Gigi Buffon reckons it’s kind of a change from Italy’s point of view that they are free from the permutations and combinations of knockout qualification before their last group game.

In major competitions of late, there has mostly been a sense of Panic in the Italian camp approaching the end of the group stage, but, Six points on the onset in the current Euros have not only bought them the Round of 16 entry, but, it’s also certain that they will not slip to no. 2 in the group.

Cesare Prandelli said he has given his word to Italian club Lazio FC, even though they are interviewing other coaches.

Prandelli told news agency ANSA:

“I met (Lazio President Claudio) Lotito, we shook hands and I gave my word. As far as I am concerned, we have a gentleman’s agreement, so I will wait before speaking to anyone else.”

Juventus secured their 5th successive Serie A title after what has been yet another dominant season where MassimilianoAllegri and his team won the Italian League even before the season had officially completed.

MassimilianoAllegri wants to continue being in charge of Juventus and win more titles as the Italian manager decided to sign a contract extension that will be seeing Allegri coaching the club at least until 2018.

With Italy a goal down in Croatia during the European qualifying campaign back in June 2015, the Azzurri got a penalty. Antonio Candreva stepped up and provided the crowd in Split with a delicate yet impudent moment. He chipped in a Panenka penalty that levelled the tie and grabbed a point for his team.

It was one of the best goals in qualifying but Antonio Conte will be hoping that the Lazio midfielder will be able to provide moments of magic throughout the tournament, despite the L’Aquile star man coming off the back of a tough season.

Roberto Mancini claims that Inter Milan do not deserve to finish anything more than fourth in the table for a mediocre campaign.

Mancini set out with the task of getting Inter back in the Champions League. The club has been out of this competition for the last few years, which is impressive given their pedigree in Italian football. Despite signing several big-name players over the last few transfer windows, Mancini has been unable to get consistent set of results required to finish in the Champions League spots.

Massimiliano Allegri claims that goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was a major factor in the club’s victory over AC Milan during the weekend.

A 2-1 win for the table leaders kept their amazing run going. There was a danger of Milan either drawing or even winning the game had it not been for Buffon. Juventus have dropped only two points since the end of October. It remains as one of the finest runs seen throughout Europe this season. Even Spanish club Barcelona cannot claim to have a better points return during this period.

Javier Mascherano has provided an insight into the life at Barcelona as a player of the first-team.

The Argentine moved to the club a few years ago from Liverpool. He was converted from being a central midfielder into a central defender quite seamlessly by former manager Pep Guardiola. Mascherano has since been rocksolid for the Catalan club and has been one of their ever present names in the starting line-up. This status has helped the 31-year-old to win numerous titles including a couple of Champions League and la Liga medals. The success, though, has also has brought its downfalls according to Mascherano.

Guus Hiddink reckons Antonio Conte, who has been named to succeed him at Stamford Bridge, should have his eyes on the products of the club’s academy and should make sure that they are moved up to the next level if they are ready.

The Chelsea board has always spent heavily on the academic facilities so that the talents make progress quickly and smoothly and make the journey to the next level.

But, most of the club’s coaches in the past, including the legendary Jose Mourinho, have been indifferent to youngsters from the academy and have just not trusted them enough to use them at the senior level.

There are 1 month left in this season of the Premier League and it seems like the title will only be disputed between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City - the current top 2 teams, and unless they start dropping points at an extremely fast rate, it’s hard to consider any other club to have a realistic chance of becoming the new champions of England.

Arsenal are currently located in 3rd place with 55 points while Tottenham Hotspur is in 2nd place with 61 and Leicester City is sitting at the top with 66 points.

Inter Milan suffered a major blow to their title race after the 3-3 draw with Hellas Verona.

Following the match, manager Roberto Mancini ruled out the possibility of winning the title this season. This was due to Juventus stretching their winning run even further with a 2-0 win against Frosinone. Inter were expected to get a consecutive win – following their narrow win over Chievo – a week ago. As the league’s bottom club,Hellas Verona were seen as easy opposition. However, they put up a stern fight and were able to come away with a thrilling draw.