EUROPA LEAGUE
Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from the Europa League Round of 32, as Napoli need to overturn defeat to Granada, Milan in the balance with Red Star Belgrade and Roma host Sporting Braga.
Napoli managed to beat Granada with Piotr Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz goals, but the 2-1 win was not enough to overturn their 2-0 first leg defeat and their Europa League is over.
Red Star Belgrade coach Dejan Stankovic insists they have ‘already won and the reward is to play against a club like Milan’ in the Europa League.
Roma give Stephan El Shaarawy his first start since returning to the club, supporting Edin Dzeko with a makeshift defence against Sporting Braga.
Milan look to Rafael Leao as their centre-forward and Fikayo Tomori in defence in a tricky Europa League clash with Red Star Belgrade.
Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli explains the new three-man defence against Granada, Victor Osimhen’s condition and shot down rumours of a Gennaro Gattuso announcement.
Napoli are forced to use Matteo Politano as a centre-forward and change tactics to a three-man defence, as they must overturn a 2-0 first leg defeat to Granada.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli has confirmed a squad of 22 players to face Red Star Belgrade at San Siro tonight.
Roma have called up Bryan Cristante, as Paulo Fonseca has 21 players available to face Sporting Braga at the Olimpico.
Granada defender Domingos Duarte has warned Napoli they arrive ‘to win’ at the Stadio Diego Maradona.
Gianluigi Donnarumma turns 22 today and has already played 233 competitive games with Milan. ‘Time flies: Happy birthday, Gigio’.
Stephan El Shaarawy and Pedro should support Edin Dzeko in attack when Roma host Sporting Braga for the return leg in the Europa League.
Milan are expected to start with Rafael Leao up front, while Fikayo Tomori should get the nod at the back against Red Star Belgrade.
The attacking crisis continues for Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso and the Partenopei are expected to change formation in the second leg against Granada.
Dejan Stankovic admits it is ‘a dream come true’ to lead Red Star Belgrade out at San Siro against a Milan side he puts ‘in Europe’s top 10 right now.’
While Milan will stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation for now, including against Red Star Belgrade tomorrow, Stefano Pioli is studying other options.
Rafael Leao insists Milan are not weaker after their 3-0 defeat in the Milan derby: 'We are united and we want to react.'
Gennaro Gattuso takes responsibility for Napoli's poor form and reveals Dries Mertens can return to action against Granada.
Paulo Fonseca insists Roma don’t think about their next Serie A meeting with Milan and reveals Stephan El Shaarawy will play against Braga tomorrow.
Good news for Inter regarding the unpaid salaries, as the UEFA offers an easier route to obtain the licenses for the European Cups in 2021-22.
Milan will reportedly meet with Hakan Calhanoglu’s agent today, confident of reaching an agreement over a new deal for the Turkey international.
Napoli should reportedly have Dries Mertens back in the squad to face Granada and the Belgian could get some minutes towards the end.
The UEFA has announced the referees for the second leg of the Europa League Round of 32 on Thursday, with Roma, Napoli and Milan involved.
Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer continues to struggle with a muscle injury and a possible return will be assessed daily.
Victor Osimhen will rejoin the group tonight, whilst Dries Mertens carried out instrumental tests and could return to training with Napoli ‘in the coming days’.
Roma coach Paulo Fonseca says he wants to ‘win a trophy for the fans’ and feels La Lupa are ‘developing the game he believes in’.
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen said ‘asking a relative of mine is not the same thing as asking me directly’ after his brother Andrew criticised the Partenopei.
Sporting director Tiago Pinto has ‘faith in the project’ at Roma and praised coach Paulo Fonseca. 'He's a great coach, with a lot of experience'.
Red Star apologised for the ethnic slur directed at Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the Europa League clash and have vowed to identify and punish the responsible.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was subject to alleged ethnic slur during Milan’s Europa League clash against Red Star on Thursday.
EUROPA LEAGUE BLOGS
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- Napoli's first game without Maradona
- Bennacer climbing into top tier
- Politano, Napoli's good luck charm
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- Milan resurrect in the pouring rain
- More to Milan than Ibrahimovic
- Milan's Norwegian nightmare...
- How long must we sing this song?
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