Pervis Estupinan is Football Italia’s Man of the Match in  Milan’s 1-0 win over Inter.

Milan 1-0 Inter player ratings

Milan: Maignan 6.5; Tomori 6, De Winter 6.5, Pavlovic 6.5; Saelemaekers 6, Fofana 6.5 (73′ Ricci 6), Modric 7, Rabiot 6.5, Estupinan 7; Leao 5.5 (73′ Fullkrug N/A), Pulisic 6 (84′ Nkunku N/A). Coach: Allegri 7.

Best Milan player: Estupinan 7 – There are several, but Estupinan slightly beats his teammates thanks to his winning goal in the first half. Maignan was just as decisive a few minutes earlier as he produced a key save to deny Mkhitaryan. De Winter and Pavlovic were very solid at the back, Modric led the Rossoneri with experience and quality. Not a news that.

Lowest Milan rating: Leao 5.5 – He didn’t do much, did he? Even when the Rossoneri had space on the counter, the Portuguese star was too sloppy and made too many touches, losing momentum and hurting the opponents.

Milan coach: Allegri 7 – He told Estupinan after just seven minutes that he had to find space behind Luis Henrique, and that’s exactly how Milan scored the winning goal. Milan kept things tight at the back, but, to be honest, they probably thought they’d have needed to sit deeper to win the game.

Inter: Sommer 6; Bisseck 5.5 (80′ Diouf N/A), Akanji 6, Bastoni 5.5 (68′ Carlos Augusto 6); Luis Henrique 5 (59′ Dumfries 6), Barella 5.5 (68′ Frattesi 5.5), Zielinski 5.5, Mkhitaryan 6 (59′ Sucic 5.5), Dimarco 5.5; Esposito 5, Bonny 5. Coach: Chivu 5.

Best Inter player: Mkhitaryan 6 – It’s hard to pick one as many Nerazzurri were below par. Mkhitaryan probably had the best chance for the Nerazzurri, but was denied by Maignan, just a few minutes before Estupinan’s winner. Dumfries’ introduction in the second half was a clear upgrade on Luis Henrique. Inter have missed him so much.

Lowest Inter rating: Luis Henrique 5 – At the end of the day, he made the decisive mistake that allowed Milan to win the match. It had already happened against Juventus and Arsenal. When the Brazilian is defending, opponents will always have a chance to hurt on that flank. It happened tonight, and Estupinan didn’t waste it.

Inter coach: Chivu 5 – It wasn’t easy without his starting strikers. Lautaro was injured on the bench, and Thuram wasn’t available due to a fever. Inter have now lost their first game since the reverse fixture on November 23. Besides that, they were never really dangerous. The ball moved too slowly, and the strikers didn’t link up well. The good news is that Inter still hold a seven-point lead over Milan.

Check out the player ratings for Juventus’ 3-2 win over Galatasaray, which, however, was not enough for the Bianconeri to qualify for the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray player ratings

Perin 6.5 – Not too busy during the match, but still made a couple of decent saves.

Kalulu 8 – Provided the assist for Gatti’s goal, the second one for Juve, and was superb defensively (108′ Openda N/A).

Gatti 7 – Gave Juventus hope with the second goal of the night, but was slightly out of position when Osimhen scored the decisive goal for Galatasaray.

Kelly 4 – Forget the red card. The Englishman had had a bad game already, both defensively and in the build-up.

McKennie 9 – Honestly, I’ve never seen a footballer play as a left-back, left winger and centre forward in the same match. The USMNT star did so and with incredible quality, too. He scored the third goal and provided the assist for Zhegrova, but the Kosovo international miserably failed all alone in front of the goalkeeper.

Koopmeiners 6.5 – A great performance, first in midfield and then in defence, after Kelly was sent off. The Dutchman provided the assist for McKennie, but was sloppy in the build-up to Osimhen’s goal.

Locatelli 8 – Another big performance for the Italian midfielder, who recovered possession 13 times (via Sofascore), won 11 duels and had 85% passing accuracy (108′ Kostic N/A)

K Thuram 7 – Subbed off after missing a goal all alone in front of the goalkeeper. It would have been the 3-0 that McKennie scored just a few minutes later. Thuram wouldn’t know, and he was in tears when he arrived on the bench. Aside from that, he put in a solid performance with four recoveries and four duels won.  (77′ Adzic 5.5)

Conceicao 6.5 – His dribbling and pace caught the eye, as usual, but he still lacked the final touch, which is not a detail. (68′ Zhegrova 4.5 – He missed a huge, huge chance that could have won the game for Juve. Truly incredible.)

David 5 – No presence inside the box and a big chance missed right before the break. The substitution felt inevitable. (68′ Boga 5).

Yildiz 7 – No goals or assists, but he turned on the light every time he had the ball. Unlucky not to score in the first half. He ended the game limping, but played over 100 minutes. Heroic. (110′ Miretti N/A)

Coach: Spalletti 8 – He transformed Juventus after four defeats in the last five games. They put on the pitch all they hadn’t shown against Como: desire, pride, determination and quality. Juventus were aggressive and took risks all over the pitch. The referee didn’t help them, and the Bianconeri were eventually eliminated. It hurts, but Spalletti is surely proud of his players.

Galatasaray: Cakir 7; Sallai 5 (59′ Boey), Sanchez 6, Bardakci 5.5, Jakobs 4.5; Torreira 5 (103′ Singo 6.5), Lemina 6.5 (87′ Icardi 5.5); Alper Yilmaz 6, Gabriel Sara 5.5 (71′ Gundogan 6), Lang 5.5 (59′ Sané 5); Osimhen 7. Coach: Buruk 5.

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio 4; Gatti 5, Kelly 5, Koopmeiners 5; McKennie 5, Thuram 5 (74′ Boga N/A), Locatelli 5.5, Cambiaso 4.5 (83′ Kostic N/A); Miretti 5 (46′ Conceiçao 5.5), Yildiz 5.5 (83′ Adzic N/A), Openda 4.5 (74′ David N/A). Coach: Spalletti 4.5.

• Match report – Juventus 0-2 Como: Fabregas puts Old Lady in crisis mode

Best Juvenus player: Yildiz 5.5 – Tough decision. In fairness, nobody in the Juventus squad was up to par. Yildiz had some sparks, but played too far away from the goal and was never really dangerous. Yet, probably no other teammate had a better performance. He even received a round of applause from furious Juventus fans when he was subbed off.

Lowest Juventus rating: Di Gregorio 4 – That’s a tough task, too, but just because there are several candidates. Di Gregorio, however, was probably the most disappointing Juventus player, as he conceded an early goal at the near post, immediately knocking the team’s confidence. For the 13th time this season, they conceded the first shot on goal.

Juventus coach: Spalletti 4.5 – His Juventus side was meant to “sacrifice creativity for solidity”, but the Bianconeri showed none of the two. Juventus switched off, losing the third game in a row. A flat team, which, for one of the very first times under Spalletti, showed no desire to hurt or ideas in attack. Worrying.

Como: (4-2-3-1):  Butez 6; Smolcic 6.5, Ramon 6.5, Kempf 6.5, Valle 6.5; Perrone 6.5, Da Cunha 7 (74′ Van der Brempt); Vojvoda 7 (74′ Diego Carlos), Caqueret 7, Baturina 6 (60′ Sergi Roberto); Douvikas 6.5. Coach: Fabregas 7.5.

Best Como player: Caqueret 7 – Replaced the suspended Nico Paz as an attacking midfielder and put in an all-round performance with nearly 90% passing accuracy and three duels won. A versatile and smart player who once again proved his worth for the Azzurri. Same rating for Da Cunha (assist for Caqueret) and Vojvoda who scored the opener and provided great balance down the flank.

Lowest Como rating: Baturina 6 – Not really a bad performance, just a bit flat and with just a key pass throughout the game. No Como player was disappointing today, and now the Azzurri are just one point behind Juve and two points behind a Champions League spot, even if Roma have a game in hand.

Como coach: Fabregas 7.5 – A huge performance. Como didn’t just play well. They were incredibly practical and made the most of the chances they created. Also, they were without their best player, Nico Paz, who was suspended. The Azzurri can dream of a Champions League placement.

Di Gregorio 5 – A couple of decent saves here and there, but it was always too easy for Juventus opponents to score. The Italian didn’t look confident on set pieces and with distribution.

• Match report – Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus: Cabal catastrophe ruins Champions League play-off

Kalulu 6 – Straight back to action after Saturday’s controversy against Inter, the French played a key role in Teun Koopmeiners’ equaliser, forcing a save from Ugurcan Cakir before the rebound was tapped home.

Bremer 6.5 – Injured early in the first half, but remained on the pitch until the Bianconeri took the lead. Juventus collapsed after he left the field. (34′ Gatti 4)

Kelly 4 – A positive performance in the first half, but the Englishman faded after the break. He lost the ball inside the box for Galatasaray’s fourth goal and lost yet another duel against Osimhen for the fifth.

Cambiaso 6.5 – His forward run right after Galatasaray’s opener paved the way for Koopmeiners’ equaliser. His cross for Kalulu came with a high degree of difficulty. He was booked in the first half and will miss the return leg next week. (46′ Cabal 3 – A terrible impact. In the wrong position for Gala’s equaliser, then caused the free kick that led to the opponents’ third goal. Very few successful passes. Two yellow cards in 20 minutes. A disaster.)

Koopmeiners 7  – He had no goals and no assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this season. No Champions League in his career. All of a sudden, he showed why Juventus paid €60m for him over 18 months ago.

Locatelli 5 – Too many errors in the build-up, and didn’t help the team defensively as he usually does.

Thuram 4.5 – Back to action after missing Saturday’s game against Inter. The Frenchman was sloppy on the ball and made a dangerous backpass that Galatasaray converted in their fourth goal. (80′ Miretti N/A).

Conceicao 5 – Energetic and involved throughout, as always, but his impact faded in the final third, where the decisive pass was missing. (70′ Kostic 5).

McKennie 6.5 – Started as a centre-forward but, as ever, he played all over the pitch. Also provided the assist for Koopmeiners’ second goal.

Yildiz 4.5 – The homeboy didn’t seem fully fit as he often checked on his knee during the match. He also lost possession in a danger zone, leading to Galatasaray’s opening goal. He was never dangerous and was subbed off when the game was practically over (81′ Openda N/A).

Coach: Spalletti 4 – A shocking result, a disastrous second half for the Bianconeri. Still not clear why he replaced Cambiaso after a brilliant first-half performance. Cabal dragged the team down, and this time, Juventus sank rather than reacting.

Galatasaray: Ugurcan Cakir 6; Sallai 6, Sanchez 7, Abdulkerim Bardakci 7 (77′ Singo N/A), Jakobs 6.5 (83′ Elmali N/A); Torreira 7, Gabriel Sara 8.5; Baris Alper Yilmaz 7.5 (77′ Icardi N/A), Yunus Akgun 7.5 (70′ Sané), Lang 7.5 (83′ Boey); Osimhen 8. Coach: Buruk 8.

Attempts to sanitise an obvious Alessandro Bastoni dive do no favours to Inter or the sport as a whole, writes Susy Campanale, no matter which team you are behind.

There is an Italian phrase I have always struggled to translate: ‘Intellectual honesty.’ It fit perfectly with the reactions to that Pierre Kalulu red card that ultimately proved decisive in Inter’s 3-2 win over Juventus. It means arguing in good faith, having a consistent worldview and sticking to it, even if it happens to be your own people who are in the wrong. Until now, Cristian Chivu had been perhaps its best proponent in Italian football, earning plaudits for his refreshing honesty and refusal to play the usual mind games we get in the media. That’s what makes his description of the Alessandro Bastoni dive so disappointing.

I expected it of others, such as all those fans of every other club who rushed to gleefully celebrate on social media, noting Juventus were on the receiving end of so many dubious decisions in the past. That unhealthy kind of attitude is so prevalent now in all areas of life, poisoning the general discourse in politics, sports, the arts, boiling everything down to ‘it’s my team and therefore it’s ok to treat others unfairly’ or go against everything you claim to believe in. There is precious little intellectual honesty in the world in 2026.

Inter struggle to defend Bastoni behaviour

Juventus director Damien Comolli said that the Bianconeri lost points, but all of Italian football had lost something with this incident. He’s not wrong, it is best seen as part of a wider catalogue of errors from the referees in Serie A and beyond this season. Only last week the AIA (Italian Referees Association) confessed that the winning Napoli penalty was for a ‘non-existent foul.’ That was arguably worse than the Kalulu incident, because with all the footage at their disposal, they still managed to create a penalty out of thin air.

VAR was meant to clamp down on errors, but it has prompted a spate of penalties that could only be given with the aid of a zoom lens and slow-motion replays, robbing situations of their natural context. At the same time, the limited protocol prevents an obvious mistake like the Kalulu second yellow card being rectified, because it cannot be used on bookings.

At least IFAB is considering rushing through the protocol changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It is long past time that we see coaches able to make targeted appeals, just like in tennis and other sports where video technology is used. That would’ve saved Kalulu the red and instead seen Bastoni sent off for simulation, seeing as he was already on a yellow card too. His wild celebrations right behind a stunned Kalulu show he knew full well he had got one over on the referee and deserved to be punished for such obviously unsporting behaviour.

It is a start, but we need to go further. Inter defender Bastoni wasn’t the only obvious dive we saw on Saturday in Serie A. Just hours earlier, Fiorentina defender Fabiano Parisi went down screaming and clutching his ribs after an opponent merely brushed past him. It was embarrassing and it’s a pity VAR did not have the all-clear to punish this sort of behaviour too.

Unlike penalties, there is no need for VAR to hold up the play while it evaluates these situations. They can wait a while and then recommend the yellow card be given, if it is truly warranted for an obvious simulation. Failing that, mark it down and hand down bans for future matches. This might help reduce the number of these shameful incidents.

Above all else, what we need is for coaches, players and fans to collectively show some intellectual honesty. If your team gets the rub of the green with a bad decision, just hold your hands up and admit you were lucky, just as you would be if a shot went in off the inside of the post. There’s no shame in confessing to good fortune.

Trying to argue in bad faith that a dive was worthy of getting an opponent sent off or a penalty awarded will only cheapen your standing, and ensure if the situation is reversed, they will do the same to you. That is how we get into the situation we are in now, where anything goes as long as it’s your ‘side’ enjoying ill-gotten gains. Do unto others as you would have them do to you is the simplest rule in all of human history, and we all lose when it is ignored.

In a surprising move, former Lazio and Juventus head coach Igor Tudor has been appointed as interim manager at struggling Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

Earlier this week, the North London club sacked former Brentford coach Thomas Frank and began their search for a successor.

Instead of appointing a permanent coach right away, the club appointed Tudor for the remainder of the campaign.

However, whilst the coach has a decent track record of getting struggling clubs back on their feet, he does have a history of arguments and controversies that have often led to only brief spells in charge.

‘Nobody Is Indispensable’ – New Spurs coach Tudor has his critics

Tudor began his coaching career with Croatia side Hajduk Split, where he also started his playing career.

After a modest spell in his homeland, Tudor then spent some time with PAOK in Greece. He was in charge for less than a year, with the club publishing a rather scathing assessment of the coach upon his departure.

In their official statement, PAOK confirmed the news: “PAOK FC announces the sacking of Igor Tudor, due to unsuccessful results and disparaging comments about the quality of the team.”

He then spent a year and a half in Turkey, with Karabukspor and Galatasaray, before being sacked but he latter due to a poor run of form.

2018 and 2019 would see the coach have another awkward time, with two spells at Udinese. After being appointed for the last four games of the 2017-18 season, in which he helped Udinese avoid relegation, he chose not to extend his stay. The following March, he returned, but was sacked in November.

When replaced by Luca Gotti, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported at the time that “Gotti has rediscovered Nuytinck, the Dutch defender who admitted at Marassi that he had problems with Tudor. The former coach was also at odds with Pussetto, Barak and Mandragora. Overall, he was not particularly in tune with the dressing room.”

Lazio & Juventus bring out petulant side of Tudor

In March 2024, Tudor was appointed as head coach of Lazio, for the final eleven games of the season.

Once again proof of his role as a proficient interim coach, his presence did once again not sit well with players and staff.

The coach himself came across as entitled in his brief spell in the Italian capital, gloating as he helped Lazio qualify for Europe with six wins in eleven games. After his departure, Lazio president Claudio Lotito hit out at the former coach.

