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.

If Fiorentina win the Conference League Final against Olympiacos and finish outside the top eight, then it would open up another European spot in Serie A.

The Viola will go head-to-head with Olympiacos in Athens for the 2024 Conference League Final on May 29.

Whoever wins that trophy gains automatic access to the Europa League for the 2024-25 campaign.

Therefore, if Fiorentina win while finishing outside the top eight, then they will be the ninth team to qualify for a UEFA competition next season.

However, all they need are two points from their remaining two Serie A matches against Cagliari and Atalanta to guarantee eighth place.

So in order for Torino or even Napoli to snatch that Conference League qualifying spot, they would need the Viola to falter.

Fiorentina on track for eighth place

As things stand, Fiorentina are on 54 points with a game in hand, followed by Torino on 53 and Napoli 52.

The Tuscans will not complete their Serie A campaign until June 2 against Atalanta, as that game was called off at the last minute in March when director Joe Barone collapsed at the team hotel, dying two days later.

It was simply not possible to reschedule it before then due to the packed fixture list of both teams.

As things stand, the top five go into the Champions League, sixth and seventh the Europa League and eighth the Conference League.

Ivan Juric insists that even if Torino qualify for Europe after beating Milan 3-1, it will not change his decision to leave. ‘There is no joy here.’

The Granata knew they needed a victory to keep their slender hopes of European qualification alive and achieved it, slicing the Rossoneri defence open with Duvan Zapata and Ivan Ilic free headers.

Ricardo Rodriguez then hit a screamer off the underside of the crossbar just 18 seconds into the second half, though Adam Masina’s futile foul on Christian Pulisic allowed Ismael Bennacer to convert a penalty for the 3-1 final result.

Toro had not put three goals past Milan in a Serie A match since April 1959.

“It was a good performance, we wanted to win, now we are up there and will try to get a victory in the last game too,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.

“We recovered this season after a shaky start and are satisfied.”

Juric calls time on Torino career

This was the final home game of the season and also the last for Juric as coach of the Granata, because he is expected to walk away when his contract expires on June 30.

Could qualifying for Europe change his mind about this?

“No, there simply aren’t the right conditions to continue here. I like unity, but even with a fabulous season here there was non-stop controversy and criticism. I would like more joy and there isn’t joy here.

“There were protests all the time, against the President too, but it was a bit of everything. You try to change things, but after a while you realise it’s pointless. It was right for us to try to go for Europe, we had a fantastic three years.

“We had a good time together working with the players, it was all the rest that was disappointing.”

This means Torino leapfrog Napoli into ninth place and can qualify for the Conference League if they either overtake Fiorentina too, or if the Viola win the Conference League Final against Olympiacos on May 29 and therefore go into the Europa League instead.

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'

Milan revamp with Luka Jovic, Noah Okafor and Christian Pulisic, while Torino have Duvan Zapata and Pietro Pellegri in a push for Europe.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Atalanta on the LIVEBLOG.

Stefano Pioli is already guaranteed second place, so is taking the opportunity to reshuffle his squad and for the second game in a row leaves Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud on the bench.

Mike Maignan, Simon Kjaer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze are injured, with Matteo Gabbia suspended, while Theo Hernandez is struggling with flu symptoms, so Filippo Terracciano starts.

Torino still have some slender hope of securing Conference League qualification after Fiorentina and Napoli drew 2-2 last night.

Nikola Vlasic, Koffi Djidji, Gvidas Gineitis and Perr Schuurs are out of action, but Alessandro Buongiorno and Duvan Zapata pass fitness tests to start.

Torino vs. Milan line-ups

Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Tameze, Buongiorno, Masina; Bellanova, Ilic, Linetty, Rodriguez; Ricci; Pellegri, Zapata

Milan: Sportiello; Kalulu, Tomori, Thiaw, Terracciano; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Pulisic, Jovic, Okafor

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'

Stefano Pioli is gearing up for his last away match in charge of Milan, who will be keen to give their fans something to smile about in their Serie A duel with Torino.

The clash between the Granata and the Rossoneri kicks off at 19.45 UK time at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in Turin.

Torino find themselves in the wilderness of the midtable heading into the summer, having little to play for in their final two league outings. Ivan Juric is expected to depart soon, having previously stated that failing to qualify for Europe would spell the end of his time in charge.

The Granata cannot count on the injured Nikola Vlasic, Gvidas Gineitis and Perr Schuurs. Alessandro Buongiorno and Duvan Zapata are both in doubt due to minor muscle complaints.

Milan have already confirmed their second-place finish in Serie A and are now in the final stages of the Pioli era, still on the hunt for a new head coach.

The Rossoneri are without Simon Kjaer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze, all sidelined with injuries. Mattia Gabbia is unavailable through suspension and Theo Hernandez is in doubt due to flu symptoms.

When these two teams met back in August, Milan comfortably cruised to a 4-1 win over Torino.

Probable line-ups for Torino vs Milan

Torino (3-4-1-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Tameze, Buongiorno, Rodriguez; Bellanova, Linetty, Ilic, Lazaro; Ricci; Zapata, Pellegri.

Milan (4-3-3): Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Tomori, Terracciano; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Pulisic, Jovic, Okafor.

Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno has attracted interest from the likes of Inter, Napoli, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur. ‘The Premier League is enticing, but I am happy in Serie A too.’

The centre-back is hoping to be part of the Italy squad going to the EURO 2024 tournament this summer and that could further raise his profile on the transfer market.

He turns 25 in June and is under contract with Toro until 2028, but is widely expected to move on at the end of the season.

Buongiorno on transfer future

“My dream is to win the Champions League and the World Cup, just like all children who love football,” Buongiorno told Sport Mediaset.

“The Premier League is certainly enticing, but I am happy in Serie A too. We’ll see what happens in future.”

Milan had already tried to pick up the defender in the January transfer window, but Torino needed their central defender and he also picked up an injury to slow the scenario down.

Now the Rossoneri face strong competition from Juventus, Napoli and Tottenham, while other Premier Leage sides are known to be keeping an eye on the Italy international too.

Torino are hoping to hang on to Buongiorno, especially after he was made captain, but the price-tag is likely to be in the region of €50m.

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.

Alessandro Buongiorno is expected to be a key figure this summer and Napoli are looking to beat out their competition like Milan and Tottenham, preparing an official offer for the Torino talent.

The 24-year-old Italian centre back has proven himself to be one of the most exciting defenders in Serie A this term, standing out in Ivan Juric’s hot-and-cold squad. He has seen over 2500 minutes of action across 29 appearances this term.

A long list of clubs around Italy and Europe have set their sights on Buongiorno ahead of the summer, including Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Tottenham and some other unnamed Premier League clubs all interested in snapping up the talented defender.

Napoli draw battle lines

As reported by Francesco Guerrieri of Calciomercato.com, Napoli are keen to get an edge over their competition like Milan and Tottenham for Buongiorno, so are planning to submit an official offer to Torino in the coming weeks.

