Cristian Chivu jokes he was ‘already in the Inter history books’ as a player with the Treble, and tried to ‘draw on that experience’ with his squad as a coach. ‘I lost my ego during a life and death moment.’

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You can follow the Scudetto celebrations on the special Inter Liveblog.

Chivu won the Treble with Inter as a player in 2010, then started his coaching career with the club’s youth academy, where he worked with Francesco Pio Esposito.

He was not the first choice for the job, as many reported that they had first approached Cesc Fabregas, but the Romanian has secured their 21^st Scudetto.

Chivu: ‘I was already in Inter history’

When told he is in the Inter history books, he replied with his usual dry humour.

“I think I already was before,” smiled Chivu on DAZN Italia.

“I had done a few things as a player… But I am happy for these lads, for this club, for these marvellous fans who supported us from the start.

“I won’t say the whole narrative from last season, the mockery and denigration of this group, but the lads did well to roll their sleeves up, be reborn, and find what it took for a new competitive season.

“This is the 21^st title and another page in the glorious history of this club. I was younger then, I’ve got some grey hair now, but I am just as happy as when I was a player. The players deserve the credit today, they were marvellous.”

The Nerazzurri ended last season empty-handed and saw Simone Inzaghi walk away before the Club World Cup, bringing in Chivu after just a few weeks of senior management at Parma.

Few expected him to march to the Serie A title with three games to spare, and potentially set up a Double, seeing as they will play Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final on May 13.

“For what this club represents, it was our duty to be competitive. There are ups and downs, the season is a marathon, and we were the most consistent team overall, even after losing a few games, because we always managed to react and get back on our feet,” added Chivu.

“I think in January and February we had 14 wins in 15 games, or something like that, we realised that we could do it. We also had to overcome difficult moments like the Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt, defeat in the derby, but we always kept our heads up with dignity and the desire to be competitive to the end.”

A draw would’ve been enough tonight against Parma, but Inter did better with a 2-0 victory thanks to Marcus Thuram’s fifth game in a row on target, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan tapping in the Lautaro Martinez assist.

“Obviously I am happy, and it’s only right the players take the credit, enjoying all the love and affection of these fans. It was an opportunity to seal the Scudetto in front of the supporters and we did it.”

Chivu seemed to vanish into the tunnel at one point straight after the final whistle, did he want to leave all the spotlight for his players?

“I went to smoke a cigarette, I have some vices, sorry about that. But yes, they deserve it, so does the club, which always tried to comfort and support us in moments of need.”

Where does the coach feel he stepped up and made the difference for his squad?

“I am an unusual person, I had to talk to myself during a moment between life and death, so I lost my ego then. I don’t feel the need to talk about myself,” replied Chivu.

He was referring to the life-changing head injury suffered while playing for Inter, which forced him to wear a protective helmet for the rest of his career.

“I just try to be the best version of myself, to help these lads who sometimes need the carrot, sometimes the stick. I try to draw on the experience I had in many locker rooms, and try not to repeat the errors I dealt with as a player.

“I try to be empathetic, understanding, not to think about the consensus of critics outside, but only on what those who love me think. I am the coach, I will always be up for debate and at risk, that’s the job. You have to accept it, knowing you can only try to do your best. I want to also thank my staff, they are in the same boat as me.”

Traditionally, Serie A is won by the team with the best defence, but Chivu and Inter focused on getting the best attack with over 100 goals.

“We always wanted to be proactive, then depending on the opponents, we had different options, like two playmakers, dealing with their press. It’s also about understanding various moments of the game.

“My predecessors did a great job here too, so if these lads know certain things about the game, it is also thanks to those coaches who came before me, who made it easier for me and my staff. It is the players who win the titles and give you what you dreamed of as a child.”

Chivu managed to win the Scudetto up against legends like Antonio Conte, Max Allegri and Luciano Spalletti.

“They are great coaches and I can only learn from them. I will continue learning from them, those coaches who are young like me can only keep learning,” concluded Chivu.

Beppe Marotta won the 10^th Scudetto of his career, but the first as Inter President, and insists Cristian Chivu ‘must remain for many years.’

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You can follow the Scudetto celebrations on the special Inter Liveblog.

Although he had won the Serie A title nine times before at Juventus and Inter, this was his first as President.

“It is certainly different and a dream come true,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.

“I honestly never dreamed of winning as President of Inter, it is something remarkable. I thank the Presidents who preceded me, and who inspired me, like Pellegrini, Moratti, Zhang. I also thank the fans and the owners, who have allowed us to work in a calm atmosphere.

“However, this Scudetto belongs to Chivu and the team.”

Marotta oversaw Inter turnaround

The Nerazzurri had needed a complete reboot after ending last season empty-handed, losing the Champions League Final, the Scudetto by one point, the Supercoppa Italiana Final and the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Simone Inzaghi walked away too, but Cristian Chivu was drafted in as a surprise choice just days before the Club World Cup kicked off with very little senior management experience.

He has taken them to the Serie A title and they still have to play the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13.

“As Inzaghi also confirmed the contract termination by mutual consent was on Monday and on the Tuesday we decided to go for Chivu,” assured Marotta.

“It was a courageous choice, but a considered one too, because Chivu already had the curriculum as a player winning the Treble here, of being the Ajax captain at age 21, of winning with the Inter youth team as coach, and also of taking Parma to safety.

“We had no doubts on his skills, so perhaps he was lacking a little in experience, but we supported him to cover this gap in his CV. He can and must remain at Inter for many years, as he has great qualities.”

There were some moments during this season when they hit obstacles, repeatedly falling down in the big games and eliminated from the Champions League by Bodo/Glimt in the play-offs.

“After a slightly negative period where the performances were still strong, we realised the team was united and the coach was their leader,” explained Marotta.

“I never fired a coach during a season because the coach is a fundamental component who must be helped. Too often, people make instinctive decisions and the coach pays the price for others, but that is not the way we do things.

“We have a different culture, and besides, there was no reason to make a change. We knew his value and that of the team.”

Now Inter are preparing for next season, so has Chivu asked for any specific new signings?

“We speak very often, and this is not the right time to talk about it now, but we do have some clear ideas,” replied the President.

“The owners will set the financial guardrails, but I am confident because we have a solid core of Italian players in this squad. We also want to look around for the best Italian talents on the market.”

Might he be referring to Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra, currently on loan at Cagliari?

“He has a great future ahead of him, but he is not our player.”

Someone whose future is up in the air is Alessandro Bastoni, who has been heavily linked with Barcelona and Liverpool.

“We need the right mix of youth and experience, those players who bring the winning culture and motivation.”

Lautaro Martinez admits Inter needed ‘a change’ with Cristian Chivu replacing Simone Inzaghi, but does not regret his harsh words on the path to the Scudetto.

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A point would’ve been sufficient this evening against Parma to be mathematically sure of the title, but they went one better with a 2-0 victory thanks to Marcus Thuram’s fifth consecutive Serie A game on target and a Henrikh Mkhitaryan tap-in on Lautaro Martinez’s assist.

You can follow the celebrations on the Inter Scudetto Liveblog.

There was tension over the summer when ending the campaign empty-handed, going into the Club World Cup with new coach Cristian Chivu after Simone Inzaghi walked away.

The Argentine also hit out at some of his teammates, most notably Hakan Calhanoglu, demanding that only those who truly want to remain should do so.

Lautaro Martinez did not hold back

“What I said at that moment was what I felt and had been holding inside me. I didn’t plan it, I just saw some things I didn’t like, and I say what I think,” Lautaro Martinez told DAZN Italia.

“We feel so happy now. It was not easy to start again after a season where we lost all the competitions we were in right at the end, but I am very happy today with this achievement.

“It was a very important objective for us, perhaps many didn’t see us being favourites considering what happened last term, but we worked so hard on and off the field.”

This is the first time in 37 years that Inter have managed to secure the Scudetto at San Siro, as the fixture list so often had them away from home when learning of their success.

The team also scored over 100 goals this season, making them something of an anomaly in Italian football.

