La Gazzetta dello Sport

Fiorentina, Serie B hell. Vanoli might leave too

Inter lead

Overtake at the top: Nerazzurri are the leaders alone

Bisseck and Lautaro decide it. Chivu’s pride: ‘Now we want the Supercoppa.’

Juve coup

Golden Cabal. Victory in Bologna with an eye to the Champions League

Little devil

Milan and the nightmare of newly promoted teams, luckily, there’s Bartesaghi

Ahi Napoli

Udinese dominate. Conte: ‘No excuses, we’re struggling.’

Soulé and Nico Paz play for the World Cup too.

Corriere dello Sport

Lauturbo

Chivu’s sprint

Goal and assist: The Toro overtakes Conte and Max, Supercoppa on Thursday.

Inter take the lead. Milan’s draw, Napoli’s stop

Cristian celebrates: 2-1 win at Marassi. Bisseck breaks the deadlock. Laurienté shocks Allegri. Sassuolo’s comeback (2-2). Conte falls in Udine (1-0). Ekkelenkamp scores.

Roma jump: the big chance

Gasp can return in the Scudetto zone: ‘I’ll end my career here, ambition needed to improve.’ Ndicka plays, Wesley returns.

Viola sink: endless training retreat

Shadows on Vanoli: hypothesis Iachini. The Franchi protests: survival is eight points away. Orban’s brace decisive.

Spalletti’s breakthrough

The Bianconeri win again away after 43 days. Cabal scores. Lucio: ‘The best win since I’m here.’ Zortea hits the crossbar on 0-0. Heggem sent off. Supercoppa: on Friday, Italiano against Inter.

Tuttosport

Milan stumble against Sassuolo, Napoli fall in Udine: Chivu’s overtake

Inter put them back in line

On the pitch after the rivals, the Nerazzurri don’t waste their chance: Bisseck and Lautaro sign the blitz in Genoa. The Rossoneri don’t digest the newly promoted sides. Bartesaghi’s brace: 2-2. Palpitation in San Siro after the draw with Pisa and the defeat against Cremonese. Zaniolo sends Conte’s team into a tilt, punished by a super Ekkelenkamp goal. From Thursday, the Supercoppa in Riyadh.

Juve to Cabal

Convincing and heavy win in Bologna: 1-0.

A defender’s header rewards a high-level performance. Rossoblu (who end up with ten men) are overtaken, and a Champions League spot is one point below. Spalletti (five wins in the last six games): ‘It can be a breakthrough.’

Cholito, the leader: ‘Such a good Toro!’

Image of a bomber and a very Granata family: ‘I couldn’t wait to return to action.’ But Baroni’s troubles are not over.

Viola sink, endless training retreat

Lautaro Martinez insists that he and his Inter teammates have their sights set on the Serie A title in 2025-26 and took an opportunity to address his colleagues at the end of their 2-1 victory away against Genoa on Sunday: ‘We’re the ones who put in the work’. 

Inter currently sit alone at the top of the Serie A standings thanks to a 2-1 win away against Genoa on Sunday evening. Goals from Yann Bisseck and Lautaro were enough for the Nerazzurri to hold onto, despite Vitinha pulling one back for Genoa midway through the second half. 

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

Lautaro addresses Inter teammates after Genoa victory

Napoli’s 1-0 loss against Udinese and Milan’s 2-2 draw with Sassuolo earlier on Sunday means that Inter will spend the next week on their own at the top of the Serie A table. There had been four teams separated by just one point at the top of the table a few weeks ago. 

“It means a lot, we’re back at the top because we’ve worked hard, we’ve had to sacrifice ourselves and regardless of what people say about us, we are focussed on ourselves, working hard, improving, hoping to bring joy to these supporters,” Lautaro told DAZN after full-time on Sunday (via fcinternews.it). 

“Everyone’s been talking about Inter for a few years because we’ve been doing well. It’s normal for there to be criticism and compliments. 

“We’re a team that is aware of our strengths, we always try to make sure that Inter is at the top. It seems repetitive, but that’s what we do. The message in the dressing room is clear, we want to do it.” 

Lautaro was asked what the message he wants to send is, and instead of addressing the supporters, the Nerazzurri skipper took an opportunity to rally his teammates instead. 

“It’s a message to ourselves. As I always say, we’re the ones who put in the work and we’re the ones who try to bring Inter back to where it belongs, so it’s to the team that I speak.”

Cristian Chivu is pleased to see his Inter team back at the top of the Serie A standings after claiming that his side had been written off in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, and has explained why he made certain changes during Sunday’s 2-1 victory away against Genoa. 

The Nerazzurri currently sit alone at the top of the Serie A standings thanks to goals from Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez in an eventual 2-1 victory over Genoa on Sunday evening. 

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

Chivu after Genoa 1-2 Inter: ‘I’ll take the three points’

Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Chivu said that he would rather talk about the game itself rather than the impact that it has had on the Serie A table. 

“I like to talk about the game and what I saw on the pitch,” he began. “It was a difficult game tonight, in this atmosphere and against a team that has been strong since De Rossi came in. I’ll take the three points, which are the most important thing.” 

Chivu explained why he decided to make certain changes before and during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Genoa. 

“The changes were made according to energy and form. Originally, at 2-0, Bonny was supposed to come on, but then I opted for Thuram because I needed more speed. I took Zielinski off and moved Akanji up because we needed two midfielders with a strong structure.” 

Chivu was then asked if he feels his Inter side have been underrated at times this season. 

