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    Inside the curious case of former Serie A and European champions as their worrying demise hits devastating new low

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    FOR a few years they were the darlings of Italian and even European football.But now they are staring into the abyss of the lowest low in their history. Sampdoria suffered the worst day in their club’s history on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe club’s passionate fans have been let down by events on the field and in the boardroomCredit: GettyRoberto Mancini was the main man as Sampdoria enjoyed a trophy-laden few years in the 1980s and 1990sCredit: GettySampdoria enjoyed their best years in the late 1980s and early 1990s – spearheaded by their record goalscorer and appearance-maker Roberto Mancini plus Gianluca Vialli chipping in, too. During that time, they won all four of their Coppa Italia crowns and were European Cup Winners’ Cup winners in 1990.The club’s solo Serie A title followed a year later.In 1991-92, they reached the European Cup final, losing 1-0 to Barcelona at Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSampdoria finished no lower than seventh in Serie A for eight straight seasons between 1986-87 and 1993-94.Even by 1998, their worst season was ninth before suffering relegation in 1998-99.Four years in Serie B followed then by 18 of the next 19 back in the top flight. But after relegation in 2022-23, Sampdoria have suffered a nightmare season – and were relegated again on Tuesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it means the iconic club will drop into the third-tier Serie C for the very first time in their 78 years in existence next term. A 0-0 draw at Juve Stabia in their final game of the season confirmed that Sampdoria ended the campaign 18th in Serie B.Their tally of 41 points was only four fewer than 11th-placed Modena.But the season was, in truth, a mess.Sampdoria used 38 players in Serie B this term.And that includes a staggering FIVE different goalkeepers across the wretched campaign. There has been no consistency in the dugout, either, with Sampdoria going through four managers, too.MANAGERIAL MERRY-GO-ROUNDIt started with Andrea Pirlo who was sacked in August after picking up one point from the first three second-division fixtures. Andrea Sottil lasted until October, Leonardo Semplici was pelted with rocks and flares and forced out in March when Alberico Evani came in for the final few weeks but was unable to turn the sinking ship around. Poor recruitment at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris also played its part, with no fewer than 16 players brought in on loan. This season’s squad featured ex-Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, former AC Milan man M’Baye Niang and former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen’s son Melle.Meanwhile, the brilliantly-named Ronaldo Vieira was unable to channel the quality or leadership of his namesakes.Read More on The SunInstead, defender Alex Ferrari and his team-mates are racing at speed down to the third tier in embarrassing fashion, having let down the typically passionate partisan fans. And to rub it in even more, arch-rival Genoa revelled in their enemy’s struggles by setting off fireworks and celebrating the relegation in the streets – payback revenge for Sampdoria’s own gloating three years ago.Andrea Pirlo was sacked after three league matches in AugustCredit: GettyThe players hid their faces as the 0-0 draw sent them into Serie CCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThey were barely consolable when relegation was confirmedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe squad includes Fabio Borini and Melle MeulensteenCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAlberico Evani was their fourth manager of a horror campaign seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Why Inter Milan want Joshua Zirkzee in shock transfer despite Man Utd striker’s struggles in Premier League

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      INTER MILAN are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to reports.The Champions League finalists are set to enter the market for a striker to compete with first choice pairing Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move to Inter MilanCredit: GettyManchester United star Zirkzee has emerged as a shock option for a San Siro move after a tough first year in England.The 23-year-old joined United from Bologna last summer but has managed just seven goals in all competitions.Reports from Corriere dello Sport claim Inter believe they can get Zirzkee on loan with an option or obligation to buy.Simone Inzaghi desperately wants to bolster his squad depth in attacking areas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club believe the drop in quality from Martinez and Thuram to back-up options Joaquin Correa and veteran pair Marko Arnautovic and Mehdi Taremi is too large.Inter are enjoying another strong season but have fallen behind leaders Napoli in the Serie A title race with two games to go.They also crashed out the Coppa Italia semi-finals and lost the Supercoppa Italiana final.Inter reportedly think that signing another top quality striker will see them have enough to go all the way in every competition.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe club also like that Zirkzee offers them “tactical solutions” and they believe his “technical quality and creativity” suits playing in a strike partnership.A move back to Italy has been rumoured since January with Juventus also said to be keen.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!But Juve’s interest may have been cooled due to them sacking manager Thiago Motta, who got the best from Zirkzee at Bologna.The Dutchman is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in April and is set to miss the rest of this season.United want to sign a new striker this summer, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich’s Liam Delap among those linked.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      ‘Uefa should look into it’ – Watch Barcelona star get bundled over three times in FOUR SECONDS as he demands ref probe

