La Gazzetta dello Sport

Beware Inter, Conte returns

Napoli go -6. Cagliari beaten 1-0. Chivu to the attack tomorrow in Florence

Milan-Toro, Leao is out

San Siro. Allegri for the comeback with Fullkrug and Rafa injured.

We want the World Cup

Italy growls, there’s Palestra, Chiesa is back

Juve run: six of Sassuolo with whooping cough

Corriere dello Sport

There’s Juve vs. whooping cough

Sassuolo decimated: challenge at risk at the Stadium (20.45).

Grosso doesn’t know how many players will be available. At least seven stopped by the breathing disease. Team and staff under antibiotics. Five from the Primavera. Spalletti: ‘Ready to listen to the club. We’ll decide together on Vlahovic.’

Napoli climb back

McDona

Now Conte is -6 from Chivu

McTominay immediately sets the game in the right direction. Some risks in the final minutes, but the return of top players changes the substance: fourth consecutive win.

Allegri, no Leao, Fullkrug right away

Inter, Calha the Scudetto ace

Roma, first shadows on Gasp

All Chiesa and Palestra

The Liverpool striker returns for the first time since 2024. Debut for the Cagliari talent. Bernardeschi stays home, Bastoni’s fibula is concerning. On Thursday, in Bergamo, the first game is against Northern Ireland.

Tuttosport

Chiesa and Palestra for Italy’s World Cup

On Thursday in Bergamo, the semifinal against Northern Ireland. The CT surprisingly recalls Federico, who has been absent for nearly two years. The Cagliari wing-back is the news. Pisilli and Scalvini are back. Vicario out: surgery on Monday.

‘Alex inspires Yildiz.’

Sassuolo decimated by whooping cough!

Juventus’ assault on the fourth spot. Tacchinadi relies on the No.10.

The ex-midfielder to the Tuttosport podcast: ‘Kenan must not feel the pressure of the confrontation with Del Piero, quite the opposite.’ Spalletti: ‘Renewal? The break is the right moment.’ The disease spreads in the Neveroverdi team: six stay home.

Leao missing, Toro try

Milan without Rafa: muscle problem. Fullkrug in. Allegri on strikers: ‘Wake up!’ D’Aversa asks for a leap in quality: ‘We must play to win here.’

Flash McT, Napoli second and -6 from Inter.

English prospect Jonathan Rowe has become an increasingly key figure for Bologna, particularly in the Europa League, as the Rossoblu prepare to face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Bologna have knocked out their domestic rivals Roma from the Europa League Round of 16, securing a 5-4 aggregate win.

Rowe’s big start to 2026 at Bologna

English winger Rowe, 22, played a vital role across the two Europa League fixtures, providing two assists and scoring one goal.

Last night, he netted the opener in an eventual 4-3 away victory that sent Bologna to the quarter-finals.

Rowe joined Bologna from Marseille last summer and took a few months to settle in at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

• Read more – De Zerbi: Rabiot ‘refused to take a step back’ after fight with Rowe

The England U21 European champion only started four Serie A matches in the first half of the campaign, spending six of the opening 17 league games entirely on the bench.

However, it was only a matter of time before the Englishman showed his ability on the field.

The new year started with an assist in a home 2-1 loss against Fiorentina on January 18. A few days later, he scored his first goal for the Rossoblu in a 2-2 home draw against Celtic in the Europa League.

Since then, Rowe has started four Europa League games out of five and six of the last eight league matches

After a very quiet start to the season, Rowe has grabbed five goals and four assists across all competitions for Bologna, all in 2026.

The product of the AFC Wembley academy has been particularly efficient in the Europa League, with three goals and two assists in 10 games this term.

Rowe’s performances have contributed to Bologna’s historic qualification for the Europa League quarter-finals, where they’ll meet Aston Villa.

These two sides have already met twice in the last two seasons, both times in Birmingham.

Aston Villa secured a 2-0 win in the Champions League group stage in October 2024, followed by a 1-0 victory in this season’s Europa League group stage in September 2025.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri warns that Italy should ‘not imitate other countries’ and insists that youth sectors must be ‘fixed’ as only two Serie A sides remain in European competitions this season.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Bologna and Fiorentina are the only two Serie A representatives left in European competitions this term.

The Rossoblu have qualified for the Europa League quarter-finals, eliminating Roma, while Fiorentina have earned access to the Conference League quarter-finals.

During a pre-match press conference today, Allegri was asked his thoughts on the state of Italian football.

“I’m just talking, not explaining, because I don’t explain anything and I don’t have the truth. We shouldn’t denigrate Italian football,” the Milan coach said via SempreMilan.

“We have those characteristics; they’re part of the history of the Italian people, dating back to the Middle Ages and the defence of the forts. Now everyone’s talking.

“The speed of passing is certainly different and depends on the players. Why are games faster in Europe? First of all, because you either win or lose. The English league is completely different, not better or worse. When they say that in Italy the game stagnates and there’s less space, let’s look at the positive: it’s harder to score goals,” Allegri continued.

Allegri: Italy need to ‘fix the youth sectors’

“We were born and raised like this, and we’ve evolved. We shouldn’t go imitating other countries with different cultures. The history varies from club to club. We need to fix the youth sectors and find different formulas. But don’t talk, we need to do! And make decisions. I’ll end now, otherwise I’ll become polemical. I think numbers should be shown for all the youth sectors.

“These numbers should be brought out. We need to worry because so many kids who play football stop playing early and switch to tennis. To get to the Sinners, there’s a lot of work behind it. You have to be careful. Those who understand the youth sector just need to make some reforms.”

• Read more – Official: Gattuso confirms Italy squad for World Cup play-off – Chiesa returns, Vicario dropped

Reports in Italy suggest that Roma will have to pay a compensation fee to Bayern Munich if they fail to make Bryan Zaragoza’s move permanent at the end of the season.

