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Como have mathematically guaranteed a spot in Europe for 2026-27 after their 1-0 victory away against Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday afternoon thanks to a loan goal from centre-forward Tasos Douvikas.

Both coaches made one change each to their starting XIs ahead of Sunday’s early kick-off: Paolo Sammarco decided to reintroduce Nicolas Valentini after suspension in place of Domagoj Bradaric, while Cesc Fabregas brought Jesus Rodriguez in to replace Martin Baturina on Como’s left wing. 

Click here to read more about how today’s teams lined up.

It was the hosts who threatened first early doors. Kieron Bowie did excellently to hold the ball up and play a low ball into the six yard box off the left flank, but Jean Butez pulled out a top-class reaction save to deny Tomas Suslov’s shot from the edge of the six-yard box.

Verona managed to hit the crossbar in the second phase of the resulting corner, but it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the offside flag was raised shortly afterwards. 

Verona sent another warning shot when Rafik Belghali made it to the right byline 20 minutes in, but Bowie wasn’t quite able to get his shot away properly after receiving the cut-back. Martin Frese should have done better when running in on Butez’s goal unopposed less than a minute later.

Como got their first attempt on target midway through the first half: Rodriguez trying his luck from distance, but it was straight at Lorenzo Montipo in the Verona net.

Fabregas’s side would eventually break the deadlock midway through the second half. Marc-Oliver Kempf pumped a hopeful long ball down the left, Andrias Edmundsson made a mess of his attempted headed clearance and Douvikas was on hand to punish him with an excellently taken touch and finish that he slammed into the bottom corner of the net. 

Verona thought they had equalised through Bowie in the following attack. The Scot had the ball in the back of the net in a congested penalty area, but Nicolas Valentini, who got the penultimate touch, was in an offside position. Despite being fairly clear on the replays, it still required a VAR check that lasted several minutes to confirm the on-pitch decision. 

Today’s result lifts Como into fifth place, where they sit two points behind Milan and one point above Roma ahead of their matches later on Sunday. Como can no longer finish any lower than sixth place in Serie A in 2025-26, which means that they are guaranteed a spot in the Conference League at a minimum.

Verona 0-1 Como 

Douvikas (C) 71’

10-05-2026 11:30

MatchDay 36

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Como

0 - 1

Player statistic

2nd half

		61'		Maxence Caqueret
		71'		Anastasios Douvikas (Assist: Marc-Oliver Kempf)
Martin Frese		89'

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

11

Total shots

11

3

Shots on target

4

5

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

7

3

Offsides

2

17

Fouls

14

Verona

Como

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

3

Martin Frese

Defender

6

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

82'

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

24

Antoine Bernede

Midfielder

63'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

81'

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

3

Álex Valle

Defender

36'

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

2

Marc-Oliver Kempf

Defender

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

46'

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

46'

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

38

Assane Diao

Attacker

81'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

46'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

Substitutes

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

72

Junior Ajayi

Attacker

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

73

Moatasem Al-Musrati

Midfielder

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

71

Davide De Battisti

Defender

4

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

63'

41

Isaac

Attacker

81'

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

82'

5

Edoardo Goldaniga

Defender

7

Álvaro Morata

Attacker

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

44

Nikola Cavlina

Goalkeeper

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

15

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

36'

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

46'

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

46'

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

46'

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

81'

Pre-match reports indicate that Christian Pulisic will not be involved in Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash with Atalanta on Sunday evening, which likely means a last chance for Rafael Leao to impress. 

Pulisic out, Leao in for Milan vs. Atalanta

Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make several personnel changes to his Milan side for Sunday’s game against Atalanta following a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo last weekend. Sunday’s newspapers claimed that the coach would change both of his starting centre-forwards, replacing Leao and Christopher Nkunku with Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez. 

However, according to updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Pulisic reported an issue with his gluteal muscles in the final session before the Atalanta game, and it is now expected that he will be left out of the matchday squad on Sunday. 

The extent of the damage remains to be seen. Further updates are expected in due course. 

It has been a disappointing calendar year for Pulisic, who had come up with eight league goals during the first half of the 2025-26 season, but has not hit the back of the net at all for club or country since the turn of the new year. 

It hasn’t been a brilliant period for Leao, either, who is on nine Serie A goals for the season, but has gone goalless across his last seven league outings. 

It was expected that he would be dropped from the Milan line-up for the Atalanta match, amid claims that he could be sold in the summer, but Gianluca Di Marzio reports that he will be given another opportunity to impress in place of Pulisic on Sunday.

Roberto Baggio has sat down for a rare in-depth interview, discussing his playing career, the 1994 World Cup final, his relationships with Diego Maradona, Alessandro Del Piero, his family and his religion, and has had his say on the issues facing the Italy national team: ‘Kids aren’t playing in the street anymore’. 

Baggio spoke in detail with Corriere della Sera as part of the promotion of his newly-written autobiography, Luce nell’oscurita.  

Baggio on 1994 World Cup, best teammates and current Italy national team problems

Among the topics of conversation was Baggio’s infamous penalty miss during the shootout at the end of the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil. 

“I felt the guilt for every Italian. I wanted to disappear. I felt infinite shame, one of those things that stays with you even as the years go by,” Baggio recalled. “Over time, you learn to live with it, but it’s a wound that never closes completely.” 

Baggio admits that the 1994 shoot-out still comes back to haunt him: “Continuously,” he said. “Sometimes, I think about it while I’m awake in bed, when I can’t fall asleep. I picture myself scoring, and then I fall asleep.” 

Baggio maintains that two things helped him through the pain of the 1994 World Cup: His faith and his family. 

“I believe in the strength that each of us carries inside, even when we don’t see it, even when we think we have no more. I don’t think so much of an external God, who decides everything for us, but of an inner strength that must be sought and respected.” 

Baggio also spoke briefly on his Buddhist beliefs: “It’s certainly been my refuge. It’s formed me as a person by leading me to work on certain aspects of my character, which I hadn’t paid attention to before. It gave me strength when I needed it the most and the courage to never give up.” 

Baggio also spoke about the importance of his relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Andreina: “One July evening, on the eve of my first training camp with Vicenza, we stopped to talk and I asked her for a ring as a pledge, which I would give back to her when I returned. 

“I came back from Recoaro, we met up, I gave her the ring back and we got engaged that same evening. Andreina followed me wherever I played and always helped me to feel at home. We are convinced that we already knew each other in a previous life.” 

In 1990, Baggio moved from Fiorentina to Juventus in what was a world-record deal at the time. The transfer left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Viola supporters, and there were riots on the streets of Florence in the days that followed. 

“Florence rebelled,” Baggio recalled. “I cried like a baby. You could hear the ambulances going past on the way to the Fiorentina headquarters, where the clashes lasted for three days. I never wanted the sale, I felt guilty.” 

Baggio also spoke about a number of his esteemed former colleagues, including Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, with whom he shared a particularly special relationship: “We spoke in Venetian dialect in the dressing room, and that brought us closer together. It still happens today when we meet.” 

There were sympathies for Ronaldo, too: “I really suffered for him when his knee went. He was an immense talent, something truly rare. And maybe for this reason his pain struck me even more.” 

Diego Maradona was at the height of his powers when Baggio was breaking through: “He was special, humble. Once on a flight to Argentina, we kicked the ball around together. 10,000 metres above the ground, almost touching the sky.” 

Baggio also gave his thoughts on the current state of Italian football and the issues that face the national team in the wake of their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

“There are so many things to fix. Kids aren’t playing in the street anymore. And in Serie A, there are not many Italians. If you have to go and get a player from somewhere else and naturalise them, it means that you haven’t been able to find an Italian ready at the same level. 

“We need to create a formula that really encourages the use of Italian youngsters. The talent is still there, but we have to seek it, protect it and recognise the value. And you need to have the courage to trust them.”

Como will have their opportunity to respond to Juventus in the Champions League race when they take on Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi in Serie A in Sunday’s early kick-off. 

Cesc Fabregas’s side find themselves in sixth place ahead of kick-off, requiring a victory to keep up the pace with Juventus, who moved into third as a result of their 1-0 win against Lecce on Saturday. Como are left needing favours heading into the final three matches of the season, sitting five points shy of the top four ahead of kick-off on Sunday. 

They are looking to get back to winning ways this weekend after a 0-0 draw at home against Napoli last Saturday. 

Hosts Verona have already been relegated from Serie A, but have gone unbeaten over their last two league fixtures, holding both Lecce and Juventus to draws over the last fortnight. 

After last weekend’s draw with Juventus, Paolo Sammarco has decided to keep an almost unchanged XI: Nicolas Valentini is back and available after serving a yellow-card suspension and goes straight back into the starting line-up in place of Domagoj Bradaric. 

Fabregas has also made just the one change to his Como XI, with Jesus Rodriguez coming in to replace Martin Baturina on the left flank. This is the Spaniard’s first start in Serie A since the 2-1 victory away against Cagliari back in March. 

Kick-off is due at 11.30 BST.

Verona vs. Como: Confirmed line-ups 

Verona (3-5-2): Montipo; Edmundsson, Nelsson, Valentini; Belghali, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Bernede, Frese; Bowie, Suslov.

Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Vojvoda, D.Carlos, Kempf, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Nico Paz, Rodriguez; Douvikas.

10-05-2026 11:30

MatchDay 36

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Como

0 - 1

Player statistic

2nd half

		61'		Maxence Caqueret
		71'		Anastasios Douvikas (Assist: Marc-Oliver Kempf)
Martin Frese		89'

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

11

Total shots

11

3

Shots on target

4

5

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

7

3

Offsides

2

17

Fouls

14

Verona

Como

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

3

Martin Frese

Defender

6

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

82'

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

24

Antoine Bernede

Midfielder

63'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

81'

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

3

Álex Valle

Defender

36'

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

2

Marc-Oliver Kempf

Defender

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

46'

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

46'

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

38

Assane Diao

Attacker

81'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

46'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

Substitutes

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

72

Junior Ajayi

Attacker

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

73

Moatasem Al-Musrati

Midfielder

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

71

Davide De Battisti

Defender

4

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

63'

41

Isaac

Attacker

81'

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

82'

5

Edoardo Goldaniga

Defender

7

Álvaro Morata

Attacker

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

44

Nikola Cavlina

Goalkeeper

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

15

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

36'

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

46'

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

46'

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

46'

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

81'

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has given his verdict on Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with a summer move to join the Catalan giants this coming transfer window: ‘Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy’. 

Puyol comments on Barcelona links to Bastoni

For several months of the 2025-26 season, Barcelona have been linked with a move to sign Bastoni from Inter during the next summer transfer window. 

Recent updates claim that Barca are beginning to cool off in their pursuit of the Italy international, and that the signing of a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski may be more of a priority than the purchase of a new luxury centre-back, but nothing has yet been ruled out either way. 

The potential transfer of Bastoni continues to be a hot topic of conversation regardless, and former Barcelona defender Puyol was recently asked about the prospect of signing the recently-crowned Scudetto winner. 

“You should ask Deco,” Puyol told DAZN when asked if he thinks Bastoni is the ‘right’ choice for Barcelona this summer. 

“I think he’s a very good defender. I also think that Barcelona have very good defenders, youngsters who know Barcelona’s style well. 

“Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy with such a high line. Sometimes it’s difficult to adapt, but if the club thinks they have to go and get Bastoni, then I think they’ll be buying a strong player and they will have analysed him perfectly to understand if he’s the right choice and whether his purchase is feasible, because in the end, you can want a player but there aren’t always the right conditions to buy him.”

Reports in Italy claim that Atalanta could turn to two former Juventus leaders in Cristiano Giuntoli and Raffaele Palladino to replace their current sporting director Tony D’Amico and head coach Raffaele Palladino. 

Could Atalanta appoint ex-Juventus pair Giuntoli and Motta?

It has been a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season for Atalanta, who are no longer able to qualify for the Champions League and could mathematically be out of the race for Europa League football by the end of the weekend as well. 

