, Jimenez argued that Como star Nico Paz has done enough in Serie A this season to justify a return to Real Madrid next summer.

The Merengues have an option to re-sign the Argentine in 2026 and 2027.

“Yes, he’s ready. He already did very well last season, and in the current campaign, he’s made a further step forward,” Jimenez said.

“I’ve always liked him, and I’d be very happy if he eventually returns to Real Madrid.”

Only nine more La Liga appearances separate Juventus loanee Nico Gonzalez from a permanent move to Atletico Madrid.

Argentina international Nico Gonzalez is edging closer to joining Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal.

When will Nico Gonzalez join Atletico Madrid permanently?

The 27-year-old moved to the Wanda Metropolitano last summer on a €1m loan deal with an option to buy for 32m.

As reported by Calciomercato.com, Atletico’s option to buy becomes mandatory if Nico makes at least 60% appearances in La Liga, for 45 minutes each.

Nico has already played at least 45 minutes in 12 La Liga matches, so he has nine more to complete before joining the Colchoneros permanently.

Juventus’ changes in attack

Overall, Nico Gonzalez has scored one goal in 25 appearances with Atletico Madrid this season.

Nico Gonzalez only spent one season at Juventus, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 40 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.

Juventus signed Edon Zhegrova and Lois Openda as attacking reinforcements on deadline day last summer and welcomed Jeremie Boga from OGC Nice in the January transfer window.

Referee chiefs reportedly agreed that the decision to deny a penalty kick to Juventus in their latest Serie A match against Lazio was correct.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Calciomercato.com) reports that AIA chiefs considered Marco Guida’s decision not to award a penalty to Juventus against Lazio on Sunday to be correct.

Juventus rightly denied a penalty vs. Lazio, according to referee chiefs

The Biancocelesti defender Mario Gila appeared to foul Juventus’ Juan Cabal with a sliding tackle inside the box.

Guida did not give a penalty, and he was not urged to the pitchside monitor to spot any potential error.

According to referee chiefs, the decisions were correct given the Lazio defender’s “intention to withdraw.”

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti complained about the decision at full-time, arguing that his side had been denied a clear penalty.

Spalletti’s remarks were shared by DAZN pundit Luca Marelli, who claimed Lazio should have been punished due to Gila’s negligence in his tackle.

Juventus sit fourth in the Serie A table, level on 46 points with 5th-placed Roma.

Former Torino defender Giacomo Ferri feels that Alessandro Buongiorno and Giorgio Scalvini are the best Italian centre-backs: ‘Alessandro Bastoni has other qualities.’

Former Torino star Ferri defended Napoli centre-back Buongiorno after the Italy international made clear errors in an eventual 3-2 win over Genoa on Saturday.

‘Buongiorno and Scalvini the best centre-backs in Italy’

“I think there are many reasons why he’ll bounce back,” Ferri told Radio TuttoNapoli via Calciomercato.com.

“He’s young, he still has room for improvement and has a coach who, for me, is able to make everyone improve. Buongiorno has indeed made errors in recent times, but I think physical issues played a part in this. He hasn’t been 100% fit.

“For me, Scalvini and Buongiorno are the best Italian centre-backs right now,” Ferri continued.

“They might be struggling at times, but they have room for improvement and coaches who can make them develop.”

Ferri even prefers Buongiorno over Inter’s Bastoni.

“As a pure centre-back, Buongiorno is superior,” he claimed.

“Bastoni has other qualities, especially when he attacks. He’s perfect as a left defender in a three-man defence. I’m not saying he’s a bad defender, quite the opposite, but as a pure centre-back, Buongiorno is superior.”

Juventus director Marco Ottolini reveals the Bianconeri still hope to extend Dusan Vlahovic’s contract, but the Serbia national team fitness coach predicts the striker will join Barcelona.

Juventus striker Vlahovic has less than six months left in his contract at the Allianz Stadium.

Talks between the two parties have been stalling for several months, given that Vlahovic is reportedly unwilling to cut his €12m salary.

Juventus set to continue Vlahovic contract talks

Vlahovic has been unavailable since December and is expected to return to action next month.

Despite his injury and uncertain future at Juventus, Vlahovic still seems quite involved in the team, as his celebration of Pierre Kalulu’s late equaliser against Lazio suggested.

“It’s something we have considered too,” Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini told Sky Sport Italia.

“Vlahovic will be available again in a few weeks, and we’ll surely talk to him. Negotiations will continue, so it’s not a completely closed matter.”

Vlahovic, however, has attracted interest from several clubs, including Milan, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Dusan Ilic, the fitness coach of the Serbian national predicted that the Juventus forward will move to Spain in the summer.

“For me, he’ll go to Barcelona,” Ilic told Tuttosport.

“Before joining Juventus, he had held talks with Atletico Madrid, but then picked the Bianconeri. It was impossible to refuse that offer.”

Vlahovic underwent surgery in December due to a high-grade adductor injury.

“The injury hit a very specific part that takes longer to heal,” continued Ilic.

“Naturally, the recovery is longer, but given the doctors and the specialists he has at his disposal, I can say we’ll see him return soon.”

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in Milan star Christian Pulisic, who hasn’t yet received an offer to extend his contract at San Siro.

Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in Pulisic, according to TMW.

Milan prepare contract extension offer for Pulisic

Pulisic’s contract with the Rossoneri expires in June 2027, even if the agreement includes an option to extend for a further campaign.

According to the report, Pulisic thought he’d receive an offer in the past months, but the club have never made a formal proposal.

The Rossoneri, however, are reportedly determined to send their offer shortly as they are willing to continue with the USMNT international for the coming years.

Milan have recently confirmed Mike Maignan’s contract extension, but negotiations with the Frenchman had a higher priority as the goalkeeper only had six months left in his previous deal.

Pulisic began the season in excellent form, but recent physical setbacks have slowed his momentum. The American has yet to score in 2026 and was forced to miss the latest Serie A match against Bologna because of bursitis.

The 27-year-old has scored ten goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.

Antonio Conte’s Napoli and Cesc Fabregas’ Como will be looking to earn a place in the Coppa Italia semifinals tonight, reuniting for the fourth time on the sidelines after winning titles with Chelsea.

Napoli and Como meet at the Stadio Maradona tonight in a Coppa Italia quarter-final showdown.

