On July 29-30, 2026, false rumors spread on Italian social media claiming AC Milan legend Franco Baresi, 66, had died. The club issued an official denial, stating Baresi is alive but in a difficult health period, reportedly undergoing treatment after lung nodule surgery. Italy’s Deputy PM Matteo Salvini mistakenly posted a tribute before deleting it. AC Milan urged privacy and condemned misinformation.
English defender John Stones, 32, has verbally agreed to join Inter Milan on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City. Inter has prepared a two-year contract worth €4 million annually, with talks ongoing to finalize the deal. Stones also attracted interest from Juventus, Arsenal, and Chelsea but chose Inter. The move reunites him with former City teammate Manuel Akanji and strengthens Inter’s defense under coach Cristian Chivu. No medical has been scheduled yet.
Stellantis, the multinational automaker behind Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler, and Peugeot, reported a second-quarter net profit of 293 million euros ($335.3 million), reversing a loss of 1.87 billion euros from the same period last year. The turnaround was driven by rising demand in North America, showing early benefits from CEO Antonio Filosa's turnaround plan. Adjusted operating income more than tripled to 773 million euros, though it fell short of the Reuters analyst consensus estimate of 914 million euros. Despite the profit swing, Milan-listed shares dropped sharply, falling over 8% initially before paring losses to trade down about 5%. The results mark a significant recovery from the prior year's tariff-related losses.
Footballer Mauro Icardi and his estranged wife Wanda Nara engaged in a public social media dispute over their ongoing divorce case. Icardi posted on Instagram claiming the Italian judiciary rejected Wanda's demands for €250,000 monthly spousal support, €65,000 per daughter, and €100,000 in divorce expenses. He stated the court ruled the application inadmissible on July 27, 2026. Wanda countered that the court only clarified compensation would be decided after the final divorce judgment, asserting she is entitled to compensation. She accused Icardi of refusing to return their daughters' passports, preventing them from returning to Argentina for school starting August 3. Wanda claimed this was the third consecutive year the children registered for school in Argentina and that depriving them of passports constitutes abuse. She also told Icardi to 'find a job' and stop thinking about her while on vacation.
The France national football team will travel to Milan to face Italy on Thursday, November 12, for their penultimate group stage match in the UEFA Nations League. This fixture repeats the location of the 2024 edition, where France previously played Italy in Milan. The article references France's earlier 3-1 defeat against Italy on September 6, 2024, at the Parc des Princes in Paris, with a photo of captain Kylian Mbappé. The match is part of the ongoing Nations League group stage, and the venue remains the same as the previous encounter in Italy.
The French national football team will face Italy on Thursday, November 12, in their penultimate group stage match of the UEFA Nations League. The match will take place in Milan, Italy, mirroring the location of their 2024 encounter. The article references France's previous defeat against Italy (3-1) on September 6, 2024, at the Parc des Princes, with a photo of France captain Kylian Mbappé during that match. The fixture is part of the ongoing Nations League group stage, and the venue remains the same as the previous edition.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian national team's coaching search is at a critical stage. While FIGC President Malagò prefers Pep Guardiola, Serie A clubs are strongly backing Antonio Conte as the top candidate to lead the Azzurri's rebuild. A key meeting is scheduled at the Serie A League headquarters in Milan, where new technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo will present a comprehensive plan to club presidents. The plan covers youth development, infrastructure, and data analysis. Clubs view Conte as a proven leader who can guarantee a successful restart, citing his previous tenure (2014-2016) where he led Italy to a strong Euro 2016 performance. Clubs are willing to financially support Conte's return. The broader goal is to rebuild the entire Italian football system, with Conte potentially becoming a central figure in the revival. The meeting will also analyze Serie A's competitive decline compared to other European leagues using CIES data.
The Guardian's 'The Knowledge' column examines whether Spanish midfielder Rodri has 'completed football' by winning the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or. The article confirms he joins an elite list of male players who have achieved this quartet: Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi. It details each player's path to completing the set, noting that only Beckenbauer did it faster than Rodri (within two years). The piece also notes that no female player has yet achieved the full quartet due to the Ballon d'Or Féminin being only seven editions old, though Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Megan Rapinoe are close. Additional trivia includes most World Cup assists, Ballon d'Or winners with fewest caps, and what happens to World Cup balls.
This article from The Athletic, published July 21, 2026, presents Real Madrid as a source of blockbuster drama following the World Cup. It highlights the club's unmatched success: 15 Champions League titles and 36 Spanish league titles, making them FIFA's greatest club of the 20th century. The piece emphasizes the club's epic, comeback-driven narratives, citing dramatic Champions League victories in 2021-22 and 2023-24. It also notes the internal tensions and power struggles of the 2025-26 season, positioning the club as a mix of epic adventure and political intrigue. The authors, as Real Madrid correspondents, aim to separate myth from reality while explaining the club's enduring appeal and emotional ride for fans.
Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr. has surprised fans with a new look, growing a beard for the first time during his vacation after Brazil's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. His hairdresser, Salah eddine Rhnim (known as Scarfade), shared a video of the transformation on social media, which quickly went viral. Many fans compared the footballer to singer Jason Derulo, while others urged him to keep the beard. Vinicius was also recently spotted at Bad Bunny's concert in Milan, Italy, before he is due to report back to Real Madrid under manager Jose Mourinho. The article also includes links to other stories about Vinicius and his style choices.
Frederik Tiffels, a key player for German champions Eisbären Berlin and the national team, expresses confidence ahead of the new DEL season starting September 17. After a strong 2025/26 season with 9 goals and 38 assists in 52 games, plus a solid Olympic performance in Milan, Tiffels trained almost all summer with only ten days off on Mallorca. He particularly praises returnee Gabriel Fontaine, who previously played for Berlin before moving to Munich. Tiffels highlights Fontaine's popularity and hopes he can replicate his strong 2024/25 form. The article concludes that the Eisbären appear even stronger than last season, positioning them well for their title defense project.
On July 19, 2026, a Bad Bunny concert in Milan was abruptly canceled after only six songs due to a severe storm featuring lightning, strong winds, and hail. Approximately 80,000 fans were evacuated from the venue, and several attendees sustained injuries from hailstones. The cancellation was necessitated by dangerous weather conditions, prioritizing fan safety. The event was reported by German news outlet Die Welt.
Following Argentina's 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England, where Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal, The Sun published a profile of his wife, Agustina Gandolfo. The couple met at a party in 2018 and married in May 2023, with several Argentine national teammates in attendance. They have two children: daughter Nina (5) and son Theo (2). Gandolfo works as a model, entrepreneur, and fitness influencer with 1.7 million Instagram followers. In 2022, the couple opened a restaurant in Milan called 'Coraje,' blending Mediterranean and South American cuisine. Due to its success, they expanded by opening a branch named 'Coraje Mendoza' at their winery estate in Argentina. Gandolfo will attend the World Cup final to support her husband.
The article explores a growing trend where photographers capture images of sports broadcasts from their TV screens, creating artistic blur and saturated colors. The trend gained global attention when French photographer Florence Pernet posted World Cup images of Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lamine Yamal taken from her couch. The practice dates back to 1972 when Belgian photographer Harry Gruyaert photographed the Munich Olympics on a color TV. Recently, the trend revived during the Milan Winter Games, with photographer Matthew Johnson's image of figure skater Alysa Liu going viral. While the public appreciates the dreamlike, nostalgic quality of these photos, the photography community is divided. Critics accuse practitioners of being impostors and stealing work from on-site photographers. Supporters argue it is a legitimate artistic interpretation. The article also notes a broader trend toward more artistic, blurry sports photography that resonates on social media.
Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a new contract with Liverpool until 2031, calling it one of the top three moments of his life. The 25-year-old Hungary captain, who scored 13 goals last season, had been in negotiations with sporting director Richard Hughes for months. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are closing on a €45m deal for Wolves midfielder João Gomes as a replacement for Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United. Villa are also finalizing a club-record £52m deal for Freiburg's Johan Manzambi and working to sign Pervis Estupinan from Milan. Leeds are close to reinforcing their defense with a £34m deal for Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, who played at the World Cup. Coventry City have made Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda their third signing since promotion, with manager Frank Lampard cited as a key factor.
Kering has appointed veteran beauty executive Romain Spitzer as CEO of Bottega Veneta, effective September 1, 2026. Spitzer, who previously served as president and CEO of Fragrance Group LVMH Beauty, will be based in Milan and report to Kering CEO Luca de Meo, also joining Kering's executive committee. His appointment ends a months-long search following the departure of former CEO Bartolomeo Rongone to Moncler in March. Spitzer, a graduate of ESCP Business School, began his career at Guerlain in 1995 and has held senior roles at Jean Paul Gaultier Parfums, Yves Saint Laurent Parfums, and Parfums Christian Dior, where he was instrumental in the success of the Sauvage fragrance. He joins Bottega Veneta amid a turnaround effort under de Meo, who aims to double non-leather goods business under creative director Louise Trotter. Kering stated Spitzer will focus on enhancing brand desirability, deepening client connections, and driving retail excellence.
This article highlights the unexpected collaboration between Italian fashion house Prada and private space company Axiom Space to design next-generation spacesuits for NASA's Artemis program. While the upcoming film 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' features a fictional billionaire dismissing lunar exploration, real-world innovation is proceeding with Prada-branded suits intended for the Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions. Unveiled at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress in Milan, these new suits offer improved mobility, adjustable features for diverse body types, and protection against cosmic radiation. The article notes that NASA successfully launched the Artemis 2 crewed flyby mission in April 2026, paving the way for Artemis 3, which is scheduled to land astronauts on the lunar surface in 2027. This partnership marks a significant intersection of high fashion and aerospace engineering, aiming to modernize the iconic image of the astronaut while ensuring functional safety and performance on the moon.
The European Commission has introduced new proposals aimed at simplifying cross-border train travel in Europe under the slogan "One journey, one ticket, all rights." Currently, travelers face significant complexity due to the fragmentation of national railway systems, often requiring multiple tickets and exposing them to risks if connections are missed between different operators. The new initiative seeks to leverage digital tools and integrated mobility services to allow Europeans to plan, compare, and purchase multimodal journeys with a single click. Key measures include mandating that railway operators display competitor offers neutrally on their platforms and making tickets available to all online sellers. Furthermore, the proposal ensures that passengers holding a single ticket for a multi-leg journey receive full protection, including assistance, rerouting, and compensation, even if delays occur across different companies. This move aims to increase transparency, foster competition, and make train travel a more viable and attractive alternative to flying, addressing both consumer convenience and environmental concerns.
This Op-Ed analyzes Italy's 2026 autumn-winter opera season, highlighting it as an prime opportunity for independent cultural travel. The article details programming at major venues, noting that Milan's La Scala balances classical masterpieces like La Traviata with contemporary visual aesthetics, potentially influenced by directors like Sofia Coppola. Rome's Teatro dell’Opera emphasizes large-scale, contemporary stagings of Puccini, while Naples' Teatro di San Carlo preserves historical prestige with works such as Tosca and Rigoletto. Other key locations include Verona's Arena for monumental summer-extending productions, Bologna for intellectual Mozart and Wagner traditions, and Venice's La Fenice for experimental verismo. The piece also mentions the Ravello Festival on the Amalfi Coast for atmospheric open-air concerts. The author advocates for self-planned itineraries over rigid tour groups, leveraging Italy's high-speed rail network to connect these cultural hubs from Bari in the south to Milan in the north. The narrative emphasizes the integration of opera with local architecture, landscape, and urban life, offering a layered cultural experience beyond mere performance attendance.