With two draws and two defeats across their last four Serie A fixtures and a Coppa Italia semi-final defeat against Lazio, the Corriere dello Sport claims that it has been an April that has ‘cancelled out’ the work done in the previous months of the 2025-26 season. 

Now, La Dea could be heading for a ‘mini revolution’ this summer. 

Reports on Saturday confirmed that Atalanta are on the verge of appointing former Napoli and Juventus executive Giuntoli as their new sporting director to replace the outgoing Tony D’Amico, who has been linked with moves to join Milan and Roma. 

Corriere dello Sport claims that Giuntoli could be tempted to make a change of head coaches at the beginning of his Atalanta tenure, and that Motta, whom he appointed at Juventus, is the leading candidate. 

Atalanta had also looked at the possibility of appointing Motta before settling on Palladino at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving the Old Lady towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make several changes to his Milan side as the Rossoneri take on Atalanta in a huge match in the race for Champions League football in Serie A on Sunday evening. 

Milan have not yet secured their position in the top four, and begin the day in fourth place as a result of Juventus’s 1-0 victory over Lecce on Saturday night. 

It has been a troubling run of form for the Rossoneri over the last few weeks, with three defeats and just four points on their record from their last five outings. They are looking to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo last weekend. 

Fikayo Tomori was sent off last weekend, which means that Koni De Winter is in line to return to the back three to replace him. 

Ardon Jashari failed to impress standing in for the injured Luka Modric last weekend, and pre-match reports indicate that it will be over to Samuele Ricci to have a go this time. Davide Bartesaghi is also likely to return at left wing-back. 

Rafael Leao has also been struggling for form and is likely to be dropped this weekend. Sky Sport Italia predicts that there will be a changed front two of Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic in San Siro on Sunday. 

Atalanta are no longer able to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and Europa League qualification could also be mathematically impossible by the end of the day. Raffaele Palladino’s seventh-placed Dea are now likely looking at a Conference League spot at best. 

They were held to a 0-0 draw by Genoa last weekend, but only a handful of personnel changes are expected this time. Sead Kolasinac could return to the back three, Raoul Bellanova could also be re-introduced, as could Giacomo Raspadori in attack. 

Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.

Milan vs. Atalanta: Probable line-ups 

Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Pulisic. 

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic.

Where to watch Milan vs. Atalanta 

Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and through DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+. 

Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Vlahovic flash

Champions League fight: Goal in 12 seconds, Juve third 

Scores immediately and the Bianconeri win in Lecce. The Serbian: ‘Farewell in two games? We’ll see’ 

Allegri turns Milan around 

Six changes, Gimenez-Pulisic up top. Roma and Como still believe

Lautaro lion 

Lazio warned 

Inter, from the Pope to scoring three, Wednesday the game that counts

Corriere dello Sport 

Dusan the difference 

Vlahovic flash, Milan overtaken

Juve are third | Spalletti wins 1-0 in Lecce: +1 above Allegri and +4 above Gasp, goal from the Serbian after 11 seconds 

Second goal in a row from the no.9: ‘The Champions League depends only on us, I thank the coach, he’s stuck close by me. Is my future still here? We’ll see’. 

Inter don’t give discounts 

Lazio beaten 3-0: They also want the Coppa Italia on Wednesday 

Lautaro, Sucic and Mkhitaryan take centre stage and reserve the double against Sarri. Super numbers: 27 victories and 85 goals in 36 games. Romagnoli sent off: He will miss the derby

Leao and Fofana finish on the bench 

Atalanta at 19.45 

Milan need six points from three games to secure Champions League qualification. Gimenez in tandem with Pulisic. Ricci is there

La Dea have an idea: Thiago Motta 

The Percassis’ move 

Giuntoli progressing as the new sporting director, the Italian-Brazilian could replace Palladino

Gasp, a day in the name of Liedholm

Parma at 17.00 

635 games on the bench in Serie A today, like Nils: ‘Roma deserve fourth place’. Como in Verona

Tuttosport 

Vlahovic impact 

Flash-goal from DV9: Juve win in Lecce and rise up to third place

The Serbian scores the Bianconero goal after 12 seconds, his fastest ever in Serie A, then they disallow one for offside and (amidst doubts) judge his position to be irregular before Kalulu’s double: It ends nervously, but Milan are overtaken and Roma are back to -4. Dusan: ‘Staying at Juve? I don’t know, we’ll see’ 

Squad and fans back D’Aversa 

‘Toro, the coach deserves to stay’

Results and a newly-united dressing room. Ebosse: ‘We want a big finish for him, too’. But Cairo continues to not make a decision and meets with Gattuso and Juric

Chivu doesn’t stop, 3 warnings to Lazio 

3-0 in the Coppa Italia appetiser 

Lautaro-Sucic-Mkhitaryan. The Scudetto hasn’t satisfied Inter. The final on Wednesday

Max: Still Milan, Palladino: Goodbye Dea 

Tonight’s battle and the future

Allegri: ‘I’ll be here for a long time’. Revolution is in the air at Atalanta: Sporting director D’Amico is also leaving

‘Dossena, racist insults to Davis’ 

Udinese report, Cagliari deny

Roma will have their opportunity to respond to Juventus when they take on Parma away from home on Sunday evening, as Serie A’s Champions League race heads towards its conclusion.

Hosts Parma have won two of their last fixtures in Serie A, but fell to a 2-0 defeat against Inter last weekend in the game that won the Nerazzurri the Scudetto for 2025-26.

They find themselves in 13th place ahead of kick-off and have already confirmed their top-flight status for next season.

Roma have responded well since their 5-2 defeat against Inter back in April. They have gone four matches unbeaten since then, winning three, with their most recent ending in a 4-0 scoreline against Fiorentina.

They start the day in fifth place, three points behind Milan in fourth and four points behind Juventus in third heading into the final three games of the season.

Carlos Cuesta is expected to stick with the same front two of Lorenzo Pellegrino and Gabriel Strefezza, but could make some alterations to the midfield three in his 3-5-2. Sky Sport Italia claims that several combinations have been tested ahead of the visit from Roma.

Gian Piero Gasperini, meanwhile, is likely to stick with a similar line-up to the one that put four past Fiorentina last time out. It could be an unchanged Giallorossi XI, led by Donyell Malen, Matias Soule and Niccolo Pisilli in attack. 

Kick-off is due at 17.00 BST.

Parma vs. Roma: Probable line-ups

Parma (3-5-2): Suzuki; Troilo, Circati, Valenti; Delprato, Sorensen, Keita, Nicolussi Caviglia, Valeri; Strefezza, Pellegrino. 

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

Where to watch Parma vs. Roma

Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK exclusively on DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+. 

Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Luciano Spalletti vented his frustration with Juventus after beating Lecce, warning they ‘don’t have someone else with Dusan Vlahovic’s characteristics’ and yet ‘we can’t change 18 players.’

It had seemed like this was going to be a rout when Juve opened the scoring within 12 seconds at the Stadio Via del Mare, as Vlahovic found the net immediately into his first start since November 29.

However, that proved to ultimately be the only goal, as two others were disallowed for offside, chalked off for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu.

Spalletti frustrated with Juventus mistakes

“We’ve been saying for a while that we keep doing this, we score early and then don’t finish the games off, it’s like a cut and paste of previous mistakes,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.

“We dominate whole areas of games, it seems like we are in total control, and then there are moments of superficiality where we lose our way, misplace passes that are just incredible for the level of football we are playing at.

“We cannot seem to maintain that concentration, determination and grit for the whole game. Once we make those mistakes, the tension and fear sets in, the match goes back into the balance.

“Then we get annoyed with ourselves, go and grab the game by the scruff of the neck and put it back on track. A game like this one cannot end 1-0, we barely allowed them to get into our half, there were so many situations where we had two attacking options and always went for the third worst one. That’s just what we are like.”

Spalletti was visibly fuming on the touchline after certain situations, shouting angrily at his players for not moving the ball around the way he wanted.

Considering they keep making the same mistakes, will Juventus have to change quite a few of these players, or does he believe they can learn?

“I had already talked about this in the press conference, really,” replied the coach.

“The media act as if we are going to change 18 of the 25 players in the locker room, but you can’t do that. This is a serious project, so that means many of these players have to be involved, because it’s tough right now to change that many.

“Juventus also spent a fair amount over the last two seasons, so it’s not like they can keep digging into their pockets. There are some situations in football where you need to keep up with the times, but first and foremost these players must grow within themselves,” ranted Spalletti.

“They need to realise that many of them will stay here. We missed Vlahovic terribly because we don’t have someone else with his characteristics. A winning team needs a physical, strong centre-forward. Even if he’s not that tall, he still needs to be able to hold off defenders, deal with the physical duel.

“Jonathan David can score goals, but when it comes to the duel, the physical impact, that is where he struggles.”

So can these players remove the dips in concentration?

“That is not easy. Staying on their toes for long periods is to do with the determination and character of these players. Those players who are creative and can take men on are unfortunately also the same ones who need to take a breather and charge themselves up before sparkling. They just are,” shrugged Spalletti.

“We still have to work on it and train that. This evening, the team played well in so many ways, but if Di Gregorio didn’t make those two big saves, it would be a different result. We have got to build out better from the back, absolutely, that is something we simply must improve.

“Of course, it’s different when you’ve got Vlahovic, because he has different characteristics to the other strikers in the squad. Last time there was talk of the quality midfielder, but the one who translates the pass from the back into an attacking situation, we are missing that figure a little.

“I said the other day we need a bus with two levels, because for all the players that people say we’re going to buy, there won’t be enough room on one bus,” concluded Spalletti.

The 1-0 victory still provides a huge boost for Juve’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, as they temporarily surpass Milan in third ahead of their match with Atalanta on Sunday, and break away from Roma.

Eusebio Di Francesco reveals he had warned Lecce about Juventus kick-off routines this morning, but they were still caught out. ‘Both teams wanted to win at all costs.’

It was a nightmare start at the Stadio Via del Mare for the hosts, because they were behind within 12 seconds to a Dusan Vlahovic strike.

They ran some more risks with two goals disallowed for offside for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu, while Michele Di Gregorio was tested by Santiago Pierotti and Walid Cheddira.

Di Francesco had warned Lecce

“I showed the team Juve’s kick-off routine three times this morning, I told them we had to be ready to defend with determination from the very start, and then they scored after 11 seconds,” sighed Di Francesco on Sky Sport Italia.

“This is a Juventus side with a lot of quality, we managed to stay in the game and create some scoring opportunities of our own, and kept it quite a tight match.”

Lecce were ultimately applauded by the home fans at the final whistle, as they had pushed to the end and caused a lot of problems for Juventus, a side battling for the top four.

“They had two goals disallowed, but it’s because they were offside and therefore invalid. This team has a certain DNA, it believes it can compete with everyone when playing in a certain way. We could’ve been sharper with the final ball and the cross, that could’ve allowed us to create more chances.

“We played with a trequartista at times, but tonight it was more of a 4-3-3 trying to prevent them making those passes between the lines with players like Kelly and Cambiaso. We had to deal with those situations, I changed a few things too, because if we tried to close them up, they would get around us on the flanks,” continued Di Francesco.

“In the second half, I put Banda closer to the centre-forward to stop their defenders starting the play out from the back. I think it did allow us to do better, even if we were unable to equalise.

“Both teams wanted to win at all costs, obviously Juventus have more quality, but with the goal advantage they were more comfortable. We had that big chance to equalise straight away after the Vlahovic goal, it was a stunning Di Gregorio save.

“If we had equalised later, it would’ve been good too, as it can even create the momentum to go on and win in the final 15 minutes.”

Now Lecce risk seeing the lead from Cremonese and the relegation zone cut to just one point, if Jamie Vardy’s side manage to get a victory tomorrow against already-relegated Pisa.

