Milan have conceded two goals in each of the last three matches, and Malick Thiaw’s performances with Newcastle have prompted Italian media to suggest that selling the German centre-back in the summer was a mistake, especially because Massimiliano Allegri wanted him to stay.

Thiaw joined Newcastle from Milan in a €42m deal last summer.

The Germany international has quickly become a regular starter at St. James’ Park, playing every minute across all competitions since September 21.

Thiaw had been struggling with consistency during his three-year spell at Milan, so last summer’s big sale was regarded by Italian media as an excellent piece of business for the Rossoneri.

Milan’s defensive issues

Recent matches, however, have shown the defensive fragility of the Diavoli, who haven’t yet kept a clean sheet in December, conceding two goals in each of the last three matches.

Milan replaced Thiaw with Koni De Winter last summer, but the former Genoa defender has failed to match expectations and was particularly criticised after Napoli’s 2-0 win in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal on Thursday.

De Winter is not a starter at San Siro, but last night he replaced the injured Matteo Gabbia.

Why Thiaw joined Newcastle from Milan

As Calciomercato.com and TMW note, Milan’s decision to sell Thiaw might bring even further regret when considering that Allegri was eager to give the German regular playing time this season, as the Newcastle defender said in November: ” I had three good years at Milan, but at the end I didn’t really play that much. Allegri told me that I would’ve had a chance this season, but I wanted to try something different.”

Following eliminations from the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana, Milan only have Serie A left to play for this season, not being involved in any European competition.

Gian Piero Gasperini confirms he picked Roma over Juventus last summer as the Giallorossi offered a ‘more difficult’ challenge, but facing the Bianconeri is ‘always’ tough ‘because they have top-level players.’

Gasperini held a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

The Italian tactician provided the latest team news, saying that Mario Hermoso is not fully fit due to muscle fatigue, so he might be forced to make changes in defence as Evan Ndicka is also unavailable.

Roma hired Gasperini last summer, but reports suggested that Damien Comolli had offered him the Juventus job as well.

Gasperini has now explained why he chose the Giallorossi over the Bianconeri.

Why Gasperini picked Roma over Juventus

“Because it was more difficult. I’m happy with how it went,” Gasperini said via Sky Sport.

“Now we face this important match. Juve remain a great team, certainly strong and always able to reinforce themselves. Winning is always in their DNA; we come to this match after a good performance against Como and in Glasgow, and we want to test ourselves against this team.

“I think we’ve been good: 15 matches is a good streak to give some indications. I don’t know if we are among the best, but the boys have been excellent in almost all games, even when we didn’t manage to win,” Gasperini continued.

“It’s important for them to try to catch up and for us to maintain or increase our advantage. It’s December 19, concentration is at its peak, and it’s very exciting to play this match with this ranking. The rest can wait, this is not the time.”

Roma sit fourth in the Serie A table, with a four-point lead over fifth-placed Juventus, so tomorrow’s meeting is a key one in the race for a Champions League spot.

Gasperini was questioned about his relationship with Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti, who replaced Igor Tudor at the end of October.

Gasperini: Juventus a ‘benchmark in my career’

“It’s certainly friendly. When he was at Inter, we happened to have dinner together and we often spoke when he was with the national team,” Gasp revealed.

“Now we talk less, but we will greet each other cordially. It’s not easy to be appointed mid-season, but he’s trying to bring his ideas. Facing them is always difficult because they have top-level players.

“The rivalry with Juventus is felt in all cities. I was at the club as a youth coach, and always finding motivated opponents toughened the team,” concluded the Roma coach.

“Instead of being a disadvantage, it becomes an advantage. Juve have always been a benchmark in my career. When you beat them, it means you are competitive, even in less successful seasons; they remain among the best teams.”

Gian Piero Gasperini says that Mario Hermoso is dealing with muscle fatigue on the eve of a Serie A match against Juventus, but the Roma coach wants to ‘touch the team as little as possible’ even if Evan Ndicka is unavailable.

• Read more – Raspadori gives green light to Roma transfer: possible double deal

Roma might be short of options at the back tomorrow when they visit Juventus in the big match of Serie A Round 16.

Ndicka, one of their best defenders this season, is on Ivory Coast international duty for the AFCON, and Hermoso is not fully fit. Neil El Aynaoui is also participating in the AFCON with his Morocco national team and won’t be available in Turin tomorrow.

Gasperini previewed the Juventus game at a press conference on Friday, providing the latest team news for the Giallorossi.

Roma team news for Juventus game

“Dovbyk is not fully recovered, even though he has been training for several days. He still has some difficulty in kicking,” the coach said via Sky Sport.

“The rest of us are all available, except for those who have left. There’s a slight issue with Hermoso that we hope to resolve.

“It’s a fatigue issue, I hope we’ll be able to recover him,” Gasperini continued, discussing the Hermoso problem in more depth.

“I want to touch the team as little as possible. To bring Celik along, you have to move three players, which isn’t ideal. Ndicka’s absence forces us to try options like Ziolkowski, Celik or Ghilardi. If Hermoso doesn’t make it, it will make things more difficult.”

Roma sit fourth in the Serie A table, four points above the Bianconeri.

“Today, we’ll see if Dybala is able to start,” concluded Gasperini.

“His motivation is always high; it’s just a matter of him feeling good and being able to sprint and shoot in the best possible way.”

