La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Bodo/Glimt played in ‘an old-school Italian style’ against Sporting CP in the Champions League, prompting some regret for Inter, as the perception of the Norwegian side appears to have been overstated.

Bodo/Glimt had eliminated Serie A giants Inter from the Champions League knockout play-off, but faced elimination in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, after a 5-0 loss away at Sporting CP.

Bodo/Glimt’s ‘Catenaccio’ against Sporting CP

Bodo had won the first leg against the Portuguese side 3-0, but suffered an incredible comeback in the second leg, with Sporting scoring three times in 90 minutes and two more in extra time.

“In Lisbon, Bodo set themselves up like in the first half at San Siro. Compact in defence, dug in behind in a fairly deliberate Catenaccio,” examined Gazzetta journalist Sebastiano Vernazza.

“Sporting CP, however, attacked with ferocity, forcing them to defend in the final 30 meters. Unlike Inter in the return leg in Milan, Sporting CP did an excellent job of preventing any counterattacks.”

Inter lost both games against Bodo, first by 3-1 in Norway, and then 2-1 at San Siro. In the second leg in Milan, Bodo had remained very cautious, just like against Sporting CP on Tuesday.

“Bodo played in an old-school Italian style, just as they had in the first half at San Siro,” the journalist continued.

“In Milan, though, Inter had gifted the 1-0 in the second half with a misplaced pass by Akanji, and that effectively ended the tie. This time, it went differently. The defensive approach didn’t pay off because there were no counterattacks.

“The narrative around Bodo has been exaggerated. It’s been described as something it is not: an innovative team. Bodo play an adaptive kind of football. They aim to wear down the opponent and then strike on the break,” the Gazzetta journalist concluded.

“Inter can dwell on their regrets. Bodo was not an insurmountable obstacle. However, had Inter gone through, they would have suffered against Sporting CP, and that’s another aspect to consider.

“After the Bodo-Sporting CP pairing was drawn, many thought Chivu and his players had missed a great chance to reach the quarter-finals. That would not have been the case.”

Inter remain the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan with nine league games remaining.

The World Cup play-off is just around the corner for Italy, and Gazzetta notes that the Azzurri must ‘beat fear’ after failing to qualify for the previous two editions.

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Italy will be looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014, meeting Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal next week.

Italy ‘insecure and afraid’ ahead of World Cup play-off

The match will be played in Bergamo on March 26, and if the Azzurri progress to the final, they’ll face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away.

“We are no longer a great side, but we are not mediocre either. We are insecure and afraid. Compared to previous collapses, the situation is very different,” wrote Gazzetta journalist Fabio Licari.

“Against Sweden in 2017, the head coach (Ventura) had effectively lost the dressing room. It was a modest Italy and an opponent, Sweden, that was awkward to say the least. We didn’t understand anything.

“Five years later, against North Macedonia, it was the opposite. Overconfidence, already thinking about the final with Portugal before getting past the semi-final,” the journalist continued.

“It was a psychological mistake before a technical or tactical one: 32 shots, 32 touches inside the box, 16 corners; almost absurd statistics. That night taught us that the unbelievable can happen. Now we are certainly better equipped and less arrogant.

“We need to shake off the nihilism that paralyses us at the first sign of trouble, even against weaker opponents. Northern Ireland won in Luxembourg and lost 3-1 in Germany and 1-0 in Slovakia. It won’t be easy, but let’s be honest: we are stronger.

“In the possible final, we would face Bosnia or Wales. Dzeko’s side narrowly beat Cyprus, San Marino and Romania at home, and lost to Austria. In Cardiff, Kazakhstan, Leichtestein and North Macedonia have been beaten, but Belgium won there. Wales would be tougher because of their Premier League tempo and a fiery atmosphere, but they are not unbeatable.

“It almost sounds ironic, given our history. We are not favourites, but we can compete with Tonali, Donnarumma, Calafiori at a Premier League level, Kean, Retegui and Esposito in attack, and Dimarco as a top European wing-back. The others, however, have an advantage: nothing to lose.”

• Read more – Football Italia writers pick Italy squad for World Cup play-off: Midfielders

Newcastle and Aston Villa have reportedly made Marcus Thuram aware of their interest ahead of a potential summer move, with the Inter striker said to favour a switch to the Premier League over the Saudi Pro League.

