Overview
- Lazio beat Milan 1-0 at the Olimpico on a late Mattia Zaccagni header, sending Sarri’s side to a February quarterfinal against holders Bologna.
- Bologna advanced by overturning Parma 2-1 with goals from Jonathan Rowe and Santiago Castro at the Dall’Ara.
- Massimiliano Allegri acknowledged the setback but urged focus on Serie A, while Ardon Jashari made his first official start since a fractured fibula following a €34–37 million move from Club Brugge.
- The 2026 World Cup group draw takes place in Washington at 18:00 CET, broadcast live on Rai 2, Sky Sport and DAZN, with Rio Ferdinand hosting the ceremony.
- Italy will be placed in pot four if it qualifies; the playoff route is Northern Ireland on March 26 in Bergamo, then a final on March 31 against the winner of Wales–Bosnia, with media highlighting challenging potential group scenarios.