Despite being tipped with a surprise return to the Italy national team set-up after almost three years, it appears that Marco Verratti will not be available for the crucial World Cup play-off campaign at the end of the month after all. 

Verratti had been tipped with a return to the Italy national team squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland coming up on March 26, and recent reports claimed that he was on Gennaro Gattuso’s preliminary squad list.

The 33-year-old last played for the Azzurri during the Nations League finals in the summer of 2023. 

Verratti is currently on the books of Al-Duhail of the Qatar Stars League, but has not featured for his club since January 15 due to recurring injury issues. Those problems are expected to keep him out of action for the play-offs with Italy later this month according to reports from various outlets on Thursday. 

Instead, Gattuso looks set to stick with a first-choice midfield of Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali and Juventus’s Manuel Locatelli at the base. Thursday’s reports suggest that Roma’s Niccolo Pisilli is increasingly likely to be included in the squad now that Verratti has been ruled out. 

When do Italy play next? 

The Azzurri will next be in action against Northern Ireland for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo on Thursday, March 26. 

The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home on March 31 depending on the result of the other semi-final.

Inter could let go of several long-term first-team servants and are targeting a summer move for Roma midfielder Manu Kone according to Thursday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

The Nerazzurri are sitting seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table with 10 league matches of the season left to go, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, there could soon be a transfer ‘revolution’ on the horizon. 

Inter have several senior players whose contracts are expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season and are not currently expected to be renewed, including the likes of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, defenders Matteo Darmian, Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi, and a decision is yet to be made on midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. 

The Nerazzurri are also hoping to supply Cristian Chivu with ‘fresh blood’ ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Roma’s Manu Kone was a target in the summer transfer window of 2025, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are likely to make another attempt for the Frenchman this coming window.  

Thursday’s report indicates that Inter are also inclined to activate their buy-back option for 20-year-old Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, son of former Nerazzurri star, Dejan. 

Departures can’t be ruled out, and La Gazzetta dello Sport argues that none of Inter’s first team stars are particularly ‘untouchable’ at this stage, aside from perhaps Lautaro Martinez and Pio Esposito. 

Even an Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella or a Marcus Thuram could theoretically be allowed to leave if a particularly enticing offer were to come in. Galatasaray are also reportedly persisting with their interest in Hakan Calhanoglu. 

Yann BIsseck is said to have interest from the Premier League and Denzel Dumfries reportedly has a release clause option in his contract valid this summer. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport maintains that these suggestions are purely hypothetical at this stage. But if a big name or two were to leave this summer, Kone, who is likely to cost in excess of €40m would be the primary target. 

Robeto Piccoli is expected to start at centre-forward for Fiorentina in the absence of Italy international Moise Kean as the Viola prepare to take on Rakow Czestochowa in the Conference League on Thursday evening. 

The Conference League has been a rare source of victories for Fiorentina in 2025-26. Paolo Vanoli’s side beat Polish opposition in Jagiellonia Białystok by a 5-4 scoreline over two legs of the play-offs in order to qualify for tonight’s round of 16 tie. 

Rakow Czestochowa finished the league phase in second place and qualified directly for the round of 16 as a result. 

Fiorentina are without Kean in attack. The Italy man is in contention to return against Cremonese in Serie A on Monday evening instead. Compatriot Piccoli is expected to start at centre-forward instead. 

Vanoli is expected to rest Dodo, Nicolo Fagioli and give an opportunity to goalkeeper Oliver Christensen instead of David De Gea. 

According to Sky Sport Italia, Fabiano Parisi and Jacopo Fazzini could also start in attack in a fairly heavily rotated Viola side.

Kick-off is due at 19.45 GMT. 

Fiorentina vs. Rakow Czestochowa: Probable line-ups 

Fiorentina (4-3-3): Christensen; Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Fabbian, Mandragora, Ndour; Parisi, Piccoli, Fazzini. 

Rakow (3-4-2-1): Zych; Mozor, Svarnas, Racovitan; Tudor, Repka, Struski, Ameyaw; Ibid, Makuch; Brunes.

Where to watch Fiorentina vs. Rakow Czestochowa

Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 6 and online through Discovery+. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+. 

Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game commentary and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Inter gets a shake-up

Scudetto, and then there will be a revolution

The club wants a side with more characters, even Barella and Bastoni up for discussion. And, on the market place, Kone and Vicario primary objectives 

Milan’s plans for the Champions League

Kean for the attack

Italy sink 

Our sides a disaster in the Champions League

No team reaches the quarter-finals. The bottom  of the barrel. Look how many points they’ve suffered: The reasons behind the crisis 

Real lessons 

Super Valverde (three goals) to overwhelm City

Rino, you think about it 

The locations of the training bases have already been chosen: Toronto and then Utah 

It’s Bologna-Roma. Gasp plays for a lot, Italiano for everything 

And in the Conference, Fiorentina take on Rakow 

Corriere dello Sport 

A place for one 

The Euroleague derby 

At the Dall’Ara (17.45) the first of two battles for a spot in the quarter-finals

Bologna with Castro, Roma have SuperMalen 

A route to the Champions League also comes up in this competition: One of Italiano or Gasp could save the honor of Italian football

Valverde humiliates Pep 

Champions League: City overwhelmed with three goals from the Uruguayan 

Guardiola, what a lesson in Madrid. Donnarumma saves a penalty from Vinicis (3-0). Psg, five against Chelsea, brace from Kvara (5-2), Arsenal save themselves in Leverkusen (1-1), Bodo continue to amaze: Sporting also capitulate in Norway (3-0)

Fiorentina, the uncomfortable cup 

Survival is the most important thing, but need to get past Rakow in the Conference League to save any further embarrassments 

Spalletti, here’s Vlahovic again 

Returning in Udine 

Dusan back after three months. Senesi intrigue: Juve are also there 

Conte, Mister 600 

He has 597 points in Serie A

Could reach a landmark figure in Napoli-Lecce 

Inter, Alisson or Vicario 

Goalkeepers in the distance 

Sommer heading for farewell: The replacement will arrive from the Premier League

Iran, no World Cup 

The announcement from the minister 

‘The conditions are not there’. Infantino’s gaffe 

Tuttosport 

Juve, the bonus Vlahovic 

DV9 returns in Udine: They need his goals for the Champions League comeback and the new contract … 

Dusan scores right away in a training match: After 105 days of absence, he will start again from the bench, but everyone is waiting for him on the pitch. Contacts over his renewal are intensifying: The salary reaches 6 million with bonuses and objectives, Spalletti lifts the tension. Boga sees himself as a starter, more doubts in goal: And for the future, looking at Martinez from Villa. Inquiry for Lewandowski

The war affects the World Cup. Iran forfeit

The consequence of the conflict and FIFA’s embarrassment 

From Tehran: ‘We can’t play in the United States like this’. The logic would be to replace them with another Asian side (Iraq or the UAE), but with fears of other renunciations, a decision based on overall ranking can’t be ruled out. Sport in Palestine: The Italian parliament writes to the IOC and FIFA. Meanwhile, Verratti is out: Gattuso puts the trust in Locatelli and thinks about Pisilli

Valverde, Real magic. PSG, what a spectacle! 

Fantasy hat-trick from the Uruguayan, City destroyed 

Chelse\ hold them off in Paris, but then Vitinha and the brace from Kvara make it 5-2. Fantastic Bodo: 3-0 against Sporting, looking at the quarter-finals and history 

Bologna and Roma to feel like we’re in Europe 

At 17.45: The derby in the round of 16. Italiano: ‘We want to get through to the end’. Gasp: ‘I’m not thinking about Como.’. Conference League: Fiorentina-Rakow 

D’Aversa studies Serie B and … Juric 

The Serbian’s return looms over safety. The scathing letter from Marengo to Cairo 

Roma are expected to use Donyell Malen, Bryan Zaragoza and Niccolò Pisilli in the Europa League Round of 16, while Bologna look to Thijs Dallinga and Federico Bernardeschi.

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET) on Thursday, with the second leg next week at the Stadio Olimpico.

