DAN referee pundit Luca Marelli claims that Christian Pulisic’s goal for Milan against Sassuolo shouldn’t have been disallowed, but the Neroverdi deserved a penalty kick for a Strahinja Pavlović foul.

Milan’s 2-2 home draw against Sassuolo saw referee Valerio Crezzini in the spotlight as he navigated several tricky incidents, with his decisions coming under criticism from the Italian media.

USMNT international Pulisic had a goal disallowed in the second half, with Milan already leading 2-1.

Referee controversies in Milan vs. Sassuolo

The American put the ball inside an empty net after Arijanet Muric palmed away a Pavlovic header from point-blank range. The referee, however, had spotted a Ruben Loftus-Cheek push in the build-up right behind Pavlovic.

“It’s a field assessment because there was contact. Loftus-Cheek placed his hands, but I don’t see any push,” said DAZN’s referee pundit Luca Marelli (via Calciomercato.com).

“Crezzini barely blew the whistle. This contact is below threshold; there isn’t a real push. This goal shouldn’t have been disallowed.”

Marelli spotted another mistake from the Milan-Sassuolo referee, claiming that the visitors should have been awarded a penalty kick for a Pavlović foul in the dying minutes, with the result set to 2-2.

“Pavlovic didn’t touch the ball, but with his right leg, he hit Cheddira’s left leg. VAR were too hasty. It was a penalty, and VAR should have intervened,” Marelli said.

Milan remain the Serie A table leaders with 32 points, but they will be overtaken by Napoli if the Partenopei beat Udinese away today.

Davide Bartesaghi is Football Italia’s MOTM in Milan’s 2-2 draw against Sassuolo, but Andrea Pinamonti was impressive for the Neroverdi, providing two assists.

Milan 2-2 Sassuolo: Player Ratings

Milan: Maignan 6.5; Tomori 5, Gabbia 5 (60′ De Winter 5), Pavlovic 5.5; Saelemaekers 6.5 (90′ Athekame N/A), Loftus-Cheek 6.5, Modric 5.5, Rabiot 6, Bartesaghi 8 (90′ Estupinan N/A); Pulisic 5.5 (73′ Ricci 5.5), Nkunku 6. Coach: Allegri 5.5.

Best Milan player: Bartesaghi 8 – First two goals in Serie A. A day he’ll not forget, but it wasn’t enough to secure all three points.

Lowest Milan rating: Tomori 5 – Lost track of Laurienté when the Frenchman scored the equaliser, and even later on, when he could have scored the third one for Sassuolo. Gabbia and De Winter were also equally disappointing.

Milan coach: Allegri 5.5 – Milan once again dropped points against a newly promoted side at San Siro. The Rossoneri boss didn’t have many options in attack, which is why Pulisic’s substitution will make people talk in the coming days.

Sassuolo: Muric 6.5; Walukiewicz 5.5, Idzes 5.5, Muharemovic 6, Candé 5.5 (60′ Doig 6.5); Thorstvedt 6, Matic 6.5, Koné 7.5; Volpato 6 (86′ Moro N/A), Pinamonti 7.5 (86′ Cheddira), Fadera 5.5 (60′ Laurienté 7.5). Coach: Grosso (suspended) 7.

Best Sassuolo player: Pinamonti 7.5 – Two fantastic assists to inspire Sassuolo’s big draw at San Siro. He now has four goals and three assists in 15 Serie A matches this term. Still looking for consistency, but also underrated. Koné was also brilliant today, besides his goal.

Lowest Sassuolo rating: Fadera 5.5 – He helped the team defensively, but took a big risk in the first half when he lost possession just outside the box.

Sassuolo coach: Grosso 7 – Just one loss in the last five games. The game plan was excellent, including leaving Laurienté on the bench to hurt Milan in the second part of the match. Sassuolo have 21 points, practically safe already, and it’s not even Christmas. Oh, and don’t forget they were without Berardi today.

Massimiliano Allegri insists he would have replaced Christian Pulisic even if Milan didn’t play in the Supercoppa next week, but feels it was ‘too easy’ for Sassuolo to score goals in a 2-2 draw.

Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted side Sassuolo at San Siro on Sunday.

The Rossoneri already dropped points against Cremonese and Pisa, two other teams coming from Serie B, earlier this season.

Davide Bartesaghi scored his first two goals in Serie A, but Ismael Koné and Armand Laurienté helped a brave Sassuolo return home with one point in their pocket.

“I think we played a good game, we attacked well, and Sassuolo are always dangerous because they have quality in attack, so if you don’t recover the ball immediately, you are forced to track back for 90 minutes,” Allegri told DAZN.

“We played a good game, but in the end, we even risked losing it. Now we focus on the Supercoppa.

“The lads played a good game, regardless of the players’ characteristics. For now, we are still the table leaders, and our target is to qualify for the Champions League,” the Italian tactician continued.

“We know there’s a lot of work to do, and obviously, we must start conceding fewer goals. I can’t absolutely blame the lads today.”

Milan will face Napoli in Saudi Arabia in the Supercoppa Italia semifinal next Thursday.

Allegri replaced Pulisic in the second half and said he would have done the same even if Milan didn’t play the Partenopei next week.

“I would have done it anyway. Christian had joined us in Turin after a fever and then trained. He played well for 72 minutes, but at that moment, we needed one more midfielder. Loftus-Cheek held firm up front, but we had to defend better, especially for the second goal. We had to follow Laurienté, and it was too easy for them to score.”

Christopher Nkunku provided the assist for Bartesaghi’s second goal.

Allegri explains Pulisic’s substitution

“Today he played a good game, as in Turin. He was decisive for the second goal; he had a chance in the final minutes,” argued Allegri.

“He was very good. We know the team’s quality, we know we can’t win every game, and we must give consistency to the results. Today, we could have lost the match, but we took home a draw. Today it seems that we’ve thrown two points away, but in the end, it will prove to be useful.”

Matteo Gabbia was subbed off with a suspected knee injury in the second half.

“Let’s see. Hopefully it’s nothing serious. We’ll see tomorrow, but De Winter and Odogu will be ready to play,” concluded Allegri.

Milan talent Davide Bartesaghi scored his first two goals in Serie A, but Sassuolo bravely picked up a point thanks to goals from Ismael Koné and Armand Laurienté in a 2-2 draw.

Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo at San Siro on Sunday.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog. 

The visitors were without their star Domenico Berardi, and Laurienté started on the bench in a defensive 4-3-3 set-up.

The Neroverdi still took the lead with Ismael Koné after winning the ball high up the pitch from a Milan defensive throw-in. Andrea Pinamonti laid it off for the Ivory Coast international who ran into the space to beat Matteo Gabbia with his first touch and Mike Maignan with the outside of his foot.

Adrien Rabiot had a big chance to level the score when he stole the ball from Alieu Fadera at the edge of Sassuolo’s box, but saw Arijanet Muric spread himself brilliantly to deny the equaliser.

It was just a matter of time for Milan anyway, as Bartesaghi scored his first Serie A goal at minute 33 when he headed towards the far post to meet a Ruben Loftus-Cheek driven pass from the right, finding the net at the far post with a left-footed finish.

The Italian left-back doubled Milan’s lead just one minute into the second half. This time around, Christopher Nkunku saw his late run on the left delivering a perfect through ball for Bartesaghi’s finish at the near post.

After scoring his first senior goal in the first half, 19-year-old Davide Bartesaghi gets a brace just a minute into the second half

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/mBMVBpeqpp

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 14, 2025

Matteo Gabbia worringly twisted his knee and was forced to be subbed off around the hour mark.

Sassuolo’s Kristian Thorstvedt had a massive chance to level the score, but was denied by Maignan from point-blank range, and Milan had two goals disallowed.

Pulisic found the net from a corner kick routine, but the referee spotted a foul from Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the build-up. A few minutes later, Adrien Rabiot steered a Loftus-Cheek header into the net, but he was offside.

Sassuolo made attacking substitutions by introducing Armand Laurienté and Josh Doig, and forced the Rossoneri to defend inside their own box.

Laurienté made it 2-2 with an identical move to the first goal, Pinamonti laying it off and the scorer bursting in to finish at the far post.

The Frenchman had two more big chances to win the game for Sassuolo, but first, he didn’t find the net from an excellent position inside the box and then he hit the post from distance.

Milan 2-2 Sassuolo

I Kone 13 (S), Bartesaghi 34, 47 (M), Lauriente 77 (S)

14-12-2025 11:30

MatchDay 15

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Milan

Sassuolo

2 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		13'		Ismaël Koné (Assist: Andrea Pinamonti)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek		23'
		23'		Alieu Fadera
Davide Bartesaghi (Assist: Ruben Loftus-Cheek)		34'

2nd half

Davide Bartesaghi (Assist: Christopher Nkunku)		47'
		59'		Tarik Muharemovic
		66'		Kristian Thorstvedt
		77'		Armand Lauriente (Assist: Andrea Pinamonti)

Match statistic

59

Possession %

41

13

Total shots

8

5

Shots on target

3

5

Shots off target

2

3

Blocked shots

3

7

Corners

3

2

Offsides

1

12

Fouls

12

Milan

Sassuolo

Starting lineups

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

90'

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

60'

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

12

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

90'

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

73'

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

5

Fali Candé

Defender

60'

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

80

Tarik Muharemovic

Defender

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

59'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

87'

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

87'

Substitutes

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

37

Matteo Pittarella

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

60'

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

73'

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

90'

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

90'

12

Giacomo Satalino

Goalkeeper

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

77

Nicholas Pierini

Attacker

26

Cas Odenthal

Defender

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

59'

3

Josh Doig

Defender

60'

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

87'

9

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

87'

Gian Piero Gasperini confirms Roma will have Evan Ndicka and potentially Paulo Dybala starting against Como on Monday. ‘We have all the ingredients to do well.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.

The Giallorossi are badly in need of a boost in Serie A after back-to-back defeats against Napoli and Cagliari, both with 1-0 results.

Gasperini forced into some changes

Zeki Celik was sent off in Sardinia and is therefore suspended, which makes holding on to Ndicka for a little longer before Africa Cup of Nations duty all the more important.

“Ndicka is there tomorrow, for the rest we’ll see in the next games. Morocco appealed to FIFA for Neil El Aynaoui, so we await their response,” explained Gasperini in his press conference.

“Those teams who played on Saturday and Sunday could use their players, but seeing as we are scheduled for Monday, we could have a problem, despite the fact it is the same round of fixtures.”

Como are coming off a 4-0 defeat to Inter, yet before that had been flying high in the table and pushing for European places.

“It will certainly be a tense match, as Como are no longer a surprise, both for the investment made and the quality in the squad. They are very pleasant to watch, so tomorrow will be a game between two teams who want the maximum result,” continued Gasperini.

“Cesc Fabregas has given Como a precise identity that aims for results via good football, with attacking wingers who can also cut inside.”

Roma had perhaps a much better start to the campaign than many expected, but have since run into problems, especially with the lack of goals.

Evan Ferguson netted twice in Thursday’s Europa League win away to Celtic, but his Serie A performances remain shaky.

“The start was better than even the rosiest predictions, as I came here with the hope to do well and the belief this was the right atmosphere to do my work.

“We must be ambitious and not arrogant, keep solid and united. We have all the right ingredients to mix together and do well, with the club, the fans, the possibility of building a new stadium and boosting investment.

“As for Ferguson, he needs to be a player who is of use to Roma, that is the most important thing. He was the other day and that is what counts, Roma first and foremost, above everyone and everything.”

Dybala has been used as a False 9 on several occasions, but he continues to struggle with a history of injury problems.

“We’ll see tomorrow if he is there from the start, as he had a positive moment, but today’s football does not all for you to be anything less than 100 per cent. I have no doubts about Paulo when he is in good shape.

