Chirayu Parmar

Gennaro Gattuso delivered a sharp message about Federico Chiesa’s Italy future after the Liverpool winger rejected two more national team call-ups. With the Azzurri preparing for a tense 2026 World Cup play-off run, the spotlight is now firmly on Chiesa’s repeated withdrawals and Gattuso’s growing frustration. The situation adds fresh tension around Italy’s build-up to a defining March showdown.

AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot is set to return from injury for Sunday’s high-stakes derby against Inter. The Frenchman missed nearly a month due to a calf tear but is back in full training ahead of a crucial clash that could shape the Scudetto race. Rabiot’s return promises to restore balance in Milan’s midfield as they aim for a decisive result against city rivals.

Karl Etta Eyong has been backed for a potential transfer to Barcelona, with the Cameroonian coach Marc Brys praising the Levante striker’s qualities. Viewed as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski, Eyong has impressed in La Liga and is now attracting interest from top European clubs.

Manuel Akanji has made his stance clear after a strong start to life in Italy, revealing he hopes Inter activate the €15 million option to sign him permanently from Manchester City. The Swiss defender has played every league minute so far and quickly become a key figure in Cristian Chivu’s backline. His future now hinges on Inter’s season targets and his own consistency, but he wants to stay.

Antoine Griezmann has lifted the lid on his behind-the-scenes role in bringing Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, admitting he repeatedly messaged the striker on Instagram to convince him to leave Manchester City. With Álvarez now thriving in Spain after a record-breaking debut season, Griezmann’s story adds a surprising twist to one of Atleti’s biggest modern transfers.

Inter have joined Manchester United in the race for Karim Adeyemi, with the Borussia Dortmund winger leaning toward a move away from Germany next summer. His camp has already held early talks with both clubs, signalling a growing market for the 23-year-old. With contract renewal far from likely and tensions rising at BVB, Adeyemi’s future is now one of Europe’s most intriguing storylines.

Pedri has opened up on the lessons he learned from Barcelona icons such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets as he rose from teenage prospect to team leader and how he now hopes to pass that knowledge on. The 22-year-old is recovering from a muscle injury but remains central to Hansi Flick’s project, reflecting on his evolution while backing Lamine Yamal to thrive under pressure.

Roberto Mancini has returned to management as Al Sadd’s new head coach, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal after missing out on the Nottingham Forest job. The former Manchester City and Italy boss now follows Xavi in taking charge of Qatar’s biggest club, with his debut set for November 24.

AC Milan have stepped up their pursuit of Robert Lewandowski, scheduling a new round of talks with his agent Pini Zahavi as the Barcelona striker weighs his future as his contract nears its end. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic pushing internally to bring the 37-year-old to San Siro and Milan rebuilding under Max Allegri, the Rossoneri sense an opening, but salary demands remain a major hurdle.

Napoli are training without Antonio Conte this week after the Italian coach took agreed leave in the aftermath of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Bologna, a result that deepened concerns around the Serie A champions’ fading form. With pressure intensifying after five losses this season and whispers of resignation spreading online, the break arrives at a complicated moment for a team struggling for goals, rhythm and identity.

Dean Huijsen has stepped forward to defend Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr, insisting both stars face unfair levels of scrutiny as media pressure intensifies around Barcelona and Real Madrid. The 20-year-old Madrid centre-back discussed the growing noise around Spanish football, calling for balance as the national team head into crucial World Cup qualifiers without the injured Yamal.

Carlo Ancelotti has lifted the lid on why his final season at Real Madrid unravelled despite Kylian Mbappe’s blockbuster arrival. Speaking from Brazil, the legendary coach detailed the defensive crisis that derailed Los Blancos’ campaign and forced tactical improvisation in key moments as the campaign ended without a major trophy.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has admitted he let standards at the club slip during his final season in charge, accepting blame for their decline after early success. The club legend reflected on his spell at the helm at Camp Nou with self-criticism, acknowledging the team’s attitude and respect dwindled after winning La Liga and explaining why he’s taking time before returning to management.

Barcelona presidential hopeful Xavier Vilajoana has accused Joan Laporta’s board of “lying” about the club’s financial situation and called for transparency over Lionel Messi’s 2021 exit. A new independent report commissioned by the former board member claims that Barca’s debt has ballooned to €4.12 billion, sparking questions about the club’s claims of economic recovery and whether Messi’s departure was really driven by finances at all.

Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico has admitted “nobody will be ready” for Lionel Messi’s retirement as speculation grows around a romantic Barcelona return. The Lyon full-back, currently on international duty, reflected on Messi’s emotional Camp Nou visit and spoke about Argentina’s World Cup ambitions while hinting at uncertainty over whether the Inter Miami star could play again for the Blaugrana.

Kylian Mbappe has cheekily hinted that his France teammate Dayot Upamecano could find “better teams” than Bayern Munich in a playful invitation to join him at Real Madrid. The defender is out of contract in 2026, and talks with Bayern remain unresolved. With Los Blancos searching for a long-term defensive anchor, Mbappe’s comments have reignited talk of a blockbuster French reunion in Madrid.

Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has claimed his sexual assault conviction for kissing Jenni Hermoso was the result of a political witch hunt, insisting the incident was “blown out of proportion.” The ex-RFEF chief broke his silence in a TV interview, defending his actions during Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup celebrations and alleging political motives behind his downfall.

Lionel Messi’s late-night visit to the newly renovated Camp Nou has reignited talk of a fairy tale return, with Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia among those hoping to see the legend back in Blaugrana colours. The Inter Miami star shared an emotional post after walking on the pitch again, while Garcia and president Joan Laporta both spoke about the World Cup winner’s enduring bond with the club.