According to Mundo Deportivo, Bologna coach Thiago Motta remains an option for the Barcelona job, and the same is true of Roberto De Zerbi, who will leave Brighton at the end of the season.

Barcelona directors have been urged to consider Thiago Motta as a replacement for Xavi if the ex-midfielder leaves the club at the end of the season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Motta has been mentioned to Barcelona directors by people outside Motta’s entourage.

MD: Thiago Motta offered to Barcelona, De Zerbi still a candidate

Motta has led Bologna to a historic Champions League qualification this season. The ex-Italian midfielder said that he’d meet club President Joey Saputo next week to discuss his future at the Stadio Dall’Ara and insisted that he had not reached an agreement with any other club.

However, several sources in Italy insist Motta will be the new Juventus coach in 2024-25.

According to Mundo Deportivo, another Italian coach, De Zerbi, is a candidate for the Barcelona job.

The former Sassuolo tactician will leave Brighton after today’s game against Manchester United.

Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri reveals he rejected offers from two national teams to remain at Cagliari and says he quoted club legend Gigi Riva before today’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo, which keeps the Sardinians in Serie A.

The Sardinians needed a win from their final two games to be sure of Serie A safety and got it at the Mapei Stadium this afternoon, thanks to Matteo Prati off the bench and a late Gianluca Lapadula penalty.

“The last feat is always the best one,” Ranieri told Sky Sport.

“The first time I secured survival with Cagliari was in 1991 and it came on May 19 in Emilia Romagna, like today. It brings good luck.”

It is an extraordinary achievement for Ranieri, who had already scraped promotion in last year’s Serie B play-offs at the last minute against Bari.

“Before the game against Bari, I received a call from Gigi Riva,” Ranieri recalled.

“He told me to tell the lads that an entire region was backing them. I passed on his message and I did the same today.”

Rough ride for Ranieri

Ranieri started badly this season, with three points in the opening nine rounds. He then handed in his resignation mid-season, only for the players and club to convince him to change his mind.

“This team needed a shock at a difficult moment. I wanted to leave, but the lads stopped me because they said they wanted to continue with me,” the coach explained.

“Usually, when you say something like this, the players keep their heads down and just accept it. This time they rebelled and asked me to stay. So I said, ‘ok, I’ll stay, but you have to wake up.’ I received offers from two national teams, but I said no and I decided to stay. I’ve always followed my heart and I have more enthusiasm than on my first day.”

It is the second time Ranieri has gone on this journey with Cagliari, taking them to promotion and securing safety 35 years ago.

Cagliari have scored 14 goals from players who came off the bench in Serie A this season and 20-year-old Prati is the latest. Ranieri’s contract with the Sardinians runs out in June 2025.

“I have another year left in my contract, but let me rest now. We’ll see. The President said it depends on me,” the coach concluded.

L’hai fatto ancora, Mister pic.twitter.com/L9NeSS1uy2

— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) May 19, 2024

With the Zhang family seemingly unable to repay a debt to Oaktree Capital Management, the American firm can take over the club from May 20, reproducing the same scenario that saw Elliott take control of Milan in 2018, even if there’s a key difference.

Today, Sunday, May 19, 2024, could be the final full day of the Suning era at Inter.

President Zhang is due to repay a €395m loan to Oaktree Capital Management by tomorrow, but he does not seem in a condition to meet the deadline. If this is the case, the American firm will take control of the club from the end of May 20.

Zhang had been in talks with Pimco to get a new loan, but negotiations fell apart. The Nerazzurri president said in an official statement on Saturday that he’d been making “every attempt with our partner [Oaktree] to find an amicable resolution”, but, at this stage, the end of the Suning era at Inter seems inevitable.

Even CEO Beppe Marotta, who is usually very measured, described Saturday as a ‘terrible’ day financially and didn’t attend an event in Noli because of the club’s crisis.

Inter fans are experiencing precisely the same situation as their ‘cousins’ – city rivals Milan – six years ago.

Zhang not quite like Yonghong Li

Back in 2016, Li Yonghong, a completely unknown Chinese entrepreneur, bought the Rossoneri from Silvio Berlusconi-owned Fininvest.

However, to complete the deal, he obtained a loan from Elliott Investment Management, which, after years of struggles, he was unable to repay. Therefore, the American firm took over in the summer of 2018, and this is exactly what will happen to Inter tomorrow if Zhang fails to repay the debt.

There is a key difference between the two stories, and it does not concern the length or success of the Suning ownership at Inter compared to Li Yonghong on the other side of San Siro.