“People say Tudor did really well, taking Lazio into the Europa League,” Lotito told Dotsport via the Corriere dello Sport.

“In reality, since I have been here the club has gone into Europe 15 or 16 times, so he only achieved something I already did. Coaches and players can be replaced, they are all useful, but nobody is indispensable.”

Tudor’s time at Juventus was even more tense, with the coach criticised for his defeatist attitude – especially towards the end of his tenure. Comments that “tactics don’t count for much” drew criticism from the likes of Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Furthermore, several outbursts in press conferences did not impress the Juventus hierarchy.

After an eight game winless run at the end of 2025, Tudor was sacked by Juventus and replaced by Luciano Spalletti.

In all, Tudor is definitely a capable coach – especially when it comes to dragging teams out of relegation battles and difficult situations. He has a proven track record as an interim but questions have to be asked as to how he is the right fit for Tottenham.

There is already mass discontent amongst the set-up at the North London club, who currently sit in 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone. Tudor’s survival experience will come in handy in that regard but his personality suggests he will hardly be the one to stop the Titanic from sinking.

As Fiorentina struggle at the bottom end of Serie A, they have turned to a tried and tested sporting director to help them. Giancarlo Rinaldi examines the task in store for the Spurs man.

• Read more – Paratici reveals when he decided to leave Tottenham for Fiorentina

It looks a little bit like leaping from a frying pan in London to a Florentine fire. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina have become bywords for frustrating underachievement down the years. Nonetheless, Fabio Paratici seems happy to have answered the distress signals coming out of the Stadio Artemio Franchi as the Viola teeter on the brink of relegation in the run-up to their centenary celebrations.

The deal is, in some ways, a marriage of convenience. The sporting director was keen on a return to Italy after about four-and-a-half years in England, while the Tuscan club was in desperate need of an experienced hand as it tried to navigate the choppy waters of the Serie A drop zone. Having ditched Daniele Pradè following a pretty disastrous summer transfer window, they must have jumped at the chance of getting their hands on a man who knows Italy’s top division back to front and inside out.

That is not to say the ex-Juventus man has an easy task ahead of him – quite the opposite. This is the most desperate position the club has found itself in in recent years, and there is almost no margin for error. The passing of President Rocco Commisso has also been a major blow that it will take some time to recover from – time that they do not really have. If Paratici does not hit the ground running, he could well find himself operating in Serie B next season.

Fiorentina have been trying to patch up the damage done in the summer with some acquisitions in the January window – not for nothing known as the mercato di riparazione (the repairs market) in Italy. In has come a player that Paratici knows well, Manor Solomon, on loan from Spurs, along with another acquisition from England, Jack Harrison. The aim, quite clearly, has been to give some width to a side which had so little that it was being forced to use a left-back, Fabiano Parisi, on the right flank. It is to his credit that he has performed very well in a role which is far from one he is accustomed to. Other arrivals have included the versatile Marco Brescianini and Giovanni Fabbian in a bid to keep the team afloat, with Daniele Rugani a late signing to bolster the defence. None of them, in truth, look like transformational acquisitions.

There have been exits too, with Pablo Mari gone and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, Edin Dzeko and Simon Sohm all shown the door in moves which underline just how disastrously wrong the club got things previously. The new sporting director might well find himself stuck with a few players that the club is unable to move on in January. It will be up to him to work out a way to either find a role for them or pave the way for a summertime exit.

Indeed, that might be the most thorny issue facing Paratici – almost all of the Viola’s summer signings have failed to work out. It is perhaps an under-appreciated quality among fans, but being able to sell well is just as important as flexing your purchasing muscle. There will, after all, be no deals like the one he brokered for Cristiano Ronaldo while at Juventus now that he is back in Serie A.

Another tricky aspect to his job, of course, is the uncertainty of what division the team will even be playing in next season. There have been signs of life of late; nonetheless, Fiorentina remain embroiled in a battle for survival which was totally unexpected. The calibre of player they can hope to attract in Italy’s second tier would be significantly different to those for a top-flight campaign. It would also be a tough ask to retain all of their biggest names should they ultimately be destined for the drop.

The flipside to that is that many of the deals done over January appear to be ones which would see players remain if survival is secured. That might give them commitment to the cause, but it could also see you stuck with a few footballers you might have preferred to move on. Such are the headaches of a sporting director.

Few would envy Paratici the task in store, but he looks like a man more than qualified for the role. If anyone has the expertise and confidence to steer the Viola away from relegatio,n then it is probably him. If he can deliver that, it would be a first step towards winning the hearts and minds of a support which is in a state of turmoil right now. Bringing them a long-awaited trophy – at some later date – could make him a legend.

 @ginkers

It has been on the cards for a while, but Ademola Lookman’s departure from Bergamo is a major blow. Giancarlo Rinaldi looks back on how he wrote his way into the club’s history.

There may have been more typical stories of how a player has had their career transformed at Atalanta, but surely not many. The Bergamaschi – especially during Gian Piero Gasperini’s reign – developed a happy knack of taking footballers that had failed to truly ignite elsewhere and turning them into pyrotechnic success stories. Few have burned brighter than Ademola Lookman.

The London-born Nigerian international first emerged with Charlton nearly a decade ago and went through a string of moves that never really worked out. At Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester, there were always sparks of brilliance but never with the consistency that any of those clubs had hoped for. It was not until 2022 – with his 25th birthday just a few months away – that he would finally find the perfect place to let his talents shine.

Lookman’s Atalanta move

La Dea, we know, has a habit of performing this magic – particularly under their silver-haired coach now departed for Roma. Gasperini’s brilliance is both in the overall teamplay that his sides produce but also in elevating players who have perhaps been underachievers elsewhere. Nowhere was this more in evidence than with Lookman.

He quickly became a mainstay in the Atalanta attack and also a goal threat with much greater regularity than he ever found elsewhere. If the club became something of a cult hit in Europe, it owed much to his breathtaking displays. Defenders across Italy and the rest of the continent were left dizzy by his close control and thumping finishes. This was a devastating player at the peak of his powers.

His crowning glory, surely, was the Europa League final against a Bayer Leverkusen side which had previously looked invincible. Yes, it was a masterpiece of tactics from Gasperini and an epic team performance too, but at the heart of everything good was Lookman. Everything he touched turned into a goalscoring chance, and the hat-trick he eventually completed cemented his place in the club’s hall of fame. It is unlikely to be a more impressive display for the Bergamo club in Europe ever again.

Of course, that turned heads – perhaps even the player himself got a little distracted. Certainly, things did not run quite as smoothly after that, and there were constant rumours that he was on the way out. Still, when he was on song, he remained a key part of the Atalanta attack. That he finished with more than 50 goals in less than 140 games without being an out-and-out striker tells you all you need to know. Add to that nearly 30 assists, and you get some idea of how significant a contributor he was to the club. The fact that these totals eclipse the entirety of the rest of his career also underlines how important the Lombardy side was to him.

All good things, of course, must come to an end and the conclusion of the Gasperini era in the summer was always likely to be followed by a few departures. It is also in the nature of things at the New Balance Arena – or whatever their ground is called now – that their best talents will move on. Lookman will now test his talents in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

That looks like a mouthwatering prospect, but he should be warned that moving away from the city, famously divided into its higher and lower sections, can also have its ups and downs. Although they have always been about the team more than any individual, he was undoubtedly a star of their European and Serie A exploits. He is just one star among many at the Spanish club.

Still, he has all the skills in the world to thrive in his new surroundings. After a more lengthy apprenticeship than most, he emerged as a huge talent in Italy and more than earned his African Player of the Year honour in 2024. There is every chance that more honours will come his way with the Colchoneros.

Back in Bergamo, they will be entitled to feel the odd pang of nostalgia whenever they see him play. Raffaele Palladino is building a new era at the club, but he will find it hard to match up to the house that Gasperini built. And, in its later stages, Ademola Lookman was an integral part of that project. Their talented scouts will undoubtedly be scouring the planet in the hopes of unearthing another footballer who can contribute even half as much to their cause.

@ginkers

Every winter, Italian clubs scramble to try to find the players who can make a mid-season difference. Giancarlo Rinaldi gives out the grades for their efforts this year.