“When he has been healthy, he always played whole games, including several in a row.”

His fitness record is believed to be one of the main reasons why Roma are in no rush to renew his contract, while Lorenzo Pellegrini is also in the final seven months of his deal.

“With regards to contract renewals, it is purely an economic issue,” assured Gasperini.

“Therefore, I cannot get involved in that.”

Milan director Igli Tare keeps the door open for Mike Maignan’s contract extension and trusts Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez, but refuses to rule out the signing of a new centre-forward in January.

Milan host Sassuolo at San Siro on Sunday. You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Milan vs. Sassuolo – Tare’s pre-match quotes

“We’ve started with a fantastic group. Every day we work together, we realise it’s one of the best groups we’ve ever worked with,” Tare told DAZN before kick-off.

“They have determination and desire, and you can see it with results on the pitch. We know there’s work to do and we need consistency, but we are happy for now.”

With the January transfer window just around the corner, Tare was inevitably asked to provide updates on Milan’s negotiations, starting with the future of Maignan.

Tare on Maignan’s contract extension

The goalkeeper’s contract runs out in June and according to reports in Italy, he’s asked for a new €8m-a-year contract.

“We’ve never discussed the figures, I’ve never heard these numbers, but it’s easy to talk about Mike because he’s a fantastic lad, he’s a leader and a man of the group,” Tare replied.

“We are happy with him, he likes to stay at Milan and Milan want to extend. Today we have a game we want to win, then we’ll have time to discuss the matter.”

Former Chelsea striker Nkunku starts alongside Christian Pulisic in attack today, while Rafael Leao and Gimenez are injured.

Will Milan look for a new centre-forward in the winter transfer window?

“It’s hard to find players who can make a difference in the January window, but we’ll keep our eyes open to see if there’s something that can improve the situation of the team,” Tare said.

“If there’s a chance, we’ll take it, but the team is improving. Nkunku sent important messages in the second half against Torino. Today it’s a big chance for him to show the real Nkunku we all expect.

“As for Gimenez, he has this physical problem; we are waiting for him, but he’s also an important player for this team.”

Milan are the joint-Serie A table leaders alongside Napoli with 31 points. The Partenopei will play later today, away at Udinese.

Multiple sources confirm Juventus’ interest in Davide Frattesi, but Inter will likely ask for Khephren Thuram when, and if, negotiations begin.

Tuttosport newspaper reported earlier this week that Frattesi’s agent Beppe Riso had resumed talks with Juventus as the Inter midfielder seeks more playing time in the second part of the season.

Frattesi seeks Inter exit

The best Italy goal-scorer during the Luciano Spalletti era, Frattesi, will be glad to reunite with the ex-Azzurri boss, but negotiations between the two clubs might not be so easy.

Inter expert Pasquale Guarro and Gazzetta, in fact, claim that the Nerazzurri will likely ask for Khephren Thuram if Juventus knock on their door for Frattesi.

Inter eager to reunite the Thuram brothers

The move would allow the Nerazzurri to reunite the two Thuram brothers at San Siro, as Marcus has been playing for Inter since 2023.

According to Guarro, Khephren Thuram was already an Inter target last summer, alongside Roma’s Manu Kone and Atalanta’s Ederson.

The Nerazzurri ended up signing 22-year-old Andy Diouf last summer, but the Frenchman has only collected 150 minutes of football on the pitch this season.

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Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku lead the Milan attack against Sassuolo, who reply with Alieu Fadera and Andrea Pinamonti.

It kicks off at 12:30 CET (11:30 GMT) at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro, Milan.

Milan vs. Sassuolo and Serie A Week 15 live on Football Italia

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Gimenez, Fofana, Leao are unavailable for the Rossoneri, but while the Mexican’s return date remains unclear, Leao and Fofana will be available for the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four next week.

Sassuolo have travelled to San Siro without the injured Romagna, Skjellerup, Pieragnolo, Turati, Berardi and Boloca and their coach Fabio Grosso, a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, is serving a one-game ban.

Pulisic and Nkunku will start up front for Milan. Ruben Loftus-Cheek gets the nod in the middle of the park, pushing Samuele Ricci to the bench.

Cristian Volpato replaces the injured Berardi for Sassuolo.

Milan vs. Sassuolo – official line-ups

Milan (3-5-2) Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović; Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Modrić, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Pulisic.

Milan bench: Pittarella, Terracciano; Athekame, De Winter, Estupiñan, Odogu; Jashari, Ricci.

Sassuolo (4-3-3): Murić; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muhamerović, Candé; Thorstvedt, Matić, Koné; Volpato, Pinamonti, Fadera.

Sassuolo bench: Satalino, Zacchi; Coulibaly, Doig, Odenthal; Iannoni, Lipani, Vranckx; Cheddira, Laurientié, Moro, Pierini.

Kenan Yildiz will lead the Juventus attack in a tricky match at Bologna this evening.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at a sold-out Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna.

The Rossoblu and Juventus compete for a spot in the top four, and the home side has three points more than the Old Lady in the Serie A standings.

Bologna will be involved in the Supercoppa Italiana next week, so their coach, Vincenzo Italiano, could slightly rotate his squad.

As reported by Sky Sport and other Italian media, Jhon Lucumì will return to the starting XI, joining Torbjorn Heggem in central defence and Lewis Ferguson is also expected to feature in the Rossoblu line-up after starting on the bench against Celta Vigo earlier this week, as he was not fully fit.

Thijs Dallinga and Santiago Castro compete for a starting spot in attack.

Juventus will make no changes in defence as Gleison Bremer is available, but still not fit to start. Jonathan David is expected to start again up front with Yildiz and Francisco Conceiçao playing as attacking midfielders.

Bologna vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV

The match will be televised on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will cover today’s Serie A action with a liveblog.

Bologna vs. Juventus – probable line-ups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Holm, Heggem, Lucumí, Miranda; Ferguson, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro.

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Kelly, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; David.

Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to partner with Lautaro Martinez in the Inter attack in an away game at Genoa.

It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at the Stadio Ferraris in Genoa.

Inter must cope without Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, Hakan Calhanoglu and third-choice goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro.

Maxwel Cornet, Benjamin Siegrist and Leo Ostigard are unavailable for the home side.

Acerbi’s injury means Yann Bisseck will join regular starters Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni in central defence.

Luis Henrique is expected to start as a right midfielder to replace Dumfries. Petar Sucic competes with Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a spot in central midfield, while Carlos Augusto is favourite over Federico Dimarco, according to Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta.

Italian media claim that Marcus Thuram will start on the bench, making room for Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez in attack.

Genoa vs. Inter – where to watch on TV

The match is available on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will cover today’s Serie A action with a liveblog.

Genoa vs. Inter – probable line-ups

Genoa (3-5-2): Leali; Marcandalli, Otoa, Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Thorsby, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Martin; Vitinha, Colombo.

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Pio Esposito.

Antonio Conte will make little changes to his Napoli XI as they visit Udinese in Serie A Week 15.

It kicks off at 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT) at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.

The Partenopei are still without several key players, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Meret, Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour, but Stanislav Lobotka is back in the squad and is expected to start on the bench.

Napoli will face Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal next week, but Conte still can’t rotate much, so he’ll make just one change to the XI that lost 2-0 away at Benfica in the Champions League earlier this week.

According to several sources, including Corriere dello Sport, Leonardo Spinazzola is expected to start as a left midfielder in a 3-4-3 system, while David Neres and Noa Lang remain favourites to start up front alongside Rasmus Hojlund, leaving Matteo Politano on the bench.

Udinese are without Hassane Kamara, Arthur Atta and Jordan Zemura, but Nicolò Zaniolo is fit to start and will lead their attack today.

Udinese vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV

The match is available on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will cover today’s Serie A action with a liveblog.

Udinese vs. Napoli – probable line-ups

Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Solet, Kabasele, Bertola; Zanoli, Ekkelenkamp, Karlstrom, Piotrowski, Ehizibue; Davis, Zaniolo

Napoli (3-4-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Di Lorenzo, Elmas, McTominay, Spinazzola; Neres, Lang; Hojlund

La Gazzetta dello Sport

We play for the top spot

Sunday with the big sides: Napoli and Milan to remain at the top

Traps for the leaders: Allegri with Nkunku-Pulisic, Conte relies on Neres

Offer rejected

Elkann to Tether: ‘Juve are not for sale.’

‘History and value of the club are not for sale.’ The value is too low. Spalletti in Bologna (20.45), he must win to climb.

Inter idea, the two Thurams

Chivu at Genoa’s home, thinking of Pio and Lautaro

Golden Vlasic

Toro restart with a win. Cairo: ‘Fundamental victory.’

Lazio win down to ten men

Incredible: two players sent off, then Noslin scores.

Corriere dello Sport

Who gets it wrong goes down

Hot Sunday in the race for the title

Milan begin at lunchtime, then Napoli, Inter and Juve: 360 minutes waiting for the Supercoppa

Pulisic and Nkunku up front. Max: ‘Napoli and Inter still favourites.’

Conte chases the 11th win, Lobotka returns and goes to the bench. There’s Spinazzola.

Chivu hits back: ‘They said we were finished.’ Zielinski and Bisseck in.

Space for Dallinga. David with Yildiz. Lucio: ‘I told DeLa to get Italiano.’

‘History is not for sale.’

Elkann holds Juventus tight: ‘It’s a love lasting one century.’

Exor’s CEO says no to Tether’s offer: ‘Juventus have been my family’s club for 102 years. We’ll continue to support the team and look to a winning future.’

Lazio feat: victory down to nine men.

Tuttosport

Petrachi, happy debut as a director: Toro return to winning ways with Cremonese

Vlasic saves Baroni

Gobbo pride

Elkann strongly confirms he won’t sell Juve, Spalletti demands a performance in line with history

Exor’s CEO has rejected the offer from Tether. John: ‘Our values are not for sale.’ The coach: ‘I’m happy to feel his passion, now it’s up to us to honour the past and work to build the same or a better future.’ David towards the confirmation. Cautious with Bremer, but…

Frattesi for Thuram: Inter try the coup

Trap for Chivu in Genoa today after the defeat with Liverpool: ‘They said we were finished, but we’re still here. Too many labels, I don’t like it.’

Milan-Napoli: head-to-head with Ryiad on the horizon.

Allegri defends the leadership against Sassuolo without Leao. Conte still in emergency in Udine. On Thursday, the Supercoppa semifinal.

Nine-man Lazio beat Parma! Dea climb back with Scamacca

Raffaele Palladino feels the last two Atalanta victories over Chelsea and Cagliari showed ‘the right spirit’ and reveals Gianluca Scamacca almost didn’t play tonight.

It has been an ideal few days for La Dea, who beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Champions League, then held out under pressure to secure an identical result in Serie A against Cagliari.

Scamacca is finally finding his fitness after almost a year out dealing with a knee ligament injury, as he has now scored four goals in his last three competitive matches, including tonight’s double.

“It was certainly a difficult match against a good Cagliari side, who have players with pace that can hit us on the counter,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“We played a great first half, creating many chances and not running any risks. We took the lead and the only regret is that we didn’t take our other opportunities to double our lead, because if you leave these games open, then anything can happen.”

Atalanta finding their feet under Palladino

It felt for a while as if there might be another stalemate when Gianluca Gaetano equalised, but Scamacca completed his brace just six minutes later.

“In the second half, we started to lose intensity and stamina, I think due to the many games we’ve played in the last 20 days. The thing I liked most of all is that when we conceded the equaliser at the 81^st minute, we could’ve collapsed mentally, but instead we kept pushing to win it, that tells me the spirit is there in this group.”

He also revealed something unexpected about his star striker’s performance tonight.

