🚨 Thuram, Soulé, Bastoni... confirmed XIs for Inter v Roma

Serie A Easter Sunday concludes with one of the two big matches of Matchday 31.

Chivu’s Inter, in search of a win that has slipped away from them over the last 3 rounds to put their doubts behind them, host Roma, who returned to winning ways against Lecce after 3 matches without a victory.

Chivu’s side, helped by Monday’s direct clash between Napoli and Milan, could all but seal the Scudetto with a win, temporarily moving to +10 and +9 over the teams coached by Conte and Allegri.

Inter: Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Zieliński, Dimarco, Lautaro, Thuram.

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Cristante, Pisilli, Rensch; Soulé, Pellegrini; Malen.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Reports over the weekend claimed that the Italy national team players attempted to negotiate a bonus before their World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the latest updates indicate that the Azzurri squad members would have received individual ‘gifts’ had they managed to qualify.

Report: Italy squad would have received World Cup qualification bonus ‘gifts’

According to recent reports from La Repubblica, Italian players sought a collective bonus of €300,000, which equates to just over €10,000 per player, in the event of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The dreams of qualifying for the 2026 tournament in North America came crashing down after a penalty shoot-out defeat away against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final on Tuesday evening.

The Repubblica report claimed that Gattuso attempted to dissuade his players from negotiating over a potential bonus fee before the World Cup play-off final was played.

However, according to Sunday’s updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the FIGC would have been prepared to offer Italy national team players bonus ‘gifts’ had they qualified for the World Cup.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

The Pink Paper points out that the Italy squad do not receive fees for representing the national team squad, but regardless, a financial bonus of around €10,000 would not have made much difference economically speaking to a group of highly-paid top level footballers.

So, instead of a cash bonus, the FIGC were reportedly preparing a more sentimental bonus ‘gift’ for the players. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that the players might have been given individual watches instead, or something along those lines.

La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that there were discussions among the players after the Northern Ireland match on the topic of a potential bonus, but that there were no formal requests from players for a specific cash prize.

Real Madrid Circle Rodri as Man City Brace for Summer Decision

There is a growing sense that Real Madrid are positioning themselves strongly to secure Rodri, with sources indicating that discussions have already taken place regarding a possible exit from Manchester City.

TEAMtalk reports that Madrid are “growing increasingly confident of landing Rodri this summer”, although they remain disciplined in their valuation. This is a key detail, reflecting a club that rarely deviates from its financial strategy, even when pursuing elite-level talent.

From City’s perspective, the stance appears pragmatic. The report notes that the club “will not place significant obstacles in the player’s path should he decide to move on”. That alone signals a shift in tone, especially for a player so integral to their tactical identity.

Guardiola’s Honest Admission

Manager Pep Guardiola offered a candid assessment that will only intensify speculation. His comments were revealing:

“There is not one player that will turn down the chance to play for Real Madrid.”

This is not simply admiration for Madrid’s stature, it reads as an acknowledgement of football’s hierarchy and the inevitability that even the most settled players can be drawn elsewhere.

Guardiola continued:

“Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club because he is an incredible, top player, but the life of everyone is everyone’s.”

There is a notable acceptance here, a sense that the decision may ultimately rest with the player rather than the club.

Photo IMAGO

Midfield Evolution at Bernabéu

Madrid’s interest is not happening in isolation. With legends like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric having defined an era, the club is now actively planning its next midfield cycle.

TEAMtalk highlights that Rodri is viewed as “the ideal experienced figure to help lead the dressing room”, a role that extends beyond technical quality into leadership and control.

Further intrigue comes from the mention of Eduardo Camavinga potentially being available, suggesting Madrid are reshaping their midfield with both short-term authority and long-term depth in mind.

Additional names such as Alexis Mac Allister and Bruno Guimaraes underline the scale of Madrid’s ambition, but the priority remains clear. Rodri sits at the top of their list.

Timing and Transfer Strategy

Another critical detail is Madrid’s desire to complete the deal before the World Cup finals. That timeline indicates urgency, but also strategic planning to integrate Rodri quickly into their system.

From City’s side, there is an acceptance that the player “is ready for a new challenge”. That phrasing feels significant. It implies that while a contract extension has been offered, the emotional and professional pull of a move may already be in motion.

As one source effectively suggests, the pieces are aligning for a transfer that could define the summer window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City supporter’s perspective, this report lands with a mix of anxiety and reluctant understanding. Rodri is not simply another midfielder, he is the foundation of everything City do well. His positional awareness, composure under pressure and ability to dictate tempo are irreplaceable traits in this current system.

The idea that the club would not “place significant obstacles” in his path is concerning. It suggests a level of acceptance that feels premature, especially given how central he is to Guardiola’s tactical setup.

There is also the wider fear of what comes next. Replacing Rodri is not straightforward. Players of his profile are rare, and even the names linked across Europe do not offer the same balance of control and intelligence.

At the same time, Guardiola’s comments reflect a reality fans cannot ignore. When Real Madrid call, few players refuse. That does not make it easier to accept, but it does explain the situation.

If this move happens, it will not just be a transfer, it will be a structural shift for Manchester City. The recruitment team will need to respond decisively, because losing Rodri without a clear successor could leave a gap that no tactical adjustment can fully cover.

For supporters, the hope remains that this is posturing rather than inevitability. Yet the tone of this report suggests otherwise, and that is what makes it unsettling.