• Turkey battles Paraguay in a vital FIFA World Cup 2026 group fixture
• Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu lead Turkey’s creative midfield
• Julio Enciso hopes to spark Paraguay’s attack after bright display against USA
• Both nations seek their first victory following disappointing opening results

Turkey and Paraguay prepare for a significant World Cup 2026 encounter as both sides chase their first points of the tournament. The match offers a chance for redemption after neither team managed to win their opening fixtures.

The Turkish squad will rely heavily on their creative talents. Arda Guler impressed despite their frustrating draw with Australia, constantly probing for openings with precise passes and dangerous crosses. The Real Madrid attacker repeatedly found space near the opponent’s box.

Captain Hakan Calhanoglu remains the heartbeat of the midfield, dictating the tempo and linking defence with attack. Meanwhile, Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz provides an explosive option from the substitutes’ bench following his impactful cameo last week.

Paraguay look towards Julio Enciso for inspiration. The Brighton forward stood out during their defeat to the USA, setting up Mauricio for a late consolation goal. However, midfielder Andres Cubas faced difficulties against the Americans’ aggressive pressing game.

Both managers must address tactical concerns. Turkey need to convert their possession into goals, while Paraguay require greater solidity when opponents force high up the pitch. Today’s clash should reveal which team has adapted better after their initial setbacks.

• Hakan Calhanoglu’s representative has travelled to Istanbul for talks with a potential Fenerbahce president
• The meeting involves Hakan Safi, who is running for office alongside Milan legend Paolo Maldini
• The Inter star famously supports Galatasaray, the bitter enemies of Fenerbahce
• Any transfer remains unlikely until Safi actually wins the club election
• Inter Milan hope to keep the midfielder after winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia

Turkish football fans are buzzing after reports that Hakan Calhanoglu might return home. The Inter Milan playmaker’s agent has reportedly landed in Istanbul to speak with Hakan Safi. Safi is currently campaigning to become the new president of Fenerbahce.

This news has shocked many supporters. Calhanoglu has always made it clear that he loves Galatasaray. These two clubs share one of the most heated rivalries in world football. Most people expected him to wear the Galatasaray shirt if he ever left Italy.

Safi is not yet in charge at the club. He is only a candidate for the position. He also has Paolo Maldini, the former AC Milan captain, helping with his campaign. Nothing can be finalised until after the election results.

Inter Milan are also keen to hold onto their key man. The team enjoyed a fantastic season, lifting both the league title and the domestic cup. Calhanoglu played a vital role in the centre of the park for these successes. The Italian giants will not want to lose him easily.

• Inter Milan will face Lazio without two key midfielders and defenders due to fitness problems
• Both absentees are expected to miss the Coppa Italia Final against the same opponents on May 13
• Brazilian winger Luis Henrique returns to the squad after recovering from his injury setback
• The champions travel to the Italian capital having already secured the Serie A trophy

Cristian Chivu will be without Francesco Pio Esposito and Hakan Calhanoglu for Saturday’s Serie A fixture away to Lazio. The Inter Milan pair have not joined the travelling party for the trip to Rome.

Italy defender Esposito is suffering from back pain. Inter have decided to rest the young centre-back ahead of next week’s Coppa Italia Final against the same opponents. The 20-year-old is unlikely to feature in that showpiece event at the Stadio Olimpico.

Turkey midfielder Calhanoglu has been out since late April with a soleus muscle problem. The injury is set to keep him on the sidelines for the cup final as well. This will be a major blow for the Nerazzurri as they aim to complete a domestic double.

However, there is positive news for the coach. Brazilian wide player Luis Henrique has overcome his fitness issues and is available for selection. The winger has rejoined the squad after his recovery.

Inter sealed the Serie A championship with three matches remaining and have little left to play for in the league. Meanwhile, Lazio sit four points adrift of a European Conference League qualifying position and need points in their push for continental football next season.

The two sides will meet again in the Coppa Italia Final on Wednesday, 13 May.

• Marcus Thuram pledges to wear his celebration sunglasses at the 2026 World Cup
• Inter Milan secured the Serie A crown with a 2-0 victory over Parma
• The French forward found the net during the title-clinching match at San Siro
• Thuram made the vow during a live chat with teammate Hakan Calhanoglu

Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram says he will keep wearing his trendy sunglasses. The French player promises to use them at the 2026 World Cup.

The Italian club won the Serie A title on Sunday. They beat Parma 2-0 at the San Siro stadium. Thuram scored one goal. Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the other. Inter only needed one point to win the league. However, they took all three points instead.

Thuram wore special sunglasses during the party on the pitch. He kept them on for an Instagram video the next day. He spoke with his teammate Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkish midfielder asked if Thuram slept with the glasses on.

Thuram answered with a joke. He said no one will see his eyes again. “I will train with these glasses. I will play with these glasses. I will do everything with them,” he said. He then spoke about the World Cup. He mentioned France captain Kylian Mbappé. Thuram said he will ask Mbappé for the ball while wearing the sunglasses.

The conversation shows the happy mood at Inter after winning their 20th league title. Thuram moved to the club last year. He has helped them win the trophy this season.

• Vincenzo Montella considered quitting football during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a lack of exciting job offers.
• A move to Turkish club Adana Demirspor restored his motivation and led to his current role with the Turkey national team.
• The coach has praised Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as a rare and vital deep-lying playmaker.

Vincenzo Montella has admitted he came close to leaving football during the global health crisis. The Turkey national team manager explained that the uncertainty of the pandemic left him questioning his future in the sport.

“I wanted to stop during COVID,” Montella stated. He noted that he enjoyed time with his family and had no appealing offers on the table. However, a switch to Adana Demirspor gave him fresh purpose. “Moving to Adana was a completely different world. It reignited my passion,” he said.

This career change opened the door to his current position with the Turkish national side. Under his leadership, the team secured qualification for Euro 2024. Montella expressed happiness at bringing joy to the country, calling this success his greatest reward.

The former forward also spoke highly of Inter Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu. He described the midfielder as a rare type of deep-lying playmaker who offers security on the ball. “When you pass to him, it is like putting money in the bank. You feel safe,” Montella explained. He added that teams struggle when Calhanoglu is not available.

Montella refused to comment on reported tensions at his former club AS Roma involving managers Claudio Ranieri and Gian Piero Gasperini. He stated that judging situations from outside is difficult and expressed respect for both coaches.

Regarding Italian football, the coach suggested the national team needs to focus on basic skills. He believes young players require better technical training rather than complex tactical instruction. Montella feels he has now recovered his love for the game, marking a sharp contrast to his earlier desire to quit.