To add salt into the wounds of their Europa League exit on Thursday evening, Roma have since learned that midfielder Manu Kone has suffered a second-degree hamstring strain and will be sidelined for at least a month of action according to the latest reports. 

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Roma lose Kone for at least a month after Bologna injury

The Giallorossi were eliminated from the Europa League at the round of 16 stage after a 5-4 aggregate defeat against Serie A opposition in Bologna. The first leg ended level at 1-1, the second ended at 3-3 after 90 minutes and was eventually settled by Bologna’s Nicolo Cambiaghi in the 111th minute of Thursday’s decider. 

The tie was particularly disappointing for Roma’s Kone, who was ruled out of the first leg with muscular fatigue, having recovered from a hamstring injury in February. Kone’s involvement in the second leg was then cut short after just 18 minutes as he went off with another hamstring injury. 

According to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma have learned that Kone has suffered a second-degree strain to his hamstring, which is likely to keep him out of action for at least a month. 

If there is a slight silver cloud for the Giallorossi, it is that there will be no domestic fixtures for a fortnight after this weekend due to the international break. However, Kone is still expected to miss out on Sunday’s match against Pisa, and potentially crucial matches against Pisa, Atalanta and Bologna once Serie A action resumes. 

The Atalanta and Bologna fixtures are particularly important for Roma and their quest to land a Champions League position, given that they have recently slipped to sixth place in the table and are now just one position above Atalanta and two above Bologna.

Antonio Conte says that Napoli have ‘put a bit of pressure on the teams at the top’ after their 1-0 victory away against Cagliari in Serie A on Friday evening, their fourth win in as many matches, which has temporarily sent them above Milan and into second place in the league table. 

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A goal from Scott McTominay after just over a minute was enough for the Partenopei to hold onto at the Unipol Domus, as Conte’s side prevented their hosts from having any shots on target across the 90 minutes. 

This was also the first clean sheet that Napoli have managed to keep in 11 matches. 

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Conte reviews Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Cagliari: ‘Nobody should stop us from looking ahead’

Despite their victory, Conte feels that there is still room for improvement in terms of Napoli’s performance. He feels that getting key players like McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka back to ‘100%’ will be key, though. 

“We made too many mistakes. We could have done better and commanded the game more given that Cagliari didn’t come to press,” Conte told DAZN after full-time. 

“We looked for the second goal in the second half, anything can happen in these sorts of games. Now we go into the (international) break with three points, waiting on the others.

“Three points further into the Champions League spots, we’ve been extraordinary over the last seven months to stay in the top positions. We’re looking at those in front of us, but we’re not making any empty promises. It doesn’t take much to get dragged back by those behind us.” 

Before Friday, Napoli had not kept a clean sheet in any competition since their 2-0 win away against Lazio on January 4, their first game of the calendar year. 

“It’s important to record a clean sheet after 11 games,” said Conte. “Cagliari didn’t have a shot on goal today. Being able to defend well requires everyone. There was great application and desire. The guys understood the importance of the match, even if we struggled to materialise that.” 

Napoli’s defence of their 2024-25 Scudetto was completely obliterated by injuries. At certain stages, Conte had a full starting XI unavailable through injury. But, today, De Bruyne and McTominay were able to start alongside each other for the first time in almost five months, dating back to a 3-1 win over Inter back in October .

“Obviously having some players back is important, but what counts is them being at 100%,” Conte explained. 

“Anguissa and McTominay aren’t ‘brilliant’ again yet, Kevin (De Bruyne) I thought was doing well. Lobotka struggled a little bit more, and we still have to get Rrahmani and Di Lorenzo back. Neres is difficult, I think. 

“We’ve held our own over the last seven months, now we have to qualify for the Champions League, but we know that other teams want that too. Nobody should stop us from looking ahead. Today we’ve put a bit of pressure on the teams at the top.” 

Gerry Cardinale has outlined an ambitious vision for Italian football, expressing his desire to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to build a joint plan for revitalising Serie A, while also revealing the considerable frustrations he has encountered in trying to build a new stadium in Italy compared to his native United States.

Speaking to the Financial Times over lunch at Milanello, just days before Milan’s derby victory over Inter, the RedBird Capital founder and Milan owner was candid about the cultural and political barriers he has faced since acquiring the club.

“In the US I could do it with my eyes closed,” he said of the stadium project, with quotes via MilanNews.

“Here there are linguistic, political and cultural barriers. I am building a stadium and I want it to be an Italian product, Italian banks financing it, Italian companies competing for naming rights, Italian commerce and hospitality surrounding it. In the States I could do it without thinking. Here it is not my ecosystem.”

Milan owner Cardinale: ‘Let’s make Serie A one of Italy’s greatest exports’

Despite those frustrations, Cardinale’s long-term ambition for the club and for Italian football more broadly remains undimmed.

“I would like to reach the point where, if I have built enough credibility, I can go to Rome, sit down with Meloni or whoever else, and say: let’s build a plan to relaunch Serie A,” he said.

“Let’s make Serie A one of Italy’s greatest exports.”

It is a bold and genuinely exciting vision, and one that, if realised, could have profound implications for Italian football’s standing.

Scott McTominay’s strike during Napoli’s 1-0 win over Cagliari on Friday evening means that he has now matched his seven-year Premier League goal tally in less than two full seasons in Serie A. 

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McTominay magic continues in Serie A

McTominay, back in the Napoli starting line-up for the first time since the beginning of February, took just over a minute to find the back of the net in Napoli’s 1-0 win away against Cagliari at the Unipol Domus. 

That goal was his sixth in Serie A for the season, and his 19th overall in Serie A since joining Napoli from Manchester United in the summer of 2024. 

McTominay has scored 19 goals in 59 Serie A appearances in a period of less than two years. He also has 19 Premier League goals on his CV, which he scored in 178 outings across a seven-year period. 

McTominay is also the reigning Serie A MVP and is also the division’s all-time highest-scoring Scotland international, beating the likes of Lewis Ferguson, Che Adams and Denis Law. 

He and teammate Billy Gilmour are the only two Scotland internationals to hae ever won the Serie A title.

Cagliari fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Napoli this evening, with Scott McTominay scoring the only goal in Sardinia as Antonio Conte’s side picked up a valuable three points.

Football Italia’s Man of the Match was McTominay, for his early winner and hard-working performance throughout.

Cagliari 0-1 Napoli – Player Ratings

Cagliari: Caprile 6; Ze Pedro 5.5 (Mendy 6), Mina 6, Dossena 6; Palestra 6, Adopo 5.5 (Deiola 6), Gaetano 6, Sulemana 6, Rodriguez 5 (Raterink N/A); Esposito 6 (Trepy N/A), Folorunsho 6 (Kilicsoy 5.5)

Best Cagliari player: Yerry Mina – Still an average night at the office for the menacing centre-back, but did a good enough to job to keep Napoli at bay for lengths of the match.

Lowest Cagliari rating: Juan Rodriguez – Really struggled to have any impact whatsoever on the left flank and was as worrying in defence as he was going forwards.

Coach: Fabio Pisacane 6 – Gave it a good go and set up his team fairly well to nullify Napoli’s threat. Was unlucky to get caught out early as the team looked solid for most of the match.

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 6; Beukema 6.5, Buongiorno 6, Olivera 5.5 (Juan Jesus N/A); Politano 6.5, (Spinazzola N/A), Gilmour 5.5 (Zambo Anguissa N/A), Lobotka 6 (Alisson Santos 6), Gutierrez 6.5; McTominay 7, De Bruyne 6; Hojlund 6

Best Napoli player: Scott McTominay – Scored the decisive goal and worked hard throughout the ninety minutes. Hardly a show-stopping performance but was the best amongst a very modestly performing Napoli side.

Lowest Napoli rating: Mathias Olivera – Played at centre-back, outside of his natural positioning, and struggled as a result. Made a couple of sloppy fouls, picked up a yellow card and overall contributed nothing of particular value to his team’s victory.

Coach: Antonio Conte 6.5 – Marginally better than his counterpart, and picked up the three points accordingly. His side did not inspire with their victory but the coach will be delighted to come away with the three points.

An early strike from Scott McTominay was enough for Napoli to hold onto as Antonio Conte and his team picked up a 1-0 victory away against Cagliari in Serie A on Friday evening; their fourth win on the spin and a result that has sent them into second place in the league table.

McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne were able to start alongside each other for the first time in almost five months, dating back to a 3-1 victory over league leaders Inter in October. The 15th-placed Cagliari boasted two recently called-up Italy internationals in Elia Caprile and Marco Palestra. Napoli had four in their camp: Alex Meret, Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola and Matteo Politano. 

Antonio Conte’s side had won all three of their previous Serie A matches heading into tonight’s game, all by 2-1 margins, while the hosts were without a win across their last six. 

Click here to see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog. 

It took just over 60 seconds for McTominay to find the net on his return to the starting line-up. The Scotland international got his side ahead from the first corner of the game, which went short to Politano and pinballed around the area before the Scotland international managed to tap in on the goalline. 

From there, the first half became a fairly evenly contested, albeit slightly scrappy affair. Conte was twice visibly annoyed by misplaced passes from Buongiorno and Gilmour out of the back, giving possession away far too cheaply.

Napoli’s only other shot on target of the first half came from a fairly tame Politano free-kick, while Cagliari came closest through Sebastiano Esposito, who flashed an effort across the face of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s goal from a tight angle. 

De Bruyne almost got the better of Caprile with a low, driven effort from the edge of the area, but the recently called-up Italy international was able to parry and his defenders were able to clear in the end. 

Napoli saw a glimpse of what their star players are capable of when McTominay, De Bruyne and Politano linked up with some beautiful one-touch play in the Cagliari area, but Caprile did well to smother his compatriot when he found himself on the edge of the six-yard box.

Cagliari have not won any of their games this season when they have been trailing half-way, and that proved to be the case again despite their best efforts on Friday evening. 

Fabio Piscane’s winless run has now been extended to seven matches, with just two points earned over that period, while Conte and his team have now won four in a row and currently find themselves in second place in the league table with Milan due to play on Saturday.

Cagliari 0-1 Napoli 

McTominay 2’

20-03-2026 17:30

MatchDay 30

Unipol Domus (Sardegna Arena)

Cagliari

Napoli

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		2'		Scott McTominay
		17'		Stanislav Lobotka
Zé Pedro		35'

2nd half

		69'		Mathías Olivera
Alberto Dossena		90+4'

Match statistic

33

Possession %

67

7

Total shots

17

Shots on target

5

7

Shots off target

4

Blocked shots

8

2

Corners

7

Offsides

2

12

Fouls

16

Cagliari

Napoli

Starting lineups

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

84'

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

73'

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

65'

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

73'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

84'

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

84'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

77'

11

Kevin De Bruyne

Midfielder

8

Scott McTominay

Midfielder

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

55'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

76'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

Substitutes

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

4

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

36

Nicola Grandu

Midfielder

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

65'

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

73'

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

73'

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

84'

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

84'

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

23

Giovane

Attacker

23

Giovane Nascimento

Attacker

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

55'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

76'

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

77'

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

84'

Genoa host Udinese this evening as both sides look to reinforce their place in the mid-table and keep their head below the parapet of relegation.

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Genoa come into the game with three wins from their last five games, as Daniele De Rossi continues to make his mark on the Rossoblu club.

Udinese, meanwhile, have won just one of their last five games and will be looking to recover their form this evening.

Currently, the Bianconeri sit in 11th place in Serie A, whilst tonight’s hosts sit in 13th – and therefore a win for the home side could see them leapfrog their opposition.

Genoa vs Udinese – Official Lineups

Genoa: Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Ellertsson, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Norton-Cuffy; Messias, Vitinha; Colombo

Udinese: Okoye; Solet, Kabasele, Kristensen; Ehizibue, Ekkelenkamp, ​​Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo, Davis

20-03-2026 19:45

MatchDay 30

Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Genoa

Udinese

Live

0 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

24'

Hassane Kamara

2nd half

56'

Nicolò Zaniolo

Genoa

Udinese

Starting lineups

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

15

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

9

Vitinha

Attacker

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

11

Hassane Kamara

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

28

Oumar Solet

Defender

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

14

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

46'

8

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

32

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp

Midfielder

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

Substitutes

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

8

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

4

Amorim

Midfielder

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

13

Nicolò Bertola

Defender

90

Răzvan Sava

Goalkeeper

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

15

Vakoun Bayo

Attacker

38

Lennon Miller

Midfielder

7

Idrissa Gueye

Attacker

20

Juan Arizala

Defender

22

Branimir Mlacic

Defender

24

Jakub Piotrowski

Midfielder

46'

Rafael Leao will miss Milan’s Serie A clash with Torino on Saturday after failing to train due to a recurrence of pain in his right adductor.

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The Portuguese winger will undergo further assessment on Saturday to determine the full extent of the muscular problem, with the club keen to establish how long he is likely to be sidelined before making any further announcements, according to reports via FCInter1908.

Milan team news: Fullkrug to start alongside Pulisic in Leao absence

In his absence, Niklas Füllkrug is expected to be handed a starting role alongside Christian Pulisic, with the German striker likely to lead the line as Massimiliano Allegri looks to reshuffle his attacking options.

It is a significant blow for Milan at a crucial stage of the season, with the title race against Inter still just about alive and every point now carrying enormous weight.

Leao has been one of Milan’s most important players this season and his absence will be felt, though the hope within the club is that the injury is not serious enough to keep him out for an extended period.

Few players in recent Serie A history have had their careers so dramatically derailed by a single transfer as Juventus man Arthur Melo.

