Lazio’s Coppa Italia final defeat to Inter has cost the club more than silverware, it has condemned them to a second consecutive season without European football, a situation that has not arisen at the Stadio Olimpico since 1992/93.

According to Calcio e Finanza, the last time Lazio went two or more successive seasons without continental competition was during a 15-year absence stretching from 1978/79 to 1992/93.

The current drought is also the first to occur during Claudio Lotito’s ownership of the club, which began in the summer of 2004.

The timing makes it all the more painful. Prior to the current run, Lazio had participated in European competition for eight consecutive seasons under Lotito, including two Champions League campaigns in which they reached the last 16 on both occasions before being eliminated by Bayern Munich.

Lazio make unwanted history with European absence

The club’s broader European history tells a story of genuine pedigree.

In the past 34 years, Lazio have competed in the Champions League eight times, reached the Europa League quarter-finals as recently as 2024/25, and won the Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 1999. Their best Champions League showing came in 1999/2000, when they reached the quarter-finals.

The summer ahead is consequently one of significant consequence for the club. The futures of Maurizio Sarri and several key players remain unresolved, while the fractured relationship between the squad and the club’s supporter groups adds further uncertainty to what promises to be a pivotal off-season.

Juventus have renewed their interest in Davide Frattesi, only to receive a provocative response from Inter Milan, who have proposed a straight swap involving Andrea Cambiaso as the price of doing business.

According to Tuttosport, via CalcioMercato, a direct contact between all parties has already taken place, with Luciano Spalletti driving the push to reunite with the midfielder he worked with extensively during his time as Italy national team coach.

Frattesi was one of Spalletti’s most productive players at international level, and the Juventus head coach is keen to bring him to Turin regardless of whether the club secures Champions League or Europa League football next season.

Inter demand Cambiaso in response to Juventus approach for Frattesi

The foundation for a deal exists on one side. Frattesi’s relationship with Inter has broken down irreparably, the midfielder has been pushing for more playing time for over a year, only to see his minutes diminish further.

A January move to Nottingham Forest fell through when Liverpool refused to allow Curtis Jones to move to Inter in the opposite direction. A permanent summer exit now appears inevitable.

Frattesi’s own preference remains a return to Roma, but he has shown an openness to joining Juventus. The sticking point is Inter’s demands.

The Nerazzurri value the midfielder at no less than €30 million, but their counter-proposal was to suggest a like-for-like swap involving Cambiaso, a player who has also attracted interest from Como. Juventus consider the response provocative, and the two clubs remain far apart.

Theo Hernandez is seriously considering a return to Serie A after just one season in Saudi Arabia, with Juventus and AC Milan among the clubs being monitored by his entourage, according to reports in Italy.

The former Milan defender has enjoyed a positive campaign with Al Hilal under Simone Inzaghi, contributing nine goals and five assists in 42 appearances, including a decisive goal in the King’s Cup final.

Despite performing well, Hernandez has made no secret of his desire to return to European football, via CalcioMercato.

Tax and ownership changes at Al Hilal open door to Theo Hernandez Serie A return

The timing of a move has been carefully managed. Hernandez needed to complete 183 days of tax residency in Saudi Arabia before negotiating with European clubs on a gross salary basis, a threshold now reached.

Any interested Italian club would still need him to significantly reduce his current €20 million net salary, but the fiscal obstacle has been cleared.

Juventus are the most commonly cited destination, with a dynamic attacking left-back precisely what Luciano Spalletti is seeking. However, no formal approach has been made and he remains an idea rather than a concrete target.

A Milan return is more complicated. Hernandez previously ruled it out publicly, citing issues with the club’s leadership. However, with the futures of Igli Tare, Massimiliano Allegri and CEO Giorgio Furlani all under scrutiny, a change of personnel could reopen the door, particularly given that his family remains based in the city.

Michael Kayode is among eight players nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award, recognition of an impressive debut campaign in English football that has left many questioning why Gennaro Gattuso overlooked him for Italy’s World Cup play-off squad.

