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    Gianluigi Buffon’s son, 17, handed professional debut by his former team-mate just two years after Italy icon retired

    LOUIS Buffon, the son of Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon, made his professional debut for Serie B side Pisa.Buffon, 17, was handed his first senior minutes by Gianluigi’s former team-mate and Pisa boss Filippo Inzaghi.Louis Buffon made his professional debut for Serie B side Pisa on SundayBuffon Jr got the nod after impressing for Pisa’s under-17 and under-19The Pisa winger is the son of Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi BuffonFilippo Inzaghi and Buffon spent most of their careers at JuventusUnlike his legendary father, who made more than 1000 senior appearances as a goalkeeper, Louis operates as a left winger.He was introduced as a late substitute in Pisa’s 3-2 defeat at Spezia, replacing Marius Marin in the 84th minute on Sunday.Buffon Jr got the nod after impressing for Pisa’s under-17 and under-19 sides this season, scoring four goals in 19 appearances.Pisa, who are second in the table, are looking to return to the top flight for the first time since 1991.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDad Buffon retired from football with Serie B side Parma in 2023 at the age of 45.Inzaghi and Buffon spent most of their careers at Juventus and also played together on the Italy national team. It comes weeks after the teenager’s first international under-18 call up.Turin-born Louis recently elected to represent the Czech Republic, where his mother is from, at under-18 level.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLouis would still be available to eventually play for Italy, with only senior competitive caps cementing a national team position for a footballer’s entire career.Dad Buffon played 176 times for his country before retiring in 2018, helping them win the World Cup in 2006.Watch Italy and Juventus goalkeeper legend Gianluigi Buffon prove he is also the GOAT of Rock, Paper, Scissors at ParmaGianluigi is the most capped player in the history of the national team and fourth-most capped European international player ever.The shot-stopper won 28 honours for club and country, as well as over 70 individual awards in his 28-year-long career. Buffon started at Parma in 1995 and won an Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and Uefa Cup before joining Juventus in 2001.He made 656 appearances for the Bianconeri, winning nine Serie A titles, a Serie B title, five Italian Cups and six Italian Super Cups.Buffon then made a surprise move to Paris Saint-Germain for the 2018/19 campaign, playing 25 times and winning the Ligue 1 title before returning to Juventus.He made a further 29 appearances in Turin while winning a tenth Serie A title before rejoining Parma in 2021. More

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    ‘They wear you down’ – Romelu Lukaku reveals lengths Chelsea went to to get rid of him

    ROMELU LUKAKU has opened up about his Chelsea departure, admitting he was completely frozen out of the squad.The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in a huge £97.5million transfer from Inter Milan back in 2021 – seven years after initially leaving Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku has opened up about his Chelsea exitCredit: GettyThe striker now plays for Napoli having completed a permanent move last summerCredit: ReutersAfter a promising start, his form began to drop and Lukaku quickly fell out of favour as a result of a bombshell interview whereby he revealed he was unhappy.He was subsequently sent out on two successive loan spells before completing a permanent transfer to Napoli for £38m.Now, seven months on from his exit, Lukaku has opened up about what happened in his final months in West London.The Belgium international told Corriere dello Sport: “I wasn’t alone at Chelsea. Aubameyang and Ziyech were also out of the project. Read More in Football”They made us change in the youth locker room. It’s business, the club tells you it doesn’t want you anymore and often also where you’ll end up.”But if you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down. “Clubs have relationships with the media, and it doesn’t take much to put a player in a difficult position or create the wrong image. “Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would. One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them.”Most read in FootballThe striker also claimed that he was misinterpreted by fans and pundits during his time at Stamford Bridge.He continued: “In England they had the wrong idea. For them I was lazy, but I never reacted to the attacks.Conference League last 16 draw sees Chelsea face Copenhagen “I am someone who does his job and then goes home. “In Italy the opinion has been reversed, here I am a worker. Now I am better than when I was at Inter.”Lukaku has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 27 appearances for Napoli so far this season. More

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    Inter Milan manager’s gesture backfires horribly after shock intervention in Champions League penalty decision

    SIMONE INZAGHI’S hand gesture backfired after his chosen player MISSED a penalty against Feyenoord in the Champions League.With Inter Milan 2-0 up, goalscorer Marcus Thuram drew a foul in the box after Jeyland Mitchell clipped the back of the Frenchman’s leg in the 63rd minute.Inter Milan boss Inzaghi’s gesture backfired after his chosen player scuffed a penalty against FeyenoordPiotr Zielinski missed out on the chance of putting Inter 3-0 upCredit: ReutersAfter initially waving on, referee Espen Eskas overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor.The camera panned to Inter boss Inzaghi who was holding seven fingers up to his players waiting near the penalty spot.He was indicating he wanted midfielder Piotr Zielinski to take the spot-kick in the first-leg of their last-16 clash.That’s despite talismanic striker Lautaro Martinez still being on the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, in a dramatic turn of events, Zielinski’s limp shot was easy kept out by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.Inzaghi’s mistimed intervention came about because No.1 penalty taker Hakan Calhanoglu was sitting on the bench.Zielinski had just returned to the starting line up at the expense of former Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Martinez scored his penalty in Argentina’s shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was also due to take the fifth spot-kick for Argentina in the final against France, but his country had already claimed a 4-2 win before his turn came.Martinez doubled Inter’s lead in the 50th minute, after Thuram grabbed their opener.Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Zielinski had scored his last two spot-kicks, both in the same game in a 4-4 thriller against Juventus in Serie A in October.Usual penalty taker Halhanoglu has endured a torrid time in 2025 and was benched after coming off injured during Inter’s 1-1 draw against title rivals Napoli. More

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    Famous European stadium named after football legend could be DESTROYED with 10,000 seats too dangerous to use

    A FAMOUS European stadium named after a football legend could be destroyed after 10,000 seats were deemed too dangerous to use.The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was known as the San Paolo before being renamed in honour of Argentina legend Diego Maradona in December 2020.The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona could be destroyed with 10,000 seats unsafe to useCredit: GettyThe famous arena plays host to Italian giants NapoliCredit: GettyAnd after building work first started in 1948, it has been the home of Italian giants Napoli since 1959.The stadium has since undergone several renovations, first in 1990 and again in 2019.The Stadio Maradona now holds 54,725 supporters.But before the last renovation, it held even more with a capacity of 64,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn entire ‘ring’ of 10,000 seats had to be closed off from supporters due to vibrational problems when metal fencing was replaced by glass.And Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is now reportedly looking to increase numbers to boost income.The Serie A giants will look at ways they can fix the closed ring.But De Laurentiis’ real dream is said to be the construction of an entirely new stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt could go hand-in-hand with several other sporting upgrades in the area, including a new sports hall and improved public transport.But that would mean the Stadio Maradona would be demolished entirely.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldThe space would then be used for a new arena plus various area upgrades.And Gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of Naples, has already given the green light if De Laurentiis opts for a demolition job. More

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    ‘Next Diletta Leotta’ sends pulses racing with busty display all in red as fans call DAZN presenter a ‘fairy tale’

    ELEONORA INCARDONA saw red for vibrant conduct as the colourful TV presenter dazzled fans yet again.The DAZN host oversaw coverage of second-placed Napoli against leaders Inter Milan in Serie A.Eleonora Incardona was in Naples for a huge clashCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaShe flashed a brolly despite little sign of rainCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaEleonora has been dating Torino ace Samuele RicciCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaOne fan called her scarlet look ‘breathtaking and enchantingCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaBoyfriend Ricci has six Italy caps and was once linked with ArsenalCredit: GettyShe shared pitchside snaps of herself in a crimson skirt-and-jacket suit, with a matching red top underneath.And her 1.1million Instagram followers appeared to believe her display was a bright as the dramatic 1-1 draw on the field.Incardona is dating Torino’s Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci.And although she might be impartial as a broadcaster, her army of admirers have no such worries in sharing their adoration for the 35-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan called her a “fairy tale” while another went with “Red Queen”.And she’s regularly described as the “next Diletta Leotta” – a reference to her fellow DAZN presenter.But Leotta had one eye on the German second tier this weekend rather than the Italian top flight.That’s because she was in the stands at Schalke as her husband, ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius, made his debut for the fallen giants – after 371 days without playing a single game.Most read in FootballLeotta has 9.1m Instagram admirers – but Incardona’s rise cannot be dismissed, even if she did show red to her fans.One follower said the Italian was “breathtaking and enchanting”.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast Another told her: “You are simply divine, gorgeous Eleonora.”Meanwhile, there was also a fairy tale on the pitch – in the finale.Federico Dimarco curled a brilliant free-kick opener for Inter.But after ex-Manchester United stars Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay almost levelled, on-loan Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing finally slotted a late equaliser.Billing might not have been in the red of the Cherries – but off the field Incardona more than made up for that.A glimpse into the life of the social media hit… Eleonora shows off her trendy side hereCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora is in a romance with an Italian footballerCredit: InstagramTorino star Samuele Ricci and Eleonora went public in 2024Credit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora was once engaged to Diletta Leotta’s stepbrotherCredit: Instagram More

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    ‘Even his AC Milan team-mates avoid him’ – Chelsea loanee Joao Felix branded ‘disaster’ by Italian press

    CHELSEA loanee Joao Felix is reportedly being iced out on the pitch by his AC Milan team-mates.Felix has endured a torrid first month on loan in Italy and was even branded a “disaster” after Milan’s 2-1 defeat to Bologna.Joao Felix has reportedly been iced out on the pitch by his AC Milan team-matesCredit: GettyThe Italian press has laid into the Chelsea loanee after AC Milan’s recent lossCredit: GettyFelix played 61 minutes in his side’s 2-1 away defeat to Torino on Saturday before being replaced by Riccardo Sottil.And Italian outlet Corriere della Sera described the Portuguese forward as “the worst on the pitch” after Milan’s second consecutive loss.Felix joined Milan on loan from Chelsea on deadline day during the January transfer window.But his form has been largely abject since scoring a delicate chip inside 12 minutes on his debut for the club.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe once £113million player (from Benfica to Atletico Madrid) has failed to score or assist in his five subsequent appearances, despite starting every game.And criticism reached an all-time high following his below par performance against Bologna.Corriere della Sera wrote: “He is neither seen nor heard. He doesn’t make a single move, even his team-mates avoid him.” The result leaves Milan seventh in the table, eight points adrift of the top four.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFelix loan move came about despite only joining the Blues permanently in the summer, penning a deal until 2031.Just five months ago Chelsea paid £45m to sign him from Atletico Madrid.Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to show trust after BlueCo protest With the club currently missing out on European qualification, Italian journalist Fabio Ravezzani has slammed Felix on social media.In a post on X, Ravezzani wrote: “Everything is going wrong at Milan.”Joao Felix is ​​as handsome as he is useless, Malick Thiaw is no better than Fikayo Tomori and taking off Rafael Leao, unless he is injured, is foolish.” Manager Sergio Conceicao has won eight of his 15 matches in charge across all competitions.He was unable to keep Milan in the Champions League last week, though.The seven-time winners were knocked out by Feyenoord, losing 2-1 on aggregate to the Arne Slot’s former Dutch side.If nothing else changes, Felix is set to return to Chelsea in the summer. More

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    Lautaro Martinez facing ban for BLASPHEMY as Inter Milan star says ‘this accusation bothered me a lot’

    LAUTARO MARTINEZ is reportedly facing a ban for BLASPHEMY, according to sensational reports.It comes after the FIGC Federal Prosecutor found evidence of this blasphemy during Inter Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus.Lautaro Martinez has been accused of blasphemyCredit: RexThe Argentinian World Cup winner is accused of using a blasphemous phrase after the defeat.The proof was only found days after the FIGC prosecutor opened an investigation.FIGC chief Giuseppe Chinè asked DAZN for all the images recorded during the episode and in the end found incriminating audio to confirm the blasphemy.However, the 27-year-old is unlikely to actually be hit with a ban.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLGazzetta dello Sport explains the sport judge could not intervene in the aftermath of the game as there was no audio evidence of the act.Martinez now has one week to decide how to respond.One option is to face a sports trial in the Federal Court and risk a one-game ban.The other pathway is to agree a plea bargain and get a fine.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt is reported his club will likely push for the second option, even if he denies the claim.Martinez has said of the accusation: “I have never blasphemed, never. Watch as Lionel Messi is FLOORED by his own team-mate as fans demand ‘someone check his passport, he’s not Argentinian'”I try to teach respect to my children too, this accusation bothered me a lot.”Martinez has scored 16 goals in 35 games this season. More

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    AC Milan boss ready to quit without compensation just two months after joining – despite already winning a trophy

    AC MILAN manager Sergio Conceicao has furiously threatened to QUIT the club after just two months in charge.Conceicao took over at the San Siro in December after replacing Paulo Fonseca.AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao has furiously threatened to quit the clubCredit: RexAnd he has already led Milan to Italian Supercup glory – beating arch rivals Inter 3-2 in the final. But their league form has dipped with Conceicao winning just eight and losing five of his 16 games in charge. Milan sit eighth in the league and recently lost 2-1 to Bologna – leaving Conceicao considering his future. He said: “Every day, people talk about my situation and it’s not fair.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I know what I want, I know what I can do, I see a lot of people talking about me but the situation is simple. “If I have to leave, they tell me ‘you’re no longer needed’, I take my suitcase and leave without asking for a single Euro more. “I don’t come from nowhere. I have almost 100 games in the Champions League, I have won 13 trophies, but every day, they like to talk about me. “Coaches criticise me on match day. I have a family, I have people close to me and they see a lot of bad things about me and it’s not fair. Sorry for the outburst.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMilan – also knocked out of the Champions League – took the lead against Bologna through Rafael Leao. But goals from Santiago Castro and Dan Ndoye condemned the Serie A giants to defeat as Conceicao hit out at referee Maurizio Mariani. Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wingHe fumed: “There was a blatant handball in the first goal. All the incidents that are negative for us become decisive for the result. “We have to keep working, see what we did well. There are also our mistakes, obviously. “In general, we are connected to the game, we know where to attack and press. “When we are in the game and we do what we prepare, we create and arrive at the last 30 metres with ease and quality, but then incidents happen, sometimes through our fault and sometimes through the fault of others.” More