Their final two games are away to Sassuolo and at home to Genoa, so both rather tough fixtures.

“Whoever we’re up against, we need points. Sassuolo is an important club for me, obviously, that will be potentially a decisive match,” confessed the coach.

Dusan Vlahovic and Lloyd Kelly warn Juventus have their fate ‘in our hands’ after the 1-0 win away to Lecce. ‘We showed resilience today, especially in the last minutes.’

The striker was making his first start since that serious adductor tear on November 29, and he took all of 12 seconds to make it count, controlling the Andrea Cambiaso cross to turn in from seven yards.

He had also scored another that was disallowed for offside, then his offside was interfering with play in the build-up to Pierre Kalulu’s finish, so the scoreline at the Stadio Via del Mare remained 1-0.

It was a special night for Vlahovic, who last week scored his first goal of 2026 in a 1-1 draw with Verona, coming off the bench after another injury setback.

Vlahovic and Kelly focus on Juventus

“It happens, I hadn’t started for a long time and didn’t have the routine or match fitness,” Vlahovic told Sky Sport Italia.

“The most important thing was the result, we got the three points, we absolutely must win the remaining two games.”

This result puts extra pressure on Milan ahead of tomorrow’s game with Atalanta, along with Roma as they take on Parma.

“It was all in our hands, if we win the remaining games, then there’s nothing anyone else can do about it. We know what is at stake, so we must go out there and win,” added Vlahovic.

The last two matches for Juve are against Fiorentina and Torino, two very bitter rivals.

The result puts Juventus temporarily in third place ahead of Milan, who play Atalanta tomorrow, and lets them break away from Roma in the race for a Champions League spot.

“We know we had to change some things from the last game,” Kelly told Sky Sport Italia.

“I think today we showed some resilience, especially in the last minutes, we need to see these games out and fight for each other, I think we did that today.

“We know the other teams have to play, but we can’t concentrate on them, we have to concentrate on us. We’re happy with the victory, now we can relax and then focus on the next two games.”

Dusan Vlahovic’s goal within 12 seconds proved enough for Juventus to take three precious points away from Lecce, although they had two more goals disallowed.

This was a huge fixture for both teams, as the hosts needed to stay clear of the drop zone after opening up a four-point gap from Cremonese, while the Bianconeri needed to fight for fourth following a surprising 1-1 draw with Verona.

Dusan Vlahovic got his first start since November 2025, with Kenan Yildiz also shaking off a knock, Juan Cabal and Arek Milik out of action. Lecce were unbeaten in three, despite missing Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana. For Mother’s Day, the hosts wore special shirts with the names of their mothers on the back.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It was a truly remarkable start, because within 12 seconds Vlahovic had controlled the Andrea Cambiaso cross from the left, turned between three defenders and fired into the roof of the net from seven yards.

Dušan Vlahović gives Juventus the lead inside 15 seconds

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 9, 2026

Lecce responded immediately too, Walid Cheddira’s first-time strike from a Lameck Banda roll across forcing a desperate Michele Di Gregorio reaction save, then at the other end Francisco Conceicao smashed a finish onto the inside of the far post from a tricky angle.

Vlahovic also saw his angled drive denied by Wladimiro Falcone’s legs at the near post, all in the opening six minutes.

It should’ve been 2-0 later in the half when Vlahovic burst into the box and didn’t pass when he had the chance, instead sweeping the finish off target.

Juve did have the ball in the net straight after the restart when Falcone parried a Cambiaso effort and the first Vlahovic rebound, beaten eventually at the third time of asking, but VAR confirmed an offside position.

Cheddira got the finish all wrong after Santiago Pierotti shrugged off Lloyd Kelly to pull back from the by-line.

Another Juventus goal was disallowed due to a Vlahovic offside, this time he was interfering with play during the Jamal Siebert clearance, before Pierre Kalulu flicked in the Cambiaso low cross from six yards on the hour mark.

Danilo Veiga went off injured and Kenan Yildiz drilled wide, while Vlahovic’s first-time effort was charged down, another of the Serbian’s attempts fired over from a McKennie lay-off.

Konan N’Dri came on and robbed Kelly playing out from defence, his finish skimming the near upright, then Di Gregorio struggled to parry a swerving Pierotti screamer from distance.

Falcone made a double save in stoppages, first on Jeremie Boga’s attempted lob, then the Edon Zhegrova follow-up.

Lecce 0-1 Juventus

Vlahovic 1 (J)

09-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 36

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Juventus

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

1'

Dusan Vlahovic (Assist: Andrea Cambiaso)

2nd half

		80'		Francisco Conceição
Gaby Jean		82'

Match statistic

35

Possession %

65

8

Total shots

15

3

Shots on target

6

5

Shots off target

7

Blocked shots

2

1

Corners

7

2

Offsides

6

7

Fouls

18

Lecce

Juventus

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

70'

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

79

Oumar Ngom

Midfielder

62'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

76'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

99

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

75'

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

83'

3

Bremer

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

86'

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

77'

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

83'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

83'

Substitutes

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

36

Filip Marchwinski

Midfielder

16

Omri Gandelman

Midfielder

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

13

Matías Pérez

Defender

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

28

Olaf Gorter

Midfielder

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

18

Gaby Jean

Defender

62'

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

70'

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

75'

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

76'

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

2

Emil Holm

Defender

77'

13

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

83'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

83'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

83'

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

86'

Juventus had two goals disallowed in this evening’s trip to Lecce, both for Dusan Vlahovic offside positions, but only one required a VAR On-Field Review.

You can follow all the action as it happens from the Serie A game on our Liveblog.

The Bianconeri had taken an early lead when Vlahovic scored under 15 seconds into the match, meeting the Andrea Cambiaso cross.

Although they had the ball in the net on another two occasions, neither of them went on the scoresheet.

Juventus caught out by VAR

In the first situation at the dawn of the second half, Vlahovic had wandered offside when turning in the rebound from a parried Cambiaso effort.

This was a clear offside that VAR were able to confirm and inform the referee to disallow it.

However, the second goal was more complicated, because Vlahovic did not touch the ball when Jamal Siebert’s panicked clearance allowed Cambiaso to put in another cross, flicked into the net by Pierre Kalulu.

Because Vlahovic never made contact with the ball, it was not clear whether he was interfering with play or not.

This is a subjective decision, not an objective one like the first goal, so it can only be made by the referee himself.

VAR therefore called Andrea Colombo over to the touchline to view it himself on the monitor.

The referee confirmed that Vlahovic “was interfering with play” when almost colliding with Siebert to force that error, so the Juventus goal had to be disallowed.

Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena has strongly denied allegations of racist abuse made against him by Udinese striker Keinan Davis, after a heated incident in the closing stages of Cagliari’s clash with Udinese escalated into a major controversy that has embroiled both clubs.

According to Sky Sport, Davis signalled to the referee during the match that he had been racially abused by an opponent, with the situation briefly resulting in a yellow card for the Udinese forward before it was subsequently rescinded.

Udinese responded swiftly after the final whistle, releasing a statement condemning what they described as “disgraceful racist insults” and pledging to support Davis through all available legal and sporting channels.

Dossena denies Davis allegations as Cagliari back their player

Davis did not hold back on social media, posting an image of Dossena on his Instagram story. “This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game,” he wrote. “I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”

Dossena issued his own Instagram response shortly afterwards, firmly rejecting the allegation. “Being accused of racism saddens and hurts me,” he said.

“It is a very serious accusation, it would never pass through my mind to call another person, a colleague, an insult of that kind. This is the first time I have been involved in a situation like this where I have to defend myself from a slanderous accusation. Behaviour like this is entirely outside of my culture and beliefs.”

Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane also defended his player after the match. “I know his values, it does not even cross my mind that he could have said such things,” Pisacane said. “I spoke with Alberto and I believe him, because I know him well.”

The club itself followed up with a formal statement, expressing surprise at Udinese’s communication and insisting the alleged incident had found no objective confirmation at the end of the match. The matter is now expected to be referred to the relevant sporting justice authorities.

Maurizio Sarri delivered a candid and self-critical assessment after Lazio’s 3-0 home defeat to Inter Milan, placing the blame squarely on his own side’s attitude while acknowledging that Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final will demand a completely different approach from his players.

According to comments in his post-match press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Sarri was in no mood to deflect responsibility, conceding that Lazio’s passive defensive displays for both first-half goals were unacceptable regardless of the opposition’s quality.

Sarri vows Lazio will show different face in Coppa Italia rematch against Inter

“The goal by Lautaro is a result of our approach,” Sarri said.

“We conceded from a throw-in with two opponents in the area, usually you have five or six attackers in there and today it was too easy. The second goal is the same thing: they made five passes in the area without anyone intervening. We start from the assumption that Inter have enormous quality, but with this attitude we concede two goals in the first half-hour against any team in Serie A.”

On Romagnoli’s red card, Sarri was measured. “In real time it is a yellow card foul,” he said. “But if you look at the still image it is a red, and this is the classic VAR dismissal.”

He was more troubled, however, by what followed. “We need to understand why we had five clear chances in numerical inferiority, Isaksen alone could have scored three goals. We need to analyse this match without fear and understand that with this approach, there are no merits for Inter. It is our fault.”

Sarri also offered a frank explanation for the performance, making clear the players had not treated the fixture with sufficient respect.

“The approach today is the result of the fact that this match counts for nothing and Wednesday’s is fundamental,” he said. “It is a serious mistake to think that a match like today’s doesn’t matter, because a performance like this can create problems. Having a little fear of your opponents does you good, but being afraid can block you.”

Asked about Cristian Chivu‘s Inter, Sarri was generous in his assessment and identified shared footballing principles.

“They have phases of play at an excellent level, these are resonances,” he said. “They have a different formation, and it is right to play with two forwards given the characteristics of their attackers. They are a different team, but they have affinities with my idea of football.”

The fitness update ahead of the final was cautiously optimistic. Cancellieri is expected to have suffered only minor fatigue, Zaccagni underwent a scan on a painful foot contusion sustained in training and is hoped to be fit within four to five days, while Patric left the pitch with calf tightness that appears manageable.

Cataldi, who has been away receiving treatment, returns to training on Sunday. Rovella, who came on as a substitute, was not singled out for criticism despite the difficult circumstances he entered into.

Cagliari show ‘surprise and deep disappointment’ that their player was accused of racist abuse against Udinese’s Keinan Davis. ‘The alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.’

The two clubs have been careful not to name names, but both Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane and especially Davis himself have mentioned Alberto Dossena as the player accused of racist abuse.

This incident happened in the final minutes of Udinese’s 2-0 victory at the Unipol Domus, just minutes after Davis had tried to alert the referee to racist insults from the stands.

Cagliari statement on Udinese accusation

“Cagliari Calcio has taken note, with surprise and deep disappointment, of the statement issued by Udinese Calcio following today’s match,” read the note.

“The Club reiterates in the strongest possible terms that its values, history and sporting culture leave no room for any form of discrimination, racism or violence, whether verbal or physical.

“Any conduct that is contrary to respect for the individual and to the principles of sport must always be condemned in the clearest possible manner.

“The matter concerning the events on the pitch was addressed and clarified after the match, with full regard for the facts, as the alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.”

If found guilty of racist abuse towards an opposition player, then Dossena would risk a 10-match Serie A ban.

However, it remains to be seen if there is any video evidence, or corroborating witnesses who could confirm the allegation.

Davis was very specific in his accusation, which tagged in Dossena on Instagram Stories.

“This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game. I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”

It is not the first time that Cagliari have been involved in a row over racism, as their fans had aimed unacceptable abuse at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.

Dusan Vlahovic has given Juventus a stunning early lead at Lecce, scoring after just 12 seconds to register the fastest goal in Juventus’s Serie A history since records began in 2004/05.

From the kick-off, the Bianconeri surged forward immediately, working the ball out to Andrea Cambiaso on the right. The full-back delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Vlahovic took a touch to wrong-foot Tiago Gabriel before firing a ferocious effort beneath the crossbar and past Falcone.

