According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus are not prepared to pay the Aston Villa asking price for Emiliano Martinez, which is set at €10m plus add-ons.

The Bianconeri have identified the Argentina international as the ideal solution for their gloves after struggling with Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin consistency this season.

Martinez open to Juventus move

It has been said that the veteran is eager to try his hand at Serie A football and is open to joining Juventus, even if they have failed to qualify for the Champions League.

However, the problems are with Aston Villa, because Juve consider their asking price too steep for a player who will turn 34 in September.

Sky Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio claims this evening that the figure set by the Premier League side is €10m plus add-ons.

Juventus still want Martinez, but are not prepared to pay that much for ‘Dibu’ on top of his salary demands of €5m per season, especially after missing out on Champions League revenue.

The Argentina international played in today’s 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria and first joined Aston Villa in 2020, at a cost of €17.4m from Arsenal.

He spent most of his career in England, except for a loan spell at Getafe in Spain in 2017-18.

Juventus are reportedly hoping that Paris Saint-Germain will drop their Randal Kolo Muani asking price below €35m after his Tottenham Hotspur loan experience.

According to Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, the two clubs have progressed in negotiations that started four days ago and they are feeling more positive that an agreement can be reached.

Kolo Muani would prefer Juventus

The asking price remains €35m, but it is reported the Bianconeri hope to lower it slightly by making this a loan with obligation to buy rather than an option.

Their funds are stretched after failing to qualify for the Champions League, but this seemingly has not dampened Kolo Muani’s enthusiasm for a return to Turin.

The striker already had a spell at Juve from January to July 2025 with the loan costing €3.6m plus his salary, but the clubs were unable to agree on an extension or permanent move.

He went on loan to Tottenham Hotspur instead, but again the deal was not made into a permanent one after five goals and four assists in 41 competitive games.

Kolo Muani cost Paris Saint-Germain a massive €95m to buy from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023, but his contract now only runs to June 2028, so time is running out to get even some of that back.

New FIGC President Giovanni Malagò warns getting five stadiums ready to host EURO 2032 is ‘a challenge within a challenge,’ and Italian football cannot remain ‘fossilised’ by lack of reforms.

The former President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) was elected today with 68.58 per cent of the vote, comfortably beating the other candidate, current Lega Nazionale Dilettanti President Giancarlo Abete.

He held a lengthy press conference after the election in Rome, where he touched upon other matters including the choice of a new Italy coach.

New era for Malagò

Malagò replaces Gabriele Gravina, who resigned after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive edition of the World Cup, losing the play-offs on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“If it weren’t for a penalty, I wouldn’t be here now,” pointed out Malagò.

“It is incredible that Gravina was re-elected a year ago practically by unanimous consent, and yet he was unable to push through any of the proposed reforms.

“Objectively, the situation is completely fossilised. I will continue to defend the autonomy of sport, but if we don’t manage to change our ways, then someone will have to put us into a position to change. It is very simple.”

This is a reference to the possibility that the CONI or even the Government could appoint a special commissioner to force through reforms, if the various components of the Federation cannot vote anything through.

Malagò was chosen largely due to his experience in organising major international events in Italy, including the volleyball and swimming world championships, culminating in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

He will need this when trying to help clubs build new stadiums and training facilities, as the situation is increasingly difficult for Italy to find five stadiums ready for EURO 2032.

They are co-hosting the competition with Turkiye, but even getting five stadiums ready is proving tough.

“EURO 2032 is a challenge within a challenge. I spoke to (UEFA President Aleksandar) Ceferin over the last few days, and already received messages from (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino.

“Michele Uva is our organisational figure with UEFA, we’ve got to identify these five stadiums,” added Malagò.

The discussion with the political class could also involve the push to give passports to players who were born or at least largely raised in Italy, even if they don’t have Italian blood.

“I was shocked that over 40 per cent of the players at the World Cup this summer are not representing the country where they were born. I am in favour of birth citizenship, because so many football federations have benefited from those rules.

“In football, you don’t get this limbo, if you wait then another country will come along and take the player because he can’t wait for a passport. It’s unacceptable.”

Where Italian citizenship is a problem is the youth academies, and Malagò explains the basic problem facing clubs.

“If you buy an Italian player in Italy, the club pays 22 per cent VAT on the transfer. If you get him abroad, then you don’t. Tell me, is that normal?”

The first pivotal week of the summer transfer window has arrived. Catch up on all the latest Serie A developments, with Roma and Juventus under pressure to generate funds through departures. Plus, key decisions are looming for Paulo Dybala and Nico Paz as their situations evolve.

Football Italia’s latest Transfer Show has dropped on our official YouTube channel.

Serie A transfer round-up June 22, 2026

Milan’s rebuild has dominated headlines today, and we already discussed the Rossoneri’s situation in our first daily video here.

A decisive week has begun in the mercato for Serie A clubs, with some of them, especially Juventus and Roma, needing to make capital gains for financial reasons and needing to sell players by the end of the financial year on June 30.

The futures of Dybala and Nico Paz will also be determined in the next seven days. Dybala’s contract with Roma ends at the end of the month, and on the same day, Real Madrid’s buyback clause for Paz will expire.

Therefore, Como executives will meet Real Madrid directors in the Spanish capital in the coming days.

Find out all the details in our latest episode below.

Atalanta star Marco Palestra’s move to Inter is increasingly imminent, despite Chelsea and Manchester City interest, as his agent arrived in Milan today for negotiations.

The wing-back made a huge impression while on loan at Cagliari this season, scoring one goal with four assists, and his bright performances earned him his first senior Italy caps.

Turning 21 in March, he is ready for the next step in his career and Atalanta have said they won’t hold him back, but are waiting for an offer worth €50m.

Palestra talks reach next level

Things seem to be reaching a crucial stage, because his agent Alessandro Lucci was spotted in Milan today, as confirmed by this Sportitalia footage.

Alessandro #Lucci, agente di Marco #Palestra presente a #Milano oggi.#inter #sportitalia pic.twitter.com/3s1Ykvd54I

— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) June 22, 2026

Premier League clubs have shown strong interest in the player, above all Chelsea and Manchester City.

However, Palestra did seem to be leaning towards Inter for several weeks already, where he can become the right-sided mirror to fellow Italy international Federico Dimarco in a 3-5-2 formation.

It has been reported that the two clubs are close to an agreement worth €50m, so the arrival of Lucci could signal that negotiations between them is moving onto a new level.

The discussions are down to bonus structure and a potential sell-on clause, with a way for Inter to spread out the payment.

This is not a problem for Atalanta, who are one of the few clubs to make consistent profits in Serie A, largely thanks to churning out talents like Palestra from their youth academy.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus executives will meet with Franck Kessié’s agent later this week to discuss a possible free transfer for the ex-Milan and Atalanta star.

Juventus are expected to meet Kessié’s agent in Milan this week to sound out the midfielder’s availability to move to the Allianz Stadium on a free transfer this summer, reports Tuttosport.

Juventus resume talks with Kessié’s agent

The Turin-based paper claims that Kessié has rejected an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ahli. His current deal runs out at the end of this month.

The Ivory Coast international has reportedly turned down a €12m-a-year salary for the next two seasons.

A former Milan and Atalanta star, Kessié has already confirmed publicly that he’s ready to return to Serie A.

Naturally, however, a move to any Italian club would require the 29-year-old to cut his hefty salary.

Juventus already held talks with Kessié’s entourage in the January window, but Al-Ahli would not let the Ivorian midfielder leave.

The Bianconeri remain interested in Kessié, even with new director Giovanni Carnevali in charge, and the first summer meeting between the two parties is likely to take place in a few days.

Kessié’s agent is expected to hold talks with other Serie A clubs as well.

New FIGC President Giovanni Malagò insists he ‘has not spoken’ to Roberto Mancini about the Italy job, but his new coach must ‘fully embrace’ the role.

The election was held today to choose the successor to Gabriele Gravina, who tended his resignation in the wake of the failed 2026 World Cup play-off.

Federation President Gravina, coach Gennaro Gattuso and Italy team manager Gianluigi Buffon all resigned following the defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

The first big decision for the new chief is to choose a Nazionale coach, with EURO 2020 winner Mancini the hot favourite for a return to the role.

However, when asked about this in today’s press conference, Malagò insisted there was no agreement in place.

Mancini has no Italy agreement yet

“I have not spoken to anyone about the Italy job and nobody can tell you any different. We will begin thinking about that from now. We need to look at other critical issues.”

Considering Mancini walked away from the Azzurri during a moment of crisis to take the Saudi Arabia national team job instead in August 2023, some of the comments today from Malagò when asked to describe his ‘ideal’ man for the role stand out.

“I made a crazy decision out of love running for this position. I had not put forward my candidacy, but I was pulled into it. The new CT will have to embrace that.

“I will not opt for a figure who has a different vision to mine, he has to fully share it. We can’t just say saddle up and get going. It has to be a total embrace, regardless of his CV.”

Mancini was the Italy coach from 2018 to 2023, but since then has had jobs with the Saudi Arabia national team and club side Al-Sadd.

Some great goalscorers never really find favour with a big club or their country. Giancarlo Rinaldi pays tribute to one such player – Igor Protti – who has passed away aged just 58.

In amongst the superstars, there are sometimes unfashionable footballers who can do a great job without ever really getting the credit they deserve. Through misfortune, misjudgement or maybe choice, there are players who do not get the limelight despite stringing together an impressive career. For the best part of two decades, from the mid-1980s to mid-2000s, Igor Protti was one such goalscorer across all levels of the Italian game.

Tribute to ex-Serie A star Protti

His peak came in a remarkable 1995/96 season where he finished joint top scorer in Serie A with Beppe Signori despite his team, Bari, ending up getting relegated. Among the players he outscored that astonishing year were Enrico Chiesa, Oliver Bierhoff and Gabriel Batistuta. At a time when Italy enjoyed a wide range of attacking options, he was scarcely considered for inclusion in their squad at the European Championships in England that summer.

That was the pinnacle of his powers that he had spent 10 years honing in some low key places. Hometown Rimini was where it all began, followed by Livorno and Virescit Bergamo before getting the chance to step up to Serie B at a club desperately seeking a goalscorer. Messina had just sold Salvatore Schillaci to Juventus and they saw, in Protti, the right man to fill his power-packed boots.

He delivered double-figure returns in two out of his three seasons in Sicily before Bari came calling. He helped to take them to Serie A and, in a team whose star foreign imports were Swedes Klas Ingesson and Kennet Andersson, delivered his record-breaking season as they tumbled back down to the second tier.

It earned him his move to a big side at last to keep him in the top flight – with Lazio – but he never really settled or seemed at home. A move to Napoli did not work out much better and he decided that, perhaps, he was better off moving down the divisions once again.

That would mean Reggiana and, then, a very special mission to Livorno. He would help them move up from Serie C to Serie B and – after the arrival of club legend Cristiano Lucarelli – into Italy’s top division. He would have one last campaign in Serie A with the Tuscan club before saying goodbye to his playing days.

Protti, in his prime, was a joy to watch. He mixed agility, hard work and opportunism to great effect and was a threat to some of the best defences in the world when at his peak. His trademark long, curly locks made him one of the most easily identifiable footballers in an era when Italy could still attract some huge names.

The news of his passing came as no huge shock – he had been ill for some time – but was still tragically premature. It sent many minds scampering back to the days when he lit up the Italian game – most notably with Bari and Livorno – and club after club paid tribute to the man.

He had one standout season, for sure, but delivered a whole lot more than that during his playing career. Trophies were in short supply – an Italian Super Cup with Lazio is all the history books will show – but the thousands who turned out to say their goodbyes in Livorno underlined that the game can be about more than silverware. Igor Protti gave fans of clubs which do not always have that much to cheer about a source of celebration. His contribution to their cause will surely not be forgotten for some time to come.

Sky Sport Italia claim that Manchester City have agreed to pay Chelsea €20m to buy Italian coach Enzo Maresca out of his contract so he can replace Pep Guardiola.

It is no secret that Maresca was the first choice to take over from Guardiola, especially as he had been his assistant manager at the Etihad in the 2022-23 campaign.

Maresca’s path to Manchester City job

Following that, there was an experience at Leicester City earning promotion to the Premier League, then the Chelsea job from the summer of 2024 until his sudden departure on January 1, 2026.

That was largely down to a disagreement over the way the club was being run and the choices that were being made behind the scenes.

Despite winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup in 2025, Maresca still did not have the full support of the Blues.

However, he was still under contract, so Manchester City had to participate in the negotiation of a termination by mutual consent.

According to Sky Sport Italia pundit Gianluca Di Marzio, the two clubs shook hands today on a deal worth around €20m.

Maresca can then be free to put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Giovanni Malagò has been formally elected as the new President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), beating Giancarlo Abete to succeed Gabriele Gravina.

“It is with profound emotion that I take on this sense of responsibility,” said the new President.

“I cannot do anything alone, but with you, I can do anything.”

The election was held today in Rome at the headquarters of the FIGC, with 274 delegates representing various elements of the Italian football ecosystem.

Malagò won at the first vote with 68.58 per cent, while Abete received 29.17 per cent of the total, and 2.25 per cent was down to blank ballots.

Malagò to take on FIGC problems

Not all votes are equal, because the Lega Serie A is worth 18 per cent, Serie B just 6 per cent, Lega Pro/Serie C 12 per cent, the LND (amateur leagues) a massive 34 per cent, the Players’ Association 20 per cent, and Coaches’ Association 10 per cent.

The winner needed to amass at least 50 per cent of the vote, and as the current President of the LND, Abete could count on their 34 per cent from the get-go.

However, most of the others put their weight behind 67-year-old Malagò, who had been President of the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) from 2013 to 2025, then was in charge of putting on the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina in 2026.

Gravina resigned in the wake of Italy’s historic failure to reach a third consecutive edition of the World Cup, so the first big task for Malagò will be choosing a new coach for the Nazionale.

Inter will need to improve their offer for Curtis Jones and, according to Gazzetta, Nottingham Forest’s incoming proposal for Davide Frattesi would ideally help the Nerazzurri raise funds for the Liverpool midfielder.

Inter have made Liverpool midfielder Jones their top transfer target in central midfield, but according to recent reports from the UK, the Reds have set a € 40m price tag on the 25-year-old, who has just entered the final year of his contract at Anfield.

Anderson’s move to Man City could spark a transfer domino with Inter and Forest involved

Italian media had previously reported a different transfer fee, suggesting that the Reds would sell Jones for €30m.

Inter are set to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth over €50m, so they’ll need to rack up the budget for Jones by selling some players.

Among them is Italy international Frattesi, who has attracted interest from Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Inter value Frattesi at €30m and Forest are reportedly ready to send an offer close to €25m plus add-ons.

Gazzetta notes that Frattesi’s departure would make room for Jones and help Inter raise the funds to boost their offer to Liverpool.

Forest see Frattesi as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson, who has been targeted by Manchester City and could leave for €150m.

Frattesi is aware of Forest’s interest but is also awaiting proposals from Serie A clubs. Inter will naturally be pushing for the more lucrative offer in order to get as much money as possible for their main midfield target, Jones.

LONDON (AP) — Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova was suspended for four years on Monday for refusing an anti-doping test — even though the Czech player cited “mental stress” and fear when the testing agent “rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves.”

The International Tennis Integrity Agency made the announcement, saying that Vondrousova refused a test in December, and that the decision was reached by an independent tribunal.

Vondrousova, who won Wimbledon in 2023, reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 that year.

The 26-year-old Vondrousova detailed her reaction to the missed test in an Instagram post in April.

“It is very tough for me to talk about this, but I want to be transparent with you about my mental health,” Vondrousova said. “The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress.”

Vondrousova becomes the latest high-profile tennis player involved in a doping case after Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Simona Halep.

Vondrousova’s ban expires June 21, 2030. She can appeal the decision to the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Wimbledon starts next week.

___

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Aurelio De Laurentiis praises the 2026 World Cup organisation, which he’s following from Los Angeles: ‘What they call ‘soccer’ here can become something truly important…’

Napoli owner De Laurentiis spoke about the World Cup and its potential implications for Serie A and Italian football in his latest interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

De Laurentiis, a film producer, has a home in Los Angeles, and has attended some of the World Cup matches at the stadium.

De Laurentiis opens up about Napoli future, Italy national team, World Cup and more

“I’m watching the matches with my wife, my colleagues, and some friends. I saw Switzerland v Bosnia live at SoFi to honour my wife Jacqueline’s nation,” he said.

“An extraordinary stadium, perfect hospitality. Great organisation for traffic and parking too, all without queues. I’ve also just watched Belgium v Iran to greet Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, two Napoli players. I’ve only watched the USMNT on TV: they’re a very interesting team…”

De Laurentiis is impressed by the level of World Cup organisation in the USA.

“It’s incredible. Despite the very high prices, the stadiums, even those with 70,000 seats, are always packed, even on weekdays,” he said.

“The message we can take from this is that, even in America, what they call ‘soccer’ here can become something truly important.”

The journalist argued that, in American sports, every match becomes a major event.

“We need to move past a major misunderstanding: is football intended as a sports and entertainment industry, or just a sport?” Asked ADL.

“If it’s a sports and entertainment industry, as I and many others believe, it should have a proper balance between costs and revenues, containing costs as much as possible and increasing revenues as much as possible. To make it more spectacular, we should build new stadiums. The existing ones are too old, obsolete…”

De Laurentiis has been vocal about the need for change in Serie A and Italian football, especially after missing out on World Cup qualification for the third time in a row.

The Napoli owner continued to demand “financial aid from the government,” as “football mobilises 28 million voters.”

ADL also called to “abolish all regulations that limit and slow down the construction of new facilities in one fell swoop. Prevent municipalities, superintendencies, and higher authorities from hindering construction under the direction of the super-commissioner for stadiums, who can oversee project quality.

“Regarding the necessary reforms to improve football, let’s be clear,” continued De Laurentiis.

“There isn’t just one, and they require courage. This is what is lacking, because everything would need to be reset and the system refounded in a way that looks to the future and generational changes.”

Last month, De Laurentiis confirmed he had rejected an offer to buy Napoli.

“From 2017 to today, I have received several expressions of interest for Napoli and have turned down billions,” he insisted.

“Now, we should aim for fantastic national leagues with fewer teams, but ones that possess significant economic and financial capacity and large fan bases.

“We should also consider European and global club championships important, while always finding ways to protect players’ health, who should never risk their well-being by playing too many matches. Therefore, I am not worried if funds acquire European clubs. The concern, if anything, is that these acquisitions might occur in a stagnant context, without looking to the future.

“I’ve been hearing about reducing the Serie A championship to 18 teams for about 10 years,” De Laurentiis continued.

“I’ve said many times that there are too many matches played today. There isn’t enough time to train the national team. If we reduced the leagues to 16 teams, we would already reduce the number of matches from the current 380 to 240, which is 140 fewer than now.”

“There would be two months available at the end of the season to truly prepare a national team worthy of competing at the highest levels.”

The FIGC Presidential elections take place today, and Giovanni Malagò is the favourite to succeed Gabriele Gravina.

I am sure that [Giovanni] Malagò will be the right person in the right place and will also be able to solve the various problems affecting Serie A, as well as find solutions for the Azzurri,” De Laurentiis said.

De Laurentiis spent the last few weeks in Los Angeles, where there’s also a strong community of Napoli fans.

“It’s a second home. When I return to Los Angeles, I feel a true sense of freedom and respect for those who succeed and pay their taxes,” ADL said.

“There is no envy or resentment towards those who work hard and achieve great results.

“Napoli will be, as always, strong, competitive, and attractive. Imagine that here in San Pedro, there’s a community of 30,000 Napoli fans. When the film about the last Scudetto was screened at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, the audience’s reaction was enthusiastic. So, to all Neapolitans, I say that our team will remain where it belongs: at the top.

A new chapter is underway at Milan. Following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach, the Rossoneri have now put in place the key figures responsible for reshaping the club both on and off the field.

In this episode, Lorenzo Bettoni and Giancarlo Rinaldi break down Milan’s new organisational structure and take a closer look at Hendrik Almstadt’s role, particularly his influence on the club’s summer transfer strategy.

A new era for Milan

With yet another rebuilding phase beginning at San Siro, Gerry Cardinale’s vision for Milan presents a mix of bold ambition, significant risk, and intriguing possibilities for the future.

Milan finished fifth in the 2025-26 season, failing to qualify for the Champions League.

The day after the campaign ended, they sacked their coach, Massimiliano Allegri, as well as directors Giorgio Furlani, Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada.

Watch the full episode below and subscribe to our YouTube channel here so you don’t miss any of our content.

Monday’s reports claim that several senior Italy national team squad members support the idea of a return for Roberto Mancini as head coach, and his candidacy will only be strengthened if Giovanni Malago wins the FIGC Presidential elections that are taking place today. 

CdS: Mancini has the support of several senior Italy players

It is a decisive day for the future of Italian football, as a special FIGC Assembly is being held to elect a new President of the national football association. Previous incumbent Gabriele Gravina resigned shortly after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of March, which cost Italy a spot at the final tournament for the third time in a row. 

Two candidates are on the ballot: Former FIGC President Giancarlo Abete and former Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Malago. Malago is the favourite heading into Monday’s vote and if he is appointed, it is increasingly anticipated that Mancini will be reappointed as head coach of the Italy national team. 

According to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, Mancini himself is desperate to return to the role of Italy head coach, is aware that he made the ‘wrong’ choice to leave his position to join the Saudi Arabia set-up in 2023, and is said to be keen on the idea of avenging the World Cup play-off heartbreak against North Macedonia back in 2022. 

Monday’s report claim that Mancini is willing to accept a salary that is ‘in line’ with the FIGC budget and suggests that the coach would ‘gladly walk back to Coverciano’ if given the chance. 

The Corriere dello Sport also adds that several senior members of the Italy national team squad support the idea of Mancini returning to his previous role as CT.

Reports in Italy claim that Turkish giants Besiktas are making moves to steal Dusan Vlahovic away from Juventus and are prepared to offer the Serbian a ‘double-digit’ salary, a hefty signing bonus and a reunion with his Fiorentina head coach Vincenzo Italiano. 

Besiktas try to tempt Vlahovic away from Juventus with €10m salary offer

As things stand, Vlahovic will walk away from Juventus on a free transfer at the end of June. The 26-year-old is out of contract despite his status as one of the division’s most expensive signings of all time and being the most expensive January signing in the history of Serie A. 

Juventus have made several attempts to tie Vlahovic down to a new deal over the course of the 2025-26 season, and according to recent reports, have tabled one final offer of a one-year contract with wages worth €8m per season, a reduction from the €12m that he earned during the season just gone. 

Meanwhile, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Turkish giants Besiktas are now making moves to convince Vlahovic to leave Juventus this summer. 

The latest reports claim that Besiktas are prepared to offer Vlahovic a salary of €10m per season, a signing bonus of €5m and a reunion with former Fiorentina head coach Italiano, under whom Vlahovic scored 17 league goals in 21 games in the first half of the 2021-22 season, the most productive run of form in the striker’s career to date. 

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Vlahovic is taking his time to come to a decision as he is not fully convinced by the idea of moving to Turkiye at the stage of his career. 

The Pink Paper suggests that Vlahovic and his entourage are still holding out for an offer from one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, on the Barcelona, Atletico Madrid or Bayern Munich tier.

Reports in the UK claim that Liverpool are growing ‘increasingly frustrated’ with Inter and their attempts to lower the valuation of midfielder Curtis Jones, for whom the Nerazzurri have seen a bid of €25m turned down. 

Inter attempt for Jones has upset Liverpool, claim reports in England

Inter have made no secret of the fact that they are attempting to bring English midfielder Jones to San Siro for the 2026-27 season but have thus far been unable to convince Liverpool into parting ways with their academy graduate. 

“Jones is a player we’ve been paying attention to for some time. We tried to negotiate in January and we will try again. If we find a common ground, great. Otherwise, we will do something else,”  said Nerazzurri sporting director Piero Ausilio in an interview earlier this month.

The 25-year-old will be heading into the final year of his Liverpool contract this summer, and Inter feel that this is an opportunity to snatch a Premier League-proven midfielder at a below-market rate. 

However, the club’s most recent bid of €25m (£21m) for Jones was turned down by Liverpool according to reports from various outlets over the weekend. 

According to The Times in the UK, the senior management team at Liverpool are growing ‘increasingly frustrated’ with Inter’s attempts to lower the asking price for Jones. The Premier League side have made it clear that they want roughly €40m (£35m) for Jones this summer, despite the fact that he will be heading into the final year of his contract.

A decisive vote to elect a new President of the Italian FA (FIGC) will take place on Monday as Giancarlo Abete and Giovanni Malago go head-to-head to lead the new era of football in Italy. 

A decisive day for football in Italy: Abete and Malago battle for FIGC Presidency

Gabriele Gravina resigned from his position as President of the FIGC immediately after Italy’s World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of March, which cost the national team a spot at the World Cup for the third tournament cycle in a row. 

