As the summer transfer period draws to a close, Italian football clubs have finalized their rosters through a flurry of acquisitions, protracted negotiations, and last-minute failed deals. Teams in Serie A have recalibrated their lineups, aiming to furnish their coaching staff with the optimal resources for the upcoming season. With the conclusion of the transfer market, the spotlight now shifts back to the pitch, as the league gears up for its third matchday, featuring high-stakes encounters such as Inter versus Napoli, Roma against Atalanta, and Juventus facing Milan.
Juan Cabal remains with Juventus despite failed transfer discussions with Atalanta, Bologna, and Besiktas. According to reports, the Colombian defender is no longer in coach Luciano Spalletti's plans, who favors Zeki Celik's versatility on the left flank as an alternative to Andrea Cambiaso. Cabal faces an uncertain future, risking exclusion from both Serie A and Europa League squads. Potential destinations in the Netherlands, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are still being explored as these markets remain open.
Fikayo Tomori has been reinstated into AC Milan's plans after initially being considered for transfer. Fabrizio Romano reported that the club had evaluated several defensive profiles, but Gerry Cardinale ultimately decided against signing a new center-back, allowing Tomori to reintegrate. Matteo Moretto added that Fulham had shown interest, but Milan had already moved on to other targets. Tomori's unsuccessful attempt to secure a move means he will stay with Milan, available to Ruben Amorim.
Inter Milan is preparing for a future without Piero Ausilio, who is set to depart after 28 years. Sky Sport indicates that an internal candidate is the preferred option for his replacement. Dario Baccin, a long-standing member of Inter's management and former defender, is the frontrunner for the sporting director position, having worked closely with Ausilio for several years.
Benoit Badiashile is nearing his first appearance for Napoli. Il Mattino reports that the defender, recently acquired from Chelsea, is undergoing a personalized training regimen to achieve peak fitness after a period of individual training. The objective is for him to be available for the match against Inter at San Siro, though a starting role is unlikely. Max Allegri views Badiashile's recovery as crucial, as it will provide an additional defensive option and potentially allow Rafa Marin some rest.
Jamie Leweling's proposed move to Roma dramatically collapsed at the last moment. According to ForzaRoma.info, Stuttgart had accepted a €35 million offer, and Leweling had initially agreed to the transfer after some hesitation. Roma had arranged a private jet for his travel, but doubts resurfaced just before departure, leading Leweling and his representatives to reverse their decision. This unexpected turnaround left Gasperini without the winger he had sought.
Samuel Gigot has left Lazio after two seasons, with his contract terminated by mutual consent a year early. Il Messaggero suggests that the agreement involved granting the French defender only two months' salary. If confirmed, this move would save Claudio Lotito's club approximately €1.6 million in wages. Gigot is now free to pursue new opportunities without requiring club-to-club negotiations.
Rolando Mandragora bid farewell to Fiorentina after four seasons with a heartfelt Instagram message. The midfielder expressed gratitude to the Commisso family, teammates, coaches, staff, and fans, specifically mentioning the Curva Fiesole and the strong connection he forged with Florence. However, Mandragora also conveyed his disappointment regarding the past few months, implying that changes within the club had eroded certain relationships, emphasizing the importance of human values in his career.
