Referee chiefs agree that Samuele Ricci’s handball in the final minutes of Sunday’s Milan derby was not worthy of a penalty kick as the Italian midfielder didn’t increase the volume of his body, Gazzetta reports.
Referees verdict on Ricci handball incident
Referee Daniele Doveri and VAR made the right decision in not awarding a penalty kick to Inter in the final minutes of Sunday’s derby against Milan after Rossoneri midfielder Ricci touched the ball with his arm inside the box.
As reported by Gazzetta, referee chiefs agree that Ricci’s handball was not a punishable offence.
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Ricci did touch the ball with his arm, but the impact occurred while he was in motion, without increasing the volume of his body, and, above all, the act of pulling his arm back reduced the punishability.
Milan’s eventual 1-0 win over their city rivals allowed the Rossoneri to reduce their gap from the top of the table, but Max Allegri’s men still remain seven points below the Nerazzurri with ten Serie A games to go.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: The AC Milan fans show their support during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Luka Modric was certainly among the best players on the pitch in Milan’s 1-0 win over Inter, so here’s a video with the best touches the Croatian star made at San Siro on Sunday night.
As reported by Sofascore, Modric’s passing accuracy was 89%, including 22 successful passes from 27 in the opposition half (81%).
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The 40-year-old played the whole game and provided one key pass against Inter.
German Karl-Heinz Rummenigge tells Bayern Munich they should not underestimate Atalanta in their Champions League Round of 16 meeting tonight: ‘Many big clubs have made the same mistake.’
Atalanta, the only Serie A club remaining in the Champions League, will host Bayern Munich at the New Balance Arena in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tonight.
Rummenigge: ‘No more easy games’ in the Champions League
Rummenigge, a former Bayern Munich and Inter star and now a member of the Supervisory Board of the Bundesliga giants, told Gazzetta: “The important thing is not to make the same mistake many big clubs have made in the Champions League: being favourites and ending up losing. Like Manchester City against Bodo, or Borussia. A year ago, we won 2-1 away in Glasgow in the play-off first leg, then we were losing in the return leg, and we levelled the score in the final minutes to qualify. It’s a mistake that is often made. The public opinion believes it’s an easy game, but there are no more games like this.”
Atalanta already eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the Champions League knockout play-off, coming back from two goals down to secure a 4-3 aggregate win, thanks to a 4-1 win in the return leg.
“No, I didn’t expect it. Nobody should be underestimated this season,” Rummenigge continued.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates 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)
“Even the so-called small teams are doing well. Nobody thought Bodo/Glimt would eliminate Inter. They won the first leg, and everyone thought the result would have changed in the return leg. On the other hand, they even won at San Siro. Those who have qualified for the Round of 16 should not be underestimated.
“Atalanta is a small team that must be respected; in the past, they also beat Bayer Leverkusen, so they must be respected in all aspects. And remember what we saw against Borussia,” he continued.
“They could have conceded even more goals in the first leg, and nobody in Germany thought Dortmund could be eliminated. In this phase of the Champions League, you need humility, respect, and focus to move forward. Bayern certainly want to do so. We are having a very good season, as we are still running in all competitions.”
Rummenigge knows Atlanta well, on and off the pitch.
“They should not be underestimated, and I also like the club’s organisation. I’ve met the Percassi family, and I like the way they see football,” he said.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Percassi, President of Atalanta looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“They manage the club calmly and don’t go under pressure. They were also lucky to have picked Gasperini, who has played a great role in Atalanta’s success. Winning the Europa League is not normal, and I’m not just talking about the results, but also the quality of football. I see that also his successor, Palladino, is doing really well. In today’s football, you need the quality of the team, but also a quality coach, also on a human aspect.”
The winner of Atalanta-Bayern Munich will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, and Rummenigge has clear ideas about the team he’d like to face in the quarter-finals.
epa09222040 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Augsburg at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 22 May 2021 (issued 23 May 2021). EPA-EFE/ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN / POOL DFL regulations prohibit any use of photographs as image sequences and/or quasi-video.
“I hope my friend Pep Guardiola will go through, but I have great respect for Real Madrid in the second part of the season. Usually, from February, you see another Real. When the decisive games arrive, Real is always Real,” he concluded.
Milan’s 1-0 win over Inter on Sunday was decided by an 80-second spell in which Inter could have scored, but Milan struck instead.
There’s an old saying in Italian football that goes: ‘Goal sbagliato, goal subito.’ The translation is quite easy: miss a goal-scoring opportunity, and the opponents will score instead.
The decisive 80 seconds of Milan vs. Inter
It’s exactly what happened in the Milan derby on Sunday when the Rossoneri took all three points thanks to Pervis Estupinan’s first goal with the club.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter competes for the ball with Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The ex-Brighton defender found the net just a few seconds after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s missed chance on the other end.
Below, via Lega Serie A, is the video of the 80 seconds that determined Milan’s win in the Derby della Madonnina.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan celebrates celebrates with his team-mates Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana after scoring their team’s team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Bologna winger Federico Bernardeschi reveals Gian Piero Gasperini wanted to bring him to Atalanta in 2022 when he eventually joined Toronto FC from Juventus: ‘ I admit money influenced my decision for 80%.’
Bologna winger Bernardeschi released an interview with Gazzetta just a few days before the Rossoblu’s Europa League meeting with Roma in the Europa League Round of 16.
Bernardeschi returned to Serie A last summer after spending three years at Toronto FC.
Bernardeschi: ‘No easy games’ in Serie A
“I’ve found a different Serie A football; now even the smaller teams are more equipped; technology is helping everyone, and everyone is organised,” the Italian said.
“There’s never an easy game, at any level, from race for survival to Europe.”
The first leg between Roma and Bologna will be played at the Dall’Ara this coming Thursday, but the Giallorossi will be without Paulo Dybala, a former teammate of Bernardeschi at Juventus.