Zaragoza’s future at Roma remains uncertain, as the Spaniard has played only 135 minutes with the Giallorossi since his initial loan move from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.

How much must Roma pay if Zaragoza returns to Bayern?

The 24-year-old moved to the Stadio Olímpico via Celta Vigo, where he had spent the first half of the campaign.

Roma have already paid €2m for the player’s six-month loan, and their option to buy in the summer is set to €13m.

According to Calciomercato.com and Roma expert Filippo Biafora, the agreement between Roma and Bayern Munich includes a €500,000 compensation fee that the Giallorossi will have to pay if they fail to sign the Spaniard permanently at the end of the season.

Zaragoza has made four Serie A appearances with Roma, two as a starter, providing one assist.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says Luka Modric ‘brings enthusiasm and positivity’ to the squad, but his future at San Siro is still uncertain: ‘It’s up to him.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Modric, 40, has been a regular Milan starter this season, and his contract expires in June.

Milan have an option to extend his stay until 2027, but the club won’t activate it unless the Croatian star agrees to stay.

Allegri’s update on Modric’s Milan future

During a pre-match press conference on Friday, the Rossoneri boss Allegri was asked whether Modric will remain at San Siro for one more season.

“The club will talk to him. It’s up to him,” Allegri said via SempreMilan.

“He has a World Cup to play in… In the meantime, let’s let him play, let him have fun.”

A six-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Modric has scored two goals and provided three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.

He joined the Rossoneri last summer after the end of his contract with the La Liga giants.

“Luka arrived and brought quality not only on a technical level but above all on a human and professional level, especially for the younger players,” Allegri continued.

“Seeing a player, a man—Luka is 40 years old—with such passion and love for what he does is incredible. This creates enthusiasm and brings positivity to the environment.”

Tomorrow, Milan host Torino at San Siro in Serie A Round 30.

The Rossoneri sit second in the table, eight points below table leaders Inter.

Massimiliano Allegri urges Milan to ‘wake up’ after a 1-0 loss against Lazio and reveals Santiago Gimenez will be available for selection for Saturday’s match against Torino.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Milan host Torino at San Siro tomorrow, and the Rossoneri will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Lazio last week.

Milan vs. Torino – Allegri’s pre-match press conference

“These things happen during a season where points count,” Allegri said at a press conference via SempreMilan.

“The only thing we can do is stay calm. We have an important match tomorrow before the break. It’s difficult because Torino has been getting good results since D’Aversa arrived. Let’s forget about what happened; we need to focus on tomorrow. Gimenez is fine; he’ll be called up tomorrow.”

Mexico international Gimenez underwent ankle surgery in December and has not made a competitive appearance for Milan since the end of October 2025.

The 24-year-old has only scored one goal in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, but none in Serie A.

Allegri was asked whether the title race is already over, as the Rossoneri sit second, eight points behind leaders Inter.

“Football is wonderful for this reason. Everyone thought Inter had dropped two points, but instead… They have their destiny in their hands for the Scudetto; we have it for the Champions League,” the Milan coach replied.

“We have to focus on one game at a time. Then, when the math says that Inter has won the Scudetto and that Milan is in the Champions League, then we won’t be able to win the Scudetto and we won’t be able to exit the Champions League.”

Multiple sources have reported that Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic argued before and after the latest match against Lazio, with the Portuguese complaining about a lack of passes from his teammate.

“As for the Leao-Pulisic duo, they’ve had a season with injuries. One missed pre-season, the other had a good pre-season, and then was out for two months. Now it’s important to do well in the last two months,” Allegri said.

“Pulisic is doing well; in terms of physical condition, he put in a good performance in Rome. He lacks accuracy in his shots, but he’ll find it again. Rafa has nine goals; he still has some games to go, and he can reach double figures.

“But now we have everyone available; to play, we need to wake up. Everyone.

“Whoever has the ball has to see who’s unmarked. He didn’t pass that ball to him because he didn’t see it. But it’s happened other times, too,” Allegri continued.

“The difference in football is the choice of the final pass. With Leao I said: ‘He didn’t see you, otherwise he would have passed it to you.’ It didn’t take much.”

Aside from Gimenez, Niclas Fullkrug is the other Milan centre-forward available for Milan against Torino.

“There are post-match solutions when needed. Gimenez hasn’t been available so far and hasn’t got match rhythm. In fact, during the break, we’ll see if we can organise one. If you need someone with those characteristics with 20 minutes to go, you only have one,” Allegri said.

“So you either have to play him from the start or until the end. Everyone’s fine, everyone’s needed. From now until the end, having five forwards available is very important.

“Leao can easily play as a centre-forward, just look at his moves on Sunday against Inter and Cremona with those deep attacks,” continued the Milan coach.

“When he opens up, he feels a little more comfortable, but when he goes wide, if he doesn’t get the ball, he loses his grip on the game a bit…

“We need to improve the understanding between the players. Pulisic and Leao haven’t played together much in those positions, but so have the others. However, there have been some excellent combinations, like Fullkrug and Pulisic in Florence.

“On Sunday, however, Pulisic didn’t show any signs of being there; that can happen in football.”

• More from Allegri’s press conference – Allegri waits for Modric’s decision on future at Milan: ‘It’s up to him’

Sassuolo revealed on the eve of their Serie A clash with Juventus that they had notified Lega Serie A of a confirmed case of whooping cough in the squad, along with five additional team members showing ‘symptoms consistent with the disease.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

A whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak has hit the Sassuolo squad days before their Serie A match against Juventus.

Sassuolo’s statement after case of whooping cough identified

The Neroverdi wrote in an official statement on Friday: “Sassuolo announce that, following several tests carried out in recent days, one case of whooping cough has been identified, along with five cases showing symptoms consistent with the disease within the team group.

