Lukaku's move to Roma was formally completed this week, with Chelsea to receive a loan fee of over £5 million after the 30-year-old agreed to drop his wages to just over £6 million for 10 months in Italy. But where does that make him rank among the highest-paid Serie A players?

Speaking to Telegraph Sport, a Roma official said: "The owners of AS Roma are committed to ensuring that a deal with Lukaku is done. The club has improved year on year with the Friedkin family's investment and they see him as a core part of their vision for the club to achieve their best result yet, and finish top four in Serie A."

Lukaku's negotiated deal in Rome will make him one of the highest-paid players in Italy's top flight, and the top earner at Roma, but he will earn less than a substantial chunk of Juventus and Internazionale's squads.

Players from Atalanta, Lazio, Milan and champions Napoli also feature in the list of the 25 highest-earning Serie A players.

We've done some number crunching to discover just where Lukaku ranks in terms of Highest-paid Serie A players, top earners. Their estimated salaries are via Capology:

25. Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta) –  €114,038,000
24. Rafael Leao (AC Milan) –  €123,269,000
=20. Daniele Rugani (Juventus) –  €124,615,000
=20. Lorenzo Pelligrini (Roma) –  €124,615,000
=20. Gianluca Mancini (Roma) –  €124,615,000
=20. Piotr Zielinski (Napoli) –  €124,615,000
=18. Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan) –  €135,835,000
=18. Stefan de Vrij (Inter) –  €135,385,000
=15. Paulo Dybala (Roma) –  €135,385,000
=15. Hirving Lozano (Napoli) –  €142,500,000
=15. Ciro Immobile (Lazio) –  €142,500,000
14. Marcus Thuram (Inter) –  €147,885,000
13. Romelu Lukaku (Roma) – €170,454,054
12. Adrien Rabiot (Juventus) –  €172,500,000
=10. Nicolo Barella (Inter) –  €178,077,000
=10. Federico Chiesa (Juventus) –  €178,077,000
9. Bremer (Juventus) –  €178,077,000
8. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) –  €195,962,000
7. Paul Pogba (Juventus) –  €197,308,000
=4. Lautaro Martinez (Inter) –  €213,654,000
=4. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter) –  €213,654,000
=4. Alex Sandro (Juventus) –  €213,654,000
=2. Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus) –  €213,538,000
=2. Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus) –  €213,538,000
1. Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus) –  €249,231,000

Serie A is considering India as a potential host for the Italian Super Cup to expand the tournament's global audience, according to the league's commercial and marketing director, Michele Ciccarese.

Supercoppa Italiana, or the Italian Super Cup, takes place annually. Four teams compete for the trophy: the winners and runners-up of the previous season's Serie A and Coppa Italia.

The Italian Super Cup took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the 2024-25 season, which was also the 37th edition of this tournament. 2023-24 Serie A runners-up AC Milan defeated defending Serie A champions Inter Milan 3-2 in the final to lift the trophy in January 2025.

India can potentially host the Italian Super Cup in the future

According to REUTERS reports, when asked about India's potential to host the Super Cup, Ciccarese confirmed that this opportunity aligned with the league's strategy.

Ciccarese stated the following during the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit.

What we do is to bring our international trophy like the Super Cup in all over the world, for a simple reason, to engage a wider audience and bring the best of that culture,

So, that's exactly what we might do, and take the conversation forward to ... come here and play in India.

Ciccarese suggested that the popular Indian Premier League (IPL) could help promote the country and highlight the successes of other sports, similar to the "Made in Italy" initiative.

"Made in Italy" is how we engaged with all the 20 Serie A clubs, and each club provides one of the important players to promote, not only the city, but the clubs, the territory, the production chain and everything that is around that club,

That's exactly what we are suggesting, or maybe potentially to create a cross-market activation with the IPL together in order to help grow the grassroots, to have the right presence in the 2036 Olympics for Indian football.

Ciao, Scudetto! 🤌

Signore Virat Kohli 🤝 Signore Michele Ciccarese (Commercial & Marketing Director, Serie A)

In a gesture of mutual respect, leadership values and camaraderie, Virat was presented with the traditional Serie A captain's armband. A moment of bridging gaps… pic.twitter.com/qujB90T81n

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 15, 2025

India has officially entered the race to bid for the hosting rights of the 2036 Olympics, promoting the country as a growing sports hub. With these positions at stake, bringing the Italian Super Cup to India could be huge for Indian football. 

