Napoli moved a step closer to securing Champions League football with a commanding home victory over Torino at the Maradona, with goals from Alisson Santos and Eljif Elmas doing the damage against a Torino side that threatened briefly but were ultimately well beaten.

Antonio Conte’s men were in the ascendancy from the off, and it took only seven minutes for the opener to arrive.

Alisson Santos, the Brazilian who has quickly become a fan favourite at the Maradona, collected a pass on the edge of the box and without hesitation rifled an unstoppable effort into the bottom left corner.

It was a goal of genuine quality, the kind that silences any doubts about whether a player belongs at this level.

Torino were not without their moments in the first half.

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

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic was called into action on a couple of occasions, producing a sensational stop to deny Nikola Vlasic from close range after a rebound fell invitingly on the edge of the box, while Duvan Zapata tested the defence with a powerful effort that cannoned to safety.

But Napoli’s control was evident, their passing crisp and purposeful as they managed the game comfortably until the break.

Napoli 2-1 Torino – Zambo Anguissa & De Bruyne return from injury

Zambo Anguissa made his comeback from injury at half-time, replacing Vergara in a moment that drew warm applause from a sell-out crowd, the Cameroonian’s return another welcome boost for a squad stretched thin by a lengthy injury list.

Kevin De Bruyne followed him off the bench in the 79th minute, the Belgian’s first involvement since October greeted with enormous excitement from the stands.

The points were sealed on 68 minutes when Elmas, having been played in smartly by Matteo Politano, jinked inside his marker and buried an unstoppable low drive into the bottom left corner. It was a goal of composure and conviction, and one that gave the result its definitive shape.

Torino did manage to deny Napoli a clean sheet, when Cesare Casadei scored with just two minutes left of normal time. However, the Partenopei managed to hold on to their lead and secure the three points.

Napoli’s fortress remains intact.

The Maradona is still an unbeaten turf in Serie A this season, and with De Bruyne and Anguissa edging closer to full fitness, Conte’s side are gathering momentum at exactly the right time.

06-03-2026 19:45

MatchDay 28

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Napoli

Torino

Live

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Alisson Santos (Assist: Leonardo Spinazzola)

7'

2nd half

		63'		Gvidas Gineitis
		64'		Ardian Ismajli
Eljif Elmas (Assist: Matteo Politano)		68'
		73'		Valentino Lazaro

Napoli

Torino

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

70'

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

46'

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

79'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

84'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

84'

1

Alberto Paleari

Goalkeeper

44

Ardian Ismajli

Defender

77

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

33

Rafa Obrador

Defender

57'

23

Saúl Coco

Defender

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

66

Gvidas Gineitis

Midfielder

67'

98

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

78'

10

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

57'

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

23

Giovane

Attacker

23

Giovane Nascimento

Attacker

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

46'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

70'

11

Kevin De Bruyne

Midfielder

79'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

84'

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

84'

34

Cristiano Biraghi

Defender

81

Franco Israel

Goalkeeper

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

13

Guillermo Maripán

Defender

6

Emirhan Ilkhan

Midfielder

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

25

Niels Nkounkou

Defender

92

Alieu Njie

Attacker

99

Lapo Siviero

Goalkeeper

19

Ché Adams

Attacker

57'

16

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

57'

17

Sandro Kulenovic

Attacker

67'

22

Cesare Casadei

Midfielder

67'

14

Tino Anjorin

Midfielder

78'

Antonio Conte spoke to DAZN in the moments before kick-off between Napoli and Torino at the Maradona, addressing the most pressing questions surrounding his team selection, and offering the most detailed update yet on when supporters might see Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa making a meaningful contribution.

The Belgian and the Cameroonian are both named on the bench this evening, their first involvement in a matchday squad since their respective injuries in the autumn.

But Conte was measured in managing expectations, explaining that the timing of the fixture had complicated their preparation.

“This is the first week they have worked with us,” he said, with quotes via IlNapolista.

“Making assessments about how much they can play is difficult, especially because in previous weeks we organised friendlies to help with the integration of new arrivals like Lukaku. This week that was not possible, a practice match would have been useful. If I have brought them to the bench, it means they are available. We will see how the game goes, whether we need them and how much.”

Napoli vs Torino – Conte defends selection choices

The selection of three left-footed central defenders raised eyebrows, with Sam Beukema notably absent from the starting lineup.

Conte was typically brief when pressed on the matter.

“These are technical choices, I pick those in the best condition. It is not the first time this has happened,” he said, declining to elaborate further.

With 11 matches remaining, Conte was equally direct about the stakes involved.

Asked about the difficulty of facing a Torino side who have returned to a two-striker system under Roberto D’Aversa, he refused to single out any individual opponent.

“For us every match is important,” he said.

“In these eleven games we will determine what kind of European competition we play next season. Tonight matters, just as Lecce and Cagliari will matter. We must take it game by game and draw conclusions at the end.”

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

Roma forward Paulo Dybala underwent knee surgery today at the Villa Stuart medical facility in Rome, as surgeons seek to correct a repeating issue in his meniscus.

According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, via FirenzeViola, the Argentine was subject to a diagnostic arthroscopy on his left knee, which revealed a small tear in his external meniscus.

During the procedure, surgeons fixed the tear, led by Professor Mariani at Villa Stuart.

Dybala is now expected to sit out for around six weeks, due to return around mid-April.

This means that the Argentine will miss most of the remainder of the season and with his Roma future hanging in the balance, he will want to return before the campaign is over in case it is his last chance to play in Giallorossi colours.

Watch: Dybala leaves Villa Stuart after knee surgery

.@OfficialASRoma, Paulo Dybala ha lasciato Villa Stuart dopo l’intervento al ginocchio pic.twitter.com/CEDsXMNUJP

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) March 6, 2026

Napoli host Torino at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this evening, as Antonio Conte’s side look to bounce back from recent wobbles to ensure they do not lose further ground in the race for the top four.

Conte’s Partenopei currently sit in third place but have lost much ground on league leaders Inter over the past couple of months.

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

An injury crisis in Naples has left Conte fairly short-staffed and they now sit 14 points off of the Nerazzurri. Therefore, the Scudetto dream is quickly fading away but it is still all to play for in the exciting race for Champions League football.

Napoli have a five point lead over 5th placed Como, with Juventus one point behind Fabregas’ side and Atalanta two points behind the Bianconeri.

Torino, meanwhile, come into this game off the back of a first win under Roberto D’Aversa, winning 2-0 at home to Lazio after three consecutive games without a win that saw Marco Baroni sacked.

Napoli vs Torino – Official Lineups

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic; Juan Jesus, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Gilmour, Elmas, Spinazzola; Vergara, Hojlund, Alisson

Torino: Paleari; Coco, Ismajli, Ebosse; Lazaro, Prati, Gineitis, Obrador; Vlasic, Simeone; Zapata

06-03-2026 19:45

MatchDay 28

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Napoli

Torino

Live

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Alisson Santos (Assist: Leonardo Spinazzola)

7'

2nd half

		63'		Gvidas Gineitis
		64'		Ardian Ismajli
Eljif Elmas (Assist: Matteo Politano)		68'
		73'		Valentino Lazaro

Napoli

Torino

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

70'

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

46'

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

79'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

84'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

84'

1

Alberto Paleari

Goalkeeper

44

Ardian Ismajli

Defender

77

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

33

Rafa Obrador

Defender

57'

23

Saúl Coco

Defender

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

66

Gvidas Gineitis

Midfielder

67'

98

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

78'

10

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

57'

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

23

Giovane

Attacker

23

Giovane Nascimento

Attacker

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

46'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

70'

11

Kevin De Bruyne

Midfielder

79'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

84'

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

84'

34

Cristiano Biraghi

Defender

81

Franco Israel

Goalkeeper

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

13

Guillermo Maripán

Defender

6

Emirhan Ilkhan

Midfielder

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

25

Niels Nkounkou

Defender

92

Alieu Njie

Attacker

99

Lapo Siviero

Goalkeeper

19

Ché Adams

Attacker

57'

16

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

57'

17

Sandro Kulenovic

Attacker

67'

22

Cesare Casadei

Midfielder

67'

14

Tino Anjorin

Midfielder

78'

{rsn-live-v2}

Lois Openda’s difficult debut season at Juventus has taken another unusual turn, with the Belgian striker sharing images on social media of himself undergoing an extensive cupping therapy session, covered from head to toe in the traditional Chinese medicine cups in a photo that, as Tuttosport put it, looked more like a torture scene than a recovery treatment.

While athletes occasionally use cupping to aid muscle recovery, the sheer extent of Openda’s session left supporters and observers genuinely taken aback.

It is a striking image of a player trying everything to turn his fortunes around, and the numbers make clear just how badly that turnaround is needed.

Openda struggles as Juventus could seek to cash in early

Juventus signed Openda for €40.6 million on a compulsory purchase obligation after an initial €3.3 million loan, with gross annual wages of €7.4 million running until 2030.

The total outlay makes for uncomfortable reading when set against his output.

Across all competitions, 23 Serie A appearances totalling 684 minutes, plus two Coppa Italia and eight Champions League outings, the former RB Leipzig striker has scored just one goal, against Roma in a 2-1 win on 20 December.

The arithmetic, as Tuttosport calculates, is brutal.

