There is a specific reason behind Inter’s decision to wear their third kit in the upcoming Champions League final against PSG—something that has only happened twice during their European campaign.

Listed as the away team due to their position on the right side of the bracket, the Nerazzurri were not allowed to wear their traditional black-and-blue shirt in Munich, as it would have clashed with PSG’s home kit.

As a result, Inter had to choose between their second and third kits—a decision ultimately made unanimously by the players themselves.

Champions League final: why Inter will face PSG in their third kit

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the squad made the unusual choice to wear the yellow kit, possibly influenced by superstition. Their only defeat in the current Champions League campaign came while wearing the white away kit, against Bayer Leverkusen.

In contrast, the Nerazzurri won both matches played in the third kit, against Sparta Prague and Feyenoord.

Inter have always worn either their home or away shirt in their six previous European Cup/Champions League finals. However, they did win their last UEFA Cup in 1998 while wearing a third kit—beating Lazio 3-0 in Paris in a strip that had been used throughout that tournament.

Luis Enrique will have the chance to add a second Treble to his managerial career tonight if he leads PSG to victory over Inter in the Champions League final. Beyond that remarkable achievement, however, it’s his impressive track record in finals that could give the Nerazzurri cause for concern.

The former Roma boss famously won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League in the same season with Barcelona in 2014–15, beating Juventus 3-1 in the final in Berlin.

Luis Enrique’s near-perfect finals record looms over Inter

Since taking charge of PSG in 2023, the Spanish coach has already guided the club to two Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France triumphs, and two French Super Cup wins.

When it comes to finals specifically, Luis Enrique boasts an almost flawless record, marred only by a loss in the two-legged Spanish Super Cup in 2015, when his Barcelona side were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Athletic Bilbao.

As highlighted by Le Parisien, the PSG coach has never lost any of his first 10 one-off finals.

His most recent success came just days ago, as PSG defeated Reims to lift the Coupe de France.

Inter are mourning the loss of one of their most iconic presidents, Ernesto Pellegrini, who has passed away at the age of 84 on the very day the Nerazzurri prepare to play the Champions League final against PSG.

Pellegrini took charge of the club in 1984, purchasing it from Ivanoe Fraizzoli, and presided over one of the most successful eras in Inter’s modern history, in a tenure defined by ambition, vision, and silverware.

Former Inter president Ernesto Pellegrini dies aged 84

Under his leadership and Giovanni Trapattoni’s management, Inter won the legendary ‘Scudetto dei record’ in 1988–89, setting a new points record for an 18-team Serie A season with 2 points per win.

Pellegrini was also behind the arrival of German stars Lothar Matthäus, Andreas Brehme, Jürgen Klinsmann, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge — players who helped define an era. Inter also lifted two UEFA Cups (1991, 1994) and a Supercoppa Italiana (1989) during his presidency.

The 1991 UEFA Cup triumph, in particular, ended a 26-year wait for European glory. Pellegrini eventually sold the club to Massimo Moratti in 1995, but his legacy continues to be remembered to this day.

While Inter will certainly have plenty of concerns to take into account in their Champions League final against PSG, the French side has also shown vulnerabilities that some teams have been able to exploit during their European campaign.

• Read: Super computer names Inter underdogs in Champions League Final against PSG

Luis Enrique’s team remains very hard to beat, as demonstrated by their only two Ligue 1 defeats, which came after they had already secured the title. However, things have looked different on the European stage.

It must be said that most of PSG’s five Champions League defeats came early in the season, and the team has since evolved into a more reliable and consistent unit, seemingly more aware of both their strengths and weaknesses.

Key lessons for Inter from PSG’s five UCL defeats

The French giants’ last two defeats — against Liverpool and Aston Villa — had no impact on their qualification, yet they could still offer Inter some insight into the situations that might disrupt PSG’s game plan.

Aston Villa came back from two goals down to win 3-2 in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, in a match where Gianluigi Donnarumma played a key role in preventing the English side from scoring more and sending the tie into extra time.

If anything, that game served as a reminder that, perhaps due to their relatively young squad, PSG are still prone to blackouts — sudden lapses in focus that allow opponents back into the game, even when the outcome seems under control.

This suggests that the Nerazzurri should stay alert for moments in which Luis Enrique’s side might lower their level of attention and pressure, looking to capitalise on those mental dips with consistent and aggressive attacking play.

PSG’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool, on the other hand, showed that Inter should not be discouraged if their opponents dominate for long spells. A single moment of brilliance could be enough to shift the momentum — provided they can withstand the most testing phases.

Indeed, the French powerhouse can be frustrated by teams capable of absorbing pressure and making the most of the few chances they get, as also shown in their 2-1 home defeat to Atletico Madrid — a game in which PSG appeared to outplay their opponents for large stretches.

Inter would do well to draw inspiration from those matches, especially by making the most of their most dangerous qualities — such as quick transitions and set pieces.

Benjamin Pavard’s presence in defence is Simone Inzaghi’s only doubt just hours before Inter’s Champions League final against PSG.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (19:00 GMT) at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

The French defender has been sidelined in recent weeks with an ankle injury, but he is expected to at least return to the bench, with Yann Bisseck ready to step in if Pavard is not fully fit.

Lautaro Martínez is also set to return to the starting XI, partnering Marcus Thuram up front, while Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco will take up the wing-back roles.

Despite a recent injury scare, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been included in the French side’s squad and is expected to start on the left of PSG’s attacking trio, which also features Bradley Barcola on the right and Ousmane Dembele.

PSG vs Inter – where to watch on TV

The Champions League final will be available on TNT Sports and Discovery+ in the UK, while football fans in the United States will be able to stream the match through Paramount+.

You can also join us on Football Italia liveblog for live action and post-match reactions.

PSG vs Inter – probable line-ups

PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram

Former Inter striker Paul Ince pointed out that while the Nerazzurri may not have any true “superstars” in their squad, they could make their experience count in the Champions League final against PSG.

Although most expect a tightly balanced contest, Simone Inzaghi’s side are not considered favourites in Munich, largely due to the combination of qualities that make the French giants a particularly challenging opponent for them.

However, Ince noted that Inter can rely on a cohesive group that has faced numerous tests and challenges together in recent years, suggesting they may know how to manage a game of such magnitude—despite lacking headline names in their ranks.

Ince trusts in Inter’s mentality and experience for PSG clash despite lack of superstars

“I think, you know, obviously a lot of people fancy PSG,” Ince told Bet 365, as quoted by The Mirror.

“I can see that from an attacking point of view, but I also look at Inter.

“They’ve been here before, lost to Manchester City a couple of years back. That’s probably still in their minds as a bitter pill to swallow.

Paul Ince believes Inter Milan's experience could be the difference in the Champions League final #intermilan | #ucl pic.twitter.com/LT2pezwBsw

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 30, 2025

“But they’ve got an experienced team and big game players. They haven’t got any superstars. Lautaro Martinez might be a superstar to some people. But if you look at the team, there are no superstars.

“There’s no like PSG, used to have the likes of Messi, Mbappé and Neymar, it’s not like that.

“So I just feel they’re big game players, as I said. They’ve won the Scudetto, they’re players who played in big events, and big matches. So I think from an experience point of view, experience could be a massive factor in this game on Saturday.”

For the first time in their history, the Nerazzurri are going to play a European Cup or Champions League final in their third kit, which they have only used twice throughout their European campaign, winning on both occasions.

PSG have confirmed their 22-player squad for Saturday’s final, which also includes former Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Inter will head into the Champions League final with considerable experience against Europe’s elite in recent years – however, the level of difficulty posed by the current PSG side could surpass even that of Barcelona, faced in the recent semifinal, or Manchester City, who beat them 1-0 in the 2023 final in Istanbul.

While the French giants have suffered five defeats during their European campaign this season, they have gradually evolved into a balanced yet fearsome attacking side with few apparent weaknesses to exploit.

Against Barcelona and Manchester City, Inter possessed tactical advantages that made the Nerazzurri particularly tricky to face.

For example, both opponents played with a high back-line, which allowed Inter to find space and rapidly progress through the pitch on transitions and counter-attacks. Pep Guardiola’s side also struggled against defensive low blocks, one of the reasons Erling Haaland was so well contained by Francesco Acerbi on the night.

Why PSG may be Inter’s toughest challenge yet

In contrast, PSG’s combination of qualities is likely to add a new layer of complexity to Inter’s game plan.

In Munich, defending as a low, compact block may not be enough for the Nerazzurri to limit their rivals’ offensive potential, as Luis Enrique’s side seems to have the means to unhinge their defence regardless.

