The Viola are already planning for the future, as current coach Paolo Vanoli will not remain after this term, regardless of whether they secure Serie A status.
Tedesco latest target for Fiorentina
FREIBERG AM NECKAR, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Domenico Tedesco, Head of Belgium reacts during a public training session at Wasen-SportCentrum on June 13, 2024 in Freiberg am Neckar, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
New director Paratici has been tasked with finding the right man, and the latest candidate to be mentioned is Tedesco.
Although the 40-year-old is Italian, he moved to Germany at a young age and made his career there with Schalke 04, RB Leipzig, then had two years as coach of the Belgium national team from 2023 to 2025.
Fenerbahce appointed Tedesco on September 9, having sacked Jose Mourinho, and he has so far overseen 24 wins, 11 draws and five defeats for the club.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 8: Fabio Paratici of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Parma Calcio 1913 at Artemio Franchi on March 8, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Inter coach Cristian Chivu insists that ‘anything is still possible’ in the race for the title in Serie A: ‘We must not think about others’ mistakes, because they are beyond our control.’
Inter will visit Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi tomorrow.
They’ll travel to Tuscany without the injured Alessandro Bastoni, who is also in doubt for Italy’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland.
Fiorentina vs. Inter – Chivu’s pre-match press conference
Neither Chivu nor any Inter player spoke to the media last week after a controversial 1-1 draw against Atalanta.
“It was a decision we made together after what happened on the field. I prefer to always talk about football and not focus on things that could create excuses,” Chivu said via FCInter1908.
“We made some mistakes in that match from a technical and tactical standpoint. We’ve asked ourselves what could have been done better. We must not think about others’ mistakes, because they are beyond our control.
“We come from a week of work, we are ready to face tomorrow’s match.”
Napoli beat Cagliari on Friday, moving six points below Inter. The Nerazzurri have a game in hand, but do they feel the pressure from their rivals?
“Football is about pressure. The season is still long, and anything is possible,” Chivu, who will serve a one-game ban tomorrow, replied.
“We are aware of our journey, what we have achieved, and the ambitions of the other teams, who rightly believe they can compete until the end.
“There are 27 points at stake; in a three-point era, anything is possible. We focus on being competitive and on performing as well as we have so far. We must continue to focus on ourselves and give even greater consistency to our ambitions and our journey in the championship.”
Lautaro Martinez will miss tomorrow’s match due to an injury, while Ange-Yoan Bony is dealing with dental issues, and Marcus Thuram has gone over one month without scoring in Serie A.
“He [Thuram] and everyone else can do better, and they are aware of it,” Chivu said.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Inter Milano, looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“They are working every day to reach the team’s level in every way. I have no more advice to give at a time when every match becomes a final; everyone needs to take responsibility to be the best version of themselves.
“A thousand things are happening these days; you can’t mention them all. These are things that happen, and we are here to find solutions. He [Bonny] had a dental problem before the Atalanta match, and also this week. He will definitely fix them next week during the break.
“There’s a bit of everything; during a season, it’s normal to have moments that are less brilliant than usual. You have to look at what has been achieved as well. We see our improvement, and what we need to regain in terms of energy and ambition, without losing sight of the journey and the path. Nobody gives you anything; you have to go out and take everything for yourself.”
Dusan Vlahovic returns to the Juventus squad for the first time in nearly four months as the Serbia international is available for selection for tonight’s Serie A match against Sassuolo.
Juventus star Vlahovic is part of the Bianconeri’s squad list for their Serie A match against Sassuolo on Saturday.
Vlahovic has not made a competitive appearance for the Old Lady since November 29, when he was subbed off after less than 30 minutes of a home game against Cagliari. The Serbian was forced to undergo surgery at the start of Decemberto repair a tendon in the left adductor.
He’s not expected to start tonight, but he could make a substitute appearance, giving Luciano Spalletti a much-needed boost for the final part of the season, during which the Old Lady will push to snatch a top-four finish.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus takes a shot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Vlahovic has scored two goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season.
VILLARREAL, SPAIN – OCTOBER 01: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Villarreal CF and Juventus at Estadio de la Ceramica on October 01, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Juventus squad list vs. Cagliari
I convocati da mister Spalletti per la gara all’Allianz Stadium di questa sera #JuveSassuolo
Reports in Italy claim that the MRI scan Rafael Leao underwent on Saturday has ruled out a muscle lesion for the Portuguese striker, who, however, will still miss today’s Serie A match against Torino.
Milan star Leao will miss today’s home Serie A game against Torino due to a muscle injury, but this morning’s medical examinations confirmed that the 26-year-old has no serious damage.
Milan: Latest Leao injury updates
According to TMW, Leao will travel to Portugal in the coming hours to be examined by his national team’s doctors as well.
The Portugal national team will face Mexico and the USMNT during the March break.
Milan host Torino at San Siro later today with kick-off time at 18:00 CET.
According to several sources, the Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri will pick Niclas Fullkrug to replace the injured Leao.
The Rossoneri sit third in the Serie A table following Napoli’s 1-0 win over Cagliari on Friday, but they will overtake the Partenopei if they beat the Granata today.
Scott McTominay says he’s done ‘a lot of work in the gym’ to recover from a hamstring injury and insists Napoli will focus on one game at a time: ‘You can never predict football.’
McTominay was the match-winner and the best player on the field in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Cagliari on Friday.
The victory allowed the Partenopei to move second in the standings, but Milan and table leaders Inter have a game in hand.
“I’ve obviously had an issue with the hamstring tendon that needs managing. I’ve been doing a lot of work in the gym to get back to a high level and playing games regularly again,” McTominay told BBC Alba.
“I am a terrible watcher. No footballer wants to be injured – it’s the worst thing in the world.”
McTominay returned to action last week after missing the previous four Serie A matches.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Scott Francis Mctominay of Napoli celebrates his goal 0-1 with the team-mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“They make it really difficult; they are very compact. Having Kevin [De Bruyne] back is a huge plus, like Frank [Anguissa]. After the international break, we’ll try to push forward.”
After the break, the Partenopei will host Milan at the Stadio Maradona.
“Those are the games you want to play as a footballer. Great games. We just want to continue,” said the Scotland star.
“You can never predict football. It’s extremely difficult to judge where you’re going to be. You can just go one game at a time, and you’ll be in a good spot.”
McTominay will now join the Scotland national team for international friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast.
“I can’t wait. I’ve not seen many of the players since November – I’ve not been home since November. I’m looking forward to seeing friends and my family,” McTominay concluded.
“To see the boys and prepare for a great summer coming up is something that we’re really looking forward to.”
The former Manchester United star has now scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.
“To see the boys and prepare for a great summer coming up is something that we’re really looking forward to.”
Fhuair sinn facal le Sàr-chluicheadair a’ gheam, Scott McTominay.
The Scotland international scored the winner for the Partenopei at the Unipol Domus yesterday, helping his side move to the second position in the standings.
There was a hilarious moment during his post-match interview with DAZN when the Scotsman said he’d conduct it in Italian but initially started speaking in English.
When the interviewer noted he was speaking in his mother tongue, McTominay quickly switched to Italian.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Scott Francis Mctominay of Napoli kicks the ball under pressure during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
McTominay’s post-match quotes in Italian after Cagliari 0-1 Napoli
“Kevin [De Bruyne] is a good player,” McTominay said.
“It’s easy for me to play with Kevin, so for me today it’s great to have beaten a great team like Cagliari at home.”
Juventus will look to Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga for a home Serie A match against Sassuolo, who have been hit by a whooping cough outbreakthis week.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Emil Holm is still unavailable for the Bianconeri, while Dusan Vlahovic is still in doubt, and even if he’s available for selection, he’ll start on the bench.
As reported by several Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is expected to pick the same XI that beat Udinese last week, with Kenan Yildiz playing as a false nine and Boga in the left winger position.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Andrea Cambiaso and Kenan Yildiz during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Sassuolo are dealing with a selection crisis as they confirmed a case of whooping cough on Friday and five other team members with symptoms consistent with the disease.
The club, however, have not named those affected by the disease, so their available players will only be known when the teams are announced an hour before kick-off.
As reported by SassuoloNews, the likes of Domenico Berardi, Andrea Pinamonti, and Sebastian Walukiewicz will surely be part of the team and are expected to start.
Cristian Volpato, Luca Moro, Edoardo Iannoni, Pedro Felipe, Aro Muric, Giacomo Satalino, Gioele Zacchi and Cristian Frangella are also expected to be available.
Juventus vs. Sassuolo – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at San Siro.
The Rossoneri must cope without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Matteo Gabbia and Rafael Leao, while Torino have travelled to Milan without Zakaria Aboukhlal and Alieu Njie.
According to various sources, including Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia, West Ham loanee Niclas Fullkrug will replace Leao in Milan’s attack, joining Pulisic.
Adrien Rabiot returns after a one-game ban, and Youssouf Fofana is expected to start over Samuele Ricci in central midfield.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Niclas Fullkrug of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Scotland international Ché Adams will lead the Torino attack alongside Giovanni Simeone.
Following Napoli’s 1-0 win over Cagliari on Friday, Milan now sit third in the Serie A table, two points below the Partenopei but with a game in hand.
Milan vs. Torino – 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 provide live updates via a live blog.
Milan vs. Torino – probable line-ups
Milan (3-5-2):Maignan, Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Fullkrug, Pulisic.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed our recent report on Joshua Zirkzee wanting out of Manchester United in the upcoming summer transfer window.
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The Netherlands international has struggled since joining Man Utd from Bologna, and it now seems he could look for a return to Serie A.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that Zirkzee would “welcome” a transfer away from Old Trafford this summer, with a return to Italy mentioned as a possibility.
This is similar to our info from a few days ago as we reported Zirkzee wants to leave United and ideally return to Serie A even though he has also had some interest from Premier League clubs.
Joshua Zirkzee transfer update from Fabrizio Romano
“I can guarantee to you guys that the desire of Joshua Zirkzee is to change in the summer transfer window,” Romano said.
“Zirkzee would welcome a transfer out of Manchester United.”
He added: “In the summer he’s expected to leave and there is interest from Premier League. There are some Premier League clubs already calling to understand if there is a chance to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the summer transfer window, but also Italian clubs.
“Italian clubs have always been around for Zirkzee. In January Roma had been pushing, Juventus were keen as well. Now more clubs also joining the race.
“Joshua Zirkzee is absolutely one to watch for the summer transfer window and could leave Manchester United.”