His total cost works out at approximately €51,661 per minute played across all competitions. Restricting the calculation to Serie A alone, the figure rises to a staggering €75,000 per minute when factoring in both transfer fee and wages.

Juventus will face enormous difficulty recouping anything close to their investment should they choose to move him on this summer, and with the club already planning significant attacking reinforcements, Openda’s time in Turin looks increasingly limited.

Former Roma star Daniele De Rossi, now the Genoa coach, has a ‘desire for redemption’ against the Giallorossi after December’s 3-1 loss at the Olimpico.

Roma visit De Rossi’s Genoa on Sunday, and the former midfielder previewed the game at a press conference on Friday.

Genoa vs. Roma – De Rossi’s pre-match press conference

“On Sunday, there will be many people I care about, and I’ll want to hug. In the meantime, I send a hug to Dybala, but Roma are very strong even without him,” De Rossi said via Corriere dello Sport.

Dybala underwent arthroscopic surgery today and is expected to remain out of action for nearly two months.

“I hug him as I did when he became a father,” De Rossi said.

Sebastian Otoa and Brooke Norton-Cuffy remain in doubt for Genoa.

“I still don’t know if they’ll be called up. The positive news is that they’re doing much better, and we have great confidence regarding all the injured players,” De Rossi said.

“Baldanzi surely won’t be there, but he also gives us hope. We’ve lost him, but I don’t think for very long.”

Roma and Genoa already met recently, with the Grifone suffering a 3-1 away loss in late December.

“The reverse fixture was our worst match since I’ve been here, despite mistakes made in other games as well and despite the opponent’s strength,” noted De Rossi.

“Roma’s value is unquestionable; what we lacked was the reaction. We’ve played against teams that dominated us like Napoli or Atalanta, but the reaction was always there.

“On Sunday, we’ll have to be ready for anything. We’ve always done well at home, and the crowd is positive and really pushes us. I always tell my friends to come and watch Genoa here to understand.

“We know what kind of match we need to play. There’s also a bit of desire for redemption on our part for what we did in the reverse fixture. That was the only time I’ve looked at myself in the mirror and not been proud of myself; the only time I went home and asked a couple of questions.”

Reports in Italy claim that Milan left-back Davide Bartesaghi trained with the rest of the team on Friday, so he’s expected to be available for Sunday’s Serie A derby against Inter.

Milan left-back Bartesaghi trained with the rest of his teammates this morning, giving coach Massimiliano Allegri a much-needed boost for Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina against Inter.

Bartesaghi resumes training with Milan ahead of derby

Bartesaghi was subbed off during last week’s away game at Cremonese, but exams undergone earlier this week didn’t highlight any lesion in the flexor of his right thigh.

As reported by Milannews and Sky Sport Italia, Bartesaghi returned to group training on Friday, so he should be eligible for the next Serie A match.

It remains to be seen, however, whether the Italian defender will start against Inter or if Allegri will pick Pervis Estupinan as a left wing-back.

Bartesaghi, 20, has scored two goals and provided one assist in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

Milan sit second in the Serie A table, ten points below their next rivals Inter.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti says Dusan Vlahovic is still unavailable, but hopes to return against Udinese, while Weston McKennie’s contract extension proves the club is preparing for the future ‘properly.’

Juventus striker Vlahovic won’t be eligible for Saturday’s Serie A match against Pisa.

The Serbia international returned to training earlier this week after undergoing surgery in December, but he’s still not fit to be part of the squad.

Vlahovic not available for Juventus vs. Pisa

“Not tomorrow, he’s focusing on Udinese,” Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

During his meeting with the media, Spalletti confirmed that he’d continue talks with the club over a new contract in the coming days and then commented on McKennie’s recent contract extension.

“Juventus are showing that it’s preparing properly for the future through scouting and planning. McKennie is a strong player, a very strong one,” the coach said.

“The club did everything it needed to do without me having to say anything.”

Surely, however, working under Spalletti has benefited the American midfielder, who has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 27 appearances under the Tuscan tactician.

Mattia Perin started the last two games for Juventus, replacing under-fire Michele Di Gregorio, but will Juventus’ first-choice keeper return to the XI against Pisa?

“I’ll announce the line-up tomorrow,” Spalletti said.

“They are both doing very well, and I was sorry to hear certain things about Di Gregorio, because it’s pointless to single out individuals when the difficulties are collective.

“It will be a very difficult match. The whole environment considers it an easy game to win; everyone thinks they are already relegated, but I’m sure Gilardino was already giving them certain messages, and Oscar Hiljemark as well. Teams always find ways to create motivation. Sometimes it’s even easier in those moments than in others. When a player thinks the game is easy, he becomes more superficial. I’m convinced my players will evaluate the match properly. When you become superficial, you get knocked down, and we absolutely must not let that happen.”

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti says he’ll continue talks with the club over a new contract in the coming days and reveals he’ll move into the same building as club director Damien Comolli: ‘So we’ll run into each other when we go downstairs.’

• More from Spalletti’s press conference – Vlahovic still out, McKennie’s Juventus extension proves one thing

Juventus coach Spalletti provided an update on his future at the Allianz Stadium during a press conference on Friday.

The Italian tactician previewed tomorrow’s Serie A match against Pisa, but inevitably faced a question about his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

“The numbers say that we’re not where we would like to be, and we have to remember that,” Spalletti said.

“But we also see how close the fans are to the team, and their message is coming through loud and clear because of their attachment to the shirt and what the players are doing. That’s what gives us the most pleasure and what drives us forward.”

Most of the Juventus fans seem to be fully backing Spalletti, while club directors Giorgio Chiellini and Comolli have reiterated that they want to continue with the Italian coach beyond the summer.

“We have to play out this final part of the season. We are all focused and oriented in that direction,” the coach added.

“The group is what matters. As for the future, we’ll talk about it this week, but right now we are tied to this moment, to everything that’s happening. We’ll calmly discuss what the future will be, mine and Juventus’s, without pressure or stress.

Spalletti: ‘Having a contract to show off’ doesn’t matter

“What matters is what the team is doing, the desire the team will show in these matches. Results matter too, but so does planning for the future. My contract has already been discussed with the club because we are close. In fact, I’m about to move into the same building as Comolli, so we’ll run into each other when we go downstairs.

“What matters is doing well, not having a contract to show off. We need to perceive the space ahead of us, and there is still space ahead; we have to be careful to recognise that space.”

Juventus sit sixth in the Serie A table, but just four points below fourth-placed Roma.

Spalletti was hired at the end of October to replace Igor Tudor, and Juventus have won 14 of 27 games under the Tuscan tactician.

Surgeon Pier Paolo Marini, who performed arthroscopy surgery on Paulo Dybala’s meniscus today, says the Argentine star be forced to the sidelines for at least 45 days.

Dybala underwent surgery on Friday after an injury setback.

The Argentine continued to experience knee discomfort on Thursday and, alongside the club, decided to undergo surgery.

Dybala underwent meniscus surgery

“It was decided after a consultation yesterday,” Mariani, the doctor who performed the operation, told Sky Sport Italia.

“The initial diagnosis was a meniscal injury, although there were no clear signs on the MRI. Yesterday, together with Dr Petrucci, we decided to perform a diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy.

“We found a tear in the lateral meniscus. From an orthopaedic standpoint, the recovery time is about 45 days,” the doctor continued.

“After that, I hope the return to the pitch will be quick, but it will be decided by the Roma medical staff, the trainers and the coach.”

Dybala has scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.

The Argentine striker’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires this coming June. Dybala made his last competitive appearance for Roma on January 25.

This latest injury casts even more doubts about his future at the Stadio Olimpico. According to Italian sources, Boca Juniors directors have already opened talks with the former Juventus star, who is available for a free transfer in June.

Roma currently sit fourth in the Serie A table with 51 points, three above fifth-placed Como.

The Giallorossi have also qualified for the Europa League Round of 16, where they’ll meet their Serie A opponents, Bologna.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan will offer Massimiliano Allegri a new contract until 2028 as the Rossoneri see the Italian tactician as the cornerstone of their project.

Milan’s likely qualification for the 2026-27 Champions League has prompted the Rossoneri directors to prepare a contract extension offer for their coach, Allegri.

Milan to offer Allegri a new contract

According to Gazzetta, Allegri remains a key part of the Milan project, so the club will offer the Italian tactician a one-year contract extension until June 2028 with an option for a further campaign.

Qualification for the Champions League will also allow Milan to offer Allegri a pay rise from the current €5m-a-year salary to €6m per season.

Previous reports in Italy, however, suggested that Allegri’s future at Milan beyond the summer was uncertain.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Real Madrid see Allegri as a potential candidate for their bench in 2026-27, while Sportitalia has claimed that the Livorno-born tactician is considering his future at San Siro due to concerns over the club’s management.

Questioned about the matter at a recent press conference, Allegri said: “There’s total harmony with the club regarding the rumours that came out this week.

“Of course, in any discussion, there can be different points of view. It’s important that everyone works for the good of Milan. I’m very happy to have returned to Milan after 15 years and to have started working with a wonderful group of players. The club is planning and structuring Milan’s future. To do that, we need to achieve the most important result. In March, we’re in a fairly good position. Now we have to see if we’re good enough to stay there or take the final step. There’s harmony between the club and me.”

