To the last growl
Lazio vs. Milan at 18:00 CET
Gattuso, the leader, targets the fourth win in four games. Amorim: 'Some wait for us to fall.'
One, two, three: Mastantuono and Fiorentina unlock themselves
Crazy idea

#lazio #mastantuono

Franco Mastantuono's time at Real Madrid was anything but memorable as he suffered with poor form and fitness and never really got going as many expected him to.
The youngster thus left the club in the summer transfer window, just one season into his Real Madrid stint, and is currently on loan at Fiorentina for one season.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, have brought in Yan Diomande as a record signing to strengthen the left flank – the same position Mastantuono used to play while at the club.
Last night, Mastantuono started Fiorentina's Serie A clash against Venezia which ended a 4-1 win for his side, and it was the young Argentine who played the pioneering role.
Lionel Messi held the record for decades. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

#real

The birth certificate?
This Friday evening, Fiorentina traveled to Venice for the fourth Serie A matchday after suffering nothing but defeats at the start of the season.
This time, La Viola could count on one of their new signings to carry them to victory.
On loan from Real Madrid, Franco Mastantuono grabbed a stunning hat-trick, including two goals in the ***** e of a single minute (29th, 30th, 84th).
These were the very first Serie A goals for the 19-year-old Argentine, who had been signed by Real from River Plate for 45 million euros in the summer of 2025.

#viola

Franco Mastantuono's loan move to Fiorentina was supposed to provide the fresh start he desperately needed after a difficult debut season at Real Madrid.
Instead, the Argentine is finding life in Italy just as challenging, with his latest outing against Torino on Saturday offering little encouragement.
Three games into the Serie A season, Mastantuono is yet to find his feet, and Fiorentina's results have been equally poor.
As reported by Diario SPORT, Mastantuono had one of Fiorentina's best opportunities of the first half against Torino, latching onto a loose ball and finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
It was the kind of chance he was sent to Italy to convert. But the 19-year-old failed to find the net, and the miss proved costly.

#mastantuono

Franco Mastantuono explains why he realised Fiorentina was 'perfect' to flourish on loan from Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho's advice, and admiring Paulo Dybala and Gabriel Batistuta.
The Argentina international was a sensation when Real Madrid invested €45m to buy him from River Plate in 2025, but with very little opportunity for regular playing time, it was decided to send him out on loan.
There were several alternative clubs interested in using the teenager, but he picked Fiorentina.
FLORENCE, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Franco Mastantuono of ACF Fiorentina of ACF Fiorentina reacts during warm-up prior during of the Coppa Italia match between of ACF Fiorentina and Benevento Calcio at Artemio Franchi on August 14, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
"I thought about Serie A, a competitive league that has always attracted me, the importance of the club and the many Argentines who wrote history here," Mastantuono told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

#fiorentina #franco #august

Fiorentina and Frosinone face each other this Saturday at the Stadio Artemio Franchi for matchweek two of the Serie A.
Fiorentina have won 0 points to date and are placed in 20th position. In their last encounter, Fabio Grosso's team were beaten 4-0 by Roma (Serie A 2026/27).
Frosinone have 0 points to their name this season and occupy 16th position in the table. In their last encounter, Massimiliano Alvini's team were beaten 0-1 by Juventus (Serie A 2026/27).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Fiorentina winning 5-1.
Fiorentina ( vs Roma 2026-08-24): David de Gea, Dodô, Radu Dragusin, Luca Ranieri, João Mário, Cher Ndour, Marco Brescianini, Nicolò **** ioli, Arthur Atta, Franco Mastantuono, Mateo Pellegrino

#roma #position #team

Roma face more competition for Real Madrid starlet Endrick, as Spanish reports claim Aston Villa have joined them in trying to get the Brazil international on loan.
The Giallorossi had positioned themselves as the hot favourites to bring in Endrick, in case Real Madrid were to agree to a loan for this season in a similar situation to Franco Mastantuono at Fiorentina.
They were confident that their presence in the Champions League and promise to provide regular playing time would put them in pole position.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 3: Endrick #19 of Brazil during training at Columbia Park Training Facility on June 3, 2026 in Morristown, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)
However, Diario AS now report that Aston Villa have stepped forward with a proposal to take Endrick too.

#endrick #Brazil #york

Roma's transfer market will see a dramatic acceleration in the coming days.
Following Gasperini's rebuke following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton in England, Sporting Director Tony D'Amico is working hard to finalize deals for a winger and striker.
In addition to Cacciamani and Mora, the Giallorossi are also moving forward with negotiations for Real Madrid's Endrick.
After loaning Franco Mastantuono to Fiorentina, the Blancos are reportedly considering leaving the Brazilian talent as well.
In this sense, as reported by Matteo Moretto, the player's will will be decisive.

#brighton

Franco Mastantuono is on the ground in Italy and was given a rapturous response from the Fiorentina supporters ahead of the formal completion of his loan move from Real Madrid.
Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid. This is not expected to include an option to buy and there will not be an automatic extension of the loan in the event of European qualification, despite some reports suggesting that there might be earlier this week.
SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 24: Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio La Cartuja on April 24, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Still, this is an exciting opportunity for Fiorentina to sign the 18-year-old, who already has a full season of LaLiga and Champions League football under his belt. Real Madrid spent €45m to sign him from River Plate last summer.
Real Madird will contribute part of the player's salary during his loan spell in Florence, Gianluca Di Marzio reports.

#mastantuono #loan #seville

Italy's sport pages on Thursday balance the first Milan derby of the summer, played out in Australia with a poignant Baresi tribute, against a transfer market moving at full tilt, led by Juventus's spending and Fiorentina's capture of Franco Mastantuono.
As noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Stadio and Tuttosport, the Perth derby ended 1-1, Federico Dimarco firing Inter ahead before a soft Christopher Nkunku penalty levelled it for Milan.
The occasion was framed by tributes to Franco Baresi, the players gathering around his No. 6 shirt for a minute's silence and pausing again at the sixth minute; Luka Modrić, introduced to a warm ovation, later called the late captain "the essence of the club."
Gazzetta leads on Dimarco, "Ci metto la firma", noting his fine form as Inter push to tie him to a new deal.
For Corriere and Tuttosport, though, the day belongs to Juventus.

#derby

Multiple outlets are reporting that Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono is on the verge of completing his loan move to Fiorentina after the Viola struck an agreement on the division of the teenager's salary with his parent club, Real Madrid.
Mastantuono, who will turn 19 next week, is set to join Fabio Grosso's Fiorentina on a season-long loan deal. Despite brief suggestions that the two clubs were exploring the potential inclusion of an option to buy, this will be a straight loan deal and the teenager will return to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2027.
SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 24: Franco Mastantouno of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio La Cartuja on April 24, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Mastantuono had given his go-ahead to joining Fiorentina on Tuesday, and according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the only obstacle to overcome after that was an agreement with Real Madrid on how to share the player's salary.
The two clubs have since reached an agreement on that front as well, and now the 18-year-old is all set to join Fiorentina for the 2026-27 season.

#seville

Italian Serie A club Fiorentina have reached a full agreement with Real Madrid to sign teenage midfield talent Franco Mastantuono on a straight loan deal for the upcoming season.
Following a decisive round of discussions, the final "here we go" has been officially confirmed by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, establishing that the 18-year-old Argentine playmaker will spend the next ten months developing his skills in Italy.
The deal between the two clubs was officially finalised, concluding weeks of speculation regarding the young player's short-term future.
The agreed framework is a standard, temporary loan move with absolutely no option or clause for Fiorentina to buy the player permanently.
Real Madrid have been completely clear that they maintain full long-term faith in Mastantuono's potential and simply want him to gain consistent, high-level competitive experience in Europe.

#deal

The transfer market is reaching boiling point while institutional football goes through turbulent times. This August 5 comes loaded with top-level meetings in Madrid and Morocco, tensions in Vallecas, moves involving young South American prospects heading to Serie A, and an emotional tribute that has broken the hearts of both Barça and Milan fans alike.
FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has urgently traveled to Madrid to hold a summit meeting with Julián Álvarez's camp. The Blaugrana club is looking to draw up the final strategy and try to sign the Argentine striker before the market closes, with the player's own approval to push for his departure.
Franco Mastantuono's move to Fiorentina is on the verge of being unblocked. Real Madrid views a loan or a transfer with an option to buy for the Argentine gem to a top-level Serie A club very positively, in order to guarantee his development in a highly competitive league.
Milan turned out in force for the final and emotional farewell to legend Franco Baresi. Thousands of fans packed the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio for a funeral where historic figures such as Maldini, Van Basten, and Baggio said goodbye through tears and applause to the eternal Rossonero captain.
Gianni Infantino has called an emergency meeting in Rabat alongside top FIFA executives and figures such as Arsène Wenger. Pressure is mounting on the organization's president following disagreements with member ****** ociations over commercial plans and the global calendar.

#madrid #franco #market

The sports press this August 5 is reaching fever pitch, with the transfer market at the center of attention. From the Blaugrana board's lightning-fast negotiations in the capital to transfer records in Chamartín and the urgency on the benches in Valencia and Seville, the front pages of the country's leading newspapers review a decisive day for shaping the season.
FC Barcelona dominates the Catalan front pages. Both Sport ("Summit for Julián Álvarez") and Mundo Deportivo ("Barça stand firm") report on Deco's whirlwind trip to Madrid to meet with the Argentine forward's agent and speed up his signing.
Likewise, Mundo Deportivo reveals a full agreement between Real Madrid and Rodri for 75 million euros, while also detailing the Blaugrana club's stance on Ferran Torres, whom they will try to renew on reduced terms.
In Madrid, the white club's academy takes center stage. Diario AS leads with "The academy is a goldmine", celebrating the 189 million euros brought in by Real Madrid thanks to the departures of young talents such as Palacios and Gonzalo, making it the most profitable summer in the club's history.
Meanwhile, Marca focuses on Franco Mastantuono leaving for Fiorentina, Aston Villa's interest in Ruggeri, and the forceful remarks by Rayo Vallecano president Raúl Martín Presa about the future of Vallecas.

#mundo

Roma have set sights on both Endrick and Franco Mastantuono to complete their frontline. Gian Piero Gasperini have explicitly asked for two more forwards, despite the recent arrival of Santiago Castro.
According to Alfredo Pedullà, the Giallorossi have been keeping tabs on the Brazilian for a month, but they are unlikely to pounce on him in short order. They want to make a splash on the left wing first, for Antonio Nusa or other options, before addressing the other one. The future of Matias Soulé, who's been for sale for the whole summer but not particularly close to leaving yet, also contributes to the timing.
Roma are dueling with Fiorentina for Mastantuono, while Endrick has some suitors abroad, Mediaset reports. The former is poised to go out on loan or with a formula similar to Nico Paz's. That could also be the case for his teammate, who has a €45/50M price tag.
The capital club has some tactical reservations. The 20-year-old isn't a pure winger nor a no.10 and is at his best as a false-nine. He's not far from Donyell Malen and Castro in terms of characteristics, even though he could still be molded. He starred for Olympique Lyonnais last year, notching 8 goals and 8 ****** ists in 21 fixtures.
Perhaps there could be an opening to sign the former permanently, as he's been under Real Madrid's control for longer without properly leveling up; if not, they'd better look elsewhere, as this kind of deal is a double-edged sword and works okay only for second-tier teams, as it winds up developing youngsters for somebody else's benefit.

#former #franco #gasperini

Franco Mastantuono is one of the players in the Real Madrid first team who has been outright informed that he is not in Jose Mourinho's plans.
The teenager , after all, endured a difficult first season at the club and did not impress as he would have liked with injuries playing a part in keeping him from his best version.
Pressed to look for a departure, the Argentine star seemingly preferred a move back to River Plate but Los Blancos preferred that his next destination be somewhere in Europe.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo now, Mastantuono has agreed to leave to a European club but demands that it be in Italy.
On that front, one club sounds strong, and it is surprisingly the same team Los Blancos face in their first pre-season friendly – Fiorentina.