“We have for many years been doing very well in Italy and Europe, reaching two Champions League Finals in three years. We must continue along this path, because the most important thing after winning is to keep trying to do better,” added the Argentina international.

“In such a balanced league as this, we managed to keep focused as a group, and this is the most wonderful thing that I am impressed by, the unity of this team.”

Chivu was not the first choice for the job and had very little Serie A experience as a coach, but was rushed in ahead of the Club World Cup and made a huge impact.

“The coach did so well bringing fresh energy, enthusiasm, so after four great years with Simone, perhaps we needed a change of scenery after that Champions League Final. Chivu made sure everyone felt involved and could even train with a smile, that really helped.”

It’s not over yet, as Inter can do the Double when they face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico on May 13, while Lautaro Martinez can also be Capocannoniere.

“There’s always more space in the trophy cabinet! This is my mentality and that of Inter, so I am very proud to wear this shirt.”

Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella insist the genuine bond between players is what gave Inter the strength to ‘get back on our feet’ after ending the season empty-handed, going on to win the Scudetto.

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The Nerazzurri knew going into tonight’s game with Parma at San Siro that they only needed a point to guarantee the Serie A title.

They did even better, as Thuram ran onto the Piotr Zielinski through ball to beat Zion Suzuki on the stroke of half-time, then Henrikh Mkhitaryan turned in the Lautaro Martinez assist.

You can follow the celebrations on the special Liveblog.

Inter take 21st Serie A title

“Barella is one of the best players in the world, he can do so much, he helped Inter and Italy, in my view he is the best Italian player. I never understood when he was doubted by some people,” Thuram told DAZN Italia.

“He got angry on and off the field, he is one of our captains, and we must not forget that. Since I arrived at Inter, I saw a team that loves to stay together, on and off the field, and that is our strength.”

So many had said that the Inter era was over after they ended last season empty-handed, losing the Champions League Final 5-0 and missing out on the Scudetto by one point to Napoli.

Simone Inzaghi’s departure also raised doubts, but Cristian Chivu has taken them to the title with three rounds to spare, and potentially also a Double, as they face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final on May 13.

“Of course we’re happy! As we always said, this was our objective, we have another in just over a week’s time, this was not easy, but we want to enjoy it now,” Barella told DAZN Italia.

“This is football and life, there are difficult moments, for example last season we came so close to everything and won nothing. In life you must always get back on your feet and I want to thank these lads and the staff, they helped me during tough moments, and I try to give my all.

“I always said that you can make mistakes on the field, but this team never lost the desire to stay together. We always gave everything we had, you can win or lose, but I am so proud of these lads.”

Inter are the Champions of Italy for the 21^st time, as Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured the 2-0 victory over Parma to get the party started at San Siro.

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The Nerazzurri knew just a point here would suffice to celebrate the title after Napoli’s 0-0 draw at Como, but while Hakan Calhanoglu and Luis Henrique were injured, Lautaro Martinez was back on the bench, and Alessandro Bastoni had his first start in three weeks. The Ducali already secured Serie A safety and could relax, missing Matija Frigan and Benja Cremaschi.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

An early Denzel Dumfries glancing header flashed inches wide from the Nicolò Barella cross, but Parma also wasted a chance to take the lead when Mateo Pellegrino got the volley wrong from 12 yards on the Adrian Bernabé cross from the right.

Inter could not have come closer on 26 minutes when a well-worked move set up Barella for the scorching finish off the crossbar, it bounced off Zion Suzuki’s back, but the goalkeeper managed to scramble the rebound off the feet of Marcus Thuram from point-blank range.

Dumfries had a shot charged down by Abdoulaye Ndiaye following another give-and-go, but Inter broke the deadlock in first half stoppages. Thuram sprung the offside trap on the Piotr Zielinski through ball, took a touch and swept in with the inside of the right boot from seven yards. It was the Frenchman’s fifth consecutive Serie A match on target.

A clinical Marcus Thuram finish!

Inter need just one point vs Parma to clinch the Scudetto this evening

Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/JZBpkx2M9y

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 3, 2026

Pio Esposito went off with a back injury, replaced by former Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny for the restart, while Lautaro Martinez also made an appearance for the final 25 minutes.

Dimarco almost added another assist to his record-breaking campaign, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan failed to tap in at the back post from six yards, allowing Hans Nicolussi Caviglia to scramble it clear.

Another Dimarco roll across from the right was fired over by Dumfries at full stretch, while Lautaro Martinez cut inside a defender to bend the finish into the arms of Suzuki.

The second goal arrived when Lautaro Martinez sprung the offside trap down the right and rolled it across for Mkhitaryan to tap in from five yards.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan adds the finishing touches to a delightful Inter move

Inter are on the way to the Scudetto

Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/9w1HlKqEbI

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 3, 2026

Nesta Elphege had the ball in the net late on for Parma, but only after Pontus Almqvist had wandered offside for the assist.

Davide Frattesi nearly got a goal moments after coming on for Barella, but his volley on yet another Dimarco cross squirmed under Suzuki, the keeper preventing it from crossing the line completely.

Inter 2-0 Parma

Thuram 45+1 (I), Mkhitaryan 80 (I)

03-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Parma

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Marcus Thuram (Assist: Piotr Zielinski)

45+1'

2nd half

Piotr Zielinski		64'
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Assist: Lautaro Martínez)		80'

Match statistic

59

Possession %

41

12

Total shots

4

5

Shots on target

5

Shots off target

3

2

Blocked shots

1

8

Corners

3

Offsides

3

9

Fouls

7

Inter

Parma

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

67'

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

89'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

67'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

46'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

67'

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

3

Abdoulaye Ndiaye

Defender

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

85'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

75'

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

67'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

75'

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

48

Mattia Mosconi

Attacker

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

46'

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

67'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

67'

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

67'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

89'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

67'

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

67'

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

75'

11

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

75'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

85'

Watch as Marcus Thuram gets the Inter party started against Parma, finding the net for the fifth game in a row, but the celebration didn’t go entirely to plan.

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The Nerazzurri went into tonight’s match knowing a point would be enough to be mathematically crowned the new Champions of Italy, putting them beyond reach of second-placed Napoli.

You can follow all the action as it happens on the Liveblog.

They went even better, as Thuram ran onto the Piotr Zielinski through ball to give them the lead in first half stoppages, sending the San Siro crowd wild.

It was the striker’s fifth consecutive Serie A match on the scoresheet, with so far a total of six goals.

Thuram opens Inter account

A clinical Marcus Thuram finish!

Inter need just one point vs Parma to clinch the Scudetto this evening

Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/JZBpkx2M9y

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 3, 2026

Marcus Thuram puts Inter ahead on the stroke of HT

Reminder, Inter just need to avoid defeat to win the Scudetto today pic.twitter.com/Ewl65KV8ng

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 3, 2026

He tried to go into a knee-slide celebration on the turf, but the pitch wasn’t quite as slick as he expected, and the France international ended up face-down in the grass instead.

Tikus still had fun with it and interrupted his trademark celebration when spotting the Inter social media admin filming on the touchline.

Thuram: admin check pic.twitter.com/KFh2lLBMp0

— Inter (@Inter) May 3, 2026

Luciano Spalletti admits Juventus are ‘disappointed and have regrets’ after a surprising 1-1 draw with Verona, along with tension on the touchline with director Sean Sogliano.

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This was a huge opportunity to catch Milan in third place after the Rossoneri were beaten 2-0 by Sassuolo earlier today, with Napoli and Como also dropping points in the fight for the top four.

It was assumed that Juve would sweep Verona aside in Turin, especially as Hellas had already been mathematically relegated on Friday night and had nothing to play for.

Instead, Kieron Bowie put them ahead and only a Dusan Vlahovic free kick off the bench managed to snatch a 1-1 draw for the Old Lady.

Spalletti frustrated with Juventus errors

“We must always evaluate what happens, analyse things, and then try to improve for the next matches, because those are the ones that matter now, seeing as we didn’t win this one,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.

“Clearly, we are disappointed, we have regrets, and unfortunately this happens in football. We were not fortunate, and with a little more sharpness we could’ve turned it around, even if you cannot always control everything.