Only a fool would try to assess the potential impact of acquisitions that have barely had a chance to play for their new employer,s but here we go again. It is worth remembering that it can sometimes be the players that you move on or keep who can be as important as the ones you bring in. With that in mind, here are the marks out of 10 for all 20 Serie A sides this winter window.

Atalanta 6/10 – In the end it probably boils down to whether you think Giacomo Raspadori plus a handsome profit is worth losing Ademola Lookman for. The ex-Napoli man looks sharp already while the departures of Daniel Maldini and Marco Brescianini may reduce the depth of the squad but should not cause major damage.

Bologna 5.5/10 – A bit of a bland market that looks unlikely to see an upturn in their midtable form. The effective swap of Emil Holm for Joao Mario with Juventus looks a balanced enough trade, while Simon Sohm will need to show an improvement on his Fiorentina form to convince that he was worth losing Giovanni Fabbian for.

Cagliari 6.5/10 – Sometimes it is not about who you buy or sell but who you keep and hanging on to a hot property like young Marco Palestra could be key to the Sardinians’ survival, which is looking more and more likely. The actual incomings and outgoings probably fall under the category of “time will tell” when it comes to their effectiveness.

Como 5/10 – On paper, at least, a little bit underwhelming for a side with such financial backing, but their eye for talent could well mean Swedish teenager Adrian Ladho is one to watch. Keeping hold of their best players – with Martin Baturina in particular attracting attention – was an achievement, but the club has sufficient wealth to say no to all but the biggest deals.

Cremonese 6/10 – None of their arrivals look like setting Serie A alight but they are all proven performers. Milan Djuric will give them a different option in attack while Youseff Maleh, Morten Thorsby and Sebastiano Luperto are well-known quantities who can surely ensure the work already done towards survival continues.

Fiorentina 5.5/10 – The best part of the Viola transfer market was probably getting rid of a number of the summer signings that did not work out including Simon Sohm, Edin Dzeko and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia. They have added width with Manor Solomon and Jack Harrison but there was no real big name to fire hopes of rocketing back up the table.

Genoa 7/10 – As a fully signed-up member of the Tommaso Baldanzi fan club, this mark is probably more in hope than expectation. Daniele De Rossi has already put the fight into the Grifone, but the talented Roma man could add that dash of quality which will make their survival fight a more stylish one than it has been so far.

Inter 5/10 – We have what we hold is an understandable approach from the Nerazzurri but not the kind of thing to get fans delighted. The purchase of Yanis Massolin is an exciting one but clearly one for the future as the young French midfielder will remain on loan at Modena, where he has shone in Serie B.

Juventus 5/10 – There was plenty of smoke but not much substance to the Bianconeri’s transfer window work with the arrivals of Emil Holm and Jeremie Boga hardly the stuff to get pulses racing. Maybe it could be argued that a recent upturn in form shows they did not need to force the issue but it will still disappoint the fans.

Lazio 5.5/10 – The Biancocelesti have been busy after having their transfer ban lifted with Kenneth Taylor already looking like a smart signing. The losses of Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos leave gaps to be filled but the biggest story was probably Alessio Romagnoli’s switch to Al-Sadd falling through due to a document mix-up, which is a bit embarrassing.

Lecce 5.5/10 – They will have to hope that they have found a couple of gems in a signing basket, including Omri Gandelman, Oumar Ngom and Sadik Fofana. The good news is that they have managed that in the past, so a repeat is not out of the question. Walid Cheddira is more of a known quantity and gives them options up front.

Milan 5/10 – Another one of Italy’s bigs to be linked with plenty of players but, in the end, they only managed a couple of arrivals. Niclas Fullkrug gives a focal point to their attack while teenager Alphadjo Cissè is definitely interesting. But the collapse of a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta felt pretty much typical of their efforts.

Napoli 5/10 – Add their name to the list of top teams who will have left their fans feeling cheated this January. Lorenzo Lucca goes to England for a nice bundle of cash – at least potentially – while the problematic Noa Lang finds a new home. Young Verona forward Giovane and Alisson Santos from Sporting CP will at least enjoy a move up the table thanks to their transfers.

Parma 6.5/10 – It will be a battle to stay afloat but they have added some quality to their fight with Hans Nicolussi Caviglia likely to enjoy a better time than he did in Florence. Gabriel Strefezza adds a dash of unpredictability and excitement while the loss of Hernani and Mathias Lovik will hardly be felt much at all.

Pisa 4.5/10 – They had to roll the dice and they definitely have but what number will come up remains to be seen. Having got rid of Alberto Gilardino as coach, they have at least got a goal already from new man Rafiu Durosinmi. Samuel Iling-Junior knows Serie A well enough but seems unlikely to produce enough to drag them to safety.

Roma 7.5/10 – Donyell Malen may be the signing who has made the most immediate impact this winter with some eye-catching moments already. Robinio Vaz is one of the biggest investments of the window and certainly does not seem to lack character. Tommaso Baldanzi leaves having found little space while Leon Bailey was dogged by injury in his short spell in the capital.

Sassuolo 5.5/10 – Whatever the question was, can the answer possibly have been M’Bala Nzola? The Angolan was far from thrilling at Pisa but maybe he can thrive in surroundings where the pressure of potential relegation is a little bit less intense. Their other new faces are intriguing but not necessarily of immediate use.

Torino 6/10 – A decent window that will surely help the Granata to enjoy another season of survival – if not a lot more. Kristjan Asllani and Cyril Ngonge made little impression between them so it will be up to Matteo Prati and Luca Marianucci to surpass them which, in truth, should really not be too hard.

Udinese 6/10 – The revolving door at the Stadio Friuli is rarely still and there were more heading out than in this winter. Branimir Mlacic and Juan Arizala definitely fall into the players with potential category and will look to make their mark while Iker Bravo and Sandi Lovric leave due to a lack of playing time. Saba Goglichidze ensures another window sees a move between the club and Watford.

Verona 5/10 – Their coach is gone but for a club with a need of a jolt, was this transfer session sufficient? It will be exciting to see another Scot give Serie A a go in the shape of Hibs’ record sale Kieron Bowie but he will surely have his work cut out to turn things around. Sandi Lovric should do a job while Pol Lirola at least knows Italy even if he has never exactly impressed.

@ginkers

Antonio Vergara is the man of the moment at the minute in Naples.

Napoli are currently going through the motions as the Scudetto holders face a growing injury list, an awkward early exit from the UEFA Champions League and a real fight on their hands to retain the Serie A trophy.

However, if there was one silver lining amongst all these dark clouds it would be the impressive performances of Vergara.

The 23-year-old had not played a senior minute for the Partenopei before this season, and spent the last two seasons on loan with Reggiana in Serie B.

Despite this, it is Vergara who has won the heart of Naples in the last couple of weeks.

Vergara thrust into the limelight for Napoli but thrives

On Wednesday, he scored a spectacular goal after a slick solo run in the Champions League against Chelsea. It was his first goal for his boyhood club and he scored it in style.

On Saturday, Vergara scored again, this time in Napoli’s 2-1 win against Fiorentina, that helped ease the pressure on the side after the disappointing Champions League exit. The Italian also assisted the other goal on the night, as he continues to impress.

It is strange, though, that his opportunity was only really born out of the ongoing injury crisis in Naples.

Without the circumstances, it was unlikely Vergara was going to see much first team football this season and, at 23-years-old, he is moving past the point of being sent out on loan again and again but Napoli.

When Napoli have a full roster again, it will be interesting to see whether Conte rewards Vergara’s impressive run of form with more minutes, or if he falls back down the pecking order completely.

What does the future hold for Vergara?

Regardless of that, Vergara can only gain from his continued performances – in the sense that he may be able to convince another Serie A side to take a gamble on him – and Napoli may choose to cash in if he’s not deemed of the right level for the first team.

A move to a club like Genoa or Sassuolo could suit the Italian, where he would be able to get more game time than at Napoli and I would not be surprised if this was the case.

We shall see what happens – and obviously it feels exceedingly premature to be having these sorts of hypothetical conversations about a player with just 12 appearances to his name for Napoli.

However, Vergara is winning the hearts of Napoli fans and impressing pundits, and right now he is a much needed breath of fresh air in Naples.

Manuel Locatelli is Football Italia’s MOTM for Juventus’ 3-0 win over Napoli.