Manchester United need to move Joshua Zirkzee on
It’s clear that it just hasn’t worked out for Zirkzee at United and it looks like the right decision to move him on this summer.
The 24-year-old may well go on to have a fine career in Italian football, but he hasn’t looked cut out for the fast and physical nature of the English game.
Some MUFC fans will be disappointed that this deal didn’t work out as Zirkzee looked like an exciting prospect when he joined, but he has unfortunately gone on to become the latest in a long line of flops signed in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
It will be interesting to see who United move for as a replacement in attack this summer, with more depth surely needed if Zirkzee ends up leaving.
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s second-half header proved decisive as Udinese claimed a hard-fought victory at Genoa, moving above Sassuolo into tenth place in Serie A, before an injury-time goal from Keinan Davis sealed the three points.
It was a match of few clear-cut chances and considerable frustration for the home side, who will feel they did enough to earn at least a point.
Lorenzo Colombo struck the crossbar in the first half, Ruslan Malinovskyi did the same from a free kick shortly after, and a penalty appeared to have been awarded in the second half only for VAR to intervene and rule it out, a decision that proved costly.
The first goal of the game arrived on 66 minutes when Nicolo Zaniolo, making his presence felt on his return to the Luigi Ferraris (where he spent two years as a youth player), floated a clever lofted pass into the box for Ekkelenkamp, who met it with a composed header into the middle of the goal.
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 20: Jurgen Ekkelenkamp of Udinese Calcio celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Nicolo Zaniolo and Jesper Karlstroem during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Udinese Calcio at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Genoa 0-2 Udinese – Huge win for visitors sees them rise to 10th
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was otherwise rarely troubled throughout, making comfortable saves when called upon as Genoa’s attacking efforts lacked the precision to genuinely threaten.
Udinese put the game to bed deep into stoppage time, when Keinan Davis found the back of the net on the counter.
The three points move Kosta Runjaic’s side onto 40 points, one behind ninth-placed Lazio and eight adrift of seventh-placed Atalanta.
European qualification remains a distant prospect given the clubs between them, but it has not yet been ruled out mathematically, and this victory will do nothing to dampen growing optimism around a Udinese side quietly building momentum in the second half of the season.
For Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa, the defeat is a more pressing concern. They remain in 14th and with several relegation rivals yet to play this weekend, the gap above the bottom three could shrink before Sunday is out.
Antonio Conte says that Napoli have ‘put a bit of pressure on the teams at the top’ after their 1-0 victory away against Cagliari in Serie A on Friday evening, their fourth win in as many matches, which has temporarily sent them above Milan and into second place in the league table.
A goal from Scott McTominay after just over a minute was enough for the Partenopei to hold onto at the Unipol Domus, as Conte’s side prevented their hosts from having any shots on target across the 90 minutes.
This was also the first clean sheet that Napoli have managed to keep in 11 matches.
Conte reviews Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Cagliari: ‘Nobody should stop us from looking ahead’
Despite their victory, Conte feels that there is still room for improvement in terms of Napoli’s performance. He feels that getting key players like McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka back to ‘100%’ will be key, though.
“We made too many mistakes. We could have done better and commanded the game more given that Cagliari didn’t come to press,” Conte told DAZN after full-time.
“We looked for the second goal in the second half, anything can happen in these sorts of games. Now we go into the (international) break with three points, waiting on the others.
“Three points further into the Champions League spots, we’ve been extraordinary over the last seven months to stay in the top positions. We’re looking at those in front of us, but we’re not making any empty promises. It doesn’t take much to get dragged back by those behind us.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Scott Francis Mctominay of Napoli scores his goal 0-1 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Before Friday, Napoli had not kept a clean sheet in any competition since their 2-0 win away against Lazio on January 4, their first game of the calendar year.
“It’s important to record a clean sheet after 11 games,” said Conte. “Cagliari didn’t have a shot on goal today. Being able to defend well requires everyone. There was great application and desire. The guys understood the importance of the match, even if we struggled to materialise that.”
Napoli’s defence of their 2024-25 Scudetto was completely obliterated by injuries. At certain stages, Conte had a full starting XI unavailable through injury. But, today, De Bruyne and McTominay were able to start alongside each other for the first time in almost five months, dating back to a 3-1 win over Inter back in October .
“Obviously having some players back is important, but what counts is them being at 100%,” Conte explained.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Scott Francis Mctominay of Napoli celebrates his goal 0-1 with the team-mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“Anguissa and McTominay aren’t ‘brilliant’ again yet, Kevin (De Bruyne) I thought was doing well. Lobotka struggled a little bit more, and we still have to get Rrahmani and Di Lorenzo back. Neres is difficult, I think.
“We’ve held our own over the last seven months, now we have to qualify for the Champions League, but we know that other teams want that too. Nobody should stop us from looking ahead. Today we’ve put a bit of pressure on the teams at the top.”
Gerry Cardinale has outlined an ambitious vision for Italian football, expressing his desire to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to build a joint plan for revitalising Serie A, while also revealing the considerable frustrations he has encountered in trying to build a new stadium in Italy compared to his native United States.
Speaking to the Financial Times over lunch at Milanello, just days before Milan’s derby victory over Inter, the RedBird Capital founder and Milan owner was candid about the cultural and political barriers he has faced since acquiring the club.
“Here there are linguistic, political and cultural barriers. I am building a stadium and I want it to be an Italian product, Italian banks financing it, Italian companies competing for naming rights, Italian commerce and hospitality surrounding it. In the States I could do it without thinking. Here it is not my ecosystem.”
epa10157496 AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale (R) before the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and FC Inter Milan at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 03 September 2022. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI
Milan owner Cardinale: ‘Let’s make Serie A one of Italy’s greatest exports’
Despite those frustrations, Cardinale’s long-term ambition for the club and for Italian football more broadly remains undimmed.
“I would like to reach the point where, if I have built enough credibility, I can go to Rome, sit down with Meloni or whoever else, and say: let’s build a plan to relaunch Serie A,” he said.
“Let’s make Serie A one of Italy’s greatest exports.”
It is a bold and genuinely exciting vision, and one that, if realised, could have profound implications for Italian football’s standing.
Football Italia’s Man of the Match was McTominay, for his early winner and hard-working performance throughout.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Scott Francis Mctominay celebrates his goal 0-1 with the team-mates during the Serie A match at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Best Cagliari player: Yerry Mina – Still an average night at the office for the menacing centre-back, but did a good enough to job to keep Napoli at bay for lengths of the match.
Lowest Cagliari rating: Juan Rodriguez – Really struggled to have any impact whatsoever on the left flank and was as worrying in defence as he was going forwards.
Coach: Fabio Pisacane 6 – Gave it a good go and set up his team fairly well to nullify Napoli’s threat. Was unlucky to get caught out early as the team looked solid for most of the match.
Best Napoli player: Scott McTominay – Scored the decisive goal and worked hard throughout the ninety minutes. Hardly a show-stopping performance but was the best amongst a very modestly performing Napoli side.
Lowest Napoli rating: Mathias Olivera – Played at centre-back, outside of his natural positioning, and struggled as a result. Made a couple of sloppy fouls, picked up a yellow card and overall contributed nothing of particular value to his team’s victory.
Coach: Antonio Conte 6.5 – Marginally better than his counterpart, and picked up the three points accordingly. His side did not inspire with their victory but the coach will be delighted to come away with the three points.
An early strike from Scott McTominay was enough for Napoli to hold onto as Antonio Conte and his team picked up a 1-0 victory away against Cagliari in Serie A on Friday evening; their fourth win on the spin and a result that has sent them into second place in the league table.
McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne were able to start alongside each other for the first time in almost five months, dating back to a 3-1 victory over league leaders Inter in October. The 15th-placed Cagliari boasted two recently called-up Italy internationals in Elia Caprile and Marco Palestra. Napoli had four in their camp: Alex Meret, Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola and Matteo Politano.
Antonio Conte’s side had won all three of their previous Serie A matches heading into tonight’s game, all by 2-1 margins, while the hosts were without a win across their last six.
It took just over 60 seconds for McTominay to find the net on his return to the starting line-up. The Scotland international got his side ahead from the first corner of the game, which went short to Politano and pinballed around the area before the Scotland international managed to tap in on the goalline.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Scott Francis Mctominay of Napoli scores his goal 0-1 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
From there, the first half became a fairly evenly contested, albeit slightly scrappy affair. Conte was twice visibly annoyed by misplaced passes from Buongiorno and Gilmour out of the back, giving possession away far too cheaply.
Napoli’s only other shot on target of the first half came from a fairly tame Politano free-kick, while Cagliari came closest through Sebastiano Esposito, who flashed an effort across the face of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s goal from a tight angle.
De Bruyne almost got the better of Caprile with a low, driven effort from the edge of the area, but the recently called-up Italy international was able to parry and his defenders were able to clear in the end.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Alberto Dossena of Cagliari and Rasmus Højlund of Napoli fight for the ball during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Napoli saw a glimpse of what their star players are capable of when McTominay, De Bruyne and Politano linked up with some beautiful one-touch play in the Cagliari area, but Caprile did well to smother his compatriot when he found himself on the edge of the six-yard box.
Cagliari have not won any of their games this season when they have been trailing half-way, and that proved to be the case again despite their best efforts on Friday evening.
Fabio Piscane’s winless run has now been extended to seven matches, with just two points earned over that period, while Conte and his team have now won four in a row and currently find themselves in second place in the league table with Milan due to play on Saturday.
Cagliari 0-1 Napoli
McTominay 2’
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 20: Scott Francis Mctominay of Napoli celebrates his goal 0-1 with the team-mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Genoa come into the game with three wins from their last five games, as Daniele De Rossi continues to make his mark on the Rossoblu club.
Udinese, meanwhile, have won just one of their last five games and will be looking to recover their form this evening.
Currently, the Bianconeri sit in 11th place in Serie A, whilst tonight’s hosts sit in 13th – and therefore a win for the home side could see them leapfrog their opposition.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Coach Daniele De Rossi reacts during the Serie A match at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 15, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The Portuguese winger will undergo further assessment on Saturday to determine the full extent of the muscular problem, with the club keen to establish how long he is likely to be sidelined before making any further announcements, according to reports via FCInter1908.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Niclas Fullkrug of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan team news: Fullkrug to start alongside Pulisic in Leao absence
In his absence, Niklas Füllkrug is expected to be handed a starting role alongside Christian Pulisic, with the German striker likely to lead the line as Massimiliano Allegri looks to reshuffle his attacking options.
It is a significant blow for Milan at a crucial stage of the season, with the title race against Inter still just about alive and every point now carrying enormous weight.
Leao has been one of Milan’s most important players this season and his absence will be felt, though the hope within the club is that the injury is not serious enough to keep him out for an extended period.
Luciano Spalletti held his pre-match press conference ahead of Juventus’ Serie A clash with Sassuolo, addressing a number of pressing topics including Dusan Vlahovic’s potential return, his own contract situation and the race for Champions League qualification with eight games remaining.
On Vlahovic, Spalletti was deliberately coy, directing reporters to the official squad list for confirmation.
“There are a couple of players with some discomfort to assess, we will have the final picture by tomorrow morning,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Serbian striker has been absent through injury and his return would be a timely boost for a side still pushing hard for a top-four finish.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Juventus coach Spalletti plays up renewal talks
Spalletti was more forthcoming on the subject of his own renewal, suggesting the international break provided an ideal window for productive discussions with the club.
“It seems like a correct moment, there is less stress and the necessary time,” he said. “On my part there is complete availability to hear what the club wants to say to me.”
He was careful, however, not to discuss potential signings, joking that talking about players he might want to bring in while his own contract is unsigned would make him “feel like an idiot.”
The Juventus coach also delivered a passionate defence of his squad’s motivation, dismissing any suggestion that missing the Champions League would be straightforward to absorb.
“Pressure is a privilege that belongs only to those who have a history to honour,” he said. “Our fans travelled to Bodo, overcoming all the costs and difficulties just to be there. We owe them everything.”
On the number nine debate that has followed Juventus all season, Spalletti was characteristically direct.
“It is the moment, the episodic decisions inside a game, that decides things, not a profile. We are not inferior to Galatasaray. The red cards decided that tie, not the level of football.”
Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne finally start alongside each other in the Napoli midfield again as Antonio Conte’s side prepare to take on Cagliari away from home in Serie A on Friday evening.
Napoli have won their last three matches in succession heading into Friday night’s tie, all by 2-1 margins against Hellas Verona, Torino and Lecce.
Their run of form has brought them within one point of the second-placed Milan, and Antonio Conte’s side will overtake the Rossoneri with a victory this evening.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Antonio Conte before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Cagliari, meanwhile, are without a win since the end of January, when they beat Verona 4-0, and have only picked up two points from their last six matches since then. They are currently in 15th place, six points above the relegation zone.
Napoli are without Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Antonio Vergara and David Neres through injury, but Conte’s ‘fab 4’ of Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa are finally all back and available for selection.
McTominay, De Bruyne, Lobotka and Billy Gilmour are the chosen starters in midfield, supporting Rasmus Hojlund in the lone centre-forward role. Anguissa starts among the substitutes.
Tonight’s game involves six players who have been called up to Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy national team squad for the World Cup play-offs coming up at the end of the month. Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Marco Palestra are among the national team inclusions, as well as Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola, Matteo Politano and Alex Meret from the Napoli camp.
Kick-off this evening is due at 17.30 GMT.
Cagliari vs. Napoli: Confirmed line-ups
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund celebrate after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Newcastle United want to sign Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window, according to Sports Boom. The report has claimed that the Magpies have identified the Italy international midfielder as a replacement for Sandro Tonali. Tonali was linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window. Arsenal remain keen on […]
English prospect Jonathan Rowe has become an increasingly key figure for Bologna, particularly in the Europa League, as the Rossoblu prepare to face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.
The England U21 European champion only started four Serie A matches in the first half of the campaign, spending six of the opening 17 league games entirely on the bench.
However, it was only a matter of time before the Englishman showed his ability on the field.
The new year started with an assist in a home 2-1 loss against Fiorentina on January 18. A few days later, he scored his first goal for the Rossoblu in a 2-2 home draw against Celtic in the Europa League.
Since then, Rowe has started four Europa League games out of five and six of the last eight league matches
After a very quiet start to the season, Rowe has grabbed five goals and four assists across all competitions for Bologna, all in 2026.
The product of the AFC Wembley academy has been particularly efficient in the Europa League, with three goals and two assists in 10 games this term.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rowe’s performances have contributed to Bologna’s historic qualification for the Europa League quarter-finals, where they’ll meet Aston Villa.
These two sides have already met twice in the last two seasons, both times in Birmingham.
Aston Villa secured a 2-0 win in the Champions League group stage in October 2024, followed by a 1-0 victory in this season’s Europa League group stage in September 2025.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri warns that Italy should ‘not imitate other countries’ and insists that youth sectors must be ‘fixed’ as only two Serie A sides remain in European competitions this season.
Bologna and Fiorentina are the only two Serie A representatives left in European competitions this term.
The Rossoblu have qualified for the Europa League quarter-finals, eliminating Roma, while Fiorentina have earned access to the Conference League quarter-finals.
During a pre-match press conference today, Allegri was asked his thoughts on the state of Italian football.
“I’m just talking, not explaining, because I don’t explain anything and I don’t have the truth. We shouldn’t denigrate Italian football,” the Milan coach said via SempreMilan.
“We have those characteristics; they’re part of the history of the Italian people, dating back to the Middle Ages and the defence of the forts. Now everyone’s talking.
“The speed of passing is certainly different and depends on the players. Why are games faster in Europe? First of all, because you either win or lose. The English league is completely different, not better or worse. When they say that in Italy the game stagnates and there’s less space, let’s look at the positive: it’s harder to score goals,” Allegri continued.
Allegri: Italy need to ‘fix the youth sectors’
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We were born and raised like this, and we’ve evolved. We shouldn’t go imitating other countries with different cultures. The history varies from club to club. We need to fix the youth sectors and find different formulas. But don’t talk, we need to do! And make decisions. I’ll end now, otherwise I’ll become polemical. I think numbers should be shown for all the youth sectors.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Massimiliano Allegri Head Coach of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“These numbers should be brought out. We need to worry because so many kids who play football stop playing early and switch to tennis. To get to the Sinners, there’s a lot of work behind it. You have to be careful. Those who understand the youth sector just need to make some reforms.”
Reports in Italy suggest that Roma will have to pay a compensation fee to Bayern Munich if they fail to make Bryan Zaragoza’s move permanent at the end of the season.
Zaragoza’s future at Roma remains uncertain, as the Spaniard has played only 135 minutes with the Giallorossi since his initial loan move from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.
How much must Roma pay if Zaragoza returns to Bayern?
The 24-year-old moved to the Stadio Olímpico via Celta Vigo, where he had spent the first half of the campaign.
Roma have already paid €2m for the player’s six-month loan, and their option to buy in the summer is set to €13m.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato.com and Roma expert Filippo Biafora, the agreement between Roma and Bayern Munich includes a €500,000 compensation fee that the Giallorossi will have to pay if they fail to sign the Spaniard permanently at the end of the season.
VIGO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 23: Bryan Zaragoza of RC Celta de Vigo warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Club Celta and OGC Nice at Estadio Abanca Balaidos on October 23, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Zaragoza has made four Serie A appearances with Roma, two as a starter, providing one assist.
Newcastle United want to sign Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window, according to Sports Boom. The report has claimed that the Magpies have identified the Italy international midfielder as a replacement for Sandro Tonali. Tonali was linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window. Arsenal remain keen on […]
Massimiliano Allegri urges Milan to ‘wake up’ after a 1-0 loss against Lazio and reveals Santiago Gimenez will be available for selection for Saturday’s match against Torino.
Milan host Torino at San Siro tomorrow, and the Rossoneri will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Lazio last week.
Milan vs. Torino – Allegri’s pre-match press conference
“These things happen during a season where points count,” Allegri said at a press conference via SempreMilan.
“The only thing we can do is stay calm. We have an important match tomorrow before the break. It’s difficult because Torino has been getting good results since D’Aversa arrived. Let’s forget about what happened; we need to focus on tomorrow. Gimenez is fine; he’ll be called up tomorrow.”
Mexico international Gimenez underwent ankle surgery in December and has not made a competitive appearance for Milan since the end of October 2025.
The 24-year-old has only scored one goal in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, but none in Serie A.
Allegri was asked whether the title race is already over, as the Rossoneri sit second, eight points behind leaders Inter.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Massimiliano Allegri manager of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Football is wonderful for this reason. Everyone thought Inter had dropped two points, but instead… They have their destiny in their hands for the Scudetto; we have it for the Champions League,” the Milan coach replied.
“We have to focus on one game at a time. Then, when the math says that Inter has won the Scudetto and that Milan is in the Champions League, then we won’t be able to win the Scudetto and we won’t be able to exit the Champions League.”
“As for the Leao-Pulisic duo, they’ve had a season with injuries. One missed pre-season, the other had a good pre-season, and then was out for two months. Now it’s important to do well in the last two months,” Allegri said.
“Pulisic is doing well; in terms of physical condition, he put in a good performance in Rome. He lacks accuracy in his shots, but he’ll find it again. Rafa has nine goals; he still has some games to go, and he can reach double figures.
“But now we have everyone available; to play, we need to wake up. Everyone.
“Whoever has the ball has to see who’s unmarked. He didn’t pass that ball to him because he didn’t see it. But it’s happened other times, too,” Allegri continued.
“The difference in football is the choice of the final pass. With Leao I said: ‘He didn’t see you, otherwise he would have passed it to you.’ It didn’t take much.”
Aside from Gimenez, Niclas Fullkrug is the other Milan centre-forward available for Milan against Torino.
“There are post-match solutions when needed. Gimenez hasn’t been available so far and hasn’t got match rhythm. In fact, during the break, we’ll see if we can organise one. If you need someone with those characteristics with 20 minutes to go, you only have one,” Allegri said.
“So you either have to play him from the start or until the end. Everyone’s fine, everyone’s needed. From now until the end, having five forwards available is very important.
“Leao can easily play as a centre-forward, just look at his moves on Sunday against Inter and Cremona with those deep attacks,” continued the Milan coach.
“When he opens up, he feels a little more comfortable, but when he goes wide, if he doesn’t get the ball, he loses his grip on the game a bit…
“We need to improve the understanding between the players. Pulisic and Leao haven’t played together much in those positions, but so have the others. However, there have been some excellent combinations, like Fullkrug and Pulisic in Florence.
“On Sunday, however, Pulisic didn’t show any signs of being there; that can happen in football.”
Sassuolo revealed on the eve of their Serie A clash with Juventus that they had notified Lega Serie A of a confirmed case of whooping cough in the squad, along with five additional team members showing ‘symptoms consistent with the disease.’
A whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak has hit the Sassuolo squad days before their Serie A match against Juventus.
Sassuolo’s statement after case of whooping cough identified
The Neroverdi wrote in an official statement on Friday: “Sassuolo announce that, following several tests carried out in recent days, one case of whooping cough has been identified, along with five cases showing symptoms consistent with the disease within the team group.
“Individuals presenting symptoms are currently in isolation and have been under constant monitoring by the club’s medical staff for the past three days. The staff is applying all procedures required by current health protocols in coordination with the health authorities. It is also noted that all asymptomatic members of the group have promptly undergone specific prophylactic measures.
“The club has already informed the Lega Serie A of the current situation and will continue to closely monitor developments, adopting all necessary measures to safeguard the health of its players and staff.”
Sassuolo play away at Juventus on Saturday night, and according to Italian sources, including TMW, the game is not at risk of being postponed.
The identities of the Sassuolo player diagnosed with pertussis and those with symptoms remain unknown.
Sassuolo have lost their last two Serie A matches, but sit tenth in the standings with 38 points in 29 matches.
Juventus sit fifth with two consecutive wins in Serie A. Luciano Spalletti’s men are unbeaten in the last three league games and are one point below fourth-placed Como.
Juventus and Sassuolo met not long ago in the reverse fixture on January 6, seeing the Bianconeri secure a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Barcelona have turned down an offer from AC Milan for Gerard Martin, according to El Nacional. The Italian giants have made an offer of €20 million for the 24-year-old Spanish defender, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are against a sale. The report has noted: ‘Gerard has exhibited an incredible regularity, which […]
Barcelona are interested in signing a new central defender in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck and Aston Villa ace Pau Torres are the two alternatives to Barcelona if they are unable to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. The report has claimed: ‘As reliable alternatives, the sports department […]
Barcelona have turned down an offer from AC Milan for Gerard Martin, according to El Nacional. The Italian giants have made an offer of €20 million for the 24-year-old Spanish defender, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are against a sale. The report has noted: ‘Gerard has exhibited an incredible regularity, which […]
Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to start for Napoli in an away game at Cagliari today, and Corriere dello Sport describes the new Partenopei attacking trio as ‘made in Manchester.’
Napoli coach Antonio Conte will field an unprecedented attacking trio for a Serie A match against Cagliari today, as the Italian tactician is expected to start De Bruyne, McTominay and Hojlund up front at the Unipol Domus Arena.
The trio started several matches in the first part of the season before De Bruyne’s muscle injury in October, but back then, the Belgian ace was deployed as a central midfielder and McTominay as a left winger.
Napoli’s system in the first months of 2025-26 was 4-2-3-1, but Conte has long changed the team’s set-up using a 3-4-2-1 for the last few months.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
With De Bruyne back in action since the beginning of March, Conte has integrated the ex-Manchester City star into his new system, and later today, De Bruyne will start as an attacking midfielder alongside McTominay, behind the sole striker Hojlund.
De Bruyne has not started a Serie A match for Napoli since October 25, 2025, when he suffered a high-degree injury after less than 40 minutes in a home match against Inter.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli and teammate Scott McTominay pose for a photo at full-time following their victory in the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer, while both McTominay and Hojlund moved to the Stadio Maradona from Manchester United.
McTominay is in his second season at Napoli, while Hojlund joined the Serie A giants last summer, on loan with an obligation to buy.
La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms Piero Ausilio’s trip to London to hold talks with Guglielmo Vicario’s agent, but, according to the report, the Inter director also explored moves for other targets.
Inter sporting director Ausilio travelled to London earlier this week to continue negotiations for Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Vicario, who has emerged as the Nerazzurri’s top goalkeeping target for next season.
Latest Inter transfer updates: Vicario, Gimenez, Goretzka
According to Gazzetta, Ausilio made the trip with Dario Baccin, another Inter director, and watched Wednesday’s Champions League match between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, accompanied by Vicario’s agent, Gabriele Giuffrida.
On Tuesday, Baccin and Ausilio were at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea-PSG.
Vicario’s agent and Inter directors are already on good terms, and the Italian keeper is very much open to moving to San Siro in the summer.
According to Gazzetta, Inter see him as the ideal replacement for Yann Sommer, particularly in terms of value for money.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin have also been considered by the Serie A table leaders, but Vicario is by far their favourite target, being available for barely €20m.
Gazzetta claims that Ausilio also used his trip to London to gather information about other potential targets.
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale is challenged by José Maria Gimenez of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
One of them is Atletico Madrid’s José Maria Gimenez, who might be allowed to leave the Colchoneros for free at the end of the season, despite a contract expiring in June 2028.
Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is another potential target for Inter as the Germany international has been offered to all top Serie A clubs after deciding not to extend his expiring contract with the Bavarians.
Barcelona are interested in signing a new central defender in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck and Aston Villa ace Pau Torres are the two alternatives to Barcelona if they are unable to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. The report has claimed: ‘As reliable alternatives, the sports department […]
Barcelona want to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. Bastoni is one of the best central defenders in the world, and there is a chance that the Italy international could leave Inter at the end of the season. The report has noted: ‘The main target to strengthen […]
Barcelona want to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. Bastoni is one of the best central defenders in the world, and there is a chance that the Italy international could leave Inter at the end of the season. The report has noted: ‘The main target to strengthen […]
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are ready to offer a three-year contract to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva and a salary of at least €7m per season.
Juventus are ready to send their offer to Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, who is available on a free transfer as his contract runs out this coming June.
Juventus prepare offer for Bernardo Silva
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Serie A giants have already informed the midfielder’s agent, Jorge Mendes, that they are ready to offer the Portugal international a three-year deal with an option for a further campaign.
Gazzetta highlights that the proposed contract length is not entirely in line with the club’s policy regarding over-30 players, but Juventus are happy to make an exception given the player’s quality and experience.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on August 16, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Negotiations over Bernardo Silva’s salary will begin shortly, but Juventus are prepared to offer wages between €7m and €8m per season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Gazzetta confirms that Bernardo Silva has attracted interest from other clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Miami and Galatasaray, but the Portugal international won’t make a decision on his next club before May.
Stanislav Lobotka is expected to return to Napoli‘s starting XI for an away game at Cagliari today, while Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne will play behind Rasmus Hojlund.
It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT), and it’s the opening game of Serie A Round 30.
The Partenopei must cope without Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Antonio Vergara and David Neres, but De Bruyne is fit to start.
According to several sources, including Gazzetta, Sky, and Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian star will get the nod as an attacking midfielder alongside McTominay, behind the sole striker Hojlund.
Lobotka is back from an injury and will join Billy Gilmour in central midfield, with Zambo Anguissa initially on the bench.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Cagliari are without the suspended Adam Obert and the injured Andrea Belotti, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Riyad Idrissi.
Coach Fabio Pisacane will likely pick just one centre forward, Sebastiano Esposito, who returns from a one-game ban, leaving Semih Kılıçsoy on the bench.
Cagliari vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast on DAZN and the BBC iPlayer in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Giuseppe Marotta has acknowledged the growing pressure of Milan’s pursuit in the Serie A title race while insisting Inter remain fully confident of holding on to claim the Scudetto.
Speaking via video link at the Motore Italia event in Milan, with quotes via FCInter1908, the Inter president used a vivid metaphor to describe his club’s position at the top of the table.
“We are the hare that has to be stopped, it is the most difficult position to be in,” he said, when asked whether he felt Milan breathing down his neck.
“It is easier to be the hunter. But we are competitive and convinced we can do it. I want to transmit optimism to the squad and to our supporters.”
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Marotta calm as Inter look to wrap up Scudetto title
The comments come at a pivotal stage of the season, with Milan having closed the gap following their derby victory and now applying genuine pressure on Cristian Chivu’s side in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Marotta’s measured but confident tone suggests there is no panic at Viale della Liberazione, though the acknowledgement that leading from the front carries its own unique pressures was notably candid for a club president.
Marotta also touched briefly on the long-running new stadium project, describing it as a necessity for both Inter and Milan to meet international standards.
“It means creating employment, wellbeing and commercial activity,” he said. “Sport is an asset for our nation just like tourism, we must also thank the Olympic machinery for what it has generated.”
According to Calciomercato.com, the Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio has travelled to London to hold talks with the Tottenham star.
Spurs are fighting for Premier League survival, and Vicario is eager to return to Serie A next season.
Calciomercato.com confirms that the Italy international has already given the green light to a move to Inter.
With Yann Sommer’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Nerazzurri are already preparing to sign a new goalkeeper, and preliminary talks with Vicario’s entourage began some weeks ago.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
According to several sources, Tottenham will likely demand a fee between €15m and €20m for Vicario, but if Spurs are relegated to the Championship, their asking price will drop further.
BILBAO, SPAIN – MAY 21: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Vicario has conceded 165 goals in 115 games with Tottenham, but won the Europa League with the Premier League club last season.
AIA has officially announced the referees for Serie A Week 30, including the Milan-Torino and Fiorentina-Inter matches.
Serie A Week 30 begins on Friday with Cagliari-Napoli and Genoa-Udinese.
The Partenopei’s away game in Sardinia will be overseen by Maurizio Mariani.
Milan’s home game against Torino on Saturday will be overseen by Francesco Fourneau, while Andrea Colombo has been appointed for Fiorentina-Inter on Sunday night.
Below are all the referees, assistants and VAR appointed for the next Serie A Round.
Serie A Week 30 referees
CAGLIARI – NAPOLI Friday 20/03 h 18:30 (CET)
MARIANI
BINDONI – TEGONI
IV: PERRI
VAR: MARINI
AVAR: SERRA
GENOA – UDINESE Friday 20/03 h. 20:45
COLLU
PERETTI – BIFFI
IV: TURRINI
VAR: AURELIANO
AVAR: PEZZUTO
PARMA – CREMONESE Saturday 21/03 h. 15:00
FABBRI
CIPRESSA – YOSHIKAWA
IV: GALIPO’
VAR: PATERNA
AVAR: DI BELLO
MILAN – TORINO Saturday 21/03 h. 18:00
FOURNEAU
ROSSI M. – MORO
IV: DOVERI
VAR: NASCA
AVAR: MARESCA
JUVENTUS – SASSUOLO Saturday 21/03 h. 20:45
MARCHETTI
COSTANZO – BIANCHINI
IV: ALLEGRETTA
VAR: ABISSO
AVAR: CAMPLONE
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 30: Matteo Marchetti referee gestures during the Serie A match between Empoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 30, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
COMO – PISA Sunday, 22/03 h. 12:30
PAIRETTO
MASTRODONATO – FONTEMURATO
IV: MUCERA
VAR: MERAVIGLIA
AVAR: DI BELLO
ATALANTA – H. VERONA Sunday, 22/03 h. 15:00
AYROLDI
BERCIGLI – FONTANI
IV: CREZZINI
VAR: MAGGIONI
AVAR: LA PENNA
BOLOGNA – LAZIO Sunday, 22/03 h. 15:00
FELICIANI
BERTI – LAUDATO
IV: ZANOTTI
VAR: DI PAOLO
AVAR: GIUA
ROMA – LECCE Sunday, 22/03 h. 18:00
SACCHI J.L.
BACCINI – ZINGARELLI
IV: MASSIMI
VAR: GHERSINI
AVAR: ABISSO
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: the refree Andrea Colombo looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and Juventus at Sardegna Arena on February 23, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Sky Sport Italia reports that Hakan Calhanoglu will be available for Inter’s away game at Fiorentina on Sunday, while Italy international Alessandro Bastoni could return to group training tomorrow.
Inter are preparing for Sunday’s away game at Fiorentina, and Sky Sport Italia provides the latest injury updates for the Nerazzurri.
Latest Inter injury updates
Calhanoglu has recovered from a calf injury and will be available for selection against Fiorentina.
Serie A’s top goalscorer, Lautaro Martinez, on the other hand, has intensified the workload but has continued to work separately.
If the Argentina international doesn’t return to group training in the next two days, he’ll be ruled out of the next league match.
Italy international Bastoni suffered an injury in the Milan derby and missed the most recent match against Atalanta.
Sky Sport reports that the Italian has partially worked with the team over the last few days, and that he could join his teammates for a full training session tomorrow.
BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
If that is the case, Bastoni will be given the green light for the Fiorentina game as well as Italy’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland on March 26.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter competes for the ball with Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Last but not least, Mkhitaryan won’t be available against Fiorentina as he aims to return to action after the break, probably in a home match against his former club, Roma, on Easter.
Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi feels the Italy national team needs ‘real supporters’ for the 2026 World Cup play-off: ‘Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do.’
Italy World Cup winner De Rossi spoke about the state of Italian football during a press conference on Thursday. Tomorrow, his Genoa side host Udinese in Serie A Round 30.
De Rossi: Italy need ‘true supporters’ in World Cup play-off
“I feel that too many times, we coaches lose in Europe, we tend to blame our football and the youth sectors. Last season, Inter reached the Champions League Final, beating Barcelona, and the youth sector was the same as this season,” De Rossi said via TMW.
Atalanta’s elimination from the Champions League Round of 16 means Serie A has no more representatives in Europe’s elite competition.
“It’s easy to say that youth sectors don’t work. Football is changing and will further change. My ideal player has more physical strength than a few years ago,” continued De Rossi.
“Then losing to Bayern Munich is understandable, as they have players worth €50m-60m-70m, and they’ve signed them from various youth systems around the world. Those are incredible realities, and it’s not strange to suffer heavy defeats. Atalanta shouldn’t be blamed as they played with pride, losing to a way stronger team.
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“As for the national team, we need to be less critical, and all be true supporters. If it goes badly, there will be a revolt, and there will be time to talk about Gravina, Gattuso and Buffon. Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do. Now we must stop criticism and say a few words to support Gattuso and his players, who, I think, will play two great games.”
Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero argues that Italian clubs are always ‘tired’, but should complain less about the fixture list and focus more on the pitch.
Serie A has no more representatives in the Champions League following Atalanta’s elimination from the Round of 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Del Piero: Italian clubs ‘always’ tired
La Dea suffered a 10-2 aggregate loss against the Bundesliga giants while Napoli, Inter and Juventus had been knocked out in the previous rounds.
“Our problem is that we get tired. We are always the ones who are tired. In Italy, we are always tired,” Del Piero told Sky Sport via Fanpage.
“I’ve heard very few coaches abroad complain about matches or say we are tired. You have to adapt. We are talking about teams; you have to equip yourself accordingly.
“Today’s football is different. You have more players, more substitutions, more money to invest in physical preparation, recovery and so on. There’s more of everything.”
The last time an Italian club won the Champions League was in 2009-10 with José Mourinho’s Inter.
Since then, Juventus and Inter have reached the Final twice each, but failed to bring home the coveted cup.
“You need professionalism in trying to improve the players, because there is room for improvement. There is, because others do so,” Del Piero continued.
“We think we are the best, yet we concede seven goals, as it happened; then something isn’t quite right. Barcelona always play the same players. Then if someone gets injured, they take him out and put another one in.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 10: Former football player Alessandro Del Piero looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio di Bergamo on December 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Del Piero won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and the World Cup with the Italy national team ten years later in 2006.
The Italian national team will play in the World Cup play-off later this month after failing to qualify for the competition in 2018 and 2022.
Inter striker Ange-Yoan Bonny has decided to represent the Ivory Coast national team, but won’t be available for friendlies against South Korea and Scotland later this month due to a ‘dental issue.’
Inter striker Bonny, 22, will represent the Ivory Coast national team, coach Émerse Faé confirmed at a press conference (via SOS Fanta).
Ivory Coast coach confirms Bonny’s decision and Inter issue
Bonny was born in Aubervilliers, a suburb of Paris, and is of Ivorian descent.
Bonny represented France at the U19, U20 and U21 levels, but will continue his international career at a senior level with the African country.
Bonny, however, won’t be available for the next two friendly games against South Korea and Scotland during the March break later this month.
“He currently has dental issues, so we preferred to leave him with his club so he can regain full fitness, maintain consistency in his performances and join us at a later stage,” Faé said.
The match against Scotland will be played at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, home to Premier League side Everton, on March 31.
MONZA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Ange-Yoan Bonny of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between FC Internazionale and Torino at U-Power Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Ivory Coast have qualified for the 2026 World Cup and have been drawn in Group E alongside Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao.
Bonny has scored seven goals in 37 appearances across all competitions with Inter this season, his first one at the Stadio Meazza.
La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms that Guglielmo Vicario is Inter’s main goalkeeping target for 2026-27 and that the Italian is open to returning to Serie A after his relationship with Tottenham reached a low point.
Inter have identified Italy international Vicario as their main target in goal for next season.
Latest transfer updates on Vicario and Inter
The Nerazzurri are looking for a new starting goalkeeper for 2026-27, and previous reports suggested they would hold a new round of talks with the Tottenham star’s agents this month.
According to Gazzetta, Vicario has already informed his agents that he’d be happy to return to Serie A, particularly at Inter, which he was already close to joining in 2023 before his switch from Empoli to Tottenham.
Gazzetta highlights that Vicario’s relationship with Spurs reached a low point in recent months, so the Nerazzurri are confident they can reach an agreement with the Premier League side, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Inter, however, are aware that Tottenham’s asking price will be between €15m and €20m next summer, provided they remain in the Premier League.
Inter are not expected to offer a contract extension to Yann Sommer, although the club could change their mind and keep the Swiss international as a second-choice goalkeeper next season if they receive offers for Josep Martinez.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito and Yann Sommer of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate following the team’s victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Como are ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of one of their owners, Michael Bambang Hartono: ‘Under the family’s leadership, the Club have entered a new chapter in their history.’
Michael Bambang Hartono, one of the owners of Serie A side Como, died on Thursday, the club announced in a statement.
“Como 1907 is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono,” the Azzurri said.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the Hartono family and to all at the Djarum Group.
“Under the family’s leadership, the Club has entered a new chapter in its history, and we remember him with gratitude and respect.”
Como 1907 is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono.
We extend our sincere condolences to the Hartono family and to all at the Djarum Group.
Under the family’s leadership, the Club has entered a new chapter in its history, and we remember him with gratitude… pic.twitter.com/o9YGHm7qiu
Allegri’s choices: a three-year deal for the German to overtake Juve. The Lazio centre-back has convinced everyone.
Tonali, World Cup anxiety
Injured with Newcastle, Italy is on alert for the play-off
We have the derby left
Roma-Bologna (21), the second leg resumes from 1-1. Fiorentina (18:45) defends a 2-1 lead against Rakow.
Ruthless Bayern, Atalanta concede four more
Germans with Real in the quarter-finals, Liverpool will face PSG
Corriere dello Sport
Europa League verdict
64,000 at the Olimpico for Roma-Bologna: it’s the 22nd derby of Italy. It restarts from 1-1. The winner will face Aston Villa or Lille. Kick-off at 21:00 CET.
In & Out
Gasp against Italiano, challenge for the quarter-finals
Gian Piero: ‘Conscience clear.’ Wesley: ‘Red card against Como? Serious and unacceptable incident.’ Castro launches the challenge to Malen. Vincenzo: ‘They are favourites.’ Bernardeschi and Rowe in the trident.
Conference: Viola 2 to eliminate Rakow (18:45).
Juve move: Alisson on target
Inter bring Stankovic Jr. back home
Leao and Milan: unstable relationship
Premier Napoli: Conte’s assault
Bovo emotion: ‘Unique happiness.’
He scored with Watford after 506 days from the last time: ‘I missed it.’
Atalanta, another collapse. Osi out.
Tuttosport
Juve, first issue
Comolli likes restes, Spalletti, somebody like De Gea
The choice of the next goalkeeper reflects a difference of opinion between the director, fascinated by the Frenchman from Toulouse, and the coach, who would rather go for a more experienced goalkeeper, such as the Spaniard Vicario or Dibu Martinez. Alisson and Carnesecchi are the dreams. Manninger: ‘I’d trust one between Di Gregorio and Perin.’ Lucio waits for Chiellini’s return to define the renewal: the salary could rise to 6m.
Toro, pathway for Livakovic
Seven Barcelona goals, Tonali anxiety
Injury for the Azzurro: alarm ahead of the World Cup play-off. Ruthless Bayern: another goal-fest against Atalanta.
Dominik Szoboszlai is currently flourishing for Liverpool, but former Milan director Zvonimir Boban reveals ‘we had a deal, then it didn’t go through.’
ZAGREB, CROATIA – OCTOBER 25: Former footballer Zvonimir Boban looks on prior to kick off of the UEFA Champions League group E match between Dinamo Zagreb and AC Milan at Stadion Maksimir on October 25, 2022 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Boban had been a director at Milan from the summer of 2019 to March 2020, when he was fired after bitterly criticising the owners.
It was during this brief period that the Rossoneri had their hands on the promising young talent who had just joined RB Salzburg and had a release clause worth just over €20m.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray SK at Anfield on March 18, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“Obviously I like Szoboszlai, we had already closed a deal for him, then it didn’t go through,” Boban told Sky Sport Italia this evening in his role as pundit for their Champions League coverage.
“He’s a great player, I’m happy he won the war with himself and became a real player.”
Szoboszlai was eventually sold to RB Leipzig for €36m in January 2021, then moved on to Liverpool for a transfer worth €70m in the summer of 2023.
According to Boban, his career path has above all benefited from a change of position into a much deeper role.
“Szoboszlai started out as a Number 10, in Salzburg and for Hungary, playing behind the striker. It was a problematic position, though. He didn’t have the pace or the ability to take men on to be a real Number 10, it wasn’t his style at all.
“Now he has been transformed into a pure Number 8, which was the only logical move to make him a champion. He has such extraordinary talent, he sees the game and has the lightness of touch that few in the world can boast,” concluded Boban.
According to Miguel Delaney of the Independent, AC Milan are considering moving for AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott this summer. The Ireland international is expected to be available for transfer for around €25million, with the Eredivisie side accepting his wish to take the next step. Parrott joined Tottenham Hotspur’s academy at the age of 15, […]
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has made it clear that he wishes to return to his boyhood side Racing Club in Argentina once his time with the Nerazzurri comes to an end: ‘Obviously it depends on a lot of things, but my dream is to return’.
Lautaro has spent the last eight years of his career in Milan with Inter, for whom he has scored 129 goals from 262 Serie A outings and with his 171 goals across all competitions, he currently ranks as the club’s fourth all-time highest goalscorer and is only two away from tying third.
As things stand, Lautaro has over three years remaining on his current deal with the Nerazzurri, expiring in the summer of 2029, and at 28 years of age, he insists that he still has plenty to give at the highest level of the game.
But, once he is ready to leave Inter, a return home to Racing Club would be the ‘dream’ for El Toro.
Lautaro opens up on ‘dream’ return to Racing Club
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Returning to Racing is my desire,” Lautaro said in a recent interview (via La Gazzetta dello Sport).
“I’m trying to convince my wife and she supports me. Obviously it depends on a lot of things, family, but also how I’m doing physically. But my dream is to return to play for Racing for at least a year.
“I still have three years on my contract with Inter, I’d like to stay at the highest level for a long time. I feel good, I’m still young, but in the future I’d love for my children to see the love that the Racing supporters show me.”
Diego Milito is now the club President at Racing. During his playing days, he had a similar career trajectory to the one that Lautaro spoke about, starting at Racing, going on to star up front for Inter, before returning to Argentina to finish where it all began.
“I talk to him every week,” said Lautaro. “He’s always there for me and always was at the beginning of my career. He wrote to me after I got injured, we talked about Racing not doing so well, I also sent him a message of support for the club.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Bodo/Glimt played in ‘an old-school Italian style’ against Sporting CP in the Champions League, prompting some regret for Inter, as the perception of the Norwegian side appears to have been overstated.
Bodo had won the first leg against the Portuguese side 3-0, but suffered an incredible comeback in the second leg, with Sporting scoring three times in 90 minutes and two more in extra time.
“In Lisbon, Bodo set themselves up like in the first half at San Siro. Compact in defence, dug in behind in a fairly deliberate Catenaccio,” examined Gazzetta journalist Sebastiano Vernazza.
“Sporting CP, however, attacked with ferocity, forcing them to defend in the final 30 meters. Unlike Inter in the return leg in Milan, Sporting CP did an excellent job of preventing any counterattacks.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Match officials players and mascots line up on the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter lost both games against Bodo, first by 3-1 in Norway, and then 2-1 at San Siro. In the second leg in Milan, Bodo had remained very cautious, just like against Sporting CP on Tuesday.
“Bodo played in an old-school Italian style, just as they had in the first half at San Siro,” the journalist continued.
“In Milan, though, Inter had gifted the 1-0 in the second half with a misplaced pass by Akanji, and that effectively ended the tie. This time, it went differently. The defensive approach didn’t pay off because there were no counterattacks.
“The narrative around Bodo has been exaggerated. It’s been described as something it is not: an innovative team. Bodo play an adaptive kind of football. They aim to wear down the opponent and then strike on the break,” the Gazzetta journalist concluded.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale Milano heads the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Inter can dwell on their regrets. Bodo was not an insurmountable obstacle. However, had Inter gone through, they would have suffered against Sporting CP, and that’s another aspect to consider.
“After the Bodo-Sporting CP pairing was drawn, many thought Chivu and his players had missed a great chance to reach the quarter-finals. That would not have been the case.”
Inter remain the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan with nine league games remaining.
Newcastle and Aston Villa have reportedly made Marcus Thuram aware of their interest ahead of a potential summer move, with the Inter striker said to favour a switch to the Premier League over the Saudi Pro League.
Premier League sides Newcastle and Aston Villa have already made initial approaches in their pursuit of Inter star Thuram, according to FcInternews.
Aston Villa and Newcastle interested in Thuram
Thuram is in his third season at the Stadio Meazza, and multiple sources in Italy have claimed that both the Nerazzurri and the French forward will likely seek a fresh start in the summer.
There have been reports of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, but according to FCInternews, Thuram would prefer a move to the English Premier League.
Thuram has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 35 games across all competitions this season, and his contract includes an €85m release clause. The 28-year-old, however, has only scored once in his last nine Serie A appearances.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Thuram is said to be fully focused on the final part of the season with Inter, after which he’ll decide on his future with the club.
Thuram’s contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2028.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Roma wing-back Wesley Franca insists that the incident that led to his sending off during Saturday’s Serie A defeat against Como ‘wasn’t a foul’, and says that the Giallorossi need ‘100% concentration’ if they are to overcome Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Wesley reacts to Como red and previews Bologna second leg
The Brazilian wideman joined head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for Wednesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie between Roma and Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night. The tie is currently level after a 1-1 draw at the Dall’Ara last week.
For Wesley, this was also an opportunity to review his most recent Serie A match. Roma were beaten 2-1 away against Como in a massive game in the race for the Champions League positions, and the Brazilian was controversially sent off just over an hour in with the scores still level at 1-1.
Wesley was sent off for a second bookable offence, but he insists that there was no foul in his clash with Como’s Assane Diao.
Like the incident that led to Pierre Kalulu’s wrongful sending off in the Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter in February, the incident could not be referred to VAR for review as it was a second yellow card offence and not a straight red. For the same reason, neither Kalulu nor Wesley’s suspensions were overturned either.
“It wasn’t a foul. I was aware I was on a booking and didn’t want a red,” Wesley protested (via TMW).
“I was on his side, leaning on him because he was falling on top of me. I was convinced afterwards that I hadn’t committed a foul, but for others, I did. It was a decisive incident which changed the game.”
Moving on from the Como incident, Wesley went on to explain why he has been able to hit the ground running so comfortably in Italy after joining Roma from Flamengo over the summer.
“Italian football is different to Brazilian football, but with a lot of concentration, it’s difficult for others to get past me, just as it’s easier for me to dribble against them,” he explained.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“The coach asks me to attack, to not make mistakes and to make the right decisions. I’m improving and playing helps that.”
And looking ahead to Thursday’s clash against Bologna, he added: “For me, it’s a dream to play in Europe. We care a lot. Careers are built in these tournaments, it requires 100% concentration. We have to be ready tomorrow.”
And on his individual battle with Federico Bernardeschi during the first leg, Wesley said: “He’s very strong with some great characteristics. The duel was great. We’ve played against a lot of strong players, but he’s very good.”
According to Tuttosport, Milan director Igli Tare has met with one of Mateo Retegui’s agents as the Rossoneri aim to sign a new centre-forward, but the Italy star would need to lower his salary for a summer transfer.
Milan sporting director Tare has reportedly met a member of Retegui’s entourage, Alessandro Moggi.
Milan: Tare meets Retegui’s agent
According to Tuttosport, Retegui is once again on the Rossoneri’s radar as the Serie A giants look for a new centre-forward for 2026-27.
Milan are unlikely to make Niclas Fullkrug’s move permanent at the end of the season and Retegui was already on their agenda in the past, including last summer, when the Italy international joined Al-Qadisiya from Atalanta for nearly €70m.
HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 20: Mateo Retegui of Al Qadisah looks on during the Saudi Super Cup semi final between Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah at Hong Kong Stadium on August 20, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Retegui is aware that he’d need to lower his €16m-per-season salary if he were to join Milan in the summer.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Sander Berge of Norway battles for possession with Mateo Retegui of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to the report, the Rossoneri could offer €5m per year until 2031, while Al-Qadisiya’s asking price is around €45m- € 50m.
Tuttosport confirms that Retegui is not Milan’s only target in attack for next season, as Fiorentina star Moise Kean is also on the Rossoneri’s shopping list.
Serie A strugglers Cremonese have officially sacked their head coach Nicola.
Cremonese sack Nicola: official statement
“Cremonese announce that Mr. Davide Nicola has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The club wishes to thank the coach and his staff for the professionalism, commitment and dedication they have shown in their daily work since they arrived in Cremona.”
Cremonese had had a fantastic start to the season, even winning on their 2025-26 Serie A debut away at Milan.
However, they now find themselves in the relegation zone, three points below safety.
On Monday, they suffered a heavy 4-1 home loss to Fiorentina, which eventually led to Nicola’s sacking.
The Grigiorossi have not won any of their last 15 Serie A matches, losing seven of their last eight league meetings.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Coach Davide Nicola of US Cremonese reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 15, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Their most recent win dates back to December 7, 2025.
According to several reports, including Corriere della Sera, Cremonese will appoint ex-Milan coach Giampaolo, who will sign an 18-month contract.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 12: US Cremonese head coach Davide Nicola looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Cremonese at Allianz Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, Joshua Zirkzee’s agent has informed Juventus that his client is available for a summer transfer, while Gazzetta reports that the Bianconeri are still keen on Randal Kolo Muani, especially with PSG interested in Jonathan David.
Latest Juventus transfer news on Zirkzee and Kolo Muani
Jonathan David and Lois Openda have failed to impress in their first season at the Allianz Stadium, so the Serie A giants will listen to offers for the pair this summer.