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Premier League sides Newcastle and Aston Villa have already made initial approaches in their pursuit of Inter star Thuram, according to FcInternews.

Aston Villa and Newcastle interested in Thuram

Thuram is in his third season at the Stadio Meazza, and multiple sources in Italy have claimed that both the Nerazzurri and the French forward will likely seek a fresh start in the summer.

There have been reports of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, but according to FCInternews, Thuram would prefer a move to the English Premier League.

Thuram has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 35 games across all competitions this season, and his contract includes an €85m release clause. The 28-year-old, however, has only scored once in his last nine Serie A appearances.

Thuram is said to be fully focused on the final part of the season with Inter, after which he’ll decide on his future with the club.

Thuram’s contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2028.

Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma reveals why he pulled his arm back before Federico Valverde’s first goal during last week’s Champions League match against Real Madrid: ‘The first thing I thought was to do as little damage as possible.’

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Donnarumma’s Manchester City have been eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 by Real Madrid, suffering a 5-1 aggregate defeat.

Donnarumma’s post-match interview after Man City 1-2 Real Madrid

The Premier League giants lost both ties against the Merengues, first 3-0 in Madrid and then 2-1 in Manchester.

Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick at the Bernabeu last week, with his first goal coming after a dribble past Donnarumma. The goalkeeper rushed off his line but didn’t touch the ball at the edge of the box, likely wary of handling the ball outside the area.

During a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia on Tuesday, ex-Milan and England coach Capello asked Donnarumma about his decision to move that way.

“The first goal you conceded in Madrid. Why didn’t you stretch out your hand? Did you think that you were outside the box?” Capello asked.

“It was so fast that the first thing I thought was to do as little damage as possible and get out of my way as much as I could,” Donnarumma replied.

“My goal was to move out of the way and not harm the team. Even watching the replay, I saw that the ball was close to my hand, but at normal speed, everything is much harder. I watched the replay and indeed it passed very close to my hand.”

During the same interview, Donnarumma said Manchester City won’t change their style of play after their Champions League exit and looked forward to “crucial games” with the Premier League giants and the Italy national team.

According to Tuttosport, Milan director Igli Tare has met with one of Mateo Retegui’s agents as the Rossoneri aim to sign a new centre-forward, but the Italy star would need to lower his salary for a summer transfer.

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Milan sporting director Tare has reportedly met a member of Retegui’s entourage, Alessandro Moggi.

Milan: Tare meets Retegui’s agent

According to Tuttosport, Retegui is once again on the Rossoneri’s radar as the Serie A giants look for a new centre-forward for 2026-27.

Milan are unlikely to make Niclas Fullkrug’s move permanent at the end of the season and Retegui was already on their agenda in the past, including last summer, when the Italy international joined Al-Qadisiya from Atalanta for nearly €70m.

Retegui has gone on to score 15 goals in 25 appearances this season and is Italy’s top goalscorer under new coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Retegui is aware that he’d need to lower his €16m-per-season salary if he were to join Milan in the summer.

According to the report, the Rossoneri could offer €5m per year until 2031, while Al-Qadisiya’s asking price is around €45m- € 50m.

Tuttosport confirms that Retegui is not Milan’s only target in attack for next season, as Fiorentina star Moise Kean is also on the Rossoneri’s shopping list.

Cremonese have officially sacked their coach, Davide Nicola, and are expected to confirm Marco Giampaolo’s appointment.

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Serie A strugglers Cremonese have officially sacked their head coach Nicola.

Cremonese sack Nicola: official statement

“Cremonese announce that Mr. Davide Nicola has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The club wishes to thank the coach and his staff for the professionalism, commitment and dedication they have shown in their daily work since they arrived in Cremona.”

Cremonese had had a fantastic start to the season, even winning on their 2025-26 Serie A debut away at Milan.

However, they now find themselves in the relegation zone, three points below safety.

On Monday, they suffered a heavy 4-1 home loss to Fiorentina, which eventually led to Nicola’s sacking.

The Grigiorossi have not won any of their last 15 Serie A matches, losing seven of their last eight league meetings.

Their most recent win dates back to December 7, 2025.

According to several reports, including Corriere della Sera, Cremonese will appoint ex-Milan coach Giampaolo, who will sign an 18-month contract.

