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    How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘back-pedal trick’ as Arne Slot perfectly outwitted Pep Guardiola

    LIVERPOOL have one hand on the Premier League title after dismantling champions Manchester City on Sunday.The Reds put in a top away performance as they left the Etihad with a 2-0 win.Mo Salah’s magic saw Liverpool cruise to victory over Man CityCredit: PAAnd there was magic all over the pitch from Arne Slot’s men.But how did Mo Salah bamboozle City with a genius back-pedal trick?And which midfielder carried out Liverpool’s team’s instructions perfectly?SunSport’s tactical expert Dean Scoggins reveals all on our brilliant Tactics Exposed show…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMo Salah has enjoyed a stunning season so farONE MAN WENT TO MOMO SALAH is tactically brilliant. The first thing is this back-pedal thing he does. It sounds easy, but it’s the timing of it and when he does it. When Josko Gvardiol, the Man City left-back, pushes up the field, Salah waits for that to happen when he’s in a space close to Nathan Ake, the left centre-back.When he sees the ball go into a certain area, he back-pedals towards the touchline. He takes a few steps back.It means two things. He’s got the space in front to receive the ball to feet, and also Gvardiol is blindsided. He’s behind him and Ake’s stuck.Most read in FootballDoes Ake go all the way out, leaving space for other Liverpool stars to run? Or does he stay where he is and then give Salah that run?Salah’s roasted him on the outside. The other time Ake did the other option and Jones went bombing through the space, he can’t win.For Szoboszlai’s goal, Salah backs into that position and has Gvardiol with his back to him. If you see the number on the back of someone else’s shirt, you’re winning.Salah then runs into that space, then it’s all about timing. Amazing touch from the ball in the air, a little nudge on Gvardiol and then he backs in and plays it into Szboszlai who runs into the box.Salah’s clever positioning meant City struggled to pick him upHe exploited the space around Gvardiol and AkeWith the disallowed goal where Jones scored, Salah’s wide and Ryan Gravenberch plays a difficult pass.Saslah does the exact thing where he back-pedals into space, then as Gravenberch is about to play him the ball, Salah goes, “Not me, I don’t want it. Turn and play it in behind.”The City defence all come one way and it opens up that running channel for Szoboszlai. You can see those two vertical runners from midfield and in attack the two wide men dragging the defence out.You see Salah’s unbelievable tactical brain to see a situation unfold in front of him and his role in it. We’re talking Lionel Messi levels here, and that’s not an exaggeration.BLOCKERS IN THE SLOTTHIS is straight off the training ground for the first goal. Liverpool are going to take a free corner to the front post, and they’ve got a man running off the front to play the ball around the corner.What’s important here is Andy Robertson is a blocker at the front who stops Kevin De Bruyne getting the ball.There’s also three other blockers on the edge, and City are not marking Salah.Liverpool used clever blockers at set-piecesThis freed up space for Salah to make an impactLiverpool identified City sit just outside the six-yard box, so there’s a huge open space to the edge of the penalty area.Blockers stop the City players coming out, the ball is flicked round the corner, Salah is in loads of space.After the goal, it also created indecision from City so the rest of Liverpool’s set-pieces were very dangerous.City fell for it hook, line and sinker. A bit lucky with the deflection, but you earn your luck.SZO-BOSSING ITSZOBOSLAI was the best player on the pitch other than Salah. He’s the player who carries out the manager’s duties for him.The midfielder breaks from a third-man run. The ball gets played back into Salah’s feet.He pops it back to Trent Alexander-Arnold and they know the ball’s going over the top.Szoboszlai runs into that space for the trick. He’s offside and Ake’s left in there. The focus is on Szoboszlai.Szoboszlai tricked City’s defence with his runsThe ace made sure he was not offside, allowing Salah to sneak in behindThis is like a decoy runner in order for Salah to get in, a ghost run.Then the offside player joins in again. He’s in an offside position, but he’s not offside because he’s not touching the ball, he’s not impacting the play.But what he’s doing is impacting a defender’s ability to defend Salah. He goes into that space, Gvardiol turns his back and Ake comes across.They all think it’s offside and slow down, but as the ball’s in the air, Salah then runs.Salah’s onside and takes the ball, Szoboszlai peels off, gets into the space and Salah gives him the ball — goal.It’s a new phase of play, Salah’s not offside, City all drop off. There’s a big space in front and Jones also blocks Khusanov. Just brilliant.IT’S 4-4-2 AGAINOLD school stuff. A big reason Liverpool are top is Arne Slot can adapt his formation to play against whatever he’s facing.This was 4-4-2 out of possession, so no striker. Salah on the right, Diaz on the left.But with no striker they played Jones and Szboszlai as vertical runners, the two up front.Liverpool’s versatility saw them switch to a 4-4-2 shapeThey remained solid despite players changing positionsGravenberch and Mac Allister could then separate with Jones and Szoboszlai coming into the two.And it meant the attacking players then were the wingers. So four defensive players keeping it compact in the middle, with Diaz and Salah the outballs.It was lovely from Slot, Liverpool were so comfy out of possession and were actually more dangerous because they move out of their positions and then go. VAN DIJK STOPS CITY ATTACKYOU could see Van Dijk and Slot communicating early on.They know what they’re doing. There was a message from the bench, and it was as simple as: Virgil, you go.Phil Foden was kept far away from Liverpool’s goal by Virgil van DijkVan Dijk doesn’t normally do that. He marshals that back line and stays in it. But this time he was told to go out and engage Phil Foden.He was told: Don’t be frightened to go out and do it. Konate is going to cover the space for Omar Marmoush to run in behind.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt evolved into Mac Allister dropping into pockets that Foden was picking up, so Van Dijk’s coming one way and Mac Allister’s blocking the space.In the second half they even sacrificed Salah going forward for some defending as well. It was the perfect away performance. More

