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Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà examines Italy’s World Cup play-off opponents and notes the Azzurri can qualify for next year’s competition despite a weak football federation. Italy have been paired with Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal and if they progress to the final, they’ll meet the winner between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina away. “It went well, …

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is eager to help Italy and Gennaro Gattuso as the Azzurri prepare for the World Cup play-offs, but notes he ‘poured boiling oil’ on himself as the national team coach. Spalletti briefly spoke about the Italy national team during a press conference on Friday, on the eve of Juventus’ away game at Fiorentina. Italy’s World Cup …

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is delighted by the players’ availability, but insists he’ll need ‘more time’ to work on a four-man defence. Juventus return to the pitch after the international break on Saturday, visiting Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi. Spalletti previewed the game at a pre-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. “We have worked, but I didn’t …

Liverpool return to Premier League action tomorrow afternoon when they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The Reds are desperately seeking consistent form after a rocky start to their title-defending campaign, and Arne Slot will be feeling the pressure to inspire a performance this weekend. Before the international break, Liverpool suffered their fifth league defeat of the season at the hands …

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has spoken to the press this morning ahead of the return of Premier League action this weekend. The Blues take on Burnley away from home in Saturday’s early kick-off, and they’ll be looking to get a good run of results together as they look like outsiders in this season’s title race, despite an inconsistent start. Every …

Beppe Bergomi and Massimo Oddo are confident that Italy have enough quality to qualify for the World Cup, but insist the Azzurri must show ‘humility.’ Italy will face Northern Ireland in the World Cup semifinal play-off in March. The Azzurri also learned the possible Final opponent on Thursday, as they’ll travel to either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina if they …

Gianluca Mancini looks closer than ever to sealing a new contract with Roma, a deal that would keep him at the Stadio Olimpico well into the next decade. The defender has made it clear he sees no reason to leave a club where he has become a central figure. Roma shares that sentiment as they work to reward his influence …

Antonio Conte reportedly held a one-hour meeting with Napoli players on Thursday to discuss errors on the pitch and urge the players to show a reaction starting with the upcoming game against Atalanta. Conte welcomed the last international players at Castel Volturno on Thursday, seeing Eljif Elmas, Mathias Olivera, Amir Rrahmani, Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay return to the pitch …

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded to a question from a reporter about a potential January transfer window move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Reds remain confident of signing Guehi, as we understand it, despite a deal for the England international breaking down late on in the summer transfer window. Slot looks like he could do with a …

Arsenal officials have reportedly been spotted in talks with super agent Jorge Mendes in Turin to discuss a deal for Juventus attacking midfielder Kenan Yildiz. The talented young Turkey international is firmly establishing himself as one of the biggest prospects in world football at the moment after impressing in Serie A. Yildiz scored 12 goals in all competitions last season, …

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has called for Serie A games to be moved ahead of the World Cup play-off in March 2026; here are the matches that could be rescheduled for the national team. Italy will meet Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26, 2026, and Gattuso is concerned about having limited time to prepare for …

Manchester United are increasingly confident that they can strike a bargain transfer deal for Nottingham Forest central midfielder Elliot Anderson, as reported here for the Daily Briefing. The Red Devils look to be really keen on Anderson, and there’s the sense that the England international would also be open to the move to Old Trafford. This has perhaps given Man …

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso hopes Serie A games scheduled for the weekend before the World Cup play-offs will be moved to give the Azzurri more time to prepare for a semifinal against Northern Ireland. The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26. The game will be played at home, while the possible final …

The World Cup draw launches the national team On March 26 in Bergamo, Italy-Northern Ireland. Possible Final on March 31, in Wales or Bosnia. Gattuso: ‘Let’s move Serie A for the playoffs.’ FIGC and Lega are already working. Derby, dear friend, I beat you. Thuram-Maignan for the city and league’s throne. A one-hour confrontation with the players. Napoli start again. …

Chelsea have reportedly made a flurry of enquiries this week over a potential transfer move for Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande. The talented young Ivory Coast international is also being linked as a target for Crystal Palace, but Chelsea could hijack their move, according to TEAMtalk. The Blues have long had Diomande on their radar, according to the report, …