He replied: “A few months ago, they had us finishing eighth or tenth because we looked finished. We’re working hard to show our value. 

“For me, we need a bit of consistency in everything, but we’re aware of what we have to do and how we have to do it. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you don’t.” 

Up next on the schedule is a trip to Saudi Arabia to take on Bologna in the semi-final of the Supercoppa Italiana. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Napoli or Milan a few days later. 

“An important game lies ahead of us in Riyadh. We’re not looking at anything else,” Chivu said.

Inter once again have Lautaro Martinez to thank for a 2-1 victory away against Genoa in Serie A on Sunday evening, a result which has sent the Nerazzurri to the top of the league table. 

Check out the player ratings below! 

A surprise goal from centre-back Yann Bisseck and a second from captain Lautaro 10 minutes before the end of the first half were enough for Inter to cling onto despite Vitinha pulling one back for Genoa midway through the second half. 

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

Genoa 1-2 Inter: Player ratings!

Genoa: Leali 6; Marcandalli 6, Otoa 6, Vasquez 5.5; Norton-Cuffy 6, Frendrup 5, Malinovskyi 5, Ellertsson 6, Martin 6; Vitinha 6.5, Colombo 5.5.

Best Genoa player: Vitinha 6.5 – Provided the moment of quality that gave the Genoa supporters a brief moment of joy and the belief that they might get something more out of the game in the second half. He had so much work to do to create that goal for himself as well. 

Coach: Daniele De Rossi 6 – It was always going to be a difficult test against Inter, but Genoa weren’t really up to the task aside from their decent opening spell. Another tricky test against Atalanta now awaits them. 

Inter: Sommer 6; Bisseck 7, Akanji 6, Bastoni 6; L.Henrique 6, Barella 6, Zielinski 6.5, Sucic 6.5, C.Augusto 6; L.Martinez 7.5, Esposito 6. 

Best Inter player: Lautaro Martinez 7.5 – A goal, an assist and four shots on target from the Nerazzurri talisman this afternoon. His seventh in Serie A so far this season, the most in the division, and 11 goals including his four in the Champions League. Realistically, the game should have been out of reach for Genoa after his strike went in for 2-0 after 38 minutes. 

Coach: Cristian Chivu 7.5 – It’s been a relentless schedule for the Nerazzurri in recent weeks, and on a weekend where others have tripped up, Chivu got his selections right on Sunday, and is now sitting alone at the top of the Serie A table as a result. Arguably Inter’s most important victory of the season thus far.

Inter surged to the top of the Serie A table thanks to Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez, inflicting the first defeat on the Genoa bench for Daniele De Rossi.

The Nerazzurri were shaken by a controversial Champions League defeat to Liverpool, especially as Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi joined Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro on the treatment table. The Grifone were revitalised since Patrick Vieira’s dismissal, Daniele De Rossi overseeing two draws and two consecutive victories against Verona and Udinese. Leo Ostigard, Junior Messias, Hugo Cuenca, Maxwel Cornet and Benjamin Siegrist missed out, but Morten Frendrup returned.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

As Milan were held 2-2 by Sassuolo and Napoli lost 1-0 to Udinese, Inter knew a win here would leapfrog them to the top of the Serie A table. There was trouble an hour before kick-off when Genoa and Inter fans clashed outside the stadium, setting cars on fire and prompting police to deploy tear gas.

The hosts had a big early chance when Lorenzo Colombo got down the left and his pull-back was just beyond Vitinha sliding in from six yards.

Instead, Inter opened the scoring when Lautaro Martinez kept it in play at the by-line and found Yann Bisseck, as while Nicola Leali was expecting a cross, he was wrong-footed on a low drive drilled into the near bottom corner.

Carlos Augusto nodded wide and Lautaro Martinez tested Leali from the edge of the area, while Francesco Pio Esposito forced a save from the on-rushing goalkeeper when holding off Sebastian Otoa to reach a Nicolò Barella pass.

Inter doubled their lead when Barella’s cross-field pass sent Carlos Augusto down the left, he laid it off for Lautaro Martinez, who used his strength to turn Alessandro Marcandalli and smash the angled drive into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left boot.

Lautaro Martinez also fired straight at Leali after the restart and Bisseck nodded a corner wide, but Genoa got back into the game with a moment of real skill from Vitinha.

The former Olympique Marseille striker gathered from Aaron Martin down the left, flicked it on with his heel to get away from two Inter defenders, cut inside to dribble around Yann Sommer and deposit into an empty net.

Albert Gronbaek’s free kick was easy for Sommer, but far tougher for Leali to parry Marcus Thuram’s header on a corner at the near post.

Sommer was tested more in stoppages, smothering the Caleb Ekuban glancing header on Jeff Ekhator’s cross.

Genoa 1-2 Inter

Bisseck 6 (I), Lautaro Martinez 38 (I), Vitinha 68 (G)

14-12-2025 17:00

MatchDay 15

Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Genoa

Inter

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		6'		Yann Bisseck (Assist: Lautaro Martínez)
		38'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		54'		Manuel Akanji
Vitinha (Assist: Aarón Martín)		68'
		73'		Nicolò Barella
		78'		Yann Bisseck
Jeff Ekhator		90+2'

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

18

3

Shots on target

8

2

Shots off target

2

0

Blocked shots

8

1

Corners

6

0

Offsides

1

10

Fouls

20

Genoa

Inter

Starting lineups

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

15

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

89'

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

78'

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

58'

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

89'

9

Vitinha

Attacker

78'

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

74'

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

90'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

74'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

84'

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

Substitutes

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

8

Nicolae Stanciu

Midfielder

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

40

Seydou Fini

Attacker

76

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

35

Ernestas Lysionok

Goalkeeper

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

58'

11

Albert Grønbaek

Midfielder

78'

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

78'

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

89'

23

Valentín Carboni

Midfielder

89'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

60

Alain Taho

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

50

Simone Cinquegrano

Defender

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

74'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

74'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

84'

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

90'

There were some ugly scenes outside Marassi this evening ahead of Genoa vs. Inter, when two sets of fans threw objects at each other, attacked police, and cars were set on fire.

It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi, at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

According to Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia, there were clashes outside the stadium over an hour before kick-off.

What happened before Genoa vs. Inter

A group of Genoa ultras threw objects including fireworks at some Nerazzurri fans who were preparing to enter the away end of the stadium.

𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐨 𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬: 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐝𝐢 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐚-𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

Lancio di petardi e fumogeni dei genoani verso i tifosi nerazzurri

@tancredipalmeri #genoa #inter #sportitalia pic.twitter.com/eZFXBik8OW

— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) December 14, 2025

They responded by attempting to break down the barrier separating them, so police were forced to intervene and the situation degenerated.

At least one car was set on fire, while some fans were seen dealing with the effects of tear gas deployed by the authorities.

Continuano gli scontri prima di Genoa-Inter: macchine in fiamme all’esterno del Ferraris

@tancredipalmeri #GenoaInter #Sportitalia pic.twitter.com/YZqjcdlwhc

— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) December 14, 2025

Once calm was restored, a car, several motorbikes and some bins were left burned to a crisp.

Scontri al Ferraris prima di Genoa-Inter: le immagini dei clamorosi danni

1 camioncino, 1 motorino, 1 macchina e 7 cassonetti dati a fuoco

@tancredipalmeri #GenoaInter #Sportitalia pic.twitter.com/DVfCDfcClL

— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) December 14, 2025

Cristian Chivu is impressed with how Daniele De Rossi transformed Genoa and warns Inter they need ‘quality and intensity’ after surprise results already today.

It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi, at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There was some crowd trouble outside the stadium before kick-off, with clashes between sets of supporters and police.

Meanwhile, Inter know a victory could leapfrog them to the top of the table, because AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo today, while Napoli lost 1-0 away to Udinese.

Chivu concerned about Inter distraction

“We have to focus on ourselves, be ready to play what will not be an easy game, because Genoa are in a great period of form, are on home turf and feeling the energy of enthusiasm,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

Genoa have been revitalised under new coach De Rossi since he replaced Patrick Vieira, so has Chivu spoken to his old Roma teammate this week?

“We haven’t spoken this week, no. De Rossi transmitted character to his squad, but also quality, as they pass it around more and try to open up the opposition defences. Their strikers are doing well, so it’s going to be tough for us too.”

The last week has been a rollercoaster for the Nerazzurri, who had the best performance of the season thumping Como 4-0, but then lost to Liverpool in the Champions League thanks to an extraordinarily soft late penalty.

The biggest problem about that midweek defeat was fresh injuries to Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi, who both limped off during the first half and are therefore absent here.

“I expect to see a team aware of how important and difficult this match is going to be, because there will be moments when we need quality, others where we have to focus more on intensity,” concluded Chivu.

Inter are forced into changes in defence and midfield, while Francesco Pio Esposito partners Lautaro Martinez for the trip to Daniele De Rossi’s revitalised Genoa.

It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi, at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This has been a difficult few days for Cristian Chivu, as just after an exhilarating 4-0 victory over Como, he had to deal with a second consecutive Champions League defeat, this one to a ridiculously soft Liverpool penalty.

To make matters worse, Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi both limped off during that game and are out of action, along with Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro.

Changes are therefore forced, including Carlos Augusto stepping in on the left, with Piotr Zielinski and Petar Sucic in midfield.

Francesco Pio Esposito is chosen to partner Lautaro Martinez upfront.

Genoa have been revitalised since Daniele De Rossi replaced Patrick Vieira, earning two draws and back-to-back victories over Verona and Udinese to break out of the relegation zone.

Leo Ostigard, Junior Messias, Hugo Cuenca, Maxwel Cornet and Benjamin Siegrist are still out of action, but Morten Frendrup returns to midfield.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy scored last week and bolstered his transfer value, while Vitinha supports Lorenzo Colombo upfront, leaving Inter-owned Valentin Carboni on the bench.

Genoa vs. Inter line-ups

Genoa: Leali; Marcandalli, Otoa, Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Ellertsson, Martin; Vitinha, Colombo

Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Pio Esposito

14-12-2025 17:00

MatchDay 15

Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Genoa

Inter

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		6'		Yann Bisseck (Assist: Lautaro Martínez)
		38'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		54'		Manuel Akanji
Vitinha (Assist: Aarón Martín)		68'
		73'		Nicolò Barella
		78'		Yann Bisseck
Jeff Ekhator		90+2'

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

18

3

Shots on target

8

2

Shots off target

2

0

Blocked shots

8

1

Corners

6

0

Offsides

1

10

Fouls

20

Genoa

Inter

Starting lineups

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

15

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

89'

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

78'

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

58'

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

89'

9

Vitinha

Attacker

78'

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

74'

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

90'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

74'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

84'

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

Substitutes

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

8

Nicolae Stanciu

Midfielder

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

40

Seydou Fini

Attacker

76

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

35

Ernestas Lysionok

Goalkeeper

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

58'

11

Albert Grønbaek

Midfielder

78'

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

78'

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

89'

23

Valentín Carboni

Midfielder

89'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

60

Alain Taho

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

50

Simone Cinquegrano

Defender

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

74'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

74'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

84'

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

90'

Multiple sources confirm Juventus’ interest in Davide Frattesi, but Inter will likely ask for Khephren Thuram when, and if, negotiations begin.

