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italian football in 2026…

🚨FACT: Inter Milan were on a 7 YEAR trophy drought before Lautaro Martínez signed in 2018 The club has now won 9 trophies since Martínez joined, including 3 Seria A titles

James Rodríguez recalls anecdotes about his time at Bayern in his new Netflix documentary "In my first year, I was lucky that Carlo Anceloti and Jupp Heynckes spoke Spanish. In the second year, Kovac arrived. Every coach has his favourites, and I wasn't one of them. He wanted the players to do 30 minutes of cycling after training, I would say to him: 'What am I training for? Am I going to the Tour de France or what?' I'm a football player" On German lessons: "I couldn't get through them, I kept falling asleep. I told him, 'I don't want to learn'"

REINFORCEMENTS FOR EUROPE - Koné and Jones to "level up" Inter to European elites Koné in a month, then there's Jones Two signings are coming to strengthen the midfield The French midfielder could arrive before June 30th because Roma need to sell for Financial Fair Play. Born just four months apart in 2001, Manu Koné and Curtis Jones could soon find themselves sharing the same midfield at Inter. A Frenchman and an Englishman arriving in Italy - almost like the start of an old joke - but for Marotta and Ausilio, this is serious business. The Nerazzurri executives have been working for some time on a potential double move designed to add more pace, power and intensity to the team. That is exactly the kind of profile Cristian Chivu wants as he looks to take Inter to another level in Europe, after a season of complete domestic dominance capped by the Serie A and Coppa Italia double. In an ideal reshaping of the squad, the two arrivals would take the place of Mkhitaryan, whose age is becoming a factor, and Frattesi, whose relationship with Inter has naturally run its course after a difficult spell. Old flame Manu Koné is currently focused on Roma’s Champions League push, which could become a historic moment for the club. Yesterday, while walking through the Garbatella neighborhood, he was stopped by fans who recognized him and urged him not to leave. But even qualifying for fourth place would not necessarily change Roma’s plans. The Friedkins still need to generate capital gains by June 30 in order to stay in line with Financial Fair Play, and Koné is now the most valuable piece they can put on the market - especially after earning a call-up to the France national team for the World Cup. Inter came close to signing him last year for around €35 million, before the operation was blocked by the ownership. This time, the price would likely be higher, somewhere between €45 million and €50 million. However, the Nerazzurri could try to lower the cash part of the deal by including a player. Frattesi, a Roman who has been linked with a return home for years, is one option. Carlos Augusto, who is reportedly appreciated by Gasperini, could be another. For now, though, the operations are expected to remain separate. Inter could move for Koné during the World Cup transfer window, then take more time in the heart of the summer to decide who to sell. Positive contact For Jones, the situation is different. Inter got a close look at him in December, during the Champions League match against Liverpool at San Siro, and were impressed. The Nerazzurri had already tried to move in January, but stepped back when Liverpool asked for Denzel Dumfries in return - a Dutchman, just like coach Arne Slot. Since then, however, contacts with Jones’ representatives have remained positive, keeping the door open for a possible agreement. His contract runs out in 2027, which makes him a particularly interesting opportunity, as he could leave for a relatively manageable fee. Jones has not yet done enough to convince Tuchel to bring him back into the England squad, but his season has still been very solid: 48 appearances, many of them as a starter. Several Premier League clubs are also following him, especially Newcastle and Aston Villa, but the midfielder is attracted by the idea of joining the Italian champions. Philosophy The idea shared by the management and Chivu is clear: Inter need targeted, intelligent adjustments to make the squad more suited to the rhythm of international football. The plan is to add players with sharp feet, intensity and mobility, such as Koné and Jones, to a midfield that already features Calhanoglu, Barella, Zielinski and Sucic - with Diouf also in the picture, although he could often be used on the right if he stays. And if it is true that a team’s destiny is often decided in midfield, then a group like that would give Chivu the tools to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite. GdS

🚨FACT: Inter Milan were on a 7 YEAR trophy drought before Lautaro Martínez signed in 2018 The club has now won 9 trophies since Martínez joined, including 3 Seria A titles