Lukasz Skorupski ‘showed I am back to full fitness’ after a serious injury, with crucial saves for Bologna to eliminate SK Brann and reach the Europa League last 16.

The first leg had been a 1-0 victory in Norway, but as we saw from Juventus, Fiorentina, Atalanta and more, even far bigger margins are no guarantee of qualification.

They had a wobbly start here too, Skorupski and a Remo Freuler goal-line clearance proving decisive, before Jacob Sorensen’s red card on 37 minutes.

Joao Mario drilled in his first goal for the club since his January move from Juventus to seal tonight’s 1-0 win, qualifying 2-0 on aggregate for the Europa League Round of 16.

Skorupski back to his best for Bologna

“It is a great victory, we dedicate it to all these wonderful fans, and it is our fourth consecutive win, so we are very happy,” Skorupski told Sky Sport Italia.

“I had a serious injury three months ago, but it is behind me now, I showed today that I am back to full fitness, and the important thing was to keep going in the Europa League.”

Bologna had a disastrous start to 2026, but have now turned a corner with four consecutive victories in all competition.

In tomorrow’s draw, they will find out if they are paired with Roma or SC Freiburg in the Europa League last 16, so which would the goalkeeper prefer?

“I honestly don’t know, we’ll see what we get and will do our job. We want to keep going as far as possible in Europe.”

Vincenzo Italiano feels Bologna ‘did enough over the two games’ to deserve their Europa League play-off success against SK Brann, as they prepare to face Roma or Freiburg.

The Rossoblu had the benefit of the first leg 1-0 victory in Norway, but were told as they warmed up that Fiorentina had managed to throw away a 3-0 advantage in the Conference League with Jagiellonia.

They still had a shaky start, requiring three big Lukasz Skorupski saves and a Remo Freuler goal-line clearance, but Jacob Sorensen’s red card damaged Brann.

Joao Mario eventually drilled in the winning goal after one of 13 corners, with Benjamin Dominguez hitting the woodwork in stoppages.

Italiano expected Bologna struggle

“The first 20 minutes were honestly what I expected, because Brann only had one result to go for, so they were forced to come out fighting,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“We made a few too many mistakes, we could’ve done more with Rowe and Bernardeschi in good positions. Once we had an extra man, we made the most of the situation, and I think between the two games, we did enough to deserve qualification.

“Our target was to stay in the Cup competitions in March, we did it in Europe and unfortunately not the Coppa Italia.”

Another reason why Brann were moving in a different gear is that their domestic league is on hiatus, so they’ve been able to focus only on the Europa League.

“It was very important to get the first leg result, because we knew Brann would be in good shape, especially as we have so many matches to contend with. We knew their tempo could be a problem for us, we played an intelligent game in Norway.

“They caused us issues this evening for the first 20 minutes, but we are managing to remain more solid and avoid dangerous counter-attacks, which we allowed too often in recent months.”

Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16, and will find out in tomorrow’s draw if they will be paired with SC Freiburg or their fellow Italians Roma.

Jens Odgaard was a substitute this evening, but the coach hits back at suggestions he is no longer a first choice player for Bologna.

“I read someone this week say that Odgaard was pushed to the margins of the squad, that’s just unthinkable. We rested him with so many games, then changed strategy, but he showed when he came off the bench what he can do with that ability to keep the ball. He remains an important player for us, whether he starts or not,” insisted Italiano.

“Joao Mario is introverted, shy, and I think he needs to start smiling more. I was a little worried at first, to be honest, but he relaxed and is now showing why he played regularly for Porto and was signed by Juventus. He can play on the right or left, he did well defensively and scoring a goal today.”

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina will discover their opponents in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in Friday’s UEFA draws, as Italian football enters the Round of 16.

There are still four representatives of Serie A in the knockout phase of the UEFA tournaments.

Atalanta overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off, and will learn on Friday if they are to face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.

UEFA could give us an Italian derby

There is a good chance of an Italian derby in the Europa League Round of 16, because Roma already went through as one of the top eight in the league phase.

Bologna eliminated SK Brann 2-0 on aggregate and will be paired either with Roma or SC Freiburg in Friday’s draw.

Roma’s situation is a little more complicated, as they might be drawn against Bologna or KRC Genk (who needed extra time to eliminate GNK Dinamo Zagreb).

Fiorentina are the sole Italian representatives in the Conference League, and squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time, 5-4 on aggregate.

Their next test will be against either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the last 16.

Champions League Last 16

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Atalanta, PSG, Sporting CP, Bodo/Glimt, Galatasaray

Europa League Last 16

Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Braga, Porto, Lyon, Lille, Celta Vigo, Real Betis, Bologna, Roma, Panathinaikos, Midtjylland, Genk, Ferencvaros

Conference League Last 16

Lech Poznan, Rakow, Sparta Prague, Sigma Olomouc, Crystal Palace, Rayo Vallecano, Mainz 05, Fiorentina, Strasbourg, AZ Alkmaar, Shakhtar Donetsk, Samsunspor, AEK Athens, Rijeka, AEK Larnaca, Celje

Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16 after another 1-0 victory over SK Brann, decided by Joao Mario after an early red card.

The Rossoblu started 2026 in disastrous form, but managed to turn a corner recently with three consecutive victories in all competition, including the 1-0 first leg result in Norway decided by Santiago Castro. Juan Miranda joined Charalampos Lykogiannis on the treatment table, while Brann were still missing Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson. These sides also met here during the league phase in November, and it ended 0-0 despite Lykogiannis seeing red in the opening half-hour.

The winners will face either Roma or Freiburg in the Round of 16, with the draw held on February 27.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

There was a big Brann chance in the opening minutes, as Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson volleyed from a corner through a sea of legs, making it an extraordinary Lukasz Skorupski reaction save with one hand.

The visitors had an even clearer scoring opportunity on 19 minutes, as Skorupski managed to slow down the Noah Holm effort, allowing Remo Freuler to get back for a decisive goal-line clearance.

However, Brann were reduced to 10 men after just 37 minutes when Jacob Sorensen tried and failed to control a bouncing ball, and on the way back down he landed studs-first above Freuler’s knee. It was clumsy more than malicious, much like the Lykogiannis red card when these sides met here in November, but so high that it could not be ignored.

Nonetheless, 10-man Brann still had another great chance moments later, when Thorsteinsson’s curler from outside the area forced a flying Skorupski one-handed save.

Felix Horn Myhre had a very similar error to Sorensen, catching Lewis Ferguson on the arm with a high boot, but this didn’t even warrant a yellow card.

Nadir Zortea’s ferocious cross-shot tested the goalkeeper at the near post after the restart, then Jhon Lucumi’s looping header forced a wonderful flying Mathias Dyngeland save at the top corner.

Bologna continued to pour forward and Rowe’s pull-back from the by-line was deflected, so Joao Mario controlled from 14 yards and hit the half-volley into the near bottom corner.

Substitute Riccardo Orsolini fired straight at the goalkeeper from the edge of the area, then forced another save at the near post.

Orsolini was ready to tap in the Benajmin Dominguez roll across from the left, until a desperate clearance from six yards.

A similar situation saw Rowe pull back from the by-line, only for Dominguez to fire over, then Jens Odgaard’s scuffed finish was put out by Boakye.

In stoppages, Orsolini’s acrobatic bicycle-kick volley was also charged down, but Dominguez was unlucky when he drilled onto the base of the upright.

Bologna 1-0 Brann (2-0 agg)

Joao Mario 56 (Bo)

Sent off: Sorensen 37 (Br)

26-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Brann

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Martin Vitik		28'
		37'		Jacob Lungi Sörensen
Federico Bernardeschi		41'

2nd half

João Mário		56'
		78'		Rasmus Holten
Riccardo Orsolini		80'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

16

Total shots

7

5

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

2

8

Blocked shots

2

13

Corners

1

3

Offsides

0

15

Fouls

9

Bologna

Brann

Starting lineups

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

João Mário

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

62'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

79'

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

73'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

61'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

79'

1

Mathias Dyngeland

Goalkeeper

21

Denzel De Roeve

Defender

3

Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen

Defender

17

Joachim Soltvedt

Defender

85'

4

Nana Kwame Boakye

Defender

8

Felix Horn Myhre

Midfielder

18

Jacob Lungi Sörensen

Midfielder

16

Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson

Attacker

73'

10

Kristall Máni Ingason

Attacker

60'

29

Noah Jean Holm

Attacker

86'

14

Ulrik Mathisen

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

70

Davide Baroncioni

Defender

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

61'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

62'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

73'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

79'

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

79'

24

Mathias Engevik Klausen

Goalkeeper

41

Lars Remmem

Midfielder

27

Mads Sande

Attacker

39

Julian Lægreid

Attacker

40

Jesper Nerhus Eikrem

Midfielder

12

Simen Vidtun Nilsen

Goalkeeper

25

Niklas Jensen Wassberg

Midfielder

23

Thore Pedersen

Defender

60'

43

Rasmus Holten

Defender

73'

32

Markus Haaland

Attacker

73'

20

Vetle Dragsnes

Defender

85'

11

Bard Finne

Attacker

86'

Paolo Vanoli explains where Fiorentina got it so very wrong in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia. ‘We had the first leg in our minds.’

This was meant to be a relatively simple evening after winning the first leg 3-0 in Poland, but it proved to be anything but, as Jagiellonia won 3-0 at the Stadio Franchi with a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick to force extra time.

The Viola did squeeze through 5-4 on aggregate, as Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a double deflection on Moise Kean’s strike from a corner got them over the line, despite David De Gea’s howler on Jesus Imaz.

Vanoli survived Fiorentina scare

“What I really didn’t want was to go to extra time,” confessed Vanoli on Sky Sport Italia.

“We’ve got to realise that no matter what the result of the first leg, this is a totally new and different match. I didn’t want us to waste energy ahead of a tough Serie A game with Udinese, and so extra time was really not helpful.

“Having said that, we mustn’t see everything negative. I prefer to see this as another valuable lesson, as the team did come out of its shell eventually.”

Fiorentina had seemingly found their form before this with three consecutive victories in all competition, but this was a huge step backwards in terms of attitude and concentration.

“I had told the players to be more careful, that we had only won the first leg thanks to three set play situations. We made the mistake of stepping onto the field with the first leg result in our minds, and made life unnecessarily complicated for ourselves.”

There were also more injury setbacks, as Luca Lezzerini and Manor Solomon went off with muscular issues, though Albert Gudmundsson made his comeback in extra time.

“Both Solomon and Lezzerini felt pain in the rectus femoris, so I doubt either will be available for Monday,” explained Vanoli.

“Gosens had trauma to his cheekbone in extra time too, so that needs to be evaluated by the medical staff.”

The Tuscans will now go into the Conference League Round of 16, and tomorrow in the draw they’ll discover if they are facing RC Strasbourg or Rakow.

“I like the Conference League, I think it helps give us experience to keep improving,” concluded Vanoli.

“We have to change mentality and attitude, because it is different to Serie A. Whoever we get in the draw, we’ll think about it after the Udinese match.”

Moise Kean and Giovanni Fabbian both believe the chaotic 5-4 aggregate win over Jagiellonia in the Conference League will be ‘a valuable lesson’ for Fiorentina, and discuss who scored the goal.

The Viola had thought the job was done for this play-off in the first leg when winning 3-0 in Poland, but threw it away by the 49^th minute to a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick.

It went to extra time, where Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a confusing double ricochet off Kean’s effort proved enough, despite David De Gea letting a Jesus Imaz long-range strike squirm in.

Fiorentina risked astonishing exit

“We were a little tired going into the game, but we still should’ve had clearer heads than this,” Kean told Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle and 120 minutes of football.

“We must always keep on learning from our mistakes. It is all about the mentality, we just have to improve on these situations.”

The goal on that corner was initially given to Kean, though it seemed to ricochet off Fabbian and then Jagiellonia midfielder Romanczuk.

“I have no idea who scored the goal, Fabbian told me he turned it in. The important thing is that we scored and went through,” shrugged Kean.

Just as Fiorentina had seemingly turned a corner with three consecutive victories in all competition, this was a big setback in terms of confidence and performance.

“On the goal, the ball definitely hit me. I don’t know if it was instinct or what, but I put my leg in there. The important thing is that we qualified,” Fabbian told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s disappointing we got into this situation, we could’ve handled it better, and it all depends on us.

“We’ve got to build on the reaction and remember how many aspects we still need to work on, to keep improving. We need to give our all every time we set foot on the pitch. We know what our targets are and must be at the disposal of the coach.

“There are moments in football when you lose concentration, as games seem easy on paper, but there’s no such thing in the modern game. I think this will be a valuable lesson.”

Fiorentina threw away a 3-0 first leg lead to Bartosz Mazurek’s hat-trick, but eventually squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time to reach the Conference League last 16.

The Viola finally found form with three consecutive wins in all competition, including a 3-0 first leg success in Poland. Jagiellonia welcomed back Afimico Pululu and Taras Romanczuk, who were suspended last week.

The winners will face either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the Round of 16, with the draw on February 27.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Giovanni Fabbian almost managed to intercept a shaky back-pass, while Roberto Piccoli’s header from a corner was parried.

Slawomir Abramowicz got it all wrong playing out from the back, but made up for his error by making the save on Piccoli at the near post.

Instead, Jagiellonia got the opening goal when Bartosz Mazurek completed a give and go with Pululu, as Luca Lezzerini managed only to slow down the shot rather than keep it out.

Pululu’s header was too weak to trouble Lezzerini, but Jagiellonia lost Kamil Jozwiak to a groin injury after just 36 minutes.

Lezzerini punched a free kick into a crowd and was fortunate that Bernardo Vital ballooned the rebound over an empty net.

On the stroke of half-time, Jagiellonia reduced the aggregate deficit to just one goal, as Mazurek’s effort took a big deflection off Pietro Comuzzo to loop up into the net.

There was more bad news, as Lezzerini picked up a muscular injury and was replaced by David De Gea at half-time.

They came out with a different attitude and substitute Jack Harrison set up a Piccoli header well smothered, but were caught out on the counter to wipe out their first leg lead.

Piccoli wanted a free kick when losing the ball to spark the counter, but it was rolled across from the right, Pululu kept it going and Dodo slipped, allowing Mazurek to complete his hat-trick totally undisturbed at the back post from nine yards.

Nicolò Fagioli’s strike was deflected for a corner, while Manor Solomon’s attempt was charged down, with Fagioli blasting the rebound over.

Jagiellonia also threatened a fourth, but Imaz saw his first touch let him down on a smart through ball.

Piccoli nodded over from seven yards, although the cross was seemingly better placed for Fabbian behind him, and Moise Kean ballooned over from the edge of the box with the last kick of normal time.

It went to extra time, where Kean controlled with his back to goal to have a shot charged down, then scuffed another strike into the goalkeeper’s arms.

The impressive Solomon limped off injured for the return of Albert Gudmundsson, but Fiorentina finally restored their lead on aggregate.

It was a chaotic situation from goalkeeper Abramowicz, who wildly rushed out to punch clear and crashed into his own teammate, allowing Fagioli to intelligently lob into an empty net from the edge of the area.

Robin Gosens nearly scored another, forcing the fingertip save, and they netted on the resulting chaotic corner. Kean’s effort was probably going wide until it ricocheted in off Fabbian’s shin and then Romanczuk from point-blank range.

It still wasn’t over, as De Gea with an uncharacteristic howler completely failed to deal with a long-range Jesus Imaz strike and let it squirm over him.

Bernardo Vital let the situation get to him and received a second yellow card for insulting the referee.

Fiorentina 2-4 Jagiellonia aet (5-4 agg)

B Mazurek 23, 45+3, 49 (J), Fagioli 107 (F), Romanczuk og 114 (F), Imaz 118 (J)

Sent off: Bernardo Vital 120 (J)

26-02-2026 17:45

1/16 Final

Artemio Franchi Stadium

Fiorentina

Jagiellonia Białystok

2 1

2 - 4

Player statistic

1st half

Pietro Comuzzo		7'
		17'		Kamil Jozwiak
		23'		Bartosz Mazurek
		45+3'		Bartosz Mazurek

2nd half

		49'		Bartosz Mazurek (Assist: Afimico Pululu)
		75'		Samed Bazdar
Marin Pongracic		77'

Extra time

		94'		Álex Pozo
Dodô		101'
		105+1'		Taras Romanczuk
Nicolò Fagioli		107'
		110'		Bernardo Vital
Taras Romanczuk		114'
		118'		Jesús Imaz (Assist: Andy Pelmard)
		120'		Bernardo Vital

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

22

Total shots

15

8

Shots on target

10

9

Shots off target

5

5

Blocked shots

0

6

Corners

3

0

Offsides

1

20

Fouls

22

Fiorentina

Jagiellonia Białystok

Starting lineups

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

46'

2

Dodô

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

62'

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

46'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

62'

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

89'

50

Slawomir Abramowicz

Goalkeeper

70

Andy Pelmard

Defender

27

Bartlomiej Wdowik

Defender

13

Bernardo Vital

Defender

7

Álex Pozo

Midfielder

117'

86

Bartosz Mazurek

Midfielder

106'

11

Jesús Imaz

Midfielder

15

Norbert Wojtuszek

Midfielder

66'

6

Taras Romanczuk

Midfielder

10

Afimico Pululu

Attacker

72

Kamil Jozwiak

Attacker

36'

Substitutes

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

63

Piergiorgio Bonanno

Midfielder

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

100'

Manor Solomon

Attacker

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

46'

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

46'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

62'

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

89'

66

Adrian Damasiewicz

Goalkeeper

85

Eryk Kozlowski

Midfielder

17

Youssuf Sylla

Attacker

9

Dimitris Rallis

Attacker

106'

4

Yuki Kobayashi

Defender

117'

14

Samed Bazdar

Attacker

66'

8

Dawid Drachal

Midfielder

31

Leon Flach

Midfielder

89'

Bologna director Marco Di Vaio reveals he used Fiorentina’s predicament to motivate the team ahead of their Europa League play-off with SK Brann. ‘We passed on the message.’

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

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

The Rossoblu had been in dismal form to start 2026, but appear to have really turned a corner now with three consecutive victories in all competition.

That included last week’s 1-0 first leg play-off win in Norway, achieved thanks to a Santiago Castro strike.

Di Vaio keeps Bologna on their toes

“We need to be concentrated and have respect,” Di Vaio told Sky Sport Italia.

“We passed on the message to the players of what is happening in Florence, because you can take nothing for granted in Europe.”

As Bologna were warming up, Fiorentina had fumbled a 3-0 first leg advantage in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia.

“Our coach did very well, realising the system couldn’t handle three strikers, so we opted to find more solidity, and now want to get a sense of consistency to our results.

“I was a striker, so I know how important it is to help out the defenders. That is fundamental for our approach to football, now Santiago Castro is back on form, we hope Thijs Dallinga will get there too.”

It is a slender advantage in the Europa League play-off, especially considering their record at the Stadio Dall’Ara has been quite poor in the tournament so far this season.

That includes a 0-0 draw with SK Brann in November, albeit when Charalampos Lykogiannis was sent off in the opening half-hour.

It was confirmed yesterday that Juan Miranda will be out for circa three weeks after a muscular injury, joining Lykogiannis on the treatment table.

However, Riccardo Orsolini is struggling for playing time at the moment.

“Orsolini is a reference point on and off the field for us, but he is also very unpredictable as a player,” added Di Vaio.

“We have a strong squad and everyone is important, including Orso. I expect a reaction from him, because he knows that he can be decisive at any moment.”

Damien Comolli cut a bruised but defiant figure at the Financial Times Football Summit, speaking publicly for the first time since Juventus’ heartbreaking Champions League elimination at the hands of Galatasaray, a night he admits will take years to process.

“It will take years for me to get over it,” the Juventus CEO said plainly, with quotes via GianlucaDiMarzio.com, setting the tone for a candid address that touched on refereeing controversies, ownership stability, and the strategic roadmap he believes will eventually return the club to the summit of European football.

Comolli wasted little time in addressing the Lloyd Kelly red card that effectively ended Juventus’ hopes of completing a remarkable comeback. His frustration was barely concealed. “There was another very frustrating refereeing decision,” he said.

“I don’t understand how, for a game of this magnitude, they sent a referee who has only taken charge of ten Champions League matches in his entire career. Another incredibly frustrating red card that was never a red card, and we end up out of the Champions League. That game will hurt for many, many years, without doubt.”

He added a wry reference to a previous incident involving Inter, joking that he would try to avoid a UEFA suspension to go alongside the one he had already received from the FIGC.

Yet despite the raw emotion, Comolli was keen to emphasise that one result, however painful, would not alter the club’s decision-making philosophy. It is a stance that speaks to something deeper about how he believes elite sport should be run.

“A single game should not change the way we think,” he said. “We use data because data helps us make rational decisions in an incredibly emotional and irrational environment. I always tell people, we are paid to provide emotions, paid to create emotions, and paid to have no emotions when we make decisions.”

Juventus CEO Comolli: ‘Juventus must keep Spalletti’

On the question of what Juventus need to do to return to winning ways, Comolli’s answer was unequivocal, and pointed directly at Spalletti.

“If I had to answer today, I would say continuity,” he said. “It is important that we keep the same manager, the same strategy, the same style of play. This club has had six, seven, eight different coaches over two or three years. The team is finding its identity under Luciano Spalletti. Continuity, in alignment, in style, in the players who are showing their quality, is probably what we need if we want to succeed.”

The CEO also offered a revealing insight into his relationship with owner John Elkann, who works for the Agnelli family who have owned Juventus since 1923, the longest continuous ownership of any sports franchise in the world, as Comolli proudly noted.

He described a formative early conversation in which Elkann distilled the club’s values into three words, words Comolli says he intends to take to his grave.

“I use them constantly as a reference point,” he said.

“To stay aligned with him, and to align the rest of the club with the family’s values.”

On the subject of Tether’s minority stake and any speculation about a potential sale, Comolli was emphatic.

“John has been very clear, he will never sell the club. He was in the dressing room on Wednesday night to personally thank the players and the manager. He is incredibly involved, financially, emotionally, strategically.”

Comolli closed with a reflection on the weight of the job itself, one he clearly feels with intensity.

“What keeps me awake at night? Juventus,” he said.

“575 million fans globally, 200 million followers. I go to sleep thinking about Juventus, I dream about Juventus, I wake up Juventus. The responsibility to do things the right way is immense. I want to make the whole thing perfect and bring the club higher every single day.”

Piero Ausilio has offered a rare and candid glimpse behind the curtain at Inter Milan, addressing everything from the club’s appointment of Cristian Chivu to a long-forgotten pursuit of Cesc Fabregas, as a player, not a coach, in a wide-ranging interview with YouTube channel Colpi da Maestro.

The sporting director, who has been a central figure at Inter through multiple ownership regimes, was reflective on the club’s journey.

“We grew, I think that is the word that best represents my story here,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, acknowledging the difficult years operating under UEFA’s Financial Fair Play restrictions before Oaktree’s arrival helped stabilise the club’s finances.

One of the more surprising revelations concerned Fabregas, now impressing as Como’s head coach. Ausilio confirmed that Inter had indeed tried to sign the Spaniard, before he had even signed his first Barcelona contract – on the recommendation of former scout Pierluigi Casiraghi.

“He perhaps never even knew about it,” Ausilio said with a smile.

“Casiraghi kept pushing me. We tried, but he went to Arsenal, and given the career he had, that’s fine.”

Inter SD Ausilio: ‘Fabregas never close as coach, Chivu was the first call’

As for Fabregas the manager, Ausilio is an admirer, but was keen to set the record straight on reports linking him with the Inter job before Chivu was appointed.

“There was never really an Inter close to Fabregas as coach,” he said firmly.

“The first call was Chivu. When we faced the decision after Inzaghi, Chivu was the main idea, the one we believed in most. We knew him from his time with our Primavera, and his decision to take the Parma job showed real courage. We went straight to him and today we are absolutely delighted with that choice.”

Ausilio also revisited one of his most celebrated pieces of transfer business, the signing of Lautaro Martinez. He flew to Argentina personally to secure the deal at a time when the striker was on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid, and the negotiation very nearly collapsed.

“We had actually agreed a fee of less than what we ended up paying, around €20 million, but that evening he scored three goals and the next morning we had to start again,” Ausilio recalled.

The perseverance paid off handsomely. Lautaro is now club captain and one of Serie A’s finest strikers.

Looking back across his tenure, Ausilio singled out the wave of high-profile free transfers, Calhanoglu, Thuram, Mkhitaryan, De Vrij, Acerbi, as a defining strategic move during a financially constrained period.

“They gave quality on and off the pitch and are still relevant today,” he said. “We took advantage of a favourable situation.”

On Inter’s current standing, Ausilio pushed back against any suggestion that the club’s ambitions have been scaled back.

“When you start a season at Inter, you always think about winning everything,” he said.

“I never believe those who say fourth place is fine. With this mentality you build your squad and set your objectives, and Chivu is no different from those who came before him.”

Santiago Castro, Federico Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe lead the attack, as Bologna hope to build on a 1-0 Europa League play-off lead with Brann.

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

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

The Rossoblu had been in a deep crisis, but managed to turn their campaign around with three consecutive victories in all competition, including a 1-0 first leg result in Norway.

That is a strong start, but not enough to feel secure, especially as their home record has been so poor lately.

There is not a lot of squad rotation, so Castro is flanked by Bernardeschi and Rowe, with Lewis Ferguson in midfield.

Juan Miranda and Charalampos Lykogiannis are injured, while Benjamin Dominguez is in the squad after shaking off flu symptoms.

Brann already visited the Stadio Dall’Ara during the league phase this season, emerging with a 0-0 draw in November, despite playing against 10 men for over an hour.

Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson are long-term absentees.

The winners will face either Roma or Freiburg in the Round of 16, with the draw held on February 27.

Bologna vs. Brann line-ups

Bologna: Skorupski; Zortea, Lucumi, Vitik, Joao Mario; Moro, Freuler, Ferguson; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe

Brann: Dyngeland; De Roeve, Pallesen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Ingason, Sorensen, Myhre; Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson

Ref: Bastien (FRA)

26-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Brann

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Martin Vitik		28'
		37'		Jacob Lungi Sörensen
Federico Bernardeschi		41'

2nd half

João Mário		56'
		78'		Rasmus Holten
Riccardo Orsolini		80'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

16

Total shots

7

5

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

2

8

Blocked shots

2

13

Corners

1

3

Offsides

0

15

Fouls

9

Bologna

Brann

Starting lineups

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

João Mário

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

62'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

79'

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

73'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

61'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

79'

1

Mathias Dyngeland

Goalkeeper

21

Denzel De Roeve

Defender

3

Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen

Defender

17

Joachim Soltvedt

Defender

85'

4

Nana Kwame Boakye

Defender

8

Felix Horn Myhre

Midfielder

18

Jacob Lungi Sörensen

Midfielder

16

Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson

Attacker

73'

10

Kristall Máni Ingason

Attacker

60'

29

Noah Jean Holm

Attacker

86'

14

Ulrik Mathisen

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

70

Davide Baroncioni

Defender

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

61'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

62'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

73'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

79'

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

79'

24

Mathias Engevik Klausen

Goalkeeper

41

Lars Remmem

Midfielder

27

Mads Sande

Attacker

39

Julian Lægreid

Attacker

40

Jesper Nerhus Eikrem

Midfielder

12

Simen Vidtun Nilsen

Goalkeeper

25

Niklas Jensen Wassberg

Midfielder

23

Thore Pedersen

Defender

60'

43

Rasmus Holten

Defender

73'

32

Markus Haaland

Attacker

73'

20

Vetle Dragsnes

Defender

85'

11

Bard Finne

Attacker

86'

Inter Milan’s shock elimination by Bodo/Glimt at the Champions League playoff stage has left a significant dent in the club’s finances, but the path to recovery may lie closer to home than expected.

The exit cost Inter dearly, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, UEFA’s €15 million prize for reaching the last 16, plus matchday revenue at San Siro, represented meaningful income for Oaktree’s balance sheet. Cristian Chivu’s side had entered the competition as reigning runners-up, making the defeat all the more damaging in terms of both image and finances.

Inter look to recoup UCL losses through Scudetto & Coppa double

Yet the response from within the club has been measured rather than panicked, and for good reason.

Inter remain in a commanding position to deliver a domestic double for the first time since José Mourinho’s treble-winning season of 2009-10.

In Serie A, Chivu has established a ten-point lead over second-placed Milan, a record points tally through 26 games for a first-time Inter manager. In Coppa Italia, they face Como in the semi-finals, with Atalanta or Lazio awaiting in the final at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on 13 May.

The financial reward for achieving both would help offset the European exit. The Serie A title brings approximately €16 million in television revenue distribution, while Coppa Italia winners pocket just over €7 million.

It will not fully replace Champions League income, but combined with potential player sales, a domestic double would go a long way, and make Chivu a permanent part of Inter’s history in the process.

Federico Gatti and Victor Osimhen warmly hugged each other after a 120-minute clash in Juventus-Galatasaray, sending a powerful message to Italian football, but the Bianconeri now face an uphill climb to qualify for the Champions League.

Juventus’ 3-2 win against Galatasaray will go down as one of the most memorable games in the Old Lady’s history, even if not entirely for the right reasons.

Even after going down to 10 men at the beginning of the second half, Juventus pulled off a remarkable three-goal comeback against the Turkish giants. Having lost the first leg 5-2 the week before, Juventus stormed to a 3-0 lead to force the match into extra time.

I’ve been covering Serie A football for over 15 years and have reported on several Juventus matches at the Allianz Stadium. The only other time I felt the stadium shake was in 2019, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and helped the Bianconeri beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 on aggregate to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals.

Last night, I felt exactly the same as the Bianconeri fans created a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish and didn’t stop cheering on the team even after Galatasaray’s second goal.

Not even Lloyd Kelly’s debatable red card made Juventus lose their momentum. Still, ultimately, the Bianconeri found themselves licking their wounds after an incredible night of football, which once again confirmed the ill-fated relationship between the Old Lady and the Cup with the big ears.

Juventus and Galatasaray put on the field exactly what you expect in a top-level Champions League match, and particularly the duel between Gatti and Osimhen summed up the spirit shown in Turin last night.

The clash between the Bianconeri defender and the ex-Napoli striker began quickly as the pair had an argument early in the first half, when Osimhen even took off his trademark face mask to yell at the Italy centre-back.

It is still unclear what Gatti told Osimhen to prompt his angry reaction, but surely neither showed hard feelings at the end of the game, as they warmly hugged each other as soon as the referee blew the full-time whistle.

We’ve already discussed many times how Serie A football has become way too soft, somehow even thanks to an excessive use of VAR. Yet last night’s match showed that Italian clubs can, and must play at a high tempo to give their best and become a real threat to any opponent at a European stage. Atalanta know something about it too, having beaten Borussia Dortmund 4-1, becoming the only Serie A side to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 this season.

Even though Galatasaray players went way too far with their time-wasting technique, especially in the first half, the duel between Osimhen and Gatti was always vigorous, rough, but, above all, fair, and it’s no coincidence that at the end of the match, they set their rivalry aside for a heartfelt embrace that showed exaclty the attitude players must have on the pitch nowadays.

It’s not an overly sentimental take, quite the opposite. Galatasaray tried to sit on their three-goal lead for much of the game and nearly paid a high price for it, as the intensity, the tough challenges, and the desire to always play the ball from Juventus gave them a chance to get back in the contest despite the big advantage held by the Turkish side.

This should serve as a lesson for Serie A football, but mostly the Italy national team. If we are to go to the World Cup, we must stick to football and forget unnecessary drama.

Now, the tricky part begins for Juventus.

It’s hard to remember a Bianconeri side in recent years that has built so much, yet collected so little. It’s undeniable that the playing style and the confidence under Luciano Spalletti have increased dramatically, but the Old Lady remains four points below the top four and has a crucial away game at Roma coming up.

Juventus already proved in Istanbul last week that the physical and psychological burden from a high-level performance can take its toll in the following games. After their controversial 3-2 loss to Inter less than two weeks ago, the Bianconeri suffered a 5-2 defeat away to Galatasaray and then capitulated 2-0 at home against Como.

In those two matches, the Bianconeri looked empty, perhaps also due to the fierce battle at San Siro against their heated rivals.

Surely, this is something they can’t afford next weekend, as a defeat against Roma would push them seven points below a Champions League spot with just 11 Serie A games remaining.

Juventus are not as bad as they looked at the start of the season, largely due to Spalletti’s tactical and psychological work with the team. Yet the Bianconeri’s qualification for the Champions League remains uncertain, and their next match, in just three days, will say a lot about their chances to finish in the top four.

It won’t be easy, especially after playing with such high intensity and being reduced to ten men for over an hour. Roma, on the other hand, have had a week to prepare for one of the most important games of the year. This, however, cannot be an excuse for Juventus, who must be strong enough to prove that their sacrifice and pain against Galatasaray were not in vain.

Pervis Estupiñán’s time at Milan appears to be drawing to a close after just one disappointing season, with the club’s hierarchy understood to have made the decision to listen to offers for the Ecuadorian left-back this summer.

The former Brighton man arrived carrying the considerable weight of replacing Theo Hernández – a task that has proven beyond him.

According to CalcioMercato, via MilanNews, the Rossoneri are ready to cash in.

He has struggled to adapt to Massimiliano Allegri’s system and has gradually lost his place to young academy product Bartesaghi.

His numbers tell the story plainly: 16 appearances in total, just ten from the start, with no goals and a single assist to his name.

Milan want to recoup €14m from Estupiñán

Sporting director Igli Tare and CEO Giorgio Furlani have placed him on the list of players available for sale, and the financial parameters of any deal have already been established.

Milan paid Brighton €17 million plus €2 million in bonuses for Estupiñán, and with his contract running until 2030, the club need to recoup at least €14 million to avoid a damaging loss on their books.

To help achieve that figure, Milan are pinning their hopes partly on the 2026 World Cup.

Ecuador have been drawn in a group alongside Germany, Ivory Coast and Curaçao, and a series of strong performances on the international stage could significantly raise Estupiñán’s market value and reignite interest from clubs in Spain and England, where he still carries a solid reputation from his time at Villarreal and Brighton.

Despite reported interest from Bologna, the Rossoneri’s preference is a permanent sale abroad rather than a domestic move.

Paulo Dybala is pushing to be involved in one of the most personal fixtures in his calendar, with the Argentine forward determined to feature in Roma’s Serie A clash against his former club Juventus.

Dybala has been absent from Gian Piero Gasperini’s matchday squads for over a month, but according to Corriere dello Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Argentine stepped up his workload during training at Trigoria on Thursday, using the session to test the condition of his troublesome left knee.

He remains on an individual programme for now, but his determination to be involved, even from the bench, against the club where he made his name in Italian football is clear.

Roma team news: Dybala & Soule fight to start against Juventus

Friday’s training session will be the decisive test, with the medical staff closely monitoring his response before any decision is made on his inclusion.

Fellow Argentine and ex-Juventus man Matias Soulé is in a similar race against time, dealing with a pubic inflammation that has also kept him on the sidelines in recent weeks. Like Dybala, he is targeting a return for the Juventus fixture.

Should Dybala make it, his presence would be a significant boost for Roma both technically and emotionally.

The former Juventus forward has always reserved some of his best performances for the Bianconeri, and even a cameo from the bench could prove decisive in what promises to be a crucial encounter in the race for Champions League football.

Fiorentina have a 3-0 first leg lead in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia, but Paolo Vanoli warns ‘nothing is to be taken for granted, we saw the Champions League comebacks.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

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

The Viola had been in a disastrous run of form, both in Europe and domestically, but really seem to have turned a corner lately.

Their 3-0 first leg result in Poland was part of a trend that has now seen them win three on the bounce in all competition, but that doesn’t mean qualification to the Round of 16 is guaranteed.

Vanoli warning for Fiorentina in Europe

“We saw the comebacks in the Champions League yesterday, so nothing is to be taken for granted,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.

Atalanta managed to overturn a 2-0 first leg loss to Borussia Dortmund, while Juventus down to 10 men forced Galatasaray to extra time despite a 5-2 first leg deficit.

“We must go out there focused on winning the game, not conceding goals, but also trying not to use up too much energy, because we know the priority is Serie A,” added the Fiorentina coach.

What has changed in their recent transformation of results and performances?

“In recent matches, we have seen a big difference in the number of sprints of our defenders, I showed the players those statistics too. That means we were much more attentive in preventative marking to avoid those situations.

“If you look at our record against the smaller clubs, we dominated the matches, but conceded a lot of goals on the counter-attack. We have changed the spirit, we all defend together and attack together.

“It took a while to achieve that, it was a process, but we are getting there now. It was also a problem of shaking off this cursed and worrying thought, which is we’ll win the next one. It was tough to start a season with one objective and change it so radically, it required a shift in mentality.”

Dodo is suspended for the next Serie A match, so he starts today in a more advanced attacking role, allowing Jack Harrison to rest instead.

Albert Gudmundsson is on the bench after an ankle injury.

Fiorentina welcome Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok to the Stadio Artemio Franchi this evening, as the Viola look to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League.

The Viola won the first leg in Poland with an impressive 3-0 victory, as they look to put their poor domestic form behind them to succeed in Europe’s third tier competition.

The Serie A side have been improving lately, including an impressive 2-1 win away at Como on Valentines Day and only having lost three matches out of eleven in 2026.

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

Fiorentina vs Jagiellonia Bialystok – Official Lineups

Fiorentina: Lezzerini; Fortini, Comuzzo, Pongracic, Gosens; Ndour, Mandragora, Fabbian; Dodo, Piccoli, Fazzini

Jagiellonia: Abramowicz; Wojtuszek, Vital, Pelmard, Wdowik; Romanczuk, Mazurek; Pozo, Imaz, Jozwiak; Pululu

26-02-2026 17:45

1/16 Final

Artemio Franchi Stadium

Fiorentina

Jagiellonia Białystok

2 1

2 - 4

Player statistic

1st half

Pietro Comuzzo		7'
		17'		Kamil Jozwiak
		23'		Bartosz Mazurek
		45+3'		Bartosz Mazurek

2nd half

		49'		Bartosz Mazurek (Assist: Afimico Pululu)
		75'		Samed Bazdar
Marin Pongracic		77'

Extra time

		94'		Álex Pozo
Dodô		101'
		105+1'		Taras Romanczuk
Nicolò Fagioli		107'
		110'		Bernardo Vital
Taras Romanczuk		114'
		118'		Jesús Imaz (Assist: Andy Pelmard)
		120'		Bernardo Vital

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

22

Total shots

15

8

Shots on target

10

9

Shots off target

5

5

Blocked shots

0

6

Corners

3

0

Offsides

1

20

Fouls

22

Fiorentina

Jagiellonia Białystok

Starting lineups

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

46'

2

Dodô

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

62'

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

46'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

62'

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

89'

50

Slawomir Abramowicz

Goalkeeper

70

Andy Pelmard

Defender

27

Bartlomiej Wdowik

Defender

13

Bernardo Vital

Defender

7

Álex Pozo

Midfielder

117'

86

Bartosz Mazurek

Midfielder

106'

11

Jesús Imaz

Midfielder

15

Norbert Wojtuszek

Midfielder

66'

6

Taras Romanczuk

Midfielder

10

Afimico Pululu

Attacker

72

Kamil Jozwiak

Attacker

36'

Substitutes

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

63

Piergiorgio Bonanno

Midfielder

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

100'

Manor Solomon

Attacker

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

46'

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

46'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

62'

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

89'

66

Adrian Damasiewicz

Goalkeeper

85

Eryk Kozlowski

Midfielder

17

Youssuf Sylla

Attacker

9

Dimitris Rallis

Attacker

106'

4

Yuki Kobayashi

Defender

117'

14

Samed Bazdar

Attacker

66'

8

Dawid Drachal

Midfielder

31

Leon Flach

Midfielder

89'

{rsn-live-v2}

Antonio Conte has received mixed injury news ahead of Napoli’s Serie A trip to Verona, with one significant return offset by a continued absence in midfield.

The unwelcome news is that Scott McTominay will miss the fixture after failing to fully recover from a gluteal inflammation, according to Tuttosport.

The Scottish international has not been able to train at full intensity and will sit out the journey to Verona, with Conte hoping to have him available for the following home match against Torino at the Maradona.

Napoli team news: McTominay still out as Zambo Anguissa returns

The positive update comes in the form of Frank Zambo Anguissa, who has returned to full group training and even featured for a spell in a joint training session with Giugliano.

The Cameroonian is set to be named in the squad and could come off the bench in the second half if the situation calls for it.

In Anguissa’s absence from the starting lineup, the midfield partnership of Stanislav Lobotka and Eljif Elmas is expected to continue from the off.

Up front, Conte looks set to retain the same attacking trio that started in Bergamo, with Rasmus Højlund leading the line flanked by Antonio Vergara and Alisson, who has quickly demonstrated an understanding of Conte’s system since arriving at the club.

On the flanks, Matteo Politano is expected to edge out Mazzocchi on the right, while Miguel Gutiérrez continues to grow in influence on the left. At the back, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic should again start in goal, protected by a defensive three of Sam Beukema, Alessandro Buongiorno and Juan Jesus.

Napoli will travel to Verona following Friday morning’s training session, with Conte opting against holding a pre-match press conference.

UEFA have issued an official explanation for the red card shown to Lloyd Kelly during Juventus’ Champions League last-16 second leg against Galatasaray, after the decision sparked considerable controversy on a dramatic night at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus had produced a remarkable comeback to lead 3-0 on the night, level on aggregate, before the tie ultimately slipped away in extra time, with Victor Osimhen and Yilmaz scoring to send Galatasaray through.

But the pivotal moment arrived just three minutes into the second half, when Kelly was dismissed after referee João Pinheiro was called to the pitchside monitor by VAR.

UEFA: Juventus defender Kelly made ‘strong unfair contact’

The defender had originally been shown a second yellow card for the challenge, but following the VAR review, the booking was upgraded to a straight red, meaning Kelly will serve a two-match European ban rather than one.

The incident itself saw Kelly jump to contest a header and, upon landing, make contact with Yilmaz’s left ankle with his studs in what appeared to many observers to be an accidental collision in real time.

UEFA’s disciplinary note, however, left little room for debate.

“Using his studs, the Juventus player made a strong unfair contact with the opponent’s left ankle which clearly endangered the safety of his opponent,” the governing body stated.

Juventus Director of Football Strategy Giorgio Chiellini addressed the decision after the final whistle, though his words reflected a broader frustration with the club’s luck in recent weeks. “The team showed real character and sent a message,” he told Prime Video.

“There is regret and disappointment. We are not having much luck with these moments right now. Kelly’s red card? There is little to say about it.”

Inter Milan are monitoring the situation of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro as they begin planning for a potential departure of Denzel Dumfries.

According to reports from L’Interista, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Dutch international’s future at the San Siro remains uncertain, and that’s where Porro comes in.

While the possibility of a contract extension has been discussed, the current picture suggests the coming months could realistically be his last in Milan.

Should Dumfries choose to stay, Inter are understood to be interested in younger option Palestra as a long-term successor who could develop in his shadow, though the cost of that deal remains a consideration.

However, if Dumfries does move on, Inter’s hierarchy have identified Porro as their preferred solution.

Porro impresses Inter as club weigh up Dumfries successors

The Spanish international has impressed consistently at Spurs since joining from Sporting Lisbon, establishing himself as one of the more dynamic right-backs in the Premier League with his forward-thinking style and delivery from wide areas.

Tottenham are under no pressure to sell and have set their asking price at a minimum of €25 million, a figure that reflects both Porro’s age and the years remaining on his contract in north London.

The Nerazzurri will need to balance any potential outlay against their broader summer plans, particularly given the financial discipline the club have operated under in recent windows.

Nevertheless, with the right flank potentially requiring significant investment this summer, Porro has emerged as a concrete target should the Dumfries situation resolve itself in the direction of a departure.

Gennaro Gattuso wasn’t handed the easiest of tasks when he succeeded Luciano Spalletti as Italy manager. The Azzurri had just been thumped 3-0 in Oslo by Erling Haaland’s rampant Norway, while they’d also struggled to put away minnows Moldova in Reggio Emilia.

They would improve under the former World Cup winning midfielder and the goals started flowing more freely, but a 4-1 home drubbing by Haaland and Co. once again at San Siro — Italy’s worst home defeat in over 70 years — consigned them to a third straight trip to the playoffs and let them know in no uncertain terms just how far away they are from being considered one of the planet’s elite.

The Playoffs Loom

Even though Italy are yet to officially confirm their spot at the World Cup, online betting sites are still somewhat big on their hopes. The popular https://www.luckyrebel.la/sportsbook/soccer/fifa-world-cup currently prices them at 35/1, a price shorter than Belgium, Croatia, and the co-hosting Americans. But first, the playoffs are looming, and Gattuso has a decision to make, specifically regarding his striking options.

He’s currently holed up somewhere in his Milan residence, hunched over a laptop, watching grainy Saudi Pro League footage of Mateo Retegui dismantling some hapless Al-Hazem defence. Five goals in three games. Numbers don’t lie, he tells himself. Then a defender mistimes a lunge, trips over the ball, and Retegui slots in with contemptuous ease. Gattuso suddenly has a mental crisis on his hands once again.

Recent Trauma

Azzurri fans know the trauma intimately by now. Sweden in 2017 — Buffon weeping at 39, an era ending in humiliation as the Scandinavians headed to Russia. North Macedonia in 2022 — Trajkovski’s dagger at the Barbera, the most humiliating night in post-war Italian football. And then last fall, the fresh wound: 4-1 against Norway, comprehensively outclassed home and away, punted into the playoffs again like a nation that’s forgotten how to qualify for anything.

Three campaigns. Three catastrophes. Sweden. North Macedonia. Norway. Italy is no longer a sleeping giant — she’s a sleepwalker lurching toward a cliff edge, and Bergamo’s Gewiss Stadium on March 26 is where the sleepwalking either ends or the country tumbles into an abyss it may never climb out of.

The question haunting Gattuso isn’t tactical. It’s existential. When he surveys his striking options, he has four candidates, none of whom would have started ahead of Christian Vieri or Filippo Inzaghi without serious debate. The Alessandro Del Piero era produced natural goalscorers who devoured playoff pressure, but which of them can score the goals required to end the Azzurri’s 12-year wait to finally venture back onto that hallowed World Cup turf?

Mateo Retegui

Italy’s most proven international striker — 11 goals in 26 caps, capocannoniere with 25 Serie A goals at Atalanta in 2024-25, a genuine penalty-box predator whose movement off the ball made defenders look amateurish — packed his bags for Al-Qadsiah at 26. He’s not winding down, but despite having had a very prolific season, it remains to be seen whether the Saudi Pro League is quite testing enough for a striker who will be required to make a difference at an international level.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: La Gazzetta dello Sport won’t quite print it, but their columnists are already sharpening their knives to write: if Retegui misses a sitter against Northern Ireland, he won’t be forgiven. His international résumé demands he start — you don’t discard 11 international goals — but will he still be on the same level as his teammates in March after spending several months in a minor league?

Gianluca Scamacca

At his peak in 2023-24 — 12 goals, six assists, Champions League qualification with Atalanta — he was Italy’s most complete No. 9; 195 centimetres of aerial dominance and technical security that bordered on Ibrahimović-esque audacity. Then the body betrayed him. ACL tear in August 2024 and a thigh tendon surgery in February 2025. Lastly, a knee withdrawal in September 2025. He’s managed 959 Serie A minutes this season, scoring six goals, but he also netted three decisive Champions League goals in eight appearances.

Atalanta are the only Serie A side to have earned qualification for the Champions League Round of 16, and did so also thanks to the towering striker’s help. His full fitness across the two legs remains uncertain, and his international record doesn’t match his club form, having just bagged one goal in 22 Italy appearances.

Pio Esposito

Pio Esposito doesn’t remember Del Piero scoring against Germany and doesn’t carry the scar tissue from Palermo 2022. He doesn’t wake up sweating, with visions of Trajkovski. Heck, he was just eight years old the last time Italy played at a World Cup. But at 20 years old, learning from Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram in a treble-chasing Inter squad, he arrives at this debate unburdened by history — which is either his greatest asset or his greatest liability.

Four goals and three assists in 294 Serie A minutes. Two goals and two assists in the Champions League. U-19 European champion, U-20 World Cup runner-up — this kid has already won things with the famous blue shirt on, more than we can say about his rivals for a starting berth.

That defeat to Sweden in qualifying for 2018 happened with veterans so psychologically paralysed they couldn’t function. North Macedonia, four years later, haemorrhaged experience that choked. Maybe fearless youth is exactly the antidote. Or maybe it’s desperation dressed as inspiration. Starting Esposito against Northern Ireland is either the boldest selection in recent Azzurri history or the most reckless. There’s genuinely no middle ground.

Moise Kean

At 25, his 2024-25 renaissance at Fiorentina (19 league goals, genuine world-class stretches) briefly convinced everyone the breakthrough had crystallised. Then came 2025-26: eight goals in 23 Serie A games, a slight step back after a tremendous debut season in Florence.

His pace and athleticism make defenders nervous, but his finishing hasn’t always been accurate this season. Will Kean perform for the Azzurri? Surely, Italy cannot afford to answer that question in a playoff semifinal, and their head coach has a very serious decision to make. Fans and bettors alike will be eagerly waiting to see which way he will turn.

Victor Osimhen marked his return to Turin with a goal as Galatasaray eliminated Juventus from the Champions League, but the romantic notion of the Nigerian striker one day pulling on a Juventus shirt is considerably more complicated than the warm words exchanged before the match might suggest.

When Napoli sold Osimhen to Galatasaray in the summer of 2025 for €75 million, they inserted a contractual clause specifically designed to block his return to Italian football, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Napoli clause hinders Juventus’ Osimhen dream

The clause runs for 24 months, meaning Osimhen could not move to a Serie A club until 1 September 2027 at the earliest, and carries a penalty fee of €70 million in the first year, reducing to €50 million in the second.

Any Italian club wishing to sign him would either need to trigger that penalty themselves or negotiate directly with Napoli to waive it, while Galatasaray would separately need to recoup their own investment.

De Laurentiis’ club also retain a ten percent sell-on fee, further complicating any potential deal.

Even setting aside the clause, the financial reality is daunting.

Osimhen earns a base salary of €15 million net per year, rising to as much as €21 million with bonuses, a figure no current Serie A club comes close to matching, and one that can no longer be offset by Italy’s Decreto Crescita tax incentive.

The irony is that Osimhen himself did little to dampen Juventus supporters’ hopes. He had previously admitted a move to the club “would be a privilege,” spoke glowingly of Spalletti, and notably declined to celebrate his goal at the Allianz Stadium out of respect for his former manager.

Edon Zhegrova thanks Juventus fans for their support during a Champions League match against Galatasaray, but admits: ‘This loss is part of my journey.’

• Read more – Ex-Juventus midfielder shares picture of Zhegrova’s big chance wasted: ‘It hurts even more’

Zhegrova was introduced as a substitute in the second half of Juventus’ 3-2 win over Galatasaray on Wednesday, which, however, did not allow the Serie A giants to secure qualification to the Champions League Round of 16.

The Kosovo international replaced Francisco Conceiçao and inspired the Old Lady’s second goal, scored by Federico Gatti.

Juventus had been reduced to ten men due to a red card shown to Lloyd Kelly at the beginning of the second half, yet Luciano Spalletti’s men managed to get to the 90th minute with a 3-0 advantage.

During extra time, however, Zhegrova missed a huge opportunity to score the fourth goal of the night for the Bianconeri while Victor Osimhen bagged the decisive goal for Galatasaray just a few minutes later.

Zhegrova took to social media at full-time to thank Juventus fans for their endless support on Wednesday, but didn’t directly mention his error in front of the goal.

Zhegrova’s social media message after Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray

“Tonight hurts. But this loss is part of my journey! Proud of the team and the mentality shown,” Zhegrova wrote on Instagram.

“Thanks to all supporters in the stadium, you were amazing.”

Zhegrova’s post received several comments from Juventus fans, many of which were not negative and highlighted the team’s spirit in what could have been one of the club’s biggest feats.

Nikola Krstovic won a stoppage-time penalty for Atalanta against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday and coach Raffaele Palladino urged his players to give him a ‘huge round of applause’ as he held up a bloodstained bandage used to stop the striker’s bleeding.

Atalanta are the only Serie A side to have qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, having eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the knockout play-off with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Palladino’s dressing room speech after historic Atalanta win

La Dea earned a late penalty last night when Ramy Bensebaini clumsily kicked Krstovic in the head, and Atalanta coach Palladino praised his striker in the dressing room after the match.

A video posted by Atalanta on Instagram shows Palladino addressing the team while showing a bloodstained bandage Krstovic used to stop the bleeding.

“Let’s give a huge round of applause, come on, give it to him, to a player who, look at this, threw himself at the very last ball, Krstovic, and won us a penalty,” Palladino said in the presence of Luca and Antonio Percassi.

 

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A post shared by Atalanta B.C. (@atalantabc)

The striker himself also took to social media to show the consequences of Bensebaini’s reckless kick. However, inevitably, the ex-Lecce striker still appeared to be in a good mood after a memorable evening in Bergamo.

Atalanta will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 and will learn their next opponent during a draw taking place tomorrow.

Galatasaray star striker Victor Osimhen was delighted to meet with Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero after a Champions League match against the Bianconeri last night: ‘I want to take a picture.’

Nigeria international Osimhen met ex-Juventus striker Del Piero behind the scenes before a post-match interview at the Allianz Stadium last night.

The Galatasaray striker had just scored a goal to eliminate the Bianconeri from the Champions League, and Del Piero had been commenting on the game as a pundit for CBS Sports and Sky Sport Italia.

As reported by CBS Sports correspondent Marco Messina, Osimhen and Del Piero spoke briefly before the Nigerian striker told the Bianconeri legend: “I want to take a picture.”

During a post-match interview with Prime Video Italia, Osimhen said he didn’t celebrate his goal last night out of respect for his ex-Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti.

“I want to take a picture”

So much respect between Osimhen and Del Piero @CBSSportsGolazo pic.twitter.com/jn3Tqjr5x8

— Marco Messina (@IFTVMarco) February 26, 2026

Check out the latest team news and probable line-ups for Bologna vs Brann and Fiorentina vs Jagiellonia in the Europa League and Conference League, respectively.

There’s more European football on Thursday after a two-day Champions League action that saw Atalanta progress to the Round of 16 while Inter and Juventus faced elimination from Europe’s elite competition.

Today, Bologna play in the Europa League knockout play-off at home against Brann (21:00 CET), and Fiorentina host Jagiellonia in the same stage of the Conference League (18:45 CET).

The Fiorentina game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 8 in the UK and Ireland and Paramount+ in the USA. To watch Bologna vs. Brann head to TNT Sports 2 or TNT Sports 5 in the UK or Ireland or Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Both Serie A sides won their first-leg away games last week. Bologna beat Brann 1-0, while Fiorentina secured a 3-0 victory.

Bologna vs. Brann – team news and probable line-ups

Lykogiannis, Miranda, De Silvestri and Helland are unavailable, so Zortea is expected to start as a left-back with Joao Mario on the opposite flank. Nicolò Cambiaghi and Jonathan Rowe compete for a starting spot on the left flank.

Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Joao Mario, Lucumi, Vitik, Zortea; Moro, Freuler, Ferguson; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.

Brann (4-3-3): Dyngeland; De Roeve, Pallesen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Ingason, Sorensen, Myhre; Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson. 

Fiorentina vs. Jagiellonia – team news and probable line-ups

Fiorentina will rotate heavily after a 3-0 win in the first leg. Dodo, as reported by Sky Sport Italia, will still start at right-back, as he’s suspended for the next Serie A match. Jack Harrison will start for the third time in a row, joining Jacopo Fazzini and Roberto Piccoli in attack.

Fiorentina (4-1-4-1): Lezzerini; Dodò, Pongracic, Comuzzo, Gosens; Mandragora; Harrison, Fabbian, Ndour, Fazzini; Piccoli.

Jagiellonia (4-2-3-1): Abramowicz; Wojtuszek, Vital, Pelmard, Wdowik; Mazurek, Romanchuk;  Pozo, Imaz, Jozwiak; Pululu.

Edon Zhegrova wasted a massive chance to give Juventus a four-goal lead in the extra time of a Champions League match against Galatasaray: ‘The day after, it hurts even more,’ wrote ex-Bianconeri midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi.

Juventus nearly completed a stunning comeback against Galatasaray on Wednesday, but were eliminated from the Champions League knockout play-off with a 7-5 aggregate defeat.

Zhegrova’s wasted chance in Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray

Despite Lloyd Kelly’s red card at the start of the second half, the Bianconeri levelled the score before minute 90th, taking a three-goal lead and then had a massive chance to make it 4-0 in extra time.

Kosovo international Zhegrova, however, wasted a wise Weston McKennie assist and sent what appeared to be an easy shot wide of the far post.

Just a few minutes later, Victor Osimhen scored a goal that practically qualified Galatasaray.

“This image hurts even more the day after,” ex-Juventus midfielder Tacchinardi wrote on Instagram, showing an angle of Zhegrova’s missed opportunity in front of the goal.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti was so disappointed by the elimination that he didn’t even talk to the media at full-time as the Bianconeri sent director Giorgio Chiellini to comment on the game with reporters.

Inter star Nicolò Barella has netted only once this season, finishing his Champions League campaign without a goal or assist, raising concerns for the Nerazzurri and Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Inter midfielder Barella is under scrutiny for club and country due to a dip in form this season, Tuttosport reports.

Barella’s disappointing season so far

The 29-year-old has scored only one Serie A goal this season, adding six assists, but Barella has ended his Champions League campaign without a goal.

Barella’s numbers are even more worrying when considering that the Italian grabbed nine goals and ten assists in 2022-23.

Clearly, his performances can’t only be judged by goal contributions, but the general feeling is that the Italy international has been far less effective in the current campaign.

Inter and Italy’s concerns over Barella’s form

La Gazzetta dello Sport has already reported that Inter might be listening to offers for the Italian midfielder next summer, and Tuttosport adds that Italy CT Gattuso is ‘concerned’ by the midfielder’s decline, to the extent that Barella’s call-up for next month’s World Cup play-off is uncertain.

The same goes for Davide Frattesi, who has only provided three assists in 24 appearances this season.

Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United were among the most profitable clubs in 2024-25, but Serie A is the fourth European league in revenue, even fifth, behind France in ticket income.

UEFA has published a report on the finances of European clubs, and the outcome for Italian football is not exactly rosy.

As highlighted by Gazzetta, the revenues of the 20 Premier League clubs reached €7.5 billion in 2024-25, almost twice Germany’s €3.9 billion and Spain’s €3.88 billion, and more than double Italy’s € 2.9 billion.

Ligue 1 narrows the revenue gap with Serie A

French clubs have registered a +7% increase in revenues compared to the previous campaign, while Turkish clubs have seen an even more impressive +64% increase.

Serie A is the fourth European league in terms of revenue, and even drops to fifth when it comes to matchday ticket revenue, which is just at €442m. The Premier League is above €1 billion, Spain and Germany are around €600m, and France is at €448m.

There’s still a considerable gap between Serie A and Ligue 1 in terms of TV rights: Italy reaches €1.2 billion, while France doesn’t even reach €500,000. Premier League clubs earn 3.4 billion from TV rights, Spain 1.4 billion, and Germany 1.14 billion.

Inter among the most profitable clubs in Europe

Eleven clubs recorded operating profits exceeding €50m, with Real Madrid, Inter and Manchester United on top of the ranking.

The biggest losses were reported by Chelsea and three French clubs: Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg.

The Premier League is by far Europe’s leading league, also in terms of commercial income, with €2.38 billion, followed by Germany with €1.5 billion, Spain with €1.2 billion, and Italy with around €860 million.

Luckily, Serie A also sits fourth in Europe in terms of wage bill, slightly below €2 billion. Yet again, the Premier League tops the ranking with €4.8 billion, followed by Spain at € 2.4 billion and Germany at € 2.1 billion.

There’s no Italian team in the top 10 for revenues. Inter are the top Serie A side with €547m, followed by Juventus (15th) with €420m, and Milan (16th) with €411m.

Serie A ranks fourth also in terms of net equity, but 17 out of 20 clubs have a negative net equity, the worst performance in Europe.

Reports in Italy claim that Inter could listen to offers for Marcus Thuram, Denzel Dumfries, and even Nicolò Barella next summer, especially after their early Champions League exit.

The futures of three Inter stars are uncertain following a surprising Champions League knockout play-off exit.

Inter’s Champions League revenue in 2025-26

As reported by Repubblica, the Serie A giants’ financial plan for the current campaign included reaching the Round of 16, but their loss to Bodo/Glimt might force them to sell one of their stars to offset the financial loss.

Inter finished the 2024-25 financial year with a €35m profit, and to replicate that result, they should have already sold a top player, Repubblica wrote.

Inter earned €137m from the Champions League last season; this time, they reached €66m, and, obviously, there will be no Club World Cup to allow the Nerazzurri to raise a further €30m.

The Nerazzurri recorded €567m in revenue last season, a record for Italian football.

Which players will leave Inter in 2026?

Inter will surely lower their wage bill over the summer as the likes of Francesco Acerbi, Stefan De Vrij, Matteo Darmian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are expected to leave at the end of their contracts in June.

Inter, however, might need more than that, and according to Repubblica, the Nerazzurri will likely listen to offers for Thuram, who has an €80m clause in his contract, and Dumfries, who has recently changed his agent.

According to Gazzetta, even Barella’s future is uncertain with the Nerazzurri considering his future after a disappointing campaign.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen feels he ‘didn’t need’ to celebrate his decisive goal against Juventus, and it was ‘important’ to ‘respect’ an important person in his career, Luciano Spalletti.

Juventus beat Galatasaray 3-2 last night, but were still eliminated from the Champions League knockout play-off with a 7-5 aggregate loss.

The Bianconeri went 3-0 up in the 90th minute despite being reduced to ten men at the start of the second half.

Yet, Osimhen scored the decisive goal in extra time to pave the way for Galatasaray’s qualification.

The ex-Napoli star, however, didn’t celebrate his goal.

Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray: Osimhen’s post-match comments

“I didn’t need to do it. I think it was important to respect a man I care about who has had an important role in my career,” Osimhen told Prime Video Italia.

“Obviously, I’m talking about Spalletti. I didn’t feel the need to celebrate.

“We played badly, even when they went down to ten men, so there was no reason to celebrate. Even when I scored the decisive goal, I didn’t feel the need to celebrate. I’m not that type of player, one who tries to hide his emotions. I saw these people applauding Juventus for their performance. I can say I’m happy.”

“I have to be honest, I’m disappointed with the performance of the team, the whole team,” he said.

“I have to give kudos to Juventus for the kind of display. We qualified, but we have a lot to improve on if you have to go in the next one and play the big dogs. The performance wasn’t really good; Juventus deserved to win, but I’m happy my team qualified for the next one.”

Galatasaray will face Liverpool or Tottenham in the Round of 16. Atalanta are the only Serie A representative left in the competition and will face Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the next phase.

“I’m disappointed in the performance of the team.”

Victor Osimhen speaks candidly on Galatasaray’s scare against Juventus pic.twitter.com/7tPdmO2fqi

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 25, 2026

Juventus defender Federico Gatti insists the Bianconeri ‘threw the qualification away’ in the first leg against Galatasaray, but the reaction in Turin was ‘incredible’ despitean ‘absurd’ red card to Lloyd Kelly.

Juventus were eliminated from the Champions League knockout phase on Wednesday, despite a 3-2 home win over Galatasaray.

The Bianconeri had been reduced to ten men at the start of the second half, but still managed to reach the 90th minute three goals up.

The visitors, however, scored twice in extra time to progress to the Round of 16.

Gatti reacts to Kelly’s red card

“The problem is that we threw qualification away in the first leg, but tonight was an extraordinary performance,” Gatti told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“The red card for Kelly seems absurd to me, us defenders are far too penalised by these rules. The reaction was incredible, the fans really helped support us too, but we were exhausted in extra time. We had got the game back on track down to 10 men, but we threw it all away in the first leg.

“It’s so disappointing, because the qualification is ultimately the only thing that counts, and we didn’t get the result we needed. It was an enormous performance, though. I’m so exhausted,” the defender continued.

“I was coming back from an injury and I am still not at 100 per cent, but the more I play, the better I’ll get.”

Did Luciano Spalletti say anything after the final whistle?

“No, we didn’t cross paths,” Gatti concluded.

Gatti scored Juventus’ second goal last night, but it was still not enough for the Old Lady to progress to the next phase.

Atalanta are the only Serie A representative to have qualified for the Round of 16, beating Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate. Tomorrow, Friday, February 23, La Dea will find out whether they’ll face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the next phase.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dea of Italy, Juve deserve applause

Champions: impressive Atalanta, Spalletti down to ten men, comes close to the miracle

Borussia crushed: 4-1, Samardzic gifts the qualification to the Round of 16. Now Bayern or Arsenal. Draw tomorrow.

Chasing two trophies, Inter believe

Scudetto plus Coppa Italia. The double could be worth a treasure

Bologna, assalut to the Norwegians

Conference, Viola with Jagiellonia (18:45). Resume from 3-0.

Corriere dello Sport

Juve out, fantastic Dea

Champions, Galatasaray shocks the Stadium (3-2). Osimhen scores and doesn’t celebrate

How do you dare!

Victor takes the Round of 16 off Spalletti

Disastrous referee: Lucio was reduced to 10 men, but won 3-0 in the 90th minute. Then his ex-Napoli hitman eliminates him. Atalanta beat Borussia 4-1: now Bayern or Arsenal.

Inter, 60m burned

Oaktree does the math after the flop against Bodo

Dominating in the league, but they swerved in Europe: Chivu lost five games from ten, so the fund can determine a new cycle. It’s time for a great confrontation and investments

Another Norwegian: Bologna try

Piccoli, Viola start to enjoy it

Napoli, Conte finds Anguissa again

Roma push for Senesi’s yes

Tuttosport

Fantastic Dea

Scamacca, Zappacosta, Pasalic and Samardzic (penalty kick in the 98th minute after Adeyemi’s goal) put their names on a memorable feat. Percassi’s pride: ‘I’m moved, Palladino is a predestined.’ Arsenal or Bayern in the Round of 16: Draw tomorrow.

Thanks heroes

Juventus, down to ten men, came back against Galatasaray and surrendered only in extra time.

The absurd Kelly red card at the start of the second half doesn’t affect the Bianconeri who, one goal up thanks to Locatelli’s penalty, hit with Gatti and McKennie. Splendid game with heart, pride and attacking production, but Zhegrova incredibly fails the goal of 4-0. Osimhen, on the other hand, was ruthless and Yilmaz kills it off. The former Napoli striker scores, doesn’t celebrate, then waves to the Stadium crowd: a signal for the future?

Inter issues, a top player to leave, Barella is a case

The failed qualification for the Round of 16 will lead to a big sale: Dumfries, Bisseck and Thuram are suspected. The midfielder’s decline scares Gattuso, too.

Stadium, the mayor pushes Cairo

Bologna start from 1-0, but beware of the Norwegians…

Fiorentina, Round of 16 booked and rotations for survival

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'