Ironically, Spalletti had already planned a meeting with the media on Tuesday morning to unveil a new advertisement in which he features alongside his former Roma star Francesco Totti.
Spalletti comments on possible Juventus appointment
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
The ad was released earlier this week, and Spalletti didn’t only talk about his latest sponsorship commitment.
“I feel well, I wait with serenity. I have the ambition to set things right,” the ex-Italy coach told Sky Sport via Gazzetta.
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igor Tudor Head Coach of Juventus FC looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“I can only speak highly of Tudor, a serious and passionate person. Whoever will replace him will be lucky because he’ll find a well-trained team.”
Juventus confirmed Tudor’s sacking on Monday after the team lost three consecutive matches and failed to score in the last four.
Spalletti on the reunion with Totti
GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Francesco Totti, former captain of Roma, reacts prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 28, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Spalletti also spoke about his reunion with Totti, which has made headlines in Italy because of their public dispute during the coach’s second spell at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It feels so good to sit next to Totti,” Spalletti said.
“There were some risky choices, but we spent some marvellous years together, so when Ramazzotti put us back together, I was very happy and he was quite relaxed.”
An 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair was fatally struck this morning by a car driven by Inter‘s second-choice goalkeeper Josep Martinez, reports in Italy claim.
There’s tragic news from Italy this morning, as according to several sources, including Gazzetta, Inter’s second-choice keeper Josep Martinez was involved in a car accident that killed an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair.
Inter goalkeeper Martinez involved in car accident that killed 81-year-old man
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after his teammate Hakan Calhanoglu scored his side’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It happened at around 9:40 am local time on Via Bergamo in Fenegrò, in the province of Como, near Inter’s training centre Appiano Gentile.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene despite the prompt arrival of an ambulance and an air ambulance.
The Italian Police is carrying out investigations to reconstruct the dynamics of the accident.
Inter cancel Chivu’s press conference
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, the initial hypothesis is that the elderly man may have suffered a sudden illness and veered into the lane where Martinez was driving.
The Nerazzurri goalkeeper immediately stopped and provided first aid to the man.
Following the tragic news and as a sign of mourning, Inter decided to cancel Cristian Chivu’s press conference, which was scheduled for 14:00 CET today.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Kevin De Bruyne will undergo surgery in Antwerp tomorrow and will only return to action in February 2026.
Napoli star De Bruyne is set to miss several months of action after suffering a severe lesion to the thigh muscle in a Serie A game against Inter on Saturday.
De Bruyne set to undergo surgery after latest injury
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Corriere dello Sport, Gazzetta and Tuttosport report that the Belgium international will be forced to undergo surgery in Antwerp. The operation will be carried out tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29.
According to reports, De Bruyne will miss from three to four months of action, returning on the pitch around February 2026.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the ex-Manchester City star has already landed in Belgium to prepare for the surgery.
De Bruyne suffered the same injury with Manchester City in 2023
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
De Bruyne sustained an injury to the same muscle in August 2023, which sidelined him for five months. During that period, he missed 28 matches for Manchester City and one for the Belgium national team.
De Bruyne underwent surgery two years ago as well, while his teammate and compatriot Romelu Lukaku, who sustained a similar injury this past August, has opted for conservative therapy.
Juventus sacked Igor Tudor because of poor results and performances in recent games, but the frosty relationship between the Croat and club director Damien Comolli also played a role in the coach’s dismissal.
Juventus announced Tudor’s sacking on Monday and Juventus General Manager Comolli is set to meet Luciano Spalletti today to offer him the job at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus have been winless since September 13, they’ve lost three games in a row and have not scored in the last four.
Naturally, results and performances in recent weeks led to Tudor’s dismissal, but there’s more behind Juventus’ decision to part ways with the Croatian tactician.
Edon Zhegrova signs his Juventus contract with Damien Comolli
Behind Tudor and Comolli’s frosty relationship
Juventus’ transfer activity surely affected the relationship between Comolli and Tudor, given that the coach’s requests were largely ignored by the Old Lady’s general manager. Juventus didn’t sign a new central midfielder over the summer but signed instead two attacking players, Lois Openda and Edon Zhegrova, on deadline day. Furthermore, Tudor was eager to keep Alberto Costa in the team, especially after some positive performances in the Club World Cup, but Juventus still decided to swap the Portuguese right-back with his compatriot Joao Mario, who has only collected 330 minutes on the pitch across all competitions since moving to Turin.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: General view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Director of Performance
The appointment of a new Director of Performance, Darren Burgess, in September, was another decision that the club did not share with the coach. The welcome from Tudor surely wasn’t a warm one, as the Croat said “This gentleman hasn’t yet arrived at the club” when asked about Burgess’ appointment last month. Juventus had welcomed Burgess, stating that the ex-Arsenal and Liverpool staff member would “work closely with Damien Comolli, Giorgio Chiellini, François Modesto, Igor Tudor and across all the technical areas and every age group of the Club to form a high-level team dedicated to promoting excellence in performance, innovation and athlete wellbeing.” Furthermore, as first reported by Tuttosport, in recent weeks, club directors also discussed Tudor’s tactics, suggesting in one-on-one meetings that he should have considered switching to a four-man defence, a step into Tudor’s territory that the coach didn’t particularly appreciate.
Communication
Aside from results, Juventus were also not impressed by Tudor’s communication, including frequent protests towards referees. Tudor’s first complaint came after a 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona, in which the Bianconeri protested for a penalty kick in favour of their opponents and a potential red card for the Gialloblu striker Gift Orban. On that occasion, Tudor labelled the penalty kick decision as “shameful.” Tudor’s communication strategy didn’t change in the following weeks as he kept complaining about referees, and even the fixture list, before a Champions League game against Real Madrid last week, with Giorgio Chiellini, Comolli and François Modesto sitting in front of him in the first row of the press room of the Estadio Bernabeu. Ultimately, on and off-the-field issues led to the coach’s dismissal, and Juventus are now on the verge of starting a new era, with their third coach in seven months.
Santiago Gimenez will partner with Rafael Leao in Milan’s away game at Atalanta this evening, while Ivan Juric will look to Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the New Balance Stadium in Bergamo.
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC shoots whilst under pressure from David Moses of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It’s a mid-week Serie A round, and the game will kick off after Lecce-Napoli.
Atalanta are the only unbeaten team in Serie A this season, but have also collected six draws in eight matches.
They host Milan without the injured Giorgio Scalvini, while the Rossoneri have travelled to Bergamo without Adrien Rabiot, Ardon Jashari, Christian Pulisic and Pervis Estupinan.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Multiple sources, including Gazzetta, claim that Atalanta coach Juric will pick Lookman and De Ketelaere in attack, with Mario Pasalic playing as an attacking midfielder.
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to reply with Leao and Gimenez up front. The Mexico international has yet to score a goal in Serie A this season.
Davide Bartesaghi will replace Estupinan on the left wing, and Fikayo Tomori will return to the starting XI after resting against Pisa in the previous round.
Atalanta vs. Milan – where to watch on TV
The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK and Ireland, but is also available to stream on DAZN. Fans in the USA can stream it live on Paramount+.
Atalanta vs. Milan – probable line-ups
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Lookman.
Lorenzo Lucca is expected to return to the Napoli XI against Lecce today, but Scott McTominay might start on the bench.
It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Adrien Tameze of Torino is challenged by Lorenzo Lucca of Napoli during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Napoli see Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani return to action, but neither is fit to start, so Antonio Conte is expected to pick Lucca in attack, Sam Beukema and Juan Jesus at centre-back.
Lucca was benched against Inter on Saturday and had received a red card in his latest game as a starter against PSV last week.
Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Meret and Stanislav Lobotka are injured.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates his side third goal scored by Frank Zambo Anguissa during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Several sources, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, report that Scotland international McTominay is expected to rest so Eljif Elmas will join Billy Gilmour and Zambo Anguissa in the middle of the park.
Noa Lang is expected to start for the first time in Serie A this season, completing a three-man attack with Lucca and Matteo Politano.
Milan loanee Francesco Camarda is expected to start for Lecce.
Lecce vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV
The match is available on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA.
Multiple sources in Italy, including Gazzetta, claim that Juventus will meet with Spalletti today to discuss the contract details and the technical project following Tudor’s dismissal.
Juventus to meet Spalletti today
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy reacts during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Football Italia exclusively reported on Monday that Juventus had established contact with Spalletti right after Tudor’s departure.
The Bianconeri have gone eight consecutive games without victories and have not scored a goal in the last four matches.
Spalletti, a Napoli Scudetto winner in 2022-23, has been without a team since June, when he was sacked by the Italian federation.
Juventus to offer Spalletti a contract until June 2026
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, Spalletti will be offered a contract until the end of the season, with an option to extend in case of Champions League qualification.
Gazzetta claims that Spalletti has rejected offers from Saudi and Turkish clubs and is eager to accept the Juventus job. However, if the two parties fail to reach an agreement, Roberto Mancini and Raffaele Palladino remain possible candidates for the Old Lady.
Comolli meets the ex-CT today. Green light expected. Eight months and renewal in case of Champions League. Palladino and Mancini the alternatives. Brambilla on the bench tomorrow.
Lookman-Leao full speed
De Bruyne has to undergo surgery, Napoli for the sprint
Inter, with three defeats in eight games, the Scudetto is a feat.
Corriere dello Sport
Tudor sacked
Yesterday the dismissal and negotiations with the ex-CT
Juve to Lucio
Spalletti is ready to say yes, today the meeting for the signature.
Buffon: ‘This is the ideal solution.’ If he doesn’t sign, Mancini is the alternative. Fatal defeat against Lazio for Tudor. Brambilla on the bench against Udinese tomorrow.
Napoli want to win for KDB
Allegri: ‘Leao is worth 25 goals.’
Tuttosport
Juve, why Spalletti
Tudor out! Today the meeting with the ex-CT
Comolli has gone all the way for Luciano, already contacted in June: all the reasons. A missed agreement would reopen other options, from Mancini to Palladino. Igor sacked after the last outburst in Rome: he pays for results, communication and dislikes in the dressing room. Tomorrow Brambilla on the bench.
Baroni knows how to change and improve Toro
Leao on fire. Allegri’s push: ‘He can score 20 goals.0
De Bruyne choc, Conte will welcome him back in February
Sky Sport Italia suggests that Juventus could meet face-to-face with Luciano Spalletti to discuss a potential appointment as Bianconeri head coach on Tuesday, and that the Old Lady are planning to offer a short-term contract with an option to renew.
The Croatian had gone eight matches without a win in any competition and his team had not scored in any of their last four matches. He becomes the first Serie A head coach to lose their job in 2025-26, lasting for just eight league matches.
Sky: Spalletti inclined to accept Juventus terms
epa11659417 Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia, Juventus could hold face-to-face talks with Spalletti as early as Tuesday. As Football Italia reported on Monday, the former Napoli and Italy head coach is the current frontrunner to replace Tudor.
According to the latest updates, Juventus are prepared to offer Spalletti a contract until the end of the 2025-26 season with an obligation to renew if the Old Lady qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Luciano Spalletti (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)
As per Gianluca Di Marzio, it remains to be seen whether that automatic contract extension will be for another 12 months, or for another two years. Monday evening’s report indicates that Spalletti is already inclined to accept either way.
Sky also adds that Spalletti has recently rejected potential opportunities abroad, including Fenerbahce and to some lucrative proposals from Qatar, in order to focus on a return to Serie A.
Kenan Yildiz has sent his best wishes to Igor Tudor, who was sacked from his position as head coach of Juventus on Monday: ‘All the best for the future’.
Juventus officially announced the departure of Tudor as head coach on Monday following a run of eight matches without a win across Serie A and the Champions League. The Bianconeri had not won since the 4-3 victory over Inter on September 13, and had not scored in any of Tudor’s last four matches in charge.
The Croatian is the first head coach to lose his job in Serie A in 2025-26, receiving his marching orders just eight league games into the campaign.
Juventus players thank Tudor after Juventus sacking
Gleison Bremer was the first of the Juve players to publicly express their gratitude to Tudor following the news of his departure on Monday. “Thank you for everything, gaffer, best of luck for the future,” he wrote in his story on Instagram.
Yildiz, the most recent of the Juventus players to thank Tudor, wrote the same message as Bremer, but in English: “Thank you for everything, Mister. All the best for the future.”
Mattia Perin has also sent a message to Tudor on his Instagram story, simply writing: “Thank you, mister.”
Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his support for his former colleague Luciano Spalletti, who is the current frontrunner to replace Igor Tudor as head coach of the Bianconeri.
Juventus announced on Monday that Tudor has been relieved from his duties as head coach following a run of eight matches without a win and four games without scoring. The Old Lady have not won in any competition since the 4-3 Derby d’Italia victory over Inter on September 13.
Several names have already been linked with a move to take over at the Allianz Stadium, including Roberto Mancini and Raffaele Palladino, but Spalletti is the current frontrunner, and is already in direct contact with the club.
Buffon on Spalletti and Juventus: ‘The best around in terms of experience’
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Buffon, Head of Delegation of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Buffon, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Corriere dello Sport centenary event in Naples on Monday evening, expressed his support for Spalletti becoming the next head coach of his beloved Juventus.
“For me, Luciano is the right profile for any big club who wants to remain ambitious. You won’t lose many with Luciano,” Buffon said.
Buffon and Spalletti have worked together previously as part of the Italy national team set-up. Spalletti was CT from the end of the summer in 2023 until the start of the summer in 2025, while Buffon served as delegation chief, a role that he still holds today.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, sings the national anthem prior to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It would be a great professional choice,” Buffon said of Juventus’s links with Spalletti. “He’s a football man, he’s a great person and a great coach.
“Spalletti is the best around in terms of experience, charisma and authority. He’s the right person for ambitious clubs who want to remain ambitious. It’s a shame seeing him not in the dugout.”
Jose Mourinho had an opportunity to discuss his time with Inter, and his rivalries with Milan and Juventus alongside Adriano Galliani and Gianluigi Buffon during a special event on Monday evening: ‘I have so much respect for him’.
Mourinho, Galliani and Buffon were all among the star guests at an event organised by Corriere dello Sport, celebrating the paper’s 100th anniversary on Monday evening.
Mourinho, who was appointed head coach of Benfica in September, was unable to attend in-person, but joined the special guests on a video call midway through the event on Monday.
Mourinho, Galliani and Buffon discuss Inter, Milan and Juventus rivalries
Jose Mourinho (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Mourinho had a brief opportunity to discuss Inter’s rivalries with Milan and Juventus with Galliani and Buffon, insisting that he always had ‘respect’ for the former, and considers the latter ‘one of the greatest, if not the greatest’.
Galliani, speaking about his experiences going up against Mourinho during his Milan days, said: “I’ve never felt like an opponent of Jose Mourinho. I respect him and I hope that this feeling will be reciprocated.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – NOVEMBER 26: Adriano Galliani of Monza looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Monza at Sardegna Arena on November 26, 2023 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Mourinho, meanwhile, replied: “I always remember that during my time with Inter, I both won and lost against Milan. But, Galliani and (Silvio) Berlusconi would always come into the dressing room to congratulate us, and for this, I have so much respect for Adriano.”
Buffon interjected, and insisted that the rivalry between Inter and Juventus was not always as pleasant.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 06: Gianluigi Buffon of Italy attends before the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“There was no ‘good’ blood between Juve and Inter,” Buffon said. “At the time, we wanted to kill them, but then you’d meet Jose, who’d make a joke or say something to you that meant that you couldn’t hate him.”
Mourinho was then able to exchange pleasantries with Buffon, adding: “I’ve always seen Juve as Juve, even if they were coming back up from Serie B at the time. And Gigi was always among the best, if not the best.”
Gian Piero is bringing a clear identity to Roma, despite an up-and-down start to the season that has brought four home defeats across Serie A and the Europa League. The victory against Sassuolo over the weekend, however, rounded off by a Paulo Dybala winner, is a platform to build on from a technical and mental standpoint.
Gasperini doesn’t need the transfer window, Roma are increasingly strong
Despite the fact that he is lacking the strikers and wingers needed to play his way, Gasperini has led Roma to the top of the Serie A standings along with Napoli, with six wins from their first eight league matches of the season.
This achievement comes from Gasperini’s ability to adapt, his ability to make do with what he has, and his ability to stay competitive, even in times of trouble.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates victory after during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Roma side that we see today doesn’t quite line up with the coach’s philosophy: That would be impossible given the squad’s shortcomings, but they’re picking up valuable points and are becoming increasingly solid.
It’s a solid team, one that is working hard on a daily basis rather than talking too much or making too many complaints.
And, if this journey results in a return to the Champions League, it will be an impressive achievement, a sign that the project is finding form and continuity. For now, the transfer window can wait.
Only two Serie A players have been included on the 26-player shortlist for the 2025 edition of the FIFPRO World XI, as voted for by players across the globe.
The FIFPRO World XI has been running for 20 years, and acknowledges the 11 most successful players each calendar year. The nominees are voted for by players across the world.
A 26-player shortlist has been revealed, and that will be whittled down to a final 11, which will be announced on November 3.
The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three attackers with the most votes will be included, and the remaining spot is assigned to the outfield player with the next highest number of votes.
Which Serie A and Italy players are nominated for 2025 FIFPRO XI
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 09: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Girona at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 09, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Two Serie A representatives have been included on the 26-player shortlist for 2025, namely Luka Modric of Milan and Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli.
Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma has been included among the goalkeepers, and is a strong candidate to be included in the final XI given his victory in the Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year.
2021 was the last time that either an Italian or a Serie A player was included in the final XI. That came a few months after the EURO 2020 final, which had been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donnarumma was included on that occasion, as was Juventus’s Leonardo Bonucci, Chelsea’s Jorginho, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was still with Juve for the first half of that year.
Gianluigi Buffon (2017) is the only other Italian to have been included in the FIFPRO World XI over the last 10 years. He and Matthijs De Ligt (also 2017), Dani Alves (2017, 2016) and Paul Pogba (2015) are the only other Serie A players to have been included in the last 10 years.
2025 FIFPRO World XI Shortlist
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The latest updates suggest that Luciano Spalletti is the current frontrunner to become the new head coach of Juventus following the sacking of Igor Tudor, but how would the former Italy CT line up with the Bianconeri, and which tactics would he look to deploy?
Juventus confirmed the sacking of head coach Tudor on Monday following a run of eight games without a win across Serie A and the Champions League. The Old Lady had also gone four games without scoring. Their last victory came in a 4-3 win over Inter in the Derby d’Italia on September 13.
Several coaches have already been linked with a move to the Allianz Stadium, including Raffaele Palladino and Roberto Mancini, but Spalletti is considered the current frontrunner, and has already been in direct talks with the club.
How Spalletti could line up with Juventus
epa11659417 Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI
Spalletti has deployed a number of different formations across his recent spells in charge of the Italy national team, Napoli and Inter.
Most recently, Spalletti played with a 3-5-1-1 during his final matches in charge of the Italy national team, given that he had plenty of midfielders but hardly any options to choose from at centre-forward or on the wings. He had also used a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 in the build-up to and during EURO 2024.
With Napoli, a 4-3-3 built around centre-forward Victor Osimhen and left winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the norm during Spalletti’s Scudetto-winning season in 2022-23.
With Inter, a 4-2-3-1 was Spalletti’s usual go-to, and, given the options currently available at Juventus, it would make sense if he deployed that same system in Turin.
Under Tudor, Juventus had often lined up with a back three, but following the injury to Gleison Bremer, the Bianconeri have been left with just four centre-back options to select from, which does not leave them with much cover, or possibilities to rotate.
Given that the current Juventus squad is not blessed with an abundance of central midfield options, it would make sense to see Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram keep their places in a double-pivot.
There would then be several options to deploy in the no.10 role, including posterboy Kenan Yildiz, summer signing Jonathan David and the out-of-favour Teun Koopmeiners, all of whom offer different qualities.
Possible Juventus XI under Spalletti
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan remain equipped to keep winning despite a growing injury list, as the Rossoneri prepare for a difficult away match against Atalanta.
Speaking on the eve of the Bergamo trip, the coach confirmed that several key players are close to returning but also stressed that the squad must stay focused and avoid excuses.
Allegri optimistic about Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic
Allegri revealed positive news on the recovery front.
“Tomorrow we will have Loftus-Cheek back. Before the match against Parma we hope to have Pulisic on the bench, while we expect Estupiñán to return for the Roma game after the international break,” he said, with quotes via MilanNews.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The coach also noted that “Jashari should begin rejoining the group from Wednesday, but he will need time.”
Despite the absences, Allegri refused to dwell on who is unavailable. “We have a small squad, but it is enough to face the games between now and the break,” he insisted.
Milan are strong but injuries can happen – Allegri
“The Milan squad is strong. These injuries can happen, but we are in good physical condition and have played some good technical matches. We must not think about who is missing, we have other very good players who can play.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri boss also pushed back against the idea that missing Pulisic, Estupiñán or others would define the team’s results. “It’s not as if we win or lose just because five players are out,” Allegri continued.
“When we are back at full strength, we will only improve – this is a strong Milan squad.”
Milan travel to Bergamo with little margin for error, facing one of Serie A’s most intense and physical opponents. Allegri’s message, however, is clear: no alibis, no fear – just continuity and focus.
Watch and listen to the latest news updates from the world of Calcio courtesy of Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà.
Today’s focus is on the sacking of Igor Tudor by Juventus, who was let go from his role as head coach of the Bianconeri this morning.
The Old Lady suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the Capital last night and this was the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Juventus coach.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Pedullà discusses how this decision was inevitable, especially after last night painted a portrait of a fractured and disheartened Juventus.
Watch: Pedullà on aftermath of Tudor dismissal at Juventus
A group of Juventus ultras have expressed their support for recently-sacked head coach Igor Tudor, just a few hours after his departure was officially confirmed by the club: ‘One of us’.
Juventus announced on Monday that they had parted company with head coach Tudor, who had gone eight games without a win in all competitions and four games without a goal, ending with a 1-0 defeat away against Lazio on Sunday evening.
Football Italia understands that the Bianconeri have already been in direct contact with former Italy national team head coach Luciano Spalletti, who is considered the first-choice candidate to replace Tudor at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus banner shows support for Tudor: ‘One of us’
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match against SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Just a few hours after Tudor’s sacking was officially announced, Juventus ultras from the Curva Sud erected a banner outside the Allianz Stadium, expressing their support for the recently-departed Tudor.
“Tudor one of us, the fish stinks from the head,” the banner outside the Juventus stadium read.
Tudor was given a run of 24 competitive matches in charge of Juventus, including his stint as interim head coach at the end of the 2024-25 season. He recorded an average of 1.58 points per game over that period.
Luciano Spalletti is the name at the top of Juventus’s shortlist of potential replacements for Igor Tudor, who was dismissed from his role as head coach on Monday, and Football Italia can reveal that there has now been direct contact between the Bianconeri and the former Italy national team head coach.
Juventus parted company with Tudor on Monday morning following a run of eight games without a win in any competition and a run of four matches without scoring a goal. The Croatian’s final match in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat away against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.
Juventus in direct contact with Spalletti
The latest news is that there has now been direct contact between Spalletti and representatives from Juventus. An intermediary is involved and the club approve of the decision to move forwards in negotiations with Spalletti.
epa11659417 Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI
Spalletti has given his full availability to taking over at Juve, and is seeking an 18-month contract. He would, however, be willing to accept a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season with an option to extend for a further year.
Aldredo Pedullà analyses Juventus’ 1-0 loss against Lazio on Sunday, highlighting Igor Tudor’s mistakes, which eventually led to his dismissal, and Maurizio Sarri’s breakthrough.
Tudor’s final game as the Juventus coach saw the Croat tactician make several tactical changes that, in the end, created a hybrid and increased confusion for the players.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Juventus have not scored in the last four games and are without a win since September 13.
On the other hand, Lazio coach Sarri silenced his critics despite having many starters forced to the sidelines and despite having a team without new signings, due to a transfer embargo imposed on the club in the summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Tottenham and Bayern Munich are showing ‘real interest’ in struggling Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbia international remains Juventus’ best scorer this season with four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, but has not found the net since September 16.
Last night, he started in a 1-0 loss against Lazio, which marked Juventus’ third consecutive loss and Igor Tudor’s dismissal.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Dusan Vlahovic #9 of Juventus FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Juventus have not scored in four consecutive matches for the first time since 1991 and have gone eight games without winning for the first time since 2009.
Tudor had replaced Thiago Motta in March 2025, but it would be a mistake to consider him as only responsible for Juventus’ downfall in recent weeks.
Gazzetta noted that Juventus lack high-level players in the team and analysed the Vlahovic case.
Tottenham and Bayern Munich interested in Vlahovic
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“Tudor changes the factors, but the product remains the same,” wrote Gazzetta dello Sport vice-editor Stefano Agresti.
“Juventus haven’t seen similar numbers since the Maifredi era in 1991.
“Vlahovic has lost the magic that had brought him back in harmony with the black-and-white world.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Eder Militao of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“The Serbian striker neither scores nor helps the team, sending the coach into a tailspin when it comes to choosing the formation and the focal point in attack.
“He could leave in January as Tottenham and Bayern Munich are showing real interest.”
Vlahovic set to leave Juventus in June 2026
Vlahovic’s contract at the Allianz Stadium expires at the end of the season, so the Bianconeri will be willing to listen to offers in the winter transfer window.
Parma coach Carlos Cuesta says his side will need humility, intensity and complete collective focus as they prepare to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in Tuesday’s midweek Serie A round.
With the league immediately returning after the weekend fixtures, the Crociati now face one of the toughest away matches on the calendar – and will have to do so without most of their travelling fans, following restrictions on away ticket sales to Parma residents.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Carlos Cuesta, head coach of Parma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 19, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Parma coach Cuesta has respect for Roma
Cuesta was full of respect for the Giallorossi when speaking in his pre-match press conference. “Roma are a very strong, solid team with clear ideas,” he said, via TMW.
“Their coach is a reference point in this league for what he has done and what he has inspired. It will be a difficult match that we must approach with humility and confidence.”
On the coaching duel, Cuesta smiled at the contrast in experience: “I want to learn from everyone, and he is certainly a major reference. Roma transform quickly under his guidance. We go there with the will to play our football and to play well.”
PARMA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 24: Carlos Cuesta head coach of Parma Calcio during the Coppa Italia match between Parma Calcio and Spezia at Ennio Tardini on September 24, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
Cuesta: Rotation vital – matches last more than 90 minutes
Rotation could be a factor, but Cuesta stressed mentality over names. “We will always choose the players who are most ready. Matches last more than 90 minutes – everyone must be ready to make a positive impact.”
Roma’s threat is no mystery to him. “We expect a Roma side that wants to play in our half, attack space and press without the ball. They are solid, aggressive and flexible. We must be ready for every scenario.”
Despite Parma’s goal struggles, Cuesta remains calm. “We are convinced the goals will come. When you give everything, there is nothing more you can ask.”
Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Igor Tudor has been made a scapegoat by the club and argues the team’s structural problems come from above, after the coach was sacked earlier this week.
Speaking to TMW, the ex-chairman said the situation in Turin is “complicated to explain” and goes well beyond the dugout.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
‘Tudor deserved more credit’ – Gigli
Cobolli Gigli insisted Tudor had earned more credit than he was given.
“Tudor proved he was capable of doing good things,” he said.
“He miraculously brought Juventus to fourth last year and he also produced almost glorious performances, like the match against Inter. Something is not working in the club’s mechanisms more than Tudor’s.”
He criticised Juventus’ recent planning and mercato strategy, suggesting the coach was let down rather than supported. “The transfer campaign looked promising, but it turned out to be dysfunctional. The responsibility lies with the club, and the first one to pay is always the coach.”
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Juventus should take Mancini over Spalletti – Gigli
Cobolli Gigli also pointed to strained internal dynamics, especially with management. “Tudor has a strong character and likely clashed with Comolli. But I cannot forget he took Juventus in a complicated moment and brought exciting football. I would have kept him, but the club wanted a shock.”
Asked about potential successors, he gave a clear preference: “Between the options, the most relevant name is Mancini – although I have my reservations about him. I would exclude Spalletti.”
He was more cautious on Raffaele Palladino, arguing the former Monza and Fiorentina coach remains “full of good will but without much experience.”
Finally, he dismissed any regret over Thiago Motta, concluding that Juventus must “restart from zero” to win back their identity.
Juventus sacked head coach Igor Tudor today and now the Bianconeri will seek their third permanent head coach appointment since Summer 2024.
In March of this year, Juventus parted ways with Thiago Motta and hired Tudor to replace him and see out the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The Croatian performed well in the closing stages of the campaign, helping the Bianconeri achieve a top four finish on the final day of the season.
COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Juventus coach looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Therefore, and after a string of alternative targets were deemed unattainable, Juventus opted to hand Tudor a new contract on June 13, 2025.
Tudor sacking compounds financial misery for struggling Juventus
After Tudor’s contract extension, Juventus currently have two head coaches, in Tudor and Motta, who are due to collect a salary until 2027, after both of their spells at the helm were cut short prematurely.
This represents a major blunder for the Bianconeri who, when they hire a permanent replacement for Tudor, will technically have the salaries of 3 head coaches on their books for the next two years.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 16: Head coach Thiago Motta of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Juventus have seen two gambles on relatively inexperienced coaches fail to pay off. The Bianconeri’s decision to hire Motta and Tudor was born out of good intentions, wanting a younger coach to lead the club into a new golden era, but has shown glaring weaknesses when compared to Conte at Napoli and Gapserini at Roma, for example, two coaches who have been linked with the Bianconeri in the past year.
Ivan Juric says Atalanta must raise their level in every department as they prepare for a crucial clash with Milan, while also expressing sympathy for Igor Tudor after the Croatian coach was sacked by Juventus.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Juric opened by reacting to events in Turin. “I feel sorry for Tudor because he was a Juventus man,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“But this is our job. When you have a period where you play well but don’t win, you must improve in every area.”
Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta coach Juric: ‘Everything is fine with Carnesecchi’
The coach also addressed his recent public friction with goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, insisting the issue is closed. “Everything is absolutely fine,” Juric stressed.
“The words were said in the heat of the moment. I’m very satisfied with his performances.”
Juric confirmed that Marten de Roon’s selection in defence was a deliberate tactical choice and not a stop-gap. “It’s not a surprise,” he said. “He does that role well.”
He also discussed squad fitness, noting that Sead Kolašinac is not yet ready to start, while “Scamacca needs calm, but I’d like to get him playing soon.”
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Juric on tough schedule ahead of Milan clash
Despite a run of draws and missed opportunities, Juric remains positive. “We’ve created a lot, but we haven’t turned it into goals. The team is alive. Lookman is fully involved and only missing the finish,” he explained.
Kossounou, meanwhile, is expected to start: “I’m pleased with his progress and I think he will play from the beginning.”
Juric acknowledged the challenge of facing Milan, especially with a demanding schedule. “Playing every 2-3 days is difficult. We analyse things day by day. To contain Milan, we need rhythm and compactness.”
Atalanta have not won in Serie A since September 21, and Tuesday night offers a crucial opportunity to restart their campaign.
Juventus are without a win in eight games and pressure had been mounting on Tudor for some time. Today, the Bianconeri management decided that enough is enough and fired the coach.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Who is Juventus interim coach Brambilla?
Massimo Brambilla will temporarily take the reins for Juventus, but who exactly is the 52-year-old former player?
During his playing career, Brambilla was somewhat of an Italian journeyman, playing for ten different clubs around Italy. He also made several youth appearances for the Azzurri but was never selected to play for the senior Italian national team.
After he retired, in 2010, he spent 12 years working in the youth systems at Pergocrema, Novara and Atalanta.
In 2022, Brambilla was appointed as head coach for the Juventus Next Gen team in Serie C. After two seasons with the Bianconeri B team, Brambilla took over at fellow Serie C outfit Foggia. He spent just a few months at Foggia before being dismissed for poor results in September 2024.
Two months later, he returned as head coach of Juventus Next Gen, where he has remained since. Now, he will get his chance to lead the first team while the club search for a suitable long-term replacement for the fired Tudor.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Mika Godts of AFC Ajax shoots whilst under pressure from Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The official club website merely states the situation will be re-evaluated next week, meaning Mkhitaryan will miss at least the midweek round against Fiorentina and Sunday’s trip to Hellas Verona.
There is some hope that the Armenia international might be back in action for the clash with Lazio on November 9, but it is more likely that he’ll return for the Derby della Madonnina against Milan on November 23, after the break for international duty.
Multiple sources claim that Luciano Spalletti and Raffaele Palladino are the leading candidates to replace Igor Tudor, who was sacked by Juventus this morning.
Spalletti and Palladino are the frontrunners for the Juventus job, according to various sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto.
Palladino and Spalletti linked with Juventus job
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy embraces Andrea Cambiaso of Italy during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Spalletti was sacked by the Italy national team in June, while Palladino left Fiorentina by mutual consent at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Head coach Raffaele Palladino of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Juventus confirmed Tudor’s sacking with an official statement on Monday morning after the team had lost three consecutive matches and failed to score in the last four.
Juventus have interim coach for Udinese game
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Juventus also confirmed that Massimiliano Brambilla, the NextGen coach, will lead the team in the next two days and be in charge when the Old Lady host Udinese in the next Serie A game on Tuesday.
Tudor has won 10 of his 24 matches as Juventus coach. He was appointed in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta.
Both coaches remain under contract at the Allianz Stadium until June 2027.
