La Gazzetta dello Sport

“What the Devil!”

Milan overwhelm Bologna (3-0) and remain five points behind Inter.

The Rossoneri win and put on a show.
Goals from Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku and Rabiot.
Allegri: “Now Roma at home.”

Chivu chooses a brand new Inter
Torino go all-in and look for an upset.

Spalletti changes Juve
Now they move at Champions League pace.

Serie A is red
Losses of €360 million.

Tuttosport

Milan, Scudetto show

Proof of strength without Leao, Pulisic and Saelemaekers.

Thanks, Allegri.

Agreement reached, announcement imminent

Yildiz 2030 – Juve, it’s time!

A top player already.

Written in black and white until 2030.

Now to sort out Vlahovic’s future: a leap forward next season is possible.

Koopmeiners still out.

Corriere dello Sport

Milan enjoy themselves

Allegri wins 3-0 away: message for Inter.

They beat Bologna: Max now five behind Chivu.

Fast start
Second straight win
Loftus-Cheek opens
Nkunku scores again (5th goal)
Rabiot completes the party

Juve, blitz for Senesi

The centre-back, set to leave Bournemouth, is the priority target.
The Argentine is free on June 30: Comolli first in line.

Milan were unable to seal a deadline day transfer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Rossoneri were still celebrating after the window closed thanks to a 3-0 victory away against Bologna in Serie A in the absence of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic on Tuesday night: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot with the goals at the Dall’Ara.

Bologna had only won one of their six Serie A matches in 2026 before kick-off, while Milan, coming off the back of a 1-1 draw with Roma last week, required a victory if they were to continue applying the pressure on Inter at the top of the league table. 

Bologna were without suspended goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, and were also without star centre-back Jhon Lucumi through injury. There was no Pulisic, Alexis Saelemaekers or Santiago Gimenez in the Milan squad through injury. Leao was only fit enough for a spot on the bench, and with Niclas Fullkrug also named among the substitutes, there was a new Rossoneri strike partnership of Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek.

Click here to see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Bologna started proceedings encouragingly through Juan Miranda and Jonathan Rowe and earned a series of free-kicks and corners which they were unable to capitalise from. 

Milan started to grow into things after a quarter of an hour and came close to finding the back of the net after Zachary Athekame found the head of Youssouf Fofana with his cross in from the right flank. The Frenchman glanced his header just wide of the upright. 

Milan found their opener two minutes later. Nkunku was allowed a free header in the area, which was initially saved by Federico Ravaglia. The goalkeeper parried the rebound into the feet of Adrien Rabiot, who tapped to Loftus-Cheek to finish from 10 yards out. 

Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek combined again to double the Rossoneri advantage 10 minutes before the interval. The Englishman slipped his strike partner into the area, Ravaglia came out in an attempt to stop him, but got the timing wrong and tripped Nkunku up in the box. 

A penalty was awarded, a VAR check confirmed the correct decision was made, and Nkunku converted the spot kick low and to his right, sending Ravaglia the wrong way in the process. 

Moments after the second half kicked off, Juan Miranda sent a ludicrous long throw right into no-man’s land from within his own half. Rabiot spotted the opportunity, nicked the ball, raced through on goal and made no mistake one-on-one for 3-0. 

Clear-cut opportunities began to dry up from that point onwards: Bologna were afforded plenty of possession in the second half, but were unable to do much to break down Milan’s block. 

Niclas Fullkrug was sent through on goal after a long ball over the top after being introduced as a second half substitute. He chopped back inside Torbjorn Heggem, but ended up running straight into goalkeeper Ravaglia. 

Realistically, the job was already done for Milan when Rabiot made it three just a few minutes into the second half. Their unbeaten run in Serie A is now up to 22 matches. They find themselves five points shy of league leaders Inter. Bologna, meanwhile, are stuck in 10th and could now drop into the bottom half of the table if they fail to win next weekend. 

Bologna 0-3 Milan

Loftus-Cheek 20’, Nkunku 39’, Rabiot 48’.

03-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 23

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Milan

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		20'		Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Assist: Adrien Rabiot)
		39'		Christopher Nkunku

2nd half

		48'		Adrien Rabiot
Federico Ravaglia		51'
Remo Freuler		58'
Lewis Ferguson		64'

Match statistic

54

Possession %

46

13

Total shots

10

2

Shots on target

7

9

Shots off target

2

2

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

Offsides

1

14

Fouls

10

Bologna

Milan

Starting lineups

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

78'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

78'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

65'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

53'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

54'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

83'

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

67'

12

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

72'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

67'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

72'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

23

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

17

João Mário

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

5

Eivind Helland

Defender

82

Matteo Franceschelli

Goalkeeper

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

53'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

54'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

65'

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

78'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

78'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

96

Lorenzo Torriani

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

67'

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

67'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

72'

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

72'

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

83'

It has been on the cards for a while, but Ademola Lookman’s departure from Bergamo is a major blow. Giancarlo Rinaldi looks back on how he wrote his way into the club’s history.

There may have been more typical stories of how a player has had their career transformed at Atalanta, but surely not many. The Bergamaschi – especially during Gian Piero Gasperini’s reign – developed a happy knack of taking footballers that had failed to truly ignite elsewhere and turning them into pyrotechnic success stories. Few have burned brighter than Ademola Lookman.

The London-born Nigerian international first emerged with Charlton nearly a decade ago and went through a string of moves that never really worked out. At Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester, there were always sparks of brilliance but never with the consistency that any of those clubs had hoped for. It was not until 2022 – with his 25th birthday just a few months away – that he would finally find the perfect place to let his talents shine.

Lookman’s Atalanta move

La Dea, we know, has a habit of performing this magic – particularly under their silver-haired coach now departed for Roma. Gasperini’s brilliance is both in the overall teamplay that his sides produce but also in elevating players who have perhaps been underachievers elsewhere. Nowhere was this more in evidence than with Lookman.

He quickly became a mainstay in the Atalanta attack and also a goal threat with much greater regularity than he ever found elsewhere. If the club became something of a cult hit in Europe, it owed much to his breathtaking displays. Defenders across Italy and the rest of the continent were left dizzy by his close control and thumping finishes. This was a devastating player at the peak of his powers.

His crowning glory, surely, was the Europa League final against a Bayer Leverkusen side which had previously looked invincible. Yes, it was a masterpiece of tactics from Gasperini and an epic team performance too, but at the heart of everything good was Lookman. Everything he touched turned into a goalscoring chance, and the hat-trick he eventually completed cemented his place in the club’s hall of fame. It is unlikely to be a more impressive display for the Bergamo club in Europe ever again.

Of course, that turned heads – perhaps even the player himself got a little distracted. Certainly, things did not run quite as smoothly after that, and there were constant rumours that he was on the way out. Still, when he was on song, he remained a key part of the Atalanta attack. That he finished with more than 50 goals in less than 140 games without being an out-and-out striker tells you all you need to know. Add to that nearly 30 assists, and you get some idea of how significant a contributor he was to the club. The fact that these totals eclipse the entirety of the rest of his career also underlines how important the Lombardy side was to him.

All good things, of course, must come to an end and the conclusion of the Gasperini era in the summer was always likely to be followed by a few departures. It is also in the nature of things at the New Balance Arena – or whatever their ground is called now – that their best talents will move on. Lookman will now test his talents in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

That looks like a mouthwatering prospect, but he should be warned that moving away from the city, famously divided into its higher and lower sections, can also have its ups and downs. Although they have always been about the team more than any individual, he was undoubtedly a star of their European and Serie A exploits. He is just one star among many at the Spanish club.

Still, he has all the skills in the world to thrive in his new surroundings. After a more lengthy apprenticeship than most, he emerged as a huge talent in Italy and more than earned his African Player of the Year honour in 2024. There is every chance that more honours will come his way with the Colchoneros.

Back in Bergamo, they will be entitled to feel the odd pang of nostalgia whenever they see him play. Raffaele Palladino is building a new era at the club, but he will find it hard to match up to the house that Gasperini built. And, in its later stages, Ademola Lookman was an integral part of that project. Their talented scouts will undoubtedly be scouring the planet in the hopes of unearthing another footballer who can contribute even half as much to their cause.

@ginkers

Inter fans won’t be allowed to buy tickets for the next three away games against Sassuolo, Lecce and Fiorentina after that one of their supporters threw a firework that struck Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero on Sunday.

Inter fans won’t be allowed to travel to Reggio Emilia, Lecce and Florence for the Nerazzurri’s next three away games in Serie A.

Official: Inter fans banned for the next three away games

On Tuesday, the Italian Interior Minister announced (via Gazzetta) that Inter’s fans will be barred from the away sections for the team’s next three matches, with residents of Lombardy prohibited from purchasing tickets.

The ban is valid until March 23 and will leave the Nerazzurri without support from the away end against Sassuolo, Lecce and Fiorentina.

Inter will technically be the away team on March 8 against city rivals Milan, but the Nerazzurri supporters will be allowed at San Siro since there will be no fan travel outside the city of Milan for this match.

The decision came after Cremonese goalkeeper Audero was hurt by a firework thrown from the away end during Sunday’s game at Cremonese.

The match was suspended for a few minutes, and the goalkeeper continued the game despite a small cut and burn mark on his leg. Italian media have reported that the Inter fan who threw the firework has been identified and lost three fingers when throwing a second flare soon after.

Inter could receive further sanctions at a sporting level as decisions from the FIGC Judge will be announced tomorrow. According to Calciomercato.com, punishment could include a fine and restrictions for Inter fans, even for home games.

Roma reshaped their attack in the winter transfer window, welcoming Donyell Malen, Robinio Vaz and Bryan Zaragoza, sending a clear signal to Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini finally welcomed new players in attack during the winter transfer window as the Giallorossi completed three major deals to add depth and quality up front.

Three new Roma January signings in attack

Malen joined Roma from Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy that becomes mandatory if the Giallorossi qualify for the Champions League or Europa League. Robinio Vaz moved to the Olimpico on a permanent deal from Olympique Marseille, while Zaragoza arrived on deadline day, on loan with an option to buy from Bayern Munich.

Malen has quickly become a starter under Gasp, starting three games from three in Serie A and scoring in his debut against Torino.

Dovbyk and Ferguson are currently injured, but Malen is expected to be Gasperini’s primary option as a centre-forward in the second part of the campaign.

This also means that Ferguson, who is on loan from Brighton, will likely return to the English club at the end of the campaign, especially because Roma have an option to buy for €40m.

The Republic of Ireland international has scored five goals in 22 appearances across all competitions, but missed two of the last three Serie A games with ankle problems.

Dovbyk has only netted three times and won’t return to action until April after undergoing surgery last month.

Robinio Vaz is currently a backup option at the Olimpico, but his €25m transfer fee, combined with his young age, 18, suggests the Giallorossi see him as a potential starter in the coming years.

Zaragoza will add depth in the Giallorossi attack, replacing injury-prone Leon Bailey, who returned to Aston Villa in January after a troubled six-month loan spell in the capital in the first half of the campaign.

Inter President Giuseppe Marotta hopes the new San Siro will be ready in 2030 and insists Italian football must be ‘sustainable’ and look to young players like Chelsea and Arsenal.

Inter President Marotta spoke about the Nerazzurri’s plans for a new stadium during his last interview with DAZN.

Marotta opens up about Inter and Milan’s new stadium

“We’ve finally opened a pathway that will lead us far away. It’s not easy to act in Italy, where bureaucracy is often an obstacle,” Marotta said via TMW.

“We’ve taken on this new path with enthusiasm, and we’ll have a new home. It was very hard to buy San Siro, but thanks to Ralph and Scaroni’s tenacity, we reached the target. It will be a modern stadium that will firstly match the need for safety and hospitality.”

Inter and Milan have officially acquired the area of San Siro, including the iconic Stadio Meazza.

The new arena will be built near the existing stadium, the majority of which will be demolished. 

The Milanese sides hope the new stadium will be ready two years before Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey.

“We want it to be ready in 2030, and I hope we’ll make it,” Marotta confirmed.

“I’m not saying it’s a dream, but the bureaucratic pathway is torturous. At the same time, I think Italy must be represented by Milan, and national politics must make sure the important games will be played in the new stadium.”

The new stadium will allow Nerazzurri and Rossoneri to close the financial gap with some of the wealthiest clubs in Europe.

“We earn €80m per season, same as Milan. Real Madrid and Barcelona reach between €250m and €300m,” Marotta noted.

“The Blancos’ target is to go beyond €500m. We can more than double matchday revenue, also with activities made during the week.”

Marotta was asked whether old infrastructures in Italy prevent the development of fresh talent such as Lamine Yamal in Spain.

“Surely yes. When we made an objective assessment of European stadiums, we didn’t talk about training centres, which we lack in Italy,” said the Inter president.

“We have old structures, but thanks to Oaktree’s foresight, and following our request, we have invested €100m in a new area. The structures play a key role in developing talent. If you play in a potato field, you won’t be inclined to accept suggestions from your coach.”

Are Inter looking at the examples of Chelsea and Arsenal in the recruitment of young players?

“The Blues have recently made changes; Arsenal had been doing it for some time,” concluded Marotta.

“At some point, the Gunners put their money into the stadium and not on the market, and it worked. Having this inclination towards young players is a concept of great sustainability, which all Italian clubs are forced to follow.”

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini raged at journalists after a 1-0 loss against Udinese on Monday: ‘If we don’t qualify for the Champions League, the coach will be changed, and that’s the end of the story.’

Roma slipped out of the top four last night, facing a 1-0 away loss at Udinese.

Gasperini held a post-match press conference with Italian reporters after his interview with Sky Sport, but lost his temper when asked about the many young players signed by Roma in January.

“You need to make up your mind. One of you asked me to talk about the Champions League, the other one about a U23 team,” Gasp said via TMW.

“You need to make up your mind, or you’ll always be unhappy, even about tonight’s performance. One always looks to the result. I’m very satisfied with the performance.

Gasp tells Roma: ‘Change coach’ without Champions League

“Then, if we don’t qualify for the Champions League, the coach will be changed, and that’s the end of the story. Failed target, end of the story.”

Gasperini stressed that reporters should focus on the team’s performance and long-term development rather than only on results, and his suggestion that he’d be sacked at the end of the season if he fails to qualify for the Champions League should, at this point, be regarded merely as a provocation.

The reporter asked once more whether the Roma boss expected to sign more experienced players in the winter transfer window.

“I work with what I’m given,” the Roma boss concluded.

New Roma signing Bryan Zaragoza says the opportunity to join the Giallorossi came ‘from one day to another’ and can’t wait to debut at the Stadio Olimpico: ‘Lazio games don’t even come close.’

Roma signed Zaragoza from Bayern Munich on loan with an option to buy on deadline day.

The Spanish winger, 24, had spent the first part of the campaign on loan at Celta Vigo.

Zaragoza’s first Roma interview

“It happened from one day to another. I was told Roma was an option, and I never had any doubt and said I wanted to come,” the Spaniard said in his first interview with Roma.

“I want to thank the club, the owners, and everyone for giving me this opportunity.

“I have high expectations; I want to be important in this club and win titles. I hope we can return to the Champions League.”

Scorer of two goals in 26 appearances across all competitions in the first half of 2025-26, Zaragoza can’t wait to play under Gian Piero Gasperini.

“I know Gasperini because I really liked how his team played last season. It seemed very attractive to me. They played the ball really well, and I can’t wait to start this journey and see what it can give me to learn with him,” he said.

“I’ve always liked to dribble, like street football. It’s one of my qualities.

“I don’t know much about Rome; I’ve never been there before, but people say great things about the city. I come with a great desire to know everything and stay a long time here.”

Zaragoza has already met Roma star Paulo Dybala at Trigoria.

“I met him as soon as I arrived at the training centre and spoke to him. He’s a great player, and I like the idea of sharing the dressing room with him,” he said.

Zaragoza has picked the No.97.

“In Spain and Germany, I couldn’t pick numbers higher than 25,” he explained.

“Here, I was attracted by the idea of getting a higher number. I liked the 97, and my family and I decided it was what we wanted to pick.

“I’ve played in the Liga and Bundesliga. I had not thought about coming to Serie A; it happened suddenly. I can’t wait to start and learn this league with great players and clubs. It’s a difficult league, but I’ll try to be successful.”

Zaragoza made his senior Spain debut in 2023 and has one goal in three appearances under his belt. Naturally, he hopes that his time in Roma will help him get a spot in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

“Yes, last season I was quite involved, regardless of my injury,” he said.

“This season it hasn’t happened yet, but I hope the chance will come soon. To be at the World Cup is one of my targets.”

Zaragoza has already seen the Olimpico when he was at Bayern Munich, as he was an unused substitute in a Champions League match in 2024.

“It doesn’t even come close because that day I played against Lazio, but I think playing against Roma or Lazio doesn’t feel the same,” he admitted.

“I want to see the Olimpico full of Roma fans and feel their passion. I can’t wait to make my debut in this stadium, and my biggest desire is to debut with a win. If I even score, I’d be perfect.”

Juventus held talks with several strikers during the winter transfer window, but eventually failed to sign a new centre-forward for Luciano Spalletti. From Jean-Philippe Mateta to Randal Kolo Muani, here’s why the Bianconeri failed to sign a new No.9 last month.

Just a few days ago, following a 3-0 win over Napoli in Serie A, Spalletti openly admitted his Juventus side needed a new centre-forward with different skill sets from Jonathan David and Lois Openda.

David has become increasingly reliable for the Serie A giants, scoring four goals and providing two assists in the opening six Serie A games of 2026. Yet, Spalletti was looking for a new centre-forward who would hold the ball up front and create space for wingers and attacking midfielders.

Who did Juventus sign in the January transfer window?

The Juventus boss praised Napoli centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund after the Bianconeri’s win over the Partenopei at the end of January, suggesting his team needed a striker with similar characteristics.

Juventus tried to match their coach’s demands, but eventually ended up signing winger Jeremie Boga and right-back Emil Holm, not a new centre-forward.

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta was Juventus’ first target in the January transfer window, but the Bianconeri failed to reach an agreement over the transfer package with the Premier League side.

Juventus tried to sign Mateta on loan with an option to buy that could become mandatory under certain conditions.

Why Juventus didn’t sign a new centre-forward in January

Palace, however, were looking for a permanent transfer, which they eventually secured with Milan. Yet the Rossoneri ultimately decided against signing the 28-year-old following unsuccessful medical tests, which highlighted a knee problem.

Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri was Juventus’ second target last month, but while the Bianconeri had reached an agreement with the Turkish club, they failed to convince the Morocco international, who was not open to leaving his club on a temporary transfer.

Talks with Galatasaray for Mauro Icardi were never at an advanced stage, while Kolo Muani was the last striker in talks with the Bianconeri.

Juventus were interested in bringing him back to Turin six months after his return to PSG. Currently on loan at Tottenham, Spurs decided against cutting the striker’s loan spell short, ending Juventus’ hopes of signing a new centre-forward for the second part of the campaign.

David and Openda are currently the only central strikers available for the Old Lady, but the injured Dusan Vlahovic is expected to return to action in a month before leaving the Allianz Stadium at the end of his contract in June.

Lazio were the biggest spenders in Serie A during the winter transfer window, while Juventus were the only club not to spend a penny as they secured Jeremie Boga and Emil Holm on free loan deals.

The winter transfer window for Serie A clubs ended on Monday, February 2, so it’s time to review the activity of every team in Italy’s top flight, including how much they spent over the last month.

Serie A: Lazio the biggest spenders in 2026 winter transfer window

Lazio had been imposed a transfer embargo during the summer transfer window, so it is not entirely surprising to see the Biancocelesti spend more than any other club in Italy during the January window.

Furthermore, Maurizio Sarri saw two regular starters, Matteo Guendouzi and Valentin Castellanos, leave the Olimpico last month, so the Bianconcelesti had to sign replacements in central midfield and attack.

As reported by Transfermarkt, Milan spent €8m to sign promising Verona midfielder Alphadjo Cissè, 19, who was then sent to Serie B side Catanzaro on loan.

The Rossoneri also signed Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham, on loan with an option to buy.

Ranking: Biggest Serie A spenders in the 2026 winter transfer window

Lazio 36.5m

Napoli 31.5m

Roma 26m

Atalanta 22m

Sassuolo 20m

Pisa 18.3m

Como 17.4m

Verona 13.5m

Genoa 10m

Milan 8m

Cremonese 7.9m

Udinese 7.5m

Bologna 7m

Lecce 5.6m

Inter 3.5m

Cagliari 3.5m

Fiorentina 2.5m

Parma 2m

Torino 800k

Juventus 0m

Every winter, Italian clubs scramble to try to find the players who can make a mid-season difference. Giancarlo Rinaldi gives out the grades for their efforts this year.

Only a fool would try to assess the potential impact of acquisitions that have barely had a chance to play for their new employer,s but here we go again. It is worth remembering that it can sometimes be the players that you move on or keep who can be as important as the ones you bring in. With that in mind, here are the marks out of 10 for all 20 Serie A sides this winter window.

Atalanta 6/10 – In the end it probably boils down to whether you think Giacomo Raspadori plus a handsome profit is worth losing Ademola Lookman for. The ex-Napoli man looks sharp already while the departures of Daniel Maldini and Marco Brescianini may reduce the depth of the squad but should not cause major damage.

Bologna 5.5/10 – A bit of a bland market that looks unlikely to see an upturn in their midtable form. The effective swap of Emil Holm for Joao Mario with Juventus looks a balanced enough trade, while Simon Sohm will need to show an improvement on his Fiorentina form to convince that he was worth losing Giovanni Fabbian for.

Cagliari 6.5/10 – Sometimes it is not about who you buy or sell but who you keep and hanging on to a hot property like young Marco Palestra could be key to the Sardinians’ survival, which is looking more and more likely. The actual incomings and outgoings probably fall under the category of “time will tell” when it comes to their effectiveness.

Como 5/10 – On paper, at least, a little bit underwhelming for a side with such financial backing, but their eye for talent could well mean Swedish teenager Adrian Ladho is one to watch. Keeping hold of their best players – with Martin Baturina in particular attracting attention – was an achievement, but the club has sufficient wealth to say no to all but the biggest deals.

Cremonese 6/10 – None of their arrivals look like setting Serie A alight but they are all proven performers. Milan Djuric will give them a different option in attack while Youseff Maleh, Morten Thorsby and Sebastiano Luperto are well-known quantities who can surely ensure the work already done towards survival continues.

Fiorentina 5.5/10 – The best part of the Viola transfer market was probably getting rid of a number of the summer signings that did not work out including Simon Sohm, Edin Dzeko and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia. They have added width with Manor Solomon and Jack Harrison but there was no real big name to fire hopes of rocketing back up the table.

Genoa 7/10 – As a fully signed-up member of the Tommaso Baldanzi fan club, this mark is probably more in hope than expectation. Daniele De Rossi has already put the fight into the Grifone, but the talented Roma man could add that dash of quality which will make their survival fight a more stylish one than it has been so far.

Inter 5/10 – We have what we hold is an understandable approach from the Nerazzurri but not the kind of thing to get fans delighted. The purchase of Yanis Massolin is an exciting one but clearly one for the future as the young French midfielder will remain on loan at Modena, where he has shone in Serie B.

Juventus 5/10 – There was plenty of smoke but not much substance to the Bianconeri’s transfer window work with the arrivals of Emil Holm and Jeremie Boga hardly the stuff to get pulses racing. Maybe it could be argued that a recent upturn in form shows they did not need to force the issue but it will still disappoint the fans.

Lazio 5.5/10 – The Biancocelesti have been busy after having their transfer ban lifted with Kenneth Taylor already looking like a smart signing. The losses of Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos leave gaps to be filled but the biggest story was probably Alessio Romagnoli’s switch to Al-Sadd falling through due to a document mix-up, which is a bit embarrassing.

Lecce 5.5/10 – They will have to hope that they have found a couple of gems in a signing basket, including Omri Gandelman, Oumar Ngom and Sadik Fofana. The good news is that they have managed that in the past, so a repeat is not out of the question. Walid Cheddira is more of a known quantity and gives them options up front.

Milan 5/10 – Another one of Italy’s bigs to be linked with plenty of players but, in the end, they only managed a couple of arrivals. Niclas Fullkrug gives a focal point to their attack while teenager Alphadjo Cissè is definitely interesting. But the collapse of a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta felt pretty much typical of their efforts.

