Luka Modric is into the final few days of his contract with Milan, and despite reports linking him with a return to his beloved Real Madrid this summer, the Croatian has denied having any contact with Jose Mourinho over a reunion at the Bernabeu. 

Ageless Modric shuts down Mourinho rumours

Modric continues to defy his age, becoming the oldest player ever to provide an assist at the World Cup, setting up the winner for Torino’s Nikola Vlasic at 40 years old during Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana in Group L on Saturday night. 

The result means that Modric and Croatia progress to the round of 32 as the second-placed team in Group L. They will go on to face a Portugal squad featuring Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao on Friday evening.

Things are less certain for Modric at club level. The former Ballon d’Or winner joined Milan on a one-year contract last summer with an option to extend for a further 12 months, but he has since dropped several hints that his time in San Siro is coming to an end. 

While several sides across the world are interested in a potential deal for Modric should he become available, there is also a growing possibility that he decides to hang up his boots after the 2026 World Cup amidst reports that he could potentially return to Madrid in either a coaching or directorship role. 

Despite these rumours, Modric insists that he has not spoken to Mourinho about a return to Madrid. 

“I know I’m at an age where the end of my career is getting closer and closer,” Modric admitted in an interview after full-time against Ghana (via TMW).

And when asked about his relationship with Mourinho and his appointment as Real Madrid head coach, Modric said: “He hasn’t called me. I wish him the best, he’s a special coach, one of the best. I have a lot of affection for him.”

The 2026 World Cup group stage is finally complete, the line-up for the first ever round of 32 has been set, 19 Serie A and Serie B clubs are still represented at the tournament, but no other Italian side boasts more stars than Milan, who have 10. 

The World Cup group stage came to a close in the early hours of Sunday morning, ending with a 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria and a 3-1 victory for an Argentina side featuring Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz against Jordan. 

48 teams have been cut down to 32 and those sides will now head into the knock-out bracket, which kicks off with South Africa vs. co-hosts Canada at 20.00 on Sunday evening.

• Read more: 64 Serie A players left standing at the 2026 World Cup – Who are you supporting?

Milan have more representatives left standing in the World Cup knock-outs than any other Serie A side with a cohort of 10 players: Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan of France are among the favourites to win the entire tournament. 

Atalanta are also very well represented at the 2026 World Cup with eight players making it through to the round of 32. Their hopes lie with the likes of Ederson and Brazil, Charles De Ketelaere of Belgium and Marten De Roon of the Netherlands. 

Inter sit in third place in the list of best-represented Serie A sides in the World Cup knock-out stage. The Nerazzurri have representatives from both France and Argentina, the bookies’ favourites to make the 2026 final. 

Juventus have five remaining players at the World Cup, while Roma, Como, Bologna, and Sassuolo all have four. 

Which Serie A club has the most players left at the World Cup?

(list also includes some Serie B clubs)

Milan – 10: Adrien Rabiot, Mike Maignan (France), Rafael Leao (Portugal), Luka Modric (Croatia), Christian Pulisic (USA), Koni De Winter, Alexis Saelemaekers (Belgium), Santiago Gimenez (Mexico), Pervis Estupinan (Ecaudor), Ardon Jashari (Switzerland).

Atalanta – 8: Isak Hien (Sweden), Marten De Roon (Netherlands), Mario Pasalic (Croatia), Sead Kolasinac (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium), Ederson (Brazil), Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Ghana).

Inter – 6: Marcus Thuram (France), Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands), Petar Sucic (Croatia), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Ivory Coast), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina), Manuel Akanji (Switzerland).

Juventus – 5: Jonathan David (Canada), Teun Koopmeiners (Netherlands), Weston McKennie (USA), Gleison Bremer (Brazil), Francisco Conceicao (Portugal).

Roma – 4: Manu Kone (France), Donyell Malen (Netherlands), Neil El Aynaoui (Morocco), Evan Ndicka (Ivory Coast).

Como – 4: Martin Baturina (Croatia), Stefan Posch (Austria), Assane Diao (Senegal), Nico Paz (Argentina).

Bologna – 4: Nikola Moro (Croatia), Torbjorn Heggem (Norway), Remo Freuler (Switzerland), Jhon Lucumi (Colombia).

Sassuolo – 4: Ismael Kone (Sassuolo), Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia), Kristian Thorstvedt (Norway), Cristian Volpato (Australia).

Napoli – 2: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku (Belgium).

Genoa – 2: Leo Ostigard (Norway), Johan Vasquez (Genoa).

Parma – 2: Zion Suzuki (Japan), Alessandro Circati (Australia).