As explained by Il Giornale—via l’Interista—Suning would not lose Inter’s control for nothing. In fact, in order to take over, Oaktree must pay the difference between the club’s market value and the sum Zhang was unable to repay. This means Oaktree will have to pay circa €500m to take control of Inter if the club’s transfer value is estimated at around €900m.

Li Yonghong, on the other hand, lost control of Milan for nothing, while Elliott sold the club to RedBird in 2022.

What Oaktree will decide about Inter, so whether to keep control or sell to the highest bidder straight away, remains to be seen.

The Marotta factor

There is also another important difference, as Inter already have a management structure in place that was operating largely independently of Suning and President Steven Zhang.

CEO Beppe Marotta is to all intents and purposes running the club and for several years has been slicing into the record losses, operating a transfer budget balanced entirely by player sales and sealing free transfers.

He has already lined up two players for next season, Piotr Zielinski and Medhi Taremi, who are out of contract at Napoli and FC Porto respectively.

If Oaktree do want to wait until finding a buyer and keep building value at Inter, then Marotta is the right man to do it for them.

La Gazzetta dello Sport hailed ‘professional’ Christian Pulisic after Milan‘s 3-1 loss against Torino, but the pink paper urged the Rossoneri to replace Fikayo Tomori ‘if this was his true version.’

Milan suffered an away 3-1 loss against Torino on Saturday night, which was pretty disappointing even though Stefano Pioli’s men have mathematically qualified for the Champions League as Serie A runners-up.

Their latest loss to Torino, their 7th in 37 games this term, led to criticism from the media on Sunday and English centre-back Tomori was among the most exposed.

Pulisic the light in Milan’s darkness, but Tomori must be replaced on one condition

Gazzetta rated the ex-Chelsea man 4.5/10, highlighting that he had lost key duels, which led to two Torino goals. ‘If this is his true version, Milan will need a defensive leader,’ wrote the pink paper in their Pagelle, the Player Ratings.

The whole Milan squad was pretty disappointing and clearly less motivated than their opponents.

Only Marco Sportiello, Tijjani Reijnders and Alessandro Florenzi received 6/10 from Gazzetta, while Pulisic was the best Milan player on the pitch with 6.5/10.

Gazzetta praised the American star not only because he earned a penalty kick in the second half, but primarily for his DNA as a ‘professional.’

Corriere dello Sport had the same view, given that Pulisic was described as the ‘light in Milan’s darkness’. At the same time, Tomori and his defensive partner Malick Thiaw received the lowest ratings: 4.5 for both.

Paolo Montero took charge of his first training session at Juventus this morning.

The former Uruguay international was officially appointed by the Bianconeri this morning and will remain in charge of the Serie A giants for the last two games of the season against Bologna and Monza.

Juventus released the pictures of Montero at Continassa on Sunday morning.

The Bianconeri visit Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Monday night and Montero won’t hold a pre-match press conference. Football Italia understands Juventus will travel to Bologna on Monday morning.

L’allenamento di questa mattina al JTC pic.twitter.com/Ns2WfQvX3R

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) May 19, 2024

PSG and Barcelona are among the clubs interested in Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the most likely scenario for the Georgian star is a contract extension with a release clause.

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis is ready to meet Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, to discuss a contract extension for the Georgian ace.

According to the latest report of La Gazzetta dello Sport, a new summit between the two parties will take place at the beginning of the campaign, so not later than in two weeks.

Kvara has demanded a new €5m-a-year contract through his entourage, while Napoli will not offer more than €4m plus add-ons.

The winger’s agent has already informed the Partenopei about PSG and Barcelona’s interest in his client, but the Ligue 1 giants would be the favourite in this race because of a better financial situation.

Kvaratskhelia: most likely scenario revealed amid Barcelona and PSG rumours

President De Laurentiis has not ruled out a sale, but according to Gazzetta, the most likely scenario would be for Kvaratskhelia to extend his contract with the Partenopei, including a release clause in his contract.

How much would it be worth? Surely more than €100m and potentially close to Osimhen’s clause between €120m and €130m.

Kvara only gets €1.5m per season and his current deal runs out in June 2027. Napoli didn’t offer him a new deal after their title-winning campaign in 2022-23 so they will surely make their proposal in the coming days.

Manchester United representatives scouted Juventus‘ defender Gleison Bremer during Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final, but according to Tuttosport, the Old Lady wants at least €70m for the Brazilian centre-back.