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    Sheffield United 1 Leeds 3: Farke’s side dreaming of Premier League promotion as epic comeback sends them 5 clear at top

    THERE is no Leeds falling apart again after they brilliantly came from behind for a second Monday in a row to beat a promotion rival.Daniel Farke’s side moved five points clear after Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe all scored late to secure a famous Yorkshire derby victory at Bramall Lane.Leeds moved five points clear in the Championship with a 3-1 win at Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyLeeds were 1-0 down before scoring three late goalsCredit: RexLeeds are now five points in front of Sheffield United, who had bossed most of the game until the final 25 minutes but failed to add to an unfortunate 14th-minute Illan Meslier own goal.That is now 19 games since Leeds lost a Yorkshire derby – to United’s bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in January 2020.Leeds are now unbeaten in 16 Championship games – with 11 wins and five draws — having not lost since Blackburn turned them over in November.Pascal Struijk returned to the team after coming off the bench to score twice in a 2-1 comeback win over Sunderland at Elland Road last Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIllan Meslier had Leeds’ hearts in mouths twice in the opening 10 minutes.First a long throw was lofted in and the keeper dropped the ball before managing to collect at the second attempt.But then he claimed to have been clattered as he came out to punch the ball and Ilia Gruev superbly headed the ball off the line.Yet there was no stopping the Blades from moving in front.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBen Brereton Diaz’s cross was superb and Callum O’Hare’s flicked header was outrageous, sending it over the top of Meslier.He made a stunning save to push the ball on to the bar. The ball bounced down and Tyrese Campbell headed the ball on to the right post but the ball hit the back of Meslier to deflect it over the line.Tottenham star Archie Gray’s younger brother Harry scores ton of wondergoals for Leeds academy as he looks to be latest star in Elland Road family dynastyAnd the hosts should have doubled the lead when O’Hare just failed to reach another quality cross into the box — this time from Harrison Burrows.Firpo then made a crucial interception just before O’Hare was set to pounce on a Campbell cross.But James wasted a good opening when Brenden Aaronson fed the winger. He cut inside but shot wildly off target.Leeds made their best move of the game and should have levelled seven minutes before the break.The hosts took the lead after just 14 minutesCredit: GettyAn own-goal from Illan Meslier put Leeds on the back footCredit: ReutersManor Solomon took down a perfect long pass from Struijk on the left side of the box and with Harry Clarke and Burrows at sixes and seven he shot straight at the keeper. He had a simple squared pass to Firpo, who was fuming with his team-mate.Chris Wilder brought on Hamza Choudhury for Harry Clarke at the break.And the Blades regained control of proceedings.Leeds powered back 20 minutes from time through Junior FirpoCredit: PAAo Tanaka then put the visitors ahead in the 89th minuteCredit: RexCampbell was sent clear past Joe Rodon but Meslier managed to get to the ball first and keep it in the area as he slide in.Leeds brought on Mateo Joseph and Joe Rothwell for Aaronson and Gruev.Souza had a dig from 25-yards but it was straight down Meslier’s throat.The visitors twice appealed for penalties.Joel Piroe made sure of the result a minute laterCredit: PAIt was heartache for the Blades as Leeds pulled clearCredit: GettyJames went down under a challenge from Jack Robinson but it was fanciful to think they would get a spot kick.Then ex-Blades Jayden Bogle’s cross struck the arm of Burrows — but ref David Webb ruled it was not in an unnatural position.Leeds had a glorious chance to level when Solomon from 16 yards half volleyed over the bar.And, against the run of play, they got it.READ MORE SUN STORIESJames provided the cross and Firo powered a header past Cooper to spark wild scenes in the away end.Piroe then forced Cooper into a fine low save to his right and kept out a powerful Wilfried Gnonto. More