Follow all the action from the rest of the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

According to OptaPaolo on X, only Rafael Leão and Hirving Lozano have scored more quickly in Serie A over the past two decades, finding the net after six and nine seconds respectively.

Vlahovic’s effort also betters Arturo Vidal’s previous club record, set against Inter in November 2012. It was Cambiaso’s fifth assist of the season.

Watch: Vlahovic gives Juventus early lead

Dušan Vlahović gives Juventus the lead inside 15 seconds

Stream with TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/GTtDSXECDQ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 9, 2026

Cristian Chivu hailed Inter’s “fantastic group” after a commanding 3-0 win at Lazio and delivered a pointed response to questions about José Mourinho’s recent comments, insisting that comparisons between this Inter side and the treble-winning 2010 generation are impossible to make.

According to post-match interviews with DAZN, via FCInterNews, and in his press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Chivu was in bullish mood as his side continued their preparations for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Lazio in the best possible fashion.

Chivu deflects Mourinho questions after Inter walk to victory over Lazio

On the performance, Chivu reserved special praise for the collective rather than individuals.

“It is the merit of everyone, not just Lautaro,” he said. “He puts in soul, professionalism and seriousness and gives everything he has. But it is also the merit of his teammates who follow him, especially in doing certain things. It is a fantastic group and team living something special. I am happy for them because they deserve it.”

When pressed repeatedly on Mourinho’s recent remarks, Chivu was measured but firm. “Ask him,” he said.

“I was fortunate enough to play in the other team. I am sure comparisons between two generations cannot be made, many things have changed in 16 years. But this Inter, like the 2010 side, brings joy to its fans, and that is the most important thing. Let’s talk about the Scudetto won this year and the Coppa Italia final, rather than numbers and polls.”

After a fourth question on the subject, he added: “What we write to each other stays between us.”

Chivu also spoke warmly about Petar Sucic’s display in a deeper midfield role.

“We knew Sucic could play in that position because of his personality, quality and composure on the ball,” he said.

“He has quality, in the national team he often plays in a two. Today he played a great game full of personality. We have a talented young player and we must appreciate him.”

On Josep Martinez, Chivu was equally effusive. “He was already ready before,” he said. “The goalkeepers are the soul of the group. We have never doubted his qualities or Sommer’s.”

Chivu also paid tribute to the late Evaristo Beccalossi after being asked about the absence of a minute’s silence for the Inter legend. “Losing someone dear to us who made the history of Inter fills us with regret,” he said. “We send our condolences to his family and to the entire Inter world. He was always close to us.”

On Hakan Calhanoglu’s fitness ahead of the final, Chivu offered only brief reassurance: “We will see in the coming days.”

Udinese striker Keinan Davis accused Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena of being a ‘racist coward who called me a monkey today’ during their Serie A game.

There was already tension in the final stages of the 2-0 Udinese victory at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia, with Davis reacting angrily and alerting the referee to something said from the stands.

Things got even more heated after the final whistle when Davis and Dossena had to be separated by teammates.

Although a formal Udinese statement and an Instagram Stories comment from Nicolò Zaniolo were careful not to name the player accused of racist abuse, Davis did take a firm stand.

Davis accuses Dossena of racist abuse

He posted an Instagram Stories tagging in Dossena and using a picture of the Cagliari player.

“This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game. I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”

Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane evidently knew the accusation was aimed at Dossena, because he told DAZN Italia that he had specifically asked his defender.

“I was far from the incident, but I asked my player, who told me he absolutely did not say any racist words. I believe the man, I believe Alberto, because I’ve known him for many years, and he could never do something like this.”

It remains to be seen if there was any video evidence or witnesses who can corroborate what Dossena said to Davis.

If he was found guilty of racist abuse, a player could face up to a 10-match Serie A ban.

Racist insults from the Cagliari fans at the Unipol Domus is unfortunately nothing new, as there were already ugly incidents with abuse aimed at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.

Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus cannot repeat the same mistakes against Lecce after a ‘superficial attitude’ saw them drop points. ‘We must learn to use pressure.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

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

This is a surprisingly big fixture, because while Lecce need points to stay clear of the relegation zone, the Bianconeri are in the thick of the race for a Champions League spot.

They had the opportunity last week to catch Milan in third, but instead were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by already-relegated Verona.

Spalletti wants right Juventus attitude

“It’s true, we have some dominant performances, but then are too superficial in our attitude to finishing,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.

“There are windows in games, they last just a few moments, and being able to anticipate them and be ready is what takes you to the next level. Unfortunately, football is a low-scoring sport, so if you don’t watch the whole game, you often don’t get a full picture of the performance, if you only look at the score.

“At Juventus, we don’t learn to deal with pressure, we learn to use it, to be ready and funnel it.”

Dusan Vlahovic returns to the starting XI for the first time since November 29, when he suffered that serious adductor tear, having come off the bench last week to score against Hellas.

Kenan Yildiz was expected to only be on the bench, but he starts too in what would seem to be a 4-2-3-1 formation, Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie also in support.

“We are a strong team who lack certain characteristics that can complete the work we’re doing in the build-up. I am very happy with the way we play, including the last game, where we did everything right until the finish, where we had to be more determined,” added Spalletti.

“At the same time, there was a lack of focus and a goal we should not have conceded. Tonight is a difficult game, as Lecce are a good team, so they are going to be prepared for us. We’ve got to get certain results too, as Juventus chose us, John Elkann is at Taormina with his colleagues and will be watching us on television.

“This is a team building foundations for the future, so we’ve got to have the right attitude now and get ourselves on the right track. You win matches when the gaps are small, when the stadium around you is vibrating with tension the way it is today, we can’t just win when we have everything laid out for us.”

The last time these sides met in Turin on January 3, the result was 1-1, so a victory is not to be taken for granted.

As it is Mother’s Day this weekend, the Lecce players are wearing special shirts with the names of their mothers on the back.

Champions of Italy Inter continue celebrating with a 3-0 victory away to Lazio, as Lautaro Martinez, Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored, with Alessio Romagnoli sent off.

By a strange quirk of the fixture list, these teams will meet here again on Wednesday May 13 in the Coppa Italia Final. The Nerazzurri were fresh off their Scudetto triumph and could rotate the squad with Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Pio Esposito injured, but Lautaro Martinez returned from the start to get match fitness after a muscular issue. The hosts welcomed Matteo Cancellieri back from suspension, missing Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot, but Nicolò Rovella had his first start since fracturing his clavicle on February 21.

As the two sets of fans are twinned and the Coppa Italia is coming up, both Lazio and Inter ultras opted to stay outside the Stadio Olimpico, continuing the protest against President Claudio Lotito.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It took just six minutes to break the deadlock, as after the Andy Diouf effort was charged down, Marcus Thuram flicked on a long throw-in for Lautaro Martinez to volley in with the right foot from seven yards.

Penalty appeals were rejected after a chaotic pinball off Lautaro Martinez, Thuram and Mario Gila’s arm, then Nicolò Barella’s free kick sailed over the crossbar.

Petar Sucic bent a lovely left-foot first-time finish from the D into the top corner after Lautaro Martinez combined repeatedly with Diouf, the captain laying it off for his teammate.

Edoardo Motta was alert off his line to deny Yann Bisseck after Lazio gave it away cheaply, while Pedro’s volley was smothered by Josep Martinez.

Alessio Romagnoli was booked for a very high studs-up tackle on Ange-Yoann Bonny, changed to a straight red card following the VAR review, as the connection was on the inside of the leg. It means the Lazio defender will be suspended for the Derby della Capitale, but the Coppa Italia is a different tournament.

Despite that, the hosts nearly scored moments later when Gustav Isaksen sprung the offside trap on a Luca Pellegrini cross and beat the on-rushing Martinez, denied by a desperate Carlos Augusto clearance. On the resulting corner, Isaksen fired wide from a very promising position.

Lazio did better when down to 10 men, as Isaksen forced a tricky save out of Josep Martinez, and Francesco Acerbi prevented a Boulaye Dia tap-in on the resulting corner.

Tijjani Noslin combined with Dia to break into the box, his finish deflected off Luis Henrique, but it was Inter who found the net for a third time instead.

Bonny held his ground and laid it off for Mkhitaryan, who sent Adam Marusic to ground with a dummy and smashed into the roof of the net.

Teenage youth academy product Mattia Mosconi was given his senior debut off the Nerazzurri bench and almost scored, firing just over the bar after surging into the box down the left.

Lazio 0-3 Inter

Lautaro Martinez 6 (I), Sucic 39 (I), Mkhitaryan 76 (I)

Sent off: Romagnoli 59 (L)

09-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 36

Stadio Olimpico

Lazio

Inter

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		6'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Marcus Thuram)
		39'		Petar Sucic (Assist: Lautaro Martínez)

2nd half

Luca Pellegrini		48'
Alessio Romagnoli		59'
Tijjani Noslin		74'
		76'		Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Assist: Ange-Yoan Bonny)
		85'		Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

9

Total shots

14

5

Shots on target

5

3

Shots off target

6

1

Blocked shots

3

5

Corners

1

Offsides

1

10

Fouls

8

Lazio

Inter

Starting lineups

40

Edoardo Motta

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

77'

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

34

Mario Gila

Defender

56'

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

56'

26

Toma Basic

Midfielder

22

Matteo Cancellieri

Attacker

56'

9

Pedro

Attacker

62'

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

63'

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

80'

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

46'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

63'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

46'

Substitutes

23

Elseid Hysaj

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

27

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

17

Nuno Tavares

Defender

2

Samuel Gigot

Defender

24

Kenneth Taylor

Midfielder

21

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

20

Petar Ratkov

Attacker

28

Adrian Przyborek

Attacker

99

Giacomo Giacomone

Goalkeeper

4

Patric

Defender

56'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

56'

25

Oliver Provstgaard

Defender

56'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

62'

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

77'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

46'

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

46'

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

63'

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

63'

48

Mattia Mosconi

Attacker

80'

Dusan Vlahovic returns to the Juventus starting XI after four months with Kenan Yildiz, while Lecce are desperate for points to avoid relegation.

It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

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

The Bianconeri are still smarting from a huge wasted opportunity to consolidate fourth place and even catch Milan in third, as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by already-relegated Verona.

Vlahovic came off the bench in that game to score his first goal since November 2025, and this evening makes another milestone with his first start since that serious adductor injury.

Kenan Yildiz also starts, with Khephren Thuram only fit for the bench, plus Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik long-term absentees.

Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie are therefore in support, with Teun Koopmeiners stepping into the midfield.

Lecce took a significant few steps out of the drop zone thanks to a three-match unbeaten run, drawing with Fiorentina and Verona before the 2-1 victory away to Pisa.

They have a four-point cushion from Cremonese and relegation with three rounds left to play, so every point could be precious.

Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana are out of action, but Walid Cheddira is confirmed as the centre-forward with Lameck Banda in support.

It is the same starting XI that beat Pisa last week, including Tiago Gabriel in defence.

Lecce vs. Juventus line-ups

Lecce: Falcone; Danilo Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Ngom, Ramadani; Pierotti, Coulibaly, Banda; Cheddira

Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; Vlahovic

09-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 36

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Juventus

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

1'

Dusan Vlahovic (Assist: Andrea Cambiaso)

2nd half

		80'		Francisco Conceição
Gaby Jean		82'

Match statistic

35

Possession %

65

8

Total shots

15

3

Shots on target

6

5

Shots off target

7

Blocked shots

2

1

Corners

7

2

Offsides

6

7

Fouls

18

Lecce

Juventus

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

70'

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

79

Oumar Ngom

Midfielder

62'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

76'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

99

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

75'

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

83'

3

Bremer

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

86'

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

77'

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

83'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

83'

Substitutes

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

36

Filip Marchwinski

Midfielder

16

Omri Gandelman

Midfielder

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

13

Matías Pérez

Defender

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

28

Olaf Gorter

Midfielder

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

18

Gaby Jean

Defender

62'

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

70'

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

75'

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

76'

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

2

Emil Holm

Defender

77'

13

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

83'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

83'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

83'

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

86'

Aston Villa will not exercise their option to purchase Douglas Luiz this summer, leaving Juventus with a significant transfer headache over a player who has now been rejected by two clubs in the same season and has barely featured since March.

According to CalcioMercato, Villa signed the Brazilian on a loan deal with a purchase option only, meaning they are under no obligation to make the move permanent.

Unai Emery’s side used Douglas Luiz almost exclusively as emergency cover during periods of injury or suspension, and his last start came on March 19 in the Europa League against Lille, nearly two months ago.

With Villa having reached yet another European final, the Brazilian finds himself surplus to requirements at every club he has visited.

Douglas Luiz becomes costly Juventus transfer headache

The situation bears uncomfortable similarities to the Arthur Melo saga that plagued Juventus for years, a highly-paid midfielder, contracted until 2029, who has proven impossible to move on permanently and continues to drain resources without contributing on the pitch.

Juventus signed Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 for €50 million plus €1.5 million in additional costs. What followed was a near-total failure. He managed just six starts in his only season in Turin, accumulating 877 minutes without a single goal or assist.

Shipped to Nottingham Forest last summer on a conditional loan, where 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes would have triggered an obligation to buy, he fell short of even that threshold, making just 14 appearances. The move to Villa in January was a last roll of the dice, and it has not worked either.

Still with years remaining on his contract, and no suitors willing to commit to a permanent deal, Juventus face the prospect of either absorbing him back into the squad or accepting a significant financial loss to move him on in the summer.

Udinese have released a statement condemning ‘shameful racist insults’ towards Keinan Davis ‘from a player’ in the Serie A game against Cagliari, while Nicolò Zaniolo also lashed out.

There was tension in the final stages of this afternoon’s match at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia.

The formal statement from the club seems to clarify some of the confusion around what happened over the two incidents.

Udinese accuse Cagliari player of racist abuse

“Udinese Calcio expresses utmost solidarity and full support for Keinan Davis, who was subjected to shameful racist insults by a player of the opposition team in today’s match,” read the club note.

“The Club reaffirms its strong condemnation for similar deplorable acts that gravely damage the image and values of the sport that we love.

“Udinese Calcio will defend Keinan in every way and hope for a rapid definition of what happened from the sporting justice system, in which we have full faith.”

Although they do not name the player, all indications point towards Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena.

This was confirmed by Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane, who said he specifically asked Dossena if he had said anything racist, and was assured that he would “never do such a thing.”

Udinese player Zaniolo also lashed out on social media this evening and tried to avoid naming names.

“The colleague (if you can call him that) who today dared to insult my children and insult my teammate purely for the colour of his skin, ought to be ashamed of himself and never again set foot on a football pitch,” he wrote on Instagram Stories.

Cremonese manager Marco Giampaolo has confirmed that Jamie Vardy will start Saturday’s home clash with Pisa, a match he described as a last chance to keep the club’s Serie A survival hopes alive with three games remaining.

According to his pre-match press conference, via CalcioMercato, Giampaolo was unflinching about what is at stake. “There is no other way, we have to win,” he said. “These matches are worth more than three points in the table. That something extra is character, self-respect, resilience, ferocity, the ability to fight back against the table. I told the squad they are aware there is only one option.”

Giampaolo calls for character as Cremonese face relegation crunch

The Cremonese head coach was equally direct when addressing the squad’s mentality after defeat to Lazio, calling on his players to dig deep regardless of the opposition’s circumstances. Pisa arrive at the Stadio Giovanni Zini already relegated, but Giampaolo was quick to dismiss any suggestion that would make things easier.

“Nobody gives anything to anyone,” he said. “Pisa will play their match as is right. We need to look for something deeper, the feelings we have, even within the team relationship. I have nothing to reproach from the defeat against Lazio. I am not criticising the squad, I am calling them for this appointment.”

On the broader question of motivation, a topic raised by supporters who have expressed frustration, Giampaolo pushed back firmly.

“An unmotivated player is one who gives nothing emotionally, to whom winning or losing does not matter,” he said. “I do not think we have players like that here. Tomorrow there is a roll call and we are called to respond in our attitudes and our ability to be resilient. The discussion goes beyond three points.”

Giampaolo also acknowledged the weight of the occasion while remaining measured.

He confirmed that Collocolo and Thorsby are among the squad and will be available, and played down questions about tactical shape, noting that his side have shown considerable fluidity in recent weeks, defending with a back three while attacking in different structures.

“The formation is the small part of a match that contains billions of other things,” he said. “With a 5-3-2 you can win and you can lose. The module itself is worth nothing.”

Milan ultras are planning a big protest ahead of tomorrow’s match against Atalanta, with reports Giorgio Furlani could push out both Max Allegri and Igli Tare.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

The Rossoneri are battling to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification, which had seemed to be within their grasp until a recent slump in form.

That has prompted frustration among the ultras, who are ready to make their voices heard tomorrow with a protest in the stands.

It comes after thousands of signatures were put on a petition urging the club to sack CEO Furlani, but his tendency to crank out profits from player sales is instead likely to see him backed by owner Gerry Cardinale.

Furlani consolidating Milan power

“The resentment has deep roots,” explains journalist Luca Serafini on MilanNews.

“The accusations towards Furlani go from his extreme interference on the transfer market, decisions that clashed with Tare’s strategy, a lack of strong communication, focus on financial sustainability effectively wiping out sporting ambition, through to dismantling the organised fanbase.”

The ultras are protesting an increase in ticket prices and complicated red tape over new security protocols.

If the Milan fans are hoping Cardinale will turn on Furlani, then the media report the CEO will instead consolidate his grip on the club’s decision-making process.

Just one year after their arrival, both coach Allegri and director of sport Tare could be on the way out, according to MilanNews.

The Rossoneri are looking to Atalanta director Tony D’Amico and Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano.

Jesper Karlstrom claims Keinan Davis ‘heard a racist insult’ during Udinese’s win at Cagliari, but coach Fabio Pisacane assures ‘Alberto Dossena told me he didn’t say anything racist and I believe him.’

There were a few different incidents that prompted a fiery finale to the match this afternoon, which was won 2-0 by Udinese at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia.

Towards the end of the game, Davis was furious at something he heard from the stands, trying to get his point across to referee Federico Dionisi by grabbing his arm.

Initially, the referee didn’t understand what had happened and booked Davis for grabbing him, but revoked it after Oumar Solet and others managed to translate to explain the situation.

Ugly scenes in Cagliari 0-2 Udinese

The tension escalated again after the final whistle when Davis and Cagliari defender Dossena almost came to blows, having to be separated by teammates.

“Davis heard racist insults, it’s incredible that this still happens in this day and age,” Udinese midfielder Karlstrom told DAZN Italia.

It is not entirely clear whether he meant that the insults were from the crowd, from Dossena, or both.

Cagliari coach Pisacane also spoke with DAZN Italia and was adamant his player was not involved.

“I was far from the incident, but I asked my player, who told me he absolutely did not say any racist words. I believe the man, I believe Alberto, because I’ve known him for many years, and he could never do something like this.”

Racist abuse from the Cagliari fans is, however, far from a new situation, as there were already extremely ugly incidents where then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori received racist abuse from the stands.

{rsn-live-v2}

Inter had a very strange build-up to their game against Lazio, first the entire team visited Pope Leo XIV and presented a special jersey, then their ultras joined Lazio counterparts in protest.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

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

Curiously, these two teams will face off again in the same venue on Wednesday May 13 for the Coppa Italia Final, so this is a sort of warm-up for that massive fixture.

As they will be in the Eternal City for a few days, Inter took the opportunity to visit Pope Leo in the Vatican, a tradition now for the clubs who have won the Serie A title.

Coach Cristian Chivu, President Beppe Marotta and the entire squad were present this morning, with Pope Leo given a special edition Inter jersey that had his name on the back.

Pope Leo’s message to Inter

“This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it,” was Pope Leo’s message.

“It is a goal achieved through hard work, teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which you have managed to maintain both in the exhilarating moments – such as the last match, which you have already celebrated! – and also the difficult ones, without becoming discouraged or giving up.

“For this reason, whilst I congratulate you, I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had, so that, in this moment of success, you may become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people. Many of them, at this time, look to you as their ‘heroes,’ as role models to emulate, and this entrusts you with a responsibility that goes beyond performance and calls upon you, as sportsmen, to be witnesses to values.

“I would like to emphasize this, because young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the life of the young. And so, I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear.

“Some 35 years ago, Saint John Paul II spoke of this during a meeting held precisely with some representatives of your club. After recalling its significant role in the history of Italian football, he added, addressing the players and managers: ‘Ensure that many may recognize in you and in your conduct authenticity and integrity that stand the test of time’.

“These are words that I too would like to repeat to you, whilst reiterating my congratulations. I cordially bless you and your families, and wish you all the best.”

However, the atmosphere inside the Stadio Olimpico is going to be unusually quiet, because Inter and Lazio ultras have meet up outside for a shared protest.

Lazio fans have been boycotting the home games for several months in protest at President Claudio Lotito and the way he runs the club.

Seeing as the two sets of ultras have been twinned for many years, they decided to unite together in boycotting today’s match.

Niente stadio Olimpico per i tifosi di Lazio e Inter

Le immagini dell’incontro tra le due curve: cori dei biancocelesti per i nerazzurri, cori dei nerazzurri per i biancocelesti. Ma anche cori congiunti contro il Milan e Lotito

Ponte Milvio, Roma

@stebertz8 pic.twitter.com/BXV8tpyfu8

— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) May 9, 2026

Both of them will be in the stands for the Coppa Italia Final, though, suspending their protest in a moment that could transform the Aquile’s season.

Maurizio Sarri explains his Lazio decisions against Inter today, trying to ‘pretend the next two games don’t exist’ even if they are the Coppa Italia Final and Rome Derby.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

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

These teams will meet again in the same venue on Wednesday May 13 for the Coppa Italia Final, which could either send the Aquile into the Europa League, or seal the Double for the Nerazzurri after their Scudetto success.

With the two sets of ultras twinned, Inter fans have joined their Lazio counterparts in boycotting this game in the on-going protest against President Claudio Lotito, but will all be present on Wednesday.

Sarri outlines Lazio decisions

It isn’t just the Coppa Italia Final coming up for Lazio, but also the Derby della Capitale against bitter rivals Roma.

“I tried to pretend the next two games don’t exist, because if you don’t attack the game from the start, you’ll be on the back foot, and then put in a bad performance,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.

“We’ve got to give it our all today with the right attitude, then from tonight we can start thinking about the next.”

While Inter can afford to rotate their squad after securing the Serie A title, Lazio continue to struggle with injuries to Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot.

At least Nicolò Rovella returns for his first start since fracturing his clavicle on February 21, while Pedro is chosen in attack.

“Rovella is improving, he needs minutes on the field. Zaccagni had a bruise to his foot yesterday in training and Pedro is in good shape, so it was the best decision. We have positive impressions on Zaccagni, it’s a bruise but nothing more, so he should be ready for Wednesday,” explained Sarri.

Cristian Chivu explains why Inter must focus on today’s game with Lazio before the Coppa Italia Final, noting Lautaro Martinez ‘needs’ Marcus Thuram by his side.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

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

The Nerazzurri clinched the Scudetto last week with three rounds to spare and are now gearing up for the potential Double, as they will face Lazio again in this stadium on Wednesday night for the Coppa Italia Final.

It could be the club’s first Double since Jose Mourinho won it as part of a Treble in 2010.

Chivu keeps Inter focused

“This is a Serie A match, the Coppa Italia is a different tournament, so we need to honour this competition, continue sticking to our principles throughout the season and keep focus, because this is a real match,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“Even if we are already the Champions of Italy, we still need to honour the competition all the way.”

