Latest – Football Italia https://football-italia.net Italian football news, analysis, fixtures and results for the latest from Serie A, Serie B and the Azzurri. Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:14:06 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://football-italia.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/fifavicon.png Latest – Football Italia https://football-italia.net 32 32 219427053 Video: Spalletti arrives at Juventus training centre ahead of club statement https://football-italia.net/spalletti-arrives-at-juventus-training-centre/ https://football-italia.net/spalletti-arrives-at-juventus-training-centre/#respond Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:14:06 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923662

Luciano Spalletti has arrived at Continassa to sign his contract with Juventus and begin his tenure as the new Bianconeri coach.

The Tuscan tactician will replace Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Monday, becoming the third Juventus coach in 2025.

The Bianconeri beat Udinese 3-1 in a home Serie A game on Wednesday night with NextGen coach Massimo Brambilla leading the team from the touchline.

Spalletti to sign contract until the end of the season

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) (Juventus links)
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Spalletti reached an agreement with Juventus on Tuesday and is expected to sign a contract until the end of the season with an option to extend if he earns Champions League qualification this season.

The ex-Italy coach arrived at the Juventus training centre on Thursday morning.

Juventus are expected to confirm his appointment shortly, before Spalletti takes charge of his first training session at Continassa.

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Spalletti, a Napoli Serie A winner in 2022-23, has been without a team since June 2025, when he was sacked by the Italian Federation after a 3-0 loss against Norway.

Video: Spalletti arrives at Continassa to begin Juventus tenure

]]>
https://football-italia.net/spalletti-arrives-at-juventus-training-centre/feed/ 0 923662
Bournemouth determined to make Jiménez move permanent from Milan, but Real Madrid still loom https://football-italia.net/bournemouth-gimenez-milan-real-madrid-loom/ https://football-italia.net/bournemouth-gimenez-milan-real-madrid-loom/#respond Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:48:23 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923657

Matteo Moretto reports that Bournemouth are determined to sign Álex Jiménez on a permanent deal from Milan, but Real Madrid will still have ‘financial control’ over the Spaniard once the deal is complete.

Premier League side Bournemouth are eager to sign Jimenez on a permanent deal from Milan, according to Italian transfer expert Matteo Moretto.

How much Milan earn with Jimenez’s permanent move

Alex Jimenez joins Bournemouth from Milan on September 1, 2025.
Alex Jimenez joins Bournemouth from Milan on September 1, 2025.

Jimenez moved to England on an initial loan deal worth €2m last summer, and Bournemouth have an option to buy for €18m plus €5m add-ons, according to Calciomercato.com.

Bournemouth’s option to buy becomes an obligation to purchase if certain conditions are met, but the English side seem willing to sign Jimenez permanently regardless of their original agreement with Milan.

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Moretto adds that once Jiménez formally becomes a Bournemouth-owned player, Real Madrid will resume their financial control over their academy product, which means they’ll have a chance to match any offer Bournemouth receive in the future and potentially bring the 20-year-old back to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid’s control over academy products

Alex Jimenez of AC Milan in action during the Trofeo Berlusconi match between AC Milan and AC Monza on August 13, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Alex Jimenez of AC Milan in action during the Trofeo Berlusconi match between AC Milan and AC Monza on August 13, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have the same sort of agreement with Como, as Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon are formally owned by the Azzurri, but the Merengues have an option to bring them back in the coming years.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/bournemouth-gimenez-milan-real-madrid-loom/feed/ 0 923657
What Juventus owner Elkann told players after 3-1 win over Udinese https://football-italia.net/what-juventus-owner-elkann-told-players-3-1/ https://football-italia.net/what-juventus-owner-elkann-told-players-3-1/#respond Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:49:03 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923647

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus owner John Elkann visited the team in the dressing room after a 3-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday: ‘An opportunity to remind everyone of their responsibilities.’

Juventus ended an eight-game winless streak on Wednesday, beating Udinese 3-1 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

Interim coach Massimo Brambilla was on the bench, but Juventus are expected to announce the appointment of Luciano Spalletti today.

Elkann meets Juventus players after 3-1 win vs. Udinese

SPA, BELGIUM - JULY 28: John Elkann, Chairman and CEO of Ferrari looks on, on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Juventus
SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 28: John Elkann, Chairman and CEO of Ferrari looks on, on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

According to Gazzetta, club owner Elkann met the players in the dressing room at full-time. The pink paper claims that Elkann was short of compliments as he reiterated that the blame falls on the players when coaches are changed so often.

It was an ‘opportunity to remind everyone of their responsibilities,’ wrote Gazzetta.

It is reported that Elkann was ‘firm’ in his speech, but did not confirm to the team that Spalletti would take over.

Juventus had sacked Tudor on Monday after eight games without victories, four without goals and three consecutive losses.

Spalletti set to become third Juventus coach in 2025

MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Spalletti will be Juventus’ third coach this year as the Old Lady already sacked Thiago Motta in March, replacing him with Tudor.

Both Motta and Tudor remain under contract with Juventus until June 2027.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/what-juventus-owner-elkann-told-players-3-1/feed/ 0 923647
Today’s Papers – Inter’s reaction and Spalletti’s turn at Juventus https://football-italia.net/todays-papers-inter-reaction-spalletti-juve/ https://football-italia.net/todays-papers-inter-reaction-spalletti-juve/#respond Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:17:57 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923641

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Juve restarts and now Spalletti

Vlahovic and Yildiz turn on again: penalties and plays, they are already beyond Tudor.

Inter react: top spot at -3

Nice response

Double Calha, magical Sucic. Fiorentina fans protest. Chivu catches Milan in the third place, Pioli in trouble.

Roma don’t lose their heads

The real Toro hold Bologna. Genoa nightmare, Vieira trembles

Gimenez risks leaving

Dear Camarda, those tears will make you grow.

Corriere dello Sport

Roma Hermosa

Parma beaten to one and Napoli caught at the top

Gasperini earns the seventh win in nine games. Breakthrough in the second half. Hermoso and Dovbyk on target. Useless Circati flash. Soulé’s goal was disallowed on 0-0. Ferguson injured. Milan on Sunday.

Juve wake up, now the breakthrough.

Lucio tries

The former CT watched on the TV the 3-1 to Udinese. Today the signature and training at Continassa.

Tris for Spalletti

The Bianconeri win their first game in 46 days with Brambilla on the bench. Two penalties: Vlahovic and Yildiz. Gatti scores too. Chills after Zaniolo’s equaliser.

Calha-Sucic: Inter reaction

Chivu smashes Fiorentina: Pioli, penultimate, in trouble.

Anguissa’s renewal: advanced talks

Tuttosport

The crossbar stops Adams, but this is a draw worthy of Toro

In Bologna, they earned the 8th point in four games.

Good work, Luciano

Brambilla beats Udinese and gives Spalletti a refreshed Juve: 3-1.

After eight games without victories, and four without goals, Yildiz and Vlahovic’s penalties and Gatti’s header cancel the Zaniolo goal. The ex-CT signs with a clause for just another year, in case of Champions League. Chiellini: ‘Thanks, Tudor, but we had to change.’ Dusan: ‘My future? Never say never.’

Roma move to the top. Calha bis + Sucic: Inter up

]]>
https://football-italia.net/todays-papers-inter-reaction-spalletti-juve/feed/ 0 923641
Di Canio predicts Spalletti’s system at Juventus, Bergomi expects ‘stroke of genius’ https://football-italia.net/di-canio-spalletti-system-juventus-genius/ https://football-italia.net/di-canio-spalletti-system-juventus-genius/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:54:34 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923628

Paolo Di Canio believes Luciano Spalletti will use a 4-3-3 system at Juventus, while Beppe Bergomi expects a ‘stroke of genius’ from the ex-Italy coach.

Spalletti is set to be appointed as the new Juventus coach after Igor Tudor was sacked on Monday.

The Bianconeri beat Udinese 3-1 today with NextGen coach Massimo Brambilla in charge.

Spalletti has already reached an agreement with Juventus and will be announced as the Old Lady’s new coach in the coming hours.

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MARCH 23: Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Former Serie A stars Luca Marchegiani, Beppe Bergomi and Paolo Di Canio, now Sky Sport Italia pundits, revealed what they expect from the Tuscan tactician in Turin.

Marchegiani said: “Surely, improve the efficiency of the attack. I believe what Spalletti will do is to give Juve a clear identity.

“He’s always done it, and I think Spalletti has been chosen for this, too. That’s what I expect, but also to give value to some players.”

Di Canio: Spalletti must use 4-3-3 system at Juventus

Paolo Di Canio
Paolo Di Canio

Di Canio, an ex-Juventus star, seemed to agree, but added: “Through what? A well-defined style of play: a 4-3-3. Up front, you have Yildiz and Openda [on the left], Conceiçao and Zegrova [on the right], Vlahovic and David [as centre-forwards]. In midfield, there are Locatelli, Koopmeiners, Thuram, McKennie, and Miretti. They have full-backs who can be attacking or defensive. They have many centre-backs.

Di Canio argued that Spalletti will have to end the confusion on the pitch and give a clear identity to the team.

“In this situation, Yildiz seems even less evolved than the others because he tries to do something more and goes into confusion. You can’t waste that talent; you must give certainty, and you do so with a 4-3-3,” added the ex-striker.

“I expect a stroke of genius,” concluded Inter legend Bergomi.

“In the past, he made Brozovic drop deep and played Perrotta higher up the pitch. I am convinced this team can play better than this.”

Juventus sit 7th in the Serie A table with 15 points, three below a Champions League placement.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/di-canio-spalletti-system-juventus-genius/feed/ 0 923628
Vieira will not comment on Genoa future after angry fan protest https://football-italia.net/vieira-not-comment-genoa-future-angry-protest/ https://football-italia.net/vieira-not-comment-genoa-future-angry-protest/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:54:01 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923634

Patrick Vieira refused to answer when asked if Genoa still have faith in him after fans staged an angry protest in the wake of a 2-0 home defeat to Cremonese.

The Grifone are still without a single Serie A victory so far this season and remain rooted to the foot of the table with just three draws from nine rounds.

They lost five of the last six, and this evening’s 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Cremonese was the final straw for the supporters.

GENOA, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Johan Vasquez of Genoa removes some smoke-bombs thrown onto the pitch by Genoa fans during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Johan Vasquez of Genoa removes some smoke-bombs thrown onto the pitch by Genoa fans during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

The ultras at Marassi threw fireworks and smoke bombs onto the pitch while they chanted ‘show some balls’ and ‘go to work.’

At the final whistle, Vieira and his players stood under the Curva as they received insults and abuse from the angry supporters.

Vieira stands up for troubled Genoa

GENOA, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Patrick Vieira, head coach of Genoa, looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Patrick Vieira, head coach of Genoa, looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“It was a very difficult match on a psychological level,” said Vieira in his press conference.

“We started with an aggressive approach and desire to win, but conceding a goal after three minutes made everything tougher. We were unable to react.

“We lost our organisation and our discipline on the pitch. We felt the tension of being without a win and were unable to turn it around.”

The coach was asked if he had spoken to the Genoa directors and if they still had faith in him.

“You ask me a question like this after a match? I understand it is your job, but this question makes no sense to me,” replied Vieira.

“My worry is to try to find a way to win games. This is a difficult moment for all of us, and we must accept the criticism that comes our way. For the rest, we’ll see. Replying to this question now is not my style.”

GENOA, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Genoa players react with disappointment after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Genoa players react with disappointment after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and US Cremonese at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Considering the lack of reaction and a strong mentality, could Genoa focus more on players with greater experience and mental strength for the next games?

“It’s true that experience is very important right now. We do have players with experience and it will be important for them to take a step forward and talk with the rest of the team,” acknowledged Vieira.

However, he does not believe the squad needs an entire overhaul in the January transfer window.

“I have always said that I was happy with this group of players, and I have not changed my mind on that. These changes brought a little more quality, but lost in terms of intensity. We continue to work.”

]]>
https://football-italia.net/vieira-not-comment-genoa-future-angry-protest/feed/ 0 923634
Chivu happy with Inter ‘patience and ability to overcome difficult moments’ https://football-italia.net/chivu-happy-inter-patience-difficult-moments/ https://football-italia.net/chivu-happy-inter-patience-difficult-moments/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:34:41 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923627

Cristian Chivu is ‘very happy’ for Petar Sucic and Yann Bisseck after Inter beat Fiorentina 3-0, hailing their ‘patience’ and ability to ‘overcome difficult moments.’

The Nerazzurri were feeling the pressure after their tense 3-1 defeat to Napoli over the weekend, complete with the controversy over VAR and refereeing decisions.

It took them a while to break down troubled Fiorentina at San Siro this evening, mainly thanks to the heroics of David De Gea, but Hakan Calhanoglu finally drilled in from distance.

That was followed soon after by a show of Sucic individual skill, then Calhanoglu converted a late penalty that saw Mattia Viti sent off.

Chivu impressed with Inter attitude

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu and Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale look on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu and Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale look on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“A team like Inter has to overcome difficult moments and then carry on the dream, the objective, the target,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was not easy at all today, as Fiorentina are very organised, they chose to sit deep and try to hit us on the counter-attack. We had a few problems in the final third with the wrong choices in the first half, but we added something in the determination and effectiveness after the break.

“We broke the deadlock with a shot from distance, which we had not tried at all in the first half, and that made it much easier. We needed patience today, to understand what the opponents were trying to do, and find a way around. The second half was a different match, we found more spaces.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Inter 3-0 Fiorentina

Sucic was given a rare start after the Henrikh Mkhitaryan injury and took full advantage, scoring a wonderful solo goal when he slalomed through defenders. Chivu had a big celebration on the touchline at that moment for 2-0, seeing the Croatian’s first Serie A goal.

“I don’t think my celebration was particularly wild,” insisted Chivu.

“I am happy, because he is a complete midfielder who can play in various different roles, has quality, an engine too as he covers a lot of ground. He showed great sharpness with the finishing today, we were all happy for him, because he’s been working really hard and giving such support to the team.”

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Francesco Pio Esposito is a very different type of strike partner for Lautaro Martinez, stepping up after the Marcus Thuram injury dragged on more than expected.

“It is right to reward youth with playing time, but we must be careful how we do it. We are fortunate to have a squad packed with experience, who can set the example for younger players, and force them to raise their level in training too.”

Bisseck was moved to the centre of a three-man defence over the last couple of games between Serie A and the Champions League, and admitted it was a different type of role for him, trying to use his pace.

“I am happy with Yann’s performance. The way I see football, he is a player who could be in the centre. We tried that in Belgium and again this evening, as we saw the dangers of a player like Moise Kean and how much he could cause issues, so Yann’s characteristics were suited to that,” explained Chivu.

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 30: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Michal Sadilek of SK Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Michal Sadilek of SK Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“When we were leading 2-0, he came over to drink water, and I said if in doubt, let him run after a long ball rather than try to anticipate. My staff and I want a high line, but the defenders must also understand the moments when it is good to risk, or try to anticipate.

“If in doubt, let them run and chase rather than try to anticipate and get left behind. When I was a player, I wasn’t as fast as Bisseck, but I did learn some little secrets that I can pass on to my defenders,” smiled the Champions League winner.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/chivu-happy-inter-patience-difficult-moments/feed/ 0 923627
Pioli: ‘Fiorentina clearly have problems, but not worried about future’ https://football-italia.net/pioli-fiorentina-clearly-problems-not-worried/ https://football-italia.net/pioli-fiorentina-clearly-problems-not-worried/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:16:46 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923616

Stefano Pioli admits Fiorentina ‘clearly have some problems’ after the 3-0 defeat to Inter, but assures he is ‘not thinking about my future’ in the job.

The Viola are still without a single Serie A victory so far this season, having scraped four draws in nine rounds.

David De Gea kept them in the game at San Siro with some big saves, but ultimately had to surrender to a Hakan Calhanoglu daisy-cutter, then Petar Sucic danced through the defence to double the lead.

Late on, Mattia Viti received a second yellow card for bringing down Ange-Yoan Bonny, allowing Calhanoglu to complete his brace from the penalty spot.

Pioli cannot hide from Fiorentina results

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: ACF Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli issues instructions to his player Mattia Viti during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: ACF Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli issues instructions to his player Mattia Viti during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We were unable to do more. Inter raised the tempo after the restart and we struggled to keep the ball,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

“Clearly, we were up against a very strong opponent, we could’ve done better on the first goal, and after that it all became more difficult.”

