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      Italy’s secret weapon is former banker Gianni Vio who has created 4,830 set-piece routines for Euro 2020

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      WHEN Lorenzo Insigne is standing over a free-kick for Italy against Belgium on Friday night, he could dip into over 4,000 different ways to hurt the opposition.The Italians have dazzled football fans with their quick, incisive attacking play this year at the Euros.
      Gianni Vio, standing to the right Italy boss Robert Mancini, is the Azzuri’s secret weaponCredit: Reuters

      But it’s not just a passing game they’ve excelled at. From dead balls Roberto Mancini’s side have proved to be just as dangerous.
      Prime example, Matteo Pessina’s strike against Wales from a well-rehearsed free-kick with two stars standing in an offside position to confuse the Dragons’ backline.
      All these routines come from the mind of Gianni Vio, who reportedly has 4,830 to call upon and harm their rivals.
      Over the years he has helped clubs including Leeds United, Brentford and AC Milan improve their set-pieces.
      Not bad from the former banker, 66, who has given the Azzuri a different dimension.
      HIS THESIS
      When Vio was completing his coaching badges, he wrote a thesis called Set pieces: the 15-goal striker, which later influenced the book That Extra 30 Per Cent. This was while juggling a job as a clerk at Unicredit in Venice.
      The work was inspired by his time at Serie D outfit Il Quinto di Treviso, and in particular, two twins that used to play for him.
      Vio strategically encouraged the brothers, who no one could tell apart, to stand facing the goalkeeper when they had free-kicks and just stare into their eyes.
      Not only did that unnerve defenders, who couldn’t decide which one was their man, it also freaked out keepers.
      Italy have shown off a variety of set-piece routines during the EurosCredit: AP
      Vio claims to have 4,830 different set-piece routines masteredCredit: Getty
      Italy’s stars will often form a wall in front of the opposition wall as a distractionCredit: Getty
      But it was an instance of how Vio tailors his ideas – using the players at his disposal, as well as psychology.
      “All I’ll say is you need to analyse the players that you have and find solutions tailor-made to their skill set,” he told a Venetian newspaper, although he keeps his secrets close to his chest.
      “There are players whose reading of the game is special. At the highest level, Sergio Ramos comes to mind.
      “Wherever you put the ball, you can bet he’ll find a way to get on the end of it. Timing is the most important thing when it comes to finishing off a set piece.”
      WORKING WITH ZENGA
      In 2005 Walter Zenga became boss of Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, when Vio’s book, co-authored by psychologist Alessandro Tettamanzi, landed on his desk.
      It’s title That Extra 30 Per Cent is Vio’s belief of a percentage of how much set-pieces can improve a team. “It’s like having another striker,” he romantically revealed.
      The legendary Italian goalkeeper devoured the book and contacted its author, swapping ideas.
      Legendary Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga hired Vio to help him secure Catania’s Serie A futureCredit: Getty
      Vio, sat alongside former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom, had a spell in England with the Yorkshire clubCredit: Rex
      Eventually, Zenga would score a job at Al-Ain, where he welcomed Vio to the United Arab Emirates to give his players a 20-day training clinic on set-pieces.
      Then, when the ex-Inter Milan shotstopper was offered the post at then-Serie A club Catania he insisted Vio was hired as a set-piece specialist.
      As Zenga eloquently told The Athletic: “Only a nutter like me would ask for someone who worked in a bank and coached in non-League to be with me when I got my first job in Serie A.
      “Gianni used to fly down on Thursdays and leave on a Sunday. It was madness.”
      Astonishingly, Zenga’s masterstroke was a success. 17 of Catania’s 44 goals were scored from set-plays in a campaign that saw them escape relegation. Vio might as well have been playing upfront.
      HELPING ITALY’S CAUSE
      Perfectionist Mancini reached out to Vio last year – recognising the importance of set-pieces.
      “I was contacted directly by Mancini,” he said.
      “We met up in Bologna, had a chat and shook hands. I started working (with the national team) last September.”
      The fruits of Vio’s labour were clear to see in the Nations League game last September against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
      As Insigne eyed up the free kick, Italy’s stars formed two walls behind the opposition’s wall.
      Italy bamboozled Bosnia’s defenders last September in the Nations League

      Mancini personally called Vio to ask for his coaching helpCredit: EPA
      Andrea Belotti takes one of Italy’s rehearsed set-pieces against AustriaCredit: Getty

      Then, they walked back to an onside position, further bamboozling Bosnia’s players.
      “Mancini knows this is a short, seven-game tournament and set pieces can help decide it,” Zenga said.
      And if they do, and it brings the Euros back to Italy for the first time since 1968, it’ll be thanks to a former banker.
      Belgium vs Italy FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Euro 2020 quarter-final More

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      Rise of Jadon Sancho from South London street football to £73m transfer to Man Utd, via Watford, Man City and Dortmund