“Individuals presenting symptoms are currently in isolation and have been under constant monitoring by the club’s medical staff for the past three days. The staff is applying all procedures required by current health protocols in coordination with the health authorities. It is also noted that all asymptomatic members of the group have promptly undergone specific prophylactic measures.

“The club has already informed the Lega Serie A of the current situation and will continue to closely monitor developments, adopting all necessary measures to safeguard the health of its players and staff.”

Sassuolo play away at Juventus on Saturday night, and according to Italian sources, including TMW, the game is not at risk of being postponed.

The identities of the Sassuolo player diagnosed with pertussis and those with symptoms remain unknown.

Sassuolo have lost their last two Serie A matches, but sit tenth in the standings with 38 points in 29 matches.

Juventus sit fifth with two consecutive wins in Serie A. Luciano Spalletti’s men are unbeaten in the last three league games and are one point below fourth-placed Como.

Juventus and Sassuolo met not long ago in the reverse fixture on January 6, seeing the Bianconeri secure a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has named his 28-man squad for the World Cup play-off, with Federico Chiesa returning to the team while Guglielmo Vicario is dropped.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

The FIGC confirmed Gattuso’s squad for the 2026 World Cup play-off on Friday.

Liverpool winger Chiesa returns to the team for the first time since 2024.

The last time Chiesa had played for the national team was in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 tie against Switzerland.

Newcastle star Sandro Tonali is regularly part of the squad despite suffering an injury during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona.

Exams undergone on Thursday, in fact, ruled out a serious muscle lesion for the ex-Milan ace.

Cagliari’s Marco Palestra earns his first senior call-up, while Tottenham’s Vicario is not part of the team as Gattuso has picked Elia Caprile, Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alex Meret.

Italy will play Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal on March 26, and the potential Final will be played on March 31, away against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy squad for 2026 World Cup play-off

Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli);

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli);

Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle);

Attackers: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta).

• Read more – Gattuso appears to have chosen Italy system as squad list confirmed

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Mateo Retegui has held talks with Juventus after Milan, while Turkish side Fenerbahce have shown interest in Lois Openda.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Italy international Retegui is eager to return to Serie A after just one season at Al-Qadisiya, and, according to Tuttosport, his father has held direct talks with Juventus in recent days.

Tuttosport reported earlier this week that one of Retegui’s agents had also met Milan director Igli Tare.

Juventus’ main target in attack remains Randal Kolo Muani, followed by Retegui, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Chelsea-owned Nicolas Jackson.

Juventus are determined to sign a new centre-forward for 2026-27 regardless of Dusan Vlahovic’s possible contract extension.

The Serie A giants will be listening to offers for Jonathan David and Openda, and, according to the report, the latter has already received an initial inquiry from Fenerbahce, coached by ex-Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco.

Retegui has already returned to Italy to prepare for the Azzurri’s World Cup play-off.

The 2024-25 Serie A top-goal scorer has netted five goals in six matches under Gattuso.

Italy have officially unveiled their new away kit, which will be worn in the upcoming international fixtures.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Gennaro Gattuso is expected to announce his Italy squad for the World Cup play-off today, but the FIGC already made an announcement this morning, unveiling the Nazionale’s new away kit.

• Read more – Official: Gattuso confirms Italy squad for World Cup play-off – Chiesa returns, Vicario dropped

Italy’s new 2026 Away Kit – Official statement

“Today, adidas and the FIGC revealed the official Away Kit of the Italian national football team, which will be used for their upcoming international fixtures,” a statement reads.

“It is a jersey steeped in traditional Italian tailoring and inspired by the elegant suits worn by the National Team during legendary celebratory moments.

“The Away jersey features a blue and white pattern all across, mirroring the intricate textures seen in fine tailoring. The sleeves, logos, and numbering are finished with navy blue and gold details, while the collar is adorned with the ‘Italia’ monogram, inspired by bespoke embroidery, demonstrating a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Trefoil Tricolour.

The @Azzurri_En away kit is officially here @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/Ty0jMPe10z

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) March 20, 2026

“The jersey is made from jacquard fabric to provide a lighter finish and allow for more freedom of movement on the pitch. The kit is rounded off with the iconic three stripes running along the shoulders, applied using a herringbone pattern and designed to enhance breathability and ensure optimal ventilation even in the most demanding climates.

“The entire adidas Away jersey range is built for high performance, to support world-class players in moments of intense pressure. To adapt to the hottest and most challenging conditions, the engineered 3D body-mapped mechanical stretch fabrics incorporate adidas’ latest CLIMACOOL+ materials, which pull moisture away from the skin faster and keep players drier for longer.”

Italy’s next match is against Northern Ireland in Bergamo on March 26. It’s the World Cup play-off semifinal, and if the Azzurri qualify for the Final, they’ll play Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away.

If Italy qualify for the World Cup, they’ll be placed in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

Fikayo Tomori has been included in the England squad for friendly games in March, but Thomas Tuchel admits the Milan defender ‘benefits from the injury of Trevoh Chalobah.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Milan centre-back Tomori has been included in the England squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Tuchel explains Tomori’s return to the England squad

Tomori has not played a competitive match for England since November 2023, and this is the first time Tuchel has called him up to the Three Lions squad.

“Fikayo Tomori benefits from the injury of Trevoh Chalobah,” Tuchel said.

“Trevoh unfortunately got injured in the last minutes of the Champions League match and we hope that he comes back soon but it looks like a little bit of a nasty and painful one. It gives Fikayo the chance to come and impress. I was in contact with him through the whole year basically and was impressed very early when I watched him play with his physicality and approach to defending, so happy to have him in camp.”

Tomori, a former Chelsea defender, has made five appearances for the senior England national team, making his debut in 2019 against Kosovo under Gareth Southgate.