“Scamacca had a fever, he grit his teeth and wanted to be there to help the team. I told him when I was a player, my best performances were when I was running a temperature, and he smiled. He gave his all for us.”

Since taking over from sacked Ivan Juric, this will be the first time Palladino has had a whole week to prepare for a match against Genoa.

“Winning helps you to win,” noted the coach. “We had four home wins in front of our fans in all competition, so creating that enthusiasm in Bergamo is fundamental.”

This was the final match for Ademola Lookman and Odilon Kossounou of 2025, as they will be off on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations.

There were also concerns during the second half when Berat Djimsiti pulled up clutching the back of his right thigh with an adductor issue.

“Obviously, we are losing two important players, it’s a pity we also lost Djimsiti today and we’ll have to see what the tests say. I will have to find different solutions, but having a week to prepare is a huge bonus,” continued the coach.

“I really haven’t had much time to work with these players on the training field when there’s a game every three days and travel too, all you have time for is recovery. Now we can concentrate on training and proposing new tactical ideas.”

While Atalanta have excelled in the Champions League and are currently in the top eight, this was only their second Serie A victory in the last 11 rounds.

“I need to drill the mentality into these lads that when times are difficult, we need to push even harder, believe even more in our capabilities, and I saw that both against Chelsea and tonight. Not everyone can go behind at home to Chelsea and turn it around, not everyone can concede a late equaliser when exhausted and push on to win it anyway.

“I congratulated the players for their efforts this evening.”

Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi warns that the Lega Serie A must clamp down on insults between players after the Mario Hermoso and Michael Folorunsho controversy.

The Minister spoke to reporters at a political event and was asked several questions on the current Calcio landscape.

Although he did not specifically name anyone, it was evident he was talking about last week’s ugly clash between Cagliari midfielder Folorunsho and Roma defender Hermoso.

Abodi wants action against unacceptable insults

“If a coach does not think he must also be an educator, then something really isn’t adding up,” said Abodi.

“It also doesn’t add up when a professional on the field makes a violent and unacceptable insult towards the mother of an opponent. When that happens, it cannot just end with a pat on the back.

“Aside from simple politeness, that is anti-sporting behaviour, it is against the rules of the sport. And we have seen too often that people hide behind the interpretation of the rules.

“The behaviour of professionals must be exemplary.”

Hermoso and Folorunsho were spotted having an intense argument at one point during Cagliari’s 1-0 win over Roma last week.

Hermoso later complained that Folorunsho had taken ‘trash talk’ too far and made comments about the player’s mother, but there has been no disciplinary action taken.

This is because although there is very clear video footage of what was said, including ‘your mother is a w***e and she needs to die,’ video evidence can only be used by the Disciplinary Committee for certain incidents.

That does include blasphemy, which is the worst type of swearing in Italian football, but not vile insults like this.

“I am not being a spoilsport here, but I do believe that considering the media visibility that players have, this carries with it a sense of responsibility,” continued Minister for Sport Abodi.

“There also has to be a disciplinary mechanism that can take action and make people realise this is not ok, because if they are allowed to insult like this, then they feel authorised to continue doing it.

“Insults we see in Serie A then will prompt even worse insults in the third division or the under-15 teams. Every gesture can be read as educational or damaging.”

Cesc Fabregas reveals he had an ‘unpleasant’ conversation with the coach of Senegal, prepares to face Roma, and is glad the Australian match with AC Milan seems to be off.

The Lariani are in action on Monday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 GMT.

Nonetheless, the coach had his press conference this afternoon and is getting ready for another tough test after their 4-0 defeat to Inter.

“I am very curious to see how the team reacts to three consecutive away games, as it is a new experience for me too,” said Fabregas.

“At times we analyse things too much, and that is all my fault, I raise my hand in front of the players, the loss to Inter was my defeat because of the way I prepared against a top team.

“I saw their defeat to Liverpool and I think we did many things better than they did, but we are a work in progress. If I want Jacobo Ramon to become like Konate or Van Dijk, who made such a big difference defensively, then he needs to learn from these experiences.”

Fabregas ready to take risks with Como

Despite that setback, Como are still flying high in the Serie A table and are ahead of Juventus.

“In the last 25 games, we lost only three, two of them against Inter and the other Bologna,” continued Fabregas.

“This is a competitive team, it doesn’t give up, it wants to play with its own identity.”

Fabregas is also not shy about standing up for his club, even if his power is ultimately not enough to really shift things.

This is revealed in the way he discussed losing Assane Diao to international duty with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

“He is called up and I spoke to him after the game with Inter. I spoke to the coach of Senegal, it was an unpleasant conversation. They have all the power here. Diao will go, if that’s the way they want to deal with it. He’s leaving on Tuesday.”

When it comes to power, the clubs had been pushing to reschedule the Serie A game against AC Milan in Australia, but new problems make that unlikely.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen – fortunately!” replied Fabregas.

There are also concerns for Alvaro Morata due to injury, so he won’t be risked, and Tasos Douvikas should step in upfront.

Maxi Perrone is suspended in midfield and Sergi Roberto nowhere near fully fit either.

Gian Piero Gasperini has influenced so many coaches in Italian football over the years, including a relatively late arrival to Serie A like Fabregas.

“I know Gasperini is a special coach with remarkable methodology that he created, something very different within Italian football. Many coaches, Spanish an English, call me to ask why he does this or that.

“You have to say, wow, this is Gasperini. He created this vision for many years, a clear identity, and helps young players to grow, so for this I have enormous respect.”

Fabregas has also tried to create his own identity at Como, which is why he does not regret the aggressive approach against Inter, even if they lost 4-0.

“I hear Max Allegri at Milan saying they want to finish in the top four, but want to do it their way. I say the same, we want to get there with our own identity. I could’ve been more defensive against Inter, but for the way I see football, it wouldn’t have helped our growth process. We go to the Stadio Olimpico with our ideas.

“I saw the statistics of the Liverpool game, and Inter ran a lot more against us than with Liverpool. I want to create an identity here, which means going to San Siro and playing our game. You can call me arrogant for that, but I prefer this to just going to defend and hope for the best.”

Luciano Spalletti says Juventus will no longer go into a training retreat before games and confirms he has suggested ‘everyone’ to hire Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano, ‘not just to President Aurelio De Laurentiis.’

Spalletti’s Juventus will visit Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Sunday, meeting a direct rival in the race for the top four.

Bologna, in fact, are three points above the Old Lady, who ranks 7th in the Serie A table.

Spalletti previewed tomorrow’s match at a press conference, starting with team news.

Bologna-Juventus: Spalletti’s press conference

“Daniele Rugani can already be deployed. As for Bremer, because of his previous injury, he still needs time, and we must be cautious even if he’s available and wants to be there,” Spalletti told reporters via Ilbianconero.com.

Asked whether he’ll have more time next week to test a four-man defence in training, Spalletti replied: “I’m still surprised when I hear about systems in the field. In today’s football, it has changed a little. You don’t win by occupying positions, but spaces, deciding where you want to bring the game. We are going towards one-on-one across the pitch, and we have to adapt. It’s true that I want to use a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, trying to do something different, but it’s just the starting point because the game forces you to use other systems during the match.”

Francisco Conceiçao made a substitute appearance in Wednesday’s Champions League win over Pafos, contributing to a 2-0 win, but Spalletti expects a further step forward from the Portuguese.

“His development lies in becoming more decisive. He needs to increase the chances of scoring and be more determined in the attacking phase,” said the Juventus boss.

“He has this lethal outburst of pace that puts you in real trouble when he accelerates. Let’s also add some defensive phases, some duels, but I’ve seen great willingness to track back and help out, so we’re on the right path.”

The Juventus tactician was full of praise for Bologna and their coach, Italiano, confirming he had suggested Napoli hire the Bologna boss in 2023.

Spalletti on Italiano

“There are certainly things you can learn from Italiano. For me, he’s one of the best young coaches we have, and I’ve told everyone to get Italiano, not just President De Laurentiis.

“Credit goes to the coach and those who built the team. They have great quality and know exactly where they want to go,” continued Spalletti.

“They fear nothing and force you into a huge number of duels; they don’t care about how much space they leave behind. We have to break down these fences, not go man against man, but beyond the man. If we are not ready for this, it will be a complicated evening for us to talk about.

“Personality is a fundamental aspect of football. In the past, it only belonged to those who dared a risky play; today, is about accepting a full-pitch battle, pushing the opponents into the spaces you want, beyond the technical gesture,” Spalletti added.

“One single play might be enough to get a passing grade [from the media], but to play like a champion, you have to be in the heart of the team for 90 minutes and close to the ball.

“No one will convince me not to expect great things from these lads; no one will convince me that they aren’t good. A coach has to be obsessed with the idea of improving the team.”

Last but not least, Spalletti said the team would no longer go into a training retreat before matches, which means they won’t travel to Bologna until tomorrow morning.

“A training retreat isn’t a place, but a mental condition,” concluded Spalletti.

“We won’t do it anymore because, as far as I’m concerned, it’s an extra burden. If you are dealing with a group of players with the right mental condition, like those at Juventus, you don’t go into a training retreat. Whoever plays for Juventus is always in this mindset, so we’ll leave tomorrow morning.”

• More from the press conference – Spalletti reacts to Elkann claims after offer to buy Juventus: ‘It’s up to us’

Luciano Spalletti is ‘happy’ to ‘feel the strength’ of John Elkann but pushes the team to ‘give substance’ to the owner’s ‘passion.’

• More from Spalletti’s press conference – Spalletti confirms permanent Juventus changen and Italiano suggestion

Juventus are preparing to visit Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara tomorrow, but the eve of the game has been shaken by the news that minority shareholders Tether have made an offer to buy a majority stake from Exor.

Spalletti’s response to Elkann’s message

Minutes before Spalletti’s pre-match press conference, Elkann released a statement through the Juventus website insisting that the club was not for sale: “We’ll continue to support our team and look to the future to build a winning Juve,” said the club owner.

“Even though I arrived only recently, it makes me happy to feel the strength and passion that John Elkann and family have for this club,” Spalletti said (via Ilbianconero.com).

“It is clear that it is up to us to give substance and concreteness to this passion, honouring the last and building a future on the same level, or even a better one, as John Elkann himself told us when he came to visit us.”

Spalletti and Elkann met on Friday

The Italian tactician revealed he had spoken to Elkann on Friday: “Yes, and I saw him too, a few hours ago, just yesterday,” he said.

“Sometimes, he sends me his thoughts, and I’m glad about it. In this case, he mentioned the future as well and clearly, as I said when I arrived, the objective is to always aim for the top when you are part of this kind of club.”

Tether’s offer to buy Juventus is worth €1.1 billion, but according to several sources, the club’s actual value is closer to €2 billion.

Regardless of the club’s worth and Tether’s offer, however, Elkann and his family are unwilling to sell the club, as the Juventus owner clarified.

Juventus currently sit 7th in the Serie A table with 23 points, three below their next rivals, Bologna.

• Read more – ‘Make Juventus great again’ – What’s behind the €1.1bn offer to buy the club

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says his players must ‘respect’ Sassuolo and feels Christopher Nkunku should ‘smile more.’

• Read more – Pulisic ‘diabolical’ in front of the goal, says Milan coach Allegri

Allegri’s Milan host Sassuolo at San Siro on Sunday. The Rossoneri are the Serie A table leaders, level on 31 points with Napoli.

Milan-Sassuolo: Allegri’s pre-match press conference

Allegri previewed tomorrow’s game at a pre-match press conference, primarily providing injury updates: “Leao won’t be available tomorrow, but will recover for the Supercopppa. Fofana has recovered, but I’ll leave him at home because he hasn’t trained at all. Athekame has been called up, Gimenez is working, and we hope to have him back as soon as possible,” Allegri said via Milan News.

