Sassuolo have officially been relegated to Serie B after 11 consecutive years in the top flight.

The Neroverdi are the second Serie A side to have their relegation confirmed in 2023-24, after Salernitana met their fate at the back end of April, with four games left to go.

One more position in the bottom three remains open heading into the final day of the 2023-24 campaign next weekend, with four other teams still at risk of being relegated.

The 2-0 home defeat to Cagliari ultimately sealed their fate, along with this afternoon’s results, as Frosinone won, while Empoli and Udinese drew 1-1.

They had been in the top flight consistently since earning their first ever promotion to Serie A in 2013.

Sassuolo relegated to Serie B

It has been an unexpectedly difficult season for Sassuolo this time out in Serie A.

Coach Alessio Dionisi, who had guided the team to 11th and 13th placed finishes in 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively, was given his marching orders in February.

Davide Ballardini was called in to replace him, but he has not been able to steer the ship away from danger, and now has two consecutive relegations on his CV after his brief spell with Cremonese in 2023.

Sassuolo also lost a key player in Davide Frattesi, who moved to Inter during the summer transfer window last year.

Star man Domenico Berardi has been unavailable through two serious injuries, which kept him out of action for practically all of the second half of the season.

Now, with just 30 points from 37 matches, the Neroverdi will have to battle it out in Serie B in 2024-25.

It is a very strange atmosphere at San Siro, where Inter celebrate the Scudetto against a Lazio side chasing Europe, but also fear the club will be repossessed within 48 hours.

It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

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

The situation is surreal, as the Serie A trophy will be presented to the team after the final whistle, but all eyes are on the club owners in China.

Suning have until the end of Monday to repay the €395m including interest loan to Oaktree or see the club repossessed, just like Elliott Management with Milan and Yonghong Li in 2019.

As for the match itself, Simone Inzaghi has a full squad and uses his best XI, with Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Lazio are battling Roma for sixth place and Europa League qualification, although it could potentially still be the Champions League depending on what Atalanta do in Dublin.

Ivan Provedel returns two months after spraining his ankle, while Luis Alberto is also back in the squad following his disciplinary action.

Alessio Romagnoli is suspended, but there is a totally revamped attack with Daichi Kamada and Mattia Zaccagni supporting Taty Castellanos.

Inter vs. Lazio line-ups

Inter: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram

Lazio: Provedel; Patric, Casale, Gila; Marusic, Vecino, Rovella, Pellegrini; Kamada, Zaccagni; Castellanos

19-05-2024 17:00

MatchDay 37

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Lazio

vs

Season Analytics

Inter

Positions

Lazio

SEASON TOTAL

INT HOME

14

3

1

29

5

2

Last matches

10-05-2024		Frosinone	W	0 - 5
04-05-2024		Sassuolo	L	1 - 0
28-04-2024		Torino	W	2 - 0
22-04-2024		Milan	W	1 - 2
14-04-2024		Cagliari	D	2 - 2

28-04-2024		Torino	W	2 - 0
14-04-2024		Cagliari	D	2 - 2
01-04-2024		Empoli	W	2 - 0
17-03-2024		Napoli	D	1 - 1
04-03-2024		Genoa	W	2 - 1

1

7

Position

SEASON TOTAL

LAZ AWAY

8

2

8

18

5

13

Last matches

	2 - 0	W	Empoli		12-05-2024
	2 - 2	D	Monza		04-05-2024
	1 - 0	W	Verona		27-04-2024
	0 - 1	W	Genoa		19-04-2024
	4 - 1	W	Salernitana		12-04-2024

	2 - 2	D	Monza		04-05-2024
	0 - 1	W	Genoa		19-04-2024
	1 - 0	L	Roma		06-04-2024
	2 - 3	W	Frosinone		16-03-2024
	2 - 1	L	Fiorentina		26-02-2024

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.

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.

Cagliari have guaranteed their Serie A safety after Matteo Prati and Gianluca Lapadula grab victory at the Mapei Stadium, as Sassuolo are now on the verge of relegation.

This was a huge battle to avoid the drop, as the Neroverdi were in penultimate place, but only four points behind the Sardinians. Domenico Berardi and Samu Castillejo were still out of action, while Jakub Jankto and Antoine Makoumbou didn’t make the trip, but Gianluca Gaetano and Tommaso Augello returned from suspension.

There were 4,000 Cagliari fans at the Mapei Stadium, knowing a win would guarantee their Serie A status.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Ruan Tressoldi risked a disaster in the opening six minutes, mis-kicking a clearance and then bundling into Gianluca Lapadula, but the striker went down too easily in the penalty area.

Martin Erlic hobbled off with a bruise to the small of the back, but Sassuolo had the first real chance with Andrea Pinamonti steering a free header inches wide.

Gianluca Lapadula saw his angled drive flash across the face of goal to skim the far post and Eldor Shomurodov fired over. Cagliari started to push after the restart, the Gabriele Zappa strike smothered by Andrea Consigli and Zito Luvumbo hesitating on the counter-attack.

Lapadula was brought down in the box, but only after wandering offside, and Pinamonti’s acrobatic bicycle kick flashed off target.

