Como had a night to remember in the history of their football club, taking part in the Champions League for the first time.
The Italian side's rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and under the astute guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have reached the biggest competition in club football.
Como faced RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut, securing a 4-1 victory to mark the occasion, with Nico Paz starring for the Italians.
He delivered another reminder of his development away from Real Madrid, and the 22-year-old has become a star in his own right.
The former Madrid academy attacking midfielder produced two ***** ists as Como secured the win against the Bundesliga side.

#como #madrid #fabregas #leipzig

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will make changes to his starting XI and host a familiar foe, one of his former clubs, in the Champions League on Tuesday night in Inter Milan.
The Italians were the last club Mourinho won the Champions League with in 2010, as an impressive treble convinced Florentino Perez to bring him to the Spanish capital and try and break up FC Barcelona dominance.
Mourinho is charged with completing the same task a decade-and-a-half later, as Madrid have finished the last two seasons trophyless while Barca mopped up five out of the six domestic pieces of silverware on offer.
And while he did it to some extent in 2012 by stopping Pep Guardiola from doing four in a row in La Liga, there were questions about his reign given a lack of glory in the Champions League.
Bringing a 16th big-eared crown to the Bernabeu would forgive whatever the Catalans are doing domestically, and the road to such a possibility begins here in the league phase.

#mourinho #Inter

Well, Team USA had tons of trouble with Italy.
Less than six months ago, Team USA defeated Italy by 34 points in the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On Sunday in Berlin, Germany, Team USA squeaked out a three-point win, 55-52.
On paper, the Italians may not have had any advantages over the United States. The resumes and statistics that convey the Americans' superiority, however, failed to account for the firey and feisty motivation that the Italians brought to the matchup.
Team USA was going through the motions. Italy played with emotion.
As indicated by the final score, it was an ugly affair.

#World

SCARDOVARI, Italy (AP) — Italian fishermen for two years incinerated most of the invasive Atlantic blue crabs caught in the Po River Delta south of Venice. Few Italians had an appetite for the alien predator blamed for decimating their prized Manila clams.
While experiments in containment continue, including the release of tens of thousands of octopus predators, the industry's response has been shifting to find new markets for the crustaceans. The strategy is already salvaging the livelihood of some fishermen and, some hope, may even rehabilitate the much-maligned crab's image in Italy.
Like other members of his local cooperative, second-generation fisherman Federico Zago saw his income crash after the crab invasion. The Polesine Fishermen's Cooperative Consortium's revenues fell 75% to 15 million euros ($17 million) in 2024 and 2025; the cooperative's active members also shrank from 1,500 to 850.
"We needed to change strategy, and create an opportunity from this disaster," said Paolo Mancin, the cooperative's president.
Desperate, they pivoted to exporting the unwanted crabs, with the aim of preserving the Manila clams — invasive themselves — and mussels that created decades of prosperity in the shallow lagoons of Veneto and Emilia Romagna.

#manila #million

After the first matchday of Serie A, the talking points we've seen are the usual ones: refereeing decisions, the transfer market still being open, the post-match reactions where some vent by criticizing and others take little digs as a strategy.
The routine we waited for all summer, however, mustn't put us on autopilot, because something different happened: young Italians actually played. It seems unbelievable, but it's true: Mattia Liberali, Simone Lontani, Alessandro Romano (Swiss with dual citizenship), Emanuele Lulli, Alphadjo Cisse and Alessio Cacciamani took the field.
Some did so as starters, others came off the bench: for not all of them was it their absolute Serie A debut, but the wider public really discovered them just a few days ago. The comparison with the other top European leagues is still a long way off (to put it kindly), but at least we're trying: "Better something than nothing," as Gianni Brera would have said.
After an excellent pre-season with Milan and Ruben Amorim's imprimatur in a press conference, Alphadjo Cisse (without the accent, as he himself wanted to point out) made his debut at San Siro and scored the first Serie A goal of his career. He handled the ball well in traffic, pressed constantly and, above all, scored at the decisive moment.
During the summer he trained on his own in Montesilvano (Abruzzo) to get back into shape after tearing his adductor tendon, an injury that had cut short an excellent season with Aquilani's Catanzaro. Throughout July, Sassuolo and Torino wanted him on loan, but Amorim chose to keep him and throw him in. He is already repaying that faith.