Napoli have already been eliminated from the Champions League, so they only have Serie A and Coppa Italia left to play for, even if they sit third in the league standings, and the gap from leaders Inter is now nine points.

Como, on the other hand, sit 6th in Serie A, just five points below a ChampionsLeague spot, with a game in hand.

Fabregas’ side, in fact, didn’t play this past weekend as their away game against Milan at San Siro was postponed due to the stadium being occupied by the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

Como’s last competitive match was on February 1, while Napoli beat Genoa 3-2 on Saturday, but saw their midfielder, Scott McTominay, suffer a minor injury. The Scotland international is part of a big group of Napoli players unavailable for tonight’s Coppa Italia fixture.

The winner will go on to face Inter in the semifinals.

Fabregas and Conte already met three times as coaches. Conte won the first match in October 2024, but the Spaniard is unbeaten in the last two, having grabbed a home 2-1 win in February 2025 and an away 0-0 draw at the Maradona this past November.

Fabregas played under Conte at Chelsea, scoring ten goals and providing 22 assists in 86 appearances between 2016 and 2018.

During their time at Stamford Bridge, Conte and Fabregas won a Premier League title (2016-17) and an FA Cup (2017-18).

Doneyll Malen earned praise from Italian media after scoring a brace in Roma’s 2-0 win over Cagliari: ‘explosive like dynamite,’ wrote Corriere dello Sport.

Malen has had a tremendous impact at Roma, scoring three goals in his opening four Serie A appearances. His last two, scored in a home game against Cagliari on Monday, allowed the Giallorossi to catch Juventus in the top four.

#ASRoma #RomaCagliari pic.twitter.com/YO1sM5L900

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 10, 2026

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini was clearly delighted with the Dutchman’s performance, and the coach’s words of praise were echoed by Italian newspapers.

Malen resulted as the obvious Man of the Match in all Italian sports papers.

He was rated 8/10 by Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta.

Italian media react to Malen’s brace in Roma 2-0 Cagliari

“Explosive like dynamite, delicate as a caress,” wrote Corriere dello Sport.

“The first goal, beautiful, was a tribute to his qualities as a mobile centre-forward. The second, just as valuable, showed a boundless hunger. Side note: when he accelerated and hit top gear, he became uncatachable.”

Gazzetta added: “Worthy of a manual of attacking football for how he made his runs, called for the pass and finished. Extraordinary. The first goal was a gem, on the second, he was flawless.”

Malen joined Roma from Aston Villa on an initial loan deal with an option to buy in the January transfer window.

Roma’s option to buy for €25m becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League or the Conference League this season.

Celik Malen #ASRoma #RomaCagliari pic.twitter.com/0Gdfw9Qsvp

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 10, 2026

Denied a training retreat this month, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has taken his World Cup preparations on the road, visiting players in Saudi Arabia, London and Milan ahead of March’s play-off.

Italy coach Gattuso has been visiting the players he is considering calling up for March’s World Cup play-offs.

Italy’s World Cup play-off opponent

The Azzurri will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the semis on March 26, and if they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Final.

The congested fixture list has made it impossible for the FIGC and Lega Serie A to find a two-day window for the Azzurri to train at Coverciano this month. This means Gattuso will reunite with his players four months after their last competitive match, lost 4-1 at home against Norway in November.

Therefore, Gattuso has opted to meet his players face to face, travelling around the world and catching up with them over dinner.

According to Gazzetta, Gattuso has already met with Mateo Retegui in Saudi Arabia, Marco Verratti in Qatar and many Italian players in the Premier League: Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Chiesa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Michael Kayode, Nicolò Savona, Sandro Tonali, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario.

Gazzetta highlights that Gattuso has meticulously planned for these meetings, ensuring they would not disrupt the clubs’ weekly work or compromise the players’ rest.

Last night, he had dinner in Milan with Juventus, Inter, Milan, Bologna and Fiorentina players who could be part of the Azzurri team next month.

Within Friday, depending on the commitments of each team, he’ll go to Bergamo, Rome and Naples to meet the others.

Next Monday, he’ll sit down with Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Marco Palestra after attending the match between the Rossoblu and Lecce.

During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan striker Christopher Nkunku praised many of his Rossoneri teammates and said France could compete to win the World Cup with three different teams.

Milan striker Nkunku has been in excellent form in recent weeks, scoring one Serie A goal every 63 minutes since the end of December.

Despite being linked with leaving the Rossoneri in the January window, Nkunku insisted that he never considered leaving the club last month.

During his interview with Gazzetta, Nkunku spoke highly of many of his Milan teammates, including his compatriots Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan.

Nkunku and Rabiot are Milan’s best scorers in 2026.

Nkunku: Rabiot ‘could play 90 minutes every day’

“Adrien always been like this; maybe he’s just more decisive now,” Nkunku said.

“Allegri wants him to play more in attack, while before he used to be more defensive. Adrien has a phenomenal shot, and he runs so much. I think he could play 90 minutes every day because he’s never tired. He’s at the peak of his career, between 29 and 31 years old. He has no limits; he always pushes on and off the pitch. He’s a beast.”

Maignan has recently extended his Milan contract and has been a crucial player for the Serie A giants this term. The French keeper saved penalty kicks against Inter and Roma, so Nkunku was asked whether he can score consistently from the spot in training, against his compatriot.

“I would say it’s 50-50, Mike has helped us earn points,” the striker replied.

“He has great leadership inside the dressing room. Everyone listens to him when he says something. He always speaks for the team’s good, as a true captain. We couldn’t tell him to stay, but now that he has extended his contract, we are calmer. It’s good for the club that he stays.”

Do the French players in the Milan team talk much about the upcoming World Cup?

“Not much, because now we are all focused on winning at Milan,” Nkunku said.

“The World Cup will be in three or four months, and if we give our best for the club, we’ll have more chances to be called up.”

The French forward sustained an injury just a few days before the start of the 2022 World Cup.

“It was sad; every footballer dreams of playing at the World Cup. Now I must work to make it happen,” Nkunku said.

“France are really strong. We could have three teams, and each would be competitive to win, because we have youth sectors that work well.”

Nkunku faced two final questions about other Milan stars, Rafael Leao and Luka Modric. Who is faster? Nkunku or Leao?

“Long distances, probably Rafa, but shorter distances, maybe myself,” Nkunku replied.

“Luka [Modric] is super, he has a unique quality and makes some fantastic long passes with the outside of his foot. If I even try, my hip goes out. It’s unbelievable that he’s 40. He could still play until 45 or 46.”

Milan striker Christopher Nkunku insists he didn’t consider leaving the Rossoneri in the January transfer window and feels his former PSG teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has not changed in his new advisor role.

• Read more – Nkunku: France have three teams to win World Cup, Rabiot ‘a beast’

Nkuku completed a permanent move to Milan from Chelsea last summer, but initially struggled to settle in at San Siro.

At the end of December, he scored a brace against Verona, and he’s gone on to score one goal every 63 minutes played in Serie A since.

“Honestly, it made me very happy, but my objective now is to be in good shape,” Nkunku told Gazzetta.

When Nkunku arrived in Milan last summer, he had taken part in Chelsea’s pre-season training, which affected him in the first part of the campaign.

“A lot, it’s like a journalist conducting an interview without preparing the questions. It was hard because I had never skipped a pre-season, and next summer I’ll do anything to not make it happen again,” he said.

“If you don’t have a pre-season, you don’t have those four or five friendlies to get in shape.”

Despite some difficult months at the start of the season, Nkunku never considered leaving the club.

Nkunku ‘never thought about leaving’ Milan

“I tried to remain calm because I knew my qualities and I knew I’d score. It was just a matter of time and shape,” he claimed.

“If you play in attack, you must score because it’s your job. I hope I still helped the team differently, but if you score or assist, it’s more evident. The most important thing is to win and do what Allegri says.

“I’ve never thought about leaving, that’s the point,” Nkunku continued.

“My agent never mentioned any offer, so those were just rumours to me. He knows me well; I’ve never asked him to look for something different or talk to other clubs, because I wanted to be ready for Milan.

“I think Milan are the biggest club in Italy and I’ve understood that the club wants to win titles, which is also my objective. I’ve had a chance to lift trophies everywhere, and I want to do the same here, at a club that was born to win.”

In mid-December, Max Allegri said Nkunku had to ‘smile more’, and the French striker tried to follow his coach’s advice.

“When the coach says something, you have to do it because he has a lot of experience,” said Nkunku.

“At that moment, I lived in my world, preparing to be ready. But it’s true, when you smile and see things positively, everything changes.

“Our target is to qualify for the Champions League, but we must focus on one game at a time. We also have a derby coming up, a special match.”

Nkunku played with Ibrahimovic at PSG, and now the ex-striker is an advisor for Gerry Cardinale’s Red Bird, who owns Milan.

“Now I see Ibrahimovic wearing a jacket; before, he used to wear football boots. For the rest, it’s not a big change,” Nkunku said.

“He still has his character and desire to win. I remember that once in training, I made a mistake that made my team, which also included Ibra, lose. He didn’t say anything at first, but on the day of the game, inside the dressing room, he told me: ‘We lost, never again.'”

January signing Giovane is expected to start his first game for Napoli against Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals tonight.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Stadio Maradona.

The Partenopei are short of options in attack and midfield, with Scott McTominay, Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne, David Neres, Matteo Politano and Billy Gilmour all injured.

Therefore, Eljif Elmas will start in central midfield alongside Stanislav Lobotka, while the attacking midfielders behind Rasmus Hojlund will be Giovane and Antonio Vergara, according to Sky Sport and Gazzetta.

Defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo is also injured, and Antonio Conte stated last week that the Italy international would be out of action for two months.

According to reports, Amir Rrahmani, Juan Jesus and Sam Beukema will start in central defence for the Partenopei.

Como are way more rested than Napoli as they didn’t play in Serie A this past weekend, making their last competitive outing on February 1.

Fabregas is expected to pick his ideal Como XI with Anastosis Douvikas and Nico Paz in attack. The only doubt for the Azzurri seems to be on the right wing with either Mergim Vojvoda or Jayden Addai starting.

The winner between Napoli and Como will meet Inter in the semi-finals.

Napoli vs. Como – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide a live commentary via a live blog.

Napoli vs. Como – probable line-ups

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, Elmas, Olivera; Giovane, Vergara; Hojlund.

Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Diego Carlos, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Addai, Nico Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Nkunku exclusive

Milan, I love you

‘I’m here to win, I know how to do it. I’ve never thought about leaving; I only needed time. Allegri told me to smile; he was right.’

Inter, no wing-back in Europe is as decisive as Dimarco

Juve: McKennie at San Siro as a false nine, then the renewal.

Roma, Malen’s brace. Cagliari surrendered (2-0).

Napoli, Coppa Italia target: Fabregas with an attacking Como.

Corriere dello Sport

Juve limits

Derby d’Italia on Saturday

Chivu’s team scores a goal every 7.7 shots. Spalletti also pays for Vlahovic’s absence.

Inter’s attack: 12 goals more. Yildiz alone. David-Openda flop.

Lautaro, Thuram, Esposito and Bonny have scored 29 goals. Lucio has made the playing style take off, but his quartet has only managed 17. Cristiano: +9 from the appointment of the ex-CT.

Napoli, Conte launches Giovane

Fenucci: ‘Yes to VAR, but not this way.’

Magic Malen: Roma sit fourth

A brace in front of Totti. The Dutchman has scored three goals in four matches. Gasperini catches Juventus.

Tuttosport

Maratona once again empty ‘to defend Toro’

‘The Italian VAR helps cheating.’

Everyone against the referees: Juve among the most affected, Ravanelli complains.

The ex-striker: ‘Abroad, they use technology differently.’ Irritated by referees’ mistakes, the Bianconeri seek replies from ref chiefs. Meantime Spalletti pushes for McKennie’s renewal. Ilic, Serbia’s fitness coach: ‘Vlahovic he’s hungry for goals, he’ll join Barça.’

Double Malen, Roma celebrate and catch Juve

Napoli-Como for the semis, Inter at stake

New Juventus director Marco Ottolini confirms they ‘had tried’ to sign a striker in January, but are ‘proceeding with meetings’ for Luciano Spalletti and Weston McKennie contracts.

The Bianconeri did surprisingly little in the January transfer window, as although there were advanced negotiations with several forwards, including Randal Kolo Muani at Tottenham Hotspur via Paris Saint-Germain and Youssef En-Nesyri at Besiktas, nobody arrived.