According to Gazzetta, PSG director Luis Campos, who had brought David to Lille, is considering a reunion with the Canadian star in Paris.
David scored 87 goals in 178 Ligue 1 matches before joining Juventus as a free agent last summer, and the Bianconeri would consider a swap deal involving the Canadian forward and Kolo Muani, who won’t remain at Tottenham beyond the summer.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal CF at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Juventus already tried to re-sign Kolo Muani in the January window, but Tottenham refused to part ways with the French striker, who is still destined to return to Paris at the end of his loan spell in June.
Both Kolo Muani and David earn circa €6m/7m per season, so a potential swap deal would suit Juventus financially, also because PSG value Kolo Muani at €40m.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on December 04, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, on the other hand, a possible Bianconeri target for the summer is ex-Bologna star Zirkzee.
The Dutch forward has reportedly decided to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, and his agent, Kia Joorabchian, has informed the Bianconeri directors that his client is available for a summer transfer.
Reports in Italy claim that any tensions between Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic following Milan’s 1-0 loss against Lazio over the weekend have been put to bed after a handshake and in-depth video analysis session in training on Wednesday.
Milan put Leao and Pulisic issue to bed
Leao cut a frustrated figure after being taken off during the second half of Milan’s 1-0 loss against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday with 25 minutes of regular time left to play and with his side 1-0 down at the time, in need of a goal.
The Portugal international rejected a hug on the touchline from head coach Massimiliano Allegri after being hauled off, but many have suggested that Leao was also annoyed with teammate Pulisic, who had failed to slip him in on goal just a moment before the substitution was called.
Despite being Milan’s two leading goalscorers this season, Leao with nine Serie A goals from 22 appearances and Pulisic with eight from the same number of outings, they have only managed to score a combined two goals from 595 minutes while playing alongside each other.
Leao is currently on his longest goalscoring drought since joining Milan in 2023, still without a goal in 2026, and Leao has only recorded two from his last 10 outings.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan shoots whilst under pressure from Patric and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Milan squad had an in-depth video analysis session when they returned to training on Tuesday, which is normal procedure after a win, loss or draw, but there was a particular focus on the attacks involving the two star forwards.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Milan players reflected upon the Lazio match with a sense of calm, Leao is said to have apologised to his teammates for his behaviour on the sidelines and he and Pulisic are reported to have symbolically shook hands on the pitch.
Inter are the runaway Serie A leaders, have the best attack in the league and have been involved in some of the most spectacular games of the season, but they are not the only ones.
Despite a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta in Serie A Week 29, Inter still managed to extend their lead over second-placed Milan as the Rossoneri fell to a 1-0 away loss at Lazio.
The Nerazzurri have an eight-point lead over their city rivals and it comes as no surprise that, according to analysis from BettingTips4You, Cristian Chivu’s team are favourites to win the Scudetto this term.
Inter have been, by far, the most consistent team in Italy’s top flight this term, with 22 wins from 29. Their stalemate against Atalanta was only their second of the season, and the Nerazzurri have lost only five league games so far.
Como and Milan have conceded fewer goals than the Nerazzurri, but Inter have the best attack in Italy with 65 goals in 29 matches, an average of 2.24 per game.
Statistics highlight that the Nerazzurri have been involved in some of the highest-scoring matches in Serie A during the 2025-26 campaign.
To date, their 6-2 win over Pisa in Week 22 is the single Serie A match with the most goals scored this term.
It is followed by another Inter match, their 4-3 loss against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin in September 2025.
Inter are also the only Serie A club to have won an away game 5-0 this term. It happened in February when Chivu’s men visited Sassuolo and returned home with a comfortable victory.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Diego Carlos of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When it comes to entertaining matches, however, it’s impossible not to mention Como.
The team coached by Cesc Fabregas recently beat Roma 2-1 at home, breaking into the top four in the standings.
“When you build a squad, you implement an idea, you study your players carefully, their character, their identity,” Fabregas said at full time.
“Learning to handle the result and the game in a certain way is a question of solidity, courage and trust. That takes months to develop, not weeks. Games like this show it is becoming natural, not forced.”
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Como recorded one of the biggest wins of the campaign on January 24, beating Torino 6-0 at home. The reverse fixture had been just as good for the Azzurri, who had already beaten the Granata 5-1 away at the end of November.
With 50 goals conceded in 29 rounds, Torino are one of the weakest defences in the league. They started the season with a 5-0 loss against Inter at San Siro, the same result with which Juventus beat strugglers Cremonese in January.
Another big win for the Old Lady came on February 1, when they secured a 4-1 away victory against Parma.
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Corriere dello Sport
Exclusive interview
Kenan Yildiz
‘My strength is the normality.’
The parents, the brother, Can Uzun, Bayern, Turkey and Juve: the simplicity of a phenomenon.
‘Del Piero is a legend, I’ve just started.’
Spalletti
‘The prince of football is the boy next door’
‘I’ve always played to improve; the money is a consequence. When I was eight, I played against those aged 18.’
‘The renewal? I’ve immediately felt trust here in Turin. In Germany, they didn’t believe in me.’
‘Spalletti? A man of emotions. Allegri? I owe him this life. The role? Better on the left.’
Tuttosport
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DV9 renewal, it’s almost done and the Dutchman emerges again.
The former Bologna striker has a new issue with Manchester United and is pushing to leave; the Bianconeri could reshape their attacking strategy. Thuram warning for Sassuolo: Koopmeiners ready. The stats on the ability to quickly resume the play justify Perin replacing Di Gregorio.
‘Now a feat at San Siro.’
Toro behind the scenes: what D’Aversa told the team.
Retegui and Milan: contact!
Meeting around the table: the issue is the salary. Fofana: ‘The change of role will cost me the World Cup.’ Leao under pressure replies with the…Gospel. NBA Europe: Cardinale pushes. Arena in San Donato?
Dea for the honour, two English sides out.
City don’t make the comeback against Real, Chelsea crushed by PSG (Kvara scores again). Arsenal OK, epic Sporting CP.
Inter Milan and AC Milan sit jointly at the top of Serie A’s shirt sponsorship earnings table, but the gap between the division’s biggest clubs and the rest remains stark, and for one club, the commercial silence is deafening.
Both Milan clubs currently earn €30 million per season from their respective shirt partners, according to reports gathered by CalcioMercato.
Inter receive their fee from Bettson, whose logo appears as Bettson.sport on the jersey, a workaround required under Italian laws prohibiting direct betting sponsorship.
Milan’s deal with Emirates is worth the same figure this season, though a recently signed renewal will see that rise to €35 million from 2026/27 onwards.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Maldini of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Serie A shirt sponsors: Juventus, Napoli & Roma rise as Lazio go sponsorless
Juventus, meanwhile, have seen a dramatic fall in commercial income in this area.
Having gone a full season without a shirt sponsor, Save the Children carried no financial value, the club have returned Jeep to their jersey, but through an internal Exor arrangement worth just €19 million this season, rising to €23 million next year.
It is a far cry from the €45 million the previous Jeep deal delivered at its peak. Napoli’s MSC Crociere deal is worth €9 million this season and is also set to increase in the coming campaign.
Roma have just unveiled a new shirt partner of their own, Eurobet.live, another betting-adjacent workaround, worth €8 million this season and €13 million from next.
Across the city, however, Lazio remain the only club in Serie A without a shirt sponsor, with Claudio Lotito yet to secure any commercial partnership for the jersey.
Some of the most eye-catching figures come from family-owned clubs with internal sponsorship arrangements. Fiorentina receive €25 million from Mediacom, a company connected to the late Rocco Commisso’s family, while Sassuolo’s Mapei deal is worth €18 million.
At the other end of the scale, the numbers are considerably more modest. Bologna receive €3 million from owner Joey Saputo’s business, Atalanta earn €5 million from Lete, and Cagliari pick up €3.6 million from the Sardinian regional government.
Torino (Suzuki, €2.35m), Parma (Prometeon, €1.5m), Udinese (Friuli Venezia Giulia region, €1.5m) and Genoa (Pulsee, €1.2m) follow, with Verona, Lecce and Como all on €1 million.
Pisa bring up the rear with €700,000 from Cetilar, who also sponsor the stadium.
Roma’s attempt to overturn Wesley’s red card suspension has failed, with the sporting judge rejecting their appeal and confirming the Brazilian will miss the club’s next Serie A fixture against Lecce.
Roma had argued the second yellow card shown to Wesley during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Como was the result of mistaken identity, claiming the foul on Diao had actually been committed by Rensch rather than Wesley.
Under VAR protocol, a case of mistaken identity would be grounds for intervention, but the sporting judge ruled that no such error had occurred, stating there were no grounds to apply the relevant article of the regulations, according to CalcioMercato.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Blow for Roma as no grounds for Wesley suspension being overturned
The VAR analysis, as detailed on DAZN’s Open VAR programme, supports that conclusion.
Officials Fabbri and Gariglio reviewed the incident immediately and confirmed without doubt that Wesley, not Rensch, made the challenge, with his right leg clearly making contact.
The on-field referee also clarified that he had initially played advantage following a separate Pellegrini challenge before whistling for Wesley’s foul, which VAR confirmed was not on the ball.
The 2-1 result stands, Wesley’s suspension is upheld, and Gasperini will be without the wide man for the Lecce game.
The silver lining for Roma is that he will be able to give his all in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Bologna, a match that carries enormous importance with the tie level at 1-1, with Tsimikas likely to cover against Lecce when the Brazilian takes his place in the stands.
Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Michele Di Gregorio has lost his no.1 status for the remainder of the season and that Mattia Perin is expected to be Juventus’s go-to shot stopper until the 2026-27 season.
Di Gregorio has made a series of high-profile errors between the sticks for Juventus in 2025-26, which led to his being dropped for the last four matches between Serie A and the Champions League play-off second leg against Galatasaray.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti had hinted that he would give Perin a run of two or three games in an attempt to take some of the pressure off Di Gregorio, but that run has now extended to four matches, and La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the situation is unlikely to change between now and the end of the 2025-26 season.
After that, there is a possibility that neither Di Gregorio nor Perin stay on with Juventus after the summer transfer window according to Tuesday’s report.
The Pink Paper claims that Juventus need to raise around €11m to avoid making a capital loss on Di Gregorio, who joined on loan with an obligation to buy from Monza for a reported €18m in the summer of 2024.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there are still options for Di Gregorio elsewhere in Serie A, and that it is not out of the question that another side picks him up this summer.
