Serie A | Napoli 2-2 Roma: New buys do battle as Alisson silences Malen, as Partenopei new boy Alisson Santos scored a late goal to cancel out a brace from Roma winter signing Donyell Malen.

Malen was Football Italia’s Man of the Match, whilst strong performances from Alisson, N’Dicka and Beukema underpinned a hard-fought draw at the Maradona.

Napoli 2-2 Roma – Player Ratings

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 6; Rrahmani 5 (Alisson 7.5), Buongiorno 5.5, Beukema 6.5; Gutierrez 5, Lobotka 6, Elmas 6.5 (Gilmour N/A), Spinazzola 6.5 (Olivera 6); Politano 5.5 (Mazzocchi N/A), Vergara 5.5 (Giovane 6.5); Hojlund 6

Best Napoli player: Alisson Santos – The Brazilian came on to not only save the game but inject some much needed venom into the Neapolitan attack. He scored the late equaliser and has potentially earned his right to start some upcoming games.

Lowest Napoli rating: Amir Rrahmani – Somewhat shocking performance from the experienced defender, who has been one of the very best in Serie A this season. Therefore, he must be held to a high standard – to which he fell short tonight – culminating with him injuring himself while giving away the penalty for Roma’s second goal.

Coach: Antonio Conte 6 – Reacted well with his substitutes despite a still paper thin squad. Clearly missing key difference makers in the midfield such as McTominay and Zambo-Anguissa but showed flexibility today to fight back against a spirited Roma.

Roma: Svilar 6; Mancini 6, N’Dicka 7, Ghilardi 6.5; Celik 6, Cristante 6, Pisilli 5.5 (El Aynaoui 6), Wesley 6.5 (Tsimikas 5); Pellegrini 5.5 (Venturino 5.5), Zaragoza 6 (Soule 5), Malen 8 (Vaz 5.5)

Best Roma player: Donyell Malen – Another brace for the Aston Villa loanee, who continues to shine following his two goals against Cagliari last Monday. The Dutchman has settled in well in the Italian capital and looked sharp today for his tap-in and penalty.

Lowest Roma rating: Kostas Tsimikas – Was only on the pitch for 20 minutes but can be held responsible for Alisson Santos’ equaliser. A poor clearance from the Greek full-back, who has hardly impressed on his loan spell from Liverpool.

Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini 6 – Never an easy game to rock up to the Maradona and put two past the champions but Gasperini’s side did that and would have come away with three points were it not for Alisson’s equaliser.

The chaos and drama of this weekend’s Serie A continued with tonight’s battle between Napoli and Roma at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples.

You can follow all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

With roughly 25 minutes to go, Wesley made a charging run into the penalty box for the visitors, and was brought down by Napoli centre-back Amir Rrahmani.

However, both players ended up getting injured in the challenge. Wesley was carried off, with an ice pack later strapped to his left ankle.

January signing Donyell Malen then converted from the spot to give the visitors a temporary lead in Naples.

Watch: Rrahmani & Wesley injured as Malen completes brace in Napoli vs Roma

Malen gets the brace, taking advantage of a penalty against Napoli #SerieA pic.twitter.com/NmAXc6TeaC

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) February 15, 2026

Giacomo Raspadori faces a significant setback after picking up a first-degree hamstring strain during Atalanta BC’s clash with Lazio.

The injury, sustained late in the match, is expected to sideline him for at least three weeks, as per SportMediaset.

Head coach Raffaele Palladino, already without Charles De Ketelaere, confirmed that Raspadori will miss both legs of Atalanta’s Champions League play-off against Borussia Dortmund, with the first leg in Germany on February 17 and the return in Bergamo on February 25.

“It’s a real blow for us,” Palladino told club media.

“Raspadori has been in great form, and losing him for these crucial matches in Europe is a challenge we have to face together.”

Raspadori a doubt for Italy World Cup play-offs

The striker is also set to miss Atalanta’s trip to Naples and the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Lazio on March 4.

Beyond club commitments, his availability for the Italian national team is in doubt, with the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland scheduled for March 26 in Bergamo now uncertain.

This injury deprives both Atalanta and Italy of one of their most versatile forwards.

Raspadori’s pace, movement, and finishing have been crucial this season, and his absence forces Palladino and Italy national team coach to reconsider attacking options.

Recovery over the next three weeks will be closely monitored, and the timing could influence squad selection for the World Cup play-offs, potentially reshaping Italy’s offensive strategy for one of the most important periods of the season.

Donyell Malen gave Roma the dream start against Napoli this evening, with an early goal from the Dutch forward gifting the Giallorossi the lead at the Maradona.

Malen, who signed on loan from Aston Villa in January, has settled in well in the Italian capital and has increased his goal tally.

Another January signing, Bryan Zaragoza, did well to make space on the right flank before playing a heavy low ball into the box for the Dutchman to convert comfortably.

Watch: Napoli vs Roma – Malen puts Giallorossi up

Donyell Malen silences the Maradona

Roma race free and into an early lead against Napoli!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/z6OokMQkEG

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026

Donyell Malen is on fire for Roma

He puts them ahead against Napoli in just six minutes! pic.twitter.com/vTe8QIVpr2

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 15, 2026

You can follow all the action from the rest of the game, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Bologna returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away to Torino FC, a result that could prove pivotal in reigniting their season after a difficult spell.

