Luciano Spalletti seemed to send a message to Juventus about the future of Jonathan David and Lois Openda. ‘Kenan Yildiz would do even better if he had a Number 9 near him.’
The Bianconeri ended their dismal run of results with the first Serie A victory since February 1, crushing Pisa 4-0 with all the goals in the second half scored by Andrea Cambiaso, Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus scores his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
It is notable that the breakthrough and vast improvement only came after the break, when David and Federico Gatti had been substituted by Boga and Lloyd Kelly.
Yildiz was moved to the False 9 role and found his goal, but Spalletti’s comments felt like a pointed reminder of his January transfer requests.
Spalletti wanted a new striker at Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
“A centre-forward needs to have either a physical impact, or great technical quality,” the coach told DAZN Italia.
“There aren’t many spaces against sides like Pisa, so you must be able to weight the pass correctly, we showed that we did have the situations to cause problems.
“It becomes more difficult for Yildiz to play like this, because these are not his characteristics, he is not at ease with his back to goal.”
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Spalletti was even clearer with his messaging on what he wanted from the attack, which David and Openda simply do not provide.
“Yildiz would do even better if he had a Number 9 near him.”
The tactician made no secret of his desire to sign a real centre-forward during the January transfer window, but negotiations for players like Randal Kolo-Muani and Youssef En-Nesyri faltered.
We may well soon see more of what Spalletti had envisaged, because Dusan Vlahovic is back in training after an adductor tear in November 2025.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The statistics point to a worrying strength on one side and weakness on the other, suggesting set plays could be decisive for Milan and Inter in the Derby della Madonnina.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
This is a Scudetto showdown as well as bitter local rivalry, because Inter are top of the Serie A table and Milan trail in second place, a full 10 points behind.
That in itself is rather remarkable, considering that the Rossoneri have amassed 57 points after 27 rounds, the exact same number that they had at this stage in 2021-22 on their way to winning the title.
At that time, it was enough to put them joint top with Napoli, two points clear of Inter, but now it has them floundering in second place.
Milan weakness is Inter strength
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Yann Bisseck of FC Internazionale scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Looking at the statistics, a pattern emerges that makes a goal from dead ball situations a very distinct possibility in this big match.
That is because Inter scored 21 Serie A goals this season from set plays, including 15 alone on corner kicks.
Only Arsenal have been more effective from these situations in Europe’s top five leagues this term.
On the other hand, Inter’s strength also represents Milan’s biggest weakness, because Max Allegri’s side have conceded 50 per cent of all their goals from set plays.
His team let in 20 goals in 27 games, 10 of them were from dead ball situations, five on corners.
Luciano Spalletti celebrates his 67th birthday, explains his changes that transformed Juventus to beat Pisa 4-0 and warns Jeremie Boga ‘is a bit too sluggish at times.’
It proved to be a very happy birthday indeed for the coach, who had not been able to celebrate a real victory since February 1 after a run of two points in four Serie A rounds, Champions League and Coppa Italia elimination.
They took a while to break Pisa down, but ran riot in the second half with Andrea Cambiaso, Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga goals for a 4-0 result.
Spalletti realised that his team was struggling in the early stages and made a tactical adjustment, moving them from 4-2-3-1 into a 3-4-3 formation, aided by the versatility of players like Cambiaso, Yildiz and Weston McKennie.
Another important change was the removal of misfiring Jonathan David at half-time, replaced by the lively Boga.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates after scoring the his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
“There are different moments of the match, as Yildiz scored, but the spaces had already opened up because we were in the lead,” explained Spalletti.
“The density of the first half was very different, so if Kenan starts from out wide, which he enjoys because he can see everything in front of him, and it is also a very different type of marking that he has to deal with.
“It is a slightly different type of work for a striker to be in the centre. Of course, once Pisa were trailing, they couldn’t maintain that solidity with the long ball for the two physical strikers, forcing you to chase back. It’s not easy to play through that density, we have difficulties in those situations.
