Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to give Argentina a 2-1 comeback victory over England, sending them into the World Cup Final against Spain.

There were no Serie A players in the starting line-ups, but one who was born in Italy, as Giuliano Simeone came into the world when his father Diego was playing for Lazio.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Como’s Nico Paz and Juventus-owned Nico Gonzalez were on the bench for the reigning champions. England made several changes, starting Inter-linked Djed Spence and Aston Villa wide man Morgan Rogers.

Marco Di Bello was the VAR, with Maurizio Mariani as the fourth official representing Italy.

It was, as expected, a scrappy affair with numerous fouls and arguments from the opening whistle. The first real chance saw John Stones nod wide from a free kick to the back post, while Enzo Fernandez saw his scorcher flash inches off target.

The first genuine save was at the dawn of the second half with Jordan Pickford parrying the Julian Alvarez effort low at the near post.

However, England opened the scoring when a low Morgan Rogers cross from the right found Anthony Gordon ready to tap in at the far stick.

ENGLAND HAVE THE OPENER!

Anthony Gordon puts the Three Lions ahead in the World Cup semi-final! pic.twitter.com/5fBlRcf1oI

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

Argentina immediately threatened an equaliser with Alvarez, only to be denied by a stunning tackle from Inter-linked full-back Djed Spence, formerly of Genoa, and Enzo Fernandez then blasted over.

Nico Gonzalez of Juventus came off the bench and immediately knocked a dangerous ball back to be cleared by Stones, then Pickford got down for a great save on his glancing header.

Argentina poured forward and were unlucky to see an Alexis Mac Allister free header smack against the upright on Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.

Lautaro Martinez was finally introduced for the final 10 minutes, and a long-range Enzo Fernandez screamer was fingertipped over the bar.

Argentina’s siege finally paid off with a scorcher from Enzo Fernandez on the resulting short corner and Lionel Messi assist, smashing in from well outside the area.

“Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!”

A rocket of a strike from the midfielder draws Argentina level. pic.twitter.com/f5kUPkaP0a

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

The momentum had shifted too much with England’s defensive attitude, and it cost them in added time, because after another Mac Allister effort came off the woodwork, Messi floated in the cross for Lautaro Martinez’s header. It was the Serie A Capocannoniere’s third goal of the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina are ahead!

A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

England 1-2 Argentina

Gordon 55 (E), Enzo Fernandez 86 (A), Lautaro Martinez 92 (A)

15-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

England

Argentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Elliot Anderson		37'
		42'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		51'		Cristian Romero
Anthony Gordon (Assist: Morgan Rogers)		55'
		86'		Enzo Fernández (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+2'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+4'		Rodrigo de Paul

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

15

2

Shots on target

5

1

Shots off target

7

2

Blocked shots

3

1

Corners

6

1

Offsides

3

11

Fouls

15

England

Argentina

Starting lineups

1

Jordan Pickford

Goalkeeper

25

Djed Spence

Defender

90'

5

John Stones

Defender

90'

6

Marc Guehi

Defender

24

Reece James

Defender

82'

4

Declan Rice

Midfielder

82'

8

Elliot Anderson

Midfielder

10

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder

18

Anthony Gordon

Attacker

72'

9

Harry Kane

Attacker

17

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

72'

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

72'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

81'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

64'

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

72'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

Substitutes

14

Jordan Henderson

Midfielder

20

Noni Madueke

Attacker

7

Bukayo Saka

Attacker

13

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

23

James Trafford

Goalkeeper

19

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

12

Trevoh Chalobah

Defender

16

Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder

21

Eberechi Eze

Attacker

2

Ezri Konsa

Defender

72'

15

Dan Burn

Defender

82'

3

Nico O’Reilly

Defender

82'

11

Marcus Rashford

Attacker

90'

22

Ivan Toney

Attacker

90'

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

64'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

72'

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

72'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

72'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

81'

Como President Mirwan Suwarso has confirmed the report he called Inter to offer a pact of non-aggression over Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. ‘This is a win-win relationship.’

The two Serie A teams were reportedly about to spark a bidding war for the England international, with an asking price of €35m from Stamford Bridge.

Just as it looked as if they were going to go head-to-head, La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Suwarso had called Inter to propose a pact, where they would back out to ensure they weren’t both fleeced.

To the general astonishment of the Business of Sport podcast crew, the Como President confirmed all of that was entirely accurate.

Como take modern approach to transfer market

“There was a story in the media that we were in competition with another Italian team for a British player, they were saying we might want to buy him,” Suwarso told Business of Sport.

“So you know what, why don’t I just call the President of the other club and say, do you want him? If you want him, you go for it, we’ll back out. But if you buy him, then give me one of yours.

“He said, thanks for calling, I appreciate this, I’ll let you know. So we said these are the other targets we’re going after, we’re happy to share with you.

“So for me this is a win-win relationship with other clubs, we are open, it helps all of us to grow. I have a lunch next week with another chairman of another club, who can start managing their clothing brand together.”

There are some Serie A sides who produce their own kits and lifestyle products, specifically Napoli and Venezia, so it is likely one of these is his lunch dates.

Como do things very differently to other clubs, and part of that is because they were so small before the Indonesian decided to take them from Serie C to the Champions League.

“We spent a quite significant amount, but we do believe that we can break even and start no longer requiring injections from the owners at the end of next season,” said Suwarso.

“I met with UEFA, there’s no precedent of where we are, because UEFA look at the last few years. In comparison with Juventus and Aston Villa, the start-up level and growth level is different. Even they say they would have to evaluate how they look at Financial Fair Play.

“We want to become good members of the Association, so if you have to fine us, then fine us, that can be an objective we need to overcome. We don’t want to be treated differently.”

Suwarso confirmed purchased Como for €850,000 plus €150,000 in debt, but then poured money into the club, including the construction of a training ground that previously didn’t exist.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez and Como’s Nico Paz are on the bench for Lionel Messi’s Argentina against England in the World Cup semi-final.

It kicks off in Atlanta at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners go on to face Spain in the Final on Sunday evening, while the losers fight with France for the bronze medal on Saturday.

There is some Italian representation here, as Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official on the touchline dealing with Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni.

Argentina have scraped their way through to this stage in defending their title won in 2022, needing extra time against Cape Verde, a last-gasp turnaround from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 amid controversy, and again extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez scored twice in this World Cup, but he is benched once more in favour of Julian Alvarez.

There was expected to be a Serie A player in the starting XI, as for the first time Juventus man Nico Gonzalez was going to get the nod rather than ex-Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on the right.

Instead, it is Giuliano Simeone, younger brother of Torino forward Giovanni Simeone, who plays.

Curiously, Giuliano was born in Rome because his father Diego was playing for Lazio at the time.

Nico Gonzalez spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but they did not agree to buy him outright yet, scoring five goals in 37 games.

Nahuel Molina, another former Udinese player, starts at right-back, while ex-Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has shaken off a knock.

England were given their toughest test yet in the quarter-final, squeezing past Erling Haaland’s Norway in extra time thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace.

All but one of their goals in the competition have been scored by either Bellingham or Harry Kane.

Jordan Henderson is out after breaking his arm jumping over an advertising board, while Jarrell Quansah continues his two-match ban.

Declan Rice has recovered from a stomach bug, but the surprise is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa given his second start of the World Cup on the right.

There is some reshuffling in defence, with Reece James and Inter-linked Djed Spence as full-backs.

England vs. Argentina line-ups

England: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Simeone, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Julian Alvarez

15-07-2026 20:00

Semi-final

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

England

Argentina

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Elliot Anderson		37'
		42'		Lautaro Martínez

2nd half

		51'		Cristian Romero
Anthony Gordon (Assist: Morgan Rogers)		55'
		86'		Enzo Fernández (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+2'		Lautaro Martínez (Assist: Lionel Messi)
		90+4'		Rodrigo de Paul

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

5

Total shots

15

2

Shots on target

5

1

Shots off target

7

2

Blocked shots

3

1

Corners

6

1

Offsides

3

11

Fouls

15

England

Argentina

Starting lineups

1

Jordan Pickford

Goalkeeper

25

Djed Spence

Defender

90'

5

John Stones

Defender

90'

6

Marc Guehi

Defender

24

Reece James

Defender

82'

4

Declan Rice

Midfielder

82'

8

Elliot Anderson

Midfielder

10

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder

18

Anthony Gordon

Attacker

72'

9

Harry Kane

Attacker

17

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

72'

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

72'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

81'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

64'

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

72'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

Substitutes

14

Jordan Henderson

Midfielder

20

Noni Madueke

Attacker

7

Bukayo Saka

Attacker

13

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

23

James Trafford

Goalkeeper

19

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

12

Trevoh Chalobah

Defender

16

Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder

21

Eberechi Eze

Attacker

2

Ezri Konsa

Defender

72'

15

Dan Burn

Defender

82'

3

Nico O’Reilly

Defender

82'

11

Marcus Rashford

Attacker

90'

22

Ivan Toney

Attacker

90'

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

64'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

72'

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

72'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

72'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

81'

More details are emerging from the decision to shelve the investigation into Gianluca Rocchi, with investigators noting Inter not wanting certain referees was not enough to prove ‘a structured system’ to alter outcomes.

The investigation erupted in April 2026 when refereeing designator Rocchi was placed under formal investigation with the accusation of sporting fraud.

After weeks of uncertainty and controversy, with many promising a second Calciopoli scandal after 2006, the entire investigation was shelved today due to lack of evidence.

Rocchi and Inter cleared

The statement released by the prosecutor explains why there was insufficient cause to continue with the extremely serious charges.

“Within the limits of the available evidence, including wiretaps, tracking, and witness statements, we identified interference and pressure in only a few of the cases involving referee designations at the centre of this investigation.

“However, based on the conversations intercepted between Rocchi and others, the evidence does not demonstrate that this interference and pressure was objectively aimed at altering the outcome of matches.”

The most important missing element here was direct contact between Rocchi and the club, although it was revealed today for the first time that Inter had been under formal investigation too.

Instead, he is heard speaking to colleagues about common knowledge that Inter do not like or want certain referees assigned to their games.

“Therefore, no structured system emerged to influence the fairness of the matches, nor any director or intercepted contact between the refereeing designator and Inter officials,” continued the statement.

Whereas in Calciopoli there was direct pressure from various clubs to remove certain referees from games and assign others, this was purely a process of elimination.

If there was to be proof of an attempt to alter the outcome, it would be suggesting who to put in place of the ‘disliked’ referees.

The matches under the spotlight were Inter-Milan in the Coppa Italia on April 23, 2025, Inter-Verona in Serie A on May 3, 2025, and Torino-Inter on April 26, 2026.

The evidence has been passed on to the sporting justice system, who could still choose to look further into the matter and present other charges.

Aleksandar Stankovic will be part of Inter’s squad next season, and Cristian Chivu has made no secret of his enthusiasm for a player he first coached in the club’s youth ranks.

According to Calciomercato.com, the Serbian midfielder, youngest son of Nerazzurri great Dejan, has been bought back from Club Brugge for a total of €23 million after a breakout campaign in Belgium, a net outlay of €13 million once the €10 million Brugge paid a year earlier is factored in.

Asked at his season-opening press conference whether Stankovic could replicate Pio Esposito’s explosion into the first team, Chivu replied: “I hope so for him and for myself. He worked in our youth sector, he made a brave choice going abroad and had two important seasons. He has matured, I can’t wait to see him on the pitch.”

Where Stankovic fits in Chivu’s Inter midfield

The 2005-born midfielder is a slightly atypical profile. He came through as a deep-lying organiser, screening the defence and dictating tempo with the vertical passing Chivu prizes, but at Brugge he evolved into something more advanced, arriving behind the strikers and into shooting range from one of the two deeper berths in a midfield triangle.

That versatility could reshape Inter’s engine room.

Stankovic offers a genuine alternative to Hakan Calhanoglu as the central pivot, sparing Petar Sucic from being dragged into the regista role and freeing the Croatian to fight Piotr Zielinski for the mezzala space vacated by Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Alternatively, with Davide Frattesi’s departure long mooted, Stankovic could deputise for Nicolò Barella on the right of the three, where his shooting from range, a family trait, would be an asset.

His integration will be gradual, as it was for Sucic before him, with no rush to throw him in prematurely. But for a boy who has often said that wearing this shirt was his childhood dream, the season ahead is his chance to prove he belongs.

Udinese defender Oumar Solet was linked with Inter and Juventus, but now there are reports Leeds United are coming in with an offer worth €25m.

The centre-back impressed last season in Friuli and is still considered hot property on the transfer market.

However, the Serie A sides showing firm interest like Inter and Juve are forced to deal with other priorities first, so let the negotiations slide rather than pay the €25m asking price.

Solet snapped up by Leeds United?

That could prove costly, because Il Messaggero Veneto newspaper via FCInterNews claim that Leeds United are making no such qualms, so are ready to swoop with the full fee.

It would be the second time in a few days that Leeds United have dived in to pick up a Serie A talent, as they already agreed a €40m deal with Sassuolo for Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.

When Inter did come forward with proposals for Solet, they were believed to be worth €20m including add-ons, which is not enough to tempt Udinese into a sale.

It is a big profit for Udinese, who picked up the Frenchman as a free agent in January 2025 after he left RB Salzburg in a contract dispute in September 2024.

