Reports in Italy claim that Atalanta have stepped forwards with a proposal for Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Kerim Alajbegovic, who has also been linked with a move to Milan and Roma, and the latest updates claim that the teenager has given his approval to Bergamo as a potential destination. 

Atalanta preparing €20m bid for Alajbegovic after receiving player approval

Alajbegovic has attracted the interest from a number of top-flight clubs in Italy including Roma, Milan and according to the latest reports from Alfredo Pedullà, Atalanta as well. 

The exciting 18-year-old winger scored nine goals from 28 appearances for RB Salzburg in 2025-26, which was enough for Bayer Leverkusen to immediately activate their buy-back clause for the teenage talent. 

Alajbegovic was born in Germany, spent eight years with the academy of 1. FC Köln before joining the youth ranks in Leverkusen in 2021. 

Bayer Leverkusen are expected to listen to offers for Alajbegovic this summer, and according to Pedullà’s report, Atalanta are expected to step forwards with an offer of €20m plus bonuses. 

Already, this is not expected to be enough to convince Leverkusen into selling, but Pedullà insists that La Dea have made their intentions clear. Monday’s report adds that Atalanta have already received a ‘yes’ from Alajbegovic and his representatives. 

Gian Piero Gasperini says that Manu Kone is ‘having a great World Cup’, and though he is aware of the fact that Roma still need to balance their budgets, he insists that there will be ‘more clarity’ surrounding the Manchester United target in the coming weeks.

Gasperini: ‘Kone having a great World Cup, there will be more clarity in the coming weeks’

Kone is enjoying a starring role with the France national team, who are among the favourites to go the distance at the 2026 World Cup. 

As a result of his strong 2025-26 performances and his impressive audition on the world stage, the Giallorossi midfielder is beginning to attract interest from high-profile clubs across Europe, most recently Manchester United. 

United have dropped a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, have arranged a deal for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are in talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, but there is every chance that Michael Carrick looks to add a third option to a midfield department that is lacking in numbers at Old Trafford.

When asked about Kone’s status in an interview with Radio Rai 1, Gasperini said: “Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half.  

“He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”

For several weeks at the beginning of the summer, it had been reported that Roma would need to sell a big-name player such as Kone if they are to comply with the terms of their financial fair play settlement agreement with UEFA. 

Gasperini admits that Roma still need to ‘balance the budgets’, but insists that there will be a clearer picture in the near future. 

He said: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years. 

“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”

Click here to read the full interview with Gasperini: ‘The whole Italy system has to be reviewed, especially the youth sector’

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

Brentford, Köln and Wolfsburg want Inter and Italy talent Iddrissou

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

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

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

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

Beppe Bergomi insists that Paolo Maldini is the best choice for Italy and the FIGC in his new role as technical director, but says that he is still willing to offer his assistance if called upon: “If Paolo called me, I would listen to someone like him.”

Bergomi on Maldini and Italy’s next head coach: ‘He’s the best choice by some distance’

Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the Italian FA under recently-elected FIGC President Giovanni Malagò. He will be tasked with ‘rebuilding’ the Italy national team after three successive World Cup disappointments and with reshaping the wider state of football and youth development in Italy. 

Had Maldini not accepted the offer to return to the Italy national team set-up, there was a list of alternatives that reportedly included Bergomi, who says that he is still willing to offer his assistance if required. 

“I was pleased to be on the list,” said Bergomi in an in-depth interview with La Repubblica.  

“There’s a lot of respect between myself and Malagò, he was the one who let me carry the torch during the opening ceremony for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, one of the most exciting moments of my life. 

“Had Paolo not accepted, I would have been among the possible alternatives and for me, that is a source of pride. Maldini is the best choice, by some distance.

“Paolo has experience, he has already been a director at a high level. He has good values, he is competent. I love him, I think he’s the best Italian player I’ve ever played with. He has a new position now, he will be able to make the difference.”

Later, when pushed on whether he would still be willing to assist in the Italy set-up if given the opportunity, Bergomi replied: “If Paolo called me, I would listen to someone like him. 

“I like being a commentator with Sky, but the Italy shirt has characterised my career, from 1982 all the way to 1998. I played in four World Cups. If I can help, I won’t back down.”

Maldini has also brought former Milan teammate, ex-Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo with him as an advisor. 

Bergomi says that this is “a smart move. There will be a lot of work, you could have every possible quality, but it’s always better with two. Maldini is practical in the way he manages, Leo is a dreamer, it’s an interesting mix. 

“They will have to understand how to get the best out of the youth sectors, get the Azzurri supply chain working well. They tell me that there are two promising vintage years, the boys born in 2007 and 2010. 

“We all need to have the same principles, the same shared guidelines. The various age categories have to play with the same ideas. Think about the national team like a club. I recently watched a youth tournament won by a group of Spanish U11s, they all have a similar way of playing. 

“We also have a lot of talent, let’s not waste it. We need the courage to let our youngsters play and make mistakes.”

It remains to be seen who will be appointed as the next head coach of the Italy national team. Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte remain the frontrunners, and the candidacy of the ‘dream’ option Pep Guardiola has re-emerged over the last few days. 

“There is no one right choice, it depends on the football you believe in,” said Bergomi when discussing the candidates for the role of Italy CT. 

“Guardiola intrigues me, and when you have Paolo in your camp, you have the strength and the standing to go and talk to Pep. They can give it a try. 

“I’m a football romantic. These coaches have made a lot of money. I often hear that if they lower their demands, their status isn’t valued. But I would say, does someone like Guardiola, a football genius, need to think about his status?

“Leading a national team can be a stimulating challenge, he could see it as that, as a challenge. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the other candidates aren’t strong either.” 

Reports on Monday indicate that Mancini is the current favourite for the Italy job. 

“He’s perfect as a coach,” says Bergomi. “And he has the desire to return. He has vision, he knows how to identify talent, he deserves another opportunity.” 

And as for Conte, Bergomi says: “He knows how to build a team in a short period of time, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. He demands a lot but gives just as much.”

Bergomi has offered his own alternative option that he feels is worth looking at: “I’d also like a profile like (Cesc) Fabregas. His Como side is a model to study, He knows how to work with youngsters, he knows how to develop talent. A shame that he isn’t free and available.”

Roma have officially announced that Paulo Dybala has put pen to paper on a new contract extension that ties him to the club until the end of the 2026-27 season. 

La Joya had technically been a free agent for the first fortnight in July as his previous deal with Roma had expired on June 30. 

The Giallorossi have confirmed on Monday that Dybala will remain with the club for the 2026-27 season and reports from various outlets indicate that the 32-year-old has also agreed to take a significant cut in wages in order to extend his stay. 

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio confirms that this is a one-year contract, without an option to extend, and that Dybala will earn a base salary slightly under €3m per season, not including bonuses.

Dybala was Roma’s highest earner last season on a net wage reported to be worth €8m. 

Roma confirm Dybala’s contract extension

“AS Roma is delighted to announce that Paulo Dybala has signed a contract extension with the club until 30 June 2027,” read a statement on the club website.

“Since arriving in the capital in the summer of 2022, Dybala immediately ignited the passion of the Giallorossi faithful. Over the course of 139 appearances and 45 goals, he has established himself as a key figure on the pitch and a leader both on and off the field.

“The story between Roma and La Joya continues, with many more chapters left to write. Forward together, Paulo!”

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has weighed in with his opinions on the general state of football in Italy, the need for reforms across the board and the state of affairs in the capital as Roma get back to work at the beginning of pre-season. 

The Giallorossi are back at Trigoria for their first day of pre-season training on Monday, and head coach Gasperini stopped to give an interview to Radio Rai 1 before stepping back onto the training pitch. 

He assured supporters that the ‘real’ work on the transfer market will begin from today, and that most clubs at the top level have had a slow start to the window on account of the ongoing 2026 World Cup in the United States. 

Gasperini also insists that Roma must become regulars in the Champions League before they start dreaming of the Serie A title, that consistent qualification into Europe’s premier competition will help them financially, which will then in turn push them on to fight for trophies.  

Gasperini also spoke about the recent appointment of Paolo Maldini to the position of technical director with the FIGC and the changes that he would like to see brought in across Italy, beginning with a review of how youth systems operate across the board. 

Gasperini on Roma’s ‘sleepy’ transfer window long-term goals

Beginning with his assessment of the transfer window thus far, Gasperini said: “Apart from a few teams, it’s been a fairly sleepy window up until now because of the World Cup, so many players are involved in the United States, their agents as well. 

“The clubs haven’t armoured themselves yet. The ‘real’ window will begin this week for most teams. All teams seem very keen to strengthen.” 

He also gave his opinions on the World Cup and the controversial hydration breaks that many argue are fundamentally changing the way the sport is played. 

“I think there are two types of football,” Gasperini hypothesised. “The one that is played in August and the one that is played in normal weather conditions. Playing football at certain temperatures is not the same type of sport. 

“I think it’s been a great World Cup with full stadiums, it’s been a great success in the United States. But from an aesthetics point of view, playing in these conditions isn’t ideal. I believe that the pauses are only because of these factors.”

Returning to the topic of Roma and the transfer window, his aims for the 2026-27 season and his long-term ambitions, Gasperini added: “Lots of teams want to strengthen in July, but we’ll have to see what happens in the window. 

“Inter are always the favourites, then there are another five or six teams who want to do well. Milan and Juve are out of the Champions League and will want to improve, they all have potential. 

“Roma must continue on its own journey: We shouldn’t think about results, we have to try and stabilise at the top, to stay in the Champions League, which then guarantees the possibility of strengthening from an economic point of view. 

“If we manage to stay in those positions for multiple years, then we can aspire to even more and also aim for the Scudetto.”

Gasperini: ‘Most Serie A sides struggle to field Italians, it’s a cultural fact’

Gasperini was asked if he thinks there will be a bigger presence of Italian players in Serie A this season. 

He replied: “It’s a speech that applies to everyone, not just to Roma. There are quotas in the Serie A and UEFA lists, such as the 4+4 rule. Hardly anyone, including Roma, can tick those boxes, it’s a cultural fact. Even with the players from our own youth teams, those four players are almost never actually part of the team. 

“This has to become a fundamental talking point. Even if the clubs are made up of mostly foreign players, it has to be a focal point that we have to fight for.”

Gasperini was then asked for his opinion on the appointment of Paolo Maldini as the new technical director of the FIGC and what this means for the ‘rebirth’ of football in Italy.

“There will be a rebirth, but not just because of one or two individuals, nor with the new coach,” he replied. “It has to be a system, which evidently hasn’t been working until now, it hasn’t been able to bring through players of the required level. 

“Aside from good people, there will have to be bigger reforms. There are lots of kids in the academies. If none of them come through, the problem is with the adults, not with the children. I believe that there is more quality in our football than what has been achieved with the national team in recent years. 

“It won’t be easy, but I think we’ll be able to put a competitive national team out onto the pitch. But, the system has to be reviewed, particularly the youth sector.”