“If Yildiz had a centre-forward next to him, it’d be better, because that figure can take some of the physical impact of dealing with the defenders and ease the pressure on Yildiz. In the first half, we couldn’t find the spaces or go around them by moving the ball quickly.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz (L) of Juventus celebrates with Francisco Conceicao (R) after scoring the his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
It wasn’t just David who was substituted at half-time, because Lloyd Kelly also replaced Federico Gatti.
“Everything improved after the break, the speed of movement, we talked about a few things. I took Federico off too not because he hadn’t done well, but because you need someone with better feet to play out from the back when there’s that packed midfield in front of you,” continued Spalletti.
“I felt bad taking Gatti off, it was between him and Bremer, I might choose differently next time.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates after scoring the his team’s fourth goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Boga has proved to be quite a good investment in January and again was a livewire off the bench, this time also scoring a goal.
“Boga has that quality, we all know that, but he’s a bit too sluggish at times. He needs to be more determined, grittier, because we know he has that pace to shock opposition defenders, but he has to give it that fire too.
“The bench is not a waiting area, it is an extra part of the team. In modern football, you pick players who can do damage in certain moments of the match, who provide something unexpected. Those on the bench are watching, they can see where the spaces are and what spots they can attack, they are participating and learning throughout,” concluded Spalletti.
The race for a Champions League spot looks as if it will go down to the wire, as Como won away to Cagliari today and remain in fifth place, waiting for Roma’s trip to Genoa on Sunday.
Kenan Yildiz insists he is happy to play anywhere for Juventus, while Khephren Thuram explained the special Luciano Spalletti celebration. ‘We’ve got to believe in ourselves.’
The Bianconeri had been showing some good performances and spirit to fight back from difficult situations, but hadn’t celebrated a Serie A victory since February 1.
They ended a run of two points from four rounds, along with Champions League and Coppa Italia elimination, by sweeping Pisa aside 4-0 in Turin.
It took a while to break the newly-promoted strugglers down, then the floodgates opened with Andrea Cambiaso, Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga on target.
Juventus back on track in Serie A
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
“I am happy for the victory, as we did well in the first half too, but much better in the second half. I believe we had some very good performances in recent games, we didn’t manage to win them, but are on the right track,” Yildiz told Sky Sport Italia.
Yildiz had not found himself on the scoresheet since January 25, so this was a significant breakthrough for the Turkish talent, along with his assist for Cambiaso’s header.
The breakthrough seemed to be when Jonathan David was substituted by Boga, moving Yildiz to a False 9 role.
“I am here to help the team, it doesn’t matter where, if the coach tells me to play centre-forward or on the left, that’s fine. I had some knocks today, including on my head, it hurt a bit, but I’m fine,” smiled Yildiz.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates and Luciano Spalletti Head coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Today was coach Spalletti’s birthday, and after the Thuram goal, the players ran over to hug the tactician on the touchline.
“I am not exactly a hitman, but it is good to score goals and it was a little gift for the coach to celebrate his birthday,” Thuram told Sky Sport Italia.
It seems as if the race for a top four finish will go down to the wire, as Como won today away to Cagliari to stay in fifth place.
“We believe, because we’ve got the team that can do it, so we must have belief. That’s where it all starts, we want to get into the Champions League and we’ve got to believe in ourselves.”
Juventus took a while to break Pisa down, but eventually ran out 4-0 winners with Andrea Cambiaso, Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga goals to end their negative streak.
The Bianconeri were fresh off another determined comeback from 3-1 down to hold Roma 3-3, but had just two points from the last four Serie A rounds, along with Champions League and Coppa Italia exits. Manuel Locatelli returned from suspension, but Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arek Milik were still out of action on Luciano Spalletti’s 67th birthday.
Pisa had one point from Oscar Hiljemark’s four games in charge, missing Simone Scuffet, Daniel Denoon, Isak Vural and Lorran, with Arturo Calabresi back in the starting XI.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Rafiu Durosinmi of Pisa Sporting Club in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
It was Pisa who had a big chance after four minutes, when Stefano Moreo’s glancing header at the near post on an Angori cross forced a tricky save out of Mattia Perin.
Khephren Thuram fired over and Francisco Conceicao tested goalkeeper Nicolas with a low drive, while Caracciolo threw himself in the path of a Jonathan David effort.
David also couldn’t keep a header down on Andrea Cambiaso’s assist, so the striker was substituted at half-time after a disappointing performance.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Jeremie Boga came on instead and made an immediate impact, brought down by Mehdi Leris for a yellow card within 120 seconds.
Juventus finally took the lead when Kenan Yildiz was sent down the right by Conceicao and stood up the cross for Cambiaso’s free header at the back post. It was a totally empty net, as Nicolas had been drawn to the near post and was not expecting the cross.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
They doubled their lead when Weston McKennie won it back on the edge of the area, Locatelli’s angled drive bounced off the far post, allowing Thuram to turn in the rebound from 12 yards. The players rushed over to celebrate with Spalletti on his birthday.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates after scoring the his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Boga fired over from a tricky angle on the Yildiz assist, then hit the side-netting after Conceicao harassed Nicolas into an error.
Yildiz got the third when he gathered from Conceicao on the edge of the area, committed Coppola with a shimmy, and blasted into the far bottom corner. It was his first Serie A goal since mid-January.
Cambiaso’s curler flashed just wide of the far top corner from the edge of the box. With the last kick of the game, Locatelli’s inspired slide-rule pass sent Boga through without breaking his stride to dribble around Nicolas and deposit into an empty net from a tricky angle.
Raffaele Palladino hails Atalanta for ‘never giving up’ after a fightback from 2-0 down to hold Udinese 2-2. ‘Now we are looking forward to the Champions League’ and Bayern Munich.
La Dea have been stretched a little thin in recent weeks, as they were coming off the Coppa Italia semi-final 2-2 draw with Lazio on Wednesday, and are preparing for next week’s European Round of 16 clash.
“I want to publicly thank my players for all they are giving during this packed season,” Palladino told DAZN.
“We could’ve crumbled when going 2-0 down, instead these lads showed the reaction of a great team, with energy and determination, refusing to give in.”
Palladino changed Atalanta after difficult start
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Udinese Calcio head coach Kosta Runjaic and Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino look on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When trailing to the goals from Thomas Kristensen and Keinan Davis against the run of play, the coach switched Atalanta to a 4-4-2 formation, using Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic together.
It paid off, as Scamacca scored two headers in five minutes to equalise, although they also left themselves unbalanced and at risk of conceding another in stoppages.
“When you prepare a match, you always need to have two or three solutions in mind. Playing against a 3-5-2, you have different ways of opening them up,” explained Palladino.
There was tension at the final whistle when the referee ended the match without letting Atalanta take a corner, so Palladino stormed over to the fourth official to check the timer.
“I never protest with referees, I try to help them, so I went to the locker room afterwards and apologised to the referee and assistants for my tone. I also gave an explanation for my reaction, which was that Udinese had started wasting time since they first took the lead.
“We’ve got to improve this in Italy, we can’t let them get away with taking 40 seconds to take a throw-in. I expected a little more time at the end. The fans and the players want to see more football on the pitch.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Keinan Davis of Udinese Calcio competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta are the only side still competing in Serie A, the Coppa Italia semi-finals and the Champions League Round of 16, where they will host Bayern Munich in the first leg on Tuesday evening.
“I liked the spirit above all else. We are fighting in three competitions, and even if we are playing lots of games, we won’t complain,” continued Palladino.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“There are some who do complain, but my team enjoys playing football, and we are looking forward to the Champions League.
“It’s not easy to go two goals down after a good performance to the only shots on target, but these lads never give in, they always want to prove themselves. We must face everyone with this attitude, with nothing to lose, starting in the Champions League next week.”
Luciano Spalletti outlined what he wants from Juventus on his birthday as they host Pisa in Serie A and explains why ‘the fans are our best barometer’ of form more than statistics.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
Today is coach Spalletti’s 67th birthday, so he is hoping for a gift not only on the field, but also potentially off it with a contract extension beyond June 30.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“I’ve had birthdays all over the world and with very different people, because I am at my age now very experienced with having birthdays.
“I am happy to spend this one here with my players, and seeing as they didn’t give me a present, I’d love to have a picture of them singing at the final whistle with our fans, celebrating,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
Juventus are fighters under Spalletti
The Bianconeri have been impressing the supporters with their sheer determination lately, fighting back repeatedly from almost impossible situations, but that hasn’t necessarily translated to results.
They are out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia, scraping only two points from the last four Serie A matches, including the epic comeback from 3-1 down to hold Roma 3-3.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
“When you look at the statistics, it’s about numbers, but not how those numbers arrived. The fact the fans are so close to us at this moment, despite not bringing home the results, that means we sent signals. They are our best barometer.
“We’ve got to win every game first within ourselves, and then on the field. This match tests you, and seeing as I am dealing with intelligent lads, I know they feel that, because these are the games that seem easy and really aren’t. This is not about the future, it’s about the details of every match, your mentality, self-discipline moment by moment, not looking too far into the future.”
Federico Gatti scored the last-gasp equaliser against Roma and is rewarded with a place in defence today, while Manuel Locatelli returns from suspension, but Michele Di Gregorio is again dropped in favour of Mattia Perin.
“With Perin, I didn’t want to keep chopping and changing, so I told them that we’d give Di Gregorio time off and a chance for Perin to have a run of games. We’ll see from the next game what happens.”
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Gianluca Scamacca scored two headers in five minutes for Atalanta to claw back a point against Udinese, after Thomas Kristensen and Keinan Davis efforts.
La Dea were stretched thin by being the only team still in three tournaments, as they held Lazio 2-2 in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, and were preparing for the Champions League Round of 16 with Bayern Munich. Their Serie A form suffered with a 2-1 loss at Sassuolo, but they remained in the race for the top four. Ederson and Giorgio Scalvini were struggling, with Charles De Ketelaere still out, but Giacomo Raspadori returned to the bench. Udinese ended their run of three straight defeats by crushing Fiorentina 3-0, but missed Oumar Solet, Nicolò Bertola and Alessandro Zanoli, so Branimir Mlacic got his first Serie A start just days before his 18th birthday.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Udinese Calcio head coach Kosta Runjaic and Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino look on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kingsley Ehizibue’s strike flashed just wide, as did the Gianluca Scamacca strike, while Marco Carnesecchi was alert on the looping Nicolò Zaniolo cross-shot that was going into the far top corner.
There were appeals for a potential Mlacic handling offence, but the Kamaldeen Sulemana cross hit his elbow, with the arm behind his back.
Lorenzo Bernasconi gave away an avoidable corner and it proved costly, because Thomas Kristensen shrugged off Odilon Kossounou for a glancing header from six yards on Zaniolo’s set play, giving Udinese the lead against the run of play.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Thomas Kristensen of Udinese Calcio celebrates after scoring their team’s first goalduring the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Scamacca was unlucky not to equalise at the dawn of the second half, his low drive from the edge of the box thumping the base of the upright.
Instead, Udinese doubled their lead in chaotic fashion. Sead Kolasinac acrobatically intercepted a Zaniolo low cross from the left inside the six-yard box, and charged down the Oier Zarraga effort, but could do nothing as Davis bent the finish around him and Carnesecchi into the far bottom corner.
Atalanta switched to 4-4-2 and Sulemana’s diving header was off target from a Bernasconi cross, while Nikola Krstovic drilled wide on a Davide Zappacosta assist.
The siege eventually paid off when Nicola Zalewski swung a cross from the left for a Scamacca free header from six yards.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Keinan Davis of Udinese Calcio competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Udinese crumbled, as Maduka Okoye’s poor pass out from the back under pressure was intercepted, he made the save on Lazar Samardzic, but could do nothing when Scamacca nodded in the rebound to complete the comeback in just five minutes.
La Dea wanted all three points, Okoye getting down to fingertip a Krstovic daisy-cutter round the post for a corner.
Udinese also threatened, as Arthur Atta’s long-range thunderbolt grazed the crossbar, and Carnesecchi rushed out to smother at the feet of Adam Buksa.
Deep into stoppages, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp wasted a golden opportunity with a finish charged down from 13 yards.
There was controversy, as Atalanta had a corner with the last kick of the game, but the referee blew for full time before they could take it. Raffaele Palladino was furious and went over to check the timer held by the fourth official.
Atalanta 2-2 Udinese
Kristensen 39 (U), Davis 55 (U), Scamacca 75, 79 (A)
The Bianconeri performances have impressed the fans, above all the refusal to give in when fighting back from disastrous situations, but the results are starting to worry them too.
Out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia, they came back from 3-1 down to grab a last-gasp 3-3 draw against Roma last week.
It means in Serie A they managed only two points in the last four rounds, and with Como winning earlier today, they risk falling well behind in the fight for Champions League qualification.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Federico Gatti of Juventus celebrates scoring their third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Today is Luciano Spalletti’s 67th birthday, so he is hoping for a win as a gift.
Dusan Vlahovic returned to training over the last few days after three months out, but is not available today, along with Emil Holm and Arek Milik.
Manuel Locatelli returns from suspension to bolster the midfield, while Federico Gatti starts after his last-gasp equaliser with Roma.
David leads the attack with support from Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao and unexpected goal hero McKennie, the USMNT star fresh from signing a new contract.
It was reported Michele Di Gregorio would return in goal after he was dropped for a couple of matches due to some remarkable howlers, but instead Mattia Perin keeps the gloves.
Pisa are rock bottom of the Serie A table and seemingly doomed to relegation along with Hellas Verona.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: Gabriele Piccinini of Pisa Sporting Club in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
New coach Oscar Hiljemark has done little to turn the tide, as after his debut draw with Verona, there were three consecutive defeats to Milan, Fiorentina and Bologna.
The visitors are still without Simone Scuffet, Daniel Denoon, Isak Vural and Lorran, with Arturo Calabresi returning to the starting XI.
Former Juve players Juan Cuadrado and Samuel Iling-Junior are in the squad.
Stefano Moreo and January signing Rafiu Durosinmi lead the attack.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 06: Oscar Hiljemark, Head Coach of Pisa Sporting Club looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Pisa SC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 06, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Cesc Fabregas insists the 2-1 Como victory away to Cagliari was ‘the win I am most satisfied with this season’ due to their exhaustion after the Coppa Italia. ‘Jean Butez is ready for international duty.’
The Lariani were in Serie B only two seasons ago, yet now find themselves playing every three days in Serie A to challenge for a top four spot, and in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
They held Inter to a 0-0 draw on Tuesday evening and today didn’t drop a single point, winning 2-1 in Sardinia with Martin Baturina and Lucas Da Cunha.
Fabregas proud of Como progress
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Martin Baturina of Como scores his goal 0-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“I liked the way the lads reacted today, as this performance proves what the team is made of, they have great mentality that is growing game by game,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.
“We were all exhausted today, there were so many matches in a row, we were so tired. That is why this is the win I am most satisfied with this season. It is genuinely a major step forward for the team.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: the coach of Como Cesc Fàbregas look on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
It was far from a simple task, because Sebastiano Esposito’s diving header had temporarily drawn Cagliari level, and Como had to thank a Butez fingertip save on Michel Adopo.
“Como invested in young players and some of them, even if they didn’t cost very much, are world class,” insisted Fabregas.
“Since he arrived, Butez has worked like an animal. He always wants to learn more, and he knows everything depends on how much you want it. He is a leader not just for his qualities, but also in the locker room. I think he is ready to make the step up for international duty with France.”
This result puts Como temporarily in joint fourth place alongside Roma, who have a difficult trip to Genoa tomorrow evening and the distraction of the Europa League.
Are the minnows genuinely contenders for a Champions League spot?
“We are not there yet. We are on the right track, but there are many games still to go. I saw definite progress in the team today, it was one of the most difficult matches of the season, and the credit for that also goes to Fabio Pisacane for giving his identity to the Cagliari squad,” concluded Fabregas.
Raffaele Palladino insists Atalanta won’t hold back against Udinese, even with Bayern Munich coming up. ‘Going all out is in our DNA, we must attack and be aggressive.’
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
However, do not expect Atalanta to take their foot off the gas for today’s Serie A match with Udinese.
Palladino will never leash Atalanta potential
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates and fans during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I cannot tell my team to hold back. Going all out is in our DNA, it has been long before I arrived at Atalanta, our mentality must be to attack and be aggressive,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“We’ve seen against Sassuolo, for example, that the moment we don’t do that, we slip up.”
Last week, Atalanta fell to a surprising 2-1 Serie A defeat to Sassuolo, damaging their prospects of a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
“We know playing is also a way of training, so we try to give 100 per cent in every match. It doesn’t always work, but our idea must be to go on the attack.”
There are some changes, as USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah receives a rare start in the Atalanta jersey following his move from Milan.
“He has some characteristics we need right now, especially against one of the most physically strong teams in the league. He can give us intensity, he scored two goals in his last two games, and I ask him to defend well. With Ederson out, there are only three midfielders, so he is making the most of the opportunity to make his mark.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 04: Yunus Musah of Atalanta scores his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Olimpico Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Palladino also outlined his changes based on neutralising the strengths of an Udinese side who beat Fiorentina 3-0 last week.
“I make my choices based on the characteristics of the squad and the opponents. Kolasinac is good at reading the spaces, Udinese play 3-5-1-1 with Zaniolo behind the striker, Ekkelenkamp will attack the space and try to get behind our defenders, so we are prepared.
“It’s going to be a game decided by the individual duels, whoever wins those will have the best chances of winning the match.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Before kick-off, Palladino will receive his award as Serie A Coach of the Month for Februrary.
“I might be banal, but this prize belongs to everyone, because I can do zero by myself. The club chose me and supported me, the directors and staff shared all the preparation with me, and naturally the biggest credit for results goes to the players on the field. I share the prize with everyone.”
Roma are down to the bare bones for tomorrow’s match with Genoa, as Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Mario Hermoso and Wesley miss out.
It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
Gian Piero Gasperini is struggling with a decimated squad and discovered this week it will be that way for a while, because both Dybala and Evan Ferguson required surgery.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Wesley Franca is suspended, while both Soulé and Hermoso have not yet recovered and are left behind in the Capital.
It is hoped that they can at least be on the bench for next week’s Europa League Round of 16 clash with fellow Italians Bologna.
Artem Dovbyk is another long-term absentee, so we could see Roma start Bryan Zaragoza with Lorenzo Pellegrini in support of Donyell Malen.
Roma squad for Genoa
Svilar, De Marzi, Gollini; Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Tsimikas, Celik, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi; Cristante, Pellegrini, El Aynaoui, Kone, Pisilli; Malen, Venturino, Vaz, El Shaarawy, Zaragoza
Como continue their march on the Champions League places with a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Como, thanks to Martin Baturina and a Lucas Da Cunha stunner.
The Lariani climbed into fifth place with back-to-back victories over Juventus and Lecce, then held Inter to a 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final first leg draw on Tuesday. Jayden Addai was the only long-term absentee, whereas the Sardinians were decimated by injuries to Yerry Mina, Luca Mazzitelli, Gianluca Gaetano, Alessandro Deiola, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Andrea Belotti, so Michael Folorunsho was a False 9.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: the coach of Como Cesc Fabregas look on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Como took the lead with their first chance of the game, winning it back in midfield, then Lucas Da Cunha’s scuffed finish turned into an assist for Martin Baturina to sweep home from close range.
Cagliari should’ve equalised on the half-hour mark, as first Michael Folorunsho’s strike was charged down, then the move continued and Ibrahim Sulemana hit a fresh-air shot on Marco Palestra’s roll across from 12 yards.
Como lost Maxi Perrone to a bruised thigh, replaced by Mergim Vojvoda and dropping Baturina into midfield.
The hosts did equalise when Palestra surged up the right from his own half and put in a cross, the Adam Obert scuffed volley turned into an accidental assist for Sebastiano Esposito’s diving header from seven yards.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Ze Pedro provided brave defending by charging down a Nico Paz screamer with his face, Juan Rodriguez doing the same on an acrobatic Alvaro Morata attempt.
Palestra was booked for simulation after squirming between two and losing his balance, but Como restored their lead thanks to a sensational strike from Lucas Da Cunha. He gathered 20 metres from goal and unleashed an unstoppable effort off the outside of the left boot, swerving into the far top corner.
A corner was flicked on by Gabriele Zappa for Semih Kilicsoy at the back post, cleared with difficulty by Marc-Oliver Kempf.
Jean Butez needed a fantastic fingertip save to push the Michel Adopo strike round the base of the near post.
Cagliari 1-2 Como
Baturina 14 (Co), Esposito 56 (Ca), Da Cunha 76 (Co)
There are increasing reports Marcus Thuram won’t be fit to start against Milan, so there are various different ways Inter could set out their attack.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale is pressured by Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri are the only side within reach of the Serie A leaders, albeit with a 10-point gap, so this fixture could very well decide the Scudetto race.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Cristian Chivu confirmed the France international had not trained today due to flu symptoms and a fever, but Sky Sport Italia are increasingly reporting that he won’t be ready to play tomorrow evening.
The most predictable option is to see Francesco Pio Esposito partnered by Ange-Yoan Bonny, which would be the first time they had started a Serie A match together.
It is not just Harry Kane who is nursing an injury ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Atalanta, as Manuel Neuer is ruled out by a calf strain.
The first leg in the Round of 16 tie kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
La Dea are the only Italian competitors left in the tournament going into the last 16, and undoubtedly are the underdogs when facing the German giants.
It therefore is reassuring when they learn that Bayern Munich are dealing with quite a few injury worries going into the match.
Bayern Munich face injury concerns with Atalanta
MUNICH, GERMANY – JANUARY 21: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Bayern München and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Football Arena Munich on January 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Kane was ruled out of last night’s 4-1 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, the team’s sixth consecutive win in all competition.
He is still nursing a calf injury and it remains to be seen if he will play against Atalanta.
Now it is reported that goalkeeper Neuer is also struggling after picking up a minor calf strain yesterday, and is expected to be out for two weeks, so could miss the second leg too.
He was replaced on the night by Jonas Urbig and the 22-year-old should take the gloves in Bergamo.
Urbig has played 11 games for Bayern Munich this season, keeping four clean sheets and conceding 11 goals.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 06: Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on March 06, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito and Leon Klanac are already long-term absentees.
Cristian Chivu warns Inter ‘cannot lose our identity’ even if a draw would suffice against Milan in the Scudetto race, and insists ‘we can all learn’ from Max Allegri.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, and Yann Aurel Bisseck of Internazionale embrace after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri are having an oddly mixed season, as while they crashed out of the Champions League play-offs to Bodo/Glimt and played a defensive 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final first leg draw with Como on Tuesday, they are 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table.
A victory tomorrow night against second-placed Milan could practically lock down the Scudetto with two months to spare.
Chivu wants a positive Inter approach
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gestures to his players during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
“We’ve got to keep the good run going, trying to be competitive and seeking those variations that can allow us to express ourselves even better on the pitch.”
Considering the vast advantage, even a draw could be treated like a success in this fixture, but the coach won’t hear of it.
“We cannot change our identity, the one we have had since the start. We’ve just got to understand the various moments of the match, without losing the approach that got us these results so far.”
Inter are unbeaten in Serie A since the last derby with rivals Milan, a 1-0 result on November 23, followed by a 2-2 draw with Napoli and 14 victories.
