It wasn’t a good look for Alessandro Bastoni  during Inter-Juventus when he caused and celebrated Pierre Kalulu’s red card, but it would be wrong to omit him from the Italy national team for this, writes Lorenzo Bettoni.

Why Bastoni should not face punishment with Italy national team

Some Italian fans and journalists called for Bastoni to be dropped from the Italy national team because of his behaviour in Inter-Juventus on Saturday. The Italy international not only deceived the referee with a dive that led to Kalulu’s second yellow card, but also wildly celebrated when the official showed the red.

Bastoni’s actions “didn’t align with the principles of fair play,” as Inter President Beppe Marotta has admitted, but this doesn’t mean the defender should be excluded from the Italy squad.

Several sources have already reassured that Gattuso will not take action, meaning that Bastoni will be part of the Italy squad next month when the Azzurri meet Northern Ireland in a vital World Cup play-off semi-final. Rightly so, I would say.

Again, what Bastoni did wasn’t nice to see, especially because we are talking about one of the best Italian players and one of the supposed leaders in the Azzurri dressing room, who should set the example rather than trying to cause even more confusion to the referee.

Sadly, Bastoni is not alone in this. Over the last few months, the quality of refereeing in Serie A has hit new lows one week after another, but match officials have not been helped by footballers in any way.

Every time, in every game, we see players going down in pain for the slightest touches, hoping that a VAR check would spot a step-on-foot and a resulting penalty. Too many times, footballers, especially in Serie A, overreact whenever an opponent goes for a challenge, hoping to cause whatever punishment.

VAR has surely caused more problems than those it has solved this term. It’s been overused far too much for minor incidents, but, ironically, the protocol didn’t allow it to intervene to save Kalulu from being sent off on Saturday, given that his foul was a second-yellow card offence.

The Bastoni incident has been blown out of proportion because of the scale of the game, but it should also be a turning point from which footballers have to show a different attitude towards referees by sticking to the principles of the game without unnecessary drama that only makes the game more toxic.

Bastoni should not be punished by Gattuso for something that everybody, wrongly, does. And this is even more true ahead of the most important Italy game in the last four years.

On March 26, the Azzurri will be hosting Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the World Cup play-off semi-final. If they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, and if the Azzurri are to qualify for the World Cup, they need their best players and unity.

Hopefully, Bastoni won’t get the tough reception that Gigio Donnarumma has sometimes experienced during Italy games in the past, especially in his first years at PSG. Club-related matters must be set aside during the next international break as Gennaro Gattuso will need unity on and off the pitch to avoid another World Cup fiasco.

Many Juventus fans won’t agree with this, but not even Juventus would want or need Bastoni to be dropped from the Italy squad. The Bianconeri didn’t hold back criticism towards Italian referees on Saturday, calling for immediate “change” but didn’t mention Bastoni directly during post-match interviews.

They know this sort of attitude is sadly part of the game sometimes, but referees should now have the tools to avoid affecting games so heavily.

Surely, Bastoni won’t be proud watching the replays of his dive and celebration, but he has a lesson to learn from this. Italian legends like Franco Baresi, Beppe Bergomi and Paolo Maldini earned the respect of their opponents, especially for the way they behaved on the pitch, and those who are now expected to lead the national team, such as Bastoni, must lead by example.

Moreover, there’s a lesson that all Serie A players should learn. The less that referee gets involved, the better it is for the game. Inter’s 2-2 draw against Napoli in January was one of the best games in Serie A this season, also because the match official, Daniele Doveri, rarely blew the whistle; only five times in the first half.

Too often, when an Italian team faces a Premier League side in Europe, we are shocked by the difference in the pace and intensity, which is also a consequence of how fragmented Serie A games are.

VAR has to change, players and referees must change too, but this doesn’t mean the Azzurri must go to a massive game without one of their best players.

Former Serie A coach Serse Cosmi responds to Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini, who complained about the officiating in the Bianconeri’s 3-2 loss against Inter: ‘I experienced what wasn’t football.’

Ex-Serie A coach Cosmi criticises Juventus director Chiellini, who had raged at a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu in Saturday’s Serie A match against Inter.

Kalulu’s red card infuriates Chiellini and Juventus

The French defender received a second yellow card for a foul on Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, who appeared to go down too easily and then celebrated when his opponent was sent off.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu said the Juventus defender should not have put his hands on Bastoni, while Chiellini angrily confronted the referee inside the tunnel and then voiced his frustration to the media, arguing that it was “impossible to talk about football” after such a mistake.

