Serie A news

At one point during the international break, it appeared as if both Napoli and Atalanta would have new coaches in place for this weekend's meeting between the two sides at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, while the Bergamaschi inevitably sacked Ivan Juric the day after their shocking 3-0 defeat at home to Sassuolo, Antonio Conte remains in charge of the Partenopei - which is actually something of a surprise.

Como boss Cesc Fabregas highlighted the extreme intensity of Antonio Conte’s training sessions, saying they often left him close to fainting. The former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder played under Conte at Chelsea during the Italian’s spell at Stamford Bridge between 2016 and 2018. Despite the demanding workload, Fabregas described Conte as a great coach.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas believes that Argentine midfielder Nico Paz should not be restricted, describing him as an incredible talent. The former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder compared Paz to a magician on the pitch, saying he can pull a trick out of his hat at any moment, which is why he should never be “caged”.

Veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva is wanted back at AC Milan, according to reports, with the Rossoneri looking to reunite the South American centre-half with his former Chelsea team-mate Christian Pulisic. Silva is now 41 years of age and back in his homeland with Fluminense, but he is not ready to retire just yet and could be lured back to European football.

The comedian Dylan Moran once joked that Silvio Berlusconi was "so thoroughly corrupt that every time he smiles, an angel gets gonorrhoea". The former Italian Prime Minister was certainly a dubious character, right until the end of a life that was as extraordinary as it was controversial. Even while battling the health problems to which he eventually succumbed, he continued to generate headlines, in football and far beyond.

Ilan Meslier’s long fall from Leeds United’s undisputed starting position to a goalkeeper searching for a lifeline has pushed his agent, Pini Zahavi, to attempt to engineer a move to Serie A. With both AC Milan and Inter monitoring the situation, Leeds run the risk of losing a once-elite Premier League talent for far less than they hoped, while Meslier weighs a fresh start to revive a career derailed by dwindling confidence.

Napoli are reportedly in talks to sign Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa, with discussions said to be "underway" between the Serie A champions and the player's agent. Despite Chiesa's positive start to the season with two goals and three assists, he has yet to start a Premier League game, prompting Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso to reportedly urge the winger to return to his native shores for consistent playing time.

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has made it clear that he wants to leave the club. He has a few suitors in Europe and the Netherlands forward has already decided on which club he wants to join. His decision has been influenced by a number of factors, including his potential participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Napoli have entered the winter transfer market with urgency after injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Zambo Anguissa forced Antonio Conte to rethink his midfield structure. Feyenoord captain Quinten Timber has emerged as a prime target, with his contract running down and multiple clubs circling. But Napoli now face fierce competition from Arsenal, where his twin brother Jurrien Timber already plays.

Brentford and Sunderland are reportedly eyeing AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez ahead of the January transfer window, despite the Mexican international failing to score in his first nine Serie A appearances this season. Milan's pursuit of a new number nine is said to be contingent on Gimenez's departure, with the Rossoneri evaluating a potential swap deal with West Ham for Niclas Fullkrug.

Newcastle United's midfield general, Sandro Tonali, might return to his former club, AC Milan, in the future. The potential comeback was hinted at by the player and pundits alike before Italy's World Cup qualifier against Norway, which was played at the San Siro, the home of Milan and Inter. Having represented the club for multiple seasons, his return is much anticipated by Rossoneri fans too.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis lashed out at FIFA and UEFA over the number of players picking up injuries on international duty as he called for extra transfer windows and compensation for clubs. The debate of releasing players for international duties has intensified in recent years with many arguing that clubs are being unfairly impacted by the number of games players are being forced to endure.

Former Inter striker Eder has revealed that Leicester City were interested in signing him in January 2016, but he chose to reject their offer and join Inter instead. He now admits he regrets the decision, as he struggled during his spell in Inter while Leicester went on to win the Premier League

Inter president Beppe Marotta has candidly admitted that while a return for former Manchester United and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was "mentioned," as the club searched for a new manager, he would have ultimately "regretted hiring him." Marotta praised the "courageous" decision to appoint Christian Chivu instead, highlighting the club's commitment to different values and a forward-thinking approach over relying on big-name managers.

AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic scored in a 3-2 defeat to Virtus Entella in a club-organised friendly on Friday. Pulisic, who was injured during the October break, was not called up for international duty after Milan reached an agreement with the United States national team to support his recovery, giving the Rossoneri the chance to gauge his condition ahead of their next Serie A clash.

Santiago Giménez’s future at AC Milan is becoming increasingly uncertain. The club is evaluating changes to its attack for January, and multiple reports across Europe indicate the Mexican striker could be included in a potential swap deal with West Ham for German forward Niclas Füllkrug. With form and tactical fit both under review, a move to the Premier League is emerging as a possibility.

Christian Pulisic has revealed the “embarrassing” choice that he made for his initiation song at AC Milan. The USMNT star took to belting out Miley Cyrus’ hit ‘Party in the USA’, much to his own disgust. He has also revealed how Luka Modric was able to avoid suffering a similar fate in a group environment by handing out iPhone gifts to his new team-mates at San Siro.