Claudio Ranieri is ready to take charge of his first Roma training session in his third stint at the Stadio Olimpico today, and reports in Italy suggest he will use a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 system against Napoli after the break, starting Mats Hummels.

The 73-year-old returned to the capital on Wednesday after reaching an agreement with club owner Dan Friedkin in London. He was welcomed by over 200 Giallorossi fans at Fiumicino airport.

His Roma side sit 12th in the Serie A table, just four points above the drop zone. Their next opponents after the international break are table leaders Napoli, coached by Antonio Conte.

How Roma could line up under Ranieri

Corriere dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia report that Ranieri will field a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation against the Partenopei. Hummels’ return to the starting XI will be the most significant change from Ivan Juric’s era.

The German centre-back has only played 23 minutes since joining the Giallorossi on a free transfer last summer and didn’t even start when Evan N’dicka was unavailable against Union Saint-Gilloise last week.

The former Borussia Dortmund star is expected to join N’Dicka and Mancini in a three-man defence or form a four-man defence with the addition of Angelino as a left-back.

Alexis Saelemaekers is expected to return to action this month, boosting Ranieri’s options on the right flank, while Lorenzo Pellegrini could be deployed as a left winger in a 4-4-2 system or as a central midfielder in a 3-5-2 formation.

Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana reveals that Zlatan Ibrahimovic always gives the team a couple of advice before games and feels Rodri should have won the Ballon d’Or last season, while Vinicius Jr. deserved it for 2024.

Milan midfielder Fofana released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport while on international duty with France’s national team.

The Rossoneri will meet rivals Juventus at San Siro after the break.

“I watched the game on TV last year because there were many French players,” he said.

“It’s like a derby, with great intensity on the pitch and in the stands.

“Thiago Motta is an excellent coach. He did a great job at Bologna last season, qualifying for the Champions League. This team has a team with more quality, and obviously, he has big targets. It will be a tough game, and the best will win.”

Milan have 18 points this season, eight below table leaders Napoli, but they have a game in hand.

“We want to be higher in the table, and some results were not positive,” admitted the French midfielder.

“This means we have room for improvement if we are less exposed. Once we gain consistency, they’ll have to deal with us. I believe in the coach’s work and my teammates, and I am sure this is the right path.”

Fofana on Ibrahimovic ‘advice’ before Milan games and wrong Ballon d’Or winners

The top six teams are within two points, but Fofana believes Milan can win the title.

“Obviously, we are Milan, and we must play to win the title every season. Give us time to work,” he said.

The 25-year-old joined the Rossoneri from Monaco last summer.

“I knew the project and accepted it because the coach gave me space,” Fofana explained.

“I like Serie A, which is different from Ligue 1 because each team has two or three strong players. All Italian teams follow a precise strategy until the final whistle, and it’s all more complicated.”

What does Milan coach Fonseca expect from Fofana on the pitch?

“Provide balance and link up attack and defence,” the midfielder replied.

“Be the first one to build up and defend, occupying the spaces left void by the teammates. I’m the player who moves less to fill the gaps. I play in the shadow, and I’m getting used to it because it allows me to improve.”

How about Red Bird advisor and Milan legend Ibrahimovic?

“He immediately explained to me the importance of Milan and Serie A,” said Fofana.

“He cares about the new course, he’s always present and positive. He always gives us a couple of advice before games and transmits trust.”

Fofana wasn’t even playing football ten years ago and worked as a pizza delivery man. Does he ever think about it?

“Always. It helps me keep my feet on the ground,” he said.

“I always tell myself I started late, so I must recover and challenge myself each day. It was a valuable experience to learn discipline and earn money for the first time.

“Now, I always tip the riders because I know it’s important. I’ve eaten some good pizzas in Milan, but I prefer to stay home and watch movies.”

Who are his role models on the pitch?

“Yaya Touré or Tanguy Ndombele of Lyon. Generally, players dictating the tempo who know when to pass or keep the ball.”

Spain star Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but Fofana feels things should have been different in the last couple of years.

“I would have given it to Vinicius, but Rodri deserves it for what he’s been doing in the last three or four seasons with Manchester City,” he said.

“He is complete. He defends, scores goals and provides assists. His team does not lose when he plays, but everyone would have been happier if Rodri had won last season and Vini this year.”

Milan won the derby against city rivals Inter in September, and Fofana is looking forward to meeting the Nerazzurri again in 2025.

“Maignan and Theo often talked about it, and I could not wait to play it,” he concluded.

“After what happened in the first leg, I can’t wait to play in the second leg.”

Italy will face Belgium and France this week, and the Azzurri need just one point in two matches to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.

Italy are the Nations League Group A2 leaders with 10 points, one more than France and six more than this evening’s opponents, Belgium.

This means the Azzurri can already secure qualification to the quarter-finals this evening with an away draw in Belgium.

What Italy need to qualify for Nations League quarter-final

The Azzurri will see Nicolò Barella make his first international appearance after last summer’s Euros, while Mateo Retegui, the Serie A leading scorer, will lead the attack at the King Baudouin Stadium.

However, one point against Belgium won’t be enough to win the group and be among the seeded teams in the quarter-final draw, which will take place on November 22.

As of today, Italy’s possible opponents if they win their group are current runners-up Croatia, the Netherlands, and Denmark. If they finish second, they will meet group winners: Portugal, Germany, or Spain.

Dates for Nations League knock-out phase

The Nations League quarter-finals will be played during the March international break in 2025. The first-leg games will be played on March 20, and the second-leg matches will be played on March 23. The semi-finals will be played on June 4 and 5. The Final and the third-place play-off are scheduled for June 8.

Italy have already secured a spot among the seeded teams for the 2026 World Cup draw thanks to their results in the Nations League this season.

Nicolò Barella returns to Italy’s XI in a Nations League game against Romelu Lukaku’s Belgium this evening.

It kicks off at 20:45 GMT (19:45 CET) at the King Baudouin Stadium.

The Azzurri must cope without Samuele Ricci, Riccardo Calafiori, Gianluca Scamacca and Federico Chiesa.

However, Inter star Barella returns after missing the latest four games, joining Davide Frattesi, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Rovella in the middle of the park. The latter will make his senior Italy debut.

Pietro Comuzzo and Nicolò Savona have also received their first Italy call-ups, while Caleb Okoli is waiting to make his first Azzurri appearance.

Serie A leading scorer Mateo Retegui will get the nod up front, leaving Moise Kean on the bench.

Napoli star Lukaku is expected to start for the Red Devils under Italian coach Domenico Tedesco. Big Rom also missed the previous four international fixtures to get in shape after missing the pre-season at Chelsea.

Belgium vs Italy where to watch

The match will not be televised in the UK, but it is available for free on the ViaPlay international YouTube channel. If you are in Italy, you can watch the TV on Rai or RaiPlay. In the USA, the game will be available to stream online on Fubo, Tubi and ViX.

Belgium vs Italy: probable line-ups

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Debast, Faes, Theate, Castagne; Mangala, Onana; Bakayoko, Trossard, De Cuyper; Lukaku.

Italy (3-5-1-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Rovella, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Exclusive Fofana

‘You’ll have to deal with Milan for the Scudetto’

Ranieri’s return

The Roma tinker man: ‘A hard nut to crack? I’m here for this.’

Sinner and national team at the same time

Italy desire

A draw in Bruxelles for the Nations League quarter-finals. Spalletti advances Barella, Retegui in attack.

Corriere dello Sport

Ranieri, third time at Roma, the toughest challenge

Dad is back

The 73-year-old coach has signed until June 2025. He could stay as a director in the future: he must give serenity to the team and the environment. He’ll take charge of the first post-Juric training session today.

Double Italy

Jannik for the Finals’ semis, Retegui for the World Cup and Nations

The World’s No.1 needs just one set to enter the top four. Spalletti needs a point to pave the way towards 2026. Barella attacking midfielder, Rovella’s debut.

DeLa fury: ‘Inappropriate Marotta’

‘Conte is right and thinks the same as me. It’s a tool to avoid referee errors; we need a new protocol to avoid suspects; otherwise, football’s growth is blocked. Inter penalty inexistent.’

Lautaro, social media tension

Juve, Dier is Giuntoli’s latest idea

Tuttosport

Cabal’s crac forces Giuntoli to act for January.

Dragusin, Kiwior, Ismajli, Ortiz and Lindelof the main candidates for the defence. Motta must not replace Bremer only. Djalò convinces Porto and favours Conceiçao’s signature.

Nations League: against Belgium at 20:45.

Italy, in the name of 39 angels

Azzurri pay tribute to the Heysel victims. Cambiaso: ‘We’ll honour them.’ A positive result for the quarter-finals and the World Cup. Barella is back as an attacking midfielder.

Ranieri, Roma’s heart

The love for the Giallorossi has convinced him to accept the Friedkins’ proposal. Six months on the bench, then director. Enthusiasm in Fiumicino. Tennis player Cobolli was among those welcoming him.

Yes, to the Granata march, but on another day

The simultaneity of a charity race will prevent the pre-Monza parade. Protests against Cairo even on the Piazza San Carlo roofs.

ADL attacks Marotta: ‘Inappropriate words.’

De Laurentiis defends Conte: ‘He has expressed correct concepts. The penalty was inexistent. If there’s an error, VAR must call the referee; otherwise, you fuel suspects.’

Marco Materazzi hopes Simone Inzaghi will stay at Inter despite Premier League interest, begged Jose Mourinho to stay and believes the Byron Moreno scandal helped prepare Italy for the 2006 World Cup triumph, regardless of Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt.

The now retired defender sat down with the Italian Football Podcast to look back over his lengthy career at club and international level, while also casting an eye on the current calcio scene.

He was in the stands for Inter’s 1-1 draw with Napoli in Serie A last week and enjoyed the performances of the defenders, above all Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Buongiorno.

“It was an impressive game by Buongiorno. Because in 1 vs 1 against Thuram, because Thuram is strong and fast but for Buongiorno it was easy to catch him. But Napoli maybe paid €40m for him. Now minimum they want not double but €60 million.

“If Antonio Conte stays in Napoli maybe Buongiorno will stay in Napoli. It is a good team and good club,” continued Materazzi.

“Ok, Acerbi is maybe 50-60-70 years old but last match he was the Man Of The Match. Lukaku didn’t touch a ball in that game.

“For me age is important, but not that important. If he is fit, he can play until 38-39 years old, we will see. At the moment Acerbi is one of the best defenders in Italy.”

Inzaghi impressed with his trophy haul at Inter and is doing well in the Champions League too, holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw and beating Arsenal 1-0.

This helped boost reports that after having failed before to convince him, Premier League clubs could be back in for the coach.

“I am an Inter fan. I hope he stays at Inter because his job there hasn’t been finished yet. I think he is a good profile for the Premier League,” confessed Materazzi.

“Maybe Arteta, who is one of the best coaches in the Premier League, but for me Arsenal is one of the clubs in my opinion for Simone.

“Maybe Manchester United. And Manchester City too, because nobody knows what Pep will do.

“But I hope Simone stays in Italy. I’m not his manager. I’m his friend because we played each other and we have a good relationship. I can’t decide on his fate.”

Materazzi was part of the Inter squad that won the 2010 Treble under Mourinho and the bear hug he gave the Special One went viral after that Champions League Final victory.

“I was hugging him because he left us. I’m sure with him we would win many more titles in a row in 2011. But he decided to leave Inter after the game.

“The last two weeks before the game [Champions League final in 2010], I went to José’s office to pray to him to stay. For us as a family, you can see José as a strong person, but he is also very nice. Because he creates a lot of happiness in a locker room, which is very important for me to become champions.

“But he never looked me in the eyes these two weeks, so I understood everything before the final was played.”

Materazzi hero of 2006 World Cup

The highlight of Materazzi’s career was no doubt winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy, where he took centre-stage in the Final against France.

However, before that, he was part of the squad that crashed out of the 2002 tournament in the Round of 16 with defeat to South Korea, a game overshadowed by the bizarre officiating of Ecuadorian referee Moreno.

“I don’t know if he is still in prison, no?” laughed Materazzi, referring to the corruption and cocaine smuggling convictions for Moreno in the following years.

“Maybe he has more problems than that Italy Korea game. But in my opinion that Italy team was better than the 2006. We didn’t have Pirlo but in my opinion that Italy team was better than in 2006.

