Sassuolo have officially been relegated to Serie B after 11 consecutive years in the top flight.

The Neroverdi are the second Serie A side to have their relegation confirmed in 2023-24, after Salernitana met their fate at the back end of April, with four games left to go.

One more position in the bottom three remains open heading into the final day of the 2023-24 campaign next weekend, with four other teams still at risk of being relegated.

The 2-0 home defeat to Cagliari ultimately sealed their fate, along with this afternoon’s results, as Frosinone won, while Empoli and Udinese drew 1-1.

They had been in the top flight consistently since earning their first ever promotion to Serie A in 2013.

Sassuolo relegated to Serie B

It has been an unexpectedly difficult season for Sassuolo this time out in Serie A.

Coach Alessio Dionisi, who had guided the team to 11th and 13th placed finishes in 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively, was given his marching orders in February.

Davide Ballardini was called in to replace him, but he has not been able to steer the ship away from danger, and now has two consecutive relegations on his CV after his brief spell with Cremonese in 2023.

Sassuolo also lost a key player in Davide Frattesi, who moved to Inter during the summer transfer window last year.

Star man Domenico Berardi has been unavailable through two serious injuries, which kept him out of action for practically all of the second half of the season.

Now, with just 30 points from 37 matches, the Neroverdi will have to battle it out in Serie B in 2024-25.

It was an astonishingly dramatic afternoon, as when Empoli thought it was done with the M’Baye Niang penalty, Lazar Samardzic converted a spot-kick at the 104^th minute for Udinese.

This was a pure relegation dogfight that all the other teams kept a close eye on too, as they were separated by just one point. The Friulani gave themselves hope by beating Lecce under new coach Fabio Cannavaro, but were without Sandi Lovric, Enzo Ebosse, Florian Thauvin, Marco Silvestri and Gerard Deulofeu. Tyronne Ebuehi was the only remaining Empoli absentee.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

There was an immediate problem for the hosts, as Isaac Success pulled up clutching the back of his right thigh and had to make way for Brenner.

Sebastiano Luperto was decisive to prevent Lorenzo Lucca nodding in a cross, then as the move continued the Walace shot was fingertipped over by Elia Caprile.

Empoli also suffered an injury to Alberto Cerri on his return to the starting XI, but they had the ball in the net on 36 minutes.

A free kick was floated into the box, not cleared effectively and Youssef Maleh smashed it in off the underside of the bar. However, it was disallowed following a VAR review for the M’Baye Niang elbow on Thomas Kristensen’s nose.

Udinese had a massive opportunity to go in front on 57 minutes when Lucca’s cross found substitute Keinan Davis for a header back across the face of goal, but he incredibly steered it wide from six yards.

Sebastian Walukiewicz made a decisive sliding tackle on Davis at the by-line, but the decisive moment arrived at the 89^th minute when Lazar Samardzic was late to clearing a loose ball and caught Nicolò Cambiaghi instead for a penalty. Niang kissed the ball before converting low into the near bottom corner, despite Maduka Okoye getting his fingertips to it.

However, it still wasn’t over, because deep into stoppages on a corner, Jaka Bijol’s tap-in was parried off the line by Elia Caprile and Martin Payero couldn’t turn in the rebound because he was being dragged back by the jersey by Jacopo Fazzini. After a very long wait for VAR issues, the Udinese penalty was awarded and Samardzic kept his cool to convert.

This goal after 14 minutes of stoppages changed everything, pushing Empoli back into the drop zone. Udinese now go into the final showdown with Frosinone.

Udinese 1-1 Empoli

Niang pen 90 (E), Samardzic pen 104 (U)

19-05-2024 14:00

MatchDay 37

Friuli Stadium (Dacia Arena)

Udinese

Empoli

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		4'		Alberto Grassi
Nehuén Pérez		34'

2nd half

		54'		Simone Bastoni
		64'		Ardian Ismajli
		75'		Emmanuel Gyasi
Lazar Samardzic		90+14'
		90'		M’Baye Niang
		90+6'		Razvan Marin
		90+13'		Jacopo Fazzini

Match statistic

46

Possession %

54

9

Total shots

4

3

Shots on target

1

5

Shots off target

2

1

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

5

1

Offsides

3

14

Fouls

18

Udinese

Empoli

Starting lineups

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

12

Hassane Kamara

Defender

87'

29

Jaka Bijol

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

55'

18

Nehuén Pérez

Defender

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

24

Lazar Samardzic

Midfielder

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

11

Walace

Midfielder

87'

7

Isaac Success

Attacker

7'

17

Lorenzo Lucca

Attacker

25

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

34

Ardian Ismajli

Defender

19

Bartosz Bereszynski

Defender

59'

3

Giuseppe Pezzella

Defender

33

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

5

Alberto Grassi

Midfielder

80'

30

Simone Bastoni

Midfielder

59'

29

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

17

Alberto Cerri

Attacker

30'

11

Emmanuel Gyasi

Attacker

20

Matteo Cancellieri

Attacker

81'

Substitutes

37

Roberto Pereyra

Midfielder

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

14

James Abankwah

Defender

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

79

David Pejičić

Midfielder

16

Antonio Tikvic

Defender

30

Lautaro Giannetti

Defender

70

Federico Mosca

Goalkeeper

2

Festy Ebosele

Defender

55'

22

Brenner

Attacker

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

55'

13

João Ferreira

Defender

87'

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

87'

23

Mattia Destro

Attacker

27

Szymon Zurkowski

Midfielder

13

Liberato Cacace

Defender

9

Francesco Caputo

Attacker

8

Viktor Kovalenko

Midfielder

1

Samuele Perisan

Goalkeeper

12

Jacopo Seghetti

Goalkeeper

7

Stiven Shpendi

Attacker

2

Saba Goglichidze

Defender

10

M’Baye Niang

Attacker

30'

21

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

59'

4

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

59'

18

Razvan Marin

Midfielder

80'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

81'

Walid Cheddira took Frosinone closer to guaranteeing their Serie A status with victory away to Monza, their first away win in a year.

