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• Can AC Milan’s pragmatic path under Max Allegri lead to Serie A contention?

  After a pivotal victory over league leaders Inter, Massimiliano Allegri’s AC Milan have moved within seven points of the summit, boasting the division’s best defensive record as they enter the season’s final stretch. ​AC Milan have reignited the Serie A title race following a historic Derby della Madonnina victory, completing a rare league double over Inter. Under Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri have transformed into Italy’s most disciplined defensive unit, conceding only 20 goals thus far. Pervis Estupinan’s winner silenced critics of Allegri’s pragmatic 3-5-2 system, which has revitalized the careers of Fikayo Tomori and Alexis Saelemaekers. ​Despite the defensive solidity, concerns persist regarding Milan’s offensive output compared to Inter’s superior scoring rate. The team averages just 1.6 goals per match, hampered by injury struggles for stars Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. With loan signing Niclas Fullkrug sidelined and Christopher Nkunku struggling for consistency, Allegri has frequently been forced to field makeshift strike partnerships, including utilizing Ruben Loftus-Cheek in advanced roles. ​The Rossoneri must now navigate a demanding schedule while addressing a lack of depth in central midfield. While 40-year-old Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot have been instrumental, the heavy reliance on veteran legs poses a sustainability risk. If Milan is to overhaul Inter’s lead, they must improve their efficiency against low-block teams, having previously dropped points against relegation-threatened sides like Pisa and Fiorentina.

• Spanish media raise big concerns about Real Madrid vs Man City referee hours before match

  Spanish commentators have expressed significant concern regarding the appointment of Italian official Maurizio Mariani for tonight’s Champions League clash, citing his restrictive officiating style and historic statistics.

  ​Spanish media outlets have voiced grave concerns over referee Maurizio Mariani ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League visit to Real Madrid.

  Former official Iturralde Gonzalez criticized the 44-year-old’s tendency to control the flow of the match, stating:

  “He doesn’t let the game flow, he prefers to steer it where he wants, and I don’t like that kind of refereeing.” Gonzalez further warned: “Instead of letting the game unfold, he takes the game where he wants.”

  ​Mariani, who has a career record of 1,848 yellow cards, is perceived as a “no-nonsense” official who does not typically favor home sides.

  This adds pressure to a historic fixture marking the fifth consecutive season these giants have met in the knockout stages.

  Real Madrid, aiming for a 16th European title, face a City side that recently secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu during the league phase in December.

• Official: Serie A confirm Roma’s Wesley, five others

  Roma’s Wesley Franca and five other Serie A players have been hit with one-match suspensions following the conclusion of the league’s 27th round of fixtures.

  The Lega Serie A has officially confirmed a one-match suspension for Roma wing-back Wesley Franca following the Giallorossi’s 3-3 draw with Juventus.

  The Brazilian defender collected his fifth caution of the season at the Stadio Olimpico, triggering an automatic ban.

  Consequently, Wesley will be unavailable for Sunday’s league encounter against Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa as Roma continues their push for European qualification.

  Joining Wesley on the sidelines are five other players following the latest round of fixtures.

  Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti received a straight red card, while Fabiano Parisi, Remo Freuler, Filippo Terracciano, and Lautaro Valenti all reached the yellow card threshold.

  Regarding the disciplinary action, league officials confirmed that Wesley “will now have to serve a one-match ban when the Giallorossi go up against Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa.”

• Napoli goalkeeper hits out at referee and VAR: ‘Today’s football is a farce’

  Napoli goalkeeper Nikita Contini has launched a scathing social media attack on modern refereeing and VAR following his team’s 2-1 loss to Atalanta.

  ​Napoli’s Nikita Contini has sparked controversy by labeling modern football a “farce” following a heated 2-1 defeat to Atalanta.

  The Partenopei were left incensed after referee Daniele Chiffi overturned a first-half penalty and disallowed a Rasmus Hojlund goal.

  Contini expressed his nostalgia for a more physical era on Instagram, writing: “How beautiful real football was… Real clashes, real hits, insults, real tackles, real refereeing.”

  ​The defeat leaves Napoli third in Serie A, level with Roma. Contini’s outburst also highlighted frustrations over away fan bans currently affecting several Italian clubs.

  Criticizing the current state of the game and the impact of technology, the goalkeeper added: “What a farce today’s football is. Football is a serious matter; otherwise, we might as well take up dancing.”

• Cesc Fabregas tells Alvaro Morata to find another sport after bizarre moment in defeat

  Cesc Fabregas heavily criticized Alvaro Morata’s discipline after the striker received two yellow cards in a minute during Como’s 2-1 loss to Fiorentina.

  ​Como manager Cesc Fabregas pulled no punches following Alvaro Morata’s dismissal in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina.

  The veteran striker, on loan from AC Milan, received two bookings within sixty seconds for dissent.

  Fabregas was livid with the experienced forward’s lack of composure during the crucial Serie A clash, which left the seventh-placed side unable to find a late equalizer against their relegation-threatened opponents.

  ​The Spaniard suggested Morata’s attitude was unacceptable for a player of his stature. “Provocation is part of football,” he told DAZN.

  “Those who can’t live with it should change careers. I expect much more from an experienced player like him.”

  With only one goal this season, Morata’s future at the club remains uncertain as Fabregas demands higher motivation and energy from his squad.