The Brazilian arrived at Juventus from Barcelona in 2020 amid enormous fanfare, only to endure five deeply frustrating years in Turin that yielded little of the elegance that had made him one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders.

Now, on loan at boyhood club Gremio, the Brazilian looks reborn, and he has his sights set on convincing Luciano Spalletti to give him one final chance at the Allianz Stadium.

The numbers from his return to Brazil have been striking.

Eleven appearances, a goal, and a pass completion rate of 95% in 2026 alone, capped by helping Gremio win the Gaucho, the Rio Grande do Sul state championship.

A minor muscular injury in the final against Internacional has been the only blemish.

Juventus Outcast Arthur Aiming To Convince Head Coach Spalletti

His self-assessment is characteristically bold, with quotes via La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Luciano likes to have an organising midfielder, a fulcrum of the team, and I love that role,” he said. “Pizarro and Lobotka both flourished under Spalletti with possession-based, tactically intelligent football. It is not absurd to think I could adapt well. We will see.”

On his troubled spell in Turin, Arthur was thoughtful rather than bitter.

“I arrived during a period of transition at the club with many changes, and that probably affected everyone, including me,” he said. “I have the regret of not being able to show at Juventus what I am demonstrating at Gremio. But I learned a lot in Italy.”

He was equally philosophical about leaving Barcelona.

“It leaves a bittersweet taste, I was happy there. But Juventus allowed me to discover another culture and grow as a man, even through difficulties. Lessons I perhaps would never have learned staying in my comfort zone.”

Arthur also addressed his hopes of a Brazil World Cup call-up under Carlo Ancelotti, and took the opportunity to recommend two Gremio youngsters, 18-year-old defender Luis Guedes and 17-year-old winger Gabriel Mec, as future stars to monitor.

On playing alongside both Messi and Ronaldo, his verdict was suitably poetic. “Leo is magic. Cristiano is work, hunger, ambition: a winning mentality that pushes everyone around him. I feel privileged to have played with both.”

Luciano Spalletti held his pre-match press conference ahead of Juventus’ Serie A clash with Sassuolo, addressing a number of pressing topics including Dusan Vlahovic’s potential return, his own contract situation and the race for Champions League qualification with eight games remaining.

On Vlahovic, Spalletti was deliberately coy, directing reporters to the official squad list for confirmation.

“There are a couple of players with some discomfort to assess, we will have the final picture by tomorrow morning,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Serbian striker has been absent through injury and his return would be a timely boost for a side still pushing hard for a top-four finish.

Juventus coach Spalletti plays up renewal talks

Spalletti was more forthcoming on the subject of his own renewal, suggesting the international break provided an ideal window for productive discussions with the club.

“It seems like a correct moment, there is less stress and the necessary time,” he said. “On my part there is complete availability to hear what the club wants to say to me.”

He was careful, however, not to discuss potential signings, joking that talking about players he might want to bring in while his own contract is unsigned would make him “feel like an idiot.”

The Juventus coach also delivered a passionate defence of his squad’s motivation, dismissing any suggestion that missing the Champions League would be straightforward to absorb.

“Pressure is a privilege that belongs only to those who have a history to honour,” he said. “Our fans travelled to Bodo, overcoming all the costs and difficulties just to be there. We owe them everything.”

On the number nine debate that has followed Juventus all season, Spalletti was characteristically direct.

“It is the moment, the episodic decisions inside a game, that decides things, not a profile. We are not inferior to Galatasaray. The red cards decided that tie, not the level of football.”

Gennaro Gattuso has named his Italy national team squad for the World Cup play-off campaign coming up at the end of March and has included three uncapped players among his selections.

Which uncapped players are in Gattuso’s latest Italy squad?

Gattuso has called up a squad of 28 players for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo coming up on March 26. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in the play-off final on March 31: A one-match decider for a spot at the final World Cup tournament. 

Given the importance of the occasion, Gattuso has understandably decided to stick with a core of trusted and experienced players.

The likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella are expected to start against Northern Ireland. There has also been a return to the squad for Federico Chiesa for the first time since EURO 2024. 

Only three of the 28 players called up have not previously played for Italy. Two of them are goalkeepers in Marco Carnesecchi and Elia Caprile, neither of whom have yet been given an opportunity over Gianluigi Donnarumma or Guglielmo Vicario. 

Cagliari right-back Marco Palestra, on loan from Atalanta, is the only uncapped outfield player to be selected in the latest Italy squad. The 21-year-old has impressed in his first real breakthrough season at Serie A level, and is also included in the Cagliari starting line-up to take on Napoli on Friday evening. 

You can see follow the action from Cagliari vs. Napoli on the Football Italia Liveblog.

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Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne finally start alongside each other in the Napoli midfield again as Antonio Conte’s side prepare to take on Cagliari away from home in Serie A on Friday evening. 

Napoli have won their last three matches in succession heading into Friday night’s tie, all by 2-1 margins against Hellas Verona, Torino and Lecce.

Their run of form has brought them within one point of the second-placed Milan, and Antonio Conte’s side will overtake the Rossoneri with a victory this evening. 

Cagliari, meanwhile, are without a win since the end of January, when they beat Verona 4-0, and have only picked up two points from their last six matches since then. They are currently in 15th place, six points above the relegation zone. 

Napoli are without Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Antonio Vergara and David Neres through injury, but Conte’s ‘fab 4’ of Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa are finally all back and available for selection. 

McTominay, De Bruyne, Lobotka and Billy Gilmour are the chosen starters in midfield, supporting Rasmus Hojlund in the lone centre-forward role. Anguissa starts among the substitutes. 

Tonight’s game involves six players who have been called up to Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy national team squad for the World Cup play-offs coming up at the end of the month. Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Marco Palestra are among the national team inclusions, as well as Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola, Matteo Politano and Alex Meret from the Napoli camp. 

Kick-off this evening is due at 17.30 GMT. 

Cagliari vs. Napoli: Confirmed line-ups 

Cagliari (4-3-3): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, Dossena, Rodriguez; Adopo, Gaetano, Sulemana; Palestra, Folorunsho, Esposito. 

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Gilmour, Lobotka, Gutierrez; De Bruyne, McTominay; Højlund.

20-03-2026 17:30

MatchDay 30

Unipol Domus (Sardegna Arena)

Cagliari

Napoli

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		2'		Scott McTominay
		17'		Stanislav Lobotka
Zé Pedro		35'

2nd half

		69'		Mathías Olivera
Alberto Dossena		90+4'

Match statistic

33

Possession %

67

7

Total shots

17

Shots on target

5

7

Shots off target

4

Blocked shots

8

2

Corners

7

Offsides

2

12

Fouls

16

Cagliari

Napoli

Starting lineups

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

84'

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

73'

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

65'

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

73'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

84'

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

84'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

77'

11

Kevin De Bruyne

Midfielder

8

Scott McTominay

Midfielder

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

55'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

76'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

Substitutes

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

4

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

36

Nicola Grandu

Midfielder

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

65'

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

73'

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

73'

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

84'

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

84'

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

23

Giovane

Attacker

23

Giovane Nascimento

Attacker

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

55'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

76'

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

77'

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

84'

English prospect Jonathan Rowe has become an increasingly key figure for Bologna, particularly in the Europa League, as the Rossoblu prepare to face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

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Bologna have knocked out their domestic rivals Roma from the Europa League Round of 16, securing a 5-4 aggregate win.

Rowe’s big start to 2026 at Bologna

English winger Rowe, 22, played a vital role across the two Europa League fixtures, providing two assists and scoring one goal.

Last night, he netted the opener in an eventual 4-3 away victory that sent Bologna to the quarter-finals.

Rowe joined Bologna from Marseille last summer and took a few months to settle in at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

• Read more – De Zerbi: Rabiot ‘refused to take a step back’ after fight with Rowe

The England U21 European champion only started four Serie A matches in the first half of the campaign, spending six of the opening 17 league games entirely on the bench.

However, it was only a matter of time before the Englishman showed his ability on the field.

The new year started with an assist in a home 2-1 loss against Fiorentina on January 18. A few days later, he scored his first goal for the Rossoblu in a 2-2 home draw against Celtic in the Europa League.

Since then, Rowe has started four Europa League games out of five and six of the last eight league matches

After a very quiet start to the season, Rowe has grabbed five goals and four assists across all competitions for Bologna, all in 2026.

The product of the AFC Wembley academy has been particularly efficient in the Europa League, with three goals and two assists in 10 games this term.

Rowe’s performances have contributed to Bologna’s historic qualification for the Europa League quarter-finals, where they’ll meet Aston Villa.

These two sides have already met twice in the last two seasons, both times in Birmingham.

Aston Villa secured a 2-0 win in the Champions League group stage in October 2024, followed by a 1-0 victory in this season’s Europa League group stage in September 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery and will be ruled out of action for around a month, which is why he is not part of the 28-man Italy national team squad for the World Cup play-off, which kicks off next week. 

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Why is Vicario not in the latest Italy national team squad?

CT Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed his squad of 28 players to take on Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo on March 26. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in a one-legged play-off final on March 31. 

Among Gattuso’s selections are four goalkeepers in Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Alex Meret (Napoli) and Elia Caprile (Cagliari), but there is no Vicario, who has been Italy’s regular second-choice for most of the last two years. 

Initially, there had been speculation over Vicario’s form at Tottenham being the reason behind his absence from the Italy squad, however, Spurs have since confirmed that the former Empoli stopper requires surgery and will not be available for the play-offs. 

Tottenham’s statement explains that Vicario has decided to have surgery now in order to minimise the impact on his season at club level. It is, and was always expected that Donnarumma will start in the play-off semi-final and the final should Italy qualify. 

“We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia,” read a statement from Tottenham on Friday. 

“The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal impact on our season as possible.

“Guglielmo will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately, and it is hoped that he could return to action within the next month.”

We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia.

The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal impact on our season as possible.

Guglielmo will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff… pic.twitter.com/7hYaJyTQrK

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 20, 2026

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri warns that Italy should ‘not imitate other countries’ and insists that youth sectors must be ‘fixed’ as only two Serie A sides remain in European competitions this season.

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Bologna and Fiorentina are the only two Serie A representatives left in European competitions this term.

The Rossoblu have qualified for the Europa League quarter-finals, eliminating Roma, while Fiorentina have earned access to the Conference League quarter-finals.

During a pre-match press conference today, Allegri was asked his thoughts on the state of Italian football.

“I’m just talking, not explaining, because I don’t explain anything and I don’t have the truth. We shouldn’t denigrate Italian football,” the Milan coach said via SempreMilan.

“We have those characteristics; they’re part of the history of the Italian people, dating back to the Middle Ages and the defence of the forts. Now everyone’s talking.

“The speed of passing is certainly different and depends on the players. Why are games faster in Europe? First of all, because you either win or lose. The English league is completely different, not better or worse. When they say that in Italy the game stagnates and there’s less space, let’s look at the positive: it’s harder to score goals,” Allegri continued.

Allegri: Italy need to ‘fix the youth sectors’

“We were born and raised like this, and we’ve evolved. We shouldn’t go imitating other countries with different cultures. The history varies from club to club. We need to fix the youth sectors and find different formulas. But don’t talk, we need to do! And make decisions. I’ll end now, otherwise I’ll become polemical. I think numbers should be shown for all the youth sectors.

“These numbers should be brought out. We need to worry because so many kids who play football stop playing early and switch to tennis. To get to the Sinners, there’s a lot of work behind it. You have to be careful. Those who understand the youth sector just need to make some reforms.”

• Read more – Official: Gattuso confirms Italy squad for World Cup play-off – Chiesa returns, Vicario dropped

Reports in Italy suggest that Roma will have to pay a compensation fee to Bayern Munich if they fail to make Bryan Zaragoza’s move permanent at the end of the season.

Zaragoza’s future at Roma remains uncertain, as the Spaniard has played only 135 minutes with the Giallorossi since his initial loan move from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.

How much must Roma pay if Zaragoza returns to Bayern?

The 24-year-old moved to the Stadio Olímpico via Celta Vigo, where he had spent the first half of the campaign.

Roma have already paid €2m for the player’s six-month loan, and their option to buy in the summer is set to €13m.

According to Calciomercato.com and Roma expert Filippo Biafora, the agreement between Roma and Bayern Munich includes a €500,000 compensation fee that the Giallorossi will have to pay if they fail to sign the Spaniard permanently at the end of the season.

Zaragoza has made four Serie A appearances with Roma, two as a starter, providing one assist.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says Luka Modric ‘brings enthusiasm and positivity’ to the squad, but his future at San Siro is still uncertain: ‘It’s up to him.’

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Modric, 40, has been a regular Milan starter this season, and his contract expires in June.

Milan have an option to extend his stay until 2027, but the club won’t activate it unless the Croatian star agrees to stay.

Allegri’s update on Modric’s Milan future

During a pre-match press conference on Friday, the Rossoneri boss Allegri was asked whether Modric will remain at San Siro for one more season.

“The club will talk to him. It’s up to him,” Allegri said via SempreMilan.

“He has a World Cup to play in… In the meantime, let’s let him play, let him have fun.”

A six-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Modric has scored two goals and provided three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.

He joined the Rossoneri last summer after the end of his contract with the La Liga giants.

“Luka arrived and brought quality not only on a technical level but above all on a human and professional level, especially for the younger players,” Allegri continued.

“Seeing a player, a man—Luka is 40 years old—with such passion and love for what he does is incredible. This creates enthusiasm and brings positivity to the environment.”

