Why Fabian Hurzeler's brutal Arsenal takedown has stoked the fire for… — and more

ISAAN KHAN: His comments on Arsenal time-wasting around corners had sparked further tensions amid the debate around their reliance on set-pieces.

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso reportedly has no intentions of omitting Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni from his squad later this month.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the 26-year-old will feature for the Azzurri in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Alessandro Bastoni has become one of the most unpopular figures in Serie A after his antics during last month’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

Indeed, in addition to faking a foul, which tricked Federico La Penna into sending off Pierre Kalulu, cameras caught the star defender celebrating the Frenchman’s expulsion.

Since then, fans across the country have booed Bastoni at every opportunity.

Italy Boss Gennaro Gattuso Won’t Omit Alessandro Bastoni from March Call-Up

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Despite being pressured by the Azzurri supporters to drop Bastoni, Gennaro Gattuso has no intention of doing it.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri stalwart has been a cornerstone of Italy’s defense for years.

With the four-time world champions set to face Northern Ireland in a crunch playoff showdown, Gattuso cannot afford to sideline Bastoni.

Therefore, the former Atalanta man will represent his country despite the risk of drawing boos from sections of the crowd.

Former Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie believes Gregor Townsend's men are "capable of the extraordinary" and wouldn't be surprised to see them beat France on Saturday.

Fabien Galthie's French side travel to Murrayfield knowing a bonus-point win will make them Six Nations champions with a game to spare.

A home victory would allow Scotland to head to Ireland on the final day with a genuine shot at a first title in 27 years.

Townsend's men have faced France 13 times during his tenure, winning five, and Beattie is not putting it past the Scots to add a sixth.

The 40-year-old, who played for Montpellier, Castres and Bayonne as well as Glasgow Warriors, told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast: "It's a funny Scottish set-up because they have such high days and such lows as well but they're capable of the extraordinary.

"I wouldn't put it past them to beat a French side, travelling away from home that know they've got a game in hand and can wrap up a championship this weekend. But they could also be very French about it and be absolutely dismal.

"Let's not forget that we've put them under real pressure before, both away in Paris and at Murrayfield. It is possible. I know we're being totally written off but I still think there's enough that it doesn't matter.

"You look at Scotland's backline and what they have been capable of. They will score points and we have to back them to do so. Give them the ball, don't give France the ball, dominate set-pieces, try to control possession and try to outscore them.

"We've been written off but I still think it's possible."