The Brentford right-back has been one of the standout performers in his position this season, catching the eye with his athleticism, directness and defensive solidity.

Kayode nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Season

His omission from the Azzurri squad provoked considerable debate among supporters and pundits alike, with many feeling he had done more than enough to earn a place in the squad.

The full list of nominees is: Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Matheus Fernandes (West Ham), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Michael Kayode (Brentford), Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City) and Alex Scott (Bournemouth).

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Juventus are set to hold talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a permanent deal for Randal Kolo Muani, with the French striker expected to return to PSG this summer after a largely disappointing loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur and the Bianconeri identifying him as a priority attacking target.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, Juventus directors have already scheduled a summit with PSG to establish the Ligue 1 champions’ demands for a permanent transfer. Kolo Muani spent part of last season on loan at Juventus, where he made an immediate impact and played a significant role in securing Champions League qualification.

His versatility, capable of leading the line alone, operating as a second striker or drifting wide, makes him an attractive option for Luciano Spalletti, who has demanded at least one new centre-forward this summer regardless of how the season concludes.

Juventus eye loan-to-buy structure as PSG open to Kolo Muani sale

The stumbling block is the fee. PSG paid €90 million to sign Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023, and the striker still carries a book value of around €36 million on their balance sheet. The Parisian club are reportedly willing to negotiate from approximately €40 million.

Juventus, however, are keen to structure the deal as a loan with an obligation to buy at a lower figure, aware that PSG’s book value on the player will drop to around €18 million in twelve months’ time. An offer in the region of €25 million for the purchase obligation would still represent a capital gain for PSG, giving both clubs room to reach an agreement.

Kolo Muani’s season at Tottenham has done little to strengthen his market value. Used predominantly out of position on the right flank under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and Roberto De Zerbi, the Frenchman never established himself as a key figure, and Spurs are not expected to pursue a permanent deal.

Walter Sabatini, former Roma sporting director, has offered a fascinating insight into Luis Enrique’s solitary year in the Italian capital, revealing that the current Paris Saint-Germain coach was booed by supporters for his uncompromising treatment of Francesco Totti, and that he accepted the consequences without hesitation.

According to an interview with Spanish newspaper As, via La Gazzetta, Sabatini described how he first became aware of Luis Enrique through agent Dario Canovi, who told him the Spaniard was eager to leave Barcelona B and test himself as a head coach in Italy.

After sending scouts Frederic Massara and Pasquale Sensibile to observe his methods, Sabatini flew to Barcelona personally and was immediately convinced. “Nobody had ever considered him as a Serie A coach,” he said. “He was a unique figure in Italian football.”

Luis Enrique’s principled stance on Totti cost him his relationship with Roma fans

What followed was a season that left a lasting impression, even if the results, a seventh-place finish and no European qualification, were modest. It was Luis Enrique’s relationship with Totti that defined his time at the club in the eyes of supporters.

“At Roma it works like this: whoever touches Totti commits a mortal sin,” Sabatini said. “Luis Enrique knew perfectly well that putting him in question meant digging his own grave. Despite everything, he did not want to betray his ideals for personal gain. He is a man of great consistency.”

The two men held a mutual respect, with Totti reportedly nicknaming Luis Enrique “Zichichi” – after one of Italy’s most famous scientists, as a mark of admiration. But the coach’s willingness to drop the Roma icon to the bench earned him the wrath of the Giallorossi faithful regardless.

“He did not care what people thought,” Sabatini said. “He pursued his style of football and accepted the price to pay.”

Away from the Totti saga, Luis Enrique’s methods left a profound impression on those inside the club.

Sabatini recalled Daniele De Rossi, a World Cup winner, emerging from training sessions in a state of wonder. “He would come to my office and tell me: ‘In training he develops so many concepts that I feel like I have never played football before,'” Sabatini said. “He was enthusiastic, in love with that type of football.”

