Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna could become the first senior figure to lose his job as a result of the club’s poor results this season, rather than manager Massimiliano Allegri.

The possibility has been reported by calcionapoli1926, citing Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is understood to want to send a clear message and try to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

The club’s initial response will be a disciplinary training camp, although that measure alone is not expected to resolve all of Napoli’s problems.

The upcoming match against Lazio is regarded as a critical moment for both Allegri and the team. Napoli need an immediate reaction to ensure internal disagreements do not lead to more serious consequences during the current season.

Juventus beat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 in the fourth round of the Europa League league phase to reach 11 goals in their opening four European matches.

Teun Koopmeiners and Randal Kolo Muani scored in the first half to secure the victory for Luciano Spalletti’s side.

According to Opta, Juventus have scored more than 10 goals across their first four matches in a European campaign for the first time since the 1999-00 season.

The result leaves the Italian club fifth in the league-phase standings on 10 points.

Juventus will play their next Europa League fixture at home against Omonia on 26 November.

Real Madrid retain a priority option to re-sign Nicolas Paz from Como, but the clause can only be activated during the summer of 2027.

Como bought all rights to the Argentine midfielder from Real Madrid last summer for 60m euros, with the two clubs agreeing a future buy-back arrangement as part of the deal.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid can bring Paz back for 80m euros. However, the option will be valid only in the summer of 2027 and will expire afterwards.

The Spanish club had wanted to re-sign the 22-year-old before the beginning of the current season for a significantly reduced fee. Paz instead chose to remain with Cesc Fabregas’ side for at least another year.

AC Milan were regarded as the best club in the world in 1994, having just won the Champions League after a remarkable 4-0 victory over Barcelona.

Despite the club’s dominance, Giuseppe Signori decided against joining them. Signori, who was the leading goalscorer in the Italian championship at the time, revealed the decision himself.

The striker spent most of his career with Lazio.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will no longer represent the Portugal national team.

Ruben Amorim, head coach of Milan, has now spoken about the decision.

Ronaldo previously played in Italy’s top flight, although his club was Juventus rather than Milan.

Milan have reached an agreement to appoint Markus Krosche, with the Eintracht Frankfurt executive set to become the club’s new head of football operations.

Transfer market expert Matteo Moretto reported that negotiations were completed successfully and in a short period. Krosche, who currently works for Eintracht Frankfurt, will move to the Lombardy club after all the key terms were settled.

The agreement covers both the immediate arrangements and future matters. Contracts have been prepared and all parties have reached a full understanding, while the deal also includes financial compensation for the German club, according to derbyderbyderby.it.

Venezia and Udinese face one another in Serie A on 6 November 2026, with both sides struggling at the bottom of the table. Venezia are 20th and Udinese 19th, but the prediction for the match is that both teams will score.

Venezia have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit last in the division with three points. Their record consists of one victory and nine defeats, while they have lost each of their past three matches.

Their most recent setbacks came against Inter and Como. Venezia were beaten 2-0 by Inter before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Como in their following game.

Udinese arrive one place above their opponents, with five points from 10 matches. The Friulian side have won once, drawn twice and lost seven times so far this season.

After holding Parma to a goalless draw, Udinese were beaten 5-2 at home by Roma. That result highlighted the team’s main weakness, with their defensive problems exposed by the capital club.

The previous meeting between the sides ended in a 2-1 victory for Udinese. However, both teams have scored in each of the past four matches between Venezia and Udinese.

Venezia have also lost four of their past five games, although they are still regarded as the favourites for this encounter.

The prediction is for both sides to find the net at least once. With neither defence having shown consistent form, the match is expected to be competitive and produce several goals.

The source does not provide specific bookmaker odds for the fixture. It says access to the match is available through bookmakers after quick registration and names Winline and Fon.bet.

Venezia and Udinese face one another in Serie A on 6 November 2026, with both sides struggling at the bottom of the table. Venezia are 20th and Udinese 19th, but the prediction for the match is that both teams will score.

Venezia have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit last in the division with three points. Their record consists of one victory and nine defeats, while they have lost each of their past three matches.

Their most recent setbacks came against Inter and Como. Venezia were beaten 2-0 by Inter before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Como in their following game.

Udinese arrive one place above their opponents, with five points from 10 matches. The Friulian side have won once, drawn twice and lost seven times so far this season.

After holding Parma to a goalless draw, Udinese were beaten 5-2 at home by Roma. That result highlighted the team’s main weakness, with their defensive problems exposed by the capital club.

The previous meeting between the sides ended in a 2-1 victory for Udinese. However, both teams have scored in each of the past four matches between Venezia and Udinese.

Venezia have also lost four of their past five games, although they are still regarded as the favourites for this encounter.

The prediction is for both sides to find the net at least once. With neither defence having shown consistent form, the match is expected to be competitive and produce several goals.

The source does not provide specific bookmaker odds for the fixture. It says access to the match is available through bookmakers after quick registration and names Winline and Fon.bet.

Venezia and Udinese face one another in Serie A on 6 November 2026, with both sides struggling at the bottom of the table. Venezia are 20th and Udinese 19th, but the prediction for the match is that both teams will score.

