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    Patrick Vieira lands new manager job but set for awkward reunion with former team-mate he found ‘difficult to work with’

    ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira has landed a new job with Italian side Genoa just four months after leaving Strasbourg.The Gunners icon and former Crystal Palace boss, 48, spent just one year at Chelsea’s sister club in France.Patrick Vieira has become the new manager of Italian team GenoaCredit: AFPThe Arsenal legend left French side Strasbourg over the summerCredit: GettyBut Vieira is now returning to the beautiful game with Serie A strugglers Genoa.They are 17th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, after only winning two matches all season.Former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino is set to be shown the door after nearly two years at the helm.And Vieira has agreed to replace him with immediate effect.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGenoa’s squad is packed with talent including veteran Brazilian winger Junior Messias, Ukrainian playmaker Ruslan Malinovskyi and Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj.Prime aces such as Portuguese striker Vitinha and Danish anchorman Morten Frendrup still have plenty of years in the tank.While kids including Juventus loanee Fabio Miretti and ex-Arsenal defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy can provide some much-needed energy.But there is one star name Vieira will recognise straight away.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMario Balotelli, 34, only joined Genoa on a free transfer three weeks ago and is yet to score in two games.The infamous forward played alongside Vieira at Manchester City for one year during the 2010/11 campaign.Mario Balotelli arrives to join 12th club of rollercoaster career on free transfer and end footballing exile Vieira will find himself reunited with Mario Balotelli once moreCredit: GettyThe pair played together for a year at Man CityCredit: PA:Press AssociationVieira managed Balotelli at Nice but the pair did not see eye-to-eyeCredit: ReutersBalotelli then found himself under the Frenchman’s management at Nice in 2018.He reportedly turned up late to Vieira’s very first training session.And after failing to score in 10 appearances, Balotelli’s contract was terminated midway through the season.Vieira said at the time: “When it comes to Mario, I want to answer back, or just slam him up against the wall, or leave him hanging by his collar on the coat rack.“But I can’t, as I’m no longer a player.”Vieira has since opened up on his relationship with Balotelli.He said in 2020: “Mario’s mindset was difficult for a collective sport.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The philosophy I wanted to put in place, the togetherness and work ethic I wanted to build, it was difficult for me to work with a player like Mario.“It was really difficult for both of us to work together so we decided to go different ways.”Patrick Vieira’s career statsPlaying statsCannes, 1993-1996: 61 games, 4 goalsAC Milan, 1995-1996: 5 games, 0 goalsArsenal, 1996-2005: 405 games, 34 goalsJuventus, 2005-2006: 42 games, 5 goalsInter Milan, 2006-2010: 91 games, 9 goalsMan City, 2010-2011: 46 games, 6 goalsFrance, 1997-2009: 107 goals, 6 gamesTrophies: Serie A (AC Milan); Premier League x3, FA Cup x4, Community Shield x3 (Arsenal); Serie A x4, Italian Super Cup (Inter Milan); FA Cup (Man City); World Cup 1998, Euro 2000, Confederations Cup (France)Managerial statsNew York City, Jan 2016-June 2018: P90 W40 D22 L28Nice, June 2018-Dec 2020: P89 W35 D22 L32Crystal Palace, July 2021-March 2023: P74 W22 D25 L27Strasbourg, July 2023-July 2024: P39 W14 D10 L15Genoa, Nov 2024-current: P0 W0 D0 L0 More

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    Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre Nasa-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas Luiz

    ALISHA LEHMANN has posed with an ALIEN in a bizarre Nasa-themed Adidas photoshoot.The Juventus star featured in the promotion alongside boyfriend Douglas Luiz.Alisha Lehmann was involved in a bizarre shoot for AdidasCredit: InstagramShe starred alongside extraterrestrial Lil MayoCredit: InstagramJuventus star Douglas Luiz was also involved in the promoCredit: InstagramHe was more suspicious of the alien than his partnerCredit: InstagramLehmann, 25, swapped the Women’s Super League for the Serie A Women in the summer.She moved to Juventus at the same time Luiz made his transfer from Aston Villa.The couple were both involved in the shoot, which included alien Lil Mayo.The character has a massive following on Instagram of 1.5million followers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe account of the extraterrestrial has the bio “I am alien”.The shoot was done to promote Juventus’ new Nasa-inspired clothing collection.The full video included Lehmann and Luiz among other Juventus stars from the men’s and women’s teams.It showed an astronaut walking around the Allianz Stadium in Turin during which they spot Lil Mayo.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe alien has multiple viral posts on its Instagram account as it travels around planet Earth.This includes a visit to the Church of Scientology in Los Angeles and the Oktoberfest in Germany.Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre NASA-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas LuizLil Mayo can drive a boatCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited the Church of ScientologyCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited a 7-ElevenCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has tried human foods such as pizzaCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has also been pictured cruising in a boat in Miami Bay and visiting a 7-Eleven.He posed for pictures with Lehmann in which she kissed it on the cheek.Luiz also had a couple of snaps with the alien but the Brazilian seemed more suspicious of the extraterrestrial.But of course Lil Mayo is not a real alien and is actually an old movie prop created by Alex Martyn.He started the account in order to be able to create his own “spicy memes”.Meanwhile, since Lehman joined Juventus, she has only scored once in nine league outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe stunned fans on Halloween as she wore a skin-tight black outfit.Back in July, she suffered a wardrobe malfunction while wearing a see-through white top.Lehmann joined Juventus in the summer from Aston VillaCredit: GettyShe has a huge online followingCredit: instagramShe has over 16m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7 More

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    Claudio Ranieri makes shock AS Roma return aged 73 for third spell after Serie A side sacked Ivan Juric

    CLAUDIO RANIERI has completed a shock retirement U-turn to return for a third stint as Roma manager.The legendary Italian, 73, took charge of the Serie A giants from 2009 to 2011 and then again in 2019.Claudio Ranieri has returned to Roma for a third spell as managerCredit: APRanieri made a U-turn on his retirement just six months after leaving CagliariCredit: GettyHe was mobbed by fans as he arrived at Rome Airport after talks with the club’s ownerCredit: EPABut he called time on his illustrious career in management when he left Cagliari at the end of last season.However, he has now agreed a deal to head back to the Stadio Olimpico dugout.The veteran flew to London for a meeting with Roma owner Dan Friedkin to thrash out his comeback and he was mobbed by around 200 fans when landing back in the Italian capital.Tennis player Flavio Cobolli was bizarrely one of those swarming the legend. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNews outlet Ansa asked Ranieri if he is a “tough nut to crack”.He is quoted as replying: “That’s why they called me.”He added when quizzed on the big turnaround job on his hands: “Ready! Our players are coming.”Ranieri becomes Roma’s third manager of the season.Most read in FootballDaniele De Rossi, who took over from Jose Mourinho in January, was sacked just four games into the 2024-25 campaign and then the board axed Ivan Juric earlier this week.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRoma sit way down in 12th in the Serie A table following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Bologna.That was their fourth loss in their last five league matches – including a 5-1 thumping at Fiorentina – and spelt the end for Juric after just 53 days and 12 games in charge.Emotional moment Claudio Ranieri breaks down in tears as ex-Chelsea manager leads Cagliari to Serie A for third time Erik ten Hag was available for the Roma vacancy while Turkey national team boss Vincenzo Montella was considered but both were overlooked in favour of Ranieri. Ranieri’s his first match in charge will be a trip to Napoli on November 24 after the international break, before facing Tottenham in the Europa League in North London four days later.He will have to wait until December 2 before being greeted by his adoring home fans when Roma host Atalanta. The veteran gaffer, a childhood Roma fan, missed out on both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia in heartbreaking fashion to Mourinho’s Treble-winning Inter side in 2010.He resigned in February 2011 after losing 4-3 to Genoa from 3-0 up.In his brief comeback in March 2019 to see out the remainder of the season.His outstanding achievement, though, will always be the iconic Premier League title win with 5,000-1 Leicester City in 2015-16.The Dilly-Ding Dilly-Dong boss famously led the relegation-tipped Foxes to the unlikely triumph, finishing ten points clear at the top of the table and booking their spot in the Champions League. Ranieri announced his departure from club management earlier this year after leading Cagliari – who he first managed in 1988 – to promotion to Serie A and then kept them in the top flight. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe had suggested Cagliari would be his final club team but remained open to international offers despite having a nightmare with Greece in 2014.However, the lure of another spell at his beloved Roma was too much to resist. Ranieri led Cagliari to promotion in 2023 then stepped aside at the end of last seasonCredit: GettyThe Italian won the Premier League with Leicester in 2015-16Credit: PA More

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    Claudio Ranieri set for emotional return to old club at 73 in retirement U-turn with Ten Hag facing snub for new job

    ERIK TEN HAG is set to be snubbed from the Roma job as the club considers welcoming back Claudio Ranieri, according to reports.Roma are already searching for their third manager of the season after sacking club legend Daniele De Rossi after just four games and then dismissing Ivan Juric earlier this week.Claudio Ranieri could be set for a stunning return to club management with Roma after retiring last seasonCredit: RexErik ten Hag had been linked with an immediate return to management with the positionCredit: PAThe Serie A outfit sit in 12th in the table having won just three of their 12 league games.Their search for a new boss had reportedly seen them eyeing up a move for Ten Hag after the Dutchman was sacked by Manchester United last month.However, a fresh report has now revealed that a stunning retirement U-turn could be on the cards for former Leicester and Chelsea manager Ranieri.Ranieri, who famously guided Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016, retired from coaching at the end of last season after stepping away from Cagliari.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 73-year-old had declared at the time that it would be his final club.But the Italian is being considered by the Giallorossi as they look for an experienced pair of hands to get their season back on track, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.The report says Ranieri has flown to London for a meeting with Roma owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin.A decision over his appointment could be made as soon as Wednesday, which would mark the start of a third-stint with Roma.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRanieri first worked for the club between September 2009 and February 2011.He returned for a second brief spell in charge from March to May 2019.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureAs well as Ten Hag, who was spotted at ex-club Ajax over the weekend, Turkey national team boss Vincenzo Montella was considered.Ten Hag, 54, was replaced at Man Utd on an interim basis by Ruud van Nistelrooy after just three wins from nine league games to start the season.Van Nistelrooy managed four games in all competitions, winning three and drawing one, while Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim was announced as the permanent successor in the position.Amorim has already landed in Manchester and met with some players, including Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, at the Red Devils’ Carrington training base as he looks to get to work.The 39-year-old won the league twice in his time with the Eagles, ending a 19-year wait for a title to end the dominance of Porto and Benfica. More

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    Fans can’t believe their eyes as WWE legend The Undertaker unveils Serie A minnows’ kit in ‘greatest collab ever’

    WWE legend The Undertaker has amazed football fans after he unveiled a historic new kit for Genoa.The Serie A outfit revealed an all-new black third kit, the first in the club’s 131-year history.The Undertaker stunned fans as he helped to launch Genoa’s all-new black kitCredit: Instagram @genoacfcIt features a gold trim and is part of the club’s ‘Golden Dark Side of Genoa’ campaignCredit: Instagram @genoacfcThis new kit features the usual sponsor symbols and club crest woven in gold on a black background, also complete with a golden trim.Genoa teased the kit at noon on Tuesday by releasing a video on their social media pages. The video featured a panning high shot of the city paired with the unmistakable theme music of The Undertaker. The video then switched to a view of a puddle, before a person in a black leather boot stepped through it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next shot saw the silhouette of a figure with an open crown design hat.The next chime of bells saw the camera swap to a close-up shot of the club’s crest.And then, three hours later, Genoa revealed a picture of The Undertaker posing in their new kit in all its glory while he rocked a black bandana.Follow-up images showed off the back and sleeves of the shirt, with the text on them keeping the gold trim seen on the front, while another showed The Undertaker doing a “cut-throat” pose.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a statement, Genoa said: “The entertainment, music, artists and sports genre is enriched with the wrestling champion Undertaker.”He is in the Olympus of ring legends in a beloved and transgenerational sport.”Fans absolutely love Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘fan boy moment’ as WWE legend The Undertaker makes shock Saudi appearanceReacting to the new kit, one social media user said: “Is Genoa trying to recruit me as a fan? I can feel it.”A second said: “No idea how this crossover happened but what a kit!”A third added: “A collaboration we didn’t know we needed.”Another said: “Things I never thought I really needed to see for 1000.”The Undertaker – real name Mark William Calaway – retired from wrestling in November 2020 but has made the odd cameo comeback appearance much to fan’s delight.It is not the first time he has collaborated with football either.The WWE icon left Cristiano Ronaldo starstruck as he made a shock appearance at a pre-season friendly between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.The Genoa kit is the latest in their “Golden Dark Side of Genoa” campaign, which began last December with Rita Ora as the face of a Golden kit launch for the club’s 130th anniversary.Genoa stands as the oldest existing club in Italian football and have nine championships to their name, but none since 1924.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey currently sit 17th in the Serie A, having won just two of their 12 matches in the league this season.Former Manchester City and Liverpool star Mario Balotelli signed for the club last month in a free transfer. More

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    Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast

    SPORTS presenter Diletta Leotta left fans stunned in a see-through top on live TV.The 33-year-old was on screens in Italy last night as she hosted coverage of Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Napoli.Diletta Leotta stunned during coverage of Inter Milan vs NapoliCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaThe football host wore a stylish jacket and a see-through topCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaFans have called her ‘very sexy’Credit: Instagram dilettaleottaDiletta was pitchside at the iconic San Siro for DAZN and caught the eye with a bold look.She posed with her microphone and a football before joining in with her fellow pundits doing kick-ups – only for her high-heeled shoe to fall off.Diletta had her hair slicked back and wore a stylish brown velvet jacket.Underneath was a see-through top that showed off her amazing figure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLViewers were left in awe, with one saying alongside love heart emojis: “You’re incredible.”Another added: “Very sexy.”A third commented: “Not only watching for the big game.” Diletta is married to former Liverpool and Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius.Most read in FootballThey met in 2022, had a daughter named Aria last year and tied the knot at a luxury ceremony in Sicily in the summer.Karius, 31, is currently without a club after his contract at St James’ Park expired.Ex-Premier League star Loris Karius marries sports presenter Wag Diletta Leotta in star-studded Sicily wedding But, meanwhile, his wife continues to show her glamorous side after setting the pulses of fans racing in figure-hugging dress at a red carpet event.A glimpse inside Diletta’s glamorous life with partner Loris Karius…Diletta Leotta and boyfriend Loris Karius saw in the new year togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/The footballer brought Diletta a cake to her hospital bed as she gave birth to their first child on her own birthdayCredit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleottaThe pair posed together in ‘2023’ sunglassesDiletta is one of the Serie A’s best loved presentersCredit: GettyDiletta stunned as she presented the Turin derby on Italian TVCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe glamorous TV host put on a leggy display pitchsideCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaAnd boasts 8.9million followersCredit: GettyDiletta gave birth to her first child with Karius in AugustCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleottaDiletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her InstagramCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta and Karius in MilanCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Italian beauty on holiday with KariusShe has flipped between blonde and brunette looksCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/She has previously worn an outfit similar to her Tomb Raider lookCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta with a pared back lookCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta Leotta is reportedly dating Loris Karius after he visited her in MilanCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta has 8.6million Instagram followersCredit: GettyShe is a presenter for DaznCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta burst on to the scene with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe posts regularly updates on Instagram to the delight of her fansCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta has 8.5million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe Italian works for DAZNCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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    ‘Cristiano Ronaldo got quicker, stronger and learned after being humiliated by AC Milan.. that game changed his career’

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career changed forever and put him on the path to superstardom after a disastrous performance against AC Milan in 2005.Ronaldo, 39, joined United in 2003 at the age of 18 from Sporting Lisbon and struggled to adapt to the Premier League due to his lack of physicality and end product.Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career turned after a disastrous display at AC MilanCredit: GettyMan Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were frustrated with Ronaldo at firstCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut Scholes and Butt insist the Milan humiliation is what put Ronaldo on the path to superstardomCredit: GettyFellow Man Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt still remember CR7’s rough start to life at Old Trafford that “frustrated the life” out of them and other esteemed team-mates.And there was one Champions League match against Milan at the San Siro that saw the star forward getting dominated by Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini so much that his peers lost their patience.The Red Devils suffered a heartbreaking elimination in the Last 16 as they lost 1-0 across both legs.According to Scholes and Butt, though, one good thing came out of it was the wake-up call Ronaldo desperately needed to turn things around.Read More on Man UtdThe Portugal captain got bigger, quicker, stronger and smarter, which eventually led to him winning the Ballon d’Or with United and four more at Real Madrid.Scholes told Butt on the Football’s Greatest Eras podcast: “I always remember a game at AC Milan and he frustrated the life out of me.”We were playing them away. But Gattuso kept running over to him and taking the ball off him and it was doing my head in. “He was playing against Maldini anyway, but Gattuso just kept coming over, taking the ball off him, taking the ball off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We were having a right go at him. ‘Look, you’ve got to pass the ball, pass the ball before he gets to you. It’s quite obvious what’s happening’. “And I think it was after that game that he realised and he thought, ‘Right, that’s the game, that’s the biggest stage, and I wasn’t quite up to speed’.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor “Now, whether he thinks that or what, I don’t know, but he wasn’t game intelligent enough. “But I think from that point on, he just excelled. He got bigger, he got quicker, he got stronger and he learned more.” More

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    Alvaro Morata rushed to hospital after ex-Chelsea star suffers horror injury during AC Milan training session

    ALVARO MORATA was reportedly rushed to the hospital following a nasty clash of heads in training.The AC Milan hitman is said to have clashed heads with one of his team-mates in an aerial collision on Thursday.Alvaro Morata reportedly suffered a head injury in trainingCredit: GETTYThe striker, 32, is said to have been rushed to hospital to undergo emergency scansCredit: GettyAnd according to reports, the 32-year-old was promptly taken to a hospital in the Legnano district of Milan to undergo scans on his head.But ESPN claims the former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker hasn’t suffered “a serious injury.”He will, however, undergo further tests before giving the all-clear to return to action.Morata is expected to remain in hospital this evening and is set to miss the Rossoneiri’s trip to Cagliari on Sunday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Spaniard joined Milan from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in July for a fee of £10.9million.Morata – who inked a four-year contract at the San Siro – has struggled this campaign, finding the back of the net a mere three times in 12 appearances in all competitions.The veteran striker skippered Spain to Euro 2024 glory this past summer.But he went into the tournament fresh off a battle with depression, which was the result of heavy criticism from Spanish fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlvaro Morata skippered Spain to Euro 2024 glory in JulyCredit: GETTYHe bravely revealed to El Partidazo: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do. “What situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”Alvaro Morata throws cup at fan during Spainb’s trophy parade after Euro 2024 winHe added: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from [Diego] Simeone, Koke, Miguel Angel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach.”We are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. “I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots.”And when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Alvaro Morata was dealing with depression before Euro 2024Credit: GETTY”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. “I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. “I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.” More