According to Tuttosport, Joshua Zirkzee’s agent has informed Juventus that his client is available for a summer transfer, while Gazzetta reports that the Bianconeri are still keen on Randal Kolo Muani, especially with PSG interested in Jonathan David.

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Juventus are expected to sign a new centre-forward in the summer, regardless of Dusan Vlahovic’s potential contract extension.

Latest Juventus transfer news on Zirkzee and Kolo Muani

Jonathan David and Lois Openda have failed to impress in their first season at the Allianz Stadium, so the Serie A giants will listen to offers for the pair this summer.

According to Gazzetta, PSG director Luis Campos, who had brought David to Lille, is considering a reunion with the Canadian star in Paris.

David scored 87 goals in 178 Ligue 1 matches before joining Juventus as a free agent last summer, and the Bianconeri would consider a swap deal involving the Canadian forward and Kolo Muani, who won’t remain at Tottenham beyond the summer.

Juventus already tried to re-sign Kolo Muani in the January window, but Tottenham refused to part ways with the French striker, who is still destined to return to Paris at the end of his loan spell in June.

Both Kolo Muani and David earn circa €6m/7m per season, so a potential swap deal would suit Juventus financially, also because PSG value Kolo Muani at €40m.

According to Tuttosport, on the other hand, a possible Bianconeri target for the summer is ex-Bologna star Zirkzee.

The Dutch forward has reportedly decided to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, and his agent, Kia Joorabchian, has informed the Bianconeri directors that his client is available for a summer transfer.

Inter are the runaway Serie A leaders, have the best attack in the league and have been involved in some of the most spectacular games of the season, but they are not the only ones.

Despite a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta in Serie A Week 29, Inter still managed to extend their lead over second-placed Milan as the Rossoneri fell to a 1-0 away loss at Lazio.

The Nerazzurri have an eight-point lead over their city rivals and it comes as no surprise that, according to analysis from BettingTips4You, Cristian Chivu’s team are favourites to win the Scudetto this term.

Inter have been, by far, the most consistent team in Italy’s top flight this term, with 22 wins from 29. Their stalemate against Atalanta was only their second of the season, and the Nerazzurri have lost only five league games so far.

Como and Milan have conceded fewer goals than the Nerazzurri, but Inter have the best attack in Italy with 65 goals in 29 matches, an average of 2.24 per game.

Statistics highlight that the Nerazzurri have been involved in some of the highest-scoring matches in Serie A during the 2025-26 campaign.

To date, their 6-2 win over Pisa in Week 22 is the single Serie A match with the most goals scored this term.

It is followed by another Inter match, their 4-3 loss against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin in September 2025.

Inter are also the only Serie A club to have won an away game 5-0 this term. It happened in February when Chivu’s men visited Sassuolo and returned home with a comfortable victory.

When it comes to entertaining matches, however, it’s impossible not to mention Como.

The team coached by Cesc Fabregas recently beat Roma 2-1 at home, breaking into the top four in the standings.

“When you build a squad, you implement an idea, you study your players carefully, their character, their identity,” Fabregas said at full time.

“Learning to handle the result and the game in a certain way is a question of solidity, courage and trust. That takes months to develop, not weeks. Games like this show it is becoming natural, not forced.”

Como recorded one of the biggest wins of the campaign on January 24, beating Torino 6-0 at home. The reverse fixture had been just as good for the Azzurri, who had already beaten the Granata 5-1 away at the end of November.

With 50 goals conceded in 29 rounds, Torino are one of the weakest defences in the league. They started the season with a 5-0 loss against Inter at San Siro, the same result with which Juventus beat strugglers Cremonese in January.

Another big win for the Old Lady came on February 1, when they secured a 4-1 away victory against Parma.

Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior made headlines on Tuesday, handing a note to Alejandro Garnacho in the dying minutes of a 3-0 loss against PSG: ‘He’s out of his mind,’ said Fabio Capello, while Alessandro Costacurta added: ‘As a footballer, I wouldn’t have seen it as a way to get the players on my side.’

Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday, suffering a 3-0 home loss against title holders PSG.

The Blues were knocked out with a 2-8 aggregate defeat, but despite the obvious outcome in the dying minutes, their coach, Rosenior, continued to give tactical instructions to his players.

At minute 84, he handed a note to Garnacho, who had been introduced a few minutes earlier.

The Argentine winger didn’t seem overly eager to relay the coach’s tactical instructions to his teammates, especially since the match was practically over.

Italian journalist Paolo Condò, one of the most popular in the country and a member of the Ballon d’Or voting board, joked that Garnacho was thinking, ‘I should have joined Napoli.’

Pundit Paolo Di Canio, a former West Ham, Lazio and Juventus striker, added: “Look at the way he entered the field. I was also a bit of a prude, but these new coaches are almost philosophers now.

“It seems like a joke, but it’s not. They strongly believe that even the attitude in the final minutes is important. They believe in it. I see many who do the same thing despite losing 3-0. They want to show they study until the end; it’s the new generation. I understand it, but I’m like: ‘What are you doing?’

Capello: Chelsea players will ‘laugh’ at Rosenior

Capello and Costacura were surely tougher on the Chelsea boss: “He’s out of his mind,” said Capello.

“He did something that will make the players laugh. That’s what they think. You saw his [Garnacho’s] face when he entered the pitch with that note; he was like: ‘What are you saying to me?’

“When you do smart things, you are involved, but when you do something like that, how are you involving somebody?”

Ex-Milan defender Costacurta, a five-time Champions League winner, concluded: “I was a player, and if something like that had happened to me, I wouldn’t have seen it as a way to get the players on my side. It’s possible that there’s a new trend, but you can see the attitude from Garnacho’s face.”

Atalanta will look to Nikola Krstovic in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Bayern Munich, but the task ahead for La Dea appears overwhelming.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

La Dea suffered a 6-1 loss in the reverse fixture played in Bergamo last week, so there’s little doubt over who will reach the quarter-finals.

Atalanta have travelled to Germany without the suspended Yunus Musah, but the rest of the team is available, including Charles De Ketelaere and Italy international Giacomo Raspadori.

As reported by Sky Sport and Gazzetta, De Ketelaere is even expected to start as an attacking midfielder, joining Kamaldeen Sulemana and centre-forward Krstovic.

A few selection doubts remain in midfield, with Mario Pasalic and Marten de Roon battling for a central spot, while either Davide Zappacosta or Mitchel Bakker is set to feature on the left.

Bayern vs. Atalanta – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 4 in the UK and Ireland and Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Bayern vs. Atalanta – probable line-ups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Stanisic, Tah, Kim, Bischof; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Karl, Gnabry, Diaz; Jackson.

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Ahanor; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Bakker; De Ketelaere, Sulemana; Krstovic. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Calha returns for the Scudetto

The Inter fixer

In the last month without Hakan three draws and one defeat, but Chivu reunites with his regista in Florence.

Pulisic and Leao: it’s peace. Rafa apologised: Let’s start again.

Juve, David to leave to re-sign Kolo Muani

Atalanta, Dea pride

Chelsea and City out, Bodo crushed.

Corriere dello Sport

Exclusive interview

Kenan Yildiz

‘My strength is the normality.’

The parents, the brother, Can Uzun, Bayern, Turkey and Juve: the simplicity of a phenomenon.

‘Del Piero is a legend, I’ve just started.’

Spalletti

‘The prince of football is the boy next door’

‘I’ve always played to improve; the money is a consequence. When I was eight, I played against those aged 18.’

‘The renewal? I’ve immediately felt trust here in Turin. In Germany, they didn’t believe in me.’

‘Spalletti? A man of emotions. Allegri? I owe him this life. The role? Better on the left.’

Tuttosport

Juve: Zirkzee with Vlahovic

DV9 renewal, it’s almost done and the Dutchman emerges again.

The former Bologna striker has a new issue with Manchester United and is pushing to leave; the Bianconeri could reshape their attacking strategy. Thuram warning for Sassuolo: Koopmeiners ready. The stats on the ability to quickly resume the play justify Perin replacing Di Gregorio.

‘Now a feat at San Siro.’

Toro behind the scenes: what D’Aversa told the team.

Retegui and Milan: contact!

Meeting around the table: the issue is the salary. Fofana: ‘The change of role will cost me the World Cup.’ Leao under pressure replies with the…Gospel. NBA Europe: Cardinale pushes. Arena in San Donato?

Dea for the honour, two English sides out.