AC Milan have reportedly finalized the decision to part ways with current manager Sergio Conceicao following the end of the ongoing season.

According to multiple reports from Italy, the Portuguese manager can also be shown the door if the Rossoneris fail to earn victories against in their upcoming two matches against Lecce and Como, which are scheduled to take place before the international break in March.

Despite winning the Supercoppa Italiana with AC Milan in January, while beating the eternal rivals Inter Milan in the final, Conceicao failed to lead Milan to the coveted success in Serie A this season. 

Conceicao to bow out of Milan at the season's end

According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Conceicao's tenure at AC Milan "will be over at the end of the season". With another looming threat over the 50-year-old, he could lose his job as early as this month, if Milan suffers defeats against Lecce and Como before the international break.

#ACMilan have decided not to confirm Sergio #Conceicao. His story at #Milan will be over at the end of the season, even if he could be sacked with the immediate effect if he loses against Lecce and Como before the international break. #transfers

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) March 8, 2025

Corriere della Sera, another well-known Italian media outlet, reported that Milan may consider dismissing head coach Conceicao before the summer clause takes effect. This would allow both parties to part ways 'early' if the team's performance does not improve in the coming week.

The pressure is now mounting on Sergio Conceicao as AC Milan is currently positioned ninth on the Serie A leaderboard, having accumulated 41 points across 27 games. 

During the summer, Conceicao was already a top candidate for the head coach position at Milan. However, the club ultimately chose Paulo Fonseca for the role. After a few months of disappointing results, Fonseca was dismissed, and his compatriot Conceicao took over as the new head coach.

The former FC Porto manager took charge of AC Milan on 30 December 2024. Under his managerial radar, the Rossoneris have played 17 matches, achieving 8 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses so far.

Conceicao's tussle with Arrigo Sacchi

Sergio Conceicao's stay at Milan has been distressing due to the continuous speculations from different discussions. Recently, the Portuguese manager has been heavily criticized by the legendary former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi, who "feels that it is ‘complicated’ for Conceicao to salvage his job in San Siro".

In his La Gazzetta dello Sport column, Sacchi conveyed his belief that it is "complicated" for Conceicao to save his job at San Siro. He also believes that the main issue is the lack of unity among the squad, which he sees as more significant than the team's results or the absence of goals on the pitch.

Sergio Conceiçao has not brought the benefits that all the supporters were expecting. Milan is in ninth place. This is not a position for a club that has written the history of football. We need to stop and seriously reflect with humility.

In response, Conceicao did not hold back his frustration over Sacchi's recent criticism, noting Sacchi's earlier praise contrasted with his current daily attacks in the media.

Two months ago, he said I was an important coach, now he criticizes me every day. I sent him a message, but he didn’t reply…

#Conceicao contro #Sacchi: “Due mesi fa diceva che ero un allenatore importante, adesso mi massacra tutti i giorni. Gli ho scritto un messaggio, non mi ha risposto…”. #ACMilan pic.twitter.com/Gln8BhudCc

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) March 7, 2025

In another controversial incident, Conceicao's relationship with the Milan officials has seemingly deteriorated. The manager faced a backlash when his spokesperson claimed he felt unsupported by the club's management and criticized the team's structure.

However, Conceicao publicly denied these statements, affirming the club's support and his regular communication with the directors.

🎙️ O porta-voz de Sérgio Conceição tinha afirmaso que o técnico se sente sozinho e sem apoio da diretoria, criticando a estrutura do Milan e o comprometimento do elenco. Mas o treinador negou tudo, dizendo que o clube está com ele e que mantém contato diário com a diretoria.… pic.twitter.com/u4RfHKVGK8

— Andersinho Marques (@Andersinho_ITA) March 7, 2025

The upcoming weeks will be very crucial for Sergio Conceicao, as he will leave no stone unturned to end his tenure at Milan on a high, bringing Rossoneris close to the qualification zone for the continental competitions.

