Italy Manager Has No Intentions Of Dropping Inter Milan & Italy Super… — and more

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso reportedly has no intentions of omitting Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni from his squad later this month.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the 26-year-old will feature for the Azzurri in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Alessandro Bastoni has become one of the most unpopular figures in Serie A after his antics during last month’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

Indeed, in addition to faking a foul, which tricked Federico La Penna into sending off Pierre Kalulu, cameras caught the star defender celebrating the Frenchman’s expulsion.

Since then, fans across the country have booed Bastoni at every opportunity.

Italy Boss Gennaro Gattuso Won’t Omit Alessandro Bastoni from March Call-Up

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Despite being pressured by the Azzurri supporters to drop Bastoni, Gennaro Gattuso has no intention of doing it.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri stalwart has been a cornerstone of Italy’s defense for years.

With the four-time world champions set to face Northern Ireland in a crunch playoff showdown, Gattuso cannot afford to sideline Bastoni.

Therefore, the former Atalanta man will represent his country despite the risk of drawing boos from sections of the crowd.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola maintains there is a lot to fight for in the title race despite his side losing further ground to Arsenal on Wednesday night.

City’s winning run came to an end at six games across all competitions as two moments of brilliance from Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson rescued a 2-2 draw for Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal, on the other hand, picked up their third Premier League win in a row courtesy of an early Bukayo Saka strike against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

The Gunners stand seven points clear of City and despite playing an extra game, Mikel Arteta and co are firmly in the driving seat in the title race and will be confident of winning a first Premier League title in 22 years for Arsenal.

Where do City’s title chances stand after drawing to Forest?

Manchester City made a poor start to 2026 that saw doubts circle over their silverware prospects in January but after turning a corner in February, there was renewed hope of another potential title hijack from the Etihad Stadium.

However, City’s chances of usurping Arsenal look bleak and Guardiola knows his side can only control their own results and hope for a slip-up from the north Londoners after their latest set of dropped points against Nottingham Forest.

“Disappointed for the result. We did everything, again,” Guardiola said in a post-match interview with TNT Sports. “We didn’t concede much and we had chances, at the end especially, but during the game as well. But yeah, (we will) keep going.”

On whether he is expecting further twists and turns in the title race, Guardiola added: “There are a lot of games to play so we have to continue.”

What did Guardiola make of Manchester City’s penalty claims against Forest?

Manchester City had two major shouts for a penalty waved away by referee Darren England against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, prompting strong criticism from club captain Bernardo Silva for officiating decisions repeatedly going against the Blues this term.

However, Guardiola took a more pragmatic approach to his verdict on the denied penalties. “Nothing to say,” the Catalan said to TNT Sports on the penalty shouts that went against Manchester City against Forest.

Adding on the subject in his post-match press conference, the 55-year-old said: “Always I believe we have to do much better, much better to not make interventions from officials.

“Otherwise, we don’t have anything. It’s our responsibility to do better. If you have to rely on them with what happened this season, it’s impossible. Nothing more to say.”

How do Manchester City pick themselves up to go again?

Guardiola was not overly critical of his side’s performance against Forest – in fact, the Manchester City manager liked certain aspects of what his players put on show against Vitor Pereira’s men.

“In general, it was a good performance,” Guardiola said in his press conference. “Many, many good things. And of course, we have things we can improve in some departments. But in general, really good.”

On whether it would be difficult for Manchester City to pick themselves up again after their latest setback, Guardiola said in a defiant tone: “Are you sure? Okay…”

Guardiola and his players don’t have the luxury of time to dwell upon Wednesday’s disappointment as they quickly switch their focus to Saturday night’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Inter Milan superstar Lautaro Martinez has reportedly resumed partial training as he aims to return to the pitch by the end of the month.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, El Toro has set his sights on recovering for Inter’s Serie A clash against Fiorentina on March 22.

Head coach Cristian Chivu will be without his talismanic goal-getter for Sunday’s blockbuster showdown against AC Milan.

On the bright side, Ange-Yoan Bonny will be at the 45-year-old’s disposal, with the Frenchman expected to resume training tomorrow.

Inter Milan Stalwart Lautaro Martinez Returns to Partial Training

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale during the pre-match warm up at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Inter lost Lautaro Martinez to a calf injury in the first leg of their fateful UEFA Champions League knockout playoff tie against Bodo/Glimt.

As a result of the injury sustained in Norway, the 28-year-old missed the return fixture, as well as Inter’s last two Serie A matches.

Furthermore, the Argentine center-forward was unavailable as Inter shared the spoils with Como in a tepid 0-0 Coppa Italia draw on Tuesday.

However, he has now returned to partial training and could appear in Inter’s away game against Fiorentina later this month.