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      JADON SANCHO is FINALLY a Manchester United player, after over a year of negotiations between the Red Devils and Borussia Dortmund.The outlay of £73million plus add-ons was enough to convince the Bundesliga giants to part with their prized asset.
      Jadon Sancho’s unmistakable talent was on show from an early ageCredit: Alan Cozzi
      Sancho, far right next to Reiss Nelson, learned the game in South London
      At Watford Sancho honed his skillsCredit: @ ALAN COZZI 07968336683 108 RAILWAY STREET HERTFORD SG 13 7BN
      But back in 2012, well before he became one of Europe’s most exciting prospects at Borussia Dortmund and forced his way into the England’s Euro 2020 squad, Sancho was learning the game in South London.
      He was born in March 2000 to Trinidadian parents, and grew up in Kennington.
      Jadon told Sky Sports: “I was on an estate.
      “There’s a park behind that we called Blue Park, and we used to just go there and for two hours just play mini games, everyone used to get so into it.
      “I used to have all the tricks, nutmeg people, and I was doing it like the older boys.
      “They played properly so they didn’t want to hurt us younger boys. But they thought I was ready to play with them.
      “I’d call myself a street footballer, that’s where I learned my tricks.”
      Sancho is now an England regularCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho pens a deal with Man City in 2015 after leaving the Watford AcademyCredit: Twitter @Sanchooo10
      The youngster’s rise through the ranks has been remarkableCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2010, Sancho starred for Watford at U11 level
      Sayce Holmes-Lewis was a community coach for Southwark Council, who trained Sancho in a team of South London’s most talented kids and grew close with the then 12-year-old and his father, Sean.
      The Sanchos would go and watch Holmes-Lewis play for Lewisham Borough, and he recalled: “Jadon had this little afro, was always smiling.”There was always banter between me and him.
      “I’d say, ‘I bet you can’t do this skill’. I’d show him and by the end of the session he’d got it.
      “It was embarrassing for me because I was almost 30 at the time, had worked on these skills all summer and it took him an hour to master!
      “Jadon was always trying to prove how good he was but in a humble way.”
      Sancho takes on instructions from Watford coach Paul KingCredit: Alan Cozzi
      Jadon Sancho, second from right, stands next to his old coach Sayce Homes-Lewis
      READY FOR ENGLAND
      Sancho, 21, can now be called upon by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate — and vindicated his decision to leave Manchester City in 2017.
      Those who witnessed Sancho on his journey from confident kid from Kennington to one of the Bundesliga’s best, describe him as an affable boy with bags of ability.
      Yet there is one trait that stands out — an unyielding determination to succeed.
      Louis Lancaster, who coached Sancho in Watford’s academy, said: “There’s a great phrase in football that goes, ‘Prepare the player for the pathway’ because it doesn’t change.
      “Jadon scrapped that rule. For him, it was preparing the pathway for the player.
      Manchester City youth star Jadon Sancho scores great goal against Arsenal in youth match
      “He’s moved from South to North with one of the world’s greatest managers and players and he’s got a choice either stay in the Man City Under-23s and not develop or go to another country.
      “How many players would have the courage to do that?”FEARLESS
      Courage is a recurring theme in Sancho’s upbringing — courage in ability, in failure, in resisting temptation and in taking the less trodden path.
      That path began at Watford’s development centre in Battersea, where Holmes-Lewis first came across the young forward in 2007 while visiting a friend who trained the juniors.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “I thought he was a bit spicy in his style. He was skilful when I first saw him at Watford.
      “But he’d developed before we joined up at Southwark, was more dynamic and a standout player. He was doing things way ahead of his age.”
      Dribbling skills were always Sancho’s forteCredit: @ ALAN COZZI 07968336683 108 RAILWAY STREET HERTFORD SG 13 7BN
      He left Manchester City in search of first-team footballCredit: Twitter @Sanchooo10
      Sancho proved himself in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and became one of the most sought-after players in the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      THE NELSON EFFECT
      Sancho played for Southwark district alongside Ian Carlo Poveda, now at Leeds United, and Reiss Nelson, the Arsenal forward who shone on loan at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in the 2018-19 season.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “They were great kids, never on the streets hanging around with the wrong crowd.
      “They had a gift they worked really hard at and they had to focus to progress. And I just loved the banter between Jadon and Reiss.”
      While Sancho has progressed quicker, it was Nelson who was the more talented.
      And Holmes-Lewis said: “When Jadon was ten, the pressure seemed to get to him and that was something Reiss didn’t struggle with.
      “Jadon would get very frustrated very quickly. What we tried to do was instil belief in him that he needs to keep trying.
      How Man United could line-up with ‘done deal’ Sancho as Shearer urges Solskjaer to make Kane and Grealish transfers
      His progress has seen him make a breakthrough in the national sideCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gareth Southgate kept a close eye on his progress in GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Now, Jadon is probably the more assertive and confident and Reiss is behind.”SHOW-OFF
      Sancho’s love for showboating was evident early on as he flicked through YouTube videos of Ronaldinho rather than focus on school work at Watford.
      He was obsessed with football. And Paul Williams, a coach with England U-16s, recalled a time when they were waiting for a flight to Florida ahead of the Nike International Tournament — which they won and Sancho ended up as top scorer.
      He said “You think you can have a conversation with the lads about other stuff but then Jadon just wanted to talk about football.
      “On this occasion, though, I do remember that Jadon had just learned how to do the dab and was teaching all the players and the coaches.
      “We were all sitting in the airport smiling and laughing. That moment captures Jadon perfectly.”

      Fans think Jadon Sancho drops Man Utd transfer hint during Instagram live after ‘sipping water in secret code over move’
      Last season, Sancho scored 16 goals and assisted 20 in all competitonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      One week in 2015 saw that smile disappear. City had made their approach and Sancho had a decision to make.
      Hornets coach Lancaster said: “He wasn’t himself. He was looking stressed.
      “I gave him my spiel and his dad will have, too. But that was it — one day he was gone. This is where his dad has been brilliant, so influential. Although Jadon has done a lot himself, deep down he’ll be grateful for his dad’.”
      FATHER IS KEY
      Like most talented teens, supportive parents are essential and Sancho’s father is widely described as the man who kept his son focused.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “Sean has dedicated himself to Jadon and his development — everything is centred around Jadon.
      “The fact they’ve made it out of the concrete jungle and stayed on track is a credit to them and their parents.
      Jadon Sancho shows his amazing skill as he trains blindfolded at Dortmund
      “This is somewhere where it’s tough. There’s so many distractions with crime, women and being involved in trying to make money. It’s so easy to stray from the track.”
      After City’s renowned scout Joe Shields recommended Sancho to the club, he rose to the next level, playing alongside Phil Foden and Taylor Richards.
      Sancho made the most of City’s state-of-the-art facilities — from the strength and conditioning coaches to the sports psychologist.
      And that may have been what helped him handle the £8m transfer fee Dortmund stumped up, despite Sancho never having played a single first-team game for City.
      Williams believes Sancho’s potential has no limits.
      Paul Williams, Sancho’s former England U16 coach, believes the forward’s future is limitlessCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He said: “The fact that he has that inner belief in himself, in wanting to be the best means he can achieve whatever he wants.”
      Sancho will be following in the footsteps of United’s glorious wingers of the past – from Best to Giggs and most recently Ronaldo.
      Expectation will be high because of his transfer fee, but given his self-confidence it won’t be a problem for the driven kid who went from a council estate to Watford, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and will now grace Old Trafford.
      Rio Ferdinand says Man Utd must seal £230m double transfer for Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho More

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      Ukraine boss Andriy Shevchenko’s wife Kristen is an ex-American model, who posed with the ex-Chelsea star in saucy shoot

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      UKRAINE manager Andriy Shevchenko is the football legend who has won it all – including the heart of a stunning American model.The ex-Chelsea ace, who played for the Blues from 2006 to 2009, has led his country to a quarter-final place at Euro 2020, where they will take on England.
      Andriy Shevchenko, pictured with wife Kristen, has led the Ukraine at the Euros
      Shevcheno and Kristen posed in a sexy photoshoot for GQ in ItalyCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      The photoshoot took place in 2003 when Shevchenko was in his prime at AC Milan
      However, before that – when the now 44-year-old was starring in Italy for AC Milan in the early noughties – he was posing in saucy photoshoots for GQ Italia.
      The 2004 Ballon d’Or winner is married to stunning American model, Kristen Pazik.
      And the men’s lifestyle magazine came up with the genius idea to pair them together for a covershoot. Incidentally, it became GQ Italia’s biggest ever seller.
      Pazik’s father Mike is also a MLB legend, having pitched for the Minnesota Twins in the 1970s and helped Kansas City Royals win the World Series in 2015 as their Major League scout.
      MODEL MISSUS
      Blonde bombshell Kristen, now 42, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is of Polish descent.
      She met Shevchenko at a fashion show in Milan in the early 2000s, where he was one of the best players in the world.
      The pair were instantly smitten, and they appeared topless on the front cover of the Italian version of GQ in a saucy photoshoot in 2003.
      Pazik and Shevchenko’s chemistry can be seen throughout the photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      The semi-naked shoot was an eye-opener for Serie A fansCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Pazik was born in America and is of Polish originCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Shevchenko and Pazik became the glam couple of Italian football after the GQ photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      In the snaps Shevchenko also posed toplessCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Three years after this shoot, Pazik and Shevchenko married in Washington DCCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI

      In the snaps the chemistry between them is seemingly electric, with Shevchenko draped across the semi-naked beauty.
      Other images show a topless Sheva looking suggestively down the lens.
      That issue is GQ Italy’s biggest seller of all-time, and put the super-couple on the map.
      A year later Kristen, who boasts 276-inch pins, and Shevchenko married on a golf course in Washington DC.
      They have four sons, including one boy – Kristian – who is on Chelsea’s books.
      Pazik walks the runway at the Rocco Barocco show during Milan Fashion WeekCredit: Rex Features
      Shevchenko met Kristen in the early noughties when he played for AC MilanCredit: Rex Features
      The pair were cover stars for the Italian version of GQ magazine
      Pazik boasts legs measuring 276 inchesCredit: The Mega Agency
      Shevchenko’s son Kristian, 14, is on the books at Chelsea
      SHE LOVES CHELSEA
      When Shevchenko was to be sold by AC Milan, both Manchester United and Chelsea declared their interest.
      However, the forward’s wife reportedly helped her husband make his mind up.
      Kristen was said to have become close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife Irina, who apparently whisked the beauty around Sloane Square’s glitzy designer boutiques.
      Soon after, Shevchenko chose to move to West London, but he told Gazetta Sport that his wife wasn’t the deciding factor.
      “My wife has nothing to do with this, we decided together for the best interests of our family,” he said.

      Shevchenko and Pazik pose with legendary designer Giorgio ArmaniCredit: Getty Images
      Pazik reportedly influenced Shevchenko to move to Stamford Bridge and was friends with Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife IrinaCredit: Rex Features
      Blonde bombshell Pazik reportedly loved the trendy boutiques West London offersCredit: Rex Features
      In the early days of their romance Shevchenko and Pazik would speak Italian to one anotherCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      “I don’t speak English, my wife does not speak Ukrainian – the only language we have in common at the moment is Italian.
      “The only way to be able to teach our children our love that we have for them is the English language.”
      At the turn of the year, Shevchenko was linked to the Chelsea job but lost out to Thomas Tuchel.
      You can’t help think that one day he might just end up in the managerial seat at Stamford Bridge.
      STRIKE IT LUCKY
      Shevchenko isn’t the only sports star in his family. His father-in-law is a MLB legend.
      Mike Pazik was a pitcher who was a first round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 1971.
      He enjoyed three seasons at Minnesota Twins from 1975-77, then served as a pitching coach for the Chicago White Sox from 1995-98.
      Ukraine boss Shevchenko has managed to get his team into the Euro 2020 quarter-finalsCredit: AP
      Shevchenko and Pazik have been married for 17 yearsCredit: Instagram / @kristenpazik1
      Shevchenko’s father-in-law is baseball legend Mike PazikCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mike Pazik is now the Major League scout at Kansas City Royals

      Pazik is currently working with the Kansas City Royals as a Major League scout.
      In 2015, he helped the team win the World Series for only the second time in their history.
      Will Shevchenko be able to channel his father-in-law’s winning mentality against England?
      Shevchenko and Andersson have ugly touchline row as Sweden manager accuses Ukraine stars of diving in Euro 2020 game More

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      Inside Mancini and Vialli’s 40-year bromance, from strike partners at Sampdoria to leading Italy at Euro 2020

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      AS the final whistle blew at Wembley and Italy had edged past a stubborn Austria side, the sight of two old friends embracing stole the headlines.The inspired extra-time substitutions of Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina that decided the Euro 2020 last-16 with their goals was secondary to Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli sharing a warm hug.
      Gianluca Vialli and Robert Mancini celebrate Italy’s victory over AustriaCredit: Getty
      25 years before Mancini and Vialli shared a unique bond at Sampdoria
      The best friends have known each other for over 40 yearsCredit: Getty
      The pair, both 56, have been best mates for over 40 years. Mancini is now the coach of the national team, while Vialli is officially employed as team leader, although his influence is clearly more than that.
      As players, they tore Serie A defences apart as the ‘Goal Twins’ of Sampdoria, helping the club win their first and only Italian title.
      They would dine together at the now closed Carmine’s in Lombardy, talking football over fish soup. The two would also be seen dancing the night away at Portofino hotspot Carillon.
      Their bromance began at Coverciano, the Italian team’s headquarters, when they were teenagers. Observers immediately noticed the pair had an instant chemisty.
      “Roberto has been my hero since I was 14,” Vialli revealed on Italian TV channel RAI.
      “We met for the first time at Coverciano. People were already talking about him even then. We must have known each other for how long? Forty years? 
      “He had a foot in my goals and I had a foot in his.”
      CONTRASTING FORTUNES
      Vialli was something of a late bloomer. It was around the age of 13 that he began his quest to become a footballer at Cremonese, who were then a Serie C side.
      During that period, Mancini was considered one of the bright sparks of Italian football.
      In the early 80s, Mancini was considered one of the bright talents of Italian footballCredit: Getty
      Vialli began his career at lowly CremoneseCredit: IPS Photo Agency
      He signed for Bologna at 13, reportedly snubbing the advances of AC Milan.
      At 16, Luca was first to make his professional debut with I Grigiorossi, but Roberto didn’t have to wait too long for his – earning a Serie A bow three months before his 17th birthday.
      But it was the latter who would make a huge splash in his debut campaign – scoring nine times in 30 games.
      Mancini, the wonderkid, had caught the attention of Sampdoria’s wealthy and ambitious owner Paolo Mantovani, and was signed alongside Trevor Francis and Liam Brady in the summer of 1982.
      Back in Cremona, Vialli was also making a name for himself. He lead the Cremonese line for four years, helping the club gain promotion to the top flight for the first time in over 50 years.
      A SPECIAL BOND
      Away from their clubs, Vialli and Mancini had begun to form a special bond while on Italian under-21 duty.
      Mancini would repeatedly sell the idea of Sampdoria to Luca, and urged him to make the move to Genoa.
      In 1984, the trick worked. Vialli joined Mantovani’s revolution aged 19 rejecting several offers from major clubs.
      It was the beginning of Sampdoria’s most successful period in their history.
      The pairing of Mancini and Vialli turned Sampdoria into a forceCredit: Getty
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest Italy news and updates from Euro 2020
      In their debut season upfront together, the I Blucerchiati finished in the top four and won the Coppa Italia.
      Memorably, they terrorised the normally unflappable Franco Baresi in the second leg of the final scoring both goals to beat AC Milan.
      Soon, the Italian press would give them their own nickname – the “Goal Twins.”
      Mantovani was so taken by his strike duo, he adopted them as sons and even named his two dogs Roby and Luca.
      Mancini and Vialli used to room together at the Astor hotel, where Sampdoria’s stars would stay the night before a game, and would order midnight feasts of spaghetti alla bucaniera from team chef Giorgio Parri.
      Speaking about their relationship on the pitch to Sky Sports, Vialli revealed: “It came just naturally. When you’ve got this affinity things just happen, you just get on and there’s no jealousy.”
      He added: “Off the pitch it helps if you are friends. If you see things the same way and have the same philosophy in life.
      “And with Roberto it just happened. We were good friends.”
      CHAMPIONS
      More trophies would follow under new boss Vujadin Boškov, including back-to-back Coppa Italia titles in 1988 and 1989, then a European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1990.
      Mancini and Vialli, first and second in the front row, played just a handful of games for ItalyCredit: Getty
      The pinnacle of Vialli and Mancini’s achievements came in 1991 when they won Serie ACredit: Getty
      However, at international level they would only play a handful of games together as a strike duo, with competition for places fierce.
      Mancini would earn just 36 caps for his country during his career, while Vialli managed 59. Perhaps criminally, they only played in one major tournament together – Euro ’88.
      The pinnacle of Mancini and Vialli’s achievements came in 1991, when they were instrumental in landing the Italian championship for Sampdoria.
      Roberto was already showing a nous for leadership behaving like an assistant manager at times during the title-winning campaign.
      While Vialli won the Capocannoniere, Serie A’s Golden Boot, with 19 goals in 26 games.
      The Scudetto triumph would allow Sampdoria to play in the European Cup for the very first time in the 1991-92 season.
      A 112th-minute Ronald Koeman free-kick in the final against Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ broke their hearts in the competition.
      It would be the last time Vialli and Mancini ever played together.
      After the European Cup final in 1992, the pair went their separate ways with Vialli eventually ending up ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Mancini had a brief loan spell at Leicester City before turning to managementCredit: PA:Press Association
      Just two months later, Sampdoria accepted a £13million bid from Juventus for their talisman.
      REUNITED
      Both would appear on our shores at the end of their careers.
      Mancini joined Leicester on loan at 36 in 2001, buoyed by the success of Vialli who had won the hearts of Chelsea fans as a player and manager from 1996-2000.
      Mancini has enjoyed the far better career as manager, winning three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and one Premier League title with Man City, before finally taking on the national team job in 2018.
      As Mancini began his mammoth task of reinvigorating the Azzurri, Vialli was privately taking on his biggest challenge.
      Fighting pancreatic cancer, Luca underwent chemotherapy and lost two-and-a-half stone in weight.
      To hide his illness he wore extra layers and chunky jumpers. His daughters drew his eyebrows on and applied make-up to hide a pale complexion.
      Vialli also studied Asian philosophy and compiled a scrapbook of quotes, mantras and stories to help him through his journey.
      Vialli battled pancreatic cancer from 2018-20 and underwent severe chemotherapy treatmentCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      In 2019, Mancini brought his old pal Vialli back into the international fold as delegation chiefCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It was only fitting that in 2019 Vialli was appointed as delegation chief – a position unfulfilled since Luigi Riva’s retirement in 2013.
      Last November, when Mancini’s assistant Lele Oriali was absent for the Nations League game against Poland, Vialli was seen in the dugout for the first time in nearly 20 years. More importantly, he was alongside his Mancini again.
      “Working with Roberto and the staff is emotional,” Vialli said.
      “He has said that we are becoming old but, for me, working here together will keep us all young.”
      With their victory over Austria, Italy set a new national record of 31 games unbeaten and have become many people’s favourites for the Euros.
      But Vialli, who is now cancer-free, admitted he had no idea his best mate would be such a good manager.
      “Roberto is a great coach, which I honestly did not expect when we were playing together!” he told TV show Notte Azzura.
      “He has created a wonderful atmosphere of confidence and trust in the players, and when a player feels the coach has faith in him, he can walk on water.
      “That’s not all, because Roberto also knows how to instil discipline at the same time.”
      Now, they are reunited on the Italian bench.

