Aston Villa took control of their Europa League quarter-final against Bologna with a 3-1 first-leg win in Italy. Bologna paid heavily for defensive errors in a match Villa finished strongly. Crystal Palace also seized a clear advantage in the Conference League quarter-finals, beating Fiorentina 3-0 at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tyrick Mitchell and Ismaila Sarr scored, leaving Fiorentina with a major deficit before the second leg.

Liverpool announced that Andy Robertson will leave at the end of the season when his contract expires this summer, ending a nine-year spell at Anfield. At the same time, manager Arne Slot said he still has the full support of the club’s owners and fans despite poor results.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he would love captain Bernardo Silva to finish his career at the club, but added that the decision on whether he stays or leaves this summer belongs to the player. At Newcastle, Eddie Howe said he is 100% committed to the club, though he added that it is very difficult to look too far beyond the end of the season.

Juventus confirmed Luciano Spalletti’s contract extension, with the coach telling players he had agreed a new two-year deal. In international football, Italy appointed Silvio Baldini as caretaker of the senior side for June friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg. England also confirmed pre-World Cup friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida.