We're two months into the season now, and it feels like things are starting to take shape around Europe. Some title races are looking like they will be closer than others, with some surprise contenders in the mix, while other presumed challengers are beginning to struggle, casting doubt on the futures of their managers and star players.
From confronting Patrick Vieira in the Highbury tunnel to spurring his team on to victory in the 1998-99 Champions League semi-final, there is no shortage of examples of Roy Keane's aura - here, GOAL remembers the famous Ronaldo handshake snub.
Antonio Conte and Lautaro Martinez were embroiled in an ugly spat as the manager and the striker exchanged insults during an explosive Serie A clash between Napoli and Inter on Saturday. The reigning champions emerged victorious 3-1 in a closely fought encounter as they climbed back to the top of the table and now enjoy a one-point lead over AC Milan at the summit.
Inter are prepared to spend heavily to sign Nico Paz, the 21-year-old Argentine sensation lighting up Serie A with Como. The Nerazzurri are reportedly ready to table a €58 million bid for the Real Madrid academy graduate, but Los Blancos’ €9m buy-back clause and 50% sell-on stake could derail the deal before it begins.
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.
Legendary coach Fabio Capello has lauded the breathtaking impact of Cristian Chivu at Inter, calling the in-form Serie A side "a spectacle to watch." Capello praised the new manager for reconnecting the squad and implementing a more direct, vertical style of play that has propelled the Nerazzurri to second in the table with a difference of one point for the top.
Few strikers have bridged eras and philosophies quite like Hernan Crespo, the Argentine who thrived under football’s finest minds. From Carlo Ancelotti’s calm mentorship at Parma and AC Milan to Jose Mourinho’s fiery motivation at Chelsea and Inter, Crespo experienced both tenderness and tenacity in leadership. Now a coach himself, he blends these lessons and teachings with empathy, pushing with passion, and inspiring with precision.
Neymar is seeing his contract run down at Santos, meaning that another new challenge early in 2026 is being speculated on. With next summer's World Cup to think about, and Brazil hoping to secure a first global crown since 2002, Neymar is seeing a return to European football discussed. Italian giants Inter have, however, distanced themselves from the Samba superstar.
Roma legend Francesco Totti has made a stunning confession, revealing his infamous red card kick on prime notorious Mario Balotelli was a premeditated act against an "arrogant and presumptuous" player. The Roma legend also opened up on his bitter feud with Luciano Spalletti and the emotional trauma of being forced to retire from his boyhood club.
Inter defender Denzel Dumfries is still on cloud nine after finishing 25th in the Ballon d'Or rankings. The 29-year-old, who had his best season under Simone Inzaghi, says he was delighted to find out he had placed just above Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at the Paris ceremony held in September. The Dutchman was key to Inter’s Champions League run, scoring two goals and setting up a further three across two legs against Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Inter have turned down a €50 million (£42m/$55m) bid for 20-year-old striker Francesco Pio Esposito and are preparing to double his salary in a new long-term deal. The Nerazzurri view the young Italian as a cornerstone of their future and a symbol of the Oaktree era after his rapid rise for both club and country.
Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been joined by Serie A heavyweights Inter in the race to sign Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace star, who will leave the club as a free agent next summer, could arrive at San Siro in January in a surprise transfer exchange, which would see Inter's Yann Bisseck move the other way.
Neymar’s camp have approached both Napoli and Inter ahead of a potential free January move, but both Italian clubs have already turned down the chance to sign him. The Brazilian forward, who will be out of contract at the end of 2025, is determined to return to top-level football as he eyes a Brazil recall for next year’s World Cup.
Lazio and AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta has revealed that joining the Rossoneri was never part of his plan. The former Italy defender recalled that his 2002 move from Lazio to Milan only materialised after Inter pulled out of a deal at the last moment, leaving him with little choice but to make the switch, a decision that would later define his career.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has opened up on his stormy relationship with Jose Mourinho, revealing how the former Manchester United boss once called him a “piece of sh*t” and how the two later reconciled at Roma. The Armenian also shared the intense methods Mourinho used to instil a winning mindset during their UEFA Conference League triumph.
Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has advised the club’s younger players to limit their phone usage, warning that it can negatively impact their performances. The Armenian midfielder believes that spending time on phones in the gym or locker room affects players’ awareness and connection with their teammates on the pitch. He also pointed out that this issue extends beyond football, describing it as a wider problem affecting the younger generation as a whole.
Cremonese head coach Davide Nicola remains unwavering in his trust in "fighter" Jamie Vardy as the striker prepares for his first start since joining the Serie A club in the summer. He came off the bench as Inter claimed a dominant 4-1 victory last week, but his coach was positive about his impact and feels he makes the team more threatening even though he is yet to find the net across two substitute appearances.
Inter president Beppe Marotta believes that Luka Modric thriving in Serie A at the age of 40 is not a bad thing, but in fact a "positive advert" for Italian football. Marotta highlighted the financial disparity between clubs in Serie A and those in leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, pointing to Real Madrid's big-money signing of Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono as a prime example.
Inter’s 20-year-old Italian striker Pio Esposito has won widespread praise from fans and pundits for his performances this season. However, his agent, Mario Giuffredi, has tried to temper the hype, urging fans and media to keep expectations realistic while ensuring Esposito stays grounded. Giuffredi also emphasises that Esposito must continue proving himself to secure a spot in the Italian national team.
Are Bayern Munich the strongest side in Europe right now? They're certainly not far off it. The Germans maintained their flawless start to the 2025-26 season with a 3-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend. Unsurprisingly, Harry Kane was among the goals again, as the free-scoring striker maintained his record-breaking start to the campaign.
Christian Vieri has tipped Inter’s 20-year-old striker Francesco Pio Esposito to become “a great striker,” stressing that the pressure of playing for a club like Inter will accelerate his growth. Esposito has already made his mark in Serie A with his first goal and is now being asked to step up in the absence of Marcus Thuram.
Inter have been hit with a major blow as star striker Marcus Thuram will be sidelined for over a month due to a thigh injury. The French forward had initially downplayed the problem after Inter’s 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague but recent scans portray a lengthy absence. Now, with a congested fixture schedule looming, manager Cristian Chivu faces the daunting task of reshaping his attack.
Inter chairman Giuseppe Marotta has cast a bleak verdict on Serie A’s pulling power, admitting that Kylian Mbappe is out of reach for Italian clubs and hailing Luka Modric as the league’s only “champion” at 40 years old. Speaking right before Inter’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, Marotta praised his club’s progress but underlined the financial gulf separating Serie A from Europe’s elite.
The Milan City Council has approved AC Milan and Inter’s acquisition of the San Siro area for the construction of a new stadium. This decision follows Mayor Beppe Sala’s historic announcement to sell the land to the two clubs. However, the project could also mean the eventual demolition of the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
AC Milan & Inter have hired the architects behind Manchester United's new stadium to build a 71,500-capacity ground, with San Siro set to be demolished. The €1 billion project will see the two fierce rivals come together off the pitch in a once-in-a-generation move. Work is scheduled to begin in 2027, with doors opening to fans in 2030.
Rafael Leao has revealed how idols like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Kaka inspired him to choose AC Milan over rivals Inter. The Portuguese winger admitted Lille once tried to push him towards the Nerazzurri, but he refused the move, staying true to his dream of wearing the Rossoneri shirt. Although currently sidelined by injury, the winger remains central to their hopes this season.
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