Enzo Maresca has revealed why Cole Palmer missed Chelsea's latest training session and why he won't play against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday. The 23-year-old has had an injury-hit season but did make his first start since September in the Blues' goalless draw with Bournemouth last weekend. However, it appears the Club World Cup champions are playing it safe with the playmaker.
Cole Palmer is set to miss Chelsea’s Champions League trip to Atalanta despite only just returning from injury, with the Blues opting for a carefully controlled recovery plan after his long spell on the sidelines. The midfielder was absent from training at Cobham ahead of the flight to Italy, but his omission is precautionary rather than due to any new physical setback.
The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool, including rumors tying Pulisic with a move back to the Premier League.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s long-term future at Crystal Palace remains unclear with negotiations over a new contract believed to have stalled. The France international has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League under the stewardship of manager Oliver Glasner, whose own future remains uncertain as his current terms expire at the end of the season.
Atalanta have confirmed the appointment of Raffaele Palladino as the club’s new head coach. The announcement follows the dismissal of Ivan Juric, who was relieved of his duties just months after taking charge. The former Roma and Southampton coach was sacked after a disappointing run of six Serie A matches without a win.
The center midfielder, who was a mainstay for the USMNT during the 2022 World Cup, is in danger of missing out on the 2026 tournament on home soil. Could a new manager at Atalanta change his fortunes?
Atalanta have dismissed head coach Ivan Juric after a disastrous start to the Serie A season left them languishing in mid-table and far from the European places. The Croatian, appointed to succeed the legendary Gian Piero Gasperini in June, managed just two wins in 11 league games and failed to recreate the intensity, flair, and success that defined the Gasperini era in Bergamo.
The weekend before an international break always feels significant. Pick up a positive result and the only thing a manager really has to worry about is players suffering injury while representing their countries. A defeat, though, results in two torturous weeks as the result is pored over in the press while the coach waits for the opportunity to make amends.
Ivan Juric is on the brink of being sacked as Atalanta manager, with the club already in advanced negotiations with Raffaele Palladino to take over. The decision comes after a disastrous start to the Serie A season and a challenging Champions League campaign, exacerbated by a recent heavy defeat and a deteriorating relationship between Juric and the club's ownership and fanbase.
Marseille’s Champions League campaign has unravelled under Roberto De Zerbi, with just one win in four games and mounting criticism over his tactics and squad choices. After a frustrating 1-0 home loss to Atalanta, former France international Jerome Rothen blasted the Italian coach’s approach, saying he “can’t find the ingredients” to make Marseille click - while labelling everyone but Mason Greenwood and goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli “useless.”
Marseille fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Atalanta in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, a match overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions late on. Several Marseille players, along with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, were left furious after the referee declined to award a potential penalty just moments before Atalanta netted the decisive goal in the dying minutes.
Ademola Lookman and Ivan Juric were involved in a heated touchline confrontation during Atalanta’s tense 1-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League. The Nigerian forward reacted angrily to being substituted, prompting an exchange that required staff intervention. Juric later downplayed the incident, insisting the pair were caught up in the “heat of the moment”.
Marseille’s Champions League hopes have been hit hard by injuries, and Roberto De Zerbi made no effort to hide his frustration ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Atalanta. The Italian manager admitted that his squad is stretched to its limits, with several key players sidelined and little time to recover between games.
Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric couldn’t hide his frustration after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by AC Milan, insisting his team “were three times better" than their opponents. Ademola Lookman’s first goal since his summer transfer standoff rescued a point for La Dea, with Juric hailing the Nigerian as “a spectacle” following a strong display in Bergamo.
Jamie Vardy stunned fans inside the Stadio Giovanni Zini with an insane backflip celebration as the Premier League legend scored his first Serie A goal for Cremonese against Atalanta. It was Vardy’s fourth league outing since his free transfer to Italian shores in September, and he made it one to remember by smashing home a rebound in the 78th minute before celebrating like a man 10 years younger than 38.
Former Italy striker Antonio Cassano has criticised the quality of Serie A, claiming that only the passion of the supporters is keeping the league alive while the level of football in Italy has stagnated. He believes there is a lack of rhythm and flow in the game, with excessive time-wasting making some matches a “chore” to watch. Cassano also feels that the drop in quality has been reflected in the poor performances of Italian clubs in Europe.
U.S. men's national team midfielder Yunus Musah came off the bench to play a key role in Atlanta's Champions League 2-1 victory over Club Brugge. The 22-year-old assisted Atalanta's late winner to help the Serie A side secure three crucial points in the second round of Champions League league phase. La Dea now sit 19th in the standings.
USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah hopes his recent move to Atalanta will help him secure a spot in the U.S. squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old, who joined the Italian side on loan from AC Milan this summer, is focused on establishing himself with his new club. He played 14 minutes in a draw against Weston McKennie's Juventus on Saturday.
U.S. legend Tony Meola voiced concern over Yunus Musah’s recent form, calling it part of a troubling decline dating back to his final year at AC Milan. Meola urged the midfielder to change course, regain confidence and aim to develop on his potential. Musah struggled mightily in Atlanta's 4-0 defeat by PSG in a midweek Champions League match.
Ademola Lookman and Atalanta have finally put an end to their summer-long dispute after the Nigerian forward had talks with head coach Ivan Juric and agreed to give his all for the team. This comes after the Nigerian met with the club's officials to discuss his position at the club recently. The 27-year-old is now expected to start in Atalanta's league fixture against Torino on Sunday.