Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that forgotten Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik will be part of the matchday squad to take on Roma in Serie A on Saturday evening, well over 18 months since his last appearance for the Old Lady. 

Spalletti confirms long-awaited Milik return for Juventus vs. Roma

The Bianconeri will host the Giallorossi on Saturday evening in a massive clash in the race for Champions League football. Juventus are in fifth place on 26 points heading into the weekend, and have an opportunity to cut the gap between themselves and Roma, who are in fourth on 30 points. 

Spalletti has had to cope with the loss of centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic, who will be out for several more months as the result of an adductor injury, but he will recover another option in attack against Roma this weekend. 

That is because Milik returned to first-team training with the rest of the group earlier this week, 550 days on from the knee ligament injury he picked up in June of 2024. The 31-year-old has not played for Juventus since the final day of the 2023-24 campaign: A 2-0 victory over Monza. 

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Spalletti confirmed that Milik will be part of the squad to take on Roma in Serie A this weekend. 

“Milik will be called up tomorrow,” the Bianconeri head coach confirmed. 

“I saw him looking as happy as a youngster who has the opportunity to play his first game. He’s a guy who has a lot of enthusiasm and knows the role that he plays very well. He has great physical and technical characteristics, so he will come with us.” 

Antonio Conte says that he wants Napoli to win and to deserve it when they face Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final on Thursday night and has provided fitness updates on the recently-returned Stanislav Lobotka and Romelu Lukaku. 

The Partenopei will take on Milan in the first of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Thursday night. Inter and Bologna will then face off on Thursday evening and the winners of those two ties will go on to meet in the Supercoppa Italiana final on Monday. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the Supercoppa Italiana. 

Conte: ‘Lobotka is ready to play, Lukaku needs patience’

This is, of course, the first opportunity for silverware in 2025-26, but it is also an opportunity for Napoli to get back to winning ways following a 1-0 Serie A loss against Udinese and a 2-0 defeat by Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League over the last week. 

“Lots of different situations come up throughout the year. We’re coming from five wins and now two defeats. We’ve had different moments in each. The important thing is to work hard, with seriousness, desire, determination and the right enthusiasm,” Conte said during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. 

“We have to manage victory and defeat in a similar way. Wins can bring you confidence, and in defeat, you have to look at the ‘whys’. You have to analyse everything well. You have to be good at managing everything and going through your work, especially when you play every three days.” 

Conte confirmed that Lobotka will be available to play after his return off the bench against Udinese. Lukaku is also back in training with the first-team group, but given that it has been 125 days since the injury he picked up on August 14, it is unlikely that he starts in the Supercoppa. 

Napoli’s other midfield injuries – to Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour 0 have not cleared up either, so the Partenopei are still fairly short on options in the middle of the park. 

“Lobo played for half an hour in Udinese. The problem he had wasn’t too serious, it was a minor issue that has now been resolved. He’s ready to play,” Conte said. 

“It’s not that he changes everything though. The natural midfielders we have available are him and McTominay. We have Elmas as well, who’s adapted well, but we have to respect the players’ characteristics.”

And on Lukaku, he added: “Romelu has no minutes in his legs. We have to have patience and wait for the right moment. The fact that he is back in the group is really important because he’s someone who has a lot of weight in the dressing room. 

“We will have to be patient and see the results of physical tests to understand when he can return without having the slightest danger of having to stop again.” 

This is Conte’s first involvement in the Supercoppa Italiana since it became a four-team mini-tournament, so, what does he make of the format? 

“It’s a great experience for me and the players. It’s my first time, we all want to do well, give everything and hope to stay here until Monday, but that all comes down to tomorrow’s game. May the best team win.” 

And on the Napoli fans who he’s seen out in Riyadh, Conte said: “Seeing Napoli fans here is great. The more the club gets to play abroad, the bigger your name and fanbase becomes. Fans start supporting teams based on victories, so we try to be attractive. We’re really happy to see Napoli fans here.” 

And, lastly, on the challenge that awaits him against Milan, Conte said: “We’re talking about a club with great tradition, with great players and great coaches. Everyone has that desire to test themselves in these sorts of matches and see what level we’re at. 

“This type of game, with a trophy on the line, has to bring an emotional boost for you to give your best. Everyone wants to win. We want to win and do it deservedly.” 

Giovanni Di Lorenzo has made it clear that Napoli are in it to win it at the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia, and has implored his teammates to get the job done in 90 minutes when they come up against Milan in the semi-final on Thursday: ‘Penalties are a lottery’. 

The Supercoppa Italiana gets underway in Riyadh with the Napoli vs. Milan semi-final on Thursday evening. Bologna and Inter will face off in the other semi-final on Friday night and the winners of those two ties will meet in the final on Monday. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the Supercoppa Italiana.

Di Lorenzo: ‘Napoli want to qualify for the final in normal time’

Captain Di Lorenzo, speaking alongside Antonio Conte during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, said that Napoli are in a strong position despite their recent 1-0 loss against Udinese and their 2-0 defeat by Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League. 

“We’re coming in at a good time even though we lost our last game. But this is another competition, we will play openly. The team is doing fine,” he said. 

When asked about Napoli’s goals for the Supercoppa Italiana, Di Lorenzo said that it is a case of one game at a time, but made it clear that he doesn’t want to face the gamble of a penalty shootout. 

“Penalties are a lottery, so we want to qualify for the final in normal time. That’s the goal. Milan are a strong team with great players, so we have to focus on doing our best.” 

What has Di Lorenzo made of his recent role as a right wing-back and does he have any preference as to where he plays, whether that’s in a back three or a back four? 

“We’re all professionals and we are used to playing all the time. As for me, I always train to the maximum and give my best,” he said. “It can be tiring mentally, but you need to burn a lot of energy to play in these sorts of games.

“I play wherever the coach tells me, I’m always available for the team, my position comes second.” 

Napoli, like Milan, have taken a number of youth team representatives with them to Saudi Arabia. What does Di Lorenzo have to say about them?

“They’re young guys who often train with us and bring a breath of fresh air to the first team. We try to make them feel at ease and help them express themselves at their best.” 

And on the defensive aspect of Napoli’s game, Di Lorenzo added: “Tomorrow’s match depends on how we defend, so it will be very important. You attack better when  you defend well. We work a lot on this. We will try to play a good defensive game and show our qualities in possession.” 

Antonio Conte will have a Romelu Lukaku-shaped card up his sleeve for the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia, but full-back Mathias Olivera is a risk for Napoli after Wednesday’s training according to the latest updates. 

The Partenopei will take on Milan in the first of the two Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Thursday evening. This will be followed by the Bologna vs. Inter semi-final on Friday night and the final on Monday evening. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana.

Will Lukaku play against Napoli vs. Milan in Supercoppa Italiana?

According to updates on Wednesday afternoon, Lukaku was involved in full group training with Napoli and is expected to be part of the squad to face Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final on Thursday. 

Given that he has been out injured since August 14, 125 days ago, it is unlikely that he is thrown immediately back into the starting XI. 

Wednesday’s reports confirm that Mathias Olivera was not involved in training on Wednesday as he is struggling with a muscular strain in his calf. It has not yet been confirmed either way whether he will be involved against Milan. He goes down as a doubt for now.

Stanislav Lobotka marked his return from injury off the bench during Napoli’s 1-0 Serie A loss against Udinese on Sunday and should be available in Saudi Arabia. 

The other midfield injuries have not cleared up yet though: Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour are not expected back until 2026.

Inter will soon jet off for the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia, and will have Hakan Calhanoglu at their disposal, but not Francesco Acerbi according to the latest updates. 

Inter will take on Bologna in the second of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Friday evening. The winner of that tie will go on to face the winner of Thursday’s Napoli vs. Milan semi-final on Monday night. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the Supercoppa Italiana.

Latest Inter team news for Supercoppa Italiana

According to updates from Sky Sport Italia, Calhanoglu will be on the plane to Riyadh for the Supercoppa Italiana. He picked up a thigh injury early on in Inter’s 1-0 Champions League loss against Liverpool last week, which forced him out of the team’s subsequent 2-1 Serie A win over Genoa. 