Could Juventus replace both Di Gregorio and Perin this summer?
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 16: Mattia Perin of Juventus looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and US Sassuolo – Serie A TIM at on January 16, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Perin, meanwhile, is now 33, has never been Juventus’s first choice, and is unlikely to claim the no.1 spot if the Bianconeri are to bring in another stopper this summer, which reports elsewhere claim is likely to happen.
Perin had been linked with a move to Genoa during the January transfer window, and La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that it is not out of the question that he again seeks a move away for a sort-of ‘last dance’ as a no.1 in Serie A with just over a year remaining on his current Juventus contract.
Meanwhile, several other goalkeepers have been linked with moves to Juventus in recent weeks, including Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Alisson Becker of Liverpool celebrates after Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 22, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Atalanta’s Marco Carnsecchi would be the ‘dream’ option for Juventus, but the 25-year-old is not expected to come cheap.
If Juventus are to bring in another goalkeeper this summer to serve as an understudy, La Gazzetta dello Sport has recommended a list that includes Lazio’s Ivan Provedel, Verona’s Lorenzo Montipo, Lecce’s Wladimiro Falcone, Cremonese’s Emil Audero and Bologna’s Federico Ravaglia.
Various reports suggest that Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott is a potential option for Milan approaching the 2026 summer transfer window.
Reports Milan plotting move for AZ Alkmaar’s Parrott
Miguel Delaney of the Independent reports that Milan are ‘actively’ looking to sign a new striker this summer, that Parrott is a potential option for the Rossoneri and that his current club, AZ Alkmaar, are open to the idea of a sale this summer.
It is understood that Alkmaar will seek a fee in the region of around €30m (reported as £25m by outlets in the UK) to sell the Republic of Ireland international this summer.
Milan are not the only interested party. In fact, there are several sides across Europe keen on a potential deal for Parrott, including Fulham in the Premier League, Real Betis in LaLiga and VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
Parrot has come up with 28 league goals from 52 appearances in the Eredivisie since joining AZ Alkmaar from Tottenham Hotspur, where he began his professional career. The 24-year-old has 14 goals from 22 league appearances this season, plus four from four outings in the cup and nine from 13 appearances in the UEFA Conference League.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – NOVEMBER 16: Players of Republic of Ireland celebrate their sides third goal scored by Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at on November 16, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Parrott also made history with the Republic of Ireland national team earlier this season. Back in November, he netted a brace in a shock 2-0 win over Portugal, and then provided a hat-trick in an eventual 3-2 win away against Hungary a few days later to secure his nation a surprise spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In doing so, he became the first ever player to score an away hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland side in a competitive fixture and also the first player to score a hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland since Robbie Keane 11 years prior.
The Lega Serie A have confirmed that Roma wing-back Wesley Franca will be suspended for one match and that Inter and Lazio head coaches Cristian Chivu and Maurizio Sarri are among those who picked up bans during the 29th round of 2025-26 fixtures.
Official: Wesley, Chivu and Sarri decisions confirmed after Serie A week 29
Three red cards were dished out by the officials during the 29th round of Serie A fixtures. The harshest of those punishments has been handed to Pisa’s Rafiu Durosinmi, who has earned a two-game ban for having kicked out at an opponent in an off the ball incident during his side’s 3-1 win over Cagliari.
Adam Obert was also shown a red card during Cagliari’s 3-1 loss against Pisa and has picked up a one-match suspension as a result.
Wesley was also sent off during Roma’s 2-1 defeat away against top-four rivals Como for what many feel was a harsh second yellow card offence. His ban has been upheld, and he will be suspended for Roma’s upcoming Serie A test against Lecce.
Parma’s Enrico Delprato, Pisa’s Michel Aebischer and Cremonese’s Warren Bondo have all now picked up five yellow cards for the season and will all be suspended for Serie A week 30.
Chivu has also been suspended for Inter’s upcoming trip to Fiorentina after being shown two yellow cards against Atalanta on Saturday, and Lazio’s Sarri has also been suspended for one match after leaving his technical area and making disrespectful comments towards the match officials against Milan.
Leao made headlines for the wrong reasons on Sunday night as he bitterly complained to coach Massimiliano Allegri after being subbed off in the second half of an away game at Lazio, which the Devil eventually lost 1-0.
Leao snubbed Allegri’s hug by pushing his coach away and then kicked and threw plastic bottles on the sidelines.
The Portuguese star remained silent for more than a day, but then posted an Instagram story on Tuesday, featuring a quote from the Gospel of Luke (chapter 1, verse 37), as SempreMilan highlights.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
The message, written in Portuguese, can be translated as: “Do what is within your power; the impossible is my job.”
Tennis star Jannik Sinner has become one of the most popular sportsmen in Italy, and when he’s not competing on the court, the World No.2 is known for his support for Serie A giants Milan.
Sinner has consistently dominated tennis predictions alongside Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz over the last few years, and back in September, the Italian was overtaken at the top of the World Rankings after holding the No. 1 spot for 65 weeks.
Sinner is only 24 but is already regarded as the best Italian male tennis player of all time, having won four Grand Slam tournaments: two at the Australian Open, one at Wimbledon and one at the US Open.
It goes without saying that Sinner has dominated the headlines in Italy in recent years, with his popularity close to, and sometimes surpassing, that of footballers. Something unthinkable until a few years ago for a country that breathes football day in, day out.
Before pursuing a career in tennis, the Italian was a talented skier from the age of three. Sinner is also a big football fan and has made no secret that his favourite club in Serie A is Milan.
Sinner showed his passion for the Rossoneri following a match against fellow Italian Fabio Fognini, an Inter supporter, at the Internazionali d’Italia in May 2022. After clinching a three-set victory, Sinner famously wrote ‘Forza Milan’ on a live TV camera.
The former World No. 1 was a guest of Milan in November 2023 for a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund at San Siro.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: The AC Milan fans show their support during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
On that Day, Milan ultras in the Curva Sud honoured the tennis champion with several chants before kick-off.
Sinner is also a close friend of Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with PSG last season.
“Gigio and I have been friends for a long time,” Sinner said before last season’s Champions League Final between the Ligue 1 giants and Inter.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 13: Jannik Sinner of Italy lifts the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy on the Clubhouse Balcony, following his victory against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen’s Singles Final on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“We have our priorities, and he is about to play one of the most important matches of his life. Rooting for whom? I don’t want to say anything because I don’t want to put anyone in a difficult spot. I’m a Milan fan, but as an Italian, it would be nice if an Italian team won. But if it were Gigio, I’d be happy. I hope it’s a great match.”
Ultimately, Donnarumma lifted the cup with the big ears, beating Milan’s city rivals Inter 5-0 in Monaco. A few months later, the Italian captain joined Manchester City.
With Milan sitting second in the Serie A table this season, Sinner will be hoping to watch his favourite club play in the Champions League again in 2026-27.
Youssouf Fofana admits that having to adapt to a new role at Milan has been a big challenge, insists that he is still dreaming of a World Cup call-up despite being omitted from the France squad since 2024, and says that he is ‘divided’ as to whether or not he has had a ‘good’ season in 2025-26.
Fofana ‘unsure’ on Milan role, 2025-26 season ‘not good enough’
The Rossoneri midfielder sat down for an in-depth interview with l’Equipe, during which he discussed his preferred position, his tactical development since moving to Italy and the difficulties of standing out amongst a talented pool of French midfielders.
Fofana says that he had been used to playing just in front of the defence before he joined Milan back in the summer of 2024, but now, he features in more of a box-to-box role on the right of a midfield three.
“At first I had to learn on a tactical level,” Fofana told l’Equipe. “As we all know, Italy puts a big emphasis on that, it’s not a cliché at all. I thought I was coming with a good tactical background, but they really pay attention to everything.
“It took me a while to understand that you can play a very good 90 minutes here and in the end, it ends up 1-0 in favour of the opponent. That’s because you’ve been beaten tactically. It took me a while to get that efficiency and tactical discipline.”
Fofana says that there has been ‘two phases’ of his development since moving to Serie A: “I’m living (the second one) now. It’s a change of position,” Fofana said. “It’s as if for five years I’d looked at football in a certain way and now my perception is changing.
“I don’t see the pitch from the same angle. I don’t really have the same benchmarks. For example, when I played in front of the defence, I always knew there were two players behind me, another diagonally on the right and another on the left. I could make passes into those areas without looking.
“Now it’s completely different. I play on the right. When we don’t have the ball, I’m really high up, almost like a striker. When we have it, I’m between the lines. I used to go and get after these players.”
Fofana was asked what it is like to have to learn a new position at the age of 27.
He said: “When you’re told you’re going to play higher up, you’re happy at first. In the end, I learned that that’s not necessarily what I want. I do it for the team. I like to be at the start of the action, to control everything: the speed of my team’s play, the tempo, the ball recovery.”
And what has Fofana learned from this tactical repositioning?
“That I needed to play much faster. When I played in front of the defence, the player marking me was often a striker, who didn’t necessarily defend very well. Whereas here, the player who marks me is usually a defender, usually a tougher opponent. I have to be stronger, to take in more information than before.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fofana says that he is unsure whether he would describe the 2025-26 season as a ‘good’ one on a personal level.
“It’s a very good question,” he said. “I agree to learn, but am I doing well for the season? Not good enough, I think. In the position where I play, there’s more focus on statistics, and I think I could have been more efficient.
“I could have had six goals this season and more assists, and then I might have told you that my season’s been good. Aside from that, I’m looking at the medium term. There’s the World Cup and I’m not sure that I’m expected to play in this position.”
Fofana was asked whether that is frustrating for him with the 2026 World Cup quickly approaching.
“At club level, I do it.. Especially when you’re in the mix to win a trophy. But will it help me in the future? I’m divided about that.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan competes for the ball with Nicolo’ Barella of Inter during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fofana has not been called up to the France national team squad since October 2024.
“At first it wasn’t a great experience. I wondered why I wasn’t getting called up. Then I started watching the matches and said to myself ‘okay Youssouf, there are other midfielders that are just as strong as you. Whether you’re there or not, the France team gets the same results, so you have to work and wait’.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United expect to complete the sales of Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford this summer, with a total of €80million expected to boost their finances from the two deals. After two relatively unsuccessful seasons at Old Trafford, Hojlund joined Napoli at the start of this season on loan, with the Serie […]
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have initiated talks with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva over the possibility of the Portuguese attacking midfielder joining them as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season. However, the Serie A giants face serious competition from Galatasaray and Inter Miami for the services of […]
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