Inter are the new Serie A leaders, but the top four are crammed within a three-point radius in the tight Scudetto race, while Fiorentina are increasingly isolated at rock bottom.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma attempts an overhead kick whilst under pressure from Nico Paz of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This is the last time for a while that we’ll have an accurate view of the Serie A standings, because the Week 16 fixtures are staggered so that Napoli, Inter, AC Milan and Bologna can participate in the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh.
It’s an opportunity for the likes of Roma, Juventus, Como and Lazio to put some pressure on the leading pack.
At the foot of the Serie A table, it’s a very different scenario, as Fiorentina have slipped four points behind everyone else, and are the only team left without a single victory.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Verona’s 2-1 win in Florence saw them leapfrog Pisa, but they remain in the drop zone, so Fiorentina are now a massive eight points adrift of safety represented by Parma, Genoa and Cagliari all on 14.
Gian Piero Gasperini feels the 1-0 victory over Como was Roma’s ‘best home performance of the season’ and assures he wouldn’t ‘settle for fourth place, but I’d be very happy with it.’
The Giallorossi were feeling the pressure after back-to-back 1-0 defeats in Serie A to Napoli and Cagliari, even though they got back on track in the Europa League with Thursday’s 3-0 win over Celtic.
It was a tough test against Cesc Fabregas’ Como and the only goal of the game was scored by Wesley Franca, firing through Alex Valle’s legs on the Matias Soulé lay-off.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, hugs Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Undoubtedly, Soulé had a great performance, but this evening I’d struggle to find someone who didn’t,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was a good performance from both teams, otherwise you don’t get this kind of intensity, this battle with each trying to win using their characteristics. If you leave Como space on the counter, they can hurt you with their pace.
“I think it was the best game we’ve had at home so far this season, so I’m glad the fans were able to enjoy this match.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates with teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma have now taken the lead on nine occasions in Serie A this season and gone on to win all of them, whereas all their defeats have been by 1-0 scorelines.
They have the strongest defensive record in the league, conceding only eight times in 15 rounds.
“We’ve been solid since the start and even when we lose, they tend to be very tight matches. This is our characteristic and our strength,” noted Gasperini.
“Having said that, in recent weeks we’ve started to create a lot more opportunities too, and tonight we had significantly more than Como. We were much more dangerous and the win could’ve been by a bigger scoreline.
“We’re still lacking something in the finish and the final ball, but the team created a lot and played with quality.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This result means that Roma consolidated fourth place, but closed to within a point of Napoli, two of AC Milan and three of new leaders Inter.
Would Gasperini be happy now to take fourth place come the end of the season?
“I never settle early,” he laughed, “but I would be very happy with that! More than the final position, I want to focus on us putting in this kind of performance. We have incredible fans, we can sense something extra when we get a deserved victory. There is an extra enthusiasm and it is contagious, so we needed that on home turf.
“This has to be the main objective, then the results come after that.”
Can Roma challenge for the Scudetto this season or are there other teams far better equipped to go for the title?
“It’s an understandable viewpoint, but these lads give their heart and soul. In theory there are stronger players in other teams, but do they have the same spirit, the same work ethic and participation?” responded Gasperini.
“At this moment, we are a good team. We’re working to get better, I saw in the head-to-head clashes, including tonight, that it’s never easy for anyone against us. We hope to continue with this spirit.”
“I saw a really physical side, the kind of characteristics we are lacking, so either you get the ball on the ground and play, or you struggle,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am proud that the team was competitive to the end, maybe we deserved a goal, but Roma deserve congratulations for playing with physicality. They have an excellent player in Matias Soulé, who I believe will be a huge player in future, so we should enjoy seeing him in Italy. I think he’s a player of a very high level, and he made the difference today.”
Without injured Alvaro Morata, Sergi Roberto, Alberto Dossena and Edoardo Goldaniga, plus suspended Maxi Perrone, Fabregas initially opted to use Nico Paz as a False 9.
“Nico Paz had fever for three days and didn’t train, so we rather forced him to play, as we didn’t have many options today,” revealed the Como coach.
Fabregas will not complain about referee
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, hugs Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
They struggled to create chances, and were then forced to bring on Tasos Douvikas after 37 minutes when Assane Diao went off injured.
“These are matches where either you run straight at them, as we did with Assane in the first half, then Posch in the second, or they block you off. It’s about who wins the most individual duels, and today Roma won more, especially in midfield.
“Serie A has the least amount of time with the ball rolling, but that’s because it is so physical, with so many individual duels all over the pitch. The referee wanted to let play run a bit more today, quite rightly, so this is something we can improve on.”
COMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
With regards to the referee letting play run, he did not stop when Jayden Addai was down injured in the build-up to the Roma goal.
Usually this would lead to furious arguing, but Como accepted the decision and did not protest. Did he expect Roma to put it out of play?
“He hurt himself, it’s difficult for a player. You have to be extremely honest to put the ball out in that situation, I think 99 per cent of players wouldn’t put it out, so it’s only fair to carry on. The football world has changed with VAR, so we have to keep going and then wait and see, we can’t hang around,” noted Fabregas.
“It was just bad luck, nothing malicious.”
COMO, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Assane Diao of Como 1907 in action during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Sudtirol at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on August 16, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Diao pulled up clutching his thigh after a sprint on goal and limped off after 37 minutes, which puts him at huge risk of missing the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
“Diao hurt his flexor during that strong run on goal. It’s really difficult to be honest in these post-match comments, because we get attacked either way, but I will try,” noted Fabregas.
“I am a huge fan of international teams, I am really glad when my players are called for international duty, it’s a big thing for a player. I just asked for a little common sense for them not to call him, because this is a player who barely featured for eight months as he keeps getting hurt and can find no consistency.