Tuttosport newspaper reported earlier this week that Frattesi’s agent Beppe Riso had resumed talks with Juventus as the Inter midfielder seeks more playing time in the second part of the season.

Frattesi seeks Inter exit

The best Italy goal-scorer during the Luciano Spalletti era, Frattesi, will be glad to reunite with the ex-Azzurri boss, but negotiations between the two clubs might not be so easy.

Inter expert Pasquale Guarro and Gazzetta, in fact, claim that the Nerazzurri will likely ask for Khephren Thuram if Juventus knock on their door for Frattesi.

Inter eager to reunite the Thuram brothers

The move would allow the Nerazzurri to reunite the two Thuram brothers at San Siro, as Marcus has been playing for Inter since 2023.

According to Guarro, Khephren Thuram was already an Inter target last summer, alongside Roma’s Manu Kone and Atalanta’s Ederson.

The Nerazzurri ended up signing 22-year-old Andy Diouf last summer, but the Frenchman has only collected 150 minutes of football on the pitch this season.

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Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to partner with Lautaro Martinez in the Inter attack in an away game at Genoa.

It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at the Stadio Ferraris in Genoa.

Inter must cope without Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, Hakan Calhanoglu and third-choice goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro.

Maxwel Cornet, Benjamin Siegrist and Leo Ostigard are unavailable for the home side.

Acerbi’s injury means Yann Bisseck will join regular starters Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni in central defence.

Luis Henrique is expected to start as a right midfielder to replace Dumfries. Petar Sucic competes with Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a spot in central midfield, while Carlos Augusto is favourite over Federico Dimarco, according to Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta.

Italian media claim that Marcus Thuram will start on the bench, making room for Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez in attack.

Genoa vs. Inter – where to watch on TV

The match is available on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will cover today’s Serie A action with a liveblog.

Genoa vs. Inter – probable line-ups

Genoa (3-5-2): Leali; Marcandalli, Otoa, Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Thorsby, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Martin; Vitinha, Colombo.

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Pio Esposito.

The Supercoppa Italiana Final Four is coming up next week, so check the location, kick-off times, and the prizes at stake for Napoli, Inter, AC Milan and Bologna.

The format of the tournament remains the same after last season, so rather than be a traditional clash between the winners of the Scudetto and the reigning Coppa Italia holders, it is expanded to four teams.

All the matches take place at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Supercoppa Italiana 2025 schedule

The trophy holders therefore face the runners-up of the other competition, then the winning teams take on each other for the Final.

That means Napoli face AC Milan in one semi-final on Thursday December 18, kicking off at 20.00 GMT.

Bologna then play against Inter in the other semi-final on Friday December 19, also at 20.00 GMT.

The winners of these two matches then go head-to-head on Monday December 22, again at 20.00 GMT.

There is no extra time, so if two teams are level after 90 minutes, they go straight to a penalty shoot-out.

According to Calcio e Finanza, the total prize pot for the tournament is €22.5m, with the winners getting €9.5m plus a further €1.5m to play a friendly against the team that takes the Saudi Super Cup.

The two losing semi-finalists should get €2.4m each, while the beaten Finalist can expect €6.7m.

AC Milan won it last season, beating Inter 3-2 in the Final.

Denzel Dumfries hasn’t played a competitive match since November 9 and is not expected to return to action before January 2026, but next week he’ll have a specialist visit abroad, reports Gazzetta.

Inter defender Dumfries is not expected to play again in 2025 and will have a specialist visit abroad next week to receive a clear diagnosis.

Dumfries’ injury explained

The Netherlands international was subbed off after 56 minutes during Inter’s home game against Lazio on November 9 and has not returned to action since.

Dumfries had suffered a suspected sprain in his left ankle, and even if he joined his national team during the break last month, he was not involved in matches against Poland and Lithuania.

The right-back returned to Italy for treatment, and it was believed that he would have recovered for the derby against Milan on November 23, but that wasn’t the case.

Dumfires to miss Supercoppa Italiana Final Four

Gazzetta reports that Dumfries has been training in the gym and has tried to increase the workload, but the pain is still there.

Even MRI scans and other tests have not highlighted any particular damage to the injured ankle, so Inter have decided to change their approach, arranging consultations with several orthopaedic specialists focusing on ankle problems.

Next week, he’s expected to fly abroad for a specialist visit, but Dumfries is highly unlikely to return to action before January 2026, missing next week’s Supercoppa Final Four.

Cristian Chivu insists Inter are ‘having a great season, despite what people say,’ as they prepare to face a revitalised Genoa under his old Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi. ‘The reality is different to the narrative.’

It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi.

Hakan Calhanoglu limped off midweek against Liverpool and “has not resumed training yet,” while Francesco Acerbi, Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro are also out of action.

De Rossi has seen the Grifone surge up the standings since taking over from sacked Patrick Vieira and is hoping to keep that confidence going against an Inter side fresh from Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

Chivu stands up for his Inter record

“We need to be perfect, especially in terms of attitude against a team that found so much enthusiasm under a new coach,” said Chivu in his press conference.

“It has never been easy for Inter in this fixture, so we need to give it our all. I had four marvellous years at Roma, De Rossi was a captain without the armband, as Francesco Totti was still there at the time. I always admired his intelligence, he is a genuine guy who is very loyal.”

The defeat to Liverpool arrived in extremely controversial circumstances, with a penalty so soft that it made headlines around Europe.

How will Inter react to this feeling of profound injustice?

“With the same calm that marked my approach since the start of the season,” responded Chivu.

“We are aware that we’ve got to give our best every day, along with a little added focus, responsibility, passion and enjoyment.

“Despite what people say, in my view we are having a great season. It’s true, there are ups and downs, we’d like to remove the downs, but we are confident in our work.

“We are trying to learn from mistakes, but must not lose the confidence that we are having a great season. Excluding the Club World Cup, we have had 21 games where at most we got two halves wrong, but never a whole match.

“This squad wants to dominate and the reality on the field is different to the narrative that people want to paint about us.”

Inter have lost practically all the ‘big’ games against strong opponents, despite often creating more opportunities and having the majority of possession.

“We started the season under a magnifying glass, people said we were failures and we were finished, but we are still up there and that is not to be taken for granted considering what was said over the summer.

“Of course we have margin for improvement, but we never wanted to lose our identity, our hunger, our desire to be dominant in Serie A and Europe. We are on the right track, and that is the most important thing.

“Some might say that we ought to be more negative and defensive, going for the draw, but I don’t want us to lose our identity.”

The best performance of Chivu’s Inter was only last week, demolishing Como 4-0 at San Siro, but the coach disagrees.

“In terms of effort, we actually did more against Liverpool. Of course, with all due respect for Como, Liverpool can afford to spend €150m for one player, so it’s a very different level.

“However, in terms of overall performance, we were not inferior to Liverpool, so I will keep and build on the good things I saw there.

“We have to talk about the reality. I’ve been at Inter in one way or another for 20 years, so expectations are different to reality,” added Chivu.

“I do not evaluate the growth process based on one victory or one defeat. I don’t like labels, and too many of them are placed on Inter.”

Former Inter star Gianluca Pagliuca believes Guglielmo Vicario is a ‘very good goalkeeper’ but is not ‘top-class’ while Gigio Donnarumma is the best in the world.

La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Tottenham keeper Vicario is open to joining Inter next summer as the Nerazzurri will be looking for a replacement for Yann Sommer in 2026-27.

“It would be a good idea, with full respect for Sommer,” Pagliuca, a former Inter goalkeeper, told Gazzetta via Fcinter1098.it

‘Vicario not a top-class goalkeeper’

“Yann is a reliable goalkeeper and has experience. I don’t know what Inter want to do, but the fact that he’s been questioned over two mistakes seems a bit excessive to me.”

As for Vicario, the former Italy international seems to have clear ideas: “He’s a very good goalkeeper, the second choice for our national team. He has experience in Italy and also in the Premier League,” Pagliuca said.

“However, I don’t see him as a top-class player yet. He has experience because he’s been between the posts for a long time; he’s 29, but he doesn’t give me the feeling of being a top player.”

Pagliuca, Italy’s starting goalkeeper in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, also praised Inter’s second-choice goalkeeper Josep Martinez: “I really like him,” he said.

Pagliuca ranks the top three goalkeepers in the world

Lastly, he ranked the top-three goalkeepers in the world: “In an overall ranking of No.1s, I’d put Gigio [Donnarumma] first, then Courtois and then Dibu Martinez, who, I don’t know whether will remain in Birmingham.”

Pagliuca played for Sampdoria, Inter, Bologna and Ascoli in Serie A, collecting 592 appearances in Italy’s top flight.

The former goalkeeper won the Scudetto in 1990-91 with Sampdoria and the 1997-98 UEFA Cup, now Europa League, with Inter.

He retired after spending the last season of his career at Ascoli in 2006-07.

“İnter”in müdafiəçisi Denzel Dumfris gələn il komandanı tərk edə bilər. 29 yaşlı futbolçu bu yaxınlarda agentini dəyişib və artıq transfer bazarında onun maraqlarını tanınmış menecer Ali Barat təmsil edir.

Komanda.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, niderlandlı futbolçunun növbəti ilin yayında Milan klubundan ayrılma ehtimalı kifayət qədər yüksəkdir.

Onun “İnter”lə hazırkı müqaviləsinin müddəti 2028-ci ilin ortalarına qədərdir.

Dumfris cari mövsümdə Kristian Kivunun komandasında bütün turnirlərdə 15 oyuna çıxıb və 3 qol vurub.

The post Dumfris agentini dəyişib – “İnter”dən ayrıla bilər appeared first on Komanda.az.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario wants to join Inter next summer, but the Nerazzurri don’t want to pay more than €20m to sign the Italy international.

Italian goalkeeper Vicario is eager to join Inter next summer, according to the latest report of Gazzetta dello Sport.

Vicario wants Inter move

The pink paper had reported in November that Vicario wanted to leave Spurs at the end of the season and that the Nerazzurri were interested in securing his services.

Vicario is grateful to Tottenham but wants to return to Serie A in the summer, so the Nerazzurri will have to negotiate with Spurs, as the goalkeeper’s contract runs out in June 2028.

Vicario a long-time Inter target

According to the report, however, Inter are unwilling to invest more than €20m to sign the former Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper who was already a Nerazzurri target in 2023, before the 29-year-old completed a permanent move to North London.

Vicario has kept nine clean sheets in 22 Tottenham appearances this season.

He’s Italy second-choice keeper behind Gigio Donnarumma and has five international appearances to his name.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Offer for Juve

The crypto giants value the club at €1.1 billion. Exor: ‘It’s not for sale’

From Tether 725m for 65,4% of the club.

Vicario wants Inter

The Tottenham goalkeeper is getting closer. Dumfries’ warning.

Corriere dello Sport

Transfer market special

Gabriel Jesus, the bomb

The Arsenal centre-forward is back from an injury and can leave in January

Milan loom? Mainoo is open to Napoli. Lucca between Italy and abroad

Juve, Motta was better

Last season, they were closer to the top spot and had more points

The results in the opening 14 games have worsened with Tudor and Spalletti: fewer goals scored (18 to 22) and more vulnerable defence (14 to eight). Tether: ‘One billion ready for the club.’ Exor: ‘Not for sale.’

Lazio, Sarri looking for the tris: Cancellieri in the trident

De Rossi and Chivu, so many jokes

Tuttosport

Baroni, breakthrough or trouble

Under the eyes of the new director, the coach must send a strong signal after three consecutive losses. Lecce’s win over Pisa made the Granata slip to the 17th spot. Fans will protest against Cairo before the game.

One billion for Juve, Elkann says no

Tether’s offer will be rejected

The crypto company that has an 11,5% stake in the club aims for a majority stake. ‘Offer made with humility and a sense of belonging for the club and the fans.’ But Exor says no. Besides Ardoino’s move, there’s no confirmation regarding the desire to sell Juve. Yildiz’s family in Turin to negotiate the renewal. According to CIES, Kenan will be worth 140m in June.

‘De Rossi and Chivu two shy with success.’

Milan, Juve and Inter: ticket prices cap for the visitors

“İnter”in hücumçusu Lautaro Martines bu mövsüm A Seriyası çempionluğu uğrunda mübarizə haqda danışıb.

Komanda.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, argentinalı futbolçu bunu söyləyib:

“Biz “İnter”i yüksək səviyyəyə çatdırdıq. Skudetto? Biz “Napoli”, “Milan” və “Roma” ilə mübarizə aparacağıq. “Milan”ın çox bəyəndiyim baş məşqçisi var”.

“İnter” 14 oyundan sonra 30 xalla İtaliya çempionatının turnir cədvəlində üçüncü yerdədir. Komanda lider “Milan”dan və “Napoli”dən bir xal geridədir. “İnter” dekabrın 14-də, A Seriyasının 15-ci turu çərçivəsində “Cenoa” ilə səfərdə oynayacaq.

The post “Biz “İnter”i yüksək səviyyəyə çatdırdıq” appeared first on Komanda.az.

Lautaro Martinez is confident that promising Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito will become a ‘pillar’ of the Nerazzurri and the Italy national team: ‘He’s serious and humble.’

Pio Esposito returned to Inter last summer after a two-season loan spell at Serie B side Spezia.

Lautaro: Pio Esposito will ‘become a pillar of Inter and Italy’

A product of the Inter Academy, Esposito has netted three goals and provided three assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season and even made his senior Italy debut, netting three times in five games with the Azzurri.

“I know him quite well because he comes from the youth sector,” Lautaro told Gazzetta.

“He’s a serious and humble lad. Let’s leave him calm, and he’ll become a pillar of Inter and the Italy national team. Bonny also has strength and quality and is helping us.”

During the same interview, Lautaro argued that the Nerazzurri had suffered an “injustice” in their latest Champions League match against Liverpool: “If you lose due to a referee’s mistake, there’s not much you can do,” he said.

“İnter” itki ilə üzləşib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, komandanın müdafiəçisi Françesko Açerbi sıradan çıxıb. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

“Liverpul”la Çempionlar Liqası matçında (0:1) zədə alan Açerbi azı bir ay yaşıl meydanlardan uzaq qalacaq. 

Lautaro Martinez insists Inter lost to Liverpool earlier this week due to a ‘referee’s mistake’, but feels the Nerazzurri are ‘improving day by day.’

• Read more – Lautaro Martinez makes Pio Esposito prediction for Italy and Inter

A controversial Dominik Szoboszlai penalty allowed Liverpool to beat Inter in a Champions League match at San Siro on Tuesday.

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was punished for pulling Florian Wirtz’s shirt, and the German’s dramatic fall led to a VAR pitchside review that ultimately awarded the decisive spot-kick to the Reds.

Lautaro: Inter ‘disappointed but not angry’ after loss vs. Liverpool

“We are disappointed but not angry,” Lautaro told Gazzetta.

“Because if you lose due to a referee’s mistake, there’s not much you can do. We’re upset that we threw everything away because of an injustice. If penalties were given for every shirt pull, the game would never be played.”

Inter have lost two Champions League Finals in the last three years and suffered a huge blow this past May when they succumbed to a 5-0 defeat to PSG in Munich.

Have they entirely recovered from it?

“Defeats hurt a lot, but make you grow. I get really angry when I lose, but I also have to consider the quality of the opponent,” argued Lautaro.

“Anyway, we started again. Maybe some results haven’t been positive, but it takes time. There’s a new coach who is giving us a lot of energy. Maybe it’s not visible from the outside, but we know we are improving day by day.”

Lautaro Martinez revealed he recently began seeing a psychologist to help him stay balanced.

“I’m very happy I trusted a professional; it helped me a lot,” said the Inter captain.

“I understood that if someone attacks me, it’s often because they would like to be in my place. When I was young, I used to struggle with reading or hearing harsh words about me. Now I face them with more calm, and I enjoy my career.”

Lautaro: ‘No reason to leave’ Inter

Inter are just one point below Serie A leaders Milan and Napoli. Are they going to be their main rivals for the Scudetto?

“I’d include Roma too; they have a coach I really like,” Lautaro argued.

The Argentine star’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2029.

“My family and I feel very good here; we’ve set down roots in Milan. I’ve just signed a new contract, so I have no reason to leave,” Lautaro concluded.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Davide Frattesi’s agent has held preliminary talks with Juventus as the Inter midfielder seeks more playing time.

Juventus have reportedly resumed talks with Beppe Riso, the agent of Inter midfielder Frattesi.

The Italy international has been struggling with playing time this season, falling down Cristian Chivu’s pecking order.

Frattesi seeks more playing time

According to Tuttosport, the midfielder’s representative recently held talks with the Old Lady, who had already set her sights on the 26-year-old in previous years.

The Turin-based paper reports that Frattesi’s agent met Juventus representatives at the club’s headquarters.

Even if those directly involved described the meeting as a courtesy visit, it’s highly possible that the two parties made an initial approach ahead of the January transfer window.

Frattesi has only collected 480 minutes of football across all competitions this season, providing two assists in Coppa Italia against Serie B side Venezia.

Strong bond between Frattesi and Spalletti

However, his contract expires in June 2028 and Inter will be reluctant to sell the midfielder to a direct rival, so their asking price won’t be below €35m.

Frattesi is open to leaving Inter next month and is on good terms with Luciano Spalletti. The Inter midfielder was the best Italy scorer during the Tuscan coach’s tenure, finding the net seven times.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and a Thursday as lions

Italy fill up

Two super interviews: Modric and Lautaro

We are the Scudetto

The Rossonero: ‘Allegri knows how to manage stars, this Milan is a great dream.’

The Nerazzurro: ‘I’ve never been so strong, Inter are full of energy.’

Corriere dello Sport

Europa League and Conference: nine points in three games

Roma, Bologna and Viola: our ranking enjoys it

Ferguson’s brace, Gasp beats Celtic 3-0. Bernardeschi (two goals) knocks Celta down. Italiano wins 2-1. Kean and Gud: 2-1 to Dinamo.

Spalletti prisoner

Injuries and the system

Vlahovic’s injury and the infeasibility of switching to a four-man defence immediately.

He has another Juve in his head

Heavy absences and missing roles, but he’s only lost one game from nine. From Bremer to the growth process: Lucio projects the leap. David’s exam.

Lecce, DiFra calls Camarda

Survival showdown with Gilardino: Stulic out, the baby in. Morente for Pierotti.

Milan, Fulkrug, if Gimenez leaves

Loftus-Cheek is also on his way out in January, with moves for the German.

Tuttosport

Toro: the new director warns everyone, including the coach

Petrachi’s shake: ‘Baroni can and must give more’

Spalletti-Frattesi: Shall we try again?

Contact between Juve and the agent of the Inter midfielder, a trusted man of the coach in the national team.

The former CT would welcome Davide with open arms. The price is high, 35m, but his agent Riso talks about it with Comolli, eager to raise the quality in midfield. Meantime, the screams of the Bianconeri coach shake the Bianconeri dressing room. David challenges shyness off the pitch, the weight of the salary and Vlahovic’s ‘phantom.’ Those silences of the fans at the Allianz Stadium: behind the scenes.

Inter SOS defence: there’s Gila for Chivu

In January, Ausilio has 20m to 24m available and Lazio need to sell. Mlacic is in the frame, too.

Bernardeschi’s show: message to Juve

Bologna’s comeback win against Celta (2-1): the former Bianconero books a spot for Sunday. Super Roma at Celtic’s home:3-0. Kean and Gudmundsson get the Viola back up: 2-1 to Dinamo Kyiv.

Morata risks a three-month stop. Thrilling Pisa-Lecce tonight.

Italy have stepped even further clear of Spain, but are still locked in a battle with Germany for an additional spot in next season’s Champions League after the conclusion of Thursday night’s Europa and Conference League ties. 

It was a step in the right direction for Italy’s hopes of securing an additional Champions League spot for 2026-27, as all the Serie A representatives secured victories on Thursday night.

Fiorentina beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 in the Conference League early kick-off, before Roma’s 3-0 victory away against Celtic and Bologna’s 2-1 comeback victory against Celta Vigo in the Europa League. 

These add to Juventus’s 2-0 win over Pafos and Atalanta’s surprise 2-1 win over Club World Cup victors Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this week. Inter were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool in San Siro, while Napoli fell to a 2-0 defeat away against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica. 

Where Italy stands in race for extra Champions League spot

The situation leaves Italy in third place in the UEFA seasonal association coefficient rankings. This is what is used to determine which two nations receive an additional Champions League spot. 

The UEFA tables are expected to be officially updated on Friday, but figures provided by Sky Sport Italia show that Italy will be in third place on 11.071 points, behind Germany in second on 11.660 points and England in first with 13.166 points. 

Spain are in fourth with 10.609 points, with Portugal slightly behind them in fifth on 10.600 points. 

José Mourinho admits he would even ‘go to the Circo Massimo’ to celebrate the Serie A title with Roma, but ‘unfortunately’, only Milan, Inter and Napoli will fight for the Scudetto.

Benfica coach Mourinho admits he’d return to Italy to celebrate the Serie A title with Roma fans.

The former Inter and Roma boss was asked his thoughts on the Scudetto race at a post-match press conference last night, after a 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League, and, as usual, his reply was very honest.

Mourinho’s Serie A title prediction

“It’s tough. Inter have a top team and great potential, same as Napoli. Milan play once a week. They have a fantastic coach like Max [Allegri], who can coach in a way that Antonio [Conte] and Cristian [Chivu] can’t because they have many games to play,” Mourinho argued.

“Unfortunately, I think it will be among these three.”

Mourinho has made history with Inter, winning the treble in 2010 with Chivu in his team, so he felt he had to explain why he said ‘unfortunately.’

Mourinho supports Roma in Serie A title race

“I’d love it, and I’d even go to the Circo Massimo, but I don’t think so.”

The Circo Massimo is the place where Roma fans usually gather every time the team wins a trophy.

Mourinho knows how it feels to win for the Giallorossi, having lifted the Conference League in 2022.

• More from Mourinho’s press conference – Mourinho reveals McTominay’s gift: ‘The least he could do’

The Champions League Round 6 is in the history books, and we take a look at how many points Atalanta, Inter, Juventus and Napoli need to qualify for the next phase.

Juventus and Atalanta beat Pafos and Chelsea, respectively, in the latest round of the league phase of the Champions League, while Inter lost at home against Liverpool and Napoli were beaten by Benfica.

Currently, the best-ranked Serie A club in the Champions League table is Atalanta with 13 points, one more than Inter.

Champions League: Atalanta, Inter, Juventus and Napoli overview

Oddly, La Dea are the lowest-ranked in Serie A among the clubs competing in this season’s Champions League, as they sit 5th in the European competition and 12th domestically.

As reported by Gazzetta, Atalanta are already qualified for the knockout playoff, but with 13 points in six games, they have the destiny in their hands. With two wins in the remaining matches against Athletic Club (home) and Union Saint-Gilloise (away), Atalanta will surely qualify for the Round of 16, finishing in the top eight.

Inter, on the other hand, have 12 points, they sit sixth, but still need one point to have the certainty to qualify for the knockout playoff. Their next two games are against Arsenal (at home) and Borussia Dortmund (away), and the Nerazzurri would need to win both, possibly increasing their goal difference, to qualify for the Round of 16.

Juventus have won two consecutive matches against Bodo/Glimt and Pafos. They need one more against Benfica (at home) or Monaco (away) in January 2026 to be mathematically certain to be in the knockout playoff. Juventus currently sit 17th, and even if the top eight is just three points away, the Bianconeri would need two wins in the remaining matches and negative results from most of the teams above them in the table, so their destiny is not entirely in their hands.

Lastly, Napoli, the Serie A table leaders, but the lowest-ranked Italian team in the Champions League. The Partenopei have lost three European games from three away, conceding ten goals. They are currently ranked 23rd, and their next opponents are Copenhagen away and Chelsea at home. Copenhagen also have seven points, so a win would boost the Partenopei’s hopes to qualify for the knockout playoff, but won’t necessarily grant them a spot in the next phase with a game to spare, given that 11 points were necessary to qualify for the knockout playoff in 2024-25.

Champions League standings after Round 6

New Inter signing Andy Diouf contributed to Inter’s 5-1 win over Venezia in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, and the Frenchman’s versatility could offer him even more chances going forward.

Diouf scored his first goal for Inter on Wednesday, opening the account in a comfortable 5-1 win over Serie B side Venezia in the Coppa Italia Round of 16.

Diouf joined Inter last summer, but has been struggling with playing time so far, collecting just 144 minutes on the pitch. Technically, the 22-year-old was drafted in to boost Cristian Chivu’s options in central midfield, but Diouf has been tested in a different role in recent weeks at the Stadio Meazza.

The former Rennes man, in fact, played the last two games as a right midfielder. First in a Serie A match against Pisa, where he made a substitute appearance, playing for 23 minutes, and then against Venezia in Coppa Italia, when he played the full match and scored after just 18 minutes.

“I’m happy for those who played their first at San Siro, those Under-23 players who I knew pretty well,” Chivu said at full-time.

“I’m pleased for Andy Diouf, who had his first start and full 90 minutes, and scored a goal. There are many reasons to be happy this evening.”

As Chivu continues to shape Inter’s squad, Romanian gambling sites are buzzing with predictions on how far the coach can take the Nerazzurri, and other new signings have been instrumental in the team’s positive results so far this season.

One that surely stands out is Ange Bonny, who moved to San Siro from Parma and has proved to be a very reliable backup to starting strikers Marcus Thiram and Lautaro Martinez.

Bonny has collected five goals and six assists across all competitions this season, netting four times in Serie A and once in Coppa Italia.

Petar Sucic, a Croatian central midfielder, was obviously not as effective in the final third but has been showing great personality in replacing veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan and still grabbed one goal and two assists so far.

Luis Henrique, on the other hand, has been struggling more than the other newcomers, having failed to earn a starting spot even after Denzel Dumfries’ injury.

The Brazilian started as a left midfielder against Venezia in Inter’s latest Coppa Italia match. He showed promising improvements, but was still subbed off at minute 60, making room for the product of Inter academy Matteo Cocchi, who made his second appearance at a senior level for the Serie A giants.