The dedication extended to the mundane. Despite living on the opposite side of Rome, Luis Enrique would regularly cycle to the club’s Trigoria training ground, a detail that speaks to the same relentless, self-sufficient character that has since taken him to the summit of club football with PSG.

Arsenal have been handed a potential injury boost after Riccardo Calafiori was seen sprinting from the dugout to celebrate Leandro Trossard’s winner against West Ham, despite having been withdrawn at half-time with a knock during Sunday’s 1-0 victory at the London Stadium.

According to reports, the Italy international did not reappear for the second half, raising immediate doubts over his availability for Arsenal’s final home match of the season against Burnley.

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However, the viral footage of Calafiori celebrating at full pace has offered encouragement that the issue may not be as serious as initially feared.

Calafiori injury update expected as Arsenal close in on Premier League title

Head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed the defender had picked up a knock at half-time, alongside a separate issue for Ben White which forced an earlier adjustment.

“After that, I said at half-time to the boys, we’re really going to go for it, so be ready,” Arteta said. A fuller update on Calafiori’s condition is expected when the Arsenal manager faces the media later this week ahead of the Burnley fixture.

The timing is significant.

Arsenal will know before kick-off against Burnley whether a win is enough to clinch the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, with that scenario dependent on Manchester City dropping points against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. The Gunners also have a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, making the management of key players in the coming weeks a delicate balancing act for Arteta.

Christian Vieri has backed Inter Milan to win Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Lazio, insisting Cristian Chivu’s achievements this season are only the beginning, while warning that the Biancocelesti will be a completely different proposition to the side beaten 3-0 at the weekend.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Olimpico showpiece, the former striker, who spent one season at Lazio and six at Inter, was characteristically direct in his assessment of both clubs.

“Inter is by far the best team in Italy and obviously starts as favourite,” he said. “But watch out for Lazio, they have had a thousand problems this year, but one victory can redeem everything, and that puts you on the pitch with a knife between your teeth.”

Vieri backs Lautaro to become Inter all-time top scorer as Chivu praised for ‘detox’

On Chivu, Vieri was unequivocal. “He does not think, unlike many in Italy, that everything is always a drama,” he said.

“It was not a drama to lose those points at the start of the season, they were needed to find the right path. Chivu has shown he is excellent because he knew those tensions during the Club World Cup were just toxins to be removed in due course. The squad was always strong. I never doubted the coach, even without much experience, and now he is champion of Italy. And this is just the beginning.”

Vieri reserved particular praise for the squad’s collective mentality.

“The players tire themselves out, from Dimarco to Dumfries, to Calha, who will be missed in this final,” he said. “And then Zielinski, back to this level also because of a stroke of genius from the coach.”

On Lautaro Martinez, Vieri was bullish about his long-term legacy. “He could become the greatest scorer in Inter’s history,” he said. “He will overtake Altobelli and, why not, even Meazza, he needs around a hundred more goals but he will not stop here. When people ask me what makes him different, I always say the same thing: he scores goals. In every way. And he is a born winner.”

Asked about Alessandro Bastoni amid Barcelona’s interest, Vieri was characteristically blunt. “He must decide for himself, with his heart and his head,” he said.

“No one can put themselves in his shoes and every choice he makes will deserve respect. He received treatment he did not deserve. For Inter he is strategic, but there are no irreplaceable players. Even Messi left Barcelona.”

On the Lazio side, Vieri singled out goalkeeper Edoardo Motta and Mattia Zaccagni as players to watch, and paid tribute to Maurizio Sarri’s work in difficult circumstances. “The fans’ protests are not aimed at the players,” he said.

“The players deserve to be applauded. Playing in front of five thousand people is demoralising. Sarri’s work has been undervalued, he has kept everything together with great dignity. But the return of the full crowd could be the key factor. I rule out that the players will approach this match with the same attitude as Saturday.”

Gian Piero Gasperini was in jubilant but measured mood after Roma’s extraordinary 2-3 comeback win at Parma, praising the spirit of his squad while remaining deliberately vague on Paulo Dybala’s future after the Argentine suggested the derby would be his final home appearance for the club.

According to his post-match interviews with DAZN and Sky Sport, via RomaNews.eu, Gasperini admitted the closing stages had tested even his nerves.

“It has happened very rarely to me to turn a game around in stoppage time from 2-1 to 3-2,” he said.

“It is testament to the heart these boys have. For the first time I did not watch the penalty, I was looking at the crowd, but there was the scoreboard and I saw it anyway.”

Parma 2-3 Roma – Gasperini refuses to be drawn on Dybala exit as Malen hailed as transformative signing

When told that Dybala had publicly stated the derby would be his last home match, Gasperini was carefully non-committal.

“He said that? Well, maybe, who knows,” he said. “He was excellent again today, coming back after a long time out and giving us real quality. It is a shame not to have had him for so much of the season.”

Gasperini was more expansive on Donyell Malen, whose penalty proved the decisive moment.

“On the penalty, it is technique, everyone went for Dybala and they disturbed him, but he hit the post,” he said. “On Malen, he is a calm and not very expansive person. He integrated into the dressing room and has been extraordinary. He has incredible motivation and has raised our level.”

The Roma coach also singled out the impact of his substitutes as evidence of collective growth.

“The fact that we can change games with the players who come on means we are more prepared,” he said. “Rensch scored and won the penalty, that was the decisive change. But compliments to the players for how they came on. This group has shown its character from the first day.”

On the broader picture, Gasperini acknowledged Roma had been fortunate at moments, with Suzuki producing several stunning saves to keep Parma level before the late turnaround. “It seemed like a bewitched match,” he said. “Then everything happened in the final minutes.”

Parma head coach Carlos Cuesta was left fuming after his side’s 2-3 defeat to Roma, accusing the visitors of disrespect while insisting he was proud of his players’ efforts in a dramatic match that was ultimately decided by a Donyell Malen penalty in the 101st minute.

According to his post-match interview with DAZN, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Cuesta stopped short of spelling out exactly what he felt had crossed a line, but made clear he believed several incidents had unfairly shaped the game’s outcome.

“At Parma we try to be ourselves and to face people with respect,” he said. “But sometimes you have to understand why things happen. From 2-1 to 2-3, obvious things happened, and it is not just about the penalty area, it is the whole dynamic that leaves me feeling this way. They showed disrespect to us. There were events that conditioned the dynamics of the match too much. Against Napoli I was the first to say it was not a penalty, but today there were many small things I did not like.”

Cuesta proud of Parma’s mentality despite late collapse against Roma

Despite his frustration, Cuesta was equally keen to highlight the positives.

“There is both bitterness about the result and pride at having done many good things,” he said.

“It was not easy to turn a game like today’s around against a strong opponent. And I hold tight to the mentality of these players, who even with their objective already achieved always want to represent Parma in the best possible way.”

On his substitutions, Cuesta explained the thinking behind replacing Strefezza with Pellegrino.

“We wanted to win, the choices were made for that reason,” he said. “Strefezza had no more than 55 minutes in his legs and we wanted to exploit Pellegrino’s physical strength. Those who came on did well, those who did not were ready.”

Parma host Como in their next fixture, and Cuesta confirmed that Britschgi will miss the game through suspension, while several other players are being assessed day by day due to ongoing physical issues.

Paulo Dybala has revealed he has received no contact from Roma regarding a contract renewal, confirming that next weekend’s derby against Lazio will be his final home appearance for the club if no agreement is reached, after Roma’s stunning 3-2 comeback win at Parma kept their Champions League hopes alive.

According to comments made to Sky Sport after the match, via LaRoma24, Dybala was candid about his uncertain future.

“I would like to know my future too,” he said. “The contract ends in two matches. The derby, as my contract states, will be my last match in front of our fans.”