Torino – 2: Nikola Vlasic (Croatia), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Norway).

Venezia – 2: Michael Svoboda (Austria), John Yeboah (Ecuador).

Cremonese – 2: Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese), Morten Thorsby (Norway).

Fiorentina – 1: Marin Pongracic (Croatia).

Udinese – 1: Jesper Karlstrom (Sweden).

Cagliari – 1: Yerry Mina (Colombia).

Pisa – 1: Michel Aebischer (Switzerland).

Hellas Verona – 1: Rafik Belghali (Algeria).

Sampdoria – 1: Dennis Hadzikadunic (Bosnia).

Frosinone – 1: Fares Ghedjemis (Algeria).

64 Italian-based players are left standing at the 2026 World Cup heading into the knock-out rounds, and with no Italy at the tournament, Croatia might be the team for the Serie A neutral to support in the round of 32. But we want to know who you will be supporting for the remainder of the summer – Let us know below!

Croatia feature more Serie A or Serie B representatives than any other nation left at the World Cup with a total of seven, namely Milan’s Luka Modric, Inter’s Petar Sucic, Como’s Martin Baturina, Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic, Torino’s Nikola Vlasic, Bologna’s Nikola Moro and Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic.

Belgium and Norway hold the second-most Serie A representatives in the remaining World Cup squads with five apiece, the Belgian selections being headlined by Napoli pair Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Norway’s Leo Ostigard was the first Serie A player to score at the 2026 World Cup.

France, the Netherlands and Switzerland have four Serie A players each. Marcus Thuram, Adrien Rabiot, Mike Maignan and Manu Kone are among the favourites to win the whole tournament, but they may have to overcome the likes of Donyell Malen, Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners in a potential quarter-final match-up. 

Check out the full list below and let us know who you will be rooting for in the comments. 

Surviving nations at the 2026 World Cup and their Serie A representatives 

(list also includes some Serie B representatives)

Germany: None.

Paraguay: Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese).

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

Sweden: Isak Hien (Atalanta), Jesper Karlstrom (Udinese).

South Africa: None. 

Canada: Ismael Kone (Sassuolo), Jonathan David (Juventus).

Netherlands: Marten De Roon (Atalanta), Donyell Malen (Roma), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Denzel Dumfries (Inter).

Morocco: Neil El Aynaoui (Roma).

Portugal: Rafael Leao (Milan), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus).

Croatia: Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Luka Modric (Milan), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Martin Baturina (Como), Petar Sucic (Inter).

Spain: None.

Austria: Stefan Posch (Contracted to Como, on loan at Mainz), Michael Svoboda (Venezia).

United States: Weston McKennie (Juventus), Christian Pulisic (Milan).

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Dennis Hadzikadunic (Sampdoria), Tarik Muharemovic (Sassuolo), Sead Kolasinac (Atalanta).

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

Senegal: Assane Diao (Como).

Brazil: Ederson (Atalanta), Bremer (Juventus).

Japan: Zion Suzuki (Parma).

Ivory Coast: Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter), Evan Ndicka (Roma).

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

Mexico: Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Santiago Gimenez (Milan).

Ecuador: Pervis Estupinan (Milan), John Yeboah (Venezia).

England: None.

DR Congo: None.

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

Cape Verde: None.

Australia: Alessandro Circati (Parma), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo).

Egypt: None.

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

Algeria: Rafik Belghali (Verona), Fares Ghedjemis (Frosinone).

Colombia: Jhon Lucumi (Bologna), Yerry Mina (Cagliari).

Ghana: Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta).

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez is now off the mark at the 2026 World Cup, netting Argentina’s second in an eventual 3-1 win over Jordan in their final group stage match in a game that also brought a first start for Como star Nico Paz. 

Lautaro and Paz help Argentina maintain perfect World Cup start

Martinez has started all three of Argentina’s group stage matches at the 2026 tournament in North America, but has had to wait for his third outing for his first moment of individual glory, converting a 31st-minute penalty to send his nation 2-0 up on the night. 

The legendary Lionel Messi is usually Argentina’s designated penalty taker, but he was named among the substitutes named a rotated side having secured their status as winners of Group J before the game against Jordan had even kicked-off. 

Still, the diminutive magician came off the bench to net his sixth goal in three appearances at the tournament at the age of 39. His six-goal haul, achieved in the group stage alone, would have been enough for him to claim the Golden Boot in 10 of the last 12 World Cup tournaments.

With no Messi in the starting line-up, there was a first start at the tournament for Nico Paz, who has been the subject of a huge transfer saga back in Europe involving Como, Real Madrid and Inter. 

