The three days of European cup action for Italian teams begin with two defeats. Inter and Napoli fall to Bruges and Villarreal respectively. Tonight, it is Roma and Como’s turn to try to turn things around and claim all three points.
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Below, as usual, are the morning’s biggest stories concerning the top clubs in Italian football.
Juventus, Balogun or Sorloth: Spalletti awaits a new No. 9
Juventus will return to the transfer market in January to try to round out their attack. According to Tuttosport, Luciano Spalletti would like to add a physical centre-forward who can provide a presence in the box, play with his back to goal and give Kolo Muani more freedom.
The two leading names are Folarin Balogun and Alexander Sorloth. The American could leave Monaco after his move to Everton fell through and is represented by Jorge Mendes, who regularly deals with Juve. The Norwegian, meanwhile, is highly rated by Spalletti and could find his playing time limited at Atletico Madrid. The Bianconeri could try to revive that option as early as January.
Milan, interest in Gonçalo Inácio heats up again
Matteo Gabbia’s injury has forced Milan to step up their pursuit of a new defender. The centre-back will be out for around three to four months after suffering a left hamstring injury with partial tendon involvement, making reinforcements in the January transfer window even more urgent.
According to A Bola, Sporting’s Gonçalo Inácio remains the top target. Milan had already offered around €40 million in the summer, but were unable to complete the deal because the Portuguese club had not found a replacement. Sporting are now reportedly moving early to avoid being caught unprepared. Rúben Amorim, who knows him extremely well from his time in Lisbon, is also pushing for Inácio.
Inter, Martinez under fire again: Provedel’s time could come
Josep Martinez’s position is being questioned again after another costly mistake, this time against Bruges in the Champions League. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spanish goalkeeper is enduring a difficult start to the season, and the pecking order could soon change.
Chivu has always defended him and kept him as first choice, but the errors against Udinese, Real Madrid and Bruges are starting to add up. Martinez combines superb saves and ability with his feet with very costly lapses in concentration. That is why the time may have come for Ivan Provedel, who was signed specifically to provide an experienced alternative between the posts.
Napoli, three players return: Lucca could start
Napoli welcome back some key players after their Champions League away trip. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Frank Anguissa, Mathias Olivera and Alisson Santos are returning to full training and could be back in the squad as early as the Venezia game.
Allegri is nevertheless preparing further rotation after the changes made against Villarreal. Meret should return in goal, Lobotka in the playmaking role and Spinazzola on the left. Up front, keep an eye on Lorenzo Lucca, who could get his first start of the season, while Hojlund and De Bruyne could be rested ahead of a packed schedule.
Roma, all eyes on Endrick: D’Amico to try again in January
Endrick returns to the Olimpico as an opponent with Real Madrid, but he could be one of Roma’s major targets in the January transfer window. According to Corriere dello Sport, Tony D’Amico continues to work on a move for the Brazilian, who was already on the club’s radar during the summer.
Gasperini wants an attacker who can beat his man and play behind the striker, and Endrick is one of his preferred options. Roma are aiming for a loan with an option to buy, but will first need to overcome resistance from Mourinho, who has given him just four minutes so far but still considers him important. Milan also remain strongly interested in the player.
Lazio, Rovella and Marusic eye Juventus return
Lazio resume training at Formello today, and Gennaro Gattuso hopes to have several players back for the away match against Juventus. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cancellieri should immediately rejoin the squad in training, while there are also positive signs from Rovella and Marusic.
The pair’s muscle problems now appear to be behind them, increasing the chances of having them available at the Stadium. Gudmundsson, however, is definitely out and will need to wear a brace for around another ten days following his dislocated shoulder.
Fiorentina, Atta to miss Como clash
Arthur Atta will not recover in time for the match against Como. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Frenchman is continuing treatment for abdominal muscle overload and is now targeting the October 25 game against Inter.
Paolo Vanoli will therefore have to decide how to replace him. In a 4-2-3-1, there could be room for Pedro Gonçalves or Franco Mastantuono, who has undergone surgery on his left hand for a fractured fourth metacarpal but should still be available. A switch to 4-3-3 is also possible, with Oulai as the deep-lying playmaker and Fagioli and Ndour on either side.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.