Roma must win against their arch-rivals to keep their race for Champions League football alive, with the teams chasing a place in Europe’s premier competition all close together with just two weekends left.

Juventus, Milan, Roma and Como are all within just three points of one another, with just two able to take their place in the top four.

Napoli are in a good position and can all-but guarantee their spot if they beat Bologna on Monday evening.

Dybala future unresolved as Roma chase Champions League with final-day drama

Asked directly whether the club had been in touch, Dybala’s answer was brief and telling. “No,” he said.

The Argentine’s situation casts a long shadow over a remarkable evening for Roma, who trailed before fighting back to win through a Donyell Malen penalty in the 101st minute, a result that temporarily lifts them level with Milan on 67 points in fourth place, with the Rossoneri facing Atalanta later on Sunday.

You can follow all the action from tonight’s match, as well as relieving the action from Roma’s win, on our Live Blog.

Dybala was characteristically generous in deflecting individual focus back onto the collective.

“This is a team that gives everything until the end,” he said. “We know Champions League qualification does not depend only on us, but we will fight until the last moment.”

Lille have identified Thiago Motta as their priority coaching target as uncertainty grows over the future of current head coach Bruno Génésio, whose contract expires in June and whose renewal talks have yet to make any meaningful progress.

According to FootMercato, Lille president Olivier Létang is already working actively on potential successors and is focusing on a foreign coach.

Motta tops his list, with Létang understood to have maintained a strong relationship with the Italian-Brazilian coach dating back to their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. Motta’s staff also has strong French connections, with assistants Alexandre Hugeux, Simon Colinet and Alfred Dossou-Yovo all part of his setup.

Lille the latest suitor as Thiago Motta weighing up European options after Juventus departure

Génésio himself has done little to ease the speculation, confirming in his pre-match press conference that contract discussions with the club have not advanced despite a broadly successful season that has kept Lille in contention for Champions League qualification with two games remaining.

He also acknowledged interest from other clubs, though he stressed his focus remains on finishing the campaign strongly.

Thiago Motta has been without a club since leaving Juventus in March 2025. Ajax, Wolverhampton, Fiorentina and Atalanta have all made enquiries, with the latter previously reported as a destination that greatly appealed to him.

None of those approaches progressed to the point of a concrete agreement, however, with Motta holding out for a project that matches his footballing vision and European ambitions. Lille believe they can offer exactly that.

With Verona and Pisa already condemned to Serie B, the fight for the final relegation place in Serie A is coming down to the wire, with Lecce and Cremonese separated by just one point heading into the final two rounds of fixtures.

Lecce currently sit 17th on 32 points in the table, one ahead of Cremonese in 18th on 31, while Cagliari in 16th on 37 points look to have done enough to secure their survival barring a dramatic collapse.

Lecce and Cremonese Serie A fate could be decided by relegation play-off

Lecce’s remaining fixtures see them travel to Sassuolo before hosting Genoa on the final day, while Cremonese face an away trip to Udinese before a home clash with Como. Neither side has a straightforward run-in, and the permutations are numerous.

Critically, if the two sides finish level on points after 38 games, the matter will not be settled by goal difference or head-to-head record, a relegation play-off will decide which club drops down to Serie B. It is a scenario both clubs will be desperate to avoid.

Cremonese’s fate looked bleak before Marco Giampaolo’s arrival, but Sunday’s 3-0 win against already-relegated Pisa offered the Grigiorossi a chance to drag themselves level with Lecce and keep their destiny in their own hands.

Fiorentina secured their Serie A status for another season but were met with jeers from their own supporters at the Franchi after a turgid goalless draw with Genoa, with a largely toothless display doing little to lift the mood around the club despite the mathematically confirmed survival.

According to AlfredoPedulla.com, the match was played at a sluggish tempo throughout, with Palladino fielding a number of younger players in what was a limp contest offering few moments of quality. Robin Gosens tested the goalkeeper from distance in one of the few first-half chances of note, but the game never truly came to life.