According to reports over the last few days, Real Madrid will activate their €9m buy-back option for the 21-year-old, and Como will then spend a further €60m to sign him back immediately. 

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

While Milan continue to be linked with moves for a series of Portugal internationals and players represented by super agent Jorge Mendes, the latest reports in Italy claim that Manchester United’s Mason Mount has been proposed to the Rossoneri. 

Could Mount join Ramos in Milan in 2026-27?

Milan are now under the leadership of former United head coach Ruben Amorim after parting company with Massimiliano Allegri the day after the 2025-26 season ended. 

The club also let go of sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani in one fell swoop after missing out on Champions League qualification  at the end of the Serie A campaign, but have since appointed a new leadership team revolving around Amorim, director of player trading Hendrik Almstadt and director of football intelligence Bobby Gardiner in a new senior management structure in San Siro. 

Since these appointments were confirmed at the beginning of the week, Milan’s transfer window has well and truly sprung into life and a club-record deal for PSG striker Goncalo Ramos has already been secured. 

Reports on Sunday claim that the Rossoneri also have an agreement in principle on personal terms with another Portugal international in Antonio Silva, who, like Ramos, is also represented by Jorge Mendes. 

However, according to reports from Milanpress.it, a new transfer option has recently emerged for Milan in the form of attacking midfielder Mount. 

Mount is, of course, well known to Amorim from their time together at Manchester United, and Sunday’s report suggests that the player does not feel part of the project under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford and could be heading for an exit this summer. 

Sunday’s report claims that Mount has been ‘offered’ to the Rossoneri, that Amorim approves of the idea and the clubs have ‘exchanged information’. Milanpress claims that Mount is valued at around €25m.

Reports in Italy claim that Milan already have an agreement on personal terms in place with 22-year-old Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, who like Goncalo Ramos, is also represented by Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes. 

Report: Silva willing to join Milan on five-year contract

After a month of uncertainty following the end of the disappointing 2025-26 season, in which the club were temporarily left without a head coach, sporting director, technical director or CEO, Milan’s transfer window has well and truly sprung into life this week. The Rossoneri have agreed a club-record deal for Portugal international Ramos, who could cost €74m not including bonuses according to Fabrizio Romano. 

There have been suggestions that Milan, now under the leadership of Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim, could make more moves for more players who are represented by Mendes. Among those potential options are Benfica centre-back Silva, Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado and Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao. 

According to reports from Nicolo Schira, Milan already have an agreement in principle on personal terms in place with Silva, who is prepared to join the Rossoneri on a five-year contract until the summer of 2031. 

Sunday’s update claims that talks between Milan and Benfica are underway and the Rossoneri are now ‘ready’ to submit a formal bid. 

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Benfica want a fee in the region of €20m for Silva, who is also of interest to an unspecified club in the Saudi Pro League and two in the Premier League.

Reports in Italy claim that Aston Villa are ‘open’ to cutting a small amount off their previous €10m valuation of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whom Juventus are desperate to bring on board ahead of the 2026-27 season. 

Report: Villa willing to reduce €10m Dibu Martinez valuation

Juventus are looking to sign a new goalkeeper during the off-season and could offload either or potentially even both of Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin, who struggled for consistency for much of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Reports in Italy claim that Juve and Martinez have already agreed a package of personal terms worth around €5m per season in wages over the course of a three-year deal in Turin. 

The issue for Juventus has been agreeing a fee with Villa, though. The Premier League outfit have reportedly valued the Argentina international at around €10m plus bonuses, however, Juventus have considered this to be too much for a stopper who will turn 34 in September. 

There had even been suggestions that Juventus wanted to sign Martinez ‘practically for free’ given his age and the fact that he has expressed a desire to join the club. 

According to the latest updates from TMW, Juventus are willing to go up to €5m on a transfer fee for Martinez, on top of his €5m-per-season salary and possible signing bonuses. Sunday’s update claims that Villa are open to a slight reduction in their €10m valuation.

Former Roma defender Medhi Benatia is reportedly acting as a middle-man in negotiations between the Giallorossi and Marseille, who face a race against time to get a deal done for controversial striker Mason Greenwood. 

Benatia involved in Greenwood negotiations between Roma and Marseille

It has been a poorly-kept secret that Roma are attempting to sign the former Manchester United forward this summer from Marseille, who urgently need to sell players before the end of the month if they are to avoid a major FFP breach. 

The Giallorossi are also operating with restrictions under their UEFA settlement agreement, but look increasingly likely to part company with Mathias Soule, who has had profitable offers from the Saudi Pro League. 

If Roma sell Soule before the end of the month, they will be able to register the entirety of his transfer fee in the accounts for the 2025-26 season, as is the same for Marseille if they sell Greenwood by June 30. However, the cost of signing a new player can be spread out over the duration of the player’s contract. 

According to the latest updates from the Corriere dello Sport, Roma have an agreement in full with Greenwood and his agent on personal terms. If the Englishman were to move to the Stadio Olimpico, it is understood that he would earn an initial salary of €4.5m per season plus bonuses, which would rise over several years of the contract. 

The remaining obstacle for Roma is to agree a fee with Marseille. The French side are said to value Greenwood in the region of €50m-€55m, aware of the fact that Manchester United will be entitled to a 40% sell-on, while Roma are reportedly willing to invest around €45m including bonuses on the transfer fee.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, acting as a middle-man in negotiations between the two clubs is former Roma and Juventus defender Benatia, who served as Marseille’s sporting director between 2025 and 2026, but continues to work with the club in a transfer consultancy role.

Milan’s Luka Modric has added a new World Cup record to his CV while Inter and Torino stars Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic provided the goals for Croatia in a 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday night, which helped the Serie A cohort qualify for the 2026 knock-out rounds. 

Modric still starring at the World Cup at 40 years and 291 days old

It was a night to remember for Sucic, who opened his account at the 2026 World Cup with a wonderful strike from distance that nestled perfectly into the bottom corner of the net. The 22-year-old was awarded the man of the match award for his performance against Ghana. 

Croatia’s second goal of the night, struck seven minutes before the 90th, came courtesy of the head of Torino’s Vlasic, who was set-up from a Modric corner. 

The Milan veteran is now the oldest player in history to register an assist at a World Cup at the age of 40 years and 291 days old.

The former Ballon d’Or winner is into the final few days of his contract with Milan, which ends on Tuesday (June 30). It remains to be seen what the future holds for the magical Modric, but recent reports indicate that he is set to bid farewell to the Rossoneri after one season in Serie A. 

Reports in Italy claim that Antonio Silva, Morten Hjulmand and Marc Casado are the next players on Milan’s wishlist following their agreement with PSG to sign Goncalo Ramos in a club-record deal. 

More Mendes signings on the horizon for Milan

Milan raised eyebrows with their deal for PSG’s Ramos, with some reports in Italy claiming that the Rossoneri will pay €74m in fixed fees for the Portugal international, who didn’t start a single game in the Champions League for his current club this season. 

It is a deal that has left some feeling not just surprised, but suspicious as well. 

Despite breaking the club’s transfer record by some distance with their agreement for Ramos, the Rossoneri are still plotting several other moves on the transfer market. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, owner Gerry Cardinale, head coach Ruben Amorim, newly-appointed director of player training Hendrik Almstadt and Bobby Gardiner, head of football intelligence, recently met in Lisbon and spoke for over four hours about the potential next steps in the transfer window. 

Sunday’s report claims that Milan already have three more signings they would like to bring in ahead of the 2026-27 season, among them is Sporting CP and former Lecce midfielder Hjulmand, who has previously worked under Amorim in the Portuguese capital. 

Milan are also said to be interested in striking deals for two more players under Jorge Mendes’s agency, the same as Ramos. First up is 22-year-old Benfica defender Antonio Silva, who is reportedly valued in the region of €20m back in his homeland. 

Additionally, Mendes has reportedly proposed the signing of La Masia graduate Casado, who has made 75 competitive appearances for the Barcelona first team over the last four seasons. 

Previous reports claimed that Milan were also interested in a deal for winger Francisco Trincao, who is, again, represented by Mendes.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Sizzling Formula 1

Australian GP at 14.00: Ferrari and Kimi on the attack 

Russell in pole amidst the controversies, outsmarts Leclerc and Hamilto. Antonelli: ‘I was naive’

Milan, another three signings 

Meeting in Lisbon with Cardinale 

Four hours of talks discussing the market. Antonio Silva and Hjulmand targets, big reinforcements 

Juve, now Soule appears, Final attack for Kolo Muani 

Moving ahead 

England and Croatia fly

Kane goal, Panama beaten (2-0). The ‘Italians’ Sucic and Vlasic knock out Ghana 2-1

Corriere dello Sport 

Who comes out on top 

Mancini or Conte on either Wednesday or Thursday

The new Italy | The decision on the CT is the first ‘match’ between Malago and the clubs

Some Serie A Presidents are opposed to Roby’s return: Remembering his traumatic departure on August 13, 2023. Antonio stepped down as head of the Nazionale in 2016. The head of the FIGC makes his debut by asserting complete autonomy

Napoli, Inter jump on Khalaili

Ausilio tries to interject for the wideman

Alajbegovic, Milan temptation 

After Ramos, eyes on the winger and on Casado

Juve call Kolo and Dibu 

Carnevali, meetings with PSG and Aston Villa 

Marvellous Bellingham, Croatia in second 

World Cup: England beat Panama, Kane doubles it (2-0). Vlasic knocks out Ghana 

Tuttosport 

Kessie: ‘Juve, I would sign me’

Strong and clear message from the World Cup 

The ex-Milan man: ‘Fit and a free agent, what more could you want? They’re right to want me, I’d be a great signing … There’s talk of the Bianconeri, I know, my agent is working on it. In the meantime, I’m dreaming with my Ivory Coast’. Zaniolo hints at interest. The plan is to let Yildiz recharge 

Khelaili for the wounded Inter 

An Israeli on the right 

The wing-back from St. Gilloise is a candidate to ‘replace’ Palestra. Still the Como obstacle for Chalobah 

It’s the Milan with ‘sporting director’ Mendes

Antonio Silva arriving 

After Goncalo Ramos, the super agent is preparing other signings: Casado, Trincao and the defender from Benfica 

David takes on the hitman’s son 

Round of 32 kicks off at 20.00

Canada dreaming against South Africa, where Appollis, who was born in the rough suburbs of Cape Town, is shining 

Zapata takes a pay cut and will renew with Toro tomorrow

News confirmedL He is set to stay with the Granata until 2028 

From 2.5 million per year to 1.75 plus bonuses: He has recovered from his knee injury. Renewed interest in Oristanio

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero is the frontman for a consortium hoping to purchase and revive Rimini, who declared bankruptcy and were later expelled from Serie C last year. 

Reports Del Piero interested in buying Rimini

Rimini were docked 15 points last September due to ‘various administrative irregularities’, and the team was later disbanded and kicked out of Serie C as a result of the club’s financial crisis. 

Reports indicate that those in control of the club and its remaining assets are actively seeking buyers, and according to Saturday’s updates from Calciomercato.com, there is a possibility that a consortium revolving around Del Piero takes control. 

According to Saturday’s reports, Del Piero will be joined by a ‘mystery’ business partner, who has invested in several of the former Juventus star’s recent projects. 

It is also believed that there has already been an exploratory phone call between Del Piero and mayor of Rimini, Jamil Sadegholvaad.

Del Piero and his associates have not yet lodged a formal offer to buy the club, but Saturday’s reports claim that locals and executives in Rimini were delighted with the news that Del Piero could be among the club’s next owners.

Como are expected to secure a €60m deal to keep Nico Paz at the Stadio Sinigaglia on a permanent basis, but given that Como are already on the brink of breaking financial fair play regulations, why are they able to fork out such a significant sum so early on in the transfer window?

Why are Como able to spend so much on Nico Paz?

According to reports from various outlets on Friday, Real Madrid will activate their €9m buy-back option for Nico Paz, and Como will spend €60m to sign him back immediately. This deal is also expected to include another €80m buy-back option in favour of Real Madrid, which will only be valid in the summer of 2027. 

Given that Como have the wealthiest ownership group in Serie A, it is not a question of how the club can afford the signing of Nico Paz, rather how they are able to get around UEFA’s financial fair play rules. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the short answer is that they won’t. 

Como have qualified for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, which will bring an increase in revenues compared to last season, but this also means that the club will be under fiercer scrutiny from UEFA and their financial sustainability rules. 

UEFA will examine Como’s financial accounts in the coming spring. This review will be based on the previous three financial years (i.e. 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26). Like all clubs competing in Europe, Como must not exceed losses of over €60m over that three-year period, and first-team expenses must not exceed 70% of the club’s overall revenues. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Como will ‘inevitably exceed these limits’. Saturday’s report notes that Como were €50m in the red in 2023-24, which shot up to €132m in 2024-25. It is expected that there will be an improvement in the club’s next financial statements for the 2025-26 season ending on June 30, but La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts that losses will still be around €100m. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Como are now looking at the possibility of entering a settlement agreement with UEFA next year, as has happened with several Serie A clubs in recent seasons, and this could limit the club’s ability to spend for the following three or four years. 

UEFA tend to look favourably upon clubs who spend on ‘rational investments’ and upon owners who have a proven track record of injecting funds into their club. Como’s ownership group have reportedly poured €390m into the club since they took over in 2019. 

While Como are expected to be in the red by UEFA’s financial fair play rules, the club has no debts with any lenders and boast net assets in excess of €54m. Additionally, Como will be ‘first time offenders’ if they breach UEFA’s financial fair play regulations, and again, there is hope that the governing body will look favourably upon the club as a result. 

Reports in Italy claim that Chelsea could make a surprising move to sign Cesare Casadei back from Torino in order to send him out on an immediate loan to newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. 

Could Casadei return to Chelsea from Torino?

Casadei spent two-and-a-half years on Chelsea’s books between the summer of 2022 and the winter of 2025, spending much of that time out on loan with Reading and Leicester City in the EFL Championship. 

The former Italy U21 star would go on to make a total of 17 competitive appearances for Chelsea during his time in West London. 

He returned to Serie A in the summer of 2024, joining Torino for €15m in a deal that also included a significant sell-on clause. Reports at the time suggested that the sell-on was worth around 25% for Chelsea, although Saturday’s updates from TMW claim that it is slightly higher at 27.5%. 

TMW suggests that Chelsea could use this to their advantage to bring Casadei back to Stamford Bridge in a low-cost deal. 

However, Saturday’s report claims that Chelsea would then intend to send Casadei out on an immediate loan deal to continue his development, with newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich mentioned as a potential destination for the 23-year-old.

Real Betis were also linked with a move for Casadei by outlets in Italy earlier this week.

Juventus have reportedly arranged a series of meetings with the representatives of Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, who could potentially return to Turin in a low-cost deal given that the Bianconeri have a 50% sell-on clause for the Bosnian centre-back. 

New meetings scheduled for Juventus and Muharemovic

Juventus are looking to strengthen at centre-back ahead of the 2026-27 season and the latest reports suggest that Muharemovic and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi are the players currently under consideration by the Old Lady. 

Bologna are reportedly holding out for a €25m fee for Lucumi, who also has a €28m release clause written into his contract that will be valid until mid-July. 

Juventus are keen to study alternative, cheaper options, which has led them to consider a potential return for former Next Gen talent Muharemovic, who has spent the last two seasons with Sassuolo. 

Juventus have a 50% sell-on clause for Muharemovic, meaning that they effectively part-own the player, and the Bianconeri will be able to bring the player back at half the amount it would cost any other club. 

According to the latest updates from IlBianconero, a new meeting between Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali, several other Bianconeri directors and Muharemovic’s representatives has been set up and will take place within the first few days of the coming week. 

Reports in the UK claim that Brighton & Hove Albion have submitted a bid in the region of €34m (£30m) for teenage Italy and Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, just one year after he joined La Dea from Genoa. 

Brighton submit bid for Ahanor

Following reports of initial interest from Brighton earlier this week, transfer experts Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook report that the Premier League outfit has submitted a bid in the region of €34m (£30m). 

This would be an immediate turn of profit for Atalanta, who spent €20m to bring Ahanor to Bergamo from Genoa last summer. That deal made Ahanor the second-most expensive Italian 17-year-old in the history of the sport. 

Now 18 years of age and with 41 competitive appearances to his name at senior level, including nine in the Champions League, Ahanor is beginning to attract interest from clubs outside of Serie A. 

Ahanor was recently handed his first caps for the Italy national team during the interim reign of Silvio Baldini, who took a squad consisting almost entirely of U21 players for a pair of international friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece earlier this month. 

It remains to be seen whether Brighton’s €34m bid will be enough to convince Atalanta into selling. La Dea are under no pressure to sell any more players to raise funds for new additions given that they have already secured €105m from Chelsea and Manchester United from the imminent sales of Marco Palestra and Ederson.

Juventus are fast approaching the end of Dusan Vlahovic’s contract, but reports in Italy claim that Besiktas is the Serbian’s only real alternative option despite the fact that he will be available on a free transfer next week. 

Vlahovic deadline on Tuesday, only one real alternative option

As things stand, Juventus have tried and failed to get Vlahovic to commit to a new contract and without a last-minute turnaround, the centre-forward will walk away from the club on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract on Tuesday (June 30). 

The Bianconeri have recently tabled another offer of a one-year contract on wages worth around €8m per season, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlahovic and his entourage have not yet given a response. 

With Vlahovic’s contract expiring on Tuesday, La Gazzetta dello Sport describes it as an ‘ultimatum’ for the striker and his representatives. 

Meanwhile, Juventus remain locked in negotiations for Randal Kolo Muani, who is being lined up as the alternative option should Vlahovic walk away on a free transfer next week. 

It remains to be seen where Vlahovic will end up should he leave Juve in the coming days. There had been suggestions that the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona were interested in picking him up on a free transfer, but La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that neither have made any serious, formal approaches. 

Besiktas have, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, they are prepared to invest around €30m between the cost of the player’s salary, signing bonus and the commission fees. 

Reports from the same outlet earlier this week claimed that the Turkish giants are willing to hand over a €10m-per-season contract, and a signing bonus of around €5m. 

Besiktas are now under the leadership of Italian head coach Vincenzo Italiano, under whom Vlahovic had his most productive season ever in front of goal while playing for Fiorentina. 

Saturday’s report from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Besiktas is Vlahovic’s only real alternative option to Juventus at this stage. 

Inter have missed out on deals for Marco Palestra and Nico Paz, and now, the latest updates in Italy claim that Liverpool’s Curtis Jones is becoming an increasingly complicated affair and that Arsenal could potentially beat the Nerazzurri to the signing of the Englishman. 

Liverpool and Inter stuck at Curtis Jones impasse

It has been a frustrating start to the summer transfer window for Cristian Chivu’s side, who have seen their ‘priority’ target Palestra move to Chelsea in a €60m deal, leaving them without a starting right wing-back with Denzel Dumfries set to join Real Madrid. 

There had been suggestions that the Nerazzurri could reinvest the funds they had set aside for the signing of Palestra on a deal for Nico Paz instead, but the Argentine talent now looks set to join Como in a permanent €60m deal instead. 

Now, according to Saturday’s reports, Inter risk missing out on a deal for Liverpool’s Jones instead. 

The midfielder is heading into the final year of his contract this summer, but Liverpool are still holding out with their €40m valuation. Inter, meanwhile, have seen a pair of opening bids rejected, the latest reported to be worth €25m. 

Reports from Calciomercato.com claim that Inter are ‘stuck’ at their €25m valuation and do not wish to go any higher, especially given that the player could leave Liverpool for free next summer and will be free to negotiate with clubs elsewhere from January onwards.

Concerningly for Inter, there have been suggestions in the UK that Premier League champions Arsenal are also interested in a deal for Jones. 

Saturday’s reports indicate that Goncalo Ramos will sit at the top of the Rossoneri wage bill once his transfer from PSG is completed, on top of a staggering transfer fee, which some outlets suggest could even surpass the €80m mark. 

Ramos set to overtake Leao as Milan’s record transfer and highest earner

According to reports from various outlets on Friday, Milan have secured a deal to bring Portugal international Ramos to San Siro ahead of the 2026-27 season in a transfer that will comfortably make him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. 

There have been conflicting reports over the exact cost of the transfer, but reports from Fabrizio Romano indicate that the fixed fee will be set at €74m. Some reports in Italy claim that if all bonuses are reached and with commission fees included, the deal could exceed the €80m mark. 

This is significantly higher than Milan’s previous transfer record: The €49.4m they paid over several instalments to sign Rafael Leao from Lille back in 2019. 

According to the latest updates on Saturday, Ramos is also set to become the club’s highest earner and is set to take home a guaranteed salary of €7m per season. 

Leao is currently the highest earner on the Rossoneri books, also earning around €7m per season, but with bonuses included. 

Davide Ancelotti, Carlo Ancelotti’s son and assistant, has divided opinions after his reaction to Neymar’s introduction during Brazil’s World Cup group stage match against Scott McTominay’s Scotland earlier this week. 

Watch: Did Ancelotti shake his head at Neymar substitution?

The inclusion of the legendary Neymar in the Brazil national team squad for the 2026 World Cup has been a major talking point: The 34-year-old is by far and away one of the nation’s most popular footballers, but his injuries and fitness have limited his impact for quite a while now and the former PSG and Barcelona man has only been able to make one substitute appearance at the World Cup thus far. 

His first appearance came off the bench during Brazil’s final group stage match against Scotland, which ended 3-0 in favour of the Selecao thanks to goals from Vinicius Jr. (x2) and Matheus Cunha. 

Neymar was brought off the bench for Cunha in the second half, and footage has emerged of Davide Ancelotti appearing to shake his head while the substitution was being made. 

Davide Ancelotti, who will take over as head coach of Ligue 1 side Lille after the 2026 World Cup, has divided opinions with his reaction to Neymar’s substitution. 

One supporter on X labelled Davide Ancelotti a ‘misunderstood genius’, while another claimed that he had gained respect from supporters for his reaction. Others have looked less kindly on the incident, suggesting that Davide Ancelotti is only in the position he is in due to his father’s influence. There have also been suggestions that his reaction was not even in relation to Neymar’s substitution.

But what did you make of the incident? Let us know in the comments below.

 

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Saturday’s reports claim that former Juventus and Roma forward and former UEFA vice-President Zbigniew Boniek is among the alternative options to Paolo Maldini for the vacant technical director role with the Italy national team. 

Boniek option emerges for Italy

Giovanni Malagò has recently been appointed as the new President of the FIGC and he will be tasked with redesigning the Italy national team set-up following the departures of head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon earlier this year. 

Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain the frontrunners for the vacant Italy national team head coach role, but it is understood that the FIGC will look to appoint a new technical director before making a final decision on the next CT.

Several legendary former Italy internationals have been linked with the technical director role, most prominently Maldini, who has been out of work since leaving his beloved Milan in controversial circumstances in the summer of 2023. 

There have also been mentions of Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero, Gianfranco Zola, Claudio Ranieri, Roberto Baggio, Demetrio Albertini, Beppe Bergomi. 

However, according to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, the new name that has emerged on Italy’s list of potential alternatives to Maldini is Boniek, who was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame back in 2019. 

Boniek spent the final six years of his playing career in Serie A with Juventus and Roma, and later returned to Italy as coach of Lecce, Bari, Sambenedettese and Avellino. 

Boniek served as the chair of the Polish FA between 2012 and 2021, when he was appointed as UEFA vice-President under Aleksander Ceferin, serving alongside former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina in the same role. 

Boniek has been out of work since stepping down from his position with UEFA in April of 2025. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

The Diavolo set goals 

Milan success, a centre-forward for 70 million 

Ramos arriving from Paris Saint-Germain. Cardinale makes Amorim happy. He’s the record signing in Rossoneri history

Crazy for Paz 

Como relaunch, 60 million for Real and the Argentine will not move

Frightening France, Dembele show, Norway overwhelmed 

Hat-trick from the Ballon d’Or winner (4-1). Senegal, five goals against Iraq

Corriere dello Sport 

Sunk 

France in command | Ballon d’Or winner Dembele takes to the stage: Three goals in 32 minutes and a lesson to Solbakken’s group (4-1)

Poker against Norway, Italy’s nightmare 

18 shots, nine on target. Doue gets on the scoresheet at the end. Haaland comes on in the second half: Controversy over the rotation policy from the CT. Maignan leader: Saves a penalty 

National team, Malago reflects on a new technical director: Boniek idea 

Paz stays with Fabregas 

Como see off Inter and will buy the Argentine for 60 million 

After  the Palestra snub, Marotta also needs to say farewell to Nico. Suwarso’s club accept the price tag set out by Real Madrid. Buy-back set at 80 for Perez. Chivu nerves: Jones slipping away 

Goncalo Ramos joins Milan 

65 million plus 5 in bonuses to PSG 

The Portuguese is Amorim’s new no.8: Has signed until 2031 and is now waiting for the medical. The most expensive signing in the history of the club

Juve: Miretti is the key for Lucumi

The Colombian for Spalletti

Khalaili and Gila: Napoli pressure 

Double deal 

Soule unlocks the Greenwood deal 

Roma, an offer from Saudi Arabia 

Lotito buys Reggina and wants Serie C 

In Rome yesterday, closing 

Tuttosport 

Inter stung by Paz 

Unbelievable Como: Buying Nico back from Real Madrid with 60m

After seeing Chelsea snatch Palestra from under his nose, Marotta had hoped the Argentine would move, setting the stage for a bidding war. Instead, he was blindsided by Suwarso’s unexpected counter: Exercising the option and thrilling the Como fans. Fabregas: ‘Guys, this is only the beginning’. Khalali and Jones: The Nerazzurri’s plan B options are now in motion 

Juve, Kolo in for pre-season 

Carnevali working to restore relations with PSG, who were annoyed by Comolli 

The director’s aim is to provide Spalletti with a centre-forward by July 13: Diplomatic efforts are underway, bolstered by an agreement with the player and a good relationship with Campos. David blocks the Sorloth deal, but Pellegrino remains an option. Mingueza back in the frame

Milan boom: Goncalo Ramos! 

The most expensive signing in the history of the club 

The first gift for Amorim, 70 million plus bonuses to PSG, medicals during the Portugal national team camp. 

Simeone to Cairo: ‘Stay at Toro’

Decisive meeting with Cholito 

River Plate won’t offer enough: Abate wants to keep the Argentine striker

The Netherlands dominate amidst controversy 

The goal conceded against Tunisia sparks conversations 

Magical Dembele, France show: 4-1 

Norway without Haaland and with the reserves