      Vialli has admitted he is shocked his pal Mancini has become a great managerCredit: AFP

      “We met 35 years ago and are not just friends, but brothers. We did extraordinary things at Samp, then the rapport consolidated even after we took different paths.
      “Friendship helps you to work better, because you have absolute trust.”
      Should Italy win Euro 2020, expect these two to be jumping up and down in each other’s arms like teenagers again. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Vlada Sedan – wife of Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko who has rowed with Guardiola and is huge TV star at home

      by

      THAT’S why they call it the beautiful game.Stunning Vlada Sedan clearly sets pulses racing when she’s interviewing the planet’s best footballers.
      Vlada Sedan is the stunning Wag of Man City star Zinchenko
      Sedan is a Ukrainian TV presenter
      But the 25-year-old Ukrainian TV reporter has eyes for one man… Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      The two were married in August 2020, a year after Zinchenko proposed to Sedan inside the 70,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Kiev in front of a heart-shaped display of red roses.
      Zinchenko, 24, confirmed his relationship with Sedan following Ukraine’s 5-0 win over Serbia in June 2019 where he planted a kiss on her cheek.
      And he then embraced his partner after Ukraine beat Portugal 2-1 in October 2019 that secured their Euro 2020 qualification.
      Fans were left wondering whether the two were an item for months before Zinchenko’s public display of affection, though his team-mates were well aware of his relationship.
      It’s easy to see why the Premier League star is so enamoured with the beauty.
      And Sedan took to Instagram last week to announce she is pregnant with the pair to become parents for the first time.
      HIS TEAM-MATES KEPT THE ROMANCE SECRET
      Despite her Instagram page alluding to the fact they were a couple, no-one really knew for sure.
      Well no-one except Zinchenko’s Urkrainian and Man City team-mates, who were in on the secret.
      Sedan regularly shares snaps of herself on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Gorgeous Sedan is aged 25Credit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Sedan works as a reporter on Ukraine’s Channel Football 1/2Credit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Zinchenko couldn’t help but plant a kiss on Sedan after an interview following Ukraine’s Euro 2020 qualificationCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      “Some guys knew about it,” he said on Channel Football 1/2.
      “It was also discussed by my Ukrainian team-mates.” We bet, probably with a hint of jealousy.
      FORGET MATCH OF THE DAY
      Sedan reports for Channel Football 1/2, and has interviewed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andriy Shevchenko.
      But it seems she has ambitions to work alongside Gary Lineker, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer on Match of the Day.
      On a visit Manchester to see her beloved, she popped round to the BBC and posed in front of a snap with the footy presenters.
      Sedan has met and interviewed the best footballers on the planet, including Cristiano RonaldoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Sedan boasts over 404,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Sedan has become a regular at the Etihad cheering her beau onCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Match of the Day viewers would love to see Sedan flaunting her assets on the showCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      And she also went to a City game to cheer on her beau, enjoying a quick meeting with his boss Pep Guardiola.
      PEP TALK
      Sedan hit out at Guardiola following City’s Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon last year.
      She questioned the Spaniard’s tactics as Pep opted to start three centre-backs against the Ligue 1 side.
      Speaking on her YouTube channel, Sedan said: “Perhaps I have no right to say this, perhaps Zinchenko will forbid me. But to put it mildly, and in order not to swear, this is completely Guardiola’s fault.
      “At such a crucial moment, making such an experimental tactic for Man City is a bummer.
      “I have no right to criticise, but why play three central defenders when the players themselves take their heads.
      “I simply have no words, because to have such a line-up… look what players play at Man City, what a bench. Literally few clubs in the world can boast such reserves.”
      Zinchenko interrupted his own wedding day to apologise to fans for comments from himself and his wife after Man City’s Champions League exit
      ZINCHENKO APOLOGY
      The incident left Zinchecho to issue a statement on their WEDDING DAY where he admitted his wife was wrong to slam Guardiola.
      It read: “Although my wife is a journalist, she is also a fan. During the season she was travelling with us for all away and home games because she is a massive City fan.
      “In the video you can see her emotions straight after the game and she gave an opinion like all fans do because she wanted us to do better.
      “We totally understand now that she shouldn’t post it on social media because she is my wife. But she was not trying to make a journalist’s opinion on the manager.
      “She was simply reacting to the disappointment as a fan.
      “I’m writing right now from my wedding and instead of enjoying that unbelievable moment I have to do this because I can’t skip it and leave it like that. I hope you understand.”

      TROUBLE & STRIFE
      Zinchenko revealed in February how Guardiola has not yet forgotten Sedan’s rant.
      Sedan alleged that the Spaniard told her footballer husband that the ‘most important thing is to be liked by your wife’.
      She claimed that Guardiola brought up the incident in response to the Ukraine international making a joke on his 50th birthday.

