Melbourne Victory have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup with a win over Western Sydney, and now look a real chance to again challenge for their first men’s silverware since 2022. Director of Football John Didulica discusses the board’s decision to change managers, the appointment of Giovanni Savarese, and plenty more.

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To Italy, where an apologetic Roberto Mancini has returned to manage the national team he deserted three years ago amid chaotic circumstances. Adriano Del Monte returns with the Calcio in desperate need of re-routing; there’s also a Serie A preview, including a look at Cristian Volpato and Ale Circati.

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The A-Leagues seasons look set for commencement without a playing labour agreement in place, a fortnight on from the PFA announcing CBA discussions with the APL had reached exhaustion. PFA chief-executive Beau Busch returns. Beau also discusses the week’s saddening news, with much-loved Captain Socceroo Paul Wade going public with his probable CTE diagnosis.

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Meanwhile on the pitch, the Australia Cup has been electric. Three Cupsets within 24 hours saw Preston Lions, Sydney United and Lions FC progress at the expense of A-League opposition; 10/Paramount’s Erik Paartalu discusses the big picture topics at play in Australia’s best sporting competition.

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Spain are FIFA Men’s World Cup champions for the second time, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a fragmented and frustrated final frequently interspersed with the pomp and glamour expected of an American World Cup final. ESPN’s Joey Lynch spent the bulk of the tourmanent on the ground in North America; he joins us to reflect, and cast an eye towards the next Socceroos mission.

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The Sports Ambassador Podcast's Tracey Holmes joins us with the 2027 Women’s World Cup less than a year away, the Matildas having booked their tickets. What can we expect as FIFA head back into a nation that hosted one of their tournaments as recently as 2014, and left much to be desired?

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