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

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.

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.

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

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’

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.

It is now confirmed that Atalanta, Bologna, Juventus, Milan and Inter qualify for the 2024-25 Champions League, but it is still possible Serie A could get a sixth slot.

La Dea got the three points they needed this evening with a 2-0 victory away to Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare, which guaranteed their place in the top five.

It is a return to the Champions League after a three-year absence for the Bergamo boys, who are gearing up for Wednesday’s Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen.

That means Atalanta cannot be caught by Roma and Lazio, so the confirmed Italian entries for the Champions League are Inter, Milan, Juventus, Bologna and Atalanta.

Serie A still in with chance of six slots

However, it is still possible for Italy to have a sixth place in the new, expanded tournament, but only if certain conditions are met.

They need Atalanta to win the Europa League Final on May 22, but also to finish in fifth place.

If Atalanta manage to overtake Bologna or Juventus into fourth, then victory in the Europa League will become irrelevant.

This is because the ‘extra’ slot rules were drawn up before the season began and go to a team who finish outside the top four in Serie A.

As it happens, Serie A already managed to get a fifth bonus slot thanks to their superior club ranking, so does not ‘count’ for calculating the Europa League victor’s qualification.

https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1791890353051598964

Oaktree leave Suning and the Zhang family no wiggle room, as Inter could be repossessed on Tuesday, but investor Thomas Zilliacus insists he is ready to pounce.

The deadline is May 20 to repay the €395m to Oaktree, the full sum including interest from the €275m loan that was taken out three years ago to get the Nerazzurri through the pandemic.

Zhang had been on the verge of agreeing a new financing deal with Pimco at an even higher interest rate, but that seems to have fallen through, or is at least going down to the wire.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Oaktree are going to snub any attempts by Suning to work out new terms, making clear the agreement has been in place for three years and has not changed.

The Financial Times had already reported that Oaktree were upset Suning did not sell Inter when given the chance during the last three years.

It also noted that, unlike Elliott Management with Milan in 2019, Oaktree do not want to take over a football club and are therefore seeking a buyer as soon as possible.

Zilliacus has long had Inter plans

Finnish investor Zilliacus has been very publicly declaring his intentions to purchase Inter for months and is making his presence known in this difficult moment too.

“So now it is Oaktree’s fault that Suning cannot repay the loan?” he wrote on social media.

“Inter needs stability and continuity, not owners whose changing fortunes hurt the club and the fans. Time for a new ownership structure.”

Zilliacus has long been trying to introduce the idea of getting fans to have a greater say in the running of the club, in turn paying to hold minority shareholder status.

Post 2 hours ago from Steven Zhang. So now it is Oaktree's fault that Suning cannot repay the loan? Inter needs stability and continuity, not owners whose changing fortunes hurt the club and the fans. Time for a new ownership structure. #nerazzurri #intermilan #forzainter… pic.twitter.com/sP5WnHkG2x

— Thomas Zilliacus (@TZilliacus) May 18, 2024

Inter president Steven Zhang hit out at Oaktree in a statement discussing the upcoming loan deadline, frustrated with the ‘lack of meaningful engagement’ from the US fund.

The Nerazzurri owners are at serious risk of losing control of the club next week, needing to repay debts of circa €395m to Oaktree as a result of their loan agreement from May 2021. Whilst the deadline is May 20^th, a bank holiday in Luxembourg gives an extra 24 hours of breathing room.f

Zhang and Inter had been hoping to agree a new loan with US bond giant Pimco but no agreement has been reached yet as talks drag on, putting Suning in a painfully difficult spot just days before Oaktree have the right to repossess the club.

Inter statement on Oaktree loan

In an official statement released on Saturday afternoon, Zhang provided an update on the debt deadline, expressing frustration with Oaktree’s position whilst trying to calm supporters.

“Dear Nerazzurri family.

“This season marks a historic milestone in our 116-year history as we are now proudly wearing two stars on our chests, symbolizing the joint efforts of women and men in Inter. As we near the end of this fantastic season, I want to address the speculation concerning our Club’s financial stability.