Juventus 3-0 Napoli Player ratings

Juventus: Di Gregorio 6; Kalulu 6, Bremer 6.5, Kelly 6.5, Cambiaso 5.5 (60′ Kostic 7); Locatelli 7.5 (87′ Koopmeiners N/A), Thuram 7; Conceicao 5.5 (60′ Cabal 6), McKennie 6.5, Yildiz 7 (88′ Gatti N/A); David 7 (76′ Miretti 7). Coach: Spalletti 8.

Best Juventus Player: Locatelli 7.5 – Another all-round performance from the Juventus captain, who received another standing ovation when he was subbed off in the dying minutes. One assist for David’s opener, 93% passing accuracy in the opposition half, six duels won and four recoveries.

Lowest Juventus rating: Cambiaso 5.5 – Often messy with the ball at his feet. The movements were good, but he was sloppy when he had possession. He was booed by his own fans when he was subbed off.

Juventus coach: Spalletti 8 – Less than two months ago, he lost his first game as the Juventus coach in Naples. Fast forward to today, and he’s turned Bianconeri completely upside down. The Old Lady dominated and didn’t concede much to the defending champions, moving just one point below them in the table.

Napoli: Meret 5.5; Di Lorenzo 5, Buongiorno 5.5, Juan Jesus 5; Gutierrez 5.5 (73′ Beukema 5), Lobotka 6, McTominay 5.5, Spinazzola 5; Vergara 5.5 (79′ Lukaku N/A), Elmas 5.5 (70′ Giovane 5); Hojlund 5. Coach: Conte.5.5.

Best Napoli player: Lobotka 6 – The rest of the team just didn’t work. The Slovakia international put together 91 accurate passes from 95, but his teammates didn’t make good use of the ball.

Lowest Napoli ratings: Di Lorenzo, Juan Jesus, Spinazzola and Hojlund 5 – The Napoli defence collapsed, and only Buongiorno was partially up to the task, making a goal-line clearance shortly after Juventus’ opening goal. Hojlund could only complain about a potential penalty in the first half, while Spinazzola was too soft on David when the Canadian netted the opening goal.

Napoli coach Conte: 5.5 – Honestly, there wasn’t much he could do in such circumstances, ten players out, including wingers David Neres and Politano and centre-back Amir Rrahmani, probably the best Napoli defender so far this season. The Partenopei are exhausted, Conte can’t rotate, and tonight they didn’t have enough energy to react as they did in San Siro against Inter just a few weeks ago.

 

Federico Dimarco was introduced as a substitute after just 34 minutes and played a key role in Inter’s comeback over Pisa, inspiring a 6-2 win.

Inter 6-2 Pisa player ratings

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer 4.5; Bisseck 6.5, De Vrij 6, Bastoni 6.5; Luis Henrique 4.5 (34′ Dimarco 8), Sucic 6 (61′ Barella 6), Zielinski 7, Mkhitaryan 7, Carlos Augusto 6.5 (80′ Akanji N/A); Lautaro Martinez 7.5 (80′ Bonny 6.5), Esposito 7 (61′ Thuram 6.5). Coach: Chivu 7.

Best Inter Player: Dimarco 8 – Changed the game entirely. One assist, one goal, and so many chances created down the left flank. He also hit the post and inspired Bonny’s goal, the fifth of the night for Inter. Absolutely sensational.

Lowest Inter Rating: Sommer and Luis Henrique 4.5 – The goalkeeper gave away Pisa’s opening goal; the Brazilian winger was unable to cause trouble from the right. No dangerous passes, no dribbles, and the substitution, even after barely 30 minutes, seemed inevitable.

Inter coach Chivu 7 – He contributed to Inter’s comeback with an early substitution. Carlos Augusto moved to the right when Dimarco replaced Luis Henrique. The grit and quality of his players did the rest. A win worthy of Pazza Inter.

Pisa (3-4-2-1): Scuffet 5; Calabresi 4, Coppola 4, Canestrelli 4; Touré 5, Marin 5.5 (46′ Akinsanmiro 5), Aebischer 5 (70′ Lorran 5), Angori 5.5 (69′ Leris 5); Moreo 7, Tramoni 4 (46′ Piccinini 4.5); Meister 5 (42′ Durosinmi 5). Coach: Gilardino 4.

Best Pisa Player: Moreo 7 – Scored a goal-of-the-season contender from over 30 years and even doubled the Tuscans’ lead in a night that seemed magical, but the dream didn’t last long.

Lowest Pisa ratings: Calabresi, Coppola, Canestrelli and Tramoni 4 – The Pisa defence was crushed by the Nerazzurri. Tramoni provided no support in attack and caused the penalty that sparked Inter’s comeback.

Pisa coach Gilardino 4 – The gap in quality between the two sides is evident, but Pisa panicked after Inter’s first goal and were unable to stop any attack from the Nerazzurri from that moment onwards. Even his substitutions didn’t quite work.

For a while now, Lazio have come across a bit like having a walk along the beach and spotting a child sat on the edge of a cliff.

With an irresponsible parent, in this case Lotito, the club have been left to their own devices and now appear perilously close to a total collapse.

The latest blow for Lazio fans comes as Alessio Romagnoli appears close to a reported €7.5 million switch to Qatari side Al Sadd, coached by Italy icon Roberto Mancini.

Whilst selling a 31-year-old for a profit, Romagnoli having joined the Biancocelesti on a free from Milan in 2022, is not an inherently bad thing, it is more about what the centre-back represents.

Romagnoli exit raises questions at Lazio

Romagnoli is a boyhood Lazio fan and joined to much fanfare when he left Milan.

After having been a regular player for many years for the Rossoneri, playing nearly 200 times for the club in Serie A, his move to the team he supported as a child looked like a major win for everybody involved.

Lazio picked up one of the most experienced centre-backs in the league and Romagnoli got to play for his boyhood side. The fans benefited from both of these factors, eager to see players who want to play in the shirt.

Now, Lazio are losing this. If Romagnoli completes his anticipated move to Al Sadd, the club lose an experienced, passionate and determined part of the squad.

Furthermore, it leaves the Roman side strapped for options in defence, especially with Spanish centre-back Mario Gila also strongly linked with a potential exit in the summer. Nicolo Casale was sold to Bologna in the summer and at the moment, 32-year-old duo Samuel Gigot and Patric are both out through injury.

Therefore, Romagnoli’s exit will leave the club with just Gila and Oliver Provstgaard fit for the meantime – and Gila’s departure approaching on the horizon.

The club will have to reinvest but given Lazio president Claudio Lotito’s reluctance to spend, it’s hard to imagine the Biancocelesti will be able to sign a player of Romagnoli’s calibre, quality or experience in the January market.

Lazio rollercoaster continues… so what’s next?

It is impossible to shake the fact that the next six months feels make or break for Lazio.

More importantly, the club must sign additional reinforcements in January, especially as they continue to part ways with players.

So far this window, Taty Castellanos completed a move to West Ham, whilst Matteo Guendouzi left for Fenerbahce. Romagnoli’s exit appears to be up next whilst Matteo Cancellieri has been heavily linked with a move to Brentford, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is linked with Premier League clubs and Trabzonspor, and Nuno Tavares is reportedly a target of Besiktas.

That means this January could see up to six major squad departures for the Biancocelesti.

On the other hand, the club have spent nearly €30 million so far this window after their transfer embargo was lifted.

Petar Ratkov arrived from Salzburg for €13 million, with the jury out on whether the tall Serbian forward has what it takes to lead the line as the club’s number nine.

Kenneth Taylor arrived from Ajax, in what appears to be as a replacement for Guendouzi, aiming to fill the more attacking-minded role in Sarri’s midfield three.

But so far this have been mere solutions to solve impending crises, rather than building on the strength of the team. So far this window, Lazio have not got any better, they have just replaced one set of doubts with another.

The club need reinforcements in all areas of the pitch but it is unrealistic to imagine Lotito will open up his wallet to grant Sarri a whole new roster.

The Sarri dilemma and the coach’s role in preventing collapse

Maurizio Sarri himself is a whole other matter entirely.

The coach has done a good job so far, considering the limited resources at his disposal since his return to Lazio, but his position has never felt entirely secure.

Whether it was the drama in the summer, when Sarri returned to the capital but was reportedly not informed about the full extent of Lazio’s market embargo. Speculation in the Italian press suggested the coach was ready to walk immediately but he stuck around and has guided Lazio to a respectable 9th place so far.

