Roberto Rosetti, Chairman of the UEFA Referees Committee, says only captains will be allowed to protest at referees’ decisions at Euro 2024 while all other players approaching officials and ‘showing any sort of disrespect or dissent will receive a yellow card.’

Former Serie A referee Rosetti explained some new guidelines for Euro 2024 in an article written for La Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday.

“Being a referee in modern football is very difficult. Officials make 200 to 250 decisions per game, so one every 22 seconds, in difficult and sometimes controversial situations, under enormous pressure,” wrote Rosetti.

“Each decision is examined from different angles by pundits and fans.

“We want referees with strong personalities who make decisions that may be unpopular, but we also want them to be open and explain what led us to make determined choices. They receive a lot of information from VAR, and we are ready to talk and share as many details as possible with players and coaches to help them understand why a certain decision was made.

“The behaviour of footballers and coaches has always been key in football. During the Euro 2024 Workshop in April, coaches agreed that they were ready to work to favour fair play,” continued Rosetti.

“It is impossible to explain a decision to 22 players around you. It could lead to an interruption in the communication. Everyone believes it is harmful to the image of football. Obviously, some decisions will always be discussed. However, in an attempt to improve the status quo, we at UEFA want referees to explain their decisions to all the teams involved at Euro 2024.”

Here comes the big part.

“How will we do it? The idea is simple. We’ll ask all the teams to ensure that only their captain talks to the referee,” said Rosetti.

“We’ll ask the captains to ensure that their teammates don’t corner the referee, allowing direct conversation until the decision is made in a respectful and tempestive way.

“It’s important to stress that we only want the captain of a team to talk to the referee. It will be his [the captain’s] responsibility to ensure his teammates keep their distance from the referee. Any player who ignores the role of his captain and approaches the referee showing any sort of disrespect or dissent will receive a yellow card.

“Obviously, if the captain is the goalkeeper, each team must name an outfield player who can cover that role in case an incident happens on the opposite side of the pitch.”

This may be Italy’s case as Gigio Donnarumma is expected to captain the Azzurri at Euro 2024.

The PSG star wore the armband in six appearances out of seven under Luciano Spalletti, while Ciro Immobile was the captain in the CT against North Macedonia in September 2023.

“Referees will be encouraged to be open to discussion, favouring a hearty atmosphere between all the parties,” continued Rosetti.

“This will allow them to build trust with players and demonstrate the leadership modern referees must have. A team of UEFA referee specialists and, when possible, a tournament referee will meet each of the 24 teams to discuss this information with the footballers in a more detailed way.

“Adopting this approach will raise the already high quality of referees in competition, leading to better games for the footballers and the fans during the tournament.

“If we manage to facilitate a constructive dialogue between the referee and the team captains, everyone will benefit, and we’ll leave a positive legacy for the future of this amazing game that we all love.”

Rosetti is among the top referees of all time and retired after the 2010 World Cup. His first appointment after the end of his career was as a Serie B designator.

He made his Serie A debut in 1996 and received his FIFA Badge in 2002.

The former Italian referee is currently the Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the Referees Committee at UEFA.

Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma has been named Best Goalkeeper in Ligue 1 for his performances at Paris Saint-Germain.

The UNFP held its equivalent of the Players’ Association Awards this evening and Donnarumma got the golden gloves.

Now aged 25, the Italian left Milan as a free agent to join PSG in the summer of 2021 and could sign a new contract.

He won three editions of the Ligue 1 title and two French Super Cups.

Donnarumma’s second UNFP award

This is his second victory as goalkeeper of the year in France after winning the UNFP award in 2022.

As for the other awards, the best French player abroad was named Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid.

Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan had been among the nominees, but not Scudetto winners Marcus Thuram or Benjamin Pavard of Inter.

Best goalkeeper of #Ligue1@Donnarumma is elected best goalkeeper of the 2023/2024 season in #Ligue1! #TrophéesUNFP pic.twitter.com/lUALsdMkvE

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 13, 2024

LE MUR PARISIEN : @donnarumma #TropheesUNFP pic.twitter.com/q6sfo99Cgz

— Ligue 1 Uber Eats (@Ligue1UberEats) May 13, 2024

Luciano Spalletti dropped a few hints as to why he had to leave Napoli after winning the Scudetto. ‘I had my reasons. I love everyone, I forgive everyone, but I do not forget.’

