managerial drama watford It has always been a strange watch and now it is about to take a new turn.

Ed Still was removed from his post last month after less than two months in charge. He was the Hornets’ third manager of the campaign and instability played a role in a disappointing 16th-place finish.

The Pozo family are no strangers to making tough decisions, but would ideally like to move up the table in the upcoming season.

The next candidate to become Watford manager has now been identified.

dionysi on the way

Journalist Luca Cerchione The manager in question is former Sassuolo boss Alessio Dionisi, the report says. The Italian was last in charge of Empoli, who failed to get out of Serie B in the previous campaign.

It is believed that talks between Watford and the 46-year-old are progressing. But overall, Dionisi is expected to take charge of the London club soon.

He is likely to sign a two-year deal and will earn £500k per season. The information from Italy seems to be somewhat more advanced than that reported in England, and the move is now going in the right direction.

Dionisi’s career is in decline

At one point, Dionisi was seen as one of Italy’s best young managers. That is why he replaced Roberto De Zerbi at Sassuolo, but his tenure was a disastrous failure. This is one of the reasons why Nerovedi also got demoted soon.

Since then, Dionisi has been stuck in Italian football managerial purgatory. He has not made the huge leap into stardom and finds himself as a Serie B-proven boss. His stint at Palermo had sparks of his old attacking style but it also ended in failure.

As a result, Watford are taking risks. Recent years have not been enough to show whether the manager has lived up to his early promise. If it goes well, Dionisi will also benefit from it and will be able to get his reputation back on track.

Aston Villa The interest in Jény Catamo now makes even more sense as the market for the Sporting CP winger continues to grow rapidly in Portugal.

the villas were one of the first clubs linked with the Mozambique international last summer, when Sporting’s demand was around €25m-€30m (£21m-£26m). It looks like a completely different reality now.

according to to ballComo has become the club trying hardest for the 25-year-old.

The Italian side had a €25m (£21m) bid already rejected by Sporting and have since returned with improved numbers, with talks now entering what the newspaper describes as the unpredictable phase.

And the state of sporting has clearly changed.

Sporting is demanding more now

In recent months, Portuguese reports repeatedly suggested that Catamo could be leaving. Somewhere between €20m-€30m (£17m-£26m).

Now A Bola says Sporting wants a fee close to the winger’s €60m (£51m) release clause.

The reason is simple: the value of Catamo has exploded.

His numbers have improved every season. In 2023/24, he scored six goals and five assists. The following year he scored seven goals and three assists. This season has been his strongest to date, with eight goals and four assists in 47 games.

His Champions League performance took things even further. One Bola particularly highlights is Sporting’s 2-1 win over PSG, where Luis Suarez scored twice but Catamo was seen internally as one of the biggest difference-makers on the pitch.

Com completely changed the situation

Cesc Fàbregas’ side are now pressing forward aggressively and their financial situation explains why. Como finished a surprising fourth in Serie A and qualified directly for the Champions League, earning an expected €35m-€50m (£30m-£43m) raise.

The club is also backed by the Hartono family, whose wealth is estimated at around €35bn (£30bn). Thierry Henry is also part of the wider project.

So while Como may not carry the historical weight of Italy’s biggest clubs, they now have serious financial muscle behind them.

Adding to that context, Sporting own 100% of the winger’s rights after resolving a long-running ownership situation last summer. His new contract runs until 2029And their Champions League campaign has dramatically strengthened Sporting’s leverage.

So Villa are now turning their attention to one of Sporting’s biggest assets and a transfer battle that is becoming increasingly expensive.

There has been a major bombshell that has made the scandal that has rocked Italian football even more explosive: a Formula 1 driver caught up in a police wiretap has been linked to a high-level prostitution ring operating out of Milan.

The whole thing came to light when the matter was exposed by Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, which has been investigating the story in depth and has now implicated around 70 Serie A players, including Milan, Inter and Juve players. But the fact that an F1 driver is now at the center of it all has made it all the more shocking. This is absurd because F1 is usually a sport that stays “clean” and away from these types of dirty headlines.

At the center of the controversy is an intercepted phone call dated 18 February in which an intermediary allegedly says: “I have a friend, a Formula 1 driver, who is coming to Milan tonight, he is looking for a girl”.

According to judicial documents, the network allegedly responded by offering to send a “Brazilian” escort.

The identity of the driver remains unknown, and the reference comes from surveillance material, not formal allegations.

Timeline: Bahrain trial clues

One of the most interesting things is the fact that the times match very well. Pre-season testing for Formula 1 took place in Bahrain on 18 February, and most of the full-time drivers were there.

As a result, some are speculating that the person in question is not necessarily currently driving in the 2026 race, and may have some kind of connection to the sport (either as a reserve driver, a former driver or as an associate of someone in the sport).

But right now, it’s all speculation at this point.

Also read: Urgent changes to 2026 Formula 1 regulations: Changes affect Miami Grand Prix weekend

Inside the €1.2M “Made Luxury Concierge” operation

The investigation said that this entire affair was going on under the cover of some suspicious looking event agency named “Med_Luxury_Concierge” located in a small place called Sinisello Balsamo near Milan.

Their proposal was that you could get ultra-exclusive night out experiences for a certain level of clientele, such as VIP access to top clubs, fine dining in luxurious venues and even an overnight stay in a 5-star hotel like ME Milan Il Duca. And escort services were part of an “all-inclusive” package.

Italian financial police seized more than €1.2 million and were tracking bank transfers to people with links to sports and business giants.

Another detail has emerged regarding the alleged widespread use of nitrous oxide or commonly known as “laughing gas” during these events.

This substance is not banned in anti-doping rules. It produces a very intense feeling of euphoria and is quite useful for athletes as it leaves no trace in standard drug tests.

Arrests were made, but athletes were not charged

The legal action so far has been targeting the organisers, not the customers who used their services.

Four people have been arrested, including alleged ringleaders Emanuele Buttini and Deborah Ronchi. The allegations are quite serious, including allegations of exploitation of prostitution and money laundering.

Under Italian law, paying for consensual sex is not a crime in itself, but the people running the operation and profiting from it are.

For now, at least, no Formula One drivers have been named, and no soccer players are currently under investigation.

This scandal is bound to have a huge impact on Italian football.

Clubs and governing bodies are bracing themselves for possible consequences if the players’ names (which are still protected) become public.

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My love for motorsports began as a child watching races with my family in Tunisia. Fast forward to today… more about Farah Ben Gamra

Crystal Palace reached their first European semi-final on Thursday despite losing 2-1 to Fiorentina on the night.

A strong performance in the first leg at Selhurst Park was enough to see Oliver Glasner’s side advance 4–2 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, their players celebrated with their fans on the streets at nightThe ratings in Gazzetta dello Sport were also kind.

Sarr is the best, Riyadh is the worst

Italian newspaper starts Giving Crystal Palace a 5.5 and Oliver Glasner a six out of ten. The Austrians lost points as Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix suffered injuries and their team ‘lacked intensity’ from the first leg.

Ismaila Sarr has been named ‘best’ with a 6.5 rating due to his goals scored from a ‘commanding header’ and a late goal-line clearance at the other end.

After this the newspaper named Chadi Riad the ‘worst’. He was a substitute in the first half but failed to impress Gazzetta, who said he was less convincing than Lacroix and that his evening was ‘marked by playmaking’ and a ‘bad foul’ on Manor Solomon.

The newspaper gives similar marks to the rest of the defense. Dean Henderson gets 6, Chris Richards gets 5.5, Lacroix gets 6, Canavot gets 5.5 and Munoz gets 6.5. Tyreek Mitchell is given a 5.

Lacroix is ​​the man who has been praised the most, with it being said that Crystal Palace were ‘much more solid’ with him on the pitch.

Sixes around midfield

In midfield, Adam Wharton is rated 6, while Daichi Kamada is rated 6.5. The latter has been described as a ‘creative orchestrator’ while Wharton’s absence was later ‘sorely felt’.

Jefferson Lerma got five points because he played only ‘clear passes’ and was ‘completely swallowed’ by Fiorentina’s midfield.

Next up, Jeremy Pino gets five. According to Gazzetta he made a great debut but ‘faded’ and ‘was never seen’ after that. Meanwhile, Jean-Philippe Mateta got a six. The newspaper says he led the line well but lacked edge.

Jørgen Strand Larsen is given the same score. According to the newspaper, his performance was ‘sheer self-sacrifice’ and nothing more.

There is positivity everywhere for Crystal Palace

Despite the defeat, it is every bit a positive for Crystal Palace. Gazzetta’s issues tell the story of the side that got the job done and nothing more.

Oliver Glasner’s side have now reached their first European semi-final, where they will face Shakhtar Donetsk over two legs. After that there could be a final against Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg.

Those three teams were among the best in the league stage. Strasbourg came out on top and the other two finished fifth and sixth respectively. The Eagles will need another solid two-leg performance to ensure further success.

But confidence is running high, it appears Oliver Glasner is also determined to finish at the top and perhaps provide more dancing in the streets for Palace fans in the coming months.

Florence may be known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’, a city of art, beauty and invention, but when crystal Palace Fans arriving on Thursday will find a city of security.

With more than 1,300 Crystal Palace fans expected in the city for tomorrow’s Conference League clash with Fiorentina, authorities have activated a full-scale plan to protect both public order and the city’s priceless monuments.

Florence is on alert regarding the Crystal Palace

La Nazione reports on variousAnd very extreme security measures are being taken for the game.

Firstly, Florence will operate under tight security from early in the morning. There will be barriers around the Duomo, Biancone (Neptune Fountain), Loggia dei Lanzi and other sites. This is due to concerns about English fans gathering in the historic centre.

Police, Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza units, some of whom are in riot gear, will patrol the city throughout the day. Their mission is clear; Prevent skirmishes, keep the wings separated and protect the busiest and most delicate areas of Florence.

Monument under special protection

The city’s artistic treasures are being given unprecedented attention.

Following orders from the Prefecture and Questura, municipal teams have set up anti-ram barriers around various monuments in the city.

This security will be in effect from Wednesday 8 am to Thursday midnight. The plan is to create a secure perimeter designed to prevent vandalism or accidental damage.

There are also parking restrictions in place in the historic centre. Any vehicle abandoned inside the protected area, unless a handicapped permit is displayed, will be towed and impounded. The goal is complete visibility and control for the police.

action on alcohol

As is often the case in fixtures deemed high-risk, Florence has also banned off-premise alcohol sales for the entire match day. The hope is that this will reduce the likelihood of disorder or rowdy behaviour.

Florence will act as a ‘fortified city’ for 48 hours. He is very focused on protecting his legacy.

This would involve Crystal Palace traveling parties taking buses directly to the away leg. The plan is to prevent roaming groups and reduce the risk of collision.

So, while Crystal Palace are heading into Italy feeling safe with their 3-0 win in the first leg, they will be entering a city that is also safe.

Maybe a little more. But then again, English fans should be used to criticism from top officials at this point.

Of all the nations competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Italy stands out. On Saturday they will take part in the quarterfinals against Puerto Rico.

Additionally, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, their fans at home are in a good position to watch. While Italy will play at 8 p.m. EST, the Americans will occupy that time slot. Instead, Italy will play at 3 pm EST.

As a result, fans in Italy will be able to watch at 9 pm their time. Meanwhile, the Americans will play their quarterfinal match against Canada at 8 pm EST.

While Team Italy typically plays to win Pool B at 8 p.m., No. 2 seed Team USA gets that tonight’s time slot for Fox TV viewers.
But by playing on Saturday at 3 pm ET, baseball fans in Italy can watch the game live at 9 pm with a time difference of six hours

– Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) 13 March 2026

Without a doubt, Italy’s greatest victory was their 8–6 upset over the Americans. After this, they defeated Mexico 8–6 to book a place in the quarter-finals.

In the process, he helped the Americans secure a spot after momentary uncertainty following the loss to Italy.

Italy is attempting to win its first World Baseball Classic title.

He has competed in every single tournament since 2006. Overall, Italy’s best finish in the World Baseball Classic was 7th in 2013.

Recently, baseball has been gaining popularity in Italy. Nevertheless, football remains the most popular sport in the country. In America, Italian American players such as Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra have become larger-than-life icons.

The Italian Baseball League (Serie A) has existed in Italy since 1948.

Current players include homegrown Italian players as well as players of Italian heritage. Native players included Sam Aldegheri, Claudio ScottiAnd Gabriele Quattrini.

Meanwhile, players of Italian heritage include Aaron Nola, Matt Festa and Kyle Nicholls.

Cristiano Giuntoli’s recent appearance at Tottenham Hotspur was a ‘clear indication’ that Spurs are ‘seriously exploring’ the possibility of appointing him.

This is according to Il Giornale, relayed by napoli magazine. The Italian newspaper reports that Giuntoli is set to return to football after leaving Juventus last summer.

The 54-year-old has been out of work since leaving Juventus last year after serving as sporting director for two years. He has also previously been sporting director of Napoli from 2015–2023 and sporting director of Carpi between 2009 and 2015.

Il Giornale now reports that he is ready to return to work and ‘seize the spotlight’. The fact that he has now been spotted at Tottenham in London is a ‘clear indication’ that Spurs are seriously exploring the possibility of hiring him.

football free agent director

While reports said he was only at the game against Crystal Palace to support Igor Tudor, whom he appointed at Juventus, the Italian newspaper says otherwise.

As far as he is concerned, he is a serious candidate to fill Spurs’ vacant sporting director role. However, if they were to move up, they would have to do so before Roma.

The road to the Italian capital is becoming increasingly concrete. There has recently been internal discord between manager Gian Piero Gasperini and his sporting director Frederic Massara.

That could lead to a reshuffle and Giuntoli’s ‘deep respect’ could provide motivation to get a deal done. So Tottenham need to be careful. Maybe that’s why the Italian was already in London this week.

paratisy loss

The question is whether Tottenham want another Italian sporting director after the high-impact but chaotic reign of Fabio Paratici.

Although he modernized the team with several big successful signings, he also had a lot of high cost, low impact signings. And the current squad, which includes many of the signings, is now fighting against demotion.

In fact, some would argue that Paratici’s time in charge is part of the reason why Tottenham currently find themselves in this position.

These wounds could worsen in the coming months, perhaps leading to another Italian like Giuntoli not being considered.

Over the past few years, Crystal Palace have demonstrated their ability to develop youth and sell on for profit. Adam Wharton could be next in line, with Eberechi Eze gone in the summer.

One player who is making his mark at youth level for the Eagles is goalkeeper Luca Benetton. He is currently with the London U18s team.

He is only 15 years old, but the talent has already received a call up to the England Under-16s and has played three times for them. Continuing to develop at Crystal Palace, Benetton is now attracting the attention of major Serie A sides.

Juventus interested in Crystal Palace talent

IT migration market report in detail about the teenager, making it clear that Juventus and Atalanta are keeping a close eye on the goalkeeper. There is a belief that his future may lie in Italy, with the player having a number of national side options.

The outlet makes it clear that Benetton is considered one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers.

It is known that the talent has already trained with the first team of Crystal Palace and this happened when he was only 14 years old. This is an indication of his general quality and ability.

This seems to have caught the attention of many in Italy, with the Azzurri U16s side also trying to snap him up.

Benetton just wants to play for England

The CM added some information about Pratibha’s international future. He is confident that he has a chance to play for Italy Under-16. Manager Manuel Pascal is keen to include him in the team.

Benetton has been clear about his future with England, having trained with their U16 team at the last three camps between 2025 and 2026.