“The years 2020 and 2021 were unforgettable for our generation, as the global pandemic profoundly changed many aspects of our lives. In order to continue our support towards Inter after over a billion of investment , we secured the Oaktree debt facility at our own expense to support this winning project that we started since 2016. Since then, my management team and I have been dedicated to develop on-field success united strict financial discipline.

“Our hard work has paid off. In the eight years under our stewardship, together with our staffs, players and coaches, we have experienced seven trophies, two European finals, and topped the Serie A Championship twice. The legendary second star is a testament to our growth and success. Of course, achieving such incredible heights both on and off the pitch also benefits all of our partners, including Oaktree.

“During the approach of the pending Oaktree facility redemption date, we have been making every attempt with our partner to find an amicable resolution, including multiple paths for Oaktree to achieve full and immediate financial return. Unfortunately, our efforts to date have been exasperated by legal threats, and a lack of meaningful engagement from Oaktree. Not only has this been deeply frustrating and disappointing, such behavior now poses potential risks to the Club that could seriously jeopardize its stability.

“On behalf of Inter, as the President, I want to assure the hundreds of millions fans around the world, that we will do everything possible to protect our color, fundamental value and stability. We are committed to working towards a peaceful resolution with Oaktree and continue our success story for our beloved Inter.

“Forza Inter Sempre.

“President Steven Zhang.”

Igor Tudor opened up about what he wants to see in his Lazio project, the increasing speed of modern football and the qualities of Simone Inzaghi’s Inter.

The Biancocelesti are still in the thick of the fight for Europa League qualification and cannot afford to drop points in their final two matches against the Nerazzurri and Sassuolo, sitting a point behind intercity rivals Roma.

Tudor has shown a number of positives during his first two months at Lazio and fans are now waiting to see what happens in the summer transfer window, when players like Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson depart. Ciro Immobile has also been rumoured to be on the way out.

Tudor on need for ‘perfect Lazio’

Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Tudor first spoke about his hopes for Lazio in their trip to face Inter.

“A perfect Lazio, we are going to the home of the strongest team in Italy who are playing beautiful and concrete football. They are the best team this year, they are doing a great job in planning and growth.

“We are going there to do our best, there are two games to be played and six points still up for grabs, we need to establish the ranking from a European perspective and see which competition to participate in.”

The Croatian coach discussed where his team can improve.

“There is never a peak, a coach always aspires to the best. There are important player choices, the characteristics of the players for a certain type of football are different from others.

“The important thing is to have strong players, the football played here in the last three years is different from how I see football, I also like having the ball, but definitely different.

“Sarri’s football was still good, and he achieved results, but in my football, there are different distances and, in this football, there are players who adapt better. There is this diversity, and this does not mean that these elements of the squad cannot do well in this football too.

“We must finish these last two games well, then we’ll get to planning for the next season, calmly and clearly, making the right choices. But first we need to finish well.”

Tudor made it clear that Luis Alberto would be part of the matchday squad following his recent disciplinary problems.

“Luis Alberto will be called up, he had a normal week and is present. There are 38 games in the season, I think we’ll take stock at the end and see where we end up.”

Tudor discussed the goalkeeping situation following the growth of Christos Mandas.

“There is a clear hierarchy here. Provedel is the starter and will be back on the pitch tomorrow. Mandas has done very well in recent weeks, but Provedel is the number one and will be back in goal tomorrow.”

He spoke about his impressions of Daichi Kamada.

“I speak only little with him, not because of the language because we speak English and his Italian is also improving. We speak little because he is doing the right things. It’s like with children, if you have four or five at home with those who do the right things, you talk to them less about the right things.

“Kamada is a machine in the positive sense, he doesn’t make any mistakes, he has a crazy brain linked to his footballing talent. He can play all the roles in midfield, he steals the ball and takes the team forward, I respect him and he’s a great discovery for me.”

Tudor commented on the increasing pace of modern football and if his side can achieve that.

“It’s not just about centimetres, it’s about legs and stamina, power and acceleration. It’s not just centimetres that make the difference, it’s a natural thing.

“Just look at the Premier League, if you go and look it seems like they’re going to a different speed, it’s not a question of height but of power and acceleration.

“Football is going in this direction, but those who are good and fast cost a lot and for this reason they all go to the Premier League, speed and kilometres travelled compared to the 90s there has been a crazy growth.