“We deserved to go ahead in that game, but Byron Moreno was a joker for them. But then we went home and started to prepare for the 2006 World Cup.”

Prepare they did, winning in Germany on a penalty shoot-out against France, where Zidane was sent off in extra time for headbutting Materazzi in the chest.

“You never know what would have happened with him [on the pitch]. He got the red card maybe just 15 minutes before the game was over.

“I don’t like to remember that because in my opinion, you have to remember me for my two goals scored in the World Cup final. I don’t know how many defenders who have scored two goals in the World Cup Final. So that was very important,” insisted Materazzi.

“Maybe he could have scored the penalty [in the shootout]. But in my opinion Trezeguet is one of the best penalty takers in the game, but was unlucky. Had he scored then we would have drawn and shot more penalties. Maybe it was destiny that Italy win the World Cup.”

Luciano Spalletti hints at a new role for Nicolò Barella against Belgium, how Italy must defend using ‘preventative marking’ on Romelu Lukaku and why ‘the objective is to play good football.’

The Nations League tie kicks off at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.

When these teams met at the Stadio Olimpico last month, Italy were comfortably leading 2-0 until Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card, allowing Belgium to claw their way back for a 2-2 draw.

Pellegrini is naturally suspended following that dismissal, so there are reports Barella will be used in the more advanced trequartista role behind the strikers.

“We need a player who can connect the midfield with the attack, who can change position with others and have an attacking approach,” confirmed Spalletti in his press conference.

“Barella has all those elements, just as we have other players who know how to play that role. Barella will probably be on the pitch tomorrow.

“The way I see these positions, Barella is more of a trequartista and Davide Frattesi more of a mezz’ala. Frattesi is certainly good at pushing forward, but if we want someone who will occasionally also drop into midfield, then it’s a long run and perhaps he’s better as a mezz’ala.”

Italy need one point from the final two Nations League games to reach the quarter-finals and face France on Sunday, but the coach is not protecting Gianluigi Donnarumma from a possible yellow card and suspension.

“No, Donnarumma will play. We have to trust our players know how to behave in the right way. The mentality of the team can be changed if we think a draw would suffice, so we need to maintain the same attitude we had in recent matches, which was perfect.”

Spalletti identifies Belgium dangers for Italy

Lukaku is back in the Belgium squad and expected to lead the attack tomorrow, although his form for Napoli has been far from ideal.

“Belgium have so many champions to choose from and it doesn’t matter if someone is missing, another great player will take their place,” noted Spalletti.

“Lukaku is particularly strong and will be a danger for our defence, but we must get accustomed to facing top opponents.

“Belgium will try to make the most of Lukaku’s characteristics and give him the service that he prefers. He’s good dealing with crosses from the by-line or holding up the ball to bring his teammates forward. His greatest quality is that he can make any ball seem easy, so it will be fundamental we get the preventative marking right on him.”

There are several new players in the Italy squad for these games, including Pietro Comuzzo and Lazio midfielder Nicolò Rovella, while Manuel Locatelli of Juventus is recalled for the first time since he was left out of EURO 2024.

“Both Rovella and Locatelli are playing very interesting football,” noted Spalletti.

“Their main characteristic is winning back the ball, but they also improved in other aspects. When I say that we are lacking a bit of talent in certain areas, that remains true, but if we can spread the load over all the players, it gets better.

“Locatelli is a good lad, an exceptional professional, his eyes lit up when I called him and that is a very important response to have. I didn’t call him before because I didn’t see certain things in his play that now I do. I don’t know if the change is down to him or his new coach, but quality does make the difference.”

Spalletti transformed Italy after that EURO 2024 disappointment, following the trend in Serie A for a three-man defence, but the coach was asked if that was all that had changed.

“We can be as clear as possible, choosing players with exceptional motivation who have great pleasure pulling on this jersey, whether they step onto the field or not.

“It is true that probably my behaviour was not fair for the potential and quality we had at our disposal, both in choosing certain players and the type of approach that I took.

“As for the rest, the lads deserve credit. There are few fixed positions on the pitch, they are better at showing their qualities as a team.”

The top two sides in the group go into the Nations League play-offs, but Spalletti is hesitant to say the objective is to win it.

“What we want is to play good football. Our objective is to play football and through that bring home results. I believed that when I started in this profession and in 30 years of experience I only reinforced that belief. You have to play good football, enjoy yourself and that brings the best out of people.”

Hakan Calhanoglu reveals how close he came to a Galatasaray transfer and why he was irritated that Inter teammates didn’t listen to his warning about Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz.

The midfielder is currently on international duty with Turkey and spoke to TV8.5 about his current form at club level.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing, as during the 1-1 draw against Napoli at San Siro, he missed his first penalty in the Nerazzurri jersey after 19 successfully converted.

“I do not run away from my responsibilities. If I make another mistake on a penalty, I will still take the next one. Some people might think that means I have a big ego, but the truth is I just have faith in myself.”

Calhanoglu also trusts his Turkey international squad teammates, including 20-year-old sensation Kenan Yildiz, who came off the bench for Juventus and scored twice to secure his team a thrilling 4-4 draw in Serie A.

“Before the game with Juventus, I told my teammates not to leave Kenan Yildiz any room to breathe. They didn’t take it very seriously and then he was the player who turned the game around.

“I said to them afterwards, I told you so!”

Calhanoglu built career at San Siro

The 30-year-old has been in Italy since 2017, as first he wore the jersey of Milan at San Siro, then crossed the city as a free agent to join Inter in the summer of 2021.

His career has gone from strength to strength with the Nerazzurri, but Calhanoglu revealed it was almost a very different story.

“I had the opportunity to return to Turkey when I was at Milan, but at that time there were presidential elections for Galatasaray and nothing came of it.

“I am an Inter player now, with a contract that I recently extended to 2027. I don’t know what will happen in future, it would be wrong for me to say anything, as I don’t want to give anyone false hope.”

He had some bad memories with Inter in Istanbul, losing the Champions League Final to Manchester City in 2023.

“It was a difficult moment for us, but a year later we won the Scudetto and became Champions of Italy for the 20^th time. Now we are doing well, the next few games will be important.”

Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes claimed he was ‘very happy’ at the Stadio Olimpico until he worked under coach Daniele De Rossi, adding that he’s living his life ‘day by day’ waiting for his club to change manager ‘again’.

The former Paris Saint-Germain player joined the Giallorossi for a third time in the summer of 2023 and played 49 games across all competitions under José Mourinho and his replacement De Rossi, but things quickly changed when the latter was also sacked at the beginning of the current season.

Paredes was ‘happy’ until De Rossi was replaced by Juric at Roma

The 30-year-old has started only one game in the Europa League since Juric took over the Italian coach in mid-September, and now that the Giallorossi are about to hire Claudio Ranieri as their fourth manager in 2024 he made clear how De Rossi’s sacking marked a turning point in his season.

“I live my life and my career day by day,” Paredes told ESPN ahead of Argentina’s Copa America fixtures during the international break.

“Obviously, there were a lot of rumours, but I only think about my club. I was very happy until De Rossi was here, then the manager thing happened. Now, we change again…”

With Juric at the helm, Paredes was mostly dropped in favour of Manu Koné and Enzo Le Fée, only racking up four Serie A appearances as a substitute since September.

Nicolò Barella returns for Italy against Belgium and sees vast improvements from EURO 2024. ‘They showed great mental strength.’

It kicks off on Thursday at 19.45 GMT in Brussels and the Azzurri need just one point from the remaining two games to be sure of a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

The Inter midfielder had missed the last two call-ups for international duty due to injury concerns, so this will be his first appearance for the Nazionale since the ill-fated EURO 2024 campaign.

“I certainly missed being here with my teammates,” he told the official Italian Football Federation social media channels.

“I am feeling good and thank them for the wonderful performances they had in my absence, because the situation when I was last with them was not easy, especially on a psychological level, but they showed great mental strength.”

Barella sees transformed Italy

Coach Luciano Spalletti has since implemented a 3-5-2 tactical system based largely on the success of Barella’s Inter.

“I can confirm I had good sensations in training. This is a team that proved it is capable of doing very well. I will try to settle back in and give my contribution, if the coach wants me to.”

Barella is not exactly a prolific marksman, but of his 10 senior goals for Italy, two of them were against Belgium in EURO 2020 and the Nations League third-place final.

“I was telling my teammates today that they were my ‘favourite victims’ – but every game is different and logically I’d be happy to score or do well, but I repeat, the coach makes his decisions and I just have to be ready,” noted the midfielder.

When these sides met last month, Italy had been leading 2-0 until the Lorenzo Pellegrini red card, prompting a comeback from Belgium to draw 2-2.

“It is going to be a difficult match, we mustn’t let what happened in the last game affect us. Before that incident, Italy dominated the game, but they are on home turf this time and will want to prove how strong they are.

“I hope it will be an entertaining match for the fans.”

#Barella alla vigilia di #BelgioItalia #NationsLeague#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/SEzXQuK3lw

— Nazionale Italiana (@Azzurri) November 13, 2024

Juventus can’t spend big in the winter transfer market as they are looking at short-term solutions able to deliver immediately, with Paris Saint-Germain outcast and ex-Inter star Milan Skriniar being the first on the Bianconeri’s wishlist.

Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal’s injuries deprived Thiago Motta of crucial defensive options, but the Old Lady’s budget limitations prevent them from targeting defenders of the same status in the next transfer window, particularly regarding the centre-back role.

Juventus’ options to fix injury crisis limited by financial reasons

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli may be sending a ‘subtle message’ to Skrinar when claiming that the Bianconeri are looking for someone who is ‘willing to question himself’ to fix their injury crisis.

The former Nerazzurri defender is considered an ideal profile to strengthen Thiago Motta’s outfit in the short term, as he already boasts significant Serie A experience and could be tempted by the prospect of increasing his playing time in a season that has seen him rack up only four Ligue 1 appearances.

However, after an extremely lucrative summer transfer market, Juventus must keep an eye on their balance sheet and could only sign a player on loan, which could be a scenario Skriniar may not be interested in as he’d prefer to join a club where he could revive his career.

While the 29-year-old would be Giuntoli’s favoured option, the Bianconeri have also been linked with profiles such as Manchester United’s Lindelof, David Hancko of Feyenoord and their former player Radu Dragusin, now at Tottenham.

Scott McTominay found his second Serie A goal against Inter and, beyond that, he once again showed his importance in Antonio Conte’s Napoli at the San Siro.

The Scotland international gave an all-round contribution which was key to helping his side avoid defeat against the reigning champions, as he covered the most distance (12km) among his teammates, leading Corriere dello Sport to define him as ‘essential‘.

McTominay’s numbers against Inter show his influence for Napoli

Whatever system Conte opts for, whether it is 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3, McTominay is able to adapt and carry out different functions, both in the offensive and offensive end.

Against Simone Inzaghi’s side, the former Manchester United midfielder won possession back six times and mustered 16 ground and aerial duels combined, winning eight of them. He also proved an offensive reference for Napoli, collecting the most touches (3) in the opponents’ box and completing all his passes in the final third.

On top of all that, McTominay scored the Partenopei’s opener, which crucially allowed his side to follow the gameplan they had prepared, as they sat deep for long stretches in the second half and managed to frustrate Inter’s attempts to win the game.

Video: McTominay opens scoring in Inter-Napoli title battle

Italy must cope without Samuele Ricci and Riccardo Calafiori in Nations League games against Belgium and France: here’s how Luciano Spalletti will replace the injured pair.

The Azzurri meet Belgium away and France at home in the final Nations League group stage games in November.

The Torino midfielder sustained an ankle injury during the latest Derby della Mole against Juventus last week, while Calafiori has been out of action for nearly a month due to a knee injury suffered with Arsenal.

Ricci was initially included in Spalletti’s 23-man squad list but was later replaced by Juventus playmaker Manuel Locatelli, the player with the most line-breaking passes in Serie A this season.

How Italy will replace Ricci and Calafiori against Belgium and France in Nations League

During a press conference attended by Football Italia on Monday, Spalletti said he was not too worried by Calafiori’s absence given that Inter star Alessandro Bastoni can cover the same role and have the same attacking and defensive duties as the versatile Arsenal star.

This means Bastoni will play as a left defender in a three-man backline, giving Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno a chance to prove himself in the middle of the defence.

Replacing Ricci may be trickier for the Azzurri, given that the Torino star has had a key role in the middle of the park for after the Euros.

The 23-year-old is among the best players in Europe for keeping the ball in high-pressure situations and will be replaced by the debutant Nicolò Rovella or Locatelli.

Spalletti will likely use a 3-5-1-1 system in the next two matches, using four central midfielders, and Nicolò Barella could also be deployed as a playmaker in the next two games. The Inter star covered the same role at San Siro this season when replacing the injured Hakan Calhanoglu.

Italy are on their way to Belgium where Spalletti will hold a pre-match press conference later today.

Roma’s economic effort to put a third manager on their payroll for the 2024-2025 season will see them spend the equivalent of a top coach’s wage, despite their team being just four points above the relegation zone.

The Giallorossi look set to hire Claudio Ranieri, whose deal should last until the end of the current season, although there are chances that the Italian tactician remains at the club even after his contract’s expiration as a board member.

Roma owners to have three coaches on their payroll: how much they will spend

However, it is likely the Friedkin family will try to lower Ranieri’s demands as much as possible, considering the contracts of previous managers Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric are still running.

The new coach’s salary will add to De Rossi’s €3.3m seasonal wage to be paid until 2027 and a further remuneration of €2m for Ivan Juric, whose deal lasts until June 2025.

As reported by Calciomercato.com, it means that the Giallorossi owners will spend more than €5m this season for their managers, in addition to Ranieri’s salary, unless De Rossi and Juric find a new club.

De Rossi’s contract was extended at the end of last season, but he was then sacked after failing to win any of his first four Serie A games in charge in the new campaign, with his successor Juric picking up Roma’s only three league victories so far from eight matches at the helm.

Claudio Ranieri’s decision to return from retirement to take charge of a struggling Roma side should not come as a surprise, considering he had already said in the past that ‘when Roma call’ he has ‘to say yes’.

When Ranieri said he had to ‘say yes’ to Roma

The former Leicester manager already coached the Giallorossi twice, with his last stint coming in 2019, when he took over the fired Eusebio Di Francesco with the Stadio Olimpico outfit chasing a Champions League spot.

He had been just sacked by Fulham back then and, while he admitted that he would’ve ‘never’ signed for any other club at that moment, he couldn’t turn down an offer from the club of the city where he was born.

‘Returning to Rome is always special, above all for Roman people, for Roma fans,” he said in his first press conference as Roma coach in 2019.

‘The emotion couldn’t be higher. I would’ve never signed for any other club, but Roma, if they call, I have to say yes.’

How Ranieri’s two previous stints at Roma went

Ranieri‘s first experience as Roma coach had come in 2009 when he replaced Luciano Spalletti at the beginning of the season before going toe to toe with José Mourinho’s Inter in a thrilling title fight that would last until the final Serie A day.

The Giallorossi missed out on the Scudetto, finishing two points behind Inter, and they failed to bring their form into the following season, which saw Ranieri resign in February 2011 after watching his side throw away a first-half 3-0 lead at Genoa to lose 4-3.

However, the ‘Tinkerman’ returned to Roma in 2019 as an interim manager, although he failed to significantly revive the team who had been struggling under Di Francesco, as he only slightly improved their Serie A point average.

Ranieri would leave at the end of that season after steering the Giallorossi to a 6th-place finish, earning them a spot in the Europa League.

The coach was in tears in his final home match at the helm against Parma, but is now set to get a new chance to revive the fortunes of the club he’s always supported, who currently sit 12th in Serie A, having won only three of their opening 12 games of the season under previous managers Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric.

La Repubblica newspaper claims Vincenzo Montella didn’t reach an agreement with Roma, while Frank Lampard didn’t convince the board and Massimiliano Allegri was not interested in the role.

Roma are set to appoint Ranieri as their caretaker coach until the end of the season.

Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia claim the experienced tactician is expected in the capital on Wednesday late afternoon and should take charge of his first Roma training session on Thursday.

Ranieri has already coached Roma twice in his career and played for the Giallorossi as a footballer.

Why Roma picked Ranieri over Allegri, Montella and Lampard

The former Cagliari boss met Dan and Ryan Friedkin in London, but Repubblica confirmed that the Roma owners had considered other candidates before calling Ranieri.

Massimiliano Allegri wasn’t interested in the role, especially at such a challenging moment for Roma, while Lampard didn’t fully convince the club owners. The former England international is now expected to take charge of Coventry City.

Montella had emerged as the leading candidate to replace Juric, but according to Repubblica, the former Giallorossi striker would not have been ready for Roma before a week as he was preparing for Turkey national team games against Wales and Montenegro.

Also, Roma only offered the Aeroplanino a one-year and a half contract, while Montella demanded a three-year deal.

Ranieri is expected to sign a contract until the end of the season before becoming a club director.

Claudio Ranieri is set to become Roma’s fourth coach in 2024, and according to Gazzetta, he could join the club’s board at the end of the season.

According to reports, Ranieri and agent Pietro Chiodi flew out to London on Tuesday to meet the Giallorossi owners, who finally seem to have made up their minds on who should succeed the sacked Ivan Juric on Roma’s bench.

Vincenzo Montella seemed to be the leading candidate for the job, but his contract with the Turkish Football Federation would’ve complicated negotiations, persuading Dan and Ryan Friedkin to look at alternative options, with Ranieri being on their list since the beginning.

Details of Ranieri’s contract with Roma revealed

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ranieri and Chiodi are negotiating the terms of a deal that would bring the 73-year-old back to Roma as a caretaker manager for six months, also including a ‘likely’ future in the Giallorossi’s board, as the club are desperate to find a reference point with experience in Italian football.

Unless something unexpected occurs, Ranieri should travel back to Rome on Wednesday evening with his contract signed, as he’d be ready to hold his first training session on Thursday.

The former Leicester coach had announced his departure from Cagliari and retirement from professional football after steering the Rossoblu to safety last season and recently eluded questions about a possible return to the Giallorossi.

Manuel Locatelli has returned to Italy’s national team, and, as reported by Opta, the Juventus midfielder has had the most line-breaking passes in Serie A this term.

Juventus midfielder Locatelli has returned to Italy’s national team to replace the injured Samuele Ricci.

The Torino playmaker had suffered an injury during the latest derby d’Italia against Locatelli’s Juventus at the Allianz Stadium.

Key stat explains Locatelli’s Italy return after Euro darkness

Italy coach Spalletti announced Locatelli’s return during a press conference attended by Football Italia in Coverciano on Monday.

As reported by Opta on X, formerly Twitter, Locatelli has had 142 line-breaking passes in the Serie A this season, at least 19 more than any other player.

Spalletti dropped Locatelli for last summer’s Euros following unconvincing performances for Juventus under Massimiliano Allegri.

The central midfielder reacted on Instagram with a cryptic, all-black Instagram picture that mirrored his mood after Spalletti’s Euro 2024 squad was announced.

Locatelli, 26, has 14 appearances across all competitions with Juventus this term.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez responded to an angry Nerazzurri fan on Instagram: ‘I’ve always given my all.’

Inter striker and captain Lautaro Martinez has replied to a disappointed Nerazzurri supporter on Instagram.

FCInternews and other Italian media report that the fan criticised El Toro by commenting on the striker’s latest Instagram picture from the Argentina training ground.

“Remember about the club that pays you good money,” said the fan, but Martinez’s reply came thick and fast.

Lautaro Martinez hits back at angry Inter fan on Instagram: ‘Remember’

“You should also remember that I’ve always given my all for Inter, like in the World Cup season,” wrote Lautaro.

“My ankle was destroyed, and while others prepared for a great World Cup, I was always on the pitch and never missed a training session. I played all the games until the Champions League Final. ALWAYS remember it before mentioning who pays me.”

The fan cancelled his comment following Lautaro Martinez’s reply, but other Inter fans commented on the same post to defend their captain.

Lautaro Martinez has six goals and four assists in 15 appearances across all competitions this season, but he is still not as consistent as last term when he became the best scorer in Serie A with 24 goals.

Lautaro inspired Inter’s Scudetto victory in 2023-24, lifting the trophy in his first season as the team’s captain.

The 27-year-old striker ranked 7th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or. His contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2029.

 

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