Italy's big clubs are gearing up for three days of European football that we all hope will be better than the last. A week ago, all four suffered Champions League defeats—a historic low that even wins for Milan, Juve and Atalanta in the Europa and Conference Leagues could not erase.
But today's talking points in Italy are not just about events on the pitch.
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Let's take a look at the day's biggest stories.
Luciano Spalletti has come under fire after the defeat to Lazio and is considering making changes. According to Sky Sport , the coach is thinking of using Gatti and Kellyin a back three to make the defence more solid. Meanwhile, Koopmeiners and Cambiasocould feature in midfield, bringing energy to the build-up and adding quality in different phases of play.
There could also be changes in attack, where Jeremie Bogais looking to carve out a role after recovering from the muscle problem he suffered in early September. With Yildiz and Conceiçaounavailable, the Ivorian's pace and dribbling could give Spalletti a valuable alternative to make his attack less predictable.
Milan are in talks with Markus Krösche over the role of Head of Football as they look to strengthen their management structure ahead of the winter transfer window. As journalist Antonio Vitiello explains, the German executive is Gerry Cardinale's leading candidate, but the costs of the deal and the makeup of his staff have yet to be settled. The aim is to get a head start on January businessand give the club a central figure to lead their transfer strategy, following difficulties particularly in handling summer departures.
One possible move is an early return for Athekame, currently on a straight loan at Lyon. The Swiss wide player is impressing in France and, with no purchase option in the deal, Milan could consider recalling him as early as January, as they previously did with Matteo Gabbia.
After being booked for an alleged dive following contact with Darmianduring Bologna-Inter, Marcus Thuramhas now also been fined. The second-half incident sparked debate after referee Doveri declined to award Inter a penalty. The controversial decision has now cost the French striker a €2,000 fineon top of his yellow card.
Sports judge Mastandreaconfirmed the sanction in the disciplinary report for Serie A matchday seven: " FOR UNSPORTING CONDUCT ON THE FIELD: CAUTION AND FINE OF €2,000.00 (FIRST OFFENCE) - THURAM ULIEN Marcus Lilian (Inter): for pretending to have been fouled in the opposition penalty area ".
Napoli and Udinese are reportedly considering a sensational loan swapin January involving Lorenzo Luccaand Keinan Davis. According to TMW , Napoli are considering the English striker to add physical presence to their attack, while the Italian centre-forward could return to Friuli after moving to Campania last summer.
The proposed deal would also include a cash payment to Udineseto make up the difference in the two players' valuations. Napoli agreed to sign Lucca for a total of €35 million, including the loan fee and obligation to buy. Talks are reportedly still at an early stage, but the swap would allow both clubs to reshape their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.
Francesco Totti has once again discussed a possible return to Roma, but made no secret of his disappointment at the lack of concrete action from the owners. At the Teatro Brancaccio launch of Oltre , the book he wrote with Alessandro Alciato, the former captain explained that there had never been any real discussion in seven or eight years: " Either we do things together, or we don't do them at all" . As Il Corriere dello Sport reports, Totti has accepted the situation, despite describing himself as " incredulous" and " hesitant ", while reaffirming his bond with the club: " I'm always here for Roma" . On the Friedkins, he added that he hopes they can go as far as possible.
During the evening, Totti also thanked Gian Piero Gasperinifor bringing the team back to the Champions League stage: " Roma deserve to be on that stage" . The coach responded by describing how moved he was by the enthusiasm at the Olimpico. The pair also shared a joke: when Totti asked whether Gasperini had asked permission to speak, the coach replied that there was no need. The former number 10 quickly shot back: " Otherwise, we won't be seeing you in the Roma dugout tomorrow ".
Lazio's organised supporters are not backing downand have rejected the idea of a truce with the club. Speaking on Radio Laziale , fan representatives responded to sporting director Fabiani, who had called for a full Olimpico and expressed willingness to talk with supporters. " There's no truce to sign. The fans no longer want that president" , they said, reiterating that the protest is not about the results of the team, currently top of the table, but a deeper rift with the owners. According to the supporters, the empty seats are also the result of a decision shared by many groups, not just the organised fan base.
The protest against Claudio Lotitodoes not, however, affect their support for the team and Rino Gattuso. " We're all on their side, we cheer them on and support them ", the representatives of the ultras section insisted, pointing to their constant presence at away matches, where Lazio fans often turn out in their thousands. The battle with the club, they stressed, continues regardless of their affection and respect for the players and coach: " They deserve the world" . The message is clear: support for the team continues, but there will be no truce with the president.
Fiorentina's protest over refereeing incidents against Como has gone unanswered. The club wrote to Lega Serie A seeking clarification over the goal awarded to their opponents and Pongracic'sgoal being ruled out for offside. Along with an explanation, the club also requested the VAR audio and an image that would allow them to check the defender's position. According to FiorentinaUno , however, those requests have received no response.
The club have no intention of stopping and will continue seeking clarification through the appropriate channels. Of particular concern is the absence of the requested material, which has reportedly not been made available to the club. The handling of the two incidents therefore continues to fuel controversy, with Fiorentina seeking answers about the refereeing and the assessments made during the match.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
