Category Archives: Italian football news

Juventus reports €66 million loss but cuts operating costs by €42 million

Italian football news

Juventus has approved its financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2026, posting a consolidated loss of €66.0 million, in line with forecasts and €7.9 million higher than the previous year’s €58.1 million.

According to the club, total revenues fell by €54.9 million to €474.7 million, a decline of 10.4%. The main drops concerned player trading, with €51.9 million less from player registration rights, and television revenues, which decreased by €31.9 million.

A large part of the television revenue reduction is tied to the €27 million no longer collected from the FIFA Club World Cup compared with the previous year, plus €4.3 million less from Serie A audiovisual rights due to a worse league finish.

Sponsorships grow and costs fall for Juventus

Despite the overall revenue decline, Juventus recorded significant growth in sponsorships and advertising. Income rose by €20.3 million, reaching just under €126 million, after the agreements with Stellantis Europe and Visit Detroit took effect.

Other income also increased by €8.1 million, mainly thanks to the €22 million from the settlement agreement with IMG.

Operating costs, meanwhile, fell by €42.1 million. The club stresses that this streamlining did not lead to a reduction in investments aimed at sporting competitiveness.

Non-recurring charges include the early termination of Igor Tudor’s contract and that of his staff, the departure of chief executive officer Damien Comolli in June, player write-downs and the UEFA sanction related to the Settlement Agreement.

Juventus revenues rise in several areas

Some sectors posted particularly positive results. Income from ticket sales, the Stadium Tour and the Museum reached record levels.

Allianz Stadium recorded an average occupancy rate of 97.6%, while J Hotel and J Medical achieved their best results since opening.

These figures were among the positive aspects that emerged from the financial statements, despite the overall revenue decrease and the €66 million consolidated loss.

Juventus net financial debt at €331.1 million

Juventus’ net financial debt increased by €50.9 million, reaching €331.1 million.

The club also expects another loss in the 2026/27 financial year, mainly because of participation in the Europa League rather than the Champions League.

Italy dominates Türkiye 4-1 in Nations League showdown

Italian football news, ,

Italy put on a much stronger performance against Türkiye, securing a 4-1 win with goals from Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, Michael Kayode, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

The Azzurri found themselves at the bottom of Nations League Group A after dropping their first match, but they came back with a commanding first-half display. Vincenzo Montella’s Türkiye also lost their opening fixture, and they were forced into multiple lineup changes due to injuries and suspensions.

Italy made eight changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Belgium, handing debuts to Michael Kayode, Matteo Ruggeri, and Sebastiano Esposito. Sebastiano and Francesco Pio Esposito became the first brothers to start together for Italy since 1915, while Nicolò Fagioli appeared for the first time since October 2024, and Bastoni returned from suspension.

Italy seize control with three first-half goals

Pio Esposito nearly broke the deadlock when he latched onto a Frattesi pass, only for his angled shot to be tipped wide. From the ensuing corner, Zeki Celik’s poor clearance fell to Bastoni, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

That goal marked Bastoni’s first appearance since his costly red card in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy then doubled their lead with a fluid passing move. Frattesi, Pio Esposito, and Giacomo Raspadori exchanged a series of one-touch passes before Kayode’s angled effort was parried into Frattesi’s path at the back post.

Türkiye found it hard to hit back, with Can Uzun wasting a Baris Alper Yilmaz layoff. Italy responded with another quick passing sequence, as Pio Esposito sent Kayode down the right, and the debutant finished at the near post.

The Azzurri had scored three goals within the first half-hour of a competitive match for the first time since their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in September 2021.

Türkiye pulls one back after the break

Italy kept creating chances before half-time. Raspadori swept an effort over after Sebastiano Esposito’s back heel, while another passing move ended with Kayode crossing for Raspadori, whose volley missed the target.

Türkiye made three changes at the interval and quickly reduced the deficit. Just 90 seconds into the second half, a cross-field pass caught Ruggeri and Gianluigi Donnarumma off guard, allowing Oguz Aydin to get down the right and pull the ball back for Baris Alper Yilmaz to finish into an empty net.

Italy’s response was immediate. Substitute Nicolò Cambiaghi intercepted a loose pass and pulled the ball back from the left, with Sandro Tonali curling an effort against the far post. Pio Esposito was on hand to head in the rebound and restore Italy’s three-goal lead.

That goal made Pio Esposito only the second player to score more than five goals for Italy before turning 21, after Giuseppe Meazza.

Italy withstands late Türkiye pressure

Türkiye continued to threaten, with Giorgio Scalvini beaten by a long ball over the top. Donnarumma did not make contact with Baris Alper Yilmaz, but the forward was booked for simulation.

There was another scare when Yilmaz’s angled effort went in off the inside of the far post following a clever pass from Arda Guler. However, Oguz Aydin was offside and interfering with Donnarumma’s attempted save, so the goal was disallowed.

Italy also had chances to extend their lead. Altay Bayindir made a difficult save from Cambiaghi’s angled strike before smothering the loose ball ahead of Kayode, who was ready to tap in.

Arda Guler then curled an effort wide of the far top corner, while Kerem Akturkoglu missed a major chance from six yards after Guler had dribbled past three players inside the penalty area.

Italy ultimately held on for a convincing 4-1 victory, completing a much-needed response after their opening Nations League defeat.

Roma deny Dybala and Molina chance to attend Messi farewell

Italian football news,

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not be able to attend Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match after Roma reportedly refused their request for time off. Messi is expected to say goodbye to international football at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, when Argentina faces Bolivia.

The occasion is set to celebrate Messi’s international career, which includes World Cup and two Copa America triumphs. Many figures from Argentine football are expected to want to be present, but Dybala and Molina will miss the farewell.

Dybala and Molina miss Messi’s farewell

According to Sky Sport Italia, Tuttomercatoweb and Radio Mana Mana, Roma rejected the players’ request because Gian Piero Gasperini does not want them making such a long intercontinental journey so close to an important Serie A fixture.

Roma are due to face Como on October 11, only five days after Argentina’s match against Bolivia. Gasperini therefore wants Dybala and Molina to remain with the club rather than travel to Buenos Aires for Messi’s farewell.

Roma rejects request for Argentina match

Dybala was not included in the Argentina squad for the match, meaning his absence from the Monumental will not be due to international selection.

Molina is also unavailable for the game, but for a different reason. The Argentina defender is serving a seven-match suspension following the chaos surrounding the 2026 World Cup Final against Spain.

Messi prepares for final Argentina appearance

Messi’s match against Bolivia is set to be his final appearance for the Argentina national team. The Monumental will provide the setting for the farewell, with the occasion expected to mark the end of his international career.

Dybala and Molina, both former teammates of Messi, had hoped to attend the celebration but will instead remain unavailable for the event after Roma’s decision.

Mancini reacts to Italy’s 2-0 defeat by Belgium

Italian football news, ,

Roberto Mancini admitted Italy’s first-half display was “below expectations” after the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium in the Nations League.

The returning EURO 2020 hero had hoped for a stronger beginning to his second spell in charge, but Italy now faces an uphill battle in the competition. Belgium was the better side before the break, while Italy improved significantly after half-time without finding an equaliser.

Mancini admits Italy fell short

Mancini acknowledged that Belgium had the upper hand during the opening 45 minutes but felt Italy responded well after the interval and created enough opportunities to get back into the match.

“Belgium played better in the first half; we took the initiative in the second and could’ve equalised, but we conceded on a counterattack with our error. This is football,” Mancini told RAI Sport.

“The first half was below expectations, as Belgium played better, but not the second half. The team did really well until that second goal; we had four or five chances to equalise, we pinned them back, but Belgium are a strong side.”

Italy suffers a 2-0 defeat to Belgium

Although Italy showed signs of improvement after the break, Belgium ultimately secured the victory. Dodi Lukebakio scored on the counter-attack after Mika Godts had opened the scoring, leaving Mancini’s side without a goal despite their second-half pressure.

The defeat leaves Italy at the bottom of Nations League Group A on goal difference after France recorded a 1-0 away victory over Turkiye.

Mancini’s return to the Azzurri dugout therefore began with a disappointing result, with Italy already facing a difficult challenge in the group.

Mancini responds to Italy’s jeers

The reaction from the supporters was also a difficult part of the evening, with Italy jeering both at half-time and again at the final whistle.

Mancini accepted that such a response can come with defeat, particularly given the disappointment surrounding the national team in recent years.

“When we lose, nobody is happy. When you lose, you can get jeered,” he said.

Italy handouts international debuts

There were also opportunities for new faces during the match. Alessandro Romano made his Italy debut in the starting XI after switching his allegiance from Switzerland.

Momo Zoma and Issa Doumbia were also handed their first senior appearances late in the game, adding further new international faces to Mancini’s squad.

Viktor Gyokeres talks with Milan and Juventus over the exit

Italian football news,

Milan and Juventus have reportedly opened discussions with Viktor Gyokeres’ representatives as the Arsenal striker considers his future at the club.

According to CaughtOffside, the Sweden international is frustrated by his reduced role, with Mikel Arteta now favouring Kai Havertz as his first-choice number nine. Gyokeres’ representatives have also held initial talks with Saudi clubs Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting in 2025 for €67m, including add-ons. Although he did not completely convince during his first season at the Emirates, he scored 14 Premier League goals and 21 across all competitions as Arsenal won the title and reached the Champions League final.

Viktor Gyokeres considers Arsenal’s exit

Arsenal are not currently looking to sell Gyokeres, but his situation could change in January if the club can find a high-profile forward to replace him.

The striker’s representatives have already discussed his situation with several clubs, including Milan and Juventus, as well as Saudi sides Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.

Gyokeres’ frustration stems from his position in the attacking pecking order, with Arteta now clearly preferring Havertz as his first-choice option at number nine.

Milan and Juventus explore Gyokeres’s deal

Juventus are considering Gyokeres as part of their wider search for attacking solutions. The club’s forwards have only recently started to find the net under Luciano Spalletti.

Milan are also involved in the discussions surrounding the Arsenal striker. The Rossoneri are currently relying on summer record signing Goncalo Ramos in the number nine position under Ruben Amorim.

Both Serie A clubs have therefore made contact with Gyokeres’ representatives as they assess the possibility of bringing the Sweden international into their respective attacking plans.

Arsenal’s replacement could shape the transfer

Arsenal are not actively seeking to part ways with Gyokeres, meaning any January move would depend on the club being able to bring in another prominent forward first.

The Swedish striker’s first season at the Emirates produced 14 Premier League goals and 21 in all competitions, despite him never fully convincing during his debut campaign.

His future could therefore be influenced by Arsenal’s ability to secure a replacement, while Milan, Juventus, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad have already emerged as clubs whose interest has been discussed with his representatives.