Lazio

Celtic will host AC Milan at Celtic Park in Glasgow on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for their final pre-season friendly. The match kicks off at 3pm BST and will not be broadcast on major UK TV channels, but will be available via live stream on CelticPlayer. Celtic fans anticipate seeing new £6million striker Camilo Durán from Qarabag, while the club also seeks a goalkeeper after Kasper Schmeichel's retirement. AC Milan arrives with new signings Goncalo Ramos from PSG and Mario Gila from Lazio, and is reportedly competing with Borussia Dortmund for Genk wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 11:00 AM UTC

Spanish center-back Mario Gila, who joined AC Milan from Lazio this summer, gave an interview discussing his positional flexibility in a three-man defense. He stated he is comfortable as both a central and wide center-back, with the central role emphasizing positional awareness and distribution, while the wide role allows more aggressive forward runs. Gila revealed that coach Ruben Amorim's strong determination convinced him to join Milan, and he did not speak with club president Cardinale before the transfer. He praised teammate Gabbia for helping him integrate and highlighted young players Camarda and Bartesaghi as close companions. Gila expressed support for the team's new proactive attacking style under Amorim, acknowledging it may sacrifice defensive security but believing it aligns with modern football trends. He identified his main weakness as occasional overconfidence when performing well, which he aims to control as he matures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:00 PM UTC

Spanish center-back Mario Gila, who joined AC Milan from Lazio this summer, gave an interview discussing his transfer and early impressions. Gila stated that head coach Ruben Amorim was a key reason for his decision to join Milan, citing their shared football philosophy and Amorim's modern, ball-centered style of play. He acknowledged that Milan is not at its peak but welcomed the challenge of contributing to the club's resurgence. Gila also praised the club's facilities and family-like atmosphere. Regarding young players like Camarda and Comotto, he expressed confidence they can break through this season and help the first team. The interview covered his integration into Milan and the city, his long conversation with Amorim on the training pitch, and his belief that the tactical system suits his development.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:58 PM UTC

AC Milan is finalizing a €30 million deal to sign Lazio center-back Mario Gila, including €25 million fixed and €5 million in bonuses, after agreeing a five-year, €5 million net annual salary with the player. Milan hijacked the transfer from Napoli, who stalled due to squad clearance issues. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reportedly helped facilitate the move. The deal also involves Real Madrid receiving 50% of the capital gains from any future sale.

13 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:55 PM UTC

The BBC Sport gossip column for July 19, 2026, reports that Arsenal are considering a free transfer for Manchester City's John Stones as a potential long-term replacement for the injured William Saliba. Chelsea have held formal talks with Crystal Palace over a £55m move for defender Maxence Lacroix. Liverpool are prepared to join Manchester United in the race for Roma midfielder Manu Kone. Aston Villa have held talks with Chelsea about signing both Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho. AC Milan's Rafael Leao prefers a Premier League move, with Aston Villa a potential destination. Lazio are targeting West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is also on Arsenal's list. Juventus's primary goalkeeping target is Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, with David de Gea as a backup option. Everton could rival Inter Milan for Tottenham's Djed Spence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:59 AM UTC

This BBC Sport gossip roundup from July 19, 2026, reports that Arsenal are considering a free transfer for Manchester City's John Stones as a potential long-term replacement for injured defender William Saliba. Chelsea have held formal talks with Crystal Palace over a £55m move for French defender Maxence Lacroix. Hull City are in talks with Aston Villa for winger Leon Bailey. New Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa wants to sign Real Madrid youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia. Aston Villa and Chelsea are monitoring Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe. Hull City are close to signing free agent Matt Targett. Liverpool are prepared to compete with Manchester United for Roma midfielder Manu Kone. Aston Villa have held talks with Chelsea over signing Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho. AC Milan's Rafael Leao prefers a Premier League move, with Aston Villa a potential destination. Lazio target West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is also on Arsenal's list. Juventus' top goalkeeping target is Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, with David de Gea also monitored.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:48 PM UTC

Ahead of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, The Sun published an article introducing Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni's wife, Elisa Montero. Montero, a former volleyball star, met Scaloni when he was on loan at Spanish club Mallorca. Scaloni recalled that she was initially reserved and unwilling to initiate conversation. He pursued her for three months before she spoke to him. Scaloni later invited her to leave everything and come with him to Italy. In an ESPN interview, Scaloni said he met Elisa two months before returning to Lazio, when he was 31 and she was 29. She agreed the next day, dropped everything, and moved with him to Rome. The couple has been together for 15 years, now living in Mallorca with their two sons, Ian (born 2012) and Noah (born 2016).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:47 AM UTC