De Gea heroics spare Fiorentina blushes as Franchi jeers survival party

The clearest chance of the afternoon fell to Genoa, when Ostigard met a delivery with a powerful header from close range only to be denied by a stunning reaction save from David De Gea, who had earlier been seen to receive treatment before continuing.

Ekuban then failed to convert the rebound, sparing Fiorentina’s blushes in what would have been a deeply damaging moment.

The hosts’ best opportunity came late on, when Parisi struck from the edge of the area and the ball was scrambled clear after a goalmouth scramble.

The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 result and with it Fiorentina’s survival on 38 points, with Genoa sitting on 41. The Franchi responded not with relief but with whistles, a damning verdict on a season that has fallen well short of expectations.

Riccardo Calafiori retains his place in Arsenal’s starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League clash at West Ham, as Mikel Arteta names an unchanged side for the third consecutive game with the Gunners three wins away from a first top-flight title in 22 years.

According to the confirmed lineups, Calafiori starts at left back as Arsenal look to maintain their title charge against a West Ham side who begin the day in the relegation zone.

West Ham vs Arsenal – Confirmed Lineups

West Ham XI: Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Disasi, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf; Fernandes, Soucek; Bowen, Summerville; Castellanos.

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.

The stakes could hardly be higher at both ends of the table.

Arsenal arrive knowing that victory would put them one step closer to the title, while West Ham are scrapping for Premier League survival and will be desperate to cause an upset in front of their home supporters.

Calafiori started both the league win against Fulham and the midweek Champions League semi-final win against Atletico.

Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena has strongly denied allegations of racist abuse made against him by Udinese striker Keinan Davis, after a heated incident in the closing stages of Cagliari’s clash with Udinese escalated into a major controversy that has embroiled both clubs.

According to Sky Sport, Davis signalled to the referee during the match that he had been racially abused by an opponent, with the situation briefly resulting in a yellow card for the Udinese forward before it was subsequently rescinded.

Udinese responded swiftly after the final whistle, releasing a statement condemning what they described as “disgraceful racist insults” and pledging to support Davis through all available legal and sporting channels.

Dossena denies Davis allegations as Cagliari back their player

Davis did not hold back on social media, posting an image of Dossena on his Instagram story. “This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game,” he wrote. “I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”

Dossena issued his own Instagram response shortly afterwards, firmly rejecting the allegation. “Being accused of racism saddens and hurts me,” he said.

“It is a very serious accusation, it would never pass through my mind to call another person, a colleague, an insult of that kind. This is the first time I have been involved in a situation like this where I have to defend myself from a slanderous accusation. Behaviour like this is entirely outside of my culture and beliefs.”

Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane also defended his player after the match. “I know his values, it does not even cross my mind that he could have said such things,” Pisacane said. “I spoke with Alberto and I believe him, because I know him well.”

The club itself followed up with a formal statement, expressing surprise at Udinese’s communication and insisting the alleged incident had found no objective confirmation at the end of the match. The matter is now expected to be referred to the relevant sporting justice authorities.

Maurizio Sarri delivered a candid and self-critical assessment after Lazio’s 3-0 home defeat to Inter Milan, placing the blame squarely on his own side’s attitude while acknowledging that Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final will demand a completely different approach from his players.

According to comments in his post-match press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Sarri was in no mood to deflect responsibility, conceding that Lazio’s passive defensive displays for both first-half goals were unacceptable regardless of the opposition’s quality.

Sarri vows Lazio will show different face in Coppa Italia rematch against Inter

“The goal by Lautaro is a result of our approach,” Sarri said.

“We conceded from a throw-in with two opponents in the area, usually you have five or six attackers in there and today it was too easy. The second goal is the same thing: they made five passes in the area without anyone intervening. We start from the assumption that Inter have enormous quality, but with this attitude we concede two goals in the first half-hour against any team in Serie A.”

On Romagnoli’s red card, Sarri was measured. “In real time it is a yellow card foul,” he said. “But if you look at the still image it is a red, and this is the classic VAR dismissal.”

He was more troubled, however, by what followed. “We need to understand why we had five clear chances in numerical inferiority, Isaksen alone could have scored three goals. We need to analyse this match without fear and understand that with this approach, there are no merits for Inter. It is our fault.”

Sarri also offered a frank explanation for the performance, making clear the players had not treated the fixture with sufficient respect.

“The approach today is the result of the fact that this match counts for nothing and Wednesday’s is fundamental,” he said. “It is a serious mistake to think that a match like today’s doesn’t matter, because a performance like this can create problems. Having a little fear of your opponents does you good, but being afraid can block you.”

Asked about Cristian Chivu‘s Inter, Sarri was generous in his assessment and identified shared footballing principles.

“They have phases of play at an excellent level, these are resonances,” he said. “They have a different formation, and it is right to play with two forwards given the characteristics of their attackers. They are a different team, but they have affinities with my idea of football.”

The fitness update ahead of the final was cautiously optimistic. Cancellieri is expected to have suffered only minor fatigue, Zaccagni underwent a scan on a painful foot contusion sustained in training and is hoped to be fit within four to five days, while Patric left the pitch with calf tightness that appears manageable.

Cataldi, who has been away receiving treatment, returns to training on Sunday. Rovella, who came on as a substitute, was not singled out for criticism despite the difficult circumstances he entered into.

Dusan Vlahovic has given Juventus a stunning early lead at Lecce, scoring after just 12 seconds to register the fastest goal in Juventus’s Serie A history since records began in 2004/05.

From the kick-off, the Bianconeri surged forward immediately, working the ball out to Andrea Cambiaso on the right. The full-back delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Vlahovic took a touch to wrong-foot Tiago Gabriel before firing a ferocious effort beneath the crossbar and past Falcone.

Follow all the action from the rest of the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

According to OptaPaolo on X, only Rafael Leão and Hirving Lozano have scored more quickly in Serie A over the past two decades, finding the net after six and nine seconds respectively.

Vlahovic’s effort also betters Arturo Vidal’s previous club record, set against Inter in November 2012. It was Cambiaso’s fifth assist of the season.

Watch: Vlahovic gives Juventus early lead

Dušan Vlahović gives Juventus the lead inside 15 seconds

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Cristian Chivu hailed Inter’s “fantastic group” after a commanding 3-0 win at Lazio and delivered a pointed response to questions about José Mourinho’s recent comments, insisting that comparisons between this Inter side and the treble-winning 2010 generation are impossible to make.

According to post-match interviews with DAZN, via FCInterNews, and in his press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Chivu was in bullish mood as his side continued their preparations for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Lazio in the best possible fashion.

Chivu deflects Mourinho questions after Inter walk to victory over Lazio

On the performance, Chivu reserved special praise for the collective rather than individuals.

“It is the merit of everyone, not just Lautaro,” he said. “He puts in soul, professionalism and seriousness and gives everything he has. But it is also the merit of his teammates who follow him, especially in doing certain things. It is a fantastic group and team living something special. I am happy for them because they deserve it.”

When pressed repeatedly on Mourinho’s recent remarks, Chivu was measured but firm. “Ask him,” he said.

“I was fortunate enough to play in the other team. I am sure comparisons between two generations cannot be made, many things have changed in 16 years. But this Inter, like the 2010 side, brings joy to its fans, and that is the most important thing. Let’s talk about the Scudetto won this year and the Coppa Italia final, rather than numbers and polls.”

After a fourth question on the subject, he added: “What we write to each other stays between us.”

Chivu also spoke warmly about Petar Sucic’s display in a deeper midfield role.

“We knew Sucic could play in that position because of his personality, quality and composure on the ball,” he said.

“He has quality, in the national team he often plays in a two. Today he played a great game full of personality. We have a talented young player and we must appreciate him.”

On Josep Martinez, Chivu was equally effusive. “He was already ready before,” he said. “The goalkeepers are the soul of the group. We have never doubted his qualities or Sommer’s.”

Chivu also paid tribute to the late Evaristo Beccalossi after being asked about the absence of a minute’s silence for the Inter legend. “Losing someone dear to us who made the history of Inter fills us with regret,” he said. “We send our condolences to his family and to the entire Inter world. He was always close to us.”

On Hakan Calhanoglu’s fitness ahead of the final, Chivu offered only brief reassurance: “We will see in the coming days.”

Aston Villa will not exercise their option to purchase Douglas Luiz this summer, leaving Juventus with a significant transfer headache over a player who has now been rejected by two clubs in the same season and has barely featured since March.

According to CalcioMercato, Villa signed the Brazilian on a loan deal with a purchase option only, meaning they are under no obligation to make the move permanent.

Unai Emery’s side used Douglas Luiz almost exclusively as emergency cover during periods of injury or suspension, and his last start came on March 19 in the Europa League against Lille, nearly two months ago.

With Villa having reached yet another European final, the Brazilian finds himself surplus to requirements at every club he has visited.

Douglas Luiz becomes costly Juventus transfer headache

The situation bears uncomfortable similarities to the Arthur Melo saga that plagued Juventus for years, a highly-paid midfielder, contracted until 2029, who has proven impossible to move on permanently and continues to drain resources without contributing on the pitch.

Juventus signed Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 for €50 million plus €1.5 million in additional costs. What followed was a near-total failure. He managed just six starts in his only season in Turin, accumulating 877 minutes without a single goal or assist.

Shipped to Nottingham Forest last summer on a conditional loan, where 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes would have triggered an obligation to buy, he fell short of even that threshold, making just 14 appearances. The move to Villa in January was a last roll of the dice, and it has not worked either.

Still with years remaining on his contract, and no suitors willing to commit to a permanent deal, Juventus face the prospect of either absorbing him back into the squad or accepting a significant financial loss to move him on in the summer.

Cremonese manager Marco Giampaolo has confirmed that Jamie Vardy will start Saturday’s home clash with Pisa, a match he described as a last chance to keep the club’s Serie A survival hopes alive with three games remaining.

According to his pre-match press conference, via CalcioMercato, Giampaolo was unflinching about what is at stake. “There is no other way, we have to win,” he said. “These matches are worth more than three points in the table. That something extra is character, self-respect, resilience, ferocity, the ability to fight back against the table. I told the squad they are aware there is only one option.”

Giampaolo calls for character as Cremonese face relegation crunch

The Cremonese head coach was equally direct when addressing the squad’s mentality after defeat to Lazio, calling on his players to dig deep regardless of the opposition’s circumstances. Pisa arrive at the Stadio Giovanni Zini already relegated, but Giampaolo was quick to dismiss any suggestion that would make things easier.

“Nobody gives anything to anyone,” he said. “Pisa will play their match as is right. We need to look for something deeper, the feelings we have, even within the team relationship. I have nothing to reproach from the defeat against Lazio. I am not criticising the squad, I am calling them for this appointment.”

On the broader question of motivation, a topic raised by supporters who have expressed frustration, Giampaolo pushed back firmly.

“An unmotivated player is one who gives nothing emotionally, to whom winning or losing does not matter,” he said. “I do not think we have players like that here. Tomorrow there is a roll call and we are called to respond in our attitudes and our ability to be resilient. The discussion goes beyond three points.”

Giampaolo also acknowledged the weight of the occasion while remaining measured.

He confirmed that Collocolo and Thorsby are among the squad and will be available, and played down questions about tactical shape, noting that his side have shown considerable fluidity in recent weeks, defending with a back three while attacking in different structures.

“The formation is the small part of a match that contains billions of other things,” he said. “With a 5-3-2 you can win and you can lose. The module itself is worth nothing.”