“Sassuolo can make you struggle at any time, so we must have great respect and order in the defensive phase. If we wander around the pitch, they will cause trouble for you, and the game will become more complicated. Tomorrow we need a serious performance under every aspect; technically, physically and mentally.”

Christopher Nkunku started against Torino, but hasn’t yet scored in ten Serie A appearances.

“He must be more serene, because we all wanted him here,” Allegri said.

“His teammates and the club trust him. I told him he has to smile more. If he does so, things will improve. He’s an important player with technical skills, and I’m convinced he’ll do excellent things.

“He has worked a lot. In Turin, we scored the third goal because he attacked the near post well, freeing he space for Pulisic. He has extraordinary technical qualities and can score goals.”

Allegri has been repeating that Milan’s main objective is to qualify for the Champions League, while Inter and Napoli are the favourites for the Serie A title.

“If I’m not wrong, they finished first and second last season, so normally they are the favourites,” he said.

“We’ve changed many players, and we’ve welcomed excellent players. We are at Milan, so we must have the ambition and the desire to give our best, knowing that we must return to the Champions League. Tomorrow, we need to make a further step forward. We are table leaders, but we still need many to reach our main target, which is to qualify for the Champions League.”

Is it an advantage for Milan not to be involved in any European competition?

“I’d be happy if I could play one game every three days and in the Champions League, because we work for this,” insisted Allegri.

“There are all these rumours about the advantages or disadvantages. I believe the advantage is to have a strong team with strong players, a strong club and an environment that can support physically, mentally and technically a game every three days; otherwise, you can’t be in a top team. I like to play in the Champions League, and we are working for this. I don’t think that playing one game every three days leads to worse preparation, but it’s possible.”

Santiago Gimenez is still injured and hasn’t yet scored in Serie A. Does it mean Milan will look for a new centre-forward in January?

“I must find solutions internally in a group of players who are offering it to me,” insisted Allegri.

“The club will keep an eye on the market, but we must focus on tomorrow’s game. Once we’ve done it, we’ll focus on the Supercoppa.”

Is Ardon Jashari ready to replace Luka Modric if the Croat needs to rest ahead of next week’s Supercoppa?

“Jashari has really improved. Tomorrow’s game is the closest one, so I’ll base my assessments on tomorrow’s match,” noted Allegri.

“After tomorrow’s game, we’ll see the dead ones, the ones who are alive and those who are wounded.”

Milan have won all their big games this season, but dropped points against teams in the bottom half of the table. Fikayo Tomori has had drops in focus, but Allegri refused to blame the Englishman.

“It’s not about Tomori. We all have it as a team. We conceded two goals against Torino, Pisa, Parma and Cremonese,” he said.

“There are situations we must improve; we can’t be two goals down after 12 minutes. It happens sometimes, but we must try to avoid it.

“This is a team that never complains about the work and what we ask them. They have a clear target, they want to seize the opportunity to stay at Milan and leave something important recorded in Milan’s history,” concluded the coach.

“We must remain focused without listening to what is being said. The target is to be in the top four on May 25 because, I repeat, Milan must play in the Champions League next season.”

Cristian Chivu insists Inter are ‘having a great season, despite what people say,’ as they prepare to face a revitalised Genoa under his old Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi. ‘The reality is different to the narrative.’

It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, also known as Marassi.

Hakan Calhanoglu limped off midweek against Liverpool and “has not resumed training yet,” while Francesco Acerbi, Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro are also out of action.

De Rossi has seen the Grifone surge up the standings since taking over from sacked Patrick Vieira and is hoping to keep that confidence going against an Inter side fresh from Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

Chivu stands up for his Inter record

“We need to be perfect, especially in terms of attitude against a team that found so much enthusiasm under a new coach,” said Chivu in his press conference.

“It has never been easy for Inter in this fixture, so we need to give it our all. I had four marvellous years at Roma, De Rossi was a captain without the armband, as Francesco Totti was still there at the time. I always admired his intelligence, he is a genuine guy who is very loyal.”

The defeat to Liverpool arrived in extremely controversial circumstances, with a penalty so soft that it made headlines around Europe.

How will Inter react to this feeling of profound injustice?

“With the same calm that marked my approach since the start of the season,” responded Chivu.

“We are aware that we’ve got to give our best every day, along with a little added focus, responsibility, passion and enjoyment.

“Despite what people say, in my view we are having a great season. It’s true, there are ups and downs, we’d like to remove the downs, but we are confident in our work.

“We are trying to learn from mistakes, but must not lose the confidence that we are having a great season. Excluding the Club World Cup, we have had 21 games where at most we got two halves wrong, but never a whole match.

“This squad wants to dominate and the reality on the field is different to the narrative that people want to paint about us.”

Inter have lost practically all the ‘big’ games against strong opponents, despite often creating more opportunities and having the majority of possession.

“We started the season under a magnifying glass, people said we were failures and we were finished, but we are still up there and that is not to be taken for granted considering what was said over the summer.

“Of course we have margin for improvement, but we never wanted to lose our identity, our hunger, our desire to be dominant in Serie A and Europe. We are on the right track, and that is the most important thing.

“Some might say that we ought to be more negative and defensive, going for the draw, but I don’t want us to lose our identity.”

The best performance of Chivu’s Inter was only last week, demolishing Como 4-0 at San Siro, but the coach disagrees.

“In terms of effort, we actually did more against Liverpool. Of course, with all due respect for Como, Liverpool can afford to spend €150m for one player, so it’s a very different level.

“However, in terms of overall performance, we were not inferior to Liverpool, so I will keep and build on the good things I saw there.

“We have to talk about the reality. I’ve been at Inter in one way or another for 20 years, so expectations are different to reality,” added Chivu.

“I do not evaluate the growth process based on one victory or one defeat. I don’t like labels, and too many of them are placed on Inter.”

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La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Tether’s offer to buy Juventus is below the actual club’s value which is ‘realistically’ between €1.8 and 2 billion.

• Read more – ‘Make Juventus great again’ – What’s behind the €1.1bn offer to buy the club

Crypto giants Tether, a minority Juventus shareholder, announced an €1.1 billion offer to acquire a majority stake in the club on Friday, but the Agnelli family replied through a spokesperson that the club is not for sale.

Juventus’ financial issues in recent years

Gazzetta examines the Bianconeri’s financial situation, describing the Serie A giants as a ‘sleeping giant’ with considerable assets, including a club-owned stadium and training centres worth €450m, but also a poor financial situation with losses of nearly one billion in the last eight years that forced club owners to make cash injections for over €900m.

When Andrea Agnelli became the club’s President in May 2010, Juventus’ stock market capitalisation was €162m, and it peaked to €1.5 billion in 2019, driven by the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo a year earlier. Currently, Juventus are valued at €915m on the Milan stock exchange.

Football Benchmark’s latest report gives Juventus a value of €1.651 billion; according to Forbes, the club’s worth is slightly higher at €1.9 billion. Realistically, according to Gazzetta, the range lies between €1.8 billion and €2 billion.

With their statement, however, Tether assigned to Juventus an equity value of €1.1 billion. Considering the financial debt of around €300m, the enterprise value would be €1.4 billion, according to the crypto giants, below market estimates.

Don’t forget that, back in 2022, Elliott sold Milan, who didn’t have a club-owned stadium, to RedBird for €1.2 billion, while more recently, Atletico Madrid’s majority stake was acquired by Apollo with an enterprise value of €2.5 billion.

Four Juventus four capital increases in recent years

Even if Juventus have solid assets, they’ve been falling short financially in recent years, accumulating €999m in losses between 2014-15 and 2024-25. Juventus have not been profitable for the past eight seasons, requiring four capital increases.

The last one worth €98 was completed just a few weeks ago, when Exor and Tether subscribed their stakes, 65.4% and 11.5% respectively, for a total of €77m, while the remainder came from institutional investors.

However, there have been positive signals in recent months as, last season, the deficit was cut to €58m compared to €199m from the previous financial year.

The updated business plan targets break-even by the end of the 2026-27 campaign, but that will largely depend on results on the pitch, with access to the big Champions League prize money, and the increase of the players’ worth.

Football Italia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà provides the latest transfer updates on Serie A-linked Mauro Icardi, Joshua Zirkzee, Kobbie Mainoo and Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca.

Milan will be looking for a new striker in the January transfer window, and Pedullà argued in his latest YouTube video for Football Italia that the Rossoneri should sign another striker next month, regardless of Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku, who have failed to match expectations this season.

Other media have linked Mauro Icardi, a former Inter captain, with a move to Milan. Pedullà says that the Argentine, whose Galatasaray contract expires in June 2026, was not offered to Milan through official sources, but perhaps other intermediaries held informal talks with the Rossoneri.

Icardi has offers from four countries

Icardi has important offers from Mexico, Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Icardi isn’t yet 36, but he wants to wait. The request is a €10m salary.

As for Zirkzee, the Dutchman is a priority target for Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but Manchester United must sign another striker because Zirkzee has had more playing time recently, and the Red Devils are only open to selling the player for an appropriate transfer formula, which means not a loan with an option to buy.

Mainoo’s situation is different because he’s younger than Zirkzee and is not getting much playing time at Old Trafford. The English midfielder is Napoli’s priority target in midfield for the January window.

Last but not least, the Partenopei won’t give away Lucca in the January window; they might allow him to leave on loan, but it will also depend on Romelu Lukaku’s fitness once he returns to action.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Juventus are ready to make a new offer to extend Kenan Yildiz’s contract as the striker’s father, Engin, has landed in Turin.

Juventus are expected to continue talks over Yidiz’s contract extension in the coming days, according to Tuttosport.

The Turin-based paper claims that members of the Yildiz family have landed in Italy, and not just to spend holidays together.

Juventus set to resume Yildiz contract talks

The striker’s father Engin, in fact, is expected to meet with club directors for contract negotiations, helped by a well-known intermediary, Jorge Mendes.

Yildiz’s contract expires in June 2029, but the Bianconeri’s No.10 has now become a key player in the team, and his €1.5m salary does not reflect his status at the Allianz Stadium.

Yildiz’s salary request to Juventus

According to the report, Yildiz’s salary request is €6m per season, a sum that Juventus are eager to match, possibly including easily achievable bonuses.

Yildiz, 20, has grabbed six goals and six assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Milan are among the clubs interested in Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus who will be looking for more playing time in the second part of the season.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus is the latest striker linked with a move to Milan in the January transfer window.

The Rossoneri will be looking for a new centre-forward next month, and Italian media have already mentioned several targets for the Rossoneri, including Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, West Ham’s Niclas Füllkrug and Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti.

Gabriel Jesus linked with Milan move

According to Corriere dello Sport, Milan’s owners are unwilling to make a big investment in a new striker in the January window, but possible departures of Santiago Gimenez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek would help the Rossoneri finance the purchase of a new man in attack.

Gimenez’s transfer stance

Football Italia, however, understands that Gimenez is not considering leaving the club in the winter transfer window, at least for now.

If the situation were to change, Gabriel Jesus would be one of the Milan targets, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The 28-year-old has recently returned from an injury and wants to play consistently in the second part of the campaign, something he might not be given at Arsenal, given Mikel Arteta’s options in attack.

According to the report, Gabriel Jesus wants to have a chance to return to the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup, so he’ll be looking for more playing time next month.

The 28-year-old would earn just above €3m from January until the end of the season. The Brazilian’s contract at the Emirates Stadium runs out in June 2027.

The Agnelli family is unwilling to sell Juventus despite a €1.1 billion offer from minority shareholders Tether, so we take a closer look at the blockchain-enabled platform and its CEO, Paolo Ardoino.