• More from Gasperini’s press conference – Gasperini confirms he snubbed Juventus for Roma: ‘More difficult’

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, FIGC inspectors have reported Massimiliano Allegri’s ‘repeated and personal insults’ towards Gabriele Oriali, so the Milan coach will be fined or suspended.

FIGC prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné has already received a report about the word of words between Allegri and Antonio Conte’s assistant Gabriele Oriali during a Supercoppa Italiana semifinal between Milan and Napoli on Thursday.

Napoli’s statement against Allegri

Napoli had released a statement after the game, accusing the Milan coach of having repeatedly insulted Oriali, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, and a video from Sportmediaset effectively appears to show Allegri yelling at Conte’s assistant on the touchline.

According to Gazzetta, Allegri is likely to be punished for his behaviour, especially because FIGC inspectors closely witnessed the incident last night and reported it in a document which is being reviewed by Prosecutor Chiné.

Two possible punishments for Allegri after Supercoppa chaos

The Italian newspaper says that the report mentions ‘repeated and personal insults’ coming from the Milan coach.

Allegri risks being fined or even suspended for one or more league games. The first option seems the more likely at this stage, but the nature of the punishment will depend on what exactly was reported by inspectors last night.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that a word said by Antonio Conte irritated Massimiliano Allegri during Napoli-Milan yesterday, so the two coaches didn’t shake hands after a tense match.

Tension erupted in the final minutes of the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal between Milan and Napoli last night, leading coaches Conte and Allegri to ignore each other after the final whistle.

How Conte irritated Allegri

The Rossoneri boss was even caught insulting Conte’s assistant Gabriele Oriali during he match, prompting Napoli to release a firm statement on Friday morning.

According to Gazzetta, Conte was fed up with Milan’s protests from the bench in the final minutes, so he shouted “enough!” towards the Rossoneri on the sidelines, irritating Allegri.

The mood on both sides, however, was anything but calm from the start.

Tense Napoli-Milan

The incident that opened the dispute came at minute 29, when Adrien Rabiot kicked Matteo Politano while on the ground, leaving the Napoli winger in pain.

The Napoli players on the pitch and on the bench called for a red card for the Frenchman, but the referee didn’t even show a yellow card, contrary to what he had done previously, when he booked Rasmus Hojlund for a late challenge on Mike Maignan.

The clashes between players continued during the match, leading to Allegri’s outburst. Conte did shake hands with the Milan coach’s assistant Marco Landucci, but didn’t cross paths with Allegri after the final whistle.

Former Juventus and Roma striker Zbigniew Boniek feels Kenan Yildiz is the only top player in Turin and a potential ‘superstar’, while Paulo Dybala is the Giallorossi’s best player, but if he’s not fit, he could create ‘difficulty for the coach.’

Juventus and Roma meet at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday in the big match of Serie A Round 16.

The Giallorossi sit fourth in the Serie A table, just three points below the top spot.

Juventus are fifth, four points behind their next rivals.

Boniek on Spalletti and Gasperini

“Gasperini is doing an extraordinary job, almost surprising in some respects,” Boniek told Gazzetta.

“I don’t think that at the start of the season, many people would have expected such a strong start from Roma. Gasperini is tough, honest, and makes everyone work in the same way.

“On the other hand, Spalletti has only recently taken charge, but it seems to me that he’s already giving the team a clear direction. He’s a very ambitious coach, but his Juventus team is without superstars. Perhaps the only one is Yildiz, who seems destined for a bright future. He can become an absolute top player; you just have to see how he touches the ball, how he caresses it.”

Roma’s most decisive player this season has arguably been Matias Soulé, a former Juventus player, who has grabbed five goals and five assists in 21 games across all competitions.

Boniek on Dybala, Soulé and Pellegrini

“Soulé is becoming fundamental, even if he needs to broaden the range of his moves. He has an important left foot,” acknowledged Boniek.

“Dybala’s quality, on the other hand, is beyond discussion, but you always have to see how he’s doing physically. The surprising thing is that Roma are up there, three points off the top, without having been able to rely almost at all on their strongest player.”

Can Soulé and Dybala coexist in the Roma XI? Boniek certainly believes so.

“Of course, they can; strong players can always play together. It’s clear, however, that to see them together, you have to take care of the defensive phase; you have to contribute there as well,” he argued.

Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini’s contracts expire in June, but at the moment, they seem nowhere near signing a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

“Potentially, this is a problem for Massara. It seems to me, however, that there are two different issues,” concluded Boniek.

“Paulo is too important, but he has to guarantee at least 80% of the matches. If, instead, he’s only partially fit, it becomes a problem and also creates some difficulty for the coach. I would like Pellegrini to stay, without going elsewhere to seek fortune. He has quality, and you can see it, but for him, the physical issue applies too. If he’s fine, it’s fine.”

Napoli star Scott McTominay says it’s ‘too easy’ to blame Manchester United when the players who leave the club shine elsewhere: ‘Whenever I was there, they did everything for me.’

McTominay is one of the many ex-Manchester United players who have started to deliver consistently after leaving Old Trafford.

The Scotland international, a product of the Red Devils academy, was not a regular starter at Manchester United, but became the best player in Serie A in 2024-25, in his first Napoli season, contributing to the Partenopei’s title win.

Rasmus Hojlund seems to have taken on a similar path at the Stadio Maradona, but there are other examples outside Serie A as well, including Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

McTominay: ‘Too easy’ to blame Man United

CBS asked McTominay why so many players have been flourishing after leaving Old Trafford. Is that Manchester United’s fault?

“It’s just too easy as an excuse to say they’ve left Man United and now they’re doing well,” the Napoli star replied.

“In my last year, I did well, I scored ten goals, and we won a trophy. With Marcus [Rashford], there were different issues which might have transpired, which we won’t go into.

“Marcus is a top player, and he’s always been a top player. He’s one of the club legends. He scored so many goals for Man United and did so many great things. Because the spotlight is directly on you, it makes it seem a lot worse, in my opinion.

McTominay: Man United ‘did everything for me’

“When players go away and play more games, they’re going to have an increase in confidence and feel better about themselves, rather than playing fewer minutes at Man United, for example, but when you are at Man United, you have to earn those minutes, like Bruno Fernandes who has done incredible so I think it’s too easy to probably say that,” McTominay continued.

“It depends on the individual. To me, it’s too easy to blame Man United as a club because whenever I was there, they did everything for me. They helped me with nutrition, with training, tactically, whoever the manager was there. Everything is there for you to succeed. It’s not that they give you certain things that other clubs do. They do.

“So the myth of going away and becoming better players comes down to confidence. If you go away and play every single game and you score, and then score again, and people start speaking, you feel good about yourself, and you want to continue that way.”

McTominay’s Napoli beat Milan 2-0 in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal on Thursday and will meet the winner of Bologna-Inter in the Final next Monday.

On the eve of an ‘exciting’ game against Juventus, Roma defender Gianluca Mancini insists he’s not mean and that he always gives ‘everything’ for the shirt.

Roma visit Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin tomorrow in the big match of Serie A Round 16.

“It will be exciting and stimulating. We’ll have to sweat, but we’re going into it fired up,” the Giallorossi defender Mancini told La Stampa.

“Spalletti is a great coach. I had him for a year with the national team. I consider Juventus a great and complete team, with important qualities in terms of physicality, technique and speed. It will be a great match to approach with the belief that we can put in a strong performance. Openda, David, Yildiz and Zhegrova can play their part and decide the game.”

Mancini is often involved in arguments and clashes on the pitch, but the Italy international insisted he’s not a mean person.

Mancini: ‘Mine are all football clashes’

“Absolutely not, just talk to the people who know me well,” he said.

“On the pitch, many factors come into play, like adrenaline and tension, which are part of the competition. I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in elbows, killer tackles or punches to the face. Mine are all football clashes. I focus on playing with maximum dedication, giving everything for my team’s shirt, for my teammates and myself. The dislike from fans of opposing teams can be unpleasant, but I always prefer to be seen in a positive light by my own supporters.”

Mancini opens up about Italy and his idols

The Roma defender is expected to be part of the Italy squad playing in the World Cup playoff in March next year.

“Our generation feels the absence from the World Cup very strongly. We need to stay calm and approach the playoffs with the right mindset,” he said.

“The impact with Gattuso has been wonderful. He’s given the group the desire to go to Coverciano with a smile and a real sense of belonging to the shirt.”

Lastly, Mancini spoke about his idols: “One has always been Marco Materazzi, even when I played as a midfielder. I also liked Aldair, Samuel and Maldini. Now I appreciate Sergio Ramos, Van Dijk and Rudiger, defenders who are physically tough and live matches intensely.”

Tuttosport reports that Milan and Roma are interested in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, who will be available on a free transfer in June, while the Bianconeri are keeping an eye on Bryan Cristante’s situation in the capital.

Milan and Roma will be eager to make a contract offer to McKennie in the new year, as the American midfielder has been failing to reach an agreement to extend his expiring deal in Turin.

McKennie contract talks with Juventus on hold

Football Italia already reported this week that talks between McKennie and Juventus were on hold.

According to Tuttosport, McKennie’s priority is to stay at Juventus, but his agents are also sounding out options in the Premier League as Milan and Roma watch on.

The Giallorossi have another decision to make in central midfield as Cristante’s contract runs out in June 2027.

Juventus interested in Cristante for 2026

A regular starter under Gian Piero Gasperini, Cristante is unwilling to accept a pay cut to extend his stay in the capital. Tuttosport reports that the club and the player have ‘different ideas’ regarding the future, so reaching an agreement in the coming months is not guaranteed.

Cristante is expected to end the season in Rome before potentially discussing a move.

Juventus are looking for an experienced Regista, and Cristante is one of the players on the agenda, also because his agent, Beppe Riso, is reported to be on excellent terms with Juventus’ CEO, Damien Comolli.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri appeared to insult Antonio Conte’s assistant Gabriele Oriali during the final minutes of the Supercoppa semifinal between the Rossoneri and Napoli, prompting the Partenopei to react with an official statement: ‘We hope it won’t go unnoticed.’

• Read more – Napoli vs. Milan: what sparked tension between Allegri, Conte and Oriali

Tension erupted in Riyadh last night as Napoli beat Milan 2-0 in a Supercoppa Italiana semifinal.

Tension during Napoli-Milan

Players clashed in the final minutes, while the coaches left the field without shaking their hands.

Sportmediaset published a video that appears to show Allegri insulting Conte’s assistant, and Italy legend Lele Oriali, on the touchline at minute 89, with Napoli already leading 2-0.

