Italy’s top-flight football league
A series of large-scale seizures across the UK have disrupted counterfeit football shirts tied to the World Cup. Authorities warn the suppliers and criminal networks behind fake gear are linked to safety risks and broader crime. Fans face higher prices for official kit as prices rise across clubs; experts urge buying official gear to protect safety.
Inter are pursuing England defender John Stones after the World Cup, with Stones now seen as Inter’s leading option to bolster their backline. City’s stance and Premier League interests could still influence the deal.
Franco Baresi has died at 66. The AC Milan legend spent 20 seasons with the club, captained Milan for 15 years, and led a era-defining defence that helped win six Serie A titles and three European Cups. Tributes have poured in from Milan, former teammates and world leaders.
Mohamed Salah has arrived in Turkey and has begun medical checks as Trabzonspor negotiates a free transfer. The 34-year-old left Liverpool after nine seasons and is expected to sign a multi-year deal; hundreds of fans greeted him at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport before he travels to Trabzon for a planned ceremony.
A 20-year-old Cagliari forward, Yael Trepy, has been hospitalised in Sassari after a pool incident in northern Sardinia. The club says Trepy is in intensive care and asks for privacy while it monitors his condition. He scored once in eight Serie A appearances last season and joined Cagliari’s academy in 2022.
Moise Zirkzee is eyeing a temporary exit from Manchester United ahead of the transfer deadline, with Fiorentina leading the race on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy. Juventus and Aston Villa are also linked, but United have not ruled out keeping the forward if a suitable offer does not emerge. The talks are ongoing as deadlines loom.
United has agreed a deal with Brighton for Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old is set to join Michael Carrick’s midfield, joining Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Baleba’s signing comes amid United’s midfield rebuild after Casemiro’s departure and Ugarte’s injury.
The draw for the Champions League group stage has placed 36 clubs into four pots based on UEFA coefficients. Top clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, PSG, Bayern, Real Madrid and others are in pot one. Aston Villa and Manchester United return to the competition in pot two. Pots three and four include a mix of European contenders and newcomers. The draw introduces a new rule barring teams from hosting the same opponent in three consecutive league phases.
Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson remains a key figure for Bologna as leadership duties shift under new coach Domenico Tedesco. Orsolini and De Silvestri assume top roles, Ferguson sits third, with Bologna opening the season in defeat as transfers and captaincy discussions unfold.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in a handwritten Instagram statement published on 31 August 2026. The 39-year-old has said he has "nothing left to give" after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and to the 2026 final. Tributes and plans for a farewell match are under way; Argentina will meet friendly opponents in September.
Napoli's Scott McTominay has undergone a pulsed field ablation for a mild benign arrhythmia and will rest for two weeks before resuming training, keeping him out through the international break and affecting Scotland duty.
Roberta Picchi has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Como 1907 has extended her contract until 2027-28 and will support her treatment with the club's medical team as she begins therapy. The club asks for privacy during her recovery ahead of Como's Serie A debut.
Como has risen from bankruptcy to Serie A, earning a first Champions League campaign. To honour long-serving fans, Mirwan Suwarso and other directors are surrendering their tickets for Como’s home opener against RB Leipzig, ensuring elderly supporters attend amid UEFA capacity rules.
Sandro Mazzola, Inter Milan legend and son of Valentino Mazzola, has died at 83. He spent his entire 17-year playing career with Inter, winning four Serie A titles and two European Cups. Inter and the Italian federation have paid tribute, with a minute of silence planned at weekend matches.
The four European top leagues have published a joint statement demanding fundamental governance reforms at FIFA, citing concerns over unchecked power and the impact of expansion on domestic football. The move follows Infantino’s push for reform and the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan.
Napoli midfiel der Scott McTominay has been cleared to resume training after a successful corrective ablation for a mild arrhythmia. He had missed Scotland fixtures while undergoing treatment and is now back with Napoli ahead of key fixtures.
Napoli's Scott McTominay has been pivotal in their title-winning run and is amid contract talks; Real Madrid are monitoring his situation as questions over his future intensify. The club aims to extend his stay, with talks ongoing and a potential January market move considered.
Napoli were pegged back by Roma’s late equaliser as Balerdi completed a stoppage-time brace to secure a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Earlier, McTominay had looked to have won it for Napoli, but Roma’s substitute headed home from a corner to level before the decisive strike. Como also won, while Milan’s woes continued with a 0-0 draw.
Napoli has drawn 3-3 with Roma at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium after two goals from Scott McTominay and late drama. Roma equalised twice, with Leonardo Balerdi equalising late, and Napoli’s late flurry unsettles the home crowd.
AC Milan fans are boycotting an away match as AC Milan protests high ticket prices for visiting supporters, with prices at €65 and a call for a league-wide cap; Milan threatens reciprocity and charitable funding, while other clubs’ pricing and league rules are under scrutiny.