“It is not easy to find these players, no one wants a player who goes at two an hour. You have to be good at choosing these players, football is going that way direction.”

Tudor shared his frustration with the way Serie A schedule matches.

“We’ve already talked about it, it’s definitely not a normal thing. We have to wait a week to understand what will happen, it’s not about giving anyone an advantage but about the regularity of the league. It’s not good for anyone and I think we need to improve on this.”

Finally, Tudor was asked if Luca Pellegrini would be part of the squad against Inter, having been benched for the last four matches.

“He’ll play tomorrow, Rovella will play too. I gave you two names like that, I won’t give any others.”

Inter are seriously interested in making a move for OGC Nice talent Khephren Thuram, hoping his brother Marcus can help facilitate a move to the Lombardy capital.

The Nerazzurri picked up the French striker on a free transfer last summer after his contract expired with Borussia Monchengladbach, a deal that ultimately proved to be one of the best of the window. He shined under Simone Inzaghi, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists in his debut season.

Inter are now building towards next season and have started to draw up their plans for the fast-approaching summer transfer window, needing the right reinforcements to help them compete on multiple fronts – Serie A, the Champions League and the revamped Club World Cup.

Thuram brothers reunited

Page 18 of today’s Corriere dello Sport details how Inter are keen to reunite the Thuram brothers and want to snap up Khephren on a free transfer in the summer of 2025, when his deal expire with Nice.

Their hope is that the French striker’s happiness at the club and the sponsorship of father Lillian could give them an edge over their competition, like Liverpool and Manchester United.

Suning are running out of time to agree a new loan with Pimco to repay the €395m to Oaktree by Monday, so they risk losing Inter, but unlike Milan in 2018, this fund doesn’t want a club.

When taking out the refinancing deal for €275m in 2021, it was secured against Suning’s stake in Inter, but that sum plus 12 per cent interest has blown the total figure up to €395m and the due date is May 20.

The Zhang family had been close to agreeing a new loan with US bond giant Pimco at an even higher interest rate, in the high teens according to the Financial Times, but those talks have dragged on and now they really are going down to the wire.

If Suning cannot repay the full €395m by Monday or agree different terms, then Oaktree will be able to effectively repossess Inter as an asset to cover the unpaid loan.

Why Inter scenario differs from Milan

It would be a very similar situation to the one their city rivals Milan found themselves in back in 2018, when Yonghong Li failed to keep up repayments on a loan he had used to purchase Milan a year earlier and Elliott Management took over.

However, while Elliott seemed ready to take on AC Milan and rebuild them before selling on, there is very little sign that Oaktree would have similar ambitions.

Indeed, the Financial Times report that Oaktree are concerned Suning raising further debt with a third party would reduce the chance of selling Inter.

“There was always the expectation that there’d be a sale of the club,” the source was quoted as saying.

So if Oaktree do repossess the Nerazzurri from Suning, it is unlikely to remain with them for long, leading to more uncertainty and the potential dismantling of the squad while a buyer is found.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Out

The ugliest ending between Allegri and Juve

Club takes a stance: ‘Behaviour was incompatible’

On Monday with Montero

Giuntoli in charge

Here is what Motta’s Old Lady will look like

Inter, Zhang hanging by a thread

Oaktree ready to take the club

Pimco fund steps away, current financer prepared to pounce

There’s Fonseca on the phone

Milan call the Portuguese boss

Scaloni emerges too

Euro Toro try again

Tonight they face the Diavolo, with a victory they can hope

Fiorentina 2-2 Napoli

Il Corriere dello Sport

#SadnessIN

From the Coppa Italia triumph to Allegri Out

A long story of success at Juve ends badly

He is dismissed for incompatibility

Montero on the bench in Bologna

Club decides for an immediate change and blames Max for 5 incidents after victory over Atalanta

Scanavino told him of the dismissal: Giuntoli not seen at Continassa

Thiago Motta, agreement for 2 years plus 1

Napoli-Europe, almost goodbye

With draw in Florence (2-2), Viola are practically secure

Rrahmani opens the scoring, Fiorentina turn it around with Biraghi and Nzola, then Kvara magical free kick

Italiano remains at +2 over Calzona

Another Mihajlovic

His son will be coach of the Bologna babies

Miro follows in his father’s footsteps: he will be assistant-manager of the Under-15 or Under-16 team

His sister Virginia will call her second son Leone Sinisa

Finally FIFA say yes to VAR requests

The announcement

Tuttosport

Allegri sacked: ‘Incompatible with Juve values’

After the controversy, the dismissal arrives with strong statement

Waiting for Motta

Divorce brought forward over behavioural issues: never happened in the Bianconeri

But Agnelli hails him and Rabiot says ‘you deserved a different goodbye’

Montero on the bench for the final two games: tomorrow in Bologna he will face the chosen future coach

The last chat with Max

Meeting at Tuttosport HQ

The coach visited us to apologise to the director and clarify what happened in Rome

Bitterness over a split with Juve filled with tension

Toro, it’s fine like this for Juric

But not for the fans

Tonight against Milan to keep believing

Croatian: ‘I had a good three years. Europe would be the icing on the cake. I want joy, not these splits. There is no unity…’

Draw between Fiorentina and Napoli keeps hope alive

Oaktree ready to take Inter

Still not agreement with Pimco

Without developments this weekend, Zhang will lose control of the club on Tuesday

Meanwhile, the Californian fund hires an Italian communications expert

Kevin Strootman believes his Genoa teammate Albert Gudmundsson shows the same kind of promise he saw in Mohamed Salah at Roma. ‘He can make the same leap.’

The Dutch midfielder was in the same Roma squad as Salah before the transfer to Liverpool and not everyone was confident that the Egyptian could take the step up to become world class.

“I said that Salah didn’t always score goals at Roma, despite being clear on goal four or five times per game,” Strootman told Radio TV Serie A.

“So others noted that if he did score every time he was clear, then he’d be at Real Madrid or Liverpool rather than Roma. And that’s where he ended up.”

Now Iceland international Gudmundsson is linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Inter, Juventus and Milan, following a great debut Serie A campaign at Genoa.

“If Gud can make the same leap, I think he can do well at a super top club. He must do it to become a world class player, because his quality is already beyond doubt. He is a serious professional and I am sure he’ll do even better over the next few years.”

Debut Gudmundsson season in Serie A

Gudmundsson turns 27 next month and contributed 14 goals and three assists in 33 Serie A appearances for Genoa this season.

He also helped to secure their promotion from Serie B last term, arriving in January from AZ Alkmaar at a cost of just €1.5m.

Gudmundsson’s value on the transfer market is now closer to €45m, with offers already rejected from Fiorentina mid-season.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lautaro Martinez insists team targets are more important than individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or but says Inter and his agents are still discussing a contract extension.

Serie A leading scorer Lautaro Martinez received the Premio Gentleman in Milan on Thursday night and briefly spoke from the stage before receiving the award.

“I am really happy and proud of what I am doing in my career,” he said.

“I am always grateful to my teammates, the staff members and the fans who keep supporting us.”

Lautaro Martinez and Inter ‘working’ on contract extension

Did he expect such a successful time at Inter when he joined the club in 2018?

“Honestly, no, but I’ve been working a lot from the first day, and Inter have always helped me, so I am grateful, and I try to show it on the pitch. We want to continue like this,” he replied.

The Argentina international smiled when journalists asked him for an update regarding a contract extension with the Serie A giants.

“We are working, and we hope to reach an agreement,” the striker said, smiling before pointing at club director Giuseppe Marotta among the crowd.

Lastly, he was asked if he dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or one day.

“Obviously, I always say that I work to help my teammates and Inter and bring them higher and higher. Individual awards are important, but the team is the most important thing,” the striker Argued.

Lautaro has scored 27 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions this season and his contract at the Stadio Meazza expires in June 2026.

Piero Ausilio, Inter’s sporting director, recently said that Lautaro’s contract extension may be signed after Barella’s.

Lautaro, 26, has scored 129 goals in 281 appearances with Inter and won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Toxic farewell

Juventus‘ anger after the Rome drama, with Allegri it’s over

The outburst with Giuntoli, shouts and fights. Immediate sacking for just cause is being considered. The future belongs to Thiago Motta

Inter: Clash over the loan, the club risk stalling

Now Fonseca is pressing: Milan do you want me?

De Laurentiis: ‘Napoli, there isn’t only Conte’

Il Corriere dello Sport

Mad Max

Juventus ‘pardon’ the crazy night in Rome, but the sacking at the end of the season is certain

Two more games, then the splitting. All on Motta: the anticipation is building

The Final of Excessiveness: The Triumph over Gasp, the controversy with the club, the report from the Tuttosport editor. A two-game ban and a 5,000 fine. Rumours until late evening about Montero, Primavera coach. On Monday in Bologna the meeting with Thiago, who remains in the first row

‘I’ll build a strong Napoli’

De Laurentiis: ‘It takes time to rebuild. I am super calm about Kvara’s future, there are no unsellable players. Conte? There isn’t just one man who can take us far away.’ Gasp remains in pole.

Zirkzee, Arsenal make their move now

Tuttosport

Allegri leaves the stadium ruining the party for the triumph in Coppa Italia

What a bad end

After a night of rage and fury, the club considers an immediate sacking and think about Montero for the last matches. Motta is ready for the future. The fans, in the meantime, enjoy a trophy after three years and a Vlahovic who has become a leader. It happened in the NextGen too: 6 come from there.

Buongiorno’s Premier League hint, Simeone emerges again for Toro’s attack

The Cholito wants more playing time and will ask Napoli to leave. The defender: ‘The Premier League is attractive’

Oaktree can take control

Inter, Zhang, Pimco, race against the clock

385m must be paid by Tuesday, the formula is the key: two-year bond offered

Check out today’s latest news from Serie A, including the massive drama surrounding Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus and the Old Lady’s offer to Thiago Motta.

Multiple reports in Italy confirmed Juventus could sack Massimiliano Allegri before the end of the season, even today, as the club didn’t like the way the coach behaved during and after the Atalanta game and because they would change coach at the end of the season anyway.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has been banned for two games in Coppa Italia and fined €5,000 after receiving a red card in last night’s win over Atalanta.

Massimiliano Allegri unleashed a flurry of emotion in the closing stages of Juventus’ Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta, something that’s been a long time coming for the Livornese tactician, Apollo Heyes wrote.

Massimiliano Allegri won’t be the Juventus coach next season and could even be sacked before the last two games of the campaign, but not all Bianconeri fans are happy to see the Italian tactician leave, Lorenzo Bettoni highlighted.

More Serie A news

Italy international Gianluca Scamacca insisted every European match is ‘different’ as proved by last season’s Conference League Final won by West Ham and insists Atalanta must not think about Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.

Lazio director Angelo Mariano Fabiani said the Serie A side will sell Luis Alberto only if an offer suits the club, but Claudio Lotito insists the Spaniard is not on the market.

Brazilian keeper Bento confirmed Inter representatives have checked his availability but insists the Nerazzurri have not made any official proposal yet.

Multiple reports claimed Inter President Steven Zhang is facing a ‘race against the clock’ to close a deal with American investment management firm Pimco before the Oaktree loan term expires next week.

Italy legend Roberto Baggio looked back at his final Serie A match as a professional footballer, remembering the ‘precious memory’ at a full San Siro.

Former Inter and Italy defender Marco Materazzi hit back at Juventus‘ Federico Gatti, who held a scarf with a message against the Nerazzurri after Wednesday’s Coppa Italia victory: ‘Better to live one day as a lion as 100 as cats.’

Giorgio Chiellini opened up about Oliver Giroud’s move to LAFC, what life is like at the MLS club and why Luciano Spalletti can make the difference for Italy at Euro 2024.

Milan’s head coach search is continuing in full swing and Paulo Fonseca has now reportedly moved into pole position for the Serie A side ahead of the summer.

While Massimiliano Allegri is edging towards the exit door at Juventus, the Serie A giants are ready to offer Thiago Motta a two-year deal with an option for a further campaign.

Federico Chiesa admitted he has already discussed a contract extension with Juventus and wants to ‘stay’ at the club but refused to talk about Massimiliano Allegri’s future.

Tuttosport editor Guido Vaciago said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri threatened and insulted him last night, after winning the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome: ‘I’ll rip your ears out.’