Valued at around €30-40m, the Partenopei could look to include some players in a possible deal to help lower the costs. They had already tried to make a move in January and do not want to lose out on the 24-year-old this summer.

{end, 21:43, That’s all for the Liveblog}

Atalanta 63*

Roma 60

Lazio 59

*game in hand

{live, 21:43, Congratulations Juve and Bologna}

Juventus and Bologna have officially secured their positions in the 2024-25 edition of the Champions League after Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over Roma https://t.co/HhuvHcjw4Y #Juventus #Bologna #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM #UCL

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 21:41, Match Report}

#Atalanta 2-1 #ASRoma

Atalanta swept Roma aside with an early Charles De Ketelaere brace to take fifth place with a game in hand, but risked throwing it away with wasteful finishing https://t.co/LgcfBeVDMF #AtalantaRoma #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 21:38, FT: Atalanta 2-1 Roma}

Atalanta go 5th, Juventus and Bologna are in the Champions League!

{live, 21:37, Koopmeiners, HOW?!?}

Noooo! Incredible. Pellegrini and El Shaarawy down hurt, Atalanta play on, Lookman sets up Koopmeiners, who fires over an open goal! Ridiculous!

{live, 21:36, Angelino crucial}

Atalanta on the counter, Angelino cuts across to stop Toure.

{live, 21:34, Atalanta wide again}

The finishing has been so bad, Miranchuk saw Lookman on the counter, instead drilled wide! Into 4 minutes of stoppages.

{live, 21:33, Koopmeiners wide}

Koopmeiners low angled drive skims the woodwork from the edge of the box!

{live, 21:32, Atalanta sub}

Miranchuk replaces Ederson. Lots of plans changing here. Lukaku was meant to come off, then switched to Kristensen, Toloi was ready, then Miranchuk chosen instead.

{live, 21:31, Save on Ederson}

Ederson breaks down the right, stings Svilar’s gloves at the near post, the move continues and Lookman fires over!

{live, 21:30, Roma subs}

Azmoun and Joao Costa on, Kristensen and Cristante off. Roma all-attack now.

{live, 21:28, Atalanta counter}

Zappacosta on the counter, tries to pull back from the by-line, but Kristensen with the crucial block.

{live, 21:26, Save on Lukaku}

Great work from El Shaarawy, who battles his way through two tackles, finds Abraham, roll across for Lukaku and angled drive well smothered by Carnesecchi.

{live, 21:25, Roma push}

Lukaku turns Hien down the left, rolls across for Bove, who flicks it on, but only as far as Carnesecchi.

{live, 21:25, Atalanta a bit imprecise now}

Some passes a little overhit, moves not quite coming off as smoothly as they did in the first hour.

{live, 21:21, Carnesecchi save!}

Big chance for Roma to equalise! Angelino down the left, roll across for Pellegrini, sweeps from the edge of the box and Carnesecchi flies to palm it away!

{live, 21:19, Atalanta sub}

Scalvini on, Pasalic off, so De Roon returns to midfield.

{live, 21:17, Cheeky Pellegrini}

Pellegrini hooks it back over his head and Carnesecchi plucks out from under the bar.

{live, 21:17, Roma threaten}

Bove slide-rule pass to Abraham, pulls it back across, intercepted by Hien.

{live, 21:16, Atalanta appeals}

Gasperini, who was booked over the Roma penalty, is fuming that Toure goes down under pressure from Mancini and is not awarded a spot-kick either.

{live, 21:13, Roma revitalised}

Suddenly, Roma starting to believe. We’ve seen this before from Atalanta, when they are so dominant and don’t make it count, they can be vulnerable.

{live, 21:09, Atalanta 2-1 Roma: Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty!}

Carnesecchi got the right angle, but couldn’t reach it.

{live, 21:08, Penalty for Roma!}

Hmm. Abraham and Lukaku combine, Abraham gets the shot away and De Roon sliding in crashes into the Englishman at the end of the move. Arguably, the contact came after it was possible to affect the play…

{live, 21:06, Svilar save}

Atalanta are swarming like a hive of angry bees. After a long, LONG, passing move, Djimsiti sets up Pasalic, Svilar has to palm it over the bar.

{live, 21:04, Atalanta again}

Lukaku misplaced pass to Pellegrini intercepted, De Roon repeats the Lookman shot, also inches wide!

{live, 21:03, Lookman so close!}

Oooh! Lookman from the edge of the box, drills INCHES wide with Svilar only able to watch it go by!

{live, 21:02, Koopmeiners booked}

He will be suspended against Lecce. Not sure he minds that too much.

{live, 21:01, Atalanta subs}

Lookman, Zappacosta and Toure on, De Ketelaere, Ruggeri and Scamacca off

{live, 20:58, Roma shot on target}

That might be the first… Bove snapshot from distance, straight at Carnesecchi.

{live, 20:56, Ederson chance}

Another Scamacca back-heel flick sets up Ederson, scuffed finish into the arms of Svilar. Then Scamacca controls and blasts wide from the edge of the box, because Atalanta won it back that quickly…

{live, 20:54, Scamacca over}

Koopmeiners frustrated he overhit the pass for Pasalic, the move continues, Scamacca nods over at the back post, then gets into an argument with Hateboer, who wanted the header instead.

{live, 20:53, Reminder}

If Roma do not win tonight, then Bologna and Juventus will automatically be qualified for the Champions League.

{live, 20:49, Ndicka booked}

Ndicka into the book for scything into De Ketelaere.

{live, 20:49, 2nd half kicks off: Atalanta 2-0 Roma}

{live, 20:47, Roma subs}

Abraham and Bove on, Baldanzi and Paredes off.

{live, 20:44, Dominant Atalanta}

“I almost can’t believe what I’m witnessing here.” @IFTVMarco and @MikeGrella10 on Atalanta outperforming Roma in the first 45 minutes. pic.twitter.com/4cnVWVPSzv

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 12, 2024

{live, 20:33, Half-Time: Atalanta 2-0 Roma}

And Roma can count themselves lucky it’s only 2-0, because CDK brace, then CDK and Koopmeiners hit the woodwork.

{live, 20:32, Pasalic wide!}

Another moment of CDK magic, gathered with his back to goal, turned a defender as if he wasn’t even there and sent Pasalic through, curler wide of the target!

{live, 20:29, Koopmeiners off the upright!}

Roma hanging on here, Koopmeiners free kick over the wall, thumps the same upright that De Ketelaere hit!

{live, 20:28, Atalanta free kick}

Such great moves, Scamacca flicked header in midfield to Koopmeiners, he returns it, back-heel flick and De Ketelaere brought down by Cristante just outside the D.

{live, 20:27, Whoops}

Referee gets in the way of a Koopmeiners cross.

{live, 20:24, Big save on Hateboer}

Atalanta cross from the left, Hateboer header deflected and great Svilar save on the line!

{live, 20:23, De Ketelaere again}

Did that hit the upright or Svilar? Either way, he nearly scored from the tightest of angles! Replay shows it hit the post!

{live, 20:22, Almost 3-0!}

De Ketelaere AGAIN, Scamacca wins it back in midfield, leaves it to CDK, who drills just wide!

{live, 20:19, Atalanta swarming}

Lovely CDK pass off the outside of the boot to roll across from the right, then series of shots charged down, the best from Koopmeiners.

{live, 20:18, Baldanzi tries}

Baldanzi tries to surge forward, finds himself immediately surrounded by Atalanta bodies.

{live, 20:16, Problem in the stands}

Play halted for a moment, as fireworks thrown land on the pitch and need to be cleared.

{live, 20:12, All Atalanta}

De Ketelaere looks like he’s playing in a different dimension, Roma are nowhere near him. Waltzes into the defence, rolls across for Pasalic, intercepted by Ndicka.

{live, 20:10, Roma on the ropes}

CDK looking for his hat-trick, blocked off, cross cleared with difficulty.

{live, 20:08, First goal}

It's a 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 finish from Charles De Ketelaere as he gives Atalanta the lead over Roma!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/6p0qvJ98U1

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 12, 2024

{live, 20:08, Roma respond}

Angelino cross, El Shaarawy tries to volley it, but should’ve taken a touch instead.

{live, 20:06, Atalanta 2-0 Roma: Charles De Ketelaere!}

Incredible! Hien robs Lukaku in midfield, Koopmeiners down the left, give and go with Scamacca, pull back for CDK to sweep home relatively undisturbed from 12 yards!

{live, 20:03, Atalanta 1-0 Roma: Charles De Ketelaere!}

That’s a fine solo goal. CDK runs onto the through ball down the left, cuts inside Mancini and bends a right-foot finish into the far bottom corner!

{live, 20:03, Hien intercepts}

Kristensen rolls across from the right for Lukaku, but Hien intercepts.

{live, 20:01, Roma have got a foothold}

Atalanta were pouring forward, but Roma have got a foothold in the game now and trying to slow the tempo.

{live, 19:55, It’s wide open}

As expected, really. Both teams going for it.

{live, 19:51, Roma chance}

Lukaku lays it off for Angelino, shot charged down by Hateboer for a corner.

{live, 19:49, Svilar save!}

Atalanta corner kick, deflection off Lukaku, Svilar makes the save! Then another corner and Djimsiti diving header goes wide!

{live, 19:45, We have kick-off in Atalanta vs. Roma!}

What a game. What a game!

{live, 19:44, A minute’s silence}

For the 5 victims of an industrial accident near Palermo.

{live, 19:42, The teams are out}

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; De Roon, Hien, Djimsiti; Hateboer, Koopmeiners, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Scamacca

Roma: Svilar; Kristensen, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Baldanzi, Lukaku, El Shaarawy

{live, 19:41, Daniele De Rossi}

Daniele De Rossi wants Roma to treat Bayer Leverkusen as ‘a memory’ now they go into a decisive clash with all-attack Atalanta for Champions League football https://t.co/7Hxa1mL8hB #ASRoma #Atalanta #SerieA #AtalantaRoma #SerieATIM #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 19:36, Luca Percassi}

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi points out they will play 56 competitive matches by the end of this season and responds to Roma criticism over their rescheduled game https://t.co/SfeGFfax4y #Atalanta #ASRoma #SerieA #AtalantaRoma #SerieATIM #Calcio #Fiorentina

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 19:23, Atmosphere in Bergamo}

pic.twitter.com/VyyYdQWULf

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) May 12, 2024

{live, 19:22, Matteo Ruggeri (Atalanta)}

“Playing every three days is oddly better for our fitness levels, as we train on the pitch. Now we are focused on this match and concentrated on our objective.

“Scoring against Marseille was fantastic, as playing in a Europa League semi-final in front of your home fans is the dream of every player. However, tonight is like a Final for us.”

{live, 19:20, Bryan Cristante (Roma)}

“It’s a tough fixture list, but this is football now, we go into another decisive match. It is a head-to-head and our Champions League qualification is realistically decided today.”

{live, 19:14, This means…}

Milan are mathematically 2nd. If Roma don’t win tonight, then Juventus AND Bologna have qualified for the Champions League.

{live, 19:11, Atalanta vs. Roma line-ups}

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; De Roon, Hien, Djimsiti; Hateboer, Koopmeiners, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Scamacca

Roma: Svilar; Kristensen, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Baldanzi, Lukaku, El Shaarawy

{live, 19:07, Match report}

#Juventus 1-1 #Salernitana

Juventus hit the woodwork three times, but a late Adrien Rabiot goal allowed them to scrape a point with already-relegated Salernitana, their sixth stalemate in a row https://t.co/nwOngh7MNd #JuveSalernitana #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 19:03, FT: Juventus 1-1 Salernitana}

Incredible finale!

{live, 19:02, OH SALERNITANA}

HOW?! Salernitana counter in waves, Basic has to score, he sweeps the left-foot curler over the bar!

{live, 19:00, Miretti wide}

Juve want to win it now, Miretti fires wide from the edge of the area!

{live, 18:56, Juventus 1-1 Salernitana: Adrien Rabiot!}

We are into 6 minutes of stoppages! Iling Junior corner flicked on by Locatelli and it is Rabiot who comes sliding in at the back post!

{live, 18:55, Salernitana subs}

Pasalidis and Pellegrino on, Sambia and Zanoli off.

{live, 18:53, Miretti off the bar!}

Juventus are unlucky too, because that was a screamer from Miretti that thumped the underside of the bar, bounced off the ground and back out!

{live, 18:51, Just pointing out}

It is the 87th minute. Juventus 0-1 Salernitana.

{live, 18:49, Atalanta vs. Roma team news}

#Atalanta vs. #ASRoma line-ups:

Atalanta look to Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere, while Roma use Tommaso Baldanzi with Romelu Lukaku in this showdown for fifth place https://t.co/EUQkHqbpIX #AtalantaRoma #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 18:48, Salernitana counter}

Tchaouna sprints on the counter, goes down under a Gatti shove, but not enough for a penalty.

{live, 18:44, Save on Milik!}

Milik with a very odd header leaning backwards, Fiorillo fingertips it away for a corner!

{live, 18:41, Juve subs}

Milik and Yildiz on, Vlahovic and Rugani off.

{live, 18:37, Salernitana sub}

Kastanos on, Ikwuemesi off. A former Juve youth team player.

{live, 18:37, Juve chance}

Cambiaso cross floated across the face of goal, Vlahovic and Bremer flying in can’t connect.

{live, 18:35, Oh dear}

A well-worked Juve passing move, until Gatti literally falls over trying to roll across.

{live, 18:30, Gatti over}

Juve free kick to the back post, Gatti nods over the bar!

{live, 18:30, Salernitana sub}

Legowski on, Vignato off

{live, 18:29, Coming up}

#ASRoma | #AtalantaRoma pic.twitter.com/sTdnetkxVx

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 12, 2024

{live, 18:27, Juve siege}

Fazio charges down Chiesa strike, then Locatelli effort deflected, on the resulting corner Chiesa curler through a sea of bodies flashes inches wide!

{live, 18:26, Huge Juve chance!}

Chiesa cross-shot is low, Pierozzi comes flying in to clear, it hits Rugani and goes wide! Could’ve gone anywhere.

{live, 18:24, Vlahovic so close!}

End to end! Tchaouna counters from a Juve corner, Coulibaly gets into a tangle, loses it, Chiesa then sparks the counter-counter, sends Vlahovic through and angled drive SKIMS the far post!

{live, 18:22, Juve push}

Chiesa weak finish charged down, then Locatelli and Vignato both go with high foot for the loose ball and referee is right there, waves play on.

{live, 18:20, Fazio over}

Salernitana free kick, Fazio header loops up and onto the roof of the net.

{live, 18:17, Oh….}

VAR had a check for a possible penalty, Rabiot handball on the corner. Looks like it was decided that his arm was in a natural enough position to avoid a spot-kick.

{live, 18:15, Salernitana corner}

Sambia for Pierozzi header, just like the goal, but this time blocked.

{live, 18:11, Juve effort}

Iling Junior snapshot from distance, but easy for Fiorillo.

{live, 18:10, 2nd half kicks off: Juventus 0-1 Salernitana}

Allegri confirms they remain 3-5-2. Big cheer for Chiesa.

{live, 18:06, Juve subs}

Chiesa, Iling and Miretti on, Kostic, McKennie and Kean off.

{live, 17:52, Half-Time: Juventus 0-1 Salernitana}

Loud jeers from the home fans, which is the most noise they’ve made so far today.

{live, 17:51, Kostic wide}

Juve corner taken short, Kostic drills wide of the near post.

{live, 17:46, Juve chance}

Cambiaso left-foot curler flashes just wide from the edge of the area. In fact, that might’ve just clipped the upright!

{live, 17:43, Sambia lively}

Sambia down the left, shrugs off McKennie, shot blocked by Gatti.

{live, 17:41, Kean goes down}

Too weak with Pierozzi behind him, went down as soon as he felt a hand. Ref not falling for it.

{live, 17:39, Huge Salernitana chance!}

Penalty appeals rejected, Szczesny ran a huge risk going one on one to push the ball off the feet of Ikwuemesi after great work from Tchaouna!

{live, 17:37, Bremer!}

The crowd wonder where Bremer is going surging forward, then why he just hit it from 25 metres out, then hold their breath as it flashes just wide!

{live, 17:34, Szczesny save!}

Almost 2-0 for Salernitana, Sambia free kick dips and Szczesny flies to palm it out of the near top corner!

{live, 17:33, Juve frayed}

Gatti shove on Ikwuemesi, then the defender reacts angrily to the referee awarding a free kick.

{live, 17:29, Juventus 0-1 Salernitana: Niccolo’ Pierozzi!}

That is some bad defending! Pierozzi totally unmarked for a powerful free header from six yards on the Sambia corner, it squirms past Szczesny at the near post!

{live, 17:28, Rabiot booked}

Another Juventus player carded, again for a foul on Coulibaly, this one much clearer as he was considerably late.

{live, 17:25, Vlahovic booked}

Vlahovic is stunned he has gone into the book for being late on Coulibaly. It was more of a collision than anything else.

{live, 17:23, Offside flag up}

Not terribly convinced McKennie was offside…

{live, 17:19, Juve attempt}

Juventus corner, Rabiot tries an acrobatic volley, but slips. Bremer then prevents a Salernitana counter.

{live, 17:13, Few problems}

Allegri furious with his defenders after a Salernitana attack, meanwhile the referee needs the audio equipment changed to communicate with the VAR. Might just be drenched by the ridiculous rain. Even the Juve subs are hiding.

{live, 17:11, Vlahovic off the crossbar!}

Scorcher from distance and Fiorillo has to fingertip that onto the crossbar!

{live, 17:09, Salernitana again}

Pierozzi snapshot, but straight at Szczesny.

{live, 17:05, Oh dear}

That’s not just heavy rain, that’s thunder over Turin…

{live, 17:04, Bremer decisive}

Good chance for Salernitana, Vignato surged off on the counter, Bremer had to cut across and steal it.

{live, 17:03, We have kick-off in Juventus vs. Salernitana!}

{live, 17:01, A minute’s silence}

For the 5 victims of a work-related accident near Palermo.

{live, 16:59, The teams are out}

Juventus: Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Rugani; Cambiaso, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Vlahovic, Kean

Salernitana: Fiorillo; Pierozzi, Fazio, Pirola; Zanoli, Coulibaly, Basic, Sambia; Vignato, Tchaouna; Ikwuemesi

{live, 16:54, Max Allegri}

Max Allegri warns Juventus against thinking of the Coppa Italia Final with Atalanta, as they must ‘prove that we deserve’ victory against Salernitana first https://t.co/F08rsYdYLg #Juventus #Atalanta #JuveSalernitana #CoppaItalia #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 16:42, Ew}

Vlahovic tries to juggle with his chewing gum, fails, so stamps it into the turf. Gross.

{live, 16:40, Juventus ultras protesting}

Juve ultras released a very long and long-winded statement on a flyer saying their season ‘ends here’ and they’ll sit in silence for the final home game. Again, they are protesting against the club hierarchy.

{live, 16:26, Nirvana in the stadium}

A song with “here we are now, entertain us” feels pointed ahead of an Allegri game.

{live, 16:13, Warm-ups}

Watch the Juventus vs. Salernitana warm-ups live on the Lega Serie A YouTube Channel.

{live, 16:06, Match report}

#Genoa 2-1 #Sassuolo

Sassuolo fumbled the lead for an unlucky 2-1 defeat away to Genoa that leaves them verging on relegation to Serie B https://t.co/KgSBCGaO3S #GenoaSassuolo #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 16:03, Match report}

#HellasVerona 1-2 #Torino

Verona were about to celebrate Serie A safety when stunned by the Torino turnaround through Zanos Savva and Pietro Pellegri https://t.co/kdo3rWLB3r #VeronaTorino #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 16:01, FT: Genoa 2-1 Sassuolo}

The Neroverdi are in serious, serious trouble.

{live, 15:56, FT: Verona 1-2 Torino}

That was unexpected!

{live, 15:55, Juventus vs. Salernitana line-ups}

Juventus: Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Rugani; Cambiaso, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Vlahovic, Kean

Salernitana: Fiorillo; Pierozzi, Fazio, Pirola; Zanoli, Coulibaly, Basic, Sambia; Vignato, Tchaouna; Ikwuemesi

{live, 15:50, Verona goal disallowed}

Ball in the net, but foul given for Henry push on Della Valle.

{live, 15:48, Ooh!}

Such a big chance for Verona to equalise, corner taken short, VMS punches the cross onto the face of Swiderski, it ricochets off him and goes inches wide!

{live, 15:43, Verona 1-2 Torino: Pietro Pellegri!}

How did that go in? Hard to get a tighter angle than that from Pellegrini down the right, his finish went through the legs of Montipo’, bounced off the inside of the far post and back into the net!