The Italy coach was speaking at the CONI World Meeting on Human Fraternity in Rome when he was asked about his experience at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

He took the club to their first Serie A title in over 30 years, but asked to be released from his contract at the end of the season.

“We had everything that we needed to follow up what we had won,” insisted Spalletti when pushed on their remarkable collapse this term under three different coaches.

“You’d need to be aware of many things. I love everyone, I forgive everyone, but I do not forget.”

Spalletti hints on Napoli exit

There had been reports Spalletti clashed behind the scenes with President Aurelio De Laurentiis, while director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli also walked away straight after the title triumph.

Was he simply concerned Napoli could never follow the heights of that Scudetto run?

“I will not say why I left, but it was not out of fear,” replied Spalletti.

“I had my reasons. The rapport was wonderful at Napoli. We did not win just because of me, but for a city that has extraordinary passion.”

Spalletti had initially asked to take a year out, then had to pay Napoli a penalty fee after deciding to take on the Italy job from September 2023.

Multiple sources in Italy claim Leonardo Spinazzola’s season is over as the Roma defender has been diagnosed with a lesion to his right thigh flexor, so the match with Bayer Leverkusen could have been his final game with the Giallorossi.

Italian media, including Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport, report that Spinazzola’s season is over as the Italian left-back has suffered a lesion in the flexor muscle of his right thigh.

Spinazzola had been subbed off in the opening stages of Roma’s latest Europa League match against Bayer Leverkusen and will be forced to the sidelines for the final three games of 2023-24.

Spinazzola could have played last Roma game as season-ending injury confirmed

Roma visit direct rivals Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday before hosting Genoa at the Olimpico and visiting Empoli at the Stadio Castellani in the final game of the campaign.

The match against Leverkusen could have been Spinazzola’s final appearance with the Giallorossi, given that his contract expires in June 2024.

It is still unclear whether he will extend with Roma, but his agent, Davide Lippi, said in January his client was not expected to continue with the Giallorossi.

Spinazzola was not expected to be called up for Euro 2024 as he has never been included in the Azzurri squad by Luciano Spalletti.

Fabio Capello hopes Italian coaches complete a treble in European competitions this season but warns Atalanta that ‘Leverkusen have more quality.’

Capello, a former Milan, Juventus, and England coach, is confident that Italian coaches can win three UEFA competitions this season.

“It would be nice to see a treble from Italian coaches: Ancelotti lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid, Gasperini winning the Europa League with Atalanta and Italiano triumphing in the Conference League with Fiorentina. For Coverciano, it would be like winning a Ballon d’Or,” the ex-coach told Gazzetta.

“I am confident even if it may sound strange given the opponents. I am more fearful for Fiorentina than Atalanta. The Viola will meet Olympiacos in Athens, even if in AEK’s stadium, not theirs’. However, Greek fans are loud, and I hope Olympiacos will feel more pressure than it is due,” he continued.

Atalanta have qualified for the Coppa Italia and the Europa League Final and eliminated Liverpool in the UEL quarter-finals.

Capello warns Atalanta

“I trust Gasperini and Atalanta. A team that can hurt any opponent,” said Capello.

“It’s no coincidence that they won 3-0 at Anfield, eliminating Liverpool, who were considered the favourites for the Europa League. Leverkusen have more quality [than Atalanta] and all these good results have boosted their self-esteem, but to be favourites is not always an advantage.”

Capello knows it first-hand.

“In 1993, we [Milan] reached the Champions League Final against Marseille after some great results. But then a corner kick was enough to lose the Final,” Capello warned.

“This is football, nothing should ever be taken for granted. Atalanta have drastically improved and I believe they’ll need great focus.”

What’s the most impressive achievement for Gasperini this season?

“He deserves credit for what he achieved from De Ketelaere and Scamacca. Gasperini has made Atalanta and Italy’s good. now we have a solid striker for the Euros,” Capello replied.

Capello on Fiorentina’s UECL hopes

Fiorentina, on the other hand, have reached the second consecutive Conference League Final and hope to win the trophy this time after losing to West Ham a year ago.

“Fiorentina have more experience than last season but they’ve had highs and lows in Serie A,” noted Capello.

“Italiano deserved another Final, and I hope he’ll find the key to beating Olympiacos and lifting the cup this time. However, don’t underestimate the Greeks, not only because they play in Athens.”

Capello won two European trophies as a coach, both at Milan. A Champions League in 1993-94 and a UEFA Supercup in 1994.