Napoli have confirmed the worst fears, as Kevin De Bruyne has been diagnosed with a severe lesion to the thigh muscle and is expected to be out for several months.
The midfielder pulled up clutching the back of his right thigh after successfully converting a penalty during the 3-1 victory over Inter on Saturday evening.
That result allowed them to go top of the table, alongside Roma, but it came at a heavy cost.
Napoli confirm serious De Bruyne injury
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli injured during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
There was no official word on the time it will take to recover from this injury, but it is not dissimilar to the one sustained by Romelu Lukaku during a pre-season friendly in August.
Juventus confirm that Igor Tudor has been sacked and that NextGen coach Massimo Brambilla will lead the team in the next Serie A match against Udinese.
Juventus have officially sacked the coach Tudor after three consecutive defeats.
The Bianconeri have confirmed their decision with an official statement published on Monday morning.
The Serie A giants also said that NextGen coach Brambilla will lead the team in the next two days, ahead of a Serie A match against Udinese at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus winless in the last eight games
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus have lost three games in a row and have not scored in the last four matches.
They are without a victory since September 13, when they beat Inter 4-3 at the Allianz Stadium.
Tudor replaced Thiago Motta in March 2025 and won 10 of his 24 matches in charge of the Bianconeri.
The Croatian tactician remains under contract until June 2027, just like his predecessor.
Juventus have collected 12 points in eight Serie A matches and sit 8th in the Serie A table.
Juventus sack Tudor: the official statement
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: General view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the Men’s First Team, along with his staff consisting of Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci.
“The Club also announces that it has temporarily entrusted the Men’s First Team to Massimiliano Brambilla, who will be on the bench for the Juventus-Udinese match on Wednesday evening.
“The Club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers.”
Juventus have already informed Igor Tudor that he’ll be sacked, but the coach’s destiny has been written since the start of October.
Juventus have decided to sack their coach Tudor, and the club directors have already informed the Croatian tactician. An official statement in the coming hours will formally put an end to Tudor’s reign, which began in March 2025 and ended with three consecutive losses against Como, Real Madrid and Lazio.
Tudor’s situation was already clear
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The situation at Juventus has been clear since October 6, when I reported that, without tactical clarity, the coach would pay a high price.
This is exactly what happened today, as Juventus have not even waited for the next Serie A match against Udinese on Wednesday.
Tudor doesn’t pay just for lack of results
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Igor Tudor, head coach of Juventus, looks on during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Juventus’ poor results and the lack of trust in new summer signgins have made the difference in determining the coach’s fate.
Tudor took charge of 24 Juventus matches across all competitions, grabbing 10 wins, eight draws and six losses.
Tudor is no longer the Juventus coach, and the Croatian tactician has already been informed about the club’s decision, according to Gazzetta.
Juventus sack Tudor
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The pink paper claims that Juventus will confirm Tudor’s sacking with an official statement later today.
According to the report, Juventus NextGen boss Massimo Brambilla will likely lead the team as an interim coach in a Serie A game against Udinese in just two days.
Reports in Italy on Monday morning suggested Juventus would wait until the next match to sack Tudor, but the situation has evolved since.
Tudor’s poor results at Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus have lost their last three games and have not scored in their last four outings.
Furthermore, they have gone eight consecutive matches without winning.
Fabrizio Romano confirms that Juventus have already decided to sack Tudor and will now make the formal steps forward to relieve him from his duties.
Tudor was appointed in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta. Both Motta and Tudor are under contract with Juventus until 2027.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Massimiliano Allegri could leave Santiago Gimenez on the bench against Atalanta as the Mexico international hasn’t yet scored in Serie A this season.
Milan visit Atalanta in a mid-week Serie A round on Tuesday, and according to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri coach Allegri could leave Gimenez on the bench at the New Balance Stadium.
Disappointing Gimenez at Milan
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan lies on the field during the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gimenez has only scored one goal in 10 appearances across all competitions this season, but none in Serie A.
Gazzetta reports that Allegri was unhappy with the striker’s performance against Pisa on Friday and, at some point during the game, he even shouted towards the Mexican: “Wake up, wake up! Are you sleeping?”
Allegri’s options without Gimenez
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 24: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic won’t be available against Atalanta, which means that if Gimenez is dropped, then Allegri will pick Christopher Nkunku close to Rafael Leao or pick one between Alexis Saelamaekers or Ruben Loftus-Cheek to play as an attacking midfielder.
Milan have collected 17 points in eight Serie A games this term and are one point below the leaders Roma and Napoli.
Christian Pulisic is expected to return to action before the international break in November, but Milan director Giorgio Furlani is reportedly in talks with the United States Soccer Federation, hoping that Mauricio Pochettino will not include the star winger in the USMNT squad.
Milan hope Pulisic will not be called up to the USMNT squad in November.
When will Pulisic return from injury?
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Christian Pulisic #10 of United States warms up before the international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The American winger sustained a hamstring injury during a friendly match against Australia earlier in October, irritating his club.
Pulisic has not featured for Milan since, but according to Gazzetta, his recovery is going ahead smoothly.
The American star will miss tomorrow’s game against Atalanta and has little chance to make it for the Roma match next Sunday, but Milan hope he’ll return to action against Parma on November 8, right before the next international break.
If Pulisic is eligible for that match, then he’ll automatically become available for selection for USMNT, but Milan want to avoid another long trip and more games for the ex-Chelsea star.
Milan talks with US Soccer
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 14: Giorgio Furlani CEO of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 14, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Therefore, according to the report (via Milannews) CEO Furlani has already initiated talks with the US Soccer, hoping that Pulisic will be allowed to remain in Milanello during the November break to fully get back in shape.
The USMNT will meet Paraguay and Uruguay in friendly encounters next month, while Milan will face city rivals Inter on November 23, in the first game after the November break.
During his post-match interviews, Conte criticised Inter’s decision to send their president, Beppe Marotta, to talk to the media to complain about a penalty kick given to the Partenopei.
What Conte said about Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“A team has to evaluate and realise why they lost, doing this, they just create alibis for the players and coach. I would not have allowed it. Now Marotta is President, but it’s not right that he has to come here and make these statements,” Conte said.
“I say with all due respect for the director, leave these things to the people who actually participated in the match, because it is diminishing the role of the coach too.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter also found ‘inappropriate and serious’, according to Gazzetta, that Conte said Inter have been “The best team” in Serie A and “could have won more in the last four years.”
Inter irritated by Conte
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Gazzetta notes that Conte behaved differently during his time at Inter, as he publicly requested the directors’ intervention after some disappointing results or debatable referee decisions.
Conte won the 2020-21 Serie A title at Inter, but his relationship with club directors deteriorated at the end of the campaign as the Italian tactician pushed to leave, knowing that the club would need to sell Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi over the summer for financial reasons.
Inter and Conte eventually parted ways by mutual agreement, seeing the Italian tactician get a €7m net severance pay.
Alessandro Del Piero and Beppe Bergomi got into an argument about Inter on Sunday as the Juventus legend insisted that the Nerazzurri have been ‘the best team in Serie A in the last four years.’
Juventus and Inter legends Del Piero and Bergomi showed diverging opinions on Cristian Chivu’s side on Sunday evening as Sky Sport Italia analysed the latest Serie A weekend, in which the Nerazzurri suffered a 3-1 loss at Napoli.
Inter had complained about a penalty kick that gave Napoli the lead in the first half, but Del Piero and Bergomi did not focus on referee controversies.
Del Piero: Inter the best team in Serie A
Alessandro Del Piero looks on during a press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 03, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“Inter have been the best team in Serie A in the last four years. Others who won instead of them were better, but Inter are the best team,” Del Piero said.
Bergomi, however, didn’t agree: “No, why do they never win games against direct rivals?”
Del Piero replied: “For other reasons, but if you look at the Inter team, it’s undoubtedly better than Napoli, Juventus, Milan and Roma.”
The argument continued with Bergomi, who hit back: “No, Ale. I’ve been saying this for four years.”
Bergomi hits back at Del Piero over Inter claims
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 01: Beppe Bergomi looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on March 1, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri legend continued: “Remember that those who shout more are not necessarily right…You can raise your voice all the time, and respect what I’m saying, too. Especially because I’ve been saying this for four years, and the results are there. But when they lose, then the others are better. So, who is better? The winners or the losers?”
The Italian World Cup winners were unable to find a common ground.
“I respect it, but what I said is the same, with different words. The better one is the one that wins, the best one is another,” argued Del Piero.
“Inter were able to do certain things and reach certain results, winning titles, cups and reaching Champions League Finals,” concluded Bergomi.
“Even beating clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, who are better than Inter.”
The Nerazzurri have lost three of their opening eight Serie A matches this season and are three points below the leading pair Napoli and Roma.
Sources in Italy claim that Wednesday’s Serie A game against Udinese may end Igor Tudor’s spell at Juventus, regardless of the result, as the Bianconeri have gone eight consecutive games without a win.
Juventus’ 1-0 loss against Lazio on Sunday marked their third consecutive defeat across all competitions, extending the Old Lady’s winless streak to eight games.
The last time Tudor’s men collected all three points was on September 13 against Inter and the Croatian tactician’s job is inevitably under scrutiny.
Will Juventus sack Tudor now?
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
A new Serie A round is just around the corner, as Week 9 will be played mid-week. Juventus will host Udinese at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday and according to reports, that could be Tudor’s last game in charge of the Bianconeri.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Tudor might be sacked even if Juventus win, and Gazzetta confirms that the Croat is expected to be given time until the next match.
Possible Tudor replacements revealed
VENICE, ITALY – MAY 12: Head coach of Fiorentina Raffaele Palladino gestures during the Serie A match between Venezia and Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 12, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The pink paper reports on Monday (page 6) that not all Juventus directors are convinced to sack Tudor with immediate effect; therefore, the Croat is expected to sit on the Juventus bench in the next game in just two days.
As for the possible replacements, Italian media mention the same candidates named just a few days ago: Luciano Spalletti, Roberto Mancini, Raffaele Palladino and even Thiago Motta, who was sacked in March 2025, but remains under contract with the club until 2027.
Update: It escalated quickly at the Allianz Stadium, as according to various sources, Juventus have decided to sack Tudor today.
Basic-goal: it’s the third consecutive defeat. The coach: ‘I don’t leave.’ But the club makes assessments
Toro is here
Maripan great final, Granata comeback.
Inter against Conte
Club irritated. Mkhitaryan out for at least one month
Dybala reaches the top
Roma with Napoli. Gasp: ‘Scudetto? If we grow…’
Corriere dello Sport
Top spot and first, decisive, Dybala goal
Roma, double Joya
They won 1-0 at Sassuolo’s home and caught Napoli with 18 points. Fourth consecutive victory away: +8 in the table compared to 2024. Gasperini: ‘Paulo is extraordinary in every role.’
Tudor at the end
Juve in crisis. Third consecutive loss (1-0). Tudor’s future under scrutiny
Lazio sink the Croat
On Wednesday against Udinese, a win might not be enough for the coach. ‘Everyone is responsible. My future? I’m not concerned.’ Decisive Basic, Isaksen close to the 2-0.
Electric Chivu and Chivu’s cure
After Marotta’s protests for the soft penalty to the irritability of a team struggling to cope with difficulties.
De Bruyne risks a long stop
Milan, Gimenez is an issue
Tuttosport
It’s no longer Juve
Basic scores after nine minutes (incredible David assist), sending the Bianconeri into a tilt. Confused reaction and can only complain about a penalty denied to Conceiçao. Eight games without victories. The coach: ‘My future? I don’t care about it at all.’
Maripam-Paleari, ‘Toro happiness’
The super goal from the captain under the Curva completes the comeback at minute 90 after the early Thorsby goal and Sabelli’s own goal, then miraculous saves in the stoppages. Baroni: ‘I scolded my players at halftime.’
Roma, Joya for the top spot
Dybala knocks Sassuolo down
Lashed out by Gasp, he responded like a champion. Napoli reached. The coach: ‘Extraordinary Paulo.’
Napoli-Inter: Rocchi stops the coach, the assistant and VAR referee.
Alessandro Del Piero insists Igor Tudor is ‘not the problem’ at Juventus and ‘it’s not as if with another coach this squad would win the Scudetto.’
The Bianconeri are now in a full-blown crisis after three consecutive defeats against Como, Real Madrid and Lazio, going 394 minutes without scoring a goal.
They are on their longest winless streak in all competition since 2009, as after five draws in a row between Serie A and the Champions League, they lost three on the bounce.
Del Piero takes Juventus blame off Tudor
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
With Tudor continually chopping and changing the line-up and tactics, is there too much confusion on the bench?
“The team was alive and did not deserve to lose tonight, perhaps a draw was the right result. They weren’t bad against Madrid either, the problem was the performance against Como.
“In any case, it’s not as if with another coach this team would win the Scudetto.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Teun Koopmeiners and Mattia Perin during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Another issue that he did not necessarily put the blame on Tudor for was the absence of a core to this side.
“He doesn’t yet have a first choice XI, but it’s not because Tudor doesn’t want to find it, it’s because aside from a few individuals, the others have struggled to perform consistently.
“If you look at the best teams in Italy and Europe, they more or less all have a regular XI that will start the big games.”
Mattia Perin urged Juventus to stay united and rediscover their identity after a damaging 1-0 defeat away to Lazio, a result that deepens the pressure on Igor Tudor and extends the Bianconeri’s winless run.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the goalkeeper did not hide his frustration and admitted Juventus are far from the standard expected of them.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Teun Koopmeiners and Mattia Perin during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Juventus goalkeeper Perin: ‘We feel sadness and frustration’
Perin stressed that the mood in the dressing room is one of disappointment rather than resignation. “We feel a lot of sadness and frustration,” he said.
“We train well during the week, but we’re not showing that in matches. It’s difficult to find a single answer, but we must stay united and compact, because right now we are not proving to be at the level we should be.”
The 31-year-old confirmed he knew in advance he would start in place of Michele Di Gregorio, but said personal satisfaction means little in the current situation. “I already knew before Madrid that I would play,” Perin revealed.
“But I can’t be happy when results aren’t coming. We believe in the coach’s ideas, and emotionally we like what he transmits to us. It’s difficult to understand why things aren’t working, but I’m sure we’ll raise our level.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Perin: ‘We have to desire to get out of this’
Perin also described a post-match discussion between the squad and Tudor aimed at stopping the slide. “We spoke to understand why these defeats are happening,” he explained.
“There is the desire from everyone to get out of this as soon as possible. Fortunately, we play again in three days and that could help us turn this moment around.”
Juventus, once heralded for resilience and clarity of purpose, now find themselves looking for basic reference points. Their next match will already feel like a crossroads – not for the table, but to prove they still have a pulse.
Lazio emerged as 1-0 victors over Juventus this evening as the pressure continues to pile on Bianconeri head coach Igor Tudor.
A goal from midfielder Toma Basic was enough to secure the three points for Maurizio Sarri’s side, whilst his counterpart faces increasingly demanding questions about his suitability at the helm of Juventus.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Weston McKennie is shown a yellow card by referee Andrea Colombo during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
For Igor Tudor, an initially strong start to the season has quickly eroded and now it seems as though his days are numbered in Turin.
Grim night of stats for Tudor and Juventus
Juventus have had an unfortunately record-breaking evening.
As per Opta, it is the first time that the Old Lady have gone four games consecutively, in all competitions, without scoring, since 1991.
Furthermore, it is the Bianconeri’s longest winless streak since 2009 when Claudio Ranieri was in charge.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
To add insult to injury, it was Lazio’s fastest goal against Juventus since Giuseppe Favalli’s third-minute goal in March 1996.
Overall, a dismal evening for Juventus as Tudor continues to break records, for all the wrong reasons.
Maurizio Sarri admits he was ‘surprised’ by the level of performance from Toma Basic and Gustav Isaksen against Juventus, but Lazio have been on the right track for a while.
The Aquile were in dire need of a boost and received it with Basic firing in after Danilo Cataldi gratefully received the poor Jonathan David back pass.
Both sides were angry about the refereeing of Andrea Colombo, as Weston McKennie was very fortunate to avoid a second yellow card, while VAR did not intervene when Mario Gila appeared to stamp on Francisco Conciecao’s foot inside the penalty area.
Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were out of action, so it was a remarkable victory in the circumstances.
Sarri had already seen Lazio improvement
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri attends during the press conference at the Formello sport Cemntre on September 13, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“We suffered, but not really that much today, so we played with sacrifice, but also quality. I am happy for the players and for our fans,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
Basic had been cut from the Lazio squad list at the start of the season and put on the transfer market, but was welcomed back only due to the injury crisis, and quickly became a key figure in their midfield.
“He had rather lost his way and was left off the squad list, but we needed him and he did really well to step up,” noted Sarri.
“I think he has really grown in terms of character and is giving us a big hand at the moment. We all thank him for that.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Another player who had been out for a while was Isaksen, who spent much of the summer locked away with glandular fever for fear of being contagious to his teammates.