{live, 15:41, Torino again}

Pellegri can’t get the header on target from a Linetty cross.

{live, 15:40, Save on Ricci}

Toro have woken up, Ricci gets down the right and forces a save at the near post.

{live, 15:38, Verona 1-1 Torino: Zanos Savva!}

Goal out of nowhere, name out of nowhere, Zanos Savva scores on his Serie A debut! Cross from the right went over Pellegri’s head, but found Savva right behind him.

{live, 15:35, Save on Suslov!}

Verona counter, Suslov strike brilliantly parried by one strong hand at the near post by VMS!

{live, 15:34, Verona chance!}

Oh dear! VMS flapped at the cross, nowhere near it and Coppola header wide at the back post!

{live, 15:29, Genoa 2-1 Sassuolo: Marash Kumbulla og!}

Turnaround! Counter-attack from Genoa’s own penalty area, Gudmundsson surged forward, spread to Ekuban, roll across goes beyond Retegui, but bounces in off Kumbulla!

{live, 15:27, Verona 1-0 Torino: Karol Swiderski!}

Oh Tameze… It was a Torino throw-in, Tameze for some reason threw it straight at a Verona player and it was pulled back from the by-line by Serdar for Swiderski to tap in!

{live, 15:27, Badelj goal}

Milan Badelj sneaks in at the back post and scores what could be a decisive goal regarding the fight for survival in Serie A

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/3azzTQdTIV

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 12, 2024

{live, 15:25, Verona chance}

A good quick passing move, Noslin pulls back for Suslov, who scuffs the finish horribly wide from 12 yards!

{live, 15:21, Genoa 1-1 Sassuolo: Milan Badelj!}

Martin corner flicked on by Thorsby and nobody was marking Badelj for the free header at the back post!

{live, 15:18, OOF!}

Lauriente nudged in the back, goes flying face-first into the cover over the bench. He’s ok, fortunately.

{live, 15:13, Bonazzoli apologises}

Bonazzoli cross over-hit for Lazovic, he waves an apology.

{live, 15:10, 2nd half kicks off: Genoa 0-1 Sassuolo}

Spence and Ekuban on, Sabelli and Vogliacco off.

{live, 15:07, Save on Noslin!}

A big Verona chance, Noslin shakes off a defender, cuts inside and the low shot is palmed out of the far bottom corner!

{live, 15:06, 2nd half kicks off: Verona 0-0 Torino}

No changes

{live, 14:52, Half-Time: Genoa 0-1 Sassuolo}

Thorsby goal disallowed for handball, then Pinamonti penalty for De Winter clipping Lauriente’s heels.

{live, 14:49, Half-Time: Verona 0-0 Torino}

{live, 14:47, Verona threaten}

Noslin down the left, cuts inside and gets the shot away, crucial block from Vojvoda.

{live, 14:45, Sassuolo chance}

Pull-back from the by-line, Vasquez slips, but Lauriente first touch is heavy and allows the defender to get back at him.

{live, 14:39, Genoa appeals}

Gudmundsson goes down after crossing paths with Obiang, but no penalty.

{live, 14:37, Sassuolo chance}

Martinez gets across to palm a Lauriente free kick round the near post. On the resulting corner, Thorstvedt header again at the goalkeeper.

{live, 14:36, Verona risk own goal}

Coppola header goes just wide anticipating Sanabria on the Tameze cross, that was risky.

{live, 14:33, Genoa 0-1 Sassuolo: Andrea Pinamonti penalty!}

Sent Martinez the wrong way to sweep into the near bottom corner.

{live, 14:31, Penalty for Sassuolo!}

Turns out it wasn’t just the turf, De Winter trod on the back of Lauriente’s boot!

{live, 14:30, Oh dear}

Lauriente’ on the counter for Sassuolo, goes down in the box, but it’s because he kicked the turf.

{live, 14:26, Verona chance}

Phew! Noslin free header, but very central and plucked out of the air by VMS.

{live, 14:26, Sigh}

Liveblog isn’t broken, there’s just nothing happening. In two games.

{live, 14:19, Lazovic attempt}

Verona, Lazovic curler charged down.

{live, 14:17, Toro errors}

Torino give away two rather avoidable corners in a row.

{live, 14:11, Genoa goal disallowed!}

There was a handball in there somewhere…

{live, 14:08, Genoa 1-0 Sassuolo: Morten Thorsby}

Bit of a chaotic goal, to be kind to Sassuolo… Let’s just call that a total disaster. Martin cross flapped at horribly by the goalkeeper, then Matheus Henrique for reasons known only to himself deflects it back towards the goal, turning into an assist for the Thorsby header.

{live, 14:02, We have kick-off!}

{live, 14:00, Minute’s silence}

A minute’s silence before kick-off for the 5 victims of the work-related accident in Palermo.

{live, 14:00, Mother’s Day shirts}

Genoa and Torino are among the teams who are wearing their maternal surnames on the back of the jersey in honour of Mother’s Day.

{live, 13:50, Genoa vs. Sassuolo line-ups}

Genoa: Martinez; Vogliacco, De Winter, Vasquez; Sabelli, Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby, Martin; Gudmundsson, Retegui

Sassuolo: Consigli; Erlic, Kumbulla, Ferrari; Toljan, Obiang, Matheus Henrique, Thorstvedt, Doig; Laurienté, Pinamonti

{live, 13:49, Verona vs. Torino line-ups}

Verona: Montipò; Centonze, Magnani, Dawidowicz, Coppola, Cabal; Serdar, Duda, Lazovic; Noslin, Bonazzoli

Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Masina, Lovato, Rodriguez; Bellanova, Tameze, Ricci, Ilic, Vojvoda; Zapata, Sanabria

{live, 13:45, Serie A Table}

Verona 34*

Cagliari 33

Frosinone 32

Empoli 32

Empoli 30*

Sassuolo 29*

Salernitana 15*

*game in hand

{live, 13:36, Vecino goal}

Matías Vecino all but wraps up a home win for Lazio

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/7usRJd6tKf

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 12, 2024

{live, 13:35, Lazio 2-0 Empoli}

#Lazio 2-0 #Empoli

Lazio are on a roll with their fourth win in five Serie A games, as Patric and Matias Vecino got the better of relegation strugglers Empoli to stay in the European race https://t.co/TRpIgqNSNl #LazioEmpoli #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 12, 2024

{live, 13:30, FT: Lazio 2-0 Empoli}

Last kick of the game, wonderful Fazzini free kick was going into the near top corner, but Mandas flew to palm it away!

{live, 13:23, Lazio 2-0 Empoli: Matias Vecino!}

Good passing move left to right, Pedro rolls across for Vecino, who runs forward through the centre, takes a touch and beats Caprile.

{live, 13:22, Lazio sub}

Cataldi replaces Kamada

{live, 13:20, Mandas save!}

Genuine Empoli chance there, corner finds Shpendi for the header at the back post, crucial Mandas save to parry!

{live, 13:15, Empoli waste}

Free kick from the edge of the area, charged down by Kamada. Another free kick, Shpendi header easy for Mandas.

{live, 13:10, Subs}

Pedro replaces Zaccagni.

Fazzini and Shpendi on for Maleh and Luperto. Empoli go 4 at the back.

{live, 13:04, Kamada strike}

Power behind it, but was also straight at the goalkeeper.

{live, 13:03, Empoli push}

Cambiaghi flashes a ball across the six-yard box, but nobody is ready to tap in.

{live, 13:01, Vecino wide}

Lazio counter with Vecino running from his own half, but he drills wide from the D.

{live, 13:00, Empoli subs}

Destro and Cacace on, Pezzella and Caputo off. Still no Niang?

{live, 13:00, Verona vs. Torino line-ups}

Verona: Montipò; Centonze, Magnani, Dawidowicz, Coppola, Cabal; Serdar, Duda, Lazovic; Noslin, Bonazzoli

Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Masina, Lovato, Rodriguez; Bellanova, Tameze, Ricci, Ilic, Vojvoda; Zapata, Sanabria

{live, 12:58, Lazio subs}

Rovella, Castellanos and Vecino on, Felipe Anderson, Immobile and Guendouzi off.

{live, 12:54, Felipe Anderson over}

Felipe Anderson attempt from outside the box deflected over, first of a series of corners for Lazio.

{live, 12:51, Bad idea, Caputo}

Caputo gathers with his back to goal, really should lay it off rather than fire high and wide from an improbable position.

{live, 12:50, Genoa vs. Sassuolo line-ups}

Genoa: Martinez; Vogliacco, De Winter, Vasquez; Sabelli, Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby, Martin; Gudmundsson, Retegui

Sassuolo: Consigli; Erlic, Kumbulla, Ferrari; Toljan, Obiang, Matheus Henrique, Thorstvedt, Doig; Laurienté, Pinamonti

{live, 12:49, Empoli sub}

Cambiaghi on for Bastoni.

{live, 12:47, Immobile slip}

Lazio counter after Maleh free kick appeal rejected, but Immobile then slips at the crucial moment.

{live, 12:41, Lazio chance}

An odd bobble on the pitch surprises Zaccagni, who can’t finish it off.

{live, 12:39, 2nd half kicks off: Lazio 1-0 Empoli}

{live, 12:30, Patric goal}

Pinpoint from Mattia Zaccagni

Up from the back, Patric fires Lazio into the lead against Empoli…

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/nfY52xbgul

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 12, 2024

{live, 12:22, Half-Time: Lazio 1-0 Empoli}

Lazio lead, realistically somewhat against the run of play.

{live, 12:20, Lazio 1-0 Empoli: Patric!}

Zaccagni free kick charged down by Gyasi’s face, but on the resulting Zaccagni corner, nobody is marking Patric, who is allowed totally unmarked to flick in off the outside of the boot from a couple of yards! Bereszynski lost his man.

{live, 12:18, Empoli again}

Caputo robs Lazzari on the edge of the area, but Maleh fires over. The crowd jeers in irritation.

{live, 12:15, Calm down, Patric}

A well-worked Empoli passing move, roll across from the right intercepted by Patric, who then does a full-on multiple fist-pump celebration like he just scored. Move continues, shot over the bar.

{live, 12:10, Caprile save}

Immobile springs the offside trap, sees nobody in support, so has to go for goal at the near post, Caprile palms it round the upright!

{live, 12:08, What a save, Mandas!}

Huuuuuuge chance for Empoli! Guendouzi error gives it away, Cancellieri nutmegs Romagnoli and rolls across for Caputo, stunning save from Mandas!

{live, 12:06, Empoli threaten}

Bastoni with not quite a cross, not quite a shot, goes past everyone and the far top corner.

{live, 12:00, Empoli chance}

Oh they should’ve done better there! Empoli corner, Ismajli fairly free diving header over the bar!

{live, 11:57, Immobile chance}

That was odd. Immobile give and go, bursts into the box, goes around Caprile and then goes down a long time afterwards, seemed to just put his foot down badly. Didn’t appear to be any contact.

{live, 11:56, Lazio chance}

Kamada through ball for Immobile, Ismajli crucial block to force him wide for the corner.

{live, 11:53, Empoli once more}

Kamada gives it away horribly in midfield, Bastoni curler from distance has Mandas stranded, but skims the crossbar!

{live, 11:51, Empoli again}

Bastoni attempt charged down in the box.

{live, 11:50, Empoli goal disallowed}

Ciccio Caputo scores at the second attempt one-on-one with Mandas, but was visibly offside.

{live, 11:47, Pezzella risky}

Pezzella clotheslines Felipe Anderson, somehow not a yellow card.

{live, 11:43, Felipe Anderson effort}

Nice dribble down the left from Kamada, pull back for Felipe Anderson, but the finish is charged down.

{live, 11:40, Ismajli alert}

Felipe Anderson cross for Immobile, crucial Ismajli header to intercept. Crowd already annoyed with Caprile for taking ages over his goal kicks.

{live, 11:39, Whoops}

Referee a bit too close to the action, got bumped by the ball twice already, much to the irritation of Guendouzi.

{live, 11:33, We have kick-off in Lazio vs. Empoli!}

The first of five Serie A games today.

{live, 11:31, A minute’s silence}

Before all games this weekend, a minute’s silence for the 5 victims of the work accident in Palermo.

{live, 11:28, Out come the teams}

Lazio: Mandas; Patric, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Lazzari, Guendouzi, Kamada, Marusic; Felipe Anderson, Zaccagni; Immobile

Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Bastoni, Marin, Maleh, Pezzella; Cancellieri, Caputo

{live, 11:21, Scudetto-winning heroes}

Gli 𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐈 del 1974#AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/zmOlbYmoJ6

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) May 12, 2024

Lazio ieri. Lazio oggi. 𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗘.#AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/7xmKUlz26l

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) May 12, 2024

{live, 11:06, Celebrating Scudetto anniversary}

#AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/WdFikYf6Xb

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) May 12, 2024

{live, 10:53, Special shirt}

Lazio wearing a special edition jersey to mark the 50th anniversary of their first Scudetto in 1973-74.

La maglia celebrativa del nostro primo mitico Scudetto è disponibile negli store e nello shop online.

1974-2024, la Storia si veste di nuovo.

Scopri di più su https://t.co/crVStWGPIf!#unamagliaunaleggenda pic.twitter.com/wWLkHI9C53

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) April 26, 2024

{live, 10:45, Igor Tudor}

Lazio coach Igor Tudor confirms to Sky Sport Italia before kick-off that Luis Alberto has been left out of the squad. He is not injured.

{live, 10:24, Lazio vs. Empoli line-ups}

Lazio: Mandas; Patric, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Lazzari, Guendouzi, Kamada, Marusic; Felipe Anderson, Zaccagni; Immobile

Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Bastoni, Marin, Maleh, Pezzella; Cancellieri, Caputo

Serie A Super Sunday

All the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games, Lazio-Empoli, Genoa-Sassuolo, Verona-Torino, Juventus-Salernitana and a massive Atalanta-Roma for fifth place.

