Atalanta are the only Serie A team left in the Champions League Round of 16 and will learn their next opponents, either Arsenal or Bayern Munich, on Friday.

Serie A have just one representative remaining in the Champions League Round of 16 following Inter and Juventus’ eliminations in the knockout play-off.

La Dea came back from two goals down against Borussia Dortmund, securing a memorable 4-1 win in Bergamo on Wednesday.

Inter suffered a 5-2 aggregate defeat against Bodo/Glimt, losing both matches, while Juventus nearly completed a comeback against Galatasaray but were eliminated with a 7-5 aggregate loss.

Defending Serie A champions Napoli had already been eliminated in the league phase.

Atalanta will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 and will know their next opponents on Friday.

The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final will take place on Friday, February 27 at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT). The Europa League and Conference League draw will follow.

Champions League Round of 16 draw – rules and teams involved

“The eight winners of the two-legged knockout phase play-offs join the top eight sides from the league phase in the round of 16 draw,” UEFA said.

“The league phase top eight will be seeded for the round of 16 draw.”

Seeded (league phase top eight, ordered by league phase ranking)
Arsenal (ENG)
Bayern München (GER)
Liverpool (ENG)
Tottenham (ENG)
Barcelona (ESP)
Chelsea (ENG)
Sporting CP (POR)
Man City (ENG)

Unseeded (knockout phase play-off winners)
Real Madrid (ESP)
Paris (FRA)
Newcastle (ENG)
Atletico Madrid (ESP)
Atalanta (ITA)
Leverkusen (GER)
Galatasaray (TUR)
Bodø/Glimt (NOR)

The road to Budapest #UCL pic.twitter.com/6mpNCYADFP

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 25, 2026

The clubs in each seeded pair are drawn into one of two positions in the round of 16 against the relevant winners of the knockout phase play-offs, whose position is determined by the knockout phase play-off draw.

Four bowls are prepared for the draw, with the balls containing the names of each pair of seeded teams placed in the corresponding marked bowls according to the league rankings.

The draw will allocate the side of the bracket for all the seeded teams, starting with the teams ranked 7/8 and finishing with the teams ranked 1/2.

One ball is drawn from the bowl containing the two relevant ranked teams (i.e., the teams ranked 7 and 8) and opened to reveal the team. The first team drawn from this bowl is placed in their reserved spot on the silver side of the bracket. The other seeded team of the pairing is then drawn and displayed, and allocated to the corresponding reserved spot on the blue side of the bracket. The same procedure is followed for the remaining seeded teams.

Champions League Round of 16 – Road to the Final

As the teams were positioned in the bracket by the draw for the knockout phase play-off and the round of 16, the ties and the order of matches have already been determined by the positions of the teams from the previous rounds.

The teams qualifying from the round of 16 follow the bracket path until the final, and, as in the previous rounds, the team in the bottom row of each match pairing will play the second leg of the relevant tie at home.

The winners of the semi-final on the silver side of the bracket will be designated as the nominal home team for the final.

Champions League Round of 16 draw – where to watch

The draw will be streamed live on UEFA.com, UEFA.tv and the official UEFA Champions League app. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini spoke to the media rather than Luciano Spalletti after Champions League elimination to Galatasaray. ‘It’s fortunate Lloyd Kelly was there and not me’ on the red card.

The Bianconeri knew it was extraordinarily difficult after losing the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul when down to 10 men, and it seemed impossible when they had Kelly sent off here too at the 48^th minute.

Despite that, they still clawed their way back with another two goals after Manuel Locatelli’s penalty, from Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie, to force extra time.

They had a huge chance to win it with Edon Zhegrova, but the extra man ultimately showed with late Victor Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz goals to send Galatasaray into the Champions League Round of 16.

Chiellini takes the heat after Juventus exit

“Luciano is not here, because I think it is only right that a director is here tonight,” Chiellini told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“We are exhausted and disappointed by this result, despite the performance. At the same time, we are very proud for the way we played.”

There was applause at the final whistle from the Juventus fans, who recognised the incredible effort that their team put in to turn this situation around.

“The feeling we must have is that this is a starting point to rediscover the spark that we’ve been lacking, as we go into the final weeks of the season,” continued Chiellini.

“If we want to look at Spalletti’s tenure, we got one and a half games wrong since he arrived. We haven’t been very fortunate when it comes to the incidents, but we have to keep going.”

The last time Juve sent Chiellini to speak to the media rather than Spalletti, it was to protest the Pierre Kalulu red card against Inter in Serie A.

How did the Bianconeri judge the Kelly red card, which was not just a second yellow, but changed to a straight red via VAR despite seeming entirely accidental?

“Let’s just say it’s fortunate Kelly was in that situation and not me,” replied the former Italy defender. “There’s nothing more I can say on that.”

Juventus had already been in crisis going into this match, managing only one draw from their last five competitive games, and their lack of fighting spirit was the main criticism.

At least that cannot be said tonight, as down to 10 men for over an hour, they only capitulated late on.

“We need to keep faith in these players and this coach. There is a process and that can mean a few negative results, despite good performances,” continued Chiellini.

“There are 12 games to go this season, where there is a lot at stake. The team is ready, we saw that tonight, and the growth process continues even with a few slip-ups and obstacles in our path.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray

Are there regrets at the way the Champions League campaign went for Juventus?

“Not right now, we ended the league phase in good form, including a victory away to Bodo/Glimt, which we saw how difficult that was now. We beat Benfica, who troubled Real Madrid.

“The regret is that we could’ve gone further with a little more concentration, but now we have to concentrate on Roma this weekend and the remaining matches,” concluded Chiellini.

All Juventus fans at the Allianz Stadium gave the Bianconeri a standing ovation after Barış Alper Yılmaz scored the second goal for Galatasaray, eliminating the Serie A giants from the Champions League.

Juventus nearly completed a stunning comeback in the Champions League knockout play-off on Wednesday. Football Italia was among the accredited media in Turin tonight.

Juventus fans’ reaction to Champions League exit

Juventus levelled the score in regular time, going 3-0 up after a 5-2 loss suffered in Turkey a week earlier.

Victor Osimhen scored the first goal for Galatasaray in the extra time, and Alper Yılmaz finished it off with two minutes remaining, beating Mattia Perin on a counter-attack.

With just a few seconds left to play, all the Juventus fans at the Allianz Stadium stood up to give a standing ovation to the players who had been reduced to ten men at the beginning of the second half when Lloyd Kelly was given a straight red card.

Most of the supporters then walked out of the stadium, only to be insulted by the ultras in Curva Sud, who called their fellow fans “crappy.”

Ultras remained in the stands beyond the final whistle and continued to chant for the team.

Manuel Locatelli admits he ‘feels like crying’ after Juventus capitulated to Galatasaray in extra time. ‘We put our heart and soul into this game, this is the team we must always be.’

This was always going to be practically impossible to turn around the 5-2 first leg defeat in Istanbul, even more so after Lloyd Kelly was sent off in the 48^th minute with Juve 1-0 up on the night from a Locatelli penalty.

Nonetheless, they forced extra time with Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie goals, had a big chance to win it with Edon Zhegrova, then ultimately the extra man was felt with two late Victor Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz strikes.

Locatelli so proud of Juventus effort

Galatasaray enter the Champions League Round of 16, winning 7-5 on aggregate, but the Allianz Juventus Stadium crowd applauded their team’s truly heroic efforts down to 10 men for over an hour.

“I honestly feel like crying, we genuinely believed,” Locatelli told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“We put our heart and soul into this game, even more than that. An incident made it all more complicated in the first leg, but today I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.

“The atmosphere in the stadium was incredible, these are nights that stay with you. We soaked up the energy from them that we needed.”

Juve had been criticised for lacking a fighting spirit this season, but that could not be an accusation levelled at them this evening, coming so close to an incredible turnaround.

“We gave our heart and soul. I always ask the players to do that, and tonight we really did, so this is what we’ve got to carry with us going forward,” added Locatelli.

“This is the Juventus we wanted to see, and the one we must always be. We need to always try to play at this level. We are on the right track and mustn’t lose that believe.”

There were some big chances that went begging tonight, and Khephren Thuram was in tears on the touchline after McKennie equalised on aggregate.

“I think we can only compliment the players tonight for their efforts, mistakes can happen. Now we’ve got another important game coming up against Roma and must focus on that.”

Check out the player ratings for Juventus’ 3-2 win over Galatasaray, which, however, was not enough for the Bianconeri to qualify for the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray player ratings

Perin 6.5 – Not too busy during the match, but still made a couple of decent saves.

Kalulu 8 – Provided the assist for Gatti’s goal, the second one for Juve, and was superb defensively (108′ Openda N/A).

Gatti 7 – Gave Juventus hope with the second goal of the night, but was slightly out of position when Osimhen scored the decisive goal for Galatasaray.

Kelly 4 – Forget the red card. The Englishman had had a bad game already, both defensively and in the build-up.

McKennie 9 – Honestly, I’ve never seen a footballer play as a left-back, left winger and centre forward in the same match. The USMNT star did so and with incredible quality, too. He scored the third goal and provided the assist for Zhegrova, but the Kosovo international miserably failed all alone in front of the goalkeeper.

Koopmeiners 6.5 – A great performance, first in midfield and then in defence, after Kelly was sent off. The Dutchman provided the assist for McKennie, but was sloppy in the build-up to Osimhen’s goal.

Locatelli 8 – Another big performance for the Italian midfielder, who recovered possession 13 times (via Sofascore), won 11 duels and had 85% passing accuracy (108′ Kostic N/A)

K Thuram 7 – Subbed off after missing a goal all alone in front of the goalkeeper. It would have been the 3-0 that McKennie scored just a few minutes later. Thuram wouldn’t know, and he was in tears when he arrived on the bench. Aside from that, he put in a solid performance with four recoveries and four duels won.  (77′ Adzic 5.5)

Conceicao 6.5 – His dribbling and pace caught the eye, as usual, but he still lacked the final touch, which is not a detail. (68′ Zhegrova 4.5 – He missed a huge, huge chance that could have won the game for Juve. Truly incredible.)

David 5 – No presence inside the box and a big chance missed right before the break. The substitution felt inevitable. (68′ Boga 5).

Yildiz 7 – No goals or assists, but he turned on the light every time he had the ball. Unlucky not to score in the first half. He ended the game limping, but played over 100 minutes. Heroic. (110′ Miretti N/A)

Coach: Spalletti 8 – He transformed Juventus after four defeats in the last five games. They put on the pitch all they hadn’t shown against Como: desire, pride, determination and quality. Juventus were aggressive and took risks all over the pitch. The referee didn’t help them, and the Bianconeri were eventually eliminated. It hurts, but Spalletti is surely proud of his players.

Galatasaray: Cakir 7; Sallai 5 (59′ Boey), Sanchez 6, Bardakci 5.5, Jakobs 4.5; Torreira 5 (103′ Singo 6.5), Lemina 6.5 (87′ Icardi 5.5); Alper Yilmaz 6, Gabriel Sara 5.5 (71′ Gundogan 6), Lang 5.5 (59′ Sané 5); Osimhen 7. Coach: Buruk 5.

Juventus staged a heroic comeback after Lloyd Kelly’s red card to force Galatasaray into extra time 3-0 on the night, but Victor Osimhen sealed their Champions League exit 5-7 on aggregate.

The Bianconeri had a very slim chance of qualifying after the 5-2 first leg defeat in Istanbul, where they had been leading 2-1 until collapsing with Juan Cabal’s red card. He was suspended along with Andrea Cambiaso, plus Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik injured, Gleison Bremer only fit for the bench, and Kenan Yildiz starting despite not being at 100 per cent. Victor Osimhen shrugged off a knee issue to start with fellow ex-Napoli man Noa Lang, while Mario Lemina returned from suspension.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Their capitulation in the first leg was part of a general crisis for Juve, who had one draw in the last five competitive games going into this clash, going out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final and sliding to fifth in Serie A.

There were two big early chances, as Federico Gatti and Teun Koopmeiners couldn’t keep their headers down from six yards, but Mattia Perin made a great save on Osimhen’s volley from a flicked-on throw-in. The goalkeeper stepped in after a series of damaging Michele Di Gregorio howlers.

Osimhen sprinted back trying to help the defence, instead clattering makeshift left-back Weston McKennie for a yellow card, while Manuel Locatelli stung the goalkeeper’s gloves from distance and Francisco Conceicao curled wide on the resulting corner.

Kenan Yildiz forced a fantastic save from Urugcan Cakir at the near post after his shot took a deflection off Davinson Sanchez.

Davinson Sanchez also made an error to spark the Juve attack that resulted in a clumsy Torreira sliding tackle through the back of Khephren Thuram inside the area. Manuel Locatelli converted the penalty to get the Old Lady back in this tie at 3-5 on aggregate.

Locatelli converts from the penalty spot to open the scoring for Juventus!@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/NvLubtSpcg

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Jonathan David’s very heavy first touch ruined a Kenan Yildiz roll across just before half-time, with Thuram drilling the rebound wide.

Juventus went a man down in Istanbul and it happened again in Turin, albeit in bizarre circumstances. Kelly landed awkwardly and on top of Baris Alper Yilmaz’s calf, so the referee awarded a second yellow card. As the defender was arguing he hadn’t done it on purpose, the referee was called over for the VAR review and changed it to a straight red card instead.

Lloyd Kelly receives a straight red card after VAR review for a challenge on Yılmaz @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9v1LiIvVJJ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Even down to 10 men, Juve still threatened a goal when Kenan Yildiz squirmed between two and got the finish deflected inches wide of the near post.

Gatti also nodded over again, but finally got a finish on target when he tapped in at the back post on a Pierre Kalulu low cross from the right, making it 4-5 on aggregate.

Game very much alive

Federico Gatti extends the lead for Juventus, reducing the deficit to one against Galatasaray!@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/xThNTu3m7g

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Osimhen fired over and it was so nearly 5-5 on aggregate with Thuram’s final contribution before being substituted, as he burst into the box and drew out the goalkeeper, floating his lob over the empty net.

Juve came even closer moments later, as Yildiz at full stretch volleyed the Jeremie Boga cross onto the upright from point-blank range.

It was only a warning, as an Edon Zhegrova free kick was knocked down by Koopmeiners for the McKennie header at the far post to make it 3-0 on the night, 5-5 on aggregate.

Weston McKennie fires ten man Juventus level in the tie against Galatasaray @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qDoybNgSZP

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Galatasaray threatened on the counter in stoppages, but Baris Alper Yilmaz chose completely the wrong pass for Osimhen, while Kenan Yildiz drilled wide from the edge of the box.

The teams could not be separated and it went to extra time, despite the Bianconeri being down to 10 men since the 48^th minute.

Juve continued to attack and should’ve scored a fourth when Boga rolled across from the left, but McKennie laid it off for Zhegrova to bend horribly wide from 12 yards.

Eren Elmali came sliding in at the far post, just unable to connect with the Leroy Sane cross, but Galatasaray did restore their advantage on aggregate when Gatti slipped trying to intercept the Baris Alper Yilmaz assist and Osimhen drilled the finish through Perin’s legs at the near post.

Victor Osimhen fires Galatasaray back in front on aggregate in extra time @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/TYGLZ5mMBP

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Juventus kept pushing even with 10 men for an hour, as Zhegrova’s ferocious strike from a tight angle was palmed away, Filip Kostic slipping to fire the rebound wide, then Boga fired a couple of efforts off target.

In the final moments, an inspired Wilfried Singo through ball saw both Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz spring the offside trap, the latter beating on-rushing Perin for Galatasaray to qualify 7-5 on aggregate.

Yılmaz puts it beyond doubt for Galatasaray as they march into the Champions League round of 16 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/dlW3XgeE23

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

There was still applause from the crowd, who appreciated the extraordinary effort made.

Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray aet (5-7 agg)

Locatelli pen 37 (J), Gatti 70 (J), McKennie 82 (J), Osimhen 105 (G), Baris Alper Yilmaz 119 (G)

Sent off: Kelly 48 (J)

25-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium)

Juventus

Galatasaray

0 2

3 - 2

Player statistic

Carlo Pinsoglio

-5'

1st half

		14'		Victor Osimhen
Lloyd Kelly		25'
Kenan Yıldız		31'
		33'		Roland Sallai
Manuel Locatelli		37'

2nd half

Lloyd Kelly		49'
		60'		Gabriel Sara
Federico Gatti		70'
Weston McKennie (Assist: Teun Koopmeiners)		82'

Extra time

		105+1'		Victor Osimhen (Assist: Barış Alper Yılmaz)
		111'		Ugurcan Cakir
		119'		Barış Alper Yılmaz (Assist: Wilfried Singo)

Match statistic

47

Possession %

53

28

Total shots

16

9

Shots on target

8

13

Shots off target

5

6

Blocked shots

3

9

Corners

4

2

Offsides

1

16

Fouls

14

Juventus

Galatasaray

Starting lineups

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

109'

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

78'

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

109'

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

67'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

67'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

103'

1

Ugurcan Cakir

Goalkeeper

42

Abdülkerim Bardakci

Defender

6

Davinson Sánchez

Defender

4

Ismail Jakobs

Defender

87'

8

Gabriel Sara

Midfielder

71'

34

Lucas Torreira

Midfielder

103'

99

Mario Lemina

Midfielder

87'

53

Barış Alper Yılmaz

Attacker

77

Noa Lang

Attacker

59'

7

Roland Sallai

Attacker

59'

45

Victor Osimhen

Attacker

Substitutes

3

Bremer

Defender

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

50

Niccolò Rizzo

Defender

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

103'

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

109'

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

109'

7

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

67'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

67'

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

78'

23

Kaan Ayhan

Midfielder

12

Batuhan Sen

Goalkeeper

11

Yunus Akgün

Attacker

19

Günay Güvenc

Goalkeeper

22

Yaser Asprilla

Midfielder

90

Wilfried Singo

Defender

103'

10

Leroy Sané

Midfielder

59'

93

Sacha Boey

Defender

59'

20

Ilkay Gündogan

Midfielder

71'

9

Mauro Icardi

Attacker

87'

17

Eren Elmali

Defender

87'

Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly received a straight red card at the beginning of the second half of a Champions League match against Galatasaray as he ‘endangered the safety of his opponent.’