“What we can do is stay clear-headed in the moments that matter, and we didn’t do it today. That is one of the qualities that makes a great player, because you can identify those moments where you’ve got to be fully concentrated.”

The coach had warned before kick-off that this was the kind of game where the risk was having 11 great players rather than a team unit.

“I thought we had started quite well, but then Verona locked it down, as is only right for them to do. We created some dangers, but couldn’t break through the right way, then allowed them a few counter-attacks, plus that error which made it all the more difficult.

“The tension cranked up after that, you have the fear of not making it, when everyone is telling you it’s an easy game and you discover it isn’t easy at all,” continued the coach.

“We make mistakes that you see from kids, things that are too banal to be at this level, then in the second half you pin them back and have great moments of football that deserve to win a match.

“We played our game and I think overall we did deserve to win it.”

It was a frustrating evening, as Francisco Conceicao looked furious when substituted after a couple of good chances, while Edon Zhegrova hit the upright in stoppages.

It is remarkable that when the race for a Champions League spot could go down to the wire, Juventus were held to a pair of 1-1 draws by Verona this season.

Of course, both teams had different coaches during the first meeting, as Igor Tudor and Paolo Zanetti were both replaced.

If Roma beat Fiorentina tomorrow, then they will close to within a point of Juve in fifth place.

There was tension in the closing stages when Verona director Sean Sogliano was sent off from the touchline for dissent, then complained bitterly in the press interviews just before Spalletti took to the microphones.

“I don’t understand what the director was talking about,” noted the Juventus coach.

“I will go and see what he was complaining about, but I really don’t understand it, he was a little cryptic, but we never got up from the bench to complain whenever his players stayed down for 30 seconds after every foul, tried to use up every available second on throw-ins, it’s all a bit much.”

Inter President Beppe Marotta admits he didn’t expect Cristian Chivu to win the Scudetto in his first season, and potentially the Coppa Italia too. ‘We didn’t go in blind, but showed courage.’

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The game with Parma kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The champagne is on ice in the dressing room, because just one point tonight will be enough to guarantee the Nerazzurri become Champions of Italy.

As Napoli and Milan both dropped points already this weekend, a draw will suffice to get the Scudetto party started.

Marotta ready for Inter success

“Let’s be prudent here. We know that this is the most important exam for the diploma, and we’ll give it our all to achieve this target that would make the fans, players, club and coach happy,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.

“We hope it can be a great game and that is concluded with the Scudetto, but Parma deserve respect.”

Chivu had been a contentious choice when picked to replace Simone Inzaghi, but has proved to be a success with the title and potentially also the Coppa Italia.

“An important value for Inter is courage, I think that is the main fuel behind this decision made by the owners on one side and the management on the other. We certainly didn’t go in blind, we evaluated Chivu’s skills and characteristics, which suited our needs and our weaknesses,” explained the President.

“We had no doubts he would have a positive campaign, but if it ends with the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, that would be a truly extraordinary season.”

Inter are hoping to make this a Double, because they will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico on May 13.

However, they haven’t clinched the title on home turf for 37 years, so doing it at San Siro would be a relatively new experience.

“We were optimistic from the start, as Chivu worked in our youth academy, so we knew him as a coach and a person with great values. Admittedly, we didn’t expect him to have such a remarkable season, with the only blotch being that Champions League elimination, but these things happen.

“We are very pleased, because he came up through our youth academy, which adds to the pride of this club.”

This is set to be the 10^th Scudetto for Marotta at two different clubs, as he won with both Juventus and Inter, but this would be his first as a club President.

He was asked if he had any updates on the refereeing scandal and the suggestions that Inter did not want certain referees?

“No, I have nothing to add to last week, we are very relaxed and not concerned.”

Dusan Vlahovic came off the bench for his first goal of 2026 to rescue a point for Juventus against relegated Verona, but it’s a missed opportunity to go third.

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The Bianconeri hoped to make the most of Como, Napoli and Milan dropping points, with Kenan Yildiz back in the starting XI after two games as a substitute and Dusan Vlahovic ready for the bench, leaving only Arek Milik and Juan Cabal out of action. A victory here would’ve put the Old Lady in joint third with Milan. Hellas were already doomed to relegation this weekend, with Nicolas Valentini suspended, Gift Orban frozen out for an altercation with a fan, and Armel Bella-Kotchap, Cheikh Niasse, Daniel Oyegoke, Suat Serdar and Daniel Mosquera injured.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Francisco Conceicao tested Lorenzo Montipò at the near post, then the Kenan Yildiz pull-back for Jonathan David was intercepted, and Andrias Edmundsson threw himself in the path of the David angled drive.

A corner was not cleared very far, so the Pierre Kalulu cross back in was flicked onto the crossbar off Gleison Bremer’s head on 26 minutes.

Manuel Locatelli saw his strike deflected just wide, then the midfielder was perhaps harshly booked for simulation when going down in a coming together with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro.

Moments later, Verona took the surprise lead when Bremer was caught napping passing out from the back, intercepted by Domagoj Bradaric and rolled across from the left for Kieron Bowie to sweep in. It was all the more remarkable considering Juve had kept four consecutive clean sheets before that gift.

The Scotland international nearly got another when deflected over by Lloyd Kelly, while Edmundsson made another decisive block on Andrea Cambiaso.

Dusan Vlahovic was thrown on for Khephren Thuram after the restart and Juve moved to 4-4-2. A couple of crosses were a little too high for the Serbian, but he got them on level terms and ended his 180-day goal drought by bending a free kick around the Verona wall and into the near bottom corner. Remarkably, it was also the first direct free kick scored by Juventus in Serie A this season.

Akpa Akpro risked an own goal intercepting the Conceicao pull-back to turn over from four yards, but Montipò made two extraordinary reaction saves in the space of a minute, both to deny Conceicao from point-blank range at the back post.

Conceicao also drilled wide from the edge of the area, while Jeremie Boga couldn’t surprise Montipò at the far stick on an Edon Zhegrova cross.

Boga saw his curler intercepted by a Hellas chest in the six-yard box, but Edon Zhegrova was unlucky in stoppages when his angled drive thumped the base of the near post and hit the goalkeeper on the back, but ricocheted back out.

It means both Juve’s games against Verona ended 1-1 this season, dropping four points overall in these fixtures.

Juventus 1-1 Verona

Bowie 34 (V), Vlahovic 62 (J)

03-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 35

Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium)

Juventus

Verona

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		5'		Roberto Gagliardini
		31'		Martin Frese
Manuel Locatelli		33'
		34'		Kieron Bowie (Assist: Domagoj Bradaric)

2nd half

Dusan Vlahovic		62'
		63'		Antoine Bernede
		90+5'		Abdou Harroui

Match statistic

76

Possession %

24

29

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

3

9

Shots off target

3

13

Blocked shots

1

14

Corners

1

9

Fouls

19

Juventus

Verona

Starting lineups

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

75'

3

Bremer

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

80'

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

46'

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

80'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

69'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

71'

3

Martin Frese

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

24

Antoine Bernede

Midfielder

80'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

71'

Substitutes

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

2

Emil Holm

Defender

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

46'

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

69'

13

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

75'

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

80'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

80'

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

41

Isaac

Attacker

4

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

71'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

71'

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

80'

Inter need just one point to celebrate the Scudetto tonight against Mateo Pellegrino’s Parma, so Francesco Pio Esposito, Marcus Thuram and Alessandro Bastoni start.

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It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

Napoli were held to a 0-0 draw by Como yesterday, so that means a single point here would suffice to put Inter beyond reach at the top of the table.

The champagne is on ice, with Lautaro Martinez back on the bench after his latest injury setback, but Hakan Calhanoglu and Luis Henrique are in the stands after muscular problems.

Esposito therefore partners Thuram upfront, with Petar Sucic preferred to Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield.

Bastoni returns in defence three weeks after his last start, having struggled with a recurring ankle issue.

Parma have already locked down their Serie A safety thanks to a victory over Pisa, and are therefore also in celebratory mood at San Siro.

Matija Frigan and Benja Cremaschi are out of action, but Pellegrino leads the attack with Gabriel Strefezza, as super-sub Nesta Elphege waits for his opportunity.

Many of these players worked with Cristian Chivu last season, but it is a remarkable achievement for the coach to win the Scudetto in his first full top flight campaign.

Inter vs. Parma line-ups

Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito

Parma: Suzuki; Circati, Troilo, Ndiaye; Delprato, Bernabé, Nicolussi Caviglia, Keita, Valeri; Strefezza, Pellegrino

03-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Parma

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Marcus Thuram (Assist: Piotr Zielinski)

45+1'

2nd half

Piotr Zielinski		64'
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Assist: Lautaro Martínez)		80'

Match statistic

59

Possession %

41

12

Total shots

4

5

Shots on target

5

Shots off target

3

2

Blocked shots

1

8

Corners

3

Offsides

3

9

Fouls

7

Inter

Parma

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

67'

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

89'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

67'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

46'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

67'

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

3

Abdoulaye Ndiaye

Defender

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

85'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

75'

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

67'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

75'

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

48

Mattia Mosconi

Attacker

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

46'

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

67'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

67'

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

67'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

89'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

67'

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

67'

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

75'

11

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

75'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

85'

Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus risk taking Verona for granted with an opportunity to catch Milan in third place. ‘The danger is to be 11 great players rather than a great team.’

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It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

With Como held to a 0-0 draw by Napoli and Roma facing Fiorentina on Monday, this is an opportunity for the Bianconeri to consolidate fourth place and that Champions League ticket.

Even better, as Milan lost 2-0 to Sassuolo this afternoon, a victory would put the Old Lady in joint third position.

Spalletti keeps Juventus focused

Juve are unbeaten in eight Serie A games, winning five and drawing the other three, the longest positive streak in the league.

That includes a run of four consecutive clean sheets, conceding only once in the last seven rounds.

“We need to analyse the performances, not just the results,” warned Spalletti on Sky Sport Italia.

“We want to keep doing more than we did the day before, sport is a daily competition to always challenge yourself with something new. If you keep using the same techniques as in the past, it’s natural the others will surpass you, so we must focus on the performances and try to become what we want to be.”

Verona are already relegated, so the danger today is that Juve will take the victory for granted.

“When there are games like this, players tend to become 11 great players rather than a great team, so we need to be focused, ready to work, able to fill the whole game and not just do one thing, help your teammates, go beyond your usual characteristics. This unity is what helps everyone going forward.”

Kenan Yildiz had been on the bench for the last two games against Bologna and Milan, but has shaken off that recurring inflammation for a return to the starting XI.

Jonathan David is confirmed upfront with Francisco Conceicao in a 3-4-3 formation, sending Jeremie Boga and not fully fit Dusan Vlahovic to the bench after the 0-0 at San Siro.

“Yildiz could be a university professor in terms of team spirit, because he always wants to be with other people, he knows how to behave in a group, he’s a splendid lad, so we trust he will show us something good today,” noted Spalletti.

“Vlahovic had a nasty injury, he is recovering, and if we need someone with his characteristics today, then he too is available to help the team at this moment.”

Juventus can catch Milan in third place as they host Kieron Bowie’s already-relegated Verona, as Kenan Yildiz returns to the starting XI with Jonathan David and Francisco Conceicao.

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It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Bianconeri have a big opportunity to lock down that Champions League spot after Como were held to a 0-0 draw by Napoli, with Roma facing Fiorentina on Monday evening.

Above all, Milan’s 2-0 defeat at Sassuolo means a victory will put Juve in joint third place.

Dusan Vlahovic is in the squad again after a calf injury during a warm-up last month, while Kenan Yildiz has shaken off that recurring inflammation to start after two games as a substitute.

David and Conceicao complete the attack, sending Jeremie Boga to the bench.

Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso are on the flanks of a 3-4-3 formation.

Verona and Pisa were already doomed to relegation this weekend, so have nothing more to play for other than pride.

Gift Orban is again frozen out after his physical altercation with a fan in the car park a couple of weeks ago, and is unlikely to play for Hellas again.

Nicolas Valentini is suspended, with Armel Bella-Kotchap joining Cheikh Niasse, Daniel Oyegoke, Suat Serdar and Daniel Mosquera on the treatment table.

Toma Suslov partners Scotland international Bowie upfront.

Juventus vs. Verona line-ups

Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; David

Verona: Montipò; Nelsson, Edmundsson, Frese; Belghali, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Bernede, Bradaric; Suslov; Bowie

03-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 35

Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium)

Juventus

Verona

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		5'		Roberto Gagliardini
		31'		Martin Frese
Manuel Locatelli		33'
		34'		Kieron Bowie (Assist: Domagoj Bradaric)

2nd half

Dusan Vlahovic		62'
		63'		Antoine Bernede
		90+5'		Abdou Harroui

Match statistic

76

Possession %

24

29

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

3

9

Shots off target

3

13

Blocked shots

1

14

Corners

1

9

Fouls

19

Juventus

Verona

Starting lineups

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

75'

3

Bremer

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

80'

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

46'

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

80'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

69'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

71'

3

Martin Frese

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

24

Antoine Bernede

Midfielder

80'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

71'

Substitutes

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

2

Emil Holm

Defender

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

46'

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

69'

13

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

75'

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

80'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

80'

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

41

Isaac

Attacker

4

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

71'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

71'

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

80'

Milan crumbled in a 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo when down to 10 men for over an hour due to Fikayo Tomori’s red card, as Domenico Berardi and Armand Laurienté scored.

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The Rossoneri could catch Napoli in second place with a victory and consolidate the Champions League spot, but Luka Modric’s season was over after surgery for a fractured cheekbone. Ardon Jashari stepped in, with Christopher Nkunku pushing off-form Christian Pulisic to the bench. Domenico Berardi was back after a two-match ban for the Neroverdi, though Darryl Bakola, Fali Cande, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo were injured.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It took under five minutes for Berardi to confirm his extraordinary record against Milan, as this was his 12^th career goal past them. Kristian Thorstvedt robbed Jashari in midfield and it was quickly moved left to right, for Berardi to bend a first-time finish into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left foot.

Moments later, Mike Maignan made a one-handed save on the M’Bala Nzola counter-attack, while both teams had penalty appeals waved away as Berardi had his arm behind his back, then Armand Laurienté went down too easily under pressure from Matteo Gabbia, the same with Christopher Nkunku at the other end.

Rafael Leao wasted a golden opportunity when blasting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat after a defensive error sent him clear on goal.

Things went from bad to worse for Milan, as Fikayo Tomori brought down Laurienté on the counter for his second yellow card, leaving his team down to 10 for over an hour.

Strahinja Pavlovic made a decisive block on Thorstvedt and Jay Idzes limped off injured, while Alexis Saelemaekers drilled wide.

Sassuolo doubled their lead within 90 seconds of the restart, as Laurienté completed a give and go with Thorstvedt just inside the area, the finish thumped low and hard into the near bottom corner.

Zachary Athekame fired over, while Nzola and Thorstvedt failed to keep their efforts on target, while both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alieu Fadera were booked for simulation in the box.

This result means that with a victory over Verona today, Juventus could catch Milan in joint third place, while they have failed to score in five of the last seven games.

Sassuolo 2-0 Milan

Berardi 5 (S), Laurienté 47 (S)

Sent off: Tomori 24 (M)

03-05-2026 14:00

MatchDay 35

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Milan

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Domenico Berardi (Assist: Armand Lauriente)		5'
		9'		Fikayo Tomori
		24'		Fikayo Tomori
Nemanja Matic		38'

2nd half

Armand Lauriente (Assist: Kristian Thorstvedt)		47'
Ulisses Garcia		57'
		71'		Samuele Ricci
		77'		Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Cristian Volpato		89'
Alieu Fadera		90+4'

Match statistic

58

Possession %

42

13

Total shots

6

4

Shots on target

0

5

Shots off target

5

4

Blocked shots

1

2

Corners

3

1

Offsides

1

16

Fouls

16

Sassuolo

Milan

Starting lineups

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

40'

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

80

Tarik Muharemovic

Defender

23

Ulisses Garcia

Defender

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

46'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

85'

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

59'

8

M’Bala Nzola

Attacker

84'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

12

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

59'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

66'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

59'

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

46'

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

59'

Substitutes

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

3

Josh Doig

Defender

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

66

Pedro Felipe

Defender

33

Christian Frangella

Midfielder

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

40'

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

46'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

59'

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

84'

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

85'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

37

Matteo Pittarella

Goalkeeper

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

46'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

59'

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

59'

7

Santiago Giménez

Attacker

59'

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

66'

Milan director Igli Tare insists the club is ‘in sync’ with coach Max Allegri when planning for next season, and admits he is watching Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone.