“He probably shouldn’t have played today either, but I picked him because he’s leaving tomorrow and I won’t have him for five weeks, so we pay his wages, at least let him play for us a bit.”
What made it an unpleasant conversation with the coach of Senegal?
“It’s that he said if Diao doesn’t come with us, he won’t go to the World Cup. That’s not fair, it plays on the fears of the player, he is 20 years old and has a whole career ahead of him. I don’t agree with this, it was not fair and not right,” concluded Fabregas.
Gianluca Mancini explains what happened with Jacobo Ramon and Cesc Fabregas in that tense ending to Roma’s win over Como. ‘I had a lot more respect for older players.’
The Giallorossi were in need of a boost after back-to-back Serie A defeats to Napoli and Cagliari, both by 1-0 scorelines.
They managed to win this time by the same result, as Wesley Franca fired his angled drive between the legs of Alex Valle to secure the victory.
Mancini in thick of Roma-Como action
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates with teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“I think we were first to every ball, we absolutely dominated the first half, and it’s really rare to see Como with so little possession,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.
“We weren’t able to make that domination count, but in the second half we kept up the tempo, scored with Wesley and had a few risks, but over the course of the full 90 minutes, it was absolutely a deserved win.”
There was tension in the final moments of the match, as Mancini seemed to shoulder barge Jacobo Ramon in an off the ball incident, then the two started arguing.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma looks dejected after the team’s defeat in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
After the final whistle, the problems continued, and the Italian was in an intense conversation with Como coach Fabregas as they tried to explain their respective positions.
“There was a collision with Ramon, it was normal, but he got back up and grabbed me by the neck,” explained Mancini.
“When I was 20 years old like him, I had a lot more respect for older players, otherwise I would’ve got a slap in the tunnel. I told Ramon to calm down, but he kept going. Adrenaline can fuel this sort of thing, but it’s all in the past now.
“With the coach, we cleared the air, and that’s all.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Wesley of AS Roma (R) celebrates with teammate Devyne Rensch after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This result means that Roma consolidate fourth place, but above all they close to within three points of new Serie A leaders Inter.
They are just one behind Napoli and two adrift of AC Milan, making for a very tight Scudetto race.
“This is what the coach asks for, this kind of intensity, I’m very happy with the goal, but above all for the performance and victory,” Wesley told Sky Sport Italia.
It is already the third Serie A goal of the season for the right-back, who was not exactly prolific throughout his career.
“I am really pleased with the goals. Director Massara asked me how many goals I scored for Flamengo, I said four, he joked I needed to double that with Roma. I hope to manage it. I came here to help the team, hopefully with goals too.”
Wesley Franca got the only goal to set Roma back on track in Serie A and inflict the second consecutive defeat on Como, who lost Assane Diao to a new injury.
The Giallorossi were coming off back-to-back Serie A defeats that saw them slide down the standings, but won on Thursday in the Europa League away to Celtic, with Evan Ferguson scoring twice. With Paulo Dybala not fully fit, Artem Dovbyk injured, Zeki Celik suspended, and Neil El Aynaoui on AFCON duty, Ferguson was again upfront. Como made changes after their 4-0 loss to Inter, as Alvaro Morata, Sergi Roberto, Alberto Dossena and Edoardo Goldaniga were injured, with Maxi Perrone suspended. Assane Diao and Evan Ndicka had permission to delay their AFCON departure, but Nico Paz was surprisingly moved into a False 9 role.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, hugs Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lorenzo Pellegrini’s free kick was knocked down by Mario Hermoso for a mad scramble, then Wesley wasted from a promising position by ballooning over the bar.
Matias Soulé saw his strike charged down by Marc-Oliver Kempf, but there were chances at both ends in one move. Pellegrini’s acrobatic attempt on a corner found Ndicka for an effort charged down by Jacobo Ramon, so Diao sprinted away on the counter-attack, shrugged off two, until Devyne Rensch got back in time for the decisive block.
Diao pulled up just as he was finishing that run and limped off a few minutes later with a muscular injury, putting him in doubt for the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Martin Baturina made a crucial block to deflect Ferguson’s finish over the bar at the end of a well-worked team move, then moments later Ferguson prodded a Wesley assist straight at Jean Butez.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Devyne Rensch of AS Roma is challenged by Martin Baturina of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Como threatened in first half stoppages when a free kick was flicked on by Kempf for Tasos Douvikas, forcing Mile Svilar to rush off his line and palm it away from close range.
Straight after the restart, Soulé nodded onto the upright and Bryan Cristante fired in the rebound, but none of it mattered because Pellegrini was offside on the initial cross.
Como threatened too, as Svilar had to scramble across to claw the deflected Douvikas shot away from Baturina at the back post. On the resulting corner, Nico Paz saw his volley charged down, and the Lucas Da Cunha follow-up was deflected wide.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Nico Paz of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma broke the deadlock when Como had Addai down hurt near the corner flag after diving into a tackle, as the move continued with a cross that Soulé laid off for Wesley, his daisy-cutter going through Alex Valle’s legs into the far bottom corner.
Ferguson’s angled drive flashed wide, while Jesus Rodriguez swung a dangerous ball across the face of goal that no Como teammates could connect with.
Ndicka made a decisive sliding block from six yards on Stefan Posch, while Posch also hit the side-netting after an Ignace van der Brempt strong run. Leon Bailey forced a fingertip save from Butez at the near post in added time.
There was tension at the final whistle with a row between Gianluca Mancini, who shoulder barged Jacobo Ramon off the field, and the Como players. It continues with an intense conversation between Mancini and Cesc Fabregas.
Como coach Cesc Fabregas said he had an ‘unpleasant’ conversation with Senegal about using Assane Diao against Roma, so that could get nastier after the striker limped off injured, putting him at risk for AFCON.
This is the final fixture of Serie A Week 15, so in theory the players going to the Africa Cup of Nations should be available for their club football.
However, as it was scheduled for the Monday evening, it falls beyond the limit where FIFA can force them to release these stars to international duty.
Diao doesn’t last long for Como
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Diao of Como Calcio looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Como at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Roma were given permission by the Ivory Coast to field Evan Ndicka, but not Morocco to use Neil El Aynaoui this evening.
He had been sprinting from his own half on the counter-attack when he pulled up, so depending on test results, has to be a major doubt to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Botswana on December 23.
Cesc Fabregas explains his unusual tactical changes with a new Nico Paz role for Como against Roma, but jokes he could ‘defend for the whole game today.’
Fabregas said after the 4-0 defeat to Inter that he would not change his approach, even if it was risky, but he has made some big adjustments this evening.
Some were forced, as Maxi Perrone is suspended, with Alvaro Morata, Sergi Roberto, Alberto Dossena and Edoardo Goldaniga injured.
Tasos Douvikas was expected to start upfront, but instead Nico Paz seems to be a False 9.
Fabregas outlines different Como vision
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Cesc Fabregas Como 1907 head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“We played that way last season against Gasperini’s Atalanta, it went well. We need solutions, because Alvaro Morata is out for two months, Diao is heading to the Africa Cup of Nations tomorrow, so we will have only three players for four roles and must find options for the future.”
A victory here would put Como level on points with Roma in joint fourth place, and before the defeat to Inter, they had been unbeaten in 11 Serie A rounds.
COMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 28: Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
These are the teams with the most aggressive press in Serie A so far this season, and the highest average possession statistics.
“We might change and defend for the whole game today,” joked Fabregas.
“We’ll see what we prepared. We are up against a great team, a great coach, and we must do very well to win here.”
Roma director Ricky Massara insists it is ‘premature’ to talk about Evan Ferguson’s future at the club and shrugs off questions about Joshua Zirkzee talks with Manchester United.
The game with Como kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Fans of AS Roma show thier support by displaying flags prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on November 30, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi need a boost after back-to-back Serie A defeats to Napoli and Cagliari, as a win here would see them close the gap on the leading group.
However, Como are just three points behind them, so a loss would allow Cesc Fabregas to catch them in joint fourth place.
Surprisingly, the Lariani appear to be using Nico Paz as a False 9 with Alvaro Morata out injured.
Massara on Roma strategy for 2026
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“It is not just Nico Paz, they have a lot of talent upfront and it is a dangerous game, as they already showed their quality and entertaining style of football,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.
Ferguson gets the nod upfront after scoring two goals in Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League victory over Celtic in Glasgow, so does this change Roma’s idea about buying him outright from Brighton and Hove Albion for the €38m clause?
“It is very premature to talk about this. We are happy that Evan is doing well, he is getting back to the levels that we knew. He was stalled by a few fitness issues, so he needs consistency, he did very well on Thursday and we hope he’ll repeat that performance this evening.”
There were also rumours that Roma were ready to send Ferguson back to Brighton midway through the loan spell in January.
“As I said, we are satisfied with what he is starting to do, and all this speculation certainly didn’t come from us. It is opportune to focus on the current games.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on during a Manchester United training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Carrington Training Ground on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Massara was asked about the recent trips to London, which it was assumed were for negotiations with Manchester United and striker Zirkzee.
“We have three games yet to play, so it’s premature to talk about the January transfer market too. The trips to Britain were for the important games against Rangers and Celtic,” insisted Massara.
Former coach Claudio Ranieri has become a director this season, so how does it feel talking strategy with Ranieri and Gian Piero Gasperini?
“It’s fantastic, because when we sit around the table, there are circa 2,000 matches behind them. They are two wonderful characters who achieved magnificent things in their career and are continuing to do so, I realise that I am in a privileged position.”
Evan Ferguson and Matias Soulé lead the way for Roma, who lost a battle with Morocco for Neil El Aynaoui, as they go head-to-head with Nico Paz in a new False 9 role for Como.
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between AS Roma and FC Midtjylland at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This is the concluding fixture in Serie A Week 15 and could have important ramifications on the top spots.
A victory would allow Roma to close up on the leading pack, but a defeat would see them caught in joint fourth place by Como.
The Giallorossi are in dire need of a boost after back-to-back Serie A defeats to Napoli and Cagliari, although they did get back on track in the Europa League on Thursday with their 3-0 win away to Celtic.
Ferguson scored twice in that match and wants to ride the wave of enthusiasm, especially as Paulo Dybala is only ready for the bench.
Zeki Celik was sent off in Sardinia and is therefore suspended, with Artem Dovbyk injured and Angelino back on the bench after two months out with pneumonia.
Evan Ndicka was given permission to delay his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations, but Morocco refused to let El Aynaoui stay in the squad.
Roma defender Obite Evan Ndicka looks on during the Italian Serie A football match between AS Roma and Torino on February 26, 2024 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)
Como are coming off a thumping 4-0 defeat to Inter, but had been unbeaten in 11 Serie A rounds before that.
They have a similar problem with AFCON duty, but were given permission to keep hold of Assane Diao until tomorrow, while Maxi Perrone is suspended.
Alvaro Morata, Sergi Roberto, Alberto Dossena and Edoardo Goldaniga are also out of action.
Tasos Douvikas was expected to lead the attack, with support from Jayden Addai, Nico Paz and Diao.