Manchester United scouted Bremer again on Wednesday when the Brazil international shone in Juventus’ 1-0 win over Atalanta in the Coppa Italia Final.

Friday’s printed edition of Tuttosport, on page seven, claims representatives of the Red Devils watched the Juventus centre-back in action at the Stadio Olimpico and it was not the first time this season, but in the meantime, Juventus may have changed the terms of a possible transfer.

Man Utd scout Bremer again, but Juventus’ asking price rises

Bremer’s contract includes a €60m clause that is valid from 2025. According to the report, however, the price for this summer is slightly higher at €70m.

Tuttosport confirms the leading Juventus candidate to replace Bremer next season is Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori.

The Rossoblu want at least €25m for the promising Italian defender, who has also attracted interest from  Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen, Milan and Napoli.

In the meantime, Bianconeri directors are dealing with their coach, Massimiliano Allegri and are expected to sack him before the next Serie A match against Bologna. Click here for all the latest updates.

Massimiliano Allegri has returned to Continassa for a meeting with Juventus directors, including Cristiano Giuntoli.

The Italian tactician is set to be sacked by Juventus after losing his cool during a Coppa Italia Final on Wednesday. He raged at club directors, referees, and even journalist Guido Vaciago, with whom he has now cleared the air.

Several reports, including Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta dello Sport, claim Allegri surprisingly returned to Continassa in the afternoon. He had left the training centre, which is nearby the club headquarters, in the late morning on Friday after leading a training session.

Allegri is now expected to meet Juventus directors, including Giuntoli.

Allegri returns to Continassa for urgent meeting with Juventus directors

According to Sky and Gazzetta, Allegri’s staff members are expected to replace him for the last two games of the season, while Paolo Montero will remain in charge of the U19 squad.

The ex-defender is suspended for the next league game, but he’ll serve his ban on Saturday in a Primavera match away at Frosinone, so he’d be eligible for the Juventus job if the club announced him as Allegri’s successor after the Juventus Primavera game.

However, this should not be the case as Juventus seem to have other plans for the final two games of the season, while Thiago Motta is expected to take over in 2024-25.

Click here for today’s live updates from Turin.

Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon confirms he won’t be eligible to play in the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen: ‘The biggest nightmare.’

The Dutch midfielder was subbed off in tears during Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final against Juventus with a suspected knee injury.

Gian Piero Gasperini had already confirmed that the 33-year-old would not be eligible for next week’s Europa League Final, but De Roon has now confirmed it with a heartbreaking social media post.

“A few days ago I never thought I’d write these words,” said De Roon.

“I can’t play the Europa League final. What should’ve been the most important week of my career, became the biggest nightmare.”

A few days ago I never thought I’d write these words: I can’t play the Europa League final. What should’ve been the most important week of my career, became the biggest nightmare. pic.twitter.com/ja0kJVnotE

— Marten de Roon (@Dirono) May 17, 2024

Inter received the Ambrogino d’Oro in Milan on Friday, so CEO Beppe Marotta thanked President Steven Zhang and insisted the club wants to ‘raise the bar’ and continue winning.

The Nerazzurri players and directors received the iconic Ambrogino d’Oro to mark winning their 20th Italian Scudetto title.

“It’s a prestigious reward and an icon for the city of Milan, so we are delighted to receive it,” Marotta said, as quoted by Gazzetta.

“We all remember the open-top bus parade after the game with Torino and all the people who supported the team. There were more than 500,000, and during the journey, I saw mothers, fathers and sons who, through the desire to live a feeling as strong as happiness, praised our colours. They did it by breaking down, and this is the strongest meaning, all the barriers of an ethnic, cultural, social and economic character.

“This is the meaning of sport and we must recognise it to our players and our coach, but there is no winning team without a solid club,” continued Marotta.

“So we want to thank all the people working behind the scenes who contributed to supporting a team that went on the pitch to try to become Italian champions and conquer the second star.

“Our duty as club directors is to transmit important values: a sense of belonging, a culture of hard work, and the ambition to win. This does not mean being arrogant, but having clear ideas and targets that lead to successful results.

“We should never hide behind results that could limit us, but we should have the courage to face opponents. If others are stronger than us, we should congratulate them.

Marotta thanks Zhang and insists Inter want to ‘raise the bar’

“We have reached an important target, and now we must lay the foundation to continue on this path and raise the bar even more. We are Inter, and we are obliged to look at our trophies, like the 20 Serie A titles, which are merit to the ownership that came before us.

