Aurelio De Laurentiis feels Scott McTominay ‘can be an actor’, while Italy legends such as Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Del Piero are not suited for the role of FIGC President, and reveals that Antonio Conte has requested to conduct the next pre-season behind closed doors.

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

Napoli owner De Laurentiis reveals Conte wants to keep Partenopei fans far from the team during the summer pre-season.

Conte wants Napoli pre-season without fans

“Do you know what Conte told me yesterday? ‘During the next pre-season in July and August, I don’t want fans at the training sessions,” ADL said during an event in Los Angeles, as quoted by Gazzetta.

“In Trentino, we have 70,000 people, Neapolitans, coming from Germany, Lombardy, from everywhere, just to watch the new and the old players train. When we go to Abruzzo, in Castel di Sangro, we have over 250,000 Neapolitans who come just to watch the pre-season friendlies, where we sometimes invite a French, German or English team for a pre-season friendly.”

ADL spoke about his rapport with Conte also during his latest interview with CBS Sports.

“I met him in the Maldives ten years ago. We went swimming together. At that moment, he was winning everything. When I had problems three years ago, I called him, and he said: ‘Aurelio, I’ll come at the end of the season because I prefer to start from zero and don’t come with the season that has already begun.'”

Conte was appointed in 2024 and won the Scudetto in his first season at the Stadio Maradona. Napoli had also won the Scudetto under Luciano Spalletti in 2022-23.

“I was more emotionally involved with the second because I didn’t know until the end. It felt like being in the casino,” ADL revealed.

“We had a lot of fantastic players. Everyone trained for the club and Conte. Conte was screaming all the time, keeping the level very high and advising anyone not to slow down at any point. He’s a big motivator.”

McTominay was the best Serie A player last season.

“Scott is a real Scottish man. He’s like an actor. Very elegant, very serious,” ADL said.

“He’s a friend. He’s a good boy. There’s somebody you don’t have an exchange with. But with him, you can have an exchange. He’s a fantastic guy. He’s done a lot in the last two years. He has a big personality. He can be an actor.”

How does De Laurentiis handle transfer requests from his coaches?

“There are certain coaches who like to share decisions about buying players, and others who leave it to you, which I believe is more appropriate,” he replied.

“For example, with Spalletti, in the second year, I didn’t renew the contracts of six players and went on the market to buy six players, and we won the Scudetto.

“Spalletti only asked me to buy Raspadori, the only acquisition. He didn’t have a huge success at Napoli, but it happens. When the coach makes a request, you try to please him and make him happy, but in reality, you must be organised to understand the market and what you need.”

De Laurentiis has already backed Giovanni Malagò as the ideal candidate for the FIGC Presidency, so when he was asked whether Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Del Piero should lead the Italian Federation, the reply was quite obvious: “For me, it must not be somebody who was a player in the past,” he said.

“He has to be somebody who can speak politically with the Government to obtain what has never been obtained. Politicians only cause problems with football. It’s time to tell them: look, we must be together to solve financial problems and get help for new stadiums. So we need somebody with the credibility to take the phone, call the Prime Minister, and say, ‘Look, we need this,’ and the PM replies, ‘Okay, we’ll make you happy.'”

Bernardo Silva has attracted interest from Juventus, and even Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is waiting on the Portuguese’s decision about his future: ‘I have to be the first to be told.’

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

Guardiola’s latest comments on Bernardo Silva’s future

Bernardo Silva’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Juventus are among the clubs interested in securing his signature as a free agent at the end of the season.

Several sources have claimed that the Manchester City captain has already decided to leave at the end of the season, but no official statement has yet been made by either the club or the player.

“I’m so grumpy with Bernardo Silva because one month ago I said, ‘When you take a decision, I have to be the first to be told,'” Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday via Cityxtra.

“And he didn’t say to me anything yet,” continued the Manchester City boss.

“I said, jokingly, ‘Tell me, I deserve’, but he didn’t tell me! So I don’t know what’s going on.”

Bernardo Silva is the Manchester City captain. He has scored three goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances across all competitions this season.

Barcelona and Benfica are also among the clubs monitoring the Portuguese star, who suggested in a recent interview that he’d consider a move to Southern Europe.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists the club only signed one player he ‘specifically requested,’ while the Donyell Malen deal from Aston Villa ‘was a stroke of luck, something that came together in 24 hours.’

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

Roma coach Gasperini and club advisor Claudio Ranieri expressed differing opinions on Friday, before and after a 3-0 win over Pisa at the Stadio Olimpico.

Ranieri spoke to DAZN before kick-off, saying that every new Roma signing during Gasperini’s tenure was approved by the coach.

Gasperini first commented on Ranieri’s claims during a post-match interview and then added more at a post-match press conference.

Gasperini responds to Ranieri over Roma transfers

“Regarding the transfer market, I left the club free to choose players I didn’t know. Of the ones I specifically requested, only one arrived in the summer,” Gasp said via Gazzetta.

“Then I asked to focus on the forwards, since we had lost Shomurodov and Saelemaekers. Strengthening the attack was the key point. I kept insisting that we needed to raise the level in that area of the pitch. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way, which was part of the reason for some of the problems.

“But I never had any issue with Ranieri. It felt like we shared the same view on that aspect.”

Ranieri even said that three coaches had rejected a proposal from Roma before the club turned to Gasperini last summer.

“That’s normal for clubs. I can only say I’m happy with the choice I made. Right now, I’m focused on one thing only,” said Gasperini.

“There are six matches to play. I don’t need to fix anything within the club. I just have to think about Atalanta, who are a strong team in all its components and have been strengthened by signing five important players. I left a very strong team, and I know its value.”

Roma are level on 57 points with Juventus, one behind fourth-placed Como, but both Azzurri and Bianconeri have a game in hand.

Roma’s next game is against Gasperini’s ex-club Atalanta next Saturday.

“I’ve only pointed out roles, and only occasionally names and only when I was strongly convinced,” concluded Gasperini.

“In every club, I’ve always indicated roles. I don’t do scouting even if I get some tips that help me. The Malen deal was a stroke of luck, something that came together in 24 hours.”

Inter midfielder Piotr Zielinski reveals Lautaro Martinez texted him after the Poland national team lost in the World Cup play-off Final against Sweden: ‘These are the small but big things that change your mindset.’

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

Inter are preparing for a crucial Serie A match against Como on Sunday.