The hosts were stuttering towards the finish line after securing mid-table comfort and with Raffaele Palladino expected to leave this summer. Absentees included Patrick Ciurria, Jose Machin and Davide Bettella. The Canarini were tied with Empoli in the relegation zone and desperate, missing Luca Mazzitelli, Anthony Oyono, Stefano Turati and Sergio Kalaj.

See how the game unfolded on the Liveblog.

Milan Djuric nodded an Andrea Colpani cross over in the opening minutes, while Caleb Okoye turned wide from a corner at the other end.

Frosinone opened the scoring when Abdou Harroui got down the left and stood up a cross for the Walid Cheddira cushioned header at the back post.

Harroui fired wide moments later, then forced an outstretched boot save from Stefano Sorrentino when sent through by Emanuele Valeri.

Andrea Colpani thought he had equalised on the stroke of half-time, only to nod the Dany Mota Carvalho cross onto the base of the far post.

Cheddira slipped at the last moment to waste a counter-attack, but play was halted for several minutes when communication with the VAR hub in Lissone broke down. They resumed play at the 61^st minute still without VAR, needing both teams to agree to that and a statement read out in the stadium.

During this nine-minute blackout, Frosinone almost doubled their lead, as Matias Soule’s angled drive bounced off the base of the far post and Alessandro Sorrentino parried the Harroui follow-up too.

Nadir Zortea tested Sorrentino from distance and Valentin Carboni fired over from a tricky angle, but Gianluca Caprari should’ve done better drilling just wide in stoppages.

Monza 0-1 Frosinone

Cheddira 9 (F)

19-05-2024 14:00

MatchDay 37

Stadio Brianteo (U-Power Stadium)

Monza

Frosinone

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		9'		Walid Cheddira (Assist: Abdou Harroui)
Warren Bondo		28'

2nd half

		47'		Matìas Soulé
		90+2'		Francesco Gelli

Match statistic

71

Possession %

29

14

Total shots

16

2

Shots on target

5

7

Shots off target

6

5

Blocked shots

5

3

Corners

4

14

Fouls

13

Monza

Frosinone

Starting lineups

23

Alessandro Sorrentino

Goalkeeper

4

Armando Izzo

Defender

46'

77

Georgios Kyriakopoulos

Defender

46'

22

Pablo Marí

Defender

19

Samuele Birindelli

Defender

79'

28

Andrea Colpani

Midfielder

32

Matteo Pessina

Midfielder

6

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

38

Warren Bondo

Midfielder

46'

47

Dany Mota

Attacker

65'

11

Milan Djuric

Attacker

31

Michele Cerofolini

Goalkeeper

5

Caleb Okoli

Defender

32

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

19

Nadir Zortea

Defender

20

Pol Lirola

Defender

6

Simone Romagnoli

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

72'

45

Enzo Barrenechea

Midfielder

86'

4

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

90'

70

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

86'

Substitutes

8

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

9

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

2

Giulio Donati

Defender

5

Luca Caldirola

Defender

62

Andrea Mazza

Goalkeeper

80

Samuele Vignato

Midfielder

66

Stefano Gori

Goalkeeper

61

Andrea Ferraris

Attacker

33

Danilo D’Ambrosio

Defender

46'

20

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

46'

21

Valentín Carboni

Midfielder

46'

10

Gianluca Caprari

Attacker

65'

13

Pedro Pereira

Midfielder

79'

3

Riccardo Marchizza

Defender

9

Kaio Jorge

Attacker

33

Kevin Bonifazi

Defender

16

Luca Garritano

Midfielder

37

Lorenzo Palmisani

Goalkeeper

30

Ilario Monterisi

Defender

36

Luca Mazzitelli

Midfielder

1

Pierluigi Frattali

Goalkeeper

27

Arijon Ibrahimovic

Attacker

47

Mateus Henrique Vanelli Lusuardi

Defender

29

Farès Ghedjemis

Attacker

14

Francesco Gelli

Midfielder

72'

12

Reinier

Midfielder

86'

11

Marvin Cuni

Attacker

86'

7

Jaime Báez

Attacker

90'

It is a very strange atmosphere at San Siro, where Inter celebrate the Scudetto against a Lazio side chasing Europe, but also fear the club will be repossessed within 48 hours.

It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.

The situation is surreal, as the Serie A trophy will be presented to the team after the final whistle, but all eyes are on the club owners in China.

Suning have until the end of Monday to repay the €395m including interest loan to Oaktree or see the club repossessed, just like Elliott Management with Milan and Yonghong Li in 2019.

As for the match itself, Simone Inzaghi has a full squad and uses his best XI, with Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Lazio are battling Roma for sixth place and Europa League qualification, although it could potentially still be the Champions League depending on what Atalanta do in Dublin.

Ivan Provedel returns two months after spraining his ankle, while Luis Alberto is also back in the squad following his disciplinary action.

Alessio Romagnoli is suspended, but there is a totally revamped attack with Daichi Kamada and Mattia Zaccagni supporting Taty Castellanos.

Inter vs. Lazio line-ups

Inter: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram

Lazio: Provedel; Patric, Casale, Gila; Marusic, Vecino, Rovella, Pellegrini; Kamada, Zaccagni; Castellanos

19-05-2024 17:00

MatchDay 37

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Lazio

vs

Season Analytics

Inter

Positions

Lazio

SEASON TOTAL

INT HOME

14

3

1

29

5

2

Last matches

10-05-2024		Frosinone	W	0 - 5
04-05-2024		Sassuolo	L	1 - 0
28-04-2024		Torino	W	2 - 0
22-04-2024		Milan	W	1 - 2
14-04-2024		Cagliari	D	2 - 2

28-04-2024		Torino	W	2 - 0
14-04-2024		Cagliari	D	2 - 2
01-04-2024		Empoli	W	2 - 0
17-03-2024		Napoli	D	1 - 1
04-03-2024		Genoa	W	2 - 1

1

7

Position

SEASON TOTAL

LAZ AWAY

8

2

8

18

5

13

Last matches

	2 - 0	W	Empoli		12-05-2024
	2 - 2	D	Monza		04-05-2024
	1 - 0	W	Verona		27-04-2024
	0 - 1	W	Genoa		19-04-2024
	4 - 1	W	Salernitana		12-04-2024

	2 - 2	D	Monza		04-05-2024
	0 - 1	W	Genoa		19-04-2024
	1 - 0	L	Roma		06-04-2024
	2 - 3	W	Frosinone		16-03-2024
	2 - 1	L	Fiorentina		26-02-2024

According to Mundo Deportivo, Bologna coach Thiago Motta remains an option for the Barcelona job, and the same is true of Roberto De Zerbi, who will leave Brighton at the end of the season.

Barcelona directors have been urged to consider Thiago Motta as a replacement for Xavi if the ex-midfielder leaves the club at the end of the season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Motta has been mentioned to Barcelona directors by people outside Motta’s entourage.

MD: Thiago Motta offered to Barcelona, De Zerbi still a candidate

Motta has led Bologna to a historic Champions League qualification this season. The ex-Italian midfielder said that he’d meet club President Joey Saputo next week to discuss his future at the Stadio Dall’Ara and insisted that he had not reached an agreement with any other club.

However, several sources in Italy insist Motta will be the new Juventus coach in 2024-25.

According to Mundo Deportivo, another Italian coach, De Zerbi, is a candidate for the Barcelona job.

The former Sassuolo tactician will leave Brighton after today’s game against Manchester United.

With the Zhang family seemingly unable to repay a debt to Oaktree Capital Management, the American firm can take over the club from May 20, reproducing the same scenario that saw Elliott take control of Milan in 2018, even if there’s a key difference.

Today, Sunday, May 19, 2024, could be the final full day of the Suning era at Inter.

President Zhang is due to repay a €395m loan to Oaktree Capital Management by tomorrow, but he does not seem in a condition to meet the deadline. If this is the case, the American firm will take control of the club from the end of May 20.

Zhang had been in talks with Pimco to get a new loan, but negotiations fell apart. The Nerazzurri president said in an official statement on Saturday that he’d been making “every attempt with our partner [Oaktree] to find an amicable resolution”, but, at this stage, the end of the Suning era at Inter seems inevitable.

Even CEO Beppe Marotta, who is usually very measured, described Saturday as a ‘terrible’ day financially and didn’t attend an event in Noli because of the club’s crisis.

Inter fans are experiencing precisely the same situation as their ‘cousins’ – city rivals Milan – six years ago.

Zhang not quite like Yonghong Li

Back in 2016, Li Yonghong, a completely unknown Chinese entrepreneur, bought the Rossoneri from Silvio Berlusconi-owned Fininvest.

However, to complete the deal, he obtained a loan from Elliott Investment Management, which, after years of struggles, he was unable to repay. Therefore, the American firm took over in the summer of 2018, and this is exactly what will happen to Inter tomorrow if Zhang fails to repay the debt.

There is a key difference between the two stories, and it does not concern the length or success of the Suning ownership at Inter compared to Li Yonghong on the other side of San Siro.

As explained by Il Giornale—via l’Interista—Suning would not lose Inter’s control for nothing. In fact, in order to take over, Oaktree must pay the difference between the club’s market value and the sum Zhang was unable to repay. This means Oaktree will have to pay circa €500m to take control of Inter if the club’s transfer value is estimated at around €900m.

Li Yonghong, on the other hand, lost control of Milan for nothing, while Elliott sold the club to RedBird in 2022.

What Oaktree will decide about Inter, so whether to keep control or sell to the highest bidder straight away, remains to be seen.

The Marotta factor

There is also another important difference, as Inter already have a management structure in place that was operating largely independently of Suning and President Steven Zhang.

CEO Beppe Marotta is to all intents and purposes running the club and for several years has been slicing into the record losses, operating a transfer budget balanced entirely by player sales and sealing free transfers.

He has already lined up two players for next season, Piotr Zielinski and Medhi Taremi, who are out of contract at Napoli and FC Porto respectively.

If Oaktree do want to wait until finding a buyer and keep building value at Inter, then Marotta is the right man to do it for them.

Cagliari have guaranteed their Serie A safety after Matteo Prati and Gianluca Lapadula grab victory at the Mapei Stadium, as Sassuolo are now on the verge of relegation.

This was a huge battle to avoid the drop, as the Neroverdi were in penultimate place, but only four points behind the Sardinians. Domenico Berardi and Samu Castillejo were still out of action, while Jakub Jankto and Antoine Makoumbou didn’t make the trip, but Gianluca Gaetano and Tommaso Augello returned from suspension.

There were 4,000 Cagliari fans at the Mapei Stadium, knowing a win would guarantee their Serie A status.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Ruan Tressoldi risked a disaster in the opening six minutes, mis-kicking a clearance and then bundling into Gianluca Lapadula, but the striker went down too easily in the penalty area.

Martin Erlic hobbled off with a bruise to the small of the back, but Sassuolo had the first real chance with Andrea Pinamonti steering a free header inches wide.

Gianluca Lapadula saw his angled drive flash across the face of goal to skim the far post and Eldor Shomurodov fired over. Cagliari started to push after the restart, the Gabriele Zappa strike smothered by Andrea Consigli and Zito Luvumbo hesitating on the counter-attack.

Lapadula was brought down in the box, but only after wandering offside, and Pinamonti’s acrobatic bicycle kick flashed off target.

Cagliari took the lead in front of their many away fans when a free kick was pumped into the box, the Lapadula strike was charged down and Yerry Mina eventually laid it off for substitute Matteo Prati to drill home.

Ibrahim Sulemana should’ve added a second, firing wide when set up by a Nahitan Nandez solo run down the right.

Cagliari did seal it when Marash Kumbulla was surprised by an odd bobble on the pitch and clattered into Lapadula for a penalty, which Lapadula converted, even though Yerry Mina had wanted to take it.

The Sassuolo situation got to Matheus Henrique, who was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, both for dissent. They could even be mathematically relegated this afternoon.

Sassuolo 0-2 Cagliari

Prati 71 (C), Lapadula pen 91 (C)

Sent off: Matheus Henrique 93 (S)

19-05-2024 11:30

MatchDay 37

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Cagliari

0 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

Kristian Thorstvedt		54'
		61'		Alessandro Deiola
		71'		Matteo Prati (Assist: Alberto Dossena)
		76'		Alberto Dossena
Andrea Pinamonti		79'
Matheus Henrique		90+3'
Matheus Henrique		90+3'
		90+1'		Gianluca Lapadula

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

7

Total shots

13

Shots on target

3

4

Shots off target

5

3

Blocked shots

5

5

Corners

6

1

Offsides

8

14

Fouls

9

Sassuolo

Cagliari

Starting lineups

47

Andrea Consigli

Goalkeeper

2

Filippo Missori

Defender

46'

13

Gian Marco Ferrari

Defender

43

Josh Doig

Defender

5

Martin Erlic

Defender

19'

44

Ruan Tressoldi

Defender

62'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

57'

7

Matheus Henrique

Midfielder

6

Uros Racic

Midfielder

57'

9

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

22

Simone Scuffet

Goalkeeper

4

Alberto Dossena

Defender

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

27

Tommaso Augello

Defender

86'

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

67'

70

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

67'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

8

Nahitan Nández

Midfielder

89'

61

Eldor Shomurodov

Attacker

46'

9

Gianluca Lapadula

Attacker

Substitutes

23

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

21

Mattia Viti

Defender

11

Nedim Bajrami

Midfielder

28

Alessio Cragno

Goalkeeper

22

Jeremy Toljan

Defender

25

Gianluca Pegolo

Goalkeeper

15

Emil Konradsen Ceide

Attacker

8

Samuele Mulattieri

Attacker

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

19

Marash Kumbulla

Defender

19'

92

Grégoire Defrel

Attacker

46'

14

Pedro Obiang

Midfielder

57'

24

Daniel Boloca

Midfielder

57'

3

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

62'

18

Simone Aresti

Goalkeeper

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

1

Boris Radunović

Goalkeeper

32

Andrea Petagna

Attacker

5

Marco Mancosu

Midfielder

23

Mateusz Wieteska

Defender

17

Pantelis Chatzidiakos

Defender

37

Paulo Azzi

Attacker

19

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

34

Kingstone Mutandwa

Attacker

77

Zito Luvumbo

Attacker

46'

10

Nicolas Viola

Midfielder

67'

16

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

67'

33

Adam Obert

Defender

86'

99

Alessandro Di Pardo

Defender

89'

Check the official line-ups for this afternoon’s Serie A games with two big relegation dogfights, Udinese–Empoli and Monza-Frosinone.

They both kick off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from all today’s five Serie A matches on the LIVEBLOG.

These are crucial fixtures for the battle against relegation, especially when Udinese and Empoli go head-to-head.

The situation is extremely tight near the bottom, as there are six teams in a five-point radius and two of them will go down along with Salernitana.

Serie A Week 37

Monza vs. Frosinone

Monza: Sorrentino; Birindelli, Izzo, Pablo Mari, Kyriakopoulos; Bondo, Pessina, Gagliardini; Colpani, Mota Carvalho; Djuric

Frosinone: Cerofolini; Lirola, Romagnoli, Okoli; Zortea, Barrenechea, Brescianini, Valeri; Soule, Harroui; Cheddira

Udinese vs. Empoli

Udinese: Okoye; Perez, Bijol, Kristensen; Ehizibue, Walace, Payero, Kamara; Success, Samardzic; Lucca

Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Bastoni, Grassi, Maleh, Pezzella; Cancellieri, Cerri

It has taken Thiago Motta just six years to progress from the bottom of the coaching ranks to one of the most sought-after tacticians in Europe: here’s how the ex-Italy international has taken the Rossoblu to the Champions League and became the leading candidate for the Juventus job.

The 41-year-old’s appointment at Bologna was not greeted with universal approval yet the former Italy international has led the Rossoblu to the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

It is a monumental achievement for a coach who was belittled for suggesting the merits of a 2-7-2 formation when he transitioned from the pitch to the dugout with the Paris Saint-Germain under-19 squad.

Motta’s pathway to qualification for Europe’s top competition has been unconventional.

Sacked after just 10 games at the helm in Genoa the ex-Inter midfielder had to wait patiently before leading Spezia to safety in the 2021-2022 season. Drafted in when Bologna relieved Sinisa Mihajlovic of his duties in September 2022, the Brazilian-born coach was not greeted by hordes of cheering Rossoblu ultras.

Yet Motta guided the club to its best-ever points tally in the modern era—matching the 54 recorded by the 1963-1964 championship-winning team—as he steered the Emilia-Romagna club to ninth in the table.

Nobody foresaw such an improvement this term.