“I’m sorry for Paulo, I’d have been happy to challenge him, even if it’s always better not to play against his left foot,” admitted Bernardeschi.
“But I’ll be glad to see many Azzurri friends. When I joined Juventus, I asked if I could get the no. 10. They said I was too young and should have waited a year. Then Dybala took it, who was already in his third year. I would have preferred to face a foreign club, because, as an Italian, I’d have been happier to see two Italian teams go as far as possible.”
Bernardeschi’s move to Bologna raised eyebrows over the summer, with some in the media suggesting he was no longer suitable for Italian football after such a long spell in Canada.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna is challenged by Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson of SK Brann during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bernardeschi, on the other hand, has scored five goals and provided one assist in 32 appearances and has never had doubts about his ability to make an impact at the Dall’Ara.
“I know myself. I didn’t go to Canada to take a walk in the park,” he said.
“I put maximum commitment into everything I do, even if I admit money influenced my decision for 80%, and the remaining 20% was a life choice. I’ve always trained and cared for my body meticulously. I’ve learned from Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus how to be a professional in all aspects and be a great professional. In Bologna, I took a month to readjust. I suffered a knee injury and was forced to skip pre-season. But my physical figures were high in the MLS, and I knew I was competitive.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna FC scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Udinese Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bernardeschi could have even played under Gasperini at Atalanta.
“He called me before moving to Toronto, and I was tempted, but then I made a different choice. I don’t regret it, but I would have loved to work with him; I knew I could add a piece to my career,” the winger concluded.
“Roma looked for me when I was at Juventus, but I said no. I was happy in Turin, and I still have a house there, where I’m Yildiz’s neighbour.”
Gianluca Scamacca’s Atalanta host Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tonight.
It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). Atalanta are the only Serie A side remaining in Europe’s elite competition.
Juventus and Inter were eliminated in the knockout play-off, while Napoli didn’t even finish the league phase in the top 24, facing elimination after the opening eight matches.
Atalanta must cope without the injured Ederson, Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori, while Giorgio Scalvini is suspended.
Therefore, as reported by Gazzetta, Marten De Roon and Mario Pasalic will start in the middle of the park, while Lazar Samardzic and Nicola Zalewski will be the attacking midfielders for La Dea.
Bayern Munich star Kane has recovered from a minor injury and will start up front for the Germans.
Manuel Neuer, however, is unavailable, so second-choice goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, 22, will get the nod between the sticks for the Germans.
Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta is challenged by Waldemar Anton of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – JANUARY 21: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring 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)
Champions League Round of 16: Super Bayern arrive, but Atalanta have hope.
Rummenigge: ‘Hot stadium, they must be respected.’
Max trust
Cardinale ties Allegri down and launches Milan’s comeback.
Inter, magnificent +7
Thuram and Dumfries are ready for Saturday, and Luis Henrique pays.
Fourth spot? Take it with goals
Corriere dello Sport
Juve and Roma out!
Champions League Surprise, Como favourite.
Fixture list and head-to-head, find out Opta’s predictions.
10 games to go and still 18 big games. Gasperini visits Fabregas on Sunday. Spalletti from the risk of -7 to the idea of overcoming. Cesc has 37.78% of chance, Lucio 34.57% and Gian Piero 33.91%.
Napoli, another De Brune is back
Pistilli climbs: Gattuso studies him
Lazio’s redemption: decisive Marusic.
Chivu’s therapy, Scudetto to Inter
Confrontation between Cristian and the team yesterday. From +7 to the silence for Ricci’s handball.
Dea for history, Bayern obstacle
Scamacca against Kane. Palladino’s charge: ‘We want another magical night’
Tuttosport
Dea of Italy: go!
Champions League RO16 First leg: Atalanta-Bayern
Nearly impossible challenge for the only Italian team remaining. Palladinoo: ‘It will be a magical night, we’ll try to go beyond absences, and our fans will drag us. Enjoy it and play for it.’
Either Champions or Champions
Juventus amid renewals and race for the top four. The team receives a message from the owners. Not playing in the wealthies tournament would change the transfer perspectives, even making Spalletti’s future more complicated. Elkann wants to avoid new financial shocks, so the coach and the players have been given even more responsibility. Professor Bava: ‘If they miss out on Champions League, it would be a lot to break even, and Yildiz’s future would be uncertain too.
Allegri, devilries for the title, Chivu’s anxiety
Max’s plans to put pressure on the Nerazzurri. The rival amid phantoms and injuries: Calhanoglu out again.
Mauro Icardi’s former wife and agent, Wanda Nara, surprisingly met Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti, seven years after the striker’s clash with the Italian tactician: ‘Nice to see you again.’
Juventus coach Spalletti met Icardi’s ex-wife and agent Wanda Nara in Turin today.
Wanda Nara posted two pictures in her Instagram stories, showing her meeting with the Bianconeri boss.
Wanda Nara reunites with Spalletti
Icardi’s former representative added a brief caption in her first picture: “Nice to see you again, mister.”
Wanda Nara and Spalletti last crossed paths in 2019 when Icardi was playing under the Italian tactician at Inter.
Back then, Wanda was Icardi’s representative and upset Inter and Spalletti with some provocative remarks on Italian TV.
What happened between Icardi, Wanda Nara and Spalletti at Inter?
In his biography published last year, Spalletti explained what exactly happened with Icardi and Wanda.
“Mario was going through a difficult period in footballing terms,” wrote Spalletti via Goal.com.
“At that moment, things weren’t going the way he had hoped. He wasn’t able to score the way he usually did. She [Wanda] said that if we wanted Icardi to score more goals, we needed to buy different players who could help him do so. In short, better players.
“That was the idea. Unbearable. A bombshell. It was one of those statements that couldn’t be brushed off with a WhatsApp message or an Instagram story. You had to talk face to face, the old-fashioned way.
“There was only one way to avoid a war in the dressing room: Mauro Icardi’s apology. It never came,” Spalletti continued.