The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point advantage over second-placed Napoli, but will travel to Como without Lautaro Martinez, who has suffered another calf injury.

Zielinski: Inter will ‘do everything to win’ two titles

“Seven matches to do. We’ll do everything to win it [the title]. We’re in great shape,” Zielinski told Corriere dello Sport.

“After the break, between training sessions and the match against Roma, it was immediately clear that something had changed. Everyone came back with the right energy. And those who were coming off a disappointment with their national team put it behind them.”

The Nerazzurri beat Roma 5-2 last week, ending a three-game winless streak. Before their last match, the Inter players had an open conversation inside the dressing room to address their problems.

“These are always valuable moments. We needed to talk things through. We told ourselves that to truly win, we had to shift gears and accelerate,” Zinelinski revealed.

“Disappointments with the national team must turn into extra motivation to win the title. Winning has been our goal since the beginning of our season.”

Lautaro Martinez will miss the next two weeks of action, but remains a key player in the team.

“He’s a leader and an example. A fundamental presence, as well as a key player,” Zielinski said.

“He’s a champion on the pitch and also a special person off it. Right after Poland’s defeat to Sweden, he sent me a message of encouragement to lift me before I returned to Milan. He did the same with the Italian players. These are the small but big things that change your mindset. At that point, you want to give everything for him, for the team and the club.”

The Nerazzurri are also involved in the Coppa Italia semifinal, but were eliminated in the Champions League knockout play-off in February.

“I want to make clear that we didn’t underestimate Bodo/Glimt,” Zielinski argued.

“We all had in mind their wins against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. There was the issue of the pitch in Norway, but we certainly could have done more. In the second leg at San Siro, we were convinced we could come back. Unfortunately, this is part of football. A year ago, we came close to winning almost everything, and in the end, we got nothing. Let’s leave the European disappointment behind us and focus on the two trophies we can and must win.”

Zielinski struggled with playing time under Simone Inzaghi in 2025-26, but has become a regular starter under Cristian Chivu this term.

“I also had a great relationship with Inzaghi. He was one of the people who wanted me here. I’m sorry I couldn’t contribute as much as I wanted. It was still a fantastic season,” said the ex-Napoli star.

“The Champions League Final didn’t go well, but reaching it was unique.

“What I can say about Chivu is that he’s a special person to me. When he arrived, I was still injured. He spoke to me and gave me confidence, making it clear he wanted to count on me. I worked to recover as quickly as possible. He knew my qualities, but he wanted to see them in every training session. I’m happy he’s the Inter coach.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus will reluctantly be forced to listen to offers for Khephren Thuram, Pierre Kalulu and Gleison Bremer if they miss out on Champions League qualification this season.

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

Juventus visit Atalanta on Saturday night in a crucial Serie A match in the race for a Champions League placement.

Three starters potentially leaving Juventus without Champions League football

The Bianconeri have just confirmed Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension until June 2028, but are still fighting for a top-four finish, sitting fifth, one point below Como.

The lack of Champions League football next season would not only affect their transfer budget for new signings but also force the club to sell some of their stars to balance the books.

According to Gazzetta, France international Thuram would be one of the players potentially leaving as the 25-year-old moved to Turin for just €20m two years ago and has a low depreciation cost on the balance sheet.

The same is true of Thuram’s compatriot Kalulu, who has joined Juventus from Milan for €17.3m.

Gazzetta confirms that Juventus would also be forced to listen to offers for Bremer. Back in March, Tuttosport claimed that the Brazilian centre-back has a €60m price tag for next summer.

Juventus have confirmed their squad list for an away game at Atalanta, which includes 18-year-old goalkeeper Riccardo Adrian Radu, while five players are unavailable.

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

Juventus visit Atalanta at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo this evening.

The Bianconeri left for Bergamo on Saturday morning, right after announcing their squad list for the upcoming league game.

As expected, the injured Vasilije Adzic, Mattia Perin, Dusan Vlahovic and Juan Cabal have been ruled out alongside the suspended Weston McKennie.

The American midfielder, one of the best Juventus players under Luciano Spalletti, was on a yellow card last week, when he was booked during the first half of a home game against Genoa.

During the same match, Mattia Perin and Dusan Vlahovic suffered muscle injuries. The latter is expected to remain out of action for at least three weeks.

With Perin unavailable, goalkeepers Michele Di Gregorio and Carlo Pinsoglio are joined by 18-year-old Radu, who plays for the Bianconeri’s Primavera team and has been called up to the senior team for the first time.

Official: Juventus squad list for Atalanta clash

I convocati di mister Luciano Spalletti per la trasferta di Bergamo #AtalantaJuve

Powered by @WhiteBit pic.twitter.com/6ImTHDH1fR

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) April 11, 2026

In partenza #AtalantaJuve pic.twitter.com/B6zVifLvex

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) April 11, 2026

Milan’s transfer strategy will largely hinge on whether the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League, and not only because of financial reasons.

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

Latest Milan transfer news

Milan have lost two of their last five league games, seeing their advantage over fifth place reduced to six points.

The Rossoneri return to action later today against Udinese at San Siro and have been warned by their coach, Massimiliano Allegri, not to let themselves be overwhelmed by negative events, to avoid “a disaster” in the final seven games of the campaign.

Qualification for the Champions League would provide Milan with a financial boost of €60m-€70m. However, as Gazzetta highlights, the importance of returning to Europe’s elite competition goes beyond just money.

The pink paper suggests that USMNT star Christian Pulisic would likely leave San Siro if Milan fail to finish in the top four and that even Luka Modric’s future would be uncertain.

Pulisic’s contract expires in June 2027, but Milan have an option to extend for a further campaign, while Modric’s deal runs out at the end of the season.

Without Champions League football, the Rossoneri would naturally be less appealing to some free agents they are targeting for next season, including Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona).

The Italian newspaper reiterates that the latter wants to remain in Europe beyond the summer, but qualification for the Champions League is a must for any suitor.

Gazzetta reports that the Champions League budget would help Milan sign both a centre-forward and a centre-back, who are seen as the club’s priorities on the market for 2026-27.

If Milan were to qualify for the Europa League rather than the Champions League, the club management would still need to add depth to the team.

If no big player is sold to balance the books, then the Diavoli could be forced to listen to offers for Davide Bartesaghi, a product of the Milan academy, whose departure would provide the club with a substantial capital gain.

