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Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As we head even closer to the summer transfer market, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian league.
Lazio sporting director reveals doubts over his future
AC Milan are chasing Lazio sporting director Igli Tare as part of their club overhaul.
Tare is expected to replace Leonardo, who decided to depart AC Milan following, Gennaro Gattuso's exit at the end of the season.
The Lazio man, however, expects himself to stay at his current club, despite admitting that a move is also possible.
“Milan’s interest is positive in a certain sense.
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“You also need to know how to handle it well but, above all, I’m at a big club and in a very familiar environment.
“As for tomorrow, I can’t predict it. Lazio are a very big club, but as professionals anything can happen in our world.
“It’s part of our profession, we must maintain a balance. What’s important for me is that I’m at a big club and in a very familiar environment, which is important for getting results.
“I can’t predict the future. What’s important is the present, being happy, feeling good, being successful for my club, having the right enthusiasm and being surrounded by positivity.
“They’re some of the main things that create success. As for tomorrow, I can’t predict it because Lazio are a very big club. But since I’m a professional, anything can happen in our world.”
Tare also spoke over Simone Inzaghi's contract extension.
The Lazio boss was the favorite to fill Juventus' vacant managerial post, but the 43-year-old opted to remain at his current club instead.
“It’s not an issue of convincing him or not. It’s an issue of relationship, the prospects we can offer him.
“Inzaghi is one of the people who have written Lazio’s history. He has a 20-year history with this club.
“On the one hand it’s easy to convince him, but on the other he must be convinced of the project.
“After a period of reflection lasting almost two weeks, we were able to make the contract renewal happn for the next two seasons.
“I believe he has unfinished business here.”
Riccardo Montolivo bids farewell to AC Milan
The veteran midfielder endured a mixed spell at AC Milan since joining the club from Fiorentina in 2012. He captained Milan on several occasions throughout his seven-year stay at the San Siro. However, he didn't feature at all for the Italian giants last season.
Riccardo Montolivo will finally end his AC Milan journey this summer, following the expiration of his contract. He recently posted a farewell message on Instagram, following his imminent departure.
“Seven seasons with this glorious jersey... four years with the captain’s armband.
“Then... They took away the armband and I didn’t say a word... I didn’t get a single minute on the field and didn’t say a word...
“I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye at my stadium and I didn’t say a word. All this breath I’ve spared, I’m using it now to shout ‘thank you’ to the Rossoneri fans.
“Thank you from a captain and a wounded man, but someone who will keep their head held high, aware that they’ve always carried out their professional duties in every area.
“The wounds heal, the love for this shirt remains forever... Forza Milan.”
Inter seriously interested in Nicolo Barella
The midfielder has been on the radar of several top European clubs, following his excellent season with Cagliari. Chelsea were chasing the 22-year-old months ago, but no move has materialized so far, with the Blues currently being under a transfer ban. Now, Inter Milan appear to be the favourites to sign Nicolo Barella, with Cagliari sporting director Marcello Carli also confirming the Nerazzurri's approach.
“Negotiations are ongoing, their interest is real and it’s useless to deny it.
“Negotiations are never near or far away. The interest is serious and we’re going through it.
“Barella hasn’t asked for anything at all, he’s a smart guy and attached to our shirt.
“He’s thinking about the national team and we’re not even pleased about giving him to them!
“We’re only looking to see if there are conditions, although he can only be flattered by interest from a big club.
“It’s useless to go into details, but we’ll only if we consider players in exchange if they’re up to par.
“We have to find an agreement on the price. Counterparts aren’t a priority for us.”
Ronaldo demands another Premier League star after Ramsey signing
Juventus seem ready for a hectic summer, following their disappointing Champions League run. The Old Lady signed Cristiano Ronaldo last summer to boost their chance of winning the European silverware, but that didn't happen.
And now, according to a report, the Portuguese megastar has demanded the signing of Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez. The Turin-based club have already secured the services of midfielder Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal on a free transfer, but they still need to strengthen their defence.
Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are well past their 30s, and Juventus will need replacements for the duo soon. The Italian champions will also be without Andrea Barzagli, who decided to retire at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Sanchez has seen plenty of game time under Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs, but his career has been troubled by injuries. The report also states that the former Ajax defender will be available for around €60 million.
Manchester City close to signing Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese right-back had a mixed season for Juventus. Many regard the former Valencia star as one of the best in his position, but former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri was reluctant to hand him the starting position on several occasions.
Joao Cancelo was benched for Mattia de Sciglio during Juventus' Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Ajax, a decision which shocked many. Allegri officially departed the Serie A champions at the end of the season, but Cancelo's future still seems up in the air as both Manchester City and Manchester United have been linked with making a move for him.
However, Manchester City have now become the favourites in the race and are said to be close to securing the Portuguese's signature. According to a recent report, City have even agreed on a €50 million transfer fee for the full-back.
Cancelo has impressed for Juventus, despite making just 25 Serie A appearances, scoring once and providing three assists.