Napoli 5/10 – Add their name to the list of top teams who will have left their fans feeling cheated this January. Lorenzo Lucca goes to England for a nice bundle of cash – at least potentially – while the problematic Noa Lang finds a new home. Young Verona forward Giovane and Alisson Santos from Sporting CP will at least enjoy a move up the table thanks to their transfers.

Parma 6.5/10 – It will be a battle to stay afloat but they have added some quality to their fight with Hans Nicolussi Caviglia likely to enjoy a better time than he did in Florence. Gabriel Strefezza adds a dash of unpredictability and excitement while the loss of Hernani and Mathias Lovik will hardly be felt much at all.

Pisa 4.5/10 – They had to roll the dice and they definitely have but what number will come up remains to be seen. Having got rid of Alberto Gilardino as coach, they have at least got a goal already from new man Rafiu Durosinmi. Samuel Iling-Junior knows Serie A well enough but seems unlikely to produce enough to drag them to safety.

Roma 7.5/10 – Donyell Malen may be the signing who has made the most immediate impact this winter with some eye-catching moments already. Robinio Vaz is one of the biggest investments of the window and certainly does not seem to lack character. Tommaso Baldanzi leaves having found little space while Leon Bailey was dogged by injury in his short spell in the capital.

Sassuolo 5.5/10 – Whatever the question was, can the answer possibly have been M’Bala Nzola? The Angolan was far from thrilling at Pisa but maybe he can thrive in surroundings where the pressure of potential relegation is a little bit less intense. Their other new faces are intriguing but not necessarily of immediate use.

Torino 6/10 – A decent window that will surely help the Granata to enjoy another season of survival – if not a lot more. Kristjan Asllani and Cyril Ngonge made little impression between them so it will be up to Matteo Prati and Luca Marianucci to surpass them which, in truth, should really not be too hard.

Udinese 6/10 – The revolving door at the Stadio Friuli is rarely still and there were more heading out than in this winter. Branimir Mlacic and Juan Arizala definitely fall into the players with potential category and will look to make their mark while Iker Bravo and Sandi Lovric leave due to a lack of playing time. Saba Goglichidze ensures another window sees a move between the club and Watford.

Verona 5/10 – Their coach is gone but for a club with a need of a jolt, was this transfer session sufficient? It will be exciting to see another Scot give Serie A a go in the shape of Hibs’ record sale Kieron Bowie but he will surely have his work cut out to turn things around. Sandi Lovric should do a job while Pol Lirola at least knows Italy even if he has never exactly impressed.

@ginkers

Christian Pulisic is not available for Milan, while Rafael Leao is expected to start on the bench in an away Serie A game against Santiago Castro’s Bologna.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna. It’s the final game of Serie A, Round 23, which began last Friday with Lazio’s 3-2 win over Genoa.

The Rossoblu are without the suspended Lukasz Skorupski and the injured Jhon Lucumì and Lorenzo De Silvestri. New signing Joao Mario is available and expected to start on the bench.

Milan have travelled to Bologna without Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Saelemekers and Pulisic. Rafael Leao is not fully fit and will start on the bench, according to several Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta dello Sport.

Zachary Athekame will start as a right midfielder for Milan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will play as an attacking midfielder behind the sole striker, Christopher Nkunku.

Bologna vs. Milan – where to watch on TV

The Stadio Dall’Ara clash will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland, as well as on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Bologna vs. Milan – probable line-ups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Zortea, Heggem, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro.

Milan (3-5-1-1): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Athekame, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek; Nkunku.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Audero recounts: ‘My big scare’

The Cremonese keeper, after being hit by a firework: ‘It could have been much worse. I still feel pain. I’d like to ask that fan: ‘Why did you do it?’

Mateta deal falls through

Milan drop him and must undergo surgery. Space for Nkunku (20:45) in Bologna.

Toro, Ebosse too. Rugani Viola, Verona sack Zanetti

What an Udinese, Gasp out of the Champions League spot

Corriere dello Sport

Spalletti wins again

Roma lose 1-0, Lucio remains in the fourth spot.

Gasperini is fifth, out of a Champions League placement, two points below Juve. Decisive Ekkelenkamp goal. Absences of Dybala and Koné had an impact. 8th season loss. Zaragoza is in Trigoria and can debut against Cagliari on Monday.

Empty Milan

Max’s uphill

Bologna at 20:45 to go -5 from Inter

Mateta deal collapses, Pulisic at home. Leao anxiety

The French forward stays at Crystal Palace: the extra medical tests gave negative results. The American must stop. The Portuguese will start on the bench. Saelemaekers surrenders: Loftus-Cheek near Nkunku.

Holm-Boga, how Juventus add depth

Golden Conte: today, he discovers Alisson

The new Rabiot to Inter

Tuttosport

Toro: Ebosse (three cruciate ruptures), the last ‘reinforcement.’ But the President’s math works.

Toh, Cairo even saves 4m

Juve, three coups not to fail

No centre-forward: move towards another front

Transfer market not complete, but it can be compensated with the renewals of Yildiz, Spalletti and the increasingly crucial McKennie. Holm’s Bianconeri dreams. The plan to recover Boga.

Allegri-Conte, new clash

‘Antonio, what do you say?’

Ekkelenkamp knocks Roma down: Juve stay 4th

Inter-Juve behind closed doors for the firework against Audero?

The knee didn’t convince, no Milan for Mateta

Oscar Hiljemark has arrived on Italian soil, as the Elfsborg coach is ready to take over at Pisa from sacked Alberto Gilardino.

Sky Sport Italia had footage of the tactician landing at the airport in Bologna, where he will now travel to Pisa by car for the final negotiations.

.@PisaSC, Hiljemark è atterrato a Bologna pic.twitter.com/8uufRaxrfL

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 2, 2026

Hiljemark chosen by Pisa for new era

The 33-year-old had been identified as the ideal replacement once Gilardino was dismissed, for amassing just one Serie A victory all season, 11 draws and 11 defeats.

Hiljemark must first terminate his contract by mutual consent with Elfsborg, having taken the job in June 2024 and with a deal that runs to December 2027.

Before that, he had a brief experience on the bench of Aalborg BK.

The Swede is no stranger to Italian football, as he played in Serie A for much of his career as a midfielder with Palermo and Genoa from 2015 to 2019.

He hung up his boots at Aalborg in 2021 and immediately went into management as an assistant, then taking charge in March 2023.

The winter transfer window in Serie A is over, and Football Italia takes a look at all the deals completed over the last month.

Click here to find out every completed transfer on the January deadline day

Atalanta

In: Raspadori (Atletico Madrid).
Out: Brescianini (Fiorentina), Maldini (Lazio), Lookman (Atletico Madrid).

Bologna

In: Helland (Brann), Sohm (Fiorentina), Joao Mario (Juventus), Badori (Berekum Chelsea)
Out: Fabbian (Fiorentina), Sulemana (Cagliari), Immobile (Paris Fc), Holm (Juventus).

Cagliari

In: Sherri (Frosinone), Sulemana (Bologna), Dossena (Como), Albarracin (Boston River), Raterink (De Graafschap), Mawassa (Nantes).
Out: Radunovic (Spezia), Rog (end of contract), Cavuoti (Bari), Di Pardo (Sampdoria), Prati (Torino), Luperto (Cremonese).

Como

In: Tornqvist (Mjallby), Lahdo (Hammarby)
Out: Verdi (Sudtirol), Sala (Avellino), Dossena (Cagliari), Posch (Mainz).

Cremonese

Int: Djuric (Parma), Maleh (Lecce), Thorsby (Genoa), Luperto (Cagliari), Bagordo (Empoli).
Out: Sernicola (Spezia), Valoti (Spezia), Vazquez (Belgrano), Sarmiento (Middlesbrough), Johnsen (Palermo).

Fiorentina

In: Solomon (Tottenham), Brescianini (Atalanta), Harrison (Leeds), Fabbian (Bologna), Rugani (Juventus).
Out: Infantino (Argentinos Juniors), Martinelli (Sampdoria), Pablo Marì (Al-Hilal), Dzeko (Schalke 04), Sohm ( Bologna), Richardson (Copenaghen), Nicolussi Caviglia (Parma).

Genoa

In: Bijlow (Feyenoord), Zatterstrom (Sheffield United), Baldanzi (Roma), Amorim (Alverca).
Out: Carboni (Racing), Venturino (Roma), Fini (Frosinone), Stanciu (end of contract), Gronbaek (end of loan).

Inter

In: Jakirovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Massolin (Modena).
Out: Palacios (Estudiantes).

Juventus

In: Boga (Nice), Holm (Bologna), Licina (Bayern Monaco).
Out: Rouhi (Carrarese), Joao Mario (Bologna), Rugani (Fiorentina), Pedro Felipe (Sassuolo).

Lazio

In: Ratkov (Salzburg), Taylor (Ajax), Motta (Reggiana), Maldini (Lazio), Przyborek (Pogon).
Out: Castellanos (West Ham), Guendouzi (Fenerbahce), Mandas (Bournemouth), Vecino (Celta Vigo)

Lecce

In: Gandelman (Gent), Fofana (Grazer), Ngom (Estrela Amadora), Cheddira (Sassuolo).
Out: Rafia (Esperance Tunisi), Guilbert (end of contract), Kaba (Nantes), Maleh (Cremonese), Morente (end of contract).

Milan

In: Fullkrug (West Ham).

Out: –

Napoli

In: Giovane (Verona), Alisson Santos (Sporting CP).
Out: Lucca (Nottingham Forest), Lang (Galatasaray), Marianucci (Torino), Ambrosino (Modena).

Parma

In: Scarlato (River Plate), F. Carboni (Empoli), Nicolussi Caviglia (Fiorentina), Elphege (Grenoble), Strefezza (Olympiakos)
Out: Hernani (Monza), Lovik (Trabzonspor), Begic (Sampdoria), Guaita (end of contract), Djuric (Cremonese), Cutrone (Monza).

Pisa

Im: Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen), Bozhinov (Antwerp), Loyola (Independiente), Stojilkovic (Cracow), Iling Junior (Aston Villa).
Out: Esteves (Bari), Bonfanti (Spezia), Nzola (Sassuolo), Lusuardi (Reggiana), Buffon (Pontedera).

Roma

In: Robinio Vaz (Marseille), Malen (Aston Villa), Venturino (Genoa), Zaragoza (Bayern Monaco).
Out: Bove (Watford), Bailey (Aston Villa), Baldanzi (Genoa).

Sassuolo

In: Nzola (Pisa), Garcia (Marseille), Pedro Felipe (Juventus), Bakola (Marseille).
Out: Cheddira (Lecce), Pierini (Sampdoria)

Torino

In: Obrador (Benfica), Prati (Cagliari), Marianucci (Napoli), Kulenovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ewurum (Valletta FC), Ebosse (Udinese), Nascimento (Sporting CP).
Out: Asllani (Besiktas), Ngonge (Espanyol).

Udinese

In: Arizala (Independiente Medellín), Mlacic (Hajduk Split)
Out: Palma (Sampdoria), Iker Bravo (Las Palmas), Lovric (Verona), Ebosse (Torino), Rui Modesto (Palermo), Goglichidze (Watford).

Verona

In: Isaac (Atletico Mineiro), Arthur Borghi (Corinthians), Lirola (Marsiglia), Lovric (Udinese), Bowie (Hibernian), Edmundsson (Wisla Plock).
Out: Giovane (Napoli), Kastanos (Aris Limassol).

Article under update

The January transfer window in Serie A is closed, and Football Italia lists all the completed transfers on deadline day.

Click here to find out every deal completed in Serie A the January transfer window.

The winter transfer window for Serie A clubs shut today at 20:00 CET (19:00 GMT). As usual, it was a hectic day during which many Serie A clubs confirmed purchases and departures.

See how it unfolded on the liveblog.

Juventus confirmed Emil Holm’s initial loan move from Bologna, while Joao Mario joined the Rossoblu on a temporary transfer until the end of the season.

Juventus have also sent Daniele Rugani from Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy.

Roma welcomed their third attacking reinforcement in Bryan Zaragoza on loan with an option to buy from Bayern Munich. The Giallorossi had previously welcomed Donyell Malen from Aston Villa and Robinio Vaz from Olympique Marseille.

Napoli announced Brazilian winger Alisson Santos from Sporting CP.

Parma have also received attacking reinforcement with ex-Como winger Gabriel Strefezza, while Atalanta parted ways with Ademola Lookman, sending the Nigeria international to Atletico Madrid on a permanent €40m transfer.

Below are all the major transfers completed by Serie A clubs on deadline day.

2026 winter transfer window: Serie A deals completed on deadline day

Enzo Ebosse from Udinese to Torino via Verona (loan)

Alphadjo Cissè From Milan to Catanzaro via Verona (loan)

Tommaso Corazza from Bologna to Cesena (loan)

Nicola Pintus from Cagliari to Cosenza (loan)

Giuseppe Ambrosino from Napoli to Modena (loan)

Andrias Edmundsson to Verona from Wisla Plock (permanent €2.5m)

Mateus Lusuardi from Pisa to Reggiana (loan)

Laurs Skjellerup from Sassuolo to Spezia (loan)

Felipe Jack from Como to Catanzaro (loan)

Emil Holm to Juventus from Bologna (loan with €15m option to buy)

Joao Mario to Bologna from Juventus (loan)

Louis Buffon from Pisa to Pontedera (loan)

Leonardo Buta from Udinese to Rio Ave (loan)

Morten Thorsby to Cremonese from Genoa (permanent €2.5m )

Daniele Rugani to Fiorentina from Juventus (loan with option to buy for €2m)

Dennis Johnsen from Cremonese to Palermo (permanent €3m)

Gabriel Strefezza to Parma from Olympiacos (loan with option to buy)

Bryan Zaragoza to Roma from Bayern Munich (loan with option to buy)

Ulisses Garcia to Sassuolo from Marseille (loan with option to buy)

Alisson Santos to Napoli from Sporting CP (loan with option to buy)

Pedro Felipe to Sassuolo from Juventus NextGen (loan)

Ademola Lookman from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid (permanent €40m)

Branimir Mlacic to Udinese from Hajduk Split (permanent €4.5m)

Samuel Iling Junior to Pisa from Aston Villa (loan)

Darryl Bakola to Sassuolo from Marseille (permanent €10m)

Sebastiano Luperto to Cremonese from Cagliari (permanent €4.6m)

Alberto Cerri from Como to Cesena (undefined)

Nicholas Pierini from Sassuolo to Sampdoria (loan)

Adrian Lahdo to Como from Hammarby (permanent €18m)

Yanis Massolin to Inter from Modena (permanent €8m, then back to Modena on loan)

Rui Modesto from Udinese to Palermo (loan)

Saba Goglichidze from Udinese to Watford (loan)

Tete Morente end of Lecce contract

Matias Vecino from Lazio to Celta Vigo (permanent)

Article under update

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Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has officially joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta.

Lookman has joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta, as the two clubs confirmed with official statements on Monday.

Lookman had travelled to the Spanish capital to undergo medical tests on Sunday and has now completed a permanent transfer to the Wanda Metropolitano.

Official: Lookman joins Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid said Lookman had signed a contract until June 2030.

Lookman scored 55 goals in 137 games with Atalanta, including a historic hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League Final, which allowed La Dea to beat Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 and claim their first UEFA trophy.

Lookman spent the last three and a half years at Atalanta.

“The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family, and the entire Club bid farewell to Ademola, thanking him and wishing him every success in the future,” said the Serie A side.

Lookman had recently returned to Atalanta from Nigeria international duty for AFCON.

He scored three goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances with La Dea this season.

Lookman’s salary and transfer fee revealed

According to several sources, Atalanta have earned €35m plus potential €5m add-ons from Lookman’s transfer, while the striker will earn €7m per season at his new club.

Atalanta and Atletico Madrid practically swapped strikers in the January window as La Dea had previously signed Giacomo Raspadori from the Colchoneros.

Agent Giuseppe Riso confirms Nottingham Forest and ‘Lazio made an approach’ for Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi, but ‘Liverpool wouldn’t let Curtis Jones go’ and blocked his exit.

The Italy international had been seemingly on the verge of leaving San Siro in the January transfer window after struggling to get regular playing time.

Nottingham Forest were very close, and Lazio also showed last-minute interest in a loan on deadline day, but it looks as if Frattesi is going nowhere.

Frattesi future depended on Jones to Inter

“There was an approach from Lazio, but then Liverpool wouldn’t let Jones go, so at the end of the day it all ground to a halt,” confessed agent Riso on Sky Sport Italia.

“Frattesi won’t go to Nottingham Forest either. Inter don’t want to be deprived of his experience at this moment and did not want to go any further in talks.”

It has been reported that Jones would’ve been the replacement for Frattesi at Inter, but that he could only have moved if first extending his Liverpool contract.

That would’ve allowed him to go out on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, but Jones refused to sign the new deal.

His current contract at Anfield only runs to June 2027.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has failed his medical tests with Milan, and according to Sacha Tavolieri, his knee problem is so severe that he’ll have to undergo surgery and remain out of action for at least three months.

Mateta’s move to Milan has collapsed after the Frenchman failed to pass medical tests with the Rossoneri.

Why Mateta didn’t join Milan

The Crystal Palace forward was initially checked in London on Sunday, but unconvincing results prompted Milan to make further assessments in Paris today.

Sky Sport Italia reported just a few hours ago that Milan eventually decided against signing the 28-year-old as Mateta had not passed his medical tests.

Transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri adds on X social media that examinations revealed such severe damage that the Palace centre-forward will require knee surgery to make a full recovery.

This means Mateta will remain out of action for three to four months, according to the report.

With just two hours left to the end of the winter transfer window, Milan are not expected to bring in further reinforcement.

The Serie A giants already signed Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham at the beginning of the January window.

Milan are travelling to Bologna for an away Serie A match without their star Christian Pulisic, reports Sky Sport Italia.

USMNT star Pulisic won’t be available for Tuesday’s Serie A match between his Milan side and Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

Pulisic to miss Bologna vs. Milan

Sky Sport Italia reports that the American star didn’t join the rest of the squad on the team bus after a training session on Monday afternoon.

During a pre-match press conference today, Allegri said that Pulisic was dealing with bursitis, so it was uncertain he’d be available for the upcoming Serie A fixture.

It’s now been confirmed that Pulisic won’t make the trip to Bologna, just like Alexis Saelemaekers.

Three Milan players miss Bologna clash

The Belgian right wing-back will be replaced by Zachary Athekame or Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Allegri said.

Rafael Leao is not fully fit, but is expected to start in Bologna tomorrow.

Santiago Gimenez is also out of action due to an ankle injury and is not expected to return before March.

Alessio Romagnoli’s agent Enzo Raiola explains how the defender’s move to Al-Sadd fell through and reveals that Lazio owe wages from previous months.

Romagnoli’s proposed transfer to Al-Sadd collapsed last week, and the defender is destined to terminate the current campaign at Lazio.

The Serie A side officially blocked the defender’s transfer on January 25, but negotiations continued in the following days.

‘No future at Lazio,’ says Romagnoli’s agent

“The player has understood that there’s no future at Lazio. There was never a proposal to extend the contract, and the club still has to pay several past wages,” Raiola told Sky Sport.

“We continued negotiations even after the unexpected statement from the President. Al-Sadd had sent a formal offer, but Lazio never replied.

“Alessio told Sarri that he wanted to move to Qatar. Over the last year and a half, he’s realised that there’s no future at Lazio and he’s told me more than once that the last Italian club he’ll play for are the Biancocelesti. He’s expressed his desire to play abroad.

“There was never an offer to extend,” Raiola continued.

“After the qualification for the Champions League, we expected a call from the club, because promises were made when Alessio had signed his contract. It’s been three and a half years, I think we can forget this call.”

Romagnoli’s agent explained that Lazio and Al-Sadd, coached by ex-Italy boss Roberto Mancini, ultimately found an agreement on January 31, but it was too late as the winter transfer window in Qatar closed on that day.

“At that moment, there was no time to sign the contract,” Raiola said.

“We still don’t understand why some of the wages have not been paid; it’s quite frequent in Italy, and this becomes a blackmail against the players, because when they accept being on the market, they must also give up wages that have not been paid. We did not understand this condition.”

Romagnoli was not called up for Lazio’s last Serie A match against Genoa as he had not trained with the rest of the team after the Biancocelesti initially refused to sell him.

His contract expires in June 2027, but it’s hard to imagine him staying at the Olimpico beyond the current campaign. Raiola said that his client wants to continue playing for at least six more years.

“He’s training and will continue his path at Lazio. He’s a professional, so he’ll continue the season here,” concluded Raiola.

“He could have taken a firmer hold of the situation, but instead, he always wanted to seek a relationship, something that had never existed at the top levels of the club. The only people he confronted were director Fabiani and Sarri. We’ll see what the future holds.”

The latest updates in Italy claim that Milan’s deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has fallen through in the final hours of the January transfer window. 

Sky: Mateta to Milan deal is now off

Milan have been attempting to close a deal for Mateta over the last few days of the January transfer window. 

The Rossoneri agreed a fee in excess of €30m with Crystal Palace, the South London outfit had reached an agreement for Mateta’s replacement – Jorgen Strand Larsen – and the Frenchman has also had his customary medical checks ahead of an expected move to San Siro. 

However, according to updates on Sunday evening, the transfer had stalled due to issues that were reported during Mateta’s medical. 

There had been suggestions that there was an underlying issue with the striker’s knee. In response, Milan have sent their own medics to take a further look at the matter. 

Milan have history in this respect: Nigeria international Victor Boniface flew out to Italy for a medical with the Rossoneri during the summer transfer window, but was later told to return home after concerns surrounding his knee, specifically with his history of cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. 

Now, according to the latest updates in Italy, Mateta has met the same fate. 

Sky Sport Italia reports that negotiations between Milan and Crystal Palace have now ‘definitively’ broken down. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, this decision was taken as a result of the latest round of medical checks.

This may be good news for Juventus, however, who have also been linked with a last-minute move for the Palace man on their hunt for a new striker on deadline day.

Antonio Conte insists no action is being taken to ease the fixture congestion and taunts Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri: ‘Surely, he is not playing that much this year.’

Conte received the Panchina d’Oro award for the best Serie A coach in 2024-25 on Monday.

The Napoli coach spoke to reporters after the ceremony held in Florence and faced more questions about his recent complaints over a busy fixture list.

Conte: ‘Everyone talks, but then nobody does anything.’

“I think we all agree. The problem is that it’s hard to speak out and take a position, because everyone talks, but then nobody does anything. That’s the truth,” Conte said via FcInter1908.

“We’ll keep going like this, knowing that what I said is true anyway. There are institutions in charge of these matters. The German federation was taking a stance to do something, but it couldn’t act on its own, for example, as a group of coaches.

“As for the Serie A teams, those are situations that don’t concern me directly, but it’s a problem we all agree on, including the media, because too many matches are played and the risk is too high. But in the end, nothing is being done, that’s the truth,” the Napoli boss continued.

Milan coach Allegri had just held his press conference ahead of a Serie A match against Bologna, saying, “I read a lot of controversy. We are not the ones who have to find solutions; there are competent people who must find solutions for the good of football.”

Conte commented: “I don’t know what Allegri said in his press conference. Surely this year, he is not playing that much.”

Conte’s Napoli had to deal with many injuries this season, including those of Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, David Neres and Romelu Lukaku.

The Partenopei feared that even Giovanni Di Lorenzo had sustained a long-term injury, but recent exams in his knee highlighted a second-degree sprain, meaning that he won’t need surgery, returning to action in mid-March.

Di Lorenzo’s injury relief and his latest award at least made Conte smile after days of tension.

“Those things must never be missing. During matches, there’s the stress of the job, an accumulation of fatigue, and it’s hard to hide it. However, you have to be optimistic and try to find a solution even in the worst moments,” he concluded.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Juventus have resumed talks for Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Bianconeri propose different terms than Milan.

Juventus have resumed talks with Crystal Palace to sign Mateta, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Juventus resume Mateta talks

The French striker has undergone medical tests in London ahead of a potential permanent move to Milan, but the examinations have highlighted a knee issue that the Rossoneri doctor will evaluate in person in Paris today.

Juventus were already in talks with Mateta at the beginning of the January window, and according to Sky, the Bianconeri now made a new attempt to bring the Frenchman to Turin.

Juventus initially tried to sign Mateta on loan with an option to buy that could become mandatory if certain conditions were met.

Mateta waits for Milan’s decision

Milan, on the other hand, have shaken hands with Crystal Palace over a permanent transfer for circa €30m, but the Rossoneri have yet to make a final decision on whether to sign the 28-year-old. According to Sky, Juventus would only have a chance to get Mateta if Milan eventually decide against signing him.

Surely, both Serie A giants have little time to complete a deal as the January transfer window ends today at 20:00 CET (19:00 GMT).

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus are considering a last-minute swoop for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth with less than 24 hours of the January transfer window left to go. 

Where Juventus stand with Kolo Muani, PSG and Tottenham

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia late on Sunday evening, Juventus are still keen to add another striker to Luciano Spalletti’s transfer ranks on the final day of the winter window. 

The most recent update claims that Juventus are still hoping that a deal for last season’s loanee Randal Kolo Muani comes off, despite reported reluctance from his current loan club Tottenham Hotspur. 

Paris Saint-Germain, Kolo Muani’s parent club, are reportedly prepared to send him back to Juventus, but Tottenham are currently unwilling to terminate their loan agreement in order to facilitate that move. 

If the Kolo Muani deal were to open up, he would still be Juventus’s first choice on deadline day according to Sunday evening’s report. 

However, the Bianconeri are also evaluating options elsewhere. 

Last-minute considerations for Sorloth and Icardi

Di Marzio reports that Atletico Madrid’s Sorloth could potentially be a late option for the Old Lady in the final hours of the transfer window. 

The trouble is that Atletico would prefer to sell Sorloth on a permanent transfer if he is to leave, while Juventus are more interested in a loan deal at this stage of the season. 

Sorloth has scored seven goals from 21 appearances in LaLiga so far in 2025-26, and 10 from 30 outings in all competitions. The Norway international has scored 20+ goals in each of his last two full seasons in the Spanish top flight. 

Reports elsewhere claim that former Inter talisman Mauro Icardi, who worked under Luciano Spalletti in San Siro, is also among the options on deadline day. 

Icardi has spent the last three-and-a-half years with Galatasaray, where he has scored 61 league goals from 84 appearances, but is out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Juventus have reportedly opened talks with Icardi’s camp, but Galatasaray are said to be seeking significant compensation for the 32-year-old despite his contract status.

Speaking after Juventus’s 4-1 win over Parma on Sunday night, however, Spalletti made it clear that he is not expecting Icardi to sign in January: “He is a good lad, a lovely person, and a fantastic striker. But we don’t want Icardi. Is that ok?

“If I speak highly of someone then it goes all over the headlines that I want to sign him, but it’s not true. We are looking for a player with specific characteristics, if we don’t find him, then we’ll stay as we are. After all, McKennie is as good a hitman as anyone, you saw him again tonight.”

There have also been suggestions that Juventus could also be poised to make a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta in the final stages of the window. The Bianconeri are said to be interested in a loan with a potential obligation to buy.

January has brought plenty of transfer action in Serie A, but teams now have less than 12 hours remaining to complete any potential business.

When does the Serie A transfer window close? 

The 2026 winter transfer window will close at 19.00 GMT (20.00 CET) on Monday, February 2 in Serie A. 

After that point, teams will no longer be able to register any new signings, but will still be able to sanction player departures to leagues whose transfer windows remain open. 

The Serie A window closes at the same time as most of Europe’s top five leagues. The windows in Serie A, the Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 all align. 

The LaLiga window is set to close a few hours later at 22.59 GMT (23.59 CET). This is also the same for the Eredivisie. 

The Saudi Pro League window will also close on Monday night. 

The window in Portugal will remain open until Tuesday and the window in Turkey and Greece will remain open until Friday, February 6.

According to reports, the Inter supporter who threw the firework that struck Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero lost three fingers when throwing a second flare soon after.

Play was temporarily halted at the Stadio Giovanni Zini when a loud explosion was heard and smoke filled the air, as a firework thrown from the away end filled with Inter supporters hit Audero.

He was able to recover and continue the game, despite a small cut and burn mark on his leg.

Inter fans turned on ‘lone wolf’ responsible

When a few minutes later, another loud explosion was heard, this time the firework did not land near any players.

A scuffle erupted inside the away end, where the majority of Inter supporters were furious with this outsider, who they felt was risking the suspension of the match as well as being a genuine danger to the players.

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport and the Corriere della Sera newspapers claim that the person responsible was identified because he turned up at the hospital in Cremona with a hand injury, having damaged three of his own fingers.

He will be arrested and banned from attending stadiums, but it remains to be seen how the authorities will react, potentially banning all Nerazzurri fans from away matches.

President Beppe Marotta tried to get ahead of the situation by publicly condemning the hooligan responsible and apologising to Cremonese.

Luciano Spalletti explains Pierre Kalulu’s positioning at Juventus, reveals a Kenan Yildiz fitness problem, and assures they ‘don’t want Mauro Icardi’ from Galatasaray.

The Bianconeri ran riot at the Stadio Tardini this evening for a 4-1 victory, with centre-back Gleison Bremer grabbing a rare brace, along with the acrobatic Weston McKennie volley and Jonathan David tap-in.

Parma only managed to find the back of the net thanks to a comical Andrea Cambiaso own goal on Alessandro Circati’s cross, while Lois Openda’s effort in stoppages was ruled offside.

Spalletti keeps Juventus on their toes

“It is better not to look at statistics, as often those come from static situations that do not influence the result, as football is more about sudden changes of pace, duels and second balls, that is where you get into the real game. Whoever is more wide awake there can win the match,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.

In their post-match interview, Gleison Bremer and Weston McKennie called the coach ‘unique’ and said they’d never worked with anyone quite like him.

“If they said that, naturally it is pleasing. What is fundamental for me is having a rapport with a team that wants to enjoy its football, because that is how you unleash the quality we saw today. They must never be disconnected from the match, so always plugged in and ready for the next situation.

“Every game is a step for us to learn, and it is never definitive, it is a process that keeps going. In any case, I told them they shouldn’t compliment me, but instead praise their teammates. This group has the potential to be a great team, thanks also to that unity and enjoyment they have in training and in a match situation. They combine enthusiasm with determination, no matter what you ask of them.”

Pierre Kalulu pushes forward a lot in Spalletti’s Juventus down the right flank, not dissimilar to Giovanni Di Lorenzo at Napoli, and provided the assist for McKennie’s volley.

“This position is crucial to give alternatives and create some chaos in the marking of the opposition team. He has this ability to start runs at the right time. A team must have this ability to go from tight to stretched out in a moment, knowing when to play short and when to go long,” noted Spalletti.

“As you mentioned Di Lorenzo, I want to send him my best wishes to return to the field as soon as possible, because he deserves all the best. When I saw him hurt like that, it pained all of us. He is the master at that positioning between the lines, he is a complete player, and Kalulu is getting to that level too. He dictates the tempo for his teammates.”

Kenan Yildiz was rested midweek in the Champions League 0-0 draw away to AS Monaco and started this evening, but went off at half-time after complaining of muscular issues.

“Yildiz told us during the first half he felt a bit of pain, but he could make it to half-time,” explained Spalletti.

“We trusted him, but he now has a bit of pain even when walking, so we have to evaluate it, but it shouldn’t be too serious. I think it’ll be tough to get him ready for Thursday.”

The transfer deadline is tomorrow and Juve have already snapped up two players today, securing Jeremie Boga from OGC Nice on loan and Emil Holm from Bologna in an exchange with Joao Mario.

They are still looking for a centre-forward, but before kick-off director Giorgio Chiellini ruled out deals for Mauro Icardi, Jean-Philippe Mateta or Randal Kolo Muani.

“I get asked about Icardi and Osimhen in a press conference, so I can only speak highly of Icardi as a player when he was in my team,” explained Spalletti.

“There were other situations that he took into the locker room that were about his home life and didn’t belong in the locker room, so I had to talk to him. When you are in a dressing room, you cannot keep the door open to let in other matters.

“I had to make a decision then, and I decided to exclude him, so he had a reaction based on that. He is a good lad, a lovely person, and a fantastic striker. But we don’t want Icardi. Is that ok?

“If I speak highly of someone then it goes all over the headlines that I want to sign him, but it’s not true. We are looking for a player with specific characteristics, if we don’t find him, then we’ll stay as we are. After all, McKennie is as good a hitman as anyone, you saw him again tonight.”

Watch as Weston McKennie continues his impressive campaign with an acrobatic volley to double the Juventus lead away to Parma.

See how that match unfolds at the Stadio Tardini on the Liveblog.

The USMNT midfielder has been used in numerous different roles so far this season, and is currently flourishing in a more advanced midfield role supporting the striker.

McKennie on target again for Juventus

Lovely finish from Weston McKennie as his acrobatic finish gives Juve a 2 goal lead now in Parma

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/2j65IyndO9

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 1, 2026

Weston McKennie perfectly positioned to find the net for Juventus

What a season he’s having pic.twitter.com/yfwmArcdyx

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 1, 2026

He confirmed his eye for goal by meeting the Pierre Kalulu cross from the right with his right foot from eight yards to surprise Edoardo Corvi at the Stadio Tardini this evening.

This takes his goal tally for the season to six, along with four assists between Serie A, the Champions League and Cppa Italia.

Juve had already been 1-0 up thanks to the Gleison Bremer header on a Francisco Conceicao corner.

Brilliant header from Juventus' central defender Bremer puts them 1-0 ahead at Parma

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/M46WgGFWLh

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 1, 2026

Reports from various outlets in Italy claim that Milan will send a club doctor to London on Monday in order to assess the situation surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has reportedly uncovered a knee issue during his Rossoneri medical. 

Where Milan stand after concerns during Mateta medical

According to reports from the likes of Gianluca Di Marzio, Daniele Longo and Orazio Accomando, Milan are still hoping to sign Mateta before Monday’s transfer deadline, but are still evaluating the situation.

Various reports claim that Milan will send a club doctor to the UK to evaluate the situation first thing on Monday. 

The January transfer window will close at 19.00 GMT on Monday, February 2 in both Serie A and the Premier League. 

The Rossoneri have an agreement in place with Crystal Palace over a fee in excess of €30m. The South London outfit gave the green light to Mateta’s Milan medical after securing an agreement for his replacement: Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

Mateta began his medical in London on Sunday, but according to recent updates, there have been concerns surrounding a potential knee issue during the medical assessment. This has made Milan wary given the amount that Mateta’s signing will cost. 

Additionally, Milan went through a similar situation with Victor Boniface during the summer transfer window. The Nigeria international came to Italy for a medical, but was ultimately told to return to Germany with concerns surrounding his medical history. 

A final decision for Milan and Mateta is expected to arrive on Monday.

Cristian Chivu is impressed with Inter’s ‘maturity’ after a 2-0 victory away to Cremonese and reiterates Davide Frattesi will not join Nottingham Forest.

The Nerazzurri had the result under lock and key by half-time thanks to a Lautaro Martinez free header on Federico Dimarco’s corner, and Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike that swerved under the bar.

There was a moment when they were afraid the match would have to be suspended, as a firework was thrown from the Inter fans that struck Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero.

Fortunately, he was only shaken, and could finish the game, albeit with a cut and a burn mark on his leg.

Chivu proud of Inter concentration in Cremona

“I saw maturity in understanding the right moments of the match, and the ways of getting to the victory,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“In terms of dominating the game, we were always in charge, although they didn’t allow us very much. We were a little slow in moving the ball around, because we lacked energy to attack their deep defensive lines, but then we went in front before half-time.

“It was a little more relaxed after the break, as obviously some fatigue set in, but the important thing was to win and we did it.”

Davide Frattesi was given a rare start in midfield, as Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Augusto were out of action.

There had been reports Frattesi was close to joining Nottingham Forest, but President Beppe Marotta assured he has not asked to leave Inter.

“Frattesi is an Inter player and for me he is an important figure in the squad,” added Chivu.

“He has to prove it on the field and in training, because we trust his qualities. We need him in great shape for the final months of the season, so that he can give us that something extra that at times we are missing in some games.”

Inter solidify their status as Serie A leaders, opening up an eight-point lead waiting for second-placed Milan to play against Bologna on Tuesday evening.

Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti have been complaining that there are too many games in modern football, so what is Chivu’s take on the situation?

“The decisions I made in the past to rotate reflect what you said. I allowed rest days before big matches and was criticised in the media for that.

“There are many games, it increases the risk of injury, but when we are in that many tournaments, it is a risk we have to accept.

“I do not complain, but what I will say is that I can’t wait for the transfer window to close,” concluded Chivu.

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini has ‘ruled out’ any pursuit of Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi and seemingly abandoned Randal Kolo Muani too, as Jeremie Boga and Emil Holm arrive.

Their trip to Parma kicks off at the Stadio Tardini at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

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

The transfer deadline is on Monday evening, and Juve are still very active on the market, especially when it comes to the pursuit of attacking options.

Boga has now completed his loan move from OGC Nice, while Holm is undergoing a medical as part of an exchange with Joao Mario going to Bologna.

Chiellini comments on latest Juventus deals

“We were looking for someone who could give Yildiz an occasional rest and be of use over the next few games,” Chiellini told DAZN Italia.

“Boga knows Serie A well, he can make the difference both off the bench and when starting, but is coming off an injury and will take a while to get into his best shape.

“Holm is a reliable full-back, Serie A is difficult and different to Portuguese football, so Joao Mario had a few problems adapting and Bologna represent an opportunity for him. Holm brings more physicality and extra resources.”

There are reports they are also targeting Icardi of Galatasaray in case Tottenham won’t release Kolo Muani early from the Paris Saint-Germain loan agreement.

“Vlahovic will be back in a while, but unfortunately not soon enough, so we have been looking for a striker who can fit in with the requests of the coach and also with our financial situation,” explained Chiellini.

“Mauro Icardi emerged because of what the coach said in his press conference, as he was referring to him and Victor Osimhen as examples of great strikers, but there was nothing more than that. I can rule out any pursuit of Icardi.

“As for the other names that have been rumoured, we’ll not forget that Dusan will return in about a month and a half, so we’ll see what happens.”

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta had also been linked, but is now on the verge of joining Milan.

“Mateta is a player we evaluated, but decided not to proceed for the costs and risks. Kolo Muani is a Tottenham player, that is the truth of the matter.”

The Bianconeri surged up the standings with last week’s 3-0 victory over Napoli and booked their spot in the Champions League play-offs following a 0-0 draw at AS Monaco.

Inter are facing a huge fine after Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero was struck by a firework that exploded next to him during this evening’s Serie A game.

The incident occurred at the 50^th minute at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, when Audero was the only player inside the penalty area.

Cremonese goalkeeper struck by flare thrown by Inter fans

Petardo scoppiato accanto a Audero che si accascia al suolo#CremoneseInter pic.twitter.com/Moh66T5gf4

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) February 1, 2026

The flare was thrown from the end containing travelling Inter supporters and exploded with a loud bang right next to the goalkeeper.

He was understandably shaken, but able to continue after a few minutes of treatment.

There was a visible small cut and burn mark on Audero’s leg, where the explosion struck him.

Inter players and coach Cristian Chivu rushed over to warn their supporters not to throw any more objects onto the pitch.

It could’ve been considerably worse, but Audero was able to carry on the match, with his team 2-0 down.

The Serie A match between Cremonese and Inter temporarily stopped after a firecracker thrown from the away fans section exploded near goalkeeper Emil Audero. After receiving medical attention and being deemed okay, the match has resumed. pic.twitter.com/T1TRdcReYH

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 1, 2026

Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski had scored the goals in the first half to put the Nerazzurri in front.

Inter can now expect at the very least a hefty fine, and possibly limitations on their fans attending away matches.

Inter President Beppe Marotta confirms Davide Frattesi will not join Nottingham Forest, Liverpool did call for Denzel Dumfries, but there ‘weren’t the right conditions’ for Moussa Diaby or Ivan Perisic.

The visit to Cremonese kicks off at the Stadio Giovanni Zini at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

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

Frattesi gets a rare start, despite the rumours he could be on the verge of a potential move to Nottingham Forest before the transfer deadline.

“As we have always said, we don’t want to hold back any player who wants to go elsewhere. Frattesi has never expressed the desire to leave, of course everyone wants more playing time, but he will have the chance during the season to show what he can do,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

Carlos Augusto has joined the absentee list along with Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries.

Marotta outlines Inter transfer strategy

The transfer window is open for just over another 24 hours and Inter had been in talks to secure Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad, on loan with an option to buy becoming an obligation in certain conditions.

“We went into this transfer window without a sense of anxiety or with the desperate need to fill any gaps. Dumfries had surgery, and we were therefore looking for an opportunity in that area of the squad, but it had to be advantageous, and we couldn’t find anyone to fit the bill,” explained Marotta.

“With regards to Diaby, we had made an approach, but the right conditions did not appear, so we don’t predict any other transfer negotiations.”

There were reports that Liverpool had made an approach for Dumfries in the January transfer window as well.

“Liverpool made a phone call just to ask about the Dumfries situation, but there is absolutely nothing more than that. These are unplanned calls that do nothing other than destabilise a situation. He is staying with us.”

Perisic was also linked with a potential return to Serie A and specifically San Siro from PSV Eindhoven.

“Perisic is fond of Inter, as he had some great seasons here. We interpreted that as his desire to end a very long season with us, but there aren’t the right conditions. So albeit appreciating his quality and professionalism, there was nothing more concrete than a couple of phone calls,” concluded Marotta.

The Nerazzurri are top of the Serie A table and beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in Germany on Wednesday, even if that was not enough for them to avoid the Champions League play-offs.

They will be up against Bodo/Glimt, who have already caused some upsets on home turf, famously beating Manchester City.

“Nothing can be taken for granted and they have some very difficult climactic conditions in home games, including that artificial pitch.”

Sky Sport Italia reports that Juventus have offered an 18-month contract to Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi, as Tottenham are unwilling to release Randal Kolo Muani.

Former Inter captain Icardi is the latest Juventus target for the attack, and according to Sky Sport Italia, the Serie A giants have offered the Argentine forward an 18-month contract.

Juventus offer to Galatasaray striker Icardi

Icardi’s deal with Galatasaray expires at the end of the season, and Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti already coached him at Inter.

Transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà reported earlier today that Juventus had sounded out Icardi’s availability, and the Serie A giants are now moving forward in negotiations with Galatasaray and their striker.

With the winter transfer window shutting at 20:00 CET tomorrow, it remains to be seen whether Juventus will have enough time to finalise the deal and if Galatasaray can move quickly enough to sign a replacement.

Juventus have opened talks with Icardi after realising that Tottenham would not cut Kolo Muani’s loan spell short, while their primary target this month, Jean-Philippe Mateta, will have medical tests with Milan.

Juventus late deals in the winter transfer window

Juventus and Galatasaray will also meet on the pitch later this month as they’ll face off in the Champions League knockout play-off.

Juventus have completed two more deals today, securing agreements with winger Jeremie Boga from OGC Nice and Bologna right-back Emil Holm.

Roma are close to signing Bayern Munich-owned winger Bryan Zaragoza, who has already agreed to move to the Stadio Olimpico.

Spanish winger Zaragoza has agreed to join Roma on loan in the winter transfer window, and the Giallorossi are now in talks with his club Bayern Munich to finalise the transfer.

Roma agreement with Zaragoza

Celta Vigo have already agreed to terminate the winger’s loan spell, so Roma must now convince Bayern.

According to Sky Sport Italia and Repubblica, Zaragoza has agreed to join the Giallorossi this month so Roma are now in advanced talks with Bayern Munich.

Transfer expert Orazio Accomando suggests that Bayern are ready to send Zaragoza to Roma on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.

A busy winter window for Roma

The transfer package is worth €15m, according to Accomando, Sky and Repubblica.

Roma have already signed two attacking players this month: Donyell Malen on loan with an option to buy from Aston Villa and Robinio Vaz on a permanent deal from Olympique Marseille.

Multiple sources claim that Wolverhampton Wanderers have accepted an offer from Crystal Palace for Jorgen Strand Larsen, as Milan continue to push to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Wolves striker Strand Larsen is on the verge of joining Crystal Palace. According to The Athletic, the Norway international will undergo medical tests with the South London-based club on Sunday.

Milan have Mateta hope

Both The Athletic and Sky Sports UK claim that Wolves have accepted an offer from Palace.

The proposal is reportedly worth £43m (nearly €50m) plus £5m (€5.7m) add-ons

The latest update from the UK is quite meaningful for Serie A giants Milan, who hope to sign Mateta from Crystal Palace before the winter transfer window shuts tomorrow.

Strand Larsen to replace Mateta at Crystal Palace?

Sky Sport and Gazzetta claimed earlier this week that Milan had reached an agreement with Palace over a €30m transfer for Mateta.

Crystal Palace, however, needed to sign a replacement before sending Mateta to San Siro and with Strand Larsen now set to move to South London, the Rossoneri hope to unlock the Mateta deal.

The Athletic reports that Everton rejected a Juventus approach for Beto last week and that talks between the two sides involving Edon Zhegrova ‘didn’t develop.’

Everton refused to discuss a potential Beto loan move to Juventus last week, according to The Athletic.

Why Everton rejected Juventus’ approach for Beto

The Serie A giants are on the market for a new centre-forward, and Beto, a former Udinese striker, was only the last name sounded out by Juve in the January window after Jean-Philippe Mateta and Youssef En-Nesyri.

According to the report, Everon had concerns about finding an adequate replacement for Beto, so they rejected the Juventus approach.

Zhegrova involved in talks between Everton and Juventus

The Athletic adds that the two parties even discussed Zhegrova’s possible move to the English club, but negotiations didn’t develop.

Juventus have recently reached agreements to sign OGC Nice winger Jeremie Boga and Bologna right-back Emil Holm, while Alfredo Pedullà claims that the latest target in attack for the Bianconeri is ex-Inter captain Mauro Icardi.

{rsn-live-v2}

Juventus have approached Galatasaray to request Mauro Icardi for a reunion with Luciano Spalletti, according to Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà.

The Bianconeri are looking for reinforcements in attack after the serious Dusan Vlahovic injury, as Jonathan David and Lois Openda have struggled to find the net.

Jeremie Boga arrived this morning to undergo a medical, but they are still hoping to pick up a centre-forward.

Icardi appreciated by Spalletti

It’s reported now by Sportitalia chief Pedullà that Juve approached Galatasaray to ask after Icardi.

It comes after the two teams were paired in the Champions League play-offs, so Spalletti praised the Argentine in his press conference yesterday, calling Icardi “one of the best finishers I ever worked with.”

They were together at Inter and that was also the last time the centre-forward was in Serie A, leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in a €50m transfer in the summer of 2020.

He turns 33 later this month and his contract with Galatasaray only runs to June 30, so he ought to be available for quite a low price.

The striker scored 10 goals with two assists in 29 competitive games this season, having recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in November 2024.

Icardi was already linked with a Serie A switch in December for Como, Milan or Roma.

Torino took a big step forward in the race for survival, securing a massive 1-0 win over Lecce thanks to Ché Adams’ first Serie A goal in two months.

Both sides came to this match with several injured players, and the Granata had even lost their last four league games.

Torino had a slow start and had to thank goalkeeper Alberto Paleari for saves on Ylber Ramadani and Lassana Coulibaly, who had tried to score from outside the box.

The home side took the lead with their first shot on target, made by Scotland international Adams, who slotted home with the inside of his foot at the far post from a perfect Nikola Vlasic cross from the right.

Adams had not scored in Serie A since the reverse fixture in Lecce on November 30.

The Granata had three consecutive chances to double their lead, but first Zapata didn’t find the target with a shot from inside the box and then Wladimiro Falcone denied the Colombian and Cesare Casadei’s attempts from distance.

There was also the time for another Paleari save on Omri Gandelman before the break, while Riccardo Sottil’s free kick went over the crossbar.

During the second 45 minutes, Falcone kept his Lecce side in the game with two stunning interventions.

The first came from a great reflex save on Zapata’s close-range finish from the centre of the box, the second from a corner situation before Danilo Veiga’s goal-line clearance.

Ché Adams wasted the chance to score his brace by sending a shot wide from a tight angle. Torino failed to put the game to bed, so Lecce tried to respond, and Banda was unlucky when he hit the post after a counterattacking move, curling an unstoppable shot past Paleari.

With this victory, Toro move to 26 points, nine above the drop zone, while Lecce remain 17th, just one point above Fiorentina.

Torino 1-0 Lecce

01-02-2026 11:30

MatchDay 23

Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

Torino

Lecce

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Ché Adams (Assist: Nikola Vlasic)		29'
Nikola Vlasic		45'

2nd half

		60'		Tiago Gabriel
		71'		Ylber Ramadani
Matteo Prati		90+5'

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

17

Total shots

14

5

Shots on target

2

7

Shots off target

5

5

Blocked shots

7

3

Corners

8

4

Offsides

1

14

Fouls

12

Torino

Lecce

Starting lineups

1

Alberto Paleari

Goalkeeper

13

Guillermo Maripán

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

16

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

23

Saúl Coco

Defender

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

70'

22

Cesare Casadei

Midfielder

70'

6

Emirhan Ilkhan

Midfielder

70'

10

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

19

Ché Adams

Attacker

89'

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

78'

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

65'

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

16

Omri Gandelman

Midfielder

65'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

89'

23

Riccardo Sottil

Attacker

77'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

80'

99

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

Substitutes

81

Franco Israel

Goalkeeper

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

21

Ali Dembélé

Defender

84

Tommaso Gabellini

Attacker

83

Sergiu Perciun

Midfielder

99

Lapo Siviero

Goalkeeper

14

Tino Anjorin

Midfielder

70'

98

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

70'

33

Rafa Obrador

Defender

70'

97

Sandro Kulenovic

Attacker

78'

92

Alieu Njie

Attacker

89'

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

18

Gaby Jean

Defender

8

Sadik Fofana

Defender

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

13

Matías Pérez

Defender

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

95

Daniele Bleve

Goalkeeper

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

65'

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

65'

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

77'

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

80'

79

Oumar Ngom

Midfielder

89'

Multiple sources claim that Inter have not given up on Moussa Diaby, sending a new offer to sign the France international on loan with an obligation to buy from Al-Ittihad.

Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta dello Sport report that Inter are still pushing to sign French winger Diaby from Al-Ittihad despite having had an offer rejected on Saturday.

New Inter offer to sign Diaby

Both Italian sources report that Inter still hope to sign Diaby, who wants to move to San Siro this month.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri have sent a new offer to sign the Frenchman on loan with an obligation to buy tied to certain conditions.

According to Sky Sport, Inter’s obligation to buy would be set at €28m rather than €35m.

The Italian broadcasters report that Inter are increasingly confident of reaching an agreement with Al-Ittihad, while the Saudi Pro League giants will answer the Nerazzurri’s proposal in the coming hours.

Inter have little time to finalise the deal as the winter transfer window for Serie A clubs shuts on February 2 at 20:00 CET.

Multiple sources claim that Juventus have reached an agreement to sign Emil Holm on loan with an option to buy from Bologna, with Joao Mario expected to move in the opposite direction.

Juventus are ready to welcome their second reinforcement in the winter transfer window, having reached an agreement with Bologna to sign right-back Holm.

Holm set to sign for Juventus

Fabrizio Romano, Sky Sport and Romeo Agresti report that the two Serie A clubs have reached an agreement over an initial loan deal with an option to buy.

The Rossoblu will welcome Joao Mario, also on loan, from Juventus.

Joao Mario set for Bologna transfer

Ilbianconero.com maintains that Holm will join Juventus regardless of Joao Mario’s transfer to the Stadio Dall’Ara.

The Sweden international is expected to undergo medical tests today or tomorrow, Monday, February 2, 2026.

Holm will become Juventus’ second winter reinforcement after Jeremie Boga, who landed in Turin on Sunday to undergo medical tests before completing an initial loan move from OGC Nice.

Multiple sources claim that Napoli are in talks with Cagliari to sign Gabriele Zappa as a replacement for the injured Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Napoli have targeted Cagliari right-back Zappa as a potential replacement for Di Lorenzo.

Napoli in talks to sign Di Lorenzo’s replacement

The latter suffered a suspected knee injury during a Serie A match against Fiorentina on Saturday, urging Napoli to look for a replacement just one day before the end of the winter transfer window on February 2.

Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio and Repubblica claim that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, with Zappa very much open to moving to the Stadio Maradona.

Zappa open to joining Napoli

According to Repubblica, Napoli turned to Zappa after Genoa asked for a loan deal with an obligation to buy worth €20m for Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

Zappa is currently Napoli’s top target to replace Di Lorenzo. As per Sky Sport, the other options for the Partenopei are Ignace Van der Brempt (Como), Davide Calabria (Panathinaikos)  and Timothy Castagne of Fulham.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City Academy striker Justin Oboavwoduo, 19, is set to join Juventus, initially playing for their NextGen squad.

Manchester City talent Oboavwoduo is set to join Juventus, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Oboavwoduo has scored six goals and provided five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season, including five goals in six Premier League 2 games.

Oboavwoduo set to join Juventus

The 19-year-old made his England U20 debut this past September.

According to Romano, Oboavwoduo will initially join Juventus’ NextGen squad playing in Italy’s third division, Serie C.

Oboavwoduo is the second deal completed by Juventus for their second team in recent days, after Adin Ličina from Bayern Munich.

Busy Juventus in final days of winter window

Juventus have been quite busy in the final days of the winter transfer window, having also welcomed reinforcement for their first team.

Ex-Sassuolo and Atalanta winger Jeremie Boga, in fact, landed in Turin on Sunday to undergo medical tests with the Serie A giants.

Multiple reports in Italy claim that Ademola Lookman has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid and is ready to undergo medical tests with the Colchoneros.

Nigeria international Lookman is set to join Atletico Madrid from Atalanta.

Lookman set for Atletico Madrid medical

Several Italian sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Repubblica, claim that the Atalanta star has reached an agreement with the La Liga side.

According to Repubblica, Lookman will sign a four-year deal worth €7m per season.

The Colchoneros eventually convinced the striker despite an offer from Fenerbahce.

Both Romano and Repubblica report that Atletico will pay €40m to sign the 28-year-old. According to Romano, it’s a €35m deal plus €5m add-ons.

Lookman has not been called up for today’s Serie A match between Como and Atalanta and will travel to Madrid in the coming hours to undergo medical tests.

The Nigeria international will go down as an Atalanta legend, not only because of his 55 goals in 137 games, but especially for his hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen, which gave La Dea their first major European trophy.

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus will make a final attempt today to sign Randal Kolo Muani, but the Bianconeri are running out of time to convince Tottenham.

Juventus will make a new attempt to sign Kolo Muani today, reports Gazzetta.

Final Juventus attempt for Kolo Muani

The French striker already played in Turin in the second half of 2024-25, scoring ten goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.

There were reports earlier this week that Spurs were ready to offload Kolo Muani this month, but this doesn’t seem to be the case, as Tuttosport and Gazzetta claim that Tottenham coach Thomas Frank is unwilling to let the striker go.

Juventus are running out of time to convince the North Londoners as the January transfer window ends tomorrow, February 2, 2026, at 20:00 CET (19:00 GMT).

Juventus get attacking reinforcement

Kolo Muani is under contract with PSG, but he’s on loan at Tottenham until the end of the season. According to Tuttosport, PSG are prepared to send Kolo Muani back to Juventus if Spurs give their approval.

In the meantime, Juventus have reached an agreement to sign Jeremie Boga on loan from OGC Nice. The ex-Sassuolo and Atalanta winger has already arrived in Turin to undergo medical tests.

Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David return to the Juventus’ starting XI for a Serie A match against Parma at the Stadio Tardini.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT).

The home side must cope without Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Matija Frigan, Zion Suzuki, Lautaro Valenti, and Pontus Almqvist, while Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani, and Arkadiusz Milik are unavailable for the Bianconeri.

Jeremie Boga is undergoing medical tests in Turin and won’t be part of the Juventus squad for this game.

David and Yildiz started on the bench against Monaco on Wednesday, but will return to the starting XI in Parma this evening.

Sky Sport and Gazzetta report that Gleison Bremer is expected to start in central defence for the Old Lady, even if Federico Gatti has a chance to feature in the XI, so the Brazilian can rest after starting many consecutive matches.

Parma will look to Mateo Pellegrino in attack and Jacob Ondrejka as an attacking midfielder.

Parma vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV

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

Parma vs. Juventus – probable line-ups

Parma (4-3-2-1): Corvi; Delprato, Circati, Troilo, Valeri; Bernabé, Keita, Sørensen; Ondrejka, Oristanio; Pellegrino.

Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceição, McKennie, Yildiz; David.

Francesco Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez are expected to lead the Inter attack in an away Serie A game against Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese.

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

The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders, but have travelled to Cremona without three regular starters: Denzel Dumfries, Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella. Carlos Augusto is also unavailable for the travelling side.

Tommaso Barbieri is suspended for Cremonese, while David Okereke, Antonio Sanabria, Faris Moumbagna, Warrne Bondo, Michele Collocolo and Martin Payero are injured.

As reported by several Italian sources, including Gazzetta, Sky, and Tuttosport, French striker Thuram is expected to rest, making room for Pio Esposito in the Inter attack.

Nottingham Forest target Davide Frattesi is available, but won’t feature in Inter’s XI as Petar Sucic, Piotr Zielinski and Henrik Mkhitaryan will get the nod in the middle of the park.

Cremonese will look to Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli up front. January signing Youssef Maleh will start in central midfield for the Grigiorossi, who are winless in 2026 and haven’t scored in their last three league games.

Cremonese vs. Inter – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and TalkSport YouTube in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Cremonese vs. Inter – probable line-ups

Cremonese (3-5-2): Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Zerbin, Grassi, Vandeputte, Maleh, Pezzella; Bonazzoli, Vardy.

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Sucic, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Esposito, Lautaro Martinez.

OGC Nice winger Jeremie Boga has landed in Turin to undergo medical tests with Juventus.

Ex-Sassuolo and Atalanta winger Boga is undergoing medical tests with Juventus.

Boga set to sign for Juventus

As reported by Gazzetta and other reputable Italian media, including Romeo Agresti and Fabrizio Romano, the 29-year-old will complete a loan move until the end of the season.

Boga arrived at Juventus’ private clinic J Medical on Sunday morning to undergo medical tests with the Bianconeri.

Boga has collected two goals and two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions with Nice this season.

#Juventus: visite mediche per #Boga // Boga has arrived at the J Medical to complete his medical ahead of his move to Juventus @ilbianconerocom pic.twitter.com/Tb8MeFIwpb

— Romeo Agresti (@romeoagresti) February 1, 2026

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter double assault

Diaby gift and Cremonese trap

Chivu waits for the winger and launches Pio and Lautaro at 18:00

Maxi Milan

Maignan signs for life, Mateta against the clock

The goalkeeper stays for five more years: ‘Nice one, we made it.’ Nkunku will stay even if a centre-forward arrives. Palace’s green light is missing.

Boga goes to Juve

Loan from OGC Nice. Spalletti challenges Parma at 20:45.

Vergara, Magic Napoli, Shock Di Lorenzo

Toro deals: Marianucci and Kulenovic

Another Roma coup: Zaragoza, the kings of dribbles

Corriere dello Sport

Napoli against everything

Fiorentina beaten (2-1). Suspect ligament lesion for Di Lorenzo

Team halved, but Conte hits back after Champions League exit: he’s third. Vergara and Gutierrez score. Viola get back into the game with Solomon. Knee injury for the captain. DeLa signs the Brazilian Alisson Santos.

Frattesi-Jones ongoing

Forest push to have Davide, Marotta’s club waits for the green light for the Reds’ midfielder. Curtis can only arrive on loan if he renews.

Inter push

Cremonese at 18:00, Ausilio looking for an agreement with Nottingham and Liverpool.

Milan and Maignan until 2031

Roma breakthrough: Zaragoza emerges

Lazio, it all collapses. Romagnoli stays

Parma at 20:45, the Frenchman wants to return to Turin

Kolo Muani, Juventus’ special ally

Tuttosport

Lecce at 12:30, Maratona’s strike, Baroni’s bench at stake

Toro, the day of judgments

Yildiz waits for Kolo

The Turkishman in Parma (20:45) to take the real Juve by the end as they wait for the French striker.

Agreement with PSG: but Frank has yet to be convinced for Kolo Muani. Spalletti relaunches Kenan with Locatelli and David at the Tardini, but also thinks of Galatasaray: ‘Osimhen and Icardi have the No.9 in their blood.’ Holm’s intrigue with Bologna and Napoli and the youngster Licina emerges from Bayern.

Milan, Maignan 2031, sprint Mateta

The goalkeeper’s renewal is official. Palace want a replacement before giving the striker away. Defence: all on Disasi, contact with Chelsea today.

Inter, Nicola and reinforcements, Chivu can’t wait

No mistakes allowed in the match at 18:00 against Cremonese. Still hope for Perisic. Jones arrives if he renews with Liverpool. Frattesi waits.

Lookman, Atalanta open to Atletico

The Spanish side has an agreement with La Dea, the Nigerian (not called up for Como) will say yes if he finds an economic agreement.

Vergara jewel, but Di Lorenzo gets injured. Conte against everyone.

Despite the serious Giovanni Di Lorenzo injury, Napoli will reportedly go ahead and complete the swoop for Sporting CP wide striker Alisson Santos, on loan with option to buy for a total €20m.

Di Lorenzo was stretchered off during today’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina and coach Antonio Conte suggested they fear he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

If confirmed, that would be the end of the captain’s season, robbing Napoli of a versatile defender who can play in a wide role too.

Di Lorenzo won’t change Napoli pursuit of Alisson

However, Sky Sport Italia claim that will not change their transfer strategy, so the focus remains on investing in a new attacking wide man.

That will be Alisson Santos, who is expected to arrive over the weekend on loan for €3.5m from Sporting CP.

There is an option to buy that is not an obligation, which would bring the entire cost of the operation to circa €20m.

The 23-year-old Brazilian is right-footed and attacks down the left flank, scoring three goals with two assists in 30 competitive games this season.

Serie A clubs were busy today as they race to wrap up deals before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Youssef Maleh joined Cremonese on loan from Lecce, Genoa activated their option to sign Leo Ostigard on a permanent deal and Cyril Ngonge and Luca Marianucci left Napoli on loan moves.

Which transfers were announced in Serie A on January 31, 2026?

Football Italia takes a look at every confirmed transfer involving clubs from Italy’s top flight today.

Ostigard joined Genoa on a permanent basis for just €5 million, after impressing on loan so far this season. Ngonge joined Espanyol on loan for €2 million, whilst M’Bala Nzola joins Sassuolo on loan from Fiorentina.

Lecce saw two players leave today, with Frenchman Balthazar Pierret returning to his home country with Red Star FC in Ligue 2, and Maleh joining fellow Serie A side Cremonese on loan until the end of the season.

All Serie A transfers confirmed on January 31, 2026

Balthazar Pierret – Lecce to Red Star FC (Undsc.)

Sandro Kulenovic – Dinamo Zagreb to Torino (Loan €500,000)

M’Bala Nzola – Fiorentina to Sassuolo (Loan)

Leo Ostigard – Stade Rennes to Genoa (€5 million)

Luca Marianucci – Napoli to Torino (Loan)

Youssef Maleh – Lecce to Cremonese (Loan)

Stefan Mitrovic – Verona to Asteras Aktor (Loan)

Cyril Ngonge – Napoli to Espanyol (Loan €2 million)

Albert Gronbæk – Genoa to Rennes (End of Loan)

You can follow all the latest transfer news, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Alessio Romagnoli is set to stay at Lazio after a chaotic final day of the Qatari transfer window saw the deal go from off, to on, to off again, in the space of a few hours.

Al-Sadd, where Italian Roberto Mancini now coaches, were close to completing the deal.

Reports from Manuel Baiocchini, and later confirmed by Gianluca Di Marzio, claim that the agreement between the two clubs had been reached, contracts had been signed but that there was not enough time for the Qatari side to file the transfer before the window slammed shut.

Therefore, Romagnoli will now likely return to Lazio, in strange circumstances.

Romagnoli saga drags on, Al-Sadd pay the price

The sage was a complicated and drawn out one.

Originally, Al-Sadd were reported to be interested and Romagnoli interested in joining up with Mancini in Qatar.

Then, Lazio posted a sensational statement on their official channels to claim that no such transfer would be happening and that Romagnoli would stay at the club, where he is contracted.

Romagnoli said goodbye to fans at the end of Lazio’s draw with Lecce and was left out of the squad that faced Genoa on Friday – although he did watch on from the stands.

Earlier today, it was reported that Lazio had finally accepted an offer from Al-Sadd for the centre-back and that the green light had been given, yet it was clear the Qatari side had to act quickly.

The Qatari window shut this evening, earlier than in other countries, and Al-Sadd and Romagnoli lost out because there was not enough time to get the deal done.

It now leaves a rather awkward situation where Romagnoli must return to the club he had said his goodbyes to, despite everything being in place for him to leave.

Antonio Conte confirms Giovanni Di Lorenzo has probably torn his ACL, then lashes out angrily at Napoli directors, UEFA and more. ‘We need a bigger squad, otherwise it’s suicide.’

The Partenopei were in dire need of a boost after back-to-back defeats against Juventus in Serie A and Chelsea in the Champions League, the latter sealing their early elimination.

Antonio Vergara scored his first senior Napoli goal in that midweek tie and this evening got his first in Serie A, followed by Miguel Gutierrez for a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.

Conte confirms season probably over for Di Lorenzo

There was bad news too for Napoli, as captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was stretchered off in agony after his left knee seemed to hyper-extend, prompting fears of ligament damage.

“There’s not much we can say, it’s game upon game upon game, we have to keep using players who ought to be rested and yet can’t, it leads to these situations,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“I tore my cruciate ligament, I know it’s a traumatic injury. I continue to say playing all these matches, it kills the players and kills football.

“Now there are restrictions on who you can have in the squad, and ours is even smaller because we don’t have many players from the youth academy, and the ones we do have want to go out on loan to play more regularly.

“We pulled Vergara out the hat, then there are age limits, but if we have to play 60 games per year, we need a bigger squad, otherwise it’s suicide.”

Di Lorenzo has not had the tests yet, but Conte suggests the initial feedback from the medical staff is very bad indeed.

“The sensation is he’s done serious damage to his knee and it’s the cruciate ligament. It’s nasty. You know full well what Di Lorenzo means for us.

“People say I complain, but we’re doing anything but complaining considering this is an infinite series of injuries. They are bad injuries too, not just muscular ones for 2-4 weeks out, these are serious.

“We are managing to plug the holes because these lads are doing extraordinary things. Once again, there weren’t many options on the bench.”

Conte then lashed out at the Napoli hierarchy, but at the football calendar in general with the expanded Champions League and Supercoppa Italiana.

“Clubs don’t seem to understand it’s like a dog chasing its own tail. You fight to qualify for all these tournaments to get more money, but it’s ephemeral, because the more competitions you are in, the more players you have to buy, the more the wage bill goes up.

“If they don’t understand that, then football will go in a bad direction and leads to this sort of thing. I don’t just mean Napoli, I am speaking out in general to defend players and it’s a shame everyone turns their backs on players in favour of the clubs, leagues, UEFA, etc. I say this as an ex-player.”

This is a team already stretched thin without Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, David Neres, Matteo Politano, Amir Rrahmani, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour.

When Di Lorenzo was injured, why did Conte introduce Mathias Olivera rather than centre-back Sam Beukema?

“I introduced Mathias because right now he gives me more guarantees than Beukema, that’s it,” shrugged the Napoli coach.

“We are talking about a team trying to do its best with what we have at our disposal. Fortunately, we picked up these points, but if the season had started today and we had this squad, what position do you think Napoli would be challenging for? Be realistic.

“We have the Coppa Italia, we want to qualify for Europe, but it becomes very difficult, especially as the other clubs are bringing in reinforcements, while we are under a transfer embargo.

“That is just fantastic,” added Conte sarcastically. “We are the only club running at a profit of €240m and are banned from making transfers.

“Honestly, I am really p***ed off about Di Lorenzo, so it’s best we wrap this up or I’ll say something else and get into trouble.”

Napoli bounced back from their midweek Champions League exit to pick up an important three points in Serie A with a 2-1 win against Fiorentina.

Young forward Antonio Vergara, only really in the squad because of the extensive injuries to Antonio Conte’s squad, impressed once again and was Football Italia’s Player of the Match with a goal and an assist.

Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina – Player Ratings

Napoli: Meret 7; Di Lorenzo 6 (Olivera 5.5), Juan Jesus 6, Buongiorno 6; Gutierrez 7, Lobotka 6, McTominay 6.5, Spinazzola 6; Vergara 8 (Giovane N/A), Elmas 6.5; Hojlund 6

Best Napoli player: Antonio Vergara – The youngster once again shines after his impressive solo goal against Chelsea during the week. Tonight he scored a goal and assisted the other, effectively winning his side the three points.

Lowest Napoli rating: Mathias Olivera – Came on for the injured Di Lorenzo in the first half but struggled a little. Was not bad but struggled to get the better of his marker.

Coach: Antonio Conte 6.5 – Still working with a very limited squad, and off the back of an exhausting 90 minutes against Napoli during the week, the coach did well to secure the three points.

Fiorentina: De Gea 6; Dodo 6.5, Comuzzo 5.5, Pongracic 5.5, Gosens 5.5 (Ranieri 6); Fagiolo 6; Solomon 6.5 (Kean 6), Fabbian 5.5 (Mandragora 6), Brescianini 5.5 (Parisi 6), Gudmundsson 6 (Fazzini N/A); Piccoli 6.5

Best Fiorentina player: Manor Solomon – Scored Fiorentina’s goal and looked more dangerous than the rest of Fiorentina’s offensive players. Was not overly involved put did not put a foot wrong when he did have possession.

Lowest Fiorentina rating: Pietro Comuzzo – The young defender was disappointing this evening, in keeping with recent form. He struggled in his duels, both on the ground and in the air, and was beaten far too easily on more than one occasion.

Coach: Paolo Vanoli 6 – Set up his team well against the Champions but was unable to come away with anything to show for it. A decent display from the Viola coach, all things considered.

AC Milan have secured the long-term future of captain Mike Maignan, with the goalkeeper putting pen to paper on a new contract that runs until June 2031.

In an official statement, the club confirmed they were “delighted to announce the renewal of Mike Maignan’s contract until 30 June 2031,” highlighting his leadership, reliability and importance both on and off the pitch.

Maignan signs new Milan deal

Since arriving in 2021, Maignan has grown into a cornerstone of the Rossoneri project, becoming captain and one of the most influential figures in the dressing room.

The France international has made 188 appearances for Milan so far and played a decisive role in the 2021-22 Scudetto triumph, later adding a Supercoppa Italiana to his honours.

Individually, he was also named Serie A’s best goalkeeper in his debut season in Italy, underlining the impact he made immediately after replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The renewal puts an end to speculation over his future, with several European heavyweights, such as Chelsea, previously linked with a move.

Instead, Maignan has chosen continuity, committing himself to the club’s long-term ambitions as Milan look to build around a core of experienced leaders and emerging talent.

Follow the latest transfer news, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Milan are not expected to announce it until Sunday, but today Mike Maignan signed the new contract to June 2030 with option until 2031.

The goalkeeper had been on the verge of an exit over the summer, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

There is no shortage of clubs who want to snap up the France international as a free agent, including Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester United.

Maignan commits his future to Milan

However, Maignan decided to commit his future to Milan and was in the club headquarters this afternoon, where he put pen to paper on a new contract.

It will run to June 2030 and there is an option to extend until June 2031, which can be activated by the club.

The shot-stopper will become the joint highest earner in the Rossoneri squad along with Rafael Leao, picking up circa €5m per season net, plus €2m in performance-related bonuses.

The 30-year-old arrived as a replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma in July 2021 from Lille, where he was purchased at a cost of €16.4m.

Reports continue to swirl that Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has chosen Milan as his priority ahead of West Ham United and Fiorentina.

The Rossoneri are looking to the Premier League during this January transfer window, also on the verge of securing striker Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.

Disasi has his sights set on Milan move

According to Fabrizio Romano, Calciomercato.com, Sky Sport Italia and more, Disasi had been all ready to accept West Ham, but when he discovered Milan were in the running, he told his agents to stall any other option.

It remains to be seen what terms Chelsea and the Rossoneri will be able to agree to, a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season being the most likely.

The defender turns 28 in March and spent part of last season on loan at Aston Villa.

Chelsea paid €45m to buy the Frenchman from AS Monaco in the summer of 2023, but he hasn’t played for the senior squad at all this season.

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