English defender Kelly was shown a straight red card at minute 48 of a Champions League knockout play-off second leg.

Why was Kelly sent off in Juventus vs. Galatasaray?

The Bianconeri were one goal up, but needed two more to level the score after a 5-2 defeat in Turkey last week.

Kelly went for an aerial duel with Alper Yilmaz and appeared to accidentally land on his opponent’s ankle.

The Juventus defender was already on a yellow card and was shown a second one, but Portuguese referee, Pinheiro, was still urged to the pitchside monitor to review the incident and ultimately decided to show a straight red, infuriating Luciano Spalletti and Juventus players.

UEFA then explained: “Juventus player, No. 6, using his studs, made a strong, unfair contact with the opponent’s left ankle, which clearly endangered the safety of his opponent.”

Kelly stormed off the pitch in anger and kicked a wall as he headed towards the tunnel.

Football Italia is among the accredited media at the Allianz Stadium tonight. You can follow the live action as it happens on the Football Italia live blog.

Lloyd Kelly receives a straight red card after VAR review for a challenge on Yılmaz @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9v1LiIvVJJ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Raffaele Palladino admits Atalanta’s comeback from 2-0 down to eliminate Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate ‘will go down in history’ of the Champions League. ‘This is our DNA.’

La Dea had a mountain to climb after losing the first leg of this play-off 2-0 in Dortmund, but managed to turn it around to lead 3-0 on the night with Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta and Mario Pasalic.

Karim Adeyemi made it 3-3 on aggregate and extra time seemed inevitable until the last-gasp Lazar Samardzic penalty.

Palladino proud of historic Atalanta comeback

“This is a match that will go down in history, not just here in Bergamo for all the Atalanta fans, but for Italian football as a whole,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“We achieved a comeback that will stay in the history books. We’re so happy, I want to thank every single player, those who were on the field, on the bench, in the stands, my staff, the President Antonio Percassi, the directors, and all the fans.

“There were 23,000 people pushing us from start to finish this evening, they created a unique atmosphere in our stadium.

“It was probably the best game I ever experienced in my coaching career, and it will remain in my mind forever. This club deserves this incredible satisfaction.”

Atalanta become the third Italian club to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg, after Juventus and Roma.

“We knew it was truly difficult this evening, but not impossible, because the first leg performance saw us go behind in the opening minutes and it was an uphill struggle from there,” continued Palladino.

“We studied our opponents carefully, and knew that we could have our say. It was tough, but after the comeback win against Napoli last week, it gave us more belief.

“I could see that positive energy in the eyes of my players, and the spirit was fantastic.”

Krstovic came off the bench and was left with a bloodied head by that Ramy Bensebaini foul for the decisive penalty.

“Krstovic is a great example, as he fought for that ball, showed so much courage to go for that cross and realise he could win it. That is the Atalanta DNA.”

Considering the vast difference between the first and second leg, what did Palladino change in his Atalanta side?

“We made too many mistakes and were too timid, but we studied carefully, knew what the objective was, and that we needed to do a lot of cross-field passes to stretch them out of shape.

“I also want to underline the importance of the strikers, Scamacca in the first half and then Krstovic, in pressing the goalkeeper, who is a real sweeper-keeper for Dortmund.”

With Inter’s elimination last night to Bodo/Glimt and Juventus facing an even tougher task with Galatasaray, there was the genuine fear Italy would have no representatives in the Champions League Round of 16.

“I heard a lot of comments about Italian football and I think it ought to be protected, above all from the inside,” noted Palladino.

“We are too harsh when things don’t go well, we need more constructive criticism, to be a bit more positive, and we proved that this evening.

“It’s likely nobody believed in us tonight, which is why I told the lads we needed to make them all eat their words about us.”

The dramatic evening had seemed as if it was heading to extra time after Karim Adeyemi got it back to 3-3 on aggregate, so how did Atalanta deal with that situation?

“I couldn’t do anything from the bench, it was all in the mentality of the lads, their maturity and self-confidence,” noted Palladino.

“If we’d played this game six weeks ago, we probably would’ve lost. Now we have matured, realised when to defend, when to attack, how to read situations better. I don’t like to defend deep, I want to press, and this team is well suited to that too, so we are in sync.

“In those final minutes, the players did it all, with heart, quality, intelligence and smarts. They did something unforgettable.”

Atalanta star Gianluca Scamacca says La Dea ‘felt we could turn it around’ as their comeback against Borussia Dortmund was ‘unpredictable for those from the outside.’

Atalanta striker Scamacca spoke to Sky Sport Italia following an extraordinary 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, which sent La Dea to the Round of 16 with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Scamacca scored the opening goal after just five minutes, and Lazar Samardzic netted the winner from the spot at minute 98.

Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund – Scamacca’s post-match comments

“We had a strong start,  but we felt we could turn it around,” Scamacca told Sky Sport Italia.

“We believed until the end, and those who were introduced were just as good as the starters because they made the difference. This is a historic feat, one of the biggest ones in Atlanta’s history.

“We did something extraordinary. We had to make up for the poor performance in the first leg,” continued the Italian striker.

“Now the good part comes. Tomorrow there’s a day off, and then we’ll think, as always, game by game.”

The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 27, and Atalanta will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.

“Perhaps it was unpredictable for those from the outside, but we know our worth,” Scamacca added.

“We know that, when we play our style of football together, we can get great satisfaction.”

Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino has transformed the team, winning 15 of 23 games since his appointment at the start of November.

“The coach has given us a lot. He has given us great energy and an important push,” said Scamacca.

“We have rediscovered ourselves and understood we were on the right track.

“Our fans were crucial. As Palladino had said, 23,000 pushed us. They are always our 12th man, home and away, and we thank them for this.”

Atalanta return to the pitch on Sunday, facing Sassuolo away in Serie A Round 27.

The Nerazzurri sit 7th in the standings, five points below a Champions League spot.

Italy legend Alessandro Costacurta admits he ‘didn’t believe’ in Atalanta’s comeback against Borussia Dortmund and draws a parallel between Mario Pasalic and Franco Baresi.

Atalanta shocked Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, beating the Bundesliga side 4-1 in Bergamo to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Costacurta compares Pasalic to Baresi

It was an epic night in Bergamo as La Dea scored the winner with a penalty kick at minute 98.

“It’s an extraordinary feat. I admit I didn’t believe in it, but they put in a fantastic performance, a feat,” ex-Italy and Milan defender Costacurta told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s not something every team can do. They’ve entered an elite, especially after such a performance,” the ex-defender continued.

“Pasalic has to be highlighted. It had been since the days of Franco Baresi in 1994 that I hadn’t seen a player take a team by the hand the way he did.”

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini admits the Bianconeri’s task against Galatasaray is ‘almost impossible’, but the Bianconeri ‘need to score a goal, then we’ll see.’

Juventus host Galatasaray in the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off tonight.

They must recover from three goals down after losing 5-2 in the reverse fixture played in Turkey last week.

Football Italia is among the accredited media in Turin tonight. You can follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the live blog.

Juventus vs. Galatasaray – Chiellini’s pre-match interview

“This is a game where we need balance above all else,” Chiellini told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“The atmosphere in the stadium is electric; all it takes is a little spark to get something more out of these fans. There were some jeers after the Como defeat, but this crowd is behind us.

“It is an almost impossible task tonight, but these games sometimes are needed to change the momentum of a season. They can change with just a spark, it’s up to us to stay in the match and try to light it,” Chiellini continued.

“I think we need the right energy, that extra bit of determination to win a tackle that can fire up the fans too. We are in a stadium that cannot wait to light up and it’s up to the players to try something incredible.

“The result of the first leg isn’t entirely accurate, there isn’t a three-goal gap between these teams, but they deserved it with that performance, and we’re curious to see if we can score and get this game on the right track early.

“Clearly, we need a performance beyond the norm to turn this around. If we want to win, I expect something special. We’ve got the players who can do it.

“The objective is to score a goal and then we’ll see. You mustn’t think about the 5-2 result, but about making it 1-0. It’s going to be about duels, about the challenges with Osimhen, fighting to get those situations that can turn it around.”
Juventus history

“I think we need to transform the disappointment of the first leg into something historic, because overturning a 5-2 defeat would be historic.”

Atalanta performed a football miracle by overturning the 2-0 Champions League play-off first leg defeat to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on the night with a last-gasp Lazar Samardzic penalty, 4-3 on aggregate.

La Dea had a big task ahead of them after losing the first leg 2-0 in Germany, their third consecutive defeat in the competition. Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori were still out of action, with Ederson only fit for the bench, but Gianluca Scamacca returned to the starting XI. Borussia Dortmund were missing Niklas Sule, Italian Filippo Mane and cup-tied Patrick Drewes, but Emre Can was back after a month out.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Nicola Zalewski nearly scored in the fourth minute, Gregor Kobel fingertipping the angled drive past the far post, but the breakthrough arrived moments later.

Lorenzo Bernasconi got down the left and rolled across, Ramy Bensebaini sliding in got it wrong and just kept the ball going for Scamacca to tap in from six yards.

Scamacca arrives at the back post to pull one back for Atalanta against Dortmund @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/UgSP0vB2no

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Emre Can had to put it out for a corner when Bernasconi volleyed a Lazar Samardzic cross back from the far post, then Kobel made a sensational fingertip save on another Zalewski scorcher.

Serhou Guirassy nodded the first Dortmund chance wide at the back stick on 28 minutes, then Marco Carnesecchi needed quick reactions to deny Julian Brandt from close range on an inspired Maximilian Beier through ball.

Zalewski curled just over the bar after a strong Isak Hien run, and Atalanta cancelled out the first leg deficit on the stroke of half-time when Zappacosta’s strike from the edge of the area took a deflection off Bensebaini to wrongfoot Kobel.

Zappacosta makes it 2-0 on the night and pulls Atalanta level on aggregate @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/ZRf9iGRgNj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

After the restart, Carnesecchi made another impressive save on Guirassy after a debatable offside call, while Mario Pasalic couldn’t get enough power on the finish to surprise Kobel from Scamacca’s lay-off.

Kobel also rushed off his line to narrow the angle when Marten de Roon was sent clear down the right, but Dortmund were inches away from scoring when Beier’s angled drive beat Carnesecchi to bounce off the inside of the far post.

Atalanta survived the scare and took the lead for the first time in the tie when De Roon’s cross found Pasalic for a glancing header at the back stick from six yards, making it 3-2 on aggregate.

Turnaround complete

Atalanta fight back in stunning fashion to flip the tie against Borussia Dortmund!@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/ykLtFmJriy

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

There was bad news as Sead Kolasinac limped off with a muscular problem, then Guirassy hit a fresh-air shot from eight yards in a move that saw Carnesecchi’s double save on the striker and Fabio Silva.

Borussia Dortmund got it to 3-3 on aggregate moments later, as Karim Adeyemi cut inside and bent his curler into the far top corner from inside the box.

Adeyemi with a brilliant strike as the tie is once again level on aggregate @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/PBQhrUlKZD

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Samardzic squirmed between two to drill inches wide of the far post, but there was drama deep into stoppages when Kobel rushed outside his line to clear and got it wrong, allowing Pasalic to cross from the left, which Bensebaini clumsily tried to intercept with a high boot behind him, kicking Krstovic in the head.

The contact was not in doubt, as the striker was bleeding, but it took a VAR On-Field Review to award the second yellow card to Bensebaini and above all the penalty, which Samardzic converted into the top corner to send Atalanta through 4-3 on aggregate.

Lazar Samardžić with an emphatic penalty to seal an incredible night for Atalanta as they progress to the round of 16 in the Champions League @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MLARPOVoyF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Atalanta 4-1 Borussia Dortmund (4-3 agg)

Scamacca 5 (A), Zappacosta 45 (A), Pasalic 57 (A), Adeyemi 75 (B), Samardiz pen 98 (A)

25-02-2026 17:45

Knockout phase play-offs

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Dortmund

4 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Gianluca Scamacca		5'
		13'		Ramy Bensebaini
Davide Zappacosta		45'

2nd half

		53'		Emre Can
Mario Pasalic (Assist: Marten de Roon)		57'
		69'		Fábio Silva
Isak Hien		70'
		75'		Karim Adeyemi (Assist: Carney Chukwuemeka)
Lazar Samardžić		90+8'
		90+7'		Ramy Bensebaini

Match statistic

44

Possession %

56

14

Total shots

7

8

Shots on target

4

4

Shots off target

2

2

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

1

2

Offsides

2

17

Fouls

10

Atalanta

Dortmund

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

77'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

72'

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

85'

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

73'

1

Gregor Kobel

Goalkeeper

24

Daniel Svensson

Defender

26

Julian Ryerson

Defender

70'

5

Ramy Bensebaini

Defender

3

Waldemar Anton

Defender

23

Emre Can

Midfielder

8

Felix Nmecha

Midfielder

10

Julian Brandt

Midfielder

60'

7

Jobe Bellingham

Attacker

70'

14

Maximilian Beier

Attacker

60'

9

Serhou Guirassy

Attacker

Substitutes

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

13

Éderson

Midfielder

5

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

45

Dominic Vavassori

Midfielder

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

72'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

73'

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

77'

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

85'

20

Marcel Sabitzer

Midfielder

4

Nico Schlotterbeck

Defender

6

Salih Özcan

Midfielder

33

Alexander Meyer

Goalkeeper

31

Silas Ostrzinski

Goalkeeper

47

Elias Benkara

Defender

40

Samuele Inácio

Attacker

49

Luca Reggiani

Defender

17

Carney Chukwuemeka

Midfielder

60'

21

Fábio Silva

Attacker

60'

2

Yan Couto

Defender

70'

27

Karim Adeyemi

Attacker

70'

Luciano Spalletti explains that Juventus’ absentees and Galatasaray’s quality on the wings prompted him to play Weston McKennie at left-back, and insists the whole team’s quality, not just a single player, might help the Old Lady recover from three goals down.

Juventus host Galatasaray in the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off tonight, following a 5-2 loss suffered in Turkey last week.

Juventus vs. Galatasaray – Spalletti’s pre-match comments

Football Italia is among the accredited media in Turin tonight. You can follow the build-up and live action as it happens on the live blog.

Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal are suspended, so Spalletti has picked Weston McKennie as a left-back.

“When he plays behind a centre forward, he can act where he prefers, but tonight we have a different need,” Spalletti told Prime Video Italia via TMW.

“They have strong wingers in one-on-one situations, and we have absentees that led us to play him there.

“Feats like those we’d need tonight are built on the quality of the whole team and the attitude as the game develops, not on an individual’s quality,” Spalletti concluded.

Kenan Yildiz is not fully fit, but starts as a left winger, while Gleison Bremer has recovered from a minor muscle injury but initially goes on the bench, making room for Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly in central defence.

Juventus have lost four of their last five games across all competitions, and next Sunday they’ll visit Roma in Serie A.

Teun Koopmeiners insists ‘it is better to win together as a team than score two goals’ as Juventus try to overturn their Champions League play-off with Galatasaray.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund on the Liveblog.

There is a mountain to climb after the 5-2 first leg defeat in Istanbul, which they had been leading 2-1 through a Koopmeiners brace, only to collapse completely after the Juan Cabal red card.

He is suspended here along with Andrea Cambiaso, plus Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik injured, Gleison Bremer only fit for the bench.

Koopmeiners sees Juventus comeback

“We have to push hard from the first minute. We need to score at least three goals, but also think about keeping balanced, so we need to do it all,” Koopmeiners told Amazon Prime Video Italia and Sky Sport Italia.

Juve have been in a crisis recently, scraping just one draw from their last five games in all competition.

That run saw them eliminated from the Coppa Italia quarter-final and slide down to fifth place in Serie A, ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Roma.

“We know that we can do better than in recent weeks, the important thing is to play with energy. I am happy to have scored two goals in the first leg, but it is better to win together as a team than to score a brace.”

Michele Di Gregorio has been struggling with a series of howlers, so he is replaced by Mattia Perin this evening, while Weston McKennie fills in at left-back.

Although Bremer is not fully fit, Koopmeiners does remain in midfield rather than dropping into defence.

“I am a midfielder, everyone knows that, but if the coach needs me in defence to help out due to injuries, then I will do that. I have to do my best wherever I am played.”

Juventus have an epic task after losing the Champions League play-off first leg 5-2 to Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray, hoping Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David can turn this around.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund on the Liveblog.

The Bianconeri have plunged into a deep crisis in recent weeks, scraping one draw from their last five competitive games.

That saw them crash out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final, slide to fifth place in Serie A, and be on the verge of Champions League elimination.

They had been leading 2-1 in Istanbul through a Teun Koopmeiners brace, but a disastrous Juan Cabal appearance off the bench saw him sent off and they were beaten 5-2.

Cabal is therefore suspended along with Andrea Cambiaso, while Gleison Bremer is only fit for the bench after a muscular issue.

Kenan Yildiz isn’t fully fit either, but the star man is their best hope of staying in Europe, and supports David upfront with Francisco Conceicao.

It means the ever-versatile Weston McKennie fills in at left-back this time, with Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik injured.

Mattia Perin takes over the gloves following a series of Michele Di Gregorio howlers, including in the weekend’s 2-0 home defeat to Como.

Former Napoli striker Noa Lang scored twice in the Galatasaray home game and starts again this evening, while Osimhen has shaken off a knee injury to play upfront.

Mario Lemina is available to face his former club, having missed the first leg through suspension.

As the away goals rule no longer applies, Juventus must win by three clear goals to force extra time or even penalties.

Juventus vs. Galatasaray line-ups

Juventus: Perin; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, McKennie; Koopmeiners, Locatelli, K Thuram; Conceicao, David, Yildiz

Juventus bench: Di Gregorio, Pinsoglio, Bremer, Zhegrova, Boga, Adzic, Kostic, Openda, Miretti, Gil, Rizzo

Galatasaray: Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Alper Yilmaz, Gabriel Sara, Lang; Osimhen

Galatasaray bench: Batuhan Sen, Gunay Guvenc, Icardi, Sané, Yunus Akgun, Eren Elmali, Gundogan, Ahmed Kutucu, Asprilla, Kaan Ayhan, Singo, Boey

Ref: Joao Pinheiro (POR)

25-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium)

Juventus

Galatasaray

0 2

3 - 2

Player statistic

Carlo Pinsoglio

-5'

1st half

		14'		Victor Osimhen
Lloyd Kelly		25'
Kenan Yıldız		31'
		33'		Roland Sallai
Manuel Locatelli		37'

2nd half

Lloyd Kelly		49'
		60'		Gabriel Sara
Federico Gatti		70'
Weston McKennie (Assist: Teun Koopmeiners)		82'

Extra time

		105+1'		Victor Osimhen (Assist: Barış Alper Yılmaz)
		111'		Ugurcan Cakir
		119'		Barış Alper Yılmaz (Assist: Wilfried Singo)

Match statistic

47

Possession %

53

28

Total shots

16

9

Shots on target

8

13

Shots off target

5

6

Blocked shots

3

9

Corners

4

2

Offsides

1

16

Fouls

14

Juventus

Galatasaray

Starting lineups

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

109'

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

78'

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

109'

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

67'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

67'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

103'

1

Ugurcan Cakir

Goalkeeper

42

Abdülkerim Bardakci

Defender

6

Davinson Sánchez

Defender

4

Ismail Jakobs

Defender

87'

8

Gabriel Sara

Midfielder

71'

34

Lucas Torreira

Midfielder

103'

99

Mario Lemina

Midfielder

87'

53

Barış Alper Yılmaz

Attacker

77

Noa Lang

Attacker

59'

7

Roland Sallai

Attacker

59'

45

Victor Osimhen

Attacker

Substitutes

3

Bremer

Defender

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

50

Niccolò Rizzo

Defender

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

103'

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

109'

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

109'

7

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

67'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

67'

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

78'

23

Kaan Ayhan

Midfielder

12

Batuhan Sen

Goalkeeper

11

Yunus Akgün

Attacker

19

Günay Güvenc

Goalkeeper

22

Yaser Asprilla

Midfielder

90

Wilfried Singo

Defender

103'

10

Leroy Sané

Midfielder

59'

93

Sacha Boey

Defender

59'

20

Ilkay Gündogan

Midfielder

71'

9

Mauro Icardi

Attacker

87'

17

Eren Elmali

Defender

87'

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi jokes that he and his colleagues ‘had to go hungry’ after Borussia Dortmund decided against attending a customary lunch before Wednesday evening’s Champions League play-off decider between the two teams. 

Before Champions League matches, it is tradition for the directors of the respective clubs to sit down over a lunch on the day of the game. 

This has not happened for either of the play-off matches between Atalanta and Dortmund, however, as there is still bad blood between the two sides following the transfer of teenager Samuele Inacio from Bergamo to the Bundesliga side in 2024. 

“Unfortunately, we did not have that lunch, so we went hungry,” shrugged Percassi during an interview with Sky Sport Italia before kick-off in Atalanta-Dortmund.

“We hoped they would take the opportunity to open up a dialogue, but that did not happen. We go forward.”

You can follow the action from Wednesday night’s Champions League games on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Percassi on Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund decider

Percassi went on to discuss the support that he has felt from the Atalanta fans heading into their Champions League decider against Dortmund. 

“From the moment we got on the bus at the Zingonia training camp to arrive in the city and reach the stadium, we felt the passion of the fans,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.

“That has been a decisive element for us, and it’s a pity that we have been unable to count on the supporters during away games recently. Hopefully we can dialogue with the institutions to face these problems, including the upcoming Coppa Italia semi-final, because football without its fans is not the same.”

And on the game itself, he added: “It is going to be a very difficult and complicated match, but we know how competitive the Champions League is. Getting a result this evening would be something historic, once again, for this club.

“It is already extraordinary that we are here, so we’ll enjoy this moment with the spirit of Atalanta, hoping to have no regrets.

“Every season, our approach does not change. The objective is to secure Serie A safety as quickly as possible, that is not just a phrase, it is how we genuinely think.

“Obviously, in recent years the capability for investment in recent years makes us hope for targets beyond that, but we see around the sport that big investments do not necessarily provide big results.

“They might let you sign important players who in theory make the difference, but they still have to settle with the rest of the team, and translate that investment into results on the field.

“We have great humility, because we know our status and where we come from. Last week, we played in one of the biggest stadiums in Europe, which holds 82,000 people, and you realise it’s a different reality to our own.

“We hope to make as few mistakes as possible, to keep our feet on the ground, remembering Atalanta achieved results in recent years precisely because we combined humility with ambition and determination.”

{rsn-live-v2}

Jayden Addai’s 2025-26 season is expected to be over as Como have confirmed that he will require surgery to fix an achilles tendon injury that he suffered during Wednesday’s training session. 

Jayden Addai suffers season-ending achilles injury

The 19-year-old has had a stop-start beginning to life in Serie A after his €14m transfer from AZ Alkmaar during the summer transfer window. 

The teenager has three goals from 12 Serie A appearances to his name in Serie A, but has only made two substitute appearances in the league since mid-December after picking up a muscular injury that kept him out seven matches. 

Addai’s season is now expected to be over after picking up an injury to his achilles during Wednesday’s training session. Como have confirmed that he will require surgery, which will be scheduled in the coming days. 

“Como 1907 can confirm that Jayden Addai sustained an injury to the Achilles tendon in his left leg during today’s training session,” read a statement on the club website. 

“Following clinical and instrumental examinations, the diagnosis was confirmed. Surgery will be scheduled in the coming hours.”

Raffaele Palladino gives an injury update on Ederson and assures Atalanta will ‘be aggressive’ against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus vs. Galatasaray on the Liveblog.

While La Dea have seen their Serie A form totally revitalised since coach Palladino took over in November from Ivan Juric, including Sunday’s comeback 2-1 win over Napoli, the Champions League has been a different matter.

They had been on the verge of qualifying directly for the Round of 16, but their 2-0 loss in Dortmund was the third consecutive defeat in this competition.

Palladino has faith in Atalanta comeback

“I don’t need many words before a game like this, I just need to be clear, look at their eyes, and see that they believe,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“We want to have our say, we want to enjoy this match, because it is also a valuable experience. We are facing a strong opponent, we studied them carefully, and will try to play in the style of Atalanta with our fans and our characteristics.”

Ederson had been expected to be in the starting XI, but as he is only on the bench, it was evidently more than just a twinge he suffered during the first leg.

“There hasn’t been enough time to really test Ederson out and get him back to 100 per cent, but he is at our disposal, we’ll see if he is needed in the second half. He had a test this morning.”

Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are both long-term absentees, so Gianluca Scamacca is supported by Nicola Zalewski and Lazar Samardzic.

“The three forwards need to do well off the ball, be aggressive also on their goalkeeper, who is basically a sweeper-keeper. Dortmund have such quality in the middle and damaged us from the start with their vertical passes into space, they’ve got pace, and we must try to limit their strengths,” continued the Atalanta coach.

“It is also important that we are better when in possession, as we made a few too many mistakes in Dortmund.”

There is a big game coming up for Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, but they bolster their line-up with the return of captain Emre Can after a month out.

“Borussia Dortmund brought in Emre Can, so that shows they are focused here and using their best starting XI. It’s the Champions League, how could they possibly be distracted? We’re glad they are using their best team, as if we can turn this around, it’ll make it even more special,” assured Palladino.

Vincenzo Italiano insists that Bologna’s 1-0 advantage does not count for much at the midway stage of their Europa League play-off round tie against Norwegian side Brann: “I would say maybe we have a 51% chance of qualifying and them 49%.”

The Rossoblu will host Brann at the Dall’Ara for the second leg of their Europa League play-off round tie on Thursday evening. Italiano’s side have a slim, one-goal advantage thanks to a ninth minute goal from Santiago Castro in Bergen last week. 

Italiano previews Bologna vs. Brann second leg

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Italiano warned that there is still plenty of work for Bologna to do in the second leg of their Europa League play-off decider. 

The challenge of facing a Norwegian side following Inter’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night has also become a hot topic of discussion in the Bologna camp. 

When asked what he learned from Inter’s 5-2 aggregate loss against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, Italiano said: “That Norwegian football is growing rapidly and this is also shown by the growth of their national team. We’re ahead by one goal and I would therefore say maybe we have a 51% chance of qualifying and them 49%.

“We can’t underestimate anything and we have to take advantage of playing in our stadium, the atmosphere and this small advantage we got in Norway. Brann are a tactical, organised team and we need to face them with a lot of focus.” 

And when asked what he expects to see from Brann on Thursday evening, Italiano said: “I expect to face a team that will want to be daring and will try to raise the tempo to create problems for us. We have to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise. They know what they have to do with the ball and without it, we are prepared.” 

And on his own players, he added: “Heggem is called up. If necessary, he can come on but we hope he won’t be needed. Lykogiannis is stepping up his work and will be back soon. We lost Miranda in the final minutes against Udiense. We’re used to gritting our teeth. Tomorrow either Zortea or Joao Mario will play on the left.” 

And asked for an evaluation on Eivind Helland, who is not part of Bologna’s Europa League squad and is therefore ineligible to play tomorrow, Italiano said: “We will make use of him in the league. He’s an asset to Bologna. I’m sorry I don’t have him available in Europe, but that was the decision.” 

And on Federico Bernardeschi, Italiano said: “There’s still a room for him to return to a high level. He was showing himself constantly before the injury. He’s an animal. The injury slowed him down but now he’s returning to the version of himself we saw before the injury against Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana. 

“He has a lot of experience, he’s played in Europe, he won a European championship. The only thing we had to do with him is get him back in a good, athletic, physical condition. I think he can still grow in the next two and a half months.” 

Atalanta hope Gianluca Scamacca and Lazar Samardzic can inspire them to overturn a 2-0 deficit with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus vs. Galatasaray on the Liveblog.

La Dea have seen their Serie A form revitalised under coach Raffaele Palladino since he replaced Ivan Juric in November, and they had been on the verge of a top eight Champions League finish.

However, a sudden collapse saw them slide into the play-offs, losing the first leg 2-0 in Dortmund for their third consecutive Champions League defeat.

Charles De Ketelaere and January signing Giacomo Raspadori are still out of action, but Scamacca returns to the starting XI after muscular issues.

Ederson had been expected to play too, but he is clearly still not fully fit, so Mario Pasalic plays.

Nicola Zalewski and Lazar Samardzic act in support of the centre-forward after Sunday’s comeback win over Napoli in Serie A.

Borussia Dortmund are missing Niklas Sule, Italian Filippo Mane and cup-tied Patrick Drewes, but the good news for them is that Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck return to the squad.

The star centre-forward is Serhou Guirassy, who scored in the opening minutes of the first leg and assisted the second from Maximilian Beier.

These teams met three times and Atalanta have never won, managing a 1-1 home draw in 2018 and two away defeats.

Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund line-ups

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Pasalic, Bernasconi; Samardzic, Zalewski; Scamacca

Atalanta bench: Rossi, Sportiello, Kossounou, Bakker, Musah, Sulemana, Ederson, Bellanova, Djimsiti, Vavassori, Ahanor, Krstovic

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Can, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Svensson; Beier, Brandt; Guirassy

Dortmund bench: Ostrzinski, Meyer, Yan Couto, Schlotterbeck, Salih Ozcan, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Fabio Silva, Adeyemi, Inacio, Benkara, Reggiani

Ref: Sanchez (ESP)

25-02-2026 17:45

Knockout phase play-offs

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Dortmund

4 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Gianluca Scamacca		5'
		13'		Ramy Bensebaini
Davide Zappacosta		45'

2nd half

		53'		Emre Can
Mario Pasalic (Assist: Marten de Roon)		57'
		69'		Fábio Silva
Isak Hien		70'
		75'		Karim Adeyemi (Assist: Carney Chukwuemeka)
Lazar Samardžić		90+8'
		90+7'		Ramy Bensebaini

Match statistic

44

Possession %

56

14

Total shots

7

8

Shots on target

4

4

Shots off target

2

2

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

1

2

Offsides

2

17

Fouls

10

Atalanta

Dortmund

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

77'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

72'

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

85'

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

73'

1

Gregor Kobel

Goalkeeper

24

Daniel Svensson

Defender

26

Julian Ryerson

Defender

70'

5

Ramy Bensebaini

Defender

3

Waldemar Anton

Defender

23

Emre Can

Midfielder

8

Felix Nmecha

Midfielder

10

Julian Brandt

Midfielder

60'

7

Jobe Bellingham

Attacker

70'

14

Maximilian Beier

Attacker

60'

9

Serhou Guirassy

Attacker

Substitutes

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

13

Éderson

Midfielder

5

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

45

Dominic Vavassori

Midfielder

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

72'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

73'

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

77'

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

85'

20

Marcel Sabitzer

Midfielder

4

Nico Schlotterbeck

Defender

6

Salih Özcan

Midfielder

33

Alexander Meyer

Goalkeeper

31

Silas Ostrzinski

Goalkeeper

47

Elias Benkara

Defender

40

Samuele Inácio

Attacker

49

Luca Reggiani

Defender

17

Carney Chukwuemeka

Midfielder

60'

21

Fábio Silva

Attacker

60'

2

Yan Couto

Defender

70'

27

Karim Adeyemi

Attacker

70'

Marten De Roon insists Atalanta have learned from the 2-0 first leg Champions League play-off defeat and ‘can hurt’ Borussia Dortmund this evening.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus vs. Galatasaray on the Liveblog.

La Dea left themselves with a tough task to overturn the first leg loss in Dortmund, which was decided by Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier goals.

As the away goals rule has been abandoned, they need to win by a two-goal margin just to force extra time.

De Roon advice for Atalanta

“We need to leave fewer spaces, we were caught out with a few long balls, and we need to close the gaps down, be more aggressive, more intense, and above all play the ball better. They have a high defensive line and we can hurt them,” De Roon told Sky Sport Italia.

Atalanta have faced Borussia Dortmund three times and never managed a victory, losing both trips to Germany and drawing 1-1 here in the Europa League in 2018.

“Dortmund are a very strong squad, I expect them to come here trying to win, not to just defend the result. We must push for 90 minutes along with our fans, hope to have a little bit of luck, but mainly courage to score some goals here,” added De Roon.

“We know the fans in Bergamo well, I am sure they will push us on for 90 minutes with their pride to be here playing in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. They will be the 12^th man.”

The mood was boosted in Serie A at the weekend by a comeback win over Napoli, where they had been trailing 1-0 only to emerge 2-1 winners.

Paolo Vanoli insists that Fiorentina will have an opportunity to improve in the second leg of their Conference League play-off match against Jagiellonia on Thursday evening, despite carrying a 3-0 advantage after the first leg in Poland last week. 

Vanoli previews Fiorentina vs. Jagiellonia second leg

Fiorentina will host Jagiellonia in the second leg of their Conference League play-off round tie on Thursday evening. The Viola already have one foot in the round of 16 after goals from Luca Ranieri, Rolando Mandragora and Roberto Piccoli gave them a 3-0 advantage away from home last week. 

Despite being the clear favourites to qualify, Vanoli insists that there is still plenty of room for improvement for his Viola side. 

“The most important thing is getting through the round, then the mentality of how we approach these sorts of games. We had an example against Polissya in the play-offs. I don’t want us to underestimate this game and at the same time we need continuity. Winning helps you win more,” Vanoli said during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. 

“Every game is an opportunity to improve. Every team has its weaknesses, we have to improve and learn how to manage the final minutes better. Even against Pisa, Fazzo (Jacopo Fazzini) made a mistake towards the end and the opponents nearly equalised.” 

Vanoli confirmed that Fiorentina are clear from injuries heading into the second leg of their Jagiellonia tie. 

“Everyone will be available apart from those who aren’t on the squad list. We organised a friendly to give Rugani minutes,” he said.  

And giving his assessment of the upcoming opposition, Vanoli said: “I like how our opponents play. They press well. Watching them gives me new ideas. To me, international matches help me understand the innovations in football. 

“We played a great game in the first leg with a lot of focus, taking advantage of the opportunities they gave us. But they are well organised, they have a lot of good technical players and an interesting coach.” 

Vanoli was asked whether Thursday’s game might be an opportunity to test some of Fiorentina’s youngsters given that they are the clear favourites to qualify with a 3-0 advantage ahead of kick-off. 

He replied: “I come from a background in youth teams and I believe in them a lot. I proved that with Kouadio and Balbo. 

“When I have time to watch the Primavera, I like to take some of the guys with me to help them understand what I want and why, and why I want the grown-ups to set an example in training. When there is a small opportunity, I like to bring them on. I don’t look at their age, but at the good for Fiorentina.” 

Vanoli also gave his thoughts about the ‘underrated’ leagues around Europe and the improvement they have shown in UEFA competitions in recent years. 

“I think we’re underestimating international football and certain leagues abroad,” Vanoli said.  “Football is constantly changing all over the world. We have a league and a history which remains very difficult because the coaches are so well prepared, even if the league is no longer at the same level it used to be. 

“But, many leagues are developing and surprising me. Sometimes there is a bit of ignorance and underestimation. Jagiellonia will not have that certain level of quality, but they will have a lot of organisation. 

“The Premier League has improved through its coaches, technicians like Guardiola, Conte, Klopp; they have also benefitted their national team. For me, European matches are great experiences that help you grow. Tomorrow will be a game that helps us grow.” 

Inter’s Champions League campaign has come to an end after a 2-1 defeat at home against Bodo/Glimt, which sealed a 5-2 aggregate scoreline in the play-off round, but why did last season’s finalists find it so difficult against the Norwegian minnows? 

Inter already had their work cut out for them in the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie following their 3-1 defeat against Bodo/Glimt in Norway last week. 

That result left them needing a three-goal victory to qualify for the round of 16, but in the end, Cristian Chivu’s side were only good enough for a 2-1 defeat on home soil. Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen gave Bodo a 2-0 lead in the second half on Tuesday night, before a 70th minute consolation goal from Nerazzurri centre-back Alessandro Bastoni. 

Inter 1-2 Bodo/Glimt (agg. 2-5): The damage was already done

Of course, a large part of the reason why Inter failed to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 was because of their result against Bodo/Glimt in Norway last week. There were plenty of references to the artificial pitch and the sub-zero temperatures at the Aspmyra Stadion, which sits north of the arctic circle. 

There were also some questions over Cristian Chivu’s team selection during the first leg when he decided to rest the likes of Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco in order to have them fresh for a Serie A match against Lecce, when Inter were already seven points clear at the top of the domestic table. (The Nerazzurri have since gone 10 points clear after the weekend’s league matches). 

But still, Inter were expected to put Bodo/Glimt to the test when they visited the iconic San Siro on Tuesday evening, so why did the Nerazzurri fail to beat the Norwegians on the night? 

1. Absences and underperforming stars

The obvious excuse is to point to the star players that Inter did not have available. Captain and leading goalscorer Lautaro Martinez was injured during the first leg in Norway last week, Hakan Calhanoglu was not available in either fixture, and Denzel Dumfries was only fit enough for a 10-minute run out at the end of the second leg. 

Other stars, particularly Nicolo Baerlla, have come under criticism for their lack of form over the last few weeks and in the Bodo/Glimt matches specifically. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport have labelled Barella a ‘problem’ and point to the fact that his goal contributions appear to be diminishing year on year. 

2. Failure to break down the low block 

In credit to Chivu, there is not much more that his Inter players could have done during the first hour of the second leg against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night. During the first 60 minutes, Inter registered 23 shots, had 10 corners while Bodo had zero and registered a whopping 45 attacking moves compared to Bodo’s seven. 

However, what did become clear is that Inter did not find it easy attacking against a team that was content to deploy 11 players behind the ball in their own half in a low block. 

Inter needed to be that bit quicker and more incisive with their passing and movement in and around the final third, because despite the fact that they registered 33 shots after the 90 minutes, only six ended up on target. For comparison, Bodo/Glimt ended up with five shots on target from seven total attempts. 

3. A different pace to the game 

Questions have also been asked about Inter’s ability to match the pace and intensity of some of their European competitors.
As Fabio Capello recently explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Italian teams play at a slow pace. When they find teams that play press-and-run, they don’t have the quality, aren’t accustomed to playing at a high pace, and make mistakes.” 

Bodo/Glimt were very compact in their defensive shape, but were also rapid in transition and were regularly able to trouble Inter with their speed with the likes of Patrick Berg, Hauge and Ole Didrik Blomberg. 

This is an issue that does not only affect Inter, but Italian football in general according to the experts. 

“Right now, we are not accustomed to being aggressive. As soon as they increase the pace in Serie A, they are stopped because a challenge is too hard, a player’s ear is touched, and they go down. These are the results,” said Capello. 

“We play at a slow pace, unfortunately, and when it happens, it’s hard to be dangerous.”

Atalanta directors have once again refused to meet their Borussia Dortmund counterparts for an institutional lunch organised by UEFA following a transfer dispute over Samuele Inacio, who joined the Germans from Bergamo in 2024.

Atalanta directors have once again snubbed a UEFA lunch with Borussia Dortmund executives today, hours before a second-leg Champions League knockout play-off, Sky Sport confirms.

Why Atalanta are upset with Borussia Dortmund

The same happened last week, before the first-leg tie in Germany, which the Bundesliga side eventually won 2-0.

There’s bad blood between the two clubs following the transfer of promising striker Samuele Inacio from Atalanta to Borussia Dortmund in 2024.

Inacio, now 17, is a product of the Atalanta academy. has scored nine goals in 21 games with Borussia Dortmund II this term.

Atalanta saw ‘lack of respect’ from Borussia Dortmund

Inacio is the son of former Atalanta striker Inacio Pia.

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi explained last week that there had been a “serious lack of respect” from the German side, which prompted La Dea executives to snub their institutional meeting with their counterparts.

Today’s match kicks off at 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT) at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.

Italy will walk out at the Stadio di Bergamo on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with their World Cup future hanging in the balance against Northern Ireland. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 CET, but the tension will grip Bergamo long before the first whistle in this decisive 2026 World Cup play-off.

For Gennaro Gattuso, this is not just a qualification on the line; it is credibility, redemption, and the weight of a nation’s expectations.

Gattuso’s Italy: Intensity Over Ideology

The managerial shift from Luciano Spalletti to Gattuso changed the emotional temperature of this squad.

Spalletti pursued structural complexity and attacking control, but results faltered. The 3-0 defeat in Norway exposed defensive fragility and triggered change. Gattuso has simplified the message: aggression, directness, accountability.

The reaction against Estonia in Bergamo offered a glimpse of that approach. After a sterile first half, Italy exploded into life and scored five. That transformation came through tempo and conviction rather than tactical reinvention.

Now the question is whether that energy survives the strain of the UEFA play-offs, where Italy must win to secure a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026. There is no group cushion, no recovery route, qualification now depends entirely on delivering across these knockout ties. The latest World Cup odds for the FIFA international tournament still place Italy among the stronger European contenders.

Gianluigi Donnarumma commands the defensive structure, while Bastoni’s progressive passing and Di Lorenzo’s positioning must guard against counterattacks. Federico Dimarco’s delivery from wide areas could unlock a compact Northern Ireland shape. In midfield, Nicolò Barella and Davide Frattesi are expected to drive tempo and penetration, while Mateo Retegui, five goals into this campaign, provides the decisive presence inside the box.

This is not a transitional side. It is a squad expected to compete on the global stage. First, however, they must earn their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Northern Ireland’s Threat Is Structural

Michael O’Neill’s team will not attempt to control possession in Bergamo. They do not need to.

Northern Ireland are disciplined without the ball and ruthless when space appears. Their shape is narrow, their transitions immediate. The first pass after regaining possession is almost always forward.

Conor Bradley provides width and stamina from defence. Isaac Price and Justin Devenny carry energy through midfield. Dion Charles gives them a direct outlet, while Jamie Donley has shown he can arrive late in dangerous areas.

Set pieces represent their most obvious weapon. Italy have looked uncertain defending second phases in recent matches. Against a physically committed opponent, that detail matters.

If Italy’s defensive line pushes high without coordinated pressure on the ball, Northern Ireland will attack the channels. They have done so before against stronger teams.

The Mental Equation

The tactical contrast is clear. The psychological contrast is sharper.

Italy are chasing redemption after two failed World Cup cycles. Another slip would stretch the absence to 12 years. That weight sits on every pass, every misplaced cross, every missed opportunity.

Northern Ireland arrive with clarity. They are two games from a World Cup and have nothing to protect. O’Neill has framed the tie as an opening rather than an obstacle. That framing removes fear.

If Italy score early, the evening should settle. Their technical superiority will widen gaps. If the match remains level beyond the hour mark, tension will creep in.

The crowd in Bergamo will demand urgency. Patience will not last long.

Bergamo Must Become Italy’s Fortress

Italy are not just playing a qualifier, they are defending national credibility on home soil. The Stadio di Bergamo has delivered intensity in recent months, and Gattuso will demand that the crowd turn urgency into momentum from the opening minute. In play-off football, atmosphere is not decoration; it is leverage.

Northern Ireland will aim to slow the rhythm and quiet the stadium early. The longer the match remains balanced, the more tension can creep into the stands. Italy must therefore impose tempo immediately, force territorial dominance, and prevent the game from settling into a nervous stalemate.

A fast start changes everything. An early goal energises the crowd and stretches Northern Ireland’s compact shape. Without it, the pressure shifts inward and that is precisely the scenario Gattuso must avoid.

What The Fans Should Expect

Expect Italy to begin aggressively, pushing full-backs high and circulating the ball quickly through Barella. Expect Dimarco to deliver early crosses toward Retegui. Expect Frattesi to attack the penalty area from deep.

Expect Northern Ireland to compress space centrally, concede wide areas, and spring forward through direct channels. They will contest every aerial duel and target second balls around the box.

This will not be elegant football. It will be territorial, physical and emotionally charged. Italy have the deeper squad. They have the superior record. They have a home advantage.

But play-offs are rarely decided by reputation. Thursday night in Bergamo is about composure under strain. If Gattuso’s side controls the tempo and avoids impatience, their quality should prevail. If doubt creeps in, Northern Ireland will sense it immediately. And in matches like this, sensing weakness is often enough.

Former Italian coach Fabio Capello feels Serie A clubs are ‘not accustomed’ to playing at a high pace domestically, so they struggle in the Champions League: ‘It’s hard to be dangerous.’

Serie A table leaders Inter were knocked out of the Champions League play-off on Tuesday, losing 2-1 at home to Bodo/Glimt.

The Nerazzurri had already lost 3-1 in Norway last week.

Capello comments on the state of Serie A

Capello, a former Milan, Juventus and Roma coach and a 1993-94 Champions League winner with the Rossoneri, examined issues of Italian clubs in Europe during Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show on Tuesday.

“Italian teams play at a slow pace. When they find teams that play press-and-run, they don’t have the quality, aren’t accustomed to playing at a high pace, and make mistakes,” Capello said.

“This is the key. Right now, we are not accustomed to being aggressive. As soon as they increase the pace in Serie A, they are stopped because a challenge is too hard, a player’s ear is touched, and they go down. These are the results. We play at a slow pace, unfortunately, and when it happens, it’s hard to be dangerous.”

Napoli were eliminated in the Champions League group stage, while Juventus and Atalanta play today, but face tough tasks ahead.

The Bianconeri host Galatasaray at the Allianz Stadium in Turin after a 5-2 loss in Turkey last week, while Atalanta meet Borussia Dortmund in Bergamo following a 2-0 defeat in Germany.

Bologna and Roma are still involved in the Europa League, while Fiorentina are Serie A’s only representative in the Conference League.

Juventus have confirmed that both Kenan Yildiz and Gleison Bremer will be available to face Galatasaray in the crucial second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie on Wednesday night. 

Luciano Spalletti has confirmed his squad of 22 Juventus players to take on Galatasaray in the second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie at the Allianz Stadium. 

The Bianconeri need a minor miracle to qualify for the round of 16 after falling to a 5-2 defeat against Galatasaray in Istanbul last week. They now require a victory by three goals if they are to keep their Champions League campaign alive and a victory by four goals if they are to qualify without going to a penalty shoot-out. 

Both Yildiz and Bremer are in the squad to face Galatasaray on Wednesday evening despite earlier doubts regarding their availability. Spalletti has confirmed that Yildiz is in contention to play from the off, but Bremer is less likely to be named in the starting XI. 

The Bianconeri are without Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal through suspension, which means that Next Gen defenders Javier Gil Puche and Niccolo Rizzo have been called up to the matchday squad. 

Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik remain unavailable through injury. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 GMT on Wednesday evening. 

Confirmed Juventus squad vs. Galatasaray 

Goalkeepers: Di Gregorio, Perin, Pinsoglio. 

Defenders: Bremer, Gatti, Kelly, Kalulu, Gil Puche, Rizzo. 

Midfielders: Locatelli, Koopmeiners, Boga, Adzic, Kostic, Thuram, Miretti, McKennie. 

Forwards: Conceicao, Yildiz, Zhegrova, Openda, David. 

I giocatori a disposizione di mister Spalletti per #JuveGalatasaray #UCL pic.twitter.com/bfPBSISZN1

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) February 25, 2026

Galatasaray vice-President Abdullah Kavukcu has made no secret of the fact that Inter’s Hakan Calhanoglu remains a top target for the club after making a series of attempts for the Turkiye national team captain over the last two transfer windows: ‘I don’t know when, but I’m sure that one day he will play for us’.

Calhanoglu has been a target for Galatasaray in each of the last two transfer windows. 

Reports over the summer claimed that the Nerazzurri had turned down an offer of €17m for the recently-turned 32-year-old shortly after their Champions League final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, but that fee was roughly half of Inter’s asking price, which was said to be in the region of €30m-€35m.

There were also reports that Galatasaray had improved on that offer during the January transfer window, lodging a bid reported to be worth €25m for Calhanoglu, but Inter were then unprepared to sell one of their key players midway through the season. 

What Galatasaray director said about interest in Calhanoglu

Despite being turned down twice, Galatasaray remain interested in a deal for Calhanoglu, who watched on from the stands as his teammates were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night. 

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport published on Wednesday, Galatasaray vice-President Abdullah Kavukcu made it clear that his club still has a strong interest in signing Calhanoglu from Inter. 

“Yes, we made another attempt for Calhanoglu (in Januuary),” Kavukcu said. “There was a discussion with Inter directors, but we were told that Hakan would not leave during the winter window. 

“We’ve never hidden our interest. Hakan is an icon of the Turkish national team and is a Galatasaray supporter. I don’t know when, but I’m sure that one day he will play for us.” 

Galatasaray vice-President Abdullah Kavukcu has warned Juventus that last week’s 5-2 victory in the Champions League was ‘not the result of luck’ and says that he is ‘sure’ that Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will play for the club at some stage in his career: ‘We’ve never hidden our interest’. 

The Galatasaray executive spoke in-depth to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night. 

Galatasaray thumped Juventus 5-2 in Istanbul last week, which leaves Luciano Spalletti’s side needing a victory by three goals to keep the tie alive and a victory by four goals if they are to avoid a penalty shoot-out. 

Galatasaray VP: ‘The 5-2 against Juventus was not the result of luck’ 

“The 5-2 against Juventus was not the result of luck,” Kavukcu told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “We want to raise the bar, we’re only at the beginning of our project,” he warned. 

Despite their enormous advantage at the half-way stage of the Champions League play-off tie, Kavukcu insists that there is still work to do against the Bianconeri on Wednesday night. 

“I’m aware of our strength, but Juve are still Juve and it will be difficult to defend the result at the Allianz Stadium,” he said. 

“Spalletti is a great coach and has real champions in his squad. If we scored five goals, it is thanks to our fans, who created a crazy atmosphere, and also thanks to those players who took to the pitch. We’re building a team of top players. We want to become the best in the world.

“It will take us a few years, but the project is well underway. Our fans are scattered all over the world, and players settle in quickly in Istanbul. When we present our plans to them, it’s difficult for them to say no to playing for us.” 

Among the star players of this current Galatasaray side is former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who joined the Turkish giants in a permanent, €75m deal last summer after spending the 2024-25 season on loan in Istanbul. 

“People talked about it like it was a crazy investment when we signed him. I think Victor has proved everyone wrong considering that his value has doubled. We know that he’s one of th best centre-forwards in the world and we want to achieve big goals together.” 

It is no secret that Galatasaray have been eyeing another Serie A star to add to their ranks. Inter midfielder and Turkiye national team captain Calhanoglu has been the subject of interest from Galatasaray in several of the recent transfer windows. 

The most recent approach for Calhanoglu came in January. 

“Yes, we made another attempt for Calhanoglu,” Kavukcu said. “There was a discussion with Inter directors, but we were told that Hakan would not leave during the winter window. 

“We’ve never hidden our interest. Hakan is an icon of the Turkish national team and is a Galatasaray supporter. I don’t know when, but I’m sure that one day he will play for us.”

Juventus are preparing to take on Galatasaray in the second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie on Wednesday evening, but Luciano Spalletti’s side need a minor miracle if they are to overturn the 5-2 defeat they suffered in Istanbul last week. 

Here is how much qualification for the round of 16 is worth for the Old Lady. 

Juventus finished the Champions League league phase in 12th place, which was enough to secure a spot in the play-offs where they were drawn against Galatasaray. They trail 5-2 at the half-way stage of that tie, and need to win by three goals to keep the tie alive or to win by four goals to avoid a penalty shoot-out when they host the Turkish giants at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night. 

How much have Juventus earned from Champions League campaign so far? 

According to reports from Calcio e Finanza, Juventus have already pocketed around €64m from this season’s Champions League campaign. That breaks down as follows: 

• Participation fees: €18.62m
• Value pillar: €17.76m European share, €9.34m non-European share 
• League phase bonus: €7.23m
• Bonuses for victories and draws: €9.1m
• 9th-16th place bonus: €1m
• Play-off round bonus: €1m

Qualifying for the round of 16 alone will be worth an additional €11m, and qualifying for the next round opens up another €65m in potential prize money. 

Here is how much qualification for each upcoming round of the Champions League is worth: 

• Round of 16 bonus: €11m
• Quarter-final bonus: €12.5m
• Semi-final bonus €15m
• Losing finalist: €18.5m, Winning finalist: €25m

Inter have earned in excess of €70m from their 2025-26 Champions League campaign, but the Nerazzurri earned over €60m less than they did last season following Tuesday evening’s elimination by Bodo/Glimt in the play-off round. Here’s the full breakdown of Inter’s earnings from this season’s competition. 

Inter were beaten 2-1 by Bodo/Glimt in San Siro on Tuesday evening in the second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie. They also lost 3-1 in Norway last week, which meant an eventual 5-2 aggregate scoreline. 

This is the first time in five seasons, dating back to the 2020-21 campaign, that Inter have failed to qualify for the Champions League round of 16. 

How much did Inter earn from 2025-26 Champions League? 

All told, Inter earned just over €71m from Champions League participation fees and prize money. The breakdown of those earnings is as follows: 

• Participation fees: €18.62m 
• Value pillar: €23.37m European share, €8.65m non-European share 
• League phase bonus: €8.13m
• Bonuses for victories and draws: €10.5m
• 9th-16th place bonus: €1m
• Play-off round bonus: €1m

This is, however, around €65m less than Inter earned in 2024-25 when they went all the way to the final, where they lost 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain. Last season’s Champions League earnings came to a total of €136m. 

Beating Bodo/Glimt over two legs of the play-off round would have been worth an additional €11m to Inter this season. 

On top of the €71m that they did earn in 2025-26, here is how much the Nerazzurri would have earned from each following round of the competition had they beaten Bodo/Glimt in the play-offs: 

• Round of 16 bonus: €11m
• Quarter-final bonus: €12.5m
• Semi-final bonus €15m
• Losing finalist: €18.5m, Winning finalist: €25m

Former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio feels Kenan Yildiz is the only Bianconeri player who can turn the result around against Galatasaray tonight, but the Bianconeri must rebuild a strong core of Italian players in 2026-27: ‘Sandro Tonali would be excellent.’

Juventus host Galatasaray in the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off tonight after suffering a 5-2 loss in Turkey last week.

“For a night like this, the ideal man would be Tevez. Spalletti would need his shake,” Marchisio, a former Juventus star, told Gazzetta.

“It will be tough to recover from three goals down without conceding, especially given the moment Spalletti’s team is going through, but Juventus must believe. It’s the Champions League.”

Juventus have lost four of their last five matches across all competitions, and tonight they’ll need to win by three goals to send the game to extra time.

This past Saturday, they suffered their first home defeat since March 2025, losing 2-0 against Como.

“On this Champions League night, the most important thing is to show Juventus’s soul and personality,” Marchisio said.

“I was at the Stadium on Saturday, and they lacked the fundamental qualities to wear the Bianconeri shirt: personality and an understanding of moments. I didn’t hear anyone shouting: ‘Wake up, there’s the season at stake.’ The collapse in Istanbul in the second half and the defeat against Como worried me. It’s about the mentality.

“Yildiz is the only one who can turn Galatasaray around,” Marchisio continued.

“Kenan is worth 50% of Juventus, and unfortunately, the opponents have understood it. McKennie’s late runs will also be important.”

Juventus are said to be interested in Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva as a free agent; would the Portuguese be a good acquisition for the Bianconeri?

Marchisio: Juventus should sign Tonali as Donnarumma ‘out of reach’

“Football changes, but the clubs’ DNA doesn’t. Juventus have always had a core of Italian players, and they must rebuild it,” noted Marchisio.

“Donnarumma seems out of reach, having just joined Manchester City. Tonali seems more feasible; he’d be an excellent starting point, but patience is needed.”

Giorgio Chiellini, a club legend and former teammate of Marchisio, is now a director at Juventus.

“He suffers because he loves Juventus, but Giorgio experienced even worse moments as a player,” concluded Marchisio.

“We finished seventh for two seasons in a row. Chiellini was fundamental on the pitch, and the same is true now to transmit personality and mentality to the team.”

According to Sportitalia, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is considering his future at the club beyond the summer, being unhappy with the transfer market and the management.

Sportitalia reports that Allegri’s future at Milan is uncertain, as the coach is assessing his future at the club.

Allegri considers leaving Milan at the end of the season

According to the report, there are many reasons behind Allegri’s discomfort, including confusion within the club and unsatisfying transfer campaigns.

Sportitalia editor Michele Criscitiello claims that the relationship between Allegri and Milan hit a new low after disappointing results against Como and Parma.

This, however, doesn’t mean that the coach has already decided to leave the club.

Allegri will reportedly make his assessments in the coming months before deciding whether to continue beyond the summer.

The Italian tactician is contracted with the Rossoneri until June 2027, but the agreement includes an option to extend for a further campaign.

Milan sit second in the Serie A table, 10 points behind their city rivals, Inter.

Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu reveals he ‘turned off the phone’ after receiving a red card against Inter, but that defeat did not affect the Old Lady in the following match against Galatasaray: ‘It would look like we are looking for excuses…’

Juventus defender Kalulu reveals he turned off his phone after a 3-2 loss to Inter two weeks ago to avoid further controversy.

The Frenchman received a second yellow card and was sent off for a foul on Alessandro Bastoni, but replays showed that the Inter star had gone down too easily, prompting the red card for his opponent.

Kalulu: ‘I turned off the phone’ after red card vs. Inter

“I turned off the phone so as not to fuel controversy,” Kalulu told L’Equipe.

“Many spoke about it, but in the end, the ban was confirmed. It was better to leave everything behind, but I don’t think it affected the game against Galatasaray. It would look like we are looking for excuses, but we just had a bad game.”

Following their 3-2 loss against Inter, Juventus lost 5-2 in the Champions League knockout play-off against Galatasaray and then again 2-0 against Como in Serie A.

Kalulu, however, has been one of Juventus’ most consistent players this season, having already made 36 appearances.

“I want to continue like this. Only the pitch gives you credibility in front of your teammates,” he said.

“Opponents must be studied so they are pushed to do things they are not accustomed to. You have to know how to anticipate them by two or three moves, a bit like in chess. The goal is to be the best, not just to defend well.

“The national team is the ultimate level for a player,” Kalulu concluded.

“It’s a childhood dream and a privilege. I feel ready for the World Cup.”

A former Milan and Lyon defender, Kalulu is under contract with Juventus until June 2029.

Arrigo Sacchi feels ‘some questions need to be asked’ of Italian football after Inter, the strongest team in the country, were eliminated from the Champions League by Bodo/Glimt.

Inter were surprisingly knocked out of the Champions League knockout play-off last night, losing 2-1 at home to Bodo/Glimt. The Nerazzurri had also lost the first leg 3-1 in Norway last week.

Sacchi: I had a lot of confidence in Inter

“I admit I had a lot of confidence in Inter. I believed they could get through the round for three reasons: one, their technical superiority; two, the good form of Chivu’s team; and three, the push from the San Siro crowd,” Sacchi wrote in his column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Instead, all these reasons, based on logic rather than just support for an Italian team, went up in smoke. Bodo/Glimt knocked Inter out, and the verdict is decidedly sensational considering the qualitative value, spending power and revenue of the two clubs.

“Italy’s strongest representative, the one that reached the final last season and has the most well-equipped squad to compete in a tournament like the Champions League, ends up being punished,” Sacchi continued.

“I remain convinced that Inter threw it away in the first phase, when, after a run of four consecutive victories, they made life difficult for themselves by losing three matches in a row and securing a play-off spot in the final round. The advantage built up at the start should have been managed better.

“The fact remains that a Norwegian side eliminated the strongest team in Italy: perhaps modern football has become more level (downward), but some questions need to be asked. How the Nerazzurri have a 10-point lead to defend in order to win the league. It does not seem like an especially demanding task, given the path of those chasing them, yet the bitterness of this elimination risks compromising the rest of their campaign.”

Serie A’s remaining representatives in the Champions League, Juventus and Atalanta, play today, but face challenging tasks.

La Dea need to come back from two goals down in a home match against Borussia Dortmund, while Juventus host Galatasaray in Turin following a 5-2 loss in Turkey last week.

Gianluca Scamacca is expected to lead the Atalanta attack against Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

It kicks off at 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT) at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. Borussia beat La Dea 2-0 in the first leg played in Germany last week.

Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are unavailable for the Nerazzurri, so Lazar Samardzic and Nicola Zalewski will start as attacking midfielders behind the sole striker, Scamacca.

According to Gazzetta and Sky Sport Italia, Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino will confirm the defence that beat Napoli last weekend with Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien and Sead Kolasinac starting in a three-man backline.

Davide Zappacosta and Lorenzo Bernasconi will start on the flanks with Marten De Roon and Ederson in the middle of the park.

Following their 2-0 loss in Germany last week, Atalanta will need a win by two goals to send the game to extra time.

Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund – probable line-ups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Samardzic, Zalewski; Scamacca.

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Svensson; Brandt, Beier; Guirassy.

Juventus’ second-choice goalkeeper Mattia Perin will replace Michele Di Gregorio for a Champions League match against Galatasaray, while Weston McKennie will start as a left-back.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. It’s the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

The Serie A giants lost the first leg 5-2 in Turkey, so they need a win by three goals to send the game to extra time.

Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are injured, while Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal are suspended, so McKennie will start as a left-back in a 4-3-3 system.

Kenan Yildiz is not fully fit, but according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport, the Turkish talent is still expected to start.

Gleison Bremer has recovered from a minor muscle injury, but Federico Gatti remains the favourite for a starting spot at the back.

Former Napoli star Victor Osimhen will start up front for Galatasaray.

Juventus vs. Galatasaray – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 and TNT Sports 5 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will be among the accredited media at the Allianz Stadium and will provide live updates via a live blog.

Juventus vs. Galatasaray – probable line-ups

Juventus (4-3-3): Perin; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, McKennie; Koopmeiners, Locatelli, K. Thuram; Conceiçao, David, Yildiz.

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Yilmaz, Sara, Lang; Osimhen.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Juve need a miracle

Mission (im)possible

Stadium: h21 against Galatasaray to turn around a heady 5-2 loss.

Dea try

All on Scamacca: he’s the anti-Borussia

No excuses

Inter, farewell to the Champions League: Bodo win at San Siro too

The Nerazzurri make a bad impression. Predictable and hardy dangerous team

The Norwegians go to the Round of 16. Chivu’s disappointment: ‘We were never competitive.’

Cairo launches D’Aversa: ‘The situation must be turned around.’

Jashari close to Modric: Milan’s move, double playmaker.

Corriere dello Sport

Inter disaster

Champions, enormous disappointment. Bodo win at San Siro too (2-1).

Faded

Chivu out in the play-off: forget the comeback

Akanji’s mess: the ex-Milanista Hauge hits again. The Swiss hits the post. Useless siege. Evjen doubles the lead. Bastoni narrows the gap. From two finals in three years to a disastrous collapse.

Juve, it’s worth 15m

Spalletti chases the Round of 16: ‘We ask for help from our fans, it’s a difficult moment.’ Yildiz and Bremer recover. Osi: ‘Here in the future? Who knows…’

Assault Scamacca, Ederson surprise

Mou’s silence agitates the Bernabeu

Max changes Milan’s direction

Just two points less than Pioli in the Scudetto year. Fullkrug’s future at stake in 12 games

Conte in 12 points: Champions to be tied down

Verona, Lecce, Torino and Cagliari before the break to book the qualification. Hojlund chases goals. He has scored in just 5 Serie A games so far.

Tuttosport

Club, stadium, team: Cairo is cornered now

Remember, you are Juventus

Tonight against Galatasaray for a three-goal comeback

Chasing a rare feat to qualify for the Round of 16. Spalletti picks a 4-3-3 system with McKennie as a left-back. ‘It’s a difficult moment, but with our fans, we can make it.’ For Vlahovic,, there’s a Yildiz-style contract ready.

Inter’s humiliation: 20m vanish

An incredible mistake from Akanji paves the way to Hauge, who then provides the assist for the 2-0. The comeback attempt is stopped after Bastoni’s goal. Farewell to the Champions League before the Round of 16 comes with a high cost.

Osimhen calls: ‘Playing for Juve would be a privilege.’

Bergamo pushes Atalanta

Fans blame the referees: ‘And Inter are helped.’

Inter are out of the Champions League, but there was some good news, as Denzel Dumfries made his comeback after three months out with an ankle injury.

The Nerazzurri needed something remarkable to overturn their 3-1 first leg play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt, but instead were beaten again 2-1 at San Siro, eliminated 5-2 on aggregate.

It was a nightmare evening for the club, but the only positive on the horizon for coach Cristian Chivu was represented by a substitution.

Inter have Dumfries back at last

Dumfries had been out of action since sustaining an ankle injury, leaving the field during their 2-0 win over Lazio on November 9.

The situation worsened on international duty, and he had surgery to stabilise the ankle in December.

This evening was the first time Dumfries returned to the bench since November 9, and he was given a brief run-out for the final nine minutes.

He was greeted by an enthusiastic welcome from the Inter fans at San Siro, glad to have the Ballon d’Or nominee back at long last.

It was only his 16^th appearance of the season, where he contributed three goals.

Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has delivered a frank assessment of Inter’s shock Champions League elimination at the hands of Bodo/Glimt, while issuing a rallying call to the Bianconeri ahead of their own daunting second leg against Galatasaray.

Speaking on Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Juventus legend was generous in his praise for the Norwegian side, but pulled no punches when it came to analysing Inter’s performance.

“Bodo played an exceptional game, their teamwork, desire and passion for the sport made the difference,” he said.

“But Inter were too passive. These are matches you win by doing something more than average, and tonight Inter played an average game. Often that is enough for them, but tonight everything went wrong.”

Del Piero: ‘Inter average, Juventus face titanic challenge’

Del Piero was particularly struck by the atmosphere inside the stadium and felt Inter failed to rise to the occasion.

“There were 80,000 people there, it only takes a moment to ignite a crowd like that,” he said.

“Their performance, not exactly lifeless but without that something extra, gives you pause for thought. It is a shame, because Inter had the tools to go through.”

Attention then turned to Juventus, who face Galatasaray on Wednesday holding a 5-2 deficit from the first leg, a mountain Del Piero described in stark terms.

“Juventus face a titanic challenge, far greater than the one Inter had,” he said.

“They need to give a response of pride, win the game and produce a superior performance. They need a spark to change the current trend, because they have lost several matches recently. It will be extremely difficult for them to go through, even if we all hope they do.”

Cristian Chivu points out Bodo/Glimt ‘had more energy’ than Inter, as they only have the Champions League, but admits the Nerazzurri were ‘not competitive’ enough in Europe.

It was already a mountain to climb after the 3-1 first leg defeat in Norway, but there was no blaming the artificial turf after the 2-1 home loss at San Siro.

The absence of Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu was felt, as they were toothless in attack despite dominating the game and having several chances.

Manuel Akanji’s howler to gift Jens-Petter Hauge the opener here was the turning point, as Bodo/Glimt then added a second through Hakon Evjen, with Alessandro Bastoni’s attempt from a corner too little, too late.

Chivu feels Inter stretched thin

“We tried everything we could from the start,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“We were up against a very well-organised team with a low defensive block, keeping 10-11 players behind the ball. Probably the fact we didn’t break the deadlock gave them extra psychological comfort, knowing we needed to score two goals just to get it to extra time.”

Bodo/Glimt have now registered four consecutive Champions League victories over Inter, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.

It is also notable their league is on a break, so since mid-September their only matches have been in this competition.

“I have nothing to reproach my players for, as they tried everything they could with all the energy they had, and in the second half Bodo had a lot more energy than we did,” continued Chivu.

“We gave all that we had, tried to break the deadlock in every way, but then after the restart they scored two goals.

“There is a lot of disappointment, as unfortunately we were against a side that had a lot more energy than us, they were very well-organised, knew that they had to do after the 3-1 first leg result and did it brilliantly.

“We can only congratulate Bodo/Glimt, they are a team who deserve to be in the next round.”

Click here for the Football Italia Player Ratings: Inter 1-2 Bodo/Glimt

Inter had reached the Champions League Final twice in three years under Simone Inzaghi, but had not gone out of the tournament this early since Antonio Conte failed to get out of the group stage in 2020-21.

At least they had passage into the Europa League that time, but the new format means their continental adventures end here.

“Our objective was to be competitive, we always said that, and we never intended to think too far in the future for things we are unable to control,” added the coach.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to be competitive in the Champions League. We had started well and won four games in a row, then unfortunately we dropped a few points despite good performances.

“It’s a high level here, if you don’t manage to convert your chances and make the right choices, you will be punished at the first mistake.”

The main problem put to Chivu today was the sluggish tempo, so Fabio Capello in the Sky Sport Italia studio asked if he had considered moving Nicolò Barella into a deeper role compared to Piotr Zielinski.

“We tried to force our way through the midfielders and strikers behind their defensive lines, I had asked them to move the ball around quicker, more cross-field passes to destabilise the dense and well-organised 4-4-2,” replied Chivu.

“The few times we got into the box, there were important situations, but we didn’t find the right pass or manage to shrug off the markers. There were many corner kicks, but with more efficiency we could’ve scored there.

“We have certain strengths and weaknesses, it’s a pity we didn’t score earlier, as that would’ve put a lot more pressure on.”

Inter are still 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, and will face Como in the Coppa Italia semi-final, but it felt like this season they were more focused on those targets than the Champions League.

“It’s hard to find the energy when you play every three days. I cannot ask for more from my lads, as they tried everything this evening. If we’d managed to break the deadlock, it might’ve sparked more enthusiasm, but it was so difficult when they defended with 10 men,” insisted Chivu.

“There is great disappointment, as we wanted to at least be competitive in Europe, but we were against a team that played four games in the last three months, all of them in the Champions League.

“We turn the page, we go forward, this is the Champions League, we have to give credit to our opponents and what they achieved.”

Sandro Tonali was on the scoresheet today as the Italian midfielder helped Newcastle qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, as the first batch of play-off matches played out their second legs.

Matteo Ruggeri picked up an assist for Atletico Madrid, helping Los Colchoneros beat Club Brugge 4-1 to qualify for the Champions League round of 16.

“We’ll take ANYONE on”

Newcastle aren’t afraid of any team in the Champions League pic.twitter.com/doMmBjGz3t

— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) February 24, 2026

Tonali scored within five minutes against Qarabag, as Newcastle breezed to a comfortable 9-3 win on aggregate – and the Azzurri midfielder was named as UEFA’s Player of the Match.

The UEFA Technical Observer Group said: “Tonali retained possession a lot, controlled the centre, made good passes, had lots of energy and scored his goal at an important time.”

