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• Italy fans turn on Federico Chiesa after winger is passed fit for Liverpool

  Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has sparked outrage among Italian supporters after being declared fit for his club’s FA Cup tie against Manchester City, despite pulling out of Italy’s unsuccessful World Cup play-off just two weeks ago. ​Federico Chiesa is facing intense criticism in Italy after Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed the winger is available for today’s clash with Manchester City. The 28-year-old withdrew from the Azzurri squad before their devastating play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing fitness concerns. However, his immediate return to club action has led fans to question his commitment to the national team. ​The controversy deepened following comments from former Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned after the qualifying failure. Gattuso noted that while Chiesa was not fully fit, the player “once again didn’t feel ready to play for the national team.” This marks a difficult period for the former Juventus star, who has not featured for his country since the 2024 European Championships.

• Good news for Barcelona as Bastoni urged to leave Italy after play-off red card

  Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has been advised to seek a transfer abroad for his own safety following a wave of national backlash after his red card contributed to Italy’s World Cup qualification failure.

  ​Barcelona target Alessandro Bastoni has been told to flee the Italian league following Italy’s shock play-off exit against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  The defender received a red card during the match, which Italy eventually lost on penalties.

  Inter legend Giuseppe Bergomi believes the hostile environment has become untenable for the 26-year-old. He stated: “Now he will have to leave Italy for his own safety.”

  ​The fallout marks a turning point for Bastoni, who was already facing intense scrutiny following a controversial incident involving Pierre Kalulu.

  Barcelona is reportedly monitoring the situation, though financial constraints remain a hurdle.

  Expressing deep concern for the player’s wellbeing, Bergomi added: “I am very sorry, but I think that for his own sake he will have to find a club abroad.”

• Final playoff teams secure 2026 FIFA World Cup spots

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is finalized following dramatic playoff wins by DR Congo, Iraq, and four UEFA nations, setting the stage for the 48-team tournament across North America this June.

  ​The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete after a thrilling final night of playoffs.

  In the inter-confederation brackets, Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute strike lifted DR Congo over Jamaica, securing their first appearance since 1974.

  Meanwhile, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey to end a 40-year drought, joining France, Norway, and Senegal in a highly competitive Group I.  

  ​UEFA’s final slots were claimed by Türkiye, Czechia, Sweden, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, who famously eliminated Italy on penalties.

  The result marks a third consecutive missed tournament for the Italians.

  For the hosts, the path is now clear: Mexico kicks off the tournament June 11 against South Africa, while the USMNT prepares for a Group D finale against Türkiye on June 25.  

  ​Preparation now shifts to 16 host cities as the expanded 104-match schedule looms.

  Captain Chancel Mbemba remains grounded following DR Congo’s historic qualification, stating, “We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work.”

  With global giants like Brazil and Argentina facing hungry newcomers, the largest World Cup in history promises a “different feel and vibe” across three nations.  

• Gianni Rivera concerned by cultural death in AC Milan amid Azzuri absence

  AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera has criticized the club’s transition away from its Italian identity, noting the lack of Rossoneri representation in Gennaro Gattuso’s national team.

  ​AC Milan icon Gianni Rivera has expressed deep concern over the club’s dwindling Italian core following Italy’s latest squad announcement.

  Speaking before a vital World Cup play-off, the former Ballon d’Or winner highlighted that the Rossoneri no longer boast the domestic backbone that once defined their success.

  Rivera noted, “Even the president [owner, Cardinale] is a foreigner,” lamenting a shift toward international recruitment policies.

  ​The legendary playmaker argued that reliance on agents and foreign talent has stifled the development of future Italian champions.

  Reflecting on his own career, Rivera recalled making his debut alongside six Milan teammates, a stark contrast to today’s selection.

  He criticized modern clubs, stating, “Our football no longer creates champions,” while urging a return to the systems that once produced icons like Maldini.

• PNE duo suffer World Cup heartbreak in play-off exits

  Preston North End stars Robbie Brady and Ali McCann saw their 2026 World Cup dreams vanish on Thursday night as both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland suffered narrow play-off semi-final defeats.

  ​Robbie Brady appeared as a second-half substitute in Prague, where the Republic of Ireland surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 before losing 4-3 on penalties to the Czech Republic.

  Former North End captain Alan Browne was among those to miss from the spot.

  Reflecting on the agonizing exit, Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson summarized the mood in one word: “Just pain. I feel pain.”

  ​Meanwhile, Ali McCann missed Northern Ireland’s 2-0 defeat to Italy in Bergamo due to injury.

  Despite the loss to the four-time world champions, manager Michael O’Neill praised his side’s resilience against second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.

  O’Neill remained defiant in defeat, stating, “I couldn’t ask any more from the players. Our game plan in the first half is excellent.”