Italian football club, top-flight mainstay from Milan since 1908
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca has to navigate Rodri’s back surgery and ongoing transfer talk while outlining a plan to sustain City's elite level after Pep Guardiola’s era. Rodri’s recovery schedule will shape City’s early-season commitments, with Real Madrid and other suitors keeping the midfielder’s future in flux.
Africa’s Women’s Cup of Nations 2026 will begin in Rabat on July 26, with 16 teams competing in 34 matches. Nigeria defends the title, hosts Morocco face Kenya, and group play leads to knockout rounds, with the tournament also serving as a 2027 World Cup qualifier. Clubs and fan interest ramp up as Europe’s season approaches.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
Arsenal and PSG have reached the Champions League Final in Budapest, with PSG aiming to defend their crown after a 5-0 win in 2023; Arsenal seek their first European crown in 140 years. PSG enters as favorites, having defeated Liverpool and Bayern Munich en route to the final.
The Milan prosecutor’s office has summoned Alessandro Bastoni, a 27-year-old Italy defender, in connection with an inquiry into an alleged escort ring. Investigators allege he paid for sex with a 17-year-old in June 2020. Wiretaps quote a PR representative and Bastoni’s responses; his camp says he did not engage in sexual relations with minors. Other players are under scrutiny in the wider probe.
Argentina secures a 3-2 win over Cape Verde after extra time, with Messi’s early goal followed by a Cape Verde comeback and a dramatic own goal sealing the result; Argentina advance to face Egypt in the last 16 while Cape Verde exit with their reputation enhanced.
The Scottish FA has been searching for a new manager after Steve Clarke’s departure following a group-stage exit from the World Cup. Roberto Martinez has emerged as a leading candidate, with Benitez also open to the role. The discussion centers on who can deliver further qualification and consistency for Scotland.
Christian Eriksen has begun an individual rehabilitation programme in Denmark after collapsing during a Denmark-Ukraine friendly in June. Wolfsburg says he is in regular contact with doctors and is spending time with his family as he recovers. Eriksen says the incident was different from 2021 and that his ICD protected him.
Roberto Martinez has become the bookies’ favourite to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland manager after Clarke’s departure. While Martinez has strong credentials and Scottish ties, the SFA faces a high-stakes choice amid competition from other high-profile names. Decisions must be made quickly as clubs and coaches juggle multiple international interests.
Milan prosecutors have requested the dismissal of a sports fraud case against Gianluca Rocchi, the former head of referees, while a two-year inquiry has found no evidence of a structured system to interfere with appointments. Rocchi had been investigated over incidents in the 2024-25 season, including alleged referee changes in Inter Milan’s favour; Inter were not implicated.
Spain has won the World Cup final 1-0 in extra time against Argentina with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute. Spain controlled the game with patient build-up and defensive solidity, while Argentina failed to threaten until late. The victory follows Spain’s sustained possession-based style under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Spain secures a 2-0 World Cup title after Ferran Torres nets in extra time, denying Argentina a repeat. Argentina's hopes end in a dramatic final at MetLife Stadium.
The Fox pregame show for the World Cup final is marked by fast travel through a ferry, a helicopter, and a police-escorted car ride, with Zlatan Ibrahimović sweating over the flight. The crew faced delays but reached MetLife Stadium in time as viewership broke records.
The Italian Football Federation has been exploring Pep Guardiola’s potential appointment as Italy head coach. While discussions have continued, officials say salary exceptions could be considered, though the final decision remains uncertain. Mancini and Pirlo are among other candidates amid Italy’s World Cup qualification crisis and short-term coaching search.