Inter President Beppe Marotta confirms Manuel Akanji will be bought outright from Manchester City and ‘with all due respect for Cesc Fabregas, but Cristian Chivu was our ideal candidate.’
The Nerazzurri are celebrating their 21st Serie A title, the first to be achieved with Marotta as President, because he was only the director general when they last lifted the trophy in 2024.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates with his teammates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This is a glorious club that is accustomed to winning, so it is important that we won the title three times in five years with three different coaches,” Marotta told Radio Sportiva.
“It means we have created a winning sporting model.”
Why Inter picked Chivu for new era
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu and Federico Dimarco celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu was chosen after Simone Inzaghi asked to walk away just hours after losing the Champions League Final 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain, as he had already agreed terms with Al-Hilal.
It was reported at the time that they had first approached Como for Fabregas, then turned to Chivu after being told he was not available.
“Inzaghi made the decision to try something different, so we asked ourselves which name to propose,” insisted Marotta.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: FC Internazionale fans display a banner featuring Cristian Chivu during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We evaluated Chivu as the person who perfectly fit the profile. A coach is a crucial figure and, with all due respect for Fabregas, Chivu represents the ideal candidate because he knows what it means to play and win with Inter.
“He already had Serie A experience and took Parma to safety, so this is why we chose him. It’s true he didn’t have a lot of experience coaching, but we wanted to show courage with this choice.
“Now he is a winning coach who can stay at Inter for many years.”
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with his Head Coach, Cristian Chivu, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Before taking the Parma job mid-season, Chivu had been working in the Inter youth academy as a coach, where he got to work with Francesco Pio Esposito.
That proved extremely useful when the youngster impressed at the Club World Cup.
“He asked us to keep Pio Esposito in the squad, another thing we are proud of.”
Meanwhile, it is confirmed that Akanji will be bought outright from Manchester City, as there was a clause in the loan activating the purchase option in case of the Scudetto victory.
“When we negotiated the loan, we did add an option to buy apart from the Scudetto too. We have great respect for him as a player and a man, so he will continue to be in our squad,” concluded the Inter President.
Paolo Vanoli admits Fiorentina still look ‘fragile’ after a 4-0 defeat to Roma, but mustn’t forget how far they’ve come. ‘It really was a catastrophe when I arrived.’
It is entirely possible that Fiorentina started the match breathing a sigh of relief, because just minutes before taking to the field, they heard that Cremonese had lost 2-1 at home to Lazio.
That almost guarantees that the Tuscans are safe from the threat of relegation, a remarkable achievement considering they were rock bottom when Vanoli took the job.
Vanoli sees same Fiorentina issues
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Jack Harrison of ACF Fiorentina and Wesley of AS Roma battle for possession of the ball during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“The fact is, we switched off completely after their first goal, also thanks to a great performance from Roma, so we must congratulate them this evening.”
The Viola looked shell-shocked in the opening minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, going 2-0 down within 17 minutes with a Gianluca Mancini free header and Wesley sweeping in, then Mario Hermoso’s tap-in and another header by Niccolò Pisilli completed the 4-0 rout.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We’ve had a great run to get here, we’ve got to keep our heads up, because mistakes happen and at times this fragility comes back out, like it did against Udinese.”
When already 3-0 down, the Fiorentina coach took a risk and introduced youth team striker Riccardo Braschi, who within 60 seconds had thumped the base of the upright.
Considering Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli are out injured, could the teenager get more opportunity for the rest of this season?
“I would’ve been happier for him if he had scored, but we had many young players with us this season and I’ve always tried to give them a chance. You need to let these lads grow, he is working hard in training and showed some of what he can do tonight.”
Braschi replaced Albert Gudmundsson at half-time, who continues to look like a shadow of the player who was signed from Genoa.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It is not all his fault, because he’s been moved around in a few different positions lately. If he was supporting a centre-forward, it would go better for him, but we were in an emergency situation and he has been helping out,” insisted Vanoli.
“I think he played well against Sassuolo and if he had scored, people might’ve evaluated his performance differently.”
Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici said before kick-off that he would sit down with Vanoli to discuss the future after safety had been secured, as it remains unlikely that he will stay on as coach.
“We’ll discuss it once we are guaranteed safety. I said when I arrived that avoiding relegation was going to be our Scudetto, we are nearly there and just need that final push to close the situation completely.
“We must be focused exclusively on the present and the remaining games,” added Vanoli.
If he was replaced after climbing the table in difficult circumstances, would he consider it an injustice?
“Absolutely not! A club has to make its evaluations, and when I arrived everyone was frightened by the prospect of relegation, it really was a catastrophe. We had four points and nobody had managed to avoid the drop with zero victories in the first 11 rounds.
“The job is not done, then the club and I too will evaluate for the future. As I’ve always said, I would be happy to continue the process,” concluded the coach.
Gian Piero Gasperini insists he always knew Roma could get back into the hunt for the top four after hammering Fiorentina 4-0. ‘We cannot afford a mistake, but we’re in good shape.’
It was a dominant performance at the Stadio Olimpico, as the Giallorossi were already 3-0 up by half-time thanks to Gianluca Mancini’s free header, Wesley, and Mario Hermoso.
The 4-0 scoreline was rounded out after the break by Niccolò Pisilli on a Donyell Malen assist, the Dutchman hitting the woodwork twice.
Gasperini always had faith in Roma
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Matias Soule during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We’ve changed our attack since midway through the season, so scored many more than in the first half, though we also conceded quite a few more too,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was good to score with four different players and some good moves. We are in a good period of form, though games are all very balanced and difficult, we know that we cannot afford a mistake to still have a chance, but we are in good shape.”
The coach always believed in their ability to get back into the hunt for fourth.
“I saw that we had the possibility of getting players back, that with a complete team we could get a run of results and had much stronger potential.”
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina passes the ball while under pressure from Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
This result means Roma are now just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus, and within three of Milan in third, so the fight for Champions League qualification is blown wide open.
Como are also still in the running, as they are in sixth place on 62 points, just two behind the Giallorossi.
“This is a very strong squad, above all I never had to keep a tight grip on them, because from the first day I arrived they were fully focused. I never had a problem with their mentality, and the response seen in recent weeks has been even more determined.
“There is great unity between myself and the players, we will try to achieve a target that we wanted strongly from the start.”
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The arrival of Malen in January from Aston Villa has undoubtedly transformed the squad, but the future of the Roma attack is looking very uncertain, especially as Paulo Dybala’s contract is running down.
“We were missing Dybala and Soulé for long periods this season due to injury, El Shaarawy was out for a while too, we were haemorrhaging strikers for a while, including long-term absentees like Dovbyk and Ferguson who fell off the radar,” added Gasperini.
“Despite everything, these lads gave their all in every game, so I cannot fault their attitude, and today they seem stronger than ever. There are three games to play, we know that we have to achieve the maximum and hope someone else slips up.”
Manu Kone made his return to the starting XI today for the first time since a muscular injury in mid-March.
“For long spells, this team had the best defensive record in Europe. We lost a few players and paid a price for that, but we’re starting to get everyone back now, the team that we had at the start plus Malen. In these conditions, obviously it is easier to get results.”
Considering representatives of the Friedkin family were in the stands today, is Gasperini discussing how to improve this squad for next season?
“As I said, I am focused on the present, then the moment will come when we can talk about the future.”
The race for Champions League qualification could go down to the wire, as there are now only five points separating Milan, Juventus, Roma and Como in the Serie A table.
The top four go into the Champions League from Serie A, and while Inter are guaranteed their spot in first place and Napoli have a fairly healthy lead, the other two are going to be very tight.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Week 35 fixtures have completely transformed the situation, as Milan lost to Sassuolo, while Juventus, Napoli and Como all played stalemates.
Napoli now have 70 points, Milan 67, Juventus 65, Roma 64, and Como 62.
Let’s take a look at the remaining Serie A fixtures for what could be a battle to the end.