Furthermore, there is a section of the fanbase that believe Sarri is overhyped, with the statistics showing that his second stint has had no marvellous win rate or underlying statistics to give Lazio any real benefit of having him at the helm. In fact, some believe he is holding them back with his rigid structure and lack of tactical flexibility.

The truth of the matter is this: Lazio have been on a downward spiral since Simone Inzaghi left to take over at Inter. After Inzaghi, came the eventual exodus of the trio that had helped propel many of the club’s fortunes under the now-Al Hilal head coach, in Luis Alberto, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ciro Immobile.

Despite losing these three talismanic stars, the club have never properly replaced them. Half-baked efforts at signing new centre-forwards has always disappointed, whilst the midfield seems to be desperately crying out for a player with the creativity of Alberto or the drive of Milinkovic-Savic.

If there was ever a time for Lotito to invest in the club, it has to be now. Lazio are screaming out for some real high-calibre players, because right now the squad is underwhelming and Sarri cannot be expected to perform miracles.

Weston McKennie is Football Italia’s MOTM for Juventus’ 2-0 win over Benfica.

Juventus player ratings vs. Benfica

Di Gregorio 6.5 – One big save in the first half, which proved to be vital.

Kalulu 5.5 – Lost possession a couple of times in dangerous zones and won just two duels. A bit tired, probably, having played every minute under Spalletti.

Bremer 5.5 – A resolute defending performance before giving away a needless penalty, which, luckily for Juventus, Pavlidis awkwardly missed.

Kelly 6.5 – Accurate with the ball at his feet, always in the right place at the right time inside the box.

Cambiaso 6 – A steady but unspectacular performance with no big errors or big plays.  (70′ Cabal 5.5)

Thuram 7 – Scored a vital goal for Juventus, who had been struggling for some time before his strike. The Frenchman also made 47 touches and recorded 95% passing accuracy (via Sofascore).

Locatelli 6.5 – Not as accurate as Thuram with the ball at his feet, but he was very solid defensively with four clearances and five blocked shots. (86′ Koopmeiners N/A)

McKennie 7.5 – The USMNT international woke Juventus up in the second half. He had a big chance minutes before Thuram’s opening goal and then linked up with David to score the second of the night for the Bianconeri. Could have scored the second for himself as well, but hit the post after another excellent late run inside the box. MOTM.

Miretti 5 – Simply not quick enough in the final, no surprise he was subbed off during the break. A step back after some solid performances in recent Serie A outings. (46′ Conceiçao 6).

Yildiz 6 – Inspired Juventus’ attacks in the first half, even if, generally, he was not as dangerous as usual. (82′ Kostic N/A).

David 6.5 – One might criticise him for a missed opportunity in the first half, but the Canadian was still involved in both Juventus goals, providing the assist for McKennie. (70′ Openda 6).

Coach: Spalletti 7 – Bringing on Conceiçao at halftime and shifting McKennie into a central role proved to be a smart tactical adjustment. In the last two games, he won when he played badly and lost when he played well. Surely, he prefers nights like these even if his side struggled to cope with Benfica’s high press for big parts of the game. He even argued with a home fan during the match, but earned three vital points that keep hope for Round of 16 qualification alive.

Benfica: Trubin 7; Dedic 6, Otamendi 5.5, Tomas Araujo 5.5, Dahl 5; Barreiro 6, Aursnes 5.5; Prestianni 5.5 (77′ Rego N/A), Sudakov 6.5 (69′ Barrenechea 6), Schjelderup 6 (69′ Ivanovic 5.5); Pavlidis 5. Coach: Mourinho 6.

Antonio Conte wanted to send a message to his players when he got sent off against Inter, but the Nerazzurri remain winless against direct rivals, and Scott McTominay will once again be among the frontrunners for the Player of the Season Award in Serie A.

The 2-2 draw between Inter and Napoli was one of the best games of the season in Serie A, and McTominay’s brace for the Partenopei kept the title race wide open in Italy’s top flight.

Football Italia was among the accredited media at San Siro last night: here are five things we learned.

Super McTominay

The Scotland star played a fantastic, fantastic game. He was literally everywhere, in defence as well as in attack, as his two goals prove. Just a few numbers from Sofascore: 71 touches, 93% passing accuracy (just three errors), 100% long-ball accuracy, three shots on target, four interceptions and four clearances. He’s the heart and soul of this Napoli side and perfectly embodies what Conte wants from his team. As we pointed out during the Football Italia post-match show on YouTube live from San Siro last night, it’s hard to find another foreign player who’s had such a devastating impact in Serie A in recent years. Don’t be surprised if he’s the Serie A MVP again at the end of the season.

Referee almost perfect

The best thing about Daniele Doveri’s officiating was that he controlled the game by not blowing the whistle too often. Just four fouls in the first half which allowed the game to maintain a smooth flow. The game was not continuously interrupted, allowing Inter and Napoli to put in the intensity you expect to see from the two best teams in the country, which is also absolutely vital on a European stage. The penalty kick that infuriated Antonio Conte was a correct decision, even if Doveri needed a pitchside review to spot Amir Rrahmani’s step on Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s foot. There’s a question, however, that lawmakers should ask themselves when certain types of incidents happen. What is the defender’s advantage in fouling a player who passed the ball backwards? Isn’t a penalty kick a much higher reward than the threat the attacking team posed, considering that the ball was not going towards the goal?

Conte knew what he was doing

Don’t get it wrong. Conte knew exactly that Rrahmani’s foul was worthy of a penalty kick. Everyone knew. But at that moment, he had to send a message to his team. When he heard Doveri announcing a penalty kick for Inter, he completely lost it. First, he kicked a ball from the touchline, then threw a plastic bottle and then screamed in the face of the fourth official. Surely, it’s a behaviour that will cost him more than a one-game ban, but Conte had to show his players that he was eager to fight for them, so they had to do the same for him on the pitch. The Italian tactician followed the final minutes of the game behind one of the Stadio Meazza gates and celebrated wildly when McTominay scored a late equaliser. At the end of the day, his plan worked out.

Inter struggles in big games

It can’t be a coincidence anymore. The only big game Inter have won this season was against Roma. In two games against Napoli, they’ve only collected one point and then lost to Juventus and Milan. Many say that Cristian Chivu has further improved Simone Inzaghi’s playing style as Inter are often more aggressive and win the ball higher up the pitch than under the Italian. True. At the same time, however, the Nerazzurri still lack the killer instinct they only showed in one season under Inzaghi, when they won their 20th Scudetto in 2023-24. The Nerazzurri have now gone 14 games without beating Napoli, Juventus or Milan. So far, Chivu has been unable to invert the trend, and surely it has more to do with mentality rather than tactics.

Title race wide open

McTominay and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said the same thing using different words last night: where would the Partenopei have been hadn’t they had so many injuries this season? The draw against Inter felt almost like a win for the defending champions, who have been without Kevin De Bruyne, Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour for several weeks, not to mention Romelu Lukaku, who hasn’t yet played one minute this season and David Neres, who missed the last two matches. If Inter had won yesterday, they would have had seven points more than Napoli and five more than second-placed Milan, but McT and the Partenopei have kept the title race alive.

Rafael Leao is the MOTM in Milan’s 1-0 win over Cagliari, the first game of 2026 in Serie A, but two other Rossoneri players received the same rating.

Cagliari 0-1 Milan Player Ratings

Cagliari: Caprile 6; Zappa 5, Luperto 5.5, Rodriguez 6; Palestra 6, Adopo 6, Prati 5.5 (61′ Borrelli 5.5), Mazzitelli 5.5 (83′ Cavuoti N/A), Obert 6 (60′ Idrissi 5.5); Esposito 5.5 (66′ Gaetano 6), Kilicsoy 5.5 (83′ Pavoletti). Coach: Pisacane 6.

Best Cagliari players: Rodriguez, Adopo, Obert 6 – Overall, a decent performance from the Sardinians, who started strong and had the best chances in the first half. Rodriguez was the best performer at the back, Adopo recorded 90% passing accuracy (via Sofascore), Obert won several duels, but ultimately, Cagliari lacked the quality up front.

Lowest Cagliari rating: Zappa 5 – The versatile Italian defender was in the wrong position when Milan scored the opener. Furthermore, he won just two duels and lost possession 14 times.

Cagliari coach: Pisacane 6 – The commitment was there. Cagliari did all they could to give a hard time to Milan, but they lacked the quality to hurt the Rossoneri.

Milan: Maignan 6; Tomori 6.5, De Winter 7, Bartesaghi 6.5; Saelemaekers 6, Fofana 6 (69′ Ricci 6), Modric 6.5, Rabiot 7, Estupinan 5.5 (79′ Gabbia N/A); Loftus-Cheek 6 (79′ Pulisic N/A), Leao 7 (69′ Fullkrug 6). Coach: Allegri 6.5.

Best Milan players: Leao, Rabiot and De Winter 7 – Leao scored the winning goal from a Rabiot assist, which marked a big second-half performance from the Frenchman. Rafa is becoming a proper centre-forward when you consider that he only made 27 touches before making room for Fullkrug’s debut in the second half. De Winer has been criticised in recent weeks, but tonight he played with great confidence in the middle of a three-man defence.

Lowest Milan rating: Estupinan 5.5 – In fairness, not a terrible performance, but the Milan left wing-back lacked quality with the ball at his feet, and it’s no coincidence he was rarely involved in the build-up, only making 41 touches in 79 minutes.

Milan coach: Allegri 6.5 – He does love performances like this one, doesn’t he? Milan achieved the best possible result with an average performance, but the Rossoneri created enough chances in the second half to win it. Some of their top players were not fully fit: Pulisic only played for 10 minutes, Leao was returning from an injury, and Pavlovic had a fever. It was hard to expect more than this, but it was vital to bring home all three points.

With 2026 finally upon us, so too is the January transfer window. For league leaders Inter, January provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen their side and present head coach Cristian Chivu with all the talent he needs to see out the second half of the season.

The doors at Appiano Gentile are expected to be quite busy over the next year, with a lot of personnel changes expected – some in January and others in the summer.

What do Inter need in January?

Perhaps easier to work our way backwards from what the Nerazzurri do not need to sign in January.

With four impressive strikers on their books, it is pretty safe to say that Inter will not be looking for a new number nine in January. The current cast, of reliable first-teamers Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, and youngsters Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny, is more or less the optimal set-up to have and Chivu is fortunate to have such a pool to select from.

The same cannot quite be said for other areas of the pitch.

Centre-back: short-term reliability, long-term planning

Inter’s defence remains one of the most experienced in Serie A, but also one of the oldest.

Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij continue to offer reliability, leadership and tactical intelligence, yet the physical demands of a long season across multiple competitions inevitably raise questions.

Acerbi, now firmly into his late thirties, has been carefully managed, while De Vrij has shown occasional signs of wear. Neither can realistically be expected to shoulder the burden of a full campaign indefinitely.

Alessandro Bastoni remains the defensive cornerstone, but Inter are conscious that one injury or dip in form could leave them dangerously short of athletic depth.

For this reason, a centre-back addition is firmly on the club’s radar. The dilemma lies in timing. Inter could move in January for a rotational option, but the club may prefer to wait until summer to make a more strategic, long-term investment.

Among the names linked, Ibrahima Konaté represents the archetype of the defender Inter would ideally want: young, physically dominant and comfortable in a high defensive line. However, a January move of that magnitude would be complex and financially demanding.

More realistic in the short term is Tarik Muharemović, a profile Inter have monitored closely. The Bosnian-born defender offers versatility and developmental upside, fitting the club’s recent preference for players who can grow into the system rather than arrive as finished products. Whether Inter act now or delay until summer will depend on how long Acerbi and De Vrij can continue to perform at their current level.

Midfield: managing age, minutes and uncertainty

If defence presents a question of depth, midfield poses a question of evolution.

Inter’s engine room remains rich in quality and experience, but the core figures are all on the wrong side of 30. Henrikh Mkhitaryan continues to deliver intelligence and balance, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu remains central to build-up play and set-piece dominance. Yet neither can be expected to sustain peak performance indefinitely.

Çalhanoğlu’s situation is particularly delicate. The Turkish international has once again been linked with interest from abroad, and while Inter have no urgent desire to sell, the club are conscious that his value may never be higher. A sale would not be imminent unless an exceptional offer arrives, but contingency planning is essential.

This is where Davide Frattesi’s situation becomes relevant. The former Sassuolo midfielder has yet to fully establish himself under Cristian Chivu, and his future remains uncertain. Should Frattesi depart, potentially as early as January, Inter would almost certainly need to reinforce midfield immediately, even if only with a temporary solution.

Inter’s preference is clear: they would like a midfielder capable of contributing now while also offering legs, intensity and pressing ability that complements the existing technical profiles. Whether that addition arrives in January or is deferred to summer will hinge on outgoing deals as much as tactical necessity.

Wing-back: the most urgent January need?

If there is one position where January intervention feels most plausible, it is wing-back.

Denzel Dumfries’ ongoing injury issues have exposed a lack of reliable cover on the right flank. Inter’s system relies heavily on width, energy and repetition in wide areas, and the absence of Dumfries has forced tactical compromises.

While Matteo Darmian has been a trusted option in the past, he is not getting any younger. Over a congested second half of the season, that limitation could become costly.

As a result, Inter have been linked with Marco Palestra, a player who fits the club’s preference for young, dynamic profiles capable of operating on both flanks. Palestra’s athleticism, work rate and ability to play in both phases make him an attractive depth option rather than a disruptive starter.

A deal of this nature would make sense in January: relatively low-risk, immediately useful, and aligned with long-term squad renewal. Unlike centre-back or midfield, where Inter may prefer patience, wing-back depth is something Chivu could genuinely need sooner rather than later.

January or summer: calculated patience

Inter’s broader strategy suggests restraint rather than revolution. The Nerazzurri are not under pressure to overhaul a squad that currently leads the league, but they are acutely aware of the risks posed by age, injuries and fixture congestion.

January, therefore, is likely to be about precision rather than volume. One or two targeted additions, particularly if facilitated by outgoing sales, would allow Inter to protect their title push without compromising financial stability.

Summer, by contrast, looms as the window for more profound change. That is when decisions on Acerbi, De Vrij, Mkhitaryan and possibly Çalhanoğlu will need to be addressed decisively, shaping the next phase of the project under Chivu.

For now, Inter’s focus remains on navigating the present. But behind the scenes, planning for the future is already well underway, and January may offer the first small glimpse of what that future looks like.

With 2026 underway, Napoli once again find themselves juggling ambition on multiple fronts as the January transfer window approaches. Sitting third in Serie A and firmly in the title picture as they attempt to defend their Scudetto, the Azzurri can reflect on a broadly positive domestic campaign so far.

However, Napoli’s struggles in Europe have underlined the limits of their current depth, particularly when managing a demanding calendar. As the second half of the season looms, January offers an opportunity to fine-tune the squad and give head coach Antonio Conte the tools required to compete consistently on all fronts.

As with Inter, the key question is not whether Napoli must act, but whether targeted reinforcements could prove decisive.

What do Napoli not need?

Napoli’s attacking department is, on paper at least, in a healthy position.

Rasmus Højlund has adapted well and provided athleticism, pressing and vertical threat, while Romelu Lukaku is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks. Conte views Lukaku as central to his attacking structure, both as a focal point and as a facilitator for runners around him.

Between those two profiles, one dynamic and mobile, the other physical and dominant, Napoli are well covered at centre-forward. Lorenzo Lucca is also on the books, offering another alternate attacking profile.

As a result, a January move for a striker appears highly unlikely unless an unexpected departure reshapes the picture.

Similarly, the central midfield core remains largely intact. Napoli have control, experience and tactical discipline in that area, and while rotation is sometimes stretched, it is not the most pressing concern.

The same cannot be said elsewhere.

Defence: the area of greatest concern

Napoli’s defensive line has been functional rather than convincing. While results have generally followed, performances have often exposed fragility, particularly when rotation is required or injuries intervene.

One of the clearest signs of strain has been the repeated redeployment of players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo in less-than-suited roles. The Italy international has filled in admirably at centre-back but never entirely fills you with confidence.

Conte demands precision and structural clarity from his back line, and Napoli have not always met that standard. The lack of a dominant, top-class centre-back capable of anchoring the defence and leading the line has been noticeable, especially in European matches where margins are finer.