Tether announced an offer to buy a majority stake in Juventus from Exor on Friday night, but received a firm reply from the Bianconeri owners: “Negotiations are not underway regarding the sale of a stake in Juventus,” a spokesperson for the Agnelli family told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

How do Tether make money?

Founded in 2014, the Tether cryptocurrency has grown massively over the last few years and its CEO, Paolo Ardoino, is a life-long Juventus supporter. Tether already holds an 11,52% stake in Juventus and is represented in the Juventus board of directors by Francesco Garino.

As reported by Gazzetta, the main difference between Tether and other popular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, is its lower volatility.

 

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Un post condiviso da Tether Operations Limited (@_tether_)

Tether’s value is pegged to the US dollar, and its users appreciate it for its stability rather than the hope of profiting from market speculations.

Gazzetta explains that Tether has ‘built its success on its effectiveness in supporting international transactions without the involvement and costs of various intermediaries, such as banks.’

The company is headquartered in El Salvador and reported profits exceeding €13 billion in 2024. Tether’s core focus lies in cryptocurrencies, blockchains and technological innovation, including artificial intelligence.

As previously mentioned, its CEO, Paolo Ardoino, is a life-long Juventus supporter who has become increasingly popular among Bianconeri supporters on social media, especially X, thanks to his motto ‘Make Juventus great again.’

https://t.co/rQLpUYieMP

— Paolo Ardoino (@paoloardoino) December 12, 2025

Gazzetta notes that the relationship between Tether and Exor has never been particularly solid. At times, Ardoino’s social media activity aimed to look for a collaboration with Exor, but other times, the Tether CEO has criticised the club and the team.

Exor unwilling to sell Juventus

The abrupt public bid is unlikely to strengthen relations between the two sides, particularly given that Exor had already indicated, before Tether’s proposal, that it had no intention of selling the club in response to rumours of a potential offer from a Saudi investor.

This past November, Juventus owner John Elkann said: “We remain fully committed to Juventus and are proud to be its controlling shareholder for over a century. We are and have always been open to constructive ideas from all stakeholders who share our ambition and passion for the club.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario wants to join Inter next summer, but the Nerazzurri don’t want to pay more than €20m to sign the Italy international.

Italian goalkeeper Vicario is eager to join Inter next summer, according to the latest report of Gazzetta dello Sport.

Vicario wants Inter move

The pink paper had reported in November that Vicario wanted to leave Spurs at the end of the season and that the Nerazzurri were interested in securing his services.

Vicario is grateful to Tottenham but wants to return to Serie A in the summer, so the Nerazzurri will have to negotiate with Spurs, as the goalkeeper’s contract runs out in June 2028.

Vicario a long-time Inter target

According to the report, however, Inter are unwilling to invest more than €20m to sign the former Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper who was already a Nerazzurri target in 2023, before the 29-year-old completed a permanent move to North London.

Vicario has kept nine clean sheets in 22 Tottenham appearances this season.

He’s Italy second-choice keeper behind Gigio Donnarumma and has five international appearances to his name.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Offer for Juve

The crypto giants value the club at €1.1 billion. Exor: ‘It’s not for sale’

From Tether 725m for 65,4% of the club.

Vicario wants Inter

The Tottenham goalkeeper is getting closer. Dumfries’ warning.

Corriere dello Sport

Transfer market special

Gabriel Jesus, the bomb

The Arsenal centre-forward is back from an injury and can leave in January

Milan loom? Mainoo is open to Napoli. Lucca between Italy and abroad

Juve, Motta was better

Last season, they were closer to the top spot and had more points

The results in the opening 14 games have worsened with Tudor and Spalletti: fewer goals scored (18 to 22) and more vulnerable defence (14 to eight). Tether: ‘One billion ready for the club.’ Exor: ‘Not for sale.’

Lazio, Sarri looking for the tris: Cancellieri in the trident

De Rossi and Chivu, so many jokes

Tuttosport

Baroni, breakthrough or trouble

Under the eyes of the new director, the coach must send a strong signal after three consecutive losses. Lecce’s win over Pisa made the Granata slip to the 17th spot. Fans will protest against Cairo before the game.

One billion for Juve, Elkann says no

Tether’s offer will be rejected

The crypto company that has an 11,5% stake in the club aims for a majority stake. ‘Offer made with humility and a sense of belonging for the club and the fans.’ But Exor says no. Besides Ardoino’s move, there’s no confirmation regarding the desire to sell Juve. Yildiz’s family in Turin to negotiate the renewal. According to CIES, Kenan will be worth 140m in June.

‘De Rossi and Chivu two shy with success.’

Milan, Juve and Inter: ticket prices cap for the visitors

Lecce have taken a big step clear of the Serie A relegation places after an important 1-0 victory at home against Pisa in an early six-pointed on Friday evening: Nikola Stlic finally claiming his first goal since joining the Salentini from Charleroi over the summer.

Lecce made three alterations to their starting line-up following last week’s 2-0 loss against Cremonese, bringing in Francesco Camarda at centre-forward, Riccardo Sottil on the wing and Corrie Ndaba at left-back. The hosts were without the suspended M’Bala Nzola and replaced him with Stefano Moreo. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Isak Vural and Mehdi Leris were also called back into the starting XI. 

Click here to read more about how the team’s lined up.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s game plan didn’t get off to the best of starts when Medon Berisha hit the deck immediately after playing a pass out to the right wing seven minutes in. He was carried off on a stretcher and Mohamed Kaba was called in to replace him after just 10 minutes. 

It was Lecce with the larger share of the attacks in the first half: Santiago Pierotti with the best opportunity after a cut-back from Riccardo Sottil on the byline. 

The hosts also troubled Pisa from set-pieces in the first half. There were two close efforts from the same corner half an hour in, before Tiago Gabriel managed to head off target from just a few yards out before the interval. 

In the end, it was Eusebio Di Francesco’s second-half substitutes that made the difference. Lameck Banda, on for Pierotti, carried the ball down the left flank and almost to the byline before cutting back for Stulic to tap home: His first Serie A goal on his 14th outing.

Lecce 1-0 Pisa 

Stulic 72’

12-12-2025 19:45

MatchDay 15

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Pisa

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

33'

Arturo Calabresi

2nd half

Nikola Stulic (Assist: Lameck Banda)		72'
Tete Morente		85'
Kialonda Gaspar		90'

Match statistic

52

Possession %

48

21

Total shots

4

3

Shots on target

0

11

Shots off target

2

7

Blocked shots

2

12

Corners

1

1

Offsides

3

16

Fouls

7

Lecce

Pisa

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

74'

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

10

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

11'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

67'

23

Riccardo Sottil

Attacker

74'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

66'

1

Adrian Šemper

Goalkeeper

4

Antonio Caracciolo

Defender

81'

33

Arturo Calabresi

Defender

46'

5

Simone Canestrelli

Defender

14

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro

Midfielder

59'

15

Idrissa Touré

Midfielder

21

Isak Vural

Midfielder

20

Michel Aebischer

Midfielder

9

Henrik Meister

Attacker

7

Mehdi Léris

Attacker

75'

32

Stefano Moreo

Attacker

59'

Substitutes

93

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

13

Matías Pérez

Defender

21

Christ-Owen Kouassi

Defender

28

Olaf Gorter

Midfielder

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

95

Daniele Bleve

Goalkeeper

77

Mohamed Kaba

Midfielder

11'

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

66'

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

67'

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

74'

7

Tete Morente

Attacker

74'

22

Simone Scuffet

Goalkeeper

12

Nicolas

Goalkeeper

6

Marius Marin

Midfielder

36

Gabriele Piccinini

Attacker

19

Tomás Esteves

Defender

94

Giovanni Bonfanti

Defender

26

Francesco Coppola

Defender

47

Mateus Lusuardi

Defender

8

Malthe Höjholt

Midfielder

44

Daniel Denoon

Defender

39

Raúl Albiol

Defender

46'

3

Samuele Angori

Defender

59'

10

Matteo Tramoni

Midfielder

59'

99

Lorran

Midfielder

75'

16

Louis Buffon

Attacker

81'

Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri has won the Serie A coach of the Month award for November.

“The Philadelphia Coach Of The Month award for November has been assigned to Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri,” Lega Serie A said on Friday.

Allegri wins Serie A coach of the Month award for November: official statement

“The trophy will be presented during the pre-match of Milan vs Sassuolo, scheduled for Sunday, 14th December at 12.30 at the ‘Giuseppe Meazza’ Stadium in Milan.”

Lega Serie A explained that “for the final calculation were considered the matchdays from 10 to 13 of Serie A 2025/2026” and that “the award was assigned by a jury of Directors of sports media who evaluated each coach on the basis of technical and sporting criteria and the quality of play of their teams, as well as their behaviour/fair play during matches.”

Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said: “The exciting head-to-head battle at the top of the league also leads to a constant competition between the great Serie A managers. In November, Massimiliano Allegri came out on top with 10 points from four games, keeping a clean sheet in all three of the direct clashes he won. The Tuscan coach has managed to get the best out of the players at his disposal, setting up a well-organised team capable of reading the different moments of the game. Allegri`s Milan are showing a winning mentality and a newfound awareness of their own abilities, characteristics necessary to fight for the top of the table until the end of the season”.

On Thursday, Lega Serie A confirmed that Cremonese Jamie Vardy had won the Serie A Player of the Month for November.

Football Italia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà insists Kobbie Mainoo is the player Napoli ‘appreciate the most’ in view of the 2026 January transfer window.

Napoli will be looking for midfield reinforcements next month, given that several key players will be forced to the sidelines with injuries for several weeks.

Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, Frank Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka are currently on the treatment table and are expected to miss many games for the Partenopei.

Latest Mainoo updates for Napoli

In his latest YouTube video for Football Italia, transfer expert Pedullà noted that Napoli director Giovanni Manna recently confirmed what we’ve been reporting for over a month about the Partenopei’s interest in Manchester United midfielder Mainoo.

“Mainoo’s name emerged from England in August, but there was no room to negotiate in the summer,” Pedullà said.

“Mainoo is the player Napoli are following more closely and appreciate the most.”

Mainoo, 20, has only made 11 appearances across all competitions this season, providing one assist. The England international has only collected 273 minutes of football on the pitch.

Currently, Eljif Elmas, Scott McTominay and Antonio Vergara are the only three central midfielders available for Napoli.

The Partenopei will visit Udinese in their next Serie A match on Sunday.

Christian Pulisic has scored seven Serie A goals this season with just ten shots on target, and even if stats suggest that he’s less involved in the play, the American has been as decisive as ever at San Siro.

Milan star Pulisic inspired the Rossoneri’s 3-2 comeback win over Torino on Monday night with a stunning brace and is currently the best scorer in the league, alongside Lautaro Martinez.

Pulisic’s stunning start to the season

The American star has netted seven goals in nine Serie A matches, nine in 12 games across all competitions.

Friday’s printed edition of Gazzetta dello Sport offers an interesting insight into how Pulisic has become so decisive for Milan this season.

Technically, Pulisic is used as one of the two Milan centre-forwards this term, while in the previous campaign, he mostly acted as a right winger.

However, heatmaps show that Pulisic is not necessarily playing in a more advanced position than last season, but he moves more towards the left, helped by the fact that he only started once alongside Rafael Leao.

Pulisic has fewer passes, crosses, dribbles, fouls suffered and ball recoveries than last season; based on stats, he seems less involved in the play, but he’s way more lethal. The ex-Chelsea star only needed 14 total shots, ten on target, to score seven Serie A goals.

There’s also something intangible, which you won’t see in stats, and it’s his ability to be decisive when the team needs it. Pulisic, for example, scored winning goals in big games against Napoli and Inter before scoring two past Torino, helping Milan climb to the top of the Serie A table, level on 31 points with Napoli.

Pulisic’s Serie A stats

Appearances
2024-25: 34
2025-26: 9

Goals
2024-25: 11
2025-26: 7

Goal-per-minute
2024-25: 226
2025-26: 64

Succesful passes
2024-25: 23
2025-26: 17,44

Chances created
2024-25: 2,03
2025-26: 1,78

Succesful crosses
2024-25: 1,56
2025-26: 0,89

Recoveries
2024-25: 2,76
2025-26: 1,22

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug is one of the names Milan will consider in the January transfer window, as the German wants to leave his club.

West Ham striker Fullkrug is one of the players on Milan’s agenda for the January transfer window, and the Rossoneri will consider a possible deal in the coming weeks.

Fullkrug on Milan’s agenda for January

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fullkrug is unhappy at West Ham, where he has only started in five matches out of 15 and played just 28 minutes in the last two months.

The 32-year-old hasn’t found the net in nine appearances across all competitions this season.

The Italian newspaper reports that Fullkrug can leave on loan next month, even if West Ham paid €30m to sign him just 16 months ago, and the striker has also attracted interest from the Bundesliga.

Milan will be looking for a classic centre-forward in the January transfer window, and the only exception could be Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.

Evan Ferguson’s brace against Celtic might be a turning point for the Republic of Ireland international, but Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini will still need reinforcements in January.

Ferguson finally unlocked himself in the Europa League, scoring a fine brace away at Celtic and showing the movements of a true centre-forward.

Possible Ferguson turning point at Roma

Gasperini had motivated and pushed him on the eve of the match, and he was repaid in the best possible way. Ferguson is a young player; he’s coming back from an injury and has undeniable quality. Gasperini demands consistency and intensity from him.

Under Gasp, static centre-forwards will never be quite successful, and Thursday’s performance in Glasgow might be a turning point.

Gasperini’s transfer requests to Roma

Let’s not forget, however, that the coach will need support from the transfer market activity in January. He has already asked for a couple of additions. He has approved the purchase of Joshua Zirkzee, and now it largely depends on Manchester United and the club’s ownership.

Gasperini could agree to part ways with one of his centre-forwards to sign another one, provided that he gets a plug-in player and not another gamble like the one proposed to him at the end of August.

After the 3-0 win over Celtic, Gasperini didn’t want to go deeper into transfer market matters; as it’s an issue that has bothered him since last summer.

Lautaro Martinez insists Inter lost to Liverpool earlier this week due to a ‘referee’s mistake’, but feels the Nerazzurri are ‘improving day by day.’

• Read more – Lautaro Martinez makes Pio Esposito prediction for Italy and Inter

A controversial Dominik Szoboszlai penalty allowed Liverpool to beat Inter in a Champions League match at San Siro on Tuesday.

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was punished for pulling Florian Wirtz’s shirt, and the German’s dramatic fall led to a VAR pitchside review that ultimately awarded the decisive spot-kick to the Reds.

Lautaro: Inter ‘disappointed but not angry’ after loss vs. Liverpool

“We are disappointed but not angry,” Lautaro told Gazzetta.

“Because if you lose due to a referee’s mistake, there’s not much you can do. We’re upset that we threw everything away because of an injustice. If penalties were given for every shirt pull, the game would never be played.”

Inter have lost two Champions League Finals in the last three years and suffered a huge blow this past May when they succumbed to a 5-0 defeat to PSG in Munich.

Have they entirely recovered from it?

“Defeats hurt a lot, but make you grow. I get really angry when I lose, but I also have to consider the quality of the opponent,” argued Lautaro.

“Anyway, we started again. Maybe some results haven’t been positive, but it takes time. There’s a new coach who is giving us a lot of energy. Maybe it’s not visible from the outside, but we know we are improving day by day.”

Lautaro Martinez revealed he recently began seeing a psychologist to help him stay balanced.

“I’m very happy I trusted a professional; it helped me a lot,” said the Inter captain.

“I understood that if someone attacks me, it’s often because they would like to be in my place. When I was young, I used to struggle with reading or hearing harsh words about me. Now I face them with more calm, and I enjoy my career.”

Lautaro: ‘No reason to leave’ Inter

Inter are just one point below Serie A leaders Milan and Napoli. Are they going to be their main rivals for the Scudetto?

“I’d include Roma too; they have a coach I really like,” Lautaro argued.

The Argentine star’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2029.

“My family and I feel very good here; we’ve set down roots in Milan. I’ve just signed a new contract, so I have no reason to leave,” Lautaro concluded.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Davide Frattesi’s agent has held preliminary talks with Juventus as the Inter midfielder seeks more playing time.

Juventus have reportedly resumed talks with Beppe Riso, the agent of Inter midfielder Frattesi.

The Italy international has been struggling with playing time this season, falling down Cristian Chivu’s pecking order.

Frattesi seeks more playing time

According to Tuttosport, the midfielder’s representative recently held talks with the Old Lady, who had already set her sights on the 26-year-old in previous years.

The Turin-based paper reports that Frattesi’s agent met Juventus representatives at the club’s headquarters.

Even if those directly involved described the meeting as a courtesy visit, it’s highly possible that the two parties made an initial approach ahead of the January transfer window.

Frattesi has only collected 480 minutes of football across all competitions this season, providing two assists in Coppa Italia against Serie B side Venezia.

Strong bond between Frattesi and Spalletti

However, his contract expires in June 2028 and Inter will be reluctant to sell the midfielder to a direct rival, so their asking price won’t be below €35m.

Frattesi is open to leaving Inter next month and is on good terms with Luciano Spalletti. The Inter midfielder was the best Italy scorer during the Tuscan coach’s tenure, finding the net seven times.

Fabio Capello argues that Antonio Conte is unable to convey ‘strength’ and ‘calmness’ to his Napoli team in the Champions League: ‘It’s a psychological issue.’

Napoli are the Serie A table leaders, level on 31 points with Milan, but the Partenopei are the lowest-ranked Serie A club in the Champions League.

The Partenopei have lost three games from three away from home in Europe this season, conceding 10 goals far from the Stadio Maradona.

Their latest loss came against José Mourinho’s Benfica on Wednesday.

“Maybe Conte isn’t able to transmit that calmness and strength to the players the way he does in the league,” Capello told Gazzetta.

Capello on Conte and Napoli’s ‘psychological issue’

The former Italian coach feels that Napoli’s poor results in the Champions League are not determined by tactical problems.

“I don’t think so. If you dominate in Italy or England, leagues where Conte has won, it means you’re providing something positive in terms of your playing system,” he argued.

“In my opinion, it’s more of a psychological issue.

“When you play in European competitions, you have to be convinced of your strength, find a certain calmness and take risks without being afraid to be bold,” he continued.

“Maybe, Antonio, judging by the results he gets in Europe, isn’t able to transmit this to the team.”

Napoli will visit Copenhagen and host Chelsea in the last two league phase games in January 2026.

The Partenopei will need at least one victory to secure a spot in the knockout playoff.

In the last Champions League round, Inter lost to Liverpool at home, while Juventus and Atalanta beat Pafos and Chelsea, respectively.

Capello: Easier to recover for Premier League teams

“In the last matchday, I saw that we struggled to cope with the opponents’ intensity. Inter, for example, had difficulties against Liverpool in terms of aggression, even if they would have deserved a draw,” Capello concluded.

“Also, maybe other teams have more well-equipped squads than ours. Manchester City, for example, replaced Haaland and Foden within 20 minutes, introducing players of equal quality (Reijnders and Marmoush).

“Above all, Premier League teams are more accustomed than ours to handling a double schedule, and they find it less tiring to recover because they are used to always playing at a very high pace, so when they play at a slightly lower tempo, they are already at the level of our maximum.”

Luka Modric is enjoying life on and off the pitch in Milan and admits he was ‘surprised’ by Massimiliano Allegri’s personality.

• Read more – Modric: A ‘tragedy’ for Italy to miss third World Cup in a row

The Croatian star, a 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about his first few months in Milan.

Modric, 40, joined the Rossoneri as a free agent from Real Madrid last summer and has started 14 league games in a row at San Siro.

“I feel good, physically and mentally, and I like what I do. I want to keep going like this because I’m having fun. Everything is going the way I wanted,” he said.

Milan are not involved in any European competition this season and are joint Serie A table leaders alongside Napoli.

Modric: Serie A ‘tough and competitive’

“We are doing a good job, and the goal is not to stop, even though many teams are fighting for the top spot. It’s tough, but we move forward with confidence,” Modric said.

“From abroad, one might not realise how difficult Serie A is, but I assure you that your league is very tough and competitive. I wasn’t surprised because I was prepared: I’ve known it since I was a kid when I watched it on TV, and I’ve kept following it over the years. I knew what I would find, and I was ready.

“I’m happy because I play for what is, to me, the biggest Italian club of all. I enjoy myself every day at Milanello and every time I wear the Rossoneri shirt,” Modric continued.

“I never thought I would come to Milan until I was at Real Madrid, but sometimes in life, things happen when you least expect them. It was a dream come true because I was a Milan fan since I was a child.”

Modric: ‘Allegri a great coach and a winner’

The Croatia international is glad to work under Allegri.

“He’s a great coach, a winner. I enjoy working with him, and he surprised me with his personality,” he said.

“He has an amazing ability to create a good feeling in the dressing room because he’s used to managing great champions. He helps you to give your best and keeps you calm, so it’s easier to do what you need to do.”

Modric is also enjoying life off the pitch in Italy.

“My family and I feel good here. I understand Italian too, but let’s say I speak other languages better. Croatian, English and Spanish. Little by little, I’ll learn Italian too.”

Milan will host Sassuolo at San Siro in the next Serie A match on Sunday.

Next week, they’ll fly to Saudi Arabia to play in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four, meeting defending Serie A champions Napoli in the semifinal on Thursday, December 18.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and a Thursday as lions

Italy fill up

Two super interviews: Modric and Lautaro

We are the Scudetto

The Rossonero: ‘Allegri knows how to manage stars, this Milan is a great dream.’

The Nerazzurro: ‘I’ve never been so strong, Inter are full of energy.’

Corriere dello Sport

Europa League and Conference: nine points in three games

Roma, Bologna and Viola: our ranking enjoys it

Ferguson’s brace, Gasp beats Celtic 3-0. Bernardeschi (two goals) knocks Celta down. Italiano wins 2-1. Kean and Gud: 2-1 to Dinamo.

Spalletti prisoner

Injuries and the system

Vlahovic’s injury and the infeasibility of switching to a four-man defence immediately.

He has another Juve in his head

Heavy absences and missing roles, but he’s only lost one game from nine. From Bremer to the growth process: Lucio projects the leap. David’s exam.

Lecce, DiFra calls Camarda

Survival showdown with Gilardino: Stulic out, the baby in. Morente for Pierotti.

Milan, Fulkrug, if Gimenez leaves

Loftus-Cheek is also on his way out in January, with moves for the German.

Tuttosport

Toro: the new director warns everyone, including the coach

Petrachi’s shake: ‘Baroni can and must give more’

Spalletti-Frattesi: Shall we try again?

Contact between Juve and the agent of the Inter midfielder, a trusted man of the coach in the national team.

The former CT would welcome Davide with open arms. The price is high, 35m, but his agent Riso talks about it with Comolli, eager to raise the quality in midfield. Meantime, the screams of the Bianconeri coach shake the Bianconeri dressing room. David challenges shyness off the pitch, the weight of the salary and Vlahovic’s ‘phantom.’ Those silences of the fans at the Allianz Stadium: behind the scenes.

Inter SOS defence: there’s Gila for Chivu

In January, Ausilio has 20m to 24m available and Lazio need to sell. Mlacic is in the frame, too.

Bernardeschi’s show: message to Juve

Bologna’s comeback win against Celta (2-1): the former Bianconero books a spot for Sunday. Super Roma at Celtic’s home:3-0. Kean and Gudmundsson get the Viola back up: 2-1 to Dinamo Kyiv.

Morata risks a three-month stop. Thrilling Pisa-Lecce tonight.

Bologna battled to an impressive 2-1 comeback victory on a rainy night in Galicia on Thursday against Celta Vigo.

Football Italia’s Player of the Match was Bologna hero Federico Bernardeschi.

Celta Vigo 1-2 Bologna – Player Ratings

Celta Vigo: Radu 5.5; Rodriguez 5, Starfelt 5.5, Ristic 6; Carreira 5.5, Beltran 6, Morbia 6, Mingueza 6.5; Swedberg 7, Iglesias 5.5, Zaragoza 7

Best Celta Vigo player: Williot Swedberg – Looked really dangerous and helped create Zaragoza’s goal. Contributed in both attack and defence and gave a really good showing of himself.

Lowest Celta Vigo rating: Javi Rodriguez – Sloppy to give away the penalty that brought Bologna back into the game.

Coach: Claudio Giraldez 5.5 – His side offered little to no answers to Bologna‘s dominance other than to hope for the best. Completely outmatched in midfield and this is where the game was lost.

Bologna: Ravaglia 5.5; Holm 7, Heggem 6.5, Lykogiannis 6.5, Miranda 7; Moro 7.5, Pobega 6.5; Bernardeschi 8.5, Fabbian 6, Rowe 6.5; Castro 6

Best Bologna player: Federico Bernardeschi – Led by example from the wing today, showing his experience and composure to propel his side to all three points. Scored twice and was a constant threat on the right flank.

Lowest Bologna rating: Ravaglia – Player of the Match at the weekend against Lazio, he’s only the lowest rated here by process of elimination. Maybe could have done better for Zaragoza’s opener.

Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 7.5 – Made some solid changes and set up his team very well to dominate Celta Vigo. The La Liga side are no pushovers, beating Real Madrid at the weekend, and Italiano made them look very weak.

Roma are closing in on a spot in the Europa League knock-out rounds after a largely dominant 3-0 victory away against Celtic in Glasgow on Thursday evening: A Liam Scales own goal and a first-half brace from Evan Ferguson sending Gian Piero Gasperini’s side on their way to victory.

Roma had slipped to two consecutive defeats in Serie A prior to kick-off, their last victory in any competition coming in the 2-1 victory over Midtjylland in November. Gasperini gave Evan Ferguson the nod up front, alongside the club he supported growing up, with Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone and the returning Angelino named among the substitutes.

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Zeki Celik won Roma their first corner of the game five minutes in. Gianluca Mancini initially tried to claim that it was his header from Matias Soule’s delivery that took it past Kasper Schmeichel, but replays showed that it was actually a Liam Scales own-goal that sent the Giallorossi into an early lead in Glasgow.

The Giallorossi were the dominant force in the first half, registering eight shots in the opening 45 minutes, three of which were on target. Soule, Stephan El Shaarawy and Nicolo Pisilli all had a go midway through the first period. 

Their lead was doubled 10 minutes before the interval, Zeki Celik was freed on the right-hand side of the area and supplied the perfect low ball in for Ferguson, who just had to steer it in inside the six-yard box for 2-0. 

Gasperini’s side would claim their third on the stroke of half-time following a wonderful passage of possession in the final third. Soule was involved again, providing a brilliantly improvised ball in from the edge of the area, which Ferguson was able to turn in from 10 yards out. 

It looked as though the first half’s action was done after that, only for Mario Hermoso to bring down Arne Engels in the area on the following attack. 

There were several minutes of protests and delays from the Giallorossi, which saw El Shaarawy and Soule booked, but that might just have worked out in their favour as Engels struck the left upright when he was finally cleared to take the spot-kick. 

The hosts elected to make three changes at half-time, and saw an immediate shift in momentum: Kelechi Iheanacho, recently returned from injury, looked bright and determined. 

The Nigerian thought he had clawed one back, prodding home in similar fashion to Ferguson in the first half, but he was eventually flagged for a slight offside. 3-0 Roma it remained. 

Roma would also see another chalked off before full-time. Leon Bailey thought he had claimed his first Giallorossi goal with a well taken finish into the far corner inside the area, but he was also punished for an offside in the build-up. 

Tonight’s result sees Roma climb up to 10th place in the Europa League table, just one point outside the all-important top eight with two games against Stuttgart and Panathinaikos left to play before the end of the league phase.

Celtic 0-3 Roma

Scales OG 6’, Ferguson 36’, 45+1’, 

11-12-2025 20:00

MatchDay 6

Celtic Park

Celtic

Roma

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		6'		Liam Scales
		36'		Evan Ferguson (Assist: Zeki Celik)
Arne Engels		45+5'
		45+1'		Evan Ferguson (Assist: Matìas Soulé)
		45+3'		Mario Hermoso
		45+4'		Stephan El Shaarawy
		45+5'		Matìas Soulé

2nd half

		78'		Evan Ndicka
		88'		Jan Ziolkowski

Match statistic

57

Possession %

43

9

Total shots

12

2

Shots on target

5

5

Shots off target

5

2

Blocked shots

2

4

Corners

4

3

Offsides

8

10

Fouls

9

Celtic

Roma

Starting lineups

1

Kasper Schmeichel

Goalkeeper

6

Auston Trusty

Defender

63

Kieran Tierney

Defender

46'

5

Liam Scales

Defender

42

Callum McGregor

Midfielder

41

Reo Hatate

Midfielder

77'

27

Arne Engels

Attacker

8

Benjamin Nygren

Attacker

46'

38

Daizen Maeda

Attacker

46'

13

Hyun-jun Yang

Attacker

62'

23

Sebastian Tounekti

Attacker

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

80'

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

85'

11

Evan Ferguson

Attacker

69'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

69'

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

69'

Substitutes

47

Dane Murray

Midfielder

24

Johnny Kenny

Attacker

12

Viljami Sinisalo

Goalkeeper

31

Ross Doohan

Goalkeeper

14

Luke McCowan

Attacker

17

Kelechi Iheanacho

Attacker

46'

28

Paulo Bernardo

Midfielder

46'

51

Colby Donovan

Midfielder

46'

56

Anthony Ralston

Defender

62'

10

Michel-Ange Balikwisha

Attacker

77'

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

43

Wesley

Defender

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

69'

21

Paulo Dybala

Attacker

69'

31

Leon Bailey

Attacker

69'

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

80'

3

Angeliño

Defender

85'

Bologna fought back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 against Celta Vigo on a very rainy night in Galicia.

The hosts took the lead after an incisive counter attack, with Bryan Zaragoza putting the La Liga side 1-0 up heading into the half-time interval. However, a second half penalty came shortly after a disallowed Bologna goal and Federico Bernardeschi converted it confidently.

With more life in them after the equaliser, Bologna went after the winner and were rewarded when Bernardeschi doubled his tally with a calm finish.

Bologna must now focus on their remaining two games as they face Celtic and Maccabi Tel Aviv in January.

Celta Vigo 1-2 Bologna – First half counter stuns dominant Rossoblu

For much of the first half, Bologna were the better side.

Vincenzo Italiano’s men were dominant in possession and spent much of the first forty-five minutes inside Vigo’s half. However, the Galician side’s defence were resolute, aside from a minor scare that allowed Jonathan Rowe to poke the ball wide after a dangerous piece of pressing from the Englishman.

In fact, Bologna’s press looked good for most of the half, except for when it allowed Vigo to spring forward and take the lead, much against the run of play.

However, Italiano’s side suffocated Vigo and the La Liga outfit really struggled to get the ball out of their half. However, unlike Bologna, they capitalised on their first chance of the game, to lead heading into the break.

Bernardeschi inspires second half comeback

Bologna thought they had equalised around the hour mark when a nice ball from Moro found Bernardeschi out on the right, who squared the ball for Pobega to score. However, Moro’s ball was judged to have been offside and Bologna were back to square one.

However, minutes later, the Rossoblu got their lucky break. After a foul in the box, the referee blew for a penalty before the offside flag went up, judging Pobega to have been offside before he was fouled.

A quick VAR check put this right, however, and Bernardeschi comfortably equalised from the spot.

With renewed spirit, it was not long until the experienced Italian found himself through on goal once again and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to put his side in the lead.

Vigo, looking tired from defending for a majority of the match, had nothing more to offer and Bologna saw out the rest of the match for a vital three points.

Relive all the action, as it happened, on our Liveblog.

Bologna are in Galicia tonight for match day six of the Europa League league phase, where they will face off against La  Liga side Celta Vigo.

The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT (21:00 local time).

You can follow all the action, as it happens, on our Liveblog.

Vigo vs Bologna – Lineups

Bologna have lined up with Jonathan Rowe starting on the wing, Santiago Castro as the centre-forward. Moro wears the captain’s armband and Ravaglia returns to the goal after his impressive performance against Lazio at the weekend.

11-12-2025 20:00

MatchDay 6

Estadio de Balaídos

Celta

Bologna

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Bryan Zaragoza (Assist: Williot Swedberg)

17'

2nd half

		66'		Federico Bernardeschi
		74'		Federico Bernardeschi (Assist: Nicolò Cambiaghi)
		84'		Emil Holm
Ionuț Radu		87'
Javi Rueda		90+2'
Ilaix Moriba		90+6'

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

3

Total shots

15

1

Shots on target

4

1

Shots off target

8

1

Blocked shots

3

0

Corners

5

0

Offsides

1

12

Fouls

15

Celta

Bologna

Starting lineups

13

Ionuț Radu

Goalkeeper

2

Carl Starfelt

Defender

32

Javi Rodríguez

Defender

3

Óscar Mingueza

Defender

66'

5

Sergio Carreira

Defender

8

Fran Beltrán

Midfielder

79'

6

Ilaix Moriba

Midfielder

21

Mihailo Ristić

Midfielder

19

Williot Swedberg

Midfielder

67'

7

Borja Iglesias

Attacker

67'

15

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

46'

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

2

Emil Holm

Defender

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

67'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

88'

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

88'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

80'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

80'

Substitutes

20

Marcos Alonso

Defender

1

Iván Villar

Goalkeeper

22

Hugo Sotelo

Midfielder

29

Yoel Lago

Midfielder

14

Damián Rodríguez

Midfielder

12

Manu Fernández

Midfielder

39

Jones El-Abdellaoui

Attacker

23

Hugo Álvarez

Midfielder

46'

17

Javi Rueda

Defender

66'

9

Ferrán Jutglà

Attacker

67'

10

Iago Aspas

Attacker

67'

16

Miguel Román

Midfielder

79'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

82

Matteo Franceschelli

Goalkeeper

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

67'

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

80'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

80'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

88'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

88'

{rsn-live-v2}

Paolo Vanoli turns to Edin Dzeko to accompany Moise Kean in attack for Fiorentina’s Conference League clash at home against Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday evening.

Tonight’s game at the Stadio Artemio Franchi kicks off at the earlier time of 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the action as it unfolds, and from Celtic vs. Roma and Celta Vigo vs. Bologna in the Europa League, on the Football Italia Liveblog.

It has been a tough few months for La Viola, who are winless in their last nine matches across all competitions. They were beaten 3-1 by Sassuolo in Serie A over the weekend, and have also lost their last two matches in the Conference League: 1-0 at home against AEK Athens and 2-1 away against Mainz.

Dzeko is called in to replace Albert Gudmundsson in attack this evening. Wholesale changes have been made in midfield, with Amir Richardson, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Cher Ndour coming in for Simon Sohm, Nicolo Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora.

