Sunday’s Italian sports dailies are packed with transfer speculation, World Cup reaction, and a touch of election fever, as Inter show no signs of slowing their ambitious squad rebuild and Como chase a fantasy footballer in Nico Paz. Meanwhile, the World Cup continues to draw criticism over its bloated schedule, with Turkey sent packing and Germany mounting a late escape.
Inter Don’t Stop: Ndicka the New Objective
La Gazzetta dello Sport leads with the headline “Inter don’t stop”, revealing that the nerazzurri have set their sights on Roma defender Evan Ndicka. After moving early for Marco Palestra and with Jashon Jones and Oumar Solet already in the pipeline, the Serie A champions are preparing for the potential departure of Stefan de Vrij. Ndicka, 26, is seen as an ideal replacement to bolster Simone Inzaghi’s backline. Additionally, Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly committed to staying at San Siro despite outside interest.
Corriere dello Sport adds detail on Inter’s financial juggling act. They quote president Florentino Pérez demanding €60m for Nicolò Paz from Como’s owner Robert Hartono, but financial fair play constraints are holding the Lariani back. Inter, scenting an opportunity, are ready to swoop. However, sporting director Piero Ausilio knows sales are necessary: “Needs 110 for Palestra and the fantasy player”—a reference to Paz—indicating a significant summer clear-out is on the cards.
Paz Dream Possible—For Como or Inter?
Corriere dello Sport frames the Nico Paz saga as a “possible dream” for newly promoted Como, who have been in talks with the Argentine midfielder’s entourage. The club, led by Cesc Fàbregas on the pitch and backed by ambitious owners, believes Paz could be the marquee signing to announce their top-flight arrival. However, reports suggest conversations between the player and Como have stalled, with José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe also credited with an interest. The 21-year-old Real Madrid academy product spent last season on loan at Como, and his technical quality has drawn comparisons to a young Mesut Özil.
Inter’s reported interest adds another layer to the story. With the club needing to fund moves for both Palestra and Paz, the combined fee could exceed €100m—a figure that demands significant departures. The next few weeks promise intense negotiations as the Milanese giants balance ambition with sustainability.
World Cup: Too Many Games, Not Enough Slip-Ups?
La Gazzetta’s World Cup coverage is headlined “Everyone gets through”, reflecting growing sentiment that the expanded 48-team tournament is diluting excitement. The paper grumbles about “too many games, not enough slip-ups”, pointing to group stage dead rubbers and a lack of genuine jeopardy. Germany needed a 94th-minute winner from Deniz Undav to come from behind and beat Ivory Coast—sealing their first group-stage progression since their 2014 triumph. The Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a display of total football, while Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, a result described as a “risk” to his job.
In a bizarre incident, Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón was shown a red card for talking to an opponent while covering his mouth—a “never seen before” moment that sparked as much bemusement as debate. Brazil, meanwhile, eased past Haiti 3-0 through goals from Matheus Cunha and Vinícius Júnior, leaving the Seleção on four points and cruising.
Other Headlines: Milan, Juve and Napoli Moves
Milan icon Dejan Savićević gave a punchy interview to La Gazzetta, urging the club to “let Leao go” and finance a move for Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Krösche, whom he dubs “Mica is Ancelotti”—a nod to the German’s tactical acumen. Meanwhile, Juventus have reportedly reached an agreement with Randal Kolo Muani on a €5m-per-season contract, though they still need to convince PSG to sell. Milan are also eyeing Gonçalo Ramos as a centre-forward target, while Napoli are closing in on Mario Gila from Lazio, with Lotito risking losing the defender on a free transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Inter are plotting a move for Roma’s Evan Ndicka while also tracking Como’s Nico Paz, but must raise significant funds through sales.
- Como’s dream of signing Paz is fading as the player’s talks with the club stall and Inter lurk.
- The expanded World Cup format is drawing criticism for too many predictable group-stage games.
- Germany progressed dramatically, the Netherlands impressed, but Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella is under pressure after an early exit.
- Milan are urged to sell Rafael Leao to fund a move for Oliver Krösche, while Juventus close in on Randal Kolo Muani.
Quick Facts
Inter’s transfer budget: Need €110m+ for key targets.
Nico Paz valuation: €60m demand from Real Madrid.
World Cup shock: Turkey eliminated after 1-0 loss to Paraguay.
Germany’s escape: 2-1 win over Ivory Coast with 94th-minute goal.
Juve agreement: Kolo Muani personal terms: €5m per season.
Source: Football Italia