Ruben Amorim has wasted no time outlining his ambitions after taking charge of Milan, immediately targeting the club’s 20th league title as Italian football marks two decades since its last World Cup victory. The Portuguese coach declared his intention to deliver the “second star” to the San Siro, referencing the symbol awarded for 10 domestic championships.
“We want to win the 20th Scudetto,” Amorim stated, according to Friday’s newspaper round-up. The new boss emphasised his commitment to an attractive brand of football, noting he has “different ideas to Allegri” and promising to “display beautiful football”. He also addressed speculation regarding veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, adding: “Modric? I hope he stays.”
Club president Gerry Cardinale echoed this sentiment of renewal, describing the appointment as the beginning of “a new era, results and exciting football” for the Rossoneri.
World Cup reflections and quarter-final focus
The Italian sports pages are simultaneously looking back and forward on the international stage. Friday marks exactly 20 years since Marcello Lippi’s Azzurri lifted the trophy in Berlin following their victory over France, a triumph that remains the nation’s fourth World Cup success.
Attention now turns to the current tournament in North America, where France face Morocco in a quarter-final clash that pits Paris Saint-Germain teammates Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi against each other. The newspapers highlight the personal duel between the French captain and the Moroccan right-back, with a semi-final place at stake.
Transfer market movements
Serie A clubs remain active in the transfer market. Roma are competing with Marseille to secure the signature of Mason Greenwood, with reports suggesting the French club have prepared a package including a €50 million transfer fee and €11 million net annual wages for the forward.
In defence, Inter have reportedly challenged Juventus for Colombian centre-back Solet, intensifying the rivalry between the two clubs. Meanwhile, Torino president Urbano Cairo has confirmed external interest in the Granata, though he clarified that no binding offers have materialised despite American investment funds showing curiosity.
“There are some,” Cairo stated, “looking at the club’s accounts.” He confirmed he has received “no binding offers yet, though some American funds are hovering in the background.” The president admitted he remains willing to step aside from the club he has controlled since 2005.
Elsewhere, Juventus are working to retain striker Dušan Vlahović, potentially offering him a salary comparable to teammate Kenan Yıldız for the next two seasons. Atalanta, meanwhile, have rejected a €25 million bid for defender Dibu Martínez as negotiations continue without agreement on personal terms.