The Milan Public Prosecutor has announced the dismissal of the case against ex-referee designator Gianluca Rocchi, his deputy Andrea Gervasoni and Inter, who had come under scrutiny over alleged attempts to influence the appointment of referees.

An investigation into Rocchi, Gervasoni, and other referees regarding alleged sporting fraud has been dismissed by the Milan Public Prosecutor.

No player or coach from any Italian team was known to be under investigation, but Inter had been under scrutiny, with suspicions that some of Rocchi’s referee appointments were made to please the Nerazzurri and to avoid match officials they didn’t like.

As reported by Gazzetta, Inter simultaneously entered into the register of suspects, but the proceedings against the club were immediately dismissed.

The main allegation against Rocchi, however, was that he put external pressure to influence VAR decisions during some Serie A matches.

Rocchi voluntarily stepped down during the investigation and was first replaced by Dino Tommasi and then by Daniele Orsato.

In an official statement, quoted by Gazzetta, the Public Prosecutor’s Office said it had “requested that the Preliminary Investigations Judge dismiss the criminal proceedings concerning the offence under Articles 81 (continued offence) and 110 of the Italian Criminal Code, and Article 1, paragraph 1, of Law No. 401/1989, in relation to the alleged attempts to influence the selection or exclusion of match officials.”

With the same statement, the Milan Prosecutor’s Office said it had transferred the case file to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Monza regarding allegations relating to incidents that occurred in the VAR operations room.

Copies of the case file were also sent to both the Federal Prosecutor’s Office of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).

The investigation did not identify any structured scheme designed to influence the referee appointments.

The criminal investigation has been closed, but the review of the evidence relating to alleged influence on VAR will continue with the Monza Prosecutor’s Office examining the conduct of Luigi Nasca and Stefano Di Vuono, while Daniele Paterna’s position will continue to be examined in Milan.

The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has received the case files to determine whether the facts may constitute violations of sporting regulations, although that appears unlikely given that no sporting investigation had previously been opened.

Reports in Italy claim that Tottenham defender Djed Spence would be more expensive than Anan Khalaili for Inter, but the Nerazzurri are still willing to open talks with Spurs.

Inter are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid after the Merengues agreed to match his €20m release clause.

Inter ready to enter talks with Tottenham for Spence

Inter’s primary target, Marco Palestra, joined Chelsea instead, while Khalaili failed his medical tests this week, leaving the Serie A title holders still in need of a new right wing-back.

Gazzetta, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport claim that Spence is quickly becoming Inter’s favourite target, although the Nerazzurri are still assessing and have a long shortlist, which includes Strasbourg’s Guela Doué, among others.

These sources claim that Spence would be more expensive than €25m-30m, the fee that the Nerazzurri were ready to invest to sign Khalaili, who was ready to complete a permanent €25m deal plus €5m add-ons.

Despite that, according to Sky, the Nerazzurri are still determined to enter talks with Tottenham.

Informal contacts have already taken place and even involved Cristian Romero, but the Argentine centre-back would be even more expensive than Spence as Spurs have demanded €50m.

Antonio Conte refuses to comment on speculation regarding his possible appointment as Italy coach, but praises two of his ex-strikers, Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez, who will meet in the World Cup semifinal tonight.

Conte left Napoli in May after spending two seasons at the Stadio Maradona.

One of the most successful Italian coaches of the last decade, Conte has long been linked with the Italy job this summer, but, following Paolo Maldini’s appointment as technical director, Conte no longer seems one of the top options for the Azzurri.

Conte gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on holiday with his family. The pink paper said that Conte agreed to talk to their reporter as long as the conversation did not concern his future.

“Now, I’m happy like this,” he said.

Conte did talk about the World Cup, also focusing on two of his ex-strikers, Kane and Lautaro Martinez.

Conte: Kane is almost a No.10

The Bayern Munich and Inter stars will meet tonight in the World Cup semifinal. The winner will face Spain in the Final next Sunday.

“Harry [Kane] is a great No.9, but he’s almost a No.10 too,” Conte said.

“He understands the movements; he knows when to drop deep and play as a playmaker. He’s a fantastic player, with great quality and technique. It was unfair that he had never won anything, and at Bayern Munich, he’s getting the satisfaction he deserves. Who knows, maybe he can do the same with the national team. Kane is a leader in his own way. Perhaps not with words, but inside the game. His teammates look for him because they trust him, and he never lets them down.”

Conte coached Kane at Tottenham and had previously won the Serie A title at Inter, coaching Lautaro Martinez.

Conte said he was impressed with the Argentine’s “continuous growth, as well as charisma and personality.”

“There’s an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without Lautaro. His presence shifts the balance,” continued the Italian tactician.

“Lautaro’s contribution to Argentina’s third goal against Egypt went somewhat unnoticed, but it was incredible. He carried the ball up the pitch, protected it, gave Enzo Fernandez enough time to arrive and delivered a perfect cross. You don’t expect that kind of play from a No.9.

“Lautaro, like Julian Alvarez, understood that he could still be important even if only for a few minutes. They accepted the situation by putting their egos aside and prioritising the team’s needs. Credit to both of them, and to Scaloni for convincing them.

Inevitably, however, the brightest Argentine star is once again Leo Messi.

“He’s gone beyond expectations, once more,” noted Conte.

“He has arrived in incredible shape, which once again proves his incredible professionalism and desire. Leo has the brainpower to always be in the right place because he predicts what will happen.”

At the end of the interview, the journalist still tried to know more about Conte’s potential return as Italy coach.

“Too many things have been said. It’s time for action, not for talk and politics,” the ex-Napoli, Juventus and Inter boss replied.

“We cannot miss three World Cups in a row. A feat has been accomplished, but in reverse.”

Tottenham Hotspur are demanding €50m to sell defender Cristian Romero, claim Sportitalia, so Inter are very unlikely to beat Barcelona to his signature.

It was reported this evening by Fabrizio Romano on his Italian language YouTube channel that Romero had been proposed to Inter by Spurs during negotiations for right-back Djed Spence.

Notably, this was an idea put forward by Tottenham directors and not a request for information by Inter.

Cuti Romero asking price set for Inter

Sportitalia transfer expert Gianluigi Longari now provides further details, which is that the asking price for the Argentina international is €50m.

That is just under what the Premier League side paid to buy him from Atalanta in 2022, the fee then €53.8m after an initial loan spell in 2021-22.

Although he only recently signed a new contract in August 2025, the rapport between the defender and Tottenham has plummeted in recent months.

Both club and player believe their time together is over, but with a contract until 2029, they need to reach an agreement.

Inter had already baulked at paying €50m for Marco Palestra, a young player with future sale value, so are unlikely to shell out a similar sum for a centre-back, not to mention his wage demands.

The 28-year-old already knows Serie A well, having played for Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta.

Inter and Barcelona are interested in signing Cristian Romero, claims Fabrizio Romano, as the Argentina international could leave Tottenham Hotspur.

The 28-year-old’s future has been up in the air for a while, as his current contract runs to June 2029, but he is frustrated at their difficulties after risking relegation.

Sportitalia had already reported that he was pushing for an exit this summer.

Romero proposed to Inter

According to transfer pundit Romano in his Italian-language YouTube channel, it was during talks between Inter and Tottenham for Djed Spence that they discussed Romero too.

He claims that it was Tottenham who suggested Inter look into the possibility of buying Romero.

The Nerazzurri are seeking an experienced centre-back and Cuti would fit the bill, especially as there is already a strong Argentine flavour at the club with Lautaro Martinez and vice president Javier Zanetti.

More importantly, Romero already knows Serie A well, having come to Italy for Genoa in 2018, then playing for Juventus and Atalanta, where he made the €53.8m move to Tottenham in the summer of 2021.

However, Romano points out this move is improbable because of the sheer costs involved, and there is also competition from Barcelona.

Check out today’s Serie A transfer updates with Roma directors reportedly meeting the agents of Crysencio Summerville and Aston Villa’s warning to Juventus that Emiliano Martinez won’t leave.

It’s been another rather busy day for Serie A clubs, which are working to strengthen their teams for the 2026-27 campaign.

Serie A transfer news July 14, 2026

Roma are looking for new attackers and have already sent offers for both Alejandro Garnacho and Diego Moreira, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Giallorossi are also interested in West Ham’s Summerville and, according to Sportitalia, met the winger’s agent on Tuesday morning. Gazzetta claims that Brazilian talent Endrick is also among those monitored by Roma.

Juventus were previously linked with Roma’s Mile Svilar, although the Bianconeri’s main target in goal has always been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

The Premier League club, however, have clearly stated today by their director, Damian Vidagany, that the Argentine is not for sale.

According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are preparing an offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent and have identified Folarin Balogun as a potential reinforcement in attack as they are struggling to reach an agreement with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani.

Multiple sources claim that Noussair Mazraoui is Milan’s main target to replace Pervis Estupinan, who has received an offer from Aston Villa. According to SportMediaset, Milan have demanded €18m for the Ecuador international.

According to Gazzetta, Milan remain interested in Antonio Silva, who has rejected a contract extension offer from Benfica. The Portuguese centre-back has attracted interest from Bournemouth as well.

Inter are still chasing a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, with Djed Spence and Nahuel Molina among their targets. Guela Doué is another right-back on their shortlist, but his club, Strasbourg, has requested over €35m.

Ederson, Napoli chasing Fiorentina defender and more news

Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli spoke for the first time about the collapsed Manchester United transfer for Ederson: “We were stunned,” he admitted. “He is happy to remain, and we are working on a new contract.”

According to Gazzetta, Sassuolo are interested in Daniel Maldini, who has returned to Atalanta after a six-month loan spell at Lazio.

Hamed Traoré has undergone his medical tests with Genoa today.

Ex-Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer has joined Club Brugge on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal.

The start of a new chapter.

Yann Sommer tekent tot 2029 bij Club! pic.twitter.com/MoHlQi2gA2

— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) July 14, 2026

Fiorentina have a verbal agreement to sign Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas, according to multiple sources, including Sky.

Napoli are interested in Fiorentina full-back Niccolò Fortini, according to Gazzetta.

Domenico Tedesco, Bologna’s coach, has said the club is “confident” that Riccardo Orsolini will sign a contract extension.

New Como signing Luis Milla: “Fabregas was very important in the choice to go to Como. I was glad he called me because of what he conveyed and his ambition to grow. I have high expectations. I could have arrived in January, but Getafe were not doing well, and it wasn’t the right time.”

Frosinone are close to signing Sebastiano Desplanches on loan from Palermo.

Serie A – Official done deals on July 14, 2026

Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent

Felipe Jack from Como to Cremonese (Serie B) on loan

Lorenzo Gori from Frosinone to Grosseto (Serie C) on loan.

Matteo Agrimi from Lecce to Flaminia (Serie D) on a free transfer

Giuseppe Battimelli from Bologna to Lecco (Serie C) as a free agent

Maat Daniel Caprini from Fiorentina to Cesena (Serie B) on loan)

There are reports Argentina will start one Serie A player in the World Cup semi-final against England, but it is not going to be Lautaro Martinez of Inter or Como’s Nico Paz.

The big match kicks off in Atlanta on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The winners go onto the Final on July 19 against either France or Spain to decide who lifts the trophy.

Argentina hoping to defend World Cup title

Argentina were pushed to the limit in the knockout rounds so far in the defence of the title they won in 2022.

They needed extra time to get the better of Cape Verde 3-2, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, then again requiring extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3-1.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez scored off the bench in the quarter-final, but he is again not expected to be in the starting XI tomorrow, with Julian Alvarez preferred as partner to Lionel Messi.

A big surprise mentioned in TyC Sports is that former Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul could be dropped in favour of a more attacking figure.

This could be Giuliano Simeone, brother of Torino forward Giovanni, but more likely is Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.

He spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but the club has not activated the option to make it permanent.

Although he contributed one assist and featured in five of Argentina’s six games in this World Cup, Nico Gonzalez is yet to start.

Another potential switch for Argentina is to see Nahuel Molina preferred to Gonzalo Montiel at right-back.

Molina is another former Serie A player for Udinese, who has been linked with a possible return for Inter.

Argentina probable line-up: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Nico Gonzalez, Paredes, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Messi, Julian Alvarez

Cristiano Giuntoli assures Marco Carnesecchi and Honest Ahanor will stay with Atalanta under new coach Maurizio Sarri, is quiet on Kerim Alajbegovic, and hits back at Inter over Marco Palestra’s Chelsea move.

The former Napoli and Juventus director was appointed by Atalanta this summer, and held his presentation press conference this afternoon.

You can read the rest of his comments on the failed Ederson transfer to Manchester United here.

Atalanta resist interest in crown jewels

There are plenty of other players who have attracted interest from the Premier League and more Serie A sides, but La Dea are adamant they won’t dismantle their squad.

“We want to keep our jewels,” assured Giuntoli when asked about the Ahanor offers from England.

“There are many rumours around, but we do not want to sell anyone. Carnesecchi will remain with Atalanta, and we are certain this group can do well.”

There have already been some sales, most notably wing-back Palestra to Chelsea after his successful loan spell with Cagliari.

That €50m plus add-ons move was shrouded in controversy, as Inter accused Atalanta and the player’s agent of breaking an agreement.

“Everyone was fully aware of everything that went on. Palestra went to a big club and will represent Italy abroad. We were perfectly fair and correct with all parties,” insisted Giuntoli.

“On the right side we have Raoul Bellanova and Davide Zappacosta, so we’re pleased to have them. We believe that we have a strong squad all over the park, and we’re satisfied with the arrival of Gianluca Gaetano. Atalanta have always been alert for opportunities on the market.”

There have been multiple reports over the last few days that they are pushing hard to sign Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Alajbegovic, beating Roma and Milan to the punch.

“You read many things, we are focused on the pitch,” was Giuntoli’s only response.

The director of sport is not the only new face, because Sarri was hired as the Atalanta coach after his Lazio adventure.

“Sarri has a very clear identity and style of play, so we are convinced this squad has a lot of quality he can draw on, including in the youth academy.

“When you see Atalanta from the outside, you can’t help but fall in love with this project. It has a youth academy that is the envy of the world, there are people here who truly understand football. I accepted in a second when they approached me.”

“Tottenhem” və İngiltərə millisinin futbolçusu Ced Spens karyerasını İtaliyada davam etdirə bilər.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “İnter” cinah müdafiəçisinin xidmətində maraqlıdır. Bu barədə İngiltərə mətbuatı məlumat yayıb. “Neradzurra” dünya çempionatından sonra 25 yaşlı futbolçu üçün danışıqlara başlamağı planlaşdırır.

Spens İngiltərə yığması ilə mundialda 6 oyunda iştirak edib. İngilislər yarımfinalda Argentina ilə üz-üzə gələcək. Sabah baş tutacaq oyuna saat 23:00-da start veriləcək.

Spensin “transfermarkt”da dəyəri 30 milyon avrodur.

Inter are still looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, and according to Italian sources, Djed Spence of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina are among the Nerazzurri’s targets, while Strasbourg demand more than €35m for Guela Doué.

Inter haven’t yet signed a replacement for Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid in a €20m deal this summer.

Inter: What’s next after Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through?

The Nerazzurri had reached an agreement with Atalanta and Marco Palestra before the Italian defender picked Chelsea instead.

The deal for Anan Khalaili was also practically done, but the Israel international failed medical tests, as Inter President Beppe Marotta confirmed on Monday.

This means the Nerazzurri effectively need to start their search for a new right-back from scratch.

Doué was seen as one of Inter’s main targets after the Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through, but according to Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, Strasbourg’s asking price exceeds €35m.

Nahuel Molina remains a long-time Nerazzurri target, while Spence is also being considered.

Another English defender, Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, is also said to be on Inter’s radar, according to Sportmediaset and Corriere dello Sport.

According to Tuttosport, the list of potential Dumfries replacements also includes Verona’s Rafik Belghali, who is valued at €15m; Monaco’s Vanderson; Givairo Read of Feyenoord; and Dan Ndoye, a former Bologna winger who is valued at €40m by his club, Nottingham Forest.

Italy legend Roberto Baggio feels Lionel Messi is better than Pelé and Diego Armando Maradona ‘for what he’s been doing for 20 years’, while Marco Materazzi picks ‘the real’ Ronaldo.

Baggio and Materazzi joined other football legends for a debate on football, including the best player of all time.

Baggio picks Messi over Maradona and Pelé

The former Azzurri stars were joined by other legends, including Gabriel Omar Batistuta, Ronaldo, and Romario.

When the debate focused on the best player of all time, with Messi, Pelé and Maradona in contention, Baggio said: “It’s very hard; it’s even ugly to rank, as we are talking about the absolute essence of football. These three have been above the others.

“As of today, I’d say Messi for what he’s been doing for 20 years, in terms of quality and quantity. If I have to pick one, I’ll say his name, but we are talking about three incredible players.”

Materazzi, on the other hand, picked another player sitting at the same table: “I always say this, for me, it’s him [Ronaldo]. Because what he did without two knees, going 150 km/h, nobody has done it. I’m a boomer, but when I watch YouTube, and I see what he used to do, at a time when defenders hit hard, you feel he was Martian, and he really was a Martian.

“Sorry, Diego, Pelé and Messi. To me, it was him, the Phenomenon. The Real Ronaldo, but respect to Cristiano.”

Materazzi won the 2006 World Cup with the Italy national team, scoring two goals during that tournament, including the equaliser in the Final against France. That was the only World Cup Materazzi played.

Baggio, on the other hand, took part in three editions of the World Cup in 1990, 1994 and 1998 and famously missed a penalty in the 1994 Final against Brazil.

• READ MORE: Messi gifts Baggio Argentina shirt after World Cup quarter-final

Marco Palestra’s agent hit back angrily at Inter President Beppe Marotta and reveals when Chelsea got involved. ‘Over 45 days, Inter never reached an agreement with Atalanta.’

The Italy international had been on the verge of joining Inter last month in a deal believed to be worth €40m plus €5m add-ons.

However, before they could shake hands, Chelsea dived in with a proposal worth a good €10m more to Atalanta, and with double the salary on offer at San Siro.

Inter President Marotta bitterly criticised Palestra today during a press conference and mentioned agent Alessandro Lucci too.

“Take the case of Palestra, for example. It was the result of a decision made by the player, who backed out of a verbal agreement,” said Marotta.

“His agent could have steered him in a different direction, but chose this path instead, and we had to accept seeing another Italian player move to a league that is not in direct competition with ours.”

Palestra agent replies to Inter attack

Lucci did not take that lying down and has now given a statement to news agency ANSA.

“I listened with great sadness and at the same time enormous shock at the words of Inter President Marotta, who I’ve had a professional rapport with for over 25 years, doing many deals together,” said Palestra’s agent.

“The Inter directors, represented by Piero Ausilio, carried on constant and constructive talks with us on the opportunity to complete this transfer.

“However, the element that decided the outcome was not described accurately in today’s press conference. Over 45 days the two clubs, who were in daily contact, were never able to reach a definitive agreement.

“This allowed Chelsea, with whom contact began only two weeks earlier, as I had quickly informed the two clubs, burst in during the final days and sealed a deal with Atalanta, the player and with us to close the move rapidly.

“At this point, I hope that we can all turn the page and look to the future with calm, without more attacks as a pretext against a player who deserves respect.”

It was no secret that several months ago Palestra was approached by Inter and told them he would be more than happy to wait it out for a move to San Siro.

However, the failure to work out a deal with Atalanta stalled the process, and ultimately Chelsea came in with an equally strong project.

It is not the first time that Inter have struggled to agree terms with Atalanta, as they also came close with no progress for Ademola Lookman and Ederson.

After turning down reported offers of over €25m for Trevoh Chalobah, it’s now reported in Italy that Chelsea are frustrated Inter and Como are looking elsewhere.

The defender is currently at the World Cup with England preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina, but his future remains up in the air.

A bidding war had broken out for the 27-year-old, between Serie A sides Inter and Como, but the asking price of €35m has put them off.

Chalobah too expensive for Inter and Como

Another change was the Gazzetta dello Sport report last week that the two Italian clubs had agreed on a pact not to one-up each other, so Como backed off Chalobah and instead focused on Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez.

Now Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà and Sky Sport Italia both claim that Chelsea have contacted Inter and Como to ask if they are still interested in Chalobah.

The excessive asking price has put both off, so they are currently looking at other targets instead.

It is not just the Chelsea demand that is causing problems, but also the salary his agents are requesting.

Inter have the added problem of now needing to seek a new wing-back, seeing as Marco Palestra was poached by Chelsea and Anan Khalaili failed a medical.

Anan Khalaili has not passed his medical tests with Inter, while Roma have confirmed that Paulo Dybala signed a contract extension until 2027. Check out today’s transfer news from Serie A and Italian football.

Paulo Dybala has officially signed a new contract at Roma, extending his stay in the capital until June 2027.

The Giallorossi coach Gian Piero Gasperini released an interview with Radio Anch’io lo Sport, providing updates on Manu Koné, among other things, and admitting that the club might be forced to listen to offers for some of their top players.

Inter, Milan and Juventus

Inter President Beppe Marotta announced at a press conference on the first day of pre-season that Anan Khalaili had failed his medical tests, so he would not be joining the club. According to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri will now focus on Guela Doué, 23, currently under contract with Strasbourg.

Milan are waiting for offers for Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez. Neither has formal proposals on the table. However, according to Gazzetta, Aston Villa have enquired about another Milan player, Pervis Estupinan, who joined the Rossoneri a year ago from Brighton.

New signing Gonçalo Ramos paid a surprise visit to his new teammates at Milanello today, on the first day of pre-season.

Juventus’ General Manager Giovanni Carnevali has spoken about negotiations with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani, warning: “The demands are too high, so either we reach an agreement, or we will turn to a different player.”

Regarding transfer speculation on Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi, Carnevali added: “He is an extraordinary lad who would do well at all big clubs, but we do not need a player of his characteristics.”

Elsewhere at the Allianz Stadium, according to Gazzetta, Leeds are the favourites to sign Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, followed by Newcastle, Sunderland and Bournemouth. The Neroverdi’s asking price is €40m, which would be just €20m for Juventus, who hold a 50% sell-on clause.

The Bianconeri, however, have reportedly dropped out of the race after both the player and Sassuolo increased their financial demands. The Bianconeri would still be entitled to €20m if Muharemovic is sold for €40m.

Lazio and Cagliari done deals

Napoli will sell either Noa Lang or David Neres if they secure Ezequiel Zeballos’s signature this summer, according to Gazzetta.

Danilho Doekhi has arrived in Rome to undergo medical tests for Lazio before completing a free transfer. His contract with Union Berlin expired on June 30.

According to Sky, Lazio are also close to Dinamo Zagreb’s defender Sergi Dominguez, while Gazzetta maintains that the Biancocelesti won’t match the €15m asking price.

Gazzetta adds that Bologna are interested in Carlos Espì, Levante centre-forward with a €25m release clause, while Fiorentina’s next target is Ivory Coast international Christ Inao Oulai, a central midfielder for Trabzonspor.

The Tuscans have also reached an agreement with Basel to sell Italian midfielder Jonas Harder, according to Sky.

Italy international Diego Coppola will land in Paris today to complete a permanent €20m transfer to Paris FC, where he spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan (via Gazzetta).

Harry Winks and Jacopo Fazzini have arrived to undergo medical tests with Cagliari.

Atalanta are preparing an opening offer for Kerim Alajbegovic, with the Bayer Leverkusen talent open to joining La Dea, reports Sportitalia.

Genoa will take legal action against Elliot Stroud’s agents, as the Mjällby winger had reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with the Grifone before making a late decision to join Hull City instead, according to Sky.

The Rossoblu are also preparing to welcome Hamed Traorè, a former Sassuolo and Bournemouth midfielder, who will undergo medical tests tomorrow.

Transfer round-up July 13 – official transfers

Valentino Lazaro from Torino to Al-Ain (free agent)

Alex Jimenez to Fiorentina from Bournemouth (loan)

Anan Khalaili looked to the Quran for guidance after his Inter dream move was shattered by a failed medical, as irregularities were discovered.

The Arab-Israeli player had been in Italy since last week undergoing various tests, including those at club level, to complete the €30m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise.

Why Khalaili move was blocked

However, every athlete who comes to compete for an Italian side must also receive a certificate of health from the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee), and these are far more stringent than in other countries.

They include cardiac stress tests, and irregularities were spotted that meant Khalaili would not be given permission to work in Italian football.

Now he will return to Union Saint-Gilloise for further examinations, to see if any treatment or further investigation is required.

Khalaili broke his silence with an Instagram Stories showing him in prayer, with a verse from the Quran.

“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you.”

The rest of the verse notes that “Allah knows and you do not know,” so he is hoping that God has a plan for this twist in his life and career.

Italian rules on these fitness tests are extremely strict, which is why players like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen were forced to leave Serie A to continue their careers elsewhere.

Other leagues would allow for players to have implanted defibrillators, but the Italian legislation does not.

Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali warns Paris Saint-Germain ‘demands are too high’ for Randal Kolo Muani and they could look elsewhere, but they ‘do not need’ Davide Frattesi from Inter.

The Bianconeri have been negotiating with PSG practically since the moment he arrived on loan in January 2025, but never seem to reach a new agreement.

That loan cost €3.6m and was extended to cover the Club World Cup in July 2025, but then he was loaned out to Tottenham Hotspur and sent back to base this summer.

Talks continue to drag on for a new deal, but even Carnevali now admits the situation is not progressing fast enough.

Juventus ready to give up on Kolo Muani

“The demands are too high, so either we reach an agreement, or we will turn to a different player,” confessed the Juventus chief on RAI GR Parlamento radio.

As Juve refuse to reach the €40m asking price, Paris Saint-Germain have begun talks for Kolo Muani with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

“The cost of players is growing constantly, with figures that are practically impossible, while Serie A club revenue cannot keep up with the likes of the Premier League,” continued Carnevali.

“We need to reduce costs and have an economic balance, which is difficult to achieve. There’s no point denying it, you can all see that our league is in a situation of stasis for the transfer market.”

A cheaper option within Serie A for the midfield would be Frattesi, who is on the market at Inter, but Carnevali insists Juventus can be ruled out of that race.

“Frattesi is an extraordinary lad who would do well at all big clubs, but we do not need a player of his characteristics.”

Inter President Beppe Marotta notes that new Chelsea signing Marco Palestra ‘backed out of a verbal agreement’ with the Nerazzurri, but blames the defender’s agent as well: ‘He could have steered him in a different direction.’

Inter President Marotta joined coach Cristian Chivu for a press conference on Monday, on the first day of the Nerazzurri pre-season.

The defending Serie A champions are still looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who joined Real Madrid in a €20m deal.

Marotta: Palestra ‘backed out of a verbal agreement’ with Inter

Their primary target, Marco Palestra, joined Chelsea two weeks ago despite having reached an agreement with Inter.

“We need to keep costs under control, not investments. I’m referring to players we can’t sign because their wages are too high and to agents, whose influence on the club’s finances is becoming increasingly significant,” Marotta said via FcInternews.

“We have to deal with these realities, which have a major impact on the transfer market.

“Take the case of Palestra, for example. It was the result of a decision made by the player, who backed out of a verbal agreement,” Marotta added.

“His agent could have steered him in a different direction, but chose this path instead, and we had to accept seeing another Italian player move to a league that is not in direct competition with ours.”

During his press conference, Marotta announced that Inter’s second target, Anan Khalaili, had failed his medical tests, meaning that his €25m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise has fallen apart.

Inter have won three Serie A titles during Marotta’s reign, but the one conquered in 2025-26 under Chivu was his first one as the Nerazzurri’s president.

Inter began their pre-season today and will make their 2026-27 Serie A debut at home against Monza on August 22.

Cristian Chivu insists Inter ‘do not fear anybody’ in Serie A or Europe, will wipe the slate clean after winning the Double, and has fresh ideas for Benjamin Pavard and Andy Diouf.

Last season was his first full campaign in Serie A, yet he finished it with the Serie A and Coppa Italia trophies, so now the pressure is on to continue that extraordinary start.

Pre-season training begins today at the Appiano Gentile ground, so the coach sat down with Inter President Beppe Marotta for a press conference.

Chivu and Inter won’t stop at the Double

“The most important thing right now is motivation, because it’s never enough in terms of ambition and what we want to do next. It was a strong season, but we don’t want to stop here,” said Chivu.

“I have 50 games under my belt now, no longer 13. I’ll do my best, we want to be competitive on every front, and have the ambition to do even better than last year.”

Inter are revitalising the squad, as veterans like Yann Sommer, Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi and Denzel Dumfries have left.

“We lost players who wrote the history books here, and we want to thank them. We have a mixture of youth and experience, our squad is competitive. We want to have intensity and courage, without complaining.”

While last year so many coaches insisted the target was a top four finish, Chivu stood out by never hiding the depth of his ambition to win the Scudetto.

So he has a similar approach this time around when going in as reigning Champions of Italy.

“We do not fear anybody,” assured the Inter coach.

“I have nothing to prove, if not to myself. I still have a lot of responsibilities, doubts and duties towards these lads, even if I lifted two trophies last season, we always start from scratch.”

Whereas they excelled domestically in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, Chivu’s Inter did not go far in the Champions League, crashing out in the play-offs.

“You cannot have everything in life. We got two games wrong, but I take the positives from the experience. We lost at the last second to both Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, I took responsibility for my mistakes in the play-offs, but we overall played on level terms with everyone.

“I’d like us to improve in our courage, being more determined and going for the victory, not resting on our laurels. We can always be the best version of ourselves.

“I don’t think about what we won, but about what we need to do.”

When it comes to the transfer market, Chivu gave an update on the Benjamin Pavard situation after his failed loan at Olympique Marseille.

“He is our player, we all know the choices he made last year. He’s back now, we’ll see him at work, and then make a decision.”

The search for a Dumfries replacement has been tortuous, as first Chelsea poached Marco Palestra, then Anan Khalaili failed his medical, ending the move from Union Saint-Gilloise.

Instead, Chivu revealed he has a cunning plan to revitalise his squad.

“I have this crazy idea to use Andy Diouf as a wing-back, and at times in games he really does have the right courage to take men on. He changed some games like that, for example against Como.

“There will be matches where he is used in midfield, but I like him as a wing-back, he has characteristics we are lacking.”

Reports in Italy claim that Premier League side Brentford are interested in a potential deal for Italy and Inter youth star Jamal Iddrissou, who has also been the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Bundesliga side FC Köln.

Brentford, Köln and Wolfsburg want Inter and Italy talent Iddrissou

According to Sky Sport Italia reporter Luca Bendoni, Brentford are keen on 18-year-old Inter winger Iddrissou, who has represented Italy at every age group from the U18s up to the U20s. The young winger has two goals from five caps to his name with the U20s over the last year. 

The Italy youth international, born in Brescia with Ghanaian heritage, is beginning to attract interest from a number of clubs across Europe. 

1. FC Köln have already seen a bid in the region of €7m-€8m for the talented teenager turned down by the Nerazzurri according to reports from various journalists including Orazio Accomando. Fellow Bundesliga side Wolfsburg are also among the clubs said to be interested.

Inter, meanwhile, are keen to keep control of Iddrissou if they are to sell this summer, i.e. with a reasonable buy-back option.

Inter President Beppe Marotta has confirmed that Anan Khalaili failed his medical with the Italian authorities, so the €30m move from Union Saint-Gilloise is off. ‘The rules are very strict.’

The transfer had been agreed for €25m plus add-ons, and the Israel international underwent his regular club tests with no problems.

However, before joining an Italian club, he also needed to go through the strict CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) medical stress tests, and these flagged irregularities.

The player underwent another day of testing today, but although more were expected tomorrow, Inter President Marotta announced during this afternoon’s press conference that the decision had already been made.

Khalaili cannot play in Serie A

“We had negotiated the purchase of Khalaili, but he failed the medical tests, the CONI just informed us and I wanted to let you all know,” said Marotta.

“In Italy there are very strict rules on medical tests, so it is not a choice made by the club, we simply have to accept it, because this is about looking after the health of the player.

“When the CONI don’t give the certificate, he is not allowed to participate in any official sporting event in Italy.

“It’s sad, because we had carried on the negotiations with great effort, but now unfortunately we will have to think about an alternative.”

The stress tests largely focus on cardiology, so when Khalaili returns to Union Saint-Gilloise, he will have to deal with the medical staff there on any required treatment.

Italian rules are extremely strict, to the degree that players with an implanted defibrillator like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen have been forced to continue their careers outside of Serie A.

Khalaili was set to be the replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid for the €20m release clause in his contract.

“Dumfries preferred to conclude his career at a prestigious club like Real Madrid, so we had to find a substitute. Some of the fees going around are crazy, which make Italian football a mere spectator compared to the role we had in the past,” added Marotta.

They had been on the verge of an agreement worth €50m with Atalanta for Marco Palestra, only to be blown out of the water by a much bigger proposal from Chelsea.

Inter President Beppe Marotta feels retaining the Scudetto would be ‘an historic achievement,’ but they also ‘must do better in the Champions League’ while competing with financial powerhouses.

Their pre-season training started today at the Appiano Gentile complex, where they are going into the new season as the reigning Champions of Italy, having won both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia.

Marotta raises the bar for Inter

“We are privileged to be here starting the new season as reigning holders of the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles,” said Marotta in his press conference.

“We’re very proud of two hard-fought victories, won thanks to our work ethic, sense of belonging, and the abilities of the coach, players and support of the club.

“Now we start by wiping the slate clean. We have fresh objectives, we are the only team participating in four competitions: Serie A, Champions League, Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia. The Supercoppa will be just a one-off game with Lazio.”

It was a largely unexpected success story considering the change of coach from Simone Inzaghi to Cristian Chivu, but the trade-off was a poor Champions League showing this time around.

“These are all prestigious targets, but we must do better in the Champions League,” continued Marotta.

“Last season we went out to Bodo/Glimt, but that’s part of what makes this sport so wonderful.”

The attempts to revitalise the squad this summer have been hit hard by failed bidding wars, most notably losing Marco Palestra to Chelsea.

“We are well aware that we have difficulties and are up against European powerhouses, also in terms of their investment capabilities, but we participate with our work ethic that has always helped us stand out.

“It’s not guaranteed that whoever spends the most money will then win, but we can substitute money with a winning project thanks to consistency, quality, value of players and many other situations,” insisted the Inter President.

While the Champions League remains a target, Marotta warns that domestically the bar keeps getting raised too.

“Since 2020, no team has been able to win two Serie A titles in a row, so this can be an historic achievement. Our enemy within is the risk of feeling sated, so we must resist that at all costs, maintain the hunger that got us to these results.

“We must also do that via a sustainable modus operandi. The football world often sees clubs go bankrupt, and we know that our owners Oaktree arrived during a moment of difficulty. Now we are out of the Settlement Agreement with UEFA, they invested and accepted our needs to improve the infrastructure with €100,000 of investment in the Interello camp.

“Sustainability also means using our youth academy, as we have easily four players who can be used in Europe, whereas other clubs are struggling to meet those criteria. We also have the Under-23 team, the women’s team, all this make us a successful club.

“We’re missing something big lately, but we will try to achieve it, aware of our capabilities, and keep raising the bar.”

Inter are in contact with free agent John Stones, claim reports in Italy, but the former Manchester City man would not be considered a first choice for central defence.

This is not the first time that the 32-year-old has been linked with a possible move to Serie A this summer, seeing as his contract with Manchester City was allowed to run down.

He still has much to give, as confirmed by the fact he is playing for England at the 2026 World Cup and now preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.

Stones offered to various Serie A sides

Napoli and Juventus had been in talks, but didn’t seem particularly eager to pursue the deal.

Now Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà claims that Inter are in direct negotiations with Stones and his entourage.

However, it is noted that this would only be if Benjamin Pavard was first sold, and that Stones would not be guaranteed regular playing time, as he is not a first choice at centre-back for the Italian giants.

Other clubs who have been linked with the free agent include Bayern Munich and Olympique Marseille, but his salary demands and signing-on fee requests are putting some off.

Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute to help Argentina on their way to the 2026 World Cup semi-final in the early hours of Sunday morning, but some feel that the Inter skipper was fortunate to avoid a second yellow and a suspension for the upcoming last-four tie with England. Here’s why El Toro escaped punishment. 

How Lautaro Martinez escaped second yellow card in Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Lautaro was initially named on the substitutes’ bench for Argentina’s eventual 3-1 quarter-final win against Switzerland in Kansas City, but emerged off the bench in the 84th minute and contributed his nation’s third goal of the night in the 121st minute of the tie to put the game beyond any doubt.

Lautaro was on a booking at the time of his goal, and some eagle-eyed fans believe that he should have been shown a second yellow and sent off for his celebrations. Had that been the case, the Inter striker would have been suspended for the World Cup semi-final against England coming up on Wednesday night. 

That is because Lautaro jumped over the advertising hoardings and went right up to the Argentina supporters behind the goal while celebrating his 121st-minute settler. 

Under the IFAB laws of the game, a player should be shown a yellow card if he approaches supporters in a way that creates any potential crowd safety issues. 

However, as Lautaro’s celebrations in front of the stands only lasted for a brief moment, and given that he didn’t even attempt to touch or engage with the fans in front of him, the officials felt that this specific incident did not require further punishment. 

Lautaro Martinez with the icing on the cake for Argentina pic.twitter.com/7iHow8lZeK

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

The quarter-final stage of the 2026 World Cup is complete, and a total of six Serie A players will be progressing through to the tournament’s semi-finals, which will kick off with France vs. Spain on Tuesday evening. 

France eliminated Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final on Tuesday, Spain overcame Belgium 2-1, England defeated Norway 2-1 in extra-time on Saturday night and Argentina needed the full 120 minutes again to get past Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning, eventually finishing at 3-1.

Now, only six Serie A players are left heading into the World Cup semi-finals. Four of them represent France and two represent Argentina. 

The France squad boasts Milan pair Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, along with Roma midfielder Manu Kone and Inter forward Marcus Thuram. Argentina have Thuram’s regular strike partner Lautaro Martinez as well as Como superstar Nico Paz in their ranks.

A total of 15 Serie A players were eliminated at the quarter-final stage, including Norway’s quintet of Italian-based players: Morten Thorsby, Leo Ostigard, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Torbjorn Heggem and Kristian Thorstvedt. 

Belgium also had five Serie A players in their ranks, namely Napoli pair Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, Milan duo Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers and Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere.

Roma’s Neil El-Aynaoui (Morocco) and Switzerland quartet Manuel Akani (Inter), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (Milan) and Michel Aebischer (Pisa) were the other Italian-based players to be eliminated during the World Cup quarter-finals.

Which Serie A players are left standing at the 2026 World Cup?

France: Manu Kone (Roma), Marcus Thuram (Inter), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Mike Maignan (Milan).

Spain: None.

England: None.

Argentina: Nico Paz (Como), Lautaro Martinez (Inter).

Sunday’s reports claim that Inter could challenge their city-rivals Milan to the signing of right-back Guela Doué following the concerns that cropped up during Anan Khalaili’s medical. 

Inter and Milan both keen on Strasbourg’s Doué

Inter are on the hunt for a new starting right wing-back after losing Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. The Nerazzurri had initially target a deal for Marco Palestra from Atalanta, but he has since joined Chelsea in a big-money move instead. 

Khalaili was the next target and a deal had been agreed with Union Saint-Gilloise, but the Israel international now needs further medical checks, with reports on Sunday indicating that there were concerns over potential heart issues during those tests with the doctors. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, if Inter are unable to get Khalaili over the line, then their next alternative will be Strasbourg right-back Doué, who has also been linked with a move to Milan this summer.

Doué, an Ivory Coast international and older brother of France star Désiré, has been linked with a move to Serie A on several occasions in the past, including to Milan in the summer of 2025. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that it will probably cost Inter more to secure a deal for Doué than it did for Khalaili: An agreement for Khalaili was found at €25m plus bonuses. 

Alternative options reportedly include Dodo from Fiorentina, Genoa’s Brook Norton-Cuffy and Hellas Verona’s Rafik Belghali.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute of Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning to confirm his nation’s spot in the semis, where they will go up against archrivals England. 

Argentina required extra-time to overcome Switzerland in their 2026 World Cup quarter-final, which ended 3-1 thanks to Lautaro’s tie-settling strike right at the end of proceedings. Lionel Scaloni’s side have had to play 120 minutes in all three of their knock-out matches at the tournament so far. 

Alexis Mac Allister gave the reigning World Champions a 10th-minute lead, which was cancelled out by former Bologna winger Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute. Julian Alvarez sent Argentina 2-1 up in the second half of extra-time and Lautaro put the game to bed in injury-time.

It was Thiago Almada who had carried the ball into the area and tested Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with a low shot, which was saved and parried to Lautaro, who made no mistake with his first-time finish on the rebound.

This was the Inter striker’s second ever World Cup goal, his second at the 2026 tournament following his penalty in Argentina’s 3-1 group stage victory over Jordan.

Watch: Lautaro Martinez sends Argentina through to World Cup semi-finals

Lautaro Martinez with the icing on the cake for Argentina pic.twitter.com/7iHow8lZeK

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Maldini yes 

The reconstruction of the national team begins 

Malago lands his first target. The Azzurri legend will be the new technical director, will be accompanied by Leonardo. Signed a four-year contract, will nominate the new CT within the next week 

Sinner, make history 

Jannik looking for a fantastic double 

Wimbledon final against Zverev, whom he has beaten in his last nine matches. The Italian could earn his place among the Wimbledon greats 

Bellingham fairytale 

England in the semi-finals, Norway knocked out 

Khalaili stop

Problem with the medicals in Milan 

The winger needs more heart tests, Inter on Guela Doue 

Corriere dello Sport 

Milan, Italia 

The national team turnaround: Malago calls Paolo, Leonardo is his advisor 

Maldini as new technical director | The Azzurri relaunch, full powers to two former Rossoneri

The FIGC President’s relaunch begins: Four-year contract signed. The surprise is the inclusion of the Brazilian. Now the choice for CT: Mancini is the favourite 

Turn it on, it’s Sinner 

Wimbledon at 16.00 (Sky and TV 8), Jannik for the double 

He could win his first slam of the season and replicate his 2025 triumph against Alcaraz. Now it’s Zverev, transformed from his success in Paris 

Inter, Khalaili at risk 

Announcement postponed: CONI asks for further checks 

Amorim, doubts about Rabiot 

Future in question 

The Mother Veronique talks to Milan: Decision postponed 

Viola boom: Jimenez 

Fourth signing 

The Spanish full-back arrives on loan from Bournemouth

Juve-Kolo obstacle course 

Also difficulties for Dibu

An extra-large squad: Selling is Carnevali’s priority 

Gattuso: ‘Putting on my hard hat’

Lazio, Rino’s battle 

‘I know what the problems are’

Tuttosport 

Sinner, our World Cup 

Wimbledon on TV 8 at 16.00, Jannik looking for the second title in a row against Zverev. With him, Italy hopes to make up for the World Cup flop 

Juve goal, Hope for Suzuki now. Pellegrino maybe, here’s Ederson again 

The Dibu stall could open a double deal with Parma 

Carnevali doesn’t want to spend more than 8 million on the Argentine goalkeeper, the Japanese is champing at the bit. The first offer for the centre-forward is turned down, but there’s hope. The Brazilian intrigues Spalletti after United’s no because of physical doubts. Muharemovic, Ekhator the key

Maldinin Azzurri technical director with Leonardo 

Malago has convinced the former Milan captain: The Brazilian as his advisor 

Four-year contract: A symbol of the national team ever since he was a boy, Paolo will also be President of Club Italia. He also worked with his former teammate as a director with the Rossoneri. Now one week to make a decision on the CT

The fans’ test for Toro 

The first open training session under Abate, then setting off for the pre-season retreat. In goal: Perri the closest option 

Inter freeze on Khalaili 

Stop after the visits 

New heart tests have been requested for the Israeli. Guela Doue is the Plan B: Battle with Milan 

Zaniolo case, isn’t training with UDinese 

Asking for more money

Norway vs England takes place on Saturday evening, for a place in the World Cup semi-finals, in a quarter-final pitting the tournament’s most feared striker against the Three Lions’ title ambitions.

The two sides arrived by contrasting routes. England survived a 3-2 thriller against hosts Mexico at the Azteca, holding on with ten men to progress, while Norway followed up Erling Haaland’s late winner against Ivory Coast by dumping out five-time champions Brazil, the win that carried them to a first World Cup quarter-final.

Haaland has been the driving force, scoring five goals in his first three appearances at the finals.

There is a strong Serie A flavour to the Scandinavian squad.

Alexander Sorloth, linked with Juventus this window as a possible Dusan Vlahovic replacement, supports Haaland in attack, while Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt provides an option on the bench.

Bologna’s Tobjorn Heggem starts in central defence for Norway.

In the England camp, Trevoh Chalobah, the subject of Inter interest and a rebuffed €25 million bid from Como this summer, is among the defensive contingent, as is John Stones, who starts for the Three Lions amid interest from the likes of Inter.

World Cup 2026: Norway vs England Lineups

Norway XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Berg, Odegaard, Berge; Schjelderup, Haaland, Sorloth
England XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Madueke, Kane, Gordon

Mario Balotelli has made Inter the team to beat in Serie A next season, but the striker named Roma as his surprise pick to gatecrash the title race.

According to Sport Mediaset, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Balotelli, now with Al-Ittifaq in Dubai, predicted champions Inter to remain at the summit while singling out an outsider.

Asked whether Napoli, Milan and Juventus were genuine contenders, he replied: “Yes, but I want to add a surprise: Roma.” On the reigning champions, he was unequivocal: “Inter remain the team to beat.”

That verdict chimed with his admiration for former Inter teammate Cristian Chivu, now in the San Siro dugout.

“He was always switched on, even as a player, already a coach on the pitch, tactically ready and intelligent,” Balotelli said of the man he won the 2010 treble alongside.

Balotelli reveals near-Juventus move and backs Allegri at Napoli

The former Manchester City man also lifted the lid on a transfer that never materialised.

“Yes, after Manchester City. Then I ended up at Milan, so no regrets, it was a choice,” he said. “Of course, that Juventus side was strong.”

He had warm words, too, for Massimiliano Allegri as the coach starts afresh at Napoli. “Recently I’ve read a lot of criticism of him, but when I had him at Milan I liked him a great deal,” Balotelli said. “If he’s still that man, he’ll do well.”

There was a more sombre note when talk turned to the national side. Balotelli remains Italy’s last World Cup scorer, a mark unbroken since 2014, with the Azzurri absent from a third straight tournament this summer, and he took no pride in it.

“It’s nothing to be proud of, quite the opposite, it’s a sad thing,” he said. “Too many years have passed.”

Ciro Immobile has installed Inter as the team to beat in Serie A next season, pointing to the upheaval among their closest rivals as the champions’ biggest edge.

According to Noi Biancocelesti, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the former Italy striker, for now at Paris FC, sees continuity as the decisive factor.

“I think Inter are favourites. I’ve seen a lot of managerial changes and therefore a need to settle, whereas they’re already well-drilled,” he said. “Milan, Napoli and Juventus have to gear up to trouble them.”

That churn is hard to argue with. Milan are starting afresh under Ruben Amorim, Napoli have replaced Antonio Conte with Massimiliano Allegri, and Juventus continue to build around Luciano Spalletti.

Inter, by contrast, keep faith with Cristian Chivu and the spine that carried them to the Scudetto, a stability their pursuers cannot currently match.

Immobile weighs in on Italy’s Conte-or-Mancini call

Immobile also turned to the vacant Italy job, with the succession appearing to come down to Conte or Mancini. On that, he refused to split them.

“They’ve both done well. I remember we did well at the Euros with Conte too, after ending up in a group with Spain and Germany,” he said. “Mancini’s was the last winning Italy side, one that left a nice memory for the children of today too.”

Having played under both men with the Azzurri, Immobile is well placed to judge, and his verdict offers little to separate two of the frontrunners now being weighed to lead Italy’s rebuild.

Inter hoped to announce Anan Khalaili’s transfer on Friday, but according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta, the 21-year-old must undergo further medical tests, which are expected to be completed by Tuesday next week.

Israel international Khalaili requires further medical checks before completing a permanent transfer to Inter from Union Saint-Gilloise.

Khalaili needs more Inter medical tests

The 21-year-old arrived in Milan on Friday to undergo medical examinations and sign his contract with the defending Serie A champions.

However, according to reports in Italy, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, the defender was not allowed to complete his move to Inter yesterday because the Institute of Sports Medicine of CONI demanded further, specific medical examinations to be carried out on Monday and Tuesday.

Therefore, until that day, the Nerazzurri won’t be allowed to confirm the purchase of the 21-year-old.

The Serie A giants have an agreement with Union SG for a €25m deal plus add-ons.

The Nerazzurri need a new starter in the right wing-back position following Denzel Dumfries’ move to Real Madrid for €20m.

Marco Palestra was their main target, but the Italy international eventually joined Chelsea instead.

Anan Khalaili has been spotted at the airport in Milan on Friday, having flown to Italy to complete the final details of his potential €30m transfer to Inter. 

Khalaili in Italy to complete Inter transfer

Reports on Thursday claimed that Inter had struck an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise to sign right-winger Khalaili for a guaranteed fee of €25m, plus bonuses that could take the total cost up to the €30m mark. 

The Nerazzurri had initially seen bids of €20m plus bonuses and then €23m plus bonuses turned down by the Belgian side. 

However, an agreement has now been reached at €25m in guaranteed fees, plus bonuses and a 15% sell-on clause in favour of Union SG.

Khalaili has since been filmed arriving in Milan, and the Israel international is now expected to complete his medical tests and to sign his contract at the Inter headquarters in the city by the end of Friday. 

Khalaili è arrivato a Milano: oggi le visite mediche e poi la firma con l’@Inter pic.twitter.com/i2HoebBZXR

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 10, 2026

Khalaili looks set to be the replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has left Inter after five successful seasons to join Real Madrid. The Nerazzurri had initially targeted a move for Italy international Marco Palestra, who has since joined Chelsea in a big-money move. 

Khalaili was next on Inter’s list, and despite the fact that he had been of interest to Napoli earlier this window, his next destination will be San Siro.

Inter have secured a deal to sign Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise, so now their next priority is Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, who, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, has rejected an offer from Crystal Palace as he’s keen to move to San Siro.

Inter will push to sign Chelsea defender Chalobah in the coming weeks, as the defending Serie A champions look for reinforcements at the back after the departures of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij as free agents.

Gazzetta: Chalobah wants Inter move, snubs Crystal Palace

Chelsea’s Chalobah is their main target and talks with the player’s camp have been ongoing for weeks. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, yet Inter have not reached an agreement with Chelsea.

According to Gazzetta, the Blues’ asking price is €40m, while other sources, including Sky Sport, have said the Premier League giants set their demands at €35m.

According to Gazzetta, Chelsea have tried to include Chalobah in a player-plus-cash swap deal with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix, but Chalobah has rejected the chance to move to South London as he only wants to join Inter this summer.

Como have already had two bids rejected by Chelsea, and the Azzurri’s President, Mirwan Suwarso, reportedly reached out to Beppe Marotta earlier this week to say he would not engage in bidding wars with the Nerazzurri.

According to La Repubblica, Paolo Maldini will decide today whether to accept the offer to become Italy’s technical director, but the outlook appears pessimistic so FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has identified three potential alternatives, including Gianfranco Zola.

Former Milan and Italy defender Maldini will sit down with FIGC President Malagò for one final meeting today, according to La Repubblica.

Maldini and Malagò set for showdown talks today

Maldini has an offer to become Italy’s technical director, and already talked to Malagò several times in recent weeks, including on Thursday.

According to Repubblica, however, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that Maldini will ultimately accept Malagò’s proposal.

Malagò has already offered Maldini unprecedented power as Italy’s technical director, even allowing him to choose the new head coach.

According to Repubblica, however, the former defender is unlikely to accept the offer, primarily because of the impact it would have on his private life, as the role would require him to leave Milan and spend significant time working in Rome or at Italy’s training centre in Coverciano, Florence.

Maldini will inform Malagò about his final decision today, but it’s far from guaranteed that he will provide a positive answer.

According to Repubblica, another ex-Milan star, Demetrio Albertini, would jump to the top of Malagò’s list if Maldini rejects the offer, but Chelsea and Cagliari legend Gianfranco Zola and Inter and Italy legend Beppe Bergomi are also among the names being considered by the FIGC chief.

Gazzetta dello Sport

Mbappé Messi-style

He missed a penalty and then invented the 8th magic, like Leo. Marocco beaten, Dembélé scores too. Today, Yamal guides Spain against Belgium.

Beat of a wing: Inter choose Khalaili

First signing of the champions after the Palestra disappointment. Dumfries’ replacement signed: a 25m deal, now all-in on Chalobah.