Inter talent Francesco Pio Esposito felt ‘crushed’ after missing a penalty kick for Italy in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina and opens up about his off-the-field activities: ‘I’ve been working with a sports psychologist, and I’ve started an English course.’

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

Pio Esposito breaks silence on Italy’s penalty miss

Italy international Pio Esposito spoke for the first time about the Azzurri’s World Cup play-off elimination in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

The 20-year-old was the first one to show up from the spot in the penalty shootout, but sent his shot over the crossbar.

“I struggled to process the disappointment right away. I was staring at a fixed point and couldn’t understand what had happened. I felt crushed,” he said.

“The first thought was that I had let down my teammates, the people at home, friends and family. I’ll take penalties again, I’ll score some and miss some. That day, I was convinced I’d take the responsibility of going first. I felt confident, but then it went badly.

“I saw a team that gave everything, for the most part, down to ten men, creating several chances,” he continued.

“It wasn’t enough, and it’s not enough. Italy has the obligation to qualify for the World Cup, and we have to take responsibility.”

Pio Esposito, a product of the Inter academy, has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this season, his first one in Serie A.

He has reunited with Cristian Chivu, one of his former coaches in the Nerazzurri youth sector and is working on his development, both on and off the pitch.

“For a few months now, I’ve been working with a sports psychologist,” said Pio Esposito.

“I open up, and he gives me practical advice. He helps me a lot, and I enjoy going deeper.

“After matches, I don’t sleep at all because of the adrenaline. I stay with the people I care about, I don’t play PlayStation, and now I’ve started an English course. I want to improve it.”

The Nerazzurri beat Roma 5-2 on Sunday and are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over Napoli.

However, their captain and best scorer, Lautaro Martinez, has suffered another muscular injury and is expected to miss two weeks of action.

“We needed a convincing performance like that [against Roma], in addition to the win. There’s optimism, and we fully believe in it,” Pio concluded.

“Lautaro is very complete, but what excites you is his passion and hunger. Even in training, he plays as if it were a World Cup Final.”

Jonathan David is expected to start as a sole striker in Juventus’ away Serie A game against Giacomo Raspadori’s Atalanta.

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

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.

Italy international and Atalanta striker Gialuca Scamacca trained with his teammates on Friday, but is not fit to start, so coach Raffaele Palladino is expected to pick Charles De Ketelaere and Raspadori up front.

There’s a doubt in defence on whether Honest Ahanor or Sead Kolasinac will start, while Isak Hien is injured.

Juventus are expected to switch to a three-man defence, with Emil Holm returning to the starting XI after over a month on the sidelines.

Italian sources, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport, claim that David is the favourite to start as the Old Lady’s lone striker, with Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceiçao deployed as attacking midfielders.

Vasilije Adzic, Mattia Perin, Dusan Vlahovic and Juan Cabal are injured for the Bianconeri, and Weston McKennie is serving a one-game ban.

Atalanta vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV

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

Atalanta vs. Juventus – probable line-ups

Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Ahanor; Bellanova, de Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Raspadori.

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; Holm, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yıldız; David

Massimiliano Allegri will switch to a four-man defence for a home Serie A match against Udinese, with Christian Pulisic playing as a left winger and Rafael Leao as a centre-forward.

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

It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Meazza in Milan.

Cheveyo Balentien is injured for Milan, Matteo Gabbia is available for selection, but starting on the bench. Udinese must cope without Alessandro Zanoli and Jordan Zemura.

Multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia, Gazzetta and Tuttosport, claim that Milan coach Allegri will switch to a four-man defence with Koni De Winter and Strahinja Pavlović starting as central defenders and Zachary Athekame as a right-back.

Samuele Ricci is favourite over Youssouf Fofana in the middle of the park, while Alexis Saelemaekers, Pulisic and Leao will form the attacking trident.

Udinese are not expected to make changes to the XI that secured a 0-0 draw against Como last week, except for Keinan Davis, who returns from a one-game ban.

Milan vs. Udinese – where to watch on TV

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

Milan vs. Udinese – probable line-ups

Milan (4-3-3): Maignan; Athekame, De Winter, Pavlovic, Bartesaghi; Ricci, Modric, Rabiot; Saelemaekers, Leao, Pulisic.

Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Ehizibue, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo; Davis.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Ranieri-Gasp clash

Roma beat Pisa 3-0, Malen’s hat-trick, but the clash between the directors and the coach takes centre stage.

Claudio: ‘All signings were agreed, three coaches said no.’

The Scudetto gets broken

Lautaro injured again: obstacles for the title

Inter and Napoli have skipped 299 games due to injuries. Chivu tomorrow in Como asks for the push for senators Barella, Calha and Thuram.

De Laurentiis: ‘Conte doesn’t want fans in training retreats.’

Milan, Leao on the brink: back in the XI with the Devil at stake

Juve: Spalletti signs, there’s also a bonus if he wins the title.

Corriere dello Sport

Exclusive Zielinski: ‘Chivu has understood me.’

‘He’s a special person. Inzaghi? Nothing against him. Scudetto and Coppa Italia: how Inter want to forget about the Champions. Before Roma, we gathered to change gears. I love Napoli, but now I win here.’

Six goals and three assists: Piotr’s reborn

Lautaro, soleus injury: he’ll miss Como tomorrow

Ranieri-Gasp, the rift

Malen hat-trick: 3-0 to Pisa. Claudio, blows for the coach

‘All signings were agreed-upon. I’m ready to step down.’

‘Nobody has arrived without his approval. He was given a team that came close to the Champions League last season. Three coaches refused to come before him. Easy to talk about Malen and Wesley. I love this club, and I am the guarantor of nobody.’ Gian Piero: ‘We’ll meet soon, but no disagreements between us.’

Juve, an exam worth 60m

Champions League race: Spalletti excites the group after the renewal: ‘The pitch says who we are.’

Allegri disciplines Milan

‘Difficult days after Napoli, but if we let ourselves be overwhelmed by events, a disaster happens.’

Tuttosport

Spalletti has earned the renewal; now it’s the players’ turn

Deserve Juve

Tonight in Bergamo with Atalanta for the Champions League push

Renewal official until 2028 for Lucio, who now asks for answers to build a winning future: ‘We have nice challenges and responsibilities ahead. I want a team that fights and hear the ball sing.’ Di Gregorio confirmed in goal, David favourite over Boga up front.

