Italy remain the clear favourites against Northern Ireland ahead of Thursday’s crucial World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo, and the current market value of the respective national sides shows exactly why Gennaro Gattuso and his team have no excuses against the Green and White Army. 

Italy will host Northern Ireland at Atalanta’s New Balance Arena at 19.45 GMT on Thursday evening, and the winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home on Tuesday, March 31, in the play-off final. This will be a one-legged decider for a spot at the final tournament. 

Should Italy fail to win both of these two matches, they will miss out on World Cup qualification for the third tournament cycle in a row. The Azzurri have not qualified since 2014 and have not won a knock-out match at the World Cup since beating France in the final to claim the trophy in 2006. 

• Read more: What Italy should expect from Northern Ireland in World Cup play-off semi-final
• Read more: O’Neill: Italy have ‘everything to lose’ against Northern Ireland

Italy vs. Northern Ireland: Squad value comparison

According to the latest information from transfermarkt.co.uk, the current Italy squad has a market value of €746.5m, compared to Northern Ireland’s €100.15m. 

The Italy squad boasts Sandro Tonali as its current most valuable player at €80m, while for Northern Ireland, that player is Trai Hume at €22m, closely followed by Sunderland teammate Dan Ballard at €20m. Liverpool’s Conor Bradley is valued higher at €30m, but is currently nursing a serious knee injury and will not feature against Italy. 

Hume and Ballard are the only two players in the Northern Ireland squad that are currently valued above the €20m mark, while Italy have 18 players worth €20m or higher. 

The Azzurri players worth in excess of €20m are: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Carnesecchi, Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno, Giorgio Scalvini, Federico Dimarco, Riccardo Calafiori, Andrea Cambiaso, Marco Palestra, Tonali, Manuel Locatelli, Nicolo Barella, Niccolo Pisilli, Giacomo Raspadori, Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca. 

The ‘least’ valuable Italy player is 33-year-old Napoli wing-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who is out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and is currently valued at €3.5m. That would be enough for him to rank as the fifth-most valuable player in the Northern Ireland squad.

According to Tuttosport, there is a 10x difference in the value of the expected starting line-ups of the two national sides. 

Gattuso’s starting XI is likely to feature Donnarumma, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco, Tonali and Barella and is worth around €473m while Northern Ireland’s expected starting line-up is worth a reported €44.7m.

Hakan Calhanoglu has lifted the lid on life at Inter Milan in a wide-ranging interview with Turkish YouTube channel KAFA Sports, touching on the transition from Simone Inzaghi to Cristian Chivu, his controversial move from Milan to Inter, and the moment he was offered a contract by Barcelona.

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The Turkish international was candid about how quickly Chivu won over the Inter dressing room upon his appointment. “He was already coaching the Primavera, sometimes we would play training matches against his team,” Calhanoglu said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“When he started working with us, the squad accepted him very quickly. He also played for Inter, and that is undoubtedly an advantage. He gives opportunities to everyone, including the younger players. With Inzaghi it was different, they have two separate philosophies.”

Calhanoglu also revisited the moment that divided football fans in Milan, his decision to cross the city divide in the summer of 2021.

“It is a difficult step, first you have to prove your worth and your fitness, and then convince the fans that you will always give 100%,” he said. “My first match went well though, I scored and got an assist. I was genuinely excited for that game. It was a new experience, a transition in my career.”

Calhanoglu chose Inter over Barcelona & Juventus

He revealed that the move almost did not happen, with Barcelona and Juventus both having expressed interest before Inter made their late move.

“Inzaghi was calling continuously, he wanted me badly. At that moment I asked myself: ‘How can I go from Milan to Inter?’ My agent told me to sleep on it and call him in the morning. I accepted. It was my decision.”

His transformation into a regista, a role he inherited from Marcelo Brozovic, has been one of the defining stories of Inter’s recent success.

“When Brozovic left, the manager wanted to try me in that position. I accepted because it was different, but not by much. I move further from goal but have greater control of the game, it is both offensive and defensive, and I like helping the team. My game has changed and I enjoy new challenges.”

The bond he has forged with Inter’s supporters, who have dedicated a chant to him, remains a source of deep personal pride. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Here you are ultimately a foreign player. This love is special, it means I have been successful. I am a very important part of this team and my efforts have been rewarded.”

Dino Zoff has backed Italy to reach the World Cup but issued a pointed warning ahead of Thursday’s playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland, reminding the nation that quality alone is never enough when the stakes are this high.

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The 1982 World Cup winning goalkeeper, speaking to Corriere della Sera, via TuttoMercatoWeb, was confident in Italy’s superiority on paper but emphatic that belief would be the decisive factor.

“If we play like Italy, we will definitely go through,” he said. “We are stronger than Northern Ireland, and also Wales and Bosnia. We have more quality, better players, greater experience. But these are special games, whoever believes more wins. So we must believe more. Otherwise…”

World Cup winning goalkeeper Zoff: ‘We are Italy’

Zoff was unwilling to complete that sentence, and equally reluctant to dwell on the consequences of failure. “You must not think about it,” he said firmly. “Fear never helps. You need to be concentrated, clear-headed, convinced, in a certain sense also calm, aware of your own strengths. We are Italy. We play like Italy. Without thinking we have already won, or already lost. You walk onto the pitch and give everything, head held high.”

Drawing on the lessons of his own playing career, Zoff pointed to the 1982 World Cup triumph as the ultimate example of a team that thrived by shutting out external noise.

“We isolated ourselves from everything and everyone, nobody believed in us, and yet it went the way it went.” His advice to Gattuso was similarly direct: trust your own judgment and ignore the voices from outside, including social media.

On one point, at least, Zoff was unequivocal, Gattuso needs no counsel from him. “Only to do what he thinks is best,” he said simply.

The international break has allowed Roma to recover one of their biggest stars, as Matias Soule is now back in training with the Giallorossi group that has remained in the capital this week. 

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Soule nearing Roma comeback and targeting Inter on April 5

The Argentine appeared in all of Roma’s first 25 Serie A matches of the 2025-26 season and lined up as a starter in 21 of those matches, but has not featured for the Giallorossi since their 2-2 draw against Napoli on February 15. 

Soule has been struggling with a pubalgia issue, otherwise known as a sports hernia. This has caused him to miss out on the last five Serie A matches and both legs of Roma’s Europa League round of 16 tie against Bologna, which ended in elimination for the Giallorossi. 

According to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Soule returned to training with the reduced Roma group on Tuesday, while the rest of his teammates continued their work with their respective national teams. 

The Pink Paper warns that the hernia issue has not completely healed, but Soule’s return to training is certainly an encouraging step in the right direction. 

As things stand, Soule is targeting a return to action in time for Roma’s first match after the international break, which falls away against Inter in San Siro on April 5. 

Paulo Dybala, meanwhile, is still a while away from a return to Serie A action. He is expected to require another month or so of recovery, but is hoping to be back with the squad in time for the final five or six matches of the 2025-26 season. 

Reports in Italy claim that Inter are stepping up in their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone and that the Nerazzurri are prepared to make the Frenchman the club’s most expensive signing in six years. 

How much do Inter need to convince Roma into selling Kone?

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Inter have held an interest in Kone since the last summer transfer window, and recent updates claim that Cristian Chivu’s side are poised to make another approach for the 24-year-old once the 2025-26 season comes to an end. 

Naturally, Inter’s current focus is getting the Scudetto over the line, but once the season comes to an end, the club’s attention will turn to the acquisition of Kone, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Not a midfielder ‘like’ Kone, but the Frenchman himself,” the Pink Paper writes. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are prepared to invest in excess of €40m to land Kone from Roma, although the Giallorossi may need a figure close to the €50m mark in order to let the former Toulouse and Borussia Monchengladbach man go. 

Inter have not invested these sorts of figures on a single signing since the summer of 2020, when  they spent a reported €43m on the signing of future Scudetto winner and current Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi. 

One of the biggest concerns for the Nerazzurri is the upcoming 2026 World Cup. If Kone were to have an impressive tournament with the France squad, there is a chance that Roma’s asking price could skyrocket. There are also interested parties elsewhere, including Ligue 1 giants PSG according to Wednesday’s update.

Marcello Lippi has sent a heartfelt message of support to Gennaro Gattuso on the eve of Italy’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland, backing his former player to end the Azzurri’s painful absence from the global stage.

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The legendary coach, who led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 with Gattuso as one of the cornerstones of his squad, took to the pages of La Gazzetta dello Sport to offer an unusually personal and emotional tribute to his former midfielder turned manager.

“I embrace you, Rino,” Lippi wrote. “You were one of my best students, we won a World Cup together, we were a team. On the touchline you remind me a lot of me: in character, in your relationship with players, in your vision. You remind me of… Lippi.”

Ex Italy coach Lippi: ‘Gattuso deserves the best’

The praise from a man widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian coaches of all time will carry enormous weight for Gattuso, who has worked tirelessly in recent months to rebuild a national team that has missed the last two World Cups.

Lippi was unequivocal in his belief that his former pupil deserves success.

“You merit the best,” he wrote. “You merit qualification for the immense passion you have always put into everything, on the pitch, as a coach, in life.”

He concluded with a rallying cry that will resonate with the entire nation ahead of Thursday’s 21:00 local time kick-off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. “We are all with you, and we go to the World Cup together. We will make it.”

Dusan Vlahovic’s future at Juventus is moving rapidly towards a resolution, with a key meeting between the Serbian striker’s father Milos and CEO Damien Comolli expected before Easter as both parties push to finalise a contract extension ahead of the summer.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the mood has shifted considerably in recent weeks. Vlahovic made his long-awaited return from the serious adductor injury that had kept him sidelined for 112 days when he came off the bench against Sassuolo, and the timing of his comeback has coincided with a significant thaw in contract negotiations.

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Both player and club have made clear their desire to continue together, with Luciano Spalletti, one of Vlahovic’s most enthusiastic advocates, having been promised by the Juventus hierarchy that every effort will be made to secure a renewal.

Juventus iron out financial hurdles in Vlahovic renewal

The financial framework is taking shape.

Vlahovic is fully aware that his current salary of €12 million per season is no longer sustainable, and Juventus are working on a deal that would represent a cut of roughly 40-50%, offset by a signing bonus.

The most likely outcome is a short extension of one to two years, running to 2027 or 2028, at a salary of €6-7 million per season. That would place him just below Kenan Yildiz, who becomes the club’s highest earner at €7.5 million from July.

From Juventus’ perspective, the logic is straightforward.

Rather than spending heavily on an unproven striker, retaining a player who has scored 64 goals in 163 appearances since joining from Fiorentina in January 2022, and whose original transfer fee of over €80 million has been fully amortised, represents sound financial sense.

For Vlahovic, rebuilding his career at a club where he feels supported, following a difficult year culminating in surgery, is a more attractive proposition than seeking a fresh start elsewhere and risking further uncertainty.

Comolli, currently in Paris for European Club Association meetings, is expected back in Turin at the weekend, with the summit to follow shortly after. Should everything proceed to plan, Juventus hope to enter the final weeks of the season with both Spalletti, whose own renewal to 2028 is at the final stage, and Vlahovic tied down, before turning their attention to summer additions including Bernardo Silva and a potential return for Randal Kolo Muani.

Corriere dello Sport

“Endless No.9”

Italy, no more mistakes: World Cup at all costs
Tomorrow in Bergamo: Northern Ireland – play-offs begin for a place in America
Gattuso chooses Kean and Retegui
Best attack among teams yet to qualify: 21 goals, but Belfast was a warning

Italy are under pressure heading into the World Cup play-offs. Despite strong attacking numbers, past failures still hang over them. Gattuso is expected to rely on Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui to lead the line.

“Napoli move for Goretzka”

German midfielder set to leave Bayern
Also liked by Milan and Juventus

Napoli are pushing to sign Leon Goretzka, with competition from other Serie A giants.

“Milan go for Castro”

Move for Bologna’s Argentine striker

Milan are targeting Santiago Castro as a potential attacking reinforcement.

“Juve eye Kessie”

Spalletti idea
The midfielder wants to leave Al-Ahli

Juventus are linked with a surprise move for Kessie, as Spalletti looks for midfield options.

“Thuram, Premier League interest”

Newcastle and Aston Villa keen

Marcus Thuram is attracting attention from England, creating a potential transfer battle.

Tuttosport

“Italy, you’re worth 10 times more than them”

Squad value: €473m vs €45m (Northern Ireland)
Kean prefers Retegui
Dimarco: ‘Mateo knows how to score’
Pio Esposito pushing for Bergamo
Palestra dreaming of the World Cup

Big focus on the gap in quality between Italy and Northern Ireland, with expectation firmly on the Azzurri to deliver.

“Vlahovic gives Juventus a hand”

Agents arrive in Turin, meeting expected
Dusan decides to stay and explore renewal
Possible agreement around €6m salary

Positive signs for Juventus as Vlahovic edges closer to extending his contract.

“Dortmund already in for Vlasic”

Torino at risk of losing him

Nikola Vlasic is attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

“Lippi launches Italy”

The World Cup-winning coach backs Gattuso
‘Rino is like me. We’ll make it’
Italy vs Northern Ireland tomorrow
Palestra tested

Marcello Lippi throws his support behind Gattuso, expressing confidence Italy will qualify.

“Koné tempts Inter”

Over €40m offer needed for the midfielder

Inter are interested in Manu Koné but face a high asking price.

“Vlahovic renewal close”

Agreement nearing for Juventus striker

Further confirmation that Juventus are working toward keeping Vlahovic long-term.

“Final attack”

Milan, there’s Leao
Nkunku also a target

Milan are planning attacking reinforcements, with Nkunku linked and Leao central to their plans.

Gennaro Gattuso has received a significant pre-match boost with the majority of Italy team news trending in a positive direction ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, with only Gianluca Scamacca confirmed as unavailable.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the most encouraging updates concern Alessandro Bastoni and Sandro Tonali.

The Inter defender, who had appeared the most doubtful after sustaining an ankle injury in the Milan derby, has made remarkable progress at Coverciano, moving from low-intensity jogging to direction-changing sprints, and even striking the ball without discomfort.

Those who know him well insist that a place on the bench will not satisfy him, and a starting role remains a genuine possibility depending on how he responds in training today and in tomorrow’s final session.

Italy team news: Tonali & Calafiori fit, Palestra tested over Politano

Tonali, meanwhile, has overcome the thigh issue sustained during Barcelona’s Champions League tie and trained with good intensity, a timely boost for Gattuso in terms of Italy team news, who is counting on the Newcastle midfielder to provide leadership alongside Barella in the engine room.

Locatelli holds the advantage over Cristante for the third midfield spot.

Matteo Politano took part in only the first half of Monday’s session due to a minor calf complaint, with Marco Palestra, the Atalanta-owned Cagliari winger, tested in his place. Politano is expected to be passed fit, but Gattuso wants guarantees before committing to any selection.

Riccardo Calafiori is fully recovered and set to start on the left of a back three, with Mancini also having reassured the coaching staff over his calf.

To round off the latest batch of Italy team news, Scamacca remains the only certain absentee.

A new step has been taken towards the construction of the new San Siro, with the Comune di Milano officially starting the approval process.

In simple terms, the city has launched an environmental assessment, one of the first key checks needed before any major construction project can begin. This is part of a longer approval pathway that will eventually allow work on the new stadium to go ahead, with the latest updates courtesy of MilanNews.it.

Milan & Inter excitement builds as new San Siro implementation begins

The initial phase of the project includes three main elements: moving a nearby road tunnel, building the new stadium, and partially demolishing the current San Siro Stadium (also known as the Stadio Meazza). These steps will need to be approved by regional authorities before construction can start.

The wider redevelopment of the San Siro area will happen in two stages. After the new stadium is built, the second phase will focus on redeveloping the remaining part of the current stadium, adding commercial buildings, and creating green spaces, including around 80,000 square metres of public parkland that will be handed over to the city.

The project follows the recent sale of the stadium and surrounding area to a company fully owned by the two Milan clubs.

Local authorities and the region are working together to complete the approval process in time for construction to begin in the second half of 2027.

Juventus are exploring options to strengthen their goalkeeping department this summer, with Diogo Costa emerging as a leading target.

The Bianconeri are not fully convinced by Michele Di Gregorio as a long-term No.1, while Mattia Perin is still viewed as a reliable backup despite his recent run in the starting role. As a result, the club are expected to invest in a new goalkeeper regardless of whether they secure Champions League qualification.

Costa among candidates for Juventus goalkeeper hunt

Head coach Luciano Spalletti is said to admire Alisson Becker, whom he previously worked with at Roma, although a deal for the Liverpool goalkeeper would be complicated. Alternative options include Marco Carnesecchi, but Atalanta are demanding a high fee and are increasingly inclined to sell abroad.

According to CalcioMercato.it, Costa, currently with FC Porto, is seen as a strong candidate. The Portugal international is represented by influential agent Jorge Mendes, who maintains close ties with Juventus.

However, Porto are expected to be a major obstacle. The club reportedly value their captain at around €50m following his recent contract renewal until 2030. While Mendes could help negotiate a lower fee, any deal would still require a significant financial commitment from Juventus as they look to reshape their squad ahead of next season.

Alessandro Bastoni is making encouraging progress in his recovery ahead of Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off clash with Northern Ireland.

The Inter Milan defender had been dealing with an ankle issue following a knock sustained in the derby, after a challenge with Adrien Rabiot. Initial concerns arose when Bastoni was limited to light training, focusing on running drills and changes of direction to test the injury.

According to Sky Sport, via FCInter1908, however, there has now been a positive development.

Bastoni making good progress ahead of Italy play-off battle

Bastoni returned to working on the pitch with the ball during today’s session, although he did not train at full intensity. According to updates from the Italian Football Federation, the centre-back is progressing in line with the original recovery plan.

This improvement offers a timely boost for Italy national team as they prepare for a decisive fixture in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The centre-back remains a key figure in the defensive setup, and his availability could be crucial in such a high-pressure encounter.

Despite the positive signs, there is still no certainty over whether he will start. A final decision is expected after the next training session, which should clarify if he is ready to be included in the starting line-up or will instead begin the match on the bench.

Roma wing-back Wesley has earned praise from Carlo Ancelotti as the Brazil coach weighs up his options ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The Brazilian is enjoying a strong debut season in Serie A, quickly adapting to the tactical demands of Italian football under Gian Piero Gasperini. With 35 appearances, four goals and two assists across all competitions, Wesley has emerged as one of Roma’s standout performers following his summer arrival.

Ancelotti, who is preparing to finalise his squad after upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, admitted there are still only a handful of places available, and competition remains fierce, particularly in wide areas.

“There are four or five places still open, and we have many doubts,” he told SBT Brasil, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

Brazil boss Ancelotti praises Roma man Wesley

Despite acknowledging a relative shortage of traditional full-backs compared to previous Brazilian generations, Ancelotti singled out Wesley as a positive development.

“We have players ready in that position: the young Wesley is doing very well at Roma. For our team, I’m satisfied.”

His form in Italy has put him firmly in contention for a place in Brazil’s final squad, with the national team looking to refresh its options on the flanks. Wesley’s attacking output and ability to settle quickly in a demanding league have strengthened his case at a crucial moment in the selection process.

Ancelotti also hinted at tactical flexibility if doubts remain, suggesting he could deploy central defenders in wide roles to maintain balance.

“The most important thing is the team’s balance,” he said. “If you have a winger who pushes forward a lot, you don’t always need a full-back doing the same.”

Even so, Wesley’s rise offers Brazil a natural solution, and one that could yet secure him a place on the biggest stage.

Marco Palestra admitted he was surprised to receive his first senior call-up from Gennaro Gattuso, describing the opportunity as a dream come true.

The Cagliari wide player is one of the fresh faces in the Italy national team squad ahead of a crucial international break, and arrives with growing confidence after his recent performances at club level.

“I wasn’t expecting the call from Gattuso. It’s a dream for everyone,” Palestra told Vivo Azzurro TV, via AlfredoPedulla.com. “Of course I believed in it, and I’m very happy to be here.”

Reflecting on his development, the winger revealed he was not always seen as a physically dominant player in his youth.

“At Under-15 level I was a bit behind physically compared to the others. But my coaches never left me out or made me feel inadequate, and my family always supported me.”

Palestra: ‘Everyone welcomed me to the Italy set-up very well’

Palestra also described his first experience at Coverciano, praising both the environment and the support he has received since joining the senior setup.

“Everyone welcomed me very well and the coach made me feel comfortable straight away. The kind words from Silvio Baldini meant a lot, he helped me a great deal and gave me important advice. If I’m here, it’s also thanks to him and his staff.”

Italy are preparing for a decisive World Cup play-off clash against Northern Ireland, a match Palestra is already fully focused on.

“It’s one of the most important games in recent years. Even if it’s my first time here, I feel the importance and responsibility of wearing this shirt. We’re training well, I see a very focused group, but also mentally free, because the psychological side can make the difference.”

Michael Kayode has received a call-up to the Italy U21 squad after being overlooked by Gennaro Gattuso for the senior side’s World Cup play-offs.

The 2004-born defender, currently impressing at Brentford following his move from Fiorentina, has been enjoying a strong season in the Premier League. Despite that form, he was not included in Gattuso’s squad for Italy’s crucial upcoming fixtures.

Baldini calls Kayode up to Italy U21 after no Azzurri call-up from Gattuso

The full-back has instead been drafted into the U21 setup by Silvio Baldini and is expected to join the group in Tirrenia later today, as per FiorentinaNews.

His omission from the senior squad has raised some eyebrows, particularly given the form of several current and former Fiorentina players. Alongside Kayode, names such as Nicolo Fagioli and Federico Bernardeschi were also left out despite strong recent performances.

The decision has sparked debate over selection choices ahead of the play-offs, with the Brentford man’s continued development now set to continue at youth level for the time being.

Paolo Di Canio has reignited criticism of Rafael Leao, claiming AC Milan perform better without the Portuguese winger.

Leao is enduring a difficult period marked by inconsistent performances, injury concerns and reported tensions within the squad, including a recent disagreement with Christian Pulisic. Ongoing speculation over his contract situation has only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Speaking at the Legends Trophy event, with quotes via the Corriere della Sera, Di Canio pointed to Milan’s improved output in Leao’s absence.

“Without him, Milan score more goals and look more solid: 21 goals in eight matches without Leao,” he said. “Will he get angry? I don’t care. He’s not my brother or cousin. I’ve got nothing against him.”

Di Canio questions Leao contribution at Milan

The former Italy forward also questioned Leao’s overall contribution beyond goals, suggesting the winger benefits from the nature of Serie A defending.

“He scores more by playing less as a striker because in Italy it’s easier. Defences aren’t that strong, so he can always find a moment. The issue is what you produce during the match beyond the goal.”

Di Canio insisted his comments were not personal, but rather aimed at raising standards within a Milan side still chasing the Scudetto under Massimiliano Allegri.

“If I had a lazy player scoring three goals per game, maybe I’d accept it. But Milan can’t afford that if they want to build solidity, not just on the pitch but in attitude. I’m not saying they should sell him, maybe he turns it around and I’ll be the first to admit I was wrong.”

Tensions are hotting up ahead of the World Cup play-offs, as Italy’s potential final opponents, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina, continue to clash over an incident involving Brondby head coach Steeve Cooper and midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic. 

Why are Italy’s potential play-off opponents, Wales and Bosnia, arguing?

Italy are due to host Northern Ireland in Bergamo for the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday evening. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia away from home in the play-off final, which will be a one-legged decider for a spot at the final tournament. 

While the final preparations are being put in place ahead of Thursday’s semi-finals, the Bosnian federation have raised an issue with Brondby’s Welsh head coach, Cooper, who has been accused of intentionally dropping one of his own midfielders, Tahirovic, in order to throw him off his rhythm ahead of the Wales vs. Bosnia meeting in Cardiff. 

Tahirovic was a starter for Brondby for most of the first half of the 2025-26 campaign, but has only collected 13 minutes of action over his side’s last four matches approaching the play-offs. 

Bosnia head coach Sergej Barbarez has thrown fuel onto the fire with his depiction of the situations: “Tahirovic has told me things that border on the unbelievable, relating to the nationality of his coach” he said (via TMW). 

“He wished him good luck for everything, but not for the national team. He was told that everything would go back to normal after the break.” 

Brondby’s press officer Soren Hanghoj has since clarified that Tahirovic was dropped on disciplinary reasons, and that the decision to take action against him was made by the club and not solely by the head coach, Cooper. 

According to TMW, Tahirovic himself has been in contact with Cooper and has explained that his statements have been ‘misunderstood’. 

Juventus are exploring a move to bring Randal Kolo Muani back to Turin, while Paris Saint-Germain are considering a potential swap deal involving Jonathan David.

Kolo Muani, who spent part of 2025 on loan at Juventus, remains keen on a return after a positive spell in Italy, where he scored 10 goals and felt valued by the club. His future, however, lies away from PSG, who have made it clear they are seeking a permanent solution rather than another loan.

The French striker is also expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, regardless of their league status, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Juventus want Kolo Muani reunion as PSG consider David swap

Juventus are open to a reunion, particularly with head coach Luciano Spalletti a long-time admirer of the forward. The Italian tactician believes Kolo Muani’s movement and versatility would strengthen the attack, potentially alongside Dusan Vlahovic, whose own future remains uncertain.

PSG’s sporting director is reportedly evaluating a swap deal involving David, a player he previously worked with in France. Juventus, though, have mixed feelings about the Canadian forward and could be tempted by the opportunity to re-sign Kolo Muani, even if it means parting ways with David.

A deal would depend on several factors, including Juventus securing Champions League qualification and reaching an agreement on valuation, with figures around €40 million being discussed.

Luigi De Siervo has warned that Italian football is falling behind its European rivals due to outdated infrastructure, insisting modern stadiums are essential for the future of the game.

Speaking to Undici, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Lega Serie A CEO highlighted the scale of the issue.

“In our country we have the oldest stadiums in Europe, with an average age of over 70 years per venue,” De Siervo said. “Fortunately, the situation is starting to change, but the new economic model will not be fully operational for at least six or seven years. In the meantime, the gap with other leagues will continue to grow.”

Serie A CEO De Siervo wants modernisation ahead of Euro 2032

Italy is set to co-host UEFA Euro 2032, a deadline De Siervo described as impossible to ignore. Especially with a new stadium for Milan and Inter entering construction soon and proposals from both Lazio and Roma to move on from the Stadio Olimpico.

“We have a deadline that cannot be postponed: in 2032 we will host the European Championships. There are outstanding projects, such as the new stadium in Milan with an investment of over €1 billion, as well as important plans involving Lazio and Roma. Discussions are ongoing in Genoa, while in Florence there is a moment of profound transformation.”

De Siervo stressed that infrastructure is closely tied to financial growth, particularly as clubs look to diversify revenue streams beyond broadcasting. In Milan, for example, an entirely new San Siro complex will offer more commercial opportunities and is expected to boost revenue massively. It is no surprise that the clubs chose to work with an architectural firm that has worked on other huge stadiums in Europe, such as London’s Wembley Stadium.

“Right now we are going through the most difficult phase. Our clubs are still heavily reliant on TV revenue, but commercial income is growing. Having modern, state-of-the-art stadiums would provide a major boost in that respect.”

He also pointed to a broader shift within the industry, with new executives bringing fresh ideas into Italian football.

“Fortunately, football is now attracting managers from more advanced industries, introducing new skills, different visions and ambitious projects.”

For Serie A, modernisation is no longer optional, it is a necessary step to remain competitive on and off the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering another managerial change, with Roberto De Zerbi emerging as the leading candidate to replace Igor Tudor.

According to reports in England, Spurs are keen to accelerate talks and could even appoint De Zerbi during the upcoming international break, with the aim of having him in place for their next Premier League fixture away to Sunderland on April 12.

This follows on reports from earlier in the week that suggested the Italian coach would be signed on the condition that the club avoid relegation.

Tottenham eye De Zerbi to replace Tudor in the midst of survival fight

De Zerbi, currently without a club after his recent spell at Olympique de Marseille, is seen as both a short-term solution and a long-term project. Tottenham’s hierarchy view him as the right profile to begin a rebuild, particularly as the club battle to avoid what would be a shock relegation.

Results under Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank in February, have been deeply concerning. The Croatian has collected just one point from his first five league matches, including a damaging 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in a direct relegation clash.

Tudor has won just one of his seven matches in charge overall, that coming in a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, a result that ultimately proved insufficient to secure progression.

The situation has been further complicated by personal circumstances, with Tudor absent from post-match duties following the recent passing of his father, receiving support from the club.

However, the defeat to Forest may prove decisive. With relegation now a genuine threat and the financial implications severe, Tottenham are seriously weighing up a swift change in the dugout, with De Zerbi the man they hope can stabilise the situation and steer the club to safety.

Niccolo Pisilli says that Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella are among the Italy national team players that he used to study growing up, and says that it will be a ‘great opportunity’ to learn from the Newcastle and Inter stars during the international break. 

Pisilli on Italy hopes and Roma opportunities: ‘We’re a very strong group’

Pisilli made his debut for the Italy national team under Luciano Spalletti in October 2014, but has had to wait 18 months, and is still waiting for his next opportunity in an Azzurri shirt.

After an increased series of opportunities with Roma in 2025-26, the 21-year-old is back in the Italy squad for the crucial World Cup play-off campaign this international break, beginning with the play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday night. 

It has been 12 years since Italy last featured at a World Cup. The Azzurri have failed to qualify for the last two tournament cycles and have not won a knock-out match on the world stage since beating France in the final to claim the trophy in 2006. 

Pisilli was just 10 years old the last time that Italy appeared at a World Cup. 

“I remember the World Cups I watched in 2010 and 2014. It’s a great feeling of pride to return to the national team,” the Roma youngster told Rai Sport in a recent interview. 

Pisilli insists that Italy have what it takes to win their next two matches and qualify for the 2026 World Cup: “We’re a very strong group. Everyone here is really strong, otherwise they wouldn’t be here,” he said. 

“There has to be a balance. We need the calmness of a squad that knows that with 100% commitment, they can achieve the goal, but also with the awareness that something really important is at stake.” 

Pisilli feels that he still has plenty to learn from some of Italy’s more established senior players, though. 

“I think of Barella, Tonali when he exploded with Milan, I always watched them on TV. It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to learn from them now.” 

Pisilli was asked what has changed in order for him to start earning more opportunities at club level with Roma. 

“Nothing really,” he insisted. “I think that it takes a little while to understand the new ideas that a new coach brings when there’s been a change. It’s important to be ready for when you’re called upon during the season. I’m happy to be getting more minutes and I hope it carries on.” 

Milan are plotting a significant summer overhaul, with sporting director Igli Tare already identifying targets across multiple positions as the club look to hand Massimiliano Allegri the tools to mount a sustained title challenge next season.

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A Milan scout was present at the Dall’Ara on Sunday for Bologna’s clash with Lazio, monitoring two specific targets according to Tuttosport, via TuttoMercatoWeb. Defensively, Mario Gila remains a profile of genuine interest. In attack, it was Santiago Castro who caught the eye.

The Argentine striker has been one of Serie A’s more exciting forwards this season, and Bologna are well aware of his value. The Emilian club are demanding a minimum of €40 million for his signature, a fee that reflects both his age and his considerable potential.

West Ham, Forest & Milan do battle for Castro

That price tag has not deterred interest from the Premier League, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest both having registered their admiration for Castro in recent months. The financial firepower of English clubs could make the race a difficult one for Milan to win.

Castro is not the only attacking name on Milan’s summer shortlist. Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson have also been explored as the club cast a wide net in their search for a top-quality centre-forward to lead Allegri’s line next season.

With eight league games remaining and the Scudetto race still alive, the primary focus at San Siro remains firmly on the present. But behind the scenes, the groundwork for a busy summer is already well underway.

Dutchman Danny Makkelie has been officially appointed as the referee for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final between Italy and Northern Ireland.

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Who will be the referee for Italy vs. Northern Ireland?

Italy will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo for the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday evening, and the winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home on Tuesday, March 31, for a spot at the final tournament. 

Makkelie will be the man with the whistle when Italy host Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena. He will be joined by Dutch assistants Hessel Steegstra and Jan De Vries and Spanish fourth official Jesus Gil Manzano. Pol van Boekel and Jeroen Manschot, both of the Netherlands, will be the VAR and assistant VAR respectively. 

Makkelie has refereed four previous matches involving the Azzurri, the most recent coming at EURO 2024 when Italy dramatically drew 1-1 with Croatia in their final match in Group B.

His biggest call in that game was to award a penalty against Italy for a Davide Frattesi handball, although Gianluigi Donnarumma managed to keep out Luka Modric’s spot-kick.

Makkelie also took charge of Italy’s 3-0 group stage win over Turkiye at EURO 2020, a 0-0 draw against Portugal in the 2018-19 Nations League and a 3-2 victory over North Macedonia in 2018 World Cup qualifying.

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori says he’s fit to play against Northern Ireland on Thursday and jokes: ‘I’ve spoken more with Gattuso than with my mother in recent months. .’

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Arsenal defender Calafiori held a press conference at Italy’s Coverciano training base on Tuesday, ahead of the crucial upcoming World Cup play-off campaign.

Calafiori on Italy vs. Northern Ireland, Arsenal form and Gattuso relationship

Gennaro Gattuso said on Monday that Calafiori had suffered a little discomfort during Arsenal’s 2-0 loss against Manchester City in the EFL Cup Final.

“I feel well, let’s see on the field today, but I’m fine. In such a delicate moment, the key is to always live in the present, enjoy every single moment and focus on one game at a time,” Calafiori told the media, including Football Italia.

Italy will face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, March 26, while the potential Final will be played away against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, March 31.

“Honestly, as I’ve always said, I prefer to just focus on ourselves; it’s not the moment to focus on the opponents; it depends more on us,” said the Arsenal defender.

• Read more – Three things spotted in first Italy training before World Cup play-off

“The game must be prepared just as a normal game. We know how important it is, but we must feel light. On set pieces, I feel that we must be very focused, especially defensively. We know they can be dangerous in these situations. We can be dangerous too, but in today’s football, set pieces make a difference, and details are crucial.”

Northern Ireland are expected to rely mostly on dead balls and set pieces to hurt the Azzurri.

“As soon as they have the ball, they’ll try to play this way. The only way is to try to avoid these types of play as much as we can, stay focused on second balls, and stay focused from start to finish,” noted Calafiori.

The Italy international is in his second season at Arsenal. What are the biggest differences between Italian and English football?

“There’s a lot of talk about the Premier League, but in the end, it’s only us [Arsenal] left [in the Champions League].

Calafiori, however, forget about Liverpool who are still involved in Europe’s elite competition.

“The Champions League is a tough competition, also for English clubs. Football is not an exact science,” he added.

“I believe that the biggest difference is mostly in the intensity of training and games, but the real training is the game in the Premier League. Especially for a team like us that plays twice a week and doesn’t train much, it’s all the game’s merit. The feeling is that there’s high intensity and there are fewer dead moments.

Italy have scored 19 goals in six games under Gattuso, but conceded nine times. Yet Calafiori is not concerned about the Azzurri’s defensive solidity.

“It’s not the main problem, as usual, when you make a mistake or concede a goal, it’s not just one department at fault. We must not dwell on the past, but stay together these days and achieve the result we all want,” he said.

“I like to remember the game against Estonia in Bergamo. We had good feelings, and I hope the stadium can help us a lot, and hopefully, on Thursday, it will be even better.

“Obviously, I hope for a game where we’ll dominate proceedings and have the bigger chances, but I said before, we can’t imagine how the game will go. The message we want to send is to be united, as close as possible, and very positive, because I think it will help us. In these games, technique and tactics are important, but it’s union that will make us go ahead.”

Gennaro Gattuso and his assistants visited Italian players over the last few months.

“I really appreciated the coach’s attitude. I’ve spoken more with him than with my mother in recent months. I’m pretty shy, but he was good at staying close to me because there was a moment when I was out. That dinner was nice, we spent time together and it was nice to do so. We didn’t have a chance to train together these past months, but the most important thing is spending time together.

“He [Gattiso] paid for it [the dinner]! It felt like a night out with friends. We spoke about football and other things. Buffon and Leo [Bonucci] were there too, and they spoke to us about their experience. Then we spoke a bit about the game, there’s nothing more to add.”

Why should Italy fans be confident?

“Because we all want the same thing,” Calafiori replied.

“Why should we make life difficult for ourselves? I like to think positively. In the end, when one has a positive mindset, one achieves what one wants.

“Pressure is there; we can’t avoid it. We know how important this game is. We try not to think about it, the game is just two days away. I’m happy to play this game and this is the message I want to send. The other side of the coin is that it might go badly, but we want to think positively, because this week can bring happiness and send us to the World Cup in America, that’s the only thing I think about.

“It’s all about how you look at this game. Evidently, it’s a responsibility. There are millions of people watching us, but I see it as an opportunity. To have such a beautiful chance. This is something we’ve been dreaming of since we were kids. I can’t wait to play this game.”

Calafiori has made 29 appearances across all competitions at a club level this term, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

The ex-Bologna and Roma defender made his senior Italy debut under Luciano Spalletti in June 2024, just a few days before the start of the Euros, and now has 12 international appearances under his belt.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s long-term future as the head coach of Roma is not guaranteed, but reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that the former Atalanta tactician will wait until the end of the 2025-26 season before making any major career decisions. 

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Why is there tension among the Roma senior management?

According to recent reports in Italy, there has been growing tension in Giallorossi circles over the last few weeks, particularly after Roma’s exit from the Europa League round of 16 at the hands of Serie A opponents Bologna, who are currently 12 points below them in the league table. 

These reports claim that there was a confrontation between co-owner Ryan Friedkin, director Frederic Massara and advisor Claudio Ranieri after the Europa League exit at the end of last week, and some sources claim that one of Massara, Ranieri or head coach Gasperini could potentially leave the club at the end of the season. 

According to Tuesday’s updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, there are conflicting views among the senior Roma management as to how the 2025-26 season has gone. 

As far as Gasperini is concerned, he feels as though he has done a good job with the resources available and injuries to key players such as Paulo Dybala, Matias Soule, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and most recently Manu Kone. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gasperini didn’t get the signings he wanted in either the summer or January transfer window, though, and feels that this only made life more difficult. 

The club, however, feel that they have ‘taken the right steps’ to put the coach in a position to finish in the Serie A top four and claim a place in next season’s Champions League despite their financial fair play restrictions. 

An example is the signing of Robinio Vaz from Marseille in January, who seems a decent prospect and not a terrible investment at €20m, but Gasperini would have preferred a more proven, established option at centre-forward to help the club in the absence of Dovbyk and Ferguson. 

Where Roma and Gasperini currently stand 

According to Tuesday’s updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the members of the Roma squad that have not jetted off on international duty will resume training on Tuesday, and it is possible that there will be a discussion between Gasperini, Ranieri and Massara at some stage of the day. 

For now, the feeling is that all parties must come together and work as hard as possible until the end of the 2025-26 season as Roma fight for a spot in the Serie A top four. 

As things stand, the Giallorossi have 54 points from 30 matches, which is the club’s second-best return in eight years at this stage of the season. Only Jose Mourinho in his second season at the Stadio Olimpico had more (56). 

Roma’s current tally of 54 points is only good enough for sixth place at the moment, though. They remain level on points with Juventus in fifth and three points behind the in-form Como in fourth. 

As for Gasperini, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that assessments will be made at the end of the 2025-26 season, but nothing is ruled out either way at this stage.

Udinese and Watford owner Giampaolo Pozzo says Como’s results this season are ‘miraculous’ and hopes Lorenzo Lucca will revive his career: ‘It’s impossible for such a young player to reverse his performances from one year to the next completely.’

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Udinese and Watford owner Pozzo released an interview with GR Parlamento (via TMW) to explain his view on the future of both clubs.

Pozzo insisted that Udinese are not for sale, though the Bianconeri are looking for a financial partner to improve on-field results.

Pozzo: Udinese not for sale

“First of all, I want to clarify that we don’t want to sell; we want to make the club more European, just as Atalanta have done, to improve sporting results,” he said.

“We have a regional budget, and currently, the objective is a comfortable survival. We’ve always tried to strengthen the team, and if somebody wants to come to Udinese for a potential project, we are here under any condition. It’s hard to talk about figures, but the rumoured negotiation, which we might even have signed, regarded a possible sale for €300m. But we don’t want to sell, we’d like a partnership with some funds to improve on a sporting level.”

Udinese sit 11th in the Serie A table, with 39 points in 30 matches, which means they are practically safe with eight games to spare.

Their striker, Keinan Davis, who they signed from Aston Villa in 2023, has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

“We paid him €3m; he’s a very good player, and he’s also very good in terms of his attitude towards the club,” Pozzo said.

“He’s had difficult moments, but if you pass him the ball, he knows how to handle it and how to score.”

Udinese once fought for European places in Serie A, while this season, Como are surprisingly battling for a Champions League spot, currently sitting fourth in Serie A.

“In truth, they are miraculous. Money is not enough; one must be capable too,” Pozzo said.

“They are doing incredible things. They are good at management and have made all the right choices, including signing the right players. I don’t know them personally, but they’ve invested the money well.”

Udinese sold Lorenzo Lucca to Napoli last summer, but the Italian striker failed to impress with the Partenopei in the first part of the season and hasn’t shown real improvement since joining Nottingham Forest on loan in January.

“He performed well here, but patience is needed because things don’t work well right away,” noted Pozzo.

“It’s impossible for such a young player to reverse his performances from one year to the next completely. He must surely return to be the footballer we’ve known, with character and able to score goals.”

Lastly, the Italian businessman talked about English Championship side Watford and their main target for this season.

“It’s a tough league; we are looking for young talent to develop, so we go ahead with patience. The target is to get promoted to the Premier League; let’s see if we’ll make it,” Pozzo concluded.

Italy are gearing up for the World Cup play-off, but at least 12 Azzurri are still expected to have a hectic summer, regardless of qualification, as they could be set to switch clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season.

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Italy players who might change clubs in the summer: goalkeepers

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that several Italian players might change clubs over the summer, regardless of whether the Azzurri qualify for the World Cup.

There’s already plenty of rumours on the futures of goalkeepers Guglielmo Vicario, Elia Caprile and Marco Carnesecchi.

Vicario, in particular, has attracted interest from Inter, and the Nerazzuri’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, met his agent in London last week. The Tottenham goalkeeper is a regular in the Azzurri squad but is not part of the team this month after undergoing hernia surgery.

Italy players who might change club in the summer: defenders

The Nerazzurri might receive offers for Alessandro Bastoni as well, with the Italy international recently linked with a move to Barcelona. According to the report, however, the Serie A table leaders won’t listen to offers below €60m for the 26-year-old.

Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra, now on loan at Cagliari, has earned his first Italy call-up this month and according to Gazzetta, La Dea’s asking price for the promising full-back is close to €40m, just as much as goalkeeper Carnesecchi.

Federico Gatti has recently extended his contract with Juventus. Yet, his future in Turin under Luciano Spalletti remains uncertain as Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is tempted to reunite with the Italian centre-back at San Siro.

Italy players who might change clubs in the summer: midfielders

Sandro Tonali is arguably the biggest star in the Azzurri squad, alongside Donnarumma, but Newcastle will not let the ex-Milan midfielder leave for less than €70m.

Inter’s Davide Frattesi will likely look for a fresh start next season as he’s been struggling with playing time under Cristian Chivu this term, while Inter will only consider Nicolò Barella’s exit for a big-money offer.

Italy players who might change clubs in the summer: strikers

Strikers Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui are expected to change clubs next season. The Fiorentina forward has a €62m clause that can be activated in the first two weeks of July, while Retegui is reportedly eager to return to Serie A, but will have to lower the €16m salary he earns at Al-Qadsiah FC.

Tuttosport reported last week that Retegui already held talks with Juventus and Milan.

Last but not least is Federico Chiesa, who has pulled out of the Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-off but will likely seek an exit from Liverpool, where he has played less than 700 minutes this season.

Former Italy star Antonio Di Natale praises Inter talent Francesco Pio Esposito: ‘He reminds me a little of Van Basten, he’s the future of the Azzurri.’

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Di Natale: Pio Esposito is the future of the Italy national team

Pio Esposito, scorer of three goals in five appearances with the Italy national team, is part of the Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-off.

“I’m convinced he’ll score many more and that he’ll be the future of the Azzurri for the next 15 years,” Di Natale told Gazzetta.

“Pio is so good, and I’m happy with the season he’s having. It was not easy to immediately show his qualities in his first season in Serie A, become an Inter starter, and earn an Italy call-up.”

Both Di Natale and Pio come from Naples, and the former striker met the promising centre-forward last year at Spezia.

“I root for him, and I wish him to do even better than all the other Neapolitans who have worn an Azzurri shirt,” Di Natale said.

“I’ve built a strong bond with La Nazionale and have great memories.

“I met him at Spezia last season, when I went to visit the director Andrea Gazzoli, and both Pio and his brother Salvatore played there. He’s not just a very good striker, but also a serious and humble guy. Even back then, you could predict he was destined to play for a top club.”

Luca Toni was the Italy centre-forward when the Azzurri won the World Cup in 2006, but Di Natale feels Pio is more similar to another Serie A legend.

“He’s a bit different from Luca in the movements he makes, and I say it with great respect. He reminds me a little of Van Basten,” he said.

Italy will play Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal in Bergamo on March 26.

“We deserve the qualification, and I’m convinced we’ll make it against Northern Ireland, even if they have nothing to lose. But we are Italy, and we must show it,” Di Natale, scorer of 11 goals in 42 Italy appearances, said.

“Gattuso and I played together with the national team, and I respect him as a man and as a coach. He’s the right person to bring us to the World Cup. It’s a competition Italy can’t miss.”

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Juventus are in talks with Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who is available on a free transfer as his contract expires in June.

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Juventus open talks with Rudiger

Juventus are interested in Real Madrid centre-back Rudiger and, according to Tuttosport, the Serie A giants have already opened talks with the Germany international whose contract with the Merengues expires in June.

The Bianconeri’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, is a huge admirer of the experienced centre-back. The pair already worked together at Roma from 2015 to 2017, with the defender making 54 appearances at the Olimpico under the Italian tactician.

According to the report, Liverpool and Manchester United have also sounded out the defender’s availability, but the Red Devils are expected to pull out of the race if they reach an agreement to extend Harry Maguire’s contract.

Juventus are reportedly determined to offer Rudiger a three-year contract worth €5m-€6m per season.

The defender’s future at the Bernabéu remains uncertain, even though the ex-Roma star has recently regained a starting spot under Álvaro Arbeloa.

If the Spaniard remains in charge of Real Madrid for 2026-27, he’ll ask the club to extend Rudiger’s contract.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario sent a message on social media to the Italy national team after undergoing surgery on Monday: ‘See you soon.’

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The former Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper is not part of the Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-off after being forced to undergo hernia surgery.

As reported by SportMediaset, the Italian goalkeeper went under the knife on Monday.

The 29-year-old took to social media from his hospital bed, taking a selfie and sending a message to the Azzurri: ‘See you soon, Azzurri,’ Vicario wrote.

Vicario’s social media post after surgery

With Vicario forced to the sidelines for the next few weeks, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has called Elia Caprile, Alex Meret and Marco Carnesecchi, as well as captain Gigio Donnarumma, for the upcoming World Cup play-off.

The Azzurri will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the semi-final on Thursday, March 26, and if they progress to the Final, they’ll face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away on Tuesday, March 31.

The word Ireland has become loaded in Italy again. Officially, the World Cup play-off on 26 March is Italy against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, but the tension around the fixture has little to do with the label and everything to do with the stakes. 

Italy are back this March, back in a knockout match, and back trying to prove they can handle a moment that has gone wrong for them before.

The Azzurri should have enough quality to take control, yet that does not necessarily calm the mood. Italy missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, then let a qualification path slide into the play-offs after costly setbacks. A home semi-final helps, but it does not erase the anxiety attached to another one-off test.

Italy’s edge only counts if they use it early

Italy’s squad is stronger, especially in midfield, though matches like this can flatten quickly if the tempo drops. Safe possession, slow circulation, and hopeful deliveries are exactly what Northern Ireland will accept. Italy needs the opposite: quick restarts, sharper angles, and enough movement around the box to keep the visitors pinned back.

Gennaro Gattuso does not need a tactical reinvention before an Italy World Cup play-off. He needs his best players receiving in the right places, with enough purpose in the final third to stop territorial control from becoming empty control.

How Italy can tilt the game

Nicolò Barella remains the clearest accelerator on this side. When he drives the ball forward or releases runners early, Italy looks more urgent and less predictable. If Manuel Locatelli or Bryan Cristante can hold the base cleanly, Barella should be able to spend more time in the areas that stretch a compact defence.

Width is the other obvious pressure point. Northern Ireland is likely to protect central spaces first, so Federico Dimarco’s crossing and Andrea Cambiaso’s carrying could be decisive in any serious Italy vs Northern Ireland preview. The question is not whether Italy reaches wide zones, but whether the deliveries arrive with enough variation to unsettle the back line.

Italy also needs the right balance up front. Mateo Retegui offers a fixed target in the area, while Giacomo Raspadori provides cleaner link-up play and greater mobility. Against a deep block, Italy probably needs both ideas present at once.

Northern Ireland’s plan is clear

Michael O’Neill’s side is not coming to Bergamo to dominate the ball. Their route is to stay narrow, contest every second ball, and turn the evening into a sequence of duels rather than a smooth technical contest. That is where the game can start to feel smaller than the squad lists suggest.

The absences of Conor Bradley and Jamal Lewis reduce some natural width, which may push Northern Ireland even further toward compact defending and selective counters. If they keep the score level into the final half-hour, the pressure shifts. Italy begins to feel history, and Northern Ireland gets to play the occasion as much as the opponent.

Four areas that should decide the semi-final

The broader World Cup qualifying conversation around this tie keeps coming back to the same four questions.

There is a wider tournament build-up around the match too, and, according to FreeBets.com, experts in reviewing the best World Cup betting promotions, the promotional cycle around 2026 is already taking shape well before the finals begin.

Team news and the key choices

Italy still has enough quality to control this game. Gianluigi Donnarumma brings authority in goal, Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori steady the back line, and the midfield should offer the control needed against a lower-possession opponent.

For readers looking for Italy team news or a predicted Italy lineup, the real issue is the profile rather than headline names. Italy can lean on Retegui’s box presence, use Raspadori closer to him for cleaner combinations, or ask the wide attackers to arrive inside earlier if the attack becomes too lateral.

That decision will shape the whole first hour. A front line built only for crossing can become predictable. One with movement between the lines can drag defenders out, win fouls in better areas, and give Italy more than one route to the chance they need.

What the scoreline could do to the mood

There is a version of this match where Italy scores early, and everything starts to look straightforward. Northern Ireland has to open up a little, Barella finds more room, and the gap in technical quality becomes easier to see.

There is another version, and Italy knows it well, where the tie drifts deep into the second half without a breakthrough. Then the match becomes less about clean superiority and more about memory, noise, and choice-making under pressure. Italy can still win from there, but the night gets heavier.

Final read

The sensible call is still an Italian win. The midfield is better, the squad is deeper, and the home setting should give the Azzurri enough territorial control to wear Northern Ireland down over 90 minutes.

But Italy is being measured on more than the result. A sharp, coherent performance would move the team closer to the kind of authority that is often missing in these March qualifiers. A slow, nervous one would reopen every familiar question, even if they scrape through.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

I am the anti-Inter

Napoli-Milan after the break

Leao is recharging at Milanello, and Conte goes on holiday.

Pio growls

Kean-Retegui to start, but Esposito is at the top. Italy recover Bastoni and Mancini, Chiesa goes. The CT: ‘We are not a bunch of nobodies.’

Chivu’s order: never again without Lautaro

Diao, Yildiz, Vaz: fourth place? A child’s play

Corriere dello Sport

Marotta’s shield

The president takes excuses off the table: ‘We must not act as victims.’

‘Stronger than referees.’

‘Inter are first at +6, no psychodrama.’

‘All clubs complain, at the end of the season, favourable and unfavourable incidents get balanced. We are in a regression phase, but nobody would ever expect this advantage.’ The algorithm keeps saying Chivu: Italy champion at 89%.

Vlahovic and Milik: Lucio’s weapons

Roma, silences and issues of Gasp

Sergeant Taylor: Lazio start again

Napoli, the hand of God needed

Five home games, where they are unbeaten since December 2024, in the last eight rounds.

Milan push: Goretzka for Max

His contract with Bayern expires, and an offer worth 6-7m per season is ready

‘Italy deserves joy.’

The CT: ‘A chance to live with lighthartedness, no stress.’ Chiesa out, Cambiaghi called up. From Bastoni to Mancini. Doubts in defence, Kean-Retegui in attack.

Tuttosport

Here’s who Spalletti votes for

Rudiger is the first in the list of targets. Elkann: ‘Juve? We don’t give up.’

Understand, lads?

Gattuso: ‘We are not a bunch of nobodies.’

On Thursday, against Northern Ireland, the first play-off to return to the World Cup after 12 years and avoid another blow for Italian football. The coach touches the Azzurri’s pride: ‘They’ve won titles and played finals, I want them to be focused, but I won’t stress them. I’ve picked Bergamo for its  cauldron-like atmosphere.’ Chiesa gives up, Cambiaghi arrives.

Gasp, a silence that makes noise

Como show, yes, but what a defence!

Toro, Martin breaks through on the left, but half the team might leave.

After the first day of training and with quite a few injuries still to be dealt with, the first signs are emerging of a possible Italy starting XI against Northern Ireland.

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The World Cup play-off semi-final kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Thursday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

Whoever wins will then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on Tuesday March 31.

Italy side still taking shape in Gattuso’s mind

Gennaro Gattuso has already been forced to make some changes to his squad due to injuries, sending Federico Chiesa back home to Liverpool and calling in Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi.

There are others who are not fully fit and still in doubt, such as Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Sandro Tonali and Gianluca Mancini.

It is widely reported Gattuso will set Italy out in a 3-5-2 formation, with Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and wearing the captain’s armband.

If Bastoni or Arsenal’s Calafiori cannot make it, then Federico Gatti is more likely to step in.

For the midfield, Davide Frattesi is the first alternative to Tonali, with Matteo Politano expected to start even after he was spotted with a large bandage on his shin today.

Manuel Locatelli, Nicolò Barella and Federico Dimarco are all confident of a place in the XI.

Gianluca Scamacca is definitely not fit for the semi-final, so Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui should retain their places upfront.

The splendid recent form of Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito is not yet enough to get him into the starting XI.

Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Calafiori, Mancini, Bastoni; Politano, Locatelli, Tonali, Barella, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui

Northern Ireland will be without Dan Ballard and Conor Bradley for the 2026 World Cup play-off against Italy, as coach Michael O’Neill notes they can ‘use pressure to our advantage.’

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The semi-final kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Thursday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET), with the winners going on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final.

O’Neill has faith in Northern Ireland against Italy

It goes without saying that Italy are the favourites going into this semi-final, and that is something that particularly weighs on the Azzurri’s shoulders after missing the 2018 and 2022 editions of the World Cup.

“The pressure is for them to deal with,” O’Neill told the Press Association.

“We can add to that with how we play the game, how we approach the game. The game’s not going to be won in the media or in the lead-up to it, by us continually saying Italy are under pressure.

“The game will be won if we make the game difficult for Italy, and then that pressure becomes prevalent in the 90 minutes. That’s how we use it to our advantage.”

There is bad news for Northern Ireland, because Sunderland defender Ballard has been ruled out and forced to return back home.

He suffered a hamstring injury during the Premier League defeat to Brighton on March 14, missed Sunday’s local derby against Newcastle United, and cannot recover in time.

Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson has been called up in his place.

This is the second defensive absentee, as Liverpool player Bradley had already been ruled out, although Ali McCann is back in training.

The Charles brothers, goalkeeper Pierce and midfielder Shea, are both available again for Northern Ireland after missing recent matches.

Northern Ireland have not qualified for the World Cup since 1986.

Northern Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Blackpool, on loan from Birmingham City), Conor Hazard (Plymouth Argyle), Pierce Charles (Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Clarke (Partick Thistle).

Defenders: Paddy McNair (Hull City, on loan from San Diego), Tom Atcheson (Blackburn Rovers), Ciaron Brown (Oxford United), Trai Hume (Sunderland), Brodie Spencer (Oxford United), Eoin Toal (Bolton Wanderers), Ruairi McConville (Norwich City), Terry Devlin (Portsmouth).

Midfielders: George Saville (Luton Town), Ali McCann (Preston), Shea Charles (Southampton), Isaac Price (West Brom), Paul Smyth (Queen’s Park Rangers), Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City), Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace), Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock), Jamie Donley (Oxford United, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie McDonnell (Oxford United), Patrick Kelly (Barnsley), Kieran Morrison (Liverpool).

Forwards: Josh Magennis (Exeter City), Dion Charles (Huddersfield Town), Callum Marshall (VfL Bochum, on loan from West Ham), Jamie Reid (Stevenage)

Lecce have announced that the season is over for Medon Berisha after a serious injury, and the Albania international could require surgery.

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This is a bitter blow for the Salentini and their hopes of avoiding relegation into Serie B, as he is one of their most talented players.

He had been out of action since December 12, when stretchered off 11 minutes into the win over Pisa.

Just as Berisha was preparing to make his comeback, he suffered another injury in training on Saturday.

Berisha suffers fresh injury blow

A statement from the club confirms that today’s tests showed a lesion to the tendon in the rectus femoris in the right leg.

This is in a different area to the previous injury, albeit on the same leg, and he will fly to Finland on Wednesday for a specialist consultation with Professor Lempainem.

Surgery is a likely solution to this latest problem, and the statement warns that in any case, he will not be back on the pitch again during this season.

Berisha had only managed to make 14 competitive appearances for Lecce this season, contributing two goals and three assists.

The 22-year-old has four senior caps for Albania.

Hassane Kamara has explained his controversial reaction during Udinese’s win over Genoa, as their club condemns racist abuse received by Kamara and Keinan Davis.

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Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Davis scored during the 2-0 win at Marassi on Friday evening, but it was a fiery and intense Serie A match that became increasingly heated in the final minutes.

With the score at 1-0, Kamara was substituted at the 84^th minute, pulling faces at the Genoa fans as he walked off.

This infuriated Genoa striker Lorenzo Colombo, who reacted angrily and was booked.

What sparked Kamara controversy

Kamara explained the situation today with a post on Instagram.

“Quick clarification: if on Friday I left the field sticking my tongue out at the Genoa fans, it was only because I received insults and middle fingers. It was my way, joking and without violence, of responding.

“In 12 years of career, I have never provoked anyone, and I won’t start now. Colombo got angry, that can happen. Thanks to his coach, his teammates, also my own, for calming the situation.

“Football is a sport that brings people together, and it must remain like that.

“P.S. And for some who are using this opportunity to send racist insults via social media, the internet has a long memory, and this will not go unpunished.”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HK (@hassane_kamara)

On his Instagram Stories, Kamara put together a compilation of the racist abuse he received in response, not hiding any of the usernames of those responsible.

Davis reposted this message on his Instagram Stories, and it was followed by Udinese releasing a statement of their own.

“Udinese Calcio condemn the disgraceful behaviour against players Keinan Davis and Hassane Kamara, who were subjected to racist insults on their social media profiles.

“Similar shameful incidents are beyond all logic of civilised society, they are unacceptable, and Udinese will always fight to combat them.”

It is bitterly ironic that this occurred during the week of the Lega Serie A’s ‘Keep Racism Out’ media campaign.

Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini prepares for games against North Macedonia and Sweden, hailing the ‘success’ of Marco Palestra and Niccolò Pisilli graduating to the senior squad.

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The Azzurrini are back in action after a four-month hiatus, ready to continue the qualifying campaign for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship.

They will host North Macedonia at the Stadio Castellani in Empoli on Thursday and then visit Sweden at the Boras Arena on Tuesday March 31.

Players who are not involved in this training camp are Cagliari full-back Palestra and Roma midfielder Pisilli, who have been called up by Gennaro Gattuso for the World Cup play-offs.

Baldini has faith in Italy future

“It is a success for us that they have been promoted to the senior squad, because it means we contributed to their growth process,” said coach Baldini in his press conference.

“Few would’ve expected in September 2025 that these two players would be ready for the play-offs. It makes us proud, as it shows we are on the right track.”

Italy will host Northern Ireland on Thursday in the semi-final, then if victorious will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31 for a spot at the World Cup.

“I spoke to Gattuso and Gigi Buffon over the last few days, they are accustomed to this kind of stress, having played in the biggest tournaments. They know there is a big responsibility on their shoulders, but we are all behind them and I don’t think there’s anyone better with which to achieve qualification,” added Baldini.

“I am super convinced that Italy will be at the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, the Under-21 side has brought in Honest Ahanor after he impressed with Atalanta, and Lazio’s new goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, fresh from saving a penalty in only his third Serie A appearance.

“Players like Lipani, Bartesaghi and Venturino have had minutes in Serie A, showing that they can have their say in the football that really matters.

“We have a strong group and mustn’t lose our positive energy. We mustn’t forget our main job is to get as many players as possible promoted to the senior Italy squad.”

Italy Under-21 squad

Goalkeepers: Giovanni Daffara (Avellino), Edoardo Motta (Lazio), Lorenzo Palmisani (Frosinone)

Defenders: Honest Ahanor (Atalanta), Davide Bartesaghi (Milan), Gabriele Calvani (Frosinone), Fabio Chiarodia (Borussia M’gladbach), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Costantino Favasuli (Catanzaro), Gabriele Guarino (Empoli), Mattia Mannini (Juve Stabia); Brando Moruzzi (Empoli)

Midfielders: Tommaso Berti (Cesena), Matteo Dagasso (Venezia), Giacomo Faticanti (Juventus), Luca Lipani (Sassuolo), Cher Ndour (Fiorentina), Lorenzo Venturino (Roma)

Forwards: Alessio Cacciamani (Juve Stabia), Luigi Cherubini (Sampdoria), Jeff Ekhator (Genoa), Seydou Fini (Frosinone), Luca Koleosho (Paris FC), Antonio Raimondo (Frosinone)

Juventus and Lazio are among the clubs to have sent their condolences to former coach Igor Tudor, currently at Tottenham Hotspur, following a family bereavement.

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The 47-year-old spent most of his career in Italian football, first as a player and then as a coach, so considers this to be his second home.

He did not speak to the media following last night’s 3-0 Premier League home defeat to Nottingham Forest, officially so that he could deal with a family matter.

It was later revealed he had received news of the death of his father, Marco.

Italy is a second home for Croatian Tudor

Tudor had started the season at Juventus until his dismissal on October 27, then went on to take the Tottenham job on February 14.

Juve were the first club to send out a statement of condolence this afternoon to their former coach.

“Juventus stands with Igor Tudor and his family at this difficult time. Juventus joins in mourning the passing of his father.”

Juventus stands with Igor Tudor and his family at this difficult time. Juventus joins in mourning the passing of his father.

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) March 23, 2026

His bond with Juve goes back a long way, as he was a player there from 1998 to 2007, then returned as assistant manager to Andrea Pirlo in the 2020-21 campaign.

He was called in as interim coach in March 2025 and given the job with a longer contract that summer, but was dismissed in October 2025 after 24 games in charge.

Lazio also sent a message, as Tudor was their coach from March to June 2024, when replacing Maurizio Sarri.

“S.S. Lazio express their profound condolences to ex-Biancocelesti coach Igor Tudor for the passing of his father.”

La S.S. Lazio esprime il proprio profondo cordoglio all'ex allenatore biancoceleste Igor Tudor per la scomparsa del padre

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 23, 2026

He was also the coach of Udinese during two different spells from 2018 to 2019 and Hellas Verona in 2021-22.

L’Hellas Verona FC esprime il proprio profondo cordoglio all’ex allenatore della formazione gialloblù nella stagione 2021/22 Igor Tudor e alla sua famiglia per la scomparsa del padre.

— Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) March 23, 2026

Andriy Shevchenko believes ‘anything can happen’ in the Scudetto race for Milan, but warns Rafael Leao ‘is not a striker’ and must not have ‘the wrong attitude.’

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The Rossoneri squeezed past Torino 3-2 at the weekend to pile pressure on leaders Inter, cutting the gap at the top of the Serie A table to just six points.

With eight rounds to go, and Napoli also only seven points behind the top spot, the Scudetto race is suddenly opened up again.

Shevchenko gives Leao verdict for Milan

“Inter have a much deeper squad and the advantage on points, but Milan are having a very good season,” club legend Shevchenko told reporters as he attended an event for the Legends Trophy tour.

“The win over Torino was an important step forward, and Allegri fired up the team after their defeat to Lazio. I think Milan will win the next few matches and put pressure on Inter. If they are up there, anything can happen. It will all be decided in the next few weeks.”

Milan lost to Lazio and the result was overshadowed by controversy when Rafael Leao threw a tantrum at being substituted, resisting a hug from coach Max Allegri, and then reportedly arguing with teammate Christian Pulisic too.

The Portuguese talent has struggled with the new role of centre-forward created for him by Allegri, preferring to start out wide left.

“Rafa is not a striker,” warned Shevchenko, a man who knows plenty about getting goals in the Rossoneri jersey.

“He has been asked to be a centre-forward, doing well in some games, less well in others. We need to see if he really wants to help the team, and he is the only one who can play that role right now.”

Although Leao certainly is not lacking in talent, his attitude has often been the cause of problems, and Milan are reportedly losing patience.

“You can get a game wrong, but must not have the wrong attitude,” added Shevchenko.

“There are moments when you can get angry with a teammate or the coach, but the important thing is to clear the air straight away.”

Leao was out injured for the 3-2 victory against Torino, so the last image was of him resisting a substitution with Lazio.

The Lega Serie A met today and laid down the foundations for a new code of ethics, which could include fines for simulation and insulting statements.

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During the break for international duty, representatives from the 20 Serie A clubs came together to discuss various issues at the headquarters in Milan today.

President Ezio Simonelli outlined the start of a new Serie A code of ethics, which will apply to all players, coaches, directors, and members of staff.

Serie A code of ethics ideas

Although this is still in the early stages of planning, Calcio e Finanza suggest it will assign specific fines for all violations, without leaving them all to the disciplinary commission.

Among the main focus points will be combating simulation on the pitch, especially in the wake of the Alessandro Bastoni controversy to get Pierre Kalulu sent off during Inter vs. Juventus.

Other targets for a clampdown are insulting or damaging statements made during post-match interviews.

This could involve creating a new and independent body to impose the fines, working alongside the FIGC and disciplinary commission.

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was spotted running today after an ankle injury, but remains a major doubt for Italy’s World Cup play-off campaign, while Matteo Politano has a problem too.

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The Nazionale came together this morning at the Coverciano camp to prepare for the semi-final against Northern Ireland, which will be held in Bergamo on Thursday evening.

If they win that fixture, then the Azzurri will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

That game is planned for March 31 outside of Italian soil.

Italy gearing up for play-offs

There have been quite a few injury problems for coach Gennaro Gattuso, who today was forced to send Federico Chiesa back home to Liverpool and called up Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi instead.

Bastoni had missed Inter’s last Serie A match against Fiorentina due to a left ankle problem and remains in doubt to feature against Northern Ireland.

However, there was positive news today when Bastoni was spotted running along the pitch.

It was not the same training routine as his teammates, and therefore continues the work he was doing at Inter over the last few days.

Sky Sport Italia report Gattuso asked Bastoni how he was feeling, and the reply was: “I can handle it.”

The same cannot be said of Napoli winger Politano, who was spotted sitting on the side of the turf with a large bandage on his left shin.

Gattuso set the teams out in a five-a-side match with Marco Palestra, Mateo Retegui, Alessandro Buongiorno, Andrea Cambiaso and Manuel Locatelli on one team, Leonardo Spinazzola, Davide Frattesi, Cambiaghi and Federico Gatti on the other.

The three goalkeepers alternated during the game.

Players who did not participate due to fitness issues are Gianluca Mancini, Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori and Gianluca Scamacca.

There are reports Fulham have decided to activate their purchase option for Samuel Chukwueze, bringing €24m to the Milan coffers.

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The wide striker had been a €21.1m plus up to €7m add-ons signing from Villarreal in 2023, but flopped badly and failed to make an impact at San Siro.

Chukwueze scored just eight goals and assisted six more in 70 official appearances for the Rossoneri.

Fulham happy with Chukwueze

He was loaned to Fulham in September 2025 with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Despite a not particularly impressive contribution of three goals and four assists in 19 competitive games, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Fulham have decided to buy Chukwueze outright.

That could represent a significant boost for Milan’s finances, as although not quite the €30m that was rumoured initially, this should provide €24m in fresh funds.

The highlight of the Nigeria international’s Fulham career so far is the brace scored in the Premier League against Manchester City.

Cesc Fabregas and Como look as if they could qualify for the Champions League, but the club might face stadium issues and UEFA Financial Fair Play penalties.

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The Lariani were in Serie B only two seasons ago, but are currently flying high in fourth place, well ahead of Roma and Juventus in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

It would be an astounding achievement for the minnows, who have not participated in European competition since the Mitropa Cup in 1980-81, when it allowed entry from winners of the Serie B title.

Como not yet equipped for Champions League

If Como were to enter the Champions League, it could create some significant problems, starting with the Stadio Sinigaglia.

Reconstruction work would be required to bring the arena up to code for UEFA competitions, and if that was not completed by September 2026, then they’d have to play their home fixtures elsewhere.

This isn’t entirely new, so Calcio e Finanza report they have asked Sassuolo to use the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia instead.

They already did this favour for Atalanta when they first entered the Champions League too.

Another problem is represented by Como’s finances, as the club was picked up post-bankruptcy in Serie D by rich Indonesians the Hartono family.

Their strong investment has allowed the team to go from strength to strength, but it also means they closed the financial year in June 2025 at a loss of €105m.

Calcio e Finanza report that UEFA would give the Serie A side some grace for the first season, but after that they’d require a Settlement Agreement until balancing the books.

It is not dissimilar to the situation faced by Aston Villa when returning to Europe in 2023.

Telegraph Sport claim Tottenham Hotspur have already held talks with Italian Roberto De Zerbi to take over next season, if they stay in the Premier League, but ex-Juventus boss Igor Tudor could be sacked imminently.

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It is hardly the first time that Italian tactician De Zerbi has been linked with the Spurs job, but he has been adamant that he won’t accept a role mid-season after departing Olympique Marseille.

According to today’s reporting from Telegraph Sport, Tottenham directors have asked him to become their new coach at the start of next term and he has agreed, but only if they are still in the Premier League.

De Zerbi open to Tottenham Hotspur job

That is by no means something to be taken for granted, because their form has gone from bad to disastrous since former Juventus coach Tudor took over.

The Croatian has overseen one irrelevant Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, as they were still eliminated in the Round of 16, a draw and five defeats.

Multiple reports indicate he will be fired during the break for international duty after a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest left them hovering just above the relegation zone.

However, Spurs are expected to wait a few days, as Tudor learned that same day his father had died.

His former clubs in Serie A, Juventus and Lazio, both sent public messages of condolence.

Tudor had been on the Juventus bench from March to October 2025, sacked after failing to win any of his last eight competitive matches.

Fresh off a spectacular long-range goal, there are now reports Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic is attracting interest from Chelsea.

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The tall and powerful centre-back has made his mark at both ends of the field, because as well as being a defender, he has scored four goals and provided one assist in 26 Serie A games so far this season.

That included an extraordinary strike off the underside of the crossbar in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Torino.

Pavlovic has flourished at Milan

The 24-year-old was a big investment from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024, arriving for €18.5m plus bonuses.

According to Calciomercato, Pavlovic has caught the eye of Chelsea scouts, who believe he would be suited to the Premier League.

His contract runs to June 2028, although Milan do have an option to extend by another year.

The Serbia international has been compared to former Milan defender Jaap Stam for his playing style and physique.

Milan reportedly are in absolutely no rush to sell Pavlovic and would be prepared to resist the opening offer from Chelsea of circa €40m.

They are on track for Champions League qualification and that will further boost the Rossoneri coffers.

Diego Armando Maradona’s son gave the highest possible praise to Scott McTominay. ‘He is the most decisive Napoli player after my father. If Diego was God, then Scott is Jesus.’

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The midfielder has certainly made an impact since his arrival from Manchester United in 2024, including a place in the Ballon d’Or ranking, and named Serie A Player of the Year.

He picked up where he left off this season, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 36 competitive games.

McTominay hailed by Maradona Junior

Following the decisive strike to beat Cagliari 1-0 on Friday, Diego Armando Maradona Junior made a remarkable comparison.

“After my father, McTominay is the most decisive player in the history of Napoli,” said the Neapolitan on Televomero.

“We had God at Napoli in the form of Diego, but for me McTominay is Jesus. He is a completely fundamental player.”

Maradona is such a legend at this club that within hours of his death from heart failure in November 2020, the Stadio San Paolo was renamed in his honour.

Although the Argentine was only at Napoli from 1984 to 1992, it was the most successful spell in the club’s history, leading to two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, one UEFA Cup and one Italian Supercup.

Murals with his image remain on the walls of Naples to this day and represent a shrine for football lovers around the world.

Reports suggest Zeki Celik is unlikely to agree a new contract with Roma, making him an appetising free agent for Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.

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The Turkish international can play as a right-back or a wing-back in a more advanced role, and has been known to work in central defence when required too.

His current deal with Roma only runs to June 30 and negotiations over an extension have hit significant problems.

Celik demands a long way off Roma bid

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the most recent proposal from the club is worth just €2.4m per season, a long way off his agent’s demand of a €4m salary.

With such a big gap between the two parties and time running out, Celik is far more likely to become a free agent in the summer.

This is one of the situations leading to friction behind the scenes between coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the club directors, as he wants Celik to be confirmed in his squad.

Juventus remain the favourites to snap the player up, but Premier League sides have also been heavily linked, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fulham and Manchester United.

Celik turned 29 last month and joined Roma from LOSC in the summer of 2022 for €7.4m.

He made 37 competitive appearances for the club so far this season, contributing one goal and four assists.

The Juventus penalty miss against Sassuolo continues to cause controversy, as it emerges Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz were over-ruled by Manuel Locatelli.

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The spot-kick could’ve been decisive for the result over the weekend, but when Locatelli stepped up and saw his effort saved by Arijanet Muric, it meant the Serie A match ended 1-1.

This was the third consecutive penalty that Juve failed to convert in Serie A, with three different players, as Locatelli followed in the footsteps of Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David.

Juventus confusion over penalty taker

“Locatelli came over and told me he felt ready to take it,” confirmed Spalletti to DAZN Italia.

“There were two or three players who wanted to step up, but Locatelli is the designated taker. It’s fine, anyone can miss a penalty, we are just disappointed about not bringing home the victory.”

While Yildiz was standing on the spot holding the ball, it is now reported that he was not the one pressuring Locatelli for the chance to step up.

Multiple sources claim Vlahovic had asked to take the penalty, just minutes into his first appearance since a serious thigh injury in late November 2025.

It would’ve been very risky indeed to have the Serbian take on that responsibility after such a long lay-off and when he was obviously still rusty.

Vlahovic did convert his only attempt this season, in a 3-1 win over Udinese.

However, Locatelli also had a positive record until now, converting both his spot-kicks in the Champions League and Coppa Italia.

The midfielder also scored a crucial penalty at the end of last season against Venezia to secure Champions League qualification.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso thanks FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon for allowing him to choose the venue for the World Cup semi-final play-off against Northern Ireland: ‘We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere.’

Italy will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, March 26.

Why Italy vs. Northern Ireland played in Bergamo, not San Siro

The match will be played at Atalanta’s New Balance Arena, a 25,000-seat stadium that already hosted Gattuso’s first game as Italy’s head coach against Estonia this past September.

“I chose the stadium. I want to thank the President and Buffon for letting me decide,” Gattuso said at a press conference attended by Football Italia on Monday.

“I believe that when you go to a 60,000-seat stadium like San Siro, there are Inter and Milan fans, and they might start booing after a few wrong passes. Playing in a smaller stadium will likely give us a better atmosphere.

“They did so in my first game as Italy’s coach, despite finishing the first half with a 0-0 draw. We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere and that we haven’t messed things up.

“Thursday’s game is the only target. All the rest is the past, and I think we have a great chance.”

Click here to read the full Gattuso press conference.

Milan and Inter are set to duel with Arsenal over the summer for free agent Leon Goretzka when he leaves Bayern Munich, confirm German reports.

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The midfielder only celebrated his 31^st birthday last month and has already confirmed he will not be signing a new contract with Bayern Munich, so will be available for free from June 30.

Arsenal have long been linked with his signature and remain possible favourites, but are facing stiff competition from Serie A.

Goretzka tempted by Italian experience

According to Bild reporter Christian Falk, Milan are pushing hard to secure Goretzka, who could form a fascinating midfield partnership with Luka Modric.

Inter are also strong contenders for the German international, though Juventus lag behind, as they are struggling to qualify for the Champions League.

This represents the end of an era for the player, who has been at Bayern Munich since 2018.

Modric sets the template for this transfer idea, as he too was a free agent after many years at Real Madrid, and eager to test himself out in a new environment.

Gennaro Gattuso explains why Federico Chiesa returned to Liverpool and didn’t remain in Coverciano like other injured Italian players and reveals Riccardo Calafiori felt ‘a little discomfort’ during Arsenal’s loss against Manchester City on Sunday.

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Italy World Cup play-off: latest injury updates

Italy are preparing for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland.

Gattuso held a press conference on Monday, before Italy’s first training session.

Gianluca Scamacca, Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Mancini are injured, while Sandro Tonali and Calafiori are not fully fit.

Bastoni has missed the last two games with Inter; Scamacca was absent from Atalanta’s 1-0 win over Verona on Sunday; and Mancini was subbed off during Roma’s victory against Lecce.

“Scamacca has an adductor problem; we evaluate him day by day, same as Bastoni,” Gattuso said at a press conference attended by Football Italia.

“Tonali will train with a low workload today. Mancini has fatigue; no issues were seen from exams. Calafiori felt a little discomfort yesterday, but we hope he’ll be there.

“Chiesa arrived yesterday. He had a few physical problems, and we decided it was useless for him to stay here.”

Contrary to his injured teammates, the Liverpool winger returned to his club on Monday morning, and Gattuso was asked to explain his decision.

“They are not all the same; the players’ heads are not the same,” the coach said.

“When I heard that he had problems and doubts, I had to make a decision. He didn’t feel up for it, so he decided to return home, and I had to accept it. Rapports are important, besides a game. I don’t have great medical knowledge, but I’ve understood that one can’t insist much. I don’t push. When one wants to return home, it’s right to let him do it.”

Italy will play Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday. If they progress to the Final, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.