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      PEDRI has urged Uefa to investigate the referee for his performance as Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The Spanish giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Inter Milan in a thrilling semi-final tie.Francesco Acerbi appeared to push Pedri down three times in four secondsCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe Barcelona star repeatedly fell to the groundCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe first push was in the penalty areaCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaInter won the tie 7-6 on aggregate following a 4-3 win at the San Siro in the second leg on Tuesday night.Barcelona were minutes from booking their spot in the final after Raphinha put them ahead in the 87th minute.However, the Italians hit back through Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time.After the match, Pedri vented his frustration at the performance from referee Szymon Marciniak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claimed that the referee gave every split decision to the hosts.The midfielder claimed: “It’s not the first time this happens to us with this referee, Uefa should look into it.”Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don’t understand and which are hard to explain.”One moment of the game that left Pedri red in the face was multiple pushes from Acerbi.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video taken from the stands shows the defender pushing the midfielder to the ground three times in FOUR SECONDS.Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty after he was called to the screen by VAR for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Lautaro Martinez.Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hystericsPedri has urged Uefa to look into referee Szymon Mariniak’s peformanceCredit: ReutersBarcelona also believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Gerard Martín in the build-up to Acerbi’s goal.Marciniak had awarded the LaLiga giants a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal before VAR intervened.The Polish official was also in charge when Inter drew 3-3 with Barcelona in the Group Stage of the 2022 edition of the tournament.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s complaints in his post-match press conference.He said: “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went (Inter’s) way.”I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It’s the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy.Read More on The Sun”It makes me sad. My team did an excellent job.”I don’t like talking about the referee, I’ve told him what I think, but I’m not going to say it here what I’ve said.”Hansi Flick was not happy with the Polish officialCredit: Reuters More

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      Jack Grealish wanted by Napoli with Man City star open to Italian transfer to link up with Mctominay and Gilmour

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      JACK GREALISH could be the latest star to quit the Premier League for Italy.SunSport can exclusively reveal that Serie A leaders Napoli are tracking the England and Manchester City star amid growing uncertainty over his future.Jack Grealish is open to a move to NapoliCredit: GettyAntonio Conte is an admirer of the Man City aceCredit: GettyScott McTominay has flourished since moving to NapoliCredit: RexAntonio Conte is believed to be a “huge fan” of the talented winger, whose chances for City this year have been limited.It’s also unclear if he forms part of manager Pep Guardiola’s plans as he gets set for a major summer rebuild at the Etihad.Conte, who saw Grealish’s talents first-hand when he coached in England, believes the ex-Aston Villa ace would be a marquee signing for the Italian giants.And he thinks the player could help his side make the next step and become Champions League contenders next season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSources close to Grealish say the player is open-minded to leaving and recognises a move could be the key to refreshing his career and boosting his England chances.And a switch abroad is believed to be Grealish’s preference rather than staying in the Premier League.Spurs and his former club Villa have been previously linked with a move but City are believed to be reluctant to let a Premier League rival have a star who remains unplayable when in top form.Napoli are unlikely to be the only club racing to sign Grealish though.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGerman giants Dortmund have been linked with the player, and Napoli’s Serie A rivals AC Milan are also known admirers.Kyle Walker’s switch to the San Siro could also pave the way for a move.Jack Grealish shows off his singing skills as he meets Rod Stewart in Dortmund with mum and dad on break from Man CityGrealish was recently in Dortmund as SunSport exclusively revealed.He whisked his family and friends away on a private jet to watch a Rob Stewart gig in an extravagant £100,000 splurge.Clubs in America and Saudi Arabia are also monitoring Grealish – but the player believes he can still play at the very highest level and nail down a position as an England starter.If Grealish does make the switch to Napoli he’d follow in the footsteps of Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour who have become massive favourites among fans of Conte’s Napoli side. More

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      Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hysterics

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      DAVIDE FRATTESI let an F-bomb slip on live TV after his heroics in the Champions League. The Inter Milan midfielder, 25, had just scored the winning goal for the Nerazzurri against Barcelona to send the Italian side into the final in Munich.Frattesi scored the winning goal that sent Inter to the finalCredit: APAcerbi was mobbed by his jubilant team-mates after his goalCredit: GettyInter beat Barca 4-3 on the night, but were nearly sent packing by Raphinha’s dramatic strike on 87 minutes – which looked to have sent Barca to Munich after the 3-3 draw in the first leg.However, Francesco Acerbi’s equaliser in the third minute of stoppage forced extra-time..Frattesi then popped up in the 99th minute to earn Simone Inzaghi’s team a place in their second Champions League final in three years. They were defeated 1-0 by Manchester City back in 2023 thanks to Rodri’s winner.Read more footballIn a his post-match interview with CBS, Frattesi, the Italian international, left pundits Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, and Jamie Carragher in fits of laughter with his comments. Henry dished out lavish praise for the midfielder, saying: “I didn’t see a man that was nervous; I saw a guy that was composed to finish at that time, in that tie, in that game. “How did you think about doing that?” the former Arsenal legend asked from CBS’ London studio. Joining the broadcast from pitchside at the San Siro, the match-winner Frattesi hilariously responded: “I don’t know. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Maybe because I was thinking, ‘If I don’t score, I’m f***ed!”The comment had the Italian giggling, while the CBS pundits burst out laughing. Rooney reveals sweet thing Inter star Mkhitaryan asked his old Man Utd team-mate after reaching Champions League finalPresenter Kate Scott nervously looked over at the production team behind the camera in response to Frattesi’s slip of the tongue. Meanwhile, Henry lay his head in his hands on the desk to control his laughter. Inter had to do it the hard way to reach the final, despite taking a lead back to the San Siro. The hosts threw away a two-goal cushion given to them courtesy of Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu’s goals. Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo levelled proceedings on the night for Barca, before former Leeds United winger Raphinha stepped up to send the tie to extra time. However, it was Frattesi’s time to write the headlines, placing a neat finish into the far corner, leaving Wojciech Szczesny flat-footed in the Barca goal. More

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      Francesco Acerbi beat cancer twice and bravely fought depression before saving Inter’s Champions League dreams

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      IN A semi-final for the ages, it ultimately belonged to the oldest player on the pitch.Francesco Acerbi defied his veteran 37 years and centre-back defensive instincts to turn home Inter Milan’s dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser and force extra-time against Barcelona.Francesco Acerbi was Inter Milan’s last-gasp her against BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe defender showed the finishing quality of a striker to equalise in injury timeCredit: GettyThis image of a topless Acerbi celebrating will go down in Inter historyCredit: GettyYes, Davide Frattesi grabbed the winning goal to book the Italian giants’ place in the Champions League final.But old-timer defender Acerbi’s superb striker’s finish epitomised a bonkers two-legged tie.And that cute, near-post effort to get in front of Ronald Araujo and find Wojciech Szczesny’s top corner may well be his own personal crowning moment of a career that has seen it all. Born in the outskirts of Milan in February 1988, Acerbi is now 90 minutes away from completing the circle by leading I Nerazzurri to European glory. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut his road to the San Siro – the site of this goal that will live long in the memory of all Inter fans – is far longer than the 15 miles from suburban Vizzolo Predabissi.And it features battles on the pitch with the world’s best strikers but more importantly off the pitch, too, with cancer, depression and alcohol. JOURNEYMAN CAREERAcerbi started out in Serie C at Pavia in 2006 and even featured in the semi-professional Serie D on loan at Renate.A loan to Spezia’s youth team followed before permanent spells at Reggina, Genoa and Chievo, where he eventually made his top-flight debut. Most read in FootballAC Milan came calling in 2012 and he was briefly team-mates with the likes of Robinho and Mario Balotelli.But after just six months of struggling for minutes, he was sold to Genoa, who immediately loaned him back to Chievo.It wasn’t until Acerbi signed for Sassuolo in 2013 that he finally had stability, spending five seasons there before four at Lazio.He initially joined Inter on loan in 2022-23 where he was reunited with ex-Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi and made the move permanent the following summer. That transfer took his tally to 14 spells with ten different clubs.FRAN THE MANAcerbi scored an all-important header against bitter rivals and former employers AC Milan in April 2024.That helped his side to a 2-1 win which saw them confirmed as Serie A champions for the 20th time.A year earlier, towards the end of his loan season, Acerbi came in for huge praise for his performance in the Champions League final.Inter were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Manchester City but the Italian centre-half managed to keep Erling Haaland quiet and off the scoresheet. HEALTH STRUGGLESHowever, Acerbi’s toughest challenges have come away from football.His father died during his short stint at Milan, triggering depression which led to him turning and even relying on alcohol to numb the pain and suffering. Then upon signing for Sassuolo in 2013 at the start of the next season, Acerbi was diagnosed with testicular cancer. A regular health check-up flagged unusual blood test results and he immediately underwent surgery to remove the tumour. But having returned to training and competitive action, he failed an anti-doping test. Acerbi kept Erling Haaland quiet in the 2023 Champions League finalCredit: ReutersHis header against AC Milan helped secure Inter the Serie A titleCredit: GettyAcerbi’s journeyman career settled after he beat cancer twice at SassuoloCredit: Getty Images – GettyAcerbi got his kit off to make the Euro 2020 victory over EnglandCredit: GettyAcerbi denied taking any banned performance-enhancing drugs and it transpired the irregular hormone levels were because the cancer had come back again. As a result, the defender had two months of chemotherapy at the start of 2014.But Acerbi actually credits the two bouts of cancer for “saving” him from the depression and alcholism.He candidly explained to La Repubblica in 2019: “After my father died, when I was playing for Milan, I hit rock bottom. “It was as if I’d forgotten how to play, or why I was playing. I started drinking and, believe me, I’d drink anything. “It might seem like a terrible paradox, but the cancer saved me. I had something new to fight against, a limit to overcome. “It was as if I got to start life all over again and saw the world in a way I’d completely forgotten. I stopped being scared. “I was thinking to myself, ‘What will you do if it comes back again?’ ‘I’ll face it again,’ I replied.Symptoms of testicular cancerThe most common sign is a lump or swelling on one of your testicles, which is normally about the size of a pea.Not all testicular lumps are cancerous, while only four per cent of scrotal lumps are, but you should still always get your GP to take a look.Here are the signs to look out for:A lump or swelling in the testicleA heavy scrotumA dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and scrotumA feeling of heaviness in the scrotumA difference in the texture or increase in firmness of the testicleA difference between one testicle and the otherTo know if you have any signs of changes in your testicles, it’s important to know what feels normal.It’s a good idea to have a hot shower before checking them, then gently roll your testicle between your thumb and finger.Then repeat for the other testicle.Repeat this every week so you get a feel for their shape and size.“Chemotherapy was like stepping into a parallel world, the entrance to which is closer than you could possibly think, so you never leave it again. It’s a world of pain and of courage.“I think having that illness improved me as a person, cancelling out remorse and regret. “I became an observer of my surroundings. I eliminated the superfluous, the negative, but also the illusions. I stopped dreaming big and started to focus on simple targets.”EURO HEROIncredibly, Acerbi made his senior Italy international debut in the same year he underwent the chemotherapy. But by 2019, he had still only managed to add two further appearances – one in 2016, one in 2018 – before being brought back into the fold by Roberto Mancini.And while Acerbi won’t go down as one of the all-time great Italian defenders with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini et al, he was awarded the top Order of Merit in Italy after being part of the Euro 2020-winning squad.Francesco Acerbi has two children with Claudia ScarpariCredit: InstagramThe couple got married in January 2025Credit: InstagramAcerbi has tattoos across his torso, arms and legsCredit: Instagram @claudiascarpClaudia regularly attends Inter matches to cheer her husband onCredit: InstagramAcerbi opened up on his struggles with depression and alcohol after his father diedCredit: InstagramHe set up the extra-time winner against Austria in the round of 16 then was an unused sub in the quarters, semis and final, where the Azzurri beat England on penalties. Acerbi, though, has not added to his 34 caps since 2023 and pulled out of the squad in March 2024 after allegations he made racist comments to Napoli’s Juan Jesus during a Serie A match earlier that month.A Serie A sports judge dismissed the case citing a lack of evidence as Acerbi escaped punishment, a decision furious Napoli labelled “astonishing”. BARCA DRAMAAcerbi hit the headlines for all the right reasons, though, with his goal against Barcelona – four months on from marrying Claudia Scarpari, the mum of his two daughters. Inzaghi deployed him in the Harry Maguire role – throwing the big centre-back up front in the desperate hunt for a goal.And just like the Manchester United man against Lyon, Acerbi came up trumps.Incredibly, that was his very first career goal in European football in his 66th appearance across the Champions League and Europa League. To make the finish even more impressive and remarkable, the left-footed 6ft 4ins unit scored with his right foot. So it was no wonder he ripped his famous black-and-blue shirt and then his underlayer off in sheer unbridled delirious delight to reveal his tattooed torso.Read More on The SunAcerbi’s many inkings will tell their own stories.But the image of the seasoned and battle-scarred pensioner unsure how to celebrate his magic moment other than jumping gleefully on to his knees punctuates a truly turbulent tale of football with the most emphatic of exclamation marks.Acerbi could barely contain his excitement at San SiroCredit: GettyHe got in front of Ronald Araujo to fire past Wojciech SzczesnyCredit: APHis goal sparked wild scenes among his team-mates, coaches and fansCredit: GettyAcerbi soaked up the adulation from the adoring crowdCredit: APAcerbi won the Coppa Italia in 2019 with Lazio then in 2023 with InterCredit: Instagram More

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      Scott McTominay’s net worth revealed as Napoli star’s Manchester United millions take a hit after botched investment

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      HE’s the man on the moment in Naples.Scotland star Scott McTominay is leading the charge towards the Scudetto for Napoli – but how is his net worth looking as he stands on the cusp of history in his first season in Italy?Scott McTominay is fast-approaching cult hero status with NapoliCredit: GettyAlready fans have dedicated a shrine to him in the city of NaplesCredit: EPAThe 28-year-old made a £25.5million switch from Manchester United to the Serie A club last summer.That transfer has since been derided by several former United stars, who believe those at Old Trafford must now regret the decision to sell him.McTominay has established himself as a fans’ favourite with the Partonopei faithful – fans have gotten tattoos of him, a pizza has been named in his honour and there’s even a SHRINE dedicated to the Scot in the city he now calls him.The midfielder has scored 12 goals for Napoli so far this season (11 in the league), with many coming in vital moments.His form has been so impressive it’s led to a tactical shift by boss Antonio Conte and it’s helped put Gli Azzuri on the verge of a fourth Serie A title.McTominay earned a pay rise when he moved from the Premier League to Serie A.He was on around £60,000 a week at Man Utd, raking in about £2.5million per year.But he now makes just over £91,000 a week at Napoli with an annual salary of £4,779,287. That figure would put him below 15 United stars in terms of yearly earnings.His wages aren’t all that make up his net worth, of course.He has a company set up for off-the-field investments, Scott McTominay Ltd, and back in February we revealed it had funds of £4,745,160.’How can you sell him?’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay’s transfer to NapoliThat would put his net worth riches north of £8million – not including sponsorship and endorsement deals.However, his business’ accounts took a hit this week after a botched investment in which he loaned cash to a collapsed firm run by his Wag, Cam Reading.McTominay loaned £1million in cash plus £1.32million from his own investment company to Ashley Reading and Wag Cameron’s Fortress Capital Partners.Scott McTominay’s careerBorn in Lancaster on December 8, 1996Joined the Manchester United youth system aged five and signed his first professional contract in 2013Made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in May 2017McTominay went on to win Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Man UtdMade 255 appearances and scored 29 goals for the Red DevilsMcTominay joined Napoli in August for £25.7millionBorn in England, he qualified for Scotland through his dad who’s from HelensburghMcTominay was called-up by Scotland in March 2018 and has gone on to become a huge Hampden favouriteHe was part of the squad at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024He won his 50th cap while playing against Germany at Euro 2024McTominay has scored some huge goals for Scotland, including an injury-time winner against Israel and his famous double in the 2-0 win over Spain in GlasgowCam and her dad are facing fraud allegations and Cam has been told to hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds from sales of two pads in Dubai and a Spanish villa.McTominay himself is among creditors owed around £20million by Fortress after it went bust.But it’s understood investors stand to get just 3p back for every £1 — meaning McTominay would receive just £66,000.With all that accounted for, McTominay’s net worth can be estimated at around £5.8million to £6million.McTominay and Wag Cam ReadingAnd with Ashley ReadingKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Inter Milan fans desperately fight to get back into San Siro after LEAVING at 3-2 down… missing famous semi-final win

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      INTER MILAN fans pleaded to be let back into the San Siro – after leaving while Barcelona were winning and before their incredible comeback.Some dejected supporters walked out with Inter trailing 3-2 – and 6-5 on aggregate – deep into stoppage time in the Champions League semi-final.Davide Frattesi sealed Inter’s 4-3 win in extra time after they trailed 3-2 deep into added time of the regulation 90 minutesCredit: ReutersFans rushed to try to persuade staff to let them back inBut 37-year-old centre-back Francesco Acerbi netted his first ever goal in Europe’s top club competition to take a momentous tie into extra time.That left those home fans who had already streamed out now feeling dejected for a totally different reason.They were seen desperately running back to the entrance, while others were caught on camera trying to persuade staff to let them through.One female employee on a door shook her head as a group of supporters appeared to beg her to help them get in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSub Davide Frattesi went on to fire Inter’s clincher in the added half-hour.The Italians’ 4-3 victory on the night put them through 7-6 overall – the joint highest aggregate scorer EVER in a Champions League semi-final.Barcelona had trailed 2-0 in the 3-3 first-leg draw.And they suffered the same fate at the San Siro in an astonishing contest packed with brilliant attacking from both sides.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThis time Lautaro Martinez’s 21st-minute opener and a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu left Inter 5-3 up on aggregate.But Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo levelled it up for Barca soon after the break before Raphinha put the Spanish giants 3-2 up on 87 minutes.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterThat sparked a batch of departures from Inter supporters.But Acerbi – who was caught up in a “spitting” row just before half time – sent home an equaliser three minutes into injury time – sparking sudden attempts at a comeback of their own from fans who had walked out just moments before.Frattesi then exchanged passes to slot home the decisive goal on 99 minutes.That led to more amazing scenes – but on this occasion it was wild celebrating on and off the pitch, rather than frantic behaviour around the entrances.Inter will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final in Munich on May 31 – after ending Barcelona’s Treble dream.And most fans had little sympathy for the early leavers who missed the party.TNT Sports posted a clip of the supporters trying to return, calling it “crazy”.TNT added: “The Italian team equalized in the last seconds and these people were unable to return to watch extra time!”One viewer told the fans: “Well done. If you are a truly passionate fan of your club, you NEVER leave the stadium before the final whistle, regardless of the score or situation, you have to believe until the end.”Read More on The SunAnother posted: “What they will regret about not being at the stadium at this historic moment is no joke.”A third added: “Well done, until the final whistle damn it.” Barcelona looked like they were going through after Raphinha put them 3-2 up in the 87th minuteCredit: Getty More

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      Inter Milan 4 Barcelona 3 (aet, 7-6 agg): Frattesi extra time goal seals one of the greatest Champions League ties ever

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      FORGET the final, give Inter Milan the Champions League – nothing will top this.Neither Arsenal nor Paris Saint-Germain will want to face Simone Inzaghi’s monsters, anyway.Raphinha looked to have won the tie for Barcelona with his 87th minute strikeCredit: GettyBut Inter’s Francesco Acerbi scored his first ever Champions League goal to force extra timeCredit: GettyDavide Frattesi scored an extra-time winner for the Italian sideCredit: GettyHe climbed on to the fences to cheer with the fansCredit: GettyThey triumphed over Barcelona in the greatest of semi-finals and in the most dramatic of fashion.These two served up an instant classic a week ago, and went all out to top it at the San Siro.Inter were cruising after another flying start, floored after Barcelona came back from the dead again.Somehow they had more left and, for all of Barcelona’s comebacks across this unforgettable tie, it was the Nerazzurri who produced one when it counted, sealed by Davide Frattesi in extra time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Inter sub showed a composure few could believe amid the mania of this match – finishing off a move which was made by Marcus Thuram’s brilliance.Thuram refused to give up down the right, beat two Barca defenders and laid off for Mehdi Taremi, who teed up Frattesi to, finally, kill off this most stubborn opponent.Barcelona had come from behind three times in this tie.Raphinha thought he had won it in the 87th minute, putting them ahead for the first time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut no one counted on a 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi getting his first Champions League goal, in the 93rd minute, to give everyone what we wanted – more.Barca’s would-be match winner collapsed to his knees and this proved one comeback too far for Hansi Flick’s men.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Their wait for a Champions League final goes on past a decade now, Inter have reached their second in three years.The exuberant home fans earlier welcomed their team bus with a frenzy of fireworks and flares.Inzaghi’s men had surprised everyone with their attacking intent and effectiveness in an enthralling first leg.An expectant San Siro wanted more of the same and were not disappointed.It was the same plan as a week ago – trying to punish the visitors’ nauseatingly high line – and it bore more fruit.Inter looked primed to race into another early lead, and did just that.Denzel Dumfries, who scored a brace last week, was sent one-on-one by Federico Dimarco but despite his devastating work six days ago, the Dutchman selflessly squared for his skipper.Thuram consoles a devastated Yamal at the endCredit: GettyLautaro Martinez, passed fit to start after being a major doubt, capitalised on the empty net and raced away to celebrate with a surging sea of black and blue – none of them knowing what they were about to be put through.Inter, famed for defending a tight lead, would not sit back. Dumfries still barrelled forwards and the two strikers proved a nuisance.Barca looked in desperate need of some experience. They had lost Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi, 18, was struggling.Hakan Calhanoglu flashed an effort wide but would soon get a much better one thanks to the teenager.Henrikh Mkhitaryan slipped one of many dangerous balls through for Martinez to race after, Cubarsi was caught out and restricted to a late lunge.Referee Szymon Marciniak waved the shouts away and the San Siro erupted, a din of whistles as their captain writhed on the deck.Eventually, Marciniak was sent to the monitor and corrected the decision, allowing Calhanoglu to step up and – for the second time in this tie – put his side two clear of Barca.Inter had dumped Barca in an almighty hole, again. The young visitors looked lost in the pit of this famous old stadium.For a while even the older players looked as bamboozled as the kids.But Barcelona players, young and old, have a muscle memory for comebacks, not just that famous “Remontada” against Paris Saint-Germain eight years ago.It was brilliance which got them going in the first leg, this was more traditional – but nonetheless incredibly impressive.Eric Garcia, the former Manchester City man, thumped home to convert Gerard Martin’s cross less than 10 minutes after the restart.Inter’s breaks had been limited, Barcelona looked themselves again with Pedri composed and conducting things.It was Martin again who made the second, lifting an exquisite ball over the Inter defence from deep, placed perfectly for Olmo to run on to and head Barca level, from two down – again.The hosts looked like Barcelona’s latest recovery act had finally knocked it out of them. Inter were struggling and Inzaghi rattled through five changes in a bid to revive them.But they looked to have failed.Pedri spotted Raphinha in space on the left, picking out the ex-Leeds winger.His first shot was fired at Yann Sommer, but the Swiss sent it straight back and Raphinha did not waste his second helping.The home fans were silent and some had even left, they had given up. But their players had not. Dumfries – again – kept going and crossed for Acerbi, who converted first time to take this tie beyond the realms of ridiculous and crush Barca.There is talk of tearing San Siro down. Those celebrations almost did the job anyway.Read More on The SunInter, unfancied, had matched Barca blow for blow and taken them to the end.Flick’s tikes refused to fold even after Frattesi’s winner, Yamal twice stopped by Sommer, but this was finally too much to come back from.Yann Sommer proved to be the difference maker with a stunning tieCredit: AFPSommer was awarded the Man of the Match award for his exploitsCredit: Getty More