“Lastly, I send greetings from President Zhang, who could not be here but has always made his presence and support felt, strongly applying the concept of delegation,” concluded Marotta.

“He surely suffers from not being here, but we are grateful to him and his family for what they’ve done over the last few years when they invested capital. Most importantly, they have instilled in us the value of trust that led us to achieve extraordinary results.”

Cesc Fabregas has kept his promise and paid for a private flight and accommodation for Como players to spend a weekend in Ibiza.

Como players are off to Ibiza with a private flight paid for by Febregas.

The Azzurri have been promoted to Serie A and Febregas, formally their assistant coach, has kept his promise to pay for a private flight and accommodation on the Spanish island.

As shown by striker Patrick Cutrone in an Instagram story, a group of Como players took off on Friday morning. They are Bolchini, Fumagalli, Barba, Iovine, Solini, Cassandro, Abildgaard, Gabrielloni, Sala, Odenthal, Ioannou, Bellemo, Cutrone, Ballet, Vigorito, Braunöder, Curto and Piombino.

Cutrone also thanked the ex-midfielder and added an aeroplane and a Spanish flag emoji to the message.

Fabregas does not have the necessary coaching badges to be considered head coach and, therefore, shares the role with Osian Roberts.

Como have not played in Serie A since the 2002-03 campaign.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri and Tuttosport editor have cleared the air after an altercation on Wednesday night, as confirmed in an official statement released by ANSA.

Allegri reportedly insulted and threatened the Italian journalist on Wednesday night after winning the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The Italian tactician denied allegations through his lawyer on Thursday evening, but Vaciago replied that many witnesses had seen what happened at the Olimpico.

Allegri and Vaciago met in Turin on Friday and confirmed they had cleared the air with an official statement published by news agency ANSA.

Allegri and Tuttosport Vaciago clear the air after altercation – official statement

“With regards to the events that followed Atalanta-Juventus and regarding the confrontation through the media they had yesterday, coach Massimiliano Allegri and Tuttosport editor Guido Vaciago say that, after talking to each other, they have solved the regrettable situation involving them, clarifying all aspects with collaboration and sense of responsibility,” the statement reads.

“Allegri regretted what happened on Wednesday night, explaining that he did not mean to threaten or insult Guido Vaciago. So they resumed that atmosphere of cordiality, relaxation and utmost respect at a personal and professional level.”

Juventus are still expected to sack Allegri before the next Serie A match against Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara. The Bianconeri could release an official statement today, Friday, May 17. The Italian tactician could have taken charge of his final training session at Continassa this morning.

Allegri returned to the Allianz Stadium three years ago, signing a contract until June 2025.

Stefano Pioli insists his colleague Massimiliano Allegri is a ‘great coach’ and underlines that ‘all things’ in football are exaggerated, ‘whether it is compliment or criticism.’

Pioli was asked his thoughts on the Juventus situation during a press conference on Friday.

The Serie A giants are set to sack their coach before the final two games of the campaign. Allegri was last sacked before the end of the season at Milan in January 2014.

“It’s always hard to judge from afar. Allegri has won a lot, he’s a great coach,” said Pioli.

“We know that in this role, we have to manage certain kinds of expectations and pressures. All things in our environment are exaggerated, whether it is compliment or criticism.”

Click here for all Pioli’s words on the eve of a Serie A match against Torino.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli insists he does not think about his final days in charge of the Rossoneri and feels the club must take a ‘further step forward’ to win the Champions League in the future.

Pioli spoke at a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Torino. It will be the Rossoneri’s final away game of the season and probably Pioli’s penultimate match in charge of the Serie A giants.

“It’s been a good week because we hadn’t won for a while. We are more serene, and I think this will help us tomorrow, so I expect a high-level performance,” said the Italian coach, as quoted by Milannews.

La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Rafael Leao will start on the bench tomorrow and Pioli said Theo Hernandez may not be available at all.

“Theo didn’t train today because of the flu, so I’ll see if he can recover in time. If I can, I’ll involve all players in the last two games,” he said.

The Parma-born coach was asked if he ever thinks that these could be his final days at Milanello.

Pioli doesn’t think about his final days as Milan coach

“For Giroud and Kjaer?” he first replied smiling, but he looked more serious when he continued.

“I try not to think about it, but of course, I’ll meet the club at the end of the season, and we’ll make our assessments and decide on the future. Until then, I’ll try to be focused and help the team and I may know certain emotions only by living them.