The draw means Italy will have only one representative in the Europa League quarter-finals, as the two Serie A competitors go head-to-head.

Hosts Bologna have Juan Miranda, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Torbjorn Heggem not fully fit, while Lorenzo De Silvestri is not on the UEFA squad list.

Santiago Castro has looked exhausted lately after a run of games in the starting XI, so it seems likely that Dallinga will step into the centre-forward role instead.

He should be flanked by Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe, leaving Riccardo Orsolini on the bench.

Coach Vincenzo Italiano confirmed that Tommaso Pobega has a good chance of starting in midfield.

Roma are forced to do without suspended Gianluca Mancini in defence, while Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are all injured.

It leaves limited options in attack, but January signings Malen and Zaragoza can finally play in the Europa League, having been cup-tied for the final league phase matches.

Mario Hermoso took part in training today and could make his comeback in defence, while Bryan Cristante is tipped to take the more advanced role in support of the strikers.

This is a position he can swap around with Pisilli, giving the opposition defenders few reference points.

It might be an all-Italian game, but it is still a UEFA fixture, so the referee is German Sven Jablonski, with Bastian Dankert in the VAR booth.

Bologna vs. Roma probable line-ups

Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Joao Mario, Lucumi, Vitik, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Dallinga, Rowe

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Koné, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Zaragoza; Malen

Ref: Jablonski (GER)

Remo Freuler could be Bologna’s secret weapon in the Europa League meeting with Roma. ‘I know how Gian Piero Gasperini plays off by heart.’

The first leg of this Round of 16 tie kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

It is safe to say the two teams have few surprises in store, considering this is an all-Italian derby on the UEFA stage, but some are even more tuned in.

Gasperini and Freuler are old friends

Freuler made 254 appearances under Roma coach Gasperini when they worked together at Atalanta from 2016 to 2022, scoring 20 goals and providing 23 assists.

“I know how Gasperini plays off by heart, even if he too has changed some things in his style over recent years,” Freuler told Sky Sport Italia.

“The foundations are still more or less the same, and I will be very happy to see him again tomorrow.”

Gasperini is keeping a few decisions to the last minute, and now uses two players in the trequartista role supporting a centre-forward, especially as there are so many injuries in attack.

“I know the adjustments he makes too, whether he plays with three upfront or an extra midfielder, I know the thoughts he has in his mind. We’ll see what happens.”

Freuler left Atalanta in 2022 for Nottingham Forest, but returned within a year to Serie A, where he is enjoying a new lease of life with Bologna.

This means he had already departed by the time Atalanta won the Europa League trophy, but he did experience some European success there.

“I remember how we danced after the game against Shakhtar Donetsk, when we qualified for the Champions League Round of 16. I still feel that joy, just as I do our super rapport both on and off the field,” said the Switzerland international.

“The first leg is always an important result so we can go into the decider with confidence. We want to keep going in the Europa League.

“Unfortunately, we picked Roma in the draw, who with all due respect to the others are more difficult to play against than KRC Genk.”

Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma confirmed his remarkable record on penalties after parrying the Vinicius Junior effort, but what the Manchester City goalkeeper said before the Real Madrid spot-kick was also indicative.

Tonight’s Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Bernabeu had seen Manchester City go in as favourites, but they found themselves 3-0 down by half-time.

Donnarumma had pulled out of a potential penalty challenge on Federico Valverde on the opening goal, so when Vinicius went clear after the restart, this time he went for the ball.

It proved an incorrect decision, as he caught the player’s ankle instead and gave away the penalty with a yellow card.

Donnarumma duel with Vinicius

Just before the Brazilian stepped up, Donnarumma was caught on camera complaining in Italian, repeatedly saying the same phrase: “Ha fatto il fenomeno.”

This translates in a few different ways, as it can be an expression of being impressed with how ‘phenomenal’ a player is being, but more often it’s sarcastic and a complaint that someone is trying too hard to show off, for example when he’s doing step-overs.

This seemingly played out moments later, because Vinicius took a slow and excessively confident run-up, seeing the penalty parried by Donnarumma.