It remains to be seen whether Calhanoglu will have any involvement against Bologna, but as things stand, it is most likely that he starts among the substitutes. 

Also injured during Inter’s Champions League loss against Inter was centre-back Acerbi. His thigh injury is more severe than the one suffered by Calhanoglu, and it is expected that he will need a few more weeks to recover. 

It is a case of one in, one out in defence though: Matteo Darmian is also among the players who will travel to Saudi Arabia. He has not featured for the Nerazzurri since late September after picking up a calf injury at the beginning of October. 

Denzel Dumfries has had surgery on his ankle and is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of two months, and in the worst case, potentially up to three of four according to updates on Wednesday.

Reports in Italy confirm that Milan are in talks over a potential deal for Germany international Niclas Fullkrug heading into the January transfer window: Here is what the Rossoneri need to close a deal with West Ham. 

Why Milan want goalless Fullkrug 

Milan’s need for a new centre-forward was made more urgent following the confirmation that Santiago Gimenez requires surgery on a recurring ankle injury. The Mexico international is expected to have an operation on Thursday, and could face a spell of anywhere from six weeks to three months on the sidelines as a result. 

This means that Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, considered wingers until this season, plus Christopher Nkunku, are the only currently available forwards for Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2. 

This leaves Milan looking for a new centre-forward, and Fullkrug, described as a traditional no.9, is an enticing short-term option despite his lack of goals for West Ham. 

Reports earlier this week claimed that Milan already have an agreement in place on personal terms. The Rossoneri are willing to cover the €1.5m that Fullkrug is set to earn between January and the end of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Milan still need to come to an agreement with West Ham, however. Reports from various outlets on Wednesday including Sky Sport DE claim that Milan have now sent a formal offer to West Ham, but the final terms still need to be agreed upon.

According to updates from Calciomercato.com, Milan would ideally like to agree a straight loan deal with West Ham until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, although they have not yet ruled out the inclusion of an option to buy clause. 

West Ham, meanwhile, are reportedly hoping to include an obligation to buy for a fee in the region of €16m according to Wednesday’s reports. The Premier League outfit paid a fee of €27m to sign the German from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024. 

Massimiliano Allegri says that he and Milan will have to wait and see about potential incomings in the January transfer window, and has told supporters what to expect when the Rossoneri take on Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana on Thursday evening. 

Milan will face Napoli in the first of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Thursday evening. That will be followed by Bologna vs. Inter on Friday night and the eventual final on Monday evening. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana.

Allegri previews Milan vs. Napoli Supercoppa Italiana semi-final

Milan are the reigning champions of this competition, having claimed the trophy in Sergio Conceicao’s first two games in charge last winter. Much has changed for the Rossoneri since then, including the head coach, and their league form heading into the mini-tournament. 

Allegri feels that this will be a different type of game compared to the usual matches in Serie A. 

“Tomorrow is a different type of game. It’s a one-off match and the goal is to reach the final. Napoli are a very strong side, it will be a complicated and difficult game,” he told the media during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Allegri also gave a fitness update on Youssof Fofana and Rafael Leao: “In terms of their condition, Fofana is fully available, we will see about Leao after training today,” he said. It is also understood that Santiago Gimenez and Matteo Gabbia are unavailable.

Allegri was then asked if he plans to make any tactical changes against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana. 

He replied: “We’ve always played with three attacking players. Saelemaekers is the one who brings the variation. We’ve got Athekame and Jashari back, we need new energy given that we always play with the same players.” 

And on tomorrow’s opponents, Allegri said: “Napoli, regardless of their tactics, are a strong team who score a lot of goals inside the box. Tomorrow will be a great game with lots of quality players.” 

The Rossoneri head coach confirmed that centre-forward Gimenez is expected to go under the knife on Thursday. Whether this means that Milan will make any moves in the January transfer window remains to be seen, though. 

“Gimenez had a medical consultation and was advised to have surgery. The operation should be tomorrow morning. Milan’s plan is to recover the players we already have available, then, with the club, we will see what can be done in the window.”