We begin at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT) with Lazio fighting for Europe against an Empoli side battling against relegation.

At 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), there’s Genoa-Sassuolo and Verona-Torino.

Juventus host already-relegated Salernitana at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), where the Bianconeri can guarantee Champions League qualification.

All eyes on Bergamo at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), as Atalanta and Roma go head-to-head for fifth place after the Europa League semi-finals.

Ivan Juric admits Torino ‘robbed’ Verona with a 2-1 away win and recognises their recent problems. ‘A divided club will not go far.’

The Granata were trailing before a late comeback at the Benteodi, with teenage debutant Sanos Zavva and oft-injured Pietro Pellegri turning it around.

“For the first time since I’ve been at Torino, we really robbed that victory,” admitted Juric on DAZN.

“There are so many games where I recriminated because we did more than our opponents, but this time it was the other way round. Those who came off the bench gave an important contribution, but the overall performance was negative.

“We were not aggressive, the lads reacted to going behind and for the first time all season a wing-back scored. We are on 50 points and are still fighting, we hope for better in the final two games.”

Juric walking away from Torino

The coach has already confessed he is heading towards the exit, as he was “not 100 per cent convinced” by the proposal to extend his contract.

A poor rapport with President Urbano Cairo has been evident for a while and the tension behind the scenes went sky high this week when some unnamed Torino players were caught insulting the fans while leaving the Superga commemorations for the Grande Torino side.

“What happened during the week was really difficult to deal with. A divided club will not go far. In Torino there are so many splits and divisions, we never get to really enjoy these positive moments. I would like us all to love each other a bit more,” added Juric.

“I would like for my team to always play like they did in the last half-hour and for those around us to enjoy the positive things.”

Torino are still technically in the running for a Conference League spot, especially after Napoli crumbled to a 2-0 home defeat against Bologna yesterday.

They are in joint 10^th place with Fiorentina, although the Viola have two games in hand, and are just one behind Napoli.

Verona were about to celebrate Serie A safety when stunned by the Torino turnaround through Zanos Savva and Pietro Pellegri.

Hellas took significant steps towards safety with victories over Udinese and Fiorentina, but while Jovane Cabal returned, Michael Folorunsho was suspended. Toro scraped only three draws from the last five rounds, making it very unlikely they could stay in the race for a Conference League spot. Nikola Vlasic, Gvidas Gineitis, Saba Sazonov, Koffi Djidji and Perr Schuurs were still injured, with Alessandro Buongiorno only fit for the bench.

The teams wore special edition jerseys with their maternal surnames on the back, in honour of Mother’s Day.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Darko Lazovic’s curler was deflected off target and a Tijjani Noslin free header plucked out of the air, but Diego Coppola risked an own goal with his defensive header on the Adrien Tameze cross.

Straight after the restart, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic got down to palm a Noslin daisy-cutter out from the far bottom corner.

Verona should’ve scored after a well-worked passing move, but as Noslin pulled back from the left, Tomas Suslov scuffed the finish from 12 yards.

It was only a warning, as Hellas did break the deadlock when Adrien Tameze’s horrible throw-in was a gift, as Suat Serdar pulled back from the by-line for Karol Swiderski to tap in from six yards.

There should’ve been another as Milinkovic-Savic flapped at a cross and Diego Coppola failed to take advantage, nodding wide at the back post, but the goalkeeper made a tough one-handed save moments later on Suslov.

Toro equalised against the run of play with their Cypriot debutant, as a Valentin Lazaro cross went over Pellegri to find Zanos Savva right behind him.

It was almost turned around moments later, Samuele Ricci forcing a save at the near post, then Pellegri did complete the comeback from the tightest of angles, his finish going through Lorenzo Montipò’s legs and bouncing in off the inside of the far post.

Swiderski almost scored by accident, as Milinkovic-Savic punched a cross onto his face and it ricocheted inches wide.

Verona did have the ball in the net on 89 minutes, but the referee immediately disallowed for Thomas Henry’s two-handed push in the back on Alessandro Dellavalle.

Verona 1-2 Torino

Swiderski 67 (V), Savva 77 (T), Pellegri 83 (T)

12-05-2024 14:00

MatchDay 36

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Torino

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Tijjani Noslin		38'
Giangiacomo Magnani		44'

2nd half

Karol Swiderski (Assist: Suat Serdar)		67'
		77'		Zanos Savva (Assist: Valentino Lazaro)
		83'		Pietro Pellegri (Assist: Valentino Lazaro)
Tomas Suslov		90+3'
Thomas Henry		90+6'
		90+3'		Pietro Pellegri
		90+4'		Karol Linetty

Match statistic

43

Possession %

57

13

Total shots

6

5

Shots on target

2

4

Shots off target

4

4

Blocked shots

7

Corners

4

1

Offsides

19

Fouls

15

Verona

Torino

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

42

Diego Coppola

Defender

18

Fabien Centonze

Defender

23

Giangiacomo Magnani

Defender

63'

32

Juan Cabal

Defender

81'

27

Pawel Dawidowicz

Defender

8

Darko Lazovic

Midfielder

63'

33

Ondrej Duda

Midfielder

25

Suat Serdar

Midfielder

87'

99

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

62'

17

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

5

Adam Masina

Defender

76'

6

Matteo Lovato

Defender

27

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

55'

19

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

69'

13

Ricardo Rodríguez

Defender

56'

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

28

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

9

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

55'

Substitutes

16

Mattia Chiesa

Goalkeeper

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

10

Stefan Mitrovic

Attacker

6

Reda Belahyane

Midfielder

82

Christian Corradi

Defender

38

Jackson Tchatchoua

Attacker

37

Charlys

Midfielder

7

Elayis Tavsan

Attacker

11

Karol Swiderski

Attacker

62'

31

Tomas Suslov

Midfielder

63'

21

Dani Silva

Midfielder

63'

19

Rúben Vinagre

Defender

81'

9

Thomas Henry

Attacker

87'

1

Luca Gemello

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

21

David Okereke

Attacker

65

Pietro Passador

Goalkeeper

81

Aaron Ciammaglichella

Midfielder

15

Saba Sazonov

Defender

17

Uros Kabic

Attacker

30

Jonathan Silva

Midfielder

11

Pietro Pellegri

Attacker

55'

77

Karol Linetty

Midfielder

55'

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

56'

79

Zanos Savva

Attacker

69'

25

Alessandro Dellavalle

Defender

76'

Check the official line-ups for this afternoon’s Serie A games, as Genoa–Sassuolo and Verona–Torino could have a big effect on the relegation battle.

They both kick off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT).

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

The fight to avoid the drop has narrowed down a little already, as the Grifone and Lecce are mathematically safe, while Frosinone and Cagliari suffered heavy defeats this weekend.

