The Italians’ path in the men’s draw at the Internazionali d’Italia began with a defeat. Lorenzo Sonego, a Turin-based tennis player and the first Italian to take the court in the main draw, was eliminated in the first round by Argentine Román Burruchaga with a score of 6-2, 6-3. It was an underwhelming performance by the Italian, who never managed to find rhythm and confidence throughout the match, giving way to an inspired and solid opponent in key moments.

Burruchaga, son of former soccer player Jorge, showed personality from the very first exchanges, taking advantage of Sonego’s indecisions on serve and in groundstrokes. The Italian, already in the first set, suffered from the Argentine’s pressure, suffering a double break that steered the partial in favor of the South American. Despite a timid attempt to react, the first set ended 6-2 with Burruchaga in total control.

In the second set Sonego tried to shake off, but any attempt at a comeback was nipped in the bud by a tidy and cynical opponent. After conceding serve again, the Turinese showed a few flashes of his best tennis, even managing to snatch a break, but it was too little to reopen the match. Too many free errors, especially with the forehand, and flawless nervous management doomed the Italian player.

Burruchaga thus earns a place in the second round, where he will face Russia’s Karen Khachanov, in a match that promises spectacle. For Sonego, however, a bitter disappointment in front of the Foro Italico audience, which was hoping for a different start to the Italian’s Roman adventure.

A defeat to be thoroughly analyzed, in the hope of regaining condition and continuity soon.

PSPG, after routing London’s Emirates Stadium 1-0, is keen to mortgage their passage to the round. Book a pass for the Champions League final in Munich, which will be played at the Allianz Arena on May 31 against Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan. The Parisian team, after winning the French championship several rounds ahead of time, is still in the running for a resounding hat trick, having also reached the French Cup final (it will face Reims on May 24).

Arsenal, second +3 behind third-placed Manchester City in the Premier League, will have to give everything to overturn the very heavy 0-1 loss they suffered at home against the French side, with the game decided by Dembélé’s goal and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s extraordinary saves.

For Luis Enrique’s team, in front of the increasingly decisive Donnarumma, the central defensive pair should consist of Pacho and Marquinhos, with Hakimi on the right and Nuno Mendes on the other side. In the middle of the field, there is room for Vitinha, with Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves acting as midfielders. Up front, PSG and Luis Enrique will have to deal with Dembélé’s likely very heavy injury: the problem does not seem serious, but if he does not make it there will be room for Barcola, with Doué and Kvaratskhelia on either side of him ready to trouble the English defense.

The Arsenal will have to deal with the likely heavy injury of Dembélé.

Arsenal is ready to go all out in this return semifinal, with the clear goal of overturning the result. Between the posts Raya, with the 4-man defense expected to consist (from right to left) of Timber, Saliba, former Spezia Kiwior and Lewis-Skelly. In the middle of the field, along with captain Odegaard, there are Rice and Merino. The attacking trident should consist of Bukayo Saka, Martinelli and Trossard.

Probable lineups

Psg (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Pacho, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Dembelè, Doué, Kvaratskhelia. Coach: Luis Enrique.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Martinelli, Merino. Coach: Mikel Arteta.

Just hours before the delicate European match against Betis Sevilla, Fiorentina has officially announced news that strengthens the club’s technical stability: the renewal of the contract with Raffaele Palladino. The coach from Campania, who arrived in Florence after a positive experience with Monza, has extended his agreement with the purple club until June 30, 2027. This is a strategic and decisive move by the management, which testifies to a deep trust in the coach’s abilities and vision.

Florence’s statement leaves no room for interpretation: “ACF Fiorentina announces that it has exercised the option, in favor of the club, for the extension of Mister Palladino’s contract until June 30, 2027”. An important step that comes at a key moment of the season, with the European semifinals just around the corner, and that aims to ensure serenity and continuity to the purple environment.

Palladino, who spoke to SkySport microphones immediately after the signing, expressed his gratitude: “I am very happy for this renewal. I spoke a little while ago with the president, I thank him along with the whole club for this certificate of esteem. Now it’s up to us to give our best for a Fiorentina that believes in us and our ideas.”

The coach then stressed how this news comes at a delicate but significant moment: “This is a good signal for the whole group. We are ambitious and want to give our fans a European final.”

With this renewal, Fiorentina sends a clear message: to build a lasting technical project and aim high, consolidating the figure of Palladino as a leading man for the future of the club.