      “Zina (Zinchenko) is always Zina. Firstly compliments, best wishes, but then there must be a fly in the ointment.
      “Zina told him, ‘already 50, old age’. Kidding in his own style. Pep looked at him and said: ‘Alex, the most important for me is to be liked by your wife and all will be okay’…”
      Sedans presenting skills and good looks have won her plenty of admirers in the football worldCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Both Zinchenko and Sedan share loved-up pictures on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Man City fans will certainly hope to see more of Sedan next seasonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en

      FAMILY FORTUNES
      Both Zinchenko and his wife announced they will become parents on social media, much to the delight of their followers.
      And Zinchenko dedicated his goal against Cyprus on Monday to his unborn child by placing a ball under his shirt.
      He then shared the snap on Instagram.

      The England team arrive at basecamp for EURO 2020 More

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      in Soccer

      Best and worst dressed coaches of Euro 2020, from Mancini wearing Giorgio Armani to Enrique’s cargo pants and more

      by

      IT’S not just the players that are style icons.Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of managers getting it right on the touchline by ditching tracksuits and sportswear for smart casual.
      Managers like Robert Mancini have cut a stylish figure on the touchline during Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      And the Euros have provided us with plenty of different looks – from designer suits to trainer and cargo pant combos.
      But which coach is the best dressed at Euro 2020?
      GARETH SOUTHGATE
      At the 2018 World Cup, the England boss sported an M&S waistcoat that flew off the shelves.
      However, in the run-up to the Euros he’s had a suit and polo shirt combo that’s divided some.
      Against Scotland, Southgate acclimatised to the rainy weather by wearing a rain mac.
      But it was against Croatia he looked most dapper – wearing a £680 Percival suit and polka dot tie for our opener.
      Style rating: GOAL
      Gareth Southgate has worn polo shirts during the EurosCredit: Getty
      Southgate looked good in his rain mac against ScotlandCredit: AP
      Against Croatia, Southgate looked dapper in a £680 Percival suitCredit: AFP
      LUIS ENRIQUE
      Marathon runner Luis Enrique looks great in anything – due to a svelte figure maintained by his insane fitness regime.
      And the Spain boss has gone with a smart-but-comfortable look while barking instructions from the touchline.
      The ex-Barcelona boss favours a cargo pant with a shirt tucked in. For footwear, it’s Adidas trainers all the way.
      While against Croatia in the last-16 tie, he swapped the cargo pants for jeans.
      Style rating: GOAL
      Cargo pants are all the rage for Spain boss Luis EnriqueCredit: Rex
      Enrique’s wore Adidas trainers as he patrolled the touchlineCredit: Getty
      Enrique sported jeans rolled-up at the bottom in Spain’s last-16 tieCredit: EPA
      DIDIER DESCHAMPS
      For ex-Chelsea midfielder Deschamps, blue is definitely the colour.
      The France manager prefers to wear an Oxford blue shirt underneath a cobalt blue suit.
      Although it’s loyal to his team’s colours, we have to say as well cut as the suit is it’s just a little dull.
      Style rating: MISS
      Didier Deschamps’ blue on blue is a little dullCredit: Getty
      Deschamps is, at least, loyal to his country’s coloursCredit: AFP
      JOACHIM LOW
      German boss Low has sported a couple of different looks at the Euros.
      Against France, the grey drawstring trousers and navy t-shirt showed he’s not afraid to be contemporary in his style. And kudos for wearing Stan Smith’s too.
      What will have in store when Germany face England?
      Style rating: GOAL
      Joachim Low’s drawstring trousers and Stan Smith’s showed the German can cut a stylish figureCredit: Getty
      Often, Low wears a button down shirt open at the topCredit: Getty
      STEFAN TARKOVIC
      Slovakia crashed out of the Euros in spectacular fashion with a 5-0 thrashing to Spain.
      Perhaps, the players couldn’t take boss Stefan Tarkovic’s tie, waistcoat and £45 Pepe Jeans trainers.
      Oh, he wore jeans too. Doesn’t work, does it?
      Style rating: MISS
      Slovakia boss Stefan Tarkovic paired a dodgy looking tie with a waistcoat, jeans and Pepe Jeans trainersCredit: Getty
      The strange look didn’t inspire his Slovakia team to performCredit: AFP
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      If there’s any manager that screams class, it’s Italy’s Roberto Mancini.
      The health conscious non-drinker, 56, cuts a dashing figure on the sidelines as he orchestrates his team from the dugout.

