Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli says that he is ‘angry’ at the yellow card he received for simulation over the weekend, and says that Juventus need more ‘nastiness’ and to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to return to the Champions League next season. 

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

Locatelli on Juventus 1-1 Verona, call for ruthlessness and yellow card for diving

Juventus remain locked in a battle with Roma and Como for a spot in next season’s Champions League. The Bianconeri occupy fourth spot on 65 points, Roma trail by one point and Como trail by three heading into the final three matches of the 2025-26 season. 

The gap between Juventus and Roma narrowed over the weekend, following a 1-1 draw between the Bianconeri and Hellas Verona and a 4-0 victory for the Giallorossi against Fiorentina on Monday night. 

Whilst there is only one point separating Juventus and Roma, Locatelli says there is comfort to be taken from the fact that the race is still in Juve’s control. He urges his teammates to be more ruthless heading into the final stretch, though. 

“I think we lack a bit of competitive nastiness in certain moments,” Locatelli told reporters at the launch event of Juve’s Strength of Stories podcast series. 

“We have to try to score when games are still open. Being clinical in front of goal helps us. The coach told us, we need a pinch of extra nastiness. 

The Bianconeri skipper insists that he is not distracted by the ‘pressure’ that some suggest is burdening the players heading into the final few matches of the season. 

“As I’ve always said, it’s a familiar concept in football, we’re used to this sort of pressure. The important thing is that it all still depends on us. We have to play these next few games with maturity. We’re trying, but we lack that wickedness.” 

Locatelli does not deny the fact that Juve were not at their best during their 1-1 draw with Verona, though: “As I’ve said, it still depends on us. We can’t be happy with the game we played against Verona.” 

Locatelli also took a moment to criticise the decision to show him a yellow card for simulation during the Verona draw. 

When asked how frustrated he was, he replied: “Very. I got angry. I don’t usually talk about referees, I don’t like that, but he can’t give me a yellow there. I was nervous, which is why I made a mistake, but I don’t dive. You can’t dive with VAR, there’s no point in giving me the yellow card.” 

Reports in Italy claim that there have been five meetings between Juventus and the entourage of striker Dusan Vlahovic in an attempt to come to an agreement over a new contract, but the parties are not yet aligned on figures, and most importantly, commission fees. 

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

Report: Juventus and Vlahovic camp haggling over commission fees

Vlahovic is into the final two months of his Juventus contract and could potentially walk away from the Allianz Stadium for free at the end of June. He is earning a net salary of €12m on the final year of his Juventus deal, which makes him the highest-paid player in the division by some distance. 

Despite a 2025-26 season that has been heavily impacted by injuries, Juventus are still keen to tie Vlahovic down to a new deal, particularly knowing that he could potentially go on and join a direct league rival if his contract is allowed to expire next month. Milan and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich are both said to be interested. 

However, according to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, there have now been five meetings between Juventus and Vlahovic’s camp, led by the striker’s father, Milos, but there is still no agreement over a new deal in place. 

Vlahovic has reportedly ‘opened up’ to the idea of signing a relatively short-term contract, potentially for two years. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that a reduction of salary is not out of the question either, potentially to a contract ‘a la Yildiz’ i.e. for €6m-€7m per year. 

However, there are still issues relating to ancillary costs, i.e. commission fees and signing bonuses according to Tuesday’s reports.

According to Sky Sports, Juventus have made Alisson Becker their primary transfer target for this summer, and they will set aside both time and significant funds to sign the Liverpool goalkeeper. Juventus have been credited with strong interest in Alisson before, and it seems they’ve decided that this would be the transfer window when they […]

The post Juventus step up efforts to sign Alisson Becker appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Juventus step up efforts to sign Alisson Becker appeared first on Soccer News.

According to Sky Sports, Juventus have made Alisson Becker their primary transfer target for this summer, and they will set aside both time and significant funds to sign the Liverpool goalkeeper. Juventus have been credited with strong interest in Alisson before, and it seems they’ve decided that this would be the transfer window when they […]

The post Juventus step up efforts to sign Alisson Becker appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Juventus step up efforts to sign Alisson Becker appeared first on Soccer News.

Ismael Kone has a €35 million release clause in his Sassuolo contract that is valid until the end of July, with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus all understood to be among the clubs interested in signing one of Serie A’s standout performers this season.

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

According to Fabrizio Romano, via TuttoMercatoWeb, contacts between the parties are expected before the start of the World Cup, which Koné will feature in as a key member of the Canada squad.

Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has also addressed the situation publicly. “I haven’t spoken with Inter or Milan about Koné, but it’s also true that we have had some requests from foreign clubs,” he said. “It’s possible that an Inter-Milan derby could emerge. We need to find the best situation for him, but at the same time for us too.”

Sassuolo open to Kone sale as Serie A giants circle ahead of World Cup

Milan sporting director Igli Tare has already publicly confirmed his club’s interest, and with the release clause set at a fixed figure, the race is likely to come down to the player’s preference rather than a negotiation over fee.

Inter and Juventus have also been linked with the Sassuolo man, in what promises to be a difficult battle for his signature.

As Carnevali noted, there is also interest from abroad in the Canadian, meaning Italian clubs will want to act fast to avoid missing out.

Koné will head into the summer with considerable leverage, having established himself as one of the most dynamic midfielders in Serie A this season.

Milan passed up the opportunity to sign Donyell Malen in January, with the Dutch striker having since transformed Roma’s attack under Gian Piero Gasperini and emerged as one of Serie A’s most effective forwards in the second half of the season.

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

According to CalcioMercato, an intermediary offered Malen to Milan during the winter window, but the club declined to commit to an operation worth a total of around €27 million.

Instead, Roma secured the former Aston Villa forward on an onerous loan of approximately €2 million, with an obligation to buy that will be triggered should the Giallorossi qualify for next season’s Europa League or Champions League.

Malen form at Roma highlights Milan’s costly January miscalculation

The numbers make for uncomfortable reading from a Milan perspective.

Since joining Roma, Malen has scored 11 goals and contributed two assists in 15 Serie A appearances, adding a further assist in the Europa League against Bologna.

The Dutchman left Aston Villa seeking a club that would trust him as an out-and-out centre-forward rather than a wide attacker, and Gasperini’s direct, vertical system has brought out the best in him.

Milan’s January business, by contrast, yielded little. Sporting director Igli Tare operated without a significant budget, and the arrival of Niclas Fullkrug, the only notable attacking addition, has produced just one goal, against Lecce.

Inter Milan’s home kit for the 2026/27 season has been leaked online, with Footy Headlines revealing images of a Nike design that retains the club’s classic black and blue stripes while introducing a striking deep yellow finish on the club’s badges and logos.

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

According to Footy Headlines, who published exclusive images of the authentic version on April 25, more images of the shirt have since been leaked in collaboration with KamilBerberler.

The outlet also reported that the jersey was spotted on sale ahead of its official launch, with the inside collar carrying the inscription “Made of Milalo.”

Gold logos and zig-zag detailing mark Inter new Nike home shirt

The design largely lets the stripes do the talking, but there are subtle departures from tradition.

The black stripes are notably thicker than the blue, and the blue stripes feature a zig-zag pattern at both ends, a contemporary touch on an otherwise classic template.

The deep yellow used on the crests and Nike branding is described as sitting midway between yellow and orange, giving the shirt a warmer, more distinctive feel than a standard gold.

The Nike Inter Milan 2026/27 home shirt will reportedly be available to purchase from May 2026.

Reports in Italy claim that Luka Modric returned to the Milan training centre this morning. Hence, the Rossoneri hope to see the Croat return to action for the last game of the season despite a recent cheekbone surgery.

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

Modric’s season with Milan might not be over as Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia and MilanNews, report that the 40-year-old returned to Milanello on Tuesday morning for the first time since suffering a cheekbone injury that required surgery two weeks ago.

Modric returns to Milanello for first time after surgery

It was expected that Modric would not play for Milan again this season, focusing his recovery on the World Cup with the Croatia national team.

However, according to MilanNews, his return to Milanello this morning suggests that the Real Madrid legend will push to be available for the season’s final game.

Milan have won only one of their last five league games and are still not certain to qualify for the Champions League, as their advantage over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to three points.

Milan host Atalanta next weekend, then visit Genoa in Round 37 and play at home against Cagliari in the final round.

• Read more – Allegri’s doubt, Modric out: The possible consequences for Milan without Champions League

Growing reports in Italy suggest that Maurizio Sarri is Napoli’s top candidate to replace Antonio Conte in 2026-27.

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

Will Sarri replace Conte at Napoli in 2026-27?

Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà reports that Lazio coach Sarri is the leading candidate for the Napoli job next season if Conte leaves.

The Partenopei boss is under contract at the Stadio Maradona, but his future at the club will be determined in the coming weeks, with a meeting expected between the Italian tactician and the Napoli management, including President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Pedullà writes on X that “confirmations are coming from all sides” that Sarri is Napoli’s “top name” for next season if the club and Conte decide to part ways.

Sarri returned to Lazio last summer but has had a troubled season at the Stadio Olimpico, mostly due to a summer transfer embargo that prevented the Biancocelesti from making new signings for the first part of the campaign.

Sarri, 67, already spent three seasons at Napoli, from 2015 to 2018.

He won 98 of 148 games in charge of the Partenopei, failing to win the Scudetto in his final season at the club despite collecting 91 points.

Inter legend Beppe Bergomi insists Milan, Juventus and Napoli can’t settle for a mere top-four finish next season and warns Barcelona about Alessandro Bastoni’s price tag: ‘He has great value…’

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

Inter and Italy legend Bergomi examined the Nerazzurri’s title-winning campaign in an interview with Repubblica, where he also discussed the improvements that Cristian Chivu’s team will need for 2026-27.

Chivu has won the Scudetto in his first full Serie A season as a coach, and Bergomi had no doubts about the former defender’s quality in the dugout.

“I knew he’d do well. Roberto Samaden, who had long been in charge of the youth sector, told me that Cristian could win his players’ hearts, and he did,” he said.

Bergomi went on to name the key Inter player this term.

“Lautaro. He’s the top scorer despite playing fewer games than in the past,” he said.

“He has amazing quality and leadership skills. Zielinski and Dimarco are just one step behind.”

Bergomi feels the Nerazzurri’s target for next season is already set, but he also sent a warning to the other contenders.

“Win the league again, and it is not only true for Inter,” he claimed.

“Milan, Napoli and Juve can’t just say ‘we aim for a Champions League spot.’ It’s not fair towards the fans. The Champions League is an opportunity, but it is complex. With the new formula, if you don’t finish [the league phase] in the top eight, it gets very tough.”

According to recent reports, the Nerazzurri will have a minimum budget of €40-50m to strengthen the team, a sum that could be increased through some sales.

“I’d like a physically strong central midfielder, like Koné, Rabiot or Khephren Thuram, and a dribbler, like Nico Paz,” Bergomi said.

“It will be hard to sign him from Real Madrid, but that’s the type of player [Inter need].

“Inter have been without Calhanoglu, Dumfries, and Lautaro for many games,” continued the ex-defender.

“Bastoni too. In addition to injuries, he was subjected to unjustified public shaming. He made a mistake, but he took responsibility for it.”

Inter President Marotta has already confirmed Barcelona’s interest in Bastoni. Should the Serie A champions really sell the Italian centre-back?

“It depends on the offers,” concluded Bergomi.

“He has great value; you can’t just sell him off cheaply. I see him doing well in Spain and in the Premier League.”

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter owners have already made €40-50m available for the summer transfer window, but the budget would increase with the sale of some players, especially Alessandro Bastoni.

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

Inter are already preparing to strengthen their team for 2026-27 after winning their 21st Scudetto this season.

Gazzetta reports that club owners Oaktree have already informed directors about their transfer budget for the summer, which will be between €40m and €50m.

The Serie A champions are expected to make significant changes, especially in defence, with Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij leaving at the end of their contracts in June.

• Read more – Chivu’s quiet Inter transformation: From Champions League Final disaster to title glory

Inter’s 2026 summer targets revealed

The Nerazzurri have already been linked with Liverpool centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who played under Cristian Chivu at Parma last season.

Inter’s strategy in defence will largely depend on whether Bastoni stays beyond the summer.

President Beppe Marotta has confirmed Barcelona’s interest in the Italian centre-back, yet the Nerazzurri have received no formal proposal.

Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic has already reached an agreement with the Nerazzurri, but club-to-club talks are still not at an advanced stage.

Experienced midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also expected to leave at the end of his contract in June, and according to Gazzetta, Curtis Jones is another Liverpool player targeted by the Nerazzurri.

Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario has been identified as the priority to replace Yann Sommer.

According to Gazzetta, Inter and Chivu could even decide to reshape the team, making suitable signings to a four-man defence.

In this scenario, Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra is a primary target, as the Italian can play either as a full-back or an attacking winger.

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Inter still hope to sign Nico Paz from Real Madrid next summer, as the Argentine is expected to return to the Bernabeu from Como at the end of the current campaign.

Milan risk missing out on Champions League qualification, and Gazzetta warns that failing to secure a top-four finish will have consequences, including the departure of Luka Modric.

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

Milan have won only one of their last five Serie A games, allowing fifth-placed Roma to move just three points behind them in the standings with three games remaining.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that missing out on a Champions League placement would have significant consequences for Milan, not only in terms of appeal and finances.

To start with, Croatian star Modric would almost certainly leave San Siro at the end of the season if Milan don’t finish in the top four.

Modric’s contract expires in June, and Milan will activate their option to extend until 2027 only if the 40-year-old agrees to stay.

Sky Sport previously reported that Modric would stay at Milan only in case of Champions League qualification and if Massimiliano Allegri stays for one more season.

The Italian tactician’s future at San Siro would also be uncertain without a top-four finish.

His contract expires in June 2027 and will automatically be extended to 2028 with Champions League qualification.

However, failing to reach the season’s main target might convince the coach to leave the Rossoneri, especially with the Italy national team job available.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini warns that he wants to avoid ‘misunderstandings’ in the new season: ‘I must work with my own ideas.’

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

Roma are still very much in the race for the Champions League. After securing a comfortable 4-0 home win against Fiorentina on Monday, the Giallorossi are just one point below fourth-placed Juventus with three games remaining.

Gasperini first examined Roma’s win during a post-match interview with Italian TV last night and then spoke about what he expects for next season at a post-match press conference.

Roma 4-0 Fiorentina: Gasperini’s post-match press conference

“I’ve always received important answers from these lads, who have always wanted to improve themselves,” the Roma boss said via Corriere dello Sport.

“We’ve always had a strong attachment, and I see even more in these last few games. We’ve never given up; we didn’t have a target, so we set it ourselves.

“We know that by recovering some players, we can have our say, we get to the final rush with confidence, but we’ve always been there.

“At the end of the season, we’ll have to talk to avoid the misunderstandings we’ve had. We need clarity,” he added.

“Perhaps we didn’t understand each other well. Now we are there, and we’ll fight.”

Roma parted ways with Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri two weeks ago, effectively reinforcing Gasperini’s powers within the club.

Sporting director Frederic Massara is also expected to leave the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season, with Gasp previously admitting that he and the club executive had had different views throughout the current campaign.

“We want to gift a result beyond predictions, and this strongly motivates us. This team’s strength is the unity in the dressing room, and it bothers me to think that this group is only worthy of a fifth- or sixth-place finish,” Gasp continued.

“This is a strong team with solid foundations. There are values that must be strengthened and not wasted. I respect everyone’s opinions, but I must work with my ideas. If I have to work with other ideas, I’d rather find another place.”

Roma will face Lazio in the penultimate round of the season. Even if the date and kick-off time have yet to be officially confirmed, Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has hinted that the match will be played on May 17 at 12:30 CET.

Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri looked unhappy with the kick-off time decided by Lega Serie A and threatened not to go on the bench for the derby.

“Perhaps it will rain. It won’t be hot. The problem is that there aren’t any other times available,” Gasp said.

“Nobody is happy with that kick-off time. I’ve been told that we can’t play in the evening. Monday at 18:00 [CET] would be even worse, and then there’s the matter of games played simultaneously. You’ll see, Sarri will be there eventually.”

In the Italian Serie A, while Inter have secured their 21st Scudetto, there’s a true thriller going on in the lower parts of the table: Fiorentina, Cremonese, Lecce and Genoa are fighting to stay in the championship. One of them will certainly be relegated to Serie B. Two teams are already certain to go down: Pisa and Hellas Verona, who have already been mathematically relegated.

In such an uncertain situation, it’s not easy to predict which teams will be relegated or manage to stay up. For those who still want to place a bet, betting apps with free bets no deposit required are just what they need—allowing them to bet conveniently from their phone, while limiting potential losses should the outcome not go as hoped for the team they decide to trust in the not-so-easy mission of avoiding relegation.

Relegation trends in Serie A

The teams at the bottom of the table allow too many goals in a championship as defensively strong as Serie A traditionally is. Pisa and Verona are tied at the bottom and have almost no chance of escaping that position: together, the two teams have won fewer than five games at the midpoint of April. You can’t hope to avoid relegation with these few points.

Verona and Pisa scored 24 and 25 goals, respectively, in 35 matches, which is a pretty poor result. Lecce also managed 24, Cremonese found the back of the net 27 times, while Fiorentina and Genoa did considerably better: the Viola scored 38 times and Genoa 40. Their problem, though, are the goals they allowed. According to Opta Analyst statistics, Pisa allowed 63 goals. This is obviously the worst result of the season and the reason why they are so low in the standings. Cremonese allowed 53 goals; Verona 57; Lecce 47; Fiorentina 49 and Genoa 48. These are all among the highest in the league. 