Football in 2024 includes creating milestones, late dramas, superb goals, and glorious comebacks. It was a year to remember for football fans around the world. But the excitement doesn't stop here, as there are more to come in 2025 in terms of the biggest and most popular football matches are concerned. So, hurry up! Mark down the key dates in your calendar.

Here are the key dates of the biggest and most popular matches in 2025, including fierce derbies and the games that could change the respective league table entirely or result in promotions in the coming months are as follows:

Biggest Football Matches in January 2025: 

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United, a thrilling contest!!

Nottingham Forest are looking sharp! And they are definitely aiming to beat Liverpool fc at home on 14th January, to remain active in the title challenge race. Elsewhere, in Champions League top European Clubs will battle for the ultimate European glory. Manchester City and PSG are odds to be relegated, and Atletico Madrid could overtake Bayer Leverkusen and confirm their place in the next round.

Read Also | Liverpool vs Manchester United Highlights | An improved United take a point away from Liverpool in a record night for Salah

UEFA Europa League could also provide shocks as Rangers might surpass struggling Man United and confirm their berth for the next round if they manage to beat Red Devils, and Galatasaray could find themselves below Ajax in the table if Ajax manages to beat them.

From the Cup's point of view, Arsenal will face Manchester United in an F.A. Cup encounter and again the Gunners will go face to face with mighty New Castle United at the Carabao Cup Semi-final 1st leg on 8th January, and Tottenham will go head-to-head against Liverpool on 9th January. On 15th January, Tottenham will face Arsenal, in a high-voltage North-London Derby.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in January 2025

Biggest Football Matches in February 2025:

A Month of Fierce Rivalries!!

Top Derbies that are included in February are Marseille vs. Lyon, AC Milan vs. Inter Milan, Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid, Paris St. Germain vs. Monaco and Juventus vs. Inter Milan. Atletico has the chance to surpass Real Madrid and could find themselves at the top of the La Liga table.

In Carabao Cup, Newcastle will face Arsenal at home and Tottenham will be going Anfield to face one of their toughest matches of the season against Liverpool.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in February 2025

Biggest Football Matches in March 2025:

Teams can turn the League Table in their favour! Last UEFA Nations League for Ronaldo and Modric??

Inter could overtake Napoli, Dortmund could surpass Leipzig and move into the Champions League spot; Barcelona could overtake Atletico Madrid and move into 2nd spot; Inter has the chance to surpass Atlanta and could find themselves at the top of Serie A. Chelsea will face Arsenal on 15th March at Emirates Stadium, popularly known as " The London Derby".

Some of the biggest international matches scheduled for March are the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals between European Football Super Giants. This could be possibly the last Nations League for Ronaldo and Modric. 

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in March 2025

Biggest Football Matches in April 2025:

A month of Fierce and Local Derbies!!!

Manchester City has a chance to avenge home defeat at Old Trafford against their arch-rival in Manchester Derby. Other local derbies include Merseyside Derby, Bavarian Derby, London Derby, Der Klassiker, Derby della Capitale, West London Derby, Derby Rhone-Alpine and Derby Breton.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in April 2025

Biggest Football Matches in May 2025:

Arsenal Vs. Liverpool- "League Decider"! EL Clasico!! Champions League Final!!!

The match between Liverpool Vs. Arsenal on 10th May has already been considered a " League Decider" by several pundits. "El Clasico", is also scheduled on 11th May, which is going to be played at Bernabeu, as Real Madrid are aiming to avenge their home defeat against Barcelona. The month will be ending with the UEFA Champions League Final.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in May 2025

Biggest Football Matches in June 2025:

A month dedicated to the FIFA Club World Cup!

Top Clubs from all over the world will battle for the greatest glory of World Club Football. Legendary European Club Teams like Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Porto, Benfica and Top South American Club Teams like Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Major Asian Club Team like Al-Hilal and many more will battle for the ultimate glory.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in June 2025

So, that concludes the key dates of the Biggest Matches in 2025. Go ahead! Mark the dates on your calendar so that you don't miss any of the thrilling games from the list mentioned above. And let me know what your favourite club or International Team is in the comment box. For more updates and accurate pieces of information, kindly follow Sportz Point!