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It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium at 14.00 UK time (15.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri know a victory here would put them in joint second with Napoli, but above all take another significant step towards locking down that Champions League qualification.

Tare planning Milan future

There was a three-hour summit today at the club headquarters involving directors and coach Allegri to plan the transfer strategy for the summer, so are they on the same page?

“We are all in sync and almost every week we have a meal together with the coach and director Furlani, so we are united on what we need to do for next season and what this team is missing,” Tare told DAZN Italia.

“We have some very good players in the youth team who have trained with the senior squad, so we are keeping a close eye on them too.”

Christopher Nkunku is drafted in to partner Rafael Leao, sending misfiring Christian Pulisic to the bench after he matched his career record longest negative streak of 16 games without a goal.

Considering the difficulty pushing players like Leao into the 3-5-2 formation, are they evaluating other tactical systems too?

“Looking at some of the characteristics of the players that allow us to play a different way, we will try to be prepared with not just a team that has quality, but can also play in different systems.”

There have been reports that Milan are among the clubs ready to bid for Canada international midfielder Ismael Kone this summer.

“He had a very good season with Sassuolo, he has important characteristics and played at a high level in France too, so he can attract a lot of attention on the transfer market for Sassuolo,” confirmed Tare.

Luka Modric is out for the rest of the season after surgery on a fractured cheekbone, which he sustained during an accidental clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in last week’s 0-0 draw.

The midfielder is expected to extend his contract beyond June 30 and hopes to make a full recovery in time to feature for Croatia in the 2026 World Cup next month.

Italian coach Francesco Farioli has officially taken FC Porto to victory in the Primeira Liga at the age of 37, beating Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.

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This evening’s 1-0 victory over Alverca was enough to open up the nine-point gap at the top of the table, after Benfica were held to a 2-2 draw by Famalicao.

O 𝑻𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒂𝒄 acabou assim #ConseguimosJuntos pic.twitter.com/SE3h153JjA

— FC Porto (@FCPorto) May 2, 2026

With only two rounds to go, it means they are impossible to catch and FC Porto can celebrate the title four years after their most recent success.

Benfica had won, followed by back-to-back Sporting successes, but this is FC Porto’s 31^st victory.

First trophy for Farioli

Farioli is an Italian coach who started out as a goalkeeping trainer and assistant manager, working closely with Roberto De Zerbi for Benevento and Sassuolo.

He branched out on his own in Turkish football with Fatih Karagumruk in 2021 and Alanyaspor, then had spells with OGC Nice and Ajax.

FC Porto hired him in July 2025 and he oversaw 38 victories, eight draws and five defeats in all competition this season, also reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.

This is the first trophy of Farioli’s coaching career and he celebrated his 37^th birthday last month.

This is going to be the worst full Serie A season of Antonio Conte’s coaching career, as for the first time he will fail to reach 80 points after Napoli stumbled.

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The Partenopei won the title last term with 82 points, beating Inter to the Scudetto by a single point after 38 rounds.

They were held 0-0 by Como this evening, putting them on 70 points with three games left to play.

That means the maximum tally that Napoli could achieve at the end of the season is 79 points, a record low for the tactician.

Conte never earned fewer than 80 points

The only time he ever managed fewer points was with Atalanta in 2009-10, but that was not a full campaign, as he was only on the bench for 13 matches.

His record remains 102 points with Juventus in the 2013-14 campaign, also getting 87 and 84 during his Bianconeri experience.

When at Inter, Conte had 82 points in 2019-20, then 91 to win the Scudetto in 2020-21.

Italy international and Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma jokingly announced he got married as if it was a transfer. ‘Long-term contract signed.’

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He published photographs of them together in their wedding outfits surrounded by flowers, complete with the comment: ‘Long-term contract signed.’

To keep the transfer theme going, even pundit Fabrizio Romano popped up in their comments with his trademark: ‘Here we go’

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA (@donnarumma)

The shot-stopper and his partner Alessia Elefante had been childhood sweethearts when going to school together in Castellammare di Stabia.

They have officially been together since 2016, when he was already playing for Milan and she moved to the city to join him, working as an interior designer.

Although this relationship has been solid for many years, and they were engaged since 2024 in Paris when he was playing for Paris Saint-Germain, they only tied the knot this week.

The couple also welcomed son Leo to the world in September 2024.

Atalanta had the best chances, rattling the woodwork with Giacomo Raspadori, but were unable to get more than a 0-0 draw, as Genoa are now mathematically safe.

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La Dea were eager to get back on track after a dismal run of one point from three rounds, plus Coppa Italia semi-final elimination to Lazio. Lorenzo Bernasconi’s season was over after a knee ligament injury, but Gianluca Scamacca started with Nikola Krstovic after a brace in the 3-2 defeat to Cagliari. The Grifone were almost sure of Serie A safety, despite a loss to Como. Tommaso Baldanzi was still out, but Brooke Norton-Cuffy returned to the bench and Justin Bijlow shook off a muscular twinge.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Vitinha and Krstovic tested the goalkeepers early on, while Vitinha on the counter saw his attempt deflected over the bar from a Lorenzo Colombo counter-attack.

Ederson’s first touch let him down in a very promising position on the Davide Zappacosta pull-back, while Bijlow almost let the Charles De Ketelaere angled drive squirm under him after a give and go with Giorgio Scalvini.

Scalvini was decisive at the other end with a crucial block on Jeff Ekhator’s first-time strike, and Krstovic’s flick did not surprise Bijlow at the near post.

Atalanta really should’ve scored when Bijlow spilled a powerful Ederson effort from outside the box and Giacomo Raspadori only prodded the rebound straight at the goalkeeper.

Bijlow fingertipped a Krstovic attempt round the near post, but Raspadori came closest on 79 minutes when his fierce strike thumped the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.

Genoa had to play the final minutes practically down to 10 men, as Junior Messias suffered a thigh strain after all the substitutions had been completed.

Deep into stoppages, a corner was cleared as far as Ederson, whose right-foot curler skimmed the crossbar.

Atalanta 0-0 Genoa

02-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Genoa

0 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

19'

Amorim

2nd half

Éderson		64'
Nikola Krstovic		78'

Match statistic

60

Possession %

40

21

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

2

8

Shots off target

3

6

Blocked shots

2

6

Corners

2

1

Offsides

0

14

Fouls

10

Atalanta

Genoa

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

57'

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

85'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

76'

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

76'

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

57'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

86'

4

Amorim

Midfielder

69'

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

70'

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

56'

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

9

Vitinha

Attacker

86'

Substitutes

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

5

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

18

Giacomo Raspadori

Attacker

57'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

57'

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

76'

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

76'

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

85'

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

34

Sebastian Otoa

Defender

99

Latif Ouedraogo

Defender

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

56'

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

69'

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

70'

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

86'

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

86'

Antonio Conte insists Napoli put in ‘a good performance’ for the 0-0 draw with Como and took ‘another step forward’ towards Champions League qualification.

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Just like back in November at the Stadio Maradona, the game ended 0-0 between these two teams, while Como emerged victorious on penalties in the Coppa Italia quarter-final after another stalemate.

The hosts had the best chances with Amir Rrahmani’s goal-line clearance denying Tasos Douvikas and a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic save on Martin Baturina, but late on Matteo Politano thumped the woodwork and Scott McTominay drilled wide on the counter-attack.

Conte pleased with Napoli stalemate

“It was certainly a good performance, as without that you don’t emerge unscathed from a game where both Napoli and Como had a lot at stake. Como probably had more at stake with Champions League qualification,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“We were a little too timid in the first half and didn’t put the right pressure on. Let us not forget they have a goalkeeper who makes it very difficult, because with the slightest wrong movement, he can get away and then force you to sprint back to cover the space.

“We improved in terms of quality after the restart, had chances to score goals, but there are three games to go. We made another step forward, not just for a Champions League place, but also to try and finish as high up the table as possible.

“The lads did well, we must congratulate them for the performance against a tough opponent.”

There were some potential counter-attack situations for the Partenopei, but Kevin De Bruyne was substituted early and looked a little rusty.

“Como created some opportunities when we lost the ball, so we weren’t as clean in our passing, the central midfielders were too stretched out and not close enough to each other. The playmakers need to be more co-ordinated,” continued Conte.

“We lost the ball stupidly a couple of times and that created some tension. We improved a lot after the break, with two big scoring opportunities, but even in the first we had some situations with Hojlund where we could’ve made better choices.

“De Bruyne is in the same condition he was last week, not much has changed in seven days. He had done very well against Cremonese and scored a goal, but some games you can do better than others, he played his part today. I decided to bring on Anguissa and move McTominay into a more advanced role.”

This result means that Napoli feel more secure in second place, but Inter will be able to celebrate the Scudetto tomorrow evening with as little as a point against Parma at San Siro.

Cesc Fabregas cannot decide if he is proud or angry after Como’s 0-0 draw with Napoli, but reveals the advice he gave to Nico Paz about learning from Ousmane Dembele.

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Fabregas continues to frustrate his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, because they met three times this season and all of them were draws, with Como winning the penalty shoot-out in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.

His side had the best earlier chances today with Amir Rrahmani clearing a Tasos Douvikas effort off the line, but late on Matteo Politano was denied by the upright in a goalless stalemate.

Fabregas unsure of Como reaction

Was the coach more happy with the performance or irritated at the result today?

“It depends. In my head, considering who we were a year and a half ago, I can say I am very proud. But then we tried to win today, we didn’t manage it, so in that sense I am angry,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.

“We tried to be very aggressive, to press Napoli, I saw the team I wanted to see, trying to win the game. Nico Paz, Da Cunha, Perrone were fighting it out in midfield against Lobotka, De Bruyne and McTominay, so that’s something I cannot forget either.”

The other meeting back in November 2025 also ended 0-0, but in that game Vanja Milinkovic-Savic had parried an Alvaro Morata penalty.

This result means that Como could be left further behind Juventus and Roma tomorrow in the race for the top four, as the Bianconeri could go five points clear.

“I sense the constant growth of my players, I am very demanding with them, and when I see performances against Sassuolo, Udinese, Parma, Fiorentina where they don’t give me what I want to see, I don’t forget those.

“Having said that, 95 per cent of the time, they do give me what I want to see. I know where they were a couple of years ago and how they are constantly stepping up, so as a coach it is not just about analysing victory or defeat, there are hours and hours of invisible work.

“In that sense, we should be happy that Como are challenging for important positions the year after returning to Serie A, having been out of the top flight for 21 years.”

Nico Paz is widely expected to return to Real Madrid, who have a buy-back clause, but Fabregas seemed far from certain the Argentina international would leave Como this summer.

“Are you so sure? This is not the moment to talk about the future. We are building something here, we’ve seen so much progress and want to keep working together.”

It was noted that Nico Paz showed improvement in his work rate today, tracking back to help the defence.

“In modern football, it is total football, you must be able to do everything,” noted Fabregas.

“I had the opportunity to be in Paris the other day for the Champions League semi-final and I saw that Dembele was man-marking Pavlovic, a Ballon d’Or player was doing that. If a Ballon d’Or can do that, so can everyone.

“I think this style of football can be adapted to my squad and what we want to do with a very young squad.”

That incredible game saw PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4, so have Como also picked up some tricks like kicking the ball straight into touch to start building from the back?

“If you’ve been following Como, you will know we’ve done that before, even if it is a little different,” smiled Fabregas.

“You want to create a situation where they can be forced into errors. We don’t do it exactly like them, but we might do in future.”

Inter can no longer win the Scudetto without setting foot on the field tomorrow, but they only need a draw against Parma to secure the Serie A title.

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There was the opportunity going into the Week 35 fixtures that they could pop the champagne corks while watching the other games.

They needed Napoli to suffer a defeat to Como at the Stadio Sinigaglia, and for Sassuolo to be unbeaten against Milan on Sunday afternoon.

Inter Scudetto scenario has changed

Seeing as Napoli were held to a 0-0 draw by Como today, it means that scenario can no longer play out.

However, it does change the situation in that now Inter can clinch the Scudetto with as little as a draw against Parma at San Siro on Sunday evening.

The Nerazzurri are currently nine points clear at the top of the table, so going up to 10 points with only three rounds left to play would put them beyond reach.

Como were denied by a goal-line clearance and Matteo Politano hit the woodwork for Napoli, as Cesc Fabregas and Antonio Conte share the spoils.

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This was joint fifth against second with the race for a Champions League spot still open. Nico Paz, Mergim Vojvoda and Sergi Roberto shook off knocks, leaving only Jayden Addai on the treatment table. Giovanni Di Lorenzo was back on the bench for the first time three months after a knee injury, with Mathias Olivera, Juan Jesus, David Neres, Antonio Vergara and Romelu Lukaku still out of action. Cesc Fabregas and his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte were reunited on the touchline, after knocking Napoli out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final on penalties.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Tasos Douvikas should’ve scored after eight minutes when springing the offside trap on a Nico Paz pass and dribbling around Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, but the goalkeeper managed to slow him down enough to allow Amir Rrahmani to get back for the decisive goal-line clearance.

Martin Baturina bent his finish wide of the far post, while Milinkovic-Savic rushed off his line to deny Assane Diao when sent through by a smart Nico Paz counter-attack.

A Nico Paz free kick also went over the bar, then Jacobo Ramon just failed to connect from four yards on a flicked-on corner.

After the restart, Rasmus Hojlund’s penalty appeals were rejected as he was offside anyway, and Diao failed to keep his header down at the back post.

Milinkovic-Savic was almost wrong-footed by a deflection on Baturina’s half-turn, but managed to scramble across for the one-handed save.

Scott McTominay had a great chance on 79 minutes when sprinting onto the pass from the left, but he drilled the finish just wide of the near post with only Jean Butez to beat.

Matteo Politano tackled Jesus Rodriguez inside the penalty area cleanly and then went on the counter, moments later his left-foot curler from outside the box smacking against the far post for Napoli.

Just like earlier this season in Serie A at the Stadio Maradona, it ended goalless.

Como 0-0 Napoli

02-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 35

Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Como

Napoli

vs

Season Analytics

Como

Positions

Napoli

SEASON TOTAL

COM HOME

9

5

3

17

10

7

Last matches

26-04-2026		Genoa	W	0 - 2
17-04-2026		Sassuolo	L	2 - 1
12-04-2026		Inter	L	3 - 4
06-04-2026		Udinese	D	0 - 0
22-03-2026		Pisa	W	5 - 0

12-04-2026		Inter	L	3 - 4
22-03-2026		Pisa	W	5 - 0
15-03-2026		Roma	W	2 - 1
28-02-2026		Lecce	W	3 - 1
14-02-2026		Fiorentina	L	1 - 2

5

2

Position

SEASON TOTAL

NAP AWAY

9

2

6

21

6

7

Last matches

	4 - 0	W	Cremonese		24-04-2026
	0 - 2	L	Lazio		18-04-2026
	1 - 1	D	Parma		12-04-2026
	1 - 0	W	Milan		06-04-2026
	0 - 1	W	Cagliari		20-03-2026

	1 - 1	D	Parma		12-04-2026
	0 - 1	W	Cagliari		20-03-2026
	1 - 2	W	Verona		28-02-2026
	2 - 1	L	Atalanta		22-02-2026
	2 - 3	W	Genoa		07-02-2026

Cesc Fabregas insists ‘football is constantly evolving and you need to keep up with it’ as his Como host Antonio Conte’s Napoli. ‘Losing or drawing is the same thing, we must go for victory.’

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It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There are only eight points separating these teams going into the weekend, so with Como and Roma in joint fifth place and Napoli in second, the race for a Champions League spot is still open.

Fabregas not holding Como back

“We feel calm, because we are a very young team, you can see in the eyes of the players that this is an important stage of the season, and we want to keep taking steps forward,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.

“This is a big game against a team that is very, very strong.”

Fabregas played under Conte at Chelsea for two years, and therefore knows his tactics very well.

Having tried to reshuffle his system a few times in recent weeks with three or four at the back, has he prepared anything special for facing Napoli?

“It’s just about going for the victory, so we need to press high, have the right mentality. Losing or drawing is the same thing at this stage of the season, so we must go for the victory and to score goals.”

Nico Paz, Mergim Vojvoda and Sergi Roberto have shaken off knocks, so the only remaining absentee for the hosts is long-term injury case Jayden Addai.

The Argentina international had been taken to hospital for checks after the 2-0 win away to Genoa, as he was having trouble with his vision following a clash of heads.

“I am very happy with Nico Paz, he has always scored lots of goals, but the improvement was in his interpretation, his movement. He has a big margin for further improvement, but has done better in his posture, gathering the ball and turning when pressed.

“He already scored I think 15 goals in all competition this season, so that’s a good tally and hopefully he can add more in the last few games.”

Conte said in his pre-match interview that Fabregas is a fine coach because he is always ‘studying’ the game, and this is something the Spaniard acknowledges.

“I used to study as a player, so I try to do it as a coach, because I see no other way. I don’t create my own ideas, I go around seeing other methods, the way others train and work, then I try to adapt those ideas to our football,” replied Fabregas.

“Studying football is essential, because what works today probably won’t work in two weeks. I was looking at some pressing movements we did in Serie B just two years ago, I wouldn’t do that now. Football is constantly evolving and you need to keep up with it.”

Antonio Conte says his former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was ‘destined for greatness’ as a coach at Como, warning Napoli will engage in ‘an open game.’

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It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Napoli were knocked out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final by Como in a penalty shoot-out in February, and haven’t beaten them since a 3-1 home result in October 2024.

It is also a reunion with Conte’s former Chelsea midfielder Fabregas, who is now flourishing on the touchline.

Conte impressed with Fabregas career path

“Neither of the two teams will certainly try to play for the draw, so I expect an open game,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“I am happy for Cesc, because he was always destined for greatness, and was fortunate during his career to play for teams like Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, working for top coaches over the years. He is a great coach because he studies carefully.

“Como are improving decisively year on year, causing real problems for the big clubs in Serie A, and will certainly keep growing.”

The Scudetto dream has sailed, as if Napoli lose here and Milan fail to get the better of Sassuolo tomorrow, then Inter will be mathematically crowned Champions of Italy without setting foot on the pitch.

Their focus now has to be on locking down second place, because Como are just eight points behind them in joint fifth with Roma, but a victory here would mathematically lock down Champions League qualification.

“We try to press high, create problems for our opponents, and Como are similar. These are two super organised teams who try to be pro-active and not passive, so both will try to take the initiative.”

Giovanni Di Lorenzo returns to the squad for the first time since a knee ligament injury three months ago, so only David Neres, Antonio Vergara and Romelu Lukaku are still out of action.

“Di Lorenzo had around 200 consecutive games, so he is a fundamental figure for us, both for his leadership, but also the attitude he brings on and off the field. He needs time to recover after so many months on the shelf, he only just started training with us this week, so it will take patience to get him back to full fitness,” concluded Conte.

Nico Paz and Martin Baturina start for high-flying Como, as fifth welcome second-placed Napoli with Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund.

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It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Scudetto could be assigned tomorrow, but meanwhile the Champions League places were not locked down, as Como and Roma were in joint fifth, just three points behind Juventus.

This is a special reunion for Fabregas and his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

Jayden Addai is the only remaining absentee for Fabregas, because Sergi Roberto, Mergim Vojvoda and Nico Paz all shake off knocks after their 2-0 victory away to Genoa.

Tasos Douvikas leads the attack rather than Alvaro Morata, with support from Nico Paz, Baturina and Assane Diao.

Lucas Da Cunha and Maximo Perrone pull the midfield strings, as they try to keep European ambitions alive.

Napoli saw the dream of retaining their Scudetto disappear after a draw at Parma and defeat to Lazio, but kept hold of second place with their 4-0 thrashing of Cremonese.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo is back on the bench for the first time, three months after a knee ligament injury, meaning only David Neres, Antonio Vergara and Romelu Lukaku are still out of action.

McTominay, Stanislav Lobotka and Matteo Politano are in midfield, with De Bruyne and Alisson Santos supporting Hojlund.

The only change from the side that beat Cremonese is Sam Beukema replacing Matias Olivera in defence.

Napoli were knocked out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final by Como in a penalty shoot-out in February, and haven’t beaten them since a 3-1 home result in October 2024.

Como vs. Napoli line-ups

Como: Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Diego Carlos, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Politano, McTominay, Lobotka, Gutierrez; De Bruyne, Alisson; Hojlund

02-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 35

Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Como

Napoli

vs

Season Analytics

Como

Positions

Napoli

SEASON TOTAL

COM HOME

9

5

3

17

10

7

Last matches

26-04-2026		Genoa	W	0 - 2
17-04-2026		Sassuolo	L	2 - 1
12-04-2026		Inter	L	3 - 4
06-04-2026		Udinese	D	0 - 0
22-03-2026		Pisa	W	5 - 0

12-04-2026		Inter	L	3 - 4
22-03-2026		Pisa	W	5 - 0
15-03-2026		Roma	W	2 - 1
28-02-2026		Lecce	W	3 - 1
14-02-2026		Fiorentina	L	1 - 2

5

2

Position

SEASON TOTAL

NAP AWAY

9

2

6

21

6

7

Last matches

	4 - 0	W	Cremonese		24-04-2026
	0 - 2	L	Lazio		18-04-2026
	1 - 1	D	Parma		12-04-2026
	1 - 0	W	Milan		06-04-2026
	0 - 1	W	Cagliari		20-03-2026

	1 - 1	D	Parma		12-04-2026
	0 - 1	W	Cagliari		20-03-2026
	1 - 2	W	Verona		28-02-2026
	2 - 1	L	Atalanta		22-02-2026
	2 - 3	W	Genoa		07-02-2026

Napoli cannot celebrate the sale of Jens Cajuste yet, as Fabrizio Romano reports promotion isn’t enough to activate the Ipswich Town €7.5m option to buy.

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The midfielder was sent out to the Championship side last summer on loan with an option to make the move permanent at a cost of €7.5m.

It had been reported that this included a clause making the purchase an obligation in case of promotion to the Premier League.

So with the Tractor Boys stepping up to the top flight this weekend, Napoli had hoped to cash in on Cajuste.

Napoli must wait for Cajuste cash

However, transfer pundit Romano warns the clause in question also includes the requirement that he play in 50 per cent of their games, and he hasn’t achieved that target yet.

The Sweden international has featured in 31 games between the Championship and FA Cup this season, contributing one goal and four assists.

Napoli paid €11.5m to sign Cajuste from Stade Reims in the summer of 2023, but he never made an impact, going on two different loans to Ipswich Town in August 2024 and again in August 2025.

Those loans brought in circa €2.7m in fees to the Partenopei club coffers.

Udinese maintained their pursuit of a top 10 finish by sweeping sorry Torino aside 2-0 with Kingsley Ehizibue and Thomas Kristensen goals.

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The Friulani had a lengthy absentee list including Keinan Davis, Jesper Karlstrom, Jordan Zemura, Alessandro Zanoli and Nicolò Bertola after a 3-3 thriller at Lazio. Toro were also decimated, missing Duvan Zapata, Che Adams, Marcus Pedersen, Tino Anjorin, Zakaria Aboukhlal and Ardian Ismajli after their comeback from 2-0 down to hold leaders Inter 2-2.

Udinese wore a special jersey commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in the region that killed over 1,000 and there was a fanfare before kick-off. There was also a minute’s silence before all games this weekend for Formula 1 and Paralympic legend Alex Zanardi.

Giovanni Simeone was denied from point-blank range by Maduka Okoye in the opening minutes when meeting the Valentino Lazaro cross, while Gvidas Gineitis got the finish wrong on a corner kick routine.

The first chance for the hosts saw Christian Kabasele’s finish from a free kick deflected wide, and Udinese scored in chaotic fashion.

Adam Buksa robbed Gineitis, then Nicolò Zaniolo was blocked off by Alberto Paleari, so Buksa fired onto the upright of an open goal, before Zaniolo turned in the rebound. However, it didn’t count because Zaniolo was offside.

Zaniolo ran onto a through ball and cut inside, his strike deflected off Saul Coco to prevent a certain goal, and an Oumar Solet glancing header smothered.

Udinese did eventually get their goal in first half stoppages and it was again far from a clean move. Coco made a mistake on a throw-in and was robbed by Solet, it was rolled across from the left by Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, where Rafa Obrador risked an own goal, so Kingsley Ehizibue was ready right behind him to prod over the line.

The second goal was more orthodox, as Thomas Kristensen was allowed a free glancing header on a Lennon Miller corner from six yards.

Torino struggled to create any real chances in a disappointing second half performance, but Zaniolo was even more frustrated with a continuing goal drought, as he ran from his own half only to see a shot charged down, then had penalty appeals rejected and fired another effort straight at Paleari.

Udinese 2-0 Torino

Ehizibue 45+1 (U), Kristensen 51 (U)

02-05-2026 14:00

MatchDay 35

Friuli Stadium (Dacia Arena)

Udinese

Torino

Live

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Kingsley Ehizibue

45+1'

2nd half

Christian Kabasele

46'

Udinese

Torino

Starting lineups

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

11

Hassane Kamara

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

28

Oumar Solet

Defender

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

14

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

32

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp

Midfielder

38

Lennon Miller

Midfielder

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

18

Adam Buksa

Attacker

1

Alberto Paleari

Goalkeeper

77

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

33

Rafa Obrador

Defender

23

Saúl Coco

Defender

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

22

Cesare Casadei

Midfielder

6

Emirhan Ilkhan

Midfielder

66

Gvidas Gineitis

Midfielder

10

Nikola Vlasic

Midfielder

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

Substitutes

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

24

Jakub Piotrowski

Midfielder

90

Răzvan Sava

Goalkeeper

1

Alessandro Nunziante

Goalkeeper

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

15

Vakoun Bayo

Attacker

29

Abdoulaye Camara

Midfielder

45

Giulio Vinciati

Attacker

7

Idrissa Gueye

Attacker

20

Juan Arizala

Defender

22

Branimir Mlacic

Defender

34

Cristiano Biraghi

Defender

81

Franco Israel

Goalkeeper

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

17

Sandro Kulenovic

Attacker

13

Guillermo Maripán

Defender

4

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

25

Niels Nkounkou

Defender

79

Zanos Savva

Attacker

92

Alieu Njie

Attacker

99

Lapo Siviero

Goalkeeper

Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus must not ‘make calculations’ for a top four finish, gives a Kenan Yildiz update, and admits he was ‘not happy’ with the 0-0 at Milan.

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It kicks off with already relegated Verona at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off in every Serie A match this weekend for Alex Zanardi, the legendary former Formula 1 driver who lost both legs in a crash, then became a champion Paralympian, who died this morning at age 59.

“I wanted to start by remembering a truly unique man for his values, both in life and in sport, like Alex Zanardi. I was fortunate enough to know him and what he passed on to others was indescribable,” said Spalletti at the start of his press conference.

Spalletti wants Juventus to keep pushing

The Bianconeri have opened up a three-point lead over Como and Roma in fourth place, but the Champions League qualification is still far from secure.

“When I hear people talk about fourth place, I hear certain calculations, but you don’t get there with calculations, you do it by maintaining a certain consistency,” warned Spalletti.

“We must focus on the Champions League and not on fourth place. We know full well what we did to get back into the top four, but there is a difference between needing to prove something and needing to defend something.”

Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik are out for the season, with Dusan Vlahovic back on the bench, but the big question mark is around Kenan Yildiz.

“We all know how important Yildiz is for us, so we have to evaluate the bigger picture for his health. He had this little inflammation, his last two training sessions went very well and he felt no pain. We have no doubts on his presence in tomorrow’s game.

“Vlahovic is the same situation, he can give us a big hand in the remaining matches this season and we don’t have someone else with his characteristics.

“Yildiz always has this positivity, a sunny disposition, even when he had difficult moments. He is already looking to the future, I met his splendid family, his teammates love him too. I feel fortunate to be training him.”

Spalletti was pushed on some other subjects, including that epic Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 Bayern Munich Champions League semi-final, which felt like a different sport to Juve’s dismal 0-0 draw with Milan.

“The Champions League is not a tournament that rewards security, but rather those who shake things up. In our football, we tend to like staying in control, but the Champions League relishes chaos, pace and being unpredictable,” replied the coach.

“This is where modern football is heading, and we must adapt. Look, I was not happy with the performance at San Siro either, because it reduced us a little bit, we started playing the game they wanted us to.

“We brought home a result, but didn’t make an impact, and that left me with bellyache the next day. I told the team that too.”

Spalletti did take the opportunity to aim a little sideswipe at rivals Inter when discussing Juve’s Champions League record.

“We had some good results in that tournament, we won away to Bodo/Glimt, where some people ought to rewrite their articles about our game, seeing as they were a little presumptuous…”

So how could Italian football be forced into these changes and adapt to the modern game?

“I think teams should be obliged to start at least one under-21 player, it would be a shock to the Calcio system.”

Claudio Ranieri looks back a decade on from the iconic Leicester City Premier League victory, as the Foxes drop into the third tier. ‘I tweaked things, and from there a legend was born.’

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It is a decade on since Ranieri made football history by winning the Premier League title with minnows Leicester City, leaving behind clubs with far bigger budgets and glorious trophy cabinets.

As a sign of quite what a sporting miracle that was, Leicester City will play in League One next season, the English equivalent of Serie C, after back-to-back relegations.

To commemorate the anniversary, Ranieri sat down with singer-songwriter Sayf, who made headlines when saying his unexpected hit made him feel like Leicester City.

Ranieri remembers Leicester City success

“There was an incredible positive energy behind the team at that time, but I was only convinced that I would win the Premier League when I actually won the Premier League,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“This was considered a yo-yo team, they’d go up and down the divisions, and have just now dropped into the English third tier. When the President hired me, he asked to get 40 points and secure safety from relegation as early as possible. From there, a legend was born.

“I arrived, the team was in a training retreat because they’d sacked the coach, I had two days to prepare watching games from previous seasons. I changed a few things, as they were accustomed to a different system, saw some players who I felt it was right to change, and then the team really started to push.”

When asked if there was a moment or game when he saw the situation change, Ranieri insisted there wasn’t a specific turning point in that remarkable season.

“I started tweaking things because we conceded too many goals. I changed the two wide defenders, and from there the team conceded fewer goals.

“Another potential moment was a series of three games against Manchester City away, Liverpool at home, and Arsenal away, before the break for international duty.

“Jamie Vardy said to me: ‘Mister, shall we get nine points?’ I replied that if they picked up nine points, I’d give them the whole week off for a vacation. We won 3-1 in Manchester, we beat Liverpool, were 1-0 up over Arsenal until going down to 10 men and losing at the 93^rd minute.

“Everyone was so sad in the dressing room, so I told them: ‘I always asked you for the maximum in every game. We lost today, but you gave your best, so in my mind you earned three points. So you can have the whole week off.’ That might’ve been another building block in the victory.”

Ranieri also famously did the ‘dilly-ding dilly-dong’ gesture in training, his version of ringing a bell as a wake-up call to his Leicester City players.

“In all my experiences, I tried to keep everyone involved with a smile,” said the coach.