Fiorentina have won all three matches in the Conference League, but are stranded at the foot of the Serie A table without a win. Is Pioli worried about his position on the bench?

“I am not thinking about my future, I am thinking about our position in the table, and the games against Lecce and Genoa will be very important. We want our first victory of the season in Serie A.”

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Mattia Viti of ACF Fiorentina competes for the ball with Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Mattia Viti of ACF Fiorentina competes for the ball with Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Inter 3-0 Fiorentina

Robin Gosens went off with a muscular injury, adding to the problems that the Viola are dealing with.

“We know how much Inter push down the flanks and therefore can leave gaps we could make the most of, but they pressed throughout, and we didn’t find those spaces enough. When you are up against opponents of such quality, you will run risks.

“Our intention was to be solid and not allow spaces, I think we did it well in the first half, but we lost our way when they raised the tempo after the break. They took the initiative then and we were unable to close the gaps,” explained Pioli.

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale competes with Pietro Comuzzo of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale competes with Pietro Comuzzo of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It was put to the coach by Paolo Di Canio that Fiorentina were not particularly creative, nor aggressive, so they were in no man’s land.

“I trust my players. I chose a more solid midfield because I knew it would be a more physical game today, as Inter would press high. I don’t believe it is true that we weren’t aggressive or physical today, we just didn’t have the necessary reaction after going behind and when Inter raised the intensity level,” replied Pioli.

If we didn’t win any of our Serie A games in the first nine rounds, then clearly we have some problems. We’re trying to solve them, it is not an excuse, but our fixture list so far has been very tough.

“Now we must prove that we are superior to the teams in the bottom half of the table and that we belong higher up.”

]]>
https://football-italia.net/pioli-fiorentina-clearly-problems-not-worried/feed/ 0 923616
Player Ratings: Inter 3-0 Fiorentina – Calhanoglu frustrates impressive De Gea https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-inter-3-1-fiorentina-calhanoglu/ https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-inter-3-1-fiorentina-calhanoglu/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:49:19 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923590

Hakan Calhanoglu is Football Italia’s MOTM in Inter’s 3-0 win over Fiorentina.

Inter vs. Fiorentina player ratings

Inter: Sommer 6; Akanji 6.5, Bisseck 6.5, Bastoni 7; Dumfries 6 (77′ Carlos Augusto N/A), Barella 7, Calhanoglu 8, Sucic 7.5, Dimarco 6.5; Lautaro Martinez 6.5, Pio Esposito 6 (77′ Bonny 6.5). Coach: Chivu 7.

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 13: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Best Inter player: Calhanoglu 8 – Broke the deadlock with a shot from distance after some unreal saves from David De Gea. Converted a spot kick to make it three for the Nerazzurri. But his performance went beyond the goals: three key passes, 85% accurate passes in the opposition half (via Sofascore) and seven duels won. An all-round performance.

Lowest Inter rating: Pio Esposito 6 – No Inter player was actually below par. Esposito fought hard and would have deserved to be awarded a penalty kick in the second half. It’s the lowest Inter rating, but still a good performance.

Inter coach: Chivu 7 – The second-half performance was enough to claim all three points. The Nerazzurri were ruthless in every corner of the pitch after the break and continued to attack even after scoring the opener through Calhanoglu.

PISA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Fiorentina: De Gea 7.5; Comuzzo 5, Marì 6, Viti 5; Dodò 5.5, Sohm 6 (63′ Fagioli 5.5), Mandragora 5.5 (76′ Dzeko N/A), Ndour 5.5, Gosens 6 (78′ Fortini N/A); Gudmundsson 5.5 (63′ Fazzini 5), Kean 5. Coach: Pioli 4.5.

Best Fiorentina player: De Gea 7.5 – Four key saves which kept Fiorentina in the game until Calhanoglu opened the scoring from the edge of the box. The best one was probably the one with which he denied Bisseck in the second half.

Lowest Fiorentina ratings: Comuzzo, Viti and Fazzini 5 – The defence was shaking, to say the least. Comuzzo took a few too many risks inside the box and was lucky not to cause any penalty. Viti did it instead and even received a second yellow card. Fazzini was soft in every tackle.

Fiorentina coach: Pioli 4.5 – Fiorentina are still winless in the opening nine games. It was already meant to be a tough game, and Pioli’s substitution didn’t really help matters.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-inter-3-1-fiorentina-calhanoglu/feed/ 0 923590
Vlahovic: Juventus must ‘look at ourselves in the mirror’ but ‘never say never’ about future https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-juventus-look-mirror-never-say-future/ https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-juventus-look-mirror-never-say-future/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:16:30 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923584

Dusan Vlahovic thanks Igor Tudor and insists Juventus must ‘look at ourselves in the mirror, talk less and do more’ after a 3-1 win over Udinese.

Juventus beat Udinese 3-1 on Wednesday, ending an eight-game winless streak that cost Tudor the job.

Vlahovic scored his fifth goal this season by converting a penalty kick in the first half. The focus of today’s post-match press conference, however, was almost entirely on recent results and Tudor’s dismissal.

“We’ve changed three coaches in one and a half years. We need to look at ourselves in the mirror and see what we are doing wrong,” Vlahovic told reporters, via Ilbianconero.com.

“I don’t think it’s right to only blame one person. The responsibility lies with everyone.

“Today we needed to send a signal and we did, but if we don’t keep doing it in the next matches, it means nothing. We need to talk less and do more,” he continued.

