CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
It wouldn’t be Inter if they didn’t make their supporters' hearts beat a little bit faster and they left it late for Champions League football again, writes Richard Hall.
Napoli did well to defy expectations set for them by pundits, but their lack of identity under Carlo Ancelotti left many fans disappointed, writes Massimo Nuzzo.
Milan Coach Gennaro Gattuso and director of sport Leonardo will quit today because CEO Ivan Gazidis is downsizing their ambitions, it’s reported.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino refused to commit his future to Spurs after being asked about Juventus. “We’ll have time to talk after the Final.”
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has declared that Atalanta are the ‘example’ for Italian clubs to follow after their Champions League exploits.
The seeds for next season’s Champions League are confirmed, with each of Serie A’s top four in the four pots.
Atalanta Coach Gian Piero Gasperini thinks his side will ‘do well’ in the Champions League next season after their historic qualification.
Luciano Spalletti just took Inter into the Champions League for the second year running, yet Antonio Conte could be announced over the next few days.
Gian Piero Gasperini admits there’s no guarantee he will stay with Atalanta, even after qualifying for the Champions League. “We need to share the same ideas.”
Atalanta President Antonio Percassi has asserted that Gian Piero Gasperini will lead the club into the Champions League next season.
As we go into the final 90 minutes of the Serie A season, Atalanta, Inter, Milan and Roma are battling for two Champions League places.
Atalanta are on the verge of Champions League qualification, but the growth is not only on the field, as they are one of the few clubs who run at a profit.
Juventus and Milan target Mauricio Pochettino claims “there is no better club” than Tottenham Hotspur. “I am so motivated to stay.”
The Champions League and Europa League could be divided into geographical zones from 2024.
Claudio Ranieri feels “emotional every time” he sits on the Roma bench, still believes in the Champions League and insists he’s just trying to “keep a lid on expectations” for the future.
Roberto Mancini believes Max Allegri’s time at Juventus had run its course, while Napoli “play the best football” in Serie A and Italy want to do well in Euro 2020.
Marcello Lippi alluded to the new Juventus Coach coming from a club involved in the European Finals – Maurizio Sarri or Mauricio Pochettino.
Max Allegri revealed when he was told that his Juventus career was over. “I will only take a year off if I have to, but the plan is to find a project that convinces me.”
There are reports Milan will seek a deal with UEFA, accepting a year out of European football over FFP violations rather than play the Europa League.
Napoli are officially second seeds in the Champions League group phase draw, because Sevilla have not qualified.
Max Allegri used his farewell Juventus Press conference to hit out at critics. “Those who win regularly are better than the others, that’s all there is to it. I’d like to give an example…”
President Andrea Agnelli saluted departing Coach Max Allegri with a message. “Juventus are distinctive because we can see the future before anyone else.”
Max Allegri discussed man-management, irritation with the “theory” part of football and why the best Juventus performance of the season was a defeat to Manchester United.
It’s not just Milan who risk being banned from the Champions League, as The New York Times claims Manchester City could be joining them.
Serie A chief executive Luigi De Siervo has warned UEFA that his League will go on strike if a ‘Super Champions League’ comes to fruition.
Seventh place in Serie A will be good enough for Europa League qualification if Atalanta win the Coppa Italia and finish in the top four.
Max Allegri analysed the Juventus season and why he is refusing to commit to next term yet. “I’ve had a clear idea what we needed to do since October.”
If PSG don’t renew his contract, Gianluigi Buffon is prepared to play on elsewhere, as long as they’re in the Champions League, it’s reported.
Alessandro Florenzi admits this has been “the worst of the last six seasons” for Roma and he doesn’t expect quick stadium developments.
Max Allegri insists he had the Juventus project “in mind for six months” and will see if it coincides with the club’s view. “If I hadn’t brought in trophies, they’d have burned me at the stake!”
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