Italy

The UEFA Champions League has confirmed the fixtures for the new "league phase" format for the 2024/25 season. The draw marks a significant change from the traditional group stage format, with a shift towards a league phase that includes 36 teams, an increase from the previous 32.

Spoiler: Paris Saint-Germain are not liking the new format.

Confirmed: New UEFA Champions League "league phase" draw fixtures

Pot 1 fixtures:

Napoli have signed Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, the Serie A club said on Thursday.

Financial details of the transfer were not revealed by either club but British media reported Napoli paid $39.47 million for the 31-year-old.

Lukaku Napoli transfer details

Christian Pulisic had his best club season of his career with AC Milan in the previous campaign. A Pulisic goal vs Parma on Saturday during Milan’s 2-1 defeat showed that he looks poised for another fruitful year of goals.

Let’s start with the good news and Pulisic’s goal.

The USMNT forward equalized in the second half for Milan with one of the easier goals of his life. Rafael Leão did the hard work to get the ball deep into Parma’s box. Pulisic then made the right run at the right time to be wide open for a tap in.

Pulisic goal vs Parma

We have good news and bad news United States men’s national team fans. The good news is that we have an amazing Tim Weah goal vs Como goal to watch. The bad news is that he scored the goal with a hamstring injury that will see him miss time.

Juventus opened their new campaign with a 3-0 victory against newly promoted Como 1907 on Monday. USMNT forward Weah was given the start at right wing. 

Last season Weah was used in a more defensive wingback position. He proved his worth as a forward with a beautiful goal in first half stoppage time to extend his side’s lead to 2-0.

Christian Pulisic looks set for another terrific season in Italy as he impressed during his first start for AC Milan in the 2024-25 preseason. AC Milan drew Barcelona 2-2 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday with the American involved in both of his side’s goals.

This was Milan’s third and final preseason game of their USA tour having already faced Manchester City and Real Madrid. Pulisic was brought on as a substitute in both of those games.

Spaniard Cesc Fabregas has been appointed as head coach of Como, where he is a minority shareholder, after leading them to promotion to Serie A as assistant and interim coach last season, the club said on Friday.

Former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Fabregas ended his playing career at Como in 2023 and became an assistant coach at the club. The 37-year-old took over as interim coach in November after head coach Moreno Longo was fired.

Cesc Fabregas Como manager

Maximilian Ibrahimovic, son of the famous and retired legend Zlatan, has signed his first professional contract at the age of 17. He’s signed with his father’s previous club, AC Milan.

Maximilian has been playing with Milan’s youth sides. Last season he featured for the club’s U18 team making 29 appearances and scoring three goals. He primarily plays at left wing.

Now he will play with Milan’s reserve team in Serie C called Milan Futuro. 

Ibrahimovic son signs with Milan