D’Aversa: ‘I work to stay at Toro’

The coach: ‘I’d like to open talks over a new contract, I can only make it through results. Vlasic, Simeone, Adams. Who has three players like them?’

Baldini is the June coach, waiting for Conte

The U21 coach will serve as caretaker manager for the end-of-season tests. Then the pact between Serie A and Malagò can favour the big return.

What a Malen! Ranieri-Gasp, high tension

4-3-3 with Leao: Champions formula

Allegri prepares an attacking breakthrough and replies to Cassano: ‘Am I the ruin of Italian football? It’s a compliment.’

Ahi Inter! Lautaro stops again

More problems in his calf: without the captain, performances drop. Muharemovic says yes to the Nerazzurri.

West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio jokes that Roberto De Zerbi should have joined Tottenham by swimming ‘across the English Channel’ given that Spurs spend €250m every year.’

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

Former Italian striker Di Canio released an interview with Corriere della Sera, during which he also discussed De Zerbi’s recent appointment as Tottenham’s head coach.

The Italian tactician, a former Sassuolo, Brighton and Marseille manager, was initially reluctant to take the Spurs job before the start of the 2026-27 season, but was ultimately persuaded to sign a long-term contract in North London.

Di Canio: De Zerbi ‘can do well’ at Tottenham

Di Canio surely believes his compatriot was right to accept the club’s offer despite their involvement in the Premier League relegation race.

“Absolutely! He should have swum across the English Channel,” Di Canio said.

“After yet another turbulent dismissal, he’s gone to a club that spends €250m per year. He said he’ll stay even if we’re relegated to the Championship, and I believe him. He’s demanding and good at creating a sense of team spirit. He can do well.”

De Zerbi had left Marseille by mutual agreement in February and signed a five-year contract with Tottenham at the end of March.

During the same interview, Di Canio also spoke about the state of Italian football, arguing that Antonio Conte is the ideal candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso, even more suitable than Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Luciano Spalletti has extended his contract with Juventus until 2028, and La Gazzetta dello Sport names 11 top targets for the Tuscan tactician, including Premier League stars Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali.

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

Juventus confirmed Spalletti’s contract extension until 2028 on Friday.

Latest Juventus transfer news: the top targets

The Serie A giants have decided to continue with the Tuscan tactician before even knowing which European competition they’ll be playing next season.

Currently, the Bianconeri are one point below fourth-placed Como.

Multiple sources claim that Spalletti will have an input in picking new summer signings, and Gazzetta lists 11 top targets for the Tuscan tactician, including Tonali (Newcastle) and Calafiori (Arsenal).

Gazzetta highlights that Juventus are planning to build a strong core of Italian players, so they’ll naturally look to two of the most talented domestic footballers playing abroad.

Both Calafiori and Tonali, however, have hefty price tags, and only their possible desire to return to Serie A could help Juventus lower Arsenal’s and Newcastle’s demands.

Liverpool’s Alisson is reported to be Spalletti’s favourite target in goal. Alisson already played under Spalletti at Roma.

Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Zeki Celik (Roma), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) are free agents targeted by Juventus, but despite the interest in the Barcelona star, Randal Kolo Muani remains their main target in attack for next summer.

Gazzetta also mentions Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka and Al-Hilal forward Darwin Nunez among the players monitored by Juventus ahead of the summer transfer window, noting that the Bianconeri’s transfer budget will largely depend on whether they qualify for the Champions League.

Bologna and Fiorentina’s defeats in their latest European matches have left Italy fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, making it practically impossible for Serie A to earn an extra Champions League spot for 2026-27.

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

Bologna and Fiorentina, the only two Serie A representatives left in European competitions this season, suffered heavy defeats on Thursday, practically ending Italy’s hopes of finishing in the top two of the UEFA coefficient ranking.

Bologna suffered a 3-1 home loss against Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-finals, while Fiorentina lost 3-0 away at Crystal Palace in the same stage of the Conference League.

Bologna had previously eliminated Roma from the Europa League Round of 16, while Atalanta were the Serie A team making the longest way in the Champions League this season, facing elimination in the Round of 16 against Bayern Munich.

Serie A teams have been particularly disappointing in Europe’s elite competition this term, with Napoli knocked out in the league phase and Inter and Juventus eliminated in the knockout play-off.

England have already secured an extra Champions League spot for next season, and Spain are the favourites for the second and last place available, sitting second in the standings with six teams remaining in European competitions.

UEFA Coefficient ranking: top 6

England 25.569 points (5/9 teams)

Spain 20.906 (6/8)

Germany 20.285 (3/7)

Portugal 19.300 (3/5)

Italy 18.714 (2/7)

France 16.678 (2/7)

Former striker Paolo Di Canio argues that Italy need Antonio Conte even more than Pep Guardiola, says Sandro Tonali would be a perfect fit for Inter, and warns: ‘We are getting used to mediocrity.’

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

Ex-Italian striker Di Canio discussed the state of Italian football in an interview with Corriere della Sera, delivering a blunt and uncompromising critique.

Di Canio: Italy ‘getting used to mediocrity’

“We’re getting used to mediocrity,” said the ex-West Ham star.

“We get outraged, and then two or three days later we go back to talking about Italian players as if they were the best in the world.”

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has resigned alongside FIGC President Gabriele Gravina in the wake of the World Cup play-off Final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy U21 boss Silvio Baldini will take charge of the Azzurri for the June friendlies, with a new coach set to take over after the election of the new FIGC President on June 22.

Some Italian pundits, including ex-Italian defender Daniele Adani, have claimed that the FIGC should try to hire Guardiola, but Di Canio disagreed: “We need someone like Conte, who already knows what we are talking about,” he said.

Di Canio went on to say that issues with Italian football do not only lie on the pitch: “To begin with, we in the media are not doing our job properly,” he argued.

“Many are obsessed with self-promotion and comment to end up on social media, forgetting that we’re gasping at the bottom.”

Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma, a Euro 2020 winner, left Milan on a free transfer nearly five years ago to join PSG. Last summer, he signed for Manchester City.

“It’s about money, plain and simple. Legitimate, of course, and I don’t criticise him,” said Di Canio.

“In Italy, he would have had to halve his salary to play for a non-competitive team. For me, he’s very, very strong, but sometimes he makes mistakes like an average player, mistakes Buffon made once every three years. At certain clubs, one blunder in the wrong match cancels out ten miracles.”

There are plenty of rumours linking Tonali with a move away from Newcastle this season. Which Serie A team would suit him better?

“Inter, who already have a true playmaker,” Di Canio replied.

“He’s by far our best outfield player, but where does he play? In the tenth-placed team in the English league.”

Lastly, the ex-Juventus, Milan and Lazio striker spoke about Federico Chiesa’s lack of playing time at Liverpool and how that reflects the difference between Serie A and the Premier League: “If he came back to Italy, it would take a couple of sprints, and we’d be saying: ‘My God, why wasn’t he playing at Liverpool?’ Simple, because the Premier League is like the NBA, and we are Italian basketball. Malen at Aston Villa was the third backup; at Roma, he looks like an alien. Lautaro scores against Pisa and Lecce, and I hear people say he’s like Kane; 49 goals across all competitions. How can you even say that?”

Italy will play June friendlies away from home, visiting Luxembourg and Greece on June 3 and 7, respectively.

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

Italy games in June 2026: official times and dates

The Italian Football Association has confirmed the dates and times for Italy’s next two friendly games in June.

Italy will play Luxembourg at the Stade de Luxembourg on June 3 at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) and Greece at the Pankritio Stadium in Candia on June 7 at the same time.

The Azzurri will be led by Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini for the next two matches, given that a permanent replacement for Gennaro Gattuso will only be named after the FIGC President election on June 22.

Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina have resigned in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off Final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which caused the Azzurri’s third consecutive exclusion from the World Cup.

The actual replacement for Gattuso will make his debut on the Azzurri bench in September 2026, facing Belgium at home on Friday, 25, in the opening match of the Nations League.

The second game of the September break will be away in Turkey on Monday 28.

Inter confirm Lautaro Martinez has picked up a ‘muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg’, and, according to reports in Italy, the Argentine will be forced to the sidelines for two weeks.

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

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez has suffered a new injury that will sideline him for two weeks.

New Lautaro Martinez injury: official Inter statement

The Nerazzurri confirmed the Argentine’s injury in an official statement on Friday: “Lautaro Martinez underwent clinical and instrumental examinations today at the Humanitas Institute in Rozzano,” the Serie A table leaders said.

“The tests revealed a mild muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg. The Argentine striker’s condition will be reassessed in the coming days.”

According to Sky Sport Italia, Lautaro will remain out of action for at least two weeks.

The Nerazzurri captain returned to action on Sunday after over a month, scoring two goals in a 5-2 win over Roma.

During Lautaro Martinez’s time on the treatment table due to another muscle problem, the Nerazzurri won two of seven games, drew three, and lost twice.

Inter are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli and seven rounds remaining.

Their next match is on Sunday, April 12, away against Cesc Fabregas’ Como.

Lautaro is the current Serie A top-scorer with 16 goals in 26 matches.

Juventus confirm Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension by showing the moment the coach informed the players about the agreement for two more years: ‘I want you to know first.’

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

Juventus coach Spalletti has officially signed a contract extension until 2028.

The Serie A giants confirmed the agreement with their coach on Friday, by showing the video of Spalletti’s announcement to the team.

The Italian tactician praised the club and his footballers before confirming: “I considered it most important, first of all, to tell you this fact, that we decided to extend this contract for another two years.

“I want you to know first before it gets out. I’m telling you today. Naturally, we have challenges ahead of us, but I’m convinced that with you, those will be great challenges because I will face them with your attitude and your strength, as you’ve always done.”

Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor at the end of October, initially signing a contract until the end of the season.

Under the Tuscan coach, the Bianconeri have won 17 of 31 games, lost six, and drawn eight.

Video: Spalletti confirms contract extension to Juventus players

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Juventus (@juventus)

FIGC confirms that Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini will take charge of the senior Azzurri squad in June, for friendly games against Greece and Luxembourg.

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

Silvio Baldini will be Italy’s national team coach for the next two friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg, the FIGC confirmed in a statement on Friday.

Official: Baldini named Italy coach for June 2026 friendlies

As previously reported, Italy needed an interim manager for the next two matches, given that both coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned in the wake of the Azzurri’s elimination from the World Cup play-off.

The new FIGC President will be elected on June 22, after which a new head coach for La Nazionale will be hired.

Italy’s next games, however, are scheduled for June 3 and 7, making it necessary to appoint U21 boss Baldini as the caretaker manager.

On June 3, the Azzurri will visit Luxembourg at the Stade de Luxembourg and four days later, on June 7, they’ll play away at the Pankritio Stadium in Candia against Greece.

Italy will then return to action in September 2026 for Nations League matches. The Azzurri are in Group 1 alongside France, Belgium and Turkey.

Massimiliano Allegri is confident Milan strikers will score decisive goals in the race for a Champions League spot, but warns: ‘We must not be overwhelmed by events, or it becomes a disaster.’

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

Milan coach Allegri held a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Udinese.

The Rossoneri slipped to the third spot on Monday, after suffering a 1-0 away loss at Napoli, who leapfrogged Allegri’s men in second.

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

“The result influences the judgment. Balance must prevail until the end. We still need a few more points to reach our objective, and we have to get there step by step,” Allegri told reporters via Milannews.

“There are objective facts. In the last three matches, we’ve lost twice away and from the Parma game until now, we’ve failed to score in three games. It has to be dealt with calmly and with clarity.”

Milan’s strong start to the season initially made them possible title contenders, even if Allegri has been reiterating that the main target for 2025-26 is to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe we haven’t been good enough to be closer to Inter, which should push us to improve, without losing sight of the Champions League goal,” the coach insisted.

“There are seven matches left, and some teams are improving. During a season, there are moments when strikers score and others when they don’t. But I’m sure that from now until the end, they’ll score goals that will help us qualify for the Champions League.”

Neither Leao nor Pulisic started in Naples on Monday, but were introduced as substitutes in the second half.

The American attacker hasn’t scored a goal in 2026 yet, but Allegri is not concerned.

“Unfortunately, Leao and Pulisic have had several injuries that have prevented them from reaching peak condition. But they’ve scored important goals,” said the Rossoneri coach.

“Gimenez has just returned after six months. Fullkrug arrived in January; it’s a new league, and he hadn’t played for a while. But he’s made himself available. The environment must remain positive until the end.

“We have to reach our objective, whether we play with six forwards, eight, one or none. What matters is approaching matches proactively,” Allegri continued.

“Tomorrow will be difficult. Udinese are a physical team. They counterattack aggressively and control the pitch intensely.

“We need balance and clarity without being overwhelmed by events, because if we let ourselves be overwhelmed, it becomes a disaster.”

Santiago Gimenez has made two appearances as a substitute after returning from an ankle injury that required surgery in December.

“We worked together when I arrived, but then he had to stop because of his ankle. Now he’s back, and it’s normal to have a mental and physical rebound,” concluded Allegri.

“We can’t just talk about Gimenez, Leao or anyone else. We have to look at where we are right now. All of us, myself included, need to give something more than we’ve given so far. It’s a decisive moment, one step at a time. I have full confidence in the quality of our attacking players. Let’s not forget that midfielders and defenders can score too. We need to be solid until the end, a united block, knowing that there will be difficulties in winning matches.”

• More from Allegri’s press conference – Allegri refuses to rule out Italy rumours, responds to Cassano criticism

Former Juventus winger Massimo Mauro believes the Bianconeri must complete four top-level signings to compete for the Serie A title and the Champions League next season: ‘Spalletti isn’t a magician.’

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

Juventus are fighting for a Champions League spot, sitting fifth in the Serie A table, one point below Como.

However, the Azzurri have a better head-to-head record this season, so if the two sides finish level on points, Como will finish higher.

Mauro: ‘Spalletti isn’t a magician’

Regardless of which European competition they’ll play in next season, Juventus are still determined to continue with Luciano Spalletti and are expected to confirm the coach’s contract extension shortly.

Mauro argued that the Italian tactician’s permanence alone wouldn’t be enough for Juve to return to greatness next season.

“Spalletti isn’t a magician; he needs players of the right level to compete for the title and the Champions League, because that’s what Juventus are expected to do,” Mauro told Gazzetta.

“I’m sure Comolli and Chiellini already have their list of players well organised and are targeting players of Juventus level.”

The former winger went on to say that the Old Lady will need an “international-level goalkeeper,” plus “a top-class defender, a top-class midfielder and a top-class centre-forward.”

As for Spalletti, Mauro’s expectations are clear: “He must do what he managed at Napoli. Create the awareness of being strong and prove it humbly, game after game. At Juventus, there’s an environment that keeps you grounded, so it should be easier than at Napoli.

“However, this only applies if you get four big signings right,” Mauro continued.

“Kim, Anguissa, Lotobka and Osimhen were crucial in winning the title alongside Kvraratskhelia; they were the backbone of the team, and that’s exactly what Juventus need to find.”

The former Juventus man also highlighted that many players, including Kenan Yildiz and Marcus Thuram, have clearly improved under Spalletti.

“Kelly has become another player you can really rely on for the future, and that wasn’t a given considering how he started last season,” Mauro concluded.

“He’s truly a cornerstone and has overtaken Gatti, who was untouchable under Allegri.”

Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi admits that seeing Italy replace Iran at the World Cup is highly unlikely, ‘and I wouldn’t even hope for it.’

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

Italy have missed out on the third consecutive World Cup, but there are reports that the Azzurri could replace Iran over the summer if the Asians refuse to play in the competition due to the ongoing war with the USA and Israel.

Minister for Sport Abodi, however, has admitted that such a scenario is unlikely.

“It’s a continental matter,” Abodi told reporters on Thursday via FcInter1908.

“It really seems very difficult to me that there could be an issue, unless one arises within Europe.”

Asked whether the Azzurri should expect developments from other continents to be re-admitted in the competition, Abodi replied: “I don’t think so, and I wouldn’t even hope for it.”

If Iran were to withdraw from the World Cup, FIFA would choose the replacement. Even though Italy are the highest-ranked among those who have not qualified, the most likely scenario is that another Asian team would take Iran’s place.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan still have a strong chance of signing Robert Lewandowski as a free agent, as the Barcelona striker is seeking a move to a major European club this summer.

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

Latest Lewandowski transfer updates

Milan are interested in signing Barcelona star Lewandowski as a free agent in the summer as the striker’s contract runs out at the end of the season.

Previous reports in Italy claimed that talks between the Rossoneri and Lewa’s entourage have already begun, and according to Gazzetta, the Diavoli’s hopes are alive despite the striker’s high wages.

Lewandowski, in fact, is reportedly looking for a new challenge at a major European club, which is exactly what the Rossoneri can offer him.

Milan signed Niclas Fullkrug on loan with an option to buy from West Ham in the January window, but the German striker has rarely been a starter under Massimiliano Allegri, scoring just one goal in 15 appearances.

Sport.es reported in March that Barcelona are eager to offer Lewandowski a one-year deal, but the Poland international remains uncertain about his future at the club.

Inter coach Cristian Chuvu defends Alessandro Bastoni against ‘witch hunt’ and claims the defender’s haters are ‘the ones who might need some psychological work.’

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

Inter coach Chivu spoke to Sport Mediaset ahead of a Serie A match against Como.

The Romanian tactician once again addressed a question about the Italian international Bastoni, who has been the subject of severe criticism domestically since February.

Bastoni was booed in some away Inter games after causing and celebrating a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during a Serie A match on Tuesday.

A few weeks later, he received a red card while playing for the Italy national team in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bastoni haters ‘might need some psychological work’

“Alessandro doesn’t need to be psychologically ‘fixed’. People have gone all out against him, creating a real witch hunt,” Chivu said.

“I think they’re the ones who might need some psychological work.”

Inter ended a three-game winless streak last week, beating Roma 5-2 at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli and are also in the Coppa Italia semifinals.

“Being the Inter coach means having important ambitions,” Chivu said.

“I’m happy because we’re heading into the last two months of the season with the chance to achieve our objectives. We have a duty to believe we can win everything still up for grabs.

“My principles go beyond the expectations of someone else’s narrative,” he concluded.

“I haven’t tried to change. I’ve always remained myself. I don’t feel the need to make bold statements or seek our conflict.”

Milan are expected to sign a new centre-forward in the summer, and according to Corriere della Sera, the Rossoneri’s top ‘dream’ target is Robert Lewandowski.

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

Milan are determined to sign a new centre-forward for next season as Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku and January signing Niclas Fullkrug have failed to impress in the second part of the campaign.

According to Corriere della Sera (via Milannews), the Rossoneri’s top target is Barcelona star Lewandowski, whose contract with the La Liga giants expires at the end of the season.

Technically, Lewandowski is available on a free transfer, and even if his high salary at Nou Camp represents a substantial obstacle, the Rossoneri will continue to monitor the Polish striker’s situation at Barcelona over the coming weeks.

The Catalans are expected to offer Lewandowski a one-year contract extension, but the experienced striker hasn’t yet made up his mind about his future at the club.

Corriere della Sera further reports that Milan will be listening to offers of at least €50m for their star, Rafael Leao, in the summer.

President Gabriele Gravina has published a report on the state of Italian football, along with a number of proposals to address the crisis, despite his recent resignation as FIGC President.

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

Gravina resigned as the FIGC President last week in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off exit.

Italy did win the 2020 Euros with Gravina at the helm of the football federation, but also failed to qualify for the World Cup on two occasions.

Gravina has already announced his resignation, but will remain in charge for ordinary administration until his successor is elected on June 22.

On Wednesday, Gravina posted a report he was supposed to present at the Italian parliament last week, but his hearing was cancelled following his resignation.

Gravina shared the document “with the hope that it may stimulate reflection and deeper analysis, including among those who, in recent days, have added their opinions to the already crowded group of those who believe they have the solution in their pocket.

“The critical issues of Italian football have been known for years and highlighted in numerous official documents, differing only in the statistical data that continue to worsen, confirming that these are largely structural deficiencies,” continued the outgoing FIGC President.

“If we truly want what is best for Italian football as a whole sporting movement, it is necessary to clarify the actual responsibilities of the Federation, the Leagues and public institutions. Too many inaccuracies, and at times outright falsehoods, fuel the search for the culprit, but above all, spread misconceptions.

“In my view, it is no coincidence that in areas of direct and exclusive federal responsibility (social and environmental sustainability, youth and school projects, development and training programs for national youth teams, to name a few), significant results have been achieved.

“Unlike in areas where the interests of the various stakeholders, and their respective autonomies, overlap to such an extent that they effectively paralyse the system.”

The actual report began with a list of well-known issues affecting Serie A and Italian football, including the number of players eligible for selection to the national team, the average age of Serie A players and the high percentage of foreign players in Italy’s top flight.

Gravina highlighted the lack of investment in youth sectors and that “Italy ranks 49th out of 50 leagues monitored for the percentage of minutes played by U21 players eligible for the national team, at just 1.9%.”

The document reinforced that “Serie A is not among the top 10 leagues for meters covered in a sprint” and that “the average ball speed (7.6 m/s) is much lower than the Champions League average (10.4) and that of other major European leagues (9.2).”

Gravina insisted that it is “impossible” to impose a minimum number of Italian players in Serie A as it would “violate principles of free movement of workers, which applies to football as a professional sport.”

Gravina’s proposals to fix Italian football

He also highlighted that a tight fixture list has made it impossible to find a training window for the Italy national team outside the usual international breaks and complained about the lack of financial help from the Government.

Gravina said Italian football did not receive financial allocations, not even for the 2032 Euros, while other events organised in the country, such as the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the America’s Cup in Naples, and the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, “received multi-billion funding.”

Lastly, he reiterated his proposals, which he had previously tried to implement, regarding a percentage of betting revenues to be allocated to football, in order to develop youth players and infrastructures, a tax credit, and the reintroduction of a “preferential tax regime” for professionals coming from abroad, practically the famous Growth Decree.

Gravina also insisted that the ban on advertising and sponsorships by betting operators be lifted, and that supportive measures be taken to build new stadiums or renovate existing ones.

The FIGC President stressed that a technical redevelopment of Italian football at the youth level has already started under Maurizio Viscidi, focusing more on technique than on tactics.

Lastly, he insisted that it is necessary to reshape Serie A, B, C, and D and to launch a reform project for the refereeing sector.

“Without this strong and unanimous willingness to prioritise the common good over the defence of individual positions, and with politics creating the conditions and enabling the necessary tools for action, no single individual can achieve a true and complete revival of Italian football,” Gravina concluded.

Hakan Calhanoglu’s hug with Mircea Lucescu following Turkey’s win over Romania in March has gone viral in the wake of the Romanian coach’s passing at 80: ‘You did so much for me,’ wrote the Inter star.

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

The world of football is mourning legendary coach Lucescu, who died on Tuesday at age 80.

The former Inter and Brescia boss had taken charge of his last game just a few days earlier, seeing his Romania side lose 1-0 against Turkey in the World Cup play-off semifinal.

After the match, Inter star Calhanoglu warmly hugged his former national team coach.

Lucescu, in fact, had coached Turkey between 2017 and 2018, during which Calhanoglu scored one goal and provided one assist in 12 appearances.

Calhanoglu’s final hug with Lucescu has gone viral on social media, and even the Inter star shared it in his Instagram stories.

Calhanoglu’s hug with Lucescu

“We have lost not only a great coach, but also a person of great character,” wrote Calhanoglu.

“You did so much for me, and I will always remember you with respect and gratitude. Rest in peace, coach.”

Inter and their ex-midfielder Andrea Pirlo also paid tribute to Lucescu on social media following his death.

Lucescu’nun son maçında Hakan Çalhanoğlu ile sarıldığı anlar: pic.twitter.com/UrkXRynN9I

— MEGA MAG (@MEGA_MAG__) April 7, 2026

Corriere della Sera reports that Milan have changed their transfer stance on Rafael Leao and are willing to consider offers of at least €50m in the summer.

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

Milan are reportedly ready to listen to offers worth at least €50m for their star striker, Rafael Leao.

The Portuguese has a €175m clause included in his contract, which was the asking price set by the Rossoneri in previous years.

However, according to Corriere della Sera (via Milannews), Leao’s unconvincing performances and physical problems this season have led the Rossoneri to change their strategy and set lower demands for the 26-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions.

Leao made headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks, reacting angrily to a substitution during an away game at Lazio.

The Portuguese missed the following match against Torino due to an injury and made a substitute appearance against Napoli on Monday.

Leao’s contract with Milan expires in June 2028. He has scored 80 goals and provided 64 assists in 285 appearances with the Rossoneri, winning the Serie A title in 2021-22.

Italy legend Andrea Pirlo bids farewell to his former Brescia and Inter coach Mircea Lucescu: ‘You raised me like a son, I’ll never stop thanking you.’

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

Lucescu, a former coach of Pisa, Inter, Reggiana, and Brescia, died on Tuesday, aged 80.

Italian legend Pirlo made his Serie A debut at Brescia in 1995, aged 16. Lucescu had been sacked by the Rondinelle a few months earlier but remained at the club as the technical director.

Pirlo made his Serie A debut under Lucescu’s assistant Adelio Moro with Brescia already relegated to Serie B.

“Thank you for everything, mister. I will never stop thanking you,” Pirlo wrote on Instagram, posting a picture of him hugging Lucescu.

“You raised me like a son, giving me the opportunity to challenge myself with others when I was very young. You taught me what it means to love this sport in all its details. I will never stop thanking you. Have a good trip, mister. Thank you, Mircea.”

A few years later, Pirlo played under Lucescu at Inter, making 16 appearances in the 1998-99 campaign.

The Nerazzurri have also paid tribute to their former coach with a message on social media.

Lucescu’s last game was just a few days ago, as he took charge of the Romanian national team in the World Cup play-off semi-final against Turkey, one of his former teams.

Pirlo’s social media message for Lucescu

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Andrea Pirlo Official (@andreapirlo21)

Dusan Vlahovic’s latest injury might mean the Serbia international finishes the season with the poorest record of his career, but according to Gazzetta, it may also give Juventus an advantage in contract negotiations.

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

What Vlahovic’s injury means for his Juventus future

Juventus star Vlahovic suffered a calf injury while warming up in the second half of Monday’s home Serie A match against Genoa and will be sidelined for at least three weeks.

The Serbian had undergone adductor surgery in December and had just returned to action after a four-month layoff.

In recent weeks, Juventus have continued negotiations to extend his contract beyond the summer as the striker’s current deal expires in June.

Just a few months ago, his stay in Turin seemed quite unlikely as the Serbian sought a salary close to €12m, the sum he’s earned in his final year at Juventus.

However, the Bianconeri’s confidence in a possible extension has increased recently.

No other club, in fact, seem willing to match Vlahovic’s current wages, and initial talks with other clubs such as Barcelona or Milan have led nowhere.

According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are only open to offering a one or two-year contract extension and a salary of €6-7m.

Juventus director Marco Ottolini said on Monday that he saw “mutual desire” to continue negotiations, and Gazzetta notes that Vlahovic’s injury will inevitably put the club in a stronger position.

Aside from the lack of offers from other clubs, Vlahovic will have few chances to show his worth in the final part of the season, for either club or country, given he won’t return to action for Juventus before May and that Serbia have not qualified for the World Cup.

Vlahovic has only scored three goals in Serie A this season, six across all competitions, marking the fewest ever recorded at a senior level.

Former Inter star Hernan Crespo is impressed by his compatriot and Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez: ‘He’s improved enormously, there were plenty of big clubs trying to lure him away…’

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

Lautaro Martinez returned to action after nearly two months on Sunday, contributing to Inter’s 5-2 win over Roma at San Siro with two goals.

In the previous seven games without the Argentine on the field, the Nerazzurri had collected two wins, three draws and two defeats.

Crespo: ‘Plenty of big clubs’ wanted to sign Lautaro Martinez

“I’ve followed him since he was a kid. His first steps in Europe at Inter, an environment I know very well,” Crespo told Gazzetta.

“There were plenty of big clubs trying to lure him away, but he never wanted to detach himself from his love. That loyalty has made him an icon. Technically, tactically, physically, he’s improved enormously.”

Crespo, a former Argentina international, went on to say that Lautaro alone is worth half of Inter.

“The results say it. With him on the pitch, you win. Without him, you are at risk,” he insisted.

“Whenever the team has dipped, Lautaro hasn’t been in form or has been injured. He’s not just a finisher, he’s an example for his teammates.”

The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders, and Lautaro is the top scorer in the league, but they were eliminated from the Champions League knockout play-off by Bodo/Glimt.

“Let me ask you something: was he playing in the return leg against Bodo? No,” noted Crespo.

“Lautaro is an asset for the team and a problem for the opponents. They never know how to mark him. He moves across the entire front line; he has precise shots from distance and inside the box; he’s lethal. Where do you find a more complete striker in Serie A? Who’s the top scorer right now? It’s him. Who’s the striker defenders fear the most? It’s him. So, what are we even talking about?”

Inter have a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli with seven games remaining. The Nerazzurri visit Cesc Fabregas’ Como next week.

“I thought Inter were the strongest team in Italy, and they are proving it,” Crespo concluded.

“Mind you, it wasn’t that obvious. In the summer, they changed coaches, methods, and tweaked things tactically as well. There were a few stumbles, but in the long run, they’ve shown they’re the best.”

Crespo, 50, scored 153 goals in 340 Serie A matches. He played for Inter, Milan, Lazio, Parma and Genoa in Italy’s top-flight.

Former Italy and Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini is confident that Antonio Conte will ‘bring the Azzurri back to the World Cup’ if he’s appointed as the new coach.

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

Conte has emerged as the leading candidate to become the new Italy national team coach and has already refused to rule out a possible return to the Azzurri’s bench.

‘Conte is what Italy need’

Giaccherini played under Conte at Juventus and the Italy national team and feels the Napoli boss is the ideal replacement for Gennaro Gattuso after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

“He’s the leader to rely on in difficulties. He prepares his players like soldiers for a battle, exactly what is needed now,” the ex-Italy winger told Gazzetta.

“Conte has a way of working that gets under your skin. If you follow him, you grow. And for him, players give everything they’ve got. He knows ot to create a unique bond with the group.”

Giaccherini said Conte showed the same mindset for either club or country.

“His attitude was exactly the same. He manages to get his ideas across very quickly. On the pitch, you always know what to do; you’ve practised it a thousand times in training, to the point of exhaustion,” the ex-winger said.

“And the workload…I remember sessions at Coverciano where we were throwing up. We needed oxygen masks to get through the end. We’d leave completely drained.

“The sessions were brutal, but on the pitch, we were flying. He told us that performing well was our mission and that we had to be soldiers ready for a battle. We didn’t have superstars, but our hunger made the difference.

“He’s the best. He’ll take us back to the World Cup,” concluded Giaccherini.

“He’s already shown he can do well with the national team. His track record says it all: he rebuilt Juventus, Inter and Napoli. And he would do the same with Italy, now more than ever.”