With the Coppa Italia Final coming up, Inter can afford to rotate their squad, bringing in the likes of Davide Frattesi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for rare starts.

Lautaro Martinez returns to the starting XI to get minutes in his legs after a recent muscular setback.

“Lautaro showed last week off the bench against Parma that he is doing well, we hope to get him an hour or so today to rediscover match fitness. Marcus starts because Lautaro needs his teammate right now and they work well together.”

The squad, coach Chivu and directors all met with Pope Leo in the Vatican this morning, so he could congratulate them on their Serie A title success.

Inter are wearing black armbands following the death of club legend Evaristo Beccalossi.

“We send our condolences to his family and the whole Inter family, his daughter Gaia has been working with us for many years. He represented Interismo, what it means to be part of this club, and we are sad to have lost someone so special,” said Chivu.

Cagliari still aren’t mathematically safe, as goals from Adam Buksa and Idrissa Gueye allowed Udinese to secure a 2-0 win in Sardinia on Saturday.

Udinese beat Cagliari 2-0 at the Unipol Domus on Saturday, moving five points below seventh-placed Atalanta, who visit Milan tomorrow.

Cagliari 0-2 Udinese – match report

Cagliari had the best chances in the first half when Maduka Okoye produced two brilliant saves with his feet: first from a Marco Palestra counter-attack and then on a Gianluca Gaetano attempt from point-blank range.

The home side received a penalty kick for a Jesper Karlström handball inside the box, but the penalty was revoked after a VAR check, as the Udinese midfielder touched the ball in a “natural position” while trying to do all he could to avoid contact.

Udinese bounced back in the second half, and Nicolò Zaniolo immediately hit the outside of the woodwork with a shot from the edge of the box.

The Bianconeri took the lead shortly afterwards with Buksa’s fourth goal this season: Hassane Kamara burst down the left wing and delivered an accurate pass to the Polish striker, who found himself one-on-one with Elia Caprile and calmly slotted the ball into an open net.

Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena came close to levelling the score from a corner kick routine, but Karlström made a superb headed clearance off the goal line.

Nicolò Bertola was just as good a few minutes later when he blocked a Paul Mendy shot from outside the box.

Cagliari continued pushing for the leveller, but inevitably left space for Udinese’s counter-attacks.

Keinan Davis wasted a big chance alone in front of Caprile, but the ex-Aston Villa star, who had returned from an injury, coming off the bench as a substitute, later provided the assist for Idrissa Gueye, who killed off the game by finalising a perfect counterattack in the stoppages.

Tensions increased in the final minutes, with some players from both teams briefly clashing on the pitch after the final whistle. Udinese’s Davis looked particularly upset and had to be restrained by some of his teammates.

Cagliari remain 15th in the standings, but eight points below 18th-placed Cremonese, so they’ll be mathematically safe if the Grigiorossi don’t beat Pisa on Sunday.

09-05-2026 14:00

MatchDay 36

Unipol Domus (Sardegna Arena)

Cagliari

Udinese

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

44'

Kingsley Ehizibue

2nd half

Zé Pedro		53'
		56'		Adam Buksa (Assist: Hassane Kamara)
		90+6'		Idrissa Gueye (Assist: Keinan Davis)
		90+2'		Keinan Davis

Match statistic

63

Possession %

37

22

Total shots

9

5

Shots on target

6

11

Shots off target

2

6

Blocked shots

1

8

Corners

4

3

Offsides

3

10

Fouls

13

Cagliari

Udinese

Starting lineups

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

88'

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

62'

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

62'

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

73'

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

88'

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

22

Branimir Mlacic

Defender

54'

11

Hassane Kamara

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

78'

28

Oumar Solet

Defender

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

14

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

24

Jakub Piotrowski

Midfielder

54'

8

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

78'

18

Adam Buksa

Attacker

65'

Substitutes

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

40

Roberto Malfitano

Midfielder

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

62'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

62'

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

73'

19

Andrea Belotti

Attacker

88'

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

88'

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

90

Răzvan Sava

Goalkeeper

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

1

Alessandro Nunziante

Goalkeeper

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

15

Vakoun Bayo

Attacker

29

Abdoulaye Camara

Midfielder

13

Nicolò Bertola

Defender

54'

38

Lennon Miller

Midfielder

54'

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

65'

7

Idrissa Gueye

Attacker

78'

20

Juan Arizala

Defender

78'

Inter rotate and bring back Lautaro Martinez from the start with Davide Frattesi for the first of two clashes with Lazio, who look to Pedro and Tijjani Noslin.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

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

By a strange quirk of the fixture list, these teams face off in Serie A, but will meet again for a much bigger match on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia Final.

The two sets of fanbases are twinned, so with Lazio continuing their boycott of home games in protest at President Claudio Lotito, they are joined outside the Stadio Olimpico by their Inter ultras friends.

They’ll all reconvene inside the venue on Wednesday for a match that could send Lazio into Europe or give Inter the Double.

The Nerazzurri won the Scudetto last week and therefore can afford to rotate the squad, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Pio Esposito out injured.

Players like Josep Martinez, Frattesi, Carlos Augusto, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Andy Diouf get starts, but it’s also the opportunity to get some minutes into Lautaro Martinez’s legs after a recent injury setback.

Lazio get Matteo Cancellieri after his one-match ban, but Mattia Zaccagni is out with a bruised foot, hoping to be ready for the Coppa Italia.

He joins Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto on the treatment table.

Nicolò Rovella made his comeback last week after a fractured clavicle and goes into the starting XI for the first time since February 21, with Mario Gila also back from injury.

Noslin leads the attack flanked by Cancellieri and Pedro.

Lazio vs. Inter line-ups

Lazio: Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini, Basic, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Cancellieri, Noslin, Pedro

Inter: J Martinez; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Diouf, Sucic, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez

09-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 36

Stadio Olimpico

Lazio

Inter

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		6'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Marcus Thuram)
		39'		Petar Sucic (Assist: Lautaro Martínez)

2nd half

Luca Pellegrini		48'
Alessio Romagnoli		59'
Tijjani Noslin		74'
		76'		Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Assist: Ange-Yoan Bonny)
		85'		Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

9

Total shots

14

5

Shots on target

5

3

Shots off target

6

1

Blocked shots

3

5

Corners

1

Offsides

1

10

Fouls

8

Lazio

Inter

Starting lineups

40

Edoardo Motta

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

77'

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

34

Mario Gila

Defender

56'

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

56'

26

Toma Basic

Midfielder

22

Matteo Cancellieri

Attacker

56'

9

Pedro

Attacker

62'

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

63'

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

80'

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

46'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

63'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

46'

Substitutes

23

Elseid Hysaj

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

27

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

17

Nuno Tavares

Defender

2

Samuel Gigot

Defender

24

Kenneth Taylor

Midfielder

21

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

20

Petar Ratkov

Attacker

28

Adrian Przyborek

Attacker

99

Giacomo Giacomone

Goalkeeper

4

Patric

Defender

56'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

56'

25

Oliver Provstgaard

Defender

56'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

62'

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

77'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

46'

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

46'

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

63'

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

63'

48

Mattia Mosconi

Attacker

80'

Raffaele Palladino admits he’d like to stay at Atalanta to build a ‘competitive’ team for next season, but hasn’t yet ‘received signals’ from the club.

Atalanta are preparing for the final rush of the season and will visit Milan at San Siro tomorrow.

Palladino is contracted until June 2027, but Atalanta are expected to make major changes to their management, as reports indicate they will replace sporting director Tony D’Amico with Cristiano Giuntoli.

Palladino’s Atalanta future uncertain

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Palladino’s future is also uncertain despite having one year left in his contract at the Gewiss Stadium.

“I’m fine here in Bergamo. I’ve found great warmth from everyone since I arrived,” the Atalanta coach said at a press conference on Saturday.

“I’m proud of the work I’ve done with the team. We’ve gone from 13th to seventh. We were eliminated on penalties in the Coppa Italia and had a great journey in the Champions League, eliminating Borussia Dortmund. I judge this journey positively. Obviously, we must end the season well now. I hope to build a competitive Atalanta for a new great cycle, but I have not received any signals for now. What matters now is to end the season well.

“I’ve been making assessments since I arrived. I didn’t build this team,” he continued.

“We’ll see what happens next season. I want to build a competitive Atalanta in my own image and likeness, and establish a long-term cycle with young players as well.”

Palladino was hired in November 2025 to replace Ivan Juric. Atalanta have won 17 of 36 games under the Italian tactician, drawing seven and losing 12.

Angry Pescara ultras loudly booed the team and threw firecrackers at police outside the stadium after their team’s relegation to Serie C.

Pescara have been relegated to Italy’s third division, Serie C, following a 1-1 home draw against Spezia on the final game of the regular season on Friday.

Spezia were also relegated, joining the Abruzzo-based team and Reggiana in Serie C, while Bari and Sudtirol will meet in a relegation playout.

Pescara fans showed their frustration after the match, booing their player at full-time.

Protests continued outside the stadium as well, where furious ultras tried to clash with police by throwing firecrackers at officers, just outside the stadium’s gates.

Angry ultras react to Pescara’s relegation

Pescara got relegated to Serie C last night, and the fans did not take it well. pic.twitter.com/KzZnkubj3R

— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) May 9, 2026

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists that the coach and sporting director must be ‘very close and connected’ but hints that Manu Koné might leave the Olimpico in the summer.

Roma are preparing for an away game at Parma, who have already secured survival.

On the other hand, the Giallorossi are still fighting for a Champions League place, just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus.

Parma vs. Roma – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference

“Every game is decisive, especially now, with only three remaining,” Gasperini said at a press conference on Saturday, via Gazzetta.

“Parma play good football, even if they have secured survival, no team ever gives anything away, and this is positive.

“I’ve known [Parma coach] Carlos Cuesta; he is a very prepared lad. He immediately reached the top despite his young age. He can be risky at times, but he has proven himself.”

Gasperini has been given increasing power by club owners who sacked Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri two weeks ago.

Ranieri was on bad terms with Gasperini, and the same is true of Roma sporting director Frederic Massara, who is also expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

Gasperini was asked whether Roma are already late in planning ahead for next season.

“A lot depends on what the club wants to do, so we need to turn to them,” he replied.

I don’t see anyone holding an advantage. Things evolve quickly at the end of the season.

“This is a valuable group, as the results prove. Their reaction in difficult moments was evident,” he added.

“Obviously, the Champions League brings more substantial financial resources to the market, and everyone wants to qualify for this reason, but the world is full of clubs that know how to operate well even without considerable resources.”

Atalanta sporting director Tony D’Amico is expected to leave the Nerazzurri after the club reached an agreement with Cristiano Giuntoli, according to Matteo Moretto.

“We are focused on the season. Any hypothesis concerns many teams,” Gasperini said.

“I must work with my ideas; the coach and the sporting director must work together, not with everyone taking different paths. They need to speak honestly to technically improve Roma in a way that is compatible with the resources and the coach’s ideas.

“That must be the only goal. Those are two roles that must be very close and connected, giving mutual support by understanding each other’s difficulties. My way of playing has brought certain results, and I want to carry forward my strengths. I’m looking for players who can help me develop my playing style.”

Roma might need to sell one of their stars for financial reasons if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and Koné is said to have attracted interest from many clubs.

“Nobody is unsellable in modern football, except for some top clubs,” explained Gasp.

“Again, talking about the top four, without resources, it’s something that we must consider. But these offers are rare; it’s mostly just rumours. Koné is a strong player, and I hope he continues to play for Roma, but it will depend on offers that might allow us to do different things.”

According to reports in Italy, Gasperini is pushing for contract extensions of Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik.

“It doesn’t seem to me that I’ve been involved. If I am, I’ll have my say,” the coach noted.

