Roberto Mancini is back in charge of the Italian national team, and this time he’s bringing Claudio Ranieri along as technical director. That’s the headline coming out of Italy’s press conference on Tuesday, which officially kicked off the second Mancini era for the Azzurri. It also marks Ranieri’s first time in a national team role. The announcement comes after a wild couple of weeks that saw Paolo Maldini and Leonardo take over — and then bail out — in a failed 16-day experiment.
Meanwhile, the Serie A transfer market is churning. Here’s where things stand on the biggest deals across the league.
Juventus and the Jonathan David Question
Juventus still has Jonathan David on the roster, but for how long? According to reporter Matteo Moretto, the Canadian striker isn’t considered untouchable. If the right bid comes in, Juve would listen. That said, there are no advanced talks right now. The situation is open but quiet.
On the other side of the ball, Joshua Zirkzee remains on Juventus’ radar. The Dutch forward is currently at Manchester United and hasn’t shown interest in leaving England. But Juve has liked him for a while. Sporting director Frederic Massara is a fan, and if United gives any indication they’d move him, especially if David leaves Turin first, expect Juve to push.
Fenerbahce Pushes for Rafael Leao. Milan Isn’t Budging.
Fenerbahce is serious about trying to land Milan winger Rafael Leao. Per Corriere dello Sport, Turkish club reps were in Milan to open talks. But the two sides are far apart. Milan wants at least €50 million plus add-ons and only a permanent sale. Fenerbahce is thinking more like €35-40 million, with a loan and conditional obligation to buy.
And Leao isn’t sold on moving to Turkey. The Portuguese forward has been offered €10 million in salary plus €2 million in bonuses, but he prefers the Premier League or La Liga. Neither of those leagues has made a concrete move yet.
Inter and Napoli Eye Same Croatian Defender
Inter and Napoli could go head-to-head for Dinamo Zagreb right-back Moris Valincic. According to Calciomercato.com, both clubs were interested during the winter window and have circled back. Valincic is under contract until 2029 and can play anywhere on the right flank. For both teams, he’s a fallback option depending on how other targets shake out.
Napoli Has a Deal in Place for Zeballos. Now They Need to Clear Space.
Napoli has already agreed to terms with Boca Juniors forward Exequiel Zeballos — a contract that runs until 2031, according to Diario Olé. But the transfer is stuck. Before signing the Argentine teenager, Napoli needs to offload at least three or four players to free up a roster spot. Zeballos’ contract with Boca expires December 31, so the Argentine club is waiting for real movement.
Roma Zeroes in on Koulierakis
Roma is in talks for Wolfsburg center-back Konstantinos Koulierakis, per Fabrizio Romano. The 2003-born left-footed defender is under contract until 2029. Roma has a basic agreement with the player’s camp and is now working to negotiate terms with the German club. Scouts like his age, his left foot, and his long-term upside.
Lazio Striker Search Hits a Wall
Lazio wants a striker, but they’re not thrilled with the options. The dream is Santiago Gimenez, a player Gennaro Gattuso rates highly, but the deal is expensive and competitive. In recent hours, Burnley’s Armando Broja and West Ham’s Niclas Füllkrug were offered. Both are likely to be rejected. Broja only started eight games last season and hasn’t consistently scored since his Vitesse days. Gattuso wants someone more reliable in front of goal.
Fiorentina Nears Deal for Real Madrid’s Valdepeñas
Victor Valdepeñas is expected in Florence tonight and will undergo a medical Tuesday, per Radio Bruno and Sky Sport. The Spanish defender is joining Fiorentina from Real Madrid for €8 million. Real keeps 50 percent of any future sale and a buy-back clause for three seasons — a structure similar to the one Como used for Nico Paz. The deal was delayed by Jose Mourinho’s push to keep Valdepeñas in preseason, but it’s now moving forward.
(This article was translated and rewritten from an Italian original.)
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