Serie A fixtures
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Roma swept Fiorentina aside for a comfortable 4-0 victory that put them one point off fourth-placed Juventus, but the Viola can feel safe from relegation anyway.
The Giallorossi suddenly found themselves right back in the race for Champions League spots after Juventus, Milan, Napoli and Como stalled. Manu Kone returned for his first start since March 19, with Paulo Dybala only fit for the bench, missing suspended Neil El Aynaoui, injured Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
The Viola were without Moise Kean, Roberto Piccoli, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey, though Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi returned. As Cremonese lost in the early kick-off, the Tuscans were practically safe from relegation.
Donyell Malen took on a crowd of defenders and his shot was deflected off Luca Ranieri to loop up onto the top of the crossbar. Roma scored from the resulting Niccolò Pisilli corner, which found Gianluca Mancini unmarked for the glancing header from six yards.
The second goal came soon after, as Pisilli went on the counter, it was spread from right to left via Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso until Wesley swept in first-time with the inside of the right boot from just inside the area.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Fiorentina were extremely sluggish, as Manu Kone brushed past Nicolò Fagioli to pull back from the by-line for Hermoso’s easiest of tap-ins from a couple of yards.
Malen tested David De Gea at the near post, but the Viola started to wake up towards half-time, as the Fagioli volley was deflected over for a corner.
Fiorentina made a triple change at half-time, including youth team striker Riccardo Braschi, who within 60 seconds had fired his shot onto the base of the upright.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Marin Pongracic of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma also came close when Malen took on three defenders, his finish was deflected and De Gea fingertipped it onto the crossbar.
Fiorentina struggled to get a ball clear, until Malen stood it up with a trivela cross off the outside of the right boot for Pisilli’s header at the back post.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Matias Soule during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Robinio Vaz didn’t react quickly enough to get on the end of a Zeki Celik low cross-shot.
Maurizio Sarri continued to cast doubts over his Lazio future ahead of the Coppa Italia Final. ‘I’ll talk to the club and we’ll see if we can respect this contract to the end.’
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio ceòebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The Aquile consolidated eighth place in Serie A with this evening’s last-gasp victory away to Cremonese, as Gustav Isaksen and Tijjani Noslin turned it around after the Federico Bonazzoli opener.
It is perhaps a better result that Sarri had expected when he started the season with a transfer embargo, then saw some big players sold in January.
Sarri not sure of Lazio status
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio prior the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“Our objective since the start of the season was to work in order to help improve a squad that had only the very smallest chance of getting into the race for Europe,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
“Amid a thousand difficulties, I can say that today we are a different type of team, thanks to that progress. I don’t know if this will be the foundations for the future, that is not up to me.”
The coach also spoke later in a press conference and was asked outright if he will remain at Lazio next term.
“I am here for Cremonese-Lazio,” was his reply. “There are another four games to go, one of which is extremely important. Our minds are only on those.
“After that, we will sit down and talk with the club, then we’ll see if we can respect this contract to the end.”
Meanwhile, Sarri was furious with the Lega Serie A organisers for scheduling the Derby della Capitale at 12.30 local time.
“At the start of the season, we played the derby in 37 degree heat, now they are making us play in May at midday. It is an insult to the city of Rome, to two big clubs, and to the fans, so someone has to pay for that.
“I hope they won’t make us play at that time, and someone should resign just for proposing it. I can tell you now, if they do, I won’t turn up for press interviews in protest. Ask the Lega Serie A why they didn’t make Inter and Milan play at that time.”
Cremonese now need a miracle to avoid relegation to Serie B, as their defeat to Lazio means Genoa are safe, Cagliari and Fiorentina practically too, so only Lecce are within reach.
LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 08: Santiago Pierotti US Lecce scores his team’s opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and US Cremonese at Stadio Via del Mare on March 08, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
That result mathematically guaranteed that both Pisa and Hellas Verona are going down to Serie B this summer, leaving just one spot remaining.
That will be a straight fight between Cremonese and Lecce, but the gap has opened up to four points with just three rounds left to play.