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    Istanbul derby SUSPENDED as Fenerbahce fans throw flares into Galatasaray end and police forced to intervene

    GALATASARAY and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was interrupted after a raft of flares were thrown in the stands.The historic clash between the two bitter rivals had everything except goals as the two Istanbul foes played out a goalless draw at the RAMS Park.Galatasaray and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was halted in IstanbulCredit: AFPFenerbahce fans repotedly threw flares towards Galatasaray supportersCredit: ReutersThe derby was halted on 52 minutes by the refereeCredit: RexTrouble erupted despite the presence of 30,000 police officersCredit: GettyMourinho had to settle for a pointCredit: GettyTensions were sky high before kick-off as the two sets of players refused to shake hands after making their way on to the pitch.And Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic had to interrupt the clash in the 52nd minute due to crowd trouble.According to Hurriyet, Fener fans threw flares towards rival supporters.Scary scenes ensued despite the strict security measures which saw a reported 30,000 police officers on duty at the game.Read More on FootballHowever, the match was restarted after the authorities intervened and regained control.Jose Mourinho’s side were desperate for the three points to cut down the deficit with Galatasaray.And the visitors almost pulled it off on 67 minutes with the biggest chance of the match.Fenerbahce star Filip Kostic delivered a corner-kick that was met by Alexander Djiku’s header.Most read in FootballHowever, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera produced a stunning double save as he denied Djiku and then Edin Djeko who came close to scoring from the rebound.Mourinho’s men, who will face Rangers in the Europa League’s last 16, are now in second place with six points separating them from the top.Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray are now favourites to win a third successive Super Lig title. More

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    Thomas Tuchel holds talks with Arsenal star Ben White over shock England recall after three-year exile from squad

    BEN WHITE has held talks with Thomas Tuchel over a potential England return.The Arsenal right-back has not played for the Three Lions since March 2022 following an alleged falling out with former assistant Steve Holland at the Qatar World Cup.Ben White has not played for England in almost three yearsCredit: GettyTuchel will name his first Three Lions squad within weeksCredit: AFPSince then, White, 27, has ruled himself out of selection for the national team – missing the run to the Euro 2024 final in Germany under Gareth Southgate last summer.But Tuchel – who officially began work as England boss on January 1 after his October 2024 appointment – has made contact with White to determine whether he should include him in next month’s World Cup qualifiers squad.England face Albania on March 21 before taking on Latvia on March 24.German coach Tuchel has spent the first seven weeks of his reign attending more than 20 live games across Europe and speaking to players in person or over video calls – including White.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking at the 2026 World Cup draw back in December, Tuchel confirmed that he would reach out to White and that has now happened.It is unknown what was said in the pair’s chat, as well as whether Arsenal would allow the player to join up with England having only just returned from a three-month lay-off after knee surgery.White, 27, flew home from the Qatar World Cup after a fall-out with Three Lions coach Steve HollandCredit: GettyBut Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said back in March 2024: “As manager I want the best for him, personally and professionally, and he really needs to feel it.“Hopefully he’s prepared to represent his country in the best way possible one day. That would be the best option for everybody. But that’s completely up to him.”Most read in FootballWhite would be competing with the likes of Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Tino Livramento, but offers great versatility as a right-back, centre back and midfielder.He has four caps, and made his senior debut on June 2, 2021 in a pre-Euros friendly against Austria. He was not included in the final squad before a late call-up for the injured Alexander-Arnold.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidIn England’s Qatar World Cup camp, White left early for “personal reasons” without making a single appearance – with it later being put down to a comment Holland made to him in front of the rest of the squad.Upon returning to play for Arsenal, White was abused from stands in the Premier League with chants of: “You let your country down.”Southgate – who resigned after the Euro 2024 final 2-1 defeat to Spain – later stressed it had nothing to do with the player’s relationship with Holland.James Maddison is hoping for a return to the England fold in next month’s internationalsCredit: ReutersSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024James Maddison is among those hoping for an England recall too, while Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner urged the new boss to hand Eberechi Eze a place in the squad.Speaking after Saturday’s win over Fulham, Glasner said: “I have known him for a year now and he has a lot of potential. If he shows this then he has the potential to be a starter for England.”In the last weeks and months, he’s had some struggles with injuries and it is now about supporting him to get back into his best shape.” More