The 27-year-old was entirely the wrong person to do that against, seeing as Donnarumma has now saved 17 out of the 61 spot-kicks faced in normal time.

Donnarumma denies Viní Jr from the penalty spot @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/HFyGgRNOCp

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026

That does not include shoot-outs, which of course is how he helped Italy win the EURO 2020 Final against England.

This time, he might’ve kept City in the tie, as they were already 3-0 down and about to concede a fourth.

Gianluigi Donnarumma keeps Man City in this tie with a huge penalty save pic.twitter.com/ENgDYzdWFg

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2026

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma found himself in a split-second quandary for Manchester City against Real Madrid, seemingly preferring to give up the goal.

The shot-stopper started tonight’s Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Bernabeu, but was caught out by the opener scored by Federico Valverde.

It was very route one football, as Thibaut Courtois punted a long ball forward, controlled brilliantly by Valverde to go clear on goal.

Donnarumma behaviour explained

As Donnarumma came rushing out to narrow the angle, he seemed to pull his arm away at the last second, so Valverde went around him and managed to steer it into the net from a tricky position.

Former Torino goalkeeper Joe Hart on TNT Sport confirmed the suspicion many had that Donnarumma thought he wasn’t going to get there in time, and that he may well be sliding his way out of the penalty area in the process.

A brilliant assist from Courtois is finished off by Valverde to give Real Madrid the lead against Manchester City @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/hS6f3Pe7Vj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026

That and the fear of giving away a penalty even if it wasn’t a red card, along with the narrowing angle making it a tough finish, prompted the Italian to withdraw his arm and let Valverde through.

It is also not entirely a surprise, considering this was the second assist Courtois has registered in the Champions League this season for Real Madrid.

Thibaut Courtois assist

The Belgian keeper plays a lovely ball out to Fede Valverde who gives Real Madrid the lead pic.twitter.com/EX93BvXlk9

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2026

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar has sent a message of solidarity with Tottenham Hotspur’s Antonin Kinsky. ‘A similar thing happened to me on my Champions League debut.’

The Giallorossi are preparing for the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 against fellow Italians Bologna, which kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

Ahead of that clash, Svilar wanted to take a moment to reassure a colleague who was hauled off the pitch just 16 minutes into a disastrous performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last night.

Svilar latest to reassure Kinsky

“A similar thing happened to me eight years ago, I too made a mistake in my Champions League debut, and it took quite a few years for me to get over it,” Svilar told Sky Sport Italia.

“I feel bad for him, but I’ve seen him play many times, and in my view he will become a great goalkeeper. This incident will only help him to reach that level.”

Of course, Svilar was not taken off the pitch after just 16 minutes of the tie, which is what coach Igor Tudor did to Kinsky last night, replacing him with Italy international Guglielmo Vicario.

He was also only 18 years old when making that Champions League bow for Benfica in a 1-0 group stage home defeat to Manchester United in October 2017, and stayed on for the entire match.

Meanwhile, the Roma shot-stopper is focused on the Europa League tie with Bologna, hoping to shore up the defence after conceding five goals in the last two Serie A games.

“It can happen over a long season. On the other side, we are scoring more goals recently, and our defence was solid for such a long time, it will go back to that.”

The team had already been ticking up the results at the end of last season and only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification under Claudio Ranieri.

How have things changed for the Giallorossi with Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm?

“He likes a more direct approach, without too many passes in defence, as we want to make our quality count going forward.”

Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma are not prioritising Serie A ahead of the Europa League clash with Bologna, despite an injury crisis in attack. ‘Donyell Malen’s situation is very rare.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

The second leg will be at the Stadio Olimpico next week, as we know only one Italian team will make it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

It is confirmed that the Giallorossi will be without suspended Gianluca Mancini, plus injured Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, but Mario Hermoso is included in the list.

Gasperini has reduced Roma options

“We’ll see tomorrow, at the moment Hermoso is available and could play, but he’s been out for a while, so we’ll see if it’s from the start or off the bench,” explained Gasperini in his press conference.

“At least one Italian team will get through for sure. It’s true the trend for Italian teams in Europe has not been good this season, even worse if we add in the Nazionale struggles, so evidently it’s not a coincidence.

“We all need to dig deep and explain what the problem is, the coaches, clubs, and probably the media too. It’s not about a tactical issue, there’s something deeper that probably stems from the youth academies and the way teams are built.”

Considering he has won the Europa League with Atalanta, but also that Roma have a Serie A battle with Como this weekend for fourth place, which is the priority for them?

“Every game is important, we cannot make calculations, but take them one at a time trying to give our best in each one,” replied the coach.

“The priority is both competitions, perhaps a few weeks ago we also had the Coppa Italia and therefore saw Serie A as the priority, but we never thought about just letting anything go.

“I don’t see any way of giving less in a match situation. It’s possible we won’t play as well in some games as others, but it won’t be by choice.”

The January signings have made a big impact, most notably striker Malen, who will finally get to play in the Europa League with Roma after he was cup-tied for the league phase due to his time with Aston Villa.

“We are scoring more goals, the trend is positive thanks also to the arrival of Malen, who has made us more dangerous in attack,” confirmed Gasperini.

“We have certainly lost several important players in attack, but Malen has given us something extra. Bryan Zaragoza needs time to adapt, he’s only been here for a month, so the situations like Malen who hit the ground running in a new team are very rare.

“With both Dybala and Soulé out, we have had to rotate players in those support roles. Lorenzo Pellegrini has played there most consistently, but Lorenzo Venturino, Robinio Vaz and Stephan El Shaarawy can all play there.”

Has Gasperini spoken to Pellegrini about his future, with the contract running down?

“No, this is not something we need to discuss now, as it’s a fundamental stage of the season, and we need to focus on the pitch.”

Could Malen and Vaz even start together tomorrow?

“Anything is possible,” smiled the coach.

Roma have named their squad list for the Europa League Round of 16 against Bologna, missing big names like Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini, but Mario Hermoso is included.

The first leg kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

The Giallorossi have been dealing with a lengthy injury crisis for some time now, and many of the problems are localised in the attack.

Good and bad news for Roma

This means Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are long-term absentees, while Soulé has again not been included, as he struggles to recover from an inflammation.

The good news for coach Gian Piero Gasperini is that defender Hermoso completed the training session and is in the squad, though it remains to be seen if he will start.

There is more pressure on the defence, as Gianluca Mancini is suspended for the first leg of this Europa League tie.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Bryan Zaragoza is tipped to start in support of Donyell Malen, while Bryan Cristante can be moved into a more advanced role too.

This leaves Manu Koné and Niccolò Pisilli in midfield, benching Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Vincenzo Italiano admits he would gladly have avoided the all-Italian Europa League duel with Roma, but Bologna ‘hope to tease some weaknesses out of them tomorrow.’

It kicks off on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET) at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

The draw was unkind to the Italian teams, as while it means at least there will be one representative in the quarter-finals, it can only be one of the two sides who entered the tournament.

Bologna had a terrible start to 2026 and seemingly had turned a corner with a run of victories, but faltered again at the weekend with their home defeat to rock bottom Hellas Verona.

Italiano would have avoided Bologna vs. Roma

“We have already put that match behind us,” assured Italiano in his press conference.

“Roma have some weaknesses and we hope to tease those out of them tomorrow. As I said before, I had hoped in a different draw, because we could’ve gone far together in this competition, but instead one of the two Italians must go out.

“We are stuttering in our home games lately, but hope to change that tomorrow.”

The coach gave injury updates, as Juan Miranda and Torbjorn Heggem are back in training, but it remains to be seen if either of them could start.

He did hint that Tommaso Pobega has “a very good chance” of being in the starting XI, though Thijs Dallinga could finally give Santiago Castro some rest ahead of the Serie A showdown with Sassuolo.

“Roma defend well and have now found a striker in Donyell Malen who is doing very well, giving their aggressive style of football an outlet. We know him too, as we already played against his Aston Villa earlier in the season.