Mike Maignan says that Milan are fully focused on their Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Napoli on Thursday evening, but was unwilling to discuss his Rossoneri future during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon: ‘I don’t think it’s the time’. 

The Rossoneri will take on reigning Serie A champions in the opening match of the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening. That will be followed by the Bologna vs. Inter semi-final on Friday night. The winners of those two ties will meet in the final on Monday evening. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana.

Maignan on Supercoppa Italiana: ‘We won it last year, but that’s over now’

Milan are the reigning Supercoppa Italiana champions. They claimed victory in Sergio Conceicao’s first two matches in charge of the club last winter, shortly after he was announced as the successor to Paulo Fonseca. 

Much has changed for Milan since then, including their head coach and coaching staff. With no European football this season, and having recently lost 1-0 to Lazio in the Coppa Itlaia, this is now Milan’s only chance of silverware outside the Serie A title race. 

“We won it last year, but last year is over now. This is a new path, we have to focus only on tomorrow’s game, it’s the most important. Without a win tomorrow night, there’s no chance for Monday,” Maignan told the press ahead of Milan’s opener against Napoli.

“If we want to get a positive result, we have to stay focused in training today and get to tomorrow in good shape.

“It was nice to win it last season, but this is a new season now. Our results are better at the moment (compared to last year). As my teammates have all said, we’re more of a team this year, more of a family, a group that works well together. 

“Lots of things have changed. The coach and his staff have brought a lot of calmness about the way we work. We have to carry on at this pace, improve every day and try to pick up positive results.” 

Maignan also faced questions on his Milan future given that his contract is up at the end of the 2025-26 season. There have already been transfer links to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Chelsea, but Maignan says that this is not the time to be discussing the next steps in his career. 

“Of course there is a lot of talk about my future, but it’s not something that bothers me. I have to be focused to give my best. I don’t think it’s the time to talk about my future today, we’re very close to an important game. I have to give it my all tomorrow night and see what happens next,” he said. 

Maignan was also asked what it is like for the players to play the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia rather than in Italy. 

He said: “It’s something a bit different. We’re focused on the game, I don’t think we’ll be concerned with what happens in the stadium, we have to think about the football that we play and doing what the coach asks of us. 

“It will definitely be a good game, I experienced it last year. These are passionate fans. We have to give out best, that’s the most important thing.” 

And what is Maignan’s message for the Milan supporters in Riyadh? 

“It’s a very simple message: Thank you for supporting Milan. I believe we will give our best for all of you who are here to support us.”

Inter are beginning to consider their options to replace Denzel Dumfries, who is expected to be unavailable for several months after surgery, and reports on Wednesday suggest that the Nerazzurri could be keen on a deal for former Arsenal defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, who has impressed for Genoa this term. 

Could Inter move for Norton-Cuffy in January?

Dumfries went under the knife in London earlier this week in an attempt to fix an ankle issue that had been taking longer than expected to resolve. Initial reports suggest that the Dutchman could be unavailable for a further two to three months. 

So far, Inter have been using Luis Henrique and Carlos Augusto as their replacements on the right flank, but heading into the business end of the season, they could be tempted into a potential deal during the January transfer window, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

A decision has not yet been made either way, but La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the Nerazzurri could be keen on finding a Dumfries replacement in January, whether than be a permanent solution or a short-term fix until the summer. 

One of the names that is reportedly of interest to the Nerazzurri is Genoa’s Norton-Cuffy. The 21-year-old moved to Serie A from Arsenal last summer, was in and out of the first-team due to injury last season, but has become a guaranteed starter in 2025-26. 

So far this term, the former England youth international has played the full 90 minutes in 14 out of 15 Serie A matches, only missing one through suspension. 

If Inter were to make a move for Norton-Cuffy in January, La Gazzetta dello Sport cites a fee in the region of €20m. 

Wednesday’s report adds that Inter have a solid relationship with Norton-Cuffy’s agency, RocNation, who were also involved in various Romelu Lukaku deals, and also represent Nerazzurri wing-back Federico Dimarco, plus the aforementioned Luis Henrique. 

Inter are also reportedly interested in Atalanta’s Marco Palestra, but are aware that a deal with La Dea, especially in January and especially after the Ademola Lookman debacle, will not be easy to pull off. 

Hellas Verona’s Rafik Belghali has also been mentioned as a more sensible option for January.

Wednesday’s reports confirm that Santiago Gimenez is set to have surgery on a recurring ankle issue in the coming days, which means that he is set for several weeks on the sidelines, which could in turn complicate Milan’s plans for the January transfer window. 

What Gimenez’s surgery means for Milan and Fullkrug

The Mexico international has not featured for Milan since their 1-1 draw with Atalanta on October 28. He has been struggling with an ankle issue, which, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, is to do with the bone rather than his ligaments or cartilage. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia confirm that Gimenez has now decided to have surgery in an attempt to amend the ankle issue. 

The operation is likely to take place within the next few days, but it remains to be seen how long the 24-year-old will be unavailable for. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests a period of six weeks to two months, while Sky claims ‘at least’ two months. 

For Milan, this situation has only increased their need for a new striker during the January transfer window. As things stand, Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are the only available options for Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2, and they have had their fair share of injury and fitness concerns this season as well. 

Reports earlier this week suggest that Milan are expecting to complete a deal to sign Germany international Niclas Fullkrug on loan from West Ham United in January, which is considered a temporary fix in the striking department until the summer window rolls around. 

For Gimenez, though, a move away from Milan now seems next to impossible given that he could be unavailable for several months. Wednesday’s reports claim that he will look to return in February or March, and will aim to work his way back to full fitness so that he is at his best for the World Cup in the summer.

The Supercoppa Italiana gets underway on Thursday evening: Here is everything you need to know about the competition, how it works, the teams competing and their form heading into the mini-tournament in Saudi Arabia. 

When will the Supercoppa Italiana be played? 

The Supercoppa Italiana will feature two semi-finals and one final, made up of last season’s Serie A winners (Napoli) and the runners up (Inter), plus the reigning Coppa Italia champions (Bologna) and the runners up in that competition (Milan).  

Napoli vs. Milan is up first, kicking off at 19.00 GMT on Thursday evening. That will be followed by the Bologna vs. Inter semi-final at 19.00 GMT on Friday evening. The winners of those two ties will meet for the final on Monday (December 22) at 19.00 GMT. 

Where will the Supercoppa Italiana be played? 

All three matches will be played at the same venue: At the King Saud University Stadium (also known as Al-Awwal Park) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Where to watch the Supercoppa Italiana

The Supercoppa Italiana matches will be available to watch live in the UK through Premier Sports. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+. 

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

Napoli form and latest team news 

Napoli will be looking to get back to winning ways in the Supercoppa Italiana after slipping to defeats in their last two matches: A 1-0 loss away against Udinese in Serie A and a 2-0 defeat by Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League. 

They had gone five matches unbeaten before the recent losses, and still sit just two points off the lead in the Serie A table. 

In terms of injuries, midfield is still the problem area for Antonio Conte, with no Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa or Billy Gilmour available. 

Stanislav Lobotka is available again after coming off the bench against Udinese, while Romelu Lukaku is part of the squad for the first time since the injury he picked up on August 14. 

Milan form and latest team news 

Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo last time out in Serie A, which saw the Rossoneri slip into second place in the Serie A table, behind city rivals Inter. 

Milan, who are not involved in any European competition this term, have only lost twice all campaign: A 1-0 defeat by Lazio in the Coppa Italia, and a surprise 2-1 loss against Cremonese on the opening weekend of the Serie A season. 

The Rossoneri will be without Santiago Gimenez in for the Supercoppa Italiana, as he has elected to have surgery on a recurring ankle issue. Matteo Gabbia has not travelled either, but reports on Monday claimed there could be a chance that he joins the team later on should they qualify for the final. 

Bologna form and latest team news 

Bologna were beaten 1-0 by Juventus in Serie A last time out. In the month of December, Vincenzo Italiano’s side have beaten Celta Vigo 2-1 away from home in the Europa League, were held to a 1-1 draw by Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, beat Parma 2-1 in the Coppa Italia and lost 3-1 to Cremonese in what has been a month of ups and downs. 

The Rossoblu will be without Nicolo Casale, Martin Vitik, Remo Freuler and Lukasz Skorupski for the Supercoppa. 

Inter form and latest team news 

Inter boast the strongest league form of the four teams involved in the Coppa Italia. They sit at the top of the league table after a 2-1 win over Genoa, a 4-0 win over Como and a 2-0 victory away against Pisa this month. They have also thumped Venezia 5-1 in the Coppa Italia this month, but have lost 1-0 to Liverpool and 2-1 to Atletico in the Champions League. 

The Supercoppa Italiana will be a real test for Cristian Chivu, whose only real downfall in his Nerazzurri tenure thus far is his record against direct league rivals. 

• Read more: Why Inter continue to struggle in big matches under Chivu

Denzel Dumfries is facing two to three months out after having surgery. Francesco Acerbi is also out for several weeks. Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro are also out. Hakan Calhanoglu and Matteo Darmian have travelled with the team but it remains to be seen what involvement they will have against Bologna.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Inter exchange blows 

Dumfries out for at least two months 

The Dutchman has an operation on his ankle. Luis Henrique hasn’t convinced, the club are on Norton-Cuffy

Yildiz + Conceicao: Creativity wins at Juventus 

Spalletti’s key players 

Mancini the ‘bad guy’ that everyone wants 

The Roma defender 

Supercoppa of phenomena 

The Napoli-Milan semi-final tomorrow 

McTominay and Pulisic already charged up in Arabia: We’ll take care of it

Scudetto reinforcements 

Mainoo calls Conte, Fullkrug for Allegri

Corriere dello Sport 

Gasp attack 

In Spalletti’s backyard

And on  Saturday, he wants to leave Lucio behind 

Roma’s exploits could upset the balance in the race for the Scudetto and Champions League 

From their defensive record (only eight goals conceded) to the super relationship between Soule and Wesley, Gasp is now looking for his first major win against a direct league rival. And he waits for Zirkzee

The Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia is a necessary inconvenience 

Whoever wins earns 11 million 

Playing for pride but also for finances in Riyadh 

Napoli-Milan: McTominay is Conte’s highlander: Looking for his first goal against Milan to take them to the final. Leao recovers, Gabbia misses the battle against Hojlund. Attack on Fullkrug: A low-cost operation

Bologna-Inter: Italiano puts Dominguez and Fabbian to the test: Confirm their spot or be sold. Chivu, Luis Henrique provides the width: Trust in the former Marseille man to plug the gap until March in the absence of Dumfries 

Laio in New York: on the NASDAQ window 

New opportunities on the global market 

PSG blow, must pay Mbappe 61 million 

Intercontinental Cup, against Flamengo atr 17.00

Tuttosport 

Juve, midfield turnaround

Frattesi on a free 

Spalletti looking for quality in the middle 

In addition to the Inter man, Comolli is studying two other midfielders whose contracts are expiring: Schlager from Leipzig and Timber from Feyenoord. Perin-Leali swap with Genoa? Roma on Saturday: Del Piero frenzy 

Toro, there’s Carboni after Christmas 

The priority of sporting director Petrachi is to reinforce the defence in January. Monza like Ilkhan: Possible swap? Eye on the baby Kofler from Sudtirol

De Vrij also thinks about saying ciao to Inter 

It’s not just Frattesi

Forgotten by Chivu, the Dutchman doesn’t want to lose his World Cup spot. Dumfries operation: Returns in March 

Fiorentina time bomb: ‘Disputes and damages’

The brawl reportedly rook place in Reggio Emilia: Sassuolo and the Viola club deny it but the case is growing

‘PSG must pay Mbappe 61 million’

The French club ordered to reimburse their ex-star. Now at Real: Unpaid salary

Jorginho has not hidden the fact that he would like another go in the Italy national team, but admits ‘there’s not a lot to say other than I’m feeling good and working hard’. 

The former Napoli, Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder has not featured for the Azzurri since the massively disappointing EURO 2024 campaign, and then failed to work his way back into Luciano Spalletti’s plans. In September 2024, it looked like his international career was over. 