“I’ve always been on good terms with the club and it will be as such until the end. Everyone will make their own decision.

“Be patient,” he continued.

“You’ve been waiting until now, annoying me by talking about the future; now you just need to wait for one more week.”

What does he expect for the future of this team?

“You should not ask me this question,” Pioli replied.

“Giroud will start his final match, but not tomorrow. I hope he can reach 50 goals [with Milan]. The bond I’ve built with footballers is really deep and goes beyond what we’ve done or not done. I can only be grateful and happy. I do this work for the emotions and I’ve been thrilled until now, regardless of results, criticism, glory and benefits. For this reason, I’ll always be grateful to my footballers.”

Olivier Giroud has confirmed that he’ll leave at the end of the season.

“He, Kjaer and Ibrahimovic have been very important to us and their teammates, but in the the meantime, our players have grown and must take responsibility,” said Pioli.

“We won a title because everyone gave their all. I could say so many things, but that season, we accomplished something extraordinary; everyone went beyond their potential. There was something special between us and we were rewarded with a great triumph. Giroud was crucial in the growth of that team. I am entirely tied to him, Kjaer and Zlatan.”

Where can Milan players improve?

“New players have important qualities and can do even more. Surely they will do more,” Pioli ensured.

“We’ve had highs and lows, but not because they lacked commitment. This is why I want to reward everyone in the last two matches because I can only be grateful to this group.”

Pioli makes Milan Champions League claim

Milan won the Champions League in a Final against Barcelona 30 years ago, can the Rossoneri become European champions again in the next few years?

“It’s hard, but I think Milan can make it, even if the level is really high,” argued Pioli.

“Borussia Dortmund are 25 points below Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, yet they’ve reached the Champions League Final even if Real Madrid are favourite. We must take a further step forward.”

Does Pioli have any regrets about games against Roma in the Europa League?

“There are always regrets, but the team gave their all. However, the team did not fulfil their potential in those two games,” he said.

What’s his take on Allegri’s situation at Juventus?

“It’s always hard to judge from afar. Allegri has won a lot, he’s a great coach. We know that in this role, we have to manage certain kinds of expectations and pressures. All things in our environment are exaggerated, whether it is compliment or criticism.”

Lastly, Pioli refused to rate the Milan campaign, saying, “Surely, results in the league were better [than in the previous campaign], but in Europe were worse.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Rafael Leao is expected to start on the bench for the second consecutive match on Saturday when the Rossoneri visit Ivan Juric’s Torino.

Rafael Leao is not expected to be included in the starting XI in a Serie A match against Torino on Saturday, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Leao was introduced as a substitute in Milan‘s latest Serie A match against Torino on Saturday, producing one goal and one assist in the second half.

Reporters Luca Bianchin and Marco Fallisi claim Pioli is expected to start Christian Pulisic, Luka Jovic, and Noah Okafor in the attack against the Granata. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still injured and will miss the final away game of the season.

Milan have already secured mathematical qualification for the 2024-25 Champions League and a second-place finish this term, while Torino can still hope to qualify for the Conference League, especially if Serie A will be granted extra spots for European competitions in case Atalanta and Fiorentina win Europa League or Conference League.

Il Corriere della Sera explains Massimiliano Allegri’s stance by reporting some brief quotes from the Italian tactician: ‘Luckily, this situation will soon be over, but I was the lightning rod this season.’

Juventus are set to sack Allegri, and several sources claim that the Serie A giants will confirm their decision later today.

The Italian tactician raged at referees, club directors and a journalist on Wednesday night, after winning the Coppa Italia in a Final against Atalanta.

Il Corriere della Sera confirms Allegri has never been on good terms with club director Giuntoli and reveals the pair had different ideas on January reinforcements.

Allegri: ‘I was the lightning rod’ at Juventus but it will ‘soon be over’

Allegri reportedly wanted Giacomo Bonaventura or Roberto Pereyra, while Giuntoli signed Carlos Alcaraz on loan with an option to buy from Southampton and Tiago Djalo on a permanent transfer from Lille.

“Luckily, this situation will soon be over,” Allegri said, as Il Corriere della Sera reported.

According to the report, Allegri is also disappointed by Giuntoli’s attitude.

While the director confirmed his trust in Allegri during public interviews this season, he met Motta in February and refused to discuss the future with Allegri privately.

According to the report, Allegri believes Giuntoli should have been more transparent with him and the players. On the contrary, he was delegitimised inside the dressing room, and footballers didn’t take responsibility.

“This season, I was the lightning rod; let’s see who will be next season,” Allegri concluded.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Paulo Fonseca is waiting for a formal offer from Milan so the next few days will be decisive for the Rossoneri and the Portuguese coach.

Fonseca has become Milan’s leading candidate for the job in 2024-25, but the ex-Roma boss is currently busy with Lille, given that a win in the final match of the season would allow the Ligue 1 side to qualify for the 2024-25 Champions League.

The latest report from Gazzetta dello Sport claims the next few days will be decisive as the Portuguese tactician awaits a formal proposal from Milan.

Decisive days for new Milan coach as Fonseca waits for formal offer

His contract with Lille expires in June. Marseille have already offered him a long-term contract with decisional power, but according to Gazzetta, a third club has recently approached Fonseca’s entourage.

Milan directors are still making their final assessments and other candidates are still in the race, although they come after Fonseca in the Rossoneri’s pecking order. The pink paper claims that Sergio Conceiçao, Mark van Bommel, Domenico Tedesco and Marcelo Gallardo are Milan’s options, not Roberto De Zerbi and Antonio Conte.

Former Juventus coach Fabio Capello feels ‘sad’ for Massimiliano Allegri and insists the Italian tactician ‘deserves respect’ for what he has achieved in his career.

Allegri is on the verge of being sacked by Juventus with two Serie A games remaining this season.

The Italian tactician raged at club directors, referees and journalists on Wednesday night, after a 1-0 win over Atalanta in the Coppa Italia Final, and the club could fire him today for just cause.

Capello explained Allegri’s reaction in his latest interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The numbers are important, and the numbers show that Juventus had won nothing for three years and that they’ve lifted a cup again with Massimiliano Allegri,” said the ex-Juventus, Roma and Milan coach.

“I was surprised [by Allegri’s reaction because I don’t think it’s anger coming from competitiveness. There is more behind it.

“When you feel that the air around you has changed, it’s not easy to continue and pretend it’s all normal. You hope rumours are just rumours until you realise it was all true. So when you have a cup in your hands, the pride emerges.”

Is this how Allegri lost his cool at the Olimpico?

“I think so. He has won a cup with two trophies at his disposal [this season],” argued Capello.

“Juventus didn’t play in Europe even if Allegri had led the team to the Champions League by finishing third a year ago. The only thing he could have done more was to win the title, but the team was not equipped to fight with Inter. Juventus have a good team but are inferior to Inter and Milan.”

So, what didn’t work for him in his second spell at the club?

“Perhaps, only winning a trophy in three years,” said Capello.

“Expectations at Juventus are very high. That being said, the club has decided to change a year before the end of his contract, so it’s evident that there are other factors. I think Juventus have taken a different direction since Giuntoli’s appointment. Cycles end for these reasons as well.”

Capello insisted that Allegri should have been treated differently by fans and media over the last few years.

“He was criticised also when he won titles and accused of not playing well,” he said.

“Allegri deserves respect; his career speaks for itself.”

Lastly, Capello admitted that the end of the story between Allegri and Juventus is said and that the Serie A giants usually don’t sack their coaches before the end of a campaign.

“I’m not going to discuss the details; I’ll just say that it’d be a very sad end to the story. Sacking a coach before the end of the season is not part of Juventus’ history,” he concluded.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Joshua Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, is a close friend of Arsenal director Edu, so he wants the Bologna star to join the Gunners. However, Milan still hope to persuade the Dutchman and his representative.

Zirkzee’s agent, Joorabchian, is plotting a summer move to Arsenal for the Bologna striker, and if it were only up to him, the Dutchman would sign for the Gunners, Il Corriere dello Sport reports.

The Italian newspaper claims Joorabchian is a close friend of Arsenal director Edu, so he is pushing his client to the Emirates Stadium.

Agent wants Zirkzee to join Arsenal because of Edu but Milan still hope

Zirkzee has a €40m clause in his contract with Bologna and it is valid for all clubs, not only Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians are also entitled to a 45% sell-on clause, meaning Bologna will earn just €21m from Zirkzee’s sale this summer.

Arsenal are ready to offer the Dutch striker a €6m-a-year contract, but Milan still hope to persuade the 22-year-old.

According to the report, Zirkzee would be happy to remain in Serie A for at least one more season to continue his development, but his agent seems to have other ideas.

The Rossoneri remain in talks with the striker’s representative and still hope to convince him to complete the deal and make Zirkzee their new centre forward in 2024-25.