In the cases of Pisa, Verona and Genoa, the goals they concede are considerably higher than the scores they are expected to allow. This is a key stat in order to establish the favourites for relegation, so Genoa should be aware that the company is keeping. Pisa and Verona are bound to go down, but the Grifone can still win out and has the players to do just that. Genoa is a way better team than the last two of the bunch.

Games that matter until the end of the league

In the next few weeks, there will be some massive games to decide the relegations. Let’s see what the near future holds for the teams fighting to stay in Serie A.

Lecce

Eusebio Di Francesco’s boys recently faced Fiorentina, Verona and Pisa in consecutive weeks, before closing down the season against Genoa. Obviously, they hope this last game will not matter at all, as it will be the case if they mathematically avoid relegation before that day. Their opponents are not that tough, and their position in the standings is no longer a concern.

Cremonese

The Grigiorossi have it worse. They play against Pisa (week 36), but must face Napoli and Como, two of the better sides in the league in a couple of games where Giampaolo’s team will probably drop points. So they must win out the other games, which are way more winnable but surely not easy.

Fiorentina

The Viola is almost out of contention. The team is considerably better than the others we are writing about and must face Genoa, among other better teams. The Viola are probably the team that risks less, in the fight to avoid relegation, given their history, talent and financial means, but must play at their best to keep it safe.

Genoa

The Grifone plays against Fiorentina in a week 36 game where the Grifone is seen as the underdog and against Lecce, in a week 38 match that could be of paramount importance for one of the two sides, or could not matter at all, should Cremonese get to the last weekend of the season already sure of its relegation.

Giampaolo’s team seem to be the worst-positioned to stay in Serie A. Their roster is depleted and their schedule is considerably tough. Motivation will be key for them and they could use some help from their rivals. 

Maybe some of them will lose out and eliminate themselves with their own hands. In Cremona, they would be quite delighted should that happen. On Football Italia, we will closely follow how this battle develops, keeping an eye on Cagliari as well, which is not in good shape after the defeat against Inter Milan and could be the sixth team involved in the clash to avoid relegation.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter make themselves European

Four-man defence and an assaulting team to go beyond the Scudetto.

Milan and Juve, Champions risk

Stars at stake

The Devil without Cup? Allegri doubt, Modric’s farewell. The Old Lady might lose Yildiz, and Comolli is no longer safe.

Roma arrive, one point from the fourth spot

Sarri: ‘Derby at 12:30? I won’t go on the bench.’

Corriere dello Sport

New Inter

From the 21st Scudetto to market moves: more powers to Cristian and renewal to 2028

Chivu, let’s change

Assault on Paz, Koné and Palestra. Moratti: ‘Marvellous Nico.’

The Argentine will return to Real Madrid: Marotta tries. A new attempt for the Frenchman. Pressing on, Atalanta: the full-back is a priority. Chasing a centre-back: from Muharemovic to Leoni.

Poker Roma: Gasp goes -1 from Juve

Endless Lazio: Noslin’s magic

Referee managers called by the Prosecutor

Tuttosport

Toro in Superga: rage and pride

Juve, enough! Now Silva and Alisson

The coach expects six high-level reinforcements. First of all, he wants to feel safe with a central midfielder and a goalkeeper, like the experienced players of City and Liverpool. Tough speech to the players: if you do the minimum, you won’t go to the Champions League. Blitz in Stuttgart for Stiller and Grimaldo.

Roma boom: once again -1 from the fourth spot with four goals.

Defending champions Inter have Paz ready

45m plus sales to persuade Real Madrid, who will re-sign him from Como.

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.’

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

The Nerazzurri are celebrating their 21^st 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.

You can enjoy the Inter Scudetto celebrations on our Liveblog.

“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

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.

“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.”

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.’

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

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

“Knowing the other result should not be an excuse,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.

“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.

“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.

“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.’

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

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

“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.”

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.”

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.

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

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.

The Week 35 fixtures have completely transformed the situation, as Milan lost to Sassuolo, while Juventus, Napoli and Como all played stalemates.

This allowed Roma to break back into the race with their dominant 4-0 victory over Fiorentina.

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

Week 36

Lecce vs. Juventus

Milan vs. Atalanta

Napoli vs. Bologna

Parma vs. Roma

Verona vs. Como

Week 37

Como vs. Parma

Genoa vs. Milan

Juventus vs. Fiorentina

Pisa vs. Napoli

Roma vs. Lazio

Week 38

Cremonese vs. Como

Milan vs. Cagliari

Napoli vs. Udinese

Torino vs. Juventus

Verona vs. Roma

Serie A Table

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.

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

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.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

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.

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.

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.

Robinio Vaz didn’t react quickly enough to get on the end of a Zeki Celik low cross-shot.

Roma 4-0 Fiorentina

Mancini 13 (R), Wesley 17 (R), Hermoso 34 (R), Pisilli 58 (R)

04-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Fiorentina

4 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Gianluca Mancini (Assist: Niccolò Pisilli)		13'
Wesley (Assist: Mario Hermoso)		17'
		25'		Marin Pongracic
Mario Hermoso (Assist: Manu Koné)		34'

2nd half

Mario Hermoso		48'
Niccolò Pisilli (Assist: Donyell Malen)		58'
		66'		Fabiano Parisi
Stephan El Shaarawy		90+2'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

14

Total shots

4

7

Shots on target

1

3

Shots off target

3

4

Blocked shots

0

4

Corners

5

1

Offsides

0

12

Fouls

10

Roma

Fiorentina

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

72'

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

83'

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

64'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

83'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

72'

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

2

Dodô

Defender

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

46'

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

4

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

75'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

75'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

46'

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

46'

19

Manor Solomon

Attacker

Substitutes

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

64'

21

Paulo Dybala

Attacker

72'

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

72'

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

83'

78

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

83'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

3

Daniele Rugani

Defender

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

53

Oliver Christensen

Goalkeeper

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

47

Antonio Pirrò

Midfielder

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

46'

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

46'

61

Riccardo Braschi

Attacker

46'

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

75'

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

75'

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.’

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

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

“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.

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

Marco Giampaolo’s men knew they were in a very difficult situation after Lecce secured a 2-1 victory away to Pisa on Friday evening.

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

Cremonese’s 2-1 home defeat to Lazio in stoppages leaves them on 28 points, while Lecce are on 32.

Genoa are now mathematically safe on 40 points, while Cagliari and Fiorentina are nine points clear.

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.

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.

Serie A Table

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.

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

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.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

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.

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.

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.

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 90^th 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.

Cremonese 1-2 Lazio

Bonazzoli 29 (C), Isaksen 53 (L), Noslin 92 (L)

04-05-2026 17:30

MatchDay 35

Stadio Giovanni Zini

Cremonese

Lazio

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Federico Bonazzoli (Assist: Romano Floriani Mussolini)		29'
		40'		Oliver Provstgaard

2nd half

		53'		Gustav Isaksen (Assist: Tijjani Noslin)
Tommaso Barbieri		76'
		88'		Nuno Tavares
		90+2'		Tijjani Noslin (Assist: Boulaye Dia)

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

13

Total shots

8

5

Shots on target

3

4

Shots off target

4

4

Blocked shots

1

3

Corners

3

1

Offsides

4

16

Fouls

13

Cremonese

Lazio

Starting lineups

1

Emil Audero

Goalkeeper

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

21'

3

Giuseppe Pezzella

Defender

22

Romano Floriani Mussolini

Defender

68'

5

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

33

Alberto Grassi

Midfielder

61'

24

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

29

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

7

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

61'

99

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

61'

90

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

40

Edoardo Motta

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

17

Nuno Tavares

Defender

25

Oliver Provstgaard

Defender

4

Patric

Defender

46'

27

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

46'

24

Kenneth Taylor

Midfielder

71'

26

Toma Basic

Midfielder

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

81'

10

Mattia Zaccagni

Attacker

60'

Substitutes

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

16

Marco Silvestri

Goalkeeper

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

23

Federico Ceccherini

Defender

9

Milan Djuric

Attacker

77

David Okereke

Attacker

18

Michele Collocolo

Midfielder

55

Francesco Folino

Defender

30

Mika Faye

Defender

15

Matteo Bianchetti

Defender

21'

10

Jamie Vardy

Attacker

61'

38

Warren Bondo

Midfielder

61'

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

61'

4

Tommaso Barbieri

Defender

68'

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

21

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

20

Petar Ratkov

Attacker

28

Adrian Przyborek

Attacker

99

Giacomo Giacomone

Goalkeeper

72

Nicolò Pannozzo

Goalkeeper

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

46'

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

46'

9

Pedro

Attacker

60'

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

71'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

81'

Roma hope Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé can get them within a point of Juventus and fourth place, as Fiorentina rely on Manor Solomon.

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

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Cremonese vs. Lazio on the Liveblog.

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.

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.

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.

Roma vs. Fiorentina line-ups

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Pisilli; Malen

Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Ndour, Fagioli, Brescianini; Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon

04-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Fiorentina

4 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Gianluca Mancini (Assist: Niccolò Pisilli)		13'
Wesley (Assist: Mario Hermoso)		17'
		25'		Marin Pongracic
Mario Hermoso (Assist: Manu Koné)		34'

2nd half

Mario Hermoso		48'
Niccolò Pisilli (Assist: Donyell Malen)		58'
		66'		Fabiano Parisi
Stephan El Shaarawy		90+2'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

14

Total shots

4

7

Shots on target

1

3

Shots off target

3

4

Blocked shots

0

4

Corners

5

1

Offsides

0

12

Fouls

10

Roma

Fiorentina

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

72'

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

83'

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

64'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

83'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

72'

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

2

Dodô

Defender

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

46'

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

4

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

75'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

75'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

46'

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

46'

19

Manor Solomon

Attacker

Substitutes

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

64'

21

Paulo Dybala

Attacker

72'

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

72'

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

83'

78

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

83'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

3

Daniele Rugani

Defender

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

53

Oliver Christensen

Goalkeeper

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

47

Antonio Pirrò

Midfielder

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

46'

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

46'

61

Riccardo Braschi

Attacker

46'

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

75'

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

75'

Silvio Berlusconi’s former colleague Fedele Confalonieri blasted the current Milan set-up, with everyone from owner Gerry Cardinale to ‘fake champion’ Rafael Leao.

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

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

“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.’

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

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

“The Premier League is the best league in the world,” Fabregas told Telegraph Sport.

“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.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

The organised supporter groups of both Lazio and Inter Milan will stay away from the Stadio Olimpico for Saturday’s Serie A clash between the two sides, with Lazio’s ultras continuing their protest against the club’s ownership while Inter’s groups have chosen to join them in solidarity.

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

According to Radio Laziale, via LaLazioSiamoNoi, representatives of Lazio’s organised supporter groups confirmed the decision, explaining that both sets of fans will instead gather together at Ponte Milvio ahead of kick-off. The boycott forms part of a wider protest that has characterised the second half of Lazio’s season.

Lazio ultras eye Coppa Italia final as priority amid Serie A boycott

The groups were keen to stress, however, that the decision is also partly tactical, with the Coppa Italia final against Inter just four days away, staying outside is seen as a way of easing tension and building unity ahead of the Stadio Olimpico showpiece.

“For the final we will be inside the stadium,” a supporter group representative said.

“The decision to stay outside for the league match, together with Inter’s organised groups, was also taken to enjoy the build-up together. A way of lowering the tension and anxiety four days before the Coppa Italia final. It will be a chance to be together and pass on some communications to the fans present. On Wednesday we will need great clarity and everyone pulling together. I’ll say it now: get in early on Wednesday.”

{rsn-live-v2}

Milan have only netted 48 goals in 2025-26, resulting in their worst scoring season in the last 10 years.

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

Milan have only won one of their last five Serie A matches, collecting just four points in the process.

Their 2-0 loss to Sassuolo on Sunday risks jeopardising their Champions League place, as the Rossoneri have only five points more than Como with three games remaining, and Roma will move three points behind them if they beat Fiorentina tonight.

With 48 goals scored in 35 matches, Milan are expected to terminate the campaign with the worst scoring record in the last decade.

MilanNews has reported the worrying numbers for Milan’s strikers in the second part of the campaign.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has not scored a goal in the last 126 days, being scoreless since December 28, 2025.

January signing Niclas Füllkrug scored his most recent goal on January 18, 2026. Christopher Nkunku has not scored a goal in 69 days (February 3, 2026 against Bologna). 

Santiago Gimenez has spent several months on the sidelines due to an injury and has yet to score a goal in Serie A this term, finding the net for the last time in a league game on May 9, 2025, practically a year ago.

Last but not least, Rafael Leao has not scored a goal since March 1, when the Rossoneri won 2-0 over Cremonese.

Milan’s scoring record in the last 10 years

2016-17: 57 goals

2017-18: 56

2018-19: 55

2019/20: 63

2020/21: 74

2021-22: 69

2022-23: 64

2023-24: 76

2024-25: 61

Thousands of Inter fans celebrated the 2025-26 Serie A title in Piazza Duomo until late Sunday night and were even joined by some Nerazzurri stars.

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

Inter have won the 21st Scudetto in their history, and their 2-0 win over Parma on Sunday was followed by a night of celebrations, first at San Siro and then in Piazza Duomo.

Several Inter supporters remained in Milan’s main square all night and, at some point, were joined by some of their idols, including Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco.

Watch the best pictures and videos from last night and click here to check out all the reactions following Inter’s Serie A title.

IMPRESIONANTES IMÁGENES DE MILÁN TRAS LA ESTRELLA 21 DEL INTER EN LA #SERIEAxESPN pic.twitter.com/y9m1vDQHFU

— ESPN Centroamérica (@ESPN_CENAM) May 3, 2026

Dimarco, Thuram e Pio Esposito raggiungono i tifosi 2⃣1⃣ pic.twitter.com/PUhCsfKCcq

— Daniele Mari (@marifcinter) May 4, 2026

Thuram is asking everyone to go to the Duomo. pic.twitter.com/Oat3CJ9myO

— FedeNerazzurra + 1 (@FedeNerazzurra) May 3, 2026

𝙄 𝘾𝘼𝙈𝙋𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙄 𝘿’𝙄𝙏𝘼𝙇𝙄𝘼 sono arrivati in Piazza Duomo
Thuram, Dimarco e Pio Esposito guidano la festa nerazzurra #Scudetto2026 #Interna21onale #SerieAEnilive #DAZN pic.twitter.com/aS9lwIGTNH

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) May 4, 2026

ديماركو وتورام في الدومو pic.twitter.com/fSCLvsslPZ

— بـطـل ايطاليا 2⃣1⃣ | 𝐗𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 (@FCIMz_) May 4, 2026

Inter title victory: Fans celebrate in Piazza Duomo

Gleison Bremer has publicly apologised after a costly defensive mistake contributed to Juventus dropping points in a home draw against Verona, with the Brazilian centre-back admitting he should have done better.

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

Bremer’s error came when he attempted to play out from the back inside his own penalty area, looking to find Pierre Kalulu, but the pass was intercepted by Bradaric.

The Verona winger immediately fed Bowie, who was left unmarked and beat Di Gregorio at his near post to give the visitors the lead.

Bremer admits he must do better after Juventus slip-up

Taking to Instagram shortly after the final whistle, the defender offered a direct apology. “Today, due to a miscommunication, the mistake was mine,” Bremer wrote.

“I take full responsibility, no excuses. I should have done better. Now more united than ever, until the end.”

It was not an isolated struggle on the evening. Bremer was reported to have had a difficult night dealing with Bowie throughout, frequently coming off second best in aerial duels and physical battles.

Head coach Luciano Spalletti also addressed the error after the match, acknowledging it as a known limitation in his side’s game.

“Bremer and Kelly are two great defenders in terms of individual quality and in one-v-one duels,” Spalletti said. “But in terms of building from the back they do concede something, these are aspects we have to live with.”

The slip is likely to reignite scrutiny of Bremer’s composure in possession, and will also bring renewed attention to comments the defender made in a press conference weeks earlier.

“At Juventus they have been treading water for six years and that cannot happen,” he said at the time. “It is important to go back to winning. To be considered champions you have to win, and I want to win.”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bremer (@bremer)

Cristian Chivu’s assistant coach, Aleksandar Kolarov, mentioned last season’s Champions League Final defeat during a post-match press conference on Sunday: ‘In football, it happens. The other teams were on the sofa watching what Inter would do.’

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

Inter are celebrating their 21st Scudetto following a 2-0 win over Parma on Sunday.

The Nerazzurri only needed one draw to win the title with three games to spare, but still secured a victory with goals from Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Football Italia was among the accredited media at San Siro, covering the build-up, the game, and all post-match celebrations.

Inter coach Chivu didn’t speak to reporters at full-time, leaving the stage to his staff members, including assistant coach Kolarov, who answered most of the journalists’ questions.

“We’ve believed in our job from the beginning. The lads were excellent in accepting our requests,” Kolarov said.

“It was easy to work with them. They’ve immediately made themselves available and reacted after a few losses. Let me add a few words about last season’s loss [in the Champions League Final]. In football, it happens.

“Journalists say it was a total disaster, but other teams didn’t even get there. Other teams were on the sofa watching what Inter would do. The lads have already made themselves available. We used their quality, not just in footballing terms. Men make the difference.”

Inter appointed Chivu last summer after seeing Simone Inzaghi by mutual agreement following a 5-0 defeat in the Champions League Final against PSG.

Federico Dimarco also hit back at critics last night, saying that he dedicated the title to “those who said I was finished.”

Chivu leaves the stage to his staff members for a post-match press conference: ‘They deserve it!’#InterScudetto@footballitalia pic.twitter.com/XzqHbId90R

— Lorenzo Bettoni (@LoreBetto) May 3, 2026

Cristian Chivu has become the first foreign coach to win the Serie A title since José Mourinho in 2010, when the current Inter boss was a player under the Special One at the Stadio Meazza.

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

Inter secured their 21st Scudetto on Sunday, beating Parma 2-0 at San Siro.

Chivu has won the Serie A title in his first season at San Siro and his first full campaign in Italy’s top flight, having previously coached Parma for only 13 matches last term.

The Romanian tactician has become the first foreign coach to win the Scudetto since Mourinho in the 2009-10 campaign.

Back then, Mou not only won the Serie A title but also grabbed a legendary treble, with Chivu as one of the regular starters on that team.

• Read more – Chivu’s quiet Inter transformation: From Champions League Final disaster to title glory

Since then, only Italian coaches have won the Italian league: Massimiliano Allegri has done it six times, followed by Antonio Conte with five, Maurizio Sarri, Stefano Pioli, Luciano Spalletti and Simone Inzaghi with one each.

List of Serie A title-winning coaches since Mourinho

2010-11 Allegri (Milan)

2011-12 Conte (Juventus)

2012-13 Conte (Juventus)

2013-14 Conte (Juventus)

2014-15 Allegri (Juventus)

2015-16 Allegri (Juventus)

2016-17 Allegri (Juventus)

2017-18 Allegri (Juventus)

2018-19 Allegri (Juventus)

2019-20 Sarri (Juventus)

2020-21 Conte (Inter)

2021-22 Pioli (Milan)

2022-23 Spalletti (Napoli)

2023-24 Inzaghi (Inter)

2024-25 Conte (Napoli)

• Read more – Mourinho on ‘my finished Roma’, Chivu’s surprise and the ‘biggest lie in football’

Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma host Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico tonight, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen expected to start up front for the Giallorossi.

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

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and it’s the final round of Serie A Week 35.

Milan, Juventus and Como have dropped points in this round, so Roma have a good chance to move one point behind the Bianconeri in fourth.

Fiorentina, on the other hand, sit 16th with a nine-point lead over 18th-placed Cremonese, who will host Lazio at 18:00 CET.

Roma must cope without the suspended El Aynaoui and the injured Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Zaragoza.

According to several sources, including Sky Sport Italia, Argentine star Dybala is fit to start up front for the Giallorossi, and so is Manu Koné in central midfield.

The Tuscans have travelled to Florence without Tariq Lamptey, Luis Balbo, Niccolò Fortini, Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli.

Roma vs. Fiorentina – Where to watch on TV

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

Roma vs. Fiorentina – probable line-ups

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.

Fiorentina (4-3-3): De Gea; Dodò, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Ndour, Fagioli, Mandragora; Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon.  

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter Scudetto: 21 of glory

Nerazzurri champions with a 2-0 win over Parma. Lautaro: ‘It wasn’t easy after last season.’ Chivu’s magic debut. Marotta: ‘May he stay for a long time.’ San Siro going crazy.

Corriere dello Sport

What a treble!

Historic triumphs of Sinner in Madrid and Kimi in Miami as the splendid frame of Inter’s 21st Scudetto.

Chivu’s domination: 2-0 to Parma and celebration with three games to spare.

Thuram and Micky put their names on the 26th victory in 35 games: +12 over Napoli and +15 over Milan. San Siro goes wild.

Tuttosport

Special Chivu: Inter’s euphoria

San Siro goes wild to celebrate the Nerazzurri’s triumph after the victory against Parma, signed by Thuram and Mkhitaryan. The Romanian, the protagonist of the 2010 treble, is the first foreign coach to win the Scudetto after Mourinho. Marotta: ‘He can stay for many years.’ The role of captain Martinez, the weight of Calhanoglu and Dimarco.

Here’s Vlahovic again, but Juventus throw themselves away

The Serbian replies to Bowie, amid errors and boos. Spalletti: ‘We are nothing special like this.’ Milan tilted, but the hook failed. Roma return to +1 tonight?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marotta oversaw Inter turnaround

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can follow the celebrations on the Inter Scudetto Liveblog.

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

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

Lautaro Martinez did not hold back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can follow the celebrations on the special Liveblog.

Inter take 21st Serie A title

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

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

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

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

A clinical Marcus Thuram finish!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henrikh Mkhitaryan adds the finishing touches to a delightful Inter move

Inter are on the way to the Scudetto

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

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

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

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

Inter 2-0 Parma

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

03-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Parma

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Marcus Thuram (Assist: Piotr Zielinski)

45+1'

2nd half

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

Match statistic

59

Possession %

41

12

Total shots

4

5

Shots on target

5

Shots off target

3

2

Blocked shots

1

8

Corners

3

Offsides

3

9

Fouls

7

Inter

Parma

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

67'

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

89'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

67'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

46'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

67'

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

3

Abdoulaye Ndiaye

Defender

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

85'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

75'

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

67'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

75'

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

48

Mattia Mosconi

Attacker

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

46'

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

67'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

67'

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

67'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

89'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

67'

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

67'

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

75'

11

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

75'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

85'

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thuram opens Inter account

A clinical Marcus Thuram finish!

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

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

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

Marcus Thuram puts Inter ahead on the stroke of HT

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

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

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

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

Thuram: admin check pic.twitter.com/KFh2lLBMp0

— Inter (@Inter) May 3, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Spalletti frustrated with Juventus errors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marotta ready for Inter success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juventus 1-1 Verona

Bowie 34 (V), Vlahovic 62 (J)

03-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 35

Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium)

Juventus

Verona

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

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

2nd half

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

Match statistic

76

Possession %

24

29

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

3

9

Shots off target

3

13

Blocked shots

1

14

Corners

1

9

Fouls

19

Juventus

Verona

Starting lineups

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

75'

3

Bremer

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

80'

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

46'

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

80'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

69'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

71'

3

Martin Frese

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

24

Antoine Bernede

Midfielder

80'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

71'

Substitutes

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

2

Emil Holm

Defender

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

46'

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

69'

13

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

75'

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

80'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

80'

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

41

Isaac

Attacker

4

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

71'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

71'

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

80'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inter vs. Parma line-ups

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

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

03-05-2026 19:45

MatchDay 35

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Parma

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Marcus Thuram (Assist: Piotr Zielinski)

45+1'

2nd half

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

Match statistic

59

Possession %

41

12

Total shots

4

5

Shots on target

5

Shots off target

3

2

Blocked shots

1

8

Corners

3

Offsides

3

9

Fouls

7

Inter

Parma

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

67'

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

89'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

67'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

46'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

67'

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

3

Abdoulaye Ndiaye

Defender

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

85'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

75'

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

67'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

75'

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

67'

Substitutes

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

43

Matteo Cocchi

Defender

48

Mattia Mosconi

Attacker

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

46'

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

67'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

67'

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

67'

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

89'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

67'

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

67'

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

75'

11

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

75'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

85'

Massimiliano Allegri says that he understands his fan’s frustrations, but has urged for calm after watching his Milan side fall to a disappointing 2-0 defeat away against Sassuolo on Sunday afternoon. 

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

The Rossoneri conceded within the first few minutes of both halves; Domenico Berardi finding the net after five minutes and Armand Lauriente after 47, which means that they have now won just one of their last five matches in Serie A. Now, the Rossoneri could potentially slip down to fourth place by the end of Sunday evening. 

Click here to follow the action from all of Sunday’s Serie A matches.

Allegri responds after Sassuolo 2-0 Milan: ‘We approached both halves badly’

“We approached both halves badly, especially the second. We threw it away, that’s how it’s going in this period. You can’t waste 10 months of work. Now we have to think about Atalanta,” said Allegri in a post-match interview with DAZN (via TMW).

“Technically, we made a lot of mistakes. It was a bad day, a bad Sunday. We have to meet again on Tuesday and work to fix it.” 

Despite the fact that Milan have not yet secured a Champions League spot for next season, Allegri has no doubt that the Rossoneri will finish the 2025-26 season in the all-important top four. 

“It’s not at risk. I would be very happy to confirm it on the final day as well, I’ve always said it. I am with the team every day and this is a difficult moment. We have to stay calm and take responsibility, we have to prepare as best we can for the game against Atalanta.

“We’ve done 10 months of good work, we’re in the final stretch. We haven’t done very well in the second half of the season, we can’t change that anymore. We just have to look ahead.

“Until the end, we have to stay grounded and work to overcome these moments of difficulty. I understand the fans, we all wanted to get over the finish line quickly, but we can’t get anxious.” 

Allegri does not deny the fact that the sending off of Fikayo Tomori after 24 minutes had a big impact on proceedings, but didn’t appear too critical of his centre-back, despite his two early yellow cards. 

“The sending off conditioned the game. These things happen. The important thing is to get back up quickly. We need two positive results to get into the Champions League, let’s just think about that.” 

Allegri was also asked why he decided to take off Christopher Nkunku for Zachary Athekame at the half-time interval. 

“I wanted to take the game forward as much as possible and give some balance, but it didn’t help because we immediately conceded.” 

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.’

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

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

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

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

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

Spalletti keeps Juventus focused

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toma Suslov partners Scotland international Bowie upfront.

Juventus vs. Verona line-ups

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

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

03-05-2026 17:00

MatchDay 35

Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium)

Juventus

Verona

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

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

2nd half

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

Match statistic

76

Possession %

24

29

Total shots

7

7

Shots on target

3

9

Shots off target

3

13

Blocked shots

1

14

Corners

1

9

Fouls

19

Juventus

Verona

Starting lineups

16

Michele Di Gregorio

Goalkeeper

27

Andrea Cambiaso

Defender

75'

3

Bremer

Defender

6

Lloyd Kelly

Defender

80'

15

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

19

Khéphren Thuram

Midfielder

46'

5

Manuel Locatelli

Midfielder

22

Weston McKennie

Midfielder

7

Francisco Conceição

Attacker

80'

30

Jonathan David

Attacker

69'

10

Kenan Yıldız

Attacker

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

71'

3

Martin Frese

Defender

7

Rafik Belghali

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

24

Antoine Bernede

Midfielder

80'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

71'

Substitutes

23

Carlo Pinsoglio

Goalkeeper

1

Mattia Perin

Goalkeeper

4

Federico Gatti

Defender

20

Loïs Openda

Attacker

18

Filip Kostic

Midfielder

2

Emil Holm

Defender

17

Vasilije Adžić

Midfielder

9

Dusan Vlahovic

Attacker

46'

21

Fabio Miretti

Midfielder

69'

13

Jeremie Boga

Attacker

75'

8

Teun Koopmeiners

Midfielder

80'

11

Edon Zhegrova

Attacker

80'

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

14

Pol Lirola

Defender

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

41

Isaac

Attacker

4

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

71'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

71'

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

80'

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

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

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

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sassuolo 2-0 Milan

Berardi 5 (S), Laurienté 47 (S)

Sent off: Tomori 24 (M)

03-05-2026 14:00

MatchDay 35

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Milan

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

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

2nd half

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

Match statistic

58

Possession %

42

13

Total shots

6

4

Shots on target

0

5

Shots off target

5

4

Blocked shots

1

2

Corners

3

1

Offsides

1

16

Fouls

16

Sassuolo

Milan

Starting lineups

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

40'

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

80

Tarik Muharemovic

Defender

23

Ulisses Garcia

Defender

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

46'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

85'

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

59'

8

M’Bala Nzola

Attacker

84'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

12

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

59'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

66'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

59'

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

46'

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

59'

Substitutes

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

3

Josh Doig

Defender

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

66

Pedro Felipe

Defender

33

Christian Frangella

Midfielder

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

40'

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

46'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

59'

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

84'

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

85'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

37

Matteo Pittarella

Goalkeeper

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

46'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

59'

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

59'

7

Santiago Giménez

Attacker

59'

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

66'