For that reason, a centre-back is arguably Napoli’s most urgent priority. Whether the club act in January or wait until summer remains open, but the need itself is increasingly evident.

Ideally, Napoli would look for a defender with Serie A experience, someone immediately comfortable with the league’s tactical demands, rather than a raw developmental profile. Conte’s system leaves little room for prolonged adaptation periods, particularly during a title defence.

Wingers: experience over experimentation

Another area under consideration is the wide attacking roles.

Napoli possess pace and technical quality on the flanks, but consistency has been an issue. At times, the side has lacked the reliability and game management that experienced Serie A wingers can provide, especially in tight matches where control matters as much as creativity.

Conte’s preference for wide players who understand spacing, defensive responsibility and tempo control makes this a logical area for reinforcement. A winger with league experience would not necessarily arrive as a guaranteed starter, but rather as a dependable rotation option capable of maintaining standards when changes are required.

Such a signing would also help Napoli cope with the cumulative physical load of domestic and European competition. Fresh legs, familiar with the league, could prove invaluable in the final months of the season.

Depth, depth, depth

Perhaps the most important theme surrounding Napoli’s January planning is not stardom, but sustainability.

Conte’s teams are famously demanding, tactically, physically and mentally. Over a long season, particularly one that includes European commitments, depth becomes a competitive advantage rather than a luxury.

Napoli’s first XI can compete with anyone in Serie A. The drop-off beyond that, however, has been exposed at times. Injuries, suspensions or dips in form have forced Conte into solutions that feel more reactive than strategic.

January could therefore be about strengthening the floor of the squad rather than raising the ceiling. One defender, one experienced wide option, and possibly another versatile squad player could dramatically improve Napoli’s ability to rotate without losing cohesion.

January or patience?

As with Inter, the Partenopei face a familiar dilemma: intervene now, or wait.

January markets are notoriously inefficient, and the club will not want to overpay or compromise summer plans. At the same time, the margin between success and disappointment in a title race can be slim.

Given their position in the table, they are not under pressure to panic-buy. But Europe has served as a warning sign, suggesting the squad may be stretched too thin for the ambitions Conte has set.

A measured January window, focused on defence and experienced depth, would align with both short-term competitiveness and long-term planning.

For Napoli, the challenge is not fixing a broken project, but reinforcing a functioning one. How they approach this window could determine whether their Scudetto defence gathers momentum, or begins to fade under the weight of a long, unforgiving season.

It has been a tough old year for the Azzurri and an even more testing one lies in store. Giancarlo Rinaldi examines what could help the national team return to its former glory.

You certainly can’t fault him for effort. Every time you turn on the television to watch a Serie A game, it seems, you will get a close-up of him in the crowd. If nothing else, Rino Gattuso is hoovering up as much information as he can ahead of one of the most important years in the history of the famous blue colours of his country, which he donned with such distinction.

Italy were put through the wringer in 2025 with two one-sided defeats by Norway, the unwanted highlights of a pretty grim 12 months. There was the rumbustious Nations League elimination by Germany as well, and a madcap match with Israel alongside some more routine victories. In the middle of it all, the Azzurri parted company with Luciano Spalletti and turned to the snappy, snarling former midfielder instead. The results were initially strong enough, but a reality check with Erling Haaland and company suggested that there is much work to be done if they hope to even get to the World Cup in 2026.

For La Nazionale to miss out on the extended party in Mexico, Canada and the USA would be a huge setback and one which would, undoubtedly, provoke more calls for an overhaul in the Italian Football Federation. If they want to get there they will have to first get past Northern Ireland at home and then face a trip to either Wales or Bosnia – neither of which, on current form, look as straightforward as they should be for a country which has, lest we forget, won the World Cup four times in the past.

Part one of Gattuso’s Christmas wish list will undoubtedly be to keep all his key players fit for the vital matches on the horizon. The loss of a midfield stalwart like Sandro Tonali or Nicolò Barella would be a hammer blow ahead of such important fixtures. No wonder he always looks a little edgy whenever he is at a game – he is probably hoping nobody administers one of his own trademark tackles on one of the Azzurri’s more important contributors.

Another thing to get sorted is his defence. There is something that has not functioned for a while with the Italian back line, which seems incredible to think of in a nation where the art form of stopping the opposition from scoring has been revered for generations. Despite having a crop of decent players, something is missing from the rearguard, which he will have to try to solve sooner rather than later. A gentle revolution is needed to allow that unit to evolve into one which strikes fear into the heart of any attacker brave enough to take it on. From that solid base, he could hope to build a team which would not only get to the World Cup but might also progress past the group stages.

The emergence of a few new faces to challenge his old guard would also be welcome. This squad has a solid enough core, but it is definitely in need of rejuvenation and seeing the likes of Francesco Pio Esposito get more game time with Inter would surely be a boost. Italy have done well enough at youth levels of late to suggest that the talent is there but it seems to stall due to lack of playing opportunities in Serie A. Boys who have gone to seek their fortune abroad might well have a part to play.

Up front, all he wants for Christmas is for Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui to thrive. If there has been a positive from Gattuso’s arrival, it has been the commitment to play the two together which has brought goalscoring rewards. He will hope they both keep fit and that Fiorentina start to see a revival in their fortunes in order for their talisman to approach the big matches in March with a degree more confidence than he would right now.

And, finally, there is the Federico Chiesa conundrum. It is now more than four years since his breakout tournament at the delayed Euro 2020 and how Italy could do with that player in that form back in the fold. None of the current wide options offer the drive and attacking threat that he did in his prime, but it is a question of whether he will get many opportunities to show it with Liverpool and how much he feels he can give his country. The phone line between player and manager might well remain open, but the clock is definitely ticking on getting the situation sorted one way or another.

This, and much more, will be racing through Rino’s mind over the festive season, no doubt. He will be itching to get to the play-off games but, at the same time, hope that Serie A – and elsewhere – can throw him up a few solutions. Italy will not go into these games, which will define an era, with any great confidence, but they can use them as a building block to reconstruct their reputation as one of football’s superpowers. Is Gattuso the man to get them there? Two vital tests in springtime will give us an answer to that question one way or another.

@ginkers

David Neres is the undisputed Man of the Match in Napoli’s 2-0 win over Bologna in the Supercoppa Final.

Napoli 2-0 Bologna player ratings

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 6; Di Lorenzo 6.5, Rrahmani 6.5, Juan Jesus 6.5 (83′ Buongiorno N/A); Politano 7, Lobotka 7, McTominay 7, Spinazzola 6.5 (68′ M. Gutierrez 6); David Neres 8 (78′ Mazzocchi N/A), Hojlund 7.5, Elmas 6.5 (68′ Lang). Coach: Conte 7.5.

Best Napoli player: Neres 8 – A stunning performance on both halves on the pitch. The Brazilian opened the account with a fantastic curler in the first half and killed off the game by recovering the ball inside the box and beating Ravaglia with a chip finish. Furthermore, he didn’t hold back defensively, tracking back when necessary. An all-round performance.

Napoli coach: Conte 7.5 – Napoli dominated the match to secure the first trophy of the season. High pressing, resolute defending and clear ideas from everyone involved, in attack and defence. They also had several chances to score the third goal. When Napoli play like this, they are very, very tough to beat.

Bologna: Ravaglia 5; Holm 5.5, Heggem 4.5, Lucumi 5, Miranda 5.5; Pobega 5, Ferguson 5 (68′ Dallinga 5.5); Orsolini 6 (79′ Dominguez N/A), Odgaard 5 (46′ Moro 5.5), Cambiaghi 5.5 (68′ Rowe 5.5); Castro 5 (79′ Immobile N/A). Coach: Italiano 5.

Best Bologna player: Orsolini 6 – Didn’t do much, to be fair, but created the best chance in the game for Bologna with a cross for Ferguson that the Scott wasted with a poor header from an excellent position.

Lowest Bologna rating: Heggem 4.5 – Was lucky to get away with a yellow card for a foul on Hojlund in the first half. A red wouldn’t have been a scandal, given that the Napoli striker was heading towards the Bologna goal. Generally, Hojlund caused all sorts of problems for the Norwegian centre-back.

Bologna coach: Italiano: 5 – Bologna struggled to cope with Napoli’s pressing, and when the Partenopei sat back, there was no space for the Rossoblu to go through. Credit to Conte, but Bologna didn’t have a plan B to hurt their opponents.