Read Also | West Ham vs Manchester City English Premier League 2024-25 Highlights | Erling Haaland scores his eight EPL hat-trick as Man City goes top of the table following a 3-1 victory over the Hammers

We are available on all Meta Platforms, or you could follow the author's page to stay connected with Sportz Point. Our site is used to cover the Biggest Football Matches via Live Blogs, match previews and reviews.

AS Roma forward Artem Dovbyk has etched his name beside French star Kylian Mbappe, by reaching a remarkable milestone set by the latter.

According to Opta, the Ukrainian striker is only the second footballer to score against at least 20 opponents in the last two seasons in the top five European leagues while Kylian Mbappe stays atop, scoring against 22 opponents. 

20 - Artem Dovbyk (20) is the second player to score against at least 20 opponents in the last two seasons in the Big-5 European leagues, after Kylian Mbappé (22). Variety.#RomaParma

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 22, 2024

The 27-year-old forward reached the milestone during AS Roma's 5-0 crushing over Parma in the Serie A yesterday. Dovbyk hammered the last nail in the coffin in the 83rd minute of the game. 

Artem Dovbyk entered the premises of the top five European leagues in 2023, when LaLiga side Girona roped him in from Ukrainian side SC Dnipro-1. It became the most expensive transfer in Girona's history. 

However, the transfer paid off in the best possible way, as Dovbyk became the top-scorer in the 2023-24 LaLiga, having bagged 24 goals in 36 games. Dovbyk played the most crucial part in Girona's third-place finish in the 2023-24 season and they also qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. 

Girona’s Artem Dovbyk ends the season as La Liga top goalscorer (24) 👏 pic.twitter.com/2410ZLMCZp

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 26, 2024

However, Dovbyk moved to Italy in August 2024 after Roma acquired him for €35M on a 5-year deal. Since then, he has played 22 games for the Giallorossi, scoring 9 goals across all competitions. 

Every opponent Artem Dovbyk has scored against 

(In top-five European Leagues)

Playing for Girona, Dovbyk scored against 15 different opponents in the 2023-24 LaLiga. 

Since moving to Roma in July 2024, Dovbyk has scored against five opponents in the 2024-25 Serie A as of now.

*(stats are collected from Transfermarkt and are accurate as of 23 December 2024)

Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to part ways amid doping ban as the club announced on Friday via an official statement. The Turin-based club terminated the player's contract despite his ban being cut down to 18 months by CAS in October 2024.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Paul Pogba becomes free agent, he’s left Juventus terminating the contract on mutual agreement.

Pogba will be able to join new club with immediate effect, training from January 2025 and playing from March 2025. pic.twitter.com/IEjikxWzpM

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2024

The Serie A giants Juventus have stated in the official club statement:

"Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024.
The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future."

Paul Pogba confirmed his departure from the club via Instagram and expressed his gratitude to Juventus fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Labile Pogba (@paulpogba)

However, Pogba becomes a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window in January 2025. 

Pogba's doping ban

Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to Juventus in 2022 but he has not played for the Bianconeri since September 2023. In August 2023, Pogba was tested positive for DHEA which is a banned substance. According to Journalist Julien Laurens, Paul Pogba admitted to Juventus that he took some food supplements not knowing they contained testosterone which led to his positive drug test. 

However, Italy's anti-doping court sanctioned Pogba with a four-year ban for doping in September 2023, and the decision was announced this year in February. Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against the punishment stating that the verdict was incorrect. CAS reduced Pogba's ban to 18 months from four years as the 31-year-old Frenchman was able to prove that the consumption of testosterone was not intentional. Pogba stated afterwards:

"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes, 

"I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation."

However, Pogba is eligible to play from March 2025 after receiving the punishment reduction.

The following incidents

According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on 7 October 2024, both parties would agree on a contract termination. Pogba's high salary of €10m per season also caused financial worries for the Turin club and his fitness issues would have taken time to recover. 

🚨 Paul Pogba and Juventus, expected to agree on contract termination as he will become a free agent.

Talks to follow from tomorrow after CAS verdict, as Paul will be available from March.

Paul Pogba also feels a fresh start would be best solution for him and his career. pic.twitter.com/niTvAzRbzt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 6, 2024

The reports have come true and now Pogba has become a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window. Paul Pogba is training in Miami to regain his fitness and be ready for his next club. It will be exciting to see which club pursues the French midfielder who will be available to train with his new club from January and play from March 2025.