The Cannes Film Festival has become a surreal blend of reality and fiction this year, heightened by the on-location filming of the fourth season of HBO's The White Lotus. Journalists and attendees face the unique challenge of potentially appearing as involuntary extras in the production, prompting careful wardrobe considerations. The event also highlights the self-referential nature of the film industry, exemplified by Seth Rogen, who is both presenting an animated film and researching for his satirical series The Studio. Meanwhile, prominent actresses are making significant fashion statements. Gillian Anderson, attending with her new horror film, navigates rumors about a potential X-Files return while showcasing a Miu Miu ensemble. German actress Sandra Hüller, starring in the competition film Fatherland, draws praise for her cool elegance in a custom Chanel Haute Couture outfit. These high-profile appearances and stylish displays suggest that concerns about a lackluster red carpet due to a reduced Hollywood blockbuster presence are unfounded, maintaining the festival's prestige and allure despite shifting industry dynamics.
Julie Kandalec, the manicurist for Emily Blunt in the upcoming film The Devil Wears Prada 2, has shared insights into creating the character Emily Charlton’s distinctive nail looks. Collaborating closely with Blunt, Kandalec curated specific styles to match the fictional Dior executive’s wardrobe. For scenes featuring Tiffany & Co. jewelry, they selected Essie’s Always Morphing, a deep, smoky brown with subtle shimmer. In contrast, a bold, unapologetic red using Essie’s Bordeaux was chosen for Blunt’s ultra-blonde look, a style Kandalec noted was inspired by music icon Debbie Harry. Additionally, for a gold ensemble in Milan, they applied Essie’s Good As Gold polish enhanced with gold leaf flakes for a sculptural effect. Kandalec emphasized that these looks are achievable for DIY enthusiasts, recommending the use of Ready.Prep.Go cuticle softener and Apricot Cuticle Oil for preparation and finishing. The article highlights how these thoughtful color choices and professional techniques contribute to the film’s high-fashion aesthetic, offering readers practical advice on replicating these star-approved manicures at home.
FC Internazionale Milano and publisher Opus have announced the pre-order availability of two new editions of 'Inter The Opus,' a premium book celebrating the club's history and legacy. The newly released Classic and Midi Editions complement the previously launched Marquee 118 Edition. The publication highlights the club's journey since 1908, with a special focus on the historic 2025/26 season where Inter achieved a double victory in Serie A and the Coppa Italia. The Classic Edition is a luxury item limited to 2,500 copies, featuring leather binding and exclusive portraits, priced at €3,500. The more accessible Midi Edition, priced at €350, offers a comprehensive collection of stories and archival images. Both editions are available in Italian and English to serve the global fanbase. Distribution is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with displays planned for Inter Stores in Milan. This project represents a collaborative effort between Opus creatives and Inter historians, aiming to provide an authoritative cultural tribute to the Nerazzurri identity.
This article profiles Koni De Winter, a 23-year-old central defender for the Belgian national team, as he prepares for his first FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026. Standing at 1.91 meters and right-footed, De Winter was trained at Juventus in Italy and has also played for Empoli and Genoa. Currently associated with Milan, he is noted as one of the few Belgian players who has never played professionally for a club in Belgium. The piece highlights his ambition, quoting him on the dream of winning a world title with the Red Devils. Additionally, the article outlines Belgium's upcoming group stage schedule for the tournament. The team is set to face Egypt in Seattle on June 15, Iran in Los Angeles on June 21, and New Zealand in Vancouver on June 27, 2026. The report serves as both a player introduction and a logistical update for fans following the national team's campaign in North America.
In a recent statement, AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale outlined a strategic vision for enhancing the club's financial sustainability and brand elevation through cross-sport collaboration. Cardinale criticized the current economic model of European basketball, specifically noting that the EuroLeague has struggled with profitability for most of its 26-year history, rendering it unsustainable in its present form. To address these challenges, he proposed that European football clubs should actively collaborate with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to introduce NBA basketball events and infrastructure to Europe. This initiative aims to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem where football clubs can leverage the NBA's global appeal to offer new opportunities to their fanbases. The primary goals include improving AC Milan's financial profile, expanding engagement with supporters, and elevating the club's international brand. Cardinale emphasized that this approach is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all stakeholders within the sports ecosystem benefit from shared resources and expanded market reach, marking a significant potential shift in how European sports entities approach commercial partnerships and revenue generation.
Francesco Maisano, the former chief physician at the center of the Zurich heart surgery scandal, has issued his first public statement since the investigation results were published. Speaking through the Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano, Maisano defends his record and attributes the controversy to cultural bias, claiming the German-Swiss medical environment never accepted an Italian clinician in such a prominent role. He rejects allegations of misconduct, arguing that excess mortality rates were linked to conventional procedures rather than the innovative CardioBand device he helped develop. Maisano contends that complication rates for new technologies are expected during initial implementation phases. Furthermore, he addresses accusations of conflicts of interest by stating that his financial ties to industry were minimal and disclosed, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between clinical research and industry for medical progress. He asserts that innovation inherently involves a learning curve and that surgeons should be judged by lives saved rather than the absence of risk. This statement marks a significant development in the ongoing affair, which has drawn attention to potential institutional resistance and ethical concerns regarding medical device usage in Zurich.
This sports preview details the upcoming Serie A match between Genoa and AC Milan, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris. Genoa, currently in 14th place with 41 points under manager Daniele De Rossi, enters the fixture following a 0-0 draw against Fiorentina. In contrast, Milan sits in 4th position with 67 points, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, after a recent 2-3 defeat to Atalanta. The article highlights that their previous encounter this season ended in a 1-1 draw. It provides predicted starting lineups for both squads, featuring key players such as Justin Bijlow and Lorenzo Colombo for Genoa, and Mike Maignan and Christopher Nkunku for Milan. Additionally, the report lists unavailable players for Genoa, including Sebastian Otoa and Júnior Messias due to injuries. This analysis serves as a comprehensive guide for fans, offering insights into team forms, tactical setups, and player availability ahead of the crucial league confrontation.
With only two matches remaining in the 2025-2026 Serie A season, significant outcomes are still undecided despite Inter Milan securing the league title and Pisa and Hellas Verona facing relegation to Serie B. The primary focus is on the intense competition for European qualification spots. Due to Italian teams' underperformance in Europe, only seven clubs will qualify for UEFA competitions next season. The top four teams will enter the Champions League, while the next two plus the Coppa Italia winner will join the Europa League. Currently, Napoli holds second place, followed closely by Juventus, AC Milan, and Roma. Como has guaranteed its first-ever European qualification. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Cremonese occupies the final relegation spot, trailing Lecce by one point and Cagliari by six. A recent pivotal match saw Bologna defeat Napoli 3-2, impacting the standings. The outcome of the Coppa Italia final between Lazio and Inter also influences European slot allocations, adding further complexity to the final stretch of the season as teams fight for prestigious continental positions.
Aston Villa supporters Gareth Cheadle and his son Kealan are undertaking an extensive international tour to celebrate the club's appearance in the upcoming European final in Istanbul. Scheduled for Wednesday, the match has inspired the duo to transform their trip into a broader travel experience. Their itinerary includes stops in Valencia, Spain; Milan, Italy; and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, before arriving in Istanbul for the final. On their return journey, they plan to visit Berlin, Germany. Gareth Cheadle described the opportunity as a lifetime memory, noting that the trip initially started as a precautionary booking in case the team did not reach the final but eventually expanded into a multi-destination adventure. The occasion also coincides with his son's upcoming 21st birthday. Cheadle expressed enthusiasm for the atmosphere of European away days and anticipation for what he expects to be a great occasion. This story highlights the dedication of football fans who combine sporting events with significant personal travel experiences, showcasing the cultural impact of major European football tournaments on supporters.
Kosta Poltavets, the Ukrainian-Dutch trainer of speed skater Jutta Leerdam, reveals the secrets behind her Olympic gold medal win in the 1,000 meters at the Milan Games. In a rare interview, Poltavets discusses their unique two-year collaboration outside traditional team structures, describing it as a pioneering experiment driven by mutual perfectionism and risk-taking. He details their meticulous approach, including extensive equipment adjustments and psychological preparation involving a former military officer. Poltavets attributes his coaching philosophy to his background growing up in the Soviet Union and his later life as an asylum seeker in the Netherlands, emphasizing a lifelong desire for free thinking and pushing boundaries. The partnership succeeded through radical openness and confidentiality, allowing them to navigate intense discussions and technical challenges. This exclusive insight highlights how their isolated, detail-oriented strategy defied conventional wisdom to achieve historic success on the ice.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the captain of the Swedish national ice hockey team (Tre Kronor), expresses deep pride in representing his country at the World Cup, sixteen years after his debut. Despite a demanding season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, missing the Stanley Cup playoffs, and recently becoming a father to twins, Ekman-Larsson chose to participate to support the next generation of players. He emphasizes that playing for Sweden remains a special honor that has not diminished with age. The veteran defender highlights the importance of balancing professional ambition with family life, noting that being present at home has improved his mental approach to the game. Ekman-Larsson joined the squad early to bond with younger teammates, aiming to understand them both as athletes and individuals. Sweden is set to open their World Cup campaign against Canada in Fribourg, Switzerland. The article underscores his leadership role and his desire to give back to the national program, viewing the opportunity as a rewarding experience rather than a burden amidst his busy personal and professional schedule.
The only Milan-related development this period concerns Real Madrid's 18-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who is set to leave on loan, with AC Milan among the potential destinations. The player will join a European top-five league club on a pure loan, and a return to his boyhood club River Plate has been ruled out. A final decision is expected by the end of the week.
The sole development this period was AC Milan's urgent denial of false rumors claiming the death of club legend Franco Baresi. The rumors circulated on Italian social media on July 29-30, prompting an official club statement confirming Baresi is alive but in a difficult health period. Italy's Deputy PM Salvini mistakenly posted a tribute before deleting it, and the incident drew widespread condemnation of online misinformation.
Real Madrid's 18-year-old Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who made 35 appearances with 3 goals, will leave on a pure loan (no purchase option) to a European top-five league club for development. Over a dozen offers include AC Milan, Fiorentina, Roma, Villarreal, and Rennes. A return to childhood club River Plate is ruled out. A decision is expected by end of week, with the player not in Madrid's weekend squad.
On July 29-30, 2026, false rumors spread on Italian social media claiming AC Milan legend Franco Baresi, 66, had died. The club issued an official denial, stating Baresi is alive but in a difficult health period, reportedly undergoing treatment after lung nodule surgery. Italy’s Deputy PM Matteo Salvini mistakenly posted a tribute before deleting it. AC Milan urged privacy and condemned misinformation.
Fulham, led by former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, is pursuing 22-year-old forward Gonzalo García, offering up to €60 million. Real Madrid initially agreed to sell due to a crowded attack (Mbappé, Vinicius, Endrick), but new coach José Mourinho has paused the transfer after being impressed by García's pre-season form. Real Madrid seeks to retain future control via clauses. García, a youth product with 13 goals in 51 La Liga matches, won the Club World Cup Golden Boot last summer.
Developments directly related to Milan in this period are extremely limited. Neither event involves the club itself, instead focusing on transfer and personal life stories of other European players. The reported breakup of Ferran Torres during the World Cup and his potential move to Paris Saint-Germain have no direct connection to Milan. The transfer saga of Real Madrid forward Gonzalo García also makes no mention of Milan, involving only negotiations between Fulham and Real Madrid.
Developments directly related to Milan in this period are limited. The main event involves Turkish clubs Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray both pursuing AC Milan forward Rafael Leão with formal bids, though the player reportedly prefers a more competitive league. Separately, former Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski is in talks for an MLS move, with Italy mentioned as a possible alternative, but the connection to Milan remains unclear.
English defender John Stones has verbally agreed to join Inter Milan on a free transfer. Inter has prepared a two-year contract worth €4 million annually, with talks ongoing to finalize the deal. Stones chose Inter over interest from Juventus, Arsenal, and Chelsea, and the move reunites him with former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji.