Vincenzo Italiano is fast becoming one of Italy’s most under-rated coaches, as when Bologna face Napoli on Monday, it’ll be his fifth cup final in the last four years.
They qualified after winning the Coppa Italia Final against AC Milan last season, their first victory in 51 years.
Italiano is becoming a cup specialist
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, looks on prior to the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Before the two for Bologna, he took Fiorentina to back-to-back editions of the Conference League Final, plus a Coppa Italia Final.
Although he didn’t win any of those in charge of the Viola, they were still far more than anyone expected, especially in the light of their current struggles.
Italian head coach Vincenzo Italiano (C), now at Bologna, shouts instructions to his players from the touchline during the UEFA Europa Conference League final football match between Olympiakos and Fiorentina at the AEK Arena in Athens on May 29, 2024. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Italiano, who celebrated his 48th birthday earlier this month, lost the 2023 Conference League Final to West Ham United, and the 2024 edition to Olympiacos in extra time.
His Fiorentina also lost the Coppa Italia Final 2-1 to Inter in May 2023.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits Inter ‘were unable to convert our chances’ and so Bologna deserve to be in the Supercoppa Italiana Final. ‘We’ve got to work on finishing games off earlier.’
The Nerazzurri had the ideal start in Riyadh when taking the lead in the opening 73 seconds through a Marcus Thuram volley.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
However, Riccardo Orsolini equalised from the spot as Yann Bisseck clumsily mistimed his header and handled in the box.
Under the Supercoppa rules, there is no extra time, so at 1-1 they went straight to a penalty shoot-out where Alessandro Bastoni and Ange-Yoan Bonny efforts were saved, and Nicolò Barella blasted over the bar.
Mkhitaryan admits to Inter errors
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
“Once you get to penalties, it’s another matter. We were unable to convert our chances, just like against Atletico Madrid. It’s disappointing, we must work to finish games off earlier, because we always create plenty of opportunities.”
While Federico Ravaglia made some big saves, it is also fair to say that Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij missed free headers on corners when it was 1-1.
Inter are now without any silverware for 18 months, as last season they had been leading the EA Sports FC Supercup Final 2-0 against AC Milan only to lose 3-2.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Josep Martinez of Internazionale fails to save a penalty kick taken by Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC 1909 who scores his teams first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“This is football, it’s 11 against 11, not 11 against 0,” noted Mkhitaryan.
“Bologna deserved to be here after winning the Coppa Italia last season and we were unable to beat them in 90 minutes. There are no excuses, we’ve just got to get our heads down and keep working.
“This disappointment hurts, but we are also well aware of what we need to do going forward. We’ll work even harder to achieve our objectives.”
Despite losing four Serie A games already this season, Inter are still at the top of the table, having leapfrogged Napoli and AC Milan last week.
The Supercoppa Italiana Final will be between Napoli and Bologna in Riyadh on Monday, kicking off at 19.00 GMT.
Despite the Final Four format, it is therefore going to be an old-school Supercoppa between the Serie A winners and Coppa Italia holders.
The Nerazzurri had the perfect start, taking the lead within 73 seconds when Alessandro Bastoni intercepted a loose ball and whipped the cross to the back post for an acrobatic Marcus Thuram volley.
However, Riccardo Orsolini converted a penalty for Yann Bisseck’s clumsy handling offence.
It was all-square after 90 minutes, also thanks to a big Josep Martinez save on Giovanni Fabbian in stoppages, so had to be decided in a shoot-out.
Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella and Bonny all failed to convert, as Ciro Immobile scored the final kick to send Bologna into Monday’s Supercoppa Italiana Final against Napoli.
Chivu pleased with Inter performance overall
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“Penalties are a lottery in my view, I admire the courage to raise your hand and say you’ll take one. It is something you cannot practice, because the emotions of a match situation cannot be replicated,” Chivu told Sport Mediaset.
“I thought my team put in a great performance, especially in the second half, they had quality and intensity, the things I always want to see from my players.”
There was a controversial moment when Inter were awarded a penalty, which was then revoked following the VAR review, as Ange-Yoan Bonny was adjudged to have stretched out his leg to connect with Torbjorn Heggem rather than the other way around.
“I do not talk about referees or their decisions, they have VAR and can evaluate all the footage,” shrugged Chivu when pressed on this incident.
“I want to talk about my own team, what we can do to improve, what we must learn, because that is the job of a coach. In good or bad, we go forward with heads held high. We must realise everyone can make mistakes, so I have no recriminations or complaints to anyone else. We keep going.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Vincenzo Italiano said that in a way going behind after 73 seconds really boosted their intensity and desire to fight back, something that Chivu acknowledged.
“Straight after our goal was the most difficult moment, as they were pushing hard and we struggled to find a way out. We tried to get the strikers to hold up the ball, but there wasn’t much in support for them.
“We did much better in the second half, when we took control of the game, were able to push them back into their own half and create scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, this is football, if you don’t convert the chances, then you end up going to penalties, and from there it’s a lottery.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale prepares to take to the pitch during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Lautaro Martinez was only on the bench to begin with, coming on just as it looked as if there wasn’t going to be a breakthrough in normal time. Was he trying to keep the captain fresh for the eventual Final on Monday?
“I wouldn’t dare assume we would reach the Final,” assured Chivu.
“I just noted it was the eighth game in three weeks, that he played all of them, and we are going into many more big games in January too. We cannot lose players right now to avoidable injuries, that also goes for Manuel Akanji and Hakan Calhanoglu.
“There are many matches, this is not a complaint, it’s just the way it is. The squad has shown for months now that no matter who plays, they are up to the task of any tournament that they play in.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Josep Martinez Rieira goalkeeper of FC Internazionale kicks the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
There was also a change in goal, as Josep Martinez had his first appearance since being involved in a tragic car accident on October 28.
“I have 25 players who all deserve to play, they are all champions and I must give them the opportunity to be protagonists, to help the cause. This is a team with big ambitions and it’s a long season, so we need everyone.”
Inter had lost the Final of the EA Sports FC Supercup last season, when taking a 2-0 lead and fumbling it 3-2 against rivals AC Milan, so their disappointment in this tournament continues.
Vincenzo Italiano admits it was ‘not easy’ for Bologna to recover from their nightmare start, but ‘the draw was the fair result and penalties are a lottery’ when eliminating Inter.
The Rossoblu had never been in the Supercoppa Italiana before, as the tournament was only created after their last piece of silverware, but now they will face Napoli in the Final in Riyadh on Monday evening.
It was 1-1 after 90 minutes, so went to a penalty shoot-out, which was ultimately decided by veteran Ciro Immobile after a bizarre run with five consecutive failed attempts.
Italiano thanks Immobile for Bologna confidence
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Ciro Immobile and Giovanni Fabbian of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates victory after the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“He came off the bench and was the fifth man up because he’s so used to these situations. He was out for such a long time, but has been back in the squad for a month or so, and he was decisive, just as he has been over the years. I was starting to think that goal was cursed, with all the misses in a row.”
They had to fight back from a nightmare start, as Marcus Thuram had opened the scoring after 73 seconds, but Riccardo Orsolini converted a penalty for Yann Bisseck’s handling offence.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, looks on prior to the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“Starting with that handicap is not easy, but we kept out heads, managed to equalise and I felt our first half was excellent,” noted Italiano.
“Inter were better in the second, but one half each means the draw was a fair result and then penalties is a lottery, so you need a bit of luck.
“It was 1-1 on the field, we won the shoot-out, and that was not easy because when Inter take control of a game, it is hard to get the ball off them. We lost intensity in the second half and Inter raised the pressure, so every time we tried to counter, they blocked us off. We were pinned back for long periods, but we were up against a side made of champions, so we knew there would be periods like that,” continued Italiano.
“In a way, going behind so early gave us that extra furore to fight back and be determined on every ball in the first half. Our style means you can take some risks, attack is the best form of defence to keep the more talented opponents away from our penalty area, but it’s tough to keep that up for 90 minutes and sometimes you need to defend too.”
Ciro Immobile and Federico Ravaglia assure Bologna will ‘face the Supercoppa Final with the utmost ambition’ against Napoli after eliminating Inter on penalties. ‘We want to bring the trophy home.’
The Rossoblu had the worst possible start to this evening’s semi-final in Riyadh, as they were trailing within 73 seconds thanks to a Marcus Thuram volley.
However, Riccardo Orsolini converted a spot-kick for Yann Bisseck’s handling offence to equalise, and as they could not be divided after 90 minutes, it went straight to a penalty shoot-out.
There was an odd run of five consecutive failed attempts from the two teams, but Immobile kept his cool to convert the decisive kick.
Immobile and Ravaglia the heroes for Bologna
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates victory with teammates after the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“Penalties are a lottery, Fede did really well to save two and gave us the chance to step up with a little more calm,” Immobile told Sport Mediaset.
The veteran was a substitute off the bench for Bologna, as he has barely played this term due to injury problems.
“I needed this goal, I suffered for three and a half months, but my family stayed with me and the team almost felt like this goal was coming tonight.”
Now Bologna will face Napoli in the EA Sports FC Supercup on Monday evening in Riyadh, aiming to win their first ever Supercoppa Italiana.
“We saw last night’s game, Napoli are in great shape, but it’s a one-off match and anything can happen. We want to bring the trophy home.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Federico Ravaglia of Bologna FC 1909 saves a penalty kick from Alessandro Bastoni of Internazionale in the penalty shootout during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper Ravaglia was standing in for injured Lukasz Skorupski this evening, but he proved decisive with saves on Alessandro Bastoni and Ange-Yoan Bonny, while Nicolò Barella ballooned his attempt over the bar.
“It’s indescribable, we came here to honour the tournament and try to go all the way. We did well to hold Inter for 90 minutes, then the shoot-out is a lottery,” Ravaglia told Sport Mediaset.
“We came here to get the trophy, we’ll face the Final with the utmost ambition.”
Bologna will face Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana Final on Monday after eliminating Inter in a penalty shoot-out, Ciro Immobile converting when Riccardo Orsolini had cancelled out the early Marcus Thuram strike.
The Coppa Italia holders missed Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler and Nicolò Casale, with Martin Vitik back on the bench after injury issues for their first ever Supercoppa participation. The Nerazzurri lost Denzel Dumfries, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Raffaele Di Gennaro, but Hakan Calhanoglu was not fully fit. The EA Sports FC Supercup Final Four format had begun last night in Riyadh, with Napoli beating AC Milan 2-0 to book their place in Monday’s Final.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
It took just 72 seconds to break the deadlock, as Alessandro Bastoni robbed Riccardo Orsolini and surged forward, whipping a cross to the back post where Thuram met it with an acrobatic right-foot volley from six yards.
Bologna put together a series of corners, then Federico Bernardeschi forced a save out of Josep Martinez when meeting the Emil Holm pull-back from the by-line.
Tommaso Pobega also nodded wide from close range, but Yann Bisseck made a horrible mess of trying to head a ball over the top, instead parrying it with his forearm. VAR spotted the incident and the referee awarded a penalty, which Riccardo Orsolini converted into the roof of the net.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Josep Martinez of Internazionale fails to save a penalty kick taken by Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC 1909 who scores his teams first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
However, Bologna then lost Bernardeschi after he landed heavily on his left shoulder and was replaced by Jonathan Rowe.
On the stroke of half-time, Jhon Lucumi deflected Dimarco’s snapshot just wide of the near post, having wrong-footed Federico Ravaglia.
Luis Henrique stung Ravaglia’s gloves at the near post and Martinez made a desperate save one-on-one when Castro ran onto Juan Miranda’s assist.
Ravaglia made a great one-handed save to keep out the Dimarco volley, but there was controversy on 56 minutes.
The referee awarded a penalty for Torbjorn Heggem bundling into the back of Bonny as they ran onto the Henrikh Mkhitaryan through ball. However, following the VAR review, Daniele Chiffi changed his mind, realising Bonny had extended his leg to collide with Heggem instead.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Ange-Yoan Bonny of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Torbjorn Heggem of Bologna FC during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Eager to get it done in 90 minutes and not head into a penalty shoot-out, Inter introduced Lautaro Martinez, while Jonathan Rowe’s angled drive was smothered by Josep Martinez.
Lautaro Martinez hit a ferocious shot to force a save from Ravaglia at the near post, and on the resulting corner Bastoni turned a free header wide.
Dimarco’s screamer from the edge of the area also flashed off target, while Zielinski fired straight at Ravaglia and Stefan de Vrij also nodded wide with a free header on a corner.
Bologna also threatened with Rowe’s volley charged down from the edge of the area, and at the 90th minute Josep Martinez flew for a wonderful reaction save on Giovanni Fabbian’s curler after a mad scramble in the box.
Under the Supercoppa rules, there was no extra time, so they went straight to a penalty shoot-out.
It was a truly bizarre penalty shoot-out, with five consecutive failed attempts, but Ciro Immobile stepped up to convert the decisive one off the underside of the crossbar and send Bologna into the Supercoppa Italiana Final against Napoli.
AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez assures he will be back ‘stronger than ever’ after undergoing surgery on his ankle, as he’s expected to be out for two months.
The centre-forward has been struggling with a recurring ankle issue for a while and there were no signs of improvement, as when he did return to training, the pain would flare up again.
Gimenez out for at least two months
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)
He will remain in Amsterdam for one week and then travel to Italy to begin the rehabilitation programme, but is expected to be out for a couple of months.
Gimenez posted a picture of himself in the hospital bed on Instagram along with this message for supporters.
Inter President Beppe Marotta feels the club is being repaid for the ‘courageous’ decision to appoint Cristian Chivu, as they go into the Supercoppa semi-final with Bologna.
It kicks off at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh at 19.00 GMT.
A winner must be decided after 90 minutes or penalties, so without extra time, and goes on to face Napoli in Monday’s Final.
The Nerazzurri qualified for this Final Four tournament as runners-up in the Scudetto race, so they face Coppa Italia winners Bologna.
It is one year and eight months since Inter last won any silverware.
Marotta aiming for Inter victory
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Andy Diouf of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Marcus Thuram 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)
“We are not here to be spectators, but to be protagonists. That is what the history of Inter demands,” Marotta told Sport Mediaset.
“Bologna have in my view the characteristics, tenacity, determination and positive style of football to make them a very tough opponent.”
Denzel Dumfries, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Raffaele Di Gennaro are still out of action, with Hakan Calhanoglu only ready for a spot on the bench after his injury against Liverpool.
Considering Dumfries will be out for at least two months following ankle surgery, are Inter aiming to sign a new right-sided wing-back for January?
“I won’t rule anything out, but the squad is currently providing what the coach and club need,” replied Marotta.
“We will discuss it with Ausilio, Baccin and the coach, then evaluate what ought to be done. The January transfer window is for repairing the squad, and we do not need repairs. It is only worth going on the market to bring in qualities that are better than you currently have.”
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)
Davide Frattesi was widely expected to start, but instead Nicolò Barella, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan run the midfield in Riyadh.
Chivu has had some hiccups since replacing Simone Inzaghi, but still has Inter on top of the Serie A table and in the running for a top eight finish in the Champions League.
“We are proud to have made this choice and to have the coach with us. He is a modern coach, has the qualities required to lead Inter, and the club had the courage to appoint him. We were well aware that this is a professional who can communicate well with players and media, while also instilling a strong work ethic.
“He can do very well and certainly will do well at Inter.”
PISA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Pisa SC and FC Internazionale at Arena Garibaldi on November 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We are Inter, so we must be able to deal with difficult moments like last June, it is part of the job. There were many critics who leapt to conclusions without waiting to evaluate developments properly.
“Inter proved we are still a competitive model, I won’t say necessarily winning, but certainly competitive, and so we leave the criticism where we found it,” concluded Marotta.
Bologna director Marco Di Vaio admits they are feeling ‘tense, but want to enjoy the experience’ of their first ever Supercoppa Italiana test against Inter.
It kicks off at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh at 19.00 GMT.
A winner must be decided after 90 minutes or penalties, so without extra time, and goes on to face Napoli in Monday’s Final.
The Rossoblu qualified for the Supercoppa for the first time in their history, as the event hadn’t been invented when they last won the Coppa Italia or Scudetto.
They lifted the Coppa Italia trophy after beating AC Milan in the Final last season, ending a more than 50-year wait for silverware.
Bologna pushing for more silverware
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 is tension, the desire to put in a great performance, many expectations around all of us to face this game in the best possible way,” Di Vaio told Sport Mediaset.
“Inter are accustomed to being in the Supercoppa, but it is the first time for us here, so we are eager to do well. We are here, we want to enjoy the experience and are very pleased that we earned our right to participate in this competition, so now we want to honour it.”
Bologna are missing injured Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler and Nicolò Casale, while Martin Vitik is back on the bench after his lay-off.
There had been reports it was between Federico Bernardeschi and Riccardo Orsolini to start, but instead they both play, with Nicolò Cambiaghi dropping to the bench.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 06: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on November 06, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Santiago Castro leads the attack and has already attracted a lot of attention from various clubs.
“Santi has great hunger, he wants to learn every day in training from every since exercise. He is training with a great striker who wrote the history of Italian football like Ciro Immobile. I also try to give advice, but a lot has changed since when I was a forward,” added Di Vaio.
“He came to Europe at a very young age, he knows that the daily work is essential, and that attitude will take him far.”
Inter start Marcus Thuram, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Piotr Zielinski in the EA Sports FC Supercup semi-final against Bologna’s Santiago Castro and Riccardo Orsolini.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 04: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia Round of 16 match between Bologna FC and Parma Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 04, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna are still missing injured Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler and Nicolò Casale, but Martin Vitik is back in the squad.
Castro is chosen to lead the attack, with support from Orsolini, Jens Odgaard and Federico Bernardeschi.
Emil Holm and Juan Miranda are the full-backs.
Inter know Denzel Dumfries will be out of action for at least a couple of months after undergoing surgery to stabilise his ankle.
Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Raffaele Di Gennaro are also sidelined, but Hakan Calhanoglu did make the trip to Saudi Arabia, albeit not fully fit.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Nicolò Barella of Inter warms up ahead before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Davide Frattesi was expected to get a rare start in midfield with Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but he is benched yet again, while Luis Henrique takes over on the right.
Lautaro Martinez is initially rested, so Bonny partners Thuram upfront.
Another change sees Josep Martinez in goal for his first appearance since he was involved in a fatal car accident on October 28.
Bologna beat Inter 1-0 in their most recent meeting in April, a result that effectively steered the Scudetto towards Napoli.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, issues Piotr Zielinski of Inter some instructions 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 Friulani had already expressed ‘surprise’ that the authorities requested the indictment, which was formally handed down today.
Udinese, then-directors Stefano Campoccia and Franco Collavino have been deferred to the Federal National Tribunal.
What Udinese are accused of with regards to Mandragora
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Como 1907 at Artemio Franchi on September 21, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Campoccia and Collavino were deferred because in July 2018 for the sale of Rolando Mandragora from Juventus to Udinese, they had agreed terms that were different to the ones in the deposited contracts (from an option to buy for €26m into an obligation to buy that indeed happened in October 2020 for €10 million and 700,000), therefore avoiding the federal rules.
“All of this was aimed at giving Udinese accounting and fiscal benefits for the financial years ending June 30 of 2019, 2020 and 2021.”
Mandragora was officially sold to Udinese by Juventus for €20m in the summer of 2018, then sold back to the Turin giants for €15m in October 2020, but remained on loan at the Stadio Friuli until January 2021.
The accusation is that the Friulani created a falsified ‘profit’ of €3.11m by having an option to buy written into the agreement, when it was instead an ‘irrevocable obligation.’
Mandragora moved to Fiorentina for €8m plus add-ons in 2022 and still plays for the Viola.
Udinese pointed out that the exact same accusations against them were dismissed by the Bologna preliminary hearing judge during the civil investigation.
Fiorentina ultras groups announced they will leave the stands empty for 20 minutes in protest at their dire form. ‘You are trampling on the history of a city and its people. Shame on you all!’
The Viola are in a total and utter crisis, sitting rock bottom of the Serie A table and the only team still without a victory in the tournament this season.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Fans wave flags and hold scarves prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
With a must-win game coming up on Sunday against Udinese, the Fiorentina fans announced they will take a stand at the Stadio Franchi.
“The organised fan clubs therefore announce that for the first 20 minutes of the game between Fiorentina and Udinese, the Curva Fiesole will remain empty.
“We invite all other sections of the stadium to do the same. Our silence and absence is all that is deserved for those who are trampling on the history of a city and its people. Shame on you all!”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Fiorentina have been locked in a training camp at Viola Park since last Sunday, when the club took action after their humiliating 2-1 home defeat to Hellas Verona.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina warns Max Allegri, Michael Folorunsho and more to stop bad behaviour. ‘We do campaigns on fair play and ethics, then spit on all of it.’
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Gabriele Gravina president of FIGC during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Now Federation President Gravina has had enough of the hypocrisy.
“This is a cultural problem now. We’ve got to rediscover a sense of common courtesy, otherwise people are convinced that the more they shout, it will influence a referee’s decision.
“Enough of this constant aggression and that goes for everyone, for Folorunsho, for the Presidents, directors, players, coaches and fans.
“We talk endlessly about fair play and ethics, we do these campaigns and stamp the slogans across our chests, and then step onto the field and spit on all of it.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Allegri is not new to ranting and raving on the touchline, as he had to sit out the first two Coppa Italia games of his AC Milan spell due to a left-over ban from his last appearance in the competition as coach of Juventus.
Paolo Vanoli admits Fiorentina are in free-fall after their Conference League loss to Lausanne-Sport. ‘If the players don’t react, we’ll look into the eyes of those who don’t want to fight, and move on.’
The Viola crisis seems to know no end, because this was yet another defeat that showed practically no fight, barely any shots on target, and some incredibly weak defending.
They knew this was a head-to-head, with only one point separating them in the table, and indeed the 1-0 victory allows Lausanne-Sport to go directly into the Conference League Round of 16.
Instead, Fiorentina will enter the play-offs, but are at least seeded, so will face either Jagellonia or Omonia Nicosia.
Vanoli frustrated by Fiorentina lack of response
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between ACF Fiorentina and AEK Athens FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 27, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“I expected a different response from the lads who hadn’t played as much, and we knew that there were difficulties playing on an artificial pitch,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
“In any case, I prefer to look at the positives. Even with a victory, we probably still would’ve had to go through the play-offs, so now we prepare for February.”
The squad was put into a training retreat straight after Sunday’s dire 2-1 home defeat to Hellas Verona, which left them rock bottom at the foot of the Serie A table.
Nothing seems to have shaken this team into a reaction, as along with the results, the performances have exhibited players who look frightened.
“I think they have what it takes to react, and we have a big opportunity to prove that on Sunday,” added Vanoli.
“If it doesn’t happen then, we have the January transfer window, where we’ll look into the eyes of those people who don’t want to fight, and we’ll move on. When we get to January, we’ll evaluate.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina gestures during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Vanoli has overseen one win, two draws and five defeats in all competition. Did the coach expect more to have advanced since he took over from sacked Stefano Pioli on November 7?
“The players are trying, it’s natural that we expected a lot more. The responsibility is mine, the lads need to focus on preparing for the next game against Udinese.
“At this point, we need to find something different to free the minds of these players. The situation is weighing on them, you can see in the way they can misplace even simple passes, but we must find the strength to change this moment.
“We have what it takes and we must fight for it. I must try to revolutionise some things. We had some ups and downs, the last two games I felt were in a positive trend, as we had beaten Dinamo Kyiv and the performance against Verona was good, aside from the result.
“Then we ran into tonight’s performance, so this is where the coach must understand what is going on and what to change in order to give them something different, because evidently what we’ve got so far has not worked.”
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)
Excluding the preliminary round wins over Polissya in August, Fiorentina have won only three games this season, all of them in the Conference League against Sigma Olomouc, Rapid Vienna and Dinamo Kyiv.
They lost 12 competitive matches, drawing the other six.
The most alarming thing about this Fiorentina team is the total lack of fight and pride, even compared to former squads that were relegated amid bankruptcy.
“I agree, but I must try to find the key. Sometimes you find it by making changes. The players are struggling to do certain things right now, so I must give them other solutions,” added Vanoli.
“When you are in a training retreat, it is to stay together and talk. However, talk only gets you so far, we need action now. We’ve got to shake off the fear, cling to all we’ve got and try to bring home a result that is too important this weekend.”
Rolando Mandragora dismantles controversy after Fiorentina fans suggested he threw down the captain’s armband during a defeat to Lausanne-Sport. ‘I understand people are angry.’
Coach Paolo Vanoli threw on several big names when they were already 1-0 down, and during this triple substitution, some fans online felt that Mandragora had thrown down the captain’s armband on his way off the field.
This sparked a firestorm online and the midfielder was eager to set the record straight.
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal 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)
“I certainly did not throw the captain’s armband down. Pablo Mari was the vice-captain, so I had to hand it to him, I was trying to hurry the situation up during my substitution and it fell, Mattia picked it up and handed it over. I would never dare show disrespect to the armband, it was just an accident,” Mandragora told Sky Sport Italia.
The Fiorentina crisis just keeps getting worse, as they were put into a training retreat at their Viola Park camp on Sunday evening after the home defeat to Hellas Verona left them rooted to the foot of the Serie A table.
Coaches have come and gone, so have directors, but nothing has changed. Is it time the players take responsibility?
“We must try to find a way to get out of this situation. I understand people are angry about the armband, but I wanted to clarify it was simply handing it over to the vice-captain,” added Mandragora.
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Como 1907 at Artemio Franchi on September 21, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“It depends exclusively on us now, we’ve got to find the strength to react and drag ourselves out of what is becoming an increasingly complicated situation.
“Unfortunately, we cannot seem to repeat what we do in training and what we say in the locker room out onto the pitch. Perhaps we talked too much, we’ve got to do more of our talking on the field.
“We can only do this by digging deep within ourselves and finding that strength to get out.”
What do the players say to each other in the locker room?
“What we are lacking right now are performances. We say that we need to be stronger, more aggressive, to react, but at this moment we’re struggling. We cannot seem to react to setbacks.”
This result means Fiorentina will now enter the Conference League play-offs, where they will face either Omonia Nicosia or Jagellonia.
Rasmus Hojlund reveals why he hugged Romelu Lukaku after scoring to beat AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana and hopes Napoli can ‘win a trophy’ on Monday, while Giovanni Di Lorenzo hails the team spirit.
The Partenopei booked their place in the Supercoppa Italiana Final thanks to the 2-0 victory over Milan, with Hojlund named Man of the Match.
It was somewhat inevitable, as his angled drive was palmed into the path of David Neres for the first goal, then he scored the second himself to beat Mike Maignan from a similar position.
Hojlund and Di Lorenzo have high hopes for Napoli
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Giovanni Di Lorenzo during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“It’s a good opportunity for us to try to win a trophy, it’s a big match and we’re happy to go into the Final now.”
Lukaku was back on the Napoli bench for the first time since tearing a muscle in a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli looks on during the warm up ahead of 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)
Hojlund was only signed from Manchester United to replace Lukaku when it became clear how serious that injury was, but the strikers hope to play together eventually.
“Me and Rom have a very good relationship, he hugs me a lot, so that’s why I gave him a hug. I’ve said in multiple times that I hope to have him back, as we need as many top players and as many options as possible, because we want to go all the way in every competition. Now we have an opportunity to win a trophy.”
The Final will be on Monday evening in Riyadh against either Bologna or Inter, as those two teams face off in the other semi-final tomorrow night.
“It’s the same for me. It’s a Final, so anything can happen,” concluded Hojlund.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli clashes with Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Napoli captain Di Lorenzo was by his side during the post-match interview and defended the team’s record so far this term.
“Aside from a few hiccups, Napoli have always been up for it this season. We showed real spirit to help each other out, especially in those moments during the match when we cannot be dominant,” assured Di Lorenzo.
“I feel this was a very good performance, we knew that we had to defend as a unit and we did it well. We were aggressive when we needed to be, and on Monday we’ll play the Final.
“Now we’ll see tomorrow night who our opponents will be, and we’ll try to win.”
Fiorentina fell to yet another disappointing defeat, this time 1-0 away to Lausanne-Sport, and will enter the Conference League play-offs.
They finish the table in 16th place, so are still seeded, and will play either Jagellonia or Omonia Nicosia.
The Viola were in a deep crisis at the foot of the Serie A table without a win, and coming off back-to-back Conference League defeats too. This was the final game of the league phase, with Robin Gosens and Jacopo Fazzini out of action, plus Cher Ndour suspended, but Christian Kouame got his first start since that ACL tear last season. Lausanne-Sport were one point behind Fiorentina going in, but Nicky Beloko, Oscar Renovales, Ethan Bruchez and Muhanad Alsaad were injured, while Gaoussou Diakite was on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
BERGAMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fiorentina risked an own goal when Mattia Viti’s header back almost surprised Tommaso Martinelli, while Sekou Fofana fired over from a promising position after Hans Nicolussi-Caviglia was robbed in midfield.
Roberto Piccoli’s effort was charged down by Karim Sow, while the acrobatic Theo Bair flick was straight at Martinelli.
After the restart, Amir Richardson’s volley from the edge of the area was blocked off by Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, who risked handball, but did not increase the silhouette.
Lausanne came close when Enzo Kana-Biyik’s rather shinned half-volley looped inches past the far post from 14 yards.
Piccoli sprung the offside trap, but hesitated and then scuffed his finish straight at the goalkeeper, which proved costly as Lausanne-Sport took the lead moments later.
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Luca Ranieri of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between ACF Fiorentina and AEK Athens FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 27, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kana-Biyik twisted and turned Nicolussi-Caviglia at the left by-line and stood up a cross for Gabriel Sigua’s free header at the back post.
It was nearly 2-0 soon after, as Beyatt Lekoueiry was allowed to surge through the centre, this time Martinelli managed to push the strike over the bar. On the resulting corner, Edin Dzeko used his face to charge down the Kevin Mouanga effort.
Nobody was ready to meet Simon Sohm’s ball flashed across the face of goal, so Fiorentina threw on Moise Kean, Albert Gudmundsson and Rolando Mandragora.
There was a double Viola chance when Eddy Kouadio’s cross found Niccolò Fortini for a volley that was charged down, the Kouadio tried himself and forced a tricky save at the near post.
Kean was offside on several occasions, and wasteful in the finish when he did get past the flag, while ex-Atalanta man Brandon Soppy made a decisive sliding tackle on Gudmundsson.
Lekoueiry’s curler flashed just past the far post in the final minutes and Sohm’s volley was too close to the goalkeeper.
The result means Lausanne-Sport leapfrog Fiorentina and go straight into the Round of 16.
Antonio Conte reiterates the difficulties that Napoli are pushing through to reach the Supercoppa Italiana Final after beating AC Milan. ‘When we work as a team unit, then we are competitive.’
The Partenopei were not in the best mood going into this clash in Riyadh, coming off two consecutive defeats in the Champions League to Benfica and Serie A to Udinese.
“I realise it is boring to keep repeating the same things, but when you play every three days with very few players available, it’s inevitable that there will be some setbacks,” Conte told Sport Mediaset.
“It’s what happened last week and can well happen in future. We wanted to play a strong performance against a great team full of talented players. Our style of football is very energetic and demanding, we don’t just try to defend and counter.
“I am glad because these lads showed they want to challenge for this trophy.”
Conte admires Napoli fighting spirit
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, looks on prior to the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
He made some changes to bring in fresh legs and move Eljif Elmas into a more advanced role, but the goals were very similar, with Rasmus Hojlund getting to the left by-line and the first time Mike Maignan pushing the angled drive into the path of David Neres, the second beaten by the finish.
“We are doing alright physically, but it is inevitable that so many games saps your energy,” continued Conte.
“We paid a price for the recent wins, as we were drained against Benfica and in the second half with Udinese, but today we moved very well as a team unit. When we manage to work as a team, regardless of who is playing, then we are competitive.
“We’ve got to continue like this going forward. Those who were injured are still out, but the new players are now more involved than they were earlier in the season. I always said that I expected this to be a complicated campaign, but I didn’t expect this many injuries.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: David Neres of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
There is some good news, because Romelu Lukaku was back on the bench for the first time since his muscle tear in a pre-season friendly match.
Is it possible for him to play with Hojlund in future rather than as alternatives to each other?
“First of all, let’s try to get Romelu back to full fitness,” replied Conte.
“He is such an important player for us, with so much experience. Just having him on the bench is important. I hope that we have many more games to play, so both will have chances.
“We are doing what we need to do now, there are players who are adapting to different roles, so I am getting a good response from everyone.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, shakes Referee, Luca Zufferli’s, hand following the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
This victory means Napoli will play the EA Sports FC Supercup Final against either Inter or Bologna, which is scheduled for Monday evening in Riyadh.
“We just wanted to be in the Final to have our chance at playing for the trophy. We know both potential opponents are very strong.”
Napoli swept AC Milan aside 2-0 with David Neres and Rasmus Hojlund goals to book their place in the Supercoppa Italiana Final, beating the trophy holders.
They will discover their opponents after Friday’s other semi-final between Bologna and Inter, also in Riyadh.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Players of SSC Napoli pose for a team photograph prior to the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
The Partenopei were still missing Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Alex Meret, with Mathias Olivera on the bench, while Romelu Lukaku was in the squad for the first time since tearing a muscle in pre-season. Giovanni Di Lorenzo dropped into the back three, with Eljif Elmas pushing up into the trident. The Rossoneri were without Rafael Leao and Matteo Gabbia, so Christopher Nkunku partnered Christian Pulisic, but Ardon Jashari stepped in for Luka Modric. When these sides met in Serie A in September, Milan won 2-1.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan runs with the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
An early Strahinja Pavlovic overhead kick turned into an accidental assist for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, forcing Vanja Milinkovic-Savic to rush off his line and parry from four yards. Alexis Saelemaekers also hit a half-volley over the bar, while Eljif Elmas drilled wide after Mike Maignan fumbled a Napoli corner and the Milan goalkeeper had to come flying out to clear from Rasmus Hojlund.
Napoli wanted a red card for Adrien Rabiot’s tackle from behind on Matteo Politano’s ankle when he was on the ground, but the referee opted against even a yellow.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan reacts during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Scott McTominay drilled just wide from the edge of the area and Rabiot nodded the Saelemaekers cross over, while Christopher Nkunku fired over after a rapid counter-attack from the Napoli corner.
It proved a costly miss, as moments later Napoli took the lead when Hojlund pulled back from the by-line through Koni De Winter’s legs, Maignan only got a fingertip to it, unable to prevent David Neres tapping in at the back post. He went to the bench to celebrate with Lukaku.
Maignan did better when getting down for a one-handed save at the base of the near stick to deny the Hojlund counter-attack.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Giovanni Di Lorenzo during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Amir Rrahmani’s strike after the restart from the edge of the box forced another Maignan save, but the goalkeeper was caught out when Hojlund ran onto a Spinazzola through ball, turned De Winter and surprised Maignan with the angled drive from the tightest of angles.
There was tension with a scuffle between McTominay and Fikayo Tomori that saw them both booked. McTominay also blasted over from 14 yards after a rapid counter-attack.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This is the last match of League phase in the Conference League, and Fiorentina find themselves in 11th place on nine points, one more than their Swiss opponents.
Pretty much everything is still up for grabs going in, as a victory could send them directly into the Round of 16, or they could miss out altogether on the play-offs.
The crisis is all-encompassing, without a single Serie A win all season, and losing their last two in Europe.
Christian Kouame gets his first start of the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last term, with Eddy Kouadio and Amir Richardson also given rare chances.
Robin Gosens and Jacopo Fazzini did not make the trip, while Cher Ndour is suspended.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 2: Roberto Piccoli of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between ACF Fiorentina and SK Sigma Olomouc at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 2, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Lausanne-Sport are missing Nicky Beloko, Oscar Renovales, Ethan Bruchez and Muhanad Alsaad, while Gaoussou Diakite is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Brandon Soppy is on loan from Atalanta and therefore a familiar face for Serie A.
Max Allegri explains AC Milan changes for the Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli, but also reveals uncertainty over Santiago Gimenez and that controversial Como fixture in Perth.
The first EA Sports FC Super Cup semi-final kicks off in Riyadh at 19.00 GMT.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: A detailed view of a corner flag on the inside of the stadium prior to the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
The Supercoppa Italiana Final Four format means tonight a winner is decided after 90 minutes or on a penalty shoot-out, without requiring extra time.
Whoever wins this goes on to face either Bologna or Inter in the Final on Monday.
Allegri adjustments to AC Milan XI
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There are a few changes to the line-up, above all Luka Modric dropped to the bench in favour of Ardon Jashari, while Pervis Estupinan replaces Davide Bartesaghi.
“Jashari did very well against Lazio, while Bartesaghi had a flexor issue, Estupinan is in good shape, and I needed some fresh legs,” Allegri told Sport Mediaset.
Santiago Gimenez showed no signs of recovery from an ankle injury after several weeks, so he went under the knife to stabilise it. Does that mean the Rossoneri will go back on the market in January for a striker?
“As I said yesterday, Milan’s transfer strategy is to get the players back to full fitness. Gimenez had this small surgery, we don’t yet know how long he will be out for. We hope to reach the Final this evening, that would be a good objective, otherwise we’ll get back to focusing on Serie A,” replied Allegri.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Wesley Franca of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Nkunku has such extraordinary technique, he works for the team, is settling in really well, we have great faith in him.”
The Rossoneri are in this Final Four because they were runners-up in the Coppa Italia Final against Bologna in May, but won the Supercoppa Italiana in January 2025 when beating Inter 3-2 in the thrilling Final.
“I don’t know anything about that yet. I hope it is an opening to help the future of Italian football and not just a one-off isolated case, otherwise that would be a problem,” replied Allegri.
Napoli director of sport Giovanni Manna shrugs off Kobbie Mainoo and Giacomo Raspadori updates, assuring they are ‘doing very well’ ahead of the Supercoppa with AC Milan.
The first EA Sports FC Super Cup semi-final kicks off in Riyadh at 19.00 GMT.
The Supercoppa Italiana Final Four format means tonight a winner is decided after 90 minutes or on a penalty shoot-out, without requiring extra time.
Whoever wins this goes on to face either Bologna or Inter in the Final on Monday.
Manna on Napoli issues
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 26: Giovanni Manna Sports director of SSC Napoli celebrates the victory of Serie A TIM during the SSC Napoli Trophy Parade on May 26, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
There are quite a few changes in the Napoli side going into this game, with the usual absentee list of Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Meret, Billy Gilmour and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa.
At least Romelu Lukaku is back on the bench for the first time since tearing a muscle during a pre-season friendly in August.
“We are so happy Lukaku is back in the squad, but he is not yet in a condition to play. He has character, we’ll see how he improves over the next few weeks, and then we’ll see,” Manna told Sport Mediaset.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
There were reports today from Sky Sports UK that Manchester United have no intention of letting Kobbie Mainoo go on loan in January, and will only accept an ‘exceptional’ offer to sell. With that in mind, are Napoli still confident they can sign the midfielder?
“I always said we must reflect on the January transfer window, as there are important players out and sooner or later they will return. So we’ll wait and see what happens over the next few weeks,” responded Manna with a shrug.
There are also numerous reports that Giacomo Raspadori will return to Serie A for Roma, just six months after leaving Napoli for Atletico Madrid. Would that surprise Manna?
“He is a player who gave a lot to Napoli, Napoli gave a lot to him, he made a choice and we supported him in it. Personally, I don’t think he will leave Atletico Madrid. Personally.”
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Manager of Napoli, Antonio Conte, reacts 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 Partenopei have a rough atmosphere in the build-up to this match, as they lost back-to-back fixtures against Benfica in the Champions League and Udinese in Serie A.
Antonio Conte had lashed out in the media last time they had these setbacks, so is the situation calmer on this occasion?
“We never had internal problems, I don’t feel Conte ever sparked controversy, he was just sounding the alarm. We had two defeats after a spell where we had a series of victories in head-to-head clashes, so with the squad a little limited in options and so many big games, some fatigue is physiologically inevitable,” assured Manna.
“The team is doing very well, we are confident in what we are doing and what the coach is doing.”
Napoli make changes with Matteo Politano and Leonardo Spinazzola joining Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay against AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku and Ardon Jashari.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: A detailed view of a corner flag on the inside of the stadium prior to the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Whoever wins this goes on to face either Bologna or Inter in the Final on Monday.
Napoli are qualified as Scudetto winners, while AC Milan enter as the runners-up to the Coppa Italia last season, having lost the Final to Bologna.
The Rossoneri also won the Supercoppa Italiana in January 2025, beating Inter in a 3-2 thriller here.
Both sides make changes and are dealing with numerous injury problems.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli are still without Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Alex Meret, but Romelu Lukaku is in the squad for the first time since tearing a muscle in August.
Antonio Conte realised his team looked exhausted in back-to-back defeats to Benfica and Udinese, so had to make some adjustments.
Politano and Spinazzola step into the starting XI for what is more of a 3-4-3 formation, with Eljif Elmas bumped up into the trident attack alongside Hojlund and David Neres, dropping Noa Lang.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 08, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
AC Milan are coming off a 2-2 draw with Sassuolo and are not accustomed to midweek matches this season, being out of Europe and the Coppa Italia.
Rafael Leao has not yet recovered from an inflammation of the adductor, but is in Saudi Arabia with an eye on Monday’s Final, with Matteo Gabbia injured.
It means Nkunku partners Pulisic upfront, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek in support.
A surprise is Luka Modric rested in favour of Jashari, while Pervis Estupinan comes in after Davide Bartesaghi’s brace.
Milan are also wearing special kits with their names in Arabic lettering on the back.
When these teams met in Serie A on September 28, Milan emerged 2-1 winners.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Napoli vs. AC Milan official line-ups
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Neres, Hojlund, Elmas
Napoli bench: Contini, Ferrante, Gutierrez, Buongiorno, Lukaku, Olivera, Vergara, Lucca, Mazzocchi, Beukema, Marianucci, Ambrosino, Lang, Barido, De Chiara
With that in mind, it is confirmed that the family is seeking new investors and could even potentially sell up Bari altogether.
De Laurentiis family in talks to sell Bari
BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 06: Fans of AS Bari during the TIM Cup match between AS Bari and Parma Calcio at Stadio San Nicola on August 6, 2017 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
“We are in a dialogue phase, they are studying Bari in terms of numbers and atmosphere. My objective is to close these negotiations in 2026.”
The decision was foisted upon them by a change in the rules on multiple clubs being owned by the same person or company, which set a deadline of 2028 to terminate all these agreements in Italy.
“It is important to hand Bari over to someone solid, who can have a plan in place. I am taking a big risk, in the interests of the fans and of Bari.
“There is a pact of confidentiality, but I can confirm we are talking to foreign companies, not Italian ones.”
De Laurentiis and others are battling the rule change, and hope they can continue to remain as minority investors in other clubs.
“The idea is to find a partner, who would appreciate that we know the football world well and are an added bonus. Co-existence is possible, then we’ll see what the rules actually are in 2028. If we get to Serie A, sitting in the stands, then we’ll be happy. That is where Bari deserve to be.”
The Supercoppa Italiana starts tonight with the Napoli vs. AC Milan semi-final, and the potential for a penalty shoot-out highlights the poor record for both teams from the spot.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Manager of Napoli, Antonio Conte, looks on 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)
The winners of each semi-final then face off in the Final on Monday December 22.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: David Neres of Napoli is challenged by of Devyne Rensch of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund has taken three penalties in his entire career, and missed the only one in the Napoli jersey, during the 2-0 Champions League victory over Qarabag.
Scott McTominay has only ever taken one penalty, converting it for Scotland’s 1-0 victory away to Greece in March 2025.
Matteo Politano has scored 10 out of 14 spot-kicks, Noa Lang converted seven of nine, while David Neres missed his attempt in Napoli’s Coppa Italia shoot-out with Cagliari.
Kevin De Bruyne had been their best taker, converting all three of his attempts this season, including one where he sustained that serious injury.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan misses a penalty during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Milan really don’t fare much better, as Christian Pulisic is their best taker, and he missed two of his 15 attempts, both for the club.
Curiously, the only one saved was by current Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who are then at Torino, while he blazed another over the bar against Juventus.
Luka Modric scored 24 out of 30 in his career, but Christopher Nkunku failed to convert three out of 15 attempts.
Adrien Rabiot and Alexis Saelemaekers have never taken a penalty during 90 minutes.
Rafael Leao converted both his attempts this season, four in a career total of five, but missed for Portugal against Luxembourg in 2023.
Napoli transfer target Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly growing frustrated with Manchester United’s refusal to sell or loan him, so his half-brother sent a very strong message in shirt form.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
They had already made an approach last summer and are going to try again in January, but Sky Sports UK reiterated that Manchester United have no intention of sending him out on loan.
The club is also setting a very high price-tag, even for other Premier League clubs, so would be entirely out of range for a Serie A side.
GRIMSBY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United controls the ball as rain falls during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Napoli may well have an ally in Mainoo himself, as his half-brother Jordan wore a shirt that read ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ during a game.
BREAKING: @JacobsBen on the t-shirt Kobbie Mainoo’s brother wore on Monday:
The 20-year-old has made only 12 competitive appearances this season for Manchester United, for a grand total of 302 minutes of football.
Manchester United will only consider selling Kobbie Mainoo in January if they receive an exceptional offer, they don't want to sell him and don't want to send him on loan pic.twitter.com/TduOSqRQpx
According to The Athletic, Italian coach Enzo Maresca is one of the candidates for Manchester City to replace Pep Guardiola next season after his success at Chelsea.
It would be a fitting next career step, considering Maresca worked under Guardiola as an assistant manager at Manchester City, and before that had been the coach of the Manchester City Under-21 team.
He said following the next game against Everton that these had been the “worst 48 hours” of his time at the club, because “many people didn’t support us.”
Maresca has flourished at Chelsea
COBHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea FC looks on during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on December 08, 2025 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
The 45-year-old Italian won the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup trophies last season.
Maresca could follow in the footsteps of Italian Roberto Mancini, who won the Premier League title as manager of Manchester City in 2012.
He had one very brief stint coaching in Italy with Parma, for 14 games in 2021.
Guardiola’s contract runs to June 2027, but there are growing reports this will be his final campaign with the Premier League club.
This points to potential exits in the January transfer window to completely revamp the group, and one of those heading for the door is Gudmundsson.
Gudmundsson not happy at Fiorentina
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The Iceland international was signed from Genoa last year on loan and then bought outright for a total fee of €18.85m plus bonuses, but has been completely incapable of recreating the form he had shown earlier in Serie A.
He also got into a very public row with coach Paolo Vanoli when denying he had refused to take a penalty, insisting he simply didn’t want to “argue with a teammate in front of everyone.”
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)
They won the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and French Supercup, as well as reaching the Final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Dembele topped the charts and was also first choice for his former PSG teammate and Italy captain Donnarumma.
Donnarumma and Gattuso voted very differently
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The goalkeeper had another Paris Saint-Germain player in second place, Achraf Hakimi, with Barcelona’s teenage talent Lamine Yamal in third.
On the other hand, Italy coach Gattuso had a very different vision of the year’s sporting achievements.
His maximum points went to Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé, with PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha in second and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in third.
MADRID, SPAIN – JULY 16: Real Madrid new signing, Kylian Mbappe is unveiled at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on July 16, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
As for the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award, Donnarumma absolutely dominated the voting, with very few getting a look-in for first place.
The only others who managed a handful of votes were Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez, David Raya, Manuel Neuer, Alisson Becker and Yann Sommer.
Today, Pedullà discusses Roma’s fiery 1-0 victory over Como and how this affects the Giallorossi’s transfer strategy going forward for Joshua Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori.
Niclas Fullkrug of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and West Ham United FC at The King Power Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Inter star Denzel Dumfries has broken his silence after undergoing ankle surgery in London. ‘It’s been a tough month with a lot of emotions, but I’m glad the worst is behind me.’
His recovery took longer than expected, and with so little genuine progress, it was decided that he would go under the knife to stabilise the ankle.
Dumfries posts from hospital bed
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Denzel Dumfries of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Dumfries posted a picture on Instagram of himself in his hospital bed at the Fortius Clinic in London, where he had the operation earlier today.
“Surgery went well. It’s been a tough month with a lot of emotions, but I’m glad the worst is behind me. Now full focus on recovery and I’ll do my best to be back on the pitch as soon as possible!”
With that in mind, the Nerazzurri are likely to seek a replacement on the January transfer market.
Meanwhile, the multiple reports were confirmed and are now official, Dumfries has changed his agent and is now represented by the Epic Sports Agency run by Ali Barat.
He has left Jorge Mendes, and with a release clause set at €25m valid outside Italy until July 15, it is very likely that he is preparing for a new experience in the Premier League.
Former referee Andrea De Marco analysed the controversial Serie A decisions made during Parma-Lazio, Bologna-Juventus, Udinese-Napoli and Torino-Cremonese.
He was representing the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA) in the weekly DAZN Italia programme Open VAR, where the footage and audio from conversations between the officials are analysed.
PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Lazio, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SS Lazio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 13, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
De Marco was pushed on the Mattia Zaccagni straight red card for a sliding tackle on Nahuel Estevez during Lazio’s 1-0 win away to Parma, a decision that some refereeing pundits had called “excessive.”
Not for the first time, the official line was different to the one presented by the television pundits.
“In these situations, there is maximum severity when punishing tackles like this that are serious foul play,” assured De Marco.
“We see there is everything required for this to be a red card, the referee is very well placed, and he was quick to make the correct decision.
“The criteria for a red in this case are the speed of the lunge, the high leg, and the danger posed to the opposition player. It’s true he doesn’t get him full on, but this type of challenge will be clamped down on with the maximum severity throughout the season.”
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Federico Bonazzoli of US Cremonese is challenged by Nikola Vlasić of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Torino FC and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Diego Puletto/Getty Images)
If that was correct, then some other decisions this weekend did not meet with the approval of the AIA.
Specifically, Cremonese were furious late on when Torino striker Giovanni Simeone’s handling offence was not spotted by VAR.
“In this case, the VAR and AVAR focused too much on the green zone of the arm when the ball first makes contact, which also touches his chest,” explained De Marco.
“Their review was a little superficial, because they didn’t pay attention to the second touch with his arm. If there was one, then it was punishable, because it was not knocking it onto his own arm, it was a clear deflection, so that should’ve been a penalty.”
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Manager of Napoli, Antonio Conte, looks on 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)
However, De Marco sided with the officials on two other contentious Serie A Week 15 situations.
“Karlstrom’s foul on Lobotka is clear, so Ghersini is right to suggest the review, which leads to referee Sozza disallowing the Udinese goal against Napoli.
“When Lucumi had a hand on David’s back in Bologna-Juventus, the intensity was not enough to warrant a penalty, so the correct decision was made. We raised the bar for giving penalties for a push and this falls well below it.”
Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma was named in the FIFA Best Men’s XI 2025, with his former PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele getting the overall prize.
Inevitably, Paris Saint-Germain dominated this evening’s awards in Doha, as they won the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and French Supercup last season.
WROCLAW, POLAND – SEPTEMBER 5: Ousmane Dembele of France looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Ukraine and France at Tarczynski Arena on September 5, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
His former teammate Dembele was as expected given the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2025, following on from his Ballon d’Or success.
PSG coach Luis Enrique was also crowned the Best Men’s Coach for 2025, although Italian Enzo Maresca of Chelsea was in the list of seven nominees.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the Best Women’s Player award for the third year in a row.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Former referee Andrea De Marco analyses the various controversial incidents in AC Milan 2-2 Sassuolo, giving the official verdict on where the officials went right and wrong in that game.
De Marco was the official attending this week’s edition of DAZN Italia show Open VAR, where the footage and audio of the conversations between Video Assistant Referees and the man with the whistle are aired.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Referee Davide Crezzini gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There were penalty appeals from Sassuolo for Strahinja Pavlovic’s coming together with Walid Cheddira.
“Prontera and Maresca in the VAR room also did well, because as you can see from the camera overhead, Pavlovic continues his run, while Cheddira doesn’t control the ball, instead pushing his leg out to run into his opponent.”
Another incident that created more issues was the referee blowing the whistle too early when he thought Ruben Loftus-Cheek had pushed Fali Cande, meaning that when Christian Pulisic put the ball in the net, it was disallowed.
“In this case, the referee blows for a foul, the Milan player does put his hands on the Sassuolo player’s back, but the intensity of the push has to be evaluated,” explained De Marco.
“VAR cannot intervene, but considering the parameters we are setting for fouls this year, this cannot be considered a foul, and the goal should’ve been allowed to stand.”
If the referee has already blown the whistle, then the action has stopped and VAR cannot intervene.
The Serie A Disciplinary Commission has inflicted a two-match ban on Lazio midfielder Toma Basic, while Teun Koopmeiners, Mattia Zaccagni and Torbjorn Heggem are among those suspended for one.
The verdicts were handed down following a fiery set of Week 15 fixtures, which concluded last night.
PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio leaves the field after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SS Lazio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 13, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Basic was sent off for elbowing Nahuel Estevez in the ribs during an off the ball incident, and has therefore been given a two-match ban for violent conduct.
His Lazio teammate Zaccagni was also shown a straight red card during that match, but his mistimed sliding tackle on Estevez only warranted a one-game suspension.
Bologna defender Heggem saw red for stopping a clear goal-scoring opportunity against Juventus and he too received a one-match Serie A ban.
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)
The players who accumulated enough yellow cards to activate an automatic one-match ban are Koopmeiners (Juventus), Rafik Belghali (Verona), Martin Frese (Verona), Kialonda Gaspar (Lecce), Martin Payero (Cremonese) and Kristjan Thorstvedt (Sassuolo).
Genoa have been fined €12,000 for their fans throwing fireworks onto the pitch, forcing the referee to halt play temporarily against Inter.
Como coach Cesc Fabregas and Verona tactician Paolo Zanetti must sit out a touchline ban.
Dumfries not expected back until February or March 2026
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 27: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale applauds the fans after 1-0 defeat following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 27, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
A statement from Inter confirms Dumfries had surgery to stabilise the left ankle at the Fortius Clinic in London today.
He will follow a rehabilitation programme over the coming weeks, but Sky Sport Italia and others are already suggesting this means at least two to three months out of action.
Inter are therefore likely to go back onto the transfer market in January to find a suitable replacement, as so far they have been using Luis Henrique or moving Carlos Augusto over to the right flank.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 04: Denzel Dumfries of Netherlands stands for the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland at De Kuip on September 04, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Juventus have launched a new line of clothing in honour of legend Alessandro Del Piero, with current Number 10 Kenan Yildiz roped into the campaign referencing Renaissance art.
The icon is depicted as several works of art in a gallery, so he sits down and asks what a young man thinks about the paintings.
Login
BREAKING: 
(@juventusfcen) 