NAPOLI AND INTER MILAN LAUNCH BIDDING WAR FOR COMO STAR MAXIMO PERRONE
Maximo Perrone is the target of a €50m bidding war between Napoli and Inter after leading Como to fourth in Serie A.
Maximo Perrone has emerged as a standout performer this season for Como, attracting considerable attention from top clubs. Como, having established themselves among Italy’s football elite and eyeing a spot in the Champions League, rely heavily on Perrone’s creativity and influence. Once a lesser-known figure, the former Manchester City midfielder has become a central figure in Fabregas’s team, and now several major clubs are lining up for his signature. This summer promises a competitive battle, with Inter and Napoli showing serious interest. But Como, bolstered by their impending European campaign, is unlikely to let him go without a fight.
Looking closer at the interest from Italy’s giants, journalist Matteo Moretto recently shared insights on YouTube, highlighting Inter and Napoli as the two main contenders. Inter have praised Perrone and clearly rate him, although they haven’t yet approached his representatives directly. Napoli, on the other hand, seems more proactive. They have monitored Perrone for some time and view him as a realistic addition, especially following a specific request from coach Conte. Conte, who has indicated his intention to stay with Napoli but will discuss plans at season’s end, sees Perrone as a key piece, particularly if Stanislav Lobotka departs next summer. Even if Lobotka stays, Perrone’s arrival remains a possibility.
Despite growing interest, Como holds the cards here. They are financially stable and preparing to embark on their first European adventure, whether that’s in the Champions League or the Europa League is still unclear. After taking Perrone on loan from Manchester City, Como acquired his rights last summer, though City retained 30 per cent of any future resale. This project around Lake Como is in its early stages, making the idea of selling such a vital player complicated. The club’s willingness to sell, the price set, and the offers they receive will all shape what happens next.
Perrone, under contract until 2029, is in the best form of his young career. At 23, he’s featured in 31 games this season, contributing two goals and four assists, consistently anchoring the midfield in Fabregas’s tactical setup, a system the Argentine shapes with deliberate control. It’s this partnership that the transfer market will undoubtedly try to disrupt in the coming months.
CESC FABREGAS BLASTS GASPERINI OVER HANDSHAKE SNUB FOLLOWING COMO’S VICTORY OVER ROMA
Cesc Fabregas blasts Gian Piero Gasperini for refusing a handshake after Como defeated Roma 2-1 to reach fourth place.
This past weekend saw a tense moment between Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder turned Como manager, and Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini following Como’s 2-1 win over Roma. Fabregas, who took charge of Como in July 2024 and has quickly earned a reputation as one of Europe’s promising young managers, has led the team to fourth place in Serie A, pushing them toward a surprising shot at Champions League qualification, a milestone in the club’s history.
The victory itself was key for Como’s ambitions, but the post-match atmosphere was anything but smooth. Fabregas shared his frustration about Gasperini refusing to shake his hand at the final whistle. For Fabregas, the handshake is a simple but important gesture of respect and sportsmanship, regardless of emotions or results. He said, “Whether I’m angry, sent off, or feel the referee has wronged me, I always go to shake my opponent’s hand after the match." It’s about respect, and I was disappointed by what happened. Even when you lose, you always offer that hand.”
Fabregas explained that while he understands different cultures approach these things differently, for him, once the game is over, competition ends, and respect should remain. Gasperini, known for his stints with Inter Milan and Atalanta, didn’t shy away from explaining his side. The 68-year-old was critical of Como’s conduct both on and off the pitch, saying, “Como is a strong team, but I don’t respect their behaviour on the pitch or on the bench.”
Part of the tension seemed to spark after Roma’s defender Wesley, got sent off just after the 60-minute mark, receiving a second yellow card. Gasperini implied that Fabregas and his staff had influenced the referee’s decision by pushing claims of simulation. This disagreement added fuel to the post-match exchange, highlighting the competitive edge and complex dynamics between these two managers as they vie for top spots in Serie A.
KHEPHREN THURAM JOINS FATHER LILIAN IN POWERFUL GLOBAL STAND AGAINST FOOTBALL RACISM
Khephren Thuram demands tougher consequences for racism, supporting Vinicius Jr after the Benfica incident.
Khephren Thuram, Juventus’s midfielder, recently opened up about the ongoing problem of racism in football during an interview with Canal+. He focused on a recent incident in a Champions League match where Benfica’s young player, Prestianni, was accused of directing racist insults at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. Thuram didn’t hold back: “It’s tough for a young Black lad. Even in 2026, people can still be attacked just because of their skin colour. When Vinicius was attacked, it felt like it was me. It could have been me. All because I’m black. I honestly don’t have the answer to stop this, especially not inside stadiums.”
Thuram expressed his frustration and empathy, pointing out how deeply the issue hits home for players like him. Vinicius and his teammates accused Prestianni of racist remarks, but the Benfica player denies it. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case; Vinicius has faced racist abuse multiple times in Spain and elsewhere across Europe.
“What Vinicius went through is something I could face too,” Thuram added. “And all for being black? I don’t know how to make this stop in stadiums.” He mentioned that leaving the pitch might be an option, but emphasised his desire to continue playing football; it’s his profession and passion. “There should be tougher consequences for those who behave like this. Why am I the one expected to leave the field? The offender should be the one kicked out. It’s time to take this seriously and put an end to these senseless acts.”
The stand against racism runs deep in Thuram’s family. His father, Lilian Thuram, is a former French World Cup winner and ex-Juventus defender, well-known for his anti-racism activism and for founding a foundation aimed at education to fight prejudice. Khephren’s brother, Marcus, is also in Serie A, playing for Inter Milan.
On the field, Khephren has contributed with three goals and four assists in 37 matches this season. He’s under contract with Juventus until June 2029, continuing to build his career amid challenges both on and off the pitch.