“I didn’t like any of the words,” Cosmi told Sport Mediaset via Corriere dello Sport.

Cosmi tells Chiellini: ‘I experienced what wasn’t football’

“Not those Cristian Chivu, from whom I expected something different considering his intelligence, but I also didn’t like Giorgio Chiellini’s, who came to tell us this isn’t football. With all due respect, I experienced what wasn’t football.”

Cosmi’s reference was to the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, which saw Juventus being stripped of two titles and relegated to Serie B.

Cosmi was the Udinese coach in 2005-06, but remained in charge of the Bianconeri for just 24 games as he was sacked in February 2006.

Corriere dello Sport reports that the officiating in Inter-Juventus did not infuriate the Bianconeri only, but Milan are also upset, especially because the Rossoneri previously complained about other referee decisions this season.

Juventus are not the only Serie A side unhappy with the officiating in their latest Serie A match against Inter, which saw their defender Pierre Kalulu sent off with two yellow cards in the first half.

Milan unhappy with referee decisions in Inter vs. Juventus

As reported by Corriere dello Sport (via Calciomercato.com), there is also discontent within Milan about how such an important game was officiated, especially because the Rossoneri are challenging Inter in the race for the Scudetto.

Milan sit second in the standings, eight points below their city rivals, but Massimiliano Allegri’s men have a game in hand to be played this coming Wednesday at home against Como.

Previous Milan referee controversies

Milan have already voiced concerns over refereeing decisions they believe have had an impact on their season so far.

The latest incident was on Friday, when Adrien Rabiot was sent off for dissent in an away 2-1 win at Pisa.

The Frenchman received two yellow cards, so he’ll miss tomorrow’s match against Como.

Back in December, the Rossoneri were held to a 2-2 home draw by Sassuolo, but had a Christian Pulisic goal disallowed for a foul from Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the build-up.

Roma legend Francesco Totti confirms he’s in talks to return to the club as a director and reveals he ‘had dinner’ with Giallorossi coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Former Roma striker Totti confirms he’s in talks with the Giallorossi over his potential return to the Stadio Olimpico as a club director.

Totti confirms talks for return to Roma

Senior advisor Claudio Ranieri surprisingly revealed a few weeks ago that Roma owners were considering bringing back the club legend with an operative role in the control room.

“I’ve always been a fan. To me, Roma is my home; it’s always been, even if I’m not there. I’m happy with what they are doing and their path,” Totti told Sky Sport Italia on Monday (via Repubblica).

“There have been rumours lately. It’s true, we are talking, discussing some details and deciding what’s best for everyone. I hope we can solve this situation soon. Sooner or later, surely we are talking about it.”

The legendary Italian striker went on to praise Roma boss Gasperini, who was appointed last summer.

Totti: ‘I had dinner with Gasperini’

“He has started on the right foot, and we are cheering him on for a return to the Champions League. I had dinner with him, and we spoke a bit about everything, not just about football,” Totti concluded.

Roma sit fourth in the Serie A standings after an away 2-2 draw at Napoli on Sunday.

The Giallorossi have collected 47 points, one more than fifth-placed Juventus, who they’ll host at the Olimpico in a crucial Serie A match on March 1.

Totti spent his entire playing career at Roma, scoring 307 goals in 786 games and winning the Serie A title in 2000-01.

According to Sport Mediaset, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti told Inter President Beppe Marotta ‘you made a pig’s ear of it’ as the Bianconeri protested for a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu.

More details emerge after a brutal confrontation between Juventus directors and referee Federico La Penna during the halftime break of Saturday’s Serie A match Inter-Juventus.

What Spalletti told Marotta during Inter-Juventus

The Bianconeri were furious for a red card given to Kalulu minutes before the break, prompting directors Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli to face the referee inside the tunnel at halftime.

Spalletti separated Comolli and the match official, but according to Sport Mediaset, the Italian tactician also addressed Inter President Marotta, telling him: “You made a pig’s ear of it.”

Bans for Comolli and Chiellini after Inter-Juventus?

The heated confrontation between Juventus directors and the match official will likely lead to a ban for Comolli and Chiellini, according to reports in Italy.

Today, Marotta hit back at criticism from the Old Lady, recalling previous referee decisions that went in favour of the Bianconeri

Juventus striker Jonathan David has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Champions League match against Galatasaray due to a groin injury.

Juventus have travelled to Istanbul to face Galatasaray without Canada star David.

Why David is not available for Galatasaray vs. Juventus

The ex-Lille forward is not part of the Bianconeri squad list released just a few minutes ago.

According to Sky Sport Italia, David has been omitted due to a groin injury.

David had been subbed off in the second half of an away game at Inter on Saturday in what appeared to be a tactical substitution.

Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are also unavailable for the upcoming European fixture, so Lois Openda will be the only centre-forward available for the Old Lady in Istanbul.

David started in the last eight Serie A games for Juventus.

He has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, including two in the Champions League.

Tomorrow, February, Tuesday 17, Juventus visit Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Juventus squad list vs. Galatasaray

La lista dei convocati per la sfida di #UCL di domani in trasferta in Turchia #GalatasarayJuve pic.twitter.com/xrEymkcn0x

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) February 16, 2026

Scotland international Billy Gilmour is delighted to have returned to action for Napoli after ’10 long weeks’ on the sidelines: ‘No feeling like being on the pitch.’

Gilmour returned to action for the first time since November on Sunday, making a substitute appearance in Napoli’s 2-2 home draw against Roma.

Gilmour returns to action for Napoli

The Scotland international was introduced in the second half and contributed to the Partenopei’s equaliser with a through ball in the build-up to Alisson Santos’ first goal for the defending Serie A champions.

“First steps in 2026,” Gilmour wrote on Instagram.

“No feeling like being on the pitch & none bigger or better than doing it in front of your support. 10 long weeks, now back doing what I love with this team. Forza Napoli Sempre.”

Gilmour spent over 2 months on the sidelines

Gilmour underwent surgery in November 2025 due to a groin injury and had missed the previous 23 matches with the Partenopei.

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Billy Gilmour (@billygilmour)

Inter President Beppe Marotta feels Alessandro Bastoni has been subject to ‘excessive media exposure’ and hits back at Juventus, saying that a ‘clear simulation’ of Juan Cuadrado in 2021 allowed the Bianconeri to beat the Nerazzurri and qualify for the Champions League.

The controversy surrounding Inter-Juventus and a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu on Saturday is far from over.

Inter President Marotta spoke to reporters on Monday ahead of a Lega Serie A meeting in Milan, saying (via Calciomercato.com): “I’m here because we have fought against excessive media exposure, a public shaming of Bastoni that goes beyond what actually happened. A young man who represents an asset for our national team, it is unfair to put his participation in doubt.

“Who doesn’t make mistakes? Since the 1950s, there have been players, no names mentioned, famous for actions like this. We are facing, in my view, an ordinary event, not an extraordinary one. Reprehensible, but also due to other circumstances, such as the wide arm,” Marotta continued.

Marotta recalls referee mistake that qualified Juventus for Champions League

“Last season, we lost the Scudetto by one point, and there was a confirmed error in Inter-Roma, but we didn’t protest. This season, Inter have only intervened once, after Napoli-Inter, where a penalty kick, later deemed unfair, had been given.”

Italian media already reported that Inter felt Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion, a view strongly confirmed by Marotta.

“If we talk about simulations, I want to remember Juventus-Inter in 2021 and a penalty given despite a clear simulation from Cuadrado with Calvarese as a referee,” he said.

“Afterwards, both the referee and the technical bodies confirmed it had been an obvious simulation, and with that win, Juventus qualified for the Champions League, which is worth €60-70m.”

Marotta admitted that Bastoni’s simulation against Juventus was against the principles of fair play, and also called for stronger sanctions.

“We need to take responsibility: AIA, clubs and FIGC, all institutions,” he added.

Marotta on Chiellini and Bastoni

“We need to engage in a broad and calm discussion, toughening disciplinary penalties, especially financial ones. Too often, things go beyond the line, and that is unacceptable. Bastoni’s gesture does not align with the principles of fair play. Repression is not part of my approach. Prevention, however, is possiblethrough dialogue. There is often a lack of knowledge of the rules, which players in particular should be familiar with.”

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini was particularly critical of the officiating as he and Damien Comolli showed up in front of the media after the match on Saturday night, while coach Luciano Spalletti remained silent.

Marotta had greeted Chiellini at San Siro, but didn’t seem impressed by the ex-defender’s claims.

“It was the least I could do as he was one of my players,” he concluded, via Gazzetta.

“Today, he’s a young and inexperienced director, but I do not dare give him suggestions.”

Fabio Capello was ‘upset’ to see Alessandro Bastoni’s ‘obvious simulation’ during Inter-Juventus but was also disappointed by Cristian Chivu, even if ‘his actions matter more than words.’

• Read more – Inter’s support for Bastoni after social media threats, but Juventus overreacted – report

Former Italian coach Capello strongly criticised Inter defender Bastoni and Nerazzurri coach Chivu in his latest column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

During Saturday’s game against Juventus, Bastoni had tricked the referee by going down too easily on a Pierre Kalulu challenge, causing a second yellow for the Bianconeri defender just before the break.

Capello: Bastoni ‘can’t behave like that’

“Two things struck me in particular. The first: a player like Bastoni, of international calibre and a key figure in our national team, cannot and, above all, must not behave like that,” wrote Capello.

“It was very upsetting for all the football fans to see him deceive the referee with an obvious simulation, especially since he was already booked and therefore risking a second yellow card.”

Inter coach Chivu refused to blame Bastoni during his post-match interviews, suggesting that Kalulu should have avoided putting his hands on his defender.

Before the game, however, the Inter coach had stated that he wouldn’t comment on a referee unless he heard a Serie A coach openly acknowledge a favourable referee decision.

“Second thing,” continued Capello.

Capello: Chivu’s ‘actions matter more’ than his words

“I know Chivu very well, as he was one of my players at Roma, but his words after the game deeply disappointed me. The Inter coach was not consistent with what he had said on the eve of the match, and in the end, he gave the impression of justifying what happened.

“More than his words, however, his actions matter. Chivu substituted Bastoni at halftime because he knew exactly that he would be at risk if he stayed on the pitch. I would have expected statements of a very different tone, especially after a victory.”

Inter and Juventus both return to action mid-week as both sides have European commitments.

The Bianconeri will visit Galatasaray on Tuesday, while Inter will play away at Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Hellas Verona striker Gift Orban calls for ‘equal treatment on the pitch’ after being shown an early red card in a Serie A game against Parma: ‘As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently.’

Verona striker Orban complained about a straight red card he received in the opening minutes of an eventual 2-1 loss at Parma on Sunday.

Orban: Black players ‘treated differently’ in Serie A

The Nigeria international had been given his marching orders after just 10 minutes, with his team already down one goal.

Orban appeared to calmly protest for a potential foul from a Parma defender, but the referee was quick to stop the play to show the 23-year-old a red card.

“Sent off for protesting a decision. As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently,” Orban added on X social media.

“I love the game, and all I ask for is fairness, respect, and equal treatment on the pitch.”

Orban has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 22 Serie A appearances with Verona this season.

This is his first season in Serie A, but his positive performances still couldn’t help Verona in their race for survival as the Gialloblu sit at the bottom of the table alongside Pisa with 15 points.

Verona didn’t send their coach to comment on the game at full-time as a sign of protest. They only released a statement, which, however, didn’t mention racism issues: “A very serious lack of respect towards a team, a city, a community and a fanbase,” the club said.

“We always accept mistakes, just as we make them ourselves. However, we believe that the sending off after ten minutes play, based on what was seen on the field and what we were told, is a signal of disrespect.”

Inter have shown support for their star Alessandro Bastoni after the Italian defender was subjected to social media abuse, and according to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri feel the Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion.

Inter directors and coach Cristian Chivu sent support to their defender Bastoni on Sunday.

Inter send support to Bastoni

The Italy international had received hate messages and threats on social media after celebrating Pierre Kalulu’s red card during Inter-Juventus. Bastoni went down far too easily in a challenge with the French defender, causing a second yellow card.

Tension is so high that, according to Repubblica, Bastoni’s decision to disable comments on his social media accounts and those of his wife came under suggestion from the Italian Police.

According to Gazzetta, Bastoni was taken aback by the scale of online abuse, which even extended to his younger daughter. Italian sources claim that Bastoni spoke for a long time on the phone with Chivu and Inter directors on Sunday, receiving full support from his club.

‘No one at Inter considers him a diver in the slightest, with everyone viewing the incident as nothing more than a simple yellow-card incident,’ wrote Gazzetta.

Inter unhappy with Juventus’ reaction

At the same time, the Nerazzurri feel that the Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion as the Bianconeri directors confronted the referee inside the tunnel at half-time and sent Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli in front of the media after the match, rather than coach Luciano Spalletti.