#alphadjo #others #something #excellent

Chelsea rejected a loan offer from AS Roma for Jamie Gittens, but the Italians want to see whether there is room for manoeuvre.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, they want to know whether the Blues are really keen to keep him at Stamford Bridge and are planning further contact this week.
Chelsea are poised to line up in a 3-4-2-1 set-up, and Morgan Rogers will likely take the starting berth on the inside left 10 position.
Gittens might decide he wants to be first-choice elsewhere as he bounces back from an injury-riddled first season in West London.
It remains unclear whether Chelsea will keep him for the season or be more open to a permanent sale.

#whether #italians

Great Britain have beaten Italy in the medal table at the European Athletics Championships 2026.
After winning the 100m and 200m, Amy Hunt completed her quest for a quadruple of sprint medals as she won gold in the 4x100m mixed relay, while Dina Asher-Smith made history becoming the most decorated athlete at European level of all time.
Georgia Hunter Bell then won gold in the women's 1,500m to pull GB clear for the Italians at the top of the medal table.
European Athletics Championships medal table

#championships #britain #italy

Borussia Dortmund warmed up for next weekend's Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup against Bayern Munich with a 2-2 home friendly draw with Roma on Saturday.
After the new Dortmund squad was presented to fans before kick-off, those in the almost sold-out stadium were treated to an open match with plenty of chances at both ends.
The game began with two early blows for Dortmund. Argentinian Paulo Dybala gave the Italians an early lead with a left-footed shot from close range. A short time later, Bryan Cristante made it 2-0 with a header from a corner.
Julian Ryerson's goal in the 12th minute and Serhou Guirassy's strike in the 28th then made it 2-2 for the home side.
Dortmund's first competitive test of the new season awaits next Saturday. The Black and Yellows, Bundesliga runners-up last term, host double winners Bayern in the Super Cup.

#super #saturday #next

Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović is still without a club despite reports saying he wanted to make a decision by the end of last week. Barcelona remain his dream destination according to rumor, but the only club to have made a solid proposal that matches his demands is Beşiktaş.
Vlahović left Juventus after the Italians refused to acquiesce to his salary and signing bonus demands. He's tested the open market and found top European clubs such as Barça and Atlético Madrid were willing to speak to him, but less willing to actually sign him.
Reports say that Vlahović is willing to drop his financial demands to sign for a top club, especially Barcelona. But considering how high his original demands were, that may not be enough. Beşiktaş want him to accept their deal, which is quite hefty, and forget about Barça. But the player himself has obviously not done so, and is seemingly still holding out hope that the Catalans bite.
One development that could play strongly in his favor is the looming sale of Ferran Torres to PSG. If the World Cup hero is sold, Barcelona will be without their top two strikers from last season, with Robert Lewandowski having already left for Chicago Fire. Signing a striker will go from a top priority, to a necessity. In fact, Barça may have to sign two strikers in that case.
With other options such as Julián Alvarez looking increasingly likely, there is a line of thought that says Vlahović to Barcelona is the compromise that's just a matter of time. But the biggest hurdle to overcome is a lack of enthusiasm for the signing from the Catalans' part. If they were truly keen, they could have snapped him up any time.

#vlahovi

West Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo is a target for Atalanta, according to Gianluca DiMarzio.
They are eyeing a move for the Hammers centre-half, but his salary might be a stumbling block. He is reportedly on big wages, enough to deter the Italians.
West Ham are not especially pushing to sell Todibo despite his inconsistent displays since joining the club two years ago.
However, he may feel he should be plying his trade in one of the top five leagues, not the Championship.
The France international might be forced to take a pay-cut if he wants to leave the East London outfit.

#might #united

Manchester United outcast Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly keen to join Juventus this summer, but the Italians must sell first. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turin giants are facing a race against time to offload unsettled Jonathan David.
David, who joined Juventus on a Bosman deal last summer, endured an underwhelming first season in Serie A. The Canadian striker scored just six goals in 35 league appearances, while it's also worth noting that he fell out of favor with the home crowd at the Allianz Stadium.
Therefore, Juventus have put the former Lille star up for sale. Despite arriving in Turin as one of the most highly rated center-forwards in Europe's top-five leagues, there's currently a shortage of suitors for David, whose future could determine the club's pursuit of Zirkzee.
Meanwhile, Juventus have already signed Jeff Ekhator and are now on the verge of bringing Randal Kolo Muani back to the club, with the latter expected to replace Dusan Vlahovic. However, with Lois Openda gone after a disastrous campaign, Luciano Spalletti is eager to land Zirkzee as well.
The Dutchman made a name for himself at Bologna before earning a big-money move to Man Utd in 2024. Yet, he has never settled in the Premier League. After netting just nine goals in 75 matches for the Red Devils, he has found himself on the fringes at Old Trafford.