Cremonese hot favourites for relegation
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Youssef Maleh of US Cremonese and Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio fight for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
At the very most, these teams would go into a play-off, but they can practically breathe easy at this stage.
Going into the final three rounds, Cremonese need to host doomed Pisa, visit Udinese and conclude at home to Como.
Lecce will welcome Juventus, play away to Sassuolo, and their last game is at home with Genoa.
PISA, ITALY – MAY 1: Lameck Banda of US Lecce celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and US Lecce at Arena Garibaldi on May 1, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
When it comes to Serie A relegation, if two teams are locked together, they go into a play-off over two legs.
If more than two teams are on the same points, then a mini-league is drawn up of their head-to-head results, and the bottom two head into the play-offs.
Cremonese were heartbroken in stoppages as Lazio turned the game around with Gustav Isaksen and Tijjani Noslin to leave the hosts four points adrift of safety.
The situation was increasingly desperate for the hosts, who risked being left four points adrift of safety. They had one point from four rounds, with Faris Moumbagna still injured, and Jamie Vardy back in the squad. The Aquile reached the Coppa Italia Final, but Matteo Cancellieri sat out a ban, with Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot injured, plus Kenneth Taylor, Mattia Zaccagni and Mario Gila not fully fit.
Oliver Provstgaard’s header on a Zaccagni free kick flashed inches wide, but Cremonese were forced to change injured Federico Baschirotto after a muscular strain in his right leg.
The hosts took the lead with a goal against the run of play, as Federico Bonazzoli hit a sudden snapshot from outside the box and it took Edoardo Motta by surprise at the base of the near post, with a howler from the goalkeeper.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Federico Bonazzoli of US Cremonese celebrates with coach Marco Giampaolo after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Alessio Zerbin failed to make the most of an error when Provstgaard’s clearance ricocheted off Patric into his path, and Bonazzoli’s acrobatic attempt was smothered by Motta.
Nicolò Rovella came on for the restart, his first appearance since suffering a fractured clavicle on February 21, and Alessio Romagnoli nodded a corner into the arms of Emil Audero.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Youssef Maleh of US Cremonese and Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio fight for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Lazio equalised with a classic counter-attack, as Nuno Tavares intercepted a corner inside his own penalty area and ran the entire length of the pitch, rolling across for Tijjani Noslin to then find Gustav Isaksen, sweeping in first-time.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 04: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio scores their first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SS Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 04, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Bonazzoli didn’t make the most of another Motta error playing out from the back, while Provstgaard threw himself in the path of a Vardy strike.
Motta got down to parry a sudden Warren Bondo screamer from distance, but he made a desperate fingertip save on Bondo’s snooker shot in the 90th minute, Adam Marusic bravely throwing himself in the way to prevent a tap-in on the rebound.
Incredibly, it was Lazio who scored moments later when Noslin completed a give and go with Boulaye Dia to curl a wonderful right-foot finish into the far top corner from just inside the box.
The midfielder is widely expected to leave Bergamo at the end of the season, especially as his current contract only runs to June 2027, so time is running out to organise an extension.
It is also no secret that there are two clubs particularly eager to secure his services in the summer, namely Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
Ederson caught between two clubs
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
However, Pedullà points out that the Spaniards are still a very long way off agreeing a fee with Atalanta, because the proposal is just €30m plus bonuses.
If Manchester United can match the personal terms proposed by Atleti and also increase the offer for Atalanta to €40m, then the matter is far from a foregone conclusion.
This could be a big crossroads in the campaign, because as Juventus and Como were both held to draws, it gives Roma the opportunity to close within a point of fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Neil El Aynaoui is suspended, with Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, plus Manu Kone, Zeki Celik and Bryan Zaragoza not at 100 per cent.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala had been tipped for a return to the starting XI for the first time since January 25, making his comeback as a substitute in the 2-0 win away to Bologna, but he is again on the bench.
It’s barely been possible to see the front three of Malen, Dybala and Soulé start together.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Fiorentina are practically safe, but want one more push to be absolutely sure of escaping the relegation zone after a seven-round unbeaten Serie A run.
Their last two were stalemates against Sassuolo and Lecce, but Moise Kean, Roberto Piccoli, Niccolò Fortini and Tariq Lamptey are all still injured.
Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi are back in the squad, but Albert Gudmundsson has to be a False 9 with Jack Harrison and Manor Solomon in support.
Cesc Fabregas learned so much from the coaches he worked with, crediting Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, but above all Arsene Wenger. ‘Conte was a big shock.’
The Como coach is only 39 years old and hung up his boots in 2023, going straight into management with the Italian club in Serie B.
In Calcio, there is a battle between so-called Giochisti and Risultatisti, those who want to focus on playing good football, and those who say the result is all that truly matters. He is firmly in the first camp.
Fabregas not just about the result
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I coach the way that I feel. I love the game. If I coach only to get results, I will not do it. I don’t have the necessity to do it,” Fabregas told Telegraph Sport.
“I do it because of the passion and because I want to do it my way. You know, of course, you need to adapt, depending on the group of players that you have.
“But, at the end of the day, you have some beliefs. I could not coach long ball, second ball. Why? Because you need to believe in what you do. You can win in any way, as long as you convince the players and you convince everyone that this is the right way.
“But I have my beliefs. If you want to play long ball, second ball, I’m sorry I’m not your guy, because I don’t feel it. So I will not be able to transmit the fire.”
He is trying to adapt all that he learned over 20 years as a player and brings that to this new stage of his career, trying also to avoid the errors he witnessed in the past.
That came from a little black book he started when playing for Arsenal, updating throughout his time at various clubs.
COMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I started the book when I was 22 or 23, before going to Barcelona, and then I just kept adding to it during my career,” continued Fabregas.
“I referred back to it at the beginning because everything was new. But now, with my experience, every time I’m more confident about what I do. If I’m unsure about something, I could sneak a look and pick a little bit of it, but not so often now.
“The biggest chapters are probably about Arsene, because everything was new, and Conte, because, for me, he was a big shock. Everything was different.”
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte (L) greets player Cesc Fabregas (R) at the end of the English Premier League soccer match Chelsea vs Swansea at Stamford Bridge, London, Britain, 25 February 2017. EPA/WILL OLIVER EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications
Conte and Fabregas met at the weekend in a 0-0 Serie A draw between Como and Napoli, having worked together for two years at Chelsea.
“It was the first time someone was telling me where I need to pass the ball. The way he dealt with things, he was very, very tough in certain things. So he made me see a lot of new things and also he learned to trust me.”
The coach he still keeps in touch with the most is Wenger from the early days at Arsenal, who along with Thierry Henry and David Dien have been in the stands to cheer on Como.
“Arsene sends me messages after games, even when we lose or when we win after good performances. He gives me a lot of courage,” concluded Fabregas.
Silvio Berlusconi’s former colleague Fedele Confalonieri blasted the current Milan set-up, with everyone from owner Gerry Cardinale to ‘fake champion’ Rafael Leao.
It feels like a very long way from the success of Berlusconi’s Milan, who over 30 years became the most successful club side on the planet.
Among those at his side during that time was Confalonieri, who is now the President of Berlusconi’s media company Mediaset.
While attending the launch of a book about the club, Confalonieri spoke to reporters and did not hold back on the current state of the Rossoneri.
Confalonieri unimpressed with modern Milan
MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Silvio Berluconi and CEO of AC Monza Adriano Galliani attend the Serie A match between AC Monza and Torino FC at Stadio Brianteo on August 13, 2022 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
“Leao is a fake champion. He looks like he might be a champion, but a champion plays 90 minutes every game. How much does Leao play, really?
“Luka Modric, now there is a champion, he plays every minute, even at age 40. He is someone who won the Ballon d’Or in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Milan have been through a few owners since Berlusconi sold the club, but Confalonieri is unimpressed with current patron Cardinale.
“A bank owns a football club, what do they care about winning the Scudetto? This is the point. If you are fortunate enough, like Inter now, to have a great President in charge like Beppe Marotta… If we’d had Adriano Galliani at the helm, we might’ve stood a chance.”
When told that the man making the decisions at Milan is Giorgio Furlani, the response was not positive.
“I haven’t met him, and as a Milanista, I really don’t care to.”
Cesc Fabregas explains why he is in no rush to leave Como, even if he’d like to work in the Premier League ‘in 12, 15 years,’ because he has control. ‘I take all the football decisions, I designed the gym.’
The tactician has taken Como from Serie B to the top flight, the Coppa Italia semi-final and now challenging for a Champions League qualifying place in the space of three years.
It has attracted so much attention that there were reports he had been approached by Chelsea and Arsenal, two of his former clubs as a player, but insists he is in no rush to leave the Stadio Sinigaglia.
Fabregas eager to see Como develop
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas and FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu look on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I’ve always been very, very clear about it. I felt it as a player, I feel it as a coach, as a fan. But [Jose] Mourinho told me one day when I was at Chelsea ‘I still have 30 years to work’. So I could be here for 10 years, and you can still go to the Premier League in 12, 15 years.
“Football is so unpredictable, it changes in one second. One day, you are the best. The day after, you are the worst. So let’s enjoy the moment. I like to enjoy the moment. It’s beautiful what we are living here. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Seeing the speed at which some clubs go through managers, he has even more reason to stick it out with Como, where he represents far more than just a coach.
When he joined as a player in 2022, the Spaniard also invested as a minority shareholder, and has been given the keys to the club by billionaire owners the Hartono family.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his players Anastasios Douvikas and Martin Baturina during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I take all the football decisions. The sporting director, he’s day-to-day with me and we see football the same way. The signings, we work with data, we have our scouting and stuff, but it needs to be something that I believe in. It needs to be a player that I’m convinced about.
“I’m so happy and lucky that we have a president that trusts me a lot and has given me the confidence to go and take all the football decisions. That, for me, is really important.”
Fabregas repeatedly said that he used to open the gates of the training ground at 6am, but goes into further detail of how much Como have built to follow his vision.
“The gym I designed with the architect. I designed the glass on the front. I learned it from Arsène [Wenger]. I remembered that the gym needs to be looking at the game on the pitches for the injured players.
“All the food comes here, it was an old building, and I did it the way that I feel is right. And all the pitches, everything. At the stadium, I said we need a bigger pitch because we are a team that wants the ball, we have possession. So I made the pitch bigger.
“In Italy, people were saying ‘no, no, why 65 metres? Make it 63 because that means you can defend better’. So it’s a bit the concept of you look at football in one way or another.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Now that they are on the verge of qualifying for Europe, Fabregas can’t wait to see what happens next at Como.
“We started this journey, not on the ground floor, but at minus 10. So we’re ahead of schedule and we are in the early days. I feel that this club has so much potential, but this is what I was given. You know, this is the beauty of this project, starting from nothing to make one day a European club.”
“I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I’m in a beautiful place with amazing people who let me work and they trust me. Every day, I feel like I am at university because every day I need to make a crazy amount of decisions all over the club. And, for me, this is good because I’m learning faster than maybe doing it another way.”
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Cesc Fabregas Como 1907 head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Some had suggested Fabregas would make a good Italy coach, but this is another thing he is in absolutely no hurry to experience.
“If you ask me now ‘do you want to coach a national team?’ I will tell you ‘no’. Because I love coaching. I love being every day on the grass. I love being with the young players. I love the individual sessions. I love it all.”
Marcus Thuram caught the eye with some special sunglasses during Inter’s Scudetto celebration and warns Hakan Calhanoglu they’re here to stay. ‘I’ll wear them in the World Cup.’
The Nerazzurri needed only a point last night against Parma to secure the Scudetto, but went better with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The France international took centre stage during the title celebrations on the pitch at San Siro with some snazzy shades, and was still wearing them the day after during an Instagram Livestream.
He was chatting with teammate Calhanoglu, who asked ‘Did you sleep with those on?’
Thuram insisted people haven’t understood his commitment to the bit.
“From now on, I will train, play, do everything with these on. You have seen the last of my eyes, it’s over! At the World Cup, if I go, I’ll be wearing these glasses. I’ll go hey, Mbappé, pass me the ball…”
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.’
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 21st Scudetto.
Chivu: ‘I was already in Inter history’
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When told he is in the Inter history books, he replied with his usual dry humour.
“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 21st 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.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players and staff of FC Internazionale Milano unveil a flag to celebrate being confirmed as Serie A champions after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates with his teammates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Coutinho, Cristian Chivu and Wesley Sneijder of Inter Milan celebrates after the first goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between FC Internazionale Milano and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 20, 2010 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“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.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
“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
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players and staff of FC Internazionale Milano unveil a flag to celebrate being confirmed as Serie A champions after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
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.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram, Federico Dimarco, and Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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 21st time, as Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured the 2-0 victory over Parma to get the party started at San Siro.
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players of FC Internazionale Milano pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 3, 2026
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale Milano and Adrian Bernabe of Parma Calcio 1913 chase after the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
— 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.
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.
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Players of FC Internazionale Milano pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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
— 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.
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.
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
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.”
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus FC is tackled by Martin Frese of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Bremer of Juventus FC is challenged by Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.’
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
PISA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Pisa SC and FC Internazionale at Arena Garibaldi on November 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“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.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano is congratulated by Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: The FC Internazionale fans show their support during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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 10th 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.
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.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC is challenged by Jean-Daniel Dave Lewis Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC in action against Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Bremer of Juventus FC is challenged by Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.
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.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Federico Dimarco of Inter talks with Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nesta Elphege of Parma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Gabriel Strefezza during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Friuli on April 18, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
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.
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.’
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.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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 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.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates and Luciano Spalletti Head coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
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.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Jonathan David of Juventus reacts during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Kieron Bowie of Hellas Verona is challenged by Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Juventus vs. Verona line-ups
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; David
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.
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.
It took under five minutes for Berardi to confirm his extraordinary record against Milan, as this was his 12th 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.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fabio Grosso (L), Head Coach of US Sassuolo reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
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.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
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.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan reacts after Fabio Maresca, referee of the match shows to hi a red card during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
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.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Armand Laurienté of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Ismael Koné of Sassuolo (2nd from left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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 31st victory.
First trophy for Farioli
Official: Farioli appointed head coach of FC Porto.
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 37th 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.
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
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte reacts during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
He published photographs of them together in their wedding outfits surrounded by flowers, complete with the comment: ‘Long-term contract signed.’
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.
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Daniele De Rossi of Genoa FC and Raffaele Palladino of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
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.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
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
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Referee Michael Fabbri disputes with Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Assane Diao of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.”
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Nico Paz of Como 1907 competes for the ball with Alessandro Buongiorno of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.”
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
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano looks on during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
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.
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Assane Diao of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Maximo Perrone of Como 1907 competes for the ball with Alisson Santos of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
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.’
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
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“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?
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte (L) greets player Cesc Fabregas (R) at the end of the English Premier League soccer match Chelsea vs Swansea at Stamford Bridge, London, Britain, 25 February 2017. EPA/WILL OLIVER EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications
“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.”
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.’
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, argues with referee Giovanni Ayroldi during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 24: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Cremonese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks o during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Cesc Fabregas Como 1907 head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 24: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Cremonese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Como vs. Napoli line-ups
Como: Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Diego Carlos, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas
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.
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
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Jens Cajuste of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Ipswich Town FC at Old Trafford on February 26, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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.
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 50th 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.
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 02: Nicolo Zaniolò of Udinese interacts with referee Giuseppe Mucera after scoring a goal which is then ruled out for offside during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Torino FC at Stadio Friuli on May 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
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.
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 02: Kingsley Ehizibue of Udinese (#19) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal in front of fans during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Torino FC at Stadio Friuli on May 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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.’
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Leicester City FC at Molineux on April 26, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“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.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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 93rd 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.
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