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    Chelsea star Marc Cucurella reveals he watches same classic film twice every single day

    MARC CUCURELLA has revealed he watches the same classic film with his family TWICE a day, EVERY day.The Chelsea star, 26, has cemented himself as a key man under Enzo Maresca this season following a £62million move from Brighton in 2022.Marc Cucurella has revealed his favourite filmCredit: ReutersThe ace named a surprise flick that he watches with his young familyCredit: Instagram @cucurella3Cucurella has played 29 times for the Blues since leading Spain to Euros glory last summer.And he is determined to help Chelsea get back on track for a top four finish after a disastrous run of form.Off the pitch, Cucurella is just as committed to the cause, playing the role of doting dad and partner.The ex-Barcelona and Brighton man has been with girlfriend Claudio Rodriguez since 2018.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey met when Cucurella was still at the Nou Camp.And she moved with him to the UK when he joined Brighton in 2021.They share three children together in Mateo, Rio and Claudia.But looking after his young family means Cucurella has been left with a limited options of movies to watch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd one classic film for kids gets played regularly in his household as a result.Speaking to TNT Sports, Cucurella revealed that his favourite film is none other than Disney epic The Lion King.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him The original Lion King came out in 1994, with its remake released in 2019Credit: RexThe original movie was released in 1994, four years before Cucurella was born, and follows lion Simba as he avenges his father’s death at the hands of his uncle Scar.And with his young children loving the movie too, Cucurella admits that The Lion King gets played several times a day in his house.The ace said: “(My favourite film?) The Lion King.“I watch it maybe twice each day, so I want to choose this one.” More

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    Sheffield Utd 1 Leeds 3 LIVE RESULT: Visitors score late double via Tanaka and Piroe to extend lead at the top – updates

    LEEDS UNITED extend their lead at the top of the Championship summit to five points. Both Sheffield United and Leeds United entered the Yorkshire blockbuster to secure top spot as they gun for automatic promotion back into the Premier League. Just before the 15-minute mark, the Blades made good on their fast start as Tyrese Campbell capitalise on indecisive defensive work from the visitors following a reactive stop onto the bar from Illan Meslier to head the ball off the keeper and into the net. After back-and-forth action, Leeds’ left back Junior Firpo rose highest in a crowded box to met a dinked-in Dan James cross and bury his header from six yards out. A quick-fire double in the space of a minute ensured Daniel Farke’s side their lead. First from Ao Tanaka who nodded at the back post from a corner on the 89th minute and followed by Joel Piroe’s pile-driver around the edge of the box that whizzed into the top corner. Sheffield Utd XI: Cooper; Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Peck, Souza; Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare, Brereton-Diaz; CampbellLeeds XI: Cooper; Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Peck, Souza; Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare, Brereton-Diaz; CampbellBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Leeds marching onThat’s all from us tonight. A decisive day in the Championship promotion race ends with Leeds well clear at the top.They faded away from the top two last season but are on course to right the wrongs from last season.As for Sheffield United, they have Burnley breathing down their necks with Scott Parker’s side looking imperious in defence.It promises to be some race over the last 12 matches.Copy linkCopiedFarke shares his thoughtsLeeds boss Daniel Farke said after the match: “You have to say we played a strong opponent and it was a tight game.”For the first 25 minutes they were by far the better side and we were a bit too nervous, not brave and how we conceded the goal was not us.”But from minute 25 we started to play football and gained more control.”When you win against the top sides in this league it’s good for confidence but it’s just three points and if we stop winning points now we won’t finish where we want to finish so we have to stay humble, grounded and disciplined.”Copy linkCopiedHow the table shapes upLeeds’ win means they are now seven points above third place Burnley, who are chasing down Sheffield United.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 Leeds – FTLeeds goalscorers Piroe and Firpo shared their thoughts at full-time and revealed they had faith they could pull off a comeback.Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 LeedsPiroe finished the match off in style with a rocket from distance.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 LeedsFT. A valuable three points for Leeds who move five points clear at the top of the Championship.A massive win for Daniel Farke’s side who are well on course for a return to the Premier League.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 Leeds90. A brilliant finish to the game as Leeds finally get the reward their performance deserves.Sheff Utd took their foot off the gas after the half-hour mark and have been made to pay.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 Leeds90. Leeds break through James once again. He finds Piroe who has time and space to let fly from the edge of the box.It is a fantastic hit from Piroe and Cooper gets a glove on the ball but there is no way he was going to stop that rocket.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Sheff Utd 1-3 Leeds90. And that seals it! Piroe with an absolute thunderbolt.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-2 Leeds89. Incredible scenes. Rothwell’s corner causes problems.Firpo again wins it in the air and flicks it to the back post where Tanaka is on hand to head the ball into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal!!! Sheff Utd 1-2 Leeds89. Tanaka gets it! Surely the winner!!Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds88. What.a.save.Cooper leaps to his left and just about gets his finger tips to keep out Gnonto’s curling effort. Superb play from both.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds87. This game is very end to end now but the Blades need to be careful as Leeds look very dangerous on the counter attack.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds84. Fantastic one touch football from Leeds allows Piroe to break.He bears down on goal and unleashes a powerful shot that Cooper does well to save down to his left.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds83. Leeds go down the other end, Firpo’s low cross is dangerous and ends up at Piroe, whose shot finds Cooper.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds81. Great save from Meslier to deny Cannon’s header from the corner!Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds80. Sheff Utd finally get their foot on the ball again and are starting to re-assert themselves in this match.They are being patient for an opening but keeping the ball well and win a corner.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds77. Hamer almost gets in behind the Leeds defence but Rodon gets across brilliantly to snuff out the danger.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds75. Leeds look well up for this now and without changes Sheffield United are facing the prospect of hanging on for a point.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds72. Firpo earned the Blades a few minutes ago with a header that went over.This time he makes no mistake as he makes a run into the box unmarked, meets James’ cross and heads beyond Cooper.Game on!Copy linkCopiedGoal! Sheff Utd 1-1 Leeds72. Firpo heads in to equalise!Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-0 Leeds71. Leeds have three goes and eventually Joseph fires over.Solomon first cuts inside and his shot is headed out brilliantly, Rodon follows up and his effort is blocked.The ball falls to Joseph who has the easiest chance of the lot but he smashes well over.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-0 Leeds70. Leeds attack three on two but James can’t find a team-mate with his cross, but wins a corner instead.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-0 Leeds69. Leeds beginning to pile the pressure on.Solomon puts in a teasing cross that is begging to be turned in but there are no attackers there to meet it.Copy linkCopied More

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    Meet stunning DAZN presenter Eleonora Incardona who has been hailed as the ‘next Diletta Leotta’ and dates a footballer

    ITALIANS are spoiled when it comes to their football presenters.And they don’t come any more beautiful than DAZN host Eleonora Incardona.Eleonora Incardona is the new face of DAZN’s coverage of Italian footballCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eleonoraincardona/Stunning Eleonora was a former model and is now an influencerCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora is followed by 1.1 million fans on InstagramCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaGlamorous Diletta Leotta is DAZN’s usual Italian football presenterCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe pretty brunette regularly turns heads when she’s reporting on the touchline at stadiums including the San Siro in Milan and the Allianz Stadium in Turin.It’s led to admirers hailing her as the “next Diletta Leotta” as the 34-year-old continues to grow her fanbase.On Instagram she has over one million followers who stay tuned to her glam life on and off the pitch.That includes dating Italian international Samuele Ricci, who stars for Torino.Read more football newsSunSport invites you to get to know a bit more about Eleonora in case you haven’t been tuning into Serie A (until now). Sicilian beautyEleonora hails from Sicily, where inhabitants are considered hot-blooded by their fellow Italians.But it’s the gorgeous former model who stirs emotions.She graduated in law and appeared destined for a life in the courtroom.Most read in FootballHowever, in 2010 she appeared in the Miss Italia competition and it changed her life forever.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast She scored modelling gigs and it appeared her life was set as an influencer.However, her calling with presenting came when Sportitalia offered her a job in her homeland.Last year, DAZN brought her into the mainstream when she began hosting their Giro d’Italia coverage.But it was no surprise that the streaming giant encouraged her to try her hand at football.Eleonora made her debut for DAZN this monthCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaPretty brunette Eleonora was a former Miss Italia contestantCredit: GettyPresenting soon became Eleonora’s dream jobCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaread more sport featuresMaking a splashEarlier this month, DAZN’s viewers were treated to Eleonora’s talents.She stepped in for Diletta Leotta to present the channel’s coverage of Juventus against Inter Milan.Comments online called her “the new Diletta” – with some even suggesting she could replace the regular host.Most recently, she spoke about football being her real passion.She told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The stadium is something special for me.“The opportunity to be close to the action, to study the details, to understand what is happening by listening to the voices of the protagonists, gives something extra that is difficult to explain.”Obviously, I cannot forget the first matches I saw live in Catania.”Beautiful Eleonora wowed fans with her stunning outfit during her DAZN debutCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eleonoraincardona/Beauty Eleonora was hailed by fans for her appearanceCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaWith her stunning looks, Eleonora has been likened to Diletta LeottaCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaIntriguing love lifeIt’s not just Eleonora’s professional life that is thriving.She is currently in a romance with Italian international midfielder Ricci.They went public with their relationship on Instagram in 2024.Astonishingly, Eleonora was engaged to Diletta Leotta’s stepbrother Mirko Manolo before she met Ricci.READ MORE SUN STORIESEleonora shows off her trendy side at the Allianz StadiumCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora is in a romance with an Italian footballerCredit: InstagramTorino star Samuele Ricci and Eleonora went public with their romance in 2024Credit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora was once engaged to Diletta Leotta’s stepbrotherCredit: InstagramShe revealed in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am very happy with him. I met him in one of the most complicated periods of my life.”I was only thinking about work to distract myself from everything else. And instead I met a wonderful person, with sound principles and strong values.” More

