Milan lose more ground on Inter as Loftus-Cheek suffers World Cup blow | Nicky Bandini

Guardian Sport

by Nicky Bandini

February 23, 2026

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Milan’s recent defeat to Parma has further widened the gap between them and Inter Milan in Serie A, leaving them 10 points behind. The loss was compounded by a severe injury to England midfielder James Maddison, who suffered a broken jaw, potentially impacting his World Cup preparations. This setback arrives despite Milan having a strategic advantage with six days of preparation before facing Parma, while their rivals like Inter, Juventus, and Atalanta were recovering from challenging European fixtures. The match highlights the challenges faced by Italian football, which has seen its teams struggle in recent continental competitions. While one team reached the final twice in the last three seasons, critics question whether Italy can regain its competitive edge in Europe. Milan’s poor form, including defeats to Bodø/Glimt, Galatasaray, and Borussia Dortmund, reflects a broader decline in Italian football’s performance. This outcome underscores the importance of maintaining consistency and avoiding costly injuries, especially with key players like Maddison. His absence not only disrupts Milan’s plans but also raises concerns about their ability to compete for the league title this season. The situation also reignites debates about Italy’s footballing future and its readiness for the next World Cup. For sports enthusiasts, this story matters as it sheds light on the delicate balance between team dynamics and external pressures in high-stakes competitions. It also emphasizes the impact of injuries on a squad’s performance and the broader implications for national

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/23/2026