Napoli’s statement on Allegri and Oriali

Allegri seemed to call Oriali ‘coglione’, which translates into ‘as*hole’ and Napoli reacted with an official statement: “Napoli strongly condemn the conduct of Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri who, during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal, in the presence of dozens of people on the sidelines and live on TV, repeatedly and seriously insulted Gabriele Oriali using offensive language,” the Partenopei said.

“We hope that this completely uncontrolled outburst won’t go unnoticed, especially given that with 33 cameras involved in the production of the event, it is impossible not to acknowledge what happened.”

Napoli will face the winner of Bologna-Inter in the Supercoppa Final on Monday, December 22.

Having already been eliminated from the Coppa Italia and not being involved in any European competition this season, Milan only have Serie A left to play for this season.

Santiago Castro will lead the Bologna attack in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal against Inter, but Ange-Yoan Bonny could replace Lautaro Martinez for the Nerazzurri.

It kicks off at 20:00 CET (19:00 GMT) at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The winner will face Napoli in the Final on Monday, December 22, as the Partenopei beat Milan 2-0 on Thursday.

Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler and Nicolò Casale are unavailable for Bologna, while Inter must cope without Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian, Denzel Dumfries, Raffaele Di Gennaro and Tomas Palacios.

Sky Sport and Gazzetta report that Castro will start as a centre-forward for the Rossoblu, while Federico Bernardeschi is favourite over Riccardo Orsolini in the right winger position.

Inter will likely pick Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni and Yann Bisseck, while Josep Martinez will start in goal.

According to Gazzetta, Davide Frattesi will start in place of Nicolò Barella in central midfield, while Bonny is favourite over Lautaro Martinez up front.

Bologna vs. Inter – where to watch on TV

The match will be televised on Premier Sports 2 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide a live commentary through a liveblog.

Bologna vs. Inter – probable line-ups

Bologna (4-2-3-1):  Ravaglia; Holm, Heggem, Lucumí, Miranda; Moro, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro.

Inter (3-5-2): Martinez J.; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Frattesi, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Bonny, Thuram.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dreams of Arabia

At 20:00 the other semifinal: Bologna-Inter

Italiano against Chivu: a challenge between debutants (and played in attack).

Hell, what a Napoli

Conte in the Final, Milan have Serie A left

Hojlund devastating: De Winter overwhelmed. Allegri disappointed: ‘Let’s think about Champions League qualification.’

Against Como in Perth with a foreign referee.

Fiorentina getting worse

The Viola lose in Lausanne too (1-0). Vanoli is increasingly on the brink.

Corriere dello Sport

Napoli in the Final

Conte makes it

Neres and Hojlund, a big night

The Serie A champions played a perfect game: one goal in each half, always in control. Sparks between Antonio and Allegri

Milan-Como in Perth with a foreign referee

Chivu: It’s a gift for us

Bologna-Inter: here’s who Napoli will find

‘We don’t deserve to be here, we make the most of a new format.’ Italiano launches Castro in Riyadh and has a push from 400 Rossoblu fans. ‘It’s not the league, it will be different. Our people will drag us.’

Fiorentina ahead without glory

Viola beaten in Lausanne too (1-0). They didn’t finish in the top eight and go through the play-off.

Spalletti and Roma: here’s what’s left.

Serie A, 858 injuries cost 103m.

Tuttosport

Supercoppa: Napoli dominate and fly to the final.

Hojlund is super, Milan zero cup

Two masterpieces of the Danish striker: the assist for Neres and the goal of 2-0. Conte’s pride: ‘Here’s how to honour the Scudetto.’ After the Coppa Italia, another objective disappears for the Rossoneri. Allegri: ‘We concede too easily.’ Incredible: Milan-Como to be played in Como with Asian referees.

Chivu: ‘We’re here as intruders.’

Bologna-Inter at 20:00. The Nerazzurri coach: ‘The Supercoppa was supposed to be between Napoli and the Rossoblu, but now that we are here…’

McKennie-Cristante: the relay?

The Bianconeri is free from June, Bryan’s extension is on hold, and he has a contract until 2027. Possible double deal to further turn on the showdown. The strange match between who made the market with the algorithm and who dropped it. Former director Ceravolo: ‘I first discovered Gasperini, then forced him to leave.’

Cairo, the Robaldo scandal

Dark Viola even in Europe: Vanoli on the wire

Former Juventus and Roma coach Fabio Capello feels that Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceiçao, Wesley and Mile Svilar can make a difference in the upcoming Serie A meeting between Bianconeri and Giallorossi.

Juventus and Roma meet on Saturday at the Allianz Stadium in Turin in the big match of Serie A round 16.

The Bianconeri sit fifth in the Serie A table, four points below the Giallorossi, so Capello believes that the upcoming showdown means more for the Old Lady.

Capello previews Juventus vs. Roma

“[It means more for] Juventus, at least in terms of the standings. But it’s also a big test for Roma,” the former Italian coach told Gazzetta.

“Winning at the Allianz Stadium would give even more momentum to Gasperini’s team after the fine victory against Fabregas’ Como. The scoreline on Monday could have been wider.

“If both teams play at a high tempo, as I expect after what they showed in the last round, then duels and fine margins will matter even more. Yildiz’s bursts and Conceiçao’s dribbling can shift the balance.”

Juventus beat Bologna 1-0 away in the previous weekend, and Roma defeated Como at home with the same result.

Capello believes that if the Bianconeri secure a win over Roma on Saturday, they might even aim for something bigger than just a top-four finish.

“For now, it is a league without a dominant team. If, after Bologna, they beat Roma as well, why should they not think bigger about getting back in the Scudetto race? Especially because Juventus are training these days, while their rivals are travelling and playing in the Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia, it’s no small difference.”

Two Roma difference makers vs. Juventus

Yildiz and Conceiçao have been identified as the potential difference-makers for Juventus, but how about Roma?

“Wesley files; he’s devastating on both the right and the left. He could be Roma’s key to opening up Juventus, but Gasp’s extra-man is always the same. Svilar. He’s the best goalkeeper in the league with an incredible reading of the game and outstanding saves. He’s a goalkeeper who counts like a striker in the team’s overall balance,” Capello concluded.

During the same interview, Capello also spoke about Evan Ferguson, saying that he’s spotted “positive signs” from the Irish striker in recent weeks.

Vincenzo Italiano feels Lewis Ferguson ‘performs at a very high level’ with the Scotland national team, but is not always ‘sharp’ with Bologna: ‘It’s a bit of an up-and-down period.’

Italiano previewed tomorrow’s Supercoppa Italiana semifinal against Inter at a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Scotland international Ferguson started just two of the last five Serie A games, spending those against Udinese and Cremonese on the bench.

He’s not fully fit, so how many minutes could he play tomorrow?

Italiano: ‘No issues’ with Ferguson

“It’s not a matter of minutes or fitness. He’s alternating matches of great focus and quality with others that are less sharp. It can happen,” Italiano said via Sky Sport Italia.

“There are no issues. When he goes away with the national team, he performs at a very high level; here, it’s a bit of an up-and-down period. He’s also coming off some minor knee issues.”

Ciro Immobile is available, but Bologna have injury problems in defence.

“Immobile won’t be able to start. He doesn’t have the minutes in his legs, but he can give us a big help during the match,” Italiano said.

“There’s some concern about him getting injured again, but right now I see him calm and playing freely.

“Having him means personality, goals, experience and danger. I hope to increase his minutes soon.

“We have major difficulties in defence. De Silvestri and Lykogiannis already helped us by adapting [to a centre-back position],” the Bologna coach continued.

“Lucumì is doing much better with his tendon, Vitik joined the group for the first time yesterday, and numerically, we are adding some players.

“We want to do well, also for the President. He suffers when we lose, and it’s a spectacle when we win. I repeat, there is enormous pride.”

Bologna are the 2024-25 Coppa Italia winners and will meet last season’s Serie A runners-up Inter.

In the other semifinal, defending Scudetto champions Napoli will meet Coppa Italia runners-up Milan.

“It’s a knockout game, with penalties after 90 minutes, so it’s a different kind of game. It’s also a different Inter, involving many players and offering something new tactically,” said Italiano.

“Apart from the game against Liverpool, decided by a questionable incident, they are a team that plays well, aggressively and creates chances. They are champions, and Chivu has brought quite a few new ideas. We know we’re facing one of the best teams in Italy and Europe.

“We’re not just happy, more than that. And proud to be here. I always tell the lads there’s something to prove and something to lose so we have to be ready. We earned this place. We’re in good shape even though we’re coming off a league defeat, but we approach every competition with enthusiasm and confidence.”

Alessandro Bastoni insists he’s happy at Inter despite rumours of interest from Barcelona and Premier League clubs: ‘It means I’m doing well, but I’m happy here, and I have no issues.’

Inter are preparing for a Supercoppa Italiana semifinal against Bologna. It will be played tomorrow, Friday, December 19.

The Nerazzurri participate in the competition as last season’s runners-up in Serie A.

Italian sources, including Matteo Moretto, have recently claimed that Barcelona and Premier League clubs are interested in Bastoni, so SportMediaset asked the Nerazzurri defender about his future at San Siro.

Bastoni ‘not thinking’ about transfer market

“These are things that make me proud; it means I’m doing well. I read what you read too. There’s nothing concrete; I’m happy here, and I have no issues. I don’t think about off-field matters,” he replied.

This means he’ll stay at Inter in the future: “Probably yes,” the defender added.

Last summer, there were reports that both Chelsea and Liverpool had shown interest in the Italian centre-back, who is contracted with Inter until 2028.

Bastoni also held a pre-match press conference alongside Inter coach Cristian Chivu on Thursday, examining the upcoming clash with Coppa Italia title holders Bologna.

Bastoni on Chivu and Bologna

“Bologna will bring great intensity; they’ll try to disrupt every ball and will play a lot on duels, but we want, at the very least, to match their intensity,” he said.

“We care a lot about the Supercoppa. Potentially, we can win a trophy with two matches, and that would give momentum to the season.

“We’ll be facing great teams like Bologna, who caused us more than a few problems last year.”

Lastly, Bastoni praised his coach, Chivu.

“It wasn’t easy to start again after last season. The coach really helped us rediscover our self-belief and the desire to fight,” he said.

“A large part of the credit goes to him; it wasn’t easy mentally to start over and go again to compete for everything. Because we want to compete for everything.”

Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma is delighted to be coached by Pep Guardiola and hopes to stay ‘many years’ at Manchester City with the Spanish tactician.

Sky Sport Italia published a small extract of the interview with Italy captain Donnarumma, which will be aired in full in the coming days.