Barcelona don’t see Dusan Vlahovic as a primary option to replace Robert Lewandowski next season, and Juventus are reported to be increasingly confident of reaching an agreement with their striker over a new contract.

Juventus hope to convince Vlahovic to extend his contract as the striker’s deal at the Allianz Stadium runs out this coming June.

Latest on Vlahovic contract extension

According to Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano (via Calciomercato.com), there have been direct talks between the two parties in recent days.

The Bianconeri are determined to make an offer between €6m and €7m per season. Vlahovic earns €12m, including add-ons, in his final year at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus are increasingly confident of reaching an agreement, as Vlahovic hasn’t yet shaken hands with any other club.

Moretto reports that Vlahovic has been offered by his entourage to Barcelona, but the Catalans don’t see the Serbia international as a primary option for now.

Vlahovic has missed over three months of action after undergoing surgery in December 2025.

He has scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 games across all competitions this season.

Lega Serie A has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for the second legs of the Coppa Italia semifinals and Serie A Week 31, including Inter-Roma on Easter.

Lega Serie A has provided the dates and kick-off times for Serie A matches to be played over the Easter weekend in April.

Serie A Week 31 will unfold from Saturday, April 4, to Monday, April 6.

Lecce-Atalanta is scheduled for Saturday, 4, at 15:00 CET, but if Atalanta progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, the match will be moved to April 6 at 15:00.

At the same time, the Udinese-Como match scheduled for April 6 at 15:00 CET will be moved to 12:30 CET, but only if Atalanta progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

As for the second legs of the Coppa Italia semifinals, Inter-Como will be played on Tuesday, April 21, at 21:00 CET. Atalanta-Lazio is scheduled for the following day, Wednesday, April 22, at 21:00 CET.

Inter and Como drew 0-0 in the first leg played at the Stadio Sinigaglia earlier this week, while Atalanta and Lazio picked up a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Serie A Week 31 times and dates (CET time)

Inter will reportedly offer Henrikh Mkhitaryan a new contract, but Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij will leave in June, opening the door to a defensive overhaul at the Stadio Meazza.

Inter are already preparing for some big changes at the back as three of their defenders, Darmian, Acerbi and De Vrij, won’t be offered a new contract, leaving the club on a free transfer in June, reports TMW.

Latest Inter transfer updates

The summer overhaul will also include the goalkeeper role, as Sommer is expected to leave the club at the end of his contract in June.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has emerged as Inter’s main target to replace Sommer next summer, with the Italy international eager to return to Serie A from North London.

Other goalkeepers linked with a move to Inter are Liverpool’s Alisson and Marco Carnesecchi, even though the latter is expected to sign a new deal with Atalanta.

As TMW reports, central midfielder Mkhitaryan is the only Inter player who will receive an offer to extend his expiring contract.

The Nerazzurri’s proposal, however, will include a 30% pay cut, from €3.8m per season to €2.5m for 2026-27.

Milan defender Fikayo Tomori says his teammate Christian Pulisic is ‘underestimated’ and recalls his first Derby della Madonnina: ‘I thought, this is a different derby.’

The Milan derby is just around the corner, with Milan and Inter meeting at San Siro this coming Sunday at 20:45 CET.

Tomori has entered his fifth year in Milan and spoke to The Athletic about his first match against Inter and the Rossoneri’s season so far.

Tomori on Milan derby and Allegri

“It was Covid but the fans came to the training ground. That doesn’t happen in England. They’re waving flags. They’ve got banners and everything,” said the Milan defender.

“Immediately, that happens and you think: ‘This is a different game. This is a different derby’. Then you come to the stadium. You’re on the bus and you hear the fans banging on it. At first I was like: ‘Hold on, what’s going on here’.

“Having these ultra passionate fans who just sing for 90 minutes. Not even 90 minutes,” Tomori continued.

“They’re there before we’re out warming up. They’re there after the game. Even that in itself is another nuanced thing that makes it so special. I feel like, even my friends, I used to tell them about it but they never really understood what I was saying until they actually came to the stadium.”

Milan sit second in Serie A, ten points below their city rivals and table leaders Inter.

They don’t play in any European competition after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, but new coach Massimiliano Allegri seems to have turned things around.

Tomori recalled one of the first meetings with the Italian tactician: “He said: ‘Last season, we scored, I don’t know, 80-something goals. That’s Champions League statistics. However, we conceded 40-something. That’s sixth place or maybe in a good year fourth’. He said: ‘That’s not to say the defenders are bad and the defenders aren’t doing their job, the goalkeeper’s not doing his job. It’s to say the whole team needs to have the mentality that we cannot concede this many goals because if we don’t concede that many, we’ll be top of the table, especially with the players we have up front.”

Rafael Leao has scored ten goals and provided two assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, but missed several games, especially at the start of the campaign, due to a calf injury.

“It was almost like he didn’t know how good he was,” Tomori said about the Portuguese, “because everything came so naturally to him. He came out of the womb and this is just how he knew to play football. He just didn’t know how to use what he had. Everyone saw it the year we won the Scudetto, almost like he realised: ‘Wow. I can do this! I can do this!’.”

Christian Pulisic, on the other hand, has had a fantastic start to the season, but is now struggling with injuries and hasn’t yet scored in 2026.

“People underestimate him,” Tomori said.

“People don’t realise how fast he is. They don’t realise how sharp he is with the ball, how good he is with the ball, how intelligent he is. You only realise it when he’s scored a goal against you. I knew him from Chelsea.

“Puli’s a top, top professional. A really top guy. He always wants to improve. If he misses a shot in training, he’s like: ‘Why did I do that?’. But he’s really calm and nice to be around, very level-headed even, you know, (as) the best player America’s had in god knows how long. But he’s very calm, level-headed, very simple, I’d say.”

Tomori hasn’t played for the England national team since 2023, but hopes to convince Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 World Cup.

“We spoke a few months ago and he kind of said what I said. That I’m close and there’s not a lot in it, just to keep going,” Tomori concluded.

“In football (and) in life anything can happen. I’m focused on myself, doing the best I can to help myself, to help Milan. And then, like I said, hopefully I’m on the plane in June.”

Roma star Paulo Dybala is undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his injured left knee, reports in Italy claim.

Roma striker Dybala is undergoing exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, according to Italian sources, including Sky Sport’s Roma correspondent Angelo Mangiante.

Dybala undergoes arthroscopic surgery in Rome

The Argentine has not made a competitive appearance since the end of January, missing four of the last five games due to an inflammation in the lateral capsule of his left knee.

He was back in the squad against Juventus on Sunday, spending the entire game on the bench, but on Thursday, he suffered another injury setback in training.

According to reports, Dybala arrived at Rome’s Villa Stuard on Friday morning and, in agreement with the club, decided to undergo surgery, performed by Professor Piero Paolo Mariani.

Dybala’s contract with Roma expires at the end of the season. The Argentine has scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.

• Read more – Surgeon confirms Dybala’s recovery time after meniscus surgery

Luciano Spalletti’s contract with Juventus expires at the end of the season, and the Italian tactician has already convinced the club to offer him a new deal, but is it enough to continue together beyond the summer?

Spalletti was appointed in October 2025 to replace Igor Tudor, and the Bianconeri have shown steady signs of improvement since.

Although the Serie A giants still sit 6th in the standings, four points below fourth-placed Roma, the team has shown a strong identity, both domestically and in Europe, and it’s no coincidence that Australian online casino bookmakers still place them among the favourites to secure a Champions League spot this term.

When does Spalletti’s contract expire?

Spalletti signed a contract until the end of the season, and Tuttosport reported last week that club directors are already convinced to offer Spalletti a new deal beyond the summer.

The Italian tactician has publicly said that he’s happy to sign a contract extension, but according to reports, he still has to reach an agreement with the club.

Juventus and Spalletti will sit down in the coming weeks, but the coach has reportedly demanded at least three big signings, one in each department, for the 2026-27 campaign.

According to Tuttosport, the agreement between Juventus and Spalletti does not hinge on the Italian tactician’s salary, but rather on the club’s plans for next season and the long-term future.

“I’m looking for a football pitch, a ball, and players to coach, preferably intelligent ones, and I have that because my players are like that. If that were the necessity, it could be sorted out immediately,” Spalletti said in February, while director Giorgio Chiellini confirmed the club’s desire to extend.

“We are very happy with Spalletti and what he is achieving. I think he, too, is enjoying his time at Juventus. There is no rush, but also no doubt,” said the ex-defender, now the Director of Football Strategy at the Allianz Stadium.

“Luciano arrived here with great enthusiasm at Juventus, and he signed a contract with no guarantees precisely because he wanted to challenge himself. He is doing very well; he is part of the present and the future of this team.”

Even if Juventus are far from securing a Champions League spot this season, even former Bianconeri stars such as Miralem Pjanic believe Juventus must look to Spalletti for a long-term project.

“In Rome, I was coached for six months by Luciano. He’s a top manager,” the former midfielder told Gazzetta.

“Spalletti has given the team a clear identity, and the club now needs stability to start winning again. Spalletti is the right man to begin a new cycle, but obviously, he’s not enough. At least three top-level signings will be needed, one for each department.”

Italy’s Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon says Marco Palestra and Michael Kayode have impressed him this season and hits at Marco Verratti’s return: ‘His call-up wouldn’t upset the players.’

Italy’s Delegation Chief Buffon gave a lengthy interview to Il Messaggero, in which he confirmed he’ll step aside if the Azzurri miss out on World Cup qualification.

Buffon, Italy’s Delegation Chief since 2023, played a role in appointing Gennaro Gattuso as Italy’s head coach in June last year.

Buffon confident ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off

“There are coaches who are suited to certain historical moments. Rino was the right person at that moment: he’s empathetic,” Buffon said.

“He knows how to build relationships with players in an authentic, immediate way. He can foster a sense of belonging and group identity, which is always the best thing. The thing that helps you overcome obstacles, especially in the national team. The players well receive every opinion, judgment, and every thought of his, because he has experience in the dressing room.”

Italy have missed out on World Cup qualification in 2018 and 2022 and are once again involved in the play-off to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

On March 26, they’ll face Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal, with the potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy will play the semifinal at home in Bergamo and the final away in Wales or Bosnia.

Buffon hit back at criticism and looked confident ahead of the play-offs.

“Let’s write down some names: we are an ultra-competitive group for levels higher than what a play-off should be. We’ll go into a playoffplay-offeople like Donnarumma, Dimarco, Bastoni, Calafiori, Barella, Tonali, Retegui, Kean and Pio Esposito. I mean, how can Italy not go through? I struggle to see it,” he said.

“Then, maybe, it could happen for a third time, but at least I’d get there feeling calm, knowing that this is the reality. Then the pitch might prove us wrong, because once you are out there, a lot of other things can happen.”

Some young Italian players, including Niccolò Pisilli, Marco Palestra and Antonio Vergara, are having a good season in Serie A, but will they find a spot in the team for such crucial games this month?

“If there’s something he [Gattuso] doesn’t lack, it’s courage,” Buffon replied.

“Regardless of age, the national team is for those who deserve it. Of course, you need a certain core group; you get nowhere without one. You have to know how to use young players without burdening them with responsibilities. You must take fearlessness from young players. No one can talk about this more than I. My first appearance for Italy was in a World Cup play-off. But if you asked me now: ‘Did you realise how important the match was?’ I didn’t know a damn thing! I walked onto the field in the snow, and I was just happy to play. I told myself: go out there and enjoy it.

“A big surprise has been Palestra; he’s shown something extraordinary. Another one who’s doing well is Kayode. Vergara, too, definitely catches your attention.”

On the other hand, Italy veteran Verratti, 33, is expected to be called up, returning to the national team for the first time in nearly three years.

“Marco has always been someone who is highly appreciated in the dressing room; everyone has always had a soft spot for him,” Buffon said.

“His call-up wouldn’t upset the players. Also, because his technical quality is so high that everyone immediately recognises his unique leadership.”

Lastly, Buffon spoke about the recent incident involving Alessandro Bastoni in the Inter-Juventus match and the use of VAR.

“We spoke, and I found the whole thing a bit excessive; inevitably, the situation will die down. He’s paying far more than his actual share of the blame,” Buffon said.

“Inter-Juve confirmed that VAR is indispensable and makes you realise it must intervene in precise situations like the Kalulu incident. How can it not intervene in such a serious mistake? Who could have come up with something like that? It’s a procedure that drives you crazy. If you prevent a huge mistake, you’re helping the game of football, not harming it.

“Whoever came up with such a rule certainly isn’t a genius. There’s also something to review about physical contact: not every touch is a foul. People who have played football can help referees. There has to be a dialogue between the parties. If you blow the whistle for every contact, players realise it immediately and won’t help you; they’ll just throw themselves to the ground.”

Former Juventus and Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli was seen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday during Spurs’ 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace.

Several Italian sources, including Tuttosport, report that ex-Napoli and Juventus director Giuntoli was in London on Thursday, where he watched Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Giuntoli’s ties with Tudor

Giuntoli was sacked by Juventus at the end of the 2024-25 season and replaced by Damien Comolli.

In his second season at Juventus, Giuntoli had replaced Massimiliano Allegri with Thiago Motta, but then sacked the latter in March 2025, hiring Igor Tudor.

The Croatian tactician is now in charge of Tottenham, but the start of his tenure in North London has been terrible, as Spurs have suffered three defeats in his first three games.

Tudor risks being sacked already

According to reports in England, Tudor already risks being sacked, less than a month after his appointment, which was confirmed on February 14.

Tottenham are now fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with only a one-point lead over 18th-placed West Ham.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Juventus have opened preliminary talks with Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who wants to return to Serie A this summer.

Juventus are among the clubs interested in Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario, and according to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri have already opened preliminary talks with the player’s entourage.

Vicario wants Serie A return

Vicario is eager to return to Serie A in the summer, according to various sources, and his price tag is around €20m.

His salary in North London is also quite affordable for Juventus as the Italy international earns €2.6m at Tottenham.

Juventus, however, are not the only club to have established contact with Vicario’s representatives.

Matteo Moretto has reported that Inter are currently leading the race for the ex-Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper.

Juventus are expected to change their starting goalkeeper in 2026-27, with Mattia Perin and Michele Di Gregorio both available for transfer.

Tuttosport also mentions Liverpool’s Alisson and Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi among the Juventus targets, but the latter is expected to sign a contract extension with La Dea in the coming weeks.

Billy Gilmour will start in central midfield for Napoli in a home Serie A match against Torino tonight.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Maradona in Naples.

Scott McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka are still unavailable for the Partenopei, so Gilmour will partner Eljif Elmas in central midfield. Kevin De Bruyne and André Frank-Zambo Anguissa are back in the squad for the first time in four months and will start from the bench.

David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani are also unavailable for Napoli, while Torino have travelled to Naples without the injured Zakaria Aboukhlal.

According to Sky, Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will return between the sticks for Napoli, while Mathias Olivera will complete a three-man backline with Juan Jesus and Alessandro Buongiorno.

Duvan Zapata is favourite over Sandro Kulenović for a starting spot in attack for Torino. Enzo Ebosse is expected to start the second consecutive match for the Granata, pushing Napoli loanee Luca Marianucci to the bench.

Napoli vs. Torino – where to watch on TV

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

Napoli vs. Torino – probable line-ups

Napoli (3-4-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Juan Jesus, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Gilmour, Elmas, Spinazzola; Vergara, Hojlund, Alisson. 

Torino (3-4-1-2): Paleari; Coco, Ismajli, Ebosse; Lazaro, Prati, Gineitis, Obrador; Vlasic; Simeone; Zapata. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Scudetto derby, the super challenge in midfield

Inter want Barellik back

Chivu needs the real Nicolò to stop Rabiot and kill off the league

More and more Allegri

Max, the project continues: renewal and pay rise ready

Napoli for the Champions, Toro for the comeback

Corriere dello Sport

Max saves it?

Decisive derby

The league asks Milan to stop runaway Inter

Chivu can close it: Allegri is the last obstacle

Leao and Pulisic dream of the coup to go to -7. Bartesaghi doubts: Estupinan is ready on the left. Thuram and Pio Esposito to extend the lead to 13 points. Calhanoglu favourite over Mkhitaryan in central midfield.

Napoli must win

Hojlund makes his 30th consecutive appearance, chasing 10 Serie A goals for the first time. Sal Da Vinci’s show at the Maradona, coming from the Sanremo triumph

Spalletti waits for Yildiz’s goals

Decisive Kenan contribution in the race for the Champions League. Vlahovic still in doubt for Pisa

Dybala stops: 3/4 of Roma

Stop for La Joya. Pellegrini and Pisilli behind Malen at Marassi. Gasp: ‘My most difficult challenge here.’

Tuttosport

Juventus call Vicario

First contact with the Tottenham goalkeeper

The Italian wants to leave Spurs, who value him at 20-25m. Inter and Roma also in the race. Intrview to Rampulla: ‘I like Guglielmo, but Di Gregorio deserves trust. I think rotations in goal don’t work.’ Defence: acceleration for Senesi.

D’Aversa is looking for a miracle and a contract

The Granata coach aims to secure survival and to be confirmed for next season. The Maradona continues to protest against Cairo: ‘Out of the stadium until the end of the season.’

Stramaccioni plays Milan-Inter

‘Another Leao with Max. Barella, do a Lautaro.’

The coach and pundit: ‘Allegri has brought the mentality of a top side and with Rabiot and Modric…Chivu respects everyone but follows his pathway.’

Lautaro Martinez has opened up on his ambitions, his love for Inter’s supporters, and the personal difficulties he has overcome during a wide-ranging virtual Q&A with fans organised by theresidency.io.

The Argentine striker was characteristically direct when asked about his ultimate footballing dream, and it is one that has so far eluded him despite an already decorated career.

“Winning the World Cup is the most important thing in football,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb. “But the dream I still want to achieve is winning the Champions League.”

Inter captain Lautaro Martínez reflects on career so far

Lautaro also reflected on his remarkable goalscoring record for the club, having recently climbed to third in Inter’s all-time scoring charts.

“I never imagined reaching this,” he admitted.

“But with work and sacrifice, everything is achievable. Inter is passion. Wearing the captain’s armband for the first time was an indescribable emotion, just like every goal I score at San Siro.”

The Argentine was particularly warm when discussing the Nerazzurri faithful, who have embraced him unconditionally since his arrival from Racing Club.