Italian Serie A club Lazio has officially announced the signing of Bruno Galassi, a promising young footballer born in 2007. Galassi had been developing his skills in Real Madrid's youth academy since 2023. The transfer marks a move from the Spanish capital to Rome, as Lazio secures the talented youngster for their squad. The announcement was made via the club's official channels, as reported by AS Football. This acquisition highlights Lazio's focus on investing in young talent for future development.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:59 PM UTC

New Atalanta head coach Maurizio Sarri held his first press conference, expressing hope that the upcoming season will have fewer off-field difficulties, allowing the team to focus on the game. Sarri acknowledged the tactical differences between his philosophy and Atalanta's traditional style, emphasizing he will implement his own football while preserving the club's work ethic and fighting spirit. He discussed player position experiments, including using Zalewski and Samardzic as interior midfielders, and managing striker Scamacca with a personalized training plan. Sarri praised the club's facilities and staff, deferred judgment on transfer needs until World Cup players return, and set an initial goal of building a team that accepts a new mindset, warning of early-season struggles based on his past experiences at Empoli and Napoli.

1 reports · 1 sources

Coventry City has completed the signing of French winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley for a reported £20 million. The 22-year-old, who scored three goals in 32 appearances for relegated Burnley, has signed a five-year contract. Tchaouna, a former France U21 international, previously played for Lazio, Rennes, and Salernitana. Manager Frank Lampard advocated for the signing as Coventry prepares for their Premier League return after winning the Championship title.

8 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 12, 10:50 AM UTC

AS Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante discussed the upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio, emphasizing the unique intensity of the fixture regardless of current form. Speaking to Serie A ahead of the penultimate match of the 2025-2026 season, Cristante highlighted the electric atmosphere in Rome and the importance of maintaining balance between passion and clarity on the pitch. He praised teammate Donyell Malen as a devastating offensive weapon and expressed strong support for coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting the team's adherence to his tactical schemes throughout difficult moments. The primary objective for Roma is securing a Champions League spot, a goal Cristante believes the team deserves after a strong season. He urged his teammates to give their all to avoid throwing away their progress at the final stage, describing a potential Champions League qualification as a deserved end-of-year gift for the club and its fans. The interview underscores the high stakes involved for both local pride and European competition aspirations.

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The penultimate round of Italy's Serie A has been marred by a scheduling dispute between league organizers and local authorities in Rome, temporarily overshadowing the intense competition for Champions League qualification. The conflict arose over the timing of the Rome derby between AS Roma and Lazio, which coincided with the Italian Tennis Open final at the nearby Foro Italico. While Serie A rules mandate simultaneous kickoffs for teams competing for similar objectives, Rome’s Prefect initially ordered the football match to be moved to avoid security risks, contradicting the league's schedule. After legal appeals and negotiations, a compromise was reached to hold the matches at 12:00 CET on Sunday with unified security coordination. This uncertainty disrupted preparations for clubs involved in the tight race for European spots, where Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, and Roma are separated by just five points. Meanwhile, Inter Milan has already secured the title, and the relegation battle continues among Cremonese, Lecce, and Cagliari. The incident highlights the logistical challenges facing Italian football when major sporting events overlap in shared venues.

1 reports · 1 sources

Stephan El Shaarawy has officially announced his departure from AS Roma after a decade with the club, confirming that his contract will not be renewed. The Italian forward shared the news through an emotional video and message on social media, expressing deep gratitude to the club, teammates, staff, and fans. El Shaarawy described his ten-year tenure as a period of significant personal and professional growth, highlighting the sense of belonging and affection he experienced in Rome. He reflected on key moments, including winning an international trophy and the honor of wearing the captain’s armband, which he viewed as a profound sign of respect. Despite acknowledging a difficult final year, he emphasized his unwavering commitment and dedication to the jersey. His final home match at the Stadio Olimpico will be the upcoming derby against Lazio, a fixture he deems fitting for his farewell due to its intensity and significance. El Shaarawy concluded by thanking the city of Rome, stating that while he is leaving, a part of him will remain, affirming that some stories never truly end but merely change shape.

1 reports · 1 sources

Stephan El Shaarawy has officially announced that he will leave AS Roma when his contract expires on June 30, 2026. This decision marks the end of a ten-year journey with the Italian club, during which he became one of its most beloved figures. The winger made the announcement via social media with two matches remaining in the season: a derby against Lazio and a final game against Verona. He will depart as a free agent after failed renewal negotiations, despite coach Gian Piero Gasperini's earlier efforts to retain him. El Shaarawy originally joined Roma in 2016, had a brief stint at Shanghai Shenhua, and returned in 2021. Over his two spells, he made 346 appearances, scoring 65 goals and providing 50 assists. His tenure was highlighted by winning the UEFA Conference League in the 2021/22 season, securing the club's first European trophy in 61 years. The Italian international of Egyptian descent leaves behind a significant legacy at the Stadio Olimpico, having established himself as a key player in the squad for nearly a decade.

1 reports · 1 sources

Inter Milan are actively monitoring Atalanta winger Marco Palestra as a potential successor to Denzel Dumfries, whose future remains uncertain due to a €25 million release clause active in July. Liverpool has been linked with activating this clause, adding pressure on Inter to plan for contingencies. Dumfries has recently returned to top form following an ankle injury, playing a crucial role in Inter's Scudetto challenge and Coppa Italia victory over Lazio. However, his contract situation and interest from abroad create instability. While Dumfries prepares for the World Cup with the Netherlands, Inter is evaluating options for the right flank. Marco Palestra, currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, is identified as the primary target due to his dynamism and versatility. This potential move is further motivated by the expected departure of Luis Henrique and the expiring contract of veteran Matteo Darmian. Inter aims to secure a suitable replacement to maintain their competitive edge in Serie A and European competitions, ensuring squad depth despite the potential loss of a key defensive asset.

1 reports · 1 sources

This weekend features five critical football matches across Europe with significant implications for titles, European qualification, and relegation survival. In England, the FA Cup final sees Chelsea face Manchester City, with City aiming for a treble and Chelsea seeking to end a streak of final losses while securing Europa League spot. In Italy, the Rome Derby between Roma and Lazio is pivotal for Roma's Champions League hopes, whereas Lazio plays for pride. France hosts a crucial Ligue 1 match between Lyon and Lens, as Lyon fights to maintain their position in the tight race for third place and Champions League qualification. In Scotland, Hearts can potentially break the Celtic-Rangers duopoly if they secure a draw against Celtic in the Premiership. Finally, Spain's La Liga sees a intense relegation battle involving nine clubs, including Sevilla, Valencia, and Espanyol, with key simultaneous fixtures like Levante vs Mallorca determining who remains in the top flight for the next season.

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This sports preview highlights five critical football matches scheduled for the weekend of May 16-17, 2026. The headline event is the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City, where City aims for a treble while Chelsea struggles with poor recent form and a historical losing streak in Wembley finals. In France, Lyon faces Lens in a crucial match affecting Champions League qualification spots. The Italian Serie A features the intense Rome derby between Roma and Lazio, with Roma needing a win to maintain their European hopes. The Scottish Premiership title race concludes with Celtic hosting Hearts; Hearts can clinch the championship with a draw, ending the Old Firm's long dominance, while a Celtic victory reclaims the title. Additionally, the article notes ongoing relegation battles in Spain. The piece provides kick-off times, broadcasting information for UK viewers, and 'spice levels' indicating the intensity of each fixture, serving as a comprehensive guide for football fans.

1 reports · 1 sources

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate that a separation is increasingly likely in the coming weeks. This potential exit marks another significant shift in Milan's leadership structure following a challenging season that has triggered internal reviews within the club's hierarchy. Tare, who joined Milan before the 2024/25 season after a long tenure at Lazio, faces uncertainty regarding his successor ahead of a critical summer transfer window. His departure coincides with reported tensions between senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic and head coach Massimiliano Allegri, which have negatively impacted the organization's stability. The club now seeks clarity on its sporting direction to navigate upcoming recruitment challenges. This development underscores the turbulent period currently affecting the Rossoneri, as management looks to resolve internal conflicts and restructure operations for future competitiveness.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article highlights five crucial football matches scheduled for the weekend of May 15-17, 2026, emphasizing high stakes and intense rivalries. The FA Cup final sees Chelsea face Manchester City, with City aiming for a domestic treble while Chelsea struggles with poor recent form. In Scotland, a historic title decider occurs as Hearts can end the Celtic-Rangers duopoly by avoiding defeat against Celtic. The Italian Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio carries significant weight, with Roma needing a win to keep Champions League hopes alive. In England, Aston Villa hosts Liverpool in a direct contest for Champions League qualification, where the winner secures their spot. Finally, Lyon plays Lens in France, with Lyon fighting to secure a top-three finish and Champions League football. The piece provides kick-off times and broadcasting details for each match, categorizing them by a 'spice rating' to indicate the level of excitement and importance for fans.

1 reports · 1 sources

As Serie A approaches its final matches, significant transfer developments are emerging across Italy's top clubs. Juventus defender Federico Gatti is attracting interest from four Premier League teams—Fulham, Everton, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa—with a valuation around €25 million. AC Milan has been offered Liverpool defender Joe Gomez again, though a decision awaits organizational clarity post-season. Inter Milan is strengthening Josep Martinez's position as the likely starting goalkeeper, while the pursuit of Guglielmo Vicario has stalled; alternatively, Lazio's Ivan Provedel is being considered as a backup option. At Napoli, Scott McTominay is nearing a contract renewal amid Champions League qualification hopes. Roma, preparing for Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure, is targeting young attacking talents including Crysencio Summerville, Mathys Tel, Christos Tzolis, and Antonio Nusa. Meanwhile, Fiorentina is weighing David De Gea's future, with the club potentially pushing for his departure due to budget constraints despite the goalkeeper's willingness to stay. These updates highlight active market movements and strategic planning for the upcoming season among major Italian football institutions.

1 reports · 1 sources

Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk is nearing a return to action for AS Roma after recovering from a four-month sidelining due to a myotendinous injury in his left thigh. He has resumed training with the squad, aiming for inclusion in the upcoming derby against Lazio. However, reports from Il Corriere dello Sport indicate that Dovbyk is expected to leave the club after playing his final two matches. Roma is reportedly open to selling the former Girona player if an offer of at least €20 million is received. Previous transfer attempts were halted by his injury during a match against Lecce. Several European clubs, including Napoli, Fenerbahce, and Everton, have already expressed interest or submitted bids. The article suggests that additional clubs may enter negotiations during the summer transfer window. This development marks the end of Dovbyk's tenure with the Giallorossi, despite his recent recovery and potential contribution to the team's immediate fixtures.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lazio FC is poised for significant leadership changes this summer following a disappointing season that saw the club miss out on European competition for the first time in 22 years. After losing the Coppa Italia final to Inter Milan, head coach Maurizio Sarri and sporting director Angelo Fabiani face uncertain futures. Sarri is scheduled to meet with club president Claudio Lotito after the upcoming Derby della Capitale to decide their professional paths. While Sarri is unlikely to resign without another offer, he is linked to several Serie A clubs, including Napoli, AC Milan, and Atalanta. Potential replacements for Sarri include Gennaro Gattuso, Raffaele Palladino, Fabio Grosso, and Kosta Runjaic. Meanwhile, Hellas Verona’s Sean Sogliano is the leading candidate to replace Fabiani, aligning with Lotito’s strategy to focus on recruiting young talent. The club’s failure to qualify for Europe has intensified pressure on the current management, prompting a search for new direction ahead of the next campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article summarizes episode #231 of the 'Across the Romaverse' podcast, which returns after a two-month hiatus to analyze the final stretch of AS Roma's 2025-26 Serie A season. The primary focus is the upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio, a critical match for Roma's hopes of qualifying for the next season's Champions League. The hosts discuss the tactical and psychological aspects required for success in this derby. Beyond the match preview, the episode addresses several key off-field and roster topics, including potential contract renewals for star players Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, an assessment of Pellegrini's legacy at the club, and the likelihood of midfielder Koné departing the team. The impact of recent signing Donyell Malen is also evaluated. Additionally, the discussion covers candidates for the new Director of Sports role and updates on the ongoing Stadium Project. The content serves as a comprehensive guide for fans interested in both immediate match preparations and long-term club strategy during a pivotal moment in the season.

1 reports · 1 sources

AS Roma is reportedly confident in securing a contract extension with Argentine forward Paulo Dybala, despite the new agreement involving a substantial reduction in salary. Dybala, whose current contract expires in June 2026, has entered negotiations with the club through his agent, Carlos Novel. While he currently earns €8.5 million annually, the proposed one-year extension offers a maximum of €2.5 million plus bonuses, potentially including an option for an additional season. Reports indicate that Dybala is open to accepting this pay cut due to his gratitude for the club's support during recent injury layoffs and his desire to stabilize his private life in Rome following the birth of his first daughter. A decisive meeting between club director Frederic Massara and Dybala’s agent recently took place, with a final decision expected after the upcoming Serie A derby against Lazio. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini strongly advocates for retaining the player. Additionally, Roma has initiated renewal talks with other expiring contracts, including Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik, signaling a broader strategy to retain key squad members for the next campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources

This preview article details the upcoming Serie A Round 37 derby between Roma and Lazio, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma, currently fifth in the league table with 67 points, enters the match following a 3-2 away victory against Parma under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. In contrast, Lazio sits in ninth place with 51 points after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Internazionale in the Coppa Italia semi-final under Maurizio Sarri. The report highlights that Roma won the previous head-to-head encounter 1-0 in September 2025. Key team news includes predicted starting lineups for both sides, featuring prominent players such as Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen for Roma, and Pedro Rodríguez for Lazio. Additionally, the article notes significant absences for Roma, with strikers Artem Dovbyk and Bryan Zaragoza ruled out due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. The piece serves as a comprehensive guide for fans, offering tactical insights and roster updates ahead of this crucial capital city clash.

1 reports · 1 sources

AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has announced a comprehensive review of the club's organizational structure during the upcoming summer transfer window. In a rare interview addressing rising tensions at San Siro, Cardinale confirmed he has already held discussions with head coach Massimiliano Allegri regarding the team's recent downturn. The Rossoneri have won only one of their last five Serie A matches, jeopardizing their Champions League qualification spot as they sit level on points with Roma with two games remaining. Cardinale explicitly stated that failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League would constitute a 'failure,' despite acknowledging the team's strong performance for most of the season. He defended his management against criticisms that prioritize profitability over sporting success, asserting that winning remains the absolute priority. While expressing disappointment with the current form and fan anger, Cardinale urged supporters to back the squad in the final crucial matches. He highlighted the club's historic positive cash flow but admitted that financial resources must be better utilized to ensure competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.

1 reports · 1 sources

Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto has publicly admitted his intention to leave the Brazilian club in 2026 to seek new challenges abroad. Following a Copa do Brasil match, the player revealed an existing agreement with club president Osmar Stabile to evaluate any advantageous offers that may arise mid-year. Although he is currently the team's top scorer for the 2026 season, Alberto feels it is time for a change after five seasons. Corinthians has set a minimum valuation of 20 million euros for 50% of his economic rights, with Zenit holding the remaining half. The club previously rejected bids from Roma, Lazio, and Fenerbahçe. Despite his desire to play internationally, Alberto acknowledged that the potential of winning the Libertadores Cup with Corinthians could influence his final decision. He expressed gratitude to the fans and highlighted his productive tenure, which includes 83 goals in 230 games since 2022. His contract runs until July 2030, featuring significant termination fines for both domestic and international transfers.

1 reports · 1 sources

Paulo Dybala is reportedly close to signing a new contract with AS Roma, with encouraging signs emerging from recent negotiations. The Argentine forward expresses a strong desire to remain in Rome for at least another season. Ryan Friedkin, who recently arrived in the city, has demonstrated significant openness to finalizing the deal. Discussions between Dybala’s agent, Carlos Novel, and club official Frederic Massara have brought both parties closer to an agreement. The proposed deal likely includes a one-year contract with an option for two additional years, featuring a fixed base salary of €2 million plus performance-based variables. Adidas is also advocating for the renewal, aligning with coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s view on Dybala’s importance to the squad during the club's centenary year. A final decision is expected shortly after the upcoming derby against Lazio, with no major summer drama anticipated. The situation highlights the strategic alignment between the player, management, and coaching staff in securing key talent for the team's future success.

1 reports · 1 sources

AS Roma is reportedly close to finalizing a contract extension for Argentine forward Paulo Dybala. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the final signatures are expected to occur after the upcoming derby against Lazio. Recent negotiations between Dybala’s agent, Carlos Novel, and Roma’s sporting director, Ricky Massara, have focused on the terms of the new deal. The 32-year-old player is set to receive a fixed base salary between €2 million and €2.5 million, with potential increases tied to performance metrics such as appearances, goals, and assists. The club aims to reward Dybala for his loyalty, particularly after he rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia two years prior. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed strong support for retaining Dybala, praising his high-level performance before an injury sidelined him for three months. Gasperini anticipates a productive attacking partnership between Dybala and Donyell Malen in the coming season. This development underscores Roma's commitment to maintaining their core offensive talent despite recent injury challenges.

1 reports · 1 sources

The final stretch of Italy's Serie A football season faced significant disruption due to a scheduling conflict with the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome. Authorities and league officials clashed over the timing of the crucial Rome derby between AS Roma and Lazio, which shares venue proximity with the tennis finals at Foro Italico. Initially scheduled for Sunday morning to avoid security issues, the match was moved to Monday by the Rome Prefect, causing uncertainty for clubs and fans. After legal appeals failed to produce an immediate ruling, a compromise was reached to hold the matches on Sunday at 12pm with unified security coordination. This chaos overshadowed the intense battle for Champions League spots among Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, and Roma. Meanwhile, on the tennis courts, Coco Gauff advanced to the Italian Open final after defeating Sorana Cîrstea. The incident highlights the logistical challenges when major sporting events coincide in the same city, impacting team preparations and fan attendance plans.

1 reports · 1 sources