Instead, it looks as if Nico Paz will be moved into a False 9 role, with Martin Baturina stepping in behind him, although Diao could also be the centre-forward.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 24: Jayden Addai (L) of Como 1907 celebrates with teammate Nico Paz (R) after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on November 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The last time Inter were alone on top of the Serie A table was mid-April 2025, when after the Week 32 fixtures they had 71 points to Napoli’s 68.
The Scudetto race took a twist in Week 33 on April 20 when Inter lost 1-0 at Bologna, while Napoli won 1-0 at Monza to catch them.
Inter followed that with a home defeat to Roma, but Napoli stalled with a 2-2 draw against Genoa, closing the gap to one point at the end of Week 36.
That is how it remained for the final two games, Napoli taking the title.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Napoli makes a clearance kick during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Looking at the statistics, it is unusual for Inter to be top this season when they lost four of the opening 12 rounds.
They are flying high because Cristian Chivu’s side have the most wins with 11 and zero draws.
In comparison, Milan won only nine, drew five and lost the opening game against Cremonese.
Napoli won 10, more than the Rossoneri, but only had one stalemate and four defeats.
Santiago Gimenez is still no closer to his AC Milan comeback six weeks after an ankle injury, and there are reports he could require surgery.
The Mexico international has not played since limping off during the Serie A match away to Atalanta on October 28.
His ankle had already flared up over the summer during international duty for the Gold Cup, and weeks go by without much significant progress from conservative treatment.
No sign of recovery for Gimenez
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates with team mates Davide Bartesaghi and Samuele Ricci after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Gimenez has flown back to the Netherlands, where he had already worked with Feyenoord, for a specialist consultation.
According to MilanNews.it, there is the distinct possibility that he could go under the knife to resolve this problem once and for all.
With the 2026 World Cup coming up next summer, co-hosted by Mexico, the USA and Canada, he has to take that into consideration as well as his faltering club career at San Siro.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Gimenez will not be part of the Milan squad travelling to Riyadh tomorrow for the Supercoppa Italiana, where they face Napoli on Thursday in the semi-final.
All these fixtures kick off at 19.00 GMT at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 02: A general view of the light show prior to the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on January 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
It is the Final Four format for the Supercoppa Italiana, so the holders of the Serie A title and Coppa Italia play against the runners-up in the other tournament.
A winner is decided after 90 minutes, or they go straight to a penalty shoot-out.
Supercoppa Italiana referees appointed
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Luca Zufferli referee gestures during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Verona at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 10, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Napoli vs. AC Milan on Thursday night will be officiated by Luca Zufferli, with Gianluca Aureliano as his VAR.
Imperiale and Rossi are the assistants, with Pezzuto as the fourth official.
The other semi-final between Bologna and Inter on Friday goes to referee Daniele Chiffi, who is supported in the VAR booth by Fabio Maresca.
Rossi and Fontemurato hold the flags on the touchline, with Dionisi as the fourth official.
Davide Calabria is continuing his career at Panathinaikos, but feels bitter over how his experience at AC Milan ended. ‘Honestly, I no longer wanted to have to deal with certain people.’
The 29-year-old had spent his entire football life in the Rossoneri jersey, coming up through their youth academy, climbing to the senior squad and even becoming captain.
VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 17: Davide Calabria of AC Milan celebrates with the fans after the team’s victory during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Everything has a beginning and an end in life, so it was going to happen sooner or later,” Calabria told Rivista Undici.
“I had hoped it would be later, but I am super proud to have been at Milan for so many years. Not many can say that, especially coming through the youth academy, becoming captain and winning trophies.
“My teammates changed, so did the coaches, directors and club owners, but I remained. I have no regrets about that, I am proud of my experience there. As a child who supported Milan, I never dreamed that I could one day become captain.
“I entered into a Milan squad that was not what the club had been accustomed to, and I left a team that was challenging for the Scudetto and other silverware.”
How Calabria rapport with AC Milan broke down
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Davide Calabria of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The turning point was without doubt that public row with Conceicao, which happened on the pitch after the final whistle of their 3-2 comeback victory over Parma.
The pair got into a heated argument and had to be separated by other players, it was to be his final match for the club.
“It ended the way it ended. There were things that hurt everyone really, during a season that was bad due to certain factors,” explained Calabria.
“I think I lost more than anyone from that situation, perhaps I loved Milan too much and struggled to just shrug some things off. Those months were tough, until the bitterness burst out and the decision was made to go our separate ways.
“It had become difficult to handle, we needed to do something. It was not at all my intention to leave Milan. You all know what happened, even if nobody will say it out loud.”
epa11966596 AC Milan’s head coach Sergio Conceicao reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Como at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 15 March 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO
Sergio Conceicao was already their second coach of the campaign after Paulo Fonseca was sacked in December 2024, just months after Stefano Pioli’s dismissal.
“After so many years, it saddened me to leave over some unpleasant incidents,” added Calabria.
“I think those moments rather ruined my image a little, not that I even did anything particularly wrong… I was the captain, I cared too much, and many people would come and let their frustrations out with me. By talking and having respect, you improve, but perhaps that turned against me during that period.
“In any case, I prefer to live and die by my own ideas than with someone else’s. I had to accept it, and honestly I no longer wanted to have to deal with certain people. There were few other options, I could’ve been frozen out of the squad, or I had to leave.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Davide Calabria of Bologna gestures during the Serie A match between Bologna and Torino at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Calabria joined Bologna on loan and he revealed an anecdote from Rossoblu director Gigi Sartori.
“I was told that Sartori joked with my ex-agent: ‘If he should ever argue with the coach, be known that we are here and ready.’ Well, two days later, you all saw what happened, unfortunately…
“It was really embarrassing and unpleasant, I honestly couldn’t explain it. The situation was quite delicate.”
Milan also gave Calabria very little time to give a proper farewell to what had been his home for decades.
“It all happened so fast, it was quite surreal. I would leave Milanello and never set foot in it again. I really struggled to accept that after so many years, thinking I might never see these people again, that the workers and my teammates were asking me not to go. To the fans, who I consider the best in the world. Never wearing the shirt of the club I love so much again.
“It was all such a tough blow to deal with. When I got the news I had to leave, I had one last tour of the training ground and cried a lot, people were incredulous that it was really happening. I gathered my things and left, after 12 years. It hurt, but I had to accept it so I could move on.”
AC Milan defender #19 Theo Hernandez, AC Milan’s Dutch midfielder #14 Tijani Reijnders, AC Milan’s Italian defender #02 Davide Calabria and AC Milan’s Serbian forward #15 Luka Jovic react at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between Unione Sportiva Sassuolo and AC Milan at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, on April 14, 2024. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP) (Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images)
Calabria got his revenge, as later that season he’d be in the Bologna team that beat Conceicao’s AC Milan to win the Coppa Italia.
At the end of his contract, he joined Panathinaikos as a free agent, but remains a staunch supporter of the Rossoneri.
“This Milan side can challenge for the Scudetto, they finally have someone in Max Allegri who can create and protect a united group, set the solid defensive foundations. Allegri is a winner, he has experience, and having only one game per week certainly helps too. I’d have liked to be coached by him, aside from anything else, his communication style really makes me laugh.”
Roma have lost their appeal to use Neil El Aynaoui in tonight’s Serie A match against Como, as Morocco refused permission, but Evan Ndicka and Assane Diao will play.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
This is the final match of Serie A Week 15 and in theory the players who have been called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty should be available to their clubs until the conclusion of the round.
However, as this game is scheduled for a Monday evening, it technically falls outside the parameters and their nations can withdraw them.
El Aynaoui out of Roma squad, Ndicka stays in
Roma defender Obite Evan Ndicka looks on during the Italian Serie A football match between AS Roma and Torino on February 26, 2024 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)
Roma asked permission to both Morocco for El Aynaoui and the Ivory Coast for Ndicka.
While the defender was allowed to remain because the first Ivory Coast match against Mozambique isn’t until December 24, Morocco won their appeal to FIFA to call in El Aynaoui as they open up the tournament against Comoros on December 21.
It means the midfielder won’t be in the squad for Roma tonight.
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 19: Assane Diao of Como scores his team’s advantage goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and Como at Stadio Via del Mare on April 19, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Juan Cabal explains his goal celebration after giving Juventus victory against Bologna, while Lloyd Kelly admits they ‘had to play our best football’ tonight.
The Bianconeri needed a boost after last week’s 1-0 defeat to Napoli, and knew this was a crucial head-to-head for European places, as they were two points behind Bologna.
It was substitute Cabal who proved decisive with a free header on the Kenan Yildiz short corner routine, followed five minutes later by Torbjorn Heggem seeing red for bringing down Lois Openda.
Cabal and Kelly evaluate Juventus win
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Juan Cabal of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I swapped shirts with Bernardeschi, who played for Juve, so I wanted his shirt. He was at Juventus, I saw him play a lot, and wanted to bring home the shirt as well as the three points. The team gave their all today,” Cabal told DAZN Italia after the final whistle.
He seemed to celebrate by kissing his wrist, so what was the meaning behind that gesture?
“I kissed the tattoo with my son’s name, I got it done recently, and he brought me good luck.”
Cabal has struggled for regular playing time so far this season and Luciano Spalletti wants more consistency from the wing-back.
“The coach wants a lot from me, because he knows I have much to give this team and I work really hard all week.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lloyd Kelly of Juventus is challenged by Thijs Dallinga of Bologna during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United defender Kelly also spoke to DAZN Italia after the success at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“It is a very important win, we know it’s a difficult game. We had to play our best football to be able to come away with a win today,” Kelly told DAZN Italia.
Gleison Bremer made his comeback as a substitute this evening, his first appearance since facing Atalanta on September 27, but Teun Koopmeiners was booked and will be suspended next week against Roma.
“It’s nice to have Bremer back, we know he’s an important player for Juventus, and I’m sure he’s happy to be back with the team too.”
Vincenzo Italiano insists the defeat to Juventus ‘does not diminish’ Bologna and their campaign, as they couldn’t recover from the double whammy of goal and red card.
The Rossoblu have really hit problems in Serie A during recent weeks, as this was their second consecutive home defeat after the 3-1 to Cremonese, and they have just one point from the last three rounds.
It was a free header from Juan Cabal on a short corner that proved decisive, followed five minutes later by the red card for Torbjorn Heggem as he brought down Lois Openda.
Italiano recognises Bologna strengths and weaknesses
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We were up against a strong opponent that found itself ready in the big moments, with the physicality of Thuram, the experience of Locatelli, the dynamism of Cambiaso and McKennie,” Italiano told DAZN Italia.
“In my view we were in the thick of the game, we created chances and lost it on a set play. We then made life complicated for ourselves with the red card, but we were right in it up until then.”
There were some defensive weaknesses on show, not just on the corner for the goal, but also struggling with long balls over the top.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, greets Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We should’ve been a bit quicker to isolate Cambiaghi and Orsolini on the wings, but when you are too slow to create those overlaps, McKennie and Cambiaso get back to make it a five-man defence.
“As for the long ball, we can struggle at times, but Heggem got the ball stuck under his feet and wasn’t aggressive enough to clear, so he ended up running into the player. We made too many mistakes overall, a few too many touches and passes,” continued Italiano.
“It can happen when you’ve had this many games, we arrived home on Friday at 5am and had only one training session to prepare. That’s not an alibi, because we had that other times and won, but just being in the game for so long I think was good.