“From the very first day I felt loved by the people here,” he said. “I feel proud of that.” He also acknowledged that his journey has not always been straightforward, citing personal difficulties alongside physical setbacks, including a metatarsal injury during his time at Racing and an ankle problem sustained during the World Cup triumph with Argentina, as moments that have shaped his character.

Currently sidelined with a muscular injury, Lautaro will be eager to return to full fitness and continue writing his name into Inter’s history books.

Napoli welcome back two long-absent midfielders for Friday evening’s home clash with Torino, with both Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Zambo Anguissa named in Antonio Conte’s squad after months on the sidelines, although neither will start.

The Belgian and the Cameroonian, out since 25 October and 11 November respectively, are included purely as bench options, with Conte managing their returns carefully, as per La Repubblica.

A shortened preparation week due to the Friday fixture meant the training match he typically uses to sharpen recovering players could not take place.

Lobotka injured as De Bruyne & Zambo Anguissa return for Napoli

The positive news is tempered considerably by fresh midfield casualties.

Stanislav Lobotka has joined Scott McTominay on the treatment table with a muscular complaint sustained after the Verona win, meaning all four of Conte’s preferred central midfielders are simultaneously unavailable for the first time this season.

Rrahmani, Di Lorenzo and David Neres remain longer-term absentees.

Billy Gilmour and Eljif Elmas will start in midfield, with Romelu Lukaku among the substitutes alongside De Bruyne and Anguissa. Up front, a youthful attacking trio of Antonio Vergara, Rasmus Højlund and Alisson Santos will lead the line.

Napoli remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, and with 50,000 fans expected, plus the added subplot of Giovanni Simeone returning as opposition, the atmosphere should be suitably charged. Three points are essential for Napoli’s Champions League ambitions, and Conte will be determined to make home advantage count.

Cesc Fabregas has dismissed any suggestion that Como’s 0-0 draw with Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg represented a missed opportunity, insisting his side performed well enough to have won the tie, and that the second leg in seven weeks’ time remains very much alive.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Cagliari, the Como head coach was characteristically detailed and passionate in his defence of his side’s display against the league leaders.

“Was it a missed opportunity? Sincerely, no,” he said, with quotes via CalcioMercato.

“We had three great chances to score, including Nico Paz, and they barely threatened our goal. I would like to know how many times in recent years Inter have managed just 0.07 expected goals.”

Fabregas proud of Como performance against Inter

Fabregas was equally pointed in pushing back against any criticism of his tactical approach in the closing stages, when Como sat deep rather than chasing a winner.

“If we had gone all-out and conceded a late goal, I would not have slept,” he said.

“We controlled Inter very well. For anyone used to watching teams do that against Inter, well, good for you.”

His only genuine regret was a lack of quality in the final third, with Valle and Vojvoda both failing to convert when well-placed.

“It was not attitude or tactics, it was quality in the last moment,” he conceded. “But after 40 years, we go to Milan in seven weeks to play for a final. Is it impossible? Nothing is impossible.”

The broader context is equally remarkable. Fabregas also reflected on an extraordinary run of fixtures, nine wins, four draws and two defeats across a gruelling 63-day stretch in which Como played every four days. Only the defeat to Fiorentina, he argued, was deserved.

Saturday’s visit of Cagliari offers a chance to maintain the momentum, and Fabregas is expecting another tight affair against a well-organised side.

“I know Pisacane very well, he is doing a tremendous job,” he said. “We want to play our game and bring home three points.”

Radja Nainggolan has never been short of an opinion, and the former Roma midfielder was in characteristically outspoken form in a wide-ranging interview with Sportium.fun, taking aim at Juventus, the VAR system, and even Paul Pogba along the way.

The Belgian, who resisted several opportunities to join Juventus during his career, explained his reluctance in the most Nainggolan way imaginable.

“I used to play Football Manager and I never picked the strongest team,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“When a club like Roma wins the title, it is a celebration for twenty years. At Juventus you have to win it every year, it is a completely different feeling.”

Nainggolan on Juventus referee bias and VAR

He then ventured into more controversial territory, citing what he described as personal experience of referee bias at the Allianz Stadium.

“When they inaugurated the Juventus Stadium, I played there with Cagliari and we drew 1-1 thanks to a non-existent penalty given to Juventus,” he said.

“Then I arrived at Roma, first game at the same stadium, we lost 3-2 with two penalties that were given outside the box. Everyone saw it. It is the truth, only not everyone can bring themselves to say it.”

On VAR, Nainggolan’s verdict was equally blunt.

“Football should be like it used to be,” he said. “If mistakes are still being made with VAR, then it is right to remove it and just let referees make errors naturally. Real football is something else.”

Perhaps most eyebrow-raising was his assessment of his midfield contemporaries. “In my era in Serie A, only Vidal and De Rossi were as strong as me,” he claimed. “Pogba? I was better than him, he only had three good years in his entire career.”

Now contemplating his next move, Nainggolan revealed he is considering taking his coaching badges. “Looking at what is out there,” he said with typical modesty, “I think I could do it.”

Juan Cuadrado faces one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of his season on Saturday, when Pisa travel to the Allianz Stadium to face Juventus, the club where the Colombian winger spent eight defining seasons of his career.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, via IlBianconero, Cuadrado was warm and reflective about his time in Turin, while making clear that sentiment will not get in the way of his desire to help Pisa take something from the game.

“It will be a beautiful match, full of emotions, against a club like Juventus who helped me grow as a professional and as a man,” he said.

“It will be a special evening. But it is a difficult match and we want to play well and take points.”

Cuadrado ‘feeling much better now’ ahead of Juventus return

Cuadrado also addressed the injury that has kept him away from the club in recent weeks, revealing he had travelled abroad to receive specialist treatment, a decision made jointly with Pisa’s medical staff.

“I am much better now and trying to give my best for the team,” he said, adding that he had remained close to his teammates throughout the difficult period. “I have always had the team in my head.”

On the match itself, the 37-year-old was candid about Pisa’s approach, urging his side to go to Turin with freedom and confidence. “Many of our players have never played in that stadium,” he said.

“We must go there with responsibility but also without fear, and try to shoot, like Aebischer did against Sassuolo.”

As for his future beyond this season, Cuadrado was deliberately vague, though his affection for Pisa was evident.

“I feel good here, I love the passion of the supporters,” he said. “But it is not yet the moment to make decisions.”

Sunday’s Milan derby carries enormous weight at both ends of the table, but Inter will be without their captain as Lautaro Martinez continues his recovery from the muscular injury sustained during the Champions League playoff first leg against Bodo/Glimt on 18 February.

Inter’s official medical bulletin confirmed the Argentine suffered a soleus muscle problem in his left leg, and he has not featured since.

The most optimistic scenario points to a return for the Serie A trip to Fiorentina on 22 March, meaning he would also miss next week’s Inter-Atalanta fixture.

Should his recovery take longer, the earliest he could feature is the Inter-Roma clash on 4 April, according to Goal.

His availability for Argentina’s Finalissima against Spain on 27 March also remains uncertain and will depend entirely on his progress in the coming weeks.

Dumfries returns to Inter XI for Milan derby

There is, however, a significant positive for Cristian Chivu ahead of the derby, via IlMilanista.

Denzel Dumfries is back in contention for a starting role after four months on the sidelines, and the Inter head coach is seriously considering handing the Dutchman his first start since returning from injury.

Luis Henrique’s performances on the right flank have been inconsistent, and with no reinforcements arriving in January, Chivu had been managing the situation carefully while waiting for Dumfries to regain full fitness.

That patience now appears ready to be rewarded, with the former PSV man set to reclaim his place as the undisputed first choice on Inter’s right side for one of the season’s most important fixtures.

Adrien Rabiot has established himself as one of Milan’s most important players this season, and in a wide-ranging interview with Rivista Undici, the French midfielder opened up on life at San Siro, his admiration for Luka Modric, and his personal ambitions in the red and black half of Milan.

The former Juventus and PSG man arrived at Milan following a difficult end to his time at Marseille, but has wasted little time in making his mark.

His mental resilience, he says, has always been his greatest asset, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Not everything can go the right way, sometimes negative things happen, but it is precisely in those moments that you learn and grow stronger,” he said. “Self-belief has always been part of my character, and with time and experience it has grown. That is something I want to transmit here at Milan.”

Rabiot: ‘Modric’s stamina surprised me!’

It is Modric, though, who has perhaps impressed Rabiot most since his arrival.

The Croatian legend, now 40, continues to defy the laws of time, and his new teammate have noticed.

“His quality we already knew,” Rabiot said. “What surprised me was his ability to run for ninety minutes, up and down, at forty years old. That is not something you take for granted, he has an extraordinary physique.”

He also highlighted the importance of leadership figures in the dressing room, naming Maignan and recent arrival Fullkrug alongside Modric as players who set the tone for the group.

On Allegri’s influence, Rabiot was equally warm. “With him there is the ambition to do well, to give everything, to train at one hundred percent and to play every match as if it were the last.”

He also credited the manager for creating a calm, focused environment, one in which younger players are thriving.

“He gives tranquillity to the group, he lets us do things properly, without rush, without nerves. The attitude of the younger players is impeccable, and that is also down to the manager.”

Rabiot’s personal goals are characteristically ambitious. He wants to leave his mark on every club he represents, something he achieved at PSG and Juventus, and Milan is next on that list.