“Since the start of this year, we’ve improved and have a different approach to games, because we don’t underestimate or over-estimate anyone,” insisted Chivu.
“What matters is what we want to do, how we control the game, and I think that the ambitions we built for ourselves deservedly this season allow us to be without pressure, aware we are facing a strong opponent.
“Milan have top individual players, but we must be the best version of ourselves. I expect consistency on all the good things we’ve done so far, and the way we reacted to a few defeats and disappointments, such as Bodo.
“This team has the kind of belief that allows it to face every match in the same way. We’ve got to also avoid errors that can play to Milan’s strengths, but that doesn’t mean being passive.”
Did the defeat to Milan provide the switch in Inter’s season, considering they are unbeaten since then including eight consecutive victories?
“I don’t think that was what did it,” replied Chivu. “The switch was after the 3-1 defeat to Napoli. The derby was just down to an unfortunate incident that went against us, but the improvement was already evident before that.”
“I am the last person who can talk about Max, because he won six league titles and other trophies. We can all only learn from him as a coach and a person. We know each other and had spoken when I was at Parma.
“I am always happy to deal with someone who understands football, who knows what to do in certain situations. He can teach us so much.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Marcus Thuram is a doubt with flu symptoms and did not train today, while Lautaro Martinez is injured, so Francesco Pio Esposito seems to be the only guaranteed starter in attack for Inter.
“Pio is fortunate to have teammates who help keep him relaxed, but he is also helped by his work ethic. It’s not a fluke he is doing so well this season, he knows how to handle pressure.
“He doesn’t have the pace of Marcus or Bonny, but he’s so good in knocking down the ball, helping hold the ball up, playing in the penalty area.”
Lautaro Martinez might be out of action, but he is still playing a key role in the preparation for the derby.
“Lautaro is there with us every day and always ready with the right words. You can see the leadership of a captain who cares about this squad,” added Chivu.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu embrace his player Luis Henrique after substitution during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Denzel Dumfries made his comeback with a couple of substitute appearances after ankle surgery and could potentially even start with Milan.
“He lacks match fitness, but is working well every day after three months out. Obviously, training is not the same as a match situation, so he needs more minutes, but I’m glad to have him at my disposal.”
Alessandro Bastoni has been loudly jeered by opposition fans in his last two games since the controversial Juventus incident, where he got Pierre Kalulu sent off with a simulation.
“This is something that he and I cannot control,” concluded Chivu.
“It is a consequence of what happened, I think it will probably last a while. It’s a pity, because we need football to remain just a game. Ale is a person, he knows how much his teammates count on and need him. This gives him comfort and strength, our daily respect and embraces help him.
“His performances against Lecce and Como were, despite the jeers, very good. This is to his credit that he can express himself at a high level even in these circumstances.”
Cristian Chivu reveals new concerns for Inter ahead of tomorrow’s Derby della Madonnina with Milan, as Marcus Thuram ‘did not train today’ because of illness.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri were already forced to do without captain and Capocannoniere Lautaro Martinez, who has been out of action since suffering a calf strain during the first leg of their Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt last month.
Chivu struggling with Thuram fitness
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazioale celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Now Thuram is a doubt to start in attack too for one of the biggest matches of the season, as revealed by Chivu in his press conference this afternoon.
“The lads are doing pretty well, they trained well after the Coppa Italia game with Como,” said the coach.
“We had a few problems today with Marcus, who has a fever and did not manage to do the training session. We can only hope that tomorrow he will be at 100 per cent and at our disposal.”
There is a boost with the return of Hakan Calhanoglu, who on Tuesday in the 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final draw against Como had his first start in six weeks.
“Calhanoglu is fine, he is at our disposal tomorrow. Playing an hour in Como helped him, and we’ll see for tomorrow.”
Ange-Yoan Bonny had missed the previous Serie A round due to a muscular issue, but he returned as a substitute against Como.
Francesco Pio Esposito therefore seems the only guaranteed starter in attack for Inter.
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