The Champions League returns tonight, with Inter and Roma facing Feyenoord and Manchester United respectively.
The Nerazzurri need to regain their confidence after their derby defeat, while Gasperini’s men are dreaming of an upset at Old Trafford against a Red Devils side in deep crisis!
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Let’s take a look at today’s biggest stories.
🔍 Juventus: all the names on Massara’s shortlist
The win over Napoli has given Juventus renewed confidence, but it has not erased the problems of a team still under construction. The club’s management is already working ahead of the January transfer window, with strengthening the defence the main objective. The priority is a left-back to provide another option alongside Cambiaso: the players being considered include Leipzig’s David Raum, Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri and young Rennes defender Mahamadou Nagida. Midfield options are also being assessed: Koopmeiners could leave, and the team lacks a player who can provide leadership. The preferred option is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, currently at Marseille.
There could also be movement in attack, where Juventus may resume their search for the centre-forward they failed to sign in the summer. First, however, they will need to free up a place in the squad: Edon Zhegrova is among those who could leave, while parting ways with Woltemade, who joined on a paid loan, looks more complicated. The shortlist for the striker role includes Folarin Balogun, AlexanderSorloth and Mauro Icardi. As Tuttomercatoweb reports, the club’s management still has two months to assess the options and establish its priorities.
🔄 Milan to rotate again in Europe
The derby has revitalised Milan‘s league campaign, but now they need a response in the Europa League too. The Rossoneri sit in 24th place with just 3 points, while Ferencvaros lead with a perfect record. A win is essential to climb the table and move closer to the round of 16, especially with a more manageable run of fixtures ahead.
There will be more squad rotation against the Hungarian side. With Maignan suspended, Lorenzo Torriani will start in goal. Jashari, Terracciano and youngster Comotto could feature in midfield, while Hutchinson is expected to play in attack. Meanwhile, Alpha Cisse, Camarda and Ramos remain in contention for the centre-forward role.
✍️ Inter open talks over Çalha’s contract extension
Inter have opened initial talks over a new contract for Hakan Çalhanoglu, whose current deal expires in June. According to Fcinter1908, both parties expressed their desire to continue together at a meeting a couple of weeks ago. The Turkish midfielder has yet to make any financial demands, but wants a contract of at least two years and a basic salary in line with his current earnings.
Calhanoglu is now waiting for the club’s first official offer, with Inter hoping to conclude negotiations by the end of January. Inter also want to include bonuses linked to team results and progress in the Champions League, keeping part of the new deal tied to sporting targets.
😳 Napoli: tension in the dressing room
Tensions are running high at Napoli following the defeat to Juventus. Before leaving for Portugal, Massimiliano Allegri reportedly had a heated confrontation with the squad, criticising their lack of fight and their second-half attitude. According to Il Mattino, his tirade began in the dressing room at the Stadium and continued during training at Vinovo.
A phone call from Aurelio De Laurentiis followed, with the president particularly concerned about the numerous injuries limiting the coach’s options. He reiterated his faith in Allegri, but now expects an immediate response: the away game against Porto already represents an important opportunity to turn things around.
👀 Roma looking to Turkey for January! The name in the frame
Roma are looking to Turkey to strengthen their midfield in January. Gian Piero Gasperini is targeting Gabriel Sara, Galatasaray’s Brazilian midfielder born in 1999, who is admired for his versatility, quality on the ball and ability to create chances. Injuries to Pellegrini, Cristante and Koné have highlighted the need for more options in midfield.
The deal, however, looks complicated: Galatasaray value the player at €30 million, and there is no shortage of competition. In Italy, Napoli are also monitoring the situation, while Premier League clubs Everton and Newcastle have shown interest. The Giallorossi therefore face an international race to secure the midfielder.
🔐 Lazio working to tie down Isaksen
Lazio want to extend Gustav Isaksen‘s contract. According to Nicolò Schira, talks over an extension are progressing well, and a new deal running until 2031 is reportedly already prepared.
The agreement would also include a significant pay rise for the Danish winger, who has become an important part of Lazio’s plans. The deal could be finalised in the coming weeks.
🗣️ Fiorentina: Vanoli praises the squad
Following the win over Sassuolo, Paolo Vanoli praised Fiorentina‘s response, stressing that the team had already been playing good football without picking up points. The coach was particularly pleased with the substitutes’ contributions: “Together, we could get ourselves out of a difficult situation.” He then had a message for the squad: “When we wear this shirt, we represent something important.”
Vanoli also discussed their defensive difficulties and the need to turn talent into results: “In Italian football, we can’t keep conceding two goals.” On the possibility of fielding three playmakers, he explained that attacking quality must be matched by a willingness to make sacrifices and work off the ball.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
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