“I asked the captain to explain Wanda Naras’s words to the dressing room, to justify them in some way. Mauro replied that it wasn’t his wife, Wanda, who had spoken, but his agent, Nara and that she had done so strictly in that capacity. It was impossible to manage the situation. There was no way.
“I had to tell him two things: remove the captain’s armband and give it to Handanovic. The club agreed, but he took it very badly. In fact, in order not to lose the team, I lost Icardi, the man and the player.”
When, in February 2019, Inter told Icardi he was no longer the team’s captain, the ex-striker refused to join the team for an away Europa League game against Rapid Wien.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale and his wife Wanda Nara attend the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and SK Rapid Wien at San Siro on February 21, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
The Argentine was frozen out of the team for over a month, and the following April, after a home defeat against Lazio, Spalletti told Sky: “Negotiating with a player to make him play and wear the Inter jersey is humiliating. Towards Inter fans and his teammates. Today, Icardi had to stay out because of how he behaved; it’s only fair that the others play.”
Icardi was then reintroduced to the squad for the last nine games of the campaign, in which he scored two goals, but no longer wore the captain’s armband.
Both Icardi and Spalletti left Inter at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.
Icardi joined PSG, where he would spend the following three seasons, scoring 38 goals in 92 matches.
He had been even more prolific at Inter with 124 goals in 219 matches.
Ederson, Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere did not train with the rest of the Atalanta squad today and are expected to miss tomorrow’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich, while Giorgio Scalvini is suspended.
Atalanta are preparing for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Bayern Munich.
It will be played tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, at 21:0 CET (20:00 GMT) at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
Atalanta team news ahead of Bayern Munich clash in Champions League RO16
Regular starters Ederson, Raspadori and De Ketelaere are still injured and continued to train separately on Monday, TMW reports.
Giorgio Scalvini, on the other hand, worked with the rest of the team days after suffering a knee injury in a Serie A match against Lazio, but the Italian will still miss tomorrow’s match due to a one-game ban.
Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino and midfielder Mario Pasalic will preview the match during a pre-match press conference at 19:00 CET (18:00 GMT) later today.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 26: Ederson of Atalanta BC celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta BC at Frankfurt Stadion on November 26, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the Champions League knockout playoff with a 4-3 aggregate win.
The Nerazzurri are the only remaining Serie A team in Europe’s elite competition.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Nicolo’ Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio competes for the ball with Mario Pasalic 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)
Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero joked with Luka Modric after Milan’s 1-0 win over Inter on Sunday: ‘With Italian restaurants and food, you can play until 50.’
Italy and Juventus legend Del Piero commented on the game as a pundit for CBS Sports last night and joked with the Croatian legend: “It was amazing again watching you. Congratulations again,” Del Piero said.
“With Italian restaurants and food, you can play until 50. Our quality of food is amazing, don’t know if you agree.”
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 08: Alessandro Del Piero looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern München at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 08, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri’s win leaves them second in the standings, still seven points behind their city rivals, and Modric argued that if the team had performed better in “small games”, they’d have been closer to their rivals.
Milan, in fact, have only lost twice in Serie A this term, while Inter have suffered five defeats.
The Nerazzurri, however, only picked up one draw against Milan’s nine.
Inter have won 22 of 28 games this term, and their city rivals have collected 17.
Il Mattino confirms that Napoli are in a hurry to agree to a contract extension with Scott McTominay, with the club’s desire driven by ‘internal balance’ rather than the player’s demands.
Napoli are set to offer McTominay a new deal, and Il Mattino confirms that the Partenopei hope to shake hands with the Scottish star in a short time.
The Naples-based newspaper (via TuttoNapoli) reports that club directors believe the 29-year-old deserves a new contract based on his performances, not because the player has demanded one and a higher salary.
The former Manchester United midfielder has never raised financial complaints, but maintaining the team’s internal balance has prompted Napoli to prepare an offer with a pay rise for their midfield star.
McTominay is contracted at the Stadio Maradona until June 2028, and previous reports claimed that the club is planning to extend his stay by two more years, until 2030.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
McTominay has scored ten goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.
He contributed to the 2024-25 Scudetto victory, being named Serie A’s best player.
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Amir Rrahmani, Sam Beukema and Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates victory following the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on November 30, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Hakan Calhanoglu has sustained a strain in the adductor of his right thigh, which will force him to miss the next game against Atalanta, but Inter hope Alessandro Bastoni will recover in time.
Inter star Calhanoglu will miss the next Serie A match against Atalanta on Saturday due to a new adductor injury.
Latest Inter injury updates: Bastoni and Calhanoglu
As reported by Gazzetta, the Turkey international underwent medical tests on Monday morning after feeling discomfort during the warm-up of yesterday’s match against Milan.
Examinations highlighted a mild strain in the adductor of his right thigh, which will rule him out of the next league game.
Calhanoglu was an unused substitute during Sunday’s 1-0 loss against Milan. Inter coach Cristian Chivu explained that the Nerazzurri star “wasn’t feeling well,” so he was not involved in the derby.
Last Tuesday, Calhanoglu had played almost an hour in a Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Como.
As for Bastoni, Inter hope the Azzurri defender won’t need further examinations after being forced to be subbed off against Milan.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter walks off with an injury during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gazzetta reports that Bastoni was still limping on Monday and will be assessed by Inter doctors on Tuesday, but the Nerazzurri hope he’ll return in time for the next Serie A match.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are happy with Jeremie Boga’s performances so far and are considering making his move permanent for less than €5m.
Juventus are satisfied with the impact of their January signing Boga, as the ex-Sassuolo and Atalanta winger has scored two goals and provided one assist in seven appearances as a substitute.
How much do Juventus need to pay to sign Boga permanently?
The Ivory Coast international moved to the Allianz Stadium on loan with an option to buy from OGC Nice on the winter transfer window deadline day, and the Serie A giants can make his move permanent for just €4.8m.
As reported by Gazzetta, Boga’s convincing performances so far and the favourable financial conditions of the deal have already convinced Juventus to consider his permanent transfer.