City don’t make the comeback against Real, Chelsea crushed by PSG (Kvara scores again). Arsenal OK, epic Sporting CP.

AFCON give to Morocco!

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have resumed their interest in Mason Greenwood, while Arsenal and Manchester United’s competition for Sandro Tonali has prompted the Bianconeri to continue talks with free agents Leon Goretzka and Bernardo Silva.

Juventus are preparing for next summer’s transfer campaign, although their priorities are Champions League qualification and Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension.

Gazzetta confirms that an agreement with Spalletti is near, with the Italian tactician expected to sign a new deal by Easter.

Juventus and Spalletti have already discussed possible reinforcements for 2026-27 and according to Gazzetta, the Serie A giants have once again targeted Marseille star Greenwood for the summer.

According to the report, Marseille might be forced to sell the Englishman for financial reasons if they miss out on Champions League qualification, but the price would be at least €50m.

Juventus have been monitoring Greenwood this season, but they also need Champions League qualification to afford his purchase.

Greenwood was already open to joining Juventus two years ago, but Marseille beat the Bianconeri to signing the ex-Manchester United man.

Leon Goretzka and Bernardo Silva, both available as free agents over the summer, are among Juventus’ top targets in central midfield.

The Bianconeri have been in talks with the pair in recent weeks, especially because their top target in the middle of the park, Tonali, has a high price tag and has been targeted by top Premier League clubs, especially Arsenal and Manchester United.

Milan star Rafael Leao posted a cryptic Instagram story almost two days after his angry reaction at being substituted against Lazio: ‘Do what is within your power; the impossible is my job.’

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Leao made headlines for the wrong reasons on Sunday night as he bitterly complained to coach Massimiliano Allegri after being subbed off in the second half of an away game at Lazio, which the Devil eventually lost 1-0.

Leao snubbed Allegri’s hug by pushing his coach away and then kicked and threw plastic bottles on the sidelines.

The Portuguese star remained silent for more than a day, but then posted an Instagram story on Tuesday, featuring a quote from the Gospel of Luke (chapter 1, verse 37), as SempreMilan highlights.

The message, written in Portuguese, can be translated as: “Do what is within your power; the impossible is my job.”

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao argued with Christian Pulisic in the dressing room following Sunday’s loss to Lazio, and Milan are so disappointed with the Portuguese’s attitude that they’ve put him on the market and will listen to offers for him during the summer.

Tennis star Jannik Sinner has become one of the most popular sportsmen in Italy, and when he’s not competing on the court, the World No.2 is known for his support for Serie A giants Milan. 

Sinner has consistently dominated tennis predictions alongside Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz over the last few years, and back in September, the Italian was overtaken at the top of the World Rankings after holding the No. 1 spot for 65 weeks.

Sinner is only 24 but is already regarded as the best Italian male tennis player of all time, having won four Grand Slam tournaments: two at the Australian Open, one at Wimbledon and one at the US Open.

It goes without saying that Sinner has dominated the headlines in Italy in recent years, with his popularity close to, and sometimes surpassing, that of footballers. Something unthinkable until a few years ago for a country that breathes football day in, day out.

Before pursuing a career in tennis, the Italian was a talented skier from the age of three. Sinner is also a big football fan and has made no secret that his favourite club in Serie A is Milan.

Sinner showed his passion for the Rossoneri following a match against fellow Italian Fabio Fognini, an Inter supporter, at the Internazionali d’Italia in  May 2022. After clinching a three-set victory, Sinner famously wrote ‘Forza Milan’ on a live TV camera.

The former World No. 1 was a guest of Milan in November 2023 for a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund at San Siro.

On that Day, Milan ultras in the Curva Sud honoured the tennis champion with several chants before kick-off.

Sinner is also a close friend of Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with PSG last season.

“Gigio and I have been friends for a long time,” Sinner said before last season’s Champions League Final between the Ligue 1 giants and Inter.

“We have our priorities, and he is about to play one of the most important matches of his life. Rooting for whom? I don’t want to say anything because I don’t want to put anyone in a difficult spot. I’m a Milan fan, but as an Italian, it would be nice if an Italian team won. But if it were Gigio, I’d be happy. I hope it’s a great match.”

Ultimately, Donnarumma lifted the cup with the big ears, beating Milan’s city rivals Inter 5-0 in Monaco. A few months later, the Italian captain joined Manchester City.

With Milan sitting second in the Serie A table this season, Sinner will be hoping to watch his favourite club play in the Champions League again in 2026-27.

Italy and Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori opens up about his scorpion block during last week’s Premier League match against Everton: ‘I didn’t think about it too much, I just reacted.’

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Calafiori has made headlines in England thanks to a fantastic clearance during a Premier League match against Everton on Saturday.

It allowed the Gunners to keep a clean sheet and ultimately secure a massive 2-0 win thanks to two late goals.

Calafiori: scorpion block my ‘best’ clearance so far

During a press conference on Tuesday, Calafiori spoke about his defensive action, admitting that it was probably the best clearance in his career so far.

“I think it is the best so far. Also, I think it was so important for the result and the team. I’m really happy about this,” the Italian told reporters before a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.

“I didn’t think about it too much. I just looked at the guy shooting and thought I had to take as much space as possible. I just reacted. As we say, we love to defend our house and our goal, and we try to do everything we can.

“It’s important to get a clean sheet. When we do, we usually win the game, so it’s really important to us.”

Arsenal are the Arsenal table leaders with a nine-point lead over Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.

“I think especially now, from March on to the next few months, it’s the best part of the season as well,” added Calafiori.

“You started so early in the pre-season, and then you work so hard to get to this point, to be in the competition and to be so close to winning. I think it’s a dream to be here.”

The Italian is in his second season in North London and is certainly enjoying the atmosphere at the club, on and off the pitch.

“I think we’re all friends. I love them, and I have a good relationship with them,” he said.

“We are friends, first of all. Obviously, then on the pitch you try to compete to get ahead of them, but we’re all friends, and they’re all really good players, I think.

“Obviously, we love to chat in the dressing room. We love to help each other, and when it’s time to go aggressive on the pitch or sometimes just be more chill, just to help your teammate or the team at the end. Obviously, sometimes we see each other off the pitch, and I think that’s important.”

The Italian defender also spoke about his defensive movements at Arsenal: “We have a structure, and we have to respect all the principles and things we’ve been trying to learn since the beginning of the season. At the same time, I’m really good at doing what I do, finding this kind of place. But it’s not freedom. If I’m in that position, it means another player covers mine. You need a good structure to defend, it’s not casual, it’s structure.”

Calafiori will be one of the players included in the Italy squad for this month’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland.

Juventus and Luciano Spalletti are reportedly close to agreeing on a contract extension until June 2027 with an option for a further campaign.

Juventus expert Romeo Agresti reports on X that the Serie A giants and their coach, Spalletti, are close to agreeing to a new deal.

Spalletti close to agreement for new Juventus contract

Spalletti was appointed at the end of October to replace Igor Tudor, but only signed a contract until the end of the season.

Talks over a new deal began weeks ago, and according to Agresti, the two parties are now close to finalising the agreement.

The Juventus expert claims that the new deal will run until June 2027, but will include an option for a further campaign.

Juventus sit fifth in the Serie A table, one point below fourth-placed Como, but Spalletti has won 16 of his 29 games in charge of the Old Lady.

Only Inter (50) and Milan (42) have earned more points in Serie A than Juventus (38) since Spalletti was appointed on October 30.

Como President Mirwan Suwarso explains the club’s plans for the future and insists that a decision on Nico Paz’s return to Real Madrid is ‘entirely’ up to the La Liga giants.

Como sit fourth in the Serie A table after their 2-1 win over Roma at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday.

“This is just a small sporting result within a long-term project,” Suwarso told Gazzetta.

“We are still in a start-up phase. Everything we did in Serie B is no longer enough in Serie A. Every time you change division, you have to start from scratch, and we’ve already done that three times. Football is different from other businesses, where you make an investment and then calculate the years in which you’ll get a return. We’ve invested heavily over three transfer windows, but in January, only one player arrived because we had already laid the foundations. The ownership is looking five or six years ahead. Emotions can influence decisions, and that’s not good from a sustainability standpoint.”

With nine games remaining, Como have a 12-point lead over 8th-placed Bologna, which means the Azzurri are likely to play in a European competition next season. But how will they deal with Financial Fair Play in 2026-27?

“At the moment, we are €75m below the UEFA cap. It should also be said that there is no case study like ours,” said the Como President.

“It’s a club that in two years has gone from promotion to Serie A after more than 20 years to reaching Europe. However, revenues are growing significantly, which suggests that in two or three years we will be able to meet the FFP requirements. For teams entering Europe for the first time, or after a long time, such a margin is allowed.”

Como are also working to develop their existing stadium.

“We have completed the first phase of documentation. Now we have to resubmit the project in line with the heritage authority’s assessments,” Suwarso explained.

“It will be more cost-efficient. And a bit smaller, but we would like it to include space for the community, usable all year round, not just for tourists or fans, but also by local residents.”

Como coach Cesc Fabregas has played a key role in Como’s development over the last few years, and with the team flying in Serie A, rumours about his future are inevitable.

Como updates on Fabregas and Nico Paz

“Cesc is a bit like the CEO of the football side. In big companies, you don’t ask a manager when he wants to leave,” said the Como President.

“We’re happy he’s with us, but we know that anything can happen in life. We’re enjoying the moment. We’ve created a system where we believe that even a potential departure wouldn’t cause everything to collapse.”

Argentine talent Nico Paz is another key part of the team, but he’s a product of the Real Madrid academy, and the Merengues have an option to re-sign him until 2027.

“The decision is entirely up to Real Madrid. There’s nothing we can do but wait and act accordingly,” Suwarso concluded.

“In any case, we’ll be happy for him and will start working to find a replacement. For now, he’s very happy here, in this big family.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms that Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is considering leaving the Nerazzurri at the end of the season, with Barcelona and Premier League clubs interested.

Italy defender Bastoni could leave Inter at the end of the season.

Bastoni to leave Inter in 2026?

His contract with the Nerazzurri expires in June 2028, and according to the report, the defender is considering, alongside his family and his entourage, joining a new club over the summer.

As previously reported by Tuttosport, the hostile reception Bastoni has been receiving in Italian stadiums since the referee incident against Juventus is playing a role in his thinking, just as his desire to try a new challenge.

However, Gazzetta contradicts Tuttosport by stating that Inter’s asking price for Bastoni will be around €50m rather than €70m.

The Italian defender’s agent, Tullio Tinti, has already been approached by Barcelona, but some top Premier League clubs are also interested in the Italian defender.

Bastoni earns €5m per season, and a move to another Serie A club seems unlikely.

If he does leave in the summer, it will probably be to start a new chapter abroad.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Scudetto, it’s still not over

Inter want to kill it off, but…

The Nerazzurri are on the decline. Can Milan (-8) and Napoli (-9) catch them?

Leao, too many tensions. Milan are fed up and Rafa ends up on the market

Fabregas to leave? Como enjoy him, then anything can happen.

From Goretzka to Senesi. Juventus, Spalletti’s shopping.

Corriere dello Sport

Cesc, the uncomfortable third

There’s a smell of Fabregas

He can take the Champions League treasure from Lucio and Gasp

Four consecutive wins and fourth spot. The fixture list is an ally of the ex-Barça. Just two big games, against Inter and Napoli. Opta’s predictor gives him 50.7% of chance. Head-to-head: he’s an advantage over Spalletti and level with Gian Piero.

Inter, Scudetto and restyling

From 3-4-2-1 with young coups on the market

Milan, Leao’s pain

He struggles as a No.9; poor chemistry with Pulisic

Napoli, KDB factor

Super return: Conte targets the second spot

Viola, poker for survival

Vanoli: what a leap! Now he’s fifth from last.

Tuttosport

‘Yes, Juve, you need Tonali.’

Interview with Marchisio

‘He was already strong at Milan, he has further improved in the Premier League and is Italian. This is important too. With Spalletti, they can return to the top. Vlahovic’s renewal? Yes.’ Behind the scenes of an imminent agreement until 2027 with the coach, who has chosen the players who will stay. Meantime, Sassuolo’s Kone emerges for midfield.

‘Zapata, always with us!’

Toro, 700 fans at the Filadelfia

Doors open for the fans. Organised groups remain absent as protests in Cairo continue. Ovations for Duvan. D’Aversa on social media: ‘Toro desire, work, identity and grit!’

Everyone is against Cesc, amid bad blood and envy.

Viola’s goal fest in Cremona. Goodbye Nicola.