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DeutschAC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Italy Prodigy Set For Maiden Derby Della Madonnina Start: No Stranger To Scoring Vs Rossoneri
Inter Milan starlet Francesco Pio Esposito could make his inaugural Derby della Madonnina start when the Nerazzurri take on AC Milan on Sunday.
According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the 20-year-old is no stranger to scoring against the Rossoneri, though he has yet to do so at senior level.
With ten points separating the sides ahead of Sunday’s kickoff, Inter could land a knockout blow on Milan’s Scudetto hopes this weekend.
However, the Nerazzurri will have to achieve that without Lautaro Martinez, who remains in the pits with a calf injury.
Inter Milan Ace Pio Esposito Set to Make First Derby Start vs AC Milan
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lautaro’s absence leaves a significant hole in Inter’s attack, handing Pio Esposito a golden opportunity to shine on the grandest stage.
Indeed, the Italian prodigy is likely to get the nod in attack ahead of French star Ange-Yoan Bonny, who has just recovered from injury.
Esposito has been in far better form than Marcus Thuram lately, and he will shoulder the burden of expectations on Sunday.
However, if there’s anyone capable of scoring against the Rossoneri, it’s Esposito, who had frequently found the net against them at youth level.
Commanders begin massive roster overhaul
The Washington Commanders are overhauling their roster, much like they did entering the 2024 season.
Don't believe for a second that Adam Peters and Dan Quinn believe their 2025 season was derailed only by injuries. Of course, there were injuries. Moreover, there were many injuries. But Peters and Quinn know the team didn't look like the 2024 team in their home opener against the Giants, and then they were completely outplayed by the Packers in Week 2 on a Thursday Night.
Peters and Quinn also know their defense stunk in 2024 and again in 2025. They made the move to rid themselves of both coordinators, hiring two first-time NFL coordinators in David Blough and Daronte Jones.
The many reserves on the Commanders this season will be new reserves. When injuries hit, the backups were a huge drop off. Quinn and Peters aren't wasting any time. They aren't bringing back Michael Deiter, Robbie Chosen, DeMarcus Walker, Gee Scott Jr, Kevon Seymour, River Cracraft, among others. Last week, Tyler Biadasz was a surprise release. The starting center for 2024 and 2025 dropped off some in 2025, and DQ and AP are determined to raise the bar this season.
The Washington #Commanders released OL Michael Deiter today - with their season over
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) January 7, 2026
Did Adam Peters try to do #49ers GM John Lynch a playoff solid? 👀 pic.twitter.com/aRPJmORBfP
Who have the Commanders signed thus far before free agency begins next week? Punter Tress Way, G/T Andrew Wylie, C/G Nick Allegretti, DE Deatrich Wise and DT Shy Tuttle. That's it, Commanders fans. Don't be surprised if 25 players who played last year do not return to the Commanders in 2025 — or more. Hey, even kicker Jake Moody was not tendered a contract. Now, the Commanders could still choose to sign Moody later, if they desire to sign him. But for now, isn't it more evidence that DQ and AP are moving toward cleaning out much of their current house?
We don't even know if Marcus Mariota is coming back for a third season to back up Jayden Daniels. We do know that at season's end, Mariota spoke very highly of Dan Quinn. However, he also spoke very highly of Kliff Kingsbury, who is no longer with the Commanders.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Massive roster overhaul begins for 2026
Iran women’s football team sing national anthem at Asian Cup just days after silent protest
The Iran women's football team sang and saluted their national anthem before their Women's Asian Cup match against Australia on Thursday, a marked shift from their silent protest ahead of their opening game.
This earlier silence, observed before Monday's loss to South Korea, had been widely interpreted as either an act of defiance against the regime or a gesture of mourning for those affected by ongoing conflicts.
The team, however, offered no official clarification for their initial stance.
In a poignant press conference preceding the Australia fixture, Iranian striker Sara Didar became visibly emotional.
She shared the profound concerns held by both players and management for the safety and well-being of their families and loved ones amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The 21-year-old Didar was a substitute for Thursday's game, which was played in pouring rain on the Gold Coast, where Iran is scheduled to compete in all three of its Group A matches.
The Iranian squad had arrived in Australia well before the recent strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran last Saturday, adding another layer of tension to their presence.
This fluctuating approach to the national anthem mirrors a similar situation involving the Iranian men’s team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The men's squad notably refrained from singing their anthem before their initial defeat against England, as significant domestic turmoil overshadowed the start of their campaign.
In a subsequent match against Wales, however, the men sang along to the anthem and celebrated their goals. Iran beat Wales 2-0 in that match, but failed to qualify from their group.
That World Cup appearance coincided with a brutal crackdown on a major women’s protest movement within Iran, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the country’s morality police.