#blancos #franco #real

According to AS, Fiorentina are stepping up their efforts to sign Franco Mastantuono on loan, hoping to use Saturday's pre-season friendly against Real Madrid in Austria as an opportunity to advance negotiations.
The Italian club has sent two of its senior executives, sporting director Fabio Paratici and CEO Alessandro Ferrari, to Klagenfurt, where they are expected to continue discussions as they look to secure the Argentine youngster's temporary move.
Real Madrid are keen to resolve Mastantuono's future as soon as possible.
That urgency was reflected in the decision to leave the Argentine teenage prodigy out of the squad for the trip to Austria.
With a loan move gathering momentum, the Merengues preferred not to risk an injury that could jeopardise negotiations.

#argentine #according #fiorentina #franco

Franco Mastantuono looks increasingly likely to spend the upcoming season away from Real Madrid, with both the club and the player agreeing that a loan is the best step for his development.
Los Blancos have no intention of selling the Argentine teenager and are instead seeking a straightforward loan deal with no purchase option, allowing him to gain regular first-team football before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Initially, Mastantuono hoped to earn a place in Madrid's plans, but the club's summer recruitment, particularly their imminent arrival of Yan Diomande, significantly increased the competition for attacking positions.
Now, according to AS, one option that has already been ruled out is a return to River Plate.
The Argentine giants explored the possibility of bringing their former academy star back earlier in the summer and renewed their interest in recent weeks.

#mastantuono #argentine #real

River Plate have opened formal negotiations with Real Madrid to re-sign teenage midfielder Franco Mastantuono on a season-long loan deal, according to football journalist Matteo Moretto.
The 18-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder is keen to return to his former club in Buenos Aires to secure regular playing time after a heavily disrupted debut season in Spain.
Mastantuono moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from River Plate last year in a high-profile transfer. However, he struggled to secure consistent minutes in a highly competitive Real Madrid squad
The teenager accumulated just 1,484 minutes of first-team football across 35 appearances last season, often coming off the substitutes' bench.
Mastantuono wants to return to River Plate. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

#Football

We have just reached half-time in Real Madrid's second pre-season match against Leganés. Real Madrid took to the field with the following line-up: Lunin, Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Asencio, Carreras, Camavinga, Valverde, Güler, Mastantuono, Ciria (Castilla), García. Attendance at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano was restricted to journalists and staff, with new signing Denzel Dumfries amongst the few spectators.
After a slow start to proceedings, with Madrid maintaining possession at almost walking-speed – we ended up seeing a good amount of action. Arda Güler linked up with Fede Valverde for the first chance of the game, but the Uruguayan could not get his toe to the delicate pass. The same combination would later open the scoring, this time with a combination along the floor allowing Fede to poke the ball home. Madrid would make it two straight after a drinks break, when a trademark Trent Alexander-Arnold pass found Gonzalo García who **** ed the ball over the keeper to score. Trent was deployed very high up the pitch, and was a standout alongside Arda.
Leganés did pull a goal back with an unstoppable effort that left Andriy Lunin and his defence mesmerised. A great first-half test against a strong second division side – with the score currently reading 2-1 to the hosts ahead of the second period. Changes are expected at the break. Check out our socials for coverage for the remainder of the game.

#second #alexander #arda

The final few weeks of the summer transfer window will be busy for Real Madrid, with signings and exits expected. In terms of incomings, Yan Diomande and Rodri are wanted, while there are several first team players that have been earmarked as candidates to leave before the end of next month.
Raul Asencio, Eduardo Camavinga and Franco Mastantuono (loan) are players that Real Madrid want to move on, while they could also be convinced to sell Gonzalo Garcia amid strong interest from Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham. The La Fabrica graduate would bring in much-needed funds in the event that Diomande and Rodri are signed, although head coach Jose Mourinho would prefer him to remain at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho considers Gonzalo to be a differential option in attack. He's the closest thing that Real Madrid have to a target forward, and if the decision is eventually made for him to stay, it could mean that a different attacking player departs in his place.
That player could be Endrick. Despite reports earlier in the summer that Mourinho wanted to keep the Brazil international in his squad for the 2026-27 season, Marca have reported that Real Madrid are now considering whether to loan him out again.
Real Madrid see Endrick as one of their biggest stars for the future, but right now, his chances of regular playing time look slim – especially if Diomande joins, as expected. There are fears that his development will be stunted if he does not feature prominently, which is why club bosses are considering whether to send him on loan for the second successive transfer window.