Tomorrow, Milan host Torino at San Siro in Serie A Round 30.

The Rossoneri sit second in the table, eight points below table leaders Inter.

Massimiliano Allegri urges Milan to ‘wake up’ after a 1-0 loss against Lazio and reveals Santiago Gimenez will be available for selection for Saturday’s match against Torino.

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Milan host Torino at San Siro tomorrow, and the Rossoneri will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Lazio last week.

Milan vs. Torino – Allegri’s pre-match press conference

“These things happen during a season where points count,” Allegri said at a press conference via SempreMilan.

“The only thing we can do is stay calm. We have an important match tomorrow before the break. It’s difficult because Torino has been getting good results since D’Aversa arrived. Let’s forget about what happened; we need to focus on tomorrow. Gimenez is fine; he’ll be called up tomorrow.”

Mexico international Gimenez underwent ankle surgery in December and has not made a competitive appearance for Milan since the end of October 2025.

The 24-year-old has only scored one goal in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, but none in Serie A.

Allegri was asked whether the title race is already over, as the Rossoneri sit second, eight points behind leaders Inter.

“Football is wonderful for this reason. Everyone thought Inter had dropped two points, but instead… They have their destiny in their hands for the Scudetto; we have it for the Champions League,” the Milan coach replied.

“We have to focus on one game at a time. Then, when the math says that Inter has won the Scudetto and that Milan is in the Champions League, then we won’t be able to win the Scudetto and we won’t be able to exit the Champions League.”

Multiple sources have reported that Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic argued before and after the latest match against Lazio, with the Portuguese complaining about a lack of passes from his teammate.

“As for the Leao-Pulisic duo, they’ve had a season with injuries. One missed pre-season, the other had a good pre-season, and then was out for two months. Now it’s important to do well in the last two months,” Allegri said.

“Pulisic is doing well; in terms of physical condition, he put in a good performance in Rome. He lacks accuracy in his shots, but he’ll find it again. Rafa has nine goals; he still has some games to go, and he can reach double figures.

“But now we have everyone available; to play, we need to wake up. Everyone.

“Whoever has the ball has to see who’s unmarked. He didn’t pass that ball to him because he didn’t see it. But it’s happened other times, too,” Allegri continued.

“The difference in football is the choice of the final pass. With Leao I said: ‘He didn’t see you, otherwise he would have passed it to you.’ It didn’t take much.”

Aside from Gimenez, Niclas Fullkrug is the other Milan centre-forward available for Milan against Torino.

“There are post-match solutions when needed. Gimenez hasn’t been available so far and hasn’t got match rhythm. In fact, during the break, we’ll see if we can organise one. If you need someone with those characteristics with 20 minutes to go, you only have one,” Allegri said.

“So you either have to play him from the start or until the end. Everyone’s fine, everyone’s needed. From now until the end, having five forwards available is very important.

“Leao can easily play as a centre-forward, just look at his moves on Sunday against Inter and Cremona with those deep attacks,” continued the Milan coach.

“When he opens up, he feels a little more comfortable, but when he goes wide, if he doesn’t get the ball, he loses his grip on the game a bit…

“We need to improve the understanding between the players. Pulisic and Leao haven’t played together much in those positions, but so have the others. However, there have been some excellent combinations, like Fullkrug and Pulisic in Florence.

“On Sunday, however, Pulisic didn’t show any signs of being there; that can happen in football.”

• More from Allegri’s press conference – Allegri waits for Modric’s decision on future at Milan: ‘It’s up to him’

Sassuolo revealed on the eve of their Serie A clash with Juventus that they had notified Lega Serie A of a confirmed case of whooping cough in the squad, along with five additional team members showing ‘symptoms consistent with the disease.’

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A whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak has hit the Sassuolo squad days before their Serie A match against Juventus.

Sassuolo’s statement after case of whooping cough identified

The Neroverdi wrote in an official statement on Friday: “Sassuolo announce that, following several tests carried out in recent days, one case of whooping cough has been identified, along with five cases showing symptoms consistent with the disease within the team group.

“Individuals presenting symptoms are currently in isolation and have been under constant monitoring by the club’s medical staff for the past three days. The staff is applying all procedures required by current health protocols in coordination with the health authorities. It is also noted that all asymptomatic members of the group have promptly undergone specific prophylactic measures.

“The club has already informed the Lega Serie A of the current situation and will continue to closely monitor developments, adopting all necessary measures to safeguard the health of its players and staff.”

Sassuolo play away at Juventus on Saturday night, and according to Italian sources, including TMW, the game is not at risk of being postponed.

The identities of the Sassuolo player diagnosed with pertussis and those with symptoms remain unknown.

Sassuolo have lost their last two Serie A matches, but sit tenth in the standings with 38 points in 29 matches.

Juventus sit fifth with two consecutive wins in Serie A. Luciano Spalletti’s men are unbeaten in the last three league games and are one point below fourth-placed Como.

Juventus and Sassuolo met not long ago in the reverse fixture on January 6, seeing the Bianconeri secure a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has named his 28-man squad for the World Cup play-off, with Federico Chiesa returning to the team while Guglielmo Vicario is dropped.

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The FIGC confirmed Gattuso’s squad for the 2026 World Cup play-off on Friday.

Liverpool winger Chiesa returns to the team for the first time since 2024.

The last time Chiesa had played for the national team was in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 tie against Switzerland.

Newcastle star Sandro Tonali is regularly part of the squad despite suffering an injury during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona.

Exams undergone on Thursday, in fact, ruled out a serious muscle lesion for the ex-Milan ace.

Cagliari’s Marco Palestra earns his first senior call-up, while Tottenham’s Vicario is not part of the team as Gattuso has picked Elia Caprile, Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alex Meret.

Italy will play Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal on March 26, and the potential Final will be played on March 31, away against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy squad for 2026 World Cup play-off

Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli);

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli);

Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle);

Attackers: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta).

• Read more – Gattuso appears to have chosen Italy system as squad list confirmed

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Mateo Retegui has held talks with Juventus after Milan, while Turkish side Fenerbahce have shown interest in Lois Openda.

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Italy international Retegui is eager to return to Serie A after just one season at Al-Qadisiya, and, according to Tuttosport, his father has held direct talks with Juventus in recent days.

Tuttosport reported earlier this week that one of Retegui’s agents had also met Milan director Igli Tare.

Juventus’ main target in attack remains Randal Kolo Muani, followed by Retegui, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Chelsea-owned Nicolas Jackson.

Juventus are determined to sign a new centre-forward for 2026-27 regardless of Dusan Vlahovic’s possible contract extension.

The Serie A giants will be listening to offers for Jonathan David and Openda, and, according to the report, the latter has already received an initial inquiry from Fenerbahce, coached by ex-Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco.

Retegui has already returned to Italy to prepare for the Azzurri’s World Cup play-off.

The 2024-25 Serie A top-goal scorer has netted five goals in six matches under Gattuso.

Italy have officially unveiled their new away kit, which will be worn in the upcoming international fixtures.

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Gennaro Gattuso is expected to announce his Italy squad for the World Cup play-off today, but the FIGC already made an announcement this morning, unveiling the Nazionale’s new away kit.

• Read more – Official: Gattuso confirms Italy squad for World Cup play-off – Chiesa returns, Vicario dropped

Italy’s new 2026 Away Kit – Official statement

“Today, adidas and the FIGC revealed the official Away Kit of the Italian national football team, which will be used for their upcoming international fixtures,” a statement reads.

“It is a jersey steeped in traditional Italian tailoring and inspired by the elegant suits worn by the National Team during legendary celebratory moments.

“The Away jersey features a blue and white pattern all across, mirroring the intricate textures seen in fine tailoring. The sleeves, logos, and numbering are finished with navy blue and gold details, while the collar is adorned with the ‘Italia’ monogram, inspired by bespoke embroidery, demonstrating a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Trefoil Tricolour.

The @Azzurri_En away kit is officially here @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/Ty0jMPe10z

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) March 20, 2026

“The jersey is made from jacquard fabric to provide a lighter finish and allow for more freedom of movement on the pitch. The kit is rounded off with the iconic three stripes running along the shoulders, applied using a herringbone pattern and designed to enhance breathability and ensure optimal ventilation even in the most demanding climates.

“The entire adidas Away jersey range is built for high performance, to support world-class players in moments of intense pressure. To adapt to the hottest and most challenging conditions, the engineered 3D body-mapped mechanical stretch fabrics incorporate adidas’ latest CLIMACOOL+ materials, which pull moisture away from the skin faster and keep players drier for longer.”

Italy’s next match is against Northern Ireland in Bergamo on March 26. It’s the World Cup play-off semifinal, and if the Azzurri qualify for the Final, they’ll play Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away.

If Italy qualify for the World Cup, they’ll be placed in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

Fikayo Tomori has been included in the England squad for friendly games in March, but Thomas Tuchel admits the Milan defender ‘benefits from the injury of Trevoh Chalobah.’

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Milan centre-back Tomori has been included in the England squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Tuchel explains Tomori’s return to the England squad

Tomori has not played a competitive match for England since November 2023, and this is the first time Tuchel has called him up to the Three Lions squad.

“Fikayo Tomori benefits from the injury of Trevoh Chalobah,” Tuchel said.

“Trevoh unfortunately got injured in the last minutes of the Champions League match and we hope that he comes back soon but it looks like a little bit of a nasty and painful one. It gives Fikayo the chance to come and impress. I was in contact with him through the whole year basically and was impressed very early when I watched him play with his physicality and approach to defending, so happy to have him in camp.”

Tomori, a former Chelsea defender, has made five appearances for the senior England national team, making his debut in 2019 against Kosovo under Gareth Southgate.

Tomori, 28, has been a regular starter at Milan over the last few years and in the current campaign, he has provided three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.

During a recent interview with The Athletic, Tomori said he had spoken to Tuchel and hoped to be part of the England World Cup squad in June.

Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to start for Napoli in an away game at Cagliari today, and Corriere dello Sport describes the new Partenopei attacking trio as ‘made in Manchester.’

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Conte picks new Napoli attacking trident

Napoli coach Antonio Conte will field an unprecedented attacking trio for a Serie A match against Cagliari today, as the Italian tactician is expected to start De Bruyne, McTominay and Hojlund up front at the Unipol Domus Arena.

The trio started several matches in the first part of the season before De Bruyne’s muscle injury in October, but back then, the Belgian ace was deployed as a central midfielder and McTominay as a left winger.

Napoli’s system in the first months of 2025-26 was 4-2-3-1, but Conte has long changed the team’s set-up using a 3-4-2-1 for the last few months.

With De Bruyne back in action since the beginning of March, Conte has integrated the ex-Manchester City star into his new system, and later today, De Bruyne will start as an attacking midfielder alongside McTominay, behind the sole striker Hojlund.

De Bruyne has not started a Serie A match for Napoli since October 25, 2025, when he suffered a high-degree injury after less than 40 minutes in a home match against Inter.

De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer, while both McTominay and Hojlund moved to the Stadio Maradona from Manchester United.

McTominay is in his second season at Napoli, while Hojlund joined the Serie A giants last summer, on loan with an obligation to buy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms Piero Ausilio’s trip to London to hold talks with Guglielmo Vicario’s agent, but, according to the report, the Inter director also explored moves for other targets.

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Inter sporting director Ausilio travelled to London earlier this week to continue negotiations for Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Vicario, who has emerged as the Nerazzurri’s top goalkeeping target for next season.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Vicario, Gimenez, Goretzka

According to Gazzetta, Ausilio made the trip with Dario Baccin, another Inter director, and watched Wednesday’s Champions League match between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, accompanied by Vicario’s agent, Gabriele Giuffrida.

On Tuesday, Baccin and Ausilio were at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea-PSG.

Vicario’s agent and Inter directors are already on good terms, and the Italian keeper is very much open to moving to San Siro in the summer.

According to Gazzetta, Inter see him as the ideal replacement for Yann Sommer, particularly in terms of value for money.

Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin have also been considered by the Serie A table leaders, but Vicario is by far their favourite target, being available for barely €20m.

Gazzetta claims that Ausilio also used his trip to London to gather information about other potential targets.

One of them is Atletico Madrid’s José Maria Gimenez, who might be allowed to leave the Colchoneros for free at the end of the season, despite a contract expiring in June 2028.

Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is another potential target for Inter as the Germany international has been offered to all top Serie A clubs after deciding not to extend his expiring contract with the Bavarians.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are ready to offer a three-year contract to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva and a salary of at least €7m per season.

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Juventus are ready to send their offer to Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, who is available on a free transfer as his contract runs out this coming June.

Juventus prepare offer for Bernardo Silva

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Serie A giants have already informed the midfielder’s agent, Jorge Mendes, that they are ready to offer the Portugal international a three-year deal with an option for a further campaign.

Gazzetta highlights that the proposed contract length is not entirely in line with the club’s policy regarding over-30 players, but Juventus are happy to make an exception given the player’s quality and experience.

Negotiations over Bernardo Silva’s salary will begin shortly, but Juventus are prepared to offer wages between €7m and €8m per season.

Gazzetta confirms that Bernardo Silva has attracted interest from other clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Miami and Galatasaray, but the Portugal international won’t make a decision on his next club before May.

Stanislav Lobotka is expected to return to Napoli‘s starting XI for an away game at Cagliari today, while Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne will play behind Rasmus Hojlund.

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It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT), and it’s the opening game of Serie A Round 30.

The Partenopei must cope without Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Antonio Vergara and David Neres, but De Bruyne is fit to start.

According to several sources, including Gazzetta, Sky, and Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian star will get the nod as an attacking midfielder alongside McTominay, behind the sole striker Hojlund.

Lobotka is back from an injury and will join Billy Gilmour in central midfield, with Zambo Anguissa initially on the bench.

Cagliari are without the suspended Adam Obert and the injured Andrea Belotti, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Riyad Idrissi.

Coach Fabio Pisacane will likely pick just one centre forward, Sebastiano Esposito, who returns from a one-game ban, leaving Semih Kılıçsoy on the bench.

Cagliari vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV

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

Cagliari vs. Napoli – probable line-ups

Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, Dossena; Zappa, Deiola, Gaetano, Mazzitelli, Palestra; Folorunsho, Seb. Esposito.

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Gilmour, Lobotka, Gutierrez; De Bruyne, McTominay; Højlund. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Bologna joy, Roma’s derby nightmare

EuroLeague: 4-3 in extra time

Show game, Cambiaghi goal: Aston Villa in the quarter-finals

Conference: Rakow-Fiorentina 1-2, now Palace

Offer to Bernardo Silva

A genius worthy of Juve

Maxi proposal to beat competition: three years plus one for the champion who is available for a free transfer from Man City.

Inter, blitz Vicario

Meeting in London with the goalkeeper. Agreement close.

De Bruyne starts, Napoli dream of the supercomeback

Modric to the museum

Ballon d’Or at Casa Milan: ‘They love me here.’

Corriere dello Sport

A never-before-seen Napoli

In Cagliari with a trio made in Manchester

Conte changes, De Bruyne and McTominay on the pitch with Hojlund, who chases the record of season goals. He has already scored 14 times. Gilmour confirmed in central midfield. Lobotka tries too. Elmas out, Beukema in defence with Buongiorno and Olivera.

An Italian dream

Europa League: The Rossoblu win 4-3 at the Olimpico after 120 minutes: they are into the quarter-finals

Fantastic Bologna: Roma go home

Rowe breaks the deadlock, Ndicka replies, then Bernardeschi and Castro score. Gasp’s comeback with Malen and Pellegrini. Cambiaghi decides it with a counter-attack at minute 111. On April 9, Vincenzo will face Aston Villa.

Conference: Viola party. Pongracic scores from 55 meters

Chivu, tactics in six languages

From English to Dutch, more quality in human relationships and empathy

Juve, four points missing

Goal-scoring opportunities and results: negative ratio. Now, Vlahovic for the Champions League sprint.

Gattuso’s relief: Tonali available

No lesion for the Newcastle midfielder. List made, just one doubt in the attack.

Tuttosport

‘Dear Toro, Milan will win.’

Retegui calls, Juve listen

The hitman wants to leave Saudi Arabia: contact with Ottolini.

Not only Milan for the ex-Atalanta striker who wants to return to Italy. Spalletti’s favourite option remains Kolo Muani as Vlahovic’s partner. Otherwise, Zirkzee and Nico Jackson, but Mateo is intriguing. Tonight in Marassi, the Bianconeri scout Norton-Cuffy. Spinazzola’s chance on the left. Muharemovic emerges again in defence.

Pinamonti: ‘I challenge Spalletti, who has changed me.’

Livakovic Granata, here are the sponsors

Bologna paradise, Roma stripped

Fantastic 3-3. Cambiaghi’s counter-attack in extra time gives the quarter-finals and Aston Villa to the Rossoblu. Pongracic at ’97, Viola buzz (2-1). Now Crystal Palace.

Italy call, here’s Tonali

Como mourn Hartono Sr.

Gian Piero Gasperini admits Roma showed ‘our best and worst’ in the Europa League exit to Bologna, but also pointed to the lack of alternatives. ‘I dreamed of repeating certain attacking situations’ from Atalanta.

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The Giallorossi were always chasing this tie, both in the first leg that ended 1-1, then here coming back from 3-1 down to force extra time with goals from Evan Ndicka, Donyell Malen and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

It was ultimately decided by the fresh legs of Nicolò Cambiaghi, whose snooker shot finish sealed the 4-3 victory on the night for Bologna, 5-4 on aggregate.

Gasperini frustrated with Roma highs and lows

“It was certainly a fascinating match, naturally we leave it with great regret, because we saw us at our best and our worst tonight,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“The best was almost the entire game, the worst was in the goals we conceded, which meant we were always chasing the comeback, despite doing some really good things. It’s a pity that after this performance, we also made these mistakes.”

The defensive errors saw Bologna surge into a 3-1 lead, although Gasperini reserved criticism also for Gianluca Mancini’s complaints after a tussle with Rowe for the opening goal.

“Mancini stayed down after a shirt tug, so Rowe was free to go forward. It was an anomalous situation, but unfortunately, we were naïve.”

Roma’s difficult spell therefore continues, as now they are without a win in five competitive games and slipped down from fourth to sixth in the Serie A table.

“When you reach this stage of the season, the levels go up, so does the pressure, and the fatigue makes itself felt too. This is a team that has spirit, because it conceded with a penalty just before half-time, it came back from 3-1 down, it felt like the momentum was behind us,” noted Gasperini.

“When you make mistakes like this, then you can lose games, that’s clear.”

Manu Koné went off injured in the opening minutes, yet Gasperini made only two substitutions in the 90 minutes, then four overall out of a possible six, because there is a bonus slot in extra time.

The options in attack were limited in the absence of Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, while Lorenzo Venturino is not on the UEFA list.

“In extra time, there was some fatigue, but we couldn’t make changes. Bologna put on three quick and fresh strikers, so it was tough. Clearly, if you are missing four or five players all in the same section of the squad, you will suffer in the long run.

“Despite that, we have brought in an extraordinary Malen who has made our attacks a lot more dangerous. In the first half of the season, we found goals from various different players, but the lack of attacking options is something we’ve been carrying since the start of the season.”

Gasperini won the Europa League trophy with Atalanta, but has found the shift to Roma very different, including tension behind the scenes with the club forming this squad.

“I came to Roma with the dream of repeating certain attacking situations, but due to injuries or not being able to sign players with those characteristics, we never quite managed to recreate that. Nonetheless, my players have always put in so much effort, including tonight.

“Over the last week or so, against Como and Bologna, I cannot complain too much about my players, as they put in a strong performance.”

Another January signing made an impression this evening, as Robinio Vaz came off the bench and constantly troubled Jhon Lucumi, winning a penalty too.

“Undoubtedly, he is very young and a big investment, which weighs on him because of the expectations. He needs time to grow, but has vivacity and strength, he can be useful, but in order to aim higher, you need players with more experience and pedigree.”

Vincenzo Italiano insists Roma ‘are superior in every way, but Bologna climbed a mountain’ to set up a Europa League quarter-final clash with Aston Villa. ‘We’ll be the underdogs there too.’

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The Rossoblu will face Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final, and go in as underdogs, but that was also the case in this all-Italian derby with Roma.

“We have already faced Aston Villa on their turf twice, so we go in again knowing that we are the underdogs, but we’ll prepare something and try to do something else extraordinary,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

The first leg will be at the Stadio Dall’Ara on April 9, with the decider at Villa Park a week later.

Italiano hails Bologna coup in Eternal City

“You saw the atmosphere in the stadium from the start, we were against a strong side and I said our odds were 49-51 to go through, but we managed to turn them around and continue in an important European competition.

“The match was wonderful, we are truly happy to come here and do what we did, which was climb the mountain. I can only congratulate the lads for an extraordinary performance, as winning in this atmosphere against this Roma side was a genuine achievement.”

They were never behind in this tie at any point, conceding the equaliser for a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Stadio Dall’Ara, then going in front here too with Jonathan Rowe’s scorcher.

Bologna were even 3-1 up at the Stadio Olimpico through Federico Bernardeschi’s penalty and Santiago Castro, only to fumble it for 3-3 and go into extra time.

Here too, fresh legs were decisive with Nicolò Cambiaghi off the bench to squeeze in the finish from the tightest of angles.

“We struggled in the first 20 minutes to keep the pressure on Roma, but then we started to take hold in their half and begin to do more of what we had prepared,” continued Italiano.

“Once you get into extra time, it’s first goal wins, and we managed to get the goal.”

The Stadio Olimpico is confirmed as a positive venue for Bologna, who already had wild celebrations here last year when beating Milan in the Coppa Italia Final to lift their first piece of silverware for 51 years.

Italiano clearly also has a special affinity with Cup competitions, as he also took Fiorentina to two Conference League Finals and a Coppa Italia Final before coming to Bologna.

“I just try to honour each competition in the best possible way, have the right spirit, preparation, and utmost effort. It’s not a very long path in these tournaments, so you try to find strategies to cause problems for opponents, even if they are of a higher quality on paper.

“We got through a tough league phase, won a difficult play-off, and today beat a team that is superior to us in every way. However, playing your cards in the best way brings you to these results.”

Bologna players are still celebrating under the section of away supporters in the stands while Italiano is giving his interviews.

“I had to rush back and leave the lads during their celebration, because since I had that pneumonia, the doctor wants me to immediately get back where it’s warm and wrap up,” smiled Italiano.

The coach spent some of the season having to direct his team’s training sessions remotely, as he was hospitalised for a week with pneumonia.

Bryan Cristante admits Roma fans ‘let us hear their disappointment’ at the Europa League exit to Bologna after a 4-3 defeat in extra time. ‘We seemed in control.’

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The Giallorossi were never leading at any point over the two legs of this Round of 16 tie, as Lorenzo Pellegrini equalised after the Federico Bernardeschi opener at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

When it came to the second leg, Jonathan Rowe had put Bologna in front, then after Evan Ndicka’s opener, the visitors surged 3-1 up through Bernardeschi and Santiago Castro.

Roma managed to force extra time with Donyell Malen’s spot-kick and another Pellegrini strike, but Nicolò Cambiaghi sealed it to send Bologna through to the Europa League quarter-final against Aston Villa.

Cristante recognises Roma errors

“We shouldn’t have conceded all these goals. We went behind, we did so well to get back into it, seemed in control during extra time and ready to score the decisive goal, but instead it went the other way,” Cristante told Sky Sport Italia.

When Roma players went over to the Curva Sud to salute the fans after the final whistle, but the ultras jeered and reacted angrily, telling them not to bother.

“We are all disappointed to be out of the competition, the fans let us hear their disappointment. It’s tough, because we had got it back on track, we were convinced we had the right approach, but we lost,” added Cristante.

Roma’s difficult spell therefore continues, as now they are without a win in five competitive games and slipped down from fourth to sixth in the Serie A table.

Are they struggling with the injury crisis and starting to feel fatigue from having the same players in every match?

“You can feel fatigue at certain points of the season, but we were there, we were in the right position to get through to the next stage of the Europa League. We cannot complain about fatigue, we’ve just got to roll our sleeves up and keep going,” concluded Cristante.

Roma came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Bologna in normal time, before an extra time goal from Rossoblu substitute Nicolo Cambiaghi sent the visitors through into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

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Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Bologna forward Jonathan Rowe, for his delightful strike from the edge of the box to put the visitors 1-0 up, assist for his side’s third and threatening chance creation all evening, whilst Lorenzo Pellegrini also deserves credit for inspiring the Giallorossi’s comeback in the second half.

Roma 3-3 Bologna (3-4 A.E.T) – Player Ratings

Roma: Svilar 5.5; Mancini 6, N’Dicka 7, Hermoso 6; Celik 7 (Zaragoza 6), Pisilli 6.5 (El Aynaoui 5.5), Cristante 6.5, Kone N/A (Pellegrini 8), Wesley 7; Malen 7.5, El Shaarawy 5.5 (Vaz 6)

Best Roma player: Lorenzo Pellegrini – Came off the bench to inspire Roma’s second half comeback with a goal and an assist but it was ultimately not enough. Was called into action after Manu Kone’s injury in the 20th minute and helped his side in a way only an experienced player can.

Lowest Roma rating: Mile Svilar – Lacked a lot tonight in both his distribution and his shot-stopping. Conceded four times, albeit one from the penalty spot, and perhaps could have done better with at least one or two of them.

Coach: Gian Piero Gaspeirni 6 – No referee excuses to hide behind tonight, the coach was outclassed by his counterpart – despite introducing some excellent substitutes. Kone’s injury could have defined the tie but Pellegrini’s introduction was a real boon for the Giallorossi. However, ultimately beaten on the day by a more clinical team.

Bologna: Ravaglia 5.5; Zortea 6.5, Vitik 6 (Casale 6), Lucumi 7, Joao Mario 6; Freuler 5.5, Ferguson 6.5, Pobega 7 (Moro 6.5); Bernardeschi 7.5 (Orsolini 6), Castro 7.5 (Dallinga 6.5), Rowe 8 (Cambiaghi 7.5)

Best Bologna player: Jonathan Rowe – An electric performance from the Englishman before he was replaced with roughly twenty minutes to play. Picked up a goal and an assist today and was a real threat in-between the Roma lines. Gave his all and the coach rightly took him off when he looked out of steam.

Lowest Bologna rating: Remo Freuler – Gave away the penalty that inspired Roma’s comeback and will be relieved his side progressed in spite of it. Looked a little lacklustre aside from that, and was eventually taken off with six minutes left of extra-time after, to his credit, giving his all.

Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 7.5 – Outclassed Gasperini tonight, despite the second half scare. Took his team to the Stadio Olimpico, where they famously won the Coppa Italia last season, and helped inspire his side to a victory of nearly-equal importance.

Roma came back repeatedly to force the tie to extra time after a 3-3 thriller at the Stadio Olimpico, but Bologna will face Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final.

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The first leg ended 1-1, so it was all to play for in this Italian derby for the chance to face Aston Villa in the quarter-final. Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson were still out injured, with Lorenzo Venturino not on the UEFA list, after just two draws in four competitive games. Lukasz Skorupski picked up an injury in the win at Sassuolo, so Federico Ravaglia took the Rossoblu gloves. The Stadio Olimpico is a special venue for Bologna, as they won the Coppa Italia here last season.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Santiago Castro went on a rapid counter-attack for the finish deflected wide by Zeki Celik, but Roma were forced into an early change when Manu Koné hobbled off the field with a muscular issue.

Moments later, Bologna took the lead when Jonathan Rowe smashed a ferocious effort into the roof of the net from the edge of the area, but Roma complained that the England striker had pushed Gianluca Mancini in the build-up, creating that gap through the centre of their defence.

Jonathan Rowe hit that one so clean!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/6f7dF9no4l

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 19, 2026

Svilar got down for a one-handed save on Federico Bernardeschi’s angled drive, but after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s free kick smacked against the top of the upright, it was scrambled out for a corner.

From this set play, Evan Ndicka rose in the crowd to nod in Roma’s equaliser from six yards.

Malen just failed to connect with a Mancini glancing header at the back post, while Svilar parried a Joao Mario attempt after a corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Stephan El Shaarawy bundled into the back of Nadir Zortea and the referee pointed to the spot. Bernardeschi sent Svilar the wrong way to convert and restore Bologna’s advantage.

Malen tested Ravaglia from the edge of the box after the restart, but it was Bologna who added another goal. Rowe chased down a bouncing ball, battling first with Bryan Cristante and then Ndicka to knock it down for Castro to smash a screamer into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.

Roma were also awarded a penalty when Remo Freuler pressured Robinio Vaz, so Malen passed it precisely into the bottom corner past Ravaglia’s fingertips.

Moments later, Ravaglia did get to the Pellegrini free kick at the near top corner, but was beaten when Vaz pulled back to the edge of the area where Pellegrini passed it into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left foot to draw it all level again.

Freuler’s weak finish was smothered by Svilar, while Wesley fired over on the half-volley, but they could not be separated and the tie went to extra time.

Ravaglia immediately flew to palm a Zeki Celik scorcher out from under the bar, while Pellegrini had to track back to stop Riccardo Orsolini going clear.

Bologna again went in front when Nicolò Cambiaghi completed a give and go with Thijs Dallinga to break into the box and drew out Svilar, his snooker shot of a finish going in off the inside of the near post to roll across the line.

Vaz had penalty appeals in the final moments, but he had a handful of Lucumi’s shirt instead and simply lost his balance.

Roma 3-4 Bologna aet (4-5 agg)

Rowe 22 (B), Ndicka 32 (R), Bernardeschi pen 45+2 (B), Castro 58 (B), Malen pen 69 (R), Pellegrini 80 (R), Cambiaghi 111 (B)

19-03-2026 20:00

1/8 Final

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Bologna

0 1

3 - 4

Player statistic

1st half

		22'		Jonathan Rowe (Assist: Santiago Castro)
		26'		Martin Vitik
Evan Ndicka (Assist: Lorenzo Pellegrini)		32'
		45+2'		Federico Bernardeschi

2nd half

Zeki Celik		55'
		58'		Santiago Castro (Assist: Jonathan Rowe)
Donyell Malen		69'
		71'		Nadir Zortea
		76'		Jhon Lucumí
Lorenzo Pellegrini		80'

Extra time

		108'		Remo Freuler
		111'		Nicolò Cambiaghi (Assist: Thijs Dallinga)
		116'		Lewis Ferguson
Gianluca Mancini		120+3'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

24

Total shots

14

7

Shots on target

9

10

Shots off target

3

7

Blocked shots

2

8

Corners

4

3

Offsides

1

21

Fouls

27

Roma

Bologna

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

109'

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

20'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

104'

Donyell Malen

Attacker

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

57'

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

João Mário

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

73'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

73'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

114'

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

91'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

79'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

104'

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

109'

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

20'

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

57'

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

82

Matteo Franceschelli

Goalkeeper

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

114'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

73'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

73'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

73'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

79'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

91'

Paolo Vanoli took Moise Kean’s angry reaction to being substituted during Fiorentina’s 2-1 Conference League win over Rakow as a positive sign rather than a disciplinary concern, insisting the striker’s frustration simply reflected how desperately he wanted to help his side reach the quarter-finals.

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“I am happy because he is an important player,” Vanoli told Sky Sport after the match, with quotes via CalcioMercato.

“When there is that anger and that desire to play, it means he wanted to be there and to help. But I am the coach, and I also have to understand that he is a key player and that we still have nine finals and a passage through the round to think about.”

Vanoli concedes tough game for Fiorentina at Rakow but focuses on challenges ahead

Vanoli was also candid about a difficult first half in which Fiorentina struggled to find their rhythm on a heavy pitch.

“We wanted to play but the surface did not allow it, we were arriving late to second balls and were slow to understand how to get the qualification over the line,” he admitted.

The second half, however, told a very different story, with the Viola coming from behind to seal the win. “This team now has a plus, they know how to react.”

On Kean’s broader value, Vanoli was unequivocal, and his words carry obvious relevance for Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso ahead of the World Cup playoffs.

“The national team coach is better than me, he knows perfectly well that Moise is an important player who wants to help both Fiorentina and the national team. He is a player Italy will need.”

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole has said his first words as the new head coach of Serie B side Cesena.

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Speaking at his unveiling, the Englishman said:

“The values aligned together and I was very enthusiastic when I got the call and the opportunity to come to, as I mentioned, a very good, honest respectful club and I still am enthusiastic for the future.”

Ashley Cole – First words as Cesena head coach

Ashley Cole was announced as the Serie B side’s head coach earlier this week, in what is his first job in a managerial capacity.

It comes as a surprise to many but reports indicated that the Italian club wanted a recognisable figure from world football and Cole is familiar with club co-owner Mike Melby, from their time at LA Galaxy.

“More importantly, for me, my background, my beginning is just like the Cesena fans: very humble, good values, good loyalty and at the moment they’re giving everything for the club and I need to give something back.”

For Cole, it is a surprise opportunity to jump start a managerial career that looked as though it was never destined to arrive. He seems enthusiastic about the challenge, but once again stressed the most important thing is to reflect the fans.

“The minute I heard about this opportunity, I jumped at the chance to come here. My team needs to reflect not me, always, it needs to reflect the club, its fans and the values of these fans.”

Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio has hailed the ‘wonderful journey’ his side have taken through the Europa League as they prepare for a vital second leg against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Di Vaio also singled out experienced forward Federico Bernardeschi as a source of inspiration for his younger teammates in what promises to be an exciting contest.

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It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

Di Vaio: ‘Bernardeschi can inspire Bologna’

Speaking about Italian winger Bernardeschi, Di Vaio said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb:

“He has experience with Juventus in these types of matches, where he performed very well, and so he can inspire his teammates in the crucial moments of the game. Those who have played in them, like him and Freuler, can help the younger players handle the pressure. Roma are a strong team.”

The first leg ended 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara, so a place in the Europa League quarter-final will all be decided this evening.

Whoever wins will go through to face either Aston Villa or Lille.

The Stadio Olimpico holds fond memories for Bologna, because this is where they beat Milan last season to win the Coppa Italia. It was the club’s first piece of silverware for 51 years and allowed them to qualify for the Europa League too.

Commenting on that match, Di Vaio said “We know it’s a completely different match, we have wonderful memories and we hope to relive them tonight.”

Bologna are coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 Serie A victory away to local rivals Sassuolo, but in that game lost goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski to injury. It means Federico Ravaglia steps in to take the gloves this evening.

Fiorentina are through to the Conference League quarter-finals after Cher Ndour’s deflected effort and a Marin Pongracic goal from his own half beat Rakow.

They will face either Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca, as that Round of 16 tie is going to extra time.

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The Viola had a slender 2-1 first leg lead thanks to the last-gasp Albert Gudmundsson penalty in this Round of 16. Moise Kean returned from injury for his first start since March 2, with Niccolò Fortini, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini and Tariq Lamptey injured. Rakow finished second in the league phase of the tournament and won the Polish title in 2023, but again left top scorer Lamine Diaby-Fadiga initially on the bench.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Kean made an immediate impact, cutting inside from the left after three minutes for two shots charged down from close range by Stratos Svarnas.

Ivi Lopez tested Oliver Christensen with a free kick at the near post, but the hosts lost Fran Tudor to injury after just 19 minutes.

When Lopez pulled back from the by-line for Jonatan Braut Brunes, the finish from six yards was charged down by Giovanni Fabbian.

Nicolò Fagioli floated a ball over the top for Kean to volley straight at the goalkeeper, then the midfielder went for goal himself on a Fabiano Parisi cross on the stroke of half-time, forcing a save under the crossbar.

Within 22 seconds of the restart, Rakow had taken the lead on the night, drawing level on aggregate 2-2. Karol Struski cut inside Cher Ndour from the left and drilled hard and low into the near bottom corner, surprising Christensen.

Svarnas threw himself in the way of a Giovanni Fabbian strike, with Ndour nodded over from the resulting corner.

The Viola started to pour forward and rack up a series of corners, Ndour unable to tap in from six yards, then Parisi stinging Oliwier Zych’s gloves from the edge of the area.

Roberto Piccoli came so close on 67 minutes when nodding the Robin Gosens cross onto the base of the upright from point-blank range.

The pressure paid off, as after good work from Parisi, the Ndour strike from the edge of the box took a big deflection off teammate Piccoli to wrongfoot the goalkeeper and slot into the far bottom corner, restoring Fiorentina’s advantage on aggregate.

The Viola kept pushing anyway to consolidate their lead overall, Piccoli firing wide from close range and Parisi’s strike skimming the near post.

Zych also had to fly to palm the Fagioli curler out of the top corner from the edge of the area, but there was a huge scare when the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty. He changed his mind following the VAR review and instead booked Brunes for the obvious dive, as there was no contact with Christensen.

Fiorentina were under siege in stoppages, with even Zych going up for a set play, but this left the goal unprotected, and Marin Pongracic on the counter-attack intelligently passed it into the empty net from inside his own half.

Rakow 1-2 Fiorentina (2-4 agg)

Struski 46 (R), Ndour 68 (F), Pongracic 98 (F)

19-03-2026 17:45

1/8 Final

Raków Municipal Stadium

Raków Częstochowa

Fiorentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

Stratos Svarnas (Assist: Ivi López)		46'
		68'		Roberto Piccoli (Assist: Cher Ndour)
		71'		Dodô
Leonardo Rocha		85'
		85'		Cher Ndour
Jonatan Braut Brunes		86'
		90+5'		Marin Pongracic
		90+7'		Marin Pongracic (Assist: Albert Gudmundsson)

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

13

Total shots

21

1

Shots on target

7

3

Shots off target

7

9

Blocked shots

7

2

Corners

5

3

Offsides

1

10

Fouls

11

Raków Częstochowa

Fiorentina

Starting lineups

48

Oliwier Zych

Goalkeeper

25

Bogdan Racovițan

Defender

7

Fran Tudor

Defender

19'

4

Stratos Svarnas

Defender

23

Karol Struski

Midfielder

80'

6

Oskar Repka

Midfielder

10

Ivi López

Attacker

69'

20

Jean Carlos Silva

Attacker

80'

18

Jonatan Braut Brunes

Attacker

19

Michael Ameyaw

Attacker

9

Patryk Makuch

Attacker

79'

Oliver Christensen

Goalkeeper

2

Dodô

Defender

88'

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

61'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

90'

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

90'

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

24

Zoran Arsenic

Defender

1

Kacper Trelowski

Goalkeeper

44

Bogdan Mirčetić

Midfielder

35

Mitja Ilenic

31

Dominik Czeremski

21

Jerzy Napieraj

2

Ariel Mosor

Defender

19'

80

Lamine Diaby-Fadiga

Attacker

69'

17

Leonardo Rocha

79'

5

Marko Bulat

Midfielder

80'

11

Adriano

Attacker

80'

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

23

Eman Kospo

Defender

61

Riccardo Braschi

Attacker

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

63

Piergiorgio Bonanno

Midfielder

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

61'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

61'

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

88'

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

90'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

90'

Roma director Ricky Massara ‘can’t wait to experience’ the Europa League Round of 16 against Bologna, noting the trophy is ‘a target we want to aim for.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

The first leg ended 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara, so it’s winner takes all today for a place in the quarter-final against either Aston Villa or Lille.

Roma ready for Bologna test

“This is a stadium that can really push the players, there is a great atmosphere, and it will be a wonderful event,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

“We can’t wait to experience this match. Roma have a strong ambition in the Europa League, it is a target we want to aim for.

“There are many games to be played from here to the end, starting with a strong Bologna side, so this is going to be difficult.”

Roma have been going through a bit of a rough spell lately, managing only two draws from their last four competitive games and sliding down from fourth in the Serie A table to sixth.

Their progress in the Europa League therefore becomes particularly important, as winning the trophy represents another avenue into Champions League qualification.

“There will be strong motivation this evening from the crowd, but we also need to keep clear heads to deal with many dangers,” added Massara.

“We have confidence, we expect the experienced players to act as guides for the younger ones who aren’t as accustomed to this type of match.”

Giuseppe Marotta has acknowledged the growing pressure of Milan’s pursuit in the Serie A title race while insisting Inter remain fully confident of holding on to claim the Scudetto.

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Speaking via video link at the Motore Italia event in Milan, with quotes via FCInter1908, the Inter president used a vivid metaphor to describe his club’s position at the top of the table.

“We are the hare that has to be stopped, it is the most difficult position to be in,” he said, when asked whether he felt Milan breathing down his neck.

“It is easier to be the hunter. But we are competitive and convinced we can do it. I want to transmit optimism to the squad and to our supporters.”

Marotta calm as Inter look to wrap up Scudetto title

The comments come at a pivotal stage of the season, with Milan having closed the gap following their derby victory and now applying genuine pressure on Cristian Chivu’s side in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Marotta’s measured but confident tone suggests there is no panic at Viale della Liberazione, though the acknowledgement that leading from the front carries its own unique pressures was notably candid for a club president.

Marotta also touched briefly on the long-running new stadium project, describing it as a necessity for both Inter and Milan to meet international standards.

“It means creating employment, wellbeing and commercial activity,” he said. “Sport is an asset for our nation just like tourism, we must also thank the Olympic machinery for what it has generated.”

Alessandro Nesta has paid warm tribute to his former AC Milan teammates Paolo Maldini and Andrea Pirlo, while also offering a revealing assessment of Massimiliano Allegri’s evolution as a manager, speaking to Corriere della Sera to mark his 50th birthday.

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The former Italy international, who won two Champions League titles during his time at San Siro, was asked to reflect on the teammates who left the deepest impression on him.

On Pirlo, his admiration was immediate and genuine. “I knew he was good, but only when I was able to work with him did I realise he was a genius,” he said, with quotes via MilanNews.

Nesta full of praise for Milan teammates Maldini & Pirlo

For sheer professionalism, though, it was Maldini who set the standard that shaped Nesta’s understanding of what it meant to be a winner.

“When I arrived at Milan and saw that, despite not being a youngster anymore, he was always giving everything at full speed, I understood why Milan always won,” he said. “At Lazio we clung to a lot of excuses to justify our failures.”

His most cherished memory? The 2003 Champions League final in Manchester against Juventus. “It was my first. From that moment, reaching the final became an obligation.”

On Allegri, Nesta was candid about a rocky start to their relationship. The pair clashed over Pirlo’s role when Allegri arrived at Milan from Cagliari, Nesta found it inconceivable that his friend was not the fulcrum of the team.

“For Max, walking into a dressing room of champions who had won everything and were at the end of a cycle was not easy,” he said. The Nesta of today, however, sees a very different coach. “Now he is much more determined, stronger for all the experiences and victories he has accumulated.”

Roma look to Donyell Malen and Stephan El Shaarawy for the Europa League all-Italian derby, as Bologna trust Santiago Castro and Federico Bernardeschi.

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It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

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

The first leg ended 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara, meaning it is all to play for in the Eternal City for a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Whoever wins will go through to face either Aston Villa or Lille.

Roma continue to have a serious injury crisis, missing Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, while Lorenzo Venturino is not on the UEFA list.

Stephan El Shaarawy is chosen to start in support of centre-forward Malen, despite Lorenzo Pellegrini scoring in the first leg.

Once again, Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli will share the task of pushing into a more advanced position from midfield at different times in the game.

It has been a difficult period for Roma, who managed just two draws in four competitive games, sliding from fourth to sixth in the Serie A table.

Bologna have problems too, because Juan Miranda is suspended, while former Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski is ruled out after picking up an injury at the weekend in the Serie A their 1-0 victory away to Sassuolo.

It means Federico Ravaglia has to take over the gloves, while Nikola Moro is not at 100 per cent and Lorenzo De Silvestri isn’t on the UEFA list.

Once again, Riccardo Orsolini is left on the bench, as Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe are in fine form supporting Castro upfront.

The Stadio Olimpico is a special place for Bologna, as this is where they beat Milan last season to win the Coppa Italia and qualify for the Europa League.

When these sides met here in Serie A back in August 2025, it ended 1-0 for Roma with a Wesley goal on his debut.

Roma vs. Bologna line-ups

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Koné, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; El Shaarawy, Malen

Roma bench: De Marzi, Gollini, Rensch, Pellegrini, El Aynaoui, Tsimikas, Ziolkowski, Vaz, Ghilardi, Zaragoza

Bologna: Ravaglia; Zortea, Vitik, Lucumì, Joao Mario; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe

Bologna bench: Pessina, Franceschelli, Moro, Orsolini, Heggem, Casale, Odgaard, Lykogiannis, Sohm, Dallinga, Cambiaghi, Dominguez

Ref: Kovacs (ROU)

19-03-2026 20:00

1/8 Final

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Bologna

0 1

3 - 4

Player statistic

1st half

		22'		Jonathan Rowe (Assist: Santiago Castro)
		26'		Martin Vitik
Evan Ndicka (Assist: Lorenzo Pellegrini)		32'
		45+2'		Federico Bernardeschi

2nd half

Zeki Celik		55'
		58'		Santiago Castro (Assist: Jonathan Rowe)
Donyell Malen		69'
		71'		Nadir Zortea
		76'		Jhon Lucumí
Lorenzo Pellegrini		80'

Extra time

		108'		Remo Freuler
		111'		Nicolò Cambiaghi (Assist: Thijs Dallinga)
		116'		Lewis Ferguson
Gianluca Mancini		120+3'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

24

Total shots

14

7

Shots on target

9

10

Shots off target

3

7

Blocked shots

2

8

Corners

4

3

Offsides

1

21

Fouls

27

Roma

Bologna

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

109'

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

20'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

104'

Donyell Malen

Attacker

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

57'

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

João Mário

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

73'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

73'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

114'

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

91'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

79'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

104'

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

109'

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

20'

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

57'

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

82

Matteo Franceschelli

Goalkeeper

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

114'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

73'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

73'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

73'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

79'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

91'

Inter forward Ange-Yoan Bonny has opened up on one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged moments of his young life, the day a failed medical at Juventus nearly ended his football career before it had truly begun.

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Speaking exclusively to L’Équipe, with quotes via Goal, the Inter forward recalled the moment at just 17 years old when doctors detected a cardiac irregularity during what should have been a routine pre-signing examination.

“I went from joining Juventus to nothing,” he said. “The doctors told me that, in their view, playing football would be complicated. It is a hard blow for a boy full of dreams.”

Bonny bounces back from Juventus snub to star for Inter years later

What followed was a moment of raw human connection that Bonny still treasures.

He returned home to Tours and went straight to a car park in the heart of his neighbourhood, an unglamorous but deeply meaningful meeting spot for him and his closest friends.

“My friends were in the same emotional state as I was, as if it had happened to them,” he said. “I understood who I could count on. I will never forget that.”

It is the same car park where, years later, he announced his signing for Inter. The symmetry was clearly not lost on him.

Bonny’s career subsequently took a different path, a spell in Serie B with Parma, promotion to the top flight, and eventually a move to Inter, but the Juventus episode remains a defining chapter.

His mother played her own pivotal role too, threatening to withhold her signature on his first professional contract unless he passed his school exams.

“She told me: if you don’t bring home that diploma, I promise the contract doesn’t get signed,” he laughed. He passed at the resit.

Now firmly established at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Bonny’s journey from that car park in Tours to San Siro is quite the story.

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Juventus are monitoring the situation of Leonardo Spinazzola as the experienced left winger approaches the end of his contract at Napoli.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, via IlNapolista, the Italian’s deal expires in June, and with negotiations over an extension yet to reach a conclusion, Juventus have made an approach to explore the possibility of signing him on a free transfer.

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It is a move that would represent a return to the club where Spinazzola began his career.

Juventus offer Spinazzola two-year deal but Italian gives priority to Napoli

The sticking point appears to be contract length.

Napoli have offered a one-year extension with an option for a second, while Juventus are prepared to guarantee two years outright, matching what Spinazzola is understood to be seeking.

It is a meaningful difference, and one that gives the Bianconeri a clear advantage in any potential tug of war.

For now, however, Spinazzola is keen to handle the situation with respect towards Napoli, and is giving the club the opportunity to match his demands before making any decision.

Whether Antonio Conte’s side are willing to improve their offer to meet the player’s terms remains to be seen.

Should Spinazzola ultimately opt for the Juventus move, it would be a shrewd piece of free transfer business by CEO Damien Comolli, adding an experienced and versatile wide option without a transfer fee at a time when the club are managing their finances carefully.

Fiorentina director general Alessandro Ferrari has a clear message for the Conference League with Rakow. ‘We must take nothing for granted.’

It kicks off at the Zaglebiowski Park Sportowy in Sosnowiec at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

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

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The Viola have a 2-1 first leg lead in this Round of 16 tie, thanks to the late Albert Gudmundsson penalty after goals from Cher Ndour and Jonatan Braut Brunes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Fiorentina turn focus to Conference League

“The Conference League is a tournament where we want to go as far as possible, and have also an opportunity to shrug off the worries of Serie A this season,” Ferrari told Sky Sport Italia.

“We’ve seen how difficult it is in European football, so nothing can be taken for granted.”

Moise Kean was only expected to be on the bench after an ankle injury, but he gets his first start since March 2, and only the second start of the Conference League proper.

“The team had one approach up until January, then changed gear after that. We hope that there was progress in dealing with situations, understanding the issues, but also we’ve seen how easy it is to fall back into bad habits. Hopefully we have learned to focus on just one game at a time and take nothing for granted.”

Today is a special commemoration for Fiorentina, as it is two years since the death of director Joe Barone, who had come so close to winning the Conference League, losing two Finals.

“Barone left an enormous mark on us all. Rocco Commisso put in the money for the Viola Park, Barone had the tenacity and determination to get it built. He is missed not just by Fiorentina, but by the world of sport, and he will always be with us.”

Paulo Dybala’s time at Roma appears to be drawing to a close, with Argentina’s leading sports newspaper Olè reporting that a return to his homeland with Boca Juniors is increasingly likely once his contract expires on 30 June.

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The Argentine has endured another injury-disrupted season at the Stadio Olimpico and is not expected to return to action until late April at the earliest, leaving him with only a handful of matches to make any case for a renewal.

That case, according to reports on both sides of the Atlantic, looks weaker by the day.

Contract extension talks have stalled to the point where they are now described as a distant prospect, with the gap between Dybala’s current €6 million salary and what Roma are willing to offer proving difficult to bridge.

Boca Juniors close in on Dybala move as Roma talks stall

Boca Juniors, meanwhile, are increasingly confident of securing his signature, via IlBianconero.

Olè went as far as splashing ‘Joya Libertadores’ across their front page, a headline that will set pulses racing among supporters of the club who have lifted the Copa Libertadores six times and are eager to add a seventh.

The Argentine giants are counting on Dybala’s yes, and the personal factors are working heavily in their favour.

Family considerations appear to be the driving force behind any potential move. A return to Argentina would allow Dybala to be closer to his parents, while his wife Oriana Sabatini, who has never concealed her desire to return home, has recently announced her involvement in an Argentine television programme.

The couple’s first child, Gia, adds another layer of personal motivation to what is becoming an increasingly compelling case for a homecoming.

Fiorentina have a slender 2-1 first leg lead in the Conference League Round of 16, as they visit Polish side Rakow with Moise Kean and Jack Harrison.

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It kicks off at the Zaglebiowski Park Sportowy in Sosnowiec at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

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

The Viola came back from a goal down to win the first leg 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Albert Gudmundsson penalty, so have a slender lead going to Poland.

They are also fresh from a morale-boosting 4-1 Serie A victory over Cremonese that took them away from the relegation zone.

Moise Kean returns to the starting XI, while Niccolò Fortini, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini and Tariq Lamptey are injured.

Robin Gosens is rested after a knock to the ribs, as Harrison and Jacopo Fazzini complete the attack.

Marin Pongracic returns after missing the first leg through suspension, but is only on the bench.

It’s going to be an emotional day for Fiorentina, as it is two years ago that director Joe Barone died of a heart attack.

Rakow have never reached a UEFA quarter-final, so if they do manage to get past the Viola, it will be an historic event.

They’ve impressed in the Conference League so far, finishing second in the league phase, having won the Polish title in 2023.

Jonatan Braut Brunes was rested at the weekend to lead the line here, as he is the cousin of Erling Braut Haaland and scored at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the first leg.

Lamine Diaby-Fadiga remains their top scorer in the Conference League this season with six goals in 12 games.