“Gian Piero Gasperini has set the example for all coaches, winning important trophies both at team and individual level. He continues to exhibit wonderful football and I have incredible respect for him.”

Will the two coaches go out to dinner together?

“We’d need a restaurant that stayed open late, because we’d have so much to talk about!”

The second leg will be at the Stadio Olimpico next week, where the Rossoblu lost 1-0 in the opening game of the Serie A season back in August.

“I am not thinking about the second leg, because after tomorrow we already have another Serie A match to play, so there’s time for that. Obviously, it won’t be an easy atmosphere for us at the Olimpico, but we know that.

“The trouble with an Italian derby is we know each other so very well. It’s a new experience for me too, facing another Italian side in Europe.”

Bologna’s home record has been the most surprising aspect of their campaign so far, as since the start of December 2025 they have amassed just three victories at the Stadio Dall’Ara, two draws and eight losses in all competition.

“I analysed all those games, and some we deserved to lose, with others we could’ve won with a bit more concentration. The attitude is not the issue, but we are paying a heavy price for some distractions, and have the time to make up for it,” noted Italiano.

“We did win five games after that difficult period, and a situation like Verona can happen, in Serie A anybody can beat anyone else, it’s always a struggle. We have more difficulty against teams who let us take control of the game, leading us to become a bit too superficial in our preventative marking.

“Tomorrow is a big opportunity for us to progress in Europe, but we won’t be able to judge the season until the end.”

Igor Tudor’s handling of Guglielmo Vicario during Tottenham’s 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid has given Inter a significant boost, with the Nerazzurri keen on signing the Italian goalkeeper next summer.

Tudor dropped Vicario for Antonín Kinský in a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, but the 22-year-old’s early mistakes led to Vicario’s introduction after just 17 minutes. 

Inter already opened Vicario talks

According to various sources, Inter have already opened talks with Vicario’s entourage, having identified the ex-Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper as their main target in goal for 2026-27.

Previous reports claimed that Inter directors would hold further talks with the goalkeeper’s representatives this month.

Vicario is eager to return to Italy in the summer, and Tudor’s management against Atletico Madrid seems to have only reinforced his desire.

According to Gazzetta, in fact, Vicario expected to start the match at the Wanda Metropolitano, believing his status within the team would be respected.

The Pink Paper adds that Juventus and Monaco are also closely following Vicario, and that Inter’s second option to replace Yann Sommer is Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin.

Tottenham’s asking price for Vicario is reportedly around €20m, but if Spurs are relegated from the Premier League, then the goalkeeper’s price would be further reduced.

Tottenham are just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League, and their new coach, Igor Tudor, has lost all his first four games in charge.

Napoli are prepared to make Rasmus Hojlund’s move from Manchester United permanent for €44m as the Red Devils are reportedly unwilling to reduce the striker’s transfer fee.

Napoli are destined to sign Hojlund on a permanent transfer from Manchester United for €44m, reports TMW.

Hojlund set for 44m Napoli transfer

The Denmark international joined the Partenopei on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy last summer.

The obligation to purchase is tied to Napoli’s Champions League qualification this season, but it seems like a fairly feasible target as the defending Serie A champions currently sit third in the standings with a five-point lead over fifth-placed Roma.

According to the report, Napoli will try to lower Manchester United’s demands, but the Red Devils are unwilling to give any discount, especially because the Azzurri seem close to securing Champions League qualification.

Hojlund has scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.

According to Tuttosport, Everton and West Ham have recently scouted Torino midfielder Cesare Casadei.

Ex-Chelsea and Inter midfielder Casadei has attracted interest from Everton and West Ham, according to Tuttosport.

Everton and West Ham interested in Casadei

The two Premier League clubs will be looking for midfield reinforcement in the summer, although the Hammers must first secure Premier League survival.

The Italian midfielder, 23, has scored five goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season.

He joined Torino in January 2025 on a permanent €13m deal from Chelsea.

During his time in England, he had played for Chelsea, Leicester City and Reading FC, collecting 11 Premier League appearances.

A product of the Inter Academy, Casadei is Torino’s best scorer since January with one goal in Coppa Italia and four in Serie A despite not being a regular starter.