Boga’s permanent transfer would also be affordable in terms of salary, as the 29-year-old would earn between €1.5m and €2m.
Before joining Juventus, Boga had not played a competitive match since November 30.
His time at OGC Nice practically ended a few days later when a group of circa 400 ultras targeted the player and the club’s sporting director with a very serious physical assault, as if they were responsible for a six-game losing streak.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Jeremie Boga of Juventus scores their second 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)
“It was a bad moment for my family and me. I still can’t go through the details, but I spent two months alone at home with my fitness coach and my wife,” Boga said in his first interview as a Juventus player in February.
“It was a bad moment, but now I’m happy to be out of that situation.
Official: Jeremie Boga joins Juventus on loan with an option to buy from OGC Nice.
“It was a bad moment for my family and me. I still can’t go through the details, but I spent two months alone at home with my fitness coach and my wife. It was a bad moment, but now I’m happy to be out of that situation.
As reported by FcInternews, Chivu gave a brief reply to a reporter’s question during a post-match press conference last night, saying that Calhanoglu “wasn’t feeling well”, so he was not even involved as a substitute.
Calhanoglu, 32, has been dealing with several fitness issues in recent weeks. He missed seven games, five in Serie A and two in the Champions League, between January and February due to a calf problem.
He returned as a substitute against Juventus on February 14, playing for about 30 minutes, but then missed the next three matches due to a muscle injury.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Last Tuesday, he started in the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Como and was replaced after 58 minutes.
The Turkish international has scored and provided four assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this season.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso will be waiting for updates from Inter and Arsenal as Azzurri stars Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori suffered injuries in their latest club appearances, barely two weeks before the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland.
Italy defenders Bastoni and Calafiori sustained injuries over the last weekend, and the Azzurri will be waiting for updates from their clubs, Inter and Arsenal, ahead of a crucial match against Northern Ireland on the horizon.
Calafiori was subbed off during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Mansfield Town on Saturday. After the match, the Gunners’ coach Mikel Arteta said Calafiori had had “little niggles” and wasn’t “comfortable continuing.”
Arsenal play Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, and Arteta will likely provide a fresh update on Tuesday, the eve of the game.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Bastoni, on the other hand, sustained an injury during Inter’s 1-0 loss against Milan in the derby della Madonnina on Sunday and had to be substituted after coming off worse in a challenge with Adrien Rabiot that even cost him a yellow card.
“He took a knock in the shin,” Inter coach Cristian Chivu said in his post-match press conference on Sunday.
“He was limping; we’ll see over the next few days, but it’s a knock.”
BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Inter players have a day off today, so, as reported by Gazzetta, the club’s medical staff will assess Bastoni’s condition on Tuesday.
Bastoni looked to be in a lot of pain and limped off the pitch, helped to the bench by Inter’s medical staff. Nevertheless, the Nerazzurri and Italy hope that 48 hours of rest will be enough for the defender to be fit for the next few matches.
Bastoni has made four appearances under Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, missing one due to suspension and spending another entirely on the bench.
Calafiori has played three times under Gattuso, missing two matches due to injury and remaining on the bench once.
Italy host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26, and if they progress to the final, they will visit the winner of Wales-Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Inter legend Beppe Bergomi feels that Samuele Ricci’s handball in the final minutes of the Milan derby was worthy of a pitchside VAR review, but Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta is ‘pleased’ that such incidents will no longer be considered penalties.
Inter suffered a 1-0 loss against city rivals Milan on Sunday, but the Nerazzurri complained about a potential penalty in the dying minutes, when the Rossoneri midfielder Ricci unintentionally touched the ball with his arm inside the box.
“I believe the proximity influenced VAR’s evaluation. Up to now, penalties like these have always been given,” former Milan defender Costacurta told Sky Sport Italia (via Fanpage).
Costacurta, Di Canio and Bergomi examine Ricci’s handball in Milan derby
“However, I’m pleased that something has changed over the last two matchdays. In my opinion, this type of incident is never a penalty, but until two weeks ago, it was. I like that, from now on, it will no longer be considered such.
Alessandro Costacurta Commissioner of FIGC looks on before the International Friendly match between Italy U21 and Belgium U21 at Friuli Stadium on October 11, 2018 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Until two weeks ago, we were complaining like crazy because they were giving these ridiculous penalties every time,” Costacurta continued.
“Apparently, they looked at it and made an assessment. Maybe it wasn’t a clear penalty after he didn’t block a shot. I ask myself, why are we wasting so much time on this?”
Paolo Di Canio, a former Milan, Lazio and Juventus striker, argued: “For me, the arm here stops the ball, which otherwise would have gone onto his side. In trying to pull his arm away, he slightly cushions the ball. The advantage gained from the instinctive movement to retract the arm is that the ball stays there.
“I’d just like to see the referee’s position again and whether he had a clear view. In that situation, maybe VAR could have suggested something, or at least asked him whether he had seen it clearly.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 01: Beppe Bergomi looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on March 1, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
On the other hand, Inter legend Bergomi felt that the referee should have reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor: “I’ve seen many penalties given this way, even less obvious ones. But I don’t want to fuel controversy,” said the 1982 Italy World Cup winner.
“The referee didn’t see it, and the player was close. In this case, VAR should intervene; I don’t know why it didn’t.”
Inter remain the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over their city rivals.
The Nerazzurri have collected 22 wins in 28 league matches, drawing once and losing five times, including twice against their city rivals.
Best Milan player: Estupinan 7 – There are several, but Estupinan slightly beats his teammates thanks to his winning goal in the first half. Maignan was just as decisive a few minutes earlier as he produced a key save to deny Mkhitaryan. De Winter and Pavlovic were very solid at the back, Modric led the Rossoneri with experience and quality. Not a news that.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lowest Milan rating: Leao 5.5 – He didn’t do much, did he? Even when the Rossoneri had space on the counter, the Portuguese star was too sloppy and made too many touches, losing momentum and hurting the opponents.