      And he wears THAT Giorgio Armani suit so well – it makes you forget the haters who originally compared it to a chef’s jacket.
      Scott Parker most certainly would be proud.
      Style rating: GOAL

      Unsurprisingly, it’s Italian manager Roberto Mancini who has been championed for his lookCredit: Reuters
      Giorgio Armani designed the Italians suits for the EurosCredit: Getty
      Southgate says England are well prepared for a penalty with a process that works for them More

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      England and Germany Euro 2020 stars as kids, including an adorable Neuer, goofy Hummels, Arsenal-loving Kane and more

      by

      TONIGHT, England and Germany’s stars will do battle in what promises to be an epic last-16 tie at the Euros.But before they were men, they were just boys dreaming of football stardom.
      Before they were men, kids like Raheem Sterling dreamed of playing in a England v Germany game
      From giant goalie Manuel Neuer to legendary defender Mats Hummels, they all were kids once hoping to make a splash at a major tournament.
      And our Three Lions heroes were no different either! Here’s what England and Germany stars looked like when they children.
      MANUEL NEUER
      With a confident swagger and a touch of arrogance, Neuer is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
      But as a kid, butter wouldn’t melt…
      You can still see the resemblance with his cheeky grin and big wide blue eyes.
      Butter wouldn’t melt in a young Manuel Neuer’s mouthCredit: Instagram @manuelneuer
      Neuer is Germany’s No1Credit: EPA
      JORDAN PICKFORD
      From one No1 to another. Pickford looks equally as cute as Neuer does in his baby photo.
      Toddler Jordan sported a curly blonde mop in this amazing throwback snap.
      In fact, you could say there’s a resemblance between the two keepers – long lost brothers?
      Toddler Pickford sported curly blonde locksCredit: Instagram @jpickford1
      Pickford will be between the sticks for the Three LionsCredit: Getty
      THOMAS MUELLER
      German goal threat Mueller was a boyhood Bayern Munich fan, judging by this photo.
      But the fact the forward is also wearing goalkeeper gloves suggests he might not have discovered his best position upfront until late.
      Still, he was student of the game even then reading up all the stories in a footy manual.
      Thomas Mueller was a boyhood Bayern Munich fanCredit: Instagram @esmuellert
      Mueller will provide Germany’s goal threatCredit: AFP
      JACK GREALISH
      England’s poster-boy for this year’s Euros, Grealish grew up in Birmingham.
      And he’s always been as a cute as a button, wearing his boyhood Aston Villa shirt with pride as a five-year-old.
      However, his hair wasn’t the flowing locks we’re used to seeing, and he preferred a more closed crop cut.
      Five-year-old Jack Grealish grew up in BirminghamCredit: Twitter @JackGrealish
      Grealish now sports flowing locksCredit: Getty
      KAI HAVERTZ
      It wasn’t that long ago that Chelsea’s Havertz, 22, was still a boy.
      He began his youth career with Bayer Leverkusen, who he can be seen playing for.
      Even then Kai is seen running with the ball and looking up for a killer pass.
      Kai Havertz developed his game at Bayer Leverkusen as a boyCredit: Instagram @kaihavertz29
      Havertz, left, is still only 22 but a German regularCredit: AP
      RAHEEM STERLING
      Before he became a superstar at Manchester City, and before that Liverpool, the London-born winger was another hopeful at QPR.
      In 2010, he moved to the Reds from the Hoops for a fee of just £500,000.
      At 15, we saw Sterling showing off his talent on Sky Sports show Soccer AM for their infamous Skill School segment.
      Raheem Sterling appeared on Sky Sports show Soccer AM for their infamous Skill School segment
      Sterling hasn’t changed one bit from his young photoCredit: AP

      MATS HUMMELS
      As a kid, Hummels was treated to ski holidays.
      And he certainly looks like he’s enjoying himself on the slopes, as he’s spotted running on the snow.
      Hummels looks far different to the 6ft 3in centre half that’s dominated the German backline for years.
      Mats Hummels hits the slopes as a kidCredit: Instagram @aussenrist15
      Hummels cuts a different figure now – standing at 6ft 3inCredit: Getty
      HARRY MAGUIRE
      Another towering defender, but on our side, Maguire grew up in Sheffield.
      In this photo, he’s believed to be about five – sporting a trendy bucket cap to shield him from the sun.
      That prominent ‘slabhead’ was there as a youngster.
      Sheffield-born Maguire sports a trendy bucket hat
      Maguire will be charged with keeping the Germans at bayCredit: Getty
      TONI KROOS
      He’s hardly changed at all.
      In fairness, a teen Kroos doesn’t look too different to the Rolls-Royce of a midfielder we see today.
      Standing proudly next to his mum and dad in his local team’s strip, he looks ready to be a footballer.
      Toni Kroos, second from the left, looks every inch a footballer in this throwback snap with his parentsCredit: Instagram @toni.kr8s
      Kroos is a Rolls-Royce of a midfielder todayCredit: AFP
      HARRY KANE
      It’s no secret now that Three Lions captain Kane was an Arsenal fan growing up.

      The England striker even trained with their U8 team as a youngster before switching allegiances to Spurs.
      He even dyed his hair red – he loved the Gunners so much.
      For Spurs fans, though, all his forgiven. And if he’s the match-winner against Germany, he will be painting the town the red.
      England and Tottenham star Kane was infamously an Arsenal fan growing up
      Kane will looking to gun down the GermansCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane dismisses his bad form and says all that matters is that we beat Germany More