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• Christopher Nkunku focused on AC Milan future amid transfer speculation

  Christopher Nkunku has dismissed rumors of a January departure from AC Milan, focusing instead on recovering from an injury in time for Thursday’s match against Genoa. Christopher Nkunku has reportedly made his stance clear regarding his future at AC Milan, signaling a desire to remain with the Rossoneri despite persistent transfer rumors. Since his summer arrival, the French forward has faced scrutiny over his fit in the squad, but sources indicate that an exit has not crossed his mind. Despite intensifying links to Turkish clubs this morning, the player remains dedicated to proving his worth under manager Massimiliano Allegri. The striker is currently sidelined after suffering a physical blow during his recent brace against Verona, an injury that forced him to miss Friday’s fixture. Nkunku is presently following a personalized recovery program at Milanello, combining individual pitch work with physiotherapy. The objective is to be match-ready for Thursday’s upcoming encounter with Genoa, though the club medical staff remains cautious about rushing his return to the first-team lineup. With star winger Rafael Leao also not at full fitness, Nkunku’s availability has become a priority for Allegri’s attacking rotations. While the media continues to discuss potential January moves, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the player is “focused on the Genoa game” and determined to build on his recent goalscoring momentum. For now, the focus remains entirely on rehabilitation and the competitive fixtures ahead rather than the opening of the winter market.

• One injury and three red cards but Napoli overcome Lazio in chaotic match

  Napoli moved to second in Serie A with a 2-0 win over Lazio, but the match ended in turmoil with three red cards and a concerning ankle injury to star winger David Neres.

  Napoli climbed back into second place in the Serie A standings following a 2-0 victory over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

  Goals from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured Antonio Conte’s first-ever competitive win against Maurizio Sarri.

  However, the triumph was marred by a significant injury to David Neres. The Brazilian winger, who has been in clinical form, was forced off in the 70th minute clutching his ankle and unable to put weight on his left foot.

  The match descended into absolute carnage during the final twenty minutes, resulting in three players being sent off.

  Lazio striker Tijjani Noslin received his second yellow card in the 81st minute for a challenge on Alessandro Buongiorno.

  The situation escalated further just before the final whistle when a touchline scuffle broke out between Pasquale Mazzocchi and Adam Marusic.

  Both full-backs were shown straight red cards after a grappling match that drew both benches onto the field.

  Antonio Conte now faces a deepening personnel crisis despite the vital three points.

  Neres joins a crowded injury list that already includes stars like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

  With Mazzocchi now facing a suspension alongside the injured list, Napoli’s squad depth will be severely tested in the 19th round of fixtures. The chaotic scenes at the Olimpico left the match finishing with only 19 players remaining on the pitch.

• Cesc Fabregas makes Chelsea feelings clear amid links

  Following Enzo Maresca’s departure, Chelsea are considering Como manager Cesc Fabregas as a potential successor as the former midfielder looks to fulfill his ambition of coaching a top-flight English club.

  Chelsea are exploring potential successors for Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed this week following a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and reported tensions with club leadership.

  Among the frontrunners is former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas, currently managing Serie A side Como.

  Despite early links to Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior due to shared club ownership, Fabregas has gained traction following his impressive coaching start in Italy and his deep familiarity with the West London club.

  The appointment would represent a full-circle moment for Fabregas, who admitted he once “disliked Chelsea very much” during his time at Arsenal.

  However, his successful playing stint at Stamford Bridge changed his outlook, and he has been vocal about his desire to return to England.

  He previously stated, “100 per cent my ambition one day is to coach a top club in the Premier League,” noting that the league remains a special place for him.

  While Fabregas is currently focused on his project at Como, he has made it clear he intends to be a “main coach” rather than an assistant.

  His rapid tactical evolution in Serie A has caught the attention of Chelsea’s board, who are searching for stability after a series of short-lived tenures.

  If appointed, Fabregas would become the latest in a line of former players to lead the club during the Clearlake Capital era.

• Cesc Fabregas headlines the list of potential Maresca replacements at Chelsea

  Following Enzo Maresca’s exit due to management friction and poor results, Chelsea is fast-tracking the appointment of a successor, with Liam Rosenior and Cesc Fabregas among the leading candidates.

  Enzo Maresca has officially left Chelsea following a rapid deterioration in his relationship with the club’s senior management.

  Despite guiding the team to a Club World Cup victory less than six months ago, recent form has been dismal, with only one win in the last seven Premier League matches.

  Tension peaked during Tuesday’s draw with Bournemouth when Maresca was booed for substituting Cole Palmer, leaving the Blues 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

  The hunt for a successor is moving quickly, with Chelsea expected to “appoint new manager very soon.”

  Liam Rosenior is considered a high-priority internal candidate due to his success at BlueCo-owned Strasbourg.

  However, former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is a more “starry” option; currently impressing at Como, his legendary status at Stamford Bridge would likely grant him more patience from a frustrated fanbase than the unproven Rosenior.

  The board is also considering established names like Unai Emery, whose Aston Villa side recently defeated Chelsea at home.

  Oliver Glasner is viewed as an “easy get” following his success at Crystal Palace, while former Barcelona boss Xavi remains a strong contender.

  As the club works to stabilize before Sunday’s Manchester City clash, Fabrizio Romano reports that the final decision is imminent and “won’t take long” as the board seeks a long-term solution.

• Chelsea and Enzo Maresca could part companies on New Year’s Day as replacement emerges

  Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is on the verge of a New Year’s Day exit following a breakdown in relations with club leadership and a poor run of recent Premier League results.

  Enzo Maresca is “highly likely” to depart Chelsea this Thursday following a “complete breakdown in his relationship with the club.”

  Despite securing both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Club titles during his tenure, the Italian manager has faced mounting pressure after a dismal December run.

  With only one win in their last seven Premier League outings, the Blues have slipped to fifth place, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 15 points.

  Emergency talks are currently underway at Stamford Bridge to determine the terms of Maresca’s exit.

  Reports suggest the 45-year-old is unlikely to lead the team in Sunday’s high-stakes clash against Manchester City.

  While Maresca reportedly wants to leave, negotiations are complicated by uncertainty regarding a potential payoff. His departure would mark the fifth permanent managerial change since the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital takeover was finalized in mid-2022.

  Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior has emerged as a “shock” internal solution to replace Maresca.

  The 41-year-old has impressed at Chelsea’s sister club, though any move depends on Strasbourg finding a suitable successor.

  Other high-profile candidates currently linked to the role include Como’s Cesc Fabregas, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, and former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.

  The hierarchy is expected to move quickly to stabilize the squad before the January window progresses.