Cagliari took the lead in front of their many away fans when a free kick was pumped into the box, the Lapadula strike was charged down and Yerry Mina eventually laid it off for substitute Matteo Prati to drill home.

Ibrahim Sulemana should’ve added a second, firing wide when set up by a Nahitan Nandez solo run down the right.

Cagliari did seal it when Marash Kumbulla was surprised by an odd bobble on the pitch and clattered into Lapadula for a penalty, which Lapadula converted, even though Yerry Mina had wanted to take it.

The Sassuolo situation got to Matheus Henrique, who was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, both for dissent. They could even be mathematically relegated this afternoon.

Sassuolo 0-2 Cagliari

Prati 71 (C), Lapadula pen 91 (C)

Sent off: Matheus Henrique 93 (S)

19-05-2024 11:30

MatchDay 37

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Cagliari

0 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

Kristian Thorstvedt		54'
		61'		Alessandro Deiola
		71'		Matteo Prati (Assist: Alberto Dossena)
		76'		Alberto Dossena
Andrea Pinamonti		79'
Matheus Henrique		90+3'
Matheus Henrique		90+3'
		90+1'		Gianluca Lapadula

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

7

Total shots

13

Shots on target

3

4

Shots off target

5

3

Blocked shots

5

5

Corners

6

1

Offsides

8

14

Fouls

9

Sassuolo

Cagliari

Starting lineups

47

Andrea Consigli

Goalkeeper

2

Filippo Missori

Defender

46'

13

Gian Marco Ferrari

Defender

43

Josh Doig

Defender

5

Martin Erlic

Defender

19'

44

Ruan Tressoldi

Defender

62'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

57'

7

Matheus Henrique

Midfielder

6

Uros Racic

Midfielder

57'

9

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

22

Simone Scuffet

Goalkeeper

4

Alberto Dossena

Defender

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

27

Tommaso Augello

Defender

86'

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

67'

70

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

67'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

8

Nahitan Nández

Midfielder

89'

61

Eldor Shomurodov

Attacker

46'

9

Gianluca Lapadula

Attacker

Substitutes

23

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

21

Mattia Viti

Defender

11

Nedim Bajrami

Midfielder

28

Alessio Cragno

Goalkeeper

22

Jeremy Toljan

Defender

25

Gianluca Pegolo

Goalkeeper

15

Emil Konradsen Ceide

Attacker

8

Samuele Mulattieri

Attacker

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

19

Marash Kumbulla

Defender

19'

92

Grégoire Defrel

Attacker

46'

14

Pedro Obiang

Midfielder

57'

24

Daniel Boloca

Midfielder

57'

3

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

62'

18

Simone Aresti

Goalkeeper

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

1

Boris Radunović

Goalkeeper

32

Andrea Petagna

Attacker

5

Marco Mancosu

Midfielder

23

Mateusz Wieteska

Defender

17

Pantelis Chatzidiakos

Defender

37

Paulo Azzi

Attacker

19

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

34

Kingstone Mutandwa

Attacker

77

Zito Luvumbo

Attacker

46'

10

Nicolas Viola

Midfielder

67'

16

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

67'

33

Adam Obert

Defender

86'

99

Alessandro Di Pardo

Defender

89'

It has taken Thiago Motta just six years to progress from the bottom of the coaching ranks to one of the most sought-after tacticians in Europe: here’s how the ex-Italy international has taken the Rossoblu to the Champions League and became the leading candidate for the Juventus job.

The 41-year-old’s appointment at Bologna was not greeted with universal approval yet the former Italy international has led the Rossoblu to the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

It is a monumental achievement for a coach who was belittled for suggesting the merits of a 2-7-2 formation when he transitioned from the pitch to the dugout with the Paris Saint-Germain under-19 squad.

Motta’s pathway to qualification for Europe’s top competition has been unconventional.

Sacked after just 10 games at the helm in Genoa the ex-Inter midfielder had to wait patiently before leading Spezia to safety in the 2021-2022 season. Drafted in when Bologna relieved Sinisa Mihajlovic of his duties in September 2022, the Brazilian-born coach was not greeted by hordes of cheering Rossoblu ultras.

Yet Motta guided the club to its best-ever points tally in the modern era—matching the 54 recorded by the 1963-1964 championship-winning team—as he steered the Emilia-Romagna club to ninth in the table.

Nobody foresaw such an improvement this term.

The benefits of a full pre-season as coach and excellent player recruitment, especially in defence, yielded spectacular results.

Motta’s willingness to adapt different strategies within a flexible formation while utilising every talented squad member produced a formidable team that was undaunted to duke it out with the Serie A heavyweights.

The young tactician ostensibly lined up his side in a 4-3-3 configuration with an emphasis on the flanks. It has also been interpreted as 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 depending on his starting XI. Yet there has been consistency in the deployment of a back four, a holding midfielder, two wingers and a lone forward.

Motta favours an advanced press to suffocate the opposition and retrieve possession rapidly. A calculated build-up from the back aims to manipulate occupied areas, as the widemen rarely stray from the touchlines.

Everyone tracks back as Bologna resembles two blocks of four and five when defending their goal. It is a mixture of pragmatic and creative, as Motta’s side’s fitness and physical tenacity have proved the difference in several big games.

An animated and motivational presence on the sidelines, the former Inter treble winner clearly has the respect of a committed player pool. Before an extremely unfortunate season-ending injury, Lewis Ferguson established himself as one of the leaders in a side with multiple match winners.

The Scottish midfielder’s link-up play with Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee had been a hallmark of a Rossoblu side which patiently dictates from the back.

Motta transformed former full-back Riccardo Calafiori into a ball-playing central defender with a license to roam forward. The ex-Roma youth product now looks certain to be part of Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad at the European Championships after an outstanding campaign.

Although there are reliable mainstays—Austrian full-back Stefan Posch, Colombian stopper Jhon Lucumi, and Dutch centre-back Sam Beukema in defence, Swiss midfielder anchor Remo Freuler, and Zirkzee upfront—Motta has often rotated his squad, leaving key players out.

Even star winger Riccardo Orsolini has not been guaranteed a starting place as the coach has tweaked his team with surprising regularity.

It is a testament to Motta’s decision-making and man-management that no schisms have emerged in the 24-strong squads despite the changes.

His ability to keep fringe players fresh and focused should not be underestimated either.

Motta has not left anyone on the bench permanently.

Italian under-21 cap Giovanni Fabbian, Moroccan international Oussama El Azzouzi and versatile Danish forward Jens Odgaard have all made vital contributions when called upon. Backup goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia has also played his part in place of regular first-choice Lukasz Skorupski.

Without such a unified effort the Rossoblu’s advance up the standings would not have been possible. Success inevitably attracts admirers and Motta might be coaching a different club in the Champions League next term.

It has been widely reported for weeks that Juventus, who travel to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Monday night, want the Brazilian-born coach to replace Massimiliano Allegri.

Regardless of where he ends up, the innovative young tactician can look back on a milestone campaign that will be remembered for years to come in Bologna.

@SKasiewicz

Despite being crowned as Serie A champions for 2023-24, uncertain times lie ahead for Inter, as club President Steven Zhang and holding company Suning’s €395m loan must be repaid by the end of Monday. If they fail to come good, the club will be repossessed and a new management team could come into effect in San Siro.

US fund Oaktree Capital provided a €275m loan with a 12% interest rate back in 2021, which must be repaid in full on May 20, 2024. If the loan is not repaid, Oaktree will assume control, as the club was effectively used as collateral at the time of the original agreement.

However, Oaktree reportedly have no interest in running and operating a football club. If the loan is not repaid, they will look to sell Inter as swiftly as possible. Recent reports suggest they may even have a buyer lined up already.

Who will run Inter day-to-day

Oaktree have promised to keep the same management in place if they do assume control of the club next week according to reports from TMW on Sunday morning.

However, the new shareholders after that will have to confirm their own board of directors, and importantly, appoint a new President to replace Zhang.

Though recent reports suggest that Oaktree’s potential repossession of Inter will not have an impact on the agreement of new contracts or transfer deals, there is expected to be a period of around 20 days where that type of business is put on hold, until a new, longer-term owner is put in place.

Juventus’ recent dismissal of head coach Massimiliano Allegri could potentially end in a court case according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday morning.

Allegri was officially sacked on Friday, in the aftermath of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final, where, despite Juventus lifting the trophy, the coach erupted on the touchline, before making a series of alleged personal threats to Tuttosport editor Guido Vaciago.

Do Juventus owe Allegri €7m?

La Gazzetta report that Juventus consider themselves negatively impacted by Friday’s sacking, and that they have been evaluating the possibility of dismissal for just cause.

If that is the case, then Juventus could get away with not having to pay the remaining €7m on Allegri’s contract, which had been due to expire in the summer of 2025.

According to Sunday’s report, the former Bianconeri coach is yet to decide which next steps to take. If just cause is found, he could still appeal. He will have five days from the time of his dismissal to respond to the disciplinary issues he was presented with by CEO Maurizio Scanavino on behalf of the club’s lawyers at the time.

If Juventus are found not to have had just cause, or if they do and Allegri successfully appeals, the coach will be entitled to the €7m he is owed from the remaining year on his contract in full, plus potential compensation for damages to reputation.

Juventus have officially confirmed the appointment of Paolo Montero as interim head coach, following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri on Friday in the aftermath of Wednesday’s fiery Coppa Italia final.

Allegri had his second Juventus tenure cut short after erupting on the touchline against Atalanta, before making a series of alleged threats to the editor of newspaper Tuttosport in the Stadio Olimpico tunnel.

His contract had been due to expire in the summer of 2025, although many believed that the Bianconeri were set to end the partnership one year ahead of schedule anyway.

It became evident later on Friday that Montero would be the man to guide Juventus in their final two games of the Serie A season, against high-flying Bologna on Monday and at home then against Monza in the final round of 2023-24 fixtures.

Montero is also the head coach of Juventus’ U19 squad. He also has 278 appearances for the Old Lady, including 186 in Serie A, having played as a defender in Turin between 1996 and 2005.

He has had to wait for his official announcement, as he had to sit out a one-game touchline ban during the U19’s league match against Frosinone on Saturday.

He is, of course, still eligible to lead the team for Monday’s match against Bologna, which could determine the ranking of the Serie A top four.

Juventus statement

“Paolo Montero will take the reins of the Men’s First Team for the final two games of the Serie A season, which come away at Bologna and then at home to Monza.

“Currently coach of our Under-19s team, who finished their season on Saturday, 18 May, Montero will take the step up to the First Team for what remains of the current campaign. He will take his first session with the squad on Sunday, before facing Bologna at 20:45 CEST on Monday evening at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

“He will then lead the Bianconeri for the season finale against Monza at the Allianz Stadium.

“Paolo is a Juventus legend, firstly on the pitch, and someone who has long been a bearer of the Club’s DNA on the bench.

“Best of luck, Paolo!”

Paolo Montero takes charge of the Men's First Team until the end of the season

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 19, 2024

Daniele De Rossi has a decision to make relating to Paulo Dybala when Roma host Genoa in Serie A on Sunday evening.

‘La Joya’ is in line to return to the Giallorossi matchday squad, but De Rossi could still opt to go with Tomasso Baldanzi over Dybala for precautionary reasons.

Zeki Celik is tipped to return at right-back in what otherwise looks to be a fairly similar team to the one that lost 2-1 to Atalanta in the league last weekend.

For Genoa, there are predictions that Tottenham loaner and former Nottingham Forest right-back Djed Spence is due for a rare start. Aaron Martin is expected to keep his usual spot on the opposite flank.

Genoa will be spearheaded by the impressive partnership of Albert Gudmundsson and Mateo Retegui in attack.

Kick-off is set for 19.45 BST. 

Roma vs Genoa – probable line-ups

Roma (4-3-3): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Parades, Pellegrino; Baldanzi, Lukaku, El Shaarawy.

Genoa (3-5-2): Martinez; Vogliacco, de Winter, Vasquez; Spence, Frendrup, Badelj, Strootman, Martin; Retegui, Gudmundsson.

Probabili formazioni di Roma-Genoa#RomaGenoa #SerieA #SkySerieA #SkySport https://t.co/et3HDyZqu0

— skysport (@SkySport) May 18, 2024

Simone Inzaghi is set to name a strong Inter side for their penultimate game of the season, at home to Lazio, who are expected to go without Luis Alberto once again.

As the confirmed Serie A champions, Inter’s business is practically done for the 2023-24 season, although Lazio could temporarily lift themselves above rivals Roma into sixth place with a win in the early evening.

After fielding a rotated side during their 5-0 win over Frosinone last weekend, Inter are tipped to return to arguably their strongest line-up. The only uncertainty is whether Denzel Dumfries or Matteo Darmian will start at right-wing-back.

Lazio will leave Luis Alberto out again after his recent disciplinary issues, while Alessio Romagnoli misses out through suspension. Mario Gila is his likely replacement.

Daichi Kamarda could start in a more advanced role alongside Mattia Zaccagni. That could in turn lead to a changed midfield pairing of Nicolo Rovella and last week’s goalscorer Mario Vecino. 

Kick off in San Siro is due at 17.00 BST. 

Inter vs. Lazio – probable line-ups 

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, de Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram.

Lazio (3-4-2-1): Provedel; Patric, Castle, Gila; Marusic, Vecino, Rovella, Pellegrini; Kamarda, Zaccagni; Castellanos. 

https://x.com/SkySport/status/1791963010405188013

Stefano Pioli hit out at Milan critics and reminded them how things improved since he took over five years ago. ‘People act like second place is suddenly shoddy.’

The coach is under contract until June 2025, but it has been known for months now that he will be fired at the end of the season.

This search for a successor drags on through the media and is on the front pages every day, but Pioli is frustrated at his treatment.

“It was a good season, we were the best of the ‘normal’ teams behind an Inter side who did something extraordinary,” Pioli told DAZN.

“Our regrets are in the Champions League and Europa League, but that’s what those tournaments are like, if you don’t take your chance in that moment, you can go out.

“Just look at Borussia Dortmund, who finished 25 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, yet will play in the Champions League Final.”

The Pioli era at Milan

Pioli was hired in October 2019 and took them to an entirely unexpected Scudetto in 2022, where he was also named Coach of the Year.

Last season he took the Rossoneri to the Champions League semi-final, losing to rivals Inter, and this term already has second place locked down in Serie A.

“Over these years, we raised everyone’s expectations and now people act like second place is suddenly shoddy. You know full well that is not the case. Only one team can win.”

While he would seem to be on the way out, Pioli did get a tattoo of the Scudetto symbol on his arm.

“This remains. Honestly, I wanted to wait until next week to sum up the experience, but I think I can say one thing. I evaluate my work based on what condition I find a team in and then again when I leave.

“I arrived with Milan in one situation and I leave – if I leave – with Milan in quite another. The rest is just lots of talk and not much content.”

In his four full seasons at the club, Pioli’s Serie A finishes were two second places, one Scudetto and fourth in 2022-23.

Before he took charge, the last time they managed second place was in 2011-12 and their most recent title was in 2010-11.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter, celebration and chaos

At San Siro against Lazio to celebrate the Scudetto

Zhang accuses the fund Oaktree: ‘They put the future of the club at risk’

But the owners could hand it over

Toro for the Cups

Milan flattened, now Europe is closer

Atalanta in the Champions League

Motta, the final clash against Juve

Allegri in court?

Tomorrow against Bologna

Il Corriere dello Sport

Zhang’s surrender

On Tuesday the deadline for the 375m loan: no extensions

‘Stability is at risk’

Oaktree have Inter in hand

Steven’s concerns: ‘Every effort to reach an amicable solution has been exasperated by legal threats. We want to protect the club colours’

This evening there is Lazio

‘I will decide after the Final’

Gasp takes the Dea into the Champions League: Napoli are waiting

Atalanta win 2-0 in Lecce

Coach: ‘What counts for me is the challenge. Future? Bayer first’

Toro crush Milan (3-1): they are now ninth

Roma–Genoa

De Rossi raises the bar: ‘Something has to change’

‘A strong coach gets the players he wants. For six years this team hasn’t gone beyond fifth place’

Guardiola: a poker to enter history

If Manchester City beat West Ham, Pep will win his fourth consecutive Premier League title

Sprint finish with Arsenal

Tuttosport

Motta’s Juve? French style

Reinforcements, tactical system: project ready to take flight

Todibo and Thuram of Nice are objectives for defence and midfield

Meanwhile Montero prepares to lead the team in Bologna

His maxim: ‘Fairness matters in life, but in football I have to win’

Fantastic Next Gen: 3-1 in Caserta, progress in the play-offs

Zhang’s star is shattered

From the Scudetto to chaos within the club: Inter towards a turning point

No agreement with Pimco: this adventure is on its last legs

Strong Suning statement against Oaktree, who are ready to take control of the club and confirm faith in management guided by Marotta

Atalanta in the Champions League

Rejoice, Toro! Europe is right there

Milan flattened (3-1) and Napoli leapfrogged

Zapata, Ilic and Rodriguez seal a fabulous Granata night

Now they need to win in Bergamo to be certain of 9^th place

And then hope Fiorentina triumph in the Conference League Final

Banners against Cairo and players

Juric: ‘I won’t change my mind, there is too little joy here and too much controversy’

Stefano Pioli feels a 3-1 defeat to Torino is Milan’s season in a nutshell, but insists he has not spoken to Napoli, though his future has been speculated on for ‘too many months.’

The Rossoneri have nothing more to gain from this season and it showed, both in the choice of starting XI and the attitude as they were torn apart 3-1 by Torino.

Duvan Zapata and Ivan Ilic were allowed embarrassingly free headers in the first half, then Ricardo Rodriguez hit a scorcher in off the underside of the bar just 18 seconds into the restart.

Ismael Bennacer’s penalty for an Adam Masina foul on Christian Pulisic was little consolation.

“Even though the result is harsh considering they only had four shots on goal, we were distracted and not focused enough on those crosses in the first half,” Pioli confessed to Sky Sport Italia.

“We lost a lot of the individual duels and this is the direction the game went in. It’s not that we didn’t play, but they were more focused and determined in the incidents that decided the match.”

Does resting stars like Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud show that Milan still lack strength in depth, particularly compared to rivals Inter?

“We were the best of the ‘normal’ teams this season, as there was one team that did something extraordinary, and we did better than the others. It’s not about first choice players, but Torino gave it a bit more tonight that allowed them to get to the loose balls first, reach the crosses and headers first.”

Pioli tired of Milan and Napoli speculation

Next weekend will be Milan’s final match of the campaign and many expect the last on the bench for Pioli, so how is he feeling?

“It is the last game of the season and then we’ll see. People have been talking about this for many months, too many months, and the team did very well. It was not easy to follow a coach who was in this situation, so I congratulate them for that.

“There is a week to go, I’ll experience that week and then we’ll see.”

Did Pioli want Milan to be more forceful in defending him in the media over these months or did he feel abandoned by their silence?

“I did not have difficulties because the squad remained united and concentrated on the work. Inter did something exceptional, we did better than the others, so it was still a good season. There are regrets over the Champions League and Europa League, but for the rest we were up to the standards of everyone except for Inter.

“As a person, I tried to go through it with balance and to pass on that to the squad. I was not affected by things certain people said. I know my level and that everything in this world is exaggerated, so I just carried on along my path.”

If Milan score two goals against Salernitana at San Siro, it can be the best attacking tally for a Pioli side, but it is already the worst defensive record of his five years at the club.

“I think these are significant statistics. Tonight was an example of our whole season defensively, we allowed four opportunities and conceded three goals. I realise that conceding too many goals penalised us many times this season and was our biggest weakness.”

Does Pioli expect to be informed of his future before the final game so the Milan fans can give him a fitting salute?

“I am not angry with anyone. In my five years at Milan, we always met after the end of the season, so I don’t know what will happen next week.”