Ruggeri, meanwhile, helped Atletico to a 7-4 aggregate victory in the day’s early kick-off.

Pirola out as Tonali & Ruggeri progress in Champions League

24-year-old defender Lorenzo Pirola was also in action, playing ninety minutes as Olympiacos drew 0-0 away at Bayer Leverkusen.

The draw, however, was not enough for Pirola and his Greek side to progress, having lost 2-0 at home in the first leg.

The rest of the Italians in action today were of course playing as Inter crashed out of the Champions League for the earliest time since the group-stage exit in 2020/21.

The Nerazzurri lost 2-1 to Bodo/Glimt at San Siro, losing 5-2 on aggregate. Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Frattesi and Pio Esposito were the Azzurri contingent who featured.

Nicolò Barella admits Bodo/Glimt ‘deserved to go through’ to the Champions League Round of 16, but Inter’s ‘target is the Scudetto and that has been the case since the start.’

The Nerazzurri knew they needed something special to overturn the 3-1 first leg defeat in Norway, and felt that it was entirely within their capabilities to do so at San Siro.

However, despite dominating possession and numerous chances, they were toothless in attack and made fatal errors in defence, above all Manuel Akanji to give away the Jens-Petter Hauge opener.

Hakon Evjen added a second, with Alessandro Bastoni mere consolation on a corner, as Inter were eliminated 5-2 on aggregate.

Barella cannot argue with Inter exit

“We conceded a goal with an individual error, it happens in football, but the most difficult thing was to break the deadlock and we didn’t do it. Bodo deserve congratulations, they beat us home and away, so clearly they deserved to go through,” Barella told Sky Sport Italia.

Inter had been Italy’s best representative in Europe in recent years, reaching the Champions League Final twice in the last three seasons under Simone Inzaghi.

They hadn’t gone out this early since Antonio Conte failed to get past the group stage in 2020-21, but back then they were given access to the Europa League, whereas this is the end of their continental campaign.

“There is disappointment because we never hid from our desire to compete for every tournament. We tried, they did better, but this is the difference when you don’t go through by a point because they awarded a penalty at the 90th minute. Without that, we’d have avoided two games and a trip to Norway, but this is the new Champions League.”

Barella was referring to the failure to finish in the top eight after that controversial Liverpool penalty, awarded for a light Bastoni tug.

They have to put all their focus now on Serie A, where they are 10 points clear at the top of the table, and the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como.

“Our thoughts were to go all the way in every competition, which we’ve done more or less consistently for years now,” added Barella.

“Last time we went out to Atletico Madrid and won the Scudetto, this time we went out to Bodo and are 10 points clear. Naturally, the target is the Scudetto, but that has been the case since the start of the season.”

Inter’s Champions League dreams came to abrupt halt this evening as they were defeated 2-1 by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on the night, and 5-2 on aggregate.

It is an extremely disappointing result for the Nerazzurri, despite a spirited performance from Italian wing-back Federico Dimarco.

Football Italia’s Player of The Match was Bodo/Glimt forward Jens Petter Hauge – for his goal and assist that propelled his side into the last 16 of the Champions League.

Inter 1-2 Bodo/Glimt – Player Ratings

Inter: Sommer 6; Bisseck 5.5, Akanji 5.5, Bastoni 7; Luis Henrique 6 (Diouf 6), Frattesi 6, (Sucic 6), Zielinski 6.5 (Bonny 7), Barella 7, Dimarco 7.5 (Dumfries N/A); Esposito 6, Thuram 6

Best Inter player: Federico Dimarco – Once again standing out as one of the Nerazzurri’s best players, Dimarco put in a stellar display from the left flank but was ultimately let down by his teammates. He created overwhelming chances and managed several attempts on goal himself.

Lowest Inter rating: Manuel Akanji – Shocking mistake to gift Bodo/Glimt their opener and it looked like an uphill struggle from that point for the Nerazzurri after dominating for most of the match. Wasn’t much better in the rest of the match.

Coach: Cristian Chivu 5.5 – Some may say this tie was lost in the first leg but defeat at San Siro with the stakes as high as they were is simply unacceptable. The team look lost without the likes of Calhanoglu and Lautaro and the coach’s tweaks and substitutions show he’s still learning.

Bodo/Glimt: Haikin 6.5; Sjøvold 6.5, Bjørtuft 6.5, Gundersen 6, Bjørkan 6 (Aleesami N/A); Evjen 7 (Saltnes N/A), Berg 6, Fet 6; Blomberg 6.5 (Helmersen 6), Høgh 6, Hauge 8

Best Bodo/Glimt player: Jens-Petter Hauge – The winger covered a lot of ground tonight, got himself on the scoresheet and picked up an assist. The former Milan man will have put a smile on the faces of his old supporters tonight with another excellent game.

Lowest Bodo/Glimt rating: Kasper Høgh – Hard to single out a worst performer for the visitors today, as they worked as such a team unit there was nobody who stuck out as poor. However, the MOTM from the first leg, Høgh, was much quieter today in comparison.

Coach: Kjetil Knutsen 8 – Once again had his team soak up Inter pressure and then hit them where it hurts with lethal counter attacks. Substitutions helped the overall gameplan, excellent night for the Bodo coach.

Inter crashed out of the Champions League play-offs, as Bodo/Glimt swept them aside both home and away for a 5-2 aggregate result.

The Nerazzurri had a disastrous first leg 3-1 defeat in Norway, made worse by Lautaro Martinez sustaining a soleus injury on the artificial pitch and being ruled out for a month. Hakan Calhanoglu was also sidelined, but Denzel Dumfries returned to the bench for the first time since November 9 after ankle surgery, while Davide Frattesi was preferred to Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Bodo/Glimt had a full squad to choose from after their Spanish training retreat, as the domestic duties resume on March 6, so they have only played Champions League football since September 26.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Francesco Pio Esposito nodded a Federico Dimarco cross just over in the third minute, then Dimarco’s curler after a corner was acrobatically palmed out from under the bar by Nikita Haikin.

Marcus Thuram cut inside from the left and his right-foot curler was deflected inches past the far top corner by Odin Bjortuft’s back.

Frattesi’s header at the near post on a Dimarco corner was also well saved from six yards, while Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni nodded just over.

Piotr Zielinski blasted wide from distance after nutmegging Hakon Evjen, while Yann Sommer still had to make a save on the relatively free Evjen header.

Berg charged down a Frattesi cross with his armpit inside the penalty area, then Kasper Hogh’s sliding tackle on Barella got the ball.

After the restart, Dimarco’s free kick was straight at Haikin, then an acrobatic Frattesi volley was put out for a corner before Thuram could pounce.

Thuram surged forward only to hesitate and his shot was charged down by the sprinting Bjortuft, but the situation went from bad to worse.

A sloppy mistake at the back and Bodo/Glimt extend their aggregate lead at the San Siro @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/avPJZduFFw

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 24, 2026

A few minutes after he’d needed a large bandage on a cut eyebrow, Manuel Akanji gave the ball away horribly on the edge of his own penalty area to Ole Didrik Blomberg, who forced a great save out of Sommer, but Jens-Petter Hauge was ready on the rebound.

Akanji tried to make up for it with a deflected header on a corner, but Berg cleared off the line. On another corner situation, the former Manchester City defender’s finish bounced off the upright through a sea of legs, Thuram flicking the rebound wide with his back to goal.

Bodo/Glimt double their advantage and now lead Inter 5-1 on aggregate @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/cF5hvVCmeD

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 24, 2026

Instead, Bodo/Glimt extended their aggregate lead to 5-1, as Evjen’s excellent first touch controlled the Hauge cross from the right and then his right-foot angled drive found the far bottom corner.

Inter finally did get one back from a chaotic corner, as Haikin smothered the Bastoni flick only after it had already crossed the line completely.

Alessandro Bastoni pulls one back for Inter @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/rLy34uo1Zs

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 24, 2026

Denzel Dumfries made his comeback for the final nine few minutes, his first game since November, but it is also Inter’s last in the Champions League for this season.

Inter 1-2 Bodo/Glimt (2-5 agg)

Hauge 58 (B), Evjen 72 (B), Bastoni 77 (I)

24-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Bodø/Glimt

1 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

		58'		Jens Petter Hauge (Assist: Ole Didrik Blomberg)
		67'		Jostein Gundersen
		72'		Hakon Evjen (Assist: Jens Petter Hauge)
Alessandro Bastoni (Assist: Ange-Yoan Bonny)		76'

Match statistic

71

Possession %

29

30

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

5

16

Shots off target

2

7

Blocked shots

16

Corners

1

1

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

9

Inter

Bodø/Glimt

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

81'

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

81'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

62'

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

62'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

62'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

12

Nikita Haikin

Goalkeeper

15

Fredrik Björkan

Defender

85'

6

Jostein Gundersen

Defender

4

Odin Bjørtuft

Defender

20

Fredrik Sjövold

Midfielder

7

Patrick Berg

Midfielder

19

Sondre Brunstad Fet

Midfielder

26

Hakon Evjen

Attacker

82'

10

Jens Petter Hauge

Attacker

9

Kasper Högh

Attacker

77'

11

Ole Didrik Blomberg

Attacker

77'

Substitutes

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

47

Matteo Lavelli

Attacker

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

62'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

62'

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

62'

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

81'

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

81'

1

Julian Faye Lund

Goalkeeper

22

Anders Klynge

Midfielder

45

Isak Sjong

Goalkeeper

24

Daniel Bassi

Midfielder

94

August Mikkelsen

Attacker

2

Villads Nielsen

Defender

8

Sondre Auklend

Midfielder

23

Magnus Riisnæs

Midfielder

25

Isak Dybvik Määttä

Midfielder

77'

21

Andreas Helmersen

Attacker

77'

14

Ulrik Saltnes

Midfielder

82'

5

Haitam Aleesami

Defender

85'

Manuel Akanji gifted Bodo/Glimt the lead against Inter at San Siro, moments after coming back onto the pitch after receiving treatment for a head injury.

Akanji took a blow to the head and came off the pitch to receive medical attention, before returning to the field after a couple of minutes.

No more than five minutes later, the away team had a surprise lead after the Swiss defender tried to carry the ball forward, got himself into trouble with Bodo’s front line, lost possession and gifted former Milan forward Jens Petter Hauge a goal.

The goal helped put an end to Inter’s Champions League hopes, and you can relive all the drama from the play-off clash on our Live Blog.

Watch: Akanji howler gifts Bodo/Glimt lead at Inter

A sloppy mistake at the back and Bodo/Glimt extend their aggregate lead at the San Siro @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/avPJZduFFw

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 24, 2026

BODØ/GLIMT STUN THE SAN SIRO

Former AC Milan striker Jens Petter Hauge cashes in on a gift of a mistake from Manuel Akanji to put the Norwegian side in total control pic.twitter.com/UoQUjDwz1q

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 24, 2026

The end of Kevin De Bruyne’s long injury nightmare is finally in sight, with the Belgian midfielder making a significant step forward in his recovery this week.

De Bruyne has been absent since late October, when he suffered a serious high-grade bicep femoris tear during Napoli’s match against Inter on 25 October.

The injury, sustained in his right thigh shortly after scoring a penalty, has kept him sidelined for almost four months, a frustrating spell for both player and club during a crucial phase of the season.

On Monday 23 February, De Bruyne returned to Napoli’s Castel Volturno training ground, working in the gym in what represents a meaningful sign that the worst is firmly behind him. Napoli are in no rush, however, with the club determined not to risk a setback by accelerating his return before he is fully fit.

De Bruyne ready to return for Napoli in March

De Bruyne himself offered a brief but encouraging message when he landed at Naples’ Capodichino airport on Sunday, greeted by waiting journalists.

According to Sky Sport, via CalcioMercato, De Bruyne could rejoin full group training as early as next week, the final step before Antonio Conte can consider calling him up for a competitive fixture.

Should everything go to plan, the most likely matches to target for his return are Napoli’s home clash with Torino on the weekend of 8 March, or alternatively the home fixture against Lecce the following weekend. Cagliari away, scheduled for 21-22 March, represents a third possible target date.

After four months on the sidelines, Napoli fans may not have to wait much longer.

Okan Buruk has urged Galatasaray not to assume their place in the Champions League quarter-finals is already secured, despite his side carrying a commanding 5-2 aggregate lead into Tuesday’s second leg at the Allianz Stadium.

The Turkish coach, who played in Italy during the 2002/03 season and retains fond memories of the country, was in a reflective mood ahead of what promises to be a charged atmosphere in Turin. But sentiment aside, his message to his players was clear, complacency is the enemy.

“We haven’t gone through yet,” Buruk said plainly, with quotes via TuttoSport.

“We feel the same enthusiasm as the first game and we must take to the pitch with the same desire to win. Juventus is an important club and they will have the backing of their supporters, we cannot think we are already in the next round.”

On the tactical approach, Buruk was equally straightforward, insisting there is no need for wholesale changes.

“We don’t need to do many things differently from the first game,” he said.

“We need enthusiasm, dedication and concentration. If you rely too heavily on the first-leg result, you will find the second leg more difficult.”

Galatasaray coach Buruk warns against underestimating Juventus

He also warned against underestimating a Juventus side desperate to turn their form around on home soil.

“They have strong players: Yildiz, Conceição, David,” he said.

“They didn’t play very well in the first game but now they are at home. Spalletti is a great coach. We are not relaxed, we need to be even stronger than in the first match.”

Buruk drew a personal parallel with Juventus’ current difficulties, suggesting the adversity his own squad have navigated over recent years has been key to their growth.

“The reason we have consolidated our strength,” he concluded, “is the confidence that excellent result gave us.”

Victor Osimhen has admitted that a move to Juventus could appeal to him in the future, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg at the Allianz Stadium, a tie in which his Galatasaray side hold a commanding 5-2 advantage from the first leg.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, with quotes via TuttoSport, the Nigerian striker was asked about his long-standing links with Juventus, having been heavily linked with the club in previous transfer windows before his move to Galatasaray materialised instead.

His response was candid.

“Juventus is one of the most important clubs, rich in history with so many legends,” he said.

“When they spoke to me at the time, I was eager to join before Galatasaray came along, but there were some obstacles and the transfer didn’t happen. If opportunities arise in the future, there are several clubs I would like to play for, playing here would be a privilege. But 90% of footballers in the world would want to play for Juventus.”

Osimhen refuses to take lead for granted as Galatasaray look to eliminate Juventus

Osimhen was equally forthright on the match itself, insisting Galatasaray will not be taking their lead for granted.

“It won’t be an easy game, especially for them, but we want to win,” he said, adding that his side intend to replicate their first-leg performance.

Galatasaray won the first leg with a comfortable 5-2 scoreline, putting all the pressure on Juventus to turn around the deficit in Turin on Wednesday.

The Nigerian also reflected on the mentality that has defined his career.

“I have never been satisfied enough with my performance,” he said. “I want to work hard, push the team to give their best. I don’t like to lose.”

Ronaldo was back at San Siro for Inter’s Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt, but was shocked by the worst possible question from Fabio Capello. ‘No more!’

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

The Nerazzurri need all the help they can get to overturn a 3-1 first leg defeat to the Norwegians, especially as captain Lautaro Martinez and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu are out of action.

They hope to get some inspiration from the presence before kick-off of former Inter legends Ronaldo and Christian Vieri, who were awarded special edition jerseys.

Ronaldo always a special figure for Inter fans

“It’s wonderful to be back here, to feel the emotion of these fans, who are so important for me,” the Brazilian told Sky Sport Italia.

“Those fans can also make their impact felt and help Inter to win tonight.”

"[Inter] have to, I hope it will all be alright."

Ronaldo backing Inter to get the job done tonight pic.twitter.com/fqhik7pxpz

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 24, 2026

His old Real Madrid coach Capello was in the studio and asked just one question of his former player: How much do you weigh now?

“Still with the weight? No more!” replied Ronaldo with a laugh.

Much to the amusement of the rest of the panel, the now retired coach revealed he had weighed Ronaldo every single day in Madrid to make sure he kept in shape during the 2006-07 season.

Capello also explained in the Sky Sport Italia studio that Ronaldo was “the most talented player I ever worked with, but when it came to his lifestyle, he left rather a lot to be desired.”

No words. Just O Fenômeno pic.twitter.com/CKrgTKbwaD

— Inter (@Inter) February 24, 2026

Inter President Beppe Marotta laughed off ‘fake news’ about approaching Diego Simeone, assuring Cristian Chivu ‘is proving himself worthy’ regardless of the Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt.

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

There is a mountain to climb if the Nerazzurri are to stay in the competition after losing the first leg of this play-off 3-1 in Norway.

That defeat on the artificial pitch was doubly painful, as Lautaro Martinez also sustained a soleus injury and is expected to be out of action for a month.

Marotta reassuring on Chivu future at Inter

“Anything is possible in sport. They have a big advantage, but it is not insurmountable,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is why I have faith in our team, their determination, the support of all these fans. We must have respect for our opponents, but never fear, and we have the strongest motivation.”

There are quite a few special guests in the stands this evening, including ex-Inter hero Ronaldo, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

“Being able to emulate Ronaldo even just a little bit would be a dream for our young players,” smiled the President.

Hakan Calhanoglu is also on the treatment table, though Denzel Dumfries is back on the bench for the first time since November 9 after ankle surgery.

Davide Frattesi has been chosen for the midfield instead of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, partly for his history of scoring big Champions League goals to eliminate Bayern Munich and Barcelona last season.

Spanish media claimed yesterday that Inter have an agreement with Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone to take over from Cristian Chivu next season.

“It’s absolutely fake news, it’s not even worth talking about. We are extraordinarily happy with Chivu,” shrugged Marotta.

“Luck is a part of football, but the coach is proving himself worthy of the Inter job.”

Inter reached the Champions League Final twice in the last three years, so how would going out before the Round of 16 affect the club’s finances?

“In all honesty, it’s important, but not all that relevant. This is a night of sport, we want to honour it in the best possible way. If we were to miss this objective, obviously we’d have to make some adjustments, but it’s not a problem, certainly.”

Inter coach Cristian Chivu explains why he chose Davide Frattesi to start in the Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt and assures ‘it can be done, it’s up to us.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

It is a huge task to overturn a 3-1 first leg defeat in the Champions League play-off, made even tougher by the absence of star players Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Chivu has faith in Inter turnaround

“Everything is feasible, it’s up to us, our determination, attitude and balance, because it can be done,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

Francesco Pio Esposito scored in Norway and starts upfront this evening alongside Marcus Thuram, but the surprise is Frattesi in midfield rather than Hakan Calhanoglu.

The Italian has a remarkable record of scoring decisive Champions League goals, last season striking late to eliminate Bayern Munich and Barcelona on Inter’s way to the Final.

“Like all the others, he is a valuable member of the group. He showed that last season and at times this term, he overcame the difficulties that he had in the early part of the campaign.

“We need everyone to give their contribution to the cause,” concluded Chivu.

There are quite a few special guests in the stands this evening, including ex-Inter hero Ronaldo, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Matteo Darmian insists Inter must ‘score as early as possible, but not make it an obsession’ in their Champions League play-off against Bodo/Glimt. ‘We will get chances.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

The first leg was disastrous for two different reasons, as it was a 3-1 defeat in Norway, but they also lost captain Lautaro Martinez for approximately a month to a soleus injury that was blamed on the artificial pitch.

As the away goals rule was abolished, it means any win by two clear goals would prompt extra time and potentially even penalties.

Darmian believes Inter can qualify

“We must have the right focus and spirit, it’s not easy to overturn a two-goal deficit, but over the years we’ve shown that we know what to do in the Champions League. We need the best version of ourselves to overturn this result,” Darmian told Sky Sport Italia.

The Nerazzurri reached the Champions League Final in two of the last three seasons, but here risk going out before the Round of 16, as they fumbled precious points in the league phase against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.

“I remember very few performances where we got the wrong approach this season. We need to score as early as possible, but it also mustn’t be an obsession, because it is a long game and we will get chances,” insisted Darmian.

“We must simply be aware of our strength and not let that slip over into arrogance. We must be ourselves and prove it tonight.”

Inter look to Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito and Davide Frattesi against Bodo/Glimt, needing to win by at least two clear goals to stay in the Champions League.

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

The 3-1 play-off defeat in Norway was doubly painful for the Nerazzurri, as it also saw Lautaro Martinez sustain a calf injury on the artificial turf, which has ruled him out for approximately a month.

Hakan Calhanoglu has also struggled with muscular issues in recent weeks, and straight after making his comeback, is again out of action.

Denzel Dumfries is on the bench for the first time since November 9, as he is finally back in the squad after ankle surgery.

The big surprise is Frattesi chosen in place of Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield, as he has a strong record of making the difference in the Champions League with late goals against Bayern Munich and Barcelona last season.

Fresh from a 2-0 win away to Lecce that put them 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, Inter must pour all their resources into turning this around and staying in the Champions League.

Bodo/Glimt don’t resume their domestic campaign until March 6, so the only games they’ve played since September 26 have been in the Champions League, spending weeks at a training camp in Spain.

This has seen them notch up a 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund and three consecutive victories over Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter.

They used to be a much weaker side away than at home, but have corrected that recently.

The Norwegians have a full squad to choose from, including former Milan winger Jens-Petter Hauge, who is therefore no stranger to playing at San Siro.

Kasper Hogh was a nightmare for the Inter defence in the first leg, scoring a goal and providing two assists.

Nobody has overturned a two-leg deficit in the Champions League knockout ties since Liverpool against Barcelona in the 2018-19 semi-final.

However, Inter were in the Champions League Final for two of the last three years, so have pedigree in this tournament.

Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt line-ups

Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Frattesi, Zielinski, Barella, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito

Inter bench: Di Gennaro, J Martinez, Dumfries, De Vrij, Sucic, Bonny, Acerbi, Diouf, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto, Darmian, Lavelli

Bodo/Glimt: Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Brunstad Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge

Bodo/Glimt bench: Faye Lund, Sjong, Nielsen, Aleesami, Auklend, Saltnes, Helmersen, Klynge, Riisnaes, Bassi, Maatta, Mikkelsen

Ref: Hernandez (ESP)

24-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Bodø/Glimt

1 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

		58'		Jens Petter Hauge (Assist: Ole Didrik Blomberg)
		67'		Jostein Gundersen
		72'		Hakon Evjen (Assist: Jens Petter Hauge)
Alessandro Bastoni (Assist: Ange-Yoan Bonny)		76'

Match statistic

71

Possession %

29

30

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

5

16

Shots off target

2

7

Blocked shots

16

Corners

1

1

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

9

Inter

Bodø/Glimt

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

81'

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

81'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

62'

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

62'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

62'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

12

Nikita Haikin

Goalkeeper

15

Fredrik Björkan

Defender

85'

6

Jostein Gundersen

Defender

4

Odin Bjørtuft

Defender

20

Fredrik Sjövold

Midfielder

7

Patrick Berg

Midfielder

19

Sondre Brunstad Fet

Midfielder

26

Hakon Evjen

Attacker

82'

10

Jens Petter Hauge

Attacker

9

Kasper Högh

Attacker

77'

11

Ole Didrik Blomberg

Attacker

77'

Substitutes

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

47

Matteo Lavelli

Attacker

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

62'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

62'

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

62'

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

81'

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

81'

1

Julian Faye Lund

Goalkeeper

22

Anders Klynge

Midfielder

45

Isak Sjong

Goalkeeper

24

Daniel Bassi

Midfielder

94

August Mikkelsen

Attacker

2

Villads Nielsen

Defender

8

Sondre Auklend

Midfielder

23

Magnus Riisnæs

Midfielder

25

Isak Dybvik Määttä

Midfielder

77'

21

Andreas Helmersen

Attacker

77'

14

Ulrik Saltnes

Midfielder

82'

5

Haitam Aleesami

Defender

85'

Raffaele Palladino admits Atalanta have ‘a difficult mission’ to overturn a 2-0 Champions League play-off defeat to Borussia Dortmund, but ‘dreams can come true and we believe.’

The second leg kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Wednesday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

La Dea saw their mood boosted over the weekend by a 2-1 comeback victory over Napoli to put them right back in the race for a top four finish in Serie A.

That kind of confidence will be necessary if they are to turn this play-off around against German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Palladino and Atalanta have faith in comeback

“It’s certainly a difficult mission, we know that, but we must give it our best,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“It will be tough, but we’ll try with everything we’ve got, with great enthusiasm, awareness of our capabilities. We must play with quality, our style of football, and have faith in ourselves. I want to see us push from the first minute to the last.

“We’ve got so much enthusiasm and positive energy, things we need tomorrow. The game with Napoli was a comeback victory, so we must learn from that too. The tie is open, as 2-0 is hard to overturn, but with 90 and maybe more minutes, we can try to cause problems for a team with strong individuals and accustomed to playing at this level.

“We need to be focused, aware, sharp for the full match, and make the most of the fact we’ve got 20,000 fans behind us.”

Atalanta have achieved great things in Europe under Gian Piero Gasperini, but it is a new tournament for Palladino, who took over from Ivan Juric in mid-November.

“We face everyone with the right spirit, we’ve got to enjoy this match, as it is very important in a fascinating competition. We want to carry on playing in Europe, and it’s a valuable experience to play in these knockout fixtures.

“It is a dream to get through to the Round of 16, but dreams can come true, so we’ve got to give it our best.”

Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are still out of action, but the good news for Atalanta is the return of midfielder Ederson, who was rested against Napoli with a twinge.

“We’ve got an important player back, we’ll see. So many are hungry to play, they made it difficult for me today with a strong training session, and those who come off the bench will be just as important. It’ll be 100 minutes and we need to play them to the best of our capabilities.”

If Atalanta do manage to turn this 2-0 deficit around, will Palladino reward the squad with a special dinner?

“I haven’t thought about it, but if it did happen, we’d perhaps do more than just buy the team dinner! The lads always give their all, they know that when they deserve rewards, I give them.”

It would not be the first time that Atalanta caused an upset in Europe, as they famously beat Liverpool at Anfield Road.

“We hope this dream can come true, we know it’s not easy to overturn a 2-0 deficit against such a strong team, but I see so much positive energy, I believe, the lads believe, the fans believe, so we need a fiery atmosphere in our home stadium. We can’t wait to get on the pitch,” concluded Palladino.

Victor Osimhen gives an update on his knee injury and warns Galatasaray will ‘take the fight’ to Juventus despite their 5-2 Champions League play-off advantage. ‘Defence starts from the attack.’

It kicks off on Wednesday at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

The Bianconeri have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul, despite having taken a 2-1 lead going into half-time, as the Juan Cabal red card proved disastrous.

Osimhen did not score in that first leg, but he rested over the weekend due to a knee issue.

Osimhen ready for Juventus battle

“My knee is fine, thank you,” Osimhen told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have a little pain in my knee, that is the reason why I didn’t play the last league game, but thanks to the medical team, I am back with the squad and looking forward to facing Juve.”

Galatasaray are aiming to make history by eliminating Juventus from the Champions League, and Osimhen denies suggestions they are a completely different team in his absence.

“It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s not just about Osimhen. I have to give props to the rest of the squad, as they’ve been really been helpful putting this club where it should be,” continued the Nigeria international.

“This club is huge, we’ve seen multiple times that even with legends in the past who played for this club, it is the only Turkish side that has done really well in Europe. We’ve been doing that for so many years, when you mention a big club, we’ve done so well in the Champions League.

“We also have the opportunity tomorrow to write history for the club, so it’s not just about one player. Of course, I appreciate all the support from the fans, the coach, the confidence he has in me. If I don’t have these guys around my back, I don’t think they can listen to me when I try to charge them forward. Everything can be made possible, kudos to them, we’re going to lead each other hand in hand and try to make sure we get the maximum result.”

Although he did not score in the first leg, his high pressing game saw him steal the ball twice and provide assists, constantly harassing the Juventus defenders.

“One thing about me is if I’m not seeing an opportunity to score, I am trying to help my team,” added Osimhen.

“Juventus always start from the back, so t was important to press them, I try to call my teammates forward too, so we don’t let them start that play from behind. Juventus have a lot of quality, when they manage to get the ball to Kenan Yildiz, he’s a very dangerous player, so is Conceicao, so we must try to block their passes.

“Defence starts from the attack, so me and the other forwards have to start the press. It was just the right thing to do, and of course the instructions from the coach. I did my duty and I’m glad I did it diligently.”

Despite such a big advantage from the first leg, Galatasaray and Osimhen have no intention of sitting back in Turin.

“Tomorrow too I don’t think we’re the kind of squad who is going to lie back, because Juventus are a really big team, but we’ll come out and take the fight to them. It’s going to be a really tough game, I’m looking forward to it.”

{rsn-live-v2}

Gianluigi Buffon has commented on Michele Di Gregorio’s difficult recent spell at Juventus, urging the club to rally around their goalkeeper rather than pile on the pressure during a challenging period.

Writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, the Juventus legend and current Italy national team delegation chief was measured but supportive in his assessment of the former Monza stopper, who has come under intense scrutiny, including on social media, following a string of unconvincing performances.

“Last season he was a pleasant surprise, decisive in securing Champions League qualification,” Buffon said. “Lately things haven’t been going as expected, but these are phases that can happen to anyone.”

Rather than calling for Di Gregorio to be dropped, Buffon framed any potential rest as a tool rather than a punishment.

“The manager and the club must close ranks, stay close to him and work out the best thing to do,” he said. “If a goalkeeper is given a break, it doesn’t mean he’s being written off, it can help him rediscover his composure and distance himself from certain pressures.”

Buffon: ‘I see myself in Carnesecchi’

Buffon then turned his attention to the broader landscape of Italian goalkeeping, and his verdict was emphatic.

With the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Guglielmo Vicario, Alex Meret, Marco Carnesecchi and Elia Caprile all operating at the highest level, he believes the Azzurri are uniquely well-stocked between the posts.

“The only problem Italy won’t have is the goalkeeper position, we have three or four among the best twenty in the world,” he said.

It was Carnesecchi, currently at Atalanta and a name repeatedly linked with Juventus in recent transfer windows, who drew the most personal praise. “I see myself in him in the way he approaches a game,” Buffon said. “He is bold, a bit swashbuckling. But everyone must make their own path.”

Manchester United have firmly distanced themselves from reports linking them with a sensational move to re-sign Scott McTominay as Napoli look to wrap up a contract extension before the 2026 World Cup begins.

TEAMtalk are reporting, via IlNapolista, that the Scottish midfielder’s name has never even been raised in internal discussions at Old Trafford, despite speculation from Spain suggesting the Red Devils were weighing up an £70 million move for their former player.

The reports had gathered momentum given McTominay’s outstanding form since his £25 million move to Napoli, where he has established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in Serie A.

Napoli look to extend McTominay contract

While United’s interest has been categorically denied, the more significant development is what is happening at Napoli’s end.

According to TEAMtalk, McTominay’s entourage has already opened talks over a contract extension, with the club keen to tie him down well beyond his current deal, which runs until 2028.

Crucially, Napoli are said to want the renewal wrapped up before McTominay departs for North America this summer for the World Cup, a timeline that underlines just how highly Antonio Conte’s club regard him.

McTominay himself has done little to fuel any exit talk. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, he was unequivocal.

“My agent has not spoken to anyone about my future,” he said, before adding that he could see himself staying at Napoli for a long time.

For a player who has reinvented himself so emphatically since leaving English football, there appears to be little appetite for a return, and Napoli are doing everything they can to make sure it stays that way.

Luciano Spalletti has offered a glimpse into his thinking ahead of Juventus’ Champions League last-16 second leg against Galatasaray, with selection decisions across several key positions still yet to be finalised.

The Juventus head coach spoke to Sky Sport in the build-up to the tie, with his side needing to overturn a 5-2 deficit in the return fixture.

The contest promises to be a tense affair, and Spalletti’s team news will be closely scrutinised given the stakes involved and a number of fitness doubts hanging over the squad.

Juventus vs Galatasaray – ‘Yildiz wants to play’ – Spalletti

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated update concerned Kenan Yildiz, and Spalletti’s words will delight supporters.

“Yildiz wants to be involved, all the signals he has sent point in that direction,” he said, with quotes via Alfredo Pedulla.

“He could start from the first minute.”

The Turkish forward has been one of Juventus’ most important players this season, and his potential return to the starting lineup will provide a significant lift ahead of such a crucial European night.

At the back, however, there is more uncertainty.

Spalletti confirmed that Gleison Bremer remains a doubt, with a final assessment planned for the morning of the match.

“There is a degree of risk with Bremer, we will evaluate carefully tomorrow morning,” he said, leaving his defensive options open.

In midfield, Spalletti indicated that either Teun Koopmeiners or Weston McKennie could operate on the left side, describing it as one of the likely options without fully committing to either.

There was also the suggestion that Mattia Perin could start in goal, potentially ahead of regular number one Michele Di Gregorio.

“There is a need to protect certain situations, but in this case it could be that way,” Spalletti said carefully.

Whatever the starting eleven, Spalletti left no doubt about what he demands from his players. “I will never be satisfied if we do not qualify,” he said plainly.

Parma’s late 1-0 victory against Milan at San Siro has continued to generate significant debate in the days that followed, with the goal that settled the match, scored by Troilo in the closing stages, at the centre of a storm of controversy.

Milan were upset, pointing to what they believed was obstruction by Valenti on goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as well as a foul by Troilo on Bartesaghi in the build-up.

The incident was reviewed at length by VAR, with referee Piccinini eventually reversing his original decision to disallow the goal, a call that has divided opinion sharply among analysts and former officials.

Tommasi plays down Milan v Parma controversy

One of the most respected voices in Italian refereeing, Dino Tommasi, addressed both incidents on Open VAR, and his assessment largely vindicated the officials on the day.

On the question of Valenti’s positioning in front of Maignan, Tommasi was clear, with quotes via Di Marzio.

“Piccinini initially whistled for obstruction by Valenti on Maignan, but in reality the Parma player does not move toward Maignan,” he said.

“Not whistling was the correct decision.” It is a view that contrasts sharply with Luca Marelli, who argued earlier in the week that Valenti’s block was deliberate and in breach of Rule 12.

On Troilo’s challenge on Bartesaghi, Tommasi was equally unconcerned. “Troilo does not foul, he simply wins the jump before Bartesaghi,” he said.

“He leans on him, but that is a natural, physiological movement.”

Tommasi also weighed in on the collision between Corvi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, which resulted in the Milan midfielder suffering a fractured alveolar bone, an injury that required surgery.

Despite the seriousness of the outcome, Tommasi maintained there was nothing untoward about the challenge.

“The on-field decision was correct. It was an accidental clash. Corvi was going for the ball but was beaten to it by his own teammate.”

His comments are unlikely to fully satisfy Milan supporters, for whom the defeat, and the manner of it, remains a deeply contentious subject.

But from an officiating standpoint, Tommasi’s verdict is clear: the right calls were made.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Serie A Matchday 26 concluded with Bologna’s 1-0 victory over Udinese at the Dall’Ara on Monday night, and attention now turns to Matchday 27, which gets underway on Friday 28 February with Parma hosting Cagliari at 20:45 CET (21:45).

The Italian Football Federation’s sporting judge has confirmed eight players will serve suspensions for the upcoming round of fixtures, with Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Locatelli the most prominent names on the list.

Bastoni & Locatelli suspended for Inter & Juventus

Both players had been on yellow card warnings going into the weekend and were booked during Matchday 26, triggering automatic one-match bans.

Bastoni’s absence will be a blow for Inter, who are chasing a record-breaking title, while Locatelli’s suspension leaves Juventus short in midfield during a crucial period of the season.

Inter host Genoa whilst Juventus travel to Roma. However, both teams have the added challenge of must-win midweek games.

Juventus lost 5-2 to Galatasaray in their first leg whilst Inter lost 3-1 in Norway to Bodo/Glimt.

Fiorentina’s Dodo and Sassuolo’s Walukiewicz find themselves in the same boat, also picking up bookings while on final warnings.

Three players were dismissed during Matchday 26 and will each serve one-game bans as a result.

Cagliari’s Mina and Verona’s Al-Musrati were both shown second yellow cards, while Torino’s Ilkhan received a straight red and will also sit out one match.

Finally, Verona’s Orban remains suspended, still serving the second of a two-match ban handed down following Matchday 25.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Referee chief Dino Tommasi admits Napoli’s second goal against Atalanta should have stood, but it was correct to revoke a penalty kick for the Partenopei following a VAR check.

Dino Tommasi, a member of the Italian referee-appointing committee, has issued a verdict on the controversial incidents that occurred during Napoli’s 2-1 loss against Atalanta on Sunday.

Referee chief gives verdict on Atalanta vs. Napoli incidents

The Partenopei had a penalty kick revoked in the first half following a VAR check, and referee Daniele Chiffi also ruled out their second goal scored by Miguel Gutierrez after the break.

The referee’s decision infuriated the Partenopei, who sent director Giovanni Manna in front of the media to complain.

Tommasi, however, believes that the penalty kick in the first half was rightfully revoked.

“It’s a correct decision; it’s not a foul. Hojlund goes for the contact while Hien stands still,” Tommasi told DAZN via Gianluca Di Marzio.

“Chiffi was very well positioned but had the wrong feeling. Then he corrected himself with the review. Aureliano and Di Paolo at VAR worked well.”

On the other hand, the decision to rule out Napoli’s second goal for Hojlund’s foul on Hien was deemed incorrect.

“Hojlund steals a march on Hien; it’s too little to consider it a foul,” Tommasi said via ANSA.

“It’s an on-field mistake, but the referee’s central role is important. With a correct decision on the pitch, everything would have been different. In this match, Chiffi maintained a very high technical threshold, blowing the whistle very little, even on significant challenges. He let the play continue, whereas he noticed that in the first stance, the penalty incident and this one, he lowered the threshold considerably.”

Napoli’s loss to Atalanta leaves the Partenopei in third position in Serie A, level on 50 points with Roma.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Juventus are interested in a deal for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker as a potential replacement for the unconvincing Michele Di Gregorio. 

Gazzetta: Juventus interested in Alisson as well as Vicario

Di Gregorio has come under criticism after a string of errors and underwhelming performances between the sticks for Juventus in 2025-26. There have been reports that the Bianconeri could seek to bring in a new stopper during the 2026-27 season as a result. 

Juventus had been interested in a move for Mike Maignan, who had entered the final few months of his contract before signing a long-term extension with Milan in January. 

There have since been reports that the Bianconeri are interested in a deal for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, who is expected to cost somewhere in the region of €25m. 

Now, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are interested in a potential deal for former Roma goalkeeper Alisson, whose time with Liverpool may be coming to an end. 

The 33-year-old is under contract with Liverpool until the summer of 2027, but the reigning Premier League champions have already brought in a replacement in Giorgi Mamardashvili, who agreed to join the club in 2024 and has been waiting patiently in the wings since his arrival in the summer of 2025. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the fact that Alisson will have less than a year remaining on his contract and the fact that Liverpool already have a replacement in the building are factors that could help Juventus if they decide to proceed with a move for the 76-time Brazil international. 

There is also a pre-existing relationship between Alisson and Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti from their time together at Roma.

Jurgen Klinsmann has given his verdict ahead of Inter’s Champions League play-off round second leg against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday evening, and has reflected on his own experiences of overturning a two-goal deficit in Europe with the Nerazzurri. 

Inter fell to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Bodo/Glimt last week, and will now need to win by at least two goals to keep the fixture alive in San Siro on Tuesday night. 

Klinsmann on Inter memories, Bodo/Glimt challenge and Esposito growth

Klinsmann knows full well what it is like to go into the second leg of a European match looking to overturn a two-goal deficit. Back in 1990, he and his Nerazzurri teammates responded to a 2-0 UEFA Cup loss against Aston Villa by winning 3-0 in San Siro in the reverse fixture. 

“It’s one of the games I’ll never forget, the biggest comeback of my career,” Klinsmann told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

“After the first leg, nobody thought that we wouldn’t make it, in fact we were all convinced. You always have to start from there, from the optimism that convinces you to do great things. 

“The rest of the credit goes to the supporters in the stadium, because it was a simply incredible atmosphere. It was one of the most energetic matches I’ve ever been part of. I still remember the supporters waving all those flags.” 

Klinsmann believes that the current Inter squad could learn a few lessons from that famous night back in 1990. 

“It teaches you that you have to be patient and that you don’t necessarily have to score all the goals straight away. I scored one early, but we had to wait until midway through the second half for Berti’s second. Then, a little while later came that fabulous goal from Alessandro Bianchi. The roar was incredible.” 

Klinsmann believes that a lot of credit must go to the development of Norwegian football after Bodo/Glimt’s 3-1 victory over Inter last week. 

“Norwegian football has had an incredible development over the last 10 years. We don’t talk about it enough, but they will be the surprise team at the World Cup. There might be more experienced national teams who might win the whole thing, but Norway has everything to go the distance. Bodo/Glimt represents this movement very well.” 

Klinsmann believes it would be a mistake to underestimate Bodo/Glimt for a second time. 

“The biggest mistake would be to treat them as beginners,” he said. “They won’t be intimidated because they’re an excellent team with good results in Europe. They’re not just strong at home, they have the quality to give Inter trouble in Milan as well. 

“They will have to attack a lot, but without exposing themselves because they know how to punish you from the first opportunity.” 

Inter will have to do it without captain and leading centre-forward Lautaro Martinez, who is unavailable through injury on Tuesday night. Klinsmann is full of praise for the man who is expected to replace him, Pio Esposito, though. 

“Pio has already established himself, regardless of the role that he will have until the end of the season, whether that’s coming on or starting from the off. This guy has made it clear what he’s made of. 

“We hope that he is the man of destiny for our qualification, but we hope more than anything that he can grow even further. Finally, a strong Italian who gets a chance on the pitch. 

“I like him because he doesn’t know fear and he always has the right level of trust. If he misses, he is only ever frustrated with himself and not the teammate who passed him the ball. He can drag his team despite being 20 years old. But I expect the same leadership from other Inter players as well.” 

Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio has been forced to disable the comments section on his social media profiles after he and his family were subjected to threats and abuse after a series of sub-par performances for the Bianconeri. 

Di Gregorio subjected to threats and abuse after Juventus errors

The month of February has not been kind to Juventus, who have lost four of their last five matches across all competitions: A 3-0 Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Atalanta, a controversial 3-2 defeat against rivals Inter in the Derby d’Italia, a 5-2 thumping by Galatasaray in the Champions League and a 2-0 defeat at home against Como in Serie A most recently. 

Goalkeeper Di Gregorio has also earned his fair share of criticism after a series of poor performances between the posts. 

There have been various matches this season in which Juventus have conceded goals that Di Gregorio should have prevented, including against Inter, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting CP, Fiorentina, Lazio, Galatasaray and Como. 

The disappointing displays from the Juventus stopper have led to his receiving various insults and threats on social media. Some have called him an ‘Interista’ given that he was born in Milan and spent almost 20 years on the Nerazzurri books as a youngster. Others have called him a ‘liability’ and others have referred to him as a ‘piece of sh**’. 

According to various outlets on Tuesday morning, Di Gregorio has also received more serious threats to himself and his family, which has led him to disable the comments section on his Instagram profile. 

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni recently took the same measure after being subjected to abuse from ‘fans’ after the controversial Derby d’Italia between the Nerazzurri and Juventus earlier this month.

Former Italy national team head coach Cesare Prandelli believes that Juventus should sign ‘at least two’ of three Italy internationals currently playing in the Premier League during the next summer transfer window. 

The ex-Italy and Fiorentina head coach spoke in-depth to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published on Tuesday, discussing all things Juventus ahead of their Champions League play-off round second leg against Galatasaray coming up on Wednesday evening. 

• Read more: Prandelli believes Juventus will overturn Galatasaray: ‘Why not?’

Prandelli recommends Juventus sign Calafiori

Among the topics of discussion with Prandelli was Juventus’s potential transfer targets for the next summer transfer window. 

He believes that Juve should focus on bringing in a more Italian core, and believes that they should be targeting some of the biggest names that the Azzurri have to offer. 

“At least two of Tonali, Donnarumma and Calafiori,” Prandelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

He believes that there is still business to do in-house before the summer transfer window arrives, though. 

“After strengthening with Yildiz, I would immediately renew Spalletti, Vlahovic and McKennie if I were at the club. A way of saying: ‘there’s the base, we’ll come to the rest later’.” 

One of those recommendations looks set to be completed in the near future, as reports from multiple outlets on Tuesday suggest that Weston McKennie is just a step away from putting pen to paper on a new and improved contract extension in Turin.

Former Italy national team head coach Cesare Prandelli believes that Juventus have what it takes to overturn their 5-2 deficit against Galatasaray in the Champions League play-off round second leg on Wednesday evening, and believes that Luciano Spalletti can be the Cristiano Ronaldo for this current Bianconeri side. 

The Old Lady are preparing to take on Galatasaray in the second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie on Wednesday evening, and need a minor miracle to make up for the 5-2 defeat they suffered in Istanbul last week. Juventus will need to win by three goals to keep the tie alive and will need to win by four goals if they are to avoid a penalty shootout. 

This is a major week for Juventus’s season, given that they will also have to take on Roma in a six-pointer in the race for the Champions League spots in Serie A on Sunday. The Bianconeri are currently in fifth place in the Serie A standings, four points shy of a spot in the Champions League positions. 

Prandelli previews Juventus vs. Galatasaray and Roma

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli explained that he is quietly confident that Juventus will be able to turn things around against Galatasaray on Tuesday night. 

“Scoring three or four goals against Osimhen and his teammates without conceding will be difficult, but after the first leg in Istanbul, who would have imagined Galatasaray scoring three goals in 45 minutes against the Bianconeri? Spalletti’s team can do it, why not,” said Prandelli.  

“If they take the lead in the first 20 minutes, the psychological aspect changes.” 

The last time that the Bianconeri pulled off a Champions League comeback of a similar scale was when Cristiano Ronaldo provided a hat-trick to help Juve to a 3-2 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid in the 2018-19 round of 16. 

Asked who could be Juventus’s Ronaldo on this occasion, Prandelli said: “Spalletti. He doesn’t take to the pitch, but he’s the one with the most experience and charisma. I don’t expect him to come up with any new ideas, I think he will focus on his most reliable players.

“Galatasaray and Roma are two games which will make Juventus play for their season, and as for many of the players, their futures as well.” 

Prandelli was asked whether Spalletti might consider resting some of his key players against Galatasaray in order to focus on the upcoming Serie A six-pointer against Roma. 

“No,” Prandelli said. “The match against Galatasaray should be seen as the most important of all, you can’t have two doubts about it. Coming back in the Champions League would give them momentum heading into the Stadio Olimpico.” 

There is also a financial element to consider, given that qualification to the Champions League round of 16 will be worth around €15m for Juventus, while a fourth-place finish in Serie A will be worth around €60m.

“The coach makes technical evaluations, not economic ones,” Prandelli said. And if the directors gave the team this added pressure, they would be administrators and not footballing people. Talk of money should stay out of it.” 

Inter will attempt to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday evening, but how much will the Nerazzurri receive if they are to pull off an impressive comeback in San Siro? 

Inter find themselves needing to win by two goals if they are to keep their Champions League tie against Bodo/Glimt alive, and a victory by three goals if they are to avoid a penalty shootout. 

Cristian Chivu’s side were beaten 3-1 in the arctic circle last week after goals from Sondre Brunstad Fet, Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Hogh. Pio Esposito came up with the only goal for the Nerazzurri. 

How much is the Champions League round of 16 worth for Inter? 

According to calculations made by Calcio e Finanza, beating Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday evening and qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 will be worth around €11m for Inter. 

That adds to a figure of around €71m that Inter have already pocketed from this season’s Champions League campaign. 

Here is the breakdown of the €71m that Inter have earned in Europe already this season. 

• Participation fees: €18.62m 
• Value pillar: €23.37m European share, €8.65m non-European share 
• League phase bonus: €8.13m
• Bonuses for victories and draws: €10.5m
• 9th-16th place bonus: €1m
• Play-off round bonus: €1m

Former Inter head coach Andrea Stramaccioni has had his say on Inter’s upcoming Champions League play-off round second leg against Bodo/Glimt and has explained what Cristian Chivu’s side need to do to overturn the 3-1 deficit against the Norwegian outfit. 

Inter head into the second leg of their Champions League tie against Bodo/Glimt requiring a victory by at least two goals to keep the tie alive. The Nerazzurri will need to win by three goals if they wish to avoid a penalty shootout. 

The winner of tonight’s tie will progress to the Champions League round of 16. 

Stramaccioni on Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt: ‘San Siro is always an advantage’ 

Speaking in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Nerazzurri head coach Stramaccioni explained what Inter need to do if they aere to overturn the 3-1 deficit against Bodo/Glimt. 

“By playing as Inter, by showing conviction of their ideas and the quality of the team that is currently dominating Serie A,” he explained. 

Despite the fact that captain Lautaro Martinez picked up an injury during the first leg and will be unavailable on Tuesday evening, Stramaccioni believes that Chivu will have no issues in terms of his formation or personnel. 

“There should be no tactical upheaval,” he said. “And additionally, the win in Lecce and the defeats from Milan and Napoli means that Chivu has the peace of mind to choose his best XI. 

“He was missing Dimarco and one of his playmakers in the first leg, two effects which also meant he had to ‘sacrifice’ Barella by playing him deeper.”

And after braving the arctic conditions at Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra Stadion last week, it is now down to Inter to prove what they are capable of doing on their own turf. 

“San Siro is and will always be an advantage for Inter,” said Stramaccioni. “It will be a very intense atmosphere. 

“As for the grass and the temperature, that certainly had an impact in the first leg, as it did against Manchester City and other illustrious victims who fell in Norway. 

“But, be careful because Bodo aren’t just like that on their own pitch: Exactly one month ago, they went and won against Atletico in Madrid with the exact same starting XI.” 

This is not expected to be a walk in the park for Inter. There are still ways in which Bodo/Glimt can hurt the Nerazzurri, as Stramaccioni explains: “Those who watch Inter know that in this part of the season without Dumfries, the area between the wing-back and the defender on the right of the back three has often been more vulnerable. 

“Hogh is Bodo’s most important player. The Dane has had enquiries from the Premier League and perfectly embodies Knutsen’s style of play. Skilled at playing from deep but also quick in tight spaces. Almost all of Bodo’s attacks go through him. Five goals and three assists in the Champions League testify to that.” 

And how will Inter cope without talisman Lautaro at centre-forward?

“Without Lautaro, Thuram has the experience and international charisma to lead the attack in a game that Inter have to approach in a big way. Pio and Bonny will alternate depending on Chivu’s reading of the game, as it was against Lecce.

“These are games that you have to approach with intensity, but also manage with calm and experience. We have to attack with energy and rhythm while always staying in the game.

“They can’t have a repeat of the second half in Bodo. They need to be ferocious i their marking and minimise their ability to play on transition. I’m convinced it won’t be easy, but if Inter play like Inter, they will overturn it.” 

Weston McKennie’s future appears to be settled, as multiple outlets in Italy are reporting that he is all set to put pen to paper on a new and improved contract extension with Juventus. 

Juventus and McKennie have new contract agreement

The versatile USMNT star is currently due to be out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 season, but is not expected to walk away from the club on a free transfer at the end of the campaign. 

According to the likes of La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport, the parties have an agreement in place over a new and improved contract extension for McKennie, which will run until the summer of 2030. 

According to Tuesday’s reports, McKennie will earn around €4m per season in wages on his new contract. 

Tuttosport claims that the American will receive just over €4m with bonuses included on the first  year of his deal, and La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that his salary will increase slightly with each passing year on his contract. 

Juventus have a busy week coming up with Champions League and Serie A matches against Galatasaray and Roma respectively, and an announcement regarding McKennie’s new deal is likely to come after the game against the Giallorossi this weekend according to Tuesday’s reports. 

The new deal for McKennie comes just a few weeks after Juventus handed a new contract to posterboy Kenan Yildiz, who is now among the highest earners at the club.

Cristian Chivu appears set to name his strongest available XI as Inter look to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League play-off round tie against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday evening. 

The Nerazzurri did not finish the Champions League league phase among the top eight and have therefore found themselves in the play-off round along with Juventus and Atalanta. They were beaten 3-1 in Bodo, north of the arctic circle, on Wednesday night. 

Inter still have several major absentees through injury, most notably captain Lautaro Martinez, who suffered a strain to his calf during the first leg against Bodo/Glimt and is expected to be sidelined for another few weeks. Hakan Calhanoglu is also expected to be unavailable on Tuesday night. 

Denzel Dumfries is available, but has not featured since November and is therefore unlikely to start in this crucial Champions League decider. 

According to Sky Sport Italia, Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram will be the go-to centre-forwards in the absence of captain Lautaro. 

Nicolo Barella is expected to start in midfield after serving a one-match suspension in Serie A over the weekend. Piotr Zielinski is likely to keep his place at the base of the midfield instead of Calhanoglu, and Sky Sport Italia suggests that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will complete the midfield. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 GMT. 

Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt: Probable line-ups 

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; L.Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito. 

Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Brunstad Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge.

Where to watch Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt

Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and online through Discovery+. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+. 

Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.