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• Good news for Barcelona and Premier League clubs as Alessandro Bastoni considers Inter exit

  Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly weighing a summer move away from the San Siro, with Barcelona and several Premier League clubs monitoring the Italian international’s situation ahead of a potential €50 million transfer. ​Alessandro Bastoni is considering a departure from Inter Milan this summer despite a contract running until 2028. Reports suggest the defender is seeking a fresh challenge abroad following a “hostile reception” in Italian stadiums recently. While previous estimates placed his value higher, La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates Inter’s asking price for the center-back will be “around €50m rather than €70m.” ​The Italian international’s agent, Tullio Tinti, has reportedly been approached by Barcelona, though interest from the Premier League remains significant. With a move to a rival Serie A club deemed unlikely, Bastoni appears destined for a new chapter outside of Italy. His exit would mark a major shift for the Nerazzurri defense as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

• 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.

• Why this Real Madrid vs Manchester City classic is different

  Real Madrid and Manchester City meet for a fifth consecutive Champions League knockout campaign, with Alvaro Arbeloa’s injury-depleted side facing a City team bolstered by fresh talent and the return of Erling Haaland.  

  ​The “New European Classic” returns to the Bernabéu tonight as Real Madrid host Manchester City in a Round of 16 clash defined by significant absentees.

  Los Blancos must navigate a massive injury crisis, with star forward Kylian Mbappé (knee) and Jude Bellingham (hamstring) both ruled out of the first leg.

  Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, faces a tactical mountain as he attempts to stop a City side that already triumphed 2-1 in Madrid during the league phase earlier this season.

  ​Manchester City enter the tie as favorites, welcoming back a rested Erling Haaland after he sat out the FA Cup victory over Newcastle.

  While Pep Guardiola is forced to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban, his squad appears near full strength, featuring high-impact newcomers Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo.

  Despite City’s recent dominance in this fixture, Arbeloa remains defiant about his side’s underdog status, asserting, “We’re Real Madrid, we shouldn’t feel inferior to anybody.”

  ​The tactical battle will likely see Madrid sit deep and counter-attack through the electric Vinícius Júnior, while City aim to control possession through the fit-again Rodri.

  With Mbappé sidelined, the responsibility for goals falls on young Gonzalo García or former City player Brahim Díaz.

  For City, the inclusion of youth sensation Nico O’Reilly, who scored in the previous Bernabéu meeting, could provide the “stardust” needed to overcome a Madrid defense led by the experienced Antonio Rüdiger.

• Player Ratings: Cherki 8 shines but Forest denied City in the Etihad

  Manchester City’s pursuit of the Premier League trophy hit a major snag after a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest left them seven points behind Arsenal, despite goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri.

  ​The reigning champions saw their control over the title race slip further away during a frustrating evening at the Etihad.

  City initially took the lead through Antoine Semenyo, but they were twice pegged back by a resilient Nottingham Forest side.

  While Rodri appeared to have secured the points with a second-half header, Elliot Anderson’s late long-range strike ensured the spoils were shared.

  ​Pep Guardiola’s men now face a steep mountain to climb, sitting seven points adrift of the Gunners with only one game in hand.

  The lack of clinical finishing and uncharacteristic defensive lapses allowed Forest to escape with a point, piling the pressure on City ahead of their crucial upcoming fixtures.

  ​Manchester City Player Ratings

  ​Gianluigi Donnarumma: 7/10

  The Italian shot-stopper was reliable throughout, pulling off several key saves to keep City in the hunt. He could do little about the opening goal after being wrong-footed by a deflection, but otherwise provided a steady presence between the posts.

  ​Matheus Nunes: 5/10

  Nunes struggled to make an impact on the right, failing to offer the necessary width or creativity in the final third. Defensively, he looked suspect and was caught out of position on a few occasions as Forest looked to exploit the flanks.

  ​Marc Guehi: 6/10

  It was a mixed night for the England international, whose passing was uncharacteristically sloppy at times. He was forced to rely on his defensive partner to bail him out and was arguably slow to close down Anderson for the visitors’ second equalizer.

  ​Ruben Dias: 7/10

  Dias was the standout in the heart of the defense, reading the game well and making several vital interventions. He was unfortunately unlucky that the deflection for the Forest goal was so unpredictable, as his overall performance was near-flawless.

  ​Rayan Ait-Nouri: 7/10

  A constant outlet on the left, Ait-Nouri’s energy was a highlight for the home side. He provided the pinpoint delivery from a corner for Rodri’s goal and remained an integral part of City’s transition from defense to attack.

  ​Rodri: 6/10

  While he found the back of the net with a trademark powerful header, the Spaniard occasionally looked overrun by Forest’s quick-transitioning midfield. He will be disappointed not to have done more to prevent the late equalizer from the edge of the box.

  ​Bernardo Silva: 7/10

  Silva was his usual industrious self, covering immense ground and constantly looking to probe the Forest defense. He was denied what looked like a certain goal by a spectacular save from Matz Sels in the second half.

  ​Rayan Cherki: 8/10

  The most creative spark in the City lineup, Cherki was a constant menace. He provided a brilliant assist for the opening goal and created several high-quality chances that his teammates ultimately failed to convert.

  ​Phil Foden: 6/10

  Foden showed flashes of his brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency throughout the match. He was unable to find the decisive pass or shot to unlock a stubborn Forest defense and was substituted late in the game.

  ​Antoine Semenyo: 7/10

  Semenyo continued his fine form with a clinical finish to open the scoring. While he struggled to stay central to the action as the match wore on, his early contribution was a reminder of his growing importance to this attack.

  ​Erling Haaland: 6/10

  Still finding his rhythm after a recent injury layoff, the Norwegian marksman lacked his usual predatory edge. He was largely starved of service but also struggled to create space for himself against a physical Forest backline.

  ​Substitutes

  ​Jeremy Doku: 6/10

  Introduced for Foden to provide more directness, Doku found it difficult to get into the game. He was often crowded out by Forest defenders before he could turn and drive toward the goal.

  ​Abdukodir Khusanov: 6/10

  Replacing Ait-Nouri late on, the defender slotted into the right-back role to provide more stability. He carried out his duties without major incident but couldn’t influence the offensive push.

  ​Savinho: 6/10

  Brought on for Cherki in the closing stages, the Brazilian winger had little time to truly change the course of the match as Forest sat deep to protect their point.