Things didn’t go much better for Jorginho at club level in 2024-25, as he saw his opportunities in the Arsenal first-team limited to just 15 outings in the Premier League. 

He was allowed to leave the North London outfit over the summer, and has since joined Flamengo in his native Brazil. 

“It’s a happy moment. It’s a nice choice that I made (joining Flamengo), there’s a lot of games, a lot of tournaments to think about, but I’m really happy about it. We need to continue pushing,” the former Italy international told Sky Sport Italia. 

Jorginho also spoke about his beloved Napoli, for whom he made 133 Serie A appearances across a four-year spell. 

“Napoli are always strong, I always watch with a lot of affection because it’s a club that gave me a lot, a team that gave me a lot and with supporters who gave me a lot,” he said. 

“I have a lot of love for the city, I always follow them and they will continue to fight until the end, they’ve won it recently, they play well, I wish them luck, I’ll always support them.” 

Could Jorginho still play for Italy?

Jorginho was asked, given that he never officially announced his retirement from national team duty, whether he is still interested in a call-up to the Italy squad. 

He replied: “I’m working harder and harder so I can always be ready to play. I always want whatever is best for the national team, there’s not a lot to say other than I’m feeling good and working hard.”

Milan are preparing to jet off to Saudi Arabia for the Supercoppa Italiana, which kicks off later this week, and with a few injury headaches, Massimiliano Allegri has decided to call in five youth team players including Maximilian Ibrahimovic. 

Ibrahimovic and four other Milan youngsters included in Supercoppa Italiana squad

Napoli and Milan will face off against each other in the first Supercoppa Italiana semi-final on Thursday evening. That will be followed by Bologna vs. Inter on Friday night, and then the final on Monday night. All three matches will be played in Riyadh. 

Milan and Napoli are both scheduled to fly over to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri were scheduled to fly out from Malpensa airport at around 15.00 GMT. 

Santiago Gimenez is not on the flight as he continues to be troubled by ankle issues. Mattia Gabbia is also not in the squad at the moment, although there is reportedly still hope that he could join the team in Saudi Arabia in a few days’ time. 

Allegri has also taken the opportunity to include a handful of younger players in his squad for the Supercoppa. 

 

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Among them is 19-year-old Ibrahimovic, son of the legendary Zlatan, who is currently working as an advisor to Milan owners RedBird. Joining the young Ibrahimovic are his Milan Futuro teammates Matteo Dutu, 20, and 17-year-old Valeri Vladimirov.

18-year-old Emanuele Sala, a central midfielder, has been called up from the Primavera squad, as has 17-year-old winger Emanuele Borsani. 

Italy national team captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has officially been handed The Best Men’s Goalkeeper at FIFA’s The Best awards on Tuesday. 

Donnarumma wins FIFA’s The Best Goalkeeper award

This is the first time that Donnarumma has won the goalkeeping prize at FIFA’s The Best awards, having finished second behind Chelsea’s Champions League-winning Edouard Mendy in 2021. This award adds to the Yachine Award that Donnarumma won at the Ballon d’Or ceremony earlier this year. 

He has seen off competition from Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, Arsenal’s David Raya, Inter’s Yann Sommer and Barcelona’s Wojciech Szczesny to win the award. 

Donnarumma’s highlight of the last calendar year came while he was still with Paris Saint-Germain, when they thumped Inter 5-0 in the Champions League final at the end of May. He has since joined Manchester City, who are in second place, two points off Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

The former Milan stopper becomes the second Italian to have won the FIFA Best Goalkeeper prize, which has been running since 2017, following Gianluigi Buffon’s triumph in the inaugural year. 

Italy and Brazil are the only two nations to have two different goalkeepers win the prize (Buffon and Donnarumma, and Ederson and Alisson). 

Gianluigi Donnarumma is crowned #TheBest FIFA Men's Goalkeeper 2025!

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 16, 2025

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus wing-back Joao Mario could potentially be allowed to leave the club during the January transfer window and that Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are among the interested parties. 

Could Crystal Palace move for Juventus’s Joao Mario?