“I want to write my name in the history of this club,” he said plainly, before adding that the World Cup remains the ultimate prize. “Winning it is the most beautiful objective in a footballer’s career.”

Lazio president Claudio Lotito’s latest phone call with a supporter went viral on social media on the eve of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Atalanta, and his comments will have done little to ease tensions at a club already under considerable strain.

The tie ended 2-2, leaving everything to play for in the second leg.

Lotito spent ten minutes in a heated conversation that touched on everything from his coach’s squad management to a pointed swipe at former manager Marco Baroni.

On Sarri, the president was barely concealed in his frustration, with quotes courtesy of Tuttosport.

“The club has a name and a surname: Claudio Lotito. It doesn’t belong to Sarri. If he wants it, he can buy it,” he said.

“A manager must take the players available and make them play, if he’s a good coach.”

Lazio president Lotito: ‘Sarri must use his players’

He then rattled off a list of grievances.

Taty Castellanos, sold for €30 million, was barely used. Guendouzi, played out of position in a back three, grew so frustrated he forced his way out.

Noslin and Belahyane were blocked from leaving, yet neither features regularly.

“If you can’t create the right chemistry in the dressing room,” Lotito warned, “people end up telling you where to go.”

Baroni, Sarri’s predecessor, also came in for criticism, with Lotito describing him as “that idiot” and blaming him for last season’s Europa League elimination by Bodo/Glimt, claiming he had instructed the injured Castellanos to take a decisive penalty.

With the second leg still to come and Sarri’s position at the club increasingly precarious, the fallout from Lotito’s latest outburst looks set to rumble on for some time yet.

Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi reveals what Zinedine Zidane told him before giving him a headbutt in the 2006 World Cup Final between Italy and France: ‘If you want my shirt, I’ll give it to you afterwards.’

• Read more – Buffon confirms he’ll ‘step aside’ if Italy don’t qualify for World Cup

Ex-Italy and Inter defender Materazzi reflected on the famous incident involving Zidane during the 2006 World Cup Final, which led to a red card for the French icon in the last game of his career.

Zidane to Materazzi: ‘If you want my shirt…’

During his interview with Vivo Azzurro, Materazzi described the moments before Zidane’s headbutt and what the former French star told him before the incident.

“When Buffon made that save on Zidane’s header, Gattuso wanted to kill me because I hadn’t marked him,” Zidane said.

“In reality, I was marking Trezeguet, but in certain situations, it was better not to argue with Rino about what had happened.

“Shortly afterwards, in a similar situation, I held him [Zidane] by the shirt for a bit. I wanted to make sure he couldn’t jump. I apologised twice, then the third time he repeated ‘if you want my shirt, I’ll give it to you afterwards,’ I said something back to him…but nothing more than the kind of things we used to say to each other as kids when I played on the seafront in Bari.”

During the same interview, Materazzi revealed that Gattuso and Vincenzo Iaquinta were among the Italian players who seemed unwilling to take a penalty kick in the shootout.

The Azzurri, including Materazzi, scored five from five, while David Trezeguet missed a penalty for France, giving Italy their fourth World Cup title.

Materazzi played 41 games with Italy, scoring two goals, both during the 2006 World Cup.

Roma’s January signing, Donyell Malen, is the Serie A Player of the Month for February.

Dutch striker Malen was the best player in Serie A last month.

Malen wins Serie A player of the month – official statement

“The EA SPORTS FC Player Of The Month award for February has been assigned to Roma player Donyell Malen. The trophy will be presented during the pre-match of Roma vs Lecce, scheduled for Sunday 22nd March 2026 at 6.00pm at the “Olimpico” stadium in Rome,” Lega Serie A said in a statement on Friday.

“The fans’ votes online, combined with individual statistical data, determined Lautaro Martinez as the winner, beating champions like Berardi (Sassuolo), Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Dimarco (Inter), Kean (Fiorentina), McKennie (Juventus).

Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said: “Donyell Malen’s impact on the Italian league has been simply perfect. The Dutch forward immediately adapted to Mister Gasperini’s tactical schemes, proving himself to be a relentless striker in front of goal, but also capable of linking up the team’s attacking play. Arriving in the winter transfer window, Malen took a few weeks to establish himself as a key player, immediately winning the award for best player of February with four goals in as many games and immediately proving himself worthy of Roma’s Champions League ambitions”.

Malen has become the second-best scorer in Europe’s top five leagues after Harry Kane since joining Roma on an initial loan deal from Aston Villa in mid-February.

Malen has scored six goals in his first seven Roma appearances in Serie A. Only Abel Balbo (seven) and Gabriel Omar Batistuta (nine) have managed more in the club’s history.

Malen is technically on loan from Aston Villa, but the Giallorossi have an option to buy to make his move permanent for €25m at the end of the season.

Roma’s option to buy becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League this season.

The Giallorossi currently sit fourth in the Serie A table, three points above fifth-placed Como and four points above Juventus, who sit sixth.

Roma’s next Serie A match is against Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa at Marassi.

Roma star Paulo Dybala once again felt discomfort in his knee during today’s training session, and according to Sky Sport, he’ll miss Sunday’s game against Genoa.

Roma striker Dybala will miss Sunday’s Serie A match against Genoa as the Argentine didn’t complete today’s training session due to knee problems.

Dybala to miss Genoa vs. Roma

As reported by Il Tempo reporter Filippo Biafora on X, the Argentine was forced to end the workout after just a few minutes because he felt pain in his knee again.

The 32-year-old was available against Juventus on Sunday, but spent the whole game against his former club on the bench.

He had missed the previous four league games due to knee problems. Dybala’s last competitive appearance was on January 25, 2026.

As reported by Sky Sport Italia, this latest setback will force Dybala to miss Sunday’s away game against Roma, where Daniele De Rossi is in charge.

Ferguson to undergo second ankle surgery?

Matias Soulé, Mario Hermoso and Evan Ferguson will also miss the next Serie A match, and the latter has even flown to Brighton for a specialist visit on his injured ankle.

According to Sky, Ferguson, who already had ankle surgery in March 2024, may need to undergo another operation.

Como ambassador Raphael Varane says that his former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been the most influential person across his career, and has revealed what Zizou told him to do during training sessions as a youngster. 

Varane spoke in-depth in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday, 18 months after he retired at Como. 

• Read more: Varane breaks silence 18 months after shock Como retirement: ‘Difficult journey’

The four-time Champions League winner had joined Cesc Fabregas’s side on a free transfer following the end of his Manchester United tenure in the summer of 2024, but picked up a serious injury to his knee just 23 minutes into his first competitive appearance with the club in the first round of the Coppa Italia that same summer. 

Varane was then left off Como’s Serie A squad list for the 2024-25 campaign and ultimately announced his retirement, less than two months after he had originally joined the club. 

Despite retiring at the age of 31, Varane decided to stay on with Como and is currently serving as an ambassador, sits on the club’s development board and has a hands-on role overseeing the management of the youth sector. 

What Zidane told Varane at Real Madrid

During his own teenage years, Varane left his boyhood club Lens in order to join Real Madrid, where he would go on to play under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Zidane.  

“When I moved to Real Madrid from Lens, everything was bigger, newer, different. More than anything, the perception of time is different. You don’t play for a month and it feels like a year,” Varane told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

“You have to stay focused, stay on track, be resilient and train in the same way that you play.” 

Varane also revealed which individual had the biggest impact on his career: “Zidane,” he said. 

“He advised me to focus on one specific thing during each session. A long ball, a different touch, a new move. A small thing, not lots of things, not everything. Add things and improve day by day.”

Click here to read the full interview with Varane

Marco Carnesecchi has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to extend his contract with Atalanta.

Matteo Moretto reports that Italy international Carnesecchi will soon sign a contract extension with Atalanta.

Carnesecchi ready to sign Atalanta contract extension

“Atalanta will extend his contract with a pay rise; there’s already a verbal agreement, and only the signature is missing,” Moretto said on YouTube.

Carnesecchi’s current deal in Bergamo runs out in June 2028.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper has kept14 clean sheets in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, conceding 38 goals.

He has been linked to Inter and Juventus, while Manchester United attempted to sign him last summer.

Football Italia exclusively reported in June that the Red Devils proposed €40m to sign the Italian goalkeeper, but Atalanta turned down the offer.

Inter and Juventus will indeed look for a new starting goalkeeper in 2026-27, but the Nerazzurri’s main target seems to be another Italy international, Guglielmo Vicario, who is willing to return to Serie A from Tottenham.

According to Moretto, Inter and Vicario’s representative will be involved in a new round of talks this month.

Carnesecchi was part of the Italy squad in October and November under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, but has yet to make his senior Azzurri debut.

Douglas Luiz has finally returned to playing regular top-flight football during his loan spell with Aston Villa, but how much will it cost the Premier League outfit to sign the Brazilian on a permanent transfer from Juventus? 

How much will Aston Villa have to pay Juventus to sign Douglas Luiz permanently?

It has been a strange few years for Douglas Luiz, who earned rave reviews towards the end of his first stint with Villa, which began in 2019 and ended in 2024. His performances, particularly during the 2023-24 season, earned him a big-money move away from Villa, joining Juventus in a deal worth €50m. 