Gasperini on Kone and Dybala

Gasperini was also asked if he thinks Roma will have to sell a key player like Manu Kone in order to help with the club’s financial fair play situation. 

He said: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years. 

“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”

And on Kone specifically, he added: “Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half. He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”

Lastly, Gasperini hinted that a contract extension may be close when asked for an update on Paulo Dybala. 

He said: “We’ve been stuck in the starting blocks for a little while. Partly because of holidays, partly because of the strong end to the season. We’ve enjoyed that this summer. From today onwards, there will be important steps forward. The work begins now, the 2026-27 season starts now, last year is over.”

The Juventus squad are in for their first full day of pre-season training on Monday, and reports indicate that Luciano Spalletti has a squad of 28 players available to him, made up of 22 first-team players and six who have been called up from the Next Gen squad. 

The Bianconeri are getting their pre-season preparations underway on Monday, but do not yet have their full squad of players available, as six first-team stars are still on holiday after their involvement at the 2026 World Cup. 

Those players who were called up to the tournament in the USA are: Bremer (Brazil), Teun Koopmeiners (Netherlands), Weston McKennie (USA), Francisco Conceicao (Portugal), Jonathan David (Canada) and Kenan Yildiz (Turkey).

This leaves Juventus with 22 first-team players available for the first day of pre-season training on Monday. 

That list includes a range of players and situations, from those who are expected to be part of the first-team group in 2026-27 such as Pierre Kalulu, Manuel Locatelli, and new signing Jeff Ekhator, to those whose futures with the Bianconeri remain in doubt, including Michele Di Gregorio, Lois Openda and Edon Zhegrova. 

There is also a list of players that Juventus are expected to shift this summer, whether that be on loan or on permanent transfers, such as Arthur Melo, Douglas Luiz and Daniele Rugani. 

The six players that have been called up from the Juventus Next Gen squad, according to Tuttosport, are Pedro Felipe, Javier Gil Puche, Shane van Aarle, Augusto Owusu, Arman Durmisi and Justin Odoavwoduo.

Juventus squad on first day of pre-season

Goalkeepers: Di Gregorio, Perin, Pinsoglio

Defenders: J.Cabal, Cambiaso, Gatti, Kalulu, Kelly, Rugani, J.Mario, Rouhi, P.Felipe, Gil Puche, van Aarle.

Midfielders: Locatelli, Miretti, Thuram, D.Luiz, Arthur, Owusu.

Forwards: Ekhator, Boga, Milik, Openda, Zhegrova, Owusu, Oboavwoduo, Durmisi.

Still on holiday: Bremer, Koopmeiners, McKennie, Conceicao, David, Yildiz.

A deal between Atalanta and Manchester United for central midfielder Ederson appears to be ‘off’ for the time being, but updates on Monday claim that the Premier League side could look to ‘revisit’ the situation later on in the summer transfer window, despite their talks over deal for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans. 

Report: Manchester United could still ‘revisit’ Ederson this summer

Back in June, it was reported that United had struck an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil international Ederson for a total package worth up to €45m including bonuses and add-ons. 

Reports last week, however, indicated that a deal was not a complete certainty due to concerns around the midfielder’s medical and fitness. 

Ederson had an initial medical in the United States before the start of Brazil’s World Cup campaign and was then flown over to the UK for further checks with club doctors from Manchester United before reports from multiple outlets confirmed that the deal was off. 

Now, according to reports from David Ornstein of The Athletic, United are in advanced talks to sign 29-year-old Aston Villa and Belgium midfielder Tielemans instead. 

That is on top of a £50m deal that has been agreed with Chelsea for Andrey Santos. 

Yet, The Athletic report claims that United could still potentially look to ‘revisit’ the Ederson deal later on in the summer transfer window as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield department with at least two, if not three new arrivals. Monday’s report adds that it ‘remains to be seen’ whether Atalanta and Ederson will be willing to do the same.

Meanwhile, reports in Italy claim that Atalanta are keen to tie Ederson down to a new contract. He is into the final year of his deal in Bergamo, expiring in the summer of 2027, and Atalanta feel that a new contract will strengthen their position in negotiations if the Brazilian does seek a move away at a later date. La Dea are also adamant that the player is injury free.

Sandro Tonali has recently joined Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that has made him the most expensive Italy international of all time, and the former Milan man also sits comfortably at the top of the list of Italian players with the highest cumulative transfer fees, leading Al-Qadsiah’s Mateo Retegui in second place. 

Tonali has recently joined Tottenham in a deal believed to be worth around €115m (just shy of £100m) including bonuses and add-ons, making him the most expensive Italy international of all-time. 

Tonali had already cost Newcastle a package worth a potential €70m when he moved to St James’s Park from Milan in the summer of 2023, and had cost the Rossoneri a double-figure fee when he joined them from Brescia. That means he has raked in just shy of €200m in total transfer fees across his career already. 

Tonali is one of three Italy internationals past and present whose combined transfer fees exceed the €100m mark. 

Second on the list is Al-Qadsiah’s Retegui, who held the Italian transfer record when he joined the Saudi Pro League outfit from Atalanta last summer. La Dea earned in excess of €65m from that particular transfer. 

Leonardo Bonucci completes the top three for most expensive Italy players by cumulative transfer fees. His most expensive move came when he joined Milan for €42m in 2017, but was signed back by the Bianconeri the following season in a deal reported to be worth €35m. 

Below is the full list of the top 10 Italy players by their cumulative transfer fees. 

Top 10 Italy players by cumulative transfer fees 

1. Sandro Tonali – €194.4m
2. Mateo Retegui – €109.9m
3. Leonardo Bonucci – €107m
4. Christian Vieri – €99m
5. Moise Kean – €79m
6. Riccardo Calafiori – €78.1m
7. Jorginho – €77.8m
8. Giacomo Raspadori – €77m
9. Mario Balotelli – €72.5m
10. Gianluca Scamacca – €71m

* Fees according to Sky Sport Italia.

Dino Zoff has weighed in on the appointment of his former ‘pupil’ Paolo Maldini to the role of technical director in the Italy national team set-up, and says that he must be given the freedom to ‘follow his beliefs’ and make the changes that he sees fit. 

Zoff comments on Maldini’s Italy appointment: ‘A perfect appointment in terms of character’

Maldini has recently been confirmed as the new technical director of the FIGC, signing a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. 

He will be joined by former Milan teammate, ex Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. They will work in close collaboration with Giovanni Malago, who has recently been elected as the replacement for Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC.

This has been described as the beginning of a new era for Italy, who have failed to qualify for each of the last three editions of the FIFA World Cup. 

“It’s a choice that I fully understand,” said World Cup-winning captain and former Italy head coach Zoff in an interview with Il Resto del Carlino.

He continued: “Paolo has given so much for our football, to Milan in particular but also for the national team. He was also one of my players when I was in charge and I can’t forget his father Cesare either, who was Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982. 

“Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence. I also understand the choice of Leonardo as an advisor. It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts. 

“It has to be the same assessment for the next coach that comes in. Maldini has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference. It won’t come from me, I don’t have a name to suggest for the role.”

Asked what advice he would give to Maldini if he had the chance, Zoff said: “It is essential that there is clarity on the roles and responsibilities. I don’t doubt Malago, I know him well. I hope that there is an awareness of where we are at the moment across the whole organisation surrounding the national team.”

Ederson will not be joining Manchester United this summer, and the latest reports claim that Atalanta will instead offer the Brazilian a new contract in an attempt to keep him in Bergamo. 

What next for Ederson after failed Manchester United move?

Manchester United and Atalanta had shaken hands over a €45m package for Ederson, who was set to move to the Premier League after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. 

However, reports over the last few days have made it clear that the move will no longer be happening after concerns that emerged during the player’s medical. 

Ederson had the first stage of his tests done while in the United States during the World Cup, but this did not satisfy United, who brought the player over to the UK for further checks before deciding against proceeding with the deal.

Ederson is currently into the final year of his contract with Atalanta, expiring in the summer of 2027, and according to the latest updates from Fabrizio Romano, La Dea will seek to offer the Brazilian a new contract now that his move to Manchester United is off. 

Atalanta remain clear in their stance that there are no major fitness or medical issues hampering the midfielder and they are keen to sit down and discuss the player’s future with his agents and representatives in the coming weeks. 

Atalanta are reportedly ‘prepared’ to welcome Ederson back into the squad, but offering him a new contract could also help strengthen the club’s position if the player is to seek another move away this summer or in January.

Ederson is currently on holiday after his involvement with the Brazil squad at the World Cup.

Italy have a new President and a new technical director of the FIGC, which means that the appointment of a new head coach is up next on the agenda, and Monday’s reports indicate that Roberto Mancini remains the frontrunner for two key reasons. 

Why Mancini is the current favourite for the Italy national team head coach role

The Italy national team is undergoing a revolution of its staff at the highest levels: Giovanni Malagò has replaced Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, Paolo Maldini has recently been appointed as technical director and President of Club Italia, Leonardo has joined as an advisor and now they turn their focus to finding a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso as CT.

For several weeks, Mancini and Antonio Conte have been tipped as the two leading candidates to step in as head coach of the Italy national team. Both have done the job before, both are vastly experienced at the highest levels and both are reportedly willing to return to the Azzurri set-up. 

Reports on Sunday indicated that Pep Guardiola has also re-emerged as a possibility following the appointment of Maldini as technical director. Other outsiders that have been mentioned include Andrea Pirlo and Carlo Ancelotti. 

However, reports from the Corriere dello Sport indicate that Mancini is still the favourite for the Italy national team job for two key reasons. 

First is his long-standing relationship and the fact that he reportedly sees eye-to-eye with newly-elected FIGC President Malagò. 

Secondly is the fact that a large number of the Italy national team players are keen for Mancini to return. The players reportedly pushed for Mancini to return after Luciano Spalletti left his position as head coach in 2025. 

The fact that he has also delivered a trophy for Italy in the past, the fact that he is keen to focus on the development of young talents and his general familiarity with Coverciano and the national team set-up are, of course, of benefit to Mancini as well. 

However, nothing is set in stone yet, and as Malagò has recently insisted: “There could also be a surprise” in the offing as well.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Mythical 

Sinner: He’s still the King. Historic double at Wimbledon 

Jannik triumphs in four sets against a great Zverev. It’s his fifth grand slam. Cahill and Vagnozzi: ‘A liberation’

‘I saw my mum stepping out of the stadium a couple of times, it was tough for her’

Corriere dello Sport 

And the Sinner is …

Galactico | Beats Zverev in four sets, the fifth slam of his career

Wimbledon is his home: Second triumph in a row. Jannik is the pride of Italy

He falls 1-0 behind, fights back and shines: 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 and 6-4 in around four hours. ‘I give my life to tennis. The sporting movement in our country is special: We’re incredibly strong in Moto GP and Kimi is a golden boy’

Tuttosport 

His majesty 

Sinner, a crowning double at Wimbledon

On the hallowed turf, in an exhilarating surge of momentum, Jannik turns the tables on a formidable Zverev (6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4). His fifth grand slam banishes the ghosts of Roland Garros: ‘We had endless days after Paris. I give my entire life to tennis. I didn’t think I’d win again here. Am I a symbol of Italy? We have an incredible movement in our country across all sports, happy to be part of it’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are the new technical leaders of the Italy national team set-up, and reports on Sunday claim that Pep Guardiola has again become an option for the vacant national team head coach role under the new leadership. 

Could Italy make a move for Guardiola under Maldini and Leonardo leadership?

The FIGC have recently confirmed that Maldini has been appointed as the federation’s new technical director and President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by his former Milan teammate, ex-Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo as an advisor.

Maldini’s is a four-year project, and with unprecedented powers in his new role, he is expected to make widespread changes to the way that the national team and youth systems operate. 

However, up first on his agenda is the appointment of a new head coach. 

For weeks, the two frontrunners have been Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Conte has the backing of the Serie A clubs, while Mancini has a long-standing relationship with FIGC President Giovanni Malagò. 

Both have held the role previously, boast vast levels of management experience, but both come with their fair share of complaints as well: There are concerns that Conte might not be the best fit on a tactical level, while Mancini’s decision to leave Italy in order to join Saudi Arabia 2023 is still a bitter pill for some to swallow. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, neither Conte nor Mancini are ‘at the top of Maldini and Leonardo’s list’. Now, Guardiola has come back into the frame and the pink paper insists that the former Manchester City and Barcelona tactician is no longer a ‘fantasy’ option. 

The biggest issue with Guardiola is his salary, which La Gazzetta dello Sport claims was close to €25m gross during his final season with Manchester City in 2025-26. 

The Serie A clubs are expected to make a contribution towards the salary of the new head coach in order to help bring in a top-level CT, but even so, they would not be able to provide for a salary anywhere near the level that Guardiola was earning at The Etihad.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there is still hope, but much will depend on the discussions that take place between the key figures in this new Italy project, i.e. Maldini and Leonardo. The fact that Guardiola is reportedly keen to step into international management at some stage of his career also helps Italy. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also suggests that Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo could be among the alternative options if Italy decide against Conte, Mancini or Guardiola.

Fabio Capello believes that the FIGC have made the right call in appointing Paolo Maldini as its new technical director, is pleased to see Leonardo joining him as an advisor, but says that Roberto Mancini’s previous mistakes are too great to simply forget: ‘I’ve already said I would go with Conte’. 

Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC and has also been named the President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. 

This is the beginning of a new era for the Italy national team following the departures of previous FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon following the failure to get past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March. 

Gravina has recently been replaced by Giovanni Malagò, who, as of Saturday night, has made his first significant appointment in the Italy national team set-up by bringing in Maldini. Next up is a decision on a new head coach with Mancini, Antonio Conte and even potentially Pep Guardiola, again, among the frontrunners.

Capello has given his verdict on the recent appointment of Maldini, Leonardo and the potential next CT in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Capello: ‘Maldini was the first name on Italy’s list, he’s the person we need’

Capello is convinced about Maldini’s qualities, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Nobody better than him would be able to do it.” 

He continued: “I’m really happy about it. Paolo was the first name on their list and they’ve got him, he’s definitely the person we need. I’m happy for the national team and also for him. He’s serious, capable and attentive. He doesn’t speak, he works. He has ideas, he will have a well-defined project in his mind already.” 

Capello also gave his verdict on the appointment of Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor to Maldini. 

“He’s another guy who knows a lot about football,” said Capello. “If Maldini wanted him to be close by, bringing together a partnership that was born in Milan, it is because there is so much to do. 

“We have to recover on multiple different fronts, obviously starting with the young talents. They’ve chosen to take on a big commitment because they are clearly convinced by it. I will repeat: They are both serious, and more importantly, they understand football.”

What did Capello learn from watching Maldini up close during his time with Milan? 

“Everyone has seen what he did with the Rossoneri,” said Capello. “He’s not a yes man, he wants to have the freedom to change things, he has an exact plan and wants to make that happen.” 

And how important is it that Maldini is given full control to make the changes that he wants to?

“It’s very positive. Without that, he would have never accepted,” Capello insists. “Someone like him has to be free to put his ideas to good use. I’m sure that he won’t have made much of a fuss on an economic level, more so that he wants to be able to put the ideas he has in mind into practice, and in that way, he can be really useful.”

Milan won the Serie A title with Maldini as a director, but he ended up leaving the club at the end of the following season after a series of disagreements with the club ownership. 

Capello says: “We have to consider that relationship with the owners. It’s difficult when yo hit turbulence. You really have to understand the history behind that. The Scudetto victory was incredible, but it’s true that things got a bit complicated after that. I know Paolo has charisma, that he is a winner and has been a key figure everywhere he has been.”

Leonardo also has plenty of history with Milan, and also as a director at PSG. Asked if he is ‘too’ used to having money readily available to spend at those clubs, Capello said “But money has nothing to do with it. It’s all about ideas, not resources. 

“You have to be able to understand what is missing and what needs to happen, and then find the way to achieve those goals. Additionally, Leo is a great person, which doesn’t hurt. He and Paolo are coming in strong in their beliefs, ideas and skills. Theirs will be a clear project and I’m curious to see how it will develop when they present it, beginning with the next head coach.”

And who would Capello pick if he were in charge? 

“I’ve already said Conte, who has done well with the Azzurri, Mancini is also good, but leaving the national team up the creek a few days before a series of important matches is too big to forget.”

Reports in Italy claim that Ruben Amorim is interested in the possibility of reuniting with his former Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, who remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028. 

Report: Milan head coach Amorim likes Manchester United defender Mazraoui

Milan are seeking new reinforcements for their defensive department this summer, and according to reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Mazraoui is a player and individual that Amorim likes.

There have not been any direct talks between the two clubs at this stage, but the Morocco international is a player that is of interest to the Rossoneri according to the latest updates. 

Mazraoui is under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2028, with a club option to extend that deal for a further 12 months until the summer of 2029. 

The recently-eliminated World Cup quarter-finalist brings versatility that will be useful for Amorim in Milan. The Rossoneri played in a 3-5-2 under Massimiliano Allegri last term and are expected to start in a 3-4-2-1 under Amorim, and Mazraoui could feasibly cover in a number of roles in both of those formations, as he has done with Manchester United. 

If Milan were to progress with a deal to sign Mazraoui, it is expected that they would seek to deploy him on the right of their back three.

Greatness recognises greatness: Lionel Messi was photographed alongside Italy legend Roberto Baggio and gave him a match-worn shirt shortly after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Messi and Baggio team up for iconic photograph

Baggio was in attendance in Kansas City as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra-time to book their place in the World Cup semi-final for the third time in four tournaments. 

Baggio was photographed alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, widely recognised as the greatest player of all time, and was given one of his match-worn shirts after the full-time whistle. 

“Thank you, Leo, for your precious gift and for your affection. I love you lots, my friend,” wrote Baggio , all smiles in a picture posted to his Instagram profile.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Roberto Baggio (@robertobaggio)

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus have sent an opening offer to Parma for centre-forward Mateo Pellegrino, which has been turned down by the Gialloblu. 

Report: Parma turn down opening Juventus offer for Pellegrino

Juventus are on the hunt for a new striker now that Dusan Vlahovic’s contract has expired, and despite negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani, reports over the last few days indicate that Juventus are beginning to shift their focus to a deal for Parma’s Pellegrino instead. 

The Old Lady have already brought in 19-year-old Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but are keen to add another, more experienced option to their ranks. Juve are also expected to listen to offers for Jonathan David, Lois Openda and Arkadiusz Milik should they come in.

According to reports from Tuttosport, Juventus have sent an opening proposal to Parma for Pellegrino, who reportedly has suitors in the Premier League and LaLiga as well. 

Juventus have reportedly offered an initial loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy for €30m. The obligation to buy clause would be ‘easily achievable’, potentially linked to a top-half finish in Serie A next season. 

This proposal has reportedly been turned down by Parma, although the two parties are not a million miles apart. 

Pellegrino himself is said to be keen on the move, Parma are reportedly willing to sell for a fee in the region of €30m, but either want this upfront, or if they are to agree to a loan, they would want a larger loan fee.

According to Calciomercato.com, the relevant parties are due to discuss the matter again within the coming hours.

Nicolo Zaniolo is not currently training with Udinese and has presented a medical certificate to explain his absence, but reports on Sunday claim that his ongoing salary dispute has not yet been fully settled either. 

Zaniolo not in training with Udinese and has not yet settled salary dispute

Zaniolo spent the 2025-26 season at Udinese, on loan from Galatasaray with an option to buy which has since been activated. The Bianconeri reportedly paid a fee of €5m to secure his signing on a permanent basis, and Galatasaray have kept hold of a 50% sell-on clause.

However, Zaniolo’s agent has recently explained that his client accepted a lower salary offer from Udinese last summer in order to push through a move in a race against time at the end of the summer transfer window. The feeling on the player’s side is that this salary does not reflect Zaniolo’s true value now that the transfer has been made permanent. 

The agent claimed that Udinese had agreed to sit down and discuss a new set of personal terms before making Zaniolo’s transfer permanent, but this has not happened and the player has been left feeling ‘bitterly disappointed’. 

Recent reports claimed that Zaniolo was earning an annual net salary of around €3m while he was still with Galatasaray, but that he accepted a cut to €1.2m per year in order to join Udinese last summer. 

Reports earlier this week claimed that a verbal agreement had been found with Udinese for an increase to €1.8m per season, but updates from Corriere dello Sport suggest that the new deal has not been entirely close and that Zaniolo is still open to moves elsewhere. 

Meanwhile, the player is not currently in pre-season training and has presented a medical certificate from his doctors in order to justify his absence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spain: None.

England: None.

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

Paolo Maldini has officially been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC (Italian FA) and will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo as an advisor, the federation has confirmed. 

Official: Maldini appointed new FIGC technical director

The revolution of the Italy national team is well and truly underway: Former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup at the end of March, as did head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon. 

Giovanni Malagò was elected as the successor to Gravina as the new President of the FIGC in June, and he has since been hard at work to appoint a new technical director, who will play a key role in the imminent appointment of a new head coach. 

Legendary former Milan and Italy defender Maldini has been chosen as the new technical director of the FIGC, and according to recent reports, will have ‘unprecedented’ powers as he looks to rebuild a national team that has won four World Cups but has failed to qualify for the last three editions of the tournament. 

He, along with advisor Leonardo, have signed four-year contracts with the Italy national team set-up, which is intended to take them through until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

“With great pleasure, Giovanni Malagò, President of the FIGC, announces that Paolo Maldini has accepted the position of the federation’s technical director,” read a statement on the FIGC website.

“Giovanni Malagò will also entrust Paolo Maldini with the Presidency of Club Italia.” 

Malagò himself commented: “Maldini has always been my goal. I thought he would be the right person to oversee the technical sector of the FIGC, which doesn’t only involve the senior national team, but the entire supply chain of the youth national sides. 

“Over the last two weeks, we have talked about all the projects, going into specifics, and Paolo immediately told me that he would like to involve Leonardo as a consultant because of the demanding, challenging and time-consuming nature of the role. 

“I am happy, because I have deep respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin. It is a four-year commitment which must take us from now until 2030, the next World Cup, also passing through a European Championship.”

Up next for Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò is the appointment of a new head coach of the Italy national team. The latest reports indicate that Roberto Mancini is the current frontrunner, over challenger Antonio Conte.

Adrien Rabiot has sat down for a meeting with his mother-agent Veronique in the United States as he weighs up his next steps at club level, with Napoli and former Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri said to be keen on a reunion with the France international. 

Rabiot meets with agent while weighing up Milan future

Rabiot is currently away in the United States with the France national team, who will be taking on Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday evening. 

Back at club level, Rabiot remains under contract with Milan until the summer of 2028, but his future remains in doubt after just one season in San Siro following a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season, which saw the Rossoneri miss out on Champions League qualification and also led to the departure of Allegri, who brought Rabiot to the club from Marseille.

Since Allegri was appointed as the head coach of Napoli, there have been reports that he is keen to bring Rabiot with him. The pair have a long-standing relationship dating back to their time together at Juventus.

While the Frenchman is not expected to make any definitive decisions about his club career until his World Cup campaign is complete, reports from various outlets in Italy confirm that the midfielder sat down for a meeting with his mother-agent Veronique in the United States over the weekend to start discussing potential options for the 2026-27 season.

Milan’s stance is clear: They and new head coach Ruben Amorim are keen to keep hold of Rabiot, who was credited as being one of Milan’s most consistent performers in 2025-26 with five goals and six assists to his name in the league.

La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Rabiot, at this stage, is not intending to leave Milan either, aware of the fact that he has two years remaining on a lucrative contract in San Siro. However, nothing can be ruled out in the time being and much depends on whether Napoli step forwards with an enticing offer for Rabiot and for Milan.

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

Inter and Milan both keen on Strasbourg’s Doué

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Maldini yes 

The reconstruction of the national team begins 

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

Sinner, make history 

Jannik looking for a fantastic double 

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

Bellingham fairytale 

England in the semi-finals, Norway knocked out 

Khalaili stop

Problem with the medicals in Milan 

The winger needs more heart tests, Inter on Guela Doue 

Corriere dello Sport 

Milan, Italia 

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

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

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

Turn it on, it’s Sinner 

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

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

Inter, Khalaili at risk 

Announcement postponed: CONI asks for further checks 

Amorim, doubts about Rabiot 

Future in question 

The Mother Veronique talks to Milan: Decision postponed 

Viola boom: Jimenez 

Fourth signing 

The Spanish full-back arrives on loan from Bournemouth

Juve-Kolo obstacle course 

Also difficulties for Dibu

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

Gattuso: ‘Putting on my hard hat’

Lazio, Rino’s battle 

‘I know what the problems are’

Tuttosport 

Sinner, our World Cup 

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

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

The Dibu stall could open a double deal with Parma 

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

Maldinin Azzurri technical director with Leonardo 

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

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

The fans’ test for Toro 

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

Inter freeze on Khalaili 

Stop after the visits 

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

Zaniolo case, isn’t training with UDinese 

Asking for more money

Artem Dovbyk continues to be linked with a summer move away from Roma and the latest reports in Italy claim that Ajax head coach Michel, who coached the Ukrainian at Girona, is keen for a reunion in Amsterdam.

Report: Michel keen to bring Dovbyk to Ajax

Dovbyk joined Roma in a deal worth €30.5m plus add-ons in the summer of 2024 and went on to score 12 goals from 32 league appearances during his first season at the Stadio Olimpico. His 2025-26 campaign was plagued by injuries, though limiting him to just three starts in the league across the season.  

Recent reports claim that Roma are keen to shift the centre-forward, who remains under contract for another three seasons until the summer of 2029. 

There have been reports that Genoa are interested in a deal for Dovbyk, which would bring a reunion with his former Giallorossi head coach Daniele De Rossi, but this might be a tricky transfer for the Rossoblu to pull off on financial grounds. 

Instead, it is Dovbyk’s former Girona coach, Michel, now in charge at Ajax, who is said to be interested in exploring a deal with Roma.

Dovbyk scored 24 goals from 36 LaLiga appearances playing under Michel at Girona, which was enough for him to claim the top scorer award in the Spanish top flight in 2023-24.

According to certain reports in Italy, Ajax are keen to bring Dovbyk in on a paid loan deal, but Roma would like to include an obligation to buy. Others claim that Ajax are slightly concerned about the striker’s wage packet and his age: At 29 years old, they are wary of the fact that there might not be much resale value in the future. 

Reports in Italy suggest that Pietro Comuzzo could be heading towards the exit doors at Fiorentina and that Torino are interested in offering a new home to the 21-year-old centre-back this summer. 

Italy international Comuzzo of interest to Torino

Fiorentina have had a busy start to the summer transfer window and have already secured the signings of two new centre-backs in Radu Dragusin from Tottenham on loan with a €19m obligation to buy and Viery from Gremio at a cost of around €15m including bonuses. 

With Luca Ranieri and Marin Pongracic still on Fiorentina’s books as well, it appears that Comuzzo may struggle for regular and consistent game-time in Serie A heading into the 2026-27 season. 

This could pave the way for his exit, and according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Comuzzo is of interest to Torino, who, like Fiorentina, are hoping to add two new centre-backs to their ranks this summer.

Di Marzio has clarified that no formal negotiations have taken place at this stage, but that the interest from Torino is genuine.

Comuzzo already has 91 first team appearances for Fiorentina under his belt at the age of 21, including 64 outings in Serie A. 

He earned his first two caps for the Italy national team under interim head coach Silvio Baldini at the beginning of June, but had also been included in multiple ‘full-strength’ squads under Luciano Spalletti from November 2024 onwards.

Reports in Italy claim that both Roma and Galatasaray have expressed an interest in signing Assane Diao from Como this summer, but it is the Turkish side who are preparing an offer for the Senegal international according to the latest updates. 

Galatasaray and Roma interested in Diao, offer being prepared in Turkey

According to reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Galatasaray have been in contact with Como and are ‘intending’ to submit an offer for the 20-year-old winger. 

This would likely be a paid loan deal with either an option or obligation to buy at a later date.

Earlier this week, there were also reports that Roma might be interested in picking up Diao this summer, following the news that their first-choice attacking target Mason Greenwood is set to join Fenerbahce instead. 

Reports from TMW claimed that it would take an offer in the region of €25m-€30m to convince Como into selling. 

Diao joined Como from Real Betis in January of 2025, arriving at a cost of €12m. The youngster made an immediate impression in Serie A, netting eight goals from his first 15 appearances in the Italian top flight, but a series of injuries from the end of that season onwards limited him to just 17 appearances and two goals in the league in 2025-26.

Como are preparing for their first ever season competing in the Champions League and Cesc Fabregas’s side have already committed over €100m on new players ahead of their maiden voyage into Europe’s most prestigious competition. 

Como’s summer spending doesn’t stop at Nico Paz

Como have the wealthiest ownership group in Serie A and have proved across the last few seasons that they are not afraid to spend significantly in order to jump start their lakeside project. 

The summer of 2026 has been no different and has been headlined by the €60m deal that Como have arranged with Real Madrid to keep Nico Paz at the club for at least another season. 

The Nico Paz saga had gone on for months across the 2025-26 season: Real Madrid had a low-cost buy-back option set at €9m this summer, which the Spaniards eventually decided to activate before selling Paz back to Como at a cost of €60m. The new deal includes another buy-back option in favour of Real Madrid, but now at €80m and only for the summer of 2027. 

• Read more: Why Como are able to spend €60m on Nico Paz despite expected FFP breach

Additionally, Como are set to welcome Yan Couto from Borussia Dortmund at a cost of around €20m. That comes after a deal for Brazilian full-back Kaiki, who has arrived on loan with an obligation to buy €14m. 

That brings us close to the €100m mark already, and that is before the signing of midfielder Luis Milla at a cost of around €6m is taken into account. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that a deal for Mattia Liberali is expected to happen, which again, should cost around €6m. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Como’s summer spending won’t stop there, either. Fabregas and his team are still looking to strengthen in defence with at least one, if not two new signings at the back, plus an alternative option to Tasos Douvikas at centre-forward.

This could bring the eventual bill to €150m for the summer of 2026.

Juventus have officially announced that Francois Modesto has left his position as technical director, just shy of a year after he was brought to the club by former CEO Damien Comolli.

Official: Modesto is no longer Juventus’s technical director

Modesto was appointed on July 15 in 2025 and has had his departure confirmed 360 days later following a restructuring of the Juventus senior management team. 

Giovanni Carnevali has replaced Modesto as CEO, Frederic Massara has recently been appointed as the club’s Chief Football Officer, while Marco Ottolini continues in the role of sporting director. Giorgio Chiellini has also recently been promoted to the role of Chief Club Affairs Officer, signalling an all-Italian leadership team on the sporting side of the club. 

This means that there is no longer any room for Modesto, who has followed Comolli out of the club after one disappointing season at the helm. 

“Juventus announces that a mutual agreement has been reached with Francois Modesto for the termination of his position as the Club’s Technical Director, effective immediately,” read a statement on the club website.

“The Club would like to thank Francois for the dedication and professionalism he showed during his time in the role, and wish him the very best in his professional future and personal endeavours.”

Before his time with Juventus, Modesto had served as the technical director at Monza between 2022 and 2025, as the technical director at Nottingham Forest between 2019 and 2022, and in various scouting roles with Olympiacos between 2016 and 2022.

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

Khalaili in Italy to complete Inter transfer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reports in the UK claim that Roma’s Manu Kone has emerged as a ‘serious’ option for Manchester United this summer, despite the fact that they have already secured deals for two new midfielders in Atalanta’s Ederson and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. 

Kone on Manchester Untied’s list of midfield options

The Premier League side seem desperate to add to their midfield department this summer and according to reports from TeamTalk, are looking to provide head coach Michael Carrick with a third new midfielder during the off-season. 

United have already secured a €58.5m (£50m) deal for Chelsea’s Santos, and Ederson is currently having further medical tests with club doctors in the UK ahead of a potential €45m move from Atalanta. 

According to reports from Graeme Bailey of TeamTalk, United still have the budget to add a third new midfielder to their ranks this summer and Roma’s Kone has emerged as a ‘serious’ option. 

Kone is among the players to have been linked with a move away from Roma this summer given that the Giallorossi are still working under the restrictions of a financial fair play settlement agreement with UEFA. 

Reports in Italy during the off-season have linked the France international with a big-money move away from the Stadio Olimpico, including to Premier League champions Arsenal. A price tag of €50m has been rumoured in Italy, although TeamTalk suggests that after a prominent role with the France national team at the 2026 World Cup, this could now be more like €58.5m (£50m).

It has been 20 years to the day since Italy lifted the World Cup trophy at Olympiastadion in Berlin, the most recent knock-out game that the Azzurri have won on the world stage, and we want to know, are there any current players that would make it into the squad that triumphed in Germany two decades ago?

Italy is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2006 World Cup final on Thursday, played on July 9. 

It was a star-studded side 20 years ago, one that kept the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Pippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Nesta on the substitutes bench in the final; Francesco Totti, Luca Toni and a Fabio Cannavaro-Marco Materazzi centre-back pairing preferred by Marcello Lippi.

Comparing the Italy side that started the 2006 final to the Italy team that lined up in its most recent competitive match, the infamous World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March of 2026, it is difficult to argue that any current player would make it into the side became world champions 20 years ago. 

Italy’s line-up in the 2006 World Cup final: Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Grosso; Camoranesi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Perrotta; Totti; Toni.

Italy’s line-up in the 2026 World Cup play-off final: Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui.

Gianluigi Donnarumma? Certainly not over Gianluigi Buffon. Sandro Tonali? Not over Andrea Pirlo. Riccardo Calafiori? Not over Fabio Cannavaro.

The more sensible question is whether any of the current Italy squad would have even been able to make it into the 23-man 2006 squad, rather than the starting XI.

Would there then be an argument for Donnarumma over perhaps Marco Amelia? A Tonali over a Simone Barone? 

Let us know in the comments below if there are any 2026 players who might have made the 23-man squad had they been playing 20 years ago, and if so, who?

Italy squad for the 2006 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Angelo Peruzzi, Marco Amelia.

Defenders: Cristian Zaccardo, Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Barzagli, Alessandro Nesta, Gianluca Zambrotta, Massimo Oddo, Marco Materazzi.

Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso, Mauro Camoranesi, Simeone Barone, Simone Perrotta, Andrea Pirlo.

Forwards: Alessandro Del Piero, Luca Toni, Francesco Totti, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Filippo Inzaghi.

Italy’s most recent competitive squad in 2026

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Carnesecchi, Elia Caprile, Alex Meret.

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno, Riccardo Calafiori, Andrea Cambiaso, Diego Coppola, Federico Dimarco, Federico Gatti, Gianluca Mancini, Marco Palestra, Giorgio Scalvini, Leonardo Spinazzola.

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Davide Frattesi, Manuel Locatelli, Niccolo Pisilli, Sandro Tonali.

Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Francesco Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, Matteo Politano, Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui, Gianluca Scamacca.

* This is the Italy squad that was named ahead of the 2026 World Cup play-off campaign. Italy have since played two international friendlies under interim head coach Silvio Baldini at the beginning of June, but took a squad of made up almost entirely of  U21 players that were well-known to the temporary CT.

• Read more: 20 years on from Italy’s World Cup triumph: Where are the victorious 2006 players now?
• Read more: The darker side of Italy’s July 9 World Cup celebrations

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has been spotted playing five-a-side with Roberto Mancini, who remains in the running for the Italy national team head coach role, but the head of the Italian FA still wants to appoint a technical director first, and claims that there could be a ‘surprise’ candidate on the cards. 

Malago plays five-a-side with Mancini and comments on Italy’s potential technical director

It is set to be a crucial few days for the future of the Italy national team set-up. Malagò has claimed that ‘this is the week for the technical director’ and has promised that there will be developments over the weekend. 

Italy are still without a head coach or a technical director following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso earlier this year. Delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon followed him and former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina out the door immediately after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Mancini and Antonio Conte are the two frontrunners to replace Gattuso as head coach of the Italy national team and Paolo Maldini has been widely linked with the offer to take over as technical director. 

Maldini has not yet come to a definitive decision, but Malagò insists that it is only a matter of time before an appointment is made. He claims that there could still be a ‘surprise’ option on the cards, though. 

“This is the week for the technical director, I won’t change my stance on that. It’s Thursday and I hope to calm the nerves over the weekend, I’m working hard. There could also be a surprise,” said Malagò (via TMW).

Meanwhile, as per La Repubblica, Malagò has been out playing five-a-side football with Mancini at the Coppa dei Canottieri tournament, an event that Malagò claims to have taken part in for the last 50 years. 

Curiously, Malagò was on a team with Mancini, although this does not mean that he is the nailed-on favourite, as the Lega Serie A is said to prefer the idea of appointing Conte as Italy head coach.

Reports in Italy claim that Napoli have a verbal agreement in place to sign Boca Juniors talent Exequiel Zeballos in a low-cost deal, but late competition has emerged from Russian side CSKA Moscow according to the latest updates. 

Napoli face CSKA Moscow competition for Zeballos

Zeballos, 24, has made over 100 appearances on the wing for Boca Juniors, but according to Sky Sport Italia, has decided against signing a new contract in Argentina, which means that he could leave the club on a free transfer when his current deal expires at the end of the calendar year.

Sky claims that Napoli are hoping to bring Zeballos to the Stadio Maradona this summer. Boca Juniors had previously sought a fee in the region of €10m for the expiring winger, but Sky claims that valuation has come down in recent weeks. 

Napoli reportedly have a verbal agreement in place with Zeballos, but are still looking at the prospect of having to move one of their current unwanted players on first: Noa Lang has been mentioned as a possibility. 

This means that there is still room for other clubs to make a move for Zeballos, and reports on Thursday claim that CSKA Moscow have stepped forwards with a five-year contract offer worth €4m per season in wages for a total €20m payment package over the duration of the proposed deal.

Reports in Italy confirm that Fiorentina have moved quickly to secure a deal with Udinese for midfielder Arthur Atta, who is valued at €40m but will cost the Viola an initial fee in the region of €25m-€30m. 

Done deal: Atta all set to join Fiorentina from Udinese

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, an agreement between Fiorentina and Udinese was agreed in the early hours of the morning.

Viola director Fabio Paratici has been credited with getting the deal over the line. The former Juventus man had reportedly expressed an interest in signing Atta during his time in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur as well.

Atta comes with a significant €40m valuation, however, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Fiorentina have agreed to let Udinese keep a hefty 30% sell-on clause in order to reduce the initial transfer fee that they will have to pay.

There are still some conflicting reports on the exact amount that Fiorentina will pay, as Di Marzio claims that it is an initial fee of €25m, while other outlets cite a figure closer to €30m. 

The 23-year-old is expected to sign a four-year contract with wages worth around €1.3m per season in Tuscany. 

He is expected to have his medical with Fiorentina on Thursday.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson is set to have a second medical with doctors from Manchester United once the World Cup is over, and while a transfer has not yet been formally completed, Thursday’s updates indicate that the deal is not definitively ‘off’.

Where Ederson stands with Manchester United

According to reports in June, Manchester United have agreed a €45m package to sign Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta this summer, made up of €40.5m in guaranteed fees and an additional €4.5m in bonuses.

Ederson has been away on international duty with Brazil for the 2026 World Cup over the last few weeks and has therefore not yet been able to formally complete his transfer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ederson had an initial medical in the United States while away with the Brazil national team, and Manchester United want to bring the midfielder over to the UK for further tests with their own club doctors before giving the final go-ahead for the deal to be closed. 

With Brazil now out of the World Cup, the 27-year-old is expected to jet over to England for that second medical with Manchester United later this week. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United have also agreed to sign midfielder Andrey Santos from Premier League rivals Chelsea in a €58.5m (£50m) deal, which added to the confusion surrounding Ederson’s transfer.

However, Thursday’s reports indicate that Manchester United are still aiming to bring in two midfielders during the summer transfer window, which means that the arrival of the Chelsea man does not rule out the arrival of the Atalanta midfielder.

Thursday’s reports claim that Juventus are open to the idea of welcoming Dusan Vlahovic back to the club after the expiry of his contract on June 30, but only on the conditions laid out by the club’s new CEO Giovanni Carnevali. 

Vlahovic open to Juventus return and vice-versa, but only on certain conditions

Vlahovic is currently a free agent after seeing his contract with Juventus expire at the end of June. 

The Bianconeri had tried for over a year to get the Serbia international to commit to a new deal, but they were ultimately unsuccessful under the reign of former CEO Damien Comolli. 

During the final year of his Juventus contract, Vlahovic was the highest-paid player in Serie A with a net salary of around €12m. The Old Lady were always aware of the fact that they would need to convince the striker into taking a pay cut if a renewal were to go ahead. 

Despite months of back and forth, an agreement was never reached and Vlahovic is now available on a free transfer. 

However, despite previous links to the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, Vlahovic has only had one concrete offer as things stand, and that is from Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas. Recent reports indicate that Vlahovic is unwilling to move to Turkey at this stage of his career, though. 

And so, Vlahovic is now opening up to the idea of going back to Juventus, and according to reports on Wednesday, he has personally called his former employers in Turin to discuss the possibility of a return. 

According to Thursday’s updates from Tuttosport, Juventus have also ‘left the door open’ for Vlahovic, but the club are adamant that if the striker is to return, it will be on the club’s terms. 

That means that Vlahovic would need to accept a significant cut in wages, potentially to a figure around €6m per season to bring him back in line with the club’s current highest earners, Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David. Juventus are also unwilling to hand out any major bonuses or commission fees to Vlahovic’s father, who acts as his agent. 

Tuttosport writes that the Juventus management also want to see a change in attitude from Vlahovic, who has been accused of showing too much ‘bravado’ during his final year with the Bianconeri.

Roma appear to have missed out on the potential signing of Mason Greenwood from Olympique de Marseille, but reports in Italy claim that they are already beginning to shift their focus to a new alternative option in Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye.

Could Roma turn to Ndoye after missing out on Greenwood?

For several weeks, Roma have been in negotiations over a potential deal for former Manchester United forward Greenwood, but were unable to strike an agreement with Marseille, who wanted €50m for the controversial Englishman. 

Despite reports of an agreement in principle on personal terms between Greenwood and the Giallorossi, Turkish giants Fenerbahce have stepped in and have blown the Serie A side out of the water with a rumoured salary offer of €8m-€10m per year.

According to Thursday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma will now turn their attention to former Bologna winger Ndoye, who joined Nottingham Forest in a deal worth €40m plus bonuses last summer.

Ndoye struggled to cement his place as a guaranteed starter at the City Ground in 2025-26 and La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Forest are open to letting the Switzerland international go after just 12 months. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also claims that Forest’s valuation of Ndoye has ‘dropped’ in recent weeks as well. 

In the meantime, Roma have several pieces of ‘internal’ business to tidy up, including the contracts of Paulo Dybala, Zeki Celik and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The team will then report for pre-season training on Monday and from then, the club’s management are expected to ‘step up’ in their pursuit of new arrivals.

FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina has defended the quality of the refereeing at the 2026 World Cup, insists that his officials are not influenced by any external factors or individuals and has explained why Egypt saw a goal ruled out in their 3-2 round of 16 loss against Argentina. 

The legendary Italian former referee, who has been serving as the chair of FIFA’s referee committee since 2017, has decided to release a public statement following complaints about the officiating at the 2026 World Cup. 

• Read more: 21 Serie A players left as 2026 World Cup moves into quarter-finals

There have been several high-profile incidents involving referees, red cards and accusations of external influence during the 2026 tournament in North America. 

The USA’s Folarin Balogun saw a red card controversially overturned after a direct phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 

There were also strong complaints from the Egypt camp about the state of the refereeing in their round of 16 loss against Argentina, including the decision to rule out a goal that would have sent them on their way to being three goals up in the second half. 

Collina, speaking in an interview released on the FIFA website, has defended his referees, says that ‘overall, we are happy’ insists that there is no external pressure on the officials and has explained why the decision to rule out the Egypt goal was correct. 

Collina explains FIFA’s stance on controversial refereeing calls

“Let’s start by saying that we have now played 50% more matches than at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and there are still eight more huge games to be played,” Colina began.

“Overall, we are happy. However, with such a high number of matches played in a relatively short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected. When that happens, they are ready to work even harder to ensure they are fully prepared for the next match.

“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport. Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.

“Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President [Gianni Infantino]. He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”

Collina went on to speak specifically about the complaints from the Argentina vs. Egypt match. 

“Usually, during a competition, we prefer not to focus on specific incidents. However, as we recently clarified what match officials would be looking for when attacking players try to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from moving and being able to defend the goal, we also wanted to clarify another topic that has generated debate.

“After every goal is scored, the VAR checks the attacking possession phase (APP). If a foul is identified in the build-up and is deemed to have had an impact on the goal, the VAR will recommend an on-field review. There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal.

“An example of this came in the Argentina v Egypt game where Egypt No. 19 Marwan Attia clearly treads on the foot of Argentina No. 6 Lisandro Martínez.

“We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears ‘obvious’, if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene,” Collina confirmed. 

“Equally, if no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly. Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul. Again, an example of this came at the end of the same game. The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No. 10 Julián Alvarez.

“Of course, there will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how this principle has been applied throughout the tournament.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Make us dream again 

20 years since the Azzurri triumph in Berlin 

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

Seeing the star 

Amorim, what a presentation

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

Mbappe without limits 

Onto the Morocco-France quarter-final 

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

Corriere dello Sport 

Amorim, off to a good start 

‘A dominant Milan, I am different to Allegri’ 

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

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

Mbappe commanding, Norway nervous 

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

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

Juve surprise, Solet attempt 

The meeting with Udinese 

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

Vergara alarms, renewal blocked 

There is no agreement with Napoli 

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

Inter, it’s Doue if not Khalaili 

The heir to Dumfries 

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

Greenwood and Roma, the snub is near 

Fenerbahce overtaken 

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

Tuttosport 

Lucumi, Juve-Inter tease 

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

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

‘Toro, offers no, but interest yes’

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

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

Referee inquest, more troubles for Inter 

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

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

Amorim’s ambitions 

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

Brahim and his brothers, eyes on France 

Morocco try again 

‘Strength and courage for another Berlin’

20 years since the World Cup triumph 

Ruben Amorim has given an explanation as to how Milan will be operating in the transfer window under their new senior management team and has explained why the club decided to invest a record fee on new centre-forward Goncalo Ramos.

Amorim is the new head coach of Milan, appointed as the successor to Massimiliano Allegri, who was dismissed along with sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani back in May. 

The Rossoneri have since restructured their senior management team, which now features Massimo Calvelli, Hendrik Almstadt and Bobby Gardiner in the roles of CEO, director of player trading and director of football intelligence respectively. 

And though the appointment of Amorim was confirmed back in June, the new era at Milan begins today, as the coach and owner, Gerry Cardinale, sat down to discuss the project in front of the press for the first time. 

• Read more: Cardinale: ‘Thrilled to work with Amorim, six months of meetings in one month’

Amorim explains why Milan wanted Ramos and how club will be operating in the transfer window

While fielding questions from the media during his introductory press conference, Amorim was asked if new centre-forward Ramos has been brought in to play alongside Rafael Leao in attack. 

Amorim refused to comment on Leao’s future, but did give an explanation as to why Milan chose Ramos and how the club will be making their decisions on new signings in the future. 

“I don’t want to talk about individual players, but I can talk about Goncalo Ramos because he’s a new player, because we brought him into the team with a lot of money and I can explain why we chose him,” Amorim began.

“We did that job as a team. I am the person who gives the profile to the team, and they find the best players available in that position. That will be the type of work we are going to do here. It is not the manager who chooses the name, I choose the profile and then follow the scouting.

“We believe a lot in Goncalo Ramos, in the last (World Cup) game against Croatia, he scored against a low block with a lot of defenders on top of him. If you see games in Italy, sometimes it is like that, the teams defend really well, and he’s able to score against low blocks, he’s able to score in transitions.

“One of the aspects that is really important to me with Goncalo Ramos is that if you see him playing five minutes or from the start, it’s the same player. With Goncalo Ramos, it is all about the team, then if we want to press high, we need a striker who can do that work. You see him play five minutes, you know he will follow the defenders everywhere.

“It is more than a player, it is a message to show that we want a guy that believes in the team, and I am really happy that it was really fast. That was a sign also that there is belief in what I am trying to do here.”

And on Leao, Amorim added: “Rafael Leao played really well in the World Cup, he is our player, I am really happy with our team, so I am a happy coach.”

Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has introduced new head coach Ruben Amorim in front of the press, says that he ‘couldn’t be more thrilled’ to be working with the former Manchester United and Sporting CP tactician and that the Rossoneri had to cram six months’ worth of meetings into just a few weeks in order to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season. 

It has been a busy off-season for Milan, who parted company with their entire senior management team the day after the 2025-26 season ended. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani were all let go in one fell swoop, all confirmed in one singular club statement. 

Since then, Milan have agreed a deal for Amorim to take over as head coach. He will be supported by Massimo Calvelli, Hendrik Almstadt and Bobby Gardiner in a newly-restructured senior management team. 

Amorim was spotted arriving at Milan’s training ground on Tuesday, along with owner Cardinale, and the two sat down in front of the media for the introductory press conference on Wednesday. 

Cardinale introduces Amorim as Milan embark on a new chapter

“When I set everything in motion that you’ve seen over the last month or so, the day after our season ended, was towards re-looking at our football organisation,” began Cardinale.

“For the first time in my ownership, my jumping in to be a much more hands-on owner, the first thing I decided to do was to really look at the coaching position.

“When I look at football organisations, the relationship between coach, ownership and management is absolutely critical. In normal circumstances, you go for head of football, sporting director, and then a coach.

“We packed six months’ worth of meetings into a month. Very important to this whole process, we fundamentally want to bring AC Milan back to its football heritage. We’re gonna play to win. We’re not going to play not to lose, but play to win.

“That means we want a football style that fits that objective. And that is a high press, high possession, attacking style of football. It’ll be an exciting style of football, fun to watch, and high scoring.

“I also want to create a culture here. I’ve been hands off in my ownership, so a wake up call for everybody is those days are over. I’m here, I’m now, I’m responsible, but I have a great team around me. That team worked with me very closely over the last month and a half to get to the point where we have Ruben as the foundation stone for our football organisation.

“Our team has depth, just so we’re all clear. I’ve taken one of my best guys, Massimo Calvelli, and moved him into AC Milan as the CEO. We’re putting our money where our mouth is, we’re letting our actions speak for themselves, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to start this with you and Ruben.”

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

Provedel having medical with Inter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan David’s home World Cup campaign is over and he is now expected to report back for pre-season training with Juventus in mid-July, but whilst the Canada international wants to stay on with the Bianconeri in 2026-27, he faces an uphill battle in convincing head coach Luciano Spalletti. 

Where Juventus stand with Jonathan David

David joined Juventus on a free transfer ahead of the 2025-26 season, but failed to impress during his first season in Italy, coming up with just six goals from 35 Serie A outings. This was the first season in David’s career where he failed to reach double figures in the league.

Aside from his goalscoring record, there were also concerns that the Canadian did not fit into Juve’s system and that he did not have the physical qualities to lead the line as a lone centre-forward.

There were even suggestions in the Italian press midway through the season that David had not settled into life with the Old Lady, which led to Spalletti having to defend the striker and his social skills in a pre-match press conference back in December.

Despite his struggles, recent reports claim that David does not want to give up on his Juventus career after just one season and that he is keen to prove what he has to offer heading into 2026-27. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that this is still the case, however, convincing head coach Spalletti is not going to be a straightforward task. 

That is largely because Juventus are looking to bring in a new starting centre-forward, potentially Randal Kolo Muani from PSG. And, the club have already brought in a new, young alternative in the form of Jeff Ekhator from Genoa. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also maintains the stance that Spalletti wants a more physical profile at centre-forward.

However, David’s current salary, believed to be around €6m per season net, is a bit of an issue. There have not yet been any concrete offers for the Canadian, but without a sale, La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts that it will be increasingly complicated for the Bianconeri to bring in another striker this summer.

That means that there is still a possibility that David gets his way and ends up with a second chance to impress at the Allianz Stadium in 2026-27.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atalanta: Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium).

Como: Nico Paz (Argentina).

Genoa: Leo Ostigard (Norway).

Torino: Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Norway). 

Sassuolo: Kristian Thorstvedt (Norway).

Cremonese: Morten Thorsby (Norway).

Pisa: Michel Aebischer (Switzerland).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morocco: Neil El-Aynaoui (Roma).

Spain: None.

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

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

England: None.

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

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

Lorenzo Insigne is back in Italy and is set to sign for Sampdoria in Serie B on a one-year contract with a potential option to extend. 

Insigne was filmed arriving at the airport in Milan late on Tuesday evening and is reportedly having his medical tests with Sampdoria in Genoa on Wednesday. 

The 35-year-old former Napoli and Italy star is available on a free transfer following his brief spell with Pescara in the second half of the 2025-26 season. 

According to Wednesday’s reports, he is set to sign a one-year contract with Samp on a salary of around €500,000. He will also have an option to extend in the event that he features for 50% of the team’s matches in 2026-27, or if Sampdoria achieve promotion to Serie A by the end of the season. 

Watch: Insigne ready to finalise Sampdoria move

Lorenzo Insigne è arrivato a Milano. Domani visite e firma con la @Sampdoria. @SkySport pic.twitter.com/5GlL0mMb6y

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 7, 2026

Wednesday’s reports claim that Dusan Vlahovic has personally been in contact with his former employers at Juventus and that the Serbian is willing to discuss a potential new contract again despite leaving the club as a free agent just last week. 

Besiktas remains Vlahovic’s only offer, calls Juventus back

Vlahovic is not currently under contract with any club after seeing his deal with Juventus expire on June 30. The Bianconeri had tried for well over a year to get the Serbian to commit to a new deal, but the parties never came to an agreement, despite the talks that went on right the way through June. 

As things stand, there has not been an awful lot of interest in Vlahovic, despite his being available on a free transfer. There has been talk of an offer from Besiktas, but outlets in Italy suggest that the striker is not particularly keen on moving to Turkey at this stage of his career. 

But, the Besiktas approach appears to be Vlahovic’s only real option on the table. That is unless Juventus open up to bringing him back, of course. 

Wednesday’s reports from Tuttosport claim Vlahovic has personally called the Juventus management and that he has requested a meeting to discuss his potential return to the club. 

Tuttosport claims that Vlahovic is willing to discuss a new contract under Juventus’s conditions. Vlahovic had been earning a reported €12m net salary on the final year of his deal in Turin in 2025-26, but Juventus want to slash that, potentially in half to a figure of around €6m per year. 

There is hope that following the appointment of Ricky Massara to the role of Chief Football Officer, that Juventus will have a new-found ‘openness’ to welcoming Vlahovic back. 

Vlahovic is currently training on his own under the supervision of an athletic trainer: He wants to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, whichever club that might be with, and Tuttosport claims that he hopes to be back with Juventus for the start of pre-season next week. 

The Turin-based outlet notes that Vlahovic has not yet been back to the club’s training ground to clear out his locker.

Wednesday’s reports indicate that Fenerbahce are speeding up in their pursuit of former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood and that they are close to securing a deal with Marseille as they hope to beat Roma and Atletico Madrid to the signing of the controversial Englishman. 

Roma risk missing out on Greenwood as Fenerbahce pick up speed

Roma have been attempting to secure a deal for Greenwood for several weeks as Gian Piero Gasperini hopes to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2026-27 season. 

Marseille are expected to sell Greenwood this summer given their financial difficulties, but value the attacker at €50m, knowing that they will owe 40% of any transfer fee to the player’s former club, Manchester United. 

Reports last week claimed that Roma had an agreement in principle on personal terms in place with Greenwood: A potential salary rumoured to be set at around €4.5m during the first year of contract, which would increase over the years.

However, the Giallorossi have not yet had a bid accepted by Marseille, despite reports that they were willing to invest around €45m on his signing. 

According to reports from various outlets on Wednesday, however, Fenerbahce are attempting to beat the competition from Roma and Atletico Madrid, who are also said to be interested. 

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Fenerbahce are hoping to take advantage of this stalemate between Marseille and Roma, while others claim that the Turkish side have reached an agreement on personal terms with the forward. 

There have been claims that Fenerbahce are willing to pay Greenwood a salary of €7m-€8m per season, significantly higher than what Roma had offered.

Now, it is down to Fenerbahce to close a deal with Marseille, who remain adamant that they will not sell for anything under €50m.

Marco Materazzi says that it is still painful to discuss the decline of the Italy national team on the international stage over the last 20 years, but argues that if the Azzurri had qualified for the 2026 World Cup, they would have still found it difficult against the likes of Cape Verde, who took reigning champions Argentina to extra-time in the round of 32.

Materazzi on Italy’s downfall and potential struggles at 2026 World Cup

It has been a long summer for Italy supporters, who have had to watch a third consecutive World Cup with no Azzurri involvement. Despite the fact that the tournament has been expanded to 48 teams in 2026, which brought an additional three European qualification spots, Italy were still unable to qualify. 

There have been some complaints that the newly-formatted World Cup benefits sides from South America, Africa and Asia more than it does nations from Europe in terms of the number of qualification spots up for grabs. 

However, speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Materazzi hushed those complaints and argues that Italy still would have found it difficult against the likes of Cape Verde at this tournament. 

“I don’t want to get into political speeches, I’ll try to make a football one and I will turn that question around: How much did Argentina struggle against Cape Verde? And if Italy had been there instead of Argentina, do you think they would have struggled any less?,” Materazzi pondered. 

“And why was it so difficult against Cape Verde? Because they came onto the pitch not just trying to defend, but to try and win by playing a real game with clear footballing ideas and quality. They played to upset like us in 2006, and Germany came to realise that.”

And as for Italy’s downfall since winning the World Cup in 2006, Materazzi says: “We’ve spent that time doing too little more than anything else. Football didn’t stop in July 2006: We should have run further ahead but instead, we fell behind, and not just because of the players and coaches. 

“It’s a long explanation, and these days it makes me sad to face up to it.”

Milan have already committed over €100m in funds on the signings of two players at the start of the summer transfer window, but Wednesday’s reports claim that the Rossoneri will not stop there and that they are already plotting their next steps on the market. 

Milan want at least three more signings after committing over €100m on Gila and Ramos

According to reports from various outlets on Tuesday, Milan have a full agreement in place to sign centre-back Mario Gila from Lazio in a package worth €30m including bonuses. 

This comes after a club-record agreement for Portugal international Goncalo Ramos, who has joined the Rossoneri in a deal believed to be worth over €80m with all bonuses and add-ons included, which has already taken Milan’s summer spending to around €110m. 

Ramos’s arrival has already been confirmed and he has put pen to paper on a five-year deal running until the summer of 2031. It is expected that Gila will do the same with wages of around €5m per season. 

It is expected that Milan will part company with some of their current first-team stars this window, Rafael Leao among them, but according to Wednesday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Rossoneri are already thinking about potential new attacking midfielders to bring in. 

Wednesday’s report claims that Genk’s Konstantinos Karetsas is the current favourite, but it will take another considerable investment to bring the teenage Greece international to San Siro. 

That is because Genk value the youngster at €40m and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested. 

Among the alternative options to have been mentioned by La Gazzetta dello Sport are Kerim Alajbegovic and Can Uzun.

Milan are also reportedly interested in signing another left-sided full-back and potentially another centre-back this summer. 

Christian Pulisic had a disappointing end to his home World Cup, but Milan are not overly concerned about the attacker’s physical condition after being taken off with an injury during his nation’s round of 16 loss against Belgium. 

Milan not expecting a ‘serious’ Pulisic injury

Pulisic was visibly distressed when he was taken off the field with an injury while his teammates lost 4-1 to Belgium in a round of 16 tie at the 2026 World Cup. There had been concerns surrounding the American’s fitness ever since the USA’s opening game at the tournament, when he was forced off at half-time with a calf issue. 

After being forced off again against Belgium, Pulisic is expected to report for medical examinations within the next few days, before he jets off on his summer holidays. 

According to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are not particularly concerned and are not preparing for a ‘serious’ injury. 

Milan doctors are in contact with ‘Captain America’, and as things stand, they expect that he will be able to join in with pre-season training as normal when he returns from his time off. 

Reports in Italy claim that Bologna have shown an interest in signing Napoli midfielder Michael Folorunsho, who has returned to the Stadio Maradona following his loan spell with Cagliari in 2025-26. 

Bologna request information for Napoli’s Folorunsho

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Bologna have requested information around Folorunsho, who made 28 Serie A appearances last term while Cagliari finished relatively comfortably in 14th place. 

Folorunsho has been on Napoli’s books since 2019, but has only made six league appearances for the Partenopei and has been sent out on loan eight different times, turning out for Cagliari, Fiorentina and Hellas Verona in the top flight.

Folorunsho was part of the Italy national team squad for EURO 2024 under Luciano Spalletti and has two caps to his name from matches in and around that tournament. 

Bologna are yet to make any new signings under new head coach Domenico Tedesco, who was appointed as the replacement for Vincenzo Italiano on June 2.

Wednesday’s reports claim that Milan and Azzurri legend Paolo Maldini is closing in on a decision to return to the Italy national team set-up in the role as technical director. 

Maldini close to giving his ‘yes’ to Italy

Newly-appointed FIGC President Giovanni Malago is looking to rebuild the management of the Italy national team following the departures of Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon after the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup earlier this year. 

Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain the frontrunners for the role of head coach, but reports over the last few weeks have made it clear that Malago wishes to appoint a new technical director before making a final decision on the next CT. 

Maldini has been touted as Malago’s favourite for the position of technical director, but the Milan legend has not yet given his go-ahead. 

However, according to Wednesday’s updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Maldini is now closing in on giving his approval to joining the Italy set-up. The FIGC are reportedly optimistic, while Malago feels that he will have a final decision by the end of the week, if not by the end of the weekend. 

Maldini, meanwhile, is said to be excited by the prospect of having near-full control over the Italy national team and the fact that he will be able to have a major impact on the development of the nation’s youth talents. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Messi ecstasy 

Argentina comeback: Into the quarters

Egypt ahead by two goals, Leo misses a penalty, but comes up with a goal and an assist at the end, the third is set-up by Lautaro

Gila’s yes 

Milan, new signing in defence, done deal at 30 million

Cardinale with Amorim at Milanello

Corriere dello Sport 

Oh My God 

MaraLeo lights up the world at 39

Messi, you are an icon | Comeback against Egypt in 13 minutes (from 0-2 to 3-2) and lifts Argentina into the quarters

A legendary game. Yasser scores, La Pulce misses a penalty, Zico doubles. Then the captain makes the difference: Assist for Romero’s goal for 2-1 and scores the equalising goal. Fernandez settles it in the 92nd minute: Cross from Lautaro. The number 10 between tears and an ovation

Now go on to meet Switzerland: Colombia beaten on penalties (4-3)

Juve becoming Signora Italia 

A staff with no foreigners

Carnevali chooses Massara as technical director: Supporting Spalletti along with sporting director Ottoliini

Khalaili to Inter, agreement close 

By the weekend 

Final straight for the winger. A final push for Chalobah after the World Cup

Rocchi, will the case be shelved?

The inquest in Milan 

The former referee designator heard by the Prosecutor’s Office: ‘Pressure or max-fitching? No.’

Sinner in the semi-finals, Cobolli tries today 

Wimbledon: Jannik overcomes Struff. Paolini and Flavio on the court at 13.30

Tuttosport 

Vlahovic calls Juve back 

Technical director: The Massara turnaround. DV9, new signals to Spalletti

The Serbian hasn’t received any offers at his level: He’s ready to re-discuss the renewal. Carnevali: ‘Door open’. More confidence for Brahim and Kessie with the ex-Milan and Roma director. Another meeting for Dibu Martinez today

The Pharoah Messi 

Epic comeback against Egypt: Argentina into the quarters 

2-0 down, the champions score three in 13 minutes at the end, Leo transcendent after missing a penalty: Assist and a goal (His 21st at the World Cup) and then cries. Lautaro’s cross also decisive. Egypt furious with the referee: The CT raises racism complaint

Stadium: The municipality is pushing Cairo again 

‘We’re waiting for the project’

Lo Russo is pushing to avoid any ‘convenient’ delays: ‘Toro will have to present us with the partnership proposal in the coming months, they promised that’

Milan-Gila: Yes! And Modric stays 

Already spent €100m

Orsato new referee designator 

Rocchi’s successor 

World Cup Golden Boy: What a jump for Bouuaddi! 

The Moroccan flies in our prize rankings 

Four goals and the Trump dance: Belgium’s vendetta 

USA defeated by the Balogun case: 1-4

Reports in Italy claim that a crucial round of talks between the Juventus management and the agent of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez are due to take place on Wednesday, following the stopper’s involvement in the 3-2 thriller between Argentina and Egypt at the 2026 World Cup. 

Juventus management set for face-to-face talks with Martinez agent

It has been a busy summer for Martinez between his World Cup duties and his potential next career steps at club level. He and his Argentina teammates are through to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after coming back from 2-0 to claim a stoppage-time 3-2 victory against a brave Egypt side in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, reports back in Italy claim that Juventus are progressing in talks to sign Martinez from Aston Villa this summer. 

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, there were talks between the relevant parties on Tuesday, and now, Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali is ready to ‘accelerate’ in an attempt to close a deal. 

Di Marzio reports that Carnevali, along with newly-appointed Chief Football Officer Ricky Massara, will hold a face-to-face meeting with Martinez’s agent on Wednesday. The purpose is to establish exactly how much it will take to convince the Argentina no.1 to move to Turin. 

Once Juventus have established the amount they will need to offer Martinez, they will then begin focussing on negotiations with the goalkeeper’s current employers at Aston Villa.

Napoli have released a statement making it clear that they, Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis hope that the investigation into false accounting and fraudulent bankruptcy offences relating to their involvement with Serie C side Bari.

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis and son Luigi, the sole director of Bari, are at the centre of an investigation by the Bari Prosecutor’s office into alleged false accounting and fraudulent bankruptcy offences. 

The offices of Bari and Filmauro, the company through which the De Laurentiis family owns both Bari and Napoli, were searched by authorities on Tuesday morning. 

The investigation stems from an examination of the club’s financial records, which detailed operating losses of around €30m between 2019 and 2025, a substantial capital deficit and debt exposure with no credible restructuring plan in place. 

Prosecutors believe that Bari’s poor financial situation was further worsened by a series of suspicious transactions, including the transfer of Elia Caprile.

• Read more: From Leeds to Cagliari via Napoli and Bari: Why Caprile’s 8m transfers matter in De Laurentiis investigation

De Laurentiis criticises investigation into Bari and Caprile transfer

The De Laurentiis family have since had an opportunity to respond in a statement that was released on the Napoli website on Tuesday evening. 

It reads: “SSC Bari, SSC Napoli, Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis were astonished to learn of the objections raised in the search and seizure decree that was ordered by the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Bari and was executed this morning.

“The investigators’ findings concern the transfer between the intra-group sale of a player, Elia Caprile, whose value had been quantified before the completion of the transaction, by means of a sworn appraisal from an independent third-party, an authoritative professional who is highly-accredited in the world of football and who had already been a consultant to the judicial authority.

“The request for judicial liquidation of SSC Bari, which was proposed by the same Public Prosecutor’s Office, is also stunning, given that it is a club that is respectful of its economic commitments and given that its operating losses are systematically covered by the ownership with its own resources.

“SSC Bari, SSC Napoli, Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis express, with calmness, their conviction that their position will be quickly clarified in front of the competent Judicial Authority, and hope that proceedings will swiftly be dismissed, taking into account the extreme seriousness with which the subjects involved operate, and have always operated, on a day-to-day basis, in full compliance with the law, accounting standards and federal regulations.” 

Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali has opened up on the club’s negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal for centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani, admitting that there is still a fair amount of difference between the asking price and the offer, and that it would not be right for the club to ‘just’ focus on the Frenchman. 

Carnevali opens up on Juventus transfers: ‘We’re working hard for Kolo Muani, but I wouldn’t just focus on him’

Juventus are on the hunt for a new centre-forward after parting company with Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expired on June 30. 

For several weeks, reports in Italy have linked Juventus with a move for Kolo Muani, who had a successful spell on loan with the Old Lady in the second half of the 2024-25 season, scoring eight goals from 16 Serie A appearances. 

Last week, reports claimed that Juventus had seen an offer of a loan deal with a potential obligation to buy for a total cost of €33m turned down and that PSG were holding out for a fee of €40m. 

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Carnevali has confirmed that there is still a significant amount of difference between Juve’s offer and PSG’s asking price, and that the Bianconeri are considering several other profiles in attack. 

“For Kolo Muani, the demands have not been lowered and we have not increased the proposal, but we are working hard on it,” Carnevali told Sky (via Gianluca Di Marzio).

He admitted: “I wouldn’t just focus on him. If there is a big difference, we have to make the right assessments. We’re trying to do the best thing.” 

Carnevali also confirmed that he did not meet with Vlahovic to discuss a potential contract extension and that Alexander Sorloth is among the potential alternatives to Kolo Muani: “We didn’t meet with him (Vlahovic). The doors aren’t only open for Sorloth, but also for other players.” 

Carnevali also spoke about Juve’s interest in Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, confirming: “We will have to wait. Martinez interests us, but he’s also an interesting profile for a lot of other teams. There will be lots of opportunities. There are players who are already rated highly and those who we should keep a close eye on.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where does Stankovic see himself fitting in under Chivu?

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

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

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

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

Multiple sources in Italy are reporting that Milan have a full agreement in place to sign centre-back Mario Gila from Lazio and that his former club Real Madrid will be entitled to a 50% cut of the fee. 

Done deal: Gila set to join Milan from Lazio in €30m package

Gila looks all set to become Milan’s second signing of the summer transfer window after their club-record deal for Goncalo Ramos, as Sky Sport Italia, Fabrizio Romano and various others are reporting that an agreement has been reached to sign the defender from Lazio. 

Tuesday’s reports indicate that an agreement has been struck over a fee in the region of €30m with bonuses included. €15m of that is expected to go to Madrid, where Gila had broken through before joining Lazio in 2022. He cost the Biancocelesti a reported fee of €6m four summers ago.

Milan had originally seen an offer of €25m plus €2m in bonuses turned down by Lazio according to the latest updates from Gianluca Di Marzio. The agreement was reportedly found on the basis of a fixed fee of around €27m-€28m plus additional bonuses to take the deal up to the €30m mark.

The 25-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract in San Siro with wages reported to be worth around €4m-€5m per season. He had recently entered the final year of his contract with Lazio.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Argentina vs. Egypt: Confirmed line-ups 

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

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

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

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

07-07-2026 17:00

Round of 16

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Argentina

Egypt

3 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

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

2nd half

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

Match statistic

64

Possession %

36

19

Total shots

5

7

Shots on target

2

8

Shots off target

3

4

Blocked shots

1

6

Corners

1

3

Offsides

13

Fouls

11

Argentina

Egypt

Starting lineups

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

13

Cristian Romero

Defender

90'

6

Lisandro Martínez

Defender

26

Nahuel Molina

Defender

73'

3

Nicolás Tagliafico

Defender

66'

20

Alexis Mac Allister

Midfielder

24

Enzo Fernández

Midfielder

5

Leandro Paredes

Midfielder

7

Rodrigo de Paul

Midfielder

66'

9

Julián Álvarez

Attacker

90'

10

Lionel Messi

Attacker

23

Oufa Shobeir

Goalkeeper

15

Karim Hafez

Defender

3

Mohamed Hany

Defender

5

Ramy Rabia

Defender

2

Yasser Ibrahim

Defender

8

Emam Ashour

Midfielder

46'

19

Marwan Ateya

Midfielder

17

Mohanad Lasheen

Midfielder

90'

12

Haissem Hassan

Attacker

73'

10

Mohamed Salah

Attacker

11

Mostafa Ziko

Attacker

80'

Substitutes

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

11

Giovani Lo Celso

Midfielder

14

Exequiel Palacios

Midfielder

12

Gerónimo Rulli

Goalkeeper

2

Marcos Senesi

Defender

16

Thiago Almada

Midfielder

18

Nico Paz

Midfielder

17

Giuliano Simeone

Attacker

8

Valentín Barco

Defender

21

José Manuel López

Attacker

15

Nico González

Attacker

66'

22

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

66'

4

Gonzalo Montiel

Defender

73'

19

Nicolás Otamendi

Defender

90'

25

Facundo Medina

Defender

90'

1

Mohamed El Shenawy

Goalkeeper

18

Nabil Dunga

Midfielder

20

Ibrahim Adel

Attacker

4

Hossam Abdelmaguid

Defender

26

Mohamed Alaa

Goalkeeper

9

Hamza Abdelkarim

Attacker

16

El Mahdi Soliman

Goalkeeper

24

Tarek Alaa

Midfielder

21

Mahmoud Saber

Midfielder

14

Hamdy Fathy

Midfielder

46'

7

Trezeguet

Midfielder

73'

22

Omar Marmoush

Attacker

80'

25

Zizo

Attacker

90'

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

Inter still keen on Jones deal, but only after Khalaili

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ruben Amorim has arrived at Milan’s training centre and has posed for a series of photos alongside owner Gerry Cardinale as the Portuguese begins his new chapter as the head coach of the Rossoneri. 

Amorim was appointed the new head coach of Milan on an initial two-year contract in mid-June. He replaces Massimiliano Allegri, who was dismissed alongside sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 season ended. 

Amorim arrived in Italy on Monday and is spending his first afternoon at Milanello, the club’s training base, on Tuesday. 

He was spotted arriving at the training ground alongside Cardinale on Tuesday afternoon. The pair posed for a series of photos in front of the press outside the entrance of the facility before heading inside to begin work for the 2026-27 season.

“I’m really very happy to be here, it’s an honour to be Milan’s coach,” said Amorim in an interview after arriving in Italy on Monday. 

“It’s a big challenge. After the last one I’d promised myself to choose a smaller challenge, but I’m here and it’s even bigger. I’m really proud to be here, I just want to work with my players and my staff, and I’m truly happy to be here. In Milan to win? Of course. If you want to be Milan’s coach, you have to play for that.”

Watch: Amorim arrives to begin work as head coach of Milan

Amorim è a Milanello: ad accoglierlo è Gerry Cardinale, proprietario del @acmilan. Primi sorrisi e stretta di mano davanti alle telecamere @SkySport pic.twitter.com/Sxg8sJVUV0

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 7, 2026

Daniele Orsato has officially been appointed as the new referee designator for Serie A and Serie B for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, the AIA have confirmed. 

Official: Orsato is Serie A’s new referee designator

Orsato is the replacement for Gianluca Rocchi, who suspended himself back in April after he was placed under investigation for his alleged involvement in sporting fraud and amidst allegations that he had influenced certain VAR decisions. Dino Tommasi has been serving as the interim refereeing chief in the three months since then. 

Orsato, 50, is a retired referee who took charge of 290 Serie A matches across his officiating career. His most high-profile match came in the 2020 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. 

He also took charge of the 2024 Champions League semi-final second leg between PSG and Borussia Dortmund, and the 2022 World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia. Orsato took charge of his final Serie A match, between Atalanta and Fiorentina, on June 2, 2024.

He served as the AIA (Italian refereeing association) commissioner for the development of refereeing talent from January 2025 and as the referee designator of Serie C for the 2025-26 season. 

Nicola Rizzoli and Daniele Doveri were among the alternative options to Orsato for the role of Serie A and Serie B referee designator. Doveri, 48, will instead continue to referee for another season. 

Nicola Ayroldi will serve as the referee designator for Serie C.