Gazzetta notes that Chiellini’s pointed comments after the match particularly rubbed Inter the wrong way. Having won the 2021 Euros alongside Bastoni, the former Juventus defender is regarded by the Inter star as one of the best centre-backs of the past decade, having seen firsthand the full spectrum of the ex-national captain’s skills, including his shrewdness in certain defensive situations.

Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini face a possible ban for a tunnel confrontation with referee Federico La Penna during a tense Serie A match against Inter.

Juventus directors Comolli and Chiellini could be punished following their heated protests against referee La Penna during the half-time break of Saturday’s Serie A match against Inter.

Furious Chiellini and Comolli confronted Inter-Juventus referee

A video that has gone viral on social media shows the two directors facing the match official just inside the tunnel at the Stadio Meazza as the two teams head to the dressing room at half-time.

La Penna had sent off Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu just a few minutes earlier, infuriating the Bianconeri players and their directors.

Comolli attempted to confront La Penna directly, but Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti stepped in to hold him back, while Chiellini voiced his anger toward the referee.

Report Juventus director Comolli risks two-month ban

As reported by Gazzetta, referee La Penna likely mentioned the incident in his post-match report, which would lead to a suspension for both Chiellini and Comolli.

Without an official report from the referee, the FIGC Prosecutor would need to open a formal investigation.

Gazzetta notes that ‘while Chiellini’s remarks seem like strong criticism and are not necessarily insulting, Comolli’s verbal attack risks being considered as such and, consequently, could lead to a ban of at least two months.’

Reports in Italy claim that Gennaro Gattuso will continue to rely on Inter star Alessandro Bastoni despite criticism over the defender’s behaviour during the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

• Read more – Bastoni forced to silence fans on social media after insults following Derby d’Italia

Inter defender Bastoni will continue to be part of the Italy squad, as coach Gattuso is not considering dropping him following controversies in Inter-Juventus.

Gattuso won’t drop Bastoni for Italy games

Bastoni infuriated fans on Saturday as he went down far too easily in a challenge from Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, causing his second yellow card.

Bastoni celebrated widely when his opponent was shown a red card, prompting fans and some journalists in Italy to suggest he should be dropped from the Italy squad next month.

Italian sports papers, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, however, claim that Gattuso is not even considering leaving Bastoni at home.

Crucial match for Italy in March

The Azzurri have a crucial match coming up as they’ll host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26.

If they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final and, if fit, Bastoni will surely be part of the Italy squad.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter-Juve, the tunnel like a ring: FIGC investigation, possible sanctions

Bastoni threatened, will play for the Azzurri. Rocchi: ‘Too many simulations.’ La Penna stop.

Malen scores twice, Alisson’s equaliser makes Napoli happy.

Corriere dello Sport

La Penna reports, Elkann calls Gravina

Death threats to the referee who calls the Postal Police. The Exor CEO: ‘Solutions now, Italian football must defend its credibility.’ Rocchi: ‘Bastoni simulated, everyone tries to trick us.’

Alisson Santos ruins Roma’s party

Malen freezes the Maradona. Spinazzola equalises. The Dutchman scores the 2-1, but Conte’s move proves decisive. The ex-Sporting is introduced and locks the third spot.

Tuttosport

Elkann to Gravina: ‘Respect us!’

John calls the FIGC President: ‘Repeated errors, solutions are needed to defend football.’ Not just Kalulu, Comolli, Chiellini and Spalletti risk bans too. Bastoni covered by insults, cancels himself from social media with his wife. Rocchi attacks divers.

Toro: Cairo and Baroni, endless pain

The Granata revive Bologna. The stadium was still half-empty. The President was insulted for the entire game, but the coach: ‘I feel trust.’

Juventus’ second-choice goalkeeper Mattia Perin confronted Cristian Chivu’s assistant, Aleksandar Kolarov, at full-time last night, while Inter star Nicolò Barella rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with his teammates.

It was another memorable and controversial Derby d’Italia on Saturday as Inter beat Juventus 3-2 at San Siro.

Juventus’ complaints over Pierre Kalulu’s red dominate media coverage the morning after, and Football Italia takes you back to the Stadio Meazza with three details you may have missed on TV. We were among the accredited press at San Siro last night: here’s what didn’t make it onto your screen.

Juventus’ protests

Referee Federico La Penna didn’t have his best night as he showed two debatable yellow cards to Kalulu in the opening 45 minutes. The second one, and the resulting red card, was given just minutes before the break, so tempers flared as the teams headed down the tunnel to the dressing rooms for the half-time break. Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli continued to protest to La Penna while walking towards the tunnel as coach Spalletti waited on the sidelines. The Italian tactician warmly hugged Inter captain Lautaro Martinez as the Argentine left the field and then walked down the stairs just in front of La Penna, while Bianconeri directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini waited for the match official inside the tunnel to voice their discontent.

Support for Di Gregorio

Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso experienced a rollercoaster first half, finding the net at both ends. His own goal handed Inter the advantage, though the ball also slipped in after a delayed reaction from Bianconeri keeper Michele Di Gregorio.

Moments after drawing Juventus level, Di Gregorio was applauded afar by third-choice keeper Carlo Pinsoglio, who stepped out of the technical area on the touchline to wave his encouragement as the Bianconeri fought their way back into the contest.

Tension at full-time

As soon as the referee blew the final whistle, Inter star Barella rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with his teammates. The Italy international had been subbed off earlier in the second half. Barella ran onto the pitch with a leap and a spin, twirling around himself. Inevitably, tension skyrocketed on the other side. As soon as the referee signalled full-time, Juventus’ Mattia Perin walked towards the Inter bench to confront some members of the Nerazzurri’s staff, especially Kolarov, Chivu’s assistant and a former Nerazzurri and Roma defender. The confrontation didn’t last long as the pair quickly cleared the air. The Old Lady’s protests continued in the dressing room with directors Comolli and Chiellini urging referee designator Gianluca Rocchi to resign.

Join Football Italia editor Lorenzo Bettoni live from San Siro and our writer Giancarlo Rinaldi as they examine Inter’s 3-2 win over Juventus.

It was another amazing Derby d’Italia as, after Juventus’ 4-3 win in September, Inter took home all three points in the reverse fixture at San Siro tonight with a thrilling 3-2 win.

It was intense and controversial as you’d expect in every Derby d’Italia, and Football Italia brought to you the live action straight from San Siro.

Now, it’s time to examine the match, from Pierre Kalulu’s debatable red card to Piotr Zielinski’s late winner. Follow the live show below, starting at 23:20 CET.

Inter: Sommer 6; Bisseck 6.5, Akanji 5.5, Bastoni 6 (46′ Carlos Augusto 5.5); Luis Henrique 6 (66′ Pio Esposito 7), Barella 5.5 (54′ Calhanoglu 6), Zielinski 7.5, Sucic 6 (66′ Diouf 6), Dimarco 7.5; Lautaro Martinez 6, M Thuram 5.5 (85′ Bonny N/A). Coach: Chivu 7.

Best Inter player: Dimarco and Zielinski 7.5 – Zielinski scored a late winner after another fantastic performance: 96% passing accuracy. Another assist for Dimarco, his 13th in Serie A this season. Outstanding to say the least. A constant threat down the left flank. The number of accurate passes in the opposition half was particularly impressive, 47 out of 52, 90%, as per Sofascore.

Lowest Inter rating: Akanji 5.5 – Often out of position and only won one aerial duel from 7. Pretty solid with the ball at his feet, but should have done much more defensively.

Inter coach: Chivu 7 – Inter had not won any of the previous 14 meetings against Juve, Napoli or Milan in Serie A. The Nerazzurri boss was brave to introduce Pio Esposito in the second half, keeping Lautaro and Thuram on the pitch. It wasn’t a given despite the numerical advantage.

Juventus: Di Gregorio 6; Kalulu 5.5, Bremer 7, Kelly 6.5, Cambiaso 6 (77′ Openda N/A); McKennie 7.5, Locatelli 7, Miretti 5.5 (61′ Koopmeiners 6); Conceicao 5 (46′ Holm 5.5), David 5 (61′ Cabal 5.5), Yildiz 6 (75′ Boga 5.5). Coach: Spalletti 6.

Best Juventus player: McKennie 7.5 – Two assists in a tricky night for the Old Lady. McKennie played as a right winger, central midfielder, attacking midfielder and even striker. Once again, an ideal player for Spalletti, who once again played a key role tonight.

Lowest Juventus ratings: Conceiçao and David 5 – They didn’t create much, even before the red card for Kalulu. David even lost possession in the build-up to Inter’s first goal with a misplaced header.

Juventus coach Spalletti 6 – Could Juventus do much more? Probably not. They did what they could, down to ten men for over 45 minutes. They even reacted to Pio Esposito’s goal, scoring a late goal with Locatelli, but it wasn’t enough. Juventus still have many issues, but at least they have an identity now.

Italy international Sandro Tonali inspired Newcastle’s victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup with his first two goals this season: ‘Yesterday I was telling him, ‘you never score goals,” said his teammate Nick Woltemade.

Italy star Tonali scored a brace in Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, inspiring the Magpies’ qualification for the FA Cup fifth round.

As reported by Squawka on X social media, Tonali has now scored three of his nine Newcastle goals against Aston Villa.

“Yesterday I was telling him, ‘you never score goals’, and today he scored two,” Newcastle striker Woltemade, who scored the other goal for the Magpies, said at full-time.

“We are both happy, of course.”

Tonali went on to praise his teammate, too.

“He plays as a midfielder, like an experienced midfielder. He plays very well,” the Italian said.

As reported by Opta, Tonali is the first Newcastle player to score two goals from outside the box in a single game since Mohamed Diamé vs Preston in the League Cup back in October 2016.

“I was saying to Sandro ‘you never score goals’, and today he scored two!”

Nick Woltemade and Sandro Tonali are full of compliments for each other after Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa

@Becky_Ives_ | @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/GpOwdCSUie

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 14, 2026

Sublime from Sandro Tonali

Two quick goals from the midfielder surge @NUFC into the lead.

Watch live on @BBCMOTD, @footballontnt and @discoveryplusUK #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/jPVP1h2m49

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 14, 2026

What a hit from Sandro Tonali!

His second strike completes Newcastle’s comeback from a goal down to taking the lead against Aston Villa pic.twitter.com/cP0sROWt87

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 14, 2026

Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu received two yellow cards in the first half of an away game at Inter, and VAR could not intervene when he was given his marching orders.

Juventus visit Inter at San Siro on Saturday, but will have to play the second half down to ten men following a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu in the opening 45 minutes.

Why Kalulu was sent off in Inter vs. Juventus

The French defender was given a second yellow card late in the first half, but replays indicated he made no contact with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, who seemed to go down too easily in an attempt to draw the booking.

Kalulu and Juventus players vehemently protested and the Bianconeri defender even asked to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, but VAR could not intervene, given that technology can only be used in case of a straight red card and not when a second yellow card leads to a sending off.

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw with Juventus’ defender Andrea Cambiaso scoring a goal and an own goal.

Football Italia is among the accredited media at San Siro. You can follow live updates on the liveblog.

Il secondo giallo per #Kalulu è inesistente: il francese sfiora a malapena il braccio di #Bastoni, che crolla a terra, mentre le gambe restano ben distanti
Incredibile come non possa intervenire da regolamento il Var#InterJuventus #Inter #Juve pic.twitter.com/8EY5FfQieM

— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) February 14, 2026

Juventus are down to ten men as Pierre Kalulu is sent off after picking up his second yellow card pic.twitter.com/LYzerA9uRV

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

Como look to Anastasios Douvikas while Moise Kean starts in the Fiorentina attack in Saturday’s opening Serie A match.

It kicks off at 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT) at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

Edoardo Goldaniga and Assane Diao are unavailable for Como, while Fiorentina have travelled up north without Tariq Lamptey, Albert Gudmundsson and Daniele Rugani.

Como are fighting for a European spot and even hope to qualify for the Champions League, being five points below Roma and Juventus with a game in hand.

The Viola, on the other hand, are still stuck in the relegation zone with 18 points, three below safety.

The Tuscans pick Kean up front and with Gudmundsson injured, Jack Harrison starts as a left winger while Fabiano Parisi plays as left-back.

Como look to Douvikas in attack with Nico Paz, Martin Baturina and Nicolas Kuhn behind the Greece international.

Official Como vs. Fiorentina line-ups

Como: Butez; Vojvoda, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Kuhn, Nico Paz, Baturina; Douvikas

Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Parisi; Fagioli; Harrison, Mandragora, Brescianini, Solomon; Kean

14-02-2026 14:00

MatchDay 25

Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Como

Fiorentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

26'

Nicolò Fagioli

2nd half

Marc Oliver Kempf		49'
		54'		Moise Kean
Fabiano Parisi		77'
Jesús Rodriguez		82'
Álvaro Morata		88'
		88'		Rolando Mandragora
Álvaro Morata		89'
		90'		Luca Ranieri

Match statistic

67

Possession %

33

16

Total shots

7

3

Shots on target

3

10

Shots off target

2

3

Blocked shots

2

4

Corners

2

3

Offsides

2

13

Fouls

10

Como

Fiorentina

Starting lineups

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

3

Álex Valle

Defender

46'

14

Jacobo Ramón

Defender

2

Marc Oliver Kempf

Defender

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

72'

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

57'

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

57'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

46'

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

2

Dodô

Defender

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

4

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

84'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

19

Manor Solomon

Attacker

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

84'

Substitutes

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

44

Nikola Cavlina

Goalkeeper

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

46'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

46'

7

Álvaro Morata

Attacker

57'

42

Jayden Addai

Attacker

57'

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

72'

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

53

Oliver Christensen

Goalkeeper

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

84'

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

84'

Roma and Fiorentina legend Gabriel Omar Batistuta visited the Giallorossi’s training centre on Friday, returning for the first time in 23 years.

Argentine legend Batistuta is currently in Italy, and he paid a visit to his former club Roma on Friday, meeting coach Gian Piero Gasperini, advisor Claudio Ranieri and all the players, including his compatriot Paulo Dybala.

Batistuta returns to the Roma training centre

Batistuta was part of the last Roma squad that won the Scudetto in 2000-01.

Gabriel Omar Batistuta ospite a Trigoria

L’intervista al Re Leone https://t.co/18OsKy67e5#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/Zm9QTQBsnB

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 13, 2026

He spent two and a half years in the capital, scoring 33 goals in 88 matches.

He left Roma in January 2003 to join Inter, where he spent six months.

Batistuta retired in 2005 after spending two seasons at Al-Arabi.

“I haven’t been to Trigoria since I left the club in January 2003 to join Inter. 23 years have gone by – that’s a long time,” Bati told Roma’s official website.

“It’s always nice to return to a place where you’ve had a good time, and I’m happy to see old friends again.”

#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/erp2S3SE2D

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 13, 2026

“I had a lot of fun here and reaped the rewards of a long career – I managed to win a historic Scudetto for myself and for Roma,” he continued.

“We picked up 75 points and I scored 20 goals. The city exploded with joy – it was hugely satisfying.

“We were a top group of players. There was me, Francesco Totti, Cafu, Walter Samuel, Emerson, Vincenzo Montella, this fella next to me (Candela, ed.) and Marco Delvecchio, to name but a few. We were top of the league for practically the entire season and we sealed it at home, in front of our fans, on what was an unforgettable day.”

Khephren Thuram has been omitted from the Juventus squad list for tonight’s Serie A match against Inter due to an injury.

French midfielder Thuram won’t be available for tonight’s Serie A clash between Inter and Juventus at San Siro.

Italian media already reported on Friday that the Frenchman was at risk of missing the game due to a bone bruise.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti released his squad list on Saturday morning, before the trip to Milan, confirming that the French midfielder is not available for selection.

Juventus strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are also not part of the Old Lady’s squad, as expected.

Thuram has netted two goals and delivered three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.

He scored a goal in the reverse fixture played in Turin in September, which the Bianconeri won 4-3.

Next Tuesday, Juventus will visit Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

Juventus squad list vs. Inter

Your squad for #InterJuve

Powered by @WhiteBit pic.twitter.com/reyEukpuPk

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) February 14, 2026

Napoli hope Scott McTominay will be available for a Serie A match against Roma on Sunday, while Billy Gilmour could go on the bench after missing 23 games due to a groin injury.

Napoli are gearing up for a crucial Serie A clash against Roma on Sunday and are hoping their Scottish duo, McTominay and Gilmour, will be available for selection.

Will McTominay be available against Roma?

McTominay missed the latest Coppa Italia match against Como on Tuesday due to a minor muscle problem, and according to Gazzetta, he’s pushing to return to action tomorrow.

Napoli doctors and the coach, Antonio Conte, will assess him today, but McT will do anything he can to be part of the Partenopei’s XI at the Stadio Maradona in 24 hours.

McTominay has played 2846 minutes across 34 appearances this season, scoring ten goals and providing four assists.

How many Napoli games has Gilmour missed due to groin injury?

His compatriot Gilmour is also expected to return to action shortly, as, according to Gazzetta, he’ll be eligible against Roma or in the following match against Atalanta.

Gilmour underwent surgery due to a groin injury at the end of November. He made his last appearance for Napoli on November 1, missing 23 matches with the Partenopei.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 14, 2025, page 34.