Gennaro Gattuso also walked away from his position as head coach of the national team and Gianluigi Buffon stepped down as delegation chief, but the FIGC have been unable to appoint permanent replacements until a new President is elected. 

The election to appoint a new President of the FIGC will take place on Monday at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Rome, Italy. 

Malago, 67, previously served as the President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) from 2013 until 2025 and is the leading candidate to take over as FIGC President ahead of Monday’s vote according to the morning newspapers. 

Abete, 75, is his opponent. The current President of the National Amateur Leagues (LND) previously held the role of FIGC President between 2007 and 2014 and is running for a second term. 

The election will be decided by a total of 516 votes. Below is a breakdown of the voting shares within Italy’s footballing ecosystem: 

Serie A: 20 delegates, 18% of votes

Serie B: 20 delegates, 6% of votes

Lega Pro (Serie C): 57 delegates, 12% of votes

LND: 99 delegates, 34% of votes

Players’ Association: 52 delegates, 20% of votes

Coaches’ Association: 26 delegates, 10% of votes

Both Abete and Malago are expected to present their programmes at the FIGC Assembly in Italy on Monday before the vote takes place. The voting will be done electronically and in secret.

Whoever comes away with ‘50% plus one’ of the votes will be appointed as the new President of the FIGC.

Reports in Italy claim that Milan have finally come to a decision over their next permanent CEO and sporting director after going almost a full month without a senior management structure in place. 

Milan set to appoint new team of directors

Milan dismissed head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani all in one statement the day after the disappointing 2025-26 season came to an end. 

Several candidates have been linked with moves to take over the sporting sector in Milan, but according to reports from various outlets in Italy, the Rossoneri have now taken the decision to promote from within.

It is believed that Gerry Cardinale will take on a more hands-on, operational role within the club set-up and that head coach Amorim will have an influence in the club’s transfer decision-making. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and various others, Massimo Calvelli will take over as the club’s new CEO. Calvelli joined the board of directors last summer and has previously served as RedBird Capital’s CEO international and as CEO of the ATP before that. 

Milan are also set to promote Hendrick Almstadt to a more prominent role taking charge of decisions on the transfer window, although he is expected to be given a title along the lines of ‘head of player trading’ rather than sporting director. 

Almstadt will be supported by Bobby Gardiner, who will be promoted to the role of director of football intelligence according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Rossoneri will also seek to appoint a new head of recruitment analysis. And once that role is filled, the club’s transfer window is finally set to get underway.

This signals a move away from the traditional sporting and technical director roles that Milan have been used to in recent years.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

‘It will be a great Napoli’

De Laurentiis exclusive. Strong, competitive, attractive, I’m sure we’ll stay up the top. The squad isn’t missing anything’

Football comes down to a vote 

FIGC PResidential elections today 

Malago is favourite above Abete. Whoever wins needs to start over

Yamal overtakes Messi 

A goal at 18 years and 343 days, beanies Messi: He’s eighth in the standings led by Pele 

Milan change, actually no 

Here are Cardinale’s men 

Promoted from within: Almstadt will lead the market, Calvelli is the new CEO 

Corriere dello Sport 

Anti-Inter moves 

Paz attack | Cesc tries to convince Real Madrid 

Fabregas directs: Como flies to Perez 

Luidi will ask the general manager Jose Angel to not exercise the buy-back clause before June 30 and to leave Nico at Suwarso’s club for another year. Florentino lays out the conditions: He wants 60 million. Marotta tries and prepares the signatures for Palestra 

Marvellous Yamal, let’s enjoy Messi 

World Cup: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia, the Belgians stall again: 0-0 against Iran 

Italian football starts again with Malago 

FIGC elections today

Abete, the opponent, is looking for a high percentage for a recount 

Juve, they keys to Kolo 

Carnevali works with PSG 

Loan with an obligation to buy in 2027: Campos reflects 

Milan gives up on sporting and technical directors 

A group of scouts will evaluate the profiles requested by Amorim. Alliance with Mendes 

Napoli, Allegri in 48 hours 

Frees himself from Milan

Manna at work to bring the first two signings: Gila and Khalali

Friedkin calls UEFA

Roma: The strategy 

An idea: To postpone the settlement agreement deadline until 2027

Tuttosport 

But where does Vlahovic go? 

Dusan, without offers from top clubs, starts to think about staying again: Negotiations start again 

Turkiye (Besiktas) isn’t convincing to the Serbian: reconciling with the club and with Spalletti, who wants to keep him, seems like the best solution for everybody. Midfield: Zaniolo increasingly hotter, the World Cup relaunches the idea of Kessie. Conceicao pride: ‘I’m not a game-changing substitute, I’m a starter’

Petrachi: 7 new arrivals for Abete 

The Toro sporting director quantifies the new signings with the coach and locks don Vlasic and Simeone 

A goalkeeper, two defenders, two midfielders and two wingers: This is what the new granata coach expects. Falcone’s limitations with his feet hold him back, Ravaglia’s candidacy strengthens. And Israel becomes a hot topic: ‘He needs shoulder surgery’

‘Fifa, what an error losing Platini’

Today, the ‘Vialli and Mauro’ in Turin 

Mauro brought together the best of football and golf to take on ALS. Michel also there: ‘Would be a dream for him to be Juventus director’

There’s another big deal in Yamal: Spain Ole 

4-0 against Saudi Arabia

The Barca star scores and opens the show, then an Oyarzabal double and an own-goal. Curacao: Historic point 

‘Games with four periods ruin football’

The ‘Hydration Break’ case 

Bielsa, Uruguay head coach, attacks the World Cup breaks: ‘A novelty that alienates supporters’

Malago is eager for Mancio, football dreams of reforms

A new FIGC President today: Abete is at a disadvantage 

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute Wayne Newton Post 346 defeated Owensboro Post 9 6-2, winning the John E. Hayes Invitational championship.

The Wayners are now 12-0 on the year. Jackson Pierce pitched a complete game with 8 strikeouts for Post 346.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.

Belgium vs Iran takes place in Los Angeles this afternoon, as Group G’s stalemate pushes into the second round of World Cup fixtures.

Belgium drew their opener 1-1 with Egypt, whilst Iran were held to a 2-2 draw by New Zealand. With it all to play for, both sides will be eager to secure a good result, but the pressure rests more on the European side who were expected to be able to top their group.

Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne once again stars in the heart of the Belgium attack, with Atalanta’s De Ketelaere moving to the bench after starting the opener.

Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku starts tonight after his vital involvement in his side’s goal against Egypt. Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers also starts tonight for the Belgians.

Meanwhile, former Inter forward Mehdi Taremi leads the line for Iran.

World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Iran Lineups

Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku

Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi, Hajisafi, Kanani, Mohebi, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Taremi

Francisco Conceicao has spoken warmly about his father Sergio and offered a respectful nod to Fabio Cannavaro ahead of Portugal’s second World Cup group game against Uzbekistan, as the Juventus winger prepares to face the Italian legend who was his father’s former international teammate.

Speaking at a press conference in Palm Beach, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport, Conceicao was asked about Cannavaro, now coaching Uzbekistan, and the family connection to his father’s former colleague.

“We have not spoken about Cannavaro, but I know he was a great player, a legend,” he said. “I know Italian coaches well and I know their strategy will be to delay our goal for as long as possible. We know what difficulties await us.”

Conceicao dismisses super-sub label as father Sergio named his biggest footballing influence

The winger also pushed back on the perception that he is purely a substitute option at international level.

“I would like to be known simply as Francisco Conceicao,” he said. “If one is talking about a player who only comes on in the last 10 or 15 minutes, that is not quite right. I play at Juventus in Serie A and I have been a regular starter for my club.”

On making history as the first Portuguese father-son pair to both play at a World Cup, Conceicao was reflective.

“My father told me that a small mistake can compromise everything, that is precisely what we want to avoid,” he said. “My father is my main advisor. There is no one better to talk to about football. He helps me a great deal both in football and in personal life.”

Gianluca Mancini has admitted he cannot bring himself to watch the 2026 World Cup, describing Italy’s third consecutive absence from the tournament as a pain that remains too raw to confront, even as a spectator.

Speaking to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Roma centre-back was candid about how deeply the qualification failure has affected him.

Mancini was on the pitch in Zenica during one of the key moments of the play-off defeat to Bosnia, just before Alessandro Bastoni’s red card that effectively ended Italy’s hopes.

“I can speak as a player who did not achieve World Cup qualification,” Mancini said.

“It is a pain, it hurts. I am not watching the matches, I cannot. I watch the highlights, but not the full games. It hurts not to be there.”

Mancini looks forward to Champions League with Roma after Italy disappointment

On the broader issue of Italy’s repeated failures, Mancini did not look for easy excuses.

“If we have not qualified three times, it is not just a problem of young players, youth sectors and coaches,” he said. “It is bigger than that. We hope to resolve it in the coming years.”

Despite the disappointment, Mancini was notably upbeat about Roma’s Champions League return.

“After the match in Verona, embracing Cristante, I thought about it,” he said. “I imagined the stadiums, a little tune I have never heard in my career. It is beautiful even just to imagine it, I cannot wait to play in the competition.”

Italy international Sandro Tonali could be on the move this summer with a number of Premier League clubs including Tottenham and Manchester City circling over St James’ Park, but how much would Milan receive if their former midfielder does end up leaving Newcastle this summer? 

How much will Milan earn if Newcastle sell Tonali this summer?

According to reports from various outlets in Italy and the UK, Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham have had an initial offer for Tonali turned down by Newcastle. Some sources claim that Tottenham’s original bid was for €86m (£75m), some cite a fee closer to €92m (£80m). 

Spurs are not the only ones interested in the 32-time Italy international, as Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been mentioned as potential destinations for the midfielder, who will be without European football if he remains with Newcastle next season. 

Tonali joined Newcastle from Milan three years ago in the summer of 2023. The Rossoneri reportedly pocketed around €70m from the transfer with bonuses included, but did not negotiate a sell-on clause with Newcastle according to reports from Calciomercato.com. 

Despite their lack of a sell-on clause, Milan will still be entitled to a small cut of the proceedings if Tonali does leave Newcastle this summer. 

That is because the Rossoneri will be owed a cut of the FIFA-mandated solidarity contribution: A payment that is due to the clubs that trained a player between the ages of 12 and 23 when they move to another foreign club before the end of their contract. 

That means that if Tonali were to move to another Premier League side this summer, 5% of the transfer fee would be owed to the clubs that the midfielder represented between the ages of 12 and 23: Piacenza, Brescia and Milan. 

It is estimated that Milan would earn somewhere between €1m-€1.8m in solidarity payments if Tonali is sold by Newcastle this summer, depending on the eventual transfer fee.

Reports in Italy claim that Milan are interested in a potential deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos and that there is interest from the MLS in Santiago Gimenez, which could help the Rossoneri to raise the required funds to land the Portuguese striker. 

Could Milan replace Gimenez with Goncalo Ramos?

Transfer rumours continue to circulate around Milan despite their lack of a sporting or technical director. Ruben Amorim has recently been appointed as head coach and a number of his compatriots and former Sporting CP players have already been linked with a move to San Siro, including the likes of Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincao. 

According to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, PSG striker Goncalo Ramos is the latest name to be added to the Rossoneri wishlist. 

Milan are expected to reshuffle their attacking department this summer: Former head coach Massimiliano Allegri deployed a 3-5-2 during the 2025-26 season while Amorim is expected to deploy his trusted 3-4-2-1 and with Rafael Leao highly likely to leave the club during the window, a restructure is almost certainly required. 

Ramos is a player that Milan had looked at signing last summer, before ultimately landing on the purchase of Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea. 

PSG spent a fee of €65m plus up to €15m in add-ons to sign Ramos from Benfica in the summer of 2023, and Sunday’s reports from the Corriere dello Sport claim that an offer of €40m could be enough to convince PSG into selling this summer. 

Meanwhile, Sunday’s reports claim that Milan’s Gimenez will not be central to Amorim’s plans next season and that he will be allowed to leave if an appropriate offer comes in. 

Reports elsewhere claim that MLS outfit Orlando City are keen to add the Mexico international to their ranks this summer, and that they could be prepared to go as high as €26m ($30m) to land the former Feyenoord striker this summer.

Calciomercato claims that Orlando are willing to offer Gimenez a salary in the of €4.6m plus significant bonuses, which would reportedly double the earnings that he currently takes home in Milan.

Sunday’s reports claim that Inter are eyeing up a potential move for Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka to replace Stefan De Vrij, who is increasingly likely to leave San Siro at the end of his contract later this month. 

Inter keen to add Ndicka to Chivu’s squad for 2026-27

It is set to be a busy transfer window for the Nerazzurri after their domestic double success in 2026-27: Marco Palestra remains the priority target at right wing-back, while the likes of Curtis Jones and Oumar Solet are also tipped to join Cristian Chivu’s side this summer. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that a deal for the €50m-rated Palestra could be closed within the next few days, that Inter and Udinese are around €5m apart in their valuations of Solet and that a deal for Liverpool’s Jones is likely to be closed once the Nerazzurri arrange a sale of Davide Frattesi. 

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Inter are keen to add Roma’s Ndicka to their ranks as well, especially if De Vrij decides to leave the club at the end of his contract on June 30. Reports earlier this week indicated that the Dutchman is set to leave with a reported offer from Greek side Panathinaikos on the table. 

Roma are still left needing to sell players before the end of the month in order to comply with the terms of their financial fair play settlement agreement with UEFA.

It is believed that the Giallorossi must raise €60m in sales before their deadline at the end of the month and it has been suggested that selling Ndicka could raise around €40m in useful funds. 

In an ideal world, Roma do not want to let go of Ndicka, especially ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League next season, but their need to raise funds could soon force their hand.

Reports in Portugal claim that the Milan-linked Morten Hjulmand has already bid farewell to his colleagues at Sporting CP and that he hopes to have a transfer finalised before the start of pre-season, but there are conflicting reports over the potential transfer fee with the Rossoneri. 

Milan want Hjulmand, who is expecting to leave Sporting CP

According to various reports over the last few days, Sporting midfielder Hjulmand is one of Ruben Amorim’s first-choice signings in his new role as head coach of Milan. The former Lecce man is already familiar with life in Italy as he is working under Amorim and his 3-4-2-1 system. 

The Denmark international has a release clause believed to be worth €80m in his contract with Sporting, but the Portuguese giants are willing to listen to significantly lower offers for the 26-year-old this summer according to recent reports. 

Portuguese outlet Record claims that Hjulmand is so keen on the idea of a move to Milan that he has already said goodbye to his teammates and the coaching staff at Sporting, that he is keen for a new experience abroad and that he wishes to have his next move arranged before the start of pre-season. 

Hjulmand had been close to leaving Sporting last summer, and reports over the last few days indicate that there was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to allow the player to leave for a reasonable fee in the summer of 2026. 

While a price tag in the region of €45m had been touted a few days ago, reports from Calciomercato.com claim that Milan could strike a deal with Sporting in the region of €35m-€40m.

Sunday’s reports indicate that signing Nico Paz back from Real Madrid will be near-on impossible for Como this summer, but that Inter are still keen on a potential €60m deal for the Argentina international. 

Where Inter, Como and Real Madrid stand with Nico Paz

Nico Paz has spent the last two seasons with Como, but Real Madrid possess a series of low-cost buy-back options and it is widely expected that they will activate their €10m option to bring the 21-year-old back to the Spanish capital this summer and that they could then potentially seek to sell the Argentine on for a significantly higher fee. 

Como have made it clear that they wish to keep hold of Paz for another season at least, particularly with the club gearing up for its first ever experience in the Champions League in 2025-26. 

However, if Real Madrid do activate their buy-back clause and request a fee of €60m, which is what has been reported by various outlets in Italy, including the Corriere dello Sport, then Como will be priced out due to financial fair play.

Inter remain interested, even if a €60m deal may still be tricky to pull off. 

The Nerazzurri hope that the relationship between vice-President Javier Zanetti and Nico Paz’s family will be advantageous: Zanetti and Paz’s father having played together for the Argentina national team between 1996 and 1998. 

A €60m investment is not entirely out of the question for Inter, but the Nerazzurri have already allocated around €50m of the club’s budget on the potential signing of Marco Palestra, and with deals for Oumar Solet and potentially Evan Ndicka and Curtis Jones on the cards as well, signing Nico Paz for a significant fee certainly requires other players to be moved on first. 

Sunday’s reports claim that the most likely Inter players to be sacrificed are Davide Frattesi, Luis Henrique, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Aleksandar Stankovic, who was only brought back to the club at the beginning of June.

Reports in Italy and the UK claim that Newcastle United have turned down an offer in the region of €92m (£80m) for Italy international Sandro Tonali from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, who are not the only club interested in picking up the former Milan midfielder this summer.

Newcastle reject initial Tonali bid from Tottenham

According to reports from various sources, Tottenham have had an initial offer for Tonali turned down by Newcastle. Sky Sports claims that Tottenham’s initial offer was around the €92m mark (£80m). Fabrizio Romano claims that the offer was made three days ago and that the bid was worth €86m (£75m). 

Tonali remains under contract with Newcastle until the summer of 2029, with a club option to extend for a further 12 months until the summer of 2030. 

According to reports from David Ornstein and The Athletic, Newcastle will seek a fee in the region of €115m (£110m) to part ways with Tonali this summer. Reports in Italy, such as from Gianluca Di Marzio, claim that a deal will be struck for a considerably lower fee in the region of €98m (£85m). 

Tottenham hope that the offer of playing under Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi and the idea of living in an attractive location such as London will be appealing factors for Tonali and his family. 

Manchester City and Arsenal are also said to be interested in a potential deal for the Italian this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Inter don’t stop 

The new objective is Ndicka 

After Palestra and with Jones and Solet arriving, here’s the defender from Roma (if De Vrij leaves). And Calhanoglu will only remain with the Nerazzurri 

‘Milan, let Leao go. Pay for Krösche? Mica is Ancelotti 

Interview with Savicevic 

World Cup: Everyone gets through 

Too many games, not enough slip-ups 

Germany turnaround with Undav and get through, Netherlands overwhelming, Montella already at home 

Talking to an opponent with a hand covering the face, a red card never seen before 

The Paraguayan Almiron 

Football changes 

The FIGC Presidential elections 

Going to the votes tomorrow: Malago ahead, Abete: ‘I’ll take it’

Corriere dello Sport 

Paz, possible dream 

Nico for Chivu | Conversations interrupted between the Argentine and Mou’s side 

Florentino freezes Como: Inter prepare the shot 

Perez asks for 60m from Hartono, who is held back by financial fair play. Ausilio needs to sell: Needs 110 for Palestra and the fantasy player

Ancelotti having fun, Montella going home 

World Cup: Brazil up to four points, Turkiye eliminated 

Cunha and Vinicius Jr see off Haiti (3-0), Vincezo at risk after the defeat against Paraguay (0-1)

Dutchmania, Germany party in the 94th 

The Oranje beat Sweden 5-1, Undav turns it around against the Ivory Coast (2-1)

Juve and Kolo Muani warn PSG 

Muani’s yes has been promised 

Agreement reached with the attacker: Contract worth 5 million per season 

Goncalo Ramos: Milan temptation 

Amorim’s idea 

A new centre-forward is a priority, the Portuguese wants to leave Paris 

Napoli revolution: Gila gets closer 

Mario has chosen DeLa’s club. Lotito risks losing him for zero 

Tuttosport 

Kolo, Carnevali bursts in 

Enough with the wait-and-see attitude, Juve now in negotiations with PSG 

The CEO calls Campos directly to resolve the friction that had grown with Comolli: There’s already an agreement with the centre-forward over a return. Sorloth pushes forwards as well. Interview with Paulo Sousa: ‘We need to be a big club with a serious project’

Spalletti reassures Yildiz 

Montella in the crossfire after the defeat against Paraguay: Kenan heartbroken, Lucio calls him

Dutch beauty, Sweden outclassed 

Brobbey-Gakpo-Summerville: 5-1 

Germany fight back against the Ivory Coast 

Kessie goal, then an Undav double 

Croatian Toro, Jakic with Erlic and Livakovic 

Vlasic effect 

Contact between Petrachi and the agent of the midfielder. The sporting director is also in discussions for the defender and goalkeeper: Defence: Eye on Tonoli and Giorgini

The Netherlands vs Sweden is the first World Cup match of the day, as Group F gets underway in the second round of fixtures; the Swedes topping the group so far after their emphatic 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their opener.

The Dutch, meanwhile, were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw with Japan that came alive in the second half, but leaves them needing to win today if they have any hope of topping the group.

Roma striker Donyell Malen starts up front once again for Ronald Koeman’s team, whilst outgoing Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries features in defence.

Meanwhile, Atalanta’s Isak Hien and Udinese’s Jesper Karlstrom both start once again for Sweden.

On the bench, Atalanta’s Marten de Roon, Juventus man Teun Koopmeiners and Napoli-owned forward Noa Lang all sit for the Netherlands.

World Cup 2026: Netherlands vs Sweden – Lineups

Netherlands: Verbruggen, Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Dumfries; Reijnders, De Jong, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Malen, Brobbey

Sweden: Nordfeldt; Lindelof, Hien, Lagerbielke; Gudmundsson, Ayari, Karlstrom, Bernhardsson; Nygren; Isak, Gyokeres

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has signed with Italy’s third-division side Ravenna, and, according to Italian sources, he’ll make a brief appearance in a competitive match and become a minority shareholder in the club.

Former Milan and Barcelona star Ronaldinho has signed a contract with Serie C side Ravenna in Italy.

Will Ronaldinho play in Italy’s third division?

The move was confirmed by the Brazilian footballer, Ravenna’s President Ignazio Cipriani and vice president Ariedo Braida. The latter had already signed Ronaldinho from Barcelona to Milan in 2008.

Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano explain the details of the deal, saying that Ronaldinho, 46, won’t technically be part of the squad or travel with the team for away matches in the 2026-27 campaign.

However, the Brazilian will still be closely involved with the club and the team.

He’ll make a brief appearance in a Serie C game during the season and become a minority shareholder in the club.

In addition, Ravenna’s 2026-27 kit will feature Ronaldinho’s iconic R10 logo.

Ronaldinho will be officially unveiled at a special event in Miami on June 23 and travel to Ravenna around Augst 20 to attend the team’s unveiling.

Inter and Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji admits he’s ‘not a big fan’ of hydration breaks at the World Cup, but says the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the best he’s ever played in.

Inter defender Akanji, a former Manchester City star, gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on international duty with the Switzerland national team at the 2026 World Cup.

Akanji’s side secured one win and one draw in the opening two group stage games.

Akanji opens up about Inter, Chivu, hydration breaks and more

The Swiss defender has just completed his first season at Inter, winning the domestic double at San Siro, lifting the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.

“Inter is a great school, a university that helps you grow in various aspects. I am very grateful to those who wanted me here, and I am happy to stay and win more with this coach,” he said.

Safe to say Akanji has enjoyed working with Cristian Chivu in 2025-26.

“I hadn’t often experienced playing in a back three at club level; it had only happened with the national team. But at Inter, I had to get to know the position much better and work with new teammates,” he said.

“Now I think differently in various game situations. If we were to switch to a back five in the future, I would know exactly what to do.

“Chivu understands players very well because he himself was a top-level footballer and experienced the same situations we are going through now,” Akanji continued.

“Furthermore, he has won many trophies with Inter and knows exactly what the club needs. He is also a very communicative and empathetic coach: he often talks to us players and, importantly, he is willing to listen to us. This is precisely what creates an excellent relationship with all of us.”

Italy were supposed in the same group as Switzerland at the World Cup, but the Azzurri were knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.

Bosnia lost 4-1 to Switzerland just a few days ago, in a match played at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“Well, it’s truly fantastic. I told my friends that if we’re talking about the overall experience, this is the best stadium I’ve ever played in,” Akanji said.

“I’ve seen many, but SoFi is incredible. When you enter and look at everything around you, you are impressed and understand why it cost so much. I’m even an NFL enthusiast, but I’m neither a Rams nor a Chargers fan, the teams that play here.

“I support the Atlanta Falcons, and I’ve already been to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia, which is very nice, but it doesn’t reach these levels. However, when it comes to football alone, playing at San Siro is simply unparalleled; it remains an incredible feeling.”

Regarding the World Cup, Akanji was asked for his thoughts on the controversial hydration breaks, which seem aimed more at boosting sponsorship revenue than at ensuring players’ health.

“No, I’m not a big fan. I understand the organisational and commercial reasons; I understand that advertising and other activities can be inserted during those breaks,” Akanji said.

“But as a footballer, I think they take away from the match’s rhythm. If a team is struggling, a break can help them by allowing tactical adjustments, and conversely, it can interrupt a favourable moment.”

