Your daily football roundup: Alisson opens up on injury, Gattuso out as Italy coach, Salah returns, and Bernardo Silva's future sparks war of words.
Gennaro Gattuso is no longer Italy’s head coach, officially confirmed following the national team’s disastrous 2026 World Cup campaign. Italy failed to advance past the group stage — a humiliating exit for a side expected to challenge for the title. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced the decision with immediate effect, citing a ‘complete failure of vision and execution’.
Why it matters: Gattuso, a fiery former AC Milan legend, was brought in to instill aggression and identity. But a draw with Canada and loss to Cameroon sealed their fate. Italy’s golden generation is aging, and the lack of emerging talent is glaring. With Euro 2027 looming, the search for a successor — possibly Mancini’s return or Spalletti’s promotion — begins now. The pressure is on to rebuild a broken legacy.
"We’ve lost our way. This isn’t Italy" — Corriere dello Sport
João Cancelo is reportedly hoping his Portuguese teammate Bernardo Silva avoids joining Juventus and instead moves to Barcelona or Benfica this summer. The Manchester City midfielder is linked with an exit amid financial fair play scrutiny. Cancelo, now at Juve, doesn’t want Silva strengthening a direct rival — but would love to see him in Spain or back home.
Why it matters: Bernardo Silva’s potential departure from City would mark the end of an era. Barcelona, despite financial chaos, sees him as a midfield savior. Benfica offers emotion and a platform to lead a rising project. With Cancelo’s influence, national pride could shape this transfer. The battle for Silva just got personal.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been dropped for the next two matches after reportedly ‘crossing a line’ with manager Graham Potter — allegedly over training discipline and attitude. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is back in training and available for Liverpool after recovering from a knee issue that threatened his season.
Why it matters: Fernandez’s fall from grace is shocking — just months after a record move. At Chelsea, instability breeds impatience. Salah’s return, however, is massive. He’s scored 18 goals this season, and Liverpool’s top-four hopes depend on his form. One player’s stock plummets, another’s soars.
Liverpool has been handed a boost with Federico Chiesa officially released by Italy due to medical concerns, making him available for club duty. Meanwhile, Alisson Becker admitted his injury setback has raised doubts about his World Cup participation, despite Brazil’s insistence on his inclusion.
Why it matters: Chiesa’s return adds firepower to Klopp’s attack. But Alisson’s fitness is a ticking time bomb for both club and country. With the Champions League knockout phase approaching, every minute counts. The drama never stops.