Ottolini outlines Juventus strategy

“We had certain parameters that we had to stay within, so if there had been the right conditions, we would’ve done a deal,” director of sport Ottolini told Sport Mediaset.

“That was not the case for various reasons, but we are happy with the players we have, and we have faith in them.”

Last week was a celebratory one for Juventus, who locked talent Kenan Yildiz down to a new and improved contract.

Now the focus can turn to others who are running down their current deals, including the coach and prolific midfielder McKennie.

“Now that the transfer window is closed, we can look at those issues of contract renewals, and that is what we are doing,” assured Ottolini.

“We are very happy with the Yildiz deal, with regards to McKennie we are proceeding with meetings, while we are very happy with the coach and will sit down with him over the next few weeks.”

Juventus are up against Inter in the fiery Derby d’Italia on Saturday, trying to take down the runaway Serie A leaders, but Roma caught them in fourth place after a 2-2 draw with Lazio.

“At times results come, at others they don’t, but we are extremely happy with the way the team is performing, and we must keep going with conviction.”

After that, Juventus will also be gearing up for the Champions League play-off against Galatasaray.

“The extremely important objective for us is a top four finish, then we’ll concentrate on Istanbul, and hope to go through to the next round,” concluded Ottolini.

Cagliari talent Marco Palestra, on loan from Atalanta, is likely to be called up by Gennaro Gattuso for Italy’s World Cup play-offs next month.

It would be the first senior call for the winger, who will celebrate his 21^st birthday on March 3.

He was only one year old when Italy last won the World Cup in 2006, but he could help the Nazionale to qualify for the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer, after missing the last two editions.

Palestra ready for senior Italy debut

According to Sky Sport Italia, Palestra will be in the squad named by Gattuso for the play-offs, which start against Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on March 26.

If they win, then the Final of the play-off will be against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31.

A product of the Atalanta youth academy, Palestra plays on the right side of Cagliari’s 3-5-2 formation, but can also be a right-back.

He contributed one goal and four assists in 23 Serie A games for the Sardinians so far this season.

The possible absence of Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo on the right further boosts Palestra’s chances of featuring.

Gian Piero Gasperini cannot hide his joy at Donyell Malen’s arrival for Roma after the brace to beat Cagliari. ‘He is in the Gianluca Vialli mould, he will score a ton of goals.’

The Giallorossi knew that this was a big opportunity to recapture fourth place after Juventus were held to a 2-2 draw by Lazio last night.

They certainly took it, as Malen bagged a goal either side of half-time to secure the 2-0 victory, beating a Cagliari side who were coming off three consecutive wins, yet had just one shot on target.

Gasperini feels Malen brings ‘vast repertoire’ to Roma

“Undoubtedly it was a very good performance, the first half especially was played at a strong tempo,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We were coming off a defeat to Udinese, but the team showed great strength of character to react to those difficulties, and also played some very good football. It’s a pity we didn’t score more goals, as it left the game somewhat open, but it was good.”

Malen really was the striker that the coach had been looking for, having criticised the movements of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, which the former Aston Villa man seems to already understand so well.

“I am convinced he will score a ton of goals this season, so we must know how to give him the right service for his characteristics. We’ve got quality in the attack that is difficult to contain now, as he has a vast repertoire,” smiled Gasperini.

In the post-match interview, Malen had been asked if he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Serie A’s ultimate Dutch legend Marco van Basten, and blushed at the comparison.

“Van Basten was physically very different too, but I do see more similarities with Vialli, in his power, the movement to shake off markers, diagonal runs attacking the space, there is something in the Vialli mould,” insisted Gasperini.

There was also a debut for January signing Bryan Zaragoza, who seemed considerably more impressive going forward than when defending.

Now that the transfer window has closed, did Gasperini get all the characteristics he was looking for to challenge the others in the fight for the top four?

“We always try to be up to the standards of our rivals. We have caught Juventus, while Napoli and Milan are there, Inter have gone by now I think, Atalanta and Como are not far behind us. If we are up there after 24 rounds, that is important, but we want to keep growing in attack.

“The arrival of Malen certainly gives us much more. Now we hope to get some of the players back from injury, but it’s undeniable you need a prolific and efficient set of forwards, otherwise you will not achieve the prestigious targets.”

Cagliari only really threatened Roma with the attacks of wing-back Marco Palestra, who Gasperini had launched into the Atalanta squad last season.

“Palestra was born in 2005, so he’s a kid, but already a top player. We started training him with the youth team at the age of 17, but seeing as Atalanta had an Under-23 team set up by then, and we had a lot of alternatives in the role, he played for them.

“He played a bit in Serie A and the Champions League last season, so it helped, but he is now really flourishing at a young age.”

In an unusually good mood, this was also a rare match without a single VAR intervention.

“It was wonderful, it’s the best! It means everything went smoothly, we didn’t see a lot of stoppages either, so we got to see more football. When the referee sees it all and is able to judge without cameras, that’s the perfect match.”

Donyell Malen blushed at Marco van Basten comparisons after scoring three goals in his first four Serie A games for Roma. ‘I’m very happy, it was a good day.’

It was a great night for the Giallorossi, and by no means to be taken for granted considering Cagliari were coming off three consecutive victories.

Malen had scored on his Serie A debut against Torino on January 18, but these were his first goals at the Stadio Olimpico, and his first brace.

The former Aston Villa striker first beat Elia Caprile from the tightest of angles with a delicate dink, then got between defenders to slide onto the Zeki Celik roll across from the right.

Malen having ideal start at Roma

Inevitably, he was the Lega Serie A Man of the Match, so is the Dutchman looking to follow in the footsteps of Milan legend Marco van Basten in Italian football?

“Van Basten was a very special player, no!” blushed Malen on Sky Sport Italia.

“I’m very happy, a good win, I’m happy with the goals, nice assist, everybody played well, so it was a good day.”

Malen arrived on loan from Aston Villa at a cost of €2m, with option to buy for €25m that can become an obligation of Roma qualify for European football at the end of this season.

He now has an impressive three goals in just four Serie A games.

Standing next to Roma youth academy product Niccolò Pisilli, Malen was asked for a verdict on the midfielder.

“He’s amazing, I always talk to him in training, we need players with his kind of energy, and he brings that to the team.”

The Giallorossi knew that a victory would allow them to catch Juventus in joint fourth place, after the Bianconeri were held to a 2-2 draw by Lazio last night.

“It was a good performance, I tried to give my contribution, we played with a lot of intensity, and at times some quality football,” added Pisilli to Sky Sport Italia.

“A modern football player must be able to do everything, especially in midfield.”

Donyell Malen bagged his first brace in the Roma jersey to beat on-form Cagliari, allowing them to catch Juventus in fourth place, with Bryan Zaragoza also making his debut.

The Giallorossi missed Paulo Dybala, Robinio Vaz, Mario Hermoso, Manu Koné, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy, while Gianluca Mancini played with a protective mask after surgery on a broken nose, but deadline day signing Bryan Zaragoza was on the bench. The Sardinians had won three on the bounce against Juventus, Fiorentina and Verona, and beat Roma 1-0 back on December 7 after Zeki Celik saw red. Yerry Mina, Alessandro Deiola, Michael Folorunsho, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Andrea Belotti missed the trip.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Malen was denied by a desperate Juan Rodriguez block from six yards, then Elia Caprile almost got into a terrible tangle controlling a back-pass, forced to sprint back and clear it before the ball completely crossed the line of an empty net.

Matias Soulé curled just wide of the far post, while Niccolò Pisilli rode two tackles to test Caprile at the base of the near post.

Roma took the lead with a moment of rare skill, as Malen ran onto the Mancini through ball down the right and dinked up a delicate finish over the on-rushing Caprile to score from the tightest of angles with his right foot. It was the ex-Aston Villa striker’s first goal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Donyell Malen hits a perfect chip to give Roma the lead over Cagliari

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/aG8KVFaLaE

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 9, 2026

Malen threatened again with a header off target at the back stick, while Daniele Ghilardi nodded a Lorenzo Pellegrini cross just wide.

Zaragoza made his debut and immediately stood up a cross for the audacious Malen scissor-kick volley at the back post, but it was Zeki Celik who provided the assist for the second Malen goal, rolling it across from the right for the tap-in from point-blank range, getting between defenders.

Donyell Malen at the double to extend Roma's lead

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/bmMS8LxMNG

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 9, 2026

There was almost a third moments later, but this time Malen sliding in couldn’t connect with the Soulé ball across the six-yard box.

Zaragoza also tested Caprile at the base of the near post, but his error allowed Marco Palestra to break down the right and force a tricky Mile Svilar save.

Cagliari threatened to get back into it at the 79^th minute when a sudden long-range Ibrahim Sulemana scorcher clipped the top of the crossbar.

They also went close when Alberto Dossena at full stretch flicked inches wide of the back stick on a free kick.

Neil El Aynaoui came off the bench and immediately tested Caprile with a powerful volley.

Roma 2-0 Cagliari

Malen 25, 65 (R)

09-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 24

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Cagliari

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

		5'		Alberto Dossena
Donyell Malen (Assist: Gianluca Mancini)		25'
		40'		Marco Palestra

2nd half

Gianluca Mancini		58'
		61'		Gianluca Gaetano
Donyell Malen (Assist: Zeki Celik)		65'
Bryan Zaragoza		82'
		89'		Riyad Idrissi

Match statistic

57

Possession %

43

15

Total shots

3

5

Shots on target

1

6

Shots off target

2

4

Blocked shots

0

7

Corners

1

3

Offsides

0

18

Fouls

14

Roma

Cagliari

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

84'

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

57'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

84'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

84'

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

87'

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

87'

4

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

59'

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

73'

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

91

Radoslaw Zelezny

Goalkeeper

97

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

57'

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

84'

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

84'

68

Antonio Arena

Attacker

84'

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

59'

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

73'

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

73'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

87'

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

87'

Raffaele Palladino saw the kind of ‘maturity’ he was looking for in Atalanta’s 2-1 win over Cremonese, and admits they ‘wanted Giacomo Raspadori at all costs.’

La Dea were feeling confident after last week’s 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Juventus, but knew they had struggled against the newly-promoted clubs in Serie A.

That issue was resolved this evening thanks to goals from Nikola Krstovic and Davide Zappacosta, although it was once again a tense finale despite their overall domination, when Morten Thorsby got one back late on.

Palladino sees Atalanta progress

“It was an important response from the squad, including those who haven’t played as much, like Mario Pasalic, and Lazar Samardzic, who had to step in at the last second,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.

The late change was because Charles De Ketelaere pulled out in the warm-up with a knee issue, having already lost Gianluca Scamacca earlier in the day.

Marten de Roon and Honest Ahanor were also suspended, further limiting the options available.

“Sead Kolasinac hadn’t started for a while either, Krstovic had a great performance, so they all had the right spirit today. I like that whoever plays, they step up and give the best of their abilities.

“They give their all and sweat for the jersey. That must be the spirit of this team, it is what our fans need to see.”

When Palladino took the job from Ivan Juric, Atalanta were in 13^th place and just one point ahead of Cremonese, but the situation has been transformed and they qualified for the Coppa Italia semi-final, and the Champions League play-offs too.

“We are happy and proud, but must also remember we’ve done nothing yet, because we’re still lagging behind in the Serie A table,” warned the coach.

“I said this game would be a test of our maturity, and I saw a very mature team.”

The arrival of Raspadori from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, with Ademola Lookman going the other way, also added a different dimension to the Atalanta attack.

“Jack is a player we wanted at all costs,” explained Palladino.

“The club did really well to make him understand this was the right project for him. He’s young, Italian, and a winner, so he brought the right mentality and settled in straight away. He’s got to play as much as possible to find his best form, as he’s still lacking a bit of sharpness, but I’m very happy with what he’s doing.”

Cagliari director Guido Angelozzi reveals how they got to secure the Semih Kilicsoy bargain from Besiktas, noting they’d be ‘crazy not to’ buy him. ‘He can be worth €40m.’

The Sardinians are in action at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome this evening for their Serie A Week 24 fixture against Roma.

You can follow the action as it happens from that game on the Liveblog.

Kilicsoy has flourished at Cagliari

Few knew who Kilicsoy was when he arrived in Cagliari over the summer from Besiktas, on loan for €1m with an option to buy for a further €12m.

There are also another €2m in add-ons, and Besiktas are owed a 10 per cent cut of any future sale fee.

“He is a great talent and there are many teams around Europe who are watching him,” Angelozzi told Sky Sport Italia.

There were reports last week that Cagliari tried to activate the purchase option early in order to save money, but that Besiktas refused to change the terms of the agreement.

That makes it clear that the Serie A club will use the option for €12m, though.

“How can we not? We’d be crazy not to buy him,” explained the director.

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella is in Italy at the moment and has been visiting some of his players who are in Serie A, including Kilicsoy.

“He is a young and extraordinary player, who scored some remarkable goals. Montella visited us and said he is a very interesting player,” added Angelozzi.

“If he keeps going like this, he can be worth €40m.”

How did Cagliari manage to beat everyone to sign this young talent, who was only 19 when he joined?

“Agent Federico Pastorello suggested him to our President, so we started tracking him, sent a scout to Turkiye, and then called Montella’s assistant manager, who spoke highly of the player.”

Watch as former Aston Villa striker Donyell Malen scores his first Roma goal at the Stadio Olimpico with a delicate chipped finish from a tight angle against Cagliari.

You can follow the action as it happens from that Serie A match on the Liveblog.

The centre-forward has really flourished since his January transfer to Italy, on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

He broke the deadlock this evening in the Eternal City when running onto a Gianluca Mancini pass and dinking the finish over on-rushing goalkeeper Elia Caprile from the tightest of angles.

The Dutchman had also scored on his Roma debut, a 2-0 result away to Torino on January 18, but this was his first goal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Malen on target for Roma

Donyell Malen hits a perfect chip to give Roma the lead over Cagliari

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/aG8KVFaLaE

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 9, 2026

WHAT A CHIP FROM DONYELL MALEN

Two goals in his first four matches at Roma pic.twitter.com/iyeG0xJveI

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 9, 2026

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella visited the Juventus training camp today and assured Kenan Yildiz ‘has immense potential and some similarities’ to Alessandro Del Piero.

The former Roma boss is taking the Turkish team to the 2026 World Cup this summer, so is visiting his home country to speak with some of the players available for selection.

You can read his comments on Cagliari talent Semih Kilicsoy here.

Montella visits Turkish talent in Serie A

Montella was present at the Continassa training camp in Turin today, where he was a guest of Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti.

Of course, he was there to see Kenan Yildiz, who just signed a new contract with the Bianconeri until June 2030.

“I am very happy, Kenan was already part of the national team when he was still in the Next Gen Juventus team,” Montella told Il Messaggero newspaper via Tuttomercatoweb.

“He is a player with immense potential and is still developing. Kenan manages to combine natural talent with the right mentality, as he really wants to keep improving himself.

“I predict a future for him at the highest level for many years to come.”

Kenan Yildiz adores Del Piero

There were some references to Del Piero in the announcement of a new contract for Kenan Yildiz, who never disguised that Pinturicchio was his hero.

Wearing the Number 10 jersey, can he follow in Del Piero’s footsteps at Juve?

“There are some similarities, for example the way he shoots, and he has already scored some goals that are very similar to ones netted by Alex, but in terms of general characteristics, they are different,” noted Montella.

Roma director Ricky Massara admits it is time for ‘definitive’ decisions on new contracts for Paulo Dybala and others, while Francesco Totti is again present. ‘We want what is best for Roma.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Cremonese on the Liveblog.

New signing Bryan Zaragoza is on the bench ready for his debut, but Paulo Dybala, Robinio Vaz, Mario Hermoso, Manu Koné, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy are out of action.

Gianluca Mancini had surgery last week for a broken nose, so he is able to play with a protective mask this evening.

Roma looking to future beyond this season

“Zaragoza was an opportunity that presented itself at the end of the transfer market, a strong player who has the characteristics that we were specifically lacking in our attack,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

There are reports that Dybala and Pellegrino will need to take pay cuts if they are to be given new contracts at the Stadio Olimpico, while Zeki Celik and El Shaarawy are also only tied to the club until June 30.

“This is the moment to make some definitive reflections,” confessed the Roma director.

“We have always had a good rapport with the agents of these players, so we need to sit down around a table and understand if there is the possibility of an agreement.

“All the players whose contracts are running down have never lacked in their commitment and professionalism.”

Director Claudio Ranieri suggested last week that the Friedkin family are thinking about bringing club icon Totti into the fold, so is it a coincidence that the former captain is in the stands again this evening?

“Totti is the history of this club,” replied Massara.

“He has a very good rapport with the Friedkins, and this kind of evaluation is entirely down to the club, whose objective is to do what is best for Roma.

“They will know if and when it is opportune to start working together.”

This is a big opportunity for the Giallorossi to climb back into joint fourth place with Juventus, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Lazio last night.

It won’t be easy, as Cagliari are on a run of three consecutive victories against Juve, Fiorentina and Hellas Verona, also beating Roma 1-0 back on December 7 when Zeki Celik was sent off.

Atalanta secured a 2-1 victory with Nikola Krstovic and Davide Zappacosta goals, though Morten Thorsby finally ended Cremonese’s goal drought on his debut.

La Dea were fresh off a 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Juventus, but in Serie A had drawn two of the last three. Marten De Roon and Honest Ahanor sat out bans, but Gianluca Scamacca was not fully fit and Charles De Ketelaere pulled out in the warm-up, replaced by Lazar Samardzic. Cremonese missed Matteo Bianchetti, Warren Bondo, Michele Collocolo and Jari Vandeputte, but had new buys Morten Thorsby and Youssef Maleh. They were without a win since December 7, managing three draws and six defeats.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Federico Baschirotto charged down an early effort from his former Lecce teammate Nikola Krstovic, while Emil Audero palmed a Giacomo Raspadori strike out from under the bar. On the resulting corner, he fingertipped a Berat Djimsiti header onto the upright.

The early siege paid off when Krstovic hooked a Raspadori cross with his back to goal, turned his marker and immediately smashed the finish in at the near bottom corner.

It was nearly 2-0 when Raspadori sent Nicola Zalewski down the left, his cross found Samardzic on the edge of the area to rattle the crossbar with a ferocious strike.

That did come eventually, as Davide Zappacosta sprinted down the right, cut inside Giuseppe Pezzella and bent the left-foot finish across Audero into the far bottom corner from a tight angle. It was his first goal of the season.

Cremonese saw Tommaso Barbieri and Thorsby attempts go off target, but then lost Federico Ceccherini to a muscular problem.

Zalewski’s daisy-cutter skimmed the base of the upright, while Thorsby couldn’t keep his free header on target from a Baschirotto cross.

Samardzic drilled just wide of the far post on a Zalewski pull-back, then Raspadori fired over from Ederson’s cross after a Lorenzo Bernasconi back-heel flick.

Ederson was a little hesitant when sent clear and allowed Baschirotto to make the last-ditch tackle, while Kamaldeen Sulemana fired straight at Audero after squirming away from two defenders.

Milan Djuric thought he’d ended Cremonese’s goal drought in the final minute with a header at the back post on Alessio Zerbin’s cross, but Marco Carnesecchi clawed it off the line.

In stoppages, there was a mad scramble on a corner until Berat Djimsiti prodded it over the line from six yards, but it was disallowed because Sulemana was offside in one of those attempts.

Instead, Cremonese ended their goal drought after almost a full five games without finding the net. New signing Thorsby controlled a Sebastiano Luperto cross from the left, juggled it off his head, and hit the volley off balance to surprise Carnesecchi.

Atalanta 2-1 Cremonese

Krstovic 13 (A), Zappacosta 25 (A), Thorsby 94 (C)

09-02-2026 17:30

MatchDay 24

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Cremonese

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Nikola Krstovic (Assist: Giacomo Raspadori)		13'
Davide Zappacosta (Assist: Mario Pasalic)		25'

2nd half

Sead Kolasinac		49'
Odilon Kossounou		82'
		90+4'		Morten Thorsby (Assist: Sebastiano Luperto)

Match statistic

57

Possession %

43

29

Total shots

12

9

Shots on target

2

10

Shots off target

7

10

Blocked shots

3

13

Corners

2

2

Offsides

4

11

Fouls

11

Atalanta

Cremonese

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

59'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

59'

13

Éderson

Midfielder

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

70'

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

70'

18

Giacomo Raspadori

Attacker

78'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

1

Emil Audero

Goalkeeper

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

23

Federico Ceccherini

Defender

40'

3

Giuseppe Pezzella

Defender

5

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

4

Tommaso Barbieri

Defender

84'

33

Alberto Grassi

Midfielder

63'

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

29

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

90

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

46'

10

Jamie Vardy

Attacker

63'

Substitutes

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

4

Isak Hien

Defender

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

59'

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

59'

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

70'

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

70'

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

78'

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

16

Marco Silvestri

Goalkeeper

14

Faris Moumbagna

Attacker

55

Francesco Folino

Defender

22

Romano Floriani Mussolini

Defender

25

Davide Pavesi

Defender

24

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

40'

9

Milan Djuric

Attacker

46'

99

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

63'

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

63'

7

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

84'

Roma start Donyell Malen, Matias Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini against Semih Kilicsoy’s on-form Cagliari, as a victory would put them in joint fourth spot.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Cremonese on the Liveblog.

The injury crisis drags on for the Giallorossi, even after they had the rare treat of a whole week to prepare for this match.

Form has been stuttering of late, managing only draws with Milan and Panathinaikos, then defeated 1-0 at Udinese last Monday.

Paulo Dybala, Robinio Vaz and Mario Hermoso were added to the injury list, which already included Artem Dovbyk, Manu Koné, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy.

Gianluca Mancini had surgery for a broken nose and therefore has to play with a protective mask.

Gian Piero Gasperini was tempted to launch deadline day signing Bryan Zaragoza directly into the starting XI with fellow January buy Malen, backed by Soulé, but instead opts for Pellegrini.

As Juventus were held 2-2 by Lazio last night, it means a win here would put Roma back in joint fourth place.

Cagliari are on sparkling form after three consecutive Serie A victories against Juventus, Fiorentina and Verona, which saw them climb to mid-table comfort.

They also remember beating Roma 1-0 in Sardinia back on December 7 after Zeki Celik was sent off.

Coach Fabio Pisacane is missing some big players too, as Yerry Mina, Alessandro Deiola, Michael Folorunsho, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Andrea Belotti are out of action.

Turkish talent Semih Kilicsoy is flourishing, with Sebastiano Esposito and Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra.

Alberto Dossena was added to the squad on deadline day from Como.

Roma vs. Cagliari line-ups

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Pellegrini; Malen

Cagliari: Caprile; Ze Pedro, Dossena, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gaetano, Mazzitelli; Palestra, Kilicsoy, Esposito

09-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 24

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Cagliari

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

		5'		Alberto Dossena
Donyell Malen (Assist: Gianluca Mancini)		25'
		40'		Marco Palestra

2nd half

Gianluca Mancini		58'
		61'		Gianluca Gaetano
Donyell Malen (Assist: Zeki Celik)		65'
Bryan Zaragoza		82'
		89'		Riyad Idrissi

Match statistic

57

Possession %

43

15

Total shots

3

5

Shots on target

1

6

Shots off target

2

4

Blocked shots

0

7

Corners

1

3

Offsides

0

18

Fouls

14

Roma

Cagliari

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

84'

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

57'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

84'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

84'

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

87'

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

87'

4

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

59'

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

73'

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

91

Radoslaw Zelezny

Goalkeeper

97

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

57'

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

84'

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

84'

68

Antonio Arena

Attacker

84'

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

59'

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

73'

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

73'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

87'

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

87'

Cesc Fabregas insists Como will face Napoli with ‘our usual mindset’ in tomorrow’s Coppa Italia quarter-final in an ‘iconic stadium.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

The winners will then go on to face Inter in the two-legged semi-final.

However, tomorrow victory is to be decided after 90 minutes, or go directly to a penalty shoot-out, as there is no extra time.

Fabregas and Como ambitious in Coppa Italia

“Tomorrow we have a huge game ahead of us,” warned Fabregas to the official Como website.

“It is a knockout match against the reigning Italian champions, playing in an iconic stadium. We will go out there with our usual mindset and keep our focus sharp.”

When these sides met here earlier in the season in Serie A, it ended 0-0 on November 1, a very positive result for the Lariani.

Assane Diao is the only remaining injury absentee, but it remains to be seen if Fabregas will impose any squad rotation for this test.

They had crushed Lazio 3-0 and Torino 6-0 before the Coppa Italia Round of 16 victory away to Fiorentina, 3-1.

However, last Sunday the team failed to break down 10-man Atalanta in a goalless draw, with Marco Carnesecchi saving the last-gasp Nico Paz penalty.

They didn’t play at the weekend, as their game with Milan was postponed for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at San Siro.

Our team for the Coppa Italia match against Napoli pic.twitter.com/aWyclDJVAX

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) February 9, 2026

Charles De Ketelaere was initially named in the Atalanta starting line-up to take on Cremonese in Serie A on Monday evening, but the Belgium international was forced to drop out at the last minute. 

De Ketelaere drops out of Atalanta line-up at the last minute

De Ketelaere felt something in his knee during the warm-up ahead of Monday’s Serie A clash between Atalanta and Cremonese at the New Balance Arena and was unable to take his place in the starting line-up. That made for an opportunity for Lazar Samardzic to play instead. 

You can follow the action from Monday evening’s Serie A matches on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Raffaele Palladino already had injuries in mind when naming his starting line-up. Gianluca Scamacca started and scored in the 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Juventus on Thursday, but reported a minor issue in training ahead of the Cremonese match and was also unavailable to start. 

Nikola Krstovic started at centre-forward instead and opened the scoring for La Dea within 13 minutes against Cremonese.

Reports in Italy confirm that Torino officially triggered their obligation to buy clause for striker Giovanni Simeone during their 2-2 draw with Fiorentina in Serie A, which is set to bring in around €5.5m for selling club Napoli. 

Official: Torino have triggered Simeone obligation to buy from Napoli

Simeone has spent the 2025-26 on loan with Torino in a deal that also includes an obligation to buy. 

According to reports from Tuttosport and Calciomercato.com, the obligation to buy clause kicked in after Torino’s first match in February, which happened to be the 2-2 draw with Fiorentina over the weekend. 

This means that Torino will be obliged to pay Napoli a fee of €5.5m plus up to an extra €1m in easily achievable add-ons. Torino have already paid the Partenopei a reported fee of €1.5m to sign Simeone on loan for the 2025-26 season. 

Simeone has scored five goals from 18 outings in Serie A so far this season. 

Roma are just one point away from triggering the obligation to buy clause in Daniele Ghilardi’s contract, which will bring a small financial boost for both Hellas Verona and Fiorentina. 

Roma one point away from permanent Ghilardi signing: Verona and Fiorentina profit

Ghilardi joined Roma on loan with a potential obligation to buy during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old has had to bide his time for opportunities at the Stadio Olimpico, but he has since started in four of the last five rounds of Serie A fixtures. 

Ghilardi joined Roma with a loan fee reported to be worth €2.5m. The Giallorossi will also have to pay a further €8m plus potentially €1m in bonuses in the event that his transfer is made permanent. 

According to reports from Calciomercato.com, the option to buy clause in Ghilardi’s contract will be triggered after the first point that Roma pick up during the month of February. There is a high possibility that that happens on Monday evening, as long as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side avoids defeat at home against Cagliari in Serie A (kicking off at 19.45 GMT). 

You can follow the action from Monday night’s Serie A matches on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Ghilardi’s former club, Verona, will not receive the full fee once the transfer is made permanent, though, as Fiorentina are entitled to a 50% sell-on clause. 

That means that both Verona and Fiorentina will receive €4m for Ghilardi’s transfer to Roma (plus up to €500,000 each in bonuses). Verona and Fiorentina also split the €2.5m loan fee equally.

Nikola Krstovic is called back in to lead the line for Atalanta, who face off against Jamie Vardy and Cremonese in Serie A on Monday evening. 

Atalanta are coming in off the back of a 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Juventus on Thursday evening and a 0-0 draw after being reduced to 10 men early on in their away game against Como last time out in Serie A. 

Raffaele Palladino’s side sit in seventh place in the league table ahead of kick-off. 

Cremonese had started the 2025-26 season in impressive form, but have only picked up two points from their last seven matches in Serie A, which has them tumbling concerningly towards the relegation zone. 

Davide Nicola’s side are in 16th place, five points above the drop zone ahead of kick-off. 

Atalanta have stuck with the same core of the team that beat Juventus in the cup for tonight’s game against Cremonese, but have swapped Honest Ahanor for Sead Kolasinac at the back, Mario Pasalic for Marten De Roon, Nicola Zalewski in place of Luca Bernasconi and Nikola Krstovic instead of Gianluca Scammaca at centre-forward. 

Cremonese once again turn to Jamie Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli to lead their attacking line. They have made three changes after their recent 2-0 loss against Inter, with Sebastiano Luperto coming in for Francesco Folino, Tommaso Barbieri instead of Filippo Terracciano and Morten Thorsby instead of Alessio Zerbin. 

Kick-off is due at 17.30 GMT. 

Atalanta vs. Cremonese: Confirmed line-ups 

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, Pasalic, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic.

Cremonese (3-5-2): Audero; Ceccherini, Baschirotto, Luperto; Barbieri, Thorsby, Grassi, Maleh, Pezzella; Vardy, Bonazzoli.

09-02-2026 17:30

MatchDay 24

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Cremonese

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Nikola Krstovic (Assist: Giacomo Raspadori)		13'
Davide Zappacosta (Assist: Mario Pasalic)		25'

2nd half

Sead Kolasinac		49'
Odilon Kossounou		82'
		90+4'		Morten Thorsby (Assist: Sebastiano Luperto)

Match statistic

57

Possession %

43

29

Total shots

12

9

Shots on target

2

10

Shots off target

7

10

Blocked shots

3

13

Corners

2

2

Offsides

4

11

Fouls

11

Atalanta

Cremonese

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

59'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

59'

13

Éderson

Midfielder

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

70'

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

70'

18

Giacomo Raspadori

Attacker

78'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

1

Emil Audero

Goalkeeper

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

23

Federico Ceccherini

Defender

40'

3

Giuseppe Pezzella

Defender

5

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

4

Tommaso Barbieri

Defender

84'

33

Alberto Grassi

Midfielder

63'

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

29

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

90

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

46'

10

Jamie Vardy

Attacker

63'

Substitutes

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

4

Isak Hien

Defender

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

59'

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

59'

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

70'

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

70'

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

78'

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

16

Marco Silvestri

Goalkeeper

14

Faris Moumbagna

Attacker

55

Francesco Folino

Defender

22

Romano Floriani Mussolini

Defender

25

Davide Pavesi

Defender

24

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

40'

9

Milan Djuric

Attacker

46'

99

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

63'

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

63'

7

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

84'