The Portuguese, who joined the Bianconeri from Porto at a cost of just over €12m last January, has struggled for opportunities under both Igor Tudor and Luciano Spalletti this term. 

He started in two of Juve’s first five Serie A matches of the season, but first-team chances have been even harder to come by since Spalletti took charge at the end of October. Joao Mario has been named as an unused substitute for Juve’s last five Serie A matches, and their last four in the Champions League. 

All told, Joao Mario has played for just 11 minutes since Spalletti took over. 

Spalletti is not short on options at wing-back either, with Weston McKennie, Andrea Cambiaso and Pierre Kalulu all capable of covering on the right flank. He also has Juan Cabal and Filip Kostic on the left. 

For that reason, Juventus could be talked into letting the former Sporting. According to reports from Tuttosport and Calciomercato.com, the player’s agents will speak with the club in the coming days to take stock of the situation. 

Tuesday’s report also claims that Crystal Palace are interested in the 25-year-old. Juventus would reportedly be willing to let Joao Mario go on a permanent basis in January as long as they recoup the fee that they invested last year.

There have been no offers from South London yet, but there has been an initial enquiry according to Tuesday’s report.

Fabio Cannavaro agrees with the growing portion of Serie A supporters who feel that there are not enough opportunities for young, homegrown players in Italy, and has explained what he would do to change the situation. 

The 2006 World Cup winning captain gave an in-depth interview to Tuttosport on Tuesday, in which he discussed his prospects with Uzbekistan at the World Cup, his recent candidacy for the Italy national team job, and the current state of affairs in Serie A. 

• Read more: Cannavaro reveals how close he was to becoming Italy CT

Cannavaro: ‘Not enough Italians, even fewer young players’

Cannavaro believes that the fundamental flaw of the Italy national team is the lack of playing time for homegrown players, and especially young Italian players in the top flight. 

He also feels that Italian football is centred too much around its tactics and not around the technical ability of the players. 

When asked by Tuttosport if he still has an opportunity to watch Serie A football in his job as head coach of Uzbekistan, Cannavaro said: “No, no, I watch it even more, it helps you understand lots of different things.

And so, what has he learned from watching Serie A football recently? 

“There’s a difficult tactic they use in Italy, they play man-for-man all over the pitch. They all seem to be sons of Gasperini now, a coach I also appreciate a lot and learn a lot from.” 

And the flaws of the Italian game? 

“Not many Italians are used, and even fewer young players. All this is reflected in the national team and the coaches who have to make the call-ups. 

“For 20 years before we won the World Cup in 2006, we had players being called up who would make you say ‘wow’. 20 years later, we’ve got a team that makes you say: ‘Oh mamma mia’.” 

Cannavaro was then asked if he thinks that Italy needs a full-scale football ‘revolution’, to which he replied: “Yes, because we’re focussing too much on tactics.

“Young players coming into football are like houses being built, the foundations should be built on technique, not tactics. Until I turned 20, coaches used to just tell me to follow my opponent, even when he went to the bathroom. This Gasperini method helps young players become better.”

Cesc Fabregas is far from the most popular man in Senegal at the moment following the injury sustained by Assane Diao during Monday evening’s Serie A clash between Roma and Como, which puts the 20-year-old at risk of missing the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Fabregas abuse after Diao injury in Roma 1-0 Como

Como were beaten 1-0 by Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night: Wesley Franca with the only goal of the game. 

On top of losing what was effectively a six-pointer in the race for Champions League football, Como have also had to deal with the loss of Diao, who pulled up and then limped off after 37 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico. 

The Senegal talent had missed several months of action earlier this year due to a fractured metatarsal, and had only recently returned from a hamstring injury that ruled him out for two league matches in November. 

However, he has now picked up another muscular injury, which makes his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations into major doubt. 

Now, Fabregas is the target of insults from Senegal fans on social media after his decision to deploy Diao as a starter against Roma, just a few days before the Africa Cup of Nations is due to get underway. 

The Spaniard has been labelled an ‘imbecile’ by some supporters, while others have used more extreme language, and others have made degrading comments about his wife under his most recent post on Instagram in the hours since Como’s 1-0 defeat against Roma.

 

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