Corriere dello Sport

Mbappé like Messi. Yamal, there’s big Rom.

Dumfries’ replacement

The first is Khalaili

A new starter for Inter: 25m to Union SG

An Israeli to play for the Nerazzurri for the first time: Five-year contract

He’s 21, six goals and six assists in the last season. Medical tests today. 2.2m salary. Now the priority is Chalobah: meeting with Chelsea.

Grosso: ‘Atta is a big coup.’

Pellegrino, Juventus pave the way

Contacts with Parma for the Argentine. A new meeting with PSG and Aston Villa for Muani and Martinez

Napoli, Anguissa starts the pre-season

He has one year left in his contract and the coach likes him. Talks are ongoing with Hull City for Milinkovic. Falcone on target, Zeballos booked, the agent in tow.

Tuttosport

Juve, Matic offered for now

Carnevali proposes to Spalletti the 37-year-old from Sassuolo

The experienced Serbian midfielder, ex-United, intrigues as a backup, but the coach expects something different, starting with the attack. Yildiz will start slowly to manage his knee; surgery is not ruled out.

Fantastique

Mbappé-Dembélé, France in the semis

Inter: Khalaili, now Chalobah

25m to Union for the Israeli winger. Medical tests today. The Chelsea centre-back is the next target

Jakic breaks for Torino

Atta too! Viola dreams

Paratici unleashed, many teams of Europe’s top sides beaten for 25m. Grosso: ‘Great coup.’

Romario goes off track: ‘Kick Ancelotti out!’

Malagò: ‘Italy technical director, possible surprise.’

Fiorentina have completed their third summer signing by welcoming Arthur Atta from Udinese, while Inter have secured a deal with Union Saint-Gilloise for Anan Khalaili. Check out today’s most important transfer news in the latest Football Italia transfer show.

Click here to subscribe to the official Football Italia YouTube channel

Juventus are keen to strengthen between the posts ahead of the new season, with talks ongoing as they explore the financial details of a move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

Top Serie A transfer news: July 9

Fiorentina have completed their third signing of the summer, securing the arrival of promising midfielder Arthur Atta from Udinese. The Viola continue to reinforce their squad as they prepare for the upcoming campaign, with the club showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market.

Elsewhere in Serie A, Milan are preparing to welcome Mario Gila, who has left Rome today.

Roma, on the other hand, are being forced to consider alternative attacking targets after Mason Greenwood moved closer to joining Fenerbahce.

With the English forward now expected to continue his career in Turkey, the Giallorossi have shifted their focus to other options as they aim to strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes.

From Juventus’ pursuit of a world-class goalkeeper to Fiorentina’s latest addition, as well as the latest developments involving Milan and Roma, there is plenty happening across Serie A.

Check out today’s transfer update video for all the latest news, rumours and analysis from the Italian transfer market.

Serie A players Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné start for France in the first World Cup quarter-final against Morocco and Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui and Anass Salah-Eddine.

It kicks off in Boston at 21.00 UK time (22.00 CEST) and the winners will go on to face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.

France are the absolute favourites to win the tournament, having been the beaten finalists four years ago, and winning every match so far, even if they had to leave it late to defeat Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16.

There is plenty of Serie A representation, including Milan pair Maignan and Rabiot, while Roma midfielder Manu Koné keeps his spot despite Aurelien Tchaouameni shaking off a muscular injury.

Inter striker Marcus Thuram returns to the bench after his injury concerns.

Désiré Doué is preferred to Bradley Barcola in the starting XI, alongside untouchable Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.

Morocco are not to be underestimated, because they are officially unbeaten in 34 matches, although there is still legal action from Senegal over who really won the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Roma have two players in the squad, midfielder El Aynaoui and left-back Anass Salah-Eddine, who spent last season out on loan.

Bayern Munich star Ismael Saibari is out injured after limping off in the win over Canada.

Former Serie A players include ex-Milan man Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi at Inter, and former Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

France vs. Morocco line-ups

France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé

Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Mazraoui, Salah-Eddine; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Talbi, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Brahim Diaz

09-07-2026 21:00

Quarterfinal

Gillette Stadium

France

Morocco

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Kylian Mbappé

28'

2nd half

Kylian Mbappé (Assist: Désiré Doué)		60'
		63'		Issa Diop
Ousmane Dembélé (Assist: Kylian Mbappé)		66'

Match statistic

48

Possession %

52

22

Total shots

5

8

Shots on target

1

9

Shots off target

3

5

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

5

10

Fouls

13

France

Morocco

Starting lineups

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

4

Dayot Upamecano

Defender

5

Jules Koundé

Defender

87'

3

Lucas Digne

Defender

17

William Saliba

Defender

14

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

20

Désiré Doué

Midfielder

77'

6

Manu Koné

Midfielder

71'

11

Michael Olise

Midfielder

10

Kylian Mbappé

Attacker

77'

7

Ousmane Dembélé

Attacker

1

Yassine Bounou

Goalkeeper

2

Achraf Hakimi

Defender

26

Anass Salah-Eddine

Defender

74'

14

Issa Diop

Defender

3

Noussair Mazraoui

Defender

6

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Midfielder

62'

8

Azzedine Ounahi

Midfielder

23

Bilal El Khannouss

Midfielder

62'

10

Brahim Díaz

Midfielder

74'

7

Chemsdine Talbi

Midfielder

85'

24

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

Substitutes

19

Theo Hernández

Defender

13

N’Golo Kanté

Midfielder

15

Ibrahima Konaté

Defender

21

Lucas Hernández

Defender

24

Rayan Cherki

Attacker

8

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Midfielder

25

Maghnes Akliouche

Midfielder

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

1

Brice Samba

Goalkeeper

26

Maxence Lacroix

Defender

23

Robin Risser

Goalkeeper

18

Warren Zaïre-Emery

Midfielder

71'

12

Bradley Barcola

Attacker

77'

22

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Attacker

77'

2

Malo Gusto

Defender

87'

11

Ismael Saibari

Midfielder

12

Munir El Kajoui

Goalkeeper

22

Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti

Goalkeeper

20

Ayoub El Kaabi

Attacker

18

Chadi Riad

Defender

19

Youssef Belammari

Midfielder

15

Samir El Mourabet

Midfielder

21

Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab

Attacker

25

Redouane Halhal

Defender

5

Marwane Saadane

Midfielder

4

Sofyan Amrabat

Midfielder

62'

9

Soufiane Rahimi

Attacker

62'

13

Zakaria El Ouahdi

Defender

74'

16

Gessime Yassine

Midfielder

74'

17

Amine Sbaï

Midfielder

85'

Anan Khalaili’s father reveals Cristian Chivu ‘took the initiative’ to secure a deal with Inter, after ‘Ipswich Town offered €30m, but Napoli were a long way’ from satisfying Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Israel international seems all set to take his place on the right side of the Inter midfield, replacing Real Madrid bound Denzel Dumfries, after intensive negotiations.

Multiple sources this afternoon report that the deal is done for €25m plus add-ons to reach the €30m asking price, including a 15 per cent cut of the sell on fee to his first club Maccabi Haifa.

Father Madji Khalaili, who himself was a professional football player, spoke to 103FM about the entire situation.

Khalaili all set for Inter medical

“I said that I wouldn’t talk until it was all decided. Well, he will sign and the day after tomorrow fly from Brussels to Milan in a private plane they put at his disposal,” said the player’s father.

“What we experienced over the last two or three weeks has been surreal. Yet I’ve never seen someone so calm. I called him after the negotiations were finalised and he was asleep. I told him it was all done and he just replied: ‘Really? Wow.’ That’s what my son is like.”

There had been reports weeks ago that Napoli had agreed personal terms, but not with Union Saint-Gilloise, while the father confirmed there were numerous other clubs involved.

“We received requests from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town who made an offer worth €30m, as well as Cagliari, Atalanta and Napoli.

“It’s true that the first formal offer came from Napoli, but it was a long way off satisfying the requests in Belgium.”

Khalaili was convinced that Inter was the right club for him after speaking directly with coach Chivu.

“We had a terrible week, Anan almost missed some training sessions, and the negotiations were so close to collapsing. Cristian Chivu took the initiative by calling personally from Miami, telling him he would be the first choice for that role.

“What convinced Inter to really go for him were his Champions League statistics. I am convinced this won’t be the final big move of his career, his strength and aggressive play are what got him to this point.”

Khalaili turns 22 in September and Union Saint-Gilloise had paid €6.5m to buy him from Maccabi Haifa in 2024.

Last season, he scored three goals in just eight Champions League appearances for the Belgian club.

Italian sources are confident Inter have a deal with Union Saint-Gilloise for Anan Khalaili worth €25m plus add-ons, including a bonus for Maccabi Haifa, and could have his medical this weekend.

The Nerazzurri dived onto the Israel international for the right wing to replace Real Madrid-bound Denzel Dumfries after missing out on first choice Marco Palestra to Chelsea.

Negotiations had been tricky and there were two previous proposals rejected by Union Saint-Gilloise, worth €20m plus add-ons, then €23m.

Khalaili to Inter gets over the line

However, Sportitalia, Tuttomercatoweb, Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano now believe an agreement has been reached worth €25m plus add-ons to reach the €30m asking price.

Above all, it includes a 15 per cent cut of the future sale fee for his previous club Maccabi Haifa, who had sold him to the Belgians in 2024 for €6.5m.

The right-back turns 22 in September and last season he was a key figure for USG, contributing six goals and six assists in 42 competitive games.

Italian reports believe Khalaili will be in Milan for his medical tests either tomorrow or Saturday.

Napoli had been close to an agreement earlier in the summer, but could not progress until first making sales, while Como also showed interest.

Thomas Berenbruch looks set to leave Inter this summer, with a move to Serie A off the table.

According to transfer reporter Giorgio Musso, of CalcioMercato.it, the young midfielder is on the verge of joining Dutch side Utrecht, ruling out a switch to Cagliari or a stay in the Italian top flight.

The 2005-born midfielder had been linked with a move within Serie A, but it is Utrecht who appear poised to land him.

The Eredivisie club are no strangers to his situation, having also pursued the youngster last summer before missing out, and are now closing in on their target at the second attempt.

Berenbruch to leave Inter on loan

The deal is reported to be structured as a loan, allowing Berenbruch to gain regular senior minutes away from the San Siro.

For a talented youngster in need of game time, a spell in the Eredivisie, a league with a strong record of developing young players, represents a logical next step, with Utrecht having clearly kept tabs on him since their initial interest a year ago.

Juventus’ pursuit of two centre-backs is getting crowded, with both Sunderland and Inter now muscling in on Jhon Lucumí and Tarik Muharemovic.

The Bianconeri have long been working on deals for Bologna’s Lucumí, who carries a €28 million release clause valid until mid-July, and Sassuolo’s Muharemovic, on whom Juventus hold a 50% sell-on.

Sunderland and Inter threaten Juventus move for Lucumí and Muharemovic

Sunderland, back in European competition for the first time in over half a century after finishing seventh in the Premier League, are reportedly armed with a budget north of €100m.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Black Cats could comfortably cover Lucumí’s clause and Sassuolo’s €40m asking price for Muharemovic, as well as the wages, including the €3-4m a year that stalled the Bosnian’s talks with Juventus. The Bosnian international is Sunderland’s priority, with the Colombian an alternative.

Inter have entered the picture too.

Having lost Acerbi, De Vrij and Darmian, Cristian Chivu’s side need a defender, and Tuttosport report they have launched a move for Lucumí, a pointed dig at their rivals, with Muharemovic also a long-standing Inter target.

Yet the scenario need not spell disaster for Juventus. Should Sunderland sign Muharemovic, Giovanni Carnevali would bank around €20m from the sell-on to reinvest in Lucumí; if they turn to the Colombian instead, the Bianconeri could be left with a clear run at Muharemovic.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Make us dream again 

20 years since the Azzurri triumph in Berlin 

From Italy’s World Cup celebrations to Malagoo’s mission, the yes from Maldini, then Conte to return to being one of the greats 

Seeing the star 

Amorim, what a presentation

The Milan coach: ‘We want to win the 20th Scudetto’

Mbappe without limits 

Onto the Morocco-France quarter-final 

Hakimi stands between him, the semi-final and the top scorer status

Corriere dello Sport 

Amorim, off to a good start 

‘A dominant Milan, I am different to Allegri’ 

Ruben’s battles | From comparisons to Mou and Max (42 trophies between them) and the promises

He wants to make up for his sacking at United: ‘We’re aiming for the second star. Modric? I hope he stays’. Cardinale: ‘A new era, results and exciting football’

Mbappe commanding, Norway nervous 

World Cup: The Morocco trap for France. Olise on a booking

Kylian reserves a spot in the semi-final: The Hakimi obstacle. Deschamps joke about the referee: ‘I hope we’re as strong as Letexier’. Virus alarms in Haaland’s national team camp: Fever and coughs

Juve surprise, Solet attempt 

The meeting with Udinese 

The Frenchman is the new idea in defence. Interest in the Dane Kristensen as well. Distance for Dibu Martinez

Vergara alarms, renewal blocked 

There is no agreement with Napoli 

Breaks slammed on during negotiations: There is no agreement on salary. 25 million from Atalanta refused 

Inter, it’s Doue if not Khalaili 

The heir to Dumfries 

Ivorian, 23 years old, plays for Strasbourg: He’s the alternative to the Israeli, who will cost 30 million from Union SG 

Greenwood and Roma, the snub is near 

Fenerbahce overtaken 

All in from the Turks: 50 million to Marseille and 11 net per season for Mason. Friedkins frozen: No relaunch 

Tuttosport 

Lucumi, Juve-Inter tease 

Marotta steps aside for Solet, but now challenges the Bianconeri for the Colombian 

The hottest rivalry in Italian football reignites on the transfer market. The conditions to keep Vlahovic: A Yildiz-style salary for two seasons. Meanwhile, Carnevali asks Divu Martinez to convince Aston Villa to lower their demands. The first meeting between Spalletti and Massara takes place today

‘Toro, offers no, but interest yes’

Cairo’s admission: ‘There are some looking at the club’s accounts’

The President: ‘I haven’t received any binding offers yet, though some American funds are hovering in the background. It’s a problem with no fans: I am still willing to step aside. A meeting is set for the 19th at Filadelfia: The Maratona will continue to protest. Zapata’s renewal made official

Referee inquest, more troubles for Inter 

Alleged interference: The last game against Toro is also on the prosecutor’s mind

‘Milan, here to dominate. Modric, second star …’

Amorim’s ambitions 

The new coach: ‘I have different ideas to Allegri, we will display beautiful football’

Brahim and his brothers, eyes on France 

Morocco try again 

‘Strength and courage for another Berlin’

20 years since the World Cup triumph 

Futbol üzrə İtaliya çempionu “İnter” heyətini iki yeni futbolçu – dayaq yarımmüdafiəçisi Aleksandar Stankoviç və qapıçı İvan Provedellə gücləndirib.

Arena.az bu barədə Milan klubunun rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.

Stankoviç Belçikanın “Brügge” klubundan 23 milyon avro müqabilində transfer edilib. 20 yaşlı serbiyalı yarımmüdafiəçi ilə 5 illik müqavilə imzalanıb.

Aleksandar Stankoviç “İnter”in öz yetirməsidir. O, bir müddət İsveçrənin “Lütsern” klubunda icarədə də olub. “Brügge” serb futbolçunu 2025-ci ilin yayında 9,5 milyon avro müqabilində heyətinə qatmışdı. Amma İtaliya klubu cəmi bir il sonra yetirməsini yenidən öz rənglərinə bağlayıb.

Ötən mövsüm “Brügge”də 55 oyuna 9 qol və 5 assist müəllifi olmuş Stankoviç Serbiya yığmasında da 8 oyuna çıxıb, 1 qol vurub.

“İnter” 32 yaşlı italiyalı qapıçı İvan Provedeli də “Latsio”dan tamhüquqlu əsasda satın alıb. Keçid “İnter”ə 3 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində başa gəlib. Provedel 2029-cu ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər müddət ərzində “neradzurri”nin xidmətində olacaq.

Provedel 2022-ci ildən “Latsio”da çıxış edirdi. O, ötən mövsüm A Seriyasında 27 oyuna çıxıb, 27 qol buraxıb.

Yeri gəlmişkən, “İnter”in sabiq qapıçısı Samir Handanoviç Milan təmsilçisindən ayrılıb. Hazırda məşqçi fəaliyyəti ilə məşğul olan Samir Handanoviç “neradzurri”inin yeniyetmələrdən ibarət U-17 komandasının baş məqşçisi vəzifəsini tərk edib. Handanoviç müvafiq qərarı ilə bağlı, özünün sosial şəbəkə hesabları üzərindən də məlumat paylaşıb. Onun növbəti fəaliyyəti ilə bağlı məlumat yoxdur. Təxmin edilir ki, sloven mütəxəssis yeni təklifləri baxışdan keçirə bilər.

Ivan Provedel has officially joined Inter as their new goalkeeper after completing the €3m transfer from Lazio, but it’s not clear when he’ll be ready to play.

The shot-stopper underwent his medical tests today and was given the all-clear to sign the contract that runs to June 2029.

He jumped at the opportunity to make this move, as he was a self-confessed Inter supporter since childhood.

Provedel new Inter goalkeeper

The 32-year-old is expected to compete with Josep Martinez for the gloves at San Siro this season, following the departure of Yann Sommer.

Coming up through the Udinese and Chievo youth academies, Provedel played for the likes of Perugia, Pisa, Modena, Juve Stabia, Pro Vercelli and Empoli before making his mark at Spezia.

This was where he earned the €2.55m move to Lazio in the summer of 2022.

His season was ended prematurely when suffering a serious shoulder injury in March, forcing him to undergo delicate surgery.

It was reported at the time that Provedel would not be back on the field until the end of August, so Inter might have to wait a while before seeing him make his debut.

Although regularly called up for the senior Italy squad, he is yet to make his first appearance.

Thank you for all the memories, Ivan. Wishing you all the best for the future #AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/Rtq1FX6AZV

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) July 8, 2026

Bournemouth are back in contention for versatile Inter midfielder Luis Henrique, according to Sportitalia, having already tried to sign him in January.

The Brazilian plays primarily on the right side of midfield, but can also do a job on the left.

Luis Henrique future at Inter uncertain

He was purchased from Olympique Marseille last summer for a fee of €22.8m plus add-ons, but struggled for regular playing time at San Siro.

There were 46 competitive appearances in the Inter jersey during his first season, contributing one goal and three assists, however only 25 of those were in the starting XI.

Bournemouth had already made an approach for Luis Henrique in the January transfer window, hoping to secure him on loan with an option to buy.

Now the Cherries are back in the running for the 24-year-old and it remains to be seen if Inter will be more receptive this time around.

They are already short-staffed at right-back following the departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, and the struggles to find a suitable replacement.

Inter have reportedly now had two offers for Anan Khalaili rejected, as they are still nowhere near the €30m asking price set by Union Saint-Gilloise, while Galatasaray now go for Liverpool’s Curtis Jones.

The Nerazzurri fans are having a very frustrating summer, as yet another target seems to be drifting away after weeks of negotiations and drip-feed improvements in rebuffed bids.

After losing Marco Palestra to Chelsea when he was down to the details with Atalanta, then seemingly priced out of Oumar Solet from Udinese, they risk another disappointment.

Khalaili still beyond Inter’s reach

Just minutes after Sky Sport Italia announced that Inter had made an improved offer worth €23m plus add-ons for Khalaili, Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri warned that Union Saint-Gilloise had already turned it down.

They know there is no shortage of interest in the Israel international right-back, who is also wanted by Como and Napoli just within Serie A.

Sky Sport Italia claimed the original Inter proposal was just €20m plus bonus, far too low to be taken seriously by the Belgian side.

It’s a slight improvement, but still not going to break this transfer deadlock for the Denzel Dumfries replacement.

Meanwhile, reports in Turkiye from Fanatik suggest Galatasaray are looking at Inter target Curtis Jones, with Liverpool demanding €40m for the sale of a player down to the last year of his contract.

Bologna are on the verge of securing Elversberg left-back Lasse Gunther in a deal worth €3m, claim Sportitalia, while also asking Inter for Ebeneezer Akinsanmiro and Yanis Massolin on loan.

The Rossoblu are rebuilding in the image of new coach Domenico Tedesco and that means shaking up the personnel.

Bologna ready to grab Gunther

According to Sportitalia transfer pundit Luca Cilli, they are down to the final details to sign 23-year-old left-back Gunther.

A basic agreement has been reached with his club SV Elversberg for the transfer at a cost of circa €3m.

The German can play as a left-back or in a more advanced role down the same flank, making him valuable for his tactical versatility.

Meanwhile, Il Resto del Carlino newspaper also maintain that Bologna have made an approach to Inter for the availability of two midfielders on loan.

They are Akinsanmiro, who just returned from another loan spell at Pisa, and impressive 23-year-old French-Algerian talent Massolin.

Inter have reportedly lodged a new offer worth €23m plus add-ons for Union Saint-Gilloise wing-back Anan Khalaili, according to Sky Sport Italia.

The Israel international has agreed personal terms for a five-year contract worth €1.7m per season, but reaching an agreement with his club is proving trickier.

Sky Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Nerazzurri have formulated a new proposal worth €23m plus performance-related bonuses.

It comes after the opening bid of €20m was rejected.

Inter edge closer to Khalaili asking price

The asking price for the player is €30m, as he impressed with six goals and as many assists in 52 competitive games for USG last season.

It remains to be seen if this will be sufficient, but Inter did receive a boost today with the Gazzetta dello Sport suggestion that Como agreed a transfer pact not to get into a bidding war over Khalaili or Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.

There are also alternatives for the Nerazzurri in that role on the right, including Guela Doué, who plays for Strasbourg.

Khalaili is already quite far down the list, as Inter missed out on Marco Palestra to Chelsea.

The 21-year-old had originally been close to Napoli, but they cannot make new signings until first selling, so their strategy is stalled.

Bologna and Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi continues to attract interest, as after Juventus, Besiktas and Bournemouth, now Inter have reportedly asked for information.

The centre-back just celebrated his 28^th birthday a couple of weeks ago and his contract with the Rossoblu only runs to the end of the current campaign.

Nonetheless, Bologna seem unwilling to let him leave for much less than the €28m release clause in his contract.

Lucumi appetising for Serie A sides

Juventus are showing a very strong interest in Lucumi, but now Sportitalia pundit Alfredo Pedulla claims that Inter have made contact to request information on his availability.

They need experienced figures in defence after letting both Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij leave at the end of their contracts on June 30.

Bologna bought Lucumi from KRC Genk for €8m in the summer of 2022 and he has been close to an exit several times, most notably to Sunderland last season.

Even if that €28m fee was confirmed, it would still be considerably lower than the €35m Inter were quoted for their other target Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea.

He knows the league well, having played 123 Serie A matches in three seasons.

After clashing on so many transfer targets, including Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah and Anan Khalaili of Union SG, it’s reported Inter and Como have worked out a pact to avoid bidding wars.

The two clubs faced off in the Coppa Italia semi-final last season, but with both qualifying for the Champions League, they have found themselves chasing very similar targets on the market.

It was reported that they were both battling for Chelsea defender Chalobah, then Como showed an interest in Nerazzurri pick Khalaili, who was also in talks with Napoli.

Como and Inter make pact

Now La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that yesterday Como President Mirwan Suwarso and Inter President Beppe Marotta spoke on the telephone to discuss a pact of non-belligerence.

Effectively, if they are both chasing the same player on the transfer market, they promise not to spark a bidding war that pushes the price up for them both.

If Inter decide to step up their pursuit of Chalobah, then Como pledge to walk away and go for other targets, for example Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez.

The same goes for Khalaili, who is the Inter priority after selling Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, then missing out on Marco Palestra to Chelsea.

Reports in Italy claim that Ivan Provedel is having his medical with Inter on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the formal completion of his €3m transfer from Lazio.

Provedel having medical with Inter

Inter have been looking to bring in a new goalkeeper following the departure of veteran Yann Sommer, who left the club on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract on June 30. 

There had originally been reports linking the Nerazzurri with a move for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, but with suggestions that he would cost at least €20m, the reigning Serie A and Coppa Italia champions have decided to move in a different direction instead. 

Inter are widely expected to promote their former understudy Josep Martinez to the no.1 role and are bringing in former Serie A goalkeeper of the year Provedel, 32, to support him. 

Inter have already agreed a €3m deal to sign Provedel from Lazio: The stopper is into the final year of his deal at the Stadio Olimpico. He is expected to put pen to paper on a three year contract once his medical is complete. 

According to reports from various outlets on Wednesday afternoon, Provedel is having his medical at the Humanitas clinic in Rozzano, which is the final step before the goalkeeper puts pen to paper on his Nerazzurri contract.

He is set to become Cristian Chivu’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Aleksandar Stankovic, who was signed from Club Brugge thanks to the buy-back option in his contract.

Como have asked Galatasaray for the availability of Davinson Sanchez, claims Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, as Trevoh Chalobah is considered too expensive at Chelsea.

The centre-back will turn 31 this weekend, although he is in no mood for celebrating after missing a penalty in Colombia’s Round of 16 World Cup shoot-out defeat to Switzerland.

It is no secret that Como are seeking a strong new central defender, and were in a bidding war with Inter over Chelsea’s Chalobah, but the €35m asking price was considered too steep.

Davinson Sanchez on Como radar

Another candidate has now emerged, so Sportitalia expert Pedullà maintains that Como contacted Galatasaray to ask for the availability of Davinson Sanchez.

Galatasaray only bought him from Tottenham Hotspur two years ago at a cost of €9.5m, after he had earned a €42m move from Ajax to Spurs in 2017.

Last season, he made 45 competitive appearances for the Turkish club, scoring two goals, including one in the 5-2 Champions League victory over Juventus.

The investigation into referees and VAR that saw designator Gianluca Rocchi accused of sporting fraud looks like it will be shelved due to a lack of evidence.

The scandal erupted on April 25 when Rocchi was placed under formal investigation for participation in sports fraud by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione.

It was focused primarily on incidents in the 2024-25 season, including the decision to assign some referees rather than others who were ‘not appreciated’ by certain clubs.

Another accusation was that Rocchi knocked on the glass window of the VAR booth at the centre in Lissone, near Milan, to in real time influence the decisions of the officials.

Referee investigation fizzles out

However, after months of interviews, it is reported that the case has provided insufficient evidence to proceed further, and will most likely be shelved.

La Gazzetta dello Sport note that Rocchi had initially used his rights not to answer questions, but when called in again a few days ago, he did speak to investigators for four hours.

As a result, the charges have changed, removing the accusation of the knocks on the VAR booth window, which would’ve been a violation of the protocol.

What remains is the suggestion that Rocchi avoided assigning certain referees because Inter ‘did not appreciate’ their performances, and preferred other candidates.

This continued into the 2025-26 season, assigning Maurizio Mariani to a Torino-Inter match in April 2026 because the Scudetto was already locked down.

Rocchi had also assigned Gianluca Manganiello to Inter-Verona in May 2025 because the club was not fond of the alternative, Simone Sozza.

The problem here is that the phone calls were not with representatives of Inter, but with other figures within the refereeing world who expressed Inter’s concerns with those officials.

If there was no direct collusion with the club, then it becomes difficult to go further, especially as neither Inter, nor any of their representatives were under investigation.

The 2026 World Cup round of 16 is now complete, and heading into the quarter-finals, Milan’s five remaining players mean that they are the best represented Serie A side at the tournament in North America. 

France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, Argentina and Switzerland are the eight sides that will compete in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, which will kick off on Thursday evening: France vs. Morocco the first game on the schedule.

In terms of Serie A representation, Milan have provided the most quarter-finalists of any Italian team with France duo Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan, Belgian pair Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers and Switzerland midfielder Ardon Jashari. 

Inter are the second-most represented Serie A side in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals with three representatives in the form of France’s Marcus Thuram, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez and Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji.

Roma, Napoli and Bologna each have two representatives: The Giallorossi with Neil El-Aynaoui (Morocco) and Manu Kone (France), the Partenopei with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku of Belgium and The Rossoblu with Norway’s Torbjorn Heggem and Switzerland’s Remo Freuler. 

Atalanta, Como, Genoa, Torino, Sassuolo, Cremonese and Pisa all have one player each left at the 2026 World Cup.

Which Serie A players are left at the 2026 World Cup?

Milan: Adrien Rabiot (France), Mike Maignan (France), Koni De Winter (Belgium), Alexis Saelemaekers (Belgium), Ardon Jashari (Switzerland).

Inter: Marcus Thuram (France), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina), Manuel Akanji (Switzerland).

Roma: Manu Kone (France), Neil El-Aynaoui (Morocco).

Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Romelu Lukaku (Belgium).

Bologna: Torbjorn Heggem (Norway), Remo Freuler (Switzerland). 

Atalanta: Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium).

Como: Nico Paz (Argentina).

Genoa: Leo Ostigard (Norway).

Torino: Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Norway). 

Sassuolo: Kristian Thorstvedt (Norway).

Cremonese: Morten Thorsby (Norway).

Pisa: Michel Aebischer (Switzerland).

21 Serie A and Serie B representatives are left standing as the 2026 World Cup moves into the quarter-final stages following the final two round of 16 ties on Tuesday night. 

With no Italy at the tournament in North America, Belgium and Norway might be the two nations for the Serie A neutral to support heading into the quarter-finals. They have the most ‘Italian’ representatives in their squads with five players apiece. 

France and Switzerland are also well represented by Serie A and Serie B talents, with four players in each of their squads. 

Argentina have two Serie A stars in their ranks with Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz, while Morocco’s sole ‘Italian’ representative is Roma’s Neil El-Aynaoui. Spain and England are without Serie A representation. 

But we want to know who you will be rooting for heading into the final eight at the 2026 World Cup. Let us know in the comments below.

Which Serie A players are left at the 2026 World Cup?

France: Manu Kone (Roma), Marcus Thuram (Inter), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Mike Maignan (Milan).

Morocco: Neil El-Aynaoui (Roma).

Spain: None.

Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Koni De Winter (Milan), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan).

Norway: Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Leo Ostigard (Genoa), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo).

England: None.

Argentina: Nico Paz (Como), Lautaro Martinez (Inter).

Switzerland: Manuel Akanji (Inter), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (Milan), Michel Aebischer (Pisa).

Aleksandar Stankovic has given his first interview since re-joining Inter after a successful year in Belgium with Club Brugge, has spoken about the prospect of following in his father Dejan’s footsteps in San Siro and says that he considers Federico Dimarco and agemate Pio Esposito to be as close a ‘brothers’.

Stankovic follows in his father’s footsteps: ‘My dream to play for Inter’

Stankovic became Inter’s first signing of the summer transfer window at the beginning of June when he returned to the Nerazzurri in a €23m transfer from Club Brugge. 

The 20-year-old midfielder joined Club Brugge in a €9.5m deal last summer, but Inter retained a buy-back option which has since been activated after an impressive campaign in Belgium.

Inter confirmed Stankovic’s signing on June 5, but ‘presented’ him in front of the club’s media on Tuesday (July 7).

“It’s impossible to put into words. I started playing football because of Inter, because my dream was to play at San Siro. It’s a feeling I’m still trying to process,” the Serbia international said in his first interview on the club website.

Speaking of his experience in Belgium, Stankovic said: “It was an amazing experience. I learned so much, both on and off the pitch. Club Brugge is a fantastic club. They place a huge emphasis on developing young players in every aspect, and they helped me enormously. I’ll always be grateful to them.”

Stankovic is a player that is well known to Nerazzurri head coach Cristian Chivu, who coached the midfielder during his time in charge of the club’s youth teams.

“He had a huge impact on my career. He took me under his wing when I was still just a kid in the Primavera and only starting out in serious football,” said Stankovic. 

“He taught me so much, both on and off the pitch. He helped me truly understand what football is all about and that, ultimately, what matters is what you produce on the pitch if you want to win. I’ll always be grateful to him, and I’m delighted to be working with him again.”

Stankovic is the second member of his family to play for Inter, following in the footsteps of his father Dejan, who spent nine years in San Siro and was part of the squad that won the treble under Jose Mourinho in 2009-10.

“He’s probably even more excited than I am, just like my brothers and my mum. For us, as a family of Inter fans, with a father who played for Inter and won everything here, this really is a dream come true. We’re all delighted, and I’m sure he’s proud of me too.”

Where does Stankovic see himself fitting in under Chivu?

“That will become clearer once I start working with the coach and understand his ideas, which I’m sure have evolved since we were together in the Primavera. There are still a lot of things I need to learn, but training alongside so many top players will help me improve even more. I can’t wait to get started. I’ll do everything I can to help the team with the experience I’ve gained so far.”

Stankovic insists that he doesn’t need much of a ‘settling-in period’ given that he spent the entirety of his youth career with Inter, playing alongside the likes of Pio Esposito.

“I speak regularly with Pio and Federico Dimarco. Federico is like an older brother to me. We talk almost every day and have a special bond. Pio and I first played together in the Under-12s, if I remember correctly, so he’s also like a brother to me.”

Ending with a final message for the Nerazzurri supporters, Stankovic said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing them again at the stadium, this time as a player rather than a supporter. I hope I can give them plenty to cheer about, and I can’t wait to hear them chanting my name.”

Inter’s Lautaro Martinez has been dropped in favour of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez as reigning champions Argentina prepare to take on Egypt in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday evening. 

The final round of 16 matches at the 2026 World Cup are taking place on Tuesday evening, beginning with Argentina vs. Egypt at 17.00 BST and ending with Switzerland vs. Colombia at 21.00 BST.

Argentina have their 100% win-record at the 2026 tournament intact, topping Group J with a maximum nine points before defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in injury-time in a modern-day classic in the round of 32. 

Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to the team that eventually overcame Cape Verde last time out, most notably replacing Inter’s Martinez with Atletico’s Alvarez.

Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina have also come out of the starting line-up and have been replaced by Nicolas Tagliafico and Leandro Paredes. Como’s Nico Paz is also named among the Argentina substitutes. 

Three of Egypt’s four 2026 World Cup matches have ended level after 90 minutes: They qualified in second place from Group G with five points and required penalties to get past Australia in the round of 32 last time out. 

Mohamed Salah is the star name in the Egypt line-up in a squad that features no representatives from Serie A.

Argentina vs. Egypt: Confirmed line-ups 

Argentina (4-1-3-2): E.Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister; De Paul, E.Fernandez, Paredes; Alvarez, Messi.

Subs: Musso, Rulli, Senesi, Montiel, Otamendi, Medina, Barco, Lo Celso, Palacios, Gonzalez, Simeone, Paz, Lopez, Lautaro Martinez.

Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shoubir; Ibrahim, Rabia, Hafez, Hany; Attia, Lashin; Salah, Ashour, Zico; Hassan.

Subs: El-Shenawy, Soliman, M.Alaa, Abdelmaguid, T.Alaa, Fathy, Donga, Saber, Trezeguet, Abdelkarim, Adel, Marmous, Zizo.

07-07-2026 17:00

Round of 16

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Argentina

Egypt

3 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		15'		Yasser Ibrahim (Assist: Marwan Ateya)
Lionel Messi		21'

2nd half

		67'		Mostafa Ziko (Assist: Haissem Hassan)
Cristian Romero (Assist: Lionel Messi)		79'
Lionel Messi (Assist: Gonzalo Montiel)		84'
Enzo Fernández (Assist: Lautaro Martínez)		90+2'
		90+3'		Oufa Shobeir
		90+4'		Hamdy Fathy
		90+8'		Marwan Ateya
		90+12'		Haissem Hassan

Match statistic

64

Possession %

36

19

Total shots

5

7

Shots on target

2

8

Shots off target

3

4

Blocked shots

1

6

Corners

1

3

Offsides

13

Fouls

11

Argentina

Egypt

Starting lineups

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

90'

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

73'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

66'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

66'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

90'

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

23

Oufa Shobeir

Goalkeeper

15

Karim Hafez

Defender

3

Mohamed Hany

Defender

5

Ramy Rabia

Defender

2

Yasser Ibrahim

Defender

8

Emam Ashour

Midfielder

46'

19

Marwan Ateya

Midfielder

17

Mohanad Lasheen

Midfielder

90'

12

Haissem Hassan

Attacker

73'

10

Mohamed Salah

Attacker

11

Mostafa Ziko

Attacker

80'

Substitutes

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

66'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

66'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

73'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

90'

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

90'

1

Mohamed El Shenawy

Goalkeeper

18

Nabil Dunga

Midfielder

20

Ibrahim Adel

Attacker

4

Hossam Abdelmaguid

Defender

26

Mohamed Alaa

Goalkeeper

9

Hamza Abdelkarim

Attacker

16

El Mahdi Soliman

Goalkeeper

24

Tarek Alaa

Midfielder

21

Mahmoud Saber

Midfielder

14

Hamdy Fathy

Midfielder

46'

7

Trezeguet

Midfielder

73'

22

Omar Marmoush

Attacker

80'

25

Zizo

Attacker

90'

Tuesday’s reports indicate that Inter are prioritising the signing of right-winger Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise, but that the Nerazzurri are unwilling to give up on their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. 

Inter still keen on Jones deal, but only after Khalaili

It has been a frustrating start to the transfer window for Inter, who missed out on the signing of Marco Palestra to Chelsea and of Nico Paz to Como. With Denzel Dumfries having left to join Real Madrid, the club are in need of a new right wing-back and Union SG’s Khalaili appears to be the new priority target. 

Khalaili had originally been linked with a move to join Napoli this summer, and there have been recent reports that Como could attempt to lure the Israel international to the Stadio Sinigaglia instead, but that Inter have an agreement on personal terms in place with the player and that they are hoping to secure an agreement with Union SG in the near future. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Khalaili is prepared to sign a five-year contract with base wages of around €1.7m per season to join the Nerazzurri this summer. 

Inter, meanwhile, are ‘keen to avoid exceeding the €25m mark’ according to the Pink Paper. It is understood that Union SG’s valuation is at around €30m. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Inter are still keen to tie up a deal with Liverpool for midfielder Jones. The Liverpool academy product is into the final year of his contract at Anfield, but his current employers still reportedly value him in the region of €35m-€40m. 

The Nerazzurri had seen an opening proposal in the region of €20m turned down. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that once a deal for Khalaili is wrapped up, that Inter are prepared to come back in with a new offer of around €25m-€30m for Jones. 

Tuesday’s report claims that the player is keen on the idea of a move to San Siro and that his desire to join Inter will be a key factor in negotiations with Liverpool.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that England international John Stones has been offered to three of Italy’s biggest clubs in Juventus, Inter and Milan, but all three have concerns over the 32-year-old’s wages and injury record. 

Stones offered to all of Serie A’s biggest clubs, no concrete offers yett

Stones is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract on June 30. He spent 10 seasons playing under Pep Guardiola, and was part of the side that won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the 2022-23 Champions League during that period.

Various reports over the last few weeks have linked the former Manchester City and Everton centre-back with a move to Serie A: Juventus and Inter mentioned as strong possibilities. 

Speaking in a recent video on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Stones “has been offered to all of the biggest Italian teams: He’s on the market and has left City for nothing. 

“He has big economic demands: He was offered to Inter last March, but that has not particularly heated up. He has been proposed to Inter and Juventus again in recent days.”

Romano went on to explain that all of the biggest Italian sides have slight concerns over Stones’s medical record: The Englishman’s most active season came during his first year with City in 2016-17 when he made 27 appearances in the Premier League, but has only averaged 14.6 league appearances over the last five seasons.

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