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have sent a final contract offer to their star striker Dusan Vlahovic, proposing a one-year deal with an €8m salary, including add-ons.

Juventus have reportedly made one final move to retain their striker Vlahovic, according to Gazzetta.

Final Juventus contract offer to Vlahovic

Vlahovic is available on a free transfer as his current deal at the Allianz Stadium expires at the end of the month, yet the Serbia international hasn’t yet reached an agreement with any other club.

Juventus have recently changed their CEO, bringing in Giovanni Carnevali to replace Damien Comolli, and the new Bianconeri executive has now sent the club’s final proposal to Vlahovic.

The Serbian striker rejected Comolli’s €6m-a-year proposal earlier this month, but the fact that his salary demands have not been matched by any top club in Europe makes Juventus confident that Vlahovic could ultimately remain in Turin, for at least one more season.

According to the report, Juventus have offered a one-year deal, but are also open to discussing a two-year contract with a salary of €8m including add-ons.

Multiple sources in Italy claim that Inter have resumed their interest in Nico Paz, given that Real Madrid are eager to bring the Argentine back from Como and put him on the market for €60m.

Inter still hope to sign Nico Paz this summer, as the Argentine’s future at either Como or Real Madrid is uncertain.

Inter resume interest in Nico Paz

Corriere dello Sport reported on Friday that Real Madrid were upset by Nico Paz’s decision to force his stay at Como for 2026-27, with the Merengues warning Cesc Fabregas’ side that they’d need €60m to retain Paz for a further campaign.

Football Italia discussed the transfer situation of Nico Paz in our latest transfer show on YouTube, which you can watch below.

Today’s update from Corriere della Sera, Tuttosport, and Corriere dello Sport is that Paz’s situation has once again sparked Inter’s interest.

The Nerazzurri are longtime admirers of the Argentine, and their vice-president, Javier Zanetti, is a good friend and former Argentina teammate of Nico Paz’s father, Pablo.

Zanetti and Pablo Paz were even part of the Argentina World Cup squad at the 1998 World Cup.

All three Italian sources report that Real Madrid still want to activate their €10m buy-back clause on Paz, then sell him for €60m.

Como can technically afford this move, but it may raise issues with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Inter, on the other hand, are in advanced talks with Atalanta to sign Marco Palestra for over €50m, so signing Nico Paz would require an extra budget from club owners Oaktree or the sale of some players such as Aleksandar Stankovic, Carlos Augusto, Andy Diouf, Luis Henrique, Davide Frattesi and Ange-Yoan Bonny.

Italy 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi insists Roberto Mancini’s return as Italy’s head coach ‘could be an important solution’ and feels José Mourinho will ‘put pressure on Barcelona’ as the new Real Madrid coach.

Former Inter and Italy defender Materazzi gave an interview to Corriere dello Sport, speaking about Mancini’s potential return as Italy’s head coach, among other things.

Materazzi: Mancini ‘an important solution’ for Italy

“He left the national team a few years ago,” said the ex-defender, who played under Mancini at Inter.

“If he has the desire to return and take on a big responsibility, he could be an important part of the solution.”

Another ex-Materazzi coach, Mourinho, is making headlines this summer after returning to Real Madrid for a second stint.

“He is the right coach for Real Madrid. Perhaps his playing style is not aesthetically exciting, but it brings results. He’ll break the balance and put some pressure on Barcelona,” Materazzi said.

Inter’s city rivals Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and are still in talks to appoint new football directors after sacking Giorgio Furlani, Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Materazzi already taunted RedBird’s advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, calling him the “biggest Inter fan in history”, and when asked for a solution to solve the Rossoneri’s issues, he replied: “Even if I had it, as an Inter fan, I wouldn’t say it.”

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, 46, has signed with Italian Serie C side Ravenna, but it’s still unclear whether he’ll actually play a competitive match in Italy’s third division.

Former Milan and Barcelona striker Ronaldinho has signed a contract with Italian Serie C side Ravenna.

• Read more – The details behind Ronaldinho’s move to Italy’s third division

Gazzetta reports that the 46-year-old will be unveiled at a special event in Miami on June 23.

Ronaldinho signs with Italian club at 46: ‘Same smile’

“New colours, same smile,” Ronaldinho said.

“I can’t wait to be able to dance on the ball again to write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna.”

Ravenna’s owner Ignazio Cipriani added: “I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home. Acquiring Ronaldinho is something absolutely extraordinary for the club; he was my idol, and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch.”

Ravenna will play the 2026-27 campaign in Italy’s third division under head coach Andrea Mandorlini, who also has Serie A experience in the dug-out.

It’s still unclear, however, whether Ronaldinho will actually play a competitive match in Serie C.

The club’s vice-president, Ariedo Braida, a former Milan sporting director who already signed Ronaldinho at Milan in 2008, told Nicolò Schira (via Corriere Romagna): “Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. Also because he’s 46, I wish he could still play.

“Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player. I’ve had a wonderful relationship with him since his time at Milan, but he won’t play in Serie C with us.”

Braida, however, later gave another interview to ANSA, refusing to rule out the possibility that Ronaldinho will actually play in Italy’s third division: “Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna and, for a club like ours, it’s an extraordinary coup,” he said.

“Over the next few days, there will be an event to unveil this extraordinary character. Will he play? We’ll see, but it’s not ruled out. As I already said, he is a timeless champion.”

Ronaldinho made his last competitive appearance with Fluminense in 2015, over ten years ago. A former PSG, Barcelona and Milan star, the ex-Brazil international scored 26 goals in 95 appearances with Milan, where he played for two and a half years, from the summer of 2008 until January 2011.

Ronaldinho won the Champions League with Barcelona and the 2002 World Cup with the Brazil national team.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil secured a 3-0 win over Haiti in the second group stage game of the World Cup, but Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey lost 1-0 to Paraguay and faced elimination.

It’s been a night of mixed feelings for Italian coaches at the World Cup, with one, Montella, knocked out after just two rounds.

His Turkey side lost 1-0 to Paraguay despite playing the entire second half a man down. The South Americans took the lead in the second minute through Matias Galarza. Serie A stars Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz played the full 90 minutes but were unable to turn the game around.

World Cup: Montella’s Turkey eliminated

Turkey already lost the opening round 2-0 to Australia, so their second consecutive loss means they are now eliminated.

“It’s truly incredible; we put down two high-level performances, making 65 shots towards the goal without being able to score. We didn’t concede much, but even that little was capitalised,” Montella said via Gazzetta.

“Sincerely, something like that had never happened to me in 35 years of football. It is clear that, in these two matches, fate was not on our side. However, it cannot be said that the spirit, the soul or the will to fight was lacking. The team gave it their all until the last second. We tried every way, but it didn’t go.

“I feel very sorry for the Turkish people, who had great expectations and great ambitions. I feel sorry for the Federation and the president, who have always been close to us and supported us at all times. And I’m especially sorry for the footballers, because they left everything on the pitch.”

While Turkey have already faced elimination from Group D, Ancelotti’s Brazil secure a comfortable 3-0 win over Haiti, scoring all three goals in the first half.

Matheus Cunha scored the opening two goals, with Vini Jr. netting the third for Brazil, his second at the 2026 World Cup.

“I think that for this game Matheus Cunha’s position was a good one to create problems for the defence. He also filtered passes very well and moved into position really well. He can be an option. I don’t want a clear identity, because in the next game we may change,” Ancelotti said at full-time.

“He came into the World Cup well, in excellent condition. We don’t expect it to be Vinícius’s World Cup; we expect it to be Brazil’s World Cup.

“We moved Vini a little more inside, leaving the wide play more to Douglas Santos, who did very well. Vini is dangerous not only one-on-one, but also when attacking in behind. Attacking in behind through the centre of the pitch is more dangerous — he scored a goal and provided an assist.

“We were much better in the first half, with more effectiveness up front. In the second half we had more control. We had many opportunities; we could have scored more goals. Overall it was a good game.”

In the other Group C game last night, Morocco beat Scotland 1-0, so Brazil and Morocco are now the group leaders with four points, followed by Scotland with three and Haiti with none.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Ronaldinho signs with Ravenna at 46

Amorim calls Rabiot and Maignan

Trust Milan

The coach calls the French camp to convince the two top players to stay. His pupil Hjulmand dreams of the Devil

Aknji and Inter: ‘We’ll win again with Chivu.’

The defender: ‘Happy to stay here.’ After Palestra, also Jones and Solet

The American dream: the USMNT beats Australia, Morocco crush Scotland

Corriere dello Sport

The Argentine doesn’t want to be a substitute at Real Madrid

Inter to Paz

Budget for Nico: from Frattesi to Diouf

It’s a complicated deal; the threat is the Premier League. Perez asks for 60m. Luis Henrique departing too. Stankovic and Bonny on hold. Palestra incoming, then Solet and Jones.

Italian football mourns Protti

Farewell, sweet Tzar

He was 58, elegant and strong, an example to everyone. Moving testament: ‘This wonderful journey has reached the final whistle.’

David wakes up: now Juventus do the counting

Tottenham and Lyon move. Carnevali sets the price: 30m

DeLa’s mission to De Bruyne and Lukaku

Aurelio the special fan in Los Angeles. Meret’s future is decided: he stays in Napoli

Roma-Greenwood: ball in D’Amico’s court

The director has the green light to operate: immediately in action. Friedkin calls McCourt, owner of OM.

‘Fans ask for more young players, stadiums and football free to watch.’

Incredible Ronaldinho: on the field with Ravenna.

Tuttosport

Protti’s death, loved by everyone, moves the world of football

Igor, a world of love

‘This wonderful journey has reached the final whistle,’ his farewell message. Diagnosed with cancer, he was 58. He was the Serie A top-goal scorer (the only one in history with a relegated team, Bari), B and C. The last farewell at the Livorno stadium.

Juve, World Cup deals

David’s awakening makes Carnevali happy on the market: eyes on Pepi of PSG and Marmoush of Man City.

Canada’s hat-trick against Qatar makes Juventus breathe a sigh of relief about a sale. In the plan for the attack, the alternatives to Sorloth and Kolo Muani (with the potential Vlahovic renewal in the background) are the American and the Egyptian, moving to pole position. Miretti is involved in negotiations with Bologna over Lucumì. Udinese ask for 15m for Zaniolo.

Obrador and Toro, it’s not over!

Inter try a Paz coup

Real: buy-back and then sale

The Spaniards want to put the Argentine on the market for 60m. Como is surprised; Oaktree thinks about it.

Koné, what a shock: ‘We heard the bone breaking.’

Dreams and marketing: Ronaldinho signs with Ravenna in Serie C!

Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT will have to do without their star attacker, Milan’s Christian Pulisic, who has been ruled out of Friday evening’s 2026 World Cup group stage match against Australia. 

Pulisic was substituted off at half-time during the USA’s 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay last week, and though both the player and his head coach insisted that this was only on precautionary grounds, the issue is severe enough to rule ‘Captain America’ out of the squad altogether for the Australia clash. 

There is still some Serie A representation in the USA side in the form of versatile Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Former Milan full-back Sergino Dest also keeps his place in Pochettino’s XI. 

Parma’s Alessandro Circati is included in the Australia XI, but former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato is named among the substitutes. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

USA vs. Australia: Confirmed line-ups as Pulisic ruled out

USA (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, A.Robinson; Adams, McKennie; Dest, Tillman, Balogun; Pepi. 

Subs: Turner, Brady, Trusty, M.Robinson, Afrsten, McKenzie, Scally, Reyna, Berhalter, Roldan, Aaronson, Wright, Weah, Zendejas. 

Australia (5-4-1): Beach; Italiano, Souttar, Burgess, Bos, Circati; Leckie, O’Neill, Okon-Enstler, Velupillay; Toure. 

Subs: Ryan, Izzo, Degenek, Geria, Trewin, Behich, Herrington, Metcalfe, Devlin, Irvine, Hrustic, Mabil, Irankunda, Volpato, Yengi.

Friday’s reports claim that Juventus have been in contact with the agent of Paulo Dybala regarding a sensational return to Turin in 2026-27 despite the ongoing negotiations over a new contract with Roma. 

Report: Juventus request information on Dybala

Dybala spent seven trophy-laden careers with the Bianconeri, winning the Serie A title five times, the Coppa Italia four times, the Supercoppa Italiana twice and reaching the final of the 2016-17 Champions League before joining Roma on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Dybala’s current contract with Roma expires at the end of the month, but the Giallorossi have long been discussing a renewal with ‘La Joya’, who will have to accept a cut in wages from the reported €7m base salary he has been earning for the last two seasons. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are currently offering Dybala, who will turn 33 in November, a net salary of €2.5m per season, while the player and his entourage are reportedly holding out for €3m per season plus bonuses. This would be for a one-year contract with an option to extend for a further season. 

However, Dybala and his agents have not fully closed the doors to opportunities elsewhere, and according to Friday’s updates, Juventus are among the clubs who have been in contact with the player’s representatives to discuss the financial details of a potential deal. 

For now, this has been described as an ‘exploratory’ call, and it remains to be seen whether or not Juventus will follow up on this initial sign of interest.

Get today’s transfer updates with the Football Italia Transfer Show on YouTube with fresh news on Paulo Dybala, Nico Paz, Curtis Jones and much more.

The new episode of the Football Italia Transfer Show has dropped on our YouTube channel.

Football Italia Transfer Show: July 19, 2026

It’s been another day with plenty of juicy updates from Serie A, starting with Corriere dello Sport’s report that Nico Paz’s decision to stay at Como for one more season has upset Real Madrid, who still want to bring the Argentine back to the Bernabeu and have warned Cesc Fabregas’ side that they’ll need to pay €60m to remove Madrid’s buy-back option.

According to Gazzetta, Juventus have sounded out Paulo Dybala’s availability to return to Turin as contract extension talks between La Joya and the Giallorossi are still stalling and the striker’s contract expires on June 30, 2026.

Inter are keen on Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, but the Reds are reluctant to let the Englishman leave for less than €30m.

Get the most relevant updates on the Football Italia Transfer Show. Watch the full episode below.

Reports in Italy claim that Milan are not giving up in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche, despite claims in Germany that the Bundesliga side are unwilling to let the executive leave so close to the start of the summer transfer window. 

Report: Milan still holding out hope for Krösche and Hardung 

Milan’s hunt for a new set of sporting and technical directors continues following the departures of Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani back in May. 

Over the last week, reports in Italy have indicated that Eintracht Frankfurt’s Krösche was at the top of the Rossoneri wishlist to take over as technical director or ‘head of football’, and that he would bring his Eintracht Frankfurt colleague Timmo Hardung with him if he were to make the switch to San Siro this summer. 

News outlets in Italy had even claimed that Krösche and Hardung had reached agreements to join the senior management structure in Milan.

However, reports in Germany have made it clear that Eintracht Frankfurt are unwilling to let go of their directors as it would have an obvious impact on the club’s plans for the 2026-27 season. 

Reports on Thursday criticised Milan for their ‘amateurish’ handling of negotiations with Krösche and Frankfurt and argued that Krösche had been left ‘annoyed’ by the reports that he had reached an agreement to join Milan when nothing had been arranged between the two clubs. 

• Read more: Who is Milan-linked Krösche and who are his best signings?

There are conflicting reports in Germany and Italy, as La Gazzetta dello Sport have reported on Friday that Milan are not giving up on their pursuit of Krösche and Hardung, despite the reports in Germany that the directors will not leave their current positions in Frankfurt. 

The Pink Paper claims that despite their initial rejection earlier this week, Milan continued to discuss a potential set of deals for Krösche and Hardung on Thursday. The Rossoneri are reportedly hoping that Frankfurt will ‘soften’ their current stance if the potential compensation fee is raised. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport confesses that the signs are still not particularly encouraging for Milan. 

Other names that have been linked with the technical director role include Devin Ozek and Simon Rolfes.

Meanwhile, reports from Gianluca Di Marzio claim that former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Al-Shabab director Domenico Teti is a potential option in the role of sporting director. 

Former Italy star Marco Materazzi taunts his former Inter teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic: ‘With what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.’

Safe to say it hasn’t been an easy summer for ex-Milan and Inter star Ibrahimovic, who is currently leading the Rossoneri’s rebuild as a senior advisor to Gerry Cardinale.

Materazzi jokes: Ibrahimovic is the biggest Inter fan

Milan sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and directors Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada and Igli Tare at the end of the 2025-26 campaign without having a clear plan B.

They did hire Ruben Amorim as their new coach on a three-year deal, but missed out first on Ralf Rangnick and then on Markus Kroche as Football Directors, meaning the Serie A giants are still without a leading figure deciding on the sporting project and new signings.

Questioned about his rivalry with Ibrahimovic during their playing career, ex-Inter defender Materazzi told Gazzetta: “For me, it was just an on-the-field matter. I don’t know about him. I can’t really say anything about him because, with what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.”

The dispute between Ibra and Materazzi began in 2009, when the Swede pushed to join Barcelona and ultimately completed the move in a swap deal involving Samuel Eto’o.

“Eto’o knew he was strong; he had an incredible ego, but he put himself at the team’s disposal with humility,” Materazzi said.

“Even if, in footballing terms, he’s not the most humble I’ve ever met, he always gave his all for the team.

“He didn’t care whether Milito, Materazzi or Zanetti would score. What mattered was to lift the trophies. For this reason, I’ll forever be grateful to Ibrahimovic, as he left Barcelona and let us get Eto’o.”

Italy are at a crossroads and need to rebuild again after missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time. In this new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni and Richard Hall discuss who should remain in the Azzurri squad and who should be cut.

New day and new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show on YouTube.

Keep or drop? Assessing the future of the Italy national team

In our very first episode alongside TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton earlier this week, we discussed Roberto Mancini’s potential return as the Azzurri national team coach.

Today, we examine the options for the incoming Nazionale boss.

Starting from Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy squad for the World Cup play-off in March, Richard Hall and Lorenzo Bettoni named the Italy players who should be given a second chance and those who should not be part of the new project.

Check out our YouTube page for all the episodes of the Football Italia Summer Show and our daily transfer updates.

If you haven’t done it yet, subscribe to the channel and join the conversation with your questions and thoughts!

Italy’s rebuild: Who stays and who goes?

Watch the full episode below

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Liverpool refuse to lower their €30m asking price for Curtis Jones, but Inter are still confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds as the Englishman wants to move to San Siro.

Inter continue to push to sign Liverpool midfielder Jones and are confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds in the coming days.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Jones and Solet

Gazzetta reports that Inter sent an opening €20m offer for the 25-year-old earlier this week, but Liverpool continue to ask for €30m and a sell-on clause.

The Nerazzurri are reportedly working to finalise a deal in the coming days as they hope Jones can start the pre-season under Cristian Chivu in less than a month.

Jones’ contract expires in a year, boosting Inter’s confidence that Liverpool will ultimately lower their asking price.

Gazzetta claims that Jones wants to move to Inter this summer.

The pink paper adds that the Nerazzurri have continued talks with Udinese over Oumar Solet and aim to bring the 26-year-old to San Siro in time for the start of the pre-season.

Inter have practically completed their first summer signing as they are finalising negotiations with Atalanta for Marco Palestra in a deal exceeding €50m.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Nico Paz’s decision to remain at Como in 2026-27 has upset Real Madrid, which still want the Argentine to return to the Bernabeu unless the Serie A club pay €60m.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Real Madrid are unhappy with Nico Paz’s decision to remain at Como in 2026-27.

Nico Paz’s transfer decision upsets Real Madrid

AS.com in Spain reported earlier this week that Paz had opted to stay at the Stadio Sinigaglia for one more year, given that Real Madrid are bringing in several experienced players, including Bernardo Silva, which will raise the competition for a starting spot in attack next season.

Italian sources such as Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano had been more cautious, saying that Como were confident of retaining Paz, but adding that the Serie A side and Real Madrid were in talks to determine the best transfer formula.

Technically, Nico Paz is a Como player, having completed a permanent transfer from Real Madrid two years ago.

Real Madrid, however, have an option to bring him back until 2027.

If they sign him this summer, they’ll need to pay €10m, while the fee for the next campaign is €11m.

Corriere dello Sport adds that Como will be entitled to a 50% sell-on clause if Paz remains with the club beyond the summer.

The Italian newspaper claims that Real Madrid still want to bring the Argentine back to the club this summer by activating their clause and have warned Como that the only way to retain him permanently is by paying €60m.

Juventus striker Jonathan David has made history for Canada, becoming the country’s first player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup, but Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Koné suffered a serious injury in a 6-0 win over Qatar.

Canada secured a comfortable 6-0 win over Qatar in their second group stage game at the 2026 World Cup last night.

Juventus striker David makes Canada history at World Cup

Juventus striker David took centre stage by scoring a hat-trick, becoming the first-ever Canadian player to score three goals in a World Cup match.

There was, however, also bad news for one of the World Cup’s host countries as Sassuolo midfielder Koné suffered a broken leg eight minutes into the second half with Canada leading 3-0.

Assim Madibo’s reckless challenge led to Koné’s injury. The player from Qatar initially received a yellow card, but this was quickly upgraded to a red card after a VAR review.

 “Ismael is such a great kid – he’s so imperfect, but that’s part of why you love him,” said Canada coach Jesse Marsch via The Sun.

“Because he can do great things that nobody else can do, then the next moment he loses concentration. He embodies us as a team, it’s a huge loss for us. He’ll be fine; we’ll get him good doctors and get him back, but that kid is a big part of our future and everything we do.”

Both Koné and David have just terminated their first season in Serie A.

David scored eight goals in 46 appearances across all competitions with Juventus, while Koné netted six times in 36 matches with Sassuolo.

David is now the World Cup’s top-goal scorer, but according to recent reports in Italy, Juventus are open to offers for the Canada international this summer.

According to Gazzetta, however, David wants to remain at Juventus and fight for a starting spot in 2026-27.

Catch our latest Transfer Show on YouTube, where we break down the latest updates on David and the newest transfer news from Serie A.

You can watch the full episode below.

Igor Protti’s family has announced the death of the former Italian striker at the age of 58 and, in accordance with his wishes, shared his final message: ‘This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle.’

Former Italian striker Protti died last night, aged 58.

Ex-Italian striker Protti dies at 58

His family confirmed the news in a statement published on his official Instagram page: “With immense sorrow, the family announces that Igor passed away during the night,” the statement reads.

In accordance with Protti’s wishes, the family also published a farewell message from the ex-striker: “This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle. It is difficult to find words that can explain it, the only thing I can do is thank my great and wonderful family, whom I have loved dearly.

“I also want to thank all the people who cared for me and stood by my side, and all the supporters of the teams I played for, for the affection and love they always showed me, which I wholeheartedly returned. Hoping this is a see you again rather than a farewell.”

Protti revealed in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which, by September, had spread to his vertebrae. At the end of last month, he walked his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

A former striker for Livorno, Messina, Bari, Napoli and Lazio, among others, Protti was, along with Dario Hubner, the only player to become the Capocannoniere in each of the top-three Italian leagues: Serie A, Serie B and Serie C.

To date, he’s also the only player to finish as the Serie A leading scorer while playing for a team that was relegated in the same season (Bari).

During his playing career, Protti scored 48 goals in 144 Serie A matches.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Igor Protti (@igor10protti)

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Big coup: here’s Palestra

Meeting with Atalanta: agreement close for a 50m deal. Chivu signs until 2028

Carletto changes everything: Brazil with four strikers

Ancelotti with a super attack for a push against Haiti

Messi beats Ronaldo, duel (almost) over

Corriere dello Sport

Ancelotti changes, Montella risks

Watch Out for Paz

In Madrid, the Argentine feels blocked by Bellingham and Bernardo Silva

Real Madrid and Nico at odds: ‘Bring us €60 million.’

The talent has asked to play the Champions League with Como. Florentino picks the hard line: he doesn’t want to renew the loan. Cesc stunned. Premier League looming.

Inter, now there’s Jones. Chivu until 2028

Ausilio calls Liverpool: breakthrough for the full-back, 50m to La Dea

Kolo, Juve prepare the offer

New contacts with the entourage. Vicario advances in goal

Milan, now Leao is a burden

The Portuguese is disappointing at the World Cup too: Cardinale worried

Tuttosport

Lucumì, Juventus push

The Colombian centre-back is convincing in terms of leadership and versatility: contacts with the Rossoblu have resumed. Working on the 28m clause, the good relationship can ease the deal. Kolo Muani: Carnevali in talks with PSG. Attacking midfield: idea Zaniolo as an alternative to Brahim Diaz. Milan in the race too.

Toro and Abate: project Cacciamani

Montella risks flopping, asks for Yildiz’s help

Ancelotti remakes Brazil, but there’s the Neymar affair

Malagò is eligible, green light to Mancini

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Football Italia (@gazzettafootballitalia)

Fabio Capello is celebrating his 80th birthday on Thursday and has named the best players he has worked with in his career to date, the best ‘pupil’ that he has taught and has looked back on his most memorable highlights from a career that spanned over 50 years. 

Capello’s 80th birthday interview: ‘Herrera lightyears ahead, Cassano made me too angry’

As a player, Capello was a four-time Scudetto winner and lifted trophies with Roma, Juventus and Milan, before embarking on a managerial career that would take him back to Milan, Roma, Juve but also to Real Madrid, and the England and Russia national teams. 

Capello won nine trophies while in charge of Milan, including the 1993-94 Champions League, two league titles with Real Madrid, two trophies with Roma and two league titles with Juventus that were later revoked. 

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello says that there are three main coaches that have given him the most inspiration. 

“I tried to take something from all of their methods. I copied a lot from (Helenio) Herrera, a great motivator, lightyears ahead of the rest. I won my first trophy with him, the Coppa Italia in 1969, beating Cagliari with Riva, the greatest striker around by some distance. 

“(Nils) Liedholm, on the other hand, made you believe that you wanted to do something, even if it was actually just him who wanted you to do it. 

“(Nereo) Rocco understood football brilliantly. He was very direct, no beating around the bush.” 

And what are Capello’s favourite memories from his playing career?

“The early days,” he replied. “The first trophies: The first Coppa Italia, the first Scudetto with Juve, putting the star on the shirt with Rivera’s Milan, the strongest team I played in. 

“As a coach, the best feeling of all was the 1994 Champions League which we won against all odds, so that was even more beautiful.” 

Capello says that De Rossi was his best ‘student’, i.e. players that he has coached that have gone on to have their own coaching career. 

“If I have to name one, I would say De Rossi. I gave him his debut at Roma, I invested a lot in him, so out of affection, I would say Daniele.” 

And who is the best player that Capello has had the honour of coaching?

“Ronaldo, o Fenomeno. He was an absolute champion. It’s a shame he didn’t want to make any more sacrifices. And in Madrid, they forced me to sell him. 

“Another out-of-this-world talent was Cassano, but he made me too angry: A talent that was lost.” 

Inter have officially announced that head coach Cristian Chivu has put pen to paper on a new contract extension, which will tie the Romanian to the club until the summer of 2028. 

Chivu’s contract extension comes as a reward after a remarkable first season in charge, guiding the Nerazzurri to a Serie A and Coppa Italia double in what was the 45-year-old’s first full season as a head coach. 

Chivu spent the final seven years of his playing career in San Siro and held coaching roles with Inter’s U14s, U17s, U18s and the Primavera side before taking charge of Parma in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign. 

Chivu was then brought back to Inter following the departure of Simone Inzaghi at the end of the 2024-25 season and ended up guiding the Nerazzurri to both the Coppa Italia trophy and the Scudetto in 2025-26. 

Chivu’s previous contract had been due to expire next year, in the summer of 2027.

What Inter said about Chivu’s contract extension

“FC Internazionale Milano is delighted to confirm the contract extension of head coach Cristian Chivu. Thanks to the contract renewal, Coach Chivu will stay in charge of the Nerazzurri until 2028,” read a statement on the club website.

“Cristian Chivu’s story is truly unique: it’s a story defined by passion and sacrifice, it’s a tale of memorable and defining moments. It’s a story entrenched in Nerazzurri colours, with the Club there at every stage of the coach’s life, as was the case when Chivu was appointed Inter head coach on 9 June 2025.

“Since then, Cristian has been on the touchlines for Inter for 58 matches in an intense and demanding season that proved unforgettable as the months went by. The coach won a historic double featuring Inter’s 21st Scudetto, the Club’s tenth Coppa Italia. These were victories from a special team built under the Romanian coach, who was also recognised as Serie A Coach of the Season for 2025/26.

“Pride, loyalty, and passion for Inter: these were Chivu’s words to introduce himself to the Nerazzurri family at the start of his third stint with Inter. Words that served as a mantra, guiding his daily work with the squad and building the foundations for a triumphant season. 

“They are also values he recognised in his players, the core of a special team that went on to achieve remarkable success. Chivu has always allowed his team to be recognised for their merits, stepping back to let them have their moments to shine, even in the most celebratory moments. 

“These include the Coppa Italia ceremony in Rome, when he left the stage to the players, and at San Siro during the Serie A trophy celebration, when his players had to encourage him to lift the trophy with captain Lautaro Martinez. Perhaps the most special recognition of all: a group that truly views Chivu as their leader and guide.

“He’s a coach who can read every moment, a master who has passed on the values of Inter passion, a tradition long carried forward by a group that has consistently raised the profile of the Nerazzurri colours over the years. 

“This has been a key part of Inter’s journey, a factor that has given the players self-belief and allowed them to pick themselves back up after they were knocked down, a driving force ready to propel the team towards new challenges and new goals: from the Champions League to the league title, via the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup.

“This season has also seen the Romanian coach set several records: Chivu won the Scudetto as a coach after winning three league titles as a player, a feat achieved only by Armando Castellazzi in 1937/38, after winning in midfield for Inter’s 1929/30 Scudetto, while the legendary Virgilio Fossati had won as player-manager of the first championship in Nerazzurri history. 

“That’s not all, Chivu is also the fifth Inter coach in history to win Serie A in his first season, after Árpad Weisz (1929/30), Alfredo Foni (1952/53), Giovanni Invernizzi (1970/71), and Jose Mourinho (2008/09). Chivu’s records extent to more than this as he is the second coach to win Serie A with both the first team and the Primavera side, having previously won with Inter’s youth squad in 2022. 

“Alongside him, only Invernizzi had accomplished this, who, as well as the 1971 title, also won three Primavera tournaments in 1964, 1966, and 1969. Chivu is therefore the first to win the Scudetto across all three of his Nerazzurri ‘lives’. With the addition of the Coppa Italia, he has once again rewritten the record books, becoming the only figure in Inter history to win both competitions in the same season as both player and coach.

“Triumphs and spectacular achievements, possible only for those who truly know what it means to have passion for Inter, a value that has defined the entire season and will once again guide Cristian Chivu until 2028.”

The latest Football Italia Transfer Show is out on YouTube. Check out today’s most relevant updates from Italy.

Italy international Marco Palestra is expected to join Inter by next week, as the newly crowned Serie A champions had a positive meeting with Atalanta on Thursday and are close to reaching an agreement over the full-back’s transfer fee.

Inter have moved quickly to replace Denzel Dumfries, who will move to Real Madrid for €20m.

Serie A transfer round-up June 18

Inter’s city rivals Milan are still looking for a director of football and a sporting director, and the uncertainty regarding the club’s management has unsettled some key members of the team, such as Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, according to Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport.

Both Frenchmen are reportedly considering leaving Milan this summer, even though they have not yet made any public statement about their intentions, unlike their teammate Rafael Leao.

Jonathan David, on the other hand, wants to stay at Juventus to prove his worth in 2026-27, and according to Gazzetta, the Canadian’s stance complicates the Bianconeri’s search for a new centre-forward.

Roma remain keen on Mason Greenwood, and it is cheaper for the Giallorossi to sign the Englishman by the end of the month than from July 1.

As reported by Gazzetta, Marseille might be forced by financial difficulties to accept a €50m fee, including add-ons, to sell Greenwood before June 30, while, from July 1, a €60m clause will activate for the ex-Manchester United winger.

Find out today’s transfer updates in the Football Italia Transfer Show

Five Serie A stars are involved in the starting line-ups as Switzerland and Bosnia meet in the second round of group stage fixtures at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday evening. 

Group B at the 2026 World Cup is at a complete deadlock after the first round of group stage fixtures as the opening matches between Switzerland and Qatar ended level at 1-1, as did the match between Bosnia and co-hosts Canada.

Switzerland have made two changes for Thursday’s match, dropping Denis Zakaria and Ruben Vargas in favour of Silvan Widmer and Fabian Rieder. 

The Swiss side will feature three Italian representatives in the form of Inter center-back Manuel Akanji, Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler and Pisa’s Michel Aebischer. Milan’s Ardon Jashari is named among the substitutes. 

Bosnia, who defeated Italy in the World Cup play-off final in order to qualify, will have two Serie A representatives in Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic and Atalanta’s Sead Kolasinac. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 BST.

Switzerland vs. Bosnia: Confirmed line-ups

Switzerland (4-3-3): Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Rieder, Embolo, Ndoye. 

Subs: Mvogo, Keller, Coemert, Amenda, Jaquez, Zakaria, Manzambi, Jashari, Sow, Fassnacht, Vargas, Okafor, Amdouni, Itten.

Bosnia (4-4-2): Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Alajbegovic, Tahirovic, Sunjic, Memic; Dzeko, Demirovic. 

Subs: Jurkas, Zlomislic, Mujakic, Hadzikadunic, Radeljic, Malic, Gigovic, Basic, Hadziahmetovic, Burnic, Mahmic, Bazdar, Bajraktaervic, Tabakovic, Lukic.

Reports in Germany claim that Milan offered Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche a staggering salary of €10m per season for four years and a transfer budget of €700m in order to transform the Rossoneri, but this was still not enough to convince the German to move to San Siro. 

BILD: Milan’s handling of Krösche negotiations were ‘amateurish’

Milan have recently learned that Krösche will not be joining the club in the role of ‘head of football’. The Eintracht Frankfurt director had been linked with a move to take over the sporting sector of the club but seems set to stay on in his current role with the Bundesliga outfit. 

• Read more: Who is Milan-linked Krösche and who are his best signings?

That is despite the fact that Milan were willing to offer Krösche €40m in salary over a four-year period, equating to €10m net per season according to reports from German outlet BILD. 

A €10m-per-season salary would have been significantly higher than any of the current players in the Rossoneri squad: The likes of Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan believed to be earning somewhere in the region of €7m net per season. 

BILD also claims that Milan were willing to give Krösche a budget of €700m over a four-year period to completely transform the playing staff, coaching staff and the general sporting side of the club.  

Thursday’s report points out that there was a release clause in Krösche’s contract with Eintracht Frankfurt, believed to be worth €7m, but this would have only been valid during the winter, not the summer. 

That means that Milan would have had to negotiate with Frankfurt, who reportedly set their price at €10m to free Krösche from his current contract. 

In the end, the German executive decided to stay where he is, and BILD claims that part of his decision was due to the fact that he did not want to ‘let down’ a club that has treated him so well so close to the beginning of the transfer window, nor did he want to disappoint the 600 staff that work under him at the Deutsche Bank Park. 

BILD also claims that Krösche was ‘annoyed’ at the reports that came out in the Italian press regarding his talks with Milan when an agreement had not been reached. The German outlet claims that the handling of the situation was ‘amateurish’ from such a respected and world-renowned club.

Czechia and South Africa are hoping to get off the mark at the 2026 World Cup when they face each other in Atlanta as the second round of group stage fixtures gets underway on Thursday evening. 

Both nations fell to defeats in their first matches in Group A: South Africa fell to a 3-1 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup while Czechia were defeated 2-1 by South Korea shortly afterwards. 

South Africa’s defeat was particularly costly as they had two players sent off in the process and will therefore be without Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane against Czechia on Thursday. 

The Czech outfit has made a handful of changes, most notably leaving West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek among the substitutes. 

There are no Serie A representatives involved in today’s game

Kick-off is due at 17.00 BST.

Czechia vs. South Africa: Confirmed line-ups 

Czechia (5-3-2): Kovar; Coufal, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Sojka; Sadilek, Darida, Cerv; Hlozek, Schick.

Subs: Stanek, Hornicek, Zima, Chaloupek, Zeleny, Doudera, Provod, Soucek, Sochurek, Kuchta, Chytil, Sulc, Chory, Visinsky.

South Africa (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams; Maseko, Rayners, Appollis.

Subs: Chaine, Goss, Matuludi, Ndamane, Kabini, Sibisi, Makhanya, Cross, Moremi, Foster, Mofokeng, Makgopa, Sebelebele.

Suspended: Sithole, Zwane

Fabio Paratici refuses to rule out Moise Kean’s summer exit, but insists Fiorentina want to retain Cher Ndour and are interested in Luca Koleosho.

Paratici held a press conference at the Viola Park on Thursday to discuss the Tuscans’ plans for the summer transfer window.

“The ownership is very strong; it wants to build a competitive and lasting Fiorentina over the years. I want to emphasise these two words: competitive and lasting,” he said via LaViola.it.

“The ownership, I add, needs time. Things don’t happen in two weeks. It takes time to build lasting and competitive things.”

Paratici had met with Kean’s agent on Wednesday.

“We are in a transfer window. There are discussions with the footballers and their entourages. It’s a normal thing. I’m definitely not here to tell you the whole truth of what we say to each other with players and their entourage during this transfer window, to be honest,” Paratici said.

“As for Kean, he is absolutely a heritage of Italian football and Fiorentina. Everyone knows how fond I am of him; I watched him grow from when he was nine years old until the Champions League.

“I’ve also already sold him once under my management. I am as fond of him as I am of all the footballers I have had. But we are in a market period. We hope and want him to be our No.9. But all football clubs are not masters of their fate on the market, apart from the top five or six in the world.

“I believe it is a sincere and realistic response for our fans. First of all, because it takes respect, but also to educate people about what’s happening in the world of the market and football in general.”

Fiorentina parted ways with coach Paolo Vanoli a few weeks ago and hired Fabio Grosso.

“Grosso was the only candidate. We liked the profile and everything that follows,” Paratici said.

Fiorentina have not won a trophy in over 20 years.

“You always need a minimum correlation between dream and goal. They should be as closely related as possible,” noted Paratici.

“Yesterday my son, who plays football, told me his dream is to play in the World Cup. I told him that if his goal is to play in the World Cup, we risk getting disappointed. It’s best if we set a realistic goal and a dream that’s close to it. That’s not to say you don’t want to try to win. But the dream remains a dream and a goal becomes a goal.”

Fiorentina failed to qualify for European competitions in 2025-26, does Paratici fear the club has lost appeal?

“No, Fiorentina have not lost appeal. The clubs have not lost appeal. Liverpool didn’t win for 20 years, and all the footballers wanted to go there. Manchester United haven’t won in so many years, but ask any footballer if they don’t want to go play for them.

“The clubs are historic; they have their own historic relevance regardless of the sporting result. Then it’s clear that if you play the Champions League, you’re more attractive.”

U21 Italy international Ndour has been linked with Juventus, but Paratici is not considering selling him, contrary to Dodo.

“Ndour is at the heart of Fiorentina’s project, absolutely,” Paratici said.

“He’s just getting started; he needs to confirm himself. This is another point I would like to emphasise, not only for Fiorentina but for Italian football. We cannot beatify players after twelve matches. We can have a positive or negative impression. We don’t even have to crucify them.

“We need to find a balance. Ndour had a very good second half of the season. He’s growing. We expect him to improve even further next season.

“Dodo is 28 years old and has legitimate ambitions. Like Fiorentina have them. We’ll see what happens in the next few days or months.”

During an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Paratici also confirmed interest in Burnley-owned Koleosho: “Everyone likes good players. Koleosho is a good player, like others in the U21 team,” Paratici concluded.

Paratici took charge of Fiorentina in February 2026 so this is the first transfer window he’ll oversee at the Stadio Franchi.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Marco Palestra is closing in on a move to Inter after the latest meeting between the Serie A champions and Atalanta today.

Inter are close to reaching a full agreement with Atalanta for Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Latest meeting brings Palestra closer to Inter

The Italian broadcasters claim that a meeting between the two clubs took place on Thursday morning, helping the newly crowned Serie A champions move closer to Atalanta’s demands.

According to the report, the two parties hope to shake hands by the end of next week.

Currently, the two parties are discussing the bonus structure and a potential sell-on clause for Atalanta, so an agreement is not too far away.

Palestra has also attracted interest from the Premier League, especially Chelsea and Manchester City.

Sky Sport, however, already reported a few days ago that the promising Italian defender was willing to wait for Inter and Atalanta to reach an agreement, having prioritised a move to San Siro.

Inter have planned to make Palestra their replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who is set to move to Real Madrid in a €20m deal.

The latest episode of the Football Italia summer show is not live on YouTube. Giancarlo Rinaldi joined us to discuss the next Juventus moves, including the future of Andrea Cambiaso and the Bianconeri’s search for a new striker.

Both Chelsea and Barcelona have shown interest in Juventus defender Cambiaso, and according to Gazzetta, both sides are eager to discuss swap deals with the Bianconeri, who need to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month.

Football Italia Summer Show, June 18: Juventus, Cambiaso, Kean and more

Chelsea have reportedly offered Nicolas Jackson as part of a swap deal, while Barcelona want to include Ronald Araujo in negotiations with the Bianconeri.

“From a selfish Italian national team point of view, I’d like to see him where he plays regularly and not another kind of Chiesa, making a big move and not playing any football at all,” Gincarlo Rinaldi said during the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube.

Juventus are also chasing a new centre forward and, aside from Jackson, the most concrete options on the table are Alexander Sorloth and Randal Kolo Muani. The latter already played for Juventus in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring ten goals in 22 appearances in Turin.

Giancarlo, however, feels that Sorloth would be the best option for the Old Lady.

Check out the full show below.

Having failed to match Juventus’ asking price for Andrea Cambiaso, Chelsea have asked the Bianconeri to consider including Nicolas Jackson in a swap deal, according to Gazzetta.

Juventus defender Cambiaso is attracting interest from several European clubs, especially Barcelona and Chelsea, with the Bianconeri forced to sell one of their players by the end of June to make a capital gain and comply with FFP regulations.

Cambiaso transfer: latest updates as Chelsea explore swap deal

Gazzetta reported on Wednesday that Barcelona were eager to include Ronald Araujo in a player-plus cash swap deal, while, still according to Gazzetta, Chelsea are open to including Senegal international Jackson in negotiations with the Old Lady.

Cambiaso has a low amortised cost in Juventus’ balance sheet, so he’s practically the most sellable player in the team right now.

The Bianconeri value the Italy international at €40m, but Chelsea’s opening offer is only around € 27m- €28m, according to Gazzetta.

Therefore, the Blues have asked Juventus to consider the potential inclusion of Jackson in the deal, given that the Bianconeri are looking for a new centre-forward for next season.

Jackson has returned to Stamford Bridge after a one-season loan spell at Bayern Munich.

Juventus keep their eyes open for a new centre-forward and have also opened talks for Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid) and Randal Kolo Muani (PSG).

Rafael Leao has opened up about his future at Milan for the first time since his compatriot Ruben Amorim was appointed as the Rossoneri boss.

Leao’s time at Milan might be over following a disappointing 2025-26 season at San Siro under Massimiliano Allegri.

Leao comments on Milan future after Amorim’s appointment

The Portuguese winger struggled with injuries and played for the whole campaign out of position. Over the last few weeks, he repeatedly said he would be looking for a new challenge during the summer transfer window, and it’s unclear whether his plans will change following Amorim’s appointment as the new Diavoli boss.

“Now I only think about the World Cup and helping my national team. When the World Cup is over, I’ll think about my future,” Leao said on Wednesday, following Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo at the World Cup.

Leao started on the bench and was introduced in the second half.

“I tried to give my best. Sometimes there are games when you don’t score or assist, but that doesn’t mean you were sloppy,” he added, via Sky Sport.

They defended well, with two or three defenders close to me, but I still tried to go one-v-one and do well. The team is the most important thing. We have to raise our heads and work. We must win the next game.

Milan have appointed Amorim on a three-year deal, but have yet to rebuild the club’s management after failing to bring in both Ralf Rangnick and Markus Kroche as Football Director.

Leao remains under contract with Milan until June 2028 and has a €175m release clause.

Sky Sport Italia reports that both Juventus and Napoli have shown interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after Inter opted for Lazio’s Ivan Provedel instead.

Napoli and Juventus have set their sights on Tottenham keeper Vicario, according to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.

Vicario transfer news: latest updates with interest from Serie A

Inter had chased the Italy international for several weeks in the past, but the Nerazzurri eventually decided to pick Provedel from Lazio and promote Josep Martinez to a starting role for 2026-27 following Yann Sommer’s exit as a free agent.

The Serie A interest in Vicario, however, remains very much alive, with both Juventus and Napoli tracking the ex-Empoli and Cagliari keeper.

Juventus have made Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez their primary target for a goalkeeper, but they have not yet reached an agreement with the Premier League club and would consider Vicario if he were less expensive than the Argentine.

Napoli, on the other hand, would only open formal talks for Vicario’s return to Serie A if one of their goalkeepers, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic or Alex Meret, were to leave this summer.

Paolo Maldini reacts to Lionel Messi’s hat-trick with a social media message: ‘No words needed, simply the best.’

Argentine legend Messi scored three goals in the Albiceleste’s 2026 World Cup debut against Algeria on Wednesday, leaving ex-Milan and Italy star Maldini impressed.

The legendary defender reacted to Messi’s latest World Cup display with an Instagram story: “No words needed, simply the best,” Maldini wrote, posting a picture of the Argentine superstar’s goal celebration.

Maldini participated in four World Cups, finishing 3rd in 1990 and second in 1994, when Italy lost the final on penalties to Brazil.

Maldini’s reaction to Messi’s hat-trick

Follow Football Italia on YouTube: watch our latest show below

La Gazzetta dello Sport

The king is always Leo

Messi wants the double that only Pelé could make; this is how he can overtake Maradona as well. ‘We are a marvellous group.’ Cristiano doesn’t work; Kane yes: scores twice.

Cardinale’s choices

Double setback, what a blow: Krosche and Hardung are no longer coming

FFP: Inter and Milan ok, Roma fined

Corriere dello Sport

Messi impresses, Ronaldo fails

If this is Milan: Krosche and Hardung deals collapse, Maignan and Leão to break away

Krosche and Hardung deals collapse, Maignan and Leao to break away

Amorim has signed for three years, but there’s a lack of management structure to plan ahead. The arrival of the two Eintracht managers falls apart. Modric won’t renew, Mike and Rafa want to leave.

Exclusive Gravina: ‘I’ll bring the bill.’

Inter done deal: Provedel arrives

Napoli, Lukaku perfect for Max

Roma, effort needed for Greenwood

Reggina to Lotito: signatures arrive

Tuttosport

Dibu, Kolo and Sorloth wait for Juve

The Bianconeri are confident that the requests for the goalkeeper and the strikers will decrease. There’s always Vicario as an alternative. Carnevali is waiting for signals from Brahim Diaz and studies the youth sector in Vinovo. Cambiaso between Chelsea and Barça (swap deal with Araujo?)

Messiah

Messiah: hat-trick and tears to rewrite history

Ravaglia rivals Falcone

Chivu signs, three gifts for Inter

Cardinale, a mess after the other

Portugal and Ronaldo, double disappointment

Super Kane, Bellingham and Rashford: Come on England

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Football Italia (@gazzettafootballitalia)

Thomas Tuchel will have to do without Bukayo Saka as England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against a Croatia side that will be led by Milan star Luka Modric, Inter’s Petar Sucic and an entire midfield of players currently plying their trade in Italy.

There are no Serie A representatives among the England squad: Milan’s Fikayo Tomori still not selected despite the recent withdrawal of Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. Former Genoa full-back Djed Spence is named among the Three Lions substitutes. 

Croatia, meanwhile, have plenty of Serie A representation among their 26-man squad: Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic, Bologna’s Nikola Moro, Milan’s Modric, Inter’s Sucic, Torino’s Nikola Vlasic, Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic and Como’s Martin Baturina are all available for selection. 

The entirety of the Croatia midfield will be made up of Serie A representatives, with Modric, Pasalic, Baturina and Sucic all selected to start. 

Kick-off is due at 21.00 BST.

England vs. Croatia: Confirmed line-ups 

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Subs: Henderson, Trafford, Guehi, Burn, Spence, Quansah, Henderson, Mainoo, Rogers, Eze, Saka, Rashford, Watkins, Toney.

Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Sutalo; Modric, Mario Pasalic, P.Sucic; Perisic, Musa, Baturina.

Subs: Pandur, Kotarski, Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Jakic, Erlic, Moro, Kovacic, Vlasic, Fruk, L.Sucic, Kramaric, Budimir, Matanovic, Marco Pasalic.

Catch up on today’s biggest transfer stories from Italy with the latest Football Italia Transfer Show on YouTube.

Leading the headlines is the news that Markus Krösche will not be taking over as Milan’s new Football Director, but that’s just one of the key developments covered in today’s episode.

June 17 Transfer News – Latest Football Italia Show

Cristian Chivu will sign a contract extension with Inter until 2028 after the coach’s agent visited the club’s headquarters today.

Juventus and Roma must make a capital gain by the end of the month to comply with Financial Fair Play, and according to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri have been offered Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo in a swap deal for Andrea Cambiaso.

According to Tuttosport, Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin has also been offered to the Old Lady by the defender’s agents, who are on good terms with Marco Ottolini, Juventus’ sporting director.

Tune in for all the latest transfer updates, rumours, and insights from across Italian football.

Watch the full episode below: