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Liverpool manager Arne Slot. (Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

Quick take: Big picture: the update fits broader trends across the league with schedule pressure and tight tables. Supporters will watch for clarity from training ground reports and official briefings. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Italy are set to learn their route to the 2026 World Cup with the European play-off draw on Thursday, with the Azzurri guaranteed to be one of the top seeds.

Quick take: Injury outlook: depth players may get minutes, but the knock could strain the side’s rhythm. Recovery timelines will guide expectations; international duty could also be impacted. Continental stakes raise the intensity, where away goals no longer apply but margins still feel razor thin. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Lazio confirmed that the club has a new eagle, with an image posted on social media last night revealing the club’s new bird.

West Ham are expected to pursue a number of signings in January, and striker is one area that needs to be addressed. The expected departure of Niclas Fullkrug means that a new number nine would be essential, and one of their targets has been in the headlines over the last 48 hours.

Fabio Grosso says that he hopes people stop making comparisons between the current Italy national team and the side that won the World Cup in 2006, insisting that it ‘doesn’t help’ emerging young players, while also praising the qualities of Francesco Pio Esposito: ‘He’s proof there are good guys coming through’. 

In six weeks’ time, Liverpool could be left powerless to stop Ibrahima Konate leaving Anfield as a free agent. The powerful defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a number of top clubs across Europe – most notably, Real Madrid.

Man United are expected to explore the possibility of a new signing or two when the transfer window opens in January, and one of the players that could arrive at Old Trafford is Conor Gallagher.

The Italy national team have confirmed their spot in the World Cup play-offs following a 4-1 defeat at home against Norway on Sunday evening, but it remains to be seen where the Azzurri will play in the play-off semi-finals and in the final should they qualify. 

It is no secret that Tottenham are planning to sign a new winger in 2026, as they seek to add further attacking quality to Thomas Frank’s squad. A number of targets have been identified, and one of those is Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo.

Italy suffered their worst home defeat in 70 years with a 4-1 loss against Norway to close the World Cup qualification campaign, a result which confirms the national team’s poor record when playing in San Siro. 

Newcastle will hope that they can use the international break to kickstart their season, which has been disappointing up until now. Eddie Howe’s side sit 14th in the Premier League standings, and only two points away from the relegation zone after 11 matches played.

Manchester City and Arsenal are looking the likely competitors for the Premier League title so far, with the Sky Blues making a comeback after the disappointment of last season.

Antonio Conte is back on the training pitch at Castel Volturno after taking an extended break away from Napoli over the last week. Here’s a reminder of what happened and what is expected to happen next for the Partenopei and their head coach.