Luca Ranieri and Pablo Mari are also rested at the back, with opportunities for Marin Pongracic and Mattia Viti instead.

Fiorentina vs. Dynamo Kyiv: Confirmed line-ups

Fiorentina (3-5-2): De Gea; Pongracic, Comuzzo, Viti; Dodô, Richardson, Nicolussi Caviglia, Ndour, Fortini; Kean, Dzeko.

Subs: Lezzerini, Martinelli, Ranieri, Sohm, Mandragora, Gudmundsson, Pablo Marì, Kospo, Kouadio, Parisi, Piccoli, Kouamé.

Dynamo Kyiv (4-3-3): Neshcheret; Tymchyk, Zakharchenko, Thiare, Dubinchak, Pikhalyonov, Mihaylenko, Shaparenko; Voloshyn, Guerrero, Kabalev.

Subs: Morgun, Ihnatenko, Vivcharenko, Yatsyk, Yarmolenko, Burtnyk, Rubchynskyi, Ogundana, Karavaiev, Mykhavko, Blănuțăon.

11-12-2025 17:45

MatchDay 5

Artemio Franchi Stadium

Fiorentina

Dynamo Kyiv

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Moise Kean (Assist: Dodô)		18'
Cher Ndour		43'

2nd half

		51'		Vladyslav Dubinchak
		55'		Mykola Mykhaylenko (Assist: Oleksandr Pikhalyonok)
Albert Gudmundsson		74'
Albert Gudmundsson		83'
		85'		Aliou Thiare
Eddy Kouadio		90+3'
		90'		Kostyantyn Vivcharenko

Match statistic

41

Possession %

59

20

Total shots

9

8

Shots on target

2

7

Shots off target

3

5

Blocked shots

4

5

Corners

5

3

Offsides

1

13

Fouls

10

Fiorentina

Dynamo Kyiv

Starting lineups

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

2

Dodô

Defender

86'

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

26

Mattia Viti

Defender

67'

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

24

Amir Richardson

Midfielder

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

80'

14

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

66'

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

9

Edin Dzeko

Attacker

67'

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

35

Ruslan Neshcheret

Goalkeeper

18

Oleksandr Tymchyk

Defender

66

Aliou Thiare

Defender

44

Vladyslav Dubinchak

Defender

71'

34

Vladyslav Zakharchenko

Defender

91

Mykola Mykhaylenko

Midfielder

10

Mykola Shaparenko

Midfielder

8

Oleksandr Pikhalyonok

Midfielder

77'

22

Vladyslav Kabaev

Midfielder

77'

39

Eduardo Guerrero

Attacker

71'

9

Nazar Voloshyn

Attacker

Substitutes

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

18

Pablo Marí

Defender

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

7

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

30

Tommaso Martinelli

Goalkeeper

23

Eman Kospo

Defender

99

Christian Kouamé

Attacker

66'

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

67'

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

67'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

80'

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

86'

77

Vladislav Blanuta

Attacker

20

Oleksandr Karavaev

Defender

51

Valentyn Morgun

Goalkeeper

74

Denys Ignatenko

Goalkeeper

15

Valentyn Rubchynskyi

Midfielder

32

Taras Mykhavko

Defender

14

Vasyl Burtnyk

Defender

7

Andriy Yarmolenko

Attacker

71'

2

Kostyantyn Vivcharenko

Defender

71'

5

Oleksandr Yatsyk

Midfielder

77'

16

Shola Ogundana

Attacker

77'

Milan are profoundly focused on Mike Maignan’s contract extension talks and, at the moment, they are not considering signing another goalkeeper.

• Read more – Gimenez holds firm stance on his Milan future

A couple of shot-stoppers have been offered to the Rossoneri, but the club didn’t want to discuss them in detail, so it’s not even worth naming them.

Maignan’s Milan extension: latest updates

Milan are stitching back together the rift from several months ago, when renewal talks collapsed due to some back-and-forth over figures.

At that stage, the debate was tied to a dip in performance from the France international and Maignan’s camp didn’t take it well.

As the goalkeeper has demonstrated in the first months of the season, there’s little to argue about regarding his quality.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is adopting the same strategy he used with Adrien Rabiot a few months back, when the Italian convinced the midfielder to move to San Siro from Marseille.

As long as Milan have a chance to renew with Maignan, they will not delve deeper into discussions with possible alternatives.

Cremonese star Jamie Vardy has won the Serie A Player of the Month Award for November.

• Read more – Inler: Zaniolo getting where Italy need, Vardy a ‘crazy, hyperactive, leader’

English striker Vardy has become the first Englishman to be named Player of the Month in Serie A.

Vardy named as best Serie A player in November

“The EA SPORTS FC Player Of The Month award for November has been assigned to Cremonese player Jamie Vardy. The fans’ votes online, combined with individual statistical data, determined Jamie Vardy as the winner, beating champions like Maignan (Milan), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Neres (Napoli), Ostigard (Genoa), Zaniolo (Udinese),” Lega Serie A said in a statement on Thursday.

“The six best players of the month have been selected, taking into account the advanced analysis of Kama Sport, created from the tracking data recorded with the Hawk-Eye system. The rating system considers not only statistical data and technical events, but also positional data. This makes it possible to analyse crucial aspects such as movement without the ball and thus optimal movements, game choices, and the contribution to the technical and physical efficiency of the team, which allow for an objective and qualitative evaluation of the performance.

Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said: “Jamie Vardy is truly a player from another era. One of those talents who, with their history, their achievements and the indomitable spirit with which they live every match, best express the romance of football. His arrival at Cremonese, who were quick to seize the opportunity this summer, was greeted with great enthusiasm by all Serie A fans, and Vardy is repaying them with top-level performances, innate leadership and important goals, the result of the competitive spirit and shooting skills that have always distinguished him”.

The Champions League Round 6 is in the history books, and we take a look at how many points Atalanta, Inter, Juventus and Napoli need to qualify for the next phase.

Juventus and Atalanta beat Pafos and Chelsea, respectively, in the latest round of the league phase of the Champions League, while Inter lost at home against Liverpool and Napoli were beaten by Benfica.

Currently, the best-ranked Serie A club in the Champions League table is Atalanta with 13 points, one more than Inter.

Champions League: Atalanta, Inter, Juventus and Napoli overview

Oddly, La Dea are the lowest-ranked in Serie A among the clubs competing in this season’s Champions League, as they sit 5th in the European competition and 12th domestically.

As reported by Gazzetta, Atalanta are already qualified for the knockout playoff, but with 13 points in six games, they have the destiny in their hands. With two wins in the remaining matches against Athletic Club (home) and Union Saint-Gilloise (away), Atalanta will surely qualify for the Round of 16, finishing in the top eight.

Inter, on the other hand, have 12 points, they sit sixth, but still need one point to have the certainty to qualify for the knockout playoff. Their next two games are against Arsenal (at home) and Borussia Dortmund (away), and the Nerazzurri would need to win both, possibly increasing their goal difference, to qualify for the Round of 16.

Juventus have won two consecutive matches against Bodo/Glimt and Pafos. They need one more against Benfica (at home) or Monaco (away) in January 2026 to be mathematically certain to be in the knockout playoff. Juventus currently sit 17th, and even if the top eight is just three points away, the Bianconeri would need two wins in the remaining matches and negative results from most of the teams above them in the table, so their destiny is not entirely in their hands.

Lastly, Napoli, the Serie A table leaders, but the lowest-ranked Italian team in the Champions League. The Partenopei have lost three European games from three away, conceding ten goals. They are currently ranked 23rd, and their next opponents are Copenhagen away and Chelsea at home. Copenhagen also have seven points, so a win would boost the Partenopei’s hopes to qualify for the knockout playoff, but won’t necessarily grant them a spot in the next phase with a game to spare, given that 11 points were necessary to qualify for the knockout playoff in 2024-25.

Champions League standings after Round 6

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have reopened informal talks with Joshua Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian, but Mauro Icardi and Niclas Füllkrug are also on the Rossoneri’s agenda.

Milan will be looking for a new centre-forward in the January transfer window and according to the latest report from Gazzetta, the Rossoneri have resumed talks with Manchester United striker Zirkzee.

Milan to rival Roma for Zirkzee

Milan were already interested in the Dutch striker two years ago, but failed to reach an agreement over agent fees, so Zirkzee eventually moved to Old Trafford from Bologna.

According to the latest report, Milan resumed talks with the player’s representative a few weeks ago.

It is no secret that Zirkzee is also Roma’s top target in attack for January and that the Red Devils would be open to discussing a loan deal with an obligation to buy for €35m.

Two other strikers on Milan’s agenda

According to Gazzetta, however, the Rossoneri would prefer a simple option to buy.

Technically, Milan are looking for a classic centre-forward, but Zirkzee would be an exception because of his technical skills and his knowledge of Serie A.

The pink paper adds that Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham and Mauro Icardi or Galatasaray are also on the Rossoneri’s agenda, but the club’s strategy in the winter transfer window will also depend on Santiago Gimenez, who is still unwilling to leave San Siro next month.

Former coach Fabio Capello is very critical of Juventus’ first-half performance despite a 2-0 win over Pafos: ‘They had luck on their side.’

Juventus secured their second win in the 2025-26 Champions League on Wednesday, beating Cypriot side Pafos 2-0 in Turin.

Weston McKennie and Jonathan David provided the goals for the Bianconeri in the second half, but the Serie A giants were lucky not to concede in the opening 45 minutes.

Capello: Lucky Juventus in 2-0 win over Pafos

“Juve won and that’s fine, but it’s definitely not the Juve we all know. They were flat,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia via Corriere dello Sport.

“The opponents created much more in the first half, and the Bianconeri had luck on their side. They had four huge chances. Then, in the second half and after some substitutions, Juventus managed to win but I repeat, I really didn’t like them in the first half.”

Spalletti comments on Juventus 2-0 Pafos

Safe to say that Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti agreed with Capello’s analysis as the Italian tactician admitted seeing “embarrassing things” from his players before the break.

Juventus sit 17th in the Champions League table with nine points in six matches and will meet Benfica and Monaco in the last two games of the league phase.

Both matches will be played in January 2026.

They’ll first host Benfica on the 21st and then visit Monaco on the 28th.

Scott McTominay gave José Mourinho his Napoli shirt after Benfica’s 2-0 Champions League win last night: ‘I benched Paul Pogba [at Manchester United], it’s the least he could do,’ said the Portuguese coach.

Benfica coach Mourinho reveals Napoli star McTominay, one of his former players at Manchester United, gifted him his Napoli shirt after last night’s Champions League encounter, won 2-0 by the Portuguese side.

What Mourinho said about McTominay

“I gave him his debut; I put Pogba on the bench for him. The least he could do was give me his shirt,” Mourinho said at a post-match press conference via TMW.

“He was sad because he had lost, but this is Scott; this is the nature of winning players. He spoke to me for five minutes, but he was down in the dumps. He’s very happy at Napoli; he’s having a good moment. We have a strong bond; he’ll still remember me when he’s 70.”

Mourinho mentioned McTominay even during his post-match interview with Prime Video Italia.

“I told the kids I introduced in the final minutes will be the next McTominay,” said the Portuguese.

“I had many in Rome, from Bove to Volpato and others. This kid, Neto, is 17, and I had to be the first one to play him because this guy will make history, trust me.”

McTominay’s Champions League debut under Mourinho

McTominay made his Champions League debut under Mourinho in 2017 in an away 1-0 win over Benfica.

The Scotland international made 31 appearances under the Special One at Manchester United.

Last night’s defeat in Lisbon leaves Napoli 23rd in the standings with seven points. Their last two games in the league phase will be against Copenhagen and Chelsea.

Napoli’s results have been much better in Serie A as they are the joint-table leaders with Milan, having won the last three matches.