The constant involvement in attacks of two of Europe’s best full-backs, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, means Inter’s wing-backs, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries, will be regularly tested by repeated combinations and overlaps between PSG’s wide defenders and attacking wingers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola.

• Read: Why Inter will wear their third kit in Champions League final vs. PSG

Help from the likes of Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in tracking back will be desperately needed, as a single lapse in concentration could create fatal gaps in Simone Inzaghi’s defensive wall.

Add to that Ousmane Dembélé’s mobility – something Acerbi is expected to struggle with compared to a more stationary number nine – and it’s clear why PSG’s setup looks capable of exposing Inter’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Moreover, the Ligue 1 champions’ ability to press aggressively when out of possession, along with their full-backs’ quick recovery runs, could complicate Inter’s phases with the ball.

The Nerazzurri will likely be forced to withstand suffocating pressure at several points during the game, often lacking the time or space to properly build their attacks. This could allow Luis Enrique’s team to regroup and defend compactly, something they have already proven capable of.

A top-level display from Inter’s midfielders will be absolutely crucial, especially in combination with the forwards, if they want to create quality chances. Equally important will be their clinical edge in front of goal, as scoring first could be the only way to force PSG to alter their approach, potentially leading them to take more risks and leave spaces open.

With Milan’s negotiations with Manchester City for Tijjani Reijnders expected to progress smoothly, the Rossoneri have already begun identifying midfield profiles capable of taking over playmaking duties from the Dutch star under new coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Although reports on Friday suggested that the Diavolo rejected an initial offer from the Citizens, the Premier League giants are expected to return with an improved bid that could eventually convince Milan to part ways with Reijnders.

Milan line up Reijnders replacements with Man City move on the horizon

As a result, Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare have already started discussions about a potential replacement, with two Serie A midfielders currently on the club’s radar alongside Torino’s Samuele Ricci.

According to Calciomercato.com, Milan have contacted Venezia to explore the possibility of signing Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, a player Allegri had already used on several occasions during his final season at Juventus.

However, the Rossoneri also hold Nicolò Rovella of Lazio in high regard, though they are aware that the Biancocelesti may be extremely reluctant to let him leave at such a delicate time for the club, having missed out on all European competitions after a 1-0 home defeat to Lecce condemned them to a seventh-place finish.

Ricci remains a concrete target for the club, but Torino’s €35 million valuation is now prompting the club to consider alternative options.

There won’t be any absences in PSG’s squad for the Champions League final against Inter, as confirmed by the club’s announcement on Friday.

Coach Luis Enrique will have all players at his disposal for a match that could see them seal a historic treble, as well as the first Champions League title in their history.

The French giants have already won the Ligue 1 with several games to spare this season, also adding a Coupe de France win last week.

Luis Enrique secured a first treble in 2015 as Barcelona coach by defeating another Italian team, Juventus, in the Champions League final.

PSG name 22-player squad for Champions League final vs. Inter: Kvaratskhelia included

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was considered a doubt for Munich’s clash against Inter after he was surprisingly ruled out of the Coupe de France final against Reims.

However, the Georgian ace has since fully recovered and was included in PSG’s 22-player squad announced one day before the final.

Le groupe pour cette finale de @ChampionsLeague ! #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/LCi8X3Mv3M

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) May 30, 2025

PSG squad for Champions League final

Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Safonov, Arnau Tenas.

Defenders: Hakimi, Kimpembe, Marquinhos, L. Hernandez, Nuno Mendes, Beraldo, Pacho.

Midfielders: Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Mayulu, Zaire-Emery, Neves.

Strikers: Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Dembélé, Doue, Lee, Barcola, Mbaye.

Marco Materazzi still has a deep affection for his former teammate Mario Balotelli, recalling how the striker was ‘incredible’ when he first broke into Inter’s senior squad. However, Materazzi believes Balotelli needed a ‘reality check’ and some ‘rules’ after a meteoric rise that ultimately stalled his development.

The two played together at Inter between 2007 and 2010, during which time Balotelli was also part of the treble-winning team coached by José Mourinho.

Years later, Materazzi revealed that they still share a ‘friendly relationship’, even though there were moments when the former defender had to be tough on him.

Materazzi: ‘Balotelli was incredible at 17, but he needed rules’

“Mario is like a son to me: I adore him,” Materazzi told Online Betting Guide, as quoted by FcInter1908.

“We have the same friendly relationship now. He still plays for Genoa.

“I have never seen a young player at 17 like Mario.

“He was incredible: he played as if he had five years of experience. Strong, fast, with fantastic technique. But he got lost along the way because at 17 he had already won everything.

“Then he went to Manchester City, Milan, Liverpool… at that point, he needed a kick, a reality check. He needed my rules. Back then, he wasn’t happy about that, but now he remembers me fondly. I believe I taught him the rules.”

Balotelli is still under contract with Genoa, having joined the club as a free agent in October 2024.

However, he has made only six Serie A appearances for the Grifone this season, with the arrival of Patrick Vieira as head coach last autumn further complicating his situation.

There is not yet an agreement between Gian Piero Gasperini and Roma, as the club’s financial constraints are reportedly the main obstacle preventing the two parties from reaching a deal.

The Atalanta coach has been negotiating with the Giallorossi over the past week, as his nine-year tenure at the Gewiss Stadium appears to be coming to an end.

Gasperini negotiations with Roma stall over financial uncertainty

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that a meeting between Gasperini and the Friedkin family in Tuscany focused on the challenges the Italian coach would face in his first season, due to Roma’s inability to cover a €60m deficit required to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

This would significantly limit the club’s spending power in the upcoming year, potentially clashing with the coach’s desire to build a team capable of immediately competing for ambitious targets.

Gasperini’s overall impression of Dan and Ryan Friedkin remains positive, but the club will need some time to determine how it can offer the manager the technical guarantees he seeks while also adhering to their financial constraints.

Stefano Pioli has emerged as a leading candidate to take over at Atalanta following Gian Piero Gasperini’s expected departure after nine years in charge.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Milan coach is gaining significant traction within the club as they begin the search for a new head coach after Gasperini has seemingly expressed his desire to leave, starting talks with Roma.

Atalanta identify Pioli as prime candidate for head coach role after Gasperini

While Atalanta are said to be in a key phase of internal evaluations, taking the necessary time to identify the ideal profile, Pioli’s experience, tactical intelligence and track record—highlighted by his 2022 Serie A title with Milan—make him an appealing option for the club’s ownership.

The 59-year-old is reportedly the top choice at this stage, but his current contract with Saudi side Al-Nassr, running until June 2027, presents a potential hurdle as any move would require negotiations to explore a possible early termination of his deal.

However, there is growing confidence that Pioli could be the man to lead the Dea into their next chapter, although there were rumours that an interest from Atalanta could also be among the reasons that saw Raffaele Palladino suddenly resign as Fiorentina coach.

Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly given the green light to join Milan, returning to San Siro for a second stint after managing the club between 2010 and 2014.

The former Juventus boss had been strongly linked with a move to Napoli, who were keen to find a replacement for Antonio Conte should he decide to leave.

However, the Rossoneri capitalised on Napoli’s hesitation while trying to convince Conte to stay, intensifying talks with Allegri and ultimately persuading him to sign.

Report Milan have Allegri deal in place

Sportmediaset reported Thursday morning that Milan have reached an agreement with the Italian coach on a three-year deal worth around €5 million per season, adding that former Juventus player Simone Padoin is expected to join his staff, as he did during Allegri’s second spell at the Allianz Stadium.

Napoli have slowed down in negotiations with the 57-year-old after holding positive talks with Conte, as the title-winning manager seems now open to staying after Aurelio De Laurentiis’ promise to strengthen the team and an improved contract offer.

• Poll: Allegri a good move for the Rossoneri? VOTE!

Both Juventus and Liverpool marked the 40th anniversary of the Heysel tragedy with commemorative posts on social media.

Thirty-nine supporters—mostly Juventus fans—lost their lives when a wall at Heysel Stadium collapsed on 29 May 1985 during the European Cup final between Juventus and Liverpool in Brussels.

Although the final continued, with the Old Lady securing the trophy, the celebration was inevitably overshadowed by a tragedy that still weighs heavily on everyone’s memory.

Juventus and Liverpool remember Heysel tragedy’s 40th anniversary

Both clubs honour the victims every year, and the 40th anniversary was no exception.

Juventus issued an official statement recalling the disaster, stressing that remembrance “is the only way to prevent reliving moments of terror and despair like those.”

“What remains is the complete loss of meaning of an unthinkable evening, the pain for those who never returned home, and a wound that, even after 40 years, remains unhealed,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Liverpool shared a video of their chief legal and external affairs officer, Jonathan Bamber, and former player John Aldridge laying a floral wreath at the Heysel memorial at Anfield, where a plaque bears the words ‘In Memory and Friendship’.

In Memoria e Amicizia, in Memory and Friendship.

This morning, LFC’s chief legal and external affairs officer, Jonathan Bamber, and former player John Aldridge laid a floral wreath at the Heysel memorial plaque at Anfield.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 29, 2025

Ronaldo believes that Carlo Ancelotti becoming Brazil’s head coach is a unique combination in football, bringing together the best manager in the world with the most successful national team in history.

The former Milan and Juventus boss left Real Madrid to take charge of the Seleção, who are desperate to end a World Cup drought that has now lasted more than 20 years.

Ancelotti recently announced his first Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June, including Serie A players Ederson and Carlos Augusto.

While Ronaldo acknowledged that such an appointment would have been ‘unthinkable’ just a few years ago, he backed Ancelotti as the ideal figure to lead Brazil towards the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo: ‘Ancelotti at Brazil would’ve been unthinkable back in my days’

“Curious, full of anticipation,” Ronaldo told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview when asked how he feels about the appointment.

“Possibly the best coach in the world, managing the greatest national team in the world. Back in my days, seeing a foreigner on Brazil’s bench would’ve been unthinkable.

“But times have changed—football is even more global now. And Ancelotti isn’t just any foreigner…

“I wish him all the best. He already understands how much people will love him, but he’ll need time to adapt to a new reality. The goal is the 2026 World Cup.”

Inter legend Ronaldo believes the Nerazzurri will face a tougher opponent than Barcelona in the Champions League final, but remains confident that Simone Inzaghi’s men will have their own weapons to rely upon.

The Brazilian admitted he was thrilled to see two of his former sides battle it out in what has been described as one of the most exciting Champions League semifinals in history, during which Inter proved to have ‘one thing more’ than their rivals.

“When you reach a Champions League final, it’s hard to say with certainty that one team deserved it more than the other,” Ronaldo told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

“It’s like trying to predict the outcome of the final and being sure you’re right. In the end, whoever wins is right — and in fact, Flick praised Inter.

“That night, Inter definitely had one thing more than Barcelona, and they’ll need it again in the final: the ability to stay locked into the game, almost with rage, until the very end.

“You just had to look at their faces. Acerbi’s eyes after he scored…

“I think Barcelona were an ‘ideal’ opponent to face in such a big match. And by ideal, I mean extremely strong up front — just like Inter are at the back — but let’s say a bit less cautious defensively.

“And Inter have players, not just the strikers, who are ruthless. In that sense, it might be tougher against PSG. But Inzaghi knows that.”

Ronaldo: PSG a ‘problem’ for Inter, Donnarumma ‘frustrating’ for Arsenal

The former striker identified PSG’s greatest strength in their ability to combine tactical balance with a high level of attacking threat—something that could pose a problem for Inter, much like Luis Enrique’s tactical intelligence.

“His teams are always balanced, and I think coaching in Italy helped him grow in terms of ideas and mentality,” Ronaldo continued.

“The problem for Inter is that PSG up front aren’t much weaker than Barcelona. A little, but not much. Then again, they’ve never had big budget issues, right?

“Experience isn’t about age on your ID card, it’s about the years you’ve spent at the top.

“PSG have players who’ve played lots of big games, at least as many as Inter’s. That’s why I think it’ll be a very balanced final. Hopefully a good one too — but we all hope that.”

When asked which PSG player the Nerazzurri should fear the most, the Brazilian pointed to a name that had particularly impressed him throughout the season.

“It’s always the one who shows up in the best mental shape, and I think someone like Dembele, who’s scored over 30 goals, will see this match as the one to define his season,” he added.

“He’ll play fired up and free at the same time. But I’m a huge fan of Barcola — one of those players who picks up the ball and you go, ‘Let’s see what he does now.’

“And you guys know Kvaratskhelia better than I do.”

Both sides reached the final thanks to their goalkeepers’ brilliance—something that could once again prove decisive in Munich.

“Donnarumma is the kind of keeper who, with his frame, blocks your view of the goal, takes away your shooting angles,” Ronaldo noted.