“All those who played on Thursday were struggling, because it was raining so hard in Vigo and the pitch was very heavy, so I had to rotate and preferred to start those who were at 100 per cent.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lois Openda of Juventus is challenged by Emil Holm of Bologna during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna did manage to give their Europa League prospects a significant boost on Thursday with a 2-1 victory away to Celta Vigo, but despite squad rotation this evening, they seemed to lack sharpness.
“We perhaps weren’t as precise as usual, but Juve deserve credit for making us struggle and run hard tonight. Perhaps with these three big games one after another, some fatigue set in, but this result does not diminish the team at all,” added Italiano.
“We’re disappointed to have lost this evening, but we lost against a Juventus side who will challenge for the top spots this season and our journey continues. We are in the Supercoppa Italiana next week and we must be proud of that.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Torbjorn Heggem of Bologna leaves the pitch after being shown a red card during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Now Italiano will travel to Saudi Arabia for the Supercoppa Italiana, where they take on Inter in the semi-final, as they are the Coppa Italia holders and will therefore face the runners-up of the Scudetto.
The other semi-final is between Napoli and AC Milan, with the two winners going head-to-head on December 22.
Luciano Spalletti insists the victory over Bologna was ‘the most important’ of his Juventus career so far, but notes where Juan Cabal, Lois Openda and Jonathan David can improve.
The Bianconeri knew the importance of this fixture, as they were two points behind Bologna in the Serie A table, so it was a head-to-head for European places.
Was this the most important victory of Spalletti’s time at the club so far?
“Absolutely, because we were facing a team that has an identity, quality and enthusiasm, they were built well and even down to 10 men made it difficult for us,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.
“Having won here means even more for my players, and they must be congratulated this evening. They did really well.”
Spalletti saw Juventus progress
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Juan Cabal of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Both sides had chances in the first half, but the game changed in the space of five minutes when first substitute Cabal nodded in a Kenan Yildiz cross on a corner, then Torbjorn Heggem saw red for bringing down Openda.
“I had seen things done well in training, and told the directors that I saw the players energetic and reacting well in training. We needed a performance that could give them confidence, and I hope after this we can continue to improve,” continued Spalletti.
“Aside from the goal, the overall performance needs to be evaluated in football. Juventus were in the heart of the game for 90 minutes tonight, battled for every ball, went beyond these individual duels that Bologna force you into, and this bodes well for the future.
“Cabal must learn to keep some of his emotions in check. He is like a pedigree horse with his strength and ability to sprint repeatedly, he has talent with back-heel flicks, but talent is also repeating the 100 metre runs 20 times. He doesn’t mind being in one-on-one situations, is good in the air, but in the games he played so far he wasn’t precise enough for his talent, so I had to be hard on him.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Openda was another substitute who made an impact tonight, as he fought hard and got Heggem sent off, but also missed some sitters.
“I liked his performance. Openda is a different player to Jonathan David, who frankly seems more like a second striker to me than a centre-forward, as he combines with teammates. Openda has more power, and probably against teams like Bologna feels more at ease, because he can run at them with sheer pace when those spaces open up,” concluded Spalletti.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, greets Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This result means Juventus climb above Bologna into fifth place awaiting Como’s trip to Roma tomorrow, while they also steadied the Champions League ship with a midweek 2-0 win over Pafos.
Gleison Bremer made his comeback after two months out, but Teun Koopmeiners was booked and will therefore be suspended next week against Roma.
Juan Cabal came off the bench to snatch all three points for Juventus against 10 men, continuing the dire Bologna record in this fixture, and leapfrogging them into fifth place.
This was a direct battle for position, as the Rossoblu were two points ahead in the table. Juve lost last week to Napoli, but boosted their Champions League chances in a midweek win over Pafos. Daniele Rugani and Gleison Bremer were back on the bench, but Dusan Vlahovic, Federico Gatti, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsiglio were still out. Bologna’s Serie A form stalled with defeat to Cremonese and a draw against 10-man Lazio, but on Thursday they won 2-1 away to Celta Vigo in the Europa League. Nicolò Casale joined Martin Vitik, Remo Freuler and Lukasz Skorupski on the treatment table.
Incredibly, Juve were unbeaten at the Dall’Ara since November 1998 and hadn’t lost to Bologna at all since a 2-0 result in February 2011.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, greets Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
There was an early double Michele Di Gregorio save, first on Tommaso Pobega’s acrobatic flick from a free kick, then the Riccardo Orsolini follow-up at the back post.
Orsolini’s trademark curler was smothered and Teun Koopmeiners was booked so will be suspended next week against Roma, but David overhit the through ball to Kenan Yildiz after pouncing on a Lewis Ferguson error.
Weston McKennie only grazed his head to the Andrea Cambiaso cross, while David had penalty appeals waved away for going down too easily under a Jhon Lucumi nudge.
Juventus had the ball in the net on 36 minutes when David flicked on a long ball for McKennie, who won the ricochet off on-rushing Ravaglia and generously rolled across for the Canadian to deposit into an empty net. However, McKennie was offside on the initial flick.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Jonathan David of Juventus is challenged by Torbjorn Heggem of Bologna during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Juve kept coming close, but not close enough, as Ravaglia rushed out when Kenan Yildiz found Conceicao with a smart pass, then Lucumi made the crucial interception as Khephren Thuram tried to set up the Portuguese talent.
Yet Bologna had a huge chance on the stroke of half-time, as Orsolini’s inspired disguised pass released Nadir Zortea to thump his finish against the underside of the bar from a tight angle with Di Gregorio just getting his fingertips to it.
Bologna had rather hopeful penalty appeals, but Manuel Locatelli’s hands were clamped behind his back when blocking the Cambiaghi cross.
Juventus finally found a breakthrough when Kenan Yildiz saw his control and strike deflected inches over by Heggem. The resulting corner was taken short for a Kenan Yildiz cross that found substitute Juan Cabal for a totally free header from six yards.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Juan Cabal of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The situation went from bad to worse for the hosts, as soon after Heggem got caught out by a long Di Gregorio ball and bundled Lois Openda over outside the area for a straight red card.
There was more good news for Juventus, as Gleison Bremer made his comeback for the final 15 minutes, the first appearance since the meniscus injury on September 27.
Conceicao had penalty appeals rejected after running into Lucumi’s arm, infuriating the defender, while Federico Bernardeschi’s effort failed to trouble Di Gregorio.
Ravaglia kept the scoreline down with a great one-handed save on Openda’s daisy-cutter from 12 yards on the Cabal lay-off, then Openda fired another promising opportunity over in stoppages.
It is the second consecutive Serie A home defeat for Bologna after the 3-1 with Cremonese.
This is a face-off for European places, because the Rossoblu are currently two points above the Old Lady in the table and would like to take advantage of a general slowdown in the top spots this weekend.
“We have for over two years been doing very well, so the lads and all of us know that we can have our say,” Di Vaio told DAZN Italia.
“Every game is different, Juve have great players, but we are well aware that we’re competitive and can play our game too.”
Bologna history against Juventus is astonishing
epa12073982 Bologna’s Remo Freuler (2-L) scores the 1-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match Bologna FC vs Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 04 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI
An extraordinary statistic is that Bologna have not beaten Juventus in all competition since February 2011, a 2-0 result in Turin decided by a Di Vaio brace.
They haven’t defeated Juve at the Stadio Dall’Ara since a 3-0 result in November 1998.
“I was just telling my daughter in the car on the way here that I am so tired of being told that I was the last Bologna player to score a winner against Juventus,” confessed Di Vaio.
“I look forward to someone else taking my place in that statistic, because it’s been too long. We had great results in recent years beating just about all the big clubs, but not Juventus yet.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 04: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Bologna and Juventus at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on May 04, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The team slowed down in Serie A recently, with a defeat to Cremonese and draw against 10-man Lazio, but boosted morale with Thursday’s comeback victory away to Celta Vigo in the Europa League.
Federico Bernardeschi scored twice in Spain and he represents a different kind of player to the young and promising prospects that Bologna had focused on before.
“Last season we were in the Champions League and realised we were lacking something in terms of experience at that level, so we approached both Federico and Ciro Immobile too, making the most of their situations to bring them here.
“Having players who starred and won at the highest level was something we had been lacking, as that influences the others,” explained Di Vaio.
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini reassures the Agnelli family and the club are ‘one and the same,’ while Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz are going nowhere.
The trip to Bologna kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 19.45 GMT.
The Bianconeri went into the weekend in seventh place and sitting two points behind Bologna, so this is a crucial head-to-head for European spots.
Chiellini speaks out on Juventus headline issues
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Giorgio Chiellini attends the Gold Carpet during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
There have been reports that Juventus could swap Khephren Thuram with Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi in the January transfer market.
“I won’t talk about Frattesi, as that’s a lack of respect towards Inter. What I can say without doubt is that Thuram will remain a Juventus player. He has done really well in the year and a half he’s been with us and we have no intention of letting him go,” Chiellini told DAZN Italia.
The big news this week was that cryptocurrency firm Tether, who are already minority shareholders, launched a shock takeover bid to purchase all the remaining shares from the Agnelli family holding company Exor.
SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 28: John Elkann, Chairman and CEO of Ferrari looks on, on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“They were important words, strong words, but for those who know the atmosphere, they were not surprising. When we think of the Agnelli family, we think of Juventus, and vice versa. They are one and the same. That’s how it has always been and that’s how it will be in future,” added Chiellini.
“So there’s nothing more to say other than we will build Juve back to the strength they had in the past and will again in the future. There are values at Juventus that get passed from generation to generation, but we also look to the future.
“It has unfortunately been five years since we last won the Scudetto, we feel the responsibility of that, but it takes nothing away from our confidence going into the future. Above all, the owners and Juventus are a single insoluble entity.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Artemio Franchi on November 22, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
If the club had been sold, would Chiellini still have been dealing with negotiations for the new Kenan Yildiz contract?
“I haven’t the foggiest idea, but that’s not an issue I will need to think about! Kenan is an important player, he has a long contract, it’s not a situation that gets sorted out in a week. The important thing is that we both want to carry on together, his contract doesn’t expire in six months, so there’s no rush, but we want to improve the contract so it is suited to his status.”
Juve got back on track in the Champions League midweek with a 2-0 victory over Pafos, a much-needed result after last week’s Serie A loss to Napoli.
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.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (R), greets Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Yann Bisseck of Inter scores a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (left) celebrates with his team-mate Petar Sucic after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (right) celebrates with his team-mate Nicolò Barella after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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.
Francisco Conceicao joins Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David upfront for Juventus in a showdown for position with Riccardo Orsolini’s high-flying Bologna.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie C match between Ternana Calcio and Juventus Next Gen at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Going into this weekend, Bologna are two points ahead of Juve in the table, so it is a big clash for Champions League places.
Both teams are also coming off midweek European victories that boosted their confidence.
Juve really needed it after their Serie A defeat to Napoli, which left them languishing in seventh.
Daniele Rugani and Gleison Bremer returned to the bench in their 2-0 win over Pafos, but Dusan Vlahovic, Federico Gatti, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio are still out.
David scored in Europe and is again chosen to lead the attack with support from Kenan Yildiz and Conceicao.
Jonathan David scores for Juventus against Pafos in the Champions League (@juventusfc)
Bologna stalled their Serie A progress in recent weeks with defeat to Cremonese and a 1-1 draw against 10-man Lazio.
Nicolò Casale limped off with a thigh strain in that game, joining Martin Vitik, Lukasz Skorupski and Remo Freuler on the absentee list.
Thijs Dallinga gets the nod upfront rather than Santiago Castro after Thursday’s 2-1 comeback Europa League success away to Celta Vigo.
Orsolini, Lewis Ferguson in a more advanced role and Nicolò Cambiaghi are in support.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Pisa SC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Police are seen at work after a clash between Genoa and Inter fans prior to the Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
They responded by attempting to break down the barrier separating them, so police were forced to intervene and the situation degenerated.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Police are seen at work after a clash between Genoa and Inter fans prior to the Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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
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.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, and Yann Aurel Bisseck of Internazionale embrace after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa (left), celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Hellas Verona FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Fiorentina took a big step towards relegation with this shock home defeat to Hellas Verona, as Gift Orban came off the bench and netted twice to decide this dogfight.
The importance of this clash could not be underestimated, as the bottom two went head-to-head. Hellas secured their first win of the season last week by surprising Atalanta, but the Viola were still without a single Serie A victory. Marin Pongracic returned from suspension, with Robin Gosens, Jacopo Fazzini, Abdelhamid Sabiri and Tariq Lamptey still out after Thursday’s Conference League win over Dynamo Kyiv. Verona missed Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, Domagoj Bradaric and Tomas Suslov.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina gestures during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Hellas nearly took the early lead after six minutes when Antoine Bernede hit a screamer off the underside of the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
Moise Kean ran onto a long Nicolò Fagioli ball over the top, let it bounce, and hit the half-volley just over the bar. A very similar move saw the pair combine again, this time the finish forcing a save from on-rushing Lorenzo Montipò.
Cheick Niasse ran a huge risk with a sliding tackle on Luca Ranieri, where he just about managed to get the ball, but Verona lost Giovane to a sprained ankle.
Montipò was also tested with a tricky save under the bar on Rolando Mandragora’s sweeping strike, but it was Hellas who took the lead.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Luca Ranieri of ACF Fiorentina battles for the ball with Giovane of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It was a classic counter-attack as Al-Musrati’s inspired through ball sent substitute Gift Orban running from inside his own half and he spotted David De Gea off his line, bending the right-foot finish around the goalkeeper in at the near post.
Fiorentina had an opportunity to equalise in first half stoppages, but Kean found himself in the way of Fagioli’s strike.
After the restart, a free kick was flicked on for Luca Ranieri’s looping header that landed on top of the crossbar, then Montipò pushed away the Fagioli snapshot from the edge of the box.
Verona could easily have been 2-0 up on the hour mark, but Orban turned a free header over from Amin Sarr’s inspired ball.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina battles for the ball with Antoine Bernede of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kean again ran onto a Fagioli ball over the top and flicked it beyond the on-rushing Montipò, but just wide of the open goal.
Orban also wasted another counter-attack drilling wide for Verona, but Fiorentina equalised with a bit of luck.
The tactic was used repeatedly and eventually paid off, Fagioli’s ball over the top for Kean forcing another Montipò save, but this time it ricocheted off Unai Nunez and back into the net.
De Gea needed a tough save to palm away the ferocious Roberto Gagliardini volley from the edge of the box on a corner.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Just as it seemed to be a point each, Verona snatched the victory. Bernede gathered a throw-in and managed to pull back from the by-line, finding Orban ready to tap in at the near post from six yards.
Napoli rode their luck for two disallowed goals, but were eventually undone by a Jurgen Ekkelenkamp stunner for Udinese.
The Partenopei looked exhausted in their midweek Champions League defeat to Benfica, but had few alternatives available, as Juan Jesus joined Billy Gilmour, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Meret and Romelu Lukaku on the treatment table. Stanislav Lobotka and Miguel Gutierrez were back on the bench. The Friulani lost Jordan Zemura in the surprise 2-1 home defeat to Genoa, with Arthur Atta and Hassane Kamara already out.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Antonio Conte and Kosta Runjaic before kick off at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Nicolò Bertola risked an own goal with his decisive interception, as Leonardo Spinazzola got down the left and rolled across for a Noa Lang tap-in. Lang then fired over on the resulting corner.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic pushed away a Jurgen Ekkelenkamp strike from the edge of the area, with the Nicolò Zaniolo follow-up charged down, while Jakub Piotrowski nodded wide.
Udinese came out more aggressive for the restart and had the ball in the net when Milinkovic-Savic’s weak parry on Bertola’s strike from the edge of the box was tapped in by Keinan Davis, but the forward was offside.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Napoli makes a clearance kick during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
The hosts threatened again soon after when Piotrowski smashed his finish onto the underside of the crossbar down the right flank.
Zaniolo really should’ve opened the scoring when firing wide at the end of a well-worked move at the back post. He did get the ball in the net moments later, but it was disallowed when VAR spotted Karlstrom’s foul on Lobotka in the build-up.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Noa Lang of Napoli controls the ball during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Udinese finally scored a goal that counted when Jurgen Ekkelenkamp bent a sensational right-foot finish into the far top corner from the edge of the box, giving Milinkovic-Savic no chance.
Napoli wasted an astonishing opportunity to equalise on 88 minutes when Lorenzo Lucca got down the right and rolled across, but Hojlund off balance stumbled and somehow prodded it off target from a couple of yards.
Lucca went for it himself in stoppages and came sliding in to meet the David Neres cross, volleying it onto the base of the back post.
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