Gennaro Gattuso apologised to the Italy fans because ‘I didn’t make it’ to the World Cup, but insists he was ‘surprised’ by how well his team played down to 10 men against Bosnia.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
“These lads didn’t deserve this, for the effort, the love, the determination. We had three chances, and most of their crosses were barely tickling us,” Gattuso told RAI Sport.
“I am still proud of my lads. If you poke me with a dagger today, nothing will come out, my blood is all gone. It was important for the Italian football movement and it feels bad to go out like this.”
There was controversy in extra time, as Marco Palestra was brought down clear on goal, but that only warranted a yellow card from referee Clement Turpin.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: The referee Clèment Turpin shows the red card to Alessandro Bastoni of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
“I don’t want to talk about the referee or anything, but it’s fair today, this is football. I’ve been in football for many years, I celebrated and I got thumped, like today, but it’s hard to swallow this,” replied Gattuso.
“I was surprised too by the sheer heart and determination they showed today. We were there under siege, in the trenches. Yet here we are talking about not making it to the World Cup again.
“I personally apologise for not having made it, but these lads gave absolutely everything.”
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Will Gattuso continue in the role of Italy coach or step aside?
“I think talking about my future today is not important. What was important was going to the World Cup. We take the performance, but it hurts. We’re disappointed.”
Italy battled through extra time down to 10 men after Alessandro Bastoni’s red card and a Moise Kean goal, but capitulated to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, so miss a third consecutive World Cup.
The Azzurri beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final with Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean goals, so stuck with the same starting XI in Zenica. Edin Dzeko’s late equaliser forced extra time and Bosnia eventually beat Wales on penalties, but the only change was Ivan Basic for Benjamin Tahirovic. Familiar faces included Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac and Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic.
There were a couple of early scares with Riccardo Calafiori’s clearance taking a double ricochet to go over for a corner, then Ermedin Demirovic firing straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma on the counter-attack.
Italy took the lead with their first genuine opportunity, as Mateo Retegui harassed the goalkeeper into an error, so his pass was intercepted by Nicolò Barella, rolling across for Kean to sweep it first-time into the top corner with the inside of the right boot from the edge of the area. Kean became only the fourth player to score in six consecutive Italy appearances after Adolfo Balonceri in 1928, Gigi Riva in 1969 and Roberto Bettega in 1977, netting eight in that period.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Katic nodded wide and Dzeko fired over, but Donnarumma had his gloves stung by a ferocious Basic strike following a corner, while Retegui’s weak finish was smothered.
Demirovic’s glancing header flashed wide from a Bajraktarevic cross, but the game had a turning point when Donnarumma’s poor goal kick was intercepted by Amar Memic, who was surging on goal when brought down from behind by Bastoni. The red card was inevitable, and Federico Gatti came on for Retegui to bolster the defence.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: The referee Clèment Turpin shows the red card to Alessandro Bastoni of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Bosnia poured forward, Memic nodding wide of the back post, and they threw on 18-year-old sensation Kerim Alajbegovic for the second half, while Italy responded with full-back Marco Palestra for the more attack-minded Matteo Politano.
Demirovic just failed to get his head to a dangerous cross and Alajbegovic stung Donnarumma’s gloves from the edge of the area, but Kean nearly doubled Italy’s lead when he intercepted a ball inside his own half and sprinted forward, firing over past the on-rushing goalkeeper.
Memic went off injured, but Donnarumma got down for a sensational save to fingertip the Benjamin Tahirovic low drive round the base of the near post.
Moments later, substitute Francesco Pio Esposito fired over from the edge of the box on a smart Palestra pull-back.
Federico Dimarco also scuffed wide from a Barella pull-back, but Bosnia got their equaliser when Donnarumma made a sensational save on Dzeko’s header at the back post from Dedic’s cross, but could do nothing on the Haris Tabakovic tap-in on the rebound.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Haris Tabakovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s equalizing goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Donnarumma made another crucial save on the Demirovic header to force extra time.
Palestra ran onto a Sandro Tonali through ball and was brought down on the edge of the area by Muharemovic, but this was only a yellow card and not a red, despite being closer to goal and in a more central position than Memic in the Bastoni situation.
Palestra also stood up a cross for Esposito’s header at the back post, forcing a tough reaction save from Nikola Vasilj.
Esposito also turned Muharemovic and the finish was deflected wide off the defender’s shoulder, while Davide Frattesi charged down the Alajbegovic scorcher.
Tahirovic also drilled wide from the D after a short corner in the final minutes of extra time, so it went to a penalty shoot-out.
Esposito ballooned the first Italy kick over the bar, then Bryan Cristante blasted his onto the underside of the crossbar, allowing Bajrakterovic to maintain the perfect record against Donnarumma and send Bosnia to the World Cup.
Italy swept Sweden aside 4-0 away from home to consolidate second place in the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, as Luca Koleosho scored twice and assisted another.
EMPOLI – MARCH 26: Silvio Baldini manager of Italy U21 looks on during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The Azzurrini were coming off a 4-0 victory against North Macedonia, but remained second in the group due to a 2-1 defeat to leaders Poland. The only changes from Thursday’s game were Seydou Fini and Michael Kayode stepping in.
Sweden had the first big chance with Nils Zatterstrom’s header fortunately straight at Lorenzo Palmisani on a corner, but the visitors received a penalty when Luca Lipani was brought down by Zatterstrom. It was converted successfully by Luca Koleosho into the near bottom corner.
The floodgates opened, as Koleosho added a second from open play moments later when pouncing on a loose ball in the final third, forcing the Hampus Skoglund error with his high press.
Cher Ndour nearly made it 3-0 on the half-hour mark, prodding wide from six yards on a ball over the top.
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Cher Ndour of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The third goal did arrive after the restart, with Koleosho this time threading through to send Ndour clear to beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
Pietro Comuzzo’s header from a corner whistled just wide, then Lipani got on the end of Davide Bartesaghi’s free kick at the near post.
Luigi Cherubini scuffed his finish wide on the Ndour pull-back, but this has still boosted their goal difference.
Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean were on target in the 2-0 semi-final victory over Northern Ireland, and Gennaro Gattuso has decided to stick with the same starting XI here.
Meret sees right Italy attitude
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy World Cup play-off final logo (@azzurri)
“It’s a difficult match, but we are ready and want to bring home a very important result. Every moment could be decisive, so the attitude and focus on details is essential. We’ve got to start strong and earn this result.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina had to play a full 120 minutes in Cardiff on Thursday, as Edin Dzeko’s late equaliser forced extra time and an eventual penalty shoot-out victory to eliminate Wales.
Their one and only World Cup participation was in 2014.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Players of Italy sing the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We feel the right focus and desire to help each other out. We are all united for this objective, and I think we’ve got the right atmosphere,” added Meret.
“I’ve been in the Nazionale a long time, so I’ve seen a lot here, but we’ve never had such an important match as this. Bosnia have two very dangerous wingers and good strikers, we all know Edin Dzeko, but we feel ready.”
The winner will be decided after 90 minutes, or through extra time and even a penalty shoot-out if needed.
Whoever goes through will be placed in World Cup group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Leonardo Bonucci urges Italy to call on ‘quality and heart’ in the World Cup play-off final, as he expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to ‘start strong, then try to go on the counter.’
The tension is palpable for a Nazionale that failed at the play-offs for the last two editions of the World Cup, missing out in both 2018 and 2022.
Bonucci has faith in Italy
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“The fans will create a warm atmosphere, but the match is played ultimately between the players on the pitch,” Bonucci told RAI Sport.
“We must put quality and heart onto the field tonight, because we deserve this opportunity.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The winner will be decided after 90 minutes, or through extra time and even a penalty shoot-out if needed.
Whoever goes through will be placed in World Cup group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
“We are sure Bosnia will start strong, fired up and enthusiastic on home turf, but after that they’ll sit in midfield and try to go on the counter-attack. That is what we expect to see,” added Bonucci, a member of Gennaro Gattuso’s coaching staff.
Coach Gattuso has chosen the same starting XI that beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final on Thursday, with Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean upfront.
“They all absolutely deserved to play again. The idea we want to get across is that everyone is participating here, even if they are in the stands.”
Italy stick with Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean and Sandro Tonali for the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic.
The winner will be decided after 90 minutes, or through extra time and even a penalty shoot-out if needed.
Whoever goes through will be placed in World Cup group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final with goals from Tonali and Kean, so despite the possibility of Francesco Pio Esposito and Marco Palestra coming in, Gennaro Gattuso has decided to stick with the same starting XI.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Players of Italy pose for a team photograph prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
That means Retegui alongside Kean in a 3-5-2 formation, with Manuel Locatelli pulling the midfield strings, and Matteo Politano out wide on the right.
Bosnia and Herzegovina needed a late Dzeko equaliser in Cardiff to force extra time on Thursday evening, eventually winning a penalty shoot-out.
The player who came off the bench and transformed that match was 18-year-old sensation Kerim Alajbegovic, but despite reports to the contrary, he does not replace Esmir Bajraktarevic.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates after winning in the penalty shoot out in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
On the other side of the age spectrum is former Roma, Inter and Fiorentina striker Dzeko, who is still spearheading the attack at age 40, partnered by Ermedin Demirovic.
Familiar faces include Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac, who shrugged off a knock to play, and Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic.
Bosnia have only ever beaten Italy once, the very first friendly the new nation ever played at home in November 1996, followed by a 1-1 draw and four defeats.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Edin Dzeko of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Today’s match was a head-to-head at the top of Group 6, as both went in on six points each, ahead of Hungary and Slovakia.
It ended 1-1 thanks to the Samuele Inacio strike, despite a Darvin Soylu equaliser, so the Azzurrini won the group thanks to a superior goal difference of +6 compared to the Turkish tally of +2.
Coach Alberto Bollini’s side won 3-0 against both Hungary and Slovakia in the Elite Round.
TRIESTE – SEPTEMBER 06: Samuele Inacio of Italy U17 looks on during the International Friendly match between Italy U17 and Switzerland U17 at Stadio Nereo Rocco on September 06, 2024 in Trieste (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The winners of the groups go through to join hosts Wales in the final tournament, and the draw will be held for that in Wrexham on April 16.
This competition will run from June 28 to July 11, and also decide the European qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan.
Italy last won the European Under-19 Championship in 2023, adding to their only other triumph in 2003.
The sale of San Siro to Inter and Milan has run into yet more controversy after Italian financial police raided the Milan city council’s offices when investigating the €200m deal.
The two clubs had been trying for a decade to purchase the land under the existing Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to build their own arena, but after multiple attempts and failed other projects, they eventually got the go-ahead in November 2025.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t still problems, because many in the local authorities and politics are still trying to block the demolition of the stadium.
San Siro sale subject of new investigation
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Computers and mobile phones were among the items seized, with nine individuals under investigation including ex-Inter CEO Alessandro Antonelli and Giuseppe Bonomi, president of Sport Life City, which is run by AC Milan.
The suggestion is that they passed on secret information and worked behind the scenes to favour the purchase by Inter and Milan, creating unfair competition with other options.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: General view outside the San Siro stadium prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan and Inter are not under investigation, but there were searches at M-I, the company jointly owned by the two clubs that was set up to manage the stadium.
Napoli are prepared to freeze Romelu Lukaku out after he refused to return from Belgium, as it’s reported both he and Kevin De Bruyne disagree with the club’s medical staff.
The situation is at an impasse, as when Lukaku returned to Belgium for international duty and was told he wasn’t fully fit, he decided to remain there rather than come straight back to Italy.
This infuriated Napoli, who threatened to freeze him out if he was not back by the deadline.
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Now Belgian media point out the concern with the Napoli medical staff is shared by both Lukaku and De Bruyne.
“Romelu and I followed a similar path after our injuries. I did a full rehabilitation [in Belgium], Romelu partially in Antwerp and partially in Naples,” commented De Bruyne.
“When there are two different views, it’s hard to work together. There have been differences, and this is not ideal if you aim to get back in shape.”
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Lukaku rushed his return in November because Napoli were struggling with an injury crisis, disobeyed the instructions given to him by his medical team in Antwerp, and suffered an immediate relapse.
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time that Napoli’s medical staff caused controversy, as they have had an epic run of serious setbacks that left Antonio Conte with a decimated squad this season.
This is why Lukaku would prefer to work with Lieven Maesschalck and Bert Driesen, physiotherapists they first met through the Belgium national team.
He is now determined to remain in Belgium until at least the end of this week, so it remains to be seen how Napoli will respond.
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time and a winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito impressed off the bench, as did Cagliari winger Marco Palestra, but the latest indications from the training ground point to Mateo Retegui and Matteo Politano retaining their places.
Gennaro Gattuso also hinted that Manuel Locatelli would remain in the centre of midfield, despite mentioning several times that the Juventus man was positioned incorrectly during the first half against Northern Ireland.
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina are likely to make at least one change, as 18-year-old left-sided winger Kerim Alajbegovic made such a big impression off the bench against Wales in the semi-final, also converting the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
He would step in for Esmir Bajraktevic, in support of Edin Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic.
Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac had been a slight doubt with injury, but has fully recovered and will be in the starting XI.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy probable line-ups
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time and a winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.
Bosnia and Italy face off for World Cup ticket
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Edin Dzeko of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Kerim Alajbegovic during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
A place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and USA is at stake, so every detail could be crucial ahead of the big match.
This is why local newspaper Klixba claimed that an Italian spy had been identified at the training ground to film the players even after the 15 minutes that were open to the public.
However, Sportmediaset explain that this was no spy, but rather an Italian soldier whose base is close by to the training ground, so he simply wandered over to observe the situation.
He was by no means affiliated with Gennaro Gattuso and the Italy squad, so did not pass along any valuable information on the plans of the Bosnia squad.
In a sudden turnaround, Italian reports suggest Milan have abandoned negotiations with Corinthians for midfielder André after a new offer was rejected.
However, Corinthians President Osmar Stabile rejected it outright, demanding considerably more.
Milan frustrated by André situation
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 23: Andre of Corinthians controls the ball against Gabriel Barbosa of Cruzeiro during a match between Cruzeiro and Corithians as part of Brasileirao 2025 at Mineirão Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
According to ESPN Brasil, a new offer was made today worth €18m plus another €4m in performance-related bonuses, taking the total fee to €22m.
Within hours of that story breaking, MilanNews claimed that the response was so negative that the Rossoneri decided to scrap the whole move.
The directors have been frustrated with the chaotic way that Corinthians have been dealing with this, having believed they already had an agreement in place weeks ago.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been compared to current Atalanta star Ederson and was so eager to come to San Siro that he was prepared to forego the 30 per cent of the transfer he would’ve been owed.
Mattia Zaccagni showed significant progress in his injury and Lazio hope the captain will be available for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta.
The 30-year-old contributed four goals and one assist in 25 competitive games so far this season, but picked up a serious thigh strain a couple of weeks ago.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Jean Butez of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on January 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed that Zaccagni was meant to travel with the group to Bosnia and Herzegovina as moral support, along with fellow injury cases Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Guglielmo Vicario.
However, he had to remain in Rome for a scheduled medical test with Lazio staff, and it provided some positive news.
According to Portuguese website A Bola, the midfielder has made up his mind and will not sign a new contract when the current deal expires on June 30.
He will then celebrate his 32nd birthday in August, so is still in good shape and able to play on for many more years.
Bernardo Silva has no shortage of options
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
After a career at Benfica, AS Monaco and since 2017 at Manchester City, Bernardo Silva is eager to experience a different league.
The Bianconeri are said to be proposing a salary worth up to €8m per season.
Although that is nothing compared to the wages on offer from the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer, it is reported that Bernardo Silva would much prefer to remain in Europe.
Benfica and Galatasaray are also contenders, but the battle would largely seem to be behind Barcelona and Juventus.
Gennaro Gattuso assures Italy ‘see no difference between Wales and Bosnia’ with high praise for ‘good friend’ Edin Dzeko, as he sees some poker mind games for the World Cup play-off.
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time and a winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.
Their original plan had been to fly in earlier, but the state of the pitch amid rain and snow prompted them to have today’s training session in Italy instead, not arriving in Zenica until this evening.
Gattuso not underestimating Bosnia
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Personally, I feel the tingle of tension, there’s nothing better than that. If you don’t feel it, then you have to hang your boots up, or as a coach just go home. We know there is a lot at stake, we’re well aware that Italy have not participated in the last two World Cups, but we also must reserve all that energy for the pitch tomorrow and not waste it beforehand.”
Gattuso was already part of the 2006 squad that won the World Cup and had an entire nation celebrating, so now he can provide a different type of gift to the country by qualifying as a coach.
“I do feel great responsibility from the first day I took the Nazionale job, but I cannot think about what happens if there’s something positive or negative. I have to look into my players’ eyes and give them confidence. That’s not because I want to gift them something, but because I believe we can achieve this target.
“In the last seven months, the team has improved a great deal. We might not be particularly pretty, but that’s fine. Our history says that with mentality, hunger, and the ability to suffer through difficulty, so many of us were able to achieve amazing and entirely unexpected things wearing this shirt. So that is something we cannot do without.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, issues instructions during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It is widely reported that Gattuso is not planning on making any changes to the starting XI that played against Northern Ireland, despite calls for Francesco Pio Esposito and Marco Palestra to step in for Mateo Retegui and Matteo Politano.
That was a slog until Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock, then he provided the assist for Moise Kean to make it 2-0.
“I was speaking to my staff and we knew there could be difficulties. I say thank goodness Northern Ireland tried to pass it around more, because if they had just done the usual and pumped balls into the box, we could’ve struggled more,” replied Gattuso.
“Tomorrow will be a different type of game, as Bosnia have two very fast wingers with quality, two strikers who move very well to reach balls pulled back from the by-line. We need to have courage on the ball, because Bosnia are a real team who know what they want to do.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“I know Sergej is a great poker player, so I don’t believe this is a team that wants to park the bus. They have a lot of quality and respect their opponents, so we need to do the same.
“Despite what happened the other day, we know the truth of the matter is there isn’t a difference between Wales and Bosnia. That controversy emerged, Federico did very well to comment, but it’s honestly not a cliché to admit this is a tough match and we respect them.”
This was in reference to the clip showing Federico Dimarco, Guglielmo Vicario and other Italy players celebrating when Bosnia beat Wales on penalties, suggesting they preferred not to go to Cardiff for the play-off final.
“I am glad you asked me this question,” replied Gattuso.
“I made many mistakes in life, but when it comes to football, I rarely get it wrong. I was talking to Dzeko for two months last year when I was at Hajduk Split and wanted to sign him from Fenerbahce, but the club didn’t have the resources to agree a deal.
“An incredible rapport still developed, he is light years ahead of so many as a professional, so it’s no fluke that he still gets the ball in the net at age 40 and says things that are not to be taken for granted.
“It’s proof that he is a great champion, a great man, and I am not surprised by any of that. We’ve formed a strong friendship, and I compliment him as a player and a person.”
Finally, does Gattuso have a message for the Italian fans back home?
“I saw that there were 10 million television viewers when we played Northern Ireland, and going around Italy the last few months, I know it’s up to us to give them that joy.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma admits ‘there’s no point saying we don’t feel the tension’ as Italy prepare for the World Cup play-off final with Bosnia. ‘We mustn’t repeat the mistakes against Northern Ireland.’
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time and a winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – SEPTEMBER 08: Sandro Tonali of Italy looks on during a Italy training session at Bozsik Stadion on September 08, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Bosnia also played that day, needing extra time and a penalty shoot-out to get the better of Wales in Cardiff following a 1-1 draw.
Donnarumma confession as Italy fired up
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli, Federico Gatti and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy interact after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We are human beings, there’s no point saying we don’t feel the tension, we all want to do well and go to the World Cup, but it’s the right kind of tension,” assured Donnarumma on Sky Sport Italia.
“We’re ready, we need to do what we prepared in training, focus on what we are capable of, and the rest will come as a consequence.”
The pressure is palpable in the Azzurri camp, as they lost the World Cup play-offs for the tournaments in both 2018 and 2022.
They had been the favourites in both those ties, losing to Sweden and North Macedonia.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Everything adds up to valuable experience. We are a young squad, it’s only natural there is some anxiety and the adrenaline is racing, but that’s part of the sport,” added Manchester City goalkeeper Donnarumma.
“Tomorrow is a very important match we need to approach in the right way. We mustn’t repeat the mistakes we made in the first half against Northern Ireland.
“The team is ready and fired up to put in a great performance so we can achieve this target.”
Donnarumma is the captain of the Azzurri squad, as he is the player with by far the most senior caps, despite being still relatively young.
“I am truly proud of everything I’ve done so far with the Nazionale. There has been joy and pain, I missed out on two World Cups, and we want to bring Italy back where it deserves to be.
“Only we know how much we suffered at not getting to the World Cup, so we need to learn from that ugly experience and put it all onto the pitch tomorrow. We want to bring joy to all Italians, but also to ourselves, because I feel we deserve it for all that we’ve been doing.”
Giovanni Di Lorenzo is injured, but he has joined Guglielmo Vicario in flying to Zenica with their Italy teammates for the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time and a winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.
Italy players stick together in crucial play-off
Guglielmo Vicario’s Instagram story on March 23, 2026.
Vicario was spotted in the stands and stayed at the training camp with his teammates for the semi-final 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland last week, despite undergoing surgery only a few days ago.
The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper wanted to be involved in the process of earning a spot at the 2026 World Cup, and he isn’t the only one.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football and is eager to join the Rossoneri.
He hopes to help the move go through by giving up his 30 per cent stake in the deal, but even then, President Osmar Stabile blocked the transfer when a €17m move had been seemingly agreed.
André a firm target for Milan
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 13: Andre of Corinthians competes for the ball with Julio Fidelis of Fluminense during the match between Fluminense and Corinthians as part of Brasileirao 2025 at Maracana Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
That was a few weeks ago, and according to ESPN Brasil, Milan came back with a new and improved bid now worth €22m including add-ons.
That is represented by €18m plus another €4m in bonuses.
It remains to be seen if that will be sufficient, but the player is under contract with Corinthians until December 2029.
Since he was promoted to the senior squad, he has contributed four goals in 28 competitive games.
There is competition from other clubs for André, including Atletico Madrid, who see him as an alternative to Atalanta’s Ederson.
The Italian media is warning Gennaro Gattuso and his Italy players that while Bosnia do have strengths, the biggest thing they have to fear in the World Cup play-off is fear itself.
Having struggled to see off Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final, the Azzurri go head-to-head with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday evening for a place in the 2026 World Cup.
The tension is palpable, as is perhaps inevitable for a nation that missed out on the World Cup in both 2018 and 2022 by losing these play-offs.
Anxiety is Italy’s worst enemy
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This double-edged sword is something the Gazzetta dello Sport warns about in its opinion page, where Sebastiano Vernazza notes “the primary enemy is anxiety.”
In this situation, and having been spotted celebrating the Bosnian victory over Wales in a penalty shoot-out, the biggest risk is that the Nazionale are under-estimating their rivals.
On the other hand, that can go too far the other way and create a sense of panic within the group that hinders their performance.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli, Federico Gatti and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy interact after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
To quote Franklin D Roosevelt, the only thing Italy “have to fear is fear itself. Nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” The Nazionale are scared of their own shadow, which takes the form of two consecutive World Cup play-off failures.
When taking on Bosnia, the Gazzetta warns “it’d be a mistake to underestimate them and a mistake to overestimate them, to believe they are the most difficult of obstacles.” The risk is that too much focus on the pressure will just add more of it to a team already struggling with the weight of a nation’s expectations.
There is going to be a fiery atmosphere in Zenica, but no less than they would’ve faced in Cardiff. Wales are 35th in the FIFA world ranking, compared to Bosnia in 71st place, remarkably two places lower than Northern Ireland.
The pitch is going to be a mess and there are reports of more snow, which could make losing the ball cheaply to spark a counter-attack very likely indeed. “But the rest is the terror of not making it for a third time in a row, so anxiety will be the most insidious opponent.”
The Brazilian was forced to leave the training session early on Saturday after feeling pain in his right thigh, and there were fears of a strain.
Dodo still a doubt for this weekend
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos known as Dodo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 11, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Juventus had already been linked with Raphael Guerreiro for January, and it’s now confirmed he will be a free agent when his Bayern Munich contract expires on June 30.
The Portugal international left-back joined Bayern Munich for free from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and his current deal only runs to the end of the season.
This afternoon there was a formal announcement on the Bayern Munich website confirming that the club and player have mutually agreed not to extend his contract.
Juventus target Guerreiro will leave Bayern Munich
WIESBADEN, GERMANY – AUGUST 27: Raphael Guerreiro of Bayern Munich during the DFB Cup match between SV Wehen Wiesbaden and FC Bayern München at BRITA-Arena on August 27, 2025 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
“We could always rely on Rapha on the pitch, and he is one of those characters who enriches any dressing room. Our discussions with him were constructive and based on trust and mutual understanding.
“We are now focusing, alongside him, on our goals for the rest of the season – there’s still a lot we want to achieve together.”
Guerreiro has so far made 89 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists.
Although primarily a full-back, he can also play in central midfield.
Juventus had already been linked with a possible swoop for the 32-year-old in January, where he would effectively replace Filip Kostic, another player who will be a free agent in July.
Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini took the unusual step of announcing his starting XI ahead of tomorrow’s European qualifier in Sweden. ‘We are making just one change.’
CREMONA – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy reacts during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“The only change we’ll make is bringing in Seydou Fini, because Luigi Cherubini has a slight back ache, but will be available off the bench,” said the coach in his press conference.
“We can’t kid around with Sweden, who are physically strong, and we’ve got to make sure that we press them back, not the other way around.
“To achieve that, we need a high tempo, intensity, and be sure to win it back quickly when we lose the ball. I think Sweden will be set out in a 4-4-2 in possession, and a 4-3-1-2 off the ball, alternating with the 3-4-3 option.”
The Italy Under-21 side won all its games in the European Championship qualifiers, except for the 2-1 in Poland when down to 10 men.
As Poland have a 100 per cent record, that is the difference between the two teams so far going for top spot in the group.
EMPOLI – MARCH 26: Luca Lipani of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“The lads understood they need to be a team, to have a clear idea of the approach and how to develop it. They’ve improved so much since I first saw them in September, also thanks to more playing time for their respective clubs.
“They must improve every day with what they do in training, remembering it is only thanks to good performances that you can achieve victories. Everyone tracks back to help, starting with the strikers.
“This also helps create the spaces for attacks from midfield, which is why so many of them have been on target.”
When Italy beat North Macedonia 4-0 last week, the goals came from Cher Ndour, Luca Lipani, Jeff Ekhator and Fini.
A bizarre row has erupted around Milan’s deal to sign Andrej Kostic for up to €8m including add-ons, as Partizan Belgrade directors publicly argue over the agreement.
“I wish to tell the Partizan fans, and the whole sporting world, that I am clearly and completely distancing myself from this decision.
“I confirm that I have not been consulted in any way regarding the Andrej Kostic transfer to Milan, and have never even seen the Milan offer.
“I underline that if I had been involved in the decision-making process, I would’ve made very clear to all the members of the Board that I am totally against accepting such an insultingly low offer.
“Is this how the club intends to operate in future, selling its most promising players practically for free? You made this decision despite the rest of the Board knowing that in recent months I had intense talks with representatives of various clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, that I told them all our players have big release clauses.
“I believe this sale has set a dangerous precedent, which will have an extremely negative impact on the perceived value of our players on the transfer market.”
Partizan Belgrade’s other directors released their own statement in a newsletter, insisting that on Wednesday night they will give a clear and detailed response to all the accusations.
Tottenham fans are urging their club to boycott Roberto De Zerbi over comments he made about Mason Greenwood at Olympique Marseille, but the translation and context are worth looking at.
Not only is he resistant to accepting a role so close to the end of the season and with Premier League relegation a very real possibility, but he is also facing pushback from a group of Spurs supporters.
The Proud Lilywhites group released a statement condemning his possible hiring, noting “when someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation, but in what it signals.”
De Zerbi criticised by some Tottenham fans
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Robert De Zerbi, Head Coach of Olympique de Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The comments that De Zerbi made were in November 2025 during a press conference ahead of the Champions League match between Marseille and Newcastle United.
Many of the versions published were translated from Italian to French and then to English, so it is important to go back and see precisely what De Zerbi said.
The question from the British media was: “This is the first time Mason Greenwood has played against an English team since he moved away from England and we don’t see much of him in the UK. Can you give us an idea how his life is developing, how are things for him off the pitch since he moved?”
His response therefore needs to take that question into account.
BRADFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 3: Roberto De Zerbi manager of Olympique Marseille during the pre-season friendly match between Sunderland and Olympique Marseille at University of Bradford Stadium on August 3, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
“I don’t want to get involved in anyone’s private life, I don’t even get into the private lives of my children, because I want to give everyone their freedom,” De Zerbi said in the press conference.
“All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad, he paid in a strong way for what happened, and he has probably here found the right environment for him, which gave him affection, and held out its hand to him.
“He has behaved well since being here. He has an introverted, rather closed character, but I met his family and they are good people.
“When I look at him as a person, I don’t see… I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details. Because the person I know here is very different to the one that has been described, especially in England.”
Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape, assault, sexual assault and threats to kill.
The charges were dropped in April 2022 when the accuser requested police drop the investigation.
He got back together with the same partner and they had a child in July 2023.
Marcus Thuram has been struggling with Inter, but above all in the France shirt, so scoring his first goal for Les Bleus since 2023 could be a turning point.
The striker had only two goals at senior international level for France, failing to find the net for his country since the 14-0 victory over Gibraltar in November 2023.
That was followed by 17 consecutive matches without being on target, but that drought came to an end this evening.
Thuram finally finds net for France
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazioale celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Thuram scored the second goal to put France 2-0 up against Colombia in a friendly warming up for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
It had looked for a while as if there wasn’t any hope of a new agreement, but after his return to the field after four months out injured, the two parties got back to the negotiating table.
Vlahovic talks have stalled
VILLARREAL, SPAIN – OCTOBER 01: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Villarreal CF and Juventus at Estadio de la Ceramica on October 01, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
The issues are not just the salary, which would need to be a significant drop from the current €12m per season including bonuses.
Another concern is the commission that his agent Darko Ristic would receive, along with the bonuses for signing an extension.
If there is no agreement, then Vlahovic has no shortage of other clubs interested in pouncing on the Serbia international as a free agent.
Milan would keep him in Serie A and reunite with former Juventus coach Max Allegri, while Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on the situation.
Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac had limped off against Wales, but will reportedly be ready to start for Bosnia against Italy in Tuesday’s World Cup play-off.
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday March 31 at 19.45 UK time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina held Wales to a 1-1 draw on Thursday in Cardiff, eventually winning a penalty shoot-out after extra time.
Bosnia boosted by Kolasinac recovery
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta celebrates victory following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kolasinac picked up an injury an hour into that game and was therefore in doubt for the play-off final against Italy.
It means that coach Sergej Barbarez will have a full squad at his disposal going into that encounter with Italy.
Kolasinac is one of the Bosnia and Herzegovina players who are currently plying their trade in Serie A at club level, as he joined Atalanta from Olympique Marseille in 2023.
Others in the group include Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic and former Fiorentina striker Edin Dzeko.
San Marino faced Bosnia and Herzegovina recently, so coach Roberto Cevoli has a warning for Italy ahead of the World Cup play-off. ‘They are slow and predictable.’
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli, Federico Gatti and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy interact after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Azzurri struggled to get the better of Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final, while Bosnia needed extra time and penalties to eliminate Wales in Cardiff after a 1-1 draw on Thursday.
There is some advice from Italian coach Cevoli, whose San Marino visited Bosnia in June 2025 and lost 1-0 during the World Cup qualifying group stage.
They were eventually beaten by an Edin Dzeko strike at the 66th minute.
Italy getting ready for Bosnia
UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, sings the Italian national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It’s a small stadium, falling apart at the seams. However, the stands are very close to the pitch and you can really feel the fans.”
Although San Marino eventually lost, their coach believes Bosnia won’t manage to stop Italy.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Matteo Politano of Italy is challenged by Brodie Spencer of Northern Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We were still at 0-0 until 25 minutes from the end, Dzeko was on the bench wearing his sneakers, he wasn’t meant to come on, but then the coach changed his mind, and Dzeko ended up scoring the decisive goal.
“We nearly made it 1-1 at the last minute on the counter-attack. The whole stadium celebrated our mistake, but they were scared. They assumed they’d win easily at home to San Marino, but instead they ran a big risk.
“Bosnia are very slow in their movement, which is a positive for the Azzurri. We pressed them high in Zenica and doubled up on whoever had the ball.
“They are rather predictable, and don’t have anyone particularly fast, but watch out, don’t underestimate the environmental factors.”
Bosnia did learn from that experience, because they crushed San Marino 6-0 the second time in September 2025.
“Dzeko is evergreen and still decisive at age 40, but in that second game I was really impressed by Alajbegovic, who scored his first international goal against us. He runs, dribbles, is two-footed, so Italy have to keep an eye on him.”
Italy legend Marco Tardelli believes Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella is simply tired and gives him the same advice that he received from World Cup winning coach Enzo Bearzot.
He has received support from Calcio icon Tardelli, the man whose scream of celebration was the symbol of the 1982 World Cup triumph.
Tardelli recognises Barella struggle
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Nicolo Barella of Internazionale warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It happened to me too. Physical and emotional fatigue, you never quite know why, but three negative months don’t change an entire career.
“You just need to have patience and remember what Bearzot told me in Argentina.”
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Curtis Jones of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
While Bearzot was the coach who won the 1982 World Cup, he was already in charge for the 1978 tournament in Argentina, when Italy reached what was effectively the semi-final, albeit in an unusual format.
“I will never forget it, in May 1978 I was falling to bits, I couldn’t even manage the easiest things,” explained Tardelli.
“Bearzot substituted me during a friendly before the World Cup in Argentina. I was so depressed, told him I understood if he no longer had faith in me, so he should leave me out.
“Instead, he replied straight away: ‘Marco, don’t talk rubbish. If you can’t manage anything else, then pass it to your teammate.’ What he meant was, just do the simple things, don’t try to over-do it.
“It all went well, that team was perhaps better than the one that took the World Cup in 1982.”
ROME, ITALY – JUNE 17: The Italian former player ‘Azzurri Legends’ Marco Tardelli attends a interview during ‘Casa Azzurri’ at pratibus district on June 17, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Tardelli has more advice for Barella, a player who has often been compared to the Nazionale legend.
“If I was Inter, I’d give him a month of just pure vacation. That’s enough to recharge the batteries.”
Italy still need to get into the 2026 World Cup, via Tuesday’s play-off final with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I am sure we’ll get there, because Bosnia are not as good as Italy,” added Tardelli.
“Even if our team isn’t that strong, I get the feeling we’ll do well. I already felt it in 1982 and in 2006, because when there is pessimism and everything seems to be going against us, that’s when we react.”
The striker is still going strong just days after his 40th birthday and scored the goal that took his country to a 1-1 draw with Wales on Thursday, beating them in a penalty shoot-out to set up the World Cup play-off final with Italy.
He spent a lot of his career in Serie A, representing Roma, Inter and Fiorentina before the move to Schalke 04 in January.
However, it could’ve been very different, as confirmed by his old agent Silvano Martina.
When Dzeko nearly joined Juventus
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 18: Daniele De Rossi and Edin Dzeko of AS Roma celebrate the victory after the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on November 18, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It was all done with Fabio Paratici, but then Roma called to say they wouldn’t let him leave, because Arek Milik had failed a medical, so there was no replacement.
“He ended up going to Inter at the end of the season for free instead. Paratici couldn’t wait any longer, so he did a deal for Alvaro Morata instead.”
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – AUGUST 28: Edin Dzeko of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/2026 Play-Off 1st leg match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Polissya Zhytomyr at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on August 28, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Dzeko is expected to start on Tuesday in the showdown for a place at the 2026 World Cup, despite the fatigue of the draw with Wales.
“He is still playing at this age because he is an incredible professional. He always runs so much, over 10km per game. Clearly, he’s lost a bit in terms of pace, but if he gets the right service, he’ll put it into the net. He’ll be particularly fired up for this match.”
Dzeko made 279 appearances in Serie A, scoring 107 goals and providing 50 assists.
He was Serie A Capocannoniere in 2017 with 29 goals, winning two Coppa Italia trophies and two editions of the Supercoppa Italiana, all with Inter.
Italy changed their schedule ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup play-off in Bosnia, but it seems as if Gennaro Gattuso is not inclined to change his starting XI.
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday March 31 at 19.45 UK time.
The Azzurri laboured to a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Thursday’s semi-final in Bergamo, with goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Italy preparing for Bosnia trip
UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, interacts with Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy after the team’s victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
They had been due to fly out on Monday morning, but UEFA asked them to delay that because the pitch in Zenica is so bad that they fear two teams training on it will only cause further damage.
The situation is made worse by the weather conditions, as there has been heavy rain and on Saturday even snow.
UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Federico Dimarco of Italy looks on during the warm up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gattuso’s men therefore remained at the Coverciano camp today and the indications from Sky Sport Italia suggest there will be no changes to the starting XI.
It means Mateo Retegui should again be preferred to Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito, and Matteo Politano chosen ahead of Marco Palestra.
Atalanta forward Gianluca Scamacca took part in training, having missed the semi-final with a muscular issue.
Alessandro Bastoni shook off that knock to his ankle that made him a doubt for the Northern Ireland match.
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The only other possible change mentioned in the media was Bryan Cristante for Manuel Locatelli, who Gattuso had criticised for sitting too deep, but here too it looks as if the same XI is being tested out.
Christian Pulisic admits he has been going through ‘a tough patch’ with both Milan and the USMNT, but ‘a ball will hit off my knee and go in, and then things will change.’
The striker had been on stunning form in 2025, but has not found the net for the Rossoneri at all in this calendar year, adding to an international drought that has been going since 2024.
He suffered another frustrating night when the USA warmed up for their host duties at the World Cup this summer with a 5-2 home defeat at the hands of Belgium.
Pulisic recognises difficult spell
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 08: Referee Maurizio Mariani speaks to Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“For me it’s disappointing,” Pulisic told reporters. “I feel I can do better on one of the chances. I missed that, and then they go and they score, and it changes the game. It’s frustrating for me for sure.”
The chance was when he ballooned over the bar at 1-1, followed moments later by Belgium taking the lead 2-1.
Now the 27-year-old is trying to think positive, despite the difficulties he is encountering in front of goal both at club and international level.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts to a given up late goal during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“It’s been a tough patch, but I feel confident in the way I’m playing,” he insisted.
“I feel good and I’m creating chances. So I just have to stay positive and keep going. But yeah, I have to be more clinical in those moments.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Pulisic hopes that the old adage about goals being like a bottle of ketchup, once the blockage is over and the flow starts, it doesn’t stop, will be true in his case.
All he needs is that little bit of luck that every striker requires at a certain point in their careers.
“I know a ball will hit off my knee and go in, and then things will change. So I’m not going to panic – better now than the summer. Things are going to change.”
He has nonetheless got 10 goals and three assists in 27 official matches for Milan this season, but they all came before New Year’s Day.
Pulisic hasn’t found the net in Serie A since the 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona on December 28.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
So far this season, Carlos Augusto has amassed 37 competitive appearances, with two goals and two assists, but only 20 of them were in the starting XI.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, the Brazilian is frustrated at the lack of playing time and would be open to a situation with greater consistency.
Juventus had already been mentioned in recent weeks, but Roma are emerging as very strong contenders for his signature.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 16: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This is because Gian Piero Gasperini’s style of football would be suited to his talents, and they are likely to lose Zeki Celik as a free agent at the end of the season, sending Kostas Tsimikas back to Liverpool too.
Inter are seeking a player they can include in an exchange to lower the cost of their bid for midfielder Manu Koné, so along with Davide Frattesi, Carlos Augusto could also be involved in that deal.
However, the Corriere dello Sport insists this would be a separate agreement, with Inter requesting €20m for the Brazilian.
Former Italy players Antonio Di Natale and Alberico Evani both encourage Gennaro Gattuso to start Francesco Pio Esposito in the World Cup play-off with Bosnia.
It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday March 31 at 19.45 UK time.
Pio Esposito pushing for Italy start
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There are likely to be changes from the side that beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final, the main one perhaps seeing Esposito preferred to Mateo Retegui.
“The important thing is that Italy go back to the World Cup.”
The 20-year-old has flourished in the Inter senior squad this season with nine goals and six assists in 40 competitive games.
His Italy record is also impressive, finding the net three times in just six senior caps after being a stalwart for the Under-21 team.
“You can tell his potential and despite being very young, he is playing regularly for an important club like Inter without suffering from the pressure,” added Evani in Tuttosport and Tuttomercatoweb.
“He can become a player of the highest level.”
Italy faltered in the World Cup play-offs for 2018 and 2022, so Evani notes the biggest problem for coach Gattuso.
“The first opponent is time, because you just don’t have any. The players arrived on Sunday at the camp after club duty, so on Monday didn’t do any real training, and then had to play on Thursday.
“All you can do in that time is choose the players most suited to your ideas, but it’s not easy to unite results and entertainment. Talent makes the difference in those situations.”
The 28-year-old is under contract with Manchester United until June 2028, but is on loan at Barcelona until the end of the season with a purchase option worth €30m.
He has revitalised his career with 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 competitive appearances for the Blaugrana, but that does not necessarily mean the club will make it a permanent move.
Rashford at a career crossroads
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Manchester United FC at Portman Road on November 24, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
The right-back has been out of action since suffering a knee injury on January 31 and was expected to return after the break for international duty.
Di Lorenzo missed by Napoli
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli on the pitch ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Former Juventus coach Igor Tudor has officially left Tottenham Hotspur after just seven games in charge, meaning he has been dropped by two clubs in one season.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
A formal statement on the Tottenham website confirms this was “mutually agreed” for him to leave, taking goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and Physical Coach Riccardo Ragnacci with him.
He had only taken the job on February 14, overseeing one 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, one draw and five losses in all competition.
Tudor had also been sacked by Juventus on October 27, the natural conclusion to a run of five draws and three consecutive defeats in all competition.
The Croatian spent most of his career in Italy, first as a player with Juventus and Siena from 1998 to 2007, then as a coach with experiences at Udinese, Verona, Lazio and Juve.
We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.
Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.
Former Bologna player Dan Ndoye is open to leaving Nottingham Forest for a return to Serie A for Inter or Napoli. ‘We’ll see what happens at the end of the season.’
However, it didn’t quite go as planned, because although he has 34 competitive appearances for them this term, contributing two goals and two assists, his last Premier League start was in December.
Ndoye wants more playing time
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 10: Dan Ndoye #11 of Switzerland reacts to a play during the second half of the match against the United States at GEODIS Park on June 10, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
“When I get the opportunity to play, I always give my all.”
He also spoke to Sport Mediaset after scoring for Switzerland in a friendly against Germany, and was asked about the reported interest from Inter and Napoli.
“Right now I am focused only on Switzerland and Nottingham Forest, we’ll see what happens at the end of the season, because we don’t know what will happen in future.
“I made a choice to go to England, I’m pretty happy there, but we’ll see at the end of the season.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 27: Dan Ndoye of Bolog Lukasz Skorupski of Bologna celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Bologna and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 27, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
If Italy get through the play-offs against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will face Switzerland in the World Cup group stage.
“I have friends in the Italy side, like Calafiori and Cambiaghi. They are a great team, I watched the match against Northern Ireland.
“I have no preferences between Italy and Bosnia, but seeing Italy at the World Cup is always a positive,” concluded Ndoye.
If Inter do sell Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona, then their primary target to replace him is reportedly Arsenal and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, with a price-tag mentioned.
Multiple sources in Spain and Italy have confirmed that Bastoni is the first choice for Barcelona to reinforce their defence over the summer, and it will require circa €80m to prise him away from San Siro.
It could include a player in part-exchange, making it more likely to go through.
Calafiori candidate for Inter defence
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter are therefore forced to consider replacing the core of their back three, and L’Interista maintain the ideal option is Calafiori.
He turns 24 in May and is an Italy international just like Bastoni, who similarly holds a hybrid role between centre-back and left-back.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Arsenal paid €43.7m plus up to €5m in bonuses to sign Calafiori from Bologna in the summer of 2024, but injury problems and strong competition has seen him make only 29 competitive appearances this season, with just 22 from the start.
According to this report, Arsenal would be prepared to sell the Italian for €50m, so still making a small profit.
Inter would also encourage Calafiori to play in the role he feels most comfortable in rather than as a pure left-back.
This is a very ambitious idea for the Nerazzurri, who generally try to keep costs low, but Bastoni’s sale would generate a huge profit.
AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and SS Lazio, in Rome, Italy, 05 January 2025. EPA-EFE/ETTORE FERRARI
It would be a wrench for him to leave the Stadio Olimpico, as he spent practically his entire career in the Giallorossi jersey, from their youth academy to wearing the captain’s armband, save for a spell at Sassuolo from 2015 to 2017.
Despite not initially being part of new coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans, Pellegrini managed to make 31 competitive appearances this season, scoring six goals with four assists.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 05: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates after the team’s victory in the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on January 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to Retesport, Pellegrini has not lost hope of a new contract with Roma, although it would require a significant cut from his current salary of €4.5m per season plus €2m in bonuses.
If he was to stay, then those wages would be cut down to at most €2.5m per season.
The player does have other alternatives, as Juventus and Inter have both been linked with a swoop for the free agent.
The next couple of months will decide what the budget and plans will be for the Biancocelesti, as their best hope for qualifying for a UEFA competition is via the Coppa Italia.
The first leg of the semi-final against Atalanta ended 2-2, while they are on impressive Serie A form to climb back up the table with three consecutive victories.
Lazio tension behind the scenes
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
However, the problems remain off the field, where Sarri never misses an opportunity to warn he only remained for the fans after being surprised with a transfer embargo in the summer.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Lotito is pulling the purse strings tight again, refusing to even discuss new contracts with the players whose deals expire in June 2027.
That includes Alessio Romagnoli, Mario Gila, Matteo Cancellieri, Danilo Cataldi, Luca Pellegrini, Manuel Lazzari, Ivan Provedel, Patric and Samuel Gigot.
There are also three who will be free agents this summer, and of those only Toma Basic has a chance of potentially agreeing an extension.
Pedro and Elseid Hysaj are all set to leave.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Pedro of SS Lazio celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Roma are increasingly concerned that the injury Wesley sustained on international duty with Brazil could be serious, while Zeki Celik’s condition is more reassuring.
The Giallorossi were already struggling with an injury crisis going into the break for international duty, but with a huge game against leaders Inter coming up, the situation has deteriorated further.
Roma crisis intensifies with Wesley blow
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring their first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
More tests are required for a clearer picture, but the Corriere dello Sport warns the wing-back will certainly miss the Inter clash, and could be out for a while longer too.
There are reports of a lesion to the thigh muscle, which would mean several weeks on the treatment table.
It’d be particularly poor timing, because Wesley risks missing Roma’s big matches against Atalanta and Bologna, which could be decisive for Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, Celik pulled out of Turkiye’s match against Romania, but tests showed no lesions, so he is already back in training ahead of the World Cup play-off final with Kosovo.
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