Having been linked with Napoli, Pioli was jokingly asked if he would prefer his next club to be in the south and perhaps by the sea?

“I have not spoken to any other club. If and when my rapport with Milan ends, but not before, as I have too much respect for this club and its fans. My contract still runs for another year, I’ve had five wonderful, intense years and I am just concentrated on ending the season.

“Then, if there are any situations, I will evaluate them.”

Torino sliced Milan’s defence apart with two free headers and a Ricardo Rodriguez scorcher to keep their European hopes alive and leapfrog Napoli into ninth place.

The Rossoneri continued to revamp after securing second place, leaving Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud on the bench, while Mike Maignan, Simon Kjaer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze were injured, Matteo Gabbia suspended and Theo Hernandez struggling with flu symptoms. Toro missed Nikola Vlasic, Koffi Djidji, Gvidas Gineitis and Perr Schuurs, but Alessandro Buongiorno and Duvan Zapata passed fitness tests.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Adrien Tameze wasted a golden opportunity when ballooning over undisturbed from 12 yards on the Pietro Pellegri pull-back, then Vanja Milinkovic-Savic intercepted the Noah Okafor assist for Christian Pulisic at the near post.

Okafor went so close with a curler inches past the far top corner after a Tijjani Reijnders counter-attack, but it was Toro who took the lead moments later.

Ricardo Rodriguez whipped in a cross from the left and Duvan Zapata was allowed a totally free header between Milan centre-backs from 12 yards into the far bottom corner of the net.

A ball in that was just begging to be headed into the back of the net

Duván Zapata adds the finishing touch to a wonderful searching ball from Ricardo Rodriguez… Milan trail to Torino!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/wUbBn8util

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Christian Pulisic nodded over, but Torino doubled their lead with what was incredibly an even freer header than the first. Raoul Bellanova’s cross from the right found Ivan Ilic so unmarked, he didn’t even need to jump, merely steer it in from 12 yards.

Ivan Ilić makes it two for Torino against Milan…

How about the turn from Pietro Pellegri dropping into midfield?

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/2q71IcfdRZ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Yunus Musah saw his rocket accidentally charged down by teammate Malick Thiaw, but within 20 seconds of the restart it was 3-0. Former Milan player Rodriguez unleashed a left-foot rocket off the underside of the crossbar from 20 metres out after the Rossoneri were sluggishly caught in possession.

Ricardo Rodriguez unleashes a rocket against his former club

Torino are tearing through Milan!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/bhnFIHvFkl

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Pulisic thumped his shot against the bar from the edge of the area, but it wouldn’t have counted anyway, as the referee gave a free kick for an earlier push on Buongiorno.

Milinkovic-Savic stood tall to deny Luka Jovic on the Pulisic slide-rule pass, but Adam Masina gave away a penalty when hooking Pulisic across the neck, so Ismael Bennacer converted from the spot.

Ismaël Bennacer sends the keeper the wrong way after Christian Pulisic was brought down in the box…

One back for Milan

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/j1InSfyK8E

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Marco Sportiello struggled to deal with a looping Duvan Zapata header and Tameze intercepted a dangerous counter-attack for Rafael Leao, but Luka Jovic shinned his over-head kick off target.

Late on, Rafael Leao went on a trademark solo run to cut inside from the left, but his shot was parried by the goalkeeper.

The Torino shot-stopper also kept out Fikayo Tomori’s header in stoppages, but it wouldn’t have counted over a push.

Torino 3-1 Milan

Duvan Zapata 26 (T), Ilic 39 (T), Rodriguez 46 (T), Bennacer pen 54 (M)

18-05-2024 19:45

MatchDay 37

Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

Torino

Milan

3 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Duván Zapata (Assist: Ricardo Rodríguez)		26'
Ivan Ilić (Assist: Raoul Bellanova)		40'

2nd half

Ricardo Rodríguez (Assist: Pietro Pellegri)		46'
		55'		Ismaël Bennacer
		76'		Fikayo Tomori
Samuele Ricci		90+5'

Match statistic

40

Possession %

60

11

Total shots

16

5

Shots on target

4

5

Shots off target

7

1

Blocked shots

5

3

Corners

8

2

Offsides

15

Fouls

14

Torino

Milan

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

5

Adam Masina

Defender

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

80'

19

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

74'

13

Ricardo Rodríguez

Defender

61'

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

77

Karol Linetty

Midfielder

28

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

11

Pietro Pellegri

Attacker

74'

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

28

Malick Thiaw

Defender

20

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

38

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

65'

4

Ismaël Bennacer

Midfielder

78'

14

Tijjani Reijnders

Midfielder

80

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

77'

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

15

Luka Jovic

Attacker

17

Noah Okafor

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

26

Koffi Djidji

Defender

1

Luca Gemello

Goalkeeper

21

David Okereke

Attacker

81

Aaron Ciammaglichella

Midfielder

15

Saba Sazonov

Defender

71

Mihai Popa

Goalkeeper

25

Alessandro Dellavalle

Defender

17

Uros Kabic

Attacker

79

Zanos Savva

Attacker

30

Jonathan Silva

Midfielder

27

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

61'

9

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

74'

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

74'

6

Matteo Lovato

Defender

80'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

83

Antonio Mirante

Goalkeeper

2

Davide Calabria

Defender

30

Mattia Caldara

Defender

7

Yacine Adli

Midfielder

85

Kevin Zeroli

Midfielder

95

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

61'

42

Alessandro Florenzi

Defender

65'

9

Olivier Giroud

Attacker

77'

32

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

78'

According to Il Sole 24 Ore, Oaktree already have a buyer lined up to purchase Inter if Suning and the Zhang family fail to repay the €395m loan on Monday.

US fund Oaktree granted Suning the €275m loan in 2021 with a 12 per cent interest rate and the due date for repayment is on May 20.

Suning had hoped to get a deal in place with Pimco to take out a different loan at an even higher interest rate to pay that off, but this agreement seems to have fallen through.

If the loan is not repaid, Inter will effectively be repossessed, as it was used as collateral to secure the loan.

The Financial Times reported yesterday that, unlike Elliott Management with Milan when repossessing the club from Yonghong Li in 2019, Oaktree have no desire to run a football team.

Inter could be repossessed

Now Il Sole 24 Ore confirms that, which is why they believe Oaktree have already got a buyer lined up to take over Inter once they repossess it.

There had been several interested parties over the past three years, largely from Saudi Arabia, but Suning were confident they could keep hold of the club and just bring in investors.

That plan failed and they are now on the verge of losing the club that has just won the Serie A title.

Meanwhile, there is at least some good news for Nerazzurri supporters, because Il Sole 24 Ore also reports that the repossession should not affect the agreement of new contracts with players or even transfer deals.

This is because for several years now Beppe Marotta has already been running a net zero transfer campaign, paying for any new signings with sales that made profits.

Gian Piero Gasperini dropped the biggest hint yet he could leave Atalanta for Napoli, despite securing a Champions League spot. ‘What matters to me is the challenge.’

La Dea needed only three points to guarantee their place in the biggest UEFA tournament for next season and they sealed it with a 2-0 victory away to Lecce this evening.

It was decided by goals from Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca at the dawn of the second half.

This is their return to the top table of European competition after a three-year absence.

“Qualifying for the Champions League is the maximum target for Atalanta, we can’t exactly try to challenge for the Scudetto. Maybe one day Atalanta could, as the club has a radiant future,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

He was in the stands for this game, as he sat out a touchline ban.

“As far as we are concerned, Champions League qualification is an extraordinary result and these lads are going beyond all expectations. I am truly happy with this and we need to dedicate it to everyone in Bergamo.”

Gasperini looks to the future

The team lost the Coppa Italia Final 1-0 to Juventus on Wednesday and next week will face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final in Dublin.

“Undoubtedly, having the reassurance of this qualification will certainly be extra motivation for the players. We had an incredibly hard season with 53 games so far this term, it feels like 30 in the last two months alone,” continued Gasperini.

“It was a strain, we lost a few, but we won so many big games including the Coppa Italia at San Siro, against Fiorentina, in Europe with Liverpool and Marseille. The last five Serie A wins in a row gave us a push over the line, so we played many of these knockout ties lately.

“We lost the Coppa Italia Final the other day against Juventus and it was the first time I saw a lack of pace and adrenaline in the squad. We were starting to feel the fatigue.

“It was warm tonight and I rested many players. We need the best Atalanta in Dublin, in physical, emotional and technical terms.

“I am so sad for the absence of Marten De Roon, but he will certainly sit on the bench with me and help. It’s a terrible time to get an injury, but we will arrive in Dublin with a clear conscience and the desire to get an extraordinary result for Italy as well as for Atalanta.”

Bayer Leverkusen finished the Bundesliga unbeaten today and are on track to complete a perfect Treble without losing a single match, but Atalanta are in their way.

“I think about that, I also think every run has to end sometime… They dominated the Bundesliga, are like a tank, but we are not afraid of them and will go there to play with courage. In good shape, Atalanta can trouble Bayer Leverkusen too.”

Gasperini was asked about his future after the many links with building a whole new era at Napoli and for the first time he seemed to hint he was truly considering leaving Atalanta after eight years.

The coach was pushed on what will make the difference in his decision.

“We are playing Wednesday, then after that we’ll see. What the difference means to me is the challenge and whether it is credible in the choices and evaluations, that is the most important thing.

“Securing the Champions League place has an enormous value for me, as we work so hard to get into this competition, but the challenge is the most important thing. That is what my career is built on.

“Taking on Bayer Leverkusen is a challenge and then we’ll see what happens,” concluded Gasperini.

Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca proved enough to give Atalanta victory away to Lecce and guarantee Champions League qualification after a three-year absence.

La Dea lost the Coppa Italia Final to Juventus on Wednesday, but were trying to secure fifth place in Serie A and gearing up for the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen on May 22. Teun Koopmeiners was suspended, with Marten de Roon, Sead Kolasinac and Emil Holm injured. The Salentini had already guaranteed top flight safety and felt ready to celebrate, though Nicola Sansone, Lameck Banda, Mohamed Kaba and Kastriot Dermaku were unavailable.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Aleksei Miranchuk tested Wladimiro Falcone in the opening minutes, then the goalkeeper made an extraordinary save from point-blank range on the Mario Pasalic dinked finish when sent through by El Bilal Toure.

Lecce responded with Juan Musso forced into a save on Roberto Piccoli at the near post, but Gianluca Scamacca stung Falcone’s gloves from the edge of the box too.

The chances kept coming at both ends and Valentin Gendrey went off injured, Patrick Dorgu hitting a fresh-air shot on the Lorenzo Venuti cross.

Davide Zappacosta had a double opportunity, the first blocked by Venuti, the rebound blasted inches wide of the far top corner.

Dorgu had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time, but was narrowly caught in an offside position on the pass over the top.

Lecce wasted a huge opportunity straight after the restart when Krstovic ballooned over from 14 yards on the Piccoli roll across and it proved doubly disastrous for them, as Atalanta scored moments later.

It was practically the first touch for substitute De Ketelaere, who gathered the Scamacca through ball to hold off Gallo and put a smart lob over the on-rushing Falcone.

Charles De Ketelaere scores just two minutes after coming off the bench for Atalanta

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/jyHKEPXjxw

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Atalanta doubled their lead in chaotic fashion, as Scamacca got a glancing header on the corner and it perhaps took a deflection off Pongracic, but Falcone made a complete mess of his intervention and flapped at thin air.

In double quick time, Gianluca Scamacca adds Atalanta's second

The #UEL finalists mean business…

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/HX0Xo5ROCj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

There was almost a third straight away, Isak Hien nodding inches over from another corner, as did Berat Djimsiti.

Piccoli was about to set up a tense finale at the 86th minute when his low free kick nearly surprised Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso and bounced off the base of the upright. He also scuffed wide with Djimsiti block after Rafael Toloi was caught in possession.

Lecce 0-2 Atalanta

De Ketelaere 47 (A), Scamacca 53 (A)

18-05-2024 17:00

MatchDay 37

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Atalanta

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		26'		Hans Hateboer
		37'		El Bilal Touré
		44'		Mario Pasalic

2nd half

		48'		Charles De Ketelaere (Assist: Gianluca Scamacca)
		53'		Gianluca Scamacca (Assist: Aleksey Miranchuk)
		67'		Rafael Tolói

Match statistic

44

Possession %

56

11

Total shots

19

3

Shots on target

9

7

Shots off target

7

1

Blocked shots

3

2

Corners

5

1

Offsides

7

Fouls

20

Lecce

Atalanta

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

13

Patrick Dorgu

Defender

54'

17

Valentin Gendrey

Defender

29'

16

Joan Gonzàlez

Midfielder

55'

18

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

54'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

83'

9

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

46'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

43

Giovanni Bonfanti

Defender

75'

33

Hans Hateboer

Defender

4

Isak Hien

Defender

2

Rafael Tolói

Defender

59

Aleksey Miranchuk

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

68'

10

El Bilal Touré

Attacker

46'

90

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

62'

Substitutes

98

Alexandru Borbei

Goalkeeper

45

Rares Burnete

Attacker

40

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

21

Federico Brancolini

Goalkeeper

59

Ahmed Touba

Defender

83

Daniel Samek

Midfielder

7

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

23

Sebastian Esposito

Defender

12

Lorenzo Venuti

Defender

29'

29

Alexis Blin

Midfielder

54'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

54'

10

Rémi Oudin

Attacker

55'

8

Hamza Rafia

Midfielder

83'

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

22

Matteo Ruggeri

Defender

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

44

Leonardo Mendicino

Midfielder

13

Éderson

Midfielder

46'

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

46'

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

62'

25

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

68'

20

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

75'

While Milan may not be interested and Bayern Munich directors deny a deal, Roberto De Zerbi is emerging as a Napoli candidate after leaving Brighton.

The announcement came today via a formal statement that De Zerbi will be leaving Brighton and Hove Albion by mutual consent after tomorrow’s final Premier League game of the season with Manchester United.

Although he might seem an ideal fit for Milan, having grown up in their youth academy, it seems as if De Zerbi is not on the Rossoneri’s wish-list.

He was assumed to be heading towards Bayern Munich, who this afternoon finished third in the Bundesliga under Thomas Tuchel.

However, director Max Eberl told ZDF reporters today that he could “deny” the next coach is going to be Italian.

De Zerbi heading to Napoli?

Some Italian sources including Enrico Varriale of RAI Sport suggest that maybe De Zerbi is the secret candidate who has been in the background for Napoli while the talks drag on with Antonio Conte.

It would be a return for the man who turns 45 next month, as he was on the Napoli books for years as a player, then made his Serie A debut as coach of Benevento.

De Zerbi went out on a lot of loan moves, but still played 42 competitive games for the Partenopei, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

He plays with the same 4-3-3 formation that President Aurelio De Laurentiis stated last year he was looking for to continue the work done by Scudetto-winning Luciano Spalletti.