In this part, the Azzurri captain spoke about how he’s settled in at Manchester City under Guardiola.

Donnarumma’s latest claims on Guardiola

“I respect him incredibly; we have an extraordinary rapport, and he helps me so much in decisions,” Donnarumma said.

“He keeps me calm in all situations. It’s everyone’s dream to be coached by him. I’m lucky to be here with him, and I hope to spend many years here with him and write the history of this club. He’s truly special.”

Donnarumma joined Manchester City on deadline day last summer. 

The Italian goalkeeper only had a year left in his contract with PSG, and the two parties had failed to reach an agreement in previous months.

Donnarumma’s appearances with Italy and Man City

Donnarumma has kept six clean sheets in 13 Premier League games with Manchester City this term, conceding 12 goals. His contract with Manchester City expires in June 2030, but there’s also an option to extend for a further year.

The Azzurri captain is only 26, but has already made 79 international appearances.

Inter coach Chivu met the media on Thursday on the eve of the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal against Bologna.

The other semi-final, Napoli-Milan, will be played tonight.

All the matches, the two semi-finals and the final, are played at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“It’s a trophy you can win with two games. This team can still grow; it has the desire and ambition to keep moving along this path,” Chivu said via FcInter1908.

“Maybe we don’t deserve to be here, but we’re taking advantage of the new format. This mini-tournament is a gift for Milan and us. We’re here, so we want to play all the way to the end.”

The Supercoppa Italiana was originally a meeting between Coppa Italia and Serie A winners, but since 2023 it has a new format which also involves the runners-up in both competitions.

Inter finished the 2024-25 Serie A campaign in second behind Napoli, while Milan lost the Coppa Italia Final against Bologna.

Calhanoglu available for Bologna-Inter

Hakan Calhanoglu has made the trip to Saudi Arabia after missing Sunday’s 2-1 win over Genoa, and is available for tomorrow’s match.

“Calhanoglu trained with us today and is available to the group. We’ll evaluate whether he starts or comes on during the match,” said Chivu.

Winning a trophy, his first one as Inter coach, doesn’t give extra motivation to the Nerazzurri boss.

“It doesn’t change anything for me. I’m not chasing a reputation. I’d be happy for them [the players]. I’m enjoying our growth; we want to show how good and valuable these players are around Italy and Europe,” he admitted.

“They deserve a lot for who they are as people. We have the desire and the awareness of what we want and what we can do.

Chivu praises Bologna

“Bologna aren’t a tricky team just for Inter, but for everyone,” Chivu continued.

“They were before with Thiago Motta and with Sinisa [Mihajlovic], and they are still with Italiano. They have energy and fo things that put anyone in trouble, we have to match their intensity.”

Inter have not won many games against direct rivals in Serie A under Chivu. Is this a concern for the Supercoppa where some of the best teams in Italy meet?

“Roma are also a head-to-head clash that is never mentioned,” argued Chivu.

“We don’t have anything to prove. We certainly don’t lack the desire to win them all, but it’s never easy. What happened with Milan last season is the past, we’ll try to get past Bologna and then we’ll see.

“The group is hungry and wants to win trophies. We’ve done our best to bring back enthusiasm and self-belief. Football can be cruel at times when you lose undeservedly, but you must always leave the pitch with your head held high. We know the commitment we put in every day and what we want to build for the future,” Chivu concluded.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri will make two late changes to his Milan XI for a Supercoppa semifinal against Napoli as Ardon Jashari and Pervis Estupinan are expected to start, pushing Luka Modric and Davide Bartesaghi to the bench.

• Read more – Jashari on injury recovery, ‘crucial’ Allegri, Rabiot and Modric

Jashari and Estupinan to start in Napoli vs. Milan

Swiss midfielder Jashari is likely to start for Milan in a Supercoppa Italiana semifinal against Napoli this evening, according to Gazzetta.

Why Modric is not expected to start in the Supercoppa semifinal

The pink paper claims that Allegri is inclined towards resting Modric as the Croat has started 15 games from 15 in Serie A, but the ex-Real Madrid star is still expected to be involved in the second half.

Bartesaghi, who has become the regular Milan starter on the left flank, is also expected to rest, making room for ex-Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinan.

The rest of the line-up should remain the same reported in the morning, with Koni De Winer replacing the injured Matteo Gabbia in defence and Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku in attack.

Former Roma coach Fabio Capello sees ‘positive signs’ from Evan Ferguson but is unsure the Republic of Ireland international will start against Juventus on Saturday.

Roma visit Juventus in the big match of Serie A Round 16 on Saturday. The Giallorossi sit fourth in the table, but have only scored 16 goals, the lowest in the top 10.

Ferguson’s highs and lows at Roma

Brighton loanee Ferguson is struggling with playing time, and there are reports that he could even return to England in January, but he recently scored a brace in the Europa League against Celtic.

‘Positive signs’ from Ferguson, says Capello

“Ferguson is starting to move better; some positive signs can be seen,” Capello told Gazzetta.

“It will be interesting [against Juventus] to see whether Gian Piero Gasperini will rely on Paulo Dybala’s quality or give up the Argentine to prioritise intensity, tempo and pressing.”

Simone Inzaghi insists he feels like in ‘paradise’ at Al-Hilal, and according to Gazzetta, the former Inter coach is eager to meet the Nerazzurri team and directors in Riyadh.

Inter have travelled to Saudi Arabia, where they’ll take part in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four, which also involves Milan, Napoli and Bologna.

Inzaghi wants to meet his ex-Inter players

The Nerazzurri participate in the competition as the 2024-25 Serie A runners-up and will face Bologna in the semifinal on Friday, December 19.

During their time in Riyadh, the Nerazzurri might have a chance to reunite with their former coach Inzaghi, who won six titles, including one Scudetto, in four seasons at the club before becoming the Al-Hilal coach last summer.

Inzaghi: ‘Here it’s paradise’

According to Gazzetta, Inzaghi has personally contacted the Nerazzurri management on Wednesday, asking to meet them and the team.

The pink paper claims that Inzaghi and Inter directors had not been in touch for several months and that the meeting with the former coach is expected to take place, although not at the team’s hotel.

Inzaghi briefly spoke to Gazzetta, saying: “Here it’s paradise and I feel great.”

There is no extra time in the Supercoppa Italiana, so games ending in a draw after 90 minutes will go straight to a penalty shoot-out.

• Read more – Supercoppa Italiana 2025: When, where and how it works

The Supercoppa Italiana kicks off today at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All the games will be staged at the same venue.

Supercoppa Italiana dates and format

The first semi-final is between 2024-25 Serie A champions Napoli and Coppa Italia runners-up Milan.

On Friday, the latest Coppa Italia winners, Bologna, will meet 2024-25 Serie A runners-up Inter.

The Final will be played on Monday, December 22.

As it happens in Coppa Italia matches, there is no extra time in the Supercoppa Italiana, so if two teams are level after 90 minutes, they go straight to a penalty shoot-out.

Most successful clubs in the Supercoppa Italiana

Milan are the defending Supercoppa champions, having lifted the trophy last season under Sergio Conceiçao.

Juventus are the most successful team in the competition, having won the Supercoppa nine times. The Bianconeri are followed by Inter and Milan, who have eight each.

Ardon Jashari insists that ‘everyone’ at Milan made him feel important during his time on the sidelines, praises the ‘crucial’ Massimiliano Allegri and his teammates Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot.

Jashari joined Milan from Club Brugge last summer, but suffered a fibula injury in training shortly after his move to San Siro, spending over two months on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old has only collected 121 minutes of football on the pitch this season.

Jashari opens up about early injury at Milan

“Honestly, after a summer in which negotiations for my arrival at Milan had been lengthy, having a problem like this wasn’t ideal,” Jashari told Gazzetta, as quoted by SempreMilan.

“I’d been working with the team for three weeks, I was growing, and I don’t think anyone in my place would have been happy.

“Everyone at Milan wrote to me and made me feel important: my team-mates, the staff, the coach, the directors,” he continued.

“The first three days were difficult from a mental point of view, but after that, I had the chance to go and spend a few weeks with my family in Zug.”

“With a broken bone I couldn’t train, and spending some time with my parents and friends, without forgetting to do physiotherapy, helped me: I didn’t think too much about the injury and I felt calmer.

“Since mid-September, I’ve continued therapy with physiotherapist David, and then I’ve started exercising, first in the gym and then on the sand and pitch. Returning to the group was the final step.”

Jashari joined the Rossoneri after weeks of negotiations last summer and rejected offers from other clubs to move to San Siro.

“I dreamed of being where I am, at a big club,” he said.

“Everyone knows how much I wanted to join Milan. Club Brugge had a lot of contact with other clubs, but I had clear ideas and only saw myself in the Rossoneri shirt.”

Jashari on Allegri, Modric and Rabiot

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri used to be a central midfielder during his playing career, the same role as Jashari.

“I know, he was a number 10, and that’s why I say he can help me a lot,” said the Milan talent.

“The coach is important, he’s always close to us. Having someone like him gives confidence to the individuals and the locker room. He’s crucial to our success: he has experience and has worked with incredible players. I can learn a lot from someone like him.”

Last summer, Milan made several purchases in central midfield. Aside from Jashari, they also signed Samuele Ricci, Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modric.

“Playing with him [Modric] is incredible for everyone, not just me,” Jashari said.

“I play in the same position as him and can learn a lot: he has exceptional technical skills, but also a fantastic personality, which shows in the way he approaches the players.

“Rabiot has had a huge impact on the team since day one and is important for Milan. He’s got the way he reads the game and the way he plays football,” Jashari concluded.

“You can’t imitate him because everyone has their own qualities and physical characteristics, but you can still learn something from champions like him and Modric and become more complete.”

Tonight, Jashari’s Milan side play Napoli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal.

Fiorentina will look to Roberto Piccoli and Edin Dzeko up front as they visit Lausanne-Sport in the final round of the league phase of the Conference League.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00) GMT in Lausanne.

A win will be enough for the Tuscans to qualify for the Round of 16, but the situation in Florence is far from ideal as the team sit at the bottom of the Serie A table, eight points below safety.

The Tuscans are winless in league games, but have collected three victories in the Conference League and currently sit 11th with nine points in five matches.

According to several sources in Italy, including Sky Sport, Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli will rest David De Gea this evening, picking Tommaso Martinelli in goal. Jacopo Fazzini and Robin Gosens, and Tariq Lamptey are injured, while Cher Ndour is serving a one-game ban.

Piccoli and Dzeko will start up front with Moise Kean and Albert Gudmundsson on the bench. Following today’s cup game, Fiorentina will host Udinese on Sunday in the next Serie A round.

Lausanne vs. Fiorentina – where to watch on TV

The match will be televised on TNT Sports 6 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA.

Lausanne vs. Fiorentina – probable line-ups

Lausanne-Sport (4-3-1-2): Letica; Soppy, Mouanga, Sow, Poaty; Sigua, Roche, Custodio; Lekoueiry; Bair, Kana-Biyik.

Fiorentina (3-5-2): Martinelli; Pongracic, Marì, Viti; Dodô, Richardson, Fagioli, Mandragora, Parisi; Dzeko, Piccoli.

Brazilian side Botafogo have sacked their coach Davide Ancelotti, the club confirmed in a statement.

Davide Ancelotti, son of legendary coach Carlo and a former assistant at Real Madrid, Everton and Napoli, among others, has been sacked by Brazilian club Botafogo.

Botafogo sack Ancelotti: official statement

“Botafogo announces that Davide Ancelotti is no longer the head coach of the first team. Physical trainer Luca Guerra and assistants Luis Tevenet and Andrew Mangan are also leaving. The decision was made after meetings this Wednesday (17),” the club said in a statement.

“The Club thanks Ancelotti for his professionalism and commitment during the period he led the team and was part of the Botafogo family. Botafogo wishes him success in future challenges. The new coaching staff will be announced soon.”

Botafogo’s results under Ancelotti

Ancelotti, 36, had been appointed this past July, taking on his first role as a head coach for a professional club.

During his time at the club, he collected 15 wins, 10 draws and eight defeats.

Under Ancelotti, Botafogo finished sixth in the league and were eliminated in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16.

Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku are expected to start in the Milan attack against Rasmus Hojlund’s Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal tonight.

It kicks off at 20:00 CET (19:00 GMT) at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The other semifinal between Inter and Bologna will be played tomorrow, Friday, December 19, at the same venue.

The Partenopei, the 2024-25 Serie A winners, will see Stanislav Lobotka return to the starting XI, according to Sky Sport and other Italian media, but Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour and Frank Zambo Anguissa and Alex Meret are still injured.

Milan, last season’s Coppa Italia runners-up, must cope without Rafael Leao, who continued to train separately on the eve of the game. Matteo Gabbia is injured and will be replaced by Koni De Winter.

Pulisic and Nkunku will start up front for the Rossoneri with Luka Modric in central midfield, Davide Bartesaghi and Alexis Saelemaekers on the wings.

Napoli vs. Milan – where to watch on TV

The match will be televised on Premier Sports 1 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Napoli vs. Milan – probable line-ups

Napoli (3-4-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola: David Neres, Hojlund, Elmas.

Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Pulisic.

Update: According to Gazzetta, Allegri has decided to make two line-up changes to this XI; picking Ardon Jashari and Pervis Estupinan.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Supercoppa semifinal: Napoli-Milan in Riyadh (20:00)

Super filled up

Conte relies on Hojlund: ‘We need more courage.’

Allegri is without Leao, the transfer market brings Fullkrug.

Jashari: ‘Soon to the top, I’m learning from Modric.’

Look, Inter, there’s Inzaghi: ‘It’s a paradise here.’ 

The ex-coach wants to greet his former team and the directors. In the meantime, Chivu is looking for the first trophy and finds the ThuLa again.

Fiorentina, Vanoli playing for everything.

Corriere dello Sport

Stuff for sheikhs

Supercoppa, first semifinal

Napoli-Milan in Riyadh (20:00). Conte wants the 10th trophy, Allegri looks for the 15th.

Hojlund, attack on Pulisic

Lobotka starts, Politano as right wing-back, Di Lorenzo in defence. Elmas favourite over Lang, Leao on the bench. Nkunku confirmed Fullkrug close. Penalty kicks straight away if it ends in a draw.

Trap for Inter

Little turnover for Chivu: Lautaro and Thuram in attack. Martinez might play in goal. Reflections on Bastoni, Carlos Augusto could start. Lucumì doubt for Italiano. De Silvestri or Lykogiannis close to Heggem.

The stars expire

From Dybala to Vlahovic: 93 Serie A players out of 572 to become free agents

The downhill after Gasp: Spalletti believes in it

Tuttosport

Conte-Max: Super..market with Norton-Cuffy and Fullkrug.

Antonio is looking for his third personal success after two wins in two finals, then he’ll wait for reinforcements. All the way for the Genoa winger, also wanted by Inter. The Rossoneri defend the title and Allegri is about to be gifted the German hitman.

Elkann, Spalletti and Del Piero

Champions incentives

The ownership’s charge in the last week and the solid bond with the coach match the rewards for the most important cup and the millions at stake for qualification for the Round of 16. Interview with ex-director Montali: ‘I don’t share the decision on Comolli, but John remains a guarantee. Alex: ‘For my Juventus, nothing must be impossible.’

Dybala, Boca to try in January

The rapport with Gasperini is reduced to the lowest terms. Paulo’s favourite team is ready to anticipate: Riquelme hopes for a total breakup.

Toro, Israel goes? Idea of Turati

Sassuolo sounded out, looking for a solution for the Uruguayan after the promotion of Paleari to starting goalkeeper. Toro Museum at the Fila: ‘Now yes.’

Viola, the darkest hour. Viola risks it all

Fiorentina can qualify for the Round of 16 straight away. Then Udinese. Fagioli: ‘We’ll get over it.’