Rakow vs. Fiorentina line-ups

Rakow: Zych; Tudor, Racovitan, Svarnas; Ameyaw, Repka, Struski, Jean Carlos; Makuch, Brunes, Ivi Lopez

Rakow bench: Trelowski, Czeremski, Mosor, Bulat, Amorim, Leonardo Rocha, Napieraj, Arsenic, Ilenic, Mircetic, Diaby-Fadiga

Fiorentina: Christensen; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi; Ndour, Fagioli, Fabbian; Harrison, Kean, Fazzini

Fiorentina bench: De Gea, Leonardelli, Pongracic, Mandragora, Gudmundsson, Gosens, Kospo, Kouadio, Braschi, Balbo, Bonanno, Piccoli

Ref: Munuera (ESP)

19-03-2026 17:45

1/8 Final

Raków Municipal Stadium

RAK

FIO

1 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

Stratos Svarnas (Assist: Ivi López)		46'
		68'		Roberto Piccoli (Assist: Cher Ndour)
		71'		Dodô
Leonardo Rocha		85'
		85'		Cher Ndour
Jonatan Braut Brunes		86'
		90+5'		Marin Pongracic
		90+7'		Marin Pongracic (Assist: Albert Gudmundsson)

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

13

Total shots

21

1

Shots on target

7

3

Shots off target

7

9

Blocked shots

7

2

Corners

5

3

Offsides

1

10

Fouls

11

RAK

FIO

Starting lineups

48

Oliwier Zych

Goalkeeper

25

Bogdan Racovițan

Defender

7

Fran Tudor

Defender

19'

4

Stratos Svarnas

Defender

23

Karol Struski

Midfielder

80'

6

Oskar Repka

Midfielder

10

Ivi López

Attacker

69'

20

Jean Carlos Silva

Attacker

80'

18

Jonatan Braut Brunes

Attacker

19

Michael Ameyaw

Attacker

9

Patryk Makuch

Attacker

79'

Oliver Christensen

Goalkeeper

2

Dodô

Defender

88'

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

61'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

90'

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

90'

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

24

Zoran Arsenic

Defender

1

Kacper Trelowski

Goalkeeper

44

Bogdan Mirčetić

Midfielder

35

Mitja Ilenic

31

Dominik Czeremski

21

Jerzy Napieraj

2

Ariel Mosor

Defender

19'

80

Lamine Diaby-Fadiga

Attacker

69'

17

Leonardo Rocha

79'

5

Marko Bulat

Midfielder

80'

11

Adriano

Attacker

80'

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

23

Eman Kospo

Defender

61

Riccardo Braschi

Attacker

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

63

Piergiorgio Bonanno

Midfielder

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

61'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

61'

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

88'

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

90'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

90'

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has moved to ease concerns over Sandro Tonali’s fitness ahead of Italy’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland, while issuing a passionate rallying cry for the nation to get behind Gennaro Gattuso’s side.

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Speaking at a press conference following the federal council meeting, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport, Gravina offered cautious but genuine optimism over the Newcastle midfielder’s condition after he was forced off during a recent club match.

“I am rather calm,” he said. “I am in close contact with Gattuso and last night I spoke with Sandro alongside the coach and our doctor De Carli. He was calmer than he was when he left the pitch, there is a concern, but it is at a very moderate level. This morning’s tests were reassuring. We will do everything possible to get him fit, working alongside Newcastle with whom we are in continuous contact.”

Gravina: ‘Italy must push these players to America… even if they have to swim!’

With a World Cup place on the line, Gravina drew explicit parallels with Italy’s triumphant Euro 2020 campaign, invoking the spirit of that summer to galvanise supporters ahead of what he described as a defining week for Italian football.

“Back then I described us as a normal team that could become special if we all felt the pride and belonging of the Azzurri shirt together,” he said. “Our fans helped those players overcome some formidable opponents. We need that same call to arms now, the push from this country must carry these players to America, even if they have to swim there.”

The FIGC president also revealed his own emotional investment in the coming days.

“I am tense, emotions feed me and it is impossible to be indifferent before an appointment this important,” he admitted.

“I will join the squad from the very first moment of their training camp and I will not leave their side for a second. The message will be: let us live this together, as a moment of freedom and serenity, knowing that if we are good the reward will be extraordinary.”

He ended on a note of genuine surprise and delight, confirming that tickets for the playoff had sold out within an hour, something he described as unprecedented in Italian football history.

Inter director Piero Ausilio has reportedly travelled to London, where he has scheduled a meeting with Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

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It is no secret that Italy international Vicario is Inter’s top goalkeeping target for next season.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Vicario

According to Calciomercato.com, the Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio has travelled to London to hold talks with the Tottenham star.

Spurs are fighting for Premier League survival, and Vicario is eager to return to Serie A next season.

Calciomercato.com confirms that the Italy international has already given the green light to a move to Inter.

With Yann Sommer’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Nerazzurri are already preparing to sign a new goalkeeper, and preliminary talks with Vicario’s entourage began some weeks ago.

According to several sources, Tottenham will likely demand a fee between €15m and €20m for Vicario, but if Spurs are relegated to the Championship, their asking price will drop further.

Vicario has conceded 165 goals in 115 games with Tottenham, but won the Europa League with the Premier League club last season.

Reports in Italy claim that medical tests undergone by Sandro Tonali today have ruled out muscle injuries, so the Azzurri star will be available for next week’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland.

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The MRI scan Sandro Tonali underwent on Thursday ruled out any muscle injuries, according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta.

Positive Tonali injury update for Italy and Newcastle

The Newcastle midfielder will therefore be available for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semifinal between Italy and Northern Ireland.

Tonali was forced to be substituted during Newcastle’s Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday, raising concerns that he would not be available for Italy’s crucial match next week.

Besides the positive outcome of today’s tests, Tonali no longer feels pain in his left thigh, but he could still miss the upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland to resume training with the Azzurri next week.

Italy coach Gattuso is expected to release his squad list tomorrow, while players will begin preparations in Coverciano on Monday, March 23.

If Italy beat Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal on March 26, they’ll meet the winner of the Wales-Bosnia Herzegovina match on March 31.

AIA has officially announced the referees for Serie A Week 30, including the Milan-Torino and Fiorentina-Inter matches.

Serie A Week 30 begins on Friday with Cagliari-Napoli and Genoa-Udinese.

The Partenopei’s away game in Sardinia will be overseen by Maurizio Mariani.

Milan’s home game against Torino on Saturday will be overseen by Francesco Fourneau, while Andrea Colombo has been appointed for Fiorentina-Inter on Sunday night.

Below are all the referees, assistants and VAR appointed for the next Serie A Round.

Serie A Week 30 referees

CAGLIARI – NAPOLI    Friday 20/03 h 18:30 (CET)

MARIANI

BINDONI – TEGONI

IV:      PERRI

VAR:  MARINI

AVAR:   SERRA

  GENOA – UDINESE   Friday  20/03 h. 20:45

COLLU

PERETTI – BIFFI

IV:      TURRINI

VAR:   AURELIANO

AVAR:    PEZZUTO

  PARMA – CREMONESE    Saturday 21/03 h. 15:00

FABBRI

CIPRESSA – YOSHIKAWA

IV:       GALIPO’

VAR:  PATERNA

AVAR:    DI BELLO

  MILAN – TORINO   Saturday 21/03 h. 18:00

FOURNEAU

ROSSI M. – MORO

IV:     DOVERI

VAR:   NASCA

AVAR:    MARESCA

  JUVENTUS – SASSUOLO   Saturday 21/03 h. 20:45

MARCHETTI

COSTANZO – BIANCHINI

IV:      ALLEGRETTA

VAR:   ABISSO

AVAR:    CAMPLONE

  COMO – PISA    Sunday, 22/03 h. 12:30

PAIRETTO

MASTRODONATO – FONTEMURATO

IV:     MUCERA

VAR:   MERAVIGLIA

AVAR: DI BELLO

  ATALANTA – H. VERONA   Sunday, 22/03 h. 15:00

AYROLDI

BERCIGLI – FONTANI

IV:     CREZZINI

VAR:    MAGGIONI

AVAR:     LA PENNA

  BOLOGNA – LAZIO   Sunday, 22/03 h. 15:00

FELICIANI

BERTI – LAUDATO

IV:     ZANOTTI

VAR:     DI PAOLO

AVAR:      GIUA

  ROMA – LECCE   Sunday, 22/03 h. 18:00

SACCHI J.L.

BACCINI – ZINGARELLI

IV:       MASSIMI

VAR:     GHERSINI

AVAR:  ABISSO

  FIORENTINA – INTER   Sunday, 22/03 h. 20:45

COLOMBO

BAHRI – DEI GIUDICI

IV:       TREMOLADA

VAR:     MARESCA

AVAR:   MASSA

According to Tuttosport, Juventus CEO Damien Comolli has identified Guillaume Restes as the ideal goalkeeping reinforcement for next season, while Luciano Spalletti prefers a more experienced player, such as David de Gea or Emiliano Martinez.

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Juventus will sign a new goalkeeper in the summer, as Michele Di Gregorio has failed to impress in his second season at the club, while Mattia Perin will seek a club that offers him a starting spot.

Juventus looking for new goalkeeper in 2026-27

According to Tuttosport, the top target identified by CEO Comolli is French keeper Restes, who is under contract with Toulouse.

Comolli, a former director and President of the French club, is well aware of Restes’ qualities as the 21-year-old has been playing for Toulouse since he was six.

He has already made 100 appearances for Toulouse’s senior team, and his price tag is around €20m.

Spalletti, however, would rather put this money toward reinforcements in other departments, picking a more experienced goalkeeper instead.

According to the report, Fiorentina’s De Gea, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Aston Villa’s Martinez are among the players on Spalletti’s list.

Martinez has reportedly been offered to the Old Lady, who will consider the Argentine’s signature, as long as his wage demands aren’t too high.

Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta and Liverpool’s Alisson are also highly regarded by Spalletti.

However, Carnesecchi has a high price tag and will sign a contract extension with La Dea in the coming weeks, while Alisson is unlikely to leave Liverpool before the end of his contract in 2027.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Hakan Calhanoglu will be available for Inter’s away game at Fiorentina on Sunday, while Italy international Alessandro Bastoni could return to group training tomorrow.

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Inter are preparing for Sunday’s away game at Fiorentina, and Sky Sport Italia provides the latest injury updates for the Nerazzurri.

Latest Inter injury updates

Calhanoglu has recovered from a calf injury and will be available for selection against Fiorentina.

Serie A’s top goalscorer, Lautaro Martinez, on the other hand, has intensified the workload but has continued to work separately.

If the Argentina international doesn’t return to group training in the next two days, he’ll be ruled out of the next league match.

Italy international Bastoni suffered an injury in the Milan derby and missed the most recent match against Atalanta.

Sky Sport reports that the Italian has partially worked with the team over the last few days, and that he could join his teammates for a full training session tomorrow.

If that is the case, Bastoni will be given the green light for the Fiorentina game as well as Italy’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland on March 26.

Last but not least, Mkhitaryan won’t be available against Fiorentina as he aims to return to action after the break, probably in a home match against his former club, Roma, on Easter.

Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici has reportedly sounded out Fabio Maresca’s availability for next season, but the ex-Chelsea coach is expected to hold out for a Premier League opportunity, particularly from Manchester City if Pep Guardiola departs.

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Fiorentina director Paratici has explored Maresca’s availability for next season, according to a report from TMW.

Fiorentina director Paratici calls Maresca

Maresca has been without a club since the start of January, when he left Chelsea by mutual consent, months after winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

According to the report, Paratici has contacted Maresca in recent days, but the Italian tactician remains an unlikely candidate for the job at the Stadio Franchi next season.

Maresca, in fact, will likely wait for offers from the Premier League, particularly from Manchester City if Pep Guardiola were to leave at the end of the season.

Maresca already worked in Guardiola’s Manchester City staff and has built a solid bond with the Spanish tactician.

Tuttomercato adds that Maresca would only consider offers from Juventus and Napoli in Serie A, but the Italian giants are expected to continue with Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte, respectively, next season.

Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi feels the Italy national team needs ‘real supporters’ for the 2026 World Cup play-off: ‘Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do.’

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Italy World Cup winner De Rossi spoke about the state of Italian football during a press conference on Thursday. Tomorrow, his Genoa side host Udinese in Serie A Round 30.

De Rossi: Italy need ‘true supporters’ in World Cup play-off

“I feel that too many times, we coaches lose in Europe, we tend to blame our football and the youth sectors. Last season, Inter reached the Champions League Final, beating Barcelona, and the youth sector was the same as this season,” De Rossi said via TMW.

Atalanta’s elimination from the Champions League Round of 16 means Serie A has no more representatives in Europe’s elite competition.

“It’s easy to say that youth sectors don’t work. Football is changing and will further change. My ideal player has more physical strength than a few years ago,” continued De Rossi.

• Read more – Del Piero cites Barcelona as he explains Italy’s ‘tired’ problem

“Then losing to Bayern Munich is understandable, as they have players worth €50m-60m-70m, and they’ve signed them from various youth systems around the world. Those are incredible realities, and it’s not strange to suffer heavy defeats. Atalanta shouldn’t be blamed as they played with pride, losing to a way stronger team.

“As for the national team, we need to be less critical, and all be true supporters. If it goes badly, there will be a revolt, and there will be time to talk about Gravina, Gattuso and Buffon. Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do. Now we must stop criticism and say a few words to support Gattuso and his players, who, I think, will play two great games.”

Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero argues that Italian clubs are always ‘tired’, but should complain less about the fixture list and focus more on the pitch.

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Serie A has no more representatives in the Champions League following Atalanta’s elimination from the Round of 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich.

Del Piero: Italian clubs ‘always’ tired

La Dea suffered a 10-2 aggregate loss against the Bundesliga giants while Napoli, Inter and Juventus had been knocked out in the previous rounds.

“Our problem is that we get tired. We are always the ones who are tired. In Italy, we are always tired,” Del Piero told Sky Sport via Fanpage.

“I’ve heard very few coaches abroad complain about matches or say we are tired. You have to adapt. We are talking about teams; you have to equip yourself accordingly.

“Today’s football is different. You have more players, more substitutions, more money to invest in physical preparation, recovery and so on. There’s more of everything.”

The last time an Italian club won the Champions League was in 2009-10 with José Mourinho’s Inter.

Since then, Juventus and Inter have reached the Final twice each, but failed to bring home the coveted cup.

“You need professionalism in trying to improve the players, because there is room for improvement. There is, because others do so,” Del Piero continued.

“We think we are the best, yet we concede seven goals, as it happened; then something isn’t quite right. Barcelona always play the same players. Then if someone gets injured, they take him out and put another one in.”