Genoa vs. Sassuolo

Genoa: Martinez; Vogliacco, De Winter, Vasquez; Sabelli, Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby, Martin; Gudmundsson, Retegui

Sassuolo: Consigli; Erlic, Kumbulla, Ferrari; Toljan, Obiang, Matheus Henrique, Thorstvedt, Doig; Laurienté, Pinamonti

Verona vs. Torino

Verona: Montipò; Centonze, Magnani, Dawidowicz, Coppola, Cabal; Serdar, Duda, Lazovic; Noslin, Bonazzoli

Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Masina, Lovato, Rodriguez; Bellanova, Tameze, Ricci, Ilic, Vojvoda; Zapata, Sanabria

Five Serie A matches are set to take place this Sunday, including Lazio’s visit from Empoli and Juventus’ hosting of Salernitana, which could mathematically secure a spot in the 2024-25 Champions League for Max Allegri’s side. 

Lazio and Empoli are up first, kicking off at 11.30 BST. Luis Alberto is expected to be left out of the starting line-up for tactical reasons. 

The Biancocelesti could instead line up with a midfield pairing of Matteo Guendouzi and Daichi Kamada, with Mattia Zaccagni and Felipe Anderson on the flanks in support of centre-forward Ciro Immobile. 

Genoa have a fully fit and available squad ready to face Sassuolo, who themselves are without Domenico Berardi, Samu Castillejo and Gregoire Defrel. 

Ivan Juric is not expected to make too many alterations to his Torino side when they face Hellas Verona.  

Reports over the weekend suggest that Allegri could make several changes to his side ahead of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Atalanta. 

Several players, including the likes of Adrien Rabiot, captain Danilo and leading goalscorer Dusan Vlahovic, could be afforded a rest, according to updates from Gianluca Di Marzio. 

That means that Southampton loanee Carlos Alcaraz could be given a go in midfield, Samuel Iling-Junior could feature, and Arkadiusz Milik is in line for a run-out. 

Serie A probable line-ups 

Lazio-Empoli (11.30 BST)

Lazio (3-4-2-1): Mandas; Patric, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Lazzari, Kamada, Guendouzi, Marusic; Felipe Anderson, Zaccagni; Immobile.

Empoli (3-2-4-1): Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Grassi, Marin, Pezzella; Fazzini, Cambiaghi; Niang. 

Genoa-Sassuolo (14.00)

Genoa (3-4-1-2): Martinez; Vogliacco, De Winter, Vasquez; Sabelli, Frendrup, Badelj, Martin; Ekuban; Retegui, Gudmundsson. 

Sassuolo (3-5-2): Consigli; Erlic, Ferrari, Kumbulla; Toljan, Henrique, Lipani, Thorstvedt, Doig; Pinamonti, Lauriente. 

Verona-Torino (14.00)

Verona (4-2-3-1): Montipo; Centonze, Coppola, Magnani, Cabal; Serdar, Duda; Noslin, Suslov, Lazovic; Bonazzoli. 

Torino (3-4-1-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Vojvoda, Buongiorno, Masina; Bellanova, Ilic, Ricci, Rodriguez; Vlasic; Zapata, Sanabria. 

Juventus-Salernitana (17.00)

Juventus (3-5-2): Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Rugani; Cambiaso, McKennie, Locatelli, Alcaraz, Iling Junior; Milik, Chiesa

Salernitana (3-4-2-1): Fiorillo; Pierozzi, Fazio, Pirola; Sambia, Coulibaly, Basic, Zanoli; Vignato, Tchaouna; Ikwuemesi. 

Atalanta-Roma (19.45)

Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Hateboer, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; Miranchuk, Scamacca.

Roma (4-3-3): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Smalling, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Baldanzi, Lukaku, El Shaarawy.

Torino centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno is hot property on the transfer market this summer, with Juventus ready to join Inter, Milan and Premier League clubs in the race.

The defender had already been linked with a move to the Rossoneri in January, only for the player and Toro to slam the door shut.

However, he is widely expected to leave the Granata this summer with a price-tag of at least €45m placed on his shoulders.

Inter had been the favourites, until Tuttosport suggested they were only able to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Milan can therefore hope to leap in front by offering the same amount in a guaranteed payment.

Buongiorno bidding war

As for Juventus, Tuttosport note that they too are in the running, having already snatched Gleison Bremer from their city rivals for that role.

Considering his strong rapport with the Torino fans and history of Granata supporters in his family, Buongiorno would have to think very carefully before accepting a switch to Juventus.

Milan could also have the upper hand because Buongiorno’s agent already represents several of their players, including Francesco Camarda, Mattia Caldara and Daniel Maldini.

They would need to sell one of their current defenders to raise funds, with Malick Thiaw the most likely candidate.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur remain on the radar and could comfortably out-bid all these clubs.

Serie A clubs Milan, Cagliari, Genoa, Lecce, Torino, Verona and Udinese will celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend by changing the player names on their shirts.

The initiative will see the jerseys switch from their father’s surname to represent that of their mothers instead.

For example, Milan stars Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud will have ‘Conceicao’ and ‘Viviane’ on the back of their shirts.

It is not just for Mother’s Day, as it also marks the anniversary of a change in the Italian law decided by the Constitutional Court in April 2022.

It was considered unconstitutional that a child is automatically given the father’s surname in official papers, so both parents had to agree on the surname given at birth.

Milan lead Mother’s Day initiative

“We are happy and proud of this initiative, born on a special occasion like Mother’s Day to raise public awareness about the equal right to choose the surname of one’s children,” said Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani.

“We are equally pleased with the attention and enthusiasm with which it has been welcomed by Lega Serie A and the participation of several other clubs in our league. An operation in line with AC Milan’s vision, which has always promoted positive values, such as social and gender equality, to contribute to a common and shared cultural change.”

Other Serie A clubs had also hoped to be part of the project, but according to Sky Sport Italia, it was only announced so late by the Lega Serie A that they did not have time to organise it.

Some have already pointed out the curious sight of Leao in a Conceicao jersey when Milan are trying to secure Sergio Conceicao as their new coach.

The Lega Serie A have confirmed the dates and kick-off times for Week 37 fixtures and also announced Atalanta–Fiorentina will be on June 2 – after the season has ended.

This will be the penultimate full round of the tournament and it could not be set in stone until today because they had to work around several issues.

These include the participation of Atalanta in the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen and of Fiorentina in the Conference League Final with Olympiacos.

The Lega Serie A also confirmed the match between Atalanta and Fiorentina, originally scheduled for March 17, will be played in Bergamo on Sunday June 2 at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

It was called off when Fiorentina director Joe Barone collapsed in the team hotel, dying two days later in hospital.

Serie A Week 37

Friday May 17

Fiorentina-Napoli (19.45 UK)

Saturday May 18

Lecce-Atalanta (17.00 UK)

Torino–Milan (19.45 UK)

Sunday May 19

Sassuolo–Cagliari (11.30 UK)

Monza-Frosinone (14.00 UK)

Udinese–Empoli (14.00 UK)

Inter–Lazio (17.00 UK)

Roma–Genoa (19.45 UK)

Monday May 20

Salernitana–Verona (17.30 UK)

Bologna–Juventus (19.45 UK)