Venezia have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit last in the division with three points. Their record consists of one victory and nine defeats, while they have lost each of their past three matches.

Their most recent setbacks came against Inter and Como. Venezia were beaten 2-0 by Inter before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Como in their following game.

Udinese arrive one place above their opponents, with five points from 10 matches. The Friulian side have won once, drawn twice and lost seven times so far this season.

After holding Parma to a goalless draw, Udinese were beaten 5-2 at home by Roma. That result highlighted the team’s main weakness, with their defensive problems exposed by the capital club.

The previous meeting between the sides ended in a 2-1 victory for Udinese. However, both teams have scored in each of the past four matches between Venezia and Udinese.

Venezia have also lost four of their past five games, although they are still regarded as the favourites for this encounter.

The prediction is for both sides to find the net at least once. With neither defence having shown consistent form, the match is expected to be competitive and produce several goals.

The source does not provide specific bookmaker odds for the fixture. It says access to the match is available through bookmakers after quick registration and names Winline and Fon.bet.

Nicolas Paz decided to remain at Como last summer despite Real Madrid’s willingness to bring him back to the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Real Madrid were prepared to activate a €9m buy-back clause in the Argentine midfielder’s contract. Paz, however, chose not to return to the Spanish club, allowing Como to complete the permanent signing of the 22-year-old for €60m.

Romano reports that Paz informed Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho of his decision during a video call shortly before the transfer was finalised.

The midfielder has continued to make a significant impact under Como manager Cesc Fabregas. Paz has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 13 appearances this season.

He also leads the ranking of the most productive players in the Champions League after four matches of the league phase.

Franco Mastantuono has spoken about Real Madrid as he continues his development on loan at Fiorentina.

The 19-year-old winger remains a Real Madrid player but will stay in Italy until the end of the current season to gain further first-team experience.

Mastantuono has scored four goals in 12 appearances for Fiorentina since joining the club on a temporary basis. His contract with the Spanish club runs until 2031.

The Argentina international has also discussed his favourite player at Real Madrid, although the identity of that player was not stated in the report.

Ruben Amorim says Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football has not brought the ideal conclusion to his Portugal career, although he praised the lasting impact the forward has had on his country.

Ronaldo, now 41, ends his international career as Portugal’s record goalscorer, having scored 146 times in 234 appearances.

His announcement came as tensions surrounding the player’s relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus drew attention. Jesus chose not to bring Ronaldo on during Portugal’s match against Norway in the recent international break, in a decision that contributed to a major disagreement between the pair.

Amorim was asked about Ronaldo’s retirement before AC Milan’s Europa League meeting with Ferencvaros.

“This is not the best way for his national team career to end, but what he has done for our country is clear to everyone,” said the Milan manager.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence, Amorim added, extends well beyond his achievements on the pitch.

“The whole world knows him. Football is a window, and many people know Portugal through Ronaldo,” he said.

Ronaldo has represented Portugal alongside many of the country’s most important players during a career that has included international success and record-breaking individual performances.

Amorim also believes Ronaldo will continue to play an important role for Portugal after ending his time as an international player.

“He has played alongside many important players. Even after retiring, he will continue to contribute to our country off the field,” he said.

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Como defender Jacobo Ramon as uncertainty continues over the future of Lisandro Martinez.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the leading young defenders in Serie A since joining Como from Real Madrid Castilla in 2025. Ramon has quickly established himself as one of the standout performers in Cesc Fabregas’ team, making him an increasingly attractive target for United.

According to TEAMtalk, United are now intensifying their efforts to sign the Spain defender, with the club’s need for defensive reinforcements becoming more pressing.

United have been in need of a significant overhaul at the back for several seasons. However, INEOS and the club’s decision-makers have so far prioritised strengthening the attack and midfield rather than addressing the defence.

The uncertainty surrounding Martinez has now added to the club’s interest in Ramon. United are not expected to face no competition for his signature, with Chelsea also maintaining a long-standing interest in the defender.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is keen to take Ramon to Stamford Bridge, ensuring United will face a strong rival if they attempt to complete a deal.

Real Madrid also retain a significant level of control over the player. Ramon’s former club have a buy-back clause and a 50% sell-on clause in his contract, both of which remain valid until the summer of 2027.

Reports from Spain indicate that Jose Mourinho’s side are very keen to bring Ramon back next summer, adding another potential complication to United’s pursuit of the Como defender.

Milan are interested in Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi, who could leave the Belgian club during the January transfer window, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The 22-year-old German striker is among the leading scorers in this season’s Champions League, having scored five goals in the competition.

Tresoldi has also attracted attention from clubs in La Liga, the Premier League and the Bundesliga, with interest growing ahead of the January window.

He joined Club Brugge in the summer of last year and remains under contract until the end of June 2029. His current market value is estimated at 35m euros.

Como’s 9-1 victory at Lens on Wednesday was one of the Champions League’s most remarkable results, with Nico Paz again at the centre of an outstanding performance.

The Stade Bollaert-Delelis witnessed a night neither set of players is likely to forget. Lens, ninth in Ligue 1 after four wins, one draw and four defeats, had scored 16 goals and conceded 13 before the game. Their 2026/27 campaign has not been poor, although it has fallen short of last season’s second-place finish under Pierre Sage, who has since left for Crystal Palace.

Yannick Cahuzac’s side have allowed opponents opportunities this season, but the scale of their defeat will still have stunned the club.

For Como and manager Cesc Fabregas, it was a statement result. Fabregas, one of the outstanding players of his generation, has taken Como into their first Champions League campaign while keeping them in contention in Serie A. I Lariani are currently fourth, two points behind second place and five points adrift of leaders Lazio.

Their dismantling of Lens has placed the “little team from Lake Como” firmly under the spotlight. The 9-1 scoreline was the joint-biggest winning margin in Champions League history and only the second match in the competition in which a team has scored nine goals, after Bayern Munich’s 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

Tasos Douvikas attracted much of the attention after scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist, while Champions League debutant Matteo Papaccioli completed the scoring 30 minutes after coming on.

Yet Paz remains the player who makes Como function. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been given responsibility for succeeding Lionel Messi as Argentina’s number 10 and plays with the authority of a far more experienced footballer.

His development has been encouraged by Fabregas, who allows him the freedom to express himself. Paz had already become the second-youngest Argentinian after Messi to score in the Champions League against Man Utd, in a performance that earned him player-of-the-match honours.

He followed that with another outstanding display against Lens, receiving a 9.3 Flashscore rating. His two assists took his total to five in this season’s competition, more than any other player. His four attempts on goal were also the most by a Como player in the 26/27 Champions League.

Only Lens’ Ruben Aguilar matched Paz’s 16 passes into the final third, although Paz’s 73.5% passing accuracy was the lowest among Como players. He recorded seven touches in the opposition penalty area, more than twice as many as any Lens player, and completed three of five dribbles.

Paz also won seven of his 15 one-on-one duels, more than anyone else, and won all of his tackles. Only Thorgan Hazard, with three, was fouled more often than Paz, who drew two fouls.

Real Madrid may regret allowing him to leave. The club have an €80 million buy-back clause, exercisable only by Real Madrid in summer 2027, but Arda Guler is among the options already available to them. With Paz’s progress accelerating, remaining second choice elsewhere may make little sense if Como continue to thrive.

If he avoids injury, 26/27 could be Paz’s season. Matches against current Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain and Fabregas’ former club Barcelona at the start of the new year could further establish his reputation.

Barcelona’s hopes of signing Federico Dimarco in 2027 have been dealt a significant setback after Inter Milan activated an option to extend the defender’s contract until June 2028.

The Italy international had been under consideration by the LaLiga champions, who were targeting a free transfer once his existing agreement expired in June 2027.

However, Inter Milan’s decision to add a further year to Dimarco’s deal means Barcelona can no longer pursue that plan. The extension protects the Serie A club from losing the player without a transfer fee.

Inter had held talks with Dimarco over a new contract for several weeks before exercising the option. The club is also expected to hold further discussions at the beginning of 2027 about potentially adding more years to his agreement at San Siro.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the decision and said both the club and the player wanted to continue their relationship.

“We have exercised the clause agreed upon with him, even though it would be unilateral. But we've agreed that we will extend the contract for the year,” Marotta said.

“Dimarco wants to stay, we want him to stay too, and we're happy. The sense of belonging must prevail over other values.”

Football commentator Dmitry Shnyakin has called for Massimiliano Allegri to be dismissed and for Napoli to be “freed” after their 4-1 defeat by Porto in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase.

“I want Allegri to be sacked and Napoli to be freed,” Shnyakin said while reflecting on the result.

Napoli were comprehensively beaten away from home by Porto, adding to a difficult run of form for the Italian club domestically.

After 10 matches in the Italian championship, Napoli have collected 14 points and are eighth in the table.

Their next fixture is against Lazio of Rome.

Juventus are preparing a bid for Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun ahead of the winter transfer window, according to reports.

The Turin club’s board is expected to make significant funds available to strengthen the squad, with Balogun identified as one of their targets. The information was reported on social media by transfer insider Ekrem Konur.

Balogun, 24, has been with Monaco since August 2023. His contract with the French club runs until the end of June 2028.

The striker’s market value is estimated at 50m euros by Transfermarkt.

Massimiliano Allegri has lost seven of his 14 matches in charge of Napoli after the Italian side were beaten 4-1 by Porto at the Dragao.

The result leaves Allegri with a disappointing record since taking over as Napoli manager, with half of his games ending in defeat.

The figure is notable because Allegri has already experienced a similar spell with Napoli although this time as a player. To find the last comparable record, it is necessary to go back 29 years to the 1997-98 season.

Allegri spent that campaign with Napoli, in what was his only season at the club. He made just seven appearances during the season.

Napoli’s next fixture will be against another team known for wearing blue, Manchester City.

Former Italy footballer Paolo Di Canio believes relations between some Napoli players have deteriorated, with the club’s Italian players reportedly unhappy with Kevin De Bruyne’s conduct.

De Bruyne has played for Napoli since 2025.