The benefits of a full pre-season as coach and excellent player recruitment, especially in defence, yielded spectacular results.

Motta’s willingness to adapt different strategies within a flexible formation while utilising every talented squad member produced a formidable team that was undaunted to duke it out with the Serie A heavyweights.

The young tactician ostensibly lined up his side in a 4-3-3 configuration with an emphasis on the flanks. It has also been interpreted as 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 depending on his starting XI. Yet there has been consistency in the deployment of a back four, a holding midfielder, two wingers and a lone forward.

Motta favours an advanced press to suffocate the opposition and retrieve possession rapidly. A calculated build-up from the back aims to manipulate occupied areas, as the widemen rarely stray from the touchlines.

Everyone tracks back as Bologna resembles two blocks of four and five when defending their goal. It is a mixture of pragmatic and creative, as Motta’s side’s fitness and physical tenacity have proved the difference in several big games.

An animated and motivational presence on the sidelines, the former Inter treble winner clearly has the respect of a committed player pool. Before an extremely unfortunate season-ending injury, Lewis Ferguson established himself as one of the leaders in a side with multiple match winners.

The Scottish midfielder’s link-up play with Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee had been a hallmark of a Rossoblu side which patiently dictates from the back.

Motta transformed former full-back Riccardo Calafiori into a ball-playing central defender with a license to roam forward. The ex-Roma youth product now looks certain to be part of Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad at the European Championships after an outstanding campaign.

Although there are reliable mainstays—Austrian full-back Stefan Posch, Colombian stopper Jhon Lucumi, and Dutch centre-back Sam Beukema in defence, Swiss midfielder anchor Remo Freuler, and Zirkzee upfront—Motta has often rotated his squad, leaving key players out.

Even star winger Riccardo Orsolini has not been guaranteed a starting place as the coach has tweaked his team with surprising regularity.

It is a testament to Motta’s decision-making and man-management that no schisms have emerged in the 24-strong squads despite the changes.

His ability to keep fringe players fresh and focused should not be underestimated either.

Motta has not left anyone on the bench permanently.

Italian under-21 cap Giovanni Fabbian, Moroccan international Oussama El Azzouzi and versatile Danish forward Jens Odgaard have all made vital contributions when called upon. Backup goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia has also played his part in place of regular first-choice Lukasz Skorupski.

Without such a unified effort the Rossoblu’s advance up the standings would not have been possible. Success inevitably attracts admirers and Motta might be coaching a different club in the Champions League next term.

It has been widely reported for weeks that Juventus, who travel to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Monday night, want the Brazilian-born coach to replace Massimiliano Allegri.

Regardless of where he ends up, the innovative young tactician can look back on a milestone campaign that will be remembered for years to come in Bologna.

@SKasiewicz

Despite being crowned as Serie A champions for 2023-24, uncertain times lie ahead for Inter, as club President Steven Zhang and holding company Suning’s €395m loan must be repaid by the end of Monday. If they fail to come good, the club will be repossessed and a new management team could come into effect in San Siro.

US fund Oaktree Capital provided a €275m loan with a 12% interest rate back in 2021, which must be repaid in full on May 20, 2024. If the loan is not repaid, Oaktree will assume control, as the club was effectively used as collateral at the time of the original agreement.

However, Oaktree reportedly have no interest in running and operating a football club. If the loan is not repaid, they will look to sell Inter as swiftly as possible. Recent reports suggest they may even have a buyer lined up already.

Who will run Inter day-to-day

Oaktree have promised to keep the same management in place if they do assume control of the club next week according to reports from TMW on Sunday morning.

However, the new shareholders after that will have to confirm their own board of directors, and importantly, appoint a new President to replace Zhang.

Though recent reports suggest that Oaktree’s potential repossession of Inter will not have an impact on the agreement of new contracts or transfer deals, there is expected to be a period of around 20 days where that type of business is put on hold, until a new, longer-term owner is put in place.

Juventus have officially confirmed the appointment of Paolo Montero as interim head coach, following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri on Friday in the aftermath of Wednesday’s fiery Coppa Italia final.

Allegri had his second Juventus tenure cut short after erupting on the touchline against Atalanta, before making a series of alleged threats to the editor of newspaper Tuttosport in the Stadio Olimpico tunnel.

His contract had been due to expire in the summer of 2025, although many believed that the Bianconeri were set to end the partnership one year ahead of schedule anyway.

It became evident later on Friday that Montero would be the man to guide Juventus in their final two games of the Serie A season, against high-flying Bologna on Monday and at home then against Monza in the final round of 2023-24 fixtures.

Montero is also the head coach of Juventus’ U19 squad. He also has 278 appearances for the Old Lady, including 186 in Serie A, having played as a defender in Turin between 1996 and 2005.

He has had to wait for his official announcement, as he had to sit out a one-game touchline ban during the U19’s league match against Frosinone on Saturday.

He is, of course, still eligible to lead the team for Monday’s match against Bologna, which could determine the ranking of the Serie A top four.

Juventus statement

“Paolo Montero will take the reins of the Men’s First Team for the final two games of the Serie A season, which come away at Bologna and then at home to Monza.

“Currently coach of our Under-19s team, who finished their season on Saturday, 18 May, Montero will take the step up to the First Team for what remains of the current campaign. He will take his first session with the squad on Sunday, before facing Bologna at 20:45 CEST on Monday evening at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

“He will then lead the Bianconeri for the season finale against Monza at the Allianz Stadium.

“Paolo is a Juventus legend, firstly on the pitch, and someone who has long been a bearer of the Club’s DNA on the bench.

“Best of luck, Paolo!”

Paolo Montero takes charge of the Men's First Team until the end of the season

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 19, 2024

Daniele De Rossi has a decision to make relating to Paulo Dybala when Roma host Genoa in Serie A on Sunday evening.

‘La Joya’ is in line to return to the Giallorossi matchday squad, but De Rossi could still opt to go with Tomasso Baldanzi over Dybala for precautionary reasons.

Zeki Celik is tipped to return at right-back in what otherwise looks to be a fairly similar team to the one that lost 2-1 to Atalanta in the league last weekend.

For Genoa, there are predictions that Tottenham loaner and former Nottingham Forest right-back Djed Spence is due for a rare start. Aaron Martin is expected to keep his usual spot on the opposite flank.

Genoa will be spearheaded by the impressive partnership of Albert Gudmundsson and Mateo Retegui in attack.

Kick-off is set for 19.45 BST. 

Roma vs Genoa – probable line-ups

Roma (4-3-3): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Parades, Pellegrino; Baldanzi, Lukaku, El Shaarawy.

Genoa (3-5-2): Martinez; Vogliacco, de Winter, Vasquez; Spence, Frendrup, Badelj, Strootman, Martin; Retegui, Gudmundsson.

Probabili formazioni di Roma-Genoa#RomaGenoa #SerieA #SkySerieA #SkySport https://t.co/et3HDyZqu0

— skysport (@SkySport) May 18, 2024

Simone Inzaghi is set to name a strong Inter side for their penultimate game of the season, at home to Lazio, who are expected to go without Luis Alberto once again.

As the confirmed Serie A champions, Inter’s business is practically done for the 2023-24 season, although Lazio could temporarily lift themselves above rivals Roma into sixth place with a win in the early evening.

After fielding a rotated side during their 5-0 win over Frosinone last weekend, Inter are tipped to return to arguably their strongest line-up. The only uncertainty is whether Denzel Dumfries or Matteo Darmian will start at right-wing-back.

Lazio will leave Luis Alberto out again after his recent disciplinary issues, while Alessio Romagnoli misses out through suspension. Mario Gila is his likely replacement.

Daichi Kamarda could start in a more advanced role alongside Mattia Zaccagni. That could in turn lead to a changed midfield pairing of Nicolo Rovella and last week’s goalscorer Mario Vecino. 

Kick off in San Siro is due at 17.00 BST. 

Inter vs. Lazio – probable line-ups 

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, de Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram.

Lazio (3-4-2-1): Provedel; Patric, Castle, Gila; Marusic, Vecino, Rovella, Pellegrini; Kamarda, Zaccagni; Castellanos. 

https://x.com/SkySport/status/1791963010405188013

Stefano Pioli hit out at Milan critics and reminded them how things improved since he took over five years ago. ‘People act like second place is suddenly shoddy.’

The coach is under contract until June 2025, but it has been known for months now that he will be fired at the end of the season.

This search for a successor drags on through the media and is on the front pages every day, but Pioli is frustrated at his treatment.

“It was a good season, we were the best of the ‘normal’ teams behind an Inter side who did something extraordinary,” Pioli told DAZN.

“Our regrets are in the Champions League and Europa League, but that’s what those tournaments are like, if you don’t take your chance in that moment, you can go out.

“Just look at Borussia Dortmund, who finished 25 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, yet will play in the Champions League Final.”

The Pioli era at Milan

Pioli was hired in October 2019 and took them to an entirely unexpected Scudetto in 2022, where he was also named Coach of the Year.

Last season he took the Rossoneri to the Champions League semi-final, losing to rivals Inter, and this term already has second place locked down in Serie A.

“Over these years, we raised everyone’s expectations and now people act like second place is suddenly shoddy. You know full well that is not the case. Only one team can win.”

While he would seem to be on the way out, Pioli did get a tattoo of the Scudetto symbol on his arm.

“This remains. Honestly, I wanted to wait until next week to sum up the experience, but I think I can say one thing. I evaluate my work based on what condition I find a team in and then again when I leave.

“I arrived with Milan in one situation and I leave – if I leave – with Milan in quite another. The rest is just lots of talk and not much content.”

In his four full seasons at the club, Pioli’s Serie A finishes were two second places, one Scudetto and fourth in 2022-23.

Before he took charge, the last time they managed second place was in 2011-12 and their most recent title was in 2010-11.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter, celebration and chaos

At San Siro against Lazio to celebrate the Scudetto

Zhang accuses the fund Oaktree: ‘They put the future of the club at risk’

But the owners could hand it over

Toro for the Cups

Milan flattened, now Europe is closer

Atalanta in the Champions League

Motta, the final clash against Juve

Allegri in court?

Tomorrow against Bologna

Il Corriere dello Sport

Zhang’s surrender

On Tuesday the deadline for the 375m loan: no extensions

‘Stability is at risk’

Oaktree have Inter in hand

Steven’s concerns: ‘Every effort to reach an amicable solution has been exasperated by legal threats. We want to protect the club colours’

This evening there is Lazio

‘I will decide after the Final’

Gasp takes the Dea into the Champions League: Napoli are waiting

Atalanta win 2-0 in Lecce

Coach: ‘What counts for me is the challenge. Future? Bayer first’

Toro crush Milan (3-1): they are now ninth

Roma–Genoa

De Rossi raises the bar: ‘Something has to change’

‘A strong coach gets the players he wants. For six years this team hasn’t gone beyond fifth place’

Guardiola: a poker to enter history

If Manchester City beat West Ham, Pep will win his fourth consecutive Premier League title

Sprint finish with Arsenal

Tuttosport

Motta’s Juve? French style

Reinforcements, tactical system: project ready to take flight

Todibo and Thuram of Nice are objectives for defence and midfield

Meanwhile Montero prepares to lead the team in Bologna

His maxim: ‘Fairness matters in life, but in football I have to win’

Fantastic Next Gen: 3-1 in Caserta, progress in the play-offs

Zhang’s star is shattered

From the Scudetto to chaos within the club: Inter towards a turning point

No agreement with Pimco: this adventure is on its last legs

Strong Suning statement against Oaktree, who are ready to take control of the club and confirm faith in management guided by Marotta

Atalanta in the Champions League

Rejoice, Toro! Europe is right there

Milan flattened (3-1) and Napoli leapfrogged

Zapata, Ilic and Rodriguez seal a fabulous Granata night

Now they need to win in Bergamo to be certain of 9^th place

And then hope Fiorentina triumph in the Conference League Final

Banners against Cairo and players

Juric: ‘I won’t change my mind, there is too little joy here and too much controversy’

Stefano Pioli feels a 3-1 defeat to Torino is Milan’s season in a nutshell, but insists he has not spoken to Napoli, though his future has been speculated on for ‘too many months.’

The Rossoneri have nothing more to gain from this season and it showed, both in the choice of starting XI and the attitude as they were torn apart 3-1 by Torino.

Duvan Zapata and Ivan Ilic were allowed embarrassingly free headers in the first half, then Ricardo Rodriguez hit a scorcher in off the underside of the bar just 18 seconds into the restart.

Ismael Bennacer’s penalty for an Adam Masina foul on Christian Pulisic was little consolation.

“Even though the result is harsh considering they only had four shots on goal, we were distracted and not focused enough on those crosses in the first half,” Pioli confessed to Sky Sport Italia.

“We lost a lot of the individual duels and this is the direction the game went in. It’s not that we didn’t play, but they were more focused and determined in the incidents that decided the match.”

Does resting stars like Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud show that Milan still lack strength in depth, particularly compared to rivals Inter?

“We were the best of the ‘normal’ teams this season, as there was one team that did something extraordinary, and we did better than the others. It’s not about first choice players, but Torino gave it a bit more tonight that allowed them to get to the loose balls first, reach the crosses and headers first.”

Pioli tired of Milan and Napoli speculation

Next weekend will be Milan’s final match of the campaign and many expect the last on the bench for Pioli, so how is he feeling?

“It is the last game of the season and then we’ll see. People have been talking about this for many months, too many months, and the team did very well. It was not easy to follow a coach who was in this situation, so I congratulate them for that.

“There is a week to go, I’ll experience that week and then we’ll see.”

Did Pioli want Milan to be more forceful in defending him in the media over these months or did he feel abandoned by their silence?

“I did not have difficulties because the squad remained united and concentrated on the work. Inter did something exceptional, we did better than the others, so it was still a good season. There are regrets over the Champions League and Europa League, but for the rest we were up to the standards of everyone except for Inter.

“As a person, I tried to go through it with balance and to pass on that to the squad. I was not affected by things certain people said. I know my level and that everything in this world is exaggerated, so I just carried on along my path.”

If Milan score two goals against Salernitana at San Siro, it can be the best attacking tally for a Pioli side, but it is already the worst defensive record of his five years at the club.

“I think these are significant statistics. Tonight was an example of our whole season defensively, we allowed four opportunities and conceded three goals. I realise that conceding too many goals penalised us many times this season and was our biggest weakness.”

Does Pioli expect to be informed of his future before the final game so the Milan fans can give him a fitting salute?

“I am not angry with anyone. In my five years at Milan, we always met after the end of the season, so I don’t know what will happen next week.”

Having been linked with Napoli, Pioli was jokingly asked if he would prefer his next club to be in the south and perhaps by the sea?

“I have not spoken to any other club. If and when my rapport with Milan ends, but not before, as I have too much respect for this club and its fans. My contract still runs for another year, I’ve had five wonderful, intense years and I am just concentrated on ending the season.

“Then, if there are any situations, I will evaluate them.”

Torino sliced Milan’s defence apart with two free headers and a Ricardo Rodriguez scorcher to keep their European hopes alive and leapfrog Napoli into ninth place.

The Rossoneri continued to revamp after securing second place, leaving Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud on the bench, while Mike Maignan, Simon Kjaer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze were injured, Matteo Gabbia suspended and Theo Hernandez struggling with flu symptoms. Toro missed Nikola Vlasic, Koffi Djidji, Gvidas Gineitis and Perr Schuurs, but Alessandro Buongiorno and Duvan Zapata passed fitness tests.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Adrien Tameze wasted a golden opportunity when ballooning over undisturbed from 12 yards on the Pietro Pellegri pull-back, then Vanja Milinkovic-Savic intercepted the Noah Okafor assist for Christian Pulisic at the near post.

Okafor went so close with a curler inches past the far top corner after a Tijjani Reijnders counter-attack, but it was Toro who took the lead moments later.

Ricardo Rodriguez whipped in a cross from the left and Duvan Zapata was allowed a totally free header between Milan centre-backs from 12 yards into the far bottom corner of the net.

A ball in that was just begging to be headed into the back of the net

Duván Zapata adds the finishing touch to a wonderful searching ball from Ricardo Rodriguez… Milan trail to Torino!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/wUbBn8util

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Christian Pulisic nodded over, but Torino doubled their lead with what was incredibly an even freer header than the first. Raoul Bellanova’s cross from the right found Ivan Ilic so unmarked, he didn’t even need to jump, merely steer it in from 12 yards.

Ivan Ilić makes it two for Torino against Milan…

How about the turn from Pietro Pellegri dropping into midfield?

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/2q71IcfdRZ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Yunus Musah saw his rocket accidentally charged down by teammate Malick Thiaw, but within 20 seconds of the restart it was 3-0. Former Milan player Rodriguez unleashed a left-foot rocket off the underside of the crossbar from 20 metres out after the Rossoneri were sluggishly caught in possession.

Ricardo Rodriguez unleashes a rocket against his former club

Torino are tearing through Milan!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/bhnFIHvFkl

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Pulisic thumped his shot against the bar from the edge of the area, but it wouldn’t have counted anyway, as the referee gave a free kick for an earlier push on Buongiorno.

Milinkovic-Savic stood tall to deny Luka Jovic on the Pulisic slide-rule pass, but Adam Masina gave away a penalty when hooking Pulisic across the neck, so Ismael Bennacer converted from the spot.

Ismaël Bennacer sends the keeper the wrong way after Christian Pulisic was brought down in the box…

One back for Milan

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/j1InSfyK8E

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Marco Sportiello struggled to deal with a looping Duvan Zapata header and Tameze intercepted a dangerous counter-attack for Rafael Leao, but Luka Jovic shinned his over-head kick off target.

Late on, Rafael Leao went on a trademark solo run to cut inside from the left, but his shot was parried by the goalkeeper.

The Torino shot-stopper also kept out Fikayo Tomori’s header in stoppages, but it wouldn’t have counted over a push.

Torino 3-1 Milan

Duvan Zapata 26 (T), Ilic 39 (T), Rodriguez 46 (T), Bennacer pen 54 (M)

18-05-2024 19:45

MatchDay 37

Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

Torino

Milan

3 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Duván Zapata (Assist: Ricardo Rodríguez)		26'
Ivan Ilić (Assist: Raoul Bellanova)		40'

2nd half

Ricardo Rodríguez (Assist: Pietro Pellegri)		46'
		55'		Ismaël Bennacer
		76'		Fikayo Tomori
Samuele Ricci		90+5'

Match statistic

40

Possession %

60

11

Total shots

16

5

Shots on target

4

5

Shots off target

7

1

Blocked shots

5

3

Corners

8

2

Offsides

15

Fouls

14

Torino

Milan

Starting lineups

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

5

Adam Masina

Defender

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

80'

19

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

74'

13

Ricardo Rodríguez

Defender

61'

61

Adrien Tameze

Midfielder

8

Ivan Ilić

Midfielder

77

Karol Linetty

Midfielder

28

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

91

Duván Zapata

Attacker

11

Pietro Pellegri

Attacker

74'

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

28

Malick Thiaw

Defender

20

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

38

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

65'

4

Ismaël Bennacer

Midfielder

78'

14

Tijjani Reijnders

Midfielder

80

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

77'

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

15

Luka Jovic

Attacker

17

Noah Okafor

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

26

Koffi Djidji

Defender

1

Luca Gemello

Goalkeeper

21

David Okereke

Attacker

81

Aaron Ciammaglichella

Midfielder

15

Saba Sazonov

Defender

71

Mihai Popa

Goalkeeper

25

Alessandro Dellavalle

Defender

17

Uros Kabic

Attacker

79

Zanos Savva

Attacker

30

Jonathan Silva

Midfielder

27

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

61'

9

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

74'

20

Valentino Lazaro

Defender

74'

6

Matteo Lovato

Defender

80'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

83

Antonio Mirante

Goalkeeper

2

Davide Calabria

Defender

30

Mattia Caldara

Defender

7

Yacine Adli

Midfielder

85

Kevin Zeroli

Midfielder

95

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

61'

42

Alessandro Florenzi

Defender

65'

9

Olivier Giroud

Attacker

77'

32

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

78'

The dismissal of Max Allegri and likely arrival of Thiago Motta as Juventus coach could change plans to sell Manchester United target Gleison Bremer.

It had been widely assumed that the Brazil international would be sacrificed this summer with a sale price of €70m.

That is considered more than fair, as Juve paid €50m to purchase him from Torino in 2022 and the 27-year-old has gone from strength to strength in Turin and his contract runs to June 2028.

However, the situation at Juventus has certainly changed with yesterday’s decision to sack coach Allegri.

Most assume that Bologna boss Thiago Motta has been lined up to replace him next season and that could transform their transfer plans too.

Thiago Motta wants Bremer at Juve

According to Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, Thiago Motta is a real admirer of Bremer and wants him to be the rock at the centre of their defence, especially if they move to a 4-3-3 formation.

This is not the only change, as Federico Chiesa was extremely frustrated under Allegri’s tactics, but could be convinced to stay with Thiago Motta at the helm.

On the other hand, Adrien Rabiot is more likely to join Manchester United as a free agent now that Allegri has been sacked.

According to Il Sole 24 Ore, Oaktree already have a buyer lined up to purchase Inter if Suning and the Zhang family fail to repay the €395m loan on Monday.

US fund Oaktree granted Suning the €275m loan in 2021 with a 12 per cent interest rate and the due date for repayment is on May 20.

Suning had hoped to get a deal in place with Pimco to take out a different loan at an even higher interest rate to pay that off, but this agreement seems to have fallen through.

If the loan is not repaid, Inter will effectively be repossessed, as it was used as collateral to secure the loan.

The Financial Times reported yesterday that, unlike Elliott Management with Milan when repossessing the club from Yonghong Li in 2019, Oaktree have no desire to run a football team.

Inter could be repossessed

Now Il Sole 24 Ore confirms that, which is why they believe Oaktree have already got a buyer lined up to take over Inter once they repossess it.

There had been several interested parties over the past three years, largely from Saudi Arabia, but Suning were confident they could keep hold of the club and just bring in investors.

That plan failed and they are now on the verge of losing the club that has just won the Serie A title.

Meanwhile, there is at least some good news for Nerazzurri supporters, because Il Sole 24 Ore also reports that the repossession should not affect the agreement of new contracts with players or even transfer deals.

This is because for several years now Beppe Marotta has already been running a net zero transfer campaign, paying for any new signings with sales that made profits.