Balotelli Awaits New Challenge, Eyes Italy Return
Mario Balotelli, currently a free agent after his stint with Genoa, remains eager to continue his football career. Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, “Super Mario” discussed his future:
“I`m in a holding pattern; I train several times a week independently and feel in excellent physical condition. I`ve received offers from abroad, but I was hoping to find a team in Italy. Currently, some proposals have arrived, and I need to decide whether to sign immediately or wait for the January transfer window.”
The former Milan and Inter player also shared his thoughts on the national team: “For me, the national team is crucial. It’s not an attack on anyone, but often I see players representing the national team without that same desire to prove themselves, to defend the country`s jersey, and I don`t like that. When I was in the national team, I was proud to represent Italy, and I feel that`s missing now. Was I the last center-forward to play in a World Cup? Well, they told me that.”
Inter`s Interest in Robinho Jr
Inter Milan is reportedly among the clubs that have sent scouts to Brazil to monitor Robinho junior, the son of the former Real Madrid and AC Milan star, among others. According to UOL Esporte, the Nerazzurri are keenly observing the young talent.
Born in 2007, Robson de Souza Júnior, as he is fully named, mirrors his father in physique and movement. He also shares the versatility to play on both wings in attack. Currently under contract with Santos until April 2027, he has made five first-team appearances, totaling 73 minutes, without scoring a goal.
Due to FIFA regulations concerning international transfers of minors, Robinho Jr cannot leave Brazil before December 2025, when he turns eighteen. However, it`s not ruled out that a transfer could happen swiftly once he reaches legal age.
Roma`s Ambitious Vision and Transfer Targets
Dan Friedkin envisions a cutting-edge AS Roma: strong on the pitch, powerful off it, and capable of becoming a model among Europe`s top clubs. The priority extends beyond the league title to an ambitious, high-reaching project: new investments, a sustainable identity, revitalizing the youth sector, and a modern stadium as the centerpiece of the club`s future, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Giallorossi president has reaffirmed his full confidence in the coach and the team`s ongoing progress. He is also looking ahead, with the project for a new stadium in Pietralata potentially being unveiled within 40 days, aiming for it to become a benchmark like Bayern Munich`s Allianz Arena.
Meanwhile, Roma is preparing to make moves in the January transfer market, particularly to bolster its attack. In this regard, Manchester United`s Dutch striker, Joshua Zirkzee, is reportedly at the top of their wishlist. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to establish an Under 23 team that would compete in Serie C, following the precedent set by other major Italian clubs.
Juventus Eyes January Reinforcements
Juventus is already looking ahead to the upcoming transfer window. While January is still distant, initial assessments are being made at Continassa regarding potential squad improvements for Mister Igor Tudor`s team. The primary focus will be on securing a wing-back – a player capable of covering the entire flank in the Bianconeri`s 3-4-2-1 formation, offering both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. In the early part of the season, Kalulu, more of a central defender, has been adapted to this role.
Several names are reportedly on Comolli`s shortlist. According to Tuttosport, one such player is Jordan Teze from Monaco, who shares agents with Zhegrova, a player who arrived in Turin this summer. For the opposite flank, another appealing name is Raphael Guerreiro of Bayern Munich, who has amassed seven appearances, one goal, and one assist so far this season.
Among the monitored players, the sports newspaper also mentions Brooke Norton-Cuffy, but Genoa is reportedly unwilling to let Patrick Vieira`s defender depart during the winter transfer window.
Saelemaekers` Resurgence at Milan Sparks Contract Talk
Few anticipated the significant impact Alexis Saelemaekers has made at Milan this season. The Belgian winger, who returned after a mixed loan spell at Roma, has seamlessly reintegrated into the squad and has been consistently utilized by Mister Massimiliano Allegri. Playing as a wide midfielder in the Rossoneri`s 3-5-2 formation, the number 56 has delivered satisfying performances in both offensive and defensive phases, bringing good news for the Tuscan coach looking ahead.
The 1999-born player has been a regular feature for his coach, making eight seasonal appearances across the league and Coppa Italia. He has contributed two assists, one in each competition, and scored a crucial goal in the San Siro victory against Napoli on September 28th. These are significant numbers for a player whose performances had previously struggled to materialize as expected.
His impressive form could soon lead to a contract extension, as his current deal is set to expire in 2027. According to today`s edition of Corriere dello Sport, discussions are expected for a four-year renewal with figures nearly tripling his current annual salary of one and a half million euros.
Reto Ziegler Retires, Jack Wilshere Linked to Luton Town
Reto Ziegler, a defender with a long history in Italian football playing for Sampdoria, Juventus, and Sassuolo, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. At 39, the Swiss player made his definitive farewell through a statement on the social media channels of his last club, Sion, concluding a successful career.
Ziegler, who ended last season prematurely due to an injury, will not, however, leave the Valais Canton club. Sion quickly found a new role for the former Serie A player, appointing him as Talent Manager. Additionally, Ziegler will also serve as an assistant coach for the Under 21 team, having already gained experience with the Under 19 staff earlier this season.
His career spanned across Europe and the world, totaling 709 professional matches and seven trophies. Beyond Sion, Lugano, Lucerne, and Grasshopper in Switzerland, Ziegler left a significant mark in Italy, particularly with Sampdoria, and also played for Juventus and Sassuolo in Serie A. Abroad, he wore prestigious jerseys for clubs like Tottenham, Hamburg, Lokomotiv Moscow, Fenerbahce (winning two cups), and Dallas.
He earned 35 caps for Switzerland, participating in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, after winning the Under 17 European Championship in 2002. His retirement from playing opens a new chapter in football, this time in management and coaching.
Luton Town Eyes Jack Wilshere for Managerial Role
Following two consecutive relegations, Luton Town has dismissed Matt Bloomfield as manager after a defeat against Stevenage, which left the team in eleventh place. The club is now actively searching for a new coach to turn their fortunes around. Discussions to identify the new technical guide are well underway, and according to reports from England, former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is in pole position.
The ex-midfielder, who retired from playing in 2022 due to persistent physical issues and recently declined an offer to coach Arsenal`s Under 21 team to pursue a senior head coach role, is reportedly the Hatters` top choice for his first senior appointment. Sky Sports UK reports this development.
The club`s shortlist of preferred candidates, which includes three names, also features more experienced profiles. One is Richie Wellens, the current Leyton Orient manager, though his acquisition would require Luton to pay compensation due to his existing contract. Another surprising but highly regarded name, praised for his work in youth development, is Charlie Daniels, currently the senior Academy coach at Watford.
Dragan Stojkovic Resigns as Serbia National Team Coach
Dragan Stojkovic is no longer the head coach of the Serbian national team. The coach submitted his resignation following a significant 0-1 home defeat against Albania in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a result that sparked strong protests from the public in Leskovac. In a press conference, Stojkovic spoke firmly and clearly, taking full responsibility for the failure: “The result was truly negative; I didn`t expect it, and it shouldn`t have happened. I take full responsibility for it. I will not lead the team in the next match against Andorra.”
However, the national team coach, who had been in charge since 2021, also highlighted the positive aspects of his tenure with Serbia: “I leave with pride. There were good things and good results. It`s not a tragedy when a coach leaves; Serbia will always have a big fan in me.”
The loss against Albania likely served as the definitive breaking point for a national team that has shown inconsistent form so far. In Group K, Serbia currently sits in third place, behind England and Albania, complicating their path to World Cup qualification. The federation must now choose a new coach capable of reigniting the ambitions of a talented yet inconsistent generation of players.