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    Brazil icon’s 18-year-old son making his own way in football as he seals transfer to European club

    BRAZIL icon Adriano’s 18-year-old son is making his own way in football after sealing a transfer to a European club.Adriano Carvalho is still in his teens but is now looking to cement his status as a potential superstar.Adriano Carvalho has signed for Portuguese club Academica de CoimbraCredit: X @serranofc_rjHe is the son of football icon AdrianoCredit: GettyThe youngster has been playing for Serrano in his native Brazil since 2022.But now he has penned a deal taking him to Portugal.Adriano Carvalho has signed a contract with Academica de Coimbra.They play in the third tier of Portuguese football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he is now hoping to emulate his dad’s success in Europe.Adriano, 43, was considered to be the next big thing when he burst onto the scene with Flamengo in 2000.After spells at Inter Milan and Fiorentina, he banged in 23 goals in just 18 months for Parma before rejoining Inter in 2004.Adriano ended up scoring 83 goals in six years at the San Siro, while also winning three titles and two Italian Cups.Most read in FootballBut fitness issues and the death of his father sparked a sharp decline in performances as Adriano’s star faded quickly while goals dried up.The latter stages of his career took the striker to Sao Paulo, Flamengo, Roma, Corinthians, Atletico Paranaense and finally Miami United.Brazil legend Adriano seen partying in the street with no shoes on weeks before returning to play one last match at 42Adriano was one of the world’s most feared strikers at Inter MilanCredit: GettyHe also enjoyed success with BrazilCredit: GettyAdriano, who retired in 2016, also played 48 times for Brazil. He netted 27 goals for his country while winning the Copa America in 2004.Adriano admits he has been living a party lifestyle ever since and described himself as “football’s biggest waste” in November.He said: “Do you know what it feels like to be a promise? I know. “Including an unfulfilled promise. Football’s biggest waste: Me. “I like that word, waste. Not only because of how it sounds, but because I’m obsessed with wasting my life.”I’m fine like this, in frantic waste. I enjoy this stigma.”Adriano’s career statsFlamengo, 2000-2001: 59 games, 16 goalsInter Milan, 2001: 14 games, 1 goalFiorentina (loan), 2002: 15 games, 6 goalsParma, 2002-2004: 44 games, 26 goalsInter Milan, 2004-2009: 163 games, 73 goalsSao Paulo (loan), 2008: 29 games, 17 goalsFlamengo, 2009-2010: 51 games, 34 goalsRoma, 2010: 8 games, 0 goalsCorinthians, 2011-2012: 7 games, 2 goalsAtletico Paranaense, 2014: 4 games, 1 goalMiami United, 2016: 1 game, 1 goalBrazil, 2000-2010: 48 games, 27 goalsTrophiesFlamengo: Serie A, Campenoato CariocaInter Milan: Serie A x3, Coppa Italia x2, Italian Supercup x3Corinthians: Serie ABrazil: U17 World Cup, South American Youth Championship, Copa America, Confederations Cup More