News Focus
- Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti requests a contract extension for striker Dusan Vlahovic and targets defenders Stanislav Lobotka and Kim Min-jae.
- Como coach Cesc Fabregas insists Nico Paz will join Real Madrid or stay at the club, rejecting Inter Milan’s approach.
- Antonio Conte prepares for his final match with Udinese before taking over at Napoli.
- Young forward Kenan Yildiz faces an injury layoff and will miss the Turin derby.
- Historic club Bari suffer relegation to Serie C after a disappointing campaign.
Major changes are sweeping through Italian football as the season reaches its final stages. Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti has presented his plans to the club’s directors. He wants the board to secure striker Dusan Vlahovic with a new long-term deal immediately. The coach also demands reinforcements at the back. He has identified Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka and Kim Min-jae as his top targets to strengthen the defence.
Spalletti surprised his squad by cancelling training yesterday. He gave the players a rest day before the crucial derby clash against Torino. This tactic follows the method used by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. However, the team received bad news about Kenan Yildiz. The talented forward picked up an injury and will not feature in the match.
The transfer market is creating tension between clubs. Como manager Cesc Fabregas has strongly criticised Inter Milan over their interest in Nico Paz. The Spanish coach confirms the Argentine midfielder, recently named Serie A’s best midfielder, will not move to the Nerazzurri. Paz will either return to parent club Real Madrid or remain at Como. Fabregas claims Inter’s vice-president showed disrespect with his comments throughout the season.
Managerial appointments are also dominating the headlines. Antonio Conte will manage his final game with Udinese this weekend. He will then take charge of Napoli next season. Club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has rejected a takeover bid from an American investment fund. He will remain as president to oversee Conte’s arrival. Meanwhile, Lazio plan to appoint Raffaele Palladino as their new coach.
In lower league news, Bari have dropped to Serie C following another relegation. The result marks a nightmare period for the historic southern club. Elsewhere, reports suggest Luka Modric could negotiate a contract extension at Real Madrid after the World Cup, although clubs from other leagues remain interested in the Croatian star.