He also won five Serie A titles and two La Liga with Real Madrid.

Davide Frattesi reveals the secret behind his goal-scoring form is ‘always to train hard’ and hopes the Nerazzurri can ‘replicate’ in 2024-25 what they did this year ‘regarding the group.’

Frattesi scored a goal in Inter’s 5-0 win over Frosinone on Friday, which helped the Serie A champions bounce back immediately after last week’s loss to Sassuolo.

“The other game was affected by all the celebrations and we were a bit tired. It can happen. The important thing is not to make a bad impression, and this was an appropriate reply,” the Italian midfielder told DAZN.

Frattesi has scored eight goals in Serie A this season despite starting just five times. He is the best midfielder in the league for goal-per-minute ratio.

Frattesi: Inter and Italy star reveals ‘secret’ behind goal-scoring form

“The key is always to train hard so you can show it when you are involved,” he said.

“If you are slow during the week and demotivated when you don’t play, that is not the right attitude. Obviously, the more you play, the more you are fit, but the secret is to always go fast in training.”

What does he expect from the next season?

“First of all, I hope we can replicate what we did this season regarding the group. Then the coach will decide the rest.”

Next week, Inter will lift the Scudetto trophy after the final home game against Lazio.

“Surely it won’t be like the open-top bus parade, but I’d still be a party. Going to San Siro is always thrilling; it’s like a constant party,” the Italy international concluded.

Check out today’s latest news from Serie A, including Nicolo Barella’s new lucrative Inter contract and Luciano Spalletti’s thoughts on Serie A and the Italy national team ahead of Euro 2024.

Nicolò Barella will soon sign a contract extension with Inter becoming the highest Italian player in Serie A with a €7m-a-year salary, including add-ons, la Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz met his ‘idol’ Alessandro Del Piero at the club’s training ground, sharing a picture on social media.

More Serie A news

Stefano Pioli is reportedly the leading candidate to take over at Napoli in the summer and Gazzetta showed how the Partenopei could line up under the Parma-born tactician in 2024-25.

Danilo Iervolino is looking to sell Salernitana and has received two offers from interested parties in the United States, Tuttosport detailed.

Bayer Leverkusen’s DJ at the BayArena played ‘Bella Ciao’ after Xabi Alonso’s side eliminated Roma from the Europa League semi-final, but Sevilla also rubbed salt into the Giallorossi’s wound with a social media post that has now been cancelled.

Journalist Alessandro Alciato revealed he was ‘pressured’ not to release the recent tell-all interview given by Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

Atalanta dream of winning their first UEFA trophy after qualifying for the Europa League Final with a stunning 3-0 win over Marseille in which, as highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gian Piero Gasperini’ went all in.’

Milan ultras will continue their silent protest against the club’s management in their upcoming Serie A match with Cagliari.

Arrigo Sacchi opened up about a telephone call he had with Carlo Ancelotti following Real Madrid’s thrilling Champions League semi-final win over Bayern Munich.

Tennis star Jannik Sinner is pushing to be fit for the upcoming French Open and is carrying out his recovery with Juventus.

Bayer Leverkusen’s aggregate win over Roma hasn’t only stopped an all-Italian Europa League Final but has also prevented Italy from getting a 6th Champions League spot next season, at least for now.

Italian media refuse to blame Mile Svilar despite a costly error in the second leg of the Europa League semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen, but two Roma players fell short in Germany last night, according to sports papers.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli says no players showed up in his office to say they are tired and insists last season’s Champions League semifinal was undervalued because the Rossoneri were eliminated by city rivals Inter.

Stefano Pioli insists Milan have no regrets despite Borussia Dortmund’s qualification for the Champions League Final and an Oliver Giroud penalty kick miss.

Luciano Spalletti explained why he’s calling up some Italy legends to join his squad ahead of Euro 2024 and had high praise for Gianluca Scamacca following their PlayStation feud.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti says Inter and Bologna are the Serie A teams he has enjoyed the most this season and explains why Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid deserved to be ‘lucky’ against Bayern Munich.

Spalletti released an interview with Il Corriere della Sera, talking about the upcoming Euros and offering his view on the Serie A campaign that is coming to an end.

The Azzurri CT was asked which Serie A sides he has enjoyed the most this season.

Spalletti reveals Serie A teams he’s enjoyed the most this season

“Aside from Inter, who deservedly won the title, Bologna. They bring me back to Napoli,” he said.

“Great football and you can breathe friendship and brotherhood in the group. That’s a way to win too.”

Spalletti has recently visited Thiago Motta’s Bologna at Casteldebole.

We had a very special guest in Casteldebole this morning! #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/pKhmat6WHQ

— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) May 8, 2024

Spalletti also visited Milan earlier this season so he was asked his thoughts on Stefano Pioli’s work and whether Milan should really part ways with the 58-year-old.

“Pioli is an excellent coach and a man with great human qualities,” argued Spalletti.

“He has done well in Milan over the past three years, but I won’t be involved in internal dynamics.”

The Parma-born coach could be appointed by Napoli this summer. The Partenopei have changed three coaches this season, after winning their first Serie A title in 33 years under Spalletti in the previous campaign.

“Generally, you don’t even change three coaches in five years,” said the CT.

“How can you absorb so many different things from men with different methods and characters? Sometimes players must be comforted and convinced to be strong. It doesn’t take much to demotivate them. Young players like Zirkzee and Kvara, for example, must be defended and supported every day.”

Is he still convinced of including Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Giacomo Raspadori and Alex Meret in the Italy squad for Euro 2024?

“I assess the whole season, not just the last few months,” Spalletti argued.

Spalletti on why Ancelotti deserves to be ‘lucky’

How important is luck in football?

“A lot, but you have it if you deserve it,” the Italian CT replied.

“Real Madrid in the Champions League Final proves it. Carlo [Ancelotti] was lucky against Bayern; there were some referee errors, but it doesn’t take anything away from the victory. They always believed in it.”

In the end, Spalletti sent a sweet message to his family.

“Without my mum and my wife, I’d have gone nowhere,” he said.

“I’ve lost my brother, who was a rock, and my father, Carlo, even stronger, so nothing else can hurt me.”

Luciano Spalletti explained why he’s calling up some Italy legends to join his squad ahead of Euro 2024 and had high praise for Gianluca Scamacca following their PlayStation feud.

The Azzurri are desperate to display a resounding response at the upcoming European Championship in Germany after their recent heartbreak in the World Cup qualifying play-offs, which saw them fall short to North Macedonia and miss out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Since the arrival of Spalletti back in September, enthusiasm has started to grow again for the Italy national team, with high hopes ahead of Euro 2024. The Azzurri enter has defending champions and a strong campaign is expected by fans.

Spalletti on Italy at Euro 2024

Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Spalletti first discussed what it means to play for your national team.

“It’s the most beautiful and most important thing in the world, the first skin for a footballer. You have to wear it with pride and conviction. With dignity and humanity. In our national team everyone must be on the same level, so that no one feels powerful.

“We all start from past defeats, they are the ones that form us. Victory is beautiful, it makes you cool but if it remains an end in itself, it becomes a vice. From the depression of a defeat, one is reborn.”

He was asked if the Azzurri could compete with the top national teams like England, France and Germany at Euro 2024.

“We have to do it, but we still have to work on it. What we have shown so far is not enough. We have technical and also human qualities and let’s be clear, they matter in the same way.”

Spalletti commented on the recent growth of Scamacca and if their feud regarding his PlayStation habits had anything to do with it.

“The credit goes to Gasperini who coaches him, if in some way I urged him to have a reaction I’m happy, this is my aim. Technology is important but must be contextualized.

“We need to stay connected to each other, even in downtime. It’s the details that always make the difference. Those 10 days where we’ll be together before leaving will be the most important.”

Finally, Spalletti explained why he’s planning to call up a number of Italy legends like Roberto Baggio, Giancarlo Antognoni, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero ahead of the team’s trip to Germany.

“Add Rivera too, and I’ll do that for me. He is the number 10 of my time. They will give us their experience, they will tell us about their trophies. They will motivate us.”

During the same interview, Spalletti also spoke about the current Serie A campaign and why Carlo Ancelotti deserved to be ‘lucky’ against Bayern Munich in the latest Champions League semifinal.

Nicolò Barella will soon sign a contract extension with Inter becoming the highest Italian player in Serie A with a €7m-a-year salary, including add-ons.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Barella is set to become the highest-paid Italian player in Serie A with a new contract at the Stadio Meazza.

His current deal with the Serie A champions runs out in June 2026, but director Piero Ausilio said a few days ago that the Italy international will probably put pen to paper on a new deal before his teammate Lautaro Martinez.

Barella set to become highest Italian player in Serie A with new Inter contract

Gazzetta claims that Barella’s new contract will expire in June 2029, and his salary will rise from €5m-a-year to € 6.5m-a-year plus add-ons.

According to Gazzetta, bonuses in Barella’s contract will be ‘easy to reach, ‘ so his salary can further grow to €7m per season.

This means he’ll become the highest-paid Italian player in the league ahead of his teammate Alessandro Bastoni, who currently gets €5.5m per season and Juventus ace Federico Chiesa, who earns €5m a year in Turin.

Italy international Destiny Udogie is one of eight nominees for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award thanks to his performances at Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Udinese wing-back made the transfer to Spurs last summer for €18m plus up to another €7m in performance-related bonuses.

He made 30 competitive appearances, 28 of them in the Premier League, contributing two goals and three assists from left-back.

Udogie’s season was cut short by surgery on a thigh injury.

Udogie up for award

Now the 21-year-old has been named as one of eight candidates for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

The fans can vote until May 13 and Udogie is up against Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saba and William Saliba.

The Premier League site notes that along with contributing directly to five goals, Udogie also created 24 chances and made 68 tackles in his debut season.

This award is open to players who are under 23 years of age.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta explains the Gunners extended Jorginho’s contract because the Italian playmaker is ‘a role model with great leadership skills and a unique playing style ability.’

Arsenal announced Jorginho’s contract extension with an official statement on Thursday, which means the ex-Napoli midfielder will remain at the Emirates Stadium until June 2025.

“We’re delighted that Jorgi has signed a new contract with us. Jorgi is such an important part of our team, a role model with great leadership skills and a unique playing style ability which makes everybody better around him on the pitch,” Arsenal coach Arteta told the club’s official website.

Jorginho: Arteta reveals two reasons why Arsenal extended with Italy star

“We’re very pleased that Jorgi and his family have committed with us and we’re all excited to continue this journey together,” the coach concluded.

The Gunners director Edu was also delighted with the Italian’s extension.

“We’re very happy to have Jorgi sign a contract extension with us. He represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success,” he said.

“I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us, not only the players and coaches but all the staff behind the scenes as well. It’s great that Jorginho remains with us, as we continue building to be better and stronger.”

Jorginho has become a semi-regular starter at Arsenal after starting just four Premier League matches from the opening 20 this season. He has 35 appearances with the Premier League giants across all competitions this season.

Jorginho’s lack of playing time with Arsenal at the beginning of the campaign prompted Italy coach Luciano Spalletti to exclude the midfielder from the squad for his first four games in charge.

However, the 32-year-old started in three games from the last four under Spalletti and is expected to be part of the Azzurri squad for Euro 2024.

Italy international Jorginho has officially extended his contract with Arsenal: ‘I have more to do.’

Arsenal confirm Italy international Jorginho has signed a contract extension. Fabrizio Romano claims Jorginho’s new deal at the Emirates Stadium is valid until June 2025.

Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the 2023 January transfer window, and his previous agreement was due to expire in June 2024.

Juventus and other Serie A clubs had been linked with the former Napoli and Hellas Verona midfielder, but his extension means he’ll remain at Arsenal at least until the end of next season.

Official – Italy star Jorginho extends with Arsenal: ‘I have more to do’

“It’s been really positive because I felt part of something big straight away. I felt involved and really in a good place. It’s not always like that, so when you feel something like this, it’s something important,” Jorginho told Arsenal’s official website.

“I’m really happy to stay because it’s a privilege to be a part of this family. My family is happy, we are really well settled and there’s more to come.

“There was not much to discuss, to be honest, because I feel really good here. Just to know that they appreciate me and want me to stay longer as well, it’s a big thing for me. I feel that I have more to do, so that’s the reason why I’m staying.”

Jorginho, 32, has one goal and two assists in 35 appearances at a club level this season. He left Serie A in 2018, joining Chelsea from Napoli in a €57m deal, and he won the Europa League in his first season at the club under his compatriot Maurizio Sarri.

Jorginho made his senior Italy debut in March 2016 under Antonio Conte and has gone on to score I’ve goals in 52 appearances with the Azzurri, winning the Euros in 2021. The 32-year-old is expected to be included in Luciano Spalletti’s squad for the 2024 European Championship.

Italian media celebrate Carlo Ancelotti’s latest achievement as the Italian coach reached a Champions League Final for the sixth time: ‘He even forced us to support Everton,’ wrote Il Corriere dello Sport.