Vlahovic thanks Tudor

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I want to take this opportunity to thank coach Tudor for what he’s done, for what he represents for Juventus, and to wish him the best of luck.”

Vlahovic’s contract with Juventus expires at the end of the season, and even if he’s unlikely to extend with the Old Lady, the striker kept a door open for his stay in Turin.

“I don’t know what might happen, never say never, but I really don’t know,” he said.

Vlahovic comments on Juventus future

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I’m focused on the present. Talking about it now doesn’t make sense given the situation we’re in. We need to talk less and do more; we need to get back to performing better and winning. That’s where my focus is.

“It’s been a tough few days, but we stayed focused,” Vlahovic added.

“After the Lazio match, we thought about what we needed to do tonight. We’re happy with the win, but have to keep going like this.”

Nicolò Zaniolo scored the equaliser for Udinese right before the break today, but Juventus reacted strongly in the second half.

“It’s part of the game. It’s hard to keep intensity high for 90 minutes, but we have to try,” Vlahovic concluded.

“In the second half, we came out with aggression and earned a win against a tough team.”

NextGen coach Massimo Brambilla served as Juventus’ interim coach against Udinese, but the Serie A giants are now expected to appoint Luciano Spalletti as their new coach.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-juventus-look-mirror-never-say-future/feed/ 0 923584
Gasperini jokes about Roma title dreams and calls for referees’ ‘clarity’ https://football-italia.net/gasperini-jokes-roma-title-referees-clarity/ https://football-italia.net/gasperini-jokes-roma-title-referees-clarity/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:46:43 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923566

Gian Piero Gasperini jokes about Roma’s title dreams but expects more ‘clarity’ from referees after seeing a Matias Soulé goal disallowed.

Gasperini’s Roma returned to the top of the table on Wednesday, beating Parma 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in a mid-week Serie A fixture.

“Three important and good points. We struggled, especially in the opening 30 minutes, because we always take some time to take the appropriate measurements,” Gasperini told DAZN.

“We need to work on this, but when we fixed things, we played well, we didn’t concede much and created opportunities.”

Gasperini hints that Roma’s objective has not changed

ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Evan Ferguson started the game, but picked up an ankle injury after just seven minutes. He was replaced by Leon Bailey, but the Jamaica international was also subbed off during the break.

Roma’s main target is to qualify for the Champions League this season, but now that they have caught Napoli at the top of the table again, have they changed their objectives?

“Yes, we were supposed to train tomorrow afternoon, but we’ll train in the morning instead,” joked Gasperini.

“Then we train again on Friday morning, Saturday afternoon and then on Sunday we go to Milan. If we win, we’ll remain at the top; if not, we have to hope for the others,” he added, smiling.

DAZN pundits noted that Roma look so in control of games that they can turn things in their favour quite easily, but Gasp didn’t quite agree.

Gasperini wants clarity from referees

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 21: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Yes, even if what happened at the end of the first half was not exactly in our favour,” he said.

“There was a disallowed goal, and we have to understand the rules. They’ll have to explain to us, because we saw exactly the same thing in the past. So either this was a mistake, which is acceptable, or the others were mistakes. There can’t be different interpretations. We expect clarity.”

Soulé had scored a goal in the first half, but it was disallowed as Zeki was offside and considered involved in active play in front of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Mario Hermoso and Artem Dovbyk scored the goals for Roma today.

“Hermoso came from a long injury; he made the pre-season with us and had a positive impact with me, in the way he trains and behaves,” said Gasperini.

“He had been playing at the highest levels with Atletico Madrid for years; he has knowledge and great determination. Surely, he is not only valuable from a defensive standpoint, but also technically. We are lucky to have him in the team.

“It seems to me that Dovbyk has been improving physically in recent weeks,” continued the Roma coach.

“If he had scored those penalties and some other big chances against Inter and Fiorentina, he would have already netted a few goals. He scored a beautiful one today. He was more involved against Sassuolo. We work with him and give him all the necessary trust. I’m happy with all these lads. We are working on all of them. Daniele Ghilardi also made his debut today. We have many players, but all can find space.”

]]>
https://football-italia.net/gasperini-jokes-roma-title-referees-clarity/feed/ 0 923566
Brambilla: How Juventus prepared for Udinese game following Tudor’s sacking https://football-italia.net/brambilla-juventus-prepare-udinese-tudor-sack/ https://football-italia.net/brambilla-juventus-prepare-udinese-tudor-sack/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:32:28 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923559

Juventus interim coach Massimo Brambilla says he decided the starting line-up for a game against Udinese with staff members after Igor Tudor was sacked and feels Kenan Yildiz must be left ‘free’ to find the space he needs in attack.

Brambilla led Juventus to a 3-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday in the first match since Igor Tudor’s dismissal.

The Croatian tactician was sacked on Monday after a 1-0 defeat against Lazio, and Brambilla, the Juventus NextGen coach, worked with the senior team on the same day.

Brambilla comments on Juventus 3-1 Udinese

“I took charge of a training session, and I spent two days with the team. On Monday morning, I worked with the U23, and then I came here in the afternoon,” Brambilla told DAZN.

“I had to understand the physical shape of the players, then I spoke to the remaining staff, and we picked this formation. We put down a strategy we had to adopt, and the early goal surely helped us. The team showed strength in the reaction to the goal they conceded, which could have been dangerous for us.”

Juventus took an early lead in the first half thanks to a Dusan Vlahovic goal from the spot, but Nicolò Zaniolo levelled the score right before the break.

SASSUOLO, ITALY - JUNE 26: Massimo Brambilla head coach of Atalanta U19 looks on during the Primavera 1 TIM Playoffs Semi-Final match between UC Sampdoria U19 and Atalanta BC U19 at Enzo Ricci Stadium on June 26, 2021 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JUNE 26: Massimo Brambilla head coach of Atalanta U19 looks on during the Primavera 1 TIM Playoffs Semi-Final match between UC Sampdoria U19 and Atalanta BC U19 at Enzo Ricci Stadium on June 26, 2021 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I tried to convey trust and reassure the lads. They are strong and experienced players,” Brambilla explained.

“They know what they have to do. I think they deserved to win with a great performance today. That equaliser could have ruined the game, but we entered the field with courage in the second half.”

Federico Gatti and Kenan Yildiz scored one goal each in the second half to give Juventus all three points. The Turkey international also converted a spot kick.

“Kenan is a talented player, and every talented player must be left free to find the space they want,” noted Brambilla.

“I trained him for a period in the U23 [NextGen], and I think the ideal position for him is starting on the left to cut inside and move behind to the centre-forward. He finds the space by himself; he’s an extraordinary player and a great lad.”

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC is tackled by Arthur Atta of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC is tackled by Arthur Atta of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

This is the third consecutive season that Juventus have sacked their coach. So, what was the mood in the dressing room?

“This team was going through a difficult period, where they didn’t get results, and the morale surely wasn’t good,” said Brambilla.

“But I repeat, these are strong lads, with experience. I told them to focus on the game and do things well on the pitch because they have quality, and they only had to take it out.

“Surely, there’s great satisfaction in the dressing room. I’m happy to see happiness in the lads’ eyes,” concluded Brambilla.

“We prepared for this game in two days. The work we did was similar to the one in the NextGen; what changed was the whole context in which we lived tonight, an atmosphere that was not one of enthusiasm, but when the fans warmed up, it was a nice emotion for me.”

Juventus are expected to appoint Luciano Spalletti as their new coach in the coming hours.

 

]]>
https://football-italia.net/brambilla-juventus-prepare-udinese-tudor-sack/feed/ 0 923559
Player ratings: Juventus 3-1 Udinese – Yildiz puts the cherry on top https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-juventus-3-1-udinese/ https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-juventus-3-1-udinese/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:36:54 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923536

Juventus picked up their first victory since September 13 with a 3-1 Serie A victory against Udinese under interim head coach Massimo Brambilla on Thursday evening, with Kenan Yildiz once again putting in one of Juve’s better performances. 

Below are the player ratings from an interesting evening in Turin. 

The Juve no.10 won and converted a penalty in second-half injury-time, which followed Bianconeri goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti. Nicolo Zaniolo had made it 1-1 moments before half-time. 

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

Juventus 3-1 Udinese – Player ratings 

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus: Di Gregorio 6; Kalulu 6, Gatti 6.5, Kelly 6; Cambiaso 6, McKennie 6, Locatelli 6, Kostic 6.5; Yildiz 7; Openda 6.5, Vlahovic 6.5. 

Best Juventus player: Yildiz 7 – Yildiz continues to show why he is rated so highly in Bianconeri circles. He tested Okoye with a few shots from distance, but showed that he is capable of creating chances for himself from nothing. Should have made it 3-1 in injury time, but then won and converted a penalty that did restore his side’s two-goal advantage a few moments later. 

Coach: Massimo Brambilla 6.5 – Difficult circumstances for the interim Juventus head coach, who has only had since Monday to prepare the team following the sacking of Igor Tudor. The goal drought is over, though, and the team responded well despite the Udinese equaliser just before half-time. Not the most thrilling of Juventus performances by any means, but a valuable three points have been secured. 

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Udinese: Okoye 5; Goglichidze 4, Kabasele 6, Solet 6; Ehizibue 6, Piotrowski 5.5, Karlstrom 6, Atta 6, Kamara 6; Zaniolo 6.5, Davis 5.

Coach: Kosta Runjaic –  The Udinese head coach will have been pleased with the way that his side ended the first-half, finding an equaliser just before the interval through Zaniolo, but that was his side’s only real sign of momentum across the 90. They did not come out for the second half with the same intensity that they finished the second, and ultimately let Juventus back into the game. 

Best Udinese player: Zaniolo 6.5 – The most composed man in the penalty area when the opportunity fell for him moments before half-time. Two goals in his last three Serie A appearances for Udinese now. 

]]>
https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-juventus-3-1-udinese/feed/ 0 923536
Ex-Inter captain Icardi keeps waiting for Galatasaray contract offer https://football-italia.net/icardi-waits-galatasaray-contract-offer/ Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:21:03 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923524

Former Inter captain Mauro Icardi is happy at Galatasaray, but his contract expires at the end of the season, and the new club management hasn’t yet offered him a new deal.

Ex-Inter star Icardi is waiting for a contract offer from his club, Galatasaray, as his deal expires at the end of the season.

His contract extension, however, is not guaranteed as the new club management hasn’t yet made a formal proposal. It’s not even guaranteed that the matter will be discussed in the coming weeks, so Icardi keeps waiting professionally.

Predictably, Icardi will wait until December, but then he’ll consider possible offers from other clubs, given that he’ll become available as a free agent with just six months left in his contract.

There’s always high interest in the Argentine striker, especially if he were to leave Galatasaray on a free transfer.

As of today, Icardi is in no hurry. The 32-year-old is in no rush and has given priority to Galatasaray, but negotiations with his club are stalling.

 

]]>
923524
Exclusive: Roma eyeing summer move for impressive Verona teenager https://football-italia.net/roma-eye-summer-move-for-verona-teenager/ https://football-italia.net/roma-eye-summer-move-for-verona-teenager/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:41:58 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923495

Alphadjo Cisse has been a key figure for US Catanzaro in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, and is beginning to attract the interest of Serie A title hopefuls Roma, Football Italia understands. 

Roma keen on Verona-owned teenager

Cisse, who joined Catanzaro on loan from Hellas Verona over the summer, has impressed with his performances and impressive technical ability in Serie B, which has brought a return of four goals from his first nine matches in the second tier. 

The 19-year-old is still owned by Verona, and could potentially become a key player in one of the upcoming transfer windows, likely this summer. 

LUDBREG, CROATIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Bence Dardai (R) of U19 Germany challenges Alphadjo Cisse of U19 Italy during the UEFA Under-19 Football Friendly Match between U19 Germany and U19 Italy at NK Podravina Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Ludbreg, Croatia. (Photo by Jure Makovec/Getty Images for DFB)
LUDBREG, CROATIA – SEPTEMBER 7: Bence Dardai (R) of U19 Germany challenges Alphadjo Cisse of U19 Italy during the UEFA Under-19 Football Friendly Match between U19 Germany and U19 Italy at NK Podravina Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Ludbreg, Croatia. (Photo by Jure Makovec/Getty Images for DFB)

As was originally reported by Lorenzo Canicchio, Roma are evaluating a potential move for Cisse. He is a profile that Gasperini admires, and given the coach’s previous track record in developing young prospects, could be an ideal fit. 

Representatives from Roma met with Cisse’s entourage in Trigoria a few days ago. While it is too soon to make any definitive conclusions, it is understood that the Giallorossi will continue to monitor Cisse’s development with a strong interest.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/roma-eye-summer-move-for-verona-teenager/feed/ 0 923495
Chiellini: ‘Spalletti a modern coach, tough Juventus decision to sack Tudor’ https://football-italia.net/chiellini-spalletti-modern-sack-juventus-tudor/ https://football-italia.net/chiellini-spalletti-modern-sack-juventus-tudor/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:25:42 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923492

Juventus advisor Giorgio Chiellini confirms Luciano Spalletti is ‘a great coach with experience and a modern style of football’ after the ‘tough decision’ to sack Igor Tudor.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.30 GMT.

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

The Bianconeri decided to fire Tudor on Monday after three consecutive defeats in all competition, and an eight-game winless streak including the failure to score in four straight matches.

Chiellini explains Juventus revolution

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I think that Tudor should be thanked for having done important work, as last season he took us into the Champions League,” Chiellini told DAZN Italia.

“This was a decision shared within the club. We think that the team can do well.”

Spalletti is widely expected to sign on the contract to the end of the season from tomorrow, but meanwhile Next Gen boss Massimo Brambilla is the caretaker manager against Udinese.

“I think Spalletti is a great coach, with experience and a modern style of football. We have to wait, because there is no signature yet, so let us focus on trying to pick up points today,” replied Chiellini.

“I also wish to thank Brambilla, who is allowing us to go into this game with focus and look to the future.

“It was a tough decision, because it is not in the DNA of Juventus to make a change so early, and there is disappointment considering how much the coach cares about this club.

“It will be a transitional year, because we are laying the foundations for a Juve that can get back to winning ways. There are 30 games to go in Serie A and everything is still up for grabs, so I think we can begin a new era,” added Chiellini.

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy looks on during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy looks on during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

There are a few big changes already, as Filip Kostic gets his first start of the season, while Teun Koopmeiners is dropped to the bench with Jonathan David.

Kenan Yildiz returns from a knee issue and seems to be in a more central trequartista role behind the two strikers, who are Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda.

Juventus are making changes behind the scenes too, because they are expected to appoint a new director of sport soon.

“There will be a new director of sport in the next few weeks, because we are lacking that figure,” confirmed Chiellini.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/chiellini-spalletti-modern-sack-juventus-tudor/feed/ 0 923492
€37m Milan signing Jashari sees light at the end of the tunnel after unfortunate injury https://football-italia.net/milan-jashari-sees-light-at-end-of-tunnel/ https://football-italia.net/milan-jashari-sees-light-at-end-of-tunnel/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:11:16 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923476

Milan’s summer signing Ardon Jashari is expected to return to first-team training with the rest of the Rossoneri squad on Thursday after missing over two months of action at the start of the 2025-26 season. 

Jashari was one of the most expensive signings in Serie A over the course of the summer transfer window, joining Milan from Club Brugge at a total cost of €37m following a lengthy transfer saga. 

The Switzerland international was given 24 minutes off the bench during Milan’s 2-0 win over Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia in August, and then another 16 minutes during Milan’s 2-1 Serie A defeat against Cremonese on August 23, but has been unable to feature since then. 

Milan expect Jashari to return on Thursday

DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 09: Ardon Jashari of AC Milan runs with the ball under pressure from Anton Stach of Leeds United during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and AC Milan at Aviva Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
DUBLIN, IRELAND – AUGUST 09: Ardon Jashari runs with the ball under pressure from Anton Stach of Leeds United during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and AC Milan at Aviva Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

It was reported that Jashari suffered an unfortunate injury in training after an accidental collision with teammate Santiago Gimenez. 

The club later confirmed that Jashari had suffered a fractured fibula, which was expected to keep him out of action for around two months. 

It has now been two months and one day since the injury that Jashari suffered in training, and now, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the €37m signing will finally resume first-team training with the rest of the Rossoneri squad on Thursday.