No other Torino player has scored more goals since the start of the year.

Casadei’s contract with Torino expires in June 2029.

He has yet to make his senior Italy debut, but scored four goals in 16 appearances with Italy U21.

Yunus Musah says Atalanta players are ‘grateful’ for the support they received last night despite a 6-1 home loss against Bayern Munich.

Atalanta, the only Serie A side remaining in the Champions League Round of 16, are practically out of the competition already having suffered a 6-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

Musah reacts to Atalanta 1-6 Bayern Munich

Despite the heavy result and despite Bayern scoring three goals in the opening 25 minutes, the home crowd never stopped supporting the players and continued chanting for the team after the final whistle.

“It’s like this every week. They are very good supporters and fans. Always behind the team,” Musah told CBS Sports.

“You can really feel like ‘this is Bergamo.’ The whole of Bergamo comes to support us in the stadium, every game. The fans are amazing here. We are really grateful for the support they showed us today. This is what they are like every week. We really appreciate our supporters.

“It’s always special to take part in these Champions League games,” the USMNT international continued.

“We had a lot of hope before the game, but unfortunately, Bayern have so much quality, and the game escaped us from the beginning to the end.”

Watch the full interview below.

“The whole of Bergamo comes to support us… We’re really grateful.”

Yunus Musah on the special support Atalanta receive their fans pic.twitter.com/6xwoc1ycbu

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2026

Igor Tudor’s most recent win as a coach came on September 13, 2025, when Juventus beat Inter 4-3, and the Croatian tactician has now suffered seven consecutive losses across his spells with the Old Lady and Tottenham.

• Read more – Di Canio: Tudor might ‘pay’ for Vicario-Kinský decision, hints at new Tottenham coach

Safe to say, Tudor has not had a brilliant start to his Tottenham career, having lost all of his opening four games in charge.

Tudor’s depressing results for Juventus and Tottenham

The Croatian tactician was appointed on February 14, barely three months after he departed from Juventus.

The Bianconeri sacked Tudor at the end of October 2025, following three consecutive defeats across all competitions.

The Bianconeri had lost 2-0 to Como, 1-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League, and 1-0 to Lazio. They had not scored a goal in their last four matches under the 47-year-old and had not won since September 13, when they beat Inter 4-3 at the Allianz Stadium.

To date, that also remains Tudor’s last win as a coach.

Juventus replaced Tudor with Luciano Spalletti, and even though the Bianconeri are still out of the top four in Serie A, they have grabbed 15 wins in 28 matches under the Italian tactician and are just one point below a Champions League spot.

Ex-Torino goalkeeper Joe Hart feels Igor Tudor was wrong to replace Antonin Kinsky just 17 minutes into Atletico Madrid-Tottenham: ‘Even Gigi Buffon had bad nights.’

• Read more – De Gea’s message to under-fire Tottenham keeper Kinsky: ‘No one can understand’

Tudor has once again made headlines for the wrong reasons at Tottenham as Spurs suffered a 5-2 away loss at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Hart reacts to Kinsky’s substitution in Atletico Madrid 5-2 Tottenham

Tudor surprisingly benched Italy international Guglielmo Vicario to start Kinsky instead, but after the 22-year-old made two silly mistakes that led to Atletico Madrid goals, the Spurs boss changed his mind and brought Vicario back in.

“To get to this level, signed by Spurs, one mistake does not alter you,” Hart, a former Torino goalkeeper, told TNT Sports via The Sun.

“That is a technical error, but what precedes that… was it the right decision? Maybe it was. But what I saw after…

“I hate being reactive because I like to know all the facts. But the fact he has taken him off in that situation, having played him… he is young, 22, he is not a man, he has done nothing to try and hurt Spurs.”

Tudor attracted plenty of criticism, even in Italy, where ex-West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio suggested that his goalkeepers’ management during last night’s match could have consequences for his coaching career. 

“[Kinsky had] a couple of bad moments, but to rip him off in this situation and not even acknowledge the guy?” Hart continued.

“Every single one of Tottenham’s players who are feeling the pain doesn’t know what to do. How is that good for him?’

“It is a thing with ‘keepers, you have got to accept you will have nights like that. Everyone has them. Buffon, Neuer, Schmeichel.

“They have had moments, but everything that has gone on on top of it, he will feel so unwelcome as far as the management is involved.

“You have to be treated like a human, just a little bit. I understand the situation.

“This needs getting a serious grip of. Madness happens all the time in football. That was mad. Maybe he didn’t handle it how he should have.

“I saw the whole bench’s hearts drop. They are saying, “Don’t worry, we are here for you”.

“It’s the human side of things. If you aren’t willing to show it, that’s when it starts to divide.”

Tudor has lost all four of his games in charge of Tottenham and is already on the brink of being sacked in North London.

He was sacked by Juventus at the end of October and hired by Spurs on February 14.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have submitted a written offer to sign Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi as a free agent.

Juventus have reportedly made a formal step forward to sign Senesi as a free agent from Premier League side Bournemouth.

According to Gazzetta, the Serie A giants have sent the Argentine defender an official, written offer.

Juventus send offer for Senesi

Senesi is a long-time target of Juventus director Damien Comolli, and talks between the defender’s entourage and the Serie A giants already began a few weeks ago.

According to the report, Senesi is tempted to join Juventus, but the Bianconeri aren’t the only club interested in securing his signature.

The Argentine is expected to receive more proposals over the next few weeks as his contract with Bournemouth runs out this coming June.

Juventus, however, have already made an initial step forward and hope to be well-positioned in the race for the 28-year-old centre-back.

The Serie A giants have opened talks with other free agents, including Bernardo Silva, Leon Goretzka and Zeki Celik.

Former Italian striker Paolo Di Canio says Igor Tudor ‘destroyed’ Antonín Kinský and could ‘pay for that in his career at the highest levels,’ especially because Tottenham’s previous defeats were ‘not Vicario’s fault.’

Tottenham coach Tudor made headlines last night as he dropped Italy international Vicario to give 22-year-old Kinsky his Champions League debut.

Spurs went 3-0 down after just 15 minutes at the Wanda Metropolitano, with Kinsky cheaply conceding two goals. As a result, Tudor replaced the Czech goalkeeper with Vicario after only 16 minutes.

Tudor explains Kinsky-Vicario decision

“I’ve been coaching for 15 years and I’ve never done it before. It was necessary to preserve the guy and the team. Before the game, it was the right choice, in a moment like we are, with pressure on Vicario,” Tudor explained at a post-match press conference.

“Antonín is a very good goalkeeper. For me, it was the right decision. After, of course, it’s easy to say it was not right. I spoke to Tony after; he’s a right guy, a good goalkeeper, and unfortunately, these mistakes happen in these games. The start of the game was too much for us.”

Former West Ham, Lazio, Juventus and Milan striker Paolo Di Canio examined Tudor’s decisions during Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show on Tuesday and was quite harsh on the Croatian tactician.

“He’s not entirely wrong, but in this case, he also brought it on himself. I feel sorry for him. Maybe he just lets everything slide off him and doesn’t realise what the tabloids will write. They are ruthless,” Di Canio said via Corriere dello Sport.

“They’ll destroy him, because when you make choices like that, you are hard to understand. I don’t know if there was some issue with Vicario, and there was probably some confrontation in the dressing room, but certainly not because the recent defeats are Vicario’s fault. He’s made a few mistakes, but was a complete shambles of a team in front of him, leaking from every side.

“If you put in such a delicate match, a kid who comes in with 17 appearances for Slavia Prague, and say the player is strong with just six appearances, you asked for it, and you destroyed him,” Di Canio continued.

“I understand that Igor is very tough, and I don’t know if he’ll pay for that in his career at the highest levels. I really don’t think he’ll stay at Tottenham; they’ll go and get an English coach.”

Tudor was sacked by Juventus at the end of October 2025 and replaced by Luciano Spalletti.

He accepted the Tottenham job on February 14, 2026, but has lost all four of his games in charge.