FOOTBALL

Vlahovic Returns to Juventus Squad for Sassuolo as Thuram and Zhegrova Also Included

Dusan Vlahovic
March 2026

Dusan Vlahovic has returned to the Juventus squad for the first time in more than 100 days after passing a late fitness test. Khephren Thuram is also back in the group, while Edon Zhegrova has been included despite fresh muscle fatigue concerns. Vlahovic felt discomfort in final training and needed a decisive check on matchday before being cleared for selection. Thuram recovered enough after his recent ankle issue, while Zhegrova remains under close medical supervision and may only be fit enough for a place on the bench.

De Rossi Stays Positive Despite Genoa Defeat and Backs Italy Mood Shift

Daniele De Rossi
March 2026

Daniele De Rossi said Genoa could still take pride from their performance despite losing to Udinese, though he admitted frustration at missing a chance to move closer to safety. He also called for a more positive attitude around Italy and Gennaro Gattuso. De Rossi said his side lacked a decisive spark and a bit of luck, while refusing to blame VAR for the result despite lingering concern from previous officiating issues. He then urged Italians to stop criticising the national team so quickly and support Gattuso’s World Cup push.

Fernandes Furious Over Penalty Inconsistency After Manchester United Draw at Bournemouth

Bruno Fernandes
March 2026

Bruno Fernandes criticised the officiating after Manchester United were denied what he believed was a clear second penalty against Bournemouth. The captain argued that Amad Diallo was penalised by perception, as a similar foul later led to a spot-kick for Bournemouth. United scored first through Fernandes after Matheus Cunha won a penalty, but frustration grew when Amad was pushed in the area and play continued. Bournemouth then benefited from a comparable decision after Harry Maguire fouled Evanilson, prompting Fernandes to question VAR consistency and how smaller players are judged.

Newcastle Target Jackson and Delap as Search for New Striker Intensifies

Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap
March 2026

Newcastle are stepping up plans to sign a new striker after struggling to replace Alexander Isak. Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap have emerged as the leading options, with the club viewing both Chelsea forwards as realistic alternatives rather than attempting to sign both. Newcastle’s lack of trust in current options was reflected by using Anthony Gordon and Will Osula centrally against Barcelona. Jackson and Delap are both seen as attainable because neither has fully secured a long-term role at Chelsea, while the Magpies continue assessing which profile best fits their rebuild.

Portugal Leave Out Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva for March Friendlies

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva
March 2026

Portugal have named a 27-man squad for March friendlies against Mexico and the United States without Cristiano Ronaldo or Bernardo Silva. Roberto Martinez instead selected a group built around other senior regulars and younger attacking options. Portugal’s official squad list includes players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos, but neither Ronaldo nor Bernardo Silva appears among the selections. The camp forms part of Portugal’s final preparation phase before the 2026 World Cup.

Chiesa Returns to Italy Squad for World Cup Playoff Push

Federico Chiesa
March 2026

Federico Chiesa has returned to the Italy squad for the World Cup playoffs, ending his absence from the national team since Euro 2024. The Liverpool forward is part of Gennaro Gattuso’s 28-man group for the knockout route that begins against Northern Ireland. Italy’s official squad announcement confirmed Chiesa’s recall alongside several other key names, with the first playoff set for Bergamo before a possible second match against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. His return gives Italy an experienced wide option for a high-pressure international window.

Zirkzee Prioritises Serie A Return as Manchester United Exit Talk Builds

Joshua Zirkzee
March 2026

Joshua Zirkzee is again expected to be a transfer topic this summer, with a return to Serie A described as his clear priority after a disappointing season at Manchester United. Reports say both Italian and Premier League clubs are tracking the striker’s situation closely. Matteo Moretto reported that Zirkzee’s lack of minutes has revived uncertainty around his future, with Roma previously close to reaching an agreement before United kept him for the second half of the season. His next move now looks increasingly likely to be shaped by playing-time concerns.

Amorim Linked With Benfica Return After Manchester United Exit

Ruben Amorim
March 2026

Ruben Amorim has emerged as a leading candidate to take over at Benfica, with reports in Portugal saying he is near the front of the queue. The move would be politically charged because of his deep ties to Sporting and Benfica’s uncertain position under Jose Mourinho. Amorim’s reputation in Portugal has remained strong despite his short and difficult spell at Manchester United. Reports say Benfica could consider a change if results do not improve, and one pundit has described Amorim as the most logical option because of his title-winning track record in Portuguese football.

Chelsea Sanction Fallout Sparks Rival Fury and Everton Protest Plans

Chelsea
March 2026

Chelsea’s punishment for historic secret payments has triggered anger across rival clubs and fanbases after the club avoided a points deduction. Instead, the Premier League issued a record £10.75 million fine and a suspended first-team transfer ban, a result many critics view as too lenient. The league said Chelsea’s self-reporting, admissions and exceptional cooperation counted heavily in mitigation after breaches linked to the Abramovich era. Reuters and other reports say Everton supporters are now planning a protest, while finance expert Kieran Maguire has highlighted the contrast with previous punishments handed to Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Cristante Laments Roma Collapse After Extra-Time Europa League Exit to Bologna

Bryan Cristante
March 2026

Bryan Cristante said Roma only had themselves to blame after losing 4-3 after extra time to Bologna and crashing out of the Europa League. The midfielder admitted Roma had done well to fight back, but said conceding too many goals ruined their chances. Roma and Bologna were level after the first leg and produced a 3-3 draw in normal time at the Olimpico before Nicolo Cambiaghi scored the decisive extra-time winner. Cristante said fatigue could not be an excuse and urged Roma to reset quickly ahead of another important domestic fixture.