La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuttosport, and Il Corriere dello Sport praised Ancelotti on Monday after Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals, which allowed the Merengues to qualify for a Final for the second time in three years.

• Read more – Only four coaches, including Allegri and Guardiola, eliminated Ancelotti from UCL semis

La Gazzetta dello Sport rated Ancelotti 7/10 but admitted the Italian tactician was also a bit lucky last night.

“He did it again,” wrote Alex Frosio.

“With Real Madrid’s mystic and DNA, but also with Carletto’s luck. Before Joselu’s miracle, Madrid had still created more than Bayern, proving they also knew how to attack.”

Il Corriere dello Sport editor Ivan Zazzaroni wrote a lengthy editorial explaining why Italians love Ancelotti so much and saying that fans in the Peninsula supported their compatriot every time he joined a foreign club.

“Thank you, Carlo, because, to us, you are football, the one we love. Thanks for existing (and resisting). You are the only one able to involve us from afar, even forcing us to support Everton. I admit, with Madrid, it’s much easier,” the journalist wrote.

Corriere dello Sport reported Ancelotti’s key stats as a coach: 793 wins, 297 draws and 244 defeats, plus 42 trophies in his career, 28 as a coach. At Real Madrid, he’s won 206 games from 284 winning the Champions League twice.

“He is in the final again with a style that can’t be labelled. Carlo has the ability to offer football fans the complexity and the amazement of something that no longer has secrets for him,” continued Zazzaroni.

“I imagine him celebrating while he lights up a cigarette, explaining the key of his latest victory, as he did in Paris two years ago: ‘The goalkeeper made saves and the striker scored.'”

The journalist revealed that Ancelotti had joked with him after a victory on penalties against Manchester City in the previous round. “‘We forced them inside our box,” said the Italian tactician.

“Ancelotti makes everything simpler and more genuine, and the video of him signing with Madrid fans after the Bayern Munich clash is the nicest image representing Carletto’s spontaneity,” concluded Zazzaroni.

Below are the front pages of Italian sports papers celebrating Ancelotti’s latest achievement.

Milan legend Paolo Maldini admits the Ballon d’Or was not a target for him as a footballer but he rejected a call-up to Italy national team in 2006 due to knee problems and because he didn’t want to ‘be a burden.’

The former Milan defender and director released an interview with Radio Serie A on Thursday, during which he went through his career as a footballer with the Rossoneri and Italy national team.

The legendary defender was named Milan’s captain in 1997.

“I was 29, and I had been playing for Milan for 13 years, being the national team captain for three,” he recalled.

“I was accustomed to that role, but doing it daily at Milan was different because there were many responsibilities. I didn’t talk much; it’s a demanding role, and you have many things to learn.”

Maldini spent his entire career at Milan, making 902 appearances with the Rossoneri and becoming one of the most successful footballers in history with seven Serie A titles and five Champions League among his trophies.

“The first one was unforgettable, but the trophies are all well-spread over 20 years,” he said.

“The one we won in Manchester [against Juventus] came nine years after the previous one. Perhaps it was the most desired because I was the captain, and I hadn’t won one for a while.”

Who are the best footballers he played with?

“In terms of moral strength, Franco Baresi was an amazing footballer. He didn’t talk. He acted and he was perfect. I also played with Marco Van Basten, and I played with great players in negative seasons,” Maldini replied.

“Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the most technically gifted players I’ve ever seen, but they arrived at the end of their careers. To play against Ronaldo at Inter was really tough. He would not stop. Rules were not as strict as today. We could use physicality more, but he was huge, fast and technically gifted.”

Maldini has no Ballon d’Or or Madrid regrets

Maldini also admitted he had thought about leaving Milan and that Real Madrid once made an offer to sign him.

“It’s hard to say no [to Madrid], but it can only happen if you are unhappy at Milan and in those years, Milan were the reference point,” he admitted.

“There were difficult moments [at Milan] and I was embittered sometimes, but it always pushed me to try to improve things. If a player wants to leave, the club must want to sell and another club must make an offer. These three things never arrived at the same time.”

The ex-defender admitted that winning the Ballon d’Or was never a target for him and doesn’t have any regrets about not winning the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

Maldini didn’t want to be a ‘burden’ to Italy

“I don’t think about the injustices in my career [the Ballon d’Or] is an individual award that was not among my targets.

“I played in four World Cups. In 2006 Marcello Lippi talked to me, but I had started having problems with my knee, and I was struggling to play twice a week for Milan,” continued the former defender.

“I wanted to preserve my body without being a burden. I had already said no to Trapattoni in 2004 and it didn’t feel right to say no to him and yes to Lippi. Perhaps we wouldn’t have won if I were in the team, so it was okay like this.”

During the same interview, Maldini also praised Inter directors for their title-winning campaign and admitted he no longer watches Rossoneri games at San Siro.

We may be accustomed to seeing a calm Carlo Ancelotti celebrate his teams’ triumphs, but last night in Madrid was different.

The Italian tactician has become the first coach to qualify for a Champions League Final six times after beating Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate on Wednesday night.

It was another thrilling match that saw the Merengues score at minutes 88 and 91 through substitute Joselu to turn the fixture around and qualify for the second UCL Final in three years.

As shown by CBS on X, formerly Twitter, not even Ancelotti could hide his happiness last night as the ex-Italian midfielder joined his players on the pitch, singing the Real Madrid anthem.

Hala Madrid… y nada más!

Carlo Ancelotti belting it out ahead of his SIXTH #UCL final pic.twitter.com/Ur1QEf27ee

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 8, 2024

England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was impressed by Alessandro Del Piero’s outfit in Madrid and joked with the Italian legend during a post-match press interview: ‘It’s a bit crazy, but it’s nice.’

Bellingham joked about Del Piero’s drip at the Estadio Bernabeu last night following Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Bayern Munich, which sent Carlo Ancelotti to the sixth Champions League Final in his coaching career.

Del Piero was a CBS pundit last night and spoke to Bellingham after the match. Before the interview started, the English star didn’t hide his admiration for Alex’s drip.

“Every time I see you, you have a nice suit on. It’s a bit crazy, but it’s nice!” said the 20-year-old who will play his first Champions League Final on June 1 against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.

"A bit crazy, but it's nice!"@BellinghamJude's a fan of @delpieroale's drip pic.twitter.com/yLKyeAvCLs

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 8, 2024

"I don't know why they've sent me out to do interviews because I've got no words." @BellinghamJude tries to sum up what it means to go to his first UCL final with this Real Madrid squad pic.twitter.com/IGJgEE9KhM

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 8, 2024

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti hits back at Bayern Munich’s complaints that the linesman should have kept the flag down in the final minutes of a Champions League semifinal second leg: ‘So we complain about the cancelled goal of Nacho.’

Former Italy international Ancelotti became the first coach to reach the Champions League Final six times, beating Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate.

Wednesday’s 2-1 win at the Bernabeu was inspired by Madrid’s super-sub Joselu, but there was controversy at the end of the match when one of the assistants flagged a Bayern player offside. Matthijs de Ligt found the net from the resulting header, but play had already been stopped.

Bayern players and coach Thomas Tuchel complained after the match, but Ancelotti hits back at the Germans at a post-match press conference.

Ancelotti hits back at Bayern complaints over controversial offside call

“Bayern complained about the offside? Ok, so we complain about the cancelled goal of Nacho… because Kimmich dived,” the Italian said.

“If they complain about that, then we can complain about our disallowed goal. Both players were pushing each other and it’s Nacho who gets penalised.”

Real Madrid’s equaliser was cancelled out after a VAR check at minute 73 as Spanish defender Nacho pushed Kimmich, hitting the Germany international in the neck.

Federico Bernardeschi has started to rediscover his magic with Toronto FC and is now in the process of negotiating a new contract, reports detail.

The 30-year-old Italian winger has experienced a number of ups and downs since joining the Canadian side back in July 2022, when his Juventus experience came to an end, but has started to show his best in the MLS once again.

Bernardeschi was the star of the show in Toronto’s league win over FC Dallas on Sunday, scoring twice and providing an assist as his side cruised to a 3-1 win, a result that put them third in the Eastern Conference after 11 matches, five points behind Inter Miami.

Bernardeschi future

As reported by Francesco Guerrieri of Calciomercato.com, Toronto have been happy with Bernardeschi’s performances this season and recently opened talks to start negotiating a new long-term contract. His current deal expires in December 2026 and both parties are keen to move forward together.

Back in January, the 30-year-old winger was heavily linked with a return to Serie A, with possible suitors including Roma, Lazio and Juventus, but a move never materialised.