Despite his promising Premier League performances, Douglas Luiz failed to hit the ground running in Serie A, and soon became somewhat of an outcast in the Bianconeri first-team. In the end, he made just 19 Serie A appearances during his first season in Italy, and only three of those came as a starter. 

The Old Lady decided to cut their losses during the most recent summer transfer window, sending Douglas Luiz on a season-long loan deal to Nottingham Forest with a conditional obligation to buy. 

Still, largely due to injuries, Douglas Luiz struggled to make an impact at the City Ground and was limited to just eight league appearances during the first half of the 2025-26 season. 

His loan deal was terminated in January, which facilitated a return to Aston Villa, this time on loan with an option to buy. 

Since then, Douglas Luiz has gone on to make six consecutive starts and is looking increasingly settled back in his familiar environment at Villa Park. He added his first league goal of the season with his second-minute strike in an eventual 4-1 loss against Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday night. 

If Aston Villa were to activate their option to buy clause this season, Juventus would receive a €25m fee, which is payable over three financial years. The Bianconeri could also claim bonuses of up to €3.5m, the club confirmed in January.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who has been linked with Juventus and Inter, reportedly wants to stay at Anfield until the end of his contract in 2027, while the Nerazzurri are preparing for a new round of talks for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario.

Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto report the latest updates on two Premier League goalkeepers, Alisson and Vicario, who have been linked with a return to Serie A.

Latest Alisson transfer updates

Both Inter and Juventus are looking for a goalkeeper for next season, Romano confirmed, but Alisson wants to stay at Liverpool for another season.

The Brazilian’s contract at Anfield expires in June 2027, and the player is planning to remain at the club for one more year.

Nevertheless, his future at the club remains uncertain, as it’s unclear whether Liverpool will put him on the market at the end of the current campaign. The Reds will decide in this regard only in the coming months.

Vicario eyes Serie A return

Vicario, on the other hand, would be glad to return to Serie A, and Inter are already in talks with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

Moretto reported that Inter are currently the ‘closest team’ as negotiations with the goalkeeper’s entourage have already begun and will continue in March with a new round of talks between the two parties.

Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek confirms that Victor Osimhen’s contract does not include a release clause, amid rumours of an interest from Juventus.

Osimhen’s agreement with Galatasaray does not include a release clause which would allow any club to sign the Nigerian for a pre-arranged fee, the Turkish club’s president Dursun Ozbek told Fanatik.

‘No release clause in Osimhen’s contract’

“There is no release clause in Osimhen’s contract. He is an extremely successful footballer who will serve Galatasaray for many years,” Ozbek said.

“Perhaps the amount was considered high on the day we signed him, but today the prevailing view in football circles is that the transfer fee was low and the player’s value is much higher.”

Juventus are reportedly among the clubs following Osimhen and already tried to sign the Nigeria international two years ago, before his transfer to Galatasaray.

According to Italian sources, however, there’s a clause that prevents Osimhen from joining a Serie A club until September 2027.

Galatasaray first signed Osimhen on loan in 2024 and then made his move permanent for €75m the following year.

The former Napoli star has scored 53 goals in 65 appearances with Galatasaray.

During his four-year spell at Napoli, Osimhen scored 76 goals in 133 games, winning the Scudetto in 2022-23 as Serie A’s top scorer.

Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray expires in June 2029.

Italy World Cup winner Marco Materazzi says his ex-Azzurri teammate Gennaro Gattuso will ‘fight tooth and nail’ for World Cup qualification: ‘He’s taken on the most difficult role.’

Italy host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26, with the potential final on March 31 against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Materazzi: Gattuso must make sure Italy players ‘stay calm’

“What I know is that Rino (Gattuso) will fight tooth and nail to get us to the World Cup,” Materazzi told Vivo Azzurro.

“He’s taken on the most difficult role he could have taken; direct qualification was practically compromised. He’s trying to pass on his enthusiasm to the team. We won’t face fantastic teams, but they’ll be tough ones, and we have to make sure the players stay calm. We’ll have to push hard. I’m convinced he’s working with the utmost professionalism, and that’s what’s most important for these difficult matches.”

Materazzi and Gattuso won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 2006, and Italy have only played in the World Cup again twice since, in 2010 and 2014.

That legendary Azzurri team in 2006 beat France on penalties.

“By the time it went to penalties, there were people like Rino (Gattuso) who had already taken off their boots,” Materazzi recalled, smiling.

“Iaquinta was wandering around at a distance. Fabio (Cannavaro) had said he would take the sixth, but in my opinion, Buffon would have taken it before him. So there weren’t many of us left. I’ve always taken penalties and felt confident, even though I have this obsession that if you score during the match, you’ll miss the penalty afterwards. But when you get to that point, you can’t back out.”

Materazzi was not a designated starter at the World Cup, but broke into the XI after an injury to Alessandro Nesta.

“In terms of elegance and tactical intelligence, Nesta was the best along with Maldini. Playing next to him, I felt a bit intimidated,” Materazzi admitted.

“I can’t say the same about Cannavaro, because I felt closer to him, and we looked like two street kids playing in the park. Today’s defenders have changed, but football has changed too. In our days, the first thing was to mark and not concede goals; everyone did their job. Today, a defender almost has to know how to handle the ball with his feet first and then focus on marking so as not to lose his man.”

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has deleted a story from his Instagram profile criticising Red Devils head coach Michael Carrick but praising Italy international Sandro Tonali. 

The Class of 92 graduate took to Instagram to share his thoughts after Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat by Tonali’s Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, criticising his former teammate Carrick, who has been placed in charge on an interim basis until the end of the season. 

Despite an upturn in United’s results since Carrick took over, Scholes said that they “have been crap last four games,” and also gave a shout-out to Newcastle midfielder Tonali. The Instagram story was posted on Wednesday evening and had been removed from Scholes’s profile by midday on Thursday. 

Scholes continues to praise Tonali

Tonali has previously cited Tonali as being the best midfielder in the Premier League. 

Speaking on The Overlap in October, Scholes said: “I love Tonali at Newcastle. Oh, he can run. (Bruno) Guimarães as well. I’d probably choose Tonali at this point.” 

When asked to clarify if he meant that Tonali is currently the best midfielder in the Premier League, he replied: “Yeah. Why? Are you going to say Declan Rice? 

“Yes. I think he’s better than Declan Rice. I really like Declan Rice, don’t get me wrong. I think he’s got everything, I just think too many times he takes too many touches of the ball. I think he tries to look a little bit more stylish than he needs to. 

“I think his physical attributes are brilliant, I think he can be a box-to-box, he can link, I think he can score goals, I just don’t think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali. Is that okay?”

• Read more: Tonali sends message to Pickford after wonder save: ‘One of the best shots of my life’

Dusan Vlahovic is closing in on a return to action after over three months on the treatment table, but what does his presence in the squad mean for Juventus’s summer signing Jonathan David? 

Vlahovic nears Juventus return: Where does David fit in?

Vlahovic has been out of action with an adductor injury he suffered during Juventus’s 2-1 win over Cagliari on November 29, an issue which required surgery to fix.

He had an operation in London, has been working on his rehabilitation since then and as of Wednesday, has returned to training with the first-team group at Continassa, albeit partially. 

Reports earlier this week suggest that the Serbian, who is into the final year of his contract with the Old Lady, could potentially be called up to the matchday squad to face Pisa in Serie A on Saturday. 

In Vlahovic’s absence, and with Arkadiusz Milik also out long term, Juventus have been left without a ‘traditional’ no.9 in their attacking ranks: Summer signings David and Lois Openda have both played there previously, but neither have particularly convinced when starting alone at centre-forward in Serie A. 

The Bianconeri has considered bringing in a new striker during the January transfer window given Vlahovic’s injury and his contract situation, but a move for Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri fell through towards the end of the January transfer window, 

Vlahovic will soon be able to lend Juventus a hand on the pitch, and there have been reports that talks over a potential contract extension are progressing as well. 

Vlahovic’s return does not spell the end of David’s days in the Bianconeri attack, though, as reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Luciano Spalletti is keen to play both attackers in the same line-up, with the Serbian leading the line and the Canadian playing off him a second striker or no.10 role. 

This would still allow Juve to field Kenan Yildiz and either Francisco Conceicao or Weston McKennie out wide as well. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Pierre Kalulu’s high-level performances this season have ‘not gone unnoticed’ in the Premier League, as Liverpool and Manchester United will ‘try to tempt Juventus’ in the summer.

Juventus defender Kalulu has attracted interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United, according to Gazzetta.

Liverpool and Manchester United ‘will tempt Juventus’ for Kalulu

‘Kalulu’s record-breaking season has not gone unnoticed in the Premier League; Manchester United and Liverpool will try to tempt Juventus’, wrote Juventus reporter Filippo Cornacchia on today’s Gazzetta.

Kalulu has been a regular starter for Juventus under both Igor Tudor and Luciano Spalletti.

He spent the first part of the season playing mostly as a right wing-back, but under Spalletti, the Frenchman has played as a centre-back in a three-man defence or right-back in a four-man backline.

A former Milan defender, Kalulu has given his contribution on both ends, scoring twice and providing six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

The 25-year-old signed a new contract until 2029 in July last year.

Juventus, on the other hand, have set their sights on the Premier League for midfield reinforcement next summer as Sandro Tonali and Bernardo Silva are reported to be among their main targets for 2026-27.

The Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter in Serie A is fast approaching, and the league have confirmed that Daniele Doveri will be the man with the whistle in San Siro on Sunday evening. 

Doveri confirmed as referee for Milan vs. Inter 

Milan will be the home side for Sunday’s derby in San Siro. The Rossoneri are currently in second place, 10 points behind the table-topping Nerazzurri after 27 matches of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Referee Doveri will take charge of Sunday’s derby. The 48-year-old has taken charge of 14 matches in Italy so far this season: 13 in Serie A and one in Serie B. 

Doveri has refereed Milan twice so far this season: Once for the 3-0 win over Udinese in September and once for the 1-1 draw with Atalanta in October. Matteo Gabbia, Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez were shown yellow cards in the 1-1 draw with La Dea. 

Doveri has taken charge of three matches involving Inter so far this season: For their 2-1 win away against Hellas Verona in November, their 2-1 win away against Genoa in December and most recently, the 2-2 draw with Napoli in January. 

Doveri showed yellow cards to Yann Bisseck against Verona, and to Manuel Akanji, Bisseck again and Nicolo Barella against Genoa. 

This will not be Doveri’s first Derby della Madonnina either: He has taken charge of four in his career to date: The 2-0 win for Inter in 2019, the 3-0 Nerazzurri victory in 2021, the 1-1 draw later that same year and Milan’s 3-0 win over Inter in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final last season. 

Doveri has refereed Milan 34 times, resulting in 19 wins, nine draws and six defeats for the Rossoneri. He has taken charge of 39 Inter matches, resulting in 16 wins, 10 draws and 13 losses.

Scotland international Billy Gilmour will return to the Napoli XI for the first time since the end of October against Torino, while André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne could be back in the squad and available on the bench.

Napoli host Torino at the Stadio Maradona tomorrow, and the Partenopei coach, Antonio Conte, is still forced to cope without several players, especially in central midfield.

Gilmour to start in Napoli vs. Torino

Scotland international Gilmour has made two substitute appearances since returning from a groin injury that required surgery at the end of November.

Tomorrow, he’ll be the only fit central midfielder available alongside Eljif Elmas as Napoli are still without Scott McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka.

Gilmour hasn’t started a Serie A match since October 28,  away at Lecce. He returned in mid-February in a home Serie A match against Roma, then remained on the bench against Atalanta and was introduced again as a substitute against Verona.

According to Gazzetta, Anguissa and De Bruyne could be available tomorrow against Torino, for the first time in four months.

Both sustained a high-degree injury in their femoral biceps between October and November 2025. De Bruyne opted to undergo surgery, while Anguissa followed conservative treatment.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, March 5, 2026, page 16.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus’ hopes of signing Sandro Tonali, Bernardo Silva, or Leon Goretzka next summer largely depend on whether the Bianconeri qualify for the Champions League.

Juventus sit sixth in the Serie A table and have not won any of their last four league games. Fourth-placed Roma, however, are just four points above in the standings.

Juventus need Champions League money for transfer boost

With 11 games left, the Bianconeri’s only remaining target is to secure Champions League qualification, which would boost their finances by €60m to €70m and increase their chances of making a big signing in the summer.

According to Gazzetta, Tonali is still the Old Lady’s top target, but Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Goretzka (Bayern Munich), who are available as free agents, are also on the Old Lady’s agenda.

According to the report, preliminary talks have begun with all three, but Juventus are aware that they’ll need at least €70m-75m to sign Tonali, a sum that they could raise through Champions League qualification and the sales of Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners.

Marcos Senesi, a Bournemouth centre-back, has also opened talks with the Old Lady and is reportedly tempted to move to Turin on a free transfer at the end of his contract in June, but Roma remain interested too.

Marco Verratti is increasingly likely to be called up to the Italy national team squad for the upcoming World Cup play-off campaign at the end of March, but what role will the 33-year-old Al-Duhail midfielder have to play in Gennaro Gattuso’s side? 

According to various reports over the last few weeks, Gattuso has been considering calling Verratti back into the national team fold for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on March 26.

Should the Azzurri win that fixture, they will then have to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in a one-legged decider for a spot at the final World Cup tournament. 

How does Verratti fit into Italy’s World Cup play-off plans?

According to updates on Thursday, Verratti is on Gattuso’s preliminary squad list and according to Tuttosport, he will be part of the squad at the end of the month. Federico Chiesa and Federico Gatti are among the other players who could return to the squad. 

For Verratti, if he is called up, it would be his first involvement with the Italy squad since the Nations League third place play-off against the Netherlands in June 2023. 

It remains to be seen whether Verratti will play if he is called up to the squad. According to Thursday’s report, he is seen as an alternative option to Juventus’s Manuel Locatelli at the base of the Azzurri midfield. Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella are unlikely to be dropped from their starting spots in Italy’s strongest XI. 

If Verratti is to play, it is most likely that he would be a second half substitute: An experienced player capable of helping Italy get things over the line with his ability to read play and control the tempo of the game from the middle of the park. 

Strahinja Pavlovic has revealed that he spoke to Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic and former Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic before deciding to join Milan from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024 and claims that Serie A is the best league he’s played in: ‘In these two short years, I’ve learned more than the last six of my career’. 

The Rossoneri defender spoke in-depth to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter coming up in Serie A on Sunday evening. 

• Read more: Kaka picks one Inter player he’d steal for Milan and picks derby MVP 

Pavlovic on joining Milan, talks with Vlahovic and improving under Allegri 

Pavlovic claims that he has learned more from playing in Serie A than he had done across six years of his career across Serbia, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria. Being at Milan and playing under Massimiliano Allegri specifically has played a major role in his development. 

“You just have to walk around Milanello to understand how many legends have played here, there are pictures everywhere: In the dining room, in the gym … It makes me happy to wear the same shirt that they wore. It’s a great feeling, it’s hard to describe.” 

Pavlovic revealed which of his Serbian teammates he spoke to before joining Milan: “I called Luka Jovic who was here last season, but I also spoke with Milenkovic and Vlahovic to find out more about the Italian division.” 

He insists that moving to Serie A has been the most insightful step of his career: “Milan is the biggest club I’ve played for so far and Serie A is stronger than Austria, France and Serbia. Everything is different here, there are no easy games. And in these two short years, I’ve learned more than the last six of my career. For a defender, it’s the perfect league to grow.

“The coach puts a lot of attention on the defence and we’ve made a lot of progress. The credit is not only due to the defenders, though, because we need everyone’s help. The forwards and midfielders lend us a big hand as well.

“(I’ve learned) so many little things. I’ve started paying attention to little details that I hadn’t even considered before, which makes the difference.” 

After a difficult 2024-25 season in which Milan finished in eighth place, missing out on European football altogether for 2025-26, the Rossoneri now find themselves in second, albeit 10 points off their city rivals, Inter. 

Are Milan ‘happy’ with their season so far?
“It’s a difficult question,” Pavlovic pondered. “We’re happy compared to last year, the goal at the beginning of the season was to get into the top four and we are in the running to achieve that. But looking at our performance, we could have had more points, so there is a bit of regret. 

“There are still 11 games to go and we will do everything we can to get the most out of them.” 

Click here to read the full interview with Pavlovic

Former Juventus winger Massimo Mauro feels that boos against Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni are ‘ridiculous’ as even if the Italian centre-back made a mistake, he ‘can’t pay for the rest of his life.’

Inter defender Bastoni remains a target of fans across Italy after an incident in February that led to a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu.

Bastoni not only deceived the referee by going down too easily to earn his opponent a red card, but also celebrated when the referee gave Kalulu his marching orders.

Bastoni ‘can’t pay for the rest of his life’ after Inter vs. Juventus

Bastoni was greeted with boos at the following away games at Lecce and Como, but ex-Juventus winger Mauro feels the reactions have been excessive, especially since the incident happened almost a month ago.

“The fact that Bastoni gets booed everywhere is a bit ridiculous. At this point, you’d have to boo 60-70% of footballers,” Mauro told Gazzetta.

“Right now, I can’t take the boos against him seriously.”

Mauro concedes that Bastoni made a mistake, but this doesn’t justify the angry reaction from fans in Italy.

“The issue got blown out of proportion because Kalulu was sent off. Then Bastoni celebrated, and you shouldn’t do that, of course, but you can’t pay for it for the rest of your life either. That’s ridiculous,” insisted Mauro.

“I still maintain that the real mistake was not immediately admitting that a serious error had been made. I’m referring to Chivu’s words in the post-match interview. I used to admire Chivu as a coach and communicator because, from the beginning, he tried to take a different approach to what happens on the pitch. He tried to be sporting even when the refereeing decisions went against him, but in the Bastoni incident, he didn’t manage to do so. I was disappointed when I heard him say that the problem was Kalulu putting his hands on his player.”

The problem, according to Mauro, is not solely with Bastoni’s simulation against Juventus, but with the attitude of the majority of Serie A players, as the ex-winger sees more divers than in the past.

“Much more than before. In the past, it was done to try to win a penalty,” he concluded.

“Now players simulate for everything. And because any contact can look like a foul on video review. Players know this, so it almost becomes instinctive for them to try it. Of course, it’d be condemnable, but when you play, your thinking isn’t clear.”

• Read more – Why Bastoni should not face Italy punishment after Inter vs. Juventus chaos