“I saw it in the two semifinals — it was frustrating for Arsenal.

“Sommer is more unpredictable: in a split second, he’s in a spot you didn’t expect. That save on Lamine Yamal at the end was incredible. Did you see the kid’s face? It said, ‘I don’t believe it.’

“Champions Leagues are won like that too — with a save in the semifinal. Or maybe in the final. We’ll see.”

Ronaldo sees PSG danger for Inter but backs Lautaro Martinez’s fire

However, Ronaldo is confident that Inter can pose their own problems for the French giants.

“At Inter, it’s not just Lautaro and Thuram scoring, because they play a different kind of football — the whole team ‘supports’ those two,” the Brazilian pointed out.

“Of course, knowing you can count on quality minutes from Taremi or maybe Arnautovic would be a big deal for Inzaghi.

“Two things impressed me about Lautaro: the look in his eyes the night of Inter-Barça — he wasn’t fully fit, but it seemed like he wanted to devour the match.

“And I can imagine how much he’ll want to devour the ball in Munich now that he’s recovered physically. I expect to see that same face on all the other Inter players — from Barella on down.

“I saw his [Lautaro’s] pictures on Friday — he looked genuinely devastated about missing out on the Scudetto. And a captain knows how to turn anger into something positive. He can lift the team up by sharing that desire for redemption.”

But Lautaro’s strike partner, Marcus Thuram, has impressed Ronaldo just as much.

“I didn’t watch every match this season, just the big ones, but the last Champions League one at San Siro was enough: he seemed like the kind of striker any other striker would love to have alongside them,” the former forward said.

“I played against his father, an incredible defender — he must have passed on some of that mentality. A player like Marcus would have helped me score a ton of goals.”

Have Inter thrown away their chances of winning back-to-back Serie A titles?

“‘Thrown away’ is a harsh term, even a bit disrespectful to Napoli,” Ronaldo claimed.

“It’s true that, on paper, Inter were stronger. But it’s also true that Inter are in the Champions League final for the second time in three years: I not only didn’t win it — I never even made it to a final…”

Aurelio De Laurentiis’ promise to Antonio Conte to build an even stronger Napoli has led the coach to seriously reconsider his reported decision to leave the club, with the latest reports suggesting he is now open to staying at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The Partenopei president has outlined a project to the former Chelsea boss involving a €200 million investment in new signings, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jonathan David potentially among the first reinforcements.

Conte leaning towards Napoli as Juventus project remains undefined

A serial winner, Conte is driven by the ambition to raise the bar even higher after securing an unexpected Scudetto in his first season in charge. According to Corriere dello Sport and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli now feel confident they have convinced the coach to remain following their most recent meetings.

While the title-winning manager was reportedly tempted by a return to Juventus, Napoli’s project currently appears more concrete, with the Bianconeri still needing to define several key roles within their board—uncertainty that could impact their transfer strategy.

Napoli expect Conte to give the green light to his continued stay by Friday, with negotiations with his potential replacement, Massimiliano Allegri, currently on hold.

Milan have reportedly held fruitful talks with Massimiliano Allegri and are said to have overtaken Napoli in the race to convince the coach to return to the dugout after a full year out of work.

Positive meetings with Antonio Conte, during which the Italian manager appeared more open than expected to the idea of staying for another season, forced Napoli to slow down negotiations with the former Juventus boss—giving the Rossoneri a decisive advantage.

Milan confident of reaching Allegri agreement amid Napoli’s Conte uncertainty

Both CEO Giorgio Furlani and newly appointed sporting director Igli Tare see Allegri as Milan’s top choice and a reliable option, thanks to his proven track record in Serie A and in Europe, having guided Juventus to two Champions League finals.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan’s initial three-year offer worth €3.5m per season has been increased to around €5m, in an effort to match the €6m per season for two years that Napoli reportedly put on the table.

The Rossoneri are confident of reaching an agreement by the weekend, with both parties working hard to finalise the last details and bring Allegri back to San Siro.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta believes the Nerazzurri must be ‘ambitious’ ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, insisting they are ‘up to the task’ despite facing one of football’s financial powerhouses.

The final in Munich, set for Saturday, represents Inter’s only chance to finish the season with silverware, after they were eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Milan and dropped crucial points in the final Serie A matchdays — allowing Napoli to clinch the title by a single point.

Speaking during Inter’s media day ahead of their second Champions League final in three years, Marotta praised the team, coach Simone Inzaghi, and the club as a whole for competing on all fronts. He also stressed that playing significantly more games than Napoli had a major impact on the Scudetto race.

Marotta congratulates Napoli on Scudetto, but Inter ‘played an extra 19 matches’

“It is a source of pride and satisfaction for us — the second time in recent years — and it’s the result of the hard work and sense of belonging shown by everyone at Inter,” Marotta told reporters.

“The main credit goes to our coach, but also to the team, the management, and the new ownership, which has come in with great intelligence. They’ve supported us in our operations with a constant, yet silent presence, never interfering.

“We started this season aiming to achieve something important and extraordinary — and we’ve done it. Reaching a second final in three years is something remarkable, and I believe almost unrepeatable.

“But we don’t want to overlook the other competitions: we reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia and narrowly missed out on the league title. Congratulations to Napoli — we were just a centimetre short, and that made all the difference. It’s a shame, but that’s sport: sometimes a centimetre determines the fate of one team over another.

“I’d also like to point out that compared to our rivals, we played an extra 19 matches — the equivalent of a full Serie A round.

“That means a huge expenditure of energy, and the psycho-physical aspect becomes crucial. Nevertheless, our coach led us to experience this thrilling moment. It’s my first time as president, and we got here by beating teams like Bayern Munich and Barcelona.”

Marotta went on to highlight Inter’s proud history ahead of their clash with PSG, stressing that the team must be ambitious — but never arrogant — in order to turn their dreams into reality.

“Inter have a rich history — this is our seventh European final — and we want to be protagonists,” Marotta added.

“In sport, one mustn’t be arrogant, but ambitious. Arrogance leads nowhere; ambition, instead, reflects a sense of belonging and a desire to win.

“We know we’re playing against a club of great stature and significant financial power. But we are up to the task, and we know we can be protagonists. The journey was full of obstacles, but we made it here on merit.

“I hope it will be a great game — a powerful showcase for Italian football, which needs it. I hope it will be a beautiful evening, and that we can crown it with something extraordinary, to bring joy to ourselves, the club, and the fans who have always stood by us.”

Lazio’s 1-0 home defeat to Lecce on the final matchday of the Serie A season — a result that saw the Biancocelesti miss out on European football for the first time in eight years — prompted the club to issue an official apology to their fans.

Having won just once in their final five league outings, Marco Baroni’s side squandered what had been a promising start to the campaign, which had briefly put them in contention for a Champions League spot.

Reflecting on the loss at the Stadio Olimpico, Baroni admitted he was “mortified” by the outcome, as frustrated home supporters hurled insults at the players and refused to let them approach the Curva Nord for the customary post-match salute.

In a statement released on Monday, the club thanked fans for their unwavering support and stressed that ‘the club, the coach and the players’ all share full responsibility for the disappointing end to the season.

Lazio issue official apology to fans after Lecce defeat: ‘Responsibility lies with us’

“Before thanking you for your constant support, we feel it is our duty to apologise for the end of this season, which has irreparably compromised much of the good work that had been built,” the statement reads.

“In a season of two halves — the first of which was even exhilarating at times — the result against Lecce has left us out of European competitions after eight consecutive years of qualification.

“The responsibility lies with us: the club, the coach, and the players. With everyone but you, the fans, who once again showed extraordinary, passionate, and tireless support.

“It is from you that we will begin again, protecting and strengthening that unique and special bond which represents the strongest foundation for our future. We still have in our minds the stunning displays you created for the biggest matches this year — a visible symbol of your passion and unwavering loyalty.

“We will hold on to the positives this season has still given us — the 65 points earned and the determination shown until the very end — but we will also carefully analyse everything that didn’t work.

“The club is already working to plan the pre-season and prepare for the new campaign, fully aware that you, the Biancocelesti faithful, deserve new and undiminished ambitions, with our eyes firmly set on a brighter and winning future — one that we are determined to build together, starting with the club itself.

“We exist because you are here.

“This disappointment will be the starting point to come back stronger, more united, and more motivated than ever — with the goal of taking Lazio back to where it belongs. We will keep fighting together — the team, the club, and the fans — to honour our colours and achieve new milestones.

“Long live Lazio, long live the Laziali!”