Head coach Vincenzo Italiano praised match-winner Santiago Castro for his decisive contribution, highlighting the striker’s natural instincts in front of goal.

“A centre-forward can sometimes operate in that area and decide matches with a great piece of skill, like he did,” Italiano told Sky Sport, via TMW.

“Not every goal comes from a structured move. He had a brilliant intuition and scored a fantastic goal that helped us win a very important match after a difficult period. We need more performances like that to move beyond it.”

Torino 1-2 Bologna – Italiano: ‘Rowe is improving a lot’

The Rossoblu front line showed encouraging signs, particularly summer arrival Jonathan Rowe, who continues to adapt to Italian football.

“Above all Rowe is improving a lot,” Italiano said. “He has the ability to do very well one-on-one. When he adds consistency and composure near goal, he can become a top-level player. He comes from a different footballing culture, he’s young and doesn’t speak much Italian yet.”

Italiano also pointed to the importance of wide players contributing goals, while lamenting the timing of a setback for Federico Bernardeschi.

“Berna was growing and it’s a shame about the injury, it happened just as he was finding his rhythm. When he regains sharpness, he has the quality to shoot with more precision. Goals from wingers are important.”

Despite the victory, Italiano stressed that Bologna’s recent struggles cannot be erased by one result alone.

“In a month and a half we lost our ability to score regularly and to limit opponents. We abandoned that. We need three, four, five results with strong performances. We want to progress in Europe and stay in a competition we care deeply about. Before saying we are out of this period, we need consistency in both performances and results.”

On whether the team had lost momentum or direction, he added:

“There are moments that turn negatively. We faced teams in great form, had red cards and mistakes all at once. We didn’t manage those situations gradually. Our true value isn’t the first place we had after Udine, but it’s much higher than what we’ve shown recently. Playing with more freedom helps, we can express ourselves even better than today.”

The win offers relief, but for Bologna the real test now lies in sustaining this level over the coming weeks.

Tensions between Inter Milan and Juventus remain high following the controversial refereeing incidents in last night’s 3-2 victory for the Nerazzurri.

In the hours after the match, John Elkann, CEO of Exor, reportedly contacted Gabriele Gravina to express Juventus’ dissatisfaction with the officiating, as per TuttoMercatoWeb.

From the Bianconeri perspective, the handling of key moments during the game was deemed unacceptable.

In particular, the moment that saw Pierre Kalulu given a second yellow card after an apparent dive by Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni.

Gravina, president of the FIGC, has since held discussions with refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi to address the specific incidents.

Inter-Juventus drama adds to unstable FIGC & AIA problems

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of instability within the AIA.

The referees’ body is awaiting a definitive ruling from the Federal Court of Appeal regarding its president, Antonio Zappi, who received a 13-month suspension at first instance.

The appeal verdict is scheduled for February 18. Should the suspension be upheld, the AIA could face the prospect of being placed under temporary administration.

FIGC president Gravina is also understood to have raised broader concerns with Rocchi, particularly regarding repeated simulations during Inter-Juventus.

According to FIGC sources, such behaviour risks influencing referees and increases the likelihood of mistakes, while also damaging the image of Italian football.

There was further emphasis on the potential benefits of broader use of VAR and technological support in situations involving clear and obvious errors.

The matter will be evaluated through the appropriate institutional channels.

Weston McKennie is once again at the centre of discussions at Juventus, with renewal talks ongoing but complicated by the midfielder’s wage demands.

Now a regular starter and one of the side’s driving forces, McKennie has turned what once looked like an uncertain future into a position of strength.

After summer rumours suggested he could be sacrificed, the American not only stayed but has become one of the most reliable figures under Luciano Spalletti. A new personal best for goals in a single season has only strengthened his standing inside the club.

McKennie demands double his salary to renew with Juventus

Juventus would like to accelerate negotiations, yet the talks are far from straightforward.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, McKennie’s entourage continue to request roughly double his current salary, a figure that has stalled progress over the past 18 months.

The midfielder currently earns between €2.5m and €3m per season including bonuses, most of which he has consistently triggered. The club are prepared to offer an increase, but not at the level being sought by his representatives.

After tying down Kenan Yildiz to a new deal, Juventus view McKennie as one of their next priorities.

However, time is becoming a factor with his contract edging closer to expiry. Interest remains strong.

In the United States he is a marketable figure, while several European clubs are monitoring the situation in case he becomes available on a free transfer this summer.

Former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has said that the red-card incident in last night’s Derby d’Italia is ‘not good for the game.’

Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was sent off after receiving a second yellow card after making minimal contact with his arm with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni.

Bastoni went down theatrically and the referee had no option but to award Kalulu a second yellow. As VAR cannot currently intervene with yellow cards, the dismissal stood and Inter managed to win the game 3-2.

Reo-Coker on Bastoni & Kalulu incident: ‘Too much cheating & diving in Serie A’

Speaking as a pundit on CBS Sports Golazo after the game, Reo-Coker said:

“Too many players in Serie A right now are cheating with the diving, it’s not good for the game and it’s not good for the future generations watching the game.”

He dismissed the suggestion that coaches should be allowed one ‘challenge’ per game, saying the trust needs to be put in the referees.

Therefore, the former midfielder implied that it is down to the players to start behaving more responsibly, as much as it is for the referees to do their job.

“It’s not good for the game and it’s not good for the generation watching.”

Nigel Reo-Coker calls for protecting the integrity of the game in Serie A pic.twitter.com/VI3QCsl5EP

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 14, 2026

Pisa were unlucky to fall to a 2-1 defeat to Milan this evening, with Massimiliano Allegri’s side scoring a late goal to take all three points home with them.

Milan took the lead in the first half through Ruben Loftus-Cheek before Pisa equalised in the second half, shortly after Niclas Fullkrug missed a penalty to double the Rossoneri’s lead.

Just when Pisa looked on the verge of an important point, Luka Modric scored with five minutes to go – securing the win for the Rossoneri.

Modric was Football Italia’s Man of the Match, for his consistent involvement in Milan’s structural game, match winning goal and tireless effort over the ninety minutes.

Pisa 1-2 Milan – Player Ratings

Pisa: Nicolas 6, Canestrelli 5.5, Caracciolo 6.5, Bozhinov 6; Toure 5.5 (Leris N/A), Aebischer 5.5 (Akinsanmiro 6), Loyola 6.5 (Durosinmi N/A), Angori 5.5; Moreo 6 (Piccinini N/A), Stojilkovic 6, Tramoni 5 (Iling-Junior 6.5)

Best Pisa player: Felipe Loyola – Not often you can say a player who gave away a penalty was a team’s best player but Loyola, who, in fairness, scored Pisa’s equaliser, takes the pick. Aside from his error, which was redeemed by Fullkrug’s miss, he worked hard defensively.

Lowest Pisa rating: Idrissa Toure – To put it quite simply today, he was bodied out of the game. Lost 18 of 27 duels and lost the ball himself on four occasions. Poor performance from the German.

Coach: Oscar Hiljemark 6 – Nearly picked up an impressive point against tough opposition but was unlucky in the end. His team gave Milan a good game and the coach is showing promising signs in his first matches in charge.

Milan: Maignan 6.5; Tomori 6.5, Gabbia 5.5, Pavlovic 6.5; Athekame 6.5 (Pulisic 6), Fofana 5.5 (Ricci 6.5), Modric 7.5, Rabiot 5, Bartesaghi 6.5; Loftus-Cheek 7 (Leao 5.5), Nkunku 5.5 (Fullkrug 4.5 (De Winter N/A))

Best Milan player: Luka Modric – Put in an immense amount of effort over the ninety minutes, both offensively and defensively. Scored the winning goal and moved the ball around nicely in the midfield.

Lowest Milan rating: Niclas Fullkrug – Impressive that the red-carded Rabiot was not the worst performer on the pitch. Fullkrug came on for Nkunku, ruined a good opportunity, missed a penalty and was then substituted off for De Winter to shore things up late on. West Ham laughing all the way to the bank.

Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has praised Maurizio Sarri’s renewed determination and expressed confidence in young keeper Motta’s future, as the Biancocelesti prepare for a crucial run of fixtures.

Speaking in Lazio’s official match programme ahead of the clash with Atalanta, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Provedel said the recent penalty shoot-out victory over Bologna provided a vital boost.

“It gave us a lot,” he explained. “It helped us overcome the fatigue from a busy schedule and restored enthusiasm after a period in which we struggled to get positive results.”

Lazio goalkeeper Provedel looks ahead to Atalanta challenge

Looking ahead, he warned of the challenge posed by Atalanta – who the Biancocelesti welcome to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening.

“They are a very strong team in great form. It will be a difficult match, and it will be different from the Coppa Italia tie because there is still time before the semi-final. We will prepare in the best way to try to win.”

Provedel also praised his counterpart, Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, calling him “one of the strongest” in the role.

On Sarri, he added: “The coach has always been determined and hungry. Time away may have given him even more desire. He transmits his passion to us.”

He also backed young goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, who arrived in Rome in January, saying: “He is talented, serious and, if he keeps working well, he can have a great career.”

Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored to give Milan the lead in Pisa this evening, as the Englishman makes it back-to-back games with a goal.

However, it was not plain sailing for the former Chelsea player, who was criticised by Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri earlier in the match.

Loftus-Cheek heads home! Milan lead! #PisaMilan 0-1 pic.twitter.com/q4AzRxVhXD

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 13, 2026

In the opening minutes, Allegri could be heard shouting ‘He’s walking!’ about Loftus-Cheek, via MilanNews, with the coach unimpressed by the Englishman’s lack of movement.

Allegri slams Loftus-Cheek before opening goal

Loftus-Cheek was not the only target of the coach’s early criticism, though, with the Italian shouting at Youssouf Fofana  to ‘Wake up! You’ve only touched the ball once so far.”

The English midfielder, who is playing in a more advanced role alongside Christopher Nkunku this evening, made a good run to get his head on the end of a ball from Zachary Athekame.

Allegri still managed to find time for a backhanded compliment after the goal, reportedly shouting “The first run he makes and he scores!”

You can follow the second half, and relive all the action from the first, on our Live Blog.

Mauro Icardi fired a warning to Juventus after scoring a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig.

The former Inter striker took his tally to 47 league goals for the club, moving three clear of Burak Yilmaz in the all-time scorer charts.

The Argentine led the line with authority as the Istanbul side dominated, capitalising after their opponents were reduced to 10 men.

Former Inter man Icardi sends warning to Juventus

After the match, Icardi turned his attention to the upcoming Champions League showdown with Juventus.

“The team’s objective is to win,” he said. “I’m happy with my goals, but my job is to score. We started well, took the opponent seriously and got what we wanted. We showed we are ready for Juventus.”

Reflecting on his record, he added: “As a striker, you always want to break records. I’m honoured to score for this club. The love from the fans is incredible, they write songs for us and we try to repay them. I’ve had four fantastic years here and I’m very happy.”

Galatasaray hots Juventus in Istanbul on Tuesday evening, in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie. The return leg will be held the following Wednesday in Turin.

Lazio have confirmed that Pedro sustained a significant ankle injury during their recent match against Bologna, forcing the veteran forward off in the first half on a stretcher.

The former Barcelona and Spain international twisted his right ankle in an awkward challenge and was unable to continue.

Lazio went on to win the match on penalties.

Subse­quent medical tests revealed a sprain-contusion injury with partial involvement of the external ligaments of the ankle.

Pedro injury a worry for thin Lazio squad

The veteran has already begun a targeted rehabilitation programme and will be monitored daily as doctors assess recovery times. Lazio have not provided a return date, but the injury represents a major setback at a crucial stage of the season.

Pedro’s contract expires this summer, and the timing raises fresh uncertainty over his immediate future and long-term plans.

The forward has remained an important figure for the Biancocelesti thanks to his experience and tactical intelligence, but his age and the severity of the injury could complicate both Lazio’s attacking options and the final months of his distinguished career.

Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to appoint Igor Tudor as interim head coach has once again highlighted the remarkably strong links between the North London club and Juventus, a relationship that has deepened steadily over the past decade.

Tudor’s arrival reinforces a familiar Italian thread.

The Croatian spent two spells at Juventus as a player, later returned as Andrea Pirlo’s assistant, and briefly led the first team during a turbulent period.

His tactical identity, aggressive pressing, vertical transitions and a back-three structure, mirrors systems previously seen in Turin and later implemented at Spurs under Antonio Conte.

Conte amongst many Juventus & Tottenham Hotspur connections

Conte himself remains one of the most prominent bridges between the clubs.

After winning multiple Serie A titles with Juventus, he took charge at Tottenham in 2021 and brought with him tactical principles and recruitment ideas shaped in Italy.

The connection intensified with the arrival of former Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici in North London.

Appointed in 2021, Paratici quickly turned to familiar markets and contacts, facilitating a series of deals involving Juventus-linked players.

Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur arrived from Juventus in January 2022 and became instant pillars of Tottenham’s rebuild.

Cristian Romero, signed permanently the same summer, had also been on Juventus’ books earlier in his career.

Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, a Juventus academy product, joined on loan, while defender Radu Drăgușin, another former Juve youth player, arrived in 2024.

The clubs have also found themselves circling similar transfer targets in recent windows, including Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osimhen, underlining overlapping recruitment profiles and strategic priorities.

Tudor’s appointment therefore feels less like a coincidence and more like the continuation of a well-established pipeline.

Spurs’ modern identity has been shaped in part by Juventus influence, from the boardroom to the dressing room, and the Croatian’s arrival strengthens that connection at a time when the club are again searching for stability and direction.

As Tottenham enter another transitional phase, the Turin link remains as strong as ever.

In a surprising move, former Lazio and Juventus head coach Igor Tudor has been appointed as interim manager at struggling Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

Earlier this week, the North London club sacked former Brentford coach Thomas Frank and began their search for a successor.

Instead of appointing a permanent coach right away, the club appointed Tudor for the remainder of the campaign.

However, whilst the coach has a decent track record of getting struggling clubs back on their feet, he does have a history of arguments and controversies that have often led to only brief spells in charge.

‘Nobody Is Indispensable’ – New Spurs coach Tudor has his critics

Tudor began his coaching career with Croatia side Hajduk Split, where he also started his playing career.

After a modest spell in his homeland, Tudor then spent some time with PAOK in Greece. He was in charge for less than a year, with the club publishing a rather scathing assessment of the coach upon his departure.

In their official statement, PAOK confirmed the news: “PAOK FC announces the sacking of Igor Tudor, due to unsuccessful results and disparaging comments about the quality of the team.”

He then spent a year and a half in Turkey, with Karabukspor and Galatasaray, before being sacked but he latter due to a poor run of form.

2018 and 2019 would see the coach have another awkward time, with two spells at Udinese. After being appointed for the last four games of the 2017-18 season, in which he helped Udinese avoid relegation, he chose not to extend his stay. The following March, he returned, but was sacked in November.

When replaced by Luca Gotti, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported at the time that “Gotti has rediscovered Nuytinck, the Dutch defender who admitted at Marassi that he had problems with Tudor. The former coach was also at odds with Pussetto, Barak and Mandragora. Overall, he was not particularly in tune with the dressing room.”

Lazio & Juventus bring out petulant side of Tudor

In March 2024, Tudor was appointed as head coach of Lazio, for the final eleven games of the season.

Once again proof of his role as a proficient interim coach, his presence did once again not sit well with players and staff.

The coach himself came across as entitled in his brief spell in the Italian capital, gloating as he helped Lazio qualify for Europe with six wins in eleven games. After his departure, Lazio president Claudio Lotito hit out at the former coach.

“People say Tudor did really well, taking Lazio into the Europa League,” Lotito told Dotsport via the Corriere dello Sport.

“In reality, since I have been here the club has gone into Europe 15 or 16 times, so he only achieved something I already did. Coaches and players can be replaced, they are all useful, but nobody is indispensable.”

Tudor’s time at Juventus was even more tense, with the coach criticised for his defeatist attitude – especially towards the end of his tenure. Comments that “tactics don’t count for much” drew criticism from the likes of Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Furthermore, several outbursts in press conferences did not impress the Juventus hierarchy.

After an eight game winless run at the end of 2025, Tudor was sacked by Juventus and replaced by Luciano Spalletti.

In all, Tudor is definitely a capable coach – especially when it comes to dragging teams out of relegation battles and difficult situations. He has a proven track record as an interim but questions have to be asked as to how he is the right fit for Tottenham.

There is already mass discontent amongst the set-up at the North London club, who currently sit in 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone. Tudor’s survival experience will come in handy in that regard but his personality suggests he will hardly be the one to stop the Titanic from sinking.

Manuel Locatelli will front the media on the eve of Juventus’ showdown with Inter, stepping in for coach Luciano Spalletti at the pre-match press conference.

According to Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, The Bianconeri captain is set to address journalists ahead of the highly anticipated clash, taking on media duties in place of his manager.

The decision is understood to be part of Juventus’ internal communication strategy, allowing Spalletti to focus fully on preparations for one of the most important fixtures of the season.

Locatelli to speak to the press for Juventus to ease pressure on Spalletti

With tensions high and the spotlight firmly on the tactical battle, the club have opted to shield their coach from the traditional pre-match obligations.

Locatelli, as club captain and a key figure in the dressing room, will instead outline Juventus’ mindset and expectations heading into the encounter.

The move underlines the midfielder’s leadership role within the squad, as Juve look to make a statement in a crucial match that could have significant implications in the Serie A title race.

Benjamin Pavard’s future remains uncertain after a difficult spell on loan at Marseille, casting doubt over whether the French club will make his move permanent.

The defender joined Marseille last summer on a loan deal that includes a €15m option to buy, a clause Inter had expected would likely be triggered.

However, Pavard has struggled to convince in Ligue 1 and has reportedly come under increasing criticism from supporters, as per reports from the Corriere dello Sport.

De Zerbi departure offers Inter one last chance to cash in on Pavard

The recent managerial change could yet offer the Frenchman a fresh opportunity to revive his season, but if his performances do not improve, Marseille may decide against activating the purchase option.

Roberto De Zerbi was removed from his post as head coach and a breath of fresh air could be just what the former Bayern defender needs.

However, if Marseille choose not to activate their option, Pavard would return to Inter in the summer – although not necessarily for long.

The Nerazzurri are not believed to have plans to reintegrate him into the squad, meaning a new solution would have to be found.

Inter could also be forced to reassess their valuation of the player if they seek a permanent transfer elsewhere. Sporting director Piero Ausilio would then be tasked with finding a buyer and resolving the situation ahead of the new campaign.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is set to travel to Naples for a dinner meeting with several Napoli players expected to be included in the upcoming national team squad.

According to reports from Nicolo Schira, the Azzurri boss will meet members of the Partenopei contingent ahead of the decisive play-off fixtures, with Antonio Vergara poised to receive his first senior call-up.

The youngster has been in impressive form in recent weeks and is now expected to join Alessandro Buongiorno, Alex Meret and Matteo Politano in the Italy squad.

Gattuso to meet Napoli players as Vergara anticipates first call-up

Vergara’s inclusion would mark a significant milestone in his rapid rise this season, as the youngster continues to establish himself as an important figure at club level.

Vergara earned his opportunity to make an impression at the Maradona after a series of serious injuries to the Napoli squad.

However, since his big break, he has done nothing but impress – and now is set to earn a maiden call-up to the national team.

Gattuso’s visit underlines the growing importance of Napoli’s core within the national team setup, as Italy prepare for crucial matches on the road to major tournament qualification.

Italy found out that they will face France, Belgium and Turkiye in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, after being drawn into Group A.

The Azzurri were in pot 2 for the draw, and can feel slightly hard done by after what appears to be a difficult draw.

Italy and France have a decades-old rivalry, whilst the Azzurri have triumphed more often than not over Belgium and Turkiye.

However, all these nations are armed with players familiar with Italy – with several Serie A stars among the squads that will prepare to face Gennaro Gattuso’s side.

Who are the Serie A stars ready to face Italy in the Nations League?

France have a number of high-profile players playing in Serie A.

At Milan, Mike Maignan and Christopher Nkunku are both in contention for a place in the squad. Meanwhile, Inter & Juventus brothers Khephren and Marcus Thuram will also likely feature for Les Bleus. Former Rossoneri full-back Theo Hernandez will face many old teammates and rivals, whilst Roma’s Manu Kone is also involved in the French set-up.

Belgium have a handful of stars in Serie A. Kevin De Bruyne will likely feature after he recovers from his injury. Juventus forward Lois Openda is a regular, whilst Milan duo Alexis Saelemaekers and Koni De Winter both also feature. Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere could also potentially play against Italy in the Nations League.

Turkiye, meanwhile, have several influential players currently based in Italy. Kenan Yildiz, arguably one of the best forwards in the league, will no doubt be involved, alongside Roma wing-back Zeki Celik, Inter talisman Hakan Calhanoglu and Pisa midfielder Isak Vural.