“You could tell in training that he was improving his fitness levels, but frankly not to this degree. His performance today was a surprise for us too,” confessed Sarri.
Lazio are now unbeaten in four, having defeated Genoa and Juventus, interrupted by stalemates against Torino and Atalanta.
They are just one point behind Juventus in the Serie A standings now and have a midweek round with Pisa coming up.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Toma Basic of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“Missing an average of seven players per game, we’ve put together eight points in four matches, so the team has been doing well for a month, not just tonight,” insisted the coach.
He was asked how the meeting had gone with President Claudio Lotito and director of sport Angelo Maria Fabiani this week.
“I have no problems with the President or the director of sport. If something was written otherwise, then that is fake news. It was a perfectly normal meeting.”
Jonathan David made his first start alongside Dusan Vlahovic today, but it was his poor header back that sparked the Lazio goal, handing it straight to Danilo Cataldi for Toma Basic to fire in from outside the area.
Tudor evidently wasn’t happy, as within 10 minutes he had Filip Kostic warming up and was shouting at Cambiaso, who was eventually replaced at half-time.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of Lazio runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Kostic was warming up because I saw Cambiaso was not doing well, but in general the team had the right attitude from the start, apart from Johnny’s error and that goal,” Tudor told DAZN Italia.
“It is a bad moment, a difficult moment, we need to stay united and all work together. There is disappointment, because I think we prepared it the right way, but we are always missing something. We get to the penalty area and then don’t put the ball in the net.
“We also keep telling ourselves don’t make mistakes, but there is always a mistake, and we lose games. We feel terrible, but we have to stick together.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gives instructions to Francisco Conceicao of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Their biggest problem would seem to be clear, as this was Juve’s fourth consecutive match without scoring a goal, something they hadn’t seen since March 1991 under legendary flop Gigi Maifredi.
“We tried with two strikers from the start, then four attacking players, we tried everything, but are certainly missing something upfront,” confessed Tudor.
The Bianconeri are now without a victory in eight competitive games, having drawn five in a row, followed by three consecutive defeats to Como, Real Madrid and Lazio, their longest negative streak since May 2009.
“We are all responsible. We must try to do better and stay united, we have another game in a couple of days, I think a victory will get us on the right track. It’s a problem if we need four strikers to score and 10 midfielders when defending. It is a problem if someone always makes a mistake.
“As I said, there’s no need to make a drama out of it, we play again soon and need to stay focused.”
Tudor had tried to change things today with Vlahovic and David together, plus Francisco Conceicao out wide, then added Kenan Yildiz at half-time too.
“It was a decision because Kenan needed rest. Johnny and Dusan have goals in their blood, but we put the crosses in and in the final third someone has to put it in the net, otherwise nothing happens and you get punished for every tiny error at the back.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Cambiaso swapped places with Weston McKennie after 25 minutes, putting the USMNT player in the attacking wing-back role.
“I saw Andrea was struggling with Isaksen and when attacking we wanted him to cover the whole wing, but I didn’t like the way Andrea was interpreting the role. McKennie can cover the wing and Andrea can be a mezz’ala, so I swapped them.”
Juventus have repeatedly said they are backing Tudor, but how long can the coach realistically continue with such poor results, especially as they seem to be deteriorating rather than improving?
“People keep asking me if I feel safe or worried, but I don’t think about myself. I don’t care about my future, what I care about is doing what I can, being aware of all the problems and trying to improve things. My future is of zero interest.”
Lazio defeated Juventus 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, with Croatian midfielder Toma Basic scoring the only goal. After the game, the match winner urged his side to remain focused, as the “table remains very tight”, whilst captain Mattia Zaccagni hailed the victory as an “extraordinary game.”
The Biancocelesti needed a boost after back-to-back stalemates with Torino and Atalanta, so they were grateful when Jonathan David’s misplaced back pass was intercepted by Danilo Cataldi, setting up Basic for the early goal.
They held on to the lead from there, although both teams were angry with the officiating of referee Andrea Colombo.
Weston McKennie was very fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for his foul on Matteo Guendouzi, while Mario Gila appeared to tread on Francisco Conceicao’s boot inside the penalty area moments later.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio captain Zaccagni: ‘An extraordinary game’
“It was an extraordinary game in every way, we faced this with humility and character, we remained united during difficult moments, and at times managed to play good football too,” Zaccagni told DAZN Italia.
“Toma has to be seen as an example, because even when he was left out of the squad list, he trained with real humility and made sure he was ready. He’s a great professional. Now we look to Thursday’s game against Pisa, because we are still lagging behind in the league and want to climb further up.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Toma Basic of SS Lazio player of the match after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Basic: ‘I feel happy but exhausted’
Basic was not even on the Lazio squad list going into this season, as he was on the transfer market and failed to find a new club.
He was brought back into the fold due to an injury crisis, and has since become a key figure in the midfield, starting every match and even scoring tonight’s decisive goal.
“I feel happy, but also exhausted, because the whole team gave our all to the very end. I don’t want to talk about me, there’s no time for euphoria, because the table remains very tight, so there are other games where we must give 100 per cent in the same way,” Basic told DAZN Italia.
“I don’t know if people think I was somewhere else, but I was always training with the team and working with them throughout.”
Best Lazio player: Isaksen – After an inconsistent start to the campaign, the Dane really came to life today and was a constant menace for the Juventus defence to reckon with. He was fouled a number of times, testament to his agility and dribbling down the flank.
Lowest Lazio Rating: Dia – Makes Lazio miss Castellanos more but fortunately his side were still able to win the three points despite another tame and biteless performance.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Maurizio Sarri head coach of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Coach: Sarri 7 – Set up well against a strong Juventus and did just enough to secure the three points. His side are showing more signs of settling back into his tactical demands and the coach will be delighted with a huge victory against a top club.
Juventus: Perin 6; Kalulu 6, Gatti 5.5 (Joao Mario N/A), Lloyd Kelly 5.5,;Cambiaso 6 (Yildiz 6); Conceicao 6.5, Koopmeiners 6 (Thuram 6), Locatelli 6.5, McKennie 5.5 (Openda N/A); Vlahovic 5.5, David 5
Best Juventus player: Conceicao – Despite not being able to get his team a point, the Portuguese winger was effective in his duties this evening. Potentially should have been awarded a penalty after a foul from Mario Gila in the box and was fairly lucid in an otherwise tame performance from the Bianconeri.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of Lazio runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lowest Juventus rating: David – Involved in a goal tonight, but not in the way he would’ve liked. At fault for Lazio’s opener, the Canadian struggled to redeem himself and was eventually hooked just after the hour mark. Life has not started well for the former Lille man in Turin.
Coach: Tudor 5 – Showing the signs of a coach under immense pressure, Tudor took risks today and they failed to pay off. His front two of Vlahovic and David continue to struggle to develop any sort of chemistry together and his decision to bring on Kenan Yildiz at half-time was too little too late.
Juventus fell to a third consecutive defeat in all competition, as Toma Basic made the most of Jonathan David’s error for a Lazio victory, but both sides were furious with controversial refereeing.
The Bianconeri were without a win in seven competitive games, fresh from back-to-back defeats to Como and Real Madrid. Kenan Yildiz was struggling with a knee issue, so was rested with Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio injured, but Jonathan David formed a new partnership with Dusan Vlahovic and Mattia Perin took the gloves. Maurizio Sarri had to do without Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, so Gustav Isaksen got his first start of the season after recovering from glandular fever.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of Lazio runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Isaksen squirmed between three to pull back at the by-line, forcing Federico Gatti into a panicked clearance from five yards, and the deadlock was broken soon after.
David got his back-pass header completely wrong, giving it straight to Danilo Cataldi, and Toma Basic saw his strike from outside the area deflected off Gatti to totally wrong-foot Perin.
Andrea Cambiaso’s cushioned volley from a Francisco Conceicao cross hit the side-netting at the back post, but Juve almost paid for another howler.
It was Manuel Locatelli this time who laid it off for Matteo Guendouzi on the edge of the box, forcing a Gatti block in front of goal, then Lloyd Kelly charging down the Isaksen follow-up.
David almost made up for his earlier error when running onto an inspired Teun Koopmeiners pass, but Ivan Provedel rushed off his line to parry the dinked finish.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Jonathan David during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Francisco Conceicao also blasted over from a promising position, then whipped in a cross that Vlahovic scuffed from 12 yards.
Kenan Yildiz replaced Cambiaso for the restart in a very attacking Juve formation, but Vlahovic’s blushes were spared by the offside flag for Kelly after firing onto the crossbar from 12 yards on his assist.
Locatelli’s strike was smothered by Provedel and Weston McKennie was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card in the space of three minutes, as referee Andrea Colombo didn’t even give a foul for his barge on Guendouzi.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Weston McKennie of Juventus is shown a yellow card by referee Andrea Colombo during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
There was even more controversy on the hour mark when Mario Gila appeared to tread on Conceicao’s foot, but the referee waved play on and VAR did not intervene for a penalty either.
Boulaye Dia tested Perin at the base of the near post after squirming between two, while Vlahovic nodded McKennie’s cross wide and Kenan Yildiz at full stretch couldn’t get control of the Pierre Kalulu ball over the top.
Provedel flew to palm away the Khephren Thuram header on a corner, but Isaksen sprinted from midfield, cut inside and bent a left-foot finish just past the far post.
Pedro blasted wide with his first touch on a Zaccagni pull-back and in stoppages Gila threw himself in the path of a Locatelli scorcher from the edge of the box.
After refereeing controversy in Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter, tonight’s game between Lazio and Juventus has also had several key incidents that continue to shine negative light on officiating in Serie A.
The first major incident involved a potential second yellow card that should have been shown to Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Weston McKennie is shown a yellow card by referee Andrea Colombo during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The American, who was already on a booking after an earlier incident, brought down Matteo Guendouzi in midfield, with the Biancocelesti urging the referee to issue the Juventus man with a red card.
However, Colombo kept his cards in his pocket and decided not to dismiss the Bianconeri midfielder.
Colombo & Assistants Miss Penalty Call in Lazio vs Juventus
The second incident involved a potential penalty for Juventus, after Mario Gila was judged to have stood on the foot of Bianconeri winger Francisco Conceicao.
The Juventus man went down and Gila immediately looked sheepish, anticipating a spot-kick for the visitors.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Teun Koopmeiners and Mattia Perin during the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
However, after VAR review, the referee’s on-field decision stood and no penalty was given.
You can follow the remainder of the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.
David De Gea called for calm and unity after Fiorentina’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna at the Stadio Franchi, insisting the Viola must stay mentally strong to overcome their current difficulties.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, via TuttoMercatoWeb, De Gea backed the message of goalscorer Moise Kean, who had urged the squad to believe in themselves. “As Moise said, we have to believe,” the Spanish goalkeeper stressed.
PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“It’s difficult when the victories don’t arrive, but we must stay positive. Even if we didn’t play a great game and we are in a difficult moment, we still came back in a tough match. We need to work hard and go in the same direction for the good of Fiorentina.”
De Gea: ‘We could have lost 6-0…’
The former Manchester United keeper also highlighted the difference in level between domestic and European competition. “The Conference League is different,” he noted.
“The opponents we’ve faced there are of a lower level compared to Serie A. Here it’s not easy, but if we keep working and focus on each match, we can do better.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Maximo Perrone of Como 1907 and David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Como 1907 at Artemio Franchi on September 21, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
De Gea admitted that the atmosphere inside the stadium briefly shook the team after Bologna’s disallowed third goal. “In that moment, I thought we could lose 6-0,” he confessed.
“But then we gained confidence and almost won the match. We must do more and stay positive, for the fans too. We all need to be united and move in the same direction.”
The Canada international was meant to make an impact on the goals in this game in a new partnership with Dusan Vlahovic, but he ended up being the provider at the wrong end.
His terrible header back was straight to Danilo Cataldi, who wasted no time setting up Basic for a strike from outside the area that took a deflection off Federico Gatti to wrong-foot Mattia Perin.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Players of Juventus pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It was Basic’s first goal of the season, having started the campaign being left off the squad list, welcomed back only due to other injuries.
Lazio take the lead against Juventus
Lazio punish a poor Juventus header as Toma Bašić puts the hosts in front
Stefano Pioli believes Fiorentina showed character in their dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna, fighting back from 2-0 down thanks to late penalties from Guðmundsson and Moise Kean.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Viola coach admitted his side still have plenty to fix, but praised the team’s refusal to collapse.
“I don’t think we deserved to lose, but certain episodes were punishing us too harshly,” Pioli said.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We didn’t develop our play well in the first half, but with Bologna that can happen. We had chances with Ranieri and Moise, and the important thing is that the team didn’t give up.”
Pioli accepts protests after Fiorentina 2-2 Bologna
The coach also accepted the criticism that arrived from the Curva Fiesole. “The fans have always supported us and they have the right to protest if they feel it is necessary. They always have the final say,” he noted.
Looking at the tactical issues, Pioli admitted Fiorentina must find better balance in midfield. “Bologna don’t let you play comfortably, and in some positions Fagioli needed to be found more. We must improve our structure and find better equilibrium,” he said.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Stefano Pioli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
On refereeing and VAR, Pioli was blunt: “Right now everything is confused. You can’t understand who is truly making the decisions. For me, the referee must decide more and the VAR less.”
The coach underlined that the table remains disappointing, but insisted the team will continue to work. “We are not satisfied, but we go forward trying to grow,” he concluded.
Moise Kean urged Fiorentina to show greater character and take responsibility for their season after the Viola battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Bologna at the Stadio Franchi.
Two second-half penalties, including Kean’s equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time, snatched a point and prevented a damaging home defeat.
Speaking to DAZN after the game, the striker was clear about what must change: “Only we can turn our season around – it’s up to us to show some balls and step up,” he said, with quotes via FiorentinaNews, insisting the team must raise their mentality if they want different results.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kean calm in equalising goal for Fiorentina against Bologna
Kean also explained that he felt calm when stepping up for the decisive penalty: “I didn’t feel any pressure. My teammates believed in me and I just tried to stay positive,” he added.
Looking ahead, the forward stressed that Fiorentina owe more to the city and their supporters: “Fiorentina deserves a lot, and so do my teammates. We’re a good group and we can achieve great things. We need to stay positive ahead of Milan against Inter.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Remo Freuler of Bologna FC 1909 in action against Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina leave the pitch with mixed emotions: proud of their comeback, but aware that dropped points at home continue to complicate their already shaky start to the campaign.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito insists they ‘have what it takes to turn this around’ after a rough start to the season, as Maurizio Sarri’s men host Juventus.
The injury crisis keeps getting worse for the Biancocelesti, who go into tonight’s match without Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Fans are losing patience and there has been criticism of the way the team has been constructed.
Lotito tries to calm frustration around Lazio
Claudio Lotito owner and president of S.S Lazio celebrates with supporters at the end of the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg between Lazio and Bayern Munich at the Olympic stadium on February 14, 2024 in Rome. Lazio won 1-0. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)
“Constructive criticism is right when results aren’t arriving, even if for a series of reasons that are beyond our control, but it is a team sport and we must all work in the same direction,” Lotito told DAZN Italia.
“I am convinced it is dictated by a series of imponderable factors that completely changed the results we expected. I urge everyone to have faith, because we are building a solid club, we are continuing the process of taking over the Stadio Flaminio and building the new training ground.”
Lazio were unable to make any new signings over the summer, as after failing three different financial stress tests, they received a transfer embargo.
Coach Sarri admitted he was unaware of this when accepting the job, and would’ve walked away from any other club but Lazio.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Maurizio Sarri head coach of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Will Lotito at least be able to promise reinforcements in the January transfer window?
“I have a rapport of respect and affection with Sarri, there is no clashing of roles, as everyone wants what is best for the club and the fans. The club was prevented from acting over the summer, we are ready to do whatever is necessary,” replied the President.
“I’ve never seen so many injuries and other situations that penalised us. We understand the mood of the fans, who are passionate about this side and feel upset when certain results are not achieved. There is sadness, irritation and at times criticism, but always remember unity is strength, we have what it takes to turn this situation around.
“If we stick together, the players, club, staff and fans, then you’ll see we will get great results.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Matteo Cancellieri of SS Lazio celebrates a second goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 04, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“I believe a system must be watched over, but not destabilised. There is a new generation of referees and when things don’t work, we need to point it out, but only trying to make it better, otherwise we risk making the situation worse. We need utmost transparency to bring through a generational shift of referees,” noted Lotito.
Juventus technical director Francois Modesto insists they ‘have a lot of faith’ in coach Igor Tudor, and are confident Lois Openda and Jonathan David will flourish eventually.
The trip to Lazio kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
The pressure is growing on the Old Lady after a dire run of nine competitive matches without a victory, including back to back defeats to Como and Real Madrid.
“Igor is our coach, we are very happy with him, have a lot of faith in his work, and want to focus on getting the win this evening,” Modesto told DAZN Italia.
New Juventus faces struggling to make their mark
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
David and Openda have struggled to make any kind of impact since their transfers to Juventus, so how long will it take for them to flourish in this new league?
“It is a very difficult league in Italy, there are some very well-organised coaches and teams, which makes it tough for those who come here from other divisions. If we look to the past, we’ll see many great champions who struggled at the beginning in Serie A,” warned Modesto.
“The positive thing is that they have settled well into the group, and of course they have always scored lots of goals in their careers, so we think it’s just a matter of time. We hope that they will start scoring from tonight.”
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after Lloyd Kelly (not pictured) scores his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Dusan Vlahovic starts tonight and is still taking a strong role at Juventus, despite the fact he has refused to sign a new contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season.
“There are absolutely no issues. Dusan is a great professional, a leader of this team, he is helping David and Openda off the field too, and we are very happy,” added Modesto.
“We have leaders in this squad, like Bremer who unfortunately is injured, Gatti and Kenan Yildiz, so we have no lack of leaders.”
Teun Koopmeiners was a big investment at over €50m from Atalanta last summer, but never quite lived up to those expectations, and made comments on playing in his preferred role.
“Koopmeiners works hard, he had difficulties like many who first come to Juve, but he is improving, the coach has put him in a few different positions, and we hope he can show what he has always done with Atalanta and in some games at Juventus,” concluded the director.
Pedullà discusses the opposite fortunes between the two head coaches: Cristian Chivu and Antonio Conte.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Conte head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Whilst Conte took home the three points, Chivu’s actions off the field gave him an advantage over his counterpart, who was drawn into a clash of words with Nerazzurri Captain Lautaro Martinez.
Fiorentina completed the comeback from 2-0 down to hold Bologna 2-2 in stoppages with Albert Gudmundsson and Moise Kean penalties, after Emil Holm was sent off.
Both teams were fresh from UEFA victories on Thursday, but while the Viola had a 3-0 win away to Rapid Vienna, they were still without a single success in Serie A. Moise Kean and Robin Gosens returned after being rested, with Tariq Lamptey and Christian Kouame long-term absentees. The Rossoblu lost Jens Odgaard to a knock during the 2-1 win at Steaua Bucharest, joining Ciro Immobile on the treatment table. Coach Vincenzo Italiano missed the trip back to the Stadio Franchi, as he was still undergoing treatment for pneumonia.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Nicolo’ Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kean drilled inches wide when clear on goal in the opening minutes, but had been caught offside to spare his blushes, while David De Gea fingertipped a looping Santiago Castro strike out from under the crossbar.
Bologna had penalty appeals rejected for a possible Dodo handball, as the footage did not clearly show contact, but they did take the lead.
A corner was not cleared properly and the Pablo Mari header floated into the path of Santiago Castro, who performed a spectacular volley into the far top corner from 12 yards. It was his first Serie A goal outside the Dall’Ara since January.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina should’ve equalised moments later when Rolando Mandragora flicked on a corner to the back post, but Luca Ranieri shinned it over from point-blank range.
Nicolò Cambiaghi curled wide and Lukasz Skorupski palmed away a long-range Mandragora free kick.
There was chaos straight after the restart, as the referee awarded a Fiorentina penalty for handball, but it was Skorupski who got his hand to it rather than Jhon Lucumi, and Kean handled too during the two charged down attempts, so it was revoked following a VAR review.
Instead, Bologna doubled their lead when Emil Holm got down the right and pulled across the face of goal, with Cambiaghi getting there first to toe-poke in from six yards.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Nicolo’ Cambiaghi of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Kean stung Skorupski’s gloves after a run from midfield, but again the Rossoblu were more clinical and pounced when De Gea parried the Riccardo Orsolini free header at the back post, but could do nothing on the Thijs Dallinga follow-up. However, this goal was disallowed for Orsolini’s offside position.
Nonetheless, many Fiorentina fans started leaving the stadium in protest at their current Serie A form and chanting insults towards the club and squad.
The Viola finally did get their penalty, as after a Juan Miranda goal-line clearance on Edin Dzeko, Lewis Ferguson charged down the Dodo cross with his arm. Albert Gudmundsson rolled a precise snooker shot beyond Skorupski’s fingertips into the near bottom corner for his first Serie A goal of the season.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC 1909 at Artemio Franchi on October 26, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
This suddenly changed the game and after Federico Bernardeschi had penalty appeals rejected for a coming together with Sabiri, Emil Holm received his second yellow card for bringing down Fortini.
The tension also got to Jonathan Rowe, who was substituted to bring on a defender and was booked after his exit for kicking the ball into the stands.
Kean’s acrobatic scissor-kick volley on a Dodo cross was charged down by Bernardeschi’s arms in front of his face, but considered to be in an unnatural position following a VAR review. Kean insisted on stepping up this time and sent Skorupski the wrong way to equalise in stoppages.
A scuffle broke out between Dzeko and Lucumi, then Fiorentina thought they had to win it with the last kick of the game when Skorupski only palmed a Roberto Piccoli header into the path of Dodo, but the Brazilian prodded the rebound onto the side-netting.
Juventus try to end their nine-match winless streak with Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David together, leaving Kenan Yildiz on the bench, as Lazio look to Mattia Zaccagni and Boulaye Dia.
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It is a poor period of form for the Bianconeri, who are without a single victory in nine games between Serie A and the Champions League.
There were at least improvements in the performance when falling 1-0 to Real Madrid midweek, but Igor Tudor reshuffles the squad against his former club.
Some of those decisions are forced upon him, as Kenan Yildiz is struggling with a knee issue and finally gets some rest.
Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio are still out of action, but Manuel Locatelli and Francisco Conceicao return to the starting XI.
The biggest change is having two centre-forwards together, Vlahovic and David, while Mattia Perin makes his return in goal.
GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 29: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio celebrates third goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SS Lazio at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio have their fair share of problems too, as although they are unbeaten in three, that included back-to-back stalemates against Torino and Atalanta.
Maurizio Sarri has a crowded treatment room, missing Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Having to make do, Adam Marusic and Manuel Lazzari are the full-backs, with Toma Basic going from unwanted player to permanent midfield presence.
Gustav Isaksen completes the attack with Dia and Zaccagni.
Napoli’s 3-1 victory over Inter has lifted the mood at the Stadio Maradona, restoring confidence and momentum, but celebrations were muted by a fresh injury concern for Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder asked to come off after feeling discomfort in the same area that required surgery last season, immediately triggering alarm within the club’s medical staff.
According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, there is real concern that the 32-year-old may have suffered a significant muscular relapse.
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
While De Bruyne appeared relatively calm after the final whistle, Napoli are approaching the situation with maximum caution given his recent history and the delicate nature of the injury.
Napoli await worst case scenario as De Bruyne faces injury setback
Tests scheduled will offer a clearer picture, but the fear is that it could be a high-grade lesion, which would rule him out for an extended spell.
With De Bruyne serving as the creative heartbeat of Antonio Conte’s side, the potential setback comes at a difficult moment in the season.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Napoli are back in the Scudetto race and preparing for a decisive run of fixtures in Serie A and Europe. Losing their technical leader for several weeks, or possibly longer, would represent a major blow to their ambitions.
For now, the club will wait for the official medical bulletin before outlining recovery times and a plan for his replacement. What is certain, however, is that Napoli are bracing themselves for bad news.
Inter are concerned Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be ruled out for up to a month or more after the midfielder suffered a thigh injury in Saturday’s defeat away to Napoli.
The Armenian was forced off after 32 minutes, immediately signalling to the bench and leaving the pitch unable to continue.
The 35-year-old will undergo medical tests on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage to his left flexor, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: David Neres of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter midfielder Mkhitaryan could miss six weeks
Early signs have not been encouraging, with Mkhitaryan still limping heavily on Sunday at Appiano Gentile, and the fear is he could be sidelined for 4-6 weeks depending on the grade of the injury.
Inter’s schedule makes the timing particularly delicate. After the November international break, Cristian Chivu’s side face the Milan derby on November 23 and then Atletico Madrid away on November 26 in the Champions League.
In the best-case scenario, Mkhitaryan could return around that period or shortly after, but a second-degree lesion would push his comeback well into December. Recovery time will depend not only on the scan results but also how the muscle responds to treatment and reconditioning.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Marcus Thuram of Inter looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Positive news for Nerazzurri as Thuram progresses nicely
There is, however, better news regarding Marcus Thuram. The French forward is making encouraging progress and is expected to increase his workload in training this week.
Inter will resume work on Monday and as the squad returns to Appiano to recover from the Napoli match and celebrate Cristian Chivu’s 45th birthday, Thuram will undergo his first full on-pitch session since the injury.
If all goes well, he should rejoin group training soon and be available for selection afterwards.
Elia Caprile proved once again today that he is a great goalkeeper and Cagliari made a wise decision demanding at least €18m to sell in the summer, as now he’ll be worth more.
The shot-stopper made some more incredible saves in the 2-2 draw against Hellas Verona today at the Stadio Bentegodi, keeping his team in the game for their late comeback against the run of play.
Cagliari President Tommaso Giulini had bought him outright from Napoli for €8m and the idea was to sell, but only if a big offer came along, just like the one they accepted from Fiorentina for Roberto Piccoli.
Impressive Caprile will cost the big clubs
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Elia Caprile of Cagliari Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 13, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Caprile was given a price-tag of no less than €15-18m to even consider a transfer, and as nobody turned up with that kind of money, Giulini was happy to keep the goalkeeper.
His performances have been remarkable so far this season, as not a week goes by without some extraordinary saves hitting the headlines, and his consistency is so impressive.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had been linked with a return to Serie A, above all for Juventus, but the ex-Lazio midfielder has renewed his contract with Al-Hilal.
The official announcement came from the Saudi Pro League side today, confirming what had been reported by our Sportitalia colleague Gianluigi Longari on October 17, who knew the rumours of an Italian comeback were unlikely to come true.
Milinkovic-Savic always a tough candidate for Juventus
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 01: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Al-Hilal in action during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at King Fahd International Stadium on December 01, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
It would’ve been a tough move to make work for a number of reasons, none more so than the head-spinning salary the Serbian commands at Al-Hilal.
He has also been reunited at the club with coach Simone Inzaghi, who had already worked with him closely during their time together at Lazio.
Milinkovic-Savic was one of the first to truly believe in the ambitious projects in Saudi Arabian football, and the investments continue to keep building those plans.
Juventus did have a real chance of tempting him before the move to Al-Hilal was made, but had to surrender when faced with the sheer figures on offer.
Paulo Dybala admits he was getting ‘pressure’ to score his first Serie A goal of the season, while Lorenzo Pellegrini sees Roma improvements in a 1-0 win at Sassuolo.
The Giallorossi had lost three of their last four competitive games between Serie A and the Champions League, but emerged with a 1-0 victory from the Mapei Stadium.
The only goal of the game was scored by Dybala, on the rebound from a save on Bryan Cristante, to put them joint top of the table alongside Napoli.
Dybala and Pellegrini lead Roma response
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We are relaxed, we knew before the game with the other results that we could take top spot, but there is a very long way to go,” Dybala told DAZN Italia.
“These are three important points, also for us to make up for recent setbacks, and now we have to turn our focus to Wednesday.”
Although he had found the net in the Europa League, this was La Joya’s first Serie A goal of the season, and it allowed him to debut a special celebration with the ball under his jersey, for pregnant wife Oriana.
“Strikers live for goals, obviously, so we would love to score in every game. Unfortunately, there are negative moments during the season, but the important thing is that the team wins, not who scores.
“I had been waiting to make this celebration, as my wife was putting pressure on me to get on with it!”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates victory after during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Pellegrini came off the bench and almost scored within 120 seconds, as his dinked finish bounced off the upright.
The former captain was asked if Roma really can aim to stay top of the table and if a Scudetto challenge is their objective this season.
“The objective is to keep improving, and I thought today was a little better when attacking than previous games, we could’ve scored a few more goals,” replied Pellegrini.
“We were coming off defeats and really eager to prove ourselves on the pitch. We are giving our all.”
Curiously, all four defeats between Serie A and the Europa League have been at the Stadio Olimpico, but even in away fixtures, Roma always have a strong presence of cheering fans.
“We are fortunate that our fans always travel with us with passion, I don’t think they realise how much they give to us on the field with their presence. This is also a special match for me, as I called Sassuolo home for a while and want to salute the Sassuolo supporters too, as they remained in my heart.”
Gian Piero Gasperini reveals why the Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante tactical experiments go way back, as Roma beat Sassuolo and turn to their next ‘absolute priority.’
Wesley and Zeki Celik also came close, while Lorenzo Pellegrini hit the upright just moments after coming off the bench, but it proved enough for all three points and the leadership alongside Napoli.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I am very satisfied with our position, but also with today’s game, as it was not easy against a Sassuolo side that is doing well. After two defeats to Inter and Viktoria Plzen that left us with regrets, there was a good reaction,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.
Midfielder Cristante tended to push into a more advanced role, and that was decisive for the goal before Dybala turned in the rebound, but Gasperini noted this is hardly new.
“I never doubted that Dybala was a striker. I might’ve had doubts on others. He can play as a centre-forward, a support striker, just not really wide. Players have characteristics and a coach must try to make the most of those strengths.
“I have to say Mario Pasalic scored lots of goals in that role over the years with me and Atalanta, but even if it was eight years ago, Cristante had been doing it first! He hasn’t forgotten, he is now more mature and experienced, so is giving the team a big hand.”
Gasperini still experimenting with Roma attack
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates victory after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Artem Dovbyk came off the bench and was instructed to not drift into the middle too much, so how is the Ukrainian developing under Gasperini’s very different style?
“We needed to keep the forwards a little wider for this match and allow spaces for the midfielders to push through the centre. Dovbyk came on well, his fitness levels are certainly better now,” noted the coach.
“I work with everyone and try to improve them, I’m attempting to find solutions in attack, because that has been the least prolific area of the team. Despite that, we have a good position in the table.
“It requires experiments during the matches, as Dybala was out for a while, this was the first time Bailey managed to start, so we are getting there.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Leon Bailey of AS Roma applauds the fans during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This means Roma are top of the Serie A table after eight rounds, which hadn’t happened since the 2013-14 campaign, albeit sharing the seat with Napoli.
Their next fixture is the midweek round against Parma on Sunday at 17.30 GMT, hoping to end their run of home losses.
“It is absolutely a priority to win at home. It’s a pity for our fans, who were not accustomed to seeing so many defeats. With an always sold out stadium and passionate crowd behind us, we want to give them something to celebrate,” added Gasperini.
“Some performances were unlucky, but others like on Thursday we really should’ve won. We have to be wary, as evidently some of our characteristics see us hit our heads against a brick wall at home and then concede on the counter, so we need to be more efficient.”
Cagliari completed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in stoppages, as Hellas Verona are still without a victory this season.
Hellas were still looking for their first win of the season after four draws and three defeats, missing Daniel Oyegoke, Maotasem Al-Musrati and Tomas Suslov. The Sardinians lost Yerry Mina and Alessandro Deiola, joining Andrea Belotti, Boris Radunovic and Alessandro Di Pardo on the treatment table, but Zito Luvumbo returned after one point from three rounds.
VERONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Suat Serdar of Hellas Verona FC competes for the ball with Matteo Prati of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 26, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Gennaro Borrelli shook off an early clash of heads with Unai Nunez to surge onto a long Matteo Prati ball and fire just over the bar for Verona.
Lorenzo Montipò got down for a sensational fingertip save to push the Gianluca Gaetano daisy-cutter inches past the far post.
Unai Nunez went off with a shoulder injury for Hellas, while Borrelli had penalty appeals waved away for a risky Roberto Gagliardini tackle.
Instead, Gagliardini put Verona in front with his glancing header on a Giovane free kick that looped up and dropped into the far bottom corner. It was the ex-Inter midfielder’s first Serie A goal for two years.
VERONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Roberto Gagliardini of Hellas Verona FC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 26, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Verona thought they had to equalise on 34 minutes until being denied by an extraordinary double Elia Caprile save, first to push the Suat Serdar strike onto the crossbar, then parry the Gift Orban follow-up from point-blank range too.
Caprile made another incredible save when Giovane was at full stretch to volley a low cross, sticking up a hand to push it away from point-blank range.
However, Verona still doubled their advantage with a classic counter-attack. Belghali started it from inside his own half down the right, sending Giovane forward to roll across for the simple Orban tap-in from nine yards.
VERONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Elia Caprile of Cagliari Calcio saves a goal from Gift Orban of Hellas Verona FC’s shot during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 26, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Valentini’s glancing header on a Giovane free kick also tested Caprile, but Cagliari got back into it when Riyad Idrissi sprung the offside trap down the left on an inspired Adam Obert pass and surprised Montipò at the near top corner with a powerful finish.
It sparked a comeback from the Sardinians, who got back on level terms in stoppages thanks to a fantastic solo effort from Mattia Felici. The substitute completed a give and go with Leonardo Pavoletti to break down the left, squirmed past two tackles and beat Montipò with an angled drive.
Paulo Dybala’s first Serie A goal of the season proved enough to beat Sassuolo and send Roma to the top of the table alongside Napoli.
The Giallorossi had the opportunity to go joint top of the table, but had also lost three of their last four games, including Thursday’s 2-1 to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. Angelino was the only absentee, but Matias Soulé was rested, with Paulo Dybala used as a False 9 and Leon Bailey getting his first start. The Neroverdi had seven points from three rounds and brought Alieu Fadera into the trident attack, with ex-Roma man Nemanja Matic in midfield. Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo missed out.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Alieu Fadera of Sassuolo controls the ball whilst under pressure from Leon Bailey of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was an aggressive start from the hosts, as after a strong Aliou Fadera run from midfield, Kristian Thorstvedt got the header all wrong from seven yards. Mile Svilar then flew to palm away a deflected Fadera strike, but it was Roma who broke the deadlock.
Bryan Cristante surged forward on the Dybala lay-off and saw his effort parried by Arijanet Muric, but only into the path of La Joya to finish it off on the rebound. It was his first Serie A goal of the season.
Manu Koné charged down a powerful Sebastian Walukiewicz strike, and from the resulting corner Thorstvedt nodded wide when he should’ve left it for Filippo Romagna behind him.
Neil El Aynaoui’s effort was straight at Muric, who had to rush off his line to smother at Cristante’s feet after an inspired Dybala pass.
Bailey had his boot torn apart by a Josh Doig foul just outside the area, so had to finish the half with it wrapped in duct tape, while Dybala’s free kick hit the side-netting.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Wesley Franca of AS Roma crosses the ball whilst under pressure from Cristian Volpato of Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo lost Romagna to injury, while Mario Hermoso replaced the disappointing Kostas Tsimikas and within 60 seconds had been booked for a raised elbow on Doig inches outside the area.
Zeki Celik stung the goalkeeper’s gloves at the near post on a Dybala lay-off, but Sassuolo saw Domenico Berardi forced off after a bizarre head injury when he crossed paths with Cristante and fell very awkwardly.
Lorenzo Pellegrini came on and within 120 seconds had almost doubled Roma’s lead, as his delicate dink beat the goalkeeper only to bounce off the upright on Artem Dovbyk’s assist.
Wesley could’ve rolled across for Dovbyk, but instead tested Muric himself at the near post, while the Brazilian stood up a cross for Zeki Celik’s header over the bar.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Nemanja Matic of Sassuolo runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was a strong ending to the game for Wesley, who also flashed a great right-foot finish across the face of goal to skim the back post.
The result remained open though, as Gianluca Mancini threw himself in the way of a Walid Cheddira angled drive at the near post in stoppages.
Pellegrini also threatened again with a right-foot curler from outside the box that Muric pushed round the far post with one glove.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has proven, once again, that he has become a giant for Napoli, not only with his crucial goal against Inter on Saturday evening, but also through his performances, showing that he can flex his muscles and walk the walk.
Napoli got it spot on with Anguissa
The Cameroon international was on the scoresheet, restoring Napoli’s two-goal lead in their 3-1 victory over Inter on Saturday evening, which has sent the Partenopei back up to the top of the Serie A standings after eight matches.
Anguissa, towards the end of last season, had a moment of hesitation, considering potential opportunities elsewhere after having helped Napoli to two Scudetti within the last three years.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Frank Anguissa celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match against Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
In the end, his desire was to stay on with Napoli, where he has proved himself as a key player under Antonio Conte, despite the arrivals of Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne over the last two years.
And so, his contract was extended, and is now set to expire in 2027. This was the perfect outcome for Napoli, and it comes as a reward for Anguissa’s unquestionably key performances over the last few seasons.
Anguissa is becoming an increasingly key figure within Partenopei circles, and a renewal could not have been any more appropriate.
Juventus are due to take on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday evening, but pre-match reports indicate that Igor Tudor will have to do without starman Kenan Yildiz in his starting line-up. Here’s why.
Yildiz potentially out of Lazio vs. Juventus?
Juventus, who have not won in any competition since September 13, are looking to get back to winning ways in a difficult away game against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Yildiz, who has started in every one of Juventus’s Serie A and Champions League matches so far this term, is expected to drop out of the starting line-up, however.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Kenan Yildiz competes with Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan during the Serie A matchat Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to reports from Ilbianconero, Yildiz is suffering with patellar tendinopathy, sometimes referred to as jumper’s knee in his left leg. This is effectively an inflammation that affects the tendon beneath the kneecap.
This is a manageable condition, but one that can cause occasional pain and discomfort, hence why Yildiz is expected to drop out of the starting line-up against Lazio, in an attempt to recover and go again at full strength against Udinese on Wednesday.
Gian Piero Gasperini explains why he made such radical changes to the Roma attack against Sassuolo, including fitness updates on Matias Soulé and Evan Ferguson.
It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 14.00 GMT.
Soulé had originally been mentioned in the starting XI released to the media, but was then replaced in the official line-up by Manu Koné, moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.
This is the first time that the Argentine talent has been left on the bench this season, so what prompted that decision?
“We play very often, and Soulé had practically not missed a minute yet. We start like this, I hope he can be a valuable resource off the bench,” Gasperini told DAZN.
Gasperini keeps Roma strikers on their toes
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala is again used as a False 9, even though it has had extremely limited results so far, as Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk continue to struggle with one goal between them.
Following Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League defeat to Viktoria Plzen, Gasperini said that he had only just seen the first “real training session” from Ferguson, so what did that mean?
“He needs to be an important factor for the future. It was his first really hard working session, but unfortunately he also got a knock to the ankle and he’s on the bench today, but I’m not sure if he can play.”
A victory here would send Roma joint top of the Serie A table alongside Napoli, who beat Inter 3-1 last night.
“We all know the situation, but it’s quite early to start looking at the table. We need to focus our attention on Sassuolo, who are a newly promoted side, but getting good results already. We just need to concentrate on this game and getting the result we want today,” concluded Gasperini.
It is remarkable that Roma always saw the Stadio Olimpico as their fortress in previous years, but all four of their defeats in Serie A and the Europa League this season have been home fixtures.
Torino left it late to find the winner after coming from behind in a 2-1 victory over struggling Genoa in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Morten Thorsby, an own goal from Stefano Sabelli and a late winner from Guillermo Maripan.
Both Marco Baroni and Patrick Vieira made one change each ahead of kick-off. Torino, who were coming in off an encouraging 1-0 win over league leaders Napoli last time out, brought Cristiano Biraghi in for Niels Nkounkou, while Genoa handed a start to Morten Thorsby instead of Vitinha.
A calamitous piece of Torino defending handed Genoa the 1-0 lead early on in the first half.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Morten Thorsby of Genoa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Jeff Ekhator played an optimistic ball into the area, Kristjan Asllani made a complete hash of his clearance, which meant that Thorsby was free on the edge of the six yard box to stab home the opener.
Torino had to wait until midway through the second half to begin their turnaround.
Again, it was a cross in from the same flank at the same end of the pitch, and another piece of disastrous defending that led to the goal. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen’s cross was aimed at Che Adams, but Stefano Sabelli ended up steering into his own net in an attempt to clear.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Mikael Egill Ellertsson of Genoa battles for possession with Marcus Holmgren Pedersen during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Torino claimed the three points right at the last: In the 90th minute. A routine corner from Valentino Lazaro came in from the right flank, and Maripan was on hand to slam home a first-time volley in the middle of the area for 2-1.
With two consecutive league victories to their name, Torino are temporarily up to 11th place in the Serie A standings, while Genoa, still without a win in the league this season, remain rooted to the bottom of the table on three points after eight games.
Sunday’s reports indicate that referee Maurizio Mariani and assistant Daniele Bindoni will be dropped for the next round of Serie A fixtures after awarding a controversial penalty during Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter on Saturday evening.
What happened in Napoli 3-1 Inter?
Napoli went back to the top of the Serie A standings thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in an eventual 3-1 win over the Nerazzurri, who had won seven games in a row prior to Saturday’s match.
There have been complaints from the Inter camp, however, regarding the decision to award a penalty to Napoli five minutes before the end of the first half.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Giovanni Di Lorenzo found himself in the penalty area and went down under the challenge of Henrikh Mikhtaryan. Some argue, however, that Di Lorenzo was looking for the contact, and that Mkhitaryan did not make any intentional moves towards the Napoli captain, and that the penalty should not have been given.
Now, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the AIA have concluded that a penalty should not have been awarded to Napoli last night.
Sunday’s reports suggest that assistant referee Bindoni was the one who originally signalled for a penalty, that Mariani did not originally give it, but then changed his mind after a VAR review.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale protest with referee Maurizio Marian during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Assistant referee Bindoni is the one who has come under the most criticism for signalling for the penalty, although Mariani has also been criticised from changing his original decision.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that it is likely that both referees, who were also involved in the U20 World Cup final in Chile earlier this week, will be dropped for the next round of Serie A fixtures.
Roma can go joint top of the table with a win away to Domenico Berardi’s Sassuolo, so give Leon Bailey his first start with Paulo Dybala and Neil El Aynaoui.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi are an unpredictable side at the moment, as while a victory would send them into joint first place with Napoli, they have also lost three of their last four competitive games.
Angelino is the only absentee, as Manu Kone has shaken off an ankle knock sustained on Thursday evening.
Gian Piero Gasperini keeps squad rotation to an absolute minimum, so Dybala start again, but centre-forwards Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are dropped for poor performances.
Instead, Bailey finally gets his first start for the club, with Dybala as a False 9.
Matias Soule’ had originally been named in the starting XI, but was then replaced by moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.
Jan Ziolkowski was hauled off just 30 minutes into his first start for the club, so Zeki Celik is placed in the back three instead.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 21: Inter linked Domenico Berardi of US Sassuolo during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and US Lecce at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 21, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy.(Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo have improved recently with seven points from the last three rounds, steadily climbing up the table.
Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo are still out of action.
Former Roma players Nemanja Matic and Cristian Volpato are in the squad, but Berardi completes the trident attack with Andrea Pinamonti and Aliou Fadera.
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez exchanged insults during the meeting of their two sides in Serie A on Saturday evening, but this was not the first time the former colleagues have clashed on the pitch.
Here is a reminder of what happened the last time Conte and Lautaro came to blows.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Around the hour mark at the Stadio Maradona, Conte and Lautaro were seen throwing insults and gestures towards each other following an argument between the players on the pitch.
This was not the first time that Conte and Lautaro have found themselves arguing with one another in Serie A, though.
They also spent two seasons together at Inter between 2019 and 2021.
MILAN, ITALY – JULY 13: Lautaro Martinez (L) during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on July 13, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
During the Scudetto-winning 2020-21 season, Conte and Lautaro found themselves arguing after the coach decided to ‘double sub’ the striker during a 3-1 win over Roma in May, 2021.
Lautaro, who had been accused of showing poor attitude on the pitch at the time, reacted to his substitution by shouting and throwing his shirt when Conte took him off.
The following day, Conte and Lautaro returned to the training ground, and in an effort to put their difference to one side, organised a friendly boxing match on the training pitch, which ended in hugs and laughter. The same will not happen this time around, though.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Giovanni Simeone celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match against SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Marco Baroni has made just one change to his side following the Napoli victory, bringing in Cristiano Biraghi to replace Niels Nkounkou at left wing-back. Last week’s goalscorer Giovanni Simeone leads the line again, alongside Scotland international Che Adams.
Genoa, who drew 0-0 with Parma last time out, have replaced Vitinha with Morten Thorsby, but are otherwise unchanged.
Juventus have been taking positive steps forwards in their attempts to hand a new contract extension to star attacker Kenan Yildiz, who has been subject of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs over the last few weeks, including Real Madrid.
Yildiz, Juve’s posterboy and star of the Turkey national team at the age of 20, has been in talks over a new contract extension, which is expected to come with a significant increase in salary, reflective of his recent performances in Serie A and the Champions League.
Yildiz is already tied to the club until the summer of 2029, but is expected to pen a one-year extension until 2030 with a salary offer that will make him one of the highest earners within the squad.
Gazzetta: Juventus taking positive steps in Yildiz talks
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 18: Kenan Yildiz celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Al Ain FC and Juventus FC at Audi Field on June 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Juventus are also hoping that a new contract will also fend off interest from the likes of Real Madrid, who are reportedly prepared to offer staggering fees in order to sign Yildiz from the Bianconeri.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have taken ‘positive steps’ towards a contract extension for Yildiz in recent days.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Kenan Yildiz warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match against Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The player’s mother and father, along with his agent, have been called into Continassa to discuss Yildiz’s future with general manager Damien Comolli over the last week.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Juventus are prepared to offer Yildiz a salary in the region of €5m to €6m per season, which will make one of the highest earners in the current Juventus squad. Only the recent free agent Jonathan David and fellow centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic earn above the €6m-per-season mark in net salary in the current Juventus set-up.
Fabio Capello has had his say on Inter after their 3-1 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Napoli in Serie A on Saturday evening, and while he admits that Kevin De Bruyne’s penalty was ‘non-existent’, he feels that the Nerazzurri can only look at themselves.
Napoli returned to the top of the Serie A standings thanks to their 3-1 win over Cristian Chivu’s side, courtesy of goals from De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. Hakan Calhanoglu’s second-half penalty was not enough for Inter to get back into it.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sporting Mixed Zone ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
Capello agrees with the Inter camp that De Bruyne’s penalty was ‘non-existent’, and that it impacted the rest of the game, but he also feels that Inter were ‘unrecognisable’ in their performance.
“It’s true that it was a non-existent penalty that shifted the balance of the game, the one from which De Bruyne broke the deadlock. It is also true that this should not and cannot be an excuse for the Nerazzurri,” Capello explained in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column.
“Aside from Bastoni hitting the crossbar and Dumfries the post, Inter were unrecognisable. There was space in behind for Napoli to counter attack every time they lost the ball, and the thing that surprised me the most was the lack of balance between the different departments. That had been the strength that pushed Lautaro and his teammates to seven wins in a row across all competitions.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli scores his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Capello feels that Chivu’s decision to give his players an extra day off after their recent Champions League victory over Union Saint-Gilloise was a mistake that backfired.
“Maybe the victory against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League ended up affecting Inter too much, overconfidence in football can play tricks on you.
“In retrospect, it felt that the decision to give the players a day off between the trip to Brussels and the trip to Naples was an attempt to lighten the load within the group. The Inter coach is usually good at calming his players’ minds, and attempted a difficult move, but evidently, it wasn’t enough.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
And in terms of Inter’s play on the pitch, Capello said: “they often looked messy, and those who came off the bench, this time, took away more than they added. Instead of looking for speed, the changes off the bench tried to carry the ball too much.
“Missteps are part of any season, and nothing has been fully compromised. Milan happened to slow down the other night against Pisa, too, Inter slipped during a Scudetto clash against the reigning champions.
“The Nerazzurri have all the tools required to get back on their feet immediately, as long as they understand that they have to give more than what they showed on Saturday. Without that unity and purpose, they will not go far.”
Paulo Dybala is expected to lead the line again for Roma when they take on Sassuolo in the league on Sunday afternoon, aiming to draw themselves level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings.
The weekend’s fixtures thus far have fallen relatively favourably for the Giallorossi: Inter were beaten by Napoli, while Milan had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Pisa, which means that Roma will draw level with the Partenopei at the top of the standings with a win against Sassuolo.
Pre-match reports suggest that Gian Piero Gaperini will continue to leave both Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson on the bench in favour of Dybala at centre-forward. If that is the case, then Matias Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini are expected to provide the support in attack.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between against FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Kostas Tsimikas is set for another start in the absence of Angelino, unavailable through injury. Wesley is expected to start on the opposite flank.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Players of AS Roma pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK with DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Juventus will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday evening.
The Bianconeri are without a win in any competition since September 13, but encouraged with their performance midweek despite ultimately falling to a 1-0 defeat away against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Lazio, meanwhile, are unbeaten across their last three, having drawn 0-0 with Atalanta last week, which followed a 3-3 draw with Torino and a 3-0 win away against Genoa the week before.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Biancocelesti are without Taty Castellanos, Nicolo Rovella and Samuel Gigot through injury. Nuno Tavares, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Matteo Cancellieri could also miss out. Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal are Juventus’s only major injury absentees, aside from veteran goalkeeper Carlo Pinsoglio and centre-forward Arkadiusz Milik.
The Biancocelesti are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 with their attack led by Boulaye Dia at centre-forward. Gustav Isaksen and Mattia Zaccagni are expected to provide the support from the wings.
It remains to be seen who will lead the line for Juventus. Some pre-match reports suggest that Tudor will switch to a 3-5-2 that will see strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David start up front alongside each other.
Kenan Yildiz is expected to drop out of the starting line-up as he overcomes a minor knee issue, while Mattia Perin could come in for Michele Di Gregorio in goal.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 10: Alberto Costa is challenged during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on May 10, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and through DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Debatable penalty from De Bruyne (who gets hrt while scoring the goal for 1-0). Marotta: ‘We’re angry, it changed the game’. Conte: ‘Stop acting like the pope’. Arguments and insults with Lautaro. Goals from McTominay and Anguissa, Calhanoglu’s penalty unhelpful
Juve
Tudor: ‘Not afraid’. David with Vlahovic, Yildiz on the bench, but he is about to sign
Roma
Dybala attack, they need goals to take the lead
Corriere dello Sport
Napoli cackle
Conte silences Inter and Marotta
What a lesson: 3-1
The champions return to first place: Gasp’s Roma could draw level today
De Bruyne, McTominay and Anguissa decide the clash. Calhanoglu’s goal at 2-1 no good. The President: ‘Their victory came from a soft penalty’. Antonio: ‘Those are excuses, I wouldn’t have let one of my directors complain like that’. Sparks also fly with Lautaro at the end
Tudor wall: ‘Sacked? I’m not afraid’
Lazio-Juve at 19.45: Igor hasn’t won in seven games
The Croatian: ‘Yildiz being like Del Piero? Comparisons are tricky’. Sarri: ‘We might have different ideas to Lotito, but our relationship is normal’
Kean and Castro, Derby call
Fiorentina-Bologna at the Franchi
The viola have lost three in three at home in the league. The Argentine could push Italiano to -2 from Napoli
Tuttosport
‘I’m not afraid’
Tudor against his Old Lazio. Needs to find goals and wins again. ‘I’m not afraid of the sack. And I want a more attacking Juve’
The coach protects his team: ‘I’m only thinking about the players, not about myself’, and tries to take the pressure off Yildiz: ‘Like Del Piero? Calm down’. Tempted to play the Turk with Conceicao behind Vlahovic and David. Zhegrova case. Perin in goal?
Conte rises Napoli, Inter and Lautaro on a tilt
Penalties, woodwork, battles, injuries, scuffles: The 3-1 at the MAradona had it all
‘Go on Toro! Ride the wave of enthusiasm’
Against Genoa at 11.30, in a full stadium
Baroni: ‘The hug with the supporters was great, we can’t take anything for granted now’ Cholito looking for his third consecutive goal. Israel out, there’s Paleari
Gasp to Dybala: ‘Words weren’t right, score goals and assist, you’
Napoli are anxiously awaiting news of tests on the Kevin De Bruyne injury, as he was spotted using crutches and there are fears it is a similar problem he had at Manchester City in 2023.
There was no time to celebrate, as he immediately clutched the back of his right thigh, and seemed to be in tears when consoled by teammates.
De Bruyne carried off during Napoli 3-1 Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Unable to put his right foot down even with arms around two Napoli medical staff, De Bruyne was eventually put on the motorised stretcher to get him back to the locker room.
He came back out for the second half using crutches to take his seat on the bench and watch the final 20 minutes of the match, but it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action for.
The worrying thing is this is an injury in a similar spot to the one that kept him out for four months from August to December 2023 at Manchester City.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Initial reports are that it might not be quite as serious as that, but that with the memory of that setback, De Bruyne was anxiously trying to avoid making the situation worse.
Napoli have been beset by injury problems this season, as Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for four months by a tear in the back of his thigh.
Ivan Juric told Marco Carnesecchi he needs to ‘talk less’ after Atalanta were held to another disappointing draw by Cremonese. ‘We had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.’
La Dea managed to maintain their unbeaten Serie A record at the Stadio Zini thanks to a goal from substitute Marco Brescianini, after Jamie Vardy had put Cremonese in front with his debut goal.
“I did not like the team in the first half, they were sluggish, and it’s not just about the Champions League, because I didn’t like the way those who were rotated played either,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.
“After the break, we did the usual thing of creating a ton of chances and then allowing a counter-attack, which can happen in football. We did much better, but once again we had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.”
Juric sees recurring Atalanta problem
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Although they are yet to taste defeat in Italy, the fact remains Atalanta have just 12 points, because they have drawn six of their eight games in the league.
Including the Champions League, they’ve played four consecutive stalemates, which means they have just one point more than newly-promoted Cremonese.
In his post-match interview, Marco Carnesecchi said that Atalanta had to change gear or they would “go nowhere” with this pace of results.
Juric was told about the comments and did not appreciate the constructive criticism.
“Marco is an ambitious guy, but he was completely wrong. His job is to save shots, be professional and talk a lot less. That’s true of many players, not just him,” replied the coach.
“I am very satisfied with the overall performances, but when we keep creating these chances and don’t win for several games in a row, it irritates me. I don’t think Carnesecchi is suited to talk about this situation.
“Carnesecchi is a good lad, he’s doing really well and I see how hard he works, but all these players are working their socks off. If we create 20-25 chances every game and don’t score, there are reasons for it. Lookman and Scamacca didn’t train over the summer, so they need to get into shape.”
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores a goal before the goal was canceled due offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Atalanta have put together a streak of disappointing draws against teams they had expected to beat, whereas the upcoming fixture list includes Milan, Udinese, Olympique Marseille, Sassuolo, Napoli, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina.
Will they be able to create this many chances to score in those games?
“We have dropped points, that is true, and we need to improve, but we also saw strong performances against teams like Juventus and Club Brugge,” assured Juric.
Jamie Vardy is ‘over the moon’ with his first Serie A goal, albeit with regrets that Cremonese were held to a draw, but reveals extra motivation for learning Italian. ‘My kids will take the mickey!’
The veteran finally made his mark this evening by giving Cremonese the lead against Atalanta at the Stadio Zini, his first goal since making the move as a free agent over the summer.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“I’m over the moon to get my first goal, but taking the lead that late on, I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t get the three points. Still, it’s a step in the right direction,” Vardy told Sky Sport Italia.
There had been doubts about his fitness levels at the age of 38, but the former Leicester City legend showed he is in good shape with some acrobatic backflips to celebrate.
“I feel great. I look after myself, make sure I do all the right recovery and as close to 100 per cent for each game as and when they come. If the manager wants me to play, then I’m all ready to go, and then that decision is up to the manager. I’m ready whenever.”
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores before the goal was disallowed due to being offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The Premier League winner was asked what differences he has found between English football and Serie A after these first few months of the experience.
“It’s more tactical and possession based in Serie A, you get to the Premier League and it’s all high intensity, fast paced, normally end to end. Here you have more time on the ball, you need to make sure you’re in the right positions.
“At the end of the day, football is football, we just have to make sure we’re on it 100 per cent every week. It’s 11 against 11 every week, anyone can beat anyone, so as long as we’re fully on it, we know that we can pick up points no matter who we’re playing.”
Has Vardy learned any Italian since making the move to Cremonese?
“I only know the basics, good morning, thank you, numbers, but I’ll be taking lessons as of next week, so hopefully that will start the bringing on the language a bit more. I have to learn, as my kids are learning, and I can’t have them learning it before me, otherwise they’ll be taking the mickey out of me!”
Jamie Vardy scored his first Cremonese goal and celebrated with backflips, but Atalanta still got back with Marco Brescianini for yet another stalemate.
These teams have both proved themselves hard to beat, but also struggled to get victories. The hosts had drawn four of the last five, with Lameck Banda, Giuseppe Pezzella, Alberto Grassi, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo out injured. La Dea were the only Serie A side still unbeaten this season, but had drawn five of the seven and played a disappointing Champions League 0-0 with Slavia Prague midweek too. Giorgio Scalvini, Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker were the only remaining absentees.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marco Silvestri of US Cremonese competes for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Charles De Ketelaere ran onto the Ederson through ball and should’ve gone for goal rather than rolling it across for Nikola Krstovic.
Isak Hien made a decisive interception to prevent Jamie Vardy nodding in from six yards, while Federico Baschirotto made practically a goal-line clearance on the Krstovic header from Raoul Bellanova’s hook back.
Marco Carnesecchi had his gloves stung by a Tommaso Barbieri strike, with Marco Silvestri doing the same on a Krstovic angled drive.
De Ketelaere aimed a weak totally free header straight at Silvestri on Ademola Lookman’s cross, while Lookman had two angled drives charged down by Baschirotto and Filippo Terracciano.
After the restart, Barbieri flung himself in the path of a Krstovic volley from 10 yards, then when Jamie Vardy had the ball in the net on 56 minutes with a delicate finish, he was flagged offside.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marten de Roon of Atalanta ia during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Lazar Samardzic came off the bench and forced a tricky low save out of Silvestri by drilling through a defender’s legs at the base of the near post.
Terracciano also used his body to charge down Lookman’s curler from the edge of the box, while Silvestri got down quickly to fingertip a Samardzic daisy-cutter round the base of the upright. On the resulting corner, Marten de Roon’s volley flashed inches wide.
Instead, it was Cremonese who took the lead with the first Italian goal for Vardy. Carnesecchi stuck out a leg for a stunning save on Alessio Zerbin’s angled drive from eight yards, but could do nothing on the Vardy follow-up. The English veteran celebrated with some acrobatic backflips.
However, Atalanta kept pushing, and after another big Silvestri reaction save on Gianluca Scamacca, Marco Brescianini thumped the rebound into the far bottom corner from just inside the area on the half-volley.
Cristian Chivu and Antonio Conte continued to trade insults in the press room after Napoli’s 3-1 win, the Inter coach noting he ‘isn’t interested in complaining or showing how great I am.’
There had already been tension on the touchline at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with a scuffle that broke out between the Partenopei bench, Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Martinez.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
When Chivu spoke at the press conference, he sent out what seemed to be some barbed comments aimed at Conte.
“The club has to the right to do whatever it feels is right. I as a coach remain consistent, I will never come here to complain,” said the Romanian.
“I have a different approach to some others, I am not interested in my reputation, nor at showing how great I am. I am what I am, I try to transmit those values to the players.
“I am trying to change things, even if I do it by myself. As long as I am here, I will try to change the way football is perceived in Italy. They are accustomed here to moaning and crying over spilt milk.
“We need to change things in the right way. I am not interested in what other people think about me.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
So is Chivu not going to say anything about the controversial penalty awarded to Napoli in this 3-1 defeat?
“We will wait to hear the explanation. We don’t have to seek excuses or alibis, we just have to think about our football. We must be positive and remain on the bench.
“After all, they won’t change their decisions based on protests, so it’s a waste of energy.”
Cristian Chivu believes Inter lost 3-1 to Napoli because they ‘wasted energy arguing’ with the opposition bench, but feels ‘even more confident’ of their future success.
The Nerazzurri were the favourites going into the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after winning their last seven on the bounce in all competition, while the Partenopei were struggling with an injury crisis.
However, a controversial Kevin De Bruyne penalty, Scott McTominay and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa counter-attacks sealed the result, despite a Hakan Calhanoglu spot-kick.
Chivu refuses to discuss Napoli-Inter controversy
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale stands disappointed in front of referee Maurizio Mariani during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I would like to talk about the good things the players did in the first half. We tried to stay in the game after that, to keep our balance, but we hit the woodwork twice and reacted to going behind.
“We lost our balance in the second half because we were so eager to get the game back on track, so we conceded for 2-0. Despite that, we were still able to get back into it, then wasted energy arguing with their bench and from that moment on we lost sharpness.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ange-Yoan Bonny of FC Internazionale battles for possession with Alessandro Buongiorno and Leonardo Spinazzola of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The argument was largely between the Napoli staff and coach Antonio Conte, Inter players Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Martinez.
After that, the hosts scored a third goal with Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa after a flicked-on throw-in.
“It is down to the waste of energy that we threw away for nothing. We should’ve understood the moments of the match,” continued Chivu.
“In the second goal, we didn’t sense the danger, as there were so many of us pushing and building, we were unprepared on a ball Spinazzola just hit upfield to McTominay.
“Then we reacted too slowly to the third goal, which was down to losing sharpness. We cannot concede so easily from a throw-in.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter had won seven in a row in all competition before this setback, but it is the second Scudetto showdown defeat after their 4-3 to Juventus.
“I am proud of what the lads are doing, and even more confident after tonight,” assured Chivu.
“I saw a great first half, despite the Napoli enthusiasm, as we were dominant. We came here to play our game, but unfortunately this is football. You have to maintain concentration and we lacked something in the second half.”
There was an extremely tense moment on the touchline between Denzel Dumfries and the Napoli bench, which then saw Antonio Conte and Lautaro Martinez exchange ugly hand gestures.
“I don’t know what happened and I don’t care. I will tell the players in future not to waste their energy just to argue. We’ve got to focus on the game and where we want to go,” concluded Chivu.
Antonio Conte angrily hit back at Inter for ‘creating alibis’ over the penalty, lashed out at Lautaro Martinez, and assured Napoli ‘had no intention of getting killed’ today.
The Partenopei came into this game with an injury crisis and losing four of their last seven competitive games, including a 6-2 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven midweek.
When they took the lead with a Kevin De Bruyne penalty, the former Manchester City midfielder injured his right hamstring in the process and might be out for a while, as he was spotted on the bench towards the end with crutches.
Scott McTominay doubled their lead, then Hakan Calhanoglu converted a spot-kick, but Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa completed the 3-1 rout.
Conte had a fiery contribution
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I live the game with my players, for good and bad, and we played against in my view the best squad in Italy,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“They dropped some points along the way, but their squad is on paper on a completely different level to all the others. They didn’t get to the Champions League Final twice in three years because of a fluke.
“To have won this game, with all the difficulties that we had, missing players like Lobotka, Rrahmani, Meret and Hojlund, then losing De Bruyne, with Lukaku out since pre-season…
“Perhaps someone has cursed us, but we keep going anyway. Inter came here today aiming to on a sporting level ‘kill’ us, as they were in great shape and coming off a run of seven straight wins, facing a side like ours that had lost to Torino and Eindhoven.
“If you understand that moment of the campaign, you have to kill your opponent, but we had no intention of dying. In amongst all those problems, we put in a great performance.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
There was a moment of real tension too, as Conte was booked for his part in a touchline scuffle involving Denzel Dumfries and especially Lautaro Martinez, as the coach exchanged some rather harsh hand gestures with the Inter captain.
Was there something left over from the time they worked together at Inter?
“When you play games at this level, these things can happen,” noted the coach.
“I just want to remind Inter that I brought the Scudetto back to the club after 10 years, including nine consecutive Juventus titles, and you know what that means to me. I retain very good memories of that experience.
“Lautaro is a very good player, perhaps I didn’t get to know him that well on a personal level. I wish him all the best, that’s fine.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“Inter send Marotta and the directors whenever they get the opportunity, whereas at Napoli I come here,” replied Conte.
“A team has to evaluate and realise why they lost, doing this they just create alibis for the players and coach. I would not have allowed it. Now Marotta is President, but it’s not right that he has to come here and make these statements…
“I say with all due respect for the director, leave these things to the people who actually participated in the match, because it is diminishing the role of the coach too.
“I always stood up for myself, so a club making these sorts of statements… It’s fine,” concluded a visibly irritated Conte.
Scott McTominay reveals he had a surprising problem scoring for Napoli against Inter, while Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa gives his view on the tactical change.
The Partenopei were not the favourites going into this Scudetto showdown, as they had lost four of their last seven competitive games, whereas the Nerazzurri had won seven on the bounce.
However, a Kevin De Bruyne penalty, McTominay screamer and Anguissa counter-attack cancelled out the Hakan Calhanoglu penalty to seal a 3-1 victory.
Napoli thank McTominay and Anguissa goals
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Frank Zambo Anguissa of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I don’t know if we sent a signal, but we have to take it one game at a time and the objective is to keep winning. We pushed hard, we won as a team, and had the right attitude,” Anguissa told DAZN Italia.
Napoli changed to a 4-3-3 system after De Bruyne went off injured, and that seemed to give them more balance, not to mention being familiar from last season.
“I wouldn’t say the system made the difference, but rather the approach. We had energy, we wanted to win, we work on many different systems in training and ultimately the coach decides. We are here just to follow his instructions.”
This puts Napoli top of the table, as AC Milan were held 2-2 by Pisa last night, while Roma could join them with a victory away to Sassuolo tomorrow.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli scores his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
McTominay scored his first home goal since the Scudetto winner against Cagliari back in May, so he only seems to reserve his goals for some big fixtures.
“We knew we had to give a reaction after the Champions League and I thought we did that really well. Inter are a top team with great players, but it was a top response,” McTominay told DAZN Italia.
When asked about the pass from Leonardo Spinazzola, the Scotland international revealed some difficulty with the situation.
“I lost it in the lights, so the pass took me by surprise, the lights are so bright I couldn’t see it. Then I just thought to shoot. Leo is a top player, he put in some great passes this year, now we need to find that consistency so we can continue to push.”
Inter President Giuseppe Marotta took the unusual step of speaking to the media after the 3-1 defeat to Napoli, complaining the controversial penalty was ‘decisive to shift the balance.’
The Nerazzurri were the favourites going into this clash, having won their last seven competitive games in a row, but they were beaten 3-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The deadlock was broken by a very controversial penalty, converted by Kevin De Bruyne, then Scott McTominay doubled the lead with a ferocious strike.
Hakan Calhanoglu also converted from the spot, while Alessandro Bastoni and Denzel Dumfries hit the woodwork, but Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa sealed the 3-1 result after a throw-in.
Inter President Marotta leads protest against refereeing
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale stands disappointed in front of referee Maurizio Mariani during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Rather than coach Cristian Chivu, it was President Marotta who arrived first at the post-match interview area.
“My presence is simply a contribution I wish to give to the football movement and I too am eager to understand,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.
“Even though Napoli eventually legitimised the victory, largely in the final 20 minutes, the penalty was decisive to shift the balance of the game. It came from an evaluation made by the assistant referee. It is clear the referee was in the perfect position to evaluate, he viewed it and turned away, then blew the whistle eight seconds later.
“I thought this was an ideal situation for VAR to intervene, seeing as the referee had initially evaluated and ignored the situation. The footage would’ve allowed the referee to view it again and make his own decision.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Giovanni Di Lorenzo had run into the box and gone down between a Henrikh Mkhitaryan nudge and the Francesco Acerbi sliding tackle in front, but neither of them seemed to make any significant contact.
The penalty seemed odd because the referee turned his back to the move and walked away, but eight seconds later he blew the whistle, having evidently been told by his assistant that it was a foul.
“Napoli’s victory was sparked by this incident, then of course they won 3-1 eventually, but if we look at the dynamics behind the penalty, it is a reflection that Rocchi has made more than once, saying no more soft penalties. Many journalists and your refereeing pundit Luca Marelli all said this is not a penalty,” continued Marotta.
“We need to understand what a penalty is and is not. I am someone who would prefer to keep the referee at the centre, and if he saw the incident and turned away, then listened to the assistant manager in a worse position, he let himself be influenced far too easily.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Inter went into the break 1-0 down, having hit the frame of the goal twice with Alessandro Bastoni and Denzel Dumfries.
“I was in the locker room at half time and clearly that penalty had a strong effect on the mood of the team. I am not saying Napoli would not have won anyway, but we are here to protest the way the penalty was assigned.”
There was some tension on the touchline when Inter captain Lautaro Martinez exchanged some harsh words and hand gestures with Napoli coach Antonio Conte. Did this go back to their time together at Inter?
“No, these things happen on the field, we see this a lot in football. I wouldn’t say too much about that,” concluded Marotta.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 6; Di Lorenzo 6.5, Buongiorno 5.5, Juan Jesus 6.5, Spinazzola 6.5; Gilmour 5.5; Politano 6 (81′ Elmas N/A), Anguissa 7.5, De Bruyne 6 (37′ Olivera 6), McTominay 7; Neres 6.5 (81′ Lang N/A). Coach: Conte 7.
Best Napoli player: Anguissa 7.5 – The second half was absolutely stunning. Anguissa dominated in central midfield and even scored the third goal for the Partenopei, finalising a perfect counter-attack.
Lowest Napoli rating: Buongiorno 5.5 – Same rating as Gilmour, but Buongiorno caused a penalty kick with a clumsy handball that could have had worse consequences for the Partenopei.
Napoli coach: Conte 7 – His argument with Lautaro is already a classic scene in Italian football, but Conte will rightly make headlines thanks to a perfect game plan. Napoli were happy to leave the ball to Inter and hurt the Nerazzurri on counter-attacks. The penalty kick in the first half, more than debatable, helped them, but the Napoli defending was even more resolute once they took the lead.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Best Inter player: Calhanoglu 7 – Converted a spot kick to keep Inter in the game and maintained a high passing accuracy despite the physicality and press from Napoli midfielders. It wasn’t enough to get a result.
Lowest Inter rating: Acerbi and Akanji 5 – Both poor in the build-up, but mostly unable to cope with Napoli’s counter-attacks, especially in the second half.
Inter coach: Chivu 5 – Inter were probably the better side in the first half and had a convincing reaction after Napoli had taken the lead. However, they showed no balance and were too exposed defensively after the break. Not even Calhanoglu’s goal gave them the push to go for the equaliser.
Napoli surged back to the top of the table after a tense victory over an Inter side that had won seven on the bounce, including a controversial penalty and serious Kevin De Bruyne injury.
This was a title showdown last season and again crucial for top spot here, especially after Milan’s 2-2 draw with Pisa last night. The Partenopei were in crisis after losing four of their last seven official games, including a 6-2 hammering at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday. Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku were injured, so David Neres was launched as a False 9. The Nerazzurri missed Marcus Thuram and Matteo Darmian, but had won their last seven in all competition.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: David Neres of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Alessandro Bastoni nodded a corner just wide and Hakan Calhanoglu bent his finish past the post in the opening minutes, then Vanja Milinkovic-Savic rushed out to deny Lautaro Martinez one-on-one after Nicolò Barella intercepted a Leonardo Spinazzola pass.
During a spell of Napoli pressure, the referee pointed to the spot several seconds after Giovanni Di Lorenzo went over between a Henrikh Mkhitaryan nudge and over the Francesco Acerbi sliding tackle. It was a call from the assistant referee, which was then not considered a clear and obvious error by the VAR. Mkhitaryan injured himself in the process and was replaced by ex-Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne stepped up and converted into the near bottom corner, but then immediately clutched the back of his right leg and was distraught, suffering an apparent hamstring strain. The Belgian hobbled off barely able to put his right foot down, another injury for the crowded Napoli treatment room.
Kevin De Bruyne pulled a muscle in the process of putting Napoli ahead against Inter pic.twitter.com/SKnGHnsXHN
Inter had a huge opportunity to equalise on a corner, but Alessandro Bastoni’s free header thumped the crossbar with Milinkovic-Savic well beaten.
There was a double chance when Milinkovic-Savic only parried the Calhanoglu strike, then Dumfries pulled back from the right for Lautaro Martinez to sweep first time, shaving a coat of paint off the far post.
Moments later, Dumfries came even closer, his header clipping the outside of the upright on a Bastoni cross.
Calhanoglu fired over from the edge of the area after the restart, but just as Inter were pouring forward seeking an equaliser, they were caught on the counter-attack. Leonardo Spinazzola’s pass allowed McTominay to spring the offside trap in the centre-circle, sprinting forward and letting it bounce to hit the ferocious right-foot half-volley into the far bottom corner.
Inter got back into the game though, as VAR spotted Alessandro Buongiorno with arm raised to charge down the Lautaro Martinez header, and Calhanoglu beat specialist Milinkovic-Savic from the penalty spot.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli scores his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The tension erupted with a scuffle on the touchline sparked by Dumfries and the Napoli bench, resulting in some harsh hand gestures between Lautaro Martinez and Antonio Conte.
Napoli struck again on the counter, as a throw-in was knocked down and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa ran from midfield, getting away from Manuel Akanji and Dumfries to blast the finish past Sommer.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa extends Napoli’s advantage against Inter with a brilliant run pic.twitter.com/8IQYpqSR1h
David Neres had the chance to add a fourth on the counter, but he hesitated too long, had his finish charged down, then struggled with cramp. Francesco Pio Esposito nodded an Akanji cross over the bar in stoppages.
Antonio Conte and Lautaro Martinez were caught on camera insulting each other during the second half of a tense Napoli-Inter on Saturday.
The incident happened around minute 61 after an argument had sparked between Napoli and Inter players.
What Conte and Lautaro said in tense Napoli-Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale protest with referee Maurizio Marian during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Lautaro, who had played under Conte at Inter, was seen pointing at the Italian tactician and making a gesture as to say: ‘You are sh****** yourself,’ but the Napoli boss replied (via Daniele Mari): ‘Wrap your laughing gear around this,’ also making an unequivocal gesture.
Napoli were leading 2-1, but Hakan Calhanoglu had just scored a penalty kick goal to put Inter back into the game.
Conte and Lautaro already argued during the Italian tactician’s final season at the Stadio Meazza in 2020-21.
When Conte and Lautaro argued at Inter
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
That time, Lautaro openly complained about a substitution and kicked a bottle on the touchline.
Conte didn’t take it well and hit back at the Argentine, telling him to shut up.
Inter players and staff members jokingly organised a boxing fight at Inter’s training ground a few days later to clear the air between the two.
Watch as Scott McTominay scores a spectacular strike to double Napoli’s lead in the Scudetto showdown with Inter, picking up where he left off last season.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Scotland international was the key player in their Serie A title success during his maiden campaign with the club, earning the crown of Player of the Season, as well as a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
He showed why this evening when facing Inter at the Stadio Maradona, as he started the run from the centre-circle onto an inspired Leonardo Spinazzola pass, let it bounce and thumped the ferocious finish on the half-volley into the far bottom corner.
DAZN reports that Antonio Conte urged Kevin De Bruyne to take a penalty against Inter instead of David Neres, but referee pundit Luca Marelli argues that the spot kick should have been revoked by VAR.
Napoli took the lead in the first half of a home game against Inter on Saturday thanks to a penalty kick converted by De Bruyne, who even got injured while kicking the ball.
DAZN reports that David Neres had already put the ball under his arm to take the penalty, but Conte said De Bruyne should have stepped up instead.
David Neres not allowed to take Napoli penalty
Napoli’s forward David Neres celebrates a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs Como 1907 at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 04 October 2024. EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE
According to the report, Conte told Matteo Politano to inform his teammates that KDB should have taken the spot kick.
There will surely be controversy regarding the penalty given to the Partenopei, which was awarded for a Henrikh Mkhitaryan foul on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli scores a penalty goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
DAZN referee pundit Luca Marelli has already claimed that it was a wrong call from the official Maurizio Mariani and the VAR.
Marelli: ‘Napoli-Inter penalty should have been revoked’
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“I repeat that there was no penalty for Napoli. It should have been overturned by VAR,” Marelli said via Daniele Mari.
“The contact was clearly initiated by Di Lorenzo. Mkhitaryan did not move towards Di Lorenzo. There was no foul from Acerbi, who played the ball. It’s a penalty that should have been revoked.”
It went from celebration to drama in the space of a second for Kevin De Bruyne, as he converted a penalty to give them the lead against Inter, then sustained a serious injury in the process.
The Belgium international was not seemingly even meant to take the spot-kick, as David Neres had initially taken the ball, but the order came from Antonio Conte on the touchline to hand it to De Bruyne.
Napoli joy and pain for De Bruyne
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It proved a correct decision, as the former Manchester City midfielder converted past Yann Sommer to put his team in front.
However, the player immediately grabbed the back of his right thigh and had to be consoled by teammates rather than surrounded in celebration, as it immediately looked to be serious.
Kevin De Bruyne pulled a muscle in the process of putting Napoli ahead against Inter pic.twitter.com/SKnGHnsXHN
De Bruyne was substituted by Matias Olivera and could not even put his right foot down when held up by two members of the Napoli medical staff.
He eventually had to be taken away on the motorised stretcher to applause from the Napoli fans at the Stadio Maradona.
It adds to the growing list of Partenopei injuries, as they already went into this Scudetto showdown without Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku.
What a bizarre few moments in Naples…
Kevin de Bruyne steps up to take the penalty for Napoli and appears to pull his thigh as he scores pic.twitter.com/ICcaJ8Xuf9
Alessandro Bastoni warns Inter must be ‘on guard’ because Napoli will be fired up to put their recent problems behind them, but is sure Cristian Chivu is ‘the right coach’ for the task.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Napoli are the reigning Champions of Italy after pipping Inter to the title in the final day last season, but have struggled to balance European commitments with Serie A football this time around.
They have lost four of their last seven games, whereas the Nerazzurri are on sparkling form with seven consecutive victories in all competition.
Bastoni expects Napoli fightback
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale warms up prior to the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We went through moments like that too, and we know that a wounded team will be even more fired up than usual to give their all in front of these passionate home fans, so we’ve got to be on guard, Napoli will come out fighting,” Bastoni told DAZN Italia.
It had been said that this ageing Inter side had to be totally torn apart and rebuilt after Simone Inzaghi’s departure, but Chivu is making the best out of essentially the same players.
“Teams that have to be revolutionised don’t reach the Champions League Final,” insisted Bastoni.
“We needed to be shaken up, as losing two Champions League Finals in three years is tough, it’s not easy to start from scratch every time. We found the right coach in Chivu, he showed understanding, and we are glad to have him here.”
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo admits they are ‘trying to do something different’ against Inter, as Antonio Conte reshuffles his pack with a False 9.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
The injury crisis continues with Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku on the treatment table, but Lorenzo Lucca is shelved in favour of David Neres as the centre-forward.
Di Lorenzo overseeing Napoli experiments
epa11999973 Napoli’s forward David Neres in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs AC Milan at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 30 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CIRO FUSCO
“We are trying to do something different, but without losing our tactical balance. We need to find the right medium, as great teams fall, but they know how to get back on their feet. We are against very strong opponents and want to challenge ourselves today,” Di Lorenzo told DAZN Italia.
There was reportedly a crisis meeting where Antonio Conte pushed the ‘old guard’ in the squad to give a bigger contribution, and Di Lorenzo acknowledges the importance of their role.
“Those of us who have been here for longer have to inspire the new arrivals. We need to rediscover the spirit that we had last season, and we certainly didn’t see in Eindhoven. The desire to fight together, defend together, attack together, that was the key to our success last season.”
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli lifts the Serie A TIM Scudetto title trophy after his team’s victory in the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli won their second Serie A title in three years after a head to head battle with Inter that lasted to the final day, allowing them to secure the Scudetto.
Now those teams meet again at the Stadio Maradona and are once more fighting for top spot, as AC Milan were held 2-2 by Pisa last night.
Inter President Giuseppe Marotta insists they are back to the ‘normality’ of winning ways as they visit Napoli, noting Cristian Chivu is now ‘respected by many who criticised him.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
The Nerazzurri had stuttered early into Chivu’s reign, losing to Udinese and Juventus, but have now won seven on the bounce between Serie A and the Champions League.
Marotta and Inter had faith in Chivu
CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Giuseppe Marotta president of Inter looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on December 28, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“If we look back, then that defeat to Juve was also paradoxical, as we had been winning until stoppages,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.
“Aside from that, the change was a natural result of Chivu’s daily work in training, the way the team put the work in with the staff, and with all due humility and respect, we got back to the normality of winning ways.
“We are a big club and therefore destined to follow a certain path to go as high as possible. We are second in the table, facing the reigning champions of Italy, so we need an extraordinary performance. You can just sense the atmosphere from the fans in this stadium and how important the game is.”
Inter missed out on the Scudetto in a battle that raged to the final day last season, and this is another head-to-head for top spot, as Milan were held 2-2 by Pisa last night.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu issues instructions to his players during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It’s not an alibi, but Chivu had his first official game in charge during the Club World Cup, just days after the end of the previous season. It was atypical, so was the fact we could not have a ‘normal’ pre-season training routine,” added Marotta.
“We managed eventually to deal with these situations, but nobody should be surprised at how good a coach Chivu is. We evaluated this choice and knew who we were dealing with, so we’re not surprised that he is now respected by many who had criticised him.”
Napoli director Giovanni Manna assures Antonio Conte’s complaints are ‘not alibis,’ but also warns they don’t want to ‘get sucked into a negative vortex’ ahead of facing Inter.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Scott McTominay of Napoli looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between PSV Eindhoven and SSC Napoli at PSV Stadion on October 21, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Conte had complained repeatedly that Napoli needed time to find their form after bringing in nine new faces, which was reiterated by Manna.
“The coach said things we’ve been saying since the start of the season, as we needed to change nine players and that is not an alibi. Conte speaks for the good of Napoli, it is only normal that with so many changes, it will take a while to recreate the right alchemy.
“If we add some serious injuries, as Rrahmani only played two games, Buongiorno just returned, we were without seven players against Torino, it makes consistency difficult.
“We are not happy, as we suffered a heavy defeat making mistakes that were not like us. Now we want to get back on track, we’re against an Inter side who are in incredible form, brought in some fresh faces to reinvigorate them, so it’s going to be tough.”
Alex Meret fractured a finger in training, joining Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku on the treatment table.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: David Neres of Napoli is challenged by of Devyne Rensch of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rather than start Lorenzo Lucca, who was sent off in the Champions League after another misfiring performance, it is David Neres chosen as a False 9.
“These are important absences, as we are missing the spine of the team. If you are out for 10 days, you miss four games now. Again, this is not an alibi, it is just something to be acknowledged. We don’t want to be sucked into a negative vortex that would not be helpful to anyone,” concluded Manna.
“Neres is an alternative, he has quality and pace, the game lasts 90 minutes and changes are important. It is a different tactical solution.”