Lille coach Paulo Fonseca admitted he’ll ‘think carefully’ about his future amidst concrete links with the Milan job.

The 51-year-old Portuguese coach is now widely considered to be the leading candidate to take over from Stefano Pioli in the summer, proving more convincing to the Rossoneri than other options like Sergio Conceicao, Julen Lopetegui and Mark van Bommel.

No agreement has been reached yet with Fonseca and some Milan fans have already started to voice their displeasure with the idea, not having fond memories of his two-year spell with Roma. The Rossoneri still haven’t made a final decision yet and reportedly opened talks with Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni as well.

Fonseca on future plans

Speaking via TMW, Fonseca opened up about his plans for the future amidst links to Milan ahead of what could be his final match in charge of Lille.

“We’ll see about my future. Having the chance to play in the Champions League is important but I will also think about something else when I make my decision. What came out isn’t true. I don’t have an agreement with another club.

“I’m totally focused on the last match. Being able to go to the Champions League is important. I will decide after the last match, but I have to think about it carefully, talk about it with my staff, my agent and my family, to make the best decision. I won’t necessarily say what I’ll do after the match.

“At Lille we have created the foundations for the future but if the team play in the Champions League, the investment will have to be different. With me or without me.

“I have to be honest, it’s important for me to play in the Champions League but I also have other things to think about. Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I want to take a step forward in my career.”

Milan are gearing up for their final two Serie A matches of the season against Torino on Saturday evening and Salernitana on May 26^th, which are expected to be the final games under Pioli.

Brighton and Hove Albion have officially confirmed the imminent departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who’ll leave his post after the last Premier League match of the season.

The 44-year-old Italian coach has been with the Seagulls since September 2022, being brought in to replace Graham Potter following the Englishman’s ill-fated move to Chelsea. He quickly made a name for himself in England, impressing fans and pundits alike with his exciting brand of football.

De Zerbi has been heavily linked with a move away from Brighton this summer, with suitors including Milan and Bayern Munich, but much was written about his €13m release clause, an issue that seemingly pushed the interested parties to look elsewhere.

De Zerbi leaving Brighton

As confirmed today, De Zerbi will now leave Brighton following their final Premier League match of the season against Manchester United after a mutual agreement was reached, freeing him ahead of the summer.

Journalist Daniele Longo suggested that Bayern are now pushing to try and snap up the 44-year-old Italian tactician and the news could change things at Milan, who have reportedly been focusing on Lille’s Paulo Fonseca.

The Juventus chiefs met with the first team at Continassa today ahead of their first training session following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri.

The 56-year-old Livornese tactician was unceremoniously sacked by the Old Lady on Friday afternoon following his aggressive outburst in the closing stages of the Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta on Wednesday.

Allegri was furious on the touchline and threw off his jacket before getting in the face of the fourth official. After being sent off, his fury continued as he started to strip off his tie and shirt before storming down the tunnel, where he damaged a LaPresse photo area and insulted Tuttosport editor-in-chief Guido Vaciago.

First session without Allegri

Football Italia understands that Juventus president Gianluca Ferrero, CEO Maurizio Scanavino and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli had a talk with the first team ahead of their training session at Continassa, which was led by technical coaches Simone Padoin and Francesco Magnanelli.

The Bianconeri are gearing up for their Monday evening Serie A clash with Bologna, which’ll see Primavera coach Paolo Montero in the dugout.

Daniele De Rossi opened up about Roma’s ambitions in the summer transfer window and confirmed a new long-term contract was ‘very close’ ahead of the Serie A clash with Genoa.

The Giallorossi haven’t been able to invest too heavily in the transfer market over the last few years due to a tight Financial Fair Play settlement with UEFA but are now looking able to spend more in the summer, especially if they manage to secure a spot in the Champions League.

In the meantime, Roma have been working on setting up a new long-term contract for De Rossi, who only signed a six-month deal when he took over from Jose Mourinho back in January. He has impressed in the dugout, averaging 1.94 points per match across his 16 league games in charge.

De Rossi press conference

Speaking in a press conference via Voce Giallorossi, De Rossi first discussed Paulo Dybala’s condition and Roma’s summer plans.

“He’s been out for a couple of weeks, we need to understand his conditions today and we’ll see. With FFP everyone is influenced by income, for now we haven’t talked about the budget, but we want to spend well and not necessarily a lot.

“There are many teams with an interesting style who don’t spend crazy amounts.”

The Giallorossi coach commented on the importance of the coming match with Genoa.

“It will be full of many exciting things, we have an important objective to achieve, they play well but are without motivation. Everything is nice, but we have to win. Gila surprises me, he is special, tactical, I didn’t think he would become so good as a coach.

“A lot of training and now Genoa are one of the best. I’ll be happy to see him again, he’s a good guy. On Kevin, it will be a pleasure for those who have honoured the Roma shirt and for football to be saluted with dignity.”

De Rossi was asked about the status of his contract and if Romelu Lukaku would leave in the summer.

“We’re not waiting for anyone, we’re chatting and that’s the last thing on my mind. The agreement arrived in 10 minutes, but everything must be seen by the lawyers, but it’s not a problem, it’s very close. We were the masters of our destiny, but there were still a lot of tough games.

“We didn’t talk about any players, but we made evaluations on what we’ve done in past years. Maybe it’s better to improve our players and create an asset that gives you consistency, but it’s still early to say who will put the pieces in place, but there’s not much left.”

He touched on the recent frustrations with Gian Piero Gasperini regarding Atalanta’s scheduling.

“Too much time has passed, we talked and clarified it. There were some ideas of mutual respect, these are controversies that are created here.

“We didn’t have doubts about Atalanta, but in general. We have a clear conscience, we had some doubts on the post-season recovery but it didn’t last long. There’s no need to do favours, we complimented our opponents.”

De Rossi was asked if any Roma players were considered unsellable.

“Yes, but I’m not saying who because it wouldn’t be right. Some unsellable players could leave and vice versa others could stay, and I’ll have to make them perform at their best. Everything is still early.”

De Rossi spoke about his expectations for the transfer window.

“Now I’m here, before Mourinho and Fonseca. Everyone has their own way of making the transfer market, but the constant is that we have always finished sixth or seventh.

“Something needs to change, a strong coach must impose himself to get whoever he wants and a strong club must satisfy them. The first requirement will be hunger, they must feel like it’s the best thing that has ever happened to them.

“It doesn’t have anything to do with top players or young players, we need people who have fire… Pjanic went to Juve insulted but at Roma he went to 2000. Making them hungry and making them perform on the pitch is up to me. We need hunger and for them to be strong on the pitch.”

Finally, De Rossi discussed if any parts of his squad in particular need work.

“Yes, but I won’t say which. I won’t go into detail, we have a match. Yesterday I was here for 11 and a half hours, I can’t think about it too much. There will be people who will help me make the squad as strong as possible.

“Yes. I read that I asked, I called… it never happened. I found some names that I liked, but not more than this, both out of respect for the players and for the two games left to win.”

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.”

Massimiliano Allegri has now been dismissed by Juventus after his explosive outburst at the Coppa Italia final, so could he find a new home in the Premier League?

The 56-year-old Livornese tactician’s second spell with the Old Lady came to a dramatic end on Friday afternoon, when he was unceremoniously sacked following his furious behaviour during the Coppa Italia final against Atalanta on Wednesday.

Allegri was infuriated on the touchline during the match and was shown a red card for getting in the face of the fourth official, prompting him to start stripping off in fury before disappearing down the tunnel. He then damaged a LaPresse photo area near the dressing room before threatening Tuttosport editor-in-chief Guido Vaciago.

Allegri in England?

With his second Juventus spell coming to a dramatic end, many are now curious to see if Allegri will end up joining a Premier League club for the upcoming 2024-25 season. There are some options for the experienced tactician, some likely more appealing than others.

The first possibility is Manchester United, who seem likely to part ways with Erik ten Hag after a fairly difficult season in the Northwest of England.

Another idea is West Ham, who are looking around for a new head coach to replace David Moyes, whose second spell with the Hammers is drawing to a close.

A third option could be Newcastle United, with rumours suggesting a lack of faith in Eddie Howe after a disappointing season on Tyneside.

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.”

Paulo Fonseca is still the top of Milan’s list in their search for a new head coach, but talks have also been opened with World Cup winner Lionel Scaloni, reports detail.

The Rossoneri’s coaching search is continuing to rumble on without much result, leaving the fans frustrated and confused as Stefano Pioli prepares to take on his final two matches in charge, ready to end a five-year spell at the helm.

Lille’s Fonseca has now emerged as the leading candidate for the Milan job, surpassing competition from Sergio Conceicao, Mark van Bommel, Julen Lopetegui and more, but no final decision has been made yet, leaving things unclear heading into the summer break.

Milan contact Scaloni

Page 14 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport details how Milan have been in contact with the agents of Argentina coach Scaloni, interested in the idea of appointing the 2022 World Cup winner. No face-to-face meeting has been held yet and he’ll be away at the Copa America until July 14^th.

Whilst Fonseca is still top of the list, the Rossoneri are open to other candidates including Marcelo Gallardo and Graham Potter. Not in consideration are Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri, neither considered in line with the project in the Lombardy capital.

Napoli coach Francesco Calzona tried to explain the ‘catastrophe’ at the club, admitting he likely ‘underestimated the situation’ in the Campania capital.

The Partenopei again disappointed in their Serie A outing on Friday evening, dropping points in a tense 2-2 draw away to Fiorentina, a result that leaves them ninth in the league table with one match left to play.

Calzona took over as Napoli’s caretaker coach back in February, retaining his role with the Slovakia national team whilst also trying to help out the Partenopei. He’ll return to the Sokoli on a permanent basis following the end of the Serie A season, drawing a close to a difficult three months in Campania.

Calzona on ‘catastrophe’ at Napoli

Speaking in a press conference via TMW after Napoli’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina, Calzona first discussed what he’ll be leaving behind at the club after his exit at the end of the campaign.

“I won’t go into detail, the club must know this, I don’t give advice. I was called to improve the situation and I wasn’t able to do it, I take responsibility. I took a team 9th in the table and that’s what we are.

“However, I arrived after the season had started and already after a week of training camp there was already controversy. Since they told me that I don’t coach the team, I’ll say that in these almost three months I am to blame.

“Evidently, I didn’t make an impact and I’m sorry, but Napoli’s season had started seven and a half months earlier. And I say this as a Napoli fan, after a week the controversy started.”

He was then asked if he’d failed in his role with Napoli and the difficulties he’s faced.

“My management has kept the team in the same position, and I take responsibility. I shouldn’t be the only one… I didn’t expect all these problems, of course, I did not expect a catastrophe that’s not only on the pitch but in general.

“I didn’t only have to think about training, as would be my job, but many other things and no one told me anything about that. Maybe I underestimated the situation because I didn’t know it.”

Juventus sent a letter of complaint to Massimiliano Allegri when dismissing him as head coach, highlighting five justifications for their decision to sack the Livornese tactician.

The Bianconeri officially showed the Italian tactician the door on Friday afternoon following his explosive outburst during the Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta on Wednesday evening, where he made his rage plainly apparent before storming down the tunnel.

Allegri has long been a figure of ire amongst Juventus fans and his exit was met with much amusement by fans, who are now hoping to see Bologna’s Thiago Motta take on his post in the summer. In the meantime, Primavera coach Paolo Montero will take over for the final two games.

Five reasons Allegri was sacked

Page two of today’s Corriere dello Sport details how Juventus do not want to pay Allegri for the 2024-25 season, which would cost around €7m net, so have sent a letter of complaint justifying why they sacked him a year ahead of his contract’s expiration.

The five reasons are: his behaviour on the pitch with the referee and fourth official, the damage to LaPresse’s equipment outside the changing room, the fiery argument with Tuttosport editor-in-chief Guido Vaciago, the alleged abuse aimed at security officials and finally his heated discussion with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, where he complained of never being defended.

Miroslav Mihajlovic, the son of the late Sinisa, will soon take on a coaching role within the Bologna youth system, continuing the beautiful story between the family and the club.

The Rossoblu were at the centre of a Cinderella story in Serie A this season as Thiago Motta transformed the team into an electric outfit, guiding them to the Champions League for the first time in six decades.

Whilst Thiago Motta deserves much praise for his work at Bologna over the last two years, many have also highlighted how the foundations for this success were laid by Mihajlovic, who tragically passed away aged 53 in December 2022 due to leukaemia. He is still a beloved figure in Emilia-Romagna.

A Mihajlovic back at Bologna

Page seven of today’s Corriere dello Sport details how Miroslav Mihajlovic, the son of the late coach, has already received his UEFA C license and will soon take on a role with the Under-15 or Under-16 teams in Bologna’s youth system, working as an assistant coach.

The youngster opened up about what it means to follow in his father’s footsteps to the press earlier this year, saying: “I learned from him what it means to be a man and what human values should never be betrayed.

“I want to get to Serie A, I owe it to my father, and I owe it to myself, because this is my great passion, coaching becomes a reason for living.”

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.

Ivan Zazzaroni, the editor-in-chief of Corriere dello Sport, explained why the harsh dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus was inevitable, analysing their ‘incompatibility’.

The Italian tactician was officially shown the door from the Old Lady on Friday afternoon following his explosive outburst during the club’s Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta on Wednesday evening, where he took aim at Tuttosport editor-in-chief Guido Vaciago and damaged a press area.

Juventus will now be led by Primavera coach Paolo Montero for their final two matches of the season against Bologna and Monza. The club are widely expected to appoint Bologna’s Thiago Motta as a long-term replacement in the summer.

For Allegri, it’s still unclear whether he’ll take a sabbatical year or immediately return to management in the summer, with a move abroad looking a realistic possibility.

‘Allegri and Juventus incompatible’

Writing on page three of today’s Corriere dello Sport, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief Zazzaroni analysed Allegri’s explosive exit at Juventus, explaining why it was a long time coming.

“The stark truth is contained in a single word in the statement with which Juventus sent Massimiliano Allegri out the door (it’s a disciplinary complaint preceding his dismissal). The word is ‘incompatibility’.

“From the very first moment, 18 months ago, Max had realised he had little in common with this Juve; Juve to which he had returned in 2021 out of passion and ambition. The world had suddenly changed on him, and in a traumatic way.

“But he, stubborn, lazy and naive – yes, naive – as he is, tried to adapt to something and someone who was likely to reject him because he had other ideas, other goals (first and foremost economic sustainability, accounts in order), another story and other methods, they were two entities as incompatible as a bolt and a screwdriver.

“The Elkann management had inherited him, Allegri, there was a very heavy contract to honour and at least in the first few months the new management tried to find the balance point to arrive without too much damage at the end of the road.

“Things, however, gradually deteriorated, relations, already complicated, became strained (also due to Allegri’s fault, for goodness’ sake), some spitefulness was not tolerated, and the affair dragged on until the final of the Coppa Italia, where Max presented the best Juve of the season and won, but then gave the club the opportunity to end it all.

“The letter delivered to the coach lists the five reasons that led the ownership to speed up the dismissal by about ten days, irrelevant, in my opinion, is the attitude held towards the fourth official, a situation that unfortunately occurs in all fields of the world with a frequency and tone that is not very edifying.

“The destruction of the photographic material of LaPresse could have been resolved with a compensation that the agency did not demand, the misunderstandings (euphemism) with the director Giuntoli had been evident for months and on Wednesday night a few too many words escaped.

“The frost towards the president and the CEO, Max should have avoided it, Both Ferrero and Scanavino, however, hadn’t let it be known that in the minutes following the final whistle, Allegri is the least approachable person in the world.

“He discharges the tension with terms that aren’t exactly urban, in the Livorno style all instinct (which I do not justify but understand). Something of this – recent cases – Baccin and Marotta of Inter, Ibra and the communication manager of Milan, with whom the coach has moreover apologised.

“Where Allegri actually made a big mistake was in verbally attacking the editor of Tuttosport, an episode he later regretted and felt ashamed of. And which he ended yesterday with a hug and ‘forgiveness’.

“By dismissing Allegri, the club wanted to protect their image and interests. And knowing one of the top executives, I don’t think money had anything to do with it, football is a lie and an ugly world, it has a language and manners that are hardly tolerated by those who don’t habitually frequent it.

“Of course, the non-compatibility with the values of Juve and the behaviour of those who represent them is paradoxical when referring to those who in eight years have brought five league titles, as many Coppa Italia, two Champions League finals and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

“But this is another Juve and the line of cutting with the past must be considered and respected.”

Giovanni Galeone, the mentor and close friend of Massimiliano Allegri, opened up about his acrimonious exit from Juventus, why he’d be ideal for Bayern Munich and the lack of Saudi interest.

The 56-year-old Italian coach was at the centre of drama on Wednesday night’s Coppa Italia final against Atalanta. Officiating decisions left him furious on the touchline and he was shown a red card for his protests, prompting him to start stripping off in rage before disappearing down the tunnel.

Allegri’s fury continued as he headed toward the dressing room, taking aim at Tuttosport editor-in-chief Guido Vaciago, threatening to ‘rip his ears off’. He also damaged a press area set up for post-match interviews and was visibly emotional later on in his press conference. He was officially dismissed by Juventus on Friday, bringing an end to his second spell in Turin.

‘Allegri sacking unfair’

Speaking on page 13 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, his mentor and friend Galeone first gave his thoughts on Juventus’ decision to sack Allegri.

“Max’s dismissal is unfair, but at this point it’s better this way, because if Max and Giuntoli don’t get along, it’s better to part ways. I’ve known Max for years, if he exploded like that the other night, there must have been something serious that triggered his reaction.

“Not to mention that the penalty not given to Vlahovic was impossible not to award… One thing is certain, the team in the Coppa Italia showed that they’re with Max.

“It’s mathematical, otherwise Juventus wouldn’t have won with that spirit against Gasperini’s Atalanta. Tactically, they were perfect and defensively they conceded nothing.”

He was asked if this sacking or the one back in 2019 was more painful.

“This one is more painful. His only fault is that he did too well in the first half, creating illusions and external expectations. But do you think that Simone Inzaghi would’ve won the Scudetto with this Juventus squad?

“Max won the Coppa Italia, brought the team back to the Champions League and launched many young players. All with the suspensions of Fagioli and Pogba, who would’ve made the difference even just 20 minutes a game.

“Max can only be blamed for the second half, which however in the end didn’t compromise the seasonal objectives that the club had set.”

Galeone commented on if Allegri or Juventus would benefit more from this separation.

“Max, there’s no doubt about it. He won 12 trophies at the helm of Juve and is the only coach to have won the Coppa Italia five times. Now let’s make room for the professors, let’s see if they will win as much at Juventus.”

He spoke about the idea of seeing Thiago Motta take over in Turin.

“I hear that he is good with young players. Didn’t Allegri transform Cambiaso, launch Yildiz and improve Iling?

“Thiago Motta is good and I’m the first to recognize that, but he also has a nice character. He is more demanding than Max, we’ll see.”

He was asked if Allegri would take a sabbatical year or immediately return to management.

“I hope to see him in the Premier League. Even if my dream is different.”

Galeone elaborated on this dream.

“Bayern Munich. Bayern are the Juventus of Germany, and they are looking for a great coach. Max would be ideal to guide all those talents and bring the Bavarian club back to success after the last Bundesliga ended early with the historic triumph of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Although…”

Finally, Galeone suggested Allegri wouldn’t be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia.

“No, because I don’t think Max needs money. Rather, I believe that De Laurentiis, who has always been an admirer of his, will also give a ‘thought’ to Allegri.”

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.

Atalanta will be keen to bounce back from their Coppa Italia final defeat with a much-needed win in their Serie A clash with Lecce.

The match between the Salentini and la Dea kicks off at 17.00 UK time at the Stadio Via del mare in Lecce.

Lecce have little to play for heading into the summer, only a point or two away from mathematically securing their spot in the topflight for next season. The Puglian outfit sit 13^th in the table with 37 points, five ahead of relegation candidates Empoli.

The Salentini are without Kastriot Dermaku, Lameck Banda, Mohamed Kaba and Nicola Sansone, all of whom are sidelined with injuries.

Atalanta were left heartbroken after their Coppa Italia final loss to Juventus, but they can’t afford to lose motivation as they push to secure a spot in the Champions League, sitting just three points ahead of sixth place Roma.

The Bergamo outfit cannot count on the injured Sead Kolasinac, Marten De Roon and Emil Holm. Teun Koopmeiners is also out through suspension.

When these two teams met back in December, Atalanta edged out a 1-0 win over Lecce after a 58^th minute strike from Ademola Lookman.

Probable line-ups for Lecce vs Atalanta

Lecce (4-4-2): Falcone; Gendrey, Baschirotto, Pongracic, Gallo; Oudin, Blin, Ramadani, Dorgu; Krstovic, Piccoli.

Atalanta (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Toloi, Djimsiti, Scalvini; Hateboer, Pasalic, Ederson, Zappacosta; Miranchuk, Scamacca, Lookman.

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.’

Massimiliano Allegri has a history of losing his temper in the dugout at Juventus, with his Coppa Italia final antics the latest in a long line of emotional outbursts.

The 56-year-old Italian coach’s second spell at the Old Lady is quickly coming to an end following Wednesday evening’s cup win over Atalanta, with his rage in the closing stages of the match and anger after the full-time whistle, clearly spelling the end of his era.

Juventus are now seemingly in the process of dismissing Allegri, likely before the end of the season, but his emotional outburst in the Coppa Italia final is not a new step for the tactician, who has often shown his frustration.

12 times Allegri exploded at Juventus

La Gazzetta dello Sport reflected on 12 instances of Allegri losing his temper during his two spells at Juventus, remembering his various angry quotes and frustrated acts.

1 – Post Genoa draw

After a draw against Genoa back in March, the Bianconeri coach hit out at journalist Gianfranco Teotino, who questioned why he didn’t use a three-man frontline.

“It could be done, but we have to think about the results. I have a thermometer on the team, we are in difficulty, but we have to do the best we can, but in these moments, it can create confusion. We are currently third in the table, do you know how to be a coach?

“I don’t know how to be a journalist. Ask me a more intelligent question and maybe I’ll answer… You don’t have to understand, you just have to ask questions, which is different. What do you understand anyway? I coach the team, there are those who understand and those who don’t.”

2 – Nantes rage

Again on Sky Sports Italia, Allegri exploded after a 1-1 draw with Nantes in the Europa League play-off knockout stage.

“I don’t want the Juventus of 1-0! I get tired of hearing this bullsh*t you say. I say that if we put the ball to sleep it won’t be good. But I don’t want to win 1-0, it’s a cliché, these are inaccurate things.

“My teams have always finished first in defence and second in attack, scoring 70-80 goals. You don’t run away from data, the wind takes away chatter. You chat about nothing, I talk about numbers.”

3 – Against a fan

During a 1-0 win over Fiorentina in February 2023, Allegri took aim at a Juventus fan in the stands who was booing Moise Kean, Mattia De Sciglio and Leandro Paredes.

He shouted back: “What is it? Shut up! Go and coach!”

4 – Di Maria rage

In the closing stages of a Coppa Italia win over Lazio in February 2023, the Juventus coach was infuriated with Angel Di Maria’s inability to retain the ball as his side tried to close out a tense victory. The moment left him incensed with rage, storming down the tunnel screaming and shaking.

5 – Kicking the ads

Allegri was in a bad mood watching Juventus’ summer clash with Spezia back in August 2022, scolding his players and briefly encroaching onto the pitch to share his anger. After Arkadiusz Milik’s 92^nd minute goal to make it 2-0, the coach celebrated by furiously kicking the advertising hoardings.

6 – Head-to-head with Farris

In May 2022, during the first half of extra time in the Coppa Italia final against Inter, Allegri went face to face with Inter assistant Massimiliano Farris, angrily arguing with his Nerazzurri counterpart. When Ivan Perisic made it 4-2, he flung off his jacket in frustration.

He later explained: “Do you want to know what happened? One of the Inter players kicked me, I reacted and the referee, rightly, sent me off.”

7 – A joke gone array

Travelling back to 2014, the Juventus coach came to blows with Arrigo Sacchi during an interview on Live TV. The host started it by saying: “Maybe you two agree tonight”, which the tactician immediately challenged, replying: “Maybe not even tonight.”

Sacchi responded with “It doesn’t do you much honour, given my history and your history”, prompting Allegri to counter: “Okay Arrigo, if you’re touchy… I was taught to listen to everyone, then I decide who to take and who not to take.”

The former Milan coach hit back: “I’m not willing to talk. When he has learned the respect for people, then I will speak.”

Allegri tried to explain it was a joke, but Sacchi felt he was arrogant, prompting the Bianconeri tactician to respond: “Arrogant what?! You get angry… It’s not that I can agree. You see one game, I see another. I’m a coach, you sit there commenting…”

8 – Adani attack

In April 2019, Allegri was interviewed on Sky Sports by Daniele Adani, who again was involved in an argument with the Juventus coach.

“I hear you explaining, then I’ll speak. Being a coach doesn’t mean sitting down to make plans. In Italy there is a problem, they are all becoming theorists,” started the tactician, before Adani responded: “Massimiliano, but you’re a theorist too!”

Tempers began to flare and Adani began accusing Allegri of “not being serious, sensible or thoughtful”. The coach didn’t agree, hitting back with “You’re the first to read books and you know nothing about football, because you’ve never been a coach. You’re back there and you don’t know anything, because being a coach is something else. Now I’ll talk and shut up.”

9 – Against Sconcerti

After beating Milan in the Coppa Italia final in 2018, Allegri took aim at Mario Sconcerti on RAI, saying: “It seems that for a football match you need to send missiles to the moon. Something that goes beyond those who don’t know football.”

Sconcerti questioned who the Juventus coach was angry with, and he retorted: “With no one, but if you answer like that it means you feel attacked… every time you tell you ask absurd questions. Football is reduced to a thousand things, when instead it’s like Monopoly, there are a thousand unexpected events to manage.”

He refused to accept he was ‘tired’, saying: “I’m not tired, I’m very clear-headed, unlike you who aren’t even clear-headed when you ask questions.”

10 – The first jacket throw

Now a staple of his frustration, it was back in the 2015-16 season when the Juventus coach first threw off his suit jacket in rage during a 3-2 win over Carpi.

During the closing stages, when the hosts threatened to equalise, Allegri expressed his anger at the situation by launching his jacket off to the side. He later explained: “It was the last match before the break and I told the boys not to ruin my holidays, because I didn’t want to lose. Lichtsteiner made a reverse stop inside the area… I was p*ssed off for two hours!”

11 – Coppa Italia fury

The most recent example, much has already been written about Allegri’s fury during Juventus’ Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta on Wednesday evening, which saw him earn a red card, strip off his tie and suit jacket, and shout at the fourth official before disappearing into the changing room.

He returned to the pitch for the celebrations and was professional with Gian Piero Gasperini, but his anger was still visible, clearly saying ‘out, out’ to somebody – possibly Cristiano Giuntoli.

12 – LaPresse attack

Following his expulsion in the Coppa Italia final, Allegri lashed out at an FIGC prosecutor, furious with the situation, and he kicked the lights and the set outside the dressing room, damaging the former, set up by LaPresse. The club subsequently asked if reimbursement was needed for the damage caused.

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.

On the pitch, the Bianconeri did not pull off too many surprises as they edged out a 1-0 win over Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, lifting a record-extending 15^th Coppa Italia after an early strike from star forward Dusan Vlahovic.

The real story was found on the touchline. Allegri was growing increasingly frustrated throughout the final at the Stadio Olimpico and his obvious rage earnt him a red card in the 95^th minute, a moment that saw him unexpectedly start ripping off his clothes in fury.

For many, this came as a surprise, especially considering that the 56-year-old tactician is usually one of the more composed Italian coaches in Serie A, and his fury wasn’t contained after the match, seeing him essentially threaten Tuttosport editor-in-chief Guido Vaciago.

In reality, this outburst has been a long time coming for Allegri, a man who has felt increasingly disrespected and unfairly treated across his second spell with Juventus, having to deal with all manners of difficulties.

Allegri and the Juventus trials

When the Livornese tactician returned to the Old Lady in May 2021, he did so at the expense of a job offer from Real Madrid, unwilling to reject a club who he’d guided to much success across his first five-year spell.

Things didn’t go to plan, however. His first season in charge saw him try to start a new project following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and it quickly became apparent that some patience would be needed to keep the club at the top, even if he almost managed a Coppa Italia title.

The following season is where things really started to go wrong; only months into the campaign, Andrea Agnelli and the entire board of directors unexpectedly resigned amidst legal investigations into Juventus’ accounts and secret wage deferrals during the COVID pandemic, something Allegri had no say in.

The off-pitch drama saw the Bianconeri handed a point-deduction in Serie A, which was then removed before being reapplied with slightly less severity, derailing the team’s top four hopes. On the pitch, Allegri had done his job, but it wasn’t enough to secure Champions League football.

Already in these two first seasons back, the Italian coach was under increasing amounts of criticism, with many fans furious at his inability to keep Juventus in the fight for the Scudetto, clearly not appreciating the absurdity of the chaos surrounding Allegri and his players.

The summer of 2023 saw incredibly limited investment, but the lack of European football seemed to suggest that Juventus could try to fight for the league title still, until the Turin turmoil again started to derail proceedings.

Only weeks into the 2023-24 campaign, Paul Pogba was handed a ban after failing a doping test, and soon after Nicolo Fagioli was suspended for gambling on football, two more problems Allegri had literally no part in, removing two important midfielders from his squad.

Regardless, the coach tried to keep up with Scudetto hopefuls Inter, who had just finished second in the Champions League, and did fairly well considering the heavy reliance on previously unknown youth players.

As the season progressed and the toxicity grew, the Old Lady eventually fell away in the title race. Allegri was an easy figure to blame, especially as the football on display wasn’t particularly inspiring, but focus remained on the stated objectives – a return to the Champions League, Club World Cup qualification and the Coppa Italia.

Allegri hit these targets. Whilst a terrible vein of form in the final few months condemned his fate in Turin, it’s painfully remiss to suggest that he did nothing positive in his final season with Juventus, still securing a trophy despite the endless drama and anger that pilled on the pressure off the pitch.

In this context, then, it’s hardly a surprise that the Livorno-born coach cast off his emotional restraints in the Coppa Italia final, finally feeling able to feel the emotions he’d essentially been forced to bury as he tried to keep things under control amidst the stormy seas.

In many ways, Allegri was an instrumental reason why Juventus haven’t started to become an Italian version of Manchester United, a historic club wrought with misery, low motivation, and a lack of real success.

He has brought another trophy to Turin with the Coppa Italia and set the club up for an exciting 2024-25 season in the Champions League and Club World Cup, laying an important foundation for his successor. An easy figure to blame, it’s not hard to imagine a world where a different coach sunk under the unreasonable pressure and toxicity pilled on by fans, journalists and pundits.

At this point, Allegri’s stocks are at an all-time low and a sabbatical year seems a smart move. Years down the line, his second spell at Juventus will likely be seen with far more appreciation and respect, having suffered through a rather agonising 36-month spell at a club who’ve lost all respect for a top tactician.

Words: @ApolloHeyes

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

Exactly 20 years ago today, the former Juventus and Fiorentina forward played his final match for Brescia before hanging up his boots, bringing an end to an incredible 22-year playing career that saw him win the Ballon d’Or in 1993.

Despite suffering numerous painful injuries throughout his career, Baggio still proved himself to be one of the best players in Italian history. His creativity, amazing technique with the ball and decisive finishing made him one of the most fearsome forwards in world football at his peak.

Baggio looks back

Speaking to Giornale di Brescia via TMW, Baggio reflected on his final match on May 16^th, 2004, a Brescia away clash with Milan.

“I still remember very well that last Sunday of mine on the pitch, in front of the wonderful San Siro crowd. 80,000 fans all standing to give me an applause that I’ll never be able to forget and which I carry in my heart as a precious memory full of gratitude and gratitude.

“In that moment, I understood that I had done something good too.”

He remembered what Brescia meant to him in the final years of his career.

“Brescia…I must say that I built very beautiful relationships wherever I went, but Brescia actually represented something different for me. And this thanks to a great president like Gino Corioni who gave everything and even more.

“And then thanks to a coach, Carlo Mazzone, who I would’ve liked to have met before and who was unrivalled for his humanity and sincerity. And now I have to stop because when I talk about them, I get emotional…”

Finally, Baggio remembered why he decided to retire at the end of the 2003-04 season and how he managed to give his all despite the difficulties.

“Deciding to retire is never easy for anyone and naturally it was like that for me too. I thought about it a lot, but everything had become more and more complicated, and I would never have been able to go on the pitch without being able to offer the best of my passion, mentality and enthusiasm, only, I felt that 2003-2004 would be my last season.

“I continued to cultivate the dream of continuing to play and every time I did so I gave my all… Perhaps I conveyed the concept of never passively accepting difficulties in the face of which, if anything, one must always know how to get back up.

“One must face the challenges and pursue the dream which for me, as long as I could, has always been to play football, which remains the most beautiful game in the world.”