Italy discovered their UEFA Nations League fate for the 2026-27 edition of the international tournament, with the Azzurri drawn into Group A alongside France, Belgium and Turkey.

It is a tricky draw for Gennaro Gattuso’s side, with three very competent teams standing in their way.

But how have Italy fared historically against these sides?

Italy & France old rivalry ignites

The Azzurri and France have met many times over the years, with 39 matches between the two nations.

Of course, the most famous of those meetings was the 2006 World Cup final, where Italy won on penalties after the infamous Zinedine Zidane headbutt.

France also knocked the Azzurri out of the 1998 World Cup, after a 0-0 draw resulted in a penalty shootout victory for Les Bleus.

More recently, the two teams met in the Nations League in 2024. The Azzurri won 3-1 in France in September before Didier Deschamps’ side returned the favour two months later with a 3-1 win in Milan.

Azzurri have more luck against Belgium & Turkiye

Italy have lost just four of 26 meetings with Belgium, with the most recent defeat coming in an international friendly in 2015. Italy’s last official defeat to Belgium came in Euro 1972. In the 2024 Nations League, the sides drew 2-2 in Italy before the Azzurri won 1-0 in Brussels thanks to an early goal from Sandro Tonali.

Italy’s record against Turkiye is even more impressive. Of the 14 meetings between the two sides, Italy have never lost – winning 10 times. The sides last met in an international friendly in 2024 that finished 0-0, with the last official match at the postponed Euro 2020, with a 3-0 Azzurri win in the tournament’s opening fixture.

Napoli turned down an approach from Como for rising star Antonio Vergara, with coach Antonio Conte and sporting director Giovanni Manna both blocking a potential transfer.

Vergara has enjoyed a sensational start to the year, scoring three goals in his last four appearances across three different competitions.

He found the net against Chelsea in the Champions League, Fiorentina in Serie A and most recently against Como in the Coppa Italia, despite Napoli’s quarter-final elimination.

His rapid development has strengthened Conte’s faith in the youngster, who is now viewed not merely as a squad option but as a genuine attacking asset capable of adding unpredictability to Napoli’s forward play.

Como failed in pursuit of Napoli sensation Vergara

Como sporting director Carlo Alberto Ludi confirmed his club’s long-standing interest.

“We wanted Vergara last July and even the year before,” Ludi told Kiss Kiss Napoli, via SportItalia.

“Giovanni Manna was very honest with us and said he wanted to develop him at Napoli. We have followed him for a long time and tried to sign him outright, because that is how we work.”

Meanwhile, Vergara’s agent played down talk of a contract renewal.

“There is absolutely nothing at the moment,” he said. “Antonio must only think about playing and helping Napoli reach the Champions League. Then, at the right time, President De Laurentiis will evaluate the situation.”

Italy have discovered their opponents for the UEFA Nations League group stage.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Azzurri side will face France, Belgium  in Group A

France were drawn as the Pot 1 side, before Italy were pulled out of Pot 2 by Portugal and former Real Madrid defender Pepe.

Pot 3 saw Belgium added into their group, before Turkiye were pulled out of Pot 4.

The draw took place in Brussels on Thursday evening, with Italy initially in Pot 2 of League A.

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina was present at the draw, alongside former Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci.

Last Nations League campaign ended in quarter-final defeat to Germany, losing 5-4 on aggregate with Luciano Spalletti in charge of Italy.

Italy Nations League Draw

Nations League Group A: France, Italy, Belgium, Turkiye

Bologna have confirmed they have signed Argentine forward Santiago Castro to a contract extension, until June 2030.

On their official website, Bologna confirmed the extension with a brief statement: “Bologna FC 1909 announces that it has reached an agreement with striker Santiago Castro for a contract extension until June 30, 2030.”

The 21-year-old has been steadily improving and has eight goals in all competitions for the Rossoblu this season.

He played well in his club’s Coppa Italia quarter-final defeat to Lazio, scoring the opening goal and being a real thorn in the Biancocelesti defence.

Highly-rated Castro signs new deal with Bologna

Castro has been the topic of much transfer speculation, as so often is the case with young South American talents.

Rumours from the British tabloid press have linked Castro with the likes of Chelsea, Everton and Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Italian sources claim that Inter are among the clubs interested in Castro’s progress; strange given their surplus of talented forwards.

Regardless, Bologna see the forward as a vital part of the current squad and a player who they see as somewhat of a jewel – whether they keep him long-term or cash in in a year or two.

Fabio Capello insists the Serie A title race is far from over, warning that Inter and Juventus cannot afford to ignore the growing threat of Milan and Roma.

Speaking in his latest column with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former coach reacted to Antonio Conte’s downbeat comments following Napoli’s recent penalty shoot-out defeat to Como.

Conte had played down his side’s Scudetto chances, pointing to a nine-point gap behind Inter and describing Napoli’s situation as problematic.

Capello, however, believes it is too early to write anyone off.

“The Italian championship is not closed,” he said. “I heard Conte’s words after the defeat and I think they were influenced by the result. There are still many games to play, with plenty of direct clashes. Calm down.”

Capello: ‘More than just Inter in Serie A title race’

While acknowledging that Inter are playing well, Capello stressed that the season still has twists to come.

He also highlighted Milan’s steady improvement under Massimiliano Allegri and suggested Roma could yet enter the conversation if they have finally solved their centre-forward issue.

“There is still a lot to do before we can declare the title race over,” Capello concluded.

Inter currently have an eight point lead at the summit of Serie A, with Milan having a game in hand in second.

Napoli are nine points behind Inter, whilst an improving Juventus have closed the gap between themselves and Conte’s side to just three points.

Roma are tied on points with Juventus and it feels highly probably that one of these five sides will lift the Scudetto in May.

Lazio beat Bologna 4-1 on penalties this evening, after their Coppa Italia quarter-final tie finished 1-1 at full-time.

Football Italia’s Player of the Match was Tijjani Noslin, despite impressive performances from Kenneth Taylor and Bologna striker Santiago Castro.

You can relive all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Coppa Italia – Bologna 1-1 Lazio – Player Ratings

Bologna: Skorupski 6; Zortea 6.5, Vitik 6.5, Lucumi 6 (Helland N/A), Miranda 6; Moro 7 (Freuler 6), Ferguson 6; Orsolini 7, Odgaard 5.5 (Sohm 6), Cambiaghi 7 (Bernardeschi 6); Castro 7.5 (Dallinga 6)

Best Bologna player: Santiago Castro – Not only did he score Bologna’s only goal but looked a constant menace in and amongst the Lazio back line. In the first half especially, he was a real threat and showed signs of great promise for the future.

Lowest Bologna rating: Jens Odgaard – Did not get much right tonight and struggled to find space in Lazio’s deep midfield line. Was taken off with twenty minutes to go after a quiet evening.

Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 5.5 – Things are not going his way at the moment as the pressure mounts after what can only be described as a dismal run of recent form. He got it all right in the first half but seemed unable to adjust to Lazio’s improved momentum in the second half.

Lazio: Provedel 6.5; Marusic 6, Gila 6.5, Romagnoli 6.5, Pellegrini 6 (Tavares 5.5); Dele-Bashiru 6.5, Rovella 6 (Cataldi 6), Taylor 7; Pedro 7 (Noslin 7.5), Maldini 6 (Dia 5.5), Isaksen 6.5 (Cancellieri N/A)

Best Lazio Player: Tijjani Noslin – The Dutchman’s introduction really unsettled Bologna, who were barely able to cope with Pedro. The runs in between lines caught the hosts out and he found himself practically unmarked in the six yard box to score the equaliser and help send his side into the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

Lowest Lazio rating: Nuno Tavares – Feels a bit harsh for a player who only played ten minutes, scored his penalty in the shoot-out but he did feel like a bull in a china shop after his introduction. Was booked for a reckless challenge and does not feel like the kind of man you want to rely on to hold on to your defensive stability. That being said, Tavares was hardly awful and the most of his teammates were only marginally better.

Coach: Maurizio Sarri 7 – No matter what obstacles get thrown in Sarri’s way, he manages to overcome them. Pedro, who had probably been Lazio’s best player before his injury, gets taken off – Sarri brings Noslin on, tweaks the dynamics in the front line with Maldini and Lazio are back in the game before they know it. Surprisingly flexible performance from a coach known for his rigidity.

Lazio may have emerged victors this evening with a penalty shootout victory against Bologna, but it is not all sunshine and rainbows for the Biancocelesti after they suffered another concerning injury.

Experienced forward Pedro started the match on the wing, and offered some promising glimpses in the early stages of the match.

However, with just a few minutes left of the first half, the Spaniard suffered a nasty injury and had to be taken off.

Pedro in pain as Lazio progress past Bologna on penalties

The stretcher was called onto the pitch but the former Barcelona man refused, only to eventually hop on the stretcher once he was off the pitch.

The Lazio man looked in a serious amount of pain and given his age, this could be a costly blow for an already-thin Lazio squad.

Maurizio Sarri will be hoping that the injury is not as bad as it initially looked.

Tijjani Noslin came on for Pedro in the first half and, if every cloud has a silver lining, helped shift the momentum in the game and scored Lazio’s equaliser.

Bologna and Lazio had to go all the way to penalties to settle their Coppa Italia quarter-final tie tonight after a 1-1 draw in the ninety minutes, with the Biancocelesti holding their nerve to win 4-1 in the shootout.

Santiago Castro opened the scoring for Bologna before Tijjani Noslin equalised for the visitors.

It was a must-win game for both sides, who currently view Coppa Italia success as the easiest route into European football next season.

You can follow all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Bologna came into the game as holders, winning the cup last season, whilst Lazio have struggled with injuries and a transfer embargo last summer that severely hindered head coach Maurizio Sarri’s return to the club.

The first half started cagey as expected, neither team willing to take too many risks. Bologna looked more threatening in the early stages, with more of the ball in Lazio’s third, but the Biancocelesti stayed defensively resilient.

After giving away a clumsy corner around the half-hour mark, Moro whipped in a low corner; Santiago Castro diving to angle the ball past Provedel in the Lazio net.

The last 15 minutes of the first half saw Bologna keep Lazio relatively on a leash, with matters going from bad to worse for Sarri when experienced forward Pedro had to be taken off due to a nasty injury.

Bologna 1-1 Lazio – Noslin changes the game for Lazio

Tijjani Noslin took his place, in a move that ended up benefitting Lazio greatly.

Noslin’s introduction opened up a lot of space for the Biancocelesti in the second half, with his pace immediately throwing off the Bologna defence.

After a nice run from Dele-Bashiru on the right wing, the Nigerian squared a simple ball to Noslin to fire home and tie the game up.

Lazio seemed to gain confidence from the goal, with a lot more forward momentum compared to their rather stagnant first half.

In the final twenty minutes of normal time, the game grew sluggish – despite substitutions from both coaches to inject some pace into the match.

Danilo Cataldi went close with a shot from the edge of the box but the fouls flying in left, right and centre meant that the rest of regulation time played out in a very stop-start manner.

With the score level at the end of the 90 minutes, the tie went to a penalty shootout.

Lazio had no trouble converting their penalties but Provedel made two good saves and Orsolini drove his penalty wide to give the visitors the win.

Lazio will now face Atalanta in the semi-final.

Former England and Arsenal legend David Seaman has criticised modern goalkeeping celebrations, singling out Gianluigi Donnarumma for what he feels are exaggerated reactions to routine saves.

Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast with Adebayo Akinfenwa, via Goal, the ex-Arsenal and England goalkeeper said he is not a fan of keepers celebrating every stop, even when the effort does not warrant it.

“The ones that really celebrate shots… Donnarumma, who’s one of my favourites at the moment, was doing some massive celebrations after some half-decent saves,” Seaman said.

“When they do that, I’m like: ‘Come on, you’re better than that.’

Seaman annoyed with Donnarumma celebration

Donnarumma signed for Manchester City in the summer after being frozen out of PSG, with the Ligue 1 giants signing Lucas Chevalier to replace him.

“When I see goalkeepers who’ve just signed for a club and they’re giving it all that after a save, and it’s not even a really good one, I think: ‘What are you doing? Celebrate when it really means something.’ That really annoys me.”

Seaman also discussed the evolution of the position and gave his thoughts on current David Raya, who is playing a key role as Arsenal chase Premier League success.

The former England No.1 suggested that while modern keepers are more involved with the ball at their feet, the fundamentals of the role, positioning, decision-making and composure, remain just as important as ever.

Bologna host Lazio at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this evening in the final Coppa Italia quarter-final, as both sides fight for a place in the semis.

Bologna come into the game off the back of back-to-back defeats at home – with a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Milan followed by the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Parma.

For a Bologna side who started the season strongly, fatigue has begun to set in – especially given their participation in multiple tournaments – domestically and abroad.

You can follow all the action, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Lazio, meanwhile, seem to remain at the eye of the storm. Chaos on and off the field has led to a dramatic season for the Biancocelesti but head coach Maurizio Sarri has instilled a sense of calm that has seen the Biancocelesti eke out important results.

At the weekend, they were unlucky to draw 2-2 at Juventus, leading the game by a two goal cushion before a late Bianconeri comeback. Sarri’s side have lost just two of their last twelve games, yet with six draws, they find themselves somewhat off the pace in the race for European football.

For both sides, in fact, winning Coppa Italia would seem to be the most likely route to participating in Europe next season, so there is a lot on the line tonight.

Coppa Italia | Bologna vs Lazio – Official Lineups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea; Vitik, Lucumi, Miranda; Moro, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro

Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Dele-Bashiru, Rovella, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro.

11-02-2026 20:00

1/4 Final

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Lazio

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		9'		Mario Gila
Santiago Castro (Assist: Nikola Moro)		30'

2nd half

Santiago Castro		47'
		48'		Tijjani Noslin (Assist: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru)
Juan Miranda		74'
		86'		Nuno Tavares
Martin Vitik		90+1'

Penalty shootout

	Event
Lewis Ferguson
Thijs Dallinga
Riccardo Orsolini

Event
	Nuno Tavares
	Boulaye Dia
	Adam Marusic
	Kenneth Taylor

Match statistic

49

Possession %

51

13

Total shots

5

2

Shots on target

2

6

Shots off target

3

5

Blocked shots

5

Corners

2

1

Offsides

1

17

Fouls

12

Bologna

Lazio

Starting lineups

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

80'

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

61'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

70'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

70'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

80'

94

Ivan Provedel

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

80'

34

Mario Gila

Defender

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

61'

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

Kenneth Taylor

Midfielder

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

61'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

80'

9

Pedro

Attacker

45'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

João Mário

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

61'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

70'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

70'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

80'

Eivind Helland

Defender

80'

26

Toma Basic

Midfielder

4

Patric

Defender

23

Elseid Hysaj

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

21

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

Edoardo Motta

Goalkeeper

Petar Ratkov

Attacker

25

Oliver Provstgaard

Defender

Adrian Przyborek

Attacker

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

45'

32

Danilo Cataldi

Midfielder

61'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

61'

22

Matteo Cancellieri

Attacker

80'

17

Nuno Tavares

Defender

80'

{rsn-live-v2}

Mario Balotelli scored his first goal since 2024 when he found the back of the net last Friday for his new club Al-Ittifaq.

The UAE First Division club signed the Italian journeyman in January, after his contract expired with Genoa at the end of last season.

Al-Ittifaq have been struggling so far this season but the Italian scored the second of three goals as the team won 3-1 away at Gulf United.

The club will be hoping that the 35-year-old will score more as they hope to avoid relegation this season.

Watch: Balotelli scores first goal for new club Al-Ittifaq