Milan coach: Allegri 7 – He told Estupinan after just seven minutes that he had to find space behind Luis Henrique, and that’s exactly how Milan scored the winning goal. Milan kept things tight at the back, but, to be honest, they probably thought they’d have needed to sit deeper to win the game.
Best Inter player: Mkhitaryan 6 – It’s hard to pick one as many Nerazzurri were below par. Mkhitaryan probably had the best chance for the Nerazzurri, but was denied by Maignan, just a few minutes before Estupinan’s winner. Dumfries’ introduction in the second half was a clear upgrade on Luis Henrique. Inter have missed him so much.
Lowest Inter rating: Luis Henrique 5 – At the end of the day, he made the decisive mistake that allowed Milan to win the match. It had already happened against Juventus and Arsenal. When the Brazilian is defending, opponents will always have a chance to hurt on that flank. It happened tonight, and Estupinan didn’t waste it.
Inter coach: Chivu 5 – It wasn’t easy without his starting strikers. Lautaro was injured on the bench, and Thuram wasn’t available due to a fever. Inter have now lost their first game since the reverse fixture on November 23. Besides that, they were never really dangerous. The ball moved too slowly, and the strikers didn’t link up well. The good news is that Inter still hold a seven-point lead over Milan.
Bastoni collided with Milan midfielder Arien Rabiot, committing a foul and receiving a yellow card.
The Inter defender took the worst of it, remaining on the ground in pain and needing treatment from the Nerazzurri’s medical staff.
He was quickly replaced by Inter coach Cristian Chivu, who introduced the Brazilian Carlos Augusto.
Inter are expected to provide injury updates in the coming hours, and Italy CT Gennaro Gattuso will be awaiting news on Bastoni as well.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Referee Daniele Doveri shows the yellow card to Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Azzurri, in fact, play Northern Ireland in the World Cup semifinal play-off on March 26, and even Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori suffered an injury over the weekend.
Today’s derby is technically a home game for Milan, and the Rossoneri crowd had loudly booed Bastoni before his injury over the controversy surrounding him in the Inter-Juventus match last month.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Mike Maignan of AC Milan clashes with Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
PervisEstupiñán could not pick a better game to score his first Milan goal as he gave the Rossoneri the lead against Inter in the derby della Madonnina.
Estupiñán’s first Milan goal allowed the Rossoneri to put their noses in front in a derby della Madonnina against Inter on Sunday.
The Rossoneri won the ball high up the pitch. Youssouf Fofana slipped a through pass to Estupinan on the left, and the former Brighton defender finished the move with a powerful strike toward the near top corner.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Video: Estupinan’s goal vs. Inter
Pervis Estupiñán rockets AC Milan into the lead in the Derby della Madonnina
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 8, 2026
Pervis Estupiñán fires home his first Serie A goal in the Derby della Madonnina pic.twitter.com/QFMZI9NsgX
— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 8, 2026
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan celebrates celebrates with his team-mates Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana after scoring their team’s team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Telegraph reports that Italian tactician Roberto De Zerbi is on Manchester United and Tottenham’s shortlist for the 2026-27 season, but Spurs must first secure survival.
Former Sassuolo, Brighton and Marseille coach De Zerbi is a candidate to become the new coach of Tottenham and Manchester United next season, The Telegraph reports.
According to the report, De Zerbi is keen on the Red Devils job and is among the club’s shortlist of candidates for next season.
The same goes for Tottenham, but Spurs are in a tricky situation currently as they are just one point above the relegation zone.
The former Juventus tactician risks being sackedm but he’ll remain at the helm for next week’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
According to the report, both Tottenham and Manchester United directors appreciate De Zerbi’s attacking style of play, but the Italian tactician also has admirers at Manchester City, where he has built a solid bond with Pep Guardiola.
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Robert De Zerbi, Head Coach of Olympique de Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is convinced his players had the right attitude despite a 2-1 defeat at Genoa, but is unhappy VAR didn’t award the Giallorossi a penalty kick for a Ruslan Malinovskyi handball: ‘If they aren’t certain about this, they should do another job.’
Today’s loss leaves them fifth in the standings, level on 51 points with fourth-placed Como and just one point above Juventus.
Gasperini comments on Genoa 2-1 Roma
“We approached the game really well; we were determined and solid,” Gasperini told DAZN via TMW.
“We didn’t have many shots on target, and perhaps they had even fewer than we did. We weren’t even lucky in the final minutes, but the team spirit was very high.”
Malinovskyi blocked a Manu Koné shot with the upper part of his right arm in the second half, with the result still set to 1-1, and Gasp certainly believes the Genoa midfielder’s touch should have led to a penalty kick.
“The incident is quite clear; VAR didn’t intervene. Everyone can see it their own way, but the images are so clear,” Gasperini said.
“If those in charge of VAR aren’t certain about this, they should do another job. You can’t change reality; it’s quite evident. He didn’t impose the penalty, and we shouldn’t consider other interpretations.
“There was great intensity with long balls from any position, quite suitable for a player like Cristante,” Gasperini continued.
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Vitor Vitinha of Genoa celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
“It was really difficult to play the ball on the ground, but the lads were good; it’s not a lucky moment. Svilar made the first save in the second half. Now we have a busy schedule with two games against Bologna.”
Roma’s next game is away at Bologna in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16. Next Sunday, they’ll host Como at the Stadio Olimpico in what will be a crucial match in the race for the top four.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on February 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi won’t pretend to be sorry after his Genoa side beat Roma 2-1 and admits he feels ‘ at home’ at Marassi.
De Rossi’s Genoa beat Roma 2-1 on Sunday and the Italian tactician commented on his players’ performances during a post-match interview with DAZN.
“It was worth three points, which are so important and were earned by a strong and healthy group,” De Rossi said.
“In January, after the transfer window, I said I was happy because I had a group with different characteristics in all departments. I know games are not all the same, and opponents are not all the same. When you need intensity like tonight, you need players with those skill sets. I’m happy with the table, but very happy with my players. They deserve this satisfaction, especially those who have played less.”
De Rossi is a Roma legend and a former Giallorossi coach, so how does it feel to beat his favourite club?
“If you decide to do this job, you must know you’ll face Roma sooner or later,” De Rossi replied.
“I don’t want to minimise or say I’m not sorry that they are sorry, but I don’t want to justify myself or pretend I’m sorry. I’m happy, not that Roma lost, but that I won. This will be my fate until the day I’ll hope Roma win 38 games. It’s a target of mine and a dream of many. Perhaps, one day it will happen.
“However, if I have to think about a team similar to Roma, that makes me feel at home, with similar fans, in both good and bad ways; it’s where I am now, and I really like it.”
De Rossi went on to praise his players.
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
“What they give me is more than what I give them. I try to treat them honestly and equally. I hadn’t noticed the assist [for Vitinha] was from Masini,” he continued.
“I’m not surprised. I like to spend time with these lads, I like to shield them when there are bad games, like against Inter. All we do comes from what they do in training. If you look at Masini, you have to stop him in training because he goes twice as fast as the others. Perhaps, he won’t play in the next game, but this is football. They give everything to me, I give everything to them.”
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Junior Messias of Genoa (center) scores a goal on a penalty kick during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
Lecce secured a massive 2-1 win over Cremonese on Sunday, moving three points above the relegation zone.
Santiago Pierotti and Nikola Stulic’s goals allowed Lecce to take all three points in a home Serie A match against direct rivals Cremonese on Sunday, putting three points between them and the Grigiorossi in the Serie A table.
Goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone also had a big role in Lecce’s crucial victory.
Lecce 2-1 Cremonese match report
Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby had the first chance in the game, but sent his header wide.
Just a few minutes later, Pierotti scored his first goal this season, making the most of Antonino Gallo’s corner kick from the right and Emil Audero’s poor decision to come out.
LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 08: Santiago Pierotti US Lecce scores his team’s opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and US Cremonese at Stadio Via del Mare on March 08, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The home side didn’t take long to double their lead. Matteo Bianchetti deflected Stulic’s shot with his right arm, which was placed in an unnatural position. Referee Simone Sozza initially gave a corner kick, but was then urged to the pitchside monitor to review the incident, which led to a penalty kick for the Giallorossi.
Stulic took the penalty and sent Audero the opposite way to double Lecce’s lead.
The Giallorossi dominated in the first half, leaving little chance to score for Cremonese, who also had to deal with an injury to Jamie Vardy, who picked up a knock and was forced to be subbed off during the break.
LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 08: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese injured during the Serie A match between US Lecce and US Cremonese at Stadio Via del Mare on March 08, 2026, in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
It was, however, a blessing in disguise for the Lombardy-based club as Vardy’s replacement, Milan Djuric, immediately contributed to Cremonese’s goal.
The ex-Salernitana star used his body to take position at the edge of the box and provide a headed assist for Bonazzoli, who made a late run and beat Falcone at the far post with his first goal since the reverse fixture on December 7.
Djuric continued to make his presence felt inside the box and had a chance to score with an overhead kick saved by Wladimiro Falcone.
Spaces opened up for Lecce on the counterattack, and despite Lameck Banda’s pace down the left, the Giallorossi failed to create many goal-scoring opportunities.
On the other end, Cremonese mostly relied on long balls for Djuric to cause trouble for the home side.
Emil Audero partially redeemed himself with a save from Ylber Ramadani’s shot from distance.
Cremonese midfielder Martin Payero accidentally sent the ball inside the net with his right arm in the dying minutes. The referee initially confirmed the goal, but a silent VAR check quickly, and rightly, disallowed it.
Payero had another massive chance to level the score in stoppage time, but Falcone produced an impressive intervention from point-blank range.
Tension skyrocketed in the final minute as Cremonese demanded a penalty kick for a possible Gaby Jean foul on Antonio Sanabria, who was clear in front of Falcone after another header won by Djuric and a fortunate bounce at the edge of the box.
Referee Sozza, however, waved to play on, and VAR confirmed his decision, sparking Lecce’s celebrations.
Fikayo Tomori says Ademola Lookman is one of the toughest opponents he’s faced in Serie A and is glad he didn’t go to Inter last summer: ‘We wouldn’t have been friends anymore.’
Milan centre-back Tomori will be happy he won’t face Lookman in tonight’s derby della Madonnina against Inter.
The Nigeria international was close to joining the Nerazzurri last summer, but La Dea refused to sell him to a domestic rival for less than €50m.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan greets the fans after during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Lookman spent the first part of the campaign in Bergamo before joining Atletico Madrid in the January window.
During his latest interview with The Athletic, Tomori mentioned Lookman as one of the best strikers he’s faced during his five-year stay at San Siro.
Tomori joked with Lookman after failed Inter transfer
Tomori is a friend of Lookman off the pitch and spoke to the striker after his collapsed move to Inter.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta crosses the ball while under pressure from Enrico Delprato of Parma Calcio 1913 during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I spoke to him when he stayed [at Atalanta], and I said: ‘If you went to Inter, we wouldn’t have been friends anymore,'” the English defender said, smiling.
Juventus target Bernardo Silva is not expected to extend his expiring contract with Manchester City, effectively becoming available for a free transfer over the summer.
Portuguese star Bernardo Silva won’t extend his contract with Manchester City, according to Marca transfer expert Matteo Moretto.
Bernardo Silva won’t sign Man City contract extension
According to the report, Bernardo Silva is unwilling to sign a new deal with the Premier League giants.
The Portugal international has scored 42 goals and provided 34 assists in 445 appearances for Manchester City.
In the current campaign, he has played 2.782 minutes, scoring twice and providing five assists.
Naturally, several clubs have been linked with signing the 31-year-old, including Benfica and Barcelona, according to Marca.
Italian sources claim that Juventus have already opened preliminary talks with the versatile midfielder’s entourage.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 30: Bernardo Silva #20 of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Manchester City and Al-Hilal at Camping World Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti slapped USMNT international Weston McKennie during the Bianconeri’s celebration for Kenan Yildiz’s goal against Pisa.
Juventus won their first Serie A match in over a month on Saturday, beating strugglers Pisa 4-0 at home.
After Yildiz’s third goal at minute 75, most of the players ran towards the touchline to hug coach Luciano Spalletti on the day of his 67th birthday.
The Italian tactician also hugged his players, but then slapped McKennie when the American arrived.
It’s not the first time Spalletti has slapped one of his players, as he did the same in January with Lois Openda before the striker’s introduction in a Champions League match against Benfica.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC celebrates a goal 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)
Safe to say, however, that Spalletti is delighted with McKennie’s performances this season, as the American has scored eight goals and recorded seven assists in 27 appearances under the Tuscan tactician and has earned a contract extension through 2030.
Video: McKennie slapped by Spalletti after Juventus’ goal
Wesley Sneijder admits he was surprised when José Mourinho started him against Milan in 2009, just a few hours after his move from Real Madrid and sees Piotr Zielinski as Inter’s ‘key man’ in 2025-26.
Former Inter star Sneijder previewed tonight’s Derby della Madonnina during an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
“First of all, this isn’t just a derby, it’s THE derby,” Sneijnder said.
“At San Siro, you can feel the weight of history. I’ve payed Real Madrid-Barcelona, which is a global clasico that involves different cities, and Galatasaray-Fenerbahce, which drives Istanbul crazy, but the fact that teams the size of Milan and Inter share the same stadium is always…wow! And this season the derby could even decide a Scudetto that is fully deserved. It’s not like two years ago when the Nerazzurri mathematically celebrated the title at Milan’s home, but if Cristian goes to +13 who could possibly think of catching him?”
Inter are the Serie A table leaders with a 10-point advantage over their city rivals who sit second and have only lost twice in Serie A this term.
“Milan are a clever team. They have the character of their coach,” Sneijder continued.
“They know how to sit back, wait for you and punish you. They have midfielders like Rabiot, but Inter are superior in possession. Calhanoglu is back now, but the key man this season is Zielinski. Last season, I kept asking myself ‘why doesn’t he play?’ Now, instead, the ball always goes through him.”
Sneijder is a proper Inter legend as he was part of the team that won the treble under Mourinho in 2009-10. When the Dutchman arrived at San Siro, he was immediately started in a derby against Milan.
“I had barely stepped off the plane at the end of Augst 2009, when José said to me: ‘You’ll be playing against Milan.’ How many others would have done that? It ended 4-0 for us. It felt like I had known Milito and Eto’o my whole life,” Sneijder said.
“After the match, I realised Mourinho was serious when he said the only thing he was missing to win everything was a No.10. He hadn’t just said it to convince me. He simply saw the future.”
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Coutinho, Cristian Chivu and Wesley Sneijder of Inter Milan celebrates after the first goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between FC Internazionale Milano and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 20, 2010 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Inter coach Chivu was also part of that legendary Inter team and Sneijder sees a similarity between his former teammate and his ex-coach Mourinho.
“Comparisons like that don’t make sense and are dangerous. But like José, Cristian says wht he thinks without needing to please everyone and he goe straight down his own path,” he said.
“Chivu has to defend Inter from everything and everyone. Look at the Bastoni case, so many pointless controversies. Sooner or later, people will get tired of booing; but what I like the most is the player’s reaction. The criticism just slides off him. That’s how it should be done.”
Lecce look to Nikola Stulic in a crucial Serie A match against Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese.
It kicks off at 12:30 CET (11:30 GMT) at the Stadio Via del Mare.
It promises to be a dramatic match in the race for survival, with the two sides level on 24 points, alongside Fiorentina.
Technically, Lecce are in the relegation zone, but only by goal difference.
The Giallorossi, however, have earned six points in the last five matches, while Cremonese only grabbed one in the same period.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Nikola Stulic of US Lecce celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Via del Mare on January 11, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The Grigiorossi seemed safe just a few weeks ago, but they have been winless since the reverse fixture on December 7 and have scored only one goal in the last eight games.
Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda, Olaf Gorter and Kialonda Gaspar are unavailable for Lecce, while Cremonese have travelled south without the injured Michele Collocolo, Federico Baschirotto, Faris Moumbagna and the suspended Filippo Terracciano.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Jamie Vardy of Cremonese acknowledges the fans as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Cremonese at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lecce and Cremonese‘s rival Fiorentina play later today at 15:00 CET, hosting Parma at the Stadio Franchi.
Riccardo Calafiori was subbed off during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Mansfield Town on Saturday due to a suspected hamstring injury, with Mikel Arteta claiming that the Italian wasn’t ‘comfortable continuing.’
Italy international Calafiori was forced to be substituted in the second half of Arsenal’s win in the FA Cup Round 5 against Mansfield Town on Saturday.
As reported by Football London, Calafiori felt discomfort in his hamstring, so he was replaced with less than 15 minutes left to play. Leandro Trossard was also subbed off due to an injury.
“Both of them had little niggles, they weren’t comfortable continuing,” Arteta explained.
“We knew this could be apossibility, especially in the conditions we were playing in today. We had to take them off.”
Calafiori has made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
The Italy international already missed nine matches due to a muscle injury between December 2025 and January 2026.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso will surely be following the situation closely as La Nazionale play in the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland on March 26.
Calafiori has 12 international appearances to his name, including three under the new Azzurri boss.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Andriy Shevchenko feels Milan can reopen the title race if they beat Inter tonight and does not believe that Christian Pulisic is already focused on the World Cup with the USMNT.
“The ten-point gap in the table doesn’t mean much. If Milan win, the title race is open again. The derby can change the fate, especially at this point in the season,” Sheva said.
“All games will be unpredictable for everybody, until the end.”
Inter are the runaway table leaders in Serie A and have proved to be the best team in Italy to this point.
“As a team, yes. They are currently the best in Italy, and I like the way Chivu coaches them,” said the ex-Milan star.
“He’s always been smart, even as a footballer. He had creativity on the field, and he’s proving to be a good coach. You can see that the team respects him and has a nice playing style.”
Milan sit second but have only lost two Serie A games this season under Massimiliano Allegri.
“Max is a guarantee. He has transformed Milan,” Shevchenko said.
“He has given competitiveness to the team and has made the players stronger. He has experience and precise characteristics. He shapes a group with his ideas, and he’s a formidable manager.”
Christian Pulisic has had a fantastic start to the season, but he has not yet scored a goal in 2026. The American star has been on and off the pitch in the first three months of the year due to recurring injuries, including bursitis.
“Don’t believe the story that a player of his calibre is already thinking about the World Cup. It’s impossible,” Shevchenko said.
“When a player goes on the pitch, he always wants to give his best at that moment. Pulisic has scored important goals and will continue to do so, first for Milan and then for the USMNT at the World Cup.”
Rafael Leao will partner with Pulisic in the Milan attack tonight.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“Rafa is proving to have matured. He tries to give his best in a role other than his natural one to follow the coach’s demands,” Shevchenko said.
“Capello is right. He’s not a centre-forward, but he’s able to carry out his tasks, attack the space and be ready. When you rely on quick counter-attacks, Rafa’s sprints are decisive. Then you can’t expect him to hold the ball or be a No.9 like Ibrahimovic, because he has a different skill set.”
Luka Modric has proved to be a vital player for Milan, despite being 40.
“He must stay until he has the fire inside. Despite his charisma, he helps and is available, without asking for anything in return,” Shevchenko concluded.
“He’s having an extraordinary season, and we all know his qualities. I played against him, and the way he interprets the game is astonishing. He’s a fantastic person, too, a good guy. He plays with intensity, sacrifice and team spirit.”
Jean Onana, Tommaso Baldanzi and Sebastian Otoa are unavailable for the home side, while the Giallorossi have travelled to Genoa without Mario Hermoso, Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk.
According to multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia, Daniele Ghilardi will get the nod in a three-man defence for Roma, while Niccolò Pisilli and Lorenzo Pellegrini will play as attacking midfielders.
According to Gazzetta, however, Pisilli could even play in central midfielder to let Bryan Cristante rest and start Lorenzo Venturino as an attacking midfielder.
The 19-year-old joined Roma from Genoa in the January window.
English defender Brook Norton-Cuffy is available for Genoa, but has just returned from an injury, so he’s expected to start on the bench.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Donyell Malen of AS Roma 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)
Genoa vs. Roma – where to watch on TV
TNT Sports 2 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland, and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.
Milan will look to Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter, while Cristian Chivu will pick Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny up front.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Maradona in San Siro, Milan.
Inter are the table leaders with a 10-point advantage over their city rivals.
The Nerazzurri, however, are without their captain and best scorer, Lautaro Martinez, while Marcus Thuram has had fever and is unlikely to start.
Milan must cope without Santiago Gimenez, Matteo Gabbia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Davide Bartesaghi is available after suffering a minor injury against Cremonese last weekend, so Pervis Estupinan is the favourite to start as a left midfielder.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan competes for the ball with Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to several sources, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport Italia, Hakan Calhanoglu will start on the bench for Inter, with Nicolò Barella, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan getting the nod in central midfield.
Milan will look to Pulisic and Leao in attack, with Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku available on the bench.
Milan vs. Inter – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: A general view of the stadium during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan vs. Inter – probable line-ups
Milan (3-5-2):Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupiñán; Leão, Pulisic.
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Esposito, Bonny.
Inter to kill off the season, Milan to keep it open
San Siro, 20:45. Modric, Dimarco (and not only), but the Scudetto night also passes from their feet. Allegri wants the -7 with Leao-Pulisic. Chivu the +13 with Pio and the doubt Thuram.
Yildiz’s show, Juve score four
Birthday gift to Spalletti and renewal. The Champions is one point away, waiting for Roma. Como win and move to fourth.
Corriere dello Sport
Madonnina, what a derby
Thuram has a fever. Bonny with Esposito. Chivu: ‘No calculations.’ The doubt is Calha. The Nerazzurri haven’t won a derby for 23 months. Allegri: ‘Our target is to qualify for the Champions League. Future? I’m good here.’ Estupinan remains favourite over Bartesaghi.
Kenan anti-Cesc
Champions League race
Lucio knocks down Pisa (4-0). Fabregas shocks Cagliari (1-2).
Yildiz transforms Juve. Como catch Roma
Goal and assist of the Turkishman. Cambiaso, Thuram, and Boga also score. Now Spalletti is -1 from the fourth placement: big hug with the players.
Gasp: ‘No excuses.’
Dybala, Hermoso and Soulé out: ‘We won’t stop.’
Conte and the Belgian Napoli
Big Roma and Kevin, first time together at a club level.
Tuttosport
Yildiz’s mark
Goal and assist: 4-0 to Pisa. Juve return to winning ways
The Turkishman provides the assist for Cambiaso and after Thuram’s goal, he invents a spectacular tris. Boga introduced for the disastrous David, breaks the game and scores the fourth. Spalletti wins a Serie A game for the first time in over a month, replies to Como and moves one point below Roma (today at Genoa’s home). Kenan: ‘Many blows hurt, but we go forward.’ Khephren: ‘Birthday gift for the coach.’
Leao, comeback fury. Lautaro pushes Pio
Max jokes about Rafa: ‘If he stayed home every night, he was wrong.’ Martinez on the bench even if he’s injured.
Cairo, now the others push him to sell too
Chants at the Maradona after those at Marassi. Beccaria of Filadelfia Foundation: ‘Toro considerreduce the museum.’
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