Tomori, 28, has been a regular starter at Milan over the last few years and in the current campaign, he has provided three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.

During a recent interview with The Athletic, Tomori said he had spoken to Tuchel and hoped to be part of the England World Cup squad in June.

Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to start for Napoli in an away game at Cagliari today, and Corriere dello Sport describes the new Partenopei attacking trio as ‘made in Manchester.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Conte picks new Napoli attacking trident

Napoli coach Antonio Conte will field an unprecedented attacking trio for a Serie A match against Cagliari today, as the Italian tactician is expected to start De Bruyne, McTominay and Hojlund up front at the Unipol Domus Arena.

The trio started several matches in the first part of the season before De Bruyne’s muscle injury in October, but back then, the Belgian ace was deployed as a central midfielder and McTominay as a left winger.

Napoli’s system in the first months of 2025-26 was 4-2-3-1, but Conte has long changed the team’s set-up using a 3-4-2-1 for the last few months.

With De Bruyne back in action since the beginning of March, Conte has integrated the ex-Manchester City star into his new system, and later today, De Bruyne will start as an attacking midfielder alongside McTominay, behind the sole striker Hojlund.

De Bruyne has not started a Serie A match for Napoli since October 25, 2025, when he suffered a high-degree injury after less than 40 minutes in a home match against Inter.

De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer, while both McTominay and Hojlund moved to the Stadio Maradona from Manchester United.

McTominay is in his second season at Napoli, while Hojlund joined the Serie A giants last summer, on loan with an obligation to buy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms Piero Ausilio’s trip to London to hold talks with Guglielmo Vicario’s agent, but, according to the report, the Inter director also explored moves for other targets.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Inter sporting director Ausilio travelled to London earlier this week to continue negotiations for Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Vicario, who has emerged as the Nerazzurri’s top goalkeeping target for next season.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Vicario, Gimenez, Goretzka

According to Gazzetta, Ausilio made the trip with Dario Baccin, another Inter director, and watched Wednesday’s Champions League match between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, accompanied by Vicario’s agent, Gabriele Giuffrida.

On Tuesday, Baccin and Ausilio were at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea-PSG.

Vicario’s agent and Inter directors are already on good terms, and the Italian keeper is very much open to moving to San Siro in the summer.

According to Gazzetta, Inter see him as the ideal replacement for Yann Sommer, particularly in terms of value for money.

Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin have also been considered by the Serie A table leaders, but Vicario is by far their favourite target, being available for barely €20m.

Gazzetta claims that Ausilio also used his trip to London to gather information about other potential targets.

One of them is Atletico Madrid’s José Maria Gimenez, who might be allowed to leave the Colchoneros for free at the end of the season, despite a contract expiring in June 2028.

Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is another potential target for Inter as the Germany international has been offered to all top Serie A clubs after deciding not to extend his expiring contract with the Bavarians.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are ready to offer a three-year contract to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva and a salary of at least €7m per season.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Juventus are ready to send their offer to Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, who is available on a free transfer as his contract runs out this coming June.

Juventus prepare offer for Bernardo Silva

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Serie A giants have already informed the midfielder’s agent, Jorge Mendes, that they are ready to offer the Portugal international a three-year deal with an option for a further campaign.

Gazzetta highlights that the proposed contract length is not entirely in line with the club’s policy regarding over-30 players, but Juventus are happy to make an exception given the player’s quality and experience.

Negotiations over Bernardo Silva’s salary will begin shortly, but Juventus are prepared to offer wages between €7m and €8m per season.

Gazzetta confirms that Bernardo Silva has attracted interest from other clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Miami and Galatasaray, but the Portugal international won’t make a decision on his next club before May.

Stanislav Lobotka is expected to return to Napoli‘s starting XI for an away game at Cagliari today, while Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne will play behind Rasmus Hojlund.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT), and it’s the opening game of Serie A Round 30.

The Partenopei must cope without Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Antonio Vergara and David Neres, but De Bruyne is fit to start.

According to several sources, including Gazzetta, Sky, and Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian star will get the nod as an attacking midfielder alongside McTominay, behind the sole striker Hojlund.

Lobotka is back from an injury and will join Billy Gilmour in central midfield, with Zambo Anguissa initially on the bench.

Cagliari are without the suspended Adam Obert and the injured Andrea Belotti, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Riyad Idrissi.

Coach Fabio Pisacane will likely pick just one centre forward, Sebastiano Esposito, who returns from a one-game ban, leaving Semih Kılıçsoy on the bench.

Cagliari vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on DAZN and the BBC iPlayer in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Cagliari vs. Napoli – probable line-ups

Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, Dossena; Zappa, Deiola, Gaetano, Mazzitelli, Palestra; Folorunsho, Seb. Esposito.

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Gilmour, Lobotka, Gutierrez; De Bruyne, McTominay; Højlund. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Bologna joy, Roma’s derby nightmare

EuroLeague: 4-3 in extra time

Show game, Cambiaghi goal: Aston Villa in the quarter-finals

Conference: Rakow-Fiorentina 1-2, now Palace

Offer to Bernardo Silva

A genius worthy of Juve

Maxi proposal to beat competition: three years plus one for the champion who is available for a free transfer from Man City.

Inter, blitz Vicario

Meeting in London with the goalkeeper. Agreement close.

De Bruyne starts, Napoli dream of the supercomeback

Modric to the museum

Ballon d’Or at Casa Milan: ‘They love me here.’

Corriere dello Sport

A never-before-seen Napoli

In Cagliari with a trio made in Manchester

Conte changes, De Bruyne and McTominay on the pitch with Hojlund, who chases the record of season goals. He has already scored 14 times. Gilmour confirmed in central midfield. Lobotka tries too. Elmas out, Beukema in defence with Buongiorno and Olivera.

An Italian dream

Europa League: The Rossoblu win 4-3 at the Olimpico after 120 minutes: they are into the quarter-finals

Fantastic Bologna: Roma go home

Rowe breaks the deadlock, Ndicka replies, then Bernardeschi and Castro score. Gasp’s comeback with Malen and Pellegrini. Cambiaghi decides it with a counter-attack at minute 111. On April 9, Vincenzo will face Aston Villa.

Conference: Viola party. Pongracic scores from 55 meters

Chivu, tactics in six languages

From English to Dutch, more quality in human relationships and empathy

Juve, four points missing

Goal-scoring opportunities and results: negative ratio. Now, Vlahovic for the Champions League sprint.

Gattuso’s relief: Tonali available

No lesion for the Newcastle midfielder. List made, just one doubt in the attack.

Tuttosport

‘Dear Toro, Milan will win.’

Retegui calls, Juve listen

The hitman wants to leave Saudi Arabia: contact with Ottolini.

Not only Milan for the ex-Atalanta striker who wants to return to Italy. Spalletti’s favourite option remains Kolo Muani as Vlahovic’s partner. Otherwise, Zirkzee and Nico Jackson, but Mateo is intriguing. Tonight in Marassi, the Bianconeri scout Norton-Cuffy. Spinazzola’s chance on the left. Muharemovic emerges again in defence.

Pinamonti: ‘I challenge Spalletti, who has changed me.’

Livakovic Granata, here are the sponsors

Bologna paradise, Roma stripped

Fantastic 3-3. Cambiaghi’s counter-attack in extra time gives the quarter-finals and Aston Villa to the Rossoblu. Pongracic at ’97, Viola buzz (2-1). Now Crystal Palace.

Italy call, here’s Tonali

Como mourn Hartono Sr.

Inter director Piero Ausilio has reportedly travelled to London, where he has scheduled a meeting with Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

It is no secret that Italy international Vicario is Inter’s top goalkeeping target for next season.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Vicario

According to Calciomercato.com, the Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio has travelled to London to hold talks with the Tottenham star.

Spurs are fighting for Premier League survival, and Vicario is eager to return to Serie A next season.

Calciomercato.com confirms that the Italy international has already given the green light to a move to Inter.

With Yann Sommer’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Nerazzurri are already preparing to sign a new goalkeeper, and preliminary talks with Vicario’s entourage began some weeks ago.

According to several sources, Tottenham will likely demand a fee between €15m and €20m for Vicario, but if Spurs are relegated to the Championship, their asking price will drop further.

Vicario has conceded 165 goals in 115 games with Tottenham, but won the Europa League with the Premier League club last season.

Reports in Italy claim that medical tests undergone by Sandro Tonali today have ruled out muscle injuries, so the Azzurri star will be available for next week’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

The MRI scan Sandro Tonali underwent on Thursday ruled out any muscle injuries, according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta.

Positive Tonali injury update for Italy and Newcastle

The Newcastle midfielder will therefore be available for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semifinal between Italy and Northern Ireland.

Tonali was forced to be substituted during Newcastle’s Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday, raising concerns that he would not be available for Italy’s crucial match next week.

Besides the positive outcome of today’s tests, Tonali no longer feels pain in his left thigh, but he could still miss the upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland to resume training with the Azzurri next week.

Italy coach Gattuso is expected to release his squad list tomorrow, while players will begin preparations in Coverciano on Monday, March 23.

If Italy beat Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal on March 26, they’ll meet the winner of the Wales-Bosnia Herzegovina match on March 31.

AIA has officially announced the referees for Serie A Week 30, including the Milan-Torino and Fiorentina-Inter matches.

Serie A Week 30 begins on Friday with Cagliari-Napoli and Genoa-Udinese.

The Partenopei’s away game in Sardinia will be overseen by Maurizio Mariani.

Milan’s home game against Torino on Saturday will be overseen by Francesco Fourneau, while Andrea Colombo has been appointed for Fiorentina-Inter on Sunday night.

Below are all the referees, assistants and VAR appointed for the next Serie A Round.

Serie A Week 30 referees

CAGLIARI – NAPOLI    Friday 20/03 h 18:30 (CET)

MARIANI

BINDONI – TEGONI

IV:      PERRI

VAR:  MARINI

AVAR:   SERRA

  GENOA – UDINESE   Friday  20/03 h. 20:45

COLLU

PERETTI – BIFFI

IV:      TURRINI

VAR:   AURELIANO

AVAR:    PEZZUTO

  PARMA – CREMONESE    Saturday 21/03 h. 15:00

FABBRI

CIPRESSA – YOSHIKAWA

IV:       GALIPO’

VAR:  PATERNA

AVAR:    DI BELLO

  MILAN – TORINO   Saturday 21/03 h. 18:00

FOURNEAU

ROSSI M. – MORO

IV:     DOVERI

VAR:   NASCA

AVAR:    MARESCA

  JUVENTUS – SASSUOLO   Saturday 21/03 h. 20:45

MARCHETTI

COSTANZO – BIANCHINI

IV:      ALLEGRETTA

VAR:   ABISSO

AVAR:    CAMPLONE

  COMO – PISA    Sunday, 22/03 h. 12:30

PAIRETTO

MASTRODONATO – FONTEMURATO

IV:     MUCERA

VAR:   MERAVIGLIA

AVAR: DI BELLO

  ATALANTA – H. VERONA   Sunday, 22/03 h. 15:00

AYROLDI

BERCIGLI – FONTANI

IV:     CREZZINI

VAR:    MAGGIONI

AVAR:     LA PENNA

  BOLOGNA – LAZIO   Sunday, 22/03 h. 15:00

FELICIANI

BERTI – LAUDATO

IV:     ZANOTTI

VAR:     DI PAOLO

AVAR:      GIUA

  ROMA – LECCE   Sunday, 22/03 h. 18:00

SACCHI J.L.

BACCINI – ZINGARELLI

IV:       MASSIMI

VAR:     GHERSINI

AVAR:  ABISSO

  FIORENTINA – INTER   Sunday, 22/03 h. 20:45

COLOMBO

BAHRI – DEI GIUDICI

IV:       TREMOLADA

VAR:     MARESCA

AVAR:   MASSA

According to Tuttosport, Juventus CEO Damien Comolli has identified Guillaume Restes as the ideal goalkeeping reinforcement for next season, while Luciano Spalletti prefers a more experienced player, such as David de Gea or Emiliano Martinez.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Juventus will sign a new goalkeeper in the summer, as Michele Di Gregorio has failed to impress in his second season at the club, while Mattia Perin will seek a club that offers him a starting spot.

Juventus looking for new goalkeeper in 2026-27

According to Tuttosport, the top target identified by CEO Comolli is French keeper Restes, who is under contract with Toulouse.

Comolli, a former director and President of the French club, is well aware of Restes’ qualities as the 21-year-old has been playing for Toulouse since he was six.

He has already made 100 appearances for Toulouse’s senior team, and his price tag is around €20m.

Spalletti, however, would rather put this money toward reinforcements in other departments, picking a more experienced goalkeeper instead.

According to the report, Fiorentina’s De Gea, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Aston Villa’s Martinez are among the players on Spalletti’s list.

Martinez has reportedly been offered to the Old Lady, who will consider the Argentine’s signature, as long as his wage demands aren’t too high.

Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta and Liverpool’s Alisson are also highly regarded by Spalletti.

However, Carnesecchi has a high price tag and will sign a contract extension with La Dea in the coming weeks, while Alisson is unlikely to leave Liverpool before the end of his contract in 2027.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Hakan Calhanoglu will be available for Inter’s away game at Fiorentina on Sunday, while Italy international Alessandro Bastoni could return to group training tomorrow.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Inter are preparing for Sunday’s away game at Fiorentina, and Sky Sport Italia provides the latest injury updates for the Nerazzurri.

Latest Inter injury updates

Calhanoglu has recovered from a calf injury and will be available for selection against Fiorentina.

Serie A’s top goalscorer, Lautaro Martinez, on the other hand, has intensified the workload but has continued to work separately.

If the Argentina international doesn’t return to group training in the next two days, he’ll be ruled out of the next league match.

Italy international Bastoni suffered an injury in the Milan derby and missed the most recent match against Atalanta.

Sky Sport reports that the Italian has partially worked with the team over the last few days, and that he could join his teammates for a full training session tomorrow.

If that is the case, Bastoni will be given the green light for the Fiorentina game as well as Italy’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland on March 26.

Last but not least, Mkhitaryan won’t be available against Fiorentina as he aims to return to action after the break, probably in a home match against his former club, Roma, on Easter.

Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici has reportedly sounded out Fabio Maresca’s availability for next season, but the ex-Chelsea coach is expected to hold out for a Premier League opportunity, particularly from Manchester City if Pep Guardiola departs.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Fiorentina director Paratici has explored Maresca’s availability for next season, according to a report from TMW.

Fiorentina director Paratici calls Maresca

Maresca has been without a club since the start of January, when he left Chelsea by mutual consent, months after winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

According to the report, Paratici has contacted Maresca in recent days, but the Italian tactician remains an unlikely candidate for the job at the Stadio Franchi next season.

Maresca, in fact, will likely wait for offers from the Premier League, particularly from Manchester City if Pep Guardiola were to leave at the end of the season.

Maresca already worked in Guardiola’s Manchester City staff and has built a solid bond with the Spanish tactician.

Tuttomercato adds that Maresca would only consider offers from Juventus and Napoli in Serie A, but the Italian giants are expected to continue with Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte, respectively, next season.

Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi feels the Italy national team needs ‘real supporters’ for the 2026 World Cup play-off: ‘Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Italy World Cup winner De Rossi spoke about the state of Italian football during a press conference on Thursday. Tomorrow, his Genoa side host Udinese in Serie A Round 30.

De Rossi: Italy need ‘true supporters’ in World Cup play-off

“I feel that too many times, we coaches lose in Europe, we tend to blame our football and the youth sectors. Last season, Inter reached the Champions League Final, beating Barcelona, and the youth sector was the same as this season,” De Rossi said via TMW.

Atalanta’s elimination from the Champions League Round of 16 means Serie A has no more representatives in Europe’s elite competition.

“It’s easy to say that youth sectors don’t work. Football is changing and will further change. My ideal player has more physical strength than a few years ago,” continued De Rossi.

• Read more – Del Piero cites Barcelona as he explains Italy’s ‘tired’ problem

“Then losing to Bayern Munich is understandable, as they have players worth €50m-60m-70m, and they’ve signed them from various youth systems around the world. Those are incredible realities, and it’s not strange to suffer heavy defeats. Atalanta shouldn’t be blamed as they played with pride, losing to a way stronger team.

“As for the national team, we need to be less critical, and all be true supporters. If it goes badly, there will be a revolt, and there will be time to talk about Gravina, Gattuso and Buffon. Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do. Now we must stop criticism and say a few words to support Gattuso and his players, who, I think, will play two great games.”

Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero argues that Italian clubs are always ‘tired’, but should complain less about the fixture list and focus more on the pitch.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Serie A has no more representatives in the Champions League following Atalanta’s elimination from the Round of 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich.

Del Piero: Italian clubs ‘always’ tired

La Dea suffered a 10-2 aggregate loss against the Bundesliga giants while Napoli, Inter and Juventus had been knocked out in the previous rounds.

“Our problem is that we get tired. We are always the ones who are tired. In Italy, we are always tired,” Del Piero told Sky Sport via Fanpage.

“I’ve heard very few coaches abroad complain about matches or say we are tired. You have to adapt. We are talking about teams; you have to equip yourself accordingly.

“Today’s football is different. You have more players, more substitutions, more money to invest in physical preparation, recovery and so on. There’s more of everything.”

The last time an Italian club won the Champions League was in 2009-10 with José Mourinho’s Inter.

Since then, Juventus and Inter have reached the Final twice each, but failed to bring home the coveted cup.

“You need professionalism in trying to improve the players, because there is room for improvement. There is, because others do so,” Del Piero continued.

“We think we are the best, yet we concede seven goals, as it happened; then something isn’t quite right. Barcelona always play the same players. Then if someone gets injured, they take him out and put another one in.”

Del Piero won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and the World Cup with the Italy national team ten years later in 2006.

The Italian national team will play in the World Cup play-off later this month after failing to qualify for the competition in 2018 and 2022.

Inter striker Ange-Yoan Bonny has decided to represent the Ivory Coast national team, but won’t be available for friendlies against South Korea and Scotland later this month due to a ‘dental issue.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Inter striker Bonny, 22, will represent the Ivory Coast national team, coach Émerse Faé confirmed at a press conference (via SOS Fanta).

Ivory Coast coach confirms Bonny’s decision and Inter issue

Bonny was born in Aubervilliers, a suburb of Paris, and is of Ivorian descent.

Bonny represented France at the U19, U20 and U21 levels, but will continue his international career at a senior level with the African country.

Bonny, however, won’t be available for the next two friendly games against South Korea and Scotland during the March break later this month.

“He currently has dental issues, so we preferred to leave him with his club so he can regain full fitness, maintain consistency in his performances and join us at a later stage,” Faé said.

The match against Scotland will be played at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, home to Premier League side Everton, on March 31.

Ivory Coast have qualified for the 2026 World Cup and have been drawn in Group E alongside Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao.

Bonny has scored seven goals in 37 appearances across all competitions with Inter this season, his first one at the Stadio Meazza.

La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms that Guglielmo Vicario is Inter’s main goalkeeping target for 2026-27 and that the Italian is open to returning to Serie A after his relationship with Tottenham reached a low point.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Inter have identified Italy international Vicario as their main target in goal for next season.

Latest transfer updates on Vicario and Inter

The Nerazzurri are looking for a new starting goalkeeper for 2026-27, and previous reports suggested they would hold a new round of talks with the Tottenham star’s agents this month.

According to Gazzetta, Vicario has already informed his agents that he’d be happy to return to Serie A, particularly at Inter, which he was already close to joining in 2023 before his switch from Empoli to Tottenham.

Gazzetta highlights that Vicario’s relationship with Spurs reached a low point in recent months, so the Nerazzurri are confident they can reach an agreement with the Premier League side, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation. 

Inter, however, are aware that Tottenham’s asking price will be between €15m and €20m next summer, provided they remain in the Premier League.

Inter are not expected to offer a contract extension to Yann Sommer, although the club could change their mind and keep the Swiss international as a second-choice goalkeeper next season if they receive offers for Josep Martinez.

Como are ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of one of their owners, Michael Bambang Hartono: ‘Under the family’s leadership, the Club have entered a new chapter in their history.’

Michael Bambang Hartono, one of the owners of Serie A side Como, died on Thursday, the club announced in a statement.

“Como 1907 is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono,” the Azzurri said.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the Hartono family and to all at the Djarum Group.

“Under the family’s leadership, the Club has entered a new chapter in its history, and we remember him with gratitude and respect.”

Como 1907 is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Hartono family and to all at the Djarum Group.

Under the family’s leadership, the Club has entered a new chapter in its history, and we remember him with gratitude… pic.twitter.com/o9YGHm7qiu

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) March 19, 2026

Michael and his brother Robert acquired the club in 2019, when the team was playing in Italy’s third division, Serie C.

They returned to Serie A in 2024 after 21 years and are now fighting for Champions League qualification, sitting fourth in the league table.

As reported by Gazzetta, the Hartono brothers have a combined net worth of $43.8 billion, making them the richest in Indonesia.

Italy star Sandro Tonali will undergo an MRI scan today to learn the extent of a muscle injury suffered during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Italy and Newcastle will wait for the outcome of Tonali’s medical tests today, Gazzetta reports.

The Italian midfielder was forced to be substituted during the second half of a Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday due to a suspected muscle injury.

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe admitted after the match that Tonali is in doubt for the next Premier League fixture against Sunderland, but the Italy national team is even more concerned as the Azzurri will play in the World Cup play-off next week.

The Azzurri will host Northern Ireland in the semi-final in Bergamo on March 26, and if they progress to the Final, they’ll play away against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tonali was one of the Italy players with a guaranteed spot in the squad and in the starting XI, so coach Gennaro Gattuso will be hoping for good news from Newcastle today.

Italy World Cup winner Luca Toni praised Harry Kane following Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Atalanta last night: ‘Coming from a top No.9 like you, it’s special words,’ the English forward replied.

Kane scored twice in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Atalanta on Wednesday, contributing to the Bavarians’ 10-2 win on aggregate.

Kane reacts to Bayern 4-1 Atalanta

During his post-match interview with Prime Video Italia, Kane said he was “proud” of his goals, especially the second one.

“It’s one of my favourite goals in my career,” said the English star.

“It’s a mixture of skill, technique, balance and obviously, the finish as well. In the moment, it felt really special.”

Ex-Italy and Bayern Munich star Toni commented on the game as a pundit for Prime Video and told Kane: “I’m in love with him in footballing terms, because he’s one of the last physical centre-forwards. There are many false nines, but he’s the best centre-forward in the world right now.”

The Bayern Munich star replied: “I appreciate it. Coming from a top No.9 like you, it’s special words, thank you.”

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Prime Video Sport IT (@primevideosportit)

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan are ready to offer Leon Goretzka a €5m-a-year contract until 2029, while Lazio’s Mario Gila is the Rossoneri’s top defensive target for the summer.

Milan are preparing to strengthen their team for 2026-27, when they’ll likely return to the Champions League.

Latest Milan transfer updates on Goretzka and Gila

The club’s main target for the summer is a centre-forward, but the Serie A giants will sign at least one player in each department.

As for the central midfield, free agent Leo Goretzka has long been on the club’s radar.

Milan’s domestic rivals, Juventus, are also interested in Goretzka and have already opened preliminary talks with his entourage. Still, according to Gazzetta, Milan hope to beat the Bianconeri with an offer worth €5m per season for the next three years.

Milan’s main target in defence is Lazio’s Gila, whose contract expires in 2027. The former Real Madrid Academy player is unwilling to extend with the Biancocelesti, so he could leave in the summer for €20m to €25m.

Igli Tare, now a Milan director, is on excellent terms with the defender’s entourage, as he was the one bringing Gila to the Olimpico in 2022.

Moise Kean is available, but expected to start on the bench as Fiorentina visit Rakow in the second leg of the Conference League Round of 16.

It kicks off at 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT). The Viola secured a 2-1 win in the first leg played in Florence last week.

Fiorentina have travelled to Poland without the injured Manor Solomon, Tariq Lamptey, Luca Lezzerini and Niccolò Fortini, as well as Marco Brescianini and Daniele Rugani, who are not part of the Fiorentina UEFA squad.

Multiple sources claim that Roberto Piccoli will once again lead the Fiorentina attack as Italy star Kean is available, but will start on the bench.

David de Gea is also expected to rest, making room for Oliver Christensen between the sticks.

According to Gazzetta and Tuttosport, Jack Harrison will start as a right winger with Jacopo Fazzini on the opposite flank.

The winner will face AEK Larnaca or Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals.

Rakow vs. Fiorentina – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 6 and online through Discovery+ in the UK and Ireland. It is also available for US fans on Paramount+. Football Italia will provide live coverage via a live blog.

Rakow vs. Fiorentina – probable line-ups

Rakow (3-4-2-1): Zych; Arsenic, Racovitan, Svarnas; Ametaw, Struski, Repka, Jean Carlos; Makuch, Ivi Lopez; Braut Brunes. 

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Christensen; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi; Mandragora, Ndour; Harrison, Fabbian, Fazzini; Piccoli.

Donyell Malen’s Roma and Santiago Castro’s Bologna meet at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). The first leg in Bologna last week ended in a 1-1 draw.

Roma are still short of options in attack with Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé injured and Lorenzo Venturino out of the UEFA list.

Bologna are without the suspended Juan Miranda, as well as Lorenzo De Silvestri and Eivind Helland, who are not part of the Rossoblu’s European squad.

Multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta, claim that Stephan El Shaarawy will start as an attacking midfielder for Roma, leaving Lorenzo Pellegrini on the bench.

Italiano will look to Tommaso Pobega, Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler in central midfield, and to Federico Bernardeschi, Castro and Jonathan Rowe up front.

The winner will face Aston Villa or Lille in the quarter-finals.

Roma vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 8 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.

Roma vs. Bologna – probable line-ups

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Kone, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, El Shaarawy; Malen. 

Bologna (4-3-3): Ravaglia; Zortea, Vitik, Lucumì, Joao Mario; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Chivu and Spalletti move

Inter, assault on Vicario

Juve, Kolo with Vlahovic

Goretzka and Gila for a new devil

Big Milan market

Allegri’s choices: a three-year deal for the German to overtake Juve. The Lazio centre-back has convinced everyone.

Tonali, World Cup anxiety

Injured with Newcastle, Italy is on alert for the play-off

We have the derby left

Roma-Bologna (21), the second leg resumes from 1-1. Fiorentina (18:45) defends a 2-1 lead against Rakow.

Ruthless Bayern, Atalanta concede four more

Germans with Real in the quarter-finals, Liverpool will face PSG

Corriere dello Sport

Europa League verdict

64,000 at the Olimpico for Roma-Bologna: it’s the 22nd derby of Italy. It restarts from 1-1. The winner will face Aston Villa or Lille. Kick-off at 21:00 CET.

In & Out

Gasp against Italiano, challenge for the quarter-finals

Gian Piero: ‘Conscience clear.’ Wesley: ‘Red card against Como? Serious and unacceptable incident.’ Castro launches the challenge to Malen. Vincenzo: ‘They are favourites.’ Bernardeschi and Rowe in the trident.

Conference: Viola 2 to eliminate Rakow (18:45).

Juve move: Alisson on target

Inter bring Stankovic Jr. back home

Leao and Milan: unstable relationship

Premier Napoli: Conte’s assault

Bovo emotion: ‘Unique happiness.’

He scored with Watford after 506 days from the last time: ‘I missed it.’

Atalanta, another collapse. Osi out.

Tuttosport

Juve, first issue

Comolli likes restes, Spalletti, somebody like De Gea

The choice of the next goalkeeper reflects a difference of opinion between the director, fascinated by the Frenchman from Toulouse, and the coach, who would rather go for a more experienced goalkeeper, such as the Spaniard Vicario or Dibu Martinez. Alisson and Carnesecchi are the dreams. Manninger: ‘I’d trust one between Di Gregorio and Perin.’ Lucio waits for Chiellini’s return to define the renewal: the salary could rise to 6m.

Toro, pathway for Livakovic

Seven Barcelona goals, Tonali anxiety

Injury for the Azzurro: alarm ahead of the World Cup play-off. Ruthless Bayern: another goal-fest against Atalanta.

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.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

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.