#diomande #endrick #transfer

Among the many talented youngsters Real Madrid have in their ranks, one is undoubtedly Franco Mastantuono.
The 18-year-old Argentine youngster was signed last summer, and he faded away after a bright start to the season under Xabi Alonso.
This summer, Los Blancos have appointed Jose Mourinho and also reached an agreement to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making it very difficult for Mastantuono to have a prominent role here.
Now, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, the teenager's immediate future at Real Madrid is set to become clearer this week, with the club set to meet with the player's camp.
Real Madrid will hold talks with Mastantuono's agents in the coming days as they evaluate whether the Argentine remains with the first team or heads out on loan for the 2026-27 season.

#real #madrid #mastantuono #argentine

Madridistas got their first look at Jose Mourinho 2.0's Real Madrid as the side took on Primera RFEF opponents AD Alcorcón at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano on Friday evening, with Dani Yáñez scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.
The first 20 minutes of action were open for journalists and viewers on Real Madrid TV, with a series of substitutions meaning that this game was entirely focused on building fitness for those who weren't involved in this summer's World Cup.
Here, we run through some of the takeaways from the short sighting of action.
The line-up which started this game featured Andriy Lunin in goal, a strong defensive unit of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio and Álvaro Carreras, but much weaker midfield and attacking depth where the trios were formed by Thiago Cestero, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler and in attack by Franco Mastantuono, Gonzalo García and Gabri Valero. The club reported that the XI on the field at the time of the final whistle were all players from Castilla and the club's youth teams.
While the available first team players were always likely to have a strong influence on how Jose Mourinho set his team up here, it was intriguing to see that Real Madrid began pre-season with a 4-3-3 shape. The system was what worked so well in Mourinho's previous stint at the club, although he operated more regularly with a 4-2-3-1 with Benfica last season. At times, this shape did shift to look like a 4-2-3-1, with Güler stepping forward ahead of Cestero and Camavinga, and showing some of the tactical versatility that could be a point to watch in pre-season.

#season

It has already been two weeks since Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid, and more than ten days since the start of preseason training at Valdebebas. During this time, the Portuguese coach has had to work without most of his first team players, but he has been able to make a good ***** sment of the players who have been training under him.
In fact, some recent reports suggest that he has also made decisions about the future of some of these players. For instance, he has already let the defender Raul Asencio know that he is not part of his plans, and thus, should start looking for a new club.
Meanwhile, the forward Franco Mastantuono has been another player for whose departure the coach has reportedly given the green light. However, according to a report from MARCA, the Argentine has also been one of the players who has impressed the new coach the most since the start of preseason training, and although the possibility of a departure remains, the youngster knows he can still earn a place in the squad.
Two of Mourinho’s predecessors on the Real Madrid bench, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, both gave several opportunities to Mastantuono to shine and lock down a place in the starting eleven. However, he was unable to take advantage of these opportunities, and lost prominence after a few games under both managers.
For now, Mourinho understands that he will have to restore the player’s confidence and to make him feel comfortable if he is to continue at the Merengue club. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also considering loaning him out, as they did with Endrick last season, to allow him to adapt to European football in a lower-pressure environment, and several clubs from the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga are interested.

#players #training #meanwhile #mastantuono

It has been nearly two weeks since Jose Mourinho returned to train the available players at Real Madrid. The Merengues began their preseason on 13th July, and over the last few days, have also been joined by two players who participated in the World Cup, i.e., Arda Guler and Federico Valverde. The rest of the World Cup players are expected to return to the club in the coming few days.
Meanwhile, the new coach has also had time enough to ***** s the players that have been training under him so far, and he has already made his decisions about the futures of some of these players. For instance, he has given the green light for the departure of the young forward Franco Mastantuono on loan.
Another player about whom he has made his decision is the center-back Raul Asencio. According to SPORT, the Spaniard is not a part of the Portuguese coach’s plans, and the manager has already communicated this to the player.
The Merengues are ready to part ways with Asencio either or loan or through a permanent sale. The defender’s market value has decreased from €40 million to €20 million over the last year, and clubs like Galatasaray and Lazio have been linked with him recently.
However, a significant barrier to his departure could be his high wages. Last summer, they significantly increased his wages, which went up to €8 million including his salary and bonuses.

#merengues #coach #already

Real Madrid have a squad brimming with talent, and some of the youngsters may need to leave on loan to aid their development.
Along those lines, Los Blancos are prepared to allow Franco Mastantuono to leave on loan this summer, with the club believing that regular minutes elsewhere could be the best next step in his development.
Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are ready to give the green light to a temporary exit, but any deal would be a straight loan with no purchase option included.
That condition is the most important detail from a Real Madrid perspective.
The club are not looking to cash in on Mastantuono or weaken their long-term control over one of their most highly rated young players.

#real #madrid #development #club

La Liga giants Real Madrid are considering sending a pair of the club's up-and-coming stars out on loan for the duration of the 2026/27 campaign.
This comes amid the understanding that a final decision on the immediate futures of Franco Mastantuono and Raúl Asencio is yet to be made.
Attacker Mastantuono is for his part fresh off a difficult campaign in Spain's capital, following his arrival from his home country of Argentina last summer.
Still just 18, the starlet's place in José Mourinho's plans, in turn, remains unclear.
For this reason, according to Real Madrid insider Arancha Rodríguez of Cope, those in a position of power at the Santiago Bernabéu are taking into consideration a loan move for Mastantuono.

#mastantuono #franco

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García is now expected to stay at the club past this summer, having performed at a high level during the first few training sessions under José Mourinho, according to a report from COPE's Arancha Rodríguez.
Gonzalo was rumored to be on his way out of the club, with several teams interested in his signing. However, the coaching staff made the decision to keep him as Gonzalo's profile as a striker could be useful throughout the season. The current roster lacks a target man and Mourinho has always valued that kind of role, so Gonzalo will likely have some minutes this upcoming year, even if he will be expected to come off the bench almost every game.
Mourinho, his coaching staff and the board will still have to make some important decisions regarding the future of players like Mastantuono, Brahim or Asencio.

#mourinho #madrid #garc

Real Madrid officially opened preparations for the 2026-27 season on Monday, with José Mourinho leading his first preseason training session since returning to the club.
The day began with the usual medical and fitness examinations at the club's medical facilities before the available members of the squad reported to Real Madrid City for their first workout of the summer.
With many first-team players either still involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup or only recently returning from international duty, Mourinho worked with a limited group consisting of Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo García. A number of academy players were also called up to supplement the session.
After an introductory team talk from Mourinho, the squad began with gym work before moving onto the training pitch for activation exercises that combined physical conditioning with ball work.
The session then progressed into high-intensity possession drills under pressure, followed by finishing exercises on small goals. Training concluded with several small-sided matches on reduced-size pitches as Mourinho looked to reintroduce players to competitive game situations after the summer break.

Jose Mourinho’s first pre-season back as the manager of Real Madrid begins today, and the Portuguese coach has some clear objectives to meet.
While he does not have most of the first-team players at his command from day one, he is tasked with making decisions on the futures of the few players who are in Madrid.
The manager will thus keep a close eye on every single player currently in pre-season and draw up a blueprint of his plans next season including an estimate on how much he counts on every player.
One such player whose immediate future depends on Mourinho’s evaluation is Franco Mastantuono.
As reported by Miguel Serrano in a recent update, there is a clear-cut condition that will decide whether or not the Argentine protege stays at Real Madrid next season – and the matter is not entirely in his hands.