]]>
https://football-italia.net/milan-jashari-sees-light-at-end-of-tunnel/feed/ 1 923476
Brighton head coach weighs in on Ferguson’s year-long goal drought: ‘Patience’ https://football-italia.net/hurzeler-weighs-in-on-ferguson-roma-drought/ https://football-italia.net/hurzeler-weighs-in-on-ferguson-roma-drought/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:33:04 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923470

Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has had an opportunity to share his thoughts on Roma loanee Evan Ferguson, who has come under criticism for his lack of goals, despite the Giallorossi being among the early challengers for the Serie A title. 

Ferguson joined Roma on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for a cost of €40m during the summer transfer window. 

The Irishman started in three of Roma’s first four league matches of the season, all of which resulted in 1-0 victories, but has since struggled to break into Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting line-up, and has now gone a full calendar year without scoring a competitive goal at club level. 

What Hurzeler said about Ferguson’s goal drought at Roma

ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 23: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma runs with the ball under pressure from Lorenzo De Silvestri of Bologna during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma runs with the ball under pressure from Lorenzo De Silvestri of Bologna during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Brighton head coach Hurzeler was asked what he made of Ferguson’s form during his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s cup clash against Arsenal on Tuesday. 

He believes it is ‘natural’ that a young player goes through ‘waves’ in their development, and insists that patience is the only thing that will help Ferguson get through his goal drought. 

“It’s not easy, especially for Evan, to go to another culture, it’s a completely different style of football,” Hurzeler told the press. 

OXFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Fabian Hurzeler, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Oxford United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Kassam Stadium on August 27, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
OXFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Fabian Hurzeler, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Oxford United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Kassam Stadium on August 27, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

“I think we need to be patient with him, he’s still very young, he needs to adapt. I think he had a really good start. 

“It’s natural, when you look at our squad, it’s the same with our young players, there are waves in the way they develop. We can’t expect that it always goes (upwards). 

“Overall, the main thing is that he doesn’t regret what he’s doing, that he’s overcoming these phases because overcoming these phases means you get stronger in your personality, you become more mature, you make the next step and I’m sure long-term, this will help in his development.”

]]>
https://football-italia.net/hurzeler-weighs-in-on-ferguson-roma-drought/feed/ 0 923470
Inter President comments on Josep Martinez car crash: ‘Tragic situation’ https://football-italia.net/inter-president-comments-martinez-car-crash/ https://football-italia.net/inter-president-comments-martinez-car-crash/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:41:57 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923467

Inter President Beppe Marotta has expressed his sympathies to the family of the 81-year-old man killed in a road traffic accident involving Nerazzurri goalkeeper Joesp Martinez on Tuesday, and says that he hopes the club can ‘be of assistance in this tragic situation’. 

Inter’s second-choice goalkeeper Martinez was the driver of a car that struck an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair a few kilometres away from the club’s training ground. The man, named as Paolo Saibene, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

In response to the fatal incident, Inter cancelled head coach Cristian Chivu’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Martinez, meanwhile, was taken to a local police station, was subjected to drug and alcohol tests and returned home at around 18.00 local time. He is not expected to return to training with Inter until next week at the earliest. 

NAPLES, ITALY - MARCH 01: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 01: Josep Martinez  during the Serie A match against Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

What Inter’s Marotta said about Josep Martinez car accident

Inter President Marotta, speaking at an event in Milan marking 100 days until the start of the Winter Olympics, was able to express his sympathies publicly for the first time since the tragic incident on Tuesday morning. 

FLORENCE, ITALY - JANUARY 29: Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta during the "Panchina d'Oro" award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Giuseppe Marotta during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“It’s a serious and delicate situation,” Marotta said. “Of course, we are here for the family of the deceased, as well as for our player, whom we all know very well. 

“This is the sort of situation or accident that is, unfortunately, part of everyday life. I hope that we can be of assistance in this tragic situation.”

]]>
https://football-italia.net/inter-president-comments-martinez-car-crash/feed/ 0 923467
De Bruyne ruled out until February at the earliest after surgery https://football-italia.net/de-bruyne-ruled-out-february-after-surgery/ https://football-italia.net/de-bruyne-ruled-out-february-after-surgery/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:17:05 +0000 https://football-italia.net/?p=923454

Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be unavailable until February at the earliest after undergoing surgery on his injured hamstring on Wednesday. 

De Bruyne immediately clutched his hamstring after converting a penalty during Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter in Serie A over the weekend. The club confirmed the following day that the former Manchester City favourite had suffered a severe tear in his thigh, which required surgery to amend. 

Napoli have confirmed on Wednesday that De Bruyne has now had that operation in his native Belgium, and that he is due to begin the first stage of his rehabilitation process in Antwerp. 

Napoli confirm successful De Bruyne surgery

NAPLES, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bryne of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“As was scheduled, Kevin De Bruyne underwent surgery in Antwerp today following a high-grade hamstring injury in his right thigh,” Napoli confirmed in a statement on the club website. 

“The surgery was perfectly successful. De Bruyne, overseen by head of the medical staff, Dr Raffaele Canonico, will continue the first part of the post-surgical phase of his rehabilitation process in Belgium.” 

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the recovery phase after De Bruyne’s surgery could take anywhere between three to five months. 

NAPLES, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Either way, the Belgium international could potentially return to action in February, but that is considered the best case scenario. 

It is not an ideal situation for head coach Antonio Conte, who will also lose in-form central midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for up to a month in December and January for the Africa Cup of Nations. 

]]>
https://football-italia.net/de-bruyne-ruled-out-february-after-surgery/feed/ 0 923454