Del Piero won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and the World Cup with the Italy national team ten years later in 2006.

The Italian national team will play in the World Cup play-off later this month after failing to qualify for the competition in 2018 and 2022.

Inter striker Ange-Yoan Bonny has decided to represent the Ivory Coast national team, but won’t be available for friendlies against South Korea and Scotland later this month due to a ‘dental issue.’

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Inter striker Bonny, 22, will represent the Ivory Coast national team, coach Émerse Faé confirmed at a press conference (via SOS Fanta).

Ivory Coast coach confirms Bonny’s decision and Inter issue

Bonny was born in Aubervilliers, a suburb of Paris, and is of Ivorian descent.

Bonny represented France at the U19, U20 and U21 levels, but will continue his international career at a senior level with the African country.

Bonny, however, won’t be available for the next two friendly games against South Korea and Scotland during the March break later this month.

“He currently has dental issues, so we preferred to leave him with his club so he can regain full fitness, maintain consistency in his performances and join us at a later stage,” Faé said.

The match against Scotland will be played at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, home to Premier League side Everton, on March 31.

Ivory Coast have qualified for the 2026 World Cup and have been drawn in Group E alongside Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao.

Bonny has scored seven goals in 37 appearances across all competitions with Inter this season, his first one at the Stadio Meazza.

La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms that Guglielmo Vicario is Inter’s main goalkeeping target for 2026-27 and that the Italian is open to returning to Serie A after his relationship with Tottenham reached a low point.

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Inter have identified Italy international Vicario as their main target in goal for next season.

Latest transfer updates on Vicario and Inter

The Nerazzurri are looking for a new starting goalkeeper for 2026-27, and previous reports suggested they would hold a new round of talks with the Tottenham star’s agents this month.

According to Gazzetta, Vicario has already informed his agents that he’d be happy to return to Serie A, particularly at Inter, which he was already close to joining in 2023 before his switch from Empoli to Tottenham.

Gazzetta highlights that Vicario’s relationship with Spurs reached a low point in recent months, so the Nerazzurri are confident they can reach an agreement with the Premier League side, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation. 

Inter, however, are aware that Tottenham’s asking price will be between €15m and €20m next summer, provided they remain in the Premier League.

Inter are not expected to offer a contract extension to Yann Sommer, although the club could change their mind and keep the Swiss international as a second-choice goalkeeper next season if they receive offers for Josep Martinez.

Como are ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of one of their owners, Michael Bambang Hartono: ‘Under the family’s leadership, the Club have entered a new chapter in their history.’

Michael Bambang Hartono, one of the owners of Serie A side Como, died on Thursday, the club announced in a statement.

“Como 1907 is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono,” the Azzurri said.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the Hartono family and to all at the Djarum Group.

“Under the family’s leadership, the Club has entered a new chapter in its history, and we remember him with gratitude and respect.”

Como 1907 is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Hartono family and to all at the Djarum Group.

Under the family’s leadership, the Club has entered a new chapter in its history, and we remember him with gratitude… pic.twitter.com/o9YGHm7qiu

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) March 19, 2026

Michael and his brother Robert acquired the club in 2019, when the team was playing in Italy’s third division, Serie C.

They returned to Serie A in 2024 after 21 years and are now fighting for Champions League qualification, sitting fourth in the league table.

As reported by Gazzetta, the Hartono brothers have a combined net worth of $43.8 billion, making them the richest in Indonesia.

Italy star Sandro Tonali will undergo an MRI scan today to learn the extent of a muscle injury suffered during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona.

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Italy and Newcastle will wait for the outcome of Tonali’s medical tests today, Gazzetta reports.

The Italian midfielder was forced to be substituted during the second half of a Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday due to a suspected muscle injury.

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe admitted after the match that Tonali is in doubt for the next Premier League fixture against Sunderland, but the Italy national team is even more concerned as the Azzurri will play in the World Cup play-off next week.

The Azzurri will host Northern Ireland in the semi-final in Bergamo on March 26, and if they progress to the Final, they’ll play away against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tonali was one of the Italy players with a guaranteed spot in the squad and in the starting XI, so coach Gennaro Gattuso will be hoping for good news from Newcastle today.

Italy World Cup winner Luca Toni praised Harry Kane following Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Atalanta last night: ‘Coming from a top No.9 like you, it’s special words,’ the English forward replied.

Kane scored twice in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Atalanta on Wednesday, contributing to the Bavarians’ 10-2 win on aggregate.

Kane reacts to Bayern 4-1 Atalanta

During his post-match interview with Prime Video Italia, Kane said he was “proud” of his goals, especially the second one.

“It’s one of my favourite goals in my career,” said the English star.

“It’s a mixture of skill, technique, balance and obviously, the finish as well. In the moment, it felt really special.”

Ex-Italy and Bayern Munich star Toni commented on the game as a pundit for Prime Video and told Kane: “I’m in love with him in footballing terms, because he’s one of the last physical centre-forwards. There are many false nines, but he’s the best centre-forward in the world right now.”

The Bayern Munich star replied: “I appreciate it. Coming from a top No.9 like you, it’s special words, thank you.”

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Un post condiviso da Prime Video Sport IT (@primevideosportit)

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan are ready to offer Leon Goretzka a €5m-a-year contract until 2029, while Lazio’s Mario Gila is the Rossoneri’s top defensive target for the summer.

Milan are preparing to strengthen their team for 2026-27, when they’ll likely return to the Champions League.

Latest Milan transfer updates on Goretzka and Gila

The club’s main target for the summer is a centre-forward, but the Serie A giants will sign at least one player in each department.

As for the central midfield, free agent Leo Goretzka has long been on the club’s radar.

Milan’s domestic rivals, Juventus, are also interested in Goretzka and have already opened preliminary talks with his entourage. Still, according to Gazzetta, Milan hope to beat the Bianconeri with an offer worth €5m per season for the next three years.

Milan’s main target in defence is Lazio’s Gila, whose contract expires in 2027. The former Real Madrid Academy player is unwilling to extend with the Biancocelesti, so he could leave in the summer for €20m to €25m.

Igli Tare, now a Milan director, is on excellent terms with the defender’s entourage, as he was the one bringing Gila to the Olimpico in 2022.

Moise Kean is available, but expected to start on the bench as Fiorentina visit Rakow in the second leg of the Conference League Round of 16.

It kicks off at 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT). The Viola secured a 2-1 win in the first leg played in Florence last week.

Fiorentina have travelled to Poland without the injured Manor Solomon, Tariq Lamptey, Luca Lezzerini and Niccolò Fortini, as well as Marco Brescianini and Daniele Rugani, who are not part of the Fiorentina UEFA squad.

Multiple sources claim that Roberto Piccoli will once again lead the Fiorentina attack as Italy star Kean is available, but will start on the bench.

David de Gea is also expected to rest, making room for Oliver Christensen between the sticks.

According to Gazzetta and Tuttosport, Jack Harrison will start as a right winger with Jacopo Fazzini on the opposite flank.

The winner will face AEK Larnaca or Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals.

Rakow vs. Fiorentina – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 6 and online through Discovery+ in the UK and Ireland. It is also available for US fans on Paramount+. Football Italia will provide live coverage via a live blog.

Rakow vs. Fiorentina – probable line-ups

Rakow (3-4-2-1): Zych; Arsenic, Racovitan, Svarnas; Ametaw, Struski, Repka, Jean Carlos; Makuch, Ivi Lopez; Braut Brunes. 

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Christensen; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi; Mandragora, Ndour; Harrison, Fabbian, Fazzini; Piccoli.

Donyell Malen’s Roma and Santiago Castro’s Bologna meet at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). The first leg in Bologna last week ended in a 1-1 draw.

Roma are still short of options in attack with Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé injured and Lorenzo Venturino out of the UEFA list.

Bologna are without the suspended Juan Miranda, as well as Lorenzo De Silvestri and Eivind Helland, who are not part of the Rossoblu’s European squad.

Multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta, claim that Stephan El Shaarawy will start as an attacking midfielder for Roma, leaving Lorenzo Pellegrini on the bench.

Italiano will look to Tommaso Pobega, Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler in central midfield, and to Federico Bernardeschi, Castro and Jonathan Rowe up front.

The winner will face Aston Villa or Lille in the quarter-finals.

Roma vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 8 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Roma vs. Bologna – probable line-ups

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Kone, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, El Shaarawy; Malen. 

Bologna (4-3-3): Ravaglia; Zortea, Vitik, Lucumì, Joao Mario; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Chivu and Spalletti move

Inter, assault on Vicario

Juve, Kolo with Vlahovic

Goretzka and Gila for a new devil

Big Milan market

Allegri’s choices: a three-year deal for the German to overtake Juve. The Lazio centre-back has convinced everyone.

Tonali, World Cup anxiety

Injured with Newcastle, Italy is on alert for the play-off

We have the derby left

Roma-Bologna (21), the second leg resumes from 1-1. Fiorentina (18:45) defends a 2-1 lead against Rakow.

Ruthless Bayern, Atalanta concede four more

Germans with Real in the quarter-finals, Liverpool will face PSG

Corriere dello Sport

Europa League verdict

64,000 at the Olimpico for Roma-Bologna: it’s the 22nd derby of Italy. It restarts from 1-1. The winner will face Aston Villa or Lille. Kick-off at 21:00 CET.

In & Out

Gasp against Italiano, challenge for the quarter-finals

Gian Piero: ‘Conscience clear.’ Wesley: ‘Red card against Como? Serious and unacceptable incident.’ Castro launches the challenge to Malen. Vincenzo: ‘They are favourites.’ Bernardeschi and Rowe in the trident.

Conference: Viola 2 to eliminate Rakow (18:45).

Juve move: Alisson on target

Inter bring Stankovic Jr. back home

Leao and Milan: unstable relationship

Premier Napoli: Conte’s assault

Bovo emotion: ‘Unique happiness.’

He scored with Watford after 506 days from the last time: ‘I missed it.’

Atalanta, another collapse. Osi out.

Tuttosport

Juve, first issue

Comolli likes restes, Spalletti, somebody like De Gea

The choice of the next goalkeeper reflects a difference of opinion between the director, fascinated by the Frenchman from Toulouse, and the coach, who would rather go for a more experienced goalkeeper, such as the Spaniard Vicario or Dibu Martinez. Alisson and Carnesecchi are the dreams. Manninger: ‘I’d trust one between Di Gregorio and Perin.’ Lucio waits for Chiellini’s return to define the renewal: the salary could rise to 6m.

Toro, pathway for Livakovic

Seven Barcelona goals, Tonali anxiety

Injury for the Azzurro: alarm ahead of the World Cup play-off. Ruthless Bayern: another goal-fest against Atalanta.

Napoli-owned striker Noa Lang was stretchered off and needed oxygen after suffering a freak injury during Galatasaray’s Champions League game against Liverpool.

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The Turkish team lost 4-0 on the night at Anfield, overturning the 1-0 first leg victory from Istanbul in the Round of 16 tie.

How Lang got badly hurt

Lang came off the bench to replace Sacha Boey, but with 10 minutes left to play, he went into the advertising board on the side of the pitch and got his hand caught in the mechanism.

The Dutch international immediately fell clutching his hand and medics rushed over to treat him, with players from both Liverpool and Galatasaray visibly shaken from what they could see.

Lang was given oxygen to help him deal with the pain and then stretchered off to a nearby ambulance, so he could be taken to hospital.

Napoli paid €25m to buy Lang from PSV Eindhoven in July 2025, but he did not get along with coach Antonio Conte, so was loaned out to Galatasaray in January.

There is an option for the Turkish club to buy him outright for €30m at the end of the season.

Noa Lang maç sonrası hastaneye götürülüyor. pic.twitter.com/dSU9s1AiPq

— Fanatik (@fanatikcomtr) March 18, 2026

Raffaele Palladino admits Atalanta changed their gameplan and were still swept aside by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. ‘We faced probably the best side in Europe right now.’

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La Dea knew that their chances of qualification were slim to non-existent after the 6-1 first leg defeat, but wanted to give a better account of themselves at the Allianz Arena.

They were only 1-0 down at half-time here to a Harry Kane penalty, but the England international scored again after the restart, followed by Lennart Karl’s angled drive moments later.

A Luis Diaz chip and late Lazar Samardzic header rounded out the scoreline of 4-1 on the night, 10-2 on aggregate.

Palladino recognises Bayern Munich strength

“We wanted to play with pride, we changed our gameplan and tried to sit a bit deeper, giving our all against a very strong team,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have to compliment Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany, the whole club, because we probably faced the best side in Europe right now. You’ve got to just be honest and accept the result on the pitch.”

Nearly 4,000 Atalanta fans made the journey from Italy for this match, and had the added difficulty of a local transport strike affecting their trip to the stadium.

“We tried to give our all, the objective was to salute our many fans with a better result than the first leg, and they were again fantastic tonight,” added Palladino.

The coach had attempted some experiments for the first leg, including a four-man defence, so did he have regrets over that approach or did Atalanta learn valuable lessons for the future?

“Hindsight is easy, we probably could’ve done some things differently, but then today we had a different plan and sat deeper, but it didn’t change a lot. Bayern Munich are a complete squad in every sense, they will always find a way to play through you and break you down,” insisted Palladino.

“We learned a great deal in these two matches, because playing at this level forces you to step up and accept your limitations with great humility. We have to congratulate our opponents.”

Atalanta were the only remaining Italian representatives in the Champions League and now they are out, so what is the difficulty compared to these other European contenders?