“They are very busy right now, and when the time comes for them, we’ll be able to talk. Evidently, it’s still not the right time, but it will come, and we must all be convinced. We won’t be allowed to have doubts or uncertainties.”

Italian talent Samuele Inacio scored his first goal at a senior level for Borussia Dortmund last night in a 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Italian wonderkid Inacio, son of ex-Serie A striker Inacio Pia, scored his first goal at a senior level with Borussia Dortmund on Friday.

The 18-year-old started his third consecutive Bundesliga match, netting the third goal for BVB at minute 72.

A product of the Atalanta Academy, Inacio joined Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 summer transfer window.

He was born in Italy and holds a Brazilian passport.

Inacio made his U19 Italy debut this past March, scoring a goal in his first match.

His move to Borussia Dortmund from Atalanta two years ago upset the Nerazzurri, who continued to voice their discontent this past February, when they met the Bundesliga side in the Champions League knockout play-off.

Video: Inacio’s first goal for Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund venceu o Frankfurt por 3 a 2 em seu último jogo em casa da temporada.

Samuele Inácio fez o terceiro gol, seu primeiro na Bundesliga.

Meia-atacante da seleção italiana sub-19 é filho do brasileiro Inácio Piá, ex-Atalanta e Napoli.pic.twitter.com/42rBWsLgFy

— Leonardo Bertozzi (@lbertozzi) May 8, 2026

Sebastiano Esposito and Paul Mendy lead the Cagliari attack in a home Serie A match against Nicolò Zaniolo’s Udinese.

Saturday’s Serie A action begins at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari with the Rossoblu facing Udinese at 15:00 CET (14:00 BST).

Idrissi, Mazzitelli, Felici, Pavoletti, Borrelli and Liteta are unavailable for the home side, while Udinese must cope without the injured Zanoli, Ekkelenkamp and the suspended Kabasele.

Cagliari have a nine-point lead over the relegation zone, so they need one final push to secure mathematical survival.

The Sardinians have won two of the last five league matches.

Udinese have only lost once in their last five meetings and can technically still qualify for Europe, but they find themselves eight points behind Atalanta in seventh.

Cagliari vs. Udinese – confirmed line-ups

Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Dossena; Palestra; Adopo, Gaetano, Folorunsho, Obert; Esposito, Mendy.

Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Mlacic, Kristensen, Solet; Ehizibue, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo, Buksa.

Cagliari vs. Udinese – live updates

09-05-2026 14:00

MatchDay 36

Unipol Domus (Sardegna Arena)

Cagliari

Udinese

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

44'

Kingsley Ehizibue

2nd half

Zé Pedro		53'
		56'		Adam Buksa (Assist: Hassane Kamara)
		90+6'		Idrissa Gueye (Assist: Keinan Davis)
		90+2'		Keinan Davis

Match statistic

63

Possession %

37

22

Total shots

9

5

Shots on target

6

11

Shots off target

2

6

Blocked shots

1

8

Corners

4

3

Offsides

3

10

Fouls

13

Cagliari

Udinese

Starting lineups

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

88'

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

62'

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

62'

10

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

73'

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

88'

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

22

Branimir Mlacic

Defender

54'

11

Hassane Kamara

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

78'

28

Oumar Solet

Defender

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

14

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

24

Jakub Piotrowski

Midfielder

54'

8

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

78'

18

Adam Buksa

Attacker

65'

Substitutes

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

40

Roberto Malfitano

Midfielder

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

62'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

62'

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

73'

19

Andrea Belotti

Attacker

88'

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

88'

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

90

Răzvan Sava

Goalkeeper

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

1

Alessandro Nunziante

Goalkeeper

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

15

Vakoun Bayo

Attacker

29

Abdoulaye Camara

Midfielder

13

Nicolò Bertola

Defender

54'

38

Lennon Miller

Midfielder

54'

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

65'

7

Idrissa Gueye

Attacker

78'

20

Juan Arizala

Defender

78'

Matteo Moretto reports that ex-Juventus and Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has ‘already reached an agreement’ with Atalanta for next season.

Former Juventus CEO Giuntoli is set to become the new Atalanta sporting director.

Several sources have claimed that Giuntoli is the leading candidate to replace Tony D’Amico in 2026-27, but according to Moretto, the agreement between Giuntoli and La Dea is already finalised.

The Italian transfer expert reports that the two parties have finalised all the details and the agreement will be confirmed with an official statement in the coming days.

Giuntoli’s appointment means Atalanta’s sporting director, Tony D’Amico, will leave the club after four years.

D’Amico has been linked with Milan and Roma.

The Rossoneri were already interested in the 46-year-old last summer before ultimately appointing Igli Tare.

Recent reports have claimed that the Italian director remains on Milan’s agenda as Tare’s future at San Siro is uncertain.

Roma, however, are another possible destination, given that Gian Piero Gasperini has gained more power following Claudio Ranieri’s departure, which will also lead to Frederic Massara’s exit.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri hints that he might pick an attacking trident for a Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday, but Luka Modric’s return for the last game of the season is ‘nearly impossible.’

Milan are under growing pressure, having won only one of their last five games and scoring just one goal in the process.

Reports in Italy suggest that Santiago Gimenez could start against Atalanta at San Siro tomorrow, and Allegri discussed the matter at a pre-match press conference today.

Allegri drops Gimenez hint for Atalanta clash

“If Gimenez is there, there will be one or two players moving around him,” Allegri said via Milannews.

This means Allegri could choose three attacking players tomorrow rather than the usual 3-5-2 system: “We’ll see,” the coach said.

“We can’t change what we’ve done in these ten months. Tomorrow we begin a mini-season of three games,” Allegri continued.

“That’s how we have to look at it. We have a three-point lead. If we make it to the Champions League, we’ll go; if not, we won’t deserve to qualify. I’ll assess the starting line-up tomorrow, but I need everyone right now. Aside from Modric and Tomori, everyone else is available.

“The games last long, and substitutions in the last 30 minutes are decisive. Everyone will have to be involved in the game. We are in a decisive and important moment.

“It’s a decisive match tomorrow because three games remain. All energy must be focused towards tomorrow’s game. Then we’ll look at the table. We’ll have to play a tricky and difficult game at Genoa afterwards.”

Modric was forced to undergo a cheekbone surgery two weeks ago following an injury against Juventus.

The Croatian star is training separately at Milanello, but Allegri practically ruled out his return to action for the last game of the season against Cagliari.

“Even if Modric always comes to Milanello to work, it’s nearly impossible that he’ll be on the pitch for the last match,” he said.

During the same press conference, Allegri insisted that he wants to remain at San Siro for as long as possible despite reports that his strained relationship with CEO Giorgio Furlani could lead to a summer departure.

“Whoever is at Milan must work for the club and defend a glorious DNA,” Allegri insisted.

“I’ve seen that in the directors, and I understand that Milan must always have the ambition to win. If Milan finish sixth, it means we deserved to finish sixth. The important thing is that everyone works for the club. Personal targets must be set aside. The collective goal is to qualify for the Champions League.”

Massimiliano Allegri insists he wants to ‘stay at Milan for as long as possible’ and thanks the Rossoneri fans for their support this season.

Milan have only won one of their last five league games, and their advantage over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to three points with three games remaining.

Tensions are running high at San Siro among Rossoneri supporters, who are preparing a protest against CEO Giorgio Furlani during tomorrow’s home game against Atalanta.

“We can only thank them for now. They’ve been supporting us since August 17, and the stadium has always been full,” Allegri said at a press conference via MilanNews.

“We’ve always felt their support, and they’ll do it tomorrow as well in a decisive moment of the season. We have a tricky match. We’ve had a good week of work, and we’ll have to face Atalanta as we try to return to winning, which we haven’t done at home in a while.

“We must do and not talk. Atalanta are an excellent team, and we’ll need an excellent performance to bring the result home.”

The Rossoneri have scored only one goal in their last five matches, and tomorrow they’ll host Atalanta without the injured Luka Modric and the suspended Fikayo Tomori.

“I’m not worried; you have to look at things positively. Normally, after a defeat like the one against Sassuolo, one tends to see things more negatively,” Allegri said.

“The destiny is in our hands. What’s nice about football is that 90 minutes can change everything. That said, tomorrow we won’t be mathematically in or out of the Champions League.”

There have been several reports that Allegri might be leaving San Siro at the end of the season due to strained relations with Furlani. The Livorno-born coach is also among the candidates linked with the Italy job. Does he see himself as a national team coach or does he prefer day-to-day duties?

“This is not a matter I’ve thought about. Right now, Milan are the most important thing, for the next games and for next season,” Allegri replied.

“We’ve worked with great attention and dedication for ten months. We must respect everyone who makes themselves available so we can perform at our best. I don’t think about anything else because my goal is to stay at Milan for as long as possible.”

Inter referee manager Giorgio Schenone was heard as a witness by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione on Friday, and further interrogations will be completed at the start of next week.

Referee scandal in Serie A: latest updates

Inter’s referee manager, Schenone, was heard by the Milan Prosecutor on Friday as part of a probe into alleged sports fraud, which involves five people under investigation, none of whom are from Serie A or Serie B clubs.

Former referee designator Gianluca Rocchi is among those under investigation on suspicion of having influenced VAR decisions during matches and of manipulating referee appointments.

In a wiretap from April 2025, Rocchi is heard telling VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni, who is also under investigation: “They no longer want to see him [a referee] anymore.”

During the same wiretap, Rocchi and Gervasoni mention “Giorgio”, which, according to investigators, refers to Inter’s Schenone.

Corriere della Sera reports that the Nerazzurri referee manager did not receive questions regarding a meeting at San Siro on April 2, 2025, during which Rocchi is suspected of having chosen referees favoured by Inter for upcoming games against Bologna in Serie A and Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal.

Investigators are trying to understand whether Schenone conveyed Inter referees’ preferences to Rocchi.

Daniele Doveri was picked for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Milan last season so that he would be shielded for the Final, which Inter didn’t even qualify for.

What Inter Referee Manager told Milan Prosecutor

Schenone, however, argued that he had always dealt exclusively with refereeing matters and that during the 2024-25 season, Inter had Dover as referee six times, practically the maximum possible in the competition.

Schenone, nor any other Inter member, is under investigation. The Nerazzurri referee manager was only heard as a witness.

Corriere adds that there are no wiretaps involving Schiavone and Rocchi, but, on the other hand, Schenone heard several other wiretaps, mostly from spring 2025, involving Rocchi and VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni and between Rocchi and Riccardo Pinzani, Rocchi’s former referee partner.

Former AIA President Antonio Zappi and new Referee Designator Dino Tommasi were also questioned on Friday, mostly about the activity in the VAR room in Lissone.

According to the report, the Milan prosecutor will complete further hearings between Monday and Tuesday next week.

Rocchi, in the meantime, has once again informed prosecutors that he does not intend to answer the Prosecutor’s questions, exercising his right to remain silent.

José Mourinho insists Iran deserve to play at the World Cup, which Portugal can win, and feels Zinedine Zidane embodied the concept of elegance: ‘Marco Materazzi might get mad at me…’

Former Inter and Roma coach Mourinho gave a long interview to Sport Week, discussing his life and career.

Ex-Roma star Nicolò Zaniolo once described Mou as a ‘master’, saying the Portuguese tactician could almost perfectly predict what would happen during matches.

Mourinho predicted Zaniolo’s winning goal in Conference League Final

“Almost,” Mou replied, smiling.

“One thing I had predicted and actually happened was that Zaniolo would score the decisive goal in the Conference League Final between my Roma side and Feyenoord.”

During the same interview, Mourinho admitted that he’d leave Inter for Real Madrid again and was then asked to name a player who “embodies the concept of elegance.”

“The first name that comes to mind is Zinedine Zidane,” Mourinho said.

“Marco Materazzi might get mad at me for saying it, but watching Zizou play was pure beauty.”

When asked about his favourite city as a coach, Mou replied: “The most important thing is to be with the people I love. It could even be the Sahara Desert. To me, anyway, the most beautiful city in the world is Rome.”

Lastly, the Benfica tactician spoke about the upcoming World Cup as well: “Portugal can do anything. They have an incredible generation. They won the Nations League a year ago. We won the Euros in 2016, and this generation is technically superior to that team. Of course, there is Carletto Ancelotti’s Brazil, Argentina, but Portugal can win this World Cup.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran’s participation in the competition, yet there are still doubts on whether they’ll actually take part in the tournament due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has been reiterating that Italy should replace Iran if they don’t show up for the World Cup in June.

“One thing is politics, one is sport,” Mourinho concluded.

“The Iranian players who have qualified for the World Cup, which will involve too many teams, deserve to play it.”

As the Serie A season enters its final weeks, there is still a lot to play for. The league winners might be known, but the race for the Champions League places is heating up.

Inter are now guaranteed to finish top of the table after their 2-0 victory against Parma, which clinched the Scudetto. That leaves three qualification spots remaining, but five teams are all pushing for them.

Who, though, has the best chance of finishing in the top four? Here’s a closer look at the matches each team in contention has left, and who is the most likely to qualify.

Napoli – 70 points

Antonio Conte’s men might have fallen short of defending their status as champions, but they look all but certain to qualify for the Champions League. A goalless draw against Como means that they only need one win and one draw from their three remaining games to guarantee a top-four finish.

Napoli face ninth-placed Bologna in their next match, but their away fixture against struggling Pisa should be their best chance of a victory. They then play Udinese in their final match, although that could be a potential slip-up that teams can capitalise on, as I Friulani emerged as 1-0 victors when the two sides met in December 2025.

Milan – 67 points

A victory against Sassuolo would have put Milan on the brink of qualification, but a defeat has put the pressure on. Now only three points ahead of fifth-placed Roma, the Rossoneri need to bounce back from their latest setback, and quickly.

Fortunately, while their next match against Atalanta will be difficult, the final two matches of the season are much more straightforward. Milan have a trip to Genoa on May 17, before they then host Cagliari at the San Siro in their final game. Both teams lie in the bottom half of the table, and while Genoa did manage a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture against Milan back in January, the 19-time champions will still be confident in their chances.

Juventus – 65 points

Milan’s failure to beat Sassuolo might have been punished had Juventus beaten Verona. But, in spite of that 1-1 draw, La Vecchia Signora should feel the most optimistic. While they are only one point ahead of Roma, Luciano Spalletti’s side now only play teams in the bottom half of the table.

Lecce could be a potential mistake waiting to happen, but their win against Pisa was their only win in seven. Juve will also be heavy favourites in their matches against Fiorentina and Torino.

Because Juventus is the team in Serie A with the biggest global following, fans across the world will be making the most of betting bonuses, such as a 1win promo code for India readers, to back Juve to qualify for the Champions League. They have a lot going in their favour, but only time will tell if they manage to get over the line.

Roma – 64 points

Roma might have lost four more games than Como, but the Giallorossi still find themselves among the chasing pack for Champions League football. It’s been seven seasons since they last played in the competition, but if things go their way, that streak might come to an end.

A win against Fiorentina has put them in fifth, but there’s no question that their route to the top four is more difficult than their rivals. They face Parma away from home next before the Derby della Capitale against Lazio.

Nevertheless, Roma have not lost to their rivals since January 2024 and will be confident of extending that run as they pursue European football. If the teams above them drop more points, then it could all come down to their final match of the season against Verona on May 24.

Como – 62 points

A win against Napoli would have put Como in control of their bid for Champions League football. Now, I Lariani need to win the maximum nine points from their last three games and hope that other teams can do them a favour if they are to have any chance.

Cesc Fabregas – who recently ruled out a move to Chelsea – has the team with sufficient quality to win three matches on the spin, and their remaining fixtures also lend themselves to potential success. They face bottom-three sides Verona and Cremonese, either side of a home fixture against 12th-placed Parma, whom they have not lost to since 2023 in Serie B. Nevertheless, the Lombardy-based club has a mountain to climb to qualify for the Champions League.

Both Lazio and Inter are likely to make squad rotations in their Serie A match today, as they prepare for next week’s Coppa Italia Final, but the Nerazzurri captain, Lautaro Martinez, is still expected to start.

It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

It’s Inter’s first game as defending Serie A champions, as the Nerazzurri secured the Scudetto with three games to spare last week.

Lazio are four points below a Conference League placement, but their priority remains next Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final, also against the Nerazzurri.

Francesco Pio Esposito and Hakan Calhanoglu are unavailable for Inter, but while the Italian striker is expected to recover in time for next week’s Final, Calhanoglu is not likely to make it.

Lazio get to this match without the injured Samuel Gigot, Ivan Provedel, Alessio Furlanetto, Danilo Cataldi, Elseid Hysaj and their captain Mattia Zaccagni.

As reported by Gazzetta, Italy international Davide Frattesi is set to make a rare start for Inter in the middle of the park, so Nicolò Barella will rest.

Marcus Thuram is also expected to start on the bench, making room for Ange-Yoan Bonny and Lautaro Martinez up front.

Lazio vs. Inter – probable line-ups

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

Lazio vs. Inter – where to watch on TV

Inter (3-5-2): Martinez Jo.; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Sucic, Frattesi, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Bonny.

Lazio (4-3-3): Motta; Lazzari, Provstgaard, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Basic, Rovella, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Noslin.

Dusan Vlahovic is set to return to the Juventus starting XI for the first time in over five months as the Bianconeri seek a win against a Lecce side that is fighting for survival.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Via Del Mare in Lecce.

The home side have a four-point advantage over the relegation zone, so a win would almost certainly allow them to secure survival, while Juventus sit fourth in the standings, but their lead over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to just one point following back-to-back draws against Milan and Hellas Verona.

The Bianconeri have travelled to Lecce without the injured Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal.

Serbia international Vlahovic is expected to start his first game since November 29, as reported by Sky Sport and Gazzetta.

Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceiçao will complete the Old Lady’s attack.

Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, Riccardo Sottil and Sadik Fofana are unavailable for Lecce, where Walid Cheddira is the favourite over Nikola Stulic for a starting spot as a lone striker.

Lecce vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, DAZN and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Lecce vs. Juventus – probable line-ups

Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Danilo Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Ngom, Ramadani; Pierotti, Coulibaly, Banda; Cheddira. 

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; Vlahovic. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

75m at stake

The transfer market is at risk without Champions. Juve, there’s Vlahovic.

Test for double

Double challenge Inter: only Lazio towards the cup

Gimenez shows up

No goals in Serie A for a year, Allegri is tempted.

Simeone’s energy again, and Toro turn Sassuolo around

Corriere dello Sport

Test for the cup

Two challenges in five days

Today’s game (18:00) is the aperitif for the final

Masked Lazio-Inter: Wednesday’s trophy only matters

Sarri is still in the race for the 7th spot, but will rest the big players. Zaccagni injured. Chivu’s first game as defending champion. Lautaro to partner with Bonny.

Juve, Lucio’s rules

‘Take our own responsibilities after the pain felt against Verona. We must react. Future? Many will stay, but we need more.’ Vlahovic returns to the starting XI after 160 days.

New directors: D’Amico and Giuntoli, what an intrigue

Napoli prepare for double celebration

Frosinone in Serie A, play-out for Bari

Tuttosport

D’Aversa’s pride. Toro, derby shake

Lecce, 20:45

Juve, you put it all on the line

Champions, UEFA millions, the breakeven, and appeal on the market

The Bianconeri can make no more mistakes to defend the fourth spot from the comebacks of Romo and Como. Spalletti’s project of building a winning team, based on Yildiz, is also at risk. Vlahovic is ready. The coach: ‘Many will stay, but we need reinforcements.’

Lazio and Inter, the Cup in the head

Lautaro set to start to test his shape. Chivu is looking for the goal record. Many people in Brescia say goodbye to Beccalossi.

Frosinone, welcome back to Serie A! Bari to the playout

The 2025-26 Serie B season has drawn to a close, and Frosinone now know that they will be joining Venezia in Serie A in 2026-27, confirming a second-place finish with an emphatic 5-0 win over Mantova on Friday night. 

Confirmed: Venezia and Frosinone promoted to Serie A after one year

Venezia were promoted last weekend, with one round of fixtures left to play, and they have now been confirmed as champions of Serie B for 2025-26. Giovanni Stroppa’s side closed the season with a 2-0 win at home against Palermo on Friday night. 

Venezia will be joined in Serie A by Frosinone, who finished the campaign on 81 points after 38 matches, one shy of the league champions. 

Both Venezia and Frosinone were relegated from Serie A at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and have earned promotion at the first time of asking. 

The Serie B play-offs have now been set as well. 

Monza and Palermo finished the season in third and fourth place respectively, which means that they are guaranteed a spot in the play-off semi-finals. 

Catanzaro finished in fifth, Modena in sixth, Juve Stabia in seventh and Avellino in eighth, and they will all contest in the preliminary round of the play-offs. 

Catanzaro (fifth) will take on Avellino (eighth), and Modena (sixth) will take on Juve Stabia (seventh) in a one-legged play-off match on Tuesday, May 12. 

The play-off semi-finals will be played over two legs, home and away, on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, with the return legs set for May 19 and May 20. The play-off final is also a two-legged affair and will take place on Sunday, May 24 and Friday, May 29.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Serie B table, it has been confirmed that Pescara, Spezia and Reggiana have been relegated and Bari and Sudtirol will take part in the relegation play-out.

Sassuolo claimed a second-half lead away against Torino in Serie A on Friday evening, but the hosts struck back with two goals within the space of four minutes to extend the team’s unbeaten home run to five matches: Kristjan Thorstvedt, Giovanni Simeone and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen with the goals.

Torino were coming in off the back of a 2-0 defeat against Udinese and decided to make two changes to their starting line-up on Friday evening. Despite beating Milan 2-0 last weekend, Fabio Grosso changed half of his outfielders, with the likes of Andrea Pinamonti, Cristian Volpato and Luca Lipani returning to the starting XI. 

Click here to read more about how tonight’s teams lined up.

Pinamonti registered the first shot on target less than two minutes in after being slipped into the area by Cristian Volpato. Pinamonti tried to find the far corner of the net, but Alberto Paleari was well positioned to make the save. 

Gvidas Gineitis had to improvise for Torino’s first attempt on target 10 minutes in, but Arijanet Muric was able to get down to his left to prevent what turned out to be a relatively tame effort. 

Alieu Njie came within inches of opening the scoring when his header bounced off the crossbar twice from Gineitis’s corner. Part of the ball had crossed the goalline, but importantly, not all of it. 

Down at the other end, Lipani was allowed to dribble his way as far as the corner of the six-yard box, but he then found himself at a difficult angle, and Paleari had come out to narrow the angle. 

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the re-start. Nemanja Matic’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked, but fell kindly into the path of Lipani, who managed to squeeze in a cross from the right byline and Thorstvedt was on hand to finish it off in the middle of the six-yard box. 

It took a quarter of an hour for Torino to come up with a response. Ebosse whipped in a perfect deep cross from the left flank and Simeone pulled out a trademark centre-forward’s header, drilled into the floor and bouncing into the corner past Muric.

Simeone has now scored in each of his last five home matches in Serie A. 

It turned out to be a quickfire turnaround for the Granata. Duvan Zapata clipped in a cross from the left-hand side of the penalty area, and Pedersen raced to meet it at the far post. This was the Norwegian’s first goal in Serie A, coming in his 84th appearance. 

Tonight’s result means that Torino jump up one position in the Serie A table into 12th, while Sassuolo keep hold of 10th place.

Torino 2-1 Sassuolo

Thorstvedt (S) 51′, Simeone (T) 66′, Pedersen (T) 70′.

08-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 36

Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

Torino

Sassuolo

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