#zirkzee #turin #manchester

Head coach Jose Mourinho said he liked "everything" from a Real Madrid outfit with "three faces" following Saturday's 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina.
Head coach Jose Mourinho said he liked "everything" from a Real Madrid outfit with "three faces" following Saturday's 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina.
Los Blancos took the lead through Endrick after just 12 minutes in the Wortersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, ahead of Alexis Ciria doubling the lead on 24.
With goals from Roberto Piccoli and Moise Kean on either side of the half time whistle, however, the Italians got away with a draw from a Madrid side that lacked a number of its World Cup stars.
Reacting afterwards, Mourinho, who rejoined the Spanish giants for a second time ahead of the FIFA tournament, was happy with what he saw.

#head

If you've ever spent a Saturday afternoon in the north of Rome, you'll know that the air feels different when Lazio are playing at home. It's a mixture of nervous energy, the scent of roasting meat from street stalls, and a very specific kind of quiet tension that hums through the crowds heading toward the Stadio Olimpico.
For the Biancocelesti faithful, a match isn't just ninety minutes of football; it's a complex dance with fate. In Italy, they have a word for this that goes beyond simple superstition: Scaramanzia. It's the art of fending off bad luck. It's the belief that if you wear the wrong socks, take the wrong bridge over the Tiber, or speak too confidently about a win, you'll personally be responsible for a last-minute goal from the opposition. While some might call it irrational, for those in the Curva Nord, it's a science.
The journey to the stadium usually starts at the Ponte Milvio. This ancient bridge, famous for its history and more recently for its "love locks," serves as the psychological gateway for Lazio fans. You'll see thousands of supporters gathered here, and if you look closely, you'll notice the patterns. It isn't just about getting a drink before the game; it's about the repetition of specific actions that have "worked" in the past.
I've spoken to fans who have worn the same faded shirt to every home game for a decade. It doesn't matter if it's thirty degrees in August or freezing in January; that shirt is a lucky charm. If they wash it, they're washing the luck away. It sounds absurd to an outsider, but when you're standing in the middle of a crowd of passionate Italians, you start to believe it too.
The food rituals are just as strict. Many fans won't dream of entering the stadium without a specific meal at a specific stall near the bridge. Whether it's a porchetta sandwich or a simple slice of pizza, the consistency provides a sense of control over an outcome that is, in reality, entirely out of their hands. It's a way of grounding themselves before the emotional rollercoaster begins.

#fans #lazio #isn 't #luck

TOKYO (AP) — ******* an muted Italy 27-10 in Nations Championship rugby on Saturday and won their matchup for the first time since 2018.
Japan led 17-10 at halftime and kept Italy scoreless in the second half, the defense making 12 dominant tackles and giving the Italians little room to breathe.
The host scored three tries to one and fullback Takuro Matsunaga hauled in 17 points in a red-and-white blanketed Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
Most of the talk in the buildup was how ******* an would fare without flyhalf Seungsin Lee, who needs hand surgery. Lee started every game last year, was an 88% goalkicker and scored the most points in world test rugby. But he wasn't missed. Replacement Ryunosuke Ito, plucked from Meiji University, had a composed debut, including laying on a try for Matsunaga, who was five for five off the tee.
Italy drew first blood when Paolo Garbisi fed midfielder Juan Ignacio Brex in a gap and converted the try. But within 10 minutes ******* an was in front.

Inter have retained just one of their veterans whose contracts were expiring, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, Stefan De Vrij, and Matteo Darmian all left the club on June 30th.
According to Calciomercato, the Armenian midfielder accepted a significantly reduced rate after pocketing €4M last year. He was contemplating retirement but decided to keep going and will earn about half the previous sum in 2026/2027. Instead, the Dutch defender passed on a similar offer and quickly accepted a proposal from Panathinaikos. The two Italians plot to continue playing as well and will weigh their options in the coming days. The Nerazzurri had offered a front-office role to the fullback.
Inter aren’t moving on from their initial plan in the midfield for now. They continue to prioritize Curtis Jones despite the large gap in the negotiation with Liverpool, Corriere dello Sport informs. Nottingham Forest showed interest in him as well, as they are about to sell Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. However, the player prefers the Nerazzurri or, eventually, other sides that will participate in the UEFA Champions League. Christian Chivu directly suggested acquiring him after facing the Reds last season.
Mkhitaryan is set for his fifth campaign at San Siro, following his run at Roma and his Premier League stay at Manchester United and ******* nal. He has notched 12 goals and 21 ******* ists in 187 tilts with the current Italian champions.
It’s interesting that they didn’t make an effort to keep either center-back, as it’ll increase the need to sign two reliable pieces there. Jones is more of a cherry on top to improve the midfield than a real necessity, so it’s fine to stick with that pursuit for a while longer.

Major moves in the offices of the capital and revolutionary aesthetic proposals in the Catalan capital promise to shake up the national sports scene in the coming hours.
The latest developments are coming from the offices of Real Madrid and Atlético, who are speeding up their key operations of the season, while Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona are looking to the future with ambitious renovation projects both for their stadiums and their visual identity.
Real Madrid meet with Como today to trigger their €9 million buyback option, offering the Italians a permanent transfer for €60 million. If they reject it, a European bidding war will begin.
Alejandro Grimaldo is now a new Atlético player for €23 million. He has signed for three seasons plus an optional one, and will undergo his medical during Spain’s national team training camp.
After the Argentine admitted his desire to leave Atlético de Madrid, the club has taken a firm stance. If Barcelona or any other bidder wants to sign the striker, they will have to pay his release clause in full.

MILAN, June 18 (Reuters) - Italian prosecutors investigating accusations of "sniper tourism" in 1990s Sarajevo do not currently have enough evidence to seek a trial for any suspects, a source with direct ‌knowledge of the matter said on Thursday.
Milan prosecutors have placed five people under investigation over ‌allegations that Italians and other foreigners paid to shoot at civilians during the 1992-95 siege of Sarajevo, the source said.
The investigation began last year after journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni filed a legal complaint over claims that wealthy foreigners travelled to Bosnia to take part in shooting excursions during the war in the former Yugoslav republic.
The source said the five suspects included a Milan aristocrat who, according to testimony gathered by Gavazzeni, allegedly boasted at a dinner ‌with former schoolmates that he had gone ⁠to Sarajevo to shoot people.
The source said prosecutors currently had only circumstantial elements and no firm proof. "Very frankly, at this moment the prosecutors could never ask for ⁠any of the suspects to be sent to trial," the source said.

The transfer rumour mill is spinning fast at Ibrox. Reports out of Italy from Gianluca Di Marzio suggest Serie A heavyweights Atalanta have locked onto Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin. Maurizio Sarri is looking for a dynamic engine room presence in Bergamo. The Italian side need a swift replacement for star man Ederson, who looks bound for Manchester United. Sky Sports Italy expects concrete updates imminently.
It is easy to see why scouts are interested. Raskin is fresh off a brilliant individual campaign in Scotland, 50 matches, seven goals, and nine ***** ists. Those numbers get you noticed. Just yesterday, the 25-year-old came off the bench for Belgium to rescue a crucial 1-1 draw against Egypt on his FIFA World Cup debut.
Rangers have him tied down until 2028. There is no immediate financial pressure to sell, but the allure of Italian football might turn the player’s head. At this peak stage of his career, a move to Serie A is a massive pull.
FALKIRK, SCOTLAND – APRIL 12: Nicolas Raskin of Rangers celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Falkirk and Rangers at Falkirk Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
Rangers simply cannot afford to pass this up. Strike while the iron is hot. The club are in a fantastic negotiating position with two years left on Raskin’s deal, meaning they can demand top dollar from the Italians.

After a tournament of upsets, crash-outs and rank outsiders storming into the mainstream, the men’s and women’s French Open finals have ended up looking remarkably familiar. Three of the four finalists were seeds, with an Italian man and Polish woman both in the line-up. That they weren’t the expected pairing was testament to the upside-down quality of this Roland-Garros – and the determination of both characters.
Poland’s Maja Chwalinska had previously shown promise on clay but was always a highly unlikely finalist, rising from world No 114 to just outside the top 20 and coming through three qualifying matches to even make the main draw.
Meanwhile the men’s final will not feature Jannik Sinner, nor the absent Lorenzo Musetti, but another promising young Italian seizing the opportunity of the draw suddenly collapsing around him. 10th seed Flavio Cobolli is now into his first major final and while his story may not rival Chwalinska’s for its Cinderella quality, it writes another page in one of the most remarkable success stories this decade: the seemingly endless rise of Italian tennis.
Three Italians made the quarter-finals and Cobolli then guaranteed an Italian finalist, while Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani have already secured one ******* le this week, in mixed doubles. There are six Italians in the top 100 and two more hovering just outside: quarter-finalist Matteo Berrettini, whose tournament was crippled once more by injury, and semi-finalist Matteo Arnaldi, whose big moment was spoiled by viral illness.
So it is 24-year-old Cobolli who is the last man standing. In many ways the clear foil to the